How can I learn to use make-up?

[PrettyCandles]

Without embarrassing myself in public?

I'm 44, and have never really worn make-up. When I did it was the 80s, or stage make-up. Not quite the look for today!

Is there anywhere I can go to learn?

Go to a counter at a department store that looks nice and non- threatening. Tell them you want to overhaul your make up and start from scratch. They'll probably do a make over type thing and show you how to apply everything.

I dis this before my wedding and found it really helpful- and they gave me lots of freebie samples. :)

Go to You Tube and search for Lisa Eldridge. She has lots of tutorials and you can practice at home. She has 2 very good ones on anti-ageing make up.
I think you can also access them from here she is a very well respected make up artist.

I thought about doing that, but that's a one-off. I could never remember it all when I had make-up counter makeovers as a young woman. I haven't a hope of remembering any of it now that I am old and decrepit.

I need the equivalent of teenage girlfriends trying things out together. As I have none, I thought maybe some sort of course or personal tuition? Something where I can have guided practice, and return for the next lesson having done a bit of homework. Develop a bit of technique handling the 'tools'.

Not sure where you can get lessons but if you go to pixiwoo on you tube they have good tutorials on the basics that you can watch and follow.

Channel4.com/4beauty has similar sort of things

prettycandles, I am your age and was wondering the same thing
I think the only way is to buy some makeup and just practise in the privacy of your own bathroom

Do you have a Bobbi Brown concession near you? Places like John Lewis and Selfridges often have them. They do one hour make up lessons which are really good (and there is a great Bobbi Brown book you can buy to remind yourself once you get home). The only caveat is be prepared to part with serious cash as the make up isn't cheap....

I got a lesson at a local Health and Beauty Centre - worth paying for, they asked me what kind of look I was after and then concentrated on showing me the techniques and talking about make-up generically (e.g. the difference between cream and powder eyeshadows) and weren't trying to sell me a product.

hi, i love make up!! have worn it everyday since i was 14, i would happily offer you some advice if you liked! x

Are you in or near London?

Hello, If you're based in or near London I give one to one lessons. I have over 16 years experience as a make up artist. If you are interested send me a PM and I will send more details.

oxfordjasmine on youtube is great, have a look at her early tutorials in particular

HavingKittens, would you mind if I sent you a PM? I too am 40's and feel as if I dont give the makeup enough attention (because I dont really know what to do!)and would love a lesson, advice etc.

Check out your yellowpages listings for mobile beauticians in your area, as well. You can book them to come and do a session in your own home, and then return again to review it. If you invite several friends you can split the cost and have a party too!

Of course Learning2Knit

Leaning2knit where in London are you? If you were interested and it worked location wise I would love to share a tutorial with you? I'm also v out of practice.

Thank you HavingKittens, will be in touch.

AngryPixie, Im Surrey (Heathrow side) but happy to travel into town so lets find out where HK is....brilliant idea!

Havingkittens me too! Though I have less years of experience than you. Do you mind if I PM you as I am setting myself up as less a filming makeup artist (impossible with a baby!) and more a one-to-one. Sorry for the hijack.

You're welcome to PM me ricketyrock.

Learning2knit I will get back to you over the weekend. I need to have a think because I don't usually do group sessions as I tailor the lesson to the individual I am working with at the time. Need to think about how much to charge for a shared lesson and how I would work it time wise etc.

Look at Lauren Luke on Youtube.