A tom boy’s guide to make up

Take one step into any department store and it’s a Tom boy’s nightmare! Where to begin? Too many things to contemplate in a million different textures and a whole other language.

With a multitude of made up women vying for your attention in a mad fluorescent lit environment I suggest heading somewhere unbiased unless you know that you love a particular range.

Having someone that knows the comparative features between a few brands will mean you are not stuck with just one range and they can select exactly what you want from your make up. If the store offers a make up tuition then book one, that way you are shown what and how to do it.

Take in some pictures from magazines of looks and colours that you like, that way you have a guide for your make up artist to work with.

To keep it simple your basic make up kit should have: foundation, blush, mascara, lipstick and eye shadow in it- and that’s just the basics. These days you can get everything in four different textures or with a choice of features so here is a simple guide to get you familiar with the lingo. It’s like heading to a foreign country- it’s always helpful to know the basics to get you by!




Primer: This is used to create a good base for your foundation and make up. It will feel like a light moisturiser and ensures an even texture base for your foundation. Use this after you have applied your moisturiser and sunscreen. It’s a non essential for the make up tom boy if you want to keep it simple to begin with.

Foundation: wet and dry, stick, liquid, compacts, dewy or matte finish, full coverage or sheer. ‘Oh my God!’ I hear you say. So, to make it simple for you:

Dry skin: choose a liquid with dewy finish

Oily combination: any style of foundation is fine but ideally an oil free formula with matte finish. Powder formulas can work well to keep the skin matte.

Normal skin: take your pick!

Mature skin: a liquid foundation generally works best to mimimise the appearance of lines, generally with a moist/dewy finish unless you are oily.

Mineral make up: Mineral make up, as the name suggests, is made from mineral elements. It’s usually free of artificial colours and fragrance so it’s a great option for problem and reactive skin types.

Translucent powder: This is usually a loose powder applied with a brush to ‘set’ your liquid or stick foundation. It helps to minimize shine and leave a velvety finish to your make up. It won’t change the colour of your foundation.

Concealer: choose one touch lighter for around the eyes if you want a luminous effect. If you have dark circles ensure you choose one that gives some coverage. If you want a concealer for spots on the face ensure that it matches your skin tone.

Lash primer: what you say? A lash primer is applied before your mascara and seriously gives length to lashes! It’s not necessary for the tom boy, but if you want long lashes it’s a must!

Mascara: these days you can choose lengthening, fattening and curling. If you are confused just go the tried and tested lengthening mascara.

Eye shadow: matte or pearl, powder or cream, if you are a make up tom boy I suggest you start with two colours- a light neutral tone to apply over the lid and another with some depth to apply into the hollow of the eye (ask your make up artist to show you!).

Eye liner: comes in liquid and a pencil. Liquid liner is tricky to handle so go the pencil if you are a make up tom boy. It can be applied on the lash line top and bottom. For a natural look simply line the top lid in a taupe/brown, for something more dramatic try a black or play with the multitude of colours out there!

Blush: comes in powder or cream. Both are applied to the apple of the check. A rose or apricot toned blush is always a safe bet!

Lip liner: quality liner should glide on and gives definition to the lips. My trick is to line the lips then sketch them in all over this will ensure you get long lasting lip colour. Either apply lippy or a gloss on top and you’re done.

Lip colour: lip gloss or lip stick. Most Tom boys will feel better with a gloss or a sheer lip stick. Lip sticks will come in a dewy, matte or sheer finish. Sheer or dewy will be best for a more natural look.

I was a massive, MASSIVE tom boy when I was young. I even drew a boy and told my year 4 teacher thats what I wanted to be when i grew up (needless to say, my parents were called)

However, that all changed with my first tube of Australia Clear Mascara (you can stop laughing =P) and pink lip gloss when I was 12.

Tom who??

I fit into that category for a while, but I still need someone to hold my hand when I hit a department store, I am easily overwhelmed.

And I STILL use clear mascara:redcheeks:

Rosie, clear mascara rocked! I loved it so much, I used it for years on and off. I just became a beauty ***** =( hehehe

Everyone describes me as a girly girl tom boy - I will kick your ass and get way into (insert sport) but will do it with a face of make up, co - ordinating sports gear (usually pink) and will make cookies for half time hehe.

My boy thought all his Christmases came at once when he got being into American Football and I even picked a team and would text or call him atching games to talk about them LOL

I was a tomboy when I was a kid. Even now, I 'm not a girly girl.
All I can say is that my make-up is all about the eyes!! Heavy and dark (often trashy :redcheeks:) eye make-up. With the rest of my face natural. I love it!

That is still such a massive list for a tomboy's foray into the makeup world!

Rosie, clear mascara rocked! I loved it so much, I used it for years on and off. I just became a beauty ***** =( hehehe

Everyone describes me as a girly girl tom boy - I will kick your ass and get way into (insert sport) but will do it with a face of make up, co - ordinating sports gear (usually pink) and will make cookies for half time hehe.

My boy thought all his Christmases came at once when he got being into American Football and I even picked a team and would text or call him atching games to talk about them LOL

I was a clear mascara girl too!! We weren't allowed to wear any makeup at school (for good reason I think, I hate seeing beautiful young schoolgirls all tarted up with makeup and fake tan and acrylic nails) so clear mascara was my way of bypassing the rule!! That and the Bonne Bell lipgloss! :chuckle:

I can be a bit tomboyish too, sometimes. Although I always wear proper makeup and co-ordinating jewellery etc, I will often wear polo shirts and shorts around the place, and I love football and hanging with the boys!

That is still such a massive list for a tomboy's foray into the makeup world!


I do (on very rare occassions) the e/s, el & lip colour. And clear mascara. The rest I don't own :redcheeks: Am I still allowed to play with the Adorables?

I do (on very rare occassions) the e/s, el & lip colour. And clear mascara. The rest I don't own :redcheeks: Am I still allowed to play with the Adorables?

Of course you can. Even I think it's an excessive list for a makeup virgin!:shakehead:

Love my UC Mineral for light daily coverage but would like something "slightly" heavier for an evening or if I feel like making more of an effort. I'm prone to breakouts so any suggestions for a foundation? Anyone used a stick foundation?

Hi there!

I would avoid a stick foundation as they are always oil based. They are great as a concealer but I wouldnt recommend them on a wider area if you are prone to breakouts. Try and test out the Model Co 3 in I foundation, you can control the coverage and it has a neat little concealer built into the lid.

Agreed! I have the M.A.C Stick foundation but I only use it as a concealer!!

Love my UC Mineral for light daily coverage but would like something "slightly" heavier for an evening or if I feel like making more of an effort. I'm prone to breakouts so any suggestions for a foundation? Anyone used a stick foundation?

i used to use a clinque one , i think called super balanced , brilliant on combo skin , easy to use but to need to blend a little quickly as it sets fast , mind u this is all from distant memory , but i would re-purchase it.

Thanks girls!! Will can the stick idea then definately.
Hmm, I had thought of the Model-co 3 in 1 also, so best I get myself to a model co counter and check out the clinique counter while I'm at it. Knew you'd all be able to help me. Thanks so much!
:clapping:

Love my UC Mineral for light daily coverage but would like something "slightly" heavier for an evening or if I feel like making more of an effort. I'm prone to breakouts so any suggestions for a foundation? Anyone used a stick foundation?

TG I use Maybelline Pure Makeup Foundation. It's a cheapie but great for oily types. It's 50% water.

Great! Thanks Trash. Oh noooo I feel a HUGE counter attack approaching.
Actually while I'm at it...
I have used an estee lauder cream concealer for as long as i can remember as it has a great colour match for me but if anyone can advise a top concealer performer I'm keen to try something else.... just because i can!
Also I never wear eyeshadow as i have never known where to start with it. Can anyone suggest a shadow that would be a good place for me to start. I have green eyes, but since i never wear it I am a bit scared of all the colours. Perhaps a duo, natural based one or something?

TG you have never used eye shadow? Well aren't you just a make over dream. Well I don't have green eyes, but you could probably check the internet for what colors? I know Almay cosmetics make eye shadow quads for your eye color. You just simply buy the one for green eyes. But yeah, that's all I know.

Well, when I say never, I guess I have used it but more as a natural highlighter "light" colour (but not for ages) but never regularly or properly for that matter. Does that even make sense? very sad isn't it! I have always been a natural look kind of girl.
Thanks Trash, will check it out!

Great! Thanks Trash. Oh noooo I feel a HUGE counter attack approaching.
Actually while I'm at it...
I have used an estee lauder cream concealer for as long as i can remember as it has a great colour match for me but if anyone can advise a top concealer performer I'm keen to try something else.... just because i can!
Also I never wear eyeshadow as i have never known where to start with it. Can anyone suggest a shadow that would be a good place for me to start. I have green eyes, but since i never wear it I am a bit scared of all the colours. Perhaps a duo, natural based one or something?

TigerEyes I'm not the hugest fan of eyeshadow either. Beautyista as I am, I have just never fully figured it out and now I normally wear just a sheer wash of one colour, or a line of eyeshadow worn as a sort of liner on my top lashline. Grab yourself a few colours - a vanilla/biscuit type colour (one that is visible on your eyelids but doesn't stand out too much - Estee Lauder in Teabiscuit is a great one) and a sheer lilac one (I know purple eyshadow sounds scary but I have green eyes too and it looks sooo pretty on. Red Earth have a few beautiful ones, as do Clinique).

Just get yourself used to wearing one colour on your lid, and that will lead to more confidence to try out some blending and countouring. But i actually believe that just one colour all over your lid (just keep it on your lid, blending gently and seamlessly up to your browbone) can look very pretty and polished without the heavy and overdone look that you can get from the outer-edge contouring with two or three shades.

Sounds pefect Oz, yes the biscuity type colour was how I was trying to describe where I would be happy to start and what I am after. Perfect.... ta!!!

I would suggest Revlon colourstay foundation for oily skin, i have an oily t-zone and this doesnt budge all day as foundations can do when you have oily skin. Doesnt turn me into a grease pit either.

I've used Revlon colourstay foundation too and it's great!! But I would suggest this if you want a medium - heavy foundation. It really is nice though.

The M.A.C Mineralize foundation is superb. It's $48 and the best foundation I have ever used!

The M.A.C Mineralize foundation is superb. It's $48 and the best foundation I have ever used!

Wow! That's saying something coming from Miss PCC! Describe please!:typing:

Yeah I was about to ask the same thing. I've never head of it before. What's it like PCC?

Wow! That's saying something coming from Miss PCC! Describe please!:typing:

M.A.C Mineralize Foundation - Comes in an impressive 30ml pump bottle. This means no contamination of the foundation with dirty fingers and sponges etc. The Mineralize foundation is liquid mineral makeup which makes it good for your skin as opposed to other foundations which are not mineral.

The makeup claims to provide light coverage but can be built upon to create medium or more coverage. When I say light coverage it actually is a bit more than light coverage on my skin. I would say it is medium textured and gives medium coverage.

It comes in a wide variety of shades and is said to be suitable for all skin types. The M.A.C Mineralize foundation gives a light dewy finish. I have an oily t-zone with dry cheeks and it seems to moisturise my cheeks but perfectly balance my t-zone. I usually apply a tiny bit of M.A.C Blot powder just with a brush over my t-zone to eliminate potential shine.

A little of this foundation really goes a long way. I have just started using a foundation brush to apply it. I am a sponge girl from way back but the smashbox man said on tvsn that by using a sponge you waste half your makeup! I have now masterd the foundation brush.

I would go and check it out at your nearest M.A.C counter. They will even give you a little sample to take home and try in a shade that suits you if you ask nicely!!

That is still such a massive list for a tomboy's foray into the makeup world!

"To keep it simple your basic make up kit should have: foundation, blush, mascara, lipstick and eye shadow in it- and that’s just the basics. These days you can get everything in four different textures or with a choice of features so here is a simple guide to get you familiar with the lingo. It’s like heading to a foreign country- it’s always helpful to know the basics to get you by!"

that was the bit describing the basics and the intro to the 'vocabulary list' so tom boys know what the consultants are talking about :chuckle:

"To keep it simple your basic make up kit should have: foundation, blush, mascara, lipstick and eye shadow in it- and that’s just the basics. :

Those are he basics? I don't even use blush or lipstick. I actually hate blush with a passion and I think I look stupid with lipstick unless it's a nude color.

Don't like blush? W-w-w-whaaaaa?
I could not live without blush!

No it's too much for me. And plus I wear ALOT of eye make-up. So if I wore blush it would make my face look a whole lot worse :makeup:
It's just to much for me. I like to keep my face natural and my eyes interesting.

Fair enough.. I guess. :chuckle: Just kidding.

I convinced a girl at my work to use blush for the first time on Friday. She was really surprised that it could be subtle and pretty. I think a lot of people are scared of blush because of the 80s.

Ba ha ha ha haha that's probably it VeeE. I just don't want to look like Boy George.

Ba ha ha ha haha that's probably it VeeE. I just don't want to look like Boy George.

That's probably a good thing!

Fair enough.. I guess. :chuckle: Just kidding.

I convinced a girl at my work to use blush for the first time on Friday. She was really surprised that it could be subtle and pretty. I think a lot of people are scared of blush because of the 80s.

Oh, so true! In my early-to-mid-teens I was all about the eyes and it never ever occurred to me to use blush. When I was about sixteen I was playing with makeup one night and I distinctly remember the moment when I finally 'got' blush - I had a perfect light, glowing application. I couldn't believe how much it changed my face!!!! And ever since then, blush (or bronzer used as blush) has been a total desert-island item for me, probably second or third behind mascara and lipgloss!

Great! Thanks Trash. Oh noooo I feel a HUGE counter attack approaching.
Actually while I'm at it...
I have used an estee lauder cream concealer for as long as i can remember as it has a great colour match for me but if anyone can advise a top concealer performer I'm keen to try something else.... just because i can!
Also I never wear eyeshadow as i have never known where to start with it. Can anyone suggest a shadow that would be a good place for me to start. I have green eyes, but since i never wear it I am a bit scared of all the colours. Perhaps a duo, natural based one or something?

Hey TG! I have green eyes as well (and brown hair) I do love eyeshadow but I don't normally go all out unless I'm heading out at night somewhere. During the day, anything neutral based suits green eyes nicely, I use MAC "Jest" - it's a champagne with a nice hint of shimmer that looks really natural. I also like Nars Creme Eyeshadow in "Caricoa" a light mint green - I use this in th corners of my eyes near my nose and blend - gives a nice "pop" without people knowing exactly waht you've done. Lilac colours would also work as they bring green out. Mecca stocks Nars if you want to swing past there and check them out!

Hey TG! I have green eyes as well (and brown hair) I do love eyeshadow but I don't normally go all out unless I'm heading out at night somewhere. During the day, anything neutral based suits green eyes nicely, I use MAC "Jest" - it's a champagne with a nice hint of shimmer that looks really natural. I also like Nars Creme Eyeshadow in "Caricoa" a light mint green - I use this in th corners of my eyes near my nose and blend - gives a nice "pop" without people knowing exactly waht you've done. Lilac colours would also work as they bring green out. Mecca stocks Nars if you want to swing past there and check them out!

Hey Loolabelle!
Well speak of the devil, I went to myer today and purchased MAC "naked lunch" eyeshadow!! Yay me!! Its a lovely champagne with a bit of shimmer (hmm sounds alot like your "jest"), must be quite similar. I got a couple of brushes while I was at it..... nice! Will check out the NARS too that you mention i reckon. Ta for the tip!

Hi there!

I would avoid a stick foundation as they are always oil based. They are great as a concealer but I wouldnt recommend them on a wider area if you are prone to breakouts. Try and test out the Model Co 3 in I foundation, you can control the coverage and it has a neat little concealer built into the lid.

Well full credit to you Luisa!
After doing the counter rounds I settled on the model-co fluid splash foundation and I have just one word for you....... Awesome!!!!
Feels like you're wearing nothing, covers beautifully and "shell" is a puurrfffect match for me. Very happy!
Many many thanks!
:worship:

Im such a tom boy, I own a handful of lippy/gloss or balm, a few GWP eyeshadows and I do have a a couple of essentials from TBS such as blush.... if I use makeup its just to add a hint of colour... Im very much a neutral/natural look person! less is diffinately better

I dont own much of Lady Allisons list, nor do I want to, I am lazy when it comes to makeup, my mum calls me a plain jane, but I'm ok with that I'd rather flaunt my fabulous skin than cover it up with foundation, primer etc ... yucky! what works for some is great but for me, if I ever bought stuff like that it would end up either in the back of my cupboard, given to a friend or in the bin after 12 months...

Yeah I would rather have fantastic skin then wear make-up any day Alice. Totally agree.

Agreed trash and Alice, I'm with you. Natural is best for me. I'm a nurse so wearing a full face of makeup in the hospital just looks silly. i like to wear a bit of makeup when i go out though. But it is still much less than what many of the girls probably wear everyday! I like the look of makeup best when you can't really tell if i'm wearing makeup or not. I've got that one down pretty well!

Yeah seeing a Nurse wear full on make-up would probably scare me actually.

Oh they are out there believe me!!! scary is an understatement!!! I see many many scary things throughout my day (Don't even make me go there) but the nurse wearing heavy makeup is by far the scariest!!! I would love to hold a mirror up to some of them and say...... "Do you realise you're in a hospital and that man who's unconcious coincidently really doesn't care what you look like???, and by the way... what time did you have to get up this morning to apply all that considering you started work at 0700am!!"

Ba ha ha ha Snap!

Oh they are out there believe me!!! scary is an understatement!!! I see many many scary things throughout my day (Don't even make me go there) but the nurse wearing heavy makeup is by far the scariest!!! I would love to hold a mirror up to some of them and say...... "Do you realise you're in a hospital and that man who's unconcious coincidently really doesn't care what you look like???, and by the way... what time did you have to get up this morning to apply all that considering you started work at 0700am!!"


:chuckle: it isn't a good look, I wouldn't be proud with all that makeup on, yeah I like to wear a little when I go out, but I use to be a teacher and I have the same thought, I'm there to teach, sure I'd make an effort to look good, feminine but I don't layer it on or get up especially to ensure I have time to put makeup on! crazy!!!

:waving: cheers trash and tingereyes! :typing:

Well full credit to you Luisa!
After doing the counter rounds I settled on the model-co fluid splash foundation and I have just one word for you....... Awesome!!!!
Feels like you're wearing nothing, covers beautifully and "shell" is a puurrfffect match for me. Very happy!
Many many thanks!
:worship:

Hey, so glad you liked it! See, my raves are for a reason!:chuckle:

Raves are definately justified Luisa. I love it! only got it to wear out or on a day i felt like wearing more makeup but I've used it every day just lightly and its perfect. Very happy. :waving:

Raves are definately justified Luisa. I love it! only got it to wear out or on a day i felt like wearing more makeup but I've used it every day just lightly and its perfect. Very happy. :waving:

So thrilled you are pleased with it TigerEyes!:waving: