Christmas 2012 - The Goodies I Got!

The holiday season came and left in a hurry. At least that's how I feel what happened, who's with me?
I don't ever expect to receive anything. Ever! I'm liked everything I got this year and I didn't expect any type of cosmetic items. The boyfriend's family surprised me with a little goody bag with samples in it! (His cousin works at ulta so I don't feel bad/guilty about it either)

Here's what it included:

 Tons of samples that I'd actually use, score!

 Philosophy Living Grace

I got a body wash, body emulsion, and fragrance sample. It smells nice but I've only used the emulsion so far and Philosophy's products are pretty consistent so I expect nothing less when I try the other samples out.

 Benefit Total Moisture Facial Cream

The scent is a bit heavy for my taste but it moisturizes nicely. I've used a few other products in their skincare line but it just wasn't for me.

 Benefit That Gal Brightening Primer  |  Benefit Posie Tint  |  Lorac Lips with Benefit Lipgloss  |  Urban Decay Primer in Sin

These are all deluxe samples. I've owned the primer before, it brightened like the name says but other than that I don't think it helped with increasing longevity.

I used the stain on the back of my hand and it gave it a nice color. I've never used a cheek stain before so I'm waiting for an experimental day to try it out. If all else fails, I can always use it as a lip stain!

I also have not tried the lipgloss, I'm very afraid to ruin the swirling.

I've owned the full-size version of the primer before and I can say that it does it's job. For my own preference though, I like a neutral primer with no shimmers.

 Philosophy Purity Cleansing Oil  |  Kinerase Ultimate Night Moisturizer  |  Ouidad Botanical Boost

I was very excited to see the purity sample. I LOVE their cleanser, in fact it's my holy grail face wash! It's been keeping my skin clear since I started blogging and I don't think I'll ever change cleansers! Haven't tried the sample yet but I have high hopes for it!

I've been trying different samples of facial moisturizers and I'm glad to have another to try since I've not found one I love. Hoping that I won't love this one though, it's quite expensive and I'm not wanting to shell out that much money but I'm very picky so I don't think I'll "love" this.

I've always seen Ouidad in sephora but I'm just not that into hair as much as makeup. I googled this product and it says it's supposed to preserve moisture, prevent frizz, and enhance shine. Sounds promising, and it had 4 out of 5 stars on Sephora. I have not used this and I actually plan to work this into my daily routine since I've been having hair struggles this past year.

Benefit They're Real Mascara  |  Smashbox Waterproof Shadow/Liner

The mascara is awesome! I've actually owned this before and when I saw a full size inside the makeup bag, my eyes lit up hardcore! I'm waiting to finish my current mascara before I pop this open.

 

I swatched the shadow/liner stick on the back of my hand and it's brown. What else can I say about this? I can't vouch for the waterproof but it seemed to smear easily when I smudged it. I can't recall waiting for it to set like the Urban Decay liners though so that might be why. I plan on using this as a bottom lash line base for my eyeshadows but I'm not sure it's dark enough for how I wear my makeup.

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I'm really happy with what the boyfriend's family got for me. I also got a hot pink robe from Ulta too! It's nice to have something to slip on after my shower since I like to wander around the apartment before actually getting dressed.

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Take care ~