I have for many years been a loyal MAC customer enoying the effortless catering to my needs however as with such loyalty I have noticed the feeling of being taken for granted.

The range of foundations etc have continued to satisfy my needs and still leave me happy – as do the “classic” lipsticks/glasses but the new promos are increasingly aimed at a more narrow band of women. This impression has been bourne out while visiting MAC counters in NY, Paris and London (my home)where Beauty advisers have confided that since being under the Estee Lauder umbrella the emphasis has continually being concentrated on white women. Most recently, while talking with two advisers in particular on separate occasions while optimistically viewing the Hello Kitty range an indian female of mid-range tones spoke of how she had looked fwd to recent colours only to be let down when she found the new choice limited without mixing – even Lavender Whip lipstick was unsuitable. At another flagship counter a Jewish lady raved about Chignon lipstick which was a break from the usual new nordic palettes. An important message conveyed by the Indian lady was the fact that at “her” counter in the heart of London’s premier store, Black and Asian women were the bulk of the shoppers who are being given a second-rate service. What I think is so sad is that Mac still continues to do well because what’s the alternative? The choice is even less value elsewhere but I do think we should ask for more bang for our buck!

Selfridges or Space Nk are good places to start.
Harvey Nichols is also great.

I find it depends a lot on the consultant but buy nothing with out taking a sample and at least you will of wasted nothing but your time.

I keep a empty sample bottle with me in case they say they do’nt have one.