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Asking for testers/samples...

16 replies

TattyDevine · 05/02/2011 19:46

This may seem really obvious so apologies to those who have always done this, but I just thought I'd report a very succesful trip into town to buy two new beauty products I've been wondering about.

Something made me wobble when I arrived at the various stands and I found myself asking for a sample instead - no other purchase, no browsing, just walked straight up and said, look, I dont suppose I could have a little sample of this to try at home? Both were very accomodating and I came away having spend nothing, with about a week's supply of these two products to try.

I'm going to do this as much as possible from now on! Its not like I've never asked for samples before, but it tends to be as part of a further purchase or after a in-store application session if I'm wavering, I've never been as bold as I was today but I'm glad I was...anyone else do this regularly? I'd imagine you'd have less unused stuff in your black box than I do! Grin

OP posts:
hugebelly · 05/02/2011 19:52

I do this all the time. I found the most accommodating are Dior and Clarins.

moonstorm · 05/02/2011 22:44

I haven't needed to buy foundation or face cream for the past year - I've been using samples... Blush

JaneS · 05/02/2011 22:52

I'm so glad you posted this - I've been trying to get better at makeup and so on, and I'd not really thought of asking for samples but I will now. Smile

medoitmama · 05/02/2011 22:58

This is definately the way forward! Thanks Tatty, I'll start asking for samples in town tomorrow.

marriednotdead · 05/02/2011 23:22

I always feel intimidated by the beauty counters and their immaculate staff Blush

But I got brave and asked about skincare stuff for DD the other week at a Clinique counter. The young lady was very helpful and offered me free samples for DD to try. Very impressed Smile

Still too chicken to get advice for me though Confused

WhatsWrongWithYou · 05/02/2011 23:24

I must look like a deadbeat - they always find a reason not to give me samples fucking orange faced bitches.

marriednotdead · 05/02/2011 23:43

I think they felt sorry for me. No makeup on and hair like a wild thing- give her something and she'll go quietly Blush

She wasn't as orange as the rest of them. Obviously in disguise.

WhatsWrongWithYou · 05/02/2011 23:46

I think I probably scupper my chances by telling them I have sensitive skin and normally can only use Aqueous Cream (£1.75 a pot) - can I get a refund if I have a reaction?Smile

stressheaderic · 06/02/2011 00:01

Debenhams always give you loads of perfume samples (when you buy perfume) if you just ask when you're paying. I got 14 in one go once, sold 10 on ebay in a batch for £10 Smile

sh77 · 06/02/2011 12:22

I lived off Sisley (v v expensive) samples for about 3 years. My line is that I am using a competitor's products and am looking to switch. They tend to be obliging.

Foundation - say you are nearly finished with current one and are looking for a differnt one but want to try before you buy. Sometimes, if you can privide a small pot, they will put some in.

strictlysauvignon · 06/02/2011 20:45

The moisturiser samples are great to take away on holidays too! - I ask at the Chanel counter regularly and say I am coming to the end of my current cream and feel like trying something new.Confused

shufflebum · 06/02/2011 21:19

I find Estee lauder, Dior and Chanel good for samples. Clinique always tell me they don't do samples Hmm now I know different!

Lulie110 · 07/02/2011 01:44

Try Kiehls - v v generous with samples.

Very often though, counters REALLY wont have samples in; they don't all have them all the time. So if you're not successful, maybe the sales ladies were telling the truth!

higgle · 07/02/2011 07:51

My mother is 84 and always goes on a bit at the Clinique counter about how expensive it has got, they usually take pity and give her loads of freebies to share with me!

DoingTheBestICan · 07/02/2011 07:57

Just a tip for you,in work we use the little pots that camera film comes in & use them to put the samples in.

Good recycling & you can fit loads in!

wendihouse22 · 07/02/2011 09:12

I'm with you Shufflebum. Clinique NEVER seem to have samples of anything.....and that's when I was buying my usual cleanser. I wasn't just asking for a freebie but had spent around £45!!

I asked for a sample of some new foundation and she said "we don't do samples". It backfired at bit because when my usual Clinique ran out, I mooched along to Clarins and got various things to try WITHOUT MAKING ANY PURCHASE.

I have now bought several of the items sampled from Clarins and like it (never tried before) so, will stick with it from hereonin!

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