Cosmetics on the Cheap: 16 Ways to Score Free Beauty Samples

The cost of putting your best foot (or, in this case, face) forward doesn’t come cheap. From complicated skincare routines to trendy hair care products, we’re encouraged to try it all in the quest for a perfect beauty regime.

Too often, we fork over big bucks for that luxe shampoo or signature scent only to find it lackluster. And the clutter of half-used bottles creates chaos not just in the bathroom but also in our budgets.

How Much Do We Spend on Beauty?

It’s an ugly truth, but someone has to break it down.

Research from the SkinStore indicates the average American will spend up to $15,000 on skincare products in their lifetime. However, a StyleSeat survey found that 48% of Americans plan to curb their spending on beauty products in 2023 due to inflation.

The first thing on the chopping block according to the survey? Cosmetics.

There’s good news, though. Increasingly, beauty and personal care companies are offering a slew of new freebies. For instance, employees at department stores often throw in trial sizes of fragrances, eyeshadows and even mini mascaras with purchases or beauty consultations. This makes it easy to sample products without the high costs or commitment.

So whether you’re on a tight budget or just love free swag, make sure to check out the stores and websites below to score free skincare samples, makeup samples and, hopefully, your new favorite beauty product.

Bonus: Because these free beauty samples are small and TSA-friendly, they make ideal traveling companions.

16 Stores or Websites to Find Free Beauty Samples

1. Walmart’s Beauty Box
2. Curology
3. Lumin
4. Ipsy
5. Nordstrom
6. Sephora
7. Macy’s
8. Aveda
9. Clinique
10. e.l.f.
11. L’Occitane
12. Smashbox
13. Ulta
14. Mac
15. L’Oreal
16. thePinkPanel

Score Free Samples When You Sign Up for Subscription Boxes

1. Walmart’s Beauty Box

Walmart has a seasonal beauty sampler that’s essentially free. You simply pay the cost of shipping, and a small selection of brand-name personal care products arrive in the mail four times a year. To request a beauty box subscription, pop over to Walmart’s website.

2. Curology

If you’ve struggled with your skin, Curology’s customized subscriptions might be just what the doctor ordered. Formulated to address common issues, Curology promises the first box of sample-sized products is free when you sign up for a consultation.

3. Lumin

Beauty isn’t just for women. Men can save face (and money) by grabbing a free trial of Lumin’s men’s skincare samples for the cost of shipping. If you don’t like the goods, you can cancel the subscription at any time.

4. Ipsy

While it’s not technically free makeup, Ipsy’s popular $13 “Glam Bag” has made the rounds for a while as an easy way to save money by trying sample-sized cosmetics. For a limited time, you can get the first month of Ipsy’s Refreshments subscription free.

Get a Free Sample When You Swing by These 3 Stores

5. Nordstrom

Purchasing cosmetics through Nordstrom has its benefits. When you buy online, you’ll receive gifts and samples with any purchase of $150 or more.

If that seems a little steep, stop at the makeup counter in a Nordstrom store. If you’re there for a makeover or consultation, the salespeople will likely give you mini-sized cosmetics or even free perfume samples.

6. Sephora

This store is a cult favorite for a reason. Sephora is lauded for its perks and its offering of high-quality samples. Each online purchase gives you access to an ever-changing assortment of goodies from brands like Urban Decay, Too Faced and bareMinerals.

When shopping in-store or stopping by for a beauty course, you should always ask for samples. Sephora does free 15-minute makeovers and gives you samples of the products you’ve tried out. This is a clever way to get a tutorial on applying that smoky eye or bold lip color.

7. Macy’s

Swing by for a beauty consultation at Macy’s, and this department store standby will likely toss in a freebie or two. Macy’s has coveted brands like Bobbi Brown, Chanel and even Philosophy in-house.

It’s also worthwhile to browse Macy’s website for free samples of cosmetics or a new perfume when making a purchase.

These 7 Beauty Websites Offer Freebies With Purchase

8. Aveda

Aveda is a must-shop spot for freebies. The brand is constantly announcing new sales that include trial-size goodies. The salespeople are generous with in-store gifts, and online shoppers can cash in by adding beauty samples with a minimum spend (usually $20).

Here’s a tip: Try out Aveda’s free in-store or virtual consultations by booking a free facial and makeup or hair session. This is a great way to get an expert’s opinion on which products are best for your beauty routine before buying them.

9. Clinique

In the world of beauty, Clinique is a tried-and-true brand with a super-loyal following. Plus, you’d have to put forth effort to not get freebies while shopping here. You’ll get a free sample with every purchase and up to six free mini-products when you spend $90 or more.

10. e.l.f.

Even if you have little to spend, you can still rock luxury-style makeup thanks to e.l.f. and its affordable cosmetics (sometimes for less than $1 — no joke). And with purchases of $35, you get free shipping and the chance to fill your cart with two samples of your choice at checkout. You can also join the e.l.f. Beauty Squad to get freebies on your birthday.

11. L’Occitane

This French beauty company is known for its organic lotions, balms and oils, all of which smell amazing. The products can cost a pretty penny, but L’Occitane always sweetens the purchase with free samples and gifts.

For instance, the brand usually offers free beauty sets with a minimum spend and samples at checkout.

12. Smashbox

This Hollywood favorite offers free samples at checkout, as well as travel-size products with a minimum spend. Right now, you can scoop up a free makeup bag, lash kit or lipstick with purchase. Smashbox also gives you the insider advantage with free virtual makeup lessons to ensure you spend on stuff that actually works on you.

13. Ulta

Ulta is another go-to in the beauty freebies scene. The store does a lot of brand-specific promotions and offers online and in-store coupons. The freebies can differ online and in-store, so do your research and don’t be afraid to ask. Ulta is also a great place to swing by if you’re looking for hair freebies like scrunchies, hair masks or curl enhancers.

14. MAC

MAC is a beloved Canadian cosmetics company that made a name in movies first before breaking into mainstream makeup. On its website, MAC states that it tosses in a free sample of your choice for every purchase. And if you join MAC’s loyalty rewards program, you’ll get a birthday gift every year, as well as free shipping and returns.

Become a Beauty Tester With These Companies

15. L’Oreal

If you’re in the market for free cosmetics, it’s hard to beat the benefits of becoming a beauty tester. L’Oreal is recruiting U.S. residents 18 and older for its consumer research panel.

16. thePinkPanel

Don’t mind filling out a survey or doing a focus group? Be part of thePinkPanel, which emails out opportunities to participate in product tests and beauty surveys. If you chime in, you can say hello to free samples and sometimes gift cards or prizes.

One Final Freebie Tip

Follow all of your favorite beauty brands on social media. When a new product launches, companies often make the announcement on Facebook or Instagram, and might even provide free beauty samples to followers. You’ll also get access to exclusive promo codes and deals this way.

Kaz Weida is a staff writer at The Penny Hoarder. Sara Skirboll contributed.