Ah.. yes. I find i need to tweak my colors based on how dark or light my hair color is. I really haven't had good experiences with makeovers for an all over look -- but I did find it very helpful in finding colors/color matches. Chanel has given me the best color matches -- but visiting other brand counters has also helped if just by elimination.

I am sure the experience is 85% the actual technician/makeup artist -- but product range is also important.

I did it at Neiman-Marcus about five years ago. The representative was using mostly Bobbie Brown products on me. It was a really helpful experience and, as a result, I changed my eye make-up palette dramatically. However, I stayed with my current foundation and I ignored her suggestion for lining the bottom eyelids with black. My girlfriends thought it looked like I'd had a little lift which gave me a little emotional lift. :-)

Of course, the reps are there mostly to sell products, but you can pick and choose. I wonder if a Sephora or Ulta type store might be more catholic in their brand choices.

Honestly, I think makeovers done at makeup counters are really hit or miss. They're rarely makeup experts, more like people who think it's fun to play with makeup, like what teenagers do for each other. I find I look overly made up and sometimes clownish. They're more helpful when it comes to asking about individual items, like helping you choose the right type of foundation. Maybe seek a pro makeup artist at a salon?

Just my two cents: when it comes to aging faces, I find that colors need to be softer. Dark colors make eyes and lips look smaller. I used to wear black eyeliner, and now I wear medium brown. I still do a bold line to help my eyes look bigger. (Edit: depending on your eye size and shape of course. Mine are small and hooded, so dark eye makeup is just not flattering on me anymore.)

Concealer / foundation is so tricky with aging skin if it happens to be a pale tone. Light pigments can easily look so chalky and settle in fine lines. IDK what the answer is, I simply don't wear it.

Because I don't wear foundation, I attempt to prevent and repair. I'm militant about sunscreen, hats, retinol, and I just started niacinamide (which supposedly wards off age spots, we'll see). Soon I plan to begin laser treatment, to (hopefully) zap some spider veins and pale age spots that snuck in.

But other than that, I don't seek to conceal my skin. I just de-shine with powder and let the rest show. A little blush and a touch of self-tanner (in the summer) also helps conceal discoloration.

Year's back I did Bobbi Brown in Bloomingdales. I still use the color recommendations.

I have also gotten advice from a Lancome counter and still use the same color for blush.

Here’s the thing: the reps can only guide you. I prefer brown/ pink rather than oranges or reds.

You need to be part of the process.

I did it with a private professional makeup artist a few years ago, found via Google. I had been doing the same thing for years, and I wasn't sure if what I was doing was age-appropriate anymore. She met with me and asked me to bring all the products I was currently using to our meeting, and she went through and told me what to keep and what to toss. Then she recommended potential products to me. I really liked the fact that she recommended products across a variety of brands and price points (and that I went out and bought the products myself, she did not get commission). After I bought the new makeup, she gave me an application lesson. I felt it was money well spent.

You really need to know what colors flatter you so that those at the make-up counter won't sway you. Years ago I had the color coding thing done. I know what colors look best on me, but after going gray, I needed to tweak a bit. Not much, because my hair still has alot of dark in it, but I have two white streaks in front. I have always look best with a bright lip color or somewhat deep, but that doesn't have to be dark. I love lip stain because it does just that. Eye color I didn't change, I wear light neutrals and do line my upper lid and just under the corner below. I didn't used to wear foundation, only concealer and loose powder where needed. Then I found Seint makeup and a makeup brush and I love how it looks. Very natural, not flaky or thick. I don't wear it all the time. I am also in to skin care more so now. SUNSCREEN is an absolute must. No sun on my face and I've never tried a facial self-tanner. I am fair, although I do tan; but a bit of light bronzing powder works for me. I wear sunscreen all over, but I spend alot of time outdoors and still my body will tan lightly.

I used to only wear Clinique and they do make-overs.

I agree that it's all hit or miss, and recs shouod come from local people, that said, I was very happy with the Bobbi Brown people at Nordstrom in Petagon City many moons ago.

I use Clinique products and I had a makeover done by them about 5 years ago. I knew that skin tones change and so your makeup should as well. I was really happy with their suggestions. I wear very little makeup and they were really respectful of that.

I recommend going the route of Sas95 and finding a professional make-up artist. My friend is one, and she offers make-up lessons. She knows coloring, application techniques, age- and skin-appropriate products, and so on. Her product knowledge alone has save me so much time and money.

I've a few makeovers at make-up counters over the years, and always walked away with too much stuff I'd never use. The Sephora and Ulta stores near me are staffed by young women who do not know a thing about aging skin.

A few years back I had my make-up done at Nordstrom Mac counter. I happened to be shoping on a Saturday when lots of makeovers were being done, I was able to get a feel for which consultant might work for me. I chose a consultant that was on the older end, probably mid 40’s, who seemed to have a lighter hand with her application. Made an appointment to come back later in the week, when it was not so busy. She did a great job for me. While I did not purchase all the products, I love and still use most of the items I chose to buy that day. I liked the Mac consultant’s make-up application much more than the professional make-up artist that my daughter chose for her wedding, I thought I looked horrible. So disappointing.

<<Here’s the thing: the reps can only guide you. I prefer brown/ pink rather than oranges or reds.>>

I also like brown/pinks over oranges reds.. but even if i didn't, that's the direction my makeup stylist took me. I think we tend to like what works for us.

IME a good makeup stylist will recommend color tones based on your coloring-- skin tone, eye color and hair. I have especially pigmented skin with lots of red and green and was guided to use a foundation that was more yellow/beige than rose/pink. It made a huge difference. I also can't wear any eye color that leans ever so slightly to red (which includes many of the smokey colors) without looking like I'd cried myself to sleep the night before. It's the understanding of base colors that makes a big difference.

Clothing wise, I feel black is too harsh around my face, and I've never been a navy fan (other than bottoms), although it is supposed to be a good color for me. Brighter tones of pink, red (which I don't much care for), blues, turquoise, some shades of green, are my best bets. There are only a very few pastels I like on me now: pink, aqua, lavender and a certain shade of blue.

Here's a video from Lisa Eldridge in the UK. There may be others that are relevant on her site, but this was one I'd seen and thought useful.

talaveran - that video is really helpful. My coloring is very similar to the woman in the video. Thank you for sharing it.

Oh myyyy…that video. Do people really do that? I lost count but there were at least 6 products just on her eyes! I really need to step up my game. It’s a big day for me if I use 2 products on my eyes.

I have asked for advice at Ulta but never a full on consult. i would chose Sephora or Ulta because of the wide range of brands.

A friend did a makeup class at Ulta, I believe featuring Bobbi Brown and she is not a makeup person. it really helped her learn to do her eye makeup for work.

I had my eye makeup done at Blue Mercury and she did an amazing job. I did not look ”made up” at all, just right and refreshed. My skin tones have changed a lot. Back in the day of Color Me Beautiful, I was an autumn and looked best in rust, greens and yellows. Those colors look just awful on me now.

I need to go back for an update on makeup.

I'm hoping to dive into the list of products used in that video when I'm feeling ambitious. It is intimidating. If I can find two or three helpful products from the list I'll be happy.

Products I have used in this video:

Victoria Beckham Beauty - Cell Rejuvenating Priming Moisturizer
Dior - Backstage Eye Palette
Diego Dalla Palma - Red Carpet - Face & Eyes Palette
Surratt - Artistique Eyeshadow
MAC - Eye Shadow
Sigma - Detail Blending Brush - E27
Sigma - Blending Brush - E25
LUNASOL - Skin Modeling Eyes
ZOEVA - Luxe Pencil Brush - 230
Bobbi Brown - Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner
[Cass Art - Pro Art - Masterstroke Filbert - 0(http://lisae.me.uk/27299-27298)
Shu Uemura - Eyelash Curlers
Lancôme - Hypnôse Drama Waterproof Mascara
Tweezerman - Slant Tweezer
Duo - Eyelash Adhesive
Sigma - Pencil - E30
Dior - Backstage Face & Body Foundation
ZOEVA - Face Shape Brush - 110
KORA Organics - Rose Quartz Luminizer
Smith Cosmetics - Filbert Face Brush - 103
Estée Lauder - Double Wear Stay in Place Concealer
Aerin by Estee Lauder - Multi-Color For Lips And Cheeks (discontinued)
DHC - Double Protection Mascara
Surratt - Inner Light Baton
Sigma - Cut Crease - E62
MAC - Eye Brows
Anastasia - Dipbrow Gel
Lisa Eldridge - Lipstick - Velvet Muse
Hakuhodo - Concealer Brush - B516
Charlotte Tilbury - Lip Cheat
ZOEVA - Luxe Highlight Brush - 105
Benefit - Hoola Lite
ZOEVA - Luxe Soft Definer - 227
Miche Bloomin' - Eyelashes - No.4 Pure Cute
Lisa Eldridge - The Eva
Lisa Eldridge - The Lisa - Baby
Surratt - Surreal Skin Foundation Wand
Laura Mercier - Secret Camouflage
Suqqu - Balancing Eyebrow
Victoria Beckham Beauty - Smoky Eye Brick
Lancôme - Hypnôse Doll Eyes Waterproof
Chanel - Powder Blush
Dior - Backstage Glow Face Palette
Barry M - Lip Liner
Lisa Eldridge - Lipstick - Velvet Ribbon

I would pay a LOT of money for the holy grail of foundations: one that doesn’t highlight every single pore and settle into fine lines, doesn’t look like a mask, but actually covers the imperfections.

Sue - here's another one where Lisa discusses a particular foundation (and mother of the b/gr make up!). I'm not a shill for Lisa but she's really skilled and educational to watch. I def don't wear anything close to these applications - just get ideas - which I never try these days. Miss hanging with my 13 year old best friend and magazines - trying out looks. She's really doing a lot of red carpet type events now, and those do need the extra layers. There's quite a lot of variety though, in the other videos on her site, lots of every day ideas.

sue, have you tried "Charlotte's Magic Cream" by Charlotte Tilbury? I put that under my makeup and it really helps with foundation going on much more smoother and not settling in my pores.

I have been using Thrive Buildable Blurr CC cream for everyday and I really like it's light medium coverage, and I am very happy with it. I also use Christian Dior Forever Skin Glow- it is more expensive and I might like it a "tad" more than Thrive but, I think Charlotte's Magic Cream, is the secret. They have other brands out now, too that I'm sure are good.

eta: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VVz778SpV4 Tammy's Ageless Beauty-looks like she growing out her gorgeous hair out gray now. I haven't watched her in awhile, but she has good makeup tips also. You might find a video or two of hers that interests you. She's in her 60's I think.

@Sueb20 have you tried cream foundation and a foundation brush? Makes a huge difference. But my skin is dry, and cream may not be for every type skin.

One thing I have noticed with the gray hair is that I now find darker clothing colors much more flattering - black, navy, etc.

That's me! I'm bringing my closet back to mostly black and other neutrals. In part because it's flattering, but also because I'm trying to be more minimal with everything.

Sueb20 - anything with silicone will make foundation go on way smoother (for example: dimethicone, cyclomethicone... anything with "cone" in the name). Many of today's primers and "anti aging" foundations have them. I can't wear that every day personally (my skin is so picky), but it is technically non-comedogenic and most people tolerate it just fine.

Which leads to a very important anti-aging detail: anything shiny highlights pores and fine lines! No to oily texture, sparkles, shimmer, mica. Matte translucent powder is my best friend. Too much powder is not ideal for crepey skin either. If that's a concern, there are silicone based products that mattify.

I finally made an appt for a make-up consult and today I went to the Charlotte Tilbury counter at Nordstrom.

Oy. I knew I was in trouble when the beautiful 20-something Indian girl came to help. She was super sweet but slapped on the makeup like there was no tomorrow. I went home and wiped off at least half of it. DH walked in the door and said, "Woah" :) I purchased a couple of things, hopefully, they will be usable in smaller amounts.

Yep, that has been exactly my experience at department stores. Many times. Ugh, sorry that happened!

Maybe try a salon that has actual makeup artists. For example, a fancy spa / salon in my area offers lessons from a pro.

I love to put on makeup and sometimes experiment with it even when I am not going anywhere. I have never had a department store makeover that I liked. I get the most useful tips from watching makeup artists (or regular people who pretend to be MUA) on YT. I find videos of people who have a similar skin complexion and features. Then I try to duplicate what they do. It is sometimes hit or miss but I definitely alter my makeup routine based on what I learn from YT.

My biggest challenge is finding eye shadow that is not sparkly. Does anyone have a recommendation?