10 things about cosmetic counters (at least from my experience)

So I was talking to a co-worker from the store and she's from a different department. She asked some of the girls some questions about assumptions that I thought were kind of odd but still informative in how people perceive us.

So instead of posting about pretty clothes or reviews on products, I thought, hey, why not let people know what really goes on.


1. Not all of us wear every product. Some girls don't fill their eyebrows, some don't wear blush, some don't wear mascara, some, like me, don't wear foundation or foundation powders.

2. No matter what counter we work at, all of our products do not come from that one counter/line. Most of the girls have favorite products from other lines and will buy from MAC or Sephora or other counters.

3. We don't usually put our makeup on at work. There seriously is just no time for it... I've tried... Some people can manage it, but it's really awkward when a customer comes up and you only have one eye done.

4. Just because we work for a product line, doesn't mean we know every little ingredient or aspect about every product. Have you seen how many products each counter has? Everyone is taught about the products, but sometimes, we forget about the ingredients or we forget small details about the product. I'm an on-call/floater, so that means I have to know ALL the products from every counter. I mean, yeah, I can name what most of them do, but ask me the ingredients and I will say "can you give me just one second, let me get the product manual."

5. Sometimes we don't see you/we are super busy/there's only one of us. As a customer, it was always frustrating to have to wait more than 10 minutes to get my services done and buy my product. After working at the counters for six months (holy crap has it really been that long?!) I've come to be much more understanding in terms of waiting. I know it's not fun and I know sometimes we are in a hurry and need to just get our stuff and go, but things happen. People get sick and call out which leaves one of us at the counter to service however many people come in. Sometimes there's just a lot of people at that time of day, please be understanding.

6. We won't push products you don't need. A good amount of customers that I have met and seen have this idea that I will try and sell them a product they don't need. They ask me things like "can I do the other things without that?" or "will it still work if I don't do this?" The truth, yes, it will work, but not as effectively. (This answer varies on the concerns/products). We don't want you to return our product, so we won't sell you something we don't think you need.

7. It takes me (and on-calls) time to find products in cases/drawers. The on-calls/floaters like me, we go from counter to counter. Within a week, we could work at every counter at least once. This means that we forget occasionally where a certain product is. We can go weeks without working at a counter and then suddenly be back. Cases change a lot, so do drawers, so we sometimes need a minute to remember where something is.

8. If you don't know how to use a product, don't know how to do a look, don't know if you're using a product correctly, we will be more than happy to help you. I say this because I usually ask customers what their daily routine is like and some of them are using a product in the wrong order or not in the best way to get the best results. It might be embarrassing to ask, but we are more than happy to explain how things work and in what order they go in or which is the most effective way to use a product. Also, I'm more than happy to teach you how to do a smokey eye. ;)

9. Makeovers take a time and we also have to work the counter. If you're thinking about getting a makeover done for what ever the occasion is, please, PLEASE, make an appointment or plan at least two hours ahead. If you make an appointment, we can give you an estimated time, but like previously stated, some times we're the only ones at the counter and we need to step away to make sure other customers are assisted. We will try our best to make sure we get your needs met and that we get you out of the chair in a timely matter, but we do need to step away once in awhile, especially if you're a walk-up.

10. We try to make every experience the best it can be. Some days our not our best, this goes without saying for everyone, but we all really try to make every experience the best it can be. We greet customers with a smile and end it with a smile and hope we can get our customers to smile and enjoy their experience. Whether it be a short pick-up or an hour consultation.



So yeah. :D

Chub-chub-chub-chub-chub. Color chub.

I immensely enjoy the fact that this product is called "Chubby Stick".

Brand: Clinique

Product: Chubby Stick (Intense)

Color: Voluptuous Violet & Broadest Berry

Place of Purchase: Macy's

Price: Free (gift with purchase/visit) 

Normally: $17

Rating: 

At work I often use Chubby Sticks if I'm working at Clinique. I think they're really nice to get that tint of color or a great way to get color without resorting to lipstick.

What I liked:

I really like how smooth they are. It always feels like they are also conditioning my lips as well as giving me the color I need/want for the day. The color lasts a long time and because there is the regular and the intense I can choose if I want a tinted balm or an actual lip color. The names are really fun too! 

What I didn't like:

The biggest issue I have with Chubby Sticks is their scent. I know that sounds weird because Clinique's products are fragrance free, but even without a fragrance, there is a scent that is a bit like wax and it is sometimes off putting. I also wish they had softer pinks in the intense line.

I love these and they come in a variety of colors. They are fun and easy to use, they stay really well and condition your lips in the process! I always grab a Chubby Stick if I don't have time to do liner and a lipstick or I can't be bothered to do lipstick and gloss. ^__^

More posts in the next few hours, lovelies.

It's the start of something new... >_>

If you don't know what the title references, then you are definitely not from my Disney generation... >__>
<___<

Anyway, so today, as promised, is a cosmetic review! (Sorry the picture isn't pretty...)

Brand: Shiseido

Product: Sheer Matifying Compact

Color: I20/I40

Place of Purchase: Macy's

Cost: Free. (Sample) 

Rating: 

As I've said before, I don't wear foundation. I don't like the texture on my skin or the weight against my skin. I do wear translucent powder and tinted translucent, so I decided to start trying powders that were meant to be lighter coverage. This is the Shiseido, Sheer Matifying Compact. My shade would actually be about O20 or O40. When we matched my skin during the summer, I was an O40 but I've lost a lot of color since then, so O20 is better for Winter, at least for me. 

The reason why I got the I20/I40 versus the O20/O40 was because they didn't have any more samples in that shade. I wanted to feel the texture and see how I liked it before I bought it, so the shade didn't quite matter to me.

How I used it:

After I washed my face, used my "toner", applied serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen. I used a powder brush and applied all over the face in a swirling motion.

What I liked:

I liked that it was light. It didn't feel like a full face of makeup, it didn't feel like I had anything on but my regular translucent/tinted translucent. My skin looked natural and it evened out my complexion just a bit. It didn't add too much color to my face and even when I used the darker shade, it still blended easily. (I do not recommend using a darker shade... Trust me, getting just the right shade is better than it being lighter or darker. We don't want to see the foundation line.)

What I didn't like:

The reason why this doesn't have a higher rating is because of my personal preference, quite honestly. As a twenty year old girl, I should probably get used to wearing foundation/foundation powders. But I still can't get used to it. I prefer loose powders over pressed and tinted translucent are always my first choice. In theory, there really isn't anything wrong with this product. If I had the full sized, I'm sure I'd keep using it and eventually love it to death. I'm just not used to it... 

I honestly would recommend this to anyone who is just starting out with makeup/is younger. It's a great product and it is light, natural, and looks as if you aren't wearing anything at all! (At least to the untrained/un-seeking eye)

I looked it up online, and at Macy's it is $8.50 for the case and $30 for the refill. So $38.50 the first time. That's really not bad at all for makeup.

Scrub-a-dub (>^.^)> <(^.^<) ^(^.^)^ v(^.^)v

Oh yeah, I did an emoticon dance in the title.

Yep. That was fun.

OFF TO THE REVIEW -insert whooshie sounds-

Brand: Clinique

Product: Sparkle Skin, Body Exfoliating Cream

Cost: $25

Place of Purchase: Macy's

Uses: Body Exfoliate

Pros: 

-A lot of product for a fair price.

-Really gets down and smooths out skin.

-Clears out skin blemishes.

Cons: 

-Really large tub makes it hard to use in shower.

-Has a slight menthol smell to it.

I have dead skin cell build up on my arms and I've tried all sorts of exfoliators to try and reduce the amount of build up I get on my arms, but alas, nothing helped.

Then one day, I was talking about this issue with a co-worker and she was like "Hey, have you tried our body exfoliator?" and I was like "Wait, what? You have a body exfoliator?" And then, magic happened as I took home a small sample of it.

I bought it less than a week later.

I use it every two days in the shower and I use a Korean exfoliating mitt with it to really scrub my arms down. I also use it on my feet sometimes, depending. 

But in either case, I've seen a MAJOR reduction in skin build up and bumps on my arms. I couldn't be more thrilled and I love it so much. If you have the same problem as me, trust me, this is gonna be a miracle to your bumpy problem. ^_^

Be careful when using this product that you aren't working your skin too hard and that you're also using a really good moisturizer afterwards. This will prevent the skin from drying out or getting rough.

So, what have we learned?

Sometimes, talking about your skin issues at the cosmetic counters will get you answers to your many unasked questions.

Heh.

Anyway, until next time my lovelies.

Oh Stop, You're Making Me Blush...er!

Hello my darling lovelies,


Today's review is on a product that I adore. I've always loved blushers and I hope to keep trying different kinds for you all!

Brand: Ossion

Product: Multi Blusher, No. 1 (1호)
Cost: $40

Place of Purchase: Palace Beauty, Galleria Shopping Center, Koreatown, Los Angeles.

Type of Product: Blush, Highlight, Contour, Eyeshadow

Pros: 

-All-in-one product.

-Works for all over the face

-Compact, portable

-Comes with a brush

Cons: 

-All the colors are pretty light pigmented

-Pricey

First off, lemme just say that Korea and Japan's packaging are amazing. I mean yes, this did cost me a pretty penny so it should look this beautiful, but the fact that it just comes like this... I'm drooling. I love it. It's something to be proud of holding in your purse.

Let's take a moment to appreciate the packaging:

Ahhh... So beautiful...

Okay! So, I'm sure now that I can find this for cheaper somewhere online or another store. Besides that, I think it's well worth the $40. It's pretty deep, so there's a lot of product there. Not only that, but it's multi-functional AND it came all the way from Korea.

Pricing aside, it's great because it can be used as ANYTHING. Say you're going on an over-night trip and don't want to bring a million products with you. 

Tada~ You have your blush, your highlight, your contour, eye shadow, all in one. Just this compact that's the size of a normal compact...

Let that sink in for a second...

Now, this one is more in the pink tones. I like this one because it really looks like a natural flush and is perfect in Winter. Why Winter, you ask? Because the cold flushes the cheeks a very particular shade. It's not red, not pink, but this sort of pale fuchsia and that's exactly the color you get when you mix the colors together and apply it as a regular blush. I like this because it offsets the pink I already have in my cheeks and makes it softer. 

Now to explain how this is an all-in-one product, lemme utilize the numbers I have edited onto the photo.

1. Highlight.

                 This color is a baby pink and has a pearl shimmer to it that is perfect for highlighting the forehead, the tops of the cheekbones, nose, cupid's bow, and chin. 

2. Contour

               Still in the pink realm, this brown is warmer. It's certainly for lighter skin tones, but applying it under the cheekbone (about half an inch above your jawline) will create that definition. And using it along the sides of your nose will give the appearance of a thinner nose. (I won't tell on you.) 

3&4. Blush

            These two colors alone can be used as blushes. The orange-ish tone will create a brighter sort of complexion while the pink will create a sweeter look.

Best part:

 All of these colors can be used as your eye shadow as well. And you can mix all four for blush, maybe just two, maybe three. All of this creates unique looks. Of course all of it will be a softer look than what many of us use for "day-to-night" looks. But, like I said, it's great to use all over the face. 

Many Asian cosmetic brands carry this sort of product, so I have many more to explore, but for now, this is really fun to play with.

In Conclusion: 

Though this one is pricey, it's a really great "on-the-go" sort of product. The colors aren't very strong in pigment but they're meant to compliment the face's natural attributes. I recommend this to someone who is always 5 minutes late and the person who is always packing two bags for an overnight trip. (erhm, me...)

Maybe one day I'll do my makeup with just my tinted translucent, concealer, eyeshadow primer, and this Multi-Blusher and show you how it came out? 

Like always, if you have products you'd like me to review, would like to message me personally about this post or any others, or have any other sort of inquiries, email me at morbidmolly151@yahoo.com 

If you'd like updates about when new blogs are posted without joining blopspot, I usually inform people via instagram; MorbidMolly151

Well, until next time my lovelies.

Underneath it All... The Makeup That is. (Part II)

Hiiiii, missed me? :3 Teehee.

Okay so now that we got the daytime out of the way, it's time for my nighttime routine!

This one will be almost disappointingly shorter than the other...

Shiseido The Skincare, Instant Eye and Lip Makeup Remover
Cost: $26.50
Place of Purchase: Macy's
After a long day at work or school, I really don't feel like taking off my makeup. But guess what? I don't want break outs and I know it's bad for me. So no matter how tired you are, PLEASE remember to take off your makeup. >: For me?

Anywhoozle, I hated makeup removers. I hated them all because for some reason, it made me feel more dirty than clean. I still don't quite like the feeling of makeup removers, but this one I can tolerate greatly. Not only does it not burn my eyeballs, but it smells pleasant and goes a long way. One cotton pad can remove my waterproof mascara, on BOTH eyes, my cheek stain, and my lipstick. Though I should use two cotton pads, I'm a college student. Let's be honest, if I can get away with one cotton pad, I'm going to do it.

Like I said, it does have the sort of oily feeling on the skin still, and you do have to remember to shake it (I forget all the time, fail Hana...) but it's great and really gentle but still powerful!

Shiseido Ibuki, Gentle Cleanser
Cost: I don't quite know since I got it in a starter kit that came with the balancing softener and moisturizer for $25, the full size is $30
Place of Purchase: Macy's
Ibuki is a great skin care line. It's a cheaper than White Lucent (by about 40 bucks for all three products. White Lucent is about 137 for all three, Ibuki is about 99 for all three) and it's made for people in my age group. It's made to help make "trouble free skin" which means it has light preventatives and it helps keep skin in its youthful and "best" state.

I bought the starter kit to try it out since I was hooked on White Lucent. It was a brand new line (still kinda is) and it really does make my skin feel really nice. I would say if you really aren't interested in White Lucent but want to give Shiseido a try, Ibuki will be the best place to start. If you're dry combination/dry this line will be fantastic for you. If you're oiler, they do have a line just for you called Pureness and I think that's even cheaper for than this line.

Ossion Secret Pearl, Toner, Emulsion, Eye Cream, and Hydra Cream
Cost: Not sure about the full sizes but these were free samples. (I'll post what I bought to get them soon!)
Place of Purchase: Palace Beauty (Koreatown Galleria, Los Angeles, CA)
I'm currently trying this out for 2 reasons.
1. I do not have a night moisturizer. (...yet...)
2. They were F-R-E-E.
C'mon. They were free. I'm a cosmetic fanatic. There's no way I wasn't going to at least TRY them.

Pros (so far):
-The toner is a gel-toner and feels really nice on the skin. Like, silken on the skin.
-The Hydra Cream is also almost gel like and leaves the skin feeling super refreshed.

Cons:
-There's a bunch of steps. I mean yeah I can skip the eye cream, but as a strong believer in preventative measures for wrinkles, I'm not going to.

So far, these size samples have lasted me half a week. Again, I'm frugal, but it's really amazing how far they stretch. I don't know if I would buy the full sized just yet, but hey, I still have another set sitting in my cabinet.



That's all I have for you today! Come check back tomorrow night and I should have another post for you! ^_^
If you have any questions, want me to review a product (within a $20 price range) in the future, or want recommendations especially for you, just send me an email or post a comment!
email: morbidmolly151@yahoo.com
Make sure you put love, war, cosmetics, and fashion in your subject!

Until tomorrow, Lovelies.

Underneath it All... The Makeup That is. (Part I)

Okay! So my first blog-theme related post.

There are two things that I am confident in when it comes to my physical appearance. My eyes and my skin. I don't wear foundation because I don't like the feeling on my skin. No matter the texture, no matter how thin it is or how sheer the coverage, I cannot stand it on my face. I always feel clammy and like I have a mask on. (I know, weird for a makeup artist, but hey.) Luckily, I was blessed with great skin. I started taking care of my skin back when I was in my early teens and thankfully, genetics was on my side this time.

Now, I'm really sensitive. My skin reacts to most products. I spent years trying products and now that I'm coming an end to my adolescence and my "growing" stages, I think it's calming down a bit. But! That does not mean I take anything to chance!

The first post is going to be about my daily routine! (For now that is.)

Let's start with the morning...

Ladies and gentlemen, meet Shiseido. This is their White Lucent basic products and the Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protection. White Lucent is a skin care line that caters to those who wish to even out their complexion/brighten their complexion. This also helps with correcting uneven skin tones caused by dark spots or aging to some degree. It's also known to help with minor cases of rosacea. For me, this is to help brighten my complexion and keep that youthful glow...as well as keep my skin tone even. It doesn't use any sort of bleaching agent to brighten or "whiten" the skin, but uses natural ingredients! (Well, I mean the ones that are "chemicals" are technically natural...)

White Lucent Brightening Cleansing Foam.
Cost: $35
Place of Purchase: Macy's
Man does it really go far. Just a little more than a pea-size amount is more than enough to cleanse the whole face. It's gentle and lathers up really well. You can use this to make mini-masks as well that help brighten skin almost instantly. It's gentle enough that you can tissue it off if you were doing a facial as well!

White Lucent Brightening Balancing Softener Enriched 
Cost: $48.
Place of Purchase: Macy's
A balancing softener is just like a toner/clarifying lotion in the sense that it helps add nutrients to the skin, remove dead skin cells that build up, and open the skin to receive moisture. White Lucent comes in two different balancing softeners; enriched and regular. The difference is that dryer skins would want the enriched formula and oiler skins would use the regular. I don't have dry skin, but I do tend to forget to drink my 8 cups of water sometimes. (^_^") The biggest difference between Shiseido's balancing softeners versus toners/clarifying lotions, is that they act like essence or kind of like a serum in the sense that they have additional benefits for the skin. I use this with a cotton pad and over my face once.

White Lucent Brightening Protective Emulsion, SPF 18 
Cost: $54.50
Place of Purchase: Macy's
This line has four difference moisturizers. The Emulsion, the Protective Emulsion, the Cream, and the Gel-Cream. The Emulsion and Protective Emulsions are thinner in consistency. The Protective has SPF (either 15 or 18). the difference between the Cream and the Gel-Cream is that the Cream is for really dry skin. The Gel-Cream moisturizes with gel which is lighter and has less oil in it so it is for dryer skin. I've tried all of them and they all have really nice skin feels, I just prefer the thinner consistency and SPF.

Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protection. Broad Spectrum, SPF 42 (for the face)
Cost: $30
Place of Purchase: Macy's
This one is really nice because it's really thin, so it's great under makeup! I really don't like getting freckles and I've seen enough dark spot issues come into my work that I know how important sunscreen is. This one has a great feeling on the skin. It doesn't leave any sort of film behind and it doesn't feel thick like most sunscreens do. It also protects the skin from pollutants.
The issue I have with it is that it's only waterproof for up to 40 minutes, plus application after makeup application is hard. But I have a product coming in soon that will wash away those worries~ ohohoho~



These products are pricey, I know, but if you're really looking to invest in your skin and brightening your skin, this will be a great product line for you. I love it.


A/N: Part two will be about my nightly routine and be up shortly. ^_^