MAC Face & Body Pales in Portugal

Recently the weather has been gorgeous here in Portugal and spring clothes have been slowly, but surely making a reappearance. With this comes the dreaded skirt. Legs have to be perfectly defuzzed, my Venus makes short work of that. Pedicures have to be done and exfoliation takes on a whole new standard. Normally, I wouldn't even question the whole faux/fake/tango tan ritual, but this year I am starting to question this as the only option.

This may have come about for a combination of reasons. Firstly, there has been a bevy of pale beauties on the red carpet, Rooney Mara for one, wasn't she gorgeous? Then, there are always streaks or patches, no matter how well you blend. Lastly, with a full-time job, a part-time job and a dissertation to write, how much time do I want to spend stinking like a digestive biscuit and hanging around the house looking like a mud wrestler? I'm not sure is the answer.

Sourced from 

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/they_want_her_body_ZGgtk4ZRpkSKaxmcPUJ9GK

Now, to explain why a helping hand is needed, I must explain a little further. I can live with white arms, but the legs are inhuman. Most of me is paler than pale, but my legs are a shade of greyish purple befitting marine life, fetching in a pastel polish or a taupe shadow perhaps, but on limbs, less so. Then there is also the matter of the spider veins. If you remember models/ diagrams in biology class showing the vascular system, then you have some idea of what my translucent skin allows to shine through. Donated to science, my body would make an excellent educational model, but for now I have other plans for it.

So, I went online as always and started researching. Mac Face & Body seemed to be my answer.  Available in several shades resembling living skin and good value for money due to the enormous size of the bottle. Water based, water proof, transfer proof. Touted to help camouflage imperfections and easy to blend quickly. Perfect! Ney, there was a fly soon to be found in the ointment. Apparently, according to MAC, Portuguese beauties are not in need of body makeup and therefore are undeserving of such a product. Now, while I can testify to the disproportionately high number of women here with bronzed, sickeningly perfect skin, I am sure there is a market amongst my paler skinned sisters.

So, I am left with the option of going back to the drawing board or ordering blind online. What to do, what to do? The perils of being pale in the land of the bronzed;p

When a HG is no longer a HG

You know the story I'm sure. You'd finally found your HG foundation, swearing to be faithful for ever more. Until one day, you strayed.

My HG, until recently was Make Up Forever's HD foundation in 115, it was easy to apply, the colour match seemed spot on and life was good. Until summer weather rendered my HG a dud. It happened like this, the weather got warmer and as it did, my HD HG started to float on the surface of my skin. No matter how well I applied it, working it into the skin and spritzing like a mad woman, nothing could bring it back from the brink. The final straw was when my sister (how honest they are;D) commented on it saying "isn't it time you bought a new foundation? That one doesn't do much for you". The horror... Suddenly HD MUFE was a HG no more.

So, a visit to the MAC counter the following weekend was scheduled. On the appointed day I, along with my sister for constructive criticism and my boyfriend for support approached the counter rather gingerly. At this point, I should point out that for years, MAC and their assistants have put me off a little. It was a combination of the mad eyeshadow combos their staff wore and the mind boggling array of colour options. If I could see what I wanted, it was fine, but if I had to ask, I wouldn’t.

The moment arrived and I was approached by a friendly assistant, who patiently listened to my requirements. I listed my needs, saying:

'I have combo-sensitive skin, prone to occasional breakouts. I need a match colour wise and something that stays put once on, medium coverage/ buildable.'

That done, she brought me over to their 'Pro-Long wear' range. This is where it kind of got confusing. I had calculated, that based on the fact that my sister has pretty much the same undertones as myself, but is 1 shade darker and given that from my understanding of their system, if you're cool you need a NW and if you're warm you need an NC, as they say they work with the colour spectrum or something like that. I was expecting that I would be matched to a NW15. However, 'Pro-Long wear' has no NW15, just NC15.

At this point I was worried, but the girl sat me down and assured me that I would see it as a MUA was about to apply it for me. This, I have had done before, but in the past they would remove some of your makeup and then apply the foundation in a patch. This time, they took it all of (bar the eyes) and slapped on the foundation very casually. Now, I was expected to make a decision, in the middle of the shop and under the yellow lights they always seem to have. I turned to sis and boyfriend for an honest opinion, they thought I looked, well... pale!

Oh dear, what to do? I asked the MUA about the NC and NW 20 and was told, 'no, not for you, it would be too dark and would only make you look older' (not one I have heard before, but guess now that I'm in the early 30s, just, I'll have to get used to it). When I voiced the concern about being pale, they whipped out a bronzer. Now I was faced with a dilemma, so I did what anyone should do under the circumstances and said I would need to think about it.

Did I leave and live with the foundation for a whole day? Not on your Nelly, couldn't do that, I was in shopping mode MUST BUY MAKEUP! Anyway, to make what is already a long story shorter, I have been living with my 'pro-Long wear' for almost 2 weeks now, in addition to a Bobbi Brown bronzer (there's an equally long story there). Reviews shall follow; I’ve been suffering from a breakout, so it wouldn’t be fair, though I will certainly be able to comment on the foundation’s ability to cover blemishes, which is infinitely better than MUFE HD’s. Point 1 to MAC.

An unsuccessful trip to the Chanel counter

Recently I decided that my foundation was a tad too dark. It wasn't too obvious when I was wearing polo necks as I could blend, blend, blend. However, with a bit of warmer, sunnier weather creeping in, something had to be done. The foundation I usually wear is Make Up Forever HD in 135 vanilla. This particular shade, according to Spehora, is intended for medium pink based complexions. I'm fair and should have been matched with something closer to 115 Ivory for light, pink based complexions. Naughty MUA.

I'm sure all you regular bloggers and readers will have seen how much Chanel's Vitalumiere and Vitalumiere Aqua have been in the limelight a lot recently. I was tempted, seriously tempted. I skipped over the Chanel counter in my favourite department store and promptly enquired regarding the shades available and the possiblility of trying some samples. Only to be informed that they would not be getting any of the lighter colours in stock (the lightest they had was BR20) and there was no way to get samples.

How silly is this? I would understand if they said that lighter shades were only available to order. I would be quite willing to do that, but without first trying a sample? No way! Now, just to clarify, it wasn't that they had no samples in lighter colours, they had no samples end of. Isn't it standard practice to have samples these days? With the number of ladies with sensitive skin out there who could have a bad reaction after forking out a heavy wad of cash, I should certainly think so. Disappointing to say the least.

Well Chanel, you lost out on the chance to have a regular customer there. Pity, I love the way this looks in their PR pictures and clips. Personally, I think companies should really rethink their strategy. Consider how much money is spent on photography, models and general PR, only for the potential customer to be on the hook and then lost. Surely samples cannot cost that much.

Naked Frustration

So, here I have been... lusting... hankering after the Urban Decay Naked Palette. Truly a thing of beauty, full of gorgeous neutral colours, every last one of which, I can envision myself wearing and enjoying daily.

There's a problem! Well, we all know (or do now) that there was a shortage and Urban Decay had to change the pencil included for a brush in order to keep up with production. So, I enquired about retailers in Portugal, since my usual online method continued to be fruitless, and Urban Decay have confirmed that there isn't a single retailer in the country. What? Now, let me get this straight, Sephora stocks this item in France, Italy and Spain, amongst other countries, but don't see fit to supply us in Portugal. For shame Sephora, for shame. I'm shaking my fist as I type. Are we so undeserving?

I am seriously not amused. The longer this palette continues to be unobtainable, the more seductive it gets. I swear, I'm dreaming about it on a nightly basis. My other shadows have been receiving contemptuous stares as I try to choose the one that least pales in comparison. This is becoming quite the unhealthy obsession. The worst thing is I have never had the privilege of trying an Urban Decay product, so in reality I have nothing to compare to, except the word of other bloggers who shamelessly flaunt their bounty (only joking ladies, it's on all your recommendations I base my love for this product, testament to the great reviews you write). I'm seriously green eyed right now.

I'm just going to have to console myself with a 'nata' (Portuguese custard tart), something that can only be had here, na na na na na na, so there!-D I would attach a picture of me in childlike sulky pose, but that would be slightly disturbing from a 30 year old I expect.

Beauty Sales Assistants - 10 commandments to stand by

Having just read a post on http://beautybloggingblonde.blogspot.com/2010/11/boots-dior-bourjois-poor-show.html#comments about the less than satisfactory service received at the hands of Sales Assistants, I began to recall some experiences of my own.

As someone who spent many years in sales, I noticed that often those with the money to spend are the customers who are not dressed to the nines. I mean, think about it.... You're a multimillionaire; do you really need to impress a sales assistant? Is dropping a huge amount of money really a special occasion for you any longer? I think not. Treat everyone with respect and you'd be surprised who is going to be a loyal customer, you never know in advance who they are.

 As a customer, I'm sure I'm no exception when I say that I usually know what I want for basics (foundation, powder etc.). I research, I read reviews and I consider what I require therefore, I am prepared to pay before visiting the makeup counters. I like to think I don't waste SAs' time and I like to consider myself informed, while still being open to learning from a knowledgeable SA. However, here what I consider should be 10 commandments for SAs:

1.      Please do not pounce on me the moment I enter your shop/ area, I like a moment to take it all in.

2.       Do not stare at me while I use testers to see the colours. That is why they are there after all.

3.       Do not adopt a manic, semi deranged smile upon enquiring if I would like help, you could very well scare me away.

4.       Do not hover, particularly after I have advised I am just looking for now. What I really mean is that you are invading my personal space and making me feel uncomfortable, leave me alone and I will be ready to purchase within 5 minutes. Continue to hover and I will leave in order to purchase my items somewhere else. Yes, even if it's more expensive, I value my space.

5.      Do not walk away looking offended or proceed to pretend to dust the very counter I am testing at.

6.      Do not play ‘hide and seek’ with customers. Make yourself visible (this means at the counter, not on top of me) and I will come find you as soon as I have finished testing.

7.      Be knowledgeable NOT a know it all. Please do not assume that by asking a question I somehow know less than nothing about your products. I can read you know. In addition, please answer the question I actually asked and do not go off on one.

8.       Be polite. If you are polite, I will be polite. Yes, you may have had to deal with unpleasant customers that morning, but you are paid to do that. I am not paid to be treated badly by you, nor will I hand you my money for the privilege.

9.      As much as I love a bit of gossip, I do not need to hear what you and your friend Tracey did over the weekend. Please wait until I'm gone. Worse still, please do not proceed to have a full on conversation regarding the very products I am looking at. Yes, I know what you're up to.

10.   You can let me know you’re there by walking past, smiling and saying Good morning or Good afternoon. Let me know you'll be just over there is you like. You have made yourself available in a non aggressive manner. I will come to you once I am ready.

 Treat me well, bearing the above points in mind and I will be very loyal. I will go out of my way to come back and repeat a positive experience. I may go so far as to allow my impulse buys to become more frequent, if I trust you.

To all those SAs who provided me with a positive experience... Thank you. I know it’s not always easy and sometimes you are faced with having to deal with all sorts. I appreciate your time, expertise and professionalism. The impression you created is what has turned me into a loyal customer of your brand and for that you should be commended. A brand is only as good as its representatives.

Another Update on the ELF situation

Image by freefotouk via FlickrI received another email today in reply to the email I sent on 12th January. It states the following:

"Royal Mail advise us that that the minimum time needed to complete the full international delivery process is 25 days (27/01) and includes the time taken for items to return to the UK in the event of non-delivery abroad. If you are unable to locate your parcel and / or it has not been returned to us by the 25th working day which I am hopeful that it will, then please contact us back immediately so we may pursue the matter. Thank you for your patience."

Now, here's the maths. Item dispatched 17th December + 25 working days = 21st January. Perhaps they introduced 3 day weekends throughout the months of December and January and just plain forgot to tell me. At this point, if the items arrive, I'll review them objectively, leaving this whole delivery/customer service thing aside. However, I won't be ordering anything else from E.L.F

The way it should be done

Having ordered some items from asos, I realized the order was taking longer than the time they recommended on the website, so emailed them. Immediately, a pop-up screen advised me they would endeavor to respond within the hour. Low and behold they did. This was at 12 midnight by the way.

I was so pleasantly surprised that I really didn't mind the delay so much. They were back to me again with more information by the morning. Now, that's how it should be done!

Typical I know, but my order arrived the next day. I was left with a very positive opinion of the company based on the experience with the customer service team at asos. Well done:-D

Already I'm looking at their new collection to see what strikes my fancy and I'll have a new review on one of the items very soon. 

Update on E.L.F experience

Just a quick update on my E.L.F story. I ordered some items on 12th December and received an email advising my package had been dispatched on 17th December. Well, I am still waiting.

Now, here's where it gets strange... I placed another order on 28th December (at those prices I couldn't control myself) and that arrived today. Needless to say, I was concerned that something might have happened to the first package. I had already sent an email last Thursday 6th January and another on Friday 7th ( I wasn't sure I had sent the first to the appropriate dept). To date I haven't received so much as an automated response to acknowledge they have received my email. So, I thought I would call them at the number on the website. Well, guess what? It doesn't work.

I am shocked at all this. Not the experience I am accustomed to, at all. I'm used to quick service, acknowledgment of my query and a contactable customer services dept.  I understand things happen in terms of delivery times and companies get swamped with orders over the Holiday period, but this scenario makes no sense.

More importantly, I believe we are all very accommodating when we believe we are being treated with respect as a customer. Something as simple as an automated response message for emails or a working telephone number buy more time and patience for the company. I have to admit, I am actually more irritated with the lack of these BASIC provisions for customer care than I am with the extremely long delay in delivery.

Has anyone out there had an experience like this?

The Elves are on a Go Slow After Christmas

Image via WikipediaI'm not exactly one of the most patient people around, particularly when it comes to waiting for my purchases. Generally speaking, most companies are pretty quick and usually, I deem anywhere under 2 weeks for delivery to Portugal as reasonable. I ordered a haul from E.L.F on 12th December and I am still waiting.

Now, I know I should possibly be more understanding, there was the weather thing and Christmas and everything else, but I want my package, sniff sniff. Funny thing is, I ordered products from them, for my sister, which were dispatched the same day and they arrived in Ireland on the 24th December. Alas, I am still waiting for mine.

I know this is probably unusual for them, but we're now four days away from a month. I received an email on the 17th of December advising my package had been dispatched. Where or where is it? Shall we just say, at this moment in time, I am not hugely impressed. However, if it arrives on Monday and the package I ordered on 28th December arrives in less time, I'll put it down to a one off and all will be forgiven.

A totally different experience was provided by www.figleaves.com. I ordered from them on 26th December, received notification of dispatch on 28th December and my lovely package arrived 4th January. They specialize in lovely lingerie and have been having a great sale. Loved the products, the price and the delivery time.