Makeup Tips for the Transvestite
Originally uploaded by rachelw80
Not sure how it got from criticising my purchase of a book about lighting for digital photography
So here goes, a few tips from a real girl:
1. Don’t buy brush cleaning fluid - it’s just a con to get more money from you via inflated prices for “specialist” products - use hair shampoo to on your brushes. Same goes for cleaning makeup sponges.
2. If you use wipes to clean off makeup, don’t use branded products like pampers, go for supermarket own-brands. Beware of sensitive eyes though - you may need to use eye makeup remover.
3. When your mascara brushes get clogged up, use shower gel or shampoo and a nailbrush.
4. Clean the top of your mascara tube to get rid of the build up of dried mascara. If you don’t it won’t seal properly when you screw in the brush and the fluid inside will dry up.
5. Don’t use brands like Max Factor - they’re over-priced.
6. Use Collection 2000. Most of it is very good, with the exception of the eye shadows which are too powdery and wishy washy colour-wise.
That’s all I can remember. I explained that I didn’t like mentioning this stuff to her because I thought she didn’t like me talking about it, but it seems when it comes to saving money she’s more than happy to give me the benefit of her advice - so I thought I’d pass it on…
Do you have any practical advice on makeup, money-saving or not?
on May 16th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
I’ve never resorted to ‘brush cleaning fluid’ - I’ve always used shampoo instinctively.
As far as makeup tips go… good lighting is essential so as to ensure an even coverage of foundation… and blending is a girl’s best friend.
Considering the amount of uses one can eke out of items such as eyeshadow etc, it’s sometimes worth spending a little extra. I draw the line at paying more than £8 for mascara, eyeliner & lipstick though.
Phrases like ‘ever-lasting’ and ‘all-day’ tend to be rubbish (with regard to lipstick at least), and those which do last a long time manage to do so by being almost impossible to remove. Sometimes it’s nice to have lipstick overtones for two days after being made up, but not in most cases for me! Besides, it’s not as if having to carry one solitary lipstick in your handbag is a bind, is it?
This is one I picked up watching The Clothes Show as a teenager - when applying eyeshadow, especially high contrast shades, carefully hold a tissue against a ‘virgin’ area to stop overspill. It’s not very often I cake eyeshadow on enough to warrant that though.
Finally, for minor corrections such as when your still-wet liquid eyeliner has found itself making a mirror image somewhere - give it a quick dab with your (recently used) foundation sponge. Works better than any ‘correction pencil’ I’ve ever tried.
Thanks for the tips on cleaning mascara stuff though - that’ll come in very handy!
on May 16th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
Yes, the brush cleaning purchase was probably due to an astute MAC assistant and an ignorant punter (me).
Totally with you about the everlasting lipstick - have paniced in the past when the stain has been almost impossible to remove! And if it doesn’t stain then, like you say, it doesn’t last. Just best to avoid those types.
Now I will find the foundation sponge a godsend where the eyeliner is concerned - thanks!
on May 16th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
LipCote will keep your lippy on although it can make your lips feel a little dry by the end of the night.
Using an undercoat for your nailvarnish can help prevent staining and it’ll make the topcoat look nicer too.
I think I read a review on eyeliners and Collection 2000 came out top!
Thanks for the tips.
on May 16th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
Ye gods Lynn, I barely have time to apply one coat of varnish let alone two. Probably accounts for rarely catching me sporting nail gloss - just not committed enough, I gues. ;)
on May 17th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
It’s an occasional treat. :D
on May 18th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Indeed, a coat of clear varnish (that overlaps the cuticle slightly) before putting on colour saves hours in the bathroom with remover and a nail brush! If you have time obviousley!
Dust a little loose powder under your eyes before doing eye make-up (mascara, liner, shadow etc). If anything drops you can simply brush it away as it won’t have stuck.
on May 21st, 2008 at 10:32 am
Tip for removing nail varnish: Don’t rub at it. Soak your cotton wool in varnish remover, then press it against the nail and hold it there. 30 seconds should be fine, but adjust to suit. Having held it there for a while, wipe firmly in the direction of the end of the nail - 99% will come off at the first attempt.