Haul: Crabtree and Evelyn Annual VIP Sale 2010

 

Yes yes yes!!! It's the annual Crabtree and Evelyn sale for VIP members. This is the time when their already value-for-money Christmas sets go even cheaper with VIP discount of 30%!!!

My BFF, Ling, happens to be their VIP member and she was kind enough to bring me along.

I specially took leave on that and arrived early. In 2009, their 10-pc handcream sampler set sold out islandwide within a day and I wasn't going to let that happen to me again this year.

I arrived before the Taka store opened and there was already a long queue. And by the time Ling got in, we wiped out the last few boxes of the 10-pc handcream sets. Yes, it's that popular.

This is definitely a sale that you cannot conquer alone. Women with BFF and husbands in toll. While one chose the items, the other (usually the hubby) will start to make a beeline for the cashier.

Total combined damaged came up to a whopping SGD992. I got a shock when the credit card slip came and I bet we were already small spenders as compared to others. But well, it's a once-in-year thingy. Plus I get to settle the remainder Christmas shopping within the day. Win-win situation.

My conquests after loot distribution

The bill

Alright, that's all for now... Happy Holidays and start your Christmas shopping EARLY!!!

Spotlight / BodyCare: Sumber Ayu - Lulur Mandi (Rose)

OK, I’m blogging via mobile. So, pictures will come later. My mum’s Indonesian client gave her a tub of this and I’ve been using this product for the past 2 months. 

It’s weird that I hadn’t blog anything about it since I totally love this body scrub!!! It doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin and my skin always feel so smooth after using it.

So, what exactly is Lulur Mandi?

Patron of Indonesian spas should find this term familiar. Although the Lulur Mandi that I had in a spa is somewhat different from how this product is used.

 

Mandi Lulur means “Lulur Bath” and it originated from  the island of Java. In Javanese, “Lulur” means “to coat the skin”. It is a traditional pre-nuptial ritual for brides-to-be; to achieve fair, smooth, soft and radiant skin.

The “Lulur” helps to stimulates skin cells regeneration,  promote better blood circulation, reduce water retention and of cause, like all exfoliating products, help smooth the skin.

In conventional Indonesian spas, whereby we pay more; a paste mixture of sandalwood, turmeric, ground nuts, rice and other scented woods is spread on the whole body and left to dry.  

This is part of the exfoliation process and the dried mixture is then gently rubbed off. A yoghurt paste is then smoothed over the body to restore balance, and finished off with a flower scented bath.

However, the tub version is very much different from the spa counterpart. This product is rice-base and is used in the same way as a regular body scrub. Simple and cheap (SGD3.00) for home DIY, without paying the exorbitant spas fees.

I’ve been careful in using the product as I like it a lot, switching between this and my more expensive, yet less desirable scrubs.  

I had no idea how to replenish once this tub ran out since it’s an Indonesia product. That was until I had an “Aha” moment while showering yesterday and googled the brand. 

Turns out that Sumber Ayu is big name in Indonesia and there is a good following right here in Singapore. They even have a Facebook page. The best part is, there are shops in Singapore that are selling the whole range!

 

I’m going to check out one of the aforementioned shops this evening and if I can secure a steady supply, I’m going to use every week!

Here’s a summary of why I love this:

• Cheap! Prices I’ve seen quoted online ranges from SGD1.60 to SGD3.00 
• Leaves skin feeling smooth and moisturized. 
• Whitening effect

My only grouse is the scent. Can’t really place it but it reminds me of cheap perfume. But no worries, it’ll be masked by my nice body moisturizer.

Haul: Isetan 38th Anniversary Sale

The Isetan Anniversary sale is an annual event of the year that loyal patrons look forward to. The heavily marked down specials are things that people queue up for.

So, although I was on a no buy embargo, I decided to go ahead to get the Laneige Hydra Solution Cream. It was going for S$38.00 instead of the usual S$68.00 and in addition, I get a 5 piece GWP for this purchase. Not to mention that I get a additional 10% off S$38.00.

I had asked Ling to help me get the it since I wasn't sure if I can control myself and NOT succumb to temptations. But I wasn't able to answer Ling's call to confirm the purchase as I was in a meeting.

And so, being the Kiasu Singaporean, I decided to pop by the Wisma Laneige counter during lunch as they cannot reserve the item for me.


Bad idea.

I ended up spending a bomb on ~H20+ products. I've always like this brand for some unknown reasons. Maybe it's the scent, maybe it's the colors but nevertheless, I was drawn to it.

Since Isetan was offering 10% off, and it's the only place that carries ~H20+, other than the spartan counter at CityLink, I decided to try it out.

In the end, I got the Face Oasis Plus Hydrating Fluid SPF15 (S$74.40) and Eye Oasis Moisture Replenishing Treatment (S$63.20). I also got a whole set of sizable samples as GWP with my purchases.

GWP from left to right:

• Water Bank Cream 2_Ex
• Professional Makeup Remover Multi Cleanser
• Water Bank Essence_Ex
• Balancing Emulsion 2_Ex
• Power Essential Skin Refiner Light_Ex

GWP from left to right:

• Hydrating Marine Moisture Mask
• Marine Cleansing Gel
• Hand and Nail Cream
• Hydrating Body Butter
• Sea Marine Body Scrub
• Face Oasis Cleansing Water

Haul: Drugstore Purchases

The next few entries would be belated posts as I've been out of action for sometime. This haul was done in mid-june, in the midst of preparing for my giveaway.

I get double points from Watsons due to my birthday month and so, I decided to stock up on some items, while getting stuff for my giveaway.



First up is the canmake eyeshadow quad (S$19.50)... For some reasons, after my first Canmake Cream Blush, I was starting to grow fond of this brand. Not to mention that it was on 20% discount.

This palette has 4 shades in total. One highlighter shade, two lavender hues and a dark color for accent. I love Japanese eyeshadow palettes, they make eyeshadow application so idiot proof that even a klutz like me can easily do it.

The photo does not give full justice to the colors. The shimmers are really pretty.

Next up are the Cleansing Express Makeup Remover Lotions Samples (S$3.95 each). The product has been on shelves for sometime but I wasn't really keen on investing the full size. The description of the product gave me the impression that it is fuss-free and can even be used on the eye area. And so, I decided to get the samples to try out before investing on the full size. There are several types to choose from and I chose the Moist and Anti-aging ones.

Next is Pure Beauty's Bon Voyage Essential Serum (S$3.95). As to why I bought it? I was enticed by the quirky packaging, which reminds me of Cargo Foundations. And yes, that was what pushed me to buy the product. Plus, as it was meant for traveling, it did not contain a lot of product. This meant a much lower price and I get to try a new product without investing a lot of money into it.

Lastly are my essentials. Neutrogena Sunblock for my body and Asience Shampoo and Conditioner set. Cant remember the prices but I know they are cheaper as they were also on discount. And yes, I'm a sun-phobic. Just like how some westerners cannot comprehend why majority of asians loves being fair, I can't understand why they like to worship the sun (usually without protection) so much.

UVA and UVB rays causes SKIN CANCER!!! I once saw a lady whose arms reflected the ravages of long-term sun exposure. It totally freaked me out and I promised myself to never leave home without sun-block.

Of course, sometimes when I'm running late or become lazy, I would skip the body sun protection. Nevertheless, it's good Vitamin D to catch some morning sun. But as soon as it's lunch-time, I would whip out sun block before I battle the afternoon sun and lunch-time crowds.

GWP + Updates

It's been awhile since my last update. During this time, I started on a new job and those who are on my facebook probably would have known that it isn't really a walk in the park. I'm still trying to get settled down into the new environment.

So amidst all the chaos, I just wasn't able to find the energy to do reviews or post any photos.

Anyway, let's talk about happy things.. Got a few lovelies along the way but didn't get the chance to unwrap them until today. And yes, I promised myself that I wont spend anymore money on skincare. And so I rationalize that if I buy makeup and magazines that have GWP, it won't really count as spending money. Alright, it's kind of a cheat but I just cant resist.

There's alot to post and after a failed attemtp to squeeze everything into 1 post, I will post up the Magazines GWP first while the next one will focus on what I bought. >>>
Recently, there was an onslaught of magazines with great GWP. So being a passionate shopper, thanks to Ah Ling and Beaute-Runway for the great information, I was able to grab these hotcakes in time.

Amica x Nuxe

For the month of April 2010, Amica was giving away a full sized Nuxe Lotion Tonique Aux 3 Roses Toning Lotion (200ml) for every purchase of the magazine. This is definitely a great bargain!!! The Toner alone retails at SGD30++. I was so excited that I bought 3 sets. One for moi, one for my cousin and one, my cupboard?

Singapore Tatler x Loccitane Olive Gift Set

For the month of April 2010, you get a Loccitane Olive Gift Set for every purchase of the Singapore Tatler. The gift set contains a 50ml Organic Olive Radiance Cleansing Foam, a 15ml Luminous Body Cream and a 75g Oliver Bar Soap. A great value given that the Singapore Tatler retails at SGD8.00 while the cleaning foam alone retails at SGD30++ for 100ml. Definitely great travel buddies to have. Not to mention the pretty box that I would like to use to store my stuff.

Spotlight/ Bodycare: Crabtree & Evelyn - New Hand Therapy Collection: Citron Honey and Coriander

*Picture Source: C&C Website*

Went down to Orchard Paragon to cancel my mobile Broadband since I am now jobless and have no use for mobile broadband. Passed by the Crabtree & Evelyn store and saw that they have a Hand Therapy collection. Intrigued by the words "Citron" and "Coriander", I walked in to find out more since I'm a sucker for citrusy products...

There is a full range of hand products for this line and below is the product description from C&C Website:

"Drawing on our rich botanical heritage, the range features extracts of lemon, honey - known to soothe dry, irritated skin – coriander and myrrh, which has been shown to help condition nails and cuticles. In addition, a unique blend, including thyme, rosemary, eucalyptus, tea tree, golden seal, and willow bark, works together in the rich formulations to leave hands feeling softer and looking younger.

The range is free of parabens, lauryl sulfates, mineral oil, and propylene glycol."

So not only does it smells good, it's also natural and anti-aging. Anyway, I totally fell in love with the scent and I dont really care what other good it gives.. But I restrained myself.. I still have like 4-5 tubes of handcreams in my stash... So, buying new items is a no no for me.. So, my motivation now is to quickly use up my stash so that I can buy more.. Muhahaha... Of course, securing a high paying job is the crux of the matter..

Update 19 Mar 2010: I couldn't resiste myself today and yes, I bought. Despite having more than 5 tubes of handcare items at home..

Tis the season to shop shop shop.. amongst other things...

2009 is coming to an end and on top of evaluating how we have fared this year, it's also a time for SHOPPING.. Yes yes.. With so many ongoing sales, it's hard not to be enticed by the pretty limited editions, christmas coffrets, huge discounts, and GWP.

I've just discovered 2 new kids on the block.. Both online shops and offering some very exclusive stuff..


Soap and Sorbet

I first read about this online shop on Mag's Blog and my interest was piqued when I read that the good people at Soap & Sorbet carries Steam Cream.

I've been lemming for one after reading the reviews on some blogs. But never had the chance to try as it was not available locally. With this new kid on the block, I'm definitely going to try it soon. The prices are decent taking into consideration of the exchange rate and shipping..

On top of that Soap and Sorbet is offering some very unique skincare items that is worth trying.. What's more, register with S&S now and receive a 10% discount off your purchase (till end Jan 2010). Not to mention that 4 lucky winners will be chosen over 4 weeks for fabulous giveaways!!


Korea BB

Love Korea beauty but put off by the exorbitant price tags or difficulties in getting your hands on these pretties? Look no further, KoreaBB is the place to satisfy your Korean cravings.

The online shop carries several well know lines such as Laneige, SkinFood and Hanskin. And their prices are so much more competitive compared to the likes of department stores. They even have pre-orders whereby you can order your beauties straight out from Kimchi Land.. I'm gonna buy from them when my Laneige stash is used up.

Review/ Hands: Crabtree & Evelyn - Gardeners Hand Therapy

Got this as a Christmas gift from J.Low.

This is the first time I received or used anything from Crabtree & Evelyn and feeling pretty excited over it.

Anyway, the cream has a very zesty and tangy smell which scored well with me since I'm not really a musky scent person.

It wasn't as oily as I thought it to be. Absorbs well and leaves a nice sheen on the skin and nails.

This is a definitely must keep product in my bag in future.

Got a La Source Hand Therapy from another friend too. Will use it once I'm done with this tube and give the reviews.

The 50ml one retails at SGD$18 while the 100ml at SGD$30.

* Picture source from Crabtree & Evelyn Website*