Going to a make up counter for a "polished look" - what should I expect?

[Anonymous]

I'm returning to work following an 9-month maternity leave and I look like crap. Bags under my eyes, skin is dull, I could go on but you get the picture. Got a nice hair cut and color yesterday. Want to follow up by going to a make up counter - I like Bobbi Brown - and ask for assistance with pulling together a simple but polished make up regimen.

What should I expect from the ladies at the counter and is this the way to go? I admit that I'm a little intimidated and do not want to by hundreds of dollars in make up. Just a few essentials to help give me a little more of a professional look.

Thoughts? Advice?

[Anonymous]

Check Bobbi and Trish McEvoy is you can stomach the higher prices. I would say concealer, a BB cream, mascara, maybe eyeliner if you feel up to it, blush and a neutral eyshadow.

I've used both Bobbi and Trish, I prefer the Trish BB cream.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't go in saying you want a "polished look" without some specificity: "polish" can cost just as much as "clown", if not more.

In your case I would say I was interested at looking at concealer (Bobbi has several great ones), possibly a tinted moisturizer, gloss or sheer lipstick. Check out her website and then the reviews at MakeupAlley so you aren't going in blind.

And don't underestimate taking one full minute to apply your moisturizer at night. It may be a temporary effect, but plumped skin looks so much better! Congrats on the baby!

[Anonymous]

Tell them what your budget is. Don't feel like you have to buy everything from one place. Let them do an overall makeover and then pick the products you want. I find they tend to do too many layers of stuff and it isn't all necessary (and takes too much time).

I'd go for - the Bobbi concealer duo, a tinted moisturizer (Nars or Laura Mercier), gel eyeliner, cream eye shadows/brighteners, blush. You can do drugstore mascara to save money if you want.

[Anonymous]

I had my makeup done at Mac. You can make an appointment. They have a $50 min purchase if they're spending that time to do it for you.

I went to learn some new things. I spent about $80.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't recommend MAC - their look is very extreme to me. If you have any prior experience with makeup, I would consider going to Sephora and steering clear of any store clerks with extreme make up on. I agree with PP who suggested that all you need is concealer, blush, mascara, eyeliner (brown, not black), and a subtle (not big shimmers) flattering eye shadow. You'll feel really polished and if you want an extra finish, I would recommend Lancome's Absolue Powder - it's expensive but really gives a soft focus look that's flattering on us tired mom's. A less expensive but still good alternative is Mineral Veil by bare Minerals. I also agree with PP on setting a budget. Don't get sucked in to the sales pitch. You really don't need a lot.

[Anonymous]

Thanks to all for your very helpful responses and for the recommendations. I don't think MAC is for me, though I know women who look fabulous in their products. I do need something more subtle.

Okay, I think I can do this. Thanks again!

[Anonymous]

Go with Bobbi. But you should expect to spend a couple hundred. It's worth it.

[Anonymous]

Go to Blue Mercury - give them an idea of what you want and a budget. They did a great job on my when I went back to work, and then again on my teenaged daughter when she wanted to buy some makeup. For her, they taught her how to apply a little blush, neutral lip gloss, a little eye shadow and mascara. She hardly ever wears it, but it's in her bag and when she has a dance or event, she knows how to make herself up without overdoing it.

[Anonymous]

I worked with a guy at Sephora,. he didn't try to push anything on me, didn't make me look like a clown and basically taught me how to apply makeup (36 yo, had never worn it before).. I will go back to him in the future.

[Anonymous]

I also have had good experiences at Sephora and Blue Mercury. I love the Laura Mercier concealer and tinted moisturizer; they're just right for someone who doesn't like foundation.

[Anonymous]

Blue Mercury and Sephora both have NARS, and I love, love NARS. Definitely check them out - great makeup for an understated look.

[Anonymous]

When life mellows out a bit too, see if you can carve out time for yourself for a quarterly facial - maybe a long lunch or early afternoon on a slow day? (I realize this depends on your job and company culture.) I didn't really start taking good care of my skin until after kids and the 3-4x/year facials are reducing the amount of makeup I wear now at 39. My skin looks better than with the caked on powder, etc. I wore ten years ago.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When life mellows out a bit too, see if you can carve out time for yourself for a quarterly facial - maybe a long lunch or early afternoon on a slow day? (I realize this depends on your job and company culture.) I didn't really start taking good care of my skin until after kids and the 3-4x/year facials are reducing the amount of makeup I wear now at 39. My skin looks better than with the caked on powder, etc. I wore ten years ago.

Good advice

[Anonymous]

I have used Bobbi for years. Love it. I primarily use her concealer,foundation among others. Blue Mercury is good if you tell them you primarily wear Bobbi but would be open to mixing lines if one is better quality over the other.

I am a confessed Make up junkie and can spend 300 easily on any given day. If money is an issue, look over your products at home to see what you really need.

I would suggest concealer, blush,mascara and a neutral eye shadow. Bobbi just released a gel eyeliner pencil which I love. A good skin care regimen will also improve your skin greatly.