Get Your Hands On Small Cologne Samples Easily

There are many ways to get your hands on small cologne samples, either for free or at a low cost. The best way is to visit beauty stores and department stores and request samples in person. Popular beauty stores like Sephora and Ulta often have a large stock of men's cologne and will provide free samples. Department stores like Nordstrom, Saks, Macy's, and Bloomingdales also offer fragrance samples. You can also order cologne samples online from websites like FragranceNet.com and MicroPerfumes, which offer a wide variety of perfume and cologne samples. Additionally, some brands provide free samples on their official websites or through direct requests via email or social media. Signing up for newsletters, subscribing to beauty boxes, and purchasing travel kits or mini versions of colognes are also great ways to obtain small cologne samples.

Visit a beauty store

Visiting a beauty store is the best way to get free cologne samples. Cosmetic retailers like Ulta and Sephora often have a large stock of men's cologne, sometimes with free samples. Simply find a salesperson, show them the cologne you'd like a sample of, and they'll give it to you for free.

It's worth noting that you're more likely to get a sample at Sephora than at Ulta, and the number is limited to three—though this may vary from store to store. The samples given out are often new product drops, so you may not have your pick of the litter.

If you'd rather not risk rejection, you can order online, and Sephora will offer two free samples with any purchase. You can also subscribe to Ulta's newsletter, which provides frequent opportunities for how to get free men's cologne samples.

It can be intimidating to visit a beauty store, but you'll quickly find the people who work there are nonjudgmental and full of knowledge. They may even help you discover your next signature scent.

Department stores

Nordstrom is known for being the most generous with cologne samples, but you can also try Saks, Macy's, and Bloomingdales. These department stores often have samples of newly launched colognes, but depending on your rapport with the salesperson, you might be able to get a sample of an older fragrance.

If you're looking for something specific, it's worth bringing empty sample vials with you. Some department stores are happy to fill these for you, although others may not be so accommodating.

You can also request cologne samples when making a purchase at a department store. It's pretty standard practice for these stores to offer free samples with a purchase, as they want your repeat business.

If you're not near a department store, you can also order cologne samples online from sites like MicroPerfumes, which offers a range of men's colognes starting at 99 cents with free shipping on orders over $50.

Brand websites

Many brands offer free cologne samples on their websites. Here are some tips to get them:

Visit the Official Website

Some brands offer free samples of their latest products on their websites. However, for most brands, you will have to reach out and request a sample. You can do this by contacting their customer service email, filling out a website inquiry form, or reaching out through their official social media channels. When reaching out, be genuine and express your interest in the product to increase your chances of receiving a sample.

Check Out Magazines

Print magazines often include cologne samples, usually hidden behind a flap. You can browse through magazines at your local drugstore to find these.

Sign Up for Newsletters

Both brands and beauty publications send exclusive offers, such as free samples, coupon codes, or giveaways, to their mailing lists. Signing up for newsletters is a great way to stay informed about these opportunities.

Buy Individual Samples

Some websites, such as TheAromi.com, offer individual cologne samples for purchase. This is a great option if you want to try a variety of fragrances without committing to full-sized bottles. TheAromi.com offers samples from various brands, while some luxury brands, like Le Labo, offer samples of their own iconic scents for a few dollars each.

Buy a Sample Set

You can also buy cologne sample sets directly from beauty retailers, department stores, or brand websites. These tester kits typically include 3-4 colognes in small bottles, allowing you to discover a brand's entire fragrance line. Some brands even let you build your own kit on their website with the samples you want to try.

Purchase a Subscription

Subscription services, like Scentbird, offer monthly deliveries of cologne samples based on your scent preferences. After taking a quiz to determine your scent profile, you can choose the colognes you want to try each month. This is a great way to explore different fragrances without having to commit to full-sized bottles.

Magazines

While it's not the most glamorous way to experience a fragrance, rubbing a scented ad in a magazine on your wrist can help you decide if you like it or not. You can also cut out the scented strips and put them in your underwear drawer, as some people on Reddit suggest.

However, keep in mind that cologne samples in magazines are not guaranteed and may vary from magazine to magazine. Rather than subscribing to multiple magazines, take a trip to your local drugstore and flip through the options to see what you can find. These free cologne samples are often hidden behind a flap, so keep your eyes peeled.

Subscription boxes

Scentbird

Scentbird is a popular perfume subscription box that offers over 700 designer scents, including brands like Ariana Grande, Dolce & Gabbana, and Parfums de Marly. For $16.95 per month, you'll receive an 8 mL bottle of fragrance, which is around 120 sprays. You can also upgrade your plan to receive up to three bottles for $37 per month. Scentbird allows you to browse their selection and choose your favourite scents or take a quiz to get curated suggestions. They also offer free shipping and the option to cancel at any time.

Scent Box

Scent Box is another excellent option, offering a wide variety of subscription plans to choose from. Their base rate starts at $16.95, and you can receive up to three 8 mL vials per month or choose from a variety of full-size fragrance products. Scent Box offers three tiered plans: Standard, Premium, and Platinum. The Standard plan gives you access to 600+ perfumes, while the Premium and Platinum plans offer a wider selection of luxury brands for a higher price. They also provide free shipping, the option to cancel anytime, and a new atomizer case with every order.

Perfume.com

Perfume.com is a budget-friendly option, offering a subscription plan for as low as $7.47 per month. Each box includes an 8 mL atomizer, and you can choose your preferred scent from their collection of over 500 premium brands, including Cartier, Versace, and Burberry. Perfume.com also offers free shipping, making it a great choice for those who want to try designer fragrances at a discounted price.

The Fragrance Club

The Fragrance Club offers both monthly and bi-monthly subscriptions, with each box featuring a generous 10 mL bottle of fragrance. They have a variety of designer and high-end perfumes and colognes, and you can schedule up to three months' worth of deliveries in advance. The Fragrance Club is a great option if you're looking for larger sample sizes and the flexibility to change your queue whenever you want.

Scent Trunk

If you're a fragrance connoisseur, Scent Trunk offers a unique, customizable approach. They create their own imaginative scents, working with independent perfumers and artists. Their monthly subscription box costs $18 and provides you with a 5 mL travel atomizer of your choice from their rotating roster of perfumers. While the bottle size is smaller than some other services, Scent Trunk offers a tailored experience for those who want something truly special.

Olfactif

Olfactif is perfect for those who want to stand out from the crowd. They stock an expansive array of niche fragrances from independent perfumers, with over 300 unique scents. For $22 per month, you'll receive three deluxe-sized samples, and you'll get discounts on any purchases from their site. Olfactif brings hard-to-find indie fragrances to a wider audience, making it a great choice for those who want to discover artistic and nuanced scents.

Debonair Scent

Debonair Scent is ideal for those who want a simple, straightforward experience. Their four-question profile quiz helps curate scents that fit your preferences. For $15 per month, you'll receive three 3 mL bottles of cologne, and you can save money by prepaying for three, six, or 12 months. Debonair Scent takes the guesswork out of choosing a fragrance, making it a great option for those who want a low-effort, enjoyable experience.

Frequently asked questions