New to this forum and to makeup

Hello, everyone.  I'm 34 years old, and I'm just getting into makeup and creating a skin care routine.  Up until now, I've only ever worn light lip gloss.  Over the last few months, I've made a lot of changes in my life, and I want to start looking my best.  I'm starting graduate school next year, and I want to look good because I'll be in a position to make an impression on a lot of people.

I'm here for tips and advice, because at this point, I don't even know how to apply most makeup properly.  And I'm a little afraid of trying because people are not used to seeing me in makeup.  I worry about looking like a clown or committing some other makeup faux pas.  I'd also love to read about skin care products.  I'm in my thirties, but I still deal with breakouts every month, and I get so tired of it.  The littlest things seem to set it off.

Anyway, looking forward to talking to everyone here and learning!

@@gypsum welcome and remind: less is more  /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

A good place to start is here: http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/product/2310/8026/Learn/Books/Books/Makeup-Manual/index.tmpl#i.1orintnhe3e24v 

You can find this book a lot cheaper on Amazon, which is what I did, but it's still a really good introduction to makeup for all ages. Some of the 'rules' in there are ones I don't agree with, but those disagreements are largely because I do a lot of research, and the basics in here will serve you well. 

First suggestion is to start simple: go with a lightweight facial item like tinted moisturizer and a little concealer for trouble spots, and some mascara. That's a relatively light no-makeup look that will help get people used to seeing you with it. If you have a major department store near you, go there and find a counter that isn't Clinique and get a color match, and have the salesperson explain and show you how to match. 

Most important thing: skincare. Good skin makes makeup look better, overall. /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

If you want reviews on products, MUT has a reviews section, and you can also look at http://www.paulaschoice.com/beautypedia/ -- it's a really good resource to help you find products that work for all of your concerns, and avoid ones that won't. 

Thank you both for the welcome, and ginger, I will check out those links!  Thank you!

My mother is a makeup guru and spends a great deal of time on her beauty routine every night/week, so I guess it's funny that it took me so long to get interested in it.  She tried to help me with it when I was a teenager, but I was a tomboy and couldn't care less about it.  The problem now is that she lives 2,000 miles from me.  But I'm going to see her in December, so I'm hoping that she can give me some advice while I'm there.  She will probably be thrilled to hear that I'm finally starting to care about makeup, hair, etc.   

Right now, my skin is quite pale with pink undertones, although I can tan during the summertime if I allow it.  I didn't go out in the sun much this past summer, and I am as white as a ghost.  So, I'm always worried about matching my skin tone because it will be obvious if I go too dark or just have an off color.  Thanks for the tip about going to a department store for help.  I thought about that a while back, but I was too self-conscious to try it.  Maybe I will do it after all.

Welcome!