Make up counter makeovers

[Ilovetorrentialrain]

Hi I don't really mean makeover but... has anyone has their make up done at a counter for a special occasion? I'm looking for recommendations and advice really.

I'm ok at doing my own make up but want to wear some nice stuff, professionally applied for a wedding I'm attending. So I'm not looking for a make up lesson, just to avoid buying more expensive make up than I normally use, when it's just the one day I want to look my very best.

Any particular counters best for this? Is it an acceptable thing to ask at a makeup counter?

Thanks in advance.

[suchafuss]

I think you need to move to Style and Beauty for more traffic OP x

[Ilovetorrentialrain]

Thanks so much suchafuss I hadn't spotted that I'd posted in the wrong place! Appreciated. I'll ask HQ to shuffle me over. X

[RubyRoseViolet]

This is my tip op. Go and look around the counters for an assistant that has beautifully applied make up and go for them! I did this several years ago when I was getting married. It really paid off. I had a couple of trials and then she came over to my house on the day. I looked fabulous!

[UndramaticPause]

For the look I like I'd go for bare minerals, benefit or Mac personally

[Ilovetorrentialrain]

Thanks good top tip! I'm thinking along the lines of Bobbi Brown I reckon. The assistants on their usually have make up I like. Do the counters generally offer a make up service though (in the shop), as opposed to a lesson or trying just one particular product?

[bookishandblondish]

I've done work black tie, passport photo and Birthday at make up counters - laura mercier and bobbi brown. Also did a wedding but not planned ( I went dashing in, they had their top make up artist over and it was early so grabbed me - it was brilliant and they loved the fact I was going to a proper event)

Most charge about £25/30 and its redeemable against products.

Also have used Blow in Covent Garden for a couple of events - good but no products - similar price range.

[RubyRoseViolet]

Yes, most of them do offer various services such as make up for a party, wedding or prom as well as lessons etc. Bobbi Brown make up is lovely.

[Ilovetorrentialrain]

This is great news, thanks for the replies. I'll do a tour of the J. Lewis make up floor tomorrow lunch time and get myself booked in at a nice counter.

The wedding I'm going to is in a Monday when all local hairdressers are shut, so if I can't have my hair done properly, I'm thinking I'll make sure my make up is spot on!

[Ilovetorrentialrain]

The price guide sound good too. I'd at the very least buy whichever lipstick was used, for touch ups.

[Blondie1984]

Another vote for Bobbi Brown here

[jusdepamplemousse]

Go to somewhere like Space NK rather than a big department store if possible - they'll be able to use different brands then and the selection of brands is better. IME a lot of staff in there are actually make up artists with a job in sales as opposed to sales reps who do make up to sell make up, IYSWIM.

[BeccaMumsnet]

We're just going to pop this over to Style & Beauty at the OP's request.

[Ilovetorrentialrain]

Thanks v. much Becca.