Beauty counters can be intimidating places – all those perfectly groomed assistants and the vast choice of products. But if you’re in the know there’s a huge amount of expert help and good (often free!) stuff on offer. So here’s how to get the most out of the top beauty counters.
Revlon
The Revlon range is priced to be affordable, so this is a great counter to come to if you’re likely to buy a few products.
Their makeup advisers offer everything from skin and colour consultations to makeovers. They’ll help you find your perfect shades, share tips on creating a quick and easy routine, show you fresh ideas for special events and give makeup lessons so you can achieve the looks easily at home by yourself.
There are also regular in-store events where you can learn about the latest releases and the best ways to use them. Charges vary from store to store but are usually redeemable on any products you purchase.
Clarins
This brand does beautiful skincare and all its counters have a beauty room and a counter manager who’s trained in giving facials.
This is a great way to try products before you buy or for regular customers to have facials and discuss any concerns.
If you’re stuck in a makeup rut, why not take a friend and visit for a step-by-step makeup lesson? They’ll show you how to do a smoky eye in five minutes, how to find the right shade of lippy and keep it on for longer, how to give your makeup more radiance, how to make the most of your eye shape and more.
There’s no charge for these regular services, but there’s a $60 booking fee, which is redeemable on purchases, when special even
ts are held with visiting consultants.
Clinique
One of Clinique’s founders, Dr Norman Orentreich, developed a skin diagnosis technique that’s now used at all of their counters.
It’s based on things like eye colour, pore size, hair colour and how skin reacts to the sun, and helps consultants tailor a skincare regime and makeup look for each customer. They don’t charge for one-on-one consultations or special events.
Shiseido
If you’ve decided it’s time to break free of boring brown eye shadow, Shiseido does a great range of gorgeous shades and offers complimentary makeup lessons and makeovers. This way you can see if their shades suit and learn how to apply them. Beauty consultants also provide free skin consultations and analysis, plus provide samples for customers to try.
Elizabeth Arden
Sign up as a customer at an Elizabeth Arden counter and you’ll be invited to exclusive events such as their famous Red Door Spa treatments. There’s a $60 fee but $40 is redeemable on product purchase. It involves 90 minutes of facial pampering in a beauty room. Alternatively, you can have a ceramide facial or a makeover for $20.
Elizabeth Arden has a national makeup artist that travels the country offering tutorials, workshops and boardroom beauty tips. Fees for these services vary.
Kiehl’s
Samples are the big thing at Kiehls – they’re incredibly generous with them. Go for a personal skin consultation
and you’ll get a full run-down of products you need, plus lots of sachets to take home and try. Often they’ll mail you additional samples later on.
MAC
This is the best choice if you’re looking for edgy, on-trend looks. There are always highly trained staff on hand at the counters and stores to show you the best way to use their products.
If you want an hour-and-a-half-long makeup lesson showing you how to achieve different looks, you will have to pay $150. But this is redeemable on product purchase. MAC stores are also happy to arrange group lessons.
Lancôme
There’s a loyalty club you can join at Lancôme counters where you get points for every dollar you spend. These can be used for rewards such as skincare, makeup, fragrance and even French Champagne.
Spend $150 on products to qualify to join My Lancôme and you’ll also be able to indulge in exclusive beauty treats, samples and competitions.
They also hold special events where you can have a skin diagnosis to find out how you’re going with things like hydration and firmness, or learn new makeup techniques. The $60 charge is redeemable on products purchased.
Samples are also available, with foundation trials particularly encouraged to make sure you get the right shade and formula.
Bobbi Brown
This label does great “grown-up” makeup rather than high-fashion looks. Makeup artist Bobbi’s philosophy is that looking your best is achievable with a few easy steps and the right products.
One-on-one makeup lessons are available at Bobbi Brown counters. They cost $90, but for that you get 40 minutes of expert help and the price is redeemable on products.
You’ll learn Bobbi’s application methods, from a five-minute routine to a 20-minute special-occasion look.
Estée Lauder
There’s a signature service menu at Estée Lauder counters and customers can choose from a range of complimentary services, whether it’s finding the perfect foundation match or pro tips for foolproof eyeliner and mascara application.
Makeover tips:
- There are lots of counters to choose from, so identify which brand you’re most drawn to. It may be that the products fit your budget or that you’ve bought and liked products from them before.
- Check out the makeup the counter staff are wearing. If you’re not impressed, move on.
- Make sure you’re dealing with someone who’s trained to apply makeup rather than a salesperson.
- If you love a product, it makes sense to buy it. Butdon’t feel pressured to spend more than you can afford.
- Be clear about what you want. Whether it’s tips on using blusher, creating a smoky eye, or finding the right shade of foundation.
- Bring photos of the look you’re hoping to achieve.
- Be prepared to try something new. It’s makeup – it wipes off!
- Be specific about the style of clothes you prefer to wear, how much time you spend on your makeup and so on. That way the beauty adviser can tailor a look to suit your needs.
- If a counter is busy, see if you can make an appointment to return when they have time to give you their full attention.
- Ask them to write down key advice and products so you won’t forget the new things you’ve learned.
- If you’re having your makeup done, arrange an outing for afterwards. It’s a waste to go home when you’re looking glam!
- Ask to be put on the mailing list so you can be told of any special events or gift-with-purchase offers that may be coming up.
