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 sandykjay | meridian, MS

Jul 07, 2008

I love to have a make over! The experience is so refreshing and I learn of new products. also, knew make-up treads. After the make over I will walk around the mall. And I will ask people I know. who work in the mall what they think of the new me.

by shesosheek | West Palm Beach, FL

Jul 07, 2008

I like the tips in this article. I just recently bought an expensive product from a makeup counter and was mislead. The saleswoman was more worried about making the sale than answering my questions honestly. The product ended up breaking me out. In the future i am going to make sure all my questions are answered before i walk away.

by jinnee4 | NEWPORT BEACH, CA

Jul 07, 2008

I never thought about Step 4 (See one, do one). It seems like such an obvious concept! That really is a great tip and one I will definitely use in the future. :)

by fourdz | Tucson, AZ

Jul 07, 2008

I try to stay away from department store cosmetic counters, they are pushing very pricey cosmetics. With a little research on your own on how to take care of skin, you can avoid this high priced hype and use your own common sense about your skin and make very good decisions for how you want to take care of it. Fortunately, you can get great results without spending hundreds of dollars. Make good food choices and keep well hydrated to get the optimum benefits of beautiful skin naturally. The colors are just the icing on the cake!

by giveyouthe_down | oakley, MI

Jul 07, 2008

Never let anyone talk you into something you don't feel comfortable with. If a salesman is TO PUSHY, I leave. I also sold makeup and helped to find colors to match skin tones and brighten the face with out trashing it. Nothing worse than looking trashy after a makeover. Go with your gut!

by daisyb | federal way, WA

Jul 07, 2008

Very helpful---much better approach than trying to guess what product might work and then sending hubby in to buy so I'm not tempted to purchase the whole "package".

by codywhitney | oakland, CA

Jul 07, 2008

I have had this happen a couple of times and that was enough!I now take control as you suggested and tell the sales person that "I'm going to walk around and shop for a while and see if I like it".That gives me the breathing space and time to make a decision.Sometimes I even ask for samples and say I'm going to go home and try it.Anything to step out of the situation!

by rocketsummer17 | Massapequa, NY

Jul 07, 2008

This is very helpful, Thank you!!

by dawnlenhof | Escondido, CA

Jul 07, 2008

Great information.... Thanks

by mir123 | Pembroke Pines, FL

Jul 07, 2008

Thanks for the helpful information...I can definitely use it!

by Stella46 | St. Augustine, FL

Jul 07, 2008

I usually send someone else to the make up counter to buy what I want. I just get tired of pushy sales people. However, my sister didn't wear make up at all and went to Merle Norman. She came out looking 10 years younger and she knew everything she needed to know about how to apply the products she bought.

by kel228 | BILLERICA, MA

Jul 07, 2008

Great advice! I have had bad experiences in the past where I don't think the advisor is really listening to what I'm looking for. Then I feel pressured to say I like what they've done and purchase the product. Next time I will definitely ask questions before starting and ask to "see one - do one" (Love that idea!!)

by MarinaB21 | Brooklyn, NY

Jul 07, 2008

Great tips, I do feel that I do buy make-up I won't know what to do with it once I get home, also i sometimes feel pressured into buying at least some of the makeup that they used on me.

by Indigoblue | Holly Springs, GA

Jul 04, 2008

Wonderful idea--women can get locked into one look--and be afraid of change--or even uninspired...I know of a few women who are younger than me--look years older than me--and its fixable stuff--like changing their wardrobe--or updating their make-up to suit older skin...important to find good people who are talented and will help you break out of the box:)

by DBELLISSIMO3 | BALTIMORE, MD

Jul 03, 2008

WHEN I GO TO A HIGH END DEPARTMENT STORE I ASK FOR A SAMPLE OF THE PRODUCT.NEVER FEEL ASHAMED,IT HELPS DECIDE IF THE PRODUCT WORKS OR NOT AND ALSO SAVES MY DRAWER SPACE IF THE PRODUCT DOESNT MEET MY EXPCTATIONS.AND OF COURSE MY WALLET...