Clarins, a renowned French luxury skincare and makeup brand, offers UK consumers several pathways to obtain complimentary product samples. These samples are designed to allow potential customers to experience the brand’s formulas before making a purchase. The available methods, eligibility requirements, and sample selection processes are detailed in the brand’s official communications. The information below is compiled exclusively from the provided source materials, which include the brand’s official sampling programme page and an associated application listing.
Official Sample Access Points
Clarins provides two primary avenues for consumers to receive free product samples: through in-person consultations at retail locations and via the brand’s online boutique. Both methods are designed to offer a personalised approach to product discovery.
In-Person Consultations at Clarins Counters
Consumers can receive free samples by visiting a Clarins counter or store. A skilled Beauty Advisor is available to conduct a personalised consultation, recommend suitable formulas for an individual’s skin and makeup needs, and provide a selection of samples for at-home trial. This service is available at Clarins counters, which are typically located within department stores, as well as at dedicated Clarins stores. To locate the nearest Clarins counter or store, the brand provides a store locator function on its website.
Online Purchase with Sample Selection
The Clarins online boutique offers a structured sample programme. Customers who make any online purchase are entitled to choose three complimentary samples at checkout. The selection is drawn from a catalogue of over 120 skincare and makeup trial-size products. The availability of specific samples is subject to stock levels.
The process for obtaining samples through an online purchase is as follows: 1. Shop: Browse and select products on the Clarins website. 2. View Bag: Proceed to the shopping bag or basket page. 3. Choose Samples: Click on the designated box or section labelled “Choose Samples” to select three items from the available catalogue.
Clarins states that each sample is designed to provide between one to five uses, offering a sufficient trial period to evaluate the product’s performance and suitability.
Sample Programme Details and Eligibility
The terms and conditions of Clarins’ sampling programme are clearly defined. Key details regarding the number of samples, product types, and limitations are outlined in the brand’s official documentation.
Sample Selection and Quantity
- Online Purchase: A maximum of three free samples are provided with any single online order.
- In-Store: The number of samples provided during a consultation is not specified in the source material but is determined by the Beauty Advisor based on the consultation.
- Catalogue Size: The online sample catalogue contains over 120 different trial-sized products, covering both skincare and makeup categories.
Usage and Trial Period
Clarins aims to provide generous trial sizes that allow consumers to experience their formulas over several days. The brand states that each sample is intended to provide between one to five uses, ensuring customers have enough product to assess its effects before considering a full-size purchase.
Eligibility and Restrictions
- Online Samples: The three complimentary samples are exclusively available to customers making a purchase on the Clarins online boutique. Samples are not available for free shipping or as a standalone order.
- Event Samples: Clarins explicitly states that it is unable to provide samples or promotional items for events. All samples and goodie bags are reserved for Clarins stores, authorised sellers, and the official Clarins.com website.
- Availability: All samples are subject to availability. The brand notes that certain offers are available “while supplies last.”
Sustainability Initiatives in Sampling
Clarins has implemented an eco-friendly initiative within its sampling programme. In 2023, the brand became the first to offer samples with an 'Eco top' design. This design is described as a thinner, lighter cap made using 42% recycled plastic. The brand reports that this initiative saved 16 tons of virgin plastic in its first year of implementation. This information is presented as part of the brand’s commitment to reducing the waste of resources.
Clarins Mobile Application
The Clarins brand offers a mobile application titled “Clarins – Skincare and Makeup” for iPhone users. The application is described as “Natural Skincare & Beauty” and is available as a free download. According to the application’s data privacy information, the app may collect and link various types of user data to their identity, including health and fitness information, purchases, financial information, location, contact information, user content, search history, browsing history, identifiers, and usage data. The data may also be used to track users across apps and websites owned by other companies. The specific functions of the app related to sample acquisition are not detailed in the provided source material.
Conclusion
Clarins offers UK consumers structured and accessible methods for obtaining free product samples. The primary channels are in-person consultations at Clarins counters and stores, and the selection of three complimentary samples with any online purchase. The online sample catalogue is extensive, featuring over 120 trial-sized skincare and makeup products. The brand has also taken steps to make its sampling programme more sustainable through the use of recycled plastic in sample packaging. Consumers should note that samples are subject to availability and are not available for events. For the most current information on sample availability and store locations, consumers are advised to visit the official Clarins website.