Activity Highlight -Macy's Makeover Experience-Friday 4/4/14

[Sara]

Hello everyone. Now for the FOURTH year in a row, I am pleased to be coordinating what I call "The Macy's Makeover Experience". Macy's is as excited as ever to have us back.

The following is taken from my 2013 thread on this event with some updated comments here and there...

How did this event come to be? Well at my first DLV in 2009, I met an artist at Macy's who did unbelievable makeovers for me two days in a row, the second of which she pretty much insisted on my returning because the first one was so much fun (OK, I admit, it didn't take much at all to twist my arm). Then in 2010, I contacted her ahead of time to schedule a couple more makeovers. She did one and because she was off on the other date, she introduced me to another artist who was just as enthusiastic and talented.

Fast forward to 2011, I contacted both artists ahead of time and we put together the event for DLV, a chance to be as gorgeous as possible before Friday evening's ending bash. I would consider our turnout in 2011 a modest success with 6 of us participating. However, 2012 was an entirely different story as there were at least 14 of us by my conservative count. How hard could getting a count be? Well the area was buzzing with activity like you wouldn't believe and like a wedding, I was having so much fun checking in on everyone and participating myself that it was hard to get an accurate count. 2013 had a similar turnout.

Anyways, for 2014 we have an instant replay on the schedule. The lead counter is Benefit as the artist who I first met back in 2009 manages that counter. We are not limiting the sign-ups as any overflow will be easily accommodated (including freelance artists that Macy's will bring in for the event). All I ask is that when signing up for a particular time slot, please be prepared to show up and be on time because I will actually be conveying these appointments to Macy's to update their appointment books. Also, if you are flexible with what time works for you, try to pick a less-busy time if any of the three choices are filling up.

So what can be expected from this event? Well first of all, it's as mainstream as can be. But there is something very important to keep in mind...you will be surrounded by support. These artists do so much to make us feel comfortable and the beauty that arises out of their artistry is simply a wonderful bonus. This event is not only for those experienced in going out & about in the mainstream. The newbies can take such giant steps in becoming more comfortable being out in this wonderful world of ours.

There is a $50 minimum product purchase from the counter where the makeover is done which is a great opportunity to buy some of the makeup that is used during the makeover or even to stock up on that all-important skincare. I know some of the participants have "enthusiastically" went well over $50 in the past. Once again, I anticipate that our lead artist will be assembling a "gift-with-purchase" which is always so much fun.

My only other recommendation besides signing up for this event and having fun is to know what your needs are and be prepared accordingly at the makeover. If you have coverage issues where a detailed regimen is used to minimize the appearance of that hated beard-shadow, then my recommendation is to arrive with your foundation in place and do an "eyes/cheeks/lips" makeover at the counter. Otherwise, if you are able to use pretty much any foundation off the shelf, then all the better and have fun experimenting with a new & hopefully wonderful foundation choice as part of the makeover experience (at the Benefit counter I discovered their "Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow" brightening makeup which has become a fav of mine that I wouldn't likely have found otherwise). Finally, if you know what you'll be wearing that evening, all the better...bring it along or wear it (or at least be prepared to describe the colors) so that your makeup will be perfectly in sync with your outfit.

These artists are terrific. Their talent is amazing and most of all, they are fun. I many of the DLV ladies attend this event.

Sara Hayward

[Sara]

I was able to visit Carrie at Macy's last Friday and go over some things for the Macy's Makeover Experience which is scheduled to take place on Friday afternoon during DLV week.

First of all, the entire cosmetics department has been remodeled and Benefit has a wonderful new area including semi-private & private areas for waxing services for brows/face/body (I cannot endorse face waxing for male facial hair so don't get any wild ideas!). They also do spray tans and eyelash application as well. I highly recommend these services for anyone to take advantage of during DLV week. Simply call Carrie at the Benefit counter, (702)731-5111 is the Macy's general number at the Fashion Show Mall on the Strip.

Also, Carrie is putting together a "gift-with-purchase" (GWP) for our participants on Friday. I was going to attach a picture of a really cute Benefit cosmetics case that will be part of the gift but I'm not seeing how to go about attaching pictures to these threads so I will go ahead and post it in my photo gallery along with a picture of the new area as described above.

We have a nice sign-up list so far and Carrie assured me that they can accommodate all of us. She is having several freelance artists available including Andronica who used to manage the Benefit counter a couple years ago.

And finally, if anyone wants to obtain a makeover earlier in DLV week, by all means make such arrangements. I know I will (at least a few times!!!).