What do I use this for?
This blog was inspired by a conversation I had with an old friend who told me she had recently spent $650 at the Bobbi Brown counter (great choice!) but had absolutely no idea about how to use any of the cosmetics she had purchased. My friend Annie, who is in her 50′s & requires very little makeup, felt she needed an update so headed to the Bobbi Brown where she had her makeup done (& loved it) then purchased a selection of products to replicate the look. I liken this situation to a trip to the hairdressers, when you walk out feeling a million dollars but can never achieve the same effect at home! My friend showed me inside her makeup purse which contained every girls dream- a selection of brand new Bobbi Brown products, all unused save for the mascara. Whats this? said a bewildered Annie… ‘concealer’ I replied, its the best one you can buy & it hides dark circles! She was pleased to hear this, so on it went until I had explained all the products to her, while applying each one with precision. It only took five minutes or so & her face looked fresh & natural, with just a hint of makeup to enhance her huge brown eyes & smooth out her olive skin.
Im sure this story sounds familiar, as my friend is not the first woman to have a makeup bag full of expensive items they don’t know how to use. Most of us can relate to heading along to the make-up counter feeling nervous & a little confused about what they should buy, only to be coerced into purchasing products they are not sure of. Annie was fortunate enough to strike a knowledgable Bobbi Brown expert who sold her all the right stuff, but I have spoken to other women who have not been so lucky & spent a fortune on colourful trendy makeup that they will never use! It really pays to do your research when you are buying makeup (that means read my blog!!) & if you don’t know what you’re doing, take a friend along who does, as a second opinion is priceless.
The great thing about Bobbi Brown makeup is that is designed with the older woman in mind, so its very hard to go wrong when selecting colours, as they are all complimentary. Here is the list of products Annie had in her purse, what they are for & how to use them. If you are looking to buy a selection of makeup that you can use on a daily basis, then this will lead you in the right direction!
Liquid Foundation. Designed to even out skin tone & hide imperfections. Apply with a brush or your fingertips, blending lightly over moisturised skin to create an even finish.
Concealer. Hides dark circles, conceals pimples & blemishes. Dab on underneath the eye, concentrating on the inner corners. Blend out so it disappears into your foundation.
Cream Eye Shadow. The easiest type of eye makeup to use if you are a novice. Annie was sold Bobbis Long-Wear cream eye shadow in Sandy Gold (a pale shimmery beige). All you need to do is blend this across the top eyelid using your finger tip (or a small brush) & the eyes look instantly brighter.
Eye Pencil. The best shade to buy for every day wear is brown, black or aubergine. Annie had Bobbis Black Plum which I softly drew along her lash-line, smudging it out with the blender on the tip of the pencil… such an easy way to enhance your eyes.
Mascara. The one & only makeup product that you cant do without! Creates long, thick, black lashes- something every girl wants!
Powder Blush. Taupe, rose or peach shades add warmth & colour to the cheeks. Apply blusher with a soft round brush, concentrating on the apples of the cheek to create a youthful glow.
Lip Gloss. Coloured lips gloss is quick & easy to use, eliminating the use of lip pencil & lipstick (leave that to the experts, or those with more than five minutes to do their makeup!) Annie had Bobbis Lip Gloss in Nude, a medium Pink/Brown, which is ideal shade for girls don’t like to wear a bright lipstick- it just happens to be a staple in my own makeup purse as well!
See the Pic below of lovely Annie & her gorgeous daughter Rachael at her school pre-ball. They both have had their makeup done by me, Annie had the five minute job!
