An offshoot of Sent by Sam, these are quick reviews by Sam and Miky of the products we've finished. All these products are coupled with lots of work by great professionals, but skincare is our ritual these days and what we do in between visits. We will review products that are empty, show you what we're currently using, and update as we finish a product or throw something new into the line-up. We do lots of research but are not professionals and nothing we dispense is medical advise. Please share your feedback on the products OR recommend us new ones to try! We'll be linking where you can buy these products in Europe BUT if you're purchasing in the US or somewhere else please just ask and we'll try to help.
Products in Rotation (not in order)
Masks
Morning Routine
Evening Routine
Skin Care
$ Under 20
$$ 20 to 50
$$$ 20 to 70
$$$$ 70+
Cleansers
Caudalie Make-Up Remover Cleansing Oil
$
This product did not irritate or dry us out and was very gentle on the skin. We don't know it's efficacy towards removing makeup, we used it in the morning as part of a double cleanse.
Wouldn't repurchase unless all our products were confiscated at TSA and we had to do a French Pharmacy haul
$$
We picked this up on a whim from the pharmacy because it has salicylic acid in it. It didn't irritate the skin, but it was a bit too drying and stripping.
Would not repurchase.
Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm
$$
This smells amazing and the cloth it comes with is really nice, but we wouldn't recommend this for acne-prone skin, we had a feel it was too rich and even as a first step cleanse was breaking us out.
Would not repurchase
$
This is really gentle, but it's not very effective. It's too watery and we found ourselves annoyed to use it, but because it didn't irritate we finished it.
Would not repurchase.
$$$
The product has tiny little beads are pretty aggressive on the skin, if you have sensitive skin this would be way too harsh. If you're skin can handle a lot maybe you'd like to scrub away, us? Not so much.
Wouldn't repurchase.
Toners
$
This is a terrific spray for acne-prone skin. After working out, we'll wipe off sweat and immediately spray this or spray throughout the day for hydration without looking oily. Incredibly calming and refreshing.
Have repurchased many times
$
This smells amazing and is really refreshing to spritz throughout the day, however the true Queen of Hungary mist is Omorovicza and now we can't go back.
Wouldn't repurchase unless we didn't have Omorovicza available.
$
This is part of Nuxe's new anti-acne line and the smell is amazing. BUT the product itself didn't do much, it's mostly alcohol but it doesn't dry you out, doesn't do anything for acne either though.
Would not repurchase.
$$$$
If you want one product to replace vitamin C, retinol, and toner then this is your go-to if however, you like layering different products then we wouldn't recommend.
If flights every resume and we could only take one product we would repurchase.
$$$
This is an incredible toner. We haven't found a Biologique Recherche product we didn't love and this just clears the skin right up and sets an amazing foundation for serums.
We have repurchased the P50 PIGM 400 at the suggestion of our Biologique Recherche facialist, it's worth trying to see someone in person or online as the products are pretty specific.
Serums
$$$
This is definitely not a starter vitamin C, it's extremely strong and those with sensitive skin should avoid. The dropper and bottle are well designed and the serum doesn't have any smell, but the consistency is a bit strange, it is quite thick and can make you look a bit greasy. We think we would try other products from the brand that have better reviews.
Would not repurchase.
Korres Wild Rose Vitamin C Serum
$$
The problem with this is the consistency it definitely makes you glowy, but it also makes you extremely oily and not in a nice way, doesn't absorb well at all.
Would not repurchase.
Revolution Skincare 10% Niacinamide and 1% Zinc
$
This is exactly like The Ordinary's version and they both are at a similar price point. Niacinamide is in everything so you don't necessarily need this serum, but if you want to your face to look a little more matte in the summer this is a nice addition.
Could repurchase.
Tan-Luxe Super Glow Hyaluronic Self-Tan Serum
$$
This product very lightly adds colour, but not in an orange-way, while also being a wonderful hyaluronic serum. You absolutely glow with it.
We have already repurchased, we love it.
Biologique Recherche Serum Placenta
$$$
This is a terrific serum, you might get hung up on the smell (like meat) and the fact that it's taken from goat placenta BUT it really helps with acne scarring and under eye darkness. It's also extremely light and immediately absorbs.
Will repurchase.
$$
This is a terrific moisture surge, it's very light, doesn't smell, and isn't irritating, it's perfect for summer when you don't want any heavy creams, it's a bit too thin for winter. It is also great to dampen the face before moisturiser.
We're liking other hyaluronics so probably won't repurchase.
$$
We honestly were not sure what this serum was supposed to do, be a vitamin C, a radiance serum? Truly unclear. This serum has a cult following but did nothing for us.
Would not repurchase
Glow Recipe Pineapple-C Bright Serum
$$
This vitamin C serum smells really strongly of pineapple, it may be fun for a tween/teen but for us it just felt strange. We didn't see any changes from the serum but the texture and smell were quite strange.
Would not repurchase
Dr Babor Pro EGF & Collagen Cream
$$$$
This is a wonderful targeted cream for scarring or wrinkles. It's very light and a little goes along way. Definitely something as we get older we'd really on more as a nice under eye cream.
Will probably purchase.
REN Clean Skincare Flash Hydro-Boost Instant Plumping Emulsion
$$
We honestly are not sure what this did, we would recommend just going with a hyaluronic acid for an extra dose of moisture.
Would not repurchase.
$$
This is an amazing serum to use for acne or wrinkles. You have to get used to it and you could experience some purging. Take only the tiniest amount and warm it up in your hands and then spread over your face, your lips might get chapped at first. Work up to using this every night. The consistency won't be for everyone and those with dry skin be careful.
Would repurchase next time we are in a French Pharmacy.
Eye
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare B3Adaptive Superfoods Stress SOS Eye Cream
$$$
This eye cream will last you a really long time, and it has a tiny bit of colour which will brighten up the eye area but it doesn't do much. It felt nice to massage in the mornings, but it didn't live up to any of it's claims.
Would not repurchase.
Moisturisers
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo + SPF
$$
Part of La Roche-Posay's anti-acne line this is an SPF we come back to again and again. It's not really heavy enough to be a winter moisturiser, but it's perfect for the summer especially because it has SPF.
Have and will continue to repurchase.
$$$$
This is an incredible moisturiser for acne-prone skin. When you put it on you immediately know your skin is taken care of. It calms redness, provides hydration, and fights acne. If you're in Budapest and going to do an Omorvicza haul it's worth getting a treatment because the products are then 50% off or in December free!
Will definitely repurchase.
Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentrate
$
A cult favourite for a reason, this cream is wonderful in the winter and great for all skin-types. Our skin needs more help, but if you have really great skin and just need a solid moisturiser this is perfect.
Wouldn't repurchase for now, maybe when we're older.
$$
This oil is too heavy for the face/hair, but amazing to spritz all over the body anytime of the year. The light scent is wonderful. Make sure you have the spray applicator, it makes it much easier to apply and last longer.
Have repurchased many many times
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream
$$$
This is a great option as a moisturiser if you really can't stand creams or want something extremely light for summer. Your skin will suck it right in, but it's definitely not enough for dry skin types.
Won't repurchase have other creams we prefer.
$$$$
If you buy into the idea that some skincare products are just for men and some are for women then this is a very "masculine" smelling cream, it is really meant for older aged men and we didn't see much difference.
Won't repurchase.
$$$
This is on the higher-end of French pharmacy brands, but it's cult-following is what initially had us snatch it up. This evening moisturiser is not heavy, so if you're dry you might need something else or layer with oil. It has a lovely, light smell and sinks right in. We didn't notice differences based on the anti-aging claims that the cream makes, but it's a solid evening moisturiser.
Probably would not repurchase because we didn't fall in love.
Masks
Sand & Sky Brilliant Skin Purifying Pink Clay Mask
$$
This is a really nice mask. It doesn't feel as luxurious as the Omorovicza masks, but it spreads nicely, isn't drying, and does the job of cleaning out pores. It's a nice mask to use once a week.
Would repurchase.
Omorovicza Deep Cleansing Mask
$$$$
This is one of the best mud masks out there, the mud is really fine and purified and doesn't feel grainy or drying on the skin. It also smells divine.
Will definitely repurchase.
$$$$
This is a clay mask meant for older men. It has a nice texture and smell and feels very purifying but there are cheaper masks for what this does.
Would not repurchase.
$$
This is a really gentle, lovely mask, that you could leave on for hours and wouldn't be drying. Must like rose smell. It's an added boost of hydration and feels very relaxing, but there aren't many effects on the skin.
Would not repurchase
$$$
This mask smells amazing and feels extremely gentle on the skin. You don't have to let it sit for very long and it's fun to turn the formula from pink to white.
Not our favourite mask ever, but we would repurchase.
The Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask
$$
This mask has a strong smell and you get a lot for the price, however it feels grainy and very drying on the skin. It didn't irritate our skin, but it also didn't help it.
Would not repurchase.
Hair Care
$$
This is the second bottle and we'll continue repurchasing until we find something better. Spray all over after washing for the most amazing smell and pre-styling spray. Or spray and let air dry.
Have repurchased.
$$
The hype around Olaplex is well earned, this pre-shampoo treatment is a staple of Sam's haircare routine and has truly strengthened the hair bonds.
Have repurchased.
Body Care-Coming Soon
