Samples Received/Redeemed: 24 Dec - 29 Dec 2012

So, this is practically the last sample, goodies and freebies batch most of us are going to be receiviing for 2012. And then, onwards to 2013, where I hope there will be more samples for us to get our anxious yet anticipating hands on. As you can also see for the blog title above, it's for samples received and redeemed from 24 December through to 29 December. 31 December will be alongside the first week of January 2013 instead, if only 01 January always falls on a Monday, it would make sample cataloging on my side much more easier to do, especially when a blog is concerned, making everything much more neater and systematically easily.

So, as usual, I managed to have 6 items for show and tell today. It is almost equivalent to redeeming an item once a day from Monday straight till Saturday, huh? I definitely do wish we can all redeem samples and win stuffs on a daily basis, save for Sundays when the post office isn't open and there won't be SingPost staffs to "manhandle" and "abuse" our poor packages. Without further ado, here's a look at what I've gotten my paws on for the last week of 2012.

So, I got to know about this sample giveaway via a Facebook friend and immediately linked the relevant link onto my Facebook page and my own personal wall, urging everyone I know to go get it while stocks last. And finally, it's here!!

So, I got a SexyLook Extreme Whitening Duo Lifting Mask, alongside with a really flimsy pamphlet that shows their Intensive Care Black Cotton Mask, and a really cheesy-looking travel pamphlet/voucher or some thingamabob that does not make sense to me. Just wanted the mask for my mother :D

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Go over to SexyLook Singapore Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SexyLook.sg, Like their page. Next, look for this link that says Beauty Quest. Click on it and you will come to a page that has 2 options, namely "Lucky Draw - This week Hall of Fame" and "Beauty Quest - View all my score(s)./View Selected Winners."

If you have bought any SexyLook masks and still have your receipt with you, you can use the receipt to enter into a lucky draw by clicking on the "Lucky Draw" option. However, if you are just focused on redeeming a SexyLook mask only, click the other option that says "Beauty Quest" and play a game, which confused me literally on all levels. Let's just say I got 0 points but still managed to get myself a mask somehow ^^

So, if you were reading my "Samples Received/Redeemed" post last week, you would have known that Humming Flowers & Gifts were giving out these cute Mini Tote bags to their fans. It isn't too late to Like them to get your 1st bag yet, as there has been no update on the status of their very first Mini Tote bag, so I can safely presume they still have stocks left. But hurry!!

So, for the 2nd Mini Tote Bag giveaway, the design is a Sunflower. (The first one is of a Orchid design/pattern) I'll just presume that this is the front of the bag ^^

And here is the back of the bag. I wish I had a small puppy that I can use to hold it while I waltz around the neighborhood mall, but people are probably going to give me strange looks for doing that. Therefore, I shall just use it to hold my purse, cardholder, tissue packs, hairbrush, keys and some throat lozenges instead :D

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: If you haven't gotten your very 1st Mini Tote bag from Humming Flowers & Gifts yet, here's how:

• Go over to Humming Flowers & Gifts Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/HummingFlowersandGifts, Like their page.
• Next, click on the button that states Message beside the Like/Liked button near the top right of the page, that is the PM a.k.a Private Message function.
• Once a standalone pop-up box appears, type in your name and mailing address in order to get your very first Mini Tote bag from Humming Flowers & Gifts.
• As soon as you get the very first Mini Tote bag, snap a photo of it and then post, upload and share it on your own profile wall.
• Next, let Humming Flowers & Gifts know you have received, taken a photo, upload, posted and shared by commenting on Humming Flowers & Gifts facebook page.
• Now, you send them a PM for the 2nd Mini Tote bag and repeat the above steps to get the 3rd and 4th bag.

And now, I shall wait patiently for the 3rd bag to arrive at my house. Mufufufu~

So, I mentioned on my Facebook page and my own personal profile wall about this Beauté Spring haul I had. They were having 30% to 70% on selected items and naturally, I had to go for the acne and pimple series. This Kitoko Kalani bag, I got it for buying close to S$40 worth of goodies. Not really sure exactly how much you need to purchase to get it though since there wasn't any indication anywhere. And surprisingly, although this tote bag looks small, I can actually hook/drape around my shoulder nicely :D

So, I was contemplating between this Tsaio XP3 and another Tsaio acne/pimple kit, but was finally persuaded to get this 3 piece kit instead as it contains:

• Pimple Tonic - 30g
• Papain Remove Mask - 40g
• Grapefruit Seed Pimple Cream - 20ml

The other 2 piece kit only have the Pimple Tonic and Papain Remove Mask, so this would have been a much better choice as the Grapefruit Seed Pimple Cream actually helps to tighten pores.

So, I got this 3 awesome goodies. They are namely:

• Tsaio Grapefruit Seed Extract Peeling Gel - 100g
• Kitoko Kalani Grapefruit Purifying Cleanser - 100g
• Tsaio Acne Cleansing Foam - 108g

Despite seeing a lot of "grapefruit"-based products, I can happily announce that it doesn't sting my face nor skin at all. The peeling gel is to remove dead skin cells on the surface of our skin, flaky skin can also be removed, but best recommended to use it only once a week. Or to quote an ex-manager of mine: "Careful you wash until your face rots ah!" *shivers at the prospect of that ever happening*

As for the 2 facial cleansing foam, I was recommended to get both and use them on alternate days to prevent acne and pimples from showing up on my skin. Just the Tsaio Acne Cleansing Foam alone will not help my skin condition at all.

And along the way, I got these 2 Garnier Light - Intensive 3 in 1 Whitening Essence Mask. Every S$5 spent entitles you to a mask actually, it depends on what the cashier-at-the-moment is giving you. Of course, if you are buying acne and pimple products, it would be disastrous to give the hyaluronic masks as too much moisture will end up producing more zits on our oily face instead. Just normal moisturizing should do the trick, no need for the hyaluronic mask.

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: These aren't samples and are un-redeemable. However, Beauté Spring were been having an ongoing discount on selected items in their outlets for the past 2.5 weeks already and the discount ends on 31 December this year. I would recommend the discounted items they have now as these are actually really effective. And no, they are not having a discount to get rid of stocks that will be expiring soon. They had a discount because they want to reward their customers and most discounted items have expiry dates that hits 2014 or 2015, quite a year or 2 to go. Which by then, you would have used up the items way before the expiry date gets any nearer.

So yeah, I got en email a week or so before asking me to complete a survey organized by License2Play, which concerns their License2Play exhibition/expo thingy. Truthfully? I never attend as it was at Marina Bay Sands area and I don't really see fit in going all the way there to redeem a pack of Angry Birds playing cards when I was trying to win the Lenovo Yoga Thinkpad laptop, as my current one tends to hang and lag unexpectedly. And well, I didn't get to win anything till the day the License2Play app was over.

Instead, less than a week later, I got an email from SPH's Media Centre that to thank me for the survey, I was eligible to redeem a set of earphones. And my gawd, I almost thought I isolated myself inside their lift lobby. For a fact, I was supposed to go to Level 2 Sphere Exhibition Centre, but couldn't find it. Instead, I found the Circulation department. So, I went back to Level 1 and couldn't get the glass doors opened. Until this tall and beautiful woman used her own work pass to tap on some machine to grant her access.

And I duly accosted this beautiful woman for help since there was no Sphere Exhibition area at all and I was literally feeling like a headless chicken. She directed me to the Circulation department instead and I saw for myself a piece of paper taped to the door stating to call a number for earphone collecting/redemption purposes. And at the same time, asked for help on exiting the lift lobby area. And once out, heard someone yell "CUT!" in which I scurried away in panic before realizing I was probably intruding on a really small group of people filming. Too bad I didn't see who was the actress.

The back of the Lego Playbrick earphone, which is also a canal-type earphone.

And now, the up-close shot of the Lego Playbrick earphone. This would probably cost between S$9.90 to S$19.90 in retail price, so definitely worth redeeming from my point of view.

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Unredeemable, unless you received an email from License2Play asking you to participate in a survey. If you had deleted the email, then sorry, no earphones for you :/

So, on the last day of the Clarins Christmas app, I managed to win myself a prize. I went to collect it on the same day I redeemed my earphones. And OMG, they collection date for the Clarins prize was less than a week. So, if I had something on the entire 6 days, wouldn't I have forfeited the prize? Rather ridiculous to set a collection date that is less than a week, at least give the prize winners a full week to 1.5 weeks, in the event they need to change their work schedule or something... -_-

Anyways, I won for myself a UV PLUS HP Day Screen High Protection SPF 40 UVA-UVB/PA+++ Anti-pollution Beige at 10ml. It's actually a BB Cream, and the lady who attended to me was matronly and sweet at the same time. She heartily congratulated me for my win, which brings to mind, I actually prefer matronly SAs at makeup counters as their attitude and temperament is generally nicer than the 20s to 30s SAs. And along the way, I took 2 candies from their candy bowl which was chocked full of candies, sitting atop their counter :D

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: The Clarins Advent Game Christmas app is over, but do go over to Clarins Singapore Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ClarinsSingapore and Like their page to be notified to future contests, promotions and giveaways.

So, one of my facebook friends was the 1st to send me this greeting via Kleenex's Singapore Christmas app. And I thought it was just an e-card of some sorts, which I duly send one back and forgot all about it. Until I received this, and upon opening up the package, realized they are actually giving out sample 3-ply tissue packs with the attached message my friend had written.

Without wasting anymore time, I promptly went back to their app and quickly spammed. Er, I mean send it to anyone and everyone I know who are interested so they can also get the tissue pack sample as well. Let's just hope they got it :/

And here's the Kleenex Ultrasoft 3-play Soft Pack I got from the Kleenex Christmas app. Alongside with 2 lucky draw entry forms to win a limited edition laundry basket with at least S$30 worth of Kleenex products purchase. As I am currently not having a diarrhea, I shall not go into that zone for now..

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Go over to Kleenex Singapore Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/kleenexsg, Like their page. Next, click on the link that says X'mas Express. And follow the instructions on sending out your very 1st Kleenex X'mas Express present.

Why not like my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PuNiaosProductReviews to be informed of latest samples I found, which is duly updated? Also includes updates to contests that I've sourced out for you to join. It will definitely save you the trouble of having to hunt them down :)

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Lioele: Beyond the Solution BB Cream Review

WHAT IS IT: Lioele Beyond the Solution BB Cream

THE PRODUCT(S):

Lioele Beyond the Solution BB Cream: Creates clear and natural skin tone by being effectively absorbed to skin. You can complete make-up speedily as it does not require any make-up base or foundation. Its bisabolol, licorice acid derivatives, and allantoin component soothe your skin and jojoba oil, macadamia nut oil, hyaluronic acid derivatives, and marine collagen make your skin moisturize and smooth.

Before applying on the Lioele BB Cream.

After applying on the Lioele BB Cream.

I ended up applying a little too thick and had to dab the excess away with a tissue paper, but what I am liking is that my skin looks practically flawless, acne and blemish free with this BB Cream. Although the difference in skin tone on my face and jawline/neck is a little obvious.

VERDICT: By now, I am sure most of you would know that I am on a personal quest for the ultimate BB Cream that actually suits or at least complements my ghostly skin tone. Sure, there will always be hits and misses, but at the same time, I can be glad that there are always sample sachets available that allows you and me to try it before we decide whether to buy it long term or not. And along the way, I did find a lot of hits and also misses. Some never promised anything in particular, but did more than it is supposed to while some promised, but ended up lacking in so many ways.

For today's BB Cream review, I am touching on Lioele's Beyond the Solution BB Cream which I had gotten from doing product swaps with my good friend Irene a few months ago. (I just hope she didn't find my goodies so yummy she nom them instead of using them o.o") This BB Cream sample was one of the goodies I got from her during the swap. And boy, am I glad to see something like these. It means I have yet another choice to judge and gauge if this is going to complement my skin tone or not.

Upon squeezing out the BB Cream from the sachet into a re-usable pot, I immediately saw how liquid-y and smooth this BB Cream is. It practically flowed out of the sachet like those liquid whipping cream that you can buy from the supermarket. So smooth, so liquid-y and gel-based like consistency throughout. And without further ado, I immediately pat some on my skin using a foundation brush instead of my (probably) germ-filled fingers. And the BB Cream glided on smoothly, albeit a little too rich or thick to be fully absorbed into my skin.

Throughout the application, I kept seeing brush strokes on my face and I ended up spreading just 1 brush-ful of BB Cream for almost my entire face. And alas, the brush lines are still visible on my face no matter how I tried and tried. *Gasp!* I ended up using a piece of tissue paper to blot up the excess and only did the brush lines on my face went away evetually, leaving behind a really flawless application of BB Cream on my face.

As you can see on the 2nd last image above, I went from acne and blemish prone to flawless smooth and dewy skin. And the scent? It actually has a baby powder smell to it, as compared to previous BB Creams I've received where it's the typical cosmetic/BB Cream smell. Which was kinda surprising to me too. Wow! BB Cream that smells like baby powder? And besides that, the pores on my nose actually looks smaller upon application. Despite being hard to fully spread onto my face with ease, the BB Cream itself doesn't actually feel heavy on my face at all.

And hours after applying this BB Cream, my face doesn't look too oily and it actually even out my skin tone that is full of blemish scars, making it look so supermodel-like :D Despite it looking almost half to a shade lighter, the difference in skin tone (a.k.a color) between my face and my jawline/neck isn't really that obvious, which I can probably blend onto my jawline and neck area to create a seamless and even complexion. And the final result is a semi-matte look, as opposed to the usual dewy tone for skin that has BB Cream applied on.

VERDICT: ✓✓✓

WHAT I THINK: Luckily, my pimples have calmed down, which allows this BB Cream to even out my skin tone to the point where my pimples and blemish scars aren't that obvious anymore.

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: As usual, you can redeem this from The Sample Store, however, be aware that 1-2 items costs S$2.99 in postage fees while 3-4 items cost S$3.99.

Why not like my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PuNiaosProductReviews to be informed of latest samples I found, which is duly updated? Also includes updates to contests that I've sourced out for you to join. It will definitely save you the trouble of having to hunt them down :)

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My Scheming: Herbal Anti-Acne Mask Review

WHAT IS IT: My Scheming: Herbal Anti-Acne Mask

THE PRODUCT(S):

My Scheming: Herbal Anti-Acne Mask: The mask contains orris and green tea extracts that can balance oil secretion and relieve oily skin problems in teens. Allantoin, Hamamelis and Chamomile extracts in the mask can relieve skin problems, reduce inflammation and tighten pores, moisturizes the skin, improves skin quality and prevents an allergic reaction.

Each box contains 10 sachets of mask, each weighing 30g with the mask essence ♥♥♥

Here's a look at inside the sachet itself.

And I realized I tend to have the tendency to do facial mask such as My Scheming when I am fresh out of the shower xD

And when it's time to snap this photo, showing the plastic attached to the mask, I kinda have a feeling that this piece of thin plastic is trying to say "Ahhhh..." Oh well, I'm creepy with these type of things lol

VERDICT: Well, considering that this isn't the first My Scheming mask I have reviewed. But still, I want to go on and on about how I love My Scheming masks, I wish I have every box of available variety in my house, waiting for me to use them all!! But well, I'm afraid of the expiry date encroaching closer before I can use them all up. I bought this box a month back with the S$5.00 Watsons voucher that I have gotten for completing a health survey. I knew I need a box of mask, but well, I was short of cash. So, the survey was close to a nice early birthday present. I have tried looking at the Watsons near my area, but I always couldn't find them. Until I feedback to My Scheming on Facebook, and the very next night, I saw everything single variety of My Scheming masks displayed out in all it's pretty glory. *coughs* Watsons, you damn slow ah...

Anyways, I previously do have pimples popping up, but it's mostly 1 or 2 that showed up unexpectantly without warning and yet thankfully, managed to subside rather quick too. Until a week ago, I got all 3 of them around my chin area. I figured those 3 pimples could have been BFF since this is practically the first time I had 3 all at the same time. Oh no, I did wash my face daily, twice as a matter of fact, once in the morning when I crawled out of bed and another one more time before I go to bed and start my "Oinking" session. And no, I didn't really sleep that late since I wasn't playing any MMO games in the middle of the night and heck, I didn't even watch any TV too. Sleep is too important!!

So, I am guessing it could have been the weather, environment or something I ate that aggravated all 3 into making an un-announced arrival. And lucky me, I had this box of Herbal Anti-Acne Mask at hand to help solve the problem. As most of you are aware of, my pimples tend to be the stubborn type that shows up, lingers on my face for as long as it possibly can while causing me pain, anguish and agony whenever I accidentally brushed it before it finally decides to go away. And before that "pain, anguish and agony" chapter had even started, I used this mask for close to 4 days in a row.

According to what I read on the box packaging, this Herbal Anti-Acne Mask contains orris and green tea extracts which balances oil secretion, and the Allantoin, Hamamelis, and Chamomile extracts relieve skin problems, reduce pores and inflammation. And yes, I did moisturize every night before I sleep too. So, kinda baffles me where the excess sebum seemed to come from. Oh yes, I definitely do have the regular skin problems most people are suffering from. The only part of my face spared from pimples are actually my cheeks, no wonder people like to pinch them when they had the chance -_-"

As mentioned, I dutifully proceed with my usual facial cleansing regime every night, sometimes I switch around by doing those spreadable and peelable masks to lift away impurities and dead skin cells before applying this mask, so that my skin will be able to absorb the mask essence and do it's magic work on my poor "abused" skin. And not forgetting to mention that wonderful scent whenever I peeled open the sachet to get access to the mask, I just love it, it always manages to calm me down sufficiently enough for me to lay still and do nothing while the mask is doing it's work on my face.

And after 4 laborious days of applying this mask every night, I am happy and ecstatic to announce that my pimples trio didn't look as "inflammed" a.k.a red as compared to before. Normally, it will be a large blot of angry looking sore spot where the pimple is, making the pimples really obvious on my face when I have to step out of the house. But after using this for 4 days, I didn't see any large red and angry red spots at all. It's as if the pimples themselves look more like mosquito bites than actual pimples.

And remember in some of my previous posts on how I mentioned my pimples tend to take too long to decide whether it should ripen or go away? Well, by the 3rd day of using this Herbal Anti-Acne Mask, the pimples trio decided to ripen, to my surprise. I got rid of the pus via the not so recommended method, which is to pop them up manually. And I continued to use it on the 4th day, now those pimple trios are fast disappearing away into oblivion. And I believe I found another BFF in My Scheming masks, on top of the Milk Extract Brightening Mask and Deep Cleansing Pore Minizming Mask. This made it 3 BFFs I have found in the My Scheming mask range.

VERDICT: Controlling naughty pimples trio, checked!

WHAT I THINK: ✓✓✓

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: So far, I haven't come across My Scheming giving this away for their Facebook contest. But hey, their other ranges are just as good too and they are always constantly having Facebook contests for their fans. So, why not check out My Scheming Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MySchemingSg?

On top of that, My Scheming is having a contest called "12 Days to New Year Give-away" where one lucky winner will be chosen every day to bring home their awesome masks!!

Why not like my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PuNiaosProductReviews to be informed of latest samples I found, which is duly updated? Also includes updates to contests that I've sourced out for you to join. It will definitely save you the trouble of having to hunt them down :)

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And the winners for my Christmas Giveaway are..

So, it is now time to unveil the 2 lucky winners for my Christmas Giveaway contest. I was trying to use random.org so it will look more professional, but halfway through the site, I figured out I was hopelessly lost somewhere in there. Hence, I used my favorite and probably easier to understand prize picker called "Random Name Picker" from classtools.net instead.

And seriously, it's not easy to navigate around random.org as easily as I presume it to be. Especially not from within the hospital, where I am waiting for my father's name to be called for his regular check-up while the Internet connection seems a little laggy at time -_-"

And now, presenting to you the 2 lucky winners *drumrolls*

Pang Pui Han

Lai Ying Ying

Will these 2 beautiful winners kindly send me a PM via Facebook with your mailing address so I can arrange for your prizes to be mailed out to you?

Do note that since it's between post-Christmas and pre-New Year season, the post office might be closed or extremely busy. I will do my best to mail out your prizes before 2012 ends, but if it's impossible, your prizes will be mailed out right on the first day of 2013 a.k.a 01 January 2013.

Didn't win? Fret not! Next blog giveaway will be on sometime around the middle of January 2013, to thank loyal readers to my blog and fans of my Facebook page and at the same time, welcome new readers and fans aboard. So, stay tuned then!

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Participant List for Christmas Giveaway

So, my first non-sponsored Christmas Giveaway contest ended last night (24 December 2012) at 23:59 exactly. And here are the list of participants who have taken the trouble to join, and wishing them all the best of luck as I will be choosing 2 winners randomly.

Name: Kwek Kuek
FB URL: www.facebook.com/kwekkwek4567

Name: Eleen Cheong
FB URL: www.facebook.com/eleencheong1

Name: Huiru
FB URL: www.facebook.com/stupidtan.huiru

Name: Kathryn
FB URL: www.facebook.com/atakat

Name: Lai Ying Ying
FB URL: www.facebook.com/yingying.lai.54

Name: May Rachel
FB URL: www.facebook.com/may.rachel.73

Name: Annabelle Tong
FB URL: www.facebook.com/neusyhantong

Name: Zane
FB URL: www.facebook.com/zane.ong.581

Name: Sng L K
FB URL: www.facebook.com/slj.slk

Name: Christine Rodriguez
FB URL: www.facebook.com/mytrinketbox

Name: Kaori L.
FB URL: www.facebook.com/kaorilizaso

Name: Anveli Li
FB URL: www.facebook.com/anve.li.1

Name: Belle Tamang
FB URL: www.facebook.com/Tamangnee

Name: Katie P
FB URL: www.facebook.com/katie.cai.5

Name: Kyky Lim
FB URL: www.facebook.com/kyklim

Name: cheryl
FB URL: www.facebook.com/cheryl.theoneandonly

Name: Lee Zhen Huan
FB URL: www.facebook.com/bitterthoughts

Name: Pang Pui Han
FB URL: www.facebook.com/miapph

Name: Cindy
FB URL: www.facebook.com/ladycindykho

Name: Gigi Lim
FB URL: www.facebook.com/joanna.gigi.7

Name: Jenney Tan
FB URL: www.facebook.com/jenney.tan.1

Name: Irene Soh
FB URL: www.facebook.com/ireneyksoh

Name: Shi Hui
FB URL: www.facebook.com/la.yolanda.5

So, *drumrolls*, there's a whopping 23 entries altogether. If you find your name in this list, then you may be 1 step closer into being the 2nd winner(s) on my blog. And not forgetting a chance to be "immortalized" under my Winner List page too.

Anyways, be prepared to give me a mailing address to anywhere in Singapore in the event you are a winner. The 2 lucky and beautiful winners will be announced tomorrow some time around 12 noon.

And for those of you who didn't join this Christmas Giveaway in time, fret not! Next giveaway will be some time in the middle of January 2013 to welcome in the New Year, thank my faithful and loyal readers and fans of my FB page and also to welcome new readers and fans onboard!!

For now, just go to bed early so you can rise and shine on time for the Winner announcement!!

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Dermalogica Clean Start Hit the Spot Review

WHAT IS IT: Dermalogica Clean Start Hit the Spot

THE PRODUCT(S):

Dermalogica Clean Start Hit the Spot: Dermalogica Clean Start Hit The Spot is a concentrated spot acne treatment that minimizes and controls breakouts. This great product is an acne remover.

Dermalogica Clean Start Hit The Spot goes on smoothly and absorbs quickly without a trace. This product uses powerful ingredients to help keep get rid of breakouts and keep your skin acne-free. It calms irritated skin.

This pimple cream looks light yellowish and comes in a thick gel-based form. The scent hinted slightly at something minty/menthol, but doesn't give a cooling nor tingling sensation when applied directly on the pimple itself.

VERDICT: First of all, this pimple cream looks really thick and heavy despite being gel-based at the same time. But yet, it actually absorbs rather easily into the skin without much fuss nor effort, which I am personally glad of. The color is actually a really light yellowish in color, it somehow reminds me of the gooey and slimy stuff that drips out of your nose unceremoniously without warning when you have a cold. Yeah, and I always wonder why pimple creams are always in this particular shade, it really puts us off to have to use something that resembles muscus most times. However, despite the color choice, the product actually hinted at something minty/menthol.

But, when I applied on my mostly angsty pimple, I did not feel any type of cooling nor tingly sensation at all. The ingredient list didn't stated that any type of mint nor menthol related stuffs are used, so I am guessing it might have been the licorice. But then, I might be wrong with the licorice scent somehow. As this pimple cream looks really similar to the other Dr. Jart+ one I had previously reviewed, I used this the same way as I had used the Dr. Jart+ one. Which is to apply it once every 4 hours or so, instead of the 6-8 hours recommended for this particular pimple cream.

And despite using this for close to a week already, the newly appeared pimple on my chin area didn't really quite subsided at all. In fact, what I found weird and surprising at the same time is that, this new pimple of mine didn't hurt even though it is just starting to look pinkish-red. Maybe it decided that it isn't ripe enough to make me scream in agony. And at the same time, the pimple didn't ripen fast enough, so despite close to a week has passed, the pimple look as if it has just barely "sprouted". Which I personally think is rather creepy, stalker pimple maybe?

Even though this pimple cream doesn't seem to be working for me as of yet, I am personally happy that it didn't dry out the surrounding skin around this naughty little pimple of mine. This has Benzoyl peroxide which is an important ingredient needed for most pimple creams, which actually helps to eliminate breakouts. And I still remember my Oxy-5 and Oxy-10 days when my entire face looks so red, as if I was crying 24/7 without a break. So I am thankful this pimple cream didn't dry out any part of my skin, like what Oxy-5 and Oxy-10 did to me years ago. (It's rather embarrassing when a friend asks if I was scratching my face like babies do.)

And get this straight! Despite hours after applying this pimple cream, the skin surrounding my pimple didn't turn oily nor greasy at all. And there is absolutely no sticky sensation as well, I am thinking that maybe my pimples are more of the stubborn variety, hence it's been close to one week with no visible results. And I have to admit that the redness of my pimple didn't turn out so bad nor gotten anymore red and angry as it normally does. So, I am going to carry on using this at every 3 hours interval instead and hope it goes down fast.

VERDICT: ✓✓

WHAT I THINK: Redness is lessen, but I wish the size of the pimple lessen as well too, to the point of becoming non-existent.

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: If you are keen or interested to try this bubble mask, you can request for a sample over at The Sample Store.

However, take note that checking out 1-2 items costs you S$2.99 in delivery charges, while checking out 3-4 items costs you S$3.99 in delivery charges. You might want to check out 4 items, in which 3 of them are "substantially heavy" so you don't feel the S$3.99 pinch.

Why not like my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PuNiaosProductReviews to be informed of latest samples I found, which is duly updated? Also includes updates to contests that I've sourced out for you to join. It will definitely save you the trouble of having to hunt them down :)

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Samples Received/Redeemed: 17 Dec - 22 Dec 2012

And my humble apologies for not having a blog post yesterday, as I am currently testing out this Dermalogica sample and I would like to be able to use it on my newly-sprouted pimple for a few days before I write up a review on it.

So, here's a list of samples and goodies I've redeemed for the past week. The Sulwhasoo ones are actually kinda nice, but the attitude is practically pathetic, to be honest. I specifically showed up on a weekday to avoid the rush crowds that are prevalent during weekend, thinking that the staff(s) who are manning the Sulwhasoo counter at Tangs Orchard wouldn't be too rushed nor hurried to have to serve walk-in customers while having to attend to prize winners who show up to collect their prizes.

When I walked up to the Sulwhasoo counter, the counter manager (who I believed is called jenny or "Jen-" something) was somewhat all smiles. But as soon as I told her I am there to redeem some stuffs and proceed to show her all 4 of my email print-outs, her attitude took a 360 degree turn. She went from somewhat cordial to really upset and grouchy. And without even looking at all 4 of my email print-outs, she promptly proceeded to inform me that each person is only allowed 1 redemption each. And nary an apologetic smile at all.

Which I duly retorted with "All these emails are under my name, you know? Maybe you want to double check all of them properly??" Which she did, but unwillingly. Next, she told me to "hold on a moment" while she quickly and hurriedly reached for the phone nearest to her and proceeded to make some phone call, god knows for what purpose? Maybe to double check if anyone managed to hack their Facebook app and got 4 items and above when previous prize redeemers only got 1-2 items. And allow me to tell you all that from the "phone call" action onward, whatever this counter manager did is to try and humiliate/embarrass me. Which she unfortunately failed, I've got thick skin towards rude counter managers like her. Ha!

And once she put down the phone, I tried to "play nice" when she need me to fill up some forms for my redemption. I asked her nicely if I just need to fill in my particulars once or 4 times, as I was redeeming 4 items. She never even bothered to reply me at all. And while I was filling up the first long-ass form, she went to grab the samples which I had won honestly and truthfully. And once I filled up all 4 different crappy forms reluctantly, she just gave me all 4 of my samples without even having the slightest ounce of courtesy to explain to me how on earth am I supposed to use them? Or how are the items supposed to be used? She just gave them to me, all stacked up, face facing down, ignoring me completely.

And when I thanked her, she didn't even thank me for my time spent in filling up my info 4 freaking times. And not even once acknowledged my thanks too, just simply ignored me through and through. Which I promptly went back home and feedback to Sulwahsoo's facebook page. And if you think that's the end, wait till you hear this.

A representative from Sulwhasoo Singapore decided to call my cellphone, without even bothering to check with me if I am okay with it. I would very much prefer them to resolve this unhappy episode via their facebook page where everyone can see them. Instead of calling and nobody knowing how they solved it. And my friends who had the good fortune to win stuffs from them more or less encountered their rude staffs as well. Like wow? Is that how Sulwhasoo Singapore try to convert casual window shoppers into staunch believers and dedicated consumers of their product? I don't think so!

And anyways, enough talk from me and to the photos of my goodies I've received and redeemed with rather "thick skin".

So, I got picked to win a Deluxe Sampling Kit from Sulwhasoo Singapore. This is how the packaging looks like.

The items consists of:

• Gentle Cleansing Foam x 2 sachets
• First Care Activating Serum x 1 sachet
• Essential Balancing Water x 1 bottle @ 5ml
• Essential Balancing Emulsion x 1 bottle @ 5ml

A booklet within the Deluxe Sampling Kit.

Detailed instructions within the booklet letting users know what the samples are exactly for.

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Go over to Sulwhasoo Singapore Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Sulwhasoo.sg and Like their page. Next, click on the link that says Sulwhasoo Giveaway and fill in your details. If you've won, you will receive an email from them, stating that you have to print out the email for redemption. Just beware of the rude staffs!

Sulwhasoo 2pc Renewing Kit that I won fair and sqaure from Sulwhasoo's latest app.

Items consists of:

• First Care Activating Serum x 1 bottle @ 4ml
• Essential Firming Cream x 1 pot @ 5ml

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Go over to Sulwhasoo Singapore Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Sulwhasoo.sg and Like their page. Next, go over to the link that says Catch the Sulwha bloom and hope you will get it. Just beware of the rude staffs!

Another Sulwhasoo 4pc Basic Kit that I won fair and square from Sulwhasoo's latest app.

Items consist of:

• Essential Balancing Water x 1 bottle @ 15ml
• Essential Balancing Emulsion x 1 bottle @ 15ml
• First Care Activating Serum 1 bottle @ 8ml
• Concentrating Ginseng Renewing Cream x 1 pot @ 5ml

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Go over to Sulwhasoo Singapore Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Sulwhasoo.sg and Like their page. Next, go over to the link that says Catch the Sulwha bloom and hope you will get it. Just beware of the rude staffs!

And this Sulwhaoo Herbal Soap that I won fair and square from Sulwhasoo's latest app.

The scent of this herbal soap is actually quite nice, but the rude counter manager left a sour taste in my mouth without even bothering to explain what are the benefits of using this crap :)

A booklet within the box of herbal soap with detailed explaining on what are the benefits of using the herbal soap and what goes inside it. These booklets and pamphlets are more "friendly" than the actual human staffs, me thinks.

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Go over to Sulwhasoo Singapore Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Sulwhasoo.sg and Like their page. Next, go over to the link that says Catch the Sulwha bloom and hope you will get it. Just beware of the rude staffs!

So, I got to know about this free Mini Tote bag giveaway by Humming Flowers & Gifts from a Facebook friend. I shall not name you as I feel you deserve a little privacy instead of being spammed suddenly. But I is eternally grateful to your sweetness. Muacks!

Anyways, we need to send a PM (a.k.a Private Message) via Humming Flowers & Gifts facebook page in order to receive the 1st bag. Once we received it, take a photo, post it on our wall and then informed them on their Facebook page that we've shared the photo on our own profile wall. And next, we PM them our mailing details to get the 2nd bag. Repeat above long-winded instructions to receive the 3rd and 4th Mini Tote Bag. It's so dang cute and pretty and also sweet of them to give this to their fans. I am now waiting for the 2nd bag to arrive in my mailbox in order to get the 3rd one. Muacks you too, Humming Flowers & Gifts!

This is how the front of the Mini Tote Bag (1st) looks like.

And this is how the back of the Mini Tote Bag (1st) looks like.

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Go over to Humming Flowers & Gifts Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HummingFlowersandGifts, Like their page. Next, click on the box that says Message, fill in your name and mailing address in the pop-up box to receive your 1st Mini Tote Bag from them!!

So yeah, I finally see this in my mailbox (which I sometimes dutifully refer to as "Meowbox"). Yay!!

An 18ml Laundry sample with this silly but cute and hilarious text that says "it's small, but not this small, silly. this is a sample" Haha!! That totally made my day after the unhappy episode with Sulwhasoo Singapore xD And there's a pamphlet with details on the various Method products available as well.

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Go over to Method Home Singapore Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MethodHomeSingapore, Like their page. Next, click on the link that says Try our Laundry! and fill in your details to receive your own little 18ml sample with that cute tagline. If you decide to buy Method Home products from their website, just type in this promo code: 8LOADSPROMO at the checkout page to enjoy a S$2.95 discount!!

Why not like my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PuNiaosProductReviews to be informed of latest samples I found, which is duly updated? Also includes updates to contests that I've sourced out for you to join. It will definitely save you the trouble of having to hunt them down :)

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