Guest Post: Sample Size
One suitcase, zero full-size products, and one $58 clay mask that didn't earn its keep
Editor's note: Today's post is from my dear friend Debbie Carlson, a freelance journalist extraordinaire who covers everything from commodities and retirement to luxury lifestyles. She saves samples the way other people save vacation days. I think you’ll enjoy her picks as much as I do, and not just because we obsessively discuss these things.
Rachel, your beauty concierge 💋
Hello, Gorgeous!
I’m Debbie Carlson and am guest posting today for Rachel, writing about what beauty products I took on my vacation. Before I get into what I packed in my bags, here’s a little bit about me. I’m a freelance journalist who has written about myriad topics, from beauty and travel to business and investing and a lot in between.
I recently came back from a mid-July trip to the Netherlands with my mom for 10 days. When I travel, I like to take the samples I get throughout the year. It fits in with my travel ethos of trying out something new while on vacation, and samples let me pack light.
Summer weather in the Netherlands is usually on the cool side, although the country had its share of scorching temps earlier this year. The country’s mild climate made it a good opportunity to try out a variety of skincare under pretty ideal circumstances.
What I loved
Olay Melts: I got my first sample of these through Rachel’s newsletter and liked them enough to buy more for the trip. They’re great for travel since they’re not a liquid and the packaging is compact. They dissolve instantly and lather up nicely. I washed my face in Schiphol airport after my connecting flight from Zurich and it was just what I needed to be revived after a long trip. Definitely will be a mainstay for travel.
Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Foam ($38): Can a foam cleanser that’s not oil-based feel silky and luxurious? It can if it’s from Sulwhasoo. Comes out as a gel but turns silky and foamy with water. My skin felt supple after rinsing, which I find is rare with many foam-based cleansers. I paired it with Sulwhasoo Essential Comfort Balancing Water toner ($70). What I love about Korean toners is their suppleness, and Sulwhasoo did not disappoint. I wish I had a serum and moisturizer on the trip for a skincare quad! The brand’s price point is high, but I also find a little goes a long way so it ends up being more economical.
What surprised me
Temple Spa AAAHHH! Instant Cooling Balm ($38): I’m always a little skeptical of products that say they will rejuvenate after a hard day. This product said it would help with tired legs and feet. After one day of walking 17,000 steps, my dogs were barking hard, so I put it to the test. Key ingredients are menthol and magnesium. I was pleasantly surprised that my feet were not nearly as achy as they were when I first sat down. While I’m not sure I could have walked another 17,000 steps, I felt fine enough for a 10-minute walk for dinner. Here, too, a little went a long way and the menthol scent didn’t smell “medicine-y” nor did it linger.
On the fence
I took two night creams that may have worked better if this was a winter trip. Both the Guerlain Abeille Royale Honey Treatment Night Cream ($180) and The Face Shop’s Yehwadam Hwansaenggo Ultimate Rejuvenating Cream ($110 as part of a set of four) were very thick and rich. Night creams are usually heavier than day creams and take longer to soak into the skin, but both of these felt like they were the wrong formulation for summer. When I put these on I thought they would help offset the usual dry air in hotel rooms, but still they were a little too heavy for July.
Both were only lightly scented, with the Guerlain cream having a hint of honey scent, which goes along with Guerlain’s bee-focused branding, while the Yehwadam cream had a pleasant rose scent. Given the price point, I’d buy a small version of the Yehwadam to test during winter holiday sales.
L’Oréal Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Moisturizer ($23) . Lighter weight than the two night creams, this was more appropriate for summer. It kept my skin supple and soft for hours. The marketing says within one week the cream can reduce wrinkles, firm and brighten. I didn’t notice those attributes during the one time I used it, but I may pick up a jar after my current moisturizer runs out to see what continued use does.
Not worth it
Charlotte Tilbury Goddess Skin Clay Mask ($58). Full disclosure: I have a tiny soft spot for Charlotte Tilbury, having interviewed her once for the Chicago Tribune when she came through Chicago on a promotional tour. I think her cream blush is fantastic.
This clay mask, however, isn’t worth the premium price. On the plus side, it was much smoother than most clay masks which feel like putty, but ultimately, it’s a clay mask. It’s supposed to visibly lift, smooth and brighten for baby skin and I didn’t notice any of that. I don’t see a lot of differences between various clay masks, so I don’t think it’s worth the splurge.
I’m always curious what others take on their vacation, so drop some comments below. Thanks, Rachel, for letting me guest post!
Quick note: I included some affiliate links and from time to time some sponsored products which means I might earn a small commission on sales made through these links, but I also throw in stuff I love just because. Prices are current at publish time.