J: So how do you make people comfortable? A: I just start asking them about themselves, and telling them how fun it is. Some people take it too seriously. It's a fun thing, and if you don't like it, you can always wash it off. It's not like a hair cut. They usually warm up after a while. Some are really fun and they just genuinely want to try something different. I always like to ask questions, like, 'How much makeup do you usually like to where?', 'What colors?', etc. I'm sort of floored when they come back with 'Well, you're the expert so you tell me.' But I don't know anything about them, so it's interesting that they say that ... I don't think they understand what I'm asking, because lifestyle plays as much as role as [the color of your complexion] in deciding which makeup works best. [The makeup choices for] someone who's active and wants to spend no more than five to ten minutes are going to be different than someone who wants to spend more time. |
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Things to do when visiting a make-up artist: 1) Be yourself. |
I remember one lady who was so pretty and wholesome-looking, and I just did her in browns and khakis and she looked so pretty. But she said she hated it and pulled out a photo of herself with herself with bright blue shadow up to her eyebrows. It was a very dramatic look, and I never would've thought to choose that look for her. But if I had known she was looking for something more dramatic, I would've gone that route a bit more, but she assumed I was an "expert," and knew what her needs were, but you can't do that. J: What is the most common reason a customer will give for seeking your help? A: Sometimes they're stagnant; they're tired of the products they've been using and want a new look. Sometimes they're switching [product lines]. Sometimes they're more specific. 'I can't do anything with my brows,' or 'My lipstick is bleeding.' |
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Then there are the customers who come into the store saying, 'Who's having a [promotional gift with purchase] right now?' and they'll go and buy something. Two nights ago the store was closed, it was 9:30 pm and Elizabeth Arden was having a gift [with purchase promotion]. A lady ran up to my counter and said 'I want to get the gift!' I said, 'Ok, sure. What can I get for you?' She didn't even know what she wanted! 'Well, lemme see the lip pencils,' she said. And so she bought a lip pencil, but that wasn't enough money [to qualify to for a free gift], so she just grabbed another lip pencil. She spent $24 on two lip pencils that she [hadn't even tested]. I mean the lights were out in the store, and [it was hard for her to see]. She bought them just to get the gift. Once when I was [working] in Seattle working with Clinique, they had a gift with purchase [promotion]. It was three-deep around the counter...it was a hot day, and everyone was glaring at me and wanted their gifts, and this lady threw up on herself. It was her turn next, and she said 'I need help finding a foundation...' |
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