**UPDATED WITH NEW NEUTROGENA SAMPLE BELOW!**
Confession: I’m a beauty product junkie.
I’m not sure if it’s the cute packaging, the pretty colors, or the bold promises of a "new, improved" something-or-other. Whatever the reason may be, I’m always willing to plunk down some coin for the latest and greatest beauty find.
Problem is, while on my search for the great, I come across a lot of the "not so great." These once (or twice) used products inevitably find their way to the "Field of Broken Beauty Dreams," otherwise known as the cabinet under my bathroom sink. My husband (if he knew this place existed) would likely call it, "The Black Hole that My Wife has Thrown Money Down."
So, what’s a beauty product-loving girl to do?
Why, start sampling, of course.
There are a myriad of free beauty products available to you right now, just for the asking. Nearly every department store beauty counter has free samples available (and I’m not just talking about the "free gift with purchase.") Some brands are more generous than others (Kiehl’s, Clinique and Chanel come to mind). If I’m buying a product at one of these counters, I nearly always ask for samples of other products to try. The other day, I walked up to the Estee Lauder counter and asked for a sample of their new Perfectionist CP+. The sales associate gave me a 10-day supply to try at home. The sample was an incredibly cost-effective way to try a product that’s retailing for $55 an ounce.
Department store counters aside, there are also a load of beauty samples that can be sent directly to your home. That’s why I emailed Heather at Freebies 4 Mom. Heather is the veritable Queen of Free Samples. I asked her to help us compile a quarterly list of beauty samples for Chic Critique readers. She was only too happy to oblige.
As a result of free sampling, I’ve discovered my favorite new hair product (which I wrote about here), come across a fantastic daily moisturizing cream, and decided not to buy another "must-have" mascara.
If this is your first time requesting samples, there are a few things to know. In most cases, you’ll be providing your name, address and email address. By providing your email address, you’re agreeing to be placed on the manufacturer’s mailing list. You may want to create an email account that you use only for free sample offers to keep this type of email separate.
Secondly, some forms require you to provide additional information. Be careful what you offer up. I never give my real birthdate, as that information in combination with my name, is often all an identity thief needs to get started. (I do provide a consistent birthdate, within a few years of my own, for companies that use birthdate for verification of age.) Obviously, if you’re requesting a free sample, there is absolutely NO reason you would need to provide your social security number or credit card number.
Now that the Public Service Announcement is done, we present the list! Happy sampling! And, if you have any suggestions for snagging great beauty samples, be sure and share it with us in the comments!
Hair
Sunsilk – You can request all 5 varieties
Face
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash/Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub — Just Added!
Ponds Clean Sweep (Costco – you don’t have to be a member)
Murad Skincare (Oprah)
Aveeno Lifting & Firming Night Cream
**The September 2008 issue of Lucky Magazine features a tear out card for a 10-day supply of Estee Lauder Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara that you can present at any Estee Lauder Counter.
Body
Sephora Vanilla Cupcake Bath & Shower Bubbles (for your birthday)
Dove Proage Beauty Body Lotion
Scent
Michelle blogs regularly about life and family at her personal blog, Life with Three. Heather offers up freebies galore daily at her blog, Freebies 4 Mom.
About Jo-Lynne
Thanks for asking for my contributions! A great list and I love your tips on free samples!
Thanks for the great list! I linked to you on my blog. 🙂
Thanks for the information on the free items.