In addition to my holiday skincare basics (read blog post here), I also took with me a range of samples (including a couple of hair ones too!) that I have had lurking around for a while to try out. This can be a good way of trying new products out and reducing the amount of bulky products you are taking on holiday with you. So here are my thoughts on the samples that I took with me.
Philosophy Eye Hope – quite a nice moisturising eye cream but nothing that wowed me I’m afraid and full price it is very expensive for what it is.
Cane & Austin Retexturizing Treatment Pads – contains glycolic acid so thought it would be similar to the resurfacing effects of Alpha H Liquid Gold (which I decided not to take due to being in the sunshine for 10 days). I saved this for my last night of holiday as didn’t want be exposed to too much sunshine after using glycolic acid and knew I’d be itching to benefit from its powerful effects. I’d say this was quite good and nice for travelling, however it was hard to tell after just one use. Liquid Gold is a firm favourite of mine and was so good to use again once I was home, such an amazing product!
Espa Lift & Firm Moisturiser – did a good job at moisturising but had a very overwhelming aromatic smell which made feel a bit queasy if I’m honest so stopped using this.
Apivita Express Beauty with Honey Mask – I really enjoyed using this. I stayed out a bit too long in the sun one day so had a bit of a pink face. I put this on and it did tingle a bit when I applied it but it did a lovely job of nourishing and soothing. I think it may be a little rich for my combination skin generally but when my skin was stripped of moisture it was lovely to use. These are available in Marks and Spencer as sample sized packets so perfect for taking away with you and you can get two uses from one sachet.
Osmo Berber Oil Hair Treatment with Argan Oil – a lovely hair oil which I apply to the ends of my hair before blow drying to keep my hair smooth and shiny. It smells gorgeous and doesn’t weigh my fine hair down. again you can buy this small sized bottle so is perfect for travelling, find it here at Feel Unique.
TreSemme Split Remedy Leave-In Treatment – didn’t like this at all. Made my hair feel like it had a coating on it and didn’t feel it conditioned that well. I much prefer the TreSemme Platinum Strength Shot which I recently reviewed.
Origins Ginzing Eye Cream – have used this before so know what a lovely eye cream it is. Best used in the morning as it has a brightening effect and need something more intense in the evening as it is quite lightweight.
Eve Lom Intense Hydrating Serum – I used this in the evening before my moisturiser instead of my usual Hydraluron. It definitely did a great job of hydrating my skin especially on that day where I spent too long in the sunshine. It is very expensive though, so shall stick to Hydraluron for now!
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant – not a new product for me, I actually have the full size too. This is such a lovely exfoliator, without any abrasive particles which can often damage the skin. It is a powder which you mix with a little water and massage into the skin, rinse and leaves the skin baby soft.
So a mixture of opinions there, but even though I didn’t love them all, I am glad I tried them out as its a great way of finding out what you like before purchasing the full size!