Samples Received & Redeemed: November 2014

Finally! My phone decided to "surrender" my photos to me, after an almost all-nighter with a few phone cables. Wakakaka!! And hence, my humble apologies for delaying this much anticipated post by a week and without anymore yakking from me, let's take a look at the goodies I've scored for the month of November :D

Exuviance was previously hosting a sampling activity and I received Exuviance Night Renewal HydraGel x 2 sachets at 2g each.

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Sampling is now closed.

The Sample Store had some new "Free" samples up for grabs. The first one I got was the Dr. Young's AC Out Spot stOp Serum x 1 sachet at 1ml.

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Samples have been fully redeemed.

b.liv was previously having a birthday sampling activity. In short, b.liv celebrate it's birthday by giving out samples, how awesome and sweet can they be? :D No doubt, I requested for mine too. But unfortunately, they had to take the trouble to send it from Selangor, Malaysia and it was via DHL Express, mind you. Normally, when companies have their birthday and they want to give out freebies, they'd just mail it out as normal mail. But it seems that b.liv appreciates it's buying and sampling customers to actually use DHL Express for such a small package.

The samples I received are (from left to right):

• b.liv off with those heads blackheads sebum gel @ 3ml
• b.liv drench me moisturizing cleansing gel @ 5ml
• b.liv absolute matte Clarifying Mask with Active Charcoal Mask Sheet @ 28ml

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Sampling is over. But this is one of those many times I requested for b.liv samples and I can say they regularly host sampling activities too. Just keep a lookout on their Facebook page over at facebook.com/blivbycellnique

Was doing my usual round of lazy browsing around Watsons when I remembered I ran out of foam-based facial wash. I normally use a foam-based facial wash at the end of the day to remove makeup while I use the daily exfoliating types in the morning to wake and freshen up my skin. Along the way, I saw this Bifesta goodie and couldn't resist grabbing it as well. And just before I head over to the cashier counter, I also recalled that I wanted to buy a box of aromatherapy masks that My Beauty Diary had previously released out. So, in order from left to right:

• Biore Marshmallow Whip Acne Care Facial Wash @ 150ml
• Bifesta BrightUp Cleansing Wash @ 200ml
• My Beauty Diary Citrus Firming Aroma Mask @ 10 pieces per box

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: No samples available from Watsons.

Every year without fail, Cetaphil will always mail out something fun alongside with a discount voucher that I can use when buying Cetaphil products. This year, I got a cute handheld eye mask with a gold moustache alongside with a $3 voucher.

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: First of all, you need to start requesting for samples from Cetaphil Singapore Facebook page at facebook.com/CetaphilSG. And every year during your birthday month, they will send you the voucher without fail. I normally gave mine to friends and colleagues who want to try out Cetaphil but don't dare to due to the steep price.

Kleenex Singapore was hosting a Puzzle Magic event where players who participated get a chance to win limited edition Kleenex Gift set and a staycation. Couldn't care less for the staycation since it's probably only for 1 night, at most 2. A real sponsored staycation should actually last up to half a week, which is at least 2 nights + 3 days, right? Anyway, I was aiming for the limited edition gift set instead. Having tissue paper is more realistic :D

I got a soft pack and 2 handy packs + 1 Mickey Mouse pen :D

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Puzzle Magic event is over, but at least once a year close to Christmas, Kleenex Singapore Facebook page at facebook.com/kleenexsg would host Christmas-related events where they give away limited edition tissue gift sets. This year is a little special, it came with a Mickey Mouse pen too!!

I saw that The Sample Store was once again giving out Essential samples and decided to try my luck and see if I could get the samples for their latest product, Deep Cleansing Care...

And nope, it's still the Light Finish Volumizing sample. Makes me wonder why they had so much hype, especially on the Deep Cleansing Care but only chose to give out samples for their old range?

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Go over to Essential Singapore Facebook page at facebook.com/Essential.SG, Like their page as a fan first. Next, click on the Free Sample link and fill in your details, follow the prompts and wait for the sample(s) to be delivered to your mailbox.

Was hanging around Daiso, trying to find the usual brand of Senbei my mother like, but it's still out-of-stock for the past 2 months. So, I just decided to aimlessly wander around and marvel at how certain things only cost a grand $2 while the same counterpart of the product that is brand-name is being sold for $50 and up. Along the way, I got these for myself:

• Mini Nail Art Brush
• Brow Stencils
• Smartphone Stand

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: No samples from Daiso.

The Sample Store was giving away Bird Dropping Remover samples, no clue why I requested for it. Maybe I'll just randomly pick a car owner under my block and tack it to his/her windshield instead :D

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Samples fully redeemed.

Spend X amount and receive a cute tote bag at The Body Shop. The reason why we popped by TBS is because it was my birthday month and I get discounts LOL

From left to right:

• Vitamin C Microdermabrasion @ 75ml
• Pink Grapefruit Body Sorbet @ 200ml
• Glazed Apple Body Polish @ 200ml

From left to right:

• Glazed Apple EDT @ 30ml
• Frosted Cranberry Shower Gel @ 60ml
• Vitamin E Skin-In Moisture Mask @ 6ml
• Frosted Cranberry Body Butter @ 50ml
• Mini Shower Puff

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: You can pop by any TBS outlet and try and opened bottles on the spot. Not sure if some of these have samples to take home and try though.

I think DayLong is a sub-branch of cetaphil as my package had the Cetaphil logo on it, but then, I'm not 100% sure though. Anyway, I redeemed my sunscreen lotion samples. From left to right:

• DayLong Kids SPF50+ PA++++ Liposomal Lotion @ 10ml
• DayLong SPF50+ PA++++ Light Gel @ 10ml

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Sample link not available.

More samples from The Sample Store. From left to right:

• Vitas Scalp Rebalancing Shampoo @ 15ml
• Vitas Scalp Treatment Conditioner @ 15ml
• Dr Young's Triple Action B.B. SPF 33 PA+++ @ 1ml
• Bio-Essence Face Lifting Cream @ 2ml

WHERE TO REDEEM SAMPLE: Samples have been fully redeemed.

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 :)

Read More

Monthly Topic #23: Is Your Star Sign Making You Fat?

~Image Source: Albany Daily Star Gazette~

Ever wondered why you'd sell your mother for a Mars bar, while your best friend would rather scoff Big Macs? Well, it turns out our food weaknesses are governed by our star signs. But there is a way to beat your cosmic cravings.

Aries: March 22 - April 20
You're always on the go, so you tend to grab any greasy snack you can find! It's not that you have a fatty-food fetish, but french fries make such a convenient fuel when you want to keep your energy level up as you run around. Since you find cooking boring - why slave over a hot stove when you could be out having fun? - you need to take the time to plan your meals ahead, experiment and try popping a healthy snack in your groovy bag to beat those hunger pangs.

Cosmic cravings: Strong-tasking foods such as sinfully rich curries and disgustingly gorgeous deep-fried chicken.

Healthy Alternatives: Appeal to your fashion-conscious nature by snacking on stylish foods - lots of Zen-style stuff like sushi with pickled ginger and tofu burgers with chili sauce.

Eat More: Cooling foods such as melon, cucumber and salad. Also, stock up on carbohydrates such as pasta and rice for extra energy while you're racing around town.

Taurus: April 21 - May 21
You love luxury, which means indulging yourself with the best comfort food money can buy. Unfortunately, that means you often struggle with those extra pounds. Your ruling planet is Venus, who is also the ruler of honey - so you have a sweet tooth, too. When you suspect an attack of misery (and therefore a binge) is coming on, get out, make a point of eating with others and copy what that health freak is doing!

Cosmic cravings: Comfort foods like cakes, biscuits, chocolates and creamy sauces.

Healthy alternatives: Trick that sweet tooth with low-fat chocolate drinks, low-fat milks and luxuriously sweet fruits.

Eat more: Fiber and energizing foods such as broccoli and mangoes.

Gemini: May 22 - June 22
You have loads of get up and go, and your naturally high stress levels usually keep you slim! For you, food has to be interesting and you are drawn to contrast in flavors, but as you're impatient, you can be a total fast-food junkie. You're a people person - to really enjoy cooking, your kitchen needs to be packed full of friends! Never shop when hungry; better still, with your natural talent for computers, log on and go for home shopping (and delivery) instead.

Cosmic cravings: Loads of sweets, crisps and chips.

Healthy alternatives: Pack dried fruit and low-fat crackers into your handbag for low-fat, healthy snacking.

Eat more: Fresh fruits and salads.

Cancer: June 23 - July 23
As the material moon rules your sign, you love taking care of others, and that includes feeding them with wholesome-but-yummy dishes, which you'll happily pick at when cooking! You love cream, but your body finds it hard to digest, so you should buy low-fat dairy products - especially sweet yoghurts for a quick dessert. You have a weakness for fine wine (which has loads of hidden calories) so try to keep it down to one glass a night.

Cosmic cravings: Anything creamy, as well as indulgent munchies such as fried fritters.

Healthy alternatives: Fat-free yoghurt with honey and low-fat soya substitutes will give you that creamy fix, without all the calories and fats.

Eat more: Citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables.

Leo: July 24 - August 23
You don't have the patience or inclination to spend hours cooking, but you love going to glamorous restaurants - for you, food is yet another reason to celebrate. Eating until you're ready to burst is probably one of your biggest downfalls, but pigging out - then skipping meals - isn't the path to good health. Try to eat smaller meals more often to keep your energy levels even and the calories down.

Cosmic cravings: Fried food, luxurious desserts and anything that looks good.

Healthy alternatives: Choose stir-fries over deep-fried foods, slurp on steamboats, and make your own glamorous desserts with tropical fruits.

Eat more: Strawberries and root vegetables.

Virgo: August 24 - September 23
You're health conscious, but when stress hits, you often find it difficult to eat and your digestive system becomes sensitive. Your diet obsession means you can sometimes be a little too strict and sometimes a naughty treat would give you the buzz you need. Also, avoid fad dieting and cutting out whole food groups - you'll just stress yourself out more over that. Do your research and supplement your diet with multi-vitamins.

Cosmic cravings: Cheese snacks and high-energy drinks that are often full of sugar.

healthy alternatives: Skip the sports drinks for water or fresh fruit juices; and try low-fat cheese.

Eat more: Foods rich in vitamin B, such as dark green leafy vegetables.

Libra: September 24 - October 24
Your indecisiveness can make cooking a tricky business - you'll often give up almost before you turn on the stove! But you love good food and getting anyone to cook for you brings a sense of excitement, especially if you know you're in for a luxurious and stylish feast. To resist bingeing on comfort foods, stock up on quick but healthy alternatives and don't even buy those biscuits in the first place!

Cosmic cravings: Cheesecake, chocolate and exotic sauces.

Healthy alternatives: Exotic doesn't have to mean sugar-filled; try snacking on low-fat frozen yoghurts, fruit, yoghurt with honey or pureed fruit.

Eat more: Cereals and other fiber sources.

Scorpio: October 25 - November 22
Being ruled by transforming Pluto, your food needs to be full of variety and taste. For you, eating just isn't about fuelling your body - it's a chance to indulge yet another one of your senses. However, sometimes you fall into the trap of being erratic about your eating habits without even realizing what you're doing, so keep an eye on your eating patterns. Regular meals will nurture and give you a sense of well-being - don't underestimate your needs.

Cosmic cravings: Chocolate, rich desserts, strong flavors, rich dishes with peppers, cream and wine.

Healthy alternatives: Indulge your sensual side with low-fat aphrodisiacs such as oysters and strawberries.

Eat more: Raw fruit, cereals (rather than fried noodles for breakfast), and drink more water to flush out your system.

Sagittarius: November 23 - December 22
You often treat food as a refueling pit stop, gulping on the go. You're social, but fancy restaurants don't do it for you, you'd rather share a burger or hot dog with friends at the park or an outdoors event. You need to slow down and realize what you're eating. Foods with interesting herbs and spices will appeal, if you just take some time out to taste them properly!

Cosmic cravings: Greasy pizzas and rich oriental sauces.

Healthy alternatives: Make your own pizza instead, with low-fat cheese, and skip the coconut milk-based curries in flavor of nice veggie stir-fries.

Eat more: Vegetables and carbohydrates - especially brown rice - for sustenance.

Capricorn: December 23 - January 20
You're so practical and busy that you don't often fuss about food. But you have a soft spot for familiar foods - traditional family recipes that you enjoyed as a child are often favorites. While you rarely put on weight, it doesn't necessarily follow that you're a healthy eater! Those family favorites are often dripping with oil. Always buy the best cuts of meat and never skimp on lots of healthy vegetables.

Cosmic cravings: Chips, fried rice, rich sauces and creamy desserts.

Healthy alternatives: Little changes make a big difference - eat those family favorites with steamed rice instead, and choose vinegar dressing for your salads.

Eat more: Salads, raw vegetables, healthy carbohydrates, and make time to enjoy!

Aquarius: January 21 - February 19
One day you'll e preaching about food additives and genetically modified food and the next, grabbing a fast food burger! But the human body is sensitive and doesn't like having fat and gristle pumped into it after being "clean" for so long. Balance your diet and think about how you're mixing your foods. Stock up on basics like tinned fish, frozen veggies, noodles and rice for fast nutritious meals (though watch that starch!)

Cosmic cravings: Ice-cream, sticky desserts, starch.

Healthy alternatives: Foods that are packed with flavor as well as nutrients, such as frozen yoghurt, pureed and frozen fruit, and experiment with pulses.

Eat more: Fruit and fish.

Pisces: February 20 - March 21
Being an emotional sign, when stress hits, the weight tends to pile on. However, you can also forget about basics of eating! This see-saw confuses your body, making it hard to build up fitness or lose weight. Bring your eating habits into line and start your day well, with a good breakfast; also, eating smaller meals more often will stop your binge/starving tendencies. You enjoy the romance of eating with other people - particularly friends - but usually find cooking boring. Try a vegetarian restaurant instead of a pizza parlor.

Cosmic cravings: Vodka Red Bulls, avocados, wine.

Healthy alternatives: White wine spritzers, gin and tonic, fruit drinks and salads (hold the salad cream).

Eat more: Fiber and drink more water.

Read More