Wondering how to get free makeup samples by mail? It’s actually not that hard. You just have to be willing to give up something in exchange that you may not like.
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What’s in your cosmetic essentials kit?
Foundation? Check. $35.
Concealer? Gotta have it. Tack on another $30.
Volumizing mascara? Wouldn’t be caught dead without it on a date? If so, that’ll set you back $25.
Brow definer? Add it to the cart for $25.
Eyeshadow? But of course. Splurge for $30.
Blush? Can’t go without it? A high-end brand will run you $40.
And let’s not forget about the lip balm, liquid lipstick, eyeliner, highlighter, eye pencils, toners, masks and serums.
As you can see, having a full line of cosmetics can cost well northwards of a couple hundred dollars.
But there are ways to get complementary cosmetics to help you save money. And it’s a one of the many productive things to do when bored.
Free Cosmetic Samples
A Google search for “free makeup samples” yields 135 million results. Clearly, there aren’t that many websites or cosmetic companies.
However, there are dozens of websites where you can indeed get complimentary mini products.
Let’s take a look at one example.
PinchMe and its community of “pinchers” seems to be a legit, no-scam enterprise.
Here’s how it works.
In essence, you get stuff merely for creating an account and sharing your opinion about the products you get by mail.
Why do companies give product away at no cost to you? Especially if you don’t have to enter credit card information.
(PinchMe does not require you to enter credit card info.)
Brands require customer (and potential customer) feedback from hundreds of people.
Without the feedback, companies like Sephora have no idea whether or not the products they’re creating are any good.
These brands must determine if their products are deemed a good value.
In addition, companies need to know if consumers think highly enough of their products to recommend them to friends.
This is why it’s easy to get free makeup samples.
Keep in mind, however, that the stuff you’ll get won’t last long.
The cosmetic company ends up winning out in the long run if you like their product and end up buying the regular size.
Basically, the company is banking on you becoming a lifetime loyal brand advocate.
PinchMe For Free Makeup Samples By Mail
Make sure to read the fine print on websites that promote complementary products.
Avoid any websites that make you pay a cent for a membership.
An offer should be transparent and let you know if there’s a trial period, and, ultimately, a monthly or yearly fee.
PinchMe.com doesn’t charge any money for an account. They likely make money directly from the cosmetic companies to promote their goods.
A reputable website also won’t make you pay for shipping. It wouldn’t be free if you had to pay $5.95 for a sample that weighs less than a feather.
The PinchMe website simply requires you to fill out a profile. Companies pay dearly for consumer profiles.
High-end brands want to know your spending habits and consumer metrics such as age, income, level of education, etc.
If you’re leery of having your data mined and traded, it’s probably best to avoid getting free makeup samples.
However, if it’s product you desire, certain websites such as PinchMe advertise even more ways to get stuff without paying.
For example, there are social media giveaways (PinchMe has a live Facebook event once a month, “Sample Tuesdays.”)
Just make sure your home address is current on your Facebook profile. PinchMe uses this profile address to ship your package.
Again, all giveaway websites want from you is to answer questions about your shopping habits.
It might seem like a no-brainer.
Indeed, it can be a win-win situation for consumers and brands. Just be prepared to get hooked on a product if you like it. You’re not going to be able to get the same product at no cost over and over again.
(Unless, perhaps, you’re a very successful YouTube influencer. But there’s only so many of those….)
The Kind Of Products You Can Get
Let’s once again use PinchMe as an example. Currently, there are a few products you can get at no cost from BIORÉ.
This includes a self-heating one-minute mask, a deep-cleansing pore strip, micellar water (makeup remover) and baking soda acne cleansing foam.
OhYes!It’sFree is another website where you can get stuff mailed to you at no cost. The site’s latest no-cost mailers include mascara, eyeliner, foundation and lipstick.
The website says:
“Wondering how to get free makeup samples by mail? Simply find the samples your [sic] interested in and follow the instructions to request your freebie. Be patient for the delivery time and the next thing you know, you’ll get free makeup in the mail. It’s just that easy!”
Specifically, OhYes! currently offers Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier from SkinCueticals. It also offers argan oil from HSI. (OK, that’s a haircare product, but that’s closely related to beauty).
OhYes! also lists other ways that shoppers can take advantage of free makeup samples besides signing up for an account on its website. For example, July 29th is National Lipstick Day in case you didn’t know. MAC Cosmetics offers lipstick freebies in its retail locations.
There’s also the promise of no-cost tinted SPF 30 Moisturizer from First Aid Beauty on their Facebook page.
Another helpful tip (buy by the time you read this will likely be outdated):
OhYes! recommends visiting Clinique’s Facebook page. There, you’ll find a post where you can sign up to score a free sample of their Acne Solutions Clearing Gel at Macy’s.
Is There A Catch To Free Mini Makeup Samples?
You’re probably familiar with the expression “there’s no such thing as a free lunch.”
But can you get freebies without being scammed?
Yes, you can.
However, there are some things to keep in mind about even the most legitimate of websites offering stuff at no cost…..
Some offers will take you through a confusing maze of external websites. And when you enter your personal information on a website that takes you to another website, expect to receive lots more promotional emails. Or even annoying phone calls and text alerts.
It might be possible to opt out of third-party offers. However, most often, it’s difficult to do so.
And certainly, there are websites that are total scams. Do your research before signing up for an account.
Visit the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website to see if a certain company or website has any complaints lodged against it.
A company, Conversion Marketing, had to pay nearly $500,000 in fees, says this FTC report.
The FTC article claims the defendants promised “free” samples of tooth whitening kits, then debited consumers’ accounts without their authorization.
Furthermore, the FTC alleges the defendants made false claims about their weight-loss patches. To pour salt on the wound, they called consumers listed on the National Do Not Call Registry.
Another company, Nutraclick, had over 70,000 complaints filed against it, says this legal website.
The FTC claims Nutraclick failed to clearly disclose to people who requested free makeup samples, that they would be enrolled in a membership program and billed up to $79.99 per month. The fine print said that the consumers had to cancel within an 18-day trial period.
In conclusion, let the buyer beware … even if it’s free.
robin rue says
I think it’s smart of makeup companies to send out free samples and as a customer, who wouldn’t want to try new products and maybe find something you’ll love.
Leona says
Agree! It’s a smart business practice to get customers.
candy says
Guess I never really thought about getting free samples for make up before. Now I am going to have to google just so I can see. Will be checking some of these out for sure.
Leona says
It is a great way to get introduced to a lot of different products and try before buying.
Glenda Cates says
I will share e her g.this with my sister because she loves Make-Up and getting free samples is something I can see her doing.
Leona says
It’s a great way to try before you buy!
GiGi Eats says
I find that samples are typically crappy – that’s why they’re free – then they just wind up causing CLUTTER in your bathroom. So I say – NAY. NOT worth it.
Leona says
It depends. I get some great ones from Sephora each time I place an order.
Tomi C says
I use PinchMe and sign up for free samples every month. I love PinchMe. It’s a great way to try a product to see if you’re allergic to it or if you like the smell and feel of the product.
Leona says
Thanks for sharing your experience!
Sarah Bailey says
I love getting my hands on samples, it really helps me make up my mind to if I want to buy the product or now – so I think it is such a good idea for companies to do this.
Leona says
It sure is!
Nikki says
I did PinchMe for a while, and they really are fantastic. I’ve also seen those annoying sites that take you all over the place and make you hit “yes or no” to a zillion “offers,” then tell you that you have to do X things to get the freebie. No thanks, I’ll just buy it, lol!
Leona says
Thank goodness PinchMe isn’t like that!
Tasheena says
I think it a wonderful investment for companies to send out free makeup or beauty products to those that already love their brand or those who are interested in trying their products.
Leona says
It is a good marketing plan.
Amber Myers says
Oh cool, I didn’t know about this. I don’t wear a lot of makeup, but my daughter would want to try this. She’s been experimenting with make up lately to see what works for her.
Leona says
It’s definitely a good way to try different products to see if they work out.
Ave says
I’m in a forum where people share promotions where makeup and skincare companies offer free samples. I really love when the samples arrive and I’m so happy to try them out. I have ended up buying several full sized products because I have loved the samples.
Leona says
Sounds like a great way to find sample offers.
Ashley says
Ooo I am always looking for new makeup to try. I think this would be perfect
Leona says
It is a cool thing to try.
Heather says
This sounds neat especially if you aren’t sure about a product before you buy it. It’s nice to try it out first. I know I’m really enjoying the makeup subscription box that was gifted to me. Its been really neat checking out all the products inside.
Leona says
The subscription box is another great idea to try various products!
Pam says
I used to do Influenster and got a lot of makeup and beauty product samples. I have never heard of PinchMe though.
Leona says
We will check out that program.
Alyssa from The Sparkly Life says
I wanted to start something like Pinch Me years ago. Wish I had done it! It sounds awesome. 🙂
Terri Oliver Steffes says
I have gotten some really great products this way, ones that I wouldn’t have paid that much for because I didn’t know how awesome they were!
Leona says
Sounds like a win for you!
Angela Ricardo Bethea says
Totally agree with you, make-up costs a lot of money. And getting free samples is a win-win for me.
Leona says
Free is always welcomed!
Lian says
I love getting free makeup samples by mail. I think it is a great way to try out a new product, especially when I am hunting for a new one. I will be checking PinchMe out.
Leona says
Hope it works out for you!
Cassie Tucker says
I joined PinchMe because of the promised free beauty samples but never received a single beauty product. I did get some animal food and treat samples, which my dog and cat loved, and some other products. I don’t actually get offered anything anymore so I don’t know what’s up with that. I think I’ll head over to the site and see if maybe they added more profile questions and mine just isn’t filled out all the way and maybe that’s why it doesn’t offer me anything. Thanks for reminding me about it!
Leona says
Thanks for the feedback on PinchMe Cassie. Maybe there just wasn’t a match? I’m not really sure how they pick who gets the samples.
Ricci says
I love makeup and getting samples so I will have to try this out! Thanks for the tips!
Leona says
You’re welcome Ricci!
Chubskulit Rose says
I am not into makeups but I love a good shade of lipstick. I got an invite about Pinch Me on my email and maybe I should give it a try.
Leona says
If you don’t mind the data mining, it’s a good way to try things out.
Tabitha says
Awsome blossom
Asma rao says
I want to get free make up samples
Lisa says
Try PINCHme.
Olivia Plunkett says
I want to get free make upsample plz thank you
Megan says
Could you plzzzzzz send me free makeup samples, im currently unemployed and would love to look and feel good atleast. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE…
Lisa MarcAurele says
To get the free samples, you have to sign up for the programs listed in the article.