Makeup shopping is equal parts thrilling and overwhelming.
So many products, colors and textures; the stimulus is at an 11. It’s usually crowded, there’s loud music, lots of scents and a pretty electric feeling in the air that can tip into overwhelming at times. My advice? You should be well fed and well caffeinated before walking into a big box makeup environment. Preparation is the key to success.
When I go makeup shopping it’s a part of the job and I go in like a Navy Seal on a mission. Get in, get out and hopefully no one gets hurt. While I go in not always knowing what I’m looking for—the thrill of discovery is more than half the fun—I do have certain parameters that define the search. These three things are my guiding light when I’m looking at product:
01
Versatility
How many different ways can I use this product?
How many skin tones will it look good on?
02
Formula
How will it wear throughout the day?
How easy is it to use?
Which of my clients will this work / not work on?
03
Innovation
Is this a new, exciting formula or have I seen this a million times before?
Is this just trendy or will it have longevity in my kit?
Will this tool make my life / job noticeably easier?
One thing I always do is head for the door. No, I’m not shoplifting, I’m looking for light. Seeing it in daylight will give you a way more accurate snapshot of how a product will look on your skin than any light anywhere in any store. If heading to the entrance with product in your hand triggers your inner teenager, just flag down a salesperson and let them know what you’re doing. They’re makeup artists, they get it. You won’t end up in handcuffs.
Another piece of advice, don’t use any testers on your face. Ever. I’m always stunned when I see people applying lipstick to themselves in a big box store. If you’re shopping at a proper makeup counter, those salespeople take great pride in keeping their testers clean, but the makeup mega-stores are like the wild west. I promise those don’t get cleaned, sanitized or wiped down at the end of the day. Maybe some, but surely not all (the exception is foundation if it comes in a pump, but a stick or cream, don’t do it). Stick to testing it on the back of your hand and use a healthy dose of hand sanitizer on your way out.
Lots of of my Pro MUA peers shop on Reed Clarke, from celebrity artists, to the department heads on some of your favorite movies and tv shows, to editorial makeup artists creating the most show stopping images. They know they can trust the site for products that inspire them and are great for their kits. Here are some of their (and my) faves…
