October Sampler Recap

At the beginning of October, Gummy and I decided to make an effort to try and use up samples. I suspect everyone else did better than I did, but oh well - check out that original post here. 

Here's a look at my empties from the October Sampler - not bad, I think?? Read on to see how I did and what my highlights were!

1. Hair & Shower
As you can see from the before and after pictures below, I didn't get very far on this one. I only managed to use up the Jo Malone Orange Blossom Hand & Shower Gel, which I quite liked. The Orange Blossom perfume makes me sneeze, but in shower gel form I quite like the scent! Not sure if I will buy it though, as it is quite expensive. 

Before

After

2. Cleansers & Masks
I liked the Sunday Riley Cleansers, and I enjoyed the Omorovicza as well, but I'm really hoping I like less expensive cleansers too. I tried a sample of Skinfood Honey Black Tea Jelly Foam Cleanser, but they were sold out when I went to buy it and I picked up the Cleansing Milk instead. Since I had an extra tube of Ren Micro Polish Cleanser, I gave that to a coworker. I also kind of liked the Chantecaille Jasmine & Lily Healing Mask but I'm afraid to even check how much that costs!

 Before

After

3. Skincare Deluxe Samples 
I managed to use up a good number of these, I think! I gave away the Ren and Shiseido because they didn't work for me, and I managed to use up a few too. I didn't care for the Armani which seemed very artificially fragranced, and I think the Guerlain eye cream even made my eyes itch. Yuck. I used up the Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum, and that really didn't seem to do anything either and it barely seemed to moisturize. I may consider the By Terry Cellularose Brightening Serum however, because I suspect it helped my dehydration and redness. 

 Before

After

4. Miscellaneous Samples
I did not like the Juara Candlenut Body Cream or the Goldfaden Moisturizer, but I did enjoy using the Jack Black Epic Moisture Body Hydrator - Jack Black seems to be a totally underrated and affordable brand for skincare. I thought I liked the Zelens Z Matrix Moisture Infusion, but I'll pretend that never happened as it is SO EXPENSIVE. I also gave away the Lalique perfume sample, as it is totally not for me. And I seemed to have gathered more packets somehow... :)

Before

After

5. Complexion Perfectors
It was harder to get through these than I thought, but I managed to give a way the Armani Maestro and Givenchy Mister Light samples. I was surprised by the limited shade selection of Burberry Sheer Concealer, and I actually liked the Peter Thomas Roth CC Cream, which I may actually buy if the light shade is appropriate for me. I really didn't get on with the Marc Jacobs Gel Foundation (icky finish) and I may take another look at Benefit the Porefessional. 

 Before

 After

Very few items made it onto my shopping list, and the only one I ran out for was the Skinfood cleanser. The items on my "to consider buying later" list are:

• Peter Thomas Roth CC Cream
• By Terry Cellularose Brightening Serum
• Chantecaille Jasmine & Lily Healing Mask
• Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm
• Sunday Riley Charisma Creme Cleanser
• Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser

So all in all, I think I did an OK job but could've totally done better. :) I definitely have to make even more of an effort getting through samples, as I have a few Ikea Helmer drawers full of them at home (which I've just managed to purge a bit this weekend). I don't know, it just seems impossible, as the above before photos were really collected in the span of 2 months and I had even given some away. o.O

What do you think of the October Sampler? Did any of these samples catch your eye? How do you manage to use up samples? 

The October Sampler

A little while ago, Gummy came up with the brilliant idea to spend a month trying to use up samples. You never really notice, but the amount of free samples (or gift with purchases or whatever) just keep piling up! 

So we devised the October Sampler, a month where we try to use up as many samples as possible. I'm also horrified to report that almost every single sample I show you in the photos below has been collected since August 4th. Seriously, where do all these things come from??? I thought I was doing a good job giving samples away too!

In the interest of being organized, and being able to provide brief summaries of each product I try later this month, I've split the samples into 5 categories. I'm horrified. LOL.  

1. Hair & Shower 

2. Cleansers, Exfoliators, & Masks 

3. Skincare Deluxe Samples 

4. Miscellaneous

5. Complexion Perfectors 

Now I'm a bit terrified to think of what my makeup collection looks like, as I know there are many many little minis of lip things, primers, mascaras and the like. I can't even bear to think of my quite full sample drawers at home... So I think the October Sampler will have to be a regular event!  

The Rules: 

• Take a photo of all the samples at the beginning of the month, so everyone knows what you're trying to use up.
  
• Finish as many samples as possible, but if a multiuse one doesn't work, we don't have to use that up. (I plan to give away those un-loved deluxe samples!) 
• Keep all the finished (or partially used) samples for a post at the end of the month.  
• At the end of the month, post a before and after to show what was used up! 

Would you like to join us? You don't have to have a blog to join in - you can share with us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Do let us know in the comments below or on your preferred social media platform! And feel free to include your link below!  

Twitter: Gummy @McGummerson, Bronzer Bunny @bronzerbunny  #octobersampler
Instagram: Gummy @McGummerson , Bronzer Bunny @bronzerbunny #octobersampler
Facebook: Gummy @GummyVision
Gummy's Blog: Gummy Vision  

I'm excited, are you? If I could get through even half of these, I think I would be pleased.  

Bye Bye Fragrance Samples

I am very picky about fragrances on myself, so I frequently give away my fragrance samples to friends or coworkers. This time around, I thought I'd do a post about the most recent picks that made it into the give away pile. 

First up, I have the newly released Dior j'adore Voile de Parfum, which is described as a "silky veil of Tuscan Iris and white musk." While I like it more than the original j'adore, it doesn't smell like anything special and doesn't have that light freshness that I usually prefer. I didn't spray it on myself, as I knew I wouldn't like it on me. 

I was quite excited to try Elie Saab, as it is one of those floral and sweet type of scents that I normally like. It does start off that way, with the powdery floral that reminds me of Chloe but lands somewhere between Narciso Rodriguez for Her and Stella McCartney. For whatever reason though, this gets heavier on me, becoming an almost cloying spicy floral. I think it even gave me a headache. Sad. (And I so wish I wasn't so difficult when it came to fragrance!) I do want to try the Eau de Toilette next time I see it in stores, just in case!  

I was excited to sniff the bergamot, neroli and gardenia in Tocca Liliana, and while I thought the scent was nice, I just couldn't imagine liking it on me all day. Like the scent from Dior, I also didn't find it particularly unique, but then again, my nose isn't all that smart, haha! My fiance found it to be a "generic floral" and this being a few days ago, I honestly can't think of any other way to describe it. 

Lastly, I thought long and hard about the new Marc Jacobs Honey. I know it is popular right now, but yet again, it just isn't me. It doesn't even smell like honey, at least not like the honey you put in tea or on toast. Perhaps it is the vanilla notes that throw me off, but this honey is more artificial to my nose. I can't say how this one wears on me either, as I took it out one morning to try it and went ughhh. (Yes, my always nauseous morning feelings are never very conducive to trying out perfumes! Stupid mornings/stomach/fast metabolism, LOL)  

Of course, fragrance is a very personal thing, and I think just about everyone except me gets along with lots and lots of scents out there. Still, it is fun to try, and I've really broadened my range of wearable scents over the years. Now the real question is, who do I give these samples to??? :) 

What do you guys do with your perfume samples? Do you actually manage to try them all or even use them up? Or do you give many away like I do? I'd love to know!  

This post contains affiliate links. 

2013 Empties: #4 The Sample Edition

These last 2 weeks, I've been on a desperate attempt to finish up some samples. Even though my fiance helped, I think I did well!  

Kate Somerville Quench Oil-Free Hydrating Serum (not pictured)
This was actually quite nice - light, and cooling on the skin. (Though I'm not sure that it is meant to be cooling, it may just be from cold AC, lol!) It absorbed quickly, and felt properly moisturizing. Yay!
Purchase?: Maybe. I'd love to finish up some stuff first before I purchase more skincare. At $65 for 1oz, it is a bit more than I'd want to spend!

Darphin Aromatic Renewing Balm
I was drawn to this stuff because it is lemon scented, and you know how much I love lemon and other citrus scents!  This neat balm was quite soothing on my skin, and really helped to keep my skin calm, hydrated, and dare I say radiant? I only had a small chunk of product in this container, and it lasted forever. Months, really, and I used it every few days. 
Purchase?: Maybe. I've been considering putting my $10 of Space NK points towards this, but it is also pricy at a whopping $70!

Sisley Emulsion Ecologique
I had this sample packet laying around and I smushed it on when I was having a particularly dry day. It was nice and did the job, but I don't even want to to think about how much it is. Plus it wasn't miraculous, so I'm going to pretend it doesn't exist. 
Purchase?: No! Ignoring the fact that this even exists, lol. 

ReVive Intensite Moisture Serum
This serum was SO nice. It was light, and absorbed nicely, and helped keep my skin really hydrated.
Purchase?: Maybe. I would love to, but sadly it is $395. Groan

Jack Black EpicMoisture MP10 Nourishing Oil
I really liked this oil. It absorbed quickly, and felt super hydrated. I'm glad to have tried it!
Purchase?: Yes! I was surprised to find that it is not too pricey! It is totally on my list. 

Pangea Organics Nigerian Ginger with Lavender & Thyme Facial Cream
This cream was decently hydrating, but left a strange not quite tacky feeling on my face. I also don't like lavender scents on my face at all, so this just isn't for me. I do like the idea behind the brand, and would like to look at more of their line. 
Purchase?: No. 

Origins GinZing Moisturizer
I think I received this sample when I bought this moisturizer - how funny! Anyway, I liked the orange scent and light texture of this cream, and it seemed to provide an appropriate amount of moisture. I'll be sure to review it soon!

Aesop Moroccan Neroli Post-Shave Lotion  
My fiance used this one after shaving one day, and was alarmed to find that it didn't absorb in right away. After a few minutes though, it totally absorbed in and did the job. I don't know if it is a miraculous product, but I have another sample packet that maybe I will try on part of my leg or something! Also, I vaguely hoped it would smell like Tom Ford Neroli Portofino, and it was more herbal/spicy. 
Purchase?: Not sure. Needs more investigation!

Boscia White Mask
This white mask reminded me a bit of glue, which was a bit alarming at first as I didn't expect it. It also didn't peel off like I expected, but it left my complexion looking even, clear, and even a bit glowy! 
Purchase?: Maybe. I'd like to look at all of Boscia's available masks!

Lancome Milky Cream Face Cleanser
I'm a bit of a cheat on this one, as I didn't completely use it up, but it was an average non-drying cleanser that I didn't love or hate. Maybe I should've given it more of a chance, but I didn't love the slightly chemical scent. 
Purchase?: No. I have cleansers I love, so I'll pass on this. 

Aesop Parsley Seed Cleansing Masque  
I used a sample of this a few weeks ago, and I was on the fence. The more I use this, the more I think that this mask really does keep your skin clear. I definitely want to try it now! 
Purchase?: Yes. It is on my list now, along with the Parsley Seed Serum!

Glam Glow Super-Mud Clearing Treatment
I was a bit frightened to try this, as it seemed so intense, but it was a decent mud mask. I think we made a bit of a mess, but the mask was fun to try and not horribly drying or anything. 
Purchase?: Probably not. I don't need more clay type masks at the moment!

Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Masque
My fiance tried this one, and I have no memory of how he liked it. I know he had no objections, and liked the cooling texture, but I don't know what else!
Purchase?: Probably not. I have too many masks now, haha!

Korres White Tea Cleanser
This smelled nice - light and fruity. It wasn't too drying for a gel cleanser, and it was just fine on my skin. 
Purchase?: No. It wasn't bad, but I prefer the cleansers I have. 

Skyn Iceland Glacial Cleansing Cloth
This cleansing cloth was quite nice - fresh scent, no residue, and not drying! All the things I look for in a pinch. I'm bummed that Sephora no longer carries the brand and it totally fell off my radar. 
Purchase?: Yes. It is on my list! 

Acqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneo Arancia di Capri
When I sniffed this at the store, it was a delightful concoction of orange and floral. Once I worked through this sample, I knew the scent wasn't one for me, but I still found it to be a neat scent. 
Purchase?: No. Not in love with them, so I gotta save my dollars!

Tom Ford Neroli Portofino
This is gorgeous, and I gladly used up the sample. Light and fresh, this is such a perfect summer scent for those who don't want too much floral or fruit but still like a hint of it in their fragrances.
Purchase?: No. I have Diptyque L'Eau de Neroli, which is also in the same family, and I'm loving my new perfume purchase!

THE TOSS PILE
As I was cleaning up my collection, I found these things that were quite ready to be tossed. Mysterious perfume samples that aren't too thrilling and also probably at least 5 years old, a sad broken Chanel Aqua Crayon in Velveteen that had its fair share of fun back in the day, and a sample of 3Lab The Cream that my fiance managed to use and then leave in a drawer that he found to be quite mediocre.  

So there you have it! What do you think of all the samples I got through?? Have you tried and loved any of these products?