Cosmetic Etiquette

With the holiday season quickly approaching, make-up counters at department stores across our great nation will fill their schedules with penny-pinching ladies looking to spice up their evening with a make-up application. Most cosmetic counters do not charge for make-up application services, and many times you can walk in sans appointment to have your make-up applied. But is a simple “Thank You” kosher in the world of free make-up applications? No, no it is not.

Recently, I spoke with a MAC Cosmetics employee who informed me that walking away with a simple thank you is a major make-up application faux pas. Now you’re wondering, doesn’t it defeat the purpose of having a free make-up application if you have to buy something? Yes and no. Cosmetic counters offer free make-up consultations with the objective to get the consumer to purchase product. Duh. But they also understand that you may not need to purchase product. If you aren’t in the market for new eye shadow or lipstick, then be sure to tip your make-up artist. If you make a major purchase, the employee will receive commission, and, I have been informed, that is then okay to skip on the tip.

How much to tip is up to you, but $10-20 seems customary. I asked the Chanel counter at Saks their thoughts on people who leave a kind “Thank You” and compliments but do not purchase product or tip, and she informed me that she usually thinks the customer was not satisfied with her work. I told her that the customer might just be clueless on cosmetic etiquette and assured her I would write to inform the masses.
Emma Dinzebach

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Posted by Emma Dinzebach at 12:00 AM
bargain news , BEAUTY , STYLE/BEAUTY |