What make-up counter should I go to?

badgercurls

I'm in a wedding next week and I'd like to do something different with my eyes for it. I also need a new lipstick that will look good and stay on for at least a few hours at a time. I'm happy with the rest of my makeup (foundation, concealer, powder, blush, bronzer), so I don't want to do a full makeover.

I'm looking for a look that will show up in pictures and look pretty without being over the top. Dramatic looks just look weird on me, so I want to stick to a fairly natural look overall.

Here are the options nearest me:
Prescriptives
Clinique
Lancome
Bobbi Brown
Benefit
MAC
Origins

Any recommendations? Thanks!

internetchick

I would look at the makeup of the people who would be doing yours. After seeing how the MAC women do theirs I am afraid to have them do mine. The ladies at the Benefit counter(at least near me) looked good though.

QuirkyYogini

internetchick wrote: »

I would look at the makeup of the people who would be doing yours.

This is what I've been doing. So far, I don't want ANY of them doing my makeup! Less is more ladies!!!

Who Me?

IMO, nothing beats MAC eye makeup. And the sales people have always been really helpful with helping me pick out what I want, not just what they're wearing or some style they are into. Also, one of the MAC counters I go to has a great book with drawings of faces with makeup on them, so you can kinda pick your look I guess if you had no idea what to ask for.

Also, if you're interested in doing something new/fun with your eyes, I would just do a lipgloss or a very sheer simple lipstick. I wouldn't go for a "stay-on-all-day-color". If you are set on a lipstick, maybe just do some mascara and neutral shadow.

rouquinne

uh... MAC!!!!

what else am *I* going to say???



the "look book" is a great place to get ideas. you can be as subtle or dramatic as you want.

if you want lasting lipstick and have a favourite already, try a makeup sealer like Benefit She-Laq. otherwise, i've heard good things about L'Oreal Infallible.

badgercurls

Thanks. I think I may try MAC, but the people at the counter kind of scare me. But I've heard such great things about MAC makeup, so I may have to get over my fear!

I was thinking of doing a neutral, my-lips-but-better lipstick. I have a L'Oreal color I LOVE, but it comes off after about a half hour no matter what I do. I will see if I can find She-Laq. (Gotta hit up the Benefit counter for a new pot of Boing, anyway!)

riotkitty

I'm going to third MAC. Course I love and wear dramatic make-up. But I'm sure if you tell them want a softer look, they can do that.

I think I like them because I get the sense that most of the artists truly love make-up. Its not just as aesthetic enhancer, its a medium and a fun toy.

VIVIDCURLS

MAC

badgercurls

It sounds like it's unanimous! I tried to do it yesterday, but it turns out there is not a MAC counter at the mall where I was shopping. There is one at the mall about 10 minutes away, though, so I will try to go tomorrow or Thursday.

I think my best bet is to go with an idea in mind, so that I can describe it and won't end up with very dramatic, un-me makeup. (I LOVE how certain bold/dramatic makeup looks on other people, but it looks goofy on me.)

Since you all seem to be MAC gurus (including *the* MAC guru herself), do you have any suggestions for general looks/color schemes to ask about? Here's the most recent photo I have of myself. I look kind of silly because I had drunk a few too many vodka and tonics, but you can see my coloring and features clearly:

criscat

BC, I like MAC too, but I also like Clinique, especially for eyeshadows bc I am allergic.
Also love the Clinique lipsticks and gloss.
If you want to go for a soft look, I'd suggest you check them out.
Mac is great, but definitely more on the dramatic side.
Nothing beats their concealer though.

rouquinne

are you IN the wedding party?

because i'd check with the bride and the other bridesmaids first to see how they're going with makeup. also, what colour is the dress?

if there aren't any issues there, i'd suggest a lovely soft purple eye with your gorgeous brown eyes - i got Satellite Dreams about a month ago and just LOVE it! Naked Lunch for highlighter and Sketch to smudge into the crease and as eyeliner.

i'd go with Viva Glam 5 as lipstick even though it doesn't have staying power and you would have to reapply - it's one colour that suits almost everyone and goes with practically everything.

badgercurls

rouquinne wrote: »

are you IN the wedding party?

because i'd check with the bride and the other bridesmaids first to see how they're going with makeup. also, what colour is the dress?

I am in the wedding party, but the bride has been really laid back about what we do. There are 10 bridesmaids who have very different styles when it comes to make-up, hair, and fashion. The bride's attitude is just "do whatever you want as long as it looks good." The dress is pastel (mint) green.

I like the ideas of soft purples. I used to have purple eye shadow ages ago that really made my eyes pop.

Thanks!

rouquinne

don't you LOVE laid-back brides???

have fun!

badgercurls

Thanks, rou! My friend (the bride) is a very laid back person in general, so her wedding planning has been very laid back. It's nice!

I went to the MAC counter today and ended up with three shadows and an eyeliner. The make-up artist (who was great) pointed me toward pinks and browns, which ended up being very pretty! The three shadows I bought are: Pink Venus (lid), Woodwinked (crease) and Phloof! (highlight). The eyeliner is a Powerpoint pencil in Stubborn Brown.

I can totally see how this could be addicting!

KookyCurl

Just remember this....even if the person at the counter is wearing wilder make up than you they can do a much more subdued look. Often there are rules about how much they wear. I used to work at The Body Shop and we were required to wear 7 pieces of make-up. Normally I max out at 3-4 (thats counting 2 eye colors, eyeliner, mascara). And they get bored. We would play with the make-up all the time trying out different combos, effects, etc. Sometimes you'd see us in the weirdest get-ups. Just be really clear with them about what you want. Ie...tasteful but a little dramatic, wedding appropriate, easy to replicate etc.

rouquinne

great choices, badger!!!

badgercurls

Thanks again everyone for suggesting MAC! It looked great for the wedding and it lasted all night even though I cried about ten thousand times (out of happiness, of course!).

riotkitty

badgercurls wrote: »

Thanks, rou! My friend (the bride) is a very laid back person in general, so her wedding planning has been very laid back. It's nice!

I went to the MAC counter today and ended up with three shadows and an eyeliner. The make-up artist (who was great) pointed me toward pinks and browns, which ended up being very pretty! The three shadows I bought are: Pink Venus (lid), Woodwinked (crease) and Phloof! (highlight). The eyeliner is a Powerpoint pencil in Stubborn Brown.

I can totally see how this could be addicting!

That sounds gorgeous. Pink Venus is one of my favorites. Its so pretty and has just the right amount of sparkle.

rouquinne

badgercurls wrote: »

... it lasted all night even though I cried about ten thousand times (out of happiness, of course!).

the PowerPoint pencils are GREAT for staying power!

Poodlehead

rouquinne wrote: »

badgercurls wrote: »

... it lasted all night even though I cried about ten thousand times (out of happiness, of course!).

the PowerPoint pencils are GREAT for staying power!

Curses upon you all, you enablers! I just HAD to go to the MAC counter today to get my Stubborn Brown PowerPoint pencil. How could I resist something so awesome that is so inexpensive!?!

badgercurls

We can be Powerpoint twins, Poodlehead. I love how easily it goes on, too. No tugging or pulling on my eyelid. And it lasted through the bride's mom and aunts singing a very sweet, sentimental song they wrote for her as a surprise.

Poodlehead

And now, of course, I want to check out all of your pretty eyeshadows too. :evil1:

rouquinne

Satellite Dreams... best purple EVER!!!