Navigate The Makeup AIsle:
Written By: Gracie Rice
Let’s find what works best for YOU!
Everyone remembers their first experience with makeup, or the first time that makeup caught their interest. For some, it was watching their parents apply beautiful, silky makeup to their skin and envying that experience. For others, it was eyeing the shimmery, colorful products while walking past the department store displays. For me, it was watching my mother apply her vibrant, red lipstick before an evening out with family and friends. I watched her with such amazement as she opened her purple and teal colored makeup hard case, staring at the dividers and extendable trays like I was watching a magic show. Regardless of how or when this happened for you, it is a memory that you will most likely always remember.
Another moment that is hard to forget is your first experience in the makeup aisle; I sure remember mine! Walking hand in hand with my mother as she helped me pick out products that would suit my skin. There were a plethora of aisles, a plethora of brands, and a plethora of products. I would have never known where to start on my own! While I felt such excitement, I also felt overwhelmed as I scanned the aisles! Each time I went to pick out makeup, the process felt more and more comfortable. I quickly learned how to navigate the makeup aisle on my own, while remembering a few tips and tricks along the way! While it is not an exact science, it sure does help having a general idea of what you are walking into. Let’s get into it!
1. Every Makeup Aisle Will Look Different Depending on the Store You Are In
Every store is designed and set up in its own unique way...and the makeup aisles are no different! The makeup aisles in a large department store will look different than the ones within a grocery store or beauty store. Even when going to the same retailer, aisles will not replicate the same order when you are exploring various store locations. While the premise of the makeup aisle remains the same, it is good to know that there is no set order to product, design, and brand displays when checking out multiple retailers. An example of beauty retailers that have similar concepts, products, and variety, yet have individualized and unique display organization include Ulta and Sephora!
2. Look For Brand Names and Then Narrow Down Your Search
I find that the easiest way to go about navigating the makeup aisle is to focus on specific brands, while scanning the products that each brand has to offer! Makeup is traditionally organized by brand name. When you find the display for a certain beauty brand, you will then be able to see all the products they have to offer at that location. From there, you can narrow your search for a specific product that you have your eye on! For example, let's say that I am in Sephora and I am looking for the Rare Beauty Liquid Blush. First things first, I am going to stroll through the store and find my way to the Rare Beauty display. When I first approach the Rare Beauty section, I will see a wide range of products for all parts of the face. Since I am searching for the liquid blush, I will scan through all the other products on display until I stumble upon the one I am looking for! To double check that I have found the right product, I will read the display label underneath the products. Now that I have found the blush, it is time for me to decide what shade I am interested in! After making my final decision, I am all good to go!
3. It Is More Than Okay to Ask for Help When Needed
If you are ever feeling lost or overwhelmed when searching for your makeup, it is more than okay to ask someone for help and guidance! This is meant to be an enjoyable and exciting process, and it is understandable if you need guidance. It is a great idea to ask for help if you are wondering where a particular brand is displayed within the store, if a specific product is in stock, or if you need any help with color matching to find your perfect shade! I have been shopping for makeup for the past decade, and I still ask for help, especially when it comes to color matching! Having this additional assistance will help you find what shades work best for you. When it comes to finding the right makeup for you and navigating the makeup aisle, try not to stress! At the end of the day, this is your own unique and individualized experience of finding what works best for YOU! Whether it takes trying new products, mixing and matching with different brands, or asking lots of questions until you are feeling more confident; soak up everything you can as you express this creative outlet for yourself. Continuing to grow in your experiences and allow for self expression will help you navigate your own in’s and out’s of the makeup aisle!
