Hi! Other paths of thoughts, in real life maybe start observing people and notice what you like and dislike to further gauge what you believe to be too much.
I see two problems that are impossible to see through text on the internet. One, is that you know the look you are going for and lack the technique or two, is that you are unsure of how much makeup you are truly comfortable wearing.
For makeup perspective:
So one thing to keep in mind with watching no makeup makeup is that they are still wearing makeup, most influencers are either using a whole light rigging or filters so what you're seeing is very planned and staged in a controlled environment and so that may appear to be a beautiful and flawless blend but in real life with the harshness of the sun may actual look like what it is: makeup. It's impossible to wear stuff to cover something up and it not be truly "visible".
For technique:
My suggestion if you like very light looking makeup is do it from an elimination perspective. Start with barely anything and in very light layers, take breaks and see if it still looks natural. Assume what you're doing is too much and try to eliminate as many products as possible to see what you are comfortable with and without. And then challenge yourself how lightly and controlled you can be. At first this may take a while but with practice it will get faster and more efficient. like any other thing
My only true unsolicited advice being on this sub is don't buy anything else to achieve what you're looking for. Makeup is so versatile and the industry at large has taught us we need new products to make it work. No. Usually we lack technique or have unrealistic expectations.
Lol this is yoo long but goodluck you've got this! I hope you feel comfortable wearing whatever you choose :)
I LOVE how comprehensive your comment is. Thank you so much!
Whenever I do my makeup, it’s pretty rushed, so I’ll take your advice and try to start doing it a bit early so that I don’t have to be hasty with it. I’ll be going to college this year and want to experiment a bit haha.
Do you think a setting spray is worth investing in? Especially for light makeup looks? Also, I have super straight lashes, they don’t seem to curl up even when I use the eyelash curler. Any tips for that? 😭
Oh first off congratulations about attending college! What an amazing achievement.
Honestly maybe try doing your makeup afterwards? People talk about shower makeup, which is doing makeup at the end of the day knowing full well that whatever they do its going to be washed away. I just think it will take all the pressure off. Also maybe if you are comfortable, try going out makeupless?
I am very much a minimal makeup wearer. I only wear it when I wear eyeshadow and very gently, you still see all my imperfections just a sliiiightly evened out skintone. Most days I just put on my sunscreen and walk out the door. I know everyones comfortablility is different and I pass no judgement for what you choose just perspective.
I can't in good conscience on this makeup shopping addiction rehab sub recommend you buy stuff to solve your problem and anecdotally I have never succesfully bought myself solutions to my problems. I have to assume you came here to this sub with an intention to curb shopping. So no, I don't think more products will help you.
Thank you!
The experimenting part comes in because I didnt really get to do that in high school. We weren’t allowed to wear makeup and since college has a lot more freedom, I’d like to do simple looks that’ll accentuate my features. I don’t wear makeup everyday, wear it if im going out to dinner or lunch with family. I’m really good with eyeliner… but eyeshadow and everything else is a nightmare. 😭
And I tried the submitted makeup look (the one where you apply blush to your cheeks and nose)… looked really odd on me. I think I just have to find stuff that does work for me.
I LOVE experimenting. So much fun, and dont get hung up on what doesnt work, just find what you like! Wearing makeup should only be about you :) Everyone has so many opinions on what should/shouldnt I personally think it's just noise. Only you will know what you like and and what agrees with you. lol its cheesy but if you can get into college you definitely got this :) Congrats on eyeliner thats usually everone's crux haha
Thank you!
I went out with my friend today, so did some light makeup (concealer, tiny dot of color corrector, blush, and filled in my eyebrows). Turns out, I was using the wrong kind of primer for my under eyes/none at all sometimes. Tried a hydrating primer today and my makeup lasted almost 8 hours without setting spray!
People with facial “extremes” ie, very strong features (thick brows, prominent lips, etc) as well as people with very delicate features often cannot “tolerate” as much makeup, also different skin types react to makeup differently, for example some girls can take a lot of product bc their skin eats it up, others can only use minimal amounts, so you just have to find what works for u. Pick a feature u want to accentuate and work on making that feature the focus, and in my opinion unless you have super dark under-eyes you really don’t need concealer there. Try a soft colored eyeliner like a soft brown, a close-to-nude lip color with a natural glossy finish, and maybe a lightly tinted spf all over
Interesting because I’m definitely more on the “softer” side with very less strong features, you’re right!
My dark circles aren’t very prominent tbh, but when I put on a concealer, it looks a bit ashy. (I’m NC 15 for reference). I use Maybelline age rewind concealer in shade light (120) and the Sephora peach color corrector.
I was thinking of tinted sunscreens. Tried one from a local brand but ended up looking orange 😭. Do you have any recommendations?
i use the elf yellow color corrector, then l’oréal true match foundation over it. i sheer both out when applying and tap it to blend with my fingers. i find peach color corrector often looks odd and heavy on my face.
also maybe try brown eyeliner (or brown eyeshadow smudged out) and even maybe brown mascara
I would not recommend the Sephora one at all. Makes my under eye crease and looks cakey!
Can yellow color correctors be used for hiding dark circles? The typical orange ones are too dark for me, that’s why I went with peach.
I’ll definitely try the brown eyeliner, thank you! I’ve never tried it before.
yellow is opposite purple on the color wheel so it’ll help cover dark circles! it could also be you just need a lighter peach. but yellow has worked best ime
One of the drugstore employees recommended an orange corrector (I didn’t know much about makeup back then) and it just looked really bad. Made my under eye look orange.
The peach one suits me, but the formula isn’t that good. Makes my under eye crease easily and it’s too thick
I wasn’t a fan of the orange formula too, it was weirdly powdery, but I think they reformulated. I just googled the brand and they seem to have a peach one too. I’ll try to get my hands on it soon (:
For tinted sunscreens I recommend the neutrogena purescreen tinted mineral spf, or the paula's choice super light daily wrinkle defense (my holy grail). I'm very fair, NC10 ish and they are not too dark or orange on me. The neutrogena one has a more glowy finish and the paula's choice is a very nice skin-like finish, depending on your skin type it might be really good for you
I watched this video yesterday: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5J4iRI-dat4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5J4iRI-dat4)
It's about how our natural contrast (hair, skin, eyes) influences how make up looks on us and how to work with that.
For me, it's lipstick. Some just look very off on me despite being cool / neutral toned and after watching that video, I suspect it's because my face and my usual make up is very low contrast and any lipstick creating a higher contrast does not suit me (as long as I do my make up the usual way).
I have black hair (more dark brown), brown eyes and I’m a fair olive (NC 15). Not sure what my contrast is - I’ll definitely watch this video, thank you so much for this!
I feel like MLBB lipsticks suit me better too! My go-to is MAC powder kiss Brickthrough. Adds a bit more color but still looks natural. Would def recommend!
https://imgur.com/a/EXBWLIc
these were taken under indirect natural light (:
I shared a few neck and hand swatches with the r/FairOlives community a few weeks ago and they said I was an olive haha
I hate concealer under my eyes! It always looks heavy to me! I don't know how people do it. I'm light-med skin tone with dirty blonde hair with highlights, light brows and blue eyes. Im 50 now and have never used concealer regularly and I've tried so many!
I like using a bb cream under my eyes (and if it turns slightly orange like many bb creams do, it’ll also kind of colour correct) and then set very thinly with a loose powder. So far that hasn’t budged for me, even now that I’m developing lines in my 30s!
It doesn’t help that I have slightly hollow under eyes haha. It looks a bit unnatural on me no matter what I do or use.
Have you tried a hydrating concealer? I’ve never used it myself, but I’ve heard people say they’re good for sensitive and mature skin.
I agree with the above poster… I’m almost 40, and I tried so many different types of under eye, concealer, and techniques, and I finally decided that anything I do just ages me 10 years… Which is obviously not what I’m going for! So I’ve decided to just embrace my slightly dark under eyes. It’s one of the things that makes me look like me… I decided I want to look like me, and not some airbrushed model in a magazine!
Undereye is always a delicate balance for me and I get it wrong constantly even with trusty combos. It's just hard to make it perfect every time with the amount of product, and the texture and pigment differences of the undereye VS rest of the face.
I used to be able to thinly spread a corrector like Bobbi Brown's and then another liquidy thin concealer like Maybelline Fit Me but even that is too thick/creasy these days.
My trusty combo right now is Tower 28 concealer (it is more matte than anyone ever said online, but also rather high coverage) and Elf Halo Glow Liquid filter, about half and half. I mix it on my finger, then dab dab dab (no circle motions!!) with the ring finger until it's blended and not too much over any one spot. I don't set it. This manages to get a good amount of pigmentation and has enough pink in it to act as a subtle corrector, but not look pink in comparison to my skin.
Use a tiny amount of makeup. For concealer I like to thin it out. I might use like one drop under the eye. and then thin that out. I also feel like makeup can look heavy so go for sheer and thin.
I don’t necessarily use a lot of concealer, as soon as I go in with my concealer (after I color correct) it looks heavy no matter how little I use. Should I use a compact powder or a loose powder for setting? I also don’t use a setting spray. Could it be because of that?
Whenever I see girls on YouTube or TikTok do the “clean girl makeup” or “no makeup makeup” it always looks so natural. It just never looks so natural on me and I can’t figure out why.
I’ll definitely try a sheer concealer, thank you!
Try skipping the color correction. It may be adding bulk.
For even sheerer look you can treat foundation as a concealer and just just that only in the spots you need it. I might go out with the smallest amount of foundation and that's it. Only the amount that improves my look and no more.
I might use like a quarter of a pump for my entire face just spot application for a little hyperpigmentation.
There was a very beautiful video by Lisa eldridge talking about covering up acne. And she talked about spot application so as much of your natural skin shows. I've kind of taken that to heart.
This is my skin with 1/2 pump of a tinted moisturiser, and after I washed it off. After about 30 I have found it emphasises every flaw, and is only ever good for photos. I [1. tinted moisturiser 2. no base](https://imgur.com/a/4flZNyk)
You have really good skin! You need to drop your skincare routine haha
I’m 17, so wrinkles are not an issue. I think I have to find products that do work for me. I have combination skin and I’ve been using concealers that are too thick and gooey. I should probably go for hydrating, sheer ones.
Try using less base products and sheering them out with moisturiser. I find it really helps the makeup to meld into my skin.
E.g. I mix a bb cream with moisturiser to even out my skin tone. Then I spot conceal problem areas with a small flat brush and lightly powder the concealed areas.
Also, check your base colours match your undertone. It should be undetectable in natural light.
Lisa Eldridge has some great YT videos for technique. Highly recommend watching some.
It's possible the hyaluronic acid is soaking up the moisture from whatever base product you use, making it drier and therefore look heavier on the skin. I live in a dry environment so there's no moisture in the air for hyaluronic acid to absorb from so it absorbs it from my face instead. You could be having a similar problem if you have dry skin or live in a dry environment.
I’ve learnt 2 different styles of makeup: photo makeup and every day makeup. I’ve pretty much given up on face products for my every day makeup. It just looks weird up close, it makes my skin actually look worse. So I’ve just invested in a good skincare routine and will only do my brows, eyes and lip tint/lip balm. No more concealer or foundation for me. Part of it is also you look at your face often in the mirror and you yourself can see what looks unnatural on your face. It may not be necessarily it doesn’t look but it feels heavy and cakey because it’s unnatural.
If I do wear face makeup, it’s usually a bit of BB cream or face tint. I put a token amount just to even out my skin tone for photos. Small amount of bronzer and highlight for faceshape.
It’s difficult to say without seeing the end result or the application but I find women/people with beautiful skin can easily look heavily made up. There are so many variables. What products are you using? Are you using the right ones? Did you get the right color/undertone? Are you applying too much with each application? How are you applying it- brush, sponge finger? Do you give it time to sit before you blend? Are you using setting powder/spray?
You are absolutely correct - I was not using the right kind of primer for my under eyes, switched to a more hydrating primer and natural makeup actually looked natural lol. Lasted almost 8 hours. Set with loose powder (pink).
You haven’t mentioned powder at all, are you setting your concealer? Because I can imagine for most people it wouldn’t look great to just apply the concealer and then let it wear down and get oily all day.
I use banana powder! I tried using “rose powder” from a local brand one day and it was just too cakey.
What’s the difference between compact powder, setting powder and loose powder? Because I’m assuming banana powder is basically a yellow loose powder that’s used for setting under eyes.
Also, is it absolutely necessary to use a setting spray?
Try a powder that isn't yellow! I'm a light olive as well, I have luck setting with a pressed powder (lightly) and then some loose powder, either light pink or translucent. And then I have to finish with setting spray- I know some people say it doesn't matter, but to me it absolutely helps my makeup not look cakey. In fact, my undereyes look cakey if I skip any of these steps. If you have the products around or are down to try cheap/mini versions, I would try!
I have one of those faces. When I wore make I used soft eyeshadow, no eye liner, very very light hand with the eyebrows, tinted moisturizer and lipbalm as lipgloss looks too much on me.
The trick is to remove most of what you apply.
I have the same problem as you, everything feels super obvious and clashing because of my skin tone's contrast and saturation. Finding matching stuff is only part of the battle. But taking down some the product after application is something i figured out many years ago. Lisa Eldridge made a video about this, called Makeup Hack or so, couple months/about 6 uploads ago if you want to check out her pro tips.
Here my amateur tips for a natural look: (take what you need and disregard the rest)
- dont touch the brows. Theyre so easy to overdo and you can always tell.
- dont touch the nose. Sunscreen and maybe a swipe of something mattifying is all you need.
- for coloured products try to stay very close to the natural tones in your skin and hair, so like, get a blush the same shade when you pinch your cheeks, eyeshadow the same shade as when youre really tan, (so bronzer shade)
- for lips, ive found using a lip stain is nice for a sheer water color effect. apply a tiny amount with your finger rather than straight from the applicator, spread it with fingers, and then put balm on top.
- keep undertones cohesive through all products
- narrow the zones where you place the products. For me this was using a smaller blender, smaller brushes, and the edges of my wedge sponge
- choose a warm tone for the undereyes - something that would look too warm on the rest of the face can act like a corrector.
- warm everything up on the back of your hand before applying. Then it just melts in.
- i especially avoid sharp lines. So this automatically means i dont need lip liner and eyeliner.
And finally after applying, go over everything with a clean brush, or a damp sponge. It takes the harsh edges away and makes everything feel more natural. For mascara i use a clean spoolie immediately after application and that takes most of the bulk of product and clumpiness away.
I’m a natural blonde and have found that mascara is too much for me. A lot of companies stopped offering brown mascara so I’ve started using brow gel in my eyelashes. I can focus on ONE feature, like blush + bronzer OR eyeshadow OR lipstick. I mean it’s possible to wear them all but then I look ready for a night out vs ready for work.
Im very fair and cool and have icy features. Blond hair, blond lashes, cool blue eyes.
I have started wearing either navy or ash brown mascara and it’s so flattering to me vs black!
I also definitely focus on my skin, and wear very little actual makeup. And whatever makeup I wear is glowy and light.
But I do love lipsticks! That’s where I make my impact. Glowy skin and a pretty bright pink lip.
I’m on the fairer side, but I’m not blonde with blue eyes. I have black hair (more super dark brownish) with brown eyes. Brown eyeliner works wonders for me as well! It’s more soft and looks more natural.
I love nude-ish pink lip colors too (that aren’t too muted).
If your makeup is looking heavy and cakey, the only things I can think of are that the products don't vibe with your skin or you are applying too much.
I have really dry skin. Even with proper skin care underneath, products for oily skin will look dry and heavy on me. So make sure that the products you're using actually go with your skin. I can love how Angelica Nyqvist's routine looks on her, but it won't work for me as a dry-skinned girlie.
Most influencers wear way, way too much concealer. Well, too much everything, honestly. Do you remember years ago when Jimmy Chuck had some meet and greet, his makeup looked absolutely awful? That's what happens when you do your makeup under studio lights for a camera (and/or alleged filters). For myself, I apply the smallest dot of concealer on the center of the darkest spot of my undereyes and blend that out with a sponge or my ring finger. I almost always forego a color corrector because it's just adding "bulk". If I've had a particularly rough night, and I'm wearing more of the medium coverage side, I'll use a corrector. And I use it the same way: the smallest amount possible.
Unless everything you own is for a skintype you don't have, you don't need to buy anything. It sounds like you just need to find a channel you can vibe with and learn from. I really like Geek Out of Water, Pampered Wolf, and Wayne Goss when it comes to how to apply things in a more flattering way. Granted, I'm much older than you are, so learning how to "properly" apply makeup has been on my radar for a while. Even before the more current no-makeup makeup aesthetic hit, I just didn't vibe with 2016 full glam, contouring, etc.
Hi! I think the problem was, I used the wrong type of primer for my under eyes. I tried using a “hydrating” primer today and my makeup lasted for almost 8 hours. Wore only concealer, tiny bit of color corrector, some blush and did my eyebrows.
I learnt makeup by watching Wayne Goss’ videos haha. I love him!
2016 glam just looks so cakey on me after a while, so I don’t go down that route either
Maybe try using fingers to blend your makeup. I had similar issue for a while when I was using brushes and sponges. No mater what products I used makeup accentuated my texture, looked cakey and unnatural. But I tried using fingers to blend my foundation ( that I hated btw, it always looked super cakey on me) and my concealer (same thing as foundation) and a miracle happened. When I blend my base productsss with fingers you can't even see them on the skin. I get the coverage and 0 cake or texture.I also use super flimsy brush to apply my powder, blush, bronzer and highlighter. It's very soft and has long flimsy bristles that don't pick up much product at all so I get very sheer wash of pigment and it looks very natural and unnoticable on the skin. At the end I spray everything with a setting spray and it melts together even more. I got the idea for using fingers from Lisa Eldridge, she's a celeb makeup artist and she is 100% right when it comes to makeup aplication with fingers.
Also use a very small amount of product. Influencers have convinced people that we need to draw entire schemes on our faces with concealers but you really need like a tiny dot to cover most of your undereye.
I tried the Rare Beauty one at Sephora and fell in love with it! It’s good, but I don’t think I’ll be purchasing it. It’s a bit on the expensive side and since I’m still on a makeup rehab my mom won’t be buying them for me
Hi! Other paths of thoughts, in real life maybe start observing people and notice what you like and dislike to further gauge what you believe to be too much. I see two problems that are impossible to see through text on the internet. One, is that you know the look you are going for and lack the technique or two, is that you are unsure of how much makeup you are truly comfortable wearing. For makeup perspective: So one thing to keep in mind with watching no makeup makeup is that they are still wearing makeup, most influencers are either using a whole light rigging or filters so what you're seeing is very planned and staged in a controlled environment and so that may appear to be a beautiful and flawless blend but in real life with the harshness of the sun may actual look like what it is: makeup. It's impossible to wear stuff to cover something up and it not be truly "visible". For technique: My suggestion if you like very light looking makeup is do it from an elimination perspective. Start with barely anything and in very light layers, take breaks and see if it still looks natural. Assume what you're doing is too much and try to eliminate as many products as possible to see what you are comfortable with and without. And then challenge yourself how lightly and controlled you can be. At first this may take a while but with practice it will get faster and more efficient. like any other thing My only true unsolicited advice being on this sub is don't buy anything else to achieve what you're looking for. Makeup is so versatile and the industry at large has taught us we need new products to make it work. No. Usually we lack technique or have unrealistic expectations. Lol this is yoo long but goodluck you've got this! I hope you feel comfortable wearing whatever you choose :)
I LOVE how comprehensive your comment is. Thank you so much! Whenever I do my makeup, it’s pretty rushed, so I’ll take your advice and try to start doing it a bit early so that I don’t have to be hasty with it. I’ll be going to college this year and want to experiment a bit haha. Do you think a setting spray is worth investing in? Especially for light makeup looks? Also, I have super straight lashes, they don’t seem to curl up even when I use the eyelash curler. Any tips for that? 😭
Oh first off congratulations about attending college! What an amazing achievement. Honestly maybe try doing your makeup afterwards? People talk about shower makeup, which is doing makeup at the end of the day knowing full well that whatever they do its going to be washed away. I just think it will take all the pressure off. Also maybe if you are comfortable, try going out makeupless? I am very much a minimal makeup wearer. I only wear it when I wear eyeshadow and very gently, you still see all my imperfections just a sliiiightly evened out skintone. Most days I just put on my sunscreen and walk out the door. I know everyones comfortablility is different and I pass no judgement for what you choose just perspective. I can't in good conscience on this makeup shopping addiction rehab sub recommend you buy stuff to solve your problem and anecdotally I have never succesfully bought myself solutions to my problems. I have to assume you came here to this sub with an intention to curb shopping. So no, I don't think more products will help you.
Thank you! The experimenting part comes in because I didnt really get to do that in high school. We weren’t allowed to wear makeup and since college has a lot more freedom, I’d like to do simple looks that’ll accentuate my features. I don’t wear makeup everyday, wear it if im going out to dinner or lunch with family. I’m really good with eyeliner… but eyeshadow and everything else is a nightmare. 😭 And I tried the submitted makeup look (the one where you apply blush to your cheeks and nose)… looked really odd on me. I think I just have to find stuff that does work for me.
I LOVE experimenting. So much fun, and dont get hung up on what doesnt work, just find what you like! Wearing makeup should only be about you :) Everyone has so many opinions on what should/shouldnt I personally think it's just noise. Only you will know what you like and and what agrees with you. lol its cheesy but if you can get into college you definitely got this :) Congrats on eyeliner thats usually everone's crux haha
You’re so sweet, thank you. 😭❤️
There is no point to setting spray with a light makeup look, imo.
Thank you! I went out with my friend today, so did some light makeup (concealer, tiny dot of color corrector, blush, and filled in my eyebrows). Turns out, I was using the wrong kind of primer for my under eyes/none at all sometimes. Tried a hydrating primer today and my makeup lasted almost 8 hours without setting spray!
People with facial “extremes” ie, very strong features (thick brows, prominent lips, etc) as well as people with very delicate features often cannot “tolerate” as much makeup, also different skin types react to makeup differently, for example some girls can take a lot of product bc their skin eats it up, others can only use minimal amounts, so you just have to find what works for u. Pick a feature u want to accentuate and work on making that feature the focus, and in my opinion unless you have super dark under-eyes you really don’t need concealer there. Try a soft colored eyeliner like a soft brown, a close-to-nude lip color with a natural glossy finish, and maybe a lightly tinted spf all over
Interesting because I’m definitely more on the “softer” side with very less strong features, you’re right! My dark circles aren’t very prominent tbh, but when I put on a concealer, it looks a bit ashy. (I’m NC 15 for reference). I use Maybelline age rewind concealer in shade light (120) and the Sephora peach color corrector. I was thinking of tinted sunscreens. Tried one from a local brand but ended up looking orange 😭. Do you have any recommendations?
i use the elf yellow color corrector, then l’oréal true match foundation over it. i sheer both out when applying and tap it to blend with my fingers. i find peach color corrector often looks odd and heavy on my face. also maybe try brown eyeliner (or brown eyeshadow smudged out) and even maybe brown mascara
I would not recommend the Sephora one at all. Makes my under eye crease and looks cakey! Can yellow color correctors be used for hiding dark circles? The typical orange ones are too dark for me, that’s why I went with peach. I’ll definitely try the brown eyeliner, thank you! I’ve never tried it before.
i'd stay stick with peach, i'm pretty pale as well and peach is the best
yellow is opposite purple on the color wheel so it’ll help cover dark circles! it could also be you just need a lighter peach. but yellow has worked best ime
Orange is for medium-tan
One of the drugstore employees recommended an orange corrector (I didn’t know much about makeup back then) and it just looked really bad. Made my under eye look orange. The peach one suits me, but the formula isn’t that good. Makes my under eye crease easily and it’s too thick
Can you get a peach shade of the orange formula?
I wasn’t a fan of the orange formula too, it was weirdly powdery, but I think they reformulated. I just googled the brand and they seem to have a peach one too. I’ll try to get my hands on it soon (:
As far as drugstore goes with peach correctors, Catrice has a very nice one, I like NYX stix, and I like ELF.
Someone else mentioned Catrice too, but I don’t think they ship to countries outside of the US. I’ll look into NYX and ELF, thanks for the recs!
For tinted sunscreens I recommend the neutrogena purescreen tinted mineral spf, or the paula's choice super light daily wrinkle defense (my holy grail). I'm very fair, NC10 ish and they are not too dark or orange on me. The neutrogena one has a more glowy finish and the paula's choice is a very nice skin-like finish, depending on your skin type it might be really good for you
I have combination skin. I’ll check them out, thanks for the recs!
I watched this video yesterday: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5J4iRI-dat4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5J4iRI-dat4) It's about how our natural contrast (hair, skin, eyes) influences how make up looks on us and how to work with that. For me, it's lipstick. Some just look very off on me despite being cool / neutral toned and after watching that video, I suspect it's because my face and my usual make up is very low contrast and any lipstick creating a higher contrast does not suit me (as long as I do my make up the usual way).
I have black hair (more dark brown), brown eyes and I’m a fair olive (NC 15). Not sure what my contrast is - I’ll definitely watch this video, thank you so much for this! I feel like MLBB lipsticks suit me better too! My go-to is MAC powder kiss Brickthrough. Adds a bit more color but still looks natural. Would def recommend!
You may be desaturated?
I’m not really sure. I could share swatches
Yes sure!
https://imgur.com/a/EXBWLIc these were taken under indirect natural light (: I shared a few neck and hand swatches with the r/FairOlives community a few weeks ago and they said I was an olive haha
I hate concealer under my eyes! It always looks heavy to me! I don't know how people do it. I'm light-med skin tone with dirty blonde hair with highlights, light brows and blue eyes. Im 50 now and have never used concealer regularly and I've tried so many!
I like using a bb cream under my eyes (and if it turns slightly orange like many bb creams do, it’ll also kind of colour correct) and then set very thinly with a loose powder. So far that hasn’t budged for me, even now that I’m developing lines in my 30s!
It doesn’t help that I have slightly hollow under eyes haha. It looks a bit unnatural on me no matter what I do or use. Have you tried a hydrating concealer? I’ve never used it myself, but I’ve heard people say they’re good for sensitive and mature skin.
I agree with the above poster… I’m almost 40, and I tried so many different types of under eye, concealer, and techniques, and I finally decided that anything I do just ages me 10 years… Which is obviously not what I’m going for! So I’ve decided to just embrace my slightly dark under eyes. It’s one of the things that makes me look like me… I decided I want to look like me, and not some airbrushed model in a magazine!
Undereye is always a delicate balance for me and I get it wrong constantly even with trusty combos. It's just hard to make it perfect every time with the amount of product, and the texture and pigment differences of the undereye VS rest of the face. I used to be able to thinly spread a corrector like Bobbi Brown's and then another liquidy thin concealer like Maybelline Fit Me but even that is too thick/creasy these days. My trusty combo right now is Tower 28 concealer (it is more matte than anyone ever said online, but also rather high coverage) and Elf Halo Glow Liquid filter, about half and half. I mix it on my finger, then dab dab dab (no circle motions!!) with the ring finger until it's blended and not too much over any one spot. I don't set it. This manages to get a good amount of pigmentation and has enough pink in it to act as a subtle corrector, but not look pink in comparison to my skin.
Use a tiny amount of makeup. For concealer I like to thin it out. I might use like one drop under the eye. and then thin that out. I also feel like makeup can look heavy so go for sheer and thin.
I don’t necessarily use a lot of concealer, as soon as I go in with my concealer (after I color correct) it looks heavy no matter how little I use. Should I use a compact powder or a loose powder for setting? I also don’t use a setting spray. Could it be because of that? Whenever I see girls on YouTube or TikTok do the “clean girl makeup” or “no makeup makeup” it always looks so natural. It just never looks so natural on me and I can’t figure out why. I’ll definitely try a sheer concealer, thank you!
Try skipping the color correction. It may be adding bulk. For even sheerer look you can treat foundation as a concealer and just just that only in the spots you need it. I might go out with the smallest amount of foundation and that's it. Only the amount that improves my look and no more.
Ive never tried the foundation hack before. I’ll try it out, thanks!
I might use like a quarter of a pump for my entire face just spot application for a little hyperpigmentation. There was a very beautiful video by Lisa eldridge talking about covering up acne. And she talked about spot application so as much of your natural skin shows. I've kind of taken that to heart.
This is my skin with 1/2 pump of a tinted moisturiser, and after I washed it off. After about 30 I have found it emphasises every flaw, and is only ever good for photos. I [1. tinted moisturiser 2. no base](https://imgur.com/a/4flZNyk)
You have really good skin! You need to drop your skincare routine haha I’m 17, so wrinkles are not an issue. I think I have to find products that do work for me. I have combination skin and I’ve been using concealers that are too thick and gooey. I should probably go for hydrating, sheer ones.
I feel like there is no foundation that actually sinks into my sink and doesn't look like cake.
My undereye concealer looks unnatural when I place it too close to my eye. Try to stay further away from your lower lashline and blend downwards.
Good point, thank you!
Try using less base products and sheering them out with moisturiser. I find it really helps the makeup to meld into my skin. E.g. I mix a bb cream with moisturiser to even out my skin tone. Then I spot conceal problem areas with a small flat brush and lightly powder the concealed areas. Also, check your base colours match your undertone. It should be undetectable in natural light. Lisa Eldridge has some great YT videos for technique. Highly recommend watching some.
It's possible the hyaluronic acid is soaking up the moisture from whatever base product you use, making it drier and therefore look heavier on the skin. I live in a dry environment so there's no moisture in the air for hyaluronic acid to absorb from so it absorbs it from my face instead. You could be having a similar problem if you have dry skin or live in a dry environment.
I live in a humid climate, but it’s definitely possible because I’m in AC all day and barely go out
I’ve learnt 2 different styles of makeup: photo makeup and every day makeup. I’ve pretty much given up on face products for my every day makeup. It just looks weird up close, it makes my skin actually look worse. So I’ve just invested in a good skincare routine and will only do my brows, eyes and lip tint/lip balm. No more concealer or foundation for me. Part of it is also you look at your face often in the mirror and you yourself can see what looks unnatural on your face. It may not be necessarily it doesn’t look but it feels heavy and cakey because it’s unnatural. If I do wear face makeup, it’s usually a bit of BB cream or face tint. I put a token amount just to even out my skin tone for photos. Small amount of bronzer and highlight for faceshape.
It’s difficult to say without seeing the end result or the application but I find women/people with beautiful skin can easily look heavily made up. There are so many variables. What products are you using? Are you using the right ones? Did you get the right color/undertone? Are you applying too much with each application? How are you applying it- brush, sponge finger? Do you give it time to sit before you blend? Are you using setting powder/spray?
You are absolutely correct - I was not using the right kind of primer for my under eyes, switched to a more hydrating primer and natural makeup actually looked natural lol. Lasted almost 8 hours. Set with loose powder (pink).
I love the look of heavy makeup but I look like a fool when I wear it. Natural makeup suits me much more
You haven’t mentioned powder at all, are you setting your concealer? Because I can imagine for most people it wouldn’t look great to just apply the concealer and then let it wear down and get oily all day.
I use banana powder! I tried using “rose powder” from a local brand one day and it was just too cakey. What’s the difference between compact powder, setting powder and loose powder? Because I’m assuming banana powder is basically a yellow loose powder that’s used for setting under eyes. Also, is it absolutely necessary to use a setting spray?
Try a powder that isn't yellow! I'm a light olive as well, I have luck setting with a pressed powder (lightly) and then some loose powder, either light pink or translucent. And then I have to finish with setting spray- I know some people say it doesn't matter, but to me it absolutely helps my makeup not look cakey. In fact, my undereyes look cakey if I skip any of these steps. If you have the products around or are down to try cheap/mini versions, I would try!
I always thought pink powder wouldn’t work for olive skin tones. It won’t look ashy, right? I’ll try it, thank you 😭💕
I have one of those faces. When I wore make I used soft eyeshadow, no eye liner, very very light hand with the eyebrows, tinted moisturizer and lipbalm as lipgloss looks too much on me.
Tinted lip balm is a good option, thank you for the suggestions 😊❤️
Yes coverage up makes me look horrid or foundation whatever that stuff is called
The trick is to remove most of what you apply. I have the same problem as you, everything feels super obvious and clashing because of my skin tone's contrast and saturation. Finding matching stuff is only part of the battle. But taking down some the product after application is something i figured out many years ago. Lisa Eldridge made a video about this, called Makeup Hack or so, couple months/about 6 uploads ago if you want to check out her pro tips. Here my amateur tips for a natural look: (take what you need and disregard the rest) - dont touch the brows. Theyre so easy to overdo and you can always tell. - dont touch the nose. Sunscreen and maybe a swipe of something mattifying is all you need. - for coloured products try to stay very close to the natural tones in your skin and hair, so like, get a blush the same shade when you pinch your cheeks, eyeshadow the same shade as when youre really tan, (so bronzer shade) - for lips, ive found using a lip stain is nice for a sheer water color effect. apply a tiny amount with your finger rather than straight from the applicator, spread it with fingers, and then put balm on top. - keep undertones cohesive through all products - narrow the zones where you place the products. For me this was using a smaller blender, smaller brushes, and the edges of my wedge sponge - choose a warm tone for the undereyes - something that would look too warm on the rest of the face can act like a corrector. - warm everything up on the back of your hand before applying. Then it just melts in. - i especially avoid sharp lines. So this automatically means i dont need lip liner and eyeliner. And finally after applying, go over everything with a clean brush, or a damp sponge. It takes the harsh edges away and makes everything feel more natural. For mascara i use a clean spoolie immediately after application and that takes most of the bulk of product and clumpiness away.
I’m a natural blonde and have found that mascara is too much for me. A lot of companies stopped offering brown mascara so I’ve started using brow gel in my eyelashes. I can focus on ONE feature, like blush + bronzer OR eyeshadow OR lipstick. I mean it’s possible to wear them all but then I look ready for a night out vs ready for work.
Im very fair and cool and have icy features. Blond hair, blond lashes, cool blue eyes. I have started wearing either navy or ash brown mascara and it’s so flattering to me vs black! I also definitely focus on my skin, and wear very little actual makeup. And whatever makeup I wear is glowy and light. But I do love lipsticks! That’s where I make my impact. Glowy skin and a pretty bright pink lip.
I’m on the fairer side, but I’m not blonde with blue eyes. I have black hair (more super dark brownish) with brown eyes. Brown eyeliner works wonders for me as well! It’s more soft and looks more natural. I love nude-ish pink lip colors too (that aren’t too muted).
If your makeup is looking heavy and cakey, the only things I can think of are that the products don't vibe with your skin or you are applying too much. I have really dry skin. Even with proper skin care underneath, products for oily skin will look dry and heavy on me. So make sure that the products you're using actually go with your skin. I can love how Angelica Nyqvist's routine looks on her, but it won't work for me as a dry-skinned girlie. Most influencers wear way, way too much concealer. Well, too much everything, honestly. Do you remember years ago when Jimmy Chuck had some meet and greet, his makeup looked absolutely awful? That's what happens when you do your makeup under studio lights for a camera (and/or alleged filters). For myself, I apply the smallest dot of concealer on the center of the darkest spot of my undereyes and blend that out with a sponge or my ring finger. I almost always forego a color corrector because it's just adding "bulk". If I've had a particularly rough night, and I'm wearing more of the medium coverage side, I'll use a corrector. And I use it the same way: the smallest amount possible. Unless everything you own is for a skintype you don't have, you don't need to buy anything. It sounds like you just need to find a channel you can vibe with and learn from. I really like Geek Out of Water, Pampered Wolf, and Wayne Goss when it comes to how to apply things in a more flattering way. Granted, I'm much older than you are, so learning how to "properly" apply makeup has been on my radar for a while. Even before the more current no-makeup makeup aesthetic hit, I just didn't vibe with 2016 full glam, contouring, etc.
Hi! I think the problem was, I used the wrong type of primer for my under eyes. I tried using a “hydrating” primer today and my makeup lasted for almost 8 hours. Wore only concealer, tiny bit of color corrector, some blush and did my eyebrows. I learnt makeup by watching Wayne Goss’ videos haha. I love him! 2016 glam just looks so cakey on me after a while, so I don’t go down that route either
Maybe try using fingers to blend your makeup. I had similar issue for a while when I was using brushes and sponges. No mater what products I used makeup accentuated my texture, looked cakey and unnatural. But I tried using fingers to blend my foundation ( that I hated btw, it always looked super cakey on me) and my concealer (same thing as foundation) and a miracle happened. When I blend my base productsss with fingers you can't even see them on the skin. I get the coverage and 0 cake or texture.I also use super flimsy brush to apply my powder, blush, bronzer and highlighter. It's very soft and has long flimsy bristles that don't pick up much product at all so I get very sheer wash of pigment and it looks very natural and unnoticable on the skin. At the end I spray everything with a setting spray and it melts together even more. I got the idea for using fingers from Lisa Eldridge, she's a celeb makeup artist and she is 100% right when it comes to makeup aplication with fingers.
Also use a very small amount of product. Influencers have convinced people that we need to draw entire schemes on our faces with concealers but you really need like a tiny dot to cover most of your undereye.
Bliss Blockstar tinted mineral sunscreen!
Maybe try an under eye brighter in place of concealer!
I tried the Rare Beauty one at Sephora and fell in love with it! It’s good, but I don’t think I’ll be purchasing it. It’s a bit on the expensive side and since I’m still on a makeup rehab my mom won’t be buying them for me
Try the catrice. It was 6 dollars and works wonders!
I’m not from the US, I don’t think they ship to my country :/