Complete makeup overhaul - where would you go?

[StripyDeckchair]

Thinking of going to a counter and getting a complete overhaul, as it were. I've done this with MAC once before when I had a voucher and the results were mixed - foundation was good but not too fussed about anything else.

Now I've lapsed back into my usual cheap options. They don't last through the day and I don't look great.

Where should I try? If it helps, I have really quite pale combination skin with pink undertones. I struggle to find a foundation that isn't too orange. I have light brown/blondish hair and grey eyes. I'm mid 30s.

I tend to go for full coverage foundation and lots of under eye coverage needed! Then fairly light on everything else. I just want a simple every day look

Any recommendations? Thank you!

Actually, I have found that French owned companies such as Lancome tend to put me in a pink toned foundation (totally wrong as I have light but warm colouring!)

I know everyone says Bobbi Brown (Though some people say there foundations are a bit yellow) but try them anyway. Or try Nars. I think if you want natural you probably won't want Urban Decay etc.

I'm. Pink toned and Lancome are good for pink tones.

Estee Lauder is OK.

Chanel are great for pink tones.

Bare Minerals but only for foundations etc I don't rate their eye or lip products..

Avoid Benefit, Bobbi Brown and mac.

Bobbi brown have got to be the worse in plastering your face with completely unsuitable colours but Benefit are a close second.

Try Laura Mercier

Go to Space NK and get an overhaul.

It cosmetics! It's very simple and natural but it's fab for fairer shades. I am obsessed. Look at their Instagram and you'll see what I mean (I promise I don't work for them 😂)

Space NK as you get to try different brands & I have never been in a store where the staff weren't exceedingly helpful

I like BBrown make up but find the store staff either great or cant be bothered. They do do online foundation with guaranteed money back. I like their skin foundation.

I like the Chanel Les Beiges range - again staff can be great or not so depending on location .

Try YSL - I'm a black woman so my choice is a bit limited but I love their stuff. I use their entire range - fash wash, serum moisturizer and primer. The foundation isn't great for 12-hour wear but the tone matches my skin to perfection.

Avoid MAC - mainly because of the number of teens queuing up to buy if you go into the counters.

I am pale with combination skin.
I cant get along with a few bigger brands.
My foundation is revlon colorstay for combination skin. Its amazing! Full coverage matte and very long lasting.
Concealer i use revolution which has been hailed a dupe for tarte shape tape. Again this is matte and full coverage.
Struggling for a good mattifying powder however have just bought some kiko translucent finishing powder which has great reviews.
Nyx lipsticks are lush. Benefit blushers and bronzers.
Eyebrow wise the best product ive tried believe it or not is the george asda pomade. Colour is amazing its so easy to apply and is seriously long lasting.
Ive tried a lot of high end and drugstore stuff and these basics are what work best for my colour and skin.
A good primer is porefessional or babyskin which is a dupe
I do use vit c serum under this to mattify my skin.

I’ve been using Trinny London makeup for a while now and really like it.

If you’re set on going to a counter then look at the consultant rather than the brand if that makes sense, a good consultant will give you tips on application and increasing longevity so if you like their look then it will give you an idea of what they can teach you.

Some things are worth spending more on, like foundation but some things are not as important such as lipsticks IMO but if the consultant is good they will advise on what colours and tones will suit you and you can get an idea from there and apply the principles to cheaper options. Sometimes what you’re doing under your makeup can make a big difference to how long it lasts and how it sit so that’s worth considering too.

When you’re trying a new foundation always ask for a sample to try at home for a few days before you commit and buy, all premium companies offer this now as far as I know although they might not advertise it, and I’d advise being upfront about wanting a sample first when you’re asking.

Dior, Clinique and Lauder all do a good full coverage foundation.
I may have inside knowledge

I know you've had mixed results with Mac but I think a lot depends on the MUA you get. Some of them are determined to flog studio fix foundation which isn't great. No idea what the determination is there!!
I'm very fair with pink tones and cannot get past the Mac studio sculpt (nc15 or nc20) it balances out all of my pink tones and when applied with a dense brush it gives a natural looking full coverage that lasts all day (I have eczema and it even lasts when I use hydromol a.k.a grease as my moisturiser!) their pro longwear concealer is also great. I like bare minerals for tinted moisturiser and their mineral veil. Benefit for mascara, they're real particularly. I do also like the boi-ing concealer and their brow powders too.
I use Mac's eyeliner and blusher but have used good supermarket bought blusher and eyeliner. I absolutely love bourgeois matte lip products.

I have neutral rather than pink toned skin but love Bobbi Brown and Chanel for foundation.

Revlon Youthful Fix Blur (approx. £14) is surprisingly good for a cheaper foundation and one of the only drugstore ones I like! I have quite good skin and few lines but this is a really good foundation!

Daniel Sandler Watercolour Blush which I bought recently (and didn't like at first but now love it!) - is expensive but very natural and quite glowy.

Lipsticks for me are generally MAC - can't beat their colours, or NARS lip pencils. Primark does a dupe of MAC Faux though which I want to try. Primark also does great lip pencils.

Space NK are great but I'd really research exactly what you want from there - bought a Becca highlighter but wrong colour really and expensive for what it is.

I’m a bit of a Charlotte Tilbury fan.

If it was me I'd go to Lancôme, they've got a great range of pale foundations.