50yo makeup novice - where to go for advice without pressure?

[Fatandnearly50]

So I am 50ish and not a makeup wearer. I have only ever worn it a few times a year if that.

i would like to be a bit more groomed but will never wear full makeup, I want to go to a makeup counter and buy something like touche éclat, powder and mascara. Just a small basic selection that I can look a bit less like I’ve fallen out of bed! I will still only wear it a few times a month if that.

Years ago I did use touche éclat and thought it was great but my colouring has now changed. I am fully grey, but to be fair a nice grey, and my complexion has changed too.

i don’t know where to start! Where can I go to get knowledgeable advice on picking right colours etc without the hard sell for full makeup. I am happy to spend about £100ish for a few basics.

Any advice please? Thank you.

I hate pressure, I don't wear much make up, foundation sometimes, lipstick, neutral eyeshadow and mascara.

The Clarins person in my local small family owned department store is great, similar age to me (50s) and she just gets that I want a really natural look. I mix my foundation with their serum (can't remember the name) for even less coverage.

I suspect it is individual dependent rather than anything else.

Are you near John Lewis? I go to their Beauty Bar, which is like personal shopping for makeup.

I'm 53 and have bought some nice make up from Beauty and The Boutique after seeing one of their make up tutorials. I've been really pleased with everything I've bought. I go for quite a minimal/natural make up look. The technique and products for covering under eye circles without lots of caking are really good.

Some beauty salons offer makeup tutorials. They can talk you through and teach you application and type of products

Thanks all. I’ve not heard of John Lewis beauty bar, probably as I usually scoot through that department as quickly as possible 😀but it sounds great. I am 40 mins away from a John Lewis but can make an effort to go. I wonder if I can book an appointment, will look into that.

i don’t want to be wearing full makeup so am not sure tutorials are for me, i want to just spend a few minutes looking slightly better! I will never be a full makeup person.

probably as I usually scoot through that department as quickly as possible 😀

@Fatandnearly50 , are you me?? 😂, before I met this Clarins person I would have said exactly the same.

@EveWinter might be 😂 but I suspect there are many of us!!

i have found my nearest John Lewis will do a one hour makeup consultation for free so am just checking my diary and going to book that. Looking for the oldest and most natural looking consultant 😄.
Thank you @AuntieMarys for that suggestion.

That's a very good suggestion re: the consultant to approach! I would also suggest having a look at Andreea Ali, Hannah Martin and Lisa Eldridge online for make up for mature skin. They all do minimal looks/5 minute looks, etc and the advice on textures, finishes and placement is excellent. You'll get ideas about what kinds of products to look for.

I would also suggest not being pressured to buy then and there. See how the make up wears - does any of it oxidise and look orange after a few hours - then go back or get samples to try at home.

I think it's quite hard to shop in store without pressure. The times I have gone, I have always come home with at least 4 items that never get used again.

Lisa Eldridge videos are fantastic and I found I quickly picked up which products are her actual favourites that she uses time and time again, and when you can just pick something cheap that is the same colour/texture.

The other thing you could try is to find a local makeup artist whose look you like, and see if they do lessons. It will cost you, but you should get unbiased advice and tips and they won't be tied to one brand.

Lots of wedding makeup artists do this sort of thing now.

I'd start with a no7 counter at boots

Do you have a Space NK near you? They carry a selection of make up brands.

Wherever you go, tell them clearly you won't be buying today, you want to see how the make up lasts on you (and in different lighting, out doors for example). If you're not used to seeing yourself with make up on, it can be unsettling/ disconcerting at first.

Ask for samples so you can try to recreate the looks yourself at home, if possible.

Get them to write down the products and shades, so you can return and buy. Have fun.

I’ve found most days I’m happy to wear concealer under my eyes, cream blush and mascara. Or a cream bronzer and mascara. I wear lipstick or gloss if I want to look Extra polished. 😄
I bought a concealer and blush from Trinny London online. It was super easy to find the right match.

Thanks for all the further comments.

I’m hoping it won’t be disconcerting to see myself with makeup, to be honest that would mean there is too much of it on me for my liking. I have always liked natural and been fortunate enough to have decent skin to not need to cover up.

Good tip about making clear I won’t be buying on the day. The John Lewis one says they send you home with samples. Although secretly I’d like to walk out of there with a nice bag full 😂

Thanks again all.

I have been twice and come out with 2 perfect foundations, blusher, mascara, lipsticks...from brands I wouldnt normally go to.

I am in a similar position OP...I have seen ads for this:
https://violetjordan.co.uk/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=16183472335&utm_content=&utm_term=&gadid=&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA9ourBhAVEiwA3L5RFg1401qlZk6l9YdKlO6x7D9ghb7GhlyA8oyEhN4_vpT_9Mnb3JwpXxoC21wQAvD_BwE

Been tempted to buy but don't know if its really any good!!

Couldn't agree more about hating the pressure in so much of the beauty industry.

As PP pointed out, there are individuals who can be great. In my experience, the really great ones tend to get promoted after a few years and leave me back at square one.

The solution for me is https://www.cosmeticsalacarte.com/studio-list

I cannot recommend them highly enough.

You can just drop in but the whole studio is quite small so I'd always recommend for the first time, to book a session. They will be totally flexible to meet and exceed your expectations.

There is a lady called Esther Marie Woolley. She does on line classes on how to do your makeup. She can also sort your makeup bag out. She doesn't sell make up. So no pressure. Take a look