Sampling Time!

I don't know if you know this, but I SERIOUSLY hoard samples. I don't know why, since I really just ought to use them... So now I'm trying! I'm making myself use up all sample packets of moisturizers first, without using any of mine. Then it will be cleansers and fragrance! (And then deluxe sizes after that - this seems hopeless!) I am also committing (again) to share samples with you weekly!Ren Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask  This mask has been very popular on the blogs this year, so I've wanted to try it for a long time. The mask itself is a very creamy, almost clear substance that smells like citrus. (If you read Vivianna Does Makeup, she describes it as marmalade, and I'd say this would be a bit lighter than a conventional marmalade, but otherwise a perfect description!) This sample packet lasted me 2 uses, and I didn't see any noticeable change in my skin, aside from maybe a nice glow. Since this is pricey and doesn't really do anything for pores, I'm not rushing out to purchase it. In the future, especially when my skin needs change, I will give it another go!

Shu Uemera Art of Hair Cleansing Oil Shampoo This shampoo was very well reviewed on blogs earlier this year, and I do have to agree that it is just amazing. The scent of the shampoo is SO good, I would even just use it for that alone. I wish I could describe the scent, but I am quite terrible at that in general. The shampoo itself really gives my hair some body, and makes it feel super clean, soft and shiny. This is definitely on my list as a product to invest in, when there's budget for it or when I'm desperate for luxurious haircare.

Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream I haven't really tried any Bobbi Brown skincare, so this was a fun thing for me to try. I love the concept of her line and her messages around beauty and empowerment. This eye cream is hydrating, but it sort of just felt like a regular moisturizer to me. Obviously I can't see any long term effects from a packet like this, but nothing about the product texture or feel was unique either. Since I want to find a really special eye cream, I won't be purchasing this one.Amore Pacific Natural Protector SPF 30/PA+++ This cream has a light floral scent, which must be typical of the Amore Pacific range. It is your typical white, creamy moisturizer, and I like that it has SPF 30. It was sufficiently moisturizing for a cold Chicago fall day, which is great. It was a bit heavy initially, but absorbs quickly and feels great.

Nuxe Creme Prodigieuse Anti-Fatigue Moisturizing Cream This cream has a floral scent that may be overpowering for some - my boyfriend's initial reaction was "woah, that is strong," whereas I thought it was manageable. The scent does wear off with time, so that may work for you. This is a bit of a thick cream as well, and I prefer moisturizers that feel light and absorb quickly.

Dior HydraLife Sorbet Eye Cream I've gotten multiple uses out of this eye cream, and like it's silky texture. The boyfriend says it is "nice" but we both find that it takes some time to absorb and feels a bit tacky. Not a bad product, but again not life changing.

Dior HydraAction Deep Hydrating Radical Serum (not pictured) Why does this have alcohol in it?! Now that I think about it, the eye cream above has it too I believe... Alcohol aside, this serum is clear and light and applies smoothly. I found that it provided me with enough moisturizer for daytime as well. I think I'll skip this because of the alcohol though...

Amore Pacific Moisture Bound Refreshing Hydra-Gel & Amore Pacific Moisture Bound Vitalizing Complex I don't know if I could pick between the two. Both have a pleasant floral scent that I really like, and have a nice light texture. Both gave me the proper amount of moisture and just felt nice and luxurious on my skin. I would probably wear the hydra-gel in the daytime, and the vitalizing complex at night!

All in all, I've had fun testing out these samples this past week. I definitely want to splurge on that Shu Uemera shampoo, and I'm very interested in trying out more Amore Pacific. (Argh, why didn't I grab that Sephora 500 point perk this summer while I had the chance? But now I'm contemplating a deluxe sample on sephora.com with code APCREME) Have you tried out any of these products? If so, I'd love to hear how they were for you! :)

Review: Lush Sweetie Pie Shower Jelly

lush sweetie pie shower jelly

I'm having a bit of a Lush weekend over here. :) I love the shower jelly concept, and I always wanted to try out this one. I hadn't realized that it has sparkles in it, and that made me smile too! :) This shower jelly has a unique scent. I find it to be a dark, sweet, almost floral scent - a dark cherry scent, I suppose. For some reason, I want to think that it also smells like grape, but I think that is the color plus the fruity scent that makes my brain want to think that! But look at that pretty, sparkly purple color! It definitely brightens up a morning shower. :)

Like the other shower jellies, it does take a bit of adjustment to get used to using this one. We first tried Whoosh Shower Jelly a while back, and thought it was a bit hard to use. It was sad because we kept dropping bits of it on the shower floor. Since it took us longer to use in comparison to regular shower gel, we never really used shower jellies when we were in a rush, and with our tendency to snooze, we were always rushing!

In any event, now we've finally got it down: grab a chunk, squish it into a loofah while creating lather, and there you go!  With this new discovery, we are loving how easy it now is to use Lush Shower Jellies! Shower jellies also make me feel just as clean as regular body washes do, and I was also happy that the scent didn't stay on my skin, because sometimes I prefer it that way!

Here's a better look at the ingredients, if you need them. Have you tried this or any other Lush Shower Jellies? :)

lush sweetie pie ingredients

This product was provided for review. 

Get Yourself Some Treats from the Lush Halloween Collection!

I recently received a few items from the Lush Halloween collection, and boy am I excited! Some of you may have seen my instagram photo the other day showing a few of the items, and I have to say that they are too cute! :) Here's the photo in case you missed it!

Jacko Soap This seriously smells like pumpkin pie, with a cinnamon kick. Aside from cinnamon and pumpkin, the soap also has cardamom and spearmint. Since it smells like pumpkin pie, it reminds me of Thanksgiving and fall, and I don't think that I'm the only one who would enjoy that! :) The soap also seems to have some moisturizing properties, so that's been good for me so far! The soap doesn't lather much, but it still does leave me feeling clean, and fortunately I don't smell strongly of pumpkin pie afterwards. This is a great seasonal item - perfect for hostess gifts and the like!

The Enchanter Bath Bomb This seriously, seriously has me enchanted! The super citrus scent is just amazing, and the fizzing, wow. I love when Lush does these fun colorful bath bombs! I love the scent to death, and the bath bomb itself provides a bit of moisture to my skin. The color changing fizz also made me happy! (Also, doesn't the bath bomb look like Jupiter or something?) I'm totally buying a few of these, since it smells so good and makes me and my bathroom smell nice too! Look at all the pretty colors! :) 

Calacas Shower Jelly I think this shower jelly is such a clever Halloween treat! I find the shower jellies to be very fun to use in the shower, and this might just be my favorite scent yet. The lime & neroli smells quite fresh, almost like if Sprite gummy worms existed! Lol. The skull shape makes me smile, though mine has jiggled out of shape a bit.  The jelly lathers well, and having aloe vera as an ingredient should prove to be perfect for fall. I would purchase this guy as well, except that I have too many body wash items at the moment!

Other items in the Halloween collection include Twilight Shower Gel, Ghost Shower Jelly, Witch's Ball, and Something Wicked This Way Comes. The collection is available online now, and the three items I have plus Twilight Shower Gel will be available in store starting today, October 13th. Will you be picking up these or any other Lush Halloween goodies? :)

These products were provided for review. 

Review: Lush Lovely Jubblies

I've always been interested in trying Lush skincare, but afraid to spend the money on it, so when I received this, I was pretty excited! This particular product definitely puts a smile on my face, and I have to say that I appreciate Lush's clever/cute names!

I always used to have a hard time finding body creams, because I never liked heavy, greasy lotions that took a ton of time to rub in or absorb. Thankfully, this cream is light AND nicely moisturizing. It isn't greasy at all -  just perfectly creamy and nice, woohoo!

I don't know how to explain the scent - it has a strong oatmeal/cocoa butter type scent with some floral hints. I find it to be very Lush-like and I think it smells quite good!  I also think it has a surprising therapeutic effect. :) As the lotion's description suggests, the scent is definitely uplifting!

Now for the other lifting this cream should do... I'm not really sure how I can tell aside from waiting quite a long time... In a moment of panic I asked my boyfriend how I was supposed to tell if this cream worked, and he responded "Well, I guess when you're 50 we'll see how it did." LOL

Giggles aside, I think he makes a good point - I like the cream now, and only prolonged use can tell if it makes a noticeable difference! The scent itself makes it a nice overall body cream, so I'll stick to it - moisture never hurt anyone, especially going into winter! Have you tried this or any other Lush creams? :)

This product was provided for review.