Which Dept Store / Boots counter should I visit for make-up help?

[Milliways]

I don't do make-up. I have a few favourite things that I use if I feel I really need to. (A L'Oreal, I think, mineral foundation, some No.7 eye cream, the odd lipstick). These are all old. I wear make-up less than 6 times a year!

Anyway, DD is getting married in 3 weeks and I will need to look "Mother-of-the-bride" nice, so need some proper advice on what might work without looking overdone.

I thought maybe bare minerals of something?

Can you please suggest me some not-too-scary ladies to visit? Will this cost me scary money?

Many Thanks

Laura Mercier or Bobbi Brown. Neither are in Boots but they're worth hunting out.

You could have a look at the Lisa Eldridge videos on her website and see if here is anything useful on there.

Alternatively I'd check out some of the more 'natural' brands such as Bobbi Brown

House of Fraser do free makeovers for Bobbi Brown and Bare Minerals, I went with a hen party and we were split between both. Bare Minerals were more understated but that might be because the bridal party went to Bobbi Brown and they wanted a more made-up look, all of us who went to Bare Minerals wanted a more natural look.

Worth phoning and making some enquiries if you have a local House of Fraser.

I used to work for chanel and before that clinique. Both of them and any make up counter will do make overs for free however the motivation for this is to obviously encourage you to spend money! Preferably on two or more items as we got judged on items per transaction... !

No.7 do a foundation matching service, and it's not an expensive range so you don't have to spend a lot if you do decide to buy anything.

Alternatively I like Clarins as it's looks more natural on my fair skin, Clinique just didn't suit me.

Ooh, lots of replies very quickly! :) Thank you all.

I had no idea that Bobbi Brown was "understated" - we have a John Lewis and I know they are there. We also have House of Fraser - I just never go in there!

The Clarins ladies all look so scary to me.

I was tempted by the No7 foundation, just need to pluck up the nerve to take my naked face to the counters! Not sure I like being on display, but I do get my brows threaded in Debenhams now so getting used to that.

I think Bare Minerals sound more "me". Going to town tomorrow so maybe I can make some progress.

ps naked face.....they just rub a teensy bit of your foundation off at chin area...don't worry xxx

ps naked face.....they just rub a teensy bit of your foundation off at chin area...don't worry xxx

Go to Debebnhams and see who looks the least orange

Just wanted to say that a counter girl wearing a lot of make up doesn't mean she will do yours like that... there are very strict guidelines as to how the girls have to look and even how to apply their make up.

When I worked on clinique we had to wear 23 items of make up all in all and had to mimic the looks book sent out regularly. I'd never do my normal make up like that. Ever.

I'd second Bobbi Brown. I've just bought some of their stuff because I was fed up with No 17 sliding off my face after a few hours. It's great. Expensive, but worth paying a bit more IMO.

fairy I know, I was joking hence he wink

I have had a couple of fab make overs but women that look like that have been tangoed and been very pleased with the result.

Success!

I went to Debenhams and mooched around a few counters. Was totally ignored at some (and it was quiet) but whilst looking at the Bare Minerals a lovely girl came up to offer assistance. I said I hadn't a clue where to start to she sat me dowm and off we went.

"So, what are you wearing on you skin now" - Nothing!
"What do you normally wear! - I don't
"What type of X.Y,Z do you prefer! - Not a clue!

Anyway, she was great, and apart from too much mascara - which she took off, I found some nice things. She wasn't pushy either. I bought the starter set, some extra blusher stuff, a lipstick and eyeshadow. Only realsied after paying that I forgot the concealer so went to Boots and spent some of my points on a No7 one, and a Brown/Black waterproof mascara as the lady in Debenhams only had black.

I then carried on spending money on new bras, knickers and "shaper" tights, and finished my Christmas shopping.

Just got home and realised I have not eaten a single thing all day! Cup of tea time :)

You can use the foundation as a concealor as well - works well.

Great - Thanks! :)