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You want to try new makeup and skincare products, but the cost adds up so quickly. The good news? You don’t always have to pay full price—or anything at all—to test out those products you’ve been eyeing.
I used to think getting free beauty samples was just a myth or required jumping through impossible hoops. Then I accidentally stumbled across a free sample offer while shopping online, and it sparked my curiosity. Was this a one-time lucky find, or could I actually score free products regularly?
After months of collecting dozens of samples (without spending a dime!), I’ve discovered the most reliable ways to receive free beauty samples right to your mailbox. These simple methods have helped me try high-end products I couldn’t otherwise afford and find my new favorite skincare items without the financial commitment.
Also See: Ways to Get Free Samples Without Surveys
Proven Ways to Receive Beauty Samples Without Paying
1. Join Brand Email Lists
Most beauty brands offer free samples to email subscribers. Take five minutes to sign up for newsletters from your favorite cosmetic companies. They’ll send promotional offers directly to your inbox, often including free sample opportunities that aren’t advertised elsewhere.
When you subscribe, make sure to provide your mailing address during registration if the form allows it. Some brands automatically add new subscribers to their sample mailing list. I recommend creating a separate email address just for these subscriptions to keep your primary inbox clutter-free. Last month alone, I received samples from three different skincare brands just because I was on their email lists.
2. Follow and Engage on Social Media
Beauty brands love to reward their social media followers with exclusive giveaways and sample offers. When you follow brands on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter, watch for posts announcing sample promotions. Comment, like, and share their content regularly.
Brands often host “flash giveaways” where they select active followers to receive free products. These promotions typically last 24-48 hours and require simple actions like tagging friends or sharing why you want to try the product. Setting notifications for your favorite beauty brands’ posts ensures you won’t miss these quick opportunities. My sister won a full-sized moisturizer worth $45 just by commenting on a brand’s Instagram post within the first hour it was published.
3. Join Beauty Subscription Boxes
While not entirely free, beauty boxes like Ipsy, Birchbox, or Sephora Play offer incredible value. For about $10-15 monthly, you’ll receive multiple deluxe-sized samples worth much more than what you paid.
These subscription services work by having you complete a beauty profile, then curating products matching your preferences. The advantage is trying prestige products at a fraction of their cost. Many subscription services also offer free trial boxes or bonus samples for new members, making your first box essentially free or heavily discounted. If you’re strategic, you can sign up during promotional periods, receive your free or discounted box, and cancel before the next billing cycle if you choose not to continue.
4. Visit Store Counters and Ask
Next time you’re at Sephora, Ulta, or department store beauty counters, simply ask for samples of products you’re interested in trying. Be specific about what you want to sample and why.
The beauty consultants are usually happy to provide mini versions of products, especially if you’re considering a purchase. This approach works best when you’re genuinely interested in learning about the product and can explain why you want to try it before buying. For example, mention if you have sensitive skin or are looking for a foundation that matches your undertone. Being genuine and pleasant increases your chances of receiving generous samples. I’ve had beauty counter staff create custom samples of foundations mixed specifically to match my skin tone.
5. Request Samples Directly from Websites
Many cosmetic companies have dedicated pages on their websites where you can request free samples. Check under “Samples,” “Free Offers,” or similar sections in the website navigation menu.
Brands like Kiehl’s, L’Occitane, and Clarins regularly offer free samples through their websites with or without purchase. Some companies rotate their sample offerings monthly, so checking back regularly pays off. Others allow you to select 2-3 samples with any purchase, no matter how small. When ordering online, look for a section during checkout where you can select free samples. This approach is especially effective with skincare brands that want customers to experience their products’ unique formulations before investing in full sizes.
6. Attend Beauty Events and Expos
Beauty conventions, store events, and product launches are goldmines for free samples. Department stores often host beauty days where brands give away generous samples.
These events typically feature brand representatives eager to introduce their products to potential customers. The samples provided at these events tend to be more generous than what you’d receive through other methods. Local malls frequently host beauty events that aren’t widely advertised—check your local mall’s website or social media pages for announcements. I once attended a beauty weekend at a local department store and collected enough samples to fill a makeup bag, including premium brands I wouldn’t normally splurge on.
7. Exchange Reviews for Free Products
Platforms like Influenster and BzzAgent connect brands with consumers willing to try and review their products. Sign up, complete your profile honestly, and you may receive full-sized products in exchange for sharing your experience.
These platforms work on an invitation basis—you’ll receive campaign invitations based on your demographic information and interests. When selected, you agree to try the product and share honest feedback through reviews, social media posts, or other specified methods. What makes these platforms special is that they don’t require large social media followings—they look for authentic voices across various demographics. After participating in several campaigns, my profile gained a higher status, resulting in more frequent product offers from higher-end brands.
8. Join Store Loyalty Programs
Beauty retailers have rewards programs that provide samples to members. Sephora’s Beauty Insider, Ulta’s Rewards, and department store programs often include free birthday gifts, point redemptions for samples, and exclusive sample bags with purchases.
These loyalty programs are free to join and offer tiered benefits based on your annual spending. Even at the basic level, members receive free birthday gifts (usually deluxe-sized products) and access to exclusive promotions. The points you accumulate can be redeemed for sample sets rather than discounts, maximizing your opportunity to try new products. Planning your beauty purchases around bonus point events or sample bag promotions multiplies your rewards without additional spending.
9. Send Polite Emails to Companies
This old-fashioned approach still works surprisingly well. Write a genuine email to companies expressing interest in their products and politely asking if they offer samples.
When contacting brands, make your email personal rather than generic. Mention specific products you’re interested in and why they caught your attention. Smaller or indie beauty brands are often most responsive to this approach, as they’re building their customer base and appreciate direct consumer interest. Include your full mailing address in the email to make it easy for companies to send samples if they choose to. I emailed a small skincare company about their vitamin C serum, explaining my skin concerns, and received two generous sample packets a week later with a handwritten note.
10. Look for Purchase-Based Promotions
When you do need to buy beauty products, time your purchases during gift-with-purchase promotions. Department stores and beauty retailers offer generous sample bags when you spend a certain amount.
These promotions typically occur seasonally, with the most generous offerings in spring and fall. The threshold purchase amount varies, but you’ll usually receive 5-10 deluxe samples with purchases of $25-$50. Some department store beauty events offer tiered gifts—spend more, get more samples. If you’re planning to make beauty purchases anyway, coordinating them with these events maximizes your sample collection. The samples included in these promotions are carefully selected premium items, not just random products the store needs to clear out.
11. Enter Online Giveaways
Beauty blogs, magazines, and brands regularly host giveaways online. Enter as many as possible—they only take a moment to complete.
Look beyond mainstream beauty sites to smaller blogs and social media accounts that partner with brands for giveaways. These typically have fewer entrants, increasing your chances of winning. Many giveaways require simple actions like subscribing to a newsletter or following social accounts—actions you can quickly complete. Setting a weekly reminder to check for new giveaways helps you establish a routine without wasting time. My neighbor won an entire skincare line worth over $200 from a small beauty blog’s giveaway that had fewer than 100 entries.
12. Check Sample-Sharing Websites
Websites like PINCHme specialize in connecting consumers with free samples. Create an account, complete your profile, and claim available samples during their release times.
These sample distribution platforms release new offerings on specific days and times each month. Setting a calendar reminder for these release windows is essential, as popular samples disappear quickly. PINCHme, SampleSource, and similar sites verify your information before sending products to ensure samples reach genuinely interested consumers. The detailed profile questions on these sites help match you with relevant products rather than random samples you won’t use. These platforms typically require you to provide feedback after trying the samples, which helps brands refine their products while giving you a voice in product development.
Your Beauty Cabinet Without Breaking the Bank
Building a collection of beauty samples can transform your routine without emptying your wallet. The small sizes are perfect for travel, trying products before committing to full-size purchases, or simply experiencing luxury brands that might otherwise be out of reach.
What started as my little money-saving hobby has turned into an enjoyable way to discover new products I truly love. The best part? When I find something I can’t live without, I can purchase the full size knowing it’s worth every penny. Give these methods a try—your mailbox (and your budget) will thank you!