Do you want to try MAC Cosmetics without spending money first?
You can get free makeup and fragrance samples through official channels, loyalty programs, and trusted beauty retailers.
Follow this guide to learn exactly how to claim your MAC freebies today.
Types of MAC Samples Commonly Offered
MAC Cosmetics offers a range of samples that allow you to test products before making a full-size purchase.
These samples often rotate based on availability, season, and product launches.
Lipstick Samples
- Small bullet or blister pack versions of popular shades.
- Common in online orders or promotional kits.
- It often includes bestsellers like Ruby Woo or Velvet Teddy.
Foundation and Concealer Samples
- Sachets or mini tubes of Studio Fix and other complexion products.
- Helpful for testing shade match and coverage.
- Usually available in-store during consultations.
Primer and Moisturizer Samples
- Travel-size tubes of products, such as Prep + Prime or Strobe Cream.
- Included in skincare bundles or at events.
- Occasionally added to loyalty perks.
Fragrance Samples
- Mini spray vials or cards featuring MAC’s scent line (such as Turquatic).
- Offered during fragrance campaigns or online orders.
- Ideal for testing scent longevity and compatibility.
Eye and Brow Product Samples
- Smaller versions of mascaras, brow gels, or eyeshadow pots.
- Less common but sometimes included in curated kits.
- Often found in influencer giveaways or beauty box subscriptions.
Ways to Get MAC Cosmetics Free Samples
These are the most reliable ways to access free MAC products through official and trusted sources.
Each option offers a simple way to try MAC without spending upfront.
The Official MAC Website
Get samples during checkout or special promotions.
- Look for free sample options when placing an order.
- Some offers appear during limited-time campaigns.
- Usually includes mini lipsticks, foundations, or fragrances.
- Visit: MAC Cosmetics Official Site
In-store at MAC Counters
Ask directly during consultations or launches.
- MAC artists may offer samples during product trials.
- Request a skincare or foundation sample politely.
- Best chance during new releases or in-store events.
- Available in department stores and standalone MAC shops.
With Online Orders
Samples are often included automatically.
- No need to request—MAC adds them at the shipping stage.
- Selection may be based on purchase type or availability.
- Sometimes, you can choose from a list before checking out.
MAC Lover Loyalty Program
Get member-exclusive free gifts and samples.
- Join the MAC Lover program for rewards.
- Birthday freebies and exclusive sample drops are included.
- Higher tiers get better perks.
- Join here: MAC Lover
Beauty Retailers (Sephora, Ulta)
Earn MAC samples through beauty partner stores.
- Sephora and Ulta may include MAC samples with purchase.
- Look for “Gift With Purchase” deals.
- Offers change regularly, so check often.
- Visit: Sephora | Ulta | Ipsy | Birchbox
Social Media Giveaways & Events
MAC and influencers offer samples in contests.
- Follow MAC’s official pages for updates.
- Check hashtags like #MACGiveaway.
- Join live events and pop-ups announced on Instagram.
- Influencers often run sample giveaways.
Can You Request Specific MAC Samples?
While MAC does offer free samples, your ability to choose exactly which ones you receive depends on the source and method.
Here's how sample selection works across different platforms and situations.
Online Orders on MAC’s Official Website
- Sometimes, it allows you to select 1–2 preferred samples at checkout.
- Options vary based on promotions and stock levels.
- If no selection is available, samples are chosen automatically.
In-Store Visits and Consultations
- You can ask staff for a specific product sample, like a foundation or primer.
- Staff may honor your request if the product is available in sample form.
- Always ask politely and explain what you're looking to test.
MAC Lover Loyalty Program
- Higher-tier members may receive curated sample choices.
- Birthday gifts sometimes include a selection of available items.
- Specific choices may be limited based on seasonal offers.
Third-Party Retailers (e.g., Ipsy, Birchbox)
- Generally, do not allow specific sample requests.
- Samples are pre-selected or based on your beauty profile.
- MAC items may be included randomly in curated boxes.
Giveaways and Promotions
- Influencer giveaways or MAC campaigns rarely offer custom selections.
- Winners usually receive fixed sets with pre-chosen items.
- Occasionally, survey-based giveaways may ask for preferences in advance.
How Often MAC Updates Their Sample Offers
MAC Cosmetics regularly updates its sample availability, adjusting it according to promotions, seasonal trends, and product launches.
Knowing when these updates occur can help you time your requests or purchases to maximize your chances of receiving free items.
During New Product Launches
- MAC often releases samples when introducing new collections.
- These include foundation shades, lipsticks, or skincare formulas.
- Offers may be online-only or in-store as part of demos.
Around Major Holidays and Sale Events
- Expect fresh sample deals during Black Friday, Christmas, and Mother’s Day.
- MAC usually includes them in limited-edition sets or bonus bundles.
- Samples may change weekly during holiday campaigns.
Monthly Loyalty Program Refreshes
- The MAC Lover program often updates perks each month.
- Sample offers may be tied to your membership tier.
- Birthday gifts and seasonal bonuses include sample options.
Rotating Online Checkout Offers
- Free samples are offered at checkout and can rotate on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.
- Options depend on stock and current campaigns.
- You can choose from a set list before completing your order.
Pop-Up and In-Store Events
- MAC offers event-based samples during brand activations.
- These are limited-time and location-specific.
- Staff may hand out fragrance or lipstick minis during store promotions.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting Free Samples
If you want to receive MAC samples more often, there are a few habits that can boost your chances.
These tips are easy to follow and work across both official and third-party sources.
Sign Up for MAC Newsletters
- Get early alerts about sample promotions, new launches, and gift events.
- Emails often include exclusive offers or codes.
Join the MAC Lover Loyalty Program
- Members receive birthday gifts and sample perks.
- Higher tiers unlock more rewards over time.
Follow MAC on Social Media
- Stay updated on flash giveaways, livestream events, and pop-up announcements.
- Look out for product drops tied to influencers or campaigns.
Shop During Major Sale Periods
- Free sample offers are more frequent during holidays and sitewide sales.
- Combine purchases with known GWP promotions for better value.
Ask In-Store Staff Politely
- When visiting a MAC counter, ask about current samples or demos.
- Staff may provide samples for products you show interest in.
Stay Active in Beauty Forums
- Online communities often share sample links, alerts, and tips.
- Reddit and Facebook groups are good starting points.
What to Watch Out For
While there are many legitimate ways to get free MAC samples, there are also scams and misleading offers online.
To stay safe, keep these red flags in mind when searching for samples.
Fake Websites Claiming to Offer Free MAC Products
- Avoid sites with poor design, spelling errors, or no official branding.
- Always double-check the URL before entering any personal information.
Requests for Payment or Credit Card Details
- Legitimate samples should not require payment.
- Be cautious if a site asks for shipping fees or card verification.
Unverified Social Media Accounts
- Don’t trust giveaways from accounts without verification or brand affiliation.
- Stick to influencers and pages that MAC officially partners with.
Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers
- Be skeptical of offers promising “free full-size collections” with no conditions.
- Most genuine samples are trial or travel sizes.
Phishing Emails or Ads
- Emails offering free MAC samples should come from official sources.
- Avoid clicking random banner ads or pop-ups on unrelated websites.
The Bottomline
Getting free MAC Cosmetics samples is easy when you know where and how to look.
From online orders to loyalty perks and trusted beauty platforms, there are numerous safe ways to try products before making a purchase.
Use the tips in this guide to claim your MAC makeup and fragrance samples today.
