Purchased and Press Samples (Affiliate Links)
I have been on a quest to use up products before they go bad, and I did a decent job finishing up a few things in September. As you know, I have been in the midst of a colossal spring cleaning extravaganza, and it has naturally impacted my use of skin, body and haircare products. It is my hope to become even less wasteful, and to use what I like and avoid unnecessary duplicative purchases.
Here is what I used up in September:
1) African Botanics Buchu Botanical Enzyme Polish ($75.00 for 3.38 oz./100 ml. from African Botanics, Net-A-Porter, Credo Beauty and Cult Beauty £66.00): Buchu Botanical Enzyme Polish is a very deep-cleansing facial exfoliator that effectively and efficiently sweeps away impurities and cleans out clogged pores. It is formulated with a combination of Marula Oil, Baobab Oils and Buchu Plant extracts that are punctuated by Micro-Algae and ultra-fine granules of ancient volcanic minerals. The fine granules, which densely populate this exfoliator, efficiently and effectively unclog pores, and remove dead skin cells, excess oils and impurities. Papaya and Pineapple enzymes help to dissolve dead skin cells, aid in cleaning out the pores, and make them appear reduced in size. Skin is left brightened, deeply cleansed and utterly glowing. In fact, the first time that I used it I noticed that it left my skin feeling as soft and silky smooth as ultra-fine velvet. Only the smallest amount is needed to achieve the desired results for the face, neck and décolleté, and the exfoliating particles are so efficient that you do not need to apply any pressure as you massage it into the skin. Buchu Botanical Enzyme Polish Skin neither strips the skin, nor does it deplete vital moisture or hydration. Dull, congested skin gives way to youthful, radiant skin that feels amazing to the touch. Purchase again?: I already opened a fresh tube!
2) Tata Harper Moisture Mask: I think that this mask has been replaced by another mask, and while I liked it– this was a small sample, and that never gives one enough time to formulate a worthwhile opinion. Purchase again?: That does not appear to be an option– even if I really wanted the full size.
3) African Botanics Marula + Plant Stem Cells Mineral Cleansing Mask ($85.00 for 1.7 oz. from African Botanics, Credo Beauty, Bloomingdale's and Cult Beauty): You may ask yourself how this mask differs from the scores of clay masks on the market, and there are a myriad of reasons for its uniqueness in the marketplace. Chief among them is the fact that this mask does not dry out the skin as do the standard clay-based masks. In fact, African Botanics Marula + Plant Stem Cells Mineral Cleansing Mask moisturizes and nourishes the skin while it purifies and draws out impurities that congest the pores. One look at the unique list of ingredients is all one needs to understand just why this clay mask is peerless, and is appropriate for all skin types. Even those for whom dry skin is the norm will be astonished by the results from this mask, and without any of the drying effects associated with typical clay masks.
I use Marula + Plant Stem Cells Mineral Cleansing Mask once a week in order to reveal gorgeously clean and clear skin. However, this magical mask does so much more than typical clay masks. It hydrates the skin, restores a healthy glow, and firms and lifts the skin. The antioxidant rich anti-aging ingredients stimulate cell turn-over while simultaneously softening the appearance of fine lines. I immediately note a pronounced clarity, and my skin always looks healthy and glowing after use. I like to apply a thin layer to freshly cleansed skin and leave it on for about 15 minutes so that it has completely dried. I then re-moisten my skin and employ the mask as an exfoliator by gently massaging my skin in a circular motion in order to remove any excess dead skin cells, and the results are always phenomenal. Purchase Again?: Without question!
4) Evanhealy Whipped Shea Butter with Olive Leaf ($37.95 for 1.9 oz. from evanhealy and Amazon): If you love Shea Butter, then this is whipped version will leave you deliriously happy– as it does for me each time that I use it. It is far more user friendly than the traditional Shea Butters that I have used since the whipped texture makes it feather light, and it absorbs more readily.
You simply warm a small amount between your hands and massage it anywhere you need added moisture and hydration, and the effects are miraculously fast. It has a warm and subtle scent that might be likened to the smell of cocoa butter, and as delectable as it smells it does fade so as not to interfere with any fragrances that you may be wearing.
It leaves skin hydrated, soft, supple, nourished and luminous. You can use it from head to toe, but if you have very dry skin you may find this the perfect facial moisturizer. If you have dry curly hair, this does wonders to nourish distressed tresses! Purchase Again?: ABSOLUTELY!
5) Erborian Double Mousse Aux 7 Herbes Cleansing Foam ($19.00 for 3 oz.on sale at Sephora): This daily foaming cleanser has an emollient and creamy texture that thoroughly cleanses the skin without ever stripping it. Simply apply it to dry skin and leave it alone for about 30 seconds, then add a little water and gently activate the lathering foam, and then thoroughly rinse. My skin is left very soft, smooth and hydrated. It has a very light and clean aroma, that isn't in the least bit overpowering, and therefore it shouldn't pose an issue for people who avoid heavily fragranced skincare products. Purchase Again?: I am have so many facial cleansers in my current rotation that it will be quite a long time before I need to buy another. That said, I do really like this cleanser.
6) Malin + Goetz Grapefruit Face Cleanser ($36.00 for 8oz. from Barneys New York, Malin+Goetz, Nordstrom and Space NK): When I use this cleanser, I find that my skin and pores are cleaned thoroughly without being stripped of their natural oils. My skin neither feels squeaky clean, nor does it feel tight and uncomfortable after use. I neither find the smell of the grapefruit to be overwhelming, nor do I find it too harsh. My skin simply felt deliciously fresh and clean. I have decidedly normal/combination skin with an active T-zone, and while I think this is well suited for combination and oilier skin types I have serious questions as to whether people with drier or sensitive skin types will find this product too astringent. I suspect that the exfoliating effects of the grapefruit extract may be too active for those with dry and/or sensitive skin (at least for use on a daily basis). Purchase Again?: Perhaps eventually, but I won't need another cleanser for a long time.
7) Rodial Snake Booster Oil ($90.00 for 1.02 oz. from Space NK and Ulta): I didn't use it one enough to formulate a meaningful opinion. Purchase Again?: I am open to trying another sample, but I wouldn't purchase it until I tried it for a longer duration of time.
8) Rodin Olio Lusso Luxury Face Oil Lavender Absolute ($170.00 for 1 oz. from Nordstrom, Sephora and Barneys New York): I didn't use it long enough to formulate a meaningful opinion, but I do prefer the aroma of the other Rodio Ilio Lusso Face Oils.
10) Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser ($38.00 for 4.3 oz. from Sephora, Clarins USA, Ulta and Nordstrom): I love this gentle exfoliator. It thoroughly cleans the skin without stripping, and it has a wonderful clean Orange aroma. Purchase Again?: I have too many exfoliators to purchase another, but I would use this again in the future.
11) MoroccanOil Intense Hydrating Mask ($35.00 for 8.5 oz. from Sephora and Bluemercury): is a very creamy and rich deep conditioner that is designed to hydrate and repair all types of hair– including dry and damaged hair. This Argan Oil enriched mask tames frizz, improves texture, deeply hydrates and conditions without leaving hair greasy or weighed down, and it restores manageability. Furthermore, it gives hair a gorgeous shine and bounce. I also noted that my curly hair forms perfect ringlets without any coaxing whatsoever.
MoroccanOil Intense Hydrating Mask has a warm, creamy fragrance that I find delicious. It lingers in my hair for a couple of hours before fading away, but I love the scent so much that I wouldn't mind if it lingered all day!
While MoroccanOil suggests leaving it on for 5-7 minutes, I often leave it on under a hair turban for about 30 minutes while I mask my face, and then get back in the shower to remove both masks. The increased time isn't necessary, but my curly hair definitely benefits from the added time. Purchase Again?: Without question! I have quite a few masks to use up first, but this will definitely be repurchased.
12) NIA 24 Gentle Cleansing Cream ($33.00 for 5 oz. from Skinstore): I hate to admit it, but I don't remember much about this cleanser. It was a deluxe sample that I had in my shower for a long time. I am sure that I liked it enough to finish it, but that's about all I can say! Purchase Again?: No, not because it wasn't any good, but because I don't remember it.
14) Natura Brasil Cacau Hand Cream ($29.50 for a gift set of three from Natural Brasil): This hand creams is rich, creamy and ultra-hydrating– perfect for the fall season. Furthermore, the tube are the perfect size to toss in your handbag. This was part of a three hand cream set, and I liked it a lot. Purchase Again?: I have a drawer filled with tubes of hand cream– therefore it will probably be a long while before I need any more, but I did like this.
Overall Assessment: Well, there you have it, you can now see what I finished up in September.
What did you use up, toss out, give away or return in September. Were there any serious winners or losers worth noting? Do tell.
Press Sample and Purchased. All views expressed are categorically my own (Affiliate Links).
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