Beauty Common Sense: Good Ideas and Bad Ideas

Counter Confidential

"Good Idea, Bad Idea" by Undercover Beauty Agent

The makeup counter is a great place to expand makeup skills and try out fresh ideas. While no look is ever wrong, there are some etiquette rules that apply when you visit. There are some things you should never do when you visit your favorite beauty hotspot. 

Good Idea: Asking to borrow a clean brush

Advisors are there to help you out. Most times, we’re more than happy to lend a brush or two, especially if you want to try on a product. The best part is that you never have to worry about how sanitary the brush is. Artists are usually very careful about where they put their used brushes, so don't fret about it not being clean. 

Bad Idea: Grabbing a random brush from a table

Most counters will leave brushes out on a makeup table or next to product. These brushes are usually for display only. They're not always clean and are meant to serve as a visual tool. Some brushes are glued into displays, but I've seen people try to wrench them out just because they want to try the brush. My advice is: Don't. 

Good Idea: Making use of all services your counter offers

Lots of counters these days include services that go beyond the regular makeup touch up. Some counters offer treatment services with full use of a spa room, or a brow bar where they do waxing, threading, or tweezing. Take advantage of these beauty services, and make an appointment for a little pampering, like a free 10 minute facial. 

Bad Idea: Using the tweezers lying around

Tweezers can be found displayed on the counter so that customers may see the design or tip. These tweezers are not meant to be used for your personal grooming! I've actually seen a woman pluck hairs from her eyebrows at a counter. These tweezers are not sterilized and can cause red bumps, ingrown hairs, and infection. 

Good Idea: Asking for a mirror

When sitting in a chair, artists normally don't like to give clients a mirror. What you see during the process of getting your makeup done can scare customers. However, if there's a certain technique you'd like to learn, watching the process may help. Keep in mind that the end result is different from what happens in the beginning. 

Bad Idea: Waiting until the end to tell your artist you don't like the look

Getting makeup done at a counter is different from paying a personal makeup artist. While artists want to spend as much time as they can with you, there are many days when the amount of people in stores causes advisors to work swiftly. If you're getting your makeup done, tell the artist throughout the process how you feel. Telling the artist you don't like a certain color will save you both time. Always be aware of what an artist is putting on your face (especially if you have any allergies!), and ask questions. The makeup counter is supposed to be a place where beauty advisors make you happy, so don't be afraid to speak up. 

Undercover Beauty Agent is just an average makeup artist at your local beauty counter who's reporting true stories exclusively for Beautylish: "I love what I do because I get to make people feel beautiful on a daily basis. Working with so many different people in New York City has definitely been interesting. I've learned a lot and not all of it is very pretty. I'm a beauty advisor by day and a secret beauty agent by night, totally ready to share all my insider secrets and gossip."