SAMPLE SUNDAY | Bobbi Brown Skin Nourishing Glow Foundation x Wei Golden Root Purifying Mud Mask

Bobbi Brown Skin Nourishing Glow Foundation |

I'm always psyched to try out new products from Bobbi Brown - especially their base products - and my expectations are always sky high. The words "nourishing" and "glow" may sound a tad intimidating for someone with oily skin, but I am always down to try anything and everything. Bobbi Brown claims that this "richly emollient yet lightweight hybrid cream foundation delivers moisture and luminous coverage for a polished, lit-from-within look", and that it contains the skincare benefits of a rich, luxurious moisturizer that makes skin look instantly plump, smooth and radiant. The shade Sand 2 is yellow-toned and matches me to a tee, despite it oxidizing a smidgen darker after application. The gel cream consistency feels very weightless and comfortable on the skin, although I found it a bit streaky in application with a brush and much better with a BeautyBlender. Although it claims to have high coverage, to me it's more of a light to medium buildable coverage, and there are tiny, barely-there shimmer particles that help achieve that lit-from-within, glowy complexion. This wasn't particularly long-lasting on my oily skin and my T-zone got shiny after just two hours - it does advertise to be catered for normal to dry skin types - but it faded away evenly and didn't emphasize any dry patches. This is just one of those products that is very pleasant to use, but too pricey for what it does - the foundation costs a whopping $75USD here in Hong Kong, and my Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation can essentially achieve the same natural, luminous effect, with both better coverage and lasting power. So reluctantly, I'm going to have to pass.

Wei Golden Root Purifying Mud Mask |
WEI is a skincare brand that I've wanted to try for ages - the products are created based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, which really tickled my curiosity, and the Golden Root Purifying Mud Mask is their best seller. This ultrasoft mud mask is formulated with seven herbs that claim to deeply penetrate the skin and help counteract cell damage, minimize pores, diminish breakouts, refine skin texture, and renew lifeless-looking skin. And let me just cut to the chase and say that I am officially obsessed. This has a nice, subtle scent - an earthy, herbal, perfumy mixture - and has a smooth, velvety consistency that feels oh-so-soothing to apply. It's slightly cooling (and tingly) upon application and dries down quickly, but isn't at all tight and stiff like other mud masks - you can talk and laugh and make facial expressions without feeling like you're creating bloody wrinkles! I rinse it off after the recommended 10 minutes, and the water transforms the mask into a rich, oily consistency that makes my skin feel ultra nourished, soft, and firm. I was sold after just one application, and will definitely be dropping the $42USD to get the full size, which consists of 8 individually packaged pods and an application brush.

SAMPLE SUNDAY | Origins Plantscription SPF 25 Anti-Aging Cream x Make Up For Ever Artist Plexi-Gloss #202

Origins Plantscription SPF 25 Anti-Aging Cream |
After a rather disappointing experience with the Murad Essential-C Day Moisture SPF30 during a previous Sample Sunday, my hunt for the perfect daytime moisturizer with SPF is still very much ongoing. This is a hydrating moisturizer from Origins with SPF 25 and anti-aging properties that claims to improve lines and wrinkles, and restore the skin's youthful appearance. It is rich and thick in consistency yet not overly greasy - Origins also offers an oil-free version for you oilier girls - and does have a subtle sunscreen smell which I'm not the biggest fan of, yet am also not bothered too much by. I do need to give this time - 5 minutes or so - to fully sink in before I can start applying foundation. So far, I'm liking it! There's nothing super fancy about this cream but it gets the job done - my face stays hydrated throughout the day and gets that much-needed sun protection. This seems to be a good, solid choice for an AM moisturizer and I will definitely consider buying the full-sized jar in the oil-free formula.

Make Up For Ever Artist Pexi-Gloss #202 |
For those of you who remember my Sephora haul back in May, I talked about picking up the Sephora Favorites Paint It Pink set and it included this sample sized MUFE lip gloss in #202 Sweet Pink, a sheer, neutral light pink. I have never been a lip gloss gal - I have owned a total of zero in my life - but this sample was too cute not to try out. This has a flexible, paddle-style wand that applies just the right amount of gloss and fits the contours of my lips perfectly. The gloss itself is tacky - just a step below being too sticky - and I don't find it too distracting or uncomfortable to wear. It delivers a ton of shine and really highlights my lips, making them look fuller and poutier. Not gonna lie, didn't think I would like this - or lip glosses in general - but it's growing on me! This is definitely not a must-have in my books, but it's certainly nice to have in your purse for when you want that extra attention and oomph on your lips. Plus, it has amazing staying power. I dig it!

SAMPLE SUNDAY | Caudalie Vinosource Overnight Recovery Oil x Philosophy The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash

Caudalie Vinosource Overnight Recovery Oil |
This is my first foray into face oils, as I used to shudder at the idea of slathering oil on my already oily combination skin. I've finally now learned that face oils can actually be beneficial for all skin types - it can help strengthen, protect and balance the skin, and even regulate the overproduction of sebum for oilier skin types. This face oil from Caudalie is a "soothing oil to restore dry and sensitive skin overnight", and is formulated with a unique blend of 6 natural oils that nourishes, soothes and repairs skin. The next morning, your skin should feel transformed - fresh, radiant, soft and supple. Yes please! Although this is catered for "dry to very dry skin", it still worked wonders for me. This has a subtle aroma of tea leaves and roses - uh, YUM - and has a lightweight, non-greasy texture that absorbs almost instantly - like my face was drinking it up! This has a nice soothing effect on the face, and I noticed that my skin just looked better the next morning - fresh and supple, with significantly less redness around my nose and on my cheeks. I'm definitely sold on this stuff now and have already added it to my skincare wish-list. I have a feeling face oils are going to become my new obsession...

Philosophy The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash |
It's been a while since I've found a good exfoliating scrub - my last favorite was the St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub which I have now found to be just a tad too abrasive on the face, ouch - so I had high hopes for this exfoliating wash from Philosophy. This claims to "effectively cleanse the skin while providing resurfacing benefits", serving as a 30 second mini-peel that replenishes, protects and improves the skin's texture. This stuff is seriously good - it contains tiny, refined sand-like crystals that are super gentle on the skin (quite possibly the gentlest exfoliator I've ever tried), and made my face feel super smooth and clean, yet still hydrated (no tightness whatsoever). There is no noticeable scent, and would be an especially good option for those of you with sensitive skin. If you have flaky skin and prefer more of an intense exfoliating experience, this won't be your cup of tea. I personally appreciate that this is gentle enough for daily use, and will definitely be picking up the full size.

Thanks for reading! What are your favorite face oils and exfoliating scrubs?

SAMPLE SUNDAY | Fresh Vitamin Nectar Vibrancy-Boosting Face Mask x Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask

It's an extra special Sample Sunday this week 'cos I'm trying out a brand spanking new, fresh-out-of-the-oven product from one of my absolute faves, Fresh!

Fresh is celebrating 25 years of innovation by releasing a brand new product, the Vitamin Nectar Vibrancy-Boosting Face Mask. Woooo! I sprinted to the closet Fresh counter straight after work to get a complimentary sample (as all members of the Fresh Family were generously invited to do so), and to my delight, I was gifted with two additional samples - the Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask and Sugar Face Polish - in an adorable sachet along with a packet of dried orange slices for that perfect cup of tea. Uh, brilliant. I've already sampled (and raved) about the Sugar Face Polish, so let's check out the other two masks from Fresh!

Fresh Vitamin Nectar Vibrancy-Boosting Face Mask |
Just take a look at that pamphlet and tell me you don't feel like smearing all that freshly squeezed goodness all over your face! 'Cos that's exactly what I did the minute I got home. This new product is "an innovative mask made with a concentration citrus blend and potent vitamin fruit complex that gently exfoliates to reveal a vibrant glow". The scent is absolutely delightful - a fruit blend of crushed oranges, lemons and clementines - and the texture feels thick and gooey, with tiny chunks of fruit bits. It felt (and smelled) like I was smearing orange jam all over my face. In a good way! No joke, I had to make a conscious effort not to give this a lick. The mask took extra effort to fully wash off (since it did completely dry down in ten minutes), and while I didn't actually feel any exfoliation action going on, I was pleasantly surprised to find my complexion looked brighter, and my skin plumper! Where dat glow come from, yo? Although I don't find this to be an absolute must-have mask - unless you have serious issues with dry, dull, tired-looking skin - it was lovely to use and still gets two thumbs up from me!

Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask |

Fresh's Black Tea range is wonderful - the Black Tea Age-Delay Instant Infusion is my holy-grail toner - and the sales associate instructed that I applied this Instant Perfecting Mask after the Vitamin Nectar mask to boost and maximize results. This is a "hydrating treatment that immediately reveals softer, firmer, healthier-looking skin" and, just like the toner, has the most soothing aroma of black tea and lychees. The texture is very interesting - it has a whipped, velvety mousse consistency with just a touch of graininess to it when you smooth it over the face. Like mashed potatoes! Dang it, now I'm hungry. I felt a tingly, cooling sensation instantly upon application - as it does claim to have - and this mintiness was further amplified when I rinsed the mask off with cold water after ten minutes. Let me tell you, my face felt freakin' phenomenal after - so refreshed, revitalized and soft. While I'm not exactly sure if it was a result of a combination of the two masks, I've already made a mental note to add this to my wish-list. If you want soft, perfected skin and you enjoy masks that "refresh the skin and the senses", you need this in your life.

Because Fresh masks do run on the pricier side (the Vitamin Nectar Vibrancy-Boosting Face Mask will set you back $62USD, while the Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask will cost you an arm and a leg, I mean $92USD), I would definitely recommend getting a sample first to see which one gets along best with you skin (Sephora is great at this!). If I had to pick my favorite out of the two, it would have to be the Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask - it made my face feel like a whole new woman.

Let me know if you've tried any Fresh masks, and which ones are your favorite!

SAMPLE SUNDAY | Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm x Aesop Chamomile Concentrate Anti-Blemish Masque

This week's Sample Sunday is finally featuring one of my all-time favorite brands, Aesop, along with another appearance from longtime fave, Clinique.

Aesop Chamomile Concentrate Anti-Blemish Masque |
Along with Fresh, Aesop is up there in my top favorite skincare brands of all time. I adore every aspect about the brand - the products, the packaging, the stores (the interior design is on point), and the brand's overall aesthetics are completely on par with my own. If I were to design my own brand, it would look something like this - clean, understated, minimalistic. I am a religious user of Aesop's Parsley Seed Cleansing Masque and Primrose Facial Cleansing Masque, but the mere mention of chamomile from the sales associate already had me ooh-ing and ahh-ing and begging for a sample. Like the other two, this is also a clay-based masque but is catered especially for troubled skin, and claims to lift impurities and dry excess oil while calming irritated or inflamed skin. Like all Aesop products, the scent is so soothing - a combination of floral and herbal deliciousness - and it has a silky, refined consistency that dries down completely after ten, fifteen minutes. I found this mask did wonders to calm my skin and those occasional pesky bumps on my forehead, and I even used this as a spot treatment (overnight) on a particularly obnoxious zit above my eyebrow that practically vanished the next morning! It washes away so effortlessly - no scrubbing or tugging - and your skin will feel reset and rejuvenated. So yes, I absolutely will purchase the full size! Aesop, you da best.

Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm |
I know I went on a whole spiel about my issue with lipsticks, but that don't mean I'm going to stop trying out new lip products! I chanced upon this generous sample of Clinique's popular Chubby Stick lippie in a local Bonjour store, and couldn't pass it up. It's a nourishing tinted lip balm that contains mango and shea butters that moisturizes the lips while giving off a subtle tint and shine. Sounds like the Fresh Tinted Lip Treatments, doesn't it? I have the shade 16 Voluptuous Violet (the only color they sold) which is described as a "sheer plum violet". I really appreciate that this doesn't need sharpening - which is a pain - and you simply swivel up and voila. This worked exactly as described - it's quite sheer but buildable, and keeps my lips hydrated and gives them a subtle, healthy sheen. This would be a easy, fuss-free lippie option for everyday and especially for those of you who want something low-maintenance. While I don't think this is a run-out-and-buy-this-now sort of product, it is nice and I wouldn't mind picking up the full size, albeit in a different shade - Bountiful Blush or Whole Lotta Honey, perhaps? They both sound right up my street - a girl can never, ever have too many MLBB lippies.

Swatched once | Swatched heavily

I guess my wallet will be taking a hit soon, but I ain't even sorry!

REVIEW | Innisfree Special Care Foot Mask

Sandal weather is upon us! Which means putting extra effort into making sure our feet are soft, supple, and smooth as hell. But let's face it, we can always use some extra help fighting dry skin and cracked heels, which is why I'm giving the Innisfree Special Care Foot Mask a try before bed. Let's check it out, with help from my puppy, Riley!

Innisfree Special Care Foot Mask

$25 HKD at Innisfree (around $3 USD)

1 Pair

First order of business.. look how freakin' adorable my dog is. I just can't. Being the Curious George that she is (about absolutely everything), this crumply little packet really peaked her interest. Innisfree is a brand I've known about for quite some time - go read my review on the Innisfree Long Wear Cushion - and I've heard glowing reviews about their face masks. But only recently I became aware of their 'special care' mask range - including hand, neck, collarbone and even elbow masks - and at just $25 HKD a piece, this foot mask was too good of a deal to pass up.

The foot mask is folded neatly inside the packet, and you get one bootie for each foot. How cute! My feet are a US size 8 and they fit comfortably inside. It feels a bit strange at first, like you're stepping around in wet socks, but I found them very easy to use and to just lounge around in. I did end up slipping on a pair of socks over top since they slid around a bit. The mask smells floral and refreshing, but you only notice the scent if you're way down there like Riley is. The instructions say to wash and cleanse the feet, put on the foot masks, then remove them after 10-20 minutes and to massage the excess liquid into the skin. I left mine on for an hour. Shhhh. I just didn't see the harm in leaving them on a bit longer!

After removing the masks and massaging in the excess liquid as instructed, I could feel that the calluses on the balls of my feet had softened up considerably, and my feet looked smooth and moisturized. My heels, however, still felt a bit rough. By the next morning, my feet were back to normal and I could see some dry patches appearing again, which goes to show that this foot mask is probably best used for short-term results - one day or so - and perhaps before a special occasion when you need your feet to be pretty and presentable.

I would recommend exfoliating and scrubbing your feet prior to using the mask for better results. If you need serious help with dry, cracked, problematic feet, this wouldn't be of much help at all. But at just $3 USD, this foot mask is a good pick-me-up for tired, unattended feet and I will definitely be stocking up for some much needed pampering on the weekends.

PS. If you want more of Riley, I will be doing a post on her adoption story sometime soon, so stay tuned!

SAMPLE SUNDAY | Fresh Sugar Face Polish x Kiehl's Micro-Blur Skin Perfector

This week's Sample Sunday is going to be all about skincare! The stifling heat and humidity in Hong Kong is really taking a toll on my skin - clogged pores, flaky skin, grossness all around - so it's the perfect time to test out two skincare products that can supposedly help combat these unsightly issues.

Fresh Sugar Face Polish |

Fresh has got to be one of my favorite skincare brands of all time - I love every single product I've tried from the brand (so far), and the clean and minimalistic packaging is right up my street. This generous sample of their best-selling face exfoliating mask is made with "pure brown sugar and real strawberries that creates the appearance of a softer, smoother, more radiant complexion" and the scent is deliciously sweet, like a mix of citrus and strawberry. You're supposed to gently massage a generous amount onto cleansed, moist skin, and leave it on for five to ten minutes before rinsing with warm water. Okay, this makes my skin feel incredible -  so soft and smooth and supple! This is everything I want in a face exfoliator - it's gentle yet effective, leaves my face feeling smooth and hydrated, and the scent is wonderfully sweet. Flaky skin, no more! I will definitely be picking up the full size once I'm done with this sample, fo sho.

Kiehl's Micro-Blur Skin Perfector |
Large, visible pores are a huge insecurity for many people, myself included, and this sample from Kiehl's sounded like it could be the answer to the problem. Touted as both a makeup and skincare product, this claims to instantly minimize the appearance of pores and refine skin texture, as well as provide long-lasting pore and texture correction. Sign me up for some of that! After trying this for a week, however, I'm still torn. As a primer, I do see some improvement in terms of pore minimization and blurring, most noticeably on my nose, and it does make my face feel and look smoother. But it certainly doesn't make my pores look invisible, which I was hoping it would do. This does contain silicone, which makes the texture quite slippery but it glides nicely on the skin and feels lightweight on the face. One issue I had was that the product does separate - water kept oozing out of the packet - and I've read that the same has happened to others. I made sure to blot away the moisture before application and there were no problems. I am definitely more intrigued with this as a skincare product and its ability to improve the skin and diminish pores in the long run. You're supposed to also use this at night as the last step in your skincare routine, and I'm not sure if my eyes are playing tricks on me, but I do see slight improvement on my nose after the week! So I would be willing to give the full size a chance, which costs $35 USD. Will definitely keep you posted on whether this is worth the splurge!

Swatched | Blended out

Thanks for tuning in to the second edition of Sample Sunday! 

Let me know if you guys have tried either one of these products, and if you love it or hate it!