Next time you’re at Target, Ulta or Sephora take a longer look at the sample/ trial size section. Not only will you find some gems but you’ll probably also see the miniature version of things you already buy! A lot of the times we only think about this section when we are traveling but buying the trial version has many other benefits.
1. Try it out without wasting money if you hate it (duh)
This is the most obvious reason that many people purchase the sample or trial size of any product. It’s a great way to try out a new product without making the commitment to purchasing the full size. You can generally buy and return whatever you don’t end up liking but for us lazy folks, that return doesn’t always happen. Recently I purchased a tiny bottle of the Pixi Glow Tonic at Target. This was my first time using a toner and any Pixi product so buying the sample size made more sense. The sample was only $3 compared to the $15 full-size bottle.
2. Easy to tote in your purse, carry on or overnight bag
Sample sizes are generally small and perfect for taking in an overnight bag, carry-on or your everyday purse. A lot of makeup companies come out with smaller versions of their hit makeup palettes that are great for throwing in your purse and using on happy hour days. I also do this with toiletries. I keep a travel size deodorant, toothbrush, and toothpaste in my desk at work for emergencies.
3. Easy to store in vanity or in the bathroom.
Eventually, your bathroom or bedroom vanity will start to get pretty crowded with all of the full-size bottles of products. A good way to save space is to buy the sample size! They are much easier to store because of their size and this trick actually helps you have even more products! Right now I have a rotating tower on top of my vanity. I love that it keeps everything neatly stored in 1 spot but the shelves are too small for most full sized products. Buying sample sizes have been my easy solution!
4. Sometimes it’s more practical
Certain natural products and beauty treatments come with an expiration date. Depending on how often you use these products you may end up wasting money if you can’t use it all before the expiration date. The glam glow face masks are like this. The full-size jar is $65 but it comes with a year expiration date. If you switch out products a lot you may not be able to get your money’s worth. But for $25 you can get a sample size jar, which comes with enough product for about 4 uses. This takes off the pressure and makes it more likely that you will use it all.
5. Saves money
That sample of the Pixi Glow tonic I mentioned earlier was only $3 but lasted me over a month! Buying the sample/ trial size, in some cases, offers a good amount of uses and costs less money. This would be good for seasonal products that you don’t use often like sunscreen. Also, if you tend to move on from products quickly you won’t feel bad about leaving it unused since you’re more likely to use it all.
