What companies have you gotten samples from?

[xiehan]

Originally Posted by xiehan /img/forum/go_quote.gif

I'd been following this thread for a while but didn't reach out to any companies until yesterday. Thanks everyone for the tips! Here are my results, in case it's useful to anyone:

Shea Terra: I asked for a sample of the rose hips black soap, they responded the same day saying that they'd be willing to send a sample if I paid $2.95 for shipping. I had to call in to give them my CC number (which is kind of a pain), but the lady did say she was going to include a few extra things she thought I'd want to try. I'm really looking forward to it.

Sabon: I asked for a sample of the foot cream, and like a couple of other ladies here mentioned, they said, "We're out of samples but we'll be happy to send you a travel-size instead," which is awesome. However, the e-mail said "a travel-size of one of our products", and not specifically the foot cream, so I am curious what I'm actually going to get. Also responded same-day, within a couple of hours.

Jouer: I told them I'd been given a sample of the luminizing moisture tint in my Birchbox last month, but it was the wrong color (which is true), so I was hoping they'd send me a sample of their two lightest shades so I could figure out which one is right for me. They responded the next day saying they're happy to send me both of them. I didn't get offered the two lip glosses and lip enhancer like everyone else, so I'm curious whether they're going to include anything like that at all, or no. I'm kind of sad, because I was hoping to try one of the glosses, but I was scared of sounding to greedy by asking for that, too.

Caldrea: I asked for a sample of the hand soaps, and they said they're happy to send me "some fragrance samples". Seems like it's a toss-up whether you get hand soap or dish soap? Really would prefer hand soap, but I'm happy to try whatever. Responded same-day.

I haven't heard back from per-fekt or from Sumita, the only other companies I have reached out to at this point.

As an update... I got a package from per-fékt today! They totally didn't even respond back to say they were sending me samples, but they mailed it out the same day I sent the e-mail; it's postmarked Thursday. (And it got here 2 days later... definitely the fastest I've ever had a package get to NYC from the west coast!)

I also got my package from Sabon today. It's a travel-size of the foot cream, so they did send me what I asked for and not just a random product. Excited, too... it's a sizeable tube that looks like it'll last me a good while.

 

[kalmekrzy]

I have been sending out requests to all the companies that everyone has been posting about. I'm not only looking for samples to try for myself but I also am putting together care packages for my daughter who is stationed in afganasistan. She loves getting goodies from home and she shares them with the other women in her unit. Plus some of my samples and makeup that I cant send or I'm not interested in I take to a battered women's shelter. Those ladies definitely deserve pampering. Last black Friday I had a huge haul at Walgreens. I got tons of deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors & shave cream spending about $40 and using register rewards rolling over to the next deal. I think I ended up with over $800 worth of product. I donated everything but a few items that i kept for my family, to a homeless youth center. I plan on doing the same this year. Plus I work for Walgreens so my employee discount helped to save a ton more. People looking for samples should also ask at the cosmetics counter at Walgreens. I know that at my store we always have tons of stuff that companies send up. Especially when they are doing a Saturdate promotion on certain products. Has anyone had any luck asking for samples at Sephora, Ulta or and of the major department stores. I know at Sephora they will gladly make samples for you but I can't send stuff like that to my daughter. The foil packages work the best for sending stuff to her. I have asked at Nordstroms but the girls I've asked always seem kinda snooty and act like its a chore to give a free sample away. I spend a ton at both Sephora and Ulta but have never asked for samples. Do any of you have a favorite store to go to for free samples?

 

[MollyC2153]

Originally Posted by kalmekrzy /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I have been sending out requests to all the companies that everyone has been posting about. I'm not only looking for samples to try for myself but I also am putting together care packages for my daughter who is stationed in afganasistan. She loves getting goodies from home and she shares them with the other women in her unit. Plus some of my samples and makeup that I cant send or I'm not interested in I take to a battered women's shelter. Those ladies definitely deserve pampering. Last black Friday I had a huge haul at Walgreens. I got tons of deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors & shave cream spending about $40 and using register rewards rolling over to the next deal. I think I ended up with over $800 worth of product. I donated everything but a few items that i kept for my family, to a homeless youth center. I plan on doing the same this year. Plus I work for Walgreens so my employee discount helped to save a ton more.

People looking for samples should also ask at the cosmetics counter at Walgreens. I know that at my store we always have tons of stuff that companies send up. Especially when they are doing a Saturdate promotion on certain products.

Has anyone had any luck asking for samples at Sephora, Ulta or and of the major department stores. I know at Sephora they will gladly make samples for you but I can't send stuff like that to my daughter. The foil packages work the best for sending stuff to her. I have asked at Nordstroms but the girls I've asked always seem kinda snooty and act like its a chore to give a free sample away. I spend a ton at both Sephora and Ulta but have never asked for samples. Do any of you have a favorite store to go to for free samples?

1. I LOVE the idea of sending it to our awesome service women/donating it locally.

2. Sign up for the Sephora Insider Beauty Rewards Card. You will earn points for every purchase and then get deluxe samples that you can send to your daughter. In stores, they will give you the foil packets with purchase, online you can choose 3-5 samples of foil packets per purchase. Right now they're doing a 5 samples thing.. so maybe you want to buy something there!!!

 

[JamieO]

Originally Posted by MollyC2153 /img/forum/go_quote.gif


1. I LOVE the idea of sending it to our awesome service women/donating it locally.

2. Sign up for the Sephora Insider Beauty Rewards Card. You will earn points for every purchase and then get deluxe samples that you can send to your daughter. In stores, they will give you the foil packets with purchase, online you can choose 3-5 samples of foil packets per purchase. Right now they're doing a 5 samples thing.. so maybe you want to buy something there!!!

I agree! Donating items is awesome! I really wish more people would do that. I see so many people talk about getting items in sample boxes that they won't use and are just going to throw them out or stash them in a box only to never use them (like the razors from the August BB). There are so many people that have nothing and would be more than happy to receive a "crappy foil packet" of shampoo or a brand new razor. We tend to take for granted the things we have, not thinking about the people out there who have nothing and would gladly accept a foil packet of shampoo (or whatever the item may be)! Good for you!

 

[missmaggie5]

I emailed Dermalogica and they sent me three sample packets (one each of the Daily Microfoliant, Multivitamin Power Firm, and the Skin Hydrating Booster). 

 

[PeridotCricket]

Sunday, August 26, 2012 

I e-mailed Melvita in May when they had samples in the May Birchboxes.  I was looking for skincare samples because I have adult acne and they seem like a good organic and cruelty-free company.  I got a reply that said no samples for me because they do not offer samples of their acne care line.  I e-mailed directly back saying I had chosen Melvita because I have had success organic products not causing breakouts.  I got 3 samples in cute little foil packets, but I think I can get 2 or 3 uses out of each of them.  There's a 2ml Nectar de Rose Day Cream for Delicate Skin, a 2ml Moisturizing Rose Nectar for Normal to Dehydrated Skin, and a 5ml Capiforce Detangling Balm.  I have not had a chance to try them yet, but I am especially looking forward to trying the Detangling Balm.  I have a bunch of binder clips that work great for closing up open sample packets so they don't dry out or get all over the place, so I'm okay with samples in foil packets.  Each Melvita sample has the European EcoCert logo, the Bio Organic Cosmetic logo, and on the back of the package there's the Leaping Bunny logo.  Melvita products are made in France.  I am more likely to buy from them because of the Leaping Bunny logo and the fact that they are not made in China.  However, their customer service is not the friendliest I have encountered via e-mail.  The samples arrived within a week in a regular size 10 envelope with my address hand-written on the front.  I am going to try the samples this week.  I'll post my review next Sunday on my Blog.

 

[Mandy Kane]

Originally Posted by lady41 /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Ok, I got my 3 beautysage boxes today! Was a bit bummed that all 3 boxes had the same products I was really hoping to try a variety of things.. I don't know how to post a pic with my phone but the box had

shea terra rose hips black saop (1 oz) nice sample

Vmv hypoallergenics face cover 30 (I think this is just an spf. 18 oz)

lift lad lift and moisturize daily cream ( size not listed but im guessing. 5 oz)

foil pack suntegrity face sunscreen and primer

Very small vial of 21 drops de stress oil

small vial of perfume oil

really not over enthused with the box but for those of you who are totally into natural things the box would be worth 5 bucks. I was hoping for more shea products myself!

i got the same stuff. 

btw the perfume sample? it's the stuff that REEKS from i think it was june's glossybox. A perfume Organic in Urban Organic. BLEH. (i think if i remember the price for this was like $3 maybe? i think you can get a testing set for $12 with maybe 3-5 samples?)

I have another box coming on wednesday. that i ordered with the $5 off code ( so i just paid shipping) 

values: 

life lab lift & moisturize. i think this is the .27 oz size that comes in their $25 5pc travel kit so $5 by that. (i say i think because the label is like a cheap sticker printed off that only says what it is, no size, ingredients, or instructions) by oz. it would be $20 if my math is right ($130 for 1.7oz)

Shea Terra Organics Rose Hips Black Soap: 1oz is $4.50 ($18 for 4oz) 

VMV Hypo Allergenics Armada face Cover 30 (sunscreen) $5 shipping. You can order 3 free samples from their site and this is one of them. Just pay $5 shipping. so $5 or if you can find a free shipping code $0, lol. price is $2.50 ($43 for 3oz)

SunTegrity sunscreen and primer: .07 oz. maybe 2.50? Full sized is $45 for 1.7oz

21 drops de-stress: $29 for full sized 8ml unsure of sample value- aprx same size as prefume organics samples. 

so yeah- you get your money back, but it was kind of dissapointing that there was 2 sunscreens and 2 oils. (yes 1 is a perfume and 1 was aromatherapy, but still) 

the shea terra made the box and i'm glad i'll be able to try it. 

 

[Mandy Kane]

Also got samples today from Jurlique. I wrote them and asked for samples and mentioned a beauty blogger I read and mentioned her AWESOME reviews of their products. here is what I got:

 

Purely Age-Defying Ultra Firm and Lift Cream

Clarifying Day Care Lotion

Rose Moisture Plus Cleanser

Herbal Recovery Eye Cream

Purely Age-Defying Refining Treatment

Purufying Mask

Fruit Enzyme Exfoliator

 

[lady41]

Originally Posted by plutorayz /img/forum/go_quote.gif



Okay so, the foil packet set is from Nia24 (I got it last week sometime) it has an 866 Number on it to call (some of you might remember me saying I'd look into it) and you get a *complimentary*  introductory kit -which is the stuff on the lower right hand corner. I called three days ago and it's here today. Awesome! Definitely worth the time to contact them for the foil pack. The number to call is 8666423962.

I also got the supergoop stuff from when they had the request form on fb last week. 2 foil packets NBD.

I tried the number it says you have reached a call service that is not a working number?

 

[tinkerbll695]

I emailed shea terra about an hour ago and they already got back to me. I was able to get a 1oz sample of their rose hips black soap facial cleanser and "something extra" for the price of shipping - $2.95. So excited!

I also emailed Nia24  for their complimentary introductory kit. They got back to me within 15 minutes!

I've found that makeup counters at most department stores are really great with samples of products especially if you tell them that you've used products from their lines previously and are interested in others or that you saw an ad in a magazine for a product and were wondering if you'd like it. Although my last encounter at Nordstrom's was less than friendly (the sales ladies seemed too bothered to help me and I was actually looking to purchase an item!)

Sephora has always been more than friendly to provide samples and on more than one occasion when I was looking to trade in my beauty insider points for a reward (because I wanted a larger sample of the product than the little pot) it was given to me without trading in my points!

 

[plutorayz]

Originally Posted by lady41 /img/forum/go_quote.gif

I tried the number it says you have reached a call service that is not a working number?

Whoops, I must have fat-fingered it. 

 The number on the pamphlet says 866NIADYNE otherwise 866.642.3963. For whatever reason, it wouldn't let me go back and fix it either 

 

[lady41]

yep! thats the box! I have 2 more coming today I bought with the code. I REALLY REALLY hope thereis some different stuff in there!

Originally Posted by Mandy Kane /img/forum/go_quote.gif

i got the same stuff. 

btw the perfume sample? it's the stuff that REEKS from i think it was june's glossybox. A perfume Organic in Urban Organic. BLEH. (i think if i remember the price for this was like $3 maybe? i think you can get a testing set for $12 with maybe 3-5 samples?)

I have another box coming on wednesday. that i ordered with the $5 off code ( so i just paid shipping) 

values: 

life lab lift & moisturize. i think this is the .27 oz size that comes in their $25 5pc travel kit so $5 by that. (i say i think because the label is like a cheap sticker printed off that only says what it is, no size, ingredients, or instructions) by oz. it would be $20 if my math is right ($130 for 1.7oz)

Shea Terra Organics Rose Hips Black Soap: 1oz is $4.50 ($18 for 4oz) 

VMV Hypo Allergenics Armada face Cover 30 (sunscreen) $5 shipping. You can order 3 free samples from their site and this is one of them. Just pay $5 shipping. so $5 or if you can find a free shipping code $0, lol. price is $2.50 ($43 for 3oz)

SunTegrity sunscreen and primer: .07 oz. maybe 2.50? Full sized is $45 for 1.7oz

21 drops de-stress: $29 for full sized 8ml unsure of sample value- aprx same size as prefume organics samples. 

so yeah- you get your money back, but it was kind of dissapointing that there was 2 sunscreens and 2 oils. (yes 1 is a perfume and 1 was aromatherapy, but still) 

the shea terra made the box and i'm glad i'll be able to try it. 

 

[Hellocat4]

Jo Malone said no.  They sent me an e-mail stating they do not give samples to consumers- just retailers. 

I also got a strange response from Dermatologica to my request for samples.  They sent me a long e-mail detailing the safety of parabens.  Very odd.  I take it as a no.

 

[Jazbot]

Today I received Samples from Per-fekt and Caldron Dish soap detergent...they sent me quite a few actually.

Also a stain remover and Per-feckt sent a lash conditioner that was in BB this month a lipe treatment and also a skin per-fekt cream!

Very exciting Monday Indeed!

 

[plutorayz]

These companies said they would send samples :  Uberliss, Nume, Murad and Cauldalie.

Got the samples from :

Ole Henriksen : 3 truth serum collagen booster packets 0.05 fl oz,  1 invigorating night gel packets 0.10 fl oz, and 1 sheer transformation packet 0.10fl oz  
Melvita : Revitalizing Fluid 0.07 fl oz packet, Extra Rich Hand Cream in 0.10 fl oz packet and Silky Body Cream in 0.14 fl oz packet

I also emailed some companies that said would send samples towards the beginning of the month but I hadn't received them yet so I was just checking to see if they had been sent out or lost. I got this as a response from Marula.

"Hi Jen -

 
Birchbox wants to take care of their subscribers request. I have copied them on this email and you can 
follow up with them.
 
I am sorry for the inconvenience. 
 
Best,
Anna "

 It would have been nice to have been told this earlier, or have even gotten a no from the get go, rather than anticipate something coming and it not show up.  I mean you already said yes and now you're saying no. Not really sure that I want to deal with a company like that....

 

[tinkerbll695]

Originally Posted by Hellocat4 /img/forum/go_quote.gif

Jo Malone said no.  They sent me an e-mail stating they do not give samples to consumers- just retailers. 

I also got a strange response from Dermatologica to my request for samples.  They sent me a long e-mail detailing the safety of parabens.  Very odd.  I take it as a no.

Jo Malone is really great about giving out samples at their counters if you have one near you - at least from my experience.

 

[Dalylah]

Got my Guerlain KissKiss Gloss today in Violine from their FB giveaway.

 

[lizzie123]

wait so you called the number and they sent you the kit on the right hand side?? what did you ask them?

 

[plutorayz]

Originally Posted by lizzie123 /img/forum/go_quote.gif

wait so you called the number and they sent you the kit on the right hand side?? what did you ask them?

Yep! It's a complimentary introductory kit. I just called and said that I was calling about the complimentary kit that was mentioned on the product pamphlet, and she took down my name and address and said she'd get it shipped out. 

 

[Apsara]

These are the Jouer samples I got. I was told I was supposed to receive the lip enhancer as well, but didn't. I'm not too worried about it though because I don't really need it. The four packets of luminizing tint are all different colors, even though the girl I was speaking with asked me to choose a shade.

My per-fekt samples! Absolutely love the packaging! I got the lash perfection gel, the brow perfection gel, skin perfection gel, and lip perfection gel. Can't wait to try them!

I also e-mailed Juice Beauty and Jurlique. Both said they'll be sending me some samples!