Theresa’s Lifestyle Blog...

I have braved the chairs in the cosmetic department in Debenhams and they did their best to transform me.

Now personally, although I think they did a grand job…I’m not sure if I would be able to keep it up everyday. I think at best I would take the bits from each and use those – making sure I spent no more than 5 minutes everyday!!

So let me tell you what happened…

Sam at Benefits used no less than 24 products! There seems to be a solution to every woman’s insecurity.  I learnt many techniques, one of which was where the apples of my cheeks are - I honestly didn’t know!  Also, that primer is a must as a base for your make up, making sure it lasts all day. Remember I said that I have neither the time nor the inclination to reapply make up during a busy day? Well clearly there is a solution to that to!

I was given written instructions on how to apply products, and in which order, which is brilliant. I actually saw for myself in Sam’s expert hands that what I have read about eyebrows being extremely important is actually true…they frame the face and finish off the look.

And did you know that if you put lipstick on over your gloss, it lasts longer? Another brilliant tip from Sam.

I think that my favourite finds were the eye brightener that Sam applied inside my eye line. It really did make my eyes look whiter. I also loved the ‘Highbeam’ product that seemed to give me a healthy glow.

Ali at Christian Dior was far gentler in her approach. Every step of the way she gave me choices so I really felt part of the process. She told me lots about Christian Dior and you could really tell she loved the company and really believed in the products. The conversation really made me relax as I can’t say I felt that comfortable sitting in public with my hair scraped back!

Ali helped me decide on colours that I wouldn’t normally choose – shades of green – and then paid me lots of compliments on my eyes… and I felt a million dollars I have to say.

The look we went for was far more grown up. The foundation was beautiful and I really think that’s something I will buy.

So what did I learn from the experience at both counters?

Well I discovered that being told such things as I have lovely big eyes that can take any way of applying make up…blending different shades or block colour…made me feel great. Also, when I expressed my worry that my perception of Benefits was that it was for younger skin, I was told that in fact it wasn’t, it was for all ages and that there was nothing wrong with my skin anyway. Small comments like this are probably part of the training patter, but it didn’t feel that way. I actually believed them.