Where can I actually book a make-up lesson in London?..

[LittleStrayMouser]

Not for me, but for dd (19)

I think she might like to learn, but she hasn’t got the time or confidence to watch endless YouTube videos and I can’t teach her as I never use it.

A natural look would be her choice, and I’m happy for there to be a ‘sell’ of products at the end, if they are ones that will suit her. But I’m after someone to patiently teach her skills she can take away, not just a makeover.

I’m hoping to make it a Christmas present, so being able to book, and make a day out of it afterwards with food and shopping in the area would be good. But not essential.

We’re in South London, so I’m hoping there’s something out there to suit - maybe a department store rec?

Please help - I haven’t a clue!

Clinique maybe? Or Mac in Covent Garden if they still exist.

Any sizeable department store will do them on the beauty counter(s). I think Morley's in Brixton even, or you could hit Oxford St. Or you can go on Urban and have someone come to you at home.

If you can get to Kingston i would look at John Lewis or Fenwick which have make up counters eg Nars, Bobbi brown, benefit, Mac etc and there’s lots of places for food too

Thank you, everyone.

Revealing my ignorance here, but which of the brands suggested have a pretty natural look?

Is she actually interested in make-up?

I can recommend a makeup artist who can go through everything from a basic through a high glam look. He's in central London, quite ££ and IMO fabulous

Unless your daughter has specifically voiced a desire for this, I'm now thinking no. Because you kind of increasingly sound like you think she "should" know how to do makeup because girl but she isn't actually interested. And to spring a makeup lesson on her when it's not something she actually wants... going to send a fairly unmistakable message.

Try a Charlotte Tilbury masterclass?

Yes, she has shown some interest in the past. I also think that it is still (sadly) a useful skill to have career-wise in many jobs.

Do you think? I mean, she doesn’t shave her legs, pluck her eyebrows, or any of that (nor do I, again), but she has seen me use make up a handful of times for big occasions, and got me to do it for her for a couple of parties (one fancy dress, admittedly).
I’d like her to have the skill to do her own face if/when she wants to. I’ve certainly no intention of ever telling her she should. But as someone who is very aware that my skills in this area are pretty shit, I’d like to equip her with a life skill, even if she never needs to use it.

Please, @DirrrtyMartini , if you see this. A rough idea of time/cost would be helpful. :)

Morley's in Brixton (and most make-up beauty counters) should/will help her select which products she wants to try and then apply them on her, explaining how to use the product and how to apply it.

There shouldn't be any hard sell, it's a PR exercise and like trying clothes on in a shop, they want you to do this as you will likely end up buying something if not there and then, then in the future.

Covent Garden is a hub for make-up shops, again just pop in. I know Bobbie Brown do bookable masterclasses, so I assume all the others do.

All the big dept stores (JL, Selfridges etc) can help.
Most women who wear make-up want natural/enhancing/daytime make-up so all brands & make-up assistants/artists cater for this.

Thanks @littleannennt - I’ll have a look in Brixton. Bobbi Brown in Bromley doesn’t have any sessions, but maybe another branch. They seem to be free, but only 10-15 min sessions, on one aspect (eyes, or foundation, or lips). I’m after the whole thing, and very willing to pay for it.

There used to be a Mac in Bromley pavilions shopping centre. Worth trying there if it still exists. If not the ones in Carnaby St or Covent Garden are good.

I would suggest you google something like wedding make up in your area - most of them do make up lessons as well.

Thanks all - have booked an hour with MAC in London Bridge - super convenient (Bromley had no slots left), and plenty to do together afterwards. Hopefully she’ll enjoy it!

Laura mercier is in Kingston John Lewis. V natural look. Free make over with tips
If you buy two items usually. I had them teach me to do my own wedding makeup

I was like your daughter OP. I finally had to get a lesson before I got married so I wouldn't look washed out in the photos. A colleague took me to Clinique. I was gratefull!