Emptying out... is this happening?

I'm home for summer from my first year of art school!  The last two days have been spent sleeping in until noon and thoroughly enjoying not having anything to do (for the time being, anyway).  Haha.  My boyfriend is here this week so we've been busy doing stuff, but I will definitely get back into blogging ASAP.  So excited! :)
I actually may have a few more things to add to this in the next few days.  For now, though, these are the products I've used up recently.  I don't know about you guys but for some reason I love reading these 'empties' types of posts on other blogs!

Pond's Classic cold cream- 

I've been using this all school year- since August I believe!  Can you believe I just ran out?  This has surprisingly become my favorite eye makeup remover.  There were a handful of days where I would try an oil-based liquid remover (like the Lancome one pictured above), but for the mass majority of the year this has lasted me. 

Repurchase?  Yes!  Between it's efficiency (removes makeup quickly and doesn't tug) and being cheap/long lasting, I'll definitely be using this from now on.

What I'm Using To Replace It:  A new jar that I just got yesterday! 

Lancome Bi-Facil eye makeup remover-

This came with a GWP that my mom got back over spring break, and she gave it to me.  I thought I'd give it a fair trial because I've heard decent things about it.  Personally, I found I needed a lot to get all my makeup off, and I had to tug at my eyelids at the same time.  

Repurchase?  No, it didn't work for me.

What I'm Using To Replace It:  Same as above, Pond's Classic cold cream

Nivea Express Hydration body lotion sample-

I got this with my Target Beauty bag sample pack.  I love the idea- that it's lightweight and absorbs quickly- but it didn't really moisturize for a long time.  Nice for a simple lotion but I'd rather try something else.

Repurchase?  No.

What I'm Using To Replace It:  Aveeno Daily Moisturizing lotion (favorite basic lotion)

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Daily Scrub-

I didn't totally clean this one out, but I found something else I like better (that my skin liked better, too!) so I haven't used it in a long time.  It was nice, but I think I'm done trying Neutrogena's skin care products (besides their oil-free moisturizer for sensitive skin- LOVE that).  They either break me out, or slightly irritate my skin.  This scrub was just a little too harsh for me.

Repurchase?  No.

What I'm Using To Replace It:  Aveeno Positively Radiant scrub (LOVE THIS.  Review in the near future!)

Mario Badescu Flower & Tonic mask sample-

I received this sample in my sample pack back in January but hadn't used it much until recently.  It's a thick, green mask that I used about once a week.  My skin feels so soft after using it, and I'm seriously considering buying it in a full size if I can't find a cheaper mask.

Repurchase?  Yes!

What I'm Using To Replace It:  Clinique Skin Calming Moisture mask (This was my sister's from years ago, I think it's discontinued but I'm not sure, I'm sorry!).

Bare Minerals Mineral Veil-

Ugh, I was so depressed when this ran out.  I didn't think my skin needed a powder, but this just makes my Bare Minerals foundation look so much smoother and glowy.  I love the radiance it gives my skin!

Repurchase?  Yes!  Unless I find a cheaper alternative.

What I'm Using To Replace It:  NYC Minerals Natural Veil (I think discontinued).

I've been doing some major spring-cleaning in terms of makeup/bath/body products lately, but that just means dumping stuff that I haven't used in awhile.  I always feel so accomplished when I actually finish something, haha.

What have you guys emptied recently?  

Mario Badescu samples: first thoughts

A few weeks ago, I read on another blog (I'm sorry, I can't remember which one!) that a girl had received free skincare samples from Mario Badescu.  She said they weren't sent for review and she wasn't affiliated with the company, so I wondered if that meant anyone could get them.  I've heard great things about Mario Badescu products so I was definitely interested in seeing for myself!
I stumbled upon the "consulting" tab on the website, which lead me to fill out a questionnaire that they would then select products best suited for my skin type.  You do have to register with the website after this, but it's free.  A few days later, I received an email from Mario Badescu asking if I'd like to try samples of the products I was recommended.  I clicked a link through the email which took me to a page on the website to select which products I wanted and enter my shipping information.  When I got back to school this last weekend, my samples were waiting for me!  This is really cool, guys.  I was afraid it'd either be gimmicky or the samples would be skimpy, but that's not at all the case.

There were a few products I was recommended that they don't do samples of (as noted in the pamphlets they sent), but I received mini sizes of:

- Special Cucumber Lotion (toner)

- Enzyme Cleansing Gel (cleanser)

- Strawberry Face Scrub (exfoliator)

- Flower & Tonic Mask

- Ceramide Herbal Eye Cream

- Collagen Moisturizer SPF 15

- Drying Cream

They included a booklet of detailed information about all their products, along with a small one of the products I received and how to use them.  This was really helpful to me, being new to Mario Badescu. 

Now, I haven't tried everything out just yet, but I've given a few a whirl over the last several days.  I'll write my initial thoughts about the ones I've tried underneath their picture.  

Enzyme Cleansing Gel- This gel cleanser has a very herbal...almost chemical smell to it.  I've gotten three uses out of it and I still have about half of the little container left!  It feels very refreshing so far and doesn't leave my skin tight or dry.

Strawberry Face Scrub- I've only used this once but it's so cool!  First of all, it's pink.  ;)  The better part is that it looks to have real strawberry pieces in it, which I think is awesome.  It's like you're smearing a piece of fruit over your face, haha.  I would consider buying the full size of this just for the cool-ness factor if continued usage doesn't break me out or anything.

Ceramide Herbal Eye Cream- I've read several places that eye creams aren't necessary, but having never used one (and having just started noticing fine lines and large pores around my eyes) I was interested.  Let me first say this sample will go SO far- you only need a tiny, tiny dab of product since the skin around the eyes is so thin.  Usually the skin around my eyes is pretty dry, and since using this the last four nights I haven't seen any flaking.

Collagen Moisturizer SPF 15- This is a really light, creamy moisturizer that melts into my skin.  It reminds me of a thinner, less-creamy version of my Neutrogena oil-free moisturizer for sensitive skin.  It gives me a similar simple moisturizing effect, no tingling or irritation.

I wanted to try the infamous Drying Cream right away but I currently don't have any pimples!  Part of me wishes my skin was worse right now just for that.  Wait, what did I just say?

Alright, so I know I haven't had a chance to fully test out and review each of the products for you.  My point in putting this post up now was so hopefully you all can take advantage of this offer too!  I don't know how long it will go on for, or if they only email random people asking to receive samples (because it really seems too good to be true?).  But it doesn't hurt to try!  The samples they give you are generous, which is my favorite part.  With skincare you can't always tell how something will perform with only one use.

If this works for you, or if you've already tried Mario Badescu products, I'd love to hear what you think!  

Note: I am in no way affiliated with this company and my opinions are all my own.  :)