Make-up novice - which stores won't make me want to cry?

[SmallAndFighty]

Hi,

After a recent success asking here about evening out clothes...I also need to invest in some eye make-up for an evening out tomorrow! I haven't got an effing clue about applying eye make-up really and was hoping to run into a store this afternoon for some eyeliner and shadow (possibly also mascara although I might just use my current Boots stuff), and hopefully someone showing me what would suit and how to apply it (without sucking air through their teeth and trying to sell me a ton of other stuff).

I don't want to spend megabucks. Am in the office near Covent Garden, so a quick Google tells me I have MAC, Bobbi Brown, Nars, Chanel, Dior, Charlotte Tilsbury, Burberry. I think MAC is the most in my price range, but I'm 40 and don't need neon pink eyeshadow etc applied by a trendy young thing. Or would they be OK?! Quick help appreciated!

Charlotte Tilbury is brilliant and she does some fab little sets of small size cosmetics that go together. So good for trying things and easily getting a look that goes together. The eyeshadow palettes are great too.

I'm a self confessed eye shadow hoarder.
Price wise, I'd go for a decent palette over a few singles.

My favourites you can buy in the UK are Urban decay naked palettes, if you have Debenhams or house of Fraser nearby.

The staff are really helpful showing me people to apply and the palettes have little how to guides in for different styles (light day wear to heavy smoky eye).

The naked range are all very neutral colours (6ish different palettes I think) but have different tones. 1 neutral, 1 rose hue, 1 taupe hue etc. Have a look on the website

Thanks both. I have precisely one eyeshadow myself. Which I wore for my wedding 10 years ago. (Don't worry - I'll be throwing it out...)

MAC won't give you neon pink eyeshadow but (and I am generalising here) the customer service isn't great unless your a make up artist..

Agreed with urban decay, charlotte tilbury. I like Dior's products and have always had amazing service.

Bobbi brown will give you lessons and tbh the make up is value for money. Can you get to somewhere that sells NARs? Best concealer/foundation ever.

Bobbi brown for subtlety and no hard sell. Their long wear cream shadow sticks are beyond easy to use. Enjoy!

Number 7 or Liz Earle

OK, on the basis of the pooled wisdom above (thank you) I think I am going to head to Bobbi Brown or Charlotte Tilbury. CT looks more expensive...

Bobbi brown is the best out of those options, but I second (or third) urban decay palettes. You can get a dupe of them by a brand called W7 for about a fiver, quality isn't as good but they're good for practicing with.

Oh there is an Urban Decay nearby. I could do that. quandary

Is there a Clinique counter nearby? I've always found them to be brilliant, never try and sell things you don't need and their make up is definitely suited to women over 30 (although I used it in my teens and twenties).

Just to add their consultants are always knowledgable and are always more than happy to spend time talking through options/showing you how to apply.

Get yourself an eye primer and a Bobbi Brown Long Wear cream eyeshadow. No point trying to learn how to do anything more complex by tomorrow.

I'd go for neutral colours. Brown or grey eyeshadow. Whatever looks best against your skin tone. Easiest is to just apply small amount of shadow in socket line, blend and line your eyes with a matching kohl pencil. Then apply the shadow, with fine applicator, on top of the kohl to set it. Then mascara in black or brown.

I don't even bother with foundation, just use a dusting of pressed powder in my skin tone. Small amount of blusher brushed on cheekbones and a subtle lipstick and you can look pretty 'polished'.

I'm going to go against the grain and say if you can get an appointment go to mac- they will do it for you (how you ask, take a picture for inspiration)

The people in my local Kiko store are lovely and friendly and the stuff is great.

Try Kiko in Covent Garden. Very reasonably priced, great range of makeup and the staff are really helpful.

If you want to spend more and are after a natural look then you won't go wrong with Bobbi Brown.

Bobbi Brown. Good quality non scary products with nice sales people.

I have bought a few bits from charlotte tilbury and have been very impressed. They do a fab eyeshadow pencil that is so very easy to apply.

this one

oh and a mascara I bought has lasted me since March!!!!

So I tried both Bobbi Brown and Charlotte Tilbury, and both had events on so were completely rammed and terrifying. Ended up in Urban Decay and have come out with an eyeshadow palette, eye pencil and primer. I am also going into a meeting now looking completely bonkers.

Hoping I might be able to recreate some of what she's done with my sausage fingers tomorrow!

YouTube tutorials might be helpful

Second unipigs YouTube tutorials idea. Visualising what you're going for makes it easier.

Type in the name of the palette you bought to find tutorials using the same products, otherwise it can look a bit off if you're not using the same tones/colours as the make up artist. Have fun tomorrow!

Ooh try the nars shop it's right near you I love their eyeshadow they're packed with colour