Advice on getting a makeover at a department store make-up counter?

Question

I would like to have my make-up done at department store counter and had a few questions. I am a college student, but most people say I look like I'm 15. I would like a natural but sophisticated look....

1.) Which is the best: MAC, Clinque, or Estee Lauder?
2.) Do you have to schedule an appointment, or do you just say that you would like a makeover?
3.) Do you wear your make-up like you normally would or go without make-up to the appointment?

Thanks!!!

Answer 1

Try them all on different days!

Okay to buy lipstick if its the perfect shade for you, but don't buy any foundation right away. Tell them you want to wear it for a few hours just to make sure you don't have a reaction. And then don't wash it off until the end of the day. This is so you can see how you look in a variety of lights - the store lighting, outside, etc etc.

I have jumped into buying makeup that I regretted because it dried my skin out or did the opposite and I had a reaction to it but would have no idea knowing unless it was a few hours later. (and what looks natural in the mall may look a little different outside. There are a very clean looking, natural looking foundations and some that make you look like you have a lot of makeup on within the same maker's products)

Also, pay attention to how they are applying eye shadow to pick up some tips.

I think that by trying a few, you can choose the products that are best for you (you may find that some from one, and one from another suit you best). And you can also try day and evening looks, and will have the will power to not buy the promotional/target item if it doesn't work for you.

I highly recommend that when you buy a lipstick try it out for a few days and if it just really really seems to do you a lot of justice, I would buy a second tube right away.

I am famous for liking shades that get discontinued!

So have a good time!

Answer 2

Yes, certainly you can just walk in, but being a college student, I'm sure money is at a premium for you. Why not wait until the makeup counter you choose has a promotion where they'll do a makeover and give you a special gift?? And as far as wearing makeup, I don't think that's a bad idea, b/c that will show them what you wear, how much you wear and what your 'look' is. Sometimes it's easier to 'show' them, rather than 'splain it.

That said, the manufacturer's you've listed each have their signature 'look'. MAC is a little more edgy, Clinique a little more natural, and, well...I hate to say this, but Estee is considered a more ::ahem:: mature line. Again, as a college student, I'd say Clinique is the best value line. You can get lipsticks for under $15 and shadows for around the same price, where MAC is around $16.50 and up. I also think that Clinique is a good natural look.

Also, you didn't mention it, but Bobbie Brown and Laura Mercier are both very 'natural' looks. Their lines are based on neutrals and very wearable colors. I must caution you though, they are a little higher end.

Just remember, that whatever you decide, even though your makeover is 'free', the Makeup consultant will assume you'll purchase some makeup, so do consider that as part of the 'cost'.

She'll put alot of stuff on you, most of it easily accessible in the drugstore. Probably the most important will be the foundation. It's hard to match your correct color in the drugstore, so that's generally a good purchase. Make sure before you go in, that you have a good idea of what your budget is, and how much you want to spend.

Good luck and have fun.

Answer 3

1) Any of these three lines can give you either a dramatic or natural look but I recommend Mac as Clinique tends to be boring in their colors and Estee Lauder is targeted toward older clients (although they have attempted to change that reputation it isn't working).
2) You should schedule an appointment to be sure and have an artist focus on you full-time. If you walk up to the counter you will most likely find someone to do a quick makeover however keep in mind that they are still responsible to tend to the other customers at the counter. Scheduling an appt allows them to schedule accordingly.
3) You should come with a blank face. They will ask you questions about how you normally wear your makeup & colors that you like. Going with a blank slate provides the makeup artist more time to spend on artistry rather than cleaning the makeup off that you came in with. Also, it's rather ackward to remove makeup completely without a sink.

Answer 4

Okay, I like clinique but only their skin care products, I'm not a big fan of their makeup, I think you should go for mac. it depends, if they are busy u might not get it done unless u have an appointment which would be the way to go, U can get an appointment and get it done. I once did go for a makeover at a mac counter and they were busy, one of the girls had an appointment with someone in 15 mins so she did a kind of a mickey mouse job on me till then, it wasn't really a makeover. So I suggest, u go for the appointment thing. Estee Lauder is good too, i have tried that too and they did it with no appointment, but i guess it all depends on how busy or free they are.:-)

Answer 5

1.) Although MAC has AMAZING color palettes, if you want to look more sophisticated, I would suggest Clinique or Estee Lauder. Clinique has a very fresh, less is more ideology; Estee Lauder is more about classic glamour.
2.) Although most people take walk-ins, I highly suggest an appointment, especially at Clinique or Estee Lauder.
3.) Come without makeup so they have a fresh clean slate, otherwise they have to take it all off first. However, if you do want them to show you what you're doing WRONG, then perhaps wearing your makeup there is a better idea for you.

Answer 6

1] All of them have good products, ask a friend or your Mom
and her friends [ someone who always looks good! ] what they use.
2] Be nice - make an appointment. They will have the time they need to help you with any problem areas.
3] Only wear what you absolutely need - or go bare faced. If you fix any challenges before they see you, how can they help you improve?
4] Don't feel obligated to buy then - you can think about what products you like and come back if you wish.
[ Besides makeup, make sure you wear clothing and jewelry appropriate for your age when you go job hunting after school - I got carded until I was 35! ]

Answer 7

You can try all 3 and find out which one you like best. I would schedule an appointment then you can tell them what you want. Don't wear makeup, they should cleanse your face as part of the makeover. Hope this helps!

Answer 8

http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/gp/home.html
i am 18 and when i wear sweatshirts people always are like you look 15... however thank god i have a figure when i want one. anyways... i am not allowed to dress like that at my work so i am stuck looking 15 about 40 hours a week. so i tried all these places and brands. and if you say i am just looking to buy make up and i dont know how or what to buy. they normally LOVE to just do an on the spot make over. but dont be tacky buy something... even if its like the lip gloss or eyeliner. but last time i wore it i went out to eat and i was wearing a sweatshirt and had the make up on and they thought i was like 22 and was gunna sit me in the bar and i was like sorry i am 18... and the 3 hosts were shocked

Answer 9

1.) MAC
2.) Yes you do have to schedule an appointment, they do charge you but if you buy products to the value of the appointment then you do not have to pay for the appointment.
3.) Yes you can wear whatever you like, they clean it off.

Answer 10

I think you do have to schedule an appointment

i wear makeup every day

by the way estee lauder owns everything! literally they own mac, clinique, origins, FLIRT!, prescriptives,bourjous, EVERYTHING!