Advice on how to find a miracle working makeup artist for makeup lessons?

[singingsixpence82]

Essentially I'm pretty ugly but have managed to work wonders in the past through clever and time consuming use of makeup. For me, however, it's less a matter of accentuating my good features and more a matter of drawing them onto my face. A bit gross, I know.

As I'm getting older though I'm having to find new techniques and I'm looking for a really good makeup artist for a lesson or five. The problem is that most people aren't as ugly as me and most makeup artists I have had lessons from in the past have learnt working on models and people who are relatively attractive. They generally don't have the first clue about how to do the kind of makeup that relies heavily on illusions and so I feel I've wasted time and money in the past. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I might go about finding the kind of person who could help? I'm in central Scotland.

[HeyNonnyMaybe]

What about MAC? They work on normal looking people in department stores all day long. Provided you're clear about what you want (subtle everyday work make-up, something more obvious for going out etc etc) they will be able to help you. A nice MAC lady worked wonders on my chops, I was ravishing by the end.

[singingsixpence82]

I wouldn't really say I was normal looking though HeyNonnyMaybe (love the name!). I think I may need an actual genius. What kind of training do the MAC people have?

[HeyNonnyMaybe]

I don't know about their training, all I know is that I had really good service from them, she chose colours that were really flattering and painted them all over my face until it was nicer. She really knew her stuff, worked with me to get the effect I was after, and I didn't come out all orange and awful.

On the ugly thing, I reckon people fall into two camps, the beauties and the rest. There are more of us in the latter group, so I'd say people who work the MAC counter meet far more of us than the more picturesque bunch.

[VodkaValiumLattePlease]

Jamie Genevieves makeup lessons in Glasgow are amazing!

[singingsixpence82]

I'll look into MAC - I take it you can have a lesson in a private room?

Jamie Genevieves sounds very interesting too - some of her photos look like what I'm trying to achieve. This is all good advice!

[travailtotravel]

I only know one in London - Blush. Perhaps she might know someone more local.

[HeyNonnyMaybe]

I don't know about the private room. I know they do the 'rock up whenever you want and have make up put on you' thing and you can also attend tutorials, but I have no idea whether it's private.

If it's something more one to one you're after, what about a tv make u person? Again, they are about accentuating your best bits.

[doublechocchip]

There was a 3 hour Mac make up lesson on groupon the other day. I think it was only valid in certain areas of the country but it was pretty good value- think between 25/30

[Jmangel]

Ooh so what kind of tricks do you do? Any tips for under eye area? oh and stop calling yourself ugly!

[TheyreMadITellYouMaaaad]

How about these people: www.changingfaces.org.uk/Skin-Camouflage

And please don't call yourself ugly. You are uniquely you. Different, perhaps, but there's nothing wrong with being different.

[singingsixpence82]

Just wanted to say thanks for all the advice. Mac have a waiting list and the first appointment wouldn't be until June though and Jamie Genevieve has never replied to my email which I sent ages ago (unless I missed it, my inbox does get rather full to be fair). I've emailed a few others who also haven't replied. Must be a huge number of people with heavy makeup needs up here in Scotland!

Don't have any tips for the under eye area unfortunately Jmangel - sorry! It's one area I don't have that many problems with although I used to and used touche eclat which worked well.

[TSSDNCOP]

Hi OP. May I recommend Clinique in Boots. I use the counters in both Bluewater and Bromley and find the ladies really helpful. I'm usually specific about what I want e.g a better foundation that's light but gives good cover, or eyebrow stuff that doesn't make me look like Groucho Marx and they always come up trumps.

In fact the lady on the counter in Bromley did my make up last week when I had an unexpected interview. I turned up looking drained and harassed after a very pissy BH weekend and after a few minutes I looked great and got the job!!