I’m back with another round of samples/single items from my stash. I say single items because I’m prone to picking up items at the store (any store really) that come in a single form (like the Larabar below) to try out – I’m a sucker for products I’ve never tried before! Then, because I only have one, I forget to try it (or put off trying it) so I’m lumping things like that in with my sample stash because it feels like a sample to me even though I didn’t get it as freebie or an intended sample. Anyway, with that clarification out of the way, I’ve got some goodies to share. Let me know if you’ve tried any of these and what your experiences have been!
- LÄRABAR Organic with Superfoods – Turmeric, Ginger & Beet
This is interesting. At first bite I was like “gross”, but like my mom taught me, at least 2 bites. And I have to say, the second seemed better. As I kept eating I was thinking it was getting better with each bite. It tastes earthy I think? A bit spicy from the ginger. I think I taste mostly ginger and turmeric. It’s not sweet really. Not sure if I’d buy again or not. I feel healthy eating it so maybe? I was intrigued by the organic options and to be honest I bought this one specifically because of the packaging colors (yes, I judge a product by it’s cover haha). I will say that it has a simple ingredient list (only 6 ingredients total) including superfoods, which is good.
Would I buy? Probably not this flavor, but I would try a different flavor next time instead. Maybe the Hazelnut, Hemp & Cacao?
… - Løv tea – Menthe Verte
This organic mint tea is light and refreshing. It has a smooth flavor that’s easy to drink. I had it hot and it was delish.
Would I buy? Yes, mint tea is one of my faves
… - Løv Tea – Løv is Good
At first sniff this organic tea smells like citrus and fennel, maybe cinnamon too? After looking up the actual flavors online the aroma and taste do in fact come from fennel and cinnamon, but no citrus. It’s actually aniseed, licorice, cardamom and ginger. It tastes like an earthy, warm, citrus and has a sweet after taste. Almost like a honey or something? I think it’s the ginger that warms the throat a bit and the licorice that gives it that sweet kick. I generally don’t like ginger or licorice but all of these flavors combined are actually so delicious!
Would I buy? Yes, I loved this tea!
… - Emmy’s Organics Coconut Cookies – Lemon Ginger
Duh-licious. For a coconut cookie these didn’t taste overly coconut-y. There’s definitely a coconut texture though, but it’s fine shredded coconut so it’s not too stringy which I know some people don’t like. These taste like lemon cake and have a soft texture (but again, not same texture as an actual cake). I’m trying to avoid sugar right now and these help my cookie cravings a lot. This was a three pack and they are also available in an 8 pack.
Would I buy? Yes, already in the cart
… - DermaE – Hydrating Day Cream
This face lotion is formulated to plump skin and help reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It feels moisturizing and absorbs well leaving no greasiness behind. The star ingredient, hyaluronic acid, is extra moisturizing if that’s what you’re looking for. Also, a little goes a long way so I imagine the full size product would last a long time. It smells of something familiar but I can’t put my finger on it. Maybe berries? Or plumeria? It’s light regardless. There is no extra greasiness by end of the day, it didn’t contribute to any extra shine. Perhaps it actually toned it down a little bit even? Having green tea as an ingredient might have contributed to helping regulate shine, it’s known to do that.
Would I buy? Maybe? But I like the moisturizer I’m using currently and I’m not looking to worry about my wrinkles either. I’ve got bigger skin probs right now. Ha. Plus it does have a few ingredients in it I’m not totally sure about, so I think it would require further research.
… - Urban Oreganics – Facial Mask: Raw Cacao
This mask smells so good you could eat it! And on my break from sugar it becomes even more temping! Like why should my face get to have all the chocolate? Oh, because raw cacao helps repair skin cells and neutralize free radicals, duh. This mask comes in dry form so just a little water is needed, enough to form a paste when mixed with the product. I applied with a brush as I feel that’s easiest and the least messy option. The mask is only lightly scented while applying. It doesn’t feel as tight as other masks while drying, so if you don’t like masks that give you that tight feeling, this would be a good one for you. Smells most like a brownie when rinsing off with hot water at the end, yumz. Washes off easily with hot water and my face felt smoother afterward.
Would I buy? Likely, it’s a nice gentle mask that smells great
… - Tata Harper – Revitalizing Body Oil
First off, this body oil is packed with fab ingredients: Alfalfa extract (oxygenates skin), Arnica Extract (reduces inflammation), Elderberry extract (high in antioxidants that protect skin) and Neroli Extract (rejuvenates skin cells and reduces appearance of scars). It smells of a spring flower garden. Mmmmm. (Speaking of, where is spring??!) It’s definitely floral, but not overbearing. It almost has a hint of citrus undertone that balances it out. It goes on smooth and absorbs quickly leaving no greasy residue. The scent sticks around too and doesn’t dissipate on application. I found the scent still slightly noticeable by the end of the day even. My skin felt hydrated and fresh all day too.
Would I buy? Likely, specifically because of the hydration factor, but for use during summer or spring use because of the scent
Until next time!