Samples Received/Redeemed: 24 Mar - 29 Mar 2013

I have to admit I have been a little lazy this week in going out of the house to redeem free samples. And at last count, I skipped 2 free samples. They're namely:

• KOSÉ Singapore's NEW INFINITY WHITE DEEP PROTECTION UV with SPF50+/PA++++
• DailyVanity's Biotherm Blue Therapy 7 Day Trial Kit

For the KOSÉ one, I got to know about the sampling activity because I am a fan of Ju Ann's Page on Facebook. Let's just say I was a little too lazy and lethargic to go down to Orchard for 1 sample, as I personally feel that it doesn't feel the sample is worth the journey despite the sample costing more than the journey which actually does make the sample collection worthwhile. I just happened to be a sample collector who prefers to be able to grab a few samples in one day to make the trip really worthwhile.

As for the DailyVanity one where I got picked as a winner, the 2 collection dates given were today (Saturday, 30 March) and next Saturday (06 April). And let's face it, I am too much of a lazy bum if it involves going down to Orchard on a weekend afternoon for just 1 sample. Hope DailyVanity will give my sample away to the next person since I didn't go down to collect it. Although on a side note, what I personally can't understand is that, the collection details is from 2 person waiting at Starbucks. This meant either they have an office where the location is not easily accessible or something, in which case, I feel they should offer to mail the samples via normal postage instead.

Nope. Weekend Afternoon + Orchard = Very hectic for me, no matter how "hardcore" a sample/freebie collector I am.

I saw the April edition of Singapore's Women's Weekly at the newstand near my area, was a little interested. And the newspaper vendor promptly try to convinced me to get the magazine for 3 days straight. I finally caved in and bought it. The samples are:

• Dove Damage Therapy Intense Repair Shampoo @ 30ml
• Dove Damage Therapy Intense Repair Conditioner @ 30ml

The size is actually good for bringing it with you if you are going overseas for a short holiday.

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: At any newstand for S$4.20 a copy. If you can't find it at any big bookstores, such as Books Kinokuniya, Popular for example, try the newstand at the nearest MaMa shop near you. The one that is always near the wet market/open air kopitiam or newstands at Bus/MRT Interchange.

Previously, PepperSung had a giveaway where there was a picture of 2 kitties (one black and one purplish-pink) and participants are invited to guess where the 2 kitties can be found. And a random winner will be chosen. I got lucky :D

And so I waited and waited for the postman to finally deliver my much anticipated prize in my mailbox. And SingPost are notorious for "damaging" parcels somehow, either a tear in the envelope that meant your stuff is "lost in the mail" or something similar. And when I finally saw this in my mailbox, I really breathed a sigh of relief. Phew~

*o* Oh noes, I'm being fattened up xD (And Joy Sung has really pretty handwriting, mine can't even make it believable as a doctor's handwriting -_- )

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Here's how to be a lucky winner. Go over to PepperSung Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ilovepeppersung, Like as a fan in order to be eligible as a participant for constant giveaways. And note that all giveaways are actually to reward fans by giving back to the fans, no cute and fluffy animals were harmed, especially kitties :D

I think I vaguely filled in my particulars again and try to see what sample mask I will be getting this time round. And I got the Pulped Pomegranate Passion Peel Off mask. It deep cleanses, purify and protects!!

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Go over to Montagne Jeunesse Singapore Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MJSingapore, Like the page as a fan. Next, look for the link that says Free Sample, click on it and fill in your details. This is like the 3rd sample I've requested already and also because unlike other Facebook Free Sample App page, Montagne Jeunesse Singapore doesn't store your details, you can actually request for more samples. Just request once a week or every 2 weeks in between, or you might get banned lol

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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The Skin Shop IRIS Color Control (CC) Cream [Sponsored] Review

This review is proudly sponsored and brought to you by The Skin Shop Singapore. All external images, if used, solely belong to their respective owners and not to me. I only re-link and used them as part of this review .

Note that all views presented here are of my own and whether the product is sponsored or not, it's honest throughout. Only that effects will vary on the individual when applied.

WHAT IS IT: The Skin Shop IRIS Color Control CC Cream SPF37 PA+++

THE PRODUCT(S):

The Skin Shop IRIS Color Control CC Cream: CC cream was developed to retain all the skincare benefits of BB cream with added nourishing ingredients and the additional aim to provide more effective skin coverage. CC cream is the newest miracle beauty product available and was formulated with technology originating in industry-leader Japan and further developed in Korea.

BB Cream containing porous powder that keeps clean oil-less and silky skin with controlling sebum effectively and hyaluronic acid that presents soft and smooth skin tone with enhanced moisture. Realization of quick and easy make-up thanks to its multi-functions(Whitening + Anti-wrinkle + UV protection) and key ingredients includes Portulacae herba extract, Ecucalyptus extract, Papaya extract, Hoeny extract, Wheat extract.

This Iris CC Cream actually comes in a tube with a dispenser pump, which ensures hygienic usage time after time. And it also comes with a clear lid too, to further discourage bacteria and encourage hygiene.

Here's a look at how the Iris CC Cream looks like.

This is my face BEFORE applying the Iris CC Cream, note my skin issues at the moment. Red spots, old blemish and acne scars. Just perfect to put the Iris CC Cream to test and review.

This is my face WHILE APPLYING the Iris CC Cream. The correct method for applying CC (and BB) Cream is to apply a dot of the CC (or BB) Cream on the forehead, a dot on the nose, a dot each on the cheeks and a dot on the chin. Just a small dot will do as the dots of CC Cream on the above-mentioned areas actually ensure total and maximum coverage on the skin.

This is my face AFTER applying the Iris CC Cream. Note that my old blemish and acne scars are totally gone, and the red spot on my chin is effectively covered with efficiency. This is truly a remarkable CC Cream I have come across.

VERDICT: The scent of this Iris CC Cream actually smells something of a cross between flowery and powdery, a scent that I actually can relate to when as a child. And we all know the best moments of our life are preferably during our childhood as we need not worry about exams, life, career etc during that time. Don't worry, it's just plain old me that manages to reminisce childhood with beauty scents every now and then. I find that the scent of this Iris CC Cream is actually light and doesn't put you off, and the scent doesn't even bother nor linger on unnecessarily on the face after applying the CC Cream.

The texture and consistency is actually soft and smooth, and is easily spreadable without too much fuss needed. Although I use more BB Creams than CC Creams, I am pleasantly surprised to find that the texture and consistency of CC Creams are very much similar to BB Creams. A lot. As we all know, BB means Blemish Balm while CC means Color Control. And most times, the BB Creams I have tried and used tend to blend well onto my skin, but still leave my acne and blemish scars still slightly visible. Or that it does provide really good coverage, but only if I apply a few layers of it. So, imagine my surprise when I apply a decent layer of this Iris CC Cream by The Skin Shop and instantly saw that my acne and blemish scars just practically went almost invisible.

And mind you, I do not enjoy having to apply on a few layers of the same BB or CC Cream just for the sake of having to effectively cover up my old blemish and acne scars. Any good BB and CC Cream worth their brand name should be able to do that in just one layer, not many layers. And The Skin Shop's CC Cream really does that, all in a single layer of application. And despite the instructions on the packaging that urges you to "pour a generous amount", all you really need is a decently thin layer to see if it can cover up unwanted scars adequately before deciding whether you have to apply on a second layer to do the trick.

And along the way, I am literally a sucker for products that speaks of classiness, in this case The Skin Shop's Iris CC Cream. The bottle itself comes in a white box with blue silhouettes of the Eiffel Tower on it, and the box at first glance might convince you it's a lotion of some type. Until you picked it up and read it carefully. Yep, that's the classiness I look for when buying products. I don't want a product that looks so generic that I feel it a chore to have to use it constantly. I want a product that speaks of class, of good taste which makes you appreciate using the product due to the benefits it can give and offer to you. (In short, I so love the packaging of this Iris CC Cream through and through. Haha~)

And with the usage of BB and CC Creams, the little issue about it is that sometimes, we tend to apply on a hurry before having to rush out of the house. This meant that the BB/CC Cream will not have enough time to be absorbed into our skin and/or merging with our actual skin-tone. Hence, you sometimes see girls and women on the streets with a too pasty and pale face color while from the neck down, they looked perfectly healthy tone. The thing about this Iris CC Cream is that, you can actually apply it first thing after washing your face, brushing your teeth, chowing down breakfast, you know the usual morning routine most of us are used to. Apply this Iris CC Cream first, and while it's getting absorbed and merging into our actual skin color, get dressed, style your hair, whatever. By the time you're done with the clothes, you can proceed to apply on your usual make-up. And at this time, you will notice that this Iris CC Cream have blended really well into your skin and is actually a perfect match with your natural skin tone. Mind you, I look like a ghost in the dead of the night with my hair down, so I am amazed that this Iris CC Cream goes well with my skin color for a change.

And I personally adored what this Iris CC Cream is about. It's a color control/color corrector cream, and even hours after application, I still find my old blemish and acne scars well-covered without being too obvious. And the redness on my chin? Still 100% covered, and when people asked, I just casually mentioned that I walked into a wall. (I'm horribly short-sighted, so the "walk into the wall" part always works) And not forgetting, this Iris CC Cream has a coverage of SPF37 PA+++, and as mentioned, I can be a little too pale for comfort, and this meant that I can get sunburnt too easily, so this Iris CC Cream actually protects my face from harmful UVA and UVB rays while giving maximum coverage on areas I need them to.

And this works wonders on my oily T-zone too! My T-zone tend to get a little too "shiny" with the excess sebum after a full work day, so the last thing I expect is my face to glow back at me uncannily from a dark reflective surface. Not good in my case. I love how this Iris CC Cream actually kept my T-zone semi-matte and natural looking despite my oily T-zone. And.. *gasp* ..no more ring of sebum around my nose, this little info can let me die happy knowing it. It's creepy to see a halo of sebum looking back at you in the mirror sometimes, I'm positively sure some of you ladies can attest to that.

VERDICT: ✓✓✓

WHAT I THINK: Of all the BB and CC Creams I've tried, this is by far the best I've got to used. Seems like The Skin Shop's Iris CC Cream is going to be my new CC Cream BFF from now on :D

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: You can try The Skin Shop outlets in Singapore and ask if they have sample sachets for you to try. But other than that, this is a sponsored review, meaning the tube of CC Cream is sponsored and not a sample tube :) I would definitely urge you to give this Iris CC Cream a try if you have tried so many BB and CC Creams and cannot find the one that works well for you.

Alternatively, you can purchase this Iris CC Cream for the price of S$44.90 in a 60g nozzle tube via The Skin Shop Singapore's website at http://www.theskinshop.sg/.

And do remember to be a fan of The Skin Shop Singapore Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TheSkinShopSG.

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L'Occitane Immortelle Precious Night Cream Review

WHAT IS IT: L'Occitane Immortelle Precious Night Cream

THE PRODUCT(S):

L'Occitane Immortelle Precious Night Cream: Immortelle Precious Night Cream is effective at stimulating and regenerating skin through the night, when skin is in its peak repair phase. Precious Night Cream fights all signs of aging: wrinkles, loss of firmness, and loss of radiance and pigmentation marks.

The scent is just as marvelous as the previous 2 L'Occitane reviews I did, as it is of the same Immortelle range. However, this Precious Night Cream is really thick and heavy and takes quite a while to be fully absorbed. And I personally felt that while the Precious Cream looks creamy and heavy, it's really lightweight. But this Precious Night Cream is much more heavier.

VERDICT: First of all, the scent! As mentioned, this Precious Night Cream is from the same range as the previous 2 L'Occitane Immortelle Precious reviews I've did, which is from the Immortelle range. So, the signature scent is there and it really does wonders if you are having a tired and long day and the first thing you want to do after getting home is just sleep it off. But the scent really perks you up, and you will berate and hate yourself a little if you don't bother to pamper your skin before sleeping for the night.

However, I personally find this Precious Night Cream a little too heavy for my skin. I know I've mentioned that night-time, especially before bedtime is the best time to apply facial moisturizer. As during our sleep, our skin actually absorbs moisturizers better since we're practically sleeping away, instead of doing household chores or the likes where we sweat off what we apply. Plus the other scientific reason that I can't seem to recall as well. But anyways, I realized that this Precious Night Cream is way too heavy-duty for a warm/hot climate like Singapore for example. Unless Singapore actually perpetually have only 2 seasons throughout the year, which is autumn and winter only, then this Precious Night Cream will greatly benefit the individual user. Or unless you suffer from really dry skin, then this would be the perfect cream to quench your skin's thirst at night.

When applying this Precious Night Cream on my face, I find that it takes quite a lot of massaging and gently rubbing before it finally absorbs into my skin. And even after application, I can literally see my skin looking too glossy for my liking and that my skin feels as if there's a layer of cream sitting on the surface, unsure what it's next step should be. Did it think that it should sit on my skin until it evaporates or until it gets absorbed? I'm not sure, but I do know what when I wake up the next morning, I see my face looking so shiny and glossy from the excess sebum and oil. It's as if my skin pores were suffocating and ended up secreting more facial sebum while trying to work alongside with the Precious Night Cream.

The consistency is so thick, it's literally thicker than my toothpaste. It doesn't feel like what the Precious Cream should be, which is gentle and comfortable to apply on. I practically went from gentle massaging to gentle rubbing until I finally gave up midway and just rub it into my skin, not so gently in the end. Which is a big No No when applying facial moisturizer as too much pulling and tugging on the skin actually "promotes" wrinkles faster than you realized. And after close to a week of application, I don't really see my skin looking any smoother or firmer at all. It only creates more sebum on my skin and *gasp* ring of sebum around my nose area...

VERDICT: ✓✓

WHAT I THINK: If you have really dry skin, this will benefit you. But if your skin type is similar to mine, you will find that the Precious Cream can work for you during day and night application and it's much more easily absorb-able.

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: I previously got to redeem a sample kit for L'Occitane's Immortelle range last October (2012). Despite this sampling activity being over, L'Occitane has a new sampling activity as of now. Go over to L'Occitane Singapore Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/loccitane.sg, Like their page as a fan. Next, look for a link that says Brighten Up Quiz! to get your hands on their latest Immortelle Brightening Essence and Brightening Moisture Cream in 1ml sample sachets.

For more info, go over to this previous post at http://puniaogoodies.blogspot.sg/2013/03/samples-receivedredeemed-18-mar-22-mar.html

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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L'Occitane Immortelle Precious Cream Review

WHAT IS IT: L'Occitane Immortelle Precious Cream

THE PRODUCT(S):

L'Occitane Immortelle Precious Cream: A creamy moisturizer with anti-aging benefits: Rich and velvety, the Precious Cream is a smooth yet easily absorbed anti-aging treatment. Immortelle essential oil is concentrated into micro-capsules for controlled 24 hours release. For softer skin and a radiant glow Precious Cream can be used in the morning, as a rich moisturizer, or as a night-time treatment.

Like the L'Occitane Immortelle Precious Serum, the scent is just as great. However, the good thing about this Precious Cream is that, it's really light and smooth, and it doesn't take long to get absorbed into the skin.

VERDICT: As mentioned in the previous review, I love the scent of this Immortelle range from L'Occitane. It's just o heavenly, it actually helps you envision running through a field of Immortelle flowers all around you. Peaceful, thought-provoking moment, and the scent just makes it feels like paradise. The scent isn't really that strong at all, and upon application and contact with your skin, the scent slowly fades a little, occasionally wafting to tease your nose. I dare say I actually slept so much better after sniffing this Precious Cream vigorously before application. Yeah, I am definitely a sucker for product scent. It actually determines how willing are you going to be when it comes to applying them. Smells weird, awkward and off, you would come up with as many reasons as possible to not use them. But if the smell is divine, you are tempted to use them as much as you possibly can.

The texture is really smooth and soft and it actually absorbs pretty fast into the skin, and upon application, you can immediately see your skin looking much more hydrated, moisturized, smoother and softer too. And as mentioned in the title, this is a Cream, hence the color is white and acts just like a regular facial cream. And even though I have oily/combination skin, I don't feel like this Precious Cream is too rich for my skin, in fact, it feels just right immediately after application. And the consistency, it's so smooth and creamy, it feels like cream cheese. Spreading onto the skin so smooth and gently without excessive massaging or rubbing in of the cream.

This Precious Cream is the same range as the Immortelle Precious Serum by L'Occitane, which is a flower with exceptional longevity a.k.a the flower that never fades even after being picked. And also, this Precious Cream has anti-aging benefits where immortelle essential oil is concentrated into micro-capsules for controlled 24 hour release. This means that even hours or a half day after application, my skin never felt oily nor greasy and there were no side-effects such as redness appearing too. Note that I used the sample kit one sachet at a time, so in other words, I only started on this Precious Cream once I stopped using the Precious Serum.

And after the pimple episode with Precious Serum, I was a little hesitant on carrying on using the Precious Cream sample as I was afraid that a new pimple would popped out somewhere else without warning. And throughout the almost 1 week I was using this Precious Cream, I am really really happy to say that I did not get another new pimple after using it. In fact, once I realized there were no pimple(s) showing up, I actually wished the Precious Cream sample was a little more abundant so I can carry on using it for another week or so.

Despite my T-zone being of the oily variety, my cheeks are rather dry sometimes, so I tend to concentrate more on my cheeks and try to either avoid the T-zone or apply a really really thin and light layer. And my cheeks are loving it! (Happy cheeks, not Happy Feet, yah~) Previously, my cheeks tend to be too dry or just looked somewhat okay as I tend to use Tea Tree-based products due to my oily T-zone. And since I was using specific products for my T-zone, I sometimes do get lazy and either literally apply only on my T-zone or just spread the T-zone based products on my cheeks instead. So sometimes, my cheeks looks okay while sometimes, it looks like it need a little more TLC than my T-zone.

I still used my T-zone specific products, but only on my T-zone while at the same time using this Precious Cream on dry areas like my cheek. And I am actually and pleasantly surprised that my cheeks looks so much healthier, with smoother skin, looks much more hydrated and moisturized and it doesn't feel a little too dry to the touch. And that is why I wished I wanted a slightly bigger sample that the sachet I got since my cheeks are loving it like mad. And despite the description claiming that it can be used as a rich moisturizer for daytime usage, I personally don't find it too rich for my dry cheeks. Although it could be just a tad rich on my T-zone. So, if you have dry skin, it will benefit greatly from this light but creamy moisturizer.

VERDICT: ✓✓✓

WHAT I THINK: Feels like paradise, smells divine. And it does wonders to my dry skin. Love it!!

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: I previously got to redeem a sample kit for L'Occitane's Immortelle range last October (2012). Despite this sampling activity being over, L'Occitane has a new sampling activity as of now. Go over to L'Occitane Singapore Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/loccitane.sg, Like their page as a fan. Next, look for a link that says Brighten Up Quiz! to get your hands on their latest Immortelle Brightening Essence and Brightening Moisture Cream in 1ml sample sachets.

For more info, go over to this previous post at http://puniaogoodies.blogspot.sg/2013/03/samples-receivedredeemed-18-mar-22-mar.html

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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L'Occitane Immortelle Precious Serum Review

WHAT IS IT: L'Occitane Immortelle Precious Serum

Scan #1 | Scan #2

THE PRODUCT(S):

L'Occitane Immortelle Precious Serum : Immortelle is a flower with exceptional longevity: it never fades, even after being picked. As a result of our scientific research, the new Precious Serum concentrates the patented anti-aging power of more than 1000 flowers in every jar. Its lightly textured formula acts on the 3 main important stages of collagen: production, protection and repairing.

The serum has this really light tea-colored texture, and the consistency is definitely serum. The scent is wonderful but I don't think the serum is helping my skin at all.

VERDICT: The scent, the scent, the scent! What is a beauty product without it's signature scent to it? For this Immortelle Precious Serum by L'Occitane, I absolutely love and adore the scent. And as quoted on L'Occitane's website, "Immortelle is known as the everlasting flower, because these flowers retain their form and color when dried. L’OCCITANE has extracted a precious essential oil from the plant, which has anti-free radical and anti-wrinkle properties. The Immortelle collection offers a complete anti-ageing solution for the face". In other words, Immortelle is actually Helichrysum.

One of the most fragrant plants, which contributes to giving the Corsican “maquis” its characteristic perfume. In which Immortelle produces a fascinating, rich, multi-layered, sexy, desirable, satisfying aroma. Hence, that wonderful scent that makes you want to grab this product without a second thought. (Ah yes, product scent actually influences me to buy them.) If you want to know a little more about Immortelle, try this link: http://www.fragrantica.com/news/Immortelle-Ageless-flowers-3000.html

The consistency is definitely serum-based, as upon application, it actually gets absorbed into my skin pretty decently and fast too. And hours after application, I am glad to say that I did not encounter any greasy/oily nor sticky feeling, not even on my fingers that I use to apply on my skin. And as I tend to apply facial products at night before I go to bed, I am also happy that my face doesn't look anything within the region of greasy/oily nor sticky as well. Although I have to disagree with the part that mentions production, protection and repairing of collagen in our skin.

You see, after a few days of using this, I got rewarded with a new pimple that thankfully ripens pretty fast and goes away just as fast too. Despite my skin feeling firmer and smoother prior to the appearance of the pimple, I just cannot say that this product is suitable for me as I aged, when wrinkles shows up. In fact, I think there are better anti-wrinkle and anti-aging serums out there that would definitely work better for me than this Immortelle Precious Serum even though I primarily used it as a facial serum more for moisturizing than the anti-wrinkle and anti-aging factor it gives.

At the end, I personally still don't think that this Immortelle Precious Serum works for me personally, due to the fact that although upon application, my skin felt smoother and firmer, it shouldn't even give me any acne/pimple problems for no reason. But on the plus side, even though I have oily/combination skin, what I am thankful is that wrinkles won't show up that fast for me, but still, I know I do need to invest in a good anti-wrinkle/anti-aging serum to keep the wrinkles at bay.

VERDICT: ✓

WHAT I THINK: Getting a pimple from an anti-aging serum is rather unexpected somehow..

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: I previously got to redeem a sample kit for L'Occitane's Immortelle range last October (2012). Despite this sampling activity being over, L'Occitane has a new sampling activity as of now. Go over to L'Occitane Singapore Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/loccitane.sg, Like their page as a fan. Next, look for a link that says Brighten Up Quiz! to get your hands on their latest Immortelle Brightening Essence and Brightening Moisture Cream in 1ml sample sachets.

For more info, go over to this previous post at http://puniaogoodies.blogspot.sg/2013/03/samples-receivedredeemed-18-mar-22-mar.html

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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RoC Eternel White Intensive Whitening Night Cream Review

WHAT IS IT: RoC Eternel White Intensive Whitening Night Cream

THE PRODUCT(S):

RoC Eternel White Intensive Whitening Night Cream: This whitening cream intensively revitalizes skin overnight to promote overall fairness. Specifically formulated to target skin damage during the day, it deeply penetrates into the stratum corneum of the skin while you sleep, to help restore the skin's luster and translucency the next morning.

Contains Brightening ACP complex (unique combination of Active Soy, Stabilized Vitamin C & Portulaca Extract), which effectively inhibits melanin production and promotes overall skin fairness. Enriched with Vitamin E, it helps reduce skin damage caused by environmental exposure during the day. With a cocktail of moisturizing ingredients extracted from soybean and other plants in a non-sticky smooth formula, it acts deep in the stratum corneum to replenish skin's moisture lost during the day.

The cream texture looks white and creamy, but the consistency feels more gel-based as it actually absorbs pretty well. The cream is so smooth, it feels like you are applying a layer of whipped cream, the scent is wonderful and it doesn't leave any sticky or greasy/oily feeling.

Skin instantly looks moisturized right immediately after application, as you can see in the photo above.

VERDICT: First of all, the scent! The scent isn't heavy at all, so if you are someone who needs to apply night cream before bedtime, but dread the scent night creams mostly have. You can rest assured that this RoC Eternel White Intensive Whitening Night Cream will go well with you. The scent specifically doesn't border on nauseousness, as night creams which are too overpowering in scent will effectively turn you off from applying them in the first place. What I like is that the scent although lingers on , but it is still light enough. Imagine going to bed right after applying this, smearing the cream from your face to your pillow and catching a whiff of the night cream on the pillow itself. Feels pretty weird right?

What I adore about this night cream is that, despite the cream looking so thick and creamy, it doesn't feel heavy on my skin after application. In fact, it's so smooth I feel as if I am applying a layer of whipped cream. Yep, that's how light this night cream really is. And on top of that, it doesn't take too long for the product to be thoroughly absorbed into the skin at all. Which means, you don't need to keep massaging until the point where your arm feels like it's going to drop off. And immediately, I noticed my skin looking much more moisturized than before. It's like my skin just got quenched of it's thirst right immediately after application.

And did I mentioned how this night cream doesn't make my skin feel greasy nor oily at all? That's right! As usual with night creams that literally looks cream-based and acts cream-based, this night cream actually has the texture of cream, but the consistency that is more gel-like. It absorbs really well, and doesn't leave any greasy nor oily feeling at all. And even hours after application, my skin doesn't feel nor looked too oily either. Which I think is a godsend, because as a user with oily skin, I really dread using products that end up making my skin look and feel much more oilier and greasier than before.

And as I have previously mentioned before in many of my posts, I tend to have quite a few old blemish and acne scars on my face, so I targeted the night cream usage mostly on these unwanted blemishes and scars continuously for a week. And I am really impressed to see that this somewhat new but unsightly blemish/acne scar under my chin is getting considerably lighter than it used to be. Which I think is actually impressive, as I am not really a night cream user at all. Hence, I generally tend to use a overall facial serum instead, that can be used both day and night. So yes, I am surprised that the very first night cream I used actually works for me.

And we all know that if you have fair or pale skin, you have to maintain it's fairness or paleness as much as you possibly can. Especially with the right products that helps. Or else, if you so much as get a tan without meaning to, it will take quite some time for a tanned skin to go back to looking fair. I mean, sure, you can try bleaching. But why go through all that pain and suffering when the simplest thing you can do is to dutifully apply a night cream that is dedicated to maintaining your skin's fairness? And trust me, this RoC Eternel White Intensive Whitening Night Cream is already making some of my old blemish and acne scars fade off. And I am really confident that my skin can attain overall even skin tone sooner than I expect.

VERDICT: ✓✓✓

WHAT I THINK: Looks heavy-duty, but feels like cloud. And it does help to lighten up my old blemish and acne scars.

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: None for now. I got this tub when I was picked as one of the winners for the Discover RoC app on RoC Singapore Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RocSingapore during August last year (2012). However, you can try asking at the RoC counter at Watsons if they have sample sachets for you to try :)

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: 18 Mar - 22 Mar 2013

Don't you just love it when there's seemingly so much samples and goodies to receive and redeemed throughout the week. I still remembered when I was around 18 or so, and my first experience in redeeming a free set of samples was from Clarins at the old Tangs @ Orchard. You know, that old, gaudy, old-school and yet re-assuring Tangs @ Orchard?

I still remembered that it was from a local female lifestyle magazine (It was either Female or HerWorld) and interested sample users have to cut out a coupon, fill it in and bring it to the Clarins counter at Tangs @ Orchard. And of course, as it was my first time redeeming a sample, I immediately felt embarrassed and awkward as the queue was already quite long. And all the samplers before me were practically from all walks of life, different ages and all of them were in the typical attire of dresses and high heels. And I was the only one in T-shirt, long pants and track shoes. So, it was definitely an awkward moment where I wished the ground would opened a hole up for me to hide into. Needless to say, that was the first and last time I ever requested for sample due to the attire differences I encountered, until now.

But luckily with the advance of current technology, we can all grabbed our samples straight from Facebook. Either we just need to fill in our particulars and wait for the samples to be delivered straight to our mailbox or we can print out a redemption email and go down to the designated or preferred makeup counters of our choice and pick up the samples, and with quite a good amount of deadline attached as well. Which I liked, since I preferred going down to Orchard on a weekday for sample redemption, as weekday mornings meant that there's not much local shoppers around and the shoppers you do see are actually tourists.

Heck, this means I can feel happy that it could only be me at a particular timing, arriving to pick up my samples. And comfortably in my preferred clothes, namely T-shirt, long pants and track shoes. Instead of having to feel awkward that I am the only one not wearing tight skirts, flouncy frilly tops and high heels. On hindsight, those women who were queuing before me for that Clarins samples were probably hoping to get the samples before they start work, since who would specially wear such an ensenmble just to go to Orchard to collect samples and then go back home, huh?

Previously on Facebook, there was this app called Portraits of Hope. Shown on the app are actually portraits of real people who happened to be involved in accidents and from these portraits, we can choose one that appeals to us by pledging our support for rendered assistance. Well, I kinda went on a daily basis and ensured every portrait gets help by pledging a different one every day.

And this is probably why my Command sample strips took so long to arrive, since I voted for every single portrait to get help lol I thought I would never get to see it, but well, I suddenly received Command strips around Thursday.

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: It's also over, but I do spammed everyone I know to join them :D

Previously, HonezyCube was having a giveaway in conjunction with Silky Veil and I was one of the lucky 30 to be chosen. I was surprised when the sample came in a little pot that has an additional lid within. Can't wait to give it a try :)

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: The giveaway is over. However, HonezyCube is having another giveaway, so head on over to their Facebook page and be a Fan to find out more. Alternatively, you can sign up as a member at http://honeyzcube.com/, where you can vote for your favorite beauty products and give reviews for products you adore.

L'OCCITANE en Provence Singapore has a new app, called Brighten Up Quiz!, where you read testimonials from local known personalities and answer a question in return. (The answer is TRUE by the way). You will receive an e-voucher/email redemption letter in your email inbox, print it out and bring it to the L'Occitane outlet at Plaza Singapura to redeem the L'Occitane Beauty kit.

Despite being under the Immortelle Brightening series, the samples/beauty kit are different from the previous one. This beauty kit consists of:

• Brightening Essence x 1 sample sachet @ 1ml
• Brightening Moisture Cream x 1 sample sachet @ 1ml

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Go over to L'Occitane en Provence Singapore Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/loccitane.sg, Like their page as a fan in order to activate the app. Next, look for a link that says Brighten Up Quiz! and enter your details and answer a question. If you are too lazy to read through the testimonials (I know I am one of the lazy ones xD), the answer is TRUE.

NTU Facebook page was having a fun app last month, where you need to send invites to earn a chance at throwing dice. This enables you to progress forward on a board game and win some freebies along the way, let's just say, I kinda got lazy after winning the S$5 Old Chang Kee voucher.

Which my mother duly went forth and bought Curry Puffs and finger food with the voucher the very next day, after getting the voucher from me. I love Sardine Puffs, all that fish!!

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: It's also over, but I do spammed everyone I know to join them :D

While redeeming my S$5 Old Chang Kee voucher, I got this notebook for free as well. The lady who was in-charge of redemption asked this:

Redemption Lady: Are you still a student?
Me: No.. but I wish~
Redemption Lady: *hesitant smile*
Me: xD
Redemption Lady: But here's a notebook for you
Me: xD Thank you~

Here's the back of the notebook, it's actually a blank notebook with no lines. So, if you are a free-spirited journal taker, you can draw doodles while writing down your thoughts, I suppose.

And along the way, 100PLUS had a sponsored ad on Facebook before the NTU Board Game where interested users answer a short quiz to be eligible for a 100PLUS goodie bag of some sorts. I redeemed:

• 100PLUS Water Bottle
• 100PLUS Shoe Bag
• 100Plus Beach Towel

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: It's also over, but I do spammed everyone I know to join them :D

I got to know about this Sheba giveaway from ilovepeppersung and immediately went to get my hands on the meow meow samples :D The samples I received from Sheba are:

• Tuna pouch x 1 @ 70g
• White Tuna & Snapper can x 1 @ 85g

I felt a little awkward when filling up the form as I really do not know the cat's breed, only that it's a stray that loves stretching and scratching on the egg trays when it thinks nobody is looking.

If you are curious to know where the cat food samples I've requested went to, rest assured I didn't nom them despite the cat food looking so delectable. It went to this cat, aptly named "Ah Meow" by the owner at the provision shop near my area. One of the strays that didn't seem interested in chasing me around. It probably knew I'm not worth chasing at all :/

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Despite Sheba Singapore Facebook page stating that they are giving away 2 Sheba cat food samples to the first 100 fans who Like their page, I'm not sure if they are finished with the promised 100 cat food samples yet as the sample page is still up. So, you can still try your luck via Sheba Singapore Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ShebaSingapore, Like their page as a fan to be able to access the app page. And good luck :D

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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