GOING to a make-up artist to get your make-up done is like going to a dentist . . . it's good for you but pretty terrifying too. Which, of the dozens of counters out there, is the one for you? Should you dictate proceedings or leave yourself utterly in the hands of the professional? And the biggest fear: what if they make you look like Cruella De Vil?

I must confess, I have always preferred to be the one wielding the make-up brush. Letting another person loose on my face is pretty scary . . . even if they are more qualified than I am. But the time has come to leave my reservations aside and give in to the experts.

Over the course of eight weeks, I presented my face to eight leading make-up artists and told them to do whatever they liked with it. Here are the results. . .

BOBBI BROWN

Make-over free when one or more products are purchased Make-up artistTrevor O'Keeffe, Brown Thomas.

Background

Bobbi Brown is one of those refreshing beauty houses that believes in growing old gracefully, embracing your own look and learning how to achieve it at home. Their make-up brushes are some of the best out there, while their skin and make-up ranges are full of quality products that won't let you down after a week or so.

Methods

"Clean, fresh, modern . . . that's the thinking behind Bobbi Brown and that's the look we are always aiming for, " explains Trevor. Getting the right foundation colour is of the utmost importance and I am guided through the entire process of choosing the right make-up and applying it. "We believe you should be your own skincare and make-up expert and that's what we try to teach each customer, " explains Trevor.

Star products

The bestselling Foundation Stick ( 35), Corrector ( 23) and Concealer ( 33); Shimmerbrick highlighter ( 42); Number 4 brown lipstick ( 22).

Verdict

My eyes look enormous and my skin (previously red and blotchy) is smooth and blemish-free.

This look is ultra-natural and probably best suited to daytime.

GIORGIO ARMANI

Make-over /30, redeemable on purchase of products Make-up artist Colette Cassidy, Brown Thomas.

Background

Armani caused quite a stir when they moved into the make-up industry a few years ago and, while their range was initially quite limited, it has expanded to include some excellent key products.

This brand is very cutting edge and appeals mainly to younger customers.

Methods

"Armani's key look is natural but flawless, accentuated by dark, smoky eyes, " explains Colette. "Our products are designed for layering onto each other so you can change a nude day look to a dramatic night look without flaking or smudging."

Colette uses nude colours on the lids, with deep browns and blacks in the socket, giving a dramatic night look.

Star products

Illuminating Silk Foundation ( 33.50), Fluid Sheer Highlighter ( 35), Eye Couture Palette ( 55.50), Maestro mascara ( 26).

Verdict

This is the most dramatic of all the looks achieved and, while it is definitely too heavy for the day, it is perfect for nighttime. Almost everyone notices my dramatic eye make-up and the general consensus is extremely positive.

NARS

Make-over /35, redeemable on purchase Make-up artistDennis Ferry, Brown Thomas.

Background

When it first arrived on the Irish market four years ago, many people thought this makeup brand was quite similar to Mac. In fact, the only real similarity is in their black packaging. Nars appeals to a wide range of women who favour simplistic and bold colours, user-friendly lipand eye-liners and good quality skincare (made by their sister company Shiseido).

Methods

"It is easy to make a statement with Nars colours as they are bright and, when patted on with a brush, have a high intensity of colour, " says Dennis. "We like our customers to play with the colours and different looks. We have a lot of colours that are just made for experimenting with."

Dennis goes for dark eyes, accentuated by black glitter eyeliner and lengthening mascara.

Star products

Laguna Bronzer ( 39), best-selling Orgasm Blusher ( 33), Albatross Highlighter ( 29), Black Glitter eyeliner ( 27).

Verdict

Not as bright as I would have liked but there's no denying my eyes are emphasised in a way I could never do myself and the blusher is gorgeous.

CHANEL

Make-over /25, redeemable on purchase Make-up artist Sara Murphy, Brown Thomas.

Background

The most elegant and exclusive of the beauty houses, Chanel has long been a favourite with women favouring a classic beauty look. However, this season Chanel has mixed high-street fashion with old-school chic and, with its new collection of metallic golds and silvers, is no longer the preserve of grand dames.

Methods

"Our new palette Lumiere D'artifice is everyone's favourite this season and we can barely keep it in the store, " says Sara.

These gold, silver and black shadow colours are so versatile, they can be used in a number of ways and the finished look is impressive. Chanel favour the defined brow, along with '60s liquid liner and peach or pink lips.

Star products

Lumiere D'artifice palette ( 49), Inimitable mascara ( 24), Pink Cloud blush ( 35), Stylo Yeux liner ( 19).

Verdict

This is by far the best '60s look I have seen so far.

My skin is creamy, my lips are nude and my lower lashes are separated a la Twiggy. All I need now is a backcomb.

POUT

Make-over /50 for lash extensions and make-up, redeemable on purchase Make-up artistSarah Jane Wai O'Flynn, Brown Thomas.

Background

British cult beauty company Pout arrived in Brown Thomas, Dublin in 2003 and has since expanded rapidly around the country. Their ultra-feminine packaging and naughty product names have made them stand out from the crowd but ultimately it is their high-quality products that have made them such a success.

Methods

"Pout is all about enjoying makeup and looking naturally gorgeous, " says Sarah Jane, who recommends building a perfect base close to the natural skin tone.

Creamy eyeslicks ( 20) ensure shadow stays on all day and lashings of kohl eyeliner define eyes perfectly.

Sarah Jane also adds eyelash extensions for extra oomph . . . exclusive to Pout.

Star products

Eyewander under-eye brightener ( 20), Radiant foundation ( 30), Berry babe blush ( 26), Miss August and Miss Brazil shadows ( 18).

Verdict

Pout took my age and personality into account and my face looks fresh and flushed with bright this-season lids and fabulous lashes. I stand out from the crowd . . . in a really good way.

LANCOME

Make-over /25, redeemable on purchase Make-up artist Jane Daly, Brown Thomas.

Background

Home of the much-celebrated Juicy Tube, Lancome is a firm favourite with women of all ages and backgrounds.

With a broad range of foundations, powders, shadows and lip products, this beauty house has stretched itself across the board with something to appeal to everyone.

Methods

Jane experiments with Lancome's current Bafta look, designed to accompany the awards. "This is about looking naturally flawless and flushed, with big eyes and sheer lips, " she says. Bright eye-shadow colour should be put in the inner eye to open it up, with darker colours on the outskirts to lift and define. Liquid eye-liner is a must for this season and Lancome's new Fatale Diamond glitter mascara ( 24.50) adds a twinkle to eyes.

Star products

Renegie Duo Concealer ( 27.50) fills in cracks under the eyes while concealing, Colour Ideal foundation ( 34), Magie Creme Blush No.3 ( 27.50), Artliner Noir ( 26.50).

Verdict

The liquid eye-liner gives my eyes great definition and the creme blush is absolutely amazing. My lips . . . an area I'm not used to defining . . . look naturally plump and kissable.

MAC

Make-over /25, redeemable on purchase Make-up artist Niamh O'Connor, Brown Thomas.

Background

Mac reigns queen over all of the makeup counters aimed at the younger market. With incredible sales and high brand recognition (their sleek black packaging is identifiable everywhere), this Canadian company has seen incredible success since its beginnings in 1985.

Despite efforts to attract an older customer base, Mac's cutting edge image generally attracts the 16- to 35-year-old age group.

Methods

Although Mac is renowned for its sultry make-up, Niamh opts for a much softer look, with nude and brown eyes and pink lips. "This season is about a dewy look, with pastel lips and nude eyes, " she advises.

"But don't be afraid to experiment with different trends."

Bronzer should be brushed underneath the cheekbones from ear to mouth; blusher should be concentrated on the apple of the cheek . . . this defines face shape.

Star products

Mineralize Satin Finish foundation ( 29), Sweet William Creme Blush ( 21), Angel Lipstick ( 17.50).

Verdict

My cheekbones are defined amazingly . . . people in the office notice the difference immediately. My lips are plumper than I'm used to, and I generally prefer my eyes to be darker, but the overall look is impressive.

ESTEE LAUDER

Make-over /25, redeemable on purchase Make-up artist Jean Kennedy, Brown Thomas.

Background

Estee Lauder is one of the world's most powerful beauty houses but has, until recently, been associated with a more mature customer base.

This has all changed with their more recent ranges of bright eye-shadows and lip glosses.

Methods

An Estee Lauder make-over starts with an enjoyable taste of their skincare products, including the bestselling Perfectionist Correcting Serum. Then, unlike most artists, Jean starts with the eyes, explaining that this prevents skin being ruined by falling eyeshadow. "Primer is one of the most important things, " she explains and they even have a lash primer ( 21) for before mascara.

Other tricks of the trade include placing a tissue over lips and rubbing powder on it before applying lipstick ("makes lipstick last so much longer") and using a black eyeshadow for eyeliner.

Star products

Spotlight Face Primer ( 37.50), Double-Wear Foundation ( 32.50), ReNutriv Intense Pressed Powder ( 80).

Verdict

My skin is flawless and really soft, thanks to Re-Nutriv powder. The eyeshadow eyeliner has darkened my eyes subtly and the brown shadow has brought out the colour in them.