Which makeup counter?

[CharleyEmily]

I am completely confused by makeup and literally wear powder and mascara

But I really need to start making more of myself so I was going to go to a makeup counter and ask for natural/daytime makeup and buy a whole new makeup

But which do I try? I don't have much money, so preferably the cheapest

Bobbi Brown, they aren't the cheapest but fit the 'look' you want to achieve. Maybe try one of the 15 minute tutorials you can book on their website? Seems to be available in stores all over the UK and there is one for a quick 5-minute face (not sure what they call it). If you don't want to spend much then I'd buy their base and maybe blusher then a cheaper version of everything else. Look on eBay for cheaper premium brands too.

Go to a dept store so you have the options of a few brands, get matched for foundation/tinted moisturiser basically get matched for a base and ask if you can take a sample with you so you can see it in natural light and see if you like it on your face as the day goes on.

To save money you can look at some face palette-- charlotte tilbury does these, you get 2 eye shadows, highlighter, blusher, bronzer

Start with the basics and build up

I always find them very helpful at Mac and like TashieWoo says you can always buy one or two products from them but you'll get lots of ideas about what suits you can buy elsewhere

I think Bobbi Brown too, if you just want to look like yourself but more polished. Like so people say "you look nice" rather than "your orange mascara and scouse brow is so on-trend! They're a bit less out there than MAC and less risk of them giving you the hard sell on something bonkers that is this week's must have.

You can get perfectly nice makeup cheaper in Boots (increasingly seems as though prices are catching up with the dept stores though!) if you know where to look. Bourjois is a good place to start. But you never get anyone to help talk you through it so that's a bit of what you're paying more for when you go to a counter.

Bare minerals

Bobbi Brown or Bare Minerals. Both are fantastic and go for a more 'natural look'.

I really wouldn't go to Benefit as it's not (imo) natural. Mac always seems a bit daunting as so much to choose from and always seems so busy so not sure they'd take their time with you.

I don't know much about make up and just go to 2 mentioned as they don't make me feel like an idiot!

I second B Brown. I used to like Clinique but once their foundations became too dark for me I swapped to BB, but now actually use Dior Star foundation which I love.

However, I use Bobbi Brown eye shadows, blusher, concealer, powder and lippy. Oh and eye liner. They have a massive range of colours. If you want to experiment with eye shadow I'd suggest going cheaper- Rimmel or Bourjois - first to try out colours. B Brown are very pricey- like £19 for an eye shadow. Ok it lasts me years , even using daily, but it's a bit outlay.

Your must have is a good foundation, and although BBrown has the right shades for me, I don't like their foundations - nothing quite right.

Shop around and get samples- maybe Dior, Clinique, Lauder, Mac, Bobbi Brown.

Bobbi Brown do the you but enhanced look very well.

I second (or 3rd) the Bare Minerals suggestion, it's one of the only brands I wear for basics (foundation, concealer, blush) it's natural yet buildable and supposedly good for your skin plus easy to use

I really like Laura Mercier. Again, not cheap -but their mineral powder is better than bare minerals, and it lasts for a good while.

Bobbi Brown will be great if you're just starting out. NARS is very good too.

Have your make up done at a few counters too before you make a big purchase. Just approach the ones that appeal to you.

Do some internet research. Most brands have one or two things in their range which are referred to as hero products. Clinique do brilliant mascara. Guerlain have the best bronzer. NARS lip crayons are excellent etc.

For eyeshadows please check out the budget brands in Superdrug. MUA and Make Up Revolution have fantastic palettes for between £5 and £10. Extremely pigmented and a good selection of finishes, matte, shimmer, sparkle.

You'll need good brushes but don't feel that you have to buy the super expensive ones. Spectrum and Real Techniques are a good place to start.