I had to laugh when my 13 yo asked to use the Spinlash mascara last night. (My review is here.) I knew it was right before her shower. She informed me that she was trying one mascara on one eye and Spinlash on the other to see how they both looked and worked. Good girl!
She is at the age where she would like to start wearing makeup, but she is afraid someone might notice and make a negative comment, never mind that other girls are putting it on with spatulas.
Her first foray into mascara was a few weeks ago, and so far, she has opted not to wear it to school. She felt it was too hard to apply, and she wondered if she had done it right. (She had.)
That reminds me of a story from my niece in years gone by. She had a gf whose mother was a hair stylist. Her mother forbade her to wear makeup. I said to my niece, “She puts it on at school, doesn’t she?” And my niece was amazed that I knew. I wasn’t born yesterday.
How much better it would have been for her mother, who had access to all kinds of great products, to provide her with good products in right colors, show her how to use them, and let her go at it. Or, give her some of her own products that she was no longer using. I might not spend the money for my girls’ makeup, but it doesn’t feel like I’m spending anything when I let them ’shop’ in my stash. I have some lovely products, a little too dark for me, that look grand on this 13 yo.
I make comparisons between products all the time. Here’s how:
In general, compare only one thing at a time.
If I’m comparing foundation, I do not compare skin care the same day or vice versa.
How would I know which was contributing to the look?
Compare over the course of the day Look at it in various lights.
How does it compare at first? How does it compare after I’ve worn it a bit? Does one side look more moist or dewy? Has it smudged? Is it irritating?
How does it feel?
Conversely, if you have a lot of oil or a steady T-zone, how is it holding up, is it disappearing? Is oil coming through?
Comparing foundations or skin care
I divide my face with an imaginary line up the middle. I learned this years ago from a consultant for Viviane Woodard who gave talks at women’s groups with full makeup on one side and none on the other. That took chutzpa!
I use one product on one side, one on the other. Everything else is the same. I look at it in various lights and ask my daughters or a friend — and sometimes even SAs if I’m around makeup counters — which side they prefer. Surprisingly, or not, we usually prefer the same side.
The differences are subtle. Without being asked, and without drawing attention to it, no one would notice. But I notice; I’m particular; and I’m really looking for what is best.
If there’s any doubt, I do it several times over the course of a few days, switching sides, so that it isn’t my ‘good’ side that is providing the answer.
Eye cream
Use one on and under one eye; the other on and under the other eye. See which side is still hydrated and has less lines than the other over the course of the day.
Mascara
Try one mascara on one upper lash; the other on the other. Compare them over the course of the day.
Eye shadows or eye liners
I have been known to actually do two different looks, one on each eye. Most people don’t notice, LOL. You can compare brands, similar shades, different formulations, etc. You can even be intentional, as for a mardi gras look.
Perfumes
One on each arm or one on each wrist. You could put one on your arms, one on your legs.
I am reviewing two now that will go up later in the day, but I’m waiting to describe the mid and end points. I’ve worn them for several days this way, but I haven’t yet taken the time to describe them.
Lipsticks and lip glosses
You can put one on one lip and the other on the other and smoosh your lips together.
Or, you can try one, and when it is gone, try the next one.
Hair products
Generally, I compare on different days, but it is possible to compare products that tame frizz, for example, one on one side, one on the other. That way you know which you prefer and which you will re-buy. Or you could compare shampoos, by using one for the first wash, the other for the second, always remembering that the second sudses up more, so reverse it the next day.
Karin
Originally posted 2009-03-14 14:39:23.
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