Is there such a thing as a make-up advisor?

[doistayordoigo]

I've decided 2026 is the year when I'm going to try to address some of the areas of my life that "niggle", starting with my face!

I'm in my early 50s and am starting to notice the changes unfortunately, and have never been great at make-up, so have probably been stuck in a rut for some time. Whilst I don't mind going without make-up at home and for popping to the shops etc, I do wear make-up at work and for socialising, and would like to find a good brand that complements my skin and learn a few tips for application etc to make the best job of it I can.

My skin is sometimes dry but then gets oilier throughout the day, and I have no idea what I should be using/doing. Is there such a thing as an independent make-up advisor who you can book an appointment with, a but like a personal stylist? I'm nervous of going to a department store as I wouldn't know which concession to go for, and might end up with a load of products that weren't the best choice.

Hey I went and booked a session with a John Lewis adviser. She was really helpful with what works for me - I am late fifties. There was no pressure to buy and she just emailed me the recommendations. Also she made up my face so I could see what it looked like. Was better than Boots as she had access to lots of brands. Would definitely recommend. Mine was free but I think they charge now and take it off anything you buy. I booked it online too.

Look on Instagram for makeup artists in your area, many of them sometimes run courses as well

You could try a store that sells multiple brands such as SpaceNK. But I would start by getting recs here so you have some clue as to what you’re looking for, then you can go to SpaceNK and ask them to try x, y and z and they will be able to recommend other items as well.

You can also use an independent Makeup artist near you. I found one that someone here had used , and booked a lesson with her. Not cheap but she showed a range of products / price points and sent me links for amazon etc for recommended products. She used a selection of products from Rimmel / Byoma / Ayu as i said i didn't want top end prices. Might be worth a look in your area ? thought the JL idea sounds good also

Selfridges do a make-up session with lots of different brands. The cost is off-set against the products you buy, I think it’s £80 or so. I liked it and it gave me new ideas and brands but they do choose very expensive products. The foundation they suggested was amazing but was £70. I bought it and it did end up lasting me the best part of a year.

I once got accosted by a really lovely lady on the No.7 stand in Boots. She had 30 mins to go till she knocked off to go on holiday and asked if I'd help her pass the time, so I did. She gave me some great advice about understanding my skin type and tone and didn't pressurise me to buy anything.
It was about 20 years ago so I doubt she still works there but if she did, I'd do it again. So, Boots might be a good bet.

How did you book and how much did it cost?

Op, if you search in your area for a personal make up lesson there should be some independent MUA’s come up. The only issue with going to shops is they are also sales led and will be confined to certain brands etc whereas an independent MUA will know your budget and will have a huge selection of high street or premium brands to use on your skin etc and what’s appropriate for any problem areas you may have etc..

Bobbi Brown do make up lessons, some are free, some you pay (they all used to be free), I've found them really helpful.

https://m.bobbibrown.co.uk/book-appointment

As good as it gets

https://www.cosmeticsalacarte.com/

They don’t advertise so you don’t not hear bu word of mouth xx

I echo the boots recommendation. The lady really helped me in there a few years ago and there was no pressure to buy. There are always number 7 offers on too :)

Space NK do makeup tutorials, I booked one for my birthday this year and it was great. You pay an amount for it but get the money towards any products in the store. My make up artist was great, talked about skincare and makeup and talked me through everything she used and how to use it, it didn't feel like a sales pitch at all but she really spent time talking me through everything and it was really valuable.

I would second trying either the Selfridges Beauty Concierge:

https://bookings.selfridges.com/selfridges-beauty/new_booking.html?companyId=37332#/multi_service_select

(Available at all branches, I think.)

or

Cosmetics à la Carte

https://www.cosmeticsalacarte.com/

if London is convenient.

Or both if you feel like it.

Thanks for all the replies, yesterday turned into a bit of a long day with family, so didn't get a chance to check back until this morning! I'll have a look at the options mentioned and see what will work best,

As mentioned earlier, John Lewis offer beauty consultations but only at certain branches - Cambridge, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Leeds & Southampton. It's provided by the Beauty Society.
In Cardiff, you can book a free 1 hour makeup consultation, or a full makeover for 1 hour 30 mins, £45 redeemable against any purchase. I've tried the free one & was very impressed with their suggestions.