Often here at FlauntMe, we link to the websites where you can buy the products that we’ve tested or the exact colors to recreate a look. But do you actually purchase colors that you haven’t seen in person before?

Online shopping is both a blessing and a curse, because it is so easy and convenient, but you don’t get to try things on before you make the purchase. I am fortunate that I am almost always the same size when ordering clothing, but you never know if an eyeshadow shade is going to look quite as amazing on you as it does on someone else. Lots of bloggers do “swatching” on their hand when a new line of products comes out, but I still prefer to test things out for myself before purchasing.

This makes shopping at online sample sales like Gilt and Rue La La a little bit difficult for me, unless I have tried on the product and know for a fact that I like it. What is your buying strategy when purchasing new colors? Do you buy online, or do you have to see it in person first?