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The new normal make up routine (long and rambling)

kkards

Veteran

As I mentioned in my earlier post about finding my fashion groove, I’m struggling to find/figure out my make up routine in the new normal.

I’m BTO 3 days a week, and it’s quite casual. Even in the before times, most of the women I worked with tended to not wear much makeup, in large part I think it was because they generally young, 40yo or younger. I definitely felt like I wore more than most.

I will also say straight up, makeup is not my thing, and I don’t feel confident with it, so I need a generally easy and fool proof routine

my pre pandemic routine;
all day foundation ot the all in one glow in the warmer weather (wore over a basic primer and moisturizer)
hoursglass ambient blush
Givenchy rouge vinyl lipstick, which looks black but doesn’t read that way
I’ve been using the YSL because I feel like I know the color that works for me, so it’s safer for me to move between products.

I don’t wear eye makeup because it really irritates my eyes. Pre pandemic I got my brows waxed, but I’m not ready to do that now.

what I’m looking for…something easy, that looks natural but helps to freshen up my complexion, and helps even it out. Basically a no makeup make up look. To that end, I’ve bought the NU bare skin tint to try, but haven’t used it yet

So long story short, I’m open to suggestions and thoughts
and scariest photo I’ve ever posted here, close up with no make up….

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39 replies

Latest reply was from

kellygirl

Veteran

I’m interested in the responses too. I like the dewy no makeup look but honestly when I try it, I prefer more coverage. I think a cream blush looks more youthful on aging skin—at least in my experience. I also think a little bit of liner in a soft neutral goes a long way especially with mascara to brighten up the eyes. I like putting a little highlighter near the inner eye and on the brow bone to make me look more awake!

cat2

Veteran

I think the place to start is a good cosmetic dermatologist. Mine helped with a great skin care routine that has my skin looking better than before my visit with her, and helped me try to lighten my dark spots. But similar to Kelly, I found that I still need concealer and a light foundation to get the look I want. The lightweight tinted moisturizers that I tried were not up to the coverage task. So I would suggest trying your new light foundation with a new good sponge and have some concealer on hand and see what you think. I second switching to a cream blush, and adding a cream highlighter.

cat2

Veteran

Oh, and on the eye makeup, I found that the Perricone No Mascara mascara does not irritate my sensitive skin, and I don’t feel compelled to claw it off during the day.

Kate

Veteran

I agree wholeheartedly with cat2. Start with a great skin care program. That'll give you a greater reward than makeup ever will.

I haven't used foundation in decades, first, because I was lazy and didn't like fiddling with it, then, as I got older, I preferred the look of my bare skin to foundation, which can look aging unless you are really adept at makeup. And I am not.

Like kellygirl, I prefer cream blush because it looks better on older skin. I don't use eye makeup, because lazy, and mascara I use only for going out occasions, so I've obviously been mascara-free for quite while. I spend most of my makeup energy on my brows, which give me the most bang for the effort. I love lippie, but masking has made that a non-starter. Sometimes I do wear it while working at home, simply for the boost it gives me.

kkards

Veteran

So talk to me about cream blush, never used….how do you apply it?

Recommendations on brands?

Cat2 will check out the no mascara mascara…I find I have the same issue with chemical sunscreens that get close to my eyes, so it’s definitely something in chemicals that irritates my eyes

cat2

Veteran

Allure has a good round up article on cream blushes that explains the concept and application. I personally like the Jouer cream blushes (not in the article) which can in theory be applied with your hands, a brush or a sponge. I am not brush savvy, so blend it in with my foundation sponge.

cat2

Veteran

Oh, and a zinc sunscreen will not cause the same eye irritation.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I wear less makeup than many, but more than I used to. I have dark allergic circles under my eyes, so I wear concealer. That wipes out the natural lash line, so I wear eyeliner outside my lower lashes. That might work for you too.

Synne

Veteran

Jumping in to say re: cream blush, you can use your lip stick! There's a really subtle but noticable effect when lip colour and cheek colour aligne. I am not talking about crazy lip colours, but one tends to choose a lip colour that suits ones colouring anyway. Give it a try! I love it. This is another Trinny Tip. She uses the same creamy colour on her eyelids too. Very pretty and natural looking.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Synne, I either use a dark rogue under my cheekbone (contouring, but not the hours-long kardashian way) and then put some on my browbones towards the outside of my eyes, or I do the same with glittery brown eyeshadow. Sometimes I brush a touch of whichever powder onto my forehead. Now im trying to picture if I followed Trinny’s advice and did my lips the same color too. Monochrome ftw?

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

I've been using Supergoop's CC Screen for a year or so now and really like the level of coverage. It goes on scary at first (like a chalky mineral sunscreen) but then blends down to a nice level of coverage that's less heavy than foundation, but still blurs/smooths everything out nicely. Plus...sunscreen!

Also recently got Glossier's Cloud Paint (cream blush) and Boy Brow, which both feel very natural and not over-the-top.

I'm masked any time I'm out of the house, so I've taken to Angie's tactic of using tinted lip balm unless I'm on camera, in which case, red lippie forever.

Anonymous

Both Beautycounter and Bobbi Brown’s new line Jones Road are full of really good cream foundations , bronzers , blush and highlighting pots . I’d have a drawerful of Jones Road product if it weren’t so bloody expense to bring in to Canada . A lot of the newer creamier looks designed with glowy highlighted cheeks lips and brows look great if you are unmasked , but having to hide half your face all day makes minimal makeup disappear. I’m still finding it “necessary” to wear eye makeup as it’s the only part of my face anyone sees . Other wise I’d have a different makeup style going on now . ( Shrugs )

I agrees that skin care comes first - but that’s a given here , I think .

Anonymous

I like Glossier Cloud Paint too, and on the odd day where I can wear lip colour , I use it there too . Same with Clinique’s lip/ cheek stain that comes in a little tube .

kkards

Veteran

Wow so much love for cream blush! Will definitely need to give it a try!

My skin care routine is pretty basic and probably needs a boost

Cat2, I never really thought about a cosmetic dermatologist. back in my teen years I had terrible acne and saw a derm regularly, but haven’t seen one since. I’m kind of doctor phobic, but I really should take a deep breath and make an appointment

jenn, ha, when something goes on heavy or thick I tend to panic and wash it off. So thanks for the warning.

Lisap your makeup is always perfect and spot on so if you recommend some,thing I’m listening, off to investigate the brands you mentioned

Irina

Veteran

I use sometimes tinted sunscreen to even up my skin tone. It’s sheer, with just a hint a coverage but works for me. It doesn’t cover dark spots but OK for a day look. I usually add a bit of definition to my brows, too.

Stag, try not to run concealer below your lower lash line. It makes eyes look smaller. Instead go more in triangle shape from an inner corner of your eye. I learned it from Wayne Goss on YouTube. I found his tips on concealer application and minimal makeup very useful.

cat2

Veteran

Oh, and whether you like the true cream blushes or the liquid tints that Lisa mentions may depend on your skin type. I find tints disappear from my still slightly oily skin.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Irina, thanks for the tip. I’ve never heard of him before—he’s got a ton of videos! Haven’t found any about allergic shiners, but tons on contouring, and many more I haven’t gotten to.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Re cream blush: I really like the one I got from Milk Cosmetics. It’s easy to apply, looks natural, and the stick I bought last year still has plenty of product left — it lasts a long time! It can be used on lips too, I think.

Sloper

Veteran

Thanks for starting this. I'm looking for some good products too. I must use sunscreen in any case and have been using Neutrogena. It seems to be a bit of a mattifier too. Even though I'm no longer oily, I like the matte effect which smooths out the pores.

Also use Milk products - blush and holographic highlighter sticks.

That Givenchy Rouge Vinyl looks so intriguing - I must try it!

Minaminu

Veteran

Agree with Cat that a good skin is the best foundation. Also recommend doing some facial scrub to remove dead skin and get a nice glow.

I dye my eyebrows and eyelashes and it helps to define my eye area. As for the glow, I make sure that the skin is well moisturised, add a tinted moisturiser and instead of a blush, I use the liquid bronzer by Dr Hauschka which I can easily build up to the level that I need. The result is natural look which works well for zoom calls or daily informal events. If I need some pick me up, I use an eyeliner and that's it.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Very interesting thread. I am always playing around with makeup and then default to my basic skincare/SPF/light coverage. For me the biggest effect comes from blush - usually cream, and eyebrows - to strengthen my strength. Especially with glasses I think focusing on eyes makes sense.I have not found the perfect mascara but do think it packs a punch especially with masks. Absolutely agree that skincare comes first.

rachylou

Veteran

I want to try boomstick…

SuzyQ2

I fell down the Internet advertisements hole and ordered Perbelle CC cream. I don’t know how it works, it comes out white, but evens out my skin tone and looks more natural than anything I’ve tried with color. If meeting up with friends I throw some Jones Road, Miracle Balm in dusty rose on my cheeks. Sensitive skin redhead here and no issues with either product.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

KILLER SPECS!

kkards, it can be tricky to navigate a new make-up and skincare routine. It's a journey!

I'm with those who focus on skincare first. Makeup is secondary. A dewy complexion is about healthy skin, and there are all sorts of ways to get that. Going to a medical spa or cosmetic dermatologist is a good starting point. They will get you on your way with safe products that work with your skin type.

As for makeup, cat2 makes a good mascara suggestion. Might be worth a try.

For some, "more is more" for their skin and make-up regimes. For me and some others, "less is more". There is no right or wrong answer. It's a personal thing, and you have to figure things out along the way.

I'm in the "less is more" camp. I don't use anything on my skin accept for cleanser, ointment, moisturizer, and sunblock. (All by Vanicream). No foundation, bronzer, serums, oils, or tinted moisturizer. Sometimes I wear a cream blush. I would like to find a gentle facial scrub but haven't yet.

I DO wear eye make-up. I love mascara and tightline, and swipe my eyebrows with brow pencil. And apply lip balm on my lips. Sometimes the lip balm is tinted. Easy! I As a specs wearer, I like to accentuate my eyes and brows instead of my lips, if that makes sense. And also, a bit of colour on your cheeks can do wonders on days when it's not naturally there.

For starters, may I suggest brow pencil and cream blush on well moisturized skin. Add a bit of lip balm for polish.

kkards

Veteran

As always the suggestions and the lovely way the advice is given has made me so appreciative of this forum.

You’ve helped push me to do something I’ve been thinking of doing for a while, and on Monday I’m going to finally make an appointment to see a dermatologist.

In the meantime I’m goo go to experiment with the skin tint I already bought, and order some cream blush. And all go from there

Angie, thanks for the glasses love. I tried these on and it was just love at first sight (pardon the pun). I’m not usually like that with glasses. I literally picks this up the day before the world shut down in March 2020

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

Dematologist is such a good plan. I've been really happy with the (Allergan TNS) products mine recommended as well as other recommendations she's made.

I wear contact lenses, my eyes are fussy and my first go to is Lumify eyedrops (they are safe for regular use). Second is Lune + Aster eye pencil and By Terry mascara.

Cardiff girl

Veteran

Can l suggest Trinny London if you can get it where you are.It’s not cheap but no worse than a lot of other premier brands on the high street.Her focus is very much less is more when it comes to foundation ,everything is cream based so you can apply it with your fingers,it doesn’t need a lot of skill or time to apply.I can recommend the under eye serum and the just a touch foundation worn with whatever base of hers suits your skin.It’s the only under eye concealer l have ever used that does not crease and sit in the wrinkles.l was sceptical at first as everything is hyped up when it’s new but l have been seriously impressed with her products so far.

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

Hmm do you have a photo of yourself wearing your 'previous normal' makeup look? Might help me to envision what you're going for, & to advise appropriately.

Otherwise I've heard good things about the Perricone MD 'no makeup' makeup line (as in, their blush is literally called the 'No Blush' blush... etc) (edit: looks like cat2 already mentioned it, my bad!)

And if you don't want to wax, this here is named 'the best eyebrow tutorial you'll ever watch' for a reason, lol https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jAaDlpblEcQ

RobinF

Veteran

I wear very minimal makeup but I have kind of blotchy skin so use a CC cream. It's quite sheer but seems to smooth out my skin. I also do brow and eye liner and a long wearing lip color and that's it. I don't use blush but now wonder if maybe I should...

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