As a teenager, you knew exactly what you wanted: lots of makeup, any makeup. While you may want less now, it still helps to approach the counter with a specific desire, such as a product a friend recommended, says Heidi Guest, the vice president of education at Clinique. She also recommends dealing with the sales associate whose look you most admire. And if you can, go to the counter right after the store opens, weekdays or weekends — that’s when it’s least crowded; otherwise, call and make an appointment. At the counter, tell the associate something about your lifestyle. “It helps to know what you do and how much time you have,” says Michelle Torio of Shiseido. Are you a golfer who needs SPF? A new mother with a 10-minute window for makeup? Finally, if you have difficulty explaining what you like, consider the opposite tack. “It’s often easier to identify what you don’t like than what you do,” says Guest. “Tell the consultant up front that you don’t like coral lipstick or green shadow.” This will spare both of you a lot of frustration