My first MAC makeover coming up - how to make most of it?

[Sushi_Flower]

Any tips/advice on how to make the most of a makeover? Should i tell her what kind of look i roughly want or will it be better if i let her do what she wants and introduce me to new looks? Should i tell her what products i want to try or let her choose so i don't prevent myself discovering new products?
Should i ask lots of questions? Should i tell her what things don't work for me and what does? (eg. black eyeliner definetly doesn't work for me) or should i leave it to her and see how it goes?

Will i able to ask for her to change things as she goes along if i don't like it or if i don't like the end result?
Only UD PP works for me as an eyeshadow base, should i take it in for her to apply as the eye makeup she applies will crease otherwise.

And any other tips/advice?

 

[laceymeow]

definitely let her know your likes/dislikes. if you have a rough idea of a look you'd like to try, go ahead and let her know.

they should be happy to change things for you if you don't like something. as for bringing in the ud pp, i'm not sure how that would go over. maybe you could go with a clean moisturized face and the ud pp already on?

i had a mac makeover once and i just told the girl to do what she wanted. i ended up with a really boring neutral look in the end, she said she gave that to me because i didn't look like the bold look type!! ahhh,i regret that. i could've had it redone, but i had another appointment that day that i couldn't be late for.

 

[marshmallowfluffy]

I totally agree with laceymeow...
It certainly helps a makeup artist to know what you like and dislike. I tell my customers that all the time. If I have a point of reference to start from, it makes it a lot easier to be certain I give the customer a look she will like...and not really something that is too similar to what she wears now...most people want a fresh perspective on thier makeup, but something still in thier *comfort zone*.
Sometimes it is easier to tell the artist things you *don't* like. She will know not to even try those things.

If someone wants a completely different look than what they wear now, and leave it up to me, I will always ask what their current look is. I can't give them something *different* if I don't know what the usual is

Remember that they can't read your mind or automatically know what you like...so be open with her.

Most MAC Artists will let you have a mirror when they start so that you can see the progress of the look...if you dont get a mirror...ASK for one at the beginning! You should be able to watch as much of the application as you wish, in order to see how/where things are applied, etc.

I encourage you to let the artist know if you aren't liking something as soon as possible. The artist will be happy to change it if you want. It is so mush easier to tweak things as you go rather than have to change it all at the end.

Also, most MAC Artists can't apply things that aren't MAC. So if you want to wear the UD PP...I agree with what laceymeow said...already be wearing it when you get to the counter. You can feel free to tell the artist that you have on your favorite primer and that she can just apply makeup over it (so she won't remove it!)

Most importantly, relax and have fun with it! Remember that the artist has had LOTS of practice and will be able to do that you want if the two of you communicate. You will be in good hands... just HAVE FUN!!!
HTH,
MMF~

 

[Sushi_Flower]

Thanks for the info! It really helps. I think i will take in some photos of looks i like so she has an idea of what i want.

I can understand that the MAC MA's can't apply non MAC products but when i asked on MUA about it they said it would be ''rude, offensive, not right'' to wear UD PP or let them know i was wearing it and i shouldn't do it but if i really wanted to wear UD PP at the makeover then i should lie about having a reaction to MAC bases rather then let them know that the MAC bases crease on me. I'm not comfortable about lying and i don't see that i should lie for such a little thing which is due to MACs bases not working with the chemistry of my skin rather than me saying 'i hate your products'!
I didn't realise it would be such an issue! I thought they would be fine with it, afterall if i didn't wear UD PP then the MAs efforts would be wasted as it would be crease and be a mess within the hour.

I'm thinking of just wearing it on my eye lids before i go in and when she is cleansing my skin i'll tell her i've got it on so she doesn't wipe it off...

So do you guys think i should lie?

 

[Hikaru-chan]

No I wouldn't lie, bring in the UD PP and explain you don't get on with MAC bases they sould actually be okay about that it's just one product after all.
Is it a free makeover or a paid one?

 

[Sushi_Flower]

You're the first person to say that it'd be ok. I'm not exagerrating when i say everyone who replied on MUA said i shouldn't do it and things like 'no it would be offensive' or 'i'm not the kind of person who lies but in this case i would if you wanted to wear it' as if it was a really big offensive issue!

So shall i take it in and just explain and apply it myself there or go in with it? She said they'd do skincare on me first so i'm thinking she might want to cleanse my whole face first so it might be better to take it in and apply it afterwards.

 

[Hikaru-chan]

I would take the tube of UD PP in with you and just explain you situation and if they could apply it for you.
If they say no (I would be suprised if they said no) then just let them cleanse and moisturise your face and then apply the PP your self.
I work for a nail bar chain that makes it's own line of polishes and but quite a few of our costomers prefer to bring in their own polish and we really don't mind applying that for them.

 

[ms.marymac]

I would just go in with a clean face, and the PP already on. Let her know that you already have a eye primer that you like on. It's not a huge deal, but if there are other customers around, she may not feel comfortable using another company's product. Unless she quickly swiped some out and you hid the container. I know I wouldn't care ( I use it myself, haha), but it could cause a customer issue if someone sees that cute little bottle. Does this make sense?

*Edited to add that bringing in a photo is a great idea!

 

[Sushi_Flower]

Yeh i understand that it's not very nice to have UD products knocking around the MAC counter and trying to push them into my makeover but seen as this is really a must have so that the MAC products work for me i think it'll be ok if i explain and be discreet. I think i'll go to toilets and wash off my makeup and then apply UD PP and go to the counter as i've got to travel around before i get there and will end up meeting people and it's not a good idea to scare them with no makeup on! lol.

 

[Noire]

I think wearing just the primer on your eyes when you go in, and asking him/her not to remove it is the way to go. You don't have to justify it or say what the product is even. Just say, as was suggested above, that you have your favorite primer on and you'd like her to work on top of the primer as opposed to remove it.

No need to lie about it, but I'd be uncomfortable pulling it out and asking that it be applied or applying it myself at the counter. Chances are the MA would deal ok, by going with it or refusing and explaining the policy behind, but way easier to put it on beforehand and avoid the whole issue. It isn't a big deal, so no need to make it into one!

Enjoy your makeover, bringing in pictures sounds like a good idea... hope you love it!

~Noire

 

[pink__grapefruit]

If you like the look and end up getting all of the products, make sure you find out from the MA (some MA's tell you as you do it, sometimes they don't) how they used each color.

When i walked in (i've had 3 makeovers, they're so much fun)they asked me what i was doing later that night to get a idea for the event and then if I want something crazy or toned down.

Most MA's ask you if there is anything that you don't like. I have said blues everytime

heh. My usual MA doesn't have to ask anymore because she knows me a little too well.. Its odd when you haven't seen her in over 2 months and your in Applebees and she comes up to you and asks why you haven't been over at the counter. My dad was pretty mad because that just goes to show how much i've been spending there. hah

 

[Sushi_Flower]

Woah i can't imagine buying all the stuff she'll use for the look, it's cost me a fortune! As it's a complimentary one i don't think i'm expected to buy anything, but i want the Skin Primer and Dipdown Fluidline anyway and i'll be asking her to use those on me.

Lol Pink Grapefruit, i feel embarassed that the SAs know me and i always seem to pop up!