Makeup

10 Things a Makeup Counter Salesperson Doesn't Want You to Know

You might want to read this before signing up for that "free makeover"

by Anna Jimenez

5 of 11

They pretend to be something they're not Walking through a department store you'll realize that sometimes the salespeople look more like doctors than makeup artists. This is a planned scheme to convince you they are "experts," says a former counter worker. "The lab coats and charts are a marketing tool. They give the illusion [that the] sales force are estheticians, research scientists and keep their area clean," she says. "If we were [experts], we would not be working at the counter. Experts on beauty are actually providing services in salons and developing new skin care technology in a lab," she jokes.

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Older comments

Ive gotten alot of free samples from makeup counters- little containers of clinique makeup... like multiples at once

by brianna121791 Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 07:31AM Report as inappropriate

This was such a great article. Its so sad but all these things are so true and that is why I like to do my own research on products and normally buy either directly through their main website or for some brands, the drug store.

by CatrinaB Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at 06:38PM Report as inappropriate

This may be true for most Companies, but I work for a Merle Norman Studio, where our make overs truly are free, the brushes are both chemically and UV sterilized, our lesson material that is to be used on clients is removed from the container with a sanitary spatula, and the tester people put their fingers in are NEVER for use on a customer's face. I am both a licensed cosmetologist and very experienced make up artist, but would never claim to have any medical expertise about dermatology, and in fact have referred many clients to a determologist for issues ranging from rosacea to skin cancer. Perhaps the author should dig a little deeper while researching next time. Not all make up counters are created equal!

by LJMullaney Thursday, May 2, 2013 at 01:46PM Report as inappropriate

Ok, in any customer service job (fast food, retail, etc.) they talk about you behind your back. I've worked in fast food and retail, so I know I've done it.

by caitlin_bickel Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at 12:51PM Report as inappropriate

All true. I worked at Nordstrom for nearly 20 years; Testers are filthy and I will buy a product to test it before I would try it at the counter. Especially at stores like Sephora where everything is being handled. Also; Check the product you're buying that it hasn't been opened, don't buy it or return it if you have,

by Dari Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at 08:18PM Report as inappropriate

I'm glad I read this. I'll think twice before approaching the makeup counters now.

by cyndi_albritton_hall Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at 07:59PM Report as inappropriate

Interesting article, makes you re-think when dealing with sales people

by Candice11 Sunday, March 17, 2013 at 02:30AM Report as inappropriate

Kinda scared me. Glad I shop at the drugstore.

by hanana Thursday, March 14, 2013 at 08:34PM Report as inappropriate

It's interesting to see how many people are uneducated in regards to germs. The fact that face products are refundable just shows that if you find a product you actually like, test it on something new not the actual "tester". Your skin will thank you later.

by Kireipnai Friday, March 1, 2013 at 08:19PM Report as inappropriate

I never use the tester makeup, it always scares me, you never know who used the product before you, ew. I ask questions about the products, I want matter of fact not their personal opinions.

by morgan_ledford Monday, February 25, 2013 at 01:29PM Report as inappropriate