Ask a Make Up Artist: Tips to Save Money on Brand Name Cosmetics Part 2

Note: This article is a follow up article, checkout part 1 here.

Tip #5 = Just because it’s more expensive, does NOT mean the quality is better!
The Cosmetics Industry as a whole, profits LUCRATIVELY from this concept (which, by the way, is entirely FALSE). We all know that “good things are never cheap and cheap things are never good,” but realize that the hefty retail price tag of the make up counters has mostly to do with the advertising, overhead (paying employees, incentive trips, travel expenses for Execs, training, renting space in the mall, etc), packaging, and marketing, rather than quality ingredients. Obviously the “good stuff” is never cheap (quality ingredients, DO cost money). But don’t “buy in” to the idea that everything Chanel, Bobbie Brown, MAC, Lancome, Estee Lauder, Nars, etc is WORTH the price tag.

Tip #6 = Just because something is inexpensive doesn’t mean it’s “cheap”
Not all expensive products are better! There are products our there that cost ½ the price and do the trick just as well as the luxury brand, just do your research first. My favorite inexpensive cosmetic brand is Covergirl, and their Clump Crusher Mascara is the best!

TIP #7 = Learn how to read the label
Think about it: how do you know what products are the grocery store are healthy and which products are just marketing cost? You read the label! In the cosmetics industry there are some “cheap” ingredients packaged as “high end” products with beautiful designs on the package and marketing to convince you it’s “life altering!” Just like in food, the first few ingredients on a package will tell you what the product is MOSTLY comprised of. If those ingredients are cheap ingredients (such as mineral oil- stay away from that one!) that clog your pores and age you, be weary! What the company is spending so much money trying to convince you is true, is sometimes just packaging and marketing, so read the label!

TIP #8 = Realize that the person helping you behind the counter is trying to “sell you”
Understand that these people make a living as SALESPEOPLE. While some can give you great advice, their main objective is to make a “sale.” Don’t assume that just because they are on the other side that they have any training in makeup or have ever even had any experience in makeup whatsoever. These Salespeople, (believe me, they are SALES people, trying to “sell” you something, NOT “Consultants” or “Professional Artists” or “Experts in Make-up” or even your friend) have been trained very well. How do I know? I used to be one of them! I used to work behind a counter for years, and I am speaking from experience. While a few of them are truly “artists,” most are just “salespeople” who are trying to make a living. Their job isn’t to “help” you, but to make a sale. It’s very possible that they actually have NO idea what they are doing! (again, I speak from experience). Don’t let the “lab coat” or “trendy outfit” trick you into thinking that these people are somehow experts in the field of Beauty. The truth is, you might know more than they do! They could have just started today, and have no idea what they are talking about. They could be trying to promote something for a contest, or maybe they are eager to make a sale because their job depends on it! Or they could be very experienced and actually have a lot of free knowledge to give you. How do you know? Use your common sense. And realize that at the end of the day, this person’s goal is to turn your “curiosity” into a “sale.” Not that there’s anything wrong with the sales profession.. just be aware that it is what it is, so use your common sense!

Yours Truly,
Anne 

www.CharlottesvilleMakeupArtist.com

…Like this article? Check out Tips to Save Money on Brand Name Cosmetics Part 1 and stay tune for more tips, SUBSCRIBE!

Want more? Check out my website for FREE information on makeup, weddings, hair, before and after pictures, etc!

About the Artist:
Anne’s makeup obsession began at an early age. As a former model, she knows what it takes to look fabulous in photos! After working at MAC cosmetics as a professional makeup artist for over 2 years, she decided to start her own business, focusing on day-of bridal and wedding party makeup, as well as high end fashion, glamour and beauty makeup applications. Very experienced; she has been a professional makeup artist for several years, and has applied her excellent techniques and unique artistry to over 1000 faces.

Anne is no ordinary makeup artist; her finished product is a work of art. People come to Anne when they want the best of the BEST! She can easily create a variety of customized, beautifully blended, professional looks, ranging from an all-natural day time look, to a sultry/sexy evening, night out in the town look; and will make you feel like you just stepped out of a magazine! Whether it’s an effortless “girl-next-door-beauty,” to a high fashion, smoky eye with a “Kim-Kardashian- all-out-sexy-glam look,” to everything in-between, Anne can do it all! She travels with a well-stocked, up to date kit containing only professional tools and supplies, most of which are luxury makeup products and she uses professional MAC Makeup brushes for all applications. Anne is energetic, punctual, fun, and familiar with on-set / day-of protocol. She is available for travel within the United States, Asia, Europe, and adapts well to all locations and situations. She is Fluent in Dutch/Flemish as well as conversational Tagalog and French.

Originally from the DC Metro Area, she moved to her husband’s home town after her marriage in May 2010. She is happily married and lives in the outskirts of Charlottesville, VA with her husband, Nate and is also a dedicated member of the Charlottesville Derby Dames roller derby team. You can visit her site CharlottesvilleMakeupArtist.com

PS:  Ever wish you could ask a Pro Makeup Artist for some FREE advice?  Contact me!  I’d love to hear about what confuses you!  I believe in helping the average person “de-mystify” the cosmetics industry, and in helping to educate the average consumer.  I’d love to hear your input… You may be the inspiration for my next article!  To contact me, use the contact form on my website.  You can also send me an email at Anne@CharlottesvilleMakeupArtist.com (please put “Makeup Advice” in the subject line).  Thanks!

Read more of Ask a Makeup Artist!