16 Comments

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Saira Avatar

I tend to try out the products I buy when I get home. Occasionally, I might ask a sales advisor if they think it might suit my colouring, rather than trying things on. In general, I usually either pick something out (like an eyeshadow) on impulse in the shop that I like the look of and swatch it on my hand to to see if I like it or I have something in mind to get anyway that I think will be nice on.

I have tried blushers on in store from time to time, just to check if they suit my colouring and I do test foundation on my face to check I have the right colour but I don’t tend to try other products on.

Tina Avatar

If I can squeeze in, I’ll do some quick swatches on products that really catch my eye. Often times, there is someone who hovers over the display(s) and refuse to budge. LOL

Otherwise, I try it out in the comfort of my home. I end up loving what I purchase. Researching collections beforehand also helps me keep my MAC spending in check and avoid impulsive purchases.

HoneyBrown1976 Avatar

50/50! If I have the opportunity to test, I will. If I don’t, I take a gamble and try it at home, if it’s something I really want.

cloudburst Avatar

I swatch on the back of my hand – if it’s a colour I’m undecided on, I give it a try in the store. However, testers really gross me out, so I usually stick to trying MAC lipsticks & glosses, where you know they are fairly clean. Once in a while I’ll try eyeshadow but then I run home & wash it off as soon as possible!

Macaddict Avatar

I try everything I buy 1st! Even products and colors I loved when I saw on posters/other ppls’ swatches, etc… I ended up not liking on myself and vice-versa. Since I mainly buy MAC, and they sanitize their testers and provide disposable wands, I always try my lip products on my lips bc that’s the only way to know (it looks different on the skin of the hands, arms, etc). To me, that’s the final test: If I still like a product after I tried it on myself, then, I know for sure I’m buying it (I haave never returned a product bc I feel bad to return once I used it so I’m “stuck” with it forever!>>>).

IZzySA Avatar

Never. I had a nasty Bacterial infection from back surgery so I am now an official germophobe.. I buy it and then test it. It usually works since I know what works on me by now.

Frances Avatar

Yes, definitely! Makeup counters in my country don’t have a returns policy, unless you’re allergic to it. I actually prefer it that way. It makes me more careful about the things I do buy, and keeps the cost of cosmetics reasonable. I read in a few reports that MAC had to increase its prices to cover its liberal returns policy.

I always check out the things I want to buy on makeupalley.com and temptalia.com as well as some other blogs. That way I always end up really liking the stuff I purchase.

Where would I be without your amazing blog, Christine? 🙂

Chynna Avatar

Half and half for me really. Here in Canada, there’s not a lot of beauty supply or specialty stores, but in drugstores, nearly every beauty product has a tester, unlike in America. I’ll test if I’m curious, but if I’m planning in advance to buy, I go onto makeupalley.com and read the reviews.

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