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Style and beauty

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Original poster

Makeup lesson - any experiences?

46 replies

TheRattleBag · 09/04/2019 10:28

Has anyone had any experience of paying for a makeup lesson?

I'm considering forking out for a lesson at my local MAC counter (£50 for 90 mins) because despite being well into my forties, I still feel like a total nitwit when applying full makeup.

It's hard to describe but I feel as though I'm dressing up and feel a bit embarrassed by the simple act of putting it on. This is probably because I have no idea what I'm doing

Day to day I stick to a compact foundation with a bit of lipstick, but I'm getting to the age now where I need a bit more help.

Would I be mad to go for a lesson?

Any guidance/experiences welcome!

OP posts:

Original poster

TheRattleBag · 10/04/2019 09:58

Thanks to all for your responses, and thanks for not making me feel silly for wanting this!

I think I will try to find someone who is less affiliated to a single brand, as I confess I fear the hard sell I might get.

I'm in South Yorkshire if anyone knows someone local?

But if that's not possible, I might give a makeup counter a go anyway.

I've looked at Bobbi Brown but all the lessons seem targeted for a specific look/event, rather than a general "I'm a bit crap with makeup how can I improve"!

Thanks again :-)

OP posts:

worriedbutexcited · 10/04/2019 10:34

If you go and say “I’m a bit crap with applying my makeup, please could you help?” they will help you, as long as you get a decent consultant, maybe find a few pics of looks you like before you go to show them, your idea of natural maybe completely different to theirs!
On a counter the expecatation is normally to purchase a couple of items but I would no way expect you to be buying everything but if I’ve spent time with you and then you bought nothing I’d be a bit pissed off. Go when the counters are quiet so you’ll get more time and be honest about what you’re doing, don’t crack on your there to buy everything, just let them know you’re looking for help with application and what colours would suit

SpongeBobJudgeyPants · 10/04/2019 11:59

IMHO less is more when you get to the 45+ stage. I have given up on eyeshadow in my late 50's as my eyes are more hooded, and a bit of subtle-ish eyeliner, no cat-flicks, seems to work better. I have a light hand when I do where foundation as I don't want it to 'settle' round my eyes. A lip brush or pencil helps define my lipline more, whereas I used to just whack it on out of the tube.

Rattymare · 10/04/2019 12:38

I had a Boots No 7 makeover. It was free of charge and you can book it on-line . It was lovely and there was no pressure to purchase or hard selling although I did buy quite a few items.

WellTidy · 10/04/2019 12:49

I think I could easily lose a week of my life with the Lisa Eldridge videos. Plus all the money in my current account. What amazing videos!

Original poster

TheRattleBag · 10/04/2019 19:27

OK I did a bit of googling today and found a local makeup artist who charges £32 for a 90 min appt, going through your own makeup bag and giving guidance, and doing a daytime and nighttime look.

And when I've done that maybe I'll splurge at a makeup counter for some fancy pants new products!

OP posts:

TooStressyTooMessy · 10/04/2019 19:34

I’ve had one proper make up lesson at a spa, there was a cost but it was refundable against the products. It was brilliant and really relaxed.

I’ve also had a few makeovers at make up counters which were free but a bit of a hard sell product-wise.

Unfortunately I’m not the best advert for them because, despite all the advice I’ve been given, I still hardly ever wear proper make up . I was hoping for a look that takes less than 5 minutes to do in the morning and never seem to be given that.

walkingtheplank · 10/04/2019 19:35

Sounds like a great solution for you if application of your own products is what you're looking for. I wonder what she'll do if she thinks you should use something that you don't actually own.

I went to an independent makeup artist who worked in a London department store. She taught me some good techniques and introduced me to some great products, some of which I still use. As she wasn't tied to one brand, she was able to select the right brand for each item, introducing me to 2 brands I hadn't heard of at the time.

Hope your session goes well.

Honeycake50 · 11/04/2019 12:23

This reply has been withdrawn

The OP has privacy concerns, so we've agreed to take this down.

WednesdaySpinner · 11/04/2019 16:03

I’ve done the 90min MAC lesson and highly recommend it. They ask you what look you are going for and what you usually wear, then do half of your face whilst watching you do the second half. They give you hints and advice when you are doing it (I.e brush lower down, that might be too much product on the brush etc) and then write it all down on a chart so that you know exactly what to do at home. You also get the cost of the lesson back to spend on products at the end.

WednesdaySpinner · 11/04/2019 16:04

Forgot to add, I do think that some MAC stores are better than others. My local stand alone is great but the one in the Debenhams counter made me look like an orange clown!

SpongeBobJudgeyPants · 11/04/2019 16:44

That sounds like a good plan OP. Come back and let us know how you get on!

Scattyhattie · 11/04/2019 22:06

I had one at Bobbi Brown, £30 redeemable against purchases. I did say I don't have a clue & would like daytime look can change to night. It was useful she went through some basics on skincare to prep & application. It was a fairly basic so had a chance of achieving it. You can specify what you want to learn rather than set looks.

I'm such a sales sucker though as I had planned not to buy anything at time & return later after testing. I'm hoping the foundation stays on better with some primer like my others, colour looked OK at least.
I like YouTube tutorials but sometimes its hard to relate it to your own features/application skills

Clearoutre · 12/04/2019 04:56

I’d recommend having some specifics ready like: I want my brows to look darker/thicker, I want to conceal my dark circles, I don’t want to wear foundation, I want a natural looking lip colour and then you end up with targeted products.

Even if you have no idea about make up & products most people can say what they do/don’t like about their face and then you're already matching your needs to their expertise.

Also, it’s not just about the products but how you apply them and what tools you use. I totally upped my concealer game (using the same Nars creamy concealer product) by applying it in a different shape and using a round, short, thick foundation brush instead of a beauty blender (a sponge).

Gwenhwyfar · 12/04/2019 21:57

I'm interested in this as well. Really hesitant about MAC as the women who work there in my city seem to be so young.

Auldspinster · 13/04/2019 19:36

I've had my make up done at Tom Ford and Guerlain counters, tbh I could have done a better job myself. I've always worn make up and know what works for me.

Alsohuman · 13/04/2019 20:24

After having a few of these at various counters, Bobbi Brown has been the best. Agnes in Covent Garden is fantastic.

Original poster

TheRattleBag · 15/04/2019 17:23

OK I found someone local and I'm going on Wednesday..... will let you know how I get on!

OP posts:

OhDiddums · 15/04/2019 17:28

I have had one with MAC before and in all honesty none of the counters I have been to focus on really 'teaching' you. Although they are brilliant MAC tend to be quite dramatic looks, so if you're looking for more day to day I would definitely recommend Bobbi Brown. A 45 min make over is £30 redeemable against product. MAC is also redeemable against product.

Original poster

TheRattleBag · 17/04/2019 17:44

Well, I went to my local make up artist this morning, and she was fab.

She helped me to pick a better foundation for my skin tone and condition, and a concealer for the bags under my eyes, which were both MAC products, but the rest of the stuff she used was my own.

She made up my face for me, giving me a full commentary and letting me watch in the mirror so I can recreate it at home.

I found out that I've been applying blusher completely wrong (Aunt Sally anyone?), and that I don't really need to worry about under eye make up as my eyes don't really need it (which is a relief 'cos I'm rubbish at it!)

Sadly I also had it confirmed that matte lipsticks are perhaps not the best look for me, even though I love them. They're just a bit harsh I think now I'm getting on a bit. But I will hang on to them to wear with a top coat (even if only chapstick) 'cos I love the colours.

She also talked me through which brushes to use where, and again used my own where possible.

As she doesn't sell make up she wasn't pushy at all, and gave me a few tips for budget conscious alternatives.

All in all it was a very positive experience and I'd recommend it to anyone.

And we had a good chat about 80s music, cats and Dr Martens!

OP posts:

tigerbear · 17/04/2019 23:38

@Frequency, May I ask which college you’re training at? I’m considering training as a MUA too, and currently researching courses (I’m in London). Thank you

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