Having make up done in London

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I'd like to get my make up done for a party next week and also to learn a few new make up tips. I don't want, and can't afford, an actual MUA or salon make over.

There are several reviews online of make overs according to make up brand and they all seem to say that you book an appointment at a department store or a make up brand store. I haven't been able to find out how though. The websites mention face to face appointments but only actually offer virtual appointments. The only place which does offer face to face bookable appointments is Trinny London, but I'm not sure about the products and although the cost of the make over is reasonable and redeemable against their cosmetics, each one is very expensive.

Has anybody had a face to face make up appointment in London recently? How did you book and would you recommend? I would pay up to £50 and don't really want a hard sell to go with it.

You can book MAC through their website. I mainly use the one in the Bond Street store. The way it works is that you pay £50 for the makeover and then you get that £50 to spend on products.
I usually buy the lipstick and lipliner that they use during the makeover so that I can touch it up later.

There’s lots of brands that do the same thing. Selfridges website lists all of theirs and how to book.

@Sunsetsupernova thank you so much! That's exactly what I need to know and I am now on the Selfridges website. My next problem now is that there is too much choice. I hardly wear make usually and I am not at all a fan of thick make up, contouring etc. though I do want a party look. Also, I am in my mid 50s. I like to think my look isn't too middle aged OTOH I don't want to look like mutton dressed as lamb. And, of course the main thing is to look as 'rested' as possible. Do you have any brand recommendations, or to avoid?

Nicolina at Arch Shoreditch is an amazing make-up artist but you'll need to triple your budget.

www.archshoreditch.com/make-up

Try Frejya Barker at Fenwicks, Bond St. She has her own make up studio so you get a private session. She talks through what you'd like to achieve and then does your make up. She will then nip down to the shop floor and get you any items you choose to purchase. It costs around £50 to book, but redeemable against any purchases. I went a couple of years back, before Covid when I was nearly 50. She was really excellent. She didnt try to sell me anything. She makes a list of what she's used on you at the end which you can take away. She's not tied to any particular brand so she can individualise to your needs/what suits you.

Thanks! Nicolina is out of my budget sadly.

Frey-ja sounds ideal! The Fenwicks website mentions you can book her for make up but there is no booking system there, so I have emailed her from her own website.

MAC can be hit and miss depending on skill of the MUA. I’d opt for an independent one.

I had one in Selfridges, can’t recall price. Used lots of different brands and no hard sell.

I'd go with the Bobbi brown party look one to fit what you're after.
Their products are not the most exciting but wear well and are flattering. You'd not get anything wild from them.

Bobbi Brown without a doubt OP.

If you look at the That's Not My Age website, Alyson Walsh often uses a make up artist whose work might appeal. IIRC her name is Louise Heywood.

Call a branch of SpaceNK near where you’re planning to be, and ask to book

They don’t have a formal booking system on their website but have always been very friendly and happy to do make up whenever I’ve asked

They have 5 or 6 ranges in stock and will use whichever they think is appropriate for your skin etc

[quote HundredMilesAnHour]Nicolina at Arch Shoreditch is an amazing make-up artist but you'll need to triple your budget.

www.archshoreditch.com/make-up[/quote]
Why bother sending this?? "Triple your budget"

Do you enjoy showing off....honestly

Why bother sending this?? "Triple your budget"
Do you enjoy showing off....honestly angry

No need to be so unpleasant or rude.

I shared it because she's an excellent make-up artist. God forbid making a recommendation is classed as "showing off".

But the OP clearly gave her budget, so how is it helpful to recommend someone whose price is 3 times that?

No need to be so unpleasant or rude.

Irony.