Naturalla Beauty

Sample Stash #20: Deluxe Mini Edition

It’s been a long time since my last sample stash post, but I’ve been using a fair number of minis recently, so it seemed like a good time to bring the series back.  There’s only so much information you can gain from a small sample sachet, but deluxe samples and trial size minis can give you a great impression of a product without a big commitment.  

Good Medicine Beauty Lab Purity Perfectly Clear Skin Tonic

When I first received the Purity Skin Tonic (in my October Goodbeing Box), I disliked the scent enough that I could barely bring myself to try it, but six months later, either the scent has mellowed or my nose has, as it’s no longer an issue.  I still get a hint of pool water, but it’s not acrid or offensive, and the product now smells mainly fresh and a little herbal/minty. It works incredibly well on my skin too! The tonic combines soothing, anti-inflammatory, and clarifying ingredients and I notice my skin is smoother and my pores look a little more refined since using it regularly.  It’s safe to say that Good Medicine Beauty Lab is firmly back on my wishlist and I’ll certainly consider a full size of Purity once I’m done with the mini.

Andalou Naturals Probiotic + C Renewal Cream

I’ve written about how disappointing some of Andalou’s reformulations have been for me, and unfortunately this is another product to add to that list.  The old version of the Probiotic + C Renewal Cream was one of my favorite moisturizers -- I’ve gone through at least two or three full pots of it -- so when I needed a new moisturizer, I thought I’d give the new incarnation a try.  In terms of scent and feel, the two are very similar, however the ingredients have changed considerably and so has the effect of the new cream on my skin. One of the most significant changes is that sunflower oil, which used to be the second ingredient, is now lumped in at the end, amongst small percent ingredients like hyaluronic acid and calendula extract.  The new formula uses a higher amount of glycerin and lists its first oil, jojoba, as the fifth ingredient. Ultimately, the new version left me with minor congestion on my cheeks and seemed to have my skin producing more oil throughout the day. Definitely not something I’ll be purchasing again.


Aurelia Miracle Cleanser

I’ve used several samples and minis of the Miracle Cleanser over the years, but I’m not sure I’ve ever written about it on the blog before.  The Miracle Cleanser is a rich cream cleanser that thoroughly and deeply cleans the skin. It’s thick enough to get a good massage going as you cleanse and feels moisturizing without leaving behind any kind of residue.  It also smells deliciously herbal -- a mix of eucalyptus, chamomile, rosemary, and bergamot. Despite not buying the full size yet, I’d feel confident including this amongst my favorite cleansers.

John Masters Scalp Spearmint & Meadowsweet Scalp Stimulating Shampoo

I’m a big fan of John Masters hair care and I think the Spearmint & Meadowsweet is my new favorite shampoo from the line.  It lathers decently well -- not the easiest or richest lather, but far from the worst -- and I enjoy the fresh minty scent of peppermint, spearmint, and eucalyptus.  Meadowsweet extract is intended to gently clarify, while soy protein strengthens and sodium PCA and hyaluronic acid lock in moisture. I don’t find the shampoo especially clarifying (or moisturizing, for that matter), but it’s a fantastic and balanced everyday shampoo.  

Bite Beauty Sugarcane Amuse Bouche Lipstick

I picked up Bite’s The Perfect Bite Amuse Bouche Lipstick set in the fall and I've been reaching for Sugarcane, a pretty light/medium pink, a lot over the last several weeks. (Check out the rest of the colours on my Instagram.)  The Amuse Bouche formula is good -- richly pigmented and creamy -- but it’s not the most moisturizing, so I like to wear a thin layer of lip balm underneath to keep my lips happy. Bite’s products do contain dyes, but the Amuse Bouche ingredients are pretty clean otherwise.  

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