Priceline Skincare Goody Bag 2014

Last week, every beauty loving gal was heading to Priceline to get their yearly Priceline Skincare Goody Bag! It's not the usual goody bag as you actually get $340 worth of goodies and I've heard they only offer this once a year. I've read about it from a forum in Beauty Heaven and was so excited to get the catalogue so I can browse which items I will get.

I'm such a sucker for GWP (Gift With Purchase) and even though I just bought some body care essentials from Priceline a week before, I couldn't resist not getting this goody bag!

How does it work?

Buy $65 worth of skin care products from the participating brands and you get a goody bag full of  products worth over $340!

I have the catalogue in my hand while browsing products to make sure I get products only from the participating brands as well as manually calculating the total purchase in my head! Needless to say, I was just too excited to get the goody bag that I didn't pay much attention to what's already inside the bag that I ended up buying 2 products that was already in there! I don't have a list of what to buy unlike most ladies I saw at the store. I just decided to get products I wanted to try and products I know I need.

So what did I buy to qualify?

2 Neutrogena Naturals Face & Body Bar $3.99 each

Sukin Protein Conditioner $9.95

Sukin Natural Deodorant $4.79  

Avene Thermal Spring Water 50ml $7.99 

Yes to Carrots Color Balm in Peachy Keen $4.79 

People for Plants Body Cream $15.99 

People for Plants Mist Toner $15.99

FREE People for Plants Eye Cream $15.99 since I bought 2 P for P items

Total Purchase: $67.48 and all of these items are 20% off as well! 

I think I did well paying just a little bit over $65! I'm so proud of myself, the brain can still do some math!

What I have used already:

Neutrogena Naturals Face & Body Bar

- Neutrogena is famous for making products especially designed for sensitive skin. If you're having issues with your skin or just want to go back to basics I suggest using Neutrogena products. This bar is odourless as expected and leaves your skin clean and soft. 

Sukin Protein Conditioner 

- Mr. SF introduced me to the Sukin range and I'm glad he did! Their products have a distinct sweet organic smell and we love this conditioner. My hair smells nice all day long and you can definitely see and feel the difference of using an organic hair care product. 

Sukin Natural Deodorant 

- I bought this mainly because I can't see any deodorant from the participating brands. I love the smell but you have to wait a little bit for it to dry before you can wear your clothes. This deo doesn't really keep you dry but since it's winter I guess it's okay to use it at the moment. It comes in a small bottle only so I'll definitely empty it within the month.

Yes to Carrots Color Balm in Peachy Keen

- I got another tinted lip balm just for the sake of trying another lip balm to see if it will not chap my lips like Burt's Bees and other brands. I must say I'm quite impressed as I have been using this since I bought it and it just glides beautifully on my lips and keeps it soft all day. I love reapplying lip products all day and this lip balm is one of the few lip products that doesn't give me a chapped and dry lips. I only wish I got the darker shade Soft Plum as this one doesn't color my lips at all. I still love it though!

People for Plants Mist Toner 

- I'm loving this product a lot and I might do a separate review for this. I haven't used a toner for ages and using a mist toner is a first for me. I like spraying my face as it gives you an extra calming effect and I love the faint smell of natural oils. You can either use it just as a regular facial mist or wipe your face with a cotton ball to cleanse your face more.

People for Plants Eye Cream 

- I have only started using it for a few days so I don't really see any difference yet around my eye area. What I do like about this product is that it's very gentle on the skin and will probably suit people who doesn't have serious eye area problems. 

I actually bought 2 People for Plants products just to get their eye cream! I've been meaning to try using an eye cream for the first time and what better way to start by getting it free! Good thing I like taking my time when buying things as the Free Eye Cream ad below the shelf was very small. Check out if they have a small ad about the free eye cream when you buy People for Plants products! :)

Let's head on to what's inside the bag.

I'm so thrilled with what I got! I can use almost everything! The bag is also very nice and strong enough to withstand the heavy load.

Violet Box June 2014 Review

I finally received my much awaited anniversary box from Violet Box! I was so excited to see what's inside as they promised a good box this month and I wasn't disappointed!

For those that doesn't know what Violet Box is, it's a monthly subscription box for $22.95 wherein you will get beauty or body products for you to enjoy! It's exciting as you don't know what are you going to get and Violet Box is one of the best subcription box in town!

So here's what I got:

It didn't come in it's usual black box but instead , the items were inside this gorgeous makeup bag! I'm not complaining!

It also comes with an info card that briefly describes the items you got and the prices for each one.

Strange Beautiful Nail Polish $22

This nail polish is indeed strange and beautiful as the brand name states! I have mixed feeling about this nail polish as I adore and dislike it at the same time. The packaging is really cute and intirguing but a little bit hard to use. I got the orange red and pale beige as I call it.  I will be doing a full review of this nail polish soon so watch out for it. :)

VERDICT: okay product, recommended for those who like quirky things, may or may not repurchase

Adore Beauty Nuxe Haul

I received 2 samples of Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse on my May Violet Box (read the review here) and I got really curious with this product. It's a beauty cult product and no. 1 in France.  A lot of people call it the magic oil and I've read so many rave reviews about it. It's made from 95% natural ingredients that are derived from 6 precious plant oils.

I have tried it and I am yet to be convinced! I finally decided to buy a bottle to see if it will work wonders or at least show some improvement with my most hated stretch marks and if my skin will feel glorious with constant use. I did some research online and I'm happy that you have the option to buy a smaller bottle for $24.95 50ml than buying the big bottle right away for $39.95 100ml. And since, I'm not a big fan of the smell as it reminds me of my grandma's perfume, I was thrilled that you can get the Golden Shimmer version that can take my mind off the smell as it looks gorgeous on  your skin when I did a swatch test at Priceline.

So, I then checked which store or online store can give me the best deal and Adore Beauty was having a GWP (gift with purchase) promo back in May so I decided to order from them instead.  I don't know if it was my unlucky day but the promo code NUXEVIP wasn't working even though it's good till 31st of May. It was 31 May when I was trying to order but since it won't let me get the bonus gift I decided not to go through the purchase. I then got a system generated email asking me if there was any problem as I didn't go through the transaction. I emailed back and told them the problem and Melissa of Adore Beauty was nice enough to offer me to receive the bonus gift if I will still make the purchase. I couldn't resist a good deal plus I'm a sucker for freebies and samples so I did it. 

So here's what I got

I bought the Nuxe Comforting Cleansing Milk for $24.95 and Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Golden Oil for $29.95. Since it's over $40 I got the bonus gift of make up pouch and a travel size Nuxe Comforting Cleansing Milk. You also get 2 free samples for every order and I got a sample of Dermalogica Concealing Spot Treatment and ASAP Anti Ageing Night Cream. I also got a Tim Tam much to my amusement! I'm not really a fan but the thought made me smile and well appreciated.

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse $29.95

Timeless Truth Miracle Rejuvenation Mask - Review

I have received this Timeless Truth Rejuvenation Mask from my May Violet Box. You can read my read of this box here.

It says that this intensive skin refining mask gives back the fresh, pure look and feel of younger skin. Dull, lifeless skin is rejuvenated leaving it looking radiant, evenly toned and smooth. This mask helps improve the appearance of age spots, fine lines and wrinkles.

Since it's a long weekend, I decided to use it today and special thanks to Mr. SF who had fun taking pictures of me!

Here's how I used it:

Directions:

1. Cleanse the face.

I used this after my shower to make sure my face is clean and fresh.

My Before pic! 

2.   Open the sachet and take out the mask.

The mask is very moist and wet so I suggest you open the sachet in your sink to avoid drips on your floor.

2.1  Adjust mask to adhere entirely over the face positioning openings for eyes and mouth.

The mask is very moist and sticks to your face nicely. I was just hesitant to stretch it too much as I was scared I will end up ripping it off.

Little Black Book of Scams - Review

(credit to ACCC)

I recently got this Little Black Book of Scams from the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC). It's actually free and you can order a hard copy or download the PDF file from their website.

Here's the link:

http://www.accc.gov.au/publications/the-little-black-book-of-scams

I chanced upon this free book from Free Samples Australia by Mail Only site. It's a good site where the blogger compiles all the free samples or competitions daily in her site. So far, this is the first "free" stuff I got that was referred by this site. I was actually surprised that I got it quickly.

This is actually pretty handy and very useful for everyone. It's not a thick book and it has pictures and explained in simple terms to make it more readable and engaging to even those who hate reading! I suggest you request for a book to be sent out to you or better yet just have a read and make sure you keep the tips in mind.

So what can you learn from the Little Black Book of Scams?

• The Scammers’ Black List—top 10 scams to avoid
• Scam delivery methods
• The scammers’ tool box
• Beware the personal touch
• The Golden Rules–top 10 tips to protect yourself
• Report a scam and more information

I don't want to spoil your read so I'm just going to put just a little bit of excerpts from the book to give you a brief idea and to give you a little bit of tips and pointers to avoid being scammed! Remember, scammers are out there and everyone is a potential victim so the more educated you are on how to avoid being victimized the better!

The Scammers’ Black List

—top 10 scams to avoid

Advance fee fraud 

If you are asked to provide payments in advance to receive goods or money, think twice.

Protect yourself

• Avoid arrangements with strangers requesting upfront payment via money order, wire transfer or international funds transfer. It’s rare to recover money sent this way.

• Conduct a search online using the exact wording of the offer to check if it is legit—many scams can be identified this way.

• Don’t open suspicious or unsolicited emails—just delete them.

Lottery, sweepstakes and competition scams

Don’t be lured by a surprise win—only the scammer takes home a windfall.

Protect yourself

• Remember: you cannot win money in a lottery or competition unless you entered, or someone else did so on your behalf. Tickets in genuine overseas lotteries can only be bought in that country.

• A legitimate lottery does not require you to pay a fee to collect winnings—conduct a search online using the exact wording of the offer to check if it is legit.

• Think twice before calling or text messaging a phone number starting with ‘19’—they are charged at premium rates.

Dating and romance scams

Don’t let love byte you online.

Protect yourself

• Never send money or give your personal details to someone you met online even if they tell a convincing tale of woe and ask for your support.

• Avoid any arrangement with a stranger who asks for upfront payment via money order, wire transfer or international funds transfer —it’s rare to recover money sent this way.

• Watch out if an online admirer asks to communicate outside the dating website after only a few ‘contacts’ or conversations—it could be a scammer.

Computer hacking

If your computer’s security is compromised, you are too.

Protect yourself

• Always keep your computer security up-to-date with anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a good firewall—only buy software from a reputable source.

• Be cautious if you receive an email or phone call out of the blue claiming to be from a well-known company—use their official contact details to check the call or email is legit.

• Never click on links or open attachments in an email from an unverified sender.

Online shopping, classifieds and auction scams

Scammers love the ease of online shopping too.

Protect yourself

• Before you shop online, do some research to check if the seller is reputable and what protection the website offers against fraud.

• Only pay via the website’s secure payment method—look for a web address starting with ‘https’ and a closed padlock symbol.

• Never accept a cheque or money order for payment that is more than what you agreed upon.

Banking, credit card and online account scams

Keep your financial details secure and your money safe.

Protect yourself

• If you receive an unexpected email, call or SMS from your bank or financial institution, don’t provide your personal or financial details. Check the contact is legit—contact the organisation using their official customer service details.

• When you are banking online, check that the web address is correct and the site is not a fake. Make sure the site is secure—look for a web address beginning with ‘https’ and a closed padlock symbol.

• If you think that your banking or financial details have been compromised, contact your financial institution immediately

Small business scams

Scammers take advantage of the busy nature of many small businesses to swindle them.

Protect yourself

• Don’t agree to offers or deals straight away—always ask for an offer in writing and seek independent advice if the deal involves money, time or a long-term commitment.

• Never provide your business’ banking, financial and accounting details to someone that contacts you unexpectedly and that you don’t know and trust.

• Effective management procedures can go a long way towards preventing scams—have a clearly defined process for verifying and paying accounts and invoices.

Job and employment scams

Big income—guaranteed? Unlikely!

Protect yourself

• Beware of offers or schemes claiming to guarantee income or requiring payment upfront. Never agree to an offer over the phone—ask for it in writing.

• Do your research before agreeing to any offer—ask around, search online and check if the company is licensed using ASIC’s Australian Financial Services licensee register.

• Remember: there are no shortcuts to wealth—the only people that make money are the scammers

Golden opportunity and gambling scams

‘Risk-free investment’ opportunity or opportunity for misfortune?

Protect yourself

• Do your research before signing up to an investment or money-making offer that promises amazing returns—ask around, search online and check if the company is licensed using ASIC’s Australian Financial Services licensee register.

• Ask yourself: If a stranger knew a secret to making money, why would they share it?

• Remember: there are no get-rich-quick schemes—the only people who make money are the scammers.

Charity and medical scams

Charitable and health conscious consumers beware—scammers will try anything to get your money.

Protect yourself

• If you have been approached to make a donation, first contact the charity directly and check their government registration.

• Consult your healthcare professional if you are considering a ‘miracle’ or ‘instant-fix’ claim about medicines, supplements or other treatments.

• Ask yourself: if this really is a miracle cure, wouldn’t your healthcare professional have told you about it?

May Empties

Here's my May empties

Johnson's Daily Essentials Oil Balancing Facial Wipes 25pack $6.99
Sukin Facial Moisturiser sample (125ml $9.99)
L'Oreal Revitalift Magic Blur sample (30ml $24.99)
Mariah Carey Lollipop Splash EDP Spray 100ml $69
L'Oreal Riche Nutrishine Lipstick in Pink Nude $19.95
BOE Jumbo Wind Up Lips in Knockout Red $2
Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear in Invisible $6.95
Rimmel 60 Seconds Nail Color in Clear Sweap $7.95
Hello Kitty Bubblegum Perfume Body Mist 75g $4.99
Garnier Fructis Pure Volume Dry Shampoo 150ml $8.99
Dove Silky Nourishing Body Cream 300ml
Cutex Nail Polish Remover Moisture Guard 100ml $4.79
Physicians Formula Organic Wear Tinted Moisturiser in Natural 44ml $24.95
Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue 100ml $116