This week, I’m again featuring some samples that’s been sitting on my desk waiting to be tried. Been curious about these minis but I didn’t have the time to test them, until recently. Some of these are the ones I’ve always wanted to buy but for some reason, they kind of had given me some mixed feelings. So, let’s check out these samples once and for all and see which of them are worth having.
Lancome Click & Glow Highlighting Skin Fluid ($23) – I really love how subtle these highlighters are. I thought they’d be just like any other highlighters out there, and I also thought that they won’t really show on my face, but actually, they do. Their effect is so natural and yet very buildable. I really like that they give such a nice healthy glow without looking too dewy.
Marc Jacobs Shameless Youthful-Look 24H Foundation SPF 25 (1.08 oz: $46) – I had high hopes for this foundation, but on my skin, it just looks horrible. It feels really drying and it emphasizes my pores. No matter how I moisturize my skin prior to applying this foundation or even after applying its Under(cover) Coconut Primer, this stuff just looks cakey and weird on me.
Stila Stay All Day Foundation + Concealer ($40) – I’m so surprised to have fallen in love with this. I really like the way this is formulated, kinda like a foundation/concealer hybrid that really covers blemishes, dark spots, dark circles, and any other imperfection on the skin. This doesn’t cake and this lasts a long time. I definitely need this foundation in its full size.
Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer (0.22 oz: $30) – Always a favorite and one of the best concealers out there. This blends well into the skin because of its nice smooth creamy consistency that doesn’t cake or move around even when you sweat. Custard is my shade.
Sephora Collection Lipstick – These lipsticks have different finishes and I think they’re all good. I love their formulation and they’re really pigmented. Some of the colors may no longer be available now, but I do believe that Sephora got these lipsticks right especially in terms of lasting power, texture, and scent. My favorites are Rebel Chic and Enchanting Blush.
- Rouge Creme (0.14 oz: $13) in R49 Belly-dancing (Cream)
- Rouge Brillance (0.13 oz: $7) 14 Love Spell (Shine)
- Rouge Baume (sold out) Enchanting Blush (Balm)
- Rouge Mat (0.10 oz: $13) M11 Rebel Chic (Matte)
Urban Decay Meltdown Makeup Remover Dissolving Spray (mini/1 oz: $12, 3.38 oz: $26) – I like the concept of this spray-on makeup remover, however, it is kinda messy to apply, and it does feel oily or it has a silicon feel to it even though it says it doesn’t. It does remove the makeup well, including the eye makeup but it kinda left my face feeling oily. So, I think I’ll just stick to my favorite makeup remover for now.
Dr. Brandt Needles No More 3-D LIP PLUMPFIX ($39) – This lip cream has two formulas – one for AM and one for PM. The AM one has a nice fruity lemon scent that gives a tingling sensation on the lips, thus making it look and feel plump. While the PM one just feels creamy (like a lotion) and did nothing to my lips. I don’t find these to be extremely moisturizing, so I think it’s better to stick to my favorite lip balms, as those will probably do a much better job than these 2-in-1 lip creme/conditioner.
Giorgio Armani Neo Nude Ecstasy Balm (0.10 oz: $34) – This untinted lip balm has a fruity scent and it feels lightweight on the lips, however, it’s not really moisturizing. I expected a lot from this balm, especially because I love Armani Beauty, but I think I won’t be changing my favorite lip balms any moment soon.
Patchology FlashPatch Night Restoring Eye Gels (5 ct: $20, 30 ct: $60) – These are so fun to use and I love the earthy scent. The patches are soft, gel-like, and are super-drenched which really moisturize the undereye. Not sure if they melt afterward or not, but mine did disappear overnight. I’m pretty sure they weren’t on my pillowcase either.
Pinrose Pillowtalk Poet Eau de Parfum (1.7 oz: $65) – I like the light powdery musky scent of this towelette sample, but the scent is a bit too light and it does disappear within a few minutes of wear on me.
Cartier L’Envol de Cartier Eau de Parfum (1.6 oz: $90.00 – 2.7 oz: $115.00) – This masculine scent comes off as way too strong and kind of overpowering at first, especially because of its intense musk and alcohol scent. However, its dry down is really romantic and overall irresistible and seductive.
First Aid Beauty Coconut Water Cream (1.7 oz: $34) – This is such a nice lightweight moisturizer that is perfect for any skin type, especially for those with sensitive skin. This moisturizes well and it has a nice mild scent to it.
Erborian CC Crรจme High Definition Radiance Skin Perfector in Clair (1.5 oz: $44) – I really like this two-tone CC cream which goes on white at first, then it transforms into some kind of a creamy beige shade that surprisingly blurs the pores very well. It makes the skin look really even, smooth, and young-looking. I feel like I could use this on good skin days (doesn’t cover the dark spots completely) and just set it with a very good setting powder as an everyday foundation.
Korres Greek Yoghurt Smoothie Priming Moisturiser (1.01 oz: $42) – This smells just like its Yoghurt Cream Cleanser which I love, reviewed HERE. It does seem to be doing a good job as a moisturizer/primer hybrid because it holds my foundation well and it also moisturizes my skin, not to mention, saving you the time of applying a separate primer on your face.
Sisley Paris Double Tenseur Moisturizing Gel (1 oz: $192) – Dubbed as the Rolls Royce of all face primers, I could tell there’s a lot to love about this product. This feels light and gel-like, almost like a lightweight cream/gel moisturizer, and it preps/smooths the skin well for just about any type of foundation. It isn’t super sticky but it holds the makeup nicely for the whole day, preventing any cakeyness. The result is a glowy fresh face. The only caveat really for this is the price.
Have you tried any of these items before?