I’ve had quite a few of these samples for a while, I always have good intentions of using them but what happens is – often whilst I’m out browsing the delights of Boots I seem to forget about my sample stash and buy lets say a moisturiser or a hand cream and get home to realise I didn’t need to buy one as I have lots of cute sample sized goodness in my drawer to use up.

I am looking forward to trying the Melvita Youthful Skin Cream and their Extraordinary Day Cream.  Both the samples I have are 15ml. The only product I’ve tried from Melvita is their Micellar Water and I liked that, it was very gentle but effective at removing my eye makeup. The Elemental Herbology Cell Plumping Facial Hydrator SPF8. I have heard some good things about this range. It smells really botanical and I like the packaging. I am planning on taking this on holiday with me next week and I am going somewhere hot and this sounds like it will keep my skin hydrated and they claim it ‘protects against environmental aggressors and the elements’ so I will let you know how I get on with it. This is also a 15ml sample.

REN Skincare is a firm favourite amongst the blogging world and gets rave reviews. I am yet to try anything from them as I have always loved Origins skincare (and still do). But I think It’s about time I used up a few of these REN samples to see what all the fuss is about. So I have these 4 to try out – Vita Mineral Day Cream, Hydra Calm Global Protection Day Cream, Frankincense Revitalising Night Cream and the Bio Retnoid Anti Ageing Cream. It might take me a while to work my way through all these moisturiser samples but I think I am most excited to try the Anti Ageing Cream as it helps combat the signs of ageging whilst keeping your skin looking radiant. That sounds like a cream I could really use. All the REN samples I have are 15ml

The Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream will be coming on the plane with me next week. I have started using this and love it. I know some people don’t like the smell of it and find it a little greasy but I like using it on my lips before I go to sleep. It really hydrates them and leaves them super soft. This is a perfect size for travel.

Bare Minerals Active Cell Renewal Night Serum this is only a 3ml sample, so It’s not really big enough to form an opinion but I like serums and anything that helps cell renewal is a winner in my book, I am hoping I get a few nights use from this. They say this will help your skin look ‘firmer, healthier and younger’.

No7 Protect and Perfect Hand Cream I have tried this and I don’t like them scent so think I will pass this on to my mum and hope she likes it more than I did.

I’ve now put them in a basket on top of my dresser and plan on making a real effort to work my through them. How do you store your samples so you use them? Have you bought the full size or tried any of these samples? I’d like to know how you got on with them, or if you would recommend any of them.

I tend not to wear any kind of vibrant lip during the day, I work from home and I like to do my makeup but I wear a very light coverage and tend to go quite neutral on the eye. Looking at the 12 images above I seem to reach for my Mac MSF in Natural alot, I like the finish this gives to my skin. It makes it look flawless and have nice glow. I’ve had this for about 2 years and it is lasting me well, I don’t apply too much as no one likes to have a powdery face. I do apply a few spritz of my Mac Fix + too and together they make a good combination. Where I can I like to purchase my Mac products at duty-free when I’m at the airport as every saving counts!

My Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit I have a love hate relationship with, I can only wear this when my under eye area is really hydrated as it creases like a bitch on me. I’m not sure if that’s due to my age or if i just have lots of fine lines. When this applies well it looks amazing but on the downside when it creases it looks terrible. I don’t think I will repurchase this when it run’s out. I like my Benefit Boiing a bit more and this also seems to last longer and crease less. The Boiing is also really good at hiding redness around my nose & chin too. I use the shade 02 light/medium.

My Wet N Wild Trio in Knock on Wood I seem to forget about this trio but when I do use it I fall in love with is all over again. The shadows are very pigmented and long wearing. The colours in this trio are s pretty and the brown shade is perfect in the crease or all over the lid on its own. I need to get a few more of these when I am in America as they come in so many different colour options. Do you have any recommendations?

I have been using the Pixi Illuminating Tint and Conceal base quite alot too, it gives a light coverage but it has a real glow it. It is the perfect product for those days where you just want a hint of colour and to even out your skin. I am loving Pixi products at the moment they seem to be right on the money. I have a post about this Tint & Conceal from last year, if you’s like to read it. I use the colour Light Glow which is the lightest shade.

This second round of photos are mostly the skincare I have been reaching for – The Gliss Liquid Gloss Hair Repair Conditioner I purchased on a whim from Superdrug. I hadn’t seen any reviews so thought I’d give it a go. It is a spray leave in Conditioner that helps over treated hair. I spray this is my hair each time I wash it and it leaves my hair looking glossy and tames my frizz too. The bonus is that this leaves your hair smelling amazing too. This bottle has lasted me 6 months so far. I would recommend this 100% and will be repurchasing it as soon at it runs out.

No7 Anti Dark Spot Facial Sun Protection SPF50 – This is a repurchase for me & I buy it as we’re getting into summer with those No7 Vouchers (love them). I am heading to San Fransisco on June 3rd so this will be my facial sun screen. I like it and it is also good under my makeup. I get very oily and this doesn’t add to that or cause any extra oil. I like the high SPF as I have lots of freckles and quite fair skin on my face. I need protecting.

Garnier Summer Body is a great gradual tanner, this big bottle is from last year and is still half full. It applies really well & smells lovely, if you have exfoliated then you will get an even colour. You can build the colour up and it looks so natural I am a big fan of this as I hardly tan in the sun, my legs especially can use a bit of colour all year round and this is my go to.

Aesop Primrose Facial Cleansing Mask is my little slice of luxury. This is a calming mask and I use it when my skin is looking red and a little run down. It is soothing and cooling I just love using it. All Aesop skincare is amazing and if I won the lottery that is where I would spend my winnings. Their packaging is simple and sleek and they use all natural products. They get best skincare award from me. If you want to read my rave review of this you can do so here.

Have you used any of the products I’ve reached for? I think these posts are a nice way of seeing a glimpse of my collection and I get to see what gets love and what I neglect.

This Models Own Polish in Raspberry Crush £5 is a lovely Pink with a slightly red feel to it. It looks great on your toes too. These never last long on me and so I like to wear them with a glitter topcoat as you notice less when it chips.

I love BarryM polishes and these two glitters are so pretty but very different. The first peachy pink is called Pink Iridescent. It  has small pink and silver flecks, they are so small and very glitzy. It looks very pretty over the top of Models Own Raspberry Crush. The other BarryM Glitter is alot more chunky and that means harder to remove too. This one is called Pink Sapphire and has light pink, dark pink and silver glitter.

In the end I wore the BarryM Pink Iridescent over my Models Own polish it makes a great summer combo. What have you been wearing on your nails lately? Do you have any summer polish recommendations?

MUA Shimmer Kisses Blush £3.00 for 7.3g – this blush quad is really pretty and can be used as a blush or a highlight. I tend to swirl my brush around and pick up all four colours. It’s a really soft pink and very easy to wear, it isn’t too dusty and I find it wears about 5 / 6 hours on me before the colour starts to fade. It has a slight shimmer to all the colours but nothing too over powering. This is also a great product to travel with as you can get alot of great blush shades from it and the packaging is quite slim and compact.

Me Me Me Shimmer Stack in Bronze £9.99 for 12g – This is very versatile and for £9.99 you get alot of product for your money. It comes with 5 shades from a cream, bronze, gold and a rose gold. They can be used individually and make lovely eyeshadows too. As a blush it gives the same look as Mac MSF in Soft and Gentle. It is very pretty and gives a lovely metallic shimmer, all shades are very pigmented. I’ve loved using this and would highly recommend it.

Topshop Highlighter in Sunbeam £10 for 6.5g – Wow this is a big highlighter and the packaging is so cute although it doesn’t have a mirror. It is a little bulky to travel with but I really like using it, mostly as a night-time highlight. On the top of the cheeks it leaves a very pretty sheen. It is gold and very pigmented so a word of warning, use with a light hand otherwise you will end up with far too much shimmer. This will last you forever so is very good value for money. I can’t see me ever finishing it.

e.l.f Baked Blush in Pinktastic £3.75 for 6g – I have some really fantastic e.l.f products in my collection and their baked blush & bronzers are some of my favourite. Amazing value for money and you get 6g of product. They are a little chalky but if you tap off the excess product you will be OK. This Pinktastic blush is a very subtle pink, I’d say it was more of a highlight than a blush but either way it gives your skin a healthy glow. I plan on taking this with me on holiday as its is quite small and compact.

Physicians Formula Happy Booster Blush in Rose $11.95 for 7g – This came in a beauty swap I did last year & I admit I wanted it solely for the packaging and the love heart detail looks so pretty. But all that aside it is the perfect touch of pink, great for summer. It isn’t the most pigmented product but it leaves you looking healthy and fresh-faced & not like you have overdone it. The down side to this is the packaging is a little clumpy and not great for travel but I love the blush.

Benefit High Beam £19.50 for 13ml – I have both high beam & moon beam and love them both but if I had to pick just one then high beam would win. It is on the pricey side and I have seen a few people blog about great dupes but this 13ml bottle lasts forever. I have mixed it in to my foundation for a radiant all over glow (Only a drop needed) and it looks great on the cheek bone for a real beach look. I am a huge fan of this and wouldn’t be without it in my collection. It can make quite a subtle highlight if you dab it on lightly and when the light hits you just looks radiant and glowing. Very summery.

Avon 24k Golden Glamour Duo 8g – I can’t find this for sale online, I paid £6. I have spoken about this Avon blush and highlight duo on my blog quite a few times & if you want to see a swatch you can here. I love the blush part of this duo so much it’s quite a frosty pink and looks really pretty for day or night. The highlight shade is a creamy peach shade and just adds the right amount of glow to the tops of your cheeks. I often travel with this as it is two products in one & again you get 8g of product which will last you a long time. Pixiwoo have done a video using this blush here.

Mac MSF in Soft and Gentle £21.50 for 10g – I only bought this in December and so was massively late to the party. How I lived without this I will never know (bit dramatic). Pretty isn’t a good enough word to describe this but it just gives your face a fantastic glow. I need to be careful that I don’t apply too much around my outer eye / top of cheek area as it does gather in my fine lines ( I am 35 this year). I have used this non stop for 5 months and it looks like new, like I haven’t used it. This is one product where a little goes a long way. I love having it in my collection.

So they are my 8 cheek products for the summer. Looking at them now I seem to have an obsession with baked products, I do love them and how they look. Let me know If I have mentioned any of your favourites or if I have mentioned something you have never tried before.

Hope you all have a lovely weekend

Vicki x

The Garnier Eye Makeup Remover £2.99 for 150ml is a repeat purchase, I really like it. My eyes are really sensitive and there are quite a few products that I can’t use are they irritate my eyes. This Garnier one is very gentle and is great at removing all my mascara and eyeliner. I do cleanse afterwards too but I like to remove the bulk of it before I do and this works well. It smells lovely and clean – not sure it smells of grape, I’d say more of cucumbers but either way its nice. I wish it came in a larger bottle that’s my only gripe

I seem to collect body lotions and this Dove Shape Up one has been added to my collection. I do apply body lotion every day as I have really dry skin on my legs, I blame this crappy miserable weather for that. I bought this Dove Shape Up Firming Body Cream whilst is was half price in Boots, so I paid £2 for 250ml – full price is £3.99. It claims to be firming but lets face it nothing really firms other than exercise. I am under no illusions that my wobbly bits will be vanishing anytime soon. This is a very nice consistency and really moisturises my dry areas so that is fine with me.

The Muji Eyelash Curlers £4.50 were my last purchase and one that I was a little too excited for. I have been using my No7 eyelash curlers for the longest time and I hardly ever used them. I have quite small eyes and these eyelash curlers were far too big for me and I didn’t know the benefits of having ones that actually dud their job. Now I have these Muji ones I curl my lashes every single day, yes I am one of those women who have been introduced to the world of kick ass curlers!!! I am in love with these little beauties and they were a complete bargain. I will never be without them and highly recommend them if you’re suffering with second-rate ones that don’t even fit your eye let alone curl your lashes.

I need a lie down after that declaration of love. Have you tried any of the products I bought? If so let me know what you thought of them.

My dad is doing better (thank you so much for all the lovely messages). Everyday is still hard but he is walking and getting to grips with what has happened.

May is an expensive month for me as my car tax, MOT & servicing are due as is my £300 gas bill *faints. I am meant to be saving for my holiday to San Fransisco at the beginning of June. At the moment I have save a massive total of Nil pounds. Might have to resort to selling my entire makeup collection (NEVER!).

Starbucks / Little Brother / Makeup of the Day / Packing for Scotland / Long Drive / Taking a break/ Me  My Dad / Spring Blossom / In Car Essentials

I have been using the Glow Tonic for 2 weeks now and I use it morning and night, 3 pumps on a cotton pad is enough to sweep all over my face after I have cleansed. It has left my face feeling really smooth and very clean. I have sensitive skin that is prone to alot of redness and this is gentle enough not to flare that up. I have to say that I am loving this so far and will be stocking up on a few backups.

The other skincare item which the lady in Pixi recommended to me was the Vitamin Liquid Serum. I explained that my skin has been looking dull over winter and that I wanted it to look more youthful and radiant for Summer, she said this Vitamin C and Aloe Vera based serum would help with all those things so who am I to argue.

Word or warning it is a very thin liquid and it took me a few goes to pump out the right amount of product, if you push the pump too hard you get way too much and end up wasting it. I use this in the morning and one pump is plenty, I rub it between my palms to warm it up and smooth it all over my face. It smells amazing, very summery and citrus it’s so nice for the morning. Feels like it wakes the skin up. I have also been using this for 2 weeks and so far my skin has reacted well to it, no breakouts or negative effects in fact dare I say my skin is looking better and I have gone a few days without wearing foundation or a base so that is great.

Between this and the Glow Tonic I have added two great products to my skincare regime and I am so happy with them. They work well together and after a couple more weeks I hope my skin is looking even better.

The Pixi Lash Line Ink £12 is another product I’ve heard alot of love for, I am a girl that likes quite a thin sweep of eyeliner and with this having the smallest nib ever I knew that I would be able to achieve that. I have heard Lilly Melrose talk about this quite a few times and she always has cute eyeliner. I haven’t used this yet as I have a L’Oreal one that I want to use up first, but as soon as I use it I will let you know what I think.

As I spent £35 I got a free Nail Polish and Eyeshadow Kit. I gave the eyeshadow kit to my mum but the nail polish is a cute light beige pink with a hint of shimmer so kept that for myself. Altogether I had a very successful trip to Pixi, I love their London shop its small and friendly and I always lust after so many things. I have to be good and only buy a couple of bits, it’s so hard to be good in there.

The Pixi Glow Tonic is only available to purchase in store or if you call the London Store on 0207 287 7211 or email storemanager@pixibeauty.com

Have you tried anything from Pixi? I’d love to hear your recommendations.

Cutex Nail Polish Remover £2.44 for 200ml – This was just pretty standard really I tend to buy nail polish remover when it is in the sale. I am not too bothered by brand. This worked well nothing special. Clarins Silky Smooth Body Cream (sample size) – this came as part of a Christmas set with a few other products. I wasn’t expecting much really but I ended up loving this. It smells so good, really fresh and summery. It left my skin feeling very soft and moisturizsed and was easily absorbed. I would buy the full size which costs – £29.00 for 200ml

Nivea Happy Time Shower Cream £1.95 for 250ml – I have said so many times that I don’t like to spend too much on shower products because I go through them so fast & there are so many brands that do affordable ones. This Nivea shower cream smells of oranges and is a complete bargain. I have repurchased this many times as it’s a very gentle shower cream and it works well when shaving your legs as I find it very hydrating. Love this!

Vaseline Healthy Hands + UV Protection SPF 15 Hand Cream £2.99 for 75ml – I don’t know why it’s so hard to find a hand cream with SPF in but it took me ages to find this one. It lasted me about 2 months and even cut the top off to use the every last drop. I thought it was a little greasy but not unbearable it just took a minute to really sink in. I would repurchase it and I’m planning on taking it with me on holiday.

Nip + Fab Pistachio Sundae Dry Skin Fix Body Butter* £8.49 for 200ml LOVE LOVE LOVE this. It smells divine, I tried to savor every drop of this it was so nice. It was a thick body butter but it was so good at keeping my legs hydrated after shaving. I get so dry the day after I have shaved my legs but this worked a dream at keeping them silky smooth. I can’t say enough positive things about it. You have to smell this to appreciate how good it is.

Origins Make a Difference Skin Rejuvenating Serum (sample size) – This came in an Origins set I bought with a few other products from the same line. I have been enjoying them all I find this Make a Difference range to be really calming for my skin. The serum was almost like a milk and made my skin feel smooth and made a lovely base for my makeup. I am still using the moisturiser and cleanser from this range and I would repurchase them all. The full size serum costs £32.00 for 30ml

No7 Beautiful Skin Radiance Exfoliator £8.00 75ml – When I have a No7 voucher I like to try something new each time and this is what I bought just before Christmas. I have to say it was OK but I didn’t find myself reaching for it in the shower. I can’t say that it made much of a difference to my skin. I won’t repurchase this.

Sure Bright 48hr roll on £1.79 50ml – This was on offer when I bought it for 95p, it did it’s job nothing more to report really. Apart from it smelt really nice and floral and I would repurchase. L’Oreal Full Volume Mousse (sample size) – I think this was in a Glossybox, it says full volume but I didn’t think it gave my hair any extra volume. I am not really a fan of mousse and wouldn’t pay the £9.00 for the full size.

Garnier Soothing 2 in 1 Makeup Remover £2.99 for 200ml – this is the 2nd one of these I used up and I really like it. It removes my makeup well and it is really gentle. I’ve already repurchased this.

* I received this in a goodie bag at an event.

Using my No7 vouchers / Travel documents / Carwash / Caudalie / Summer evening drinks / Long summer walks

Elle magazine / Sunny days / Iron Man 3 / Tea addict / Pug pj’s / Rose Lemonade

Tresemme Split Remedy Leave in Treatment £5.69 for 125ml. I can’t remember where I bought this from but It was either Home Bargains or the poundshop & I really liked it. It lasted me forever and I used it most times I washed my hair. It is a leave in treatment but it doesn’t leave your hair greasy and it’s quite lightweight. I am on a mission to find it for a bargain price as I know I didn’t pay full price for it. I would highly recommend this.

Percy and Reed Dry Conditioner Full size is £12 for 150ml – This was a freebie with Glamour magazine a couple of months ago and I never knew such a thing as a dry conditioner existed. This has been a God send since having a fringe cut in I use it to freshen it up as I don’t wash my hair everyday but my fringe looks flat and a little greasy quickly so this has been fab to spray in and makes it look clean and gives it a little volume. Loved it.

Dove Nourishing Oil Care Shampoo £1.75 for 250ml – I have used a few of these and really like it. I buy them from the poundshop, such a bargain hunter I am. This shampoo leaves my hair looking glossy and isn’t too flyaway after. I will always repurchase it if I see it for £1. Naked Bounce Curl Defining Shampoo* £3.98 for 250ml – I have naturally curly hair so I use this when I am not going to straighten it or when I want my curls to be more defined and it just works! It lasts ages and does a great job. Thumbs up and I would purchase it.

Garnier Soothing 2 in 1 Makeup Remover £2.99 for 200ml – I have used up two bottles of this. It’s my go to makeup remover, I remove the bulk of my makeup with this then I do a proper cleanse. I normally buy these when they are either 3 for 2 or 2 for £4. They are gentle and alcohol free and I will forever repurchase it! Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Gentle Cleanser £8.99 for 95ml – I bought this from The Garden Pharmacy in Covent Garden (love it in there). I found this cleanser really gentle on my skin and it was really soothing I have written a blog post on it here if you’d like to read it. I am going to America in June and I want to buy a few more products from the Yes to Cucumber range as my skin seems to like the calming effects of the cucumber and aloe vera.

Dr Andrew Weil for Origins Mega Mushroom Skin Relief Face Cream £46.00 for 50ml – To say I love this is an understatement and I am so sad that it’s come to an end I scraped every last bit out the jar. It is such an intense overnight cream. I found it very calming and it helped with breakouts. The smallest amount warmed up between your fingers would be enough to moisturise my whole face. It is targeted at people who suffer from redness and that is me to a T, I will be repurchasing this for sure. It is well worth the price tag.

Liz Earl Cleanse and Polish £14.75 for 100ml – I have a sample size that I got in a Latest in Beauty Box a while ago. I do enjoy this but have never kept up religiously using it so can never tell if its 100% working. I do like it and I like the botanical smell and using a hot cloth is such a nice way to remove makeup & dirt. I think I  would repurchase a full size but only if I had a voucher (if that makes sense).

Have you used any of the products in this post – I’d love to know what you thought of them. I have about 8 other empties so I’m going to split March & April into 2 posts. Look put for part 2.

* this item was kindly sent to be to review