L'Occitane - Arlésienne Hand Cream

This is a hand cream with the floral scent of the L'Occitane perfume Arlésienne.
So immediately we can say it smells lovely.

The name comes from the play 'L'Arlésienne' which is set in Provence, France.
This location connects to the L'Occitane brand.

The cream itself is rich and moisturising.

While it does absorb to an extent, it does leave a little bit of a residue on the hands, but I like that personally.

It's a shame that I don't think they sell this any more.

Price: 2/5 ($14 for 30mL)
Scent: 5/5
Effectiveness: 4.5/5

Alviana Naturkosmetik - Handcreme Soft - mit Bio-Aloe Vera (with Organic Aloe Vera)

This is a vegan hand cream with no silicon, perfumes, colourants, synthetic preservatives, or mineral oil.

The scent is a mild mix between wheat flour, aloe vera, and an almost lavender scent.

The cream absorbs well but does leave a light, greasy residue (which I personally like).

Price: 5/5 ($3.64 for 75mL)
Scent: 3/5
Effectiveness: 4.5/5

Avon - Skin so Soft - Replenishing Body Lotion + Argan Oil

It absorbs well.

That's good!

But it is very thin.

That's bad.

It is affordable.

That's good.

But it smells like sunscreen.

That's bad!

It also leaves a residue and isn't available at the moment.

Can I go now?

Price: 4/5 ($7.99 for 250mL)
Scent: 1/5
Effectiveness: 2/5

Soap & Glory - Hand Food - Hydrating Hand Cream

The bottle asks if this is 'the most astonishing hand cream ever?",it is not.
It is decidedly lame.

It smells like flour and aloe vera, leaves a lot of residue on the hands, and isn't hydrating at all.

Pfft, don't bother.

Price: 4.5/5 ($8 for 125mL)
Scent: 1/5
Effectivness: 0/5

ASPAR - Aurora Spa Rituals - Ultra Hydrating Face Moisturiser

This is surprisingly thick!

It leaves a heavy residue on the skin (almost like a barrier cream).

Unfortunately it smells like flour and play-do, I don't want that on my face, near my nose.

Price: 4/5 (~$60 for 500mL)
Scent: 0.5/5
Effectiveness: 2/5

Kneipp - Körperpeeling Creme-Öl-Peeling - Exfoliating Scrub

Another item from the April Glossybox (thanks Miss Buttons and PB)!

This is a sugar scrub (so perhaps be careful where you use it) with a really nice scent.

It smells like coconut oil, lemon oil, orange oil, and other wonderful things. 

The scent is very nice.

I like to use it on my lips when they get a bit dry /peeling /when I attempt a new toothpaste but I am allergic to it as well.

It does leave a distinct oily residue on the skin, which I don't mind at all, but others may.

Price: 5/5 ($2.13 for 40mL)

Scent: 5/5

Effectiveness: 4/5

Eau Thermale Avène - Soothing Moisture Mask

You put this mask on as a thick layer, wait 10-15 minutes, then dab off the excess with a cotton pad.

I, however, washed it off. 
It smells like mouldy oats and I don't need that smell staying on my face.

I did try dabbing it off and seeing how my skin felt... you can't just dab this! It leaves a weird residue on your face.

My skin felt a little better after I washed it off, both nothing great.

Price: 4/5 ($37.99 for 50mL, about 10 masks)
Scent: 1/5
Effectiveness: 1/5

Jericho - Hand & Body Lotion

This is a lotion with 'Dead Sea Minerals', a popular beauty product ingredient.

The scent is mildly marine and faint.

It develops a 'watery' feel when you rub it in, like most lotions do, which I personally don't like. 
It makes me feel like is less effective.

After applied, a slight greasy residue stays on the surface of the skin.

This is not a magic product, but if you have it, it wont upset delicate skin.

Price: 2/5 ($29.95 for 150mL)
Scent: 3/5
Effectiveness: 2/5

Sukin - Protein Shampoo

When they call this a protein shampoo, there is definitely something in this that adds weight to your hair.
You can clearly feel something extra in your hair after use. 
Whether it is the rice and wheat proteins or something else, I don't like it.
This is a pretty personal feeling, as I have super fine hair that looks awful if flattened.
This could work well if you have thicker hair strands.

Also, it felt like my hair was dirty. So I personally wont be getting this again.

Aside from the protein, it smells amazing! Like orange oil and green notes.
It lathers ok, so I ended up using a bit more per wash than I normally use of shampoo.

Perhaps try a different shampoo from the same brand?

Price: 2/5 ($11.95 for 500mL)
Scent: 5/5
Effectiveness: 3/5

Lacura Essentials - Renew Cleansing Wipes

These are so cushion-y!!!!
Like wiping your face with a plush hotel towel that was dipped in heavenly face serum.

The scent is clean and fresh. It claims to contain co-enzyme Q-10 
(I can't be assed taking them into the lab and proving this - I can actually do said tests - so they get the benefit of the doubt) 
which is good, as it is an antioxidant.

The serum did leave a bit of a residue and the packaging was that STUPID 'RE-SEALABLE' STICKY PATCH THAT SUCKS!

Fuck you!

But overall I was fairly pleased with these. They were good at removing my makeup at the end of the day.

Price: 5/5 ($1.99 for 30 wipes)
Scent: 4/5
Effectiveness: 4/5

Pure Essense - Hydrating Shampoo - Green Tea

This was a sample I got from a hotel room, so I guess this will help you decide if you want to use/take this hotel sample, should you encounter it...

The scent is pleasant enough, kind to green tea with generic soap smell.

The lather was just ok and the cleaning ability seems a bit limited by it being a 'hydrating shampoo' (possibly due to the moisturising elements leaving a bit of residue).

'I need a good shampoo' Solution:

Effective, cheap and cheerful!

Price: 5/5 (free!)

Scent: 2/5

Effectiveness: 2/5

Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo

This was a sample I got my hands on. I specify this because Pantene is normally:
- too expensive
- too heavy in residues that stay on the hair
- smells of apple

While it did leave my hair looking nice, but it needed rewashing sooner. Also, I don't believe it's claim that it gives hair '4x the damage prevention'...

That's what bothers me about Pantene, they make claims and I just can't believe them nor do I care that much about the physical properties of my hair.

Odour: 1/5
Price: 2/5
Efficiency: 2/5