Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum EX review (Part 1)

Oh happy day; Bubbles was invited to the VIP opening of the Sulwhasoo boutique at Capitol Piazza. However, being a busy alpaca (someone has to fund the Sulwhasoo sprees), that post will have to wait till Saturday.

In the meantime, Bubbles has a mini review of the new Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum EX! The old Sulwhasoo first care serum is going to be discontinued, but you won't miss it for long because the new serum promises to be a supercharged version of the old, further increasing the absorption of skincare products.

So how does the new first care serum EX differ from the old first care serum? Bubbles puts it to a quick test:

On the left: old first care serum; on the right: new first care serum EX

Looks: both serums are brown and runny. You wouldn't be able to tell them apart just by looking. 

Texture: two equal-sized blobs of serum on Bubbles' paw ran down at the same rate. It's a tie! 

Scent: the old serum smells citrus-powdery and the new one smells citrus-herby (whatever that means). It is clear that Bubbles has no nose for scents....

Effect on face: no allergic reactions to the new serum thus far, and it feels the same as the old serum, where it sinks into the skin quickly. Nevertheless, to be a good scientist, one has to run consistent trials over a period of time. Bubbles confesses that she has been slack with her skincare regime on Sunday and Monday, and the event was on Saturday. Heh heh. It's too early for a detailed review of the new serum EX, so check back in about a month's time. 

Concluding remarks: Bubbles bids farewell to the old first care serum but she won't miss it because the new serum looks, smells and feels the same. While it's too early to tell whether it's more effective compared to the old serum, Bubbles is happy that she's not allergic to the new formulation. This alpaca wants to be spotted, not spotted. Just my little joke. 

Ending off with Bubbles' haul at the Sulwhasoo boutique opening

The trial set (4 items), pouch and small 30ml bottle of the first care serum EX were door gifts. The rest were impulse buys because they were pretty. Just look at that floral foundation case! Bubbles is not a fan of cushion foundations but the case was too pretty to pass up. Yours, with 2 foundation refills, for $74. Also, a 120ml limited edition bottle of the first care serum EX is retailing for $195, a 30% discount. 

Sulwhasoo workshop review

Because of her contributions to Sulwhasoo's annual sales report, Bubbles was invited to attend a complimentary "Discover the power of Ginseng" workshop yesterday (19 June) at SEVIIN at Tangs. Bubbles had no idea what it would be about (and secretly hoped they would serve a ginseng chicken soup), so she showed up to find this (sans the soup):

Sulwhasoo workshop at the Loft at SEVIIN

Individual seats for participants

You can choose to sit in front of the skincare....

or the makeup.

Bubbles always picks the skincare seat because it's easier to reach the products that way (2 people to 1 set of makeup and skincare). Bubbles is also a germaphobe so she absolutely cannot share makeup. 

The Sulwhasoo compacts (foundation and powder) are brand new (which is awesome) but the lip products, although clean, have been shared before (which is a common practice in beauty workshops). Bubbles has a mental THING about sharing lipsticks and lipgloss because she doesn't know if the previous user squeezed/smeared some onto a cotton bud before applying it on her lips, or whether she applied it directly to her lips. So if this bugs you, bring your own lip product and the only thing you'll worry about catching is the bus. 

Heading the workshop - the perky Chaven Lee

The workshop was informative, with the trainer sharing lots of skincare tips and solutions. Participants could stop her to ask questions at any time, and she answered all of them with a smile (even the grumbly ones). This time, Bubbles took some notes on her phone. With all the bad press about parabens in beauty products, she never knew that her beloved Sulwhasoo products are all paraben-free, or that the First Care Activating Serum could be used as a lip mask.

First Care Serum Lip Mask: Pat one drop of it all over your lips using your finger. Next, use 2 fingers - one at each corner of your mouth - and press down for 3 seconds. Repeat 3 times. Thereafter, place one finger just below the middle of your bottom lip and press down for 3 seconds. Repeat 3 times. Apparently this will reduce double chins. Just do not lick your lips cos it will NOT taste like caramels and strawberries. 

For the full 100 ways you can use the serum, visit: http://www.sulwhasoo.com.sg/en/beauty 

Now meet the stars of the show (from left to right): Concentrated Ginseng Essential Renewing Oil, Capsulized Ginseng Fortifying Serum, Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Eye Cream and Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream.

Of course, no workshop is complete without a product demo - everyone got to try all the products on their faces (ginseng oil was optional). The highlight for Bubbles was trying out one piece of the Snowise EX Whitening mask - this baby costs $16.20 a piece! (And one of the ladies loved it so much she filched the extra next to Bubbles saying "oh I just want to try". Hmmmm. Bubbles went to buy a box of it later.)

$162 for a box of 10. Awesome and calms redness. 

Start with applying the ginseng eye cream after you've loaded up on your basic skincare (cleansing, First Care Serum, Essential Balancing Serum (like a toner) and a mask, if required). Pat in gently with your ring finger because the skin on your eye area is 5x thinner than your face!

A Sulwhasoo skincare post Bubbles did earlier: Click here

The ginseng serum. The sparkles are actually what they call the macro ginsenispheres which release fresh ginseng extract when crushed, forming a protective layer on the skin surface.

The ginseng serum is a rather viscous liquid with small bits in it like grains of sand (looks like the Sulwahsoo ginseng white exfoliating gel). You can crush the little bits to release the ginseng extract. The micro ginsenispheres cannot be seen but penetrate the skin's surface to boost collagen production. The products smells pleasantly of ginseng and absorbs into the skin easily. It hydrates and makes skin feel very smooth to the touch.

Also played with the ginseng oil, but you don't need it unless you have dry skin

Finishing off with the ginseng cream. This alpaca uses cotton buds because hygiene, yo. 

Just because I can. 

The session ended at 9 pm (2 hours) after a Korean-style makeup application demonstration and everyone trooped back to level 1 to claim their door gift, which turned out to be a $20 voucher redeemable with a $200 spend. Bubbles had her paws crossed for a small tube of the ginseng serum (that would have been a fab door gift given the theme of the workshop, and Sulwhasoo workshops are always very generous with samples to take home), but she's not complaining, having tried the wonderful 16-dollar Snowise mask for free. 

And so the day ended with Bubbles buying even more stuff.... 

All in all, the workshop was an informative one, and Bubbles will definitely go for more in the future (this is her 4th!). Sulwhasoo workshops usually require a fee of about $80-$100 which is fully redeemable for products. Remember to take some notes or you'll forget everything after having lunch, especially if numbers are involved!!

Stay tuned for Bubbles and Cuddles' post about the opening of the new Sulwhasoo boutique in Capitol Piazza! 

Bubbles' Summer Essentials and the Sulwhasoo Camellia Hair Oil review

Whoo, it's hot in here! Is it because Bubbles is back? Or is it because it's summer season?

Bubbles will be sharing what she uses to remain a well-groomed alpaca in the thirty-something degree heat. Bubbles will also unveil her latest baby - the Sulwhasoo Camellia Oil, for hair.

(1) Waterproof Mascara that does not smudge: First up, at the bottom, is the Etude House "Lash Perm All Shockcara". This is a black mascara that never smudges on Bubbles, even if she's been working up a sweat outside. Bubbles has not falsely impersonated a raccoon since switching over to this mascara. Its sister, the Etude House "Lash Perm 3 Step Volumecara", doesn't fare as well, since it  smudges by midday and is holy hard to remove from the under eye area.

(2) Coral blush: TheBalm's "Frat Boy" has been worn daily for the past two weeks. A warm and rosy pink, but apply with a light hand to avoid the dreaded baboon-bottom effect.

(3) Shu Uemura depsea hydrability moisturizing lip balm (blue tube): Because chapped lips are not cute, and because Bubbles bought this in end-2012... there's still a good half-tube to go. It smells of grape candy (still) so it's probably okay to use (but quickly). Texture is thick and sticky but clear, so best worn before sleeping at night for that kissable pucker the next day.

(4) Chanel UV Essentiel Complete Daily UV Protection Anti-Pollution SPF 50/PA+++ (white rectangle): Sunblock to prevent sunspots, and this one's awesome because it has a serious oil-controlling properties. It looks like correction fluid (milky white) but smells powdery. It makes an excellent makeup base as well - dust some translucent powder over it and you're good to go. Does not leave any noticeable white cast.

(5) Ettusais white body mist (white bottle): A spray to nix any pesky zits on the body.

(6) KOSE Medicated Sekkisei (lotion) (large blue bottle): Bubbles soaks mask pellets (above lotion bottle in photo) in this lotion before putting them on her mien. The alcohol smell is crazily strong at the start (you WILL gag), so Bubbles' tip is to hold the soaked mask in front of a fan for about 10 seconds. After which, the alcohol smell will disappear (does alcohol evaporate that fast???), leaving behind a divine floral/herbsy scent that is unique to all KOSE products. Skin is brighter after each use, and the mask is SO cooling.

(7) Macadamia Healing Oil treatment (green label bottle): a musky and fruity smelling hair oil that tames frizz in the hot summer months. Bubbles can't get enough of the scent!

(8) Cle de Peau translucent loose powder (circle thing with brush): Worn over sunscreen or foundation, loose powder sets makeup and removes any shiny bits from Bubbles' face. Ooh, deceptive!

Next up, we have the Sulwhasoo Camellia Oil. Bubbles and Cuddles tried it at the Tangs counter today and it was LOVE. The oil is clear and runny and has a light floral scent. When 3-5 drops are applied to dry hair, it smooths out any frizz, especially at the ends. When applied on damp hair, the dried hair has less frizz and feels smoother and softer. It can also be used as a hair mask but Bubbles forgot what the Sulwhasoo advisor said because she was SO excited about this oil, and distracted by all the freebies on offer. This product is promising, and it looks like the alpacas' impulse buy has turned out to be a savvy investment! Yours for SGD $42.

Toodles!

Update: Hauls

The alpacas haven't been very active online, but they certainly have been active offline. Let the fun begin!

1. Mask haul from Sasa Singapore. Bubbles wanted to try out more masks so she could plan her buys in Hong Kong. There was an offer for My Scheming masks at 6 for $10. Cuddles really likes the MBD red tea mask for oil control.

 2. Ciate dolls house collection. Cuddles got suckered by the packaging.

3. Chanel nail polish number 27253849, in Paparazzi. And two sunblock samples courtesy of the nice salesman.

4. Sometime last month Bubbles went on a shopping holiday to Hong Kong.

All ready to go!

Bubbles travels light with her numerous samples. 

5. Bubbles and Sasa are a very good combination. MASK HAUL OF THE MILLENNIUM.

6. Bubbles bought Kose stuff for Cuddles because it is cheaper in Hong Kong.

7. Bubbles bought Jill Stuart stuff for Cuddles because it is available in Hong Kong.

8. Bubbles packed her masks away into two shoeboxes.

9. Here's what Bubbles bullied Father Alpaca into buying at the Duty Free. 

10. Sulwhasoo restock, thanks to Father Alpaca at the Duty Free in Korea. The Ginseng cream is a present for Mother Alpaca who is now also a Sulwhasoo convert *beams*

Oh, the opulence!

Rightfully on a pedestal

As though it needs a higher pedestal...

Samples for Bailey

11. Bubbles walked into MISSHA and came out with more stuff. What's new?

Sulwhasoo Skincare Regime

Greetings, alpacas! Bubbles will be sharing her Sulwhasoo stash and skincare regime today.

Bubbles is the proud owner of 8 full-sized Sulwhasoo products and she certainly hopes to acquire more. Introducing her babies, from left to right:

(1) Sulwhasoo Snowise EX White Ginseng Exfoliating Gel - 80 ml/$68

Bubbles bought this about 2 weeks ago. This is an exfoliating gel that contains little ginseng bits. It is gentle enough to be used daily (as the ginseng bits are extremely soft), and Bubbles uses it nightly after her makeup remover and cleanser. Bubbles squeezes out a generous dollop and massages it all over her mien for about 2 minutes. She then rinses it off to reveal brighter skin with minimized pores. For alpacas looking for a scrub with hard scrubby bits in it (e.g. apricot kernels, walnut shell) to have that feeling, this isn't the scrub for you. However, it does a good job with brightening up the complexion, and the smell is oh-so-luxurious. Cuddles also uses it, and her preliminary thoughts are that it seems to lighten scars.

(2) First Care Activating Serum - 60 ml/$106

Bubbles has been using this for about 2 months, and about 3/8 of her bottle is left. Bubbles now uses two pumps every morning and night for her mien (previously she would only use this at night). The serum is light and not sticky, with a refreshing herb-y smell. It looks like runny honey. This alpaca does not know how good the serum is on its own, as she layers lots of product over it. However, the serum promises to enhance the absorption of subsequent skincare products, and Bubbles has nothing to complain about this!

(3) Hydro-aid Moisturizing Lifting Toner - 150ml/$68

Bubbles has been using this for about a month, and has about half a bottle left. Bubbles uses it morning and night, after cleansing and before applying the First Care Activating Serum. Bubbles is quite liberal with this, putting 4 drops on a cotton pad and wiping her face. This toner is supposed to lift off any remaining gunk on Bubbles' face after cleansing, and so far it lives up to its claims.

(4) Hydro-aid Moisturizing Lifting Serum - 60 ml/$148

Bubbles has been using this for about 1.5 months in the mornings, before she started using the Herblinic ampoules in the mornings (they are not to be layered). Bubbles likes the Hydro-aid line because it's lighter than the Essential line (Bubbles finds that the Essential line has a heavier texture, so she saves it for night use - the other Sulwhasoo lines like Timetreasure are meant for more mature skin). The serum is white and creamy (it is an opaque white, not clear), and it is absorbed quickly once applied. Together with the lifting cream, it really hydrates the skin.

(5) Hydro-aid Moisturizing Lifting Cream - 50 ml/$132

Bubbles has also been using this for about 1.5 months, in the mornings. For the past two weeks, she has replaced the hydro-aid products in the morning with the Herblinic ampoule (more on this later). Sometimes, Bubbles skips this step (i.e. toner + serum + sunblock + makeup), but makeup always applies better when Bubbles uses the cream as well (no flaky bits).

(6) Hydro-aid Moisturizing Lifting UV Protection Cream SPF 50+ PA+++ - 50 ml/$68

Bubbles has been using this for about 2 months, in the mornings. She applies it after her skincare, and before makeup. The sunblock gives Bubbles' face a slightly oily look (but it is not oily), although it isn't anything some powder can't fix. This sunblock smells great (herbsy) and provides a smooth canvas for makeup to go over. Primers and/or makeup applied over the sunblock do not slip/slide off the face after a long day.

(7) Herblinic Restorative Ampoules (7 ml x 5) - $248

These ampoules are highly concentrated skincare meant to refine the skin after about 2 months of continued usage (each ampoule is supposed to last for 12 days and has little markings for each day to show how much product is left). Bloggers out there say that they are good for acne prone skin, as well as for refining pores. Bubbles was sold onto this concept and thus bought some to try. Bubbles has used it for about a month, and is on to her 2nd bottle (the first bottle lasted for about 2.5 weeks, mainly because Bubbles only used it at night).

Bubbles now uses it day and night, one pump at a time (but two if she's feeling indulgent). Bubbles hasn't yet seen the effects of the ampoules, but that could be because she's only 1/5 her way through them. However, Bubbles loves it when her skin is looking angry after she's removed all the gunk from her pores... after application, skin looks calmer after 5 minutes.

 

A note to alpacas out there: the ampoule essence is thick, and takes longer to sink into the face, so it leaves a stickier feeling compared to the hydro-aid serum and cream (which was why Bubbles didn't want to use it in the mornings). However, this can be resolved if (1) alpacas press their paws to their face after applying the ampoule essence, so that it is absorbed into the face faster, and (2) alpacas wait about 10-20 minutes after applying the ampoule essence before putting on makeup (which means waking up earlier). The latter suggestion is less attractive to Bubbles, simply because sleep is worth its weight in gold!

(8) Sulwhasoo Skin Clarifying Mask - 150 ml/$60

Bubbles can't say enough nice things about this mask. After receiving 2 samples, Bubbles went and bought the full-sized version. This is a peel off mask that is extremely sticky when wet (long-haired alpacas should be mindful to keep their hair out of their faces because it is a bitch to remove from hair), but dries to a thin film which you peel off from forehead to chin. This alpaca loves to peel it, and her mien is bright and glowing and SO SOFT to the touch after the mask is removed. Her pores are also minimized (what pores?).

 

(9) 3 assorted samples

 



The other 3 items are the Essential Balacing Water (sample - 15 ml), Essential Balancing Emulsion (sample - 15 ml) and Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream (sample - 5 ml). Bubbles hasn't bought the full sized products yet, mainly because she can live off the samples that come with every purchase (she has another 3 sets of the essential water and emulsion, and 2 more pots of the ginseng cream).

Essential Balancing Water - 125 ml / $68: This is the toner in the Essential Line - it is quite viscous, compared to the Hydro-aid toner, which is like water. A most unromantic way to describe its texture would be that of 'runny mucus'', but hey, whatever works! This sinks in to the skin almost immediately after application. If Bubbles is feeling lazy she sometimes skips the next step. Bubbles also puts on the Balancing Water before putting on the clarifying mask (#8).

Essential Balancing Emulsion - 125 ml / $78: Bubbles puts this on after the water. She prefers the scent of the Hydro-aid line, as it has more of a refreshing zing (like a citrus fruit).

Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream - 60 ml / $276: Bubbles has been told by the Sulwhasoo Beauty Advisors that this cream and the Ginseng Oil may be too rich for her twenty-something skin. so she does not slather it all over her face. Instead, Bubbles uses the Ginseng Cream to treat spots. If one has picked at a spot, it looks less angry after a night of ginseng cream. Any dark scars seem to fade away faster too (in about 2 days' time). Bubbles will probably live off Ginseng Cream samples because the full-size is incredibly spendy for a spot treatment, and Bubbles will never be able to use it up before the expiry date.

 

(1) Bubbles' current day & night routine

 

From left to right, in order of usage: (1) Hydro-aid toner (this goes on first), (2) First Care Activating Serum, followed by (3) Herblinic Ampoule (1 pump), and then (4) Hydro-aid sunblock. Skip the sunblock at night. Makeup goes on after the sunblock.

 

(2) Bubbles' previous day routine

 

This was before Bubbles switched to using the Herblinic ampoules in the morning as well. From left to right, in order of usage: (1) Hydro-aid toner, (2) First Care Activating Serum, (3) Hydro-aid serum, (4) Hydro-aid cream, (5) Hydro-aid sunblock. The smells are delicious! 

 

(3) Exciting extras

 

From left to right, in order of usage: Bubbles uses the (1) Ginseng exfoliating gel in the shower, followed by (2) the First Care Activating Serum and (3) the Essential Balancing Water. She then applies a thick gloopy layer of the (4) Skin Clarifying Mask, waits for 20 minutes, then peels it off and applies (5) the Herblinic Restorative Ampoule. Alpacas who do not use this intensive treatment can use (6) the Essential Balancing Lotion after removing the mask. Then go to sleep, waking up to glowing skin. The skin clarifying mask should only be used twice a week.

 

Toodles, alpacas! For those of you who only saw the first line of this post published earlier - Bubbles sends her apologies your way, and much love for your patience, as she was doing a test post because Blogger kept telling her that there were problems publishing/saving her draft. Bubbles will not let a lengthy post go unsaved! Have a funday Sunday!

Sulwhasoo & Shu Uemura Collide

Bubbles went on a frolic of her own on Wednesday, stopping by the Tangs Beauty Hall to pick up the beauty products she'd been eyeing. Bubbles only intended to shop at Sulwhasoo, but unfortunately for her, the cashier was located IN the Shu Uemura counter. Whoever engineered this layout should be congratulating himself/herself, because Bubbles casually asked to see the Shu Uemura 6 Heart Princess palettes she had been reading about. The rest, they say, is history.

Planned purchases from Sulwhasoo

Bubbles bought the Herblinic Restorative Ampoules and the Hydro-Aid toner. Bubbles had tried 3 sample satchets of the Herblinic ampoules (each sample is good for 2 applications, or one if you're feeling indulgent and want to coat your neck too) and decided that she would give the full set a try. The gift with purchase included a ginseng oil this time - Cuddles is most excited by its little bottle. 

My precioussss..... Bubbles posing with her 6 Heart Princess palettes. She couldn't decide which one she liked better so she bought both.

Bubbles loves the critter on the dark princess palette, so when she saw the makeup bag with its face, she just HAD to get her paws on it. Unfortunately, she was $4 short of this $200 gift with purchase, so Bubbles decided to add an eyelash curler to the bag. Makeup sponges would have been cheaper, but try as she may, Bubbles cannot justify spending $13 on 4 sponges. 

Isn't the cat bag lovely? (Although Bubbles adds that the quality is quite disappointing as its really thin plastic) Bubbles is a happy, happy alpaca. 

Cuddles' Sulwhasoo Faves

Hello alpacas! It's Cuddles here to wax lyrical about her favorite Sulwhasoo products today. Remember she got the Charity Kit last month? Well, these are her favorites...

From left to right: Gentle Cleansing Foam, First Care Activating Serum, Essential Balancing Water, Essential Balancing Emulsion, Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream, Overnight Vitalising Mask

1. Gentle Cleansing Foam

I love the smell, says Cuddles. This young alpaca just can't get enough of the herby scent which makes bath time a joyous time. One pump is all you need because it foams up really well, but not too much. It makes your skin feel oh-so-soft without that tight feeling. Cuddles also thinks it has a whitening effect, which wouldn't be surprising given all the herbs it's stuffed with. At $50 for 200mL,  it's a small luxury this school going alpaca can afford. And it'll probably last a long time. Yes, Cuddles has repurchased this cleanser! Now Cuddles can use it twice a day instead of once a day!

2. Overnight Vitalising Mask

Cuddles thinks this is magic. Just apply a thin layer at bedtime and wake up to glowing, soft, fluffy fur! A little goes a long way with this sleeping pack. It's not oily but it really packs in the hydration. Cuddles has barely made a dent in the 30mL tube from the charity kit. This is perfect for alpacas who haven't the time to put on a sheet mask, and do not like the sticky feeling after a sheet mask. Just slap this on and let it work its magic overnight! Cuddles will buy the full size tube ($68 for 120mL) when this runs out. Probably half a year later. And probably after giving away all her sheet masks.

3. First Care Activating Serum

The star product. According to the Sulwhasoo mailer, the First Ladies at the G20 summit all received this, making it a serum fit for First Ladies. Okay, Cuddles can use it while waiting to become a First Alpaca. This serum absorbs really quickly and has a gentle, calming scent. Of course you can tell Cuddles likes herby scents. It's supposed to be used immediately after cleansing to help the subsequent skincare you put on get absorbed better. Awesome! Cuddles has both eyes on the Jumbo sized bottle available only for the year-end season. Save $0.20 per mL! Great for alpacas on a budget.  So Cuddles is biding her time, saving her allowance, and planting ideas in Bubbles' head about jumbo sized bottles.

Cuddles feels that her skin has never been better since using the Sulwhasoo Charity Kit. Less breakouts and blemishes. A fairer and more even skin tone. Smoother, softer skin. And the effect lasts! Sometimes Cuddles gets a little lazy with the 5 step routine and only uses the cleanser and sleeping pack. But it still works! (Ginseng cream was given to mother alpaca because it might be too rich for young alpacas).

Sampling Sulwhasoo

Oh la la... Bubbles has Been-At-It-Again. Cuddles was interested in the Sulwhasoo Charity Kit ($60 with 6 items) and was worried it would sell out over the weekend, but Bubbles could not understand why Cuddles had her tail in a twist. So anyway, Cuddles woke Bubbles up at 9 a.m. on A SATURDAY just so that we would reach Tangs when it opened at 11 a.m.. While Cuddles bought the Charity Kit, Bubbles played with the Sulwhasoo samples on display. Bubbles then succumbed to the NICE SCENT of the sunblock (second from left) and.... purchased it. Bubbles also got samples of the Hydro-Aid Lifting Serum and Hydro-Aid Lifting Cream, making Bubbles one Happy Alpaca.

Bubbles tried the Hydro-Aid Lifting Serum and Hydro-Aid Lifting Cream sample on Saturday night and did not break out. Bubbles woke up to glowy skin. Bubbles repeated routine on Sunday morning, incorporating the sunblock just because. Bubbles tried the First Care Activating Serum (in Charity Kit) + Hydro-Aid Lifting Serum and Hydro-Aid Lifting Cream on Sunday night, and woke up on Monday feeling like she should have bought a Charity Kit too. Cuddles laughs and cradles her Charity Kit.

On Monday, Bubbles put on the serum + cream + sunblock, and discovered it was an excellent makeup base too. No flaky bits after moisturizing, and the sunblock did not make Bubbles' face shiny. No white cast also. Bubbles was so blissful. Bubbles wore Etude House CC cream (silky) + Shiseido Sheer Mattifying Compact powder over it, and went to work. 

Bubbles could not stop thinking about those samples of awesomeness. They moisturize well amd have a nice citrusy-herby scent. Bubbles found herself on the train to Orchard Tangs after work....

The above picture, sans sunblock, is self-explanatory. Bubbles bought the (1) First Care Activating Serum, (2) Hydro-Aid Lifting Serum and (3) Hydro-Aid Lifting Cream. At this stage, Cuddles would like to say that Bubbles is craaaazy. Bubbles admits that she is a sucker for samples. Everything else in the picture was FREEEE!!! Which alpaca does not like freebies. (Note: the 4 light blue satchets on the right were given to me on Saturday... but they balance out the picture, yes?)

In the next post, Bubbles will share her thoughts on the 3 items, as well as the Herblinic Restorative Ampoules (yay for samples... we know where that will lead us). Cuddles has been tasked to review the Charity Kit, but being the princess she is ("I only want to review the cleanser!!!"), it looks like Bubbles has to work overtime. Young alpacas these days....

Adios, alpacas!