Make-up hints

abbadoodles

Raye, I'll have to look up that book.  Sounds good.  Looking younger (or at least not looking OLD) is always an interesting topic, once you've hit around 40. Right?

On the lighten the hair suggestion, though, I've found that is not always so.  One of the worst looks, most aging, is the blonde dye covering gray hair gone wrong.  Blonde is hard to do right!  Most hairdressers don't even get it right.  (Correct me if I'm wrong, but is it almost impossible to find a good hairdresser???) Forget it if your natural coloring is not compatible.  Yet, it is so common. End of rant.

I've found that if I use anything to brighten my hair, I look terrible.  I need ash, ash, ash.  Then, my light (pinkish) skin and gray-blue eyes really POP!  It makes all the difference in the world.  This has been a hard learned lesson, though.  I've done the blonde thing and listened to hairdressers who insisted on the blonde thing.  Ack ack ack.  Totally washed out. 

When your haircolor and makeup are right for you, you can wear so many more colors, too.  You would be amazed.  Any other thoughts on this?

Tina

paige-allyson

Raye- thank you for the tanner advice. I will definitely exfoliate- have enough trouble with the bruised knee/elbow look as it is! I am doing a test patch now of this paraben free foam- I want to find Coppertone Endless Summer lotion- also no paraben- read a good review of this product.

How not to look old- sounds like a book I need to read. Raspberry tones definitely help me I've noticed.

BethNY

Another self tanning tip.  After you exfoliate, prior to applying the tanning cream or spray, you take lotion (like vaseline intensive care, or jergens)  and you put lotion on your knees, elbows, ankles, and anywhere else you have deep lines.  I learned this from the chic at the tanning salon before I went into the spray tan booth.  It helps prevent the tanner from getting into the fine line near your elbow, etc...

So give that a whirl too prior to applying the tanning stuff.

Raye99

Tina - I agree with you on the hair - I've only had it colored once, when I was dx'd and had my long hair cut off and highlighted with blonds and reds - I did not like the color, the blond was very light and I looked washed out even though it was summer and I was tan.

I like being a very dark brunette.  The book also mentions that one color of hair makes one look older and that women should get highlights throughout her hair to "brighten" the face. I like having my one color, dark hair with no highlights - so I disagree with that point (although I've never tried a caramel color highlight, which might look nice).

Good tip, Beth - My self tanner (the Loreal Sublime) has no parabens either, but I didn't use it on my face today and my face is very white again. I guess you have to use it every day.

Allyson - yes raspberry tones probably brighten up your face. Nice!

paige-allyson

I'll have to check out the Loreal Sublime- I found Neutrogena Sunfresh that doesn't have paraben. Has some other weird sounding stuff but I was not put off. I think I maybe should have gotten a product for dark skin versus fair- medium. I was thinking of myself as medium olive but maybe olive automatically=dark. I did go heavy on the skin lotion as you suggested Beth- no weird orange or bruise looking places so far- thanks!

No blonde hair for me- that would be really, really weird- I am salt and pepper since the hair grew back- I had been coloring since my early thirties and was always scared to go grey- surprise! It looks great- I've gotten tons of compliments even from strangers. Do need those raspberry tones though.

lvtwoqlt

I am with you Allyson about the hair color, I am a dark brunette but turning silver especially in the crown area, after my last hair cut my dh 'complimented' me on the hightlites that I had put in my hair. I slapped him silly, the 'highlites' was the silver showing through the part area. Then the next day somebody at work also complimented me on the highlites. I guess it is good I don't have to pay to have them put in . I have not colored but been turning silver since mid 20's but it is now more pronounced.

Sheila

CommandoBarbie

Oohh! Looks like there's been more tips since my last visit! Cant wait to go back and see. Just had to check in and see if anyone else tried the Max mascara and if so, what did you think?

Anonymous

Wow, I can't keep up with you beauteous babes! But I'm glad we're talkin' mascara because I have a question....do you all use waterproof mascara or the regular stuff? I've been using non-waterproof since my lashes came back because I'm terrified that they'll all fall out again. I swear it truly pains me everytime I lose even one lash! Anyway, I just can't keep the mascara on for more than a few hours. It ends up flaking off or just plain disappearing. Of course, my post-chemo drippy eyes don't help either! So lately I've used a first coat of Maybelline's Great Lash in "regular" and then a second coat of Lancome's Defencils waterproof mascara. It's working well, but I'm wondering if there are any more tips you know of to keep the mascara on the lashes longer....?

~Marin

BethNY

I've looked everywhere for the freakin mascara, and I can't find it. GRRR. 

I do, however, always use regular mascara...waterproof is not for me.  When the night is over, I want my makeup off ASAP.  Also, I find that even with regular mascara, even if I cry it doesn't run. 

My makeup for the most part stays pretty fresh b/c when I was a teenager my dermatologist scared me into NEVER touching my face.  What's worse, is that I can't stand if anyone else EVER goes to touch my face, for whatever reason.  All I think about is germs and dirt on your hands touching my sensitive facial skin, and ugh.

Okay, I digress.  Maybe if I found the mascara I wanted things would be different.

I am, however, about use Matt as an experiment.  hee hee.  with NAIR.

This could get dangerous.

Anonymous

Ooooh...I am heading to Sephora today to try the smashbox dark circle concealer! Hope it works...

As for the tan in a tube...it really helps if you put it on when you're still wet from bath or shower. ALSO...after it is all on, blow dry your whole bod! It seals it very nicely!

NarberthMom

Well, I went to Sephora the other day to try out Smashbox primer. First, that store is a very dangerous place to enter ... so many goodies to try and buy! I was hanging out, testing the Smashbox stuff and not noticing much of a difference, when this first nice salesman with the most gorgeous brown skin came to help me. Turns out, I don't really need the primer, as I don't fine wrinkles or enough large pores. (Thank you, oily skin until recently). If I did use it, he suggested the one with the green tint to even out the bit of red that I have on my nose and cheeks. So, he tried the green tinted primer, along with his favorite foundation. And, it had the same problem as every other foundation I've tried ... it looked flaky.



End result, I left Sephora with exfoliators! I'm going to work a bit more on my skin before moving into makeup. Also, my skin is now dry (thank you chemopause), so I might try tinted moisturizer as a first step. Any suggestions?





As always, the makeup neophyte ... Hillary

Anonymous

OMG, y'all....so I finally found the Rimmel white eyeliner to try instead of my Cargo stuff! It was during a shopping trip with J. and he insisted on buying it for me. I'll bet he regretted it because I ended up breaking up with him later that evening ! Maybe I should have steered him into Sephora instead of Walmart and headed to the Smashbox counter, huh? Oh well, at least my eyes will be gorgeous for more upcoming dating!

Laura....Are you talking about all lotion self-tanners and applying them to wet skin? That never would have occurred to me!

~Marin

iodine

I picked up a loose powder bronzer in a thingy with it's own brush (really a neat way to carry it for travel or the gym) and used it all over my face last week.(oh, and it's refillable to put in my mineral makeup later.)  TJMax had a bunch of name cosmetics there and this was Clarins for $8.  I just Love doing that!

I guess I got six compliments!!!  I came home and put on my tan in the tube (LOL) I guess I need that color and it DOES help hide my red cheeks and chin without make up.

Gonna keep this up.  I never let my face tan anyway, always have sunscreen on it and a hat when gardening.

I also found my very expensive hairspray there for only $4 a can.  It's Texture line infinium, the US version of Elnett by L'Oreal used in Europe.  The stuff is wonderful -- your hair moves and it brushes out, but it still holds.

paige-allyson

Must be a TJ Maxx mojo in the air. I just bought a jar of night cream/magic make you look younger potion (I hope!) at TJ Maxx this morning- made in Italy. I like buying cosmetics manufactured in the EU since they are much stricter with their chemical safety regs there. I love bronzer- discovered it during chemo as a mean of hiding the "dawn of the dead" look I got after every tx.

Raye99

Ladies ladies, busy here. This is great.

I use waterproof mascara, but not the type that you need a degreaser to remove. It's Mabelline, but it does not cover my lashes as well as the non waterproof, which I used right after chemo when my lashes came back (I too was so scared of the waterproof pulling them out - I used the regular Defencils by Lancome,but it came off right after application if I would blink - too much trouble).

So Beth, how did the experiment with Matt and the Nair go?

I tried some bronzer the other day and it just doesn't look right on me - emphasizes every wrinkle in my face. ughhhh.

acarr

Marin, use a small brush to powder your lashes before you put on your mascara.  This helps it to cling to your lashes.  I read this tip in a fashion magazine about 20 years ago and it works like a charm for me.  My mascara stays on all day...no flaking, smearing or running (and I have watery eyes thanks to the high pollen count this Spring).  Actually, it will stay put even I sleep in it!  (I know...big no no!)  I don't use waterproof because it seems to cause my eyelashes to fall out more than usual.  -- Amy

P.S.  I don't post much, but I've really enjoyed reading everyone's makeup tips! 

Emelee26

LOL Marin - at least you got the white eyeliner...

BethNY

The Nair was a success.  It was kind of gross though, and I think in the end I'd be way too afraid to try it on myself. 

My friend works at a spa and she's giving me a ton of samples to try.  One thing is called TNS illuminating eye cream by Skin Medica.  Apparently it retails for an insane amount of money- like $150 per tube, so unless it works miracles I'll take the sample and be happy.

Marin, I'm glad you found the rimmel eye pencil.  Why I like it so much, besides the cost, is that the appication is easy.  Some pencils are hard to get on, and I don't want to hurt my eye, but some pencils are too crayon like- and then they smudge.  I think Rimmel is a good inbetween.

I'm having large pore issues on my nose.  I'm trying to decide what to use on them.  I saw that new I think it was neutrogena face scrubber thingy- where you attach the pads, and it vibrates.  I'm hesitant to use those, as I think they might activate my acne prone skin---

any thoughts?

Anonymous

Beth, I use the medicated apricot scrubs.  CVS brand or St Ives, whatever is cheaper. I just make sure it's for blackhead or acne control.  Works great.

Found the Rimmel eyeliner.  Love it!!! 

iodine

I adore Rimmel lip liner!  I've had all the big names and that's the best I've used.  Not too creamy or too dry--goes on well and I even cover my lips with it sometimes and add a touch of gloss and it really stays on.  Oh, and you don't need a pencil sharpener!

LisaSDCA

Beth - IMO, the last thing you want to do to acne-prone skin is run a scrubber on it. Pores are delicate, and you do not want to inflame the surface cells when enlarged. If it were my nose area in that condition, I would apply a non-particulate, clay-based masque to help draw out impurities. Remove with cool to lukewarm water (warm to hot water opens pores) and follow with a mild, non-comedogenic water based moisture or retinol product.

Re mascara - I use waterproof because regular smudges under my eyes half an hour after application and I hate the way smudged mascara looks. I recognize this is very likely because I use a good moisturizer both prior to any make up and mixed with any foundation I wear (I frequently wear no foundation/make-up per se). I am diligent about always removing it - not because I am so virtuous, but because I finally found an easy, effective, painless way to make myself do it. I keep a travel pack of 30 Ponds Clean Sweep cleansing and makeup removing towelettes in my bedside table. These don't require added water, you don't rinse, they are alcohol free, oil free, hypo-allergenic, etc. All I can say is that I have about the most sensitive, tender skin around and these wipes remove serios waterproof XXL mascara formulas completely, all-day lipsticks, too. Then I plop on moisture and hit my pillow. For nights that I do my full-on bathroom toilette, complete with creamy facial cleanser, weekly masque, etc. great. But I think we all have nights where we just want to stumble into bed. That's where these little towelettes come in handy. And they are great for travel, as designed, too.

Hillary - I am so awed by you! I don't think i have ever known anyone over 30 to have been told by their Sephora beauty-dude that they didn't have fine wrinkles or pores enough to not need primer. Of course, he did manage to help you spend your money. Let us know how the exfoliators work out.

Lisa

LisaSDCA

Dotti - Clarins bronzer for $8!?! SCORE!

BethNY

Lisa- I was thinking a clay mask too.  Just have to go to CVS and buy it.  I've been in bed with this nasty stomach big for a few days.

What eye makeup remover does everyone use?

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the white and blue Almay moisturizing eye remover pads.  They work so well.  I wash my face first, and then I use the eye pads to really get off the rest of the gunk, and then moisturize.

Am I the only one that uses the eyemakeup remover after washing?

iodine

I have always used plain warm water and a wash cloth.  then moisture.  Only on Halloween do I need make up remover.  LOL

Anonymous

Marin - YES...I'm referring to an all lotion self-tanner...goes on much better when skin is wet and then - when it's all on...blow dry the bod.

Beth - I use vaseline...I don't know if that's "bad"...but it seems to glide so much better than others...and I feel as though I'm "tugging" at my eyes less...

Hopefully others will chime in with their thoughts.

Raye, everyone...I've "missed" you gorgeous girls! My new schedule is fun, rewarding, challenging, trying, etc.... I must, however, touch base here more often!

When I went to Sephora to buy the Smashbox concealer, the salesgirl suggested the Longo brand instead...hmmmmm...didn't know what to do, so I took her advice...I'm convinced she was reading every frickin' fine line on my face! LOL But...I do like it. For the first time in a long time, I don't look as though I have a black eye! lol

Be well, be beautiful, be happy, but most important...just be!

nosurrender

Hey,

About the large pore issues...

If you use a scrubber it can actually make the pores look larger.

The best thing to use is a microdermabrasion kit - like from L'oreal or Neutrogena and then follow it with a glycolic peel. They are all available at CVS- but if you use glycolic acid it makes your pores appear much smaller.

I just tried the big blast mascara. My 17 yo step sister had it on over Easter and her eyelashes were amazing. I have to say, no clumps and it really does make the lashes fill out.

I can't use waterproof mascara because it is too hard to get off and I think it does too much damage to the lashes and the delicate skin around the eyes when trying to get it off my lashes.

I like the tan towels. There are no missed spots with them. But I haven't used a tanner in a while so there must be something better out there!

g 

Raye99

Dotti - ha -although I don't believe it for a minute.

Laura - we miss you too sweetie. I am glad to hear you are finding satisfaction in your work!

G, who makes this big blast mascara? Sounds interesting.

I use soap (Cetaphil bar) and water to cleanse my face - the soap is non akaline - very gentle and makes my face so soft - that's it, no eye makeup remover - I then moisturize my face and under my eyes. I exfoliate once or twice and week.

When I was younger and had really oily skin, I would cleanse again with soap and water; then use Sea Breaze on my entire face and some Oxy 10 (showing my age here big time) on my forehead. I would moisture with something very greaseless (I can't even remember now).

BethNY

Okay, so I know this is idiotic and goes against everything I believe in post cancer... but I am DYING to go to the tanning salon.

I ran into this girl who used to work for me when I was at the nail place a little while ago- and now she works at a tanning salon, and she was so tan-- ugh, it brought me back to my fake bake days when those UV lights felt so warm on my skin.

It's like a drug though.  I know if I start I won't stop.

UGH. what to do. What to do.

PS- I already emailed my PS to ask what I should put over my ab scar... I'm so BAD.

Raye99

I am bad too Beth and it feels so good. I promised my husband that this would be my last time tanning.

I cover my chest scar and face with towels. My arms & legs are brown, my neck is brown, my belly is brown - I love it. I will be ready for the Florida sunshine!! At the same time I feel stupid, but life is too short.

iodine

Raye, would I lie to you about using water???  My mom had fits about that, she was a cosmetic consultant when Charles of the Ritz was a treatment line and very high class.

She insisted I should use cleanser, but it just made my skin greasy.  I DO still use water only.