What companies have you gotten samples from?

[SuzB]

P.S.  I live WAY out in the country -- think that's a good reason to ask for samples?  It's hard to get to a large enough city to sample at the stores, and it's true. Probably does not hurt to mention that I'm active on forums too.  Appreciate the samples of letters from others.  If anyone is cynical about the world, they only have to look at the generosity expressed by people like you.  Thanks!

 

[Mickayla-Kat Dussault]

P.S.  I live WAY out in the country -- think that's a good reason to ask for samples?  It's hard to get to a large enough city to sample at the stores, and it's true. Probably does not hurt to mention that I'm active on forums too.  Appreciate the samples of letters from others.  If anyone is cynical about the world, they only have to look at the generosity expressed by people like you.  Thanks!

I tell companies when I am not near the store and it helps get me samples, because if you are near a retailer they will tell you to go there.

 

[Krystyn Lowe]

I had to LOL today at No.4 hair care. They sent three samples (foils) each in an envelope in a HUGE box by UPS. The box was like 18x8x6 for THREE FOILS! /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

What a colossal waste of money!

 

[Sara Spears]

The Aloe Source sent me very generous deluxe size samples and their lip balm which retails at $8.00. Here are pictures of the samples and the contact info so you can directly email them and ask for the same samples. 

Reminder: No links to blogs allowed in posts

 

[zuribabyyy]

Went to Sephora today to buy a few things with a gift card, and of course I asked for some samples.

Well, the girl I was talking to was superrr generous. She filled the little tubs all the way up.

Best part, I asked for a Glamglow sample and she gave me a a .5 oz tube, which retails for $19!!! What!?

Anyway, best trip to Sephora ever.

 

[Mickayla-Kat Dussault]

I'm going to a sephora and macy's counter today! Not sure what to get for samples!

 

[klaucius]

Joined this forum just a few days ago and I love all you guys' input on makeup deals. Here's my list of places that have said yes so far:

Archipelago

Arcona

Acure

Blu-Emu

BioElements

BulkNatural Oils

Balanced Guru

Crabtree & Evelyn

Curlisto

ColorScience

Chella

Chloe

Dr. Haushka

Dermalogica

Dr. Ci Labo

Eve Lom

Enspri

Elysee

Evologie

Erbaviva

Egyptian Magic Cream

Equitance

First Aid Beauty

Floracopeia

Hempz

Harvey Prince

Hourglass

Illamasqua

Juara

Juice Beauty

Jurlique

John Master's Organic

Koh gen do

Kerstin Florian

Karuna

La Bella Donna

Lauren Brooke Cosmetics

Lisa Hoffman Beauty

L'Occitane

Lil' Drug Store Products

Lifeline Skincare

Murad

Monave

Missha

Merumaya

NUXE

Napoleon Purdis

Neostrata

Nordiccare

Ole Henriksen

Omorovicza

Original Sprout

OSEA Malibu

Oceanmist Cosmetics

Paula's Choice

Pharmagel

Palladio Beauty

Premier & Gratiae

Restorsea

RandCo Hair Company

Redflower NYC

Raccine Skincare

Rusk Deepshine

Sulwhasoo

Sisley

Skyn Iceland

Sunology

Stash Tea

Tu'el Skincare

Thymes

The Laundress

The All Natural Face

Trilogy

Vbeaute

Xtend Life

Yu-Be

Hope this helps...and I think I am addicted too! /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[klaucius]

OH MY GOSH,

Not only did I receive several wonderful samples today, but Rusk sent me a huge box with 34 more than deluxe-sided hair products!!! Talk about amazing customer service and generosity! I'm already a fan!

 

[itscherylanne]

Discovering this thread is awesome! I am definitely going try to contact these companies separately.

As for asking samples at Sephora, I've never done it. It's genius! I won't be going to Sephora anytime soon (I'm on a no-buy) but when is the best time to ask for samples? Is it when you're paying? Do you ask for help and slip in the sample request then?

 

[zuribabyyy]

Discovering this thread is awesome! I am definitely going try to contact these companies separately.

As for asking samples at Sephora, I've never done it. It's genius! I won't be going to Sephora anytime soon (I'm on a no-buy) but when is the best time to ask for samples? Is it when you're paying? Do you ask for help and slip in the sample request then?

I find they give the best samples when you're asking for help. I went in and was asking about masks and oil cleansers, so they were really generous when I asked for the samples of the products I was most interested in trying. Also, it always helps if you have something in hand that you are purchasing, but I have gotten nice samples without purchasing anything.

 

[itscherylanne]

I find they give the best samples when you're asking for help. I went in and was asking about masks and oil cleansers, so they were really generous when I asked for the samples of the products I was most interested in trying. Also, it always helps if you have something in hand that you are purchasing, but I have gotten nice samples without purchasing anything.

Oh nice! Thank you for the tip! I get so shy when I'm approached by a cast member at Sephora hahaha I should learn to embrace their welcome ^_^ /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[Babyboomer1104]

Marli Skin Care sent me samples of their Collagen Gel Wash, their Facial Scrub, and their Sun Damage Repair Cream as well as their Danyel Sun Beige Foundation! Sweet! I won!!!

 

[Mickayla-Kat Dussault]

How is everyone? It seems this tag is slowing down. /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

In a few more months I'll be recontacting all the companies I've already contacted and got a 'no' from. 

/emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[ktilden]

Hello everyone! I have just finished reading all 145 pages of this, and boy was it fun. I have gotten so many samples already! Waiting for the mail everyday is so exciting. I think my family thinks I am crazy, but I can't stop, it is so much fun! To save you all from having to go through all 145 pages like I did, I will list all the companies below that I have received from or am expecting from.

Received:

Nuxe

Bare Minerals

Murad

SC Johnson

Listerine

Red Flower

Dermalogica

Paulas Choice

Jurlique

Dr. Hauschka

Original Sprout

Evelom

Elemental Herbology

Arcona

U by Kotex

Nivea

Naturopathica

Beecential

Mereadesso

Men Science

DermOrganic

NeoStrata

Apivita

Erbaviva

Restorsea

The Laundress

Beiersdorf (Eucerin)

Truvia

Aubrey Organics

Purina

Yes but not received:
DHC

L'Occitane 

Ole Henrikson

Archipelago Botanicals

Omorovicza

Blum Naturals

Toms 

Xtend Life

Lapraine

John Master Organics

My Chelle

21 Drops

Dermorganic (said they would send again)

Tammy Fender

Acure Organics

Napolean Perdis

Lifeline Skincare

Sisley-Paris

Clarins

Evologie

Thanks so much everyone, and good luck!!

 

[Mickayla-Kat Dussault]

So I thought I'd tell you guys PinchMe is a great free signup for samples! it's every month or so and you get a whole box! So far I've had snacks, two free full-sized nail polishes from sinful nail colors, as well as a ton of other samples! Sooo worth it! August 26th (Tuesday of next week) is the next time they'll be sending out samples (at 12 EST!) Get on and get them before they go! Made sure to give you guys a heads up early!

I also keep up with this: http://www.thefashionspot.com/beauty/388005-best-places-to-score-free-beauty-samples-online/ 

I go to every single link on that page (4-5) to look for reputable sign ups for free samples. There is a good one about every week or so, I just had three things from target come in! Book mark it and visit it daily (I suggest at night, some don't update until night) and usually sat/sun is really slow.

Lastly I saw a cool company that Michelle Phan talked about a cleanser on youtube in her favorites video and asked them for samples! 3 Free samples or 8 for 12$ S&H Tammy Fender Holstic Skincare. I got a few more "yes's" from companies on the above list that K gave us. /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

Also! If any of you do Secret Santas, let me know! I'm very interested in signing up to do one and we can send each other samples as well as makeup from different regions! Because I'm a makeup artist I'd love makeup I can't get my hands on!

 

[Toby Burke]

I contacted Marrakesh Hair Care by Earthly Body directly through the contact form on their site and was sent 3 foil samples of their products /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[Lynn Haller]

So, I just stumbled upon this thread last night. I sent a few emails immediately. I heard back from Bare Minerals within 20 mins. The email said they don't send samples, they have a 30 day guarantee, blah blah blah. But then it said they have a new foundation they would be willing to send and asked a few questions about skin type. And the fun begins!

 

[Lynn Haller]

OH MY GOSH,

Not only did I receive several wonderful samples today, but Rusk sent me a huge box with 34 more than deluxe-sided hair products!!! Talk about amazing customer service and generosity! I'm already a fan!

So what was your secret with Rusk?  I asked for samples, specific ones and they said they do not send samples.  That was the extent of the email.  I was a little surprised, I used to sell salon products and every brand had foil packs available.  Maybe they don't do that so much anymore. 

 

[Toby Burke]

So what was your secret with Rusk? I asked for samples, specific ones and they said they do not send samples. That was the extent of the email. I was a little surprised, I used to sell salon products and every brand had foil packs available. Maybe they don't do that so much anymore.

Did the same and got the same response from Rusk, WEI, and Aloe Source /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

Oh well, I've already gotten a couple responses /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[Mickayla-Kat Dussault]

So what was your secret with Rusk?  I asked for samples, specific ones and they said they do not send samples.  That was the extent of the email.  I was a little surprised, I used to sell salon products and every brand had foil packs available.  Maybe they don't do that so much anymore. 

Sometimes brands have to be convinced you are genuinely interested in their products and not a sample hoarder. (I'll admit to a little bit of sample hoarding myself, but for the most part I buy what I like.)

Instead of asking for specific samples, give your skin type, or your hair type, or if it's a cosmetic company give a skin-tone, eye color kind of thing and say you are on the market for a new ___ for your skin type. Maybe a new cleanser and exfoliator, or a new eyeliner and lipstick, that kind of thing. It tends to work better. Also don't be discouraged with a "No" it happens to everyone, also if everyone is emailing the same company at the same time it'll be harder to receive samples. That being said, you can re-email every company that says "no" or even "Yes" about every 3-4 months or so! There are very, very many lists here to look back at on this thread. You can skim through and if you find a really long message most likely it's a large list of companies you can contact.

Doing this kind of thing takes practice, time, and effort. As a makeup artist I know samples sell product, gets it off the shelves, most companies (Living Proof, for example) are pretty decent with samples unless they are 1. A snobbish type brand like Dior or Chanel and want you to be in person asking for samples at a counter because they have a certain image to keep, or 2. A brand that's on the indie/poorer side that can't afford to give out samples. Luckily for those who wish to find decent products and don't need a brand-name label, there are plenty of companies who let us try before we make a purchase...

I feel like this thread should be more popular on Makeup Talk, after all who doesn't use samples to find new products? Everyone likes samples!