Stop the Mad "Makeover"

By twistedsister1 Feb 04, 2008

205

hen was the last time you went to a cosmetic counter within a specialty store (like Sephora) or department store (from Saks or Macy’s) to seek expert advice from the beauty advisor? Was your intention to create a “new you”, a total updated, cosmetic look, or just to window shop and see if a particular new shade of lipstick caught your eye?

Perhaps, inebriated by the possibilities of change or seduced by the tantalizing offers, this was your first flirtation with the makeup brush wielding, cosmetic maven at the store who most assuredly promised to create a whole different person, really a “new you”.

Regardless of how you came to sit in the chair and stare at yourself in that less than feature enhancing, fluorescent-lit mirror, you find yourself suddenly credit card slip in hand, lugging home hundreds of dollars of cosmetics. Then the sinking feeling slowly starts to permeate your gait. You know you will leave those bags untouched, unopened for days, as you grapple to overcome the “why did I do that & should I return it” syndrome. The symptoms are easy to recognize ? from buyer’s remorse to guilt to indifference - but the cause is less obvious. Simply put, you do not know how to begin to duplicate the beauty maven’s Edward Scissorhand approach to application, and even worse, are not sure that her vision of what you should look like is even right for you. You looked great when you left the store but creating this “new you” is now a blind date with your mirror.

Ladies, you have been the victim of the dreaded “makeover!” How do we know this? We are Tina Hedges and Beth Ann Catalano, co-presidents of twist and have over 40 years in developing, marketing and selling products that (we hope) you buy at cosmetic counters. And, of course, as beauty experts, we have a definite point of view on how to recover from this first date with lotions, potions, blushes, lipsticks, foundations and brushes as well as how to get the most information and service from your local beauty advisor.

reating any relationship takes effort. Creating a relationship with a beauty advisor is no different. Attraction, a good impression, chemistry, good eye contact, thoughtful questioning, and committing to see each other again is the beginning of a friendship. Perhaps, a single, casual, one nightstand is all the other party wanted and you feel taken advantage of when you open your Amex bill. In some cases, there is no other way to say it, you feel made-over, rolled-over, coifed, plucked, dusted, glazed and just plainly, wham, bam and thank you Ma’am-ed. And this feeling lingers, making you recoil slightly the next time you walk thru the aisles of the beauty department. Could this describe your feeling about the advisor at the beauty counter after your last “makeover?”

Beauty advisors are knowledgeable consultants. Connecting and finding the right fit is key. Posturing yourself with the right attitude will help you gain valuable service and information from a beauty professional. It is also necessary to become your own expert and develop the right relationship with yourself, so here are a few of our thoughts:

Remember, take control of your newfound expertise. No one is an expert, at first. If you have selected the right teacher, are committed to learning, and are open to discussing options, creating a relationship with someone that can help you look and feel more confident, sexier, and more beautiful is like, well, like finding the right love affair.

Uhmmmm, sounds like that French playboy both of us fought over the last trip to Nice?. But that’s a different lesson?.

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Comments

by froggy_422002 | Morenci, MI

Jul 22, 2008

Great artical, thanks for the info!

by pvdela | Lehi, UT

Jul 21, 2008

Most places I've gone to get "free beauty advice" from have an agenda when they give you that advice and the person dishing it out is just regurgitating what they've been told to say, they have no real knowledge or experience outside of that. "Victoria's Secret" is notorious for this as well as many others. It really frustrates me when they don't really know what they are talking about and yet they claim to be a consultant. I've rarely gotten anything but bad advice from them.

My solution has been to find an actual professional makeup artist and pay them for their time so that I know that they don't have any hidden agendas and I know that they at least know something about what they are doing. It may cost you more up front but they really take their time with you and make sure that you know what you're doing before you leave so that you have no problems recreating the look at home. A good one will really talk to you beforehand and make sure that the new look really fits into your routine and your personality as well as taking any concerns or skin issues into consideration and helping you with that as well. Until these places give their "consultants" better training I won't be buying anything they recommend, and I do still check from time to time.

by valven1 | Harrah, OK

Jul 21, 2008

I like the idea of having a beauty consultant or a place that you can go a buy cosmetics with someone that will show and recomend what could be the best for you. Changes are always good even if you don't like it. If you don't like now you truly know why.

by Beaniesmom | Brandon, FL

Jul 21, 2008

Last time I was "made over" I actually had to tell the technician that the makeup was too yellow for my skin!

by Donato | EL CAJON, CA

Jul 16, 2008

There are always two sides to every situation. I am a beauty consultant and although there some consultants out there that all they want to do is make their commission; there still are some of us that believe in building our business one client at a time, not just a one time sale. A good consultant will ask some questions that will give her an idea of what category her client fits into. She will ask: How often do you wear makeup? Is this a spur of the moment idea? How much time do you have to devote to skin care (which I personally believe is the most important part-preparing the canvas for makeup application.) Make sure that the consultant has you fill out a client profile and that she gives you a copy of everything that was done. Most importantly, make sure that she has you look at the finished makeover in natural light not the terrible department store lighting! Please be honest with the consultant and if she takes offense to that then that should be a red flag to you that she is not for you. Makeup is fun and shouldn't be scary. Only purchase a mascara, one or two shadows, and a lipstick or gloss. Then go home and practice and call your consultant with questions. Remember, just because you have tried something and do not like it, there is a total refund policy and this applies to all stores. The cosmetic lines all have their price point for their products set and all the department stores must charge exacly the same price, or the line can be pulled from that store. So, if you are more comfortable at Macy's or at Nordstrom---the price is the same. Enjoy being a girl!

by msfriendly | MONROE, WI

Jul 16, 2008

This was really great advice...thanks so much!

by poohnice | GRAND LEDGE, MI

Jul 14, 2008

Great advice! I always feel intimidated at the makeup counter and have a very hard time saying no!

by mommacruz2 | Anniston, AL

Jul 12, 2008

This really helps, I always fell like I should buy EVERYTHING they show me. Not now.

by jawink | Milton, WV

Jul 11, 2008

I needed this. I was planning on going for a consultation to see try new products for my changing skin.

by flair | bessemer, AL

Jul 10, 2008

Wow, some great advice here. I can't wait to apply my new knowledge. I feel a lot more confident.

by bigKCfan | lawton, OK

Jul 10, 2008

Pushy sales people tick me off so they more they push the more stubborn I become, I usually end up saying something like I will just go somewhere else and see if they can help me with what I want. I have also had some sales people go out of their way helping me with cosmetics or fragrances. The last makeover I had in a major department store was by appointment and a friend treated both of us to it for my birthday one year.

by 1angie | EAST ISLIP, NY

Jul 09, 2008

thanks i needed that because sometimes i feel intimidated to ask questions not any more.

by mstp75 | St. Louis, MO

Jul 08, 2008

As much as I'd love to be great with my make-up, I'm only so-so. Instead, I've focused on getting great haircuts and making sure my hair is what people notice. A little make-up and a fun, easy-to-style do is what works for me!

by eastnashvillenative | Nashville, TN

Jul 08, 2008

I have a very fair complexion and what looks good in the department store tends to look overdone when I get home. If I could find a store with more realistic lighting, I would be more willing to try new things.

by mom2then2 | Hubertus, WI

Jul 08, 2008

My problem is looking for the "right" product such as mascara, and being "sold" something even though it is not for me. I get it home and use it and am again frustrated at the amount i just spent. Is it too pushy to make these ladies take off the old and put on the new so you can experience it in the store?