January flew by so fast! I didn’t think I was going to use up so much stuff but I’m proud of the amount I got through. The foil samples in my collection really ballooned up because both Sephora and Ulta were offering free sample gift bags during the holidays. Those things have been driving me nuts because I don’t really want to put samples away with the rest of my stuff, because I’ll likely never use them! So they’ve just been sitting on my counter. Read on to see what I thought of them and whether I’d purchase these products again (or purchase the full-sized version).
Full-Sized Products
Bodycology Toasted Vanilla Sugar Foaming Body Wash – This was just okay. I bought it because it was cheap and smelled nice but I probably won’t buy it again.
Dove White Beauty Bar – I’ve been using this product for years and will continue to do so.
Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo – This is a decent shampoo at a good price. It cleans well and does not contain laurel/laureth sulfates. I will buy this again.
Kirkland Daily Facial Towelettes – I buy the big box of these at Costco for the deal but they don’t compare to Neutrogena’s makeup remover wipes. I’ll buy them again because they work fine for removing swatches and light makeup but I will continue to use Neutrogena for more stubborn makeup.
Trader Joe’s Pomegranate Body Butter – Since I loved their pumpkin body butter so much, I thought I’d give this a try. It was much lighter and the ingredients are quite a bit different too. It wasn’t bad but I much prefer the pumpkin body butter and coconut body butter, so I probably wont get this again next year, if it’s available again.
e.l.f. Daily Brush Cleanser – This didn’t clean as well as my Mac Brush Cleanser and left my brushes feeling really dry. Will not be purchasing it again.
e.l.f. Makeup Mist & Set – I didn’t like this at all. The sprayer did not spray a fine or even enough mist and it had a funky smell. Won’t buy this again.
Covergirl LashBlast Length Mascara – Love this and will probably continue to purchase it as long as they make it!
Urban Decay Primer Potion – This took forever to finish up because I typically don’t wear eyeshadow every single day. It worked pretty well and gave me a couple extra hours of wear for most of my eyeshadows but I want to try another product so I don’t have any plans to repurchase it.
Deluxe Samples
Philip B pH Restorative Detangling Toning Mist – I got this in my Glossybox subscription and it took me a while to use it up because I just didn’t love it. It did detangle but if I used too much it would weigh my hair down. Not planning to buy this.
Crabtree & Evelyn Pomegranate Argan & Grapeseed Ultra-Moisturizing Hand Therapy – I loved this and when I make it through my other hand creams, I’ll probably buy the full size version of this. The scent is intoxicating and the formula leaves my hands feeling super smooth. It’s not a heavy moisturizer though, so for the winter months, I’ll still keep a heavier duty product on hand as well.
Eslor Firming Collagen Day Cream – I also got this in my Glossybox subscription. It is pretty heavily scented, has a thick formula that feels a bit too heavy for my taste and it doesn’t seem to actually moisturize all that well, so I will not be purchasing this.
Foil Samples
The Balm TimeBalm Rose Face Cleanser – It felt like I was washing my face with a light cream that neither cleansed nor moisturized. Won’t be buying this.
Philosophy Purity Made Simple 3-in-1 Cleanser For Face and Eyes – This was super gentle, had a light natural smell, and actually cleaned well. I’d consider purchasing this cleanser in the future.
Exuviance Daily Antioxidant Peel Pads – There was only one pad included so I honestly have no idea if I would like this or not. It didn’t irritate my skin and I’m curious about the citric acid because I haven’t tried it before but I don’t plan to purchase it any time soon.
Fresh Rose Hydarating Eye Gel Cream – This had a light rose scent and felt hydrating but lightweight. I prefer using facial oils in place of an eye creams so I’m not going to purchase this.
Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief – I was expecting this to feel super hydrating because of the name but it wasn’t. It dried down quickly and my face still felt tight after using it – not for me.
Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner – This was really nice but a little too moisturizing for my hair type. Not buying it.
Pureology Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner – Also nice but too moisturizing for my hair. Not buying it.
Matrix Biolage Exquisite Oil Shampoo and Conditioner – This was the weirdest thing I’ve tried. It felt oily when I was washing my hair but later in the day my hair felt very dry and looked flat. Definitely not buying this.
Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque – I already own the full size jar of this and I enjoy it but there are less expensive options that work just as well so I will not be purchasing it again.