Where have I been? My confidence in blogging.

So, it's been a hot minute since I've written a blog post, 378,720 hot minutes to be exact.

That's a lot of minutes, where have I been? Well, I guess I've had a long period of self-doubt when it comes to my confidence to blog.

I always liked blogging, and the friendly community that surrounds it, well, most of it anyway. In those long days since the last blog post, I had intended to write again, I just couldn't bring myself to.

I ask myself 'why not?' In fact, there's a lot of reasons why - I found myself always comparing my content to the other 'perfect' blogs I read. I see clean, well-lit pictures, with professional equipment and the ability to make "Instagram worthy" makeup looks.

The truth is, I don't know how to do any of that, I love make-up and have a crap-tonne of it, because packaging. I can't put eye-shadow on without looking like I've got some kind of eye infection, Red lipstick on without looking like Miranda Sings and for the love of god, someone tell me how you achieve a winged eyeliner without looking like the aftermath of a 5 year old getting into her mothers make-up bag.

I actually came across a post by the wonderful Stacey (@ExpatMUAddict) If you don't who she is, I shake my head. Think, 'the Aladdins cave of make up.' Every woman's dream, every bank account's nightmare.

Stacey wrote a post called 'What am I doing? The Blogger identity crisis' and it perfectly summed up, my feelings towards blogging, even though my hiatus was a little longer, everything she said resonated with me.

I read Stacey's blog as one of my "regulars" I love her real and honest reviews, I've often considered buying something, and if she gives it two thumbs up - I know I wont be disappointed.

To think, if even someone that I consider to have one of those 'perfect blogs' then it makes me realise that not everyone is perfect to themselves, as perhaps I see them.

So with that, I will return to blogging, in my 'perfect, non-perfect' way.

L x

Asking for Beauty Samples | Building rapport

So, there you are, cruising your whichever makeup/beauty department store and you want to ask for a product-sample before splashing out on the real deal...but you're unsure on how to go about it. Well, let me share some of my tips!

Don't be intimidated
So you approach the counter, the counter is quiet and the staff are all huddled, chatting amongst themselves or engrossed in some other work. Don't be afraid to approach them and ask for help: be confident...after all that's where they work and they're usually more than happy to help.

Be polite
"Treat others as you would expect to be treated" - no-one likes a rude customer! Talk to the staff member and be friendly, as this is beneficial in building a rapport with your favorite beauty counter. They will be more likely to remember you and what you like, and give you samples.

Try to be loyal to your favourite staff member
Once you've started to build a rapport with that staff member, don't lose it by going back and speaking to someone different. If they're good at their job they will usually tell you what times they are working (normally because they want the sale). Nevertheless, play on this and always go back to them. As an example; I always buy my Chanel products at a counter 10 miles from my house, even
though there is a perfectly good concession three miles away. Why do I do this? Easy; because I've built a fantastic relationship with the lovely lady that works there. She knows what I love, what I don't, and what my foundation shade is without asking me.

Try to avoid counters at peak times
If you're new to all this, you certainly don't want to go when they are at their busiest. This will vary depending on where the store is located - although use your common sense. If it's in a city centre, peak times will normally be at lunchtime throughout the working week. Saturdays and Sundays are also generally busy. Take into consideration 'payday' people: those who will usually be buying more
around the last week of the month. At these times the staff are often rushing around from one customer to another and you absolutely will not get their full attention.

Don't let one bad experience ruin it for you
Unfortunately, there will always be that one member of staff that is just plain rude or indifferent, which often puts people off asking for samples or approaching other beauty counters for help. Some people really aren't cut out for a job in customer service and this isn't your fault: they may just be having a bad day so just walk away and try again another day.

Don't be a sample hog
Ok, so although you're well within your rights to ask for samples, don't ask for them if you have no intention in purchasing the product, even if you do like it.

Do you ever ask for samples?

L x