Making the most of the make-up counter

Ah, those annoying girls on the make-up counter! You know the ones, they either ignore you and wear a scary amount of make up or they are overly fake friendly telling you what pricey magic potion you absolutely have to have 'to sort those serious wrinkles'! Hardly inspiring. As you can imagine as a make up artist I shop for a hell of a lot of make up and I too was once one of those counter girls so I do know what I'm talking about here. I like to think I was neither of those two characters and hopefully much more approachable! I think it is very useful however to go to an educated professional and that there are a few things you can do to get the best out of the experience. Here are my top tips:

1. Book a morning appointment on a weekday, around 11am. This is the best time to go when it's fairly quiet and you can receive their full attention. At this time they should be warmed up but not worn out with a clean set of brushes and products. If you are having a full make up application and know your artist then book it on a day you can go out and show off your polished look.
2. Decide what you want to get out of the appointment before you go. That way you can really take in the advice and stick to budget.
3. At home do a make-up audit to see what's in your make up draw already. Chuck out anything over a few years old or that smells funny/looks off (absolutely no mascara over 3 months old!) and then make a list of what you really need. This helps you buy the essentials and not repeat buy what you already have.
4. Dress in your favorite outfit, be punctual, switch your phone off and don't forget the mints! This helps the stylist to get to know you and you will get a better service.
5. Attend your session make up free but with a few photos for inspiration. This will really help communicate what you like/don't like and provide lots of ideas to discuss. As they say 'a picture tells a thousand words'.
6. Don't be pressured to buy there and then. This is essential when it comes to key purchases such as foundation and skincare. Take a sample home and really try it out properly before you buy.
7. Use the opportunity to really soak up some professional knowledge and learn a new technique. Ask questions and then do it yourself with their guidance.
8. Beware of link selling, if you've asked for a new lipstick and are also shown the blush and the eyeshadow to go with it ask yourself if you really need it and can afford it.
9. Remember, all the images in the magazines are photoshoped and the celebrity has had a team of people spending hours getting their make-up just right - don't expect to come out looking like Cheryl Cole if you are more Cheryl Baker!
10. At the end of the session before you leave, step outside the shop to see the true colours and textures. Harsh store lighting can alter the actual image. Be honest and let your artist know what you like or would like more/less of. Take the time to build your relationship and thank them for their hard work, you will get so much more this way.