You may think this is a healthy addiction, like being addicted to food, but no it is not. I have an obsession with getting free things, usually in the mail. More specifically, free samples. Everything is just so much better when you don't have to pay for it.
I apply for freebies online usually, for things I don't even need. Usually it's cosmetics and beauty-related items, but sometimes it's just random stuff. Refrigerator magnets? Done. Cleaning supplies? Bring. It. On. I don't know what's wrong with me. This can't be healthy. But, instead of trying to get rid of it, I'm just going to accept it and share it with all of you!
Let's move on to the fun stuff~
+Logo.jpg)
This perfume smells so good! I wish more companies would give out deluxe perfume samples, instead of just these little one-use foil packet type things, but that was still enough for me to discover that this perfume smells divine. It's right up my alley, smelling sweet and fruity, with a hint of something a bit deeper. The main notes are red velvet flower and wild berries, making it more of a sexy and nighttime scent for me. The rollerball is $18, which isn't bad, and I would love to just bathe in this because oh my God.
Redeemable Coupon: Suave Body Lotion
A full-size at my local CVS was $3.50, and this only covered up to $3, but to get an 18oz bottle of lotion for 50 cents ain't bad. This isn't as thick as the St. Ives Body Lotion that I love, but the good deal I got on it somehow makes it better. I got the scent Eternal Sunshine, which just smells warm and makes me happy, so I'd say it was worth it. But, really, things being a good deal magically makes them better.
Free Sample: YSL Manifesto Perfume
+Logo.jpg)
Another one-use sample. I thought this perfume was okay, but my mother really liked it, so when I received another sample of this in Macy's, I gave it to her. Since it has vanilla and jasmine in it, I thought I would like it more than I do, but oh well. It also has tonka bean and wood in it (not that I know what tonka bean is). If you're interested, Sephora classified this as a "feminine, bold, and lovely" scent, which isn't helpful to me but you do you.
Disclaimer: Most of these were widely-accessible free samples via Facebook or company websites. I won the FitBit in a giveaway, and was sent the Freeman Masks to review. As always, College Beauty Buff does not accept monetary compensation for beauty reviews, because I am not an asshole.
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Bloglovin' | Google + | Email Newsletter
Let's move on to the fun stuff~
I love haircare samples for when I travel, because they take up little to no space in my suitecase. I used these particular ones when I went to my aunt's house for Christmas. I don't understand how these can be color safe, because the first ingredient in the shampoo after water is a sulfate. The hair mask has dimenthicone in it, which I'm also pretty "meh" about. If you are interested in reading one of my many rants on silicones, please click here. If you would like to see a rant on sulfates, please see my blog post here. One day, I will do a post on both of these, but today is not that day. The hair masque did make my hair feel more smooth, but I owe that to the silicones. Once in awhile, silicones are okay (if you're washing them out with a sulfate-y shampoo), but if I were to buy a full-sized bottle of these, there would be no "once in awhile." and my hair would be very sad.
I believe I received these off Garnier's Facebook page, or something. They're always giving out free samples of their hair products. They seem to have changed up the packaging since the last time I tried it. Now that I'm sulfate-free and silicone-free (which these are not), I probably won't be purchasing any of these, but hey, it was free.
Free Sample: Herbal Essences Body Burst Body Wash
Body wash is one of those things that I can never have too much of. This seems like it may be a little drying, so I'll make sure to apply lotion after using it.
Free sample: Katy Perry Killer Queen Perfume
Redeemable Coupon: Suave Body Lotion
Free Sample: YSL Manifesto Perfume
Free Sample: Biore Nose Strip (one strip), Combination Skin Balancing Cleanser (.24 fl oz), Pore Unclogging Scrub (.25 fl oz)
I've used their nose strips before to remove blackheads and liked them, so I decided to try their other products. I believe I received these by filling out a form on Biore's Facebook page.
Freeman Beauty "Fresh Face Forward" Face Mask Sampler
I received this sampler specifically to review for this blog. I liked the Grapefruit Scrub, but the Peel-Off Cucumber Mask wasn't easy to peel-off, and the Lemon Mint Mask was really drying, so I'd pass on those. You can find my full review of these products here.
beautysoclean Sanitizing Spray ($12 for 4 fl oz)
I spent actual money on this (I know! Weird, right?). This is actually the professional makeup artist size, because it was a better value. I don't have to worry as much about contamination as I would if I were sharing my makeup, but the germ-o-phobe side of me bought this just to be safe. If I used my makeup when I was sick, or if my makeup is maybe around the recommended expiration date, that's where this spray comes in. It does not alter the formulation of your makeup, like rubbing alcohol might, so that's why I wanted to splurge on this. It's recommended by multiple makeup artists that I respect, so I thought it would be a good product to spring for.
Birchbox order: Dr. Jart+ Premium BB Beauty Balm ($39) + two free samples (Keratherapy Keratin-Infused Deep Conditioning Masque and Marcelle BB Cream)
My Birchbox order came in! I received this for almost no charge (darn you, NY tax), using my Birchbox points. I loved the Dr. Jart BB Cream after receiving it in my September box, so I decided to order the full-size. It came with two mystery samples, which I am very happy about. The hair mask has silicones in it, which is pretty "meh," but I'm excited to try out the bb cream. It's a bb cream bonanza! If you're interested in Birchbox, click here to use my referral link!
CoverGirl LashBlast Luxe Mascara in Black Emerald (approx. $5)
I love CoverGirl mascaras, but I believe this particular line has been discontinued. I found this on Amazon and figured I would try it. I received a free $5 Amazon gift card from Bing Rewards (referral link), which is one of my favorite methods in alternative income, so I used that to get this. I make about $10 in Amazon gift cards a month from this site, and it takes basically no effort. Money and laziness are two of my favorite things, so I'm all for it! It helps fuel my makeup obsession, so that's another reason why I love it.
This lip brush was $1 off of Amazon, and I needed a lip brush if I wanted to wear my new red lipstick from Wantable. Maybe someday I'll invest in a quality one, but for now I don't really care since I rarely ever use one. This was a Bing Rewards Gift Card purchase, so it was free.
Free Sample: Maybelline FitMe Foundation Stick
I don't usually wear foundation, preferring the light coverage and moisturizing qualities of a BB cream, but I figured that I might as well fill out the form to get this. It came in three shades (Light, Medium, Dark), with a $1 off coupon. I haven't tried it yet, but I will eventually. Maybe.
Free Sample: Ponds BB Cream
I've heard good things about this product, so I'm excited to try it! It also comes with a coupon, which is nice. I'll keep you updated!
Smashbox Order: Cream Eyeliner in Midnight Brown ($12) + 2 free samples (Foundation and Eyelid Primer)
I know, more things I purchased? But hear me out. I actually got really lucky with this order. Not only did their cream eyeliner temporarily come back in stock (which I have not seen in years), but I also got free shipping and two free samples of my choice. Their cream eyeliner is my favorite of all time (see my review), and I was so happy that I could buy a backup of it for when my current one runs out.
Trade: Ecru Luxe Shampoo, Model Co. Cheek & Lip Stain + Other Samples
One reason I don't mind getting items I don't like in beauty subscription boxes is that you can trade them with other people for products that you do want. I received a few Pixi products from Ipsy bags, and since I'm not a big fan of Pixi, I traded them for these items. I'm really happy with them! I wrote about how much I enjoyed using this shampoo when I received it in my July Sample Society box, and then again in my 2013 Favorites.
CVS Winter Beauty Sale Haul: Physician's Formula Circle RX, Revlon Colorstay Smoky Shadow Stick in Atomic, NYC Palette for Green Eyes
I know, I know, I'm out of control. These aren't from my mailbox, but I'm going to show you anyway. They were just such a good deal that I couldn't not share. The CVS Winter Beauty Sale is the happiest time of the year that comes in the beginning of December and ends when CVS runs out of sale products. As you can see, I got some great deals! All of these are products that I own (in other shades, or the same shade) and know I like. Products at this sale are usually ones that are being discontinued, so I wanted to stuck up on my favorites. This was the only NYC palette on sale, so I think it was just marked down because one of the pans was no longer stuck to the glue. But that was fine with me. I hot glued it back in, and the palette was as good as new. And cheap! I'm really sad about the Revlon Shadow Sticks being discontinued, though. I might cry. I just hope they're releasing another cream shadow. I feel like I heard that somewhere, but that could just be wishful thinking.
Clarins Miniature Purse
 |
| Yes, I am wearing gloves in this picture. NY has been COLD!! |
I don't remember how I received this. I'm so perplexed, because usually these kinds of things come with a free sample, or at least a coupon, but this just came as-is. It might make a useful card holder, for ID and a credit card maybe, but I'm so confused. Thanks, though!
This is another one of my $1 Amazon finds. Maybe I'll do a post on this like I did for my Owl Necklace back in the day. I bought this with a Bing Rewards gift card, so if it breaks, I won't be heart-broken. But look how colorful it is!
Graze Subscription Box ($5/box)
Graze is a food subscription service that delivers all-natural snacks. They come in little packets that are healthily portioned-out, and they're quite tasty. You can even mark what you loved (to get it more often) and hated (to never get it again). My friend code is F9XRWWF2P if you would like to sign up. I received this for awhile, until I had to cut back due to broke college student struggs, but I definitely recommend giving this a go sine it's a lot of fun!
Free Samples: Twinings Tea
I'm more of a coffee person, but being that I'm sensitive to caffeine, one of the drinks I like to have later in the day is tea. Tea generally has less caffeine than coffee, and it still make you all warm and happy inside. i'm most excited about the French Vanilla Chai. Yum! They're out of free samples, but you can still get 20% off your order if you're interested.
I received this in the giveaway I talked about in my Aveeno Brand Overview post. I heard they had a lot of winners. Did you win one? And does this mean I have to be more physically active now?
Phew! Mail tends to pile up on me at home when I'm at school most of the year. To see what else I've gotten in my mailbox, please click here.
I hope this was fun for you. If you have any further questions about how I receive free samples, let me know in the comments!
Did you get any goodies in the mail recently?
Disclaimer: Most of these were widely-accessible free samples via Facebook or company websites. I won the FitBit in a giveaway, and was sent the Freeman Masks to review. As always, College Beauty Buff does not accept monetary compensation for beauty reviews, because I am not an asshole.
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Bloglovin' | Google + | Email Newsletter
