Answers-The Make-up Edition

by Liz on July 20, 2009 · 58 comments

in answers,Beauty,M.A.C,Make-Up,reader questions,Sephora,YSL

Happy Tuesday!

Well, turns out I am not an alky! YAY! I’m just sick! Boo! But that makes me feel a little bit better because last time I checked a few margaritas didn’t make me feel like I got hit by a semi. I did want to get to some of your questions though…
There were A LOT of questions about my hair…which will be in my next post. You guys are HILARIOUS-I will share my secrets for va-va- volume and all you ever wanted to know about extensions…or “how the hell do I get my hair so big?” LOVE IT.

Today…some make-up questions I loved!

Amber at Life as We know It had a great question about primers-sorry if my answer is long! :)

“Is primer really necessary or worth the money? I recently bought one from Smashbox and I’m not noticing much of a difference in the staying power of my foundation or the appearance of my pores, which I think are supposed to be the purposes of using one. Is there’s a better one I can try or should I just skip it?”

I only use a primer before foundation if I’m working on a photo shoot OR if it’s going to be one heck of a long night. I don’t find primer necessary for everyday-if your make-up isn’t lasting through a normal day, it’s not the right one for you. Primers are also used as a form of color correction, but unless it’s an extreme case, I am not a fan of putting green on my or my clients faces, so always select the colorless option.

While Smashbox Photo Finish is very well known, Laura Mercier has a fab one, as does Make Up Forever. Also note-this primer isn’t going to leave a complete matte look, it’s intended to give the skin a bit of a glow. They also make one with a built in SPF here.

If your main goal with a primer is to get a matte, poreless effect, I would recommend that being the final step of your skincare routine instead. Clinique’s Pore Minimizer T-Zone Control provides a matte finish, minimizes pores, is affordable AND you can apply it over make-up as well for quick touch-ups throughout the day instead of cakey powder!

Aubrey at Made You Blush asked “What’s the best lipgloss that lasts without soaking into our luscious lips?”

Well, dolls…I come from M.A.C-land of the lipglosses, but I have to say I have yet to find a gloss there that lasts, isn’t sticky, has great color payoff or doesn’t get caught in my hair (my pet peeve.) A fellow make-up artist used Revlon Colorstay Liquid lipcolor, and I fell in lipgloss lurrve. I am always wary of long-lasting formulas, but I wore this all day and it didn’t pull a disappearing act, dry out my lips or feel annoying! It’s about $8 and they have tons of colors. I highly recommend you try this one out! Here it is in…Keep Blushing.

D at Dream Sequins asked, “Can you show us how to highight our eyes for a daytime look that is not too crazy or nighttime looking? I work in a conservative office, so I want my eyes to pop…but not look too crazy. (I will bring the crazy to the events after work, however.)” Um, love her. Ok…a couple things you can do…and one you should always do! -Eyeliner-instead of brown or black-use a very dark purple or green pencil. These will pick up the natural pretty sparkles in your eyes! The colors should be subtle…(That was the only picture available-I DO NOT recommend that color for a conservative office kthx) I like Sephora brand, the color selection is ahhmazing and they are only $5 so go crazy! Kristin are you proud of me? Oh, wait, but save the crazy for after 5pm! :)


-Always highlight the brow bone-I like M.A.C Shadesticks or Benefit Mr. Frosty. This will instantly open up your eyes and you can control how soft or heavy the highlight is. You can also run Mr. Frosty on the inner rim of the bottom lid and the inner corner of your eye to look even more awake! Suck it, Starbucks. Just kidding. I love you, latte…

-Always curl your lashes! Shu Uemura is the best! And then add an extra coat of mascara.

And lastly…my girls Kristen and Brooke asked about my fav foundations and concealers, respectively.

-M.A.C Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15-excellent coverage, not cakey, and I’ve been able to find a color that matches almost every skin tone perfectly. But as I’ve said before, foundation is per-son-al and there are so many deciding factors to consider. I know I’m making it sound like the most important thing ever…but I think we’ve all seen a bad foundation job. Just sayin.

-YSL Touche Eclat-It’s a legend and just a little wand of magic! Brooke was wondering about a concealer to wear without foundation and this is perfect. It’s a bit pricey, but so worth it.

Whewww…I hope this was helpful?! Sorry so long dolls, I wanted to be as thorough as possible and since we can’t just sit down and have coffee…you get to read a long ass blog. Tomorrow-HAIR! :)
XOXO, Liz
Oh and there will be more to come about the.hottest.guy.ever.
(images via sephora.com,maccosmetics.com, nordstrom.com, drugstore.com)
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{ 58 comments }

1 Penny July 21, 2009 at 1:18 am

Thanks for the good info – I'll definitely try the purple or green eyeliner,I think it will definitely change up my look a bit.

Can't wait for the hair edition (and news on the hot guy you've gotten yourself!)

xoxoxo

2 brooke July 21, 2009 at 2:10 am

hmmm…totally going to look for that concealer…it has been over 5 years since i've put liquid foundation on and i just cannot go back so yes i definitely need a trick that is okay with just powder…and speaking of…i need to look at those color choices we spoke about!!

get better NOW! i can't handle you being ill my dear! bums me out!!

3 janettaylor July 21, 2009 at 3:18 am

Great infos and hope U feel better Honey!

X♥X♥

4 The Haute-Shopper July 21, 2009 at 3:23 am

Great make-up advice! I've always wondered about primers myself. But I never had the desire to put even more on my face than necessary. Huge MAC fan as well (especially foundations, powders and lipglosses).

And I am eagerly awaiting any further hot guy stories ;-) I totally applaud the not putting all your eggs in on guy's basket by the way! Smart move girl!

5 ♥Aubrey July 21, 2009 at 4:31 am

Oh i'm BLUSHING!!! This gal is gonna get me some Revlon. Thanks doll for answering my question. You know if i lived close i'd stop on over and entertain you. Nobody likes being sick :( Til tomorrow…i'm eagerly awaiting hot-guy gossip.
{{Hugs}}

6 Alianna July 21, 2009 at 4:36 am

LOVE the Shu Uemura curler. It IS better than the drugstore brand that looks identical – It's so not! It's a bit pricey but definitely worth it!

Mac has a long-lasting lipstick that stays but if you happen to press your lips together it'll start to flake… not so pretty. I'll have to try the Revlon though. Thanks!

7 Jill Pilgrim July 21, 2009 at 4:59 am

Oh my God- I love you! Guess what I just ordered? Clinique Pore Minimizer T-Zone Shine Control- I've been looking for a product like this forever! You are my hero.

8 Love&Marriage July 21, 2009 at 5:12 am

I use the Smashbox photo finish and really don't see a difference either. Sorry to hear your fab self is sick! You can't make out with hot guy while your sick so get better fast!

9 BellaCene July 21, 2009 at 5:35 am

Oh you're fabulous! Thanks so much for sharing!

&&& I absolutely adore the scarf, bangles, and hair clips!!! I have to say the card was my favorite :) You are so sweet! It seriously made my day! I've been having some ups and downs lately so I put it on my fridge as a reminder to smile =)

Thanks so much lady!!!!

10 Sher July 21, 2009 at 5:46 am

Get well soon!

I use Smashbox Photo finsh ;)

11 Cee July 21, 2009 at 6:02 am

Great post! I'm totally due for a restocking trip to Sephora and I think I might give in and finally get the Shu Eumura curler because everyone has such raves reviews of it. I had the same question about primers, I bought the Smashbox one and it did nothing for me. :(

12 tanya July 21, 2009 at 6:03 am

what a fabulous post!! I'm going to RUN out and grab that revlon gloss. I hate sticky glosses. Can't wait to try it out :-) I don't know what I'd do without my YSL Touche Elcat. The stuff works wonders!

13 LBluca77 July 21, 2009 at 6:25 am

I have never tried MAC Studio Fix Fluid before. Now I really want to. Thanks for the tip. I have always just used drug store foundation (cover girl) and i like it but I feel like my skin is ammune to it. I need something new.

14 Whitney July 21, 2009 at 6:35 am

Oh my gosh – thank you for answering these questions! I have always wondered about primer!

15 Brown Girl July 21, 2009 at 6:43 am

I'm really glad you posted this because I've been needing to go get some new makeup. Looks like I'll be hitting up the MAC counter. Thanks!!

16 Ela July 21, 2009 at 6:43 am

Liz you're a whiz! You're the best! muah!!! I love your tips, I feel smarter now. LOL, I know it's *only* make-up but c'mon these are need-to-knows for us gals!
Can I call you Lizzy Whizzy from now on? Sorry, my neighbour's 4yr old called me Elly Welly now it's stuck in my head…

17 josie(bean) July 21, 2009 at 6:45 am

ahh thanks so much for this, you are wonders of help!! :)

18 Amber July 21, 2009 at 6:50 am

I see a make-up shopping trip in my near future! When JD asks why I'm shopping again, this time I can say, "Cause Liz says I NEED this!" Jk, I'll totally take the blame. Thank you so much for answering my question. You're so smart!

Oh and I don't think you realize how much your benadryl-induced comment made my day yesterday! Love it and you! Now I wish I could see the friend I remind you of! I'm pretty sure I don't know anyone as fabulous as you in real life. Just another reason I'm so glad we're bloggy friends. You make me smile every day :-) Have a good one, gorgeous!

19 ♥ H ♥ July 21, 2009 at 6:53 am

Thank you so much for all these tips!! And I too hate when my hair gets stuck in my lip gloss. Grosss!

I have no idea if The City is still on. I only watched to see Adam but I got bored with it! Lol!

20 S.Elisabeth July 21, 2009 at 7:27 am

Yay this was really helpful; it's so cool that you know so much about make-up!! I can't wait for the hair post.

21 The Socialite July 21, 2009 at 8:09 am

Why thank you so much make-up-sensei! hehe ;)

Will be checking out that lip gloss!

22 Kellie July 21, 2009 at 8:21 am

I will promptly be purchasing that lip gloss b/c I despise it when my hair gets stuck in my sticky lip gloss! :)

Hope you are feeling better soon luver! xoxo

23 RCaitlin July 21, 2009 at 8:25 am

Aww I hope you feel better! It seems a lot of people are sick lately…which is weird because it's summertime. Thanks for the make-up tips! Great as always :)

24 Hanako66 July 21, 2009 at 8:35 am

I'm so sorry you are not feeling well lovie!!! I love these tips, as always, and can't wait for the hair stuff!

xo

25 TheBeautyFile July 21, 2009 at 9:10 am

Hope you feel better…didn't know you did makeup, etc…{I never know anything about anyone!!} I am so into makeup…it's like nutty, but more of a passion than a profession. I agree with you about not needing primer everyday, in fact I think a great option is Bobbi Brown Vitamin base…it goes on soooo smooth and has the most pleasant smell in the world, like from heaven. I also LOVEEEE YSL Touche Eclat…have recommended it to ALL of my friends. The irony of it is that I am allergic to many preservatives in non US approved cosmetics, so I can't really use that product {but I sometimes do anyway…!} Great post. Let's collaborate on another makeup post in the future…this is my crack.

26 J-Diggety July 21, 2009 at 10:14 am

I will def need those eye-brightening tools when school starts back up this fall (read: no sleep!), so thanks!! And can't wait for your hair answers… :)

27 Couture Carrie July 21, 2009 at 10:30 am

Love this advice and all the products you featured, darling. My favorite bit was about highlighting the brow bone, which I always forget to do!

xoxox,
CC

28 b is for brown July 21, 2009 at 10:43 am

love love love you for this.

29 Kristin July 21, 2009 at 10:56 am

I AM proud of you! Fabulous deal. I hope you feel better soon! Get plenty of rest. My prescription is a pile of fashion mags, SATC dvds and OJ. : )

30 Allison July 21, 2009 at 11:10 am

I love your makeup post! Foundation is what kills me because I always tan and have to change colors.

I want to get some makeup primer. I'm all about makeup staying on.

31 WendyB July 21, 2009 at 11:13 am

It's all too complicated for me. Please just come to my house and do my makeup for me ;-)

32 Michelle July 21, 2009 at 11:32 am

Super helpful! Colorful eyeliner is just what I need to get out of a ridiculously endless makeup rut.

33 bananas. July 21, 2009 at 11:36 am

revlon colorstay lipgloss??? i'm thoroughly surprised. i'm a MAC gloss girl but shit is wayyy too sticky, ya heard! and shu uemura is the best ever!!! i've gone thru 2 b/c i stepped on my first one. in btwn i used a cheapy and my lashes looked like crapola. shu all the way! oh and i can't wait for the hair info. i'm in desperate need of help right now and your hair is UH-mazing! :)

34 lisa July 21, 2009 at 11:42 am

I like this feature! You're the only blogger/makeup artist I read, and this Q&A makeup post is a truly unique offering.

35 drollgirl July 21, 2009 at 12:01 pm

WOW WOW WOW!!!!!! this is super helpful! i was just reading all of these fashion mags about AGING and they are giving me complexes as i am turning 39 soon. blech. and i am thinking of switching from bare minerals to FOUNDATION (again). humph. maybe i'll try the mac! THE MAC! hahaha. i like the sound of that!

can't wait to see yer hair stuff manana. whee! big hair time! big hair BONANZA!!!!

36 Pop Champagne July 21, 2009 at 12:24 pm

Oooh I wanna try out the revlon colorstay then! Because as much as I love how the MAC's lipglass makes your lips all shiny it's way too sticky and I hate how my hair sticks to my lips sometimse when the wind blows!

37 AsianCajuns July 21, 2009 at 12:57 pm

Oh my gawd! That was a brilliant review. I'm a little short on the cash flow- but I will definitely try the revlon gloss- I've been looking for the perfect one.

And p.s. you write the sweetest comments on everyone's blog! Thank you! Hope you are feeling lots better!

38 Savvy Mode SG July 21, 2009 at 1:21 pm

what a great post. i can't wait to read about the hair… : )

39 Gabbi July 21, 2009 at 1:26 pm

I love all your tips! You're the second person to tell me they love YSL Touche Eclat. I definitely have to try now.

Holding breath till the hair post! :)

40 Shopaholic July 21, 2009 at 1:27 pm

Excellent tips as always. YSL Touche Eclat is my saviour!!!
Cannot actually wait for hair tips tomorrow. I want big hair, I want big hair *jumping up and down having a slight child like tantrum*

41 Lisa July 21, 2009 at 1:34 pm

Ohhhh,love all of the advice and tips! I use a lot of the products that you listed, and I agree that they are amazing! The Shu Uemura eyelash curler is one of the most essential beauty purchases! Can't wait to see some other Q&A's. :)

42 Patty Ann July 21, 2009 at 2:22 pm

ohh keep them coming! i'm such a make-up whore and i have the utmost respect for your opinion!!

43 Erienne July 21, 2009 at 2:52 pm

Oh my lord we have to be soul sistas…my biggest goal in life {ya know, aside from the whole marriage, family, well-paying job, being happy blah blah blah} is own a Chanel timepiece. I really want something from the J-12 series….and with diamonds haha. Simply to die for!

Get better soon my dear!

And fabulous make-up tips as always…now if only I had some moolah to go and purchase all of these ; )

44 OceanDreams July 21, 2009 at 2:54 pm

Wow, what wonderful information! I loved learning everything and am excited to try some of these new products in the future…Can't wait to hear more about the hair!!! Yay! Just sayin. ;) XO

45 Alicia July 21, 2009 at 4:27 pm

you are just a fountain of knowledge!!! i'm going to try and be daring and actually wear make up one day!! i'm going to so-cal next weekend so maybe i'll experiment there where my friends won't see me…lol!

46 E July 21, 2009 at 5:17 pm

I really like your suggestion for a night-time eye color look. Purple might be a fun one to try…

47 Melissa July 21, 2009 at 6:50 pm

As always I love your pearls of wisdom. Purple is great for eyes, especially if you have a some green in you eyes. The purple makes it pop!

48 Sal July 21, 2009 at 6:58 pm

I will have to look into that Revlon gloss … I am SO SICK of my gloss lasting approximately 47 seconds before fading away.

49 thefatandskinnyonfashion July 21, 2009 at 7:06 pm

sorry you were feeling sick.

50 Love&Marriage July 21, 2009 at 7:47 pm

I was doing my make up today and I realized that I needed to ask you a ? ! What is the best nude lipstick… like totally nude as if I were to put a little concealer on my lips…ya I have done that before but I want to find an actual lipstick!

51 Tiffany July 21, 2009 at 8:43 pm

fabulous tips! totally bookmarking and going to buy these on my next trip to sephora!

hope you are feeling better!

52 Kristen July 22, 2009 at 9:11 am

thanks for your reply! you are a doll!!! xoxox

53 Girl With The Golden Touch July 22, 2009 at 10:45 am

WOw…loved this….thanks :) x

54 Just Playing Pretend July 22, 2009 at 9:25 pm

I only wear make up to weddings which ends up being 4-5 times a year. When I decide to start wearing some make up you will be who I turn to first. For sure.

55 breanne July 23, 2009 at 11:14 am

i know you've talked about the moroccan oil before, not in this post..buttt..i was at my hair dresssers today and i saw it sitting there, so after my hair was washed, she put it in…wow, my hair is soo soft and fabulous, without being greasy!!! and it smells great too!

56 Skippy July 23, 2009 at 4:56 pm

these were some great tips! i hope you keep doing tips like these every once in a while :) weekly maybe? :D

57 Yet July 23, 2009 at 6:06 pm

Hello hello. Glad to see that you're better. I'm sure you'll fight your way back to the top and be feeling good as new!!

58 Sarah Lynn July 23, 2009 at 7:45 pm

Thanks for the tips! I have trouble with lipgloss or lipstick staying, so I'm definitely going to give the revlon colorstay liquid lip color thing a try. Hope you feel better!

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