The price of presenting your best self (or, in this case, your best face) isn’t small. From multi-step skincare regimens to buzzy hair-care staples, we’re enticed to try nearly everything in the pursuit of an ideal beauty routine.
Frequently, we shell out serious money for that premium shampoo or signature fragrance only to be disappointed. The half-used bottles that pile up don’t just clutter the bathroom — they chip away at our wallets too.
How Much Are We Spending on Beauty?
It’s not a pretty figure, but someone needs to spell it out.
Data from SkinStore shows the typical American may invest up to $15,000 in skincare over a lifetime. Meanwhile, a StyleSeat poll found that 48% of Americans intended to rein in beauty purchases in 2023 because of rising costs.
Which category gets trimmed first? Makeup.
Here’s some good news: more beauty and personal-care brands are rolling out tons of freebies. Staff at department store counters frequently include travel-sized fragrances, eyeshadows and mini mascaras with purchases or during consultations. That makes it easy to test products without the big expense or commitment.
Whether you’re trying to stretch a tight budget or you just enjoy freebies, check out the retailers and websites below to claim free skincare samples, makeup testers and maybe your next favorite product.
Bonus: Since these samples are compact and TSA-friendly, they’re great for travel.
16 Retailers and Sites Where You Can Find Free Beauty Samples
- Walmart’s Beauty Box
- Curology
- Lumin
- Ipsy
- Nordstrom
- Sephora
- Macy’s
- Aveda
- Clinique
- e.l.f.
- L’Occitane
- Smashbox
- Ulta
- MAC
- L’Oreal
- thePinkPanel
Get Freebies by Signing Up for Subscription Boxes
1. Walmart’s Beauty Box
Walmart runs a seasonal beauty sampler that’s basically free — you just cover shipping. A curated assortment of brand-name personal-care items arrives quarterly. To request a subscription, visit Walmart’s Beauty Box page.
2. Curology
For those frustrated with skin issues, Curology’s tailored subscriptions may be helpful. Designed to address specific concerns, Curology offers a free first box of sample-sized products when you book a consultation.
3. Lumin
Skincare isn’t just for women. Men can try a free trial of Lumin’s men’s skincare for just shipping. If it’s not a fit, you can cancel anytime.
4. Ipsy
While not strictly free, Ipsy’s $13 “Glam Bag” is a low-cost option to sample smaller-sized cosmetics. For a limited window you can snag the first month of Ipsy’s Refreshments subscription free.
Pick Up a Free Sample by Visiting These Stores
5. Nordstrom
Buying beauty items at Nordstrom comes with perks. When shopping online, you may receive gifts and samples with purchases over $150.
If that threshold feels high, stop by a Nordstrom makeup counter. For makeovers or consultations, sales associates frequently hand out mini cosmetics or perfume samplers.
6. Sephora
Sephora’s cult status is well-deserved. The retailer is known for its plentiful perks and high-quality samples. Every online order allows you to pick from a rotating selection of samples from brands like Urban Decay, Too Faced and bareMinerals.
When shopping in-store or attending a beauty class, don’t hesitate to ask for samples. Sephora offers free 15-minute makeovers and provides samples of the products you try, making it easy to learn techniques like a smoky eye or statement lip.
7. Macy’s
Visit Macy’s for a beauty consultation and you’re likely to receive a small freebie. Macy’s carries coveted lines such as Bobbi Brown, Chanel and Philosophy.
Also check Macy’s website for sample offers or fragrance testers when you place an order.
These 7 Brands Often Include Freebies with Purchases
8. Aveda
Aveda is a go-to for promotional samples. The brand regularly promotes sales that include trial-size items. In-store staff are generous with gifts, and online shoppers can add sample products once they meet a minimum purchase threshold (commonly $20).
Pro tip: Book Aveda’s complimentary in-store or virtual consultations — free facial, makeup or hair sessions are a smart way to get professional product recommendations before buying.
9. Clinique
Clinique has a devoted fan base, and freebies here are commonplace. You’ll receive a small sample with each purchase and up to six mini items when you spend $90 or more.
10. e.l.f.
Even on a tight budget you can mimic luxury looks with e.l.f.’s affordable line (sometimes items cost under $1). With orders of $35, you get free shipping and can choose two samples at checkout. Joining the e.l.f. Beauty Squad also nets birthday freebies.
11. L’Occitane
The French brand is famed for its fragrant, natural lotions and oils. Though pricier, L’Occitane frequently sweetens purchases with complimentary samples and gifts.
For example, the company often provides free gift sets with qualifying purchases and samples at checkout.
12. Smashbox
Smashbox hands out samples at checkout and travel sizes with minimum purchases. At times you can get a free makeup bag, lash kit or lipstick with purchase. Smashbox also offers complimentary virtual makeup lessons to help you spend on products that suit you.
13. Ulta
Ulta is another prime spot for beauty freebies, running brand-specific promotions and offering online and in-store coupons. The free gifts vary between online and brick-and-mortar, so compare options and ask staff. Ulta is also a solid source for hair freebies like masks, scrunchies or curl enhancers.
14. MAC
MAC made its name in film before going mainstream. On its site, MAC mentions including a free sample with each purchase. Joining MAC’s loyalty program also yields a birthday gift, plus free shipping and returns.
Get Involved as a Product Tester
15. L’Oreal
If free cosmetics appeal to you, becoming a product tester is hard to beat. L’Oreal is enlisting U.S. adults 18+ for its consumer research panel.
16. thePinkPanel
Willing to complete surveys or join focus groups? Sign up with thePinkPanel, which sends invitations to participate in product trials and beauty surveys. Contributors often receive sample products and sometimes gift cards or other rewards.
Also, don’t forget to look for other ways to score freebies, such as promotions for free samples yogi tea or limited-time giveaways.
One Last Tip for Free Beauty Swag
Follow your favorite beauty brands on social media. When a launch happens, companies often announce it on Instagram or Facebook and may offer free samples to followers. You’ll also catch exclusive promo codes and deals this way.
Alex Rivera is a contributing writer at Savinly. Sara Skirboll contributed.
