Its understood in the US that you can ask for free samples, makeovers etc and we also know about the great return and exchanges policies. But as a person living outside of the US, the systems here seems very different. So I was wondering how are the services like in the cosmetic counters of other countries?
in australia, it depends on who you get. I was looking for a lipstick for my wedding and every counter i went up to the girls were not very helpful!! some were quite rude too. But having said that I have had some amazing service, some ppl will offer you samples or you can ask for it and they will happily give it to you.
You know when you return something to a makeup counter, it comes off their numbers? I work at Lancome and panic when I see someone coming in with a return, lol. ALWAYS ask for a sample first before buying, I always offer that first so my clients can test it out before buying! We can always make you a sample. Just a side note, haha.
Although, this one woman rolled her eyes at me when I asked for a sample of some mineral concealer product. I was like... really? Aha. I may not like this product and I'm sure you'd be better off just giving me the sample. And guess what? I hated the product so I hope she's happy I had asked for the sample LOL.
It also depends on where you are in the US. In many states, it is illegal to apply makeup without an esthetician or cosmetologist's license (even in a department store), and depending on the store, it may be against their policy. Sampling should ALWAYS be expected for certain products, but cannot always be expected for things like pressed powders. Sampling pressed products not only damages the tester product, but many powder samples are ineffective because they aren't meant to be used loose. In most countries, I believe sampling is relatively normal.
I will say, however, it is considered in poor taste to expect your makeup done for free without purchasing products or tipping the artist working on you. It's this lack of respect that has led to stores like Sephora and Nordstrom now charging for applications as of last year. What some people call "sampling the makeup" during a makeover is actually getting a service for free and takes advantage of the counter person. It's like going to a hairstylist and having your hair done for free to "sample their haircuts." Loving your counter-person affects all of us;)
I'm not saying you personally do this, just making sure that future readers of this thread understand the damage of a "free makeover."
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Apr 14, 2012
Ingrid N.
Its understood in the US that you can ask for free samples, makeovers etc and we also know about the great return and exchanges policies. But as a person living outside of the US, the systems here seems very different. So I was wondering how are the services like in the cosmetic counters of other countries?
Apr 14, 2012
keri k.
in australia, it depends on who you get. I was looking for a lipstick for my wedding and every counter i went up to the girls were not very helpful!! some were quite rude too. But having said that I have had some amazing service, some ppl will offer you samples or you can ask for it and they will happily give it to you.
Apr 14, 2012
Ingrid N.
Thanks for telling me :) I'm going to be flying to Australia soon to study so that's really helpful. Thank You!
Apr 27, 2012
Amanda P.
You know when you return something to a makeup counter, it comes off their numbers? I work at Lancome and panic when I see someone coming in with a return, lol. ALWAYS ask for a sample first before buying, I always offer that first so my clients can test it out before buying! We can always make you a sample. Just a side note, haha.
Apr 28, 2012
Naomi B.
@amanda P. good food 4 thought.
Apr 30, 2012
Rikki P.
90% of the time, I ask for samples.
Although, this one woman rolled her eyes at me when I asked for a sample of some mineral concealer product. I was like... really? Aha. I may not like this product and I'm sure you'd be better off just giving me the sample. And guess what? I hated the product so I hope she's happy I had asked for the sample LOL.
May 03, 2012
Jordan L.
It also depends on where you are in the US. In many states, it is illegal to apply makeup without an esthetician or cosmetologist's license (even in a department store), and depending on the store, it may be against their policy. Sampling should ALWAYS be expected for certain products, but cannot always be expected for things like pressed powders. Sampling pressed products not only damages the tester product, but many powder samples are ineffective because they aren't meant to be used loose. In most countries, I believe sampling is relatively normal.
I will say, however, it is considered in poor taste to expect your makeup done for free without purchasing products or tipping the artist working on you. It's this lack of respect that has led to stores like Sephora and Nordstrom now charging for applications as of last year. What some people call "sampling the makeup" during a makeover is actually getting a service for free and takes advantage of the counter person. It's like going to a hairstylist and having your hair done for free to "sample their haircuts." Loving your counter-person affects all of us;)
I'm not saying you personally do this, just making sure that future readers of this thread understand the damage of a "free makeover."