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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To return my foundation

134 replies

LaVieEstBelle159 · 16/09/2021 18:20

My current Estée Lauder DW is ageing me and so decided to drive 130 mile round trip to Boots in the mall to treat myself to a new more youthful foundation.

Went to Chanel and explained what I didn't want. She tried me with a BB cream (too light) and a Sublimage Le Teint which on first application seemed great.

She gave me all the flattery. I (stupidly) assumed it would cost about £40-£50 and when I paid, it was £105!! For a foundation. I was so shocked, I just paid it.

I feel upset because she actually didn't give me other Chanel foundation options only these - one she knew I wouldn't like and one that was very expensive. I said I didn't want a cakey look and I presumed there were no other options. When I went online later, I saw Chanel sell a few other foundation ranges in the prices I had expected.

The Sublimage is awful, after 2 hours, I look as though I've been frying chips in a sauna and for peri-menopausal, it's not a good look. It also makes my eye and lip makeup disappear and accentuates my pigmentation.

AIBU to take it back and say I was missold? Would really appreciate any comments please.

OP posts:
stripedbananas · 16/09/2021 18:52

And if you have opened it just say you had an allergic reaction.

Try IT CC foundation it's probably more what you're looking for and Boots sell it.

Take photos on your phone of everything you like the look of and you can always buy it online later. After trying out the colours and consistency in Store.

Sexnotgender · 16/09/2021 18:53

If it’s unopened you can return it.

I’ve returned foundation before but only because it broke my usually spotless skin out in hundreds of little spots!

girlmom21 · 16/09/2021 18:53

Don't say you had an allergic reaction if you have opened it. That'd be a shitty thing to do.

stripedbananas · 16/09/2021 18:55

Well it has reacted with your skin because it's causing it to sweat as per your description re looking like you've been in a sauna which in turn of course is giving you spots no doubt

stripedbananas · 16/09/2021 18:56

Its occluding your skin

Veryverycalmnow · 16/09/2021 18:58

Oh, if it's unopened return it. Say what the product did to your skin.

TempName01 · 16/09/2021 18:59

@londonrach

Sadly yabu. I've yet to understand why anyone using foundation as everyone looks better without.. you bought it knowing what you looked it. It's an item you can't return ..sorry as said before yabu. Good moisturiser is the way forward...I say that as someone who's not young ....
Lucky you!
Wole · 16/09/2021 19:01

Boots were letting you return makeup a few months ago as was no way of trying it in store. I'd definitely tweet them and ask.

bigbaggyeyes · 16/09/2021 19:04

Yes I'd take it back. I use Estée Lauder and I've bought foundation off them before, used it for a while and then decided it wasn't suiting me so I took it back. They were great and swapped it for something that better suited me. If Estée Lauder do it then I'm sure Chanel will

Booknooks · 16/09/2021 19:11

If its unopened you might be able to return it, but usually make up is a no, and you did have a demonstration. I used to be like you when I was shocked at the price I'd usually feel too awkward to say no, so I'm not going to knock you for that. Worth a go, maybe phone ahead.

Sleeplessem · 16/09/2021 19:14

I’m not sure you can take it back.

But as a learn for the future, high end foundations I always ask for a sample and take it away and do a bit of a wear test. I find the lighting in department stores often messes with the colour match.

You might be able to flog it on depop?

If not is there anything you can do to make it work? Different primer? Setting with some translucent powder?

Zeflyinghelmetandzevetcelery · 16/09/2021 19:16

I've successfully returned foundation I'd used once before. The first was a Chanel that made my skin break out, the second a Bare Minerals one that oxidised so badly in under half an hour I looked like I'd been tangoed.

WhenISnappedAndFarted · 16/09/2021 19:17

@londonrach

Sadly yabu. I've yet to understand why anyone using foundation as everyone looks better without.. you bought it knowing what you looked it. It's an item you can't return ..sorry as said before yabu. Good moisturiser is the way forward...I say that as someone who's not young ....
I certainly don't look better without, not that I wear foundation very often. Maybe you've just not found the correct foundation for you or put far too much on.
Jubaju · 16/09/2021 19:22

Nars sheer glow is lovely if you are looking for a more ‘youthful’ foundation.

I’ve really gone off Doublewear now, feels so drying :(

Eborian range is also good for various Bb and ccs

Imabitbusyatthemoment · 16/09/2021 19:23

I’ve returned foundations that I’ve used before, including Chanel. If you’ve had advice from the sales counter but got home and it is all wrong - which happens once you get out of the hideous store lighting, they are usually willing to take it back. I’ve never had a problem.

Sleeplessem · 16/09/2021 19:25

@Jubaju

Nars sheer glow is lovely if you are looking for a more ‘youthful’ foundation.

I’ve really gone off Doublewear now, feels so drying :(

Eborian range is also good for various Bb and ccs

I bought that too and the finish is lovely but don’t you find it oxidises? X
Wole · 16/09/2021 19:27

@londonrach

Sadly yabu. I've yet to understand why anyone using foundation as everyone looks better without.. you bought it knowing what you looked it. It's an item you can't return ..sorry as said before yabu. Good moisturiser is the way forward...I say that as someone who's not young ....
I have a skin condition. I assure you I get less starring with foundation than without.
TractorAndHeadphones · 16/09/2021 19:33

@TempName01 there's no such thing as anyone looking better with or without foundation as there are so many types and application techniques

MsHedgehog · 16/09/2021 19:37

@girlmom21

Don't say you had an allergic reaction if you have opened it. That'd be a shitty thing to do.
This. Really poor form to lie like that.

Whenever I buy foundation I always get a separate sample, and if after using the sample I like it, then I open the bottle. If not then I return it (unopened).

cricketmum84 · 16/09/2021 19:37

Il Makiage is a great foundation. Fill in an online form and they match you. And if they get it wrong they send you another one free of charge and you can gift the wrong one to a friend.

Definitely better that 130 mile drive.

Alieninmybody · 16/09/2021 19:38

www.boots-uk.com/newsroom/features/our-make-up-exchange-promise/

Does this still stand?

Gorl · 16/09/2021 19:41

If the packaging isn’t open there shouldn’t be an issue with returning it.

If you’re after recommendations, I think Nars Sheer Glow is the best foundation for a non-cakey formula which looks really light but with good coverage. I’ve flirted with others on and off (some very expensive indeed!) and I always return to Nars.

Tinkerbellfluffyboots79 · 16/09/2021 19:42

Chanel are usually really good so I’m surprised at that. I have the cc cream and les beiges which is lovely I have another one too for the life of me I can’t remember it’s name. None were £105 though!!! I’d be expecting perfection for that. Go back, tell them it is nothing like what was shown in store and you want to return. There are so many lovely Chanel foundations but I wouldn’t be surprised if you are out off for life!!

Original poster
LaVieEstBelle159 · 16/09/2021 19:43

I've already opened it and tried it for two days. It makes my face look very greasy and shiny as apparently it's suitable for dry skin (which I don't have).

I should have been stronger, I realise that now. I got a bit swept away as she was so friendly! I'm so bloody gullible and annoyed with myself!

OP posts:
MsHedgehog · 16/09/2021 19:45

@LaVieEstBelle159

I've already opened it and tried it for two days. It makes my face look very greasy and shiny as apparently it's suitable for dry skin (which I don't have).

I should have been stronger, I realise that now. I got a bit swept away as she was so friendly! I'm so bloody gullible and annoyed with myself!

Have you tried some translucent powder on top? That balances things out when my make up is more greasy than glowy.