Department store counter v salon for makeup

jcluver123

Can anyone tell me the pros and cons of going to a department store counter versus a salon to get makeup done?  All I can think of now is that I'll pay the salon to do makeup, whereas I won't have to pay someone at a makeup counter.  Also, I'll be able to buy the makeup from the department store so I can touch it up later.  Any advice?

Calumet

Eh... I bought make up at Bare Essentials. I spent what most people spend on their wedding make-up, but I got make-up for the next 6 months instead of for one day. They gave me a lot of free samples in order to complete the look, and were really awesome. But DIY is my style. I know a lot of people who would want their make-up done for them.

smooth84

I bought department store makeup...mainly MAC and Makeup Forever stuff. If you watch some videos and practice you should be fine. I use Bare Minerals in everyday, but I tends to give people a ghostly look with flash photography, so be aware

Boricua Gipsy

Here are some pros and cons to consider when choosing either a salon or a department store counter:

DEPARTMENT STORE COUNTER

Pros:
1) Most makeup counters don't charge for doing your makeup
2) You get to take home the products they've used on you
3) Since it's a makeup counter, they'll have a full range of colors and shades to choose from

Cons:
1) Even though the application is "free", you still have to pay for the products and they  sometimes add up to much more than you would pay for a salon appointment.
2) Since it's "free", the session might not be as professional as you would expect. In some cases employees in makeup counters are not certified makeup artists, meaning their experience comes from day to day application, not from proven techniques.
4) You'll have to deal with the ackward stares of people wondering why that lady wore so much makeup to go shopping.

SALON

Pros:
1) You can do both you're makeup AND hairstyle in the same place
2) They're used to working bridal hairstyles and makeup
3) They may have more pictures and references to use when it comes to choosing your bridal look
4) They're not selling you a specific product, just their services, so you won't be at risk of somebody applying $80 lashes will you'll later have to buy

Cons:
1) Since it's a salon, services can be expensive.
2) You may fall in love with a look you've seen on another client, and then find that it's not possible for them to recreate it on you
3) Appointments can get hairy (no pun intended) if your wedding falls on a busy season like Christmas or prom season

I personally would recommend having a makeup artist/stylist visit your home that day, simply because it WILL BE A STRESSFUL DAY and you'll have something less to worry about. He/she will work his/her magic in the comfort of your own home, and you won't have the risk of getting in a traffic jam, sweating the makeup in the hot sun, or having it drip away in a rainstorm. If a personal makeup artist is out of your budget, go for the salon. They're usually more professional when it comes to bridal makeup. Good luck!

lblumetti

At the make-up counter, usually they require a $50 purchase, so at least you are getting product with it.  Most likely, make-up at the salon will be more expensive than that, plus you leave with no make-up.

I wasn't nuts about how the salon did it, but thought it would try it out for the convenience factor of it all being in the same place.  I didn't think it was worth it and I'm going to the MAC store in the mall - only about 15 minutes away.  They said they book 2 girls an hour and to allot 1 hour for them to do the make-up.  All my girls surprisingly were really interested in getting out make-up done, so we are all staggered out with hair and make-up that day.