I’ve got a big stack of empty samples to go through this month. Moving has meant that I’ve had to downsize my collection to only the ones I really want to try so hopefully the next few editions of this post will throw up lots of positives. This month, however, well… it’s a bit of a mixed bag.
First up, a couple of face masks, one I loved and one I hated. Despite it being only 15ml (and me loving a face mask session as well), I couldn’t even finish the Aromatherapy Associates Hydrating Rose Face Mask. I’m not a big rose scent fan, but I can bear it if it’s a good product or diluted with other fragrances, but this was neither. Full on ROSE. And full on crap. It does the opposite of what it’s meant to. I found that far from being hydrating, it was extremely drying and actually exacerbated flakiness on my forehead. I also was not a fan of the gel texture. Just wouldn’t recommend it at all.
What I would recommend is the Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask. This is brilliant. It smells like chocolate oranges and comes out of the pump bottle an orange gel which turns into a foam as you massage it onto damp skin. You wait for 5 – 10 minutes while it fizzes up into a full froth on your skin. This fizzing action wakes up the skin and leaves it looking refreshed, healthy and glowing. After I used this I happened to call David on Skype and even he said my skin looked great – unprompted! On Skype! So yeah, everyone needs this wonder product. The full size is £42 though, so, er, sorry ‘bout it.
On to moisturisers and I used up the Julique Calendula Redness Rescue Soothing Moisturising Cream. This was a thick yellow cream with a botanical scent. I didn’t love it, it was just slightly too thick for me and I ddn’t find that it made any effect on my red patches. However, I think it could be good for very dry patches overnight, just probably not your whole face.
Secondly, I used the Urban Veda Purifying Day Cream. This has a strong tea-tree scent so I was worried it would be too drying on my already dehydrated skin. However, it turned out to be great. For a mattifying cream, it was actually quite light. I don’t think that this will be for everyone, but I liked it. And I didn’t get a single spot while I was using it.
Another winner was the Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream. It sinks in quickly and instantly brightens dark shadows. I had a good sized sample (7ml lasts ages for the eyes) and I found that it did feel smoothing as well as being hydrating. I also really liked the tube with the thin nozzle for ease of use and control. I would definitely consider buying the full size of this once I’ve used up existing products.
I didn’t get on so well with the Ren Active 7 Eye Gel. The gel formula was nice and cooling on the skin, so great for tired eyes early in the morning. It also has a refreshing scent. But it was a little tacky as it was sinking in. Overall though, it wasn’t unpleasant I just didn’t get a strong impression of it.
Next up, the Origins Modern Friction facial exfoliator. I really liked this as first, but I actually changed my mind half way through. It’s just a little too scratchy for me. But, if you don’t have sensitive skin, it a great option for a good thorough scrub as the granules are densely packed.
Lastly, a wee pod from Paris. Sephora has a rainbow of shower gels and I picked up the Blueberry Creamy Body Wash tester. It was indeed creamy, and lathered up nicely. Wasn’t a huge fan of the blueberry scent as this one was very artificial, but I would be up for trying different scents. I think they’re just a bit of fun but also useful if you’re going to a hotel for one or two nights and want to take something tiny. I’m sure I won’t be able to resist them next time I’m in Sephora.
‘Til next time, happy samplin’.
Welcome to another installment of Adventures in Subscription Boxes! On Saturday I received two boxes so I’m sharing these today and tomorrow. Today is the turn of The Fragrance Shop’s Discovery Club. This costs £5 (including delivery) and comes out every three months with samples of new perfumes. Normally you get 5 samples, but for the spring box you were treated to an extra 2 – yey!
The booklet gives a good, detailed description of each perfume including a breakdown of the top, heart and base notes. You also get £5 off vouchers for all of the full size perfumes, expect the Loewe aftershave – you get £10 off this one. These last until 30th June so you have a good amount of time to purchase if you wish.
Two aftershaves were included. This is a nice touch and have gone into the BF’s toilet bag so he’s happy. First Loewe Solo Sport, smells really good and fresh, and secondly, Valentine Uomo, a woody, leathery classic masculine scent (and the one we both prefer).
I was really happy to see Guerlain’s La Patite Robe Noire Couture as this is one that I’ve had my eye on. The bottle is beautiful, Parisian chic and I get sucked in by packaging so this will be a good chance to try it out properly before buying. I’m not a huge fan of Alien, and Thierry Mugler’s new version, Alien Eau Extraordinaire, still isn’t for me but it is a very interesting, fruity yet complex scent.
I’m not one for rose scents so I’ll probably pass on the Givenchy Very Irresistible L’Eau en Rose. The Ellie Saab L’Eau Couture on the other hand, is more me with intermingling citrus and vanilla notes. Plus the full size bottle has a gorgeous mint liquid and is only £29.99 – this might be the one for me. The Lacoste Eau de Lacoste Sensuelle is an evening fragrance that manages to balance sweetness and muskiness so I also really love this one. It’s the only sample that comes with a stopper instead of a spray so that’s a bit annoying although it’ll probably last longer.
Overall I’m pretty happy with this little box. I know that not everyone loves perfume samples but I think they can be pretty handy and for getting 7 new fragrances for £5 it’s pretty good and you know what you’re getting with this. I am going to cancel the rolling subscription but I will be revisiting the website in June to see what summer fragrances are on offer in the box.
