You may be surprised but beauty boutiques and counters are more generous than you think they are. Many of them actually provide freebies – sometimes even when you’re not walking away with any purchases. These well-kept secrets are now revealed in this post. Psst, come closer!
Beauty products and services you can receive for free without any purchase
1. Free and generous samples at Kiehl’s
I can still remember my first visit at Kiehl’s. I was browsing around, looking for an eye cream, when a friendly beauty advisor came over to help me out. We had a chat about my concerns and instead of pushing me to purchase a product right away, she went to the counter, where there were many small pharmaceutical drawers, and from one of them, took out a generous sample of the Line-Reducing Eye-Brightening Concentrate for me. She also asked me if I’d like to try other products from Kiehl’s and gave me a few more sachets.
The sachets are generally more generous than most other samples that other brands give out – they typically can last for around three days to a week (in the case of an eye cream), giving me sufficient time to discern if I like the product enough to purchase it. Sure enough, I returned to buy the eye cream, and also a toner. All thanks to Kiehl’s Try Before You Buy culture!
Best part? It’s not limited to just one sachet. If there are a few products you’re considering, the beauty advisor will be happy to pass along a few more.
Available at all Kiehl’s outlets, located islandwide.
2. Free hand massage at Jo Malone
It can sometimes be intimidating to enter Jo Malone because of its elegant and bespoke ambience. But hey, the Jo Malone stylists are really friendly, and you should really enter and explore the boutique the next time you’re there.
Whether you’ve decided to make a purchase that day or not, feel free to ask the Jo Malone stylist for a complimentary hand massage. At the massage, they will pamper your hands with a body cream of your choice, topped with one or more colognes to show off the versatility of their fragrances.
Jo Malone’s colognes are designed for layering, so you can pick and choose the combination that you like and have the stylist wear them on you. We promise you will walk out of the boutique smelling like a million buck.
Available at all Jo Malone boutiques, located at Takashimaya, Tangs Orchard, Raffles City, Marina Bay Sands, and ION Orchard.
3. Free skin analysis at SK-II
All SK-II counters are equipped with a state-of-the-art skin analysis device called Magic Ring, that measures your skin’s quality based on five dimensions: radiance, spot control, wrinkle resilience, texture and firmness. Through the device, you can also compare your skin’s quality against the average standard among women your age. Your skin’s age is also generated so you know where you stand and how hard you have to work in the skincare department. The beauty advisor will then recommend products based on your skin’s concerns after that and present you with samples.
Besides SK-II, there are also a few other beauty counters and boutiques that offer skin consultation services – you get to pick and choose!
Available at all SK-II counters, located islandwide.
4. Free mini facial at Origins
The next time you walk by an Origins counter, ask for a mini facial. This is a complimentary service that the eco-friendly brand extend to all guests, even if you didn’t buy anything. According to your skin’s needs, the beauty advisor will pick products that are suitable for you. Enjoy a scrub, mask, followed by a complete skincare regime, complemented with a facial massage.
Available at all Origins outlets and counters, located islandwide.
5. Free fragrance consultation at Escentials
Escentials at Paragon is known for its cosy ambience and wide selection of boutique fragrances. Did you know that the beauty advisors at Escentials are also ready to sit down with you at the sofa for a complimentary fragrance consultation service?
At the session, they’ll ask you some questions about your preferences, let you sample some fragrances and through this process, you’ll learn more about fragrances in general, and also what type of scent you like. Ask the advisors for some samples, which they will provide you with if they’re available, but of course, if you like the fragrance that has been picked for you, make a purchase already!
Available at Escentials, #03-02/05 Paragon.
6. Free flash makeover at Dior
This 20-minute service begins with a skin consultation by a Dior’s beauty therapist to identify your skin needs. Then, the right shade of makeup will be matched to your skin type and tone, using products from the latest Dior makeup collection.
Available at the Dior counter at Shilla Duty Free Beauty Loft, at Changi Airport Terminal 3. Note this down the next time you’re taking a flight!
7. Free brow consultation with Dior
The 10-minute service is a one-on-one consultation conducted by Dior’s beauty therapists. During the session, you’ll learn the tricks to achieving great brows, including tips on darkening or thickening their appearance, or providing definition and shape.
Similar to the previous service, this complimentary brow consultation is only available at the Shilla Duty Free Beauty Loft, at Changi Airport Terminal 3.
8. Free express makeover at Sephora
Sephora offers free 15-minute makeover services at all their stores, and we think it’s the best chance for you try out the products before purchasing them. And if you’re on a budget but want a professional to get your makeup done for an event like a dinner-and-dance or if you’re attending a wedding dinner as a guest, this express makeover may be a great option to consider!
Available at all Sephora stores, located islandwide.
Other complimentary products and services with purchase
8. Free full face makeover at Sephora
We’ve told you how you can get a free express makeover at Sephora (see point #7). If you wish to get a full face makeover, you’ll be eligible for one when you spend SGD100 at Sephora. This complimentary session lasts for 45 minutes and the beauty advisor will provide you with a complete makeover based on your preferences.
Available at all Sephora stores, located islandwide.
9. Free makeover and tutorial with Nars
This isn’t just a makeover; it’s also a step-by-step tutorial, where the makeup artist demonstrates how to achieve the looks he/she is doing on you. The makeup artist will also use a personalised face chart to help you recreate the same look when you’re at home. This service is available when you spend at least SGD150 on Nars products.
Available at Nars counters, located at Level 1 Tangs at Tang Plaza, and Level 1 Robinsons The Heeren.
10. Free manicure at Etude House
Did you know that Etude House’s boutiques at Wisma Atria and Vivo City are furnished with a nail parlour too? You can enjoy a manicure using “pink coins”, which can be redeemed when you make purchases at the store.
Available at Etude House stores, located at #B1-01, Wisma Atria and #B1-03 Vivo City.
11. Free facial at La Prairie
You’ll get to enjoy the Platinum Forever Treatment when you make any purchase of La Prairie product at its outlet at Shilla Duty Free Beauty Loft, located at Terminal 3 of Changi Airport.
This 20-minute facial treatment may not be long, but it’s definitely luxurious. The facial uses products from the Platinum Rare collection, one of the most precious range of beauty products from La Prairie, and comprises of a facial, as well as eye and hand massages.
Available at Shilla Duty Free Beauty Loft, Changi Airport, Terminal 3.
