Which counter for good foundation and maybe a small make-up session?

[Kefybaby]

I am planning to treat myself to some new mascara and foundation. I have been using max factor foundation but would like to try one of the brands in one of the department stores, hoping to also get my make up done. Which foundation would you recommend and how do I go about asking for a make up session?

[Weelady77]

I just nipped into boots for toothpaste and cocoa butter and someone from Lancôme (I think) asked if I'd like to try their foundation I said ok so she put it on me it was nice but I prefer minerals (quick and easy to slap on)
Just ask any of the sales team at the counters

[massistar]

I love Bobbi Brown foundation and they do a fab makeover at their counters. Just pop in and ask.

[Kefybaby]

I like the idea of the Bobbi Brown counter. Let's hope I am brave enough to ask for the make over!

[oliviafrombolivia]

Laura Mercier all the way for me..

[massistar]

Go for it!! Whenever I've gone there the ladies have been lovely. And a bit more natural than some of the scary ones on other counters!

[Deathwatchbeetle]

Further down this thread, entitled something like 'Lancome haul', I had a make up session with a Lancome lady in John Lewis. At the moment they are doing a foundation masterclass. I had the whole works done though and was very impressed. Loving the Teint idole foundation. Lots of people rate Lancome mascaras.

I wasn't pressurised, in fact I had already come in intending to buy Teint Idole but she suggested coming back for the masterclass. Yeah I know - I bought that and more, she didn't have to say anything!!!

[mindgone]

I don't really use foundation, so I don't want to buy a whole one in case I don't like it. Last time I was in John Lewis I got chatting to the Bobbie Brown lady, and asked what she would recommend for me, and did she have any samples of it? She very kindly put some in a little bottle for me to try at home! I still haven't tried it, but one of these days I will! Just ask, they are dying to help people, it makes their day so much more interesting!

[RonaldMcDonald]

MAC have some decent foundations and are brilliant for a lesson

[themessyapron]

Mac, Bobbi Brown, Estée Lauder

No Lancôme - full of crap (as I said earlier on another thread)

waves at death

[TheFantasticFixit]

I know you've specifically asked about department stores so ignore me if you want but if you have a Space.NK near to you they are fantastic to go and see, will give you time to try lots of different products and find a brand that suits your skin and budget. And you get a mini makeover as well! Bonus is that they will show you lots of different brands as opposed to just the counter you visit at the department store, and they are really into that natural makeup look . I can't recommend them enough. And I promise I don't work fir them - just went to them before my wedding and had the loveliest, glowing skin and makeup for it.

[MrChow]

Mac do lessons, and you get the cost credited to you for any purchases. They've some fab make up

[Aaliyah1]

Bobbi Brown! Way better than Mac

[Kefybaby]

Thanks so much for all the responses!
mindgone, thanks for giving me a different perspective. It really helps knowing that the staff want to help. I look forward to it now!

[OneLittleLady]

I was pleased with the service I got from the Lancome counter. Decent sized samples to try and no hard sell. The SA really listened to what I wanted and recommended things for me to try that she felt would give me that I wanted from the products that I was looking for and didn't pressurize me to try anything I said I wasn't interested in.

[perfectstorm]

Bobbi Brown. I always go if I have a wedding or something, and buy lipsticks/mascaras for their time, because they do such a great, subtle job. They're in any local John Lewis or House of Fraser. You just ask and they book you in. I've used them for a job interview, too. They're trained makeup artists as well, as part of the job, and they've always been lovely (though again, I always make sure I make purchases from them to a fair level, as an appreciation for their time). They give great tips on day to day makeup, too.

Seconding Space.N.K too though, if you have one local. And I actually like Lancome for moisturisers - Hydra Zen is the only one that's ever worked and not made my skin sore and tight. Feels moisturised but not at all greasy, which is an issue for me. I'd ask them for samples, too.

[Kefybaby]

It might be Bobbi Brown then!
Can I just approach them on the day (rather than book) and how do I ask? Apologies, silly questions but this is something I've wanted to do for a long time and never found the courage...

[rumpled]

I often say 'could you colour match a foundation for me?' There are usually a couple of chairs for 'makeovers' - pick a time when they're empty! Then ask about lipsticks/blush etc. Don't wear loads of makeup - they'll take it all off anyway.

[GlitzAndGiggles]

When I used to work on a beauty floor Bobbi Brown offered little make up sessions to show you how to use different products so give them a go. If you like a natural look I recommend Paul and Joe. It's very popular with Japanese women. Just ask if they wouldn't mind trying a few products on. And if you ask for a colour match in Boots with their No 7 range they tend to update your look too as well as trying a foundation

[Deathwatchbeetle]

waves back to messyapron.

[Kefybaby]

Thanks so much! I will report back on the results.

[HelloBoys]

Bobbi Brown is brilliant. Not tried them for foundation apart from their stick one but their free makeup sessions are great and there's no hard sell.

after avoiding them like the plague for many years (thought they didn't do colour and was not keen on the yellow tones) I now like them a lot!

[HelloBoys]

Has anyone found (because I have) that MAC artists and counters can be really scary and unfriendly as opposed to Bobbi Brown?

I always get a warm fuzzy feeling after BB and feel they really try to help whereas MAC I seem to find are more clinical and conveyor belt type.

[Pagwatch]

I would second the SpaceNK suggestion from TheFantasticFixIt
They have the virtue of not trying to flog you one brand.

Having said that my neice is a fantastic make up artists and works occasionally for mac and she recommends them. I should go and see her really - she's offered me a lesson and a make over whenever I want and frankly I could do with it . When I stop bloody sneezing and coughing [moan]

[flippinada]

Another recommendation for Bobbi Brown. MUAs are really friendly and helpful, and the products are lovely (as they should be for the price)!

[flippinada]

Yes, you can just go on the day for BB (you can most counters I think).

I went in once to get matched for a foundation and they did my whole face, including eyes and lips. Ready enjoyed it.