Beauty Content // Better Beauty Blagging: 5 Pro Tips*

Want to pick up some great new beauty products without spending an arm and a leg? Use these insider blagging tips to get ahead next time.

We’re interested in saving weight as well as saving money when it comes to packing out day-to-day bags with the beauty essentials. With that in mind, we dispatched our team member Hannah on a low-weight low-cost beauty blag. Here’s what she came up with:

I always like a challenge, and the opportunity to run wild on a spree in London’s best department stores without guilt was one that I didn’t want to miss. My instructions were to keep my eyes onto anything that I could pry loose from the beauty counters without exchanging money. I knew I was going to need to deploy the shiniest of silver tongues in order to make out well, but I was ready to try my luck.

First of all, you need to understand that world of beauty freebies has changed. I remember the days when you could get a hold of gobs of mini mascaras and free lipstick just for deigning to set foot in a store. Imagine my disappointment when I discovered that the world of free make-up samples has contracted down to a stingy smattering of foundation offerings today.

Still, there was gold to be found for the attentive blagger, especially in the realm of body and face lotions. The brand selection I got my hands on was impressive: Calvin Klein, No7, Elizabeth Arden, Lacoste, Bioderma, Caudalie, and Avène. Besides costing me absolutely nothing, these lotions were also perfectly sized to ride along in my daily commuting beauty bag, and I just love getting free perfume samples.

If you’re interested in trying new products or just want to ease your beauty budget a bit with free samples, these tips can help you talk your way into all the creams, lotions, and scrubs you can handle.

1) Interest Is Attractive

It almost seems too obvious to state, but demonstrating your interest is really important. Play up your fascination with the product and act like the prospect of trying it is getting you genuinely excited. Salespeople love this.

2) Dress Appropriately

The sales staff working the beauty counter is intimately familiar with the old ‘sample scab.’ They’d much rather fawn over customers who look ready to drop gold cards on cosmetics at the drop of a hat. Though I don’t usually lean towards the glamorous in my day-to-day getup, I found it productive to spend an extra 10 minutes at the vanity before my blag.

3) Bring Make-Up Wipes

Scoring those samples isn’t just a matter of showing up; you’re going to have to offer something in exchange. More often than not, the best coin you have is the opportunity to let the assistants slap some brand-new products on your face. Carry a stash of wipes with you so you can discreetly remove their work before moving on to other counters.

4) Warm Smiles And Small Talk

Establishing the rudiments of a friendship is the best way to convince consultants to get generous with their samples. Devote some time to chit-chat.

5) Get Familiar With Your Brands

Not only will a well-informed sales assistant appreciate a well-informed consumer, you should also be on the lookout for seasonal freebie giveaways. Check brand websites before you set out to schedule your trips for maximum impact.

Although my blag took up a few hours, I think I came away with a rather exceptional haul. If our tips inspire you to try a beauty blag of your own, let us know how you made out!