Fell for hard sell at Charlotte Tilbury…

[Sandyshandy]

and feeling a bit like I’ve been robbed.
I never normally make impulse purchases.

I just wanted a bronzer or some sort of glowy powder and a lip tint to look a bit less corpse like.

I asked for advice and explained that I only normally use soap and spf. Somehow ended up with layers of stuff - a cream, a primer, some sort of shiny stick thing. Lip liner and lip balm. I did look better tbf but would never use all this. I asked if the cream was comedogenic and she said no. She was forceful and made me feel rather stupid (ridiculous I’m nearly 50!). Ended up buying the magic cream, magic lip balm and lip liner. £78, I feel robbed!!

Then came home and read reviews…. apparently the cream is comedogenic (glycerol styerate?). The lip balm- £28, but I already have lanolips which I love!! All unopened - should I just return? Is it actually worth it? Are there cheaper alternatives? I didn’t even get the bronzer which made the most difference!!

Is there not something like a "cooling off period" regarding the refund?

I’m going to go completely against the grain here. I recently tried CT for the first time, I wanted a new eyeshadow and lipstick and the sales assistant was helpful at helping me choose - no hard sell, just a good chat and a laugh while I was looking. She mentioned the magic cream but she wasn’t pushy at all. I love the products I’ve brought and would definitely buy again.

Agreed! She’s so unbelievably fake, I don’t understand how sensible grown women fall for it.

Plus the packaging looks like 80’s Constance Carrol makeup from the £ shop.

I have had lots of Charlotte Tilbury products over the years. I knew someone who worked there so would get discounted samples.
I really do rate some of the products, which I still buy now:
Magic cream
Mascara Exagger-eyes
Setting spray
Shimmer eye shadow (for when I am going out out)
Lipsticks

JL website says make up can be returned as long as unopened.

If it was a clothing item no one would bat an eyelid if I’d mentioned returning it - funny that some people think that unopened make up is different.

🤣🤣🤣 I am just an ignorant peasant and not worthy to visit the altar of Charlotte Tilbury.

I think that’s what caught me out - I normally use Lancome (best mascara ever) or Chanel in the same shop and they are super helpful, don’t make me feel stupid and have never, ever tried to ‘up sell’ . Been going there for many years. I guess their stuff sells itself. They have always seemed to understand that some people do only wear a small amount of makeup (but that doesn’t mean the small amount has to be cheap). I actually went to CL because I thought it looked cheaper and had heard people talking about it. It was such a contrast to other brands in the same store!

I feel like you have problems with asserting yourself, you cold of time the women you didn’t want to try these products or that you still wanted to explore other things. At the end of the day she was doing her job and showing what she’s meant too etc, take some accountability and acceptance around this. No is a world you can use. Yes there on commission and if you went along with it she probs thought you were happy to buy anyway. As plenty of times people say no! Honestly love you need to tough up.

Yes, obviously, Canny. I’m actually the opposite of a push over which is why I’m annoyed to have fallen for her spiel- annoyed with myself (I didn’t actually realise they worked on commission (v stupid)). And disappointed with the contrast with the normal level of service. Glad I did try the cream though so that I realised how greasy it made my skin before opening the pot I’d bought. She also didn’t have a pot the size I bought to show me despite asking - I now suspect it’s very, very small.

Go to Superdrug, it's far more budget friendly and you won't be so overwhelmed.
The makeup sections are excellent, there are always testers and you can try out products without breaking the bank. You may have a more relaxing experience!
Just put this down to experience.

I actually agree that the Charlotte Tilbury flawless filter is excellent. I use it every day and then just put a bit of laura geller powder over the top....no foundation/concealer and always get complimented on my skin. I do wonder whether the L'Oréal Glotion would be just as good though and significantly cheaper......

As a makeup artist I find Charlotte tilbury …meh! I dont have any of it my kit. Try the Danessa Myricks blurring balm

Sounds like you made the mistake we all make at some point in our lives and got sucked in by the sparkly things. Try to return and chalk it up to experience.

If you are looking for something to give your skin that glow. I would recommend investing in skincare actually. I really like Nip + Fab but have a look for something that suits you. Then you need minimal make up.

I bought eyeliner from CT and loved the shade and how well it went on. Unfortunately it doesn’t sharpen very well, so i probably won’t explore the line further

I have a few Charlotte Tilbury stuff, all very nice and what I was expecting. Staff very nice and helpful, but not pushy or hard sell, nice customer service as always at John Lewis. I find YSL at Boots are quite pushy and judgmental when I turn diwn what'sbeing pushed on me (but who cares)

@Sandyshandy I think there is a difference between online and in-person shopping. I'm not aware that J Lewis say you can return make up (I'll check that out .)

Did you buy it at J Lewis?

They don't offer 'credit notes' as some poster said.
They might offer a voucher but ...

A few years ago I had a hassle over getting a refund for some unworn shoes that were out of the 30-day return but were still in stock and on display at their stores

. Eventually the asst agreed to a voucher which was fine but it was hard work to get that agreement!

I can't stand the way CT advertises and all her 'darling' stuff.

BTW @Sandyshandy I used Lancome mascara for years and years. I went onto Loreal Panorama and it's better. Builds as well, last much longer and doesn't start to flake off as Hypnose did and it's about £12.

I bought the CT fixing spray only used it 3 times my skin has broke out really bad !! I didn’t realise it wasn’t suitable for acne prone skin such a waste of money x

If it’s any comfort, I was expecting the total to be much more than £78!

I really like some CT products although I’m not a fan of her signature full face. Magic Cream makes a fantastic make-up base on me but not for every day. Flawless Filter is genuinely brilliant and none of the dupes compare.

I haven’t tried the Drunk Elephant drops but I am devoted to the Glow Recipe niacinamide Hue Drops. From a skincare point of view, you’ll get the glowy look you want if you start cleansing with a simple balm cleanser and flannel, introduce a gentle AHA / BHA exfoliant like a glycolic toner (the Ordinary is good) and use a brightening niacinamide serum before moisturiser.

It has been mentioned a couple of times up thread but Erborian CC cream £19 for 15ml and would be worth a punt and you can find it in Boots.

I used Erborian CC cream Anti Red as I have permanent red cheeks and not in a good way. It has honestly blown me away with how good it looks at covering my redness. Lots of videos on youtube on it. I top it with Elf Poreless Putty Primer which is £11 and I leave it at that. No foundation but if I do I use Laura Geller Baked because I am over 50.

@Sandyshandy Is your house full
of stuff you don’t want? Honestly, walk on by.

Try the ELF power grip setting spray. It is far, far cheaper and I think it's excellent (along with the power grip primer).

Return the lot and if asked for a reason say that you felt you were pressured into buying and it wasn't what you wanted. Take a friend to back you up if you feel nervous. Don't buy anything else from that counter, go elsewhere.

How did you get all 3 for that money? Were they the mini ones?

'sone sort of shiny stick thing'. Why did you buy something you apparently didn't even look at properly?! (Also intrigued that you know what co-whatever means but can't identify normal make up items)

I can't believe you want to complain that a saleswoman sold you stuff. You have buyers remorse, that's fine, but it's on you not her!

I find CT amazing for me. Great quality too.
I am quite specific about what I buy from them though. Lip liner (one shade) and glossy lipstick (two shades), Flawless Filter, Contour Wand and setting spray That's it.
I find their sales people really helpful, not pushy at all.

Not all cosmetic brands accept returns but if you're unhappy ask to return it. If it's a "no", so be it.

Nothing worse than expensive impulse buys. We have all done it. Good luck.

Thankyou !!!! I have heard urban decay is super good as well x