August Empties

☑ L'Oréal Sublime Mousse Conditioner

I absolutely HATED this mousse hair dye. The conditioner was OK, but I will not repurchase the hair dye. See my review to understand why.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: L'Oréal Féria Shimmering Boost Hydrating Conditioner

☑ John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Liquid Shine Illuminating Shampoo & Conditioner (sample)

Free samples are always nice, but I'm still not convinced by these shampoos and conditioners specifically desgined for brunettes. They didn't prevent my hair color from fading and they sure didn't illumniate it.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Herbal Essences Body Envy Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner

☑ Udderly Smooth Udder Cream Body Cream (sample) review

This must be one of the best body cream for my dry and eczema-prone skin. It is non greasy and it's absorbed very, very quickly into the skin, leaving it imediately smoothed and moisturized. I was actually quite surprised at how fast it soothed my dry and irritated skin and eased the itching due to eczema. This cream is also soooooo inexpensive ($2.75 for 4 oz. tube), I will be sure to repurchase it!

Repurchase: yes!!!

What I'm currently using to replace it: Jergens Naturals Aloe Soothing Body Moisturizer with Cucumber

☑ Fruits & Passion Orange Cantaloup Foaming Bath Cream

This is total crap! Despite its steep price ($23.00 for 250 ml), what you get is far from the "thick, creamy, fragrant foam", as claimed. The foam disappears after 10 minutes and even if the product smells great in the bottle, I can barely smell something once poured in the bath. It did leave my skin softer, but not enough to skip moisturizer.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: random bath treats

☑ Fruits & Passion Blackberry Musk Foaming Bath

Again, very average foam that last about 10 minutes. Disappointing for the price.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: random bath treats

☑ Biotherm Aquasource 24h Deep Hydration Replenishing Gel (sample)

This sample was very small so I'm not too sure what to say about it, except that gel moisturizers are never a great match for my dry skin, as most are not moisturizing enough.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Marcelle Hydra-C 24H Moisturizing Gel Cream for dry skin

☑ Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion (sample) review

This lotion is eco friendly, cruelty free and vegan and it can be used all over your body. Despites its formula being a little too light and watery for my liking, it works well but boy is it pricey ($25 for 4 oz)! For now, I'm currently testing a new face cream so I'm using the full-size version of this lotion on my hands to see if it will help with my eczema.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion

☑ NeoStrata Sunsation Insta-Tan For Face Deep Dark

I've had this for so long but I've never really been into self-tanners until recently, and I'm not sure if it's because it's too old or just because it's total crap, but I don't get a tan at all when I use this product. I have also tried it on my body but no, nothing. And it's supposed to be deep dark...

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Clarins Intense Bronze Self Tanning Tint For Face and Decolleté

☑ Jergens Naturals Aloe Soothing Body Moisturizer with Cucumber review

Despite its light texture, this product is very moisturizing and I do think it has slightly helped with my eczema. I'm absolutely in love with the clean and fresh scent - perfect for summer!

Repurchase: yes

What I'm currently using to replace it: Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Hand & Body Lotion

☑ Hana Shine Shield Thermal Protectant (2 oz) review

This product is a thermal serum that can be used as a leave-in conditioner, which I did and I feel it did a pretty great job. When I first used this product, I didn't feel it did something for my hair, but I changed my mind after a couple of days of using it. My hair were definitely softer, shinier and more manageable. I woould not repurchase because I think $29.99 for a 2oz bottle is definitely expensive!

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Garnier Fructis Leave-In Conditioning Cream Sleek & Shine

Mail of the Week (April 4 - 8)

17 Vintage Love Metallic Nudes palette from B's giveaway: I'm so happy to have won this as there's no Boots here, and the shades are sooo gorgeous and pigmented! I'll be sure to write a full post about this palette, including swatches (if I finally bring myself to touch it, it's so pretty!) Thanks B! =D

Sigma Travel Kit Naughty in Black: I recently became a Sigma affiliate so of course I have applied for their incentive package. According to their table, I thought I would receive Miss Taylor Kabuki but for some reasons I got the travel kit, which is awesome! Here's what it includes:

• Pencil - E30 - Precise application of color on the crease, outer corner, and upper and lower lash line. Also ideal to smudge out pencil liner. Natural bristles. 
• Tapered Blending - E40 - Rounded and tapered top. Specially designed to apply and blend color on the crease. Natural bristles.  
• Eye Shading - E55 - Soft and dense with a rounded finish. Can be used to apply pressed or loose eye shadows and pigments. Ideal to build intense color on the eyelid. Natural bristles. 
• Large Powder - F30 - Very dense with a rounded top. Ideal to apply powder products on face and body. Natural bristles.  
• Large Angled Contour - F40 - The angled shape makes this brush ideal to apply blush or contour shades. Natural bristles. 
• Foundation - F60 - Can be used to apply liquid or cream foundation. It is also recommended to apply moisturizers and conceal large areas. Synthetic bristles. 
• Concealer - F70 - The rounded, tampered, flat shape makes this brush ideal to conceal the under eye area. It is also recommended for a precise application in small areas. Synthetic bristles.
• Duo Fibre- F50 - Specially designed to generate an ‘airbrushed’ finish when used to apply liquid foundation. It can also be used to apply blush, highlight shades and loose pigments. Blend of synthetic and natural bristles.

Biotherm products:  Wow, I seriously wasn't expecting that! I know L'Oréal has my mailing address, but I wasn't waiting for such a big package! Here's what they sent me:

• Sun Protection Ultra-Fluid Body Milk SPF 30
• Sun Protection Ultra-Fluid Body Milk SPF 15
• Sun Care Eye Contour Multi-Protection SPF 30
• Sun After Oligo-Thermal Milk 
• Sun After Oligo-Thermal Sparkle Cream
• Celluli Laser S.Code Advanced Smoothing and Firming Care (stomach-waist)

I don't think I will need to buy sunscreen this summer, that's the least I can say!

Dove Damage Therapy Intensive Repair Daily Treatment Conditioner sample: I totally forgot I have signed up for this sample on Dove's Facebook page, but it sure looks great! It's claimed to be "The most intense conditioner Dove has to offer", and it's exactly what my dry hair needs. All of the samples have been claimed though.

John Frieda Brilliant Brunette 7-Day Trial: I got these by "liking" John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Canada on Facebook. The samples are all gone but you can still enter their contest to win a trip to NYC.

Splenda No Calorie Sweetener Flavours for Coffee samples: I was lucky enough to be able to get some from Living Well.ca, as all of their promotions end up pretty fast. I'm normally not a fan of Splenda but I have tried the French Vanilla flavor and it's yummy!

Maybelline Fit Me samples and coupons: Maybelline New York Canada were giving away samples of their new Fit Me foundation on their Facebook page a while ago so that you can find your shade. If I'm right, I think I'm 115. Not sure I will purchase this foundation though.

May issue of FASHION: I seriously have no idea what's going on as my subscription expired in February... Here's the proof:

May issue of Glamour

♥

I really want to thank everyone who was kind enough to take the time to share with me their honest opinion on my Mail of the Week posts. I really appreciate your feedback, it's important to me. I will continue doing these posts, and I'm currently working on a way to let you know in advance when I sign up for a free sample so that you will be able to sign up for it too before the promotion ends. I've started using Twitter for that, and I'm thinking maybe my Facebook fan page could be useful too, what do you think? Feel free to let me know if you have any suggestion.

On another note, any of you going to Marcelle Spring Warehouse Sale this week-end?

Annabelle makeup: $1.50 / unit

Marcelle make-up: $2.50 / unit

Skin care: various prices

Friday, April 8: 4 pm to 8 pm

Saturday, April 9: 9 am to 4 pm

Sunday, April 10: 9 am to 4 pm

No invitation necessary. Open to the general public.

9200, ch. Côte-de-Liesse, Lachine, QC, H8T 1A1

Don't forget to enter my hairfreé Hair Brushes Giveaway! It ends Tuesday April 12!

November empties

☑ Alibi Pure Petroleum Jelly

No, this isn't the real stuff LOL. But I got it for free so I didn't say no! It works, but the consistency is slightly softer than the real Vaseline.

Repurchase? no, I will stick to the real thing =P

What I'm currently using to replace it: Vaseline White Petroleum Jelly

☑ Revlon ColorSilk After-Color Conditioner

This came with the Revlon ColorSilk hair dye I used last month. This is the first after-color conditioner I use up in a looooong time! I always forget to use them LOL.

Repurchase? I'm still not sure if I would repurchase the hair dye, but it's not available in Quebec anyway (as far as I know).

What I'm currently using to replace it: Clairol Perfect 10 Nice 'n Easy Color Seal Intensive Conditioning Cream (6 weekly treatments)

 ☑ John Frieda Frizz-Ease Smooth Start Shampoo, Conditioner (8.3 mL) and Hair Serum (4.4 mL)

It was nice to try those products, but I don't really care because I don't have to deal with frizz. The serum made my hair silky soft, though!

Repurchase? no as my hair isn't prone to frizz

What I'm currently using to replace it: L'Oréal Paris EverStrong Sulfate-Free Fortify System Hydrate Shampoo, Conditioner and Overnight Repair Treatment

☑ Clairol Perfect 10 Nice 'n Easy Color Seal Intensive Conditioning Cream (6 weekly treatments)

Like all conditiong treatments that come with hair dye, this is great. It leaves my hair soft and shiny and it smells so good!

Repurchase? I wouldn't repurchase Perfect 10 as I didn't noticed anything different from any other hair dye

What I'm currently using to replace it: not sure yet

☑ Cellnique Vital Cellular Repair Emulsion (read my review here)

This is not enough moisturizing for my parched skin and it leaves tiny residues on my face when I rub it. Oh, and it's super expensive ($73.00 for 30g)!

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Marcelle Hydra-C 24H Moisturizing Gel Cream for dry skin

 ☑ Thierry Mugler Womanity Perfumed Shower Gel

I'm not a fan of the fragrance, but the shower gel was OK. It was kind of cheap, though.

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Caress Whipped Soufflé Body Wash Blackberry Cream

 ☑ Bella Spa by Ivy Castle Luxury Body Butter Coca Butter

I swear this made my skin even drier! It's from the dollar store so of course I wasn't expecting much, but I'm really disappointed. Oh and this is more of a body lotion than a body butter. Oh well, I won't complain for a little more than $1.

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Fruits Scents Strawberry Body Butter

 ☑ L'Oréal Paris EverStrong Sulfate-Free Fortify System Hydrate Shampoo, Conditioner and Overnight Repair Treatment (0.3 FLOZ, 10ML)

The smell of the shampoo and conditioner is great and they leather very well. I'm not sure about the overnight treatment hough, I haven't really noticed a difference with my hair so far.

Repurchase? not likely

What I'm currently using to replace it: Fast Fortified Amino Scalp Therapy Shampoo and Conditioner and Hana Shine Shield

 ☑ Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara

I used this to tame my brows from time to time but they don't really need taming anyway. And look at how disgusting this has become -_-

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: -

 ☑ Klorane Citrus Pulp Shampoo with vitamins

I'm glad I got this as a gift with purchase, because it's totally disappointing. I needed tons of product to cover my whole head, and it didn't leather as much as I would have like.

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: L'Oréal Paris Vive Pro Colour-Vive Shampoo

Mail of the week (October 4 - 8)

 The first issue of Beauté by L'Oréal Paris: Beauté is "Your guide to beauty from L'Oréal Paris". I don't remember what I did to register for this and I'm not sure if you can still register to get the paper version, but you can read the electronic version here. Those were included in the paper version that I received:

• L'Oréal Paris EverStrong Sulfate-Free Fortify System Hydrate Shampoo (0.3 FLOZ, 10ML)
• L'Oréal Paris EverStrong Sulfate-Free Fortify System Hydrate Conditioner (0.3 FLOZ, 10ML)
• L'Oréal Paris EverStrong Sulfate-Free Fortify System Overnight Repair Treatment (0.3 FLOZ, 10ML)
• L'Oréal Paris Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base (sample) 
• More than $25 in coupons savings

Samples of Crystal Light: Fill out the informations on their Facebook page to receive your free 4 samples of Crystal Light singles low calorie drink mix. I received:

• Tea Blends Dragon Fruit Mango White Tea
• Strawberry Orange Banana
• Cherry Pomegranate
• Acai White peach Papaya
• $0.75 coupon on any one Crystal Light Singles or Pitcher Pack

 My coupons from P&G BrandSaver

Emergen-C Cranberry Pomegranate sample: Get yours here (Canada only).

 Products to review from Misikko.com: I received:

• Hana Shine Shield (2 oz)
• CHI Silk Infusion (2 oz)
• 3 Misikko nail files
• Colgate Wisp (2 brushes)
• a cute flower!

 Coupons from Similac Club for my friend Sara

November 2010 issue of Fashion

Samples from John Frieda: I received:

• Frizz-Ease Smooth Start Shampoo
• Frizz-Ease Smooth Start Conditioner
• Frizz-Ease Hair Serum

If I'm right, this offer isn't available to Canadian residents anymore, but if you're from the US, submit the request form to receive your free samples.

My prize from Helena's giveaway: I was lucky enough to be one of the winner of Helena's Forgotten Giveaway:

• Essence Duo Eyeshadow in Dream Team
• Essence Eclipse Glitter Eye Pencil in Hide Bella Hide
• Estee Lauder Artist's Eye Pencil in Softsmudge Black
• Essence Multi Action False Lashes Mascara

 I have never heard about the brand Essence so I can't wait to try eveyrthing out! Thank you Helena!

Mail of the week (July 26-30) and last week (August 2-6)

U by Kotex samples: I don't really understand why I've recived those samples for the the third time?! I swear I haven't registered more than one time for some samples... anyway! The sample pack includes:

• 1 Clean Wear Regular Pad
• 1 Barely There Thin Liner
• 2 Click Regular Tampons

 September 2010 issue of Fashion

Free customized mouse pad from artscow: Of course, I chose a picture of my beloved doggie. It was a pleasant surprise receiving this in the mail when I had totally forgot about it. This is something I will keep forever.

John Frieda Root Awakening products samples: I received:

• Root Awakening Nourishing Moisture Shampoo
• Root Awakening Nourishing Moisture Conditioner
• Root Awakening Strength Restoring Smoothing Lotion

Breathe Right Nasal Strips samples: I hope this will help my stuffy nose...