March 2017: Sample Challenge

[AMK721]

March Challenge is to dig into all your samples and try them out.  Post here what sample/foil pack you used and your thoughts about it.  Would you consider buying the full size?

[jen143xo]

Thank you.  I have 1 more packet I will shake it up b4 I use it.  I like her products too.  I have the infinity oil also. 

[StephaniLynn]

I've been trying so hard to get through my skincare and hair product foils and deluxe samples. I've gone through and pulled a bunch I want to use up this month.

I will update as I go!<3

[missjeanie]

So.... yesterday I didn't even wash my face until bed time, so nothing was finished lol. Today I made up for it by doing almost an entire face with foils. The only full size product I used was a setting powder! Total foils used is now 20!

SHISEIDO ULTIMUNE POWER INFUSING CONCENTRATE-- This was the second and last foil I had to use. I quite liked it, not purchase worthy yet as I need to be better at using serums regularly before I get into something like this. 

LANCOME ADVANCED GENIFIQUE YOUTH ACTIVSTING CONCENTRATE-- this was nice, obviously not enough of a sample period to know if it would do anything other than not break me out. I think I liked the Clinique serum texture a bit better. But I wouldn't rule this out.

FRESH BLACK TEA FIRMING OVERNIGHT MASK-- I quite liked this. Very moisturizing without being greasy. I can't really say it seamed to be firming with four uses. I like having a night mask to keep around for the winter when I'm a bit more on the dry side. This will be a contender come sale time!

NARS RADIANT CREAMY CONCEALER-- the shade vanilla is great for me. I do have this as a full size already so I know I don't hate it, but I don't love it. It just sits a little cakey on my under eye. 

YSL TOUCHE ÉCLAT-- I've had a full size of no.2 before and really liked it as a lighter concealer over the summer. The card I have had three shades, 1,2, and 4.5.  The shade 1 was really pink! 4.5 was way too dark but I enjoyed using this again. I have four or five more cards that I'll use up but I'm going to buy another shade 2 for this summer!

GIORGIO ARMANI LUMINOUS SILK FOUNDATION-- this was soooo dark for me! As soon as I cut it open I knew it wasn't going to happen as  foundation! I used this as bronzer/contour, it looked nice and lasted through the day but I would want to test it as foundation before considering it for purchase.

[joie07]

Day 6:

May Coop Raw Sauce: I really like this essence.  It's slippery and thin, but also moisturizing.  It absorbs fast, too.  I may pick up a travel size to try over a longer period.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye: This has a balm-like consistency.  Its a bit cooling, and very soothing.  It doesn't sting at all.  I quite like it.

Belif Aqua Bomb: I really like this stuff.  I had a travel size that I used up last summer.  It's a good lightweight moisturizer for my combination skin in summer, and it is cooling as well.  It's not enough for me in the winter.

Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask: This feels a bit greasy, and moisturizing seems to be its only benefit.  This might  be great for people with very dry skin, but I would only use this occasionally in the winter so it doesn't make much sense for me.

[Seymore3]

Day 6-Yuza double lotion- This wasn't drying but I didn't find it as moisturizing as I though it might be.I expected it to have oil in it since you shake to mix the two parts but it didn't seem to.It smells really nice and I like it so far.

[MariekeBT]

I finally used my sample! It's only taken me a couple of days, hahaha. 

I used the Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer in 2. Originally I thought I'd received a more pink color so I could use it as a blush, but it's actually a "Shim Beige" as described on the product page. It's a very natural color (for me it basically blended into my skin and there was no color difference) and provides a very pretty subtle glow. 

If you're looking for something that pops like Becca or ABH I don't really think this would be the highlighter for you. If you like something more natural like the RMS Luminizer I think you would like this. I also think that if you're looking for something to add a dewy glow to your foundation or other skin products, this would be great! It really sank into my skin quickly and it isn't left feeling sticky or anything. 

Since I do have oily skin I did set it with powder or some highlighter and it hasn't moved the product or anything so far. I probably wouldn't buy the full size since I'm not a big fan of liquid highlighters (due to the oily skin). If I had drier skin I would definitely consider this though. (:

[msbookish]

I have like 5 foils of this one and wasn't that interested in trying it out but after reading your review I think I might like it. I like a more subtle glow so this one might be perfect for me.

[jen143xo]

I am behind on this challenge!! I can take pictures when I get home.

Murad Acne Clearing Solutions Treatment: I had 3 foils of this and it saved my skin, I was breaking out and this is helping.  I have 1 foil left.  I am going to buy the FS!

Origins Vitazing Moisturizer: I love this!  I had 2 DS tubes of this and I used 1 already.  I love this on days I don't want to wear make up.  It has a slight tint to it but nothing make up like on me at least. 

Clarins Eye Cream: I love this, it is very moisturizing and not greasy.  I have oily skin but dry under eyes so this is perfect for me! 

[AMK721]

I've used a couple Origins products and I really like them.  Particularly the Plantscriptions Moisturizer.  I might have to try out the Vitazing Moisturizer.  Sounds great for me on the weekends when I don't wear much makeup (if at all).  

[jen143xo]

The Origins Vitazing Moisturizer is perfect for that!! That is how I use it when I dont want to wear make up.  I really like it.  I find people either really love or really hate this product LOL @AMK721

[ohheyitscindyk]

@jen143xo I wish I could give you my Origins DS!

[jen143xo]

Is there anything you are looking for to trade for it?  I am not sure I have anything you'd want lol but maybe I have something. @ohheyitscindyk

[ohheyitscindyk]

@jen143xo Aww that's sweet of you to offer! I actually don't have anything in specific in mind, haha sorry to be so vague! I can PM you, if that would be better? And either way, I can send it to you so that it gets put to good use, I hate throwing out products 🙂

[joie07]

Korres Wild Rose Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial: I'm not a scent-sensitive person, but this was overpowering.  After the scent had calmed down quite a bit, hubby came in and said I smelled like "ridiculous flowers" and asked if I could wash it off.  So, needless to say, that was it for this sample.

Algenist Sublime Defense Anti-Aging Blurring SPF 30: I've used this for 2 days and already placed an order for the full size.  This is the perfect amount of blurring for no-foundation days - which are most for me.  I'm also using tretinoin, so the SPF is key.  Most importantly, not even the slightest bit greasy.

GlamGlow Gravity Mud: I really wanted to love this because its fun, the color is amazing, and it really does peel off pretty easily.  Unfortunately, it was just ok.  I didn't see any change in my skin after I took it off.  

[ohheyitscindyk]

@joie07 The Korres Wild Rose Peel was on my list to try, but I may skip it now. Thank you!

[msbookish]

Thanks for the heads up on the Korres! I have a foil of this and I don't like strong scents so this sounds like it's not going to work for me.

[joie07]

No problem!  It's definitely the strongest scent I've ever seen outside of a perfume!

[JenniferOhJenny]

Today I used 2 foils, Too Cool For School Egg Mellow Cream moisturizer and body butter. Both of these were fine and did the job, but I would not purchase (I have other products I like more that cost less, also I didn't like the scent of either one).

On a side note, I feel like my response to almost everything I've been trying lately is, "it's fine, does what it's supposed to do, wouldn't purchase." I'm starting to feel like I should throw away all my samples and just use what I already love. But I hate throwing things away, and who knows, maybe I will stumble onto something great :).

[ohheyitscindyk]

@JenniferOhJenny I have both of those Too Cool For Schools on my list to try, was the scent strong?

[JenniferOhJenny]

@ohheyitscindyk Oh no, not at all! I should have clarified that. They were both lightly scented, probably the body butter more so than the moisturizer. I just didn't really like the scents. I like my body butters to either be unscented or to smell so good (generally like vanilla or fruit) that I basically want to lick my arms all day ;).

[ohheyitscindyk]

@JenniferOhJenny Sorry, that was my fault, I knew what you meant, but I should have elaborated! I should have said that I can deal with scents if they're not overpowering; is the smell strong? 🙂

Ahh thank you! I'm the same way with body butters!