And how cheeky (or not) is it to...

[FlamingoBingo]

...go into Boots and ask for a free make-up trial the afternoon before you're going out for the evening?

I wear make-up so infrequently, that I just don't own enough stuff to do something glamourous and elegant for this evening do on Saturday. Can I just ask them and buy some nail polish or lip-stick?

I had it done in debenhams a couple of times years ago, I used to loiter round the make up counters in my lunch break.
Look for a non-orange person and get chatting.

go for it - it's not cheeky it's a genius idea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Get her to write everything down and tell her you're going to give the list to your husband for Christmas!

No, I had my wedding makeup done in a department store, and they were totally aware of what I was doing.

I did buy a lip liner afterwards.

I'd book it if you can, Saturday afternoon might be busy.
Choose one without blue mascara.

Woohoo! Right will have a go - thank you :D

Not at all! I do this every year, before my work Christmas do!

I'd recommend booking it first, then you can quickly warn them what "look" you are going for e.g. I always say "I'm going on my Christmas night out, so want smoky eyes and an 'evening' look", that way the stylist will have a good idea of what to have ready for when you arrive.

Enjoy it!

How do you book it? And where's the best place? Do I need to ring ahead in the morning, then? And do I ring Debenhams and ask for one of the counters, or what?

I would just go and brows, and get chatting to the staff. Tell them you'd like a full consultation, but the only time you can do is (just before you are going out). Go to the counter you like the look of best. I would have gone to the Channel counter, but they were booked, so went with Este Lauder, I think.

But you probably can just phone up and ask to be put through.

Oh, and afterwards you will think they have slapped far too much make up on and hate it, especially if you have asked for an evening look. It might be best to ask for a daytime look, if you don't usually wear make up, and aren't feeling brave.

Is it for tonight???

A couple of things to consider...

The girls at Boots are rarely make up artists, they are sales staff, so your make up would look a lot better if you went to a counter that is an "artist brand".

It's best to book if you can, that way you will get their dedicated attention and they can factor the time into their day's sales (or lack thereof).

Ladies, please be kind and bear this in mind!

Most people that work on counter have to meet targets for the day. They are not on commission but they do get their arses seriously kicked if they don't meet target. If they are behind target and then someone comes in towards the end of the day making out like they want to try some new products in order to wangle a free makeover for their night out this will cost the artist/SA up to an hour of sales time which can make the difference between them getting into trouble or not. If you have to do this ad hoc, be upfront with them and then they can tell you whether they have the time to spare to do this for you. If they think you are going to buy products as a result of their putting in the time then they would, of course, do this without question. But if you don't intend to buy anything then at least be honest.

Try to think of this in terms of your own job. It would be the equivalent of you being pulled into your boss' office and told off for not meeting deadline/target/being behind in your work just because you'd done someone a favour.

Have you no friends with a bulging makeup bag whod be willing to 'do you up' ??

Im often called upon for this favour .

Nickschick - no, I don't :( My friends are all like me and rarely wear make up!

HavingKittens - bum - have made an appt at Boots :-/ Lancome. However, I was upfront and she was really pleased to help. If it's shite, will just come home and do my own and hope I can do a reasonable-ish job of it.

Debenhams said the counters were all too busy.

sorry.

You might be ok with Lancome. Some of the high end brands do give a bit of training and have some make up artists working for them. I thought you just meant someone working in the beauty dept Boots using the mid range brands they sell in all their branches.

If she puts it on heavier than you want you can always take it down a bit with a bit of dry cotton wool or cotton buds. Don't put cleanser on them, just very lightly rub over the area and it will take some of the product off but still leave a lighter version of what was put on. Be clear about what you want and if possible take a couple of pictures in of make up you like, that way you can be sure of getting a look that is your taste. There are so many possibilities with make up, it's hard to second guess what someone else will like. If you have no idea then just let them know what level you are comfortable with so they don't go overboard.

Went into Body Shop in the end, and am really pleased with what they've done :)