Make-up help/suggestions

[XtremeNuisance]

Hello all!

I've been lurking on this forum, just kind of responding to random threads... but now I have a legitimate question.

I would really like to go all out with the make-up like some girls do. If not all out, then at least have some color on my face. :D I have three main problems though:

1) as an African American (and a really poor college student), it's hard for me to find make-up that will even show up on my skin. Everything pretty much looks white or non-existent on my skin. So any make-up brand suggestions?

2) I never really knew how to do much outside of the little itty bit of eye-liner as far as make-up goes. And I can't follow those youtube videos because I feel ridiculous doing so. Anyone have any make-up application suggestions? :)

and finally 3) I'm allergic to a lot of make-up. So things like Maybelline and Mary Kay (?)... I just can't wear them. I found out about Maybelline last night--my eye started watering up, itching, and swelling... it was terrible. And Mary Kay gives me a rash. So does anyone else out there in the world have sensitive skin allergies like I do and have any suggested brands?

Because of the lack of knowledge/not owning any eye shadow except for that expensive gold I bought, I have looked pretty bare-faced at competitions. I don't want the judges to think I'm not trying hard enough to get ready when there's really not much I can do (because by all that is good, I DO try! D:<). I would love to go into Ulta or Sephora or something, but they have so much perfume floating around that I can't be in there (I have an allergy to strong fragrances too. And I stay sick for a few days after).

So any help is appreciated!!!!!!!!!!! D:!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[samina]

MAC is a great line for competing, and would be excellent for your skin tone as the colors are very bold. my suggestion: go to the MAC counter at a high-end department store and explain your situation, ask for some help learning how to apply eye-liner and eye-shadow. get a make-over and see how your skin responds to the products, and make note of any products that have a benign effect.

go back again & again until you acquire the skill and product list you like & need! :)

and BTW... MAC has a great "gel" eye-liner that comes in a little pot, which you put on with a small brush. ask about that one... it really stays put, and goes on nicely, with precision.

for lips, that "colorstay" product has been unbeatable IME -- what is that, fasc...Revlon? i'm sure there must be a color that would work for your lip/skin tone, XN...

[middy]

Drugstore makeup brands that are supposedly hypoallergenic: Almay, Physician's Formula, Neutrogena. I haven't tried them myself but if they have colors in your range, might be worth looking into? For things like foundation, powder, blush - NOT eye makeup because it's not bold enough.

NYX is a great pigmented drugstore-price brand but can be hard to find in stores. I love it for eyeshadows. cherryculture . com has them and often on sale - the trios are especially helpful. I have been allergic to a few beauty products before and have no issues with this stuff. L'Oreal HIP eyeshadows are good as well, can't say whether or not they're hypoallergenic.

I agree with samina about Revlon lipsticks - good stuff. I like the Super Lustrous lipsticks and lipglosses. Maybe try a deep red or plum color?

Primer is key if you want eye makeup to show up - foundation or concealer + powder can work fine for primer, but things like Urban Decay Primer Potion are better, if you want to spend a bit more. They help with more intense color, less creasing, and lasting through a sweaty comp day.

makeupalley . com has a ton of reviews for any product you can think of, and if something is irritating to a lot of people it will show up here.

[New in NY]

I have horrible makeup allergies also, especially to eye makeup. The difficulty is that you don't know what it is you are allergic to - fragrance? one of the preservative ingredients? - so the only way is to experiment and suffer the consequences. I have had a lot of luck with Trish McEvoy cosmetics, but unlike the MAC suggestion above, their shades are great for every day but not comps. One thing I would suggest trying, and I have done it with both MAC and Trish McEvoy: go to the counter in a good dept. store and explain to the salesperson that you have unpredictable skin allergies. Have them makeup your full face, perhaps avoiding some of the "extra" products like the toners, primers, etc. Take the card of the salesperson who helps you and if you have no adverse reaction, go back the next day and buy the products. Now you have also befriended a salesperson who can help teach you how to better apply your makeup. BTW, I have found that most dept. store counters will accept a return of makeup that caused an allergic reaction if you go back to the store promptly. I do not have good luck with drug store cosmetics other than lipsticks and Maybelline mascara.

[fascination]

WRT allergies...i don't have a clue as to what to tell you about allergies...e but as to cost...the revlon colorstay lip is cheap...and lasts all day and then some...in many shades that would work for you...as far as foundation, IMO the key to a finished face is simply a good powder over your foundation, if you can find one that you can wear...and on the eye, I would think that any black liner and mascara that you could wear would be fine...the key is enough of it, and perhaps false lashes to get a good strong look...then a nice light color with shimmer for the brow and a deep vibrant color for the crease...that is all you need...the real key is that you be bold with amount and color...IMO, not the price...most folks that don't look finished on the floor just cannot make the jump from make-up that looks good close-up to STAGE make-up

[chachachacat]

As a person with sensitive skin, too, I have found that Clinique is good, especially around your eyes, like mascara. It's the original hypo-allergenic department store line since the 70's.

Also agree with much of the above - MAC counter, fasc's specific recommendations on what to use esp.

[sambanada]

More kudos for MAC

[dcharmd1]

I'm also a big MAC fan, I use their products for everyday wear and it also works great for comp events, I just use the more dramatic shades. I also like that they support recycling, you bring back 6 empty product containers and they give you a free lipstick. I haven't bought a lipstick in years!

[XtremeNuisance]

:D! Thanks everyone! That helped loads! I may go to some department stores next weekend and go ask around. I know I can wear Clinique--but I haven't bought anything from them in years. ><