Which make-up brand? Help please

[macaronigonzalez]

I am in desperate need of a major make-up overall. The last time I had a proper consultation was over 12 years ago, barring getting some advice on foundation pre-chemo about 3 years ago.

I have always previously used Clinique, purely because I haven't branched out, but I recognise that might not be the most suitable for me at this point. I'm in my early 40s, post menopausal due to cancer treatment (so make-up needs to handle hot flushes), steel grey hair, with dark eye circles (genetic), and acne. I know, delightful! I want a look that gives me good coverage, but not too heavy looking, and then just a fairly natural decent night's sleep look, as opposed to anything full on.

I don't have time to go to a lot of counters for consultation - I'm going to try to take advantage of a small window of childcare next week. Any advice on a good brand to try? Thanks.

Bobbi Brown or Laura Mercier for sure. Both are excellent and focus on natural looks and colours.

Charlotte tilbury or Bobbi brown sound suitable for you

I'm a Mua and I'd suggest paying for a session with a freelance mua.......far more beneficial than sticking to one brand x

That's something I hadn't considered, @thinkingcapon - maybe one to think about the future. I need a quick fix right now though, so I'll look into the ones suggested - thanks, @Scoose and @OHolyNightOwl. I know there's a Bobbi Brown nearby and I'll check out the other two.

Take some sAmple pots with you as guaranteed they'll not have any samples or if they do they won't be the right shades! X

Use the foundation matrix if you know your skin tone colour and then adjust the search for the type of coverage you want.

I can recommend Maybelline whipped matte mousse foundation for excellent coverage without that heavy feeling you often get with full ones. It doesn’t separate out either.

Re other make up Superdrug is excellent and I rate Revlon products.

I would definitely recommend Bobbi Brown. They specialise in a polished natural look and their corrector worn under concealer is excellent at disguising dark under eye circles.

If you want a one-stop shop, Bobbi for me too - with make up, I go for quality over quantity. They give good advice at the counters - currently some things are 15% off in John Lewis...

You might also look at Nars - the sheer glow foundation and radiant creamy concealer are just gorgeous.

Thanks for everyone's advice. I went to Bobbi Brown yesterday for a foundation consultation and ended up sorely disappointed. Before I'd left, the under eye area was creasing, so the consultant removed some of the product. Within an hour, the foundation was caking, even though she'd specifically made sure to tell me how the powder she was using was awesome because it prevented exactly this. I also didn't like how the makeup felt on my skin throughout the rest of the day - it felt greasy. I suspect another foundation formulation would have been better. It was probably a mistake to tell her I'd prefer a dewy to a matte finish. Lesson learned. I may have struck unlucky with the MUA too - I did feel she was a bit colour by numbers rather than looking at me as an individual.

So back to square one really. Hmpphh.

Try Chantecaille.

I'm sorely tempted to go back to my comfort zone of the Clinique counter. Is that a really bad idea? I might have a wander through the counters at Debenhams and see what's around...

That’s a shame re Bobbi Brown.

Do you have a Space NK near you? I’ve always really rated them and go there over any department store counter. And they sell Chantecaille as suggested by another poster. They do your skincare and makeup for nothing if you buy two products, although you will probably need to make an appointment. The staff are all well trained and there is a good variety of premium brands to try. Good luck!

It looks like they sell Chantecaille in SpaceNK. Would it be worth trying somewhere like there or Sephora that sell multiple brands?

Ha! Cross post.

Ok that sounds like a good next plan. Thanks!

I know I recommended Bobbi Brown, but there us nothing wrong with Clinique of it works for you!
I in fact have more Clinique make up than I do Bobbi Brown.

MAC do lots of different textures of foundation and are good at matching your skin tone. It sounds like you might want more of a satin finish than a dewy finish too. I have used the Bobbi Brown corrector and found it creased badly but now I use Clarins instant concealer and it doesn’t crease at all so maybe give that a try? I also use Clinique’s translucent powder which isn’t powdery at all but gives a bit of an airbrushed look and takes down the shine (oily skin here). And yes, as PP said, nothing wrong with Clinique if it suits your skin.

I've posted before but you should go to space nk to try multiple brands instead of going to one place x

I'd second (third!) Space NK. For a long time I was a bit scared of going in, all looked a bit pretentious. But honestly, the staff are lovely and there isn't a hard sell. If you're on a budget tell them and they'll work to it, if you're not then the world is your oyster!

Can't recommend Laura Mercia highly enough. No caking on older skin, it's brilliant.