FGW: Random Sampler

If you’re anything like me, you have a generous helping of sample size products bursting from every nook and cranny. Sometimes I get them as GWP(gift with purchase) items, sometimes it’s  those extras from my Sephora order, and sometimes I receive them from companies who want me to try out what they have to offer. The fun part about this is that I get to try all sorts of new items I might not otherwise, but the downside is that with a tiny sample you can rarely get a solid idea of how a product will perform in the long run. I don’t have enough information for a well formed opinion or an entire post after one use, right? Rather than let these tiny gems go to waste, I’d like to share my very cursory thoughts about products based on only a few uses.  After all, if you don’t like the sample enough to at least look up the full size bottle, that’s probably a sign, no?

Surya Brazil Amazonia Preciosa Brazil Nut Shampoo and Conditioner.  Man, that is quite the mouthful.  This line of products received their organic certification through EcoCert about 2 years ago, but are really starting to gain attention now as people become more aware about what’s really in their products. There are no parabens, solvents, sulfates, artificial colors or fragrances, or animal testing. The packages are made of recyclable material and the Preciosa essential oil is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. I don’t think I qualify as that responsible and I have kids for pete sake!

Trying out a shampoo with none of the usual sudsing agents can be a shock at first. I think as we start to see more and more major lines producing sulfate free products we’ll become used to the sensation and realize that squeaky doesn’t always mean clean. My hair was gently cleansed with none of the over stripping I usually associate with shampoo. The fragrance was light and pleasant  and doesn’t seem as though it would be irritating to sensitive types. The conditioner is very light. Very light. It disappeared almost the second it touched my hair and took almost the entire packet to detangle and soften my hair. I have very short hair and there may be too much product use neccessary to justify purchase by individuals with longer hair. Since my hair wasn’t stripped by the shampoo the lighter conditioner seemed to provide  fairly adequate moisture, but it certainly isn’t my favorite conditioner ever and I don’t intend to seek it out again. There are 5 formulations available for different hair types, as well as body and skin care products. The shampoo and conditioner are available at select health and vitamin retailers and online at Bytheplanet.com for $21.24.

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil.  Yes, you read that right.  Me, an oily skinned woman, using an oil to cleanse my skin.  It seemed so counterintuitive that I just had to try it.  And I’m glad I did because I love it.  Massage this olive oil based cleanser onto your dry skin, make up and all, and then rinse away with lukewarm water. This removed every last speck of make up from my face, including my Urban Decay 24/7 eye liner, and rinsed away so easily and thoroughly that a washcloth wasn’t even required. My skin had NO oily residue and was smooth as a baby’s bum. My skin seemed no more oily than usual in the morning, but I think I would continue to use this as an evening only cleanser since we’ll soon be entering the warm summer months when my skin kicks into oil overdrive. This cleanser goes against everything we’ve always been told about skincare and I like that! Also, only $25 for the large bottle? A definite yes from me on that. I followed up my cleansing with the DHC Concentrated Eye Cream.  This cream is a fairly average texture, not too heavy or too light. It absorbs reasonably quickly with massaging and doesn’t feel greasy, unless you happen to apply too much, which is so easy to do with eye products. I can honestly say that I noticed a brighter look in my eye area on the very first use and my eyes looked and felt firmer, especially on my tired upper lid. From a tiny .03 oz packet I managed 4 hearty uses, so at $31.50 for .7 oz I consider it a pretty good deal.  A light spritz with Gingi’s refreshing and gentle Green Tea Face & Body Mist ($24) left my skin feeling comfortable and well loved, no thick creams or lotions needed. Since my skin had just been through a rough time, including my first ever poor reaction to a peel and a blemish explosion which preceeded the peel, the gentle touch of these products was greatly appreciated.

My elbows are in a stinging, scratchy kind of dry phase right now and I am scrambling for relief. You know the kind of dry where just a sleeve sliding across the skin is like nails on a chalkboard? That’s exactly where I’m at. I’ve spent the last few days loving on my Lilly Pilly Hand & Body Creme samples. These are very light and loaded with good stuff like antioxidants and omega oils. They soothe almost instantly and I love what the eucalyptus formula did to calm my burning elbows. The scent of these lotions is incredibly light, even with the eucalyptus, which is generally added to products in such copious amounts that it makes me want to gag.  Only a small amount is needed to soften skin and the light feel combined with the exceptionally light fragrance means I’m going to say this is something worth a try. Besides, it’s from Australia, how cool is that?! Priced at $9.99 for 50 ml (1.6 ounces) or $19.99 for 150 ml (5 ounces), it will cost you $9 for shipping, so maybe you should consider picking up a corresponding body wash or gift pack or perhaps place an order along with one of your girlfriends to make it worth the additional shipping charge.