Makeup, skin, and hair -- the good, the bad, the ugly

[Lizard Queen]

May 21, 2021 17:14:05 GMT -5 stillmovingforward said:

I want to wear a foundation to smooth out the look of my skin but I also have to wear a specific sun screen. It's a cream. Any suggestions on what to do? I need help from how to use it and what to use. Right now, I blend Aliquippa foundation and my sun screen. But it looks 'glossy'. I'm totally clueless when it comes to make-up.

Mineral powder foundation over the sunscreen.

[andi9899]

How much coverage do you want? Does your skin lean dry or oily? Do you have a lot of texture?

[stillmovingforward]

Ummmm
I think it's dry but the sun screen sits on top and makes it look greasy?
You can put a powder on top of a lotion?
Not a lot of coverage? I have super pale skin and just want to smooth out the red bits and such.

[stillmovingforward]

I'm terrible at this. BTW, I'm 50-ish. And don't wear any other make-up.

[andi9899]

I have this one and I like it. It's light to medium coverage. It's really lightweight. I have dry skin too and it works well for me.

www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=pimprod2017112

[Lizard Queen]

May 21, 2021 17:48:59 GMT -5 stillmovingforward said:

Ummmm
I think it's dry but the sun screen sits on top and makes it look greasy?
You can put a powder on top of a lotion?
Not a lot of coverage? I have super pale skin and just want to smooth out the red bits and such.

Yes, apply the lotion, and let it sink in. Then the powder. You're supposed to swirl it on your skin with a brush. I hate the powder foundation when my skin is dry (sometimes in winter). The lotion actually helps it in that case.
If I need extra coverage, I'll use it over Garnier bb cream.

This is all assuming the lotion sinks into your skin and doesn't sit on top of it.

[stillmovingforward]

May 21, 2021 18:26:14 GMT -5 Lizard Queen said:

May 21, 2021 17:48:59 GMT -5 stillmovingforward said:

Ummmm
I think it's dry but the sun screen sits on top and makes it look greasy?
You can put a powder on top of a lotion?
Not a lot of coverage? I have super pale skin and just want to smooth out the red bits and such.

Yes, apply the lotion, and let it sink in. Then the powder. You're supposed to swirl it on your skin with a brush. I hate the powder foundation when my skin is dry (sometimes in winter). The lotion actually helps it in that case.
If I need extra coverage, I'll use it over Garnier bb cream.

This is all assuming the lotion sinks into your skin and doesn't sit on top of it.

What powder would you recommend?

[stillmovingforward]

I'm going to try both and see what I like the best.
I'll need to find a nice lady at work tell me which looks best.....

[Lizard Queen]

May 21, 2021 19:23:59 GMT -5 stillmovingforward said:

May 21, 2021 18:26:14 GMT -5 Lizard Queen said:

Yes, apply the lotion, and let it sink in. Then the powder. You're supposed to swirl it on your skin with a brush. I hate the powder foundation when my skin is dry (sometimes in winter). The lotion actually helps it in that case.
If I need extra coverage, I'll use it over Garnier bb cream.

This is all assuming the lotion sinks into your skin and doesn't sit on top of it.

What powder would you recommend?

Bare minerals seems to blend and cover better than the others, but I've also used ulta brand and Neutrogena, which are cheaper and  work ok. (They may have discontinued Neutrogena. )

[Cookies Galore]

I wear Tarteguard in the summer. tartecosmetics.com/shop/tarteguard-30-mineral-powder-sunscreen-broad-spectrum-spf-30-1261.html?dwvar_1261_color=multi&cgid=sunscreen-spf#start=1

[azucena]

Had my hair short and piecey for the last 15 yrs or so. It grew out during covid and lo and behold it's curly. Was only slightly wavy before - likely hormone shift. I've been putting in curly product, throwing in a headband and air drying. Had it cut in March by my previous stylist. She's cut her hours and is further away than i would like.

I went to a new guy recommended for curly hair by FB friends. He spent over an hour talking me thru styling, diffused drying, products, and then cutting it slightly shorter in the back and piecier all over. I basically gave him full reign except no bangs. I bought several products and left a big tip. He only charged me his regular $38 which happens to be what My old stylist charged. She never raised My price since I followed her thru 2 moves and saw her for 16 yrs. My total bill was more than triple what I've ever spent at a salon. I then bought microfiber towels, dry shampoo, and satin pillowcase at walmart.

He quoted me $70 for coloring my grey. It's dingy not cute grey that I let grow for several months to see if i could live with it. Even as low maintenance as I am, I can't lol. Probably can't stomach dropping $70 every 6 to 8 weeks. I color at home for $10 and am pleased with the results and often get compliments. Anyone want to convince me differently?

Anyone want to give me simple steps to get the most out of my curl? While I continue working from home, I can continue to air dry. No way would I spend the time diffusing even for special occasions.

[Deleted]

Jun 17, 2021 19:31:45 GMT -5 azucena said:

Had my hair short and piecey for the last 15 yrs or so. It grew out during covid and lo and behold it's curly. Was only slightly wavy before - likely hormone shift. I've been putting in curly product, throwing in a headband and air drying. Had it cut in March by my previous stylist. She's cut her hours and is further away than i would like.

I went to a new guy recommended for curly hair by FB friends. He spent over an hour talking me thru styling, diffused drying, products, and then cutting it slightly shorter in the back and piecier all over. I basically gave him full reign except no bangs. I bought several products and left a big tip. He only charged me his regular $38 which happens to be what My old stylist charged. She never raised My price since I followed her thru 2 moves and saw her for 16 yrs. My total bill was more than triple what I've ever spent at a salon. I then bought microfiber towels, dry shampoo, and satin pillowcase at walmart.

He quoted me $70 for coloring my grey. It's dingy not cute grey that I let grow for several months to see if i could live with it. Even as low maintenance as I am, I can't lol. Probably can't stomach dropping $70 every 6 to 8 weeks. I color at home for $10 and am pleased with the results and often get compliments. Anyone want to convince me differently?

Anyone want to give me simple steps to get the most out of my curl? While I continue working from home, I can continue to air dry. No way would I spend the time diffusing even for special occasions.

If you are pleased with the results you get covering your gray at home and it’s not damaging your hair, I can’t think of a good reason to pay more for a stylist to do it.

I think the biggest thing to make curly hair look awesome (or straight hair, for that matter) is a good cut. Which I don’t currently have.  I’m trying to let my hair grow, and it is, but it’s driving me crazy because it’s kinda just there, and doesn’t look good to me. It’s past my shoulders, but it shrinks so much that it still looks very short. I’m starting to think it might take several more years for it to finally hang down and I’m not sure I can handle an “ugly” phase lasting that long. It would be different if it would stand up, like many people with my kind of hair (I love big hair lol) but it won’t do that either. I’m starting to seriously consider cutting it back off.

Apologies for getting sidetracked. But I do think the first step to getting the most out of your curls is getting and keeping a good cut by someone experienced with curly hair. Since curly hair tends to frizz, the next thing imo is finding good products that your hair likes. The trial and error with that can get expensive though. Without products that my hair likes, my hair would look like a giant floppy cotton ball. My hair takes over 24 hours to airdry, so I usually use the diffuser at some point to try to speed up the process. I’m lazy though, so I only spend 10 or 15 minutes with the diffuser, which doesn’t cut much off my drying time lol. I get the best results if it’s dry before I go to bed after shampooing it, but that very rarely happens. 

[giramomma]

Pink is spot on.

I have (or at least had) curly hair. For me, the cut and products were key. I switched to Not Your Mother's curly hair mask (and I use it on the missy) www.ulta.com/p/curl-talk-deep-conditioning-curl-masque-pimprod2013922

Because my hair is/was thinning, the rest of the products I opt for are targeted for that.

Even pre-covid, I only air-dry my hair. I've had bangs of all sorts. I just use a brush for that these days, Takes 2 minutes.

I'm actually likely not going to grow out my hair when all is said and done. I know this is a bad article, but I'm digging the second picture (The french something or rather) , or the Katie Perry buzz.

www.hottesthaircuts.com/25-trendiest-shaved-hairstyles-for-women/

[azucena]

I saw that curl mask at Walmart and will try it.

I love the french crop in your link - would love to see you rock it.  My old cut was like the short pixie without the undercut - I'd totally try to rock that entire look but my industry/job is too conservative.  I loved the ease of my short cut and am just not sure I can adjust to the maintenance of curls.  I'm going to give it a try though since I'm still wfh and have time to perfect it.

As curly as mine is right now, I'm not sure how bangs would behave.  Just seems like another thing to fuss with.

This new stylist gave me a cut like I've never had.  He was like at artist at work as cheesy as it sounds.  He styled it all first and then watched how it laid and then went to town with his scissors.  He was pleased with having full reign and kept checking in to make sure he was headed the right direction.  I said it was 3 inches long before so it can't get too short, and I'm always of the opinion, it's just hair, it will grow back.  I got lots of compliments leaving the salon.  When I got home, DD12 thought he'd used a curling iron.  She said I need to keep going there.

I figure my home hair color is about the same damage as the salon would be; it doesn't bother my hair too much and mine still grows pretty fast to help recovery.  Plus it's 20 mins of my time vs likely an hour or more.  I have this weird dichotomy in my head about being too cheap to spend at the salon but also being fully aware of what my female colleagues spend since we are in highly paid professionals.  I think your advice of it ain't broken is spot on though, so thanks for reinforcing me.

I didn't wash it this morning as he instructed, feels weird and a little gross but it did keep the style after I put in some curl recovery.

I know product is key, so that's why I went all in and let him set me up with 4 items from the Ouidad line that he swears by and had used on me in the salon - shampoo, conditioner, whipped mousse, and curl recovery.  These look to be slightly cheaper at ulta in the $25 range.  Will still be an adjustment for someone using Aussie products from Walmart LOL.

[wvugurl26]

Definitely check for Ulta sales. If they go to the old model there should be a big shampoo sale next month.

[andi9899]

Jun 17, 2021 20:33:17 GMT -5 giramomma said:

Pink is spot on.

I have (or at least had) curly hair. For me, the cut and products were key. I switched to Not Your Mother's curly hair mask (and I use it on the missy) www.ulta.com/p/curl-talk-deep-conditioning-curl-masque-pimprod2013922

Because my hair is/was thinning, the rest of the products I opt for are targeted for that.

Even pre-covid, I only air-dry my hair. I've had bangs of all sorts. I just use a brush for that these days, Takes 2 minutes.

I'm actually likely not going to grow out my hair when all is said and done. I know this is a bad article, but I'm digging the second picture (The french something or rather) , or the Katie Perry buzz.

www.hottesthaircuts.com/25-trendiest-shaved-hairstyles-for-women/

I really like the red one. I'm also wondering if I could pull off the long wavy blond style. My hair is that long and thick and wavy. I wouldn't dye it blonde though.

[andi9899]

Anyone have a good lash serum? I want to see if I can get any more length since mine are nonexistent. I've been wearing falsies since I have no lashes.

[Artemis Windsong]

I have quit makeup. The mascara ends up flaking under my eyes even with waterproof 24 hour.

If I showered even after trying to remove the mascara, dark under the eyes.

I overheard my DIL whisper to my DS, I needed my GrD to show me how to do makeup to put my best face forward. She was a cheerleader and wore heavy makeup. I'm sure it wasn't put on every morning.

Maybe permanent makeup but I'm anti-tattoo. My GF went this route with brows and eyeliner.

[andi9899]

Jun 18, 2021 8:21:20 GMT -5 Artemis Windsong said:

I have quit makeup. The mascara ends up flaking under my eyes even with waterproof 24 hour.

If I showered even after trying to remove the mascara, dark under the eyes.

I overheard my DIL whisper to my DS, I needed my GrD to show me how to do makeup to put my best face forward. She was a cheerleader and wore heavy makeup. I'm sure it wasn't put on every morning.

Maybe permanent makeup but I'm anti-tattoo. My GF went this route with brows and eyeliner.

What kind of mascara are you using? There are plenty that don't flake.

Also, to to take it off, use micellar water. It takes it off really well and it won't irritate your eyes.

[Opti]

Jun 18, 2021 8:21:20 GMT -5 Artemis Windsong said:

I have quit makeup. The mascara ends up flaking under my eyes even with waterproof 24 hour.

If I showered even after trying to remove the mascara, dark under the eyes.

I overheard my DIL whisper to my DS, I needed my GrD to show me how to do makeup to put my best face forward. She was a cheerleader and wore heavy makeup. I'm sure it wasn't put on every morning.

Maybe permanent makeup but I'm anti-tattoo. My GF went this route with brows and eyeliner.

Have you ever tried Dr. Haushka? I love their mascara although since I got shingles in my eye, I'm reluctant to wear mascara. But if I do, it will be theirs because of their ingredients and quality control. They are pricey, but usually can be found in places like Health Food stores, Whole Foods, etc.

I misspelled that, but this is them. They also make the best hand cream that I ever used. I use the navy mascara. Its softer in look than a black or a black/brown.

www.drhauschka.com/

[Lizard Queen]

Jun 18, 2021 8:21:20 GMT -5 Artemis Windsong said:

I have quit makeup. The mascara ends up flaking under my eyes even with waterproof 24 hour.

If I showered even after trying to remove the mascara, dark under the eyes.

I overheard my DIL whisper to my DS, I needed my GrD to show me how to do makeup to put my best face forward. She was a cheerleader and wore heavy makeup. I'm sure it wasn't put on every morning.

Maybe permanent makeup but I'm anti-tattoo. My GF went this route with brows and eyeliner.

You can just skip the mascara--that's what I usually do, and I only use eyeliner on top. It's the least messy way to deal with my watery eyes.

[finnime]

My 8th grade English teacher did that -- just a bold stroke of eyeliner. She looked good and quite French.

[stillmovingforward]

My lupus extends into my eyes so no mascara for me.

For curly or super wavey hair, which I have a lot of, a good cut is essential from someone who understands curly hair. And I have to go every 5 weeks of I don't want to fuss a lot with it. Otherwise, I get mine damp in the morning, righ it up with my fingers and leave the house. When I get to work I may or may not briefly touch it with a pick to organize any strays. Looks great, fast, and easy!

[azucena]

Jun 18, 2021 13:22:03 GMT -5 stillmovingforward said:

My lupus extends into my eyes so no mascara for me.

For curly or super wavey hair, which I have a lot of, a good cut is essential from someone who understands curly hair. And I have to go every 5 weeks of I don't want to fuss a lot with it. Otherwise, I get mine damp in the morning, righ it up with my fingers and leave the house. When I get to work I may or may not briefly touch it with a pick to organize any strays. Looks great, fast, and easy!

What is your shampoo/conditioner schedule? Hoping I don't have to go every 5 weeks. I was on 6 before and often stretched to 8 when work was crazy.

Are you saying ring it up? He showed me how to scrunch mine up. Mine is pretty think to ringlet.

Any product suggestions?

[Deleted]

One of the things I loved, loved, loved when I did my big chop and was all natural, was being able to shampoo my hair anytime I wanted to, as often as I wanted, since it was no longer the long ordeal of shampooing and styling relaxed hair.

But as my hair grew, it wasn’t so quick and easy anymore, so I shampooed less often. I eventually settled into a routine of shampooing once/week, just like I did when it was relaxed. It’s still less trouble than relaxed hair though. And the bonus is that now, when it rains and I have to be out in it, my first thought is no longer protecting my hair from the rain. 

It’s my understanding that curly hair doesn’t have to be shampooed as often as straight hair because sebum from the scalp doesn’t make it down curly strands as easily as it does straight strands, making hair “greasy”. But I’m not a scientist or a stylist, so take that for what it’s worth lol. I do know that one of the struggles for people with tight curls is often dry hair. I feel fortunate that I found good products that my hair likes, that keep my hair soft and moisturized while defining my curls and combatting frizz, all at the same time, and without a lot of trouble and effort. I’m lazy, remember?

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

The friend I saw last night used to have a pixie cut, and had it for the almost 20 years I’ve known her.  It looked really suited her.  During covid, as she couldn’t get it cut frequently, she let it grow out some.  It still looks cute, but it takes more effort.

Last night when we were discussing this, her boss told her the longer hair makes her looks ‘softer’.  My friend got pissed, because she is a budget administrator and has to fight against people walking all over her anyway.  

FWIW…..I have been coloring my own hair for the last 12 years now.  My old hairdresser gave me some excellent tips, and I do get compliments on it.  My new hairdresser says that while she could do a little better, unless she was digging around in my hair, she couldn’t tell (I have a spot in the back of my head I seem to miss about half the time).  

[Opti]

Jun 18, 2021 13:22:03 GMT -5 stillmovingforward said:

My lupus extends into my eyes so no mascara for me.

For curly or super wavey hair, which I have a lot of, a good cut is essential from someone who understands curly hair. And I have to go every 5 weeks of I don't want to fuss a lot with it. Otherwise, I get mine damp in the morning, righ it up with my fingers and leave the house. When I get to work I may or may not briefly touch it with a pick to organize any strays. Looks great, fast, and easy!

Yuck. What does that mean?

I agree with the haircut comments. If you go to anyone, usually your haircut is shit at best. Someone who gets it makes a huge difference.

[Opti]

Jun 19, 2021 12:23:26 GMT -5 The Walk of the Penguin Mich said:

The friend I saw last night used to have a pixie cut, and had it for the almost 20 years I’ve known her.  It looked really suited her.  During covid, as she couldn’t get it cut frequently, she let it grow out some.  It still looks cute, but it takes more effort.

Last night when we were discussing this, her boss told her the longer hair makes her looks ‘softer’.  My friend got pissed, because she is a budget administrator and has to fight against people walking all over her anyway.  

FWIW…..I have been coloring my own hair for the last 12 years now.  My old hairdresser gave me some excellent tips, and I do get compliments on it.  My new hairdresser says that while she could do a little better, unless she was digging around in my hair, she couldn’t tell (I have a spot in the back of my head I seem to miss about half the time).  

I have worked places where I had to do more feminine things to blend in, that were not things that I liked doing on a regular basis. Sometimes you have to fight against people using their expectations against them. While he probably meant less harsh, he may have also meant more feminine. Some people are big on that male/female appearance thing. I often forget that looking shiny, to a male colleague, sometimes is a bonus. While distracted my beauty or feminine dress, sometimes you can get them to agree to certain things quicker, or fight less.

Lastly, if you are alive, people will try to walk over you. As the FT front desk person, it is a constant dance to humor people yet not get treated badly, etc.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Jun 19, 2021 13:03:56 GMT -5 Opti said:

Jun 19, 2021 12:23:26 GMT -5 The Walk of the Penguin Mich said:

The friend I saw last night used to have a pixie cut, and had it for the almost 20 years I’ve known her.  It looked really suited her.  During covid, as she couldn’t get it cut frequently, she let it grow out some.  It still looks cute, but it takes more effort.

Last night when we were discussing this, her boss told her the longer hair makes her looks ‘softer’.  My friend got pissed, because she is a budget administrator and has to fight against people walking all over her anyway.  

FWIW…..I have been coloring my own hair for the last 12 years now.  My old hairdresser gave me some excellent tips, and I do get compliments on it.  My new hairdresser says that while she could do a little better, unless she was digging around in my hair, she couldn’t tell (I have a spot in the back of my head I seem to miss about half the time).  

I have worked places where I had to do more feminine things to blend in, that were not things that I liked doing on a regular basis. Sometimes you have to fight against people using their expectations against them. While he probably meant less harsh, he may have also meant more feminine. Some people are big on that male/female appearance thing. I often forget that looking shiny, to a male colleague, sometimes is a bonus. While distracted my beauty or feminine dress, sometimes you can get them to agree to certain things quicker, or fight less.

Lastly, if you are alive, people will try to walk over you. As the FT front desk person, it is a constant dance to humor people yet not get treated badly, etc.

No, that is not what her female boss meant at all.  My friend runs the budgets on multi million $$ projects.  She looks young (at 50) and cute, which makes her difficult to be taken seriously in the first place.  

Her longer hair makes her look younger and cuter, which has been resulting in push back from those who are using the budgets she administers.  By being more feminine, it has made her job MORE difficult.  

[saveinla]

I had gone for my niece's graduation last week and she took me to her salon - I had my hair cut short, colored and also did a hydra facial. My skin looks so good and I am told  that I look 10 years younger. She also gave me some products for lightening some of the dark spots under my eye and they seem to be working. Spent a lot of money, but it seems to have worked.

She told me that if I can come once a month, it would be very good, but I am not travelling to just get a facial. I checked the prices here and it looks like its 150$ per session for  45 minutes. Not sure if I want to spend the money, but we will have to see . I dont use makeup at all and it feels weird to be thinking of cleansing, toning and then using the cream she gave me. Lets see how long it lasts .