Where to buy inexpensive but decent quality makeup samplers?

[AmyAnne]

In the past few months, my teenage D has bought a handful of makeup products that she wears once or twice and decides she does not like.

We have tried going to Sephora and having the salesperson help her, but even so she still has not liked two of those products once she got home with them.

So, I am wondering if I could buy her a kind of sampler that would have small, trial sizes of different products. Mostly looking for lipsticks at the moment, although foundations are also a problem.

Any ideas?

 

[kmb584]

In the past few months, my teenage D has bought a handful of makeup products that she wears once or twice and decides she does not like.

We have tried going to Sephora and having the salesperson help her, but even so she still has not liked two of those products once she got home with them.

So, I am wondering if I could buy her a kind of sampler that would have small, trial sizes of different products. Mostly looking for lipsticks at the moment, although foundations are also a problem.

Any ideas?

I'm not aware of any foundation samplers on the market but if you go to your local department store's makeup counters you can request foundation samples. They'll match her shade and give generous samples (I can usually get almost 2 weeks worth of daily application from one sample). Sephora will also do this. They'll also give skin care samples if asked.

Sephora and Ulta have lip sampler sets (listed under "value sets" on their websites) and they usually include 5-8 shades for $30-$40. They aren't cheap but they last awhile. The downside is that they're all for one brand, no mix-and-match sets are available. Avon sells mini glosses and lipsticks for about $1 each so that's another option.

 

[Elleshoodat]

I'm not aware of any foundation samplers on the market but if you go to your local department store's makeup counters you can request foundation samples. They'll match her shade and give generous samples (I can usually get almost 2 weeks worth of daily application from one sample). Sephora will also do this. They'll also give skin care samples if asked.

Sephora and Ulta have lip sampler sets (listed under "value sets" on their websites) and they usually include 5-8 shades for $30-$40. They aren't cheap but they last awhile. The downside is that they're all for one brand, no mix-and-match sets are available. Avon sells mini glosses and lipsticks for about $1 each so that's another option.

This is great information. I just wanted to add that Sephora has a really great return policy, so -- if you haven't -- you should be able to return the items she didn't like.

 

[Megkel]

Sephora gives tons of samples with most orders. If she is experimenting with makeup and skin/hair care Ipsy and Birchbox might be something to look into. For $10 a month they send you 4-5 samples of different makeup products. They usually end up sending full sized makeup items as well. Ipsy seems to be more geared towards makeup while Birchbox also covers hair and skin care.

The nice thing about Birchbox is you earn 10 points for every item you review and for every dollar you spend in their shop. 100 points equals $10, so just by reviewing products you can earn $60 a year. Ipsy has something similar, but the points are harder to earn and you don't have much of a choice.

This is what I received this month in both subscriptions:

Ipsy -
Classic Sport SPF50 by Hang Ten
Mineral Eyeshadow Duo by Pacifica (full sized)
Travel Lite Face Cleansing Wipes by La Fresh
The Olive Lip Balm by Olive Natural Beauty (full sized)
pur~moist hydra balance moisturizer by Pur~lisse

Birchbox -
Miss Jessie's® Original Quick Curls
Marcelle BB Cream Golden Glow
Noya Lip Gloss
Shea Terra Organics Rose Hips Black Soap Deep Pore Facial Cleanser
Gilchrist & Soames Spa Therapy Body Lotion

I prefer Ipsy over Birchbox personally but some people feel the opposite.

 

[okeydokey]

If she likes minerals, everyday minerals has sampler sets so you can try shades and there is a lot in the pouches. I think you can get four shades of mineral foundation, a finishing powder and a blush. They are free. Just pay shipping I think.