Best products from r/Makeup

honestly, i haven't tried very many sunscreens yet. i am currently using Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer SPF 30 -- it is good for daily use -- but some people may consider it quite expensive ($34 for 3 oz.). it doesn't really leave a white cast once you get it rubbed in, and it kind of gives me a glowy/dewy look. i buy it from sephora - you can read the reviews there. it has 20 percent zinc oxide (it is hard to find sunscreens with a high percentage of zinc like that - that are actually wearable for daily use -- usually, if you find a cheap one from a drugstore that has a high percentage of zinc like that - then it will leave a terrible white cast).

i recently started using asian sunscreens - which are very cosmetically elegant. i so far have used Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF 50+ PA++++ (i really like it - and it's not too bad price-wise per mL - although it comes in a very small tube; it doubles as a makeup primer and it pretty much just feels like a moisturizer when you are applying it). basically, asian sunscreens are nothing like american sunscreens - they are something you may actually look forward to applying every day. i have ordered another that i haven't tried yet (skin aqua moisture milk SPF50+ PA++++ --> https://www.amazon.com/ROHTO-Skin-Super-Moisture-SPF50/dp/B01MRBST6H).. basically, i have been on the hunt for a sunscreen that i actually want to wear every day (not greasy, provides adequate UVA ray protection).. asian sunscreens have advanced chemical filters that confer better UVA ray protection (UVA rays penetrate skin deeply and cause aging- wrinkles, dark spots; UVB rays cause burning). most american sunscreens pretty much suck IMO. chemical sunscreens (american) typically contain several ingredients -- including avobenzone - which is typically the only ingredient in the sunscreen that protects against UVA rays (but it is not stable - so it degrades when exposed to sunlight within some time basically and then you aren't getting great protection from UVA rays). since i want adequate UVA ray protection (because i am not really worried about burning on a daily basis - i am more worried about protecting my skin from sun damage&wrinkles), i decided to get an american physical sunscreen with at least 20 percent zinc oxide (i read articles from TheSkincareEdit (https://theskincareedit.com/2017/06/19/zinc-sunscreen-for-face)- and she recommends physical sunscreens with high percentage of zinc oxide to get adequate UVA ray protection). anyway, then i caved and ordered asian sunscreens even though i originally said i was only going to use mineral sunscreens (better for sensitive skin) - i wanted to take advantage of the advanced chemical filters that offer superior UVA ray protection (i have tried combo ones - physical and chemical).. you can order them from places other than amazon too. other countries are ahead of the US when it comes to sunscreen ingredients because sunscreens in the US are regulated as drugs by the FDA - and so it takes forever or something to approve new ingredients ? i don't know really... you can visit the subreddit AsianBeauty for more info on asian sunscreens. anyway, since all of this i have recently ordered a sunscreen from france which apparently offers super high UVA ray protection (http://www.frenchcosmeticsforless.com/proddetail.php?prod=456736).. basically, i am not willing to use american chemical sunscreens - but i am willing to use asian and european chemical sunscreens because they have great chemical filters that are more stable and give great protection against UVA rays. sorry, this is prob more info than you wanted! Lol. i basically started all of this because i am outside quite a lot at school (on campus walking around).. i don't know that i would've worn sunscreen daily in high school. but for sure since it's summer and you may be outside more - you could consider finding a sunscreen to wear more often.

a tinted moisturizer generally contains more humectants (than a regular foundation) – which means it helps keep moisture locked into your skin. tinted moisturizer is pigmented – which means it’s perfect if you just need a light correcting base. But while it does offer color, a tinted moisturizer normally won’t give you a full coverage effect (foundation does provide full coverage). i never liked foundation that much, but i find that i really like tinted moisturizer because it has a lighter texture and less pigmentation - so it's good for like a no-makeup makeup look.

this isnt rly helpful to *applying* the liner specifically but it can def help the process!

try using a flat, angled eyeshadow brush (something shaped like this: https://www.amazon.com/Glow-Flat-Angled-Makeup-Brush/dp/B00WGSJN4I) to clean up any uneven, squiggly, or just plain wonky lines by wetting it w just a little bit of makeup remover. whenever i do wings i make the best effort i can to get them perfect and then go in w this sort of brush to sharpen lines by running it across the edges of the wing. once u get the hang of it it works like an eraser without ruining your whole look :) good luck! ❤

Ah, Another european. Everything is super expensive over here :(

Here are some recommendations:

I got a mini Models Own set - http://www.boots.com/en/Models-Own-5-piece-Brush-Set_1211220/

I was pleasantly surprised with the quality. There is a powder, angled, blending, shading and lip brush. The middle 3 should be good for most eye looks.

Eco tools are also a good brand. Several of my friends use them and I have seen others on reddit comment on them positively. Something like these are efficient http://eu.iherb.com/EcoTools-Eye-Enhancing-Duo-Set-4-Brush-Heads/55067 as is this set - http://eu.iherb.com/EcoTools-Fresh-Flawless-Complexion-Brush-Set-5-Piece-Brush-Set/46977

This is a good seller on Amazon and is like the one brookehhaven linked for the eu :)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/EmaxDesign-Professional-Foundation-Cosmetics-EmaxBeauty/dp/B017B9SSOW/ref=pd_sim_sbs_194_3?ie=UTF8&dpID=51K0axqWACL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=HH29T3MTQAKC9J1D5QR7

Hope some of these work for you :)

Wearing concealer without foundation is a thing!

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My friend had horrible puffiness and dark circles and she would use a roller with concealer.

https://www.amazon.com/Garnier-SkinActive-Clearly-Brighter-Anti-Puff/dp/B001DPMETG/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_bs_lp_t_1?_encoding=UTF8&refRID=M5CXX9M72JZB93P3AWTR&th=1

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This one was for specifically for anti-puffiness but Garnier also makes just a concealer one.

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https://www.amazon.com/Garnier-Anti-Dark-Circle-Roller-Medium/dp/B00778LVGA

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The roller will soothe the skin as well.

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Also something to keep in mind, the makeup trend now is to have concealer that is lighter than your skin tone to brighten under your eyes WITH foundation. If you just want to cover the dark circles you need to find a concealer that matches your skin tone otherwise it does look a little strange.

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Hope that helps! Good luck!

I’m loving Prickly Pear Seed Oil, which used to be prohibitively expensive and is now all the rage in European skin care..but now there are domestic sources so the price is super reasonable now. This is the brand I use and I order the 8 ounce size but keep refilling my bottle with a dropper (order the 1 ounce too so I would have a bottle with dropper/label) and keep the rest in the fridge (since oils can go rancid after a while). I use this oil not only on my face but also my body and it’s just amazing. My DIL, who has also tried lots of different oils and has dry skin, also prefers Prickly Pear.

https://smile.amazon.com/PRICKLY-PEAR-SEED-DR-ADORABLE-PRESSED/dp/B076VXXP7S/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1C5SS4BGXVKKQ&keywords=dr+adorable+prickly+pear+oil&qid=1566913793&s=gateway&sprefix=Dr+Adorable+prickly+%2Cfashion%2C488&sr=8-4


This is the same organic pure prickly pear oil as other pricey brands just produced domestically (it’s from a type of cactus). It’s the pure oil, which means there are no other ingredients (no carrier oils). I use about half a dropper for face and neck but start with just a few drops. I use about that much for my décolletage as well. But it’s also great for the entire body, especially right out of the shower.

My DIL had cystic acne and she swears this is helping with her scars. But there’s another oil that’s awesome for scaring, Tamanu. Initially it has a really strong scent but it dissipates quickly so it doesn’t bother me (and no complaints from the hubs, 😂). And it’s a strange green color but if you can handle the scent it works really well for scaring but perhaps not something you want to use every night. And you can definitely layer oils, just not too much of either one. I would do tamanu first, let it absorb and then the prickly pear on top.


Just fyi: the drugstore hair care brand Hask has a great leave in spray with prickly pear seed oil (called Cactus Water 5 in 1 or something like that). It’s awesome and actually the oil is among the top ingredients. I didn’t bother with the shampoo/conditioner since the prickly pear oil was listed way down at the bottom of the ingredient list...so hardly any. Plus you can use the oil as a hot oil treatment too (I should have said that earlier...). It’s way lighter than argan and is as good as jojoba but a bit lighter so awesome for all hair types, including fine hair. But when doing an oil treatment, apply oil only to the mids/ends.

i'm like gonna cry at how cute this is. you sound like a very good, thoughtful boyfriend.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078NGDPHY/ref=twister_B077VSD7F1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

this one on amazon looks like what you want, i cant judge the quality but really any desk with drawers will do. big mirror would be amazing, but a lightup zoom in double sided makeup mirror is essential. and maybe a cute tray :)

Try using a kabuki type brush, but with longer bristles. Like the one on the right beside the brush in the middle. https://www.amazon.ca/Cosmetics-Metal-Piece-Brush-Cosmetic/dp/B01MYP79W3/ref=asc_df_B01MYP79W3/?tag=googlemobshop-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=292963805681&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8313654173351691100&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9001300&hvtargid=pla-522777815985&psc=1
This set is great, I use all the brushes except the flat foundation brush to the left. You can use little pressure and buff in circles/push it into your skin like you would with a beauty sponge. No streaking. I also apply the foundation to my hand to warm it up first and then apply it to the brush and blend it in.

I have an $18 It Cosmetics brush and I do really like it. It's a fluffy blending brush, and it's so fluffy and soft. But I also like these cheapo brushes I got on Amazon. They're really well rated (4.8 stars and over 6000 reviews) and they're so cheap! They come in a nice cardboard tube too, which I'll totally use for travel.

I know youtubers always use Morphe brushes but personally I find them really scratchy and floppy and not great. They are pretty inexpensive though (eyeshadow brushes are around $6). I can also second the RT brushes, I have a big fluffy powder brush and it's so soft. And it was only like $10.

That being said, I have some Elf brushes (~$3 each) that are also just fine, and are softer than the morphe brushes. So I'd say that expensive brushes are nice, but there are nice inexpensive brushes too.

I naturally have dark circles and although I lightly cover them up (i'm 23 and have had them since childhood) I really don't think they're really that unbeautiful. Occasionally I'll look at the coloration and think its pretty.. you are likely being critical..and you have to remember that there are different causes of dark circles. Some people have extra pigment there. I just have very thin skin that's see through. Sometimes people need more sleep, sometimes that's not the case at all.

A yellow/orange concealer that matches your skin's saturation should be very lightly dotted then patted out on the eye area after you apply a moisturizer, and let it soak in(i would use a pale orange because I have a more reddish undertone to my skin and I'm basically white as you can possibly get). If you have darker skin, you would use something more pigmented. If your skin has more yellow than red, you might want to go with a more yellowish concealer. Yellow and orange cancel out the blues and purples in your skin.
Here are two cheap sets I have used:
multicolor concealor
yellow


and

http://www.amazon.com/e-l-f-Everything-Concealer-Corrective-Yellow/dp/B009N5SM30/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1454234373&sr=8-8&keywords=elf+concealer
On top of that you would put a cream concealer that matches your skin tone. I use [these] (http://www.amazon.com/Maybelline-New-York-Concealer-Medium/dp/B000V58AMY/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1454234611&sr=1-1&keywords=concealer+stick) because it comes in a stick and i just lightly stipple on top it on top of acne and dark circles. Then i pat and blend out into the rest of my skin. I set that with a pressed powder foundation like the Rimmel London Stay matte using an e.l.f kabuki brush. Less is really more. Just dabbing the brush once into powder patting the forehead, cheeks, nose, eye area and chin then making gentle circular motions should look fine.

For acne or acne hyperpigmentation, the issues is often red pigmentation in the skin. You can give that extra coverage by using a green concealer because it will cancel out the red. Make sure to cover that with your normal skin matching concealer though.


General advice:
Start with skin color concealers, then if you want more coverage start with the weird color ones.
You should never be able to see when you're done the weird colored concealer on your face.
Apply very very light, especially when starting out. It'll look more natural.
Makeup looks better on exfoliated and moisterized skin.
*Makeup Pros use primers before applying makeup. It makes it stay and lets makeup go on smoothly.

• Using Nature's cure (just the cream..not the pills) as a cream for something like that acne.org regimine at night seems to work good for my acne. It might help yours.
  Unrelated to all of this, but men are notorious for not wearing sunscreen. If you don't already, do. It'll probably make the biggest difference in how good you look in the long run.
  Vitamin C serum is awesome under moisturizer. It brightens the skin and has anti acne properties. That's not just natural skin guru talk either. I actually read an article about it on pubmed...
  *Foundation and concealers are like clothes..you often have to try them before you know they match. Keep receipts. They should disappear into your skin without a lot of blending and should look normal in sunlight. Sometimes you can look at reviews online if you google it. Find people that have similar skin to yours (similar oilness, similar age, similar redness yellowness, similar dark or lightness, and similar blemishes)
  
  
  

I have so many! LA Girl Pro Conceal HD, Essence Shine shine shine clear gloss(I've been using the ELF clear gloss but I like this one more and you get more product for the price), Maybelline Dream BB Fresh, Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer, ELF Baked Highlighter - Moonlight Pearls, and Peripera Velvet Cheek #6. These are all essentials in my "no makeup" look.

This one's not make up but on Amazon the Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF50+ / PA+++ is super cheap for a mineral sunscreen and doesn't break my skin out.

And my one and only HG status liquid eyeliner that I'll ever buy for my oily ass lids, HEROINE MAKE Smooth Liquid Eyeliner. I've seen it in Japanese specialty stores in my area for $20, on amazon it's only $10.49. All other eyeliners get crusty and flake off within a minute of application. This eyeliner has been a game changer.

Oh and the peripera ink velvet and tint water gels for lips, just wish they had more shades besides red and mauve.

About 2 months ago, I got some satin-silk pillowcases from Amazon and I'm never going back! Not only did my hair look and feel better, my skin cleared up! I used to get really bad breakouts on the sides of my face, but after switching pillowcases, not anymore!

These are the ones I use. They're super cheap, but great quality!

https://www.amazon.com/Satin-Silk-Pillowcase-Pillow-Covers/dp/B074M6RVJ5/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1526953170&sr=8-7&keywords=satin+silk+pillowcase

Personally when I first started wearing eyeshadow regularly, like 1.5-2 years ago, I bought a set of eyeshadow brushes from Amazon. The brand is lamora. I still use them.

Makeup Eye Brush Set - Eyeshadow Eyeliner Blending Crease Kit - Best Choice 7 Essential Makeup Brushes - Pencil, Shader, Tapered, Definer - Last Longer, Apply Better Makeup & Make You Look Flawless https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MNMQKPC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_IQ9XDb4AE0ERT

I use the The Masters Brush Cleaner. It’s an art supply used to clean oil and acrylic off of paint brushes so I know it’s really good for taking dried makeup residue off. It isn’t advertised to clean makeup brushes but its safety data sheet indicates no hazardous material or health hazards. I haven’t tried the brush cleaning balms advertised for makeup brushes but I assume it’s very similar but The Masters Brush Cleaner is much cheaper. You can find it at Hobby Lobby or amazon.

But I just wet my brush and swirl it around gently in there to get the product until it lathers and use a makeup cleaning mat to scrape the residue off. Rinse and repeat until the water is clear.

Then I put one of these net guards around the hairs to keep its shape until it’s dry.

I would recommend a train case like this

It's extremely useful and she will have some great lighting to do her make up too

If you are near a Sephora try them. Or look for something like this Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer, Brightener 60, 0.2-fluid Ounce
http://amzn.com/B004Y9GY44 or Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller, 0.50 Fluid Ounce
http://amzn.com/B001DPMETG at a local
Drugstore. Walgreens as a great return policy by the way.

Get a couple of the maybelline concealers that you think are close to your shade. It's hard sometimes in the store to get the right shade. I typically buy 2 or 3 that I think are close and take the ones that don't match back. These have a built in applicator.

Also gossmakeupartist on YouTube has some great tutorials on covering dark circles.

On top of what everyone else says, I recommend tinting your brows. I have super sparse brows and like to go as sheer as possible in my day makeup look. So if I tint my brows, and then fill in with powder (and if I'm feelin a little extra some brow gel) it seriously helps. I use this kit: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EEN2HCS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I would suggest Loreal Paris CC Cleam Glam Nude Anti-Red. (https://www.amazon.de/LOreal-Paris-Magique-Cream-Anti-Redness/dp/B00CI55LTK) The amazon link I am sharing says it is like $24, but that isn't the case, go to the department store and it should be maybe 10$.

I had also recently posted here asking what I should use, as I do not want to use foundation but I want the redness on my face to go. So I bought the CC cream. It works AMAZINGLY! Paired with the right primer, it stays on quite a while. I love it. Would highly suggest it. I don't even need to wear foundation with it.

hello! my sister has the same problem. half her eyebrow doesn't grow in on one side, she's been using wunderbrow for ages and she freaking loves it. it stays on for days, looks amazing, just needs a touch up every once in a while, its waterproof and she can even sleep in it and wake up with nice brows! seriously 10/10 recommend. hope this helps!

https://www.amazon.com/WUNDER2-WUNDERBROW-Lasting-Eyebrow-Waterproof/dp/B00UYY2GUO?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_2

I literally only use one eyeshadow brush from this Real Technique eyeshadow brush set and it works really well! But I'm also a beginner so for more advanced eyeshadow looks idk how this would work out. This set is also super cheap!

I wanted to see if I could grow my lashes for my wedding, so I started using Babe Lash serum which I bought on Amazon. I was pretty sure it wouldn't work, but since it was for my wedding I was willing to try it. I was shocked to see that it totally worked! My lashes used to be so short and they have grown so much! It definitely took at least a month to start seeing any noticeable difference, so be aware of that. I tell people about this stuff whenever I get the chance because I was so shocked that it worked for me!

Edit: formatting

THIS!

It may be cheaper if you go to an actual art supply store. I bought mine at Blick Art Supply store for around $5-6. It is amazing! I originally bought it for paint brushes and then read online how it was also used by many for makeup brushes. Cleans + Conditions (so your bristles are kept in good condition).

EmaxDesign Makeup Brushes 10+1 Pieces Makeup Brush Set, 10 Pieces Professional Foundation Blending Blush Eye Face Liquid Powder Cream Cosmetics Brushes & 1 Piece Black Beauty Sponge Blender With Bag https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017B9SSOW?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf


Here you are :)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F97FHAW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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My sister recommended it to me and I love it! It doesn't make leave my face looking white or shiny. It goes on very smoothly.

I bought some on Amazon (Link below) - I was so amazed by the quality of the brushes for its price - The ones that I got from CVS/Rit Aid doesn't last me very long, and the ones from MAC or Sephora is just so pricy although the quality is amazing.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MNMQKPC/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&th=1

Do you think this would go well with this train case someone recommended? She could have the majority of her stuff in the one you linked, and her palettes could fit in the train case