Free Makeup Samples?

SunflowerSalad

I've heard that there are ways to get some free makeup samples. How does one go about that?

Historically I've never been much of a makeup user but after a recent job change have started using a bit. It improves my confidence. So I'd like to try various things to see if they work for me. I'm not being so cheap that I'm not willing to pay for products. It's just I'd like to try and find out what might work/not work for me first before spending £££ on products. So is its possible to get any free samples and how do I do that?

SunflowerSalad

I've heard that there are ways to get some free makeup samples. How does one go about that?

Historically never been much of a makeup user but after a recent job change have started using a bit. It improves my confidence. So I'd like to try various things. I'm not being so cheap that I'm not willing to pay for products. It's just I'd like to try and find out what might work/not work for me first before spending £££ on products. So if its possible to get any samples that would help tremendously.

But if you think I'm dreaming just tell, though politely please!

Murphybear

Hi

Do a search “free makeup”. There are loads of sites.

SunflowerSalad

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82111870#Comment_82111870

Yes there are and I did. Its a bit overwhelming in fact! I was just hoping someone could give some recomendations or advice.

strawb_shortcake

Go to either a large boots or department store and talk to the different make up counters.

They will help you with what you want to achieve and should give you some small samples to test at home.

I haven't done this for a good few years now as I've largely stopped wearing make-up, but it was fairly easy to get a pot of foundation that will last 7 days. I'm not sure about other items. But I'd say foundation is probably the one you really need to try in different lights before splashing out.

Estee Lauder double wear is very good and I like the YSL touche eclat foundation. Now I'm a little older I like Eborian CC creams as the two foundations I mentioned can be a little heavier. The likes of John Lewis often had 20% off cosmetics so keep an eye out for those offers.

Maybelline mascaras are pretty good for high street brands.

kimwp

Department stores where they do the makeovers maybe? Be firm with yourself that you won't buy anything on the spot - tell them that you want to look at it different lights and see how it looks after a while. Also, if you don't like something, ask them to try a different shade or product.

ellenvan

Clarins in Boots used to be good for samples. Not tried personally for a while but worth a try.

twopenny

That's the trouble with folk shopping online now.

Used to be testers in store and free samples in magazines.

There are still testers in superdrug, sometimes in Boots. The old way was to put some lipstick on your thumb pad and squeeze the joint to see how the colour would look on your lip. Also go outside and see what the colour looks like in daylight. You can hold your thumb against your lip and look in a mirror.

For foundation use the back of the hand, especially the skin between thumb and forefinger. Again always look at in daylight.

It's sending away for stuff.

The application is important too. Flat brush for foundation. Big fluffy one for powder. Makes the foundation last longer and better than the all in one. A lip brush will give a great outline for lips on special occasions and stop colour bleeding. There are lipsticks called lipstains. They keep the colour for half the day or more. Useful when you aren't that bothered 😉

Murphybear

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82114595#Comment_82114595

I always buy foundation in store as it’s difficult to get the best match online. We have a very large Boots a few miles away and they will select the perfect colour for you. I bought concealer as well and as they were matched perfectly it was difficult to see I was wearing anything. There was a lovely free gift as well 😺

twopenny

Yes with foundation. And of course your skin changes colour if you tan so you need to be aware and get winter and summer colour.

I change my lipstick colour too.

Rosa_Damascena

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82112352#Comment_82112352

I would endorse this - what looks great at the start of the day can look very different when oxidised at the end of the day. The other thing that I have found with my usual foundation this year is that it hasn't been totally compatible with the primer I have had to use this summer to avoid a "melty" look.

And also the recommendation for Boots, they do a good colour matching service. I use one of their foundations mixed with a moisturiser as I don't like the heavily made-up look.

OP- once you've found what suits you don't splurge in anything else. Temptation is always out there!!