Image source: s3prod.weheartit.netdna-cdn.com How many times have you been interrupted in your make-up shopping with that famous, “Sorry to bother you – would you take this survey” line? Whenever I see the promotions crew I do my “busy customer” look hoping they won’t try to talk me into losing half an hour of my time filling out paperwork. WRONG MOVE! Do the survey! The longer it is, the better the chances are that there will be free make-up after it. Oh, yeah, and definitely tip the “I would like to receive offers, coupons and samples” box in the bottom. We all know the sample secret, right? No? Well, samples are sometimes better than the real deal because the company wants you to have a great first-time experience and immediately buy the product. Don’t believe me? Why do you think people are going so crazy about the sample sales of perfumes?

Image source: s3prod.weheartit.netdna-cdn.com Estee Lauder online store gives you the opportunity to choose two free samples with every purchase. So, if you like their products do check the site to see what’s being offered these days. And guess what, this brand is not the only one that gives mini, promo packages for free. I, personally, find promo packages quite useful for at least two reasons: First: you get a 10-day supply to determine if the product works for you, which is far better than blowing big bucks on something that may be completely wrong for your skin. Second, if you are already familiar with the product you can use the samples when traveling – they save plenty of space, the dosage is small so it doesn’t violate the airport’s safety regulations and you can take them with you as hand luggage, so no temperature changes and other stuff that could damage the products.

Image source: s3prod.weheartit.netdna-cdn.com If you own your own a fashion website or blog, promotions, parties and fashion shows are a great way to renew your wardrobe and accessories. Just sign up for a press pass and enjoy the show – you’ll have a great story, fabulous photos, a unique experience and a couple of cool designer items. Non bloggers can get designer stuff too – browse your favorite fashion websites, enter a giveaway contest and hope your lucky star is in a good mood.

Image source: s3prod.weheartit.netdna-cdn.com From mini toothpastes to kool-aid and toilet paper! You’d be surprised how much the companies value their customer’s opinion. I’ve even heart an urban legend about a family who actually got a brand new TV to test and rate. Ok, don’t expect it’s going to happen to you too because you might end up feeling disappointed. And again, I have to stress out the importance of having a few purse sized packages of everything from antibacterial soaps to toothpastes, mouthwashes, shampoos and intimate wash gels. That way you can create your own first-aid kit that’s small enough to fit anywhere and you’ll be covered for the next time you make a last minute decision to crash in your bf’s apartment.

Image source: s3prod.weheartit.netdna-cdn.com Use your pass wisely, fellow students! Don’t let it rot in your wallet! Student passes can do miracles in cinemas and museums and you’ll get plenty of discounts in regular stores too. Okay, I know most museums and cinemas do have special days when the entrance is free for everybody, but I’m not talking about those only. You can get in even on regular days, just as long as you don’t pick a very popular event like the movie premiere or the first day of a big exhibition. So pick a slow day, wait until people with the ticket come in and then flash your student card with the best FBI agent attitude you can pull off. They will let you in because, as you know, slow days are not very good for business anyways. Good luck and remember to save you money for something really huge.

Image source: s3prod.weheartit.netdna-cdn.com Hmm, let’s see… I got a coca-cola, a chocolate, a pack of fruity yogurt, energy drink and a pack of that on-the-go nutella with crunchy sticks. Oh, yeah, and I’ve been offered coffee more times than I can remember. There is not really a pattern for this one –you are walking down the street minding your own business and all of the sudden people dressed in the *XYZ company* T-shirts start coming up to you and shoving things in your arms. It’s a new product, you must try it out and blah, blah,blah… You have to take it – they need to fill their quota and they will give you an angry look if you don’t. You can also browse the freebie sites and sign up for free chocolates, cereals, energy bars and whatnot.

Image source: s3prod.weheartit.netdna-cdn.com Adopting a pet is one of the sweetest, nicest things you can do and it doesn’t cost a penny! Ask around, there must be a family whose pet just had a brand new litter of puppies or kittens. Pick up the local papers, some of these people even buy ad space in the effort to find good homes and people willing to adopt. Browse the internet, put “Willing to adopt a pet” as your Facebook status, go to the pound… The options are endless!

Image source: legacyentries.weheartit.netdna-cdn.com You know what I’ve learned from my switching-to-blonde experience? Hair salons are generally not very happy to take up customers who wish to make radical changes. They will schedule a makeover, no doubt about that, but the price is usually double and you’re doing it at your own risk. No guarantees you’ll get the look you were going for. So, if there is no guarantee, why blow big bucks on it? A girl that was training to become a hair stylist has done my makeover. I got a brand new, platinum shade and she got a good grade, a win-win situation. You can do the same! And don’t worry, it’s not as risky as it looks because teachers have to supervise their students during the whole procedure. What’s your take on freebies? Would you feel weird getting something for free or you actually enjoy knowing that you don’t have to pay for every single thing? I kind of feel weird when somebody tries to give me something. Like, “Okay, thanks…but what’s the catch?” But, I have to admit that there is a certain amount of weird pleasure involved. Top Photo Credit: OrangeCounty_Girl