If it sucks, return it.

It's embarrassing the amount of dumb ass beauty claims I’ve fallen for while scouring (yes, I intentionally put myself in this situation) the aisles at Target or CVS (I’m a CVS junkie). Seriously, I purchase or obsess over items designed for flaws I’ve never even noticed about myself. While in the store I can’t stop drooling over plumper lips, brighter eyes, thicker lashes, smoother skin, or the idea that I, like the models on the box, will end up laughing while getting ready for the clubs with my girlfriends (what?) and glamorous nights out in evening gowns (double what??). I fall for all of the claims, subtle and outrageous.

The reality is, I don’t typically wear much make-up, I try not to focus on my flaws, I can’t remember the last time I went clubbing with girlfriends (maybe I’ve never actually done that), and how often does one have the occasion to wear an evening gown?

That being said, invariably I walk out of Target spending a minimum of $10 (that’s on a good day) on products I don’t need, won’t care about tomorrow, and which will likely never come through on their promises. Um, I’m still waiting on Angelina Jolie’s lips.

Here’s what I say to impulse buying: save your receipts!!! Honestly, it’s time to start taking those products back--either unused, if you miraculously come to your senses, or slightly used if they don’t deliver on their lofty promises. Taking products back works and it feels so good.

I recently took back one of those cheap versions of a Clarisonic (electric facial brush) that promised to give me brighter looking, softer skin. It was a disappointing experience and nothing like the real Clarisonic. It was only $12 dollars, but now that $12 can go towards something real.

Typically the sales clerk will give you a short survey to fill out or ask what the problem is. Be honest. Tell them the product didn’t deliver on its claims. Get your money back and take it to the grocery store and get some real nourishment or even buy yourself a bouquet of flowers if that makes you happy.

Whatever you spend your “earned” money on, it is certain to bring you more joy than the let down of not so plump lips. Besides that, your lips are actually much prettier than Angelina Jolie’s lips, because they’re yours!

I don’t stop at beauty products. If a pair of Gap jeans rips or tears within an unreasonable time, I exchange them. Don’t take on the burden that companies should be taking on for poorly made products.

Moreover, if you buy a bag of potatoes and you get stuck with a few rotten ones in the bunch or half of your strawberries are mold-covered...return them -- most grocery stores believe you if you tell them the story because it's somewhat unreasonable to hold on to rotting vegetables until your next grocery store visit.

Services can also be "returned." If your dog still had clumps of dog-park mud on him after a trip to the groomers, if your french fries were ice-cold, if, much to your dismay, you are now rocking a mullet...say something!! Get your money back or request that they give you what you paid for, whether it be a modern look, a great dining experience, or a spiffy clean canine.

The bottom line is that it's your hard earned money and it's only fair that products meet reasonable expectations. By returning poorly made, rotting or falsely advertised items, you are doing yourself and your pocket book a favor (also, it helps the self-esteem when you stick up for yourself in this way).