The Best Places To Get A Free Makeover This Party Season

MAC

For those keen to indulge in professional make-up application prior to a special occasion, MAC has your back. With a strong shade selection on offer, its in-house pros can create everything from bold red lips to a super-glam smoky eye, all while taking their time and really working to prep the skin to soften and blur pores. You’ll learn a lot – from how to recreate the same effects to the correct way to use false lashes. Expect to leave satisfied and brimming with expert tips.

Best For: A special occasion

Prices: From £20 – redeemable against purchase 

Find your nearest MAC store or counter here

Charlotte Tilbury 

Book into Charlotte Tilbury and choose from ten looks for the full Tilbury transformation. Including step-by-step detail on how to use the products and the best choice for your colouring, appointments are a great way to test out the range (if you haven’t already) as well as pick up professional tips and tricks. From start to finish, the whole makeover feels incredibly luxe – you might even get a complimentary champagne to heighten the experience. Skin will be massaged, cleansed, moisturised, primed and illuminated before your artist begins to create your look. It’s the destination for a visible, long-lasting glow. 

Best For: All-over glow 

Prices: From £35 for 60 minutes – redeemable against purchase 

Find your nearest Charlotte Tilbury counter or store here

Bare Minerals 

If you’re an advocate of good-for-your-skin make-up and products that are cruelty-free, Bare Minerals should be your go-to. Its signature looks are pared back, but with soft flashes of colour on the cheeks and lids, while brows are gently buffed up to shape the face. The result is guaranteed to be sophisticated, with a huge focus on the skin to ensure the complexion looks fresh and glowy –only using concealer and foundation where needed. Great for those that like minimalism. 

Best For: A natural finish

Prices: Complimentary

Find your nearest Bare Minerals counter or store here

Benefit Cosmetics

Benefit’s most requested makeover remains a classic smokey eye paired with a subtle, nude lip. Full-coverage with discreet contouring, the make-up it creates goes the distance and looks great when you’re caught on camera. Services are fast too – the makeovers take an hour (if that), so you can nip in and out on your lunchbreak. Benefit is well-known for its brow services, so you can expect to walk out with sculpted arches too – or soft, brushed up ones for a more refined finish. 

Best For: Classic looks 

Prices: £40 for a full-face makeover – redeemable against purchase

Find your nearest Benefit counter or store here

YSL

YSL’s makeovers are not to be missed. Combining soft, shimmery eyes with bold, statement lips, this is a great place to go if you’re looking to step outside your comfort zone. Offering a huge selection of colours and shades to suit all skin tones, YSL make-up artists create looks that are fashion-forward, without feeling too vibrant or theatrical. Perfect for night-out looks and creating lip stains that last with no feathering or flaking. 

Best For: Statement lips

Prices: £50 – redeemable against purchase

Find your nearest YSL counter, here

Bobbi Brown

The attention to detail at Bobbi Brown’s makeovers is what makes them stand out. Each product is carefully selected to suit your shading and applied with serious precision and thought. Staff will really listen to what you’re wanting to create and get out of the experience, before they begin with a deep, thorough cleanse. Whether you want a ‘girl next door’ flush or full-on drama, rest assured they will deliver. In a rush? Don’t panic – speed is a speciality and you’ll be good to go within 45 minutes. 

Best For: Speedy looks

Prices: Complimentary for many ‘how to’ services, or £30 for party-ready make-up – redeemable against purchase 

Find your nearest Bobbi Brown counter or store here

YSL

YSL’s makeovers are not to be missed. Combining soft, shimmery eyes with bold, statement lips, this is a great place to go if you’re looking to step outside your comfort zone. Offering a huge selection of colours and shades to suit all skin tones, YSL make-up artists create looks that are fashion-forward, without feeling too vibrant or theatrical. Perfect for night-out looks and creating lip stains that last with no feathering or flaking. 

Best For: Statement lips

Prices: £50 – redeemable against purchase

Find your nearest YSL counter, here

Dior 

If you want to enhance your features, rather than mask them, head to Dior. Known for its inky mascaras and pH-adaptive formulas that change colour upon contact with your skin, its looks are guaranteed to suit you. At most, the makeover will take an hour, and you can expect to leave with a roster of tips for how best to enhance your complexion. Dior staff can also magnify your eyes with soft neutrals that are great for any occasion – be it a party or date night. Tight for time? Head to the Covent Garden store for complimentary 15-minute sessions that will teach you how to perfect your look at speed.  

Best For: A light-handed approach

Prices: From £50 – redeemable against purchase 

Find your nearest Dior boutique or counter here

NARS

For those looking to improve their beauty skills, NARS’ makeovers include a skin consultation, followed by full-face make-up application. The artistry is informed by you and your individual needs – there are daytime and night-time looks that will tie in with your style. Not afraid to play with colour, staff often use a little along the lower lashes, introducing it gently to widen and elongate the eyes. The matte lipsticks are brilliant for longevity too – they stay put all night long. 

Best For: Some wearable colour

Prices: From £40 – redeemable against purchase 

Find your nearest NARS counter or store here