Yes, you can easily get free makeup samples, thanks to the tips you will learn from reading this article.
Since you’re on a tight budget these days, have you improvised or compromised on your skincare?
Did you have to switch from your favorite makeup products to homemade remedies because they were burning a hole in your pocket?
Did you have to give up on some of your beauty routines during the lockdown because money was a little tight?
You didn’t need to do that.
If you need some makeup products, you can always explore free samples!
I’ve been doing it for a few years now, and it’s safe to say that there’s no particular need to pay to simply test a product.
You can always try one of the following:
1. Get Free samples from Sephora
One of my favorite makeup brands is quite generous when it comes to distributing samples of makeup products.
If you walk into a Sephora store, you can always ask for free samples, and the staff will happily assist you.
Based on the different departments you walk into you can pick up to three samples per department. You can also check for the beauty offers online.
There are some complimentary products, exclusive deals, entry stuff you can only order via the website.
Always keep an eye out for complimentary samples when buying full-size products.
If you’re ordering full-size products online, you can choose up to two samples of free products. Choose between lipstick or a foundation for free!
Did you know that they also offer free makeovers?
Walk into a Sephora store and ask their staff for the 15-minute free makeover.
You can try anything from false eyelashes to foundation applications. The makeup artists have free samples for you, too!
Sephora also runs a rewards program called Beauty Insider. You can redeem the points for free products, better access to their seasonal sales, and birthday gifts.
2. Get Free samples from ULTA
Bookmark Ulta’s buy more, save more pages that have many deals that can be used online and in the store.
They have everything from gifts with every purchase in their BOGO sales.
Once you join the ULTAMATE rewards program, you can collect points with each purchase and redeem them.
Another tip is to request to be added to their mailing list.
They regularly send out discounted goods, exclusive coupons, and free product samples.
Ulta hosts 21 days of beauty sales twice a year, once during the Spring and another during the Fall.
They offer luxury brands at half prices. If you’re in the store, look out for yellow stickers marked on items.
These are the ones in clearance and may be discounted for up to 90% off.
3. Cosmetic brands offer free samples
Get it from the horse’s mouth. Sometimes the most prominent cosmetic brands hand out free samples.
You can also have free samples and full-size products that you can order online or in the store.
For example, MAC stores give out samples of liquid foundation, moisturizers, and primers.
The testers are big enough to last you for ten days, that’s why you use them long enough before actually ordering a full-size product.
Too Faced is another brand that sends out samples for every online order.
Mostly little packets, but sometimes you may be lucky enough to land a full-size product.
The Smashbox website has many great deals, too, with 50% discounts and gifts! You should check them out also.
Related: Secret Tips for Getting Gift Cards for Free.
4. Product testing groups
If you’re not satisfied with the tiny samples that brands give out, you also have the option of joining product testing groups.
Although these groups have a waitlist, they’re still a great way to receive free products in exchange for some reviews.
These groups generally offer a free sign up and are a great way to test makeup products.
Below are some popular groups that you can join to receive free products:
- InStyle Trendsetters
- Crowdtap
- Influenster
- L’Oreal USA Consumer Participation Program
- Product Testing USA
- PINCHME
- The Pink Panel
- Toluna
You can check out some of these popular groups and definitely you can join some or all of them to receive free products.
Just provide honest reviews, and you will be selected to try on multiple products in the future as well.
5. Shopping at department stores
Nordstrom and Macy’s stores offer free samples to people who visit and shop, especially if they request for them.
Nordstrom also gives out samples with full-sized product purchases.
All you have to do is ask the staff for some free samples.
6. Amazon Prime samples
If you have an Amazon Prime membership, look out for the Prime samples program.
They have collections of sample boxes that you can order, and you collect points with every purchase.
These points can then be redeemed to buy other sample products, so you get free samples again!
7. Skincare samples for free
If you’re in the mood to try some new skincare products, you should try some of the following.
Join the rewards program of The Body Shop called Love your Body Club.
They give you either two freebies or a packet to welcome you that has two samples which they pre-selected, when you join their program.
If you sign up online, they will provide you with a welcome package, but if you sign up in the store, you can select the sample products of your choice.
Similarly, with every Kiehl’s purchase, you can receive up to three test samples.
Ranging from hair products, skincare, and body products, the options are almost unlimited.
Curology is another brand that offers customized skincare products unique to your skin’s needs. They have a 30-day free trial where you can order the face cream for free.
All you need to do is pay for shipping and handling charges.
Very much like Sephora, if you ask in a Lush store for free samples, they will provide you with many of them.
Similarly, there is another brand call Mario Badescu. You have to take an analysis quiz to get customized skincare products.
It is free, and all you need to do is pay for shipping and handling. To top that, these companies give three free samples along with every purchase.
We all know that makeup is an expensive splurging habit. Women, on average, spend around $3,700 a year on their appearance.
The products you receive from these brands might help you reduce this cost a little bit so that you can invest in the right products.
So, go ahead and happy sampling for completely free!