Beauty School Dropout

You look stunning without all the extra’s!!!
Blending is my tip for you with eyeshadow, there is a technique but i need to come over to show you that one!!! Should I jump on a plane now???

Are you kidding me? You’re gorgeous! Just like that.

You look fantastic! I starting using Philosophy products a few months ago and I love them. I don’t have any advice on the makeup part - I’m still learning myself. I attempted to get a makeover at Sephora and ended up feeling like a clown when I left. I might go back and get someone else and see what happens.

Oh, you are *so* wearing eyeshadow/liner in that picture. But it looks good! I used to be rather obsessed with makeup (you wouldn’t know it now!) and I think one of the best places to start is with the book Bobbi Brown Beauty (http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/templates/products/sp_nonshaded.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY2552&PRODUCT_ID=PROD1189) It’s a really good book that was written to be timeless - no bright trendy eyeliner or sparkly blush, just solid advice on how to use makeup to compliment your natural beauty. (She also has a book called Bobbi Brown Teenage Beauty that you’ll want for Emily in, oh, 12 years or so!) You can also just play around on that site - there are lots of good tips! It’s fun to go get a makeover from them because they really teach you what they’re doing, and generally don’t make you look like a clown. (And, they are - or used to be, at least - free, although I always bought some stuff, in hopes of recreating the look at home.)

You pretty much can’t go wrong with Philosophy. Just buy something that sounds fun and go nuts with it!

Good luck! Have fun! =)

I agree with Tina! You look terrific just you are in that photo!

I know nothing about make-up. I use just enough concealer and blush so I don’t scare people…or have people ask me if I’m feeling okay.

I third the comments that you look great AS IS!
Why add a bunch of extra when you are already HAWT?

Besides, I am clueless….I use a bunch of stuff but when I see pictures of myself, I look I am wearing no make up at all.

What’s the point?

Although one day when I didn’t put on my usual, a mom as school asked me if I was tired.

Nice.

Okay maybe it is worth it.

May I recommend an eyeliner that will make our neighbours to the south insanely jealous? You can get it in the Lise Watier section of Shoppers Drug. (ask the clerk; they are very helpful there) I love the waterproof eyeliner. You will need a special sharpener, but it is so worth it.
If you want to try eyeshadow for evening, the dark shade should go in the corner and the crease, the lighter just below the brow and in the inside corner of the eye. Your main colour should go on the lid, make it pop. Blend upwards and outwards with a brush you use only for this. If you are hesitant, you can start with the browns and beiges, which go well with your eyes.
Your shade of lipcolour is perfect, but I would lose the liner, and break out the gloss on top of it.
I mean, you are gorgeous, but for evening, you can kick it up a notch. Some judiciously placed shimmer around the temple brings it. Calls for a light touch.
As for skin care? Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate.
Tell Lise I said hi

My regime consists of occasionally washing my face Neutragenia… sometimes. And only when we go ‘out’ on a date or something do I actually wear makeup. And ALL of my makeup is cheap walmart stuff. Wish I could afford MAC. You look beautiful….

My regimen is really pretty simple, too…I’ve found that when it comes to skin care, the more you leave your skin alone, the better. I wash with Neutrogena, use Kiehl’s sunscreen moisturizer for my face, some Kiehl’s eye gel.

I really like Bare Escentuals foundation, but I’ve heard mixed things from other people. It seems to work great with my skin, though. I also use their bronzer and blush. My eyebrows are sparse, so I fill them in with some Stila brow powder. Loreal mascara, some Smashbox eye shadow in Camera (which is purple) and Dr Pepper lip gloss, all the time, every day.

Anyway, YOU should be giving US tips!

I’m with everyone else on the natural beauty that shines from our eyes. We are all beautiful.

I just started using the Bare Escentuals. The foundation goes on very nicely, and you don’t use very much, so although it costs big bucks, in the end I think it will be worth it.

So, then of course I had to try the starter kit they have for eyes, and it seems to be working quite well. The basic shades are exactly what I wanted, and the liner actually works! I’ve always had problems with liners (liquid, pencil) but this goes on smooth and straight. What a relief!

I can’t live with out concealer and blush. Now that I’m in my thirty’s I wake up looking like a truck ran over me some mornings. I started to use Revlon colorstay for eyeliner and I no longer get raccoon eyes or smudges. Good stuff.

Your a HOT mommy I wouldn’t change a thing.

You do look great, and it’s your “look”, period. If that’s what you work daily and that’s what you’re comfortable with, that’s what you should do.

BUT… if you want to make changes…

I think almost every woman on the planet should wear a little blush. I am addicted to the stuff, and I’m pretty colourful as is. It just makes every other thing around your face — your eye colour, your hair, your lip colour — pop a little more. It makes you look refreshed. Nars “Orgasm” is great for most fair girls, or Benefit “Benetint”, which is what I use.

I also swore off lipliner, and just use a plumping gloss or a nice sheer lipstick. I like to let my lips shine through with their own colour. And most women look great in gloss. Mac’s Plushglass is fabulous, and for something more like a balm, their Tendertones are great.

A fresh way to do eyes is to use a dark shadow as a liner, and then do a lighter shade of that colour on your lid. It creates this nice smoky effect, and makes eyes pop. It’s also less harsh than a liner.

The older I get, the more I avoid sharp lines on my face of any kind. Soft is fresh!

I’ve been experiencing this same thing lately. I’ve begged for suggestions on my hair, foundation, etc. I don’t own blush and even if someone suggested it I wouldn’t touch it because I don’t like the stuff. I look forward to reading more about what you learn.

Of course, you look amazing and I don’t think you need any changes!

Jill! Blush doesn’t have to be a bad thing! I swear, if you do it like cheeks flushed from the cold or the sun, it’s the loveliest thing. But I understand.

I own eyeshadow, and I even know how to apply it, but I rarely use it. Too lazy. I wish you luck in your quest!

Don’t change a thing! Your true beauty is evident, and it comes from your heart!

I think you look GREAT with just what you’re using! I only wear mascara every day and occasionally a bit of eye liner. I do this party because I’m too lazy to do the rest and partly because I know less than you about makeup … maybe I should research a little too! But then … I have the opposite problem that you claim to have … I’m 24 and I get asked what grade I’m going in to and who’s kids I’m babysitting all. the. time. It’s not as fun as it sounds!

ummm I have no ability to help. I could post this exact thing, only my regimen would only consist of two things.

consider yourself beautiful! i think so. and, as for makeup, your about 5 steps ahead of me. Im lucky if i get mascara on..LUCKY…which means, never..haha

I personally like the au naturale look. Im no makeup expert, but whilst browsing Chapters I saw this book called The 5 Minute Face, which is written by Carmindy from TLC’s What not to wear, and it looked pretty sweet. Im all about the speedy makeup!

Hmm, your makeup is about 6 steps more complicated than mine - if I make foundation, mascara, and lip gloss it’s a good day. As for different colours of lipstick - if you’ve got one you like, go with it! Everytime I change colours I realize it looks like crap - and the one I have is really good.

You wear more make up than me, so I am no person to give advice. However, I do feel that “less is more” and I simply cannot stand that caked-on look that many women have day in, day out. Can’t be good for the skin!!
I don’t think you need to wear anything else - honestly! I have eyeshadow and I don’t wear it. I don’t like it. If I’m getting made up (which is not often), I wear foundation (a light covering, not caked on), mascara, eyeliner (liquid eyeliner, it’s DA BOMB!!) and lip gloss. I don’t even wear lipstick much, I hate the taste and how it gets on the teeth.

You are BEAUTIFUL and your beauty regimen seems totally fine to me!

Something I put on every day is just a subtle touch of white liner/ eyeshadow (I use shadow b/c it is more subtle)in the corner of my eyes by my tear ducts. Instant rested look. (I learned that from Carmandy on what not to wear) And I think a touch of coral blush would look great on you! Not that you need any help in the looking great department.

I think you look good too! You should let the MAC girls pick out something new for you, something for Christmas.

I am in the same beauty rut as you, Ange. I want to try new things but have no idea how to use them and not look like a fool.
You look stunning in that photo, though. So maybe you don’t need any new wonder products.

Clinique Suberbalm in raspberry - it’s a nice gloss with a bit of colour. It’s not too sticky and not sparkly at all, which is nice when you want to wear gloss during the day.
I’m really boring when it comes to eyeshadow. I’m a big fan of brown. Clinique makes one called Foxy that works well with blue eyes.
I really can’t be arsed with makeup most days - if it’s between getting 10 more minutes of sleep or getting up to put on makeup, sleep always wins out.

I would be the wrong person to ask in this case. Most of the stuff I own is Maybelline or covergirl. I almost never wear foundation and I use hand lotion on my face. I’m too cheap to use anything else. Maybe when I start sportin gsome more wrinkles I’ll panic and go spend hundreds on lotions that don’t even work.

I think you look super just the way you are, and as for “advice” I am as in the dark as you are… actually more!

I just got a new micro dermabrasion system called “Refine” from Shoppers Drugmart. It is a exfoliating cream and a moisturiser, it is a *Life* brand but it works amazing and my face feels AMAZING after it. I also use a face mask about once a week from Shiseido (Sears) after exfoliating and before the moisturing. seems to work for me…and it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.

As for makeup, as you know I will NOT leave my house without it. I am cheap so I go for CG concealer and powder and if my skin is acting up I will apply a coat of the liquid/powder (don’t remember what it is called) after the concealer. For eyeshadow believe it or not we can wear more than just browns…I have recently discovered. I found a great set for blue eyes that make them pop, again I can’t remember what it is called but it is blues and brown. I have also been playing with grey’s and purples, not too bad actually. I used very black for mascara as I need all the help I can to make my eyes look bigger (you have that natually) then I use a brown or black eyeliner but only on the outter of my bottom, another trick to make my eyes appear bigger. As for lips I found a great lip stain also from shoppers that seems to last longer than most others I have tried, then topped with a bit of shimmery gloss. Of course this isn’t my daily routine as all that makeup in uniform isn’t allowed, daily it is just up to the eyeliner and mascara and scrap all of the colours

But like someone above said, your main color on the lids, darker colors on the outside (and crease) and lighter on the brow and whatelse I have been doing lately is putting just a dab of light shimmer in the inner corner(close to where the eye boggers come from). It sounded a bit strange to me but it gives the eyes a bit more sparkle.

I hope this may help you out…even though you are lucky enough to not have to wear as much as me.

Oh, and with the blues and browns you can also go over the lower eyeliner with a thin line of the lightest blue. Again not something I would have thought of but I do like the results….maybe I will take some photos….then you can see what I mean. HAHA!! Any reason to use my camera. I still have the crappy cybershot but I think my nagging, I mean hinting, may have sank in. Keeping my fingers crossed for a SLR for Christmas. Then I will have to come up for some crash courses. LOL!!!!!

I’m bookmarking this to read all the comments later. I’m ALWAYS up for suggestions.

And here are mine:
lipgloss: Nars vagabond; Origins whole line
eyeshadow: Stila viola and java; Origins colors I can’t remember (but Origins makes me happy) and MAC smoking eyes palette
blush: MAC something-or-other that works okay. Blush is one thing I need to buy.
face: I’m hoping your readers suggest something we both can use. I need something phenomenal. I just know that Pro-Activ ISN’T IT.

You are doing way better with makeup than I can manage, ever, and you look beautiful all on your own! but I’ve recently been trying to improve my skin care regimen so I’ll share my new stuff…
Right now I wash my face every morning with Philosophy Purity Made Simple, I’m a pretty big fan. About every three days I use some Aveeno Skin Brightening skin scrubby stuff and I adore that as well. Right now I use Neutrogena anti breakout (it has salisyc acid in it) lotion on my face when I get out of the shower, but I’m hoping to try out the Philosophy Hope In a Jar soon - I asked for one of the Philosophy kits for Christmas. I use Philosophy Hope in A Tube around my eyes and that’s about it. I just bought some Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick because it’s like the #1 beauty product of all time and supposedly universally flattering, but I have to say, eh. Not really my fave. I usually wear Benefit Benetint and I do love that. I also just bought some Lancome Definicils Mascara because I heard it’s the shit but it’s not here yet. Other than that, sometimes my skin can get to feeling a little gross, and then I clean it off with Neutrogena Toner and start again. And if I have breakouts the Mario Badescu drying lotion is miraculous, IMHO.
I really do love the Philosophy products, when I can afford them, and the Neutrogena products when I can’t afford Philosophy.

Skincare Line —–DERMALOGICA!!! Best ever….so good, kind of expensive but delightful!!! I know that you can buy it at Beyond Wrapture Spa in Capri Hotel (also have the house on Richter St). Also, another idea….you can go to most salons or spa’s (or even Body Shop)for a makeup application. The key thing to tell them is that you need advice on what works, but keeping it simple and to the basics…..I used to work at a spa in westbank and we did lessons all the time. I think that at Body Shop, if you get a makeup application, they give you free products (for some new eyeshadow). As most people, I love love love MAC. When it comes to eye shadows, there isn’t a huge difference in quality. One fun thing to do is buying the different palettes that you can get with a few colors to experiment with. I do not use an eyeliner pencil, I use a small thin eyeliner brush and will use the darkest color I have in the palette that I am using that day. I find it doesn’t get caught in the creases, although by night time if you are going out you may need to re-apply!!
Hope some of this is useful!!
Always
Heidi

For skin care, I switch between Sense’ by Usana and the Intelligence line by Arbonne. Both work well for me… I just like the variety. And for foundation/blush I LOVE BareMinerals.

You look cute and 25 to me. Careful not to overshoot the mark or they’ll start carding you at movies!

My first time commenting and I am -really- hoping you don’t take this the wrong way!!
I’m not sure if it’s a generational thing (I’m 22) but stop wearing lip liner! Not that many people use it anymore and it really stands out a lot. I think you are stunning but I feel like the dark browns sort of bog down your sparkly personality. I think you should leave your eyes as so (you don’t need to do anything more than what you already do for every day) but maybe try a really sheer cranberry coloured gloss instead of the lipstick and liner. With chestnut brown hair like you have, the rich colour would look great but the cooler red would bring out the blue in your eyes really nicely.

As for the gloss, I have nothing but love for Maybelline’s “Shinylicious” (ugh. sorry about the crap name) lip gloss: http://www.londondrugs.com/Cultures/en-US/Product+Flavor/Beauty.htm?CatalogNavigationBreadCrumbs=Beauty;Beauty;Makeup%20Lips;Gloss;Maybelline%20Shiny-Licious%20Lip%20Gloss&CS_Catalog=Beauty&CS_RootCategory=Beauty&CS_Category=Gloss&CS_ProductID=10887&ProductTab=1

I use “jam’n jelly” (again.. ugh.) and I think it would be perfect for you!

Hey i know this is the opposite of what you’re wanting, but I’m STEALING some tips from you in this post…I LOVE that lip color. I’m going to go treat me to some.

p.s. i really don’t think you need to change your regime…you look awesome. and already 25. not 32.

Okay, I saw your visage on Flickr and was all, Angela looks so beautiful. So there.

I hate to sound spammy (ooh, drrty), but I must refer to you Amalah’s Advice Smackdown. The girl does know what she is writing about.

Because of her, I am now a convert to: Philosophy Purity Face Wash, Hope in a Jar and Hope in a Bottle. I use Smashbox’s Face Primer, Sue Devitt 70% Seaweed Foundation and Rosebud Salve.

Yesterday Amalah said my skin felt like velvet. Oh, yes she did. And, I swear it’s not because she works for me or something like that. After I bought her lunch she said my pores looked small. Ha!

Check out this list she produced:
http://www.alphamom.com/smackdown/2007/06/the_halfway_through_2007_smack.php#more

Also, she and guests have done a gazillion tutorials on eye make up applications and products:
http://www.alphamom.com/smackdown/makeup_application/eyes_1/

Okay, I will no go take a shower to clean up all that spammy ooze.

I love this, because hey! me TOO. But upon The Internets recommendation I bought a trial pack of Smashbox products (smashbox dot com, I think) and it was AMAZING how much better my skin felt throughout the day. The “photo finish” product is incredible (I wore it on my wedding day). And I love that I can only say that because someone pointed me to it. : )

What a beautiful photo! I have to admit that you have 7 more steps in your makeup process then me…I’m hopeless!

Gawd … I wish I could. But, I really don’t think you need any help. You look fabulous as you are. As for me … I love make up, I just hate wearing it. My beauty regiment right now includes Clinique’s 3 step skin care system (thank you to my cousin who got it for me), MAC Studiofix, eye liner marker ala Target, eyelash curler and mascara (see my blog for can’t live without), lip stuff (again see my blog). My going out look isn’t much different. Sad.

I too think you look totally great the way you are! I have been having the same sort of thought process lately though too as my skincare/makeup roll call consists of washing my face and putting on Olay moisturizer! You could totally throw a party, (Mary Kay pops into my head), where they not only show the products but you get to do the makeup as well. It could be a fun way to spice it up!

Ok, first let me say, that if that is all that you wear, SO NOT FAIR! You are gorgeous!!!! I always think your skin looks radiant.

I can’t help you out with eyeshadow, I’ve been wearing the same two shades since high school, bad I know. BUT I DO swear by Bare minerals makeup! It will be a year that I’ve been wearing it and I’ll never go back to normal foundation and blush again!! It’s made my skin so much better, and best of all, it’s all natural.

For cleansing and such I’m Burt’s Bee’s all the way (again like the natural stuff) and “some” Olay products;)

Cetaphil face wash, moisturel lotion. No SPF to the horror of my fellow nurses. We rarely see the sun in Seattle so who needs SPF?! No makeup 95% of the time. When I do wear it:
Aveda eyeshadow-lite yellow colour on browbone, inner eye and small angled brush used to line inner bottom eyelid. Darker eyeshadow on lid. Darkest eyeshadow with angled brush to line upper lid. Maybeline mascara. Eyebrow wax in a stick to tame unruly eyebrows. Cheap lipgloss. No one at work recognizes me if I show up in street clothes with makeup on and contacts in. That makes me laugh. My sister in law is an awesome makeup artist but I could use some more lessons-or motivation??

I agree that you don’t need any more makeup. You look great! I have an ultra-minimal system myself. Frankly I don’t want to own 45 tubes of lipstick! I do have a few different MAC eyeshadows, but I almost always wear the same color everyday. It just works.