Guest Author - Jilly Florio
Plenty of cosmetics stores offer free, fun makeovers to people who simply walk in and ask for them. One key about these freebies - accept that the store clerks are going to all this effort to introduce you to their product lines. You DON'T have to buy anything and you do not have to tip them (this is part of their job).
Of course, a sweet thank you will be appreciated; smile and tell them what a nice job they did. Then simply ask for a list of what products they used on your face. Tell them you'd like to walk around and see how you feel, and that if the products work for you, you will be back. You might even get some free samples to take home!
My Top Five Shops for Fun, Free Cosmetic Makeovers
1. My favorite shop for cosmetic makeovers is Origins. Origins will give you both a luxurious facial PLUS color makeup makeover for free. You can call ahead and ask for an appointment, or just wander into an Origins shop and ask if they have time for you that day.
The Origins people will sit you down in a comfortable anti-gravity chair and apply cleanser, scrub, moisturizer and a facial massage while you bliss out. Then they discuss color with you and apply Origins makeup products and show you the look they created.
Unfortunately Origins shops tend to be few and far between - only really upscale malls usually have a dedicated Origins shop. When you DO find one, I really suggest you take part in this nice experience.
2. Sephora stores are much more commonplace and you can get a killer makeover at any one. Find a saleperson you like and ask if you can get a makeover. What is super fun about Sephora is that you have so many brand lines to play with. You can mix and match between brands - say, using Stila lipgloss, Urban Decay eyeshadow and Cargo blush - or you can ask the makeup artist to stay within any one brand line you want to get to know. I had a Two Faced makeover once that really introduced me to some enjoyable cosmetics. I even had a Dr. Brandt facial at one Sephora (during a Dr. Brandt event - check your local Sephora to see when line-specific events are on the docket).
3. Bare Minerals can be purchased at Sephora stores, but if you can find a dedicated Bare Minerals shop, you're in for a treat. The Bare Minerals makeovers involve people using luxuriously silky cosmetic brushes on your face, with such a wide variety of lovely mineral powders that it's like being in a candy shop. Tell the clerk/makeup artist what kind of look you are going for - dewy and natural vs evening glamour, a smokey eye, a bronzed beach look, whatever, and let them get to work.
4. Nordstroms has so many makeup counters that it's bewildering to choose just one! The truth is, any Nordstroms counter will give you a free makeover any time...and they even have a calendar list of special events where professional brand makeup artists will be on hand for the makeovers. It pays to sign up for their updates if you enjoy free makeovers. My favorite Nordstrom's makeovers were at the Bobbi Brown and Prescriptives counters.
5. Macy's is similar to Nordstroms, if a tad lower on the classy end of the ladder. That said, the makeovers are just as nice. I've had wonderful makeovers at the Macy's Clinique and Benefits counters. And a nice thing about Macy's are the freebie-with-purchase offers they run all year. If you are in a buying mood, make sure you know what free gifts are up for grabs that month.
Runner's Up Makeover Shops
Aveda, like Origins, offers a very nice natural makeup experience. In my experience they are not set up very well for makeovers, but they will do a nice job when you ask for one. Aveda has good makeup choices for women of color, offering some rich and unusual shades made from exotic ingredients from fair trade around the world. Their lipsticks have subtle color tweaks that look fantastic with my olive skin.
Last, but not least, are the fun, fanciful Lush shops. While you won't get any color makeup, you can get a relaxing aromatherapy facial, free for the asking. You can choose from many foodie-type facial masks (one looks and smells like brownie mix), some bizarre-but-cool scrubs (one has sea salt, vodka and lime in it - and smells like a margarita), and a variety of nicely scented moisturizers full of essential oils. Scent-sensitive people will NOT want to enter this store...but for everyone else, a visit to Lush is like going to a party. They even host real parties in the shops each month! Ask to get on their email party list if you enjoy Lush products.
Remember, do not feel pressured to buy anything, no matter how much you like your makeover or the salesgirl/guy. I prefer to walk around a bit and see how much I like the color under different light, and to see how it lasts over the hours. You also need time to see if something makes you break out! If you do buy something and regret it later, all of these fine shops will cheerfully refund your money. Have fun!
