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Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk! I used to have a bottle, but the shade is too dark for me now. I went to get color samples at Nordstrom, and then I ended up purchasing a larger size.
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There aren’t many. Benefit High Beam is the only thing recently I bought full size after liking the sample!
La petite robe noir mascara (guerlain)
Burberry Nude Radiance 01 highlighting primer (or whatever the name is) – back when you could actually have a shot at getting a deluxe sample of something from Sephora online, I got this and bought a full size shortly after.
Aerin Rose Balm for lips – got this in one of my beauty box subscriptions and ordered a full size after using the sample size up.
Lancome Bifacil – used 100 points to get a deluxe sample size from Sephora and have been using it ever since.
Smash box studio skin 15 hour wear hydrating foundation. I get super oily now that the weather gets hotter in Greece and I loved this product since it keeps me matte all day. So, I ended up buying the full size product after testing it for several days.
Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation. Big boo boo. It worked out much better as samples of Med. Honey, but after 2 different SA’s at 2 separate Sephora’s matched me to Lt.-Med. Honey, I figured that must be accurate, right? And it indeed appears okay, but pools into every pore and deeper lines as weirdly paler than me? Like lighter beige pore freckles? I’m confounded!
Urban Decay Allnighter – I thought it would be too full coverage and dry, but 4.0 is my best colour match right now and mixed in with moisturiser, the formula is fine.
The Omorovicza Deep Cleansing Mask. Amazing mask and not drying at all.
Linda is right: Omorovicza Deep Cleansing Balm is the bomb! I’ve been ordering every 2-3 months for years. Finally stopped buying any other masks ’cause this one is so perfect. It somehow leaves my older, dry skin thorougly clean and glowing AND soft and moist.
Have a few other loves in this pricey Hungarian line but have to limit myself. I always buy directly from site; sales every couple of months and with its point system I end up with a few freebies a yr. Glad to know a fellow fan!
Which other things can you recommend I try?
Stick with their original products, older products. The newer Gold and Blue Diamond collections are pricier and I feel not as effective.
I fell in love w/ Complexion Corrector, but had to eventually give it up; makes my medium to tan coloring too light. You have those gorgeous blue eyes, it may well work for you.
Two creams are fabulous: Rejuvenating Night Cream and Intensive Hydralifting Cream.
The Thermal Cleansing Balm is so loved it comes in two sizes. That’s one to absolutely try in your life.
Recently tried their new Oxygen Booster. Not impressed. Also, the Queen of Hungary Mist is a big seller, but besides smelling fantastic I think it’s a waste of money.
You get 3 samples w/every order, and always what you request. Customer service is great. You might try a sweet email asking for more than 3 samples. They’ve been very generous, such as honoring a discount code I didn’t realize had just expired.
Yes, I tried the Mist, not something I would repurchase either. And I got my hands on a sample of the thermal cleansing balm recently, so I will try that soon.
Thank you for your recommendations, I really appreciate it.
I bought a mini tub of IT cosmetics Confidence in a Tub. Loved it and bought the full size. I received a mini Marc Jacobs Velour mascara. That will be the next purchase.
Make Up For Ever Artist Shadows!! I bought one of the artist palettes, with mini versions of their shadows, fell in love with the formula and with a specific shade in the mini palette. So I bought three full sized shadows!! The only reason I don’t own more, is three MUFE Artist shadows cost $50+ EEEP!
The Estee Edit Pore Vanishing stick. I got a sample of this siliconey stick primer, and thought I loved it, so I bought the full size of it. And completely finished the full size. But I’m not going to repurchase it!!
Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
Urban Decay Stark Naked lipstick. I got that 24 color blister pod a while ago, and when I finally tried it I loved it enough to get it full size.
Def will be bite agave mask, clear. Can’t believe I never tried it, considering the bite horde (hoard?) in my stash. More bite lips than CPSSS.
Benefit The POREfessional Face Primer
Sunday Riley Flora, Fresh Rose Mask or Fresh Rose Toner — It’s been awhile, so I can’t remember which was the last one. I was definitely on a rose bender. (I’ve always been partial to rose-infused skincare products.)
Fyrinnae’s Dark Bidding. I buy full size from samples with Fyrinnae all the time. I’m considering getting another shade from a sample with my next purchase.
La Mer. When Sephora finally began carrying it, they sent a blast to VIBs saying “oh hey, you can get a sample with a $25 purchase!” I fell in love. After finally trying it I got to see what the hype was all about!
The same applies for the Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Eye Crayon. Got a sample in Blacquer and I loved how easy it was to apply. I bought a full size and threw out my other black pencils. It’s my HG black pencil!
I haven’t done it yet, but I fully intend on picking up a bottle of Sunday Riley CEO cream. Works great as a night cream for me, and a day cream for my hubby. Plus it smells absolutely delicious!
Nothing lately. I have a boat load of samples and I don’t seem to get around to using most of the them. I’ve recently received a Sunday Riley sample of the CEO and I liked it, but I already have Drunk Elephant C-Firma. I guess the CEO adds in moisturizer to the mix in a one step fashion but I don’t mind the extra step and have lots of great moisturizers.
The Milk Makeup Gel Brow Pencil in Pilsner. I love the formula, and while the color looks too light for my brows it’s a perfect match.
Cle de Peau Fluid Foundation in Ivory 10. I am a bit more cool than this neutral shade is but I add a drop of Cover Fx Custom Cover drops and it is perfect. I am loving the way it makes my 63 year old skin look. No cake face and no settling into lines. Doesn’t cover my hyperpigmentation completely and usually that is a deal breaker for me but the way this looks on my skin is really worth the extra effort to cover the sun damage. It is expensive as all get out but it doesn’t take much to perfect my skin so I am all in !!
I’ve worn CdP foundations for years. They’re ridiculously expensive, but they work like no other for those of us who are getting on in years (I’m 74), but who are also still very much interested in cosmetics and putting our best face forward 🙂 After wearing the Radiant Fluid for two years, I picked up a couple samples of the new Radiant Cream. After trying O10 and I10, I purchased a full size of the I10. It’s simply the best!
If you like the fluid but want more versatility when it comes to coverage, try the Radiant Cream. Most days I use just the tiniest bit–seriously, this stuff is very concentrated–and it spreads like silk over my entire face. It gives me that softly diffused, real skin glow that is so flattering as we age and, like the fluid, it doesn’t settle into the wrinkles and crinkles. On days when my mild rosacea is causing me to look rosier than usual, I simply apply a little bit more foundation over the redness and I’m good to go. If you do decide to try it, don’t automatically assume you’ll wear the same shade as the fluid. I wore O10 in the fluid but am I10 in the cream. It is probably because of the way it dries down.
Thank you, Eileen. Are there other Cle de Peau products that you use and love? I don’t have access to a counter that carries their products and picked up the sample while I was visiting Seattle which is about 8 hours away from me. I made the sample last for about a week and then ordered the full size product. I would like to try other products in the line if anyone has suggestions. Thank you again and I will check out the Radiant Cream foundation. Sounds like it would be perfect for me.
I use a majority of their products, from skincare to color – is there something specific you’re in the market for or just overall must haves from the line? I use the Radiant Fluid in I10 as well (I’m 42) and have for years. I haven’t found any other foundation that tops it for me.
Some other color products you should check out are the new cheek cream blushes – so gorgeous (perfectly peach); the powder luminizers – I own three different colors of these (pastel, delicate pink, almond); and I’m a huge fan of their eyeshadows (cream, powder and singles) and mascara. The mascara doesn’t smudge or flake; it behaves like waterproof, but without the difficulty removing it. Last but not least, the concealer! It’s pricey, but it will last you forever, will cover what the foundation doesn’t and blends well with the Radiant Fluid.
If you’d like skincare recommendations, let me know your skin type and I can make a few suggestions based on what I’ve used.
Hi Deborah,
I second everything Lea has mentioned 🙂 CdP manages to be fashionable without resorting to gimmicks. I’d rather spend a lot on one really fine product and be happy every time I use it than spend less on something mediocre and feel less than satisfied with it. Since you already know and love the foundation, give the new cream blushes a try. They blend beautifully and look gorgeous on the skin throughout the day. As for the highlighters and eye shadows, I have several of each. They’re always amongst my favorite products.
Thank you both, Eileen and Lea. I have dry skin that is very pale and cool undertones. I am always looking for new skin care to try. I have hyperpigmentation on both of my cheeks from years of living on the beach in Southern California where I grew up. I am currently using a few Sunday Riley products and have been enjoying them but not sure how much they are doing for me. I have also been using some Asian skin care products for my skin including products from Sulwhasoo, Heimish and Tatcha.
I will definitely try the blushes and finishing powder. I will have to wait to try the concealer as I would want to swatch, given my super white skin.
Any skin care or other products you recommend I will definitely try. Thank you, again.
Deborah – I have some minor hyper pigmentation issues and have been integrating the Brightening Serum into my routine. It takes a while to see results, but my spots appear to be fading, though not completely gone yet. I switched to the oil in gel and softening cleansing foam for winter to keep the hyrdation in my skin. I would definitely recommend those if you’re currently dry. You don’t need both, but I double cleanse, so an oil in some form is always part of my routine. I would also suggest you look at the softening products in the skincare range; the other option is clarifying, but softening will give you hydration boosts.
Like you I’m very fair and cool, so I use Ivory in the concealer. If you can’t get to a store to get a tester, you could order direct from CdP. They frequently offer samples of the Concealer and skincare range. Or if you have a SA that you work with a lot, I’d put in the request that way. The counters always have samples handy – especially on the concealer since it’s such a cult item. Happy to answer any other questions, the brand is totally worth the price tag in my opinion.
Hi Lea, I am 62 with above-average textured skin. However it is getting a bit dry. (Nothing some hylauronic acid serum or a glycerin-based moisturizer can’t fix). Would the Radiant Fluid or Radiant Cream be better for me? I used to use 020 in past years in their older formula which was discontinued. Thanks so much in advance for your advice!
Both formulations would work for hydration; the real difference is on coverage. The cream offers more coverage than the liquid, so it’s a personal preference. Like I mentioned to Deborah, you want to look at the softening range in their skincare, it’s designed to add hydration to the skin. I would definitely consider the oil – it’s one of my favorites and is great for hydration at the end of your skincare routine. For the size, Cle de Peau gives you the biggest bang for the buck with the price and the size of the oil.
Another item I’ve used to clear up texture is Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Hydroxy pads. I use one every morning and switch between regular and extra strength to vary the acid mixture I put on my skin. It’s made a huge difference for me and I recommend the pads to everyone who will listen. Of all the acid pads I’ve used, this have made the biggest difference. I would work your way up to every day instead of right off the bat, but I highly recommend for texture.
Thanks so much for mentioning this Cle de Peau I have never seen it advertise it in person anywhere but it dies sounds perfect for my pale/cool skin tone going into 54 this month. Would love to try their foundation or whatever cream makes skin look fresh and dewey, perhaps their blushes, etc. also. Sounds great! Liking the fact that they don’t jarras you with advertising that proves that it must be good and don’t need the hype. Some makeup brands overkill you with their over advertising I get sick kind of those. Lol! Mac, Too Faced and UD are some that comes to mind. Too much! Thanks again!
Could someone comment as to whether or not either foundation, liquid or cream, oxidizes much? Thanks.
It doesn’t oxidize on me, but it’s not a problem I’ve ever run into. Assuming I understand the chemistry involved, it’s more about the foundation and your particular skin, specifically your pH balance, that causes oxidation when exposed to air. Perhaps the others have more experience with oxidation and can provide input. For me, what I apply is how it remains all day; but I’m not a foundation junkie. I stick to what works and looks best, so I don’t experiment a lot.
Hi Shari,
I’ve used CdP foundations for the last 15 yrs. None of the CdP foundations has ever oxidized on my skin. (I have had problems with other brand’s foundations oxidizing on me – Lancome. Clinique, Prescriptives.)
Becca Evermatte Poreless Primer! I got the sample from Sephora and kind of shrugged it off and forgot about it for awhile, but when I did try it, I was hooked!
Armani Power Fabric Foundation, Marc Jacobs Highlighting Dew Drops
I don’t brother with samples very often, as I find one rarely contains enough product to really know if something will work, and too often those “deluxe freebies” are exclusive shades in a GWP/PWP…
I will occasionally get a sample of foundation, but Sephora only gives enough for 1-2 applications, so I’ll get one from the freestanding store & the one in JCP, since I like to try them in different conditions. Macy’s will give about a weeks worth, so if it’s a brand carried by both retailers, I’ll stop there, too. That said, I did get a sample of Kat von D Lock-It foundation & primer, bought both; however, the weather got significantly hotter right after, and by the time it was cool enough for full-coverage, I stopped supporting the brand, and I have 3 unopened products sitting on my shelf… The Tattoo Liner is also amazing, but at least I didn’t invest in the full-size.
Clarins multi-acitve day cream and Clarins Tonic body oil recently. I got small samples and really liked them both I bought sets for each. I did get a sample size of Cliniques “A different grape” lipstick and liked it so much I bought a full size tube and 7-day scrub cream and the foamy face wash (I’ve gone through 3 tubes of those since I first tried a sample!).
Urban decay revolution lipstick in rush after getting it in a pod two years ago. It was my favorite lipstick of all time but now it’s discontinued and I don’t really like the vice lipsticks 🙁
Hi Christine! Could you tell me your shade on Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk?
4.5!
I can tell you what the products WILL be:
1. Chanel Le Blanc Light Creator Brightening Makeup Base. Got a few samples with a recent purchase. Holy moly. J’adore this stuff! I was not in the market for a primer, because I was happy with my Becca Backlight (whatever it’s called). This blows it out of the water. I just have to figure out which of the two shades is best.
2. Sisley Phyto-Teint Expert Foundation. Again, the sample is getting me into this trouble! This foundation over the Chanel base is magic. Truly, never have seen my skin look better. It’s so light, yet provides coverage that is flawless. I had no knowledge about Sisley foundation at all, so this was an unexpected find.
I have the Chanel Le Blanc Light Creator in Rose. Love it. I have pink undertones, so I went with the Rose. I got it a few years ago — because of a sample!!! Turned right around and bought the full size. With this under my foundation and Burberry Fresh Glow mixed into my foundation, I got my glow going, lol. I’m so dry — these products are just wonderful.
Hi Anne!
I went last night and got the Rose. Once I tested the two colors there was no question. I got the Sisley foundation too. Like you, the combo of that base and that particular foundation, on me, is the best ever.
It’s so fun to share enjoying a product with others!
The new Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench face cream. I got a deluxe sample at Sephora (with a code I think) and I was very impressed so I bought the full size. Unfortunately it comes in a jar, I would much prefer if it came in a tube – which was working very well for the texture based on my deluxe sample too.
Let’s see, the last three sample to full size purchases I made were Cle de Peau Radiant Liquid Rouge in Lempicka Red (#18), La Mer Foundation in Porcelain, and La Mer facial oil.
Cover FX Perfect Setting Powder. And this was right after I swore I wouldn’t buy another $30 powder ever again since trying the RCMA stuff. But omg, the finish! It makes you look airbrushed.
Belif da bomb gel for moisturizing my face. Oh so light and soaks completely in. Cools your face as you apply it. Not much waiting to apply foundation. ❤️
Gosh, it’s been a while. I think UFO was it for me. I wanted to see if it would work for me as my skin was much drier at the time. It actually worked so well I bought a full size BEFORE I was done with my sample. Now that my skin is a little more oily on this BC, I’m very glad I got it.
Origins Leg Lifts, which isn’t technically a beauty product but a topical muscle pain reliever thingy. It’s amazing!
If we’re talking straight-up beauty, then the most recent is the NARS Tinted Moisturizer.
I received a sample of Tatcha’s Essence & I just ordered the full size but I have not received it as yet. I use her face wash and the polishing enzyme once in a while but I find most of her products are overpriced for the amount that you receive.
I also had a sample of Bare Minerals original foundation in Medium Beige and I purchased the full size with the Heavenly brush.
Lights Camera LASHES Mascara by Tarte. I tried it a year ago and have been hooked. In fact I just purchased two more from Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty sale this week.
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base. Which didn’t turn out to have a happy ending, unfortunately. The sample I had was good for about five uses, and I fell in love with the way it performs under makeup. So I pulled the trigger on a full jar. The bad news is, I seem to be developing a sensitivity to something in it (probably a fragrance oil). The last couple times I’ve used it, my cheeks have turned bright red and felt a bit sting-y, almost immediately. And it’s too late to return it 🙁
lollita 2 liquid lip from Kat von D
One good find out of several months with my Ipsy subscription : Tarte Tarteist mascara. I fell in love with it after I saw my lashes turned thicker and longer quicker than with my fav Too Faced BTS!
Benefit Porefessional and Dr. Brandt Pores No More primers both started as samples for me. I like them both and have been buying one or the other for a number of years.
I got a load of Belif skin care when I bought a Foreo from Sephora and will be buying the full size The True Cream Aqua Bomb in full size when I finish some other samples I have been hoarding. I also will buy a full size of the Creamy Cleansing Foam Moist when I switch back to creamy cleansers next winter. It was really effective and smells wonderful.
And I discovered that red blush looks good on me from a Josie Maran cheek gel sample. I’ve bought other red cream blushes but not hers.
Urban Decay Optical Blurring Primer and it’s become my HG over the Porefessional 🙂
Guerlain’s Orchidee Imperiale cream. A small pea size blob will deeply moisturize your whole face. I am in love with this cream. Bye bye Creme de la Mer.
Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation Perfecting moisturizer. It feels like heaven on my skin, even the hubby uses it.
Several fragrances. With respect to cosmetics, Paul & Joe and Giorgio Armani sent me foundation samples and I purchased both.
I have a lot of samples but I do not find the time to try them. I only try new products on Saturday or Sunday and only one new product not different samples together. Some Cremes, primers or foundations make my skin break out and I cannot say which product it is when I try more than one.
I think the last product I bought a full size after trying a sample was an eye cream from grown alchemist and the Rodial bee venom night cream.
Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara. Love this stuff.
I also received a sample of Lancome’s Visionnaire Nuit a while ago and it has since become a HG. I have already gone through one jar and just cracked open another.
Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua foundation. My skin just looks and feels better with this product.
Clinique Black Honey (I think) mascara – got the mini in a GWP and went back and bought the full size. Great mascara.
MUFE primer 1 smoothing. I received a sample size in my Sephora play box & fell in love w it under all my luminous foundations.
Son & Park Beauty Water
I just bought the full size of Hourglass Veil primer after finishing a sample. Not really sure if this counts though because I’ve been using the product both samples and full size for a few years now.
The last product I bought because I found I loved it while using a sample: Boscia BB Cream. It has a very mousse like texture that feels cooling upon application. I like how it looks and lasts on my skin. I don’t think I would have ever bought it if I hadn’t had a sample to try on my face.
Tarte latergram lip liner. I like to pair it with nude gloss for basic everyday lip.
Gosh….so many since I started getting Play box. Urban Decay All Nighter, Taste Friction, Skin Inc exfoliating gel.
Laneige Water Sleeping Mask from a deluxe Sephora Sample
Smashbox Primer Water, from a deluxe sample that’s still half full and used as a travel size
Shu Uemura High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil, from a sample and an in-store application in Sephora during a makeup application session.
Fresh Black Tea anti-aging toner & cream
Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate- I’ve been looking or a stabilized vit. C serum to fade my melasma/mask of pregnancy. I was given a generous 5 packets of samples of this serum at the Kiehl’s in Delhi & was quite impressed after using it for a week. It did seem to lighten & brighten my skin without drying it like retinoids do.
UD perversion mascara
I got about 10 days’ worth of Guerlain’s Lingerie de Peau at my Sephora from a very nice SA and I knew by day 4 of wearing it I would order it. I found an almost perfect match to my skin color and it makes my skin look radiant, but not oily. Love it a lot!
Kevyn Aucoin Etherealist illuminating foundation. I went and got a sample for it and ended up purchasing a full size. Now I have Sisley, Nars, Cover FX, Tarte, hourglass and Kevyn Aucoin. I am officially on a foundation No buy, until I finish at least two of the foundations from my stash.
Mad Lash Mascara by theBalm! Got it in my ipsy bag and fell in love with it.
Most recently, that would be Becca Backlight Priming Filter and Vita Liberata Body Blur. I’ve only recently started using face primers and this Becca one is really good. It feels like a moisturizer, actually 🙂 And Body Blur is one of the nicest tinted body lotions I’ve tried; it gives a nice, even glow to my arms and legs. And a little goes a very long way!
Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Seismic was the last product that I sampled and bought the full size version. I received a sampler of 24 bullets of varying shades and effects of lipstick when I made a purchase on Sephora’s website last year. I tried Seismic because I like how berry lip colors show up on my skin, and I was curious about how bold a purple would look on me. Seismic is in Urban Decay’s Sheer Shimmer formula, meaning that it is not overtly dark but has a little sparkle. I loved it! I couldn’t believe I could wear purple lipstick and still look like myself. Now I rarely go out without it!
Paula’s Choice CALM Redness Relief Moisturizer. It makes my skin feel heavenly.
Ole Henriksen – Truth Serum.
Versace Eros pour Femme edp.
Jilted and 714 from the UD tri-fold card sampler (new Vice line).
Seriously, I get so many samples that the only reason I don’t buy more of them is that there are new samples. But I go through fragrance pretty quickly and I buy every one that I loved in a sample. So Viva La Juicy and Elizabeth and James Nirvana Bourbon were my most recent purchases bought from samples.
And I bought Lord&Berry Back to Black mascara because of a sample – loved it so much I bought an eyeliner from them too.