They make things up "Cosmetic training in a department store or beauty supply focuses mostly on sales and not about product knowledge, which is unfortunate," says one former counter makeup artist.
"We do learn mediocre product information, but that doesn't come until several months after working there, so we spend the first couple months making stuff up or sharing our limited experience," she says. "I would generalize that most beauty advisors know a little more than what the average woman does about beauty," and the ones that make "good money" off commissions are "sales people, not beauty experts," she concludes.
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.
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!
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.
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,
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.
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.
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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