Shopping in Kingston....?!?!?

[sweetheart]

I'm going shopping in Kingston over the easter bank holiday. I'd like to get a make up trial at a beauty counter. Does anyone know where is best for this? I know they have Bentalls, is that the only department store? And do they have makeup counters?

Ta

[GwendolineMaryLacey]

Yes Bentalls has make up counters. Don't know why I'm answering this as I don't even wear make up! There are counters in the big Boots and probably John Lewis too.

[AmberNectarine]

Yes Gwendoline has it spot on! There is also Space NK who are great.

[Elsy]

Bentalls has an excellent make up department - MAC, Benefit, Dior, Bobbi Brown, Bare Minerals, Chanel and loads more I can't remember. It's got a wider selection than John Lewis, although that's good too. I've never noticed Space NK in Kingston - must keep an eye out next time I go!

[lololizzy]

Space NK is behind the market, it's ok...but Bentalls is a lot better

[lololizzy]

the market square, not the once a week market

[lololizzy]

Boots is good too. Krish for more 'fancy dress' cheapy type makeup (studenty shop, basically)

[lololizzy]

got pounced on in NK only yest!!! hate being followed around when all i want to do is browse. I gave up and went to Bentalls!

[Wolfiefan]

Wish I was there!

[lololizzy]

Bentalls i love for Laura Mercier and Kiehls (oh and All Saints!)

[lololizzy]

nice big Superdrug..am totally in love with my 3 speckled easter egg effect nail varnishes i got (Accessorize - i think were 3 for 2) but there is an Accessorize also.. bear in mind easter sunday there will probably be nothing open

[lololizzy]

Jo Malone is by Space NK.. Then there's Lush...

[MrsBertMacklin]

Bentalls definitely has the best range of counters. The Bobbi Brown & Laura Mercier assistants are lovely and non-pushy. MAC also do tutorials, but I've never been able to get assistance without elbowing a teenager out of the way, don't reckon your chances on a Bank Holiday weekend!

John Lewis beauty counters are much quieter, but they only have Liz Earle and the old school makeup brands (Lancome, Clarins, YSL etc.) and I've never seen the assistants doing makeup demos/makeovers.

The assistants on the Smashbox & No. 7 stands in the large Boots in Eden Walk (not the small one in the Bentalls shopping centre) are lovely & knowledgable.

[CatsCantFlyFast]

Bentalls has a good range BUT lighting is terrible so difficult to say if something suits or is the right colour without going outside!

[polyhymnia]

Do try the Space NK as well as Bentalls if you can. Haven't been to Kingston in ages - prefer to go to London - but I've always thought Bentalls is just another not very exciting department store. The Bobbi Brown and Laura Mercier counters are worth visiting though.

Don't know the Kingston Space NK myself but my 'local' ones in Richmond and Bloomsbury - and others I've been to in Knightsbridge - have always been really helpful - nice and kinowledgeable but non-pushy.