How to Make the Most of Free Beauty Samples

There was a point in my life in which I was subscribed to every beauty subscription plan and box around, it was an expensive habit but in the earlier days of beauty blogging it was a service that all but dominated the industry. Slowly but surely the trend has fizzled out and there are far less options around which isn't necessarily a bad thing as it was quickly becoming stale, but what do you do with all the mini and sample sized cosmetics you have accumulated over the years?

If you are anything like me you will have them stashed away in a drawer to quickly become forgotten about but with Summer on the horizon (if you squint into the near distance you might just see it) there couldn't be a better time to get organised and de-clutter once and for all.

How to Make the Most of Free Beauty Samples

Perfume Vials
Fragrance counters, beauty boxes and even magazines are quick to dole out tiny, and often glass vials of perfume. Why? Simply put it is a cheap and cheerful way to advertise and in the case of a beauty box an affordable way to add bulk out skimpy contents (sometimes the truth hurts). Initially I used to loathe receiving the tiny atomisers but I have grown to appreciate just how convenient they can be for certain situations; for example they are the perfect size for popping in a gym bag to freshen up with, not to mention they fit into the smallest of clutch bags, so you don't have to worry about leaving your fragrance at home on a night out - if you lose it, no big deal.

How to Make the Most of Free Beauty Samples

Hair and Skin Care Sachets
Is there ever quite enough conditioner in one sachet to really nourish your hair? No but if you have a few at your disposal you might just manage and that is why I keep all my skin and hair care sachets; they are ideal for overnight trips and weekends away. As someone with long hair there is never enough shampoo, nor conditioner in my hotel bathroom so those little foil packs come in handy to supplement any dinky bottle of hair care. As for skincare, I do find that the small sachets more than provide enough product for at least one night and as they are so small they are a dream to pack for any kind of trip and also ideal for using aboard a flight.

How to Make the Most of Free Beauty Samples

Mini Cosmetics
Again I do tend to save smaller cosmetics be it a lipstick, a bottle of toner, or a travel sized cleanser for vacations; typically they are sized in a way that makes they acceptable for hand-luggage so you can save both space and money - and you don't have to worry about bringing a half empty bottle of cleanser home, as after a few days you will most likely have finished it.

How to Make the Most of Free Beauty Samples

Free Cosmetic Bags
Some of my favourite make-up bags and pouches have been freebies - I never travel without a Glossier pouch of some capacity, the bubble wrap design is perfect for protecting any glass containers and/or valuables. I also use my free Skin Laundry and Diptyque drawstring bags for storing and separating underwear in my suitcase; the tiny plastic Sisley pouches are ideal for taking a lip balm and some coins to the beach. Who knew my hoarding ways would finally benefit me.

You can read here on how to get more samples and products for free!