Get Free Cologne Samples: Best Places To Try

There are many ways to get your hands on free cologne samples, whether it be in-store or online. Some of the most common methods include signing up for newsletters, checking out free magazines, joining a product testing community, or even just asking for samples in your local department store.

If you're willing to put in a little bit of work, you can try reaching out to brands directly through their website, via email, or on social media. You can also try your luck with online competitions and giveaways.

It's worth noting that while some samples are completely free, others may require you to cover shipping costs, or make a small purchase.

Department stores

Ask for samples at the counter

When you walk into a department store, head straight for the cologne counter. You'll likely find a wide range of colognes on offer, and plenty of opportunities to score free samples. Fragrance counters at department stores often give out free cologne samples, but it's important to approach them in the right way. Be genuine and express your interest in finding a new scent, rather than just asking for a sample. If you seem like you're only interested in the sample and nothing more, you might only walk away with a test strip. However, if you show that you're open to trying new scents and are not quite ready to commit to a full-sized bottle, you're more likely to be offered a travel-sized sample to take home.

Visit high-end department stores

The more high-end the department store, the more generous they tend to be with their samples. Stores like Saks, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, and Nordstrom are known for being liberal with their samples. Part of this depends on your ability to chat with the sales assistant and show genuine interest in the colognes. Remember that the sales assistants often work on commission, so make it worth their while to help you. Keep in mind that samples are usually provided by brands when they launch a new fragrance, so you might have trouble finding older or less popular fragrances.

Bring your own empty sample vials

If the department store doesn't have the cologne you want to sample or they don't have any empty sample vials to create one for you, you can always ask if they would be willing to fill up an empty vial that you bring with you. Some department stores are happy to do this, while others may not, so it's always a good idea to be prepared and ask a sales associate when you arrive.

Request samples with a purchase

When making a purchase at a department store, don't forget to request a few free cologne samples at the register. Most department stores are happy to comply with such requests, as they want your repeat business. Giving free samples with a purchase is a standard practice at these establishments.

Check department store websites

Many department stores, like Sephora, offer free samples with online purchases. You can usually choose up to three free samples to be included with your order. These samples will arrive packaged with the rest of your order.

Beauty stores

If you're not comfortable with asking for a sample in person, 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 to get free men's cologne samples.

Additionally, department stores like Nordstrom, Macy's, and Bloomingdales have fragrance counters where you can ask for a tester. It's important to be genuine in your interaction and express that you're looking for a new scent but aren't ready to commit to a full-sized bottle yet. This will increase your chances of getting a travel-sized sample.

Some beauty stores also offer free samples when you shop online. For example, Sephora's reward program offers free fragrance samples at checkout during your online purchase. Ulta allows you to add three free samples to your order upon checkout.

You can also try signing up for newsletters from beauty stores. For instance, Beautinow offers a €5 coupon when you sign up for their newsletter, which can be used to order a free sample by mail.

Online

There are many ways to get free cologne samples online. Here are some methods to try:

Sign Up for Newsletters

Sign up for newsletters from your favourite cologne brands and beauty publications. You will receive exclusive offers, be alerted about new product launches, and be the first to know about giveaways. Signing up for newsletters will also often give you a discount on your first online purchase, and you may be able to choose an extra free sample.

Join Mailing Lists

Add your name to the mailing list of your favourite cologne brands. You will have to wait for the brand's offers to try new products for free. You can also head to the brand's website and search for "free samples".

Request Samples with Your Order

Request free cologne samples alongside your other orders from companies like Sephora or Ulta. Sephora will offer two free samples with any purchase, and you can choose up to three different cologne products to try. Ulta sometimes provides up to three free perfume samples when there are new launches.

Check Out Magazines

Print media often include free cologne samples. Head to your local newsagent or drugstore and flick through the magazines to find some samples. These samples are often hidden behind a flap, so keep your eyes peeled.

Use Social Media

Follow relevant hashtags on Instagram, Facebook, and Reddit to see who's giving away free samples. You can also check out sponsored content on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, which may include freebies that can be redeemed in exchange for filling out a simple sign-up form. Check out the hashtag #sopost on social media to see a collection of these posts.

Become a Tester

Apply to become an official cologne tester for companies' newly released fragrances in exchange for a video or review. You can also join a product testing community to receive free cologne samples in exchange for your opinions and feedback.

Write Reviews

Sign up to write reviews, answer product surveys, and participate in focus groups with companies like Influenster, Poshly, Pinchme, and Tryspree. While these samples are not necessarily free, they will help you build your cologne collection.

Social media

Follow Brands and Influencers

Stay up-to-date with the latest brand updates and promotions by following perfume and cologne brands on social media. They often announce free giveaways exclusively through their social media channels. Additionally, follow perfume influencers, who are always in the loop regarding the latest fragrance releases and free sample opportunities. You can find influencers on various platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, and even Spotify.

Utilize Hashtags

Enhance your social media search by employing relevant hashtags, such as #freefragrance or #freeperfume. These hashtags will lead you to a wealth of content, including giveaways and special offers from brands. You can also use hashtags to search for specific brands or fragrances you're interested in.

Engage with Brands

Increase your chances of receiving free samples by actively engaging with brands on social media. Like and follow the brand pages on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Interact with their posts by liking and commenting on them. This demonstrates your interest and increases the likelihood of receiving free samples.

Participate in Sponsored Content

Many companies promote sponsored content on social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. These posts often include freebies that can be obtained by filling out a simple sign-up form. Keep an eye out for specific hashtags like #sopost, which curates these types of posts. Big brands like Macy's, Tom Ford, and Giorgio Armani have been known to utilize this strategy.

Join Online Communities

Join online communities, groups, or forums dedicated to perfume and cologne enthusiasts. These communities often share information about free samples, promotions, and even facilitate perfume swaps. You can also connect with other members who may be willing to trade samples or provide advice on where to find the best deals.

Become an Influencer

Consider becoming an influencer yourself by creating a blog or social media account dedicated to fragrances. Build a following by consistently posting content about perfumes and colognes. Once you've established a decent following, you can reach out to brands or resellers and request free samples in exchange for social media posts or reviews. As your following grows, you may even be able to collaborate with companies and receive full-sized bottles for free.

Magazines

Rather than subscribing to multiple magazines and hoping for the best, take a trip to your local newsagent or drugstore and flip through the options to see what you can find. You could also request every free magazine you can so you can stock up on the free cologne samples.

These free cologne samples are usually paper samples that are easily inserted into magazines, but it's better than nothing!

Frequently asked questions