As a man, you probably know nothing about the fascination that women have with cosmetics. However, it is your girlfriend’s birthday, and you would like to surprise her with a gift basket of her favorite cosmetics. If you knew what those were. This might seem like a hopeless situation, but all is not lost. With a little effort, you can make that surprise present a reality. What you need is a man’s guide to cosmetics.
About Cosmetics
The first thing you as a man need to know about cosmetics is that most of the time, women prefer to choose their own cosmetics. This is because cosmetics, specifically makeup, are something that is considered a personal preference. Most woman have spent considerable time and expense to find the specific choices of fragrance or color that they feel enhances their appearance. A product that does not meet this preference will end up either gathering dust on a shelf or in the waste basket. You would not want your girlfriend choosing your deodorant or aftershave lotion for you now would you?
Become A Private Eye
If you really think that your girlfriend would love a gift basket filled with her favorite makeup, you will need to do some detective work. Talk to your girlfriend’s female relatives (mother, sisters, daughters, etc.)or closest friends. They probably, at one time or another, have gone shopping with your girlfriend and know the kind of cosmetics that your girlfriend likes. Explain what you are attempting to do and that you need their help. In most cases these folks will be more than happy to give you shopping suggestions. Be sure to talk only to those that you feel can keep your secret.
If you already live with your girlfriend, you have an advantage. Most likely she has her makeup stored either in the bathroom or in the bedroom. Take an opportunity, when you are at home alone, to see what kind of cosmetics she uses and make a note of it. The way to choose which cosmetics you want to include in the gift basket is to look for the things that are used the most often. Large containers of a specific product usually indicates that this is something that is used often enough to buy in quantity. Containers that are almost empty are an indication that this product will soon need a resupply. These are things that should be included in your gift basket.
Shopper’s Choice
Once you have a list of the various kinds of makeup that she wears, there are several paths you can take to make your purchases. You can go to:
The local beauty supply store – The cosmetics can be purchased at wholesale prices but the customer service will be minimal. The local department store – Most department stores have a cosmetics counter. The prices and the knowledge of the sales people can vary from low end to high end.
The cosmetics boutique – Here the prices are most expensive but the sales people are usually very knowledgeable about the products. It is a guarantee that the people working here will be able to answer questions and provide suggestions. They might even be able to put everything together and wrap it in a gift basket for you! The Internet – If feel comfortable shopping for cosmetics in a store, you can always buy the makeup on the internet. However, if possible be sure that you buy the makeup for the brand’s official website, so that you know you have the best quality.
Not Just For Girlfriends
This guide has focused on girlfriends but these same tips also apply to the other women in your life. Most women buy and use makeup and would love to receive a present of their favorite cosmetics. To men, the process of makeup hopping may seem a little daunting, but it will be a good way to learn about it. The women will certainly appreciate the time and effort put into buying them such a personal gift. Having done the proper research will make it easier to buy more makeup-related gifts in the future.
