Who was unreasonable me or the people on the makeup counter

[Lounde]

So we are away for a break and I forgot to pick up my make up bag. Thought you know what I’ll just buy the basics again as it’s probably good to have a second lot for the car anyway. I don’t have tonnes and tonnes of make up but I invest in the formulas I prefer. I thought I’d just pick up an eyeliner, mascara, lipstick, foundation, blush, concealer and a gloss. I knew my account was going to take a hit but I rarely treat myself so thought why not.

I explained the situation to the girls on the counter (think Chanel, Dior, Charlotte Tilbury etc) and they said they could help me pick some things out.

We were on our way to a nice lunch. I said in a very courteous and polite manner “please do you mind just slapping on some of the make up for me as I’m in a bit of a rush and stopping has delayed us”. Got told I would have to book an appointment. In this completely dead stand with 4 people literally just stood around. No appointment was available for two hours apparently.

I bought the products but it just left a bad taste in my mouth. I wasn’t looking for a full beat. Just some foundation and eyeshadow. Literally 2 min job.

I ended up spending around £300

That explains it - I went to MAC to buy a eyebrow pencil - I asked for help, the assistant put it on the back of their hand - I bought it but it’s the wrong shade, what a waste and I thought I wouldn’t return.
I should have gone to Space NK - the one in our town at least is fabulous, they spend ages helping you choose by putting stuff on your face. I recommend them to so many woman…it’s such a lovely experience to shop there.

I had a make up booking at a Chanel counter in a department store. I left looking like a clown, having guilt bought things I didn't need. She was so proud of it she took a picture for her portfolio so I guess she was still learning but didnt tell me that. I had to wipe it all of to go back into work, think huge black caterpillar eyebrows and red overlined lips.

You could have just used the testers and done it yourself ?

That’s not really the point. It’s not a service they offer. They offer a makeover by appointment, slapping on a bit of foundation isn’t a service, nor should it be expected just because someone spent £300. That’s like going in to curry’s and buying a £1000 tumble dryer and expecting them to dry your trousers because you got caught out in the rain.

Clearly you haven’t accepted their response because you’re very upset by it!

Because she wears make up?

I disagree - this was a customer who had just spent 300 pounds. (And might therefore might have spent more.) The issue appears to be that OP really didn't have time for a makeup service.

Really disgusting attitudes towards women who like to wear a bit of makeup on this thread. I favour a light and natural look. Multiple products are needed as we have multiple facial features 🤷

Surely no one would use an eyeliner/lipstick etc tester on their actual face? Imagine the bacteria on them. I’d only use a tester on the back of my hand.

You're talking about "An Experience" or a full makeover for a big event. Not simply "applying the makeup", as they do for any customer saying they don't know what shade/coverage to choose.

Well I accepted it in the moment. I thought it was a bit off in my head but I wasn’t an arse about it.

I appreciate you asked politely and took the answer then moved on. But you clearly felt that was unacceptable, hence this thread which is why you’re getting those responses.

They do not offer a full face of makeup. They will (sometimes) apply foundation. That’s it. Not adding on eyeshadow etc.

I think it is poor customer service and wouldn't make me want to return.

If they aren't MUAs then can just say that?

To be fair, I imagine it's quite hard to apply makeup very quickly to someone else's face, and if you said you were running very late, they probably were put off by that. If there hadn't been a time issue, I think they should have done it.

ETA: If they had offered a compromise like concealer, face powder, and eyeshadow, would you have agreed? To do foundation well takes time, and you could do the lipstick in the car. You can't really do eyeliner and mascara in a rush because then you run the risk of stabbing the customer in the eye.

Well I just recalled being 18 and my sister and I going to a counter in House of Fraser. The lovely woman went through the products/gave up tips on how to apply it. It was a lovely experience. The woman who helped us was my mother’s age and she said she had such a lovely time with us. We didn’t even buy a single product back then! I was hoping for a tiny bit of time especially as I had spent a fair amount

Really? If I had the spare money, I'd test this theory by going to a similar store and pretending to be a complete novice with a large credit facility.

I bet they would 😆

At the point they said no I’d have said “actually I think I’ll leave it” , not buy the items, then go to another place and ask them to do it instead.

Since you were buying it anyway, I don't understand why you couldn't have gone to the toilets and just put it on?

Most make up counters have testers specifically for make overs and disposable mascara wands / brushes / sponges etc so there is no double dipping.

You might be much better off doing your own make-up, OP, especially as you know how you like it.

I was once given a make-up demo at a cosmetics counter in Debenhams, after booking a time in advance. The teenage girl who did it just painted foundation onto my face and didn't blend any of it in. I only lived five minutes from the store but was embarrassed to have to walk home looking like that! Bless her...

This is not true. It’s completely at the discretion of the consultant and the particular counter.

Yes, for make overs. Not for the customer to use on themselves like the PP was suggesting.

If I had time I probably would have gone elsewhere but I went to my favourite brand as I am familiar with the products and was in a time crunch.

£300 on make up seems like tonnes and tonnes to me.