“Is it worth it?” In the wonderful world of skincare, this question is almost impossible to answer. Skin types and bank accounts vary from one to another and where one spends their pennies  is a personal choice. The only answer we feel comfortable giving is where we’d spend our OWN pennies (or big bills in some cases) and therefore, Beauty & The Bank was born. Brand by brand, serum by serum, Beauty and the Bank provides product overviews and mini reviews of everything that’s graced our faces to date. Take a peek into what we’ve tried, what we’ve loved, and what you’d have to pay us to use.

First things first: to better understand our thoughts, you have to understand our skin.

VANESSA: 35 years old with oily/combo skin (to be honest, more like really oily t zone and slightly oily everywhere else), prone to redness and breakouts. Main concerns: fighting the signs of aging (especially lines around the mouth) and improving skin clarity. Vanessa lives in Minneapolis with frigid winter and glorious (but far too short) summers with low humidity. She spends 1/3 of her time on the beach in Florida in extreme heat and humidity. (Find her on Instagram at @goalstogetglowing).

LAURA: 34 years old with chronically dehydrated with fine lines, prone to pigmentation, previous acne sufferer. Main Concerns: hydration, fighting the signs of aging, and pigmentation. Laura lives in Toronto with frigid winters and humid summers. Laura will never be caught camping and is a fan of heating and air conditioning, and she is on an airplane weekly for work, furthering her dehydration. (Find her on Instagram at @lathertolashes).

On to our rating scale:

1: You’d have to pay me to use it: pretty self-explanatory. This is a product we wouldn’t even entertain using samples.

2: I’d use samples: don’t love it, won’t pay for it, even if it’s on sale, but will use samples simply to use them up

3: I’d buy it if it was on sale: we liked it but didn’t think it was worth full price and would purchase again only on sale (note: some brands never have sales, we’re looking at you Biologique Recherche, so we took some creative liberties and pretended it *could* go on sale)

4: Full price: this one is a solid yes, and we’d buy it for full price no problem

5: It’s on autoship: nothing says obsession like autoship. The products we aren’t willing to go a day without

BRAND ONE: Biologique Recherche

Has a brand ever been as confusing as BR? We think not and that’s why it was chosen as the first spotlight in the Beauty and the Bank series. With 5 million cleansers, toners, serums, and creams to choose from, added onto limited distribution and even more limited assistance from vendors (without a full consultation in person), we thought we’d share with you our BR journeys and what we’ve used, are using, and will never use again. Enjoy!

Masks

Masque Vivant: Balancing mask

• BR Description: This balancing mask contains high concentrations of Yeast, Cucumber and Witch Hazel extracts, known for their skin purifying properties. It is recommended for seborrheic, dull and/or less toned skin.
• Smell: (V) Awful. It smells like yeast and it lingers even after you wash it off. Worst smelling product I have ever used. (L) Agree, disgusting. Stains towels and best of luck to you if you get it in your hair. Smells until at least the next day.
• Texture/application: Sticky and slightly hard to spread. Doesn’t harden or dry completely.
• Place used in my routine: After cleansing
• Size and Price: 3.4 oz for $70
• Ingredients: Yeast Extract (Faex extract), Water (aqua), Propylene glycol, Bentonite, Kaolin, Alcohol Denat., Cucumis sativus (Cucumber) fruit extract, Glycerin, Vinegar (Acetum), Lactic Acid, Hamamelis Virginiana Bark/leaf/twig extract, Hypericum perforatum Flower/leaf/stem extract, Acacia senegal gum, Xanthan Gum.

**Update from Vanessa: I am dropping my rating down to I’ll use free samples. I ended up giving away this mask before I finished the bottle because I couldn’t take how the scent of the mask lingered on my skin for hours. It is definitely better at balancing out my skin (reducing oiliness) but I have better masks to target really treating congestion (like the Granola Goat S.O.S mask or Allies of Skin Fresh Slate Mask) and since my skin doesn’t need a lot of balancing, this mask is getting kicked to the curb)

Crème Masque Vernix: Skin S.O.S. Mask

• BR Description: Mask that is rich in emollients that create a protective barrier between the skin and the environment outside. Instantly hydrates the skin
• Smell: (V) It smells like a garbage dump. Pretty gross in my opinion. (L) It smells like expired coconut water to me
• Texture/application: thicker cream – (L)I don’t find this a “cream” more than a thicker gel. It spreads easily and definitely leaves a film as its intended to do, but I wouldn’t classify this as a cream
• Place used in my routine: Last step in routine before any oils. (L) last step mixed with an oil
• Size and Price: 1.7 oz for $190
• Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Amniotic Fluid, Lecithin, Lanolin Oil, Propylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Squalane, Raspberry Seed Oil : Palm Oil Aminopropanediol Esters, Hydrolyzed Placental Protein, Hydrolyzed Gelatin, Yeast Extract (Faex Extract), Hydrolyzed Ceratonia Siliqua Seed Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Luffa Cylindrica Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol, Embryo Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ceramide 3, Cholesterol, Potassium Sulfate, Ceramide 6 II, Phytosphingosine, Papain, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Caprylyl Glycol, Diaminopropionoyl Tripeptide-33, Ceramide 1

Masque VIP 02: Brightening Mask

• BR description: This oxygenating and moisturizing “antipollution” treatment restores radiance to stressed, asphyxiated skin. Its formula is rich in moisturizing botanical ingredients and contains the Specific Biologique Recherche Oxygenating Complex, which stimulates epidermal regeneration and revitalizes the skin. It is ideal to soothe sunburn and can be refrigerated prior to use and applied in a thick layer to soothe and calm the skin.
• Smell: Milky, not offensive, almost non-existent
• Texture/application: Thin mask, spreads easily
• Place used in routine: Masking step, after exfoliating
• Size and Price: 3.4 oz for $146
• Ingredients: Water, Kaolin, Glycerin, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Mink Oil, Pentylene Glycol ,Perfluorodecalin ,Titanium Dioxide, Polyperfluoromethylisopropyl Ether, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydrolyzed elastin, Cetyl palmitate, Niacinamide, Lactic Acid, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed silk, Yeast Extract, Vinegar, Mimosa Tenuiflora Bark Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana Bark/leaf/twig Extract, Myrtus Communis Extract, Allium Cepa Bulb Extract, Hypericum Perforatum Flower/leaf/stem Extract, Commiphora Myrrha Resin Extract, C14-22 alcohols, Cetearyl isononanoate, Glyceryl Stearate, Polyacrylamide, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, PEG-20 GLYCERYL STEARATE, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Propylene Glycol, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Capryl Glycol ,Poloxamer 188, Laureth-7, Phenoxyethanol ,Sorbitan isostearate, Polysorbate 60, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Sodium Benzoate, Magnesium chloride, TEA-LACTATE, Salicylic Acid, Sorbic Acid, Sodium Lactate, Alcohol, Sorbitol, Serine, Urea, Allantoin, Rhizobian Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Sorbate, Chlorphenesin, THIAMINE HCl, Pyridoxine HCL, Sodium salicylate

Biomagic Mask: Decongesting Mask

• BR Description: Purifies and tightens pores as well as lifts and tones the skin helping to unify the complexion. This energizing mask is formulated with a subtle combination of mineral ingredients. It leaves the skin glowing, soft and purified.
• Smell: None that I can recall
• Texture/application: White, creamy texture
• Place used in my routine: Masking step, after cleansing
• Size and Price: 3.4 oz for $145
• Ingredients: [Courtesy of @Lizalaskabeauty]Water, Bentonite, Kaolin, Propylene glycol, triticum vulgare (wheat) germ oil, zea mays (corn) oil, sodium pca, pentylene glycol, xanthan gum, allantoin, polyacrylamide, disodium edta, c13-14 isoparaffin, caprylyl glycol, panthenol, tocopheryl acetate, laureth7

Exfoliators

P50: Acid Exfoliation for normal to oily skin

• BR Description: Purifies and tightens pores as well as lifts and tones the skin helping to unify the complexion.
• pH: 2.4
• Smell: vinegar (L) smells like pure dehydration to me J
• Texture/application: Watery / apply with cotton pad
• Place used in my routine: After cleansing, before serums
• Size and Price: 3.4 oz for $145
• Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Gluconolactone, Lactic Acid, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Citric Acid, Ethoxydiglycol, Magnesium Chloride, Malic Acid, Vinegar (acetum), Phytic acid, Salicylic acid, Cochlearia armoracia (horseradish) root extract, Arctium lappa root extract, Rumex acetosa leaf extract, Myrtus communis extract, Commiphora Myrrha resin extract, Allium cepa (onion) bulb extract, Thymus vulgaris (thyme) flower/leaf oil, Sulfur, Sorbitol, phenoxyethanol, Sodium benzoate, Potassium sorbate.

P50 1970: Acid Exfoliator for normal to Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

• BR Description: Exfoliates the skin, purifies pores, regulates oil production and re-balances the pH of the skin. The 1970 versions use Phenol to preserve the ingredients, and because it acts as an antiseptic, it helps clear acne much quicker than the Lotion P50 new formula (which uses vinegar).
• pH: 3.8
• Smell: Smells like chloraseptic… pretty potent but I don’t mind it.
• Texture/application: Watery / apply with cotton pad
• Place used in routine: After cleansing, before serums
• Size and Price: $28 for 1.7 / $67 for 5.1 / $101 for 8.4
• Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Phenol, Niacinamide, Vinegar (Acetum), Ethoxydiglycol, Magnesium Chloride, Lactic Acid, Arcticum Lappa root extract, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Sulfur.

P50W: Acid Exfoliator for Sensitive Skin

• BR Description: This is the gentlest exfoliator with a formula rich in anti-inflammatory active ingredients. The formula balances lactic and salicylic acid with glycerin and articum lappa root to make it efficacious and gentle.
• Smell: No noticeable smell, slight vinegar.
• pH: 3.0
• Texture/application: Watery / apply with cotton pad
• Place used in routine: After cleansing, before serums
• Size and Price: $28 for 1.7 / $67 for 5.1 / $101 for 8.4
• Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Gluconolactone, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Propylene Glycol, Lactic Acid, Ethoxydiglycol, Magnesium Chloride, Malic Acid, Vinegar (Acetum), Phytic Acid, Citric Acid, Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract,Cochlearia armoracia (horseradish) root extract, Arctium Lappa Root Extract, Capiscum Frutescens Fruit Extract,Arnica montana flower extract,Sulfur, Allantoin, Sodium Salicylate,Serine, Urea, Sorbitol, TEA-Lactate, Sodium Lactate, Sodium Benzoate

P50 Pigm400: Acid exfoliation for pigmentation and discoloration

• BR Description: Acid toner ideal for pigmentation and sun damaged skin. This magical toner lightens the skin, reduces the size of pigmentation marks and prevents them from appearing.
• Smell: Hard to detect a scent, but there is a slight hint of vinegar.
• pH: 3.2
• Texture/application: Watery / apply with cotton pad
• Place used in routine: After cleansing, before serums
• Size and Price: $31 for 1.7 / $68 for 5.1 / $116 for 8.4
• Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Sodium Gluconate, Lactic Acid, Sodium Lactate, Lactobacillus/Wasabia Japonica Root Ferment Extract, Magnesium Chloride, Mandelic Acid, Phytic Acid, Citric Acid, Gluconolactone, Magnesium Sulfate, Propylene Glycol, Palmaria Palmata Extract (Red Alga), Levulinic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Salicylate, Spiraea Ulmaria Extract, Vinegar, Soidum Levulinate, Phenoxyethanol, Alcohol, Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract, Prunus Persica (Peach) Leaf Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Ascorbic Acid, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract.

Lotion MC 110 no. 1: Invigorating Exfoliator

• BR Description: This restructuring lotion exfoliates and tones the epidermis while smoothing lines and wrinkles. It is used to supplement P50.
• Smell: Vinegar
• Texture/application: Watery / apply with cotton pad
• Place used in routine: After cleansing and P50
• Size and Price: 1.02 oz for $123
• Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Spongilla Lacustris Spicule Extract, Niacinamide, Vinegar (Acetum), Propylene Glycol, Lactic Acid, Magnesium Chloride, Salicylic Acid, Juglans Regia (Walnut) Seed Extract, Arctium Lappa Root Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Glycerin goodie, Sodium Metabisulfite, Sodium Benzoate

Milk  Cleansers

Lait U: Balancing Cleanser for combo or oily skin

• BR Description: This non-oily, fresh cleanser protects skin’s natural moisture levels. It is recommended for young, normal skin, and combination and/or seborrheic skin.
• Smell: milky, non-offensive
• pH: ?
• Texture/application: milky, watery texture that rinses clean
• Size and Price: 5.1 oz for $33 / 8.4 oz for $41
• Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Propylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) oil, Corylus Avellana (hazel) Seed oil, Polyacrylamide, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Glyceryl Stearate, Tocopheryl Acetate, C13-14 Isoparaffin, PEG-20 Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Ethyl Oleate, Ethyl linoleate, Caprylyl Glycol, P-Anisic Acid, Cetyl Palmitate, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) germ extract, Laureth 7, Ethyl Linolenate, Tocopherol.

Lait EV: Hydrating Cleanser for sensitive skin

• BR Description: Prevents dehydration, comforts, soothes and softens stressed and devitalized skins. Makes your skin velvety soft.
• Smell: milky, non-offensive
• pH: 6.2-6.3
• Texture/application: milky, rinses clean
• Size and Price: 5.1 oz for $46 / 8.4 oz for $62
• Ingredients: [Courtesy of @Lizalaskabeauty] Water, Squalane, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/ Dicaprate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Isononanoate Glyceryl Stearate, Amniotic Fluid, PEG-20 Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Glycol, Cetyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycerin, Polyarcylamide, Alcohol Denat., Ethyl Oleate, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Ethyl Linoleate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Laureth 7, Hydrolyzed Gelatin, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Embryo Extra, Ethyl Linolenate, Papain, Tocopherol

Lait VIP O2: Brightening cleanser for skin exposed to pollution

• BR description:  Cleanses and unifies skin exposed to harsh climates and/or

  pollution. This “antipollution” cleanser eliminates impurities, calms the epidermis, and brightens and unifies the complexion. It is ideal for people exposed to harsh, dry climates, pollution or frequent travelers.

• Smell: milky, non offensive
• pH: 5.1-5.3
• Texture/application: milky, rinses clean
• Size and Price: 1.7 oz for $22 / 8.4 oz for $101
• Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Squalane, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicapranate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Glyceryl Stearate, Aminotic Fluid, Perfluorodecalin, PEG-20 Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Polyacrylamide, Cetyl Palmitate, Glycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Alcohol Denat, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Ethyl Oleate, Polyperfluoromethylisopropyl Ether, Ethyl Linolenate, Poloxamer 188, Laureth 7, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrolyzed Gelatin, Niacinamide, Lactic Acid, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit extract, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Hydrolyzed Silk, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Yeast Extract (Faex Extract), Sodium Benzoate, Embryo Extract, Magnesium Chloride, Vinegar (Acetum), TEA-Lactate, Salicylic acid, Sodium Lactate, Mimosa Tenuiflora Bark extract, Alcohol, Sorbitol, Ethyl linoleate, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch hazel) Bark / leaf / twig extract, Papain, Myrtus Comunis Extract, Allium Cepa (Onion) Bulb extract, Hypericum Perforatum Flower/Leaf/Stem extract, Serine, Urea, Allantoin, Rhizobian Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Commiphora Myrrha Resin extract, Tocopherol, Potassium sorbate, Chlorphenesin, Thiamine HCL, Pyridoxine HCL, Sodium salicylate, Sorbic acid.

Treatments

L’Eauxygenante: Antioxidant & Oxygenating Mist

• BR Description: Moisturizing, antioxidant and oxygenating mist that stimulates the epidermis and envelops it in a protective veil.
• Smell: odd, a bit sour but not disgusting
• Texture/application: mist
• Place used in routine: after cleansing/exfoliating, before serums
• Size and Price: 5.1 oz for $102
• Ingredients: Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Water, Actinidia Chinensis Fruit, Water, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Perfluorodecalin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Juice, Actinidia Deliciosa Fruit Extract, Yeast Extract, Mimosa Tenuiflora Bark Extract, Hamamelis virginiana, Myrtus Communis Extract, Allium Cepa Bulb Extract, Hypericum Perforatum Flower Extract ,Commiphora Myrrha Resin Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/leaf Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Magnesium chloride, Vinegar, Hydrolyzed silk, Urea, Serine, Allantoin, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Rhizobian Gum, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Sodium salicylate, Sorbitol, Polyperfluoromethylisopropyl Ether, TEA-LACTATE, Sodium Lactate, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, THIAMINE HCl, Pyridoxine HCL, Poloxamer 188, Phenoxyethanol,  Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Chlorphenesin, Limonene, Sorbic Acid

Serum A-Glyca: Prevent Glycation

• BR Description: Innovative serum that targets glycation and combats skin aging. This formula rich in anti-glycation active ingredients (mimosa and carcinine) protects proteins within the skin’s structure, reduces deep lines and wrinkles, reduces signs of tiredness on the face, enhances skin’s firmness, and brings radiance to the complexion.
• Smell: None
• Texture/application: watery thin, I squeeze out a small amount on fingers and press into skin
• Place used in routine: After cleansing, and after pH-dependent products
• Size and Price: 0.3 oz for $71 / 1.02 oz for $129
• Ingredients: Water, Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Decarboxy Carnosine HCL, Papver Rhoeas, Flower extract, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate

**Update from Vanessa: I am dropping my rating down to “I’ll use free samples”. I finished my bottle and was given a bottle from a friend, other than Laura, that couldn’t use it because it broke her out. So I have been able to use it for a longer time and I still can’t see any effect. Again, it is possible it is helping prevent damage but at that price I would like to see both correcting and preventing. 

Serum Collagene Natif: Plumping serum

• BR Description: Helps bind water and restores the barrier functions of the epidermis. Hydrates the top layers of the epidermis.
• Smell: None, maybe earthy but really mild
• Texture/application: think watery gel
• Place used in routine: mixed into hydrating serum, before moisturizer
• Size and Price: 0.3 oz for $68 or 1.02 oz for $120
• Ingredients: Water, Soluble Collagen, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol

Serum Colostrum: Hydrating Serum

• BR Description: Intensely hydrates the top layers of the epidermis. Improves the skin’s natural defenses
• Smell: mild, a bit dirty/earthy
• Texture/application: straight up water
• Place used in routine: in place of hydrating serum
• Size and Price: 0.3 oz for $68
• Ingredients: Water, propylene glycol, Colostrum, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin

Serum Iribiol: Spot treatment

• BR Description: Acne spot treatment and can also be used on areas that you tend to brake out. It suppresses sebum secretion, shrinks pore size and balances out oild on the t-zone.
• Smell: slight earthy scent
• Texture/application: Water, drops into hand, pressed into skin
• Place used in routine: After cleansing, serum stage
• Size and Price: 0.3 oz for $42 or 1.02 oz for $92
• Ingredients: Water, alcohol denat, propylene glycol, Zinc PCA, Salicylic acid, Papaver Rhoeas petal extract, Iris Florentina root extract

Creams

Dermopurifiante: Brightens and mattifies

• BR Description: Brightens and mattifies the skin leaving it refreshed and glowing. This purifying cream reduces redness caused by acne and provides effective treatment for seborrheic skin without drying out the epidermis. It has a micro-exfoliant, a purifier, a seborrhea regulator, an astringent, an anti-inflammatory, and a regenerator and moisturizer.
• Smell: Gross, yeasty but not as bad as vivant.
• Texture/application: Mousse like, spreads evenly, absorbs quickly
• Place used in routine: final step
• Size and Price: 1.7 oz for $94
• Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Triethanolamine, Lanolin Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Niacinamide, yeast Extract (faex), Alcohol Denat., Ascorbic acid, Spirea Ulmaria extract, Mimosa tenuiflora bark extract, Enantia Chlorantha bark extract, betula alba bark extract, Equisetum arvense extract, carbomer, Cetearyl alcohol, ethylhexylglycerin, hedera helix (ivy) leaf/stem extract, Fucus vesiculosus extract, Arcticum Lappa root extract, Gluconolactone, Ceteareth-33, centella asiatica extract, Arnica montana flower extract, Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) flower extract, Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse chestnut) seed extract, Achillea millefolium extract, Thymus vulgaris (Thyme) flower/leaf extract, Citric acid, sodium benzoate, Potassium sorbate, Hydrolyzed Silk, magnesium Chloride, Vinegar (acetum), Alcohol, TEA-lactate, Sodium Lactate, Salicylic acid, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Bark/leaf/twig extract, Serine, Urea, Allantoin, Rhizobian Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hypericum perforatum Flower/leaf/stem extract, Thiamine HCL, Pyridoxine HCL, Chlorphenesin.

Update from Vanessa: An IG friend sent me what was left of her jar of Dermopurifiante because it wasn’t working for her so I have been using that and I still haven’t seen a reduction in oil. It seems to do a good job at moisturizing my skin but so far I’m not loving it enough to repurchase once I finish the jar. Also I emptied out 5 samples into the jar and they really contain A LOT of product. I love that! When I order from Vickimorav.com I always write in the note section what samples I would like to try. And if they have them in stock they will usually send you multiple samples (and often multiples of the ones that you asked for so you can try it for longer)

Crème ADN Elastine Marine Collagène Marin: Nourishes and tones skin

• BR Description: Nourishes, restructures and tones the skin. This complete anti-aging cream uses a subtle combination of structuring proteins (Collagen and Elastin) with DNA extracts to redefine the face’s natural contour.
• Smell: Semi sweet but off, like almost sour milk
• Texture/application: straight up cream, spreads easily
• Place used in routine: final step
• Size and Price: 1.7 oz for $196
• Ingredients: [courtesy of @biologique_recherche_labeling] Water, propylene glycol, cetyl alcohol, caprylic/capric triglyceride, stearic acid, palmitic acid, triethanolamine, lanolin oil, DNA, niacinamide, phenoxyethanol, yeast extract, ascorbic acid, carbomer, betula albabark extract, equisetum arvense extract, cetearyl alcohol, ethylexylglycerin, hedera helix leaf/stem extract, fucus vesiculosus extract, hydrolyzed elastin, cetearth-33, hydrolyzed collagen, sorbic acid. 

Finishing Treatments

Fluide VIP 02 Finishing Serum: Skin pick-me-up

• BR Description: Helps stimulate the epidermal functions by increasing the concentration of oxygen on the surface of the skin. Soothes the skin and diminishes red blemishes. Revitalizes and regenerates the epidermis. Hydrates the top layers of the epidermis. Helps prevent the signs of aging in the skin.
• Smell: None
• Texture/application: Almost straight up water, it hurts when I see even a drop of this slip through a finger before it’s on my face as it’s so expensive
• Place used in routine: mixed with moisturizer or makeup primer, used as a touch up during the day on dehydrated areas
• Size and Price: 0.3 oz for $84 and 1.02 oz for $234
• Ingredients: Water, Perfluorodecalin, Polyperfluoromethylisopropyl Ether,Propylene Glycol, Poloxamer 188, Niacinamide, Lactic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cucumis Sativus, Yeast Extract, Mimosa Tenuiflora Bark Extract, Hamamelis virginiana,  Myrtus Communis Extract, Allium Cepa Bulb Extract, Hydrolyzed silk, Pyridoxine HCL, THIAMINE HCl, Allantoin, Urea, Serine, Vinegar, Magnesium chloride, Rhizobian Gum, Sodium salicylate, TEA-LACTATE, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Lactate, Sodium Benzoate, Glycerin, Sorbitol, Potassium Sorbate, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Alcohol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/, VP Copolymer, Sorbic Acid

Serum TEWL: Repairing serum

• BR Description: A lipid-replenishing, protective and repairing serum, specifically appropriate for extreme conditions of cold and low air humidity.
• Smell: Dirty, grainy, unpleasant. Does fade.
• Texture/application: oil
• Place used in routine: mixed into moisturizer. Winter mornings, Summer evenings only on dry days.
• Size and Price: 0.3 oz for $73 or 1.02 oz for $178
• Ingredients: Coco-caprylate, octyldodecanol, sesamum indicum seed oil, apricot kernel oil PEG-6 Esters, Mink oil, cranberry seed oil, Hippophile rhamroides, hippophae rhanoides seed oil, glycine soja sterols, simondsia chinesis (jojoba) seed oil, raspberry seed oil, tocopheryl succinate, aminopropanedial esters, tocopherol, helianthus annus, opuntia ficus-indica fruit extract, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, Bitter orange, canaga odorata flower oil, cholesterol, potassium sulfate, cinnamyl alcohol, benzyle salicylate, benzyl benzoate, limonene, farnesol, geranial, linalool

Things we are planning to try or are on our wish list

Masque Creme Biofixine: Toning mask

• V: I have used this one in a sample and it felt really nice but I want to do some split-face comparisons to really see what it can do.

Serum Elastine Pure

• L: I am just starting to use this as it was recommended for first wrinkles. I expect to be lineless in three weeks. 🙂
• V: I think I probably should have bought this instead of A-Glyca since I am mainly annoyed/concerned with the lines around my mouth. I am waiting to see Laura’s results before I cave and purchase it.
  • Update from V: I have been using this for a couple weeks now just around my mouth (I was sent a generous decant of it from @skintimations). It has no scent and absorbs nicely and it there are days that I think it is working and days that I don’t. I am curious what will happen when I stop using it (i.e., will smile lines become more noticeable). At any rate I can say that the effect is subtle and sometimes I wonder if it is in my head. But I have more to use so I will keep testing. 

Creme Pigm400: Even, Glowing Complexion

• V: I am dying to get my hands on a sample of this! It may be too much for my oily skin but hearing people describe the glow it gives you makes me really want to try it

 Creme Verte Espoir: Soothe skin

• L: I just got two samples of this so I can give this a try

Creme Biofixine: Smooths skin

• V: I have samples that I need to use. I know there are some that adore these creme, so I have high, and perhaps unrealistic, expectations.

Crème Métamorphique: Restructures and tones

• V: This was recommended to me by @karmakarlie18 and it sounds really lovely.

P50V: Acid Exfoliator for Dry or Dehydrated Skin

• L: Just bought a mini bottle so I am about to dive in

Serum Yall-02

• V: I blame @Lizalaskabeauty for how bad I want to try this serum. She said it gives her skin a flawless finish, but it is SO pricey, so I am not sure I will ever bite the bullet.
• Update from Laura: Laura ended up buying this and finished a bottle. You can read her full review on her IG page: linked here