What's the etiquette/advice on this, please? Make up for work do.

[ElphabaTheGreen]

I wear make up no more than two or three times a year. I don't wear it for work (most definitely don't have the time, energy or interest to be bothering with it) but I do like to slap-up very occasionally for a do. Problem is, I'm left with a pile of make up that is completely out of date. I'll wear make up a bit out of date but, quite frankly, I bought my foundation in 2007 and it makes my face sting.

Am I right in thinking you can get a face of make up done at a department store make up counter for little or nothing? I'm considering this as an option for my work Christmas do this weekend. Thing is, I'd be getting a face done with absolutely no intention of buying anything as it's a money-saving exercise on my part, which strikes me as outrageously cheeky.

What's the etiquette on this please?? Or do you have other advice? (Not too many technical make-up related terms please. As I have made clear this is not my area of expertise!)

It is a bit cheeky! could you maybe buy a moisturiser or something from their range? or is there someone you could buy some makeup for christmas for?

Hmm it's a little bit cheeky, yes.
Can't you get your make up applied by a make up artist, it doesn't cost as much as you might think?

It is cheeky, yes, but I've done it before, wanted it doing nicely for a friends wedding. I went to benefit at boots, the lady even gave me some foundation in a little pot for any top ups. (I did buy a lip gloss though, felt a bit guilty!)

Ask for samples, clarins always do.

Those girls / boys are bored out of their heads plus it's good practise. It's not cheeky at all - the brand has nothing to lose. but maybe explain the situation - be honest but without the no intention of buying bit! Say you want To see how it lasts.
I'm a makeup artist BTW and I advise women on makeup shopping all the time. Best counters - Laura mercier and Bobbi brown. Try and find someone with nice makeup on themselves !

Space NK do it and are happy to do so!!

Bobbi Brown will give you a completely free makeover. I would then buy the lipgloss to assuage my guilt and because it would be nice to have for the evening!

Great! All very helpful, thanks. Bobbi Brown counter plus buying lip gloss sounds like a goer.