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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Picasso by Picasso | TWO RIVERS, WI
May 16, 2008

I don't like the idea of creating a "whole new you". I usually don't feel comfortable with this. I would prefer to be enhanced , but with things that I like, not what someone else thinks is good for me. Great info!

twistedsister1 by twistedsister1 | new York, NY
May 15, 2008

We TWIST'ed sisters are so thrilled that our tips were empowering and helpful. In answer to jillygal's question...

1. Contact a professional makeup artist in your area through referrals, your hair salon, a local beauty blog site (sometimes even the newspapers have a weekly beauty blog), a recent bride or wedding party, or, google.com. This professional Makeup Artist will use an assortment of products on you, unless they are promoting only their own line. Be prepared to pay for this services upwards of $75-$100 per hour.

2. Go to a department store, such as Macy's, and find the Beauty Advisor with the look you are trying to achieve i.e. a soft, natural look, glamorous, high fashion look, or daytime, nighttime, camera ?ready, etc. Approach that Beauty Advisor, ask her to book a makeup LESSON and be prepared for her to want to share the product line she represents with you. Moreover, no fee will be charged but there is the thought that product will be purchased.

Either route pay close attention to what your Artist is teaching you. Ask questions and ask her to makeup one side of your face and watch/instruct you to do the other. When you get home and face the lonely mirror without his or her help, you are better prepared to duplicate the beloved process.

3. You can also see if there are beauty or cosmetology schools in your vicinity as often people in the same industry tend to have great references and networks of support. Why not let a student practice for free and teach you her/his school learned tricks along the way?

- Tina & Beth Ann

thebutlerdidit by thebutlerdidit | CHEBOYGAN, MI
May 15, 2008

This is the main reason I shy away from the makeup counters. I have been made up to look like a harlot and had to slink home in the daylight hours looking like a hooker. Why? Because the woman at the counter thought this shadow would really bring out my eyes. I don't wear shadows normally, so that huge step from none to deep blue was just such a shock. I don't think she heard me at all when I said I don't narmally wear any eyeshadow but I was interested in trying it out for special occasions.

jam123 by jam123 | Houston, TX
May 15, 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. Practicing at the store makes so much sense.

queenbee63376 by queenbee63376 | saint charles, MO
May 15, 2008

Wow, can you come to my house and help me! Tee hee, seriously, this article helps me feel empowered when I visit to counter just to say NO!

didama by didama | MAPLEWOOD, NJ
May 14, 2008

What are some of the best places to go for a makeover, if you want one?

didama by didama | MAPLEWOOD, NJ
May 14, 2008

This is so helpful! I am one of those women who buys stuff at the makeup counter and then has no idea how to use it! Love these "how-tos"! Thanks!