On a recent train trip, I found myself sitting next to a representative for a hip new brand of cosmetics. As she described her job and showed me several product samples, I thought she could just as easily have been a brain surgeon showing me various medical instruments. I had no idea what half the products did or how I would use them.
My own makeup bag contains the same brand of mascara I've worn since high school, the face powder that was on sale the last time I was in the cosmetics aisle and a lip balm I dug out of the car's glove compartment when mine ran out.
If you're a makeup novice like me, Shoppers Drug Mart's Lori Castagna offers the following tips:
Choose the best products
There is an overwhelming and seemingly unlimited assortment of skin, eye and lip products available. However, says Castagna, these are a few must-haves that will serve you well.
Face
1. Primer
Fills in lines and wrinkles to give a smooth finish for your foundation.
2. Foundation
Gives your skin a flawless finish and can be a real multitasker, often serving as a moisturizer and SPF protection.
3. Concealer
Masks those pesky skin breakouts you thought were gone with your teenage years.
4. Bronzer
Gives you natural-looking colour. And with a touch of shimmer, it's great for evenings out.
Eyes
1. Eye shadow
In addition to sweeping it across the eyelid, try using shadow with a liner brush to replace eyeliner.
2. Mascara
When in doubt, go for black, the bestselling colour regardless of brand and cost.
3. Brow gel
Set your eyebrows with this clear product, an important finishing touch.
Lips
Go for the gloss.
"A lot of women can't live without gloss," Castagna says. "At one time it was a trend but now it's become a basic."
Have a plan
Rather than wasting time and money buying the wrong products, a little time spent planning will pay off in the long run. Castagna says there's no need to follow every new trend and product. Instead, she says, find a magazine you like and buy the March and September editions, which spotlight the coming trends for spring/summer and fall/winter, respectively. Once you've done your research, ask for help. Talk to an adviser in the cosmetics department about what looks you like and dislike and what has or hasn't worked for you in the past. Also important, Castagna says, is to be realistic about your budget. "Don't be shy about how much you want to spend," she says. "It helps them help you better."
Page 1 of 2 — on page 2, find out how to get the right tools.
