https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-do-make-up-counters-intimidate-me Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 11 Apr 2026 08:05:33 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-do-make-up-counters-intimidate-me/page/2#post-1934031 Thu, 05 Jul 2018 17:55:00 +0000 AndiB 1934031@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My experience is very different than so many fabbers here.&nbsp; I quite love Sephora, and don't find the SA's to be pushy at all.&nbsp; In fact, I love to engage them and find them to be very knowledgeable about the products they sell, from skin care to make up to brushes.&nbsp; That said, I've never done a make over, but like many here go in just for the items I'm looking to refresh or try.&nbsp; I did drag my sister to Sephora recently, and honestly the SA was amazing, spot on nailed the products and colors that were perfect for my sister, from foundation and primer to a wonderful eye shadow palette.&nbsp; I kept wanting to convince dear sister to try the products I love, but the SA ever so diplomatically steered her to products that really were much better for her.&nbsp; I love that I can try products out.&nbsp; And odd woman out here, it seems like I can't find and SA when I do have questions!&nbsp; I do look at some make up tutorials, I like Hot and Flashy (I'm over 50, too, and looking for products designed and engineered for my special ... erm... needs.)&nbsp; She recommended the Urban Decay 24/7 eye liner I've raved about a time or two here (and will again, now, it glides on, stays on, great more subdued colors than the Marc Jacobs like I'd been using for a couple of years).&nbsp; but I agree with others:&nbsp; don't go in for the full on make over, but do use SA's expertise as needed.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-do-make-up-counters-intimidate-me/page/2#post-1934027 Thu, 05 Jul 2018 17:27:09 +0000 Vix 1934027@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ps for anyone searching, googling for "bridal makeup artist" + your region may get you some options. </p> <p>These days most have instagram etc portfolios so you can get a feel for their overall style...then you can dig deeper into seeing if they do "normal" vs photo-centric makeup sessions and lessons. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-do-make-up-counters-intimidate-me/page/2#post-1934026 Thu, 05 Jul 2018 17:24:31 +0000 Vix 1934026@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Ms CL --</p> <p>Have you ever considered seeing an independent pro when you're in the City?</p> <p>It was o happy day when I went to an eco beauty professional for a facial in my preferred line. She's also a professional makeup artist who can do it all but loves giving women "natural looks with natural products" and quick routines. Sort of the eco Bobbi Brown.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'd been looking for a new foundation and blusher and done several trips to the shops and what she suggested was miles better. I've sent others her way and same story. ;)</p> <p>I'm a makeup minimalist whose pretty good to go with my skin nowadays, so I don't see her frequently -- but when I do I get great ideas for products and colors with high odds of suiting MY skin and coloring. </p> <p>However, I know she has clients who come in for seasonal reviews of their products / new products. I'm sure there's someone like that for you...or you need to come up North for a session!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-do-make-up-counters-intimidate-me/page/2#post-1934007 Thu, 05 Jul 2018 16:01:58 +0000 texstyle 1934007@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>The only one I ever visit is the Origins counter and often the people working there simply don't know how to even BE pushy so it's low key. They don't offer any valuable advice either, but that's fine by me. In fact, the last visit the women was more interested in asking me what I used on MY skin (glycerin soap and jojoba oil mainly, sometimes a little avocado eye cream under my eyes Kiehls).&nbsp; I only use the Origins foundation (but have been moving away from it lately and towards Laura Mercier exclusively - thanks Angie) and Origins brown mascara.&nbsp; <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I like Sephora and Nordstrom for their great return options. Most of the time I carefully review things online before purchasing so I don't return often unless the product truly was different from what I felt was presented online or there was some issue with shipping/etc.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-do-make-up-counters-intimidate-me/page/2#post-1933993 Thu, 05 Jul 2018 15:29:28 +0000 Freckles 1933993@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>With skin sensitivities and allergies I try new brands when I know that nothing important is coming up in case I react.<br />I normally use drug stores for my purchases but I love the Dior and Mac make up but generally prefer Shiseido consultants at the department stores.&nbsp; They seem to wear minimal make up and listen to you more than the others especially when working with you on a Dior counter.<br />Since I retired I don't wear nearly as much make up but go the extra distance for a Shiseido consultant for something special like our son's wedding.<br />I had my face done half one way and half another and wore it all day.&nbsp; The products were different formulations, like for foundation, or just colours.&nbsp; My skin reacts underneath the make up and it changes after a couple of hours.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />Going in I say I'm not going to buy but testing for sensitivities and don't get the hard sell.&nbsp; She also told me what I could do without or&nbsp;<br />could use a product I was buying for instead.&nbsp; I thought I needed all new brushes and found out the small ones in the Dior line were better than most you can buy at the store.<br />It really depends on the consultants though.&nbsp; You&nbsp; really have to find one you like.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-do-make-up-counters-intimidate-me/page/2#post-1933960 Thu, 05 Jul 2018 13:14:45 +0000 Christina F. 1933960@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't go to makeup counters much. What makeup I do wear comes from the drugstore or Sephora, where I almost always say I don't need help. However, I do have the same problem when I go have a facial once or twice a year or so. The esthetician usually yells at me about not using some product or other, and then does a hard sell. (I go back because they do extractions, which heaven knows I won't do on myself.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-do-make-up-counters-intimidate-me/page/2#post-1933957 Thu, 05 Jul 2018 13:10:32 +0000 anne 1933957@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I'm intimidated too, and have never been to one in my life. I'm another who buys her make up at the drug store or occasionally at Target/ Kmart if it is just a replacement item.</div><div><br /></div><div>My daughter tells me she knows more than I do about makeup, thanks to youtube (though she doesn't wear it yet) and I knew there was heaps of instruction out there, but it was good to read specific recommendations on this thread.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-do-make-up-counters-intimidate-me/page/2#post-1933954 Thu, 05 Jul 2018 13:05:49 +0000 Thistle 1933954@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have nothing to add that people haven't already said.</p> <p>Column hit the nail on the head, and Suz as well.</p> <p>I went to one once, bought a bunch of stuff after a make-over, only to find after the third wearing my skin had a nasty reaction. I had to give away or throw away hundreds of dollars in products.</p> <p>My mother-in-law always says I'm lucky I don't need make-up because my skin looks good without it. But a part of me wonders if my skin looks good without it because I never used it.</p> <p>My dermatologist has told me repeatedly that there is no need to use anything other than the products I buy at Target. She maintains the $50 bottle offers nothing more than $10 bottle, and I can get the $10 bottle in dye free and scent free, which makes my skin happy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-do-make-up-counters-intimidate-me/page/2#post-1933942 Thu, 05 Jul 2018 12:28:18 +0000 Anonymous 1933942@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love Bloomingdale's makeup counter. I load up on samples and take them home to try on my own. I also love Sephora, but they do not carry everything. Sephora, however, is always my go to store to find the right shades and, of course, I take samples home to try on my own. I have rarely not used anything I have bought after testing out my samples at home. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-do-make-up-counters-intimidate-me/page/2#post-1933926 Thu, 05 Jul 2018 10:51:22 +0000 cindysmith 1933926@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Makeup counters intimidate me, too. I've become very minimalist in my makeup routine, and don't feel like having some peachy-faced young girl trying to low-key shame me into a complex routine. I also have allergies/sensitivities, so I have a perfect out LOL</p> <p>I use a lot of drugstore makeup too, because I can leisurely browse and read ingredient labels.</p> <p>Interesting side note: know how they used to come running at you, spraying fragrance at you when you walked by? And they don't do that anymore? They had to stop because people like me saw them coming and said stuff like "I have allergies and attorneys" in a very assertive tone<br /> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-do-make-up-counters-intimidate-me/page/2#post-1933893 Thu, 05 Jul 2018 06:46:11 +0000 Greyscale 1933893@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also find makeup counters incredibly intimidating and not very effective. The salesperson's makeup style often doesn't match my taste, and it feels a bit dated (except MAC - I would like the MAC counter except I am sensitive to ~everything they make).</p> <p>Sephora changed everything for me. They really don't mind you going in and browsing and trying everything. No hard sell.&nbsp;So I decided to figure out makeup in my mid thirties. I found the Sephora salespeople who seemed to have low-key taste and asked for help with one element at a time.&nbsp;</p> <p>The other spectacular thing is Sephora's return policy and the ease of getting samples. Like Gigi, I have a lot of sensitivities. So I will never buy something the day I first try it. I go to Sephora, try the product, wear it all day, and come back the next day to buy it if it didn't cause any discomfort. Revolutionary. And if it doesn't work out, I can always return it.</p> <p>Thinking about it, I'm guessing Sephora staff don't work on commission?</p> <p>I know Sephora is mostly found in big cities and fancy malls. The one I go to is really busy, which probably helps - the salespeople can't hover over me if there are a thousand teenagers swarming the store. Ulta has more locations I think, so maybe that's a good alternative for people without Sephora nearby? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-do-make-up-counters-intimidate-me/page/2#post-1933861 Thu, 05 Jul 2018 02:55:20 +0000 Gigi 1933861@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I heartily dislike the department-store makeup counters too. The only ones I approached are a couple in Nordstrom, with varying degrees of success. Some of the SAs are very helpful, but others will drop you like a hot potato if you don't look willing to spend lots of money on things other than what you actually came in for. I feel like the SAs in general are like a bunch of hawks waiting to swoop in on their next prey.</p> <p>I have a lot of skin sensitivities and so generally don't do the makeup counter anyway. I did have a consult at a natural-makeup spa in my area, and that was really helpful. I got a makeup lesson and a list of products that worked for me (they carried several lines of makeup). The products didn't cause me problems, and although expensive, they lasted a long time and did what I wanted them to do. Now I am a little healthier and don't have as many sensitivites, so I occasionally buy conventional makeup--but I generally do it one item at a time and tend to go to Ulta to test things out a few times before I buy.</p> <p>If you want a makeup consult, maybe check out a spa in your area that carries multiple lines of makeup. That might be a little less stressful than the department store. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-do-make-up-counters-intimidate-me#post-1933824 Wed, 04 Jul 2018 21:35:39 +0000 Sal 1933824@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting.</p> <p>I think the traditional make up counters here are struggling.&nbsp; In the department stores they are often empty of customers and in the large pharmacies that used to have Chanel, Clinique, Estee Lauder, Shiseido&nbsp; I notice they are reducing staff and some counters are disappearing.&nbsp; I have also had mixed experiences - and I agree the one brand approach is very annoying.</p> <p>I have one or two products I am loyal to and I am pretty flexible with others.&nbsp; I take ages to use products up with the exception of foundation and mascara.&nbsp; I buy from counters, pharmacies, beauty therapists and online.&nbsp; I have tried a few of the Trinny London products (purchased online) and the simplicity of these appeals to me.</p> <p>I feel pretty well stocked with lipsticks, eye colours and blusher at the moment - I like to have a few options but not too many as I tend to stick to three eye colours and about four lip colours.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-do-make-up-counters-intimidate-me#post-1933816 Wed, 04 Jul 2018 21:10:58 +0000 Kate 1933816@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’ve done the whole department store makeover thing, and quite enjoyed it when I was in my late 20s. Haven’t done that in decades and have no interest in doing so. I avoid makeup counters unless I am after something specific that needs replacing.</p> <p>I actually really like drugstore makeup, and that’s where most of my kit comes from. Plus, the hard sell is non-existent at drugstores! I particularly like the Boots No7 line, which I discovered many years ago in London. Here you can find it at Target and Walgreens. I use the brand’s tinted moisturizer, creamy powder blush, and lippies. I first discovered the Rimmel line in London too, and have happily used that brand’s cream lipstick and eyeshadow in the past. They do very richly pigmented shadows in lots of colors. NYX has a great 3-in-1 brow pencil that I use. When I do use a department store brand, it’s MAC, for lipstick and brow liner, Anastasia for brow pencils (yeah, brow makep is very important to me since my brows are dead pale), and good old Lancome for my mascara. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-do-make-up-counters-intimidate-me#post-1933811 Wed, 04 Jul 2018 20:51:09 +0000 rachylou 1933811@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Probably the best makeup advisor I’ve had was at my old salon, that of a master stylist. You’d be the only person in the place, so everyone would just come over and say hello. The makeup person would just chat and give tips and eventually I came away with some nice products over, well, years of visits. They really understood their clientele: no jostling and no flash. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-do-make-up-counters-intimidate-me#post-1933801 Wed, 04 Jul 2018 19:27:57 +0000 Jenni NZ 1933801@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well I love that you all like Lisa Eldridge so much, as she is a New Zealander!<br /> I'm interested in your response Staysfit, about your daughter. I very much didn't want my girls to feel inadequate. Now they are grown, the older one has a similar approach to me. The second one is an artist and likes makeup much more than I and her sister do. She can make up her eyes beautifully. She also likes to add colour to her hair as a means of self-expression. I feel OK about her approach. Although it's interesting, her boyfriend says he doesn't understand why women colour their hair!<br /> This thread has clearly touched a nerve, Denise, thank you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-do-make-up-counters-intimidate-me#post-1933794 Wed, 04 Jul 2018 19:01:11 +0000 Cardiff girl 1933794@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><a href="http://www.lisaeldridge.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.lisaeldridge.com</a> This is an excellent site for learning about creating different looks with makeup at all ages.Be prepared to lose hours of your life looking at it though! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-do-make-up-counters-intimidate-me#post-1933789 Wed, 04 Jul 2018 18:46:48 +0000 Classically Casual 1933789@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good thread, Denise, thank you! I’ve always disliked the single product approach that the dept. stores follow. I generally have no idea what brand mascara, etc. might be best for me, and the SA’s people only work with their particular brand. So for me Sephora was a big improvement. I’ve done pretty well there when I need recommendations on one item.<br /> I go early in the day when it’s less crowded and crazy. I’ve also come to value cosmetic recommendations from YLF...they can get the ball rolling for me. I realize now I need to make myself watch some tutorials. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-do-make-up-counters-intimidate-me#post-1933788 Wed, 04 Jul 2018 18:43:48 +0000 Anonymous 1933788@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Most of my skin care and makeup choices dictated by sensitivity. Check everything on EWG ( Environmental Working group) skin deep website.<br /> I never try fancy techniques like smoky eye. Just like simple polished look.<br /> I do get frustrated when they d/c my lipstick colors and I have to find new ones. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-do-make-up-counters-intimidate-me#post-1933738 Wed, 04 Jul 2018 15:21:56 +0000 Anonymous 1933738@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm lucky in that I have two good friends who work in cosmetics: the Bobbi Brown manager at The Bay and the other works in the Beauty Boutique at Shoppers Drug Mart. &nbsp;It took years to develop the friendship with the Bobbi manager but it's been a valuable one. &nbsp;I agree that general makeup counters in department stores are not great, and the only one I want to go near is the &nbsp;MAC counter . &nbsp;I do find that there are sales people there who don't mind middle aged women looking for help &nbsp;- and I usually get satisfactory results there. &nbsp;I do shop at Sephora, but cringe each time someone approaches me asking if I need help. It went from not being able to get any help at all to having someone approach you every 30 seconds, which makes me nuts. &nbsp;The clientele in our local Sephora also makes me crazy and I wish there were senior shopping hours there ,and that they would hire someone over the age of 22 to work there as well. &nbsp; &nbsp; As for videos, in addition to Lisa Eldridge, there is an American woman - Dominique Sasche- who does great Youtube segments. &nbsp;She's a Houston-based tv broadcaster, and is ridiculously beautiful, but she does know her stuff and her tips and techniques are solid. &nbsp;Product recommendations are good too. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-do-make-up-counters-intimidate-me#post-1933736 Wed, 04 Jul 2018 15:17:56 +0000 Staysfit 1933736@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A few thoughts from my experiences. For one, I was much like Column and Jenni NZ until my early 40’s. I wasn’t interested in wearing makeup because of the potential messages conveyed and particularly the example it might set for my daughter, who does not use makeup. I rethought my use for two reasons. One, I love colors. Two, I love my eyes, which are a unique color. I chose to play with make up in order to please myself, and it makes me happy. I can take it or leave it on any given day which means there is no pressure about it’s use. Secondly, I chose the SA very carefully. I started out at mall makeup counters, but would only work with someone I felt had a look I really loved. They are hard if not impossible to find, but I found two. One is at the local Mac counter, and another was at Bare Essentials. Thirdly, I would never have my entire face done at once. I agree with statement above, that finding products is a time intensive ordeal. It’s about trial and error, but also one step at a time. I have a simple skin care regime. Soap and water. I have mild rosacea, so I use a good moisturizer and mineral sunscreen. Mineral sunscreen can make skin look pasty white, so I do need a tiny bit of foundation to mix with the screen otherwise I wouldn’t need any. My skin doesn’t have discolorations that I feel any need to cover over, etc. Foundation is not something that is easy to find. I learned that it’s best to try a couple samples at a counter, write down what they are, and head out of the store with the stripes on my face so I can see them in daylight. Then if I think it’s a good match, I go back and ask for a slightly larger sample, which most counters can figure out how to manage. I try the stuff out for a few days, and if it’s good, than I purchase. I found one that works with my sunscreen and I’m done. The same process works for anything else, really, however, I have now pretty much figured out what I like and don’t buy anything in the mall anymore. I get everything online. I keep my look minimal, and limit it to eyeliners made out of fun shades of mineral eye shadows that make my eyes sparkle, my sunscreen mixed with the foundation to return my natural skin tone, mascara (I like navy), and I have a favorite lip gloss. I don’t use blush or an eyebrow powder very often, no bronzer, no highlighter. I don’t feel the need for anything fancy. Many days I go with less. My eyeshadow/liner colors have been chosen because they remind me of a clear Mediterranean Sea. It’s consistent with the rest of my wardrobe. It makes me happy. If you don’t like it and it’s stressful, why bother. I love looking at my makeup kit. It’s like a paint set. It looks pretty, I find it fun and even a relaxing way to start my day. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-do-make-up-counters-intimidate-me#post-1933733 Wed, 04 Jul 2018 15:06:16 +0000 Anonymous 1933733@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I walk through the beauty products section like I'm in a hurry to get someplace else. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-do-make-up-counters-intimidate-me#post-1933731 Wed, 04 Jul 2018 14:43:25 +0000 Suz 1933731@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I used to be horribly intimidated. Now I just avoid the entire beauty section, like <b>Diana</b>. I've had a few make-up counter makeovers and loathed the result. You are not alone! Those SAs are scary and overbearing and <b>Column</b> is right -- that's their business! They're mostly working on commission. I know because I worked in that section of the store when I was in college. Luckily, I was bath products, not makeup!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-do-make-up-counters-intimidate-me#post-1933728 Wed, 04 Jul 2018 14:36:54 +0000 Anonymous 1933728@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm wondering what prompts the visits? Maybe limiting yourself to one or two products at a time is a good idea as being open to everything can be too vulnerable a stance.</p> <p>Usually when I get it into my head to try something like a new mascara, I thoroughly research the item on the internet and go into the store with an idea of which one I want. I ask a salesperson to point it out to me and then ask them if they have an alternative suggestion.</p> <p>I found the only foundation I've ever actually used up this way, not getting the one I'd gone in for, but detailing for the salesperson what I wanted and leaving with the one she thought was better.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-do-make-up-counters-intimidate-me#post-1933724 Wed, 04 Jul 2018 14:23:22 +0000 Liesbeth 1933724@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have the same with hair dressers. For me it had to do with me being only mildly interested in looking ‘perfect’ whereas these people have made it their jobs to enhance physical appearances. Therefore I tend to feel judged for all my imperfections and pushed into buying products that I know won’t work (generally) anyway. I feel like choosing to accept a smattering of blackheads or some mild dandruff over spending $$$ makes me an alien in their eyes. There are exceptions of course, and I’ve had great help in a MAC store once, the body shop too.<br /> That being said, I’ve turned to the amazing internet years ago for advice. I read paula begoun’s beautypedia for evidence-based product advice (use her products now too which I buy online) and for a couple of years I was really into beauty blogs (Dutch ones) and youtube how-to’s (Lisa Eldridge is good , yes). But if you prefer one on one advice I’d say go in with a specific question or product type in mind, so they won’t try and sell you whatever they can. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-do-make-up-counters-intimidate-me#post-1933723 Wed, 04 Jul 2018 14:19:34 +0000 JAileen 1933723@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like Jenni, I use soap and water. Once I let them make me up and I looked like a clown. As for contouring, etc., I remember sitting at a conference table with my group and looking at one woman who had been a pageant queen. She still did her makeup as if she were were on a runway. It was interesting and also bizarre. It might have looked good at a distance, but it sure didn’t close up. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-do-make-up-counters-intimidate-me#post-1933712 Wed, 04 Jul 2018 13:37:21 +0000 Carla 1933712@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have yet to see a make-up SA who's personal application of make-up really appeals to me. As a fan of a 'me but better' look, I find total cover foundation and heavy contouring looks interesting, but not my style. I'm always a little afraid of having that same approach applied to me. However, I still think I can learn a thing or two from an artist! It does take a bit of courage to approach the counter however and I dislike the open concept of the counter makeover. </p> <p>I can count the times I've had a make-up counter makeover on one hand. The most interesting one was by a guy who was part of a team doing a big in-store promotion of a brand I was interested in. He had a light hand. A month ago I sucked up my courage and approached the SA at our local drugstore where there is a separate make-up section and she helped me select a BB cream and some lippy. I have to book an appointment for a session on make-up, however she did give me a cool tip when I asked about highlighters and application. She volunteered that she uses a white or off white eye powder and applies it with a small brush vs purchasing a specific highlighter product!</p> <p>I have yet to book that appointment, but I have been watching videos. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-do-make-up-counters-intimidate-me#post-1933711 Wed, 04 Jul 2018 13:36:45 +0000 3style 1933711@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’ve always had excellent experiences at Origins and The Body Shop stand alone stores. Haven’t tried any other single brand single vendor places, but I’m guessing they might be good too. Sephora can be hit or miss in terms of knowledge from the staff. </p> <p>Unfortunately, last time I checked, Origins and Body Shop products weren’t a good match for me anymore. I now prefer milder skincare products and more pigmented colors than they offer. Anyway, I think that when the sales people know that you have deliberately walked into the store and not just stopped by on the path from your car to a different department, the social dynamic is a lot more relaxed. </p> <p>Also , I don’t think it’s actually possible to pick a face full of winning products all in one go. Each product that is worthwhile can be applied with a wide variety of techniques. For example Angie lists a lip and cheek balm which she only likes on her cheeks.... And you’re unlikely to find one brand that carries exactly everything you want. </p> <p>I’d break shopping down into different purchasing sections listed in no particular order here: eye makeup; lip makeup; concealer(s), foundation, powder; blush, bronzer, highlighter. </p> <p>Learning about makeup has to be a calm and iterative process. I second Shevia’s recommendation of the Lisa Eldridge videos. She is very calming and inspiring. She also is big on explaining that the makeup you want when you are dashing offered to work with a puffy pms face and want to deemphasize swelling is very different than what you might want for a glamorous evening party, as two extreme scenarios. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-do-make-up-counters-intimidate-me#post-1933709 Wed, 04 Jul 2018 13:19:45 +0000 Anonymous 1933709@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Preach! <b>&nbsp;Column</b>!</p> <p>And like <b>Jenni</b>, I find my skin responds best to being immaculately clean. &nbsp;I use soap and water twice a day (three times if I was at the gym). &nbsp;The more stuff I pile on in the morning, the more breakouts I have to contend with. &nbsp;</p> <p>Just bought the "Beauty Myth." &nbsp;Will start reading as soon as I finish the book I am currently reading. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-do-make-up-counters-intimidate-me#post-1933705 Wed, 04 Jul 2018 12:58:35 +0000 Aquamarine 1933705@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I only go to makeup counters if I have a specific item in mind. I never browse because it’s too intimidating and the sales ladies *can* be very pushy. Plus, I’m a bit of a minimalist when it comes to makeup. So I just read online tutorials or take the advice of bloggers for products to try, and then I head to Sephora. </p>