February Empties

February is a time for romance, and some of the items I used up during the month cater to that notion.  I used more samples and even broke into a skin care set.  This post is going to be another quick review style, but it will be slightly longer and contain a bit more information on each product.

Dial Antibacterial Hand Soap with Moisturizer (Spring Water) - During cold and flu season it helps to have an antibacterial hand soap to keep from spreading germs.

Weleda Citrus Deodorant - This spray on deodorant has a lovely citrus smell and lasts all day long.  It is a great alternative to antiperspirant deodorants that contain possibly harmful ingredients.

Oscar de la Renta's Live in Love Eau de Parfum (sample) -  This floral fragrance is perfect for the month of February or a date night.  When I first received this sample back in 2012 I did not like the scent as my first impression was a bitter alcoholic note, but after returning to it this year I have changed my mind as the smell has changed over time;  perhaps it needed to be aerated like a fine wine.  There is no sillage with this one as it stays close to the skin, and the lasting power is a bit weak so it needs to be reapplied throughout the day.  It contains "top notes of hyacinth, galbanum, bergamot, lily-of-the-valley and orchid; middle notes are jasmine, african orange flower and rose; base notes are sandalwood, virginia cedar, woodsy notes, amber and musk." (fragrantica)

Tocca Cleopatra Mini Candelina (2 oz.) - This mini candle came in a set with a mini rollerball as a Beauty Insider points purchase from Sephora.  The candle scent is described as Cucumber and Grapefruit;  it is slightly different from the actual Eau de Parfum scent which is more complex.  This mini candle actually lasted almost two weeks.  If a set like this is ever offered at Sephora again I won't hesitate to pick up another one.

REN Micro Polish Cleanser [not pictured] (deluxe sample) - This is a cream cleanser that contains amber microbeads to exfoliate the skin.  You use it 2-3 times a week.  It came in a sample set along with the Resurfacing AHA Concentrate, Radiance Perfecting Serum, and a full-size of the Glycolic Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask.  This is a gentle cleanser that exfoliates dead skin to impart radiance and it does just that.

REN Resurfacing AHA Concentrate (2 samples) - This is a serum that acts like a peel and you use at night about once or twice a week.  The difference between this and the mask is that this has less acids and is thus more gentle so you can leave it on overnight.  I found this to be quite gentle and it did impart radiance to my face by the next morning.

REN Radiance Perfection Serum (deluxe sample) - This serum is designed to improve sun damaged skin, hyperpigmentation, and boost hydration.  You can use it morning and night everyday.  You can also use it after the Resurfacing AHA Concentrate along with a moisturizer.  I found this serum to have the typical serum texture and it was light on the skin and absorbs quickly.  My skin did feel plumper after using this and I did notice a slightly more even complexion.

Clarins Advanced Extra-Firming Neck Cream (deluxe sample) - Pretty self explanatory; this neck cream firms and plumps the delicate neck area using sunflower auxins and oat sugars to prevent sagging.  Nice texture in that it is not too thick, not too thin.  My neck felt moisturized so I suppose it was working.

Clarins Shaping Facial Lift Lipo-drain Serum (deluxe sample) - This serum is supposed to enhance facial contours by firming with Baccharin, reducing puffiness with horse chestnut, and Blue Button Flower refines by reducing trapped fat.  This was a slightly thicker serum with a texture more like a gel than a liquid.  My face did seem less puffy than normal after using this serum.

Chanel Brightening Concentrate Continuous Action TXC (deluxe sample) - The texture of this serum is almost like a cream and it smells floral.  TXC is a molecule that offers the double benefit of reducing and preventing hyperpigmentation thus brightening the skin.  You would probably need to use this for at least four weeks before seeing results, but I did not have enough sample to last that long.

Chantecaille Jasmine and Lily Healing Mask (deluxe sample) - This is a lovely moisturizing mask that smells heavenly.  I would leave it on overnight for a skin moisture boost.  It is supposed to have a brightening effect on the skin as well.  I didn't really notice a difference in that aspect, just my skin looking and feeling plump from the hydration.

Blisoma Tone Adaptive Energy Tonique (deluxe sample) - This product is a spray on hydrating toner that makes a lot of claims like a lot of similar products.  It is supposed to have calming, hydrating, and healing properties making it a "health drink" for the skin in toner form.  The sprayer on my sample broke after the first use, so I would dab it on with a cotton pad after my acid toner.  I found it to be cooling and calming on the skin and it smells nice, but other than that I don't know that it did much.

Marula The Leaky Collection Omega Rich Anti-Aging Facial Oil (sample) - This is a nice facial oil that provides moisture to the skin which is needed in the colder months.  It has a drier texture the many of the oils I have used and I found that I needed to apply a lot of it to feel the benefit.  I would apply it at night as a last step after my moisturizer.  My skin would definitely feel softer the next morning.

Caudalie Premier Cru The Eye Cream (deluxe sample) - Most eye creams seem the same to me.  The only difference with this one is that it melts into the eye area quickly instead of sitting on the skin for a while before soaking in.

Boscia Self-Defense Vital Antioxidant Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF30 (deluxe sample) - This is a nice light everyday moisturizer with the added benefit of sun protection.  I felt confident in its ability to moisturize and protect my skin during the day.  This would work well for oily skin types because it feels very lightweight on the skin.

The Body Shop Olive Soap - First, this soap does not smell like olive oil; it smells like vetiver and/or lemongrass.  Olive oil is not a pleasant scent so I am assuming that this just has the moisturizing benefit of olive oil and they scented it with something that smells nicer.  This bar of soap lasted me the month.  I would purchase this again, but there are other scents I want to try first.

Crest Pro-Health Clinical Gum Protection in Soothing Smooth Mint (travel size) - I obtained this sample from my dentist as they usually give me one after each visit.  I try to use them up quickly because toothpaste does expire.

Lancome Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara Special Edition by Albert Elbaz - I picked this up a long time ago during this limited or special edition collection.  It is the regular Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara but with different packaging.  At first I did not like this mascara but it has grown on me the more I use it.

Tarte Lights, Camera, Flashes Mascara - I do not like this mascara as much as the regular Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara.  This one is supposed to be darker and shinier and give a more false lash effect but it was so wet it made my lashes clumpy.  It is supposed to increase lashes by 752%.  Let's just say it did not do that.

What did you use up during the month?

Disclaimer: All items shown were purchased, free samples with purchase, or a gift with purchase.