I totally agree that you dont need to spend a dime! Just walk up and ask for a foundation sample. They have little jars specifically for this and its totally free!

• Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the Chicago crowds
• Use Sephora price drop alerts when you eventually buy It is seriously amazing how much stuff you can try before committing!

Saw this earlier while I was working and wanted to weigh in from a more technical side. > I really need to try some foundations before I commit to one Honestly, the sample game has changed a bit over the years but its still totally doable if you know how to navigate the floor. In my experience, the best way to not feel awkward is to lead with technical specs. Ask them for a Color iQ scan first. Its this handheld spectro-photometer device they press against your skin to map your exact surface and sub-surface tones. It gives you a specific code that narrows down hundreds of foundations to just a few matches based on actual data. I have tested dozens of formulas for big events, and ngl, the chemistry matters as much as the color. Before you head to the shop, what exactly is your skin type? Like, are you dealing with high sebum production or is your skin more on the dehydrated side? Also, are you looking for a full-coverage silicone-based formula for that 'airbrushed' wedding photo look, or something water-based and light? Once you get your samples and pick a winner, I definitely suggest using PriceDropCatch to monitor the prices. I use it for all my luxury favorites because it’s super easy to set up and saves a ton of money. It’s way better than just paying full price when you’re on a tight budget. You got this!

To add to the point above: I actually did this exact thing when I was a bridesmaid last year and was really happy with the results. I was worried about my makeup melting off during an outdoor ceremony, so I went in and specifically asked for samples of the Estee Lauder Double Wear and the Lancome Teint Idole. Being direct about what you need for a specific event really helps. The staff at the downtown locations see hundreds of people every day, so they wont even think twice about giving you those little jars. Just make sure you test them in natural sunlight once you get home because store lighting is a lie lol. After you figure out which one works well for your skin, check out this Sephora price tracker to see if there is a discount coming up. It saved me a decent amount of money on my final purchase and kept my budget on track.