Best department store makeup counter makeover for middle aged women

[AnyoneButAndre]

I have a "minimal" makeup routine (eye circle concealer, mascara, lippy, BB if I can be arsed). For tedious reasons I'm thinking of wearing a bit more and the easiest way to go about it would seem to go to one of the counters at JL/HOF and get a makeover. Which of them least likely to choose an inappropriately TOWIE look or recoil at my advanced age (45) and has some definitively good buys, given that I'd be guilted into buying some of their stuff while I'm there?

Just to add that I'm not going to swallow their advice hook line and sinker, just take some pointers and get used to the whole idea of "being made up".

I think bobbi brown are known for doing a more natural look

I am 50, and recently had a great experience at Urban Decay, which would probably not be considered as a likely choice for my age group!
The assistant listened to what I wanted, advised on oroducts, showed me how to apply them, and I was really pleased with how I looked.
I think it depends an awful lot on the staff, as really, make up is make up.
Having said that, Bobbi Brown is good for neutral colours, and a "natural" look.

I came to say Bobbi Brown too. I'm older than you and prefer the 'a bit polished' look for work & BB works well for that.

Thanks. Funnily enough I did get some eyeshadow done on a whim at UD a while ago and they were very nice. Bobbi Brown weren't really on my radar but they sound great. Never bought anything from them: what's good?

Having tried and hated lots, I finally (sic) found Laura at Cosmetics a la carte
www.alacartelondon.com No pseudo science and gush, no pressure to buy anything. Make up blended to perfectly match, I have one lipstick which works for everything. My made up face now looks just the way my real face would look, if only my skin and featurs were perfect. Natrual, but better. Much, much better. Ive been going for years, now and can throughly reccommend.

Hope you find something that works for you, xx

I prefer Laura Mercier - the products are brilliant and the service is really good too. I have never found them pushy or trying to sell more products.

I really like the tinted moisturiser and some of their other foundations, the caviar eye sticks (cream eyeshadow in a pencil/stick - for Christmas they usually do a set which I think is really good value), lipsticks, lipgloss and blushers. The Secret Camouflage concealer is great too. The brushes are lovely - I like the travel sets and have found them in the sale after Christmas with 50% off.

Bobbib brown but i a never convinced about the AMOUBT of concealer stuff they flog you

Plus buy the brushes on ebay

which city are you near OP? In Southampton Lisa D is great on the Bobbi Brown counter in john Lewis

I'm in London.

rats! :)

Personally, I'm not keen on Bobbi Brown as I think the style is a bit bland. Urban Decay have some nice palettes and also consider Bare Minerals which sits well on mature skin. Obviously in London, you have masses of choice.

It doesn't really matter which brand you choose, it's all in the application. May I also recommend Express Make Up by Rae Morris. It's an excellent book and includes a variety of looks and uses older models for some of the illustrations. You can get it in paperback or Kindle version.

Also, try YouTube for 'how to' videos.
Wayne Goss
Lisa Eldridge
Pixiwoo

I'm voting for Bobbi Brown. If you're normally into the minimalist thing, they'll be a logical place to start.

Also helpful is to watch Youtube tutorial videos. Lisa Eldridge is fantastic.

Regarding Bare Minerals... I think it looks rubbish on my 40 year old skin and my same age friend feels the same. I would recommend not buying any foundation until you have gone outside and looked at it in full daylight. I always ask to run out with the hand mirror but you can have a compact mirror in your purse. If a foundation looks great in full daylight, then you've got a winner.

is wayne goss the nobber who puts powder on first?

thanks for that,, i looked SO chalky all day

As Brenda said, Bobbi Brown, but don't buy their brushes. I've had more success with Real Techniques brushes than with their extortionately priced ones.

It seems counterintuitive as they have a lot of bright colours, but when I was younger/richer/had spare time, I had the best experiences with MAC. They always seemed to have really nice, knowledgeable assistants who really listened to what I wanted. They made suggestions, e.g that a lilac shadow would suit me, that I would never have thought of and they were right, but they did not force on me a look I didn't want, or to wear more make-up than I wanted.

Obv it is expensive but you can take their tips, buy one or two things then stock up elsewhere.

Yes, Goss is the one who recommends powder first. I do it and it works great for me. However, he's usually too caught up in Instagram and showing young girls how to look like Kim Kardashian. Lisa Eldridge has practical advice for normal women.

Another vote here for Bobbi Brown. I'm 50, and a couple of years ago, I and a similar aged friend booked in for a consult/make up demo with their staff. I felt I'd got stuck in a rut and wanted a fresh approach. Had a really brilliant time, the staff did a great look and gave us masses of tips about application, colours etc. There was no pressure to buy and at no time did I feel too old or uncomfortable. Oddly enough, I actually wear less make up overall as a result, but now feel what I use gives a much better overall look, and the products all work well, and are skin friendly (no mean feat when going through menopause). Not sure about "bland" but I'm not looking for a edgy rock and roll look .

I found them so helpful that I took my MIL (over 70) to them when she was looking for a new lipstick and they couldn't have been more helpful - trying out lots of lovely shades for her, and again advising on textures and application.

I agree though that the brushes are massively overpriced!

Shu Uemura gets my vote at Harvey Nicks & Selfridges (perhaps)

I have v limited experience but I had a very good experience at the MAC counter when I stressed "very natural look". I've used Laura Mercier for a long time and I really rate it but I tend to select foundation based on how squeezy the tube is. If it only comes in a glass jar I walk away from it.

Bare Minerals is supposed to be very good but is quite pricey stuff. I bought some Bobbi Brown eye shadow on a plane recently and its v nice. Much more staying power than Boots No7 so far.

If you are in London then Space NK is quite good and usually quite quiet which is nice.

I go to the Bishopsgate Space NK for that sort of thing. Different Space NK branches have wildly different levels of friendliness and helpfulness, so beware.

I use Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser during the summer and last winter fell in love with Chantecaille Future Skin. I'm the same age as you and have dry patches on my skin. Not sure why the oil free foundation works so well for me but it does!

Another noting down Lisa D.

Lisa Dewey
Ring and ask for her - she is fun and realistic. You can say ' I am only buying xyz' and she wont bother you with other crap.

Plus she make you feel good about yourself.

If i see her in the next few weeks I will warn her!