Should I Go To Macy's Or Nordstrom Makeup Counter

I don't know about you, simply I'm terrified of the makeup counter.

I can't count how many times I walked into the mall looking for a $20 lipstick and walk out disappointed with $60 worth of products I don't demand. And then there's e'er that bad-mannered moment when the makeup application isn't going as I expected and information technology's really tough to speak up.

So, is there a way to become a bully experience? TODAY Style spoke with Emmy-award winning makeup artist and retail consultant Kevin James Bennett for the scoop, and he had a lot to say.

He armed united states of america with the know-how tips and questions to ask then that you walk away with everything you lot desire while making friends with the sales associate ... who tin can put you on the notification list for when that fancy middle shadow palette goes on sale.

1. Do your research

Stores have so many products, making it tough to stay focused. Take some time to scour your cabinets prior to your shopping trip to look for items yous're running low on or desire to add to your routine. And expect online for products you might be interested in.

"If you lot walk in with intention, the sales associate tin can aid you more effectively," Bennett said.

It's smart also to ask the sales associate if there accept been any new innovations to your favorite products — y'all may just find a new holy grail detail!

Makeup shopping tips — Many stores offer online booking to make it easier. Alex Holtz / TODAY

2. Don't just walk in!

"There are two schools of idea here," Bennett explained. "One, I want to get my makeup done to look pretty considering I'm going out or two, I want to endeavor out some new things considering I'thou not satisfied with what I accept."

If you're heading in for a consultation (option two), information technology's smart to call ahead. The sales associate or makeup artist volition destine time and so you won't feel rushed. A lot of stores have made this easier by allowing yous to schedule through their website or smartphone app.

Otherwise, you'll want to be clear with the sales associate ahead of time if you're looking to make a drastic change. If you're looking for a new foundation, for example, since it takes more than insight, time and trial and mistake than picking out a new lipstick shade.

3. Don't arrive with a clean face

Information technology sounds counterintuitive, right? Doesn't it brand sense to walk in with a clean sheet? Really, no!

"I would suggest yous come up in with the makeup you clothing on the daily," Bennett said. "If y'all walk in bare-faced, we take no thought where to take you."

You should starting time with a dialogue nigh whether you're looking to update or overhaul your look. "The associate tin't read your listen and it'south not fair for either of you," said Bennett, calculation that both parties finish upwards frustrated.

His best advice is to ask pointedly: This is how I want to look, how do I become in that location? With articulate directions, the associate can offer products and techniques to assistance.

Makeup salespeople tips — A visual reference is primal to helping your associate help you. Alex Holtz

iv. Always bring a visual reference

"I think it's funny when people want a natural look and bring me a photograph of Kim Kardashian, which is annihilation merely natural. It'south neutral, not natural and there's a big difference," Bennett told TODAY Way.

If it's for an event, bring a swatch of your dress colour or take a photo. Let the associate know whether it's coincidental or blackness tie. Ultimately, it's of import to bring a visual reference for colour considering your idea of red might be different than the acquaintance's thought of ruddy.

5. Don't expect a free makeover

You heard it here first, at that place is no such matter equally a costless makeover! These assembly are on the clock, y'all're in a high-pressure retail environment and they have to be productive during this time. "If you're going to sit for 45 minutes and they tin't help anyone else, you lot have to commit to a sure level of purchase," he said.

"Most beauty salespeople rely on commission to supplement a lackluster hourly wage, so their time equals money," makeup artist and smart shopping proficient Trae Bodge of truetrae.com told TODAY Style.

Assembly are held to an average unit of measurement sale or an hourly quota as presently as y'all sit down downward. If you sat there for virtually an hour and walked out with only samples, it can negatively impact that associate's productivity and trigger bad performance review scores from their manager.

"In that location should be some value in your head for this service," Bennett said. Typical makeup services run $40-$threescore across the country so use that equally a general benchmark.Information technology helps to be transparent as soon as y'all walk in. Tell the associate or makeup artist what you're looking to buy upfront. For example, only an eyeliner and mascara.

Making that verbal commitment helps get you and the associate on the same folio and takes some of the sales force per unit area off of both parties.

If you're mostly looking for some advice, spell that out, too. Your script can read: "I'thousand interested in these two items today, simply I really need to update my foundation. Can we look at some foundations while you're doing my makeup and talk about it a bit?"

six. You shouldn't experience pressure level to buy

You lot shouldn't experience firsthand pressure to purchase complexion items like moisturizers, concealers and foundations. "You should apply and live your day. Meet how it lasts," Bennett said.

These are delivery products, and you want to make sure it's the right i for you. You lot'll want to come across it in daylight and too make sure yous're not allergic.

This is a great case of when to ask for a sample. One time yous go dorsum to selection it up a few days later, make sure to point out the person who helped you cull so they make the commission for the sale. Building that relationship is primal to learning about upcoming sales for a high-ticket item you've been eyeing or new launches!

Makeup application tips — If you're just getting dolled upwards for an event, let your artist work quietly. Alex Holtz

7. Ask questions ... simply only when it's appropriate

If you're having makeup applied for an event, makeup artists adopt that you sit and relax while they do their chore. If you're in for an actual consultation, you should feel free to enquire questions along the way.

"Yous demand to inquire, 'Why are you putting this on? Why did we choose this color? Why are nosotros doing this terminate?' you need to understand the process," said Bennett. If yous head abode without a inkling as to re-create, y'all'll just end upward with buyer's remorse.

"When I worked in the manufacture, I loved when people asked questions," one makeup artist that preferred to go anonymous told TODAY Style. You equally a salesperson should know everything nigh your product and what is in it. What makes your product stand out from your competitors? Exit them with fiddling nuggets of information, so they themselves tin can brand an educated determination for why that is the product that's all-time for them. This will make the consumer more confident in their buying decision and make you look awesome in the procedure.

8. Don't ask for likewise many samples.

"If someone offers yous a sample, take 1, don't ask for 5 considering and so you lot're asking for a half a bottle of moisturizer, and that's not cool," Bennett said.

Experts advise y'all ask for one sample unless it'southward from different categories, say skin care, makeup and fragrance. Sales associates expect this for complexion items, because yous should try information technology at home for a few days before making a commitment.

9. Get creative with tipping!

Many stores don't permit customers to tip with cash, it's always important to ask nigh their policy. Passing off money into the hands of a sales associate could land them in hot water with their manager.

If cash is out of the question Bennett recommends asking if in that location's another way to show your appreciation. Cakes, cookies, potted plants and wine are favorites amidst artists and information technology pays off. "Y'all're going to get the nearly amazing service the next time you come in," he said.

10. Speak upwards if y'all don't similar how information technology looks

Be direct. Let the sales associate what you're looking for, and what y'all're not looking for, also. Y'all can explain that perhaps you don't similar the mode your pare has been looking this week, but you're not certain whether it'southward your foundation or your skin intendance — they'll know where to take it from at that place.

Assembly are looking to build a long-term relationship afterwards having dedicated time with yous, specially if it involved a longer interaction and consultation. You must speak upwardly — even if you're shy — to guarantee the cracking experience you deserve

11. Superlative makeup artist pet peeves.

Customers who put fingers straight into the samples on the counter displays. They prefer you enquire for a dipping stick or scoop, which they'll happily provide for you.
Sales associates will remember customers that buy merely plenty products to qualify for a free souvenir — and then come back a week later to return everything while keeping the costless samples. "So tacky," one makeup artist, who preferred to stay anonymous, told TODAY Style, "and most of the fourth dimension the products were used, so they were not sellable."
Makeup artists encounter right through your scheme! "Exercise not walk in at 6 p.thousand. on a Fri night and ask to go your makeup done when you don't have any intention to purchase," Bennett said. "We look at the ceiling and curse nether our breath — but nosotros do it!"

What do you retrieve of these tips? Allow us know on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.