Please educate me about a daily makeup regimen

[Anonymous]

Ok, so I'm in my late 40s and am super late to the wearing make-up party and could use some help. I could go to Sephora or something and help me figure out what to buy, but I'm worried that I am so unknowledgeable that I won't really know what I need vs. what they tell me I need.

I have super dry skin but it is pretty clear. I have dark around the eye (above and below) circles as my major "concern." Over the last few years, my regimen has been moisturizer with sunscreen built-in, and then just some concealer I put under my eyes.

For people who really want a super natural makeup look but with undereye circles, what things do you use? Is makeup primer really important? Do you need a separate one for around your eyes versus the rest of your face? What about setting powder/sprays?

I'm sorry this sounds so unknowledgeable, but I really am pretty clueless.

[Anonymous]

You can make an appointment for a "makeover" at Sephora where they will help you pick products and show you how to apply it. It's free (or at least it used to be) if you spend $50 on product afterward.

[Anonymous]

I would look at some under eye brightener if that's your only issue. No need to slather your entire face if the problem are is so small.

[Anonymous]

I'm 58 and just starting to get back into makeup. I, literally, had to throw away everything I had because not only is it old, it no longer is appropriate for my skin/features! I suggest you first start with your skin care. You can have the greatest makeup in the world but the look will only be as good as the underlying 'canvas' (your skin). I watched a LOT of social media accounts for skin care and makeup for women over 40/50. There are a LOT of dermatologists and facial plastic surgeons making content. I learned a lot!

Here's are some threads about the order of application and some products
https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1144430.page#25383982
https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1159892.page#25914083

Regarding the circles under your eyes - the cause of the circles really determines how you address them. Are they from blood vessels, hyperpigmentation, melasma, etc.? Here's an article on what ingredients to look for based on the cause. https://miiskin.com/anti-aging-beauty/best-ingredients-for-hyperpigmentation/

You also need really good moisturizers. This site allows you to put in either a product name or the ingredients list and it will 'decode' what they are and what they're used for. Please note that just because something has a 'superstar' ingredient doesn't mean that it's formulated in a way that is effective for your skin. https://incidecoder.com/

Finally, someone recommended making an appointment with a Beauty Consultant at Nordstrom. They'll do a makeover for free and not be limited to products from a single counter. I'd already looked into the Sephora 'free 15 minute makeover' but they no longer do that. Now you have to pay. But, they are very helpful in identifying what colors to choose and making recommendations - especially if you don't go at a busy time.

[Anonymous]

I’m going to dissent here and say, all you need is a couple of products. First- focus on skincare. Before any makeup you need to do that. After serums and moisturizer do you undereye concealer, ELF or IT cosmetics CC cream with sunscreen, and some blush bronzer mascara. Hourglass setting powder under eye and t zone and call it a day. IT cosmetics has good bronzer and blush for mature skin. Some days I use my lipstick as blush and it looks great.

For picture days with photos get a brighter lipstick. For all other days gloss is fine. One natural lipliner is all you need.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You can make an appointment for a "makeover" at Sephora where they will help you pick products and show you how to apply it. It's free (or at least it used to be) if you spend $50 on product afterward.

I would do Blue Mercury instead - Sephora trends toward clownish in my experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You can make an appointment for a "makeover" at Sephora where they will help you pick products and show you how to apply it. It's free (or at least it used to be) if you spend $50 on product afterward.

I would do Blue Mercury instead - Sephora trends toward clownish in my experience.

Not everyone is afraid of makeup, dear. I've had really good experiences in Sephora. If you tell them what your comfort level is they will steer you in that direction. If you tell them " I know nothing, make suggestions" then you might be disappointed with what they suggest.

[Anonymous]

Try Saie slip tint for your moisturizer- gives a light, even appearance and is as easy to put on as moisturizer. SkinMedica TNS Eye Repair for under eye moisturizer. It’ll help (but not solve) the circles around your eyes. You can get it on Poshmark new for like half price. For under eye concealer, it’s old school but I swear by Estée Lauder concealer. Stays on, looks natural, easy to apply. A little mascara and maybe Tarte Maracuja juicy lip pump for a very natural lip and you’re on your way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm 58 and just starting to get back into makeup. I, literally, had to throw away everything I had because not only is it old, it no longer is appropriate for my skin/features! I suggest you first start with your skin care. You can have the greatest makeup in the world but the look will only be as good as the underlying 'canvas' (your skin). I watched a LOT of social media accounts for skin care and makeup for women over 40/50. There are a LOT of dermatologists and facial plastic surgeons making content. I learned a lot!

Here's are some threads about the order of application and some products
https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1144430.page#25383982
https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1159892.page#25914083

Regarding the circles under your eyes - the cause of the circles really determines how you address them. Are they from blood vessels, hyperpigmentation, melasma, etc.? Here's an article on what ingredients to look for based on the cause. https://miiskin.com/anti-aging-beauty/best-ingredients-for-hyperpigmentation/

You also need really good moisturizers. This site allows you to put in either a product name or the ingredients list and it will 'decode' what they are and what they're used for. Please note that just because something has a 'superstar' ingredient doesn't mean that it's formulated in a way that is effective for your skin. https://incidecoder.com/

Finally, someone recommended making an appointment with a Beauty Consultant at Nordstrom. They'll do a makeover for free and not be limited to products from a single counter. I'd already looked into the Sephora 'free 15 minute makeover' but they no longer do that. Now you have to pay. But, they are very helpful in identifying what colors to choose and making recommendations - especially if you don't go at a busy time.

People like you who make really long and thoughtful responses with links are what make DCUM fantastic.

[Anonymous]

Go to the Cle de Peau counter at NM in Tysons Galleria. I swear by their skincare and concealer/foundation.

[Anonymous]

I second 13:56's post.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm 58 and just starting to get back into makeup. I, literally, had to throw away everything I had because not only is it old, it no longer is appropriate for my skin/features! I suggest you first start with your skin care. You can have the greatest makeup in the world but the look will only be as good as the underlying 'canvas' (your skin). I watched a LOT of social media accounts for skin care and makeup for women over 40/50. There are a LOT of dermatologists and facial plastic surgeons making content. I learned a lot!

Here's are some threads about the order of application and some products
https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1144430.page#25383982
https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1159892.page#25914083

Regarding the circles under your eyes - the cause of the circles really determines how you address them. Are they from blood vessels, hyperpigmentation, melasma, etc.? Here's an article on what ingredients to look for based on the cause. https://miiskin.com/anti-aging-beauty/best-ingredients-for-hyperpigmentation/

You also need really good moisturizers. This site allows you to put in either a product name or the ingredients list and it will 'decode' what they are and what they're used for. Please note that just because something has a 'superstar' ingredient doesn't mean that it's formulated in a way that is effective for your skin. https://incidecoder.com/

Finally, someone recommended making an appointment with a Beauty Consultant at Nordstrom. They'll do a makeover for free and not be limited to products from a single counter. I'd already looked into the Sephora 'free 15 minute makeover' but they no longer do that. Now you have to pay. But, they are very helpful in identifying what colors to choose and making recommendations - especially if you don't go at a busy time.

People like you who make really long and thoughtful responses with links are what make DCUM fantastic.

Thank you! I've benefitted from some great posts and am happy to repay the favor!

[Anonymous]

- Sunscreen (I have oily skin so my recs won't help) mixed with Drunk Elephant Bronzi drops for a very natural glow
- Merit flush balm on cheeks and lids
- Haus Labs concelear for any discoloration or dark spots
- Wander mascara
- Tower28 lip gloss

Will take you 5 minutes tops and very natural. Anything more ambitious, hire a MUA to teach you / recommend products.

[Anonymous]

Agree with PPs, start with skincare. Good, non stripping cleanser (I use La Roche Possay from Target) toner (I use Laniege Cream Skin, this really helps prep my skin for moisturizer) and then moisturizer (I love Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream)

I have a very natural looking (not necessarily super low maintenance) every day look that consists of the following:

I use a tinted SPF (Kosas Dream Beam is excellent) and under eye color corrector (Charlotte Tilbury Magic Vanish) set my under eyes with pressed (Charlotte Tilbury) light brow pencil (kosas air brow) subtle blush (RMS blush in crystal slipper is amazing) nude lip liner (Charlotte tilbury lip cheat in pillow talk) clear lip gloss and mascara (tower 28 make waves) I use setting spray (again, Charlotte tilbury) and this makes everything last at least until 5.

Buy some minis at Sephora to test drive and not spend a zillion dollars figuring out what works for you.

[Anonymous]

Echoing some PPs: less is more.

-focus on skincare and good moisturizer plus sunscreen

-light coverage under eye concealer or brighter. I like YSL touche eclat. I would not use all over face makeup. It is aging. Let your skin show

Next it is about adding color and brightness to your face. Focus on filling brows, cheeks and lips.

I use Anastasia pencil, cru de peau cream blush, and Chanel lip gloss. I also like Iris and Romeo multi balm and use this for cheeks and lips most days