Needed frugal Make-up Help

**auntie2many** · 08-12-2007, 04:59 PM

I had this posted elsewhere and thought it better in this category.

Looking for frugal make-up help:

I am in my mid 40's, brown hair, green eyes, caucasian, light skin with red undertones. I have age spots on my cheeks and very often a rash on my cheeks and neck from allergies that my health insurance will not pay to diagnose. What can you suggest as a concealor brand and possibly shade? I have some liquid foundation, about five lipsticks and mascara.

I want to add eye shadows, blush, eye pencils... when I get coupons in the Sunday paper, but do not know what colors... I should wear. I can afford Maybelline, Cover Girl..., but cannot afford department store items like Clinique and Lancome.

I stay away from black clothing only because my pets have white fur and it is forever getting on the dark clothing. I will wear navy jeans. I do not wear yellow. I look like I am ready for my funeral in yellow.

I feel like such a frumph, but want to look pretty again. Also any great techniques for applying make-up are welcome too. Thanks everyone!

auntie

**Jaded** · 08-12-2007, 05:34 PM

Rimmel (available at Wal-Mart) is the cheapest I've found, and it covers well. You can mix shades to get the one you need. I always have to. I'll leave the color choices up the ladies who know more than I do. I just have always used earth tones.

I do remember that woman who is the makeup expert on the Today show saying you should always use makeup with a yellow base, never red.

**PrairieRose** · 08-12-2007, 05:45 PM

You sound like you're colored a lot like I am...although I lighten my hair. The colors I wear are: (I can't tell you what shade you need in foundation...sorry..you'll have to try a few till you find the right one and you can return the ones that don't work at walmart...no problems just keep your receipts) I wear an apricot/beige-y base all over my eyelids from lashes to brow, a matte brown in the crease, a brownish (during the summer because I tan) blush with a brown with a little red in it on my lips. I love that maybelline matte mouse makeup...wow. Otherwise I just use Rimmel or whatever is cheapest, it's all pretty much the same other than mascara and I love that XXL (revlon?) in black. Anyway you just have to experiment a little and don't be afraid to ask a friend for her opinion...one that does pretty makeup herself

. Makeup is fun if you let yourself be a little daring

**Telephus44** · 08-12-2007, 08:07 PM

Here's a great site:

http://www.thefrugalface.com/tipsframe.htm

**frooz** · 08-12-2007, 08:19 PM

Make an appointment with one of the cosmetic counters at a department store. Pay attention to how they apply it and what colours they use. I"ve done it a couple of times. Often they will even give you a list of all the products they have used so you can find the cheap alternatives. I usually buy one of their cheaper pieces just so I don't feel bad and tell them I'll buy the rest as I run out of my existing stuff.

**Libby** · 08-12-2007, 08:19 PM

Since you sound a lot like me - in terms of having make up but not knowing which goes with what and why/how

try this trick when you can. Go to a dept store and arrange a free makeover - explain to them that you want a neutral every day kind of colour scheme and let them do the work. They will write it all out for you - the names of each colour for foundation, eye shadow, blush, lipsticks etc. Sometimes they even give you a sheet and colour it with the same products so you'll remember where to apply it and which colour - think paint by numbers guide. They usually pressure you into buying something - resist! Tell her you need to go to the bank first - AFTER shes done the makeover and writing it all out for you. IF she doesnt write it out for you - ask a lot of questions and make notes if you can. Just dont let on that you're not going to buy anything today.

Next step - go to the local drug store or in my case, Walmart/Zellers and buy the same or very similiar colours from Rimmel, Maybeline or Covergirl - the cheaper brands and try those. For about $20 you can get almost one of everything - eyeshadow, lipstick, foundation, mascara etc. Dont be afraid to mix and match brands - its the colour and effect you want. Then go home, make a groovy cup of tea and have a make up party for one! When you find a combo that you like - keep with it and when you want to spice it up - try a different set of colours/combos.

Also sometimes the makeovers arent 100% free the most I paid was up to $20. But to me thats worth it b/c I'll know which colours will/will not work for me and my colourings. [BTW: The lady butchered me literally. She caked it on so thick that I actually felt like my supressed inner street walker was about to come out - mind you I did tell her I needed photogenic wedding make up - but keep in mind, I dont wear anything to begin with so it was a huge shock. Thus me going to tinker with my own colours later

So be prepared for a shock if you're not one who wears make up]