Don't Be A Victim - Makeover Session Review

I signed up for the free session expecting to learn about "correct skin care and the latest make-up application techniques and trends from the experts" as was advertised in the newspaper.

I arrived at the location armed with my notebook and pen; chose my seat and waited excitedly for the session to begin.

Disappointment soon set in as I quickly realized that it was actually make up testing disguised as makeovers.  The whole thing was just a sales gimmick - you were supposed to love your makeover so much that you ended up buying some or all of the products used.  It really was a smart move on their part; kudos to them.

My first reaction was to leave because I did not want a makeover.  All of the horrible past experiences (read about them here, here and here) have left me very traumatized at the thought of someone else applying my make-up.  I eventually decided to stay and observe what was happening in the hope of learning something.

The makeovers got off to a great start.  I nodded my approval as he cleansed, toned and moisturised the faces. I was impressed when he used the correct shades of foundation and powder on both dark and fair skin tones.  Believe it or not; a small part of me was even considering getting a makeover.

BUT one thing kept me glued to my chair - the make-up artist was not sanitizing his tools/products.  He was double dipping (read Error #6 and Tip #6).  He was also using the same brushes, mascara wand and lipstick on everyone which would spread germs, bacteria and infections.  I shuddered in my chair and tried to look elsewhere during those unsanitary moments.

Image Source: www.beautysoclean.com

Sadly, the fifth person's make-over did not go as well as the others. Initially the selected shade was perfect  but as her face began to perspire the make-up started to look ashy.  By the time he finished; she looked as though she was wearing flour or baby powder on her face.

She loved it though, and bought every product that he used.  I felt so sorry for her and for the fact that I was not in a position to advise her. I was merely a fellow participant; and an unknown while the host was an international expert.

Tell me honestly; whose opinion would you have believed - the international expert and host of the session or the casually dressed, local, unknown with the neutrally made-up face?

I sincerely hope that others will learn from my experiences which I share in my posts and not have to find out the hard way like me.  It is important to know when a make-up professional is giving good or bad advice...our beauty is at stake. 

"...because your make-up should always BE (Blend and Enhance)." - Nakita Squires

ERROR - That Is Not The Correct Shade For This Client (Part 3)

Click here for Part 1


Click here for Part 2


My suspicions were confirmed; the shade used really was too light for my skin tone.

I told the sales rep this but because it was the darkest shade in the store she encouraged me to buy it.  Needless to say I left the store without buying the foundation.

I went elsewhere and bought something that was more expensive but it was something I had used years ago.  The only reason I had stopped using it was because the retailer had stopped selling my shade; thankfully it was in stock.

It saddened me and angered me slightly to think that (1) had I not known what to look for I would have bought that foundation and (2) unsuspecting women would have received and accepted similar 'solutions'.

More make-up sales reps must realise the importance of what they do and take it seriously.  They have a duty to ensure that their recommendations enhance the beauty of their customers.  Please, please don't just sell what you have; sell something that meets the needs of the customer.

In the meantime we must educate ourselves so that we know what to look for.  Thankfully there is a lot of information available on the Internet. I shudder to think that I would have been styling around with an ashy looking face as was the case years ago from previous consultations.

What kind of experience have you had with make-up consultations and recommendations?  

"...because your make-up should always BE (Blend and Enhance)." - Nakita Squires