Oh, I found a gem. She works the Shiseido counter at a Macy's near my workplace. She is really interested in getting my look right for me, and has even proposed that I bring in my non-Shiseido products that I use to her so we can work on better application. (I have lost the ability to put on eyeliner without looking ridiculous. Ah, the march towards 40 is not being kind....)

I think I'm gonna bring in Feminite du Bois for her to sniff; she hadn't heard of it since it's not 'over the counter' anymore.

Oh, good for you! When I find SAs that I like, I hold on to them like grim death. Best so far is my Short Hills Mall Saks folks, followed closely by the Neiman Marcus people, but they are the fragrance SAs. I have yet to find a cosmetics person that I really get along with.

I find that so many are warmhearted and well-meaning-
But they want to transform me into the Flaming Whore of Babylon.
Simply because I possess the sass, does NOT mean that I want to embody the image...

I steer clear of these folks, alas.
[I already know how to apply theatrical makeup, LOL !]

This one actually told me I was applying too much, too fast. Not what I expected to hear!

Looks like you found a gem.

Congratulations.

Many sa's are sort of company robots, you must do it this way and that way and of course use our range.

By the way I highly rate shiseido mascaras.

Excellent! Congrats. A good makeup SA can be incredibly helpful.

I recently walked into Sephora, intent on trying the Bare Minerals line. The SA saw me looking and asked if I'd like to try some on, which I did. So she started to remove my current foundation, frowned, and after a few minutes said I wouldn't be able to use the Bare Minerals because my face is too dry. Even with exfoliating, she thought they just wouldn't work for me. I was very pleased; she saved me a bundle.

That's great , Dewey, and truly a rare find.

The best SAs I have ever found are at Kiehl's. They encourage you to try before buying and it is a well-known fact that they (Kiehl's) are generous with the samples*.



*(Well, in the Kiehl's store (13th and 3rd) they are - at Bloomie's (59th & Lex) though I once bought a couple of lip glosses at the Kiehl's counter and asked for a sample of something and the SA paused and said quickly, "Oh we don't have samples."

So I paused and said, very slowly, in a low voice, "Kiehl's...doesn't have...samples? Reeeeeeeallly? Since when?" Then I just looked at her.

I got my sample, LOL - she handed it right over. And if I hadn't, I would have reported her immediately. I dunno whether she figured I hadn't spent enough $$ to be worthy of the samples or what, but I was NOT HAVING IT. Don't pull that Saks attitude at Bloomie's, sister - not with me!)

Maybe she was selling the samples on eBay.