Makeover at Laura Mercier

About a month ago I was in Laura Mercier in Belfast and it just so happened that they had some dates coming up when one of their top MUAs would be visiting and doing makeovers.  I wasn't really all that interested but I booked a date anyway.  It cost me £15 to book which was redeemable against amy purchase made on the day.

As the time came closer I really started lo look forward to it and today was the big day.  So off I went this morning, sans makeup, in preparation for my makeup to be applied professionally.

First my base was applied by one of the girls on the counter, then I was hand over to the MUA who would focus on a specific point of interest to me.  I chose eyes and in particular winged eyeliner.

So here is the finished look:

I have to say that over all I am quite pleased with it but it turned out a little more glowy than I would like.  She went for a smoky eye as I'm heading out tonight and thought why not.  You only live once and it was a great opportunity to try something a bit different and step out of my comfort zone.

The winged eyeliner is extremely subtle which is what I wanted.  I just wanted it to be slightly noticeable when My eyes are closed.  I did not want a huge cat eye as I think I'm just a wee bit too old for that.  She used a beautiful navy eyeliner on me rather than black and I love the result.  She tight lined my upper lash line.  Something I just cannot do myself.  It was uncomfortable when she was doing it but not unbearable.  I really must practise this some more.

I also love how she did my eyebrows.  The look fuller but not made up.  Perfect in fact!!

Of course the whole drive for this was for them to make some sales.  Of course I just had to partake.  There were also some freebies to be had when spending over £100.

The freebies consisted of a compact foundation in a colour to suit me and an eyeshadow base.

There was also box of chocolates.  Happy days!!

I bought a few of the items the MUA used on me.

I also bought the Invisible Loose Setting Powder which I'd been wanting to try for ages.

I will do more detailed reviews of these items as and when I use them.  For now I want to focus on the experience of today.

I am very happy with the service I received.  The girls were all so lovely and friendly.  I had a very enjoyable morning and I would thoroughly recommend anyone wanting to go for a makeover to go to Laura Mercier in House Of Fraser Belfast.  Obviously if that's convenient to you.  If not then check out your local Laura Mercier counter.  I am relatively new to Laura Mercier products.  I have owned only a couple of items prior to this but I will most definitely be returning to try some more in the future.

Estee Lauder Perfectionist Youth-Infusing Makeup Review

I recently went to my local Estee Lauder counter to try a sample of this.  It totally sounds like the perfect foundation for me and I knew I'd just have to give it a go.  Estee Lauder is great because they let you take a small sample away with you for free.  This means you can give the foundation a really great road test before spending your hard earned cash on something that may not even work for you.  They give you a sample that should last around 7-10 days.

I was colour matched to Desert Beige.

Unusually for me this is not the lightest offering they have.  I have been using it for a few days now and feel I am ready and have tested it enough to share my experience.

This foundation comes in a glass bottle with a pump.  It looks luxurious and so it should at £37.

It has an SPF of 25 which is really great for a foundation.  It claims to firm, brighten and hydrate and give a medium coverage with a satin finish.  So far I agree with that although I haven't been using it enough to comment on the firming effect.  

I love the coverage it gives.  It's definitely medium and looks really natural.  No cake here!!  It lasts well.  I have given it a trial for a few days and have even managed to wear it for 22 hours.  It lasted really well over the 22 hours.  I'm not someone who touches up make up other than lipstick.  So here's a scary picture of me at the end of 22 hours of wear.  If you are of a nervous disposition look away now lol.

Overall this is a really great foundation.  I am so happy with it in all aspects.  It is pricy though so for now I won't be purchasing the full sized bottle (which is the bog standard 30ml) but you can be sure that I will be tempted at some point in the near future to buy it.  Probably at the next Gift With Purchase I find.  In the meantime though I am enjoying my sample and as I have quite a number of Estee Lauder counters near me I may pick up another sample before purchase.

As with any Estee Lauder foundation I would definitely recommend trying a sample yourself first.  Why not? You've got nothing to lose and you may find your Holy Grail foundation.

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the rest of your weekend xx