May Empties

One more month gone, and a bunch of empties piled up in my bathroom. This month I had a lot of samples, mini sized and one time use products. I also finished up some of my favorites and I discovered new goodies that I would repurchase in the future. So, let's dig in and see what I think about each product.

Let's start with face care products, and the first one in line is Dickinson's Witch Hazel Hydrating Toner (link). I'm using witch hazel toner for many years now, and I don't see much difference in terms of brand and effect. I switch from one brand to the other and I keep switching between scents just for variety. However, this particular scent was a little annoying to me, so I will not repurchase it, but I will continue using witch hazel toner. I use this toner after washing my face or in the morning to remove any residue that might have been left, and then continue with a different face mist/toner.

Pacifica Berry Clean Face Wash (link) is a great product that I'd repurchase. As a brand, Pacifica has some products that I like, some that I love, and other that don't work for me, but I never go wrong when I pick their face wash. I think this was my third or fourth face wash from Pacifica, and so far I love each of them (the one that I use now is also from the same brand). This one, just like others, does the job removing all makeup, but doesn't dry out the skin. It doesn't irritate my eyes too. I always use too much cleanser, so I think I ran out of this in a month. However, it can probably last 2+ months if used in lesser quantity.

Silk Pore Exfoliating Cleanser (link to similar product) are silk cocoons that are supposed to help you clean the face and do some scrubbing. The directions tell to keep cocoon in water until it expands a bit, and then use it on the face. You can wash it, let it dry and reuse a couple more times. I didn't notice much of the expansion, the scrubbing part was gentle yet effective, but the smell was awful. I tried 2-3 of the cocoons, and I can't get over the scent, so they're going into the trash bin.

I've heard a lot of good reviews on this brand, but Goldfaden MD Brightening Elixir (link) just didn't work for me. The serum itself felt nice though I didn't see any change in the skin by a few uses of this sample. However, I noticed some deep painful white-ish pimples on my face after using this serum, so I'm not sure if that was a coincidence or a reaction to this product, but they disappeared once I stopped using it.

Kiehl's Cactus Flower and Tibetan Ginseng Mist (link) is a product I would repurchase. I used it on my face morning and night before applying any skincare product. I had a smaller sized bottle, but it lasted pretty long.

Another product that I finished this month is Estelle & Thild Biocalm Soothing Moisture Day Cream (link). This cream felt quite basic (almost no scent, hydrating yet not heavy consistency, quick absorption), but I enjoyed using it, and I would love to try more products from the brand. I would also repurchase this cream as my skin liked it a lot. I'm also using body butters from this brand that are fantastic.        

I also used up a sample of Mario Badescu Botanical Exfoliating Scrub (link), and I wasn't impressed by it. The scrub part was ok as it was gentle, but effective. However, the way this product smells was a big no no for me. I try to stay objective, and I don't think it's a bad scent and probably many people wouldn't even notice it, but for me it was especially irritating.

I've had Boscia Exfoliating Peel Gel (link) in my drawer for a while, so I'm just getting rid of it. I've used it a few times without noticing any difference in my skin, and then place it in the drawer "t use sometime later" and I just forget about it and never picked it up again.

I'm not going to tell much about C.Lavie (link) samples of eye cream, face serum and face cream as I have all these products in full size and I want to make a separate blog entry on them. Let me just tell you that I was surprised beyond my expectations, and I hope I'll keep my opinion after using the products for a longer time.

I had 7 samples of Dr. Dennis Gross C+ Collagen Brighten & Firm Vitamin C Serum (link), and was excited to try it out. I was planning to use it at night for a week, but there was so much product inside the packet that it was way too much for single use for me (even when applied to the neck and chest as well). So I decided to split a packet and use half in the evening, and half in the morning. What a mistake that was! I liked this serum at night, but once used in the morning, it was only nice if I didn't apply makeup. The product tends to roll off the face (like pilling clothing), so the few times I used it under my makeup, I had blotches on the skin. That's not really the look I go for, so I switched back to applying this serum only at night. As for the effect, I didn't see much difference and I wasn't impressed by it in general.    

Ecocare Organic Facial Wipes Apple and Honey (link) is the best of the best! They also smell sooo good! I've mentioned these wipes a few times already, and I can still say only the best things about them. They are moist, but not leaking, they don't dry (even the last wipe is as moist as the first one), the cloth is strong and doesn't rip easily, the size is perfect. One wipe is anough for me to remove eye makeup, and to clean whole face before washing it.

I used up a couple of La Fresh Travel Lite Makeup Remover Wipes (link) that I got from hotels. They are nice on the go towelettes, but not as good as my favorite Ecocare.

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser (link) is one of the products I don't really have my opinion about yet. It's a good cleanser that removed my makeup, didn't irritate skin or eyes, but there was nothing to grab my attention.

Goddess Garden Erase The Day Mineral Removing Cleanser* (link) is a clay based cleanser that removed skin to a squeaky clean feeling. This face wash gives a result that is very similar to Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip cleanser. I liked the cleanser, but I wouldn't use it more than a couple times a week as I have normal skin and I'm afraid it can dry out the skin if used more often. However, I think such cleansers are good as deeper cleansing treatments after a lot of sweating or after wearing heavier makeup.

I really enjoyed using Malin + Goetz Grapefruit Face Cleanser (link) as it did the job, smelled nice, and left my skin feeling clean and not dried out. I tend to use more cleanser and toner than I really need, so of course I used this product on a heavier side, and ran out pretty quickly.

I guess Sephora Express Eye Makeup Remover Wipes (link) are discontinued as I couldn't find them on Sephora's website. There were just ok as they weren't the greatest at removing eye makeup and one wipes was not enough for both eyes even though I usually only wear mascara. They are good when traveling, but I wouldn't use them on a daily basis.  

I love masking, and recently I got into using sheet masks, so I was very curious to try out Dr. Jart+ Firm Lover Rubber Mask (link). It's a 2 step mask where at first you apply serum and then place rubber mask on top. The picture is very tempting though in reality the rubber mask is made of two parts: one for top part of the face, the other for bottom part. It's also not as intensive in color and is pale pink. The serum has a strong smell and not the most pleasant one (too chemically for my taste). The rubber mask applied easily on top of it, it stayed well on the face, I could move and talk while having a mask on. However, while the rest of the mask fit perfectly to my face, the nose part was all lose. There was no way that I could put the mask around the nose, which I was ok in terms that it's a firming mask, but Dr. Jart+ also has a detoxifying mask of this kind and I think nose plays important part in that one. Also, I just wanted to mention that for me the top and bottom parts of this mask overlaid, and maybe that's why it was so comfortable on the face. I've seen photos/reviews online where both parts barely touch or there's a gap between them, and people complained that they can't move or talk with a mask on. After removing the mask, you're supposed to massage in the remaining serum into the face and neck, which I did. It seemed like there's a lot of serum was left, but once massaged, it absorbed pretty quickly. Though the skin was left feeling sticky and that stickiness stayed for a while, which I didn't like. I enjoyed the experience, but I don't think I would repurchase this mask.

It's my third Biobelle Primer Mask* (link), and I've talked about it recently, so you can read more in those posts. To sum up my experience, this mask is very nice, smells wonderful, leaves skin plump and soft,

I enjoyed Origins Flower Fusion Lavender Sheet Mask (link) a lot. This sheet mask is very moist, but the liquid is not running down the hands and face. It feels a little cooling, and the lavender scent makes it very relaxing. It left skin soft and beautiful afterwards.

I've used Andalou face masks in the past, and I repurchased a couple of them recently. One of them is Fruit Enzyme Mask (link), which was reformulated since the last time I had it. I love the way this mask smells and it leaves my face feeling nice, but no dramatic change. I told more about it when talking about my masks, so if you want, you can read it HERE.

I got a single use (.34 oz) Origins Out of Trouble 10 Minute Mask (link) out of curiosity. It does last 2-3 times, and if you use sparingly, it can last few more times. It has a strong smell and reminds me of eucalyptus, which I don't mind, but I'd prefer a more faint smell. The mask felt nice on the skin, didn't irritate it, washed off easily, left skin soft and nice, and didn't dry it out. I enjoyed using it, but not sure I would repurchase it.

Another mask from Origins is RitualiTea Oolong-La powder mask (link), which should be mixed with water or any other liquid. Once prepared it has a mousse like texture and it tingles face a tiny bit when applied (only in the beginning). I had no negative effects, and I have a few more masks from this line to try out.

Ellame Hydro Complex Sheet Mask* (link) is a mask that I've always wanted to try out as it has great reviews. The mask is soaking moist, so there's plenty of serum left in the packaging and it can be used on face, neck, chest, hands afterwards. This mask is super hydrating, so would be great after spending a lot of time in the sun (or during cold months when the skin gets dryer due to heating). The serum is a bit gloopy, but it's not gross at all. The only flaw is that eye wholes are cut too small and not convenient for me.

I've talked about Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask (link) in the past, and my opinion didn't change. Directions tell to apply this mask thickly, so one mini sized jar is good for only one application. This mask does brighten the skin, makes it soft and leaves it hydrated, but I don't think I would purchase full size as I'd run out of it in a couple of uses.

Moody Sisters Charcoal Mask* (link) was part of my 4 free samples (you can get 4 free samples with your www.MoodySisters.com order). THe sample was good for one time, and it was a pretty nice mask. It didn't dry out my skin, and it felt comfortable on the face.

I like Gillette shave gel, and this time I used up Satin Care Sensitive Skin Shave Gel (link). It's a nice gel, foams well, doesn't clog the razor.

I found these Body Prescriptions Exfoliating Foot masks at TJ Maxx and decided to give it a chance. It has 3 pairs inside, but I only tried 2, and getting rid of the last pair. It does nothing to the feet. There's not even a tiniest peeling, nothing at all.

Boscia Baby Soft Food Peel (link) is another product of this kind. I can't comment on the results yet as I've used it 3-4 days ago and my feet didn't start peeling yet. However, the whole process was more promising as I could feel the tingling on my feet towards the end and I could smell that specific scent.

I've had a sample of Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream (link) for a while now, and decided to finally use it up. This tiny sample of 0.10 oz / 3 ml was almost too much for my legs and arms. It hydrates the skin well, but the scent is strong and medicinal.

I loved the smell of Moody Sisters Mandarin Vanilla Scrub (link), but the sample is really small and was barely enough for one time, so it's hard to tell much about it. The scrub is gentle, does the job, doesn't leave oily film on the skin. I would use a full size of it.

I have a full review on Brooklyn Botany Charcoal Scrub (link) HERE. It's a very nice product that I enjoyed using as a body scrub (you can use it on the face too).

This little bottle of Molton Brown Body Wash in Gingelily (link) lasted for a pretty long time, and I loved the scent. It smells so delicious! I'm not picky for shower gels as long as I like the smell and they don't dry my skin.

I also used up samples of Erbaviva Shaping Oil* (link) and Firming Oil* (link). They were easily absorbing oils, but I didn't like the smell which was a bit too strong and too spicy.

Another nice product from Moody Sisters is Whipped Lotion in Sweet Orange (link). It smells so good! This small packet lasted for a couple times as you only need a little bit of it. It comes in a couple different scents and I would definitely use the product in full size.

Eubiona Kiwi Chamomile Volume Shampoo (link) is the product I keep repurchasing. I love how it smells and how my hair feels afterwards though I don't see volume. I tried some other shampoos from the brand and I liked them as well.

Pacifica Well Conditioned One Step Gentle Cleanser & Conditioner (link) is another great smelling product. I mostly used it as a conditioner, but there were a few times when I applied it on all hair length. During those times I usually did it as a first wash, and would use regular shampoo afterwards.

I've had a sample of Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair Hair Mask (link) in the past, and I got it again. It's a very nice deep conditioning mask. It leaves hair smooth, soft, and hydrated.

I wasn't so impressed with Qhemet Biologics Cocoa Tree Detangling Ghee (link). Probably because it wasn't really for my hair or because I'm not a fan of cocoa butter smell (that's how this products smells), but I didn't enjoy using it. I used it up as a pre-wash hair mask.

Colgate MaxFresh With Whitening Fresh Strips (link) and Tom's of Maine Cavity Protection (link) toothpastes were both nice. Both did their job, both gave freshness, but Colgate was more minty and stronger.

 Another Laura Mercier Pressed Mineral Powder used up to the last piece. This is my favorite mineral foundation for the last couple years, and I already have a new one in my makeup drawer. I've never had anything better, and since discovering this one I'm not even looking for anything else.

I've also finally finished Honest Beauty Luminizing Powder in Midnight Reflection (link). I've used it for about 14 months using every day. It gives a very gentle glow, so can be used as a subtle everyday highlighter. I used it for that many times, but I also used it for my undereyes. I would take a tiniest bit of the product and apply as I would undereye concealer. It would freshen up my look and skin.

Qtica Intense Repair Lip Balm (link) is a great product to soften the lips, but I never got used to its medicinal scent. I would use it as a lip balm once in a while, but mostly I used it as a quick lip mask. I would apply it on my lips after applying foundation and leave it on while I work on the rest of my makeup. Then I'd take it off (very often with some cloth to exfoliate my lips at the same time) and I'd apply lip products.

I had Lipstick Queen Frog Prince Lipstick (link) for a while until I realized it was a color changing, not green, lipstick. It gave a beautiful light pink shade on my lips, and I enjoyed those few times that I used it. It didn't last long, because the last time I wanted to apply it, I noticed that the lipstick is broken at the base. Oh well, I have plenty of lip products, but I would have enjoyed using this one a lot.      

I got a sample card of YSL Vernis A Levres Vinyl Cream Lip Stain (link), and I loved it so much that I already got one color in full size. It's a bit hard to apply it at the corners of the mouth, but there's more good than bad to it. It is super lightweight, the color is very shiny, it tastes yummy, doesn't dry lips, and lasts for hours. I've been wearing it for 6 hours now (eating, drinking, snacking), and I still have a strong stain on my lips. It's not the same creaminess/shine as it was once applied, but it is still strong enough and very even that I could go out with my lips looking the way they are now.

Both samples of Dior Mis Dior Blooming Bouquet (link) and Cartier Baiser Fou (link) were nice, but I would only get Dior in full size. It wasn't my fist sample of it, and I love it more and more with each use.


 
* marks PR samples received complimentary