Would like to ask advice on make-up but ......

The make counter girls just want to sell you stuff. I don't rate their skills. Could you maybe book a private session at a Beauticians? The could be more personal. You could ask for a lesson rather than just making you up? Good luck.

Make UP counter girls!

I know what you mean nonna. I find some of them quite intimidating too. There are so many products and if you show ignorance at a light-reflecting primer-inducing, line-filling, cheek-plumping, highlighting, colour correcting thingamajig then I feel a real fool. I also feel they can be quite pushy. I understand they are there to make sales but I like to have a little think before I commit to purchasing anything.

Tell me about it (the selling bit)! Went to ask about correct way to use Touché Eclat a few years ago and came away having spent nearly £100 months various cosmetics . DH was quite happy about it and encouraged me but the miserthrifty person in me was horrified that I was such a gullible person! This was when still working so could afford it, but still... And even then I still don't really know how you should use Touché Eclat!

I had quite a bad accident some years ago when I smashed up my nose so badly I had to have splints inside?. Unfortunately, since I was wearing glasses with a metal piece across the bridge of my nose, it also cut in quite badly and has left a scar (which I'm sure I'm much more conscious of than anyone else). I don't wear much makeup - mostly mascara - but I wanted something to camouflage the scar, so I plucked up courage and asked one of these cosmetic ladies for help - and she couldn't have been nicer. She spent ages deciding on the right tone, didn't push anything else, and made me feel so much better.
My DDiL works for Avida (which I admit is pretty expensive) but I do know that she would be delighted to help someone who really wanted help and advice - much more than the unpleasantly rude rich women she often has to deal with. So I suggest you go somewhere, be honest and tell them what you want, and enjoy the experience.

You can get a free makeup makeover in most body shops. They have a nice range of reasonably priced make up and you weren't obliged to buy anything.

I've only ever had good experiences at Boots No 7 counter. They're not pushy and they know their market so if you're older, like me, they realise you're not going to want all the gizmos etc.

nonna don't ask anyone for advice, you need to be able to 'be yourself' for a wedding. Just think along the lines of less is more.This goes for what you chose to wear as well, all the awful MOB outfits out there, shudder.

A while back I plucked up courage to ask at the No 7 counter about camouflaging very red skin patches (dermatitis). The very kind assistant talked me through their range and then suggested I speak with someone at the Clinique section. This person was also kindness itself, explained makeup I could use and then called across someone from the general Boots staff to talk me through the Avene range. I was so nervous going in but felt back in control coming out. I still use their recommendations and they work! I guess it depends on the personality, but the beauty staff aren't all thoughtless and pushy. Nonna I hope you can get some kind input to feel confident at the wedding and have a wonderful day.

I don't mean less is more, turning up in a mini skirt btw.

nonna I needed some new foundation the other day and wanted a change from the one I'd been using. I wandered about John Lewis beauty department and ended up on the Bobbi Brown counter. The young woman who served me couldn't have been nicer and I confess I spent a not inconsiderable amount of money however, not because of her pushiness, but because I was in an extravagant mood
I noticed that Bobbi Brown do make up lessons.
My advice to you would be to go to JL or somewhere similar, mooch about a bit and make a few enquiries and when you find someone who you have rapport with, ask her detailed advice.
They aren't all scary harridans

I agree with looking yourself but I have only had good experiences with Body shop and Boots make up girls . Perhaps ram it home that you want to look natural and don`t be afraid to speak up if it looks like it is going in the `clown` direction !

I also agree with the comments about all the dreadful Mother of the bride outfits I see in wedding pictures . My son will be getting married this year and I am determined not to look like Hyacyinth Bouquet in pale blue with a ridiculous hat or one of those Fascinators ( my Mum used to call them Fornicators) . I will wear what I usually do except slightly more put together .

Haha f77ms good on your Mother!

I'm still waiting for someone to tell us how to use Touché Éclat.

I worked as a make up counter lady and I'm not exaggerating here but a LOT of customers came to me because I made them feel comfortable and not pressured in to buying. I worked with some quite intimidating ladies!
Touch eclat is best applied over concealer or foundation to reflect light particles, so you dab it on rather than smooth it out or rub on. It'll highlight areas nicely too so could be used under the eye or swept across the top of the cheekbone.
I'd love to give you some advice if you need it OP. Just send me a message.

I've never known why Touche Éclat is raved about so much. I have tried it in the past, thought it would be good for under-eye shadows/bags but it just seemed to emphasise and highlight them.

You can often spot who's been at it with a rather heavy hand in some of the celebrity shots in the press!

Thank you claire but sounds a bit too much for my scanty make up routine.

I love Touche Eclat but agree that you do have to be careful with it.

I had a Look Fabulous Forever makeover and was told that older women should steer clear of Touche Eclat because it highlights rather than hides!
For DDs wedding I had my hair done on the morning but did my own makeup as I usually did for an evening out.

Also I would suggest a session at a Liz Earle counter. All lovely products and their counter assistants look natural and fresh.

Thanks everyone, some good advice here. Need to set aside some time to go to JL etc and pluck up courage. I just want to look as good as I can, rather less waged out than usual, but to still look like me.

NonnaW My DD1 never wears makeup and was determined not to wear any at her wedding
DD2 and I worked on her and persuaded her to have a trial make-up session with DD2's friend who was a beauty therapist at the time.
Instructions were to make DD1 look as natural as possible.
She looked absolutely stunning - despite persisting in her refusal to have any lipstick on - an even more beautiful version of herself.
Go for it

Not sure. My nephew's bride looked about 40 in the hard faced make up a special beautician did on the day of the wedding. It was the first time I'd seen the bride. I was surprised as I'd been told she was a pretty girl. However, next day when I saw her without that mask of make up, I discovered that she was indeed very pretty. The 'professional' bridal beautician had done her no favours at all!
I suppose the best idea would be to have a practice session first and not wait for the day itself.

My daughter went to a Colour Me Beautiful consultant who did a make up for her and that was really good, very subtle. I was very impressed. I don't have shares in CMB by the way, just saying!