Totally free makeup samples are a fantasy for most women on par with free fabulous shoes. If you’ve ever bought makeup or been along when someone has to pay for makeup you know that the prices can be dizzying. Lipstick at over $30 a tube would make anyone feel faint. Hence the dream of totally free makeup samples.
Well, dream no more…totally free makeup samples can be yours! Here’s how to score some makeup freebies.
Do you love freebies? Well, you can stay update on all the best daily freebies by following my Freebies Pinterest board.
How to Snag Totally Free Makeup Samples
Follow the Freebies
Pay close attention to active freebie sites (umm, you know, like this one) as most totally free makeup samples are in limited quantities. This means you need to act fast! Target and Walmart offer some of the best online totally free makeup samples.
Another great opportunity comes from Sephora. This company will occasionally offer free one-on-one beauty consults which include free makeup samples. The best way to find out about these events is to stay tuned in to sites like Freebie Finding Mom as well as social media…which brings us to the next tip.
Be Social
Follow all of your favorite beauty brands and the companies that carry those brands on social media. If a company or brand is going to give out totally free makeup samples there’s a good chance they’ll post those offers on social media sites first. Social media platforms are also a great place to find out about contests and other opportunities to win makeup. Be sure to interact with the companies (ex. Share posts) and even go out of your way to mention them (ex. Tweet about their new product you just tried) as the company may surprise you with a totally free makeup sample.
Read Up
Allure magazine has a reputation for offering totally free makeup samples online fairly regularly. Usually these aren’t even sample sized but full sized beauty products – a definite score! These giveaways are, for obvious reasons, very popular so be sure to act quickly.
Pay…but Not in Cash
Under the tip “Be Social” I mentioned engaging with companies on social media…this is one way to “pay” for samples. You can also become a beauty blogger and occasionally brands will send you free makeup samples for review. In addition, sometimes you can take a survey or complete some other task and get totally free makeup samples. Instead of money, you’re basically paying with your time.
Become a Member
Another way to get totally free makeup samples is to become a member with companies like Ulta and Sephora. These companies may give you a free product or sample on your birthday or when you place orders over a certain amount. In addition, you can earn points on purchases which you can then cash in for freebies.
Not Quite Free but Almost
If you’re willing to invest a little money, you can get new beauty samples each month through Birchbox. For just $10 a month, Birchbox delivers 4 to 5 hand-picked deluxe beauty samples from high-end brands. Samples include makeup, skin care, fragrance, body, and hair products. All of the samples are generously sized, with enough product to allow you to figure out if they’re right for you.
Even sweeter Birchbox customizes the boxes based on the Beauty Profile you fill out. Some samples are sent to everyone, other samples are chosen specifically for your skin, beauty needs, and style. Keep in mind that all you pay is your $10 monthly subscription fee; there are no shipping or handling fees for the monthly Birchbox and you can cancel at any time. So you really are under NO obligation.
Try these tips out and you’ll be scoring totally free makeup samples in no time!
Do you have other tips for getting totally free makeup samples? Please share them in the comments!
Shaun Cruickshank says
I would love to try free samples of beauty products. I am always wanting to try new products, but I don’t want to waste money on full size and end up not liking it.
Amelie says
please don’t. As a consultant at Sephora, the mentality of “just go get the free samples” is awful. The whole time you are asking questions, trying the product on, and asking more questions we have our managers in our ears telling us through the 5-10 min this takes how many clients are waiting and are upset that they are waiting to make a purchase. They point of samples is to ensure that you don’t have a reaction, or that it meets your needs so you feel more confident in the purchase (which can be pricey, we get that) not to just come and get free stuff… Maybe it’s just a mentality shift but it at least gives some respect to the consultants time and honest effort she is putting in to trying to help you with your questions… Just a thought.
eleanor says
I would like to get free samples..how do you do this
Mandi says
That’s sort of the point of free samples. I want to see what the product looks like out in the real world on me instead of just in the optimum lighting that is available in the store. I refuse to drop 20+ bucks on a lipstick or eyeshadow (and let’s face it…it’s usually more than that!) unless i know i’m gonna love it. Of course I don’t like to waste a salesperson’s time either and would much rather receive a sample in the mail to try at home and if i love it I will go to the store to buy it and get the salesperson to help me find it if they work on commission.
Kelley says
Ipsy.com also does a things like birchbox where they choose makeup for you but with your prefrences for a small fee. Im about to get my box and im really excited.
Kelli says
Very cool! Thanks for sharing, Kelley! 🙂
Mary says
Great list, but you missed another great “almost free” one. ipsy.com is similar to birchbox, and you get sample to full size products. I have been getting them for over a year, and I easily get anywhere from $30-$60 worth of products for just $10!!
Kelli says
Thanks for sharing, Mary. 🙂
Tracey palmeter says
I would like to revive free makeup samples as I do use maybellene products
Rachel Jerauld says
Can you post a list of companies that have included samples in their sent mail?
Nameless Beauty Lover says
I would love to get free makeup samples but I live with my parents and they would be upset if I had samples mailed to our house and I don’t have a sephora, Walmart, Ulta, or anything but like a Shopko and Dollar General within an hour away.
Misty Casebolt says
I have ordered from Birchbox, an I loved every sample they sent. It was all high end cosmetics. My box that I only have $10 for had a value of $98. It was great an the best part is you order when you want. No contracts or hidden fees.
Kelli says
That’s awesome, Misty! I’m glad you love it! I have a friend who is also a fan. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Julie says
Please tell us more!