I've never been quite sure how to describe my relationship with beauty. It's not that I'm disinterested, but I'm not the world's best at keeping up with any kind of routine. I can happily go without make-up, although let's face it, we all have things we'd rather cover-up, and I have in the past just grabbed whatever beauty products I've been gifted.
Safe to say I'm not neglectful of my skin, but I'm a bit haphazard, and I haven't really been that interested in the products I put on it, bar the fact that they helped, or made my skin feel or smell nice. Free beauty samples are changing that, and hopefully for the better.
My friend virtually sent me an opportunity to try out a perfume sample ages ago, via a So Post sampling campaign, and since then I've managed to get my hands on some pretty cool Happy Mail. A fair amount has been free samples through marketing offers, once from O2 priority, and other offers from brands, or shops like Boots. I also order from Feel Unique sometimes that offers 5 samples at a time/per month for £3.95, which is credited back as a voucher to spend on their website.
Part of the appeal is getting nice happy mail on the doormat, but also it's a lot more fun being able to try various make-up and skincare products that you wouldn't normally be able to afford to 'try', without the whole is it worth it, do I really need it, can I afford it dilemmas the full-size versions bring. It's the variety too, from serums and moisturisers to foundation, and even mini lipsticks and gloss, I've managed to source quite a few different brands, to really see what works for my skin and complexion.
I do feel it's changed my mindset a bit. I'm more enthusiastic about having new things to get out and try, saving some of the decent-sized samples I really like for best (i.e. making them last as long as possible) and not just picking something vaguely suitable from the cheaper aisles in the shops. I've also found myself using types of products I probably wouldn't think of before.
Some of the samples I've had lasted much longer than expected as well, the only problem is I want full-size versions of some things - I guess I'll need to start a fund for a few treats.
Some of my favourite samples are:
Safe to say I'm not neglectful of my skin, but I'm a bit haphazard, and I haven't really been that interested in the products I put on it, bar the fact that they helped, or made my skin feel or smell nice. Free beauty samples are changing that, and hopefully for the better.
My friend virtually sent me an opportunity to try out a perfume sample ages ago, via a So Post sampling campaign, and since then I've managed to get my hands on some pretty cool Happy Mail. A fair amount has been free samples through marketing offers, once from O2 priority, and other offers from brands, or shops like Boots. I also order from Feel Unique sometimes that offers 5 samples at a time/per month for £3.95, which is credited back as a voucher to spend on their website.
Part of the appeal is getting nice happy mail on the doormat, but also it's a lot more fun being able to try various make-up and skincare products that you wouldn't normally be able to afford to 'try', without the whole is it worth it, do I really need it, can I afford it dilemmas the full-size versions bring. It's the variety too, from serums and moisturisers to foundation, and even mini lipsticks and gloss, I've managed to source quite a few different brands, to really see what works for my skin and complexion.
Some of the samples I've had lasted much longer than expected as well, the only problem is I want full-size versions of some things - I guess I'll need to start a fund for a few treats.
Some of my favourite samples are:
- Urban Decay Hi-Fi Shine Ultra Cushion Lip Gloss (Naked) - I'm a fan of anything with peppermint oil in and although a bit thicker to apply than expected, this gloss was comfortable to wear, and moisturising on my lips. It lasts a while and has a slight tint as well. 20 shades available, which vary from purple and various shades of pink to gold - likely with more colour impact. I found a sample on Feel Unique. RRP £15.00
- GLAMGLOW Galacticleanse - melting jelly balm cleanser. I LOVE this product - It smells nice, feels nice on, and my skin feels nice afterward! Just apply the jelly balm and melt it (and your make-up off with warm water) and no breakouts or reactions. It contains moonflower oil and bamboo charcoal. Definitely one of the favourite cleanser/facial wash/hot cloth cleanser type products I've tried. RRP £26.00
- GLAMGLOW Waterburst Hydrated Glow Moisturiser - A bit of a theme with GLAMGLOW, but also products in blue packaging, with some kind of water/hydrating theme, as my skin can get dry or a bit dehydrated at times. It can be used day and/or night, and a big selling point is it's free from parabens phthalates and sulphates. A little goes a long way with this, my tiny sample pot is still going strong, so if/when I need a new moisturiser this may be an investment buy or gift idea. RRP £39.00
- First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Tint Cream - This was a lovely little find in a sample form. The shade I was sent is not enough coverage for those bad face days when there are things I'd rather cover-up, but this ticks all the boxes otherwise. SPF 30, non-comedogenic, safe for sensitive skin, and applies like a dream. My skin feels good so this is definitely on the list for re-purchasing.
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