It can be hard to shop for the right makeup. There are so many brands, colors and choices. How do you know what works for you? Here are a few tips.
Come with a List
We've all been there - you walk into a beauty store with the intent of picking up one item, but before you know it you're standing in front of the register with an arm full of new purchases. It can be tempting to just give in and buy everything that catches your eye, but trust me, resist the urge! A little self control now will save you a lot of money (and regret) in the long run.
Instead, try making a list of the items you need before you even set foot in the store. That way, you can stay focused and only pick up what you came for. And if you're not sure what kind of product you need, take a quick glance online to do some research before heading out. That way, you can go into the store armed with information and make an informed decision about what to buy. A few minutes of planning ahead can save you a lot of time (and money) in the long run. So next time you find yourself standing in front of that gorgeous makeup display, take a deep breath and ask yourself- do I really need this?
Keep Your Receipt
A lot of people don't realize how important it is to find a store with a flexible return policy, especially when it comes to makeup. Makeup is one of those products that can be really tricky to find the right shade or formula for your skin, and sometimes you just have to try a few different things before you find what works for you. That's why it's so important to be able to return or exchange products that don't work out- otherwise you could end up wasting a lot of money on something that just doesn't work for you. So next time you're cosmetics shopping, make sure to look for a store with a return policy that will work for you. Trust me, it'll save you a lot of hassle (and money) in the long run. Ulta and Sephora are two stores with makeup return policies.
Look at Undertone
Generally, you'll fall into the Warm or Cool category. Look for foundations or concealers that have these terms in their description. It might also be an initial W or C - especially for complexion products. Are you warm or cool? You can usually tell by looking at the veins in your wrist. If they appear green, then you have warm undertones. If your veins look more blue, then you have cool undertones. If you're not sure, then you might be neutral. Once you know your undertone, you can start looking for complexion products that are specifically designed for warm or cool skin.
*Video features IMA Instructor Ebony Miller with Client for her Personal Shopper Session
Buy Travel Sizes
When it comes to testing out new products, I always recommend picking up the travel size version. Not only will you save a few bucks, but you'll also have the opportunity to really try out the product to see if it works for you. I find that I don't use a lot of some products, so I prefer the smaller size anyway. Plus, it's just more convenient for traveling. So next time you're looking to try something new, pick up the travel size and give it a go! You might be surprised at how much you like it. Sephora has a lot of travel size options. You can also usually find them near the checkout aisle at Ulta.
If you want help with makeup shopping, we offer personal shopper services and one on one makeup lessons in Atlanta. A professional Makeup Artist will accompany you to a local Sephora or Ulta and help you pick out the exact right products for you skin type, tone, style and lifestyle. Book our most popular service - The Combo Shopper Session and Makeup Lesson and we'll show you how to apply your new products so you'll feel empowered and ready to do your own personal glam.
*Photo - IMA Instructor Ebony Miller with Client for her One on One Makeup Lesson
For more information, check out our Personal Classes page at www.imaatl.com