Try Before You Buy // #1
I love getting deluxe sample sizes of products as you can actually get a good feel of the products and how they work with your skin before you shell out a chunk of change for them. I like to sift through Sephora's deluxe samples online to see what new "in" products I can try, or as I stand in the wonderful (and much tempting) checkout line with mini versions of products. Is it just me or does everyone ooh and ahh over mini versions of everything and anything?
Here are a few of the products that I've tried and my opinions on them:
1. GLAMGLOW Youthmud Tinglexfoliate Treatment
I think most everyone has heard about Glamglow products, but I guess I'm not a fan - at least of this youthmud treatment. I focused this on my T-zone and cheek area to help remove some oils and make my skin 'glow.' I really felt a burn on my skin when I used this product, and my eyes teared up a little as it was a bit strong. Another downside of this product was that I experienced the product drying out quickly, and for $20 for 1/2 an ounce this stuff is prettttty pricey to go to waste.
I most likely would not buy the full size of this product. But I would definitely give the other treatments a try!
2. Boscia Luminizing Black Mask
This is one of the best deluxe samples I've ever gotten from Sephora. I've had this for maybe two months now and I've used it about once every week. I haven't used this all over my face and have mainly focused this mask around my forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin. The first time I used this I really noticed that my skin was softer, smoother, and brighter - just as the name suggests. The mask completely dries and can be peeled off in one really satisfying peel. I don't know about you, but I loved playing with Elmer's glue when I was little and putting it on the back of my hand just to peel off - this definitely reminds me of just that.
I would absolutely buy the full size of this product!
3. Murad Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum
I also got this as a deluxe sample from Sephora. My skin is prone to scarring easily and I've been left with tons of small scars on my face. My scars do fade over time, but I wanted to give this product a try to see if there was a way to speed up the process. This product has more of a gel consistency and leaves a thin layer on your skin. I typically put it on after I wash face before I go to bed. I've noticed that my scars have began to fade, and it's even helped to reduce some redness.
I walked by a spa the other day and saw that they had shelves of Murad products. If a spa uses as the sole product they promote, that's good enough for me.
At $60 for 1 ounce of this product it is pretty pricey. I may purchase this to have this in my rotation again, but I would definitely be interested in trying other different Murad products in the future.
4. Kate Somerville Dilo Oil
A few months ago I began to hear about Kate Somerville products around the blogisphere. I was walking around Nordstrom and came across a Kate Somerville counter. I talked to the sales associate at the counter and I had a great time learning about the brand's products. She was informative and helped point out the line of products I should try for my skin.
The associate also gave me a sample of this Dilo Oil to try, as it is great for dry skin. I tried it on my face, but right now I find that prefer to use my Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate (read post here). However, I do have very dry skin, and to finish using up this product I've tried using these on my legs (which to be honest, are quite dry to the point of even being scaly). The product claims to improve the appearance of skin's firmness and elasticity, and I can honestly say that I could see the difference in my skin on my legs overnight. I couldn't see the difference in my face as easily, but I could tell that this stuff really does get the job done. I would highly recommend it if you're looking for something to help improve the overall appearance of your skin.
I hope you enjoyed this (rather long) post on some samples that I've tried! What are some sample products you've tried, loved, and bought? I would love to find some new products to try!
I think most everyone has heard about Glamglow products, but I guess I'm not a fan - at least of this youthmud treatment. I focused this on my T-zone and cheek area to help remove some oils and make my skin 'glow.' I really felt a burn on my skin when I used this product, and my eyes teared up a little as it was a bit strong. Another downside of this product was that I experienced the product drying out quickly, and for $20 for 1/2 an ounce this stuff is prettttty pricey to go to waste.
I most likely would not buy the full size of this product. But I would definitely give the other treatments a try!
2. Boscia Luminizing Black Mask
This is one of the best deluxe samples I've ever gotten from Sephora. I've had this for maybe two months now and I've used it about once every week. I haven't used this all over my face and have mainly focused this mask around my forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin. The first time I used this I really noticed that my skin was softer, smoother, and brighter - just as the name suggests. The mask completely dries and can be peeled off in one really satisfying peel. I don't know about you, but I loved playing with Elmer's glue when I was little and putting it on the back of my hand just to peel off - this definitely reminds me of just that.
I would absolutely buy the full size of this product!
3. Murad Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum
I also got this as a deluxe sample from Sephora. My skin is prone to scarring easily and I've been left with tons of small scars on my face. My scars do fade over time, but I wanted to give this product a try to see if there was a way to speed up the process. This product has more of a gel consistency and leaves a thin layer on your skin. I typically put it on after I wash face before I go to bed. I've noticed that my scars have began to fade, and it's even helped to reduce some redness.
I walked by a spa the other day and saw that they had shelves of Murad products. If a spa uses as the sole product they promote, that's good enough for me.
At $60 for 1 ounce of this product it is pretty pricey. I may purchase this to have this in my rotation again, but I would definitely be interested in trying other different Murad products in the future.
4. Kate Somerville Dilo Oil
A few months ago I began to hear about Kate Somerville products around the blogisphere. I was walking around Nordstrom and came across a Kate Somerville counter. I talked to the sales associate at the counter and I had a great time learning about the brand's products. She was informative and helped point out the line of products I should try for my skin.
The associate also gave me a sample of this Dilo Oil to try, as it is great for dry skin. I tried it on my face, but right now I find that prefer to use my Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate (read post here). However, I do have very dry skin, and to finish using up this product I've tried using these on my legs (which to be honest, are quite dry to the point of even being scaly). The product claims to improve the appearance of skin's firmness and elasticity, and I can honestly say that I could see the difference in my skin on my legs overnight. I couldn't see the difference in my face as easily, but I could tell that this stuff really does get the job done. I would highly recommend it if you're looking for something to help improve the overall appearance of your skin.
I hope you enjoyed this (rather long) post on some samples that I've tried! What are some sample products you've tried, loved, and bought? I would love to find some new products to try!
Cheers!