In a continuation of You -VS- the Makeup Counter (Round One), round two will cover what you should think of asking while at the counter. Plus, while you are there, you should also know what to actually look for so you don't waste your time or money. So strap on your boxing gloves and get ready for round two of the makeup counter battle.
Make a List and Check it Twice
Normally people frequent makeup counters for one of three reasons. They ran out of their favorite products, saw an advertisement or were told about a new product and their curiosity is eating them alive, or they are in the mall and while acting spontaneously thinks it's a great idea to visit the makeup counter for no real reason. The first two reasons are okay, but never let the third example happen to you. In order to keep your sanity and money, never ever impulse shop a makeup counter. The sales people, no matter how nice they are, will see you coming from a mile away. Then before you know it you've charged $500 and have no idea what you actually bought.
So with this in mind, the only reason you should be going to the makeup counter is to either replenish the products you are out of, or to take a look at the newest ones available. No matter which reason, you should have a list or cheat-sheet with you when you go. Basically think of the makeup counter like you think of the grocery store, but a lot more fun. If you don't want to take a list with you then keep a list in your head and put your blinders on before you make your approach. The reason I stress this is because it is the sales person's job to sell you things. One company I worked for told the beauty sales advisors to always add at least three products to every order. So if you walked up for a mascara, you may end up leaving with an eye makeup remover, basecoat, and a new eye shadow that you never really needed. So try to stay on track, and like I said before put your blinders on.
A Few Secrets
There are some beauty sales advisor, or sales person, secrets that I am going to share with you, so you don't get taken advantage of at your next visit to the makeup counters. First, besides being taught to tack on items during a sale, beauty advisors are also taught that once they get you in the makeup chair there will most likely be a sale in the end. The fact is that once they get you seated and comfortable they have you where they want you. I'm not saying not to sit and get a free makeover or anything, but be fully aware that once you sit your chances of buying something skyrockets.
Another way they get you to purchase is by letting you touch, feel, and play with the makeup. Did you know that you are more likely to buy makeup once you pick it up and apply it, either on your face or your hands? If you test the color on your hands then you may be a little safe, but the minute it goes on your face it's over. You may as well call the sales girl over and have her wrap it up. So unless you are ready to spend keep your hands to yourself, and stay out of the makeup chairs.
One final secret is the freebie lure. I'm sure you've encountered this one before, but it happens when you either go to check out or when you have a sales person helping you with your items. For example, you desperately need you foundation and your lipstick, but when you go to pay the beauty advisor will dangle a freebie in front of you like a carrot. The catch is that you get the freebie once you purchase three items instead of only two. This kind of goes back to how some companies train the sales people to build the sale and add 2-3 more items than needed. But with this example the makeup counter has something to offer in return. Let's face it; we all know that it can be difficult to turn down a freebie anyway. So when it's a makeup freebie being offered, you're going to have to stick to your guns and just say no unless you want to overspend.
