Remember when Issac Mizrahi was designing for Target? Yeah, pretty much from now until my first hip replacement surgery (or first Life Alert purchase, whichever comes first) when I refer to the “good old days,” that’s what I’ll be referring to.
Ok, ladies, here’s the (partial) outcome of the great make up chase of 2010. My face has officially said No, thank you to mineral make up. Disastrous. No amount of moisturizer made up for the drying it caused. However, my face is currently loving Nars blush in Orgasm – I absolutely love it. So fresh and pretty. Also, Lorac powder. Glorious!
Because of priority-realignments, I don’t really *do* this anymore. You know, buy things for the strict purpose of prettying – things you can’t find on sale at Target or CVS. But my Pops sent me birthday money and I made myself promise I wouldn’t use it for anything practical. Promise kept! Today’s after work adventure involves choosing the right shade of Makeup Forever HD and a berry-ish but neutral lip color. From everything I gathered from your wise words, MAC will be my go-to. You realize this involves going into the mall, though, right? That’s like the Lion’s Den for me and my commitment to practical money managing. Hmmm. I wonder where I can borrow a set of horse blinders…
I thought it was just me with mineral make-up. There’s an ingredient in it that I’m allergic to, and it took about five different times of me wearing the stuff to figure out the reason why my eyes became puffy and swollen and I resembled the witch from Hansel & Gretel.
The times I’ve been to MAC, I’ve actually been blunt enough to say, “This is my budget. What can I do for X-dollars.” And the MA’s have been great to work with me for what is most needed and what is a nice extra I could come back for later.
How funny. I read your post and those are exactly what I use. I love Nars Orgasm and Lorac powder! When Sephora stopped carrying Lorac powder, I was so sad and had to start ordering it on-line. I also use Vincent Longo Liquid Canvas for foundation. Highly recommend it.
I’m not liking Makeup Forever HD anymore. I like the MUFE Velvet one they have (and it’s cheaper). Good luck.
At least if you buy makeup at Sephora & don’t like it for WHATEVER reason, you can return it. Even if you’ve hit the bottom of the pan. Then you don’t waste money. Good luck with your hunt!
Hi heather.
I know you’re shopping today, and I’m a little late in posting, but when it comes to finding the right makeup for ME, Sephora is my best friend. Go in and PLAY! Put stuff on, where it around while you’re shopping for other things- see how it lasts, makes your skin feel etc- and ask for SAMPLES. They’re great at samples, helping you find what is best for YOU and it’s like a playground for girls.
Finding the perfect combination for your skin is hard- but testing is the best way to go.
Have fun!
Interesting… I was just telling myself last week that when my Prescriptives custom powder and my Kiehl’s liquid concealer ran out, I was going to try Mineral Make Up (next to J. Jill at NorthPark…) But now.. I don’t know! I am allergic to all sorts of make up — all those pretty eye shadows with the irridescent in them? Oy! Ugly reaction.
I use a lot of Lancome and Bobby Brown for my eyes. And Clinique quit making Stop Signs eye cream — the only eye cream I’d found that had sun screen in it. Why do they do that — discontinue??
Four year ago I switched my house supplies and body care stuff to natural/organic, but I haven’t made the make up switch yet… it’s so hard!
Oh, and I guess that explains why I can’t find Isaac at Target anymore — his stuff was so great! I didn’t know he was REALLY gone. I thought I was just missing displays. That’s a major bummer.
WARNING!!!!! It’s tax free weekend in Texas. I would try to stay far far away from the mall unless you have a desire to run elbows with the soccer moms and snotty children of greater DFW.
Good luck with the makeup though. I love Nars too!!!
I didn’t post this before because I didn’t want to be a mineral makeup hater but I’m not a fan, either. If you’re feeling like you could part with 6 or 7 bucks, I’d recommend L’Oreal True Match foundations. I have really sensitive skin and everything makes my skin dry and break out but its light and blends amazingly well and isn’t greasy. A friend turned me on to it years ago and I haven’t bought anything else since. Its not expensive so if it doesn’t work out, you won’t have spent a boat load of money and no one’s feelings will be hurt.
Just a thought in case during your shopping travels you (somehow) end up at Target the evilvortexofthingsIdon’treallyneed.
I must be the only person in the world who doesn’t like Nars’ orgasm blush. It was way too orangey for me and i broke out in a horrid rash after using it. I was VERY disappointed.
I actually tried a new Target brand called Pixie and loved it. Not cheap, however. It’s as pricey as any dept. store brand.
I do agree with the Sephora recommendation. If you have one in your area, it, to me, is Girl Heaven. I could do a lot of damage in Sephora. My only gripe about Sephora is that they inundate me with emails. I get one a day and it’s rather annoying.
I’m late to the party I know… but I have to second (third?) all those telling you to go to Sephora. I was a MAC fan, but Lorac makeup (to me) is so much better. Overall it’s an amazing brand. Also, someone else here recommended L’oreal True Match, I agree completely. It’s a fabulous foundation and makes your skin look really good without the cakey “I’m wearing foundation” mask. Also if you’re an eyeshadow wearing, you cannot beat Lorac’s eyeshadow primer, it’s awesome.
I really reccomend Smashbox, which you can find at any Sephora. They have great colors, products and it’s a favorite of makeup artists for weddings. MAC is more “let’s go clubbing” than “wedding day.”
Hi Heather,
I didn’t post before because there were so many already, but I would agree minerals are hard to deal with and MAC works on my skin perfectly. Let the people pick out your colours and you will be set! Its not as expensive as it looks and it lasts quite a while!
If you decide not to go to Sephora, then ask the counter staff to give you samples of any foundation-y products which you can take home for and try out for a week or so on your own before you buy. That has helped me in the past. Good luck!
I am a sad (and dry) face. Bare Minerals is drying me out too. Back to my Loreal True Blend.
Glad to know I’m not the only female who can’t wear the mineral make-up. My face looked horrible after wearing it…all dry and peely…and I’ve tried so many times. *sigh* Good luck in your search!
J: just because the girls at the MAC counter put on way, way too much makeup doesn’t mean it’s the make-up’s fault.
I just gave my mom my free lipstick for recycling my old MAC containers, and she’s in LOVE. You do know about the recycling program, right?
I strongly suggest Stila’s line of lip glosses for a berry-ish but neutral lip color. Have used them for multiple weddings (bridesmaid) and it photographs beautifully. Plus they smell great!
You have such a great blog! and soon it will be a blog that celebrates married life hehehe