Cosmetics - why don't they stay on my face?

[stormkeeper_lovedoris]

If you wear make-up, do you ever find that it does not actually last very long on your face?

I put on mascara, eyeshadow, blush, and lipstick in the morning, and I find that after not very long, the eyeshadow and the blush are MIA. I expect the lipstick to not last long because I'm always sipping water. But where do the blush and eyeshadow go? Do I sweat profusely or am I wearing not-good brands? I don't rub my eyes or touch my cheeks.

Comments

[sarahetc.livejournal.com]

I have such worries about being able to correct apply foundation (and my coworkers tell me that my complexion is "even", which I guess means I don't need it?)

If you don't need it, don't wear it! Awesome!

I have used everything from cheaper brands like Cover Girl to more expensive ones like Clinique, but now I mainly use The Body Shop. I had the disappearing-act problem with all of these brands though.

You'd think that Clinique, expensive as it is, would hang on a little long, but it doesn't. I think it's because their products are meant to be softer, nothing edgy or obviously, so they're less pigment-dense.

You know, I do remember years ago being told at a Clinique counter that that's what I needed. Guess I should've listened. So you think they really do work to an extent?

I really do. I didn't buy it for the longest time either, but it really does help. Though you don't have to go out and buy special "eyeshadow primer." Just a bit of good, eye-safe concealer will do, though some of the primers out there have lots of nice herbs in them to tighten the skin and reduce redness and puffiness. Then a good eyeshadow and you're set. You can also use liner pencils smudged to get long lasting color, tho this is a different effect.

Lipstick! Oh, lipstick!

Rule of thumb: the drier it applies, the longer it stays on.
Rule of thumb2: the drier it goes on, the drier it feels on your face and will start pulling moisture out of your lips leading to flakiness
Rule of thumb3: layer color to achieve long lasting color with a comfortable finish.

This could be as simple as using a coordinating liner under a creme lipstick. You might still need to apply 2 (3, 4, don't know) times a day if a lot comes in contact with your mouth, but it's far, far longer lasting than just applying straight from the tube. A bit of pressed or translucent powder under the liner makes it stick more, which makes the color stick more, etc. Couple bonuses to using liner, too: I find it helps me stay inside the lines when applying right from the tube. And it helps prevent feathering.

My favorite lipsticks are MAC matte formula (http://www.maccosmetics.com/templates/products/sp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY15113&PRODUCT_ID=PROD1439). Chili and Ruby Woo are my staples. I wear liner under both and only have to reapply once a day, after eating. Their amplified creme is a smoother, softer texture and has very nearly the same staying power. I tend to apply that, blot and apply a second coat to get me through half the day. I've never used their satin or sheer formulations, but only because I choose to have my lips be the focus of my face.

When not wearing cosmetic on the lips, always always always keep something on them. For me this means never going without some sort of product on my lips, ever. I use balm at night, on top of moisturized. Once a week, exfoliate lips with a soft toothbrush or a washcloth with soap or cleanser and warm water. Then immediately smear on moisturize and balm.

Okay, I could keep talking forever. I haven't even touched on glosses and how many thousands are variations there are to those. And I'm started to get embarrassed at how much I'm going on. I'll keep going tho, as long as you have questions.

[stormkpr.livejournal.com]

Oooh, thank you - I have learned so much! I think I am going to switch to MAC (matte formula) for lipstick, and try either eyeshadow primer or concealer on my eyes first.

The liner you mention for the lips...is that basically plain old lip liner? I saw that MAC has primers...would you recommend using those or is liner better?

[sarahetc.livejournal.com]

Plain old lip liners. MAC has a couple different formulations. I use the plain ones right now, but I did like using the cremestick liner, even though it ran out a bit quickly.

I've never tried the MAC primer, mostly because if it's between spending money on that, or another color of stick/gloss, I'll take the other color every time. If you try them, let me know.

You could use both a primer and a liner, but for extra staying power, put the liner on dry lips (or lips where your moisturizer is well absorbed).

I can't wait to hear what you think. Just remember to keep some balm on your lips when not wearing the lipstick so you don't dry out. Thank you for letting me go nuts in your comments!

[stormkpr.livejournal.com]

I will definitely let you know how it goes, once I get the stuff!