NARS, Saks Fifth Avenue
Directive: “I’m going to see my friend’s band tonight, and want an edgy look.”
Fee: Free; no appointment necessary.
The Vibe: In the middle of Saks’ main floor, it’s hubbub and then some. Lots of unsolicited commentary from shoppers and neighboring counters.
Overall: James, the makeup artist, was standoffish at first, but warmed up to the rock-concert project. He really looked at my face, and gave technique tips, like where to place blush, that really worked. At the end, he wrote down every brush and product, and filled in a face chart to show where each color went.Take-home tip: Fill in your brows only from the middle of the eye to the outside; that way, they’re natural but still defined.
I might actually buy: Diablo Red Lip Lacquer, $22.
Laura Mercier, Henri Bendel
Directive: “I’ve got a fashiony cocktail party.”
Fee: Free; appointments are recommended.
The Vibe: Crowded; your makeover is public.
Overall: Great for personal attention and explanation; the hard sell was uncomfortable. “You’re not buying anything?!” the assistant said in stunned disbelief, as I bolted.Take-home tip: Press loose powder into the skin with a puff to set your makeup.
I might actually buy: Basic Pink shadow, $22; it subtly brightened my eyes.
Stila, Sephora Fifth Avenue
Directive: “I’m interested in something fresh, but not too heavy, for daytime.”
Fee: Free; no appointment necessary.
The Vibe: A free-for-all of spritzing and dabbing.
Overall: My makeup artist did a perfunctory job, at one point mentioning, “We’re not on commission.” But the look fit the bill—light, natural, and comfortable.
I might actually buy: The Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer, $28.
Yves Saint Laurent, Barneys New York
Directive: “A sophisticated, classic look.”
Fee: Free; no appointment necessary.
The Vibe: Surprisingly laid-back.
Overall: Leslie, the makeup artist, was incredibly personable. I didn’t get cutting-edge technique, but I walked out feeling elegant (dark lips, smoky eyes) yet not too made up.
I might actually buy: Luxurious Mascara, $24. Even the other makeup counters were borrowing it.
M.A.C, 175 Fifth Avenue, at 22nd Street
Directive: “I’m bored with brown and interested in new colors.”
Fee: $40, and you get a free mascara.
The Vibe: A serious makeup center.
Overall: More artist than salesman, James picked some dazzling colors but wasn’t so great at explaining products.Take-home tip: Apply eye makeup first, so smudges don’t ruin the whole face.
I might actually buy: Swimming eye shadow, $13.50—an intense green I loved.
Prescriptives, Bloomingdale’s
Directive: “Natural, but new for fall.”
Fee: Free; no appointment necessary.
The Vibe: At seven on a weeknight, every counter was packed—except for this one.
Overall: The makeup artist slathered moisturizer on my face, then applied loose powder, creating an unpleasant cake-batter sensation; later, she poked me in the eye with an eye pencil—twice. Although she was pleasant, she couldn’t explain much about the products, which didn’t leave me itching to buy.
Bobbi Brown, Bergdorf Goodman
Directive: “I’m a bridesmaid in a fancy wedding.”
Fee: Free; no appointment necessary.
The Vibe: Calm and professional.
Overall: For my real everyday, the best of the bunch. Barbara even asked about the neckline and color of my bridesmaid dress. She made up one eye, then had me watch in a mirror as she did the other. I left convinced I could replicate the look.
I might actually buy: The gray clay lip liner, $20; it defined but didn’t look fake.