I have a confession to make: I’m a beauty sample hoarder. I love collecting all sorts of samples, from skincare to foundation and haircare, and I like to carefully catalogue them based on function, size and beauty needs. I often rely on them for my travel bag, whether I go on a weekend trip or to a morning gym session, making them a handy option instead of a full-size cleanser or moisturiser. Another great bonus: they’re a great introduction to a new brand or product, especially a pricier one when relying on online reviews is not enough. And with lockdown preventing any weekend getaways or sweaty gym sessions from happening, I decided to start a new blog series where I will choose a few product samples to review – before they all end up being too old to use.

Here are July’s samples and minis:

Seed to Skin The Midnight Miracle Cell Recovery Night Oil

I’ve had this for a few months now and I’ve even been taking it with me on trips and weekend getaways. It’s a rich oil that smells absolutely divine and leaves skin super soft and plumped. It’s been my go-to night oil for days when my skin was particularly dry and flaky, like it often happens in colder weather, and it’s always left my skin visibly hydrated upon awaking. It’s quite pricey for an oil though (£145), so I’m not convinced I’d be happy to splash this kind of cash on a product like this.

BareMinerals Skin Longevity Vital Power Infusion Serum

I was quite impressed with this serum from BareMinerals, mainly when it came to its immediate effects. The lightweight runny texture instantly sinks into the skin and hydrates for a glowing look. I used it a few mornings in a row after toning and before the day cream, and it left my skin feeling supple and brightened. Too soon to talk about its wrinkle reducing action, but I am tempted to invest in the full size (£48).

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II 

I was quite excited to try Estee Lauder’s hero product but, the same as with BareMinerals, a 7ml sample is hardly enough to assess the long term anti-ageing actions. So far, I can confirm the hydrating effect that leaves skin feeling very nice, plus I find the slightly medicinal scent quite calming, perfect for a night-time ritual. The texture is very light and runny so you only need a few drops to cover the whole face. Yet another product that I might consider buying in the future (£58).

Estee Lauder Re-Nutritiv Ultimate Lift Regenerating Youth Creme

This is a wonderful everyday moisturiser that I’ve really been enjoying using. It’s rich yet not too greasy, moisturises immediately without feeling to heavy on the skin, and smells absolutely divine. I’ve been using it day and night for the past three weeks and my skin is looking bright and hydrated, it has completely erased any flakiness. I feel very lucky with my 15ml sample! Sadly, with a £225 price tag, I don’t see myself spending this kind of obscene sum on a moisturiser.

Estee Lauder Re-Nutritiv Ultimate Lift Regenerating Eye Creme

Even though it has the same active ingredient as the face moisturiser, the eye cream has a completely different texture, much lighter and more airy, that does not overload the eye area. It actually keeps the crow’s feet lines in the corner of the eyes plumped all through the day, which gives an overall rested look. At £125 for 15ml, it would be quite a major investment.

Ole Henriksen Cold Plunge Pore Mask

I really enjoyed using this Shrek-coloured mask for the already legendary facialist’s brand. Inspired by the “cold plunge” part of a Scandinavian sauna cycle, its tingly minty fragrance and instantly cooling texture feels great during use and after, leaving skin soft, brightened and visibly cleaner. Plus, for me, anything pore-related is a great selling point. Another major bonus is that it washes off a lot more easily than I was fearing – even though I would not recommend using a white towel to wipe your face afterwards. At just £30 for a generous 90ml, I’m seriously considering investing in the full size one day.