Have you heard of Sample Room? If not then it's about time you do. It's our country's first and only sampling site where local residents can avail of a wide range of products related to beauty, health and lifestyle. I've been a loyal member from the day they started in 2012 and since then every sampling experience never failed to brighten my day. 

BLOGAPALOOZA

Hey guys! You read that right, yours truly attended this year's Blogapalooza held at SM Aura. If you haven't heard of Blogapalooza.. uhmmm.. where have you been all these years? Kidding aside, I've read about this event a couple of years back and I never imagined I'd be in it one day.

I can't help but take this picture. It feels so good gracing this event as my other self.. a blogger. Since we got there late in the afternoon, it only took us a few minutes to register.

On stage was one of the two geniuses behind Blogapalooza, Vince Golangco of When in Manila. He was hosting the event as we walked in the convention hall. 

There were tons of other booths in the event that my blogger friend (allaboutbeauty101) and I didn't get to see everything. Since we came in late, some of them were either closed or ran out of giveaways. 

Our Awesome Planet by Anton Diaz, the other host of this event, also had a booth right smack in the middle of the venue. 

There were so many participating brands and one of my favorites is Flawless. We were asked to like their Facebook page and in return we got to play for special prizes.

Pop-a-Zit was indeed fun! You get a prize every zit you pop with 3 darts that equal to 3 chances. I suck at playing darts but I was able to hit one and got awesome products from Flawless. 

What did I tell you? Awesome right? I got the Flawless Stem Cell Night Serum as well as the Stem Cell Day Cream both in full sizes! Now you know why the Flawless booth sits on top of my list. 

What's even great about them was their major prizes! This pink vanity travel kit plus all the premium products from Flawless (including iSkin!!!) made me want to finish the event just to get a chance at winning. A bigger pink luggage bag (underneath) was also up for grabs but I'm not sure what else were included. To the LUCKY girl/guy who got to take either of these eye candies home.. I sooooo envy you! Maybe you want to share that iSkin bottle with me, just give me a nudge and I'll gladly test the product for you! #shamelessbegging.

Another awesome booth was that of Sample Room's. How I wish I have the same vanity set at home. 

My friend and I were hoping to get those Burt's Bees goodies but we didn't get to join the Instagram promo. Two thumbs up to Sample Room for packing tons of give aways for everyone! Just look at that tall rack full of gifts! There were still lots of them even towards the end of the event. 

Another booth worth the praises was from Yellow Cab. Those who needed a little carbo boost after waiting in line at the other booths were all welcome to get a big slice of goodness. 

Others had a more interactive approach during the event like Ideal Vision. I would've loved to show them my "moves" but they were packed.

I'm guessing no one got hungry with all the free food lying around. 

This booth from BrainFit Studio got me very interested. They offer a scientific approach to accelerate learning and use different programs designed to enhance a child's capacity to learn. Interested? You can check out their website to know more about them or contact them via brainfitph@gmail.com.

How I wish these were given away for free but sad to say they're just on display. Good news is they're available at NIU, the newest upscale buffet restaurant in town by Vikings. If you love buffets but want more high end dishes like lobster or fillet mignon then you're in for a real treat! Did I mention that some of the dishes are plated and delivered right to your table? Neat huh? 

This booth would've capped my day with a bang if the Toothless plush toys were given for free! Oh well, you can't have it everything!

Overall, my first ever experience of attending the Blogapalooza was a blast. Everyone was just amazing and friendly as they introduced their brands to us. Although it didn't bother me much, I still think those manning/representing the booths shouldn't be availing of other booths' goodies especially when there are still participants coming in. I also wish the next Blogapalooza will be held in Q.C. area so I can really get to attend the event from start to finish.

That's probably it guys, thank you for reading my post and have a nice day!

♥♥♥

SAMPLE ROOM: VOV Span Mascara

Hey guys! My recent package from Sample Room consisted of the Nivea In-Shower Whitening Skin Conditioner, featured in my last post and VOV Span Mascara which is the topic of my entry today.

I'm not really familiar with VOV products but it's being distributed by The Face Shop, one of the leading Korean boutiques in the country. This is my first time to try a product from VOV so I used it right away to see how it fairs. 

The mascara comes in a 4 ml sample tube with a curved applicator that's densely packed with bristles.

The VOV Span Mascara has a wet formula that it tends to smudge big time on your lower lids. I don't like the way it makes my lashes clump on the tips making them look more sparse than they already are. The formula weighs down your lashes so much that it can't hold up the curl. The label doesn't say which product I got, the volumizing or the curling variety but based on experience, it didn't fulfill both features so I'm still clueless which one I have. Staying power is a good 6 to 8 hours with minimal flaking. This mascara is surprisingly difficult to remove with regular washing so I suggest you use an oil based makeup remover to really melt the formula before you wash it off.

Overall, this product reminds so much of how I despised putting on mascara during my early years of using makeup. I won't spend a whopping Php 985 for a mascara that clumps, smudges and weighs down your lashes. Good thing I only got it for free from Sample Room. This experience made me appreciate Sample Room even more especially their "try before you buy" concept that truly empowers consumers. 

Any thoughts on the VOV Span Mascara? I'd like to know what you have to say so please leave them on the comments section below. Thank you for reading and have a great week!

♥♥♥

SAMPLE ROOM: Nivea In-Shower Whitening Skin Conditioner

Hey guys! I recently got my Sample Room package and I was so excited to try the products included that it didn't take me long to start using them. Anyway, I'll be reviewing the Nivea In-Shower Whitening Skin Conditioner today and have a separate entry for the VOV Span Mascara on my next post.

I was honestly intrigued by this product simply because I haven't heard of an in-shower skin conditioner before. Nivea suggests to apply it after cleansing your body, rinse off, dry yourself, dress up and go. 

The in-shower whitening skin conditioner that I got was in a 100 ml squeeze-type tube which I really like for ease of dispensing the contents. It has a flip cover to protect the tiny nozzle on the bottom. 

This product is opaque white in color with a thicker consistency than lotion and looks a lot like hair conditioner. It has a faint powdery scent that I really like. It spreads easily on your skin and feels so soft on application. It gives your skin that supple finish which you don't usually get after a bath especially if you use exfoliating products like Kojic Acid. I love how it tends to keep dry areas of my skin like my legs and feet look more smooth even without applying lotion.

Now the not so good thing about it is it tends to leave some areas of your skin sticky especially your palms. It usually takes me a while before I can totally remove the excess conditioner on my hands even after vigorous rubbing. What's more bothersome is that it also gives a feeling that you haven't thoroughly rinsed certain areas of your body where your skin folds like the armpits and the opposite sides of your elbows and knees. I may have to disagree with Nivea's suggestion to rinse, dress up and go because I still feel the need to apply sunscreen during the day but this may be okay when used at night. 

Overall, I like the Nivea In-Shower Whitening Skin Conditioner but not too much to include it in my regimen. I love the concept of having your skin conditioned while you shower but I feel like I can achieve the same effects with a moisturizing body wash. I may recommend its use to those who want to pamper themselves at night before hitting the sack. 

Any thoughts on the Nivea In-Shower Whitening Skin Conditioner? Do leave them on the comments section below. Thanks for reading and have an exciting week! 

♥♥♥

Hey guys! Don't you just love it when you get awesome treats? That's how I feel every time I get a package from Sample Room, the first and only sampling site in the country. 

Although summer is officially over, I still find it necessary to hydrate and protect the skin from the sun's harmful rays. This is why I didn't pass on the chance when Sample Room restocked with premium products from Vaseline.

Vaseline Healthy White Serum SPF 30 PA++ (Php 220/ 180ml)

The Vaseline Healthy White Serum comes in a 180 ml squeeze type tube with a flip cover. I really like products that make it easy for consumers to dispense the contents. It also has a tiny spout that effectively regulates the flow.

I like that it has a runny texture making it easy to spread. It may feel a little tacky on first application but it dries off quickly without the sticky feeling. I love that it offers sun protection from both UVA and UVB rays with its SPF 30 PA++.  It also contains Vitamin B3 that lightens and brightens the skin. I've been using this everyday for a week now and it has kept my skin looking well moisturized and healthy. I haven't seen my skin generally lighten yet but I did notice some post allergy marks on my wrist almost disappear. I'll continue using this and see how it goes. 

Vaseline Healthy White Instant Fair Lotion (Php 110/ 100ml)

Next Vaseline product I got to try is the Healthy White Instant Fair Lotion. It has that usual lotion consistency making it thicker than the Serum. It also feels a little sticky on application but eventually dries off without the icky feeling. It has a pleasant scent that doesn't linger and contains light reflecting properties giving your skin an instant glow. Although it makes your skin appear instantly lighter, the effect isn't too obvious and doesn't last long either. What's really more important is the fact that it contains Vitamin B3 and offers sun protection hence long term skin whitening effect. 

Overall, I'm enjoying these Vaseline products from Sample Room and I will use them to the last drop to see how my skin responds after long term use. Thank you for reading and have a nice week!

♥♥♥

BELO: SunExpert Transparent Mist

Hey guys! We really don't need much reminder that it's summer especially when we feel its burning presence each time we step out of the house. A trip to the mall also gives us a clear mental note that it's time to show off some skin but in doing so, let's not forget to protect ourselves from continued exposure to the sun. This is why I am ever so thankful to Sample Room for featuring the Belo SunExpert Transparent Mist just in time for summer. 

Belo SunExpert Transparent Mist SPF 50 (449.75 Php/ 100ml)

This summer must have comes in a transparent 100ml bottle. Looking through the container, you'll see that the product is clear and has a fluid consistency. It also gives off a pleasant floral scent that doesn't linger. 

It may look and feel greasy when initially sprayed over the skin but it only takes several minutes to get totally absorbed. You'd be surprised how your skin turns into looking naturally moisturized and not at all oily. Although I avoid sun exposure as much as I can, this sunscreen still appeals to me because it provides broad spectrum protection against harmful UV rays with SPF 50. It didn't irritate my skin or cause any adverse reactions. 

The bottle comes with a spray dispensing the product like a mist. I love that the spray works at any angle so you can easily apply this all over your body. It's also water resistant so you may use this when swimming. 

Overall, I really love this transparent mist because it does the job of protecting your skin from the sun while keeping it moisturized and fresh. It's also priced reasonably but you may want to check out Sample Room first for a free bottle. Otherwise, you can get one from leading stores nationwide. I do recommend everyone to try this product so you'd be as hooked as I am. 

Any thoughts on the Belo SunExpert Transparent Mist? Do share them on the comments section below. Thanks for reading and have an awesome week!

♥♥♥

SAMPLE ROOM: Inti-Mate Bra Converter, Charm Essentials Powder Brush, J&C Super Clean Solutions

Hey guys! I repurchased another VIP membership from Sample Room when Shiseido's Ibuki line was released last month. This is why I had more than enough points to get several samples all at once during my recent sample grabbing. Read further to find out what I got.

Honestly at first, I had no idea if this Inti-Mate Bra Converter set is of any use for me since I don't wear sleeveless or haltered tops ALONE. I always wear a cardigan or blazer over any top so I thought getting this will be pointless but I was totally wrong! It now serves as my strap stabilizer so I won't have to worry about bra straps falling beyond my shoulders.

This is a simple tool which you can easily get familiar to. The set comes in three colors, clear, black and nude. Each converter is made of hard plastic that looks and feels sturdy.

The kit includes an illustration on how to use the Inti-Mate Bra Converter. Simply hook the straps one at a time and you're done. This kit is priced at 250 Php from Beauty and Minerals but they have an on going buy 1 take 1 promo so you get another kit free! 

The 2nd sample I availed is the Charm Essentials Pretty in Pink Travel Powder Brush. 

I have to admit, this single tool convinced me that Charm brushes are of really excellent quality. The bristles, ferrule, down to the wooden handle are impressively flawless. 

I personally adore the etched label on the wooden handle making the design live up to the name Charm.  

The bristles are densely packed yet doesn't shed after deep cleaning. I love how this brush feels really soft to touch and glides smoothly on your skin. Although it's a powder brush, I think this also doubles as a blush or contour brush because of the slim size. I checked Beauty and Minerals for the price but this particular brush isn't for sale. I guess this was made for Sample Room subscribers only.

I also got J&C Super Clean Solutions and I have to say that I'm glad I did. I'm really not a fan of instant brush cleansers because I prefer deep cleaning my brushes but after trying this for the first time, I decided to make it a habit. It comes in a plastic 120 ml spray bottle with a cap. 

This brush cleanser has ethyl alcohol as one of the main ingredients which is why you will detect a faint alcohol scent. I used this to spot clean the Charm Essentials Travel Powder Brush and it only took a few sprays to dampen the bristles. 

After swirling the brush over a clean tissue paper and leaving it to dry, the brush looked and felt clean in a matter of minutes. It also ended up smelling fresh with its minty scent. This is a full sized bottle and retails for 400 Php at Beauty and Minerals.

Thanks to Sample Room, I got more than a thousand pesos worth of products and only paid 120 Php for shipping. Now if that isn't a great deal, I don't know what else is. I absolutely think I got my money's worth and made excellent use of my VIP membership. 

Image courtesy of Sample Room

So if you're not yet a member of Sample Room, click here and be one now to start enjoying the perks of trying products before buying them. You may also boost your membership a little further and be a VIP member too! You'll never know when you need those extra points to get premium samples you so desire to have. Thanks for reading and have a wonderful day!

♥♥♥