#OctoberSampleChallenge Empties

Welcome to the final day of #CHYtober!! This month absolutely flew by and I can't believe we're entering into November tomorrow. Soon December will sneak up on us and we'll be ringing in 2017 sooner than we know it.

I've said in my recent posts that it's become a recent obsession to follow skincare IG accounts and #ProjectUseItUp hashtag posts. I recently came across a challenge to use up samples this month. We all know that it's common to have hoards of samples as most online orders & shopping orders come with a free sample (or three). Over time I've accumulated quite the number and it finally got to the point where I actually thought it was out of control. This challenge came at a perfect time and I used it to challenge myself to finally get through my hoards of samples. // Also, does this count as a third empties post in one month? I'm on a roll and I'm almost certain that this won't happen again anytime soon. 

My main goal was to work my way through my many packets of hair products, which ended up working out pretty well. I had finished up some shampoos and conditioners earlier in the month and it was the perfect time to use these up before returning back to my usual hair products. I got the Tresemme Beauty-Full Volume Pre-Wash Conditioner & Shampoo* Courtesy of Influenster. The idea is pretty cool as conditioner typically weighs your hair down, so using it first helps add moisture but the second-step shampoo helps give your hair that extra oomph of volume. It actually smells pretty good, and if it were sulfate free it would be a contender for my next round of hair products to buy. Hair samples are always scary as you never really know what the scent will be like. The Nexus hair products smelled almost like cupcakes and frosting, which were a tad too sweet for my liking. The Dry Shampoo Texas Tea products smelled terrible - it actually made me a bit nauseous to use. The Wen Cleansing Conditioner was surprisingly nice and actually left my hair feeling oh so very soft - I hate cucumbers and was a bit scared to use this, but this didn't smell of cucumbers and smelled minty and added a tingly sensation to my scalp.

I went a bit overboard with the face masks and used a lot in the earlier part of the month. My skin actually freaked out a little bit because I think I was introducing way too many new products at once. So I ended up cutting back and just went back to using my Glossier Supers (read all about my love of Glossier products HERE). I've been wanting to try more Tata Harper products so I was obviously excited to try the Resurfacing Mask - I did have 2 samples of this but found it to smell a bit like bathroom cleaning products [:(], which was a no-go in my books. The mask itself did tingle and left my skin looking glowy after, so if you can stand the smell then go for it. I had also have been saving the Tacha Cleansing Oil for a while and decided to give it a try before the VIB sale to see if I wanted to buy or not - and I'm pretty much screwed cause I do like it! But since I did just crack open the Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm (Post HERE) and a new bottle of the Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser (get 20% off your first purchase HERE), I may need to hold off for a while (like until VIB sale 2017).

I did manage to use up some nose pore pack samples that I had received. I don't like to do these toooo often, but every week or every other week or so I may use one (basically when I remember to do so). I also used up some body creams as the weather is cooling down and my skin needs the extra hydration. I think I have 10 or so of those L'Occitane Almond Milk Concentrates as my mom always gets a few each time she shops there. Seeing as though I LOVE the scent, I wasn't too faffed to use them. I've had a re-sparked love with all things L'Occitane almond - particularly the Shower Oil. I may just save these and take a pack or two each time I travel, as I got a few days of use out of each pack. The Marc Jacobs Coconut Primer was everything I hoped for, and my makeup sat SO well on top of it. I'm still working my way through the TooFaced Hangover Primer, so the MJ one will need to be put on the back burner for a little while longer. (If I have enough self control for that).

Overall, I took the time to sit down and really sort through ALL my sample stashes (I had a giant box filled) and separated them into piles. Hair samples, masks, face wash, face moisturizer, body moisturizer, eye cream, face oils, etc. Then I looked through each category to see if there were any I wasn't too interested in and placed those in a "give away" pile. I actually started giving away 3+ samples with all my Poshmark orders, which I'm sure puts a little smile on any of the individuals that purchased from me. (Post on getting rid of clothes and using Poshmark HERE). I'm sure any friends/family would love to raid your samples! 

In total I used up 38 samples, which I'm actually quite proud of! That means I averaged more than 1 sample a day, which is pretty good for me. Idk about you guys but I realized I had enough samples to last me months without using any of my full-sized products. Which is actually a tad bit scary lol.

I think I may continue on with this challenge, particularly with my perfumes. (Although those are a never-ending battle.) If you accumulate samples like there's no tomorrow and feel overwhelmed, just take the time to sort them out and start tackling them! I currently have all my remaining samples lined up in a Muji drawer/tray and divided them with index cards to help me find what I needed when I'm in the mood to try something new. 

I know people sometimes take a bunch of samples with them while traveling, but I'm always scared that my skin will react poorly and have a massive break out/freak out while I'm traveling. And nothing ruins traveling more than having to deal with unwanted spots. Especially not I, as I LOVE taking photos on photos while traveling. I will however get deluxe minis of my favorite skincare items that are tested and true - so always keep an eye out when checking out online if your favorites come in sample sizes :)

Do you have hoards of samples stashed around your room? How do you usually go about tackling through your samples? Do you actually use them up as you receive them?