Which make up counter? What to ask?

[Pear21]

Please help me choose some new make up. I’m a bit intimidated by the make up counters. I’m looking for a new look for daytime that can also do for a nice meal out with friends, nothing too fancy. I don’t normally wear much make up and I’m in my late 30s if that makes a difference.

which make up counter should I try? And what should I say? I normally mumble something about wanting Some new make up, possibly a new eye shadow and come away with not very much. Where do I start? I’m genuinely clueless

Should say budget not really an object (within reason)

Bobbi brown

Laura Mercier

If I was limited to a department store I would gravitate to Bobbi Brown since I’ve had make-overs with them that are not too OTT and they’re known for a pretty natural look. I did have a really good experience in Space NK and they have access to a range of really good brands you won’t find in every department store. A make up artist is going to use a lot of products though and I don’t think it’s necessary to always use it all ( primers for example). I’d ask for a natural day look and then establish the key products for that look - eg, tinted moisturiser, concealer and cream blush for example then ask how you can ramp it up for evening. If you can go on a weekday you might not have to pre-book anything. ( check what they’re doing post Covid though )

There are lots of good brands to choose from but if you want a comprehensive consultation it’s best to book a “makeover”. In the old days you paid about £25 and then could redeem that against products that you bought, I assume similar offers are still available. Then tell them exactly what you’ve told us.
I’ve heard good feedback from people who have done this with Bobbie brown, I used Mac for mine but I do recognise that Mac shops can feel quite intense.
good luck

Chanel and Bobbi Brown are my go to brands for a very natural, classic makeup look (for something more arty and creative I always visit MAC or Charlotte Tilbury). I would say for a lesson Bobbi Brown is very good and has some of the best everyday easy to apply daily makeup staples. I would ask for a lesson in natural makeup looks - Bobbi Brown usually do these for free and you redeem against a product. Agree with other posters above - don’t get sucked into primers etc at this stage (it might be something you enjoy trying out at a later date).

I'd try Charlotte Tilbury and like pp said, go for the makeover. You get the money back in products of your choice.

If you don't like it, keep going to the next one!

I am a fan of Mac, but not a fan of their makeovers.

Bobbi Brown. Great for a natural, non-scary makeup style.

Also it’s quite personal what you like as your day to day look. But for me the essentials are a very light foundation or tinted moisturiser (I just apply with my fingers, I went through stages of brushes but I find the heat from my fingers helps it to melt in). Blusher (again a cream stick is good to save on buying brushes) but it depends on your skin type. I really rate the Bobbie Brown stick eyeshadows (again no tools needed), mascara and lipstick. Nice extras would be a bronzer (not to look bronzed but it warms my skin up as I am very pale), lip liner and eye liner (but I rarely do this I can’t be bothered to learn it properly)! I also use a SPF moisturiser underneath.

That’s great thank you I didn’t expect so many replies. I didn’t realise I’d need to book something. I might just go along and try my luck.

what products do you think will make the biggest difference? I’m thinking foundation, eye shadow and blusher to start?

thanks so much that’s really helpful everyone

I think no to foundation and yes to a tinted moisturiser or BB cream or similar (unless of course you have problem skin). You then use concealer to cover any blemishes. Other than that what else you need would depend on your colouring and what you want to emphasise. The eye shadow pencils by Bobbi Brown are very versatile and can double up as a soft eyeliner. I look much better with a gel or cream blush on but I’m older than you with fair / dry skin. A lot of people probably wouldn’t leave the house without mascara and would choose that over eye shadow ( everyone’s different - there’s no one answer )

I really liked Guerlain if you can find them. Or Bobbi Brown.

Both are very good at natural yet subtly glamorous. I'd just tell them broadly what's in your OP and see what they suggest. Say you're open to new products and want a new, but subtle, look. Tell them if there's anything you are unlikely to like/want (eg. I hate highlighter and end up smearing it everywhere) and let them do their thing.

Bobbi Brown all the way! They often do 20% off on asos and their own website too.

Another vote for Bobbi Brown or Space NK. In fact, I could do with freshening up my make up for spring so you've reminded me to book in. They're very good and understand a natural look.

Great sounds like Bobbi Brown would be perfect thanks

Great sounds like Bobbi Brown would be perfect thanks