Other women have shoes, bags, and jewelry. I have my books. I don’t own any designer bags, expensive shoes, and the most expensive jewelry set I have costs USD 90. I’m all about saving and living a frugal life. That is why I find immense joy in free beauty samples.
The past six months, I have received several products in the mailbox that are worthy to be reviewed in this blog because: (1) they are well known brands and should therefore be told, via this little article of mine, if their products suck or not; (2) their products are either great or need improvement so I take it as my personal responsibility to write what I think about them; and (3) I just like reviewing free products because it gives me this sense of freedom and privilege to be among those who got samples and the people responsible for generating feedback about these products are waiting for people like me to respond with comments.
Here are eight of those products:
1. Nutri-Gloss High Shine Shampoo and Conditioner (L’Oréal Paris)
I loooove this line of hair care system! You get out of the bathroom feeling like you just stepped out of a salon. Air dry your hair and skip the blow dry. The result is awesome: glossy, soft, great-smelling hair.
2. Ultimate Miracle Worker Cream (Philosophy)
This product serves as a sunscreen. I used it towards the end of summer and the beginning of spring. It’s neither greasy nor watery. It didn’t hurt my skin either so I guess it works. Note that a 2-ounce bottle costs $75. Would you buy this if you were me? I still prefer my Human Nature day and night moisturizer and my Neutrogena sunscreen.
3. Eye Renewal Cream (L’Oréal Paris)
I’m taking graduate studies, taking care of my family (a husband and three children), breastfeeding a newborn, and managing two blogs so I work long hours and sleep very late (or not sleep at all or sleep very short hours). This product says it provides skin renewal action on dark circles, bags, puffiness, lines, crepey lids. I was able to use the sample for three straight nights. It helped in brightening the dark circles and reducing puffiness. Might take some more time to smooth the crow’s feet and crepiness, and erase the lines.
4. Daily Therapeutic Wash (Luvena)
Not the best smell for a full body wash. It reminds me of some plant I used to play with as a child. It does fulfill its promise of moisturizing, softening, and refreshing dry skin. But I still won’t buy this. It’s not as good as my current obsession with Johnson and Johnson’s Bedtime Bubble Bath and Wash. Yep, I use this (J&J), not my children.
5. Wet Skin Moisturizer (Jergens)
I normally use Palmer’s moisturising body oil after showering, before drying off. I got two variants: one with moisturizing coconut oil, and another sachet with nourishing monoi oil. I like the coconut oil, not the monoi oil. Use only a dime size amount on each arm, and a quarter size amount on each leg. There is no need to rinse off.
6. Micellar Cleansing Water (Simple)
Okay… my comment on this one may not be reliable as I only tried a tiny wipe soaked in some of the cleansing water to wipe off my eye make up. I still needed my make up remover to clean my face thoroughly. I don’t think this will work for me. I have oily and acne-prone skin; not the type of skin that a product that calls itself to be a gentle hydrating cleanser can address. It will probably work for those with sensitive skin especially when you’re feeling lazy to clean your face.
7. Extended Moisture Body Lotion (Nivea)
It’s another Nivea body lotion, which means I don’t hate it but I’m also not a fan. I was already sold to Jergen’s Wet Skin Moisturizer so I wasn’t impressed with the extended moisture this body lotion promised. Nope… not buying this.
8. Full & Plush Shampoo, Conditioner, and Treatment (Garnier Fructis)
The shampoo is okay; conditioner is greasy; the treatment is horrible. I wanted to like this product but ended up with an itchy scalp after using the three. Disappointing really. I use Garnier products for my face and they’re pretty good. This new line is not.
Anyone of you have tried any of these products?
P.S. I’m reviewing tea, nasal strips, and other products for health and comfort in December so stay tuned!
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more samples of the prloducts mentioned above. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
