Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Optimizing Skin Serum Review

WHAT IS IT: Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Optimizing Skin Serum

THE PRODUCT(S):

Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Optimizing Skin Serum: This serum uses Elizabeth Arden's retinyl complex to gently retexturize skin while preparing skin to receive the benefits of your unique skin type regimen. Reveals healthy, glowing skin tone. Retinyl linoleate, a vitamin A derivative, re-texturizes skin and improves skin tone for a noticeably smoother, firmer complexion. Vitamin C provides antioxidant protection and brightens your skin for an all-day healthy glow. It’s non-comedogenic so it won’t clog your pores, and is great for all skin types (even sensitive skin!).

The color and texture is similar to the previously tested and reviewed Skin Balancing Lotion Sunscreen SPF15. looks thick and creamy but is lightweight through and through.

It doesn't take much effort to apply it on although it does leave a sticky sensation that dissipates after a short while.

VERDICT: The texture and consistency is actually similar to the previously reviewed-and-tested Skin Balancing Lotion Sunscreen SPF15 I just did. It looks thick and creamy, but surprisingly, it is a lightweight serum. All the while, most of us were thinking that skin serums are supposed to be a little opaque with shades of milkiness. So, it does come as a surprise that this Optimizing Skin Serum is not the usual color of typical skin serums. The scent is also light and mild that doesn't linger on unnecessarily too.

The difference is that, despite this product not needing too much "manhandling" to apply onto the skin, it actually does take a while to be fully absorbed into the skin. It's like, it feels pretty much the same way you would apply on skin serum(s). But the absorption rate is similar to a thick and creamy moisturizer instead, which in turn kind of make you massage your skin even more to get the product into your skin. And immediately after application, there's this sticky sensation that thankfully dissipates after a short while.

However, what I am personally thankful for is that this product actually doesn't cause my skin to breakout or react badly to it which I felt is actually a pleasant surprise. Normally, whenever I use new products on my skin especially my face, I would most definitely get a breakout in as short as a week. But I've been diligently and sparingly using my Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference samples daily and it's been close to 1.5 weeks and still no sight of a breakout. The only pimple I have now is due to lack of sleep and the occasional late night that I kept.

And as usual, I apply this before I went out for work and half a day passed and my skin doesn't look too oily at all. Just a little bit on the forehead and my nose. But if I were to compare, I would say the Skin Balancing Lotion Sunscreen SPF15 actually does a better job in keeping my skin moisturized as compared to this Optimizing Skin Serum.

VERDICT: ✓✓

WHAT I THINK: The Skin Balancing Lotion Sunscreen SPF15 only had me apply the most minimal touch-up half way through work, while the Optimizing Skin Serum had me ensure that I don't missed a spot when I had to re-touch my make-up. The lotion surprisingly is more better than the serum, in terms of moisturization, hydration, absorption and shiny sebum spots on my face.

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: I can't recall how exactly I got this sample. But I'm definitely happy and glad I got this sample as out of the 3 samples, I've already tried and tested 2 of them and I am quite happy with the results. If you are curious, just pop by any Elizabeth Arden counters and ask for the Visible Difference line/range samples 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 health, beauty & lifestyle tips at least once a day. It will definitely save you the trouble of having to hunt them down :)

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Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Skin Balancing Lotion Sunscreen SPF15 Review

WHAT IS IT: Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Skin Balancing Lotion Sunscreen SPF15

THE PRODUCT(S):

Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Skin Balancing Lotion Sunscreen SPF15: Creating a Visible Difference in your skin means giving it the right amount of hydration and protection all day. This gentle, oil-free lotion helps protect skin from UVA/UVB rays while providing the right amount of hydration all day long. Our special Alpha/Beta Hydroxy Compound also works to refine, and retexturize skin.

It looks thick and creamy here, since it's a lotion instead of a serum.

Luckily, it didn't take long for the product to be massaged into the skin thoroughly.

VERDICT: This product has a very light and mild scent to it, which I actually find surprising considering that Elizabeth Arden is a expensive brand. In fact, one of the most expensive samples I've ever tried, test and review so far. I was somehow expecting a heavy lingering scent to it, so scent-wise, it didn't really disappoint at all. Texture and consistency wise, despite the appearance looking really rich, thick and creamy, the consistency itself is actually runny like liquid lotion. No matter how you look at it, lotion is better than cream in terms of "spreadabliity" on the skin surface. Upon initial application, the product feels a little sticky on my skin. But the sticky feeling went away after a while and ends up making my skin felt hydrated and supple.

As I personally have combination skin-type with the usual overly oily nose and shiny as heck forehead if I pull/comb my hair back, I find that this product is actually hydrating enough for my skin. At least an hour before I stepped out of my house this afternoon to get to work, I start by using a boosting essence on my skin. Then let it sit for 15 minutes, after which I apply this Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Skin Balancing Lotion Sunscreen SPF15 since the late afternoon sun is actually quite harsh for a pale skintone person like me. Plus, I just wanted to take advantage of the "SPF15" it promised. Next, I let it settle on my skin for another 15 mintues before touching up with my L'Occitane Angelica Lemon Ultra Matte Fluid and finally my new skincare BFF, LUS Aqua Source Cream from The Skin Shop to seal everything up on my skin.

As I tend to have combination/oily skin as per mentioned, I always find my skin looking like a sebum field after a half day work. Not that I didn't use a moisturizer on my skin before putting on makeup, but then, my skin is rather angsty at some point or another. Midway through work, I went to take a peek on my face and only noticed really minimal oily looking spots. Oily spots is probably the wrong term anyway, as I saw that only part of my nose and forehead look as if I forgot to apply foundation powder on my face. And all I need to do during break-time is to simply touch just a teeny weeny little bit and my face look so matte throughout the night.

Even as I reached home past midnight after working under a bright glaring spotlight at my counter, my skin still look so matte and fresh without any makeup caking nor flaking at all. I am actually impressed that this product help prevent my skin looking so oily like a field of sebum. Something that I always encounter on a daily basis at work. And all this time, I probably could have had matte-looking skin throughout an entire workday with this product as compared to other moisturizers I've tried and used in the past. The good thing is that this product doesn't overly promised, only to end up failing to deliver. Instead, it worked without having to brag too much for it's product description. Something that really amaze me.

VERDICT: ✓✓✓

WHAT I THINK: Finally! Matte-looking skin after a day's work, with the barest minimal touch-up during break-time. Normally, I had to apply foundation all over my face to blot out the sebum after half a day at work. But after using this, I only need to touch up a little portion of my nose and forehead. Just the most minimal touch-up with foundation, that I swear.

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: I can't recall how exactly I got this sample. But I'm definitely happy and glad I got this sample as out of the 3 samples, I've already tried and tested 2 of them and I am quite happy with the results. If you are curious, just pop by any Elizabeth Arden counters and ask for the Visible Difference line/range samples 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 health, beauty & lifestyle tips at least once a day. It will definitely save you the trouble of having to hunt them down :)

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AFC Japan Collagen Beauty Review

WHAT IS IT: AFC Japan Collagen Beauty

THE PRODUCT(S):

AFC Japan Collagen Beauty: Made from small, absorbable peptides, AFC Collagen Beauty replenishes collagen to put the bounce and elasticity back in your skin. Proprietarily combined with Shark Cartilage Extract, Fish collagen Peptide and Vitamin C to ensure effective absorption and better collagen synthesis in the body, Collagen Beauty gives the body what it needs to build healthy, beautiful skin.

Personally, I have this fear of swallowing round-shape tablets/caplets of any variety and type since I tend to fear choking on the little round pill itself. Surprisingly, this one was easy to swallow without making me fear the shape of it LOL And the bag the caplets comes in is a re-sealable bag, so no wastage nor spillage at all :D

VERDICT" Initially, I was hesitant about consuming collagen-related supplements as I was already using a slew of products that is right for my skin-type. Drinking my daily 8 glasses of water (at different intervals, mind you LOL), consuming my regular greens and so on and so forth. But then, those pesky acne and pimple woes keep coming and coming without end in sight. It's like I'm suddenly plague with skin issues after my school days. And I still remembered how my skin was so smooth, supple and scar-free when I was still schooling while my classmates were popping pimples on a daily basis. Probably my skin has finnaly decided to "grow up" after school, hence those acne and pimple woes ^^;

Anyway, towards Christmas last year, I was browsing around Watsons and saw these AFC Collagen Beauty pills on sale. Buy 2 big (or do you call it the regular pack) and get a smaller one for free and they even threw in a organic lip balm. It's the 2 big + 1 small pack of collagen supplement that sealed the deal, not the organic lip balm, mind you xD And I even took an entire hour inside Watsons debating whether I should or should not get it. It's on sale afterall, and I figured it's not that bad to try a collagen supplement and see if it works. If it doesn't, I could either stop or just try another brand until I find one that really works for me.

Initially when I started taking AFC Collagen Beauty, I don't recalled seeing much of a difference to my skin. Although the only difference was my mother squawking at me on how I shouldn't anyhow eat anything, I think she forgot I'm a human and not a vacuum machine sometimes (-_-)" Anyhow, after a month I started to see a slight difference to my skin tone. It feels and looks slightly better than before. Remember how I always QQ about how my pimples show up and stayed on my face like an angry red boil for almost weeks on end without ripening nor going away? It actually behave like what a normal pimple should after taking AFC Collagen Beauty.

And then I suddenly decided to try a little "experiment" on how good AFC Collagen Beauty supplement is supposed to be. For 1 month, I'll religiously nom 3 tablets before bed every night. Then for the next month, I won't eat it. Third month, I'll resume back to 3 tablets before bedtime. In those few months, I've noticed that if I do take my AFC Collagen Beauty, my skin behave better as compared to the month(s) I purposely didn't take any collagen supplements of any variety at all. Needless to say, my skin is better if I take them. But my skin especially my pimple issues gets a relapse issue if I stopped taking them.

VERDICT: ✓✓✓

WHAT I THINK: Liquid collagen supplements that you can drink are actually more expensive, so I thought I'll get the caplets alternative as they are generally more cheaper and doesn't burn a hole in my pocket on a bi- or tri-monthly basis. And I am quite impressed what 3 small little caplets can do for my skin.

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: None. I've never encountered samples from Watsons before. So, you might probably have to ask a friend, family member or acquaintance or buy it when they're having 2 for 1 discounts at Watsons.

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 :)

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Elastine Conditioner De Perfume Love Me: Part 2 Review

WHAT IS IT: Elastine Conditioner De Perfume Love Me

THE PRODUCT(S):

Elastine Conditioner De Perfume Love Me: Elastine Treatment De Perfume Pure Breeze which is including for helping your damaged hair, skin tissue, cell funtional improvement, enzyme production and also making damaged hair to shiny with intensive care.

The conditioner itself looks so thick and creamy, you might mistake it for moisturizer instead if you don't read/look properly LOL

It spreads easily onto my wet hair and isn't hard to wash off. Plus, it didn't leave the oily/slick feeling on my back after rinsing it off.

VERDICT: The scent for this conditioner is exactly the same as the Shampoo version that I reviewed just yesterday. It's exactly the same top, middle and bottom notes so, there's no need to compare too much. Although I might want to add that because the shampoo and conditioner share the same top, middle and bottom scent notes, this actually ensures your hair won't smell like an over zealous mixture of so many scents at one go, which honestly, could be a turn-off for others who happened to catch a whiff of the scent off your hair.

The conditioner itself is really thick and creamy, but it's actually easy to apply onto my wet hair without too much hassle or trouble at all. It spreads around decently without too much hard work needed and when it's time to wash it off, I found that it doesn't take too many rinsing to get it out as well. Normally, conditioners that I've previously used tend to seemingly spread well. But when it's time to wash it off, I find clots of conditioner making it's way towards the drain. But not with this conditioner, it doesn't clot up at all. And it actually behaves like a shampoo does when being rinsed off, albeit less bubbles and suds though.

As of now, readers of my blog are aware of the issue everyone tend to have when using conditioner on long hair that goes past our back, reaching the top of our butt, right? Right after rinsing off the conditioner, you'll notice the back area where your hair was when you applied your hair conditioner tend to feel slick and oily, right? But this conditioner doesn't leave that overly slick and oily sensation on my back at all. Sure, it's still there, but I think it's much more better though. Because if you don't wash your back thoroughly, you'll end up getting back-acne from the product residue that clogs the pores on the your back. So far, I've not encountered any back-acne issues from using this conditioner. Yet.

Another thing I've noticed is that, this conditioner really smooths out my hair that I can practically run my fingers through my hair easily in the shower. Don't do this when your hair is dripping wet. The trick is to hold the faucet or shower-head right above your head and let the water cascade down you. As soon as your hair feels as if it's "submerged" in only water, quickly run your finger through your hair. Less hair-fall issues and also a fast and quick way to find out if the conditioner is really "working" or live up to it's hype. Just be really careful of water splashes in the bathroom (^^) Not recommended to attempt to run your fingers through your wet hair after your stepped out of the shower as your hair is still wet and may tangle easily.

VERDICT: ✓✓✓

WHAT I THINK: With the same conditioner in the same range/line/series, I find my hair staying soft, smooth and manageable for up to 3 days before it feels a little bit tangled at the ends. And the overall scent is just subtle without going overboard :D

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: I haven't encountered sample sachets for conditioners at The Face Shop, however, you can still try your luck and ask at any The Face Shop outlets.

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 :)

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Elastine Shampoo De Perfume Love Me: Part 1 Review

WHAT IS IT: Elastine Shampoo De Perfume Love Me

THE PRODUCT(S):

Elastine Shampoo De Perfume Love Me: Elastine perfume shampoo which is including for helping your damaged hair, skin tissue, cell functional improvement, enzyme production and also making damaged hair to shiny with intensive care. It’s less scent than perfume but keeps its scent longer than perfume. As the texture of shampoo is soft, it's good enough to use all of your family.

The shampoo itself looks thick and creamy, and the color itself is reminiscent of pearlized poster color from the 90s.

Surprisingly, it suds and lathers up well and it doesn't take much trouble nor hassle to wash it off my hair thoroughly.

Did I also mentioned it's a scented shampoo? Even the conditioner in the same series/line is the same exact scent. And the scent comes in top, middle and bottom notes, similar to EDT/EDP.

• Top Notes: Pink Grapefruit, Peach
• Middle Notes: Orange Blossom, Jasmin
• Bottom Notes: White Musk, Ylang Ylang

VERDICT: This korean hair-care craze of mine started partly due to my mild-severe dandruff issues. I was browsing around The Face Shop near my neighborhood and I casually asked my usual + favorite Sales Assistant working there about shampoos that is recommended for itchy/dandruff scalp and she recommended this to me. She recommended me another one under the same range, but different scent. Anyways, she assure me that she herself used it too and not to claim that it work wonders, but it does help in terms of the scratching issue. It drastically reduce the itchiness for her. which in turn meant she needn't have to constantly scratched at her scalp too much.

Anyways, the color of this shampoo is similar to those 90s pearlized shade of poster color. If you remember gold and silver poster colors from the brand Pentel that has swirls of matte and shiny colors all in one shade, you'd probably know what I'm talking about. It's like the pearl version of Pentel bottles of poster color, albeit not, but a shampoo. Just the consistency itself is thick and creamy and it did look and feel like it wouldn't spread easily. But I was aboslutely wrong!

The shampoo's scent comes in 3 different notes, namely: top, middle and bottom. Similar to Eau De Toilette and Eau De Parfum. And I was assured that Elastine technology ensure that the scents are already mixed into the shampoo in the production process, not just simply poured in and mixed around just to get the scent. How they managed to get a top, middle and bottom scent all in one bottle of shampoo, I don't really know. But what I am sure is that, first whiff before using it, the scent is deliciously yummy. And after using it, it slowly dissipates and goes to the next note, which is just as heavenly. And at the end of the day, my hair still smells fresh, albeit with a little difference in the scent though, but just as good.

The shampoo itself spreads really easily and decently without much effort or hassle when applied to my wet hair. As I have long hair, I always avoid piling my hair on top of my head as this ensures that my hair will just get more tangled. No amount of conditioner and hair mask will be able to solve this problem LOL I first wet my hair, then apply a small handful of shampoo on my hands and rubbed it into a lather. Next, I smear the lathered-up shampoo onto my wet hair and next proceed to run my hand over and into my hair repeatedly to get the suds and lather it well. This method ensures your hair stays almost tangle free all the way until you stepped out of the shower.

After showering, the scent slowly fades to a subtle scent that doesn't smother, nor make you nauseous. Ever catch a whiff of your hair scent whenever a slight breeze picks up? That's how you catch the scent in your hair after using a scented shampoo. Despite Singapore's hot and humid weather and environment, the sweat doesn't mingle with the scent to produce a monstrous after-effect scent at all. On the contrary, the sweat from my scalp doesn't even affect the left-over scent on my hair after the shampoo session. At the end of a long day after work, I like that the scent still gives me a rush and a perk-up without making me feel nauseous nor sick of it.

And best part of all? I find that the itchiness on my scalp doesn't really affect me badly. It's not like it's a dandruff-based shampoo. However, I did noticed that I scratched at my scalp less and less and my scalp wasn't that itchy before prior to using this shampoo. I even tried not washing my hair entirely for 2 straight days, which meant lots and lots of scratching due to the sweat, dust and itchiness. But right immediately after using this shampoo, the itchiness went away and my scalp and hair just felt to clean and refreshed.

VERDICT: ✓✓✓

WHAT I THINK: If only I found this shampoo earlier, I probably would have saved tons of money on hair products that promises but didn't quite deliver. This isn't even a dandruff based shampoo but yet works like one. And the selling point is that scent, which doesn't alter drastically due to body sweat and whatnots.

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: I haven't encountered sample sachets for shampoos at The Face Shop, however, you can still try your luck and ask at any The Face Shop outlets.

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 :)

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Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Skin Balancing Exfoliating Cleanser Review

WHAT IS IT: Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Skin Balancing Exfoliating Cleanser

THE PRODUCT(S):

Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Skin Balancing Exfoliating Cleanser: Cleaning combination skin is a balancing act: oilier areas need to be well-cleansed without depleting vital moisture. Our foam’s micro-beads gently cleanse and exfoliate while leaving skin with the perfect balance of hydration.

This product is gentle enough for my sometimes angsty skin issues, however, I think it doesn't have enough "grit" to be called an exfoliator though.

It suds up pretty well, even with a little and I don't find much trouble trying to wash it off my face.

VERDICT: Personally, I found that this product has this mild scent that doesn't make you nauseous nor gag a little in your throat at all. I can probably liken the scent to being "spa-like", if there ever was such a word in existence. What I like is that, the cleanser itself exfoliates gently without being too harsh on the skin, something that sensitive skin users might find pleasing to use. Although I wished it had a little more "grit" to it, expecially when using on the nose area.

The consistency and texture isn't too runny and neither is it too thick to spread. As soon as I applied it to my wet face, it starts to lathers up pretty decently and without too much effort nor hassle too. And it spreads easily all over my face too. Previous facial exfoliators I've used before tend to be a little thick and when it's time to spread the product around my face, little globs of it will travel from one point of my face to another point. All the while still staying as a small little glob of product. But not with this product at all.

As I'm somewhat a "force-ful" type of person when it comes to using exfoliating products on my skin, I sometimes tend to rub a little harder on problematic areas, such as my nose. If my nose is left untouched for at least a week, there will be a layer of dried flaky skin on my nose, which will somehow prevent products from being able to work their magic. The only way I know this layer of skin exists is when I try using a blackhead extractor and the blackheads comes out in a struggle from the pores of my nose. Hence, I tend to use a little more force on the skin on my nose for maximum effect and result(s). Which thankfully didn't make my nose look red like Rudolph the reindeer after my facial cleansing regime.

And when it's time to wash the product off my face, I also noticed that I need not have to rinse my face repeatedly to get the product off my skin at all. Unlike some previous facial exfoliators that I used before, which resulted in my excessively rubbing and washing the product off my face, this doesn't happen with this product. And after rinsing this off my face, my skin doesn't feel overly tight nor taut at all. Instead, the skin on my face actually felt softer, smoother and cleaner to the touch. Kinda hard to resist touching my face repeatedly after washing, if I may say so.

VERDICT: ✓✓✓

WHAT I THINK: Is gentle enough to be used on a daily basis, although I have to be a little "forceful" when it comes to exfoliating the skin on my nose. The scent is mild with a nice after-feel and my face feels so smooth, gentle and clean. I think I'm sold already~

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Kinda forgot where or how I got this sample, but then, you can try asking over any Elizabeth Arden counter if they have samples for their Visible Difference product line.

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 :)

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Audace Preven Anti-Dandruff Intensive Shampoo Review

WHAT IS IT: Audace Preven Anti-Dandruff Intensive Shampoo

THE PRODUCT(S):

Audace Preven Anti-Dandruff Intensive Shampoo: It's intensive formula helps relieve itchy scalp and helps prevents\ and remove dandruff flakes.

Comes in a flip-top lid type, making it easier to control the amount you pour/squeeze out for each use.

The shampoo itself comes in a light blue shade, is just the right runny consistency without being overly watery.

It actually suds up pretty well, although the smell is similar to floor cleaning solution and it can be really drying to the hair if used on a daily basis.

VERDICT: Back when I was still in my early 20s, I was already suffering from light dandruff issues. It wasn't so bad, but then, I would love to curb it and have it gone from my scalp. And one fine afternoon, after close to 1 hour of browsing around Guardian Pharmacy, Watsons and Unity while comparing prices, I decided to go for my first bottle of Audace Preven Anti-Dandruff Intensive Shampoo. In the end, it doesn't matter as new products must be tried and tested to see if it works and if it will benefit one in the long run. So with that in mind, I happily bought my very first bottle home and immediately tried it out.

As soon as I opened up the lid, the smell of floor cleaning solution hits me in the nose and at first thought, I might have bought a floor cleaning item by mistake. And after repeated inspecting and reading of the bottle all over, I was convinced I bought something meant for the hair, not for the floor. However, the smell did get to me somehow. I have to say, it is a really effective product. And mind you, it was my first time buying this brand and using it for the first time. So, it didn't really occur to me that I shouldn't use it on a daily basis. Maybe at most twice a week, but once a week is actually just fine.

A month down the road, I realized that while the shampoo itself was really effective, it ended up making my hair dry and brittle. And I also noticed split ends on the ends of my hair. Not that I literally checked every single strand, but the handfuls I managed to grabbed for a look (my hair during my early 20s reached all the way down past my tailbone lol) and noticed that each individual strand has split ends. Not a single strand was spared from this new "discovery".

I had no choice but to trim my long hair short to get rid of the split ends as it was literally frustrating to comb through split and tangled hair. It was only when after getting my split ends trimmed that I literally tried cutting down the usage from daily to once-a-week, while incorporating conditioner and hair masks into my hair washing regime that I noticed that my scalp is almost literally dandruff-free and without the split ends showing up.

VERDICT: ✓✓

WHAT I THINK: All in all, this is literally a product that is effective. However, the smell might put some of you off as it reminds me of floor cleaning detergent. Also, remember to invest in a good and effective hair conditioner and do weekly hair masks to avoid split ends. As this product is really too effective, I would recommend using it only once a week for best results. Daily usage will assure that your hair will be dry, brittle, have split ends and everything that you do not want to see on your crowning glory :/

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: No sample to bring home and try. But for those of you who may have sensitive scalp, you might want to ask among your friends and acquaintances if they use this and ask if they can spare a little sample for you to try instead.

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 :)

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The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Milk Review

WHAT IS IT: The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Milk

THE PRODUCT(S):

The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Milk: Milky lotion texture gently lifts away makeup and toxic surface residues without drying the skin

Looks exactly like a lightweight facial moisturizer, but easily cleans off light makeup without too much effort.

I need between 3 to 4 cotton pads to clean off makeup from my face entirely.

VERDICT: The first time I was recommended to this product, I was in the market looking for a makeup remover that doesn't involves too much facial cleansing. And by that, I meant rinse off dissolved makeup with tap/tepid water and re-wash the skin again for close to maximum cleanliness. As the sales assistant (she's a sweet Malay girl by the way ^^) gave me an instant test-try on the spot, I was surprised to find out that it's a really creamy-based makeup remover. And since it was my first time using/trying a cream-based makeup remover, I bought a bottle to give it a more thorough test and review, and I'm glad to say I wasn't disappointed.

The best recommended method to using this, as suggested by the SA is to use tissue or cotton pad instead of using my hands. And I realized that I just need about half a pump on 1 cotton pad/tissue to clean off half the makeup on my face. And take note of this, I don't go for the heavy makeup since I tend to have oily/combination skin and all that sweating process will probably make heavy makeup look kinda disastrous. So, I can attest that this works extremely well for light makeup removal without too much hassle and fuss at all.

The scent is really light and not cloying, and it's not those typical annoying makeup remover scent that I always encounter. And after using this product to remove makeup from my skin, it doesn't make my skin feels way too squeaky clean at all, as our skin still need to retain a little facial sebum so it doesn't get too dry. And as the story goes, if the skin is too dry, it will try to overcompensate by producing more sebum. Which in turn will lead to more pimples. And the cycle goes on and on. And in order to compensate for the loss of facial sebum to keep our skin moist, we will tend to apply more moisturizer, which in turn makes our skin way too moisturized. Blah Blah..

What I didn't like is that, as soon as I apply tap water to my skin immediately after using this, I got this slick sensation on my skin. Maybe it's just my personal opinion, but I'm not used to it at all. Ultimately, this product is a cleansing milk that comes in cream-based form, so it's actually expected to make your skin feel a little slick as soon as you try to use tap water immediately after using it.

For the whitening part, I didn't really see much difference since my skin tone naturally gravitate towards pale/fair. Although I do have to say that it doesn't irritate my skin a few months after using it. In fact, I think that slick sensation is because this makeup removal supposedly has a moisturizing effect and after-feel to it. So, I didn't see my skin getting worse after using it.

VERDICT: ✓✓✓

WHAT I THINK: Uses between 3 to 4 cotton pad/tissue, depending on the amount of makeup you have to remove from your face. It didn't make my skin feel overly tight nor taught but neither does it make my skin feel under-cleansed at all. I just didn't like that slick sensation I encounter when I tried to splash tap water on my skin immediately after using this.

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: No sample to bring home and try. But the concept is like TBS, L'Occitane outlets where there are opened retail bottles that customers can test out the products on the spot. Plus the fact that the SA that always attend to me is actually knowledgeable about the products despite her young age really helps, and I never encountered any pushy SA from The Face Shop. Not even once :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 health, beauty & lifestyle tips at least once a day. It will definitely save you the trouble of having to hunt them down :)

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Lancome Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate Review

WHAT IS IT: Lancome Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate

THE PRODUCT(S):

Lancome Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate: Inspired by cutting-edge science, Lancôme introduces Advanced Génifique—a serum so powerful it creates more radiant and smoother skin that you can see and feel. This innovative formula featuring Génifique’s powerful complex with added biotechnology-derived ingredient is incredible to the touch, and acts on 10 key signs of youth including texture, resiliency, elasticity, firmness, sagginess, fine lines, wrinkles, radiance, clarity, and skintone. Complete with an exclusive self-loading dropper that gives you the perfect dose of serum for each application, skin will feel refreshed, renewed, and healthy.

The product itself despite looking thick, turns out to actually be a lightweight serum. Has a clear consistency, spreads easily and quickly absorbed into my skin without too much effort used. Despite the sensation of thickness and stickiness upon application, it slowly dissipates while melting into the skin.

VERDICT: When I first emptied out the samples into a reusable pot, it looked really thick since it didn't spread around the pot itself too fast. However, as soon as I applied it onto my skin, it actually spreads pretty well and decently and was quickly absorbed into my skin without the usual fuss and effort of having to literally massage it into my skin like forever. Although there were feelings of stickiness upon application, I realized that the sticky feeling slowly dissipates and less than a minute after application, that sticky feeling was gone from my skin.

Normally, whenever certain skin products feel sticky upon application, the sticky sensation actually lingers on even after application. But not with this Lancome Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate, it only feels that sticky upon application only. However, less than a week after trying this out, my skin slowly started to breakout with acne and pimples. But despite that, I carried on using it. Mainly because when it comes to brand new skin products, our skin practically needed to get used to it before toning down and accepting it. (That's what I like to believe)

And while my acne and pimples started to tone down little by little, I noticed that my skin started becoming better. In terms of smoothness, I can actually and easily see it for myself. Especially my nose which tend to "oil" up faster prior to using any skin care products, I noticed that it wasn't that oily as before. Maybe it really did helped the skin on my nose, due to my skin being hydrated with a skincare product.

Although I can't really say the same for less visible pores, since I can't really tell much of a difference at all. Probably need to get myself under a microscope or something to know if there's any difference. But I did noticed that certain dark spots on my face seemed to have lighten up slightly. This is definitely one of those skincare products that can actually benefit one's skin through prolonged usage.

VERDICT: ✓✓✓

WHAT I THINK: My skin tend to breakout a little when I change, include or exclude any skincare products, so I wasn't surprised when I got a few acne and pimples less than a week after trying this. As I myself is aware how my skin tend to behave sometimes, and I was really glad I carried on using this despite a slight breakout. It was only after my samples ran out that my skin is slowly going back to what it almost was before trying this product.

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: The original sample redemption link isn't working, last I check. But you can pop by any Lancome outlet and ask if they still have samples for this product that you can take home and 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 health, beauty & lifestyle tips at least once a day. It will definitely save you the trouble of having to hunt them down :)

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Samples Received & Redeemed: May/June 2014

My humble apologies for going MIA once more for the past month or two. I was practically on a sample collecting spree, up to the point where my room is looking more like a messy bachelor's pad than a girl's bedroom. Just when I thought I had found the last of it, another batch mysteriously popped out of some unknown "Sample Twilight Zone" and beg, or rather, demanded to be arranged and cataloged for easy access.

In terms of samples, it's best to either follow the expiry dates provided they are given. Alternatively, it's the same concept as most F&B outlets, also known as "First-In-First-Out". Essentially, "First-In-First-Out" means whichever comes in earlier should be used first while those that comes in later should be used only after the earlier ones have been fully used or utilized. Despite samples being samples, I sincerely believed that there are actually expiry dates for them too.

Especially those samples that doesn't come in little sealed satchets, such as sample shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, facial cleansers, to name a few. Chances are, we would probably be curious about the scent, the color of the product itself. And along the way, while doing a little sniffing here and a little "ooh" and "ahh" there, we'd probably literally come into direct contact with the sample itself, which in turn would decrease the time it can be stored away before using them.

It's the same concept as frozen food, once defrosted it has to be used up as soon as you possibly can. If you were to defrost, realized you won't be using the frozen food item, dumped it back into the freezer. And carry on with the defrost and freeze cycle repeatedly, the food itself would no doubt be spoiled beyond usage or consumption. Anyways, enough of my "Sample Twilight Zone" moment back there. Here's a look at the May 2014 and June 2014 samples I've managed to accumulated along the way:

So, my mother tend to go on a TBS spree for unknown reasons since she tend to only pop by if either there are new body scents in stock or her friend is working at the outlet in our neighborhood. But this purchase of hers defined any explanation as these aren't really exactly new in the first place. In clock-wise direction, left to right:

• Satsuma Eau De Toilette @ 30ml
• Papaya Shower Gel @ 250ml
• Nutriganics Drops of Youth @ 30ml
• Natrulift Refreshing Eye Roll-On @ 10ml

The nice catch out of these purchase is the make-up/cosmetic pouch, by my terms, is rather huge like a clutch bag instead. Since it already took up plenty of room space in the smallest sling bag that I used for work purposes. Let's just say I have to place it in a sideway standing position in my bag, instead of sitting it down like a proper pouch. Along the cosmetic pouch comes some samples for trying, from left to right:

• Vitamin E Hydrating Toner @ 60ml
• Vitamin E Cream Cleanser @ 60ml
• Strawberry Eau De Toilette @ 30ml

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: So far, I've never recalled seeing actuay bring-home sample sachets version of these products. However, each outlet do have a sample retail size bottle for patrons to try out on the spot. So, feel free to pop by any TBS outlet and give their products a try on the spot before throwing in the dough :D

The Sample Store previously stocked up on belief samples and I decided to go grab them while it atill lasted. Note that this is a "Sponsored" sample, hence limited quantity/stocks available before it runs out.

Upon opening up and checking out the samples, I realized that majority of them I've already redeemed from a physical belief outlet before. But then, it doesn't hurt to have a little more spare, which in turn will make the sample itself last longer if I were to combine these current belief samples with the ones I've previously got. From clock-wise direction, left to right:

• belief The true cream - aqua bomb @ 3ml
• belief First Aid Overnight brightening mask @ 5ml
• belief First Aid 360 Eye care mask @ 3ml
• belief Hungarian Water Essence @ 3ml
• belief Complimentary Skin Consultant + S$5 off discount card

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: I believed that belief actually do stock ample supply of samples for most of their products as I recalled the SA opening a really heavy-looking drawer and in it were rows upon rows of samples which somehow made my eyes bulge a little. As compared to TBS using the same similar drawers but for retail products instead.

Anyway, the reason I concluded is that, these samples are actually their best-selling or highly-raved products, hence they've been giving out similar samples around 6 months apart. So, it might be best to get samples of the listed items above and see if it works well with your skin types as I've been told that most of belief products are good for any skin types :D

So, I managed to get my hands on the previous BlackBox, although I did missed the latest one since I was a little too busy to check and clean out my email inbox. But well, let's give someone else a chance to own a BlackBox instead and be a good Samaritan along the way :D

As usual, a card letting you know the latest happenings going on with BlackBox.

And right on the other side, a full list of product samples that comes in your BlackBox, along with description and prices should you like the product and want to get your hands on it at a discounted rate/price via BlackBox.

From clock-wise direction, left to right:

• Darlie Charcoal Clean White toothpaste @ 40g
• HImalaya Herbals Lip Balm @ 10g
• Nuxe White Brightening Purifying Foam @ 15ml
• Himalaya Herbals Nourishing Skin Cream @ 6ml

From top to bottom:

• Adore Comfort All Days Premium 5 pads
• Discount voucher for Fat Freezing/LED Teeth Whitening/Laser Face Treatment

From left to right:

• Nuxe White Brightening Purifying Foam @ 4ml
• Nuxe White Brightening Moisturizing Lotion @ 4ml
• Nuxe White Intensive Whitening Dark Spot Correcting Serum @ 2ml
• Nuxe White Brightening Moisturizing Emulsion @ 2ml

From left to right:

• Essential Nuance Airy Intensive Hair Mask @ 15g
• Essential Rich Premier Intensive Hair Mask @ 15g

Phyto Paris Secret De Nuit Hydrating Regenerating Night Treatment @ 5ml

And at another glance, the whole BlackBox I got for June 2014 :D

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Samples don't cost a single cent however, due to overwhelming demand, balloting is required for a chance to secure your own BlackBox. Alternatively, pay only S$6 for the courier fee and you are guaranteed a box. If you were to "pretend" that S$6 goes to BlackBox, it still makes it the cheapest beauty samples box in Singapore as compared to other beauty box subscriptions.

Went to JEM for some cosmetic and food shopping + Noah (the movie LOL) and I accumulated enough spending to redeem a small.. document bag? It's like you can put really short notes in there, or you could use it as a flat clutch bag LOL Kinda vague on how to use this flat pouch/bag here.

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Redemption is only for June :/

Essential came out with yet another new hair product, but this time it's meant for our hair while we sleep. In short, Singapore is a hot and humid country, hence we tend to have pillow cases made out of cloth/cotton for easy sweat absorption and various other beneficial reasons for a humid country. However, it is really bad for our hair as our hair is already fragile, all that tossing and turning at night will result in what you see on the black panel there.

Experts have long recommended using silk material for pillow cases as it allows our hair to glide over the pillow effortlessly while we do the usual tossing and turning while we sleep at night. But all I can say is that, it's going to be frigging hot to use a silk pillow due to the humidity in Singapore. Therefore, silk pillow cases are out of the question. But Essential took it a step further, they came up with a product that doesn't compromise your sleep while ensuring that you don't wake up looking like a deranged medusa in the morning.

Essential Sleeping Hair Mask x 2 @ 3ml.

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: First of all, go over to Essential Singapore Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Essential.SG, "Like" their page first. Next, look for the Sleeping Hair Mask app link and click on it. Fill in your details and wait for the sample to arrive in your mailbox :D

I got some goodies from Enable and it consists of a recyclable bag that can be used repeatedly and a Memo Clip.

Along the way, I got a complimentary gender change without knowing why LOL ^^

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: I totally forgot where I got it from or how on earth I got this. But note that any samples I've come across, I'll immediately post it up on my Facebook page for easy redemption.

Cafe21 was previously hosting a full month giveaway where you can try your luck in winning something. I only got to know about it due to my friends' status updates on the items they won and decided to give it a try. I'm just glad I got a porcelain tumbler instead since I'm still desperately trying to finish up my own personal stash of 3-in-1 coffees and soya bean drink.

The tumbler itself is porcelain, but the lid and the holder is foam.

By sachets, I think they meant how many coffee sachets for a specific amount of hot water. Too little and you get watery coffee and too much gives you really strong and thick coffee xD

Here's how the tumbler looked like when I opened up the package.

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Giveaway is over.

From left to right:

• Vichy Aqualia Thermal Night Spa Sleeping Mask @ 2ml
• Vichy Aqualia Thermal Dynamic Hydration Serum @ 1.5ml

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: I believed sample redemption is over as I couldn't find any links for sample redemption anymore on Vichy Singapore Facebook page.

From top to bottom:

• Sunkiller Perfect Strong Plus Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++ @ 2ml
• DHC Suncut Q10 Aqua Gel SPF 50+ @ 2g

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: I redeemed this "Sponsored" sample from The Sample Store. Unfortunately, they ran out of samples already :(

The Sample Store was giving out complimentary Nando's vouchers for their "Peri-Peri Flame Grilled Chicken".

And the voucher is valid until the end of this year. Yay~ I can have until this year before the voucher expires. I tend to get vouchers that are expiring in close to a month's time most of the time. So, I'm rather pleased to receive one that has a little more than 6 months validity till it expires :D

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: I redeemed this "Sponsored" sample from The Sample Store. Unfortunately, they ran out of samples already :(

DHC PQQ Pop Up Gel @ 1g

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: I believed samples are still up for grabs as I am still seeing this product under the "Sponsored" samples tab over at The Sample Store.

Institut Arnaud Paris Youthful Radiance Definign Serum @ 3ml.

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: I kinda forgot where I got this too :(

I got to know about Ascience doing a sampling giveaway, and went for it. This is their latest hair product, Ascience Treatment Hair Mask @ 15g.

The other sample I got are the:

• Ascience Inner Rich Shampoo @ 45ml
• Ascience Inner Rich Conditioner @ 45ml

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Go over to http://www.ksgpromo.com/AsienceMaskForm/, fill in the short questionnaire and your details and wait for the sample to arrive in your mailbox :D

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