And You Do WHAT Again?: The Scoop On The Cosmetics Counter

Okay guys I know I'm about to really upset you with this news but...brace yourself...your local cosmetics counter doesn’t always hire make up artists........

“I’m going to my local cosmetics counter so they can make me look beautiful!” PAUSE...

A few things you should know before you take that trip...

Your local cosmetics counter does NOT always employ make up artists. Many times, the person that you speak with concerning the latest shade of lipstick and what kind of brow gel you want to try is simply a sales person. Shocking? I know. How dare they employ someone who can only sell me the product but can’t really show me how to enhance my look while using it! 

Well, let's think about it, many of the chain department stores are numbers oriented and simply want to make sure that products are flying off the shelves, so they tend to bring in people who can do just that. 

When you go to your local cosmetics counter, most of the larger cosmetics line require their representatives go to ‘school’ which is usually a day or two throughout the year that introduces them to new products and allows them to play with the new eyeshadows and glosses. 

I say all this so you understand that when you waltz up to the counter and want to get a great make up application, simply ask if they have a make up artist on hand. 

Many of the cosmetics lines have make up artists that travel from location to location only performing make up application. Their focus is not sales, so you are pretty much guaranteed to at least walk away looking, at the very least, a little spruced up, and at the very best, absolutely fabulous!

Here Comes The Bride!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!! You’re getting married!!!!... ... ... sooooo now what? 

Aside from having to make sure the dress is perfect, the venue is picked, the mother-in-law is happy, and staying sane, you have to find a make up artist who can make you look even more beautiful than you already are on one of the most important days of your life. Geez, not much pressure huh? 

Well for starters, calm down, there will always be time to stress later when you’re trying to get junior into the top universities, right now is the time to enjoy your bridal experience, and the make up professional you hire for that day should definitely contribute to your positive experience. Here are a few ways to avoid unwanted drama concerning your make up artist during your bridal journey.

First, have you seen a bridal look in a magazine or in a friends wedding album that just blew you away? Well, if it was so amazing in that picture, clearly it is worth giving a try, it got your attention right? Right. So keep a copy of the look (magazine tear, photocopy, or even a web link where the picture can be referenced), this will make it easier for you to narrow down exactly what you want for your very special day. No make up look in a magazine that changed your life? Cool, no need to worry. It is a make up artists job to be able to take a canvas (your face) and make it into a more beautiful version of your everyday beauty with or without a reference. The reference just aides the make up artist in getting a specific look that you really want to try.

Maybe you know a friend who just jumped the broom. If so, did she look absolutely fabulous? Ask her for a referral to the make up artist she used on her day. Many times, being referred by someone who already has one on one experience with a certain artist will help you get an idea of what type of service you will receive on your day. It never hurts to know what you’re in store for. Even if you do not know someone who just walked down the aisle, you can still solicit a phone number or email address of a great artist from the beauty guru of your crew. Chances are she has used the services of a make up artist a time or two, and that artist more than likely will have a bridal look or two up their sleeve.

Don’t know any one who has recently been married or even used the services of a make up artist? Well here’s what to look for: Local beauty salons normally have information on the make up artist within their area (hair and make up services are often needed together). Internet searches: allow you the ability not only to find an artist, but to see their work prior to even picking up the phone. You can also see testimonials from clients who have used their services. This helps you gauge if you want to give them a go or not. Your local cosmetics counter: although they normally higher sales people (um yeah that’s right not everyone at the make up counter KNOWS how to actually make you look prettier but they do know how to sell you a product or 10, more on that later), there are sometimes a few hidden true make up artists within the bunch.

Since planning a wedding can at times be hectic (understatement) prior to allowing someone to touch your face, ask for an example of their work. You can sometimes discern whether or not you will get even half of what you’re looking for from looking at these pictures. 

Also, make sure you schedule a consultation (read: What To Expect In Your Consultation) prior to your big day. Nothing is worse than the anxiety of wondering what you will look like on your day. With a consultation you would actually know ahead of time and have zero worries come THE time. 

These are just some of the basics of finding and really getting the best make up artist for you on your big day or special occasion. 

Understand, there are always exceptions to these methods but these tips will at least help you avoid some common pitfalls and alleviate some much unwanted stress! 

What Should I Expect During A Consultation?

Makeup consultations can range as low as $25 to several hundred dollars, this depends on the artist and also upon the occasion, but do know that there is a cost involved. Even a consultation at your local cosmetics counter involves a two or three product purchase minimum.
  

Before the application: Many things should be addressed prior to make up application. First, would be your specific needs and concerns. For example, you will be getting your makeup done, however your skin has been giving you ‘attitude’ and you want to make sure on that given day everything looks picture perfect. Your makeup artist may be able to give you recommendations for a skin care regime leading up to your big day. If they can not recommend a specific regime, many times they know an aesthetician who can (alot of us run in the same circles, I mean how do you think your makeup artist's skin is so radiant? exactly). Past horrors should also be addressed. Not only do you want to make sure that this new makeup artist does not repeat those same bad experiences, but you also could identify possible allergies or specific problems you might have had with previous makeup application that can be completely avoided with just a mention.


The application: This is the process where the actual makeup is applied. You want to make sure, for your protection, that the artist is using clean hands, clean brushes, new sponges, and disposable mascara and lipstick wands. I still believe in cooties and really try to avoid them at all costs! This is your face so we want to keep it protected from germs and infections.

After the application: Look at yourself. No REALLY look at yourself. Analyze every nook and cranny. Do you like it? If not, what don’t you like about it? Then voice this with your makeup artist. The best thing you can ever do during a makeup consultation is speak up. Do not hesitate to ask for something to be changed, toned down, or vamped up. Ultimately you are the client and it is imperative that your needs be met! Do you just hate everything? In the unfortunate case that you do, be comforted by two things, 1) know that you don’t have to book this particular makeup artist for your event 2) its makeup, it can be washed off, so no, you don’t have to look like that the rest of the day :)

*Important note: Although we like to skirt around the issue, price and payment must absolutely be discussed. Some makeup artist prefer to do this after the consultation however know that at some point this subject must be broached. You do not want it to come down to a few days prior to your special occasion and your trying to arrange to pay. Get the logistics out of the way as soon as possible!