Need a new make up look - department store counter recommendations

[Custardcreamsandbourbons]

I’m 55 and after trying a multitude of foundations (by terry, Bobby brown, Nars, Laura Mercier) and attempting to follow make up tutorials on line I think I need to bite the bullet and get advice from one make up counter hopefully who’ll do a make over and then I can buy the products.
I’ve tried Space NK but always been disappointed
Im tired of my make up making me look older and seem to just keep buying products that aren’t right and therefore wasting money
I will be near Peter Jones who have lots of counters wondering if anyone can recommend which to try or should I give Mac or Charlotte tilbury a go ? Trinny products irritated my skin
Help !

Any brand recommendations anyone ?

I think it’s hard to offer suggestions when we don’t know what you like. Different brands are famous for different things - ie, Laura Mercier and Nars do great foundations/skin tints/tinted moisturizers. Nars eyeshadow and cheek palettes are fab if you like the colour stories, etc… When it comes to makeup counter advice, instead of looking at each brand, try and find someone approximately your age who has a look you like. Ask them what they think would suit you, explain your limitations (time, budget, preferences, etc…) and make an appointment to have a consultation and makeover by then specifically. (Don’t do it that day because if you have an appointment they will have extra time available to spend listening to you and showing you techniques, etc. It would be especially helpful if you could take your makeup bag in and get them to show you what’s salvageable so you can save some money.). You can also do this with a couple of people before you commit to buying anything, so can mix and match ideas.
I would recommend that instead of thinking about “making up”, you should consider describing it as “freshening your look.” Or something like that, because one of the most aging things we do is cover up instead of enhancing our best features. If you switch to a tinted moisturiser instead of a foundation, you may find that it suits your skin’s current needs and looks healthier and more alive too.

John Lewis Beauty Bar

I'm 52 and feel a bit like this. I've tried all the brands you've mentioned but still not 100% happy so I've booked myself in with a make up artist for a lesson (using the products I've accumulated) but also for any other recommendations she might have..

I used to be a Beauty Consultant for well known cosmetic and skincare company, and based on my own experience I would take @user50and 's advice. In my job the emphasis was on selling and 'link selling', in other words pushing as many products as possible, during my training the only time actually spent in making people up was a couple of hours one afternoon, there's a distinct difference between a Beauty Consultant and a Beautician or make up artist, I'd also recommend you spend some of that on seeing a make up artist, you'll take away skills rather than a lot of items you're not going to use again.

I've given up on foundation and just use tinted moisturiser from Nivea

@Aribaariba and @user50and great idea to get a make up artists help as although I watch tutorials it’s where to put blusher highlighter etc on empty saggy cheeks ! Any tips on how to find one ? Do they come to you or do I go there ?

@custard I'm using someone who did my makeup for my 50th. She came to me last time but I'm going to her this time. I found her via Facebook recommendations, she's local to me.