Make-up hints

nosurrender · December 2007

Marin, you should throw out all your makeup that is older than six months to a year anyway! So you have a good excuse! It does have a shelf life and can go bad.

From your picture you look like you are a pro! You look great!

Love,

g

abbadoodles · December 2007

Oh, I enjoy being a girl!

Someone mentioned their dry, dry hair. I found out that products for curly hair, in general, are good for dry hair even if not curly. The reason is that curly hair is usually very dry. (I did not know that.)

So, I have tried several product lines and liked them differently. At present I am using the Deva Curl or Care line shampoo (No-Poo) and conditioner. http://www.devachansalon.com/ It really, really leaves my hair more hydrated than any other products including intensive conditioner packs.

Another line I have tried and liked is something you would find in health food stores. Aubrey Organics. http://www.aubrey-organics.com/ (No parabens, etc.) I've used the White Camellia shampoo and conditioner. This is *excellent* but be forewarned: You must rinse and rinse the conditioner so you don't have greasy hair. That said, it is the best for really, really dry hair. It worked when nothing else did.

Of course, something you want to know is that you really don't need to wash your hair more than once or twice a week. Just wet and work some conditioner through it and rinse. You would be amazed at how good a job this does on dry hair.

Emelee, thanks for the info on eye products. Will be checking those out.

Marin, there are lots of women who are C-FOC, too! The whole world is C-FOC. LOL Just don't let the turkeys get you down. (Hey, am I maligning turkeys? Wink Sorry, so insensitive of me.)

Tina

abbadoodles · December 2007

Okay, more make-up hints from moi.

Take the time to discover your best make-up color range. For me, that includes the cool colors, the blue-pinks, NOT the coral-pinks or the oh-so-popular brown-pinks. These last are said to be good on everyone, but if you put them on me, they are very ho-hum. A blue-pink really wakes up my complexion and eye color! These colors don't look "safe" in the pot/tube, but they are certainly more flattering for me. Find your own best. It can make a WORLD of difference.

Eye make-up hint: I use a powder shadow in a very light tone over my entire upper lid (not browbone), then use a deeper tone over just the outer half of the lid. The light color really wakes up my eyes immediately. I use Estee Lauder's Pearl Stone for the light (free in my LGFB kit) and EL's Dusk for the dark. Even though the Pearl Stone is shimmery, I cover it with the matte Dusk and it works for me.

Face make-up hint: I occasionally use one of those brush/wand concealers. Although I've tried finding the right tone in Clinique and some other brands, the only one I've found that is correct and pink enough for me is Yves St.Laurent Touche Eclat Radiant Touch in color #1 Luminous Radiance. Saks Fifth Ave. has it on their web site. Pricey, for sure, but it lasts a long, long time.

Tina

Anonymous · December 2007

Tina...Great tips! Made me think of something I've been doing since my 20s, but now is even more effective. On the lower lid, very outside corner of my eyes, I always add a thinish line of shimmery crayon in a (usually) neutral color like silver-grey or white. Sometimes, depending upon the occasion, I'll use a pastel blue or green and even gold. I always smudge it a bit to blend. This little trick really opens up my eyes and gives them an "upward" appearance (counterbalancing the aging sag!)!

~Marin

twinkly · December 2007

I came across a couple of very cool websites. One is at http://www.safecosmetics.org/ (information on carcinogenic ingredients found in main stream cosmetics) and the other website is located at http://www.cosmeticdatabase.com/index.php?nothanks=1 where you can search their massive data base and find the cosmetics and beauty products (like shampoo, moisturizer, etc.) you are using, to see if they have any carcinogenic ingredients in them.

The amazing thing is,- most of the cosmetics we buy (Loreal, Revlon, MAC, Estee Lauder, etc.) still have carcinogens in them, and we absorb this easily through our skin. The real kicker is many companies use the pink ribbon to market their products.

Twinkly

iodine · December 2007

Ck out :

www.makeupalley.com

Lots of make up discussions and assessments of new makeup and best of all, a trading program. You can trade your samples or decants of full size stuff. Great way to try out different fragrances and make ups without a big investment or buying samples on ebay.

Anonymous · December 2007

Marin, I got a "paint pot" instead of the "paint" that was in a tube. I got the natural color. The Paint Pots are newer and don't dry so fast she said. I am loving it! I put it on and then when I put my eyeshadow in, it is staying all day!!

I purchase a new blending brush from MAC as well as a purple eyeshadow. With blond/red hair and blue eyes, the purple eyeshadow in the crease (and she showed me how to put it on a bit heavier) it is awesome!

Beth, for us mature women, NOT YOU, we aren't supposed to put powder under or around the eyes. The powder will make the eyes look dry and will find the creases. We are supposed to use a creamy concealer and then a facial highlighter right around the eye socket for brightning.

BethNY · December 2007

A. you're not old.

B. a great product is from the makeup company Benefits, called the eye bright pencil. It's like a fat light pink pencil that you put under your eyes, and in the corner and it will wake up your face instantly.

The reason I use powder is because if I didn't the eye stick I use would be too creamy to put stuff over. I need the color corrector stick b/c I have uneven coloring under my eyes and on the lids. Not dark circles yet-- but a darker color, I know my allergies contribute to it. So a light powder just sets it for me.

My mom uses this product, I will ask her the brand and exact name, its called velvet something. It's clear, almost like neosporin looking, but without the slime. It goes on your face and feels like a powder, and then you put eye makeup over it, and it prevents the makeup from going in the cracks and creases. I'll get the name tonight.

I love the blending brush from MAC. I love all their brushes. It is the key to my success at doing my eyemakeup.

My mascara tips will be my next post... I fell like i'm rambling forever.

BethNY · December 2007

Mascara 101: (individual results may vary Tongue out )

First you have to figure out whats best for you. If we're talking every day for the office/errands mascara, and you're not a makeup person, you should stick to a simple routine. Great Lash mascara in the pink and green tube. Don't get the blackest black, and don't do your bottom lashes. Just focus on the outer top lashes.

Marin- I know that's not what you're going for, so I'm going to share my mascara tips, which were bestowed upon me in 11th grade by a girl named Jamie Cohen. Thank you Jamie wherever you are.

Loreal double extend mascara, either in charcoal black, or the blackest black.

Application:

Some people will start with an eyelash curler. I don't use one, but my sister does, and many women swear by them. When I was doing the photo shoot for Allure, the makeup artist showed me an individual eyelash curler. Its small and square and I'm sure you could get it from sephora or mac, or an online store for makeup artists. It will curl your lashes better than the traditional curler.

I always take my eyepencil (which is almost always black, or a dark color) and on the top lid, as close to the lashline as possible you want a thin line of eyeliner. I never go all the way across the lashline with eyeliner. I go from the outer end of the eyelid, to the pupil. I don't want dark liner getting anywhere close to the inside of my eye- b/c the highlighter color that goes there really opens up the eye- and dark smudge will close up your eye.

Ready for mascara. Take the white side of the wand, pull it out. NEVER PUMP THE WAND. this puts air into the tube and dries it out leaving it clumpy. Wipe the clump off the end of the wand. Apply the primer to your upper lashes, making sure to try to seperate them. If you go over the same area too many times, it will clump. Hold the wand so that the tip gets the small lashes on the inside of your eye. Guide the lashes in three directions. The outer lashes you want to go out and down, the middle lashes go up, and the inner lashes guide toward the nose.

Do not prime the other eye. You need to do one eye at a time or the primer will dry. So flip the wand over to the black side. Wipe the clump off the tip.

Start from the outer lashes swoop from the base of the lid up, once, then again. THEN and this is the most important part, you are going to swoop from the top instead of the underneath. Bare with me here.

Instead of going from the underside of the lash and swopping up, you're going to go on top of your eyelashes, start at the base on the upper side of your lashes and swoop up. This is putting color on the tops of your lashes, and will help seperate and lengthen them.

Pull the outer lashes down, the inner lashes toward the nose.

As far as bottom lashes, it depends on your eye, and the makeup you're going for. I like bottom mascara, but I use very little, on the outer ones... I don't want to look like a racoon, and in pictures bottom mascar may make your eyes look dark.

I hope this was somewhat clear...

Anonymous · December 2007

Beth! Very clear! I really need to get my act together with putting down a foundation/base/primer/whatever on the lid and will have to experiment with these ideas. But as for mascara, I love your detailed direction! The only thing is that I think it takes some practice to do the swooping from above the lashes....mine always go every which way and I end up with little slashes of mascara on my brow. Guess I need to slow it down some?

I do the same with the liner (just the outer part of the lid). I'd love to know what your mother uses, but is that the pink pencil you mentioned or is that something else? Since chemo, I've had allergies that make my eyes water and redden, so I stay away from pink or rosy colors around my eyes. Pale lavendar is nice though....I have to see if I can find Rockmom's purple MAC shadow.

This is fun, y'all!

~Marin

BethNY · December 2007

the eye brite pencil from Benefits is something different. It's not makeup-- its a color corrector that wakes up your eyes.

Sephora.com probably sells it.

the company my mom got the velvet face stuff from is DHC.

But now she said she uses photofinish from sephora-- another primer that helps makeup not get into the creases and cracks.

marin best tip for getting mascara off your eyelid. ITS gross but it works. Q-tip, stick it in your mouth, somehow your own saliva gets it off without smudging your other makeup.

Anonymous · December 2007

OK, need to read this later...little girl wants to get going to see Santa, just needed to pop in and say: THAT'S THE BRUSH I got ... the blending one for eyes.

For me, I have the foundation, the cheeks, lips and brows down pat ... I really need to learn eyes better, getting good tho after the MAC visit. I want to learn how to do false eyelashes and even more drama for eyes. My Mary Kay lady looks awesome so maybe she can give me some more pointers.

Want the eye brite pencil too!!

abbadoodles · December 2007

Oooh, the Smashbox Photo Finish! I forgot all about that. I have it to use under foundation on the rare occasions I wear foundation. I bought it in clear (I think there are also color correction versions) in a trial size from Sephora. Works great! Never thought to use it on my eyelids for shadow. Duh.

That Eye Brite pencil sounds like something I need. That, and all those MAC things everyone seems to love so much. Will be shopping Sephora soon.

Beth, I've been using that top of lashes/bottom of lashes trick ever since junior high (and I'm 60!) Never thought to mention it as it is so much a part of me I just thought everyone in the world did that. (Picture me thumping myself up the side of my head. I coulda had a V*.) Great explanations! How early we learn the art of deception. LOL

Hey, I just saw on the Smashbox website where they have a trial size kit of tons of their products for $29.00. Must have that.

What fun.

Tina

Emelee26 · December 2007

Beth..I've decided we need to meet and go to Roosevelt Field when I visit my family..I have all the products you're talking about and all the same application techniques..we're long lost sisters and probably would do a lot of damage in Sephora.

Here's the Benefit pencil Beth was talking about..I also have the gold and silver pencil from them - I use it in the corner of my eyes by my nose..and a concealer pencil..if you draw cat whiskers on your face and blend it out..it helps mask clown line wrinkles..or so my mom claims to have.

http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P1278&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=5333

Benefit also has a nice eyelid primer that goes under eyeshadow

http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P1283&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=5333

My mom uses this cream to powder complextion perfector...not heavy like foundation - it has rave reviews..I also mix Bobbi Brown tinted moisurizer with an illuminator from Estee Lauder.

http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P157910&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=5333

Mac has great powder eyeshadows...and does Chanel quads - very natural looking

Bobbi Brown also has GREAT gel eyeliners - use a little eyeliner brush on your upper lid - it doesn't move the entire day..it's great!!

Laura Mercier makes awesome concealers - a pot for under the eyes - nice and creamy - and a more matte 2 color combo for redness or pimples or broken capillaries...

Laura Mercier and Bobbi Brown are both at Nordie's - here's the links

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2797696/0~2377897~2383939~2379208~2380193~6012676?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6012676&P=1

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2906075/0~2377897~2383939~2379208~2380193~6012676?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6012676&P=1

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2789489/0~2377897~2377898~2378439~2378645~2378652?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=2378652&P=1

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2789488/0~2377897~2377898~2378439~2378645~2378652?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=2378652&P=1

Anonymous · December 2007

So Beth, I need to clarify your first few eye makeup steps....you start with the Neutrogena color corrector and then apply pressed powder on top of that, on both the lid and the undereye area? I definitely saw this morning, after following the shadow and mascara tips here (using what I had at home already), how very much I need to conceal the dark undereye circles that I've had since chemo. They stand out even more when other stuff draws attention to my eyes!

And btw...I've been using Maybelline Intense Volume XXL mascara since a group of women recommended it on this board awhile ago. It has the two ends like the L-Oreal, but it's cheaper so maybe not as good? Anyway, I've been thinking that I needed to let the white primer stuff dry before applying the black, but this morning I followed Beth's advice to go for the top coat right away and it really improved the look! My lashes aren't nearly what they were before I lost them, so I need every bit of help I can get...they used to be my pride & joy!

Oh and totally O/T, but Roosevelt Field is still there???! I grew up on LI and used to hang out at that mall when I was a teenager! Wow, flashback!

~Marin

BethNY · December 2007

marin its not the roosevelt field you remember. It was remodeled years ago, and has 380 stores, and some high end designer stores as well. The anchors are macys, nordstroms, bloomies, gosh and i can't think of the other one--I think it's the best mall on long island. They re-did walt whitman, but it's not as big.

So I start with the neutrogena #4 stick. after i moisturize. I apply it with that special mac brush, on upper and lower lids, around the sides of my eye, underneath my eye, and in the corners. I use it like an eye base cause my eye coloring is so uneven.

Then I use very little poweder. Just to set it. Loose powder would give too much of a matte look. I use the pressed powder, just to set it all. Then if I'm not going out, for a party or whatever, I keep my eyes simple. I use revlon skinlights-- its a loose face powder, but I use it on my eyes. If I don't want to use eyeshadow its the perfect sheer sparkle that just brightens the eye a bit.

The wand on the loreal double extend is better then the xxl. You can get it cheaper at target then at a drug store. Drug stores its usually 9.99, and in target it 7.49. But so worth it.

I am anal about my mascara and change it every three months.

i'm glad you noticed a difference on the eyelashes... that whole swoop on the top makes such a difference-especially if you ahve very light or blonde lashes.

Emelee26 · December 2007

Walt Whitman is nice also...I hadn't been there since I was tiny...but when I walked in years ago..I swear it had been a place I had dreamed about once...creepy..see that? I even dream about shopping and makeup

abbadoodles · December 2007

Kiss Oh, I forgot another thing about applying mascara.

My first pass with the wand is sideways across the tips. Since the tips of my lashes are lighter, this makes sure they get colored and get the most mascara on them. Actually, I think I have been doing mainly the sideways swipe then the underside for a long time now.

I need a new eyebrow/eyelash brush/comb. The little teeth in the comb part always are the first to go. But, I could not LIVE without that tool.

Anyone have any hints about dealing with necks? Unlike what's her face, I don't hate my neck but I do have two horizontal lines that make me crazy (have always had them but they are worse now) and my skin there tends to be more sallow than on my face. I've been moisturizing and using a little swipe of pink blush to help even the tone with my face but wondered if there was anything I might be doing differently.

Tina

BethNY · December 2007

Nail polish emergency:

Okay- so I had my nails done a few days ago so they would be fresh for x-mas with a little top coat applied.

I'm a sucker for the dark trendy colors especially black, and the other Essie/OPI colors.

So I have this crazy dark almost black color on them, and last night think to myself, um, maybe its too dark to wear for x-mas.

So I think about getting a very sparkly red color, to apply over the black, so in the light it would reflect the red sparkle.

Only the red sparkle was SUPER thick, and now I feel like my nail polish looks too thick. when you think about it it's got a base coat, two coats and a top coat from the salon, then a coat of the sparks, and a top coat. EEEEEK.

Matt thinks they look fine, but I'm not sure. Far away they're fine, but up close I'm not sure.

grrrrrrrrrr, taking it all off and starting all over again will take forever, and I have no patience, cause we've got last minute gifts to wrap, and so much to get done, I don't want to be incapacitated by my wet nails.

advice?

Anonymous · December 2007

Beth....I'll betcha that they really do look fine to everyone but you. In fact, I'll bet they look really striking and gorgeous! The only thing is fixing a chip if one happens....you'd need spackle to fill it in first! Cool Wrap your gifts....then go and have fun!

~Marin

twinkly · December 2007

....I only wish you would ensure you are using cosmetics that are 'safe' for you...... in the posts above, many makeup types and brands are mentioned that are not safe to use.....

The cosmetics industry says it's safe to put toxic chemicals linked to cancer, infertility or other health problems into personal care products because the amount in each product is too small to

matter. But none of us use just one product. Think about how many products you use in a single day - from toothpaste to soap, shampoo, hair conditioner, deodorant, body lotion, shaving products and makeup - and how many products you use in a year, and over a lifetime.

Small amounts of toxic chemicals add up and can accumulate in our bodies. Chemicals linked to cancer and birth defects do not belong in personal care products, period.

Please visit http://www.cosmeticdatabase.com/ and find out about every beauty and hygiene product you are using on a daily basis.

Are we ever going to be able to prevent breast cancer, when the pharmaceutical companies that profit from treating it are driving the research fundraising agenda?

Since so little money is invested in PREVENTION, how do we know whether a lifetime of using products with known carcinogens is or isn't responsible for the cancer being there in the first place???

Few ingredients have been assessed for long-term health impacts, but those that have - and are known or suspected to be toxic - are still allowed in cosmetics. Seven of the most problematic are:

MERCURY

Often listed as thimerosal on ingredient labels, mercury is a possible

human carcinogen, and a human reproductive or developmental toxin.

Found in some eye drops, ointments and mascaras.

PLACENTA

Placenta produces progesterone, estrogen and other hormones that

can interfere with the body's normal hormone functions and can lead

to serious health problems-like breast cancer-when used in

cosmetics. Sometimes used in hair relaxers, moisturizers and toners.

LEAD ACETATE

This compound of lead is a known human reproductive and developmental toxin. Prohibited from use in cosmetics in the European Union. Found in some hair dyes and cleansers.

PETROCHEMICALS

These byproducts of crude oil (appearing on labels as petrolatum, mineral oil and paraffin) may contain known or suspected human carcinogens as well as harmful breakdown products or impurities from manufacturing processes (such as 1,4-Dioxane), which are not listed on ingredient labels.

Found in some hair relaxers, shampoos, anti-aging creams, mascaras, perfumes, foundations, lipsticks and lip balms.

PHTHALATES

These plasticizing chemicals are probable human reproductive or developmental toxins and endocrine disruptors. Two phthalates often used in cosmetics (dibutyl and diethylhexyl) have been banned in the European Union.

Found in some nail polishes, fragrances and hair sprays.

HYDROQUINONE

A possible carcinogen and probable neurotoxin and skin sensitizer,

hydroquinone can also cause a skin disease called ochronosis, which

leaves irreversible black-blue lesions on skin.

Found in some skin lightening products and moisturizers.

NANOPARTICLES

Extremely tiny particles which are largely untested and unlabeled

in personal care products, capable of being absorbed directly into the bloodstream.

Found in some eye shadows, bronzers, sunscreens and lotions.

INGREDIENTS BANNED FROM COSMETICS

United States: 10

European Union: 1,100+

Yet another example of the dollar being more important than a human life.

If breast cancer Prevention represented greater profit margins than treatment therapies (surgery, adjuvant therapies, hormone therapies etc.) you can bet we would know how to prevent breast cancer today.

twinkly · December 2007

Due to gaping loopholes in federal law, companies can put virtually any ingredient into personal care products. Even worse, the government does not require pre-market safety tests for any of them.

This is unacceptable. Please go to www.cosmeticdatabase.com and sign the Environmental Working Group's petition to Congress (on the cover page of the website) to turn this around and make personal care products safe.

carolsd · December 2007

I love this thread. I'm a makeup girl through and through.

I have not changed my makeup routine greatly over the years, but I never leave the house without it. Even when I was going through chemo.

I love the idea of the heated lash curler, but my lashes are very short and I don't think it would even work for me! Still, I use mascara every day so I might try that Maybelline kind with the white stuff to thicken the lashes.

I quit using eyeliner a few years ago because my eyes are deep set. Liner made them look even deeper. I use L'Oreal's "hip" line of shadow in a kind of taupe-y burgundy (sounds weird but it's really neutral and pretty and stays all day). Then mascara on the top and bottom lashes. I find if I brush some shadow on my lower lid (rather than liner) my eyes end up looking bigger.

Have never used foundation. I have had problem skin all my life and foundation felt too heavy and clogging for me, plus I'd end up shiney anyway. Right now I use mineral powder, and touch up with pressed powder during the day.

As for lips, I never leave the house without lipcolor. I love love love the new lines of lipcolor that stay all day and nothing makes them fade or come off, I mean *nothing*!! So you'd better make sure you're putting on the right color. The only way I found to remove them is to apply lots of chapstick, let it soak in, and then wipe my lips with a baby wipe. I use baby wipes to remove eye makeup too. have fine lines around my lips so I like to start with a more neutral shade and sort of go outside the natural lipline, then fill in the lips with a more vibrant shade.

Love makeup!!

abbadoodles · December 2007

Beth, how did you make out with your nails? I had to laugh when I read your post. I rarely wear nail polish at all because it doesn't take more than 2 hours to start chipping off due to the fact that I use my hands for all sorts of things and have "farm chores" to do. Let me tell you, cold and metal are not compatible with nail polish!

All that being said, I do love the look of well-manicured hands, nail polish included.

Carol, I tried Maybelline's Superstay Lipcolor http://www.maybelline.com/Product/Lip/LipColor/superstay-lipcolor.htm and it really does stay on but it feels very tacky for a long time. Are there any brands that don't do that?

BTW, have any of you ever noticed that so many of the make-up models (and others) have that come-hither, open lip look? Kinda makes me cringe, it's so obvious. Euwwwww.

Tina

Anonymous · December 2007

Carol...Don't the baby wipes burn your eyes? I know they're supposed to be gentle, but for eyes too? It's a great idea though and certainly cheaper than the expensive removers!

I know what you mean about the lips, Tina. The actress on Private Practice/Grey's, Kate Walsh, used to have this thing she did with her lips that I think was supposed to look sexy, but she looked like a fish when she did it. It must have annoyed others as much as me because she doesn't do it anymore!

~Marin

thomcat · December 2007

Prior to and during chemo, my lip moisturizer has been one by Este Lauder with SPF 15. It's a wonderful moisturizer and helps your lipstick go on much more smoothly. I think it's about $16. I don't leave home without it!

carolsd · December 2007

No, Marin, I take care to keep them away from my eyes, just use them to clean my upper and lower lids. I get the unscented sensitive skin ones so they don't bother me. I'm sure they are not recommended for that use, but I have good luck with them. I don't like the oily cleaners and soaps and astringents burn and dry.

BethNY · December 2007

I ended up taking off the polish and starting again... and i'm excited b/c my BF's lil sis got me a $75 gift certificate to my nail place!

For my eyemakeup removed I use is Almay moisturizing eye wipes. I use the ones that are NOT oil free. And, I wash my face BEFORE I use my eyemakeup remover. I know that sounds crazy, but my face gets so clean that way, and I get all my eyemakeup off, and the oil from the eye pads will help to keep that extra thin skin around my eyes from getting dry, cracked, and wrinkled.

So also in myx-mas stocking were these cute little brown books from bloomingdales.. one is full of lip colors, and the other eye colors--- I'll get to hacve a lot of fun playing with colors I would probably never purchase-- so if any of them work that will be great.

Anonymous · December 2007

Brown books?

Emelee26 · December 2007

Oh Beth..I had to laugh because I was thinking..take off the nail polish..hehe - that's what I would do - I'm obsessive like that.

I use Mac face wiping makeup remover..works well on my eyes and then I wash my face after...

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