Purchased By Me/PR Sample
Today I’m starting a new series on the blog. The concept itself isn’t new as I’m probably one of the only bloggers who doesn’t participate. But it’s new for my blog. I’m going to start sharing my empties, but with a bit of a twist. Part of the reason I never did my own empties posts in the past is because aside from my essentials I don’t really use up a lot of products. It would be boring to keep seeing the same old empty bottles of Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief Moisturizer. Then I thought about all of the empty sample containers I’ve tossed. Right now the only subscription box I’m subscribed to is Play! by Sephora. I actually do use my samples, but I never really follow up. So that’s my twist. I’m going to include empty samples and give my final thoughts along with whether or not I’d be purchasing a full size. I’m also going to talk about some of the bath bombs from my monthly Sky Organics Bubble Boxes. And of course if I ever do finish a full sized product I’ll share that here too. Aside from my essentials of course.
For this first post I’ll be listing a few items I have previously reviewed. I won’t go too far into detail. I’d only be repeating myself. However, I will link back to the review in case you missed it. I’m doing this because while I do take the time to thoroughly test products, sometimes I change my mind. Or maybe I did like the product, but just not enough to repurchase it after all.
I won’t have a certain day set up for these posts. I have a small basket set beside my vanity. Once it contains 5 empties I’ll write up my post. I have so many tiny samples so I’m hoping I can try and get in at least 1 post per month. But no promises. Ok let’s get started!
Blaq Dual Sided Wipes $12.95
I reviewed these wipes in the beginning of the year. I didn’t realize just how much I relied on them until I went to reach for one and the package was empty! I love how quickly I can remove my makeup (all of it even the most stubborn mascara) AND gently exfoliate within minutes. I never experienced any irritation and that’s a huge plus for someone with such sensitive skin.
Repurchase: Yes. I have already ordered a few packages and am anxiously awaiting them.
Joanna Vargas Daily Serum $85.00
I was really impressed with this serum. It was nice and lightweight. It took a little while before I noticed any changes, but I did notice them. I love how it helped with my redness. While a little on the pricey side I must say that it is worth every penny.
Repurchase: Yes, but not immediately. I’m testing another serum at the moment and I’d like to see how it goes before I go ahead and purchase another.
Mario Badescu Facial Spray With Aloe, Herb and Rosewater $7.00
I purchased this on a whim one day while wandering around Ulta. I purchased the smaller bottle just to test it out. That small bottle lasted months! I’ve actually been using it as a setting spray and prefer it over all of my other setting sprays. I love Mario Badescu’s products and this beauty is at the top of that list! Plus it smells like roses!
Repurchase: Yes. I have already purchased the larger bottle. I hear that you can now purchase all 3 varieties in a nifty little 3-pack. I’ll have to pick that up next time I’m at Ulta.
Clinique Pep-Start HydroBlur Moisturizer $29.50
I actually received this sample in my February 2017 Play! by Sephora box. I finished it up some time toward the end of the year. The sample was very tiny, but a little goes a long way so I got quite a few uses out of it. I really liked it. But not as a moisturizer. It felt more like a balm than a traditional moisturizer, but it worked beautifully under my makeup. I didn’t experience any irritation and didn’t detect any scent. I wouldn’t say that it felt lightweight, but it didn’t feel heavy either.
Repurchase: Probably not. While I did like it as a primer, I didn’t think that it was moisturizing enough to be used as a moisturizer. I used it when I ran out of my go-to moisturizer and while it did the job, I was left wanting and needing more.
Sky Organics February 2018 Bubble Box (Love Is In The Air) $19.25
Have I mentioned how much I love Sky Organics? Because I do! Their products never let me down! They’re simple yet make such a statement. I’m always left wondering how they do it. Their monthly Bubble Box subscription is a must have for anyone who enjoys bath bombs and bubbles. It even contains a shower steamer which I usually pop in the shower for my son. He loves them!
Let me break down the February Bubble Box (Love Is In The Air).
Roses Are Red Heart Bath Bomb – I never knew I could love a bath bomb so much! It was almost too pretty to use. But use I did. It left the water a vibrant red/pink. I couldn’t decide if it was more romantic or more horror scene-like. Either way I was digging it. It smelled like roses, but it wasn’t overly perfumey. It was really really nice. And despite the vibrant color it didn’t stain one bit.
Also, I really wish Sky Organics allowed you to purchase single bath bombs. Because I would LOVE a box full of these wonderful rose bath bombs. I need more of these in my life!
Madly In Love Bath Bomb – I was equally excited to use this one. This left the water a nice vibrant color as well. I felt it gave off some fairy vibes the way the blue and pink swirled together. There was even a bit of shimmer in the water. It smelled wonderful and looked all kinds of magical. Then it was time to get out of the tub and my fingernails and toenails were dyed pink! And the last thing I want to do after a nice relaxing soak in the tub is scrub it down afterward. But that’s what I had to do because boy was this one messy bath bomb. I’ve used many of their bath bombs and never experienced anything like this. It’s such a shame because if it hadn’t dyed everything pink I would have loved a box full of these as well.
Cupid’s Kiss Mini Bath Cake – I loved the bath cake! It smelled wonderful! It creates a nice amount of bubbles. Not too little and not too much. What I like about the bath cakes is that you don’t have to use the whole thing immediately. I used half for one bath and used the other half later on. Obviously this leaves you with fewer bubbles, but it was just as nice.
Repurchase: Yes. While Sky Organics kindly sends me a Bubble Box every month, I’m planning to buy a box of some of their other bath bombs. I’m curious about the Charcoal Bath Bomb Gift Set. The Aromatherapy Spa Bath Bombs Gift Set also looks pretty nice. Maybe I’ll just get both? You can never have too many bath goodies.
A little side note: I almost always post videos of the bath bombs in action on my Instagram stories as well as Snapchat. So make sure you’re following me so that you can see them in action.
Now that I have reached the end I’m wondering if 5 is too much. Maybe I’ll cut it back to 3 empties per post. I feel like this post took me weeks to write up.
