Mumsnet make-up experts ...

[Millie1]

If I take my handcream back to Space NK (another thread!), should I spend the £55 on a replacement handcream (needed) and some makeup (ie. lippy, eyeliner) or so I forget the handcream and buy make-up.

If so, what? I've made an appointment with MAC in Debenhams in a few weeks for a makeover/lesson there as I need foundation and want to try something different to Vitalumiere (which is great but maybe a bit light for my skin type). However, I've read great things about Laura Mercier foundations and also By Terry (but £££). Would like to update my look a bit although it's not too bad following a Bobbi Brown blitz last year but I don't wear any powder over my foundation and maybe I should and I also haven't a clue about bronzers etc etc.

So ... what's the advice please - Space NK or MAC for makeup?

Sniff sniff .... any advice for me please?

I'll even change my question .... MAC or a Space NK brand for foundation?

buy handcream - if you need it you need it and any amount of makeup won't make your hands look better!

I'd wait till you've had your MAC appt and see if there's anything you especially like - I'm not a good one to ask about ££ brands as I mostly get by on BeneFit stuff from duty free and Clinique Bonus freebies from my mum...

I would buy cheaper hand cream from boots,atrixo is good.Spend your money on a fab makeup instead.

Haven't tried mac or space nk foundation,sorry.

I think cheap hand cream does the same job as expensive hand cream, and you can get nice smelling cheap ones, or cheapish. Certainly cheaper than that.

Laura Mercier tinted foundation is great. I love Chantecaille foundations from Space, the best is the gel one that comes in a little jar - they all have names like virtual or almost, so I forget what it's called, but it's the gel. However, I have greasy skin. Their formulas are all different, but it's the best foundation I've used, apart from the terrific, discontinued Chanel Teint Pur Mat - the new Chanels are not the same.

millie, aveeno handcream is £4.99 in superdrug i saw it last night (sil did not push boat out on my pres huh ). chantecaille stuff is just lovely, their solid foundation is fantastic, but wow it is expensive. oh do get that!

Thanks everyone!!! Long story but Space NK don't do credit notes, just exchanges within 28 days of purchase. Chose the Barielle hand treatment kit (my hands really do need it!) and then a Laura Mercier foundation. The foundation was out of stock in my colour so the lady is holding the handcream for a few weeks until I can next get into Space NK at which point the foundation will be in.

Meantime, I'll have had my MAC appointment and if I don't like their foundation, I'll get the LM one; if I buy MAC, I'll spoil myself with something else from Space NK.

Thank you!!