Minis #2 | Samples & Freebies | Summer Series

It's that time again, I have a stash of samples and freebies that I've been trying.

There are some new brands to me, that I wouldn't normally buy or try. And some old favourites too!

And for those of you wondering, Rob has a mini feature on this post too.

Let's jump to it...

Nivea In Shower Body Moisturiser for Dry Skin

I got the sample for this in a magazine, and I was keen to try it, as I am desperately trying to improve my body skincare routine! It was very easy to use, as you would expect, as it's purpose is to save you time.

The texture was similar to a regular body lotion, just runnier. 

It definately made my skin feel softer immediately afterwards. I'm not a sufferer of dry skin, and I noticed a mild improvement, so if dryness was a concern for you, I'm not sure how much of a difference this would make.

I do feel it is a bit of a novelty, but it did the job well enough with minimum faff.

Would I buy full size product: Possibly 

Estée Lauder Clear Difference - Oil Control/ Mattifying Hydrating Gel

I liked the texture of this, although I often find with moisturisers designed for oily or blemished skin, they are not hydrating enough for me. 

I think I would prefer to spend more money else where in my routine.

Would I buy the full size product: Unlikely

Estée Lauder Clear Difference - Advanced Blemish Serum

I've been lusting after this serum for some time now. Lauder are renowned for their serums (anyone heard of Advanced Night Repair?) and I wanted to try this one badly, but I didn't want to part with my cash before giving it a whirl first, as I'm tired of investing in products and being disappointed.

It's a lovely light weight texture, not too dissimilar to my current serum, it had an unusual smell, but I try not to let smell alter my opinion on a product when it's irrelevant, and it disappeared quickly.

I think long term I could really get along with this serum. The ingredients agree with my skin, and I feel like it's doing something good for my skin.

Would I buy the full size product: definately, when I have the funds

Jessica Custom Nail Colour in Floating Beauty

This hot pink colour was free in last months Red magazine. It was a full size bottle, so very generous.

I don't often paint my finger nails with regular polish (normally gel polish).

It was a delight to apply, I really liked the brush, and a nice colour and coverage was achieved after two coats. I would suggest applying a base and top coat to increase longevity of the colour. But definately not to be sniffed at for a free gift.

Would I buy full size product: Likely, for a colour on my toes.

Ciaté Mini Nail Polish in Strawberry Milkshake

There is nothing I would like more than to name nail polish colours (or paint swatches!), Strawberry Milkshake?! Thats too cute.

This nail colour and speedy topcoat was free in last months Marie Claire magazine.

I wasn't too keen on the constancy of this polish. It seemed a bit too thick, and the brush was a bit too chunky and I felt it was hard to get close to my cuticles without bleeding on them.

On a plus side a great colour was achieved after only two applications, which is often hard for a pale colour. The top coat didn't give it a particularly glossy finish, but it did dry incredibly fast.

Would I buy full size product: No, there are too many varnish brands I prefer.

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

I had actually written a review previously on the blog about this product (which I have since deleted), we're talking 2013, and I've learnt so much more about makeup and skincare since then, so when I was offered a sample when I was buying my Smashbox foundation I thought I'd give it a whirl again.

I'm still not super keen on the texture, even though it is oil free. As far as primers go, I haven't found one that make a significant difference to the life of my makeup, even with long lasting foundations. And this one is no different.

I do know many people who love various Smashbox primers, so I know they work for some, and I'd still like to try their new water primer.

Would you buy the full size product: No

Clarins Water Purify One-Step Cleanser

This is, what I imagine, Clarins version of the popular Micellar waters. Although Clarins have had these style cleansers long before Garnier launched theirs.

This one is for combination-oily skin, which I appreciate, and contains mint making it nice and refreshing. Like with my Garnier Micellar water, I wouldn't use it as my daily cleanser, possibly if I was in a rush in the morning or needed to refresh my makeup later in the day.

Would I buy the full size product: No, as I feel it's a pricey cleansing water

Clarins Tonic Oil

In my June mini's I tried the Relax oil which I wasn't too fussed about. But I really like this scent. It also helps to firm and tone this skin, so is popular for Mums-to-be or people looking to improve the suppleness of their skin.

I've found this really lovely to apply in the morning to invigorate me or in the afternoon as a pick-me-up.

Would you buy the full size product: Yes

Clarins Body Lift Cellulite Control

I've been wanting to try this product for a long time too. I don't suffer from cellulite badly, but you can use it as a preventative too, which weirdly I'd chose over a preventative eye cream...

I find this so fun to apply. You only have to apply it to areas where you suffer or are of concern, so for me was really just my thighs and bum. A little goes a long way and the texture is quickly absorbed, it also gives you a refreshing tingle so it's good to get you going in the mornings! 

As I've said numerous times, I really want to start a body skin care routine, and I think this is a great product to add to my slowly expanding regime.

Would you buy the full size product: Already have!

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Now for the Mens review by Rob

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream

For anyone who read my last Kiehl’s sample review after our honeymoon in April you will know that I didn’t get on with the Ultra Facial Cream with SPF. That caused me great discomfort as it made my eyes constantly stream once applied. Therefore I was dubious as I began to trial this sample.

At application I was surprised. The more traditional cream didn’t make my eyes stream (which I am now told is caused by the SPF) and it did not feel as though it caked my skin. You know that feeling the old factor 50 sun cream used to give you when you were a kid?

Midday - No. Just no. I looked like a shining mess. Throughout the afternoon I had to physically wipe the shine from my forehead. But I cannot say I wasn’t surprised

Evening - You may have suspected, it didn’t improve. It was a lovely feeling to get the cleanser on at the end of the day to truly get the day off!!!

Would I Buy It? - No. I was dubious to use it and rightly so. I think next time I’m offered these samples I will politely decline! That is if I have any say over what samples they give me!

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream

This was much more up my street. Aimed at the oily skinned demographic I expected good things from the Gel Cream. 

At application I wasn’t disappointed, I have moved away from your traditional ‘cream’ style moisturisers which I dislike using. I prefer less bulky/blocky gel products. Absorption was rapid and even. Skin was left feeling, dare i say it, fresh and hydrated.

Midday - Not bad at all. Little signs of grease and still feeling pretty fresh! A good lead into the afternoon!

Evening - Wow, I think it’s power was drained in the day. Much more significant shine at the end of the day.

Would I Buy It? - A tough one, I’d probably opt for something that lasts that little bit longer than the working day. So that’s a no from me.

Kielh's Facial Fuel

Instant thoughts were that, like with other Kiehl’s products I’ve tried, the texture/consistency was great off the bat. Smooth, a decent density but not too thick.

At application it spread easily and absorbed with no fuss. I wasn’t left feeling like I’d layered something across my skin but slightly refreshed. I think this is where the ‘energising’ aspect comes into it. I’m not sure if it’s anything more than novel but a cooling sensation remains after application that soon wears off.

Midday - I’m always very aware of my skin throughout the day. Working in an office I spend a lot of time resting my head on my hands, adjusting my hair or studiously twizzling my beard/moustache. The facial fuel was doing ok, not great. My forehead was showing signs of shine as the oils in my skin were coming through. Frustrating if you’re heading into an afternoon meeting!

Evening - Through the door from work, it’s been another five hours and I’m about to ‘take the day off’. Surprisingly there wasn’t much more degradation, I was reasonably happy with the performance from the Facial Fuel

Would I Buy It? - Yes I think so, at £21 for 75ml (£29 for 125ml) it’s not extortionately priced and I very much enjoyed the application. I’m considering the fact that it’s not a dedicated oily complexion product and it’s done well for me.

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What samples have you tried lately?

Do you like to try before you buy?

For the month of August anyone who leaves their blog link on my blog posts, Twitter or Instagram and follows Pocket Full of Bobby Pins I shall follow back.

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First half '15 Favourites

Can you believe it's July already? Madness!

I thought I'd share with you a few products I've been loving in the first half of 2015, I'm trying not to repeat myself, so there are lots of products not included in this favourites which have featured previously on Pocket full of bobby pins which I still obviously love, but I wanted to avoid sounding like a broken record!

First up OGX shampoo and conditioner. I bought my first one, Kukui oil, when I went on my honeymoon in April, the conditioner is still going, but that shampoo has been used up as my husband used it too. Jammy so 'n so.

I've since loaded up on them every time I see them on offer, often in Boots or Waitrose, so I have a hefty backup stash already. They're sulphate free, so gentle on your hair and they all smell amazing. I've heard the coconut one is popular, but I can't stand the smell. Blergh.

I feel you can't go wrong with these, they have ones for all types of hair and I am currently trialling some of their other hair products to see if they are as good as the shampoos and conditioners; So watch this space.

My only other drugstore product is the Garnier Micellar water. I've seen lots of people use the 'pink' version of this, which is for dry/sensitive skin. The 'green' one is combination/sensitive, so naturally I went for this one.

Just to be clear- I do not use this as my facial cleanser.

I generally use it as an eye makeup remover, or to correct any mistakes (I'm talking to you, eyeliner)

I'm quite anal when it comes to washing my face, and I really don't think this would thoroughly cleanse your face to remove all makeup residue/ pollution/ SPF at the end of the day. I suppose it would suffice at a festival when you obviously wouldn't have the ability to do a hot cloth cleanse.

What ever you use it for, it is a great product; extremely gentle, even on heavy eye makeup and a matte lipstick, and obviously great value. There is something hugely satisfying about holding a big weighty bottle, possibly because so many high-end products are small and dainty. I've had this three months and only used a quarter of the bottle.

I'm definately a skin care over makeup kind of gal, but makeup is obviously a necessity.

I feel like the search for the perfect mascara (and foundation) will never be over, but Chanel Le Volume mascara could be a contender. 

Normally I'm not overly focused on what the mascara wand looks like, whether it's a soft brush or silicone. But that is definately what I liked about this product; it's great for getting a good amount of product on the applicator, and it's extremely black. Which I loved! It was great to layer and build up and the brush is ideal for getting separate lashes but lots of volume too.

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My only other makeup favourite is the Smashbox photo filter powder. I bought this on a whim after buying the Studio Skin foundation, the consultant put some on me as I like a bit of powder over my foundation. She told me it gives you an 'Instagram filter' effect on your skin. I was dubious at first, but I thought my MAC powder needed replacing, so I took the plunge.

Initially I was using it with my regular powder brush and like it just as much as any other powder really. Then one day I needed a quick cover up as I was quickly popping to the shops but didn't want to put on a full face, and I remembered the consultant saying about the sponge which comes with the powder, normally I'm not a fan of sponge applicators- I don't even have a beauty blender- but needs must.

Oh my gosh, I wish I'd used it from the beginning! It softens all your features, which I guess is the 'filter' effect, and the coverage is amazing, and I like a full coverage. I rave about this powder to everyone. Definately one of my game changer products.

Liquid Gold, I used initially about two years ago, when I was getting desperate with my skin and I'd heard good things about it. But it was far, far to premature.

Now that my skin is under control, and I am trying to reduce my acne scaring, I repurchased, and I feel it now lives up to the hype, and I am always keen to disagree with products which have been over glorified. 

I use it every other evening, and when I wake up my skin always looks clearer and brighter. It's always so tempting to use it every night, but I don't want to over sensitise my skin. 

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Speaking of which, it's really important to wear a daily sunscreen, especially whilst using products with AHAs or BHAs, which I am a huge fan of. I mentioned in my previous post that I use sun protection separate to foundation, and this is it; UV plus. It has SPF 50, which may seem high to a lot of people, but protecting my skin from UVA and UVB rays is more important to me than any tan.

I put a couple of drops of this over my moisturiser, a little goes such a long way, it's oil free and so light weight it doesn't make my makeup slide of my skin like a regular sun screen would. I wouldn't be without it.

My penultimate favourite I've wanted to get my hands on for ages!

Everyone went mad for the Clarins Lip Oil when it was first launched, and I actually bought two as gifts, and not one for myself!

But now I finally have one of my own; I am the worst for biting and chewing on my lips, and one quick application of this before I go to bed lets me wake up with soft, smooth lips.

The applicator is defiantly what makes this product. The formula looks a bit sticky and gloopy, but somehow this magic wand glides the oil onto your lips and it melts in.

Last, but not least is Flowerbomb by Viktor&Rolf.

I always think fragrances are hard to do in blog posts, because smells are very personal. Even earlier I said I didn't like coconut, which is always a summer favourite, and I'm sure many people wont be a fan of this scent.

When choosing my wedding wedding fragrance it was between this and La Vie Est belle by Lancome. In the end I went with the latter, but later on I also bought Flowerbomb, because I still really liked it! 

Only when writing this blog post did I look up what the notes were do I see why I was drawn to it so much;

Top notes; bergamot and tea (well I love tea)

Heart notes; Jasmine (one of my favourite scents), freesia and orchid

Base notes; Centiflora rose and patchouli.

All these are right up my street, if they are yours too, I highly recommend you have a spritz next time you walk past a perfume section.

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So those are all my January-June favourites

What products have you been loving in the beginning of 2015?

Do you think I should try the beauty blender, will that surprise me too?

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Staying Matte

Ever found searching for a foundation for your oily/ combination/ blemished skin hard?

Everyone's skin is different, so what might work for one person may not for another. I've always found recommendations a good place to start, so I'm going to share with you some of the foundations I have used.

Sometimes it's nice to look back at existing products too, as so often blogs focus on new releases, and we don't get introduced to current products which may be super for you!

This is not exhaustive of all the foundations I have tried, but a small selection I got along with :)

One of the first foundations I tried was bareMinerals. Which is very popular among all different skin types. 

The coverage is buildable (medium-full), and because it's mineral it does feel light weight on the skin. When I initially tried it I really liked it, but I do prefer liquid foundations now.  It's not ideal to travel with, or even have in your hand bag as it is a loose powder; although I'm sure bareMinerals have a suitable alternative for that now.

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Then I moved on to Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Foundation. This was when I was trying to combat my blemishes from every angle!

It's a medium coverage, needless to say matte finish. I can't say I noticed any improvement of my blemishes from solely this foundation, but it didn't harm.

I started using Clarins Ever Matte as I liked that it had an SPF 15 (which as far as I'm aware none of the other foundations have any SPF)** and before, I was wearing their Everlasting foundation and I wanted to try to wear less coverage and 'show more skin', as at the time I was still trying to improve my blemishes and acne scars.

I do still wear this foundation, more day to day, as it's a medium coverage as well as occasionally the Everlasting+ Foundation (they reformulated it and it's much nicer). Ever Matte is oil free, which is a plus point for many people with an oily skin looking for a foundation.

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The newest addition to my foundation is Smashbox Studio Skin. This is the least matte of all of them, but still enough so that an oily skin could wear and it wouldn't melt off your skin. This foundation is also oil free, and medium-full coverage.

I've never worn a foundation that promises 15/ 18/ 24 hour wear and actually got that many hours out of it. Definately not on my T-zone anyway. And who has foundation on twenty four hours anyway? Gross.

I do however, take the fact that it's long lasting to mean it will stay on my skin a reasonable amount of time. Some people may be luckier.

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**Now I use a separate SPF over my moisturiser, so having a SPF in a foundation isn't a key factor for me any more

I hope that gives you a few suggestions of what foundations to try for an oilier skin

Let me know what foundations you have used for your skin type

Packaging Peeves | Smashbox 24 hour CC Concealer

Isn't it really annoying when you love a product, but the packaging doesn't do it justice?

Either you waste loads of product, can't get it all out or it's impossible to deliver the correct amount.

Why do you do this to us Beauty Industry. Why? WHY?!

On my hit list today is Smashbox 24 hour CC spot concealer.

I don't know what I can do to stop the product splurging out every time I reinsert the applicator.

The design is similar to liquid eyeliners, but obviously a different consistency.

I feel like I wipe away more product after each use than I initially put on my face.

I've even taken to using my own concealer brush and using the splurged product instead of the intended applicator as to not waste product.

What packaging is currently peeving you off?