Photo illustration -- Ashley May
Finding the right makeup product can be timely, costly and frustrating. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be. If you learn a few quick tips of the trade, you will discover that shopping for makeup can be painless – and buying the right product doesn’t always need to cost a fortune. The key is to take advantage of free offers and advice.
1. Make sure you’re ready to commit.
Samples. samples. samples. Most women overlook the fact that before buying a new product, they can usually try it out for free. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not telling you to go use the tester eye shadow that’s sitting out in the department store filled with mall germs. Ask for a sample from a makeup professional. You don’t want to make the mistake of buying a $60 product and using it for two weeks, only to realize it isn’t helping your look or your skin. Buying the wrong makeup causes you to waste money without achieving the look you want. So, first, why not try the product for free?
Getting a sample is really important when you are looking for a new foundation. You wear foundation daily and it covers your entire face. Because each skin type is so unique, it’s crucial you try different product lines and different weights (light or heavy coverage) to find your perfect match.
For my skin type, I’ve had the most luck with Clinique. Clinique counters are more than willing to hand you a sample and each Clinique foundation sample lasts me more than two weeks. Don’t worry about forgetting the kind and shade of the sample you are testing, because that information is always written on the sample.
2. Seek professional advice.
You have to understand how to use the products correctly. Sure, you know lighter eye shadow in the corners and darker eye shadow in the creases, but are you using the right primer? Do you know how to layer complimentary shadow? Do you know how the best technique to conceal your under-eye circles? Do you know how to keep your skin looking fresh all day? You don’t want to invest in a sparkly new product only to go home and use it the wrong way.
If you go to your favorite makeup counter or makeup store, professionals will not only color match you for foundation and suggest products that work for you, but they will also show you how to apply the makeup and give you a mini makeover. My favorite destination for makeup help is MAC.
If you do ask a makeup professional to show you a full face or full eye look, it is polite to buy at least one product.
3. See what your friends think.
Never buy a product unless you’ve Googled it.
Reading customer reviews is always a good idea when trying a new product. I find this especially helpful if I’m in a pinch and need to order something online without trying it first. Customer reviews will tell you the pros, but most importantly the cons of many products. Just visit the maker’s website or a store that carries the product. This is the place where you will find out if dry shampoo you want to buy smells like perfume or Pine-Sol, reviews or asking friends who’ve used the product is your best bet at getting the truth.
Helpful links:
Mag for Women says if you are buying makeup products online, be sure to look for promotions and coupons.
Endless Beauty says beware of makeup salespeople who compliment your look just to make a sale.
Thanks for letting me know that it is only “polite” to buy a product after a make-over; I’ll never stop at another Lancome counter again. My daughter’s friend had arranged to have their make-up done at the Lancome counter for prom because her mother uses their products. We asked numerous times if there was a charge or obligation and told no. The products used on the girls were really too heavy and too dark so there was nothing they wanted. The friend and her mother left after buying a lipstick and we were told we had to buy at least 2 products!! I was dumbfounded. I won’t be going back to Lancome.
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