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 myrotweiler | Wauwatosa, WI

Aug 13, 2008

Thanks for the tips. It is all great advice.

by zipporahs | FORT PIERCE, FL

Aug 12, 2008

I need to remember to come back and read this before I go to Ulta shopping EACH TIME!

by sturgeslady | Brainerd, MN

Aug 12, 2008

Great tips! I can't stand feeling pressured!

by BrendaCG | ATHENS, GA

Aug 11, 2008

Thank you for the article. I enjoy going to the department store and having my makeup done. I feel that I need to keep up with the trends although I am very traditional. Having the representative try new things on me helps me to make the decision as to buying or not.

by JEM4612 | HOFFMAN EST, IL

Aug 09, 2008

I think these are good tips. I wish that someone had told me about tip #1 years ago! Recently I have started being more vocal and confident when dealing with make-up counters, but I feel guilty when I do. I will feel guilty no more! I would like to see this type of article about skin care products. Also, I agree with Donato in that don't judge all cosmetic artists by the actions of one of two. I have argued with young salespeople at the makeup counter that just because I am over 40 does not mean that I have dry skin...moisturizers make me break out, just like a teenager. I have had them insist that I need moisturizers anyway. Or I have had them insist on trying to put glittery eyeshadow on me because that was the color their company was pushing for the season, even though it looks ridiculous on someone my age. At the makeup counter I frequent at the mall there is a an older cosmetic artist who I like a lot. She listens to what I say. For those who enjoy make-overs but have had bad experiences, I would say don't give up.

by TRIXIE50 | CLAYMONT, DE

Aug 08, 2008

A make usually is a change in hair color or style and now i find wigs fun along with the eyelashes.

by ja99fitt | Steelton, PA

Aug 07, 2008

As a Cosmetic SA, I have to agree with the 6 points made in this article. I work for a major Cosmetic line that sound very much like "clinic". We try to say we don't do "beauty Muggings". Some of us do and some of us don't. Please, please, please, specify what you want. So may times I hear, well, you're the professional, or expert, etc. Yes, I am very highly trained, but I want to know if you are a minimal type of individual or if you want the whole 9 yards (so to speak). If you don't tell me, I can't adjust for your needs. So, SPEAK UP, and let me know.

by fairy73 | Spring Hill, FL

Aug 05, 2008

every time I have had a make over they always tell me "oh this color looks good on you" and actually I believe it does not I suggest to them what colors I like on me and go from there, or they use too much makeup

but thank you for the tips

by agranote | Fenton, MO

Aug 05, 2008

This is all great tips. I have enjoyed getting makeovers at the major department stores. I have only had a few but all have followed up with me to keep me an ongoing customer. One thing I don't like is that the lighting is so great in the store and it makes it look 5 times better, then you get outside and in the summer heat or rain and you have a different look.

by izzyp | Russellville, AR

Aug 05, 2008

Great Tips! Enjoyed the article!

by sharkart82 | Indianapolis, IN

Jul 31, 2008

a makeover would be awsome

by wootz0 | MACOMB, MI

Jul 30, 2008

thanks for the info

by mlb477 | south orange, NJ

Jul 30, 2008

absolutely. you go in with something specific in mind and come out with something else that you didn't really want. i end up with a lot of products i'll never use.

by pami22 | oronogo, MO

Jul 30, 2008

thanks for all the valuable info, I sometimes by on impulse and then have no idea how to use it when I get home because they were not really clear on how to apply...thanks

by alisonofagun | Lincoln, NE

Jul 28, 2008

My sister is a professional makeup artist. Often the gals (and guys) at the makeup counter are not. They are trained by the makeup company and what does any company want to do with their product? Sell a lot of it! So with quotas to fulfill and little trainning under their belts often times you get stuck with a lot of unneccessary and unflattering purchases. I loved the advice about going to a salon- make sure you talk to a "make-up artist", not just an Esthetician- make up is a small part of their trainning compared to facials, massage, tweesing, waxing and the like. Tell them what you want- ie.something daring, natural, glamorous, etc. Like a good hairstylist they should be able to listen to your wants and ask the right questions to achive the "look" you're going for. Great article:)