By Delia Privitera

One of many women’s favorite pastimes is shopping; there’s nothing like buying a brand new dress to make you feel better after a hard day of work. When you go shopping for clothes, you try to think of what’s already in your wardrobe, what fits your body shape, what works for you and what doesn’t. When shopping for makeup, the same criteria must be applied.

Pre-Shopping
Check out the contents of your makeup bag. What are you missing? Make a list of items you should replace (like that year old clumpy mascara) and products that you need. Once you have your list, look up reviews and tutorials online to see what specific products and brands customers and experts recommend. Write down your findings next to your list.

Shopping
When you’re at the store, make sure you’re asking the right questions. Ask the sales associate to help you, hear what products they recommend, and then ask about the products that you researched at home. Make sure to tell her about your skin type and skin concerns. If you’re unsure about something, don’t purchase it. Instead, ask the sales associate to write down the name of the product on a note card and look up more information on it at home. Remember, stick to your list! You’ve heard so much about that new illuminator that’s supposed to work wonders, but do you really need it?

Post-Shopping
Try out the products your purchased. Sometimes you can exchange makeup that did not work for you. In some stores, like ULTA, you can bring a foundation that did not match your skin tone, and even if it’s slightly used you will get a refund or an exchange.

Make sure to be conscious of the makeup you’re buying. Depending on your skin type, some products will not be right for you. When you’re shopping, remember to ask the right questions and do your own research.

Image Source