Beauty

[PMS 24-7]

i went into a MAC pro store, which i usually do whenever i see one, and have never had trouble with sales help. i asked there was anything new in the satin or matte lipsticks…NO! well how about the limited editions displays….we don't have any! and proceeded to turn around and offer help to a 30 something year old. to which i said…"wait a minute, if MAC is only interested in helping 30 year olds and younger, then they need to post a sign on the door, because you are rude, crude and unacceptable as a s.a. and i can't wait to report you,,,,CANDI with an I." my husband begged me not to let that ruin our day. he was right.

[MarenSeattle]

I was just thinking tonight that what I REALLY hate about growing old is that people dismiss and discount you. Younger people never chat while they're ringing you up, a woman at a financial institution said there was no way I could access my account online there -- turned out she assumed I didn't know how to use a computer. Stuff like that. And your story is another example. Your husband was right and I hope it REALLY didn't spoil your day - and I hope you report Candi with an i. *hug*

[Judaline]

I know what you're sayin'.

[GSPgirl]

Mac personnel can't be bothered to help me no matter what store I go into That includes Nordstrom. The worst stores for customer service are the stand alone ones in the mall. I am in my 50's, but look younger. Of course they are missing out on a big commission because I treat my daughter to their cosmetics for her birthday and Christmas. Maybe they just don't want older women in their stores?

[sashamatthews]

I have had that happen at MAC. However, the Lisbon CT ULTA store does the same thing. Now, I have my hair cut there, and I do buy cosmetics as well. I don't actually need their help, but the sales staff doesn't normally approach me (I'm "mature"). But let some teenagers come in, and bingo! They are on them so fast ...

[jwabbit]

I totally feel for you PMS 24-7 and others who were shunned at MAC counters...

But I don't think it's necessarily your age... it's MAC stores in general and the self-absorbed "beautiful people" that they hire.

When I was in my 20's (granted, this was in the 1980's and in college), I wanted to check out the MAC lipsticks and treat myself. I was dressed in my regular school gear - jeans, t-shirt, sneakers - and as I walked up to the counter, I could hear and see the s.a.'s joking around and giggling at who would have to help me. "Ohh, this one's yours!" "No! Yours!" "You take it!"

I felt so humiliated because it went on for a while (or it seemed like forever) with the joking and slapping, but I walked up there anyway, being the strong rock chick that I was. The male s.a. treated me so poorly and gave such attitude that I gave a quick glance at the lipsticks and said, "Thank you. I'm just looking," then walked away feeling like cr*p.

Now, I prefer to purchase online after reading reviews and watching Youtube videos with swatches. I've gone into MAC stores in my 30s and 40s a few times, but I usually would have a full face of makeup on and this is just to go shopping for something specific.

I'm 50 now and still don't blame age for everything. It's the sucky personnel that MAC hires and just a nasty attitude of "I'm better and prettier than you'll ever be so I will help you look kind of pretty since you need my help."

This is in general, of course... I have heard that others have had nice experiences but for me, that has yet to happen.

[SD45]

I am not a 30 something but a 40 something, and all my experiences at the Mac counter have been great. I find the young SAs helpful, courteous and knowledgeable. In the past I would go to other counters and they would be either pushy (BB) or have no idea about new products and shades (just experienced this recently at the EL counter).

I am not into Mac cosmetics lately as I use to be but I've never had a bad experience and wish all the makeup counters could be as professional as MAC is.

[beautydiva]

Omg. You guys are all so right. A lot of companies hire people based on age and looks. I am older and in the buiseness. I have even heard bosses say this. MAC promotes to the younger crowd that want a funkie look. And the sad part is all these sales people really believe that are ""makeup artists"". And are sooooo full of themselves!

[beautybee]

Good for you for speaking up! She needed to be told she was being rude. I hope this experience is burned in the back of her mind and bought to the forefront when she is our age and she is ignored by rude staff. Then she will get it.

[gardensla]

I rarely find going into a MAC store to be a pleasant experience. Either someone gloms onto me and tries to sell me a lip liner after I've said no ten times, or I'm completely ignored.