I need a *really* good foundation - can I get samples to try anywhere?

[RamblingRosa]

You used to be able to get little vials from Estee Lauder and Lancome counters so you could try at home. Do they still do that? I haven't bought foundation for years (been a convert to mineral make up but now thinking of converting back).

I often find foundation breaks me out in spots. some kind of allergic reaction. So I really don't want to fork out ££ only to find out I'm allergic to it. I'd like to try before I buy.

Thanks

I got a variety of samples from estee lauder (local dept store) but the lady couldn't of been more helpful. Shy bairns get nowt. I would just try John Lewis / Debenhams & House of Fraser.

I think most counters will still do this - I've definitely asked for, and got, vials of Estée Lauder, Chanel, YSL and Armani foundations over the past two years.

You can get liquid mineral makeup I think now
m.johnlewis.com/mt/www.johnlewis.com/Shopping/Product.aspx?Type=LNE&Id=271806

Agree with Northumberlandlass, I'm no good at being pushy but I just steeled myself, said I was interested in trying whatever foundation it was and asked for a sample to take away. Scariest was the Armani woman in Selfridges, liked the foundation though so went back and bought it

Friends working for clinique & lauder say nothing beats the armani one atm

Maybelline are doing a free sample of their new one online:

www.maybelline.co.uk/bbsample

Thanks. I haven't heard about the Armani one.

I'm going to be brave and try Boots. It's one with Chanel, Clinique, Clarins, Lancome, YSL, and Dior. I'll see what I can get. If that doesn't work I'll have to try and make a trip to JL.

Ysl are giving out free samples of their touché éclat foundation (new) I got one the other day and it's really light so doesn't cover any spots but it's nice and natural with a healthy glow.

I like mac best though!!

Harpy, the Armani Luminous Silk is very lovely but I'm thinking about investing in the YSL Touché Éclat foundation, had a sample, it's vair nice indeed.

Ooh, thanks. I quite fancy trying that. Are they giving out samples at all of their counters or is it an online offer or something?

I think they're giving out samples of the YSL at all their counters, they try 3 colours on you and then send you away with a pot of the one that matches your skin tone.

Our local "big" stores never give away samples, even if I am spending a considerable amount of money. I find our local independent chemist (who stocks all the big names, inc Clarins, Lancome, La Prairie etc) will always give samples. They have big tubs of them on the counter for you to help yourself.

I got some Clarins ones recently, from my local indie chemist.
She was incredibly helpful - and the foundation is nice. I will probably purchase.

One thing - don't let them say you are this, that or the other shade if it goes against your gut feeling. for example, the lady I've mentioned above said I looked like I would be shade x or y. I said probably I would be quite a few lighter than that, but let's see.Guess who was right! (I've been fobbed off with stuff that looks way too orange way too many times).

MAC and Estee Lauder definitely still do them. Ask for a sample of Estee Lauder's Double Wear and Double Wear Light. Both gorgeous.

The Touche Eclat foundation samples are in ver short supply. Have tried twice to get a sample, all gone.

But I don't buy foundation without having had a sample first. Have made too many expensive mistakes.

I'm in the market for a new foundation after recently going to the no 7 counter only to discover to stock up on their mineral powder stuff only to be told it's been discontinued. Not just theirs either, but all major cosmetic brands seem to have ditched their mineral foundation. The No 7 woman said the only one still available is the Bare Minerals brand which involves having to buy a starter kit with all sorts of paraphernalia for £50!! Er, no thanks.

I liked the fact that the mineral stuff was basically a face powder with a bit of coverage too.

Laura mercier do a mineral foundation, it's v nice. Not totally matte, has a lovely glow

Just take sample pots (buy them from the travel section in Boots) into counters with you and ask for a sample. As long as you seem genuinely interested in the product and not just like you're scrounging for freebies, I find counter staff are always obliging.

Try signing up to fresssamples.co.uk. I've had numerous freebies - a lot of BB stuff - just haven't got round to trying any of it yet!!

sorry = freesamples.co.uk

mintymellons I've just received 2 little samples of lily lolo mineral foundations to try, the samples are available in every shade and only £1.25 each so I thought a good way to try before deciding which shade will be right.

Ysl had foundations out recently. I was able to try 2 different shades of samples. Very good. Try them.

Definitely ask. I asked for samples in Debenhams, House of Fraser and Boots when I was on my last foundation hunt. I got Dior, Clinique, MAC (who also gave me a little tester of their new perfume too) and YSL ones. I liked the Dior but not the colour and they gave me a sample of a lighter shade which I then bought. It's a heck of a lot to pay for something that you then don't like and those I asked were fine about it.

I swear by Chanel perfection lumiere - they give you a proper colour match at the counter and a sample to try. It's about £30 but lasts ages as one squirt is enough, try big boots or house of Fraser/John Lewis

Bloody fucking hate having to ask. It's like asking for their firstborn.
They never have any and I feel stupid.
YSL, I'm talking of you.
I will stick to my cheap Healthy Mix Serum mixed with Strobe Cream or Nars Orgasm Highligher.