Until recently, I’ve never worn makeup because of the cost, not to mention the challenge of finding the right product. This all changed when a sales associate at a makeup boutique gave me a lesson on scoring free makeup samples. I’ve since landed a handful of samples. Here’s how to get free makeup samples.
But first, here are four makeup products that you can score – for free.
“¢ Foundation – In a previous post by Bargain Babe, she spoke to a professional makeup artist who revealed she pays more for products, like foundation, that come in close contact to her skin. (She sticks to drugstore brands for many other makeup products.) Chose the right product for your skin and get the right color, or you’ll be wasting money. Try a sample before making the investment, especially if you go for a department store brand. I scored a good size sample of Nars Sheer Matte Foundation from Sephora that I’m still going through.
“¢ Mascara – Flirty lashes are a must for any woman, but some mascaras can leave you with a clumpy mess. Instead of using the testers that others have used, ask for a sample. The eye area is sensitive and you don’t want to catch anything from previous testers. I took home a free miniature version of Lancome’s High Definition Mascara from their makeup counter when I asked.
“¢ Skin care products – I have sensitive skin that can only handle certain skin care products. Trying out products before paying for a full-size bottle has always worked for me. I tried Bare Escentuals’ cleanser and moisturizer before deciding to spend the money on a full size bottle.
“¢ Perfume – Everyone’s skin reacts differently to perfume so asking for a trial size is a smart idea. Before purchasing L.A.M.B. perfume by Gwen Stefani, I successfully asked for a sample first.
Here’s how to get makeup samples for free:
1. Be friendly to those behind the counter. Sales people are more likely to go out of their way to help you if you’re polite to them, but don’t fake it or you will get nowhere.
2. Make conversation. Some of the sales associates are also makeup artists and like sharing their makeup secrets, so pick their brain. One seller tipped me off to Stila’s convertible color, which can be used for your cheeks and lips.
3. Ask for samples. Getting samples is as easy as asking for them. Most stores have vials and samples for customers who wish to try a product. Not only can you get samples from makeup stores like Sephora and UTLA, but you can also get freebies on the Internet. Drugstore makeup companies will also give out samples of new products through their websites.
4. Make purchases and don’t be a sample hog. Asking for a few samples is fine, but hitting the makeup counters every weekend to stock up is not. Although most makeup samples do not require a purchase, it’s nice to buy products that you like from whomever gave you the sample. This will help you build a relationship with those behind the counter and may lead to more freebies. I never buy beauty products at full retail price. Instead, I wait for sales or use online coupon codes. If I do splurge, I make sure to spend less on other things like doing my own manicure and pedicure.
Welcome to Bargain Babe! I’m Mara, and I’m so glad you’re here. I am an obsessive bargain hunter and penny pincher, and I am determined to live a full life without EVER paying full price. 
You made several wonderful points…relationship building, asking for what you need and courtesy!
If you would like great chemical free skin products and make up at bargain prices please contact me through my website. Take care!
thank you! Thank You! THANK YOU for #4!!!!! ive worked in cosmetics in the past and it would be annoying when all the customer ONLY wanted was free samples week after week after week.
If you want to try before you buy there are many consultants out there to help out. I sell Mary Kay and I totally agree with what you are saying. It IS best to try before you buy. Mary Kay can also give you samples and when a person has a class/party then the hostess often receives what they want for free or very discounted prices. I too appreciate your comment on NOT being a sample hog. Thank you for your insight!
I scored $148. worth of makeup two weeks ago and only paid .68 cents! CVS had 75% off on loads of makeup and I happened to have lots and lots of coupons. Not only did I get free makeup, so did my neighbor, her sister and several others. It pays to share the wealth.
@RD That’s a hot deal. You must be an expert coupon stacker. What are you secrets?
Yazmin, do you have any tips for scoring free samples of lipstick? I am perpetually looking for the perfect shade, and rubbing my hand with the color just isn’t the same. No way to tell how it looks until you buy it. How frustrating – and expensive!
I follow lots of experts like you, on Facebook, which give me the leads. I found the makeup deal on my own though! I’ve learned to cut coupons on things I might not usually buy (i.e. makeup), just in case I find a deal I can’t pass up (free or close to it). Giving away stuff is part of the fun too. I’ve found people are happy to give me coupons when I share the freebies. Thank you for your website…I’ve gleaned lots of valuable information that saves me money, thus allowing me to be a stay at home mom.
Loved this post. This must be the month that all the companies launch their new makeup lines becuase I’ve found great deals on makeup (and hair color products) everwhere from CVS to the grocery store. But I wanted to mention that most major drugstores now allow you to return (with receipt) any makeup that doesn’t work for you. I guess it’s their way of competing with the larger retailers that do offer more samples. I wouldn’t do this often, but I recently returned foundation that caused a major breakout. Walgreens took the product back, no questions asked and the young lady at the counter even helped me find a replacement product that did not contain the same ingredients.
@BargainBabe Lipstick is hard to get from makeup stores because they have the testers. I think it was the LA Times where I read that makeup testers are super dirty and they’ve found E. coli. That’s my excuse when asking for lipstick samples. You can also get lipstick samples from catalogs like Avon and Mary Kay – it’s just a matter of finding someone that sells the products.
I don’t buy much makeup, but here’s my friend Anne again, with whom I share some of the blogs:
I use Merle Norman products . . . they will put products on you so you can see the color and effect (and if you plan ahead they will do a make over—the salon I frequent even did Jaqi’s [her daughter] make-up for her senior pictures) – most of the time I buy, I get sample products – some are products I use and some are not – the thing I love the most is that when I am out of something I use, they will mail it to me – the products are not cheap but when I end up buying stuff from the drug store that I throw out because the color is not right so this has worked for me – I’m not as picky about mascara but for foundation and eye color I am a regular.
I live in Belgium and stopped aski g for samples long ago , because so far their attitude was, ‘we’ll let you have samples when you have spent over a certain amount of euros’ and I’ve wasted plenty of money on wrong shades of foundation/bbcream.
Now I go to the Netherlands and they’ve been happy to give me samples, and I keep driving back!
Maybe I’ve been unlucky.
Soph.
Helpful advice! You can also save tons of money by ordering free samples from top grocery brands.
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