Sample Sizes to Repurchase in Full Size {PART 1}

This post is a pretty obvious one based on the title, right? I am going to be showing you a few items from 2015 that I received sample sizes of that I have already repurchased or will be repurchasing in the full size volume!

In South Africa it is so difficult to get samples of products. *Insert gasp here* You cannot walk into a store and request a foundation sample in your shade/a concealer to match your dark circle/a facial exfoliator to test if it may or may not break you out like you can overseas. This is not a joke. It very rarely happens when a sales lady just gives you samples. Generally you only receive samples after handing over a few hundreds on other products. It doesn’t make sense – for obvious reasons – but it is what it is. You will also notice from these two posts that skincare samples are much more readily available than actual make-up samples.

So straight into it!

The Clarins HydraQuench Cream and HydraQuench Cream-Mask – Both these products are rich formulas which are ideal for stressed and thirsty skin. Both work incredibly well with just one use but the HydraQuench Mask is one my my favourite skincare products from the past year. The perfect product for when you need a quick fix! Within just 5 – 10 minutes (I tend to leave mine on for even 15 minutes) your skin already looks healthier and refreshed. It corrects your tired skin’s moisture balance while improving the overall look. I did actually purchase the full size version and it can be bought for R480.

The Kiehls Double Strength Deep Wrinkle Filler – Seriously, who wouldn’t want the full size version of something that promises to ‘Instantly Fill Lines and Wrinkles’?! Advertised to do that and minimize the depth of facial lines over time. I applied this under my make-up – basically as a primer – and, while it does fill up my fine lines on my forehead, it doesn’t completely diminish them. But, duh, that is to be expected. It works nicely underneath make-up with no weird product build up, and it does what its meant to do. I have seen a few reviews where this has been said to irritate and dry out already dry and sensitive skin – so I would suggest you do a spot test first!

Elie Saab Le Parfum Eau De Parfum – Mother of all that is divine. I know, I know. I am probably the last person on Earth who hasn’t purchased this perfume. It is SO fantastic. A clean, sweet and fresh smell containing ylang-ylang, honey rose and amber-patchouli notes – it will definitely be my next fragrance purchase!

Salon Care Enzyme Exfoliant Skin Polisher – I have a full indepth review on this product coming up next month so I won’t say too much here.. But I had to include it in this post. This is a basic facial exfoliator. It is a mild enzyme exfoliator used to remove the top layer of dead skin cells to reveal the super healthy and glowing skin beneath. It is actually super technical and if you google it you will see some info on how it is a keratolytic agent which reduces the thickness of stratum corneoum by weakening protein bonds in your individual skin cells… etc etc. Basically it does the job – and it does it well!

Healing Earth – Coffee, Cinnamon & Orange Body Polish – I have already posted my thoughts on this product – which you can view HERE – but once again, I love love love this. The flavours of Coffee, Cinnamon and Orange are three of my worst yet this smell is breathtaking. Literally I walk around smelling my arms for hours afterwards. Not cute but whatever. And little jar it comes in is as luxurious as the product itself. The polish gives you that perfect exfoliation for your body – just a little gentler than what you would put on your legs.

Smashbox – ‘Try Our Trios’ Eyeshadow Trio Trio – This little booklet is seriously the creme de la creme of the sample world! Smashbox has made up this folder than contains eyeshadow patches of three of their trios; Dark Room, Vignette and Filter. So three eyeshadows per trio = you are getting NINE shadow colours to try out before parting with your cash dollar.

I have already purchased Filter as a result of trying them from here! You can pick this little booky up from Stuttafords stores and it even includes a ‘Get The Look’ section with eyeshadow tips ‘n tricks.