By Jen Anderson, Refinery29
Whoever said that the best things in life are free was absolutely right — especially when it comes to beauty products (and shipping is included). But aside from the joy of unwrapping a new luxury cream or perfume, samples also serve a real functional purpose. They can help you determine if a foundation is really the right shade when you step out of the brightly-lit storefront. Or, if that intense acne product really works for your skin — before dropping $18 on it, and some hydrocortisone cream to soothe the dry patches.
[post_ads]But we know that not all samples are created equal — and sachets and one-swipe stickers are definitely not worth a trip to the mall. So, we set out to find the very best freebies that are currently flying under the radar. We're talking deluxe tubes and packets, and even 8-piece custom skin regimens. (Hello!) Check them out, ahead.
Where: LUSH stores
What: You can ask for a sample of absolutely anything in LUSH stores and receive it for free, according to a LUSH representative. While there isn’t a sample limit that we know of, Lush employees encourage you to use your judgement (and maybe your dignity).
Lush Rub Rub Rub Shower Scrub, $22.95, available at LUSH.
Where: Sephora, in-store and online
What: It's little known, but in all Sephora stores, you are typically allowed to sample up to three items. Sephora employees also have access to small sample pots they can fill with whatever product you'd like to try. We recommend using this perk to test out foundation shades or luxury creams before making a big purchase.
If you'd rather shop online, you can still get three free samples with every online purchase — and they're seriously good.
Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb, $38, available at Sephora.
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Where: La Mer, online
What: While La Mer might not be the most wallet-friendly beauty brand, its sampling program definitely is. With any purchase, you get free shipping and three deluxe-size samples. (No foil packets or sample cards here.)
La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Lotion, $260, available at La Mer.
Where: L'Oréal Paris, online
What: Right now, L'Oréal Paris is giving people a chance to try its moisturizing Hydra Genius line, which our editors are already loving for summer. Go to the website to sign up for a 1.5 ml sample — which is great for all that travel you have coming up, we might add.
L'Oreal Hydra Genius Liquid Moisturizer, $13.49, available at L'Oréal Paris.
Where: Mario Badescu, online
What: Mario Badescu might have the best, most comprehensive sampling program we've seen ever. Take a quick Skin Analysis Quiz on its website, pay only $2.95 to cover the shipping, and you get up to eight (eight!) samples tailored to your specific skin type. If you find something you like, they also offer three more samples with every online purchase.
Mario Badescu Cucumber Cleansing Lotion, $15, available at Mario Badescu.
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Where: Space NK, online
What: Because Space NK carries mostly high-end and luxury brands, its sample program is killer. Many of the samples are foil packets, but you can definitely hit some gold mines — like an Oribe shampoo and conditioner duo. Plus, you get three with any order. (Noticing a trend here?)
Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo, $49, available at Space NK.
Where: Too Faced, online
What: Like many other brands, Too Faced offers two freebies with any online order. Every once in a while, you'll hit the jackpot with something like a deluxe-size Melted Matte lipstick.
Too Faced Melted Matte Lipstick, $21, available at Too Faced.
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Where: Kiehl's, online
What: Kiehl's also offers three free samples with every purchase — but what makes its sampling program so rad is the seemingly unlimited options. You can basically choose to sample anything from the brand from its skin care, hair, body and men's categories.
Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate, $46, available at Kiehl's.
