Saturday Samples #4

Another week has flown, by so its time to see what I have managed to try out of my samples box this week.

Dermalogica  Multivitamin Power Recovery Mask

From previous reviews I had read, this mask seemed to be a lifesaver for tired, dull skin. I have been working a lot lately and getting home late so I thought this would give my skin the pick me up it so desperately needs.  

Although it says it is a mask, the product goes on as a clear gel and you leave it on for 10-15 minutes, once a week, to work its magic.  I didn't experience any tingling on application, and after the time was up, I rinsed it off as directed.  The next morning, I woke up to 2 huge blemishes on my chin which are still there now and refuse to budge!  I can only put these down to the mask and therefore I won't be using it again.  It may be that I didn't use it correctly or that it is just a big coincidence, but it is most likely that it was too rich for my combination skin and my skin reacted in the way it knows best!  I won't be trying this again and it will be going in my 'donate to friends' box!

Price - £24.85-£33

Where to Buy - Jersey Beauty Company, Pure Beauty

Ojon Damage Reverse Instant Restorative Hair Serum

I only had one use out of this so I'm not sure how much I can comment on its restorative properties.  I generally don't tend to use serums much as although I have dry, processed ends, my scalp and top half of my hair gets oily very quickly.  I tried using this only on my ends, following my usual shampoo and conditioner routine.  It certainly tamed any flyaways and made my hair sleeker and smoother, however towards the end of the day it did start to look rather lank and lacking in volume, despite only using a teeny tiny amount.  I've come to the conclusion that serums are probably not for me, although I could see this working for those with thick, dry hair and those who are prone to the frizzies. 

Price - £22

Where to Buy - John Lewis, House of Fraser

Green & Spring Light Cleanser

I am not usually a cream-based cleanser person, preferring instead to use a facial wash, eye make up remover and a toner afterwards to remove my makeup at night.  First impressions of this cleanser is that it is very thick and feels very luxurious, however the thickness comes at a price as I found it almost impossible to get the cleanser out of the bottle!  I did manage eventually, but it took rather a lot of effort and I notice if you purchase the full-sized product it comes with a pump, which is much more user friendly! 

The cleanser has a lovely lavender scent which feels quite soothing and calming before I go to sleep and it removed my makeup easily, including my mascara, and was very gentle on my sensitive eyes.  I do like Green & Spring products and if you are into more natural cream cleansers, this could be a good option, however it is too rich for me and it hasn't managed to convert me to cream cleansers yet.

Price - £28

Where to Buy - Green & Spring, House of Fraser, Bath and Unwind

Victoria

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December Empties!

 

Despite being away for 2 weeks of December, I don't think I have done too badly with getting through my stash last month.  Although Christmas and sale shopping has increased it again...!

Liz Earle Botanical Shine Shampoo - A great cleansing shampoo that I have been using several times a week. I bought it as it was SLS-free and I have been trying to use less chemicals in my beauty routine. However I won't be repurchasing as although it was fine, I don't think it is HG material.

Garnier Fresh Essentials Eye Make Up Remover - a repurchase and I will be buying this again.  It removes my make up very effectively whilst being gentle at the same time.  It doesn't sting, cloud my eyes or leave an oily residue which makes it a winner in my books!

Marks & Spencer Almond Hand Cream - I can't remember when I got this but it has been lurking around for ages as I found it too greasy to use on my hands as it doesn't sink in easily.  I've been using it on my scaly elbows instead and I am glad to have finished it.

Green & Spring Indulging Shower and Bath Foam - A nice relaxing rose fragrance which I used as a shower gel rather than a bath foam.  It was pleasant but I didn't feel that it was unique enough to warrant buying a full-sized bottle.

Dove Deeply Nourishing Body Wash - I have a feeling this came with an ASOS order some time ago.  Nice to use but not remarkable, although it left me skin feeling soft and not dry like some shower gels can.  There was no discernible scent which may be a plus for some people, but I like my morning shower to have an invigorating scent to wake me up!

The Body Shop Coconut Body Scrub - I reviewed this here and it was pleasant but not 'scrubby' enough for me, plus I found the scent a little overpowering (I'm never happy!).

DP London Handcream - this was a sample I was sent a wee while ago.  It did the job and sank in easily but was not interesting enough to make me want to purchase the full size, especially as I have several handcreams on the go at the moment.

Dermologica Age Smart Lip Renewal Complex - I didn't feel this did much really, perhaps there wasn't enough contained in the tube to form a proper option and to test it fully but I did get about a week's application.  As it is meant to help prevent the signs of ageing and minimise contour lines, I feel I may be a bit younger than the target age group for the product. 

Tom Ford Violet Blonde EDP - This was a sample that I fell in love with almost instantly.   I'm hopeless at describing perfumes so I won't attempt to, however if you get a chance to spritz this, do so as I have had so many compliments on it.  It is now one of my current favourites along with Prada Candy and I received a full-sized bottle for Christmas.

Victoria

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