The best make up counter for a makeover/ style tips for the slightly more 'mature' woman?

[turquoise]

I love Mac and while browsing asked the sales girl for eyeshadow tips, as I am now wearing contacts more often and aware of how utterly pisshole in the snow my eyes really are. She was rather snotty, said "You've got really small eyes, for 25 pounds I can teach you how to line them" which didn't seem like a tremendous bargain - so who are the best for this kind of thing?

Had a look round the other counters, and think there's a worryingly high chance I'll come out looking like this

£25!!!!!!!!

Girl at Mac showed me for free - still can't do it mind.

Benefit are good.

god the mac girl did my eyes and i looked like a crazed miss havisham. go to the counter with the woman closest to your age. chanel or lancome are normally on the mature side. bobbi brown do a 'make-up university' which i have never been brave enough to attend but sounds hilarious.

The girl on the Lancome dept spent 20-30 mins with me and did a makeover for free. It was nice too - more than i'd ususally where during the day (which isn't hard as i don't tend to bother) but still quite subtle. I definitelt wouldn't pay for one. if they are good enough at their jobs you'll buy some products from them anyway.

Yikes at the ones closest to my age - they were the scariest looking of the lot! Staggering how much thick thick slap they all had on though, even the youngest ones.

Might check out Dior though, as I fancy trying their foundation. I wanted something a bit funky though eyeshadow-wise - not Lily Allen exactly (scary thought on old crone) but new and different, and making my eyes bigger.

lol, just go back to the mac counter and ask someone else. go on a weekday if you can to avoid being rushed. i think mac do have teh nicest eyeshadow.

Bobbi Brown, formulations seem to really work for more mature skin. But pick a more mature assistant who isn't wearing bizarro hooker-ish eyeshadow.

i had my make-up done at Dior, spent about £200 well it was for my wedding. There isn't an obligation to buy though.

I had mine done at Clinique the other week because all the women looked more natural and I wanted a day time look they were great I bought foundation eyeliner and mascara and they gave me lots of samples to take away and try

I had makeover at bobbi brown a few days ago.
Very natural and they don't look hookerish.

Just go and say you'd like some help choosing a new look.Also ask if they have any sample sizes of things of you don't want to buy on the day.

Elizabeth Arden normally v.good, or Estee Lauder

am 45 and had one at lancome..had to book...took half an hour....it was very helpful...i bought the "casual day" face she did and another eyeshadow/lippy for a more "going out" one...so was quite expensive but worth it

I'm in my 40s too and I had one done at Prescriptives about 6 months ago and was very pleased with the service, result etc.

Also recommend Laura Mercier.

Clairns is very good in my opinion, i quite fancy the idea that i look like a Parisien lady in my prime.

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Ive never been asked to pay (not that I frequent counters much with intent to buy these days) but ususally they are hppy to try out some stuff as long as they arent too busy.

MAC used to give out quite generous samples to try at home before you buy, although I suppose they cant do that with an eyeliner.

Boobi brown is nice. I booked my mum a full make up lesson which was about 1 hr inc cleansing etc. COst £25 but refundable against products and worth it IMHO.

Want to sort another sot of fun day out/beauty for mum next year