You don't always know right away if the product you're interested in will be the holy grail you've been searching for or just another bottle tossed to the back of a drawer of makeup regrets. That's where free samples come in. Though Clinique counters usually have reasonable return policies, taking a sample or two while you're already there will save you a trip back to the counter if you decide something doesn't work for you after all.
Where to Get Free Samples
There are ways to try what you'd like, no strings attached, as long as it's something that can be made into a sample or something offered as a gift with purchase when you buy something you already know you like. In most cases, you'll have to go to a store to get free samples. In some instances, however, there may be free samples available online. You may not have much say in which ones you try, but if you just like the line and enjoying new products they put out, this may be just what you're looking for.
Clinique Makeup Counters
Department stores that carry Clinique makeup can offer samples. If you're unsure of your foundation shade or formula, for example, simply ask for a few to try and compare them over the next several days. This saves you the trouble of purchasing a full bottle of the wrong shade or a formula that doesn't work as well with your skin type as you expected. You'll be able to tell if the color oxidizes on you over several hours or stays the same perfect match.
Consider a free makeup consultation at the Clinique counter to find products you'll love. Since not all products are easy to make samples from (eyeliners and mascaras, for example), this is another way to give a new look a test drive for a day to see what you do or don't like, and may want to consider adding to your makeup collection.
Try Belk, Macy's, Nordstrom, Dillard's, Bloomingdale's, Boscov's, Saks, Neiman Marcus, and Lord & Taylor. These retailers, as well as Clinique.com, may also offer free, generously sized samples of lipsticks, shadows, foundations, and more as gifts with purchases throughout the year during Clinique bonus times. For a list of bonus times, check Clinique-Bonus.com.
Sephora
Sephora is notorious for their generosity with samples. All you have to do is ask. You can get shade and finish advice, along with product recommendations of things you may not even have considered yet that would work well with what you wanted to try. In some cases, you'll be able to receive deluxe samples of Clinique makeup with product purchases at Sephora or Sephora Inside JCPenney online as well, depending on what they're offering at the time. In-store, no purchase is necessary.
Sephora Inside JCPenney
If you don't have a full Sephora store nearby, check your JCPenney. Some locations have Sephora stores inside, and you can get free samples there just like you can at a freestanding store.
Attend Clinique Events
Be first in line to try out new products and receive samples at special events in your local store when you sign up for the newsletters at Clinique.com. This will be a fun time to hang out with other makeup-loving ladies and find the best products for your skin tone and type, as well as your lifestyle.
Clinique Online
Unfortunately, Clinique doesn't currently offer an option on their site where you can request free samples to try before you make a purchase. However, they have been working with social media influencers lately (especially in men's products), so if you have a substantial following and think you'd be a good fit, it may be worth a try to approach them and ask if they'd be interested in a collaboration of some type.
There's no guarantee, of course, that there will be any product samples provided. Most collaborations with makeup brands of this nature are unpaid, and Clinique still seems to rely more heavily on traditional advertising like magazines and television spots than the social media scene. However, Estee Lauder, Clinique's parent company, has utilized influencers in campaigns for other brands in the past.
Be sure to follow Clinique on Facebook because they sometimes offer limited supplies of free samples of specific products. This is another way to find out about upcoming events near you.
There's no guarantee what you might find on a general freebies site, but keep your eyes peeled and regularly visit some of the top sites for getting free stuff.
Free Samples With Purchases
Though you can sample some products from the displays pretty easily without buying anything, it's worth noting the value of the free samples Clinique gives with purchases, too. In most cases, you don't have to spend an exorbitant amount (sometimes less than $30.00) and you get a cosmetics bag with samples that are often worth more than the amount you spent. You can try skin care items that last weeks (not just days), such as mascaras, glosses, lipsticks, shadows, foundations, and even perfumes. Options are usually tied to the season, so you'll get brights in the spring and sultry shades in fall, for example.
Abundant Samples
Whether you're searching for the perfect foundation or a trendy new lipstick shade, Clinique offers multiple options for trying out their products. By checking out the different avenues for obtaining free samples, you can try exciting products from this well-known brand, and may just find a new favorite to add to your makeup bag.
