samples from MAC counters/stores in UK

[cloverette]

hi,

i was wondering what kind of samples MAC counters/stores in the UK give out to customers?

the other day i asked for a sample of a pigment from a store, and i got it on the spot. when i asked at a counter, i was told they didn't do samples at all. today, at a different store (which is PRO) i was told they didn't do pigment samples, but i got a sample of strobe cream.
so, it seems to me as though MAC doesn't give out pigment samples?! is that right?

what samples can you ask for from MAC counters/stores?

btw- i bought stuff each time!

 

[ruby_soho]

It varies between locations, not just in the UK. I get pigment samples at the Montreal pro store, and also at the Ottawa Rideau counter. One MA in Ottawa said she wasn't supposed to give them out but did for me anyway, two other MA's never mentioned not being able to. They're not really supposed to give them out because of all the MAC samples sold on Ebay, sometimes people actually are selling samples of their personal pigments, but people could just keep asking for samples from MAC and sell those. It depends on the MA, what you buy and stuff like that. All other products you can definitely get samples for, except for probably liners and pressed powders (unless they scrape some off).

 

[cloverette]

thanks ruby

i definitely do not want to sell my samples (never used ebay or anything like it before!), but i can undertand if they think that way. i mean, there's no way i could prove to them that i wouldn't sell a sample!

so, do you think i should just try my luck & ask a different MA each time i go to a MAC counter/store?
and if i understand correctly, all MAC counters/stores will give out samples; but only few will give out pigment samples?

i know it sounds cheeky- but since i spend so much money on MAC items, i would also like to get some samples every once in a while. it also gives me the chance to try out new things/colors...

 

[Hikaru-chan]

It really depends on the counter, I don't usually ask for samples for myself as I buy what I want anyway but I asked for a sample of Lovely Lily pigment for my sister and they gave it to me but the MA did say she wasn't supposed to.

 

[user2]

I think it really depends on the MA as well...if she's a bitch and all like that she wont give you a sample....a MA told me that I can't get a sample because I can try the pigments at the counter and she sees no use why I should take them home with me!

 

[baby_love]

every time I go to the pro store, they give me samples, but at the counters they only give samples if they have the pigments out on display, I've never even asked but I heard an MA say that to someone else.

 

[noahlowryfan]

if i get a sample, i would never sell them because i am not an ebay addict who would sell anything on ebay. i would use my sample just to try out the product so i can decide if i should buy it or not. i'm not the type of person who just gets samples to sell.

 

[Chic 2k6]

i got my first pigment sample on Thurs in Bath and the MA didnt mention that she wasnt allowed to, she was very nice gal, she even gave me two little empty jars to put my broken e/s into

 

[Lalli]

Ive always been offered samples when im not sure what color to buy as with foundations and skin care, the ma's are nice here

 

[xSazx]

I'd feel way too cheeky asking for samples haha ;x, even though I'm dying to at the time!

 

[madkitty]

oooohhhh gonna try tonight - Id love samples to drool over and make my wish list bigger!

 

[Silent]

I bought two e/s and one fluidline at the MAC counter in Newcastle, and asked for a sample of studio fix fluid and hyper real, so I could compare them on my skin. The SA gave me them in little decanted pots they seemed to have precisely for samples, without even batting an eyelid. I'm not sure what the deal is with pigments, but I got very generous samples, enough for 4 full face applications.

 

[Chic 2k6]

Ive asked for samples in both Bristol MAC and at Birmingham Freestanding MAC and the MAs who served me wouldnt give me a sample

so i had to buy a full size Fuschia Pigment and i wanna know what Melon and Golden Olive pigment is like

 

[miss_emc]

I'm in London and whenever i've asked for a sample at a store they've had no hesitation in giving them to me, but i've always bought something when i've asked. I haven't gone as far as asking for a pigment sample yet, i just don't want them to think i'm going to start selling them on ebay or something.

Has anyone asked for a pigment sample in any of the London stores?

 

[Desigirl]

I asked for a foundation sample at my local counter, Brent Cross, and she told me MAC didn't do foundation samples!

 

[neeshie]

i'm local to brent x too, and i've always gotten samples there...maybe its because they know i buy and buy and buy

 

[txt_eva]

I don't get any samples... i got a (tiny) foundation one once but that was it...

 

[miss_amy]

I've never asked for a sample, but I was given a SFF one when I went into buy it and they were out of stock. It was enough to keep me going till they got it in!

 

[DaizyDeath]

Mac does give out samples or else why the heck would they make sample jars? haha

As far as i know their only supposta give out sample of skincare and foundation items since people most like to test those throughout the day to see if they get allergic reactions.. so on.

As far as pigments and other things theirs really no reason for samples you can just swatch it on your hand and see how the color looks.

i just think at some places the MA's get confused with all the different rules and regulations since thiers alot of them.

 

[Wannabe Junkie]

Has anyone ever managed to get samples from the counter at Harvey Nicks in Leeds? I'd really like to try a few different bits out like the pigments but I'm too shy to ask!