Girly Thread, Redux

tcsparky · #1 09-01-2015, 06:24 PM

I thought about going to my local Ulta, but I haven't been impressed with their level of knowledge of makeup. When I went in for tips on using highlighting/face sculpting makeup, they handed me a brightening stick and sent me on my way. I did watch a YouTube video on how to use the stick, and that was helpful.

I thought that going to the makeup counter at a department store in the mall might get better results. We have the standard mall stores (Dillard, Neiman Marcus, Macy's), so I was hoping that one of their makeup counters would be able to show me what I should wear and how to wear it. I want to make sure I don't look overdone, like a clown, or weird. And no glitter!!!

I'll see if one of them has a Bobbie Brown counter. Thanks for the tip!

jolene · #2 09-01-2015, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tcsparky

I thought about going to my local Ulta, but I haven't been impressed with their level of knowledge of makeup. When I went in for tips on using highlighting/face sculpting makeup, they handed me a brightening stick and sent me on my way. I did watch a YouTube video on how to use the stick, and that was helpful.

I thought that going to the makeup counter at a department store in the mall might get better results. We have the standard mall stores (Dillard, Neiman Marcus, Macy's), so I was hoping that one of their makeup counters would be able to show me what I should wear and how to wear it. I want to make sure I don't look overdone, like a clown, or weird. And no glitter!!!

I'll see if one of them has a Bobbie Brown counter. Thanks for the tip!

As far as YT tutorials, Stephanie Lange and Kandee Johnson are among my favs.

33girl · #3 09-01-2015, 08:56 PM

I'm sure there are some women who work at Ulta who are amazing makeup artists, but that's really not what they do. They have so much to sell with the hair care, skin care, and all the drugstore brands that it would be impossible for them to have a good grasp of everything. Occasionally they do have brand ambassadors in the store, but these are as you might guess geared to a particular brand. They often have a woman from Benefit in there, and I have reached my limit with their products - there are more gimmicky than actually working. A department store makeup counter is probably your best bet, but try and go on a weekday afternoon or evening - not during lunch hours and not on the weekend.

33girl · #4 09-02-2015, 12:42 AM

Speaking of Ulta, double post....

Has anyone tried anything from Makeup Revolution? They're a British brand that makes duplicates / knockoffs of popular high end palettes like Urban Decay Naked, Too Faced etc but they're super cheap, and supposedly quite good quality for the price. Ulta has them for sale on their website, but they are only in a few brick and mortar stores and none by me. I hate to buy makeup when I have nothing to go on but online reviews and can't see it myself. Everyone has a different idea of quality and online reviews/blogs have gotten to the point where it's hard to know who to trust anymore, what with all the freebies and sponsored posts.

Munchkin03 · #5 09-03-2015, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 33girl

I'm sure there are some women who work at Ulta who are amazing makeup artists, but that's really not what they do. They have so much to sell with the hair care, skin care, and all the drugstore brands that it would be impossible for them to have a good grasp of everything. Occasionally they do have brand ambassadors in the store, but these are as you might guess geared to a particular brand. They often have a woman from Benefit in there, and I have reached my limit with their products - there are more gimmicky than actually working. A department store makeup counter is probably your best bet, but try and go on a weekday afternoon or evening - not during lunch hours and not on the weekend.

I tend to limit my Ulta purchases to sale periods and restocking things that I already have and like. It's not the place to try new looks.

Also, I thought I was the only person who thought Benefit was so gimmicky.

My recommendation is to go to sephora. Tell them what you're looking for (a fresh professional look). They won't be committed to doing everything in one brand. The catch is that you have to buy $50 worth of product (I think)--but if you're looking for a new makeup style then that might not be that much.

pbear19 · #6 09-03-2015, 02:17 PM

I adore Benefit. I think their packaging is designed to appeal to a different age group than me, but think they have some wonderful products. I swear by They're Real mascara. Hoola is by far the best bronzer I have ever tried on my fair skin. The Boi-ing concealer is perfect for red blemish scars. Any Oxygen wow is my second favorite foundation (behind makeup forever ultra HD) and the one I use the most when it's really humid and sticky out. I've tried a few Benefit products that I wouldn't buy again, but the ones I mentioned are all repeat purchases for me. (Except Hoola, which lasts forever so I haven't needed to buy a new one yet.)

I'm going to try their new air patrol eye primer soon. The Kat Von D primer I have is great, but too yellow for fair skin. Urban Decay's is good, but I like trying new products.

tcsparky · #7 09-03-2015, 07:06 PM

We have a Sephora at an upscale mall in the city. I'll try there on a weekday morning sometime soon. Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Munchkin03

I tend to limit my Ulta purchases to sale periods and restocking things that I already have and like. It's not the place to try new looks.

Also, I thought I was the only person who thought Benefit was so gimmicky.

My recommendation is to go to sephora. Tell them what you're looking for (a fresh professional look). They won't be committed to doing everything in one brand. The catch is that you have to buy $50 worth of product (I think)--but if you're looking for a new makeup style then that might not be that much.