Beauty With Intention: Important Questions To Ask Yourself Before Purchasing Makeup
- khalilah
- Jul 7
- 5 min read
Because great makeup starts with what you actually need - not what’s trending.
The makeup and beauty world is inundated with products and ideas that compete for our attention and our money on a daily basis. As a matter of fact, we are bombarded with products that promise joy, happiness and beauty that is enviable among our peers. This may be through the images of beautifully made faces on social media, in magazines, on the red carpet and even in real life. Every suggestion sounds good and with the many ways to wear makeup and many products to choose from, this can cause confusion. That is why it is important to determine what products are best for you.
If you are new to wearing makeup, considering wearing it, or interested revamping your entire makeup collection and starting over, it’s a good idea to ask yourself the following practical questions before you make your initial purchase:
How Often Will You Wear Makeup? Will It Expire Before You Use It All?
This is one of the many questions I like to ask my clients when they express an interest in wearing makeup. Because makeup has an expiration date, you want to ensure that you are not going to waste money on something you are not going to use often. Is makeup something you want to incorporate more into your daily routine? Is it that you have an event to attend such as a wedding or special occasion and would benefit more from the services of a makeup artist? Do you want to look more polished and pulled together when you go out with friends? Or perhaps you have revamped your wardrobe and now you want to incorporate some simple makeup looks to pull everything together?
I say all of that to say that it is easy to get excited by what we see and what is suggested to us from our favorite influencers. What is exciting today may be long forgotten tomorrow so make sure that what you purchase fits your lifestyle and skin care needs as well as your makeup and beauty goals. For example, I love all of the beautiful eye shadow palettes that are out right now but I know that for me, it is rare that I wear eyeshadow. When I do wear it, it’s a smoky eye (greys, silver, black) so there's no need to purchase colorful palettes. My daily personal makeup look is centered around skincare, (heavy on the skincare) complexion and brows. I would love to collect all of the latest and greatest eye shadow palettes but they would be just that - a beautiful collection that’s getting dusty which equals money wasted and products expiring.
What Look(s) Do You Want To Create?
After determining how often you will be wearing makeup, if you are going to be wearing makeup a bit more often than not, then I like to ask what looks a client is interested in creating. Are they just looking to even out their complexion, are they looking to create a natural look with basic eyeshadow, brows, blush, lip color and powder, are they going full on glam or a combination of these looks? Whatever the case it is important to understand there are basic foundational products that you will need in general for these looks as well as the specific items needed to create specific looks.
What Do You Already Own?
If you already own any makeup, what do you have and how long have you had it? Determine if what you have already is sufficient based on what look(s) you want to create and if it’s still in good condition (not expired). Once you have determined what to keep and what to toss, you can then start to fill in any holes that you have in your makeup collection. The same way I tell my personal styling clients to shop their closets before they go purchase new items is the same thing I say to makeup clients - shop your makeup bag before you purchase anything else.
What Makeup Ingredients And Formulations Are Best For Your Skin Type?
It is important to understand your skin type (normal, dry, oily, combination) and what ingredients will work best with your skin type and needs. This can be the difference between looking good or having a bad reaction to the products you are using on your skin. Also, in some cases, the product formulations you use on your skin can be a matter of preference. For instance, for someone like me that has oily skin, typically one would use products that either control oil or mattify. I prefer to look dewy so the products I use would support that preference. Most people however would opt for products that control or banish oil altogether. Someone who has dry skin may opt for cream formulations for items like blush and bronzer as opposed to powder. You also need to understand what ingredients work best for your skin and if you are allergic to specific ingredients.
What Is Your Budget?
It’s no secret that makeup/beauty products can be expensive. And while one may debate about the value of a particular product and what it should cost, it is important to understand that, in many cases, you get what you pay for. When it comes to the pricing of a product, these are some of the factors that may determine a higher/lower price point:
What are the key ingredients in your product?
How and from where are the ingredients for the product and packaging sourced?
What about research and development as well as the science and processes used to create the actual product?
Is the brand luxury, prestige or mass market?
Where is the product sold? Bergdorf Goodman, Macy’s, Sephora, Ulta, CVS?
With that being said, there are no good or bad products - regardless of the brand or where it’s sold. It’s about what works for you and what you are willing to pay. Knowing these things can help you to establish an initial budget.
How Skilled Are You With Your Makeup Application? Do You Know How To Use The Products You Plan To Purchase?
After considering the above questions and you’ve decided that you still want to wear makeup, you now have to determine if you have the skills necessary to apply your own makeup. Consider the following:
Do you know how to properly apply your makeup to enhance your personal features?
Do you know the proper order to apply your makeup to ensure longevity?
Do you know what are the best tools and techniques to use to get the best application?
How will you care for your makeup and tools post use?
Knowing the what, why and how of applying your makeup is key to ensuring you look flawless. I recommend taking my makeup class where you can learn the fundamental tips, tricks and tools tailored for your personal needs and goals. It is also important to practice often to build your skill and confidence.
Learn To Do Your Makeup Here:
You don't have to be intimidated when it comes to shopping for and wearing makeup. It is important to know what works for you and to ultimately have fun with it. Makeup should make you feel good as well as inspired.
Loved this post? Sign up to my Newsletter to receive my latest personal blog posts, style and beauty tips, and info on classes, consultations and launches.
Need one on one consulting, styling or updates for your beauty and fashion needs, fill out the contact form on the "work with me" page.
Shop My Closet https://poshmark.com/closet/khalilahneals
Want more information on industry researched and professionally experienced resources, tips, tricks and inspiration, read my other blog beautygrind.com
Book Your Virtual Styling Service Here:
Learn To Do Your Makeup Here:
Comments