The obsession with beauty often begins early, so it's no surprise that free makeup samples for teens are so widely available. A quick search will often reveal a plethora of offers
On the House

If there's one thing cosmetic manufacturers know how to do, it's market their products effectively. The promise of flawless skin, a fuller pout, longer lashes and naturally flushed cheeks is irresistible. Of course, consumers aren't foolish, and manufacturers know that one of the best ways to promote new products is to offer free samples. These samples, often referred to as freebies or gratis, are offered with the hopes that they will entice consumers to purchase full-size products at regular prices.

Marketing to the Teen Set

Many cosmetic manufacturers recognize the value of targeting the teenage niche. Today, young women are using makeup, skin, hair and body products more than ever before. This is a testament to the sheer number of brands and products available on the market today. It's also a strong indication of the influence that popular culture has on teenagers. From magazine covers touting glamorous young starlets to reality television programs searching for the perfect model, the entertainment world plays a strong role in keeping young women interested in beauty and fashion.

Finding Free Makeup Samples for Teens

Complimentary makeup is appealing no matter what a woman's age might be, but those little sample packets and vials are especially exciting for young women who are delving headfirst into the ever-growing beauty world. Many manufacturers offer free makeup samples for teens. These samples are presented in several different formats, depending on the product in question.

Foundation
Every woman should try to sample her foundation before purchasing, if possible. Teens in particular will benefit from sampling various shades, especially if they are not accustomed to wearing face makeup on a daily basis. Cosmetic counter associates will generally provide a custom color match for customers based on the following traits:

Skin tone
Skin type
Clinique and MAC are both popular brands that offer complimentary makeup samples at their counters. These brands are affordable and offer a wide selection of foundation in a variety of formulas.

Foundation samples are generally packaged in small plastic jars and will last a few days. Select cosmetic companies, such as Bobbi Brown, offer foundation samples in pre-packaged sleeves.

Lipstick
Lipstick samples are especially common among beauty manufacturers. They are typically offered in miniature tube form or on a small postcard. Tube samples will last a few days, while postcards are good for one or two uses. Lipstick samples are not as readily available as foundation, but are occasionally offered as gifts with purchases or tear-outs in fashion and beauty magazines.

Eye Shadow
Don't expect to run across too many free eye shadow samples. Though manufacturers will occasionally offer them in an effort to promote a new formula or color range, they are not as common as foundation or even lipstick. When available, eye shadow samples are pressed into postcards and are generally good for several uses. Occasionally, miniature eye shadow pans are also available.

Mascara
Miniature tubes of mascara are not only a fantastic way to sample new formulas, they're also one of the most practical makeup freebies around. These slim tubes slip easily into a purse, and they last for at least 10 days with regular usage. Teenagers who enjoy test-driving different brands will appreciate that most cosmetic manufacturers do offer sample sizes of at least some varieties of mascara.

Where to Find Them

Many web sites specialize in providing samples especially for teens. Others simply offer complimentary samples to everyone. Among them are the following:

Teen Freeway: The site's Health & Beauty section is full of cosmetic samples, fragrance vials, shampoo packets and more. It is updated regularly with new offers.
Walmart: The retailer's web site features a consistently-updated samples page. Recent offerings include Almay lipstick, Secret deodorant and John Frieda hair care.
Select brands, such as the ones below, create members-only clubs that include such perks as free samples and discount coupons. These clubs are normally free to join.

Wet 'n' Wild: Especially popular among teens, Wet 'n' Wild's Trendsetter club offers samples, tips and information on special events.
Sally Beauty Supply: The national beauty chain's Beauty Club is a loyalty program designed to reward customers with discount prices on all non-sale items in the store. Membership is free and includes a subscription to the club's e-newsletter, which often includes free sample offers.
Additionally, specialty stores such as Sephora often have free samples on hand. Sephora sales associates will package products such as foundation and skin care products into sample-size containers for trial usage.