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Style and beauty

Can anyone recommend a beauty counter make-up lesson?

12 replies

Asterisk · 13/10/2015 21:52

I'm hopeless at make-up and have a occasion coming up for which I would like to look nice. I usually slap on some Garnier BB cream, a bit of eyeliner and a subtle lipstick. I've always dodged the make-up counters at dept stores, but think I would now benefit from some advice. Bobbi Brown seems to be well regarded, but will it still suit a nearly-50-year-old? I don't want to feel pressured into spending a fortune.

OP posts:

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celtictoast · 13/10/2015 22:05

I had a makeover at the Elizabeth Arden counter in a department store, and was pleased with the results.

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Pupsiecola · 13/10/2015 22:33

I had one at Bobbi Brown recently and she listened to me when I said I like a minimalist approach.

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SacredHeart · 13/10/2015 22:38

MAC do a great hour make-up session for £30 that you can then spend on product in store. I always recommend it before going out as you get a full makeover and don't spend anything plus all the staff a Make up artists where as counter staff don't need any make-up experience to get the job so some will have only had a week or two training before being on shop floor.

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PurpleDaisies · 13/10/2015 22:43

I had a great time at the Chanel counter for an hour where she showed me how to do a few different looks. It cost me £25 though, redeemable against any purchases. I had no problem finding things to buy!

Bobbi brown highly recommended too. Their make up is just gorgeous.

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PurpleDaisies · 13/10/2015 22:44

The Chanel one was a special event with a make up artist-they'll do quick make overs for free.

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dun1urkin · 13/10/2015 22:48

Bobbi Brown. My mum decided on a whim when I was shopping at their counter to ask. She never wears make up. Ever. Doesn't own any.
A touch of mascara, concealer and lipgloss later she was thrilled to bits. They really do listen to what you want.

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HopefulAnxiety · 13/10/2015 23:42

Bobbi Brown would be very suitable, and it's great quality. Tends to be a more natural/subtle look too.

Also her makeup books are fantastic.

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WhyDoesGastonBark · 14/10/2015 09:09

MAC are the only ones who use make up artists. It costs £30 but is redeemable against products. I usually book one for a night out and then 'buy' the lipstick and liner with my £30 credit.

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Pupsiecola · 14/10/2015 09:12

I went to MAC once. Was a very odd experience. She literally put all the eye make up and lipstick on and THEN put the foundation and powder on at the very end. WTAF?!

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WhyDoesGastonBark · 14/10/2015 09:14

Thats not actually a bad way to do it... Stops fall out from the eyeshadow and makes the lips look more defined but you have to be confident with your skills. I always do eyes first and then foundation but usually lips last as thats the last thing I do before I go out

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MrsFogi · 14/10/2015 10:03

I had a Bobbi Brown one a few weeks ago and thought it was the biggest waste of time ever - she made me up, didn't explain anything, didn't ask/care what I liked/wanted and did a real hard sell on all the products. I had a mac one years ago - that was good.

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Asterisk · 14/10/2015 20:31

Thanks for the encouragement everyone. I went for Bobbi Brown this evening in the end and I thought it was good. I think it helps to be booked with someone who wears their own make up in a way that you find appealing. She gave good tips on how to apply things and chose colours that suited me, and when I told her my budget, she helped me prioritise (I ended up 50% over budget but, as I only intend to buy make-up at three or four points in my working life, I sucked it up).