Getting the most out of beauty samples: dos and don’ts

I feel that we all have it: that box (cough-drawer-cough) in which our samples live. Vials of fragrance, sachets from everything like slightly mismatched foundation samples to skincare to shampoo. If, like me, you think now’s the time to tackle said drawer (no need to be coy now, of course it’s a drawer), here’re my beauty samples dos and don’ts: shop my stash edition.

I try to be really mindful about samples and decline them whenever possible, but there’re still retailers adding them with no chance to opt out (that’s a problem, because).

Coming from a sustainability point of view, I also try to use samples as much as possible: small items are generally hard to recycle, but small items that are unopened and full of some substance are nearly impossible.

So. Here’s how I use samples without wrecking my skin and getting the most use out of them. (It goes without saying that you should engage your brain and think about your own sensitivities first and also check expiry dates!)

Makeup samples

The most frustrating. I feel like especially with foundation samples, there’s not much you can do: either the shade matches you, or doesn’t. If you’re a member of the white-as-a-wall brigade you might try a foundation that’s too dark for you face on your legs in summer.

Haircare

Shampoos I don’t like will get repurposed as hand wash, while conditioners and treatments of any kind often work amazingly well as a substitute shaving cream/foam.

Bodycare

Shower gels which scents I can’t stand will also have a second life as hand wash. Bodylotions with the same issue will be used on my feet.

Skincare

Skincare samples I want to test

Here’re some pointers if you want to test a skincare product you’re legitimately curious about and want to try on your face:

• Use your usual routine with it and add only ONE sample: if you use many samples at once, it’s nearly impossible to see how a single one works. Also, no need to aggravate your skin with using ten different new products at once!
• If you want to find out if your skin tolerates the new product, very likely you’d need more time than one sachet will give you. What you can find out is whether the product works well with your skincare routine or under makeup. For example: Is there pilling? How does your foundation sit on top of it? Do you like the feeling on your skin?
• Use a needle to open your sample sachet, and close the hole with tape if there’s more than one application in there!

Skincare samples that you’ve decided to not test on your face

• I always check ingredient lists first, and if something has a high alcohol content or fragrance, I won’t test it. Definitely check for things that may trigger your skin first!
• Even if you won’t test it on your face, other parts of your body may be more resilient.
• Serums and moisturisers will go easily on your décolletage or hands, feet, or body parts that may need some extra moisture like elbows and knees.
• My mom always uses samples on her hands, and, I kid you not, has the smoothest hands of someone in her age group I’ve ever seen.

Fragrance

If you absolutely can’t stand the fragrance, there’s not much you can do. If you kind of like it, though, why not repurpose it as a room fragrance? You can spray it on artificial flowers, freshen up a potpourri or use it on dried flowers. You can also use it to disinfect metal door handles or other items that’ll hold up to both high alcohol content and oils.

Recycle!

If you’ve successfully emptied samples, recycle responsibly. If you’ve got the sneaking suspicion that certain packaging will be difficult to recycle (compounds of different materials, tiny size, various coloured plastic etc.), best leave it to the experts and chuck it into the next TerraCycle bin you come across. The Body Shop stores allow you to recycle any empty cosmetics with them, not only their own brand, and is easily found in most countries and cities.