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

Thanks everyone. I went to Boots and managed to get a sample of "Invisible" foundation from Estee Lauder. Not very helpful sales assistant wasn't keen on giving it to me and tried to offer me a very orange "medium/warm" shade (I'm fair/cool) but I got a little vial in the end. Tried it last night and it seems quite nice.

YSL said they'd run out of samples but I could try again later in the week.

Didn't have time to try Chanel, Clarins or Clinique.

coffeeinbed is that Bourjois Healthy Mix one nice? I've read good things about it in online reviews. I tried some on my hand in Boots and it looked good but I was a bit put off by the strong fragrance. I've got sensitive skin and thought it might not react well.

I really like Lancome's Teint Idole 24hr. It gives a nice glow to the skin.

IME Lancome and E Lauder will give you little bottles after a colour match session. Clarins has sachets- just ask. Bobbi Brown has sachets but they like to colour match anad won't always offer samples unless you ask. Clinique will fill a little bottle of your own if you ask and sometimes have samples but mainly only new products. Chanle has samples and sometimes tiny mini compacts if it's a creme-powder type foundaiton. I can't use Chanel because the colour range is so limited and it's all too dark.
Currently using B Brown Moisturising foundation which I like, seconded by Clarins Extra Firming. Had samples for all Lauder and didn't like- colour was not right on me.

If they don't have any samples then they can either decant some into a small tub or bottle (maybe take one with you in case they've run out of them too!!) or go in in the morning and ask them to apply it to your skin. Then you can wear it all day and see how you get on.

Why is it that the counter staff look at you as if 'oh my god she just wants freebies' '?
I feel so embarrassed now.
Does anyone know that feeling?

This thread is five years old 🙄

Still pretty relevant though. I find YSL and Lancome good for samples. The YSL lady was lovely and the Lancome one pretty condescending and pushing me to make a follow up appt. Clarins gave me a piffly little sachet to try, and wanted to sign me up for some event (hard sell) they'd got coming up.

I want to try the new Clinique one, but otherwise will be buying from YSL, purely for the fact that they put me at my ease and I'd be happy going back for follow up advice. When will sales people learn that pushy doesn't create customer loyalty!

Space nk are good
I went in to buy a product that was sold out yesterday and by way of an apology they were chucking samples at me.
She was a particularly nice sales assistant though.

Go to SpaceNK. Actually decent samples (a few days' worth) and they'll colour match you properly instead of giving you a telly tan.

Space NK are great, or have a makeover at Bobbi Brown. I have heard great things about Armani's foundation; my sister had great service from Armani in Fenwick, Bond St.

Alternatively, I've noticed Beauty Pie has just started selling 4 samples of their Everyday Great Skin Foundation for £2, full price for 30ml of their foundations is £4.60 - 5.50 (lower price for the mineral serum foundation), but you have to pay £10 pm to buy them at this price - have a look at the website. I have used shade 200, Buttermilky. To give you an idea of the colour, I have also used Bobbi Brown intensive serum foundation in warm ivory (summer) and porcelain (winter) or Chanel Vitalumiere in 20/ Clair (Beauty Pie is less yellow than Chanel Clair).

Chanel is very yellow IME.