I’m back with another round up of samples finally! I’ve been collecting these for so long and it’s about time I use them! Doing a quick rundown post like this helps me remember to actually try them out rather than just hoard them haha.
Now don’t get me wrong it’s not that I don’t like trying new things – in fact I love it and I LOVE samples. I just keep forgetting! Whoops. As usual I just tried each of these 1 or 2 times to form an initial quick impression. Read on for mini review on all things RED (watch for the rest of the rainbow in upcoming reviews):
1. Jane Iredale Triple Luxe Long Lasting Naturally Moist Lipstick
-Molly is warm, coral, tan color. It’s sandy, kind of like a bronzer for your lips. It takes the redness out of my natural lip color. It’s not shimmery and a little glossy.
-Joanna is like my natural lip color but a little more of a berry tone. It’s a hint darker than my lip color. It’s also not shimmery and a little glossy.
-Natalie is a brighter berry/magenta color that gives lips a fun pop of color. I wouldn’t wear this every day necessarily but it would be great for dressing up an outfit. It’s also not shimmery.
All 3 are a little glossy and not at all sticky. They have a smooth application and they feel really moisturizing on lips, kind of like a lip balm does. It has a light vanilla-like scent that’s pleasant. They lasted pretty well up until meal time, then I wiped it off unintentionally because of eating, so I can’t say if they last all day.
Would I buy? Yes, I like these lipsticks. I think out of the 3 I liked Molly the best because it’s neutral.
I don’t recall what this scent is but it’s a lovely light scent, and because it’s pink and it seems to have petals scattered throughout I’m thinking maybe some rose? But doesn’t smell quite as floral as rose usually does, it’s a bit more earthy and sweet. Maybe rose geranium? Whatever it is I like it and it seems to linger slightly after use. It lathers pretty well, although maybe a hint less than I was expecting.
Would I buy? Yes, I rarely say no to a handmade soap and this one smells nice. Plus these use all plant-based ingredients and are scented with only essential oils.
3. Kjaer Weis Highlighter – Ravishing
This is a subtle highlighter that gives you that just-right, natural glow. I like this highlighter because I’m not a huge highlighter person so the more natural look appeals to me. It has a creamy texture and it’s glossy, it’s more of an eggshell finish (yes, I’m referencing wall paint) with a neutral shimmer with gold undertones. It’s perfect for the cheekbone and all skintones! It lasted all day and a little goes a long way for sure (noted this because it is a bit pricy).
Would I buy? If I was in the market for a highlighter, then yes.
4. Kjaer Weis Cream Blush – Sun Touched
I love this color! It’s an orangey coral color (leans more toward coral) that’s perfect for summer. It’s just like the name says – leaves a warm, sunny glow. It’s a cream blush that’s easy to apply with finger tip and is a buildable color. It’s not greasy or glossy and it blends well. You don’t need much product with this one either. I found it to last all day and not fade. One thing I like about the Kjaer Weis products is once you buy the initial compact (or even if you don’t) you can buy a refill for it saving on cash and waste.
Would I buy? Yes for sure! It’s on the list for when my current blush runs out.
5. Root Pretty Pressed Mineral Blush in Fiji
This is a pressed powder blush so a brush is helpful for application. Since it’s a powder, application can get a little bit messy if you’re not careful, but wasn’t too bad. The color is a lighter pink shade and it has more of a cool tone to it. It has a good amount of shimmer/iridescence so you wouldn’t necessarily need an additional highlighter. It blends well and is a fairly neutral pink on the skin. I assumed it wouldn’t be that noticeable but it actually applies a bit darker on skin than I thought it would since it’s a light colored powder.
Would I buy? Probably not this color as I tend to prefer warmer blushes.
6. Root Pretty Eyeshadow in Shell
This is a loose powder eyeshadow. It’s an off-white, cream neutral color and has a middle of the road amount of shimmer. It has good coverage and seemed to last all day. I put it on my whole eyelid area to see how it would wear. I think it’s makes me look a little ghost-like on the brow bone area so maybe it would be best as a base on the lid. Since it is a loose powder, application is a bit messy. It definitely got on my cheekbones, but I guess blending it in there could make it double as a highlighter. Zero waste! haha
Would I buy? I love Root Pretty eyeshadows, but probably not this color. Like I said, it just didn’t go with my skintone.
7. Kjaer Weis Lipstick in Believe
The color of this lipstick is almost like my natural lip color but a hint darker, so it enhanced my everyday color. It doesn’t really lean cool or warm, it’s kind of in the middle. It’s not glossy and has a hint of moisture so it feels hydrating and not sticky.
Would I buy? Yes, I liked this lipstick a lot and it would be good for every day.
8. Bonnie Lip & Cheek Treatment Balm in Aphrodite
This lip/cheek stain color is a warm and kind of a darker red with orange/brown undertones. It appears darker before application. When applied to cheeks it becomes a more sheer glossy color, same color but lighter and more subtle. When applied to lips it enhances the natural lip color making it a hint darker. It’s easy to apply with a finger and blends in well. A little goes a long way and it smells a little like vanilla, it’s subtle, but nice.
Would I buy? Yes, I like this and love a good multipurpose item!
9. Henne Organics Rose Diamonds Lip Exfoliator
This lip exfoliator smells like roses and if you accidentally taste, it tastes sweet (from the organic vanilla flavoring and the sugar it’s made with). It works well and leaves my lips smooth. I wouldn’t say they felt overly moisturized afterward but they were still smooth and rough skin was removed. To use I close my lips (but not too tight) and just rub a small amount around lips and just outside of lips too for a couple of minutes before removing with a wet washcloth.
Would I buy? Yes, I love lip exfoliators! I have a few current favorites but this one is good too and I like that it’s made with organic ingredients.
10. Burt’s Bees Lipstick in Brimming Berry
So this isn’t so much a sample, but really it’s a full sized product. I included it though because I didn’t intentionally purchase this, it came in a beauty bag with other products so it’s like a sample to me. It’s definitely a berry color, like the name says. However it initially looks like a typical berry tone, so cooler deep red/purple color, but when I applied to my lips it actually warmed up a bit more so it wasn’t quite as purple hued. Still a berry color but I liked it more than I thought I would. It feels pretty moisturizing, but not ultra moisturizing.
Would I buy? Yes, but a different color probably. This is a good budget buy for a cleaner lipstick option and there are a ton of colors to choose from. Also, it’s easily accessible – found at Target and Whole Foods for example.
11. Lotus Wei Infinite Love Aura Mist
This smells so lovely! Like a spring flower garden, but extra sweet. It’s made with special essences from flowers including Hong Kong orchid, wild fireweed, pink magnolia and pink lotus. It’s aroma is intended to magnify the love you have for yourself and others along with gentleness, compassion & receptivity. You can use this as a body spray or room/space spray. It has a light water like consistency and feels refreshing on the skin.
Would I buy? Yes, it smells so good and I love aura sprays.
12. Trilogy Rosehip Oil Light Blend
Rosehip oil is great for healing skin. It’s full of vitamins and essential fatty acids. This oil is the light blend version so it’s not simply rosehip oil but is a mixture of rosehip oil, jojoba seed oil, grapeseed oil, tomato seed oil and cranberry seed oil. It’s intended to balance skin and regulate oil production. It’s light weight and absorbs into skin well. It only has a light aroma. You know how some flowers don’t have a sweet scent but smell more earthy? It smells kind of like that, so floral but not like a typical sweet floral. I can’t speak to long term use since this was just a quick trial, but I like how it feels and it didn’t cause or increase my breakouts.
Would I buy? Yes, I’m always looking for skin healing products and I like that this one is made with just simple, skin nourishing ingredients.
That’s my sample stash for this round. Do you see any favorites or are you intrigued to try any new things??
