Make-Up Counters

[milly143]

I'm fed up of trying to find a suitable foundation so was thiknking of going to one of the make-up counters in House of Fraser and getting some advice. I would be happy to buy a product if I felt it was worth it but don't want to be pushed into spending a fortune on a bit of foundation. Has anyone been to see one of these girls at the counters and was it worth the visit? Are they pushy with trying to sell you lots of expensive stuff?

[mrs_overall]

I had a makeover at the Body Shop. Their products aren't that dear and there was no pressure to buy anything

[jamesnan]

Go up to the girl and ask whether you may have a sample of foundation; there is usually a selection available and after asking you several questions as to your requirements, they usually then colour match with several shades to get the correct one. I have never been refused a sample to try and the make up is usually put into a little pot. If you don't like that one, then go back for another or try a different manufacturer. All make up acts differently on types of skin so try and try again till you find the one you like and which suits your skin.

[milly143]

Oh yes, I never think of the Body Shop. I love their blotting paper. I have horribly oily skin. Thanks Mrs-O.

[Prudie]

I think you need to approach them with a confident attitude. I can't but my daughter is always going to the make-up counters in stores and comes away with really good samples just because she asks! She's had samples of foundation from MAC and Kanebo in th last month and never bought anything!

[milly143]

Sorry Jamesnan, I didn't see your answer there.

I hadn't thought about just getting some samples. I've tried loads of different foundations from the highstreet shops but I have a very odd skin type so think I need to look at slightly more professional products.

I think confidence is the answer Prudie, and I distinctly lack it. Maybe I'll have a quick Vodka before I go in so I can in a very nice way demand they give me as many samples as I can fit into my giant handbag. :o)

[meglet]

A friend of mine went and had a custom blended foundation done from Prescriptives. She said it was a bit pricey but the foundation made her skin look amazing and it lasted her months.

[mrs_overall]

Here's a top tip for you milly - instead of buying blotting paper for oily skin - use Rizla cigarette papers. They do the job for a fraction of the price

[milly143]

I'm happy to pay the extra if it's worth it Meg. I'm just worried I'll end up forking out for 15 products I'll never use just because I haven't quite grassped the concept of the word "no" yet.

[milly143]

ha ha, are you serious Mrs O??

[Prudie]

That sounds like me and the 30 odd lipsticks that I have but never wear. It's me I'm not saying no to though!

[mrs_overall]

Deadly serious milly - I use them and they do the job brilliantly

[meglet]

If you add up all the wasted cash spent on products that don't look right it might be worth a bit of investment in the right one. Have a quick snifter before you go in and be prepared to say no. Easy said I know as I'm a sucker for the hard sell!

[milly143]

Fab! What would I do without all these handy tips! :o)

[SizzleSquid]

best for oily skins-try clinique, and mac, which out of all the designer brands are the cheapest at £19 for foundation (mac) and slighty above for clinique, also try estee lauder. Lancome also do a good matt foundation, but make sure you try on several different colours in natural day light, and clean your face before trying it out as trying foundation over foundation gives an untrue result.
Wear a primer under foundation-the primer doesbt have to be premuim brand. 17 from boots has an offer for their new primer-ive bought it and its great.
its always worth paying extra for premuim foundations-this is your face we are talking about and dont cut corners with your skin. They generally last a long time and look great on.
If you have oily skin you still need to moisturise, try vichy normaderm (£11 in boots) the range by avene, (avail in boots)-and remember oily ski is generally also sensitive so these products are good,

[SizzleSquid]

ps tye primer in boots is only £4.99