Makeup! Clothes! "Girly stuff" thread

[Mourning Dove]

My sister who is currently in South Korea recently had an epiphany about "unnatural" makeup and skincare. Korean makeup is full of crap like parabens, and she now wants to avoid that. Since I'm the environmentally conscious hippie of the family who originally brought up the "unnatural skincare/makeup" issue ages ago, my sister is now asking for my assistance to acquire good quality natural makeup from the United States. Specifically, she is looking for a liquid foundation, concealer, and BB/CC cream.

My sister has been eyeing the brands Tarte and Physician's Formula, but I'm really picky with ingredients and don't think they're the cleanest, since they have silicone derivatives in them. I'm personally leaning towards Pacifica, Juice Beauty, and 100% Pure. I don't wear makeup besides lip products very often, so feel free to give suggestions for other natural brands? Having the certifications to earn the Leaping Bunny and/or the PETA cruelty-free logo on its packaging is a welcome bonus.

 

[AveraDiane]

My sister who is currently in South Korea recently had an epiphany about "unnatural" makeup and skincare. Korean makeup is full of crap like parabens, and she now wants to avoid that. Since I'm the environmentally conscious hippie of the family who originally brought up the "unnatural skincare/makeup" issue ages ago, my sister is now asking for my assistance to acquire good quality natural makeup from the United States. Specifically, she is looking for a liquid foundation, concealer, and BB/CC cream.

My sister has been eyeing the brands Tarte and Physician's Formula, but I'm really picky with ingredients and don't think they're the cleanest, since they have silicone derivatives in them. I'm personally leaning towards Pacifica, Juice Beauty, and 100% Pure. I don't wear makeup besides lip products very often, so feel free to give suggestions for other natural brands? Having the certifications to earn the Leaping Bunny and/or the PETA cruelty-free logo on its packaging is a welcome bonus.

Urban Decay is vegan, same with Physician's Formula and Too Faced.

 

[Mourning Dove]

Urban Decay is vegan, same with Physician's Formula and Too Faced.

My sister has settled on some Pacifica items: the foundation, concealer, and CC cream. She wants to try out items from less expensive brands first before committing to items from more expensive brands that may not work well with her skin tone. Even though we both read that Pacifica products have low coverage, in my experience the coverage is very buildable. Then again, I'm not used to wearing any makeup at all to cover up imperfections, so I hope the Pacifica products can cover my sister's acne stuff?

Additionally, I've found a website that ships Pacifica items directly to S. Korea for free (if the items equal at least $40) as long as the items can go through customs properly. Otherwise shipping a package of even 4 LBs or less would take USPS at least $25. I know this website is legitimate because I've used them before to order Christmas presents domestically.

 

[bloodcoffee]

OCC (Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics) is also vegan and has an amazing, albeit, creamy concealer. They also have a variety of brightly coloured glitters, eyeshadows and lip products if she's into more punchy colours and tones.

Any other kiwis with black hair? What do y'all use on your eyebrows?

ETA: My brow powder trio was too warm and strangely coloured.. because it's actually the one for blondes. A new trio for brunettes was released and the old one was repackaged. No wonder it didn't work quite right.

 

[Mourning Dove]

OCC (Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics) is also vegan and has an amazing, albeit, creamy concealer. They also have a variety of brightly coloured glitters, eyeshadows and lip products if she's into more punchy colours and tones.

Any other kiwis with black hair? What do y'all use on your eyebrows?

For now I think she's just looking for natural makeup that covers imperfections. And foundations shades on the lighter side are preferred since apparently in East Asia paler skin is considered beautiful.

I have dark brown hair and black eyebrows. I don't usually fill the eyebrows in or gel them. But for my friend's wedding I was a bridesmaid and I used black mascara on my eyebrows, weirdly enough. It was Jane Iredale mascara in the color Black Ice.

 

[Cheeseburger Picnic]

Can someone in this thread tell me like, how makeup works? I know nothing about it. I'd like to cover up or reduce this damn shaved beard shadow if that's even possible.

a) Have you tried waxing? Obviously everybody's re growth cycle is different but waxing can do wonders in terms of delaying regrowth and getting rid of the beard shadow in a way that shaving doesn't. Also check out single blade ultra-close shaving, I have friends who swear by it.

b) Going off of what @buster_kitten mentioned about facial hair tending towards a blue cast you might want to look into tattoo concealer, I recommend the Kat Von D tattoo eraser pencil paired with the lock-it concealer. I used to use it for my under-eye dark circles (discontinued it because the skin was too sensitive/thin to handle it every day, not because it wasn't an effective product).

 

[GRANDnumberofMULTIPLES]

I picked up Vanilla Bean Noel and Cup of Warmth shea lotion in addition to black cherry merlot, mad about you, frosted cranberry, winter wonderland, and iced white pomegranate pocketbacs. With my free travel size item coupon I got a Mad About You lotion. Grabbed a Lakeside Sunrise candle at 50% off and some fresh balsam wallflowers for my mom. Ended up using my free body care coupons to get the shea lotions.

I've officially become that person who switches out to Christmassy scents.
But when it gets so fucking dark so goddamn early it's comforting in a bizarrely consumeristic way.

 

[littlebiscuits]

Can someone in this thread tell me like, how makeup works? I know nothing about it. I'd like to cover up or reduce this damn shaved beard shadow if that's even possible.

Don't forget a primer before you put anything on! You don't want to end up looking cakey as the day goes on.

Oh and I know it sounds silly, but kathleenlights actually has some really good beginner tutorials out there. Just really simple looks that anyone could learn from.

And stef Sanjati is a make up artist (mostly costume/ high fashion/artsy but some everyday stuff too) who is transitioning and has a lot of great tips for wearing make up with facial hair!

And it's just a cool channel in general because, idk, costume make-up is interesting to watch?

https://www.youtube.com/user/ThePrinceSane

 

[melty]

Some pretty Disney inspired dresses and clothes:
http://item.rakuten.co.jp/secrethoney/c/0000000481/

 

[Ariel]

Can someone in this thread tell me like, how makeup works? I know nothing about it. I'd like to cover up or reduce this damn shaved beard shadow if that's even possible.

I recommend getting it lasered off. I really can't see you as the type to ever want a beard even when you aren't looking femme, so I think it would work for you.

 

[yasscat]

I'm getting realllllll sick of my cystic acne. Even my hardcore acne meds don't work anymore (and I'm talking the ones with fucking sulfuric acid in). I might see if I can get something stronger because jesus christ I miss my face not looking like a teenager's worst nightmare.

Semi-related, any recommendations of a good concealer that actually covers acne and acne scars?

 

[bloodcoffee]

I'm getting realllllll sick of my cystic acne. Even my hardcore acne meds don't work anymore (and I'm talking the ones with fucking sulfuric acid in). I might see if I can get something stronger because jesus christ I miss my face not looking like a teenager's worst nightmare.

Semi-related, any recommendations of a good concealer that actually covers acne and acne scars?

Might wanna invest in a corrector first. If your acne is really red, then try a green concealer. (Assuming you aren't already using one.)

 

[GRANDnumberofMULTIPLES]

I'm getting realllllll sick of my cystic acne. Even my hardcore acne meds don't work anymore (and I'm talking the ones with fucking sulfuric acid in). I might see if I can get something stronger because jesus christ I miss my face not looking like a teenager's worst nightmare.

Semi-related, any recommendations of a good concealer that actually covers acne and acne scars?

Have you explored the option of Accutane yet? I don't have experience with it but I have friends who went on it. I know it gets a bad rap but it's the (nearly literal) scorched earth of acne solutions. Mr. Multiples had cystic acne in his teen years and completed the course. Another one of my friends along with their ex and another friend of theirs went on it when nothing helped--also including the benzoyl peroxide, sulfuric acid, sulfur treatments, sacrificing goats, etc. They have to monitor your blood because of potential liver side effects and for women on the drug they're really hardcore about making sure you are on birth control whether or not you are sexually active. I've heard it dries you out like a mofo and makes you very sun sensitive Everyone made it through unscathed at least. I wish I had more advice to offer but outside of one span of 3 months of my life I haven't really had bad acne.

To cover up a small pitted acne scar I have Benefit Erase Paste plus pore filler (either from NYX or Benefit depending on what I have nearby) since the combo seems to fill in the spot and the erase paste blends the color. Of course this depends on your skintone and the color of the scar you're trying to cover. Mine is a pretty pale pink.

For concealers I'd recommend checking out tutorial videos. There are some pretty impressive feats people work and I think it might be a matter of finding someone whose video showcases something similar to what you have. But just to throw one out there I like this one. It's definitely a more severe case but I hope it gets you somewhere!

I treated myself to a new sports bra and workout tights today. I don't mind spending the money on Lululemon because the first bra I bought from them hardly stretched out even after (more) years of wear than it should have had. I still wear the first pants I bought from them in like 2008 or something. It's also difficult finding comfortable sports bras with a small band + large cups because I'm absolutely fucking autistic about having to try them on before I buy. I'm excited to do more high-impact stuff now.

EDIT: Went to Ulta to spend my coupon before I hit the gym and bought my usual pencil eyeliner and L'Oreal felt liquid eyeliner along with some sulfate-free color shampoo from L'Oreal. I got home to put my goodies away only to realize... I already had a still-sealed pencil liner and felt tip one.

Oh well. I do use them a lot and it's not like I was going to get anything else. I just feel kinda dumb. The shampoo is from the EverPure line and was pretty highly rated by folks who had color-treated or Brazilian blowouts or keratin treatments and it was under $7. Plus it smells like rosemary.

I used a Splat kit to do my DIY ombre and while the color fades pretty quickly, it actually looks pretty good. It's like cotton candy! I'll be recoloring it (no more bleach, just adding color) before a work event and hopefully the shampoo will keep me from losing more in the meantime. I've noticed Splat tends to fade pretty quickly but I'm also terrible at remembering to wash my hair in cold water.

 

[Sigyn]

Hey I need advice; I'm going to dinner with my mom for my 21st birthday tomorrow and I wanna tart myself up so we can take pictures together; how should I do my makeup/hair? I was thinking I'd do a modern Gibson girl thing for my hair, but Idk what I should do with makeup to match. Fancy? Subtle? None at all?

 

[GG Allin]

Hey I need advice; I'm going to dinner with my mom for my 21st birthday tomorrow and I wanna tart myself up so we can take pictures together; how should I do my makeup/hair? I was thinking I'd do a modern Gibson girl thing for my hair, but Idk what I should do with makeup to match. Fancy? Subtle? None at all?

You can go for a simple pin-up look: Red lips, winged eyeliner and a bit of blush. Simple, but sweet.

 

[Herbert West]

I'm getting realllllll sick of my cystic acne. Even my hardcore acne meds don't work anymore (and I'm talking the ones with fucking sulfuric acid in). I might see if I can get something stronger because jesus christ I miss my face not looking like a teenager's worst nightmare.

Semi-related, any recommendations of a good concealer that actually covers acne and acne scars?

Have you tried a mineral concealer/foundation? On an average day if I do makeup and I'm not trying to look camera-ready (i.e. special events or cosplay) I use Bare Minerals. I don't have cystic acne, but I've struggled with acne since I was a teen and Bare Minerals does a surprisingly good job of covering blemishes and scars. Their concealers are super pigmented, and sometimes I use them in combination with a cream concealer stick. The foundation also covers surprisingly well for a powder, and is a lot better for people with acne prone skin because it doesn't seep into your pores like liquid foundation. BB creams and primers also will be a big help, as will a green concealer.

Also, I've been using Lush's Herbalism as a face wash for the past 6 months or so and it has drastically improved my skin. Along with their Tea Tree Water as a toner and their Grease Lightning or benzoyl peroxide for spot treatment. Again, I don't have cystic acne so I can't vouch for how it works for that, but I have heard from other people with cystic acne that it has also helped them a ton. Herbalism has a lot of great natural anti-bacterial components like vinegar and other ingredients that help calm your skin.

 

[yasscat]

Have you tried a mineral concealer/foundation? On an average day if I do makeup and I'm not trying to look camera-ready (i.e. special events or cosplay) I use Bare Minerals. I don't have cystic acne, but I've struggled with acne since I was a teen and Bare Minerals does a surprisingly good job of covering blemishes and scars. Their concealers are super pigmented, and sometimes I use them in combination with a cream concealer stick. The foundation also covers surprisingly well for a powder, and is a lot better for people with acne prone skin because it doesn't seep into your pores like liquid foundation. BB creams and primers also will be a big help, as will a green concealer.

Also, I've been using Lush's Herbalism as a face wash for the past 6 months or so and it has drastically improved my skin. Along with their Tea Tree Water as a toner and their Grease Lightning or benzoyl peroxide for spot treatment. Again, I don't have cystic acne so I can't vouch for how it works for that, but I have heard from other people with cystic acne that it has also helped them a ton. Herbalism has a lot of great natural anti-bacterial components like vinegar and other ingredients that help calm your skin.

I've tried Bare Minerals' lip products, and I really liked them, so maybe I should check out their face products, too. Thanks for the recommendation!

I do always wear primers and color correctors, so that's a thing. I just worry that all the heavy duty concealers would just make things worse.

As for the lush stuff, I do like their products, but I've used products from their range, but nothing has helped much. I haven't tried those specific products, though, so I might pop by my lush and see if I can pick some of those up. And @GRANDnumberofMULTIPLES I'll see about Accutane; I've held off on it because my best friend was on it and it was rough as dicks on her body, but it this acne doesn't calm down, I might have to look into it. Cystic acne is incredibly painful, so it's not just me caring about my looks.

 

[Herbert West]

I've tried Bare Minerals' lip products, and I really liked them, so maybe I should check out their face products, too. Thanks for the recommendation!

I do always wear primers and color correctors, so that's a thing. I just worry that all the heavy duty concealers would just make things worse.

As for the lush stuff, I do like their products, but I've used products from their range, but nothing has helped much. I haven't tried those specific products, though, so I might pop by my lush and see if I can pick some of those up. And @GRANDnumberofMULTIPLES I'll see about Accutane; I've held off on it because my best friend was on it and it was rough as dicks on her body, but it this acne doesn't calm down, I might have to look into it. Cystic acne is incredibly painful, so it's not just me caring about my looks.

Herbalism is the main thing I've used from them that I just can't live without. A few of their hair care products have really helped my horribly damaged (bleached and dyed) hair, but those three face products are amazing. I really think that at the very least, Herbalism will help ease some of the pain caused by the cystic acne. It's very calming.

I also strongly recommend Tarte's BB Tinted Treatment for underneath any concealer and foundation you use. It's a BB cream, moisturizer, sunscreen, and primer in one. It's lightweight and provides a lot of coverage, and prevents you from having to use a separate product to do everything it does. It's a bit pricey, but I think it's totally worth it. I sometimes just wear it without any foundation because it has that great of coverage.

 

[yasscat]

Herbalism is the main thing I've used from them that I just can't live without. A few of their hair care products have really helped my horribly damaged (bleached and dyed) hair, but those three face products are amazing. I really think that at the very least, Herbalism will help ease some of the pain caused by the cystic acne. It's very calming.

I also strongly recommend Tarte's BB Tinted Treatment for underneath any concealer and foundation you use. It's a BB cream, moisturizer, sunscreen, and primer in one. It's lightweight and provides a lot of coverage, and prevents you from having to use a separate product to do everything it does. It's a bit pricey, but I think it's totally worth it. I sometimes just wear it without any foundation because it has that great of coverage.

I'm a huge lush fan, but I just hadn't had much success with their face care stuff, but maybe I just hadn't tried the right product.

 

[Herbert West]

I'm a huge lush fan, but I just hadn't had much success with their face care stuff, but maybe I just hadn't tried the right product.

At the very least, if you have one near you, you can ask for a sample!