This week marked the beginning of fall. Although the warm temperatures may belie the season, I’m ready for a change. I spent so much time outside this summer in the sweltering heat that I rarely bothered with makeup. Even if I can’t transition into my fall wardrobe yet, I decided it was time to update my makeup routine. I needed some advice on which products to purchase for fall, but I didn’t want to break the bank. A trip to Target and visit with the Beauty Concierge was the perfect solution!
The Target Beauty Concierge program was originally tested in Chicago during the summer of 2012. In 2013, the program expanded to select stores in additional cities, including Dallas-Fort Worth. Despite being a frequent customer at Target stores, I had never used the Beauty Concierge service. A Beauty Concierge is a highly-trained beauty enthusiast who serves as a trusted expert in the cosmetics department. They are brand agnostic and don’t receive commission on sales, so they provide guests with unbiased information about the beauty and personal care products offered at Target.
I spotted Courtney, the Beauty Concierge at my local Super Target store, in her distinct black apron and flawless red lipstick. No appointment is necessary to use the Beauty Concierge service, so I walked right up and asked for her assistance. After I told her what I needed—advice on beauty products for fall—she inquired about any preferences, such as all-natural products.
When shopping alone, I admit that I’m not always diligent about researching which products are natural or cruelty-free. Wanting to take advantage of her knowledge, I said that yes, I would prefer natural products if possible.
We discussed the need for a good, moisturizing lip balm due to how dry my lips get in colder months. Her recommendation was the S.W. Basics Lip Balm collection. She showed me the ingredient list for each of the 4 lip treatments. Each was USDA Certified Organic and free of synthetic chemicals and genetically engineered organisms.
After I dropped the tin of lip balms into my shopping basket, Courtney escorted me to the Pixi aisle. She explained that the U.K. brand was cruelty-free and the product and ingredients were not tested on animals. From the Pixi line, she addressed my fall/winter beauty concern for moisturized skin without looking greasy. For my combination skin, she recommended the Pixi Quick Fix Powder. With its convenient built-in puff applicator, I could use the powder to make certain oilier spots on my face matte, but leave some glow in other areas. It has now become a staple item that I carry with me in my purse.
Another new product that will never be far out of reach is the Pixi Makeup Fixing Mist. Infused with rose water and green tea, Courtney recommended the spray to set makeup and use throughout the day to hydrate my skin. It smells divine and kept my makeup intact all day.
Additional Pixi products that she recommended for me included the Brightening Peach Correction Concentrate, Lash Link Line, and last, but not least, Mattelustre Lipstick in Classic Red (which was the color she was currently wearing). With peptides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins C & E, the lipstick conditions, plumps, and protects lips. She gave me a tip of using a tiny bit of the lipstick as a cream blush for a moisturizing glow in the fall/winter. The color is absolutely perfect and will be my go-to for holiday parties and nights out!
With my lips, cheeks, and skin taken care of, we moved on to eyes. I let Courtney know right away that I don’t usually wear eyeshadow (because of my monolid), and desperately needed her recommendations. She showed me some NYX and Pixi palettes that would be good for fall—lots of gold, auburn, burgundy, and deep brown hues. She selected the NYX Eyeshadow Palette in Golden Horizon for me, because it had the most options for my skintone.
Now that I had the colors, I just needed the tools. Courtney grabbed her favorite collection of eyeshadow brushes for me, the Sonia Kashuk® Essential Eye Kit. She started explaining which brushes to use with certain colors and where to apply them. I think my eyes have started glazing over, because she pulled out an iPad mini and was able to show me picture examples of what she envisioned. It was amazing to have the visual to put everything she was telling me into context.
For a finishing touch, Courtney recommended Rimmel’s Lift Me Up Mascara to provide volume and length to my lashes without clumping and sent me home with a sample. I had an amazing time working with Courtney, but was anxious to get back and try all the new products! I tried to remember all of the great tricks she gave me, such as using a Q-tip with lotion on it to clean up stray eyeshadow or applying concealer underneath my foundation for more natural-looking coverage.
I was so pleased with the final result, and can’t wait to return to Target soon for more recommendations from Courtney! To find the nearest Target with a Beauty Concierge, use their Store Locator search.
Have you ever used Target’s Beauty Concierge services? Share some of the tips you learned in the comments!