MAC Mystery Shopper Exposé

Ballantynes MAC Counter

Article by BR Merilyn

In the first of our Mystery Shopping series we sent SuperHero Ellie off to the MAC Counter at  Ballantynes in Christchurch.

Her mission was to book herself a make-up consultation and armed with $120, purchase products recommended for her by her consultant.  MAC counters offer “free” make up consultations or make up sessions where you can meet with a consultant for an hour, get a new look if you feel your make up needs refreshing or, get your makeup done for a special occasion.  It costs $90, which is redeemable on product to the same value when your consultation is finished.

So, how did Ellie get on? Did it live up to its hype? And would she go back? Let’s find out!

BR: What was the assignment you were given?

ES: Tough gig! I needed to book myself in for a make up consultation at MAC, and then purchase products recommended for my by the consultant I saw.

BR: Describe your first impressions when you walked into the store?

ES: The appointment was easy to get. I rang up and the person who answered was friendly and helpful. She asked me what day would suit and then what time of day and I was able to get an appointment that suited me well. When I walked into Ballentynes I went over to the MAC counter and was greeted almost straight away and told them I had an appointment. They already knew my name and introduced themselves to me straight away. I felt very welcomed and comfortable which was great! The parking was fine as we have a lot of parking in the centre city in Christchurch. The two staff working at MAC when I went both seemed very friendly and approachable. 

BR: What was the name of your consultant?

Junee

BR: What questions did she ask you before commencing your consultation?

ES: What makeup look I was going for, what my skin type is at the moment, what kind of coverage I was after, what type of finish I wanted in a foundation, and if this was my normal skin colour in the winter.

BR: What information did you give her?

ES: A neutral everyday look, oily/combo skin, medium coverage, dewy finish, and this is my normal winter skin colour

BR: Describe what happened during your consultation. Talk about the environment, how you felt during the appointment, your consultant’s attitude towards you, her recommendations etc

ES: The environment was calm and relaxing. The music was a nice volume and wasn't too loud. Junee was absolutely lovely and made conversation with me but didn't force it. She also complimented my various facial features throughout the consultation, which was really nice! She had a very professional approach to the consultation but she was still friendly and not too serious. The other makeup artist who was working was also really lovely and complimented me at points too which is always a bonus!

BR: How experienced/professional did you think they were?

ES: Very experienced and professional. She was very fast but incredibly thorough at the same time and knew exactly what she was doing. She explained the whole process.

BR: What did you like about your experience?

ES: Both of the makeup artists were lovely people. I wasn't pressured to buy anything and Junee was very helpful in letting me know the price of things. I really liked that she explained every single product and every single step because it meant that I actually learned from the consultation! I am very, very happy with my experience - it took about an hour but the time completely flew by as I was so relaxed. I also really liked that I was given a face chart at the end which showed where to apply each product, and an entire product list with every product she used in each of the particular shades/colours. She even wrote down what brushes she used for each thing, which is also very helpful.

BR: Anything you didn’t like?

ES: I thought it was a little odd that they make you pay the $90 for the consultation via credit card over the phone when you book - the person I spoke to on the phone said they couldn't book you in otherwise. While I understand that they do this to ensure that your appointment is secured, it would be terrible to have something happen at the last minute and not be able to get to your consultation, which you had already paid for! 

BR: Were you happy with the outcome from your experience?

ES: I was really, really happy with the way I was treated and the way my face looked afterwards. Junee gave me a look that was exactly what I asked for and she made me feel beautiful which is pretty much the point. I was also happy with the products I walked away with because I got to choose them myself and wasn't pressured into buying anything in particular. 

BR: Would you visit this place again, if you were paying for it yourself?

ES: Yes. I've never been to a makeup counter prior to today and this has encouraged me to do it again. I hadn't done it before because I was too scared of being judged but I did not feel judged at all.

BR: Would you recommend this experience to a friend?

ES: Yes! I actually went out shopping with a friend afterwards and recommended it to her straight away.

BR: What products did you buy with your spending money?

ES: Mineralize Lipstick in 'Good Taste' and Mineralize Moisture SPF15 Foundation in NC20

BR: Is there anything else would you like to add?

ES: I think I have pretty much covered it all. Overall I think I had a great experience. The makeup artists were professional, friendly and knew exactly what they were doing. I'd never tried MAC prior to today but I know for sure that I will be going back thanks to today's experience!

The gorgeous Ellie with her post MAC look

Update: 4 days later…Ellie confesses on twitter that she’s already been shopping at MAC online…

Footnote:

Ellie’s Mystery Shop consultation was at the MAC Counter in Ballantynes, Christchurch. She went completely independently and her views are her own based on her experience. This mystery shop is not commissioned nor sponsored by MAC in any way.