What to Wear: Answering Makeup Questions!

Loved all your questions about makeup! And thank you, too, to Miss Racquel Simone for answering all of them. You went above and beyond girlfriend! Can't WAIT to have you in Charlotte for Beauty Boot Camp...what a BLAST we are going to have. And for anyone who's still considering coming, each participant is going to get your makeup done by Racquel...and a lesson to go with it! I'm so excited! So here we go with your questions:

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Katie asked about eyeshadow...she wondered about the best way to put on eyeshadow because she was shown by someone one way, and someone else another, so Racquel, what is it?

Racquel said: This question made me giggle, because the reality is that there really are no rules when it comes to makeup. You can put the colors on however you wish! If you want a traditional look, dark in the crease, the lash line and a medium all over. If you're going more natural. Light all over, medium in the crease and on the lash line. Dramatic? Intense medium on the lid (grey) dark in the crease (brown) and dark on the lash line (dark). ALWAYS highlight the brow bone with a light color. The last look I gave you is a nice formula for a classic smokey eye. The colors and "rules" definitely change with the occasion!

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Julie asked: I am a soft, and typically wear just blush, lipgloss, and mascara. Someone suggested eyebrow pencil but I feel like a clown with it! Do the colors of make-up need to follow your color swatches that I use for my clothes?

I'm gonna answer this one Julie, (me, Shari): Your makeup should coordinate with your clothing, not combat it! In saying that, if you own your color swatches, there is a makeup guide in there with some suggestions on the colors for your Soft coloring, but if you don't have those, medium shades of pinks, peaches and light natural browns are good choices. Nothing too bright or deep for Softs. As for eyebrow pencil, as we age, I think it's a must for most women, especially SOFTS, as your eyebrows tend to fade away. Try a Blonde pencil and put it on your brows a little at a time...the purpose is to frame your eyes and help you look fresher. Try it on one eyebrow, then cover that half your face and check your look with and without the pencil. I promise you won't want to leave home without it once you try it!

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Jolene asked: I wear glasses and was wondering what you recommend to emphasize my eyes. I have never worn eyeliner because I have sensitive eyes and have never mastered the technique of an eyeliner pencil. Any new ideas or suggestions? Also, do you have archived newsletters from the past?
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Shari said: Since you have sensitive eyes, try dipping a Qtip in an eyeshadow, maybe a brown or charcoal color and put in the place where you would use an eyeliner. Then take a light color shadow, like sand or soft pink or peach and put over your entire lid. Finish with 2 coats of brown or black mascara and voila, your eyes will shine!
As for newsletters, my husband said he will make a place on our website soon to hold those, so thanks for the idea!

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Dale said: I just celebrated my 59th birthday on the 15th ... and have found over the past couple of years that the eyeshadow colors I've used forever no longer work ... and that my not-so-firm skin around my eyes make it difficult to achieve a smooth appearance. I'm "Soft" according to last Saturday's analysis. What colors and types (powder, cream ...) of eyeshadows are best?

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 Shari said: Happy Birthday Dale! So glad you're were at the event last weekend..it was fun, wasn't it? You ladies from Olive Branch Baptist Church were terrific! On not-so-firm skin, make sure to use an eye cream on a regular basis as this will help firm your eye skin. I would still use a powder shadow, but use one that has a creamy like or very easy to apply formula. My faves include Mary Kay and Clinique. Again, if you got your swatches, check the color guide in their, otherwise, see answer I gave Julie, above.

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Kim asked: My question deals with money and what products you recommend. Do we need to spend a lot on skin care and make-up? Can we get some good products at Target or the local drugstore? If we are going to spend some money, what should we "invest" in?

As far as make-up goes. I'm all about the "natural look". However, as I'm approaching 40, I also want to make sure that I'm looking younger!

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Shari says: I'm so glad you're thinking about skincare. There is a yes and no answer for this. There are many good skincare lines out there and they range for very pricey to not so pricey. The key is to get a line of skincare that you like, that seems compatible with your skin and that you use on a regular basis. Find something with an SPF in it to protect from the skin. Make sure you use a cleanser and moisturizer from the SAME line...don't mix them up. Many cleansers have built in toners so that's an added plus. Try a skincare line for AT LEAST 2 weeks before giving up. Your skin needs time to adjust to the products and you may experience some breaking out...unless its a super sensitive break out, then your skin is just cleaning itself out and the breakouts are a result of this. In a very short time, your skin will be beautiful. The most important thing is to take your makeup off at night...they say for every night you wear your makeup to bed, your skin ages 7 days! Yikes! As for which products, look for something that has some samples you can try for a few weeks or spend in the $15-$30 range (per product) if in doubt. I think you can get VERY good products at that price point.

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One more Equals four asked: I have very sensitive skin and can pretty much only wear Physician's Formula make up. I cannot find any eyesahdow that I can wear. My problem is that when I use eyeliner, it tends to "bleed" onto my eyelids, I think, in part to the fact that I don't have the eyeshadow on to kind of set it. I have used blush before, dusted on my lids (which for some reason does not cause an allergic reaction) but it looks very, well pink! What would you suggest I do with my eye makeup knowing that I cannot wear eye shadow?

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Shari says: Have you tried a brown blush? That might solve your problem and look super cute! Otherwise, get an eyeshadow base which is liquid and tends to have a beige finish to it, wear this and your eyeliner will adhere right to it and stop the bleeding. You can find one at drug stores or Mary Kay. Another option is to dab your eyeliner area with a powder and it will keep eyeliner from bleeding, too.

Racquel says: I have the perfect solution for you. Neutrogena cosmetics. They are hypoallergenic & perfect for sensitive skin. I personally am only wearing their line of foundation right now because my skin has been super sensitive lately and all other brands have been causing a reaction. They have beautiful shades of eyeshadow, so you won't have the "pink" issue anymore :) As far as lining your eyes, go for a shade of eyeshadow that would match the color eyeliner you'd like to use, and line it with an eyeliner brush.*

Faith asked: okay, my question is basically the same as the one above about money. I am going to be 30 in a few days, and I know I need to change my skin care routine, but I have agonized over what is financially wise while still taking care of my skin. What is worth the money, what do I really "need" to use, and what is just out there to entice us to spend more. Same with make up... can I buy off the rack, or do I really need to switch to something from a counter...

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Racquel said: Hi Faith! Great question. What you absolutely have to have as far as skincare is concerned is a good cleanser and a good moisturizer. You can use witch hazel from any drugstore for your toner. Any other skincare products are considered optional accessories. As far as makeup, you can pick up items from counters if you like, but if you're trying to be especially wise over your money there are definitely very good products that you can get "off the rack". It's more of a system when it comes to buying skincare and knowing when to "save" and when to "splurge".

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Anonyomous x 3, Karen,Lynda,Bridget:What is the best product to cover dark circles? I have tried a variety of colors, and products and nothing seems to do the trick.

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Racquel said: Question #1 - Dark circles are often a result of two things, genetics, and a lack of proper sleep & nutrients, water being one of them. The easiest way to ease dark circles is to drink plenty of water and ensure that you are getting at least 7 hours of sleep each night. I also recommend taking a daily multi-vitamin, if you aren't already doing so. Obviously nothing can be done about the genetic influence on this issue, but ensuring you are doing the above mentioned will definitely help. Now, as far as products, a company called "Eve Pearl Cosmetics" has one of the best concealers I have ever come across. It's called "Salmon Concealer" and comes in a nice range of shades to choose from. Always pick a concealer at least two shades lighter than your foundation. I am letting you in on professional grade cosmetics because the formulas are often more effective than the products targeted to regular consumers, unfortunately. Check it out here: If you do want to go into a regular store, I would recommend concealer by Laura Mercier or Shu Uemura. If you want to go into a drugstore, L'oreal is the line I'd use. Actually, I do use it. Always remember you can use a brush to apply concealer, but the best way is to use your index finger.

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Karen also asked about the proper use of makeup brushes....Karen, this is a whole blog in itself, so I'll do something on this in few weeks, okay?

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Another woman (anonymous) told us she is 67 and wants to continue to look good as she ages in life. As I read your question, I thought, "ohhhh she would LOVE beauty boot camp!" So I hope you'll consider it! You said you want to be in style and continue to wear the right clothes...and I'll bet you do a wonderful job of it too! You also asked about eye makeup and glasses so look at my answer to Jolene above about that. As for foundation, I'd recommend a nice powder foundation to finish your look and then complete with blush, mascara and a pretty lip color and gloss.

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A woman from a hot, humid place asked this: My question is about wearing makeup in the summertime. Where I live, it gets very hot and humid, so sweating (a lot) is unavoidable. What little makeup I wear gets smudgy and smears right off. What should I do? Are there certain products that will endure the summer heat better than others?

Racquel says: I think I have the perfect solution for you: Tinted moisturizer. It provides the coverage you need but is VERY breatheable. It's my go to product in the summer. Both Lorac and Laura Mercier make excellent tinted moisturizers. They are both available at Sephora. (Lynda, tinted moisturzier would be great for you, too! Did you know Shari lived in Miami for 15 years???)

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Melinda asked: My question concerns skin care. I am 50 with a small face and neck. I really don't mind "looking" 50 but I don't want to look "older" than 50...if you know what I mean! LOL Anyway, I have been using Mary Kay microdermabrasion for about 6 months and I also use Mary Kay cleanser and moisturizer. I use Bare Minerals makeup (and LOVE it by the way). I hate looking in the mirror and seeing that wrinkly skin on my neck! Any ideas?????

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Shari says: Are you treating your neck with the microdermabrasion and your skincare products? If not, then START TODAY! You should treat your hands and neck and chest area just like you would your face. There are also some good neck tightening exercise you can do! The main one is to pull your mouth in a wide grin (It will make you feel really strange but you'll feel the tightness in your neck!) Do these weird face exercises and you'll get some tightening going on! And smile alot, cause then no one will look at your neck cause you'll be so happy smiling at them!

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Elin asked: I have alot of acne in my T-zone, what do you recommend for covering it up? Also, I don't know what colors look best on me, how can you tell?

Shari says: The best thing is to make sure you're treating your skin with a good cleanser and oil-free moisturizer, perhaps one aimed at combination skin types. Neutrogena, Avon and Clinique have good ones. Then use a good cover up that is oil free and spot treat these pimples to cover them. A nice light powder foundation would be the best for you too. As for the colors to wear, it is based on your hair, skin and eye coloring. My husband is thick in the middle of designing our on-line color e-nalysis system but it won't be ready for about another month. It is a BIG job and it's about killing him (me). Smile. Pray for him to finish well (alive)! smile again.

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Brandee asked:I hope it is not too late to comment :) I have a question about the best type of foundation to use for acne prone skin. I am 35 and still am prone to getting breakouts and my skin is pretty oily.

 Racquel says: Great question! I reccommend Neutrogen Healthy Skin liquid foundation. It is allergen free and doesn't contain the irritants other foundation can have. It also heals your skin while you wear it. I know this for a fact, because it's the only foundation I wear right now, as I'm clearing up a bad breakup/allergic reaction.

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Stephanie asked: I want to know what color eyeshadow to wear--I've never found one I really felt made the most of my green/hazel eyes. I have medium/fair skin, brown hair with blond highlights. I wear black eyeliner and black mascara, and I like to highlight right under my brows with white. What color should I put in the crease?

Racquel says: I would recommend using a medium toned brown eyeshadow in the crease something along in the color family of sand, but about two shades darker. This will give you definition and make your eyes "pop".

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One Small Voice asked: I am a new reader of your blog but have always loved your column in Susie Mag!I'm fourteen and have really bad acne and...even worse...acne scars. I wash my face with Clinque's 3-Step Skincare Acne Solutions every night and it help keep my face from going crazy, but my face is still tired, inflamed, and colored with the old spots from past breakouts. I feel hopeless. What should I do?

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Shari says: I'm so glad you found me on here! I love writing for Susie Magazine...it is such a cool sisterhood, isn't it? Are you going on the mission trip this summer with us to Guatamala? I'd love to meet you! For your question, it sounds like you're on the right track with your skincare so keep it up. I would get an oil-free powder foundation to wear everyday. This will cover your scars and inflamation and you can carry it in your purse to touch up with at lunch time. Wear a little blush in a soft color and a natural gloss on your lips and this will take the attention off your scars. And honestly, they are probably more noticeable to YOU than to others. And remember to smile alot and show your inner beauty, girl! No more hopeless feelings, okay?

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Heather asked: Now I know I am a CLEAR--dark brown hair, blue eyes. Is there one basic color scheme of eye shadow colors I can wear most days? Or should I change my shadow to coordinate with what I am wearing each day? I don't like to have all the different eye shadows that I only use once every few weeks or months, as it seems wasteful-they get old before they're gone and I end up tossing them. Any suggestions?

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Shari says: I wear the same colors each day, ones that coordinate, not combat! Clears can wear grays, charcoals, blues, violets, pinks. Every now and then if you want to accent your outfit, add a dab of the same color on your lids (outside corner) but otherwise stick to the same. In my book that comes out in August, I have a list of exact colors for ALL the color categories so it will be sooooo easy to make up your face then. There is an entire chapter devoted to makeup and skincare and what products and colors to use. But for now, just stick to those suggested colors and you'll be beautiful!

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Wow Girls, what great questions you had! Now for the winners of the conference call....we did this by random number based on the number of comments and here are the winners: # 6,12,14,19,24. So go to the questions from the spring makeup blog (last week's blog comments), count down and see if you are any of those numbers! How fun! Okay, you don't have to do that, I did it for you! Here are the winners!

#6: One More Equals Four
#12: Lynda
#14: Karen (who asked about brushes and dk circles)
#19: Brandee
#24: Heather
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How fun! I will plan our call so for now, please email me YOUR email addresses so I can get you details! Looking forward to it!
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Wow, this was a lot of writing today! Gracious! Thanks to those of you for your great blog ideas. Here's what next week's Wednesday blog is going to be about:
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Natalie said: I would love it if you showed some basic pieces and how to mix and match them to get different outfits and also a few ideas to show us on how to "rock" the look for spring 2010 with photos.
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So girls, you got it, I'll be "rockin'" the look for spring next week with some mix and match outfits...see you then! (And I'm gonna see if I can do it all for under $100!) Yikes!
Love, Shari
http://www.sharibraendel.com/
Check out Racquel here!