Recently, I found myself in a bit of a predicament. While on a mini-trip to Atlanta, I was invited to party. Fun stuff, right? Well, the problem was, I had barely gotten ready that morning and was in no state to attend a party. I decided to kill a couple of hours by visiting Atlanta’s massive mall. This was when I got the great idea to “milk” the mall system! While I’m sure some savvy individuals have been doing this for some time, this was a first experience for me.
I can’t imagine that I’m the only one who has ever been bombarded with the requests of vendors while trying to enjoy a peaceful visit to the mall. I usually sidestep and politely smile away their offers, but this time, I accepted! I said, “Yes!” to that free preview massage and enjoyed every minute of it. Having no perfume with me, I decided to partake in the free samples of Macy’s. When I saw the black and white 
stripes of Sephora, I thought, “Gold mine!” Sure, it might be slightly unconventional to completely do my eye makeup and lipstick in the store, but I figure that I’ve bought enough of their products over the years to make it acceptable. While perusing second floor, I was flagged over by a guy wanting to show me his mineral foundation. Of course, I accepted and walked away with the luminescent glow of that over priced powder. Because I love my current hair straightener, I typically avoid the hair styling stands like the plague. This time, though, that demonstration really came in handy! I hadn’t intended to include this in my gratis-mall-makeover, but I couldn’t say no when an attractive man called me over to experience the exfoliating powers of the Dead Sea.
After a couple hours of exploring the mall, getting pampered and having great conversation with the salespeople, I walked out with great hair, soft hands, and stained lips!
Does anyone know if malls are like this in countries outside of the US? If so, I will definitely be taking advantage!
Atleast not in UK not to this extent, also not in Austria
and no where in India but there are better things on that side of the planet.
Well, I guess I’ll have to stick to Canada and the US if I ever want to get ready for free!
There is nothing called “Free” in Europe. Nothing that really is free
Smiles.
Nice work. Way to work the system for your advantage!
Thanks, Andy! I definitely make an effort to be thrifty!
I bet you look and smell lovely!
I sure hope so, after all that preening.
Well next time I am on vacation, without my makeup or hair supplies, I will go to the mall so they can make me beautiful! ;D
Clint, you definitely want to do that! I bet your hair will be voluminous and your eyes sparkling.
I think the best you can get here (UK) is a square of cheese at the taste-test counter of a supermarket! We are mean and stingy!!
Boo!
Well, I do love cheese…
you should visit dubai, there are malls on every step…
)
and you will never find yourself without free make-up and haor styles
Dubai is definitely on my top places to visit!
Ingenious
Well, you do get eatables to try out here and there but a makeover? would require some skills to milk that out. I guess a charming personality like yours works 
Very true! There weren’t any food samples at this mall, but at the one back home, there always are.
Brilliant idea,we have fairly new mall near the Olympic site here in East London and they always have something, I usually turn down. I shall milk it one day. I did once get a fantastic hand scrub and it felt great with the amazing stuff they put on , but then when I heard the price of the tub I nearly fainted.
Oh, that is good to hear! Yes, it is all so overly priced that I would never purchase it, but you might as well experience it for free.
No such luck in India
Drat!
Malls in Canada (when I used to live there) are kind of similar but you won’t probably get as much “free samples” just because the population is 1/10th of what it is in the US. Its the natural law of supply & demand
Yeah, I’ve heard they’re similar there. Oh, well! Something is better than nothing.
This is Looking Fabulous for Less at it’s best! I need to do this in the UK and write about it for my blog! Great idea! x
Megan, you totally should! It’s awesome to be able to get free stuff and interact with fun people.
Haha, whattay experience!
Yes, some malls do provide you with that benefit here in Pakistan! Free samples, for the win! ;D
Sweet!
I always do that for the fun of it. Testers in almost every shop – the perfumes, the gloss, the freshly baked biscuits : makes my day!
That’s so fun that someone else does it! Yes, I love samples.
Haha! I guess, there will not be any comparable as well as unique changes in the facilities over there in highly facilitated buildings, which are commonly termed as MALLS. But I’m eagerly waiting and expecting a CHANGE for these specific constructions of fun and entertainment by the opening of Asia’s largest shopping mall by LULU, which will be inaugurated by the mid of next month. If you are free to come, my heartiest welcome to my homeland, Andrea.
Rahul
That will certainly be exciting! Malls are quite convenient.
I would definitely love to visit at some point.
You’re most welcome to God’s Own Country, Andrea! A pal is waiting for ya here.
Rahul
In my City there is a shopping mile.. a street full of shops which is cool but there are a lot of people in front of the shops who want to sell anything on the street as well. But if I go shopping then I usually know what I want to buy and theirfor I dislike it if peoples try to sell me anything each meter I go. I think I am a friendly person but after many meters in the shopping mile I can get really annoyed
There are also often people hanging around who collect donations for good purposes. The idea is great but the thing is if I am ready to donate some money then I research for a institution on my own. I mean a institution I trust and who take care that my donation arrives where the donation is needed. I simply cant research that and decide for a donation on the street. Thats why I dislike it if they ask me.
Same goes for products they offer me on the street. I cant decide that on the street. I am somewhat immun to impulse purchases.
That sounds like heaven!
Yeah, it’s typically rather annoying to be constantly approached and bombarded with offers. However, in situations like the aforementioned, it can actually be quite beneficial!
I definitely am right there with you, in regard to donations. It’s tough. You want to help out, but also want to know who you’re proceeds go to!
Well, give me some of your immunity, Dennis!
True. Depends on the amount of offers and situation. About the situation…
I must have skipped your sentence “I had barely gotten ready that morning and was in no state to attend a party.”. I only now do understand the gag of your story
Well, reading in english is still differend then reading my native language. But I improve, I impove. 
That was really beneficial for you then.
Well, it’s all overpriced anyway.
You’ll make up the difference (sorry for the pun) next time you make a real purchase.
At least you didn’t pick out a dress and shoes to wear while intending to return them the next day — that’s a strategy I find galling.
So that’s what you were doing while my wife and elder daughter were hitting the yard sales. What a country!
I completely concur, Jnana! In regard to the exfoliator specifically, it cost a hundred dollars, but I can make my own sugar or salt scrubs for just a few dollars!
Yes, yard sales can hold many finds if you take the time to go!
hehe … awesome!!!
Well thanks!!!
Ha! It’s the least those vendors can pay for accosting people with their wares all the time. And, well, being one who has spend hundreds if not thousands on things all because of one free sample that I ended up liking, well, that is why they do their free makeovers, isn’t it?
None of them seemed to mind.
hey..this is a great idea – this kind of thing is picking up in a few malls in Mumbai but, have never tried it myself
I heartily recommend it!