Whether it’s the offer of a “free makeover” or “gift with purchase,” those department store cosmetics counters look, smell and seem to want to make you feel good. But should you rely on those pricey products to improve your looks? Or rely on the salespeople to give you reliable information about the products? The consensus for the most part is probably not. We all know it’s not a good idea to sample the testers directly on our faces – but some people do it anyway. And many times, that “free makeover” is also depositing free germs onto your face from those very products, despite the salesperson probably using a clean brush. Most counters clean reusable brushes between customers, but some don’t. And you get that makeover, you may absorb some beauty know-how from the salesperson helping you. However, as clinical and expert the advice may sound, it’s possible the salesperson could be making it all up! Training varies wildly among the high-end cosmetics companies, from continuing education about new products, techniques, etc. to the most basic product information.

The help is simply there to sell products, not necessarily to help you out with your skincare regimen. She may ask you what products you’re currently using – this question often helps the staff gauge how much you’ll spend, not how best to treat your skin. If you use a 3-in-1 drugstore cleanser, for example, she may label you as cheap and less likely to make a purchase. The lab coats and charts that they use are simply smoke and mirrors as well to give the illusion that the work areas are clean, and the staff holds more expertise than what’s actually the case. Despite the word “free” in the makeover, did you know it’s expected that you buy something? Salespeople usually work off commission, which means they get a percentage of what they sell. Former makeup artists liken not buying product to not tipping your waiter in a restaurant – so keep that in mind as you get the makeover.