Shopping for beauty products is one of our favorite things to do, but sometimes it can be rather intimidating. There are so many formulas, price points and colors that it’s hard to pinpoint the good from the bad. Luckily, we’ve got a few insider tips that will have you navigating the aisles and online boutiques like a pro in no time.
Request Tester Samples
Not all red lipsticks and foundation formulas are created equal. Thankfully, most beauty retail stores and boutiques offer testers, allowing you to find your perfect match or color before purchasing a full-size product. Think of it like test-driving a new car. And if you’re shopping online, many sites now also offer free samples with a purchase or will have sample sizes available for a small fee.
Read Forums and Reviews
There are so many beauty products to choose from these days that it can be overwhelming when trying to figure out the best options. And let’s face it, sometimes looks can be very deceiving. Unless you’re already familiar with the product, it’s smart to read forums and online reviews before buying something new. You’ll get honest insight beforehand, which will help narrow down your choices.
Know Your Skin
It’s essential to know your skin type and skin tone before buying anything. There are skin-specific products for everything, so there’s no need to waste your money on something that’s not going to be effective. The same is true for makeup. Knowing whether you have warm (yellow, gold or peach) or cool (red or blue) undertones will make a world of difference when choosing flattering foundation, eyeshadow, blush and lipstick shades. If you’re unsure, a beauty counter employee at any retail store will be able to help.
Bare It All
Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, make sure that your skin is squeaky clean before testing out products. This will make the decision-making process super easy as you’ll be able to see the true colors and formulas against your skin. Wearing makeup or other products may distort what you’re trying out.
Know When to Splurge and Save
Be smart when it comes to pricing. If you have oily skin and find a moisturizer or foundation that works miracles at keeping the oil at bay, this would be a reason to splurge. If you’re looking for a fun new lip color for a special event, it’s best to find a more cost-friendly option since you won’t be wearing it religiously.
Read Return Policies
Return policies vary from store to store. If you’re trying out a new product, make sure to read the specific policy before making a purchase. Some will let you return products at any time with no questions asked, while others implement a strict no refund or exchange policy. It’s best to choose a store that has a more relaxed policy in case a product happens to irritate your skin after a few uses, or if you end up just not liking it after all.
