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Make-up lessons

18 replies

BringBackGoingForGold · 29/03/2011 11:05

Anyone know where you can get a decent make-up lesson? Not bridal or 'occasion' make-up, just how to look decent day-to-day for someone who's never been brave enough to try anything beyond mascara but whose ageing face now needs more disguising enhancing. London-based. Don't mind paying, well, within reason. Thanks!

OP posts:
AbsDuCroissant · 29/03/2011 12:16

You could try going to either Mac or Bobby Brown and getting them to do a demonstration on you?

Drizzela · 29/03/2011 12:18

Try fashionface.tv online

Alternatively MAC or Bobby Brown are the best as AbsDuCroissant says, probably bobby Brown if you want more understated. Never, ever go to Dior/ Chanel etc, their training is all about sales and they're not qualified to give proper advice IMO.

steamedtreaclesponge · 29/03/2011 12:21

Laura Mercier are also very good, they have people in Selfridges & John Lewis.

Alternatively my sister is a make-up artist and might be able to help - she trained with Laura Mercier & does wedding make-up etc as well as more normal stuff. If you're interested PM me and I can give you her number...

anonamater · 29/03/2011 12:22

watching this, I need the same! Mac is a little ott for me, v good make-up, bu don't want to look mutton/lamb (just turned 50).

AbsDuCroissant · 29/03/2011 12:25

anonamater - then I'd recommend Bobby Brown. it's whole raison d'etre is natural non-slappy make up.

madhousewife · 29/03/2011 12:31

bobbi brown was amazing - i just did this for myself b/c i really needed a lift and the girls working there were lovely, so friendly, really knew their stuff and now i'm getting so many compliments on my makeup! i should say compliments on ME! people keep saying how good i'm looking! the makeup is great quality too!
i'll stop now...

BringBackGoingForGold · 29/03/2011 12:55

Wow, thanks everyone. Bobbi Brown seems to be winning out, and I THINK their stuff is cruelty-free too, no? (which I'd prefer, but forgot to mention).

Thanks again!

OP posts:
Drizzela · 29/03/2011 13:46

www.bobbibrown.co.uk/cms/customer_service/faqs.tmpl#animals Here you are Gold

upahill · 29/03/2011 13:57

ananometer Mac won't make you look like mutton!
You tell them the look that you want eg 'wearable daily to suit age' and they fo that. Sure they do young and funky but that is for the ....... well young and funky!!! Grin

I agree Bobbi Brown and Mac are the way to go!

While I have had mine done I have said no to certain colours and said what I do and don't like, eg brown will never be a glamourous evening colour to me so that got changed, - no problem.

laciderfarmer · 29/03/2011 14:19

Im a make up artist, I would suggest bobbi browns book, its called Bobbi Brown make up manual. Ive found it very useful. If you really want to go to a counter and get it done i would suggest laura mercier ,bobbi brown or chanel, do not go to mac.

upahill · 29/03/2011 14:22

laciderfarmer Why not Mac? I've had some great looks from them over the last few years.
I flit between BB and MAC.

Drizzela · 29/03/2011 14:27

Yes, ditto Laura Mercier, theyre good...

SnapFrakkleAndPop · 29/03/2011 14:28

Also interested why the strong not-MAC, not that I particularly like them anyway.

I second the going round make-up counters and asking them to explain what they're doing while they do it and why. Ask them to keep it simple! Although sometimes it's quite fun to go and say 'I need a really dramatic look, go wild' - I like doing that to really bored looking young sales assistants

laciderfarmer · 29/03/2011 14:44

That sounds a bit abrupt reading it back! I just dont like them, and from what I have seen, their technique isnt great, they go a bit crazy and im just not a huge fan of their products, a few reasons, just personal taste. Agree with SnapFrakkleAndPop, get them to explain everything as their doing it and get them to repeat it if you dont quite understand, all those products can get a bit confusing.

Havingkittens · 29/03/2011 15:45

"Their technique"?

I don't mean to be rude by saying this but I would've assumed by the fact that you are a Make up Artist that you are more aware than most that we are not all identically performing robots produced in a factory! Sorry, but this is a real bug bear of mine having read similar generalisations, not just about MAC but also other brands' artists, on other forums.

For example, to get a job at MAC, generally speaking, you have to already be a make up artist. They are not all trained from scratch by MAC and brainwashed into one particular technique or style. Yes, it's true, some of them are quite extreme but just as many, when they are not working on counter, work on beauty advertising campaigns, everyday fashion mags (ie. the ones that many people aspire to rather than the scary OTT ones!) etc and have very understated and beautiful taste and skills. There are hundreds of MAC staff across the UK, please don't assume they all come out of the same mold.

The ethos at MAC is "All Ages, All Races, All Sexes" - like any good make up artist, they tailor the make up to the individual they are working on.

Some people don't realise this but you can actually request an appointment with a specific artist rather than pot luck so there is less risk of getting someone with inappropriate style or taste. The staff on any counter range in experience from make up school leaver to established and experienced professional. You may even, if you do enough research, find yourself in the hands of someone who works with top celebrities on a regular basis.

Like any product or service, if you are prepared to do a little research it can make all the difference to the experience Wink

upahill · 29/03/2011 15:48

Having kittens.
That is interesting.
How would I find out who to use at say Kendals in Manchester or Harvey Nics?

I wouldn't know where to begin!!

Havingkittens · 29/03/2011 18:27

upahill, the best approach would be to go to the counter on a Saturday morning and just check out the girls at the counter (that sounds a bit dodgy doesn't it?). Basically, whether they are part time or full time everyone is expected to work on a Saturday as it is the busiest day. If you see a girl who's style you particularly like ask them if they did it themselves. When it's quiet sometimes the girls do each other's make up so it's worth asking. That way you can request the right person! If someone else did it, ask who obviously. Then ask if it would be possible to book a lesson with that person and find out what days they work. Don't be shy about asking, it happens all the time.

I used to work part time for MAC about 6 years ago alongside my own freelance work, this is how I know all this!

upahill · 29/03/2011 18:32

Thanks for that tip Havingkittens
I would have been nervous to do it but if you say it is common place I'll give it a go!

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