New In: Makeup Freebies + My Free Makeup Collection

Here are my two newest makeup freebies...

I got this Rimmel Volume Accelerator Mascara in a social giveaway. (One of those giveaways where you send a gift to a friend.) It is a good mascara and it does add plenty of volume! I've gotten compliments on my lashes while wearing this mascara. Overall, I've had really positive experiences with Rimmel products. They seem to be very good quality for their price range.

I got this Mary Kay lipstick through a text message giveaway. I was super excited to recieve such a nice full-sized product for free! But when I got a look at this bright orange shade (Citrus Flirt) I was like, "Never mind...don't think this is gonna work!" However, I was really surprised once I gave it a try. I would have never thought I could do the bright orange lip trend, but it turned out to actually be quite pretty and flattering on me. And the formula is perfect: light, yet moisturizing. I've had very limited experience with Mary Kay products in the past, but the couple Mary Kay items that I have tried recently were excellent quality. 

While preparing this post, I noticed that I've amassed a huge free makeup collection over the past year or so! So, I thought I'd show it off.  I got all of these cosmetics for free through contests, giveaways, and couponing

Face

Facial Moisturizers and Fragrance

Mascaras

Lipsticks

Eyeshadows

Eyeliners

Nail Polishes

If you love to discover great new products without the financial risk, it pays to keep your eyes out for giveaways and sales!  

Have you won any beauty swag lately?

Review: L'Oreal Youth Code Pore Vanisher

Hi everyone.  Today I have a quick review of L'oreal's Youth Code Pore Vanisher.  I received a free sample of this product from the company because I have an account at the L'Oreal website.

So first, this is what the L'oreal website has to say about the product:

What is Pore Vanisher™?
Pore Vanisher™ is a fresh, airy cream that instantly minimizes the look of pores and shrinks actual pore size in 1 month.

How does it work?
Pore Vanisher™ works on three dimensions to shrink pores: depth*, number and size. Instantly pores appear virtually vanished and skin feels hydrated. Perlite absorbs excess oil for an all-day, shine free, smooth finish. In one day LHA micro-exfoliates to visibly smooth skin’s surface.In one month pores begin to snap back into shape as our highest concentration of Perline-P strengthens and tightens pore walls to shrink actual pore size. 

When Should I Use It?
Apply as the last step in your skincare regimen, AM and PM. Can be used alone or under makeup.

Recommended Regimen:
STEP 1: CLEANSE L’Oréal Paris Cleanser
STEP 2: TREAT Texture Perfector Serum Concentrate
STEP 3: MOISTURIZE Texture Perfector Day/Night Cream
STEP 4: FINISH Texture Perfector Pore Vanisher™ Cream

Formula Essentials
For all Skin Tones
Universal Tint
Suitable For Sensitive Skin
Non-Comedogenic


Now, what I have to say about Youth Code Pore Vanisher:

I previously sampled L'oreal Revitalift Miracle Blur.  (You can see my review for that here.) And I find this product to be VERY similar to Miracle Blur. L'Oreal Pore Vanisher and Miracle Blur are also similar to many of the other pore-minimizing creams out there, such as Benefit's Pore-fessional.

I used the Pore Vanisher after my usual skincare routine of Missha Chocolate Latte face wash, and Missha Super Aqua toner and lotion. The texture of the Pore Vanisher cream is light and fluffy like a thick mousse.  It is lightly tinted and goes on smooth, creamy, and transparent.  The texture is really smooth and slightly moist.  Because it is a bit moisturizing, Pore Vanisher is more suited for normal to dry skin.  I wouldn't recommend it for anyone with oily skin. 

So, on to the pore vanishing claims... I only used the Pore Vanisher twice, so I can't speak on the long-term pore minimizing claims that they make, but as far as pore coverage, this stuff is awesome!  It reminded me very much of Miracle Blur, as it gave my skin the same soft and diffused look.  It just really smoothed over any imperfections, and it looked almost like my skin had been Photoshopped!  It also worked perfectly as a base for my usual BB cream.  

Overall, I loved this product and would highly recommend it!  I use Benefit's Pore-fessional, and this might sound like blasphemy to the beauty gurus out there...but I would say that L'Oreal's Pore Vanisher and Miracle Blur are actually superior to Pore-fessional!  They go on much smoother, in my opinion, and give a more obvious result.  So, if you have normal to dry skin and are looking for a pore-minimizing cream, L'Oreal's Pore Vanisher is a really great product and a less expensive (and in my opinion, BETTER) alternative to Benefit's very popular Pore-fessional.

So, have you tried any pore-minimizing products?  If so, which did you try, and what did you think?    

***UPDATE: I have been using a full-sized bottle of this product since about July and I still love it.  However, I began to notice this week that the product is separating.  There is a clear liquid that comes out with the makeup and the texture is just not the same.  I feel it still works, so I haven't stopped using it.  I checked it out online, and other women have reported similar experiences in blogs and reviews.  So, while I still think Youth Code Pore Vanisher is a great product, you might want to consider the fact that it does not age well when deciding whether or not to invest in this product.      

***Update #2: I continued to try to use this product for a few days after I noticed it was separating.  However, each day, more and more clear liquid began pouring out when the tube was squeezed. Shaking the bottle made no difference.  The water gushing out was really gross, the makeup's texture was totally different, and the product lost all its effectiveness.  I finally just tossed it.  I was bummed because I had gotten used to using a base with my BB. But since I received this product for free from L'Oreal via Cosmo magazine, it was no big loss. What bothers me is the fact that someone out there paid for Pore Vanisher and had to throw it away!  And this product is not cheap as far as drugstore makeup goes.  I no longer recommend this product! Most internet sources say face products can keep for about a year, so why is this stuff turning to disgusting watery mush after only about 6 months? Furthermore, who's to say if you buy this product it hasn't already turned bad before you even open it? I actually saw numerous reviews where women had that experience.  I had some Benefit Porefessional for about 6 months with no problems.  Moral of the story? You get what you pay for... Don't waste your money on this one. 

Review-Pond's Luminous Finish BB+ Cream (Light)

Hi Everyone, today I have a short review of Pond's Luminous Finish BB+ Cream in the "light" shade.  I requested a free sample of this product through the mail. 


This is what Pond's website had to say about the product:

NEW! POND'S Luminous Finish BB+ Cream Light

Flawless in Seconds, + More Even Tone in 2 Weeks!

POND'S® Luminous Finish BB+ was created with Tone Perfecting Complex. It works by targeting the source of dark spots on skin’s surface – visibly fading them for a difference you can see. It also delivers a special pigment system designed to blend flawlessly into a variety of skin tones and immediately conceal imperfections with natural-looking coverage.
Available in Medium.

Essential Features

• Superior* Coverage of Imperfections
• Superior* Visible Dark Spot Reduction
• Superior* Non-Greasy Feel, with a Matte Finish
• Broad spectrum SPF 15 sun protection
• Non-comedogenic – won’t clog pores
• Dermatologist tested
• Hypoallergenic

Active Ingredients: Octinoxate 7.49%, Zinc Oxide 5.12%

*Light Shade versus Top Selling BB Cream

What I have to say:

I use BB creams every day, but I have only used Korean products up until now.  I once sampled Maybelline's Dream Fresh BB Cream, but I did not like that product at all.  (You can check out that review here.)  Since the Maybelline BB cream was my only experience with American-made BB creams, my expectations for this sample were quite low. 

The sample came in a fairly generous-sized packet.  I don't use a whole lot of product, so, this sample was enough for me to use twice.

What I liked most about this BB cream was the texture.  It comes out thick and creamy, but the cream is light and airy rather than heavy.  The color blended very well with my skin.  I liked that it had a more golden undertone, as most "light" makeup tends to have very pink undertones that don't work too well for me.

Here's a swatch of the cream before blending: 

It went on smooth and creamy.  At first, because it was creamy, I thought it was going have a dewier finish, but it dried to a soft matte finish.  The coverage was fairly light, but similar to other BB creams I have used.  I'd say it was on the heavier side of light coverage, but not quite medium coverage.  While it was matte, true to its name, there was a sort of luminous appearance to my skin.  It gave my face a soft and diffused appearance.  

This Pond's BB was not as heavily perfumed as Korean BB creams.  It did have a scent, but it was light, fresh, unobtrusive, and faded quickly.

Overall, I really liked this product!  I would say this BB is comparable to the Korean BB creams I have tried by brands such as Missha, Nature Republic, and Holika Holika.  It definitely holds it own and I would highly recommend this one! 

I think the creamy texture makes it ideal for those with normal to dry skin.  If your skin is combination you might be able to get away with this, but it will probably be too moisturizing if you have oily skin.  If you are looking for light to medium coverage, this is a great product for you.  If you need heavier coverage, this might work well as a base to combine with other face makeup.  I can't speak on the claims that this product fades dark spots over time, since I only used it twice.  Still, it is a nice little BB cream and the reasonable price makes it definitely worth a try.   

So have you tried this BB cream? If so, I'd love to hear what you thought of it.  What new skin product are you loving these days?  

Review: Olay Fresh Effects Shine Shine Go Away Cleanser

I snagged my sample of Olay Fresh Effects Shine Shine Go away cleanser from an online sample giveaway.  First, I must say, one of the most awesome things about this sample was its generous size.  

This is a picture of my actual Fresh Effects sample from a previous sample haul post.  See how big it is compared to others?

Many skincare samples are single-use, and while that does give you some idea of how a product performs, it is much easier to decide if you like a product after a few uses.  So, kudos to Olay for the ample sample!

What Olay says about Shine Shine Go Away:

Add this cleanser to your morning regimen for a fresh and deep clean:
• Removes 2x more dirt, oil and makeup vs. basic cleansing
• Kaolin clay lifts away impurities and helps minimize shine
• Deep cleansing action for a fresher feel 

What I say:

Well, when I requested this sample, I noticed the Olay facial cleanser part, but failed to notice the "Shine Shine Go Away" part.  My skin is normal, but slightly sensitive.  When I use products that are too moisturizing or too drying my skin gets mad at me.  I was disappointed when I recieved the sample and realized it was a product geared towards oily skin.  Even though I was slightly concerned that it would be too drying, I was still eager to give this product a try.  Olay has a good name in skin care.  I have heard that their anti-aging products often rank up there with high-end skin care lines, and that their clinical research is well-regarded among dermatologists.  Since it was the start of summer, which is a hot and humid time here in Philadelphia, I figured it was the perfect time for a cleanser called "Shine Shine Go Away".

The cleanser comes out of the tube in a thick and silvery cream, very much like my Missha Strawberry Latte Cleanser.  Ever since spending time in Korea, I have fallen in love with Korean skincare products.  Korean facial cleansers produce the thickest and most luxurious foam.  I'm hooked and I've brought back a good supply, so, I am very prejudiced when it comes to facial cleansers from the US.  To my surprise, the Olay cleanser not only looked like my Missha cleanser coming out of the tube, but it also made a comparable thick sudsy lather. The Olay still fell slightly short compared to Korean lather, but it came pretty darn close! Impressive.  The scent was fresh and pleasant.  My skin felt clean and it did not produce the tightness or dryness I worried about.  The sample lasted over a week, so I was able to see how my skin reacted over time.  I was completely satisfied with this face wash.  In the end, I found that the Olay Fresh Effects was probably even gentler on my skin than my beloved Missha Strawberry Latte face wash!  (It didn't smell nearly as good or foam up quite as luciously, though.) 

My verdict is that this is a good little face wash for anyone with normal-oily skin.  Don't be afraid to give it a try.

So what is your current favorite facial cleanser?  What is the most important feature in a cleanser for you?  

Review: L'oreal Revitalift Miracle Blur

I recently tried a single-use sample of L'oreal Miracle Blur, so I thought I'd do a little review.

I actually recieved 2 single-use samples of this product.  I requested one from the company, and the other sample came on a card in Siempre Mujer magazine.  

So, first let me tell you what L'oreal's website has to say about this product:  

What Is Miracle Blur?
It’s NOT a moisturizer, NOT a foundation, MORE than a primer; it’s the first of-its-kind Instant Skin Smoother.

What Does It Do?
Miracle Blur instantly erases the look of lines, wrinkles, and pores. Skin instantly looks and feels smooth, leaving a velvet soft matte finish that lasts all day.

When Should I Use It?
Miracle Blur should be applied daily after moisturizing as the final step in every woman’s skincare routine. Wear alone for a matte finish, or wear under makeup for smoother application and wear.

What I have to say about Miracle Blur:
Although I am always eager to try a new sample, I automatically assumed this was a product that was just not too useful for me.  My makeup routine is pretty no-frills.  I don't use primers or other extras, so just by reading the packaging, I didn't have high expectations.  As I was getting ready to go out on Saturday night, I flipped through some of my skincare samples and decided to give the Miracle Blur a go.  

First, the texture of this product coming out of the package was really unusual.  I expected some sort of cream, but the product was thick, had a light beige-yellow color, and it felt sort of dry and fluffy.  I was like hmmm...

When I smoothed it onto my face I expected it to keep the dry consistency, but it actually spread well.  Alone, it did add a sort of soft glow to my skin.  I applied my Holika Holika BB cream on top, but it was pretty hot and humid, and my skin seemed a little too dewy for my liking.  I patted on a little compact powder to make my face less shiny, and afterwards my skin was nice and matte, not at all shiny.  I'm not sure if the matte texture was due to adding the powder, or if the product became more matte after setting.  When I looked at the end result, there was a noticeable diffused effect, a warm glowy softness about my skin.  I was really impressed-this stuff is legit!   

As I said, I didn't expect much from this product.  I am not one for piling on the makeup and wasting time and money on unnecessary steps, so I did not imagine Miracle Blur finding a place in my routine.  However, I liked the results so much that I would definitely consider buying this one! 

This product adds a soft and sweet glow to your skin, I think it could be good for just about anyone.  I have "normal" skin and I did feel as if this was a little greasy when combined with my BB cream.  If you have skin that is on the oilier side, and you use cream face products such as BB's or foundations, this might add unwanted shine. If you are someone who is trying to cover major skin issues, I don't think this would be all that helpful.  But if you just want your skin to look smoother and prettier, as if it is being hit with good lighting, you might like this as much as I did.  One reviewer on L'oreal's website summed it up really well by saying that Miracle Blur was like "photoshopping your face." 
  

I also noticed that a Benefit Pore-fessional sample that I received but haven't tried yet, seems like it is a similar product.  Now I'm even more excited to try that one out! When I do, I will review it and let you know how these two compare.  

 So, have you tried Miracle Blur or Pore-fessional yet? What did you think? Do you use any other products to soften the look of lines or pores?

Sample Haul

Hi everyone, I haven't done a sample haul post since the winter, but I continue to receive free samples pretty much every day.  So, I thought I'd show off some of the goodies that are out there for the asking.  If you live in the US, and are interested in getting samples, check out some ideas on how to get them from my previous post-->>>HERE  

These are just some of the samples I've gotten by mail lately....

Olay Fresh Effects Cleanser, Restore Sea moisturizer and eye cream, Benefit Pore Professional and BB cream sample. 

HSI hair oil, Elizabeth Arden serum, Smashbox BB Sampler

A box filled with 7 packets each of Clear Scalp therapy shampoo and conditioner.

2 Tide Pods, 2 Downy, Purex detergent, and a Ruffies trashbag.  

I have always wanted to try Amore Pacific products! This is a really nice sample that includes four products from the same line.  Expect a review when I try it.

Sensodyne toothpaste, Crest White Strips, and Breathe Right strips.

Gevalia K-cup sampler

Essie Cuticle Oil, Dove body wash, and Eucerin face lotion.

Dark and Lovely curl gel (for my best friend who has natural curls), Suave Moroccan Oil shampoo and conditioner, and Fructris Triple Nutrition shampoo and conditioner.

Also, I wanted to mention another freebie resource.  Samplestuff.com is a blog that lists samples as they become available.  I "like" them on Facebook, so now I see sample offers in my news feed as they happen.  I catch a lot of offers that way.  Also, don't forget to friend your favorite companies on Facebook and/or Twitter to see when they post samples and giveaways.

So, what cool freebies have you gotten lately?

Review-Holika Holika Aqua Fantasy Cream

Hello everyone! Tonight I have a short review for you:

Holika Holika Aqua Fantasy Cream

The packaging says: 

"Fantastic moisture care with aqua energy of wonderland where those one icebergs and hot spring water."

Ummm....ok.

I got this sample from the Holika Holika store in South Korea last summer.  It is the last step of their 4-step Aqua Fantasy line (the moisturizer step).

Since I only had the cream, I used this sample with my normal face care routine: Missha Strawberry Latte face cleanser and Missha Super Aqua toner.  

Since Holika Holika is a newer company, and they seem to market to a young audience, I did not expect too much from their skin care lines.  I just thought they were all about cute packaging, trendy items, and good marketing.

This is the second skin care product I've tried from Holika Holika, and I must say, I'm pretty impressed by the quality I've seen from them so far!  

I have "normal" skin, not too oily, not too dry.  I use lotion in the winter to combat dryness, and either skip it or use lighter products in the summer.  Pretty much any skincare item with "Aqua" or something else in the name that implies water seems to work really well for my skin type. (For example, I LOVE anything that H2O makes.) This cream was no different...

I really liked it!    

The Aqua Fantasy cream was clearish-white and had a light gel texture.  It was obviously water-based, and not at all creamy or greasy.  It almost felt like a thick toner rather than a cream.  The smell was light and similar to that of other "marine" products.  It quickly absorbed and left my skin silky smooth and firm.  The next morning my skin was still silky with no added shine or oil. 

This is a great product that I would definitely buy.  If your skin can use a little moisture, but you don't like heavy products, this might be just what you are looking for!  I think it would make an especially great product for warmer weather, or more humid, tropical climates.  I could see myself using this in the summer months when my usual moisturizer is a little too much.

Have you ever purchased Holika Holika products?  What did you think?     

Review- Holika Holika Miracle Real Skin Finish

I recently wrote a post about my travel bag that made me realize that I should probably use the samples I've hoarded from my trip to Korea over the summer, before they are no good!  I have quite a stash, because in Korea they almost always give you a bunch of samples anytime you buy something. So, I will review the various samples for you as I try them.

First up is: 

Holika Holika Miracle Real Skin Finish- Normal/Dry Skin

First of all, I wasn't quite sure what exactly this product was for, since the sample packet had no English description.  Thanks to the magic of Google, I found this blurb on Amazon:

"Holika Holika Miracle Real Skin Finish cream is a dynamic, light-weight skin tone correction cream that also provides bright radiance, moisture and SPF protection (SPF 25) to your skin. Think of it as a super light BB cream that works to enhance the look of your natural, bare face."

I used the cream after cleansing and applying my usual Missha Super Aqua Toner.  And since I'm getting to be quite the beauty blogger these days (haha), I even snapped a quick swatch of what the product looks like before blending.  Because I was only using a sample packet, this was a pretty stingy swatch, but you are able to see that on first application, it looks almost like thick pearly lotion. 

The Miracle Real Skin Finish blended easily on my skin, and it dried to a very smooth silky texture.  It felt sort of matte.  I really liked the feel of the product on my skin, that was definitely the most unique thing about it.  It added a smooth, clean, and fresh texture.  This cream is supposed to "brighten" skin, and it did have a slightly lightening effect.  I noticed I looked a bit paler than normal.  My skin, as you can see, is very light to begin with, so I am uncertain how this would look on a darker skin tone.  The cream also added a subtle sheen, almost like a highlighter.  

The directions from Amazon suggested that it was meant to enhance a bare face.  I was on my way out when trying this, and I rarely go out without makeup, so I didn't want to use it alone.  I used it as a base for my Nature Republic BB.  The highlight effect of the Miracle Real Skin Finish continued to be visible with the BB cream.

Overall, I liked this product, but I would be unlikely to buy it for myself.  

I used to be a big fan of shimmering and highlighting face products, until I noticed that the  "shimmer" looked like "grease" in many of my pictures.  It is not something that I'd ever noticed in real life, but either way, these days, I stick with matte face products over shimmery or dewy ones.  That being said, I thought the shimmery brightening effect was pretty and soft.  It looked pretty both alone, and when used as a base.  I think the lightening/brightening effect of this product might be even more flattering on someone with a skin tone slightly darker than mine.  

Also, I would not buy this because I want more coverage than this product offers.  I don't use a primer before my BB cream, so for me, this product falls into the "great quality product, but not-too-useful" category.

I would recommend Holika Holika Miracle Real Skin Finish to those of you who aren't too big on wearing face make-up like powder, foundation, or BBs.  Applying this product is as simple as using face lotion! If you already have clear and attractive skin and tend to go sans makeup, but you want a no-fuss product that adds a little glamour to your look, this is a really great little cream! The ultra smooth texture also makes it a good base, if you regularly use base.

Review-Skinfood Watery Berry

I recently sampled two products from the Skinfood Watery Berry line: The Watery Berry Ampoule and Watery Berry Eye Cream.  I recieved these samples as a free gift when I ordered Tony Moly Lip Tint from an Ebay seller (See the review for that HERE.)  Since my readers tend to like these types of posts, I decided to do a quick review of the products...  

Skinfood is a well-known Korean skin care line but I have never tried anything by them before receiving this sample.

Skinfood Watery Berry Ampoule

is a moisturizer that is supposed to be applied after toner.  I used it at night after showering.  I did not have a Skinfood toner sample, so I used it with my usual Missha Super Aqua Toner.  (You can read about that, and my everyday skin care routine HERE.)  The Skinfood Watery Berry Ampoule is  clear and thin like a serum.  It was light and sunk into my skin quickly.  I like products that are water-based and provide a sheer and non-greasy type of moisture.  Usually any product that has "water" or "aqua" in its name is for me!  This product was definitely the type of light moisturizer that I like best.  Quite honestly, I do not recall anything about the scent of this product.  It definitely did not have a strong smell or anything.  The Watery Berry Ampoule left my skin feeling smooth and not at all greasy, and there was no oily feeling when I woke up in the morning, either. I loved the smooth effect this product gave my skin!  I would definitely buy this, and I would recommend this for anyone with with normal to slightly dry skin.  I'd love to try more Skinfood products.  I will surely be making a stop in the Skinfood store the next time I'm in Seoul!

Watery Berry Eye Cream

I am really concerned about caring for the skin under my eyes.  It is so thin and prone to bagging and dark circles.  That area has bothered me my whole life, but now I am also concerned with preventing lines and wrinkles.  I recently invested in a dermatologist-recommended eye cream (SkinMedica TNS Eye Repair), and I have had really good results with it.  I've noticed that my skin is tighter and less puffy.  So how did the Watery Berry Eye Cream measure up?  Well, it was a cream, but still had a somewhat light texture compared to other eye creams.  It was surprisingly moisturizing for the weight of it.  A little went a long way, too.  The small packet was enough for me, my sister, my mom , and my grand mom to all sample it!  We all raved about the silky texture.  My mom called it "luscious." (Haha.)  It did not absorb as quickly as the SkinMedica cream, though.  My eyes are prone to random puffiness but there was no puffing or bagging the next day.  I would have to try the product for more than one day in order to give an entirely fair review of its effects on puffs and wrinkles, but I was quite pleased with the performance of this product based on this one try.  I think this is a good eye cream, especially if you don't have any serious under eye concerns and are just looking for a little moisture and wrinkle prevention.

Overall, I was impressed with the quality of this line and would highly recommend these two Watery Berry products.

Have you tried these or any Skinfood products? What did you think? I'd love to hear your opinions, so leave a comment below!    

  

Review-L'oreal Mythic Oil Colour Glow Oil

L'Oreal Mythic Oil Colour Glow Oil

I requested a free sample of this product, I don't recall exactly, but I'm pretty sure I snagged this sample from the L'Oreal Facebook page.  The Mythic Oil line is L'Oreal's take on the hair oil trend that's going strong in hair care these days.  

Am I the only person who isn't addicted to Morrocan Oil? 

I swear, it's like they put crack in that stuff! Everyone, including my sister, swears by it.  They even make stylists sign a contract promising they will not resell it for profit when they buy it from the beauty supply store.  Am I crazy? I find that Morrocan Oil makes my fine thin hair really limp and stringy, no matter how little I use.  Despite quite possibly being the only person on Earth who doesn't rave over Morracan Oil, I was still very curious to try Mythic Oil.  I requested the Colour Glow Oil since my hair is color-treated.

The L'Oreal website's claims about Mythic Oil Colour Glow Oil:

- Haircolor is kept luminous and vibrant

- UV filters protect hair from harmful rays

- Distressed hair is left nourished and soft

My Experience:

The scent of this oil is not nearly as nice as Morrocan Oil.  I gotta give it to Morracan Oil---it sure smells great!   When used on wet hair, I found that Mythic Oil has a pretty light and unobtrusive hair product scent.  When I used it on dry hair, the scent was much stronger and lingered.  It smells like a regular hair product scent that is trying to be "exotic."  

The oil itself feels light and very clean for an oil.  Morrocan Oil has that dry feel too, so I wasn't expecting Mythic Oil to be much different in my hair, but it was.  I used a few drops on my wet medium length hair and let it dry naturally, as usual.  The Mythic Oil made my hair feel soft and smooth, yet also somehow added a little body, it almost made my hair sort of puffy, although not frizzy.  It was definitely not stringy or limp.  It felt great, very silky, but the look of my hair was not anything out of the ordinary.  

On another occasion, I tried adding a few drops of Mythic Oil to my dry hair. It made it feel softer and smoother.  I guess it added some shine, but the effect was not that noticeable.  It did not weigh down my hair or make it seem greasy.  I only occasionally blow dry my hair and wear it down, and I have not tried this oil on a day when I've styled my hair like that.  

Overall, I would rate this product as better for my hair type (fine/thin) than Morrocan Oil.  My question is if I really NEED a product like Mythic Oil. For me, the answer is probably not.  It did make my hair feel nice, but truthfully, my hair wasn't that different without it.  Still, if you have fine/thin hair and are looking for a hair oil that doesn't weigh down your hair, this is a good bet.  Also, a little goes a long way.  I might get a couple weeks worth out of this tiny sample bottle!  A full size bottle would be a really good value for the money.

Have you tried this product? What did you think? Are you a big Morrocan Oil fan? (I bet you are! haha) 

Review- Garnier Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel Cream for Dry Skin

Just a quick review...

I requested a free sample of this product from the Garnier Website.  (Garnier seems to give out samples of their products pretty often, so check them out if you are interested.)

This is what Garnier's Website says about the Garnier Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel Cream for Dry Skin:

Locks-in moisture for 24 hours. Blocks-out dryness. Oil-free.

Is it right for me?
Over time, an active lifestyle and environmental factors can damage skin’s natural protective barrier, causing it to lose moisture faster than ever. Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream is right for you if you want long-lasting hydration.

How do I use it?
Gently apply Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream every morning and night to face. This lightweight, oil-free formula instantly penetrates.

What I say:

I really liked this moisturizer! 

As I have mentioned in previous posts, I did not use much in the way of moisturizers until just recently.  I have never tried a gel moisturizer so I was very interested to see how it would be.

My skin is normal, not too oily, not too dry.  When it comes to skincare, I'm like Goldilocks: products meant to control oil make my skin dry, heavy creams make it greasy.  This moisturizer was just right.  I loved the light, non-greasy feel.  After I applied it, my skin still felt clean, yet perfectly moisturized.  It has a fragrance, but I did not find it unappealing or heavy.  I would definitely recommend this product.  Although I tend to buy higher-end when it comes to skincare, I would certainly consider buying this.

  

Sample Stash

My Latest Stash of Samples

Just some of the freebies I received lately....

  

A Scotch Brite cleaning wipe, a four pack of Airborne (which is supposed to help prevent colds), and Cepacol cough drops.  I like the free cold stuff, because who likes spending money to treat a cold?

Folger's Vanilla Biscotti Coffee, and two Quest Protein Bars. I'm excited to try the coffee, sounds yummy!

Tricalm Anti-Itch Cream, Jergens Lotion, and Pantene Shampoo and Conditioner.  I was really surprised  by the travel-size Pantene because I expected a packet.  It is another sample from P&G...they give really nice ones.

4-step skin care routine samples from Dr. Ci:Labo. This sample is pretty cool! I had never heard of this brand, but turns out it is sold mostly in Japan and judging from the prices online it is a fairly high-end brand.  

My sampling habit is really fun... I never know what free little treat will turn up in my mailbox!