How to Get Free Skincare & Makeup as a Beauty Product Tester
One of the most common questions I get is "Where do you get all your skincare? Do you buy all that?" Heck no! I almost never purchase skincare. I don't need to, and I'm going to show you how you can start getting free beauty products sent right to your door too. You don't need to be an influencer to get free things! Here's how to get started as a beauty product tester!
NOTE: This page was updated as of January 15th , 2024 to reflect the most current information and opportunities.
Wait, what even is a beauty product tester?
I'm glad you asked. There are tons of companies out there that are looking for authentic product reviews from real people. The beauty industry is HUGE, so it needs people of all sizes, shapes, and demographics to try out their stuff. "Beauty product tester" is not a title you need to earn- if you enjoy testing stuff out and reviewing it, you're a product tester! Easy as that!
The real fun starts when you get to test things that you got for free. I've been gifted everything from Dior Lip Oils to CeraVe Sunscreen. There are a bunch of different ways to start receiving free products, so let's dive in!
Ways to get Free Products
Influenster
What it is: Perfect for the true beginner. Influenster is a platform that collects reviews on all types of products (skincare and makeup included) from millions of people. They also send out VoxBoxes, which contain samples and/or full-sized products. They work with every beauty brand you could imagine, from Maybelline to Gucci.
How to get the goods: Make an account, fill out your demographic info, and start answering surveys. The surveys are meant to a) get you to write reviews on things you've already tried, and b) figure out if you'd be a good fit for a future VoxBox.
Supposedly, if you complete every survey that pops up, you'll have a much higher chance of qualifying for a VoxBox (which means free stuff!). If you're selected (congrats!) you'll be notified by email and your goodies will be on their way. All you have to do is review them on Influenster and you're good to go.
Downsides: The biggest downside to Influenster is that no one really knows how they choose who gets a VoxBox. It can seem super random, and also get really frustrating when you see people with low-quality reviews and photos getting fancy things. Doing all the surveys doesn't always guarantee you'll get rewarded for it. How annoying! All the surveys also mean that Infleunster is collecting a lot of data on you. I have done exactly zero digging to see what they do with said data, but it's something to be aware of.
Perks: The entire process is pretty low-maintenance. You don't need an instagram following or time to make fancy videos.- just pop on the app or desktop site when you get time. I got a Maybelline lipstick and brow pencil this way back when I was first starting to review products.
Skeepers (formerly Octoly)
What it is: Skeepers is a gifting-based platform that connects brands with reviewers. Reviewers have the chance to apply for (or sometimes just order) free products in exchange for reviews and/or social media content. For example, I recently got a skincare campaign with First Aid Beauty. In exchange for three products, I made a reel showing how to use them in a simple routine. Not only did I get those products for free, but First Aid Beauty shared it to their page with over 520 THOUSAND followers! It's a pretty sweet gig, and it's open to everyone.
If you want to take Skeepers to the next level, you can apply to be an influencer. This comes with certain social media requirements- for example, you need to have at least 1000 followers on Instagram. You can also connect your TikTok and YouTube accounts.
How to get the goods: All you have to do is make an account! You'll get two credits to "spend" on products. Once you share your deliverables, whatever they may be, you'll get your credit back. If you fail to post in time (two weeks) you'll lose the credit permanently, so stay on top of it! Skeepers is great at reminding you how much time you have left, so don't stress.
The basic version of Skeepers, when you're not an influencer, is a bit cutthroat. Products go extremely fast and the push notifications are often hours too late. It doesn't hurt to open the app and refresh whenever you get a chance, especially in the mornings. It's not easy, but it's totally possible to snag some awesome stuff! I got to try the iconic Jet Lag Mask from Summer Fridays and the Briogio Scalp Revival scrub this way.
Once you qualify to be a Skeepers influencer, absolutely go for it. Not only do you get access to a ton more products, but you also get five product credits instead of two! Since my "promotion" I've gotten stuff from Fresh, Estee Lauder, Olaplex, and more. I also got paid to make an ad for Skeepers.
Downsides: It can be tough to snag products at first. There's a ton of competition, so you really need to check the app consistently. Skeepers can also be weird about who gets into the influencer program. As long as you meet the requirements, just keep applying. You'll get in eventually! I got in on my second try (without changing anything).
Perks: Skeepers is partnered with some of the biggest brands in the game. There's skincare, nail products, hair care, makeup, and more! You'll get the chance to try out old favorites, new launches, and everything in-between. The app makes it super easy to submit reviews, and they walk you through the entire process. Skeepers is trusted by a huge community of beauty product reviewers and is my personal favorite way to snag products.
Instagram/TikTok
What it is: You already know what these are. But did you realize that social media is how most brands find their ambassadors/reviewers? I had brands reaching out to me within weeks of starting my beauty page on Instagram.
How to get the goods: This method is pretty involved. But if you really want to inundate your life with endless packages of beauty products, social media is probably the best way. Start a page where you post quality content somewhat consistently. Reviews and product shots are a great way to start! Stay active and engaged in the community (which is very welcoming) and opportunities will start to appear in your message requests and across your feed. Make sure your email is easily accessible- most brands would rather email than DM. Almost all of my collaboration opportunities come through my email.
Downsides: It can be a ton of work to run a page that's active enough to get you product offers. Lots of people do it, so don't be too afraid! Just remember to keep everything at a scale you can manage. You don't need to turn into a content creator or start posting like an influencer. The best way to keep things fun is to do everything you want and nothing you don't.
Another downside is that some brands will also try to take advantage of new creators/reviewers. If something seems too good to be true or requires you to pay for shipping or purchase something, it's probably not a legit offer. Be vigilant. And ignore the Amazon sellers asking for product reviews. Incentivized reviews can get your Amazon account banned.
Perks: You'll get to try all kinds of products from both new and established brands. It's an incredible way to discover new things! You'll also be a part of a fun and welcoming community of beauty product testers and enthusiasts. Even my small social media presence has given me more opportunities than I ever could have dreamed of. You also don't have to show your face if you don't want to 🙂
Collaboration Platforms
There are also a number of platforms that connect you with brand gifting in exchange for social media posts. If you're going to maintain social accounts, you might as well use them! A few platforms to check out include:
Statusphere
Receive boxes of products as frequently as every month! I've worked with Cosmopolitan Magazine, Viori Beauty, Skin & Lab, and more. Statusphere is a great way to discover smaller (but still great) brands, too.
Shopify Collabs
Shopify Collabs makes it easy to find brands looking for partnerships or ambassadors. I applied for Kim-Chi Chic Beauty's affiliate program here- when I was accepted, I received an affiliate code and gift card to try their products.
Aspire
Countless brands use Aspire to manage their affiliate programs. Sunday Riley, Lemon8, and Lancôme are just a few of the brands I keep in touch with through Aspire- it's great for keeping track of what each collab requires. There is also an Aspire Marketplace to help you find new opportunities.
cohley
Apply to briefs from brands in every niche! Fill out your profile, send brands a quick cover letter and portfolio, and cross your fingers. Thanks to Choley I've worked with Burt's Bees, Shutterfly, and Ollie.
Other creator platforms you should check out:
creator.co
Find Your Influence
Stack Influence
InSense
Community x Seen
Apply for Affiliate Programs
What it is: Many brands host affiliate programs. These programs vary from brand to brand- some just give you discount codes, while others send you products to try out. In return, you post about and promote the brand! Some programs require a certain number of posts each month. Others are much more casual.
How to get the goods: When you find a brand or seller you love, check their website for affiliate or partner programs. Sometimes these links will be at the very bottom of the page. You can also keep an eye out on social media- brands will sometimes advertise when they're accepting new affiliates or launching a gifting program.
Affiliate programs often (but not always) require some type of social media presence. For example, my partnership with Farmacy means that I post their products on Instagram once a month. I learned about this opportunity by looking on their website! If you're unsure whether a brand has any type of gifting program, you can always message them for more info. You can also ask current affiliates how they got into the program you're interested in.
Downsides: Affiliate programs can require consistent posting that adheres to certain guidelines. It can stifle your creativity if you let it- just stay on top of planning your content and you'll be fine. Social media is a lot of work!
It's also good to vet any brands you're considering tying your name to. Are they legit? Do they share similar values? Does it seem too good to be true? You should never be paying for shipping or products, even if they promise a refund! And alwayyyys make sure communications are from official or verified accounts.
Perks: You can get access to new launches, receive tons of free products, and connect with all types of brands and fellow affiliates. It's fun to be a part of something big! I've been lucky enough to attend virtual makeup masterclasses, personal skin consults, and Q & A's with a number of amazing brands.
Time to take the leap!
So, what's holding you back? I've given a few of my favorite options for earning free beauty products. Pick your favorite and get started! Whether you want to get some free stuff for fun or create a whole new content creation hobby, there's an opportunity for you.
Reviewing products is what got me into the beauty and blogging community in the first place. I wanted to read reviews from a regular person who had similar skin to mine. No more filters, no undisclosed ads, no $200 moisturizers. I stumbled upon a great community of people and decided to add my voice. Being a beauty product tester has opened a ton of doors and helped me build new skills. I've loved every minute of it!
Have questions? Feel free to comment below or contact me here. And if you decide to take the leap and start getting those sweeeet gifted products, let me know! I'd love to support you however I can.
As always, thank you so much for reading. I'll see you soon!
xoxo,
Lindsay
THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS. IF YOU CHOOSE TO PURCHASE A PRODUCT OR SERVICE THROUGH MY AFFILIATE LINK, I MAY RECEIVE A SMALL COMMISSION AT NO COST TO YOU. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT AFFILIATE LINKS, PLEASE VISIT MY DISCLOSURE PAGE.
