Samples vs. the Experience Center

Cherelynn Baker is a contributing writer for Earth 911. Become an Earth 911 contributor.

If you have never gone to the department store cosmetic counter and asked for a “sample,” then you can stop reading this now.

Since we are all still reading, I want to share with you about the expensive cost of free samples vs. the amazing money saving, service-enhanced, greater results and benefits of using the “experience” center.

Samples are expensive for your time, your effort based on the results you get plus the trips of gas used and emissions released into the atmosphere for a wee packet of stuff to try.

Samples are not as strong as the actual bottle of product you are looking to buy. Samples are one-time use packets that are thrown away and contain non-biodegradable cosmetic products that further fill the dumps on the outside of cities everywhere.

Our Earth goal is to use-reuse-recycle and when it comes to beauty and cosmetics, my goal is to help you shop smarter while making better choices about the items you choose.

Here’s where it gets good and what we can do as consumers and citizens of Earth to do our part in keeping things clean and green.

If you do get a sample, get it in a container that can be washed and re-used for another purpose. If you are going shopping and know that you are going to need a reusable container, then take your own snack baggy for a to-go squirt because many makeup counters don’t have fillable sample cups.

Now for your best case scenario: the “experience” center!

Follow these steps to get your highest level of satisfaction in makeup shopping:

1. Go clean-faced if possible so you can try the product on yourself

2. Walk outside of the store to see the product in a different light besides overhead fluorescent. (I am convinced men design the cosmetic stores because they don’t have lighting conducive to makeup!)

3. Use the knowledge of the counter girl. Yes, she is there to sell you something, it’s her job. She is also there to provide ingredient knowledge in case you have a sensitivity to something, and also show you how to apply what you are looking for.

4. NEVER SAMPLE MASCARA . . . spoolie or no spoolie, you never know who came before you and wiped the wand on their eye and put it back into the tube. Buy the formulation you are interested in, keep the receipt and the box it came in and if it doesn’t work for you, return it within 30 days for a credit, exchange or cash back.

Plus it just makes a piece of plastic covered in non biodegradable toxic petrochemicals that can’t be reused or recycled.

5. Experience the shades of colors from light to dark. Meaning if you like the beige lipstick and the red, please put the beige on first.

6. To get the most out of the experience center, the cosmetic counter or the event that is being promoted in-store, please call the store ahead of time and make an appointment to meet with the makeup artist. These appointments are usually free, though may sometimes require a purchase (again, keep your box and receipt).

Finally, as you venture into the experience center, please be conscious of cleanliness. The best time to go is early in the morning, and not on the weekend when it is busiest and sanitizing can wane on the part of the people working there. Remember to see the artist cleaning the brush they are using on you, or using a disposable wood spatula or cotton applicator.

Toss sample-using out! Enjoy the experience center and pick the brain of the makeup artist, because they love it!

For more information on getting a green face and loving it, please contact Cherelynn Baker at www.makeupuniversity.com.