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 candygirl5506 | WEST CHESTER, OH

Jun 30, 2008

Thanks these tips will help greatly

by Paige6802 | Florence, AL

Jun 23, 2008

Thanks for the tips. I actually found a great lady at the Clinique counter at my local Dillard's. She was great! I got started on their 3-step program and my skin has already cleared up after a week of using the product. I am really excited about it. After I finish up using my Olay night cream, I will go back to her and get her recommendation. She also helped me find the perfect shade of powder. I left the counter excited, and the excitment hasn't fizzled. Best $60 I ever spent!

by Finzz2dlft | MECHANICSVLLE, VA

Jun 19, 2008

Thanks for the great tips and advice! I am embarrassed to admit it, but I have never been to a makeup counter for a makeover, for the very reasons described in your article! I am just too darn intimidated! Maybe now I won't be. Thanks, ladies!

by cathy5519 | Mount Pleasant, TN

Jun 13, 2008

Thanks for the advice. cathy5519

by blue94 | Fairfield, ME

Jun 07, 2008

These are really great tips! I've always been afraid of consulting the ladies at the counters because I was afraid of them overwhelming me but maybe I'll give it a go. Thanks!

by binhach | Teaneck, NJ

Jun 05, 2008

thanks for the tips!

by karintoo | METUCHEN, NJ

Jun 03, 2008

Wow great advice , I promise to use all of them , it gave me a lot of things to think about, thank you

by moonlight95 | mount laurel, NJ

Jun 02, 2008

i think it made a lot of sense the fact that u come home and dont know how to get the same look. the point is to practise it then and there and then master it at home.

by domesticgoddess_1 | Antigo, WI

May 31, 2008

Thank you for the great tips! I can never duplicate the look once I get home, but now I know that look may not be right for me!

by scrap728 | Buffalo, NY

May 30, 2008

Years ago I sold makeup in a dept store and loved the job..If you go for a makeover and are not happy with it tell the specialist who did it and tell them why you weren't happy with it. Don't ever let that make you decide never to have someone else do one at a later date. Everyone has their own speciality. If you don't like the makeup...don't buy it!...

by CrystalRydell | Buckholts, TX

May 26, 2008

THAT MAKE-UP I WONDERFUL STUFF

by sandybar311 | Anniston, AL

May 22, 2008

I was at a spa recently. I asked some questions about their mineral makeup. They said they would have the makeup specialist put some makeup on me. I told the specialist that I don't like to look like I am wearing makeup, I want it to look natural. She matched the liquid makeup to my skin and then the powder compact. She used very little eye makeup on me and a very natural lipstick. I looked great when she finished, and this is a routine that I was able to keep up on. I purchased the products even though they were pricey, and I love them. This was my first experience at a cosmetic counter where I felt they really cared about me an were not in it just to make a sale of every product they have.

by iamluvable | proctor, MN

May 20, 2008

I had a girl mistake me for a lady who was going to get a facial. I turned around and she was right there in my face and almost grabbed my arm to take a seat...She really scared me! I am cautious with the make up counters, but I may make an exception. Thanks for the info!

by carley222433 | Fairfield Twp, OH

May 19, 2008

I don't like make-up counters, I mean I love the products and love to experiment with them, but the ladies always want to put on too much make-up. I love make-up, but I want a fresh natural, not over done look! Thanks for the tips I will use the next time. Carley222

by frogqueen75 | Berea, KY

May 18, 2008

I actually had a beauty advisor give me a staph infection in my eye because she didn't listen to me at ALL. She said I just HAD to try this new foundation brush they had-even after I told her that I generally don't wear foundation & I definitely ONLY use one-time use applicators at makeup counters. She put the foundation on anyway, brushing the corner of my eye. Needless to say, both Macy's & Clinique heard from me after I got back from the doctor a few days later with antibiotic ointment for my swollen, oozing, red eye...and I'd hate to think how many other customers got it before & after me! I know that I may not look like a fashion model when I approach these counters, but if I say I don't wear something or don't WANT something, the people who work there should listen-and not endanger my health! I've actually been afraid to go back...I've been buying online.