The first thing to remember about a trip to the beauty counter is that the sales person works for the brand, not you. The aim of the game is to make a sale and to achieve that, they’ll do almost anything. It starts with a compliment, then a question about your current skincare and all of a sudden you’ve just bought $150 worth of products you couldn’t afford. Or is that just me?
So I feel it’s my duty to enlighten you on the five things the beauty counters don’t tell you, but that you can definitely ask for…
Related: I did my own makeup on my wedding day, and I survived.
1. Samples
It’s ok to ask for samples. In fact, I would encourage it. It’s hard to know whether you’re going to like a product without trying it and the best way to do that is to take some home with you and incorporate it into your current routine. Some sales people like to discourage samples because it’s a lot easier to obtain a sale if you try the product on in store and are under pressure to make a decision but take your time.
They make it awkward and uncomfortable, and it doesn’t have to be. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for a sample of something if you’re interested. Each and every brand provides their sales staff with small pots to give to customers.
Related: The 11 pieces of fitness advice you thought were true. They aren’t.
Shopping for a new foundation? Here’s some that will leave you with change to spare (post continues after gallery).
The Best Foundations Under $30
2. You can return a product
Yep, even if you’ve used it.
The beauty of shopping at makeup counters is that you can return an item if it doesn’t suit your needs – within reason. Obviously you can’t return to a store six months after purchasing a foundation, hand over your half empty bottle, and claim it didn’t work for you. But if you honestly have a reaction to a product or if it doesn’t perform as promised you can always return back with your proof of purchase and request a refund. Just remember to keep you receipts.
