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How to score the best beauty samples… every time!

Ever felt envious of someone who has boxes overflowing with free samples of the hottest foundations, mascaras, perfumes and moisturisers (great for trying out a product, perfect for touch-ups and unbeatable for travelling) when you can’t even get a measly mini-bottle of toner with a month’s-salary-worth of beauty purchases?

Fact is that while there are usually piles of freebies behind every beauty counter, there are certain tricks involved in getting to them.

1. Firstly, NEVER feel guilty or embarrassed about asking for beauty samples

Your skin, hair and coloring are unique so you have the right to figure out which products work best for your needs. Similarly, brands and salespeople know that beauty samples drive sales and they want to get them in the hands of potential customers.

2. BUT don’t act entitled

It’s up to the saleswoman if she wants to give you any of those precious vials and mini-jars. Be polite and always ask their advice.

3. Salespersons love shoppers who seem to be authentic buyers

So, your best bet is to approach the counter with a specific need and some knowledge of the brand and product line. You can say something like, “I heard from a friend/read in a magazine about this product and am really interested in trying it”.

4. Cultivate a relationship

Create a rapport with salespersons by trying to frequent the same stores repeatedly – especially when you are making a purchase. A saleswoman who knows you are a loyal customer is far more likely to let you dip in her stash of beauty samples than someone who sees you once a year.

5. Go when it’s quiet

That’s usually early morning or evening. A relaxed salesperson is more likely to shower you with beauty samples than someone who’s working the lunchtime rush or weekend chaos.

6. Ask for something you actually want

After all, what’s the point in scoring a 1ml vial of Eau de Skank, only to throw it away later?

7. Keep a lookout for new launches

The newer the product, the greater the marketing budget, which means counters will have more beauty samples around this time.

8. The store doesn’t have a pre-packaged sample?

Many beauty brands, like Kiehls and Clinique, can create one for you on the spot in a generic plastic sampling vial called a dram. This works well for everything from a foundation or lipstick to serums and shampoos. Or carry your own mini-container – then they’ll have no excuse for saying no.

9. Faced with a sulky sales girl who doesn’t want to oblige?

Tell her you have sensitive skin and need to try products before buying in case they break you out in a rash.

10. Plan for a week’s worth

Be sure to get enough product (especially if it’s a cream or serum) to live with for a week. That’s usually the minimum you need to determine whether it works for your skin.

11. Looking for makeup?

Most beauty counters offer free makeovers but it’s always better to book an appointment in advance. And never feel pressured into buying something. A simple get-out strategy: “I’m here because my mom/grandmom/friend wants to buy me some makeup for my birthday – could you please write down the products you’ve used so I can pass them on to her?”

12. Avoid being labeled as a “trick or treat-er”

If you’re going from one counter to the next trying to bag beauty samples, it will be noticed and you’re unlikely to succeed. Remember that beauty consultants talk to each other and they will know if you don’t seem authentic. Also, never ever ask for more beauty samples “for a friend.” If you genuinely need more time with the product, explain it nicely and straightforwardly. Otherwise, it starts to feel like you’re a greedy piggy.

What’s your luck like with beauty samples? Do you leave the counter with bulging bags or shattered hopes?

Comments

  1. Priya Sharma says

    August 27, 2018 at 10:28

    Thanx for this blog. your blog is always helpful. I follow this 12 points for the best beauty samples… every time!

    Reply
  2. Nicole Reily says

    March 25, 2020 at 08:51

    Thank you Anubha for this guide, you hit on all the best points! I love to talk and seem to usually cultivate good relationships with the sales people I work with, I have definitely found that to be the best way to score some free samples! Of course like you said, when you are an active customer with the merchant you will most likely be showered in samples, so find a place you like and visit there regularly!

    Thank you for another great article, I always love reading new content from you!

    Have a beautiful day,

    -Nicole

    Reply
  3. Manojnatha Shekhar says

    March 27, 2020 at 11:59

    It is always important to look better in every important function. Makeup helps us do that better. It is important to apply the makeup at the perfect spots and in perfect quantity. The information that is shared in this article with useful pointers is helpful. Thank you for sharing. Keep sharing more articles in future

    Reply
  4. srishti says

    April 6, 2020 at 12:35

    thank You for sharing such a nice and informative blog with us and your knowledge with us.

    Reply
  5. Shireen says

    April 10, 2020 at 17:43

    Thanx for sharing such kind of information. Keep sharing such kind of information.

    Reply
  6. srishti says

    April 23, 2020 at 16:52

    Thank you for sharing such a nice and informative blog and your knowledge with us.

    Reply
  7. nicel mic says

    August 10, 2020 at 22:12

    A very informative blog. thank you

    Reply
  8. Semini says

    September 10, 2020 at 15:35

    Thank you for such nice tips.

    Reply
  9. Hydra facials in NYC says

    October 6, 2020 at 18:01

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    Reply
  10. jadedrose says

    February 8, 2023 at 14:22

    Nice blog keep writing this type of informative blogs.

    Reply
  11. amazolinestore says

    February 13, 2023 at 18:43

    Nice Blog

    Reply
  12. glammednaturallyoil says

    February 16, 2023 at 17:50

    Nice and Informative blog

    Reply
  13. yeppooniesmoothie says

    February 18, 2023 at 19:53

    Nice Blog

    Reply

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Anubha Charan is a luxury beauty blogger who has worked at some of the world's leading lifestyle publications, including Marie Claire, Vogue and Cosmopolitan. Read More…

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I am Anubha... a former Beauty Director at Marie Claire and current global wanderer. I have a soft spot for beauty products that are super-effective, sustainable AND create a luxurious self care experience.

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