Looking at beauty products in stores can be overwhelming. The prices add up quickly, and buying full-size makeup without testing it first often leads to wasted money and products that sit unused in your bathroom drawer.
You likely already know some beauty brands give out small samples, but you might be surprised to learn that companies actually want to send you their products to try. Finding these opportunities takes some initial work, but with the right approach, you can receive a steady stream of free makeup in your mailbox.
Here’s exactly how to start getting free makeup samples sent to your home, plus what to expect from each method.
8 Proven Methods to Score Free Makeup Samples
1. Beauty Brand Newsletters
What to expect: Makeup companies send special offers, early access to sampling programs, and exclusive freebies through email.
Creating a separate email address for beauty offers helps organize everything in one place. When signing up, fill out any optional profile questions about your skin tone, concerns, and product preferences. Companies use this information to send samples that match your needs. Most brands send offers within the first month of signing up.
2. Product Testing Programs
What to expect: Beauty companies need feedback before launching new products. They send full-size items to testers who share their experiences.
Product testing involves using items for a set period and submitting detailed feedback. Companies ask about the product’s texture, scent, results, and packaging. Many programs require photos or written reviews. Expect to spend time documenting your experience and meeting deadlines for feedback.
Some programs send surveys before accepting new testers. Answer these thoroughly – they determine which products you’ll receive. Most panels ask testers to avoid using similar products during the testing period to ensure accurate results.
3. Sample-Specific Websites
What it includes: Websites dedicated to connecting people with free samples list current beauty offers all in one place.
These sites verify offers before posting them, saving you time and protecting your information. Create one profile and use it to request samples from multiple companies. Each site works differently – some ship samples directly, while others connect you to brand websites.
4. In-Store Beauty Counters
What to know: Department stores and beauty retailers provide samples of their current product lines.
Visit makeup counters during weekday mornings when staff have more time to help. Some stores create custom samples of foundations, skincare items, and fragrances. Others provide pre-packaged samples of new products.
5. Social Media Sample Groups
Finding offers: Beauty companies announce sampling programs through social media before sharing anywhere else.
Create a dedicated social media account for following beauty brands and sample announcement pages. Check these accounts in the morning when most companies post new offers. Turn on notifications for brands you particularly like.
Join groups focused on sharing sample offers. Members often post about available samples as soon as they spot them. Active participation in these groups increases your chances of seeing offers before samples run out.
6. Subscription Box Waitlists
How it works: Beauty subscription services offer free samples to potential subscribers on their waitlists.
Join these lists without committing to a subscription. Companies regularly send samples to maintain interest. Some services offer welcome boxes just for joining their waitlist. Others provide periodic samples throughout the year.
7. Beauty Rewards Programs
Program basics: Store loyalty programs include sampling opportunities for members.
Most programs are free to join and don’t require purchases. Members receive emails about exclusive sampling events and early access to new product trials. Some programs also offer samples during your birthday month.
8. Seasonal Sample Events
Peak times: Beauty companies align new releases and sampling programs with specific times of the year.
Spring brings new skincare and foundation samples. Summer focuses on sunscreen and waterproof makeup. Fall introduces holiday collections, while winter features moisturizing products. The highest number of samples become available during:
- New season launches (February, May, August, November)
- Holiday shopping season (November-December)
- Semi-annual sales (January and July)
Building Your Collection
Free makeup samples do more than save money – they help you discover what works for your skin and style without risk. Start with one method that fits your schedule, then add others as you become comfortable with the process.