Get Free Men's Cologne Samples: A Step-By-Step Guide

Finding the perfect cologne can be a challenge, with so many fragrances on the market and the fact that scents smell different on everyone. Sampling colognes is a great way to find the right one for you, and there are many ways to get your hands on them. From ordering free samples with purchases from Sephora or Ulta to buying sample sets from Amazon or individual samples from sites like TheAromi.com, there are plenty of options to try out new fragrances without committing to a full-size bottle. Department stores and beauty specialty stores are also great places to get samples, and you can even try subscription services like Scentbird to discover new colognes every month.

Ask at a department store

When it comes to getting cologne samples, department stores are a great place to start. Here are some tips to help you get men's cologne samples from a department store:

Ask at the Cologne Counter

Visit the cologne counter at a department store to request a fragrance sample. Department stores like Saks, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, and Nordstrom are known for offering fragrance samples. These stores usually have a wide range of fragrances, including newly launched scents and sometimes older ones. When interacting with the sales clerk, be courteous, ask questions, and remind them that body chemistry affects how a scent sits on your skin. Building a good rapport with the sales clerk may increase your chances of getting the samples you want.

Bring Your Own Sample Vials

While some department stores provide sample vials, you can also bring your own. Carrying empty sample vials allows you to get the exact cologne you want without relying on the store's available containers. Ask a sales associate if they can fill your empty vials with the cologne of your choice. This approach may be more successful in some stores than others, so be prepared for varying responses.

Request Samples with Purchases

Department stores often provide free samples with purchases. When making an unrelated purchase at a department store, don't hesitate to request a few free cologne samples at the register. It is a common practice for department stores to offer samples with purchases, as they want to encourage repeat business. Take advantage of this opportunity to try out new fragrances.

Be Courteous and Build Rapport

When interacting with sales clerks, remember that they are working on commission. Be courteous, show genuine interest, and ask questions about the fragrances. Building a good rapport with the sales staff can increase your chances of getting the samples you want. They are more likely to be generous with samples if they believe you are a potential customer who is genuinely interested in their products.

Sample Before You Buy

Fragrances can smell differently on different people due to factors like skin type and diet. Sampling a cologne before purchasing a full bottle is a wise decision. Department stores often provide samples, allowing you to test the fragrance over a few days and determine if it suits your body chemistry. This way, you can avoid the frustration of buying a large bottle of cologne only to realize it doesn't smell as good on you as you had hoped.

Request samples at beauty stores

Beauty stores are a great option for getting cologne samples. Cosmetic retailers like Sephora and Ulta are known to have a large stock of men's cologne, and they may even have free samples available. Here are some tips to maximise your chances of getting cologne samples at beauty stores:

• Find a salesperson: Look for a salesperson and ask them for a sample of the cologne you're interested in. Be direct and show them which cologne you'd like to sample. They will be knowledgeable and can help guide you in the right direction.
• Be genuine: Explain that you're looking for a new scent and are interested in testing some options before committing to a full-sized bottle. Being genuine and showing genuine interest in their products will increase your chances of getting samples.
• Don't be afraid to ask: Beauty stores like Sephora and Ulta are known to provide samples upon request. Don't be intimidated by the vast selection or the environment; their staff is there to assist you, and that includes providing samples.
• Be mindful of the sample availability: Samples are often provided by brands to promote new products, so you may not always find what you're looking for, especially if it's an older or less popular fragrance. However, don't hesitate to inquire, as the store may have some samples available.
• Consider online options: If you're hesitant to visit a physical store, you can also order online. Sephora, for example, offers two free samples with any purchase made on their website. This option allows you to avoid any potential discomfort while still obtaining the samples you need.
• Subscribe to newsletters: Signing up for newsletters, such as Ulta's, can provide frequent opportunities to obtain free men's cologne samples. You'll be among the first to know about special offers and promotions.

Remember, the key to successfully obtaining cologne samples at beauty stores is to be polite, express genuine interest, and not be afraid to ask. The staff at these stores are accustomed to providing samples and are there to help you explore different fragrances.

Buy individual samples online

There are several online stores that sell individual men's cologne samples. Here are some options:

TheAromi.com

TheAromi.com is a popular site with a solid reputation for selling best-selling men's cologne samples. You can buy individual luxury cologne samples starting at $4, or you can opt for their monthly sample subscription package for $20, which includes a coupon for a full-size purchase.

Le Labo

Le Labo offers individual samples of their iconic scents, with 0.05-ounce vials priced between $4 and $6. They provide free shipping for online purchases.

Amazon

Amazon offers a wide range of men's cologne samples from various brands. You can find sample packs with multiple vials, often including top-rated and best-selling fragrances. Prices vary depending on the brand and the number of samples included.

MicroPerfumes

MicroPerfumes offers perfume and cologne samples starting at $0.99, with free shipping on orders over $50. They have a large selection of over 500 scents, and you can choose from various sample sizes, ranging from 2.2ml to 32ml.

My Fragrance Samples

My Fragrance Samples is an online store that allows you to purchase smaller quantities of colognes and perfumes. They offer a variety of sample sizes, ranging from 2.2ml to 32ml, and all their bottles come with sprayers. Prices vary depending on the fragrance, and they offer free domestic shipping on orders over $19.

DecantX

DecantX provides a fragrance sampling and decanting service for men's, women's, and unisex fragrances. They offer 100% genuine perfume and cologne samples from niche and designer brands. DecantX is committed to transparency, reliability, and competitive pricing, ensuring that customers are thrilled with their fragrance samples.

Try subscription services

Subscription services are a great way to try out a range of colognes without committing to a full-size bottle. For a monthly fee, these services will send you an assortment of colognes to sample until you find your favourite.

Scentbird

Scentbird is the original cologne subscription service, having pioneered the concept back in 2013. It offers a large selection of brands and fragrances, including some in-demand indie options that other services don't have access to. The service starts with a quiz to develop your scent profile, and then you can choose fragrances to try. Each month, Scentbird will ship you a 30-day supply of your chosen scent. The subscription costs $17 per month, and if you find one you love, you can buy a full-size bottle at a discount.

Scent Box

Scent Box offers a mind-boggling array of fragrances to choose from, with over 575 different designer options on the standard subscription plan and more than 850 on the premium plan. The standard plan costs $17 per month for one scent, while the premium and platinum plans grant access to additional extra-fancy brands for $22-$30 per month. Each month, you'll receive a 30-day supply of your chosen fragrance in a travel-size atomizer. Scent Box also allows you to exchange a scent if you receive one you don't like.

Perfume.com

Perfume.com's Fragrance of the Month program offers a budget-friendly option to try designer fragrances without breaking the bank. For just $15 per month, you'll receive a 0.27-ounce fragrance atomizer from a selection of over 500 brands, including popular designer scents from Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, and Giorgio Armani. You can browse the scents and add them to your queue, or let Perfume.com's scent experts curate a selection for you.

Scent Trunk

Scent Trunk is a unique subscription service that creates its own imaginative scents based on the contemporary zeitgeist in art, culture, fashion, beauty, food, and travel. The Original Edition subscription costs $18 per month and provides you with a 5ml travel atomizer of your choice from a rotating roster of perfumers. Options include ylang-ylang, salt, truffle, black hemlock, and beeswax. If you find a scent you like, you can buy a larger bottle in 5ml, 30ml, or 100ml sizes.

Olfactif

Olfactif is the place to go if you're looking for ultra-niche scents. It stocks an expansive array of colognes from indie brands such as Etat Libre d’Orange, Blackbird, Imaginary Authors, Amouage, and YOSH. The subscription service sends you three deluxe-sized samples a month for $22 and offers discounts on any purchases you make from the site.

Debonair Scent

Debonair Scent is a straightforward, user-friendly subscription service. It starts with a simple four-question profile quiz to identify your fragrance preferences, and then its experts curate a selection of scents that fit your profile. Each month, you'll receive three 3ml bottles of cologne for $15. You can also save money by prepaying for three, six, or 12 months.

Get free samples with purchases

One of the easiest ways to get your hands on free cologne samples is to take advantage of promotions that offer free samples with purchases. Here are some tips to maximise your chances of getting free cologne samples with your next purchase:

• Shop at the right places: Some retailers are more generous with samples than others. Beauty stores like Sephora and Ulta are known to offer free samples with purchases. When shopping online, Sephora offers two free samples with any purchase, while Ulta provides frequent opportunities for free men's cologne samples through its newsletter.
• Department stores: Department stores like Nordstrom, Saks, Macy's, and Bloomingdales often have fragrance counters where you can interact with salespeople and request a sample. Be genuine and express your interest in finding a new scent, and you may walk away with a travel-sized bottle.
• Brand websites: Visit the official website of the cologne brand you're interested in. Sometimes, brands offer free samples to promote their latest products. If not, reach out directly through their website, customer service email, or social media channels to request a sample.
• Online stores: Some online stores provide free samples when you place an order. These may be random samples or samples that you can choose during checkout. Certain stores also offer a free sample of the same fragrance when you buy a bottle, allowing you to try before committing to the full-sized product.
• Newsletters: Sign up for newsletters from online stores, brands, and beauty publications. They often send exclusive offers, including free samples, coupon codes, or giveaways, to their subscribers.
• Magazines: Flip through magazines, especially those related to beauty and fashion. Sometimes, they include free perfume or cologne samples, usually hidden behind a flap.
• Subscription boxes: Scent-focused subscription boxes like Scentbird and Scentbox are a great way to discover new fragrances. They send out a variety of cologne samples each month, often including coupon codes for discounted purchases if you find one you like.
• Bundle with another purchase: Keep an eye out for brands that offer free samples with purchases. For example, Maison Francis Kurkdjian allows you to choose two free samples at checkout with any purchase, while Jo Malone provides free samples with every purchase.

Frequently asked questions