SO the most common question I get is- What colors should I wear? I think that when you jump to that, you are bypassing the bigger question which is what is my makeup personality? What I mean by that, I mean you should be asking yourself-
What style do I like?
Is the style I like suitable to my lifestyle?
How much effort do I want to put into makeup?
How much money am I willing to invest?
What style do I like? I can tell anyone that they can wear purple eye shadow but if their style is super natural and low maintenance, its a totally moot point. When starting to develop a makeup personality that suits you, use magazines and photos online to see what it is that you like. Once you have a few pictures in front of you look for what is in common with them. Is it a winged liner that grabs your attention? A barely there foundation routine? A bright lip? A full on glam face? Once you find the common denominator move on to the next question...
Is the style I like suitable to my lifestyle? Personally, I wear a full face at least 4 days out of the week. I am constantly trying new things and trying to keep up with new techniques. This is not the norm. Most women find a makeup comfort zone and day and a night look. If you like a full on super glam almost drag face, is that going to be suitable for your office 9-5 job? Whatever your style is, you have to think about your lifestyle. If you work out everyday and you are layering it up, are you willing to let it melt off when you work out? When you find something that works for the way you live....
How much effort do I want to putting on makeup? Are you one that gives your self 20 minutes in the morning as your getting up for work? Are you a mom who never sleeps and cant get out of sweats? What ever the answer is- that's great! BUT, if you want a full on glammed out flawless look and you only have 5 minutes....chances are its not gonna work out that way. On the flip side- if you are busy and never leave the house, how about a tinted moisturizer, blush and mascara? That's totally do-able in 5 minutes! Don't covet a style that is more demanding than you can give and don't feel like you should be doing more just because others are.
How much money am I willing to invest? OK, you all know I love me some mass market products (duh, that's why I'm the Beauty Budget Mama) but you still have to think about the price tag involved.
Foundation $10
Concealer $8
Powder $8
Blusher $7
Eye shadow $7
Eyeliner $7
Mascara $7
Brushes $30
Total- that's $84 for a bare bones makeup bag. That's just for one look and one of everything and a very conservative total. If you are a starving college student, I cannot advocate spending your student loans on a $50 foundation. (nor should you) If you live small, invest small. Find what is really important to you. I personally love my foundation and I will pay more for it. I know girls who cant live without eyeliner and that's where their budget goes. If you have limited funds, spend the money on the important things in your style and either minimize the others or scrap the extras all together.
Whats your makeup personality? I love it all obviously but I love when its unexpected. No makeup makeup when you are way super dressed up and a lot going on with your outfit is one of my favorites. Or red lips with jeans and a tee shirt. Mix it up! Have fun and remember there are no rules with makeup!
