How You Got Started with Makeup?

Jan 2, 2012

Carmella P.

i grew up in a household of 3 aunts plus my mom. as a little girl i was always fascinated watching them put makeup on. my aunt worked for sebastian trucco and the other worked for clinique. they would bring home so much makeup and their vanity area was like a makeup counter. the image of so much makeup in a uniform brand was appealing to my eyes. of course being the only niece they had, they always played with makeup on my face.

fast forward to high school, i started wearing lip gloss and mascara. i did my own makeup at prom because i wanted to save. i purchased my own stuff and later on found myself itching to do other peoples faces. i always scanned other peoples makeup and thought to myself how i could improve it or what i would have done different. in college, i practiced on my best friend and whomever was willing to lend their face. at first it wasn't really great but as time progressed i noticed that i was honing my skills. word got around and soon people were willing to pay for my services. at this point i was now jumping into MAC and Nars and other high quality brands. with this i was now able to start a professional kit and my own arsenal of must haves and collectors items. i must say that youtube helped me a lot. i was living in the philippines at the time i started watching pursebuzz, koren and leesha. i was jealous of how they had access to some really great products. sure, we had mac there but we were a little bit slower and behind on some of the releases plus pro cards were not honored. as soon as i moved back to the states, i hit up the mac store and it was like angels singing. i was like a kid in a candy store.

now i am more adventurous, i use brands like occ, sugarpill, chanel, ben nye etc.

and that is how www.makeupbycarmella.com was born.

Jan 2, 2012

Shelley W.

My addiction started in 7th grade but I was no where near in a pro at color selection so I chose shades that I should've stayed far,far,FAR away from. Frosted pink eyeshadow with a white undertone on my dark skin.....I was a hot mess. And don't get me started on lipstick. By the time I hit 9th I left all make-up alone because I started running track and cross country and I didn't have time for all that. It wasn't till I started working for Nordstrom in my mid-twenties that I went all out. It was easy to do since many of friends worked at the various counters and they often used me a "live model" for all their creations. That meant free product and a ton of tips. For the past two years though I fallen back into it once again but this time it has turned into a hobby. One that is begging for a room all to itself. I don't even want to confess to how much my "enabler"(my hubby) has spent to support my habit. But he gets a kick outta me sharing my latest looks so he doesn't complain. 

Jan 3, 2012

April B.

I think it is really awesome (and interesting) to see how many of our partners are supportive AND interested to see us do what we do on here.

Jan 3, 2012

Nina G.

I was probably four or five, when I first got my Mother's eye shadow pallette in my paws. It, of course, ended tragically for the pallette, but ever since then I was magically drawn to every piece of make-up that got near me. When I was 11 I bought myself a cheap bright red lipstick, just like Madonna used in "Who's That Girl" but I had enough common sense not to try and wear it out :) When I was about 14 my Grandma took me to the local make-up store and ordered me to choose some make-up, because "a woman should use it". She was always complaining later, that my make-up is not visible enough. She was enthusiastic about my goth make-up. In high school I was the local make-up artist for everyone. I loved doing it and never said no to anyone. I went to a make-up course when I was 17. It lasted 3 weeks, but I wanted more. I wanted to become a professional. Surprisingly enough my Mom was reluctant about sending me to a make-up school. I guess she felt make-up artist is not An Important Job. Hairdressers and make-up artists were just dumb girls who went to beauty schools because they were too stupid to graduate from a normal high school and go to a univeristy. I grew up in Poland, we had a lot of thinking like that. I managed to go to a regular make-up school when I was 26. But it was worth the wait. My Mom is now quite happy with what I do. Not that it earns me money, but I think she just likes my make-ups. And my husband is kind enough to lend me his face from time to time :)

Jan 3, 2012

Myrna P.

I always wore makeup but never knew the ins and out. If I were still clueless, I would just buy from CVS. I always wore the same thing most of the time. A friend of mine started to show me new things and the rest is history. I love it and now that I am getting older, I am glad to know there are products out there that HELP

Jan 3, 2012

Kayla N.

The youngest memory I have about beauty products were these lipstick samples my grandmother gave me from Avon. In 5th grade I remember my friend Amanda (don’t know what happened to her) applying a light champagne shadow, mascara, and pink lip gloss. I was hooked and begged my mom to let me wear makeup but my dad said no until I was in 8th grade. In 7th grade I used a real cheap purple eye shadow (the only makeup I had) to line my eyes like eyeliner in secret once I got to school. In 8th grade I could wear makeup and started wearing CoverGirl the automatic pencil liner in black, with a pink lipstick or gloss. My mom had always been pretty minimal on makeup just a hint of shadow, mascara, touch of brown liner, and neutral lips with a mauve or maroon blush. I remember she only had one or two perfumes she wore all the time and she always wore panty hose. She got involved with Mary Kay when I was in high school so when I started wearing foundation and a full face of makeup she was the person who provided the products. I began purchasing MAC and had a pretty good collection that was stolen from me the day I left Texas Tech; I kind of gave up and only used very basics (1 foundation, 1 mascara, 1 blush, 2 lipsticks, 1 eyeliner, 1 brow liner, and a 4 MAC shadows). Previously last January I watched a makeup tutorial on the “White Swan” look by xSparkage & went out to purchase the Naked Palette my first YouTube beauty purchase. I haven’t looked back since then and my collection and skills continue to grow.

Jan 3, 2012

Amy P.

Well it all started with me having oily skin then acne prone skin and i felt really insecure. I wanted to cover it up and seeing as i had extra money, so i bought foundation and power and brushes and gave it a try. I have no idea how to get full coverage though i could only make medium coverage. Im still a beginner. 

Jan 3, 2012

Annalese H.

My obsession with make up started when I got pregnant with my daughter. I had always dressed cute before I was pregnant and as I started to get bigger I could no longer wear cute clothes. I hated.... HATED... and still do HATE maternity clothes they are so unflattering and wearing the pants that go all the way to your boobs... ugggg!!! Anywho since I couldn't dress cute anymore I decided I needed to do something to help me feel cute so I started getting into makeup. I started out small, mostly with pigments. I had no idea how to apply them and I was under the impression you could only wear one color at a time... LOL I know right?! I started watching youtube videos and my fav ppl to watch were Angeec08, fafinettex3, Enkore, ilikeweylie, itsjudytime, and Stillglamorous. There are also alot of other ppl along the way that have inspired me and I seriously found my self confindence in doing make up. I love make up and it is so much more than just putting on foundation, lipstick, and blush, I feel that is a form of self expression and how to stand out in crowd. I think if I hadn't found passion in doing make up I probably would have let myself go. 

Jan 4, 2012

Nikki W.

I got into makeup really late, I think. My mother never wore much and so I hardly wore any through my teens - just a bit when I went out, or if my friends were giving makeovers. I suppose I was blessed with clear skin so didn't feel as much need to wear it - and I spent all my money on clothes and shoes instead! It wasn't until I was about 19 and going through a bit of a 'rock chick' stage that I started wearing it, as I was loving the heavy eyeliner look. Let's just say I'm glad my style has progressed...

Jan 5, 2012

Gemma T.

When I was three I started dancing so I was in shows and doing pantos so make-up had to worn because if you didn't the lights would wash you out big time .....
My mum always used Avon make-up on me with big lines from the eyes to make my eyes look open more....
But it wasn't until I was about 20 I started to buy my own make-up started off with Avon and the watched YouTube and found MAC cosmetics AMD others so now saving up for them brands now and I still get Avon too 

Jan 5, 2012

Ashley B.

When I was little, I would watch my mom do her makeup every morning in awe. I wanted to play with her stuff so bad, but to do so was punishable by death. So I would play with my fake makeup and glitter, simple things, on my barbie light up vanity table for hours on end.

My best friend got a hold of some makeup, and we brought it to school in, maybe, 4th grade or so. We put it on in the bathroom during lunch, and got in SO MUCH TROUBLE for it. My mom nearly killed me.

In middle school she would have to confiscate makeup daily, because I would try to sneak it to school to put on there. On my 13th birthday I was finally allowed to wear concealer, mascara, and eyeshadow. She took me to the mall, and I got to pick any brand I wanted for my makeover.

Since then it's been an obsession. I guess it started out with me just wanting to be like my mom, and has grown into this passion for the artform. However it started, I'm stuck, and I love it!

Jan 5, 2012

Damaris C.

Love this topic!I actually got start with makeup through Barbizon Modeling School and Pageants. When I was 14 my aunt FORCED me to do the Miss Delaware Teen USA Pageant and to prepare me she enrolled me in Barbizon. They have a whole day of class dedicated to makeup and skincare and that day was the best day of them all. Ever since that class I've been in love with all things beauty. <3 xo Dee http://thestylecloset.net

Jan 6, 2012

Lindsay S.

I started playing around with makeup when I was about 4 years old. There is a picture of me when I was about 5 years old applying bright red lipstick on my cousin Suzie who was the same age. I still remember a time when I was maybe 5 or 6 and my Mom let me put some eyeshadow on before going to the hair salon. I remember putting on the brightest blue I could find and the hair stylist saying "wow did you do your own makeup today?" hahahaha
When I was in grade 5 I was kicked out of class, along with some of my friends, for wearing lipstick. Our teacher felt it was inappropriate for young girls to wear makeup so we had to remove it before returning to class. Let's just say I didn't take it off and spent most of the day in the hall!!
Thank you for posting this topic, it was fun taking a trip down memory lane :)

Jan 6, 2012

Lex R.

My fascination with make-up started, funnily enough, with a comic. I believe it was Wonder Woman. The story began with one of her protagonists, aging and weak, who began performing a ritual that had her painting herself. Face and body. It transformed her, literally in this case, into a superhuman mystical being, and I was hooked. It was amazing to me how the artist managed to render a character completely different.

And while that moment solidified my love of the graphic arts, it also planted the seed in my mind that a person could completely change their persona and be superhuman with a few dabs of what is, essentially, paint.

From then on, I watched my Mom get ready for work each morning with a new set of eyes. I was seeing her transform herself into a whole other person. Going to work each morning and, for all I knew, out to save the day. With just a bit of powder, a dab of lipstick and a spritz of perfume. It's always a bit of a ritual, this putting on of make-up, and I still find it to be rather magical.

Great topic, by the way!

Jan 6, 2012

Gretchen P.

I really got into makeup around 8th grade, just starting off with a little bit of eyeliner. I was hugely inspired by Amy Lee from Evanescence's style. Needless to say, for a while, I looked like HELL with black eye makeup. I toned it down and got more into makeup around high school. Now I'm obsessed!

Jan 6, 2012

Mariyam M.

Well when i was 12 did not know a thing about makeup and i didnt have any, and my problem was i had really dry skin and i could not live with it so a came accross using a moistoriser and then slowly moved on to eyeliner that is the only thing i would wear until i hit 13 years where my mum showed me youtube beauty and makeup and now i can use the right products for the right thing and i also can give small amounts of advice to people who dont have much knowledge about makeup.Ijust love how makeup can encorage and make people more confidet <3
I really have gaind more comfident in beauty and giving advice since i was introduced to makeup <3
Thanx mum xxx

Jan 7, 2012

Sarah U.

@ Lex-- I sincerely love your looks that are based off comics. It truly is a way that you take your everyday life and transform it into art.

I really loved reading all these stories, hence why I started the topic.

Jan 7, 2012

Maria O.

I have always been sickly so I was not allowed to go outside and play with the other kids. Instead I would stay in and color. When I was about three years old my mom bought me these Barbie heads (like a hair styling mannequin style, only from the shoulders up) they also came with hair accesories and makeup. I would always try to replicate what I would see my mom do. As I grew older I would observe my mother a little more closely and I was pretty good at it. By this time, I had been in ballet class for a few years now and I didn't look forward to the dancing as much as I looked forward to the recitals because I knew I would be able to have my makeup applied. As I got a little older, I began to do my own makeup and after that my other fellow ballerinas. I always did makeup on the side, like bridal, special events and such. I had to go to college and continued doing real estate. When real estate hit an all time low in California, I opted to put my dreams and wants first and picked up and moved in an instatnt to NYC to pursue my dreams. I am now living my dream of being a MUA. Although I have plenty of goals to reach and much more to achieve and learn as a MUA, I feel blessed to be living in the city of my dreams doing what I love. I am blessed to do a lot of editorial, beauty, catalog and bridal work out here. 

Jan 7, 2012

Maria O.

I forgot to add in 1996/1997 my mom gave me my favorite gift ever. She gave me the "Making Faces" hard cover book by Kevyn Aucoin. The best gift ever and also, besides my mother, I learned a lot of makeup throught this book.

Jan 7, 2012

Andrea F.

^ Kevyn Aucoin is amazing!

Jan 7, 2012

Ashleigh R.

Well I actually started wearing eyeliner in about 7 or 8th grade I think. Maybe mascara too, I can't remember. Then I started messing with eyeshadow in high school and got colorful with it as well. I remember everyday during high school, I would wear the winged out eyeliner haha. I wore it so much, that no one even noticed anymore lol. Everyone would say that was my "signature" look, because I was the only one in school who wore it like that. Then a while after that, I started watching makeup videos on YouTube back in 09 I think? I can't remember to be honest, then I came across Michelle Phan's videos. Then Kandee Johnson, and a whole range of the gurus, even the lesser known ones. Then I fell in love; I knew from then I wanted to do more intricate looks, and 2 years later, I'm addicted to makeup hahah :)

Jan 7, 2012

Autumn Angel x.

My story is a little funny. Well not really, haha.
I've always been interested in makeup. The first experience I remember was being about 3 years old and playing with clothes... I don't know if they were my mom's, sisters' or what but I put on one of their jackets, and discovered there was a mini tube of lipstick in the pocket... yeah,I of course CAKED it on and from there on out, the makeup situation spiraled out of control from there. I remember watching my sisters and mom do their makeup and wanting to try it but often one of the three would scold me and tell me I was too young. But I started to wear it anyway... I remember looking a hot-mess at 10 years old, with blue eyeshadow and hot pink lipstick while coming out of a movie theater with a friend, thinking I looked 'so totally cool'. And after that, I went through that "oh-I'm-so-very-dark-and-mysterious" phase from the age of 11-13 - black hair, black liner, black everything - and when I started to grow out of it, I didn't know how to do my makeup anymore, other than smearing black eyeshadow in a raccoon-fashion around my eyes. So then I used to do this thing with black all over the lid and some bright, unblended color in the crease that looked RIDICULOUS, but I didn't know that at them time. I felt weird without black eyeshadow though, it had been a daily habit for years at that point. Unknowing how to break the cycle, I began to search the Internet for ideas and ohh man, did I find some help! And from there, I re-taught myself. When I started to get better, and better... friends were asking me how I did it, could I do it on them, etc. I became the go-to for Halloween and other events for friends and family.
...and then I began investing every cent of my money into makeup (birthdays, babysitting money, you name it!)... and this goes on for years, until now. Clearly, this journey is still very much on-going... :)

Jan 8, 2012

Rikki P.

It's quite simple, really. I got really bored after high school graduation and was browsing YouTube. I somehow came across a makeup tutorial and then after that one tutorial, I started watching more and just had the urge to purchase makeup. So I started out with drugstore stuff (that I bought way too much of and never bothered using), created a makeup channel, and then eventually got into Sephora and MAC-y stuff.

Then I realized this gives me a hobby, something to do, and I just like it.