Samples Received & Redeemed: August 2014

How fast time flies for the month of August. Before we know it, it's the end of August as we embark into September. Featured in this monthly post are some Daiso goodies I happened to see and madly grabbed them while they were still available. Although not fast enough as the Daiso at my area didn't stock them after the products got sold out in the span of 2 days LOL

I was browsing around 7-Eleven in the dead of the night after a closing shift, spy a free tote bag that comes with the August issue and grabbed one. But not before choosing the Eiffel Tower design, since it's touted as a Agnes B. tote bag :O

P/S: When I flipped through the magazine, I was rewarded with yet another sample. A Nivea Body Lotion In-Shower Skin Condition Whitening satchet (10ml). So many Nivea samples LOL

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: You can still visit any bookstores, newstands, etc and see if they still have the August 2014 issue in stock. But if not, oh well.. :/

The Sample Store was previously giving this away via their "Sponsored" samples section (now changed to "Free" samples section). Of course, I just requested for it and little did I expect it to be the actual retail size LOL

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Fully redeemed.

I was browsing through Daiso when I chanced upon these Foot Mask Pack and grabbed 5 packets. And you can actually see the effects right from the very first use, which I decided to go back the next day and grabbed more. Only to see another 5 left remaining in stock. When I last left Daiso the previous day, there were more than 10 pieces. Of course, I quickly grabbed the remaining stocks. And until now, I still didn't see any new stocks for this product being put up :( At S$2 a piece, it's actually a steal.

Although I wouldn't recommend using Daiso makeup products, but anything else is actually fine :)

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: No samples from Daiso.

So, I finally finished up using my very last My Scheming masks and decided to head down to Watsons for some stocking up. Until I realized something... I couldn't find any My Scheming masks in Watsons at all. Thinking that maybe Watsons has sold out, I tried Guardian Pharmacy and the same thing happened. Not a single My Scheming masks in sight. And further thinking that maybe it's my area that's out of stock, I went down to JEM Watsons the next day. Still out of stock, same thing happened in Lot 1 Watsons and Causeway Point Watsons. Feeling a little emo, I decided maybe it's time to switch to another brand and bought quite a few boxes from My Beauty Diary. Only to have them had a sale roughly 1 week after buying so many boxes >.<

Apple Polyphenol Mask & Aloe Mask.

Beaute Forest (布萊斯森林) Witch Hazel & Chamomile Soothing Mask & Luffa Mask.

Watsons Soothing and Moisturizing Facial Mask & Watsons Calming and Moisturizing Facial Mask.

Watsons Deep Cleansing Nose Pore Strips - These are for use on my face instead of my nose.

Biore Fresh Grapefruit Nose Pore Strips & Biore Sweet Berry Nose Pore Strips - These are actually meant for my nose only LOL

Aqua Rine Japanese Aroma Bath Sea Salt - Kinda been eyeing this brand for a new years. But because Watsons didn't carry the full range previously, so I didn't get any. But recently the Watsons at my area underwent renovation and they brought in the full-range, so I got this one to try out :D Seems like there's a total of 6 different "flavours", but Watsons always seemed to carry only half the available "flavours". Hmm...

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: No samples from Watsons.

The Body Shop had new EDT in stock, including more items from the same range, Fiji Water Lotus. And my mother had been silently hinting to me to grab it. So... I got the EDT and Shower gel for myself and got my mother the EDT and Body Lotion. After she got the Fiji Water Lotus goodies from me, she then went on to casually mention that the scent is great, as reported in the newspapers. Like Mum, be a little more ecstatic leh...

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: You can pop by any The Body Shop outlets near you and "sniff-test" the range :D

Kao Singapore was previously hosting a MegRhythm Steam Eye Mask sampling activity. So, I went to request one :D It's an innovative self warming steam eye mask that relieves and relaxes your hardworking eyes :O

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: If you still haven't got your hands on this sample, go over to http://web.kao.com/sg/megrhythm/request/index.html and fill in a short questionnaire to redeem one. Sample will be mailed to your mailbox :D

The Sample Store also had this Ocean Health Memore supplement sample to redeem. Same thing, I redeemed for it and received 3 satchet in the mail. Each satchet contains 2 soft gels.

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Sample fully redeemed.

Ah Yuan Soap Facebook page was previously hosting a sampling activity. I only got to know about it on the last few days, so I simply just shared it on my personal page timeline instead as I'm not sure if there's limited samples for redemption.

I got the Eucalyptus Yuan Soap (Body) and the sample soap actually came with a small booklet detailing many of their different soaps for different usage. Gonna find their physical store and see if there's any meant for clothes too. My skin sometimes get too angsty and break out in rashes from synthetic cloth detergent :(

P/S: When my family goes for holidays and I'm the only one left at home, I hand-wash my clothes instead of the washing machine. Let's just say I'm an absolute idiot to operating washing machine(s) LOL

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Sampling activity is over.

Summer's Eve Facebook page was hosting a sample giveaway, so, I requested for my sample :D

I received:

• Summer's Eve Feminine Wash - Normal Skin @ 5ml
• Summer's Eve Femine Cleansing Wipes - Normal Skin @ One Wipe

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: If you haven't tried Summer's Eve before, go over to http://www.summerseve.asia/free-sample/ and request for your sample today. The sample will be mailed to your mailbox :D

Curél Singapore previously hosted a sampling activity for their latest a.k.a newest Curél Sebum Care. I received:

• Curél Sebum Care Lotion @8ml
• Curél Sebum Care Moisture Gel @ 7ml

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Go over to Curél Singapore Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Curel.SG, Like their page first. Next, look for the Curél Sebum Care Samples tab and click on it. Follow the on-screen instructions and wait for the samples to arrive in your mailbox :D

Innisfree Singapore has previously hosting a tag-and-share sampling activity. There were around 10,000 sample kits to be given away when you tagged and shared the affiliated post around. I don't think it really reached 10,000 tags and shares, but then, those whom I did tagged had already done the tagging and sharing. Hence, I didn't tag too much, although I did share it a few times around on my personal timeline instead.

The kit I received includes:

• innisfree green tea balancing skin x 2 @ 10ml each
• innisfree green tea seed serum @ 5ml
• innisfree green tea balancing cream @ 5ml

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: This sampling activity is over. However, they have another soon-to-come sampling activity in lieu of their global online store opening. Party 1 has ended, but there's still Party 2, Party 3 and Grand Open sample kits to be won. So, head over to http://www.innisfreeworld.com/commingsoon/openEvent1.do and bookmark your calendars to join :D

Saw this Bio-essence Tanaka White sample at the "Free Sample" section and requested for it :D

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Samples fully redeemed.

3M Singapore regularly had a sampling activity of some sort where you can redeem for free 3M products to try out. I was looking around for a scotch tape that doesn't peel off nail polish when doing nail art. I think this 3M Magic Tape does a good job :O

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: I presume the sample redemption is over as I can't find the link anymore >.<

I was randomly clicking around L'Oreal Paris Singapore Facebook page and decided to tack down some old samples. Weird that this got through LOL

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: I forgot exactly which sample link/tab I got this from, but you can play around over at https://www.facebook.com/lorealparissingapore and click on the "More" tab for some sample fun xD

Bt the way, I redeemed the L'Oreal Paris Perfect White Laser sample :D

Exuviance Singapore was hosting another sampling activity. Kinda forget if this is the exact same sample as they hosted previously. But this time round, I requested for the Exuviance OptiLight Essential 6 Serum samples (2ml per satchet). Samples will be mailed to your mailbox :D

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Go over to https://www.facebook.com/ExuvianceSG, Like their page as a fan first. Next, click on the "More" tab and then click on "FREE Sample" to request. You can only choose 1 sample of the 3 offered :)

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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Senka Perfect Liquid Makeup Cleanser Review

WHAT IS IT: Senka Perfect Liquid Makeup Cleanser

THE PRODUCT(S):

Senka Perfect Liquid Makeup Cleanser: Perfect Liquid makeup remover melt dirt, excess oil, debris, and makeup, leaving your skin smooth and refresh. It absorbs dirt while cleansing and prevent dirt from adhering to your skin again while rinsing. It works well on wet or dry skin and rinse cleanly away. It contains Moisture-Captive Amino Acid derivative to keep your skin moisturized after wash. No Artificial Color or fragrance. Allergy tested.

Look at the nozzle, despite it being the pouring type, this actually prevents spillage if you tend to bring your makeup remover with you outside the house.

Here's swatches of my makeup for on-the-spot testing. Products used in this lineup includes:

• Erabelle Long Lasting Brow Color
• Majolica Majorca Eyeliner
• BareMinerals The Tease blush powder
• Peripera Peri's Tint Water in Cherry Juice #1 (I applied a layer of gloss over this tint)

Just 1 full drop on the makeup swatches.

Rub-a-dub-dub gently as I possible can~

Ta-da!! No, it's not the leftover shadow of my eyebrow pencil, it's my vein(s) LOL

VERDICT: The product itself has a very pleasant scent that I can't really pinpoint exactly what it reminds me of. But it's a really really pleasant scent that doesn't border on nauseousness nor smell awkward and weird after usage. Although it's called a "Perfect Liquid", it's actually a cross between gooey and runny. It wasn't overly runny to the point it dripped off my hands before I get the product to my skin. But it isn't those really strong-hold type where it's too "hard" to spread around either. Best description would be: Slightly runny than clear liquid glue LOL

Anyway, moving on~

I normally apply light makeup at work, meaning it's only a thin layer of BB or CC Cream, foundation powder, eyebrow pencil and blusher. I just suck at the mascara and eyeliner part, since I've tried it before and I end up looking like a panda just slightly one hour after application. And most days, I don't even need to re-apply my makeup again as I've thoroughly and generously moisturize my face prior to applying any makeup on. So, when it's time to remove my makeup I only need around a small teaspoon that I rubbed and massaged gently onto my face. Yes, I do massage makeup removers like this a little longer, but gently in a circular motion.

When it's about time to wash it off, I found that just 1 splash (or maybe it should be corrected as 2 palm-ful instead) is able to wash everything off completely without having the feeling of oily or slick residue left on my face. I'm not joking though. Right immediately after that splash-ful of water, I immediately wear my glasses without wiping my face dry and I can instantly see no trace of makeup left on my face at all. Nada!

And even hours after only using this Senka Perfect Liquid Makeup Cleanser without double cleansing with another facial cleanser, I can see no oily sheen on my face at all. And best of all, throughout the past few months when was using this product, I don't see, feel nor experience any after-effects, such as excessive pimples and acne issues at all. I normally only double-cleanse if I had to reapply my makeup, since I need to thoroughly remove any trace of makeup residue on my skin. Other than that, I just used another water-based makeup remover and wipe off my face and pop right into bed without much fuss.

VERDICT: ✓✓✓

WHAT I THINK: For someone like me who can get a little lazy in removing makeup at the end of the day, I find that this product doesn't disappoint at all.

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: So far, there's no sample for redemption. However, there's no opened bottle at Watsons for trying either. My only grouse was this saleswoman who kept following me throughout half the Watsons store when I mistakenly grabbed a facial moisturizer by mistake while I was trying to determine which of the available Senka products are meant for makeup removal. She's probably selling those atas facial products, I think..

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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Dove Hair Therapy Intense Repair Daily Treatment Conditioner Review

WHAT IS IT: Dove Hair Therapy Intense Repair Daily Treatment Conditioner

THE PRODUCT(S):

Dove Hair Therapy Intense Repair Daily Treatment Conditioner: Dove Damage Therapy Intensive Repair Daily Super Conditioner is part of the Dove Damage Solutions range. Dove's dual-action super formula contains a treatment with keratin repair actives that works on the keratin already present in your hair deep at the cellular level to help rebind damaged protein, and a conditioner that repairs and seals lifted cuticles to help protect from future damage. Use Dove Damage Therapy Intensive Repair Daily Super Conditioner for the experience of a treatment at the speed of a conditioner, leaving your hair intensively nourished, significantly strengthened and silky smooth.

Conditioner with Micro Moisture Serum repairs, intensely nourishes and seals lifted cuticles to help protect against future damage.

An asterisk shaped nozzle instead of the normal round nozzle we are used to seeing on shampoo and conditioner tubes with similar packaging/shape.

Yellow = Treatment, White = Conditioner

When dry, it seemed to look thick and cloying. But when applied to wet hair, it spreads pretty decently without much effort.

VERDICT: Personally, I find the scent of this treatment conditioner a little weird. On one hand, I find that it has this wonderful clean scent to it. Yet on the other hand, I find it a little "thick" in terms of scent-wise and it makes me feel a little "Urgh" once in a while if I sniff it for no apparent reason (0_0)'' But other than that, I am just glad the scent isn't too much for me to handle. Overall, it's not a bad scent, it's just that it's a clean + something else scent that seemed a little sensory overload for my nose to comprehend. I'm just glad and happy that it doesn't leave an unpleasant lingering scent on my hair, instead my hair just smelled clean and fresh.

This treatment conditioner is actually rather creamy, it isn't too thick to the point where it can't be spread normally onto wet hair. And yet, it isn't too watery to the point that you should to squeeze out a lot cos the rest of it seeped through your fingers and went to waste down the shower floor though. Upon applying to my wet hair, I find that it spreads rather well and decently without too much effort or fuss needed. And within seconds, the last 10cm of my hair (it's not that long yet LOL) is covered in this treatment conditioner.

And while the treatment conditioner sits and soaked into my hair cuticles, I just go about doing the rest of my shower regime. Normally, I start by washing my hair first, then followed by conditioner, treatment, mask, etc. And while the conditioner/treatment/mask is left in my wet hair, I proceed to wash and/or exfoliate my face luxuriously by taking as long as I can since hair products such as conditioner and treatment need at least a minimum of 3 minutes to work it's "magic" into your hair. So, it's gently circular massaging on my face and cheeks while the treatment conditioner does it's work.

Once those 3 minutes are up, I just rinsed off the treatment conditioner from my hair. And it doesn't take too much rinsing to get it out of my hair too, just one or 2 small mugs of water and fingers to run through my hair and the treatment conditioner is thoroughly rinsed out. And immediately, my hair felt so much smoother and softer. And even my my hair has dried from the shower session, the smoothness and softness is still there. And do you know that one use of Dove conditioner, treatment or mask hair product that I use on my hair can actually last around 3-5 days. It is that effective for me, if I dare say so myself. With this particular treatment conditioner product, I only need to use it only at most once a week. And this equates to more savings on hair conditioners/treatment products in the long run.

And I do sincerely believe that hair products effectiveness should last at least more than half a week, only then is it a good product to invest in on a long run.

VERDICT: ✓✓✓

WHAT I THINK: I only need to use this once a week and my hair stayed smooth and soft for almost one full week, nothing else I could complain about :D

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: So far, I've never seen sample redemption for this product. However, Dove Singapore Facebook page do have a sampling activity going on for one of their other newer products, called Dove Nourishing Oil Care Serum. Just go over to https://www.facebook.com/DoveSingapore?v=app_328579937264511, Like the page and fill in your details. Wait for the sample to be delivered to your mailbox :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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