How to shop successfully at Sephora

for many women shopping at a big makeup store like Sephora can be an intimidating or overwhelming experience. Others of you may have struggled to find what you were needing, easy to do when you have hundreds of choices to choose from. I used to be one of these women, I thought stores like Sephora just weren't for me. Being more of a simple girl the thought of immersing myself into the high glam was nerve wracking. Let this guide help you get the most of your Sephora experience.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
    

   Do talk to a Sephora specialist, do NOT avoid them. I am a relatively shy person, the thought of having someone touch me in any way or examine my skin tone is very unsettling. For the first time a few weeks ago I allowed a Sephora specialist to help me shop. Not only was she incredibly nice, she seemed to be aware that I was nervous and asked before she did anything. I highly recommend you talk to someone, you will feel less overwhelmed by the millions of products, and chances are they know what will work for you

2. 
    

   If you are on a budget let the Sephora makeup specialist know. When the specialist takes you over to a product don't be ashamed to look at the price and tell her if it is out of your price range. They are very knowledgeable and in my experience if you tell them your price range they will find the best product for the buck. Keep in mind however that if you are looking for Cover Girl prices you wont get them at Sephora.

3. 
    

   Look for signs that say Sephora Favorite, Best seller, or something along those lines. This indicates that a particular item is popular. I have found that a lot of the products with these tags are in fact, amazing. Be warned however that there are some amazing, good selling products that do not receive these tags. I believe they do this because these are the less expensive best selling items

4. 
    

   Buying in "bulk" at Sephora can save you a ton of money. For example, if you are looking for an eye shadow try looking at a set of colors. Some box sets even come with primer, a brush, and a mirror. Around the holidays they have an even wider selection of box set type items. In the long run you save a ton of money. Be careful to look at quantity in box sets however as some sets are all package and little product. This is especially true when it comes to mascara samplers.

5. Always remember why you went in. Don't be caught off guard! The Sephora specialists are well trained, which is great but... if your not careful you will leave the store with primers, plasters, coaters, guarders, lotions. Yes, these are all great products but if you don't really need them you could regret your purchases later. I.E. yes eyeshadow primer works, but, if your on a budget and you have lived without it, ask yourself, is this something I need?

6. 
    

   Relax and remember that if you buy the product and you are not completely satisfied Sephora is really good about taking returns. Just keep your receipt and take it back. You can always tell a Sephora specialist what happened and try again.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid taking your kids with you, Sephora is full of enticing bright colored small products for children. That combines with the fact that their are samples all over the store just waiting to have little fingers pressed in them.
• Take a girlfriend with you
• If your really brave take your husband with you. I love the input from my husband regarding makeup, yes I do my makeup for me, but, he has to look at me all day too! You might be surprised what your husband finds attractive as far as makeup goes, he might even be able to convince you to try something new.
• Don't forget to ask the Sephora specialist to even out any makeup she was using on you! It would be quite embarrassing to leave the store with one smokey eye and one natural one!

Resources

• My absolute favorite product from Sephora The Blockbuster
• Sephora products and reviews! Find out what everyone is raving about right now

[solutionsforu]

on 11/7/2009 Excellent article on How to shop successfully at Sephora. Good tips.