Which make up counter to visit?

[Spidergirl8]

So, I caught sight of myself today whilst choosing toothpaste and did a double take thinking, who us that potato like person looking back at me.

I need some serious intervention.... I'm planning to be brave and visit one of the makeup counters for some tips and advice. However which one to use?

I'll probably go to Lewis so there will be a choice of Bobbi Brown, Laura Mercier, Clarins, Clinique, Chanel, Estée Lauder or a couple of others I can't remember.

Any tips please?

I really rate Estee Lauder. I turned up without an appointment and they were more than happy to spend time colour matching and recommending produts for me. They gave me generous samples which I still haven't finsihed and were spot on with the colour match. They also didn't badger me to buy right away and even suggested to me that I go home and try out the samples and decide what worked for me and if I wanted to buy

Thank you onelittlelady, that sounds promising. I have only ever tried their tinted moisturiser, years ago. Actually I recall a friend saying they were a good line for more sensitive prone skin, which would be good for me.

Personally, I'd go to Mac as the staff there are makeup artists (that's at least what I've been told) and my impression is that the staff at a lot of the other counters aren't.

I'm a bit worried that MAC would laugh at my sorry late 30s self. Aren't they more for bright young things?

Bobbi Brown's my favourite, they do well at the "you but better" look which I try for. I also quite like Clinique, which is a bit cheaper I think - but I prefer to pay a bit more for BB.

But a lot of it is the make-up artist you get, whether they "get" you - could you go and have a chat with a few first, maybe make appointments and cancel later if you find "the one"?

I like Bobbi Brown too.
They colour match my sallow skin well & i don't look too made up.
I often buy the products online though because they give you free samples

Bobbi Brown - They are great at colour matching foundations

It depends a lot on who is working on the counter, but generally I like Bobbi Brown and Laura M. Natural and long lasting.

Thanks for all the tips. I may try and book in with a couple, am I right in thinking that Bobbi Brown charge for a consultation, refundable against products bought?

I'm in my 30's and the Mac staff are always awesome to me.
They are used to dealing with lots of different people with different tastes in makeup so if you want something bright and young, they'll be happy to help you and if you want something natural and long lasting they are just as happy to help with that.
My experience is that they really listen and make a massive effort to get everything to be exactly the way you want it.

I find that their products are cheaper than some other brands but better quality.

I'm addicted to the counters! Aveda for skincare (moisturiser, cleanser, exfoliated), bobbi brown for foundation (brilliant pale yet yellow tones shades), YSL for blusher and concealer (cliche but touché éclat is the best!), Dior for eye make-up (diorshow mascara is outstanding) and just about any counter for lipsticks! Have fun, I find the ladies at bobbi brown are the most sympathetic. Although I once had a fabulous clarins experience, I bought the everlasting foundation and it was great. I might have to pop in tomorrow for another everlasting foundation! Stay away from benefit! Absolutely rubbish.

Bobbi Brown every time for me.

Laura Mercier.

I used to like Bobbi Brown, but find Laura Mercier just as natural looking but (for me) much better quality and easier to use at home.

Bobbi Brown for foundation definitely and pretty much everything else as well too. I think they do charge for consultations but will match a foundation to your skin type/colour for free.

Thanks again everyone. I went to Bobbi brown and after 5 minutes of being ignored moved on.

I then when to MAC and they were fantastic, really listened and very patient. Although I loved the foundation I found it a little heavy after walking around for a bit. So I then went to Clarins and the lady was just lovely. I bought the skin illusion foundation and it is perfect.

Glad you got good service
MAC have always been fantastic for both me and my mum - she's 60 and they did her a sort of toned down smoky eye which she adored

Love Bobbi Brown here as well. Got make-up done there for a wedding a few months ago, bought every product she used on me as she did a great job. Im in my 40's and wanted smokey eyes, was thrilled with results nice, subtle.

I love mac. If you're in London, then you can get a mac make up lesson at selfridges for £50 for 90 minutes. That's entirely redeemable against purchases, so a bargain. I've learned loads, and they've been really responsive to what I've wanted. You have to book in advance for the lessons I think. Other mac branches may do this too - I've just been to the two mac concessions in selfridges. (I'm pushing 40...)

I work at Benefit head office so slightly biased, but the staff are trained to show you exactly what you need to enhance your look and having used the products for 7 yrs I won't be able to change to anyone else even though it won't be free anymore as I'm not returning after mat leave As with most brands some staff are better than others! where do you live? May be able to recommend a good person to go see x