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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