Today I am having a little rant! At the weekend I set out on mission to try and find a new foundation, I headed into town and my first stop was the Estée Lauder counter. I wanted to test out the Double Wear foundation as well as he Double Wear Light so at the counter tried a couple out on my hand to get a feel for the product. There were several assistants there who all basically ignored me and several other customers browsing. Whilst I don't want to be hounded at the make up counter a simple 'is there anything I can help you with?' really goes a long way. Then after trying to get the attention of one of the assistants attention who decided she would rather deal with another customer I gave up.
There are several other Estée Lauder counters where I live so I headed to check out another one. This time there was one assistant doing nothing who again acted like I didn't exist until I was able to work my way round the counter until I was basically in front of her and then ask to be matched. I think it was pretty obvious I was looking for some help and felt like a lot of assistants seem to act like customers are a bit of a nuisance. Once I had her attention she did match me to the Double Wear foundation but when I asked for a sample to test out at home she looked at me like I was trying to rob her! I don't know why anyone would spend £27 plus on an Estée Lauder foundation without having a sample to try first! In America it is commonplace to be given a sample to try something which here in the UK is a mission in itself. The woman didn't give me a sample and didn't give a reason as to why, instead she scribbled the name of match she had found for me on a bit of paper and sent me on my way. I must say I was pretty cross about the way I was treated, it seemed a bit like because I was't all dressed up then I shouldn't waste the time of the assistant and I got the distinct impression that she thought I couldn't afford any of the products I was asking about which is really a terrible attitude to have. Anyone should be able to try the products not just the people the assistants believe can afford them!
Finally I went to the Estée Lauder counter in Boots and finally found a great assistant at the counter. I had a quick look round as I did at the other counters then she asked if I needed any help. I told her what I was looking for (foundation for oily skin) and she suggested I try both the Double Wear and the Double Wear Light and immediately asked if I would like to be matched. I agreed and after having a nice chat she had matched me up and (without asking) given me samples of both to take home.
I left feeling pretty upset and cross about the whole situation. If I am thinking about spending such a lot of money then a little respect would be nice (even if I had no intention of buying anything manners cost nothing). The whole experience was rather stressful and I'm not really excited to try the samples I did manage to get as I feel the mission to get them rather put a bit of a dampener on things!
Phew. Rant over.
Obviously not all make up counter experiences are like this, I just felt a bit disappointed with the way I was treated on this occasion and am in no way generalising to everyone!
What's you make up counter experience?
Claire
Disclaimer: this was my individual experience, I am not generalising to all those working at Estée Lauder or those who work on make up counters. I am not affiliated to any brands or companies mentioned.
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