Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with makeup

Avocado oil for dry skin?

thewalrus — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 21:50:12 -0800

Dry skin and Avocado oil: My wife has excellent results with with an Avocado oil based product designed to prevent dry and flaking skin on her face during winter. We bought a tiny bottle of it at the cosmetic department of a department store that cost 55 euros. After reading the ingredient list it seems a bit of a ripoff... So we went online and got a half litre size bottle of pure "cosmetic grade" Avocado oil on eBay from a cosmetics/oil seller with hundreds of 100% positive feedback, for less than twenty bucks. The tiny and expensive product is this:

Sans Soucis Deep Moist Depot

Reading the ingredients on the back of the bottle and the marketing copy, it says this:

"Deep Moist Depot’s unique formula allows mineral-rich algae extract and hyaluronic acid to penetrate rapidly into the skin without any added binding agents. Then, Vitamin E protects the skin against free radicals and enhances its ability to store moisture, while an organic silicon compound firms facial contours. Thermal spring water from Baden-Baden and pure avocado oil leave your skin naturally revitalized, soft, and supple"

The Sans Soucis bottle when it is unshaken appears to separate exactly like any oil and water, it's 50% avocado oil and 50% water. The vitamin E is already contained within the avocado oil, so I don't think that was an added ingredient.

If we take 250ml of the big eBay avocado oil, put it in a half empty 500 ml squeeze bottle and add 250 ml of bottled water, then keep it stored in the fridge, will we not have produced effectively the same product? Particularly I am wondering about the "hyaluronic acid". Various sources say that avocado oil is good for up to one year of storage, but any first hand experience on how long it actually lasts (at room temp or in a fridge) would be helpful too.

Where can I find a discontinued LUSH product?

runningwithscissors — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:16:07 -0800

Where can I find LUSH's discontinued Sweet Japanese Girl? LUSH's US stores have discontinued their Sweet Japanese Girl, and I want to scoop up as many bars of it as I can before it totally disappears. Questionable naming practices aside, I love this product's cleansing and exfoliating properties, and it's the only thing that clears my blackheads. Before using it, I'd never understood what "glowing skin" was.

It seems that LUSH's Australia stores are selling it (I linked to it above), but shipping costs make it out of my reach, financially. I've tried eBay and Makeup Alley swaps, and I'll hit up my local LUSH shop soon as well to see if they still have it in stock.

Do you know where I can find this product? Otherwise, are there comparable products out there? I've found this recipe online, but I'm not sure I want to make my own beauty products. I've also checked Etsy.

Cosmetology for dead people.

MaryDellamorte — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:45:58 -0800

Are you a mortuary makeup artist or know someone that is? I'm not trying to hastily make a job change, but I've always been interested in this and wanted to know more about it. What kind of schooling is necessary? How much does the schooling cost? How much do they make? What's the proper title for a mortuary makeup artist? I read an interview here which was somewhat informative but I want to know more.

Do I need new makeup now?

pyjammy — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:48:25 -0800

I was diagnosed today with a fever blister on my left eyeball. Do I need to get rid of my eye makeup? I went to the eye doctor today because of a stabbing pain in my left eye. It felt like it was scratched or had a grain of sand in it. Turns out, there's a tiny fever blister there. (Last time I had an outbreak was in 1992, and it didn't get into my eye, but was very close.)

I assume I will need to toss my contacts (which I last wore yesterday) but should I throw away any makeup I've worn on my eyes recently?

The worst loss is a brand new tube of Lancome mascara, but I can deal with that. I just wanted some opinions before I have to start over buying makeup.

(And should it be just eye makeup? Or all makeup?)

(And yes, I could ask my doctor, but office hours are over for today and it's not something I feel the need to call about.)

I want to look like Lady Gaga!

a.steele — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 14:57:42 -0800

Help me look like a drag queen from outer space! I'm going as Lady Gaga for Halloween and need hair, makeup, and costume ideas. [first question filter: I've kept up with Ask Me for months and have a laundry list of questions I'd like to ask. I thought I'd start with a fun one.]

I'd love any creative ideas or resources. Some examples here, here, and here. I need head-to-toe advice (wigs, makeup tips, diy clothing, websites that sell weird dresses and accessories, whatever you feel like might help).

A couple ideas I've thought of so far have been feather eyelashes, the lightning-bolt eyeshadow (a la David Bowie), and this cool mask I found. I'm at a loss for any clothing ideas and have only found one wig that looks acceptable.

I need the hivemind's help to look out-of-this-world fabulous!

Does this makeup make my face look big?

santojulieta — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:06:23 -0800

What kind of foundation should I use for my greasy forehead that doesn't = breakouts? I have mediocre skin that's pretty dry on my cheeks and pretty greasy on my forehead. I've been using Bare Escentuals mineral makeup as my foundation for a while, but it just doesn't last. And my forehead still looks shiny.

What kind of foundation can I use that will be nice and even, de-shine my forehead, and won't make me break out?

Looking for Changi Airport MAC makeup colour advice

Jubey — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:00:47 -0800

Looking for information about MAC cosmetics in Singapore, both about where to find certain products, what's available there and what colours might suit me. Hi, I'm based in Australia and here, MAC has a makeup palette you can customise. It comes with 4, 6 or 8 squares into which you can put a square of foundation, one of blush, your choice of eyeshadows etc. Basically you can mix and match.

Now my husband is coming through Changi Airport tomorrow night and can actually pick me up some duty free, so my first question is, is this customisable palette available at Changi Airport? MAC Sing website doesn't even list this store, or products so I can't call them and MAC Australia seem to be lost on the topic. (Australia also don't list it on their website but it's offered in store). If someone knows if it's available and can let me know in the next few hours that would be great.

2nd Part; Should this happen to be available, what colours should I get? I have dark brown hair, fair to medium skin (more fair, with yellow undertones) and light brown eyes. I'm after a few eyeshadows, a square of foundation, a blush and maybe a few shades of lipgloss/lipstick.

And is there any MAC product I can't do without... I already have liquid foundation.
Thanks for your help!

Why do women use black eyeliner on the bottom of their eyes?

espertus — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 18:37:59 -0800

Why do some women paint the bottom of their eyes with black eyeliner? I'm not talking about Goth women. These are women who are otherwise conventionally dressed, coiffed, and made up. I understand other make-up, such as mascara, lipstick, foundation, and blush, but do people really find dark eye bottoms attractive? They make me think of raccoons.

Help me identify/find this mysterious liquid eyeshadow!

emilyd22222 — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:02:10 -0800

Help me identify/find this mysterious liquid eyeshadow! I bought some eyeshadow from CVS several years ago. I had it in two shades of gold/brown- a light one and a dark one. It came in a tube with a rounded end. The tube was completely opaque and was the color of the makeup inside. The applicator worked by twisting one end of the tube, which would bring the makeup comes out of the other (spongy) end through a number of holes. It was about the consistency of lip gloss, maybe a little thinner, although not sticky or overly shiny like gloss. If it ever had a label/any sort of branding, it was on one of those plastic wrappers that you can peel off of the tube. I've checked CVS and Ulta with no success. I even looked in the lip gloss sections in case it was actually meant for the lips. I'm pretty sure it was a major brand like Revlon or Maybelline. Can anyone help?

Oily skin, Help!!

1Ariel1 — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:33:28 -0800

What makeup primer is good for oily/acne-prone skin? My forehead and nose seem to be oily within 3 hours after putting on makeup, it is very irritating. I have used blotting sheets in the past and actually think it makes the problem worse. The more I blotted the more oil that was produced. I started taking fish oil pills and that helped alot in the beginning but now slowly my oily skin is returning. I am also very acne-prone, most of my pimples are all concentrated on my forehead. Any other suggestions would be great!! Thanks.

Help me find websites that trade or sell gently used cosmetics.

scazza — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 12:06:08 -0800

Help me find websites that trade or sell gently used cosmetics. Found this thread from 2006; is there anything other than Makeup Alley? Ebay is not the best. I'm looking for a specific very expensive moisturizer. I saw that Makeup Alley has some bad reviews of this product and I wonder what those people did with what they had left. I'm not worried about sanitary issues, this has a very sanitary container.

Thank you!

Need a foundation that won't turn orange

IndigoRain — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:10:50 -0800

Recommendations for not-too-expensive foundation that won't turn orange on my very pale ivory skin? I am pale enough that I can usually buy foundation in one of the two lightest shades in any given line. My two most recent failures were Mary Kay's both full and medium coverage foundations. Both turn orange on me, no matter how lightly I try to apply them. Previously I'd been using CoverGirl something or other, with the same problem.

I do use concealer but I have severely dark blue/purple undereye circles, reddish old acne scars, and the occasional red pimple, so I have a lot of skin tone variation. I don't know if all these powdered "Bare Minerals" knockoffs (for example, L'Oreal's Bare Naturale) can handle that much coverage, and they seem to be messy (as in, you get powder everywhere).

I need something affordable too, so preferably something I can pick up in a drugstore or Wal-Mart, not something Sephora-exclusive. What doesn't turn orange on you?

Concealing undereye circles without highlighting undereye creases

pluckemin — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 18:21:50 -0800

How do I cover up my undereye circles without the concealer sinking into the skin creases and looking terrible? I have rather dark circles under my eyes. I always have. They aren't going anywhere. So I use concealer to cover them up.

The problem is that I also have creases (lines? wrinkles?) under my eyes. When I put concealer under my eyes, it inevitably either sinks into the creases so that I have light-colored lines under my eyes, or doesn't go into the creases at all so that I have dark-colored lines under my eyes. Either way, it makes the creases really noticeable and it doesn't look good. I've tried Googling for how to combine undereye concealer with wrinkles, but I haven't been able to find anything. Surely I'm not the only person with this problem?

I've tried liquids both very thin in consistency (Clinique Quick Corrector) and somewhat thick (Neutrogena 3-in-1 Concealer for Eyes, which even says it won't settle into fine lines). I've tried applying with my ring finger and applying with a small makeup brush. I set it with translucent pressed powder afterward. The closest I've come to success is mineral powder concealer, which looks very natural, but I haven't been able to get great coverage (the circles under my eyes are quite dark) and it seems to wear off very quickly. (I might be applying it incorrectly. Also, perhaps I am not supposed to be using mineral makeup right below my eyes?) I haven't tried that many different products or methods because I don't have much money or time to spare for such things and because every time I walk into a Sephora I break into a cold sweat.

People who have had similar problems and/or makeup artists: please tell me what kind of concealer I should be using (liquid? the kind that comes in a little tub? powder?) and how I should be applying it. Describe as though you were explaining it to a three-year-old who for some reason wears makeup. I guess I'd also welcome advice on getting rid of the lines under my eyes, but I have a feeling those are here to stay.

Possibly relevant facts: I'm female. I'm in my mid-twenties. I have very pale, thin skin that's dry in most places but I think a bit oily under my eyes. I don't use foundation. I do use a moisturizer with SPF, but not directly under my eyes. I'd prefer not to spend too much money. I've been wearing makeup to some extent for the past 8 years but for some reason I am still completely clueless and I have no idea if I'm doing it properly. I have really nice blue eyes that are probably my best feature, so I'd like to resolve this issue. I'm a little ashamed that I just wrote that much about makeup, but there you have it.

Is cosmetic surgery my only option?

Anonymous — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 09:54:31 -0800

How can I camouflage hooded eyes? I am a white girl in my early thirties with hooded eyes. This makes me look like I'm angry all the time, even when I'm not. When I smile, I look even weirder. I cannot afford botox or blepharoplasty at this time, but I can drop ~100 usd on makeup. I need to know what makeup to buy and how to apply it to minimize my permascowl.

Makeup lessons in San Francisco?

otherwordlyglow — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 09:25:01 -0800

Where should I go in San Francisco to learn better techniques for make-up application? I'm preparing for a special event and I'd like to look my best for it. I'm not particularly keen on hiring a makeup artist to do my makeup for the actual event but I'd love to go somewhere and have someone make recommendations for what would look good on me and show me how to do it myself. At 40 years old, and a good 25 years of makeup experience, you'd think I would have this figured out but I guess I don't feel like I'm great at doing my own makeup. I like to look pretty natural most of the time and can do a fairly good job at that but for this event, I'd like a little more drama while ensuring that I don't look like a clown.

Can I just show up at any makeup counter or do I have to hire someone to give me lessons? Beauty schools? Of course, I'd rather not pay a whole lot but I'm totally willing to buy a bunch of new products, if I think they'll work for me. Currently, I use mostly Clinique, MAC, Prescriptives, and a collection of drug store brands.

Recommendations for San Francisco are really appreciated.

Best Value at Sephora

amicamentis — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 08:59:12 -0800

Ladies – Which Sephora products are really worth it? I was given a gift card for my birthday, and would like to use it to purchase some makeup or other girly things that are a higher caliber than what I am used to.

Question: what products are available there that are worth every penny?

My makeup regime consists of light powder, eyeliner + mascara, and occasionally eyeshadow. I apply lip gloss during the day but have not given up on the idea that someday I might find a great lipstick.

I know that Sephora carries other commodities (skincare, perfume), but those are usually much more expensive and I don’t want to spend a crazy amount above what will be covered with the gift card, which has about $50 on it.

On the flip side, are there any tools or products that are available at Sephora but definitely not worth the price? Or is it all subjective? I live in NYC, by the way, so the stores carry a fuller range.

You never get a second chance to make a first impression

hollygoheavy — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:48:16 -0800

I'm flying next month and want to look amazing when I get off the plane. Usually I don't really think about how I look when I fly and look presentable but definately casual - this time someone new is picking me up and I want to look great coming off the plane. I have no problem with the outfit, it's not looking haggard coming off a flight with a 3 hour layover in Charlotte. What are you best practices for looking great while traveling?

To go with the blue hair?

FuManchu — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:01:43 -0800

Why is blue eyeshadow so common? Blue eyeshadow seems to be, by far, the most common non-skintone eyeshadow. Why blue? All searching provides are judgement calls on whether it is still fashionable to wear it.

Is there some apocryphal origin, at least? Most standard makeup seems to be in shades that are already natural -- even clown-red lipstick. But natural blue eyelids I haven't seen.

Please help me scratch this itch.

DatingFilter: Love making out with her, hate wearing her makeup afterwards. God help me.

littlelebowskiurbanachiever — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 11:28:53 -0800

DatingFilter: Love making out with her, hate wearing her makeup afterwards. For the love of God, please help me. Question from the girl I'm dating who is newly initiated to MeFi:

How do I keep my makeup from rubbing off on the guy I am dating? Not only do I end up rather makeup-less after a make out session, but he ends up with the make up ALL OVER his face. Any tricks to help the makeup stay where it belongs... on me?

I use Bare Escentuals mineral make up. The foundation is mostly the problem. Despite their claims that this won't "rub off" on anything... it totally does. Specifically my man. (But also my cell phone and sometimes clothes).

I really love Bare Escentuals, I don't want to change my makeup... besides I've never really found any other makeup that really stays put through a makeout session. Does anyone have any tricks or tips as to how to make it more durable. My man ends up with my makeup ALL over his lips and nose... and while I think its plenty funny, its not a good look for him... not only cause he's a guy, but because our skin tones are different and it is quite obvious.

(ed. note: I don't really hate having her makeup rubbed off on me as much as I pretend to. Still, let's keep the advice coming, people.)

How do we hide extensive tattoos under makeup?

elendil71 — Thu, 29 May 2008 19:15:23 -0800

PerformanceArtMakeupFilter: Asking for a friend who needs advice on full body cosmetics over extensive tattoos. A buddy of mine is going to be in an amateur performance art piece that will involve him being covered in body makeup (think Blue Man Group) but he has extensive tattoos (full sleeves etc) and the makeup he's tried doesnt quite hide his art and sort of melts off under hot lights. Any suggestions for professional makeup that will hide his tats and survive a vigorous physical performance? My google-fu was inconclusive as to what brand names to recommend and whether it can be obtained online (or locally) in a relatively brief period of time.

Aging makeup for film.

es_de_bah — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 23:34:09 -0800

How do I age someone for a film? Looking for something relatively cheap/easy. We don't have any proper makeup experience. Looking for supplies, techniques and tips. Thanks!

Help me decide how much I'm worth per hour

tosteka — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:05:49 -0800

How much does a Clinique counter manager earn in a department store? My ex wants to know how much she can ask to get paid for managing five employees at a clinique counter in a Madison, WI high-end department store. She took a personality profile and the interviewer seemed very keen to hire her because she matched up with the most successful counter managers in the organization. So much so that they want her for management, and not as what she thought she was applying for, which was just an entry-level position. But they want to know what her salary requirements are, and she doesn't want to sell herself short, nor scare them off. They say the commissions add about $3/hr to her base hourly rate, but what should she ask for? She's really good at sales, and would be very credible in this type of position because she's a girly girl who loves makeup and stuff. On the other hand she doesn't have any management experience.

Is a life without makeup in my future?

notjustfoxybrown — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 09:49:49 -0800

Foundationfilter: Ladies, have any of you had success clearing your skin for good by foregoing foundation of any type? After three months, my nightly use of Retin-a is showing good results. My skin's smoother, pores tighter and breakouts have been reduced. However, I'm still getting pesky little blackhead breakouts on my forehead and cheeks but notice them only in the evening, after a full day with makeup on. I'm thinking of going without foundation for a few days to determine if that might be the cause of the problem. (Right now, I'm using StudioTech, the only one of the MAC foundations that comes in a shade I can wear ... but I have tried them all.)
This is huge for me. I'm one of those women who doesn't go to the mailbox without at least some lipgloss.
I know that many people claim that an oil-free makeup won't cause acne but I just can't believe this is completely true. Mineral makeup is not an option for my dark skin and I still think it's another marketing gimmick.
So, questions are:
1) Did going sans makeup help your skin?
2) What are some other tricks I might try to fake the even-toned skin look without foundation? How do I keep the oilies at bay? (I've heard many makeup artists recommend a bronzer to help evening tone.)
For the record, I wash my foundation brushes and buy multiple powder sponges and change them fairly regularly.

I'm pretty on the inside, now let me advertise.

Phalene — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:14:39 -0800

Image Management: 21 year old female wants to be able to ease into the girly arts without killing her bank account, with near zero starting knowledge. (May be long, this is several questions around one theme) Okay. I'm an extremely pale natural dark brunette with long hair and (mostly) dry skin. Growing up, my female role models were all either furry legged feminists or long dead monarchs, and that plus Aspergers means I missed that giggly stage girls go through where they mysteriously transform into being able to do hair, makeup and wardrobe from playing 'Warrior Princess'.

I think I have the fashion component nailed down; my youthful over exuberance with gothy duds, and later, plain middle-aged lady gear having been modulated with age appropriate tees, and carefully selected skirts and blouse combos. I have staples and a unique style and all is good. I'm even wearing the right bra size.

But hair, makeup and skin maintenance is something I don't get very well. I've noticed a huge improvement after I started professional brow waxing. The doctor fixed my pimples and contact lenses freed me from the prison of glasses. And yet, I'm either stubbly or razor burned, raspy fleshed like a lizard. Made up, I overdo it in the wrong way, the colours don't blend, I use products for the wrong thing and my cosmetics flake off.

I can't blow dry, or style hair well. My hair has a curl that rarely, when the oil consistency is right and the planets are aligned, falls in gorgeous shiny waves, but more likely either puffs into curls or hangs in waves with an aura of loose frizz on top. Curlers, irons and products are confusing artefacts of an alien civilization. I want more of the shiny waves and I’m even greedy enough to someday want to have choice in my hair texture like (gasp!) straightening.

At the moment I live in the middle of nowhere, so no major brands like Lush, MAC and Sephora are available except online. I have a credit card and I can purchase touted products, but not in bulk volume and high prices. I don’t know what girls are supposed to have in their makeup bag or what gear (brushes, sponges, removers) to invest in.

I want to be able to style my hair for formal events, class and office-y type work; remove body hair without bleeding or paying a fellow human being my entire weekly income to yank it out; stop flaking skin with a moisturizing product that works and find a means of gentle exfoliation; and do the makeup. The range of makeup mastery I wish to eventually achieve shapes this latter desire. I want something similar to what I’ve said about hair looks, that runs the gamut to that subtle glow my fellow female classmates paint on to impress each other, to office worthy war paint and the capacity to create great going out looks. This especially refers to eye makeup.

I’ll take any wisdom mefi can throw, but to get your magnificent hive mind warmed up, how about links to websites with excellent how tos; names of good guide books; product names that a starving student might be able to afford; helpful tools to build my arsenal; stories of how you (or females you know) do the girly routines, pro-tips for application and/or cautionary tales?

I like my pimples and my hunchback, thanks.

divabat — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 07:18:12 -0800

Satisfying my inner fashion maven: Is it possible to experiment with style & fashion without getting caught up with its superficiality? I've never been the sort to care about how I look. I rarely use beauty products for more than a few months at a time (I may try, and then totally forget or just not bother), and I don't really have a set style when it comes to clothes. Mostly it's "stuff that fits me". There are certain cuts/colours/things that I like, but there isn't a style that screams "divabat" - unlike some of my friends, where I could look at an outfit and say "Oh, that's so X". I also don't understand the point of makeup - while I find dressing up as a character/someone totally not me quite fun, I don't see why I need makeup to look more like myself.

Lately, though, I've been toying around with the idea of getting into style and fashion and actually think about the things I wear and how I look. I have been over-emphasizing my brain and spirit and personality, to the point that I don't give a damn about my body or how I look, as though it was meaningless. That might be not totally healthy. However, I also have the following influences pushing at me:

(a) my close group of friends in university (we're a group of 4 that hang out every week) all being fashion and beauty-conscious
(b) my parents always telling me to "look after your skin!!" and "you need to lose weight!!" and "why can't you be more conscious about fashion??"
(c) Noticing that I'm not being taken as seriously for things or that I'm not immediately noticed in a crowd compared to most others because I'm not conventionally "attractive"

The fact that those seem to be my main reasons are discouraging me from delving further into style/fashion/beauty. However, I still have images of me being a style maven, rocking out a certain specific outfit and haircut (for some reason my inner fashion diva thinks she's a Mod), getting oohs and aahs for always being so stylish and put-together.

I can appreciate outfits that look nice, and it may be fun to play around with clothes. However, I don't want to end up splurging on useless makeup or fashion magazines with no substance, or worry about my weight to the point of eating disorders (I already have to cope with depression as it is), or supporting industries that demean women and discriminate against certain races and characteristics.

Is it possible to play around with style but not get caught up in the superficial? Is there a way to investigate fashion without worrying about what's "in season"? (Seriously, who decides those things? What does it matter if purple is in or not?) Is is possible to be like the folks that end up in the indie magazines or on The Sartorialist and still have an active brain and social conscience? Can one shave or wear makeup without falling into the trap of "you're being sucked in my the patriarchy!!!"?

If so, how do I start? Assume I know nothing about style and fashion.

(sorry if this is getting rambly. I am trying to explain this the best way I can.)