Sample Round-Up! GlamGlow, Fresh, Laura Mercier, Dr Brandt, and Clinique!

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Full size: $15 for 1.7oz
Sample value: $1.15 for 0.13oz
This cleanser was pleasant to use and completely removed all of my makeup and felt extremely gentle on the skin. I did not care for the smell which was rather herbal, and I do prefer my FAB cleanser. I would get another sample of this in the future for travel purposes, though.

GlamGlow Thisty Mud Hydrating Mask
Full size: $69 for 1.7oz
Sample value: $9.74 for 0.24oz tube
GlamGlow is such an expensive brand so I feel extra bourgeois when I get to try this stuff out. This yellowish mask is a medium thickness and feels pretty nice on the skin.  I put it on and night and let it sit there for however long I'd like (it gives no indication of time on the tube and says you can wash it off or just leave it) before either falling asleep or wiping my face with a cool towel. I do feel my skin feels hydrated after using this mask, but I must say, nearly $70 for a facial treatment is STEEP so I might try other face masks before splurging on this one.

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer
Full size: $36 for 1.75oz
Sample value: $1.43 for 0.07oz
I loved using this foundation primer. I felt it made my makeup apply smoothly and it hydrated my skin with out leaving an oil slick feeling as other primers do. I thought this was similar to the MUFE primer I loved so much and would definitely want to try this stuff out again or get it in full size.

Dr Brandt Needles No More
Full size: $95 for 1.7oz
Sample value: $4.75 for .085
Fortunately for me, I do not have wrinkles yet on my 24 year old skin. I love products like these to use as a preventative treatment and I put it on the outside corners of my eyes and between my brows. I don't see a visible different after applying, but it feels nice to know I might be doing my skin some good. In the very least I'm giving it some hydration!

Clinique Almost Lipstick in 'Black Honey'
Full size: $17 for 0.07oz
Sample value: $8.50 for half size (no indication of quantity on the tube!)
Look out folks, we've got a cult favorite over here! The Clinique almost lipstick is pretty great because it is a sheer formula that gives you a 'just bitten' wash of color that is easily buildable if you want a deeper pout.  On me, this goes on my lips as a light berry wash and feels really moisturizing. It does not last long, however, only wearing for about 2 hours before needing reapplication.

Total sample value: $25.57

I liked all the samples I tried this week though the real winner was the Laura Mercier Foundation Primer. I loved that stuff!

Try out your free samples! You never know what gems you might find!

xxSJ

Sample Round-Up! Clinique, Dr Brandt, Dry Bar, Urban Decay, and Cane + Austin!

Dry Bar Sake Bomb Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner
Price for full size: $9 for 1.7 oz
Sample Value: $2.43 for 0.46 oz foil packet
This foil packet was enough for one full use of the shampoo and conditioner. I loved this stuff A LOT! It smelled very rich and earthy, almost peppery, and reminded me of a hair salon. It left my hair feeling refreshed, full, and clean. The smell stayed on my hair for 2 full days. I would splurge on this if I felt like getting really nice shampoo or conditioner.

Cane+Austin Miracle Pad +
Price for full size: $88 for 60 pads
Sample Value: $1.47 for 1 pad
This wipe claims to be a facial treatment to even skin tone, reduce fine lines, wrinkles, pores, and age spots. It really just felt like I was wiping a cool wipe on my skin with out any of the 'tingling' the product claims may happen. The wipe also had a bit of a sour, offputting smell. I'm not interested in trying this product further.

Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray
Price for full size: $14 for 1 oz
Sample Value: $7 for 0.5 oz spray bottle
I don't really believe in Setting Sprays as of yet....this product claims to make your makeup last all day without breaking down or looking cakey. Maybe I don't have an issue with my makeup wearing away which is why I don't see a difference when using a setting spray, but I really don't see any sort of effect when using this product.

Clinique Pep-Start Eye Cream
Price for full size: $26.50 for 0.5 oz
Sample Value: $5.30 for .1 oz tube
This eye cream was pretty hyped up during its recent release and I have to say... I don't really like it all that much. I apply it to under my eye in the morning and don't feel much of a difference after I do. It also leaves my undereye skin feeling slightly tacky which I don't like so much. I'm passing on this product in the future.

Dr. Brandt Pump Up the Volume 3-D Filler Mask
Price for full size: $95 for 1.7 oz
Sample Value: $0.56 for 0.1 oz foil packet
This mask I feel was more of a moisturizer. It was a thick cream that I slathered all over my screen (enough in the packet for 2 treatments!) and it felt immediately rejuvenating and hydrating to my parched skin.  This mask soaks into your skin and leaves it feeling ultra soft. I would definitely want to try this mask out again but I don't think I'm going to be splurging on a full size product any time soon.

Total sample value this week: $16.46

I enjoyed the variety of samples I tried out this week! The hits were the Dry Bar shampoo and conditioner and the Dr Brandt face mask. I definitely will keep my eyes peeled for future opportunities to try these products out.

xxSJ