This happened a while ago, but didn't think about mentioning it until now. But I bought a Lancome mascara for about 22 dollars for a backup. I went home, thought about it, and decided that 22 was too much for a mascara since they don't last anyway so I'll just stick with drugstore ones. I made sure that I didn't open it at all even though I was tempted to because I was under the impression that if any air got traped into the tube then it would 1) be contaminated and 2) dry out the mascara. Also, because I believe Lancome resells the makeup unlike MAC where they just throw it away no matter what. So when I went to go return it, the beauty advisor asked me "Did you use this?" and while she said it she opened the box and opened the tube. I was thinking ahhh well it wouldn't matter now would it?

So, my question is, was she wrong for opening the tube or is it okay and still sellable? Or were they going to damage it out anyway no matter what? I'm not really aware of what other counters do with their returns. I just assumed that MAC was one of the few that would not sell returns no matter what.

I'm not familiar with Lancome's policy, but most counters "corporate" policy is to damage out all returns. I wonder what she thought she was going to find by opening the tube during your return? :confused:

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my cousin used to work at a lancome counter in boston, and her co-worker would ask the customers the same type of question and swipe it to use herself, so it have been just for her own personal use

They get to keep the returns!?

there is a way used to check if a lip gloss has been used by opening the tube and pulling the wand up just far enough to see the area just below the lid.

lip gloss that has been used will have very visible product residue at the top of the wand (near the lid) - this is caused by product getting caught on the lip inside the tube (the bit that removes the excess product from the applicator) when someone pulls out the applicator and then puts it back. you can clean the wand, but if there's any product left on the inside of the lip the wand will show residue the next time the tube is opened.

it's possible that the same applies to mascara - but i can't confirm this as i don't have a brand new mascara on me to check the theory. i know that my used mascaras definitely have product at the top of the wand near the lid.

if it does apply to mascara - this could be why the SA opened it up? although, if she pulled the whole wand out it's just technically made it not "brand new".

i have no idea if this test is 100% accurate, as it's possible sometimes a gloss might leak a bit. i might have to pay better attention and test it out... and test my mascara.

No, you're right. And you are also right that it's probably not an exact science. And to answer an above question, yes, at many counters you get to keep the returns, but only if your manager and AE are REALLY nice to you.

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Chrunchlettes? I have chrunchlettes??

i work at clinique and we could in theory keep returns i guess, but really; why risk it??? you have NO idea what people could have done to the product, so why would you want to put in on yourself??

and as for the SA asking if you've used it; in reality; she could've tried to sell it again; there's no reason for that though; because no department store wants you selling returned product if it's opened at all; it's completely unhygenic...you wouldn't want la perla selling you returned lingerie, right? well, same thing applies to makeup! i don't want to ever think that if i go out and shell out the money for prestige cosmetics that there's a chance that i'm getting someone else's returned goods! eeww!!