* = Disliked the product - would not repurchase
** = Liked the product - might or might not repurchase
*** = Loved the product - would repurchase
1. Got2B Guardian Angel Gloss Finish Flat Iron Balm
Source: Purchased by me
Thoughts: I essentially used this as a heat protectant spray for both straightening and curling. I liked the scent and it seemed to protect my hair but I will try a few others before I repurchase.
Rating: **
2. The Hawaiian Spa Hawaiian Sea Bath in Jasmine
Source: Volcano Teapot Cottage on the Big Island
Thoughts: These bath salts are ah-mazing!! The scent is incredible (very floral, very jasmine) and I am always so relaxed after using this product. Although the website says to use a "seashell scoop," I like to use the entire bag. :)
Rating: ***
3. The Body Shop Strawberry Shower Gel
Source: Gift from one of my sisters :)
Thoughts: I am really enjoying the shower gels from The Body Shop. They lather up nicely and do not dry out my skin. I haven't been crazy about the scent, which is unusual since I normally go ga-ga over TBS scents... I think I probably had this for too long.
Rating: **
4. Somerville Soap Works Cider Spice Soap
Source: October 2013 SeasonsBox
Thoughts: I did not like this soap at all. It didn't lather well and developed a slimy layer on the bar that was really gross to the touch. It didn't smell spicy at all... it actually smelled a little old.
Rating: *
5. Mia's Wish Soap in Mr. Masculine
Source: Purchased by me in Chicago
Thoughts: I love Mia's Wish soaps! My hubby chose this scent and it was very masculine (I'd describe it to be a cologne-like scent). I liked it on him but not on me, so I didn't use much of it.
Rating: **
6. Mia's Wish Soap in Garden of Lemon Verbana
Source: Purchased by me in Chicago
Thoughts: This soap was amazing!! The scent was so fresh and I love the formulation. I want to try more of the Mia's Wish soaps... maybe I will pick up a stack if I'm ever back in Chicago.
Rating: ***
7. Dermal Green Tea Collagen Essence Mask
Source: Swap with Pebbles! (blog post coming soon)
Thoughts: I loved this sheet mask! It was very thick and luxurious, and smelled wonderful too.
Rating: ***
8. Every Beauty Makeup Remover Pads
Source: September 2013 Beauty Box 5
Thoughts: These are thick cotton pads with argan oil extract that are "activated" with water. You essentially use these to gently remove the makeup from your face, and they seemed to work well. There is a light soapy scent but there is no lather. I enjoyed trying these but prefer using my Clarisonic.
Rating: **
9. Shiseido Cotton Pads
Source: Swap with Lisa Hatcher!
Thoughts: I love these cotton pads and they are a staple in my beauty regimen. I will repurchase these over and over again.
Rating: ***
10. Beauty So Clean Conditioning Brush Cleanser
Source: I won this from a GlossyBox Twitter giveaway!
Thoughts: This is another staple in my beauty regimen. I love this product because it makes spot cleaning my makeup brushes so easy. I use this almost every day as I spot clean my makeup brushes immediately if I use them for any liquid/wet products (i.e., liquid foundation, lip tar, eyeliner, etc.). I just spray the cleanser onto my makeup brush and wipe off the product on a clean paper towel. Easy peasy!
Rating: ***
11. Lise Watier Flash Lift Radiance
Source: March 2012 Glymm Box
Thoughts: Oh my, I've had this sample for a long time! This little vial contains enough product for around 3 uses. After you take the top off, you can reverse it and use it as a stopper so the product keeps a little longer. I like this product. I'm not sure if it actually works but I thought I noticed a difference... so I considered purchasing a set but I still have a bunch of products I want to use up first. This product has a very distinct scent (it reminds me of ferrets, which I don't mind - hehe, I used to have 2 as pets when I was in high school/university).
Rating: **
12. Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara
Source: I think this was a Sephora sample with purchase
Thoughts: I love this mascara! It did a great job at volumizing and lengthening my lashes. I didn't really notice anything different with the application using the funky twisty brush, but perhaps this contributed to how well the mascara applied on my lashes. I haven't tried many high end mascaras but I would pay the extra money to pick up one of these... again, once I've finished my many many samples.
Rating: ***
13. Essie All In One Base Coat
Source: Purchased by me
Thoughts: Apparently, this can be used as a base coat, top coat, and nail strengthener... I purchased it to use as a base coat and I thought it was alright. I didn't notice anything special about it but my nails don't stain so I suppose it did the job?
Rating: **
14. Simply Food Super Fruit Green Tea
Source: Care package from Tammy
Thoughts: I don't remember too much about this tea but I do remember that I enjoyed it. :)
Rating: **
15. Yomm Hibiscus Scented Herbal Tea
Source: November 2013 Tasting Box
Thoughts: I enjoyed trying these infusions! I tried the Hibiscus & Ginger, Hibiscus, Hibiscus & Lemon, and Hibiscus & Rosehips, and I liked them all. I wouldn't say hibiscus is my favourite flavour (I drink these with a little honey), but it's supposed to be really good for you so I am planning to pick up some more hibiscus infusions in the near future. I love that Yomm is a Canadian company (based in Winnipeg, Manitoba).
Rating: **
I hope you're all having a wonderful December... I can't believe 2013 is nearly in the books!
