Buying makeup...

[1hamwich4]

I want to buy some foundation. I don't want to talk to anyone and I want to try two or three different shades in actual daylight, in my own time, without anyone interrupting me with an opinion.

Ideally I'd like to go to a shop, buy a dollop of a couple of shades, take them home and try them out, on clean skin so I can work out which is best. Then I can go back and cough up some dollar for a full bottle.

Is there anywhere that does this? Or a shop on t'Internet that would sell me a few samples?

(Failing that, can anyone suggest a substitute for Prescriptives Flawless skin which I like but can't apparently buy any more?)

TIA

Bobbi Brown online offers free returns on foundations. It also has an online chat service so they might be able to advise on shades.

There are sites where you can buy foundation samples, think they're about £2 or £3 each. Alternatively, try the foundation matrix on temptalia if you remember your old shade.

I've found Estée Lauder are happy to give you (free) samples to take away which is good when you have too much month at the end of your money. The likelihood is in a shop you'll have to speak to someone to get them to decant samples though.

I've been given a tinted moisturiser sample to take away from Bobbi Brown. They gave it to me in a little clear plastic pot, enough for a couple of days. Definitely worth asking. I think it would also be acceptable to take along a little pot and use that

Go to Debenhams/John Lewis and ask for samples at bobbi brown, estee lauder, too faced etc. Or go to Mac, as they do it too. Most high end companies and more expensive brands are very willing to give you free foundation samples.

Every make up counter will do that, even No 7.

YSL do great dinky little pots with a wand in the lid so you can sample their foundations. Just ask for one and say you want to see how you get on with it before making what might be an expensive mistake. The sales assistants are very helpful in my experience , especially as the shade colours have recently changed.

Try Roses beauty store or the Sample Service for samples.

Roses
the sample service

Those sites are exactly what I'm looking for, thanks!

I don't understand why makeup ranges don't produce sample palettes every time they change colours. I'd happily cough up a tenner to try out new stuff on my own terms and it'd mean I'd probably buy more products from the same brand if I had the chance to play with all the colours.

I often buy samples on eBay. Last one was Max Factor one and it's still going strong 8 weeks later, it was HUGE, and only 3 quid.

I was going to suggest Bobbi Brown too. The Sales Assistants in both the Covent Garden and harrods stores were lovely.

I told them the name of the foundation I wanted to try and they colour matched me and gave me two sample pots to try at home. There was no pressure to buy.