LM advice: #1
Q: My mom & I argue a lot, and I hate it. I want to get along with her, but I don't think that it's fair for her to never try to see things my way. How can I get her to understand where I'm coming from? I feel like I've tried EVERYTHING.
A: One way to get someone to understand something that they are not familiar with or have a hard time understanding is to use analogies. I know, it sounds like I'm suggesting something from high school SAT prep, but it works. Our parents were our age once, but we're a generation apart so that doesn't mean that our experiences are exactly the same. Try putting your side of the argument in a context that is easier for her to relate to. Also, if your arguments tend to be the yelling/shouting kind, try to keep a calmer tone on your end, it will help tone down any hostility and show her that you want to handle the situation more adult-like (as a opposed to having a shouting fit).
If all else fails, sometimes it helps to say exactly how you feel. She may not know that despite the arguing, you do want to get along with her. If she doesn't know this but feels the same way, maybe she will try to understand where you're coming from.
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Q: I'm not much of a makeup person, so what would you suggest as basics that every girl should need? Like, what colors, brands, etc.
A:If you are new to using make-up there are a few essential items you need. To start you need a good base so making sure you have a moisturizer is very important. Since everyone's skin is different you will need to decide which is best for you.
Once your skin is hydrated you can conceal any blemishes of red marks with concealer. Concealer comes in many forms but my personal preference is liquid. It can be used as sparingly or as thickly as you need but usually a few dabs over trouble spots with either your finger or a make-up sponge does the trick.
To finish off your skin and give a soft even look I use some powder foundation over my entire face including my eyelids(to help and eye make-up stay on). Be sure to blend it right in so there you can't tell where the make up ends and your bare skin begins especially along your jawline.
Most powder foundations come with a large brush to apply but you may choose to invest in a proper brush if you plan on wearing make-up often. (If you can't afford a higher end brush, you can try finding one that other people have reviewed positively and then look online for cheap alternatives.)
There are so many possible looks to create when wearing make-up but if you are just starting out there are a few things you should pick up.
- The first is a water proof mascara. Mascara helps open up and define your eyes. Simply take the mascara brush, place it at the base of your lashes and simply move the brush back and forth as you coat the lashes. This helps keep them separated.
- Another essential is an eye shadow palette. This way you not only have the ability to try different looks but you can also use the palette's darker shade as an eye liner.
- Finally, a soft/nude lip gloss is a must have. Lip gloss makes any size lips appear more plump and full. Nude shades and soft pinks are universally flattering so it's just a matter of choosing one that you like.
Make-up is all about experimentation and practice. Don't be afraid to try a bold shade or a bright lipstick. If you feel really lost with choosing colors remember that neutral shades suit everyone. You may also decide to visit the make-up counters in store for help. The employees are usually either professional make-up artists or trained to help you find your shade. They should be happy to help and even apply the make-up for you to test.
You also have the choice between drug store make-up or high end department store make-up. Here is a list of recommended items both high end and drug store:
Foundation/Concealer:
- Drug Store - L'oreal Bare Minerals collection
- High End - Clinique
Eye Shadow/Liner:
- Drug Store - L'oreal
- High End - Nars
Mascara:
- Drug Store - Covergirl Lash Stiletto
- High End - L'acome L'extreme/Dior "Diorshow"
Lip Gloss:
- Drug Store - CoverGirl Wetslicks
- High End - Mac Lip Glass
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