Oh my goodness, I do this all the time. Like, maybe more than a normal person should, LOL! I’ve asked strangers questions about makeup, hair, nail polish, perfume and everything else related to beauty under the sun. They’re usually happy to chat!
For me, it boils down to a few things:
- I love to people watch;
- I’m not really shy or overly concerned about rejection; and
- I’m just plain curious.
I want to know where someone got that amazing haircut or the name of the lipstick they’re wearing, ya know?
Of course, I don’t just roll up and say, “Yo, what’s that perfume?” I’ll usually smile as I approach (yes, you can still see a smile behind a mask) and compliment them before I ask. And if someone clearly looks like they’ve got places to go and people to see, I leave them be.
Have you ever asked a stranger a beauty-related question?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
All the time – Omgosh I love getting tips from perfect strangers. But I do agree in approaching you can gauge if someone is likely to be receptive and then with an early question you can sort out if they are wanting to get going or have time to chat about the question(s) or comment(s) you may be making.
Sometimes it fosters kindness and connection in our world that maybe has less direct contact than years ago. Just my two cents …
YES! I think we need more connections in person. It seems harder these days with people always on their phones.
I typically don’t compliment or ask people … I find, if I do compliment or say something they’re looking at me as if I’m a perverted stalker 🥴 and I don’t know how many times I’ve complimented and asked about a makeup product to receive, “Thanks, it’s expensive.” As a response.
Aww, bummer! For the record, if you said something nice to me, I’d totally give you all the details. 🙂
I’d never approach a person for the sole purpose of asking what they are wearing. That seems a tad stalker-ish to me. If I actually come in contact, though, or I am in close proximity, I will often compliment a person. Sometimes they’ll volunteer what they are wearing; sometimes not. It doesn’t really matter to me. What I find most important is that my compliment made them smile and that, in turn, makes me happy.
Yes, making people feel good brings me so much joy, too!
I often compliment people on their lipstick (pre-masking) or their eyeshadow look. I once followed a woman all around the grocery store to make sure it was her perfume that I was smelling. I complimented her and then asked what she was wearing. She looked a bit put out, but she did tell me it was Hermes 24, Faubourg. I think she found it strange I was asking her.
I also once complimented a new person at the barn about her haircut when she took her helmet off and asked who did the cutting. She didn’t tell me who cut her hair, but she did tell me was a stylist and she’s been cutting my hair ever since. I’ve followed her to 5 salons now.
You’re so lucky to have found a forever stylist! I’m still looking for a new person.
Yes, I’ve asked someone what perfume they are wearing or what polish color but normally only if I’m standing in the checkout line with them. I’m regularly asked about my hair color (a very dark coppery red with gold highlights) I give them the name of my Aveda colorist if they’re local for the highlights but the base color is natural.
I have, especially when it comes to lipstick and nail polish. I mean, how else will I learn where to get them?