Why Are Stores Pushing Us to Buy and Return?

I stopped in at Sephora and Lush this weekend.  I need a new face scrub.  The conversation went something like this:

Me: I'm looking for a very gentle face exfoliator for sensitive skin.  Can I get a sample of this so I can try it and see if it agrees with my skin?

Sales Associate: Did you know that you can buy the product and then return it if you don't like it? 

Me: Yes, but I think that's really wasteful, so I prefer to just try a sample and then come back and buy it if it works for my skin.

Sales Associate: [insert dirty look] I guess I can get you a sample.

Stores are pushing customers to buy products that may not be appropriate for them and then give them the option of returning that product (usually in 30 days).  While that may seem like a great idea to you, resist the urge.  Because how likely are you to remember to return to that store and get a refund?  Next thing you know, you've got a drawer full of crap you don't need or use.  And it's all going bad.

My skin has been so sensitive lately that I've had to be very choosy about skin care or I get red splotches - not at all attractive.  So I have had to take samples of every face product I am considering getting and use it on my face for a couple of days to see if my skin is ok wth it.  Hence the request for samples. 

And the sad part is that they have to toss the products you return.  But the company still has to make money.  So they hike up the prices.  Which means that we all end up paying for this ridiculously bad sales strategy.

I refuse to buy 5 $30+ face scrubs, only to return 4 of them later. 

So give me the samples and stop selling me stuff I don't need.  And save the dirty looks. I'm not easily intimidated.

Have you had someone tell you to buy and then return?

I Want That!

I spent this evening watching James Bond and e-shopping.  I found some great goodies.  If only I had a pocket full of cash!

The Coach Julia Leather Op Art Perry Tote.  Such a great color that can be worn all year.  I have been looking for a tote for quite some time, and this one fits the bill.

Every time I go into a store that sells Zoya polish, I look for Cassi.  I love the way this one looks in swatches.  Too bad no one carries it.  If I ever order directly from Zoya, Cassi will be first on the list!

The Wetnoz Ultra bowl and stand are so perfect and sleek looking.  I love that the bowl has a higher back so that the food doesn't go flying.  I also love the stand - Missy Kitty has a cleft palette and it's much easier for her to eat when her bowl is raised.  This combo is EXACTLY what I've been looking for.

I need some new pajama pants as all mine are looking a bit tattered and faded.  How cute are these ones from Life is Good??

Did you know that Sophie Kinsella's real name is Madeleine Wickham?  Did you know she wrote books under that name?  I didn't!  I.Must.Read.These.  I love her.

I love these wedges by Sofft - who make THE MOST COMFORTABLE shoes I've ever owned.  I need these super cute wedges for summer.

How is it that I still don't own the doggie charm from Pandora?  I'll tell you how - it's always sold out!

I missed out on MAC's Hipness blush with the Fafi collection.  It's getting repromoted with the 'To The Beach' Collection.  I'll have to pick it up.  It's a great coral blush that will be perfect for that summer glowy look everyone's always talking about.

At some point I'll be redoing my bedroom.  And I've got my eye on the Mendocino bed frame from the Pottery Barn.

What are your favorite e-shopping finds?

Such Pretty Jewelry

 I make my own jewelry (I plan on doing some tutorials soon), so I'm always on the lookout for inspiraton.  I was e-window shopping today, and here's what I found:

Oh Anthropologie, how I love thy jewelry!

Where's your favorite place for jewelry?

I Have to Finish......Before I Try......

Do you sometimes see a review of a product and then are DYING to try it, even if you already have something similar?  Lately I've been trying to be really thoughtful of what I buy when I'm makeup shopping.  I don't want to have stuff sitting around unused.  Here is my list of things I have to use up and things I want to try:

I am currently using Mac Bronzer in Golden.  I like it - it's very sheer and the color very natural on my beige undertoned skin.  But when that's done, I'm getting NARS Laguna Bronzer because I have seen so many rave reviews and I really like the formula of NARS blushes.

I am about 1/2 way through my Too Faced Shadow Insurance.  It works well, but it's starting to separate. When I use it a bit of oily goo comes out before the product.  When it's done, I am buying Urban Decay Primer Potion, which apparently does not grab the shadow and does not separate.

Sadly, I have 1 and 1/2 of MAC's Brow Pencil in Lingering to get through (I got a backup at the CCO).  I like the formula of the pencil, but the color has too much reddish brown in it, so it doesn't blend perfectly with my brows.  It's just an OK color match.  I need something that is a cooler brown, and from what I've seen when I swatched it at my local counter, Shu Uemura's Seal Brown Brow Pencil fits the bill.

I love CoverGirl Lash Blast mascara so much I am currently on my 5th tube.  But for some reason, I can't fully commit.  Next mascara I want to try (due to some positive reviews, of course) is Rimmel's Sexy Curves.

What are you trying to finish before you switch?  What is on your wish list when you do?