Can anyone recommend a beauty counter make-up lesson?

[Asterisk]

I'm hopeless at make-up and have a occasion coming up for which I would like to look nice. I usually slap on some Garnier BB cream, a bit of eyeliner and a subtle lipstick. I've always dodged the make-up counters at dept stores, but think I would now benefit from some advice. Bobbi Brown seems to be well regarded, but will it still suit a nearly-50-year-old? I don't want to feel pressured into spending a fortune.

I had a makeover at the Elizabeth Arden counter in a department store, and was pleased with the results.

I had one at Bobbi Brown recently and she listened to me when I said I like a minimalist approach.

MAC do a great hour make-up session for £30 that you can then spend on product in store. I always recommend it before going out as you get a full makeover and don't spend anything plus all the staff a Make up artists where as counter staff don't need any make-up experience to get the job so some will have only had a week or two training before being on shop floor.

I had a great time at the Chanel counter for an hour where she showed me how to do a few different looks. It cost me £25 though, redeemable against any purchases. I had no problem finding things to buy!

Bobbi brown highly recommended too. Their make up is just gorgeous.

The Chanel one was a special event with a make up artist-they'll do quick make overs for free.

Bobbi Brown. My mum decided on a whim when I was shopping at their counter to ask. She never wears make up. Ever. Doesn't own any.
A touch of mascara, concealer and lipgloss later she was thrilled to bits. They really do listen to what you want.

Bobbi Brown would be very suitable, and it's great quality. Tends to be a more natural/subtle look too.

Also her makeup books are fantastic.

MAC are the only ones who use make up artists. It costs £30 but is redeemable against products. I usually book one for a night out and then 'buy' the lipstick and liner with my £30 credit.

I went to MAC once. Was a very odd experience. She literally put all the eye make up and lipstick on and THEN put the foundation and powder on at the very end. WTAF?!

Thats not actually a bad way to do it... Stops fall out from the eyeshadow and makes the lips look more defined but you have to be confident with your skills. I always do eyes first and then foundation but usually lips last as thats the last thing I do before I go out

I had a Bobbi Brown one a few weeks ago and thought it was the biggest waste of time ever - she made me up, didn't explain anything, didn't ask/care what I liked/wanted and did a real hard sell on all the products. I had a mac one years ago - that was good.

Thanks for the encouragement everyone. I went for Bobbi Brown this evening in the end and I thought it was good. I think it helps to be booked with someone who wears their own make up in a way that you find appealing. She gave good tips on how to apply things and chose colours that suited me, and when I told her my budget, she helped me prioritise (I ended up 50% over budget but, as I only intend to buy make-up at three or four points in my working life, I sucked it up).