What to expect from a MAC makeover?

[Babylard]

Hi, sorry if there is already a thread on this. I just couldn't find it.

I've never had a MAC makeover before and I've never really had anyone test products on me... except once when I was in highschool (it didn't turn out that great...) All I've ever done at the MAC counter was swatch stuff on my hand and purchase.

Do I have to phone to make an appointment or can I do walk ins? What can I expect? I would appreciate a walkthrough if possible lol

Do I go with a face with no makeup on, no foundation etc? I don't have acne, but I have blackheads on my nose, large pores+acne scars on my cheeks that I am quite insecure about. I dont' want them being like "EWWW!!" lol I've been able to fool people with nice skin, but thats due to my makeup of course. (I went to Aviva to buy Queen Helen mask products and the girl was like .... you have nice skin! you don't need it. LOL if only she knew....)

I want to go on friday after school to buy some beauty powder blushes and introduce myself the MAC foundations as well. I would like to see how others would do my eyeshape and what they would do for my skin. I have almond asian eyes with a fold and I find them kinda tricky... I've always been overwhelmed by their selection of foundations, so I just stick to what I know.

I know the girls at the counter are very nice, but uhh.. it's not like I have anyone to go with so I'm kind of iffy.. I've only had my makeup done by another person once. My mom dragged me to a cosmetics shop and this Shiseido rep did my makeup. It was okay, except I HATED my eyebrows. They were nicely done, but on me, they looked dark and evil.

Any tips, suggestions, ideas and info you folks can share with me?

Thanks, Anna

[erine1881]

it's best to make an appt. you can do it as a walk-up, just be prepared for it to take more than an hour (this is the normal appt. time). with a walk-up, the artist helping you has to stop and help customers as they come up, hence the longer time frame. also, check to see if there is a purchase policy. we require a $50 purchase for any makeup application fri-sun. and be sure to let them know that this is your first time getting your makeup done. that way they know you are genuine with your questions and not some ass asking alot of questions just to be an ass. believe me they're out there!

it's up to you if you wanna go in with makeup on or not. you'll just have to remove it all if you're wanting a full face makeup application (foundation, eyes, lips & cheeks). unless you are going somewhere before hand that you need to wear makeup, it's easier to just go in bare-faced. trust me, we are more freaked out if you come in sick than if you have a zit or two.

most artists start with the eyes. this is so that falldown can easily be removed without messing up the rest of the face. the artist will ask you what type of eye look you are wanting (neutral, smokey, certain colors, etc.) then they'll ask what type of foundation you are looking for and your skin type. the foundations are categorized first by coverage (sheer, sheer-medium, medium, medium-full), then finish (natural, satin, matte, etc.) they'll explain what all this means if you don't know. certain ones are better for certain skin types as well. and finally blush and lipcolors are chosen for you based on your needs/wants.

during the application the artist should talk you thru each step so that you know what each product does and why, and so that you can recreate the look at home. you can also ask for a face chart or eye chart be made to make it easier for you to do yourself. feel free to ask questions if you have them. there's no use for a product if you don't know what to do with it! and if there's something you don't like or don't want them to do, say so. if you don't want them to fill in your brows, speak up. i find brows to be a personal thing, and only fill them in if they ask me to. if it's done wrong, it throws the whole look off.

at the end, they should recap the entire look and go over the face chart with you. then you pick out what you want/need and enjoy your new makeup!!!

[Babylard]

thanks erine, thats super helpful! I feel much more at ease about grossing people out with my skin.

i just called and made an appointment next week Thursday at 3:00PM at the MAC counter downtown winnipeg, since I have the day off hurrayy! I am super nervous and I told the lady on the phone that it was my first time and she said that I could bring in some photos of looks that I would like. She also said that it is important to communicate with the artist. I don't know what look I want........... X_X I'm guessing that artists find "I don't know" quite annoying?..

I was told that there is a minimum $45 purchase, which is pretty easy for me to do, not so easy on my bank account though *giggles* I'm going with the intention of getting a beauty powder blush and cashflow paintpot... but things never go as planned... I hope I can hold out for Heatherette.... hhahaha... thats the week after my appointment. Maybe I can make another appointment for Heatherette *grins*

[BlahWah]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Babylard

I don't know what look I want........... X_X I'm guessing that artists find "I don't know" quite annoying?..

I had no clue what I wanted the first time I had a makeover and I'm pretty indecisive *blush*. My MA was really patient with me tho. What I did the 2nd time was have a few shadows/products in mind that I really wanted to try out and narrow it down to one or two by appointment time. That way there's something for the artist to work with! Oh, and decide on whether you'd want to try something bold or something tame with the colours/items chosen.

E.g. For my 2nd time I chose Shade f/l and Steamy e/s and she completed it with Shroom and Sunbasque. I didn't mind being a bit on the bold side so she did a smokey turquoise eye with a slightly thick line using Shade f/l. It was more dramatic than my usual but it got ideas going!

[pumpkincat210]

I've had the best luck being specific with the MA concerning a light look or something more bold. Alot of times MA's stay on the safe side since so many people like normal makeup. I usually tell them to go to town and have fun, because i like wild looks.
They also have a look book that you can go through and choose a look from.
The one time i didn't care what the MA did the look turned out okay, not bad application, just light and neutral. If i'm going in for my makeup done I prefer something dramatic.

[Babylard]

thanks! so I know i definitely want to learn about technique like eyeshadow placement for my eyeshape, blush application and foundation that is right for me. how should i go about this? i'm so confused lol

[Simply Elegant]

Just ask them how they're applying it, like which colours are going where and with which brush if they don't say but they probably will.

Let them know you're unsure of which foundation is best. Just decide if you want something matte, dewy, sheer, medium, full coverage and whether your skin is oily, dry, normal and with that they'll be able to decide what's best for you.

As for blush, just figure out what colour family you want the blush in, like warm or cool or pinkish, peachy, plummy etc. and they'll be able to recommend something.

I wouldn't worry too much about this. It's supposed to be fun.

[pumpkincat210]

Ask for a mirror so you can see how they are applying the makeup.

[Babylard]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pumpkincat210

Ask for a mirror so you can see how they are applying the makeup.

ahhh.. thats a good one! thank you lol

[christineeee_]

i've never had a makeover done on me before, but i'm going to get my makeup done at a heatherette event in 2 weeks so tell us how ur appointment goes!

[chocolategoddes]

do you have to pay for an appointment?

[Babylard]

Quote:

Originally Posted by chocolategoddes

do you have to pay for an appointment?

technically no, you don't pay for the appointment itself, but you are obliged to make a minimum of $45-$50 purchase in products if you want one lol. it depends on your location, for me, i found out today that i have to buy $45 worth of products.

so if you plan on buying some items, you might as well phone in for a makeover!

[christineeee_]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Babylard

i found out today that i have to buy $45 worth of products.

i found that out from my MA today too but i'm probably gonna spend over $100 as usual ;-)

[Babylard]

Quote:

Originally Posted by christineeee_

i found that out from my MA today too but i'm probably gonna spend over $100 as usual ;-)

yeah you should get a makeover too chrstine! i'll definitely post my experience and please share yours too!

its true, $45 minimal purchase is never the problem. the problem is buying and wanting too much! LOL

[heartsarebound]

Thanks for this thread, this is definitely helpful as I'm planning to get my make-up done for prom.

I wanted to double check this though. For MAC stores, is the fee $55 and it comes with a free mascara. & then for counters it's $45 but reedeemable in products?

Also, I'm not a germaphobe or anything but do the MAs just use the make-up from the counters or they do have their own special make-up kits. I don't mind persay but I see alot of customers who swipe their fingers on eyeshadows and then it's applied again onto your eyes..? Just curious TY!

[erine1881]

Quote:

Originally Posted by heartsarebound

Thanks for this thread, this is definitely helpful as I'm planning to get my make-up done for prom.

I wanted to double check this though. For MAC stores, is the fee $55 and it comes with a free mascara. & then for counters it's $45 but reedeemable in products?

Also, I'm not a germaphobe or anything but do the MAs just use the make-up from the counters or they do have their own special make-up kits. I don't mind persay but I see alot of customers who swipe their fingers on eyeshadows and then it's applied again onto your eyes..? Just curious TY!

you never get anything for free. prices differ depending on location, but it's always redeemable in product.

we use what is out on display. powder products don't harbor bacteria as long as no liquid is introduced, so you won't "catch" anything.

[Babylard]

Quote:

Originally Posted by heartsarebound

Thanks for this thread, this is definitely helpful as I'm planning to get my make-up done for prom.

I wanted to double check this though. For MAC stores, is the fee $55 and it comes with a free mascara. & then for counters it's $45 but reedeemable in products?

Also, I'm not a germaphobe or anything but do the MAs just use the make-up from the counters or they do have their own special make-up kits. I don't mind persay but I see alot of customers who swipe their fingers on eyeshadows and then it's applied again onto your eyes..? Just curious TY!

you should call them ahead of time. appointments are high in demand! so make sure you call ahead of time for the prom and ask about minimum purchase too. i wanted it this week but they had to squish me in next week!

i believe they use the powder stuff on display, since it doesn't harbor bacteria like liquids do. but for sure, their brushes are sanatized between clients and lipsticks etc are sanatized before use as well. i'm not quite sure about foundations though

[erine1881]

we use the same foundations that are out on display. the same ones we swatch and match people up to.

[heartsarebound]

Quote:

Originally Posted by erine1881

you never get anything for free. prices differ depending on location, but it's always redeemable in product.

we use what is out on display. powder products don't harbor bacteria as long as no liquid is introduced, so you won't "catch" anything.

Hm, when I went to my MAC store and asked, that's what she said in regards to the mascara but never mentionned anything about the products being reedemable. However yesterday when I went to the MAC counter at the Bay, the MA told me how it's $45 with the products and when I asked how come there's a 10 dollar difference, she said it's because you get a "private" room in the store as opposed to being done up in the chair right in front of everyone. But thanks for the input I'll definitely call up and ask again to be certain and book my appointment!

[erine1881]

Quote:

Originally Posted by heartsarebound

Hm, when I went to my MAC store and asked, that's what she said in regards to the mascara but never mentionned anything about the products being reedemable. However yesterday when I went to the MAC counter at the Bay, the MA told me how it's $45 with the products and when I asked how come there's a 10 dollar difference, she said it's because you get a "private" room in the store as opposed to being done up in the chair right in front of everyone. But thanks for the input I'll definitely call up and ask again to be certain and book my appointment!

it sounds like you're talking about an actual makeup lesson that they do at freestanding stores. those are completely different than appts. at all locations. stores do both, lessons (in a private room) and appts. everyone does appts., where you're out front, in front of everyone, and the cost of the appt. is redeemable in product. the cost is different at different locations on different days. if you're wanting to get it done for prom, you might wanna just do the regular appt, since the lesson appt actually teaches you how to do it, so it may take longer. not sure how long lesson appts are since i work at a counter. call and get all the info on the differences between the two and then book your appt.

[christineeee_]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Babylard

yeah you should get a makeover too chrstine! i'll definitely post my experience and please share yours too!

its true, $45 minimal purchase is never the problem. the problem is buying and wanting too much! LOL

yeah i'm getting one done on the 29th. hopefully there will be some heatherette looks i can choose from so i can decide what i wanna get. i will definitely share my experience with u lovely ladies

[HOTasFCUK]

Does anyone have more info on a private make-up lesson from MAC? I'd really be interested in this because i think i need to briush up on my foundation techniques (its embarrassing when your own boyfriend notices a bad application!) and how to do a smokey eye. I have over 100 pieces of MAC products and many i don't use because i always end up making a mess out of it (example-black tied eyeshadow!). Please post more info if anyone knows!

[cuteymcpretty]

hiya!

sorry if im gonna be repeating anything buuuuuuuuut here goes!

you dont have to book an appointment, you can generally walk in mon-thur. fri sats and sundays we tend to get fuly booked so i would maybe ring the counter of your choice and make a booking if its for one of those days (sats esp tend to get booked up a few weeks prior cos people tend to go out that night etc)

theres a £25 booking fee, dont know what the american fee is and its all redeemable on the day which is great!

you say your uncomfortable about your skin etc, but dont be.. as a make up artist your trained and you see all types of skin types every day so no one should be like "ewww". if youre more comfortable wearing make up to the counter (so that you dont feel weird walking about without it on) its okay to get the make up artist to take your make up off, or do it yourself when youre there if you feel more comfortable.

the makeovers are awesome though, the artist talks you through step by step application.. and always asks what it is youre used to wearing. what i tend to do, is encourage the customer to try something a little different and they love it everytime because its out of the box.. something theyre not used to so if you wanna do that make sure you mention it, and if you dont like something then say aswell, cos theres nothing worse than having make up on you dont like, itd ruin my day! haha

at the end, the artist should make yuo a facechart and on it is everything she or he has used on you which is good because mayeb you wont want to buy everything straight away and also its there for you to refer to if you want to recreate the look

overall its just a great way to get pampered and get advice, i used to get my make up done frequently from mac a few years back before i worked for them, i loved it, hope you do too!

[cuteymcpretty]

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOTasFCUK

Does anyone have more info on a private make-up lesson from MAC? I'd really be interested in this because i think i need to briush up on my foundation techniques (its embarrassing when your own boyfriend notices a bad application!) and how to do a smokey eye. I have over 100 pieces of MAC products and many i don't use because i always end up making a mess out of it (example-black tied eyeshadow!). Please post more info if anyone knows!

how are you applying your foundation? make sure you're using a brush, i would reccomend the mac 187 stipling brush, its easy to use and gives you a blended finish. use a little product on the white tips of the brush and apply in circular motions. what a lot of people do is use a lot of product and then have no where to blend it away to.. so build it up bit by bit rather than have lots on your face

in regards to your eyeshadows, i would take the name of some of them down and pop into your local mac counter and ask them to do an eye demo on you using some of the colours. i always get the customer to hold a hand mirror and watch how im doing it as thats really the only way youll learn. id probably go on a day where the counter isnt going to be so busy, that way the artist can make you an eyechart to so that you can refer to it. you dont have to buy something, i always help customers who just want some inspiration, just practice lots and youll be fine

[Babylard]

For the people who have never gotten an application done before, I will share my experience at the counter yesterday.

I arrived slightly early before my appointment, because I feel that being late is rude to the MA. I entertained myself by looking at all the MAC goodies until my MA came back from her break lol.

Some things to consider before going to get an application done:

1. going bare-faced is easiest. cleanse, moisturize, and you are good to go!
2. bring your own eyelash curler. seriously, the MAC curler did not impress me at all. i had to use my shu curler because the MAC curler just messed up my lashes. It would be even better to just bring a fresh, CLEAN pair of false lashes. I wish someone told me that.. >_>
3. make sure you aren't sick and have fresh breath. Personal hygene is so important... for anything really... lol eating onions and garlic right before an application isn't cool at all.... so chew that gum! lol if you are sick, you shouldn't get an application done... its just plain wrong
4. Mind your manners and ethics. This goes for everything........ rude people make me sick... be polite, say thanks, its totally okay to say that something doesn't work out for you.

please feel free to add to this list.

I found that communication was indeed important. Not everybody knows what doesn't work for you unless you tell them. I told my MA to not darken my brows and she remembered. You can choose what products you would like to try. In my case, I asked her to do a heatherette look for me. I was undecided on the trios, and she reccomended that the pink one would flatter my skintone. It is VERY important to tell your MA what type of looks you at least are comfortable with, especially if you don't know what look you want in the first place. I specifically told her that I am comfortable with bold colors and styles and that she may do what she wants. If this is not the case for you, say so. Not everybody enjoys casette intensly applied in the outer-V. You can ask for a mirror so you can watch what your MA does. My

After the eyes, she does foundation. You will be asked what your skin is like and whether you want your skin to glow or be matte. I told her that I have oily skin with dry patches. I get oily throughout the day. She matched me to NC25 in mineralize satin spf 15. I just realized that she did not use a primer on me. That would have made alll the difference. If you realize something is missing, don't be afraid to kindly ask, "could you please prime my skin?" She goes on to use select coverup in NC20 for my undereyes.

I specifically asked her to show me how she applies blush and I watched with the handheld mirror and she explains to me. She asks me if i like glitter, I said yes, i love glitter! She puts reflects gold on my cheeks for extra oomph.

My MA goes back to my eyes and lines them with graphblack and goes over with wonderwhite glitter. I asked her about prep n prime lash, and she uses that on me, followed by zoomlash. I was horribly disapointed by zoomlash. It takes sooo long to dry. She hands me the MAC curler so that I would curler my lashes myself. I learned a couple of things here (you can refer to my list of things to consider) Bring your own curler (and even mascara!) if you are planning on mascara application. I think the easiest way is to just bring in a pair of fresh false lashes. Applying mascara on lashes is a very personal thing in my opinion. I think MA's generally will not layer on mascara. You may not get the desired lash look if you don't have naturally long lashes. I went to the washroom to fix up my lashes lol.

After the application, she shows me what she used on me and you can pick what you want to buy. I picked through and continued with other products that I was wondering about. You can take the time to have a Q&A session with your MA. I asked her about various products like the charged waters, Fix+, and strobe.

At the end of the day, I purchased:
Heatherette Trio 2
Phone Me/Text Me Pencil
Lolipop Loving Lipstick
Sock Hop Lipgloss
Alpha Girl Beauty Powder
Shy Beauty Beauty Powder Blush
Select Coverup NC20
Defence/Renewal Charged Water

I purchased, said my thanks, and went shopping. If you don't know your foundation shade yet and if you want to buy one, I reccomend not rushing to buy the foundation. Go shopping and see your foundation in natural lighting. The lighting at the counters/store can be kinda funky. Although I was matched NC25, I think NC30 would be more suitable. I will come back and ask about that.

I hope someone found this useful. Please do share your experiences so that others can benefit.