Haul and Sightings at The BodyShop sale

I have not been to a Bodyshop sale for quite a while, mainly because i am more than often well stocked with my daily essentials (yes, i do get panic attack if i am down to my very last bottle of favourite bodywash.... haha. ) and partly due to my curiosity nature, i tend to stray sometimes to try out potential HG stuffs. And so, this can be considered as a once-in-a-blue-moon sort of hauling from the Bodyshop's warehouse sale.

Got to know about this sale through SMS, since the location of the sale is near my workplace.... i gather it deserved to be checkout by me. : ).

I did not get any makeup item this time, its all bodywash and the bath lily (which is a staple for me). Will come up with a review of the stuffs soon i hope.

Summary of items hauled:

1.Earth Lovers series bodywash in Fig & Rosemary X 2

2.Deep Sleep Comforting Milk Bath Float

3.Divine Calm Heavenly Shower Gel

4.Spa Wisdom Morocco series Argan & Orange Blossom Bath  and Shower Oil

5.4 mini Bath Lily

Total Damaged: S$57.60 

                                                                        Humble hauling.

                                                      Earth Lovers series in Fig & Rosemary.

                Deep Sleep Comforting Milk Bath Float and Divine Calm Heavenly Shower Gel.

Spa Wisdom Morocco series Argan & Orange Blossom Bath and Shower Oil.

Sightings of stuffs:

1.Accessories such as makeup pouches, clutches, nail buffers, nail separators, bath lilies and brushes for babies.

2.Skincare: Seaweed series, Vitamin C series, Tea Tree series, Vitamin E series, Moisture White Shiso series, Nutriganic series and a few items from the Natrulift series (mainly mini sized ones).

3.Home Fragrance: some home fragrance oil, 1 reed diffuser and 2 or 3 room sprays.

4.Hair care: selected Rainforest haircare series, Ice Blue shampoo, Banana conditioner and Grapeseed glossing serum.

5.Body care: tons of bodybutter, jumbo sized bodywash in 750ml, earth lovers series, Christmas series (the ginger, cranberry and vanilla range), scrubs and body lotions.

6.Makeup: 2 shimmer cubes (eyecolours), 1 shimmer wave (more bronzy kind of colour tone), Honey Bronze Bronzing powder, Brow definer, mascara, liquid eyeliner, single eye colours, lightening touch concealer, some liquid foundation (only 1 or 2 shades), flawless skin protecting foundation, moisture white shiso perfecting foundation (and case too separately) as well as the Moisture White Shiso BB cream, lip and cheek stain, some hi-shine lip treatment gloss (mini ones) and some lipbalms in selected colours.

7. Fragrances: 3 for men and a selected few for ladies.

8.Some gift sets and boxes.

9.Lots of travel sized toiletries available (from bodyscrub to bodybutter, showergels, bodyscrubs and facial wash plus creams).

Personally, i think its quite well stocked for trial sized products and if you do count bodybutters and scrubs as your essentials, it will be a fruitful trip for you. You will be disappointed if you are going there to stocked up on your makeup and fragrance essentials, as i do find their range of makeup for the sale is considerably little compared to the ones i have been to.

All in all, its quite worth the trip if you have time to spare, but do be careful about the expiry or manufacturing date of the products, some are maufactured in 2010 while there are quite a few manufactured just this year.

The sale is currently still on till 3rd of August 2012.

Address: Concorde Hotel Singapore, Concorde Ballroom Level 3 (Enter from the entrance where there is a bus stop in front, turn to the right, take the escalator up one floor then turn right down the end turn left, you should be able to see people gathering around). From 10.30am to 8.30pm.



Promotion and Review: Elle Singapore August Issue and Nuxe Beauty Kit

So much things to do and yet so little time.

I am still in the midst of sorting out my living space and given the amount of room i have to work with, each and every item has to be carefully planned for.

Of course, the only exception would be personal grooming products (yes, skincare, cosmetics and such) : ).

Ok, i am drifting away from the point of this post......

Elle Singapore August issue is having a promotion with French Skincare brand NUXE, with purchase of every copy of the magazine (and this issue comes with the Elle Beauty Book 2012), one gets a beauty kit consisting of the famous Huile Prodigieuse 10ml (multi-usage dry oil for face, body and hair), Reve De Miel 15ml  (face and body ultra-rich cleansing gel for dry and sensitive skin) and Nuxe Body 15ml (24hr moisturizing body lotion for dry skin). Apart from those beauty freebies, one gets a waterproof toiletries pouch (which comes in blue or orange) and a S$5.00 voucher from Beauty by Nature (expiry date of voucher is 30th September 2012).

I have used Nuxe's Aroma-perfection Purifying Cleansing Gel and the Gentle Toning Lotion with Rose Petals and is quite fond of them, thus curiosity sets in the moment i knew of the promotion and i gotten a set with me home.

Elle Singapore August issue with Elle Beauty Book 2012 and Nuxe Beauty Kit.

Nuxe- My Beauty Kit.

                                                     Short description of the products.


                         

List of ingredients.

The famous Huile Prodigieuse (versatile enough for face, body and hair).

The watery light texture of the oil.

The oil gets absorbed rather fast and dries with a sheen.

Even though i have oily combination skin, i am not against the idea of using oil on my skin type, well depending on the properties of the oil and its usage. So far i have yet to encounter breakouts due to usage of facial treatment oil (i have used Paul & Joe's as well as Clarins), naturally i am interested to find out how the Nuxe's famous oil would fare on me. The texture is lighter than those of Paul & Joe and Clarins, i find that it seems to be able to seep into the skin easier than the two, and it has a drier finish. I have to blot the excess oil off my face for Paul & Joe and Clarins, i don't have to for Nuxe's. I skipped my moisturiser and woke up with my face feeling a tad softer, not greasier. However, having said that it is not supposed to be used everyday, think of it as a treatment oil, 2 to 3 times a week is sufficient.

While Paul & Joe's treatment oil has a nice orange blossom fragrance (if it is bottled as a fragrance, it might be a bestseller for Paul & Joe.... pity they no longer have a counter in Singapore), Clarins smelt largely of plants extracts (a little botanical?), Nuxe's resembles a fragrance (floral ?).

I would prefer to use it on my body more than my face for now, perhaps due to the scent.

Nuxe 24 hr Moisturizing Body Lotion for dry skin.

                                                                 Slightly thick texture.

 

The lotion spreads thin on the skin, felt very much water based.

                                                       After application of the lotion.

As for the body lotion, i kind of like the water based texture. Unlike some body lotion, it doesn't leave a sticky film and greasy touch even after it should have been absorbed by the skin. It smells a little nutty (not too fond of the scent) but i like the aftermath of applying the body lotion- soft and smooth skin.

I am liking this one.

                                  Nuxe Reve de Miel- face and body ultra-rich cleansing gel.

                                                The watery gel texture of the cleansing gel.

                         
                              It foams easily but not much and the foams formed are quite fine.

                       
                                                 After rinsing off the cleansing gel.

The cleansing gel is supposed to be suitable for both the face and body, i wasn't too impressed by its cleasning ability on the face (i don't like the feel of it, feels like a thin flim on the skin after rinsing),but on the body i like the scent of it as a body wash. Given the price point, it would be quite alright for a facial wash but very expensive for a body wash.

Still sitting on the fence for this one.

                                                   The waterproof toiletries pouch.

It is roomy enough to house my body wash, shampoo, facial wash, body lotion (all travel sized) and still has plenty of room to spare.

I like the fact that the toiletries pouch is roomy enough to house all the necessary that one needs to haul for a trip to gym or even a week's supply for a holiday, plus it is waterproof. My concern is, the material of the pouch doesn't look like it is built to last, i guess since i got it for free there won't be any heart pain if it tears and needs to be trashed at the end of the day.

The S$5.00 gift voucher that comes with it (terms and conditions stated at the back of the voucher).

Now that will come useful if i need to haul anything soon. Good thing the expiry date of the voucher is 30th September 2012. Plenty of time to contemplate what to buy.

I like to read about product reviews and comparisons, especially if its low price point vs high price point and function vs value, which is why i am looking forward to magazines like VOCE.

The Beauty Book 2012 is perhaps trying to be one but i do find that most of the product reviews are of brands that we already know, those that we are all too familar with. I am not a beauty guru and what i blogged about is all my personal experience and opinion of things i would like to share. Everyday should be a learning day, sometimes i felt perhaps that is one of the reason why i stopped reading local fashion or beauty magazines for quite some time.

Why not up game by doing the comparison across price points and maybe more write ups on more obscure upcoming brands ?  

                                                     In this issue of Elle Beauty Book 2012.

What i do like about this issue is the spread about upcoming fashion talents and their works, as well as the bit on fashion news. I like to see and read about beautiful things, that gives me inspiration on what to buy next and even what to do next.

                                                                  Styles to look out for.

Spreads dedicated to feature upcoming fashion talents.

Priced at S$8.00 per copy, available at Books Kinokuniya (Ngee Ann City Main Store), while stocks last.

Review: The Body SHop Chocomania Shower Cream

I love chocolate, so much so that i can eat it almost everyday if my waistline ever stops expanding. : )

Sometimes the mere thought of it makes me happy, and of course not forgetting the monthly craving for it (you girls know why. ; ) ).

 Much as i can't live without it (yes! Chocolate addict here), to bathe in it or rather something that smells totally like it is a different matter all together.

I happen to come across Chocomania Shower Cream as part of a GWP from The Body Shop, it is something that i am keen to try as it deviates from the usual floral, fruity or musky churn ups that one usually see from The Body Shop. Receiving as part of the GWP naturally spiced up the purchase i made then.

                                                    The sinful Chocomania indulgence.

The Chocomania Shower Cream by The Body Shop has to be the weirdest thing in my stash. Packaged in the typical Body Shop shower bottle, it is nothing out of the normal really, however the creamy glistering brown molten liquid that the bottle house looks like its good enough to drink (No, i am NOT that crazy yet).

The rich chocolate brown seems like a good nail color (which i wonder if it will ever work on the nails).

When i lifted up the cap in the bath room, i was caught by surprise by the strong chocolate scent, a tad too strong i would say. Was hesitant to pour it on the bath lily as i don't want to wake up in the middle of the night bitten by ants drawn to the confectionary scent.

Of course, curiosity caught up with me and yes i bathe in it. True enough, my mother who was in the kitchen could catch the scent of the the shower cream and asked what i am doing in the bathroom (???).

Personally, i find it more moisturising than the usual shower gels from The Body Shop, while the scent is strong straight from the bottle, it subsided relatively fast when i am out of the bathroom. It rinses fairly easily too which i like.

Interestingly, i found 2 ants on my arms the next morning when i woke up...... 

Would probably buy it if i were on a No-chocolate diet......

List of ingredients.

Available at S$14.90 for 250ml at all The Body Shop stores (Limited Edition).

Haul: Crabtree and Evelyn Iris Collection

This particular haul is actually overdue since last Christmas, the hauling was done during the insane Crabtree and Evelyn VIP Members' Preview sale (whereby all the sets were at 30% off, and that applies to all the items in the store, some items that were excluded were the ones already at 50% off).

The set came beautiful packed in a elegant purple suede makeup box with the mirror, which is currently nesting my lot of blushers, highlighters and pressed powders (i will try to photo it when i have the time to tidy up my stash). Normally, i would not be lured into purchasing items due to the packaging it comes in, for the Iris collection, both the collection and the packaging appeals to me, this splurge is unavoidable. : )

L-R: Iris Body Lotion, Body Wash and Body Cream.

Iris Body Wash-250ml or 8.4fl oz.

Iris Body Lotion-245ml or 8.3fl oz.

Iris Body Cream- 100g or 3.5fl oz.

Iris Triple Milled Soap-40g or 1.4fl oz.


Iris Eau de Toilette-100ml or 3.4fl oz.


The pretty Iris motif on the glass bottle.

A closer look at the pretty motif.

I don't have any Iris fragrance in my collection, was never a "floral" kind of gal, and have yet to come across one that i would like to wear. The Iris collection caught me by surprise with its subtle and refined yet very wearable scent that i do see myself reaching out for it in the mornings as well as during those relaxing weekends (if i don't have to work, a nice cup of tea with cookies would be ideal : ) )

The Christmas set is a good chance to haul if the Iris collection is your cup of tea, actually any haul during the VIP members' preview sale is a good one.

Do watch out for the Preview sale (end year) or monthly promotions that C&E does to promtion new range.

The items included in the set are a full sized fragrance (100ml), Bath and Body Gel (250ml), Body Lotion (245ml), 1/2 full sized Body Cream and a sample sized triple milled soap (40g), including the makeup case that the set came in, it cost around S$100 plus.

Priced at:

Iris Eau de Toilette (30ml or 100ml)- S$25.00 0r S$65.00

Iris Bath and Body Gel (250ml or 8.4fl oz)- S$35.00

Iris Body Lotion (245ml or 8.3fl oz)- S$40.00

Iris Body Cream (200g)- S$68.00

Iris Triple Milled Soap (a set of 3, 85g each)- S$ 28.00

Individual items are available at all Crabtree and Evelyn Stores (Christmas sets are only available during Christmas season).

Review: Crabtree and Evelyn Aromatherapy Gentle Cream Body wash with Lavender and Rosewood Essential Oil

After a hard day at work, the thing that i look forward to the most, apart from mom's delicious and comforting homecook dinner, it would have to be a nice warm bath to uplift my spirits after the satisfying meal.

At times like this, i would reach out for Crabtree and Evelyn's Gentle Cream Body Wash from the Relaxing line to pamper myself.

The Gentle Cream Body Wash belong to C&E's Aromatherapy range (which consist of 3 lines namely Relaxing, Revitalizing and Purifying, each containing different essential oils for different purposes). It contains Lavender and Rosewood essential oil as well as Tonka and Vanilla.

The Body wash is creamy and it lathers quite easily with the help of a moist bath lily, the foam created is delicate and with the soothing aroma of Lavender and Rosewood (which i detect the Lavender scent more than that of the Rosewood) filling up the bathroom, it sort of make up for the hard day at work.

After the bath, my skin felt soft and conditioned (not the slightly stretchy feel that i experienced from some other body wash i have previously used), it felt as if there is no need for moisturiser application afterwards (which i do cheat when i am that tired).

This Gentle Cream Body wash had my heart, so much that i recommended it to my BBF, Klutz when we stumbled upon it at the last C&E's VIP member sale. I don't know why, but it was on 50% off the original price of S$38.00, both of us grab a tube each (i hope the generous offer is not because they are planning to discontinue the range).

Another thing that i like most about this other than the soothing and relaxing aroma of Lavender and Rosewood essential oil would be the fact that, the Aromatherapy Distillation range is free from parabens, colourants, mineral oil, synthetic fragrances, Sodium Lauryl and Laureth Sulfate (SLS) and Propylene Glycol. Its filled with just natural goodness, indulgence without any potential harm to the human body or environment.

I would love to repurchase the body wash again and again whenever i am done with a tube, but due to the price, it is naturally more of an indulgence for me. You can bet, i will stock up more of it if i managed to catch it on a good offer again.

Love it?

You Bet!

I just hope that they make deluxe size of the body wash which C&E US website does show some of their bestselling items available in deluxe size at a really good price. Pity they don't ship here and shipping fees will be a killer for sure even if they do ship internationally.

Priced at S$38.00 for 200ml or 6.8fl oz, available at all Crabtree and Evelyn Stores in Singapore.

A little tip: I use it as a scrub too, especially for my heels, just add some rough salt to the creamy body wash that will do the trick.

Just in case you are interested, you can read about the Aromatherapy Distillation range over here http://www.crabtree-evelyn.com.sg/aromatherapy_index.html

Haul: Crabtree and Evelyn Citron Bath and Bodycare Collection

This is a haul that was overdue by 2 weeks, initially i was not aware of the promotion that Crabtree and Evelyn had for the Cirton Bodycare collection that they had launched recently until J.L brought me the mailer and i was immediately attracted by the fantastic offer.

The Citron handcare collection released earlier this year won my heart and i was wondering if the Bath and Bodycare collection would work its magic on me again and well, its no surprise that i came home with almost all the items except for the Skin Indulging Body Souffle (the Bodycream) which i find a tad too heavy for me.

The Trio that came home with me.

Citron Skin Cleansing Bath and Shower Gel-250ml or 8.5fl oz.


Citron Skin Smoothing Body Scrub-175g or 6.2fl oz.



Citron Skin Quenching Body Lotion-250ml or 8.5fl oz.

The Trio once again.

The Almost Complete Cirton Family.


List of Ingredients of the Skin Smoothing Body Scrub:



List of Ingredients of the Skin Quenching Body Lotion:

List of Ingredients of the Skin Cleansing Bath and Body Gel:

I was very much taken up the refreshing and uplifting citrusy scent, such that i couldn't believe myself that it just took a mere 10 minutes to say Yes to all the hauling and a very hard No to resist the tempting offer that Crabtree and Evelyn is offering for this range at the moment. I look forward to using the items in the morning to prepare myself for a fresh new day. : )

Do Check out the collection if you are interested and i am not too sure when the offer will end.

Retail Price of Citron Skin Cleansing Bath and Body Gel: S$30.00 for 250ml or 8.5fl oz.

Retail Price of Citron Skin Quenching Body Lotion: S$35.00 for 250ml or 8.5fl oz.

Retail Price of Citron Skin Smoothing Body Scrub: S$45.00 for 175g or 6.2fl oz.