If you were going to go to a makeup counter

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Which one would you choose? I can't afford the very high end products (like Dior, Chanel) etc. but I'm nearly 40 and feel like I need a new look that isn't going to break the bank, but where friendly staff will help me as I have no idea what I'm doing 🙈. I'm not near London, so need the "normal" ones that you find in department stores.

I like Benefit for decent make up that's reasonably priced. I also like Glossier, but you'd need to order it online

Sephora

I would recommend a No7 counter in boots. Definitely cheaper than Dior etc!

The thing is, makeup counter workers are ALWAYS going to focus on selling the product. If there's any way you could afford to go to a makeup class or hire a makeup artist who specializes in advice, I think that would be the best use of your money.

If that would be a struggle, brands do offer classes/tutorials where there's a charge but a discount on any items purchased. That way, you'd find out which products would be most useful and avoid wasting money. I think you'd spend less in the long-run.

For anything concealer- or foundation-related, I've found that Boots No 7 is affordable (or there are good discounts) and high-quality. There are many other brands that are great for colour but I don't want to recommend any because my skin (very pale, dry) might be different from yours. A good makeup artist should come with recommendations though. Good luck.

Clarins, Bobbi Brown and Clinique are my favourite. Laura Mercier and Benefit are good. The Clinique staff are always nice as are the others actually.

I also like the Rosie range in Space Nk (used to be in M&S)

Don’t feel pressured into buying anything! What items are you looking for? What type of routine do you have time for?

Space NK, Bobbi Brown and Armani.

No 7, I also love estee launder but not sure if that’s within budget x

Bobbi Brown has always been my favourite ‘high end’ make up although I have heard recently it’s changed a bit and become more glittery and shimmery.

All I wear at the moment is foundation (but don't even know if I'm applying that right as I kind of put it everywhere like a mask 🤦🏻‍♀️), a bit of blusher so I don't look totally like a zombie, mascara and a little bit of brow gel. And that's it! I just want a day look but that makes me look awake and "glowing", but something I can jazz up about if going out with some eyeshadow etc.

I agree with the advice of booking a make up lesson with a make up artist.

I recently had my make up done for a wedding, and she used so many beautiful products on me from so many brands such as Charlotte Tilbury, Armani, Nars. I now have a little wish list of a few products I’m looking to purchase off the back of her application and she was able to advise me on other brands and products too. Plus she is able to provide a discount code for some brands!

I know you said out of your price range but I went to dior and explained I couldn't buy a lot, the lady was fab and the makeover cost me £20 to be offset against a product so I came away with a lipstick and liner and a wish list. I had a second one at Dior a couple of years later as a direct result of the servicr. I now prefer no 7 but my advice is wherever you go be upfront and I have had a couple now where I felt they were really good and did give me advice about where it was worth spending the money.

Just to add I've tried YSL before too but found them very pushy for products. Can't edit post above

I'm in my 40's and recently had a make up lesson from a wedding make up artist. I think it really helped with application and what products and shades work well. It was a day look so I can copy the lesson every day if I can't be bothered.

It's saved me wasting money on makeup that isn't right and I bought most of the recommended products from Vinted. Much easier when you know what shade and brand to buy.

Yes, I paid £45 for an online lesson from a makeup artist who deals with movie stars and really knew her stuff as far as identifying products that would work. It was worth every penny. I have stopped wasting money on products and trends that don't suit me.

I would try to find a new lighter weight foundation first.

NARS tinted moisturiser is amazing and glowy. It is definitely more a light foundation than a tinted moisturiser. If you have a Nars counter nearby it would be a good place to start.

I’ve had the most success with No.7 and Bobbi Brown.

For 'no idea what I am doing' I'd go to Laura Mercier or Bobbi Brown.

They are most likely to sell you a simple doable look.

However all makeup counters will try to add on stuff you don't really need so you need to steel yourself. I went to a Benefit counter once for one specific item, came away having been talked into buying 2 others and no, I never ever used them.

Even your local drugstore might have a beauty counter; mine does. Sephora is a good idea as well. These counters will use different brands, rather that just the one. But if there is any one brand you have heard good things about, then by all means go to that counter!

In my experience, I've come away from a beauty counter looking over-done. They seem to want to pile on a lot of products. Let them know that you want a simple day routine, with options to jazz it up for night. You're not obligated to buy all the products, but they usually work on commission, so try to buy one or two.

As others have suggested, I think a makeup artist may be the right way to go. At least she can try all different brands on me. At least with my birthday coming up, I can make a wish list 😜

OP I really recommend Lisa Eldridge videos on YouTube. I’ve learned so much from her and she uses a variety of different brands (some more budget friendly). I recommend good lipstick and mascara then skimp on eye shadow. NARS mascara is the best! Charlotte Tilbury does lovely lipstick but on the pricy side. But worth it!

Online appointment with Trinny London. Fantastic products, easy to apply. Great for those not used to wearing much makeup. You pay for the consultation but get the money off a purchase. I had an initial online consultation during lockdown and went into Fenwick's in London a year later and the colours recommended from the online consultation were correct.

I find tinted moisturiser works best for me. I use the Laura mercier one or the Clinique Even Better one. Sometimes I mix it with a bit of moisturiser so it’s not as obvious as I have more dry skin.
Glowy wise, I bought this powder from Lancôme, it’s pricey but lasts for ages and it’s lovely. I post what it is in a minute after checking 🤔
I like an eyebrow pencil (fine one from Clinique) and a soft colour pencil eyeliner (a khaki is nice as I’m red haired and fair)
I also like Laura mercier or Bobbi brown eye shadow pens as it’s so easy and they’re creamy. I like a brown mascara or brown black (again Clinique are good!)
eyelash curlers are great for a wide awake look!
I should add I’m not at all massively into makeup but like to look a little better than I would naturally so have honed down what works.
I would echo other posters saying using the expertise of people on counters. I’ve met lovely ones on Dior and If you get chatting they might give you lots of samples 😂

I've checked, it's Lancome Belle teint but I can't find it so might've been discontinued? Benefit Dandelion is quite good for glowy skin. Also maybe illuminator powder from Laura Mercier/Bobbi Brown.

I did this recently and had a great experience with Laura Mercier - I explained what I was after (an everyday look, focusing on eyes) and got great advice and excellent products. I'm really happy with the results. (I'm in my 40s if that helps for comparison)

I think MAC are in department stores? All the sales assistants are trained make up artists. I had a make up lesson for free this week (waiting for DDs club to finish). There was no pressure to buy - I had to ask them to write down what they had used as they forgot!