8 yrs, 9 mths ago

How to get samples?

Hi Beauties!
This is probably a stupid question, but here goes: how do I get cosmetics samples at places like Priceline, Myer, David Jones, etc.? I don’t like having to try on makeup at the store because of the poor lighting, lack of mirrors, and million other bustling people around me. I’m definitely a novice at the whole cosmetics thing as I haven’t been wearing it for too long (maybe 2-3 years) so if I sound like a complete idiot asking this, please excuse me. I just want to know how I’m supposed to be able to try out the different tones of foundation, powder, etc. at home. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! 🙂

8 comments 32 voices

Replies

  • 8 yrs, 8 mths ago

    Thank you all for sharing this information. I think it will help me also.

  • 8 yrs, 8 mths ago

    I’ve just ordered from Lush online for the first time and I got several samples with my order – a nice surprise (especially since their products aren’t cheap and I always like to try before I buy).

  • 8 yrs, 8 mths ago

    I put up a post over the weekend about the L’Oreal Revitalift 14 day trial where L’Oreal will send you samples of (I don’t know how much stuff) the product to try over the set timeframe to see the results. Check it out.

  • 8 yrs, 8 mths ago

    Hi everyone, sorry I have a related question. Does anybody know where I could get Trilogy samples? There’s a store nearby stocking them, but I don’t think they’ve got samples, and I’d love to try the moisturisers 🙁

  • 8 yrs, 8 mths ago

    I think the best way to get samples is to show genuine interest in the product first.

    Ask the consultant questions about the product.

    For example for a foundation I ask questions are wear time, finish, which skin type it will suit and what the shade range is like. I have really pale skin so I then mention I am worried it will be too dark or oxidise and then politely ask if I could have a sample to try. You can also try something like saying you have dry skin and find a lot of foundations cling to your dry patches so you need to test before purchasing. This usually works in places like Myer & DJs.

    Mecca is also really great with samples.

  • 8 yrs, 8 mths ago

    My philosophy is this (and it’s simple): just ask! The worst thing they can say to you is no. More often than not if they say no it’s because they don’t have any samples available, so taking along a little pot or tub (make sure it is little) will help! I have found YSL will happily give you some products to try in a little pot to take home, along with helpful advice and suggestions. Myer, David Jones and Mecca are your best bet; they are used to these types of requests. If a particular counter does not have any pots, ask if there are any others from another counter, as you have heard good things about their range and that is why you wanted to try before you invest. Compliment them. They are working there to make sales so grease the wheels!

    Best of luck!

  • 8 yrs, 9 mths ago

    I don’t think Priceline do it. But I have found David Jones, Myer and The Body Shop are good. Also if you mention you’re a beauty blogger they’re very incline to hand them to you. I’ve gotten Chanel and Lancôme just speaking to them for blog inspiration.
    Hope that helps. X

  • 8 yrs, 9 mths ago

    For things that are creamy or liquid the simple answer is to ask! Many makeup shops have sample jars hidden away that they can fill up from the tester… I mainly shop at Mecca and MAC and find no issues at either of those places. I went into MAC the other day and they were more than happy to give me a little pot of BB cream to try and said that I could bring it back next week to get a sample of studio sculpt if I liked. I think if I had asked they would have even given me both but I didn’t feel the need 🙂

    At priceline I haven’t heard of them doing it as much but you could try. You could even take in a little jar and just ask the person floating around the makeup section if they mind you taking a squirt of the product home to try. I personally wouldn’t feel comfortable doing that without asking first but they’re trying for a more high end feel with their beauty advisors so you may have luck.

    Also if you’re making a purchase anywhere ask then. Good consultants will chuck some bits and pieces in your bag, but I generally am not shy about asking if they have anything they can recommend trying. A lot of makeup counters have sample size fragrances or skin creams for you to take which are great for travel.

    Also, I particularly order from places that I know do samples like Mecca online. Definitely worth it!

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