Your Comments, Suggestions & Questions
Dear Lauren,
Very cool and informative website. A question to you as a fellow Cetaphil
user: Does it really remove foundation thoroughly, or should one use a gentle toner
to insure a truly clean face? Many thanks, Roz
Roz,
I find that Cetaphil does not remove makeup very well. Right now I am using Cetaphil in
the morning, and at night I use the diluted baby shampoo over my whole face because it
just dissolves the makeup. However, it is a little drying. A gentle toner (with no
alcohol) afterwards sounds like a good idea to me to get the rest of the makeup off.
Lauren
I just wanted to thank you for having such a great page. I learned so much in one stop. I
have looked in a million other places trying to learn what you just taught me and have
found nothing. I am also glad you focus on less expensive brands instead of the popular
pricy brands. Thanks again for your help. - Anonymous
I wanted to say that I really like how to the point your page is. Most makeup sites are
just filled with junk and ads for products.
My question may have been answered somewhere and I just missed it. I have sad droopy
looking eyes, you know, the kind that make you look depressed no matter HOW you feel! Is
there anything I can do about that? I'm tired of people asking me why I'm so sad. - Jess
Jess,
No, I haven't addressed "droopy eyes". Good question. Traditional thinking is to
turn your eyeliner up at the outer ends, but I suspect this might look dumb and obvious.
My guess is your eyes will probably look best with eyeshadow and no eyeliner. I
think eyeliner might emphasize the slant. Use your eyeshadow to make your eyes appear more
upward at the outer corners. Where you extend the shadow on the outer corners apply it in
an upward and outward direction. You don't have to make it look severely winged like we
did it in the '80's, you can do it more subtly. Just make sure you don't apply the shadow
very low at the outer corner of the eye. hold up a pencil to the side of your nose and
line it up with the outer corner of your eye. Don't apply your shadow lower than that
line. Another thought ... Do you have great lips? You can wear an eye-catching lipstick to
draw attention away from your eyes.
Lauren
Lauren,
I have never felt comfortable writing to anyone like you before, but your warm friendly
additude on your web page was so amazing, I decided to take a stab at it! You are
like a bit of sunshine! And I must say I was highly impressed. My question is this: How
can I wear my make-up to compliment my ruddy skin? I am sick of covering up the bit
of red on my face, (Mostly on my cheeks, and below my cheek bones) all the
foundation is just too much of a process, and it's heavy. I feel better all day if my
make-up is nice and light. Is there anything I can do to compliment a naturally
ruddy complection without going through all the pain of covering it up? I have found that
there just aren't enough hours in the day to bother with it...I would much rather be out
induldging myself in the joy of LIVING!!! I bid you have a wonderful day! And thank you
for such a lovely and enjoyable webpage!
Bre
Bre,
Thank you for your sweet comments! You made my day! I am glad you were brave enough to
write because it is a very good question. I especially like your remarks about how you
would rather be out living your life instead of being a slave to makeup.
Skip blush. You already have natural blush so you don't need it (and it is one less thing
to bother with. Yaayy!) If you really want to wear blush, I suggest a brown, beige, or tan
color. Applied over the ruddy areas on your cheekbones it will tone down the redness. For
your lips I suggest soft, warm colors like a dusty rose, a muted peach, or a tan or rust
color. Stay away
from reds and pinks they will accentuate the redness in your skin. For your eyes I suggest
browns and beige or greys. Avoid plums or any color that has redness or a rosiness in it.
Lauren
First, let me say that I enjoy this web site very much and hope you can help me. I have a job where I work outside most of the day (RV salesperson). I am 50ish, very fair skin and sensitive. I am using recommended sunscreens but am still burning. I also, would like some recs on evening out my skin tone between burns. I would prefer a tinted moisturizer but will probably be changing colors all summer as I get darker. Please help without me having to spend too much money on makeup. Also, recs on the rest of my makeup. Green eyes with gold flecks, normal/dry skin. Thank you for your help. - Gayle
Gayle,
I have a few suggestions for your sunburn problem. I am thinking that you might be using a
sunscreen that is not waterproof, and that you are sweating it off. If that is the case, I
recommend Shade UVA Guard, SPF 30. If that is not the problem, you may want to try using
plain zinc oxide on the areas where you burn. I found a great flesh-toned one at Save-On
Drugs called
Sportz Bloc. The color is even more natural than my MAC foundation. I also think that you
need to wear a wide-brimmed hat while you work. One that doesn't let any light through.
I don't think tinted moisturizer will have enough coverage to even out skin tone. I
suggest Maybelline True Illusion liquid makeup. It will have more coverage than a tinted
moisturizer, but is still pretty sheer and natural looking. Plus, the colors are good.
For the rest of your makeup I have a few tips. I will assume that you have light to medium
colored hair. For this kind of coloring I suggest that you don't go real dark with lip or
eye color in the daytime. Stick to colors like pinks, peach, rose, light bronze, depending
on if you look good in warm or cool colors. Green eyes are so beautiful, they look great
in most
eyeshadow colors except blue. I like browns, plums and light greys for green eyes. With
your gold flecks I bet the brown would look the best. Don't use dark eyeliner. Stick to
medium shades. Too much dark around the eyes with liner and black mascara can overpower
light colored eyes.
HTH,
Lauren
Dear Lauren,
I found your web site very informative for people who have different skin-tones due to
their ethnic background. However, I think I am a make-up artist’s nightmare.
I am a 32-year old Filipina with a complexion between medium and dark, but a
Spanish-Japanese descendent. So, my face has yellow undertones with ruddiness in the
cheeks and chin and my neck has olive undertones! I have tried the foundations
offered by Prescriptives, but like you, I am between shades and the foundations are either
too light or too dark and orange. I also tried Zhen, but their foundation in Sand
appeared slightly peachy on my face. I read your recommendation on mixing
foundations, but wonder if you can offer any other suggestions to the alternative.
TIA,
Dina
Dina,
Yes, you have a very difficult situation. I have a couple of alternative suggestions for
you. Rather than trying to find a foundation that is a compromise between all three, you
can follow Kevyn Aucoin's advice to match the foundation to your neck. He says this is the
area that must blend because it is all that will ultimately show.
Your message reminded me of techniques used on African-American women that I read about in
Bobbi Brown's book. Some African-American women have darker and lighter skintones on their
faces. Sometimes instead of just picking one to match the
foundation to, she will use two different foundations on different parts of the face.
I suggest you use your yellow undertones and your olive neck as a guide when picking
foundation. Don't match the ruddy areas, let the foundation cover them.
Have you tried MAC's foundations? Their C series has a certain amount of yellow/gold and a
bit of green that makes it a very good match for some olive skin. This is what I am using
right now (thank goodness for Christmas gifts!)
HTH,
Lauren
Hi Lauren. I was just wondering how
I could make my makeup look more feminine becuause I have a really short hair cut. I
know very little about make-up but I am only in 7th grade so I know that I can't really
wear alot and get away with it. If you could please e-mail me back it would be
greatly appriciated. I am kinda self-concious about looking like a guy even though
it is a really feminine hair cut I am worried. Thank you!!!
~Eliza
Eliza,
Very nice to hear from you! I believe that at your age you should not wear anything more
than mascara, blush, lipgloss or a soft colored lipstick, and concealer under your eyes if
you need it (that is if wearing makeup is OK with your mother).
To keep your look really feminine, I suggest lip and cheek color in light to medium pink,
peach or rose colors. Pink happens to be the hot color of the season and you can't get any
more feminine than pink! If pinks don't look good on you, then you probably have a warm
complexion and would look better in peach or a warm rose. Jane cosmetics has a lot of soft
lipstick and blush colors that would be appropriate for you and feminine.
Every time you start worrying that you look like a boy, think of all the famous women with
short haircuts that we still perceive as feminine. Sinead O,Connor, Wynona Ryder, Linda
Evangelista, etc.
I hope this helps. Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any more questions I can help
you with.
Lauren
Dear Lauren,
I love your web site. It has answered a lot of my questions. My skin is
combination and usually it's pretty clear with breakouts about once a month. I do
have freckles though around my nose and cheeks. Some people say I should show them
off but aren't freckles for little girls? I'm 39 years old and 40 is coming all too
fast. My hair is almost black (a little gray of course). Should I try to cover
up the freckles? I do wear sunscreen everyday to prevent more freckles. What
do you think?
Thanks! Teresa
Teresa,
I am so happy to hear that my site helped you! I
would love to hear what questions I answered for you or what sections were helpful to you
so I can better meet the needs of my viewers.
Now about the freckles. I think it is really up to you. I would have to see you to form a
personal opinion one way or the other. If they are from sun damage, I would be more
inclined to say cover them. If they are freckles you have had your whole life, I would be
more inclined to say to go either way. If you are sick of them or don't like how they
look, go for it and cover
them up no matter who says to show them off! If they don't really bother you and you think
they make you look younger then leave them. It is just two different looks. Showing the
freckles is a more natural look, while covering them up is a more sophisticated look.
Experiment and see what you like. Some days I cover mine as much as possible, and some
days I apply the foundation thinner and let them show, depending on my mood.
The only problem with trying to cover them is that if the freckles are dark, it can take
so much makeup to cover them up that it looks way to obvious and thick for daytime wear.
If your freckles are dark, you can't really cover them completely for regular daytime
wear, but you can make them much less obvious.
Since your freckles are only on your nose and cheeks, you may be able to cover them with
concealer applied just to those areas if your freckles are in a concentrated spot. Then
you won't look like you have a heavy mask on your face.
To cover them with foundation I suggest you try the long-wearing foundations like Revlon
ColorStay and Maybelline Great Wear [for oily skin]. With your combination skin type you
may also be able to wear cream-to-powder foundations which often have good coverage.
Maybelline and Revlon both have these types of makeup. They come in a compact.[For dry
skin I like MAC's Full Coverage Studio Foundation and Joe Blasco foundation.]
I hope this helps!
Lauren
P.S. I am very pleased to hear that you are wearing
sunscreen everyday! Good Girl!
Dear Lauren,
I'm in my early twenties and have extremely sensitive skin (i.e, skin that breaks out
easily). I've tried practically everthing and I've stopped using any kind of
moisturizer on my face for fear of breakouts. Recently I've starting using the Verite
Calming Fluid by Estee Lauder and it actually worked for my sensitive skin. The only
problem is the price tag -- one bottle of the stuff is about $60. Do have any suggestions
for a cheaper alternative ?
Sincerely yours
Ansu
Ansu,
If you have oily skin, you don't need to use a moisturizer, it will only add to your
problems. If you have dry or normal skin, my favorite moisturizer is Cetaphil. It is made
for dry, sensitive skin, and my sensitive skin does very well with it. I am sorry, I
am not very familiar with all the skin care products out there. I wish I could give you
more suggestions. However, it is impossible to know what skin care products a person will
have a reaction to. It is a trial and error process. Write down the ingredients of
any product that cause you problems so you can compare them and try to pinpoint if you are
having an allergic reaction to a particular ingredient.
Whatever you decide to do, you must wear sunscreen during the day with an SPF of at least
15, and it must contain either avobenzone, zinc oxide, or titanium dioxide to have
adequate UVA protection (protects you from skin
damage which causes wrinkles and skin cancer). You can wear a moisturizer with sunscreen,
or if you have oily skin you can wear a foundation with sunscreen, just don't forget about
putting sunscreen on your neck, chest, arms and hands. Another option for oily skin is
Paula's choice nongreasy sunscreen. You can order this product at www.cosmeticscop.com
I have two additional suggestions for daytime wear. Purpose Dual Treatment Moisture Lotion
with SPF 15, and Eucerin Dry Skin Therapy Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 15. Both are
fragrance free and have ingredients designed for sensitive skin.
I hope this helps,
Lauren
Can you use Witch Hazel as a face toner? I think that's what I read a few years
ago..If not, what can be used as a face toner that's inexpensive? Thanks! Kathy
Kathy,
Yes, many women do use witch hazel as a toner. However, witch hazel contains alcohol which
irritates and dries out the skin. Not good, even for oily skin. Toners are unnecessary.
They serve no real purpose and are incapable of closing the pores. The only benefit I can
think of is that they can get the last traces of makeup that your cleanser may have left
behind. 3% Hydrogen Peroxide is an excellent toner for areas of your
skin that tend to break out. It disinfects the skin which prevents blemishes from
starting. This is what I use on my T-zone. It really works! You have to be very careful to
keep it off your hairline and eyebrows or it will bleach them. I wasn't careful and ended
up with some highlights around my face!
Lauren
Hi there. I have enjoyed your site, and have
gained information from it. After reviewing, I went out and bought myself some
inexpensive makeup (mostly wet n wild). I had old stuff on hand. I reviewed some of
the stuff that you had about makeup spoilage. I got the impression from it that the
problem was really after the product had been opened. So, I have wondered if before
the 3 months are up for my current makeup I find a good sale price on makeup and just
don't open it until I need it, am I okay with not worrying about spoilage?
Thank you for any assistance you have in this.
Cheri
Cheri,
I'm so glad to hear that you are enjoying my site. Don't worry, those time frames for
makeup spoilage are from when you open it and start using it.
Lauren
I have a problem with lipsticks and my lips turning red. Finally, a few years ago I
started using #314, Golden Sienna Moisture whip maybelline lipstick. I love it. It never
turns red and stays the same all the time. But guess what, they no longer are making it. I
have checked at every store I shop in. I have bought whatever was on the shelf. Trying
other lipsticks can't compare. What
can I do. I would either like a suggestion for a lipstick comparable in color or an
address to contact the Maybelline Co. I hope you can help me with this.
Thanks
I'm sorry, I don't know of a similar color to recommend. I did find a phone number for
Maybelline (901) 320-4778. I don't think they have a website. I have another suggestion,
albeit probably an expensive one. These two companies will custom mix up a discontinued
color for you:
Three Custom Color Specialists
AFE Cosmetics & Skin Care
Lauren
It's not just trendy teens who use the weird colors of makeup! Quite a few of us in the goth community are 30+ and we enjoy things like blue lipstick, sparkly eyeshadow, and body glitter quite a bit. More importantly, we look great in it, day or night time, because it coordinates with the rest of our style ;-> - Trystan
I need the perfect mascara. Over the years, I have purchased many mascaras at
many different prices with the same result. Within 1/2 hour of wearing mascara I have
black smudges underneath my eyes. Usually I just curl my eyelashes and use eyeliner
these days but I have an urge to try mascara again. I have used loose powder on
lashes to see if it would stop smudging I could not tell the difference. I
have round eyes and cheekbones are up and outward sort of a Susan Sarandon look.
If you would answer my question/problem at your convenience, I would be appreciative as
always.
Thanks more than you could ever know....
Kath
I don't think the mascara is the problem, although some brands definitely do have a
tendency to smear. I think it is oil on the skin under your eyes causing the mascara to
break down and smear. Either you have oily skin, or whatever products you are using under
your eyes (moisturizer plus maybe a creamy concealer) are leaving too much of an oily
finish
I suggest that you apply loose powder under your eyes after you have applied any concealer
or foundation, and before you apply your mascara. Use a sponge or a small puff and apply a
ton of powder to the area. You want to use so much that you can see excess powder sitting
on top of your skin. Apply your eyeshadows, and then use a brush to brush off all the
excess powder, and your eyeshadow drips will be brushed away too. Then apply your mascara.
This is the best way to get the right amount of powder on there that your skin needs.
Another suggestion that would be great if you have oily skin, but just might work even if
you don't, is to try Revlon Color Stay Concealer under your eyes. You probably won't need
powder with this stuff, it dries to a matte finish, and I am told it stays. Women with
oily skin like it. This stuff might help to keep the oil balance under the eye in check.
Whether you try the concealer or the powder or both, make sure you apply them underneath
the lower lashes and completely up to the base of the lower lashes.
Of course there is always waterproof mascara, kind of the "cop out" answer to
your problem. This will only work if the smearing is from your eyes tearing, because oils
will still cause it to smear. But waterproof mascara is not great for everyday wear since
it is so hard to take off, you could be pulling eyelashes out on a regular basis. And who
needs all that irritation to your skin, removing non-waterproof is bad enough. Maybe they
are better now, it has been years since I have worn one. I just won't mess with them
anymore. But then again, I don't have a problem with mascara smearing. It may be worth it
to you.
I hope this helps
Lauren
My skin is so oily that by the time I drive an hour to work in the morning, my makeup has
literally been absorbed into my skin! I mean it is gone! Usually all that's left is my
mascara, eyeliner and lipstick. My eyeshadow and blush are totally gone. This has got to
be bad for my skin and I am continually reapplying in the bathroom. I use an oil-absorbing
powder and an oil-free foundation.
It's been this way since I started wearing makeup - no matter what brands I try! What
should I do?
- Wendi
My first question off the bat is are you using a long-wearing foundation? Such as
Revlon Color Stay, ColorStay Lite or Maybelline Great Wear, etc. Max Factor and Estee
Lauder make one too, and I am sure there are more that I am unaware of. I have heard women
with oily skin just love these. However, in your case it might just give you a couple of
hours more wear, and you will still need to do a touch up during the day. Another thought
is What are you putting on your face before you apply your makeup? You know ,of course,
that with skin as oily as yours you don't need any kind of a moisturizer, right? Just a
non-greasy sunscreen for oily skin, or you can skip that layer and just use a foundation
with sunscreen. I read in Paula Begoun's book that you can use a thin layer of Plain (No
Mint Flavor, OK!) Milk of Magnesia on your face under your makeup to absorb oil. This is
also something you can use as a facial mask.
- Lauren
I have a question about foundation. When I apply foundation to my face at first it is fine. A few hours later, I can notice my wrinkles look worse than they did without foundation. I have tried to apply it everywhere except around my eyes to solve this problem but it doesn't look right. How can I wear foundation, and not have it seep into my wrinkles? I am only 39, so it is kind of distressing to see these wrinkles. If you have any info on this, please let me know.
Thanks, Susan
What a frustrating problem! Yes, foundation is supposed to make us look wonderful, not
emphasize our wrinkles! This is just totally unacceptable. I need some more
information...(edited for length).
I have only had this problem myself, when I tried the long-wearing foundations. They were
marketed for all skin types, but I found out later that they are really only for oily
skin, and my skin is very dry. The L'Oreal Color Endure emphasized every pore and wrinkle
and made the texture of my skin look horrible. The Maybelline Great Wear wasn't much
better. But they looked bad immediately. The L'Oreal also looked just as horrible on my
mother who has normal skin. - Lauren
Thanks for responding! My skin type is combination. It is oily around the chin area and
every where else is more to the dry side. It does not flake, but definitely needs
moisture. The type of foundation I use is Max Factor - Lasting Performance, I got a sample
in the mail. Before that it was Borghese Princess Marcella. I don't use any powder on my
face or concealer. I use moisturizer before putting on my foundation.
Let me know if you can think of anything. - Susan
I think the culprit is the foundation you are using. It is a long-wearing formula. I think
it is emphasizing the wrinkles on your dry areas like these foundations did with my dry
skin. These formulas are just best on totally oily skin.
If any other type of foundation started collecting in your wrinkles after a while, I would
say that you need to set the foundation with a little powder on a brush to keep it from
travelling and collecting in your lines (maybe this was the problem with the Borghese?).
However, the long-wearing foundations dry to such a matte finish, powder is usually not
needed. On dry areas, they will magnify lines even without powder.
I am unfamiliar with foundations for combination types, so I am looking in Paula Begoun's
book Don't Go To The Cosmetics Counter Without Me. If you want to keep with the same
company, she suggests for you Max Factor Rain All Day Hydrating Make-up and Balancing Act
Skin Balancing Makeup. Her book has many other foundation recommendations for combination
skin. - Lauren
Lauren,
Please let me know of any suggestions you have for my daughter's hemangioma. I need to
find some kind of makeup that will stay on a sweaty girl. She is fair with blue eyes her
spot is the size of a tack head located at base of her nose in the right corner. She will
be going to school and probably will be teased I want to have a makeup option ready for
her. We will try laser surgery when she requests it...
thank you in advance
Kathy,
I am so happy for the opportunity to help you and your little girl. The Internet does not
get any better than this. Being teased as a child was a horrible experience for me, and I
would sure hate for your precious girl to have to go through that.
First off, have you tried Dermablend? This is the industry standard medical concealer.
Actually, they have several heavy coverage products to choose from. Dermablend products
are also waterproof, so I think they will hold up well if she sweats. I don't think the
colors are that great, but if she is a
standard ivory, than maybe they will have her color. Dermablend is available at Long's
Drugs and JC Penny. Both with testers. I am going to give you the company phone numbers of
all the products I suggest in case you don't know where in your area to find their
products. DermaBlend (905)660-0622
Clinique also makes a product for covering birthmarks and scars called Continuous Coverage
Makeup. I don't care for their colors either, but I have tested this product, as well as
the Dermablend, and they are both good formulas and worth a try. You can find Clinique at
most department stores. Clinique (212)572-3800.
If you don't like either of those, my next suggestion would be to try studio foundation or
a concealer to cover the spot. It sounds small enough where you might be able to get away
with a good concealer and you may not need a special medical makeup product.
I suggest you try MAC's Full Coverage Studio Foundation. (MAC (800)387-6707) MAC has
excellent colors. I'm not sure how dark her spot is. This type of product may not have as
much coverage as a concealer or a medical product, but it is a very natural looking option
for this type of heavy coverage product and can be applied fairly thick. I use this
foundation myself (applied on the light side), to diffuse the dark freckles I have over my
whole face. This is what they use on the models in the magazines to give them that
flawless skin. It is oil-based, so it should wear like iron and be fairly sweat-proof.
There are two concealers in particular that I think would have the necessary coverage and
work well for you. Joe Blasco concealer (800-553-1580) is available at beauty supply
stores. It can be a little thick and dry and maybe a little difficult to apply, but I
think it would work well for this purpose and probably cover anything. Joe Blasco also has
a fairly good color selection. The other one I suggest is Bobbi Brown Professional
Concealer (212)980-7040. This is an excellent concealer, and very easy to work with. It
has good coverage as long as you apply enough. This is my favorite for covering my very
dark undereye circles. It is available in an ivory color which might work well for her.
Bobbi Brown has some of the most natural colors in the business. Bobbi Brown is available
in some of the more exclusive department stores like Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and
Bloomingdales.
Thoroughly test the products on her before you buy them, and make sure you check the color
in daylight to be certain it is a perfect match. There are so many choices out there, you
don't have to settle for anything less than total coverage and a perfect color match.
Whatever product you choose, I suggest you apply it with a synthetic concealer brush (Many
department store lines have them. If cost is an issue, examine the concealer brushes for
sale at the department stores, and then buy a similar paint brush at a craft store). If
you use your finger to apply it, you will smear the product off as you try to apply it. A
brush will also keep the oils from your skin from affecting the product. Then set the
product with loose powder on a sponge or a small velour puff. Just pat the powder on
generously (and gently. Pat, don't rub.), and brush off any excess with a powder brush.
That should make it stay all day and be fairly sweat-proof. You may not need to use any
powder with some of the Dermablend products or the Clinique.
- Lauren
Your website is the best I've seen. I, too, am a make-up/beauty product junkie who
is trying to save money. Your tips and suggestions make it fun to save and give me a
whole new challenge. Thank you for putting together and maintaining this site! - Amanda
I went to your frugal makeup page, and I have to commend you on it. It's full of lovely suggestions for those who would otherwise keep throwing out makeup they've put a lot of money into. :) - Christy Ann
Wow! I have only just read your inexpensive lines summary and am printing it out
because it was so useful. I am definitely taking it along with me on my next makeup
buying trip. Thank you for the great, informative page.
- Colleen
Hi Lauren.
Great and informative web site. I'm getting married next June and I'm starting early to
get input about make-up. I already got all the info I need for applying eye shadow off
your web site, but I need more info on lipsticks. Currently I don't wear lipstick because
I find it heavy. It makes my lips feel sticky, and the color always ends up caking up in
the vertical creases on my lips. And it seems that no matter how neutral of a color
I pick, it makes my lips way too bright. And no matter how often I keep moisturizer on my
lips, they still seem to flake--like they need to be exfoliated. Which also doesn't help
any when applying lip color--the color just makes my lips look dry.
Any help you could give me would be great! thanks in advance! -Leanne
Congratulations on your engagement! I had a June wedding as well, 11 years ago. It is great that you are planning ahead, you've got lots of time to solve this problem. What a lipstick dilemma! I need some more information to help you with your problem... (edited for length). Yes, lipstick looks terrible applied over flaking lips. Occasionally, my lips get flaky too, and I do exfoliate them. I mix some baking soda with my cleanser (Cetaphil) and rub the paste on my closed lips trying to keep it from getting in my mouth, but it always does. But it works. Also, make sure you put Vaseline on your lips every night at bedtime to keep them moisturized and to help prevent flaking. - Lauren
I took your suggestion and tried using baking soda with cleanser on my lips.
It worked great! So flaky lips aren't a problem anymore.
Ok, now as for my added info for the lipstick dilemma---I have tried just normal lipstick,
as well as moisture whip formulas and lip tints in brands such as wet 'n' wild (510),
bonne bell (lip shears and lip licks--which seem to be too shiny/glossy but better than
cakey lipstick) and clarion (berry silk) . the bonne bell shears and licks are
great, but don't wear well (it seems more like lip balm/chapstick) and the clarion
and wet 'n' wild are the kinds that make my lips feel sticky and ends up looking horrible
because it settles in the creases in my lips.
As for my coloring--I have brown hair with a reddish tint, and my eyes are brown with many
bluish-green flecks. My skin is on the fair side, but not on the extremely
light end. I was told that I was a cool person in a color analysis, but I'm really
unsure (because it seems that both rosy pinks and peaches look good on me--I also burn
easily, but also freckle easy in sun) I'm not sure--which is why I usually go for the
makeup lines that have NEUTRAL stamped on them--instead of going with either COOL or WARM.
(like cover girl) I also have dry skin. -
Leanne
Regarding the color problem: It does sound like you are more "neutral" than warm or cool. I think you answered your own question - if peach or rosy pinks both look good on you than you can go with one of those, and they won't likely be too bright. It is easier to find a muted peach though, than a muted pink. My other suggestion to avoid colors that are too bright, would be to choose colors with a lot of beige or brown in them. Try beige-pinks, brown-mauves, brown-berries, and nudes. I wonder if you liked the color of the Wet 'n' Wild #510? That is about as neutral as you can get- it's one of my favorites. With the reddish tint in your hair, I wonder if a soft terra cotta would look good on you (not too bright or orange, but muted) or a rose color with some terra cotta in it to make it warm. This is a very pretty color, it is like Stila's Luce (but Stila's is frosted). If you can't find this type of warm rose, you can mix some terra cotta with a mauve, or even a pink.
Have you tried putting lip balm or lip conditioner on your lips before you apply your
lipstick? Or
rubbing a dab of lipgloss or Vaseline into them first? Also, have you tried applying just
foundation to your lips first and applying your lipstick over it (using a lip brush)? It
is a hassle for touch ups, but when I do this my lipstick goes on smoother, less sticky,
and wears better. When I put lipstick over my bare lips (I have dry skin too), the
lipstick tends to get a bit sticky sometimes, or cake and dry my lips out causing the
flakes. Just wondering if this might work for you too.
It really sounds to me like you just haven't found a particular lipstick formula that works well with your lips. Just keep looking, I know it's out there. You just need to keep making experimental purchases and returns at the drugstore, or experiment like crazy at the department store counters. Whichever you prefer. With you, I suggest you always wear a lipstick for at least 2 hours before making a decision to buy it or keep it, to see if it collects in the lines on your lips or cakes. In addition to the high "stickiness" factor for you, the Wet 'n' Wild lipsticks have a bit of a stain in them, and I think that may be what is getting left behind and collecting in the creases of your lips and drying out your lips. I am not familiar with the Clarion brand. My guess is the type of lipsticks that will work well for you are not going to be long wearing lipsticks at all, yet I don't think you have to settle for the Bonne Bell that is like chapstick. I think you need moisturizing formula lipsticks that don't have a stain. With your tendency towards dry lips, I would avoid any matte or long-wearing lipstick formulas.You may also prefer sheer, moisturizing formulas because the colors will be more toned down and not very bright.
Unfortunately, I can't be of much help here, since I am so picky about lipstick
formulas (and cheap!), I don't experiment much with them anymore. It has been years since
I have used anything other than Wet 'n' Wild, L'Oreal or Revlon (drying). I don't think
you will like either Revlon or L'Oreal lipsticks. They are thicker than the Wet n' Wild
and have more of a stain. However, I haven't tried their most sheer, moisturizing
formulas, just their regular, creamy lipsticks.
I don't know what your budget is like, but because of your difficulties with lipstick, you
may need to resort to shopping the department stores where you can test the lipstick
formulas and colors before you buy. For very neutral colors, I suggest you test Bobbi
Brown's lipsticks. You may not like the regular formula, but you will probably like the
"lip stains." Stupid name, they are not like drying stains at all. They are just
more sheer, moisturizing lipsticks. Her lipsticks are a sickening $16 each, but hey, this
is your wedding we're talking about.
It sounds like you would like lipsticks with very little color pigment. You may want to
test BeneFit lipsticks, they go on very light and sheer. However, many of them are
frosted, and I suggest you avoid any frosted make-up for your wedding, as it will not look
as good in the photos as matte colors will. I am not sure if this is true, but I have read
that frosted lipsticks can also be more drying. Something you should keep in mind when you
do your shopping. You may also want to try Clinique's lipsticks. Clinique's make-up is not
very highly pigmented and goes on very lightly.
To help you with your shopping, especially if you want to do it at the drugstore, you may
want to get a copy of Paula Begoun's "Don't Go To The Cosmetics Counter Without
Me." ($16.95) She is coming out with a new 4th edition around November. I would wait
for that one. I get her newsletter, and she says she has re-reviewed everything, reviewed
some new lines, and revised some of her previous opinions. Look for lipsticks that she
calls "too greasy" and comments about the color having very little pigment or
going on very sheer. Those are the ones you want. She has oily skin and her taste will
probably be the opposite of yours. Hers is the only shopping guide out there currently.
It's not perfect, but it sure does help.
Let me know how it works out and what lipstick brands you find
that work for you - Lauren
Lauren:
I think this might be of some help to Leanne who is getting married in June and was
looking for a lipstick.
I have been looking for the perfect lipstick for a long time and I wasted a lot of money
before I realized that I don't like lipsticks at all. So I took my full drawer of
different colored and different textured lipsticks mixed them all up added some Vaseline
to them melted them in the microwave and now I have many perfect shades of lip glosses
that are so easy to apply.
I also love CoverGirl's LipSlicks which are kind of tinted lip glosses in great colors and
a very moisturizing but not sticky ( A Hint of Mauve, A Hint of Brown, A Hint of Pink are
my favorites). Because of their creamy texture and just a hint of color they are so easy
to apply and reapply if needed.
I hope you can pass this on to her and I hope it helps her.
Ilene
I stumbled across your site last night. I'm a guy but have an addiction to women who
wear make-up and want to look their best all the time. I know this is not the
"Make-up Addictions" you are addressing but none-the-less...there are those men
out there who truly appreciate women, like yourself, who wear make-up.
Just my 2-cents. ;-}
Thanks for listening.....T.I.
Lauren,
What a great site! Thanks for sharing all this info with us. Have a great weekend!
Andrea
Dear Lauren:
I am finding that even though I like a "natural look" (living in sunny Arizona
where it gets to 118 can melt even the coolest matte face) that I have to reapply lipstick
but using lipliner helps a good deal. What do you think of the permanent
makeup? I had my eyeliner done very lightly, both top and bottom, and even though I read
the horror stories and cautionary tales of the practice, my aesthetician did a superb job
so no more raccoon eyes for me.
I don't keep as many lipsticks as you, but also like indulging in them. Typically, I stay
with less expensive lines but I do have a Christian Dior lipliner in Chocolat that I love
and an Aveda lipstick. Otherwise, it's the cheap but effective stuff.
Thanks loads for your website; it was fun getting a peek not only into your personal
makeup life and its useful tips but into your little family. You seemed just like a
friend.
Dear Cherbella,
Thank you so much for your sweet comments! It makes me feel so great when people
appreciate the time and effort I put into my site and when they get something out of it.
I think getting permanent make-up done is a very personal decision, and I am glad you are
happy with yours. I personally would never have it done because I like to vary the look of
my make-up, and I would hate being stuck with the same thing every day. Also, applying it
is half the fun for me! However, I recently read about a new laser procedure where they
can lighten the dark circles under your eyes if it is caused from dark skin pigment. Now
that I would definitely consider if I could afford it, especially if they could resurface
my undereye wrinkles at the same time. It sounds like your eyeliner was a very practical
choice in your hot climate which probably melts off anything you put on your face.
Lauren
For information on Permanent Make-up see Make-up Artist Janette Archer's site www.janmake-up.com. I was wrong. Janette says if it is done to a minimum and done right, permanent make-up does not keep you from changing your fashion look. - Lauren
Lauren:
You have done a great job with your Frugal Face site. Any chance you can give some
Frugal Fingers tips? There are SO MANY nail polishes out there. I refuse to
pay department store prices, but even the drug and beauty supply stores are overwhelming.
(Eliminating blues and greens does cut down on my options, however!)
Thanks,
Peggi
Los Altos, CA
Peggi,
Thank you so much for your e-mail, I'm so happy you are enjoying my site! Unfortunately, I
can't help you very much regarding nail polish. I had to quit wearing it about 6 years ago
due to respiratory allergies. I can't handle the fumes, especially from the remover (I
also can't wear perfume or use fragranced products). So I have not tried the newer brands.
However, I did wear nail polish from childhood until then. I had the same feeling of being
overwhelmed with choices. Eventually, I only bought Revlon polish because it lasted longer
without chipping than anything else I had tried. It did simplify things to stick within
one brand, and I still use this tactic sometimes with other products like lipstick. I also
loved Revlon's huge & gorgeous color selection. Once you eliminate all the current
funky colors, it may not be such an overwhelming selection after all. Revlon is not the
cheapest polish out there, but I felt it was of exceptional quality, and it is still far
cheaper than department store polishes. Your budget will be fine as long as you only keep
a few bottles at a time and don't get carried away. Then you will have a chance to use
them up and get your money's worth out of them before they dry up on you.
Just before I had to quit using the stuff, I discovered Sally Hansen's Hard As Nails
for use as a base and top coat. It really is excellent, but I had always got good results
just using Revlon's regular clear polish as a base and top coat. Any other brands than
these used with the Revlon lessened the wear time. I am not familiar with beauty supply
store brands, I only bought drugstore polishes. I always wondered if I would like that
Orly stuff, if it was worth the price. There. That's all I know about nail polish.
On a side note: This is just my opinion for you to ponder. I
don't expect you to give up anything that makes you feel beautiful. I've
found that I am happier and my life is simpler without the weekly nail polish routine. I
didn't realize how much I was a slave to my nails. Yes, I know this sounds hypocritical
coming from a make-up addict. But you can put your face on and pretty much forget it. Only
my lipstick gets messed up and it is quick & easy to fix. Nail polish takes a beating
by everything we need to do in life. I found myself adjusting and restricting my
activities to save my nail polish. It is just so impractical and difficult to keep it
looking nice and still have a life. My nails look so much better now, and are healthier
and stronger. I didn't realize that it was the polish and remover causing them to chip and
split. It also drove me crazy being stuck with the same color for a week, when I wanted to
coordinate with my outfits and my make-up. I'd like to see a whole new kind of nail color
product that doesn't stink or damage your nails, and can be easily changed every day with
the rest of your make-up.
Good luck!
Lauren
Does anyone else have any low-cost nail polish recommendations for Peggi?
I like Revlon's Top Speed. It is not the cheapest, but goes on smoothly, wears well, dries quickly and comes in lots of great colors. Nail polish routines are much less of a hassle with these new qucik dry formulas. - Jennifer
I have found that the nail polish sold at the Express clothing stores is great for
mixing! It dries extremely quickly and it isn't too thick. OPI polish, on the other hand,
isn't nail polish, it's nail lacquer. It is MUCH thicker and nearly impossible to mix
unless you want to go to the hassle of making it thinner with nail polish remover. Any
way, the Express polish can be a little pricey, but it goes on sale quite often and as
soon as the new colors come in for the next season, the old ones go on clearance. Just
keep an eye open. - Wendi
