Girls, can I get a woot? I love it when we share our collective makeup knowledge to help each other out. Reader Jess could use a little of our makeup TLC.
Hi Karen,
I always read your blog and love how interactive you are with your posts.
I had a question. Do you have any advice on what type of makeup to wear to graduate school? I am a vet student and have to look professional and not done up since I will probably be doing some nongraceful work with animals.
Also nothing too smudgeable… wrangling cats is harder than it appears. I need to do something new with my makeup routine, which now consists of powder, mascara and chapstick.
Thank you,
Jess
Hey there, Jess! Congrats on grad school. Even though Tabs detests trips to the vet, I appreciate everything they do to keep him healthy and happy.
How Tabs looks when I tell him he’s going to the vet…
When it comes to conservative, workplace-friendly makeup, my rule of thumb is to stick to subtle colors, finishes and textures — nothing too bright, glittery or glossy. The idea is to look pulled together (as opposed to flashy) and to wear makeup that lasts.
Here are a couple quick ideas…
Face
Powder to cut down the shine. You mentioned that you already wear powder. That’s great. If your skin’s in good shape, and you’re happy with your powder, then stick with it. Powder evens out your skin tone and cuts down on shine.
Now, if you have any red patches on your skin and would like something you can also wear to dinners or professional events, consider picking up a tube of tinted moisturizer to wear beneath your powder.
I really like Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer ($42) because it provides light-to-medium coverage and builds easily. Stila’s Sheer Tinted Moisturizer With SPF 30 ($36) and Becca Luminous Skin Colour ($42) are good, too.
Eyes
First, add some color. Clinique makes a fab long-wearing cream shadow called Quick Eyes Cream Shadow ($15) that’s easy to apply and lasts all day long. I’m a big fan.
From top to bottom: Sparkling Nude, Lucky Penny
I like Sparkling Nude (a shimmery pinkish champagne) and Lucky Penny (a shimmery bronze). Both can brighten up tired eyes in a pinch.
The ladies love Heather!
Other cream shadows I like: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow in Heather ($22) and Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in Birthday Suit ($19).
Next, define your eyes with a long-wearing gel eyeliner. When I need liner that lasts, I turn to MAC Fluidline ($15) and Laura Mercier’s Flat Eye Liner brush ($25).
Fluidline can look intimidating in her pot, but she’s actually really easy to use once you get the hang of it.
For work, I like either Blacktrack (a matte black) or Dip Down (a matte brown) in either a crisp line along the upper lash line or smudged around both the upper and lower lashes.
Finally, curl and add mascara. Consider splurging for the legendary Shu Uemura Lash Curler ($15). I think it really is worth all the hype it gets.
One last thing — get your brows in gear. Good brows can make a huge difference by helping to frame your face. Consider getting them waxed or plucked by a professional, or have a trusted friend help out.
Fill in the sparse parts with a powder shadow like MAC Concrete, Cork or Omega using a MAC 266 Small Angled Brush ($18.50).
Cheeks
Color your cheeks with cream blush. I love The Multiple Orgasm ($37; I know… The name is totally funny) cream blush by NARS.
It’s a shimmery peachy pink that many people consider universally flattering. I like to apply it with the Sonia Kashuk Flat Top Blush Brush ($15), but fingers work great, too.
Lips
Get yourself a neutral lipstick. I prefer lipstick over gloss in professional settings because I think it’s a bit more conservative. And if you’re going to be working with animals, with fur flying all over the place, you don’t want stuff sticking in your gloss (gross!).
Fergie Ferg, MAC Viva Glam spokesperson, and Viva Glam VI
The MAC Viva Glam Lipsticks ($14) are great. Like NARS Orgasm, the Viva Glam shades are also considered universally flattering. There are six Viva Glam shades; Viva Glam V (a shimmery neutral pink) and Viva Glam VI (a creamy pinkish purple) are my favorites.
Time issues
Obviously, you’re going to be busy with school, so you won’t always have time to do everything. Just adjust to fit your schedule. Doing everything listed above can take from five to 15 minutes.
If you have…
- 15 minutes: Tinted moisturizer and/or powder, eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, blush and lipstick
- 10 minutes: Tinted moisturizer or powder, eyeliner, mascara, blush and lipstick
- 5 minutes: Tinted moisturizer or powder, mascara and lipstick
Girls, what advice can you give Jess to help her look put together in grad school? 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Beth says
One thing I’d add is the “bright eyeshadow in inner corners of the eyes” trick. It’s not noticeable, and it can mean a world of difference on the morning after a long day or night. I go with a very pale beige, light grey or even white eyeshadow (but then I have very pale skin), and a quick fingertip swipe to both eyes takes 5 seconds.
Tali says
No strong lips unless you see others wear it
Red-lips can be too much and too distracting
Tali´s last blog post..Croatian cosmetic discoveries
Karen says
Hi Tali,
Good tip! Plus, red can be so high maintenance…
christine says
I think it’s important to look polished, so yea, definitely no bold lips and bright eyeshadow lol! I’m in grad school too; what I like to do is just make sure that my skin is even and smooth. Throughout the day, I like to mist my face to keep it fresh…and definitely have some blotting sheets on you! I make sure that my eyebrows are maintained and filled in; curling your lashes and wearing mascara is a must (b/c it helps you look more awake and refreshed). For cheeks, I just use a matte natural-flush colored blush (i.e., Bobbi Brown blush in ‘slopes’). The few times I wear eyeshadow, it’s neutral and not shimmery.
Karen says
Hi Christine,
Thanks for these great tips. 🙂 What are you studying, and when do you graduate?
Veronica says
Great tips, Karen. I’m in a somewhat similar situation – I work as an engineer in a factory so I need to look pulled together but not over the top. Also, it can get really warm on the factory floor (110+, really!) so nothing that will melt. For lips, I sometimes put lipstick on in the morning, but during the day I tend to default to my tinted lip balm since it’s so much easier to reapply on the go.
Karen says
Hi Veronica,
Holy wow, that’s hot! 🙂 Hmm, have you ever heard of blotting papers? I really like those when the weather heats up. They cut down the shine without adding any product to your face. Both Shiseido and MAC make good ones. They might be nice to keep at your desk when the factory gets warm.
Glosslizard says
When I want to look fresh and polished, but not made-up, I wear a sweep of a light, neutral cream shadow across the lids (I like Benefit Creaseless Creme shadow in RSVP or Birthday Suit), some smudge-proof mascara (Chanel Exceptionnel or Max Factor Lash Perfection) and a touch of blusher or bronzer on the cheeks (I have no real true loves here based on texture, but for staying power I’ve heard great things about Tarte’s cheek stain). I finish off with a sheer, non-sparkling gloss for subtle but “finished” lips (I love Chanel Glossimer in Sundress or one of Stila’s lovely lip glazes). If my complexion needs a bit o’ help, I also reach for the Laura Mercier!
Good luck, Jess, and congrats on getting into vet school! 🙂
Karen says
Hi Glosslizard,
Thank you for these tips… LOL, we have a lot of the same makeup tastes. 🙂
LayLa says
black liner never goes wrong or
if is to harsh for you do liner
but with eyeshadows the work
wonders, i also work on a office
and nothing flashy or glittery.
Karen says
Hi LayLa,
Thanks for this tip! You’re right, black liner always looks timeless.
Shiny says
I like Bobbi Brown lipsticks because they come in pretty tame colors, which is great for a professional setting and are also long lasting. I find that with a little liner I can get it to last for much of the day. I’m in grad school and I know it varies, but in my experience you usually don’t need to look any nicer than in your undergrad. Still it is a good excuse to get to buy some nice new stuff 🙂
Congrats on getting into veterinary school
Karen says
Hi Shiny,
Do you also use Bobbi Brown liner? I’ve never tried hers before.
BTW, when are you graduating?
Karen B says
My daily routine is: concealer (sometimes also as an eye base just to look more awake), eyeliner (I love fluidline, but it still takes me a tad too long to be done in 5 minutes so I use technakohl in brown now) and mascara.
Also I love my blush as I’m pretty pale and it gives me some colour.
YadiQ says
heres my “i need to look clean and need to run out the door to work” look
quick brow fill in, highlighter on the eyelids i use nars albatross in the corners of the eyes and under the brow bone, quick brown eyeliner like urban decay 24 -7 in bourbon, a pinch of concealer under eyes to look awake set with powder and swipe of mascara finsih off with a nice warm stain on the lips topped with lip balm!
hope this helps – i am always trying to find ways to feel put together cause i am always running on a new york minute!
Karen says
Hi YadiQ,
Ah! The Urban Decay 24/7 is so fab. Definitely a great liner for those rushed days. 🙂
nina says
I feel you on the ‘new york minute’!!! I have my standard six minute face which I pretty much use every day (I work in an office, but it doens’t matter; work, play…if I have more time I will play around with shades more but this is my standard)– concealor, tinted moisturizer, set with a bit of powder (if my skin & lips look good I feel polished, fill in my brows, a light shimmery pink or dark purple eyeshadow, eyeliner (how thick of a line I draw depends on the outfit/mood), a swipe of diorshow followed by a curlin of the lashes w/ my beloved shu eye lash curler, followed up with another swip of masacara, and some blush & bronzer. For lips, I use a lip stain followed by gloss. It sounds like alot, but I don’t actually use much product..I am 24 so I feel sometimes less is more 🙂
Karen says
Hi Nina,
I agree with the less is more. 🙂 Thanks for these tips!
Chrissa says
I teach at a college, so I need a pretty neutral face all day, and nothing that is high maintenance to reapply.
For eyes, Too Faced primer with a neutral shimmery taupe (my fave is Finch by Cargo Plant Love).
Blush is Lorac in Desire (pale bright pink with gorgeous silver sheen).
Lips are Bobbi Brown lip tints (gloss in a tube). They have SPF (always good to have), and are light enough to reapply without a mirror, keep your lips soft, but definitely not sticky.
Definitely curl the lashes and add mascara. Heck, that alone will make a big difference.
Congrats on vet school!
Karen says
Hi Chrissa,
Thanks for these tips. What subject do you teach?
TaLaisa says
I have no advice myself, as I stay home with my little boys right now. I’ve been known to attend a PTA meeting with a wash of purple eye shadow before. But I am going to be going off to work soon, in an office setting and really appreciate all the good tips.
I adore stila’s tinted moisturizer. I’m going to have to add fluidline to my wishlist.
TaLaisa´s last blog post..Happy Valentines
Sarah says
Hey Jess – are you in grad school or vet school? just curious which school you’re going to…i like karens five minute face; has pretty much become my everyday face 🙂
Melissa Street says
My advice is to invest in a great palette like Tricia Sawyer Beauty’s Essential Palette – it is a quad palette with 4 essential colors you can use on eyes, cheeks, brows (liner, eye shadow, blush, contour, highlight). They are very neutral and very matte. I agree with Karen when she says to shy away from glitter in the board room (save that for the Night Clubs). You could also try Eve Pearl’s Eye Shadow compacts – there are 6 eye shadow colors in each compact – 3 matte shades, 3 shimmer shades (not glitter). You can create several looks with that compact.
Hope this helps!
Melissa Street´s last blog post..Last Looks!
Shiny says
I use Sephora brand liner because I’m a little too po’ to be buying both lipstick and liner from Bobbi Brown.
I’ll be done in August 🙂
Victoria R. says
Awesome tips Karen! I love how thorough you are- you make it really easy for a girl to find her way around the makeup counters which can be a bit overwhelming at times!
Personally, I work in an office where I could be at my desk all day or end up out in the community working with people directly. I also never know if a high profile person will come walking in the office so I always have to look put together.
I don’t have a lot of time in the morning so before I run out the door I always put on a tinted moisturizer and pressed powder on top. Then I darken in my eyebrows with powder, sweep on a neutral eyeshadow with a slightly darker eyeshadow in the crease. I then put on a coat of mascara and I NEVER leave the house without some black eyeliner. I really like CoverGirl’s perfect point plus eyeliner because it’s a foolproof line so i don’t have to worry about how thick or thin it is… its seriously perfect everytime.
I will usually line my lips with a neutral liner and put a matte lipstick or tinted chap stick on and i’m out. It all takes me under 10 minutes!
Chrissa says
I teach biology, and I was in grad school for 7 years. I’m coming off my makeup drought. 🙂
ines says
i try to look put together and strong.
face: light dusting of the powder of your choice to set, with concealer in red spots/shadows.
eyes: highligher (try nars multiple copacabana) under brow bone and a neutral shadow (i like bobbi brown champagne quartz, heather mauve & MAC jest – gives just enought depth without appearing made up). curl eyelashes and apply mascara (try blinc kiss me volumizing mascara – 0 smudging). if i want to look really sharp, i rim my eyes with liquid eyeliner (like l’oreal lineur intense with brush tip) – make it thin and subtle, so it appears softly defined. liquid also prevents racoon eyes.
cheeks: i skip it entirely (a flush is not exactly “strong,” i find it more girly), or apply the same highlighter (again, copacabana) on the cheekbones and put a pink based brown in the hollow (bobbi brown bahama brown or stonewashed pink), so it looks super-sculpted.
lips: i find lip gloss too sexy and pink shades of lipstick too bubblegum/girly. i either go with a neutral/nude lip pencil topped with a flesh pink/nude pink lipstick, or go for a superdefined red. i stay away from frost and glitter; same goes for too matte – i like a moist semimattte finish. try l’oreal tawny layered over NARS sex machine velvet matte lip pencil or the same lipstick with bobbi brown pale pink lipliner. for a red – i like the staying power of NARS matte lip stain gloss in indian red, with jungle red lipliner. this red is very red, but not too bright.
don’t be scared of red lipstick! because you have to wear less makeup on the rest of your face it will actually have a strange minimalist effect…
Amanda says
Hey Karen (and Jess)-
Looks like Tabs is rocking some fierce eyeline in that photo. 🙂
My thoughts on professional makeup is “polished”, which for me is perfect skin (use whatever combo of tinted moisturizer, foundation and/or powder you have time for, or need for), soft pink cheeks (no shimmer-I love nars dolce vita), “my lips but better” lipstick, and simple eye makeup in the skintone/taupe-y/champange/light brown or pinks family. I usally skip eyeliner (I’m lucky to have BIG eyes, and mascara alone gives me enough oompy to look polished but not overdone).
For Jess some specific tweaks I would suggest are:
invest in a lipstain (I like stila’s cherry crush)…then you can apply once in the morning and have color all day. you can use your chapstick or even a tinted lipbalm throughout the day as needed. I second glosslizard’s rec of tarte cheek gel stains-you can find one that makes you look like you are glowing from within, and again the stain will last hours and hours. For eyes you can do a quick wash of a neutral, low shimmer eyeshadow, CURL lashes and add mascara. The only other thing you might need is some undereye concealor-you will have late nights/early mornings as well as being at the hospital at all hours. Hope that helps.
ines says
ps – other “better than the real thing” flesh-pinks to try for the workplace:
benefit silky finish lipstick in rocket pop or skinny dip
MAC lipstick in please me or kinda sexy or cosmo
if you don’t like lipstick go for a tinted balm:
MAC tinted lip conditioner in petting pink
benefit rush hour
bobbi brown creamy lip color in pink buff
NARS lipstick in dolce vita
NARS lip stain in sayonara
NARS sabrina lip balm
NARS velvet matte lip crayon in bahama, belle du jour and dolce vita.
Rachel says
For Jess:
At an active job, I would wear something to even out my skin tone like tinted moisturizer or moisturizer and concealer. You said you wear powder, so that’s fine. I might add a little blush or bronzer to my cheeks depending on what you like. To try something new for eyes maybe I’d try a waterproof, hopefully budgeproof liner in black or an interesting but neutral color like navy, purple, bronze or olive. I think Mally Roncal makes a gel liner, Bobbi Brown makes one and there’s some types at the drugstore like Loreal Wear Infinite is supposed to be waterproof and smudgeproof. I’d stick with what works with the mascara, you could try an eyelash curler for an added pop. I might pick up another lip balm or gloss that has a touch of neutral color like AlbaTints or something like that, but maybe not. I do love chapstick!
heidi says
Liquid luminizer is my new best friend. It brightens my face and gives me that ‘glowy’ look that’s so coveted these days. I use Pout’s liquid luminizer and I mix it with my sunscreen. Try it! 🙂
Faye says
Bobbi Brown Shimmering Nudes eye shadow palette is a fantastic professional look. Don’t let the name fool you — it doesn’t show up really shimmery, just as a nice neutral palette that brightens your eyes but is hardly noticeable as makeup.
If you’re fair like me, Jess, YSL Pure Rouge Lipstick in #24 is a perfect natural nude-pink.
Catherine says
I love your tips. I feel like my everyday routine is very similar. I’m still an undergraduate student, but I work in a department admin suite and a lab, so I want to look fresh and professional every day. For me, it’s usually:
sunscreen
concealer (mostly for dark circles)
EDM semi-matte mineral foundation (really recommend this -it’s fast, easy and light to medium coverage and sets oilier products, like my sunscreen)
eyelid primer
brow powder
second eyelid primer
blush
wash of eyeshadow w/ outer corner color
curl lashes + mascara
liner
If it’s a good day and I’m awake, all of this takes me ~15 minutes. I don’t apply lip products ’till after breakfast, which is usually after my first class of the day, lol.
I feel like I’ve really optimized the setting/drying time of all my products. If I’m rushed, I’ll skip the eyeshadow. If I’m super, super rushed, I’ll just curl my lashes, apply mascara and a pop of blush to my cheeks and stash my eyeliner pencil and brow powder in my purse.
I think on my bad days, opening up my eyes and putting a little color on my face really, really makes the biggest difference.
Catherine´s last blog post..butterflies and shooting stars
Nicole says
Like the other teachers who left comments I too keep it pretty neutral. Especially since I teach high school and I’m still pretty young, the makeup helps point me out in a crowd. Some of my favorites to keep it simple are…
–Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner in Bourbon (you guys are totally on the money! It’s a must!)
–Everyday Minerals foundation in Medium Tan (I like original glo formula)
–Mascara (Zoom Lash by Mac or any of the popular drug store brands)
–Filled in eyebrows (I use the Anastasia eyebrow kit for brunettes)
–Mac Cream Colour Base in Hush (I recently started using this because I found it at Costco for $6.97! They also have Antique Gold and Bronze for that price so if you’re near a Costco check it out!)
If time permits, I try to do my eyes. Karen, you give great eyeshadow recommendations. My favorite combo lately has been Mac Arena (light wash of color with a 224 type eyeshadow brush) with Mac Soft Brown in the crease. It’s easy and full proof and very effortless! That or if I’m really lazy just a light wash of Mac Woodwinked.
Nicole´s last blog post..One is the loneliest number.
Anna says
Just FYI, Stila makes an absolutely fab gel liner. It comes in about 6 basic colors (I have it in black) and although it doesn’t say, I’ve found it to be waterproof and budgeproof. Heck, I wore it to a waterpark and it lasted over 3 hours without even smudging! Thankfully though soap and warm water or makeup remover work like a charm to get rid of it.
penelope says
go with natural or light tones eyeshadow, you don’t want anything too bright and as keren mentions too sparkly. i will suggest a light brown or baby pink
Redhead says
My favorite quick look is a shimmery bronze all over the lid (MAC Sable), with dark brown eyeliner on the lower lashline ( MAC Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Stubborn Brown) on the upper and lower lashlines smudged with a black-brown color, like MAC Brun. Dust Sable over the liner on your lower lash line and add Maybelline Full ‘n’ Soft Waterproof in Black on your upper lashes only. Define your brows LIGHTLY with a coordinating shade of Maybelline Brow Expert Pencil, and add a light, sunny flush to your cheeks with Pixi’s Bronze Booster in No. 1 Light Bronze to the apples of cheeks. Rub some Pixi Sheer Cheek Gel in Flushed onto your lips to get a natural, rosy stain. This look only takes about 15 minutes, and you get an instant summery look because of the bronze glow and natural pink. If you want to tone it down, use the Cheek Gel on your cheeks instead of the bronzer.
jojoba says
excellent post. i think eyeliners play a big trick on how the eyes look in any look. if you play it right, you will look very polished and professional. light on cheeks and lips no matter how tanned you are. 🙂
jojoba´s last blog post..Review/FOTD: Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess SunBlush Illuminator, Limited Edition, Summer 2009
jess says
Hi Karen,
Thanks for the response! Thanks to everyone else who offered tips and congratulations. Those are some great ideas, i especially want to try the nars multiple, and see its smudge proof power. I am always a little scared of eye liner because it drastically changes my appearance. I loved my gel liner from bobbi brown, but it always seemed to dry out quickly. I definitely want to try some of those neutral lip colors that were recommended. Amanda, i definitely will try a stila lip stain, so maybe it will stay a few hours.
Sarah- i am going to vet school in fall. I was all decided on one, and then i got all the waitlist calls friday and today, so i am reconfused.
I am definitely going to have to give that filling in the brows a try. Has anyone tried the benefit brow set?
Thanks for all the great responses!’
jess
jess says
ps. karen, cats absolutely hate the vet. So tabs is in good company with his crankiness. If i had never owned a cat, they would terrify me.
Karen says
Hi Jess,
Happy to help! 🙂
I’ve tried the Benefit Brow Set in the past, but wasn’t too crazy about it. I found it made my brows look too waxy and heavy. I’ve been using Chanel Perfect Brows lately, and I really like it. It’s kinda pricy at $65, though. If you want something a bit less pricy, I’ve heard that Anastasia makes a good one, called the Brow Powder Duo.
Little Thoughts, Lovely Things says
For the minimum but still professional, I use concealer, mineral powder, a bronzey-gold eyeshadow blended with a little dark brown or black, mascara, eyeliner (only on the top lid so it doesn’t look too intense), and maybe a little bronzer or a light blush (I’m not really into blush, plus it tends to look obvious). For lips maybe just chaptstick/lip balm/lip conditioner, a little lipgloss in the morning (depending on wher you’re going), or a light lipstick like a sheer pink. Fill in eyebrows if it’s needed. If I’m in a rush or lazy I skip the eye and cheek color.
gina says
LOVE Tabs “angry going to the vet” face hahaha
gina´s last blog post..Maru
Karen says
Hi Gina,
LOL! He looks like that every day. He’s such a grumpy boy!
tanya says
what great tips!! I’ve never tried out the cream shadow by clinique. I’m going to swing by the counter and test it out…thanks Karen 🙂
Karen says
Hi Tanya,
It’s really great, especially for single washes over the entire lid. Plus it lasts FOREVER!
Janice says
Hey Karen, thanks for the tip regarding the Sonia Kashuk flat top brush! I just bought the Multiple last weekend and was looking for a good brush for application since I’m not very good at blending with my fingers. I immediately ran out to Target to buy one and put it to the test – the brush worked like a charm! The bristles are super soft and made application really easy and flawless. Thanks!
Karen says
Hi Janice,
You’re welcome! I’m glad you like it. 🙂 It’s one of those unsung drugstore heros, for sure.
Kim says
I love the Clinique QE shadows! I have one (which was given to me by a friend who is utterly scared of cream shadows) in Rock Violet. It’s beautiful but very neutral, which is great for looking a little cute yet profesh!
I definitely use the 10-minute routine for work. Tinted moisturizer, some eyeliner or shadow (depending on the color of either), some carmex, and blush if I’m feeling up to it. It is the easiest and most ‘fresh’/natural look to do. I don’t even mess with mascara if I’m wearing my glasses haha. 😛
Karen says
Hi Kim,
I have Rock Violet, too. LOVE IT! I can see how cream shadows can be intimidating at first. Ultimately I find them easier than powders to use (especially if I’m in a hurry).
lexi says
okay bare bones approach – and i only have 10mns to put a face together? i make sure i have eyebrows done – tinted moisturizer (STILA) a pretty pink blush applied with a light hand (i like bobbi brown’s peony) a bit of mascara and a pretty gloss either a plum or rose. if i have an extra 5mns? i reach for benefit’s birthday suit creaseless shadow – blend from lid to crease and fade up to under brow bone. thanks for that tip Karen – you saved me numerous times I have woken up realizing that i turned my alarm off rather than hit the snooze!
Karen says
Hi Lexi,
You’re welcome! Birthday Suit is my life saver, too. I bust her out a LOT, LOL!
lexi says
oh also, don’t underestimate the power of a brown liner!
Karen says
Hi Lexi,
So true. Brown liner is your friend. 🙂
Cafe Fashionista says
Okay, I am officially in love with this post.
Cafe Fashionista´s last blog post..Sleeping Beauty
Karen says
Hi Cafe Fashionista,
I’m glad you like it! I hope it helps…
Advah says
If you don’t feel comfortable wearing lipstick (it took me a little while to get used to it), try Benefit’s Silky Finish lipsticks.
They’re super moisturizing, and look more like a balm/lipstick/gloss combination than actual lipstick (and not sticky). I love them!
I really like Skinny Dip and Good To Go for natural, flattering colours. (you do have to reapply often though)
Karen says
Hi Advah,
Great recommendation! I love those lipsticks, too. They are light and never look overdone.
Sarah says
Jess-thats so awesome!! Congrats!!
LOVE all the tips in this post; one to keep for sure!!
Lauren says
This is kind of late, but try Black Honey Almost Lipstick by Clinique! It’s a really nice, flattering color that is buildable. I LOVE it when I want just a touch of color on my lips.
Karen says
Hi Lauren,
OH! That’s an old school fave of mine! Good call. 🙂
olamide says
hi. i’m moving into the university next month and God help me the rules there are too strict. I’m writing mainly because i’m a person who doesn’t use a lip gloss without a lipliner cos it doesn’t fit but in the school lipliners aren’t around. So please if there is suggestion you can give on how to go by it, i’ll be so grateful cos i want to look my best everytime in the new school.
Alison @ Femita says
I agree with you that eyebrows make all the difference. They are like the first thing I notice on people, although that might just be me 🙂 I love how a good pair of brows can really bring out your features. It actually makes you look younger (which is not so important when you’re 20, but it might matter to 40-year olds!)
quita says
Hi
I am in need of some makeup advice. I’m new at this
Im a woman of color and I need to know everything I need in order to have pretty makeup, like primers, concealers, blush etc. Can you give me a list of things I need including the makeup brushes.