I'm slowly whittling away at the stash of skincare samples that I have... and seriously, I have too many. Also, I think I need to take a break, as my skin has been acting crazy from the dry air and drop in temperatures here in Chicago. I also have this urgent need to use up as many samples as possible, though! While I've been sampling like crazy, I also manage to lose the packets or give up on using them before I finish them. Does this happen to you, or is it just me? Fortunately, many samples are small and my boyfriend and I can typically use up a sample packet in one go.
Anyway, here's what we've tried in the last few weeks! Also, since these packets are small, these are really more like first impressions, rather than reviews. :)
Bobbi Brown Hydrating Face Cream I found that this was a very basic, no frills moisturizer that got the job done. It did have a slight scent, almost like vegetable oil to me, but then again, I have a weird nose. The packet contents also changed color once exposed to air, as you can see in the photo. I thought it was nice, but then again, I have so much stuff to use that I don't need to run out for this one!
Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion I've always wanted to like Murad skincare, but it just doesn't seem to work for me. I've had some positive experiences with some of the line a few years ago, but that was really at the beginning of my skincare exploration. I did not like the scent of this one, but perhaps my sample was old. Also, this did not have enough moisture for my skin AT ALL in this cold Chicago weather. I'm not sure if it would be enough moisture even in the summer! Definitely skipping!
Korres Sugar Crystal Cream There was something weird about this cream, as if there were little exfoliating grains in it. Now that sounds good in theory, but my skin just felt WEIRD. Like weird texture-wise. Also, it made my skin very oily within a few hours. It did initially smell like brown sugar to me, but my boyfriend thought that was also mixed with baby powder. Ick. I don't know how old this sample packet was, so maybe that's it?? Still, this is not for me!
Avene Cream (not pictured) Again, I'm not 100% sure on the name. Maybe it was one of the Hydrance ones? I somehow misplaced the sample, before I even got to use it more than once. :/ It definitely was very moisturizing, almost a bit heavy in texture. It had a floral scent too. I do want to try more Avene for sure, I just need to pick out the right product!
Murad Energizing Pomegranate Moisturizer (not pictured) My boyfriend tried this one, and did like the texture and moisturizing properties of this lotion. He liked that his skin didn't feel oily at any point in the day, and that the moisturizer absorbed very quickly, even when he put too much on. Otherwise, he thought it was pretty standard, "nothing fancy" and that we didn't need to run out and buy it. Phew!
Boscia Restorative Night Moisture Cream This had a really velvety texture, which we both enjoyed, but it never really seemed to absorb into our skin. Even an hour and a half later, our faces were tacky to touch. Sad!
Bobbi Brown Overnight CreamI'm not 100% sure this is the exact name, but it was definitely a night cream. I've thrown out the packet now, so I can't check! This cream definitely had an appropriate amount of moisture for me, and I woke up feeling perfectly moisturized. However, this would definitely feel heavy to me for daytime wear, and I very likely wouldn't wear this in the summer. The boyfriend's only reaction was "it is ok", so that means that it moisturized but didn't feel like anything special to him. Not bad, but I have no desire to rush out and buy this.
RareMinerals Purely Nourishing Facial Moisturizer This smelled like a standard clinical style moisturizer to me, but my boyfriend described it as something an old person would use, or a lotion you would get out of a dispenser at a hospital. Sad again! It was decent enough, but nothing special.
There you have it! I'm excited that nothing in this pile made me desperately want to buy things! :) Have you tried these skincare products? If so, how did they fare for you? How are you doing on your sample stash? :)