Cosmetic Counter Rant!

Oct 23, 2011

Cameron R.

@Monique yea, I was taken way back to say the least! lol. I know that feeling also. I remember one time after explaining my sensitivity to Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide and that I had already been on a prescription acne medication that was working, the SA still told me that I needed Acne Solutions which the main ingredient is Salicylic acid. So they aren't always knowledgable. I see a dermatologist once every two months, so when they tell me stuff like that I just wanna hand them my dermatologists' card.

I honestly doubt I will shopping at Dillards much any more, and I am going to stay away from counters if at all possible. It's not worth the anger these people cause me.

Oct 23, 2011

Steff J.

You have NO idea how much this disgusts me, Cameron!!!!!! I am so furious for you. (Sorry if this gets you amped up too, but here's my shpieel... however you spell that haha).

Was the same SA the same one who had to ring you up? I would e-mail corporate or her manager all the numbers on the receipt so they can track who it was and either put her on a performance review or get rid of her altogether. That is completely unacceptable. I have no idea how anyone thinks they can get away with that at their job, let alone in LIFE.

I work at Sephora and I f*cking love when men come into the store looking for makeup for themselves. It makes me proud of them for being able to go against the "taboo"ness of men wearing makeup. AND WHO CARES if they wear makeup?! If makeup is taboo for men to wear, why isn't it taboo for ANYONE to wear? Everyone has imperfections they might want to correct, everyone likes to have fun in one way or another, why not makeup? Half the time men come in for men's skincare, I don't even SELL them specific men's skincare. That's beside the point.

Humans have been around far too long for this discrimination crap to still be going on anymore, I'm so tired of it. And as someone who works in the service industry, I'm embarrassed to say so because of people like that SA who claim to work the same. You either have service skills or you don't. Stay home if you don't... *Shakes head*

But anyway... Woo sah. *Hugs* lol.

p.s. but i'm glad to hear your Sephora girls treat you well. :) lol.

Oct 23, 2011

gee m.

@Cameron, yes love it was Mac cosmetics babies and you know I was pissed! I know jobs are hard to come by now days because I hope the young lady gets fired because obviously she is not worried about her job.

Oct 23, 2011

Binks B.

What the heck! Stupid lady, my gosh you're so classy Cameron. So cool and collected ! The Lord knows I would've been a little bit more dramatic lmaoo..... .

They pull this kind of crap at the MAC counters sometimes, like when I'm dressed in sweats because I freaking feel like it and then they look at you like you have some sort of problem....it like makes me want to say....."Bitch I'm the one with the wallet, get me what I want and do it with a smile on your face." Is that too much to ask for? Why do I have to look like I'm walking down a run way in order to get treated like a normal person? Obviously I'm not going to say it with THOSE exact words ...hahaha....but my gosh I have intent on buying , instead of wasting time being an idiot try to get me to buy other stuff by being nice to me; otherwise, you're completely ruining the brand and not marketing the products properly! 

Oct 23, 2011

Cameron R.

@Binks, thanks! I try not to be too dramatic. But believe me, the thought of decking this girl right in the face and handing her the tube of concealer to cover her black eye, flashed through my eyes. MAC counters have never been fun for me either. Their SA always have totally superior attitudes and it really just gets under my skin. Its makeup, its not like you have to get a doctorate for this stuff! Most of us probably make more than the average cosmetic consultant anyway, so I have no idea why they act so haughty towards someone who spends money there, and goes there often! I am always so nice to people that work anywhere in retail, and as much as I hate pushiness, I let them do their job, and I make sure the person who helped, or offered to help gets the sale. and for what? To be discriminated against and treated like a sewer rat? . Thank God MAC products break me out, cause I have a reason not to purchase their products anymore. This is probably the first time that I have ever felt like any SA was insinuating I could not afford product, but it is not the first time I have had to deal with the stupid men wearing makeup thing.

If this ever happens to me again, the next post I have about this will include a mugshot, I promise. I came here to buy stuff, not to be lectured on gender roles.

Oct 23, 2011

Cameron R.

@Steff, that made me tear up a little bit! That was super sweet of you, and I will be eternally indebted to people in this world that think like you! I know so many men, gay and straight that wear makeup on a daily basis where I live, and most of them order stuff online and go through hell, because they are afraid of the reactions of the people working there. I used to make my best friend go with me to Dillards or Von Maur before our Sephora and Ulta here opened, and have her make the transaction for my stuff cause I was too embarassed!

As far as Sephora girls go, I love you all. You guys offer the best customer service and are truly helpful. I always feel so comfortable there and I literally will stay there for an hour or so on end just talking with the SA's we have here. That kind of trust, and comfortability when your discussing something as personal/embarassing as skincare is to most of us.

Keep it up, you girls DESERVE commission.

Oct 23, 2011

Allison G.

lol@ mugshot.. I wish I could be there to help you and see it at the same time.. This SA sounded like a major downer. who would want to shop at a place with a low life like that working there? They really need to fix it.

Oct 23, 2011

Cameron R.

They do! Lol, I'll even make sure to wear sweats again the next time, the old ones, the ones you won't wear anywhere but at home on laundry day.

Oct 23, 2011

Jessica S.

wow! I don't know you but I am proud of you for handing the stuff back to her! lol Good on you :)

Oct 23, 2011

Binks B.

I literally rolled on my bed laughing because you said mugshot!!!! Love your personality Cameron, thanks for making my day <3 

Oct 23, 2011

Steff J.

OK just cuz I made you tear up a little doesn't mean you gotta turn around and make ME tear up! LOL!

Oct 23, 2011

Stephanie F.

Cameron, I am so sorry you had that experience. Just when I think the world is changing, too..well, it is changing but it's just a (too) slow process.

Oct 23, 2011

Antonio Z.

OMG I just saw the vid @Terra said and I was surprised, I mean money or just getting pretty for the amll can save one's butt...
that was hell for the lady doin the vid, I mean 7 cops :O
and @cameron you got your ground well placed, cuz no one can tell you (us) what we can and can't buy, besides we do the heck with our money, but really the least thing the people on the counter can do is give a smile :)

Oct 24, 2011

Jamie D.

PLEASE email the company and tell them about your experience! You will probably end up with a gift certificate and maybe clinique will do some training on all their counters to avoid this from happening again.

Oct 24, 2011

Jenny J.

This is deplorable and down right discrimination. Anyone can wear or not wear whatever he or she wants to regardless of whatever socially constructed gender role he or she prescribes to. Also, this person is probably doing this to other people, so if they have enough complaints against them they will be justly terminated and others will not have to face this sort of ill treatment. If I was the one working there, I would have gladly helped you! :)

I work at Nordstrom, so the story about the chick preselling and then just saying, "we didn't have it" makes me even madder because Nordstrom does free shipping, direct to customer orders if we don't have it in stock. She should have called you and offered to order it. I do orders at least once a day. It's called saving a sale! Also, I've had that problem with people not checking used returns and putting them back on the sales floor. I ordered a loose powder and when I opened it there was powder everywhere and the seal was taken off. Seriously so uncool--if I wasn't an employee I would have been even more angry. I work in kids shoes and I have to check the shoes to make sure they aren't worn before fulfilling an order...they should be doing the same thing! It's just unsellable and plain gross.

I don't work in cosmetics, so I feel like I can say this...the MAC SAs are always snobby and have little attitudy booties. I would never buy from them. If I ever need a MAC product I have other SAs that I know and love (from the higher end lines, ironically) pull it for me so I don't have to deal with them. 

Oct 24, 2011

gee m.

@Jenny, I don't know what it is about people that work at Mac stores or Mac counters. Most of them seem to have an I'm so fine attitude and I don't get it. Usually when I want something from Mac I will just order it on line but since I happen to be in the store I needed something and decided to purchase it while I was already in the store. I am happy that the few items I like from them last me a long time and I can just place an order online. One thing I can say about Sephora is that their people are always nice, I have never gone into any Sephora and had someone act the way the people do at Mac. 

Oct 24, 2011

Jenny J.

I know, right? Sometimes I just want to walk up to them and say, "Oh, honey, you know your shit does stink, right?" Also, sometimes I question their ability to do makeup since some of them can look really busted.

Sephora is always a friendly, helpful place and I really like their rewards system set up. I just got a VIB coupon that I'm planning on using very soon! :)

Oct 24, 2011

Allison G.

I don't know what's up with these sales people... I would feel like saying to them w/ all their BS attitudes..."WOW you really take makeup SERIOUSLY" LOL I mean to be that nasty, rude to people who are just looking to buy some makeup and go on about their daily routine...They're probably just really miserable people who in reality don't like their job very much so they take it out on customers..It's funny people say usually the customers are the ones to give attitudes but in the makeup world it seems the exact opposite.. like, you think you're really that high and mighty just because you sell some lipsticks all day? Obviously I'm in no way referring to people who do sell makeup and treat their customers with respect and courtesy, I'm talking about the "high and mighty" ones. :)

Oct 24, 2011

Cameron R.

Oh my goodness, I had no idea so many people have gotten treated rudley at makeup counters as well, thought it was just me! Its nice to know I'm not alone, even though I'm sorry you guys had the misfortune of dealing with these hag-type of people. I did write a long email to Clinique and I have still yet to hear back from them.

I agree with all of you so much! Lol @Jenny! They do, my mom used to tell me that you can always tell a "Clinique Girl" because they looks like a clown, and a "MAC Girl" because they look "latexy" from too much makeup. I know these girls have to wear so many things while they are at work, which I can deal with. But you have some nerve acting like some God in your own right, when you look like something out of a bad science fiction movie.

Again, with Clinique I really wish I didn't love their skincareproducts so I could quit using them all together, but I will most likely just get stuff @ Sephora or order it online if they don't have it. And I preach from the hilltops when I say THANK GOD MAC breaks me out, I hate, hate, hate going to their counters. Its just as bad as Clinique, if not worse. Nobody ever seems to want to help, and they just make awkward eye contact with you and treat everyone like they have bubonic plague or something.

Oct 25, 2011

Steff J.

Oh Cameron you have no idea how much of the "slack" i have to pick up from other Sales Associates at other department stores or makeup places. I get a LOT of clients in the store looking for something different solely because of the terrible service they just received at another store in the same mall. I feel like people who work in cosmetics should be NICER than anywhere else BECAUSE it's makeup. It's friggin lipstick, it's friggin eyeshadow, it's FUN. HAVE FUN. Share the fun with your clients, there are a MILLION other people looking for a job that would LOVE your position and make tons more money for the company and have WAY more return clients than you... Is what i'd like to say to them. sheesh. ok /end rant again LOL.

Oct 25, 2011

Jenny J.

Couldn't have said it better myself, Steff! :)

Oct 25, 2011

Cameron R.

Here is the email I got back from them today:

Dear Mr. Rogers,

Thank you for taking the time to contact Clinique.

I am very sorry to hear of your experience. Please be assured that the scenario you describe is not in accordance with our Clinique service philosophy. Professionalism, courtesy, and graciousness to all consumers regardless of gender, age, race, religion, or any other factor, are paramount in all our Clinique training programs. We are disheartened to hear of your report. You may be certain that your comments have our full attention.

Because we value you as our consumer, I would like to send you one of your favorite Clinique products with our compliments. Please confirm your full name and mailing address, and also let me know the exact product names, and shades, you enjoy using.

Once again, thank you for taking the time to contact Clinique. I appreciate the opportunity to respond to your concerns. You are valued as our consumer, and I hope you will continue to use and enjoy our products with confidence and satisfaction.
Sincerely,

Joseph Tedesco
Consumer Care Representative
Global Consumer Communications 

Oct 25, 2011

gee m.

Cameron, make sure you do just that let them know your favorite products. Whatever you were going to buy put it on your list no matter how many they were you deserve it. 

Oct 25, 2011

Steff J.

It's the least they could do.

Oct 26, 2011

Lindsay T.

Wow, I am sorry for the way you were treated. I own a day spa and we do all the normal services including makeup. I recently have been trying to figure out how to branch out to more male clientele in all areas of my spa, including makeup. No matter where you go, it should be a comforting and non discriminating environment. Good for you to stand up for yourself and look at the support system you have surrounding you!