BLAG MONEY OFF

Presents – and the cash too
Take back not just the presents you don’t like, but the ones you do too. Get your money back, then buy the goodies again at the January sale price. Think of it like a double gift from your friends and family: you get the present and the cash.

BLAG CHEAP CHIC

Make me over
Just before you set off to a party, ask for a free makeover at the cosmetics counters of a department store. Many will be happy to oblige in the hope of a sale. You walk out looking fabulous - without having to buy any of the products. This isn’t just limited to women. Men should pitch up at stores like Selfridges or Harvey Nichols and ask for advice about blemishes.

Know a great cosmetics blag store? Tell our Blag Blog.

ENJOY SHOPPING WITHOUT BUYING ANYTHING

Wine
If you don’t like the wine, even if it’s perfectly good, just say so, and many shops will give you your next purchase free. Some may require you to bring back the dregs that you haven’t managed to down before deciding you didn’t like it after all. They probably won’t fuss if you drink three quarters of the bottle before putting the cork back in.