Karen’s Beauty Post # 6: All Firsts: Sample Room VIP Experience – Part 1

Hello!  It’s been quite a long time since my last post (Yes, 8 days is quite long for me!).  Been crazily busy over the past weeks due to accounting workloads, photoshoots and church activities.  And I’m loving it!  

It was said that you should love your work and your work will love you back… I guess it’s true.  Though tired and exhausted at times, I thank God because He kept me busy and productive.  And what adds more to the happiness is that I did these things with my husband.  It's indeed true that you'll love doing things the more if you're doing it with the one that you love the most. (insert "awwwwwww" here)

Anyway, let me share to you my first experience as a Sample Room VIP member and also my Glamourbox first online shopping story.

Sample Room VIP

Sample Room is similar to other beauty subscription boxes that we currently know; it’s just that they use points system in giving out product samples.  Upon signing up as a member, you’ll automatically get 100 points for you to purchase samples (sometimes even full sized products), plus a minimal shipping fee (based on my experience I paid Php 100-130 for each transaction).  Now, the points that you used will be replenished back to your account upon posting your product review.  One point is added for each rating and another one point for each review.

 

Example:  You have 100 points upon signing up.  You wanted to sample product A (which corresponds to 90 points).  Upon successful purchase, you only have 10 points under your account (100-90).  You rate and post your review, you have 2 additional points.  Upon approval of your review, the 90 points will be given back to your account. 10+2+90=102 points now on your account. 

But if you wanted to try several products all at the same transaction (btw, each transaction can accommodate 3 products maximum), but have only 100 points, you can have the option to subscribe as a VIP member.  Check the guidelines below:

 

Screenshots from http://www.sampleroom.ph/index.php?route=information/information&information_id=16

So I wanted to know how it feels like to be a Sample Room VIP member, LOL.  So I signed up, paid Php599, and waited for the confirmation, which happened the next day.  I used the points as much as I can so that I can maximize the shipping fee.  I’ll show you the value of the purchases I made at the end of this post.

The items arrived at the office after 3 days, but I wasn’t able to pick them up right away because I was at my field assignment until yesterday.  So upon arrival at the office, the items were handed over to me.  I was excited!

So here are the items:

Colour Collection Age Defying BB Cream

Colour Collection Age Defying BB Cream CoQ10 & Green Tea Extract SPF45

A BB Cream with 8 skin benefits. Targets wrinkles, fine lines and age spots to reveal a younger-looking, radiant complexion. Contains CoQ10 & Green Tea Extract.

8 SKIN BENEFITS

Slows down skin’s aging process

Protects skin from UV rays

Helps minimize wrinkles

Softens and hydrates dry skin

Promotes cell renewal

Reduces pigmentation

Retain moistures

Aids in improving skin elasticity

Full Size 40mL Php 699

What I’ve got:  Full Size (130 points)

My thoughts:  This is one of the reasons why I signed up to become a VIP member :P 100 points isn’t enough to score a piece of this.  Being a BB cream addict, I can’t wait to wake up tomorrow and try this one.

UPDATE: The texture is creamy but it's light on the skin upon application (no cakey feeling).  Just a small amount is already enough for full face coverage.  Another reason to love BB creams! :)

H2O Night Oasis Oxygenating Rejuvenator

H2O Night Oasis Oxygenating Rejuvenator

This powerful cream-gel works overnight to restore and revitalize tired-looking skin. Oxygen-rich formula helps recharge dull skin and supports skin’s natural repair cycle and smoothes the appearance of surface lines.

Benefits:

Sea fennel supplies oxygen-rich nourishment to help recharge dull skin and support skin's natural repair cycle

Brown algae infuses skin with vitamin-rich moisture to smooth the appearance of surface lines

Cucumber extract naturally soothes sensitive skin and calms irritation

Full size 50mL Php 2,660

What I’ve got: 8mL sample (140 points, valued @ around Php 425.60)

My thoughts:  Since I started subscribing to beauty boxes with skin care products included, I began to appreciate the benefits of using these products.  Long before, just a few drops of Cetaphil twice a day is my own definition of skin care.  Now I am glad that I have the chance to try products such as this and fortunately, I haven’t experienced breakouts yet (unlike during my teenage years).

UPDATE:  I tried this last night and it really has a relaxing effect on my face.  When I woke up this morning my face is still moisturized and soft to touch.  Let's see on the succeeding nights if the effect is consistent :)

H2O Face Oasis Hydrating Treatment

H2O Face Oasis Hydrating Treatment

This oil-free moisture gel delivers deep hydration while minimizing the appearance of fine lines. The unique moisturizing formula replenishes depleted skin and fills surface lines with a surge of moisture.

Benefits:
Hydrating marine botanicals rapidly replenish depleted skin and fill surface lines with a surge of moisture
Multivitamins A and E help skin resist daily damage from environmental stress
Phospholipid microspheres deliver time-released hydration to keep skin looking revitalized all day

Full size 15mL Php 1,750

What I’ve got: 8mL sample (250 points, valued at around Php 933.33)

My thoughts:  This is already good for a sample size because this is already more than half of the full size.  I am also curious of this one so I’ll try this out soon.

Cynos Body & Thairaphy Morocco Argan Oil

Cynos Body & Thairaphy Morocco Argan Oil

Argan Oil is produced from the kernels of the argan tree, that is valued for its nutritive, cosmetic and  numerous medicinal properties. Because of its reputed anti-aging qualities, it has sparked global market need for its exotic oil and new considered  endangered.

Full size 100mL/50mL/10mL at Php 1,200/700/200

What I’ve got:  10mL bottle (150 points)

My thoughts:  I’ve read several rave reviews over this Argan Oil.  I am planning to try this out on my unruly hair and let’s see is my tresses will be tamed through this.

Colour Collection Ultimate Wear Lipstick (Queen Bee)

Colour Collection Ultimate Wear Lipstick (Queen Bee)

Achieve rich, longwearing color that glides on smoothly and doesn’t fade away easily. Lasts up to 8 hours! Always hydrating and never drying, this high-cushioned lipstick keeps lips moisturized all day, minimizes the appearance of fine lines, and stops feathering to give lips the perfect plumped-up appearance. Slim and handy, with a see through window for easy identification.

Queen Bee, a bright red shade that spells power.

Full size 2.4g Php 350

What I’ve got:  Full size (95 points)

My thoughts:  Okay, talk about not reading the description until the last dot.  I thought this was a dark pink shade so I had this right away.  But upon seeing this, I was like, “Ay red pala siya”.  The shade is slightly close to the Temptress shade.  So I tried this on this morning at around 8:30am.  And true enough, I drank my water, I ate my lunch and snacks, it’s already 4:30pm as of this writing, and it’s still there!  So yeah, I already believe in their “lasts up to 8 hours” claim!

Colour Collection Ultimate Wear Lipstick (Temptress)

Colour Collection Ultimate Wear Lipstick (Temptress)

Temptress, an irresistibly sexy deep red shade that attracts romance.

Full size 2.4g Php 350

What I’ve got:  Full size (95 points)

My thoughts:  I’m going to try this one tomorrow and will see if this is as good as the Queen Bee shade.

UPDATE:  I tried this today... AND I LOVE IT!!!  Now I know that wearing red lipstick everyday is possible.  Again, it's true to its word on the "8-hour lasting effect".  I'm impressed! :)

The rich red color of the Temptress shade suits my personality--bold, outgoing, carefree and ready to face any challenge.  Definitely this is my instant current favorite from my lippie collection :D

H2O Face Oasis Shine Neutralizing Gel

H2O Face Oasis Shine Neutralizing Gel

This oil-free moisture gel delivers a clear, matte complexion that lasts all day. The unique formula naturally absorbs excess oil while delivering water-light moisture and refining skin’s texture, leaving skin looking healthy and balanced.

Benefits:
Marine algae naturally absorb excess oil while delivering water-light moisture
Micronized silica help minimize the look of pores, visibly refine skin's texture and diminish surface shine
Phospholipid microspheres deliver time-released hydration and nutrients to keep skin looking healthy and balanced

Full size 50mL Php 2,520

What I’ve got: 8mL sample (125 points, valued at around Php 403.20)

My thoughts:  Being oily is one of my skin problems (same as with my hubby’s).  So we can’t wait to try this one out.  I’ll update you guys : )

Sappe Beauti Drink - Collagen

Sappe Beauti Drink (Collagen 1,000 mg)

Product Highlights:

Functional and tasty apple flavor drink with 1,000mg marine collagen to maintain moisturized, more beautiful skin.

Product Benefits:

Helps maintain moisture within the epidermis and smoothens skin texture.

Recommended Daily Intake:

3,000mg of collagen per day (approximately 3 bottles; results can be seen as early as 30 days)

Benefits of Collagen:
Tighten hair follicle
Prevent Osteoporosis
Alleviate shrinkage and maintain skin elasticity
Increase skin moisture

Full size 360mL Php 35

What I’ve got:  Full size

My thoughts:  Even before having this at Sample Room, I am buying this one at Watsons as my post workout drink.  I tried to drink this once a day for several days, and I noticed that my skin somehow “brightened” and it felt good.  My concern however is that having one bottle only as a sample size is not enough to determine if it’s effective or not.  Maybe 15 bottles or 5 day supply is OK. Haha!

Celeteque Advanced Anti Aging Cleansing Oil

Bonus Item: Céleteque Advanced Anti Aging (Anti Wrinkle Ultra Hydrating Cleansing Oil)

CÉLETEQUE DermoScience™ Advanced Anti-Aging Anti-Wrinkle Ultra-Hydrating Cleansing Oil cleanses the face by removing dirt and make-up while moisturizing the skin. It has Dual Vitamin Regenerating Complex that promotes healthy tissue regeneration, resulting to increased elasticity and moisture levels. This helps in firming the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation.

Full size 50mL/100mL Php199/369

What I’ve got:  2 pcs 8mL samples (valued at around Php 59.04)

My thoughts:  I was happy upon seeing this inside the paper bag.  I was able to have one sample during my 2^nd Sample Room set months ago, and its sample bottle is almost empty.  This serves as my travel size eye makeup remover and I felt its moisturizing and lifting effect on my eye area.  I’m considering buying a full size of this one in the future.

Okay, this was taken at my officemate's desk. lol

So that sums up my first Sample Room VIP member subscription.  I was able to make three transactions for these items, meaning three times shipping fee payments were made.  Let’s see the computation below:

I spent Php 899 for these products that are worth almost Php 3,500.  Not bad!  Not too pricey for an ultimate beauty treat!

I can’t wait to try these all so that I can post a decent product review right away.  I want to maximize my 2-month VIP subscription.

Were you able to try out Sample Room?  Share your experience through posting at the Comments Section!

Visit the Sample Room website here.