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Original poster

Fell for hard sell at Charlotte Tilbury…

192 replies

Sandyshandy · 31/10/2025 08:45

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!!

OP posts:
AppleDumplingWithCustard · 01/11/2025 16:47

Sandyshandy · 01/11/2025 06:51

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.

Show quote history

Sure, but that’s them choosing to. They don’t legally have to refund on any purchases that aren’t faulty and that includes clothes.

Original poster
Sandyshandy · 01/11/2025 17:05

AppleDumplingWithCustard · 01/11/2025 16:47

Sure, but that’s them choosing to. They don’t legally have to refund on any purchases that aren’t faulty and that includes clothes.

Show quote history

And your point is….

OP posts:
fortinbra · 01/11/2025 20:27

TheFormidableMrsC · 01/11/2025 09:54

I was a beauty consultant many years ago for a premium brand in a London department store . The pressure is intense to sell and targets are high. By all means have buyers regret and return the items (you absolutely can return unopened items to CT without any issue), but don’t complain about a (probably young) woman doing her job. That is really unpleasant and unnecessary. I’ve seen people have the confidence knocked out of them because of petty complaints. You could have said no and been clear about what you actually wanted and that’s a lesson learned. I don’t think twice about a firm no if I’m having a browse of products or want to try something that I may not buy, however, I am polite and do it with a smile because I remember how I felt when I was doing that job.

Bit of an overreaction this. There's nothing to suggest the OP wasn't polite.

TheFormidableMrsC · 01/11/2025 22:56

fortinbra · 01/11/2025 20:27

Bit of an overreaction this. There's nothing to suggest the OP wasn't polite.

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Eh? I didn’t say she wasn’t. Overreaction? I was just giving a perspective as an employee doing that job. Bit of a weird response frankly.

spoonbillstretford · 04/11/2025 03:57

TeaRoseTallulah · 01/11/2025 13:38

Yet that hasn't ever been my experience.

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And it doesn't mean you shouldn't at least find out what the policy is or ask. Which the OP did, all sorted.

IDontHateRainbows · 04/11/2025 04:31

SecretSantaz · 01/11/2025 10:41

For the posters who used to make make up consultants @TheFormidableMrsC did you have to look very 'made up' to do the job?

I buy some high end make up and often feel 'judged' if I'm dashing in to look at something, dressed in clothes for outdoors and the shop is boiling, and feel some assts look down on you- as they are all preened and glam.

Most the assts look very 'overdone' and I think many of us feel intimidated by this.

They are make up consultants they're not gonna be turning up to work with no makeup.in a hoodie and hair pulled back in a scrunchie!

Cherrytree86 · 04/11/2025 08:06

vickylou78 · 01/11/2025 10:11

I've been using this and it's brilliant. It's expensive but it lasts a long time as you only use a small amount.

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@vickylou78

there aren’t many shade options …

Cherrytree86 · 04/11/2025 08:08

Sandyshandy · 01/11/2025 17:05

And your point is….

Show quote history

@Sandyshandy

ah if only you could have been this assertive and to the point at the CT counter, eh OP?

AlexaBeQuiet · 04/11/2025 08:42

NorthFaceofthelaundrypile · 31/10/2025 09:35

I Love the Chanel cream bronzer in a big tub. It’s spendy - wait until it’s on offer somewhere. But you will get change from what you spent on the Charlotte Tilbury!
But it gives skin a lovely glowy finish, that’s not sparkly and the tub lasts forever!

On offer in John Lewis 😉

vickylou78 · 04/11/2025 10:30

Cherrytree86 · 04/11/2025 08:06

@vickylou78

there aren’t many shade options …

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I think that's why it's so good, it is very light coverage and kind of blends with your skin tone. It's cones out of tube white and takes on a tint as you rub in.

Roseandviolin · 06/11/2025 14:07

Agree, Korean skincare and make up products are brilliant

FancyLimePoet · 06/11/2025 22:07

Roseandviolin · 06/11/2025 14:07

Agree, Korean skincare and make up products are brilliant

Eborian is actually French! Owned by l'occitane, but I do love it all the same!

ArtSandwich · 06/11/2025 22:16

Their mascara made my lashes fall out!

Ive been really disappointed with everything ive ever had from CT so don’t ever entertain it anymore.

EgregiouslyOverdressed · 07/11/2025 10:02

FancyLimePoet · 06/11/2025 22:07

Eborian is actually French! Owned by l'occitane, but I do love it all the same!

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It was founded by a French beauty entrepreneur and Korean cosmetic scientist. It's French-owned but the formulations are very much Korean.

deeahgwitch · 07/12/2025 13:15

Is CT style over substance ?
I tried Pillow Talk lipstick. I look dead with it on.

IDontHateRainbows · 08/12/2025 19:07

deeahgwitch · 07/12/2025 13:15

Is CT style over substance ?
I tried Pillow Talk lipstick. I look dead with it on.

Very much so.

I like the beauty wand blusher things but that's about it.

NoMoreBrownSofas · 08/12/2025 19:45

I really like the CT lipstick!

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