Deborah Foundation Looked Different on Skin, Watsons Denied Return

On December 7, 2025, I went to the Watsons store at Sultanbeyli Plato Shopping Mall to buy a Revolution brand filter foundation and a suitable powder. When I asked an employee for help with the powder, I was told it was not available in the store. The employee then stayed with me to assist with choosing a foundation. I clearly explained that I wanted a more dewy finish and that most products appear too dark on my skin, with Revolution being the only brand whose shade suited me. Despite this, the employee recommended the Deborah Instant Lift foundation. When I asked for a concealer with a similar texture, I was advised to buy the Deborah All Over concealer.

The shades did not appear very dark on the outer packaging, and I explicitly stated that I had frequently experienced issues with being sold shades that were too dark. Nevertheless, the employee assured me that these products would suit me, and trusting their guidance, I purchased them.

I specifically mentioned that the products looked yellow in the store and that I was looking for cool/gray undertones. Because there were no testers available, I could not try the products and had to rely solely on the packaging and the employee’s recommendation. When I opened the products at home, I discovered that they were extremely yellow-toned, completely incompatible with my skin tone, and absolutely unusable for me.

Following this, I contacted customer service through the Watsons app and requested a return. I was told that because I had purchased the products in-store, returns were not possible, whether the products were opened or not. I explained that I could not test the products due to the lack of testers, that I bought them based on employee guidance after being told they would suit me, and that under Turkish consumer law, I have the right to return products within 14 days. However, I was told that this was the brand’s policy and that no return could be accepted. I responded that no brand policy can override the laws of the Republic of Türkiye and ended the conversation.

I made this purchase for approximately $30, paid by card and using my Watsons loyalty card, and I still have the receipt. Due to incorrect employee guidance, the absence of testers, and the fact that these Deborah products look completely different on my skin than on the packaging, I am extremely dissatisfied with both Watsons and the brand. I am requesting a full refund for these products, which I purchased based on staff recommendation but cannot use because the shades are completely unsuitable for me. Otherwise, I would like to clearly state that I will exercise all of my legal rights and consider pursuing legal action.