Between you and the products that work is a sea of ​​products that don’t work. This is where samples come into the picture. With a sample, you can try a product for FREE. Here’s your guide to samples, sales, and low prices.

Here are 8 tips and tricks to help make sure you never have to pay full price for beauty products.

Tip 1: try before you buy.

Google “free samples” and check out sites that offer free samples of hair, skin, and cosmetic products. Remember, you do NOT have to pay for samples.

Walmart has a featured free samples section where you can try John Frieda hair care, Frizz-Ease, Always Clean, and more.

Freakyfreddies offers samples from Schick Quattro, Curel, Olay, L’Oreal, Revlon, Mary Kay, Lancome and other big names in the beauty business.

Tip 2: Use coupons.

Before you make fun of coupons, think: People save a lot of money when they shop with coupons. Go online and search for websites that offer one-day deals, buy one get one free deals, and coupons. These offers are only available on websites, not in stores.

Tip 3: Know when department stores are running sales.

Beauty products have a shelf life. To sell them before they expire, department stores not only offer free samples and demos, but also hold big sales the day after Thanksgiving and in August to sell products they may not be able to sell before they expire.

Tip 4: Shop at drugstores instead of department stores and luxury stores.

Looking for body lotions? skin lotion? Get them at stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, Walgreens, or Walmart. These stores sell products much cheaper than other stores. Keep an eye out for those 25% and 50% bonus marks on the bottles.

Tip 5: Buy beauty products at a beauty store.

Fact: a beauty shop is not the same as a beauty salon. If you want to get specially made beauty products cheaply, get them from a beauty supply store, not a salon where they are more expensive.

Tip 6: You can buy hair color kits anywhere.

Forget taking a trip to your favorite luxury store. Whether you need a cheap hair color product or an expensive one, you can get them for less at Rite Aid and Walmart. Look for stock and merchandise offered with special offers.

Tip 7: Use a frequent buyer card.

There is no shame in using a frequent buyer card. Think of it as your reward for frequently patronizing a store’s services.

Tip 8: If you’re not happy with a product, call the manufacturers.

Believe it or not, the one who complains gets the best deals. Manufacturers know the value of good customer relationships. I know this because not too long ago, I received over $60 in prepayment as a reward for giving my opinion to a manufacturer. In other words, I made a fuss about something I paid for but wasn’t too happy about, and I actually got rewarded for it!

Remember, there is no shame in saving money where you can. You wouldn’t throw $10 in the trash. Why should you throw it away in beauty products? Use these money saving tips and tricks to save big!