Sample sized Winners

I don’t know about you but when it comes to beauty and hair products I really don’t like buying full sized unless I know it will work for me. I don’t know when I became this person, but I think it’s for the better. I think about how often I would buy something, use it a few times, and realize it’s not for me. I’m not the kind of person that will return a used beauty product, it just seems weird to me so I decided sample sized is the way to go because there is less waste.

I started buying sample sizes this year because I realized I prefer to actually test something before jumping in - especially if it’s on the more expensive side. I recently ordered a few sample sizes from Sephora of items I wanted to try and some clean beauty swaps that I’ve been meaning to make.

I have followed quite a few bloggers/content creators that swear by Paula's Choice in changing their skin texture so I decided to go for it.  I snagged the sample size and a month later I am still using it! It's a daily exfoliant that you leave on with 2% salicylic acid that is supposed to help elimanate dead skin cells, unclog pores, and reduce wrinkles.  So far I have noticed my skin isn't getting as dry/patchy as before (thank you better skin care routine too!) and my pores do not seem as clogged. I will keep using until I finish the sample size and depending on the results will purchase a full sized bottle!  But $11 for a sample size that I have been using twice daily for a month is a pretty good deal to me, I love how a little product goes a long way! 

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I'm getting closer to my mid 30's so obviously that means I need to amp up my skin care because I was not as careful as I should have been in my 20's with my skincare routine and sunscreen.  It's my own fault and now I am trying to repair as much damage as I can.  I noticed at the beginning of this year the skin on my neck is not what I want it to be so I decided to order this StriVectin sample size neck cream.  I took some before and after photos and after the short time I used this I actually already purchased the full size because I really want to test out if this works. I will definitely keep you updated on this one but so far I am really liking it! 

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Have you started swapping out items for cleaner products? I don't mind the mascaras that I have been using but honestly I haven't loved any of them. I decided to try out some cleaner mascaras and ended up with the Saie 101 Lengthening and Lifting and Kosas Big Clean Longwear Volumizing + Lash Care Mascara. I actually like both of them, the wand on th Kosas is effective for the volume but I haven't decided what one I like better. The sample sizes are $13-14 and the full sized are around $25-26 so I don't want to spend that much on something that I don't love anymore. I've been using both for the last month and will continue to use these until they run out. I do think I am leaning more towards the Kosas but we will see! 

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I have been wanting to try Dae for a while - fun fact I actually went to Junior High and High School with the owner Amber Fillerup! - and decided to go for it and order some sample sizes. I've heard the smell is amazing so I snagged the shampoo, conditioner (not pictured), and deep conditioning treatment. I have not tried these yet but am planning on taking them on my Colorado trip coming up in June!  I actually just purchased another one of their products, thesea salt spray and I really like it so far + the smell is great! 

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I love Super Goop and this glow stick is amazing. This is actually the second one that I have purchased. It is so great for just throwing in your bag to have on the go.  It gives such a great glow, and isn't too sticky.  I wear sunscreen daily and when I am coaching or going outside a while after I have applied I like to add more on with this stick. My daughter also uses it because it's so easy for her as well.  It's an oil formula so it glides easily and doesn't leave any residue like other sunscreen sticks. Ps if you are like me and like to re-apply sunscreen their resetting face powder is great too and is SPF 35.

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I decided to try this Forget the Filler Gloss because it's a clean beauty swap for a plumping gloss but I wasn't very impressed. I feel like it's just a lip gloss? It is hydrating, but I haven't seen any visible changes. I will keep using it to see if there is a long term affect but overall I don't think this is one that I would purchase again.

Have you tried any of these products? Were any of them winners?  Or do you have more sample sizes that you would recommend. Leave a comment and let me know!