Paula Begoun, skin care expert and author of Don’t Go to The Cosmetics Counter Without Me, and owner of Beautypedia.com, has been kind enough to share to us her to ten makeup commandments, alongside with my notes:
1. Expensive Doesn’t Mean Better! There are good and bad products in all price categories, and there are brilliant inexpensive products you should absolutely consider before going for the expensive stuff.
Sophie’s Note : I do have to agree with this! I have one of my next posts as proof of this commandment!
2. Shop With A Clean Slate! If you plan to test foundation or concealer, visit the store or salon with a clean, bare face that’s prepped for makeup application, or be willing to take off the makeup you have on.
Sophie’s Note : so so true! what’s the use of applying a potentially good/bad foundation in terms of quality or shade if you already have something on? Bring your wipes!
3. The Right Light is Key! Always check foundation, concealer and powder colors in natural light. Department store lighting is deceiving; what looks perfect under artificial light can look glaringly wrong in broad daylight.
Sophie’s Note : Oh, this is really true. EVERYTHING looks beautiful when you’re in the department store! Daylight is your best bet to know if the shade is really for you.
4. Tone Down the Shine! Be careful with shiny blush and eyeshadow. Generally, for daytime makeup, a blush with a matte finish or just a hint of sheen works best. Shinier makeup is best reserved for evening use or special occasions.
Sophie’s Notes : I would have to say that there is such a thing as tolerable shine during the day. For those who have dull skin, some illuminizer would really give their skin a boost. But of course, there is a limit. Not too disco-ball shine!
5. It’s All in the Tools! Whenever possible, test powder-based products (e.g., blush, eyeshadow) with the appropriate brushes. Avoid sponge-tip applicators for eyeshadows and those cheap, super-tiny brushes often packaged with powder blushes.
Sophie’s Note : I am okay with sponge-tip applicators for really pigmented packing of eyeshadows BUT they need to be used only once. For the other brushes bundled with the blush, powder, etc, nevermind. heehee
6. Protect Those Peepers & Lips! Never test mascara or liquid eyeliner in the store. Even if the brand offers disposable applicators, you don’t know how many people have double-dipped, how old the testers are, or how contaminated they may be. We know it’s a pain, but for the health of your eyes, it’s best to purchase these products and test them at home. The same is true when it comes to lip glosses. Most glosses have sponge-tip or brush applicators that can harbor germs from other people. It’s best to swipe the gloss on the top of your hand so you can get a sense of how the color “reads” on your skin and can assess its texture and finish.
Sophie’s Note: this is a new “rule” to me as I felt that it was okay to use disposable applicators!
7. Smack On Lips, Not Germs! Before you test a lipstick on your lips, have a salesperson sanitize it for you with an alcohol-based spray. Lipsticks at the counter can become contaminated with germs and microbes that you don’t want near your mouth. No alcohol spray? Then wipe off several layers of lipstick with a clean tissue or have the sales associate “shave” off the top portion of the lipstick with a disposable spatula.
Sophie’s Note : Ahhh! Paula’s reminding me of germs inside the department store! This is so true!
8. Take Cues from the Pros! See a cosmetics salesperson whose makeup you admire? Ask them for application tips, especially if their skin tone is similar to yours. Chances are good you’ll pick up some great tips and begin to feel more confident about selecting the best colors for your needs.
Sophie’s Note : I really love consulting with the pros manning the makeup counters. They give me such helpful tips and tricks!
9. When In Doubt, Take It Back and Try Again! If you buy a product that doesn’t work for you, don’t be afraid to take it back. Almost all drugstores and mass-market stores (think Rite Aid and Wal-Mart) will provide a complete refund on cosmetics purchases if you have the receipt—even if the item has been used.
Sophie’s Note : too bad we can’t return makeup here ( or can we? )
10. Bye, Bye Blues! Lastly, as stated in Paula’s first book, Blue Eyeshadow Should Be Illegal, AVOID blue eyeshadow. Unless it’s a deep navy, which can almost pass for black, most shades of blue are difficult to work with. Plus, they do not play up blue eyes; actually, the opposite is true. The same goes for any eyeshadow shade that’s too colorful, including orange, green, fuchsia, teal and especially red, which can make your eye area look inflamed rather than attractive. Not ready to give up such shades? Think of the fashion magazine covers you’ve admired, and then ask yourself: How many of those models or celebrities were sporting bright, colorful eye designs?
Sophie’s Note : I admit that I do see these vibrant shades on the runway, and in magazine spreads! But for everyday, I don’t think that they’d do. Hmmm I don’t really use blue eyeshadow on myself, and it never flatters my skintone anyway, but what can you say about this?
Well, Paula Begoun sure has really really helpful tips here! Do you agree, or disagree with her on some points? I’d love to hear from you!
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nice tips, thanks for sharing, really helpful
Hi. I have chinky eyes (almost monolid) and for the longest time, I adore blue eyeshadows. Not sure why. However, it never looked bagay to me so much so I always end up giving them away. Now after reading this, I’ll never lay my hands in those ever again. Hahah! Thanks for this post. =)
Most of the time, I never try out products in the department store for fear of germs
So I usually find out the product isn’t for me when I’ve paid for it and brought it home, hehe.
You’re welcome Kitten!
LOL! You can always experiment with bright, shimmery colors!
should be fun! 
i disagree with #10. makeup is about expression and experimentation. it’s a shame that begoun doesn’t get that one of the reasons why we buy makeup is to be playful and creative.
Cecile : Well, we all have our own opinions regarding colors! I think she just stated something about something not universally flattering, based on her opinion. If it looks good on you ( or for some people ) then blue shouldn’t be ruled out at all!