John Selbys Holloway Road

Today I went to Holloway Road N7 to check out the make- up counters in James Selby Ltd.

They have a wide range of well known cosmetic brands, however I did not spend much time in their as all of the counters were asking for £15 for a makeover. Since the point of this blog is to experiment with makeovers for £5 or under I decided not to book one.

The good news is that the shop assistants said it was only in that branch that they charged so other places procedures may vary.

Let the quest begin

I have found a model to help me check out make-up counters for you. I am using the same model on every brand so you can see which make-up you prefer, and how well each is applied. I felt that it was important to keep the model the same so I can get a proper analysis of the make-up techniques, colours and skin care advice given.

My model has normal to combination skin with an oily T-zone. She is 22 years old and has a fair, clear complexion. The skin care routine advice should fit her skin type and if it doesn’t I will tell you.

The foundation should match her fair skin tone, and not be too dark, there should be no lines. Because of her skin tone and green eyes personally I would use brown and gold natural colours, so it will be interesting to see what others advise.

She has a young looking face so I would avoid heavy make-up, as it could look too heavy on her.

I am asking each counter to start off with a natural day time make-up and then show us how to touch it up and modify it quickly and easily for night wear.

I will write a step by step guide on how to get the look and also take down all the products and prices and list them after every make-over. So you can do it at home. However, it is important to add that every skin type is different and colours may suit one person and not another so get a skin consultation before buying.

My Blog

Since I am fully qualified in the hair make-up and beauty world I decided to start a blog on free makeovers. I have worked in retail for a number of years and have a good knowledge of brands and products. I also no procedures for how things should be done and how they shouldn't.

The thing I have seen most in my professional life is poor hygiene standards, you get to see it all behind the scenes. I once worked in a place that rarely washed their brushes and used them on every customer, they were filthy and could have been disease ridden. Also I have witnessed terrible customer care and bad make-up, I have seen a grown woman burst in to tears after looking in the mirror at her horrific new look.

However I have been the shop assistant with that fussy customer that wants natural red lips, or non visible smokey eyes. They give you impossible guides to follow and so you do it and your polite while they constantly tut and complain that you’re doing it wrong. After an hour of being spoken to like a lump of poo on their shoe, they thank you and walk out without buying a single product. Another hour no commission.

Makeovers are not usually free on the high street, but if a make-up artist is not busy and is having a slow day she will traffic stop. You know "Good morning madam would you like to try our new....". You have been traffic stopped now act interested and get a free makeover.

While temping I once gave a lady a full makeover after she asked for advice on her eyes, then lips, foundation and it continued. Of course she didn't buy anything. The next day I was working up the road for the same product and low and behold the same lady came to my counter and asked for advice on her eyes. I knew where this was going and reminded her of yesterdays makeover, she went red when she recognised me and sheepishly returned to the high street.

Anyway my point is, I started this blog to investigate, to advise you on where to go to get good customer care, hygiene standards, and free makeovers.