Tales From the Crib: Mom Makeup

Monday, April 03, 2006

Mom Makeup

I know that it is probably weird to take makeup tips from someone that you have never seen before, but I know my stuff! Feel free to post any questions you have, I would love to answer them...on with the post:

If you only have 5 minutes to do your makeup:

~After your shower (if you are priveleged enough to get one), moisturize your face (spf 15 will protect you from the sun)
~Quickly conceal blemishes or uneven skin with concealer that is NOT lighter than your skin tone, powder everywhere and add a dab of blush or bronzer on the apples of your cheeks.
~Use a neutral eyeshadow for your lid and crease
~light coating of mascara on your lashes
~light coating of gloss on your lips

If you have a few more minutes:

~add a shadow to your crease and curl your lashes before applying mascara

Even more time:

~Use foundation or tinted moisturizer before powdering and blushing
~Line your lips and then apply gloss

Maximum amounts of time:

~fill in your brows with a good color match-either with shadow or feather on with a pencil (a friend used a good analogy...you wouldn't put a photo on the wall without a frame...filled-in brows frame your beautiful eyes and believe it or not, bring the EYES out...not the brows)
~line your eyes as close to your lash line as possible-don't think of eye liner as a visible line on your eye, but a partner with mascara to bring out your lashes. One of my favorite "bring out your lashes" tricks is to put the thinnest line of liquid black liner practically on the roots of my lashes, it really thickens the look of your lashes.
~dot a second color lip gloss for a highlight or contrast in the center of your lip and smash your lips together/blot

REMEMBER:

~Keep in mind that with practice you could probably get away with the MAXIMUM -amounts-of-time look, in 5 or maybe 7 minutes, but you have to get really good...
~Practice makes perfect. You will have to practice this routine, and eventually it will be in your body enough that you can do it on the subway without a mirror...would not recommend trying it while driving though
~Be open to a new look. Many of us have been doing the same makeup routine since high school...and guess what? It's not working! So...do what I say, practice it a few times and just look at it every few hours...or just do one half of your face and look at the difference. Especially with the eyebrows-look and the laying-off-the- eyeliner look. You might feel naked toning it down, but it will look beautiful
~Less is more. Unless you have a specific occasion (karaoke night, going out to a hot night club to hook up with some guy), be less. Save the dramatics for another time.

NEXT TIME: Some products that I JUST LOVE

40 Comments:

I think of Bonnie Bell and bubble gum flavor when I think of lip gloss. My lips are either bare (most of time) or lip liner and lip stick for nice occasions. What kind of gloss? Is there any color in it?
posted by Belle at 4/03/2006 06:23:00 AM
I can do my makeup in sixty seconds, brush on blush, eyeliner, shadow, brow brush, and mascara. That quick.

I don't have the patience to spend lots of time on makeup.

My sister spends an hour. How does she do it? She lost her makeup when she went to New York with her boyfriend and she was such a bitch over it he dumped her.
posted by annegb at 4/03/2006 07:01:00 AM
Gloss is usually shiny and sheer. And you can get tinted or clear. It can come in a variety of colors/tones/tints. Bonnie Bell has a grown-up line of lipgloss, but they are also famous for their Lip Smackers.

I would suggest checking out the Bonnie Bell site and trying something a little more Doctorial (grown up). ; )

I have the most experience with Mac Cosmetics. Their tinted lip glasshas a vanilla flavor and stays on a long time.

cover girl has a nice website with all of their glosses. I don't have experience with them, but I am sure that the less expensive brands have great alternatives to LIP SMACKERS and are probably in the same aisle at the drugstore.

Don't be intimidated by the bright colors you see from the tube. It goes on very sheer...you almost can't pick the wrong color. And remember mixing two different lip glosses can change the color and adding a liner can change the color too. It is one of the most fun cosmetics, because it can be changed so easily. Also, if DD wants to wear makeup too, she can!
posted by Kage at 4/03/2006 07:09:00 AM
Ok, I'm from the 5 minutes or less school (moisturize, a little powder, blush, curl and mascara, a little something on the lips and go.

I need a lesson on eyeshadow, colors, where on the lid they go (whole lid? upper part by the eyebrow, crease? Where?)

Also, do you recommend loose powder or packed powder? (I don't think that's what it's called, but I'm going with it.)

Thank you all powerful makeup gal.
posted by wendysue at 4/03/2006 07:24:00 AM
I need eyeshadow help. I have no idea what color I should buy/wear. I have some neutral tans/browns that I put on, but I don't think they do much. My lids are rather pink naturally, so it's kind of tricky to know what color to put up there. Any tips?

Maybe I should get a new lip gloss. I HATE lipstick, but I do think my lips could use a little help (besides chapstick, which is what they usually get.)
posted by mindy at 4/03/2006 09:28:00 AM
Wow...yeah...questions...here are my answers:

Wendysue: "I need a lesson on eyeshadow, colors, where on the lid they go (whole lid? upper part by the eyebrow, crease? Where?)"
If you are looking for a basic eye, I am a fan of a highlight and a shadow. Something in the cream category on your lids will brighten your eye. Something brownish that is close to your natural eye brow color will be a good match for your crease. The crease is literally that area between the top of your lid and your brow bone. If you want to put shadow on your brow bown, I would suggest a very thin stroke of the cream on your lid, right under your brow. But in general, your eye shadow should stop below your brow bone and blend into it.

Sonia Kashuk has a nice palette. You can experiment with these until you find a good look. I am a big fan of mixing shadows. Put two on your brush then tap it to get rid of the loose dust and apply.

As for COLOR on the eye. This also takes some experimentation. I love to match my outfit to my eyes. I have a plum eye and a silvery blue eye that I just love. I also have an aqua, pink, light green and grey smoky eye that I wear. The best thing is to experiment. Whatever colors look best on you to wear, will probably work in a shadow or lipstick. If you look horrible in orange, don't buy orange eye shadow. Examine your eye color. Remember that brown and blue compliment each other and make the other pop. So, blue eyes look awesome with brown shadow. Brown eyes are a little harder, but could look rockin hot with some fully committed dark blue look. I also think that wearing the same color as your eye is a look. Think deep green color all over the lids with green eyes, and if they are blueish green, it will really bring out the green in your eyes. If you do color, you really have to commit to it, and make your eyes the focus. The exception is if you are doing a dewey look. Say you put a light pink on your eyes, very pink cheeks and sweet pink lips...all sort of equal and complimenting each other. As you can see, eyes is a post all it's own.

"Also, do you recommend loose powder or packed powder?"

I like pressed powder with a brush that loosens it up.
posted by Kage at 4/03/2006 12:56:00 PM
tracy m--I like the sound of makeup goddess.

"Biggest problem?? Finding a good face make-up that doesn't look awful and matches my skin well. (I"m fairly fair) My experience with powder is that I look cakey and dead in it. "

I am also fair. I used to be deathly afraid of foundation. I eased into using it by starting with tinted moisturizer. You apply it thinly all over your face and it kind of evens out your skin tone. I still wear this on days when I don't want the whole shabang. On days that I do where foundation I have found that applying it with a brush makes for a nice even application. When you set it, just use a little bit of powder. Maybe yours is too light? It's possible.

I used to be afraid of bronzer, but it really can make you look undead. I know Bobbi Brown is a HUGE fan of bronzer. One of my fave products of hers that zinone gave me is the shimmer brick It really makes you look undead. You should never powder and call it a day. After powder comes the blush/bronzer/shimmer brick.

As for matching skin tone, I typically don't buy my cosmetics at the drug store, but if that is your budget, I would check on their return policy so that if you mismatch, you are not stuck.

If you have a little more wiggle room in the old budget, visit the makeup counter at a dept. store and get tested ON YOUR FACE. Your hands are different colors from your face....don't judge by your hand. Also, if you are really serious about this, step outside and look at the color in natural light...this is the best light. Also, bring a trusted (and good at makeup) friend with you. Once Carrie and I were makeup shopping and this wackjob put a totally nasty concelaer on her face and I said: "Find this woman a different concealer PU-lease!"
posted by Kage at 4/03/2006 01:15:00 PM
Kage has been a great make-up consultant for me over the past few years. Thanks to her and Zinone my make-up bag looks far less pathetic than it used to. I am still pretty unsure of myself when it comes to the application (especially eyeshadow) but I am practicing- like Kage said.

I have been thinking lately that when my girls turn "make-up wearing age" I will arrange for a makeup artist to give them lessons every now and their so their make-up confidence can start early and build as they grow up. Just a thought - mostly because I think that might have really helped me.

Lastly, as much as I value all of Kage's make-up tips --she really does know her stuff--I just have to say that not too many people can pull off the "match my eye shadow with my outfit" look. This is something for the very "make-up and style advanced student" to try. Kage can totally do it and make it work because while it partly has to do with her make-up application expertise, it has far more to do with with her personality and her personal style. IT IS NOT FOR EVERYONE. Most of the time it's results are quite disasterous. Sorry Kage, but for the good of all people, I had to get that off my chest.
posted by This is Carrie at 4/03/2006 01:32:00 PM
cc-I like cargo lipgloss (though it is a pain for a mom b/c it requires a brush) but it is so pretty. I wore it when I was on tv a bunch. I don't have experience with any of their other products. Money doesn't always equal quality so be careful and ask around. Investing in good brushes will make almost any cosmetic look amazing on your face.

mindy: "I need eyeshadow help. I have no idea what color I should buy/wear. I have some neutral tans/browns that I put on, but I don't think they do much. My lids are rather pink naturally, so it's kind of tricky to know what color to put up there."

If you read my reply to wendysue you will get some good application tips. Since your eyelids are pink, you are going to want to neutralize them a bit. You might want to get a very creamy, matte http://www.clinique.com/templates/products/sp_shaded.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY4898&PRODUCT_ID=PROD562. This is thicker than shadow and will stay on longer during the day and hopefully cover up the pinkiness. On clinique.com, Canvas Light would help neutralize the pink, and petal shimmer would enhance your pink and create a glowing dewey look. My experience with this base is that it dries out in about a year. What I use now is mac's paint.

If you want to enhance the natural pink on your lids, when you pick a neutral pallette, compare them in the store. Choose one that has a rosy pink brown or chocolatey pinky brown compared to an orangey brown...if this makes sense. Go to this page and you will see that Starstruck/Golden Lynx is pinker than No-Show Taupes. For the record, I wore Ivory Bisque/Bronze Satin for YEARS. It is a very nice neutral for the eye. I have a little bit of olive in my very fair skin, and naturally pink cheeks. It kind of brought those two together in a very understated way.

"Maybe I should get a new lip gloss. I HATE lipstick, but I do think my lips could use a little help (besides chapstick, which is what they usually get.)"

Lip Gloss is such an easy way to make your lips look nice. I love chapstick b/c I can kiss my kids, but sometimes I want to look put together.

My fave products:
Instead of chapstick, rosebud. I have about 5 tins of these all over my house. It is also great for your cuticles and baby's chapped nose and face in winter time.

I love lip venom for when I want an instant pouty lip. It's spicy and tingly.

Then just pick up a few tubes of lip gloss the next time you are at Target. Experiment a little.
posted by Kage at 4/03/2006 01:33:00 PM
Sorry, that bogus link is
eye base
posted by Kage at 4/03/2006 01:36:00 PM
Carrie, maybe I have only stressed this in my mind, but I have tried to be clear that it is really best to stay neutral and less is more. I started wearing makeup during the early days of Kate Moss when it was the total waif look---and THANK GOODNESS b/c otherwise I would have blue snot when I blow my nose (like my mom did in her early twenties b/c of the extreme amounts of blue eyeliner she wore).

And yes, lots of color is a risk...if you are unsure, practice it a few times with your kids...and don't leave the house unless you are certain you look good.

Also as to makeup lessons. One of my favorite mia maid activities growing up was our beauty day, we learned mostly about applying nail polish, but I will never forget that special attention of some nice RS sisters teaching us. Also, when I turned 14 my mom took me to the Clinique counter at Marshall Fields and I got a total makeover and she bought me all the makeup. Of course I felt like a million bucks, and that was the start of it all.....................
posted by Kage at 4/03/2006 01:41:00 PM
I only made the comment because people look to you for make-up inspiration and everyone needs to remember that make-up is just like fashion in that a "look" that is great on one person just won't work on another person. And it is not just because they need to work on technique.

Also, another random thought about make-up lessons, I want my girls to feel confident doing their make-up and not doing their make-up. I am sure we all know people whose self confidence has a lot to do with whether they put on make-up that morning. But this is a tangent and a subject for another post I think.
posted by This is Carrie at 4/03/2006 02:03:00 PM
Such a good idea about the makeup lessons. When I was 14 my mom took me to the Lancome counter at the mall and they taught me how to do my makeup. Then she treated me to some lipstick and blush - I felt SUPER important that day and it boosted my confidence (something all 14 year olds need, in my opinion).

I know that some of you folks don't know what Kage looks like but trust me, she knows her stuff - I would trust her and Zinone with my face any day - I think I have actually...The last time I was at Mac Zinone picked out all of my makeup, come to think of it...

Lastly, one of my faves is the Smashbox Photo Finish - its a clear gel that goes on after moisturizer and fills in all of your pores. It takes an extra 20 seconds but makes a world of difference - I love that stuff.
posted by chloe at 4/03/2006 02:29:00 PM
Stila has a great selection of eye shadow bases that are colors as well, so if I'm in a hurry I just slide one of them on.
If you don't want to continually put on lip color, MAC has a really great selection of stay put lip colors that actually stay out! Work like nothing I've seen before, and they come with a gloss at the other end for when you want some shine.
I like Lancome Photogenic liquid for light coverage, and as a fair skinned person they are pretty much the only ones who match me. (plus I worked for them, so I'm totally biased)
If you like some bold color, I recommend Urban Decay shadows. They go on wonderfully when wet and are heavily pigmented so the color lasts. But they can be used dry for a little less kick. A truly versatile brand (but again, biased)
I am a true addict, and this week I had to explain to my husband why the color I just bought WAS different from the other colors I already own. Because enough cosmetics to make over a small third world country aren't enough for me, no, I have to have it ALL!!! Bwahahaha..bwaha, cough, choke, haha.....ha. *sigh* I need serious professional intervention. Maybe the girls over at Sephora will be able to help me....
posted by Mo at 4/03/2006 09:46:00 PM
Okay, just so you all don't have to hunt this stuff down on your own, I'm attempting links. Kage, I hope I'm not stepping on your toes, so if you feel that I am, delete away baby!
Stila
MAC
Lancome
Urban Decay
posted by Mo at 4/03/2006 10:24:00 PM
Mo Mommy, I LOVE Urban Decay for eye color - I've used them for years and have always been happy with them - thanks for bringing them up
posted by chloe at 4/03/2006 10:54:00 PM
cc-eyelash curler?

I have been using the same Maybelline one for 15 years...it still works well...but I could use a new one...sort of sentimental though...the first makeup thing I got (cause my mom wouldn't let me wear mascara, but WOULD let me curl the lashes at age 12)
posted by Kage at 4/04/2006 04:31:00 AM
I have a lash curler from Sephora that I love. It is called a shu uemura. Its like having a magic wand.

Have you given blemish concealer tips yet? I desperately need some good info.
posted by leakysieve at 4/04/2006 05:21:00 PM
abby-
Ah Blemishes. I admit, I don't get many. In fact once when I had a big fat zit, Carrie did not hesitate to basically make fun of it. She took her finger and pointed right at it and said (kind of loudly) what's THAT? It was funny.
However, she was very nice and did not say one word the entire 9 MONTHS that I struggled (for the first time) with significant skin troubles while pregnant.

Zit's worst enemy is spot remover. It is basically pure acid, and it dries the suckers right up. Try it. You'll like it.

As for covering them up. Yikes. Cakey zits is way worse than zits, so if your entire face is suffering, I would stay with the less is more strategy. For the very big and very red patches, neutralize the red with green concealer. I love this technique. Green and then the normal concealer. I found this great site that explains all about neutralizing the crazy colors that occur on your face. Click here.

After concealer always powder. Let me know if you have more questions after reading that very helpful site.
posted by Kage at 4/04/2006 07:04:00 PM
Kage,
I am interested if in your work you've ever had your make-up done in a way that is so not realistic for long-lasting-ness? I modeled for many years and I don't think I have once had my makeup done the way I do it myself. I mean, when I do my makeup it's really going to stay on, I don't cake it or anything but it's not all like pure shiny-ness and is going to rub off in half an hour, do you know what I mean? Random question, but all very good advice!!
Also, what is you favorite way to have good sheen on your face and have it LAST? I always feel like too much creamy makeup doesn't come close to staying if I don't use loose powder. I think I am stuck in the nineties a tad when it comes to my techniques. I Love MAC lip glass and I actually really like Bobbi Brown as well.
posted by Rachel H at 4/04/2006 07:53:00 PM
Ooooo, Kage, thank you so much for the last comments on blemishes - I'm totally going to buy that Origins stuff. I've always had pretty good skin but when I switched birth control a few months ago YOWZAS! Starting to get things back under control, but I'm still getting the Origins stuff...
posted by chloe at 4/04/2006 08:01:00 PM
rachel h-as for makeup staying on for a shoot...it varies with the product and the conditions. Most of the time I can't wait to get it OFF my face when I get home, that's how stuck it is...

The way I get makeup to "LAST" is moisturizing right before application and powder. And you always have to set with powder. To get some glow/sheen you can get that in your shadows and with cream-base blush and with bronzer. Apply a little before you powder, set it with powder and then add more on top of that (IF you really want it to stay). Lipgloss also adds some sheen. You don't want sheen EVERYWHERE.

(insert silly voice here)...There is also your beautiful countenance that will shine through, and sometimes that is all the sheen you need.

For oily skin, you will have natural sheen, so make sure you blot your face and powder throughout the day. You will also have a hard time getting makeup to stick. Anybody have experience with a primer for your skin before makeup application, for OILY skin types?
posted by Kage at 4/04/2006 08:14:00 PM
Kage,
A tad off topic, but I am so interested in your job I'd love to hear more about the things you've done over the years. I don't know if you want to post this but you can email me directly if you care to. I've just met so few LDS girls in the BIZ it's really interesting to me! rachalice@sbcglobal.net if you want!! =)
posted by Rachel H at 4/04/2006 08:46:00 PM
Yes I am a die hard with moisturizer, even with my oily skin of many years, but the oilier the lighter the moisterizer, but you always NEED sunscreen in it (or in your foundation)!! A MUST. Actually there are some moisturizers that help absorb the yucky excess oil that your skin makes throughout the day. I am not sure who right now because I don't need it anymore, but I used to buy one from Mary Kay a long time ago.

MAKE UP IS MY BEST FRIEND, But I can proudly say that as the years have gone by I have grown to accept my naked face more than ever...not that my light eyelashes & brows have much WOW factor though. Mascara and eyebrow pencils are goooood.
posted by Rachel H at 4/04/2006 11:52:00 PM
As for oily skin, many companies have mattifying products that you can apply after moisturizer and before foundation. I used Lancome's for a long time (big surprise right)and it worked well. Plus it made my skin look and feel much smoother(Loreal usually has Lancome knock off products at a lower price point). Happily, my skin has been much more manageable since I started using proactiv. I know, I know, infomercials, but it really has worked for me.I don't even use foundation anymore, just concealer where needed. And a concealer brush makes a huge difference in blending. And dab concealer under your eyes, don't swipe.
With out my brow pencil, I'm like death warmed over. Plus it's easier to match my ever changing hair colors with a pencil than to get them tinted every time.
posted by Mo at 4/05/2006 11:04:00 AM
Kind of off subject but I saw on tv today on Discovery Health channel a show called Runway Moms. On it it talked a little bit about quick makeup...but I also recognized a photo from a post a while back...a pregnant woman in draped in red, a wonderful photo! I thought Hey! I read her blog!
posted by Anonymous at 4/05/2006 01:19:00 PM
Kage-

DO you ever use preparation H under your eyes to tighten up the sleepless mommy bags? Is there a better product that you have found success with? (Yes, I use hemorrhoid cream under my eyes folks; desperate times call for desperate measures)

Also thanks for the blemish control tips. I buying spot remover today!

Last Question:
Will you be my best friend?

I could so use you in my life!

(the whole San Francisco/New York thing might be hard, but we could work through it)
posted by leakysieve at 4/05/2006 01:48:00 PM
beanie, I have no idea what you're talking about ; )

abby-wow prep-H NEVER heard of that. Carrie has an herbal remedies for moms post coming up, you might want to post about that...does that count as herbal?

My fave is this eye cream. I just noticed it is a bit pricey, but I use that in the morning if I have bags. At night I use this eye cream.

Let me know how the spot remover works out, and of course we can be best friends.

tracy m-BRAVO for trying. It is all about trial and error. And remember a few of the comments here:
1. practice
2. don't be afraid of change, at least go back and look at it a few times before you totally write it off
3. Carrie might be right...color might not work on everyone.
4. If you wanted to try again I would say a few things: A. maybe it's the WRONG green. B. Maybe make it a really subtle hue on your lids only C. Maybe make it really dramatic with a smudged dark green eye pencil and shadow over it for a smoky effect. D. Ditch it completely. E. Learn to juggle and come up with a full time job like my neighbor.
posted by Kage at 4/05/2006 04:14:00 PM
Kage, what the HECK is up with your neighbor?????
posted by chloe at 4/05/2006 04:59:00 PM
I've definitely heard of the prepH many times, but never tried it. Considered it though. Does it work abby?
posted by marian at 4/05/2006 05:46:00 PM
chloe, it's just a lady (not sure exactly where she lives) who walks around in her garb holding her bunny, and she has a white car with her website in the window. She's just a professional clown who lives on my street. Don't knock it ; )
posted by Kage at 4/05/2006 05:48:00 PM
Marian-
I only use it on days when my eyes are really puffy underneath.
It works like a charm.

I don't know that it is safe to get in your eye, being that it really isn't a face cream, but I love the results.
If you have bags, (not dark circles,) it may be the perfect treatment.
Good luck.
posted by leakysieve at 4/05/2006 08:35:00 PM
Kage, maybe you could say a couple thoughts on tweezing the brows--guidelines and value of doing it.
posted by Katie at 4/06/2006 08:31:00 AM
Eyebrows we will save for another day.
posted by Kage at 4/07/2006 05:47:00 AM
I just got some of that Prescriptives yellow counteracting stuff for dark circles - hey, it really works! Thanks!
posted by chloe at 4/07/2006 02:03:00 PM
Being a theatre gal like yourself Kage, I have had gallons and gallons of make-up caked on to my face through out the years. So in turn I hate wearing make-up during everyday life. So anything that feels like nothing is wonderful for me. I really love mousse foundation. Very light on the skin, but great coverage. My neighbor is an Avon gal, and she is getting me hooked. I have their mousse foundation that I just love. Before I found it, I never wore a base during the my days. And with my old faithfull sized pores, I really should have a little more coverage than, well nothing. I recomend these great new foundations!
posted by Anonymous at 4/14/2006 11:04:00 PM
Kage,
Would you mind sharing the concealer and powder that you use? Also, what skin care is good? Thanks!
posted by Anonymous at 7/13/2007 05:06:00 AM
i was just catching up on this blog archive, 'cause make-up caught my eye, and i don't know if any of you have heard of the website, makeup alley?!? super addicting- you can read consumers reviews of products before buying! it's like the consumer reports for make-up!!!
posted by Anonymous at 8/14/2007 07:06:00 AM
Kage --

I just found this post of yours and it's great info. But we need an updated post, as this topic is ever-changing and clearly of interest to many. Question: what's your take on the new "mineral" makeups? Are they a ripoff, just another powder with fancy packaging, or is there really something to the concept?
posted by Anonymous at 9/16/2007 09:06:00 PM
Nice tips! Thanks. And here are the best skin care products to my mind. You may check:)
posted by Anonymous at 1/26/2008 02:53:00 AM

Monday, April 03, 2006

Mom Makeup

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