Beauty etiquette: to buy or not to buy after a makeover?

We all love cosmetics counters: the array of colors and textures, the samples, the helpful sales ladies who make you look like look like you just stepped out of a Hollywood makeup artist's chair.

Then it comes. The awkward pause after they ask, "So, which products can I wrap up for you today?"

Cosmetic-counter sellers work on commission, so if they perform a service such as a makeover, they do so with their eyes toward a sale. According to Colleen Rush at TotalBeauty.com, you're never obligated to buy anything, but some purchase is expected, especially for a service that lasts more than 10 minutes.

It's common courtesy, Rush tells us, to make a purchase that's proportional to the time spent delivering the service, at an approximate ratio of $1 per minute. And if you don't intend to buy anything, say so up front:

So, confess if you have no intention of buying a product—if you simply want to test the brand or need a free glam makeover before a big night out. As awkward as it might sound, total honesty up front helps you avoid the truly awkward moment of walking away without spending a dime. This way, the makeup artist knows to hook you up, but still keep an eye out for potential customers. "You'll get the service because you might turn into a regular buyer, but she won't feel bad about stepping away to help other people," says Bobbi Brown makeup artist Mark Hopkins.

So, what if you just don't like the products you've tested or find them overpriced? Click over to the article for a list of tactful ways to say "thanks, but no thanks." You'll avoid buyer's remorse without offending—and that's a beautiful thing.