"At the Counter" Makeovers - are they worth the money?

[rachelmonday1]

I guess like many others, I'm looking at my makeup bag and thinking it's time for a change. New Season, New Year and all that. I was in town yesterday and noticed at least one woman in each department store having a makeover. Has anyone tried this? Do you pay for it and is it worth it?

They're free - up to you how to say you aren't going to buy anything. Sometimes they just make up one eye. The good ones write down what they've put where on a piece of paper you take away with you. I like Laura Mercier - fairly natural style. I can't remember whether MAC charge, I'm not really a MAC person.

Crikey, someone else is up early! Thanks for your help Eastpoint. Personally, I love MAC and think I'll give them a call today :)

I've had a lancome one and my friend had a Dior one. We both looked like drag queens! Both did bright lips and dark eyes. Grey eyeshadow on me and I have blue eyes. Very odd. So yes to pp.definitely that kind of brand or Bobbi Brown if they do it.

They were full make overs though and didn't charge. And they wrote everything down. We did buy one item each though. Me the lippy and my friend the mascara.

I went to Boots the other day and got a make over at the number 7 counter.
The woman was lovely and I didn't feel any pressure to buy anything.
I don't think they all have a booking system so best to just go along at a quiet time.

mrsnec: was it a younger girl that did your makeup? I only wonder because a lot of younger girls seem to go for stronger makeup these days. I was looking to just update my daytime look.

I had a Bobbi Brown one. Loved it. No charge.

She was very helpful. She did a great job, makeup was perfect.

Logged all my purchases so any Bobbi Browb counter can see what I have bought which makes it easy for DH to go in to buy something for me if I put stuff on my birthday /Christmas list.

There was absolutely no pressure at all to buy.

No it was an older lady, it was for a wedding and I had described my outfit. It was in House of Fraser.my friend's was a bloke in Selfridges. Was a couple of years ago but I wouldn't have said trends in makeup are wildly different now.

No.7 is worth considering too I agree.

This all sounds pretty positive, so maybe I'll try a few different brands and take myself out of my comfort zone! Thanks Ladies :)

I had a mac one before my wedding. It was great. It cost £50, but that is fully redeemable on product, so if you know you like mac and you're going to buy eg 3 products anyway, it's worth it. I liked having the opportunity to play around and try different products that I normally see on the shelf but don't really investigate. I didn't look like a drag queen as the mac person asked me what sort of colours and things I was looking for. She did one eye, I did the other, she did one cheek, I did the other and so on so I picked up some new techniques too

Thanks CurlsLDN. I was thinking more of using their advice on colours and stuff, rather than me asking to try new ones. Great news about the techniques too....an added bonus! I also hope that I don't come out looking like a drag queen, even though I am actually a guy!! :)

It's great advice about the techniques too.I remember thinking I hadn't learnt anything new and would have liked to.

I was lucky enough to receive a MAC voucher for Christmas (£100).

Do I just call a Mac counter and book an appointment?

Hi Charlieneedscoffee, I called our local stockist here in Bournemouth and they put me through to the MAC counter, where I just booked in for next Monday. Easy as that! They charge £25, which is redeamable against a purchase, but with a foundation costing £27, that's not too difficult :)

I had a free Clinique one and it was really good. I have to confess I was a bit nervous as I don't know much about makeup but she helped me find a light foundation and concealer and I loved them

Thank you rachelmonday1. ??

MAC are great, as are Bobbi Brown.