Have face. Now what?
March 16, 2018 5:01 PM   Subscribe

I am a new mom, who at 35 has only ever dabbled in make up and certainly was never taught to apply it. I have been feeling glum about my appearance and thought I might give make up a go. What are the absolute basics needed for a five minute make-up routine? Additional requirements/thoughts inside.

- it must be a five minute or under job
- i think that a tinted moisturize, lipstick, and mascara could be enough but is that crazy talk?
- mascara needs to be hypoallergenic
- it really needs to be basic. Like 5 products maximum and I’d be happier with three.
- I have always liked my skin, but recently I have noticed my pores a lot more. I also have PCOS and am shaving 2x/week and possibly need some stubble coverage. These are some reasons why I think tinted moisturize might not be enough as much as I want it to be.
- my mom says my complexion is peaches and cream. I am blond haired, blue eyed. I look good in pink.

Here’s what I’d like to know
1. What type of products do I need to look a bit more feminine and less harried?
2. Please give me specific product recommendations with type.
3. Recommendations for straightforward application instructions/YouTube videos on applying
4. Any thoughts on other skin care things I should do in addition/instead of make ip
posted by CMcG to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (27 answers total) 37 users marked this as a favorite
 
My five-minute face is (a) benefit porefessional all over face, (b) concealer stick under eyes because I have very dark circles, (c) eyeshadow just a touch darker than my hair color with an angled brush over my eyebrows to fill them in, (d) bare minerals lipstick that makes my lips look the same, just a little more luminous. I've found a MAC mascara that didn't make my eyes itch once, but I forgot what it is.

The particular products are probably gonna vary depending on the things you most want to emphasize/conceal, and honestly it's probably gonna come down to a lot of trial and error. (I like Birchbox for this reason: inexpensive, if totally random, product samples.)
posted by hishtafel at 5:26 PM on March 16, 2018


Best answer: Use loose powder for your pores. It was life changing -- truly -- for me to see my crater-sized pores and acne scars diminished by loose powder. You will look less harried, I promise. You won't believe the difference! I started with Clinique loose powder and Chanel or Clinique liquid foundation and now use Bare Minerals for the whole face -- foundation, powder, and concealer. Your three-product list is a great idea; just add powder when you want.

Mascara is all pretty much the same, except for the brush itself. Tons of professionals use Maybelline Great Lash. Mascara is the place to scrimp, especially since you should pitch it after 3 to 6 months. If you decide to ever use foundation, that is the place to spend.

Figure out whether you are a "warm" or a "cool" to guide shade selection. If you are blonde, blue-eyed, and look good in pink, I would bet you are a "cool." Don't take my word for it! Go to Sephora and tell them what you told us. They will show you how to apply stuff.

Use sunscreen all over -- face, chest, hands. I have similar coloring (but am "warm" and don't look good in pink), and I am sure you already know to use sunscreen. But, still.
posted by jgirl at 5:27 PM on March 16, 2018 [2 favorites]


Best answer: I think your best bet is to go to a Sephora, Ulta or dept store, ask them to make you up with the products you suggest, look at your face at every stage and stop at the point where you like how you look.

Tinted moisturizer comes in a variety of coverage levels so I would let them know you might be interested in a heavier coverage formula. You don’t mention sunscreen but it’s worth wearing even if you are indoors most of the time. Lots of foundation-type things come with sunscreen, though anything under 30 SPF isn’t really worth it.

I also care about covering my pores and find that products with silicones work well for that and products that emphasize glow or shine make it worse. Silicones break some people out but not others, theres no way to know except trial and error. Theres a product you can get at Walgreens by La Roche Posay that is a silicone sunscreen primer, SPF 50. I think it costs something shocking like $40, but it makes all my makeup go on better. Theres a tinted version and an untinted version. My current favorite mascara is also a drugstore brand with the ridiculous name of l’oreal lash paradise.

Based on the vibe I’m getting from your question I think brands like Bobbi Brown, Laura Mercier and Bare Minerals might be up your alley. They’re intended for a lowkey, “no makeup makeup” look.
posted by mrmurbles at 5:32 PM on March 16, 2018 [5 favorites]


I use mascara, eyebrow pencil, powder, blush, and lip color. It takes about 3 minutes.

Eyebrows are newer to my routine but they are really critical if you are like me and have super pale eyebrows. The difference is staggering. I don't like a dramatic brow, just barely darker than my natural color. I'm a fan of Diorshow Ultra-fine Brow Styler pencil. Yes it's overpriced but its lasted me forever and its idiot proof, whereas my other cheaper pencils can easily turn WAY too dark with just one too many passes.
posted by gatorae at 5:40 PM on March 16, 2018 [3 favorites]


Drugstore recommendations: neutrogena mascara, Almay "cc" cream tinted moisturizer. Easy, quick, makes you look slightly more well-rested.
posted by mai at 5:41 PM on March 16, 2018 [1 favorite]


Best answer: I would do some sort of bb cream, tinted moisturizer or powder. I rarely have the patience for mascara, but I use brown pencil liner on the top lid. Sometimes blush, always brow pencil /powder or tinted gel. I subscribed to ipsy for a while and got samples. I have no brand preferences. I like tinted lip balm, or real lipstick/ gloss.

No mascara, primer, eye shadow, contour, highlight or anything else. I think I look polished, but like me.
posted by Valancy Rachel at 5:47 PM on March 16, 2018


Response by poster: Thanks so much for all the answers so far! I’ll jump in just this once to say I have dark, full eyebrows. Appreciate the thoughts on make up for brows though; never would have thought of that.
posted by CMcG at 5:49 PM on March 16, 2018


Hello I am also a mid-thirties new mom who is scared of the mirror. My 5 minute face: IT cosmetics CC cream, Cover FX concealer under eyes and on spots, Tarte Amazonian clay blush OR Benefit Benetint, Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz, whatever mascara. All available at Sephora.
posted by tatiana wishbone at 5:50 PM on March 16, 2018 [1 favorite]


You’ll be surprised by the difference filling in your eyebrows makes, even if yours are full. We are living in a big-brow era, so much like having a hip haircut, styling your brows to match the current trend can make your look seem that much fresher.

Basically brows are my #1 suggestion.
posted by samthemander at 5:57 PM on March 16, 2018 [1 favorite]


Best answer: Tinted moisturizer (they vary widely in coverage, so you can try a heavier one), mascara, and lipstick is plenty, especially if you already have serious brow action. For quick application, you might also consider a cream eyeshadow, which pretty much involves rubbing your ring finger against some product and then against your eyelids. MAC has a product called Paint Pots--a popular "no-makeup" shade is called Painterly, but what counts as relatively neutral against your skin will depend on your coloring, so try several. Laura Mercier also has a cream eyeshadow stick called Caviar Stick which is just "scribbling" on your eyelid; recently it's come out with more subdued shades like Au Natural. You have a ton of lip options; I will say that matte is in right now, but it can be brutal on older, drier lips, so proceed with caution.

I feel like a real foundation + powder and/or blush really start to take you over the line into the formally "made up" look. I'm not sure from your post whether that's what you want. For me, it's a bit much for a daytime look. But your needs and preferences may be different.

Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen. You can't undo the prior years of damage (which are starting to emerge at your age, isn't that just fantastic to know), but you can at least minimize future damage.
posted by praemunire at 6:57 PM on March 16, 2018 [4 favorites]


I have super sensitive eyes and I have luck with Benefit mascara and Origins for eye shadow and face powder. Almay is good for sensitive skin too. I am jealous of your brows!
posted by gryphonlover at 7:03 PM on March 16, 2018 [1 favorite]


Not a mom, and 2 weeks shy of 40, but my daily <5 min routine is IT cosmetics CC cream (which includes sunscreen), a swipe of gel pencil eyeliner (I think it’s Maybelline), whatever mascara I have on hand (usually ELF), and if I feel like a lip, either my current Besame fave (I love their Snow White line right now) or Cover Girl Outlast.
posted by okayokayigive at 7:05 PM on March 16, 2018


Try Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer.

NARS makes these big chunky shimmery blush/eye sticks that I love. Try Orgasm or maybe a lighter one for you. Rihanna’s new lip gloss is fun too.

I’ve got bold dark brows and wimpy lashes so I use a liner and will pay anything for good mascara. I like Givenchy.

Well under 5 minutes, looks clean and natural. And that moisturizer has SPF.
posted by littlewater at 7:19 PM on March 16, 2018


If you already have dark, full brows, just get them professionally shaped and then you can maintain it yourself after that. If you have a Benwfit Brow Bar nearby, go there. A well-shaped brow will take you far!

I also like Lancome Teint Idole foundation (available at Lancome counter or Sephora). Get it matched by them. I use a damp makeup sponge (Real Techniques makes a good & economical one called "the Miracle Complexion Sponge) or a foundation brush. It's got a natural finish, good coverage, and staying power without looking cakey. Mascara (most brands are hypoallergenic) and a bit of eyeliner will make you look put together. I don't like blush on me, so I use a pressed powder several shades darker than my natural skin tone as a contour to create definition. I apply it under my cheekbones from the middle of my cheek to the edge of my face and up along my temples. It makes my face look less round.
posted by quince at 7:24 PM on March 16, 2018


Best answer: I joke that I only wear enough makeup to look like I slept for eight hours. Only, it's not a joke. I wake up, rinse my face with water, put on moisturizer (Aveeno Calming, but the knock-off brand), underye concealer, powder, Benetint lip stain or a Tarte brand crayon. If I'm feeling REAL FANCY, I curl my lashes and put on Neutrogena mascara. I get my entire face waxed every 6-8 weeks but I have heavy, dark eyebrows so I don't really need to fill them in. And honestly, this is enough. I look rested and healthy, which is all I'm going for.

All my brands (except for the lip stuff) are drugstore brands like Cover Girl or Maybelline.
posted by Aquifer at 7:32 PM on March 16, 2018


Nthing MAC. I don't usually wear makeup and most of their salespeople have been gracious to me.
posted by brujita at 8:38 PM on March 16, 2018 [1 favorite]


Count me as another Laura M. Tinted foundation person, with drug store powder on top. I do a quick lip gloss, mascara, and eyebrow pencil when my hair is light. I used to get good brands but now I look for drugstore recs.
I do eye shadow for special events. I have an Urban Decay pack.

I added primer to my routine after reading some academic makeup blogs.
posted by k8t at 9:18 PM on March 16, 2018


My most basic makeup, even I wear nothing else, is eyebrow pencil and mascara. I have straight lashes so a lash curler is a must for me. Most days I forget to do my lips but a sheer tint is probably a good idea.

My complexion is similar to yours and based on the recommendation of a stylist many many years ago I found that I actually like a navy blue mascara better than black or dark brown. It's a bit less harsh against my pale skin. I use Almay mascara. Lately I've taken to using Elf brow and lip products from Target because I wanted to try a few different colors and that brand is dirt cheap. I liked the colors so I stuck with the brand.

Sadly, from Target to Nordstrom to Sephora, the perfect foundation, be it liquid or powder, still eludes me.
posted by vignettist at 10:20 PM on March 16, 2018


I really like the videos Lisa Eldridge does - way more makeup than I usually wear, but she’s a pro and I find her videos weirdly soothing. She has several videos for no-make up make up, aging skin, etc. She uses expensive stuff, but has lists of drugstore alternatives too.

I use a spot of L’Oreal Infallible 24hr Matte mixed with whatever moisturiser or sunscreen I’m using: coat both palms, and quickly cover my whole face like I do with lotion. I go over under eye circles and areas with large pores with a little bit of the L’Oreal straight - it’s like pore eraser magic; I tap it on with my ring finger. I curl my eyelashes and put on tinted lipstick and that’s usually it - I have a full time job and a three year old.
posted by jrobin276 at 10:52 PM on March 16, 2018 [2 favorites]


Also came in to say having your face waxed or sugared might solve the stubble problem. Revlon's colorstay foundation is my go to for better coverage that doesn't feel too thick. Cream blush and loose powder to set, with a bit of eyeliner and brow pencil will give you a polished look. Once you get used to applying it, it only takes a few minutes.
posted by ananci at 11:18 PM on March 16, 2018


I also started wearing makeup most days just after having my kid. I started with a bb cream with sunscreen and mascara.

I spend about four minutes on this a day now. I do bb cream, concealer, bronzer, blush. top lid only eyeliner, mascara, and chapstick. I learned where to put this crap by watching utube. I like tati. Lisa Eldridge is a common recommendation on askmetafilter. I watch a few of these videos a week, and it's a fun part of my screen time. Also I look really healthy even though I haven't slept in like five years, so that's a bonus.
posted by Kalmya at 6:02 AM on March 17, 2018


Additionally if you'd like to try a lot of bb cream type products, you could get a makeup box subscription. You can check relatively few things you're interested in and get several in a few months.

It's a great way to try stuff and find types of products that you like and work for you.
posted by Kalmya at 6:11 AM on March 17, 2018


I also wanted to add, I didn't care about the videos until I'd been playing around with my subscription box makeup for several months. Then it for interesting to see what options there were for using it.
posted by Kalmya at 6:35 AM on March 17, 2018


Vindaloo’s wife here, and the world of makeup has been an interest since way back in makeupalley forum days...

35, new mom, PCOS concerns and never worn any makeup? How would you describe your skin? Oily or dry? Prone to breakouts or redness?

I’d suggest adding a moisturizer with spf 15 and a lightweight under eye concealer.

For the moisturizer, try readily available drugstore lines, like Cerave, Olay, Neutrogena or L’Oreal. Daily spf helps battle some of the inevitable aging, and moisturizer helps bring back that plumpness and glow young skin has.

Unless you’re blessed with no dark circles, undereye concealer can really make you look much more rested and younger. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind is very popular - lightweight, decent pigmentation to camouflage darkness, easy to apply and doesn’t crease or exacerbate fine lines.

Then pick one of your best features to add some zip too, or focus on something you’d like to disguise. Amazing lips? Try a sheer tinted lipstick. Great eyes? If your brows are full and dark, what are your eyelashes like? You could try a drugstore non-waterproof mascara or brown eyeliner on the top lid only. Not so perfect skin? Try a tinted spf or layer sheer foundation over your moisturizer, or try a pinpoint concealer product only on areas that need help.

Definitely check out some Lisa Eldridge videos for inspiration, as mentioned above - she’s a master at subtle natural looks!

If you add eye products or foundation, you’ll need to add a step to your routine to get it off at night. Garnier micellar water on a cotton pad swiped around, followed by a gentle cleanser.

For the stubble issue, makeup isn’t a great solution - the kind of coverage you’d need to hide it would be way too much. Try shaving more often perhaps?

The appearance of pores can get bigger as our skin ages, or if you’ve gotten oilier. Skin texture is hard to improve with makeup. There are pore filling primers, but it’s part of more involved makeup routines. Adding an exfoliant, like Paula’s Choice 2% BHA salicylic liquid, could help improve the look of your pores. I use this myself, and haven’t found a good drugstore substitute unfortunately.
posted by Vindaloo at 7:52 AM on March 17, 2018 [4 favorites]


My aim in life is to be able to roll out of bed and be pretty much ready to go.

I dye my lashes and brows - gives the impression of mascara and brown pencil since my own lashes and brows are white blonde, but never rubs off. I use Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser and some powder, and I look pretty put-together just with that.

If I’m putting more effort in I’ll add concealer under my eyes, a cream blusher and some eyeliner (Bobbi Brown sepia). Clinique lip chubby stick when I remember, but my lips are pretty full so I don’t need to emphasise them particularly.
posted by tinkletown at 11:28 AM on March 17, 2018 [1 favorite]


Response by poster: Thanks all! I found all your answers so helpful. I got over my fear and talked to a specialist at Ultra which was great because I needed a much lighter shade than I thought. I was able to limit our discussion to the Bare Minerals line and got a primer, tinted moisturizer, powdered foundation, and lip gloss. I also just applied it starting from the outside working in and it looks SO MUCH better than it ever has before. The “it’s the brows” camp have given me something to consider for the future. Thank you!
posted by CMcG at 12:50 PM on March 17, 2018 [8 favorites]


Seconding that tinted moisturizer has been wonderful--Laura Mercier, as other commenters have said, makes a great version. And so does IT CC cream. Both are sheer-med coverage and pretty much one step. I mix mine in with a pump of moisturizer. and don't even worry about it getting on my brows and lips. It seems to make brow pencil stick better.
posted by flyingfork at 2:55 PM on March 17, 2018


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