A thing of beauty

Brands are big on handing out skin and make-up freebies. You just need to ask. Plan it well and you could even be welcomed back for more

- Arshia Dhar

What could be more intimidating than a stark white art gallery? A make-up and beauty store, of course. They're too bright, staffed by impeccably well-groomed people. The displays make everything look perfect and confusing. And everything on the shelves promises to turn you into Suhana, Kareena, Katrina or Malaika.

Big beauty stores offer samples - small-sized goodies that either come with a purchase or handed out to a select few customers. The minis are a way to try out a new shade, a different formula, a fresh fragrance. Kavita Yadav, director of e-commerce business and modern trade for skincare and haircare brand Minimalist calls them a "risk-free entry point to test the waters over multiple uses." Yet, stores aren't always generous with them. Here's how to score freebies at a beauty store.