Some time ago, someone from a makeover studio called me, saying I have won a free trial makeover. Nowadays I am quite wary of things like this, as the last time I won a "free" makeover, I was asked, persuaded, convinced, etc, to buy the entire album, which was charged at an exorbitant price to cover their "free" makeup, hairstyling and photography services.
So I was not really that interested in going for that. Then last week, someone from the same studio called again. I was about to hang up when I was told I could bring a guest and it will be free too. Knowing that my dear has never gone for a makeover and he is quite keen on a "couple" makeover, I agreed to try out their services.
Last night, we went to the studio. Before I stepped in, I already had a bad feeling. The studio is located at the basement of a building in the midst of renovation. When we stepped in, it is the only office in the entire floor! Imagine if I had gone alone, would it not have been more dangerous for me?
When we stepped in, I had to fill in a form. Then we were asked to change into the traditional Japanese wear of both a male and female kimono. After that, the makeup artist started her work. Again, it was not professional. She did not even bother cleaning my face and just applied makeup over my original makeup!
That is a no-no! Anyway who knows how to do makeup knows that the old makeup must be removed first before applying new makeup! All the other makeovers I had done would at least clean my face first before applying new makeup! Furthermore, the makeup she was using is mass produced, which means my face can be allergic to them! All the other makeover studios I went to at least use rather reputable products!
Even the costume looks tattered and torn! Still, after the makeup and hairdo, we were ushered into the photography room for the photoshoot. The photographer is good. He gave us a variety of poses, and the photos turn out looking pretty good! Still, perhaps due to the makeup, I kind of look older than I actually am!
At the end of the photoshoot, we went to check out the photos. Now that was the "real deal". We had to listen to a sales pitch on paying an exorbitant amount to be their VIP member and getting a lifetime membership, which includes yearly makeovers, family portraits, wedding and other functions. So that is the catch!
I am not so naive to think that it is totally free. There is no such thing as a free lunch. I was getting irritated by the pushiness of the studio manager, when my dear did something which made me look up to him in awe. He actually told the manager off! Wow, all these while I have known him, I never know he can be that assertive and firm! I thought I am the louder one whereas he is the more soft-spoken one. That really make me so proud of him!
We stood our ground and finally the manager had no choice but to let us have the two photos as promised without charging us a single cent. He chose one and I chose one, and so, we had our two photos and exited the studio after that!
Well, it was not a total loss. We had fun posing and got our photos as mementos without needing to fork out any money. So it was a relatively fun experience! All the dating specialists say couples ought to have fun doing things together, and that is a good sign!
So I was not really that interested in going for that. Then last week, someone from the same studio called again. I was about to hang up when I was told I could bring a guest and it will be free too. Knowing that my dear has never gone for a makeover and he is quite keen on a "couple" makeover, I agreed to try out their services.
Last night, we went to the studio. Before I stepped in, I already had a bad feeling. The studio is located at the basement of a building in the midst of renovation. When we stepped in, it is the only office in the entire floor! Imagine if I had gone alone, would it not have been more dangerous for me?
When we stepped in, I had to fill in a form. Then we were asked to change into the traditional Japanese wear of both a male and female kimono. After that, the makeup artist started her work. Again, it was not professional. She did not even bother cleaning my face and just applied makeup over my original makeup!
That is a no-no! Anyway who knows how to do makeup knows that the old makeup must be removed first before applying new makeup! All the other makeovers I had done would at least clean my face first before applying new makeup! Furthermore, the makeup she was using is mass produced, which means my face can be allergic to them! All the other makeover studios I went to at least use rather reputable products!
Even the costume looks tattered and torn! Still, after the makeup and hairdo, we were ushered into the photography room for the photoshoot. The photographer is good. He gave us a variety of poses, and the photos turn out looking pretty good! Still, perhaps due to the makeup, I kind of look older than I actually am!
At the end of the photoshoot, we went to check out the photos. Now that was the "real deal". We had to listen to a sales pitch on paying an exorbitant amount to be their VIP member and getting a lifetime membership, which includes yearly makeovers, family portraits, wedding and other functions. So that is the catch!
I am not so naive to think that it is totally free. There is no such thing as a free lunch. I was getting irritated by the pushiness of the studio manager, when my dear did something which made me look up to him in awe. He actually told the manager off! Wow, all these while I have known him, I never know he can be that assertive and firm! I thought I am the louder one whereas he is the more soft-spoken one. That really make me so proud of him!
We stood our ground and finally the manager had no choice but to let us have the two photos as promised without charging us a single cent. He chose one and I chose one, and so, we had our two photos and exited the studio after that!
Well, it was not a total loss. We had fun posing and got our photos as mementos without needing to fork out any money. So it was a relatively fun experience! All the dating specialists say couples ought to have fun doing things together, and that is a good sign!
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