I don't own any makeup and I'm on a tight budget. I'm trying to narrow down the must have items to start with. My cheeks don't have any facial hair, but I do have thick yet sparse hair on my upper lip, side burns down around my neck, and under my chin. I'm not trying to pass in public yet, but just starting to have fun while at home. Any tips?

Get a concealer (for beard shadow) and foundation that is close-ish to your skin tone. Apply in that order (of course wash your face with a moisturizing cleanser before) then get a three color eyeshadow palet of you choosing for starters. Darker or bright colors may sound fun but if You are just starting out, you may look like a clown and be discouraged. If you are light skinned then start with a 3 brown color palet for a more natural look. Then get some eyeliner and mascara for your lashes. Last but not least your lips, you can either play it safe with a tinted lip gloss or go all out with a pink or red lipstick... Disclaimer if you are going for a natural look then über bright red lipstick may pop too much but have fun with it and find out what you like! This is just what I do as I am still a beginner. There are many other techniques such as contouring but that's for later, till then check out YouTube tutorials.. There's a metric crap ton.

If I were you I would save up a little bit more and go to an Enclosed store like Sephora and actually sit down with a make up technician. They will have a machine that will read your skin tone and match it up to products that fit your price range, it is actually a very amazing experience and I recommend it to everybody.

Quote from: Kaitlin4475 on January 15, 2014, 03:16:27 PM
Get a concealer (for beard shadow) and foundation that is close-ish to your skin tone. Apply in that order (of course wash your face with a moisturizing cleanser before) then get a three color eyeshadow palet of you choosing for starters. Darker or bright colors may sound fun but if You are just starting out, you may look like a clown and be discouraged. If you are light skinned then start with a 3 brown color palet for a more natural look. Then get some eyeliner and mascara for your lashes. Last but not least your lips, you can either play it safe with a tinted lip gloss or go all out with a pink or red lipstick... Disclaimer if you are going for a natural look then über bright red lipstick may pop too much but have fun with it and find out what you like! This is just what I do as I am still a beginner. There are many other techniques such as contouring but that's for later, till then check out YouTube tutorials.. There's a metric crap ton.

If I were you I would save up a little bit more and go to an Enclosed store like Sephora and actually sit down with a make up technician. They will have a machine that will read your skin tone and match it up to products that fit your price range, it is actually a very amazing experience and I recommend it to everybody.

I agree, this is a great way to start out. Just be careful if you go to a place like Sephora or MAC or ULTA. They will try to get you to buy the expensive products. I got my colors done there, and then found some decently priced makeup elsewhere when I first started.

I have an alternative idea for you. Take a trip to MAC and get a makeover there. If you explain to the lady or guy there you are on a budget and want to only buy what you NEED they will likely suggest just that. Is it expensive? Yes it is but I tell you one thing if you brought six things from MAC that really worked for you it would probably cost you far less than buying 30 things at the pharmacy and doing it trial and error style...............besides MAC makeup is priceless!