October 25, 2014

How many of us have had this situation happen? You’re at the makeup counter, you’re not loving what the sales person has put on you but you smile and say “Oh, yes, you’re right, that looks pretty” or “Yes, I see the change in xyz” and are thinking the entire time “This is not for me, get it off my face now, please”. But the person is so nice and you are afraid of hurting their feelings so the next thing you know you have purchased it? Sound familiar? No? Well then bless your heart you are a stronger person than I am. I have fallen victim to this situation I don’t know how many times. I come home and say “Why did I buy this?”. I feel bad because 1. I think that person is the expert and 2. they have often spent so much time with me I feel that I need to purchase something. Friends, learn from my mistakes. This only leads to a sad bag of unused, resentful makeup you look at everyday and say “Why?” and become angry every time you see it. Or maybe that’s just me.

Don’t be afraid to say no. Don’t be afraid to say what you’re really feeling as long as it is polite. Saying something like “I want to see how it looks in different lights” or “let me think about it” is a perfectly good thing to say someone. Yes, sometimes these people are pushy (they might work on commission) but remember that it is your money, not theirs that is being taken into consideration. Don’t get into the mindset     “its only x dollars, so I won’t worry about it” because you could have saved that or purchased something you were really happy with. Remember, we work too darn hard to purchase things we are only half-hearted about it. When you have this experience, walk away or be polite and say no.

For those of you who just can’t, I understand. That’s why return policies are for! I would rather have you return something you hate than keep something that will be unused and wasted. Remember this: You can return almost anything. That’s right. Not sure? Ask what the store’s return policy is. Most department stores will have policies like you need to return unopened with the receipt. Sephora has an amazing return policy. Even if you don’t have the receipt you can return it (used or unused) for store credit, how great is that? When I worked there, we never even questioned a return – it would just get thrown into a box of half-used products. Also something I want you to think about – department stores are not the only ones who have great policies – CVS, Target, Walmart and Walgreens are right there with them. I know what you ‘re thinking- things are so cheap why would you return it. Well, prices are going up at big box and drug stores. Mascara is up to $15 with foundation at the same price. Lipstick is $9 as well as nail polish. That’s no chump change, at least not to me. Bought the wrong color or hate the product? You can return it, as long as you have kept the receipt. Don’t be afraid – those stores offer lower prices than the department and specialty stores but you are unable to try out the products so you have to make the best guess you can.

My point to all this is I want you to be happy with what you have purchased. Whichever option is right for you is fine, just please don’t keep the product. Remember I’m there with you – either saying no thank you or driving across town to avoid the seeing the original sales person who sold you the product so you don’t hurt their feelings when you return it 🙂

Happy Returns!

Maureen