Exploring Test-Size Cologne Options: Is It Possible?

There are many ways to get your hands on test-size cologne, whether you're looking for free samples or are happy to pay a small fee. Beauty stores like Sephora and Ulta will often provide free samples, as will department stores such as Nordstrom, Saks, and Macy's. You can also order free samples directly from the brand's website, or via email or social media. If you're willing to pay, you can buy samples from sites like The Aromi, Luckyscent, and MicroPerfumes, or you can subscribe to a monthly cologne sample box from Scentbird or Scentbox.

Beauty stores like Sephora and Ulta offer free samples

Sephora

Sephora offers free samples with purchases, and you can select up to two samples per order when shopping online. In-store, you can get up to three samples of any item per visit. Sephora also provides 15-minute complimentary makeovers, which can be a great opportunity to try out new products with the help of their artists.

Ulta

Ulta also provides free samples with purchases, and you can choose a fragrance, skincare, or variety sampler with every online order. In-store, they offer packets and some mini-sized samples. Ulta's reward system and frequent promotions make it a popular choice for many beauty enthusiasts.

Tips for Getting Samples

When visiting beauty stores like Sephora and Ulta, don't be afraid to ask the salespeople for samples. They are there to assist you, and providing samples is part of their job. It's also worth signing up for newsletters and checking websites and social media for promotions and giveaways. Additionally, some brands offer sampler packs or discovery sets, which can be a great way to try a variety of fragrances from a specific brand.

So, if you're looking to test out new colognes without committing to a full bottle, take advantage of the free samples offered by beauty stores like Sephora and Ulta. With a little exploration, you'll be well on your way to discovering your new signature scent.

Department stores like Nordstrom and Macy's provide testers

Testers usually come in plain packaging without the fancy decorations and branding of the retail versions, and the bottles may lack a cap or have a simpler design. However, the liquid inside the bottle is the same high-quality fragrance as in the regular bottles—there is no difference in scent, concentration, or longevity.

When visiting a department store fragrance counter, it's best to approach the salesperson genuinely and express that you're looking for a new scent but aren't ready to commit to a full-sized bottle yet. This way, you're more likely to receive a travel-sized bottle instead of just a test strip. Additionally, some department stores like Nordstrom are known to be more generous with their fragrance samples.

Official websites sometimes offer free samples

Some brands are more generous than others when it comes to giving out free samples. For example, Nordstrom is known for being very generous with fragrance samples, while Sephora and Ulta may be more selective. Beauty specialty shops like Sephora or Ulta will usually provide a sample vial of men's cologne upon request.

If you're looking for a specific brand, it's worth checking their website to see if they offer a sampler pack or discovery set. This is a great way to try out a variety of fragrances from a particular brand without committing to a full-sized bottle. Some brands that offer sampler packs include Etat Libre D'Orange, 19-69, and Maison Margiela.

In some cases, you may need to exchange your contact information or fill out a form to receive free samples. For example, brands like Jo Malone may offer free samples if you provide your email and mailing address. Additionally, many companies promote sponsored content on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, where you can exchange your contact information for free samples.

Subscription boxes are a great way to get multiple samples

There are many cologne subscription services available, and they all work slightly differently. Some services, like Scentbird, send you a 30-day supply of your chosen scent to test out each month. You can take a quiz to develop your scent profile and then choose from a selection of fragrances, including some in-demand indie ones. Scentbird also offers discounts on full-size bottles.

Other services, like Scent Box, send you a 30-day supply of a fragrance chosen by them, although you can also select your own. Scent Box offers a huge selection of fragrances, and if you don't like the one you receive, you can exchange it for another.

Some subscription services, like Debonair Scent, send you three different 3ml bottles of cologne each month, chosen by experts based on a scent profile that you fill out.

Subscription boxes are a great option if you want to branch out and identify scents that fit your personality or mood. They are also a good choice if you want to avoid the sometimes overwhelming experience of shopping for a new cologne in-store.

Samples can be purchased individually from sites like Luckyscent and TheAromi.com

TheAromi.com offers individual samples of best-selling men's colognes from a variety of brands, including Paul Smith, Aquolina, and Marc Ecko. Most samples on TheAromi.com cost around $4, with free shipping on orders over $80. They also offer a Mini Offer, which includes three best-selling mini fragrances for $35 with free shipping and a $10 coupon for your next order. This is a great option if you want to test out multiple colognes without committing to a full-sized bottle.

Both Luckyscent and TheAromi.com provide a convenient and affordable way to explore new fragrances and find your signature scent.

Frequently asked questions