Product Junkie - Touching Base And Trying Out Some Chanel Samples

Not usually a fan of serums, I used the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair for many years in my 30's but never felt my skin was any better for it, but I have been grateful for this with the harsh winter we have had of late and I love how the Chanel skincare samples contain enough product for you to really get a feel for the contents.  I had three tubes of this and am just about to start my final one after a good few weeks of testing it out.  A little goes a long way and I have used a blob about the size of a 5p and have applied to clean skin before moisturising.
What Chanel say: At the heart of it's formula, the synergistic power of Camellia Alba PFA and Blue Ginger PFA unites with a new generation hyaluronic acid for optimal absorption and immediate plumping effect. Creates ideal hydration that both strengthens and beautifies the skin whilse quenching its deepest thirst.
It can be used all year round by all skin types, offers intense hydration and advanced antioxidant protection and I definitely think this is a product that is going on the beauty wish list.  It costs £59 for 30ml so with 3 x 5 ml samples I have just under £30 worth of sample product, well worth asking for a freebie if you are buying anything instore. Available online from Boots here. The only other thing I have ever used from the Hydramax range is the tinted moisture lotion which is perfect for this time of year when you need a bit of colour. I loved it and have to confess had a few people ask if I had been on holiday when I wore it.

The next product I have been using is very special and I base this assumption not only on it's hefty price tag but the many excellent reviews I have read online.


I have to confess that any product which contains the word "regenerating" in it's title has me thinking I am going to morph into Dr Who overnight and wake up in the Tardis, but so far that hasn't happened! At £145 for a 50ml  pot, a little does go a long, long way and the jar lasts for ages apparently. I only have one tube of this and once I found out the price, I understood why.  I have been using an Origins masque a couple of times a week, applied like a moisturiser before bed and this Chanel product is designed to be used 1-3 times a week in a similar way.
What Chanel say: Lotus with magnesium has the  ability to help promote cell relaxtion. Argan Oil known for its ulta-nourishing properties completes this exception formula. Plumped up and moisturised, skin glows with serenity.
I think I might need a few tubs of this before I glow with serenity but am beginning to realise the importance of a midweek "sleep in" masque in addition to my once a week Dermalogica anti-aging power recovery mask. My 5ml sample equates to £14.50 in value. Buy here.

When it comes to foundation, I have to admit I struggle somewhat.  I haven't really needed to wear it for most of my adult life (luckily) but I do have some blemish's that I would prefer to be hidden and I wouldn't be right in the head if I didn't want an even complexion but somehow I always think that foundation enhances wrinkles in the more mature lady, so tend to avoid it like the plague.  I have tried many over the last ten years and even when using a brush to apply or damp cosmetic sponge, to me, it never feels right and I opt for tinted moisturisers more these days.  The one I have just finished is a Lancome one which I really like as it has an SPF15 and is described as anti-stress but I really, really like the Chanel Comfort Radiance Compact Make-Up as it feels totally weightless and doesn't look like you have anything on your skin at all. A definite make-up bag must for the future and again with three samples, I have been using this for weeks now and still haven't finished the first one, so a hefty outlay at £45 will once again prove worthwhile and refills are available. Buy here.

With the introduction of Primers, BB and now CC Creams it seems as though cosmetic giants are constantly striving to make us part with our cash.  I haven't bought into any of these products as yet but I do have a Dr Jart BB cream which came with a GlossyBox I've yet to sample, it sounds really good, especially with an SPF40 so I am looking forward to trying this product although I know I will feel a bit strange replacing a normal moisturiser.  My friend Emily put a picture of a Clinque CC cream (only available at John Lewis until the 25th) on Facebook the other day with a comment saying "this really does do what it says on the tin" and although she has beautiful skin anyway I am intrigued to find out more and on the subject of Primers a couple of Instagram friends were raving about a Dior product called Soin Jumiere finition that hasn't appeared on my product junkie radar before. They said "It's a primer but a treatment. Gives an amazing glow and fully evens out your skin tone. You can infact wear without foundation. Best. Product. Ever". 
At £110 it might be a while before this finds it's way into my shopping basket. It also appears to be hard to get hold of with only Harrods selling it online here. Since when did skincare get so confusing?  Anyway in the course of about, oh let me think, 24 hours, I became obsessed with wanting this product but spending more than £50 on a single skincare item frightens me slightly, plus I always think along the lines of "I could have bought a new dress for that" and if personally I didn't see a dramatic difference in my skin, I would be completely gutted, so I did something I would never advise anybody to do, I bought some on ebay.  I wasn't expecting to find it, let alone buy and my biggest concern with buying make-up or skincare from an auction site is that everything has a use by date and you have no idea how long the seller has had it, even if described as "tested once", after all, it could have been tested once two years ago, but I figured spending £20 which included postage, it was worth the risk. After deciding to search for it at 11.30pm on Sunday night after the majority of this post was already drafted and finding one that ended in less than four minutes, well it surely was a sign, wasn't it?  Read more about this amazing product here and if not convinced you should wear a primer, then this article may well convince you.


Anyway lovelies, It would be great to hear if you have tried, are looking to purchase, or have heard any good things about any of the products mentioned, or maybe you have a wonder product to recommend, oh and don't forget to ask for some samples if buying anything over the counter.

Top Tip:

Beware of sellers selling lots of make-up (10 mascaras etc) as people have been prosecuted for selling "fake" make-up on ebay.  Sadly some products contain lead so it isn't just fake designer bags and shoes you have to look out for. Check a sellers feedback and ensure they are selling a mixture of items to get an idea of whether the make-up is genuine and they are literally just clearing out products they no longer use or need.