Make over advice please!

When my daughter got married she had a trial makeup run and I was included. Glad I was because though hers looked fabulous I felt I looked like a clown and hated it. Also although I put mascara on no trouble, when the girl did it my eyes started watering big time. Needless to say I did my own on the day.

Back in the 60's I bought an expensive face cream phoenix can't remember the brand but I had heard that the Queen used it - so it must be good? Iended up with my face bright red and itching. Normally my skin is pretty resilient but it hated this stuff.

EGNAN If you have any of them make you up don't buy any foundation until you've been home and seen what it REALLY looks like. It's quite easy to look stunning in the shop and then find you've got a thick layer of yellow gunge trowelled onto your face when you see yourself in the cold light of day

Having recently had a lovely facial at a Neals yard shop and then had some very helpfull advise (their cosmestics are very gentle and lovely) I would recommend them. You feel very pampered and groomed but not 'Tarted up'.

If you feel a bit embarassed at leaving with a lot of samples but not making a purchase, you can always say that you have had a bad reaction to some products in the past, and need to give them a couple of tries at home before buying the full size

Actually, I once spent quite a bit on Roc day and night creams, then found I had quite a bad reaction to the day one, which made me come out in red blotches.

I think, so long as it's not a weekend, most beauty counters in department stores are quite happy to give you a makeover if you loiter a bit looking interested - they see you as a potential buyer of lots of products. Last time I had one done, I came home with loads of free samples but didn't buy at the time. Give yourself loads of time before the wedding and visit lots!

Usually, I go back and buy lots of stuff determined to continue their good work and the,n a couple of weeks later, revert to my usual blusher and lipstick

Thank you everybody - I'm new to Gransnet and pleasantly suprised to get so many responses, so quickly.
I had wondered about cosmetic counters in department stores (do you have to make an appointment?), but assumed you would be obliged to buy their products, regardless. Haven't heard of Colour me Beautiful, but will certainly investigate. Finaly, can i ask if anyone has had any experience of specialised 'beauty salons'? I have one locally, but not sure what to expect. Many thanks, once again.

Egnan when my DD got married I went to lots of cosmetic counters and had trials and then followed their tips and chose the products that I felt were more suited to me. I have never worn a great deal of make up apart from eye shadow and mascara so always felt over made up when finished. I did a few trial runs at home and on the day I made myself up and was happy with the results.

Try a Colour me Beautiful lady - I'm sure you would find one in your area if you used the wonderful Google. The colours recommended are geared towards your skin tone and best colours for clothing etc. near your face. Have used them for years! . Nice products too. Good luck.

Great minds think alike, phoenix!

You could try some of the make-up counters in your nearest department store? Look for the type of product you mught like - Liz Earle is nice and suitable for all ages - lovely products too. Personally I have never liked the idea of a professional make-up for a big event as I would end up looking quite different - OK maybe no bad thing, but a free trial of the products plus an idea of how best to apply can't hurt.
Congratulations to your DD and hope you enjoy being MOB again!

If you have time, you could start with the counters in your local department store, (Debenhams, John Lewis etc) try as many as you can, Yves St Laurent, Chanel, Clarins etc etc and see how you feel about the results.

You will probably know fairly quickly which feels more like "you" !