Makeup Counter Ettiquette

We are taking a trip for our upcoming wedding anniversary that will be
in a town where both a Sephora and a MAC store wil be. I would really
like a makeover. How do I ask for this? Do I simply ask the nearest SA?
I am unfamiliar with MAC but would really like to try their products.
Are makeovers always free? I am obligated to buy something? I am a
Sephora.comaholic but this will be first time inside a Sephora store!!
Yippee!!
Thanks,
Wendy

"Wendy" <wendyandbr...@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:3524–43FB6237–1...@storefull–3214.bay.webtv.net...
Just ask. It varies from store to store. Usually you can get at least
partial makeovers at the stores.
Audrey

Thanks, Audrey. That is basically what I was wondering, whether or not
it was impolite to just come right out and ask.
Wendy

"Wendy" <wendyandbr...@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:12128–43FB8C61–...@storefull–3212.bay.webtv.net...
I've always found if I go when the store opens or mid afternoon the SAs
aren't busy and have time to do as much as I want. Avoid the lunch hour
or during big promos or sales.
Audrey

An advantage of going to Sephora rather than MAC is that at Sephora the
MA's aren't limited to using only one line of cosmetics during your
makeover. Don't get me wrong, I'm a major MAC fan, but in this case I
think you'd have more fun at Sephora. Of course, everything depends on
the skill and personality of the MA but give Sephora a try––I'm pretty
sure you'll have a good experience.
And, of course, do report back!

Good point, EMD. I hadn't thought of that. I suppose I could get a MAC
makeover and go straight to Sephora and get another one. <g>
Wendy

"EMiriamD" <emiri...@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1140575236.338143.131...@g14g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
Very good point! You can actually grab colors from different lines and
compare them, which makes the experience a lot more fun than having the
SA for one line promoting all of his or her products.

ahmward wrote:
And may I also add, approach a SA who applies her own make up like you
would like to look and do NOT feel obligated to purchase any item that
you really don't want.
Have a great time!
Sandra in PA

Great advice, Sandra and thanks!
Wendy

<eatwelb...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:1140587419.022200.306...@g44g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
Also, don't be afraid to mention your budget. I had a fabulous make over
from a SA who used quite a few things from the bargain bin and taught me how
to mix colours to flatter my skin. I bought quite a few items, and was very
pleased at the look.

jrogow, According to me there is no 'budget', ha! lol! According to DH
there is. : )
Wendy

ahmward wrote:
You're going to love being in Sephora. I used to live a few blocks from
the mall with Sephora in it– it was heavenly. I've always found well
informed non–pushy makeup artists there. Just ask anyone in the store
for help.
I'd tell them your an online fan and you're excited to be in the store.
Ask for advice on a given product and you'll get an application!

Thanks, YN. Yes, I 'am' going to LOVE it! I am very excited at actually
being in one their stores, and I will definitely be reporting back on my
experience there. I am also excited to get a MAC makeover. I have looked
at their products online but have never bought anything.
Wendy

We are taking a trip for our upcoming wedding anniversary that will be
in a town where both a Sephora and a MAC store wil be. I would really
like a makeover. How do I ask for this? Do I simply ask the nearest SA?
I am unfamiliar with MAC but would really like to try their products.
Are makeovers always free? I am obligated to buy something? I am a
Sephora.comaholic but this will be first time inside a Sephora store!!
Yippee!!
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
You can go into either store and tell them up front, you are visiting
so they know you have a time limit when you inquire about a make–over.
Makeovers should be free, especially if you are expected to purchase
some make–up, but I know in some MAC stores, there is a no walk–in
policy when it comes to make–overs. Sephora would be my first choice
though. I love the idea of having choices and you don't have that in
MAC. Also, if you are near a Bare Escentuals store, you can go in
there and ask them for a make–over as well. Anyone who is looking to
make a sale will be happy to accommodate you. Happy Anniversary!
Susan
http://susansspa.blogspot.com/

In–store make overs are paid for by either the store which may be
seeking more prestige products from the cosmetic companies or the
cosmetic companies which are sucking up to the stores for prime sales
space. The store sales people or the cosmetic company will not request
an artist to return if they do not produce sales. So do yourself
and/or your friends a future favor and buy at least one product from
the line after your makeover (i.e., soap, moisturizer, etc if you like
your makeover and were only looking for ideas) so you can get the
cosmetic company to send a good make up artist to your area. If you
don't like the makeover, say so and let them know why.
Your dollar is your vote.

On Tue, 21 Feb 2006 12:55:51 –0600, wendyandbr...@webtv.net (Wendy)
wrote:
MAC charges $40, I believe, which can be used against the cost of
makeup. So free if you're going to buy $40 worth of stuff. It would
probably be a good idea to book in advance, though.
Isabelle

Hi Wendy,
Here's and article about department store makeup counter makeover
etiquette that's helpful:
http://www.focusonstyle.com/makeoveretiquette.htm
I like stores where you can try products from different cosmetic brands.

"Isabelle Jenkins" <notva...@kwik–e–mart.org> wrote in message
news:8gkrv197l66lh1d3b7tu0tgub8sa5uv...@4ax.com...
If the counter is slow which often is the case in mid afternoon I just
ask them if they can apply a shadow or two so I can see what it's like.
Before you know it, they've done a makeover for free. If the store is
always very busy then I can see them getting the fee.

Hi Wendy
Just got back from California and had a makeover at the Sephora store in the
Southcoast shopping mall. I just walked in and asked for a
makeover.....they were not busy.
The girl just used her favorite mix of cosmetics but I was not thrilled when
she finished.....too much makeup for me......I like more of the natural
look.
I told her that I would see what my dh thought of the makeover and go from
there. The salesperson was very nice and was not the least bit pushy. She
wrote down every product that she used on me and said that I could order
online if I wanted to since I was from out of town.
Soooo I had a very pleasant experience there.
Mary


"Wendy" <wendyandbr...@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:3524–43FB6237–1...@storefull–3214.bay.webtv.net...

"Mary" <absolutelym...@calm.com> wrote in message
news:vbCdnX71g–pUkWPenZ2dnUVZ_tWdn...@centurytel.net...
Mary, once I had one done at a Versace counter at SCP and couldn't wait
to get to the nearest restroom to wash my face. The person who said look
for someone whose makeup you like, really made sense.
Audrey

Wow, thank you all for your helpful and informative replies!! I have
learned a lot from this thread and I am back from my trip to Sephora
which I will detail in another post.
Thank you!
Wendy