From Makeup Counters to Free Massages: The Luxe Perks You’re Overlooking

You are not taking advantage of the resources out there. The hack I have learned this week is such an obvious one, and I can’t believe it took me this long

You are not taking advantage of the resources out there. The hack I have learned this week is such an obvious one, and I can’t believe it took me this long.

The makeup counter. Before you ever order a piece of makeup from a luxury brand again - and this doesn’t have to mean Dior or Chanel, it can mean Nars or Mac - check the complimentary, totally free services at your local department store. I was looking for a makeup lesson in Jarrolds - our local department store - in preparation for my wedding in July (!!) and was surprised to learn that you can get free facials, application lessons, trials of different products which you do not have to pay for.

I got a full makeover at Charlotte Tilbury for £110 and I learned so much about applying makeup for my videos as well as in prep for the wedding - the best bit? That money is redeemable in products. As it happened, I spent quite a bit more than that 🙈 which is, of course, the point of the exercise for them!

But it got me thinking - what other easy hacks are there that I am not taking advantage of? We always assume luxury is out of reach, when actually there are lots of things you can do to get help to elevate your style which are often complementary. So, here are some other ideas…

1. Department store makeup/skincare

If you’re not sure what foundation, lipstick or eyeshadow suits you, going into your local department store - whether its independent or a chain like John Lewis or even Space NK, there are often complimentary makeover services you can take advantage of. Make sure to remember

• don’t buy unless you genuinely love and want the product. Obviously, don’t be a time waster purposefully, but if the product isn’t what you are looking for then you have no obligation to buy it, they truly do not care.

• don’t be afraid to ask for changes or to try a different product - the whole point is to get their advice and experience, so don’t rush through the process

• ask for a mirror so you can see how they are applying the makeup to your face, and ask any questions as you go along

• try to have an idea of what you are looking for, even if its something as simple as ‘soft, romantic makeup’, ‘dewy foundation for my skin shade’, ‘a rosy, cool-toned lip gloss’ and so on.

2. Bra fittings

In the same vein, you absolutely should go and get a complimentary bra fitting. The odds that you are wearing a bra that doesn’t fit you is so high - most of us don’t even understand how bra sizing works, so it can eb incredibly valuable to go and get sized. You can also use a website called a bra that fits which showed me that I’m between a 26E-28DD which was absolutely mind blowing for me considering I was wondering a 32B! In the UK, you can get fitted at M&S, Bravissimo or Boux Avenue

3. Styling sessions

In many department stores like John Lewis, you can get free style advice from personal stylists. They offer in depth styling experiences to help you find an outfit which works for you, for no cost at all. There is no obligation to buy (although obviously they hope that you will) and so you can have a professional style you completely for free

4. Sample Sales

When I worked for a little fashion company in London called Cubic I learned about the concept of sample sales. This is where designers of various quality hold a small sale at a fraction of the price to sell the items they had in stock for shoots, review and so on. They pop up all over cities like London, and you can find them on eventbrite

5. Express Blow Dry

If you want perfect blow-dried hair for a night out or special evening, but you don’t want to pay £75 for a cut and blow dry there are places which offer ‘express blow dry’ services for as cheap as £25 where you can go potentially even without an appointment and get perfect hair.

6. Beauty masterclasses

Many department stores, or even local hair salons, offer beauty, hair and style masterclasses where you can learn about application or styling and get direct advice from professionals, for as little as £5-15

7. Free hair styling consultations

Whether virtual or in person, many luxury hair salons offer free consultations, where you can get all the advice you need with an obligatory hair styling session. Of course, they hope that you will follow up with a styling session - and for many of these appointments you should really only do this if you intend on following through, but it can be a great way to get an idea of the stylist before you commit to spending money, and can be a great learning experience. Josh Wood, for example, even has a virtual option where you can speak to one of their colourists for free

8. Fragrance profiling

You can visit stores like Jo Malone and have a professional help you to choose a signature perfume. Sometimes the number of perfumes can be overwhelming, and you have no idea what you want or what would suit you. Both Jo Malone and Penhaligons has a fun online quiz which can help narrow down your scents, and even get free samples which you can test out.

9. Massages and spa treatments

Various brands offer free massage experiences in store. Aveda offers various ‘rituals’ including hands, neck, shoulders or scalp. Similarly Jo Malone offers a free hand and arm massage.

I would definitely encourage you to have a google and find what’s available in your area - I had no idea that luxury experiences could be so accessible! As a firm member of gen z I don’t like calling people up on the phone, let alone going in and asking for a free treatment, but the people working are more than happy to help, and like showing you what they do best! Give it a go and let me know what you learn :)

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