Sample Room Hauls for December

After a business trip, sessions and dragging luggage all around the place, I'm back in my good ol' hometown. I was supposed to update you about my other hauls but work and time got in the way. I also received this before I left town and there goes the post....

Sample Room restocked the Moringa line and also introduced its newest product, the Moringa Herbal Hair, Scalp & Skin Therapy Oil. 

A close up on the herbal therapy oil....

 

And in perfect timing, I like trying out bar soaps. All the bar soaps I have are all gone, melted and overused so when I received this, it went on a road test immediately. I like the scent and it makes for a soothing pre-bed time component though.

 

 

The second haul that I received from Sample Room after claiming my points, included the series of daily releases called the Twelve Days of Christmas. These are what I was able to secure with much patience.

I've been trying out Collection Hotlights Gloss and have a good feeling that this will have a semi-permanent place in my vanity.  The Sappe Beauti Drink is good for only one serving and I emptied it immediately at breakfast this morning. It's best served frozen or chilled because it has a really mild taste, not to mention it's also pretty smooth for a fiber drink. Any ice mixed with it will dilute the flavor. The Bifesta Cleansing Lotion did a good job of removing eyes, face and lip makeup from my face and the sample comes with two sachets of sebum removing lotion.

So for December, I will be keeping my eyes opened for other surprises from Sample Room and wait to get my points back, I'm sure there will be more new products before the season ends. The reason behind the blurry photos? I'm using my camera phone. You can see that some products are out of focus and there is too much vibrancy in the colors even when no modifications were done. Trusty Pentax had to retire after ten years of being in service.

If time permits, I will be able to post a little more this weekend and keep you updated. In the meantime, enjoy the holidays with your family and friends and practice the spirit of giving!

xoxo

Raisie

What Could Be Inside That Bag?

Most of you have been asking for more hauls, and I think that's what I have been posting about for the past week. Hihihi, but it does not stop there. Here's another package from Sample Room and look what's inside! I have observed a few changes with Sample Room's services and I am pleased.

Out goes the brown paper bag, in goes the gift bag

 Instead of the brown paper bag that Sample Room uses a lot, I received a gift bag. Yep, I do pay attention to things like these. Also, instead of the usual Xend strategy where they pass it off to LBC, it was Xend itself that delivered this to my provided shipping address. I was charged Php160 instead of the usual Php130 for the shipping fee because (fair enough), the contents were relatively heavy.

Top view of the bag, there's an VMV Hypoallergenic Armada sunscreen resting on the VS loot

You must be wondering which Vidal Sassoon products I got. Ok here is an itty bitty confession. I have never fully colored my hair nor chemically styled it in any way-ever. Yep. It's because my hair is too thin and too limp and I'm afraid of it being too frizzy and too dry. Want a worse case scenario? I'm even afraid my hair will fall off! As if my normal hair fall days are not enough, huh. So, here I am with the Premium Base Care series, hopefully it would do me good with my hair care routine.

What's inside the Sample Room gift bag. 

 I remember Vidal Sassoon to be one of those brands that my Mom was so fond of. She had this brown and cream hairbrush which she got as a freebie and it lasted for many years! Now the brand is making quite a comeback in the Philippines.

VIdal Sassoon Premium Base Care Shampoo and Conditioner

"Vidal Sassoon Premium Base Care series moisturizes and infuses each hair strand with elasticity to reduce frizz and enable effortlessly lifted styles. 

 RTB Technology:

• Amino Salon Essence-deeply penetrates into hair and targets and helps repair the most damaged parts of hair
• Dual Surfactant Formula-enables deep moisturization of every strand of hair, for hair that's manageable and easy to style

How to use: apply to hair and gently work up lather without rubbing the hair strand against each other"

VMV Hypoallergenics Armada Sport 70

"One of our best-selling products around the world, this powerful protector is beloved for its wow-inducing lightweight comfort and efficacy even in extreme outdoor conditions.

• Impressive PFAs (Protection Factor UVA) are combined with SPFs as high as 70-90 to effectively screen out UVA and UVB rays for active protection against sun-induced skin cancer, photo aging and hyperpigmentation
• Creates a unique barrier-film, an invisible virtual "second-skin" that stays on the skin's surface to maintain protection integrity in and out of water, and while exposed to harsh sun and heat
• Soft, skin-coating silicones give this barrier-film an exceptionally smooth glide and keeps it light, so skin stays comfortable

This sounds promising. I could give it a test on All Saints and All Soul's Day when the rest of the country goes to visit dearly departed ones in the cemetery. This could also work on warm days or during trips to the beach. I really go crazy over sun protection products because I am one ocean-loving creature. 

How's your weekend? Mine has been exciting and I've never felt positive in such a really, really, long time. I feel inspired too. I have to prepare for a lot of things, but most importantly, I have to save for bigger things! I have big plans, and big hopes. 

If you want to check it out, my October International Giveaway is still ongoing. Who knows, you might be lucky and bring home a box of goodies that I have prepared. It ends on October 30, so don't miss out! 

I Should Be Doing Something Else Right Now...

Do you ever get that feeling that you know you should be doing something else completely different and yet, you still go for the not so important tasks on your list? That's what I am feeling today. I can't divulge much details right now. But I can't seem to shake off this guilty feeling that I should be.... just... out there....

Here is the classic example of Monday Blues right here. Yep. Just that. You have witnessed it already.

I guess it's because  I have had expectations over the weekend and I was met with disappointments instead.

Well, at least, I have a mini haul from Sample Room to cheer me up. I have to thank my brother for picking this up in town for me. He is the sweetest baby brother! He is the only one who can pick up my packages (because he drives a car and I don't...)

This is what I got from Sample Room last week. I think I'm one of the last persons to chase after the Charm Powder Brush because it was such a hot item! And of course, OraCare mouth rinse. I am not a stranger to OraCare, in fact I have high praises for this brand. But I will provide the details later, ayt?

Just in case you missed it over the weekend, I have an October giveaway which is open internationally. You can also follow me in my networks:

Facebook

Bloglovin

GFC

Twitter

The Secret For Being Ready For Anything

I think that term ibuki has dual facets when applied to women.

Defined as inner strength, ibuki reveals that women possess gentleness and grace-but a woman also has the drive and desire to fulfill her dreams. An admirable woman will do what it takes to achieve her ambitions.

A woman building her career has to be ready for anything. She has to possess the skills, confidence and the excellence to be good at what she does. Confidence can be achieved knowing that you have outstanding skin. This is one way of facing anything.

That's the concept behind Shisheido's Ibuki skin care line. Purchasing the whole skin care line can be expensive for someone sticking to a budget. But Sample Room has made it available for those who want to experience ibuki for the skin.

I got to try the Purifying Cleanser and Softening Concentrate thanks to Sample Room.

 

 Shisheido Ibuki Purifying Cleanser

It's not my first time to try a cleanser from Shisheido. But the prices from this particular brand can be pretty intimidating. However, there is always quality to look forward to.

Pros

• It may not look like it, but the pure white foam has gentle exfoliating beads that deeply cleans
• This could be the right cleanser for oily-dry skin
• It is gentle and the good lather can have a positive gentle massaging effect on the skin
• Requires only a pea-sized amount for a good clean!
• It is also concentrated

Cons

• I find that it dries the skin a little

Shisheido Ibuki Softening Concentrate

I have wondered why Shisheido would call their toner/freshener a softening concentrate. I believe that it is to distinguish it from other brands' toners and fresheners because admittedly, it is unique and is beginning to be my favorite skincare product. I've always thought and desired for my skin being even in tone and firm to face the demands of my days. Now it is possible. 

Pros

• It is a multi-effect product in one, it softens, tones and firms!
• The substance glides on very smoothly on the skin
• I really like that it has no sting unlike any alcohol toners that I have tried, this is the superior plus factor for me!

Cons

• The sample size is too small, this is my only complaint (after all it is a sample) which leaves me with the option to....
• Repurchase (I have to save up for this, but I think it will be worthwhile).

My Overall Thoughts

I really thought that the quest for balanced and healthy skin for me would be an elusive concept, not until I found ibuki and the inner strength not just for me but also for my skin. 

So how do I make sure that I am ready for anything?

My formula would have to be:

My Skills 

+

Healthy and Balanced Ibuki Skin

+ 

The Desire to Be Excellent

Being Ready for Anything

I draw my inner strength from the fact that I have what it takes to accomplish my tasks, and that I have good, healthy skin to back me up. 

What do you think of the beauty bios that I made? How about you, how do you make sure that you are ready for anything?

Review: Pevonia Enzymo Spherides Peeling Cream

 Introducing......

The new way to exfoliating!

Alright I will cut out the tv commercial voice.

It's the weekend so I am feeling carefree, but also I am giving in to one comment by a certain France who asked for a review on the Pevonia Enzymo-Spherides Peeling Cream which I got from Sample Room.

Before you go on, please (you have been warned) remember that it is not my intention to scare you, I hate to give you nightmares before Halloween, and I hate to lose readers because my scary face.... (Oh please I am humiliated as well) but here goes...

The sample size is only 6 ml, and it is worth 80 points in Sample Room. For me, it is only good for a single use. 

"Experience the cutting-edge technology of this cream’s unique enzymes entrapment. Enzymo-Sphérides® Peeling Cream offers encapsulated enzymes in micro-sphérides for maximum activity upon contact with your skin. Pineapple and Papaya enzymes eliminate impurities, blackheads, dead cells, sebum, and toxins as you work this cream into your skin and gain a bright, smooth complexion."

Benefits

• Easy and immediate deep surface cleansing
• Removes dead cells, impurities, and clogging
• Brightens the complexion
• Increases absorption & results from home care products
• Leaves the skin refreshed, soft, and glowing

Key Ingredients

• Pineapple Enzymes (Sphérides)
• Papaya Enzymes (Sphérides)
• Gingko
• Calendula
• Chamomile

 

It took two applications of the cream, so that's two layers you see there on my face, I think I didn't put enough or 6ml of the product is just not enough for my round face hehe.  I already used up the entire sample in one use and didn't even get the nice layering mask effect that I wanted! I think it is also because of my blending technique which I automatically did as if it were moisturizer.

Up close you can see how gritty it becomes and it becomes stiff and flaky. Again, not enough of the product to have even layering. I used up the whole sample already, but I could feel the tightening and firming effects on the pores already. It has to stay on for two minutes.

I used a gentle sponge cloth to clean it up and washed off with lukewarm water just to be sure that no more cream was left on my face.

]

 Immediate effects:

• I felt my skin become soft and smooth even when the mask was on
• Pores tightened a little
• I looked like a pale zombie for a couple of minutes

But now I am reborn! Yeah!

So what skin care ritual did you do this weekend? Are you ready to face the week ahead?

I might do another mask ritual next weekend and you can watch out for my post about it only here at Raisie Speaks, a lot of masks are coming my way because I ran out of facial scrubs hihihi.

I have collaborated with other ZC bloggers to give you another giveaway and you can join here.

To know more, you can visit the direct link to Pevonia Enzymo-Spherides Peeling Cream or also find out more products from Pevonia Organic Skincare Philippines.

Second Sample Room Haul for August

Have you noticed that Sample Room has been adding a lot of new samples for members lately? This is a challenge for members like me who have only 100+ points when it comes to choosing the products to try out. I think this is how you get to test your creativity and arithmetic skills; by limiting your choices within 100+ points and choosing the ones that you think will really work for you- after all, you know very well what you need above all.

For this batch ( I already forgot how many hauls from Sample Room it has been), I have two items to test: Gluta-C Intense Whitening Facial Day Cream SPF 25 and Pevonia Enzymo-Spherides Facial Peeling Cream.

Let's try these products out, shall we?

I am cooking up something along with other bloggers for you guys, just look out for the banners on the sidebar. In the meantime, there are two ongoing giveaways for you!

Sun Putty Giveaway

August Collaboration Giveaway

August Sample Room Goodies

Another Sample Room package here, and my Celeteque list of loved products is slowly growing, thanks to Sample Room. For my most recent haul, I have received these:

Celeteque Dermoscience Brightening Radiance Body Cream

Colour Collection in Red Wine Satin

As usual, you could look forward to the reviews of these products once I already have enough observations. I got to try out the body cream (fancy name for lotion?) and I will let you know what I think about it soon enough. I was so nervous when swatching the lipstick, that will be two red lippies for me now. I have a small but reliable collection of lip color because the other shades that I don't really fancy, I give to aunts and my sister.

How's your weekend? Mine is a busy one, I cleaned the guest bathroom and turned it into a small spa corner! Whee! My solo project is not done yet, I am looking for wicker baskets that are durable to make up for the organizing system in such a small bathroom. I'm not done yet, but I could proudly show off photos once I am, how's that sound?

And of course, remember how I blogged about how I prepared for an exam and job interview? I was told last Friday that I could "report on Monday" and so, thankfully I am preparing for tomorrow. 

That's all for now, I hope I still get to blog and keep you updated despite the changes that are happening in my life. 

Keep smiling! 

My paperback giveaway is still ongoing so you can participate here and I have collaborated with another blogger for this month for a second giveaway. You can check them out and join if you are feeling lucky!

Beauty Review: Colour Collection Vitamin E Sheer Lipstick in Pinkish Nude by Tupperware

I finally found the lipstick shade and brand that goes well with my skin tone! I even took a formal application photo wearing the shade and it turned out well for me. I was in search of a barely-there shade and I finally met my match! I also found it in Sample Room of all places! The good thing about it is that even if the lipstick itself cost only Php 330, I didn't pay for a full size sample and just paid for the shipping fee along with a perfume sample of Thierry Mugler's Alien.

"Keep your lips healthy and kissable with Colour Collections's Vitamin E Lipsticks, a range of lipsticks that are formulated with Vitamin E, making your lips still look moisturized and supple even long after the color wears off. It also has sunscreen that protects your lips from the harmful UV rays of the sun."

About The Company 

Most people know the brand Tupperware to be associated with durable kitchen and home containers made of plastic and the like, but not a lot of people are aware of their cosmetics line. Tupperware Brands has a cosmetic line and has allowed Sample Room members to try out their bestselling, glamorous lipsticks with Vitamin E. It is known to speed up cell regeneration and retain natural moisture content of the lips. 

Price 

For a 4g lipstick sample that is already full-sized, it costs Php 330, but since I got it from Sample Room, it's only 85 points for members and the only expense is the provincial shipping fee of Php130. 

About The Product

There are three types to choose from: satin, sheer and matte. Because I am on the lookout for wearable, barely-there shades, I chose the Pinkish Nude in Sheer finish but I am curious to try the Red Wine Satin finish next. It promises sheer texture, and is loaded with Vitamin E to maintain smooth, sensuous and vibrant lips and also a glamorous finish. 

Who Is It For?

This shade is for those who are:

• On the lookout for affordable lipsticks
• Fond of sheer finish lipsticks and pinkish shades
• Looking for wearable, barely-there, everyday shades for conservative environments

Pros

I like that it offers:

• Moisturizing effects, it is very sheer and has gloss-like appearance on the lips
• Very lightweight, as if there is no lip color whatsoever
• Subtle pink shade most of all, it goes well with my skin tone!
• Affordable for most women
• No drying after-effects which means chapped lips! 

Cons

I don't like that:

• The packaging is bulky, it would have been better if it came in a slimmer stick
• It is available only through Tupperware dealers 
• Totally wears off after drinking water, must be due to its sheer finish

The Verdict

As I have said, I found my match and it seems like this will be my no-brainer, everyday go-to shade. Now I wonder if the Red Wine Satin lipstick is just as good...

Are you feeling lucky? Do you think you can bring home a Paperback copy of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children here. 

Raisie Goes A Travelin'-What's A Packin'?

How do you like the new look? Can you believe that J designed this for me? He does have a girly-girl side to him after all, he knows that I like a cleaner approach, the past one was just a result of tweaking and personal effort here and there.

I will be leaving with my folks tomorrow, so I won't be doing regular updates here for a week. Right now I am packing (and still have time to post-lol). The trip consists mostly of plane ride, boat ride, road trip, visiting people and more celebrations. Hey, it's family.

So now that I am a travelin, here's what I'm a packin'...

Even if I am travelling light, these deserve a place in my bag! 

I got the following from Sample Room: 

• Gluta C Intense Whitening Body Lotion
• Physiogel Cleanser

These are the ones from my July BDJ Box:

• Beach Hut Spray Sunblock
• Too Cool for School BB Cream Travel Size 
• Dove Damage Therapy Shampoo
• Dove White Beauty Bar
• Dove Whitening Original Deodorant

And my trustee Human Nature Hydrating Lipsticks in Lucky in Love and First Kiss. 

Who would have thought my BDJ box would arrive at good timing? I could also test the Too Cool For School BB Cream and the Beach Hut Sunblock since there are plans of swimming and lazing around.

Could you guess where I am headed? Have a fantastic weekend, dear friends! You can still join my Firmoo giveaway here. 

New Sample Room Goodies

How have you all been? I can't believe that a lot can happen in just a week. But that's life, and it all depends on how fast you can react to the events, and how well one can manage it all.

I am just glad my e-library is back. That only means that I can continue my reading habits. However, I have encountered problems with the title that I am most interested in. Every other title seems to load just fine. I have to look into the memory card though.

But blogwise, I have some surprises coming in store for you this month. You might want to look out for the next posts here and follow me on Bloglovin to be the first to know.

Here are some goodies that I received from Sample Room. You can watch out for the reviews for these products soon. In the meantime, I won't stay long, I have a huge project that I have to finish and I hope you all are having a good week. Hang in there, tomorrow is Friday!

Clickables

Twitter

Bloglovin

Emerald Nails for the Weekend from Bobbie

I have to admit that I am becoming obsessed with the color of green lately. You can see this by the haul I did earlier last month and the review I did last post for the eye shadow I received from Sample Room. Here is a mint green top I wore with Gording and it is now also my profile photo in Facebook haha. 

He isn't my dog but I still got to have a photo opp with him last week. 

So while the weekend allows for some rest and relaxation, I went ahead and experimented with green nails which could last at least a week since I am not expecting any formal events to pop up soon. 

I still need some practice in applying nail color. I am surprised though that I already switched to many different colors in just one month. In the meantime, here are the polishes I used for this week's Emerald Nails. 

Emerald Nails with Bobbie

Bobbie Basic Top Coat

Bobbie Emerald Glaze

Bobbie Basic Sheer 

Bobbie Premium in Flare 

Just in case you haven't, you can like Nails by Chic Center in Facebook and take a look at all the beautiful and rich colors they have in store.  

Would you care to share what nail color you have on right now? Leave some comments and Raisie will get back to you!