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Hi ladies! There was some interest in makeup tips, which got me thinking about how terrible so much of the beauty advice on the internet is. I mean, one of the top websites is called Man Repellant, for goodness sake. Meanwhile, there are virtually no guides on how to create a look men actually like because turning men off seems to be one of the explicitly stated goals of feminism.

This is why a lot of men say things like, "I prefer a woman who doesn't wear any makeup." It's the misleading advice equivalent of women saying, "I prefer a man without big muscles."

What a woman who says that means is that she likes this more than this, but a lot of lazy mean hear that and hamster it into believing she's attracted to this. Same principle applies to using cosmetics to enhance your appearance. When most men say they don't like makeup what they mean us that they prefer this to this, not that they are into this.

I want to be clear, since I'm using pictures of real people, there is nothing wrong with the makeup looks I'm putting in the don't category. Some of them show off tremendous skill, and are pretty cool! But, if you're into them, maybe wear them for a dinner out with your sister who will be impressed by and appreciate them, not a date with your man who will not "get" them. (Added bonus: men probably won't approach and bother you while you're enjoying dinner with your sister, lol!)


Man-Friendly Makeup DON'Ts

  • Dark colored/"smokey" eye makeup. This is a classic example of a look that women think is "sexy", and men just read as aggressive. Want proof it's a "masculine" vibe? It's hotter on men, lol!

  • Brightly colored, "Coachella" eyes. This might say dreamy hippie chick to you, but to most men it says "paint accident." I will give that this can be a fun, even feminine look, but save it for hanging out with your girlfriends or going to actual concerts rather than wearing it for romancing.

  • Bright colored lips. When men see something like a bright red lip, or a neon pink pout all they think is that if they kiss you that stuff is going to get all over them. You want to look "touchable" and this is the opposite of that.

  • Matte lipstick. It looks (and usually feels) dry, flaky, and entirely unkissable. Avoid anything that is sold as "liquid lipstick" to prevent getting this look.

  • Huge fake eyelashes. Lashes are definitely good, but these look heavy and fake. There is a reason fake lashes are usually on the top of the list of makeup men feel "tricks them", and it's because they actually notice/know they are fake! Things like brow pencil and concealer are never on the list, because they usually don't see those thing.

  • Matte Skin. As we age our hormones change, and this result in skin being more dry. Simply put: matting our your skin with makeup makes you look older! Avoid any foundation with words like "anti-shine" or "matte" in the name.

  • Power Brows. Honestly if it has "power" in the name you should probably not wear it for date night, lol. (Second example: power suits!) Huge, dark brows might be trendy, but they are also masculine looking.


Man-Friendly Makeup DOs

  • Smooth, even complexion. Contrary to popular belief, how much coverage you need in a foundation should be determined by your skin needs, not whether you want to look like you are wearing makeup or not. If you have very little redness, no dark spots, no acne, and no substantial unevenness you can get away with a tinted moisturizer of BB (beauty balm.) Popular ones are Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer (high end), Jane Iredal Liquid Minerals (naturalish), and Maybelline Dream Fresh BB (affordable). If you have some minor blemishes, you should probably skip the BB and go for a medium coverage foundation. To get a natural look like the one in the picture look for keywords like "luminous" and "glow" in the description. Good options here include YSL Touche Eclat (High End), Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Gel (naturalish), and Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth (affordable.) If you have serious skin concerns, first, see a dermatologist, then until they are sorted use a full coverage foundation. Try Bobby Brown Skin Foundation Stick (high end), Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation (naturalish) or Revlon Colorstay (affordable.)

  • Bright, awake eyes. You need concealer. I don't care how much sleep you got, you need at least a tiny bit under your eyes and on any blemishes your foundation didn't hide (this is a great video for how to cover blemishes without looking like you've caked on makeup.) Good options are Nars Creamy Radiant (high end), Tarte Amazonian Clay Concealer (naturalish), and Clinique Airbrush (affordable.)

  • Rosy, glowing cheeks. Scientifically, women's faces flush during ovulation. It's no mystery why this look is appealing to men, lol! Liquid and cream blushes are touted for being "more natural looking", but they are also much harder to use. Stick to a sheer, slightly shimmery powder formula that is close to the color your cheeks are when you pinch them. To apply it tap a big fluffy brush in the blush and then sweep it on the area of your cheek that puffs out when you smile. Good blush options include Nars Orgasm (high end), Tarte Glisten (all natural), and NYX Pinched.

  • Dark, defined lashes. The idea here is to make lashes look thick and dense, not heavy or clumpy. Wiggle the brush at the roots of your lashes, then sweep one or two coats of any mascara that works for you in black if you have dark hair, and dark brown if you're a redhead or blonde through to the tips. Some of my favorites are Mark Jacobs Velvet Noir, Tarte Lights Camera Lashes (naturalish), and Maybelline Great Lash (affordable.)

  • Groomed Brows. Having well defined brows frames your face so your pretty eyes can stand out. In order to get the look first pluck any stray hairs that fall well outside the natural lines of your brows (or go get a pro to do it and teach you how if you're totally new!), then use a brow gel to fill them in. Good options include Benefit Brow Zing and.... I don't have any more, lol! If anyone knows of a good natural and drugstore option, let me know and I'll add them.

  • Glistening, kissable lips. Skip dry, stiff looking lipstick and go for a pinky-peach gloss with a little shimmer that tastes good and feels nice on the lips (it will feel good on his too ;0) Just sweep it over top and bottom lips, then toss it in your purse to reapply throughout the day. My favorites are Chanel Constellation (high end), Boxum Trixie (a bit more natural than the other) or Loreal Color Rich Gloss (haven't tried this one, but have heard it reced!)


I'm not sure if this is helpful to anyone, or it's all sort of "duh", so let me know in the comments! I can happily do more posts like this if people find them valuable :o)


[–][deleted] 11 points12 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

Thank you so much for this post! very informative and well presented.

[–]SleepingBeautyWokeUpMid 30s, Married 8 Years, Together 11[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Oh good, thank you! I'm glad it's useful.

[–]QueenBee126 7 points8 points  (3 children) | Copy Link

Loved loved LOVED this post! I love the art of makeup so much but have recently decided that it's better for me to wear less :/ it K's making me feel more feminine and girly though! And far less aggressive in my interactions then usual! So that's a good thing.

I loved the tip about young dewy skin vs aging matte skin; totally true! Another way I add a little more radiance (and protect my skin) is by mixing 1/3 liquid highlighter (Nars Copacabana or NYX illuminator), 1/3 my Cerave SPF 50 facial sunscreen and 1/3 of my moisturizer (I switch formulas depending on the season). This adds a subtle glow under your foundation if you are going out, and a healthy radiance and polished "look" if you are staying in but still want to look nice for your man. :)

[–]SleepingBeautyWokeUpMid 30s, Married 8 Years, Together 11[S] 3 points4 points  (2 children) | Copy Link

Thank you!

Yes, that is a fantastic tip about using a radiance booster! I loooooove highlighter, and could write a whole post about cultivating "glow." I was just trying to keep this one really simple and aimed at a girl who maybe hadn't been wearing any makeup and walking around like this instead of this thinking she was maximizing her SMV because "guys don't like makeup" so I was scared to recommend a million products. I was trying to go for as many 2-in-1s as possible (radiance foundation, blush with shimmer) but if someone is open to more products... GET ALL THE HIGHLIGHTER!! Then get more highlighter!! LOL!

[–]QueenBee126 1 point2 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

OH MY GOSH YASSSSSS. I think we just became best friends. My favorites are the Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kits (specifically gleam) and Becca pearl. They are so finely milled!

Believe it or not I also wear SPF on my body daily (I'm very fair!) and I mix that with half of my illuminator.

******* ALL DA SHIMMER *********

I want to bathe in highlighter to be honest. I wish they made shimmer products for hair, but I guess I will have to make do with plain old shiny hair ;)

[–]SleepingBeautyWokeUpMid 30s, Married 8 Years, Together 11[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

OH MY GOSH YASSSSSS. I think we just became best friends. My favorites are the Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kits (specifically gleam) and Becca pearl. They are so finely milled!

ME TOO! Literally those exact same two brands. How is the Anastasia one sooo good? I just got the glow kit in Gleam and I use Hard Candy as blush, Mimosa as a bronzer, and Stardust for highlight, lol. Strobbed to the max. I legit walk around like this some days. Definitely not the look I'm recommending with this post, but probably still more man friendly than looking like Kim K., lol!

[–][deleted] 5 points6 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Awesome thanks so much. I hope for more content like this in the future! Sounds like you know your stuff, I've been workig on upping my makeup game so this is very helpful.

[–]SiameseVegan 3 points4 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Speaking of concealer, has anyone seen It's Black Friday on youtube?

What do you all think of her?

[–]chlorocalculator5 points [recovered] (1 child) | Copy Link

I'm a newcomer to wearing makeup, so forgive me if these questions are a bit amateurish!

I recently went out to my nearest Sephora and purchased a whole bunch of high-end eyeliner pencils and mascaras, and I've been wearing some of the products when I go to work and whatnot, but invariably they run/smudge and I end the day looking like a mess. Any way to combat this?

I also have no idea where to start with eyebrows. I routinely get them waxed so that they have a nice, pleasing shape, but I know nothing about filling them in or whatever. I'm scared that I'll overdo it and have the power brows you mentioned in the DON'T section! Any tips?

[–]SleepingBeautyWokeUpMid 30s, Married 8 Years, Together 11[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

I recently went out to my nearest Sephora and purchased a whole bunch of high-end eyeliner pencils and mascaras, and I've been wearing some of the products when I go to work and whatnot, but invariably they run/smudge and I end the day looking like a mess

What brands are they? Unfortunately a lot of long wear products are... not.

Are you using an eye cream? If you're using the wrong one it can definitely make anything you put over it run or smudge, no matter the "staying power." I personally really like this one.

If you are not using anything oily on your skin before you apply the makeup though, I'm not sure there will be much you can do with a runny mascara. In my experiences mascaras either run/flake on me, or they don't. I would just try another one! There are tons of good ones at the drugstore these days. I really like most of the ones made by Maybelline.

As for eye pencils... I would recommend using an angled brush and shadow in the same color as the liner you used to tracing over the the liner and "set" it.

I would start with a product like this, that you can just drag through your brows once or twice! Really could not be much more foolproof! This is a good video because she really shows how to move the little spool through the brow, but you probably don't need to do it that much or for that long unless you have really sparse brows like her. I just do about two passes on my brows.

[–]QueenBee126 10 points11 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Dear mods, can this be added to an essential posts section? :)

[–][deleted] 9 points10 points  (3 children) | Copy Link

Great post.

I wanted to add that curling eyelashes makes a big difference and requires you wear less mascara.

The only thing I disagree with is the shimmer products. Everything nowadays has shimmer and depending on your features and your age it can make you look cheap. Like I see no reason to use blush with shimmer, only highlight and nighttime eye shadows.

[–]SleepingBeautyWokeUpMid 30s, Married 8 Years, Together 11[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Everything nowadays has shimmer and depending on your features and your age it can make you look cheap. Like I see no reason to use blush with shimmer, only highlight and nighttime eye shadows.

This is true. There is a huge "sparkle" trend right now.

I definitely would not recommend something glittery like this for a natural/man friendly look... But more something with finely milled shimmer that will mimic the appearance of healthy, youthful skin by giving a very soft shine. Matte blushes can look, IMO, a bit aging in the same way matte foundations can. Young skin is usually a bit more oily/shiny/etc. and it turns thinner and dryer as we age and lose estrogen, so anything "powdery" is going to mimic that ageing effect, while anything with a soft sheen will mimic the youthful thing.

But it all goes down to taste! If you're more into matte, skip the shine!

[–]tintedlipbalm 2 points3 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

It definitely depends on the quality of the shimmer. Cheap, chunky glitter-like shimmer is so so different from the look of a finely milled shimmer.

[–]Kittenkajira 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

I recently learned that those with hooded eyes shouldn't use shimmery eye shadows unless it's at the arch of the brow and inner corner of the eye for highlighting. Also if you're going to be photographed with a flash skip the shimmer!

[–]frozen_strawberry5 points [recovered] (2 children) | Copy Link

Can you recommend any good YouTube channels or videos for beginners? I have a routine that's basically foundation, eye foundation stuff, mascara, eye liner, and lip stick and I want to become better but I have a real hard time finding tutorials where you don't right away have to use 50 things because that always makes me feel like I'm over doing it.

[–]tintedlipbalm 7 points8 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

Definitely Lisa Eldridge, but I'm sure you've heard of her already! She has a beginner playlist and her looks tend to be natural.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

For groomed brows, I've heard any cheap taupe eyeshadow can work to fill them in if you're hurting for cash, just make sure you don't sweat too much or touch your brows. For something cheap with more staying power for groomed brows, I like Wet 'N Wild Color Icon Brow Pencils, though the shades tend to be a little dark so be careful about that! They're about 2 dollars and can be ordered online from the brand's website if you're in Canada or the US. These things Do Not Budge.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (3 children) | Copy Link

I'm not so sure about the fake lashes as I have mink permanent ones that are natural but beautifully long and my SO goes ga ga for them. (And I've had lots of compliments from coworker men about how pretty/big my eyes are.)

Maybe obvious fakes are a turn off but if they're integrated into your own naturally and look beautiful, then I'm going to say they can only enhance your beauty. And also save me tons of time not doing mascara.

[–]SleepingBeautyWokeUpMid 30s, Married 8 Years, Together 11[S] 3 points4 points  (2 children) | Copy Link

I would consider those "lash extensions" more than "falsies", but I've actually never tried them! Do you have to get them filled often? Are they hard to care for? I've considered them, but whenever I want more lashes I always end up just going for Latisse, which I've gone on and off a few times. It makes my lashes SUPER long and thick after about 6 weeks, and hubby loves them. So, I guess "big lashes" isn't bad, fake looking lashes is, and I feel like it's very, very hard to use one of those strips of falsies or even really little clumps and have them look perfect for day to day wear.

[–]jmc512 1 point2 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

oh oh I've been really looking into trying Latisse! How do you like it? I'm trying to justify the price tag hahaha

[–]SleepingBeautyWokeUpMid 30s, Married 8 Years, Together 11[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

I think I'm probably going to start using it again! It REALLY works, and it's not as expensive as it seems because if you use a small eyeliner brush to apply it the bottles last.... So long. Honestly, I think I've gotten a year out of three month supply before!

[–]sariaru 2 points3 points  (3 children) | Copy Link

What are some good low-end products (preferably that I can buy online to the UK). I have very very little disposable income, but I know I need some new products; I'm still using the stuff I wore at my wedding, which was over two years ago.

So if you had $30 or less to spend, what would be your absolute basics?

[–]SleepingBeautyWokeUpMid 30s, Married 8 Years, Together 11[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Hummm, that's hard.

I think I would go with Revlon Colorstay Foundation, which is $12.99, but it wears best without any powders or primers and the like for me personally (I have combo/normal skin) and it's full enough coverage you can dab a second coat over places you would otherwise use concealer and get an OK result. Then I would do an NYX HD Blush ($6.99), and an NYX slim eye pencil in a shade of brown I could use for both filling in my brows and lining my eye a bit ($3.49) plus a Maybelline Volume Express mascara ($6.99.) That brings you right to $30 and would get you a pretty, very minimal look. If I had just a few dollars more I would grab a Maybelline color tattoo eyeshadow in a shade close to my skin tone. You can sweep these right onto the lid with your fingertip (no need for primer or anything) and they just give a bit of evenness and shimmer ($6.99). I wouldn't spend money on lip stuff, because you can use drugstore chapstick or even olive oil to get a tiny bit of shine on the lips.

Another way to go would be to replace the $13 Revlon foundation with Maybelline Fit Me foundation ($7.99) and concealer ($6.99.) If you have a lot of blemishes or deep under eye circles this would for sure be the way to go since having the separate concealer would allow you to do "pin point" concealing (which you could do with a q-tip in the absence of a brush) like in the video I posted.

[–]tintedlipbalm 3 points4 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

Rimmel products are pretty good and from the UK, their lip products are usually the ones that stand out. I think you should definitely check out the Lisa Eldridge YouTube channel, since she is from the UK and uses drugstore products consistently.

[–]sariaru 3 points4 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Great, thanks! I'm so ignorant when it comes to makeup it's unreal, and browsing for videos and Instagram is sooo intimidating for me. This is perfect!

[–]tintedlipbalm 2 points3 points  (5 children) | Copy Link

Thank you so much for this thorough post! We've always had discussions about men and makeup, but never a thread so well presented.

One thing that is my signature in makeup and men really like is using a really deep lipstick (MAC Rebel or Revlon Crush) as a stain instead of wearing its full intended color. It looks more natural to my complexion than using a 'nude' lip (which I believe to be an androgynous fashion trend women are tricked to think is natural-looking).

It's also good to note that contrasted facial features are perceived as more youthful and more feminine (for example, naturally pigmented lips, fuller eyelashes). This is why eyeliner makes such a difference to our appearance even though it's such a small detail.

[–]jmc512 4 points5 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

i really enjoyed reading those articles -- thank you!! it makes so much sense... i'm more excited to use makeup now :D

[–]SleepingBeautyWokeUpMid 30s, Married 8 Years, Together 11[S] 3 points4 points  (3 children) | Copy Link

YES! Using a dark lipstick sheered out is a great tip. It also leaves behind a "stain" that way that will last all day. I also really like the classic Benetint stain. It was initially created for burlesque dancers to put on their nipples to enhance the natural nipple color so men could see it from the audience. No surprise this shade is appealing to men on the lips and cheeks too, lol!

[–]tintedlipbalm 0 points1 point  (2 children) | Copy Link

I use that one mostly as blush, it tastes like rose scent! But I do have the red benebalm as well, I really like it.

[–]SleepingBeautyWokeUpMid 30s, Married 8 Years, Together 11[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child) | Copy Link

I love the scent of it! And yes, I totally forgot about the Benebalm. I like the Positint version of that one, too actually.

Great, I haven't had any of these on hand in about a year and now I want to go buy both of the stains and glosses. Eeps!

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

I like peripera stains, and I started with benetint. peripera is effectively the same and you can get it on amazon for about 10 bucks.

Stila makes a cream blush line that's ideally used with a blender, but I've gotten away with using it on the train with my fingers. I'm light olive and use peony.

[–]smallpeachmid-20s, dating 2 points3 points  (4 children) | Copy Link

Thank you for writing this guide!

I noticed you didn't mention eyeliner in your do's. I usually line my eyes like this (the picture on the right), otherwise my eyes don't stand out - I'm not blessed with big doe eyes. Do you think this look is ok or is it too intense? (I have dark hair.)

[–]Kittenkajira 4 points5 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

I love the look on the right - if you want it to be subtle/natural you can use a brown or gray eyeliner or shadow. I like to use a brow brush and eye shadow to add an accent to the outer corner of my eyes.

[–]smallpeachmid-20s, dating 3 points4 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Thanks! Brown eyeliner looks horrible on me but I'll definitely try gray!

[–]SleepingBeautyWokeUpMid 30s, Married 8 Years, Together 11[S] 2 points3 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

I LOVE this look. I would not call it the epitome of man-friendly makeup, but it's still great, and I do it a lot. I would definitely say try brown, navy, grey, very dark purple and hunter green liners like this, too! If the shades are dark enough it won't register as "color" to the viewer, it will just look softer than black and can bring out your eye color more. Urban Decay makes great colors for this... I use Sabbath and Loaded all the time!

[–]smallpeachmid-20s, dating 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Thanks! I do have an aubergine colored eyeliner that's supposed to bring out brown eyes :)

[–]SeasideJune 5 points6 points  (7 children) | Copy Link

This is awesome! Thank you!

Tarte Amazonian Clay Concealer (all natural)

I want to point out that (at least as sold in my location!) this product is not all natural, nor is anything from this brand. (forgive me, "natural"/safe cosmetics is the one part of life I'm quite zealous about)

[–]SleepingBeautyWokeUpMid 30s, Married 8 Years, Together 11[S] 2 points3 points  (6 children) | Copy Link

You're absolutely right! I should change that category to "more natural" or something when I get home. I tend to assume if I don't make it myself from raw ingredients I got from trusted sources it's probably not really natural. Are there any brands you do trust or think are better than others that are easy to find/widely sold?

[–]SeasideJune 4 points5 points  (5 children) | Copy Link

Oh hm, good question.

For bigger names that many people might know, it's been a hunt for me and I'll often find a product here or there that has, based on my investigations, all "safe" ingredients, though not all "natural" (a number of powders from Bare Minerals, a lipstick or two from Bite Beauty).

For smaller names, there are lots of little natural cosmetics brands in my area. Finding some without crazy prices took a few pages of Google searching.

But ultimately, I make nearly everything I wear myself and run a little company of my own, so it puts my zeal to work and leaves me a bit biased ;)

[–]smallpeachmid-20s, dating 2 points3 points  (4 children) | Copy Link

Do you have any recommendations for a quality full-coverage foundation?

I really like Ann Marie Gianni's Earth Minerals (which you can mix with a facial oil for light to full coverage). However it doesn't come in my exact shade (for some reason, although I have pink undertones, yellowish foundations match my neck best, lol!).

100% Pure looks promising but I haven't tried any of their products.

[–]Kittenkajira 2 points3 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

I've tried some lotions, eye cream, body creams, and a lipstick from 100% pure and have really liked everything so far. I signed up for their email alerts and occasionally buy something when it goes on sale. If I could afford it, I would buy so much more!! They have some store locations, and when I'm in CA next month I'm planning on stopping by one and testing all kinds of things.

[–]smallpeachmid-20s, dating 2 points3 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Cool, thanks! I didn't know they had physical stores. I actually live quite close by and may just visit today!

Edit: Looked at some of their lip stuff online and holy wow they are expensive. But they really are all-natural and I wouldn't mind accidentally eating my lip color since that's usually what happens! I love that their Gemmed Lip Gloss has real crushed semi-precious gemstones in it.

[–]SeasideJune 2 points3 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

Hello! Sorry for the very very late reply. Pure Anada is my go-to foundation, 98% perfect in my opinion. Lots of shades!

[–]smallpeachmid-20s, dating 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Thank you so much! I'll check it out!

[–]springchicken28 1 point2 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

Love this post... Can I just add Nars Tinted Moisturiser as a favourite for natural looking skin, it literally airbrushes your skin while still letting your natural glow shine through. Its expensive, but it lasts for ages and there is 50mL in the tube rather than the 30mL in most foundations. Also Anastasia Brow Wiz for defining and filling in brows naturally. It's a cult favourite for a reason, it looks really natural for a pencil, so you can get that defined look without the power brow problem. It's also high end, so a little more pricey but worth it in my opinion :-)

[–]SleepingBeautyWokeUpMid 30s, Married 8 Years, Together 11[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

. Can I just add Nars Tinted Moisturiser as a favourite for natural looking skin, it literally airbrushes your skin while still letting your natural glow shine through.

I've heard this is FANTASTIC!

Also Anastasia Brow Wiz for defining and filling in brows naturally. It's a cult favourite for a reason, it looks really natural for a pencil, so you can get that defined look without the power brow problem.

I've also been hearing recently that the new Loreal Brow Style Definer is a great budget friendly copy-cat of the Brow Wiz! Haven't tried it myself yet, but I know it's not pure marketing hype because because several people I know IRL have remarked on it.

[–]OrganicSprout 1 point2 points  (2 children) | Copy Link

I find that I can get away with applying foundation and no powder. This prevents my skin from looking too dry/matte. But I have naturally oily skin... soo..

Another one I found interesting is the matte lipstick. I enjoy my dark red matte lipsticks and find they compliment my skin tone/naturally darker red lips. Is this alright? I wish I had a picture to show as an example... My lips are shaped in a "20s" style, so I assumed the darker lipstick works best. Any advice on this is appreciated!

Also, 100% on the eyebrows. Can make or break a look.

Thank you for this post!

[–]SleepingBeautyWokeUpMid 30s, Married 8 Years, Together 11[S] 1 point2 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

Another one I found interesting is the matte lipstick. I enjoy my dark red matte lipsticks and find they compliment my skin tone/naturally darker red lips. Is this alright? I wish I had a picture to show as an example... My lips are shaped in a "20s" style, so I assumed the darker lipstick works best. Any advice on this is appreciated!

Hummm, I would say that if a man is very into the retro fantasy look he might like this sort of thing.... But in general, I still think dark or dry looking lipsticks are better for girl time than man pleasing.

Perhaps try the tip /u/tintedlipbalm provided above about sheering out a darker color to leave behind a stain?

[–]OrganicSprout 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

That lipstick is too bright, whew! Still a cute look though.

Thank you very much!

[–]Dazzler1886 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

This post is great and actually really helpful! Thanks so much!

[–]potentialnrg 1 point2 points  (2 children) | Copy Link

The best brands I have found to give a very natural look:

Bare minerals - foundation, bronzer, blush

Anastasia Beverly Hills - brows (this is miracle stuff!! I have patchy eyebrows and you cannot even tell with this brand)

Urban Decay - eyelashes

Too Faced - eyeshadow

Bite - lips (I love the agave lip mask)

[–]SleepingBeautyWokeUpMid 30s, Married 8 Years, Together 11[S] 1 point2 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

Anastasia Beverly Hills - brows (this is miracle stuff!! I have patchy eyebrows and you cannot even tell with this brand)

Which brow product do you use from them?

[–]potentialnrg 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=VP12345#

Brow Powder Duo

With a brush like this:

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod6330248

If you look at Anastasia Brows on pinterest there are lots of examples. It is easy to tone them down to look very natural

https://www.instagram.com/p/yAm0BhpAV5/

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It seems like women prefer the styles that make the wearer appear more dramatic, fierce, and mature, while men prefer clean youthful styles. And that makes perfect sense when it comes to our biological preferences.

Also, oh my goodness, OP is so right on about the dark eye makeup. I find that look incredibly sexy on men (Khal Drogo, anyone?). But good luck persuading a masculine guy to wear eyeliner haha.

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