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Makeup experimentation, that double-edged sword, is both wildly fun and highly perilous—you're pretty much always one clumsy moment away from a look 2010-era Taylor Momsen would have approved of.

So before gallivanting blindly into said obstacle-ridden world of putting strange new things on your face, we've we've rounded up all the places in NYC for makeup tutorials—from actual professionals—on how to create interesting looks that work for you.

You'll notice this list doesn't include department stores (although we're sure someone at Bergdorf's cosmetics counter would be happy to help, too), and instead is a hodgepodge of esteemed local makeup artists, catchall salons, luxury spas, indie beauty studios, and international makeup chains with NYC outposts. Read on to find out where you can master the season's best makeup trends.