I am a makeup minimalist, and really found a consultation at a Clinique counter helpful. YMMV for serious makeup application and product choices.

I have had good luck with Nordstrom. You can make an appt.

Anonymous wrote:Blue Mercury does this (you have to buy makeup, when I did it for DD, it was $75). I explained to the person teaching the make-up that she was a 16 year old girl and should look like one!

Agree with Blue Mercury. It's much smaller than Sephora and has nice quality makeup. The Clarendon store in particular has been helpful.

Tik tok and youtube is what everyone else is using.

I'm not great in that area either. I'd use this as a bonding experience. Set aside some time, grab a few supplies, and watch a bunch of youtube videos. Try things out.

Consider going to an aesthetician who also does make up application. They can advise on products as well as make up hygiene and appropriate skin care when starting to wear make-up.

I took my now 20 year old and a friend to Sephora and each had a makeup lesson which they loved. She was very into makeup in high school and has now set it aside a bit in college. Sephora’s makeup artist understood the assignment and each of them looked like themselves and age appropriate.

Sephora does them

Blue Mercury does this (you have to buy makeup, when I did it for DD, it was $75). I explained to the person teaching the make-up that she was a 16 year old girl and should look like one!

I did a makeup lesson through a salon many years ago and it was so worth it. I had no idea what I was doing and it really helped show me technique. I did this in another state but I am sure local salons who have make-up services do this.

But I have also had good experiences with make up stuff at the Fair Oaks Sephora.

I'm not being dismissive but isn't Youtube or instagram full of tutorials? Both of my daughters learned a lot from those channels.

My kiddo has asked for a makeup lesson and I am utterly useless in this arena. I'd like to avoid big stores like Sephora or beauty counters at the department stores unless someone can really recommend something specific - I've just never been impressed when I ask questions there (back when I wore makeup.) An independent makeup artist would be fantastic. I'm in the Arlington/Falls Church area but will travel. Thanks!