The department store counter is where we have to visit in order to really touch and feel the product. It is also the place where most women get really confused, overwhelmed and sometimes just intimidated by the sales people who are really just doing their job. It doesn’t need to be this way. So our goal is to have fun while we are there and to look fabulous when we leave!!
How do we do this?
The key is to arm yourself with information and to come in knowing what you need. So let’s take a look at what we need know before we get there and what we need to do while we are at the counter…..
• Know your skin type, is it oily, dry, combination. A good counter salesperson will ask a lot of questions. They are trying to figure out what you are looking for and what will look best. This is where the dialog can make or break the sale.
• Have a basic knowledge of what foundation color works well on you. I know that this is generally where we get stuck, but just a basic understanding will go a long way.
• Finally, before you even step into the store, you need to Be Confident!! Know what you are looking for and don’t get sidetracked. The salesperson is trained to sell add-ons and complementing items. Don’t be over sold….you most likely will regret buying most of the stuff, if you feel pressured.
Now that I’m here….what do I do?
• First off, quickly ask yourself do you feel comfortable with the salesperson? If the answer is NO, then move on to someone else. A little trick I use before even approaching the counter is to observe how the different salespeople are working with their customers. I choose the one that I believe I will get along best with. Remember, this is a very big ordeal, so we need to feel like the salesperson has our interest in mind too.
• Now that you have a basic understanding of your skin type and colors, you know what you’re looking for, and you have found the right counter salesperson for you, Have Fun!!
Other tips:
• Because the lighting at most counters are very poor, use their hand held mirror and tilt your head up at it while trying on foundation instead of looking straight into the mirror. Since the lights in the stores are from above, it creates shadows on the face if looking straight on. You might request going outside, but if that sounds like too much to handle, the trick of looking up into the mirror…. works like a charm!!
• I have been told so many times by women that “My makeup just doesn’t look the same when I leave the department store.” Remember that lighting is different everywhere we go. What you look like when you put your makeup on in the bathroom might not necessarily translate to what you look like outside or at your office. This also goes for department store lighting.
• Many of us love trying makeup on our hands, that is fine to look for texture, but the coloration on hands is different from our face. ALWAYS try foundation colors on the face. Make the process fun by shopping with a friend who is really honest with you. Buying makeup should be fun!!!
• Many counters now have brushes you can try eyeshadow on with. Ask if they can clean their brushes so you can try some shadows on to see if the colors suit you. They will most likely offer you a makeover if you purchase something. This can work to your advantage…..if you don’t really want the makeover, just see if you can use a few of their brushes yourself. Or if you sense a good connection with the artist behind the counter, a “good” makeover is a great way to boost your look and confidence.
• When trying mascara or lipgloss, ask for disposable wands. This prevents the spreading of bacteria. Wipe the lipstick off with a tissue before applying it on your lips or better yet is to clean it with alcohol first.