Department Stores: A Unique Scent Experience

Department stores are a great place to explore and sample different colognes. Most department stores have fragrance counters where you can interact with salespeople and request testers or samples. While some department stores are more generous with samples than others, your chances of getting a sample increase if you express genuine interest in finding a new scent. Department stores like Nordstrom, Sax, Macy's, and Bloomingdales are known for offering fragrance samples. Additionally, you can find cologne samples in beauty stores like Sephora and Ulta, either in-store or by adding them to your online orders.

Department stores that offer cologne samples

Department stores are a great place to start when looking for cologne samples. Most department stores have a dedicated cologne counter, where you can request a fragrance sample. While these are usually newly launched scents, you might be able to get a classic fragrance if you build a rapport with the sales clerk. Department stores that offer cologne samples include:

• Saks
• Neiman Marcus
• Bloomingdales
• Macy's
• Nordstrom
• Lord & Taylor
• Bergdorf Goodman

When visiting a department store, it's a good idea to be friendly and ask lots of questions. This will help you build a relationship with the sales clerk, who might be more inclined to offer you samples or tell you about any current promotions. You can also ask for their business card, as they may be more willing to help if they can earn a commission from your purchase.

In addition to department stores, beauty specialty shops like Sephora and Ulta will also provide cologne samples upon request. These stores often have a limited selection of free samples available with other purchases, which can be a great way to try new fragrances without any extra effort.

If you're unable to obtain samples from a department store or beauty specialty shop, you can also purchase individual samples online from sites like TheAromi.com or directly from luxury fragrance brands like Le Labo. Subscription services, such as Scentbird, are another option that allows you to discover new colognes without leaving your home.

Beauty stores that offer cologne samples

Department stores like Saks, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, and Nordstrom are also good places to request cologne samples. In addition, you can buy a fragrance coffret, which is a discovery set of popular colognes that usually includes three to five sample-sized vials.

Online retailers that offer cologne samples

There are many online retailers that offer cologne samples, either for free or at a discounted price. Here are some of the most popular options:

Department Stores

Many department stores offer cologne samples at their fragrance counters. These include high-end stores such as Saks, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, and Nordstrom. The sales assistants at these stores are often generous with samples, especially if they think you are a potential buyer. You can also request samples from their websites or through social media channels.

Beauty Specialty Stores

Stores like Sephora and Ulta carry a large stock of men's cologne and often provide free samples. You can request samples in-store or add up to three free samples to your online order. Beauty specialty stores are a great option if you are looking for lesser-known fragrances.

Online Retailers

There are also dedicated online retailers that specialize in fragrance samples, such as TheAromi.com, Scentbird, and Scent Split. These websites offer a wide variety of cologne samples from different brands, often at discounted prices. For example, TheAromi.com offers individual samples starting at $4, while Scentbird is a subscription service that lets you choose from over 150 men's colognes for a monthly fee. Scent Split provides hand-decanted samples of niche and luxury fragrances, allowing you to try a diverse range of scents before investing in a full bottle.

Subscription Boxes

Subscription boxes like Scentbird and Scentbox are another great way to discover new colognes. For a monthly fee, they send you a selection of different colognes each month, often including boutique fragrances and exclusive brands.

Official Websites and Social Media

You can also obtain free cologne samples directly from the brand's official website or social media channels. Many brands provide free samples to customers who reach out directly through email or social media inquiries. Additionally, some brands include free samples with purchases or offer them as part of special promotions or during the holiday season.

Magazines that offer cologne samples

Department stores like Macy's, Sephora, and Nordstrom are known to offer cologne samples to customers. However, the availability and generosity of samples may vary across different locations and brands.

Now, if you're specifically looking for magazines that offer cologne samples, there are several options to consider:

• Vogue – This popular fashion magazine is known to include a variety of fragrance samples, allowing readers to discover new scents and make informed purchases.
• Allure – The October issue of Allure, for example, included samples from Chanel Chance Eau Tendre, Prada Candy, Daisy Eau So Fresh, and Fan di Fendi.
• Cosmopolitan – With 5-6 perfume strips in every issue, Cosmopolitan offers a wide range of fragrances for readers to explore and find their signature scent.
• Ulta Catalog – By creating an account with Ulta, a beauty and fragrance retailer, you can receive monthly catalogs that often include several free perfume samples.

These magazines provide a great opportunity to explore different fragrances without having to commit to a full-sized bottle. They also allow you to discover new scents and potentially find your next favourite cologne. So, if you're looking to indulge your senses and expand your fragrance collection, be sure to keep an eye out for these magazines and their generous offerings.

Subscription boxes that offer cologne samples

Department stores can vary in the colognes they offer, with some having a wider selection than others. If you're looking to sample a variety of colognes, subscription boxes are a great way to do so. Here is a list of some subscription boxes that offer cologne samples:

• Scentbird: One of the most popular cologne subscription boxes, Scentbird offers a wide range of designer and niche fragrances. For $16.95 to $37 per month, you'll receive one 8ml vial of cologne of your choice each month, or you can opt for their "Scent of the Month" option where they choose for you. Scentbird also provides detailed scent descriptions and categorizations, making it easier to find your perfect scent.
• Scent Box: With over 575 fragrances to choose from, Scent Box offers a mind-boggling array of options. Their standard plan costs $17 per month for one scent, while their premium and platinum plans offer access to additional extra-fancy brands for a higher price. You'll receive a 30-day supply of fragrance in a travel-size atomizer, and they even offer a brief questionnaire to help filter your results based on your preferences.
• Perfume.com: Perfume.com's Fragrance of the Month program offers a budget-friendly option to try designer fragrances. For $15 per month, you'll receive a 0.27-ounce fragrance atomizer from a selection of over 500 brands. You can browse and choose your scents or let their experts curate a selection for you.
• Scent Trunk: If you're a fragrance connoisseur, Scent Trunk offers a unique and customizable approach. They create their own imaginative scents, working with independent perfumers and artists. Their monthly subscription costs $18 and provides you with a 5ml travel atomizer of your choice from their rotating roster of perfumers.
• Olfactif: For those who want to stand out from the crowd, Olfactif offers an expansive array of ultra-niche scents. They stock more than 300 fragrances from indie brands, ensuring you'll find something special and personal. Their subscription service sends three deluxe-sized samples a month for $22, and they offer discounts on any purchases from their site.
• Debonair Scent: Debonair Scent takes the hassle out of finding your new favorite scent. Their simple profile quiz helps their experts curate a selection of colognes that fit your preferences. For $15 per month, you'll receive three 3ml bottles of cologne from their wide range of designer and niche brands. They also offer discounts if you prepay for three, six, or 12 months.

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