So I went to Sephora today...

[Guest Lizzie McTrucker]

So I went to Sephora today...

I went in to get color matched for foundation and I told the lady I wanted a higher-end version of stuff I normally wear.

So we started with foundation. She said "do you want full coverage or light coverage?" and I was like "lol IDK" so she did half of my face in full coverage and then half of my face in light coverage and we both decided on light coverage. 
Then she added concealer (my request). We tried light coverage concealer but I wasn't happy with the way it wasn't covering up the dark circles so we went for a full coverage concealer. 
Then loose translucent powder to set it. 
Then I asked about blush, and told her my usual brand and asked about a similar equally pretty option. 
And then I figured we might as well get lipstick to finish it off, so she put on a good every day color. 
When she was done and I was happy with the way I looked she's like "okay so what did you want to get today?" and I'm like "I'll take everything you used, including brushes."
So now I have a high-end version of my normal makeup routine. This isn't anything I wouldn't normally wear. 

 

The ladies in the store were super nice and really helpful. I liked how they really knew their stuff and weren't just trying to make a quick sale. Everything that was suggested to me, the associate actually used on my face while I was sitting at the big mirror so I got to see how it looked and what I liked and what I wasn't too thrilled about. It was a very helpful makeup session and she even answered some dumb questions of mine like "should you put moisturizer on your nose? I normally don't." and "can you use concealer over foundation? I thought it goes on under?" She took the time to not only answer but explain her answers. Sephora also offers a color match system with a little machine that takes 3 color samples of your face and comes up with a result where you can get personalized recommendations for lipstick and foundation that should go with your personal skin tone.

I may be a bit poorer after this visit but I am certain super happy and can't wait to wear this stuff tomorrow! 

[Carolyn Marie]

I have always like Sephora but slowed in my use of their products due to price.  It was the first place I got makeup - before I transitioned,  and have always been treated well there.

Glad you had fun and got all that you needed.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

[Briana]

Lizzie, Poorer materially/$$ perhaps but richer in spirit & looks, right?  ;-)  There is soooo much info available on the web for makeup and hair that for me, it gets overwhelming.  Using services/stores like Sephora can really help shortcut the process both in terms of products (types, shades, etc.) as well as the 'how to..' aspect.  You did good girl!

(I'm chuckling regarding your comment on concealer.  My wife was watching/talking to me while we were getting ready.  Quiet pause...then out of her mouth in her best movie quote voice came "what, are you stupid or somethin??"  I guess i missed the concealer tutorial.  She helped me out once we regained our composure.)

[MarcieMarie12]

I wasn't able to sleep on black Friday morning at 4:30 in the morning. So doing this  led to me finding a banner ad at a store I frequent with the perfect dress for an elegant evening out. $200 later........

Being a girl is expensive--but we're worth it!!! 

[Guest Lizzie McTrucker]

So today was the big day. Post-shopping trip makeup application "can I do this myself" day!
I showered, exfoliated, moisturized, tied my hair back, got out all my supplies that I needed, looked out over the bed and the slew of products and brushes spread out before me and said:

Then I took a deep breath and reminded myself to start with primer first. Then concealer. Then foundation and then the rest is just from memory. So armed with my little compact mirror, I took the Liz Express into beauty towne, population me. When I was finished, I looked in the mirror and thought "oh wow, I look like I did at Sephora. That's a good thing."

My next observation was one of my favorites: I'm wearing makeup but it's not obvious that I'm wearing makeup. Maybe a little from the blush but other than that it doesn't look like I'm obviously wearing any makeup...but I know I am because I just spent all that time putting it on. (which, tbh, might only add 15 minutes to my usual routine just because of different applications and "where did I put that brush?" moments)

So yeah, I'm happy...until I wondered where I'm going to put all this new makeup that I bought. It won't fit in my purse.

[MarcieMarie12]

Don't you have a cab in your truck??

[VickySGV]

Sephora does also have some cute make-up cases.  The Holidays are coming.

[Briana]

Or...upsize that purse girl!  :-)  Actually, I keep most of my makeup in a bona fide certified makeup case, my brushes in their own case, and I only carry what I need for touch-ups throughout the day in my purse.  And even that varies depending on if it's a dress day or blouse and jeans casual day.

My routine is a little different compared to yours based on what you described.  I put on concealer after doing a moisturizer, primer (which I just recently started using), and then foundation.  I used to do concealer first, then foundation.  But between my wife and a few 'lessons' from a local beauty supply store I now do it opposite.  When I do it after foundation, I seem to use/need less and can focus it's use better. 

[MarcieMarie12]

I have a computer desk that is now my make-up table. I have everything set up in a nice orderly manner--until I use it. Which is every day.  

For travel, I have some powder and blush for touch ups. I also have lipstick. I do not carry more than that in my purse. If I am that messed up that I need more, I figure it is time to go home. I use a mary-kay setting spray and my make-up lasts for the day and evening.