How will you look?

Recently I worked with a client who wanted to boost her professional presence. She was a manager with a large team working for her but felt she didn’t project the authority she wanted to project. We shopped together and that was a huge start.

This particular client is an athlete who has a low-fuss lifestyle, and I wasn’t sure how she’d react to my next suggestion: makeup. But I also felt she would benefit a lot from even just a little foundation and undereye concealer.

Here’s what I told her (and what I tell all my clients) about makeup. I think a lot of women fight too hard with the makeup artist when they go to the makeup counter. They insist that they’re very low-maintenance and would never use this or that product.

I do think it’s smart to let the salesperson know when you’re not used to wearing a lot of makeup and that you have a busy morning routine (if you do), and then perhaps describe what you think is a realistic amount of time to spend. But then just let the makeup artist loose to do whatever he or she wants. They love to create an entire look, and really, what have you got to lose?

You may find out how it’s possible to look like yourself … only better!

My client loved the subtle, natural yet pretty results she saw in the mirror when the makeup artist was done. (We were at the Bobbi Brown counter, which I felt was a good match for her.) Then she went ahead and bought everything.

Now I just can’t wait to find out if she uses it.

Ketura Persellin is an image consultant, writer, and public speaker in Washington, DC, and surrounding suburbs. To find out more, contact her to schedule a get-acquainted session.