5 Mini Reviews: DHC, Microcell, Hourglass, HealGel and Antipodes

I'm sure I'm not alone when I say I have a ridiculous number of sample and mini size products taking up a great big space in my bedside cabinet! I've been using quite a few recently, so here's 5 mini reviews of a mixture of beauty products and whether I'd buy the full size.

DHC Cleansing Oil

"This makeup remover completely dissolves all trace of dirt and cosmetics - even waterproof mascara and eyeliner - while nourishing your complexion with anti-oxidant rich Olive Oil."
This mini came from a You Beauty Discovery Box and boy, did I discover a good 'un! This is only the second cleansing oil I've tried but it is so far my favourite (the other being The Body Shop Silky Camomile Cleansing Oil). As it is Olive Oil based, the formula is much richer and thicker than The Body Shop's offering, however it isn't greasy and is much more hydrating and softening on the skin. As promised, it dissolves eye makeup effortlessly and does not cause any irritation to my sensitive eyes. To remove the DHC Cleansing Oil you simply add water to emulsify it into a milky liquid and then rinse.
Verdict: Will definitely buy the bigger size when this runs out - thankfully it has a pump so will be much easier to dispense than the mini.

MicroCell Nail Repair (Original and Colour)*

"Nail Repair has been specially developed for soft and brittle nails. Its unique effect is based on the restoration of the protein molecules in the corneal layer."

MicroCell claim that after 2-3 weeks of using their Nail Repair treatment nails will become stronger and more resistant. The original looks like a clear, shiny polish on the nails and can also be used as a base coat. The Raspberry shade is a coloured treatment that protects and strengthens while adding a pretty deep pink hue. I used the original Nail Repair after removing the gel nails I had applied for my wedding, which really weakened my nails. Unfortunately this didn't work as well as I hoped; it strengthened them enough to stop breakage but not splitting. However overall I do really like it and now use it as a base coat to continue the effects. The Coloured Nail Repair is a brilliant concept and when I wear it I love the fact that it also continues to improve the condition of my nails.
Verdict: I will consider buying the full size of the original Nail Repair when it runs out.

Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer SPF15
"A mineral based, water resistant primer with SPF15 that creates an impossibly smooth canvas and seamless look."
Space NK offer the best samples with online orders! I've managed to get about 4 or 5 uses out of this little sachet surprisingly, however a little goes a very long way. Formula wise this primer looks like a moisturiser but has a very thin consistency that is a cream-silicone gel hybrid. It's not so silicone based that it feels slippy but not so creamy that you feel like you're putting on something too heavy after moisturiser. The Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer absorbs quickly and leaves the skin super smooth. Now onto what you really want to know - in terms of keeping foundation in place, how good is it... Well this is good. Ok, better than good, it's frickin' FANTASTIC. Honestly this primer is something else. What I love about this is the fact that I could go without looking in a mirror all day and my foundation would still look as good as when I applied it first thing.
Verdict: I want this soooooo bad. However the 30ml is a whopping £52.00 so I'm going to pick up the 10ml for £20.00 instead for now. This size seems to be out of stock everywhere online at the moment,  so it's an (impatient) waiting game.

HealGel Intensive
"A scientifically designed, multi-purpose skin rescue gel to restore, soothe and protect the areas where it is most needed."
This is another fab Space NK sample with order. I've tried both HealGel Face and Eye before, so I was excited to try the Intensive version from the range. It contains many active ingredients including Arnica and Madecassoside, however it is mainly silicone based, making it feel very much like a gel primer. I've been using it primarily to treat the dry, flaky skin I've been experiencing around my nose recently and it works very well. I use it after serum and before moisturiser and find that it's more of a long term fix for problem areas. HealGel Intensive does make an initial improvement but it took quite a few more days of use thereafter to completely eliminate the dryness that I was experiencing, however it was the only thing I tried that actually got rid of it!
Verdict: I think this is one of those didn't-know-you-needed-it-in-your-life-until-you-tried-it products, though I'm not sure I'd get quite enough use out of it for the full size price tag of £37.50. I think I'd rather spend a bit more and re-purchase HealGel Face.

Antipodes Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream
"A light but intensive hydrating cream that feels beautifully fresh and alive on your face. Notes of vanilla and citrus marry to form a fragrance that is exotically fresh."
Antipodes is definitely one of my favourite skincare brands and I've not been disappointed by one of their products yet. The lovely Ana from Ana Goes Green and I did a product swap quite awhile back and this was one of the items she sent me. This moisturiser is bursting to the seams with gorgeous, natural ingredients like Shea Butter, Manuka Honey, Squalane, Avocado Oil and Vanilla Oil, as well as Vitamins A, B, C and E and Omegas 3, 6 and 9. This a moisturiser that is perfect for the transition between the seasons as the formula is of a medium consistency and is creamy and rich, but doesn't sit too heavily on the skin and absorbs fairly quickly. The Antipodes Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day cream is nourishing, softening and gives the skin a healthy glow, plus like all other Antipodes products, the scent is absolutely divine.
Verdict: It's not one I'd purchase the full size of now with summer approaching, but have added it to my wishlist for later in the year.

Have you tried any of the above products? Would you recommend buying the full size?

Beauty Bird xx

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