Make up counters

[FizzyPink]

I've only ever used cheap maybelline/collection 2000 foundations etc. and I've recently realised what I'm putting on my face is entirely the wrong colour. So I've decided to go to a make up counter so they can advise me.
Please tell me which one is best. I'd like to go to mac but I'm so intimidated by the perfect looking sales assistants. Also do you go already wearing make up? And is it something you should book in advance?

Hi Turnedouttoes Don't be put off by Mac, they are all qualified make up artists so that's why their make up looks so good. If you book a consultation for Mac is £25 but you get that back in a voucher to spend. I always go in with make up on so I don't scare little children and they can also get an idea of what you do yourself.

I'm sticking my neck out here - I hated my MAC experience. The young girl was surly and over-made-up and it put me off for life.

IMHO, if you're young and trendy you'll have fun at MAC, if you're older and more classic Lancôme is great. In-between? Clinique all the way. Yellow-based foundations abound at Bobbi Brown and they do very natural make-up. Clarins are pinker-toned foundation-wise.

Apologies for the very sweeping statements but it's been my experience and I visit make-up counters a lot looking for my HG foundation.

Also, always ask for a sample of the foundation so you can see how it works with your fingers/brushes at home.

Absolutely everyone will have different experiences. In my local MAC there is a girl I would never let near my face as she looks like a bulldog chewing a wasp. There is a guy who is amazing. I am mid 40's so deff not young or trendy

My friend had amazing make up done at the Lancôme counter in selfridges in Birmingham. Really really good. I had forgotten all about that until you mentioned it passata

MAC staff over-do their own make-up to the extent that they look like trannies. That said MAC eyeshadows and lipsticks can't be beaten. Bobbi Brown staff tend to do good makeovers as do Space NK staff. Best thing really is to get a bit of advice on the basics - base and blusher, then experiment with a variety of brands / colours and have fun with it.

I really like the Lancome counters. I've always been given samples when I've asked, they have done me nice makeovers and I've never been given the hard sell. I think I finally found THE right foundation for me with the ladies help at the counter in my local boots.

I am pretty similar in the glamour stakes and was recently very impressed with the no 7 consultant who explained everything without patronising me. Plus I look so much better!!

The nicest makeover I've ever had was at a Benefit counter; second best was Clarins; worst was Bobbie Brown.

Lancome okay but I only rate their eyeliners and mascaras.

Worst makeover I have ever had (twice) is bobbi brown, the first I walked out looking like a lady of the night, and the second plastered in shiny greasy foundation that did not suit my age or skin, or in fact what I had asked for. So put off. MAC I tend to find is good, they behave very professionally and politely and they listen and know their products.