Happy March!
Wow – that sounds so frightening! On the first day of the month, we are expecting up to 10 inches of snow… again. Since the weather is horrible and I’m nursing a really gross cold, it seemed like a good idea to stay in and wrap this up and get it posted.
If you follow me on Instagram (@lvp8779), you know that I’m participating in the #sampledout challenge. While there is no way I will be sample free by 2016, I hope to make a significant dent. This is my declaration before you read through this post and ask “why so many samples?” I’m tracking on Instagram, but reviewing here. I feel like I can give a more thorough review and list the prices and where to find, should you care to track it down. That’s not to say I’m not trying to cut back on using full-size items.
So here we go:
SKINCARE
– Absolute Make-Up Cleansing Tissues (not pictured) – meh. Am I the only one who doesn’t really use these regularly? I found these to be a bit dry and were fairly unsuccessful at removing stubborn eye makeup. These came in an Ipsy bag at some point. Would not purchase.
– Bite Lush Lip Wipes – reviewed previously here. They do a great job removing heavily pigmented shades, but I could accomplish the same thing with my eye makeup remover. I wouldn’t purchase just because of the price. Available at Sephora in packs of 10 ($12) or 30 ($22).
– dr. brandt pores no more vacuum cleaner – this was a decent cleanser. After cleansing, put this on for about 3-5 min to clean pores. It was very refreshing and tingly. This sample also lasted for what seemed like months… I used it twice a week and it did a fair job of helping improve pore appearance. My preference, however is still the GLAMGLOW. I think this came in an ipsy bag a while back, but you can find at Sephora for $45 (1oz).
– Dr. Hauschka Revitalising Mask – oh I liked this – very hydrating and smelled lovely. After leaving on for 10-15 minutes, my skin was incredibly soft and had a lovely glow. I would consider purchasing this. Available on Amazon for $42 (1oz).
– Mario Badescu Kiwi Face Scrub – I had really high expectations for this and it ended up being kind of weird. I thought that the seeds might be crushed, but they were whole and either did nothing but slid around or stabbed me in the cheek. The formula was also a little too creamy for my liking – I never really felt like my face got clean when using this. Would not purchase. Available on the Mario Badescu website for $15 (4oz).
– Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm – the first time I used this, I cursed every YouTuber and blogger out there… I just didn’t get it – my face felt greasy and I don’t know.. slimy? The second use was totally different, as in angels sang from heaven. Folks, I get the hype. I massaged this on my face, added some water and rinsed… followed it with my regular night cleanser and WOW. My skin felt amazing – so clean and hydrated at the same time. Would I purchase? I already did – and yes, broke my February No Buy. This is available at Sephora and Neiman Marcus for $32 (0.5oz) or $110 (1.7oz).
– StriVectin Intensive Illuminating Serum – I was really excited when Allure sent this in the January and February box. One tube lasted about 3 weeks, but I don’t think I really noticed a difference until around week 4. There was a noticeable difference in my skin overall. While it doesn’t claim to firm, I feel like it eliminated some fine lines around my eyes, as well as the claimed benefits of brightening skin and evening skin tone. I had someone tell me they were shocked that I was over 30 this week – coincidence? On the fence about whether or not I would purchase this… Available on the StriVectin website for $89.
Sheet masks – Lioele Aloe and Missha Pearl – both are perfectly fine… cost about $1-3 each. Sure, I would buy again.
MAKEUP
– Josie Maran Argan Infinity Lip and Cheek Creamy Oil in Limitless Pink – this was probably one of the most generous samples I’ve ever used… it just wouldn’t end! But that isn’t a bad thing… with the air being so dry and temperatures hovering around zero, a little extra hydration is definitely welcome. After foundation, I applied with my fingers and then finished with translucent powder. The color can be built up in intensity and lasts 12 hours. I would definitely consider purchasing and feel like a tube of this would last forever! Available at Sephora for $18 (0.5oz).
– Koh Gen Do Makeup Color Base – this little guy only offered up 2 uses but it was enough to impress me! I used only under my eyes on the first day and it minimized dark circles and had no visible creasing or fading throughout the day. On day 2, I used under my eyes and then all over to help even out my skin ton. It lasted all day and also helped minimize oil. I found it to be very similar to, but more lightweight than the MAC Prep + Prime CC Neutralize (yellow) base. This would fall into the maybe purchase category. I bought the sample kit on Hautelook and might go for the full size next time it is on sale. I had to dig a bit, but found it on Amazon, Dermstore and Sephora (online only) for $48 (0.88oz).
– MAC Powder Blush in Breath of Plum – my go-to blush shade for years! I’m very sad to see it go, but no worries, I have another stored away. This is a lovely sheer shade. The website depicts the shade to be very mauve, but I don’t find it to be that deep. Back2MAC we go! Available at all MAC counters and online for $22 (0.21oz).
BODY
– AHAVA Mineral Body Lotion (affiliate link) – and another one bites the dust… I’ve gone through so many of these, so I’m sure I don’t need to go into more detail. Its the most perfect moisturizer – clean, fresh, quick absorbing. I already repurchased! Available on the AHAVA site for $26 (8.5oz)
– Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt (affiliate link) – oh, Jo Malone… you make some amazing scents! I just wish some of them lasted longer. I did some reading up on this particular scent and read a lot of ‘if you mix it with… it lasts longer.” I don’t want to mix it – I like THIS scent… clean, salty and fresh. Unfortunately it only lasted about 2-3 hours before needing to reapply. So sad! Would not purchase unless it is reformulated. Available at Nordstrom for $60 (1oz.).
– Korres Extra Moisturising Cream in Fig – one of my dear friends bought this and the body wash for me forever ago and while the body wash ran out long ago, I’ve been trying to make the lotion last forever. Fig is probably my favorite scent – rich and fruity. This one in particular is a bit spicy – peppery, maybe? I would definitely consider purchasing this or the Japanese Rose. The smaller size doesn’t appear to be on the Sephora website, but the larger 7.95oz size is available for $29.
– LUSH Lotion in Celebrate – a limited edition holiday scent unfortunately! This was incredibly hydrating and very thick, but not greasy. This was a lovely citrus scent and I couldn’t quite place it… I will purchase next year if it returns!
– LUSH Shower Gel in So White – featured here a couple weeks ago in my weekly favorites. I just love LUSH holiday items and this was such a nice treat and I hope it comes back again next year!
– Pure Silk Shave Cream in Raspberry Mist - this was sent for review from the fine folks at Influenster a few months ago. As I mentioned in my post about this VoxBox, this really took me back to my favorite scent in high school, Bath and Body Works Sun Ripened Raspberry. Oh, 1995… Fortunately the scent did not linger like my heavily layered body splash and was not able to be detected after showering. The shave cream itself was great – really moisturizing and I never experienced razor burn (which I often do) while using this. I probably would not purchase though just because of the scent. Available at most drug stores and big box stores – $1.49 5 oz.; $2.19 8 oz.
HAIR
– Biologe Deep Smoothing Conditioner – this wasn’t really anything special. It smelled lovely, but I didn’t notice any smoothing qualities – my hair has been a static nightmare recently. Probably wouldn’t purchase. Available at most salons, Target, etc. – full size (8.5oz) around $20.
– Bumble and bumble Brilliantine – this is designed to be an edgier styling cream, but I never found it to really create that “slept-in, sexy look” that it claims. I started using this when I had a really short haircut and it didn’t perform that well then either. Since then, I have used it mostly in the summer when I let my hair air dry and be naturally wavy. I really just was intent on finishing it and getting it out of my closet. Would not repurchase. Available at select salons or on the Bb website for $24 (2oz).
– Goldwell Color Enhancing Conditioner for Warm Reds - I initially discussed this in the post about my favorite things. I can’t remember the last time I actually finished a bottle of conditioner… this really helps protect and enhance my red shade. Sadly, I believe this has been discontinued. No worries, I have another bottle hoarded away.
– John Frieda Radiant Red Color Magnifying Daily Shampoo – I can’t believe I finished a shampoo and conditioner in the same month! I usually double wash my hair, so have to be really careful about selecting shampoo that doesn’t strip the color. Reds are so finicky that way. This is deep cleansing, but really gentle. I would definitely repurchase. Available at Target and Ulta for $5-6 (8.45oz).
– Kerastase Chroma Riche Hair Mask – mentioned here last January and then again recently here in my weekly favorites. Darn you, Kerastase.. so expensive! This packet held about 4 uses – and does just amazing things to my hair. It really works well as a deep condition before a color treatment as well as a smoothing treatment when my ends start to get really scraggly between salon appointments. As great as this is, I probably would not make the splurge… I think there are a lot of comparable, less expensive treatments out there. Available on Amazon for $54 (6.8oz)
LIFESTYLE
– Bath and Body Works Candles – while these are 2 different sizes, both are consistent with leftover wax. I feel like the wicks are placed too high. These are both limited edition, so I won’t go into a lot of detail, but if the Spiced Apple Toddy makes a comeback this year, I’m stocking up. The 3-wick candles are $22.50, but are often on sale (2 for $24) and the votive size was free for joining their insider program.
– Julep Oxygen Nail Treatment – this does your nails a great service – every few days, I would use alone to help my nails recover from the constant abuse from nail polish and acetone. I’m pretty sad to see this go! I would certainly repurchase. Available on the Julep website for $18, but can’t seem to find the Maven price… maybe $14-15?
– Ulta Strengthening Nail Polish Remover – its nail polish remover… does the job. I always have some handy. Its $2.99.
TOSS
– Be a Bombshell The One Stick in Sunset – this was just too dark for me and the wrong coloring for my skin tone. I tried to make it work, but no luck.
– Marc Anthony Beach Spray – I didn’t like the way this smelled. It also left my hair frizzy – which is a fairly accurate beach look for me. Maybe it was more on point than I give it credit?
– pixi Shea Butter Lip Balm in Pixi Pink – no. There is just no way I can make this color work. Bye.
I think it is interesting to note that all 3 items in the toss pile this month were from Ipsy, which is a fairly strong indication as to why I cancelled my subscription.
So there it is… another month, another post about my trash. What did you finish up this month?
Indoor lighting, with flash
