Complete Guide To Free Ulta Beauty Samples Mail Online And In-Store Options

Ulta Beauty, one of the largest beauty retailers in the United States, offers multiple avenues for customers to access free samples of their products. While the availability and methods of obtaining these samples may vary, Ulta provides various options for beauty enthusiasts to try products before committing to a full-size purchase. This guide explores all the ways consumers can obtain free samples from Ulta, including through the mail, with online orders, in-store kiosks, and directly from beauty advisors.

Ulta's Free Samples by Mail

Ulta Beauty offers several options for receiving free samples through the mail, primarily through their rewards program and with online purchases. The most consistent method of receiving free samples by mail is through Ulta's Beauty Rewards program.

Ulta's Beauty Rewards program includes a birthday freebie that members can receive annually. According to available information, as part of this rewards program, Ulta gives away various products such as Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primers, Kopari Ultra Restore Body Butters, SUNDAY RILEY Good Genes Deluxe Samples, and First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleansers. To claim this offer, customers must sign up for the rewards program and will receive the offer every year on their birthday. It's important to note that this offer typically takes about 8 weeks to arrive and is available only while supplies last.

In addition to the birthday freebie, Ulta frequently includes free samples with online orders. These samples allow customers to try new beauty and skincare products at no extra cost. The samples included with online orders vary, giving customers a fresh experience with each purchase. While Ulta doesn't explicitly offer free samples with every online order, complimentary gifts with qualifying purchases are often available. Customers should check the offer details during checkout to see what freebies are available with their purchase.

The process for signing up for Ulta's Beauty Rewards program is straightforward and can typically be completed online or in-store. Once enrolled, members begin receiving the benefits of the program, including access to birthday freebies and potential opportunities to receive additional samples and promotions throughout the year.

In-Store Sample Options

Beyond mail-order samples, Ulta offers several in-store options for obtaining free samples. One of the most innovative approaches is their sample kiosks or vending machines, which are available at select Ulta locations.

These sample kiosks function as automated vending machines specifically designed to distribute free samples to Ulta Beauty Rewards members. To use a sample kiosk, customers need to know the phone number associated with their Ulta Beauty Rewards account. The process is simple and quick:

• Tap the screen to begin
• Choose one sample from the array available on the screen
• Tap "Get Free Sample"
• Enter the phone number associated with your Ulta Beauty Rewards account
• Check the "Agree to Privacy Policy" box
• Hit "Submit"
• Collect your sample from the drop box at the bottom of the machine

The entire process typically takes less than a minute to complete. The samples available through these kiosks are travel-size products, which can provide significant value to regular customers. For example, when visited, one kiosk dispensed a Too Faced Better Than Sex Foreplay Mascara Primer in 0.13 oz size, which Ulta sells for $16 as a travel-size version.

If a customer were to visit an Ulta location with a sample kiosk once a week, they could potentially collect up to $64 in free product monthly, assuming all samples were valued at $16 each. While not all travel-size products cost this much, they typically range from $7 to $16 each, making this a valuable perk for regular shoppers.

It's worth noting that the availability of sample kiosks may vary by location, not all Ulta stores have these machines installed. Customers should check with their local store to determine if sample kiosks are available.

Getting Samples from Ulta Associates

In addition to automated sample kiosks, Ulta associates can provide samples directly to customers, though this option operates on a more discretionary basis. According to Ulta's official policy, sampling is offered on a case-by-case basis and is ultimately up to each store's discretion.

Some Ulta locations are happy to make small samples of products like foundation upon request, while others reserve samples for special promotions or loyalty members. The success of obtaining samples directly from associates can depend on the specific store location and the associates working at the time.

Based on anecdotal reports, Ulta shoppers have had the most success getting free samples by following these strategies:

• Asking an associate politely: Politeness is key, as Ulta employees are not required to give samples. A courteous approach and understanding if they are unable to provide samples can go a long way in getting a positive response.

• Timing visits during big sales or promotions: Ulta's 21 Days of Beauty sale is reportedly a "samples goldmine." Brands tend to send extra samples and gifts with purchase during these events, increasing the likelihood of obtaining samples.

• Focusing on prestige skincare/makeup brands: Higher-end brands like Clinique, Lancôme, and Benefit are more likely to have samples on hand compared to drugstore brands. Skincare and foundation samples are also more common than items like lipstick or eyeshadow.

When requesting samples from associates, customers should be prepared to provide specific information about their needs and preferences. For example, explaining that you're looking for a new foundation for oily skin and asking if they have any samples to try can help associates provide more targeted assistance.

If a sales associate indicates they don't have samples available, customers can politely inquire about alternatives, such as getting a color match or having the product tested on their skin in the store. Asking if they anticipate receiving samples soon can also be appropriate, as long as the tone remains courteous and understanding.

Gifts with Purchase at Ulta

While not exactly free samples, Ulta frequently offers gifts with purchase that often include valuable samples. These promotions can provide customers with an opportunity to try multiple products at once without additional cost.

Ulta offers free coupons for customers to save money under the "Sales and Coupons" section of their website, alongside gift with purchase offers. When shopping online at Ulta, customers can find "Gift with purchase" listed in this section, where they can see what complimentary items are available with qualifying purchases.

These gifts with purchase typically include a variety of samples and sometimes full-size products. They can be an excellent way for customers to discover new brands and products they might not have otherwise tried. The specific gifts available change regularly, so it's worth checking the Ulta website frequently for current offers.

During special sales events, such as the 21 Days of Beauty sale, the gifts with purchase tend to be more generous and include a wider variety of samples. These events can be particularly lucrative for customers looking to maximize their sample collection.

Tips for Maximizing Ulta Free Samples

For customers looking to obtain as many free samples as possible from Ulta, several strategies can increase the likelihood of success:

1. Join the Ulta Beauty Rewards program: This is the foundation for accessing most of Ulta's free sample offerings, including birthday freebies and in-store kiosk samples.

2. Time purchases around major sales: Shopping during Ulta's major sales events, particularly the 21 Days of Beauty sale, can result in more generous gifts with purchase and additional sample availability.

3. Focus on prestige brands: When requesting samples, prioritize products from higher-end brands like Clinique, Lancôme, and Benefit, which are more likely to have samples available.

4. Be specific about product needs: When asking associates for samples, provide details about your skin type, concerns, and preferences to help them recommend appropriate products.

5. Check the website regularly: Ulta frequently updates their offers and promotions, including gifts with purchase, so checking their website regularly can help you take advantage of new opportunities.

6. Visit stores with sample kiosks: If there's an Ulta location with a sample kiosk nearby, regular visits can provide a steady stream of free travel-size products.

7. Be polite and patient: When requesting samples directly from associates, a polite approach and patience can significantly increase your chances of success.

Conclusion

Ulta Beauty offers multiple avenues for customers to access free samples, including through the mail, with online orders, in-store kiosks, and directly from associates. While the availability and methods vary, understanding these options and implementing strategies to maximize opportunities can help beauty enthusiasts try products before committing to full-size purchases.

The most reliable methods for receiving free samples by mail include joining the Beauty Rewards program to receive annual birthday freebies and taking advantage of samples included with online orders. In-store options include automated sample kiosks (at select locations) and direct requests from associates, though the latter depends on store policies and associate discretion.

By joining the rewards program, timing purchases around major sales, focusing on prestige brands, and being polite when requesting samples, customers can significantly increase their chances of obtaining free samples from Ulta. Whether you're looking to try new skincare, makeup, or fragrance products, Ulta's various sample programs offer opportunities to discover new favorites without committing to full-size purchases upfront.

Sources

1. These Are the Best Stores Who Give Out Free Samples in Mail: Sephora, Ulta, Kohl's and More!
2. Free Makeup Samples
3. Free 2024 Ulta Beauty Gifts
4. Ulta Free Samples
5. How to Get Free Makeup Samples from Ulta
6. Does Ulta Give Samples