Now, I'm going to be honest - while I love getting a free sample, those little pouches the samples come in are a pain. They are nearly impossible to open with wet hands, right?
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Yesterday, though, a light bulb went off in my head as the last squirt of my Cheapo Shampoo left the bottle - Why not just combine all of the free samples in my already existing bottles and add water?
I mean, do I really need to test out each and every different product when I know darn well that I'm not going to spend my good money on their expensive shampoo anyway?
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I'm not going to do a Fake-It Yourself Breakdown on this one because, well, Free is Free! Even if you usually buy your shampoo from the Dollar Tree (like I do), Free beats $1.00. Plus, the quality of the shampoo is far better in the free sample.
Now that I think about it, with Free Samples, I may Never have to buy shampoo or conditioner again!
Linking Up at Tip Junkie, Today's Creative Blog and these other Great Parties!
Very frugal indeed. Let us know how it works with all that added water. Wouldn't have thought of that part.
ReplyDeleteI have diluted shampoo for years. I get just as much sudsing, it disperses thru my hair easier and rinses out better. My hubby and kids don't even notice.
DeleteI have diluted shampoo for years. I get just as much sudsing, it disperses thru my hair easier and rinses out better. My hubby and kids don't even notice.
DeleteI have diluted shampoo for years. I get just as much sudsing, it disperses thru my hair easier and rinses out better. My hubby and kids don't even notice.
DeleteI do this too! Also, when lotion will no longer pump but you know there is a bi more in there, I put the top on and save the bottle. When I have several of these bottles, I put them in a pot of hot water (stand there to be safe). When the lotion heats to liquid, I pour them all into one bottle.
ReplyDeleteWaste not want not, right?!
I never thought of that one! Thanks for the tip!
DeleteI just found our blog and love it! Thank you for so many gooooood ideas!!! I will certainly be back! Sarah
ReplyDeleteI get those free samples too! I save them for trips, but you're idea is great too!
ReplyDeletewhere do u get the free samples
DeleteClever! I, too, collect all the freebies I can, but I really USE mine. I go on a 'shopping diet' every so often, during which I try to use up whatever I already have around the house. I try to use up the food from the pantry, use up the last of whatever's left in the cleaning product bottles, and I use free samples of shampoos and conditioners, facial cleansers, moisturizers, toothpaste, etc. It's good to purge once in a while, and it's amazing to see how long you could live for 'free' if you had to do!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea!
DeleteI wonder how all of those smells together smelled. I am a smell freak and some of those shampoos out there today are just out of control. I'd be afraid I'd create some toxic smell that had waves of green air coming off my head for days! And I agree, why are those packets make to be so hard to open? Who ever thinks to open them with dry hands BEFORE? And who ever uses all of it one shower?
ReplyDeleteI use all of it one shower... but I have tons of crazy hair
DeleteI can report now, having used my new "concoctions" for a few days, that both the shampoo and conditioners are great! The smells do combine into a general "salon shampoo" smell. Adding the water to the mix definitely makes it workable and extends those little packets!
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Thanks for a great idea! I love the free samples, but they're so tough to open and impractical for the shower. I've thought about combining them, but wondered how it would turn out - thanks for testing it out Heather! =)
ReplyDeleteMara @ Super Savings
Great idea. I love free sample. More the Merrier Monday will be open until Wednesday at midnight. I would love for you to stop by and link up your idea. http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteI have been cleaning out my sample's too! I acctually have a post scheduled for it on my blog on Saturday. :) Have a good night. Oh yea, hopping over from a linky party.
ReplyDeleteI actually keep a small pair of scissors in my shower for the small sample packets! They just hang on a hook when I'm not using them. :)
ReplyDelete(But then, I keep scissors and a flashlight and a few other items in EVERY room in the house. My husband makes fun of me, but I just like to be prepared. I WAS a Girl Scout, after all.)
Ah Heather, You seem like such a smart girl. Do you have a blog yourself? If so, please send me a link cause I'd really like to check it out. angelagaledavenport@yahoo.com
DeleteThanks!
interesting idea. I would be afraid of the smell as well, but maybe I'll give it a try :)
ReplyDeleteI learned another good trick. Put some conditioner in a spray bottle (just at the bottom) and fill the rest with warm water. It makes a great detangler. Great for days when you don't have time to condition your hair or it's still in knots after using conditioner. My hair is thin and curly and always a mess after washing. It works really well as long as I don't put too much on.
ReplyDeleteheather....how much water do you add to the shampoo
ReplyDeleteI added about 1/2 of a bottle of water.
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Heather
This is such a clever and thrifty idea! I love it- and oh my goodness I know what you mean about wet hands on those packets!
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for linking up with Mommy Club Wednesday! We loved your project so much it will be featured in the post for this weeks Linky!!Hope it gets you more exposure- we’d love if you’d grab our button to let others join in the fun! You can find it here: http://milkandcuddles.com/2011/08/2700/
Shannon
ps. I’m your newest follower:)
I save these samples in my travel bag for bathroom items and use them when traveling. I really like to give to my kids as they frequently forget the large bottle of shampoo
ReplyDeleteI definitely wouldn't recommend this if you have sensitive skin or skin allergies. As a Cosmetologist and Esthetician I've seen a lot of client's trying to save money this way and ending up with some serious reactions to the ammonia, surfactants such as sodium lauryl sulfate and alkalies like lye in shampoos and other cosmetics. Mixing products makes it very difficult to determine the cause of the resulting dermatitis. Most of the time the client develops an allergy to something as a result of repeated exposure, so just because you may not have had any issues in the past doesn't mean you won't in the future. Not to sound scary... just wanted to put in my two cents and save you the potential doctor visit!
ReplyDeleteMe, I don't use shampoos or conditioners. For 4 years I've been using the following on my hair:
ReplyDeleteShampoo: 1 Tablespoon of baking soda to 1 cup of water.* Mix until the soda is dissolved.
Just pour on your hair until it is all wet and work it through with your fingers. You won't get any lather but your hair will be clean and free of any chemicals. Rinse with plain water.
Conditioner: 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to 1 cup of water* and mix well. Again simply pour on your hair and work it through with your fingers. ( No you won’t smell like a salad bowl, as your hair dries the odor of vinegar dissipates.)
Clean, chemical free, shiny and manageable with the added benefits of no dandruff and Ph balanced hair and scalp.
*If you need a larger amount because of long hair just double or triple the recipes.
I do this too! I don't think I've ever loved my hair this much. DITCH THE SHAMPOO LADIES!
DeleteThe only difference is that I use 1 tbsp vinegar to 1 cup of water as well. If you have those condiment bottles that only $1 each at Walmart, they make the perfect containers.
Great idea! I have a bunch of those samples.
ReplyDeleteI once mixed two lotions together and it did not turn out well. it obviously had some sort of chemical reaction that did not work well together because it turned to a watery consistency that was totally useless. :(
ReplyDeleteI find there is not enough in one sample. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyDM-zg7-JQ&list=UUDCRMonFqjlZO-iBN_RPXNQ&index=5&feature=plcp
ReplyDeleteyou're sooo smart!!! I almost tossed all my samples today. I tried the baking soda but I just couldn't adjust to this. I think I will do this with all the lotions too. I read a few comments that did not go well so maybe ill just mix the same manufactures together for now.
ReplyDeleteKeep in mind that as soon as you add water to these you bacteria can start growing. To minimize this used distilled water.
ReplyDeleteI take those free conditioner samples and put a bit in a small spray bottle, fill the rest with water, shake, and use as a detangling spray that also makes my hair smell nice.
ReplyDeleteI mix together all the little hotel shampoos I get (never leave them behind - you paid for them!)
ReplyDeleteAll those free samples are perfect for kids to take on school camps. Body wash, soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste samples are a great size for kids who often 'lose' stuff at camp. Also good to make up a few little packs in zip lock bags for travel & as spares for guests. These little packs are a great donation to your local hospital, we use them for our emergency admissions as patients come in with nothing. Just my 2c worth. ��
ReplyDelete