How do I shop for makeup?

December 29, 2014 10:30 AM

For my birthday (many moons ago) I said I wanted to go buy some makeup as everything I have is ancient and from the drugstore. Now my husband wants to take me makeup shopping tomorrow and I don't know how or where. I think some professional advice is in order, but I'm also a bit leary of the hard sell. Do I go to, like, a counter at Macy's? Which one? A different department store? A makeup store? Which store? I am in the Chicago northwest suburbs and looking for someplace between roughly Evanston and Woodfield Mall.

I have fair, dry skin that also likes to get oily in the presence of makeup and brownish blonde hair. I think a natural-ish look will suit me best, but frankly I don't know squat about makeup. I probably won't wear makeup on a regular basis although I might if it could be accomplished in, say, 3 minutes or less. I would like to be able to dress up, though, and would be willing to invest more effort for special occasions if I knew WTF I was supposed to do.

Fancy ladies (and acquaintances thereof), help!

posted by telepanda to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (41 answers total)

A makeup counter can be a good place to start. In your shoes, I would check out Clinique or Bobbi Brown, and tell them what you told us. You can do a lot to your face in 3 minutes or less, you might want to think about what makeup items you'd be most likely to use- mascara? blush? lipstick?
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 10:37 AM on December 29, 2014 [3 favorites]

Highly recommend Sephora. I've had great experiences there - they show you what works on your skin, and how to apply it, but they don't do the hard sell. In my local store all of the associates are super made up in awesome funky colors that I could never wear, but they are happy to help me find natural looking stuff. They are good about telling you what is worth spending good money on, and what products you can buy for less elsewhere. And, they are happy to work within your time constraints - if you say you want to spend three minutes on your makeup, they'll listen. For example, they've told me I should use gel eyeliner for "perfect eyes," but I'm far too lazy for that, so they are always happy to point me to the kohl and liquid options, which are much faster to apply.

There's one in the Woodfield Mall and one in Skokie, plus others nearby.

My only less-than-positive experience there was when I went in looking for a red lipstick that would not clash with my (also red) hair, and was given a coral-red color that is ... not good. But fair skin and brownish blonde hair shouldn't require an amazing eye - just a good sense of warm vs. cool undertones, etc. - so I don't think you'll have that problem.
posted by schroedingersgirl at 10:38 AM on December 29, 2014 [12 favorites]

I would go to Sephora -- they have everything and the ladies can totally help you.
posted by DarlingBri at 10:39 AM on December 29, 2014 [6 favorites]

I would definitely go to the Bobbi Brown or Laura Mercier counters. Places like Sephora can be overwhelming if you don't know what you are looking for or if you don't have the desire to browse.

Let the makeup personnel know your skin type and concerns, the time you want to spend, and the idea that you want an everyday convertible look (from the 3-minute to the 'go out' look).

They do sell palettes of eye and lip colors which coordinate, so it is easy and quick.

Buy your brushes at the drug store, and get this brand.They are as good, if not better, than most of what the counters sell.
posted by oflinkey at 10:42 AM on December 29, 2014

Definitely Sephora. Helpful associates, not pushy. I'm easily overwhelmed by choices and decided to bite the bullet and ask for help when I decided to venture beyond chapstick. We went through a couple options until we both found the perfect everyday color. Of course, it depends on the associate, but every time I've been there, they've been very nice.
posted by E3 at 10:42 AM on December 29, 2014 [3 favorites]

If you like the natural look, maybe try Bobbi Brown or Clinique.

Since you might wear makeup it if it's quick, I would shop for a mascara, lipstick, and maybe some cream blush.

As I get older, less makeup looks best. I do like to wear it to work to look more polished. My must-haves is a good concealer, lightweight foundation, mascara, blush, and lip color. YMMV.

For special occasions, maybe purchase a neutral eyeshadow palette.

You might be interested in Lisa Eldridge. She makes excellent makeup video tutorials. See here: http://www.lisaeldridge.com/video/

On preview, TPS and I were on the same wavelength regarding Clinique and Bobbi Brown.

Good luck.
posted by Fairchild at 10:42 AM on December 29, 2014 [3 favorites]

I like Bobbi Brown for natural looking makeup. You can either call ahead for an appointment (you can ask for a lesson) or just pop by the counter. Be upfront about how much time you are willing to spend on your makeup daily. One tip - drugstore mascara is just as good and sometimes better than expensive makeup counter mascara, so save your money there, but take their suggestion for the right color for you.

On preview, Sephora carries Bobbi Bown so that is a great option!
posted by cecic at 10:43 AM on December 29, 2014

Sephora has a crazy camera that gives you your Pantone skin color for foundation, but the associate will have you try a few choices since brands vary in tones. Just be open about your needs.
posted by potsmokinghippieoverlord at 10:43 AM on December 29, 2014 [1 favorite]

Well, I wouldn't go with a man unless he was a makeup artist or a great artist. I think you should first just experiment with things (first at a drugstore) and take time to make purchases that suit you because makeup is expensive. I don't think you should get it all at once. And I don't really like the assistants at Sephora.

I do like the MAC folks. They are amazing. If you must, pick a makeup artist with skin tone like yours, especially if you aren't white (I'm not).
posted by discopolo at 10:45 AM on December 29, 2014

We have similar coloring. I'd go to the Clinique counter at Nordstrom or Macy's. If you don't have success there, go to Sephora. I love Sephora now but would have found it intimidating when I first got into makeup. Clinique sells some great eyeshadow palettes that have different "look" cards attached that basically make your eye makeup a paint by number experience.
posted by notjustthefish at 10:48 AM on December 29, 2014 [1 favorite]

Ultimately, MAC is my favorite makeup hands down in terms of quailty. It's expensive and the sales people can be a little over the top (I think they must be on commission), but it's great stuff.

The first time I went, I asked for a makeover. They totally did me up (not my style), but it gave me a chance to try things I wouldn't have normally and I came away with some nice face powder, eyeliner, and natural colored eyeshadow.

Worth a try and could be fun if you're able to say no to things you don't want and you don't mind looking a bit silly walking out the store :) Have some baby wipes handy for afterwards.
posted by E3 at 10:49 AM on December 29, 2014

Clinque is decently priced and they'll show you how to apply it, and make recommendations. Be prepared to blow them off on the skin care, unless you're in the market for that too. Does this gentlemen KNOW how much makeup costs?
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 10:51 AM on December 29, 2014 [1 favorite]

Well, I wouldn't go with a man unless he was a makeup artist or a great artist.

Not to go off on a tangent, but OP, you should feel free to bring your husband along if you and he want that (and it sounds like you both do). Lots of men don't exactly love the makeup shop experience, but I will tell you that making faces at a male friend while I received my This Is How You Apply Eyeliner lesson last year made the whole experience more fun.
posted by schroedingersgirl at 10:51 AM on December 29, 2014 [2 favorites]

Do you have a friend whose makeup or overall look you like? Take her with you if you can; a knowledgeable person can help you sort through the chaos of a Sephora or department store, counter a hard sell, tell you honestly if a product is working for you, and generally narrow down what will inevitably be a huge selection to some basics (and help you apply them later).
posted by The Giant Rat of Sumatra at 10:52 AM on December 29, 2014

Look in the mirror after the ladies at the counter apply each item (ideally, during application, but that's not really possible with the eye stuff, you'll just have to go by how it feels). Notice their technique so that you can copy it. If there's one particular item that makes a big positive difference in how your face looks, mental note that it might become your one go-to item if you only use one thing. If there's one particular item that you feel is too over-the-top, speak up right away, and get a wipe so you can clean it off and they can try again.

When you go to the counter, use words like "minimum" and "basic." Don't say "special occasion." Consistently phrasing my needs in the way the counter ladies see me, helps me bridge the disconnect. My special occasion makeup equals their basic minimal makeup, and their special occasion makeup is my never in a million years makeup.
posted by Bentobox Humperdinck at 10:52 AM on December 29, 2014 [2 favorites]

My 3-minute makeup routine (okay, maybe 5 minute):

Clinique CC cream - very light coverage, almost a tinted moisturizer with SPF. Evens skin tone and makes you look amazing in pictures.

NARS Multiple - cream blush, very easy to apply and blend

A brown-black mascara

Eyebrow pencil in a shade just slightly darker than my hair color

posted by erst at 10:54 AM on December 29, 2014 [3 favorites]

Go to Nordstrom. Trust me. I've never had a bad experience there.
posted by bq at 10:57 AM on December 29, 2014 [2 favorites]

Nordstrom and Sephora are the best when it comes to hassle-free returns. I will never recommend MAC products to anyone that wants a natural look; very few MAC reps know how to put together a natural package because MAC is so much more known for its "I am definitely wearing awesome makeup" aesthetic. I recommend NARS, Bobbi Brown, and Laura Mercier. Ask for a rep that actually works for each line, and look for someone who's got makeup you actually like.
posted by Hermione Granger at 10:58 AM on December 29, 2014 [1 favorite]

Sephora, absolutely. My sister-in-law is a Sephora manager and has informed me that they do not work on commission, so while they are very knowledgeable of the products, they aren't pushy. I've been many times and have asked to try different foundations/blushes/eyeshadows and they were so helpful and will often try the products out on you so you can make the most informed choice. And yes, they will always provide samples if you ask so you can go home and try the shades on yourself.
posted by hollypolly at 11:05 AM on December 29, 2014

I agree with the sephora crowd for the simple fact that you have multiple brands to choose from in one place. It was helpful a when I needed a foundation recently, they were able to try several brands and colors on me until we found the single shade in the entire store that worked.

That said, it was the clinique foundation that worked for me, so starting there might be all that you need.
posted by fanta_orange at 11:06 AM on December 29, 2014

Nordstrom and Sephora are the best when it comes to hassle-free returns.

A very important point! You should be able to return whatever you don't like once you get home and try it yourself.
posted by discopolo at 11:07 AM on December 29, 2014 [1 favorite]

If you have very fair skin, beware of sales people trying to make you buy a foundation that is too dark for you simply because their brand doesn't offer one in your shade and they want to sell you something anyway. It will not make you look "less ghastly" (rude!), it will only look like you screwed head and body together. Bobbi Brown has some pretty fair foundations though (if you are in the US), and Clinique's BB Cream is supposedly very fair as well.
If your skin is in any way sensitive, get a sample first or ask for return policies. Ask to go outside to see your face in natural light as well.

For an easy make-up that doesn't require a lot of skills, I second simply mascara (maybe eyeliner - try searching for a tightlining tutorial), (cream) blush and several shades of lipsticks to match the occasion/your mood.
posted by LoonyLovegood at 11:08 AM on December 29, 2014 [4 favorites]

Also, this was for my wedding, but I told them I was a bridesmaid because I was so done with bridal talk. I did end up with a great natural look that I've been able to wear elsewhere and they didn't up sell me, but I went in expecting to get everything from brushes to primer to eyeliner.
posted by fanta_orange at 11:10 AM on December 29, 2014

Nordstrom over Sephora. I love love love Sephora for options, but I think you'll have a better experience at a counter like Clinique (mid-end) or Bobbi Brown (high-end).

If you are interested in learning more about applying makeup, I'd recommend Lisa Eldridge's tutorials.

Most importantly have fun!!
posted by SarahElizaP at 11:12 AM on December 29, 2014 [1 favorite]

Oh, if it's been a while since you've had your foundation matched to your skin tone, you may want to get two colors to see how they wear for a week each. My skin oxidizes makeup like crazy so I usually go with a lighter shade because it turns the right color within a few hours. YMMV.
posted by Hermione Granger at 11:13 AM on December 29, 2014

As things happen, I just did this yesterday. I went to MAC at my local department store and basically did what many above have suggested. I looked for someone that was within shouting distance of my age, explained to her my wants (I wear makeup only a couple of times a week. Get a lot of sun exposure through my sporting hobbies. Easy and fast, but with the option of adding a little drama for the occasional night out). She did a quick test of the right shade of powder and lipstick and then went through the whole application including a number of simple things I hadn't thought of adding (eyebrow pencil in my case).

I already had a few of the basics that I'll continue to use and my own set of brushes, so only bought four items. I never felt pressured to purchase anything, much less everything. All in all a good experience.

I'm happy with MAC, but that shouldn't matter. Just be communicative at the start of the session and if the vibe doesn't feel right with the specialist, move on. Oh, and have fun!
posted by michswiss at 11:13 AM on December 29, 2014

Ex-Clinique Lady here. Firstly, I would avoid saying "I want a natural look". Everyone says that but it's very vague and my natural and your natural may be wildly different. I would be specific about what you want your makeup to achieve. So more along the lines of "I'd like my lashes to look long but not too dramatic/ my skin tone to be evened out but with a light or dewy finish/ something to balance combination skin". Powder is good to take down shine during the day and so are blotting papers if you'd prefer not to add another product.

If you came to me I'd probably use a tinted moisturiser, cream blush, brown mascara and a sheer lip colour. To make it more "dress up" swap the tinted moisturiser for a foundation, and add a kohl pencil in dark brown with a more creamy lipstick. Eye palettes can be good but most people find there's at least one colour they don't use so I prefer singles. A mink coloured shadow can be a good choice. (I never liked Clinique shadows, I always found them too sheer, and I think cheaper brands are better for shadow as you can find nice strong pigments for a few pounds/dollars that won't break your heart if you never use them.) And under eye concealer is a good buy (the light, "pen" type ones) as this plus powder, blusher and mascara is a quick way to brighten your appearance without too much time or effort.

I'd also be upfront about things you know you won't use - the training is to use All The Products so be clear that you won't be bothering with lipliner for example. Let them apply products but don't buy them til you've gone outside and looked at them in natural light. The only brushes I use are for blending eyeshadow - look for something not too soft - and blusher. I use my fingers for everything else. You can buy great brushes at art supply shops which do exactly the same thing for much cheaper than makeup brands' own. Lancôme and MAC are great for foundations. (Btw the best way to avoid the hard sell is to ask the person to write down everything they've used and say you'll be back to buy what you like after you've worn it for an hour or two.) Happy shopping!
posted by billiebee at 11:14 AM on December 29, 2014 [7 favorites]

To avoid the hard sell it might help if you have a firm idea of what type of items you intend to buy before going in. If you ask for a makeover, they'll almost certainly use more types of makeup than you're intending to buy. These are often nice, but not necessary -- and they add a lot of time to a routine. My own minimal routine is pretty similar to erst's:

• Foundation primer. This smoothes pores and adds some longevity to the foundation. How much benefit you get from it would probably depend on your skin type.
• Foundation. You can ask what would be best for your needs and skin type. BB creams are really popular right now; they go on quick and easy and give light coverage.
• Eyeliner.
• Mascara.

That takes me about five minutes to do. Eyeshadow adds a few more minutes. A sheer lip tint is quick and easy, though -- it's hard to mess it up like you can with lipstick. If you want to add something to that routine, I personally would choose a lip tint rather than eyeshadow for time reasons.

Definitely go somewhere you can get professsional advice, like everyone is suggesting.
posted by Kutsuwamushi at 11:15 AM on December 29, 2014

When I buy any makeup, I take a mirror outside and look at the color in natural light. The lighting in most stores is quite bad, and very unlike and real-life lighting conditions. Checking colors in daylight is normal, and the sales associate will give you a mirror so you can do this.
posted by wryly at 11:15 AM on December 29, 2014 [1 favorite]

Great advice above. I personally like eyeshadow palettes because the colors are designed to go together! I love Benefit. My SIL gave me the World Famous Neutrals for Christmas and it's a great set. It comes with a little sheet showing you what to put where.
posted by radioamy at 11:19 AM on December 29, 2014 [1 favorite]

Nthing Sephora and they've got a ton of brands and a hassle-free return policy, but DON'T buy their own Sephora makeup brand; it's not high quality, IMHO. Try to get in when they first open or during down time so they've got time to play.
posted by kinetic at 11:23 AM on December 29, 2014 [4 favorites]

A note about Sephora's matching skin tone device: If you are very fair, with a reddish cast of irritation, it will not match you correctly. They sent me home with several samples, but they were all too dark and peachy.

To be fair, I am so pale that no drugstore makeup is light enough. For a matching foundation, MAC is the best I've found. But their make-up "look" is not my thing at all. I only use primer (Smashbox original), occasionally liquid foundation (MAC), powder foundation (MAC studio fix), and a blush if I really need it (Tarte or Stila). It is very quick.

Powder foundations are very easy and quick to apply, if messy. Mineral or regular. Liquids are more tricky. Sephora's house brand of synthetic brushes are well made and reasonably priced. Ecotools are even less expensive and I like the regular powder brush for foundation application. Kabuki brushes can be too hard to control. Natural brushes are harder to take care of and far more expensive for the quality.

If you don't have a good one, start with finding a good moisturizer. Dry skin is a major PITA and can make any makeup look bad. I use a special barrier cream from a dermatology office because of my special snowflake skin. For a simple tinted moisturizer, Laura Mercier is good. Tarte's BB cream feels wonderful and doesn't need a primer underneath. They're both so easy that my cosmetics-impaired mother can be trusted to use them without supervision.

Don't get sucked into one single brand. If you are going to Macy's or Nordstrom, ask the individual counter people at each brand for specific product advice.

And bring your own baby wipes. Have fun.
posted by monopas at 12:01 PM on December 29, 2014

I bought a set of the brushes linked to above about 3+ years ago and they're great. They're soft and don't shed AT ALL - they're wearing down first(!).

Will nth Lisa Eldridge for what kind of look you like, technique, and product recommendations. If you poke around a bit she also has recommendations for high street brands. I'd watch a couple before you go shopping so you know some lingo. Plus, she's like the Bob Ross of makeup... I zone right out (maybe just me?).
posted by jrobin276 at 12:20 PM on December 29, 2014

Monopas, you might want to try some UK brands or lines of your favourite brand. Many/ most of them have a foundation option called "Irish" that will work on your skin. I have the same problem in the US and I usually order foundation online. And I'm not even that light skinned, I tan easily. But there's something about the tone of most foundations that turns me orange. Even cheap Boots brand in "celt" or whatever ridiculous thing they called it looks better on me than any MAC counter has ever been able to do.
posted by fshgrl at 12:24 PM on December 29, 2014 [3 favorites]

Sadly if you have cool toned fair skin (pink undertones) Bobbi Brown is not for you. All their foundations are yellow toned. Same with almost all Korean brands which is a huge bummer as they have the best physical sunscreen options of anything I've ever seen.
posted by fshgrl at 1:04 PM on December 29, 2014

I know Estée Lauder seems like a line for older people and I had avoided it until a pro makeup artist friend recommended the foundation. I've been wearing various Estee foundations on my pale skin for years, and once a year or so I try some other brand from Sephora and then am reminded the Estée Lauder foundation tones are much better for me.
Most places will give you generous samples. Beauty counters at department stores may have prepackaged samples and Sephora will make you a sample.
I like to take foundation samples home before committing to an expensive purchase.
posted by littlewater at 2:18 PM on December 29, 2014

Nthing Sephora for sure! I prefer them over any particular Macy's or Nordstrom counter because there's such a variety of brands, and sometimes the perfect matches for your skin are going to be found across several brands, and some brands may have nothing at all that works for you--and if you're at a counter with only one brand, you'll either end up with something that almost-but-not-quite works, or have wasted your time.

You can actually schedule an appointment for a makeover/consultation in advance, and I highly recommend doing so. That way you get individual, personal attention from one of their makeup artists, with plenty of time to ask questions and try on several different things, in your own little corner where you won't be overwhelmed by the rest of the store. You can schedule a 45-minute custom makeover, which comes with the expectation that you'll buy at least $50 worth of product afterward, or a 90-minute session with a Personal Beauty Advisor, which comes with the makeover plus some personal shopper time and the expectation that you'll buy at least $125 worth of product. You can either call your local store, or some stores allow you to schedule online. Some stores will require you to purchase a gift card for the minimum purchase requirement amount when you schedule the appointment.

(Not a Sephora employee, just a happy customer who's really appreciated the things I've learned from the few in-store makeover sessions I've had.)
posted by rhiannonstone at 2:19 PM on December 29, 2014 [1 favorite]

(I meant to add: because of the minimum purchase requirement, there's no hard sell during the makeover itself--they already know you're going to buy something and tend to want to make sure you get what works for you and meets your needs.)
posted by rhiannonstone at 2:29 PM on December 29, 2014

I did this a few years ago - I went to MAC and told them that I wanted a look for work that wouldn't take too long, and that I wanted to look sleek and put together with subtle makeup. I talked about the specific areas that I wanted to figure out how to do better, and I asked her to show me how to what she was doing.

The saleswoman did a great job. I didn't buy all of the items she used, and really I could have bought even less than I did. I still spent a lot but I was really happy with the result and I feel very confident now about doing my makeup.

You might want to go ahead and decide whether you want an easy everyday look or an evening look. Personally I'd start with the everyday look and go back later for an evening upgrade.
posted by bunderful at 4:50 PM on December 29, 2014

Echoing rhiannonstone - I came in here just to tell you about the 90 minute session with $125 purchase. I did this a couple of weeks ago and it was fabulous, even for a makeup nerd like me. They took into account my daily routine (I need easy, and travels well), colours I wanted to have, skin concerns, and even showed me products I never even knew I wanted. There was no hard sell, and they wrote down all the products they used on me. They also threw in a million samples of things I wasn't sure about - creams, foundations, etc. It was a great overhaul for my makeup bag, and a couple of weeks later I'm still using every product I bought with happiness.
posted by shazzam! at 8:46 PM on December 29, 2014 [1 favorite]

3 minutes or less? You sound like a Bobbi Brown counter at Nordstrom kind of woman. Bobbi Brown is all about minimalist natural beauty.

With those specs I'd suggest a great moisturizer (sunscreen, not tinted), some concealer to dab around your nose and under eyes, a new eyelash curler, and killer waterproof mascara. Lipstick in a subtle natural tone, if you feel like it, or just fancy lip balm.
posted by amaire at 9:51 AM on January 2, 2015