Makeup Beginnings

I see a lot of posts on where to begin with makeup, I'm going to start makeup, what do I need, and so on.  I thought that since makeup is what started me down this road... I'd put my 0.02 out here.  Maybe it'll be useful!

First we have to get you something to play with.  How you do this will depend on how brave you've become.  When I first started, I bought this and that on the sly - mostly foundations - and took my chances with how it ended up.  It took 3 mistakes to get every right product.  You can't tell from the bottle, even if it's glass!

 If you've got no problem buying makeup for you from an MUA, you will save yourself a ton of hassle getting the right shades.  If you're just starting, don't worry about brands - cheap makes for more economical practice!

What, exactly do you need as the bare minimum?  Here's the list as I figure it:

1. Beard Cover (options are purpose product, full coverage concealer, orange-y lipstick can all work)
2. Foundation
3. Setting Powder
4. Eye Shadow Pallette - 2 or more shades in one box, made to match
5. Mascara
6. Blush
7. Lipstick

There are kits available that have all of this, except possibly for the beardcover.  The good thing is that the kit will co-ordinate with itself.  The bad thing about kits is that it's likely that it won't coordinate with you.  But for your first foray, it's probably not that bad of an idea to slap down $30 and get it all.

Many of these will come with it's own applicator, and counting your fingers for the foundation and the tube for the lipstick, that's about all you need to get started.  there's no point in getting fancy brushes, pads, pouffs, etc, unless you have money to burn.  You'll buy them soon enough!  And more colours, more shades, more products, a place to keep it all, removers, creams, potions... the list goes on.

Ok, we've made our purchases, and ready to go.  Now what?  The very first thing to remember with makeup is that you're not trying to cover yourself up.  Your beard, yes.  You, no.  The purpose of makeup is the accentuate the positive and de-emphasize the negative.  You are trying to turn you into you+, not someone else.  Keep it light and simple.

There's a ton of references out there for how to ue the stuff, so I won't add more unless asked.  For book suggestions, Bobbi Brown's Makeup Manual is the cats behind.  Making Faces is a popular choice out there, but I don't find as good on instruction.  It's more an idea generator, a picture book.  YouTube has a lot of things:  EnKoreMakeup would not be a bad place to start. 

If you'te totally bitten by the makeup bug, then the best thing a person can do is hit the makeup stores and get a lesson.  I've done that with MAC, and had a fabulous time learning and trying out a couple of looks.  Surely other places will do it too.  Call around and see what's available.

When it's time to take it off... cold cream, baby oil, commercial makeup removers all work to some degree.  Eyeliner's the hardest thing to get off (and notice how it's not on the list above?).  I've found that nothing gets this stuff off fast like Axe bodywash, but that's for "emergency" removals.  Something a little gentler for your face may be better for normal use!