10 Tricks for Shopping for Makeup

1. SEEK A MAKEUP ARTIST YOU’LL FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH.
If you love how someone looks, she’ll probably have a lot to teach you. But even if she’s not quite your style, it doesn’t mean that she isn’t able to give you what you need. Ask her to describe her own makeup. If she’s heavily made up and says it’s a “natural” look, that may well be her idea of natural, and you’d be right to question if she’s the one to help you (assuming you’re after a natural look). Just don’t be quick to judge by appearance alone. I have Level Three makeup artists who can do absolute wonders with minimal products for their Level One clients.

2. COMMUNICATE YOUR LEVEL.
Tell the makeup artist the role makeup plays in your life, both in terms of time and style. A Level Two doesn’t want a Level Three demonstration.

3. BE OPEN-MINDED.
Experiment. Otherwise you’ll never learn anything new. Don’t get stuck in a makeup rut. Try new techniques, textures, and color; you never know what will click.

4. STATE YOUR PREFERENCES.
Describe how you like to look. Better yet, bring your favorite picture of yourself. Communicate whether you like matte or shiny, bronze or pale, if you like sheer or strong lips, neutrals or color. Show her the colors you’re currently wearing or have in your makeup case. Anything that helps steer the makeup artist to your comfort zone saves you both time and energy.

5. BRING IN PICTURES OF MAKE UP LOOKS YOU LOVE.
This is where magazine tear sheets come in handy. I don’t have to tell you how many words a picture can save.

6. SPEAK UP THROUGHOUT THE CONSULTATION.
As you’re shown things, express your opinion. If you like something, say so. If it’s not for you, a simple “That’s not my thing” is fine. Each comment helps the beauty expert to help you better.

7. LOOK AT YOUR MAKEUP IN DAYLIGHT.
This is key! Take a second to walk outside with a mirror. Daylight is the ultimate test, because if it looks great in daylight, it looks great in any light.

8. IF POSSIBLE, TRY ANY NEW APPLICATION TECHNIQUE YOURSELF WHILE STILL IN THE STORE.
I firmly believe that you only learn by doing. My makeup artists are taught to teach you. It’s like step dancing; you need to follow along until you can pick it up for yourself. Keep working with the makeup artist until you feel confident you have the technique down. Try to leave the store with written directions so that you don’t have to rely on your memory the next day.

9. IF YOU LIKED THE CONSULTANT WHO HELPED YOU, GET HER NAME AND STAY IN TOUCH.
There’s a lot to be gained from holding on to a makeup artist you connected with. She’ll keep you on file and be familiar with what you like and own. Tell her if you’d like to be called or e-mailed when it’s time to replenish something (she can always mail it) or when new products come in. She can also put you on her invitation list to call for upcoming specials and beauty events.

10. GO FOR YOUR PERSONAL BEST AND HAVE SOME FUN.
A makeup lesson can be a really good time if you approach it with a sense of fantasy and adventure. While a makeup artist cannot turn back the clock or turn you into a supermodel, she is trained to help you look your personal best. Whether you want a pull-out-all-the-stops red carpet look or a dewy, natural look, this is the place to experiment and have fun. Don’t forget, you can always wash it off!