Do you ever feel exasperated rather than pleased when you get free samples? Like, "Ugh, now I have another sample I have to slog through before I can use my real products." Maybe it's just me, but I had a grand plan of finishing all my blush and lipstick samples while my cream products spend the summer in the fridge, and it clearly isn't going to happen. Not by a long shot. I miss applying lipstick from the tube and having sifters on my blushes and I'm sick of the little clamshells cluttering up my life! Such a struggle. I did manage to use up a few, though, in addition to a handful of other products.
Acure - Morrocan Argan Stem Cell + Argan Oil Shampoo & Conditioner: These are such phenomenal products, especially the conditioner. Seemingly everyone in green beauty loves them, and it's easy to see why given that, even though they're intended for normal to dry/damaged/curly hair, they seem to work on a multitude of hair types.
Verdict: When I find a shampoo and conditioner that work, I tend to stick to them. I've been using these pretty consistently for a long time and I've got more of both on the way.
Good Earth Beauty - Honey Oatmeal Scrub Unscented Soap: I got this as a free sample (sigh). The scrubby texture of the soap was quite nice, though I wasn't blown away by the base formula.
Verdict: It's good value for money, but contains honey and goat's milk, so I wouldn't purchase.
Earthpaste - Wintergreen: I continue to return to Earthpaste because it simply can't be beaten in terms of ingredient purity, though I sometimes get tired of the thin and almost watery consistency. Wintergreen is definitely my favorite flavor, though I enjoy the others as well.
Verdict: I'm ready to branch out to other products (and have), but I'm sure I'll be returning to this again.
The Jojoba Company - Pesticide-Free HobaCare 100% Pure Jojoba: I use jojoba oil as part of my makeup-removing oil cleanse (with castor and sesame oils) and also occasionally mix it into my daily SPF to up the moisture factor. I don't have any particular attachment to this brand (though they carry organic as well – it's just more expensive); I buy it because it's available at my Whole Foods.
Verdict: Jojoba is such a great basic to have on hand for simple skincare and DIY's, so I always keep it around.
Blissoma - Restore Deep Healing Oil Serum: This serum contains a host of wonderful oils and extracts. Primarily targeted at mature and dry skin, it's also loaded with ingredients beneficial for sensitive, hormonal, and/or acne-prone skin. It's definitely not a light oil, but that's what I prefer. I feel like it helps keep my skin balanced and calm.
Verdict: I was totally ready to try out a new oil/serum, but I missed this one too much, so I've already repurchased.
Hurraw! - Earl Grey Lip Balm: Hurraw! is a company I feel really good about supporting. Their "About" page details the principles they follow in choosing and sourcing ingredients, and developing and packaging products. Their formula isn't waxy; it's just smooth and comfortable and nourishing. The bergamot scent is yummy and not overly sweet.
Verdict: I've already started on a different scent and have a few more in my stash of backups.
Zuzu Luxe - Brow Pencil in Russet: This is my go-to brow product. Russet works perfectly for my auburn hair, despite the fact that it's meant for dark blondes and brunettes (the color for redheads and dark brunettes, which I occasionally use for an ombre effect, is too dark for all-over use on my brows). The texture is perfect as well: not too creamy and not too waxy. I love that it has a spooly on the end.
Verdict: I'm already working on a new pencil.
Juice Beauty - Lash Defining Mascara: You can read my review here for details, but the short version is that this mascara gives nice length but not enough volume for my taste.
Verdict: Not a bad mascara; just not my cup of tea.
Zosimos Botanicals - Lipsticks in Burgundy & Terracotta Spice: I just posted a collection review of the Zosimos lipsticks I own, so check that out if you please. These two have gone bad, so it's into the bin with them.
Verdict: I'm not planning on purchasing any more Zosimos lipsticks.
Sample of The All Natural Face - Vegan Lipstick in Clear Gloss: This product is a lipstick without the color. Somehow, it's much nicer than a lip balm for putting over a lip liner. It has a lovely finish (not too glossy) and doesn't tend to pick up much color from any product it's applied over.
Verdict: I have a full-size as well as another sample (those accursed free samples again).
Sample of bareMinerals - Marvelous Moxie Lipstick in Be Free: bareMinerals has started leaving a bitter taste in my mouth (figuratively, that is). They've definitely always been prone to a bit of green-washing, but I feel like it's become more extensive and pervasive of late. What really cinched it for me is their cruelty-free situation. bareMinerals themselves do not do any animal testing or work with manufacturers that do. However, they are owned by a company that tests on animals and sells in China (shout-out to Rachel of All Natural Aspirations, whose Animal Testing 101 post made me think about the issue of parent companies for the first time). As for this sample, I know they were going for something cutesy (you're supposed to press your lips against the lip-shaped patch of lipstick to deposit the color – I used my finger), but I found this packaging frustrating and didn't end up using all the product.
Verdict: I wouldn't buy this particular product because I'm not a fan of the ingredients, and I also don't plan to buy from bareMinerals anymore.
Sample of Vapour Organic Beauty - Siren Lipstick in Chère: Vapour's lipsticks are so nice, and this color, described as a soft mauve nude, is just about perfect. However ...
Verdict: Sadly, they are not vegan. Farewell, friend.
No comments:
Post a Comment