Traveling box question

[ESF]

Where do you guys get all these samples?

I went to Sephora today, and they tried to give me a packet of face wash and some perfume. I told them that I don't wear perfume, hoping they would give me something better, but I just got another boring packet of face wash.

How can I get them to give me goid stuff for free?

[KaraOrNot]

If you order online, you get to pick your own samples. Occasionally, they have codes that will allow you to get a sample bag. They also give you a deluxe sample for your birthday.

However, most of my samples come from paid subscriptions (Birchbox or Ipsy).

[dexteroni]

Ditto KaraOrNot, every time you order online from Sephora you get three samples. And if you sign up for their emails, they'll tell you when they have promo codes to get additional freebies. And if you're a Beauty Insider club, you earn points that get you free samples and sometimes even full size items, although I try to use my points on things I think I'll like and want to keep for myself. Ulta also gives out samples, although you can't choose them. Origins gives one sample per order, and sometimes has sample packs as a promo or special purchase.

[ESF]

Feb 21, 2014 23:00:42 GMT -5 KaraOrNot said:

If you order online, you get to pick your own samples. Occasionally, they have codes that will allow you to get a sample bag. They also give you a deluxe sample for your birthday.

However, most of my samples come from paid subscriptions (Birchbox or Ipsy).

Do you like them?

I signed up for a Julep since the first box was free. The nail Polish seems like nail polish to me so I'm not convinced its a good deal, though ipsy is cheaper.

[jewel]

I collected a lot through subscription boxes, but I couldn't use them as fast as I got them (and I didn't like a lot of the crappy stuff I was getting from Ipsy), so I cancelled. I get a lot from Sephora online orders, and especially when they have codes for BIs or VIBs. I also like to get sets from Sephora, and usually end up with a couple of small items that I don't really want.

Beyond that, I actually have no idea where they all come from. I think they mate at night.

[dexteroni]

Feb 22, 2014 0:01:22 GMT -5 jewel said:

I also like to get sets from Sephora, and usually end up with a couple of small items that I don't really want.

Same here. I bought this set of Stila lip glazes (which is a great deal, btw) and there are one or two shades that I know won't work for me. At least one is going in the box for sure. And I see that Ulta is giving a sample bag right now with purchase. It's all Ulta brand stuff, which isn't the best, but that's an example of a company giving a lot of samples at once.

Feb 22, 2014 0:01:22 GMT -5 jewel said:

Beyond that, I actually have no idea where they all come from. I think they mate at night.

Seriously. I have mine in a little Rubbermaid 5-drawer thing and it's full. It's insane.

[alleinesein]

I get about 90% of mine from Sephora. The rest come from Target, online free samples, Aveda (Pure Privileges), and freebies that I get from Nordstrom (GWP, etc).

[dexteroni]

Feb 22, 2014 0:51:07 GMT -5 alleinesein said:

I get about 90% of mine from Sephora. The rest come from Target, online free samples, Aveda (Pure Privileges), and freebies that I get from Nordstrom (GWP, etc).

Oh yeah I forgot about GWP. I do buy some things at department stores when they have good gifts, but it's rare that I want every item in a gift.

[KaraOrNot]

Feb 21, 2014 23:34:56 GMT -5 ESF said:

Feb 21, 2014 23:00:42 GMT -5 KaraOrNot said:

If you order online, you get to pick your own samples. Occasionally, they have codes that will allow you to get a sample bag. They also give you a deluxe sample for your birthday.

However, most of my samples come from paid subscriptions (Birchbox or Ipsy).

Do you like them?

I signed up for a Julep since the first box was free. The nail Polish seems like nail polish to me so I'm not convinced its a good deal, though ipsy is cheaper.

I do.  I like getting mail and it is fun to get things that I wouldn't typically try.  I think that Birchbox is higher end, but I got really weird stuff in my boxes (designer bandaids, designer ziplock bag, stick on eyeliner etc), so I dropped it.  I did find a few products that I loved and will keep buying.  I still get ipsy and while it is not as high end, I generally like what I get.  

[qwerty]

Most of mine are from Sephora or gifts with purchase. I also get samples of lower end products (like Garnier or Pantene shampoo) through various couponing blogs. I also get the Sample Society box which will usually have something in it that I don't like.

[Deleted]

I don't do a traveling box, but a lot of the samples I have are from ordering stuff online (from all sorts of places -- not just Sephora). I've started opting out unless there's something I already use, because I have too many samples of too many things I'll never use. I only use samples for travel.

But if I buy a skincare product at a department store counter, I'll often ask for samples of the products I use for when I travel. Some salespeople are very generous. The Revive counter at Saks probably gave me $200 worth of samples last time I was there.

[ijack]

pretty much everything I get from birchbox goes into the traveling box. I want to try ipsy, but I'm still on the waitlist

[tacom]

Feb 25, 2014 13:25:04 GMT -5 ijack said:

pretty much everything I get from birchbox goes into the traveling box. I want to try ipsy, but I'm still on the waitlist

share on facebook to instantly get off the waitlist. just make sure the post can be viewed by "only me" as opposed to your friends. (this only works if you don't mind them having info on your likes/city/etc.)

[jewel]

I forgot to add, I've also sent emails to various companies of products that I'd like to try. It's usually pricier, higher end brands. I let them know that I've wanted to try their products, but can't justify the cost without trying it, and ask if they are willing to send out any samples. I've gotten a number of items this way, and have actually liked and purchased a few of them. Some of my successes - Jouer lip products, Origins, Befine, and others that I can't recall.

[ijack]

Feb 25, 2014 21:50:03 GMT -5 tacom said:

Feb 25, 2014 13:25:04 GMT -5 ijack said:

pretty much everything I get from birchbox goes into the traveling box. I want to try ipsy, but I'm still on the waitlist

share on facebook to instantly get off the waitlist. just make sure the post can be viewed by "only me" as opposed to your friends. (this only works if you don't mind them having info on your likes/city/etc.)

I tried that and it didn't work. They don't like me

[ijack]

ha, just got the confirmation that I finally get ipsy!