What to know before you get your make-up done at a beauty counter

By Melanie Morris
28th Oct 2019

What to know before you get your make-up done at a beauty counter

With a host of big diary dates circling our social calendars, is there ever a chance of getting a great make-up look from big brand counter staff? MELANIE MORRIS tries and tries again to find the answer is yes, but tread carefully. This is what to know before you go…

Give your MUA a dig-out. Tell them what you like and what you think works; shimmer vs matte colours, preferred foundation coverage, strong or natural looks, are you all about eyes or lips, why are you getting your make-up done… This will cut out so much guesswork and possible disappointment.

If there’s a particular product you’d like the MUA to try, ask. This might form the basis of the look, so get the word in early.

If short on time, come to the counter with a clean, bare face, so the MUA can get straight to work, but be sure to follow tip one above.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask the MUA to show you what they are doing with the products they’re using.

Our skin is continually changing, so make use of the consultation to gather updated, real-time info – like what shade is the perfect match right now, how your skin is, and how to treat it. Ask for samples of the foundation used or any other products you like.

If you find a counter MUA you love, never let them go! Follow them on Instagram, so you can keep up with their work and where they are.

Arnotts has a new central booking system at arnotts.ie for beauty counters and treatments with any of their participating brands.

If you hate the result, dash to the loo and blend the lot down, blot with powder and add dramatic false lashes. Finish with punchy lipstick, and that’s a look!

Photography by Jason Lloyd Evans.