Samples Received/Redeemed: January 2014

CNY is just around the corner~ (Actually, it's already here as of this post) But check out some of these freebies/samples I've managed to secure before businesses are closed during CNY period. It's an amazing 10+ frebies/samples altogether, with some self-bought purchases mixed in as well. And before I proceed to the main topic of this blog post, allow me to wish everyone a happy CNY this festive period. May you all get lots of ang pows to go shopping for more beauty products that you love and adore. And may all my readers be pretty and beautiful throughout the year ahead too ❤ ❤ ❤

Let's start with how I went forth and bought these expensive highlighter and blusher powder. Last year, I bought the cheap $2 Daiso version, but was persuaded into getting something slightly well-known and better. Apparently, the person who gave me this advice commented that she bought the Daiso blusher and highlighter powder before and she ended up having enlarged pores on her face. So, she recommended me to go look for something that may be expensive, but at least the brand name is trustworthy enough.

So, I went to Sephora JEM, asked around and was recommended the Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder, and at the same time, I personally chose the BareMinerals The Tease blush powder as the other BareMinerals concealer and foundation powder was working well with my skin tone and didn't give me any bad skin aftereffects from using it. But when it was time to pay, my heart leaped a mile. Both items costs exactly $100 and these were the only 2 powders I bought at that time. Hope it can last up to 6 months, considering the fact that I have to wear light makeup to work daily :/

Both come with their own compact mirrors while the BareMinerals The Tease Blush (on the left) always comes with a plastic cover that spelled the word HELLO :D

I would say, so far, my skin doesn't have any side effects from using these 2 powders and that the highlighter powder color tone is just right for my pale/ghostly/fair skin tone too. Nothing looked out of place when applied onto my skin :D

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: No samples for redemption. But you can try the opened up retail products although I wouldn't recommend doing that. Since everyone wants to try, I personally recommend looking for a patch of skin on your arm/hand that is really close to the skin color on your face to try and see if it's too dark or too light for you.

As I've previously mentioned, I might be a closet OCD as I don't like my feet to be dirty. These babies were going for $9.90 a pair, so I got one that's more towards a darker shade. As my mother always likes to say: "If it's black, you won't see if it's dirty or not :D " Haha xD

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: You can try the opened up retail products available to see if the size is too big, too small or just right for your feet. I personally went for the M size as I like lounge slippers to be comfy that it wraps around my feet, especially the furry and fuzzy ones. I can fit into S, but then, I'm not wearing it and walking around town. Comfort matters~

I've been eyeing this Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser from November last year in 2013 and I was hoping there were still stocks left when I get my 13th month bonus at the end of December. Unfortunately, only the last special gift set version was available and the aromatic oil accompanying it was Ginger. But then, I always like the scent of Ginger. So, yeah, haha xD

It's a plug and switch version of the traditional aroma diffuser that involves tea light candles. And since I always, without fail, encounter sudden gusts of wind whenever I use the tea light candle version and feeling frustrated, I just bought this instead. The scent is slightly stronger when diffused out, and I am loving this Aroma Diffuser.

There's even a millimeter measurement to ensure that I don't add too much water in it.

The vibration generated by its ultrasonic function and the consistent temperature from the electrically heated lamp will spread the aroma of the essential oil. Better than using a aroma pot, I dare say.

All the various plug thingy that comes with it LOL

Here's a look at the Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser when lighted up in the dark. You can adjust the lighting so it won't be that glaring, and it's not that bright, so I was still able to snore and sleep like an undisturbed burrito throughout the night.

I sort of got myself addicted to the various spaghetti sauces that Muji was selling, so yea~ The choices I got that day for spaghetti sauce were:

• Pasta Sauce Salsiccia Sausage and Dried Tomato
• Pasta Sauce Pepperonchino

And I absolutely adore Japanese style curry. Yum~ The choices I got for the curry were:

• Keema Curry
• Butter Chicken Curry

I like my rice to be full of variety as well :D The sauces that I got for my rice were:

• Pork & Zha Jiang Sauce
• Fukagawa Meshi

Honestly, I want to get more of the other food choices available at Muji. Especially the Pad Thai kit, I have a fanatic preference towards Pad Thai only :D

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: No samples for redemption.

Received my bottle of BioCair Pocket Spray (50ml). Apparently, you can use this to disinfect hands, body and even cutlery as well. Hmm..

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Redemption is over. However, BioCair Facebook page has a new app called "Spot the Germs". Stand a chance to win BioCair Pocket Spray (worth SGD12.00). Since I didn't see any "High Level" tab, I'm presuming that they'll randomly choose a winner regardless of the scores. Go over to BioCair Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Biocair, Like their page as a fan first. Next, click on the Spot the Germs tab and authorize them access and whatnots and start playing. Good Luck!!

Previously in November 2013, philosophy was running a sampling activity but with a catch. You will need to send a wish to a friend to be eligible to receive a 3 piece skin care set. If the total number of wishes reaches 5000 before 15 December 2013, the 3 piece skin care set will be upgraded to a Lipshine Gloss. So, I ended up using 2 different emails to send my wishes out.

And while I was fretting how on earth am I able to redeem 2 different Lipshine Gloss, while at the same time almost forgetting all about this philosophy freebie, a wonderful friend on Facebook (Sorry, I tried looking for your post on FB but I just can't seem to find it D: ) actually redeemed 2 different flavor Lipshine Gloss. As there were 2 locations that we can redeemed our Lipshine Gloss, she took 2 redemption letters but with different redemption codes and redeemed hers without a hassle.

In short, 1 redemption code at Orchard Tangs and another redemption code at Bugis. And I went forth and did the same, luckily I managed to redeemed both different flavor Lipshine Gloss too. They're both kinda cute, in fact, too cute for my though. So, I guess I'll pass it to 2 younger colleagues at work instead, suits them better than it does me. I personally like lip balms, not lip gloss ^^;

Anyways, I've gotten these Lipshine Gloss flavors in:

• Vanilla Birthday Cake (15ml) @ Orchard Tangs philosophy
• Coconut Frosting (15ml) @ Bugis philosophy

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Redemption is over as it was Christmas season in 2013.

Since my skin hasn't been that great lately, I thought it was about time to get some collagen supplement to ingest instead. I was browsing around Watsons and saw these AFC Collagen Beauty Limited Edition Value Pack going for S$79.90.

Basically, it comes in a 180-day supply (the bigger bags on the left) plus extra 30-day supply (the smaller bag on the right). And it also comes with a bonus gift which is a Organic Lip Balm, I got the Vanilla flavor. Seems like I'm very lucky with Vanilla-flavored items LOL

Also, Watsons was having a CNY Gift with Purchase, where shoppers who purchase a specific amount would receive some CNY goodies. I sort of knew about it, but didn't really recalled that the promotion was ongoing. So, I was a little surprised to receive a box of Fortune Cookies LOL In my house, Fortune Cookies must be hidden well if one is to partake alone, because I once bought a bag of fortune cookies from Giant many years ago and when I realized I had bought it a few months later, I found that there was only 1 fortune cookie left. No clue who the Fortune Cookie Monster is though :(

And along the way, I got a ang pow holder, which unfortunately cannot hold much ang pows in it. I tried jamming 2 thin stacks of ang pows (with the money) in it and found out that I couldn't close the flap entirely without difficulty. Inside the pouch originally were some vouchers, which sort of didn't appeal to me at all.

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Redemption is over as these goodies are meant to be given out before CNY starts.

Somehow I found myself drifting away from The Body Shop facial products in preference for The Face Shop facial products instead. Let's just say, the Tea Tree Oil products from The Body Shop doesn't seem to be working for me anymore, in fact, it is starting to irritate my already angsty skin. My choice of products that I re-bought again are:

• Chia Seed Water 100 @ 80ml - This helps to prep your skin to absorb your skincare products more easily. Think of it like Biotherm Aquasource Deep Serum or Estée Lauder Micro Essence, but a more affordable version that works just as well
• Su Hyang Snow Boosting Toner @ 15ml - I am already using the Su Hyang Snow Balancing Fluid. I won't say it's like a miracle, however, I can safely say that my skin condition is much better than it previously used to be.

• Rice Water Bright Cleansing Milk @ 200ml - I'm somehow trying to avoid washing my face twice at one go. In other words, using a makeup remover that needs to be washed away. Followed by a daily exfoliator to remove even more traces of makeup, that also needs to be washed away. This one needs to be used with a tissue to wipe away makeup on the face :D

And I got myself 2 ang pow packets, not sure why they only gave me the pink ones only as they have both red and pink colors. But well, it's free so I'm not going to complain much. Just thankful that I am getting so much samples and freebies along the way. Also received:

• Calming Seed Skin-Resting Cream @ 2ml each - Supposedly a new product that is launching soon, so I got 2 sample sachets to try out. Personally, I love getting samples that are related to my skin. Both visits to The Face Shop involves me buying products related to my combination/oily skin and the samples I've gotten so far from these 2 purchases are always related to combination/oily skin, yay!!

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Majority of the products in The Face Shop can be tested on the spot at any The Face Shop outlet near you. If there are samples to be given, I believe it will be catered if the samples suits your face type. If it doesn't, I doubt they would give as I think the staffs at The Face Shop wouldn't want to give you a sample that is totally not right for your face and/or skin type.

I redeemed this Itoh Collagen Powder from The Sample Store under the "Sponsored Samples" tab a.k.a free delivery within Singapore.

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Go over to the Sponsored Samples tab and see if anything catches your fancy. Oh, if you don't have an account, you can sign up for one using my Referral Link via the Referral tab at the header above :D

Avalon Singapore was running a sampling activity during December 2013, just 8 days before Christmas is due. It's a free 5-day AVALON™ Aloe Multiple Detox sample.

AVALON™ Aloe Multiple Detox is a detox supplement that helps detoxify your body if you have the following symptoms:

• Facultative or habitual constipation
• Bloated feeling in the abdomen
• Water retention
• Bad breath and body odor
• Poor immunity against sickness
• Poor quality of sleep
• Poor facial complexion, premature aging
• Poor appetite
• Constant fatigue, low energy
• Poor memory, mental dullness
• Constant exposure to unhealthy environment
• Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

Alarmingly, I'm having a tick on almost half of the above listed out D:

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Redemption is over for this AVALON™ Aloe Multiple Detox. However, if you have already redeemed yours, hold on to your sample as there will be another bigger giveaway coming soon. Probably involves the current AVALON™ Aloe Multiple Detox sample you have, so don't be in a hurry to finish everything too fast LOL

Go over to Avalon Health & Beauty Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/avalonhealthandbeauty, Like their page as a fan to be informed of upcoming and/or giveaways, sampling activity :D

Sometime last year around December 2013, Schick for Men Singapore was having a sampling activity in conjunction with their new app. Rally your team and get to receive a complimentary Schick Hydro Razer. It came in an Energizer envelope though LOL

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Redemption is over. But stay tuned to Schick for Men Singapore Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Schick.Men.SG and Like their page as a fan to be informed and updated of upcoming and/or future sampling activities and giveaways :D

Cetaphil Singapore was previously having a CNY giveaway in conjunction with Lunar New Year. Last year in 2013, they were giving it out free. But for this year, you have to access a link provided via desktop to get it. I would say, it's good promotion though since they didn't limit to any specific quantity in stock. Basically, it's available until they close and end the redemption on 23 January at 5pm sharp. If I knew there was another color, I would have gotten my mother to send in her request LOL Then I would have both colors as my mother loves collecting cute and adorable ang pows. Cash not included in them though :(

Here's the back of the pink ang pow. The horse is simply adorbs, yo!!

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Redemption is over. However, I would still urge you to go over to Cetaphil Singapore Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CetaphilSG and Like their page as a fan to be informed and updated on giveaways, contests and samples :D

Pfizer Singapore was previously hosting a survey sometime around mid-January 2014. So as usual, I hurriedly went over and promptly and stupidly answered "Yes" when the survey asked:

• Have you seen any Centrum TV commercial in the past 12 months?
• Have you done any Pfizer health survey in the past 6 months?

Which resulted in the survey ending prematurely, which means no shopping voucher for me D: So, I hurriedly reload the link once more and replied "No" to the above questions which resulted in me being able to answer the entire survey in it's entirety and getting my voucher :D Yay!!

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Survey is over. But I still recall doing the previous 2 or 3 surveys and getting my S$5 CapitaLand voucher, usable even at NTUC Supermarkets located in a CapitaLand mall. This company doesn't have an actual FB page, instead, they run ad campaigns. So, you have to keep your eyes peeled on the "Sponsored Ad" section whenever you logged into Facebook each time. Blink and you'll miss it!

L'Occitane En Provence turned 20 previously, so to thank their fans for the continuous support, they are giving away:

• A mini Shea Butter Hand Cream @ 5ml or 10ml
• $10 Return voucher, with minimum spending of $80

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: So far, I haven't seen any soon-to-expire deadline. I'm going to presume it's a While-Stocks-Lasts campaign. So, head on over to L'Occitane En Provence Singapore Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/loccitane.sg, Like their page as a fan first. Next, look for an app that says Free Hand Cream and follow the prompts. Print or flash the redemption email to redeem your mini Shea Butter Hand Cream and S$10 L'Occitane voucher :D

I redeemed this Facial Firming Serum from The Sample Store under the "Sponsored Samples" tab a.k.a free delivery within Singapore.

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Go over to the Sponsored Samples tab and see if anything catches your fancy. Oh, if you don't have an account, you can sign up for one using my Referral Link via the Referral tab at the header above :D

Nuxe Singapore was previously hosting a sampling giveaway for their Rêve de Miel sampling campaign. Interested participants have to register with Nuxe Singapore to receive a redemption email for redemption.

The Rêve de Miel samples includes (in no particular order):

• Rêve de Miel Face and Body Ultra-Rich Cleansing Gel x 1 @ 7ml
• Rêve de Miel Ultra Comfortable Face Cream - Day x 1 @ 2ml
• Rêve de Miel Ultra Comfortable Face Cream - Night x 1 @ 2ml
• Rêve de Miel Ultra Comfortable Body Cream x 1 @ 7ml
• Rêve de Miel Ultra Comfortable Foot Cream x 1 @ 4ml

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Registration is over. However, I would still urge you to be a fan of Nuxe Singapore Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/nuxe.sg and Like their page as a fan to be informed and updated on sampling activities. Also note that Nuxe Singapore are very generous with their samples, so you will lose out if you are not a fan of their Facebook page :O

And so, I was a proud recipient of Poh Heng's Exclusive Hello Kitty Mirror via their "Kitty Surprise" app on their Facebook page. When I won, I was a little hesitant and actually checked back daily to ensure that I am really on the Winner List LOL

It looks big, although slightly different from what I saw on their app. I thought it would be a handheld mirror a.k.a a small mirror. Imagine my surprise when I opened it up and realized it's slightly larger than I hope for ❤ ❤ ❤

Here's how the mirror looked at. And for the record, it's a wall fan behind me, not some weird halo xD

And because I didn't receive their redemption email at all. I had to bug Poh Heng on their Facebook page and only managed to made it for redemption on CNY Eve. It was a little harrowing as all their outlet door were closed, until I saw someone leaving after making their purchases, I instantly ran over and told them I was there for redemption. They quickly but patiently validated my redemption and along the way, threw in 2 packets of ang pows as well. Lucky me!! :D

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Giveaway is over.

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 health, beauty & lifestyle tips at least once a day. It will definitely save you the trouble of having to hunt them down :)