Unbiased advice on skincare/make-up

[MissRead]

Where the hell can I get this? If I go to one of the counters/stores they (naturally) try and sell me their particular products, usually whatever's new out rather than what's actually right for me, and I often end up suggesting products I'd like to try and feeling as though I know more about it than the salesperson.

Likewise I'd love to go for a facial or similar but they all seem to be linked to a product range which the person doing it then tries to sell you at every given opportunity.

That's not to say that some of these products aren't good but how the hell do I know if they're genuinely right for me or just the one that will get the sales girl/beautician the best commission?

Hmm what are you looking for? Whats your skin type?

I found that most of the counters will give you a few samples to try if you ask, after all it's in their best interests if you like them and come back and buy the full products.

Look at make up alley for product reviews

I'd second make up alley, I can spend hours on that site!

MIssRead where in the country are you? There is a very good unbiased facialist in London, Anastasia Achilleos who will customise a facial using the products that are right for your skin regardless of whether they're all from the same range. I believe she is based at Home House spa now.

Otherwise there is a good one in the Cotswolds but her name escapes me at the moment...

Make Up Alley is useful but it's impossible to compare your skin with that of the reviewers to know if a product is going to be right for you or not.

I'm looking for some new but not too pricey skincare to sort out my lines/bags/enlarged pores/spots and blackheads/generally crap and lacklustre skin (don't want much do I!), plus some nice make-up for when I've got that sorted. Im late 30s, sort of combination skin with a gross tendency to go a bit flaky this time of the year

London's doable from here as are the Cotswolds, we're pretty central.

Will check out Make up Alley, never heard of it before.