Do you dream of hitting up those preternaturally perky, pretty pros at the department store makeup counters for their insider tips and how-to hints but dread the hard sell and squirm-inducing embarrassment of it all? Neiman Marcus feels your pain.

Leap-frogging into the 21st century, the 107-year-old luxury retailer has instituted an ultra modern service -- The Neiman Marcus Online Product Specialist.

What exactly does it mean? Neiman's Direct Vice President and divisional merchandise manager of beauty, Kelly St. John, clues us in. This program "is here to take the mystery and question out of the equation for the customer when it comes to her cosmetic and fragrance needs." To whit, "Customers can expect to receive guidance on skincare regimens, makeup application, and choosing a personal scent." All without ever having to leave the comfort of your couch, or heck, even your bed.

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Which brands are participating in this new-fangled offering? Thus far, high-falutin' names like Armani Beauty, Beauty by Clinica lvo Pitanguy, Cle de Peau Beaute, Creed, Dior Beauty, Guerlain, Hanae Mori, La Prairie, Laura Mercier, Revive, Shiseido and Yves Saint Laurent are all on board and each has a dedicated online specialist whom you can hit up with whatever (skin care, application techniques, color choices, etc., etc.) questions you have. Simply click over to the special section of Neiman's website to send your question or concern directly to the specialist's inbox.

These pros, who've been "hand-selected for their expertise," are standing by and happy to address all concerns -- without you having to pony up one red cent or try to make a sheepishly graceful exit. Talk about customer service.

Is this Beauty Product Specialists program something you're likely to take advantage of? And, if not, why?

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