They say good things come in small packages, and that’s totally true for travel-sized beauty products. Not only are they absolutely adorable, sometimes a travel size is all you need for a trip or to test out the formula. If you follow me on Snapchat, you know that I am currently on staycation with my Mom, so I am actually not blogging right now. This post was written weeks in advance, and today I am finally using all of these fab goodies when Mom and I go on short road trips together, or simply lounge by the pool savoring the lazy lifestyle.
SKINCARE:
I own a large half-liter Bioderma Sebium H2O [$6.95, available here], and it works pretty well as a makeup remover and an astringent, so I also picked up a mini to go with it. I like to wipe my face with it on especially hot days when my pores are oozing oil, pardon the graphic description. My only gripe is that it’s scented, but Bioderma Sensibio just doesn’t cut it for me when everything is melting outside [including my skin]. Have you tried this micellar water? Let me know how you like it!
I have several samples of CNP Laboratory Tone-Up Protection Sun SPF42+++ [$39, available here], and just like many other Korean sunscreens, it’s top notch! Asian companies really mastered the formula, so their physical sunblocks feel more like luxurious skincare and don’t leave white cast. None that you can see with a naked eye anyway, it’ll still show up in flash photography. Anyhow, I really like this sunscreen and it’s one of my favorite Memebox samples to date.
I received StriVectin Intensive Illuminating Serum [$89, available here] sample in a beauty box some time ago, I think it was the Allure box back when it was still Sample Society. Having a travel-sized multi-tasking serum is super handy when traveling, and this one replaces my brightening, anti-oxidant, and anti-aging products. I normally prefer targeted solutions, but I’m not super picky when I need to pack light.
goodal Waterest First Essence [$30, available here] is the only travel-sized first essence I have, so that’s the one I am using right now. Basically, it’s a moisturizing and softening toner that you apply with bare hands and pat into the skin until it’s absorbed. I really like this Korean brand, by the way!
Exuviance Ultra Restorative Cream [$52, available here] has been one of my favorite PM moisturizers for years, and the brand is always very generous with samples when you purchase something from their website. In addition to a full sized cream that I used up a while ago, I now have about 10 of these travel-sized tubes that I always bring on trips. The formula is pretty concentrated, so each sample lasts about a week.
Caudalie Hand & Nail Cream [$15, available here] is actually not as nourishing as it sounds. The formula looks pretty thick straight from the tube, but it melts in right away, leaving the skin slightly velvety. This is perfect for warm weather, but I would probably need something richer in the winter. I never buy full-sized versions of these hand creams because Caudalie always releases travel sets that are much better value, so I just purchase those instead.
HAIRCARE:
I lost count how many times I received this sample of Biogeo Don’t Despair, Repair [$9, available here] deep conditioning hair mask in subscription boxes and as a GWP. Thank goodness, it’s a good one, or I would start feeling like the sample gods have something against me, haha 🙂 This jar is tiny, so it won’t take much room in the bag, but there’s enough product inside for 3-4 applications on medium length hair.
My problem with overly soapy shampoos offered at many hotels is not color-protection, but the fact that they make my hair super frizzy, so I travel with my own bottle. Right now I use Kiehl’s Olive Fruit Oil Nourishing Shampoo [$7, available here], which does contain sulfates, but it feels a lot gentler than other shampoos with SLS. Still, I wouldn’t use it daily unless I’m traveling.
What was the last beauty sample you tried? Is there a product you only buy in travel size? Let me know in the comments below!
Disclosure: This post features products purchased by Glamorable and may contain affiliate or referral links. For more details about my product review policy, copyright, and information about affiliate links, please refer to Disclosures & Content Use page.
