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?

Scuttlebutter, sounds as tho you got some great advice, can you share any tips here?

I'm not a great foundation user but I think the Bare Minerals looks a bit weird - it has a sort of "eggshell" sheen I don't like. I wish I hadn't bothered! I would take a bit of time over it - get them to make you up, go outdoors or even go home and think do I really like this? Unoriginally I'm more a fan of Bobbi Brown too. I like their long wear eyeshadow and mascara, the eyeliner would be OK if I had a steady hand.

Any makeup counter these days seems to try to sell you a primer, highlighter, concealer, bronzer etc. as well as a foundation. Act deaf to that!

Warn is right, Brenda

Come on to say Bobbi Brown as well. I'm a total un glamorous country bumpkin and the ladies were so nice, didn't make me feel like a scruff at all.

I got some rather pricey but very good foundation.......intensive skin serum foundation. I also bought some make up remover as it smelt so nice.

I went to Covent Garden btw. No appt and they had all the time in the world for me.

My middle aged skin was critically surveyed at sephora when i was in Canada this summer ...it was bloody fab..she recommended makeupforever green primer to reduce my redness ...which is fucking amazing!!!

I just use that and makeupforever bronzer now with the usual for my eyes etc ...if you've got 'too pink' skin I'd really recommend...think you can order from debenhams in this country

imjustahead - A lot of it was specific to my colouring - I have dark hair and blue eyes with pale skin and they suggested some eye colours for instance that I would never have thought of trying. Similarly with blusher they took ages to find a shade that I would never have picked in a million years! I really appreciated how they worked with my skintones and I was astonished at the difference picking those colours could make. I honestly looked younger and fresher - like I'd had a good night's sleep and existed on organic lentil juice, not the gin based diet I usually have! The other big revelation was using an eyebrow pencil - something I'd never done in all my years. Just using a subtle pencil lifted my face and shaped my brows beautifully (I realise for a lot of people this will be a "Doh"! thing)

I was also very impressed by the lesson in how to apply things, and in what order - something I had previously got a bit muddled on especially with so many new products around now like primer etc. that weren't there when I started applying make up back in the Dark Ages.

Now I feel confident using what I have and it all seems to stay put a lot better too.

Oh, look this popped up on email for me this morning, thought id like you know. My favourite makeup people, apologies to anyone who can't easily get to london.

us3.campaign-archive2.com/?u=9e4c43dd9aae90c31060a5119&id=6987ccd939&e=a8850cc93b

Ill be away so shall miss it, enjoy. xx

Stupid question, but do you have to start off make-up free? I'd love to go in my lunch hour, but couldn't go to work bare faced.

And can anyone recommend a Lisa D in Glasgow?

Well,that was perfectly clear to me, sorry. Its a link to cosmetics a la carte's website, they are offering complimentary 15 min miracle makeovers, to celebrate their last few days in their current studio before they move. All around the sloane square area of london. I shall be away so shall miss it all.

In their own words: This makeover is designed to transform and amaze.

Time to focus on you with a dedicated professional makeup artist. In just 15 minutes your look and your mood will be lifted and refreshed.

Perhaps you'll discover a new technique or subtly enhance your day look before an evening out. Plus, if you're feeling the 'Back to School' spirit in the air, it's the perfect opportunity to find new beauty inspiration for the start of Autumn!

One makeup miracle is complimentary for customers at the Belgravia boutique for the month of September 2015.

Call the boutique on 020 7235 0596 to book your appointment.

I had a dreadful makeover at Bobbi Brown in JL Oxford St recently.

I went in and asked for a natural look, as I never wear any eye make up or lipstick, but wanted to start. I came out with concealer caked into the lines under my eyes (I can do better myself!) and bright gold/orange sparkly eyeshadow. I looked like a drag queen. I was so disappointed, given Bobbi Brown's reputation.

Which just goes to show, it's really all down the the person who serves you.

Mmmmm, I agree. The actual products are much of a muchness, the big difference is who you get.

I'm probably a bit late but, if you care to take the advice of your elders and betters, I suggest you sell your house, car, jewellery and hot foot it to a Tom Ford counter. (If you can afford the products and retain the rest of your possessions you have my sincere envy.)

I have never known the staff to be anything less than courteous - as much to an 80 year old (no, that's not me!) as to anyone much younger. And the products are head and shoulders above anything I've used over the years (from say Chanel, BB, Mac, Shu Uemura, Illamasqua, etc).

They are ridiculously expensive. But habit forming. Try the Brow Sculptor.

(But I don't know why you think make up counter staff don't expect to see middle aged women ...)

Slightly off topic but totally went off Lisa Eldridge when I read something about her moaning about the mums who come to her and say they don't have time for primer. Well sometimes before work it's either a skirt or primer, and I see one as more essential than the other.
So, Eldridge, sod off. That kind of 'helpful' comment I can do without.

As you were.

I am 46 and I too need a make up (and hair and wardrobe!) revamp AnyonebutAndre, so thanks for starting this post.

Can anyone recommend a Bobby Brown consultant - I always feel so intimidated at the counter at John Lewis, never found the staff very forthcoming or helpful, am I just being daft?

A name would be useful.

Another vote for Bobbi Brown.

TheFM I've been to JL Oxford Street and not had a problem. If you prefer a less busy shop how about BB in Fenwicks? I've also used BB in House of Fraser and they were good too. You could always book an appointment for a make over, so you are not hanging around waiting.

Thanks for the other recommendations Chottie, I will maybe do what you say and book an appointment.

TheFM I hope all goes well, I'm a much more advanced age than you (60!) and I love getting makeovers.