Sample Free by 2016 - Day #8 Beauty Samples

January 8th, 2015 - 33/565 Samples = $11.28/124.04

Here are the samples I used up:

Sample #29 - Kneipp Herbal Bath in Blanacing, value = $5.50

 

Thoughts: I really enjoyed this! The bottle was good for 2 baths, and each one was perfect. The liquid turned my bath a beautiful blue, and the scent that came off the bath was wonderful. It was a lavendar and minty. Just sitting in there, I felt relaxed and refreshed. My legs felt wonderful coming out, after being so tired and overworked. I had my kids in with me too, and they I have other scents of this and I can't wait to try them!

Would I repurchase: 100% Yes!


Sample #30 - Sea RX Birchsap Moisturizing Lotion, value = $1.05

 

Thoughts: Very moisturizing and smelled like oranges. Just not something I see myself using all the time.

Would I repurchase: NO.


Sample #31 - Sea Rx Microdermabrasion for Face & Body, value = $1.27

Thoughts: This is very gentle for a dermabrasion, so it would be perfect for daily use or sensitive skin. I feel like my clarisonic does the same thing, though - so it is not something I have to have.

Would I repurchase: NO.


Sample #32 - Becca Bronzing Skin Perfector, value = $0.72

 

Thoughts: Beautiful cream bronzer. This really gave some cool tone bronzing to my skin, and looks so natural. It was so easy to use too! I definitely see this in my future, as it is perfect to wear alone or set with powder. Great product, but word to my richer complexion peeps - not for you. It is more suitable for fair-medium skin tones.

Would I repurchase: Yes!


Sample #33 - Arcona Magic White Ice Serum, value = $2.74

 

Thoughts: Smells like cranberries, and is hydrating. My only issue with it, is that is contains denatured alcohol. I do not understand why companies feel the need to put it their products. All the research I have done says that it is not necessary.

Would I repurchase: NO.

Overall Thoughts:

So glad that I am doing this challenge. I have been holding onto the Kneipp product for a long time, and would not have used it anytime soon. Also, Becca is definitely a new love of mine!

Please let me know if you have finished up any samples, or if you have any opinions on any of these products.

Bonnie

Sample Free by 2016 - Day #7 Beauty Samples

January 7th, 2015 - 28/565 Samples = $32.97/112.76

Here are the samples I used up:

Sample #24 - Mitchell & Peach Body Cream, value = $14.23

Thoughts: I HATE the smell of this. It it fragranced with essential oils, which has never been a bad thing for me, but this combination smells like stale, bitterness. I tried it twice, and couldn't believe I did that. I know scent is completely subjective, but spare yourselves. Overpriced, and nothing special.

Would I repurchase: NO.


Sample #25 - Mitchell & Peach Luxury Hand Cream, value = $13.62

 

Thoughts: See above: Same scent, same horrible feeling about it.

Would I repurchase: NO.


Sample #26 - Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion, value = $0.71

 

Thoughts: This sunscreen has an spf 50+ and is water resistant for ~ 80 mins. It has this very silky, light feeling on the skin, and covers wonderfully. The only issue I have is that it has a major whitecast. This would not be something you necessarily put makeup over. This may be your, "I don't care about a white cast, I am getting my spf today" type of face lotion. I adore the Shisedo Urban Environment sunscreen. This one is just a little too much for me.

Would I repurchase: NO.


Sample #27 - Algenist Complete Eye Renewal Balm, value = $4.16

 

Thoughts: Very nice eye cream. It is pricey though, and I am almost positive there is something more effective and less money out there. I have yet to find it, but I know I will!

Would I repurchase: NO.


Sample #28 - L'oreal Magic Beautifier BB in Light, value = $0.25

 

Thoughts: This does not have spf, unfortunately, but other than that - I was pleasantly surprised how much I like this! It primes, evens, and brightens my complexion. It has light coverage, but it is affordable and perfect for those days where you want perfected skin for less effort. It is a pink cream color with little beads of pigment that rub into a great color. The picture above shows the cream on my index finger, and then rubbed on on the middle finger.

Would I repurchase: Yes!


Overall Thoughts:

So suprised with L'oreal BB cream, and so dissappointed with Mitchell & Peach. One would think that if you were going to sells an uber expensive cream, you would make it smell pleasant.

Please let me know if you have finished up any samples, or if you have any opinions on any of these products.

Bonnie

Sample Free by 2016 - Day #6 Beauty Samples

January 6th, 2015 - 23/565 Samples = $10.27/79.79

Here are the samples I used up:

Sample #19 - Maybelline Dream Fresh BB, value = $0.45

 

Thoughts: This is not a BB cream! This is more like a tinted moisturizer that has no coverage and no spf.

Would I repurchase: NO.


Sample #20 - bareMinerals Purely Nourishing Moisturizer, value = $0.82

 

Thoughts: Nothing more than a simple moisturizer, no worth the money.

Would I repurchase: NO.


Sample #21 - bareMinerals Active Cell Renewal Night Serum, value = $2.00

 

Thoughts: I don't necessarily see the point in having a different serum for day and night. This has a slightly yellow tint, and is supposed to deliver nutrients to your skin while you sleep. A little gimicky if you ask me, and my skin looked no better when I woke up in the morning.

Would I repurchase: NO.


Sample #22 - Great Barrier Island Bee Co. Manuka Honey Hand Cream, value = $6.00

Thoughts: For a hand cream, this is emollient. The smell is something I can not get past though. It has this almost stale smell that forces me to wash it off.

Would I repurchase: NO.


Sample #23 - YSL Radiant Touch Touche Eclat, value = $1.00?

 

Thoughts: The sample came with 3 shades: 1.0, 2.0, and 4.5. I own 2.0 already, and this is a yellow-based highlighter. 1.0 is a pink-based highlighter, and 4.5 is just a darker shade for richer complexions. This is an amazing concealer/highlighter. The formula is beautiful! It goes on so nicely, and does not crease. Although I own 2.0, I actually was so happy to try 1.0. The pink shade is the least salmony shade I have ever tried, so the subtleness works perfectly under the eyes. I highly recommend this, although it is extremely pricey. Looking for an alternative? Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch is a good one.

Would I repurchase: Definitely!


Overall Thoughts:

Super happy I tried the pink shade of the YSL, but for $41 - maybe I wish I didn't...lol!

Please let me know if you have finished up any samples, or if you have any opinions on any of these products.

Bonnie

Sample Free by 2016 - Day #5 Beauty Samples

January 5th, 2015 - 13/565 Samples = $10.11/69.58

Here are the samples I used up:

 

Sample #14 - Acure Cell Stimulating Body Wash, value = $2.50

Thoughts: This is a very nice body wash that is sold at Target. It lathered great and left my skin feeling very soft and left an extremely fine layer of oil on it. It did smell of sweet almonds, too much for my taste. I wonder if it comes in any other scents?

Would I repurchase: NO.


Sample #15 - Amore Pacific Moisture Bound Rejuvenating Serum, value = $1.76

Thoughts: The serum goes on nicely, but the second ingredient in this product is straight ALCOHOL! Would you put straight alcohol on your face twice a day?!?! I think not!

Would I repurchase: NO.


Sample #16 - Amore Pacific Moisture Bound Rejuvenating Serum, value = $2.65

 

Thoughts: This product also contains alcohol! It is a simple moisturizer, but totally not worth the money.

Would I repurchase: NO.


Sample #17 - Mai Couture Blush Paper, value = $0.70

 

Thoughts: I like the concept of this blush paper, however when I applied it to my face - it went on a bit patchy. I tried using a blush brush the second time to remove product from the paper and put it on my face, and that worked well. It is a gorgeous pink color, and although it is really iridescent on the paper - it does not pull very iridescent on the cheeks. It also latest STRONG! It stayed put for 14+ hours --- no joke! If you had to travel VERY light - this product would be something to consider.

Would I repurchase: NO.


Sample #18 - The Naked Bar Pit Cream, value = $2.50

Thoughts: The first time I rubbed this cream all over my pits, I smelled like B.O. hours later. It is not scented and I imagine that would have helped. The second time I rubbed the product on, I put on A LOT! This seemed to help with the stink. You still sweat though. I still prefer my La Vanilla.

Would I repurchase: NO.


Overall Thoughts:

No to every product. This is the beauty of sampling though - I will never have to consider purchasing a full size of any of these products -- woo hoo!

Please let me know if you have finished up any samples, or if you have any opinions on any of these products.

Bonnie

Sample Free by 2016 - Day #4 Beauty Samples

January 4th, 2015 - 13/565 Samples = $12.60/59.41

Here are the samples I used up:

Sample #7 - bareMinerals Ready spf20 Foundation, value = $0.10

Thoughts: This is a nice powder foundation application wise, but there are better that I have used, i.e. MAC Studio Fix. The claims are that this is supposed to be hydrating 108% more times than your normal skin. I actually felt like my skin was drier.

Would I repurchase: NO.


Sample #8 - L'occitane Verbena Body Lotion, value = $2.97

Thoughts: Although this lotion is hydrating, I smelled like Lemon Pine-sol...enough said.

Would I repurchase: NO!!


Sample #9 - L'occitane Almond Delicious Hands Hand Cream, value = $3.6

Thoughts: I like the smell of almonds, but this was not hydrating enough for me.

Would I repurchase: NO.


Sample #10 - First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser, value = $0.20

Thoughts: This is a very nice face cleanser. Simple and effective. It does not take off eye makeup completely, but that has never bothered me (none of them really do). I feel like this is a higher priced cleaser ($26/8 oz), and if you are looking for another amazing option, Cetaphil is great.

Would I repurchase: Yes, but during Sephora's 20$ off sale :)


Sample #11 - Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip & Cheek Stain in Forever Pink, value = $2.50

Thoughts: This is not very hydrating and the color is this ghastly pink, i.e. way too bright pink for everyday wear. I did not even try this on my cheeks, because it is too greasy and NOT for me.

Would I repurchase: NO.


Sample #12 - Radical Skin Perfecting Sunscreen, value = $2.16

Thoughts: If you can tell in this picture, the sunscreen is a lightly-tinged, pink color. Although it absorbed very nicely, and was easy to apply - it contains too many light-reflecting particles. I imagine this is why your skin is supposed to "appear" perfect. I think I just appeared too shiny and bright. Kudos for being an all natural brand, and if you have dull skin, you might just love this.

Would I repurchase: NO.


Sample #13 - L'oreal Youth Code Pore Vanisher, value = $1.07

Thoughts: This is a silicone based primer that is supposed to blur your pores. Mine actually were larger after an hour. Although my skin was mattified briefly, this did not last long. Benefit's Porefessional is 100x better and around the same price (for less products though).

Would I repurchase: NO.

So not my best day in sampling, but the best part was that I worked through some more samples and could throw them away since I did not like them ---- WIN!

Please let me know if you have finished up any samples, or if you have any opinions on any of these products.

Bonnie

Sample Free by 2016 - Day #3 Beauty Samples

January 3rd, 2015 - 6/565 Samples = $46.81

My First Day using up samples - Yay!!

Here are the samples I used up:

Sample #1 - La Mer The Eye Balm Intense, value = $38

Thoughts: This eye cream is super luxurious. It felt like I was putting silk under my eyes. There was absolutely no pull, and I have NEVER felt that with any other eye cream. My under eye felt very hydrated, but I could not speak to if it decreased wrinkles or not. Paula's Choice (which is my go to website to research the claims on a product) says that this product normally comes in jar packaging, so the wonderful ingredients won't remain stable. THANK THE LORD -- an excuse not to buy it....lol!

Would I repurchase: Maybe if I was a millionaire, but in my current situation - NO.


Sample #2 - Viva La Juicy, Couture Gold Perfume, value = $1.35

Thoughts: This smells wonderful!! This "golden" composition begins with luscious wild berries that form an introduction to the heart of Sambac jasmine and honeysuckle. The base features warm aromas of sandalwood, golden amber, caramel and vanilla elixir.

It basically smells like caramel, vanilla, amber goodness. Sophisticated, sweet, yet there is something aristocratically naughty about it. I love the smell.

Would I repurchase: Already have!


Sample #3 - La Fresh Soothing Body Wipe, value = $0.41

Thoughts: This little towelette is infused with refreshing peppermint oil, and nourishing olive oil. I really enjoyed using this over my legs, and could see this being a total win if you are on your legs all day and want a cooling, refreshing sensation to relax them.

Would I repurchase: Possibly, but I would be in no hurry to.

Sample #4 - Mary Kay Botanical Effects Refresh Toner, value = $0.20?

Thoughts: It was sensitive on my skin and although it felt toned, there was nothing special about it. Kudos for being fragrance free though.

Would I repurchase: NO.


Sample #5 - L'occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil, value = $6.17

Thoughts: This smells of almonds, like it should. I used this primarily on my belly (trying to prevent more stretch marks), and it was very nourishing. I found it absorbed nicely. The only caveat, is that it is quite pricey and I could get away with rubbing olive oil on my belly, just the same.

Would I repurchase: NO.


Sample #6 - Ahava Dermud Foot Cream, value = $1.09

 

Thoughts: This was nice and thick and rubbed in very well on my feet. It is definitely emollient, however, to break down dry skin you would need something with alphahydroxy acid in it, or urea. This just coats the dryness.

Would I repurchase: NO, but it was nice.


So there you have it, my first review of samples used. This is a lot of fun, and I am enjoying using up my samples! I have about 3 more of the La Mer eye cream, so I am looking forward into dipping back into those.

Please let me know if you have finished up any samples, or if you have any opinions on any of these products.

Bonnie

Sample Free by 2016 + Welcome Back!!

It is a New Year, which means time for New Resolutions!!

One of my resolutions is to get back into blog posting....Yay! I love blogging, and something came up that inspired me to blog again....something called "Sample Free by 2016."

Sample Free was created by WiMomMandy. She is the wonderful person that is a mom who lives in Wisconsin. She has a family and loves all things beauty. She came up with, along with one other person, a way to encourage people to use up their beauty samples by the end of the year. If you are a beauty hoarder like myself, and have a ton of beauty samples, then you know that samples are awesome but prevent you from using your normal products. On the flip side, samples are great, because you may something you adore better than something you already own.

What are the "rules"?
1. Count how many samples you have, and take a picture off them.
2.  Post your starting number and picture of samples on Instagram.
3.  As you use up samples (daily, weekly, etc.), take a picture and post it on Instagram with a running total of how many samples you've used up/how many total samples you have.
4. As you find more samples, add them to your running total.

This challenge has been accepted by quite a few people already. Mostly, the updates on what samples are being used, thoughts, etc., are being posted to Instagram. I know a couple of people are also going to do monthly fav videos on You Tube as well.

I have decided to post my updates on Instagram (user name: luv_my_guys), and also blog more indept reviews on the samples I use up, here.

What is my total you ask???

565!!!! Yes, 565 beauty samples that I have accumulated over the past years. It is overwhelming, to say the least. However, I have found it to be extremely rewarding and I am only on Day #4 as I am writing this.

What I love is that I am using my samples. If I don't like it after one use...."See ya later!" My number of samples will dwindle down, and I may even find some rare gems in there.

That all being said, Happy, Happy New Year!!! Welcome to 2015, and I hope you enjoy my upcoming blog posts. I also found out that I am expecting Baby #3....Woo Hoo!! I imagine I will be blogging about that as well!

Please let me know if you have any questions. If you plan to join Sample Free by 2016, you don't have to post pictures. You can always just update me in the comments!! If you have an Instagram and do it, let me know what your user name is. We are using hashtags: #SampleFreeBy2016 and #SampledOut. WE CAN DO THIS...lol!

Bonnie