Free Samples in 2020 – Which Ones I’ll Be Purchasing!
JulietH21
Being a beauty-obsessed shopper in 2020 is hard.
But free samples make it easier!
With brands adding in more samples of their products than ever, shoppers can try snippets before purchasing the entire product. This psychologically-brilliant tactic is working for beauty brands, landing them more sales than ever.
I think the reason free samples work so well is because:
· Try before you buy, (the obvious)
· Shoppers can purchase the full-size with confidence, resulting in fewer returns for the company
· The risk-averse shoppers feel taken care of
· Something about a gift triggers the human response of reciprocity (wanting to do something for them, like purchase more, once they have given you a gift)
It’s truly a win-win.
For context - My skin is oily, acne-prone, and also fighting anti-aging. A glorious trio.
Here are some of my recent freebies from 2020 so far (going from left to right):
·The Curology Cleanser -
o Very gentle
o Lightweight
o Made for all skin-types
o Produced by leading dermatologists
o You can purchase with a $40 bottle of customized formula for your skin-concerns, $40 covering a 2-month supply. The cleanser and moisturizer are the same for everyone, very gentle and neutral.
Curology - The Cleanser
Acne-prone skin
Oily and acne-prone skincare routine
Face oils for dry skin
Oily skin
SUNDAY RILEY Face Oil
SUNDAY RILEY
Face Wash
Face Oil
Face Mask
Jun. 22
Product Mentioned
EIGHT SAINTS MORNING ROUTINE 🦋
EIGHT SAINTS - Bright Side This would not be a product I opt for in the future, just due to personal preference. If you are looking for an extremely gentle cleanser this just may be your HOLY GRAIL. For me it worked well enough and that is really it
EIGHT SAINTS - Zen Out Of Ten After using the bright side cleanser as mentioned earlier I was happy to follow up with this. My skin felt very clean after, but this is not a daily use product as it is a mechanical exfoliator. This product exfoliates nicely leaving you with a glow after just one use.
EIGHT SAINTS - Pep Rally Gel Radiance Serum I did feel hydrated after application, and liked the results. The only draw back ( which is definitely personal) It took longer than I would have wished for it to absorb in.
EIGHT SAINTS - Seeking C I loved the way this absorbed right into my skin, and did not leave me feeling dry like some vitamin c products have in the past
EIGHT SAINTS - Soulmate This brightening treatment smooths evenly over your skin, and works nicely as a primer under makeup. I do live products that have multi use and that is definitely influencing my decision on a five star rating over four
EIGHT SAINTS - Day Dreamer “hydration hero” is how eight saint describes this product and I do have to agree. This delivered nice moisture through out the day and at no point on this humid hot summer day did it make my skin feel oily or suffocated.
As I stated in my previous post this is also the recommended steps from Eight Saints for day time use. I have noticed my skin and complexion look smoother and brighter. As a whole I enjoyed these products more than the night time routine. I plan on following both Eight Saints regiments for the next few weeks to really give these products a chance. I look forward to giving you guys an update down the line 💕
RachelBrunette
My face smells like a candy shop — sticky
Wow am I deeply disappointed in this cheap sampler kit! I recently got into skincare, and like most things new to me I did a ton of research but needed to go out and try something to see the knowledge put into action. A social media ad recommended this Discovery Kit and I was hype: 10 dollars for a high-end (in price anyway) skincare routine. Clean, vegan, and aesthetic. Nice!
For starters, I knew that I was going to have a tale to tell when the sample sizes were significantly smaller than the picture. Yes, they photoshopped the kit to look larger. Hey — not a big deal, they said each sample was less than an ounce so who’s complaining? Not me! Sadly this was the first of many wools pulled over my proverbial eyes.
Okay, let’s get serious: this whole brand is way overpriced and not that impressive. My skin didn’t look or feel better after a couple of weeks, not nearly enough for me to want to buy into their $600 (yes that much) routine. I couldn’t even find a single product I liked enough to use the included coupon for. I’m not going to this brand again. It’s the epitome of branding and buzz words slapped onto a lousy product.
Not only that, but most of their overpriced products overlap in ingredients and even have ingredients that aren’t usually recommended together in the same product. Their name comes from the idea that only 8 skincare ingredients are effective, but using combos of those 8 makes it look like they ran out of ideas. The overlap in all of their products makes it seem like I’m getting bamboozled into layering the same thing over and over. Like a child who has to paint a rainbow with two colors. Apparently my skin also was confused because these products did nothing to my skin and even felt icky when I used them. I tried taking products slowly out of the routine to find holy grails but everything made me feel gross in some way. I’ll admit I discarded the worst offenders before using them all the way up, they just bothered me that badly.
Steer clear of this overpriced, ineffective, and downright icky skincare.
barbarella
Morning & Night Skincare Routine
Just wanted to share my day and night skincare routines that I’ve perfected over time to keep my skin clear and smooth. I have combination to oily skin, and hormonal acne due to PCOS. I used to over scrub my skin to the point of causing even more breakouts and redness. Over the years I’ve learned that exfoliating and hydration is key to keep my skin happy and zit free.
Morning:
EMINENCE - Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser Perfect cleanser for my skin. Helps keep it clear and is gentle.
HERBIVORE - Jasmine Green Tea Oil Control Toner Soothing and helps balance my skin. Not over drying. 4 stars only because of the smell. It’s a little strong, but I don’t hate it.
The Ordinary - Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% LOVE this serum! Helps keep my face clear! Noticed a major difference two weeks after I started using it. It’s an essential part of my routine 😊😊
HERBIVORE - Phoenix Rosehip Anti-Aging Face Oil for Dry Skin Perfect to help keep my face hydrated but doesn’t clog my pores. I’m so glad to have found this oil because regular moisturizer has never worked for me. My skin absorbs it quickly and I never feel oily. A few drops go a long way. Works well under my makeup. It’s pricy but well worth it.
TONYMOLY - Panda's Dream Brightening Eye Base I love this stuff. Really does reduce bags and dark circles and stays put under makeup.
** taking suggestions for a non-pore clogging SPF.
Night:
CLINIQUE - Take The Day Off Cleansing Oil This works so well to remove makeup and clear my pores. This one doesn’t break me out like the others I’ve tried.
EMINENCE - Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser
The Ordinary - Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution I LOVE this toner. Helps keep my skin free from overnight breakouts.
HERBIVORE - Prism 20% AHA + 5% BHA Exfoliating Glow Facial I love how this really does make my skin glow. Superb exfoliation and does not irritate my skin.
HERBIVORE - Phoenix Rosehip Anti-Aging Face Oil for Dry Skin
TONYMOLY - Panda's Dream Brightening Eye Base
TATCHA - The Kissu Lip Mask I love this! My lips are so smooth in the mornings. A little goes a long way so even though it’s pricey, it lasts a long time. I use it 2-3 times a week.
I also use a couple of face masks but I’ll make a separate post for that. 😊
Anyway that’s what works for me!
KarynKaryn
You need to treat yourself to facial massage💆🏼
This brand of products is so aesthetically pleasing, and this product is no exception! I use this oil in the morning to do my gua sha facial massage. It is not too oily and really leaves my face feeling moisturized, while providing the perfect amount of lubrication for my stones. It is also a very pretty color! I will definitely be repurchasing this as my staple face oil once I run out of this trial size!
charlotteclaire97
Month 1 Curology & Differin- The Purge Is Real
I’ve always had acne, but at 21 I started getting hormonal acne on my cheeks, chin and jaw- super painful and red! I am currently experiencing a lot of purging after a month exactly on Curology & Differin due to doctor and friend recommendation. I also got my hormonal IUD (Kyleena) out on Friday (10/09?) and I feel like my acne has been hormonally linked more than anything. I started taking Sprintec hormonal BC so we’ll see how it goes. My first derm appointment is Nov 1st- not soon enough!
I wasn’t exactly informed til about two weeks in that my skin would be worse, which was pretty shitty, but it is what it is. I’m at about week 5 1/2 and have found some products work better or worse for me. I have very sensitive skin- parts of my body are prone to eczema but my face is combo (oily/dry) and prone to acne (hormonal mostly).
My routine:
AM- Curology cleanser
Curology moisturizer (it’s very light/gel) but more often now I use the TO moisturizer lately (for dry/sensitive skin)
I use Micellar cleansing water with cotton pads during the day if I sweat or wear my mask 😷 then apply moisturizer again if my skin barrier looks dry- it usually does nowadays..
PM- Double cleanse with Curology cleanser or Alba SA Cleanser (gently exfoliates) when I need to exfoliate
Curology moisturizer or TO moisturizer (usually TO)
Curology formula every other night / Differin every other night (I never use together even though at first I was🤧)- I might decrease the use of these but idk what to do
Curology moisturizer or TO moisturizer (sway toward this)
Please give me tips or reassurance that I’m doing okay!
Best of luck to any girlies or others💜 struggling with maskcne, cystic acne and hormonal acne.... I feel ya! 💘
lilmilk
Curology update pt.4
Hey babes! I’ve been waiting to do my last and final review on Curology to gather my opinions on it after using it for nearly a month! As previously stated in other posts: I have been contemplating on whether or not I will continue using Curology to target my skin concerns.
I have finally decided *drum roll* I will not be continuing to use Curology products that have been included in my free trial. After weighing out the pros and cons, I really just feel like it’s pointless for me to keep using only their products.
Curology - The Cleanser the cleanser is the best part for me! I love the milky like texture, and how smooth my face feels after. I’m glad that I still have more than enough left over whenever I want to use it or switch up my products.
Curology - Curology formula i rate the formula at a 3, because although it did help my acne based on my forehead, I feel I could’ve just got products from the Ordinary that would’ve done the same thing.
Curology - The Moisturizer my least favorite item out of the package. I wish they put more in, but it’s understandable why I ran out so fast. I like to moisturize and feel the moisturizer on my skin (if that makes sense), and this product just didn’t do it for me.
In my personal opinion, I think this brand would be great for people with more acne prone skin (since this brand is mainly for that). As far as my skin, I do have my occasional breakouts and Curology did help target my fungal acne that I started to get more of on my forehead, so I am grateful for that! I just think I could find/use my products that will not only help the fungal acne, but also target some of my other skin concerns (I.e hyperpigmentation, blackheads on top of nose). Overall, I’m glad I did experience what the hype was about, but I won’t be returning lol.
If anyone has any tips for my skin concerns that I have mentioned, please let me know. I’m listening 👂🏽☺️
SolefulSkin
TWO WEEK DIFFERENCE!
I’m thrilled to share my Before & After of just TWO WEEKS of progress after switching to an almost all Sunday Riley routine (and face masking 5-6 times a week!). I took these in the same room with the same lighting, no products or makeup on my face. I thought maybe one was in the morning and one at night, but just checked the time stamps and they were within 5 minutes of each other!
AM:
1)SUNDAY RILEY - Ceramic Slip Cleanser
2)SUNDAY RILEY - Pink Drink Firming Resurfacing Essence
3)SUNDAY RILEY - U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil
4)SUNDAY RILEY - CEO 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
5)SUNDAY RILEY - Auto Correct Brightening and Depuffing Eye Contour Cream
6) SPF (SR supposed to be dropping one next spring, but I will share another post about my current favorite SPFs soon!)
PM:
1)SUNDAY RILEY - Blue Moon Clean Rinse Cleansing Balm (usually leave on for 20-30mins)
2)SUNDAY RILEY - Ceramic Slip Cleanser
3)SUNDAY RILEY - Pink Drink Firming Resurfacing Essence
4)SUNDAY RILEY - A+ High-Dose Retinol Serum
5)SUNDAY RILEY - Luna Sleeping Night Oil
6)SUNDAY RILEY - Good Genes All in One Lactic Acid Treatment
7)GLOW RECIPE - Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Sleeping Mask
8)SUNDAY RILEY - Saturn Sulfur Spot Treatment Mask(if needed)
9)PETER THOMAS ROTH - Un-Wrinkle Night
10)SUNDAY RILEY - Juno Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil (if needed for extra hydration)
reeeebekah
SUNDAY RILEY - U.F.O (FIRST IMPRESSION)
Okay so - I got the SUNDAY RILEY - U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil in my Mecca Level 3 Beauty Loop Box to try and after using it up I am pretty impressed ☺️
This is a dry facial oil with 1.5% salicylic acid that is meant to be gently exfoliating, clear congested pores and help blemish prone skin - preventing breakouts and blackheads, leaving your skin brighter and smoother. It is also meant to reduce post-acne redness.
The key active ingredients are:
🌸 1.5% Salicylic Acid - good for acne
🌸 Tea tree - hyperpigmentation, dullness
🌸 Black Cumin Seed Oil - improves radiance
🌸 Liquorice - Targets inflammation
So here’s the deal. My skin is normal - dry. I used to have bad acne as a teenager but my skin is luckily, pretty clear now. I rarely get pimples. However, my skin has been kicking up a bit of fuss lately. With the stress of covid, uni, work... eating more junk food... less sun... more masks (you get the picture), not only have pimples been popping up more frequently, but they haven’t been healing and disappearing as quickly as usual. It’s been a real struggle for me. Other things about my skin, it’s pretty dull, gets dry easily, quite sensitive. Lets go over what this oil did for me.
The reason I’m giving it 5 stars is for a few reasons I’ll go over now. Keep in mind, once I buy a full size and use it continuously for a longer period of time, I will post an update.
✨ Firstly, I noticed a difference overnight. This is a rare occurrence for me. Not only did my old blemishes look more faded and less inflamed the morning after using this oil, but a blemish I had forming was completely nipped in the bud overnight and was almost gone before it even arrived when I woke up. This was a pretty massive plus for me. As I said, any blemishes I get at the moment have been super stubborn and red so this was a nice surprise.
✨ I have dry skin. Even though this is a face oil, it’s supposed to help oily, blemish prone skin so I was scared it would dry me out. My skin felt beautiful after using it a few times, especially with my CeraVe - CeraVe Moisturising Cream and the DRUNK ELEPHANT - Lala Retro Whipped Cream layered on top overnight. Definitely did not dry me out.
✨ Kind to sensitive skin.
✨ I noticed redness diminished a bit. Might have to continue using it to see redness go down more. I especially noticed redness reduced where I had blemishes.
✨ My skin looked glowy and less ghostly 👻
✨ Overall made my skin feel and look clearer and smoother with every use.
✨ Smells good
✨Because it’s a dry oil it absorbed really nicely and really quickly into my skin and layered well with other products.
KEEP IN MIND:
✨ Fragrance - There is a bit of fragrance in this product. While this isn’t the end of the world, it’s definitely something to keep in mind.
✨ Over use of the product can apparently lessen the effects over time.
I’ll definitely buy a full size to try
ambuhlily
More Reviews
+Facial Oils for Oily & Acne Prone Skin?+
I made a post of this on my IG page and talked about whether oily skin and acne prone skin types can use facial oils.
And the answer is YES! However you need to be cautious when looking for a facial oil. Therefore, I am sharing my current facial oils for oily and acne prone skin types (my skin type). I also have sensitive skin which I prefer facial oils that not only will moisturize but will soothe my skin.
BEIGIC - REGENERATING OIL this oils is light and fast absorbent. Best to wear for everyday.
YOUTH TO THE PEOPLE - Superberry Hydrate + Glow Oil Prickly pear screamed out to me which is why I had to purchase it. Prickly has great benefits for acne prone: it soothes and moisturizer and it is high in linoleic acid which is recommended to acne prone skin types.
MOONLIT SKINCARE - Midnight Shift Overnight Facial Oil this one has a earthy smell; very relaxing and soothing to the skin. Containing ingredients that will help balance, regenerate and moisturize the skin. (I use this as my last step in skincare only when needed more emollient on my skin)
These are my best 3 based of on my skin type reaction. Remember not all products fit all skin types even if we have the same skin type.
MOONLIT SKINCARE-Midnight Shift Overnight Facial Oil
Dermalogica Phyto Replenish Oil
{What does it claim to do?} It is a lightweight treatment oil that replenishes your skins barrier and hydrated without clogging pores.
{Texture/Consistency?} In my opinion it is a medium weight oil (meaning I don’t think it’s super light but it isn’t heavy) it is very runny and slick!
{My thoughts?} I used this way more over the summer and I loved it! I purchased in the spring to help my skins barrier rebuild and I found my skin only could handle it every other night or it would be too heavy for it. It didn’t break me out but made my skin very oily. Or I used it to completely replace my moisturizer. It helped hydrate my skin & help with redness day to day. I probably wouldn’t repurchase because it’s $74 for 1 oz, though it lasted me almost a year using every other night! I feel like there are cheaper moisturizers or oils that work well or better for my personal skin! I know that Labeautyologist on Twitter & Instagram loves this oil & recommends it to people with dry skin or hormonal breakouts! So it’s a well known/recommended product and might work better for you! 💖
dermalogica - Phyto Replenish Oil
dermalogica-Phyto Replenish Oil
the glow can be achieved
So I received this toner as a Christmas gift and I’ve had my eye on it for a while now. I’ve been using it the past week and I can already say I’m in love.
Firstly, I love a good chemical toner my skin works well with them no irritation or redness. Same goes for this REN toner I never had any skin issues when using this product. My skin type of dry and I’m sensitive at certain times so I was happy this toner wasn’t to harsh for my skin type.
Over the past week I’ve found my pores have shrunken and my skin texture has improved. I currently have some hormonal/stress breakouts on my chin and this toner has helped minimise the breakouts redness and has helped reduce the time the breakouts are active for. Lastly, I’ve definitely noticed a natural glow shining through after using this toner. It has definitely helped even my skin tone out and brightened everything up!
This toner key ingredient is lactic acid which my skin love!! I find lactic acid is my secret weapon for treating breakouts and maintain my skins health. This AHA gently removes dead skin cells, helping to exfoliating and brighten the skin. Fun fact this toner also includes Azelaic acid (you known that Paulas choice booster ingredient that everyone is talking about!!) This ingredient is anti-inflammatory and helps prevent/treat acne.
Rating: 10/10 I’d definitely recommend this toner for anyone who is looking for radiant skin and needs some extra help acne wise!! REN CLEAN SKINCARE - Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Toner
Side note: who doesn’t love a cruelty free brand which have a strong focus on sustainability and recycling. REN skincare packaging is recyclable!!
REN CLEAN SKINCARE-Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Toner
Grateful to be chosen by @stylekorean_global to review 𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐫𝐱’𝐬 𝐀𝐂 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧🌹
Cosrx AC line contains BHAs & essential oils. Because i’m on tretinoin, I tested out the line 𝐎𝐍𝐋𝐘 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐲 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 & max of 3 times a week. So this review is based on the limited usage of these products ☺️
_________________________________
🔆 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐚𝐦 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫- salicylic acid face wash that helps unclog pores & treat lesions. This may be a lil drying for dry skin but works perfectly fine for me. It’s not as stripping as other SA cleansers I have. Does the job.
🔆 𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐨𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐫- propolis & aloe based gel moisturizer, i love its texture! I like its combination of powerhouse calming and hydrating ingredients— green tea, niacinamide, panthenol, sodium hyaluronate, zinc pca, centella complex. This feels very soothing & really does calm my skin. Also has tea tree which is a great anti microbial, was previously one of my favorites ingredients but apparently, it has fragrant compounds so it isn’t safe for long term use. The formulation also has Mint extract. Tea tree, mint, propolis are huge potential irritants. But overall, I still really enjoy this product.
~this is more like a humectant only, has to be sealed in with an occlusive
🔆 𝐚𝐜𝐧𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡- as usual it works great! Cosrx is my most trusted brand for pimple patches. They work wonders on cystic acnes-look nowhere else!
🔆 𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐭 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐮𝐦- could have been a great niacinamide serum w/ ceramide and peptide. The addition of tea tree & propolis being on top of the ingredients is my only apprehension. This is very hydrating but I would not use it everyday.
🔆 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐝 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐝- i find this formulation a great anti-inflammatory. It’s a green tea based toner w/ BHA (Betaine salicylate) & PHA plus tea tree & centella. This is free of alcohol. But works really well in breaking down sebum.
🔆 𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐭 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦- this was okay, did not do much for me. I will opt for the pimple patches.
COSRX- AC Collection Calming Foam Cleanser
unboxing this oil for acne!
I have normal to dry skin but my nose can get excessively oily and my fore head because of my skin trying to overproduce oils to make up for the dryness. so when I heard of an oil for acne prone skin I almost laughed— my face produces a lot of that already. I let the lady at Sephora convince me into sampling this after she let me smell its amazing forest-like scent! it smells like Cederwood oil in sandalwood and I am so so in love with it! so this oil claims to target acne prone skin and actually clarify it and make it clear. it has 1.5% salicylic acid which is meant to clear your skin and prevent acne and blackheads. it sinks very lightly into your skin and it does feel oily but it’s not heavy so I don’t mind it. it has a lot of amazing ingredients— Black cumin, Teatree oil, licorice, milk thistle, and cucumber seed! I am just blown away by the quality of this product. A lot of acne products can dry out skin, which is pretty bad for my skin type but this product leaves my skin feeling nourished yet it doesn’t make my skin feel “thick”— like the way your skin feels when you’re wearing foundation, or how it would feel if you put coconut oil on it. this bottle cost about $40 and I use about half a dropper on my skin, so I think that it should last me a good amount of time. I definitely think this is an incredible investment for anyone who is looking to clear acne regardless of the type of skin— this product caters to both Oily skin through its salicylic acid (which removes excess sebum) and dry skin through cucumber extract (which nourishes skin). it has some amazing ingredients and I. am. obsessed.
SUNDAY RILEY - U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil
SUNDAY RILEY-U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil
Calming Balm 🌿
This Ren Evercalm Balm is sooo good! It has a very thick consistency & you only need a very small amount to get enough all over your skin. It’s supposed to reduce redness & is targeted towards sensitive skin. I’ve been using it about 3 weeks now I love it. My only complaint is that I hate having to dig my fingers in there to get some product out but the next morning my skin always feels soft and there’s barely any inflammation and redness! 🤍💚
REN CLEAN SKINCARE - Evercalm Overnight Recovery Balm
REN CLEAN SKINCARE-Evercalm Overnight Recovery Balm
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