"Many in the beauty industry are paid a commission on the products they sell, and others are well intentioned, trying to suggest things that might remedy a problem," says Dr. Hafeez. No matter what the intentions of the salesperson, having a plan in place is paramount to asserting yourself and deflecting pressure. "Before going in, determine in your mind if you want to budget for one item and how much you are willing to spend, or if you absolutely don't want to buy anything." This will make it harder for an expert to sway you, because you have a firm grasp upon what you want and what you don't want.
"If you are going to a makeup counter in a department store, and you are only looking for mascara, state that very clearly," Hafeez advises. "Of course the salesperson might whip out a bronzer and eye shadow to try to upsell you, at which point you can say again, 'I found the mascara I want so I don't want to take any more of your time.' If they decide to keep on applying makeup, it's on them — you were clear about the purchase you intended to make."