Hello lovelies 🙂
Welcome to the first instalment of Sample Sundays! This is a weekly series I am really excited to start, partly to have a regular column-like series on Misc. Bliss, and partly (mainly) so that I start using and finishing all of the samples I have received from Korean beauty stores. Although it varies between shop and sales assistant, overall Korean cosmetics stores are very generous with samples, which I secretly find quite thrilling. I may or may not have been known to buy certain products JUST so I can get samples. Yes, it’s out of control, in an amazing way and now you will all benefit from this addiction of mine!
So, the first sample product under my intense scrutiny is actually two: Skinfood‘s Black Pomegranate Toner & Black Pomegranate Emulsion 🙂
Firstly, let me just say that I love pomegranates and anything pomegranate-scented. Secondly, I have a confession to make: my whole life I grew up with a pomegranate tree in my backyard… and I never tried them until a few years ago. Honestly, my parents still don’t, and it is sort heartbreaking to think of that waste when I now know how delicious they are. Don’t get me wrong, the possums love them and come for them every night when the trees are fruiting, but sometimes there are some amazingly ripe pomegranates just waiting to be picked, and I am happy to say that I have since enjoyed my fair share 🙂
So, basically, I love pomegranates!
That’s a good thing when it comes to this product, because it smells a LOT like pomegranate. In a good way, in my opinion. That was my first impressed upon opening both of these products, which come combined in a cute little gift box. I received this set with one of my numerous haul purchases at Skinfood, with a particularly nice sales assistant. I was really excited about it but have been waiting to use it… for no reason, really. I’ve just saved it and placed it on a pedestal to have as a treat ‘one day’ because that seemed like the thing to do. I sort of see Skinfood as a slightly ‘fancy’ mid-range skincare brand here, partly because they NEVER have sales and so it retains some semblance of exclusivity. That said, I love Nature Republic’s constant sales and ain’t nobody gonna tell me any different!
So, how are the products? Well, the toner was too runny for me to catch on film but here is a swatch of the emulsion on my wrist:
Although there is no information or instructions on the sample packaging, I get the feeling that these products are for quite dry skin. The reason I say this is because they both seemed super moisturising. The toner actually seemed a little sticky o application, but it settled down into my skin.
The emulsion was a nice consistency and blended onto my face easily. Again, the scent is amazing and is almost worth buying the product for alone. However, as I said, Skinfood is one of the ‘pricier’ mid-low range brands, and these products will set you back 19,000won each. I know that’s not actually that much in the scheme of things, but in Korea, trust me, it’s a lot!
Overall, I felt that this combination of products was very moisturising and also brightening. I felt really fresh after using them and would be keen to keep trying them, at least long enough to finish the few sets of samples that I have (yes, of these same products… mama mia I’m outta control!). I’m intrigued by this range, firstly because of my love for all things pomegranate but also it’s been selling really well in Skinfood. It seems perfect for this dry winter, so I am going to keep on using it and then consider buying it in the future (after I have used up at least some of what I already have… eep!).
And that’s it for today folks, I hope you enjoyed this first Sample Sunday! I will be back next week, with another Skinfood product (by request): Skinfood’s Black Sugar Perfect First Serum! I actually meant to review that one first but it’s coming next week, and I am really excited because their Black Sugar line is their most popular and I have heard a lot of good things about it. So stay tuned for that!
Thanks for reading, see y’all tomorrow 🙂
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Steph x
Yay for Sample Sundays! Also, I am so jealous of your family pomegranate tree. In my yard we have feral cats and garbage. 😛
Hehe, dw I went years without eating a single pomegranate so I’m sort of jealous of it too! Lol, thanks for your comment, you’ve inspired me to (finally) start using these samples o’ mine! 🙂
I just got this sample set last week! I think I’ll try it today 🙂 And I’m excited you’re trying the black sugar next… I think you’ll be pleased. And if you’re not… well… sorry 🙁
I wish WordPress had a *like* button, à la Facebook. Because what Rebecca just said made me giggle… in my “yard” there are also feral cats, garbage, AND piles of vomit*. (*not my vomit, the vomit from hungover adjosshis residing in my neighbourhood… wanted to make that clear)
I’m really excited about it too! ^^ I have been wanting to try it for ages but wanted to use up some stuff first, then I just kept buying more… and so it goes. But I think it will be a positive review 🙂 And oh no re: the ajosshis! I feel bad for the stray cats around here, but no so much for the old drunk men, lol. I hope they stop doing that soon but they probably won’t! Thanks for your comment as always 🙂 x
Im planning to get this one too, great review! 😉
Yes it just smells so yummy! I was so excited to use this and still ‘ahhhh’ at the smell every time hehe. Let me know how it goes, and thanks for your comment!