Free Cologne Samples: Sephora And Ulta's Secret Stash?

Sephora and Ulta are two of the biggest beauty retailers in the US. They both offer a wide range of perfumes and colognes, and customers are often curious about whether they can get free samples of these fragrances. In the past, Sephora offered free fragrance samples in-store, but this practice was stopped during the COVID-19 pandemic due to safety concerns and cost-saving measures. While some customers report still receiving samples from certain stores, it seems that this was being phased out even before the pandemic. Ulta also does not seem to offer perfume samples anymore, although one customer reported receiving a Lancome sample recently. Both retailers encourage customers to test fragrances in-store and offer rewards programs with various incentives.

Sephora offers three samples of any item per visit

Sephora is known for its generous sampling policy, and it offers three samples of any item per visit. This means that you can try before you buy, which is especially helpful for those with sensitive skin or specific requirements.

Sephora's samples come in adorable mini versions of the full-sized products, or they can be decanted into small containers. You can get up to three samples per visit in each of the different areas: makeup, skincare, and fragrance. This means that you could potentially walk out of a Sephora store with nine free samples!

The sampling policy is also beneficial for the company, as it encourages customers to return and make purchases. As one Sephora employee commented, "Customer service is one of the main things we strive to give 1000%. So ALWAYS ask for a sample of things you are thinking about buying!"

In addition to its in-store sampling policy, Sephora also offers free samples with online purchases. You can choose two free samples with each online order, which may include fragrance, skincare, and/or makeup items. During promotional events, you may even receive more than two free samples.

If you're a member of the Sephora Beauty Insider program, you can also earn points that can be redeemed for deluxe samples, special collectibles, and curated product sets. This program is free to join and offers additional perks like 10% off purchases during Sephora Seasonal Savings Events and a free birthday gift.

So, whether you're looking for a new fragrance, skincare routine, or makeup product, Sephora's sampling policy makes it easy to try before you buy. With its generous sample offerings, you can explore new products and find your favourites before committing to a full-sized purchase.

Ulta doesn't give perfume samples in-store

Ulta does not give perfume samples in-store. However, Ulta does offer a variety of fragrance gift sets, which can be a great way to try out new perfumes or colognes. These gift sets often include a full-sized perfume or cologne, along with additional products such as travel sprays, body lotions, mists, or shower gels.

Ulta also provides free standard shipping on fragrance purchases over $35, allowing customers to conveniently shop for their favorite scents online. Additionally, they offer a Fragrance Finder, an interactive quiz that helps customers discover their next signature scent.

While Ulta may not provide free perfume samples in-store, they do offer various ways to explore and purchase fragrances, ensuring customers can find their perfect scent.

Ulta may offer Lancome perfume samples

Ulta's Lancome fragrance samples are only available at the Lancome counters in-store. The Lancome counters are an exception to the rule that Ulta can only give samples if the customer provides their own container. The Lancome counters can provide a 10-day sample to customers upon request.

In addition to the Lancome fragrance samples available in-store, Ulta also offers online fragrance samplers with every online purchase. This allows customers to choose a fragrance sample, along with skincare or variety samplers.

While Ulta may offer Lancome perfume samples in-store and online, it is always worth asking for samples, especially if you have sensitive skin or are unsure about purchasing a full-size product.

Sephora offers free 15-minute makeovers

To book a free 15-minute makeover at Sephora, you can make a reservation online, through the Sephora app, or by calling or visiting the store directly. While walk-ins are accepted, booking in advance is recommended to secure your desired time slot. During your appointment, a trained Beauty Advisor will provide a consultation and demonstrate their expertise in the area of your choice.

It's important to note that Sephora has strict hygiene and safety standards in place for all its services, including the use of disposable applicators for mascara and eyeliner and new tester wands for lip colors. Additionally, they prioritize skin cleanliness and recommend avoiding products that come in pots to reduce the risk of contamination and bacterial growth.

Sephora's free 15-minute makeovers are a fantastic opportunity to experiment with different looks and receive personalized advice from their knowledgeable staff. Whether you're looking for a new foundation shade or wanting to enhance your eye makeup skills, this service can be a valuable part of your beauty routine.

In addition to the free 15-minute makeovers, Sephora also offers other beauty services, including full-face makeovers, skincare consultations, and waxing services. These services are available at most Sephora stores, excluding Sephora at Kohl's locations, and can be booked using the same methods as the free makeovers.

Ulta lets you choose a fragrance sampler with every online purchase

Ulta has a different approach to samples than Sephora. While Sephora offers three samples of any item per visit, Ulta lets you choose a fragrance, skincare, or variety sampler with every online purchase.

Ulta also offers fragrance sampler gift sets, which often include a full-sized perfume, a travel spray, or accompanying body products. These gift sets are perfect for those who want to explore new fragrances or need a gift for someone.

Additionally, Ulta provides free standard shipping on any purchase of $35 or more, allowing customers to conveniently shop for fragrance gift sets from the comfort of their homes.

For those who prefer in-store shopping, it is worth noting that some Ulta stores may have different policies regarding samples. While some stores might only provide samples if customers bring their containers, others, like the Lancôme Counters at Ulta, can offer a 10-day sample upon request.

Overall, Ulta's approach to samples and fragrance sampler gift sets provides customers with a unique opportunity to explore new fragrances and make informed purchases.

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