There are many ways to get your hands on men's cologne samples, whether it's through beauty retailers, department stores, or online. Beauty stores like Sephora and Ulta often provide free samples, while department stores such as Nordstrom, Macy's, and Bloomingdales offer fragrance counters with testers. Visiting the official websites of cologne brands can also yield free samples, especially if you reach out directly. Additionally, subscription boxes, magazines, and online platforms like HomeTesterClub provide opportunities for free or discounted cologne samples.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Online retailers | Sephora, Ulta, The Aromi, Amazon, eBay |
Department stores | Nordstrom, Sax, Macy's, Bloomingdales |
Beauty stores | Sephora, Ulta |
Subscription boxes | Scentbird, Scentbox |
Magazines | |
Social media | #sopost |
Newsletters | The Aromi, Ulta |
What You'll Learn
Visit beauty stores
Visiting beauty stores is a great way to get your hands on some cologne samples. Here's a detailed and direct guide on how to go about it:
Choose the Right Store:
Start by selecting a suitable beauty store or cosmetic retailer. Sephora and Ulta are popular options, known for offering a wide range of men's colognes and occasionally providing free samples. It's worth noting that you're more likely to find samples at Sephora, with a limit of three per person. However, this may vary between different locations.
Engage with Salespersons:
Once you're at the store, locate a salesperson and initiate a conversation. Express your interest in a particular cologne and your desire to test it before committing to a full-sized bottle. Be genuine and sincere in your interaction, as they are more likely to provide you with a travel-sized sample if they sense your authenticity.
Ask for Your Sample:
Show the salesperson the cologne you wish to sample. They will provide you with a sample if they have it available. Remember that the samples are often provided by brands to promote new products, so you might not always find what you're looking for.
Explore Other Options:
If you're hesitant to visit a beauty store or don't have easy access to one, there are alternative ways to obtain samples. You can order online from Sephora, which offers two free samples with any purchase. Additionally, subscribing to Ulta's newsletter will notify you of opportunities to obtain free men's cologne samples.
Overcome Intimidation:
Visiting a beauty store can be intimidating for some, but it's important to remember that the staff are there to assist you. They are non-judgmental and knowledgeable, and they may even help you discover a new favourite cologne. Don't let intimidation hold you back from exploring new fragrances.
Visit Department Stores:
In addition to beauty stores, you can also visit department stores like Nordstrom, Sax, Macy's, and Bloomingdales, which often have fragrance counters. While these stores may also provide samples, the selection is more likely to be limited to newly launched scents. However, building a rapport with a sales clerk might increase your chances of obtaining a sample of an older fragrance.
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Check department stores
Department stores are a great place to get men's cologne samples. Most department stores have a fragrance counter where you can request a sample from a salesperson. It's important to note that samples are often provided by the brand, especially for new products, so if you're looking for something older or more specific, you may not have much luck. However, if you're open to trying new fragrances, department stores are a great option.
When visiting a department store, it's best to approach the counter with a genuine interest in finding a new scent rather than simply asking for a sample. Express that you're looking to test out different colognes before committing to a full-sized bottle. This will increase your chances of receiving a travel-sized bottle to take home rather than just a test strip.
Some of the best department stores for cologne samples include Nordstrom, which is known for its generosity with handouts. Other great options include Saks, Macy's, Bloomingdale's, and Neiman Marcus. These stores offer a wide variety of colognes, and their salespeople can help you find the right scent for you.
In addition to requesting samples in person, you can also check the websites of department stores for online deals and offers. For example, Macy's offers various cologne sampler sets that you can purchase at a discounted price. These sets typically include multiple fragrances, allowing you to try different options before committing to a full-sized bottle.
Department stores are an excellent resource for anyone looking to explore new fragrances without committing to a single option. By taking advantage of their samples and deals, you can save money and find the perfect cologne that suits your preferences and body chemistry.
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Go to brand websites
If you have a particular cologne in mind, going to the official website of the brand is a great way to get your hands on some free samples. Sometimes, brands will have a free sample option on their website to promote their latest product. However, in most cases, you will need to reach out to the brand directly to request a sample, especially if you don't want to pay.
- Customer service email
- Website inquiry form
- Official social media channels (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
When reaching out, be genuine with your request and present yourself as a potential buyer rather than just someone looking for freebies. Express your interest in their products and your desire to try before purchasing. This will increase your chances of receiving samples.
Additionally, keep an eye out for special promotions and offers on their websites and social media pages. Sometimes, brands will run giveaways or promotions where they offer free samples in exchange for your contact information or as a bonus with a purchase.
You can also buy cologne samples directly from brand websites. Some brands offer sample sets or travel kits that include multiple colognes in smaller sizes, allowing you to try out different scents without committing to a full-sized bottle. These sample sets typically include 3-5 colognes in 0.5oz bottles and can be a great way to discover new fragrances.
Some popular brand websites to explore for cologne samples include:
- The Aromi: Offers discounted cologne samples from various brands, with most samples priced around $4 and free shipping on orders over $80.
- Scentbird: A monthly subscription service that allows you to choose from a wide range of colognes, including big names like Versace and Dolce & Gabbana.
- FragranceNet.com: Offers a variety of men's cologne samples from different brands.
- MicroPerfumes: Features a selection of original brand name fragrances and colognes, with samples starting at 99 cents and free US shipping on orders over $40.
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Look in magazines
Looking in Magazines for Men's Cologne Samples
Magazines can be a great source for men's cologne samples, and it's definitely worth checking out your local newsagent or drugstore to see what's on offer. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Know What You're Looking For
Before you head out, it's a good idea to do some research on the different types of colognes available. That way, you'll have an idea of the brands and scents you want to try. You can often find cologne inserts in magazines, usually hidden behind a flap, so keep your eyes peeled!
Check Multiple Magazines
Don't just stick to one magazine – try to look through a few different options to increase your chances of finding samples. It might be worth asking the store assistant if they can point you in the right direction, as they often have a good idea of which magazines offer samples.
Be Discrete
Remember, these samples are often included as promotional items, and they might not be obvious at first glance. So, take your time and carefully flip through the magazine to see if there are any hidden surprises.
Act Fast
Cologne samples in magazines tend to be limited, so it's a good idea to act quickly if you find a magazine with samples that interest you. These samples are usually part of a promotional campaign, so once they're gone, they're gone!
Compare Scents
If you manage to get your hands on a few different samples, take the time to compare the scents. Try them out over a few days and see how they develop on your skin. This will help you get a better idea of which cologne is right for you.
Be Open-Minded
While you might have a specific scent in mind, don't be afraid to try something new. Magazines often include samples of newer colognes, which could be a great opportunity to discover a unique fragrance that suits your taste.
Look for Special Issues
Keep an eye out for special issues or editions of magazines that might include extra samples or promotions. These could be holiday or seasonal issues, where brands often partner with magazines to offer exclusive deals.
Check Online
If you can't find any cologne samples in your local stores, try checking the websites of popular magazines. Sometimes they'll advertise promotions or include bonus samples for subscribers, so it's worth exploring digital options as well.
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Try subscription boxes
Subscription boxes are a great way to try out new colognes and discover your signature scent. They are also an excellent option if you don't want to commit to a full-sized bottle of cologne. Here are some popular cologne subscription boxes to consider:
Scentbird
Scentbird offers a monthly perfume subscription box with over 700 designer scents to choose from. For $16.95 per month, you'll receive an 8 mL vial of a fragrance delivered straight to your door. You can take a quiz to build your scent profile, and Scentbird will suggest fragrances tailored to your tastes. You can also add all the scents you want to try to your fragrance queue. Scentbird allows you to skip a month or cancel at any time.
Scentbox
Scentbox is another popular fragrance subscription box. For $9.72 for the first month and $16.95 per month thereafter, you can choose from over 1,000 designer fragrances. You'll receive a full atomizer case each month, and Scentbox offers free exchanges and shipping. You can choose one or two fragrances per month and cancel at any time.
Royalty Scents
Royalty Scents offers a flat-fee subscription of $20 for one or $37 for two fragrances monthly. They have a variety of high-end fragrances, including expensive perfumes from brands like Hermes, Tom Ford, and Fredrick Malle.
Fragrance.net
Fragrance.net offers a monthly subscription service for only $9.99, making it a more affordable option.
Subscription boxes are a fun and convenient way to explore new colognes and find your favourite scents. They provide the opportunity to try different fragrances without committing to a full bottle, saving you money and disappointment.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to get free cologne samples. You can visit a beauty store, such as Sephora or Ulta, and request samples in person. Department stores like Nordstrom, Macy's, and Bloomingdales also offer free samples at their fragrance counters. Additionally, you can visit the official website of the cologne brand and request a sample directly from them, either through their website or via email or social media.
You can buy cologne samples from online retailers like Amazon, eBay, and TheAromi.com. These websites offer a range of samples from different brands, allowing you to explore various fragrances before committing to a full-sized bottle.
Yes, subscription services like Scentbird and Scentbox offer fragrance samples for a monthly fee. These services allow you to discover new colognes and artisanal scents without having to leave your home.