Freshen up your make-up bag with a Bobbi Brown session

Refresh your look with a one to one from Bobbi Brown. Bubble bath not included

The treatment

Bobbi Brown Ultimate Make-up Lesson, free on counters including at Jenners, Edinburgh.

Why go?

If your make-up bag is bulging with the same old colours (or products), or if you want a fresh look for autumn/winter, this is for you.

Our spy says

Despite years of make-up use, I still fall back on old, often ineffective, habits. I want a fresh look and to know what colours suit my skin tone, which I explain to friendly and knowledgeable make-up artist Natalie. There are a range of lessons to choose from – all done at the Bobbi Brown counter, which feels less exposed than you might think – from quick updates on lip colour and foundation, to skincare, teenage, party and bridal.

I opt for Bobbi’s Ultimate Make-up Lesson (45 minutes), which is the signature 10-step lesson that teaches you a few tricks of the trade. Natalie starts on skincare and I try Bobbi Brown’s Soothing Cleansing Oil (from £10), which works a treat, quickly removing make-up. I also like the Extra Eye Repair Cream (£44) and Hydrating Face Cream (£39).

Skin prepped, it’s Corrector and Concealer time, which is a bit of a revelation. Natalie shows me how to use the Corrector (£19) properly (there are 16 shades to choose from), blending away the bluish tones around eye sockets to create a more even base. It’s very effective and a product I don’t normally use.

Foundation can be tricky and with liquids and compacts available, it’s easy to go wrong. I like the Intensive Skin Serum Foundation (£39), which gives a light, natural finish.

Natalie shows me how to use the new Intense Pigment palette in Midnight (£26.50) to line my eyes, building up the colour, darkest first, from the lashline. I don’t usually choose dark blue/black shades, but I like the result and find the powder more forgiving than liquid eyeliner. Natalie also demonstrates how easy it is to give eyes a lift with the new Cream Shadow Stick in Greige (a lovely shimmery, wear-anytime, brown grey, £21).

Lips are treated to lightweight, full-colour Rich Lip Colour in Rose Blossom (£20), again something I wouldn’t have gone for – the shades I am drawn to actually have a slightly draining effect on me – so another small revelation.

The results

Apart from introducing me to the new season’s colours, I learn how to apply certain products properly and what works for me. I don’t feel pressured into buying anything and the results are subtle and useful, exactly what I hoped for. n

• Jenners, 48 Princes Street, Edinburgh (0131-226 1600, www.bobbibrown.co.uk)