I'd like to splash out £100 on some new make up... can anyone sort me out with a complete kit?!

[TheBolter]

That's it really.

I have no idea where to start and who the best brands are... although I like Laura Mercier and have seen nice things from Nars, Bobbi Brown and MAC here and there.

So far I have my tried and trusted Laura Mercier mineral foundation and LM brush so no need for base (although a light concealer might be useful!

I like a really natural look of neutrals and browns, some black. An evening and a daytime look needed, so for evening I'm happy for more colour.

I have light brown/dark blonde hair, light olive skin, hazel/green eyes. Oval face.

I also need new brushes, and advice on how to apply it!

TIA

[basingstoke]

I went into John Lewis and got made over by a few of the concessions there! For everyday wear I have Big Beautiful Eyes by Benefit which is a mix of beige and matt brown.

[Chipotle]

If you can get hold it buy the Urban Decay Naked Pallette I found mine in Debenhams for £32. It's a lovely palette of neutrals.

[TheBolter]

Thanks guys - will take a look at the Urban Decay and benefit palettes.

Any further advice would be appreciated.

[mippy]

Yes, the Naked palette plus some of their Primer Potion which is the best thing ever. I like bright colours with my eye make-up but this plus Zero pencil is my standard 'smart' look.

You're not far off my colouring - I wear Benefit's Dandelion as a blusher and really like it. I get my brushes off of eBay though - this (www.lipsticksandlightsabers.com/2011/01/danger-room-brush-basics.html) is useful.

[mamadash]

I've been looking for something similar for school runs as have got soaked too many times at pickuptime. I had decided that I would just have to compromise on stylishness for practicality on this one as I didnt want to spend too much. Was going to look in TK Maxx but would you believe I was in Costco the other day and they were sellign these outerwear jackets - for £18 with VAT. Was a bargain so I took it - they are really good qaulity so far that I can see. This is the make:

www.trespass.co.uk/section/womens-clothing-2/womens-outerwear-4/waterproof-jackets-19

I got it in chocolate brown but was also available in some brighter colours.

[mamadash]

OOps posted on wrong thread - please disregard

[mamadash]

Can I suggest that you book yourself in for a makeup consultation at the Bobbi Brown counter. I have similar colouring and find their colours really suit me. Currently I am using their concealer and compact powder. For foundation I have Chanel but not as good as a YSL sample that I tried. Swear by Garnier bronzer as blusher and use lipsticks by pretty much everybody but swear by Bobbi Brown. Also, eyeliner - quite like estee lauder. Hope that helps.

[SharonGless]

Another one here for Bobbi Brown make up or Benefit.
Am loving the new Chanel mascara I have to say.
Would you like a make up consultation with one brand or do you want to put your look together your self? It depends on how confident you are in doing that and how much time you have

[AlpinePony]

Got to be honest, 100 quid isn't going to get you very far at Laura Mercier prices. If you need 'everything' (bar foundation) and your budget really is 100 quid then maybe you need to see if Sephora have any offers, Body Shop (3 for 2), Boots, etc., etc.

[mippy]

Is there a Sephora in the UK? I do like their mini sprays.

[TheBolter]

Thanks so much guys for your suggestions, will look into them...I think a session at a Bobbi Brown / Laura Mercier counter is the way forward.

[Gillybobs]

Id go for a Bobbi Brown Lipstick (the original formulation "Lip Colour" is the best), and Bobbi Brown powder Blusher , beautiful colours, highly pigmented and very lasting. think they are about £16 each?

Love Clinique lip gloss, Superbalm gloss, is lovely for natural-looking lips, £13

Lancome Mascara is hard to beat, usually about £20

Estee Lauder new Doublewear cream eyeshadows are amazing, last all day long, £15

[TheBolter]

Thanks Gilly... but have just done the splurge! Admittedly ended up spending £140 .

To add to what I already have - LM mineral foundation and a new Bobbi brown plus Elizabeth Arden lipstick I have bought from House of Fraser:

Urban Decay Naked Palette

Laura Mercier Illuminating Powder

Laura Mercier Bronzer Brush

Laura`s Secrets Flawless lips (half price)

Benefit's Browzings

I have high hopes that this little lot will magically turn me into Cameron Diaz... well, it had better do!

Thanks again for all advice, rather excited now...!

[mamadash]

Sounds great. Must check out Laura Mercier as never tried before...

[TheBolter]

Mamadash... I am frequently complimented on my porcelain complexion. I'm damned if I'm ever going to let slip that it's down to Laura Mercier and her little pots of miracle formula...