This is part two of my Testing Products series where I try samples and miniature versions of products out and let you know whether it is worth buying a full size one or if you should avoid them altogether.
Nip & Fab 365 Body Glow Fix
I don’t quite have the words to express how much I hate this product. It came free with a magazine – Cosmopolitan I think – a month or so ago. It’s a clear tanning gel which will supposedly give you a streak-free natural golden tan in four hours. The first time I used it nothing happened. Even the following day I saw no difference to my skin. The second time I applied a little more to see if I could get some colour. I was disappointed that I hadn’t seen a difference by the time I went to bed seeing as it is only supposed to take 4 hours to develop. By the time I woke up the next day my legs were not only orange, but really patchy as well. It was terrible. I spent the next week soaking in the bath, exfoliating like a crazy person and rubbing lemon juice on the darker patches in a desperate attempt to fix the mess. The only redeeming feature of the product is the fact that it doesn’t have the usual smell of fake tanning products. I have to say this is now going straight in the bin!
Ted Baker Origami Bath Foam
This miniature bottle of bath bubbles smells really good. It’s quite a mature scent (very floral) but it’s very luxurious. It created a respectable amount of bubbles in my bath and I particularly liked the fact that the scent lingered on my skin even after I got out of the bath. I think this would be a great gift at Christmas time.
Aussie Miracle Moist Conditioner
I was excited to try this product because I know a lot of people absolutely swear by it when their hair is feeling a little dry and damaged. I’m afraid I was very disappointed. It smells really nice but it didn’t feel very thick or hydrating when I applied it to my hair and I have to say it had made no difference to the appearence or feel of my hair after a couple of weeks worth of use. Back to my staple conditioner Pantene Pro V Classic Care!
Sanctuary 5 Minute Thermal Detox Mask
This is a thick grey face mask with the consistency and texture of mud. It feels really warm when you first apply it to your face, but the warmth doesn’t last unfortunately. You leave it on your face for a few minutes and then wash it off. I enjoyed using this and I liked how fresh and clean it made my face feel afterwards.
L’Oreal Hair Expertise EverRiche Nourishing and Taming Shampoo
I got this sample of shampoo from a magazine which is a great place to find freebies to try. It sounded interesting so I thought I’d give it a go. It smells really luxurious – sweet and creamy – it reminds me of shea butter. It lathered well too. I’d definitely consider buying a full bottle.
Nivea In Shower Body Moisturiser
I have used body conditioners that you apply to wet skin and then towel dry (my favourite is Ro’s Argan Body Conditioner from Lush) but never one you wash off. It sounded such an interesting concept I had to try it. It worked quite well and left my skin feeling very soft. I don’t think this would be a substitute for a really good moisturiser, but I think it’s a great idea to have this in your shower ready for days when you feel lazy or are pushed for time.
Nivea Soft
This product is designed for your face, body and hands. I was very skeptical of products that claim to have multiple functions; in my experience they are more likely to do many things averagely and I’d rather have one thing that works really well. I used this on my arms a couple of nights in a row. I’ll admit it absorbed int the skin quickly and didn’t feel sticky. However, it doesn’t smell very exciting or luxurious and I wouldn’t say it left my skin feeling soft or hydrated. All in all it’s a bit of a miss really.
A Perfect Masquerade 