(Part 2) Best products from r/Makeup

You want to get her Fude brushes. It’s beloved by many make up artists, and probably not talked about quite as much as other “popular” youtubers, because they don’t promote. Fun fact, HAKUHODO and Chikuhodo brushes are actually commonly speculated to be the manufacturerers for more popular brushes such as Wayne Goss, Tom Ford, Sonia G etc. Buy directly from the source, instead of being swayed by popularity and brand names. Did she say whether she wanted face or eye brushes?

I also suggest you combine her present with either a makeup book, or a makeup app. Rae Morris has an app that is $6 or a book that is like $75 on Amazon here is a link. I don’t know your age or that of your gf, but I’m in my late 20s and that book alongside HAKUHODO or chikuhodo or fude brushes in general is a timeless, ageless gift that is good for younger to until you’re dead. It covers makeup techniques for every age/situation/ethnicity and the brushes will last a lifetime if properly cared for. Adding a book will help guide her excitement of makeup, and you obviously reap the rewards. If you are going all out on luxury brushes, you don’t want her applying basic or inaccurate makeup techniques. We’ve all been there thanks to YouTube beauty gurus (no disrespect) but it’s not the same as learning from a true trained artist/professional that works with royalty, movie sets, runways etc. If you want to go all out, get her a book on color theory too unless she already has an art background.

Also something I have learned about giving gifts is you always want to prolong the experience. Once you look at brushes and use them, the Christmas Day thrill is very short lived. Sure, every time she uses them she can get a kick out of it, but why would you give someone a Bugatti without giving them racing lessons or making sure they properly know how to drive? Hopefully this analogy makes sense, I assume you are into cars, which is sexist of me but oh well. If you also give her the book, it will take months to get through all of that information, and every time she uses her brushes she can try something new in the book. The app is less expensive and has videos, so I recommend that unless you have money to burn and want to get her both. I own both but I’m not sure how much you want to splurge.

I do not recommend going to sephora or ultra or whatever is being mass marketed to teenagers. Buy something high quality once so it will last a lifetime. I also disagree with Sephora/morphe/real techniques, because she can buy these herself, it’s not special. I disagree with Wayne goss, because it’s more cost effective to get them from the manufacturer as mentioned earlier. I disagree with MAC, because you are not an expert and their quality has declined for some of the brushes over the past several years, and as you are not an expert you would not be able to determine which brushes have changed in quality and which haven’t. Also, like I said, MAC is not manufacturing their own brushes, Unfortunately for you, r/Fude is on a break, but that’s ok because I got your back! And, if she is unfamiliar with fude brushes, she will be able to learn about them and appreciate them even more. They need to be cared for in a certain way, and that all comes with the brushes once purchased so you needn’t worry about that.

A gift should be special, and luxurious, something she would never get herself. It’s the difference between getting something that is fast fashion vs. buying something designer that is well crafted. The Japanese know their makeup brushes, and I can assure you any higher end brushes you might buy, they’ll be manufactured from one of those Japanese brands I mentioned. I do not think YouTube is helpful, because most of that is indirect advertising, or younger beauty gurus who are not actually make up artists, and fail to take into account peoples face shapes, color undertones etc. It’s well intentioned, but the difference between what an expert like Lisa Eldridge or Rae Morris has to say, versus your run of the mill beauty/glam guru, is rather remarkable. I will likely be downvoted for saying this lol

These brushes are the Bugatti of makeup brushes, and might not be mentioned as frequently because people not into makeup either don’t know about them or haven’t splurged on them. A fact about makeup that is seldom mentioned is that the brushes are more important than the product. A lesser quality makeup will automatically look better if applied with a good brush. Brushes are the foundation.

Email Hakuhodo, they have incredibly thorough customer service (as one would expect with high end products) and will guide you in selecting the correct brushes for your girlfriend. I also recommend taking pictures of the makeup she uses the most, so you know if she is using liquids or powders on her face. That will help determine brush selection as well. They have sets but you will get more bang for your buck if you create your own set. Select a price point, email them and explain what are are trying to create and your price point, and they will help you create one. I think 2 eyeshadow brushes, a foundation brush and a powder brush is sufficient. Good luck and PM if you have questions! She’s lucky to have you!

My holy grail eyeliner is this Dejavu eyeliner (here's a brown one too if you want a more soft look- same formula) . 15$ seems a bit pricey for an eyeliner but one usually lasts me about 6 months to a year. (btw I wear eyeliner almost every single day) Not to mention, a lot of sephora brand eyeliners are 25$+.

I try to introduce this product to every single person that needs a new eyeliner- I see so many people I know blow almost 25$ for a sephora brand eyeliner and it bleeds/smudges/hard to apply etc.

They are a Japanese brand so not a lot of people outside of Japan know of it but it is literally THE BEST liquid eyeliner I've EVER used. I've bought this product so many times over these ~5 years. I've tried Kat Von D eyeliners, Stila, UD, drugstore brands, etcetc. And of course most of them were okay, but only okay.

I think KVD liners have a nice finish but it's hard to draw with them, (also Kat is a POS lol) Stila's eyeliner tips are hard to draw with imo, UD is just all in all underwhelming. I'm just generally not a fan of dipping types and felt tips- which rules out a good majority lmfao. Some higher end brands have a brush tip but they're usually super pricey. I love these brand's other products, but for eyeliners, I've never ever had one as good as Dejavu's.

Japanese eyeliner brands a lot of the times pushes how easily it applies and how much it doesn't budge. (idk why but jp girls would rather die than have panda eyes at the end of the day lmao) Not to mention Japanese girls tend to lean towards natural makeup looks, so they're made so it's easy to draw very thin smooth lines.

Dejavu's eyeliner sort of dries as a very very thin "film", so it's incredibly waterproof, (I legit go swimming w this eyeliner and it doesn't budge) sweat and mostly oil proof. As for application, this is what the pen tip looks like (middle one) . It never puts out too much product, so there's no bleeding. It's almost like those calligraphy brush pens. Also- it's very opaque. So no going over it twice and getting patchy pigment. Jesus lmfao I know I sound like a salesperson right now but I LEGIT have never used a better eyeliner.

Oh, one warning though, like a pen, if you keep it upside down for too long ink won't come out easily. I always try to store it cap side down in a makeup storage cup/container.

If for some reason you can't get this one/don't want to get this one I've also had good luck with moteliner (a bit pricier, MIGHT bleed if you use too much but longlasting and very easy to draw with nonetheless)

There's also love liner which has a smaller and thinner brush tip! So this one might be good for you as well. Only thing for me for love liner is that I THINK it ran out a bit too fast, but i'm not 100% sure, maybe I accidentally left it open too long one time. If you're interested in pencil/gel liners as well I'd totally check out Love Liner's pencil liners, they're SUPER thin and creamy, doesn't smudge much- but of course smudges more than film finish liquid eyeliners.

I always get Japanese brand's eyeliners, they're so much easier to draw with and a pen-brush type is common so that's something I love.

Hope you can find something good!

Youtube channels or pinteresting videos are an awesome starting point for techniques and honest product reviews.

My real suggestion if you have the money to spare is to go to a makeup artist and PAY for a lesson--not only can they recommend products which will work with your skin and work how YOU want them, but we can help you with application techniques and work with you to ensure you're good to go on your own..it's a one time (or more if you please) investment which is totally worth the money! :)

Somethings I love & would recommend to anyone:
-Pore Reducing Primer -- NYX Makes an awesome and inexpensive one which is comparable to other, more expensive products NYX Pore Filler Helps reduce appearance of enlarged pores
-A BB cream is a nice start for a light, yet buildable foundation and a good entry into using a foundation-esque product. Like I said, you can build up as much coverage as is needed! (I LOVE mac or Laura Mercier) MAC Prep + Prime BB Cream
-Blush, Bronzer and Contouring go a LONG way (I love NARS orgasm for blush for my skin tone--and NYX Taupe for contour--my bronzers..welll..I have an addiction!)
-A Beauty blender applicator is FANTASTIC for applying foundations flawlessly [beauty blender--but off brands are A-OK(http://www.amazon.com/Beautyblender-Ultimate-Makeup-Sponge-Applicator/dp/B000HRVC5I)
-Brushes.Brushes.Brushes. Now, I'm not saying that you have to run out and get professional style brushes--BUT they'll help blend everything together perfectly.

If a one on one makeup lesson isn't within your budget right now, I'd suggest perhaps a Sephora where you can try different products would be helpful--it's no cost, and you can FEEL different products within your budget!

I do not recommend watching specific Youtube channels (called gurus) because they are often given products that they will promote on their channels. People on specific brand channels (such as maybelline, realtechniques, MAC cosmetics, etc.) are advertising for their brand or product, and it's important to keep in mind that one single brand does not excel at every item of makeup. It's perfectly fine to have brand loyalty, and there is nothing wrong with having favorites, but, objectively, you’re better off trying multiple brands to see what works for you.

I would instead figure out what you want to do, and start with one thing at a time. Rather than overwhelming yourself and your budget with a bunch of things that you might not like, focus on one area. You said you use eyeliner, mascara and brow coverage.

A good general start would be reading through websites like this one.

Otherwise I would suggest googling specific things you find interesting or want to learn more about:

• Videos like this one show how to apply liquid or cream foundations
  
• This shows how to apply powder based foundations
  
  Searching for specific things can help you narrow down on which type of item you might want to try. If you’re using liquid foundation, some people like to have a cream blush, others would rather use a powder blush. Searching google for “cream blush vs powder blush” yields websites that focus on results, pictures, products, and how to apply. Searching youtube for the same thing will focus more on people often showing off specific products they have purchased. Makeup geek offers a decent tutorial that shows how to apply cream blushes to the face. I linked her video to start at 3:05, but you can scroll back to have it play from the beginning as well.
  
  As someone who started wearing makeup later in life, I found books such as Makeup Makeovers by Robert Jones to be TREMENDOUSLY helpful and easy to understand. See if your local library has that book if you don’t want to purchase it. He goes through and explains what terms like Dewy, Contour, and Stippling mean in layman terms. And he includes photos of beautiful models he has applied makeup to. A particular advantage of his book is that there are many ethnicities and a variety of face shapes that he has worked on. I really liked that he applied classic looks to the women (who without makeup, look like everyone else, and not like they won the genetic lottery!) that flattered their face types, rather than fads that will look dated in the future.
  
  I’m happy to help with more advice if you have any specific question, (that is, “I’m interested in concealer, I don’t have much acne, and I would like to use it for undereye darkness and circles, what do you recommend?”), but keep in mind that whatever I (or anyone else) am suggesting you try is based on my opinion, and ultimately may or may not work for you (YMMV - Your Mileage May Vary). I hope this helped though. :)

Transgirl here. I'm still learning a lot but I've picked up a lot of tips.

Youtube is a great place to start. There's lots of make-up channels.

Use a primer, especially if you're going with a powder foundation, it helps everything set better imo.

I have dark beard shadow and color corrector has been a godsend. Depending on your skin tone, applying orange or like a salmon color before your foundation should help hide that immensely. I really like nyx for these.
https://www.amazon.com/NYX-Cosmetics-Concealer-Orange-0-25/dp/B004QQ1170

If you have a friend you can trust have them help you find a foundation to match your skin tone unless you're confident you can figure it out.

If you have masculine facial features a highlighting kit is your lifeline. It can really help mask things you want to cover and draw towards what you like. Again a friend who knows what they're doing really helps since every face is different, but you can get the gist online and stumble through.

Idk if you plan on using lipstick, because I didn't care for it at first, but a little extra color really helps me pass.

Eyeliner is still the hardest part for me. Like, I seriously think you just gotta practice and mess up a lot before it starts to click. Eventually your eyes will stop watering up, if they do now lol. You'll find stuff you like but it takes a lot of practice. Cis-girls have years on us lol.

I haven't done much with eyeshadow yet but find colors that work with your skin tone, lipstick whatever and make sure to blend them well.

If you have any more specific questions I'm happy to help however i can.

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.

Hi! I received w3ll people's expressionist mascara in my 'gooodebeing' box a couple months ago and it's become my go-to black mascara. Here is the amazon product link:

http://www.amazon.com/W3LL-PEOPLE-Expressionist-Bio-Extreme-Mascara/dp/B00O859WWU

It's made primarily with beeswax with some natural pigments. It's pretty pleasant to remove and doesn't bother my sensitive eyes (and even just lining them can have them treaming sometimes.)

Also, it looks like I got it in brchbox, not goodbeing.

I’ve got this one. Super cheap at $50, compared to your budget, and it’s nice.

I recently bought this acrylic brush holder from Amazon and it is the best for keeping dust out of your brushes! It even comes with the little plastic balls so they stand up.

​

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DN3D2NX/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You might need to do some hydration in the AM using eye gel patches.

I use Peter thomas roth cucumber patches. They are pricey but they really work nicely.

I finish my under eyes with this rimmel primer .

The trick is to use the primer AFTER you use concealer. This shocks people but I swear by this method.

Apply primer by tapping gently with fingers. Tap it a little bit then leave it.

Will dry to a matte finish and your creases will be diminished.
ALSO - Don't use any products with shimmer or shine. They'll make you look way older.
I don't use powder under my eyes.

I have a different version of [this](https://smile.amazon.com/Lay-n-Go-Cosmo-Cosmetic-Bag-Black/dp/B00B04V3PQ/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=flat+makeup+bag&qid=1563228823&s=gateway&sr=8-3) which is super convenient because it lays flat so you can see everything then you just pull the cords to shut it

https://www.amazon.com/Almay-Intense-I-Color-Volumizing-Sapphire/dp/B00KV0VAVM

I love Almay... they have eyeshadows too for the different eye colors.

Are you open to Korean makeup? I use the Skin79 Super+ Beblesh Balm with some setting powder on days I don't feel like doing a full face. :) I like it a lot, it doesn't settle into fine lines or wear off, in my experience, and I'm in Virginia, where the summer has been mega humid!

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00E7IF4NY/

I have straight asian lashes and had such a hard time with getting them to hold a curl until I found my two holy grails!

1. I use a heated eyelash curler, I use this one
   
2. Then I use this Etude House Primer after I curl my lashes and it holds the shape up so well!
   
3. After I let the primer dry for a few minutes, I just layer it on with whatever mascara I like

You can get one of those thingys that help you create a hair bun from the drugstore and just swirl your brush in it to switch between different color powders.

Edit. Found this on amazon. General idea obviously.
Donut Hair Bun Maker 7 Pieces, Teenitor Ring Style Bun Maker Set with Hair Bun Makers (1 extra-large, 2 large, 2 medium and 2 small), 5 pieces Hair Elastic Bands, 20 pieces Hair Pins, Dark Brown https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CT9615X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_0U.gDbG9YRF76
donut hair bun

Oh, these are really neat... I'm watching the video the creator uploaded on youtube titled "what's in my makeup bag". The personalized initialing on them alone is enough to make me choose it. I might do this along with another, more box style case like this one so she has a choice of using box compartments, and softer pockets like the one you suggested

Based on your suggestions and the info available in r/makeupaddiction and r/olivemua, I've decided on the following products. Opted for mostly drugstore items as I'll be including a Zelda iPhone case for her and some other goodies as well.

Tarte Eyeshadow Palette - http://www.ulta.com/tartelette-tease-clay-eyeshadow-palette?productId=xlsImpprod13581249

Essie First Base Base Coat - http://www.ulta.com/first-base-base-coat?productId=xlsImpprod1320190

OPI Classic Nail Lacquer - http://www.ulta.com/classic-nail-lacquer?productId=xlsImpprod5180201

Revlon Quick Dry Top Coat - http://www.ulta.com/quick-dry-top-coat?productId=xlsImpprod14321031

Nyx Mega Shine Lip Gloss - http://www.ulta.com/mega-shine-lip-gloss?productId=xlsImpprod2150070

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor - http://www.ulta.com/color-sensational-lipcolor?productId=xlsImpprod2830011

e.l.f. Eyebrow Kit, Medium - https://www.amazon.com/e-l-f-Cosmetics-81302-Eyebrow-Medium/dp/B002B4JORS

Maybelline Mascara, Blackest Black - https://www.amazon.com/Maybelline-New-York-Sensational-Blackest/dp/B00PFCT2R0

L'Oreal Blush, Sweet Ginger - https://www.amazon.com/LOreal-Paris-Match-Super-Blendable-Ginger/dp/B003BMI8D0

NYX Noir Liquid Liner, Black - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006R1MM2A

Rimmel Stay Matte Primer - https://www.amazon.com/Rimmel-Matte-Primer-Fluid-Ounce/dp/B00I9X3UKM

Chose not to get a brush set as the eyebrow kit and blush each come with their own anyway! Also, everything with an Ulta link I plan on buying in-store tomorrow, so you have time to stop me if I've made a dumb choice.

I have very sensitive eyes with dry skin surrounding them so I have been on the hunt too for a mascara that does not irritate my eyes. Just discovered W3ll People’s Mascara I’ll report back when I’ve used it for a bit.