This week, I used up a bajillion samples and I’m honestly really proud of that. I think I’ve gotten a bit obsessed with finishing things up and sorting out my stash, which I’m going to take as a good thing (if not a little bit OCD). I get such satisfaction out of doing this! Does anyone else feel me on this? Please let me know, so I know I’m not alone… ^_^
But for now, let’s get on with the show!
Etude House Sweet Recipe Baby Choux Base in #1 Mint Choux
This was something I was curious about, and I wasn’t quite sure what it was for. Basically, this is a mint green base to put under your makeup, in order to cancel out redness. Being a typical Korean product, it was also very light in colour, so perhaps not the best for all skin types. However, it did neutralise my redness (I get flushed very easily, especially in this Malaysian heat!) and I think it made my makeup sit nicer on top of it. It also is very lightweight, and has a sweet fragrance to boot. Cute and successful! ^^
I received this sample from W2Beauty when I ordered a couple of things a little while ago (vague much?!). I’m curious about Lioele, because I don’t hear that much about it and it’s intrigued me. I’m loving their toner (post coming soon!) and this balm was also great. I’m not really into the whole “pore balm” craze, as I feel these can be too silicone-y on the skin and I just can’t deal with that in this humidity. However, while this one did have a bit of that to it, it also made my skin feel so soft. It’s like it smooths everything out so that your makeup is ready to go on top of it.
For anyone with oilier skin, this might not be great for you, but if you want something to even out your pores and make everything seem a bit airbrushed, this is your guy.
Chica Y Chico Beta-Salic 2.0 Night Miracle Cream
I’m really enjoying this brand! I’d never heard of it, until Wishtrend included a couple of samples in one of my parcels. I’m also a bit of a newbie to chemical exfoliants, which this one is. Basically, instead of using physical, granular, rough substances on your face, chemicals gently work to get rid of old skin and leave your face fresh as a baby’s. I was a bit wary about trying this as I thought it would burn my face or something, but… it didn’t! It actually is gentle and I think it left my skin looking brighter. More use is required to really judge this, but I like what I’ve seen!
Caolin Mucin’s Cream Water
This is a brand I know nothing about, except that I was handed some samples when I was on Garuso-gil in Seoul one day. In fact, I was there with Gav, and he gave me his, so I have four now! I actually really liked this, as I do most Korean cosmetics it seems, because it was a really nourishing, gentle cream. Basically anything with snail mucin in, I will like — and this one is no exception. Also, it smells a bit lemony, which is just another plus.
Caolin White Shine By Cream Water
This is an illuminating cream which, in typical Korean style, will leave your face with a glowy, luminescent sheen. These sachets actually have “ratings” on the front, out of give bars, for factors such as “moisturising”, “nourishing”, “smoothing”, etc. This one in particular is deemed high on the nourishing and illuminating fronts, as well as smoothing and calming… and I would agree with that. I want to find out where I can buy these, does anyone know? Let me know!
L’Occitane Almond Milk Concentrate
Angels singing Ahhhhhh… this stuff truly is sent from the gods. It’s a juicy, jelly-y, moisturising “concentrate” which will leave you smelling like an almond croissant. For real. I love this stuff, and I feel like it’s only a matter of time before I tip over the edge and buy myself a whole full sized tub. Such a luxury, and such an amazing product. It’s super moisturising and creamy without being too heavy, and it just makes you feel amazing. Enough said!
L’Occitane Angelica Exfoliating Gel
Now this one… I didn’t love so much. I received these samples a while ago, and I thought they would be amazing… but this one wasn’t quite like that. It’s got quite a herbal smell, and it’s green, and the consistency is a bit weird. It is quite a gentle scrub, which is good, but I just didn’t enjoy using it. Not recommended, sorry L’Occitane!
I received this in a Memebox way back when, and it took me a while to use up. Although these samples as perfect for travelling, I’m sick of having so many itty bitty things lying around, which is why I’m attacking them with all my might. This one has, too, felt my wrath and it is now officially empty. Yas! As for the actual product, I feel like I will never find that magic potion that makes my hair silky smooth and non-frizzy… but this one did a good job. It is a light, clear consistency and it did nourish my ends a lot more than usual, without weighing the rest of my hair down. I wouldn’t say it was amazing (which is what I was expecting from Kerastase), but… I ain’t complainin’.
L’Oreal Youth Code Pre-Essence
Um, what is a pre-essence? Does anyone know? I’ve never heard of this before, but to be honest this product is pretty much an essence. A watery, light essence. I still used a toner before this, because I’m all about toners, but this just provided another layer of moisture. It left my skin feeling primed for more lotions and potions, and it also smelt amazing. I don’t think it necessarily was the code to my youth or whatever, but y’know, it did aiight.
Aromatica Natural Tinted Sun Cream
— Previously reviewed here
Chica Y Chico Tota-S.3 Powerful Soothing Cream
— Previously reviewed here
And that’s a wrap y’all! I hope you enjoyed my rundown of this abundance of samples — I work hard! Let me know what you’ve been enjoying/using up this week, I really love reading about Korean cosmetics lol.
Until next time,
Steph x