... especially if you have experience with African Americans :afro
I need some make-up help. I don't wear make up much but want to start using it regularly.
I need help with picking out the right colors and the right products.
My coloring is on the lighter end of AA spectrum. Right now, it is olive-y with dark hair and eyes. (think Felicia Rashad) I have a yellowish undertones and I have a reddish-brown hue when I have a tan.
What colors/products would I use for Carmindy's 5-minute face? Especially eye shadow.

edited to add- what color would I need for the "spray foundation" or do I need it at all? my skin is bad but isn't great. -end edit

I like to use eye-liners but they don't like me. I get the something's-in-my-eye sensation for days when ever I use eyeliners or mascara.
Can you suggest some hypo allergenic products or a less irritating solution?

What's a good basic moisterizer (brand name or natural product) that works for AA skin?

Thanks for you knowlege!

I can help some, but not much. I used to work for Estee lauder and do facials for them. With AA skin, it's important to use a foundation that does not reflect light if you are going to have pictures taken because the lights will make your face look funny. Use something with warm tones, not too matte. I'd suggest Clarins tinted moisturizer which is around 40 dollars and lasts forever. Clinique and Smashbox also have decent tinted moisturizers that are nice and less expensive. Then, a light powdering if necessary, I don't use powder though. Clinique's superfit makeup is really nice too, it glides on and hides stuff without being too thick or hard to blend.

Clinique has a lipstick called Rum Kiss that is the best color I've ever found. A similar color called Divine Wine by Loreal is similar and very pretty. Either would be great on AAs. Either color can be used as a cream blush. Dot the lipstick where you want it and blend it in with fingers or a sponge.

If you hit up Lancome when they have free gifts, or sometimes if you buy something and ask, they'll give you free samples of their mascara. The samples are absolutely the best and I'd buy them if I could in that size. Alas, they're free with purchase usually, so find something that you like from Lancome that you can buy when they have mascara available. Otherwise, the definicils or extensils mascara is expensive, but the best I've found. For Eyeliner, you can get a good eyeliner brush at Target and buy a really dark eyeshadow. Then, wet the brush slightly and brush it against your hand, then dip it onto the dark shadow and make your eyeliner with it.

For eyeshadow, I like to get two colors from Lancome. They're 12 dollars each color, but you can try them to get the right colors and they last all year, even if you use them every day. Also, when you can find a free gift from them with an eyeshadow brush, or contour brush, grab it up because you'll use the brushes for years. I can't stand to use sponge applicators for eyeshadow and haven't used one for about 8 years. Brushes are the way to go. I keep all my brushes in a little cup on my bathroom countertop. That way, I don't have to dig for them.

Also, another tip. If you want to go get a department store makeup, go on a weekday morning. The women are bored and dying to do a makeover. You can find out so much and try so much. When we do makeovers, we love to give out free samples too, so weekday mornings are really the best time to go.
good luck
Lisa

Bobbi Brown makes gorgeous colors and has a pretty extensive AA line.
http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com
She also has excellent skin care products. :)

fyi- Lancome is owned by Loreal- which is owned by Nestle. In case you boycott them, too. :)

Can I ask, what is "Carmindy's 5-minute face?" :o

Can I ask, what is "Carmindy's 5-minute face?" :o

I believe it is from the t.v. show "What Not to Wear" on TLC. Carmindy is the name of their make-up artist (it's a make-over show).

lisa49-
Thanks for the detailed information. I'll try the eyeshadow as liner. I have done the lipstick as blush. I definitly need make-up brushes. I got some when I got married... over a decade ago, and the kids lost them for me.


moderngal-
Thanks for the link! I'm checking it out.

Itybty-
Yep. The five minute face is from What Not to Wear on TLC. Carmindy is the make up artist. They never seem to have anyone quite my skin color on the show, though.
http://tlc.discovery.com/fansites/whatnottowear/stylegurus/carmindy.html

If you havent tried mineral makeup before, give it a try! I love it and i finally have something that looks natural and isnt bad for the skin. I love the company below, they have FREE sample kits to try them out to find the right shade for you, also ck out the blog/message section for hints/questions for darker skin. :p

http://www.everydayminerals.com/