little white truths

Yep, it's that time again - the time when I've managed to stack up too many samples and need to get through them. 

That's something I've learned in my years as a beauty junkie: if you don't stay on top of the samples pile, it'll get too large so you won't want to go near it. Kind of like when you don't fold any washing for a few days, so you're left facing a stack that'd give Mt Everest a run for its money...

Anyhoo. A journey of a thousand miles and all that.

Let's have a look.

La Roche-Posay Micellar Water Ultra for Reactive Skin (50ml)

This came from our recent edit of The Parcel (unboxed here). It's apparently an extremely gentle, rinse-free cleanser to remove makeup, dirt and impurities without redness or irritation. It contains a boosted concentration of glycerin for optimal tolerance, comfort and hydration. It's also free of parabens, colourants, fragrance and soap.

While I'm a bit over micellar waters because I've received too many in the past few years, I do like La Roche-Posay as a brand so fingers crossed that this is good.

This came in our last Ageless Parcel (unboxed here). The product description notes that L'Occitane has invested in the very first large-scale, sustainable and organic immortelle program in Corsica (immortelle being a flower with exceptional longevity). The cream should leave skin looking more luminous, revitalised and rejuvenated.

I'm looking forward to using this one. It just looks special. Plus I've heard from a lovely subscriber that it's great, and I trust her opinion so I suspect I'll enjoy it.

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer (7.1ml)

This came in one of my Mecca Beauty Loop boxes (unboxed here). It's apparently an award-winning primer that delivers a silky finish, creates a smooth base and increases the wear of your foundation.

I've seen plenty of beauty-lovers rave about this product, so it's been on my list of items to test for a while. Looking forward!

Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Daily Youth Restoring Serum (5ml)

The capsules in this little serum apparently contain a ceramide formula that's clinically and dermatologically tested. The product claims to deliver triple the anti-ageing power to enhance skin's barrier repair function, replenish essential lipids and support skin's natural renewal process.

That all sounds good. As you may know, serums are perhaps my favourite part of my daily skincare routine. I personally feel they're more important than eg moisturiser because a good serum can completely change how my skin looks and behaves in terms of dryness/dehydration/texture etc. Hopefully this one delivers : )

Clarins Instant Light Lip Balm Perfector in 01 Rose

As you may know, I'm part of the secret community of people who don't love the Clarins Instant Light Lip Perfectors (I've reviewed one here), but I'm too afraid to talk about that much because everyone else is obsessed with them! ; )

This balm, however, has blown my socks off. I'll use it more before raving about it to the moon and back, but suffice to say that I want to buy the whole range.

According to Clarins, these have the look of a lip gloss and the feel of a balm, and they should leave your lips feeling hydrated and soft. They're created with natural, nourishing botanicals and claim to plump and smooth the lips too.

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm (5ml)

Sorry, I forgot to photograph this product individually because I'm a big spanner, but you'll see it pictured in the opening shot.

No need to rabbit on here: it's an HG product of mine and it probably doesn't need much introduction because it's well-loved in the beauty community and has been for years. It's one of those amazing cult products that does exactly what it says it will do and seems to work wonders for a variety of different skin types. Full review here. 

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Moisture Rich Night Cream (15g)

This also came in our last edit of The Parcel. While I do love Palmer's for body care, I'm not sure it's a brand I'd turn to for facial skincare - but I'll keep an open mind because it's a brand I trust.

The cream contains cocoa butter - 'nature's super beauty ingredient', according to Palmer's - as well as retinol and vitamin e to promote softer, smoother and younger-looking skin. With the added goodness of peptides to protect cell structure, it claims to be the perfect overnight repair treatment. We'll see.

Bioderma Sebium Pore Refiner (15ml)

Another product from The Parcel. This should mattify, refine and smooth the skin's texture. Thanks to a natural astringent action, dilated pores are tightened. Skin is left shine-free and more radiant. Its powdery finish makes it an excellent makeup base.

Bioderma is one of those brands that just can't seem to make a product that works for me, so I'm not convinced this will do what it says it will do - plus I have dry skin so I tend to run from anything that makes me look matte. I'll try it but it might be destined for the declutter pile. I will use it enough, though, to give a mini review when I update this post.

In sum

I'm glad I decided to do one of these samples posts (I took the shots in April) because I've just received a fresh bunch of minis from sub boxes/friends etc, so it'll be good to clear the above ones out during May.

I'll update this post with mini reviews of everything soon, and I'll also do separate posts on anything that contains enough product to warrant a full review.

Hope all's well with you, and speak soon x