Katelyn Tan | A Singapore Beauty, Travel and Lifestyle Blogger
Showing posts with label thesamplestore. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thesamplestore. Show all posts

[Review] Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel

Tuesday, 27 October 2015

Did you know that prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays without proper protection can cause permanent effects such as premature skin ageing, wrinkles & freckles, as well as, various skin damages like discolouration, sallowness, dryness?

Well... it might be hazy in Singapore but that doesn't mean you can skip your sunblocks! The haze isn't gonna block out the UV rays for you so here's...


The Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel SPF50+ PA++++ contains the breakthrough Aqua Micro Capsule a water capsule which breaks upon application on skin to release the UV protection agent while giving skin a cool and refreshed feeling. 

[Review] Essential Haircare

Sunday, 14 December 2014

Hello! I'm back with a short review. For those who don't know, Essential is a haircare brand from Japan with a wide range of products to help repair and care for hair. Essential offers products ranging from basic care like Shampoo & Conditioner to more intensive treatments like Hair Masks and Leave On Serum/Lotions. Recently, Essential relaunched with brand new packaging, improved formula and a new variant!

Essential is available in 4 variants to suit all hair needs and types:
1) Nourishing Breakage Defense (orange) – for weak & damaged hair
2) Moisturizing Frizz Free (pink) – for dull & rough hair
3) Light Finish Volumizing (yellow) – for flat and limp hair
4) Deep Cleansing Care (blue) – for oily scalp & dry ends (new)
[From Press Release]

I received a set of Essential Deep Cleansing Care Shampoo & Conditioner, Moisturizing Frizz-free Treatment Tube and Moisturizing Frizz-free Hair Mask for this review :)

[Review] NIVEA Anti-Perspirant Whitening Happy Shave

Thursday, 23 October 2014


Skin at the underarms tend to appear dark, dull, and rough because regular shaving leads to skin damage and irritation, as well as symptoms such as redness, itchiness, and burning sensations. To combat this, the NIVEA Deodorant Whitening Happy Shave contains provitamin B5 and vitamin C, which:
1. Whiten underarms in 2 weeks and smoothen skin,
2. Repair damaged cells
3. Reduce skin irritation from shaving
4. Support skin regeneration
5. Stay fresh for 48-hours

[Review] Biore Micellar Cleansing Water

Sunday, 14 September 2014

Biore just launched a new makeup remover. It's the Biore Micellar Cleansing Water! This cleansing water effectively removes makeup without clogging pores, is a lightweight and refreshing makeup remover that lifts off more makeup in one wipe! It leaves your skin feeling clean and refreshed with no sticky after feel. Most importantly, it is said to be suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin!

Biore Micellar Cleansing Water contains:
:: Watery Micellar Technology that effectively dissolves and lifts off all makeup including mascara and eyeliner
:: Natural Mineral Water from the Northern Japanese Alps for a gentle and soothing formula
:: Enriched Collagen and White Tea Extract for brighter, softer and suppler skin
:: Anti-bacterial formula helps prevent pimples and breakouts, and minimises pores for a clearer and more refined complexion

To use this, all you have to do is:
1. Pump an appropriate amount onto a cotton pad (I use one full pump).
2. Use soaked cotton pad to gently wipe off makeup. For eye makeup, place soaked cotton pad onto closed eyes and hold for 5 seconds before gently wiping it off. Repeat until all makeup is removed, and cotton pad is clean. No rinsing required.

My Review:
Honestly, Biore has been my go to brand for makeup wipes cause they are non-sticky and great for lazy days! And on non-lazy days I would use Shiseido's makeup remover gel and eye & lip makeup remover. After trying this product, I would consider it as a Shiseido eye & lip makeup remover dupe! They both are non-sticky, lightweight, gentle, have the same texture and won't sting the eyes! They both have similar makeup removal effects but the best part is this the Biore Micellar Cleansing Water so much cheaper! I guess from now on this will be another go-to makeup remover for me! :)

Here's a before and after photo comparison! One wipe was sufficient to remove every single bit of my eye makeup. But one thing to note: the eyeliner I used was one formulated for easy removal. Nonetheless the mascara used was a waterproof and smudgeproof one! For the lashes I wiped them twice just incase there were mascaras left behind.

Biore Micellar Cleansing Water retails at $18.90 and is available in all pharmacies, hypermarkets and supermarkets, and major departmental stores! Do get your hands on one ;)

[Review] Tsubaki Hair Oil

Tuesday, 9 September 2014

Dry hair ends?
I hate applying conditioner cause I feel they always make my hair oilier at a faster rate.
And because of this, the ends of my hair got rather dry.
But fret not, cause...


Tsubaki comes to the rescue with their new TSUBAKI HAIR OIL!
Tsubaki is a sub brand of Shiseido and has been well known for their hair products that works really well (even when used to wash synthetic brushes)!



Tsubaki Hair oil is a deeply penetrative hair oil formulated with high concentration of selected camellia oil to deeply protect, moisturise and repair your hair, resulting in a luxurious shine. It instantly penetrates hair upon application without feeling greasy or sticky and gives a silky smooth finish. This hair oil has an elegant and indulgent scent of floral and green fruity notes. The best part? This hair oil even protects your hair from damage by UV rays and heat from hair dryers (or other styling equipment), while preventing split ends and hair breakage!
Some tips on how to use the product to apply evenly, prevent flat and dry hair and reduce volume!

♥♥♥

Time for me to give this product a try!

Here's the before and after photos!

My Review:
After using the Tsubaki Hair Oil, my hair became smoother, more shiny and easier to maintain! You might worry that oil will make your hair oilier, however this is not the case! The Tsubaki Hair Oil leaves a smooth and grease-free finish after it's absorbed by the hair. I love the smell of this product too! Do you know your hair actually absorbs fragrances really well? That's why it's important to a hair product that smells nice! Most importantly, it's super lightweight; you will feel like you applied nothing to your hair yet get the shine and smoothness ;)

♥♥♥

Tsubaki Hair Oil is available at $26.90 exclusively in Watsons from 11th Sept 2014 onwards!

P.S On 12th September 2014 Tsubaki will launch a contest on
Tsubaki Facebook Page!
All you have to do is to follow these 2 simple steps (as shown above) to stand a chance to win the new Tsubaki Hair Oil for themselves and 2 of your friends! Good luck! :)

[Review] Bio-essence Tanaka White

Friday, 25 July 2014

Want to prevent or lighten dark spots/hyperpigmentations/freckles? Check out Bio-essence's new Tanaka White Series! Through much research and innovation, Bio-essence introduces its new and improved Tanaka White range, specially formulated to better address dark spots and uneven skin tone with a reinvented 4X Intensive White Serum containing alpha-Arbutin that is 9 times more powerful – so powerful, skin whitening has never been more flawless and effective.

I was sent two products for a review;
4x Intensive White Serum and Double Whitening Cream

♥♥♥

4x Intensive White Serum
Fight Darkness on Outside, Work Fairness from Within!

Some active ingredients includes: Tanaka ExtractTM, Tranexamic Acid, Kojic Acid, Bio- Energy Fluid and, most importantly, Alpha-Arbutin which is 9 times more effective than Beta-Arbutin in skin whitening!

Benefits:
:: Effectively lighten existing pigments and spots
:: Prevent dark spots and reduce darkening after UV exposure
:: Even out skin tone, whiten & brighten complexion 
:: Moisturizes and cools skin

♥♥♥

Double Whitening Cream
Reduces dark spots and evens out skin tone!

Some active ingredients include: Tanaka ExtractTM, Hyaluronic Acid, Tranexamic Acid, Pomelo extract, and minerals.

Benefits:
:: SPF20 to protect against harmful UV rays
:: Shields skin from external pollutants, keeps skin cool and moisturized under hot weather
:: Brighten and even out skin tone
:: Provides skin with trace mineral elements and precious herbal extracts
:: Lightens and prevents freckles, dark spots and pigmentation

♥♥♥

My review:
All my readers know I hate sticky/greasy products and obviously, that was the first thing I tested! Those who hate sticky/greasy products would be glad to hear that both Tanaka White products I tried are non-sticky/greasy after it gets absorbed by the skin though the whitening day cream did take a lil longer to be absorbed. And I have to say... both smells really nice too! Tanaka White 4x Intensive White Serum leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth while Tanaka White Double Whitening Day Cream works great as a sunscreen. As I currently have a fixed skincare routine, I didn't apply these products on my whole face BUT I did test it on a few of my hyperpigmentations (on the right of my face)! After trying it for 3 days I feel that my hyperpigmentations did lighten! Though it wasn't drastic but at least it did work I was satisfied with it :)

♥♥♥

Want to try it before buying?
 This July you can get a free sampling on Bio-essence Singapore Facebook page!
Don't forget to like Bio-essence Singapore Facebook page as well ;)

Bio-essence Tanaka White is available in Watsons, Guardian NTUC Fairprice, personal beauty stores and major super markets, Sasa outlets. Bio-essence Tanaka White 4X Intensive White Serum retails at $45.80 / 30ml, while  Bio-essence Tanaka White Double Whitening Day Cream SPF 20 retails at  $29.80 / 50g.

[Review] MegRhythm Steam Eye Mask

Monday, 7 July 2014

Staring at the computer, TV and mobile phone screens for long hours daily overwork our eyes, making it fatigued and tired :( A friend used to teach me to rub my palms together and cover it over my eyes to relax my eyes. But heat doesn't stay for long!

MegRhythm Steam Eye Mask comes to the rescue!
P.S MegRhythm Steam Eye Mask is actually a big hit in both Japan and Hong Kong ;)


With MegRhythm Steam Eye Mask, you can relieve and relax your hardworking eyes in just 10 minutes! ;) Just throw the mask over your eyes and relax, no more rubbing of palms. From the moment you put on the eye mask, the mask gradually heats up to a comfortable 40°C, with heat spreading to gently envelop your eyes. Steam produced from the heat moistens the skin area around the eye and relieves tired eyes. Enjoy the de-stressing session, refreshing yourself with brighter looking eyes!


Here's a demo clip to show how the mask works.


Each box contains five masks. They are individually packed for single use and for convenient disposal.


My Review:
I feel the scented MegRhythm mask not only helps soothe and relax the eyes, they help to de-stress the mind too! The 40°C heat is just nice and it really helps to soothe and relax the eyes. Also, these masks come with ear loops so they allow usage in any position! The ear loops were a lil too big though and I had to tighten the ends. Things to note: do not over-tighten it as the eye area will expand (puff up) upon heating. Also, it the steam will make the mask a lil wet. If you over-tighten it, you might feel a lil uncomfortable.

Now 10 lucky winners get to walk away with a Relaxation kit worth $50!
MegRhythmSG is currently holding a contest which ends on 31st July 2014, 2359hours!
1. Follow @MegRhythmSG on instagram
2. Share with us a photo of yourself using #MegRhythm Steam Eye Mask in the most unique position and tell us what you like about our MegRhythm Steam Eye Mask (example above)
3. Tag @MegRhythmSG & hashtag #MegRhythm in your caption

Time to use another MegRhythm Steam Eye Mask to relieve my eyes!

MegRhythm Steam Eye Mask is available at all Guardian and Watsons outlets at
$6.50 for a pack of 5 pieces of mask.

Want to give it a try before purchasing? Here's your chance!

For more information on MegRhythm Steam Eye mask:

[Review] BeautyBiotics Dream Cream Series

Sunday, 23 March 2014

The BEAUTYBIOTICS range of Dream Cream products is a breakthrough, new range of dermatological cosmetics or functional skin care that erases imperfections upon first application, and continues to work at the skin’s cellular level to deliver intense hydration and regenerate skin collagen and elastin, leaving your skin supple and youthful in the long-term.

Based on medical aesthetics science, BEAUTYBIOTICS light-diffusing optic technology infuses skin with a soft light for a radiant and glowing complexion. BEAUTYBIOTICS also uses Nano Technology to pack more hydrating and age-defying active ingredients into one application and deliver them into deep layers of the skin to enhance skin cell regeneration.

BEAUTYBIOTICS is dermatologist tested for sensitive skin, and made in Japan for Asian skins with proven ingredients to:
• Regenerate skin elastin and collagen for plumped up softness
• Intensely hydrate for supple skin
• Improve skin radiance and clarity
• Effectively whiten for luminous, bright skin

[Above from press release]

1. BB/CC Cream
It is an advanced cream formula that combines 12 skin effects (hydration, whitening, pore refinement, cell renewal, collagen regeneration, sebum control, anti-acne, anti-wrinkle, anti-itch, anti-inflammation, UV protection, skin repair) in one application. The dermatologically tested formula with broad spectrum UV protection (SPF 40, PA+++) helps enhance skin elasticity and even skin tone whilst providing perfect coverage.

Note for the before photo, I only had skincare and IDS Sunscreen on (photo taken when my skin was a lot better).

My Review:
- Coverage: Medium
- Ease of application: Easy to blend
- Texture: Quite thick

I got it in shade Natural. When I tried it on my hand, it wasn't my shade. However, when I tried it on my face, somehow the color became a match (still a lil darker in real life but ok in photos). I was actually quite surprised by it hahas. The only downside is that the texture is rather thick. Also, as I have quite a bit of marks on my face, I will still a concealor to cover those marks. I like how it evened out my skin tone though.

I applied the BB/CC Cream on my full face then moved on to try the next product.

♥♥♥

2. BB+ Nano Luminescence
Mineral Pearl Powder
It is a dermatologically tested broad brand UV protection face powder that contains nanonized light-diffusing pearl crystals. It is said to be able to filter out and diffuse light to reduce the appearance of facial lines and provides long lasting coverage for pores and imperfections. In the press release they mentioned that the Nano Collagen + Pearl Powder + Ceramide + Hyaluronic Acid helps to repair, regenerate and hydrate skin whilst giving skin a natural radiant glow. Also, the photoluminescent powder helps filter out and diffuses light to minimize the appearance of facial lines and imperfections giving skin a natural radiant glow.


My Review:
- Coverage: Medium
- Ease of application: Easy to apply (brush/puff)
- Texture: Light

I like how this product helped to mattify my skin. Also, my pores appeared less obvious in photos! In real life the pores are still quite obvious though :( Btw, I'm I used a powder brush to apply this powder on my whole face. After that then I use their puff to dap on my products on my pore area so it will have more coverage.

I applied the Powder on my full face then moved on to try the next product.

♥♥♥

3. UV White Nano Mineral Powder
UV White is a clinical strength sun protection and whitening nano mineral powder that provides broad band UV protection and helps whiten the skin at the same time. The powerful Nano Collagen + Hyaluronic Acid + Alpha Arbutin Formula is said to help regenerate skin, reduce pigmentation and lighten dark spots.


My Review:
- Ease of application: Easy to apply (brush/puff)
- Texture: Light

Love the cute and convenient packaging! I guess this can be an alternative when you don't want to bring liquid sunscreen when you travel. I applied this powder using a powder brush so there wasn't any white cast. There was white cast when I used their puff though but that's cause I did not dap off excess before applying on my face. So if you are using the puff, remember to dap off excess on the back of your hand first!

♥♥♥

That's all for this review! :)

Do check out and like BeautyBiotics (SkinBiotics) Facebook page:

BB/CC Beauty Balm Colour Corrector (45g)
is retailing at $39
Available in 3 shades: Shimmer, Fair, Natural

BB+ Nano Luminescence Mineral Pearl Powder (6g)
is retailing at $45
Available in Shimmer & Matte

UV White Nano Mineral Powder (3.5g)
is retailing at $49

All items are exclusive to all Watsons Singapore outlets!

[Review] MygenLife Beauty Collagen Nectar Drink

Monday, 30 December 2013


Beauty Collagen Nectar drink uses an intensive formula to improve the water binder that help to keep your skin supple, radiant and firm. With skin sufficiently hydrated and depleted collagen levels regularly replenished, wrinkle- free, rosy and supple look can be yours in just 28 days.

There are a total of 5 different drinks under this series:
- Slimming
- Detox
- Beauty Collagen 12,000mg
- Whitening
- Bustful

As you can see from you photos, I was sponsored a box of the collagen one for this review.
Each box has 6 bottles.

Main Ingredients:
- Collagen ( fish, 12,000mg ) This is the highest concentra1on of collagen in a drink. It ensure that your skin gets the maximum collagen it losses due to aging.
- Green Tea is a rich in polyphenols that fight free radicals. The antioxidants present in Green Tea helps to slow down the aging process helping you look younger.
- Mangoesteen known as the “Queen of Fruits “ contains naturally occurring xanthones, an1oxidants and many nutrients which are beneficial to your body and helps slow down the aging process.
- Optiberry is a unique blend of berries including blueberry, strawberry, cranberry bilberry, elderberry and raspberry to provide the maximum an1oxidant for the whole body

Full list of Ingredients:
Water, Collagen (Fish), Vitamin C, Green Tea Extract, Punica Granatum Extract, Mangosteen Extract, Digestive Blend Bulk, Viatmin B2, Nucleoprotein, Fructose, Isomalt Oligosaccharid, Raspberry Juice, Citric Acid, Raspberry Flavor, Sodium Citrate, Xanthan Gum

A few things to note:
Direction for use: 1 bottle a day.
Caution: If you are nursing, taking medica1on or have a medical condition, please consult a doctor before consuming this product.
Keep out of reach of children.
Store in cool and dry place.

My review:
The drink is a brownish color liquid. It is written on the box that it contains berries, green tea and mangosteen and indeed it does taste like a mix of everything. Not so much of the green tea but more of berries and mangosteen. It tastes sort of sweet and sour. Personally I feel that it tastes better chilled! In addition, I like how it comes in ready bottles so you can grab it and drink on the go if you are in a rush.

That's all for this review!

Mygenlife Beauty Drink retails at $49.90/box in Guardian.
You can purchase it online at hannah.com.sg :)

[Review] ITOH Low Molecular Collagen Powder

Friday, 27 December 2013

Today I'm gonna do a review on ITOH Low Molecular Collagen Powder.
It's endorsed by Kevin, Taiwan Beauty Guru!

ITOH Low Molecular Collagen Powder was extracted from healthy pigskin and cartilage, which are tested by Japan SPF standards. Besides, fat and gelatin are removed thru high purification technology. 
ITOH collagen is natural and free of chemical composition, making it suitable for all except vegetarian.
In addition, it is approved by FAO and WHO hence they are safe to consume.

Now you might be thinking "what's the use of collagen?".
Collagen helps your skin stay radiant and elastic, keeping dry, flabby and wrinkly skin away!
Don't we all want radiant and elastic skin? :)

Each box of contains 14 sachets of ITOH Low Molecular Collagen Powder.

The best thing about this collagen powder?

1. Color-less, Tasteless, Non-Sugar, Non-fat Collagen Powder
The powder is white, but when it dissolves in the solution, (eg. plain water) it is colorless.
It's stated to be tasteless and non-sugar so it won't affect the taste of whatever you mix it with.
Most importantly it is non-fat! Get good skin without worrying about getting fat ;)

2. Contains 3000mg of Low Molecular Collagen per sachet
Low Molecular powder enhance the absorption of collagen,
this helps to capture all the benefits that collagen contributes!

3. It can be dissolved in any drink or soup.
ITOH collagen can be added directly, to hot soup, food or drinks such as coffee, juice, milk or water.
It can be taken throughout the day. As ITOH Low Molecular Collagen Powder comes in small sachets,
it is very convenient to bring along a sachet when you have meals outside too ;)
Just pour it into whatever drink you order.

I'm a fan of green tea. So I usually make a cup of green tea then add in ITOH collagen powder :)
Couldn't tell if it had any other taste when I mixed it with green tea. It just tasted like green tea.

It is advised to take 1-3 sachets of ITOH Low Collagen Powder per day on an empty stomach.
As ITOH Collagen is formulated thru high purification, it can be easily assimilated by our body system. Hence, it is said that result is usually visible after 1-2 weeks! But note that it may vary with individual.

Each box of Itoh Collagen Powder is retailed at $49.90.

Now you can enjoy your cup of collagen anytime and anywhere ;)

[Review] Biore Cleansing Oil Cotton Facial Sheets

Thursday, 19 December 2013

Biore Cleansing Oil Cotton Facial Sheets just got a revamp! :)
They kept the 3 same types of packaging: travel size (10sheets), box (44sheets), refill (44sheets).
But the design of the packaging has changed and the sheets are now soaked with more product!

Received a box (44sheets) of Biore Cleansing Oil Cotton Facial Sheets from thesamplestore.

The new & improved Biore Cotton Sheets

1. Speedier removal
(20% more cleansing oil in each sheet)

2. Gentler to skin
(50% less wiping on eye lashes, eye area & face)

3. Moist after skin feel
(NEW Hydrating Beauty Essence to leave skin moist and soft with no stickiness)


They've even changed the design of the box!

4. Improved sealing performance with air tight tub
(less getting dry, new sheets that contains much liquid last longer)

Ingredients:
Water(Aqua), Isododecane, Butylene glycol, PPG-9 Diglyceryl esther, Dicaprylyly ther, Hydroexyethylcellulose, Fragrance(parfum), Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, PEG-12 Laurate, Potassium hydroxide, Tocopherol, Sodium hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Methyparaben

My review:
I used just one sheet to remove all my makeup (even my waterproof eye makeup)! Love how well each sheet of Biore Cleansing Oil Cotton Facial Sheet is soaked now. Each sheet is now loaded with more of the makeup removal solution but they are not soaked to the extend where they become messy. You can tell how well soaked they are just by squeezing it - you will be able to see the solution dripping out of the cotton sheet. The best part was that it is not sticky at all, leaves my skin moist and my skin is not sensitive to it!

Biore Cotton Sheets are available in major pharmacies and super/hypermarkets at:
Regular tub - $17.90,  Refill pack - $15.60,  Handy Pack 10s - $3.90!
Get your hands on them now! ;)

P.S You can redeem them from thesamplestore too!
All you need to do is create an account and add the 1week supply sample to cart.
Update: It is out of stock now.