The Mac stations are intimidating

I felt the same way - i never wear makeup pretty much. do you have an actual MAC store you could go to? they are a little more comfortable than a department store with so many people.

i brought a friend who was familiar with them, so that helped. just know their job is to sell you more than you need. so just pay attention to the main pieces, like the shadow colors, and fill in the rest from somewhere else. they will put too much, but if you pay attention to what they do, you can do the same way with just less.

Okay, ask for your make up to be done using the "matchmaster" line. Matchmaster is designed to blend more flawlessly with your complexion and look as if you're not wearing makeup at all.

I would also suggest you pick an eariler time for a trial. Like when the store opens. This guarantees less traffic and less distraction for the MUA.

Look on MAC's website and look at their artist videos. If you see something you like, jot down the name of the product and ask that it's used. Or, you can ask to see their "look sketches" which is generally a sketchbook done by their MUA using their products as a pallet. We look to be similar in complexion, if you want I can send you a list of what I use for day to day makeup.

Have you tried Sephora? The guy who did my make up was amazing and I couldn't tell I had it on.

Thats a great idea because when i was at macys i felt like everyone was looking at me also which added to my clown phobia

Not trying to be mean...this is just my opinion, but I think that brides who have NO makeup look really plain and boring...

unless you have insanely amazing features and skin tone, you won't need too too much makeup.

But...it's a makeup counter, what did you honestly expect? of course there's gonna be sticks, brushes, glosses and whatnot...it's what they are trained to do, and their professionals

One time I had someone at one of these places do my makeup. It was horrible. They put this nasty greasy foundation on my face that within a few hours it looked like my face was melting off...I would say just make sure they know what you are really going for. Be very clear. I wasn't and it was really a sad mess. I would also say try Sephora or maybe Clinique. When I used to wear makeup though Clinique was my favorite because it's very light and very natural looking. I liked Sephora too.

Or maybe if you didn't like MAC...try Air-Brushing

I have a Dinair machine and I love it

Your best bet is to pick a makeup counter where you see girls wearing makeup that you like. What you see on their faces is probably what's going to end up on yours.

Every brand has a different look. Just walk around the different makeup counters until you see a look that you like. Or find a photo you like in a magazine and bring it to someone. Most artists are more visual than verbal. Pictures help.

Go to a benefit counter. they are bomb with natural looking makeup looks and the girls there are always so nice. the MAC counters ARE scary!!!!

Yes please @shileta

I'm just love mac bc of all the vibrant colors especially for my skin tone that over sexed lip gloss is like a god sent but im going to try clinique though because i do like there products and they do stick with a lighter style which i am looking for on my wedding day

You can always go with the Clinique "look" and then just add a product or two from MAC. Clinique can be a bit more conservative, but I think they do that "fresh faced pretty" look really well.

I love MAC's lip gloss. Rawwr.

Have you ever tried Clinique or Lancome? They may be more subtle than MAC. IMO, Mac is the most dramatic make up out there.

I am one who always never wore makeup except for mascara and eyeliner on a normal basis. If and when I ever got dressed up I would add some eye shadow to go with it and that would be about it. I have never had any problems with my skin at all even as a teen ager. I have been extremely lucky there. And now that I'm over fifty the lines are finally starting to show and I wanted to hide them a bit. So I went into Sephora and they showed me how to cover them up with a primer and make up. I can't even tell that I'm wearing anything. But that's all they showed me were just two things. Nothing more. I'm anxious to go back and look at doing my eyes for the wedding when it gets closer. I will be having a MUA for the wedding however.

I know black women who say clinique is good...mac is for the girl with a certain look/style...if ur like me u wanna some color to your eye maybe a little blending and a nice soft and sexy lip, i think mac is more along the line of glam diva...even their foundation is bold to me but maybe the matchmaster may be good llike shelita said if ur set on getting mac

I wrote a little blog about Makeup Counters. They definitely aren't for every bride. Privacy is probably the biggest complaint as you may find a bunch of bystanders watching you on your wedding day.

Here is the article if you'd like to read it. http://www.makeup4hire.com/2012/03/makeup-counters-and-your-wedding-day.html

You should be able to find a reasonably priced makeup artist in your area. Some of the counter reps may also be freelance makeup artists so be sure to ask if they will come to you. Remember to interview them as you would any other vendor asking for references and photos of past clients.

Totally agree. You will definitely be able to find a professional makeup artist, specializing in birdal photo-finish application, reasonably priced.