Makeup and makeup consulting/training

[Hazumu]

Based on the banter in Steph's topic on women's magazines, I figure this might be the time for me to ask for the following advice;

Where can I go to get makeup consulting and training, without getting peddled a whole bunch of over-priced products I really don't need or ones for which there are cheaper alternatives?

I'd like to go the consultant route so that I get a good baseline established in choosing products, colors and styles that compliment me.  Then, with that baseline, I can start experimenting -- adding and removing products from my makeup kit.

As a bit of added information, I took theatrical makeup in college, so I have the basic techniques of highlights and shadows down.  But the products used were Mehron theatrical cake makeup -- fine for the stage, but it looks ultra fake on the street.  Besides, there are better products out there for street wear. I just don't know what they are, and can't choose from the plethora offered in Macy's, let alone Walgreens.

I believe getting with a consultant will be cheaper in the long run, because I'll get started with the RIGHT set of tools and products, and practice in applying a basic, good 'face.'

In advance, thank you for any advice you can offer;

Karen

[stephanie_craxford]

Based on the banter in Steph's topic on women's magazines, I figure this might be the time for me to ask for the following advice;

Where can I go to get makeup consulting and training, without getting peddled a whole bunch of over-priced products I really don't need or ones for which there are cheaper alternatives?

I'd like to go the consultant route so that I get a good baseline established in choosing products, colors and styles that compliment me.  Then, with that baseline, I can start experimenting -- adding and removing products from my makeup kit.

As a bit of added information, I took theatrical makeup in college, so I have the basic techniques of highlights and shadows down.  But the products used were Mehron theatrical cake makeup -- fine for the stage, but it looks ultra fake on the street.  Besides, there are better products out there for street wear. I just don't know what they are, and can't choose from the plethora offered in Macy's, let alone Walgreens.

I believe getting with a consultant will be cheaper in the long run, because I'll get started with the RIGHT set of tools and products, and practice in applying a basic, good 'face.'

In advance, thank you for any advice you can offer;

Karen

Hello Karen.

One place to start looking is to check the Yellow pages for estheticians in your area.  Give them a call and see if they do consults and make-up application.  Some places offer in home consults where it is more relaxed.  My very first consult was at Sears at their cosmetic counter.  Whenever I was in the store there was always someone getting their make up done.  I simply spoke to the esthetician and asked about the make -up application and told her that I was having so much trouble getting the right look and the right colours.  I also asked how much it was.  It was free but they would like you to buy something after the application.  So I booked an appointment and it went great.  She explained each step and what she was doing and how she was applying the product.  Right from the facial cleansing to the final touch of powder.  It was well worth it believe me.

Steph

[Kendall]

I went to the local dollar store, bought one of everything (totalled like $30-$50) back when I first started just to have a large variety of different colors and shades. Just to try out the theories I read in books and sites.

I still have all of it but just use the ones I like best. My partner gave advice from her own experience and did me up once in how she thought I would look good. She thinks I look ok how I do it most, sometimes suprised, which makes me feel a little good inside.

The skills I know are mainly just from a cosmetology book I bought a year and half or so ago. Havent talked to anyone else, or paid anyone to do it.

[LostInTime]

If you already have the basics down you could just pick up a couple of books that show realistic and everyday looks (plus they almost always have some great evening looks in them) and then just practise, practise, and practise.

I have one big one by Kevyn, who was a great makeup artist.  Even though most of the looks really did not apply, each one had instructions on how to achieve that look.  I took the bits and pieces and came up with my own routines.

YMMV.