Where do I go to get a whole new load of makeup?

[SomethingNastyInTheBallPool]

I suddenly realised the other day that most of my makeup is about 20 years old. All my lovingly hoarded but seldom-used eye shadows, eye pencils, blushers…
Even if they weren’t little pots of bacteria by now, I have a suspicion that they wouldn’t do a lot for me, 20 years down the line.
In the olden days, I’d have gone to MAC, Shu Uemura or Bobbie Brown for a makeover. What’s the best makeup counter nowadays for this sort of thing? Thank you!

Firstly, I'd think about what kind of budget you have.
Their is some lovely high end stuff thatI don't have but some equally lovely cheap things that perform well also.
Superdrug has some amazing things from MUA and the like which are treat performers as well as 'collection cosmetics' which are my fave and also very cheap. They have an under eye concealer which people rave about (I have the colour lemon which makes undereyes brighter).
I'd love to try Huda and Fenty but it's out of my price range. They are meant to be good and you can get then at larger Boots stores.
I used to like Boots no7 and they are okay but a bit safe sometimes.
Barry M are quite good also.

Thanks, @witchesbubblebath . I don’t mind spending money on good-quality stuff, but I think I need a good salesperson/makeup artist to help me choose the colours and formulations, as that stuff that suited me the last time I really went to town probably isn’t what would suit me now.

I normally spend quite a bit but recently had make up done for an event with maybelline concealer and mascara and really impressed.
Some offers in Boots and JL at the moment - normally use Clinique (excellent quality), Estée Lauder (quite safe but great pigmentation in lipsticks), Bobbi Brown (mixed, compacts normally fall apart), Smashbox for primer and setting spray. I’ve found MAC a bit orange on me. Would like to try Huda and Fenty but not sure how they’d sit on my skin.

Thanks, @SuperPug . Just to clarify, I really want to know which counters do (good) makeovers and are prepared to spend some time with customers to find the right colours and formulations.

In the past, my favourite eye shadows, lipsticks etc came from MAC, Laura Mercier, Bobbi Brown, and Shu Uemura and Prescriptives (RIP - sob). I’m not really looking for foundation as I don’t tend to wear it much, and I have a couple I’m happy with.

Oh, and I do like Trinny London stuff and have bought online, but I can’t be bothered to schlep to Bond Street to play around in person.

Ah sorry. Tbh my experience with counters hasn’t been great - Bobbi Brown, MAC and Charlotte Tilbury. Generally find that’s it’s done too quickly, no base so it’s too dry etc

Oh, that’s disappointing. I have such fond memories of hours spent in Shu Uemura in Covent Garden c. 2002, while a lovely woman showed me how to draw little arrows in gold eye pencil in the inner corners of my eyes, etc.

I had a make up lesson with a lovely local MUA. She recommended products which she uses. Genuine recommendations because she doesn't get any money for selling them.

Space NK have a wide variety of brands
you could join beauty pie ?

@Mylittlesandwich That sounds great. How did you find her?

It was actually a birthday present from my SIL. I'm in central Scotland if that helps. Instagram is usually good for finding MUA's. Search MUA and your area and have a look through see if what anyone is creating looks good to you.

Thank you, @Mylittlesandwich ! I’ll do that.

@SomethingNastyInTheBallPool I needed a change of make-up last year for pretty much the same reason that you gave, and I went to Dior. It was quite by luck that the lady on the counter happened to be a trained MUA. The make-up was fab and I’ve gone back to her since for different looks. Never pushy, and always a great result. The products are expensive, but they suit my skin far better than two other high-end brands I’ve used in the past.
I didn’t choose them for reputation, and I had no idea about their make-up, but merely because years ago they did something very unexpected and kind in a moment of need. It’s turned out really well; third time lucky.

Thank you, @LadySpratt - I've liked Dior stuff in the past, especially their nail polish, so will definitely take a look.

I would go with a local MUA as suggested. There are so many amazing brands that don't have counters but MUAs will know. Plus if I had to buy every item new I know I wouldn't use the same brand for everything, I would probably end up using about 10 as there are some that do things better than others.

A couple of years ago my friend contacted a local makeup artist who usually does weddings and special occasion makeup and asked her if the 2 of us could have our makeup done. As it wasn’t peak wedding season, she had the time to spend a couple of hours with us. It was like a masterclass, we learnt so much! She did use a lot of Charlotte Tilbury but also cheaper brands like Sigma and a Maybelline concealer which I still buy today. I would approach someone local to you and explain what you would like, a makeup bag refresh? If you would rather go into a department store you may need to pre-book and pay then get money refunded/partially refunded against any purchases from that brand. I like Mac, Bobbi Brown and Nars for that but I don’t like to buy everything from one brand.

I’m now googling makeup artists near me!

I know a brilliant one if you happen to be in South London OP

Have a look at beauty and the boutique online. Some really lovely products all with tutorials.

I had a really good experience in NARS recently and also have quite a few bits I buy on repeat from Bobbi brown, they often offer a makeover and I buy extra things

I would echo the Dior counter. I have returned simply due to how well informed the lady there is. Never pressures but always happy show and explain. Bit by bit I am moving more and more to their brand due to her. I have yet to be unhappy with any of it

I've had great makeovers from boots and JL make up counters (Debenhams was my go to before) budget and quality wise boots 7 is a great option, you really shouldn't keep them that long!

If you like Bryony Blake, she does one on one tutorials (Zoom) - really good!

Sadly, I’m in North London, @DeborahVance , otherwise I’d demand her details!

I think it very much depends on the individual assistants in stores near you. I had a great experience with Bobbi Brown in John Lewis Liverpool, but I’ve had terrible encounters with with other Bobbi Brown counters elsewhere. I’ve also found Chanel in John Lewis to be good too. But I think it very much depends on which assistant you end up with on the day. My sil had a makeup lesson at Mac before her wedding and came out looking dreadful but the person next to her, who was also having a lesson (different assistant) looked fabulous.