How To Get Free Cologne Samples At Sephora

Sephora customers can get free samples of cologne and perfume, but the availability of these samples varies depending on the store and salesperson. Some stores stopped providing samples during the COVID-19 pandemic due to safety concerns and cost-saving measures. While some stores have resumed offering samples, others have not. Additionally, some Sephora stores sell travel-sized fragrances and accept returns. Customers can also purchase samples from third-party websites or create their own samples by bringing their atomizers to fill.

Sephora's free fragrance sample policy

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Sephora offered free fragrance samples that were made in-store by sales associates. However, this practice was phased out due to concerns about theft, expenses, and hygiene. During the pandemic, fragrance sampling was temporarily halted due to safety concerns, and Sephora stopped providing the vials and funnels needed to make the samples.

As of 2024, some customers have reported that certain Sephora stores no longer provide fragrance samples at all, while others have been able to obtain samples by spraying testers directly onto their wrists or by bringing their own atomizers and filling them themselves. Some customers have also suggested that Sephora should offer a certain number of free samples when customers have their rewards scanned.

In addition to in-store sampling, Sephora offers free fragrance samples with online purchases over a certain amount. Customers can use a promotion code to receive a free sample set with any merchandise purchase of $50 or more on sephora.com or sephora.ca. This offer is limited to one per client and is subject to exclusions and terms.

In-store vs online samples

Sephora offers its customers free samples of its products, including cologne. However, the process of obtaining these samples differs between in-store and online purchases.

In-store samples

In-store samples were previously readily available, with customers being able to request samples of their choice. However, due to safety concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic, the practice of providing samples was halted. While safety is no longer a concern, the program has not been reinstated due to theft and expense issues. Customers would abuse the program by returning for the maximum number of samples daily or bragging about how they never had to buy cologne. This resulted in high costs for the company, as they were going through several bottles quickly.

Despite this, some stores may still provide samples upon request, depending on the location and salesperson. Additionally, customers have had success bringing their own 2ml atomizers to make their own samples without issue.

Online samples

Online, Sephora offers free samples with purchases. With a minimum purchase of $50, customers can receive a free sample set of 9 fragrances by using the promotion code YAYSCENTS. This offer is available on sephora.com or sephora.ca and excludes Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store orders.

Sephora also offers sampler packs for those looking to try out new scents. These packs include trial-size formats of various fragrances, allowing customers to discover their preferred scents before committing to a full-size purchase.

In conclusion, while Sephora may not provide the same level of accessibility to free cologne samples as they did in the past, there are still ways for customers to obtain samples, both in-store and online.

Sample sizes

Sephora offers free samples of cologne and perfume, but the availability of these samples varies. Some Sephora stores stopped providing fragrance samples during the COVID-19 pandemic due to safety concerns and the high costs of maintaining the sampling program. While some stores have resumed offering samples, others have not. Additionally, the availability of samples may depend on the specific store and salesperson.

Customers can increase their chances of obtaining free samples by engaging the sales associates in conversation and asking about the possibility of making their own samples using their atomizers. Some Sephora stores are more accommodating in this regard than others.

It is worth noting that Sephora offers sampler packs for purchase, allowing customers to try out different scents before committing to a full-size bottle. These sampler packs are a great way for customers to discover new fragrances without having to pay for full-size bottles.

In addition to the sampler packs, Sephora also offers free beauty samples with online orders. Customers can select up to two samples per order. However, these samples may not always include fragrances.

Sample limitations

Sephora has been known to offer free samples to its customers, however, there are some limitations to this. Firstly, it appears that the option to get free samples in-store was stopped during the COVID-19 pandemic due to safety concerns and has not been reinstated since. This is likely due to cost-saving measures and challenges with theft and expenses.

Secondly, even when free samples were available in-store, there were limitations on the number of samples a customer could receive. One source mentions that the limit was 3 samples per person, and some customers attempted to get more by going to different salespeople or returning to the store multiple times.

Thirdly, the availability of free samples seems to vary depending on the store location and the individual salesperson. Some customers have reported being able to get free samples easily, while others have been told that samples are not available or that they need to purchase the small roller bottles or travel sizes instead.

Finally, the types of samples available may be limited, and customers may not be able to get samples of all the fragrances they are interested in.

Overall, while Sephora has offered free samples in the past, there are limitations on their availability, and it appears that the option to get free samples in-store has been phased out, likely due to cost-saving measures and challenges with theft and expenses.

Alternative sampling methods

While Sephora does not currently offer free fragrance samples in-store, there are several alternative sampling methods. Here are some methods to obtain free cologne or fragrance samples from various sources:

Online Reward Programs

Sign up for reward programs or newsletters from companies like Sephora, Ulta, or other beauty product retailers. These programs often offer free fragrance samples when you make an online purchase or subscribe to their mailing lists. Sometimes, you may even receive free samples without any purchase at all.

Department Stores

Visit the fragrance counter at department stores like Nordstrom, Macy's, or Bloomingdale's and ask for fragrance samples. These stores often provide free samples, especially during promotional events.

Social Media

Follow your favorite fragrance brands and stores on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Interact with their posts by liking and commenting, and keep an eye out for ads offering free samples. Fill out the forms, and you'll receive your free samples by mail.

Online Purchases

When making online purchases from stores like Ulta, Sephora, Macy's, or Nordstrom, you may often receive free fragrance samples with your order. Sometimes, you even get to choose your samples during checkout.

Magazines

Flip through magazines to find scented perfume advertisements. While it may not be the most glamorous way to experience a fragrance, it can give you an idea of different scents.

Sample Boxes

Sign up for sample box programs like Sampler or Daily Goodie Box. These programs offer free sample boxes that may include fragrance samples. In return, they usually ask for your honest review of the products.

Product Testing Programs

Join product testing programs like Allure Beauty Enthusiasts, L'Oreal Consumer Panel, or Product Report Card. These programs often provide free perfume samples, and you may even receive full-size bottles for testing.

Product Review Sites

Sign up for product review sites like Smiley360, BzzAgent, or Influenster. These sites will send you free perfume samples in exchange for your honest reviews, which help companies evaluate consumer opinion and make improvements.

Direct Requests

If you have a specific fragrance in mind, consider emailing the company directly and requesting a sample. They may be willing to provide one, especially if you explain that you want to try the product before committing to a full-size bottle.

Discovery Kits

Purchase discovery kits or sample palettes from fragrance lines. These usually contain a variety of small samples, allowing you to explore different scents without committing to full-size bottles.

Subscription Boxes

Subscribe to fragrance-focused subscription boxes like Scentbox or Scentbird. These monthly deliveries are a great way to discover new perfumes and often include coupon codes for future purchases.

Individual Samples

If you're interested in a particular fragrance line, you can buy individual samples from luxury brands. For example, Le Labo offers 0.05-ounce samples of their iconic scents for $4-$6 each.

In-Store Requests

While Sephora may not offer free samples in-store, other stores might. Visit fragrance counters at department stores or beauty specialty shops and politely ask an associate for any available samples. They may be willing to provide you with a few samples to try.

Frequently asked questions