Starting from scratch

[nicolewi]

I don't usually post here, but it seem like the place to go with this question. I have been busy since 2008 being pregnant and having kids who are now ages 8, 6, 4, and 2. I am now 42. I could use a whole clean sweep of new makeup (i.e. foundation, blush, lipstick, eyeliner, mascara, eye shadow) but I don't really know what I need now that I'm in my 40s. I'm a SAHM now and really don't wear a lot of makeup (I'm in the north where people often go out without it!), but I want to be able to look polished in a natural type way. Also to have some options for when we have a party or a date night.

I am thinking I should go to some makeup counter or something for a makeup application, but I don't know where to go. I like Clinique, but is that still a good choice? Where do I start with this? Thanks!

[sunshineluv]

I think Clinique is still a great option. Sephora has more brands but may be overwhelming. I would set up an appointment at a Clinique counter when they have a bonus (Macy's does now I think). They are trained well and have great products.

[ESF]

You could make an appointment at Nordstrom. They have people that will pull stuff from all brands there. I did it once and it was a lot of fun.

[secretlyevil]

I also suggest making an appt at Nordstroms (or Sephora or Ulta), that way you get to play with multiple brands. Like ESF, I had a ton of fun at my Nordstroms appt.

The best thing you can do for yourself at this point is a hard look at your skincare and determine if there's something to add or change. Namely, do you wear sunscreen daily?

[Pippin]

Just wanted to add that you can get a couple free samples per visit at Sephora of most of their products. Makes it easy to try a few different foundations or concealers at once.

[DarcyLongfellow]

Definitely make an appointment somewhere. Sephora is great. In my experience, they are good at working with people who aren't super into makeup. I took my MIL (who barely wears makeup) there for a makeover. They asked her what brands she usually used, and they mostly stuck to that (Clinique). Just tell them exactly what you said in your post. A Sephora makeover is free if you spend $50 on products.

If you're willing to spend more than $50, I'd do a makeover, spend around $50 on products, use the products for a few weeks, then schedule another makeover. You'll get another makeup artist and you can talk about how the products you bought last time are working for you.

I'd also think about upping your skincare game. I've always had pretty good skin, but as I approach 40, it was no longer awesome. I've gotten into asian skincare, but you don't need to go nuts. Make sure you use something really moisturizing at night, use an eye cream, and wear sunscreen daily. Drugstore brands are fine -- if you want specific recs, the ladies on here would love to tell you what we like!

[mominatrix]

...and as a SAHM and resident cheapskate, let me say that drugstore makeup and skincare have gotten SO MUCH BETTER than in the past. The best drugstore level products will rival (and surpass) prestige stuff.

The Internet has been a HUGE bonus in this area. You can see videos of how things not only look on, but how they wear over several hours, so you can see if it's worth the $$ to buy department store stuff, or spend way way less at Target.