I'm going to do my own make-up on the day after my lovely friend said "I should because I'm so good at it" I was just wondering what make-up ranges are best? I haven't treated myself for ages. I would like to buy some new bits especially foundation,lipstick and eyeshadow. Also is waterproof mascara a good idea? Is it worth going to a department make-up counter and get them to do a trial? I live on the IOW so not many big stores here but we have a Boots and Bodyshop.xx

Definitely go for a good foundation. If necessary, you can scrimp on lipstick and a lot of cheaper mascaras are great but cheap foundation just doesn't match up to the higher end stuff. MAC isn't horrendously expensive (about the same as No7) but is really great. I use Chanel Matt Lumiere; it scares me every time I buy a bottle as it's really expensive, but nothing else matches up to it for me.

MAC's actually pretty fab for lipstick too, but it depends on what you're looking for.

clinique are also about the same prices as no 7 too. I would say pop along to all the counters and take it in turns to trial each one to find the one that suits you best.

I've just looked at their website..looks really good!!!!!

My fave product is YSL Touche Eclat ... can't recomment this enough. fantastic at making you glow and getting rid of dark circles etc.
I am alos doing my own make up as I just don't trust anyone to do it the way I want. I had a bad experience once of a make up artist who only used bright colours and I felt like a clown! xx

I get all my big brand and designer brand make up off Strawberrynet ...... dot co dot uk They ship free anywhere in the world. Do some great offers and fab discounts. Usually they pop something free in as well. Theres also a loyalty schene which is brilliant.

Much cheaper than the high street. xxx

If you go on there look on the gifts and specials too.. I bought 2 clarins lipliners yesterday with a saving of 53% £15.50 instead of £33 ...I always look on the specials first. Get my mum all her xmas and birthday gifts from there so getting quite a good loyalty discount now. xx

I personally never find that, as I can overuse it on many occasions. My skin can be quite dull sometimes from lack of sleep and working on ghost nights etc. So find it gives me a good glow. I'm wearing it on my profile photgraph and although the photo was taken for the benefit of work and not a professional shoot I've not noticed white patches. It blends very easily so not sure if its to do with the method of blending that can leave white patches. xx

Does anyone know if Sheer Cover make up is any good? I keep seeing it advertised on TV and was thinking of trying it

I love love love bobbi brown makeup for base make up(foundation, concealer etc)
I like illamasqua and sleek makeup and cheapy brands I like are barry M, Collection 2000 and Maybelline. You will want to spend a bit extra on your base...most eyeshadows, blush, lipsticks etc are pretty decent from cheaper brands. Maxfactor test on animals so I avoid them.

I'd advise you to get a good non-spf(it's the spf in makeup that shows white in pictures and it reflects light, light reflecting concealer does the same thing, so get one that is not light reflecting) foundation and setting powder and decent brushes to apply it all if you don't already have some.
Also moisturise for at least a week before hand and a couple hours before hand to get your skin in good shape and that oils don't break through the make up.

I love makeup so if you have any questions then ask away!