How to Get Free Beauty Samples Without Spending a Dime

WFree beauty product samples: why pay full price when you can test drive your next holy-grail beauty find for free? I’ve mastered the art of the free beauty sample hustle and I’ll show you how you can do it.

Trying new beauty products is half the fun of being a skincare or makeup junkie. Dropping $40 on a serum that might break you out? That's not so fun (plus you just flushed your hard earned cash down the toilet). That’s why I’ve become a bit of a free sample ninja. Over the years, I’ve figured out how to score tons of free beauty samples in the mail - everything from mini moisturizers and serums to full-size lipsticks and mascaras and I did it all without spending a cent and now I’m spilling all my secrets. 

Grab your coffee, pull up a seat and let me tell you how I’ve built my beauty stash with freebies, samples and zero regrets.

Free Beauty Samples Available Now

These are some of the top free beauty samples that you can order right this minute! Then just sit back, relax and wait for them to arrive because you just did the hard part.

Why Brands Give Out Free Samples (And Why You Should Take Them)

Beauty companies want you to fall in love with their products. Free samples are their way of saying, “Hey, try this - you might just become obsessed.” It’s smart marketing, but it’s also a win for us. You get to test drive products before committing and sometimes you even get full-size freebies. I’ve discovered some of my all-time favorite items this way and it's saved me from spending a ton of cash on products that didn't work for me ( ugh there's nothing worse than spending a lot and only using a product once).

Where to Find Free Beauty Samples

Here's where I've had the most luck:

Brand Websites

Big names like L’Oreal, La Roche-Posay, Garnier and Aveeno often run sample campaigns directly on their sites. You’ll usually fill out a quick form, maybe answer a few questions about your skin type and bam - your free beauty samples on the way.

PRO-TIP: Bookmark the “Offers” or “Promotions” page on your favorite beauty brands. They update them more often than you’d think.

Retailer Loyalty Programs

Stores like Sephora and Ulta are goldmines for samples. If you’re a Sephora Beauty Insider, you can get free samples with every online order and sometimes even in-store. Ulta’s rewards program also hooks you up with trial sizes and birthday freebies.

Social Media Giveaways

Follow your favorite brands on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. They love doing giveaways, especially when launching new products. I once got a full-size mascara just for commenting on a post. Seriously, some of these free samples are super easy to get.

PRO-TIP: Search hashtags like #beautyfreebies, #samplealert, or #skincaregiveaway to find hidden gems.

Email Sign-Ups

I know, I know - nobody wants more emails, but hear me out. Signing up for brand newsletters often gets you exclusive sample offers, early access to new products and even discount codes. Just make a separate “beauty deals” email (I like using gmail) if you want to keep your inbox clean.

Major Retailers That Give Free Samples

Sephora: The Glam Wonderland of Freebies

If you’ve ever walked into Sephora and felt like you needed a map, a budget and a pep talk (same). Here’s the good news, you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy the perks. Sephora is surprisingly generous when it comes to free samples, especially if you know where to look.

  • Online Orders = Free Samples: Every time you place an online order, you get to pick two free samples at checkout. These aren’t random leftovers either - we’re talking trial sizes from brands like Tom Ford, Kerastase, and Bobbi Brown.
  • In-Store Magic: Don’t be shy, ask a Beauty Advisor for a sample of that serum or foundation you’ve been eyeing. Most stores will happily scoop a little into a mini jar or spritz a perfume vial for you to take home
  • Perfume Sampler Sets: Buy a sampler set and you’ll get a certificate to redeem a full-size bottle of your favorite scent from the set. It’s basically a try-before-you-commit deal, and some bottles are worth up to $95.
  • Beauty Insider Perks: Sign up (it’s free!) and you’ll unlock free birthday gifts, point rewards, and access to exclusive events. The more you shop, the more points you earn—and yes, you can redeem them for actual products

Ulta: The Sample Game Is Strong (If You Know Where to Look)

Ulta might not be as flashy with their samples as Sephora, but trust me they’ve got plenty of hidden gems if you play your cards right.

  • Free Gifts with Purchase: Ulta constantly runs promos where you get a free gift set with qualifying purchases. Think mini moisturizers, deluxe mascara samples, or even full-size goodies if you hit the right spend threshold.
  • Sample Kiosks (Yes, Really): Select Ulta stores now have sample vending machines for Ultamate Rewards members. You can grab one free sample per week just by entering your phone number. It’s like a beauty vending machine dream come true.
  • Ask Nicely In-Store: Associates can sometimes whip up samples of foundation or skincare if you ask politely. It’s not guaranteed, but being friendly and curious goes a long way.
  • Loyalty Pays Off: If you’re a Platinum or Diamond member, you’re more likely to get offered samples and exclusive perks. So if you shop Ulta often, make sure you’re racking up those points.

Beauty Product Review Sites: Free Samples for Your Thoughts

Want to test beauty products and help shape what hits the shelves? Review sites are where it’s at. These platforms send you free products in exchange for honest feedback - and yes, many of them even send full-size items.

  • Home Tester Club: You fill out a profile, apply for campaigns, and if selected, they send you products to test and review. I’ve gotten skincare, haircare, and even wellness items this way.
  • BzzAgent: They match you with products based on your interests. You get the item, try it out, and share your thoughts. No payment, no catch - just your opinion in exchange for free goodies.
  • The Pink Panel: Specifically geared toward beauty lovers, this panel sends out products to test and sometimes even throws in gift cards as a thank you.
  • Allure Beauty Enthusiasts: Want to be among the first to try just launched products? This panel lets you test new beauty items before they hit the shelves.
  • Aveda Product Testing Panel: If you’re into plant-powered haircare and spa vibes, Aveda’s panel is a dream. I signed up and got a surprise box of goodies. No confirmation email, just magic in my mailbox. They’re especially looking for curly haired testers right now, so go claim your spot
  • L’Oreal VIP Testing Program: This one’s a biggie. L’Oreal sends full-size products to your door to test - think skincare, makeup and even hair color. I filled out a quick profile and got matched with a serum that’s now a staple in my routine. Bonus: some testers even get invited to their exclusive company store!
  • Beauty & Style Collective: This panel is like a fashion forward friend who always knows what’s trending. You fill out a style and beauty survey, and if selected, you’ll get free products to test and review. I got a lipstick and a pair of sunglasses once. I felt like a mini influencer for a week.
  • Topbox Circle: Topbox Circle is a gem. You complete missions, get matched with products and they send them to you for free. I’ve received everything from Shea Moisture haircare to Caudalie skincare. It’s 100% free and surprisingly generous.
  • Vogue Insiders: If you’ve ever dreamed of being part of the fashion elite, Vogue Insiders is your ticket. You get to test beauty and fashion products before they launch, preview ad campaigns, and share your opinions. I once got a perfume sample that hadn’t even hit shelves yet, it felt very VIP.
  • Conde Nast Try It Sampling Program: This one’s low key, but awesome. I signed up and got a mini La Mer moisturizer (yes, that La Mer). They send occasional samples based on your profile and all you have to do is fill out a quick survey afterward. Easy, breezy.
  • No7 Beauty Panel: No7 is all about skincare science, and their panel lets you test new formulas before they hit stores. I joined and got a retinol night cream to try at home—no payment, just honest feedback. Plus, you get to be part of a community that actually helps shape future products.

If you love giving feedback and don’t mind snapping a few pics or writing a short review, these sites are a goldmine. Plus, it feels pretty cool to be part of the behind-the-scenes beauty buzz.

Subscription Boxes & Trial Kits: Like a Birthday Gift You Forgot You Ordered

Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like opening your mailbox and finding a little box of beauty surprises waiting for you. It’s like your past self knew you’d need a pick me up and sent future you a glam care package. That’s the magic of subscription boxes and trial kits.

I’ve tried a bunch over the years and some were hits, some were total meh but all of them scratched that itch for discovery. Here’s the scoop:

  • Ipsy: This one’s like the gateway drug of beauty boxes. For around $14/month, you get five sample-size (and sometimes full-size!) products tailored to your preferences. I once got a Tarte mascara, a fancy vitamin C serum, and a glittery eyeshadow I didn’t know I needed until I wore it to brunch.
  • Birchbox: Birchbox is a little more skincare-heavy, and it’s great if you’re into clean beauty or niche brands. They also let you choose one item each month, which feels oddly empowering. Like, yes I will take the dry shampoo over the lip gloss, thank you.
  • Sephora Favorites Kits: This one is not a subscription, but worth mentioning. These curated trial kits are themed (like “Glow Getters” or “Best of Hair”) and packed with deluxe samples. Bonus: they often come with a voucher for a full-size product. I once got a $30 moisturizer for free just for trying the kit.
  • Free First Boxes & Promo Codes: This is a head's up to keep your eyes peeled. Many boxes offer a free first month or a heavily discounted trial. I’ve signed up, scored the goodies, and canceled before the next billing cycle. No shame in the sample hustle.
  • Allure Beauty Box: This box is like getting a love letter from your beauty obsessed bestie, but it's packed with editor approved skincare and makeup that actually lives up to the hype. I once got a full-size vitamin C serum that made me look like I sleep eight hours a night (spoiler: I don’t).

If you’re sample curious but don’t want to commit to full-size prices, subscription boxes and trial kits are the way to go. Just don’t blame me when you start looking forward to mail day like it’s birthday (it's going to feel like it with all the free gifts).

What to Expect

Most samples come in travel-size tubes, foil packets or mini jars. Some are good for one use and others can last a week or more. Occasionally, you’ll hit the jackpot with a full-size product (It happens more often that you'd think).

Shipping usually takes about 2-8 weeks (sometimes longer), so don’t panic if your mailbox isn’t overflowing right away. When they do start arriving, it'll feel like Christmas morning whenever you pop out to your mailbox (and don't be surprised it your mailman starts asking how you did it).

Free Samples = Smart Beauty

Getting free beauty samples isn’t just fun, it’s smart. You save money, discover new favorites and you'll avoid the heartbreak of buying something that doesn’t work for your skin. Plus, it’s kind of addictive in the best way possible.

Go ahead and get started ordering your free beauty samples - Start clicking, signing up and following. Your next holy grail product might be just one free sample away.

Additional Free Samples You May Be Interested In

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- Jessica