Before going out to buy or have consultations of any kind, I suggest that you consider what you would like; would you like an everyday kind of look, a party/going out look? Are there any specific things you'd like to get help with - eye makeup/concealing of certain areas/a red lipstick that suits you? Also, what do you already have at home and what do you need - and how much are you willing to spend?
Knowing these things should make it easier for you to come home with something you want to use and should make it easier for the shop assistants to help you find the products you'd like.
You might be able to find inspiration for looks in magazines and on youtube (Pixiwoo, Lisa Eldridge, Kandee Johnson are good IMO). I've worn makeup for years and I still look at the videos for new methods/help/guides/inspiration.
The videos usually have some kind of information about products. The pictures might help the people at the counters understand what you're looking for if you're worried you can't explain it properly.
MAC usually offer help, similar to Bobbi Brown. I've experienced very good service at MAC, and when they haven't been overly busy, I've been asked to sit down and they've applied the makeup I've asked about.
For foundations, concealer and day creams/night creams, I suggest that you ask for samples before buying. It's completely normal and acceptable - why spend a small fortune on something that you don't know if will last all day/will oxidise (get darker after wearing it for a bit)/will give you spots or allergy?
For most other products, you should be fine buying them without a sample.
I really like Sleek eye shadows and blushers. They are quite cheap (and you can get them in Superdrug and Boots). They are very pigmented, so you will have to be a bit careful when applying (to not get too much on), but that's not a problem.
They have an eye palette with neutral colours that might be good: www.boots.com/en/Sleek-i-Divine-Eyeshadow-Palette-Au-Naturel_1395378/
MAC is a good brand for everything - I really like their brushes, eye shadows and blushers. Their face powders are very good too. I like their foundations too. The brushes last very well. I find that 217 is a must for eye shadows: www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/145/380/Products/Brushes/Eye/217-Blending-Brush/index.tmpl
Real Techniques (Boots and Superdrug) make good brushes that are cheaper than MAC. I like the Expert Face Brush for foundation and the Blush Brush for blusher.