Clinique.... grrr

[KumquatandCustard]

Just posting for a bit of a rant really :)

2 weeks ago went to Clinique counter in Boots (in Worcester, name and shame!) to ask about the Even Better foundation, the young girl working there gave me a sample to try. I went back a week later to ask for a sample of the Anti Redness foundation to try, as the Even Better didn't cover up all the broken veins on my face :( .Anyway after trying this preferred the Even Better, but colour wasn't right so went back today to ask if she could recommend a different colour in the Even Better to try - well she was so rude "Oh, you've had lots of samples!" Well, no actually 2 different foundations. but, still not happy with the colour to which she replied "I've got no sample pots left, you'll have to go next door to Debenhams " I hadn't actually asked for another sample just some advice on what colour would be best....grrrr She couldn't get rid of me quick enough - I felt like a naughty child, If I'm paying £24 for a foundation I want it to be right.

Please answer me truthfully was I being excessive in having 2 different samples ??

Why is the British attitude to samples never to give them out? I'm sure in America they have the more reasonable view that if a customer can try something and likes it, then they are much more likely to buy; if they try something and don't like it, then no harm done and no returns/complaints to process, etc. I suspect that UK counter staff see samples as one of their perks and only give them to their friends, each other... I wonder if the American head offices are aware of this UK attitude that any customer who wants a sample is a tightwad who is on the grab?

I'm so glad it's not just me :) I've got a drawer load of foundation that just doesn't look quite right, so getting a sample that I can try on at home and see how it looks in different lights and how long it lasts is important.

Death had a snigger at your comment about asking for the head of their first born child :) got to say that is exactly how she looked at me as well.

Isthis Oh, we were both prowling around Worcester :) I was there Saturday - I was the grumpy looking one!!

The daft thing is I'm just coming up to 50 so thought I would revamp all my skincare and makeup, I'll be spending quite a lot and I was quite happy to buy it all from one counter - I did say to consultant I'd be choosing what I want to buy now and then get it in March when they've got "Bonus Time" - makes me think of the film "Pretty Woman" she made a "big big mistake" :)

I'm a massive Clinique fan but have noticed where I live the consultants don't give out samples any more which is a shame. I went to Debenhams this weekend and brought two items and got the Bonus Time offer. I do this three times a year and it works out I spend 100 a year on all skin care and makeup which I think is pretty good.

OP, I was there the previous Sat, and, like you felt like an update on my make up.

I also popped into House of Fraser to get a sample of a Chanel foundation, she was relucant to give me some, so I sat in the chair, had my make up removed and the foundation of choice applied - it looked ok I suppose, but I couldn't really tell as she also removed my eyebrow pencil and I looked like I just woken up (not good) -plus when I got home I seemed to have turned an unusual shade of yellow, I asked DH what he thought his words "you don't exactly look healthy" told me all I needed to know.

So I am sticking with my Max Factor Age renew (which I rate and now realise there was nothing wrong with!!)

Debenhams has a Bonus Time on now

Crumbs, "Isthis I also tried to get a sample of the Chanel Vitaluminaire from House of Fraser, although this was last summer. Consultant was reluctant to give me some to try at home, in the end after 2 attempts she did finally give a tiny* bit.

It's really weird in normal life I'm quite confident, but once I go to these counters I end up feeling like a child - without sounding pathetic I really would just like a bit of friendly advice and a maybe a sample or two to try at home, I enjoy using makeup and like to try a keep abreast of the new trends (only the ones befitting a 49year old, though :) ) but they really seem to be interested in the "hard sell" then and there and not in the "long game" of building up a rapport with someone who could quite well turn out to be a loyal customer and also spend a lot of money with them.

I think I must give out the wrong vibes ! Perhaps I look like I only give my face a quick swill with water and carbolic soap and a dab over with a Max Factor Creme Puff :)

The issue of being sold foundations which fail to live up to their hype (whether that be the wrong colour, cause a reaction, or don't last on the skin) has been mentioned a lot lately on S&B. In the last 6 months I've complained to both Estee Lauder and Mac about products I had bought which were crap. In both instances I didn't have a receipt and both times I got a refund.

So if you've bought something recently and it was shit, by-pass the ladies on the counter and email the company directly, you'll probably get a better response. (Unless it's Illamasqua - they seem to be especially shite !)

I don't think you were unreasonable at all. I hate the sample stingyness at some counters.

The best counter I've found for samples in Armani, they are very generous with them. In fact I have a sample of under eye concealer which had already lasted a month and there is still some left. It's a good product so I will definitely purchase but the good customer service also helps.

Dior is good too. Last year I was in Debenhams having a bit of a sprayathon with the perfumes and the lady handed me a Dior mascara!

Well if you'd done it her way you'd be fifty quid lighter and still without the right foundation!

Glad it isn't just me :( Booked a skin consultation and makeover in Debenhams Clinique. At the time of booking the consultant took a £10 deposit from me and issued a gift card redeemable against any purchases after the consultation. And the appointment itself turned out to be not with the consultant, but with a new member of staff who put some pretty make up on me and was friendly and helpful, but just didn't know about the skincare products. Disappointed and surprised by this experience. I've got to persist with finding a set of products for my skin as it has gone downhill over the last few years. Not sure whether to try Clinique in John Lewis or go to a different brand altogether. Any advice much appreciated :-)

Zombie thread.

@BettySmut Zombie thread? Had to look that up to see what it meant! Thanks. Will start a new one!

I had this experience not long ago. At Clinique they put your details on their computer and when I asked for a foundation sample she looked up my name and saw that I had had a sample before and got narky about giving me one. I'm sorry but if I am spending money on make up I want to make sure its right for me, and that includes when I apply it myself and not just when someone applies it for me in the store under different lighting and with a brush which always makes the foundation look thicker.

All this about their allergy claims, how can you be allergic to something given in a sample pot that no one else has used? Boots No7 dish out samples without any questions and their make up is cheaper. Honestly, you'd think these Clinique assistants who refuse to give samples were parting with their own cash.

Having said that there is a very nice Clinique sales assistant in the Boots store in town where I live who is more than happy to give out samples. If they refuse to let you have a sample, then refuse to pay for their make up!

Go to Boots. Whatever you buy, if you react to it etc, they will exchange. Ive had a rough few years medication wise and my skin has been very sensitive. So, I've bought stuff and been able to return with receipt. Fantastic service.

Clinique is an American brand and in America, customer service is king. Clinique would be appalled at how you were treated. You should write to them. Of course you want the foundation right. The lady at the guerlain counter gave me tons of samples and she never said to me what that girl said to you. They don't allow you to return things if it isn't right once it's open so even more reason to get another sample.

Also trying it on in the store doesn't help me see if I like it or not. I need to be under my own lighting at home and sometimes I prefer to take a few selfies of it too just to be sure. 😋

A YouTuber I watched says she carries around a little sample pot in her purse just so they can't tell her they don't have any left! 😆 I sort of think I might do that too.

That girl was rude to you. She needs to be written up for that.