Department store make up counters

I would like to go to one and have them do my make up, just not sure how you go about doing that! Do I just walk up to it and say I want a makeover or do you make appointments? Are they free if you buy a certain amount of products? Is the make up really that expensive? Is there a certain one you'd recommend?

Thanks!

I had the same question and my bm said to go in and say your wedding is coming up and you want to play with some looks. She told me not to pay because they'll test things out on you for free. She worked for Mac, I don't know if everyone does this.

it's free. sometimes it's good to make an appointment. I always feel pressure to buy, but I prefer to have time to check it out & see if I like it. I also have sensitive skin and some stuff makes my skin red & itchy. So now I tell them I need to wear it for a while. I write down what they put on me & this gives me time to think about it. I usually check if they make commission to know if I should come back to the same person.

it is more expensive than drug stores, but for powder & foundation its totally worth it because the match the right color for you. I also have a lot of drug store lipstick & eyeshadow I dont wear b/c I dont like it. So I feel like if I can try it & buy less because i know i like it I'm saving money (or spending about the same). I also try to go when they have the bonuses.

Certain products I still buy at drug stores. I think maybelline mascera is as good as any other brand.

sephora is pretty cool because you can try stuff from all different places. i didnt think they spent as much attention to my makeover though.

If you have a Trish Mcevoy in the store you go to, they are really great at walking you through how to do it yourself. Not just making you over.

My advise would be to go in with a specific look in mind and ask them how to do it: natural/sexy/dramatic/glam

I love Trish Mcevoy! Also Laura Mercier. They are both a little more expensive, but totally love their stuff. Lancome has great eyeshadow quads (4 shades that coordinate in one package). They'll show you how to apply yourself to get a great look. Any department store counter should do a free application and teach you how to use their products. If you can go on a weekday, they are less busy and will have more time to spend with you. Weekends you may want to make an appointment.

I totally second the "I need to wear it for a little while." Unless I've used a foundation/shadow/blush before, I usually walk around the mall for a bit and decide if I like the look. If you start by going to the makeup counter, then you can shop, decide if you like, and go back to buy before going home. Most makeup counters work on commission, so try to buy from whoever helped you.

I work for Lauder at Macy's. We do walkups if there is enough coverage at the counter, otherwise you can call and set up an apt. I agree that it is best to have some idea of you want to look and how you don't want to look. When asked if a purchase is necessary, we tell them that we hope they will make a purchase, but it is not expected.

Hope this helps. Oh, and when couples register at Macy's the bride is able to sign up at that time for her complimentary makeover. She then works with the private shopper to set it all up with us.

I always go to the MAC counter, so I just make an appointment, so I am sure that they won't be too busy for me when I go.... I love it!!

Thanks so much for all the great info!!

I've never had a problem getting free makeovers at the Clinique counter without an appointment. You could also invite some girlfriends or BM's over to your house and have one of the at-home companies (Mary Kay, The Body Shop, etc) do the makeover.