More than 500 receive makeovers at Randhurst

An estimated 500-plus women received makeovers Friday at Carson Pirie Scott, in Mount Prospect's Randhurst Shopping Center.

Janis Hurst, a manager at the store, said two national makeup artists were flown in for the event, each heading up a team of 30 artists and competing for sales.

Visitors were offered complementary fresh fruit, muffins and "champagne" -- the latter actually apple cider. They also got free bone density checks -- valued at $175 apiece -- and chair messages, courtesy of Advanced Physical Medicine & Therapy Ltd., of Mount Prospect and West Dundee.

The event, which is highly coveted and stores bid to get, was held to promote both Carson's and cosmetics manufacturer Lancome.

"It's all about having fun and pampering yourself," exhorted Alicia Sommers, Lancome regional education executive. "Every woman needs to look good and feel good."

Among the customers was Ramatu Mohammed, of Wheeling, who said, "It's a fun thing to do, because you are bonding with other women," talking about skin care and learning techniques to use for events such as weddings or parties.

"My brother is getting married in a month," said Stacy Hiller from Bartlett, attending with her mother, Jeannie Hiller of Des Plaines. "So we're excited to have some makeup techniques and new colors and get ready for the wedding."

The store was filled with women in chairs, getting their faces brushed and painted.

"I want to see how a professional would do your face, as opposed to me doing it," said Tricia Moore of Prospect Heights.

One of the national makeup artists, Alex Sanchez, worked on Sharon Belmonte of Inverness, who had picked up a drawing by Sanchez, showing the look she wanted, called the Cosmopolitan. Did she feel pampered as promised?

"Absolutely," she said. "They gave me some really good tips on skin care and makeup application."