The first sample opportunity couldn't have come up at a better time. I've had a girls christmas party with my friends from school planned out for over a month now and a week before the party I find out I got selected through Crowdtap to host a Garnier SkinActive Ladies Night. Crowdtap was quick to get the party supplies out and I already recieved my crowdkit last night/christmas eve, in plenty of time for my party (Tuesday)! I know my friends will be excited to get some extra goodies to try.
I wasn't sure how big all of the samples were going to be but Garnier was very generous and sent me full size products for myself and 9 friends (14 pound box of goodies!)
(Photo: Mine)
Overall they sent me (the following list is word for word from crowdtap):
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You may have noticed that in total they sent only 10 bottles total of Micellar Cleansing Water while they sent 11 bottles of moisturizer. I'm not really sure why they didn't send the same number of both but it was the amount listed on the samples list, what I recieved and what I saw everyone else recieved so I'm not sure complety why they did it that way but in case you were wondering it wasn't an accident that I didn't get the same number of each.
They were awesome enough to include a whole sleeve of cotton pads (so I didn't have to go and buy my own before the party) and a $10 Visa gift card to use on some party supplies.
(Photo: Mine)
Now you may be asking, what the heck is Micellar Cleansing Water?
OK so how do you use it?
Now after trying this stuff last night I honestly feel like you don't have to use as many pads as they did in the video, you can get more from each pad by using the reverse side and getting use out of the Micellar Cleansing Water that soaked through to that side as well. It all just depends how much make up you wear.
Here's a few extra tips and tricks from Garnier for using Micellar Cleansing Water: Micellar Cleansing Water tips and tricks
After using the cotton balls I had at home (not wanting to break into the cotton pads Garnier sent me before the party) I will say that I do agree that the pads are a much better option, cotton balls will work but they aren't as easy to hold and don't have as much surface space to grab the make up, so I will definitly be purchasing more cotton pads.
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"Micellar Cleansing Water, discover a whole new way to cleanse
- Removes makeup, cleanses & refreshes in just one step
- Suprisingly powerful, yet gentle on even sensitive skin
- No rinsing or harsh rubbing
- POUR: Saturate a cotton pad
- PRESS: Press pad, activating Micelles to lift away makeup and impurities
- PROOF: Wipe away and see the proof on the pad"
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Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water comes in 2 different kinds: Original (pink) and Waterproof (blue) (removes waterproof mascara) and they note "shake well!" For the waterproof version.
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Both types are supposed to be good for all skim types, even sensitive skin and claim to have no oil, no alcohol and no fragrance. I smelled both versions and neither one had any sort of scent, it was like smelling a bottle of water.
(Photo's: Mine)
I only tried the original so far and it was not at all drying, I cleansed without rinsing and waited awhile before taking a shower and washing my face, I didn't feel any weird residue on my face and my skin wasn't dry at all. My skin felt clean, soft, smooth and moisturized, so I can believe so far that neither have fragrance and the original doesn't have alcohol or oil.
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Both are an "All-in-1" cleanser that "removes makeup + cleanses + refreshes"
"No rinse, no harsh rubbing" and they are both for your face, lips, and eyes so no more multiple bottles of makeup remover (specific for eye make up, foundation only and lips)
(Photo: Mine)
As you are hopefully able to see in the pictures above there is definitly a visual difference in the original vs the waterproof formula. The original looks very much like water but will bubble once you pick it up and develop a small froth near the top. The waterproof formula separates near the top and doesnt bubble quite like the original formula. This separation is why they suggest you shake the bottle well before use. The waterproof formula visually reminds me of other waterproof make up removers and I'm afraid it may have a residue unlike the original that does not, I havent tried it yet so it will be interesting to see if it feels ant different on the skin.
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"Clearly Brighter, Brightening & Smoothing Daily Moisturizer SPF15
- Clinically proven results* in just one week
- Antioxident complex with vitamin C, E and LHA
- Broad spectrum SPF15 sunscreen
- Reveals 2 key dimensions of brighter looking skin
- Radiant, more even skin tone
- Improve skin texture, even reduces wrinkles"
(Photo: Mine)
The only thing I don't like I about so many face lotions now is the main focus on SPF. I totally understand protecting skin from the sun but when I'm stuck inside most of the day (especially in the winter) I'm more concerned with other aspects of the health of my skin (like preventing acne, age spots and wrinkles). I get frustrated because the front of the box and the card both appear like sunscreen is just an added bonus and other skin issues are the main focus but when you start reading the ingredients and the directions it appears the main purpose is sunscreen.
I'm probably just being overly picky, I mean we should all know how to apply lotion so they don't really need to explain basic moisturizer use to use so they probably felt they only needed to point out use if using specifically as sunscreen but when I only see sunscreen use directions I begin to think this is only used for sunscreen.
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I think it's an adorable touch when brands right a little message on the tabs when you open up the box. Not sure why the coloring turned out the way it did on the picture below.
(Photo: Mine)
The actual bottle of lotion has a convient little pump on it instead of having to squirt it out.
(Photo's Mine)
Warning: scary close up pictures of my fave below
I hate doing this but I took a few pictures before, during and after using the Micellar Cleansing Water so you could get an idea of how well it takes the make up off. Also I'm hoping these pictures will be able to show you a starting point from first starting to use these products and after a few weeks of use. I've been having some issues with my skin, deep difficult acne on my chin (and sometimes my forehead although right now it's pretty clear) and some superficial acne on my cheeks and other areas causing uneven skin tone and texture. Really hoping these products make a big difference and you'll be able to see the change.
(Photo: Mine)
Before using the Micellar Cleansing Water. My foundation looks really strange in these pictures, this was after a long day at work and then playing with my niece and nephew and I think some of my foundation got rubbed off in places.
(Photo: Mine)
After taking off half of my make up, from your view left side missing make up (my right) and right side with make up (my left)
(Photo: Mine)
After all the make up was taken off.
(Photo: Mine)
The cotton balls from taking off the first half face of make up. Sorry these are gross but as you may be able to tell from the mangled cotton balls it was a little tricky using them and like I said before it would probably be much easier to use cotton pads like they suggest instead.
(Photo: Mine)
I can't wait to share pictures and info from my party with you guys (only 4 more days!) And let you guys know what my friends think of the products as well as my opinions and experience with the products after I have a chance to continue trying them out for awhile. Keep an eye out for more posts about Garnier and some other products I'll be recieving in a Voxbox from Influenster soon!
Thank you Crowdtap and Garnier for all the awesome goodies and the opportunity to host a party!
*All photos are my own unless otherwise stated. I recieved these products free for testing purposes from Crowdtap. All opinions are my own.*
