As it was 25 years since my last make-up MOT, a review was more than overdue and I was delighted to be offered an MOT with Kirsty Birnstiel at themakeupshop in Chiswick. Kirsty has worked as a make-up artist in the UK TV and film industries for more than ten years.
I was asked to turn up wearing my usual make-up and also to take my own cosmetics bag along (I took the abbreviated version). When I arrived Kirsty spent a few minutes asking me about what type of make-up I usually wore, looking at what I had put on that morning and what was in my bag.
Her initial comment was that white eye-pencil on the inner lower lid is “very 80s”, thus confirming that my update was long overdue! She also said that if you were doing dramatic eyes, then you shouldn’t do dramatic lips too.
Kirsty then removed my own make-up before starting on my “make-over”, using a combination of Cosmetics à la Carte and Bare Escentials mineral make-up.
The whole process took just under an hour. Kirsty took lots of time to answer any questions I had and also talked through what she was doing as she went along. Apparently the mistake that many women make is with the colour of their foundation, so I was relieved that mine passed with flying colours.
She tried two different looks for the eyes with different colours and once I had decided which I preferred, then made the other eye up to match!
It was great having someone suggest completely different lip and blusher colours – the result was quite amazing. I had been using a blusher really only designed for those post-holiday suntanned days whereas the pinker shade she applied to the apple of my cheeks only was much more flattering.
Kirsty also spent some time showing me how to use an eye-brow brush correctly, the mysteries of which had previously eluded me.
With such a wonderful shop, it was impossible to come away empty- handed and I was very impressed when an item which had been out-of-stock arrived promptly by post the following week.
And the result? A very natural look which several friends have complimented me on!
The Make-Up MOT costs £40, redeemable against purchases.
A range of other packages is also available.
To make an appointment with Kirsty Birnstiel or one of her team call themakeupshop on 020 8995 8290
themakeupshop is in Chiswick - 28 Devonshire Road, London W4 2HD