For every month in 2015, I've made a specific goal with regards to my beauty stash, spending and style. I did a no-FULL no-buy for a month, I refrained from buying nail polish for another, and lately I've been purge, purge, purging.
My goal for May 2015 was to finish as many foil packets and samples as possible, and I think I did a really good job! Here's all the stuff I tried, loved and ditched in May.
The Best
Benefit Benetint
I LOVE Benetint, it's just one of those classic beauty must-haves for a few simple reasons. First, Benetint is the perfect liquid blush for winter/spring because two or three dabs on the cheeks will bring out a brilliant flush. Second, a little goes a long way, this little vial (had it not CRACKED and leaked) can last MONTHS. And finally? It's buildable. Sometimes I'll use Benetint as a base, and put a highlighter/bronzer in a different tone for a really neat look. For the summer months I'm also partial to Chachatint of which I have a fullsize that is so big that I'm NEVER going to finish it.
Jergens Shea Butter
I'm in love with this moisturizer, it smells amazing and works it's way into your skin without leaving an oily residue. It's funny because I've been working my way through Jergens Aloe moisturizer which I felt was slightly too liquidy (didn't absorb well) and I thought that it was just an example of another lead-brand losing their edge. Then I tried this stuff. SO SOOFFFT. Thumbs way, way, up.
Philosophy Miracle Worker Moisturizer
This stuff felt SO GOOD ON MY SKIN. I'd definitely need to try another sample before committing to buying this stuff though. Let me know if you've used it and vouch for it in the comments! On that note, I also used a sample of Philosophy Purity, which is already one of my go-to face washes!
L'Occitane Fleur Cherie Hand Cream
L'Occitane has many classic scents and lines that they like to promote, but I'm always curious to explore more of their line. This was my first Fleur Cherie or Orange Blossom, is a lightweight and delicate scent nestled into a luxurious hand cream. Once you use this stuff it's REALLY HARD to go back to the overly thick and perfumed products from Bath and Body Works and other lotion companies.
Burt's Bees' Sensitive Daily Moisturizing Cream
This stuff is great for sensitive skin. I've owned full-size versions of it and always have sample sizes kicking around. Perfect if you need a lightweight summer moisturizer that doesn't leave your skin oily or greasy.
7th Heaven - Strawberry Souffle
The brand formerly known as Montagne Jeunnesse is back with a new name but the same great face masks! The strawberry souffle had SO MUCH product in it to coat my face in a DELICIOUSLY FRAGRANT mask that smelled so good that I wanted to eat it, TRULY. It left my skin SO SOFT and moisturized that I knew I would soon develop a mask problem....
The Face Shop Real Nature Face Mask - Kelp
I really like The Face Shop's sheet masks, and not just because they are only $2! They come in a wide variety of formulas to customize for your specific skin type or situation. Kelp is a purifying mask that helps enable a pure skin appearance, but I don't know exactly what 'pure' skin looks like sooo.... Basically it does the trick, but I'll get a different one next time.
VitaBath Green Tea & Sage Body Wash
In the last year, I've become a huge fan of VitaBath's entire line of body washes and lotions, and this one is no exception. It's fruity, fresh and envigorating, everything you want, especially in these summer months! It's really not that much better or worse than any average shower gel but their scents are really pleasant. Similarly, I finished Beekind Shower Gel which I wrote about in my April 2015 Birchbox Review, which was also good, but not blow-my-mind-away.
Texas Tea Shampoo & Conditioner
This stuff smelled great, very musky and enticing, but it's hard to tell after one or two uses if a shampoo/conditioner works for your hair. It did the trick but I'd need a proper sample to really see what it does.
John Frieda Frizz Ease
This stuff is a classic for a reason. I went to an event in the fall and somehow came home with a handful of these things, it's perfect to have in your travel bag when you're on the go. This anti-frizz serum is lightweight, goes on smooth and really does the trick. It doesn't have the longest staying power but it doesn't leave your hair sticky or full of residue either.
Vacation empties!
Nivea In-Shower Body Milk
If you're too lazy to moisturize after you towel off from a shower or bath, get that work done by using this stuff at the end of your wash and you'll come out soft and ready to go. I'd like to try the other scents though, as this one is too 'soapy' for me.
Lulu Organics Lavender + Clary Sage Hair Powder
This stuff smelled GREAT and really worked well into my hair. The only problem is that it's very white so in brown hair I had to really work it in. If they had a brown one I might consider buying it.
Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream - Light to medium
Only had enough for one try, wasn't enough to know whether it really worked well or not. Was on the lighter side for a BB cream.
Jergens Natural Glow Moisturizer
Say what you will, this thing works. It's definitely on the streakier side though so you have to be very careful. It works REALLY fast too! I had colour in a day. I just wish the formula was easier to use.
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula
Oddly, my biggest complaint with this intensely soft and decadent moisturizer is that it smells TOO MUCH like chocolate. You heard me. I smelled too delicious, it was distracting.
Paula's Choice Resist Barrier Repair Moisturizer
This stuff worked fine but I didn't find anything special about it. Good for sensitive skin though.
Skip it
Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation
I have their BB cream and the formula and consistency is MUCH nicer than this was. It didn't rest nicely on the face and definitely didn't feel matte.
Benefit Big Easy BB Cream
I'm not sure if it was the colour or the consistency but this just didn't do much for me. It wasn't TERRIBLE but I don't think it's worth the price at all.
Garnier Clean Nourishing Cleansing Oil
I'm a huge fan of oil cleaner, currently I'm using a Shiseido formula which really does the trick of removing my makeup and cleaning my pores, but I found this one didn't wash off very well. I'd skip it in favour of another brand.
Jurlique Purely Bright Radiance Serum
This had a totally bizarre smell to it, and it felt sticky and didn't absorb. Ew. Avoid.
Philosophy Hope in a Jar Moisturizer
This one TOTALLY SHOCKED ME. I was so excited to try this Philosophy product because their Purity wash is one of my beauty essentials, but this one just did not live up. It has an EXTREMELY strong floral scent that is completely repulsive and distracting. It literally made my eyes water to wear it on my face. My skin wasn't irritated but my nose was. AVOID.
Degree Ultra Clear Pure Powder
I love this anti-perspirant but I HATE this smell. I left this as my biking/gym bag buddy for ages because I couldn't stand to wear it every day.
Sally Hansen Miracle Nail Thickener
Nothing miraculous about it.
Benefit Puff Off
It WAS a small sample but literally, it did nothing for me. Maybe it's more about the metal applicator doing the work?
PHEW! So with all these empties, unsurprisingly, I don't have much finished for June! But I'll have something for you to oogle soon!
