Saturday Samples

                 

Another week has passed and its time for another delve into my samples box.  I am really pleased with how this series has been encouraging me to use up some of my travel and sample-sized products that I would otherwise neglect and I have found a  few products already that I am planning on purchasing the full sized products.

Temple Spa Aaahhhh! Soothing Balm for Aching Feet and Limbs

Temple Spa was a brand I had never heard of until I spotted their products in a hotel we stayed in for hubby’s birthday last year on the Isle of Skye and it was refreshing to find some products that were not the usual Molten Brown staples usually found in boutique hotels. 

This is a thick gel which contains dandelion, lavender and menthol to calm and sooth your feet and on applying it, the scent of menthol is very prominent.  I tried this for the first time after a 10k run, smoothing it onto my feet and calves.  It rubbed in easily and didn’t leave any sticky residue and  was certainly soothing, although after a few minutes my feet did feel rather cold which would have been the menthol taking effect.  I did find this quite relaxing for my tired feet, although I would probably be more likely to use it in the summer or on holiday, when my feet are feeling hot and swollen after walking around all day.  I could see this complementing my Body Shop Peppermint Foot Spray nicely for an end of day treat!

Quick Verdict

A useful addition to my summer footcare routine, I’m looking forward to trying this out properly when it gets warmer.  In the meantime, it will sooth my tired, achy feet

Blemish Complex – Clarifying Cleanser, Exfoliating Blemish Cream and Skin Perfecting Lotion

Blemish Complex is a brand from the US which was created by dermatologists for dermatologists and has been in development for 35 years so it should be pretty good at tackling problem skin.  

There are three steps to the process: cleansing, exfoliating / treatment and moisturising so it isn’t all that different from other skincare solutions and routines.  There was only enough product in each of the sachets for 2 applications so these are my initial impressions only.  I always test skincare for a month before reviewing to ensure they have been fully tested and my skin has had time to adapt.

Clarifying Cleanser – the scent was very clinical and not particularly pleasant.  This scent was also present across all three of the products, however I am willing to overlook that if the product works well.  It is a clear, foaming gel which is applied to damp skin and rinsed off.  I did like this but it felt quite harsh and I was wary of putting it anywhere near my eyes.

Exfoliating Blemish Cream – Another gel product, this tingled and stung for the first 20 seconds of application.  Again it was applied to damp skin and massaged in.

Skin Perfecting Lotion – Essentially a regular moisturiser, this was massaged in after the blemish cream had sunk in.  I didn’t find it to be particularly unique or especially hydrating.

Quick Verdict

Two applications of these products are not enough to test out their claims and first impressions leave me thinking the full 3 steps are a little harsh for my sensitive skin.  I would however be tempted to try out the Exfoliating Blemish Cream from the range, in collaboration with my usual cleanser and moisturiser.

Trilogy Instant Bronzing Gel

I have to admit that I am not a frequent fake-tan user, as having a NC20 skintone that tans easily I don't feel overly pale.  My legs however do not see the sun that often in winter and they do tend to look a little neglected, so I decided to give this sample of bronzing gel a try.

 

First impressions are that is smells unlike most other self tanners, more of a caramel smell which isn't entirely unpleasant, just unusual! 

 

It looks a deep golden bronze on application but soon fades to an even, natural brown and keeps developing for a couple of hours.  It is non-sticky too and dries within about 10 minutes so there is no sitting around in your pants waiting for it to dry!!

Leg pre bronzing Gel - eeek!

 

 

After an hour, not a massive different but you can see the shimmer.

I did notice that it was VERY shimmery and sparkly and for that reason I would probably only use this for the evenings - it is a little too much for me during the day.

Quick Verdict
As a self-tan novice, I found this very easy to use and applywith no streaks!  For those who like to add a bit of shimmer and sparkle to their tan, this may be a useful product to try.

Have a good weekend

Victoria
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