part two: beauty sample review (skin care, makeup, and more)

Are you ready for part two of this massive beauty sample review? Here goes! (In case you missed it, part one can be seen here.) After receiving lots and lots of skin care, makeup, beauty samples courtesy of the Mocktails, Makeup and a Movie event, I have been putting them to good use. There were some hits, some misses, and even a few in betweens. Keep reading to find out where the rest of these beauty products stack up. 

• Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair. This Estee Lauder product is something that I have heard about many times before but wasn't something that I was running out to purchase. (Thanks to the ridiculously high price point.) So it was nice to see what all of the hype was about. There isn't a strong scent, this works really well, and it absolutely makes my skin feel pampered. Unfortunately, I doubt that I will be purchasing the night repair myself in future, but it sure was nice to use up the sample amount. 
• StriVectin Multi-Action Super-C Retinol. This is another brand that I have heard a lot about. This product is meant to brighten and correct the skin. It came with a little dropper to use and suggested that you use three drops on the face morning and night. It has a nice, light scent and goes on easily. It didn't cause any reaction or irritation and is a nice little addition to my regular skin care routine.
• Bioderma Makeup Removing Micelle Solution. The next item included in this goodie bag is one that I am very familiar with. Currently, there is a massive bottle of this sitting in my beauty room. It is half empty though...so it is always nice to have a backup. This is a wonderful way to remove makeup quickly, easily, and gently. 
• Jouviance 4 in 1 Cleansing Gel.  This isn't a brand that I was familiar with. But a good cleanser is a good cleanser! This cleansing gel claims to remove makeup, cleanse, tone, and hydrate. It has a light smell that is not overpowering and does a really good job of removing leftover makeup and built up dirt and oil from the skin. After cleansing, my skin definitely felt nice and clean. I enjoyed this, but don't know that I would rush out to purchase a full-sized bottle. It was good but not my all-time favourite.
• Dermablend Illuminating Banana Powder. It has been a long time since banana powder was on my radar. Several years back, it seemed that many YouTube gurus were all about these kinds of products. So, I tried a few with varying results. The Dermablend Illuminating Banana Powder was not necessarily a wow for me. The texture was nice and it went on well. However, even after sweeping away the excess, it left a yellow cast on my skin. I am super duper pale and so that was not the most flattering result. 
• Bioderma Makeup Removing Wipes. I've actually tried these makeup wipes before when they were on clearance. They are not my favourite. (I really prefer the Simple Makeup Wipes). The reason the Bioderma wipes aren't high up on my list of wipes is because of the smell. They smell a bit like Playdoh and they aren't as moist as some other options out there. That being said, I will certainly put these to use, because a makeup wipe is a makeup wipe! 
• Dermablend Makeup Dissolver. Another makeup removing product. Since I wear makeup almost every day, it is always nice to have a wide variety of makeup removing items on hand. Sometimes, what you use depends entirely on the kind of products that you chose to use that day. I've found that this particular makeup dissolver works really well on waterproof eyeliner and waterproof mascara. It gets absolutely everything off with ease. 
• Filorga Time-Filler Eyes. As I've gotten older, focusing more on eye creams has become and more important. I am doing all that I can to keep the eye area moisturized and as smooth as possible. So, it has been nice to have this Absolute Eye Correction Cream. Like so many anti-aging products, it is hard to say whether or not this is doing a whole lot. But I will say this: I sure hope it is!
• Pur 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup. I have to say, I absolutely love the idea of this product. The pressed powder also contains SPF 15. Bonus! Sadly for me, this particular sample came in the shad Golden Medium. Since I am ridiculously pale (sigh) this was not a shade match for me. So, I decided to use it in a different way. I actually ended up using it as a neutral eyeshadow shade. It looks really pretty applied all over the lid for a subtle contrast. This is one pressed powder that I am interested to try out in my own shade. 
• Uriage Eau Thermale Water Cream. Finally! The last item included in the goodie bag was the water cream, which claims to moisturize, re-plump, and brighten the skin. This cream is really hydrating and leaves the skin feeling moisturized for hours after use. The smell is fairly light but isn't entirely pleasant. But as someone with dry skin, anything that is ultra rich and moisturizing is a winner.

Want to see a few of the products in action? I used the Pur foundation sample all over the face, the Pur pressed mineral powder as an eyeshadow, the Dermablend Illuminating Banana Powder to brighten, and then the Smashbox Fan Out mascara on the lashes. Additional products used for the look included the Essence eyebrow pencil, The Emily Edit - The Needs Palette, and a nude coloured Revolution lipstick. Take a look:

There you have it! Lots and lots of beauty sample reviews. Some of the products worked well, others not so much...but it an awful lot of fun putting all of them to the test. 

Have you tried any of these products? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!