Get Free Men's Cologne Samples: A Beginner's Guide

There are many ways to get samples of men's cologne. You can buy them individually or as part of a gift set or travel coffret. You can also buy a subscription to a sample service, such as Scentbird, which will send you a 30-day supply of cologne each month. If you want to try before you buy, you can visit the cologne counter at a department store like Saks, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, or Nordstrom, or a beauty specialty store like Sephora or Ulta, and request a sample. You can also get free samples with other purchases from stores like Sephora and Ulta.

Visit a beauty store

Visiting a beauty store is a great way to get samples of men's cologne. Beauty specialty shops like Sephora or Ulta will provide you with a sample vial of men's cologne upon request. While you may feel intimidated by the vast selection of products and the knowledgeable staff at these stores, remember that they are there to assist you in finding the right fragrance.

When visiting a beauty store, don't be afraid to ask for help. The sales assistants are usually very friendly and willing to help you find what you're looking for. Explain what you're looking for, whether it's a particular brand or type of fragrance, and they will guide you in the right direction. They can also provide you with samples to try before you buy.

Building a good rapport with the sales assistant can be beneficial. They may be more inclined to give you samples of fragrances, including newly launched or popular scents. You can also ask them questions about the different colognes, such as the notes, longevity, and suitability for different occasions.

Some beauty stores may also offer pre-made promotional samplers or sample sets. These sets typically include multiple fragrances, allowing you to try a variety of scents at once. This can be a great way to explore different options and find your signature scent.

Additionally, some beauty stores may have fragrance counters or sections dedicated solely to fragrances. These areas usually have a wide variety of colognes and knowledgeable staff who can assist you in finding the right scent. They may also have samples readily available for customers to try.

Remember, the key to getting samples at beauty stores is to be courteous, show genuine interest, and not be afraid to ask for help. By building a good relationship with the sales assistants, you'll not only find your perfect fragrance but also enjoy the process of discovering new scents.

Department stores

Some of the best department stores for cologne samples include Nordstrom, which is known for being generous with handouts, as well as Sax, Macy's, and Bloomingdales. High-end department stores like Saks, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, and Macy's are usually accommodating when it comes to cologne samples for men. You can also try Sephora and Ulta, which often have a large stock of men's cologne and offer free samples.

When visiting a department store, it is a good idea to bring empty sample vials with you. If the store doesn't have the perfume you want to sample or any empty sample vials, you can ask if they would be willing to fill up your empty vial. Some stores are happy to do this, while others may not, so it's always good to ask.

You can also request samples at the register when making a purchase at a department store. It is pretty standard practice for these stores to give out free samples, as they want your repeat business.

Brand websites

If you have a preferred brand, such as Calvin Klein or Giorgio Armani, go to the cologne company's website and look for a link that says "free samples". You could also request some samples by filling out their contact form. While these companies may not send out freebies easily, they may be more willing to send you some if they believe you're a loyal customer.

You can also try the following:

• Customer service email
• Website inquiry form
• Official social media channels (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc.)

If the brand can sense that you're eager to try before purchasing, they're more likely to send out samples. So be genuine with your request and present yourself as a future buyer rather than a freeloader.

Other Options

• Beauty stores: Cosmetic retailers like Ulta and Sephora often have a large stock of men's cologne, sometimes with free samples. It's worth noting that you're more likely to get a sample at Sephora than at Ulta, and the number is usually limited to three.
• Department stores: Nordstrom is known for being the most generous with fragrance handouts. Other department stores like Saks, Macy's, and Bloomingdales also have fragrance counters where you can request a tester.
• Magazines: Print media sometimes include free cologne samples.
• Subscription boxes: Boxes like Scentbird and Scentbox send out a handful of different colognes each month to introduce you to new fragrances.
• Reviews: Websites like HomeTesterClub will send you a sample product in exchange for an honest review.

Subscription boxes

Scentbird and Scentbox are two popular subscription box services that offer a variety of colognes each month. With Scentbird, you start by taking a quiz to discover your scent profile, and then you can choose the colognes you want to try. Each month, you'll receive a delivery of your chosen colognes right to your door. Scentbird features big-name brands like Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, and Acqua Di Parma, as well as smaller scent houses and exclusives.

The Aromi is another excellent option for buying cologne samples. They offer a wide range of brands, including well-known fragrances and boutique scent houses. Most samples are around $4, and they provide free shipping on orders over $80. The Aromi also offers a Mini Offer, which includes three best-selling mini fragrances for $35, along with free shipping and a coupon for your next order.

If you're looking for a more general grooming kit, you can also explore subscription boxes that cater to men's grooming needs. These boxes often include cologne samples as well as other products, allowing you to discover new fragrances and expand your grooming routine.

Social media

Follow Relevant Hashtags

Keep an eye out for relevant hashtags such as #freebie, #giveaway, or #samples. You can also try searching for hashtags related to specific cologne brands you're interested in. This will help you discover giveaways and special offers from brands and influencers. For example, checking out #sopost on social media will show you a collection of sponsored posts that often include freebies.

Engage with Brands

Follow your favourite cologne brands on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Many brands use their official social media channels to offer samples to customers who reach out directly. Be genuine in your request, express your interest in their products, and present yourself as a potential future buyer. You can also use social media to keep up with new product launches, as samples are often provided by brands to promote their latest fragrances.

Sign Up for Giveaways

Keep an eye out for social media giveaways hosted by brands and influencers. For example, at the time of writing, Macy's is running a free fragrance giveaway on social media, where signing up through a link in their post will get you a small selection of cologne samples. Other major brands like Tom Ford and Giorgio Armani have also been known to use this strategy, so staying active on social media can help you take advantage of these opportunities.

Trade Your Contact Info

Many companies use sponsored content on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to promote giveaways and offers that require users to fill out a simple sign-up form. This usually involves providing your contact information, such as an email address, in exchange for the chance to win freebies. Keep an eye out for these types of posts, as they can be a great way to get your hands on some free cologne samples.

Frequently asked questions