joanie, at Macy's I can return any makeup, including foundation, that I decide I don't like. No questions asked. They just take it back (all brands), so hang on to your receipts. In fact, whenever I express uncertainty over a certain product, they remind me to just bring it back if I don't like it. I am way more likely to try something knowing that. I assume other department stores have the same policy.

Some lines will give you a little sample to take home, e.g., Chanel.

I get a lot of compliments on my complexion and I use L'Oreal mineral foundation. I tried bare escentuals but I find I prefer the l'oreal product.

Joanie: Most of the make up counters at Macy's will give you a sample to take home and try before you buy. But like Linelle said, even if you buy it and don't it for whatever reason you can return it. I have no problem returning make up if I don't like it once I get home. If you have a Sephora near you, they also will make samples for you to take home and try.

Just about everything looks good in the cosmetic counter lighting. For me, it has to pass the broad daylight test. If it looks okay there, then the rest is gravy. I should know better than to buy stuff without walking outside to have a look, but not always.

What's your skin type Always? I agree to ask for samples. I always have to actually ask and some places aren't as eager to hand them out for some reason. It's either that or I return a full bottle if I don't like it. Cracks me up though when they hand me this tiiiiiiiiiiny bottle and tell me it's a week's worth or some ridiculous length of time. I find I usually need to use a foundation at least three days in a row to decide if I truly like it. I tried the double wear a few years back and it was so matte and gave me lines and creases that I didn't even think were there. Lots of people love it so I had high hopes. My skin is combination normal/oily or normal/dry depending.

Foundation ramblings...

Another foundation (inexpensive one) that I've always heard such nice things about and just didn't work for me is the Revlon ColorStay. It did a good job of staying put, but both formulas just didn't do my skin any favors.

Most days I like the finish of Clinique's Even Better foundation. It's not matte nor is it really shiny. I think it just looks like healthy skin and does a nice job of evening out my skin tone without being heavy. I can also easily use this to hide any discolorations from acne. Add it to the area, let it set 30 secs or so and blend out around.

My skin is normal to dry with the afternoon oiliness in the t-zone. I'm almost 50 with pretty good skin over all but have the fine lines under the eyes and periodically fight large pores. I too have to be careful with foundation that's too heavy for the same reasons you stated.

Shee, I agree with you about Clinique Even Better foundation. It has nice coverage and evening out qualities without being heavy. It wears well throughout the day.

I always hear great things about Double Wear so I am in need of a new foundation because Revlon is discontinuing the one that I have used for years, it's the New Complexion compact. Or at least I think they are since it's becoming harder and harder to find. I do still see it at the site though. OK so anyway, I went to the EL counter at Macy's and was color matched and was given a sample. It looks nice on but what I didn't like about it is that it doesn't easily apply and by that I mean, it's one of those foundations that begins to set up and dry. It also looks very heavy on my face. I think it's just too heavy for my taste in foundation. It did not irritate my skin and I was able to get a PERFECT match and it does not turn orange. I am still giving it a go though, I may buy it if I can't find anything I like better. I always seem to gravitate to a solid stick or compact foundation though. I may try the MUFE stick foundation from Sephora.

Arkansas girl, I'm surprised that you found it started to set up too quickly. I use a damp flat topped foundation brush to apply my foundations (liquids). Lancôme has one I liked too Tiente Idole. Which if I remember correctly the girl said its one of their lighter foundation yet the bottle says 24 hr wear.

Thanks I'll try a wet brush. Also, there are several different varieties of the Double Wear, maybe I tried a different one than what you tried. Which one did you try. The glass container one, the black tube or the gold tube? The glass container is the one I tried.

Arkansas girl: I'm pretty sure it was the liquid foundation in the glass bottle.

huh...this morning I used the EL Double Wear OVER a primer (which I don't normally use) and I experienced the setting and drying like you mentioned Arkansas Girl. Normally I just use a moisturizer and then apply my make up.

I have been using Double Wear, the glass bottle with no primer, for the last year I love it. It has been the only foundation that I have tried that will stay on for longer than 30 minutes and not be cakey. That said I have not tried the Clinique foundation mentioned, I did not care for the Revlon foundation, it stayed on decently but was too thick for my taste, Use my foundation over moisturizer. Of course, climate and skin type probably make a large difference. I am in located in Southern California, although a bit inland we are still considered coastal. My skin type is normal, with a bit more oil in my t-zone, even at 50. Picked up a new bottle of Double Wear at Estee Lauder last week, they have a sign on the counter offering complimentary 10 days samples of Double Wear, my sales clerk included a sample bottle with my purchase. Perfect size for a short trip I am taking in a couple of weeks. If you are considering Double Wear this is the perfect time to pick-up a nice size sample.

Got a sample at Macys yesterday. Being fearful it would be too heavy I dabbed on the tiniest bit ( I do mean tiny! ) and smoothed it out . Wow! Did it cover. This teeny sample bottle will last for several days, I'm sure. I really liked it and will return to purchase. Prefect match with the magic tool . I added blush and a bit of glow to the cheek area to soften the matte look a little. Very, very impressed, and my skin looked as good at 9pm as at noon. Thank you, alwaysonestep !

I'm glad you liked it Martinca. I finally bought a new foundation (Too Faced, Born This Way) after using the Double Wear sample for quite a few days, I don't think I'm going to keep the Too Faced foundation. I like the wear of the Estee Lauder Double Wear way better. I've been looking for lite or sheer coverage foundations to avoid creasing etc but if you use a light hand with the Double Wear you can get a nice finish.

Hi Always, glad I saw you here :) How are you??

Lilsophie...doing good thanks. Stay around a while :-)

I will Always, I have wondered where everyone is. There are no decorating boards anymore really, but this one. Are you always on this one?

Of the boards I visit, I'm here the most.