Boots introduce new unprecedented policy – and it's a BIG change

boots makeup exchange policy coronavirus
(Image credit: Getty)

Boots have introduced an unprecedented new policy for shoppers who are concerned about buying makeup.

We all love heading to the Boots counters to try on new shades of makeup to see if it’s something worth investing in.

But with the outbreak of the coronavirus, which has led to closures of some Boots stores across the country, businesses are now doing their best to keep people as far away from each other as possible.

Social distancing measures in stores and readily available antibacterial hand gel are just some of the new guidelines put in place when it comes to shopping.

MORE: Boots launches beauty box with £60 worth of products for only £25

But it would all be a bit redundant if we then went and tried on a lipstick (even if it is just on the back of our hand) that a complete stranger had been swiping on just minutes before.

So naturally go-to high-street cosmetics store Boots has got rid of makeup testers – but while that’s a great move health and hygiene wise, it does leave us all at a bit of a loose end when it comes to seeing what will suit us.

Well Boots has stepped up to fix the problem by introducing a new rule that seems almost unbelievable.

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The store is allowing customers to return makeup products up to 35 days after they purchase, even if the product has already been opened and used.

So that we can get all of our makeup looks perfect, customers will be able to take back the product in exchange for another colour, so that if we’ve purchased something without being able to colour test we don’t have to be stuck with something that doesn’t suit us.

"With our new store safety measures in place, for the time being, testers are no longer available in Boots Beauty Halls and customers have told us they feel less confident buying the right shade,” said Boots UK Beauty Director Joanna Rogers of the new ‘Make-up Exchange Promise’.

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"We know how frustrating and disappointing it feels when you get home only to find your new foundation isn’t the right skin tone match, or your new lipstick isn’t the colour you wanted, so we’re now giving people 35 days to exchange their beauty buys even if the packaging has been opened."

So whether it's a foundation match or new lipstick shade you need, and from Maybelline to L'Oreal to No7, you can get your makeup bits without worrying that you'll lose out on money.

Been itching to stock up on a few new beauty bits? Here are some of our Boots favourites to invest in now…

Boots’ best makeup buys

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup

£34, Boots

Fenty Beauty Sheer Shiny Lipstick

Fenty Beauty Sheer Shiny Lipstick

£19, Boots

Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear Concealer

Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear Concealer

Urban Decay Brow Blade

Urban Decay Brow Blade

YSL Rouge Pur Couture Stud Limited Edition

YSL Rouge Pur Couture Stud Limited Edition

£29, Boots

Aleesha Badkar

Aleesha is a digital shopping writer at woman&home—so whether you're looking for beauty, fashion, health or home buys, she knows what the best buys are at any moment. She earned an MA in Magazine Journalism from City, University of London in 2017 and has since worked with a number of brands including Women's Health, Stylist and Goodto. A year on the w&h news team gained her invaluable insight into where to get the best lifestyle releases first—as well as an AOP awards nomination.