Greetings!
Earlier this week I went on about not being a fool for the hype and instead seeking to make good decisions based on research you've done to ensure that you've made the best product choice for you. Well, that got me to thinking, since I opened up that can of worms I might as well let you in on the goodness of the rest of the pack....get it? lol Here's a list of 5 things I feel are imperative when you are out and about searching for cosmetics, period.
1. Go with a friend. - There's nothing like bringing an honest but kind friend with you to the counter that can assist you in your buying choices. Now this friend doesn't have to be a professional makeup artist or cosmetologist, but you do want this friend to have some sense of beauty skills. The ideal friend to bring on this outing would be the friend whom you'd want your makeup to match. You know, that friend who's makeup is always on point and never overdone. Remember, this friend is here to help you and not hurt you by making foolish comments about your taste, just use this individual as a buffer and a sense of reasoning in your buying decision. You don't have to get everything that's in her stash, the purpose is to create a stash that matches your aesthetic.
2. Try it on. - I know, I know, no one wants to try the tester that's been used a gazillion times before you and that's understandable but if you don't want to be caught in the fool's game of buying items just because they look pretty in the pan but turn out to look ashy on your skin then you better whip out your own, tissue, cotton pads, and alcohol and go.to.werk! I've been there and trust me, I'm the woman that is quick to wave off the sales person for the sake of me not hurting her feelings because she's hounding me to purchase the new stock, I'm more of a slowly walks around the counter once, then walks around twice to try it on (with my hand sanitzer and alcohol in hand). Also, the benefit to trying it on is so that you can see what it looks like on while walking around the store and see what reactions others give you. If the reactions are positive, go for it, if not, then you know what to leave at the store for the next person.
3. Ask for a sample. - So many people are apprehensive about this but don't be, it's a part of the experience. Why wouldn't you want to try something before buying it? That's like buying a car before seeing the carfax. If you can take the product home with you and wear for a day or two and not like it then there is no harm done because you don't have to go back and return it PLUS you can go back and try something else. And if you do like it that means you can wait a little longer to get the full size when the sample finishes because you still have the sample to finish. ;)
4. Research a bit. - If you have an idea of what you're looking to purchase, let's say foundation, google foundation shades for your skin tone and see what other women who look like you are saying about what types are best for them, narrow the list down to what it is that you're looking for and use that final list as a guide to what it is you want to leave the store with. From past experience I find that the less you know the more you can get suckered into making an impulse purchase, so if you walk in with a plan and a list then the salesperson can take you more seriously and engage you in the process rather than pick one out for you that he or she thinks will work for you.
5. Make a friend at the counter. - The great thing about building a relationship with the counter person is that you'll now have an insider who knows when and what new products that suit your fancy will come in. Beware that you do not get suckered into buying things you don't need off the fact that this person clued you in early. Remember to be firm and decisive. When you have a REALLY good relationship with the counter person they will become your ally in your future purchases, whether it be for skincare or beauty related. This person will begin to know your needs and make recommendations based on your needs and your skin type. Isn't that neat? It's like having your own personal cosmetic shopper in a way.
What do you think? Did I get everything? Do you have anything else to add? Tell me in the comments!
