little white truths

I must have had the idea for starting a blog in mind longer than I'd consciously realised, since I've been hoarding my empty containers and dead products for a while now (and not just because I like to re-use smaller containers that are good for eg travelling). 

The June empties post includes all the products I've recently finished; this post covers those I finished a bit earlier on.

There's a nice mix of products to review here - hair, body, face. 

Looking back, none of the above products wowed me but I was definitely glad to try them all since I'd heard a bit about them before using them.

Out of Africa Lavender Shea Butter (RRP $9.99 for 57g)

I received this in one of my Lust Have It boxes. The product description says it's 'excellent for sensitive skin, fine lines, wrinkles and stretch marks' etc and it 'helps regenerate and protect dry or damaged skin'. 

You can use it anywhere, though I tended to use it on my feet and elbows because it's thick and greasy (and therefore indeed great for dry skin). I received the lavender product, but others are available. It's a hard product and looks/feels like a lip balm. Would I purchase? Maybe. Not in lavender though - not my favourite smell. Maybe in verbena. One thing I do love is the tin, so I'll definitely be keeping that.

Coconut Revolution Coconut Scrub (RRP $24.95 for 250g)

I received a 10g sample of this and it was more than enough to trial the product (you'll see I've done my usual trick of cutting open the tube to make sure I get all of the product out!). I'm glad I had the opportunity to try this because I almost bought it and still had it on my list of products to try - I really love good body scrubs and this one looked decent. I didn't like it, however. It wasn't 'scrubby' enough (so not much happening in terms of exfoliation), I didn't like the consistency and the smell wasn't good either. So in terms of purchasing: no.

These guys don't use capitals in their product titles so I won't either! This company has done some incredibly smart marketing. The products are relatively new to the haircare scene and already they're everywhere - in shop windows, online and they turned up in one of my subscription boxes. I was thrilled to try them, but unfortunately neither worked for my hair. The shampoo didn't clean well enough and the conditioner wasn't heavy duty enough. I know others who love them though! Would I purchase? No.

Kosmea Hydrating Rosewater Mist (RRP $19.95 for 125ml) 

I really liked this mist. I got in on sale and paid around $15 for it, making it one of the cheaper sprays I've used recently. It's not as good as MAC's Fix+ nor Happy Skincare's Raindrops on Roses Tonic (see my reviews of these here), but it's still a good product that smells lovely and provides nice hydration/refreshment throughout the day. Would I repurchase? Yes, if I could find it at a lower price again.

Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Spray (RRP $29 for 118ml)

In the past two years, I've received a sample of this in beauty subscription boxes four times! Therefore I do believe I'm fully qualified to give it a comprehensive review ; ). Bottom line? Not a fan. It claims to last up to 16 hours and describes itself as an 'ultra fine long wear makeup setting spray'. I found that it doesn't hydrate well, and it definitely doesn't last as long as claimed. And it's not worth the price tag. Would I purchase? No.

Lancome DreamTone Ultimate Dark Spot Corrector (RRP $115 for 40ml)

I received a sample of this in a goodies bag. I received shade 1 (for fair skin), so it wasn't the right shade for me (I'd be a 2) and this may have affected my experience of it. I also think that the sample I received wasn't big enough to allow me to see results from the product. So while I didn't see results, I wanted to include this in the list because I'd be really interested in hearing others' experience of it. Does it work? Lancome claims that it does. I'd love to know. If it does, I may consider buying it in future - though not at Australian prices.

Kosmea Skin Clinic Rescue Balm (RRP  $29.95 for 50ml)

Another sample I was lucky enough to receive. It looks and feels like Blistex lip balm in its little pot, minus the strong smell. I remember getting through this quite quickly earlier in the year when I had a terrible bout of the flu and the skin on my lips and around my nose was flakey, red and dry. This really did the trick. Would I repurchase? Yes.

ModelCo Fatlash Volumising Black Mascara (RRP $20 for 11ml)

This was a good product, reminiscent of Benefit's They're Real mascara in consistency, effect and design (in terms of the similarity of the brushes). As with They're Real, I liked this but it wasn't for me - the brush is too fat and therefore hard to use for someone with eyes as puffy as mine. Nine times out of ten I ended up with masacara all over my face. The other thing I didn't like so much, although others will love this, is just how fattening it is. It doesn't look natural and is better for night time. If you're after impact though, this is you man. The symbol on the bottom says that it's good for 12 months after opening - I've never seen this before in a mascara and I wouldn't rely on that. I used mine for four months or so before I started to notice a different smell and my eyes watered once after use, so it was time to turf it. Would I repurchase? With a skinnier brush, absolutely. I do recommend this as a cheaper alternative to Benefit's They're Real; both products also have good staying power.

That's the list! Have you tried any of these products? I'd love to hear others' feedback : )