Ok one more makeup recommendation needed!

[lizzyann]

Ok, hi there again!

You ladies were such a big help with my mascara and clear deodorant thread that I figured I'd throw one more question out for you. For the wedding I am in in a couple of weeks, my dress is a dark purple, and I want to get some new makeup for a more glamourous look that day. I'm thinking a smoky eye with a nude/pink lip! I currently wear Mac/Benefit most of the time. But I'm not sure I want to use either of them for this look! What makeup counter do you think would be best for me? I'm thinking maybe Chanel, Bobbi Brown, Smashbox? Let me know what you think??? Thanks!!!!

 

[Autumnovember]

Right before I read which make up counters you thought would be best I instantly thought "Chanel, Bobbi Brown, Smashbox"....I personally LOVE Bobbi Brown, so if it were me...I'd go with that one I'd love to see some pics of the make up when it gets done!

 

[lizzyann]

Thanks Autumn! I love Bobbi Brown's gel eyeliner! That's all I've ever used of that line though. I just want to make sure I get something more dramatic not a day look you know? That's why I knew Benefit would be out. I also worried that MAC may make me look a little more night club looking as opposed to classy evening elegance you know?!!! I like Chanel's glosses a lot too!

 

[zhuzhu]

Try Nars. They just came out with two duo eyeshadows for the Fall that is to die for!!!

 

[susimoo]

I second Bobbi Brown.

I am addicted to make up! Currently retraining as a MU artist, which is my dream dream job! I am going to freelance. Wooohoooo! No staff issues. hehehe

The reason I say Bobbi Brown, is because I believe she is one of the few MU artist with her own line that actually gets what women want. She creates beautiful products that work very well and can create lots of different types of looks. I also think that her products work well for all age groups, whereas other brands can be so fashion led, when they do make overs, they really only look appropriate on young things!! Not saying your not Lizzyann, but I am certainly not!

Her gel liner can be used to make an amazing smoky look too!

Whatever you choose, I hope you love it and be sure to let us know how it turns out!

 

[Blackpaw]

I'll recommend Bobbi too - i love her make up (and i mostly use MAC and Benefit too!)...

and if you're interested Chanel tests their cosmetics on animals so for that reason too id stick with BB

 

[Autumnovember]

Thanks Autumn! I love Bobbi Brown's gel eyeliner! That's all I've ever used of that line though. I just want to make sure I get something more dramatic not a day look you know? That's why I knew Benefit would be out. I also worried that MAC may make me look a little more night club looking as opposed to classy evening elegance you know?!!! I like Chanel's glosses a lot too!

OooOo!! Do tell me more about that gel eyeliner!

I have the brick compact from Bobbi..its a bronzer that is absolutely beautiful. It doesn't make you look like you have bronzer on actually...it just gives you this awesome sunkissed look. They have one called "beach" that seems to look great on every persons skin that I've put it on. Love love love it!

 

[Autumnovember]

I'm not sure how you like this look but a guy at a Mac makeup counter in Mexico did this for me...there was gold mixed in there too and it looked really awesome.

Forgive my chunky face...I was 35 lbs heavier here

 

[elrohwen]

I find MAC a bit dark for my super pale skin, but if you already like their stuff, then most of the others should work for you too, I think. I'm a huge fan of Smashbox all around, though I've never been to one of their counters (we don't have one in my mall).

 

[lizzyann]

Thanks guys!

Zhuzhu, I've actually never tried any Nars products. I'll have to check them out!

Susi, I didn't realize you are a makeup artist! Thanks for chiming in here! I hate my oily skin so much! I use the MAC powder foundation and it helps with the shine, but if you have any other recommendations let me know! I am definitely going to check out the Bobbi Brown counter!

Blackpaw, thanks for the Bobbi recommendation too! I did not realize that Chanel tests their cosmetics on animals. Thanks for letting me know that! Cross them off of my list!

Autumn, you are such a stunner! I think you looked beautiful even before the weight loss too! I remember your thread on it! Congratulations to you! Such hard work paid off! The makeup in your pic is actually exactly the look that I am going for. I love the boldness of the eyes and the understated lips. I have light brown hair with blonde highlights, blue eyes, and fair skin. Maybe I will do a spin by MAC and see what the people working there's makeup looks like. I know that sounds bad, but If their own makeup is over the top, I might not stop. I have bad luck with the guys for some reason there too. I asked for a smoky eye once and it was like full on dark grey/black all around my eyes. I felt like a raccoon! I am going to be doing my hair in an off center low chignon like the pic attached. I am planning on a dangly earring and dark dark nail polish almost black with a purple tinge. Thanks for posting that pic! The bobbi brick sounds awesome too! The gel eyeliner is in a little pot that you put on with a little brush. First I thought it would be hard to apply but it is super easy. The line goes on super straight and it stays put!

Elrohwen, hi there!!! Yeah, MAC can sometimes be hit or miss for me too! I love the look that Autumn has in her photo though!! It is perfect! I believe there is a Smashbox at the Nordstroms near me so I am going to stop by and check it out!

 

[vespergirl]

Except for mascara (Cover Girl) and foundation (Bare Minerals), I only use Bobbi Brown cosmetics.

Some colors I could recommend to go with your dress are:
Eggplant Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow
Violet Ink Long Wearing Gel Eyeliner
Sandstone Blush
I also love her lip glosses, but I usually buy the special palettes, so I can't recommend a specific color, but she has lots of great nude shades.

 

[Autumnovember]

Thanks guys!

Zhuzhu, I've actually never tried any Nars products. I'll have to check them out!

Susi, I didn't realize you are a makeup artist! Thanks for chiming in here! I hate my oily skin so much! I use the MAC powder foundation and it helps with the shine, but if you have any other recommendations let me know! I am definitely going to check out the Bobbi Brown counter!

Blackpaw, thanks for the Bobbi recommendation too! I did not realize that Chanel tests their cosmetics on animals. Thanks for letting me know that! Cross them off of my list!

Autumn, you are such a stunner! I think you looked beautiful even before the weight loss too! I remember your thread on it! Congratulations to you! Such hard work paid off! The makeup in your pic is actually exactly the look that I am going for. I love the boldness of the eyes and the understated lips. I have light brown hair with blonde highlights, blue eyes, and fair skin. Maybe I will do a spin by MAC and see what the people working there's makeup looks like. I know that sounds bad, but If their own makeup is over the top, I might not stop. I have bad luck with the guys for some reason there too. I asked for a smoky eye once and it was like full on dark grey/black all around my eyes. I felt like a raccoon! I am going to be doing my hair in an off center low chignon like the pic attached. I am planning on a dangly earring and dark dark nail polish almost black with a purple tinge. Thanks for posting that pic! The bobbi brick sounds awesome too! The gel eyeliner is in a little pot that you put on with a little brush. First I thought it would be hard to apply but it is super easy. The line goes on super straight and it stays put!




Elrohwen, hi there!!! Yeah, MAC can sometimes be hit or miss for me too! I love the look that Autumn has in her photo though!! It is perfect! I believe there is a Smashbox at the Nordstroms near me so I am going to stop by and check it out!

Thank you!!!! I have a few pictures of me further back if you are interested. He did a great job and I loved the boldness because while it is bold, I don't think it is crazy overwhelming! Thank you for your kind compliments, I appreciate it

I'm very interested in the gel eyeliner now....uh oh!

 

[lizzyann]

THanks for the recommendations Vespergirl! I've never used Bobbi's eyeshadows? Do they wear well?

Autumn, how long did it take you to lose 35 pounds? That is awesome! Did you set a wedding date yet or no? I had my son last year and I quickly lost all of my pregnancy weight while I was nursing him. Nursing helps with that for sure! But I stopped nursing him at the beginning of this year and the weight has started to creep back. I started Zumba and I take walks with my son daily. They aren't high cardio walks, more leisurely but exercise nevertheless. I really wanted to lose 10 pounds before this wedding that I am in a month, but I literally over the last two months have made very little progress. down 2, up 1, up 2, down 3, up 1, etc etc. Never any solid loss you know? Good thing is that overall I haven't really gained anymore, but I've just stayed the same. Before I had my son, I could lose weight easier, but now it is a struggle. I don't even have time to eat that much really because my son keeps me so busy. But I do have a sweet tooth and that is my down fall. If you had to give me one piece of advice that could help me lose, what would you say??!! I'd love to hear!

 

[Autumnovember]

Lizzy!

I lost all the weight with weight watchers. My main problem was eating the correct portions of food. Being that I am only 4'11, it took me longer to lose the weight. It took me about 7.5 months for all of it to come off. I stand by weight watchers 100%. My advice to anyone who is looking to lose weight is to be sure you are eating the correct portions. A lot of times we eat our meals in the wrong portions which is a big factor in weight loss. Lets take cereal for example. Usually the serving size is 1/2 cup...and most of us probably eat more than that in one sitting. Adding fruits and vegetables to your diet will help keep you fuller longer.

The BIGGEST piece of advice I give anyone is to drink A LOT of water! I drink about 120 oz's a day. Of course I did not start drinking that much out of the blue, but I worked my way up to it. I trained my body to first drink the regular 64 oz's a day. Water helps the metabolism in general but it will also play a significant role in how much you are eating as well. Our brains cannot distinct between hunger and thirst so a lot of times when we think we are hungry...we're actually thirsty. In fact, you should never be *thirsty* because that means your body is dehydrated. If you are hungry, drink water and wait 10-15 minutes and see if you are still hungry. This isn't information I made up or anything, I actually discussed this with doctors, dietitians, and have done my own research on this. Water is so crucial (in my opinion) to weight loss. I have had friends that were trying to lose weight but not drinking enough water and I made the same suggestion and they ended up seeing results.

Also, since you have a sweet tooth...try healthier alternatives like fruit. If you don't like fruit, they have 100 calorie klondike bars that are just AWESOME. There is also quaker oats rice chips that have chocolate drizzled on them that are few in calories and fat. I could give you some more ideas if you want too =]

 

[lizzyann]

Hi Autumn! You are so right! I need to drink more water. That could be a huge part of the problem. Does Crystal Lite count or do I need to stick with straight water? Can you tell I don't love water!!!

Here are my weaknesses: desserts (primarily cookies, cake, brownies). I don't make them and I don't buy them at the grocery store but if I'm at Panera, I always get a cookie or two on my way out! Or if I am at a picnic, I always go for brownies at the end of the meal. I also LOVE regular Coke. But I have given that up and only drink diet sodas now. But on occasion, particularly if it is a fountain soda I indulge and get a regular Coke! I am generally not a big snacker. This is what I usually eat any given day: slice of whole wheat toast and maybe a yogurt for breakfast, lunch I usually make a salad with chicken and some shredded cheese with light ranch dressing, I usually have a snack around 2 or 3pm when my son is napping. Usually I have a Edy's frozen coconut bar which I love and they aren't too too bad for me. Then for dinner, I usually cook a good meal. Problem is I like really good dinners like Chicken piccata, lasagna, steak with zucchini and baked potato, baked cod. My husband would choose hot dogs over lobster. Me on the other hand, I LOVE good dinners. Then around 8pm after my son goes to bed, I usually have a snack. Not always a healthy one. I've been known to have chips n dip (another huge weakness of mine!), or ice cream (100 cal klondike bars are a great idea!). So you can see that my day consists of good choices and not so good choices. My mom says that if I ate more calories (good calories from fruits and veggies), I would lose more weight. She thinks I'm not eating enough, who knows? Any suggestions?! Appreciate your help!

 

[Scorpioanne]

Clinique has some fabulous smoky plums/purples that I love. Look at the blackberry frost duo or the heather trio.

 

[Autumnovember]

Hi Autumn! You are so right! I need to drink more water. That could be a huge part of the problem. Does Crystal Lite count or do I need to stick with straight water? Can you tell I don't love water!!!

Here are my weaknesses: desserts (primarily cookies, cake, brownies). I don't make them and I don't buy them at the grocery store but if I'm at Panera, I always get a cookie or two on my way out! Or if I am at a picnic, I always go for brownies at the end of the meal. I also LOVE regular Coke. But I have given that up and only drink diet sodas now. But on occasion, particularly if it is a fountain soda I indulge and get a regular Coke! I am generally not a big snacker. This is what I usually eat any given day: slice of whole wheat toast and maybe a yogurt for breakfast, lunch I usually make a salad with chicken and some shredded cheese with light ranch dressing, I usually have a snack around 2 or 3pm when my son is napping. Usually I have a Edy's frozen coconut bar which I love and they aren't too too bad for me. Then for dinner, I usually cook a good meal. Problem is I like really good dinners like Chicken piccata, lasagna, steak with zucchini and baked potato, baked cod. My husband would choose hot dogs over lobster. Me on the other hand, I LOVE good dinners. Then around 8pm after my son goes to bed, I usually have a snack. Not always a healthy one. I've been known to have chips n dip (another huge weakness of mine!), or ice cream (100 cal klondike bars are a great idea!). So you can see that my day consists of good choices and not so good choices. My mom says that if I ate more calories (good calories from fruits and veggies), I would lose more weight. She thinks I'm not eating enough, who knows? Any suggestions?! Appreciate your help!

Crystal lite counts, just watch the sugar content. I agree with your mom---you are not eating enough. Also, I agree that if you add fruits and veggies to your daily intake it will help satisfy you longer. A lot of people associate veggies with boring but it doesn't have to be. I have gotten very creative in my use of veggies over the last 8 months. There are so many different things you can do with them. If you know that chips and dip are a weakness, don't buy it. That was one of the key steps in helping me lose weight as well. I just stopped buying food that was unhealthy (like chips) because for a long time I was not able to control my portions correctly. It was only when I learned to eat the right portions of food that I was able to reintroduce those items into my cabinet. For a while before I started weight watchers, I would always say how I'm gonna do it, how tomorrow is a new day and I'll make better choices, etc. It wasn't until I really looked at myself in the mirror one day and had enough. I knew what I wanted to look like and I knew that I needed to take control of situation to get to where I wanted to be weight wise. It was my breaking point when I couldn't fit into clothes from the summer before and the scales numbers continued to climb. Granted, that was partly because of a health issue that was still undiagnosed. You have to truly and really WANT to lose the weight. It is just as much mental as it is physical. You have to retrain your body. The first several weeks are the most difficult but after that your body becomes used to the healthy eating. When you do not eat enough, your body stores whatever fat it can...thus resulting in no real weight loss results.

 

[omieluv]

Try Nars. They just came out with two duo eyeshadows for the Fall that is to die for!!!

Here are some swatches of the new Nars duo colors, which are very pretty. Sorry for going a bit off topic, but I love NARS blush too.

ETA>>>please be sure to use an eyeshadow primer like Urban Decay Primer Potion or Too Faced Shadow Insurance, as they will ensure your shadow colors are more vibrant and increases their staying power.

 

[lizzyann]

Clinique has some fabulous smoky plums/purples that I love. Look at the blackberry frost duo or the heather trio.

Thanks Scorpioanne! I have to admit that I find Clinique eye shadows so easy to apply and they stay put!

 

[lizzyann]

Hi Autumn! You are so right! I need to drink more water. That could be a huge part of the problem. Does Crystal Lite count or do I need to stick with straight water? Can you tell I don't love water!!!

Here are my weaknesses: desserts (primarily cookies, cake, brownies). I don't make them and I don't buy them at the grocery store but if I'm at Panera, I always get a cookie or two on my way out! Or if I am at a picnic, I always go for brownies at the end of the meal. I also LOVE regular Coke. But I have given that up and only drink diet sodas now. But on occasion, particularly if it is a fountain soda I indulge and get a regular Coke! I am generally not a big snacker. This is what I usually eat any given day: slice of whole wheat toast and maybe a yogurt for breakfast, lunch I usually make a salad with chicken and some shredded cheese with light ranch dressing, I usually have a snack around 2 or 3pm when my son is napping. Usually I have a Edy's frozen coconut bar which I love and they aren't too too bad for me. Then for dinner, I usually cook a good meal. Problem is I like really good dinners like Chicken piccata, lasagna, steak with zucchini and baked potato, baked cod. My husband would choose hot dogs over lobster. Me on the other hand, I LOVE good dinners. Then around 8pm after my son goes to bed, I usually have a snack. Not always a healthy one. I've been known to have chips n dip (another huge weakness of mine!), or ice cream (100 cal klondike bars are a great idea!). So you can see that my day consists of good choices and not so good choices. My mom says that if I ate more calories (good calories from fruits and veggies), I would lose more weight. She thinks I'm not eating enough, who knows? Any suggestions?! Appreciate your help!

Crystal lite counts, just watch the sugar content. I agree with your mom---you are not eating enough. Also, I agree that if you add fruits and veggies to your daily intake it will help satisfy you longer. A lot of people associate veggies with boring but it doesn't have to be. I have gotten very creative in my use of veggies over the last 8 months. There are so many different things you can do with them. If you know that chips and dip are a weakness, don't buy it. That was one of the key steps in helping me lose weight as well. I just stopped buying food that was unhealthy (like chips) because for a long time I was not able to control my portions correctly. It was only when I learned to eat the right portions of food that I was able to reintroduce those items into my cabinet. For a while before I started weight watchers, I would always say how I'm gonna do it, how tomorrow is a new day and I'll make better choices, etc. It wasn't until I really looked at myself in the mirror one day and had enough. I knew what I wanted to look like and I knew that I needed to take control of situation to get to where I wanted to be weight wise. It was my breaking point when I couldn't fit into clothes from the summer before and the scales numbers continued to climb. Granted, that was partly because of a health issue that was still undiagnosed. You have to truly and really WANT to lose the weight. It is just as much mental as it is physical. You have to retrain your body. The first several weeks are the most difficult but after that your body becomes used to the healthy eating. When you do not eat enough, your body stores whatever fat it can...thus resulting in no real weight loss results.

You are right Autumn really you are....I haven't made a full commitment yet to lose the weight. The wedding I am in is in a month. I think because I have created a deadline in my head, I actually have made myself more stressed. And stress = eat for me you know? I think if I didn't have a deadline I wouldn't be beating myself up so much and would actually lose weight easier. I am actually only 4 pounds heavier then my pre-pregnancy weight, which most people would be happy with, but my weight has redistributed. I am fuller in my tummy and just softer all around. Thanks for all of the great advice and motivation! I will keep you posted on this and my makeup! Let me know if you get the Bobbi gel eyeliner!!!

 

[lizzyann]

Try Nars. They just came out with two duo eyeshadows for the Fall that is to die for!!!

Here are some swatches of the new Nars duo colors, which are very pretty. Sorry for going a bit off topic, but I love NARS blush too.

ETA>>>please be sure to use an eyeshadow primer like Urban Decay Primer Potion or Too Faced Shadow Insurance, as they will ensure your shadow colors are more vibrant and increases their staying power.

Love the tzarine combo! Super pretty! Thanks for posting!