How to Find Perfume Samples

Perfumes don’t smell the same on everyone. The perfume that smells wonderful at the cosmetics counter may be an entirely different scent after you’ve been wearing it for 2 hours. One way to be sure that a perfume will suit you before you buy it is to try a sample of the perfume. Manufacturers often package even the most expensive perfumes in their line in 1/4-dram (1/32-ounce) vials as samples. They’re not difficult to find if you know where to look.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet access
• Vials

1. Check at the perfume counter of your local department store. You’ll often find free samples of perfumes on special promotion there.

2. Look for sample kits and sample collections of perfumes on eBay and other auction sites.

3. Check for perfume samples at a perfume company's Web site.

4. Sign up for a perfume newsletter from your favorite perfume Web site.

5. If you’re lucky enough to have a Nordstrom’s nearby, you can usually fill your own sample vial from a tester at the perfume counter. Some stores even provide empty vials on the counter just for that purpose.

6. Try asking for a sample of perfumes you want to try at the perfume counter of your favorite store. Bring along your own vials and ask if they will make up samples for you.

Tips & Warnings

• Manufacturers’ Web sites don’t always announce that they have free samples available. You may have to search a little. If they have a site search, enter “free samples” or “coupons.”