Beauty samples: haul & review

I haven't done one of these in a long time and I thought it would be a really fun idea to do it again. I have so many samples of things lying around from lots of different places; some are from Glossybox's, some came as a free gift with magazines and others I have ordered to try before buying. I am a firm believer that first impressions always count so samples are a really convenient way to try out a product and see what I think of it instantly, before buying.

 

Elizabeth Arden - 'Visible Difference' Skin Balancing Exfoliationg Cleanser

 

Elizabeth Arden is one of my favourite skincare brands but I was pretty disappointed with this cleanser. It irritated my skin and made me break out in spots, but maybe this was more of a personal thing which won't affect everyone. It is easy to apply and leaves skin feeling soft, but it didn't exactly do me any favours.

 

Would I purchase this based on the sample? Sad to say this - but no.

 

 

Elemis - 'Loving Lips' Quenching Lip Balm

 

I had high hopes for this but it was a case of me comparing it to my favourite lip product, so not liking this one as much as that. The Elemis lip balm had a peppermint taste, which was really nice but I felt like it didn't give my lips enough moisture and softness and I had to reapply quite frequently.

 

Would I purchase this based on my sample? No.

 

 

Yves Rocher - Nutritive Vegel 24H Comfort Nourishing Cream

 

I received this moisturiser in a Glossybox and remember being really excited to try it out. It is a fantastic product; it sank into my skin really quickly and felt soft and nourished for 24 hours - as promised. My face was glowing healthily after use - would definitely recommend this.

 

Would I purchase this based on the sampe? Without a doubt!

 

 

L'oreal Paris - Anti-fatique Nude Magique BB Cream

 

This was the first ever BB Cream I had used but personally, it wasn't for me. I prefer wearing a proper foundation instead. I just didn't feel like I had enough coverage - maybe if I had flawless skin, I'd love this.

 

Would I purchase this based on the sample? No.

 

 

Balance Me - Moisture-rich Face Cream

 

I like face creams with a thin and creamy consistency but this one was incredibly thick and took much longer than other moisturisers to sink into the skin. Not a bad product as such, but it felt so so heavy on my face!

 

Would I purchase this based on the sample? No.

 

Balance Me - Radiance Face Mask

 

Another Balance Me product, but such a different opinion. I have used this face mask twice and both times, I hae been really impressed with the finished result. Skin felt soft and even after use with a much brighter, radiant complexion.

 

Would I purchase this based on the sample? Yes.

April Favourites

Here are all the products I have been loving this month!

 



 

Models Own 'Pukka Purple' nail polish

 

The Boots '3 for 2, mix & match' promotion got me again! This time I purchased 3 nail polishes for the price of 2 - and this one was my favourite. It is a a very daring, bright neon purple shade. I just instantly fell in love with the vibrant colour and I received lots of compliments too. Not only was the colour very pretty but the nail polish itself was really good quality and lasted a good few days without chipping as well as only requiring two coats.

 

 

Original Source Lemon & Tea Tree Shower Gel

 

I posted about this product in my 'What have I been buying?' post a few weeks ago and it's made it into my April favourites - possibly even all time favourites. I love fruity scents, particularly lemon - the smell, the taste - anything lemon, I love. I've read posts by other bloggers raving about Original Source shower gels so when I saw it, I just had to buy it. Nothing wakes you up like this zesty scent! It reminds me of lemon curd and can be purchased from most supermarkets and is an absolute bargain, usually retailing at just over £1! I refuse to shower without this now.

 

 

Rituals Magic Touch Cherry Blossom & Rice Milk Body Cream

 

I'm really bad at using body creams or body butters - I just don't use them enough because I don't like how most of them leave your skin feeling sticky and weird all day. In fact, the Rituals Body Cream is the only one I genuinely enjoy using. The consistency is thin and whipped rather than thick and bulky, so melts into your skin rather than sitting on top - (perfect!) The cherry blossom scent is incredible too; it's perfect for Spring and smells fresh and floral. Skin feels moisturised and smells amazing all day.

 

 

Glossybox Blusher

 

I received this blusher in the December Glossybox as a sixth item but have only just started to use it. I used to be shy of blushers but now I won't leave the house without wearing it. I love the shade and believe that it would probably look great on most skin tones. The product itself is long lasting and blends incredibly well - just what Id expect from Glossybox. They should make their own make-up range!

 

 

**APRIL GLOSSYBOX FAVOURITE**

 

 

Yves Rocher Vegetal 24h Comfort Nourishing Cream

 

My favourite product from this months Glossybox is the Yves Rocher Nourishing Cream. Im using it as a face cream every morning after cleansing. Skin feels super soft after using and remains this way yes - for 24 hours (as promised). Yves Rocher is such a popular, well-renowned brand so I definitely had high hopes. It gives my face a warm glow and is the best moisturiser I've ever used. I will be buying the full-sized product for sure.