Free Samples at Sephora?!?

[Amy1203]

Hey guys!

  So I have a quick question regarding the free samples you can get at Sephora. So I know that they let you get up to 3 free samples, but they also hand them out at the register. If you already have three free samples that you asked for, will they give you the same amount of samples at the register even if you already have a few? What are some samples that you girls got so far at the register? Thanks!

- Amy

[txcatx]

The cashiers at my favorite Sephora will throw extra samples from behind the register into my bag about 75% of the time, usually after seeing my Rouge card. They're usually samples that you can get online with a promo code. The recent deluxe samples I received were an It Cosmetics CC cream, a Living Proof set, and a Laura Mercier oil. Every now and then, if the line at the register is long, someone will come out with a basket of skincare foils to hand out to everyone in line.

[Pseay1]

I've never received any free samples at the store. I guess you have to ask for them. I ordered something online so maybe I'll get lucky. 

[ArmyLady]

That is why 95% of the time I shop Sephora online. I can chose up to three samples and review the promo items and buy some things with my points. I go to the store if I am considering a new foundation or blush and try to get a sample. My Sephora is nice about giving samples in those little plastic cups.   

[LadyBosie]

I haven't gotten a sample at the register even once, and they are always super stingy for me with the clam shell samples and try to talk me out of getting more than one. It's super annoying. Last time I wanted 3 foundation samples and the lady would only give me one. I didn't like it so I guess now I'll just keep buying random foundations and possibly returning them if they don't work for me which ultimately costs them more money than if they just gave out the samples! 

I noticed my mom NEVER has this problem and they always go out of their way to help her. I think they assume that someone younger just wants free stuff or something. I'm 26 but look a little younger.

[Anonymous]

I have NEVER gotten any samples with purchase at the Appleton WI mall store, but when I go to Milwaukee and Madison they always offer a few without me having to ask.  Fortunately I commute around the state often for my job so I can go to the better/normal stores.

The Appleton stand alone store always says they don't get any samples or don't have any to give.  I always ask(knowing the lie I will be told).  Are all the samples they get for employees/friends only only?  The inconsistency there in Appleton  compared to other stores reflects badly on them.

[Candy357]

That is one thing that fails me at the store, everytime I go in, no samples ever. 😕

But online, I get them all.

[mermadelove]

I;ve gotten foil samples at at Sephora exactly once it recent memory. However, yes any time I have asked for  the clamshell samples I have gotten whatever I have asked for., I agree that the level of samples you get at the register depends on who is working or even their mood. I once went AFTER a VIB ROUGE promotion and got the SEphora polka dot makeup bag full of samples. I had also gotten one on the day of the actual even, but I had to ASK for it that day. THen when I went to the holiday launch party, one associate told me I would get the lippie make up bag and another plain black sephora bag full of goodies. When I got to the register , I only got the lippie bag despite meeting the purchase requirement. SO I think you should be bold. If you know that there is something on offer, always ask about the promo. If you DON'T know what's on offer, ask what is!!  The products are literally there to be given away, so it doesn't hurt to ask! It's their way of getting you to buy dull sized versions of what you like without having to abuse the generous return policy! 

[MissPuff]

@Amy1203 In my experience, it's not a given that you'll get samples at the register and definitely not 3. Some stores will have foils of products they're promoting for the week, so the cashier will throw in one or two of these with your purchase, regardless of the samples you've gotten while browsing around. I'd say I get a foil from the cashier roughly 50% of the time, usually some sort of skincare thing.

And technically, you can sample 9 things! Supposedly you get 3 samples per "world" at Sephora, meaning 3 makeup, 3 skincare, and 3 fragrance. The samples are usually little clear clamshells that a SA will make for you, not foils. BUT, and this is a big BUT, all sephora's have wildly varying levels of customer service, so you might experience something different.