To write these reviews meant taking time to test the products and to take notes for each one to make sure that I don’t miss anything in presenting the joy of free samples: cream and moisturizer edition.

I’ve been wanting to finish my reviews of the five products included in this article but responsibility told me to wait for three more months (yes! I started writing this post in late October!) so I can write truthfully and honestly about these products.

Two of the products are moisturizers: one I got as a free sample from a magazine, the other one, a gift from a friend. This list also includes a cold cream acting as make up remover which was sent to me by another blogger who asked me to say something about it. Then, there’s a stretch mark cream which I ordered from a freebies site, and… finally, a product I was asked to review and is technically ‘squalene drops’ (not in cream form). But I reckoned it does the same job so I grouped it with the others to come up with this review.

Here goes….

1. The Revitalizer Squalene Drops (Biossance)

When I got this in the mail, I told my husband: “Oh, another beauty product sample. It comes in a cute, genie-in-a-bottle form not the usual sachets!”

He laughed.

As an exhausted mother to three children, I’ve grown to be a big fan of products with multiple purposes. The revitalizer has definitely joined this list.

I first used this as a night serum. It’s lightweight and non-greasy, perfect for the winter months up here in Montana. Later, when I ran out of my favorite day moisturizer and was due to go out of the house for a weekend roadtrip, I used the revitalizer as a day moisturizer. It worked perfectly under my makeup and didn’t feel heavy or flaky at all.

Later on, I used it to moisturize my nails because I just thought maybe it’ll work. And it did! Yes, you can use this all over your body. Moms with stretch marks, you may want to try a few drops on your battle scars.

When you live in a cold place, moisturizing and hydrating your skin is a must, these squalene drops went beyond my expectations.

 

2. Stretch Mark Cream (Boppy Bloom)

Boppy Bloom recently came out with a pregnancy skincare collection line that promises to be every Mommy’s new BFF for stretch mark protection. These are stretch mark cream, whipped belly butter, renewing body oil, and soothing breast balm. I received a sachet sample of the stretch mark cream two months ago and immediately tried it.

Since I only tried a sachet, I am not in the position to say that the cream lightened up the remembrance of my pregnancies. But here’s what I can tell you based on three straight days of using the product:

• The smell is fine (thank goodness) with a hint of shea butter and coconut oil, which upon closer inspection at the back lack actually said it has these two ingredients;
• It’s non-greasy but left my hand with a moisturized and hydrated feel; and
• It’s made by the same makers of the boppy pillow so I trust that it is honest when it says that the product is phthalate and paraben free.

Would I buy a full-sized bottle of this one?

I’m pretty much satisfied with my Human Nature sunflower beauty oil and Palmer’s moisturizing body oil so I’m going to have to say ‘pass’ to this product. On the other hand, that renewing body oil in this collection may be worth a try.

 

3. Cold Cream

When I do get out, which happens very rarely in my full-time profession as a stay-at-home mother, I make sure that I put on make up. I also spend at least once a week of getting all glammed up even when I’m only at home. I’m that type of person who believes that you can accomplish more when you feel beautiful.

I’m tired and exhausted at the end of the day that even going to the bathroom to wash my face is an ordeal. This cold cream is my savior during those nights. Get a dollop of this cream in your hands and gently massage over face and neck to loosen dirt and makeup. You can remove the cream using soft tissue or a warm wash cloth. I prefer the latter.

 

4. Youth Perfecting Intensive Moisturizer (Skin Nutritions)

This is step 3 of a skincare system that involves a facial wash and facial toner. A good friend sent these over to me and I immediately liked the unscented creamy texture of the moisturizer. I later found out that it’s actually available at the Dollar Store.

While I like this product, it is not the main moisturizer that I use. I’m loyal to Human Nature’s moisturizing cream. But I keep this as a back up though. You’ll never known when you ran out of moisturizers.

 

5. Brightening & Smoothing Daily Moisturizer (Garnier)

I’m turning 30 in six months and I look back at my 20s with Garnier in the list of products that I used during my struggles against acne, blackheads, and dark circles under my eyes.

This moisturizer is also a sunscreen and says that it is clinically proven to provide brighter and more even skin tone as well as smoother and more refined skin texture in just one week.

I can’t say that for sure in the three days that I’ve used this moisturizer but I love that it’s oil free because it is easier to apply it on my face. It hydrated and nourished my skin right before I applied my makeup. I am not a makeup expert but I found that my makeup can last longer when I used it as my moisturizer. I also like how the foundation blended with it. I’ll probably use this more as a makeup base than as a daily moisturizer because of this discovery.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more samples of the products 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.”