Bag of Love November Edition - "Go, Girl, Go!"

I signed up for a 3-month subscription of Bag Of Love after reading Fiona's sterling reviews of this beauty bag. She hinted that the November bag was something special, so I immediately checked of BOL's Facebook page to get some hints. I immediately signed up when I saw that even the bag for the month of November was going to be from Levi's and not a self-designed bag like the previous months. Not to say that the previous months were ugly, but I have to admit that I'm a brandwhore. Lol! The November edition for this bag gained so much hype that I had friends (who I didn't know was into the whole beauty bag thing) clamoring for it as well. Thanks to Fiona for the heads up, I wouldn't have signed up if not for her! =)

In case you don't know, Bag Of Love differentiates themselves from the other beauty boxes by sending you your surprise samples in a bag (different design each month) instead of in a box. I *thought* they also had more emphasis on make-up products, since they frequently give out make-up brushes, but after receiving the November bag, I think it's kinda more or less the same as other beauty boxes. But I have to admit this November edition is really, really different. Received SOMETHING that I don't think any other beauty box will ever send out. O_O

The November bag is called "Go, Girl, Go!" and is dedicated to the women of today. All products are supposed to help the busy bees, the women who are always on the move as they go through life. When I read the personal message from the founder Mimi, I thought it was really dedicated to me! Lol! So perasan... just because I gave birth recently!

Without further ado... the unveiling!

This is everything that came in the bag. We have a wide range of products to try out, from oral hygiene, hair care, beauty products, perfume and body care! 

Let's start with the bag itself - made from denim and in the style of a small tote, this Levi's denim bag is pretty nifty, but I cannot think what I would really use it for. Nobody carries small bags like this out anymore. At first, I thought it would be PERFECT to carry my make-up to the office (now that I have a baby, I don't think I can do my make-up before leaving the house. I might have to do it in the office after dropping her off at the daycare center). However, the bag doesn't have a zip to close, so thing will easily drop out. I'm wondering if I should sew one on myself! Which would be sacrilege... messing with a Levi's original! 

 This is something that was hyped up on Bag of Love's Facebook page... they hinted that the November bag would have something from Panasonic. Interesting, eh? It turns out to be a vibrating toothbrush - the Panasonic Pocket Doltz Toothbrush, which is battery powered. I don't really like the battery powered part, so I don't think I will end up using this. Original price for this is RM99! Nearly triple the cost of the bag! 

 There are 7 sample sachets (weight not specified) of Clarins Double serum, an anti-aging formula for cell repair and collagen regeneration. The seven sachets are specifically for one week use, and at the end of one week, you can bring back a card to Clarins to receive skin consultation and a 2 piece gift set worth RM60. Wow! I better remember to test this out ASAP. The price for a 30ml bottle of this serum would be RM280.

Not so keen on this, but it is the perfect size to bring along on travels - the Dove Hair Therapy Hair Fall Rescue shampoo (90ml) and conditioner (80ml). The smell of this shampoo and conditioner is really really strong! I'm glad that they really wrapped this up with bubble wrap and plastic to prevent spillage.

 There's a mini spray sample of the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Aura EDT (100ml goes for RM275), along with a voucher (or advert?) for the Red Door Aura set. I love perfume samples, so I really love the fact that my first Bag of Love bag has one. :)

At first I thought the hand therapy sachet from Crabtree & Evelyn is part of the November bag, but since it's not printed on the card, I think this is my free gift for purchasing a 3 month subscription. I don't have the Crabtree & Evelyn avocado & basil hand cream (though I have a lot of their other hand creams!), so it would be nice to try this.

 This would be the second part of my free gift for signing up for a 3 month subscription - a face primer from Murad. I have never used a face primer  before, so I'm not sure if I want to use this or if I will give this away. 

I can see why a lot of people will be ecstatic over the November bag - it really is worth your money because the contents are well over the cost of the bag itself. However, though I'm impressed with the products curated, I don't find that it really suits me. I don't really like using electric toothbrushes, and I am not really into anti-aging serums (but I'm still gonna be kiasu and use it up to get my 2 pc gift set!). The shampoo is kinda meh for me, coz ---- who hasn't used Dove before? I like the bag, perfume and free gifts though. =)

The December bag for Bag of Love is already fully displayed on their Facebook page, and I have to say that I signed up for a subscription at the perfect time! All the exciting bags are coming my way!

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The Victoria's Secret Lust List 2013

Coming to the end of the year and I realised that this year, I didn't make any purchases from my fave website. The result of my blossoming body (pregnancy) - VS is really the last place I felt like shopping at when I'm getting fatter. More self-hatred will come when comparing self against VS angels. However, now that I'm losing the weight that I gained (I gained 16+kg during my pregnancy!), and I'm 4kg away from my pre-pregnancy weight, I've started online shopping like mad again.

I've already made pretty huge purchases on two other sites - which I will talk about when my goodies actually arrive. I'm still iffy about things that I want to get from VS. On one hand, they are REALLY, REALLY NICE. On the other hand, if I give in to temptations, I would be spending something like RM2000, hahaha! Ridiculous! Also, I would have to use VPost services to get them to send to Malaysia, and I've not had very good luck with this service. 9 times out of 10, the stuff will be held by customs and now that I'm a mommy, I don't have time to drive off to the airport to claim back what's mine.

Anyway, as always, I like to save the pictures and mull over it for a bit before actually splurging. Plus, some things look nice on the first glance, but after "studying" it, I will feel that it's not suitable for me.

Skirts:

I actually have a black lace high-low skirt from ASOS that I think I could live with - do I really need another lacy black dress skirt? I feel YES because the ASOS high-low skirt is a bit too short, and the lace on this skirt is soooooo much nicer and delicate. Plus, I think it's going for a steal at $19.99! 

Polka-dot pencil skirt with lace hem.... so pin-up style! Wondering if my hips are too wide for a pencil cut now though. :( But this is also on sale - $19.99!!

TOPS 

 The essential shirt in floral print - I think it's suitable for casual weekends and I could even wear it to work. Then again, my workplace is not tooooo formal. ;) 

I usually feel that I'm not suited for peplums, but this one looks kinder and more flattering, with a longer "skirt" and not too wide a flare. On sale too! 

Lace-trim flutter sleeve top in a cheerful neon lime citrus! Notice the lace is the same one as the skirt on top? Another top that I think is suited for work or play. I'm really loving the neon color as well! 

Zip-back full lace top in winter white - I originally wanted it in mint, but they ran out of it! White is pretty nice too... do I want to continue waiting and let it run out as well?? O_O I usually hate exposed zippers, but this top just looks so nice with it. **wondering am I able to zip this top up by myself**

 

 I love mock turtlenecks - I used to have one from MNG that I wore til there were holes.Originally wanted this one in houndstooth print, but they only have black & white stripe left. I love mock turtlenecks so much that I still want it even though not in the print I originally want.

This long-sleeve Kimono-style top looks prim and proper... if not for the plunging neckline! I think you can tell that I'm a huge fan of all things lacy!

Lace detailing again -- this time on a slinky tee. I like that the lace detailing is thick and not the see-through type. Looks like better quality stuff!

 Slouchy top made a lil bit cuter with the mesh panelling at the shoulders.

I'm kinda torn up over this top. On one hand, my initial thoughts is that it is ugly. But the more I look at it, the more I think it looks unique and classy. Can't make up my mind!

 It's such a romantic top, don't you think? I like the sleeves, it helps cover the arms a bit and makes the top nicer overall. :)

Bold piping on this silk shirt sets it apart from the rest. :)

SWIM

I want to go back swimming in the condo, but I don't think any of my bikinis will look good on me anymore. -___- Well, at the moment at least. I decided to get a one piece, and MOST of the one-piece suits on VS are the MagicSuit range, which is right up my alley --- tuck in all the bits and bobs properly. This is one of the more decent (and cheapest) ones they have. Those which are NOT in the MagicSuit range look more like one-piece suits with 80% cutouts, only suitable for you to lounge by the side of the pool. ;)

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Crabtree & Evelyn Verbena & Lavender Contest Winnings

My 2nd Facebook contest winning ever! I don't usually take part in FB contests because usually they ask you to post a picture and get the most votes for it. Such a popularity contest. And since I don't have THOUSANDS of fans at my disposal, I obviously won't be able to win, and I don't plan to lose so shamefully. So I end up not bothering. -__- This Crabtree & Evelyn contest involves some Flash game (spotting some hidden objects in a picture), a slogan, and then you just share the contest with some friends. At first I thought I won't be able to win (maybe the person who shares the most will win), but I reckon no harm in trying since whoever takes part in the contest will get a coupon to buy a Verbena & Lavender hand cream at a discounted price. Something like that (forgotten already).

Was so surprised that a few days before I was due to give birth, I got a call from their marketing peeps saying that I won the contest! Asked me to go the next week to collect the prize. I was so stunned that I forgot that I was due to give birth and won't be able to collect the prize, and didn't ask if there's a time limit in prize collection. Fast forward the story, and now it's already November, about 1.5 months since they last asked me to collect the prize. I guilted my husband into collecting the prize for me, but he only agreed to brave horrible working day traffic to go to Pavillion IF I called in advance and ask them if my prize is still there.

Long story short, when I called they said if someone from marketing called, the prize is allocated for me already. When my husband went, they were blur... but in the end... I got my prize! Thank you so much Crabtree & Evelyn Malaysia!!!!!

 

Check out the beaaaauuuutiful bag! So colorful! 

 Even the box looks so beautiful. FYI, this was the picture in the Flash game that had some hidden objects for us to click and find. Hahaha. =)

 And this is what I won! The Crabtree & Evelyn Verbena & Lavender cologne and bath & shower gel. I opened up the shower gel for a sniff (it's a screw-top bottle packaging) and OMG, it smells as nice as I imagined it would be! Very soothing and uplifting at the same time. I think it would be a wonderful pick-me-up after a long day at work AND a great way to start the day in the morning.

Can't wait to review it... but meanwhile, give FB contests a chance. If I can win, anyone can, hahaha. (I'm not active on FB, you see.)

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Elgydium Decay Protection Toothpaste

Back when I was a young lady travelling the world (ahem!), I was very lucky to have been given the opportunity to work overseas for certain amount of time. When I worked overseas, I was paid in USD and was able to amass quite a bit in a year. Did I invest the money? Did I buy property? No.... I spent it all travelling! Looking back, it might've been foolish, but I never know when I will get the chance to go travelling again. When I'm old and withered? My holiday photographs / camwhoring looking not-that-nice? Anyway, I went to Paris and naturally, before going, I Google-d for interesting pharmaceutical products to buy. Hahaha!

I know right, most people would be Googling for which LV bag they should get. Instead, I was thinking of weird things like this! One of the things people kept recommending was Elgydium toothpaste. When I was in Paris, this was what I bought! In the end, I found out that this brand is sold even in Singapore (you can even find it in Mustafa, hahaha), and I really think it's quite a waste of luggage space. More on that later.

There are actually 3 variants of Elgydium toothpaste :
- whitening
- anti plaque
- decay protection (the one above)

I'm wondering what the difference is between anti plaque and decay protection is, since the website itself states that decay protection is done by preventing plaque. Wtf! Anyway, the toothpaste "contains a unique, second generation fluoride called Fluorinol® that actually remineralises and reinforces your tooth enamel. And it has a special agent called siliglycol that keeps more fluoride on your teeth, even after rinsing - to give you day-long protection against decay." [source : here]

Personally, I think this toothpaste tastes really weird. It leaves me with a funny feeling in my mouth and over all my teeth. It feels like it's adding gunk on top of my teeth, and it really doesn't feel comfortable. So weird flavor, makes you feel like your teeth are in a worse condition and to top it alllllllll off, it doesn't do jack for your breath. No minty feeling whatsoever. And the tube packaging retains its shape no matter how you squeeze it, so you don't really know how much you have left. Sometimes, you don't want to be too creative in your packaging, Elgydium folks.

You know, I bought a LOT of this toothpaste, just coz I thought it was a must-buy and I won't be in Paris so many times. Hence, why I still have this toothpaste til today. I should've stocked up more on Denblan, the TRUE "MUST BUY" TOOTHPASTE WHEN YOU ARE IN PARIS. I will blog about Denblan next time, but keep that brand in your mind! =)

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Boots Natural Collection Ice Musk Shower Cream

Oh dear, my Boots Natural Collection Ice Musk Shower Cream seems to be finishing fast! I think it barely lasted me more than 2 weeks. =D Then again, it's only a 250ml bottle and I seem to breeze through such small quantities easily. As mentioned previously, I hardly have time for luxurious hot showers, so it's a shame I can't spend more time in the shower with this --- it's a really nice shower cream!

Whenever I go to Thailand, I will have to stock up on Boots stuff - they are really creative, nice and generally worth repurchasing for me. But why repurchase when there are soooo many other varieties to try out! I love the packaging design for this shower cream - with the hook on top, it allows gravity to really help you pull out every last bits of the shower gel (except those stuck in the hook area, lol) so that there's no wastage. By hanging it from my shower rack, it also frees up more space for the other bottles there, since the shower gel is now dangling from the bottom instead of sitting and taking up precious space. =p

The blue snowflake design on the packaging also gives a very "icy / cool" feel about it (and very Christmassy too... puts me in the mood!), but in reality there is nothing "icy" or "cooling" about this shower gel. What I like about it is the ice musk scent. It's a very heavy floral that is reminiscent of old-timey soaps like Cussons Imperial Leather, etc. I tried to Google what does "musk" smell like and I got horrible descriptions like "sweaty balls" and such. Lol! This doesn't smell anything like that!

Although I enjoy the heavy floral scent in the shower, it doesn't really linger. The creaminess of the shower cream feels moisturizing against the skin and leaves skin feeling softer after the shower is over.

All in all, a pretty good product. Will consider as a repurchase if no other variant catches my eye the next time I'm in Boots. Which will probably be a long time more coz I don't like travelling with a small one in tow. Very stressful for the mother!

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Bifesta Eye Makeup Remover

One of the first things that I used from my personalized Vanity Trove is this Bifesta eye makeup remover. A lot of beauty bloggers have commented that it is cheap (RM26.90 for a 145ml bottle) and works well - totally bang for your buck. It was practically a "must have" selection in my personalised trove! As I had mentioned earlier, my Maybelline  make-up remover was finishing and this was a timely replacement.

One drawback about the packaging is that everything seems to be written in Japanese, so other than knowing that this is for removing my eye makeup, I don't know what else to say about this product. It is a water-based make-up remover, which is unique because I find most make-up removers are oil-based.

After using it, it does do its job of removing the make-up, but I personally feel that it takes more of the solution than my Maybelline remover. It also stings more, so be careful not to get it into your eyes! Which is kinda hard since this is an eye make-up remover, wtf! Personally, the only thing this has going for it is the cost.... a huge bottle going for less than RM30 is really easy-going on the pocket!

Not a repurchase for me, but really happy that I got to try this product out thanks to Vanity Trove! :)

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My Recent Hishop Haul!

Haha, two shopping posts back-to-back. If there's any reason for my husband to NOT keep me in "confinement" in the condo anymore, this should be it. When the chores are done and the baby is asleep, there's nothing else for me to do but spend time on my laptop... streaming TV shows and SHOPPING ONLINE! Actually, I'd been planning to buy some stuff from Hishop for quite some time, just that I was further prompted to do so because :
- there was discounts for two items that I wanted to buy
- Hishop gave me some credits for old blogposts that I wrote about Jelly Pong Pong, so I might as well use the credits!
- there was a contest to win a Longchamp bag if I buy above a certain amount
- there was a free gift with purchases over RM300

If all that wasn't a sign to buy NOW, I don't know what is! :D I thought I bought a lot of stuff, was expecting a hugeeeee box to arrive. Instead, it was merely the size of a shoebox! I thought something was wrong, but fact of the matter is I bought small but costly items. :( By the way, I consider delivery quite efficient but nothing compared to Best Buy World, haha. Made my order on the 31st of October and received the goods by 6th Nov via PosLaju. Let me share with you what I snagged...

So excited to open the bright pink shoebox that arrived! But also semi-convinced that something  must be left out. -___-"

This is how everything is packaged inside! Looks like everything is there... I like how they further protect the tubs I bought by wrapping bubble wrap tightly around the containers. There's also discount vouchers for group-buy websites included in the box. Most likely not going to use them so maybe I'll post the discount codes up later.

Hishop  gives two free samples with every purchase, and based on what I see, the choices are frequently updated based on stock availability. I chose Brilliant Loveheart Lip Care System_2 Step Lip Gel Patch  and Nature & Co Pure White Lotion Light & Pure White Milky Lotion Light. Other choices include Bawang shampoo samples, Aubrey Organics conditioner and Osmium products.

Here comes the main stuff that I wanted to purchase! Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream and  ePure Membranous Jelly Masque in Jar! First heard of the Egyptian Magic skin cream from Michelle Phan, and decided to try a small tub first to see if it's any good... after all I already have a lot of other moisturisers. Just "fatt hao" want to try the in thing now, I guess. ;P As for the ePure mask, I have a funny story about it! In fact, it was recommended to me by my ex-line manager, who is a bigggg Hishop fan. In fact, he says he shops there so often that he is part of some loyalty program and always gets 30% off with each purchase. Wtf! So good?

My ex-line manager started talking about face products with me ever since I appeared in the newspaper for my beauty product obsessions. He asked me if I ever tried ePure before, and I said no. He said it was like a cult favorite, and he buys them non-stop! According to my husband (who also knows him), he used to be quite dark, but I think his skin now is pretty good! He (the ex-line manager) always says that his face is tired from too much night support, but I really can't tell (except for the eyebags). ;) He said that he buys the mask coz he's too lazy to scoop the jelly from the jar and apply on his face. However, I feel the jar is more bang for your buck, so I got it instead. If I become lazy, I might get the mask instead. =)

And finally - a joke ... though he claims to be such a fan of the site, he was surprised to hear me call it "HI shop".... he said he thought that it is called "HIS HOP" all the while! Wahahahhhahhaa.... I was like, why would they give themselves a name like "His Hop"? He said it's because he buys other men products from the site, so he thought it was a site specially for metrosexual men. "Plus, his hop sounds quite cool what. Like hip hop... his hop...." he further explained. I said that there are wayyyyyyyyy more products for women than there are for men! Anyway, I am pretty sure it's pronounced "Hi Shop" la.

To top up my purchases to RM300, I bought a lottttttt of Twistbands. I've always wanted to try them, and someone should have told me way earlier that scrunchies are out. I've got a major collection of them, and now I have to bung them all out and make way for my Twistband collection! I tried using it yesterday and I quite like it. I won't post photos as yet coz my hair is kinda short right now (super regret cutting it for confinement now), and I just use this to do a half-ponytail that is REALLY unflattering, but is what I need at the moment. When I get my long ponytail back, then I'll camwhore and review more la. Anyway, I realised that I bought some very similar colors - just that one is part of the Crown Bauble trio, and the other is the Sam trio. I think I'll give away the Sam one...

 

And finally, this is the free gift with purchase above RM300 --- a Bamboo Charcoal Slimming Body Suit. I've yet to try this on - quite mafan when I need to take off my top frequently for breastfeeding. Anyway, it is pretty useful - see whether this can help me get back my pre-pregnancy body. Even better if can get back my body circa 2009. -___-"

Well, that's all I have to share on hauls today. Fingers crossed for proper reviews and not more buy buy buy posts. :)

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