What are the ways to get makeup samples?
Each route has its own trade-off: brand forms are free but run out fast, retailer samples are reliable but come with an order, and testing programs send bigger products in return for your opinion.
| Way to get it | What you get | Cost | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand sample forms | A deluxe sample or mini, sometimes in a shade you choose | Usually free; a few ask for a shipping fee | Fill in the form on the brand's own site. Stock is limited and often one per household. |
| Sample delivery services for brands | A sample of a new launch, sent on the brand's behalf | Usually free; some campaigns ask you to cover delivery | The brand's request form runs on a service such as SoPost, which may email a short survey later |
| Sephora online orders | Free samples you pick at checkout | Needs an order | Choose samples in your basket before you pay |
| Ulta Beauty online orders | Samples and gift-with-purchase sets when they are running | Needs an order | Added at checkout when an offer is on |
| Beauty store counters | A small amount of foundation, concealer or skincare in a sample pot | Free | Ask an associate. Many beauty stores will make a sample of a product you are curious about. |
| Product testing programs | Full-size products to try at home | Free, but you write a review or post | Apply, then wait to be picked. See the programs list linked below. |
| "Free after cash back" offers | A full-size product | You pay first and get the money back later | Buy through the cash back site as a new member; the refund depends on the purchase tracking |
| Birthday gifts from beauty rewards | A small gift set once a year | Free to join; redeeming online may need an order | Join the retailer's free rewards program before your birthday month |
Live makeup offers on TrySpree
The newest makeup offers members have posted that are still open. The cost column comes from each listing, and "check the terms" means a purchase or fee has not been ruled out yet. The full list is in free makeup samples; skincare and hair care are in free beauty samples.
How do I get makeup samples faster?
- Act on the day an offer opens. Launch samples are limited, and popular ones can close within hours.
- Use autofill. Most forms want the same name, address and email. Saving them in your browser makes each request a few seconds.
- Use a separate email. Brands that send samples also send newsletters. A second inbox keeps them away from your personal mail, and you will still see shipping notes.
- Turn on alerts. TrySpree can tell you when a new makeup offer is posted, so you are not checking by hand.
How do cash back makeup offers work?
Cash back sites sometimes advertise a lipstick or blush as free for new members. You buy the product at a retailer through the cash back site's link, and the site later credits you the price, often weeks later and only if the purchase tracked. That makes these offers a refund, not a sample: you need a card, you carry the cost until the credit lands, and some sites hold payouts until you reach a minimum. TrySpree marks them so they are not confused with free samples.
Are product testing programs worth joining for makeup?
If you like writing short reviews, yes. Testing programs send full-size products, which is more than any sample form, but you are chosen from many applicants and asked to post about it. Our list of product testing programs groups them by what they ask in return.
How do I get free makeup samples by mail?
Request them from brand sample forms when a brand launches a new product, which is when most mailed makeup samples appear. Join a product testing program for full-size items. Retailer samples need an online order, but you can also ask for a sample pot at a beauty store counter for free.
Are free makeup samples really free?
Brand forms and counter samples usually are. Retailer samples ride along with a paid order, and cash back offers make you pay up front. Of the 12 live makeup offers above, 1 are marked free with no purchase, 3 need a purchase, cash back or fee, and 8 have terms you should check.
How long do makeup samples take to arrive?
Usually two to eight weeks for brand samples, sent by regular mail without tracking. Samples from testing programs arrive on the program's schedule after you are picked. Retailer samples come in the box with your order.
Do I need a credit card to get free makeup samples?
Not for brand sample forms or testing programs. You need one for retailer orders, shipping-fee offers and cash back offers. A "free" makeup box that asks for a card and mentions a monthly plan is a subscription, not a sample.
Can I choose my shade?
Sometimes. Foundation and concealer sample forms often ask for your shade or skin tone, or send a small range. When a form doesn't ask, the brand picks a common shade. Counter samples are the easiest way to get your exact match.
About TrySpree
TrySpree is a free sample site, running since 2013, where members share free sample offers from brands and TrySpree checks the links; it's free to use and supported by ads. See how offers are checked, or skip the survey sites with free samples without surveys.
More TrySpree guides
- Free Samples by Mail: Where free samples by mail come from, what each kind costs, and the live offers in every TrySpree category.
- Birthday Freebies: Free food, drinks and beauty gifts on your birthday: which loyalty programs give one, how early to join, and which need a purchase.
- Free Baby Stuff for Expecting Parents: Registry welcome boxes, formula and diaper programs, and live baby sample offers, with what each one asks of you.
- Free Perfume and Cologne Samples: How to get perfume and cologne samples by mail or at a counter, what they cost, and live fragrance offers.
- Halloween Freebies: Free Halloween events, treats for costumes and trick-or-treat kits, with this season's live offers and last year's list.
- Veterans Day Free Meals and Freebies: Free meals, haircuts and other Veterans Day thank-yous for veterans and service members, what proof to bring, and live offers.
- Free Calendars by Mail: Who gives away free wall calendars each year, when to ask, what they want in return, and live calendar offers.
- Thanksgiving Freebies: Free turkey and dinner deals, kids turkey crafts, cooking help and community meals, with what each one asks of you.
- Christmas Freebies: Free Santa photos, kids ornament workshops, letters to Santa and holiday events, plus this season's live offers.