dany06: Sorry your makeover didn't go well, but you're not the 1st one w/that experience. I wish you had gotten a great MA who could translate to your face what you asked for and who could give you some mu tips. But sometimes it's just the luck of the draw of who you get at these sessions -- I just wish you got what you asked for. No young lady should have to look old and you can achieve the dewy look w/mu -- This is a fun time to play w/your mu and try out different looks.
But anyhow, practice, practice, practice w/the colors you do have. If you don't want to spend a lot of money to experiment, there are great threads on Specktra offering different, economical mu alternatives that can give you the MAC look w/o the MAC price. I think the FF palette you have is a good start to experimenting w/a lot of looks. Visit this website for es combinations:
http://www.fairytale22.org/dusty/. Get to know your face and experiment w/color placement – Don’t lock yourself into “mu rules” and what's "in" for the season. I find I get more looks by applying colors differently than what I’ve seen or tried before.
Also, peruse and do searches for the topics you may have questions about. There are us commoners and professional MUAs here with great suggestions and advice.
Here’s a thread about mua tips, advice, etc.:
http://www.specktra.net/showthread.php?t=36134
Drugstore Lines (Specktra.net>Cometic Discussion>Drugstore Lines):
http://www.specktra.net/forumdisplay.php?f=267. These threads offer MAC duplicates, products comparable to MAC or products MAC doesn’t carry. And once you have 20 or more posts, you can look in the “clearance bin” to find MAC (and other brands) being sold by fellow members at reduced prices. Some are used, a lot is BNIB. So keep posting.
About the brushes, there's a sticky about "Crown Brushes":
http://www.specktra.net/showthread.php?t=44441. I bought a set and they are of good quality -- IMO they're a good starter set. Also, Sonia Kashuk is touted here as being good brushes you can pick up at a good price at Target. There are some reviews/threads about these brushes.
And lastly, do read the FAQ threads. Great, great advice and answers. Look at the FOTDs and tutorials and don’t be afraid to post specific questions about the looks you see. No one’s afraid to give you the answers you seek. PM them if you prefer.
We’re all here to help. Happy reading and playing w/your mu….