I have an old friend that sent me some full size skin care samples to check out and see what I thought - then return to her. We grew up together -but now just have contact a couple times a year via email/xmas cards/b-day cards. I guess she has become a consultant for these skin care products. Although she just shipped them to me to "check out" - I'm assuming she is going to all this trouble to make a sale. The products are ok - but time consuming and the alpha-hydroxy has made my cheeks red. Anyway, I've done some research online and these products are $$ - much more than I would pay for my skin care stuff. How do I let her know thanks, but no thanks? She has a heart of gold - but is not someone that I would feel like I could be terribly candid with...
Help!

By Tonya on Friday, March 17, 2006 - 03:12 pm:

Tell her the truth you are on a budget and you cannot spend the $$$ on stuff like this. And that some of it makes you turn red and itch. Be honest if she is a old/good friend she will understand.

By Kate on Friday, March 17, 2006 - 03:14 pm:

I'd say they don't agree with your skin and you're going to stick with your regular products. Then thank her for thinking of you and wish her well in her new business. It sounds like she solicited you so there's no reason for you to feel badly about saying no thanks! I'd make the note short and sweet.

By Crystal915 on Friday, March 17, 2006 - 04:04 pm:

It's REALLY tacky to send some full size stuff, and ask you to sample it and return it. If you really don't want to be confrontational about it, I'd say "Thank you, but I have VERY picky skin, and can only use "X" products. Good luck with your new venture!!" Sickly sweet is always a good way to go. ;)

By Alberobello on Friday, March 17, 2006 - 04:12 pm:

I agree with everybody, if she is a good friend she will understand. Good luck!

By Bemerry84 on Friday, March 17, 2006 - 04:59 pm:

If this is the business I think it is I am also a consultant and the products are wonderful, not just skin care but health/vitamins, make-up, wieght loss/management and much more. This sending of the product to try is a very valuable tool. She WILL NOT be offended by your not being able to use the products, it is part of building the business and people will say no, which is part of the training. If this *******, when you become a wholesale buyer the products are no more costly than what you are spending right now. Please don't be afraid to tell her how you feel and it will in no way affect your relationship. I have several friends that did not want to change their products and others who have cleared up their exzema and psoriasis and roseaca and they are all still my friends. Your friend will not take it personal so don't worry, just send them back to her with a thanks for thinking of me but I am sticking to my current products.

By Mrsheidi on Friday, March 17, 2006 - 09:06 pm:

I would tell her that your skin is very picky, but that you would pass on the products to a friend and see if she would like them. No use in it going to waste and wasting money sending it back.

By Amyk on Friday, March 17, 2006 - 09:50 pm:

Thanks all -

I will possibly see her next week to return the products and/or I will ship back. The understanding was that they were only a loan and that she'd be getting them back. If they products hadn't irritated my skin and been so costly (I'm more of a drugstore skin care brand gal, I would've gladly ordered to help her in her business. Oh well. Thanks to Bemerry for the 1st hand feedback. My friend is such a sweetie - I guess I just had to disappoint!

By Amyk on Friday, March 17, 2006 - 09:51 pm:

Oops - that's HATE to disappoint!

By Karen~moderator on Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 09:04 am:

Ditto Kate.....ditto Crystal..........