Makeup? Help!!

This is not a sponsored post. Just one woman's quest to update her makeup routine. :)

Does this aisle scare any of you?


Is anyone else at a loss as to what most of these products are for and how you would use them?

How in the world am I supposed to pick the right products to lengthen, plump, tighten, conceal, and brighten? Where do you even begin when there are so many choices all promising to fix whatever you're looking to fix? Every cosmetics aisle is so overwhelming that I want to run screaming from the store!

About every five years, I get the urge to update my makeup routine. I've never been one to wear a lot, but the older I get, the more I want to help my face out a bit! Usually I start with my sister. She's good at that stuff and won't laugh at my hopelessness. Sometimes I read magazines for advice, but that can be confusing too. Other times I take a chance on buying something new, and after a few days it usually goes in the bottom of a drawer to die. 

This time I decided to head to our local mall for a makeover. But which store to choose? I'd already done Bare Escentuals on my last overhaul and the department store counters always seem so intimidating. We have a Sephora here that I hadn't tried, so that seemed like a good place to start. They offer 45 minute makeover consultations, if you agree to spend $50 on products in their store. Now that may sound like a lot, but trust me you can spend that in no time!


Let me tell you, I loved my experience. The guy that did my makeup was very helpful and gave good advice. He used a lot of products, but helped me pare it down to some essentials at the end. This is definitely the most makeup I've ever worn in my life. It's honestly a little more than I could keep up with and would want to wear everyday. However, I did purchase some basic things I think will work for me and it was a relief not to be shopping blind. Plus Sephora has a great return policy so it didn't feel risky to try something new.

Here's my before and after, just for fun...


So how about you? Am I the only one who's scared of the cosmetics aisle? What do you do when you're desperate for some makeup help?









52 comments:

  1. I love Sephora! You look gorgeous in your before *and* after by the way. I had to do a double-take on the post to make sure you weren't calling *yourself* scary because I would've had to jump in and correct you.

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    1. Haha thanks, Celeste! Sometimes I do think that after a sleepless night! :)

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  2. You're definitely not alone, that aisle terrifies me and everything is so expensive too. Occasionally I will try something new but I've never been brave enough to let someone loose on my face in a shop. The couple of times other people have done my makeup they have put so much on that I felt like a drag queen! You look fab though, he did a great job and great that you found some good products! Xx #allaboutyou

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    1. Thanks, Caroline! He did a good job of keeping it subtle!

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  3. That's funny, I wrote about being scared of dressing rooms, and you wrote about being scared of makeup aisles! I have a love/hate relationship with makeup. Love to discover new products I like, but hate it when I pick a lipstick color that ends up being hideous. My sister is much better at that stuff too so I normally get advice from her. Hadn't thought about doing a makeover at Sephora. Maybe I'll try that sometime. Sounds fun!

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    1. We both have talented sisters then! I'd definitely recommend you try Sephora. :)

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    2. Lori oh I had never thought how scary that place is! You should come link up over your fear at the Mommy Reality challenge this week!

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  4. forgot to say new follower from #turnituptuesday :-)

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  5. I don't wear much make up and I know I need new. I think someday I will have to do something like this. Right now I am home with little ones and because I don't leave the house often (I don't even wear it when I do leave) makeup just seems to get old on me.

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    1. I hear you on that. My makeup almost always goes bad or out of style before I use it up too! Being at home all day, I don't use it enough either.

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  6. I was wondering how your quest to update your look was going! Glad your makeover experience went well. Funny, the things we dread doing and look how great it turned out! You always look fresh and pretty even without professional help, but the guy did do a wonderful job. Two thumbs up :)
    Lisa

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    1. Thanks, Lisa! I appreciate that! And all your good advice! :)

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  7. I hear you. I'm totally scared of the cosmetics aisle. I still don't "know" what's best for my complexion, etc. Don't get me started on makeup application either. I frequently look at my Pinterest beauty boards so I know where to apply my highlighter and bronzers.

    Too funny.

    Thanks for linking up to the #mommyreality challenge!
    xoxo

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    1. Thanks, Jennifer! It's nice to find out that I'm not the only one who can't make sense of it all!

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  8. I don't think we have Sephora in the UK anymore... the make up looks great though. I'm always scared of things like foundations and stuff and drawn to lipsticks & glosses that I end up never using. I'm always fascinated when people are so confident at choosing and applying make up - it doesn't necessarily come naturally does it?! :-) #allaboutyou

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    1. Definitely not for me! I hope to get a little better at though! :)

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  9. When it comes to make-up, how come no one ever says, " I'll have to ask my mom?"

    Mom



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  10. Your makeup looks great Marie! I am totally terrified of the makeup aisle too, there is just so much it's overwhelming! I love the before picture too not so scary at all :)

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  11. I made a post really similar to this and linked it up to #Allaboutyou!
    I stopped wearing make-up in January and since then I forgot how to use it and what to buy, causing a real pain when I want to dress up to go out.
    I headed to the Body Shop and had a free skin and make-up consultation which left me with a huge amount of cosmetic knowledge that I didn't know about before.
    I'm glad I found someone who is just as baffled by make-up as me, and even more happy that we have both found a way round it.
    Great post! #Allaboutyou

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  12. Wow! I love how natural the makeover looks! Even if I have some idea of what to buy, I am always stumped by how to get the right shade. That's probably why I have never worn any foundation or much makeup! Great post!

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    1. Getting the right colors feels tricky to me too! It was really helpful to have some guidance!

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  13. You look amazing! Awesome makeover - v. natural looking foundation, will have to try it out :)

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  14. You look stunning in both pics but that make up look really does look fantastic on you! He did a good job! ;-)

    I've always loved make up, so enjoy playing around it but when I do get stuck I check out the amazing Sali Hughes website or Lisa Eldridge (both UK based). Lisa in particular is brilliant as she shows how to create new looks in simple videos. Always worth a watch for inspiration. Thanks for linking up! x #AllAboutYou

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    1. Thanks, Katie! Those websites sound great. Simple videos would be helpful to watch over and over!

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  15. I think you looked lovely beforehand but I guess if a little bit of makeup gives you a boost then it's no bad thing
    I wear very little makeup, but should probably make more of an effort!
    #sharewithme

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  16. Wow, Marie!
    You look great!
    Sephora makes great products!
    I wear very little make-up . . . and it has to be hypo-allergenic, so that limits me.
    Gosh, seeing your after photo makes me wonder what I might come home looking like if I saw a Sephora rep for a little help :0)
    Thanks for sharing your experience!!
    I hope you and your family have a GREAT Halloween!
    Suzanne

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    1. Haha! You look great, but I think you'd have fun seeing what they'd do! :)

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  17. You always look gorgeous, but Sephora did a great job with your makeover. I've been trying to wear a little more makeup, and I had thought about giving them a try - you convinced me!

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    1. Thanks, Lana! I think you'd find it interesting. I didn't know what a lot of the products were for and it was nice to hear an explanation and see how they're used.

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  18. Love your new look - it's so natural! Sadly we don't have Sephora stores over in the UK, but I have nipped into a few of their shops when in the US and they are fabulous!

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  19. Most of us do struggle to figure out which products to use... and then the brands! Yikes there are so many to choose from. You look beautiful in both photos! Your Sephora consultant did a wonderful job creating a nice day look that isn't too heavy. Your eyes really pop!

    Thank you for sharing on the #SHINEbloghop.

    Have a wonderful week!

    xoxo
    Tammi

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  20. My makeup consists of moisturizer, mascara and liner. That's it. Sometimes lipstick. And while I don't normally put it on unless I'm going out, I've started wearing it even if I'm staying home. I feel better about myself that way. I've thought about a makeover, but I honestly don't know that I'd wear that much makeup. Love yours. You're beautiful in both pictures.

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    1. Thanks, Holly! One of the things I really liked was the lipstick and gloss they recommended. I find it so hard to pick out a shade by myself!

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  21. Yes, it OVERWHELMS me!! I panic! haha, I should probably get my makeup done and learn what and how to use everything!

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    1. I'm glad to know other people need help too, Caroline! :)

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  22. I have to admit I love make up, I have quite a bit of it, but I do tend to stick to my tried and tested routine! I wrote awhile ago about my relationship with makeup and the realisation that my everyday makeup didn't make us much difference as I really thought (as I actually wear very little), but I wasn't going to stop wearing it, I feel better with it, and I enjoy it :)

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    1. I remember that post and your "no makeup" picture. You looked great!

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  23. Unfortunately I love the cosmetics aisle! My wallet doesn't like it nearly as much as I do, but I justify it as blogging material. If I have questions about how to use a product I will typically jump onto Youtube and see what Beauty Bloggers have to say.

    Pam | Pam's Life

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    1. Haha, justifying it as blogging material sounds like a clever idea! ;)

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  24. Make-up aisles always challenge me. I usually wander up & down, looking at all the products. Once I am thoroughly overwhelmed, I pick the same products just to be done with it :) Your makeover turned out beautiful! Maybe it's time to try Sephora :)

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  25. First, you look beautiful! The make up looks great on you it still looks natural. I love Sephora, because you can pick and test any products without pressure and they have many different brands that you can try. I typically stick with the same brands, like Nars, but pick different items from their product line, lipsticks and blushes in different colors. I just love playing with beauty products. However, I love the natural, not over-done look, I like highlighting the best features and hiding any "flaws" but really aren't women the most beautiful when we are happy and smiling? :) Have a great weekend and enjoy your new paint pots and if you are interested, have a look at my recent post about my favorite beauty products http://glamistahome.blogspot.com/2014/10/my-current-beauty-product-must-haves.html

    XOXO
    Dagmara
    http://glamistahome.blogspot.com/

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  26. Your makeup looks beautiful!! I'm not very good with makeup, but I try.
    Happy #SITSBlogging Saturday <3
    XOXO
    www.mrsaokaworkinprogress.com

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  27. I have never been good with makeup. I didn't wear any until I was 18 and even then I wasn't very good. And while I love going down that aisle and buying it all up I have no clue what I am actually doing still. I rely on the department stores to help me one too many times. You look amazing both with and without it though you lucky lady. Thanks for linking up to Share WIth Me #sharewithme

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  28. I love Sephora! I must admit I'm a sucker for make-up - love buying it and playing with it. You're SO lucky because your skin is fab before make-up and look at you all polished in your after shot! What shines through for me in the second picture (apart from loveliness of course!) is your confidence. Good for you for taking some me-time. #AllAboutYou #ShareWithMe

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Thanks for taking the time to comment. I love hearing from you!