What the hell is…..?

I have so many questions,

so many unanswered questions…

There is so much I don't know, but really don't take the time to learn about and/or understand.

Makeup I find perplexing.

I've had my makeover, and I like trying to do it myself each day - although I must be pretty good at blending because Hubby says he doesn't really notice….
but beyond mascara, lip gloss and blush - what the heck is;

Primer?

There are different kinds of cosmetic primers such as foundation primer, eyelid primer, lip primer, and mascara primer.

A foundation primer may work like a moisturizer, or it may absorb oil with salicylic acid or aid in creating a less oily, more matte appearance. It aids in applying the foundation more evenly and smoothly, and increases the longevity of the foundation. There are water-based and silicon-based foundation primers. Some may also have sun protection factor (SPF). Some foundation primers are tinted to even out or improve skin tone or color. Others give a pearlized finish to make the complexion more light reflective. 

Eyelid or eye shadow primers are similar, but made specifically for use near the eyes. An eyelid primer may help even the color of the lid and upper eye area, may reduce oiliness, may add shimmer, or inversely may mattify. Eye primers aid in the smooth application of eye shadow, prevent it from accumulating in eyelid creases, and improve its longevity.  Eye shadow primers are applied to the eyelid and lower eye area prior to the application of eye shadow. They even out the skin tone of the eyelids hide eyelid veins, and smooth out the skin of the eyelids. Eye shadow primers help with the application of eye shadows. They intensify the color of the eye shadows and keep them from smearing or creasing by reducing the oiliness of the lids. 

Mascara primer is sometimes colorless. It usually thickens and/or lengthens the lashes before the application of mascara for a fuller finished look. It may also help keep mascara from smudging or flaking, and some claim to improve the health of the lashes. 

Lip primers are intended to smooth the lips and help improve the application of lipstick or lip gloss, although exfoliating the lips is often recommended before applying. They also are intended to increase the longevity of lip color, and to prevent lipstick from "feathering", that is, smearing past the lip vermilion, and especially from migrating into any fine lines around the lips.

- Wikipedia

Okay, I now understand primers - basically they provide the 'spackle' prior to the painting.  (my DIY terminology)

So what the heck is toner?

In cosmetics, skin toner or simply toner refers to a lotion or wash designed to cleanse the skin and shrink the appearance of pores, usually used on the face. 

- Wikipedia

What's the purpose of foundation?

Foundation is a skin coloured cosmetic applied to the face to create an even, uniform colour to the complexion, to cover flaws and, sometimes, to change the natural skin tone.  

- Wikipedia

and how does it differ from powders?

Face powder is a cosmetic powder applied to the face to set a foundation after application. It can also be reapplied throughout the day to minimize shininess caused by oily skin. There is translucent sheer powder, and there is pigmented powder. Certain types of pigmented facial powders are meant be worn alone with no base foundation. Powder tones the face and gives an even appearance. 

- Wikipedia   

Eyeshadow, eyeliner and lipgloss/stick I understand, but what's the difference between blush and bronzer?

Blush is a cosmetic typically used by women to redden the cheeks so as to provide a more youthful appearance, and to emphasize the cheekbones. 

Bronzer  is used to give skin a bit of colour by adding a golden or bronze glow, as well as being used for contouring. 

Contouring? 

Contour powder/creams are used to define the face. They can be used to give the illusion of a slimmer face or to modify a person’s face shape in other desired ways. Usually a few shades darker than one's own skin tone and matte in finish, contour products create the illusion of depth. A darker toned foundation/concealer can be used instead of contour products for a more natural look. 

What is concealer and how does it differ from foundation?  They look the same? 

Concealer; makeup used to cover any imperfections of the skin. Concealer is often used for any extra coverage needed to cover blemishes, undereye circles, and other imperfections. Concealer is often thicker and more solid than foundation, and provides longer lasting, more detailed coverage. Some formulations are meant only for the eye or only for the face. This product can also be used for contouring your face like your nose, cheekbones, and jaw line.

and finally, in researching all of this I came across yet another item I had no idea existed… or that I needed; 

Setting Spray is used to keep applied makeup intact for long periods of time. An alternative to setting spray is setting powder, which may be either pigmented or translucent.

I've got to tell you, makeup is kind of fun - but if this were a DIY project - anything that needed this much spackle, sanding and filling I'd write off.

and you've seen the crap I'm willing to makeover.

Just saying…. 

Gotta go "make myself pretty" now.

Have a great one!