Aloha folks! It’s about time for some first impressions and fresh takes on some samples that I’ve been testing this week. I’ve chosen a few skincare minis, some scents, and a few makeup samples. A lot of you may have tried them already but it would be really interesting to know what you think about the following products that I’m about to review.
Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologneย (1 oz $65, 3.4 oz $130)ย – I’d like to think that this is a unisex cologne with a beachy earthy tone. This scent has a salty aquatic vibe to it but only when you don’t spray a lot. It’s refreshing to the senses but it really doesn’t last long. Perhaps it’s only good for about an hour. Spraying more would bring out the strong herb-like scent of sage which can be overpowering.
Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask (1 oz $58) – A mask that promises to deliver instant glow, minimizes the appearance of pores, evens the skin’s texture and with all-natural ingredients. It sounds really promising, however, I can’t seem to love this mask. I’ve tried it several times already but it just didn’t seem to make a difference on my skin. I like the scent though. It smells like beet, clay, lemon, and something herb-like.
Fresh Rose Hydrating Eye Gel Cream (0.5 oz $41) – There’s something really interesting about this eye cream. I didn’t expect it to be so creamy and luxuriously smooth to the touch. Because of that, it really hydrates my eye area and it doesn’t irritate it. While it didn’t really illuminate my dark circles since the desired effect remains to be seen with time, I love how it felt cool and soothing which calmed down some of my puffiness. I’m not crazy about its strong cucumber-rose scent though.
Dior J’adore Eau Lumiere, Eau de Toilette (1.7 oz $94, 3.4 oz $124, 5 oz $155) – The captivatingย scent of Dior J’adore continues with its Eau Lumiere edition. This lighter version is still sexy, alluring, romantic, and fresh. This is one of the most beautiful floral scents I’ve ever tried. I love the perfect blend of Blood Orange, Neroli, and Damask Rose. It smells a bit like a bunch of gardenias with something soapy and musky at the same time. Definitely very dramatically fresh.
Algenist Complete Eye Renewal Balm (0.5 oz $68) – Ask me what my favorite eye cream is and I will tell you that this is one of them. In fact, there arenโt that many eye creams out there that I like, but this Eye Renewal Balm from Algenist is something I’d like to recommend. I have already started using the regular jar and I’m really in love with it. It has alguronic acid, vitamin C, caffeine, aloe, green tea, etc., and the scent has a very light vanilla hint, similar to most Algenist skincare products but a bit more subtle. I love how this moisturizes my dry and sort of puffy undereyes and its hydrating effect lasts for the rest of the day.
Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Long Wear Foundation In Shades; 310 Bisque C, 320 Bisque W, 360 Bisque N (1 oz $47) – Hmmm, I think I found another beautiful foundation. It’s very lightweight and very natural, which reminded me of Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer (reviewed HERE), Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua (reviewed HERE), Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer (HERE) and Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation (also reviewed HERE). The nice thing is that this particular foundation is oil-free, has SPF 15, and with buildable coverage that is long lasting. The regular bottle’s size is not heavy on the pocket too. I also love that there are tons of shades to choose from with this foundation and I adore the satin-matte effect that it gives on the face.
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer (0.31 oz $19, 1 oz $54, 2 oz $75) – Another great primer to have because of its added SPF 15 and it’s oil-free. But somehow, it felt slightly greasy and silky at the same time. Although some have complained that their makeup was sliding off their faces whenever they use this, that hasn’t really occurred to me. I like that this primer makes the skin very smooth with no trace of pilling nor redness. With that, it makes the foundation look even more natural and flawless, and it also makes it last longer. A similar product would be the Nars Pore & Shine Control Primer, but this one has no discerning scent and doesn’t feel as cushiony as the Nars one.
When it comes to choosing which ones are my faves, I’d say, I really like the Algenist Eye Renewal Balm a lot, followed by the scent of Dior J’adore Eau Lumiere, Then I’d like to have a full size of the Lancome Teint Idole Foundation and Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer.
Have you tried any of these before? Which ones do you prefer?
Happy Friyay guys! take care,
X0X0
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