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Original poster

Which make up counter should I head for ?

34 replies

Yankeedoodlemandy · 03/04/2023 20:50

I am early fifties , overweight and clueless about makeup. Some recent photos have made me get me arse in gear to lose weight but I also need to get some simple makeup. Foundation or tinted moisturiser , blusher etc. which John Lewis counter would be best? I don’t want people to comment that I’m wearing make up, just maybe say I look well ( and hopefully younger !).

OP posts:
Zone2NorthLondon · 03/04/2023 20:57

Bobbi Brown or Estée Lauder for tinted moisturiser and go for brown mascara it’s more flattering
Also get a tubing mascara ,they don’t flake off,remove with warm water
check out sali Hughes recommendations in the guardian too
and less is always more

OatMilkLattes · 03/04/2023 21:06

Trinny London is great!

Also a lot of the Beauty Pie (online) items are so nice - the cream blush is so lovely, doesn’t look powdery/cakey.

Sorry I know these aren’t at JL! Just wanted to recommend my faves for barely there makeup x

LunchBoxPolice · 03/04/2023 21:07

Bobbi brown for natural looking make up, it’s good quality and not heavy.

Emotionalstorm · 03/04/2023 21:08

Oxygenetix is very natural and has good coverage but they have no counter and you need to order online. Suqqu also does a very good foundation at Selfridges.

Do you have a Space NK near you? Hourglass does a really good eyebrow pencil.

Original poster
Yankeedoodlemandy · 03/04/2023 21:12

I need a counter so they can match my skin tone. I’ve had online disasters before ! Otherwise I would try Superdrug. Actually there is a big boots near me with counters.
so I want cream or powder blush for mature skin.

OP posts:
Spinningscrewdrivers · 03/04/2023 21:18

If you have a boots nearby, I would really rate their Beautifully Matte foundation. They have a little tool that matches your skin tone to their range - I found going one darker actually suited me better but testers are always great for playing around to find the best shade.

Peckhaminn · 03/04/2023 21:19

YSL foundation! Really good coverage with lots of shades.

Zone2NorthLondon · 03/04/2023 21:42

Estée Lauder will both colour match and give samples. Take a sample top try at home
IMO, cream blush is more subtle

Sylvaniandysfunctionalfamily · 03/04/2023 21:44

Estée Lauder consultants are usually very nice and helpful IME

bignope · 03/04/2023 21:48

I like Nars for foundation. They have counters in big Boots and probably John Lewis too.

bignope · 03/04/2023 21:49

Lancôme Lash Idole for mascara.

Zone2NorthLondon · 03/04/2023 21:51

Don’t feel compelled to buy immediately,take home foundation sample to try
There are multiple good brands to try. The brands will offer a free consultation

Eve · 03/04/2023 21:53

Some John Lewis stores have impartial consultants so they will pick from all brands for you.

https://www.johnlewis.com/our-services/beauty-society

Shouldershrugger · 03/04/2023 21:56

Charlotte Tilbury. But don't buy it right away. Give the make up some time to oxidise.

WellTidy · 03/04/2023 21:56

Nars or Laura Mercier are the best rated (generally) for tinted moisturisers. I like both - there is slightly more shimmer in the LM I think, the Nars is a little more matt. But theres not much in it.

summerfinn · 03/04/2023 22:00

WellTidy · 03/04/2023 21:56

Nars or Laura Mercier are the best rated (generally) for tinted moisturisers. I like both - there is slightly more shimmer in the LM I think, the Nars is a little more matt. But theres not much in it.

I found the Laura mercier tinted moisturiser very sticky and made my skin very shiny. Didn't really cover anything and was too expensive. I have yet to find a tinted moisturiser I like.

Newmum738 · 03/04/2023 22:16

Estee Lauder gets my vote.

thegrain · 03/04/2023 22:22

I would look at bobbi brown, estee lauder and clinique online and see which one sort of grabs your attention and the prices etc.

Original poster
Yankeedoodlemandy · 03/04/2023 22:35

estee Lauder gets a few votes so might be a good start.

OP posts:
Original poster
Yankeedoodlemandy · 03/04/2023 22:36

I wouldn’t mind using cheaper brands but need the skin matching help as above.

OP posts:
yikesanotherbooboo · 03/04/2023 22:38

I like Bobbi Brown , Nars ,Laura Mercier and Clinique for mascara and lipsticks. Having said that , I have a nice tinted moisturiser from By Terry .

Shouldershrugger · 03/04/2023 22:41

If you want reasonably priced good products, try the NYX counter. Although that might be at Boots. Really reasonable and get a hydrating and dewy setting spray too. That'll help durability of your make up. I have also heard that Estee Lauder coverage is good. But definitely try NYX. Let us know what you get.

Tallulasdancingshoes · 04/04/2023 13:27

Bobbi Brown skin foundation stick is great. Really natural looking, you can use just s bit for light coverage or build it up for more. Plus there’s s big range of colours so you should be able to find a good mix.

LookUponMyWorks · 04/04/2023 13:37

I had great success with the Kat Von D counter in Boots. Really good quality and cruelty free products.