Aesop Samples Round 2

So we meet again Aesop. My dad gave me some Aesop samples he got from staying at a fancy hotel in Malaysia during a business trip. I am always keen on trying new samples (even though I am actively trying to reduce my sample collection) and so I happily accepted them. These are the samples he gave me--

Aesop Skincare Samples

You know how I said I was going to finish using up my samples? I seem to keep on getting more to add to the pile (no, it's not a bad thing and I'm actually quite happy about it...).

In the first week of April, after finishing a contract role, I followed my friend Joy to the Aesop store in Myer where she stocked up on some products. She asked the sales assistant to give me samples to try as I have never used anything from Aesop before. Joy is a very thoughtful, intelligent, and strong person. We have been hanging out a lot lately and have gotten quite close in a short space of time. 

The sales lady was very generous and heaped samples onto me after asking about my skin type.

Makeup and Skincare empties + review Jan 2016 (Project Use Up All the Samples 2k16)

This year, I decided to make a spreadsheet to keep track of my consumerism and consumption. I already keep track of my spending and get a better idea of how long it takes to finish using something (I had fun making pivot tables...).

Since early January, I have finished using a variety of samples and full-sized products.

Samples

1. Tony Moly Tomatox sample- 3
   - I used this on my neck to try and even out the colour difference between my face and neck; didn't really do much but gave me a mild brightening effect. It didn't break me out or give me a weird rash. WNR*
2. Milky Dress sample- 2
   - gave me a ghostly glow on my neck. I liked that you didn't have to wash this one off and it smells nice, like bubblegum. WNR
   

eopenmarket Lucky Box Haul and Review (June 2015)

Just a quick review for the eopenmarket Lucky Box. It is now back in stock.

I ordered two to test my luck. During the month of June, all new members received a $3 coupon that could be redeemed with purchases over $10. Shipping is free (in other words, it's already calculated into the price of the products).

My order: 
Lucky Box x 2 = $ 8.80 USD x 2
                           - $3 coupon

= $14.60USD
This was equivalent to around $19AUD at the time.

Ordered: 28/6/15
Shipped: 29/6/15
Received: 9/7/15 (eight business days)

Sample review: The Face Shop Baby Leaf Green Tea Waterfull Serum

Is anyone else attracted to green tea as an ingredient in their skincare? Green tea in a serum is a double whammy; I love green tea and I love serums. I was really happy to try out a few packets of The Face Shop's Baby Leaf Green Tea Waterfull Serum.

What They Say: A serum containing young Green Tea Leaf extracts fully moisturises skin.

- Moisture complex (Xanthan gum + Betain + Gylcerin)

- Panthenol (anti-inflammatory, moisturizing)

- 3,000mg of organically grown Boseong green tea extract

- "5 free" system (artificial coloring, benzophenone, minerals,

 animal derived materials, alcohol)

How To Use: I could not locate any official instructions, but as a rule of thumb, serums are patted onto the skin after using a toner.

Contents: 1ml/ 0.03 fl. oz. I used around eight packets (four days worth).

Combined haul: Nature Republic, Skinfood, Etude House, Innisfree, Banila Co

Some goodies I picked up from a physical store in Sydney last year! These were from three separate trips in August and September last year.

Trip 1

1. Nature Republic 92% Aloe Vera Soothing Gel x 2 (two for $10)
2. Innisfree Soybean Energy Essence x 2 (20c each)
3. Skinfood Premium Lettuce & Cucumber Watery Soothing Pack x2 (20c each)
4. Skinfood Egg White Pore Hard Foam x 1 (20c)

It came in an Aritaum bag!

Sample Review: The Face Shop Herb Day 365 Cleansing Foam Acerola

Back to some mini reviews to relieve stress from thesis writing and other projects. Today I'm going through lots of my old drafts and fixing them up so they are ready to post.

What They Say: For all skin types, produces whitening effects. A mild, natural cleanser, effective in cleansing and brightening (contains fruit acid and rich Acerola extracts with nine other herbs).

How To Use: Get adequate amount for form. Gently place it all over the face and rinse it off with clean water.

Contents: 1ml/ 0.03 fl. oz. I used around three packets.

Can you see the ingredients?

My Thoughts...

This cleanser has a mild, fruity scent. It did not foam up that well without a foaming net. I did not particularly like this as it felt quite drying on my skin, but please keep in mind, I have dry skin so this might fare better for other skin types. According to Testerkorea, this foam retails for 3300 won/ 200ml. From memory, it is around $12-15 at The Face Shop in Australia... that is a steep markup.

TL;DR: Wouldn't buy this as it is drying.

☆/ 5

Sample Review: The Face Shop Arsainte Eco-Therapy Crystal Water Super Gel

Arsainte Eco-Therapy Crystal Water Super Gel

A super duper refreshing and cooling gel cream from The Face Shop. It contains some star ingredients for the face such as arctic crystal water, hyaluronic acid, and xylitol. 

Another sample I picked up from my adventures at The Face Shop.

What they say: 'Containing 1,000mg of iceberg water from Newfoundland, Canada and 1,000mg of phyto- hyaluronic acid'.

It is suitable for all skin types and it is especially recommended for hydrating dry skin. This product is from the Refreshing Cooling Line. Apparently it also has some astringent properties.

Application: Use after your toner. You can place it in the fridge to maximise this gel's cooling properties. 

Contents: 1.2ml/ 0.04 fl. oz oz per sample packet (I used around 10 packets all up)

Sample review: The Face Shop Aloe Fresh Gel Cream

So I thought I'd finally get around to doing some reviews on the samples I've picked up this year! My blog is focusing much less on art/ drawings and cosplays than what I intended. *shrug* I'm going with the flow...

The first sample (and one of my favourites) I'll be reviewing is The Face Shop's Aloe Fresh Oil-Free Gel Cream.

Aloe Fresh Oil-Free Gel Cream

Unfortunately, I couldn't find a description of the product on the official The Face Shop website so you'll just have to run with my opinion and the teeny amount that was written on the packet. I guess it's for the Aloe Fresh line? Maybe suitable for sensitive skin (I dunno, just taking a stab in the dark guys...)? 

What they say: "Soothing and moisturising."

Contents: 1ml/ 0.03 fl. oz per sample packet (I used around 12 packets all up)