Purchased and Press Samples (Affiliate Links)
I managed to finish up 8 products during the month of October, and I was surprised that among the products that I used there were two full bars of soap, 2 candles, 2 serums and 2 hair products. I thought that I would use far fewer things this month, but I surprised myself.
The A Method Pearls of Retinol ($124.00 from The A Method and their Amazon Store): This comes in two strengths, a milder 0.5% concentration of All-Trans Retinol and the stronger 1% concentration. This is the 1% concentration. If you are new to Retinol, I recommend the 0.5% concentration, and work your way up to the 1%. The golden micro-encapsulated "pearls"– which are All-Trans Retinol– are suspended in a wonderfully hydrating solution that contains Hyaluronic Acid and nourishing extracts that kept my finicky skin from drying out and visibly peeling. It is a lightweight and fast absorbing serum that immediately leaves skin hydrated. The formula helps skin cell turnover and collagen production without irritating the skin. This formula softens the appearance of fine lines, reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation and brightens the skin.
It is important to use a high SPF sunscreen when using retinol-based products, and it is imperative to have your skin looked at by your family physician or dermatologist to make sure that the spots and irregularities that you want to treat are neither pre-cancerous, nor cancerous lesions. I have my skin fully evaluated during my yearly physicals, and I usually bring my doctor the list of ingredients of products that I am considering before I use them. I am not a medical doctor, and I consult with mine regularly to make sure that I am not doing something potentially dangerous to my skin.
The pearls hold micro-encapsulated All-Trans retinol stable until mixing with the hydrating serum base when pumped through the dispenser. This also creates the perfect micro-dosing scenario that is supported by hydrating ingredients to avoid dryness, redness and irritation. Purchase Again? I would use this again in a heartbeat, but I have two other retinol products to use before I replace them.
Lancôme Advanced Génifique Serum ($65.00-$260.00 for 0.67 oz. to 3.88 oz. from Lancôme, Nordstrom, Sephora, Amazon, Ulta): This seriously hydrating serum keeps skin quenched and skin dewy. I have been using it in the morning and the evening every single day for months and I just love how hydrated, luminous and noutrished my skin looks and feels. I really love how well this works for my skin. Purchase Again? I already opened another bottle!
Trader Joe's Next to Godliness Oatmeal & Honey Pure Vegetable Soap ($1.99 for two 4 oz. bars from Trader Joe's): This is a fantastic soap that is a pleasure to use, and it is very affordable. This cruelty-free soap is gentle and non-drying on the skin and it forms a luscious creamy lather without stripping the skin. While it is emollient and moisturizing it rinses clean without leaving behind any sort of oily residue. The oatmeal and honey aroma is very light and pleasant, and it is a treat to the senses. It took me two full months to finish both bars of soap (one was in the shower and one was at a high traffic sink), and that makes this two-pack especially economical. Purchase Again? On my next trip to Trader Joe's!
Kérastase Discipline Bain Fluidealiste Shampoo ($46.00 for 8.5 oz. from Kérastase Paris, Sephora, Amazon,): This sulphate-free shampoo is formulated to smooth frizzy hair, and it leaves it soft and unbelievably manageable. This is a perfect choice for my curly hair, and what a difference it makes! It is non-drying, tames frizz and leaves my hair soft and moisturized. This is, without question, one of my very favorite shampoos! Purchase Again? A thousand times yes, but I need to use a few of my open shampoos before I buy another one!
NatureLab TOKYO Perfect Repair Conditioner (It seems to have been renamed Perfect Repair. $19.00 for 11.5 oz. from NatureLab Tokyo, Ulta, Amazon): This is a thick and emollient conditioner that leaves my hair soft, manageable, moisturized and shiny. It rinses clean and leaves behind no residue whatsoever. Purchase Again? Not anytime soon because I am swimming in shampoos and conditioners right now, but I would definitely use this again.
LAVANILA The Healthy Candle in Vanilla Grapefruit ($18.00 each for 7 oz. and $32.97 for a 2-pack from LAVANILA and LAVANILA'S Amazon Store): This lovely soy candle has a warm vanilla aroma, that is punctuated by grapefruit, and the warm and spicy cedarwood adds a wonderful woodsy undercurrent. This is a wonderful scent that is perfect for every month of the year. Purchase Again? YES!
LAVANILA The Healthy Candle in Vanilla Sugarcane: ($18.00 for 7 oz. and $32.97 for a 2-pack from LAVANILA and LAVANILA'S Amazon Store): This gorgeous and healthy candle, made from 100% natural soybean wax, has a warm scent that is intoxicatingly beautiful. This would be the perfect hostess gift this holiday season! Purchase Again? Absolutely!
Overall Assessment: I am always immensely gratified when I finish products before they go bad, and I am rather surprised that I finished as much as I did in October. What did you use up, toss out, give away or return in October? Any really winners or duds to report?
Purchased and Press Samples (Affiliate Links). All views expressed are categorically my own.
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