When to Stay Away from the Makeup Counter
Believe it or not, there are certain times when you should stay away from the makeup counter. If you are sick, have PMS, are very tired, or are feeling emotional, then you should stay as far away from the makeup counters as possible. All of these situations will either lead to you spending money on things you don't need, buying things you think you like but end up eventually hating once you are thinking straight, or you will end up having a very bad experience with the sales person no matter how nice they were and you will never want to go back to that specific counter again.
Other times to be leery of the makeup counter are during the beginning of a gift with purchase, especially on the weekends, and during Christmas time. When a gift with purchase launches, most people will tend to go out and get their gift right way. Plus, the counter will have tons of what they call pre-sells, which are the people that picked their products before the gift started so they can just run in and pick it up. When the makeup counter is busy with lines of people waiting to be helped, and then people rushing in to try to pick up their pre-sell, it can be very stressing and hectic to the sales people. If you go to a makeup counter during that scenario and have had a bad day, causing you to be rude, then even the nicest sales person may be equally as rude in response. So if you do choose to go when they are very busy, then please try to be somewhat patient.
During the holidays it can be even more hectic than weekend gift time. Since you, as the shopper, have probably been out all day and are growing tired of the crowds the last thing you need is a confrontation with a tired and snobbish beauty advisor. The fact is that if they seem rude or are trying to rush you, they normally don't mean it. Try not to take anything personally and if you have to shop the makeup counters during that time, try to know beforehand what you need or just let them know that you are just looking around and will grab them when you're ready. Also, don't get offended if they help someone that was there after you. If the counter is really busy it can be hard to figure out who was next, and even when they ask to help the next person we all know there are people that will just jump in front of everyone else. One bonus about shopping during gift time and the holidays are samples. So if you feel like you waited a while and you're actually buying something, don't be afraid to ask for freebies. Most counters will have extra samples during these times and they will be glad to give you something for being nice and patient with them. As a matter of fact, during gift time, counters will sometimes get returns and with them the free gift. So sometimes if some of the gift was used they will take the non-used pieces out and use them as extra freebies for customers in the future.
Recap
So let's recap; first of all don't feel intimidated but feel comfortable instead. Remember that the beauty advisor (sales person) is there to help you and without you they will not be there. Second, try to be confidant but don't be snobbish, since this can lead to an unpleasant experience for both you and the beauty advisor. Third, stay away from the counters if you are feeling moody or sick because you can overspend or end up having a very bad experience. And finally, keep in mind that weekend gift time and Christmas time can be hectic on everyone, not just shoppers. But also remember that you can ask for an extra free sample during these times, especially if you are purchasing something.
Now that we have the approach down and you know a little bit more about the beauty advisor side of things, next time we will cover what to ask and what to look for in Round Two of You -VS- the Makeup Counter. Until then, happy shopping!
