In September I really tried to force myself to finish up a lot of samples I was accumulating (I feel like I need to continue at this rate or better for the rest of the year to put a dent in them haha). Some I loved, and some were mediocre at best. We all have different skin types and the right thing for one is not for another so I will preface this by mentioning I have fair/light combination skin. My main concerns are enlarged pores and fine lines/wrinkles. I have severe eye puffiness in the morning and some mild redness on cheeks. I get a few breakouts now and again but nothing too extreme.
Here are my reviews of these products and will be posting another one about the rest of the ones I finished in September too 🙂
1.Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Treatment : 8/10
Smells decent
Gave skin a better texture
Skin more plump
No irritation
2. Ole Henriksen Sheer Tranformation : 5/10
I know a lot of people rave about how awesome this is, but it just didn’t do it for me, especially not at this price point.
Smells mediocre (I’m a very scent sensitive person, “Scensitive” if you will)
Didn’t notice any improvement in my skin and if anything my pores seemed enlarged like it clogged my skin up a bit. Not for me.
3. Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner: 6/10
Smells good
Wasn’t very volumizing for me
Roots greasy and ends dry
Not effective for price point at all
4. Sephora Orchid Eye Mask: 8/10
Easy to apply
Didn’t slide down my face
Saw immediately better eye skin texture and tone
Didn’t last a long time, but may see more long term improvement if used more often
5. Acure Pore Minimizing Facial Scrub: 8/10
I was initially put off by this because of the way it looked and felt, and the smell is a bit different too, but I actually grew to really like it.
Cleanses Deeply
Smell grew on me
Doesn’t overdry
Looks a bit gross
Non-irritating
6. Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Night Emulsion 9/10
Love this stuff!!!
Smells Amazing
Didn’t irritate my skin or clog pores
Made skin very soft and smooth
Didn’t break out at all while using this (I get occasional breakouts usually with things that clog my pores)
7. Anthony Glycolic Facial Cleanser : 10/10
Undeniably my favorite face cleanser of all time!
Is it meant for men? Yes, but oh well. haha
Anthony even has the tagline: “Developed for men, borrowed by women”. I can see why.
This cleanser somehow cleans everything off, doesn’t over dry, or leave residue, and smells great while it does it. Definitely not a masculine scent, very light sort of citrus fresh smell.
Very smooth texture, doesn’t lather, just sort of smooths on and works its magic.
8. Nest Moroccan Amber Candle : 9/10
The quality of this candle is unmatched by any candle I have ever encountered, I’m only giving it a 9 because I’m not 100% in love with the scent,
These candles last forever, release so much scent in such a short period of time, and my personal favorite: they don’t smoke for very long after you blow them out like many candles do, which I feel ruins the whole scent of the room by making it smell burnt. These smoke for like 1 second and then done. I wish they offered more scents, and were less expensive, but you are really getting an amazing candle here. I’ve always bought yankee candles or bath and body works, and these blow them out of the water.
9. Ahava Dead Sea Osmoter Eye Concentrate : 7/10
This has a nice texture and didn’t work it’s way into my eyes like some seem to do. It’s moisturizing without being greasy and did seem to improve tone.
I didn’t, however, see any improvement in lines and wrinkles. I would say this is good for young skin to keep it looking young but not very repairing if you’re already showing signs of aging.
10. Ulta Nectarine Rose Body Lotion : 7/10
This isn’t a product I will never use again simply because the scent didn’t smell good on me and like many lotions it made my skin feel hot like it couldn’t breath.
I will say though, it has some great ingredients, and if you like the scents this could be a great lotion for you. It’s also at a relatively cheap price point so definitely a good deal if you like it!!
11. Tarte Lights Camera Action Mascara : 6/10
This mascara is such a love hate for me.
I love the wand and the way the formula goes on, it’s volumizing and lengthening without getting clumpy or looking unnatural.
I hate how quickly the mascara dries out. I didn’t have it very long, but it was so dry and gross I couldn’t even get it to close all the way. It also flakes a lot on me by the end of the day.
12. Glytone Sunscreen Lotion SPF40 : 9/10
I really like this sunscreen! It has a great non-greasy texture and lasts a long time. If you have combination or oily skin I would definitely say this would be good for you. Doesn’t look all white and gross and can be worn on body or even under makeup. Some sunscreens irritate my skin, but this one doesn’t. Nice light scent. Definitely worth a try!
13. Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Correcting Serum : 8/10
This has been one of my go to products for years now. It’s not perfect but it has been one of the best for pores that I have used.
I’m not sure it has made any long term improvements in my pores (I’m not even sure that it’s possible for a product to do that), but whenever I have it on my skin looks amazing.
It gives a healthy matte look. Works amazing under makeup or alone. Doesn’t clog pores at all like many products used to reduce pore visibility, and a little goes a long way.
Jord and the Box 