Winning Sample Room x Soffia Worth Over 5K Makeup Brush Giveaway

I used to love joining giveaways on Instagram until a few years ago when I get swamped with work (well, mostly) while struggling with personal things. I kind of feel like joining again when I saw that Sample Room teamed up with Soffia into giving away makeup brushes. If you've read some of my past blogs, brush-related, you'll realize that you've met a makeup brush junkie.

Nowadays, you will rarely see me buying them considering the price (you know they aren't exactly cheap!), and the fact that it's unnecessary since I am working from home and seldom goes out. I am actually trying to get rid of some - the ones I think are pretty similar to my holy grails, and some that I just do not like for a reason. It's either because of quality or just simply because they don't appear pleasing to me (LOL!).

So yeah, I joined the Instagram giveaway where the mechanics are just simple. I have included my entry down below. You just have to post a photo/flatlay/video and then share it on your social media. You also need to share your experience with the brushes you got from them and make sure you follow both pages too. They selected four winners and I was lucky to be one of them. I have always known Soffia and Charm Essentials brushes but just couldn't get myself to buy them. Now, finally!

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A post shared by Hanna Nicolas (@hannapoleng)

I just want to share what I've got here in my loot. First on the list is this medium-sized PVC pouch, lined with blush pink synthetic leather and Sample Room PH print. This pouch is so chic, I love it! It would fit your basic necessities. It also comes with this pink mini notebook. I like writing random stuff so, yup, cool!

My loot included four pieces of Soffia opulence brushes. Soffia Perfect Skin Foundation Makeup Brush (P700) is the same foundation brush which I already have and was initially purchased from Sample Room. Well, you can't have enough base brush! It's tiny but works really well in blending your foundation.

I've got a couple of big brushes here which I like. Soffia Opulence Soft Focus Makeup Brush (P2850) is just so fluffy and I imagine myself using it for bronzer or powder application. Next one is the Soffia Opulence All Over Face Makeup Brush (P2500) which is a denser brush that can also multitask as a finishing brush. Unlike the soft focus brush which is round and tapered, the all over brush is somehow pinched on the handle and reminds me of the powder brush I once owned from Sigma. Both are about on the same price range.

The last one is the Soffia Opulence Small Contour Brush (P1500) which works for blushes and contours. This is nice if you want to achieve a well-defined contour.

All the brushes I got are really nice investments if you are to ask me. They feel well-made and really gentle on the skin. They are currently on sale at Shopee (Sophie's Choice PH) so head there now, if you'd like to take advantage of this limited-time sale.

I am truly grateful to Sample Room PH and Soffia for this opportunity and for being generous with these prizes. Forever a Sample Roomie here! Thanks for dropping by and see you on my next blog!

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Rraw Skincare Tea Butter Under Eye Cream 50g Review

Hey, everyone! It's me, Hanna! How's your day going so far?

Today, I will be reviewing a product that was included in a haul I made last month. I have been using this product consistently since 24th of April and I think I'm now ready to share my experience with this eye cream from the local skincare brand, Rraw.

Claims: A butter-based cream for your under eye. Steeped with fresh green tea to help relieve dark circles and shea butter to soften and lift those eye bags up. A shot of botanical vitamins for your dark circles made with loose tea and natural butters.

Green tea helps eliminate dark circles and puffiness through increasing circulation to the skin by dilating blood vessels. It also moisturizes and tones dry skin, providing a healthy glow to the thin, sensitive skin around the eyes. Not only does green tea counter aging and provide healthy, glowing skin, it has been shown to protect the eye tissue on a deeper level.

Application: After moisturizing, apply a thin layer of Tea Butter, as this is a heavy cream, under your eyes, specifically on your eye bags. If Tea Butter feels a bit oily after application, it is normal and simply leave it to dry. The butter will simply soak into your skin allowing it to work it's magic. Store in cool area.

Ingredients : Cold Pressed Coconut Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Shea Butter, Green Tea, Raw Honey

This eye cream comes in a clear, minimalist jar packaging with an aluminum twist cover. There's no plastic seal at all so you just have to trust that it's unopened. There's also barely enough information on its packaging. I don't know about you, yet surprisingly, they do not bother me that much. It must be because Rraw has been one of those famous local brands that sells organic products which turn out to be cult-favorites. They've already garnered the hearts of a lot of beauty enthusiasts, including me. Anyway, you can easily search them on their social media accounts or chat them for more product information.

I can't describe the scent exactly, but it’s subtle and smells like desert from the tub (LOL!). It doesn't smell like it has any synthetic fragrance to it, which is fine with me.

This eye cream is off-white/cream in color. It looks like candle wax untouched. It has a very soft, buttery texture. I find it a pleasure as it melts upon contact with skin. Consistency is more on the heavy/thick side so you don't need a lot for your two under-eyes. The good thing about it, is that it goes a long way. That being said, a single tub which contains 50g will surely last you a very long time. I don't think I would even finish this in 6 months if I only use it for my eyes. However, as advised, it's best to replace it after 6 months for hygiene purposes. Think about 

I don't want to throw it just like that so I know I needed to find something to use this for to maximize it's use. I figured out that I could use this cream as a cuticle moisturizer and even use it as a hand and foot cream to soften rough and patchy skin. You can also safely use it anywhere in your body that needs extra moisture since it’s organic and natural.

I have mentioned earlier that the consistency is quite thick. It would be best to use it at night since it would definitely make your concealer crease. If you are just mostly skincare though, then I guess there's nothing to worry about.

One of the things I don’t like about it, is how it feels warm on the skin. It's summer so it's quite uncomfortable. Add the fact that I have oily skin. I believe that the thickness of the cream has something to do with it. I prefer something that is hydrating yet lightweight and not congesting at the same time.

Using this product makes me a bit cautious. Being careful how much I apply is the best solution. The last time I think I overapplied, I noticed that there were buildups on my creases and under-eyes after a few hours. It looked like some butter solidified. It takes a very long time for the skin to fully absorb this product so you have to be really patient and avoid moving around before the cream has set in.

I still probably would keep using Rraw Skincare Tea Butter Under Eye Cream because the thin areas around my eyes and brow feel more hydrated than ever. I just don’t see any noticeable effects in reducing puffiness or darkness, even when it is infused with Green Tea. It make take a while so let's see.

Leaving moisturizers out of your routine could lead to more fine lines and creases anyway. But be sure to only use a thin layer of this eye cream - you don’t want to overload on moisturizer that could make your under-eyes even more baggy and wrinkles more emphasized.

Aside from that, I have never encountered any eye cream as affordable as this one from Rraw so I guess this is okay for its price.

Do let me know what your favorite products from Rraw are and I'll do my best to give them a try! Thanks for dropping by!

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Before and After Two Months of Using Olay Luminous Niacinamide + AHA Super Serum and Moisturiser

Hey, everyone! This is a blog I've been so excited to share. I actually waited and let my skin indulge in Niacinamide and AHA for two months before posting this review about the not-so-new Olay Luminous Niacinamide + AHA  Super Serum and Moisturiser.

When I first saw it in an ad, there's just a part of me that said to just give it a go. I'd say it was a perfect timing at that moment, considering I just ran out of my previous moisturizer. I'm not sure which one to review first but will just do based on order of usage.

Olay Luminous Niacinamide + AHA  Super Serum 30ml (₱1,499)

Claims: OLAY Luminous Niacinamide + AHA Super Serum, reduces stubborn spots for clearer, smoother skin. Scientifically advanced formula reduces stubborn spots, including acne marks, melasma, freckles and sun spots. AHA (Lactic Acid) acts on skin surface while Niacinamide penetrates 10 layers deep^, to effectively target root causes of spots across skin layers. Dermatologist-tested formula, does not clog pores. Fast absorbing and non-greasy. Formulated with: Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) + AHA (Lactic Acid) + Pro-Vitamin B5 + Vitamin C. Formulated without^^: Sulphates, Parabens, Phthalates, Petrolatum, Mineral oils.

Directions to Use: Use twice a day after cleansing and toning, and before moisturizer. Apply evenly on face until the serum is absorbed. Use with a UV product in the daytime.

How to use the auto-dropper: (1) Twist and turn the cap to automatically draw out the serum and; (2) Press and hold the pump to dispense on palm or fingers.

I actually wanted to tell you that I appreciate the packaging. It may look minimalist overall, but it actually has that high-end/luxury feel when you actually touch it. The bottle has a weight to it, the plastic silver cap has a great contribution in the overall aesthetic as well. The picture doesn't do much justice but the bottle has some iridescent shimmers which I think is just plain chic.

It may seem complicated to use - but all you have to do is simply twist it open and use the pump to dispense the product on clean hands.

All the information you need or want to know about the product is found on the box. They also have virtual displays which is a breath of fresh air from wordy descriptions. :D

CLAIMS

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS TO USE

I am sure you've heard about how special Niacinamide is in skincare. It can do a lot of things when used regularly and in high concentration. Some of its benefits include pore-refining and treating stubborn spots and discolorations caused by acne and pimple breakouts and sun damage. It can also helps renew the surface of the skin for that clearer, more glowing complexion.

When combined with actives like AHA, it can be more powerful in exfoliating and treating several skin conditions. Olay Luminous has AHA in the form of Lactic Acid. I remember way back in grade school when I had skin rashes all over my body. My mother had me used a product enriched with Lactic Acid and they were completely healed in no time. From then on, I know it's an active that I could trust.

Olay Luminous Niacinamide + AHA  Super Serum is also packed with Pro Vitamin B5 (Panthenol) which enhances skin healing process and does more, and Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), which is another powerful ingredient that targets dark spots and brightens dull complexion.

The serum has a citrus scent and actually reminds me of grapefruit. Both the serum and moisturizer have similar scents, but that of the serum's a bit stronger. It smells nice, at least for me. It has a thin, runny consistency and spreads effortlessly and evenly on the skin. It gets absorbed easily too without any tackiness. On its own, it dries to a semi-matte finish, while leaving the skin feeling and looking hydrated.

I like to use a drop of this after applying my Collagen by Watsons Collume + Peptides Booster Essence or mixing them both in 1:1 ratio. Since the serum has Vitamin C, I think they work great together as it boosts Collagen synthesis.

I'd like to do essence-serum-moisturizer combination but I just find them overly moisturizing and heavy so what I do is skip the moisturizer part during night time. So here's how my daytime routine goes: cleanser, moisturizer (Olay Luminous Niacinamide Moisturiser), and sunblock (only when necessary). And then for night time: cleanser, exfoliator or scrub (once or twice a week), essence and serum (Olay Luminous Niacinamide + AHA  Super Serum).

I know I am skipping a lot of steps and this may not be for the best, but it works for me. Using less products works better in controlling breakouts and it's a lot more comfortable too. It makes me think and feel like my skin is breathing better. I rarely go out and see the light anyway (LOL!). Later on, I'll show you pictures of the result.

Olay Luminous Niacinamide + AHA  Moisturiser 50g (₱1,499)

Claims: Olay Luminous Niacinamide + AHA Face Cream Moisturiser reduces stubborn spots for clearer, smoother skin. Scientifically advanced formula reduces stubborn spots, including acne marks, melasma, freckles and sun spots. AHA (Lactic Acid) acts on skin surface while Niacinamide penetrates 10 layers deep, to effectively target root causes of spots across skin layers. Dermatologist-tested formula, does not clog pores. Formulated with: Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) + AHA (Lactic Acid) + Pro-Vitamin B5 + Vitamin C. Formulated without: Sulphates, Parabens, Phthalates, Petrolatum, Mineral oils. 96% Noticed.

Directions to Use: Smooth evenly over cleansed face and neck, morning and night. Use with a UV product in the daytime.

Product comes in typical Olay moisturizer tubs and doesn't come with any spatula or applicator. As always, you have to make your hands are clean and well-sanitized to avoid product contamination.

The actives are similar in both products. The main difference would be the consistency. Olay Luminous Niacinamide + AHA Moisturiser has a very smooth and light consistency. For someone like me who has oily skin, this doesn't dry out completely matte. It leaves a sheen on the skin but still feels a lot lightweight compared to other moisturizers. This is definitely suitable for all skin types.

CLAIMS

DIRECTIONS, CAUTION

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

For me, a small amount is enough to moisturize my skin for the entire day. You can still layer on sunblock and foundation without feeling heaviness or clogging. I'm using it for two months now, and still about half-full. Both products seem to be kind of steep at ₱1,499 each, but I think they're worth it.

Now, I would like to share with you my before and after photos. The left photos were taken March 17 (2nd day of using both) and then the right ones were taken May 09. Barely 2 months, but look at the difference.

Please do note that since April 24, I incorporated retinol in my skin care. It takes time getting used to retinols so I only apply a very small amount at least twice a week. I don't think my skin would drastically change in 15 days, so I'd still give the most credit to Olay Luminous Niacinamide + AHA  Super Serum and Moisturiser.

Taken March 17 vs. Taken May 09

Above photos are me in my bare skin, zero makeup, just moisturizer. You can definitely see how some of the spots, redness and discolorations were reduced, especially on the cheeks, jaw and side nose area. The texture of the skin is comparably smoother and pores seem to be a bit more refined. Above all that, my skin looks a lot healthier and plumper.

Olay claims that using these is 78% more effective in reducing spots than using niacinamide alone. I would definitely agree on this. My skin isn't completely spotless, nowhere near perfect, but I'm hoping that sometime in the next few months, the appearance of my skin will continue to improve. Patience and consistency is the key. Yes, I definitely recommend this duo and will surely repurchase.

What do you think of Olay Luminous Niacinamide + AHA  Super Serum and Moisturiser? Have you given them a try already? How did it go? I'm excited to know! If you want me to post an update by the next few months, just let me know in the comment section down below! Until next time!

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Mini Haul: Free Soffia and Charm Essentials Brushes

I've never been this excited to cast my vote, but the unofficial result is really making me puke. This is not the place to discuss the specifics, but I'm honestly disheartened and in need of a quick break. I'm still in shock and couldn't get it off my mind but whatever. Today, I want to share with you a mini haul with items I got for free from Sample Room.

I have always been a makeup brush junkie - believe me, I have way more than what my face needed right now (LOL!). Still, I get too excited whenever I discover something new. I dare not lie - these brushes here are must-haves!

Charm Essentials Kabuki (PHP 600) and Luxe Mini Kabuki (PHP 336) Brushes - these brushes have really soft bristles and has the enough density to multitask from applying your powder, blush or just simply setting everything in place. They are so handy and probably, the only thing that I wish they came with, were mini pouches to protect transferring pigments from bristles to other surfaces. Other than that, I have all the reasons to keep them in my collection. I mean the color of the top bristles is simply awesome, despite the fact that not everyone is fond of pink. But whatever, hello there, pink-lovers! ;)

Soffia Perfect Skin Angled Foundation Brush (PHP 700) - this is a small foundation brush with a matte black handle which makes it easy and comfortable to grip and also has gold accents for that added luxurious aesthetic. The brush's functionality and softness actually reminds me of my Shiseido Perfect Foundation Brush but is about half the price and is slightly bigger in surface area. It works to buff foundation seamlessly and the size is also a great option for travelling! I love this brush! Well, I love them all!

Charm Pro Wet/Dry Eyeshadow Brush (PHP 339) - applying your eyeshadow in different consistencies will be so much easy with this brush from this brand. Indeed a great hypoallergenic tool to use on our sensitive skin around the eyes, without the poking/irritating feeling. Could also be used wet and dry to play around with different looks.

Charm Pro Mini Fan Brush  (PHP 250) - this is your typical small-but-terrible brush. I find this brush versatile too as aside from de-clumping mascara, it can also be used to place highlight on your nose bridge or brow bone. It's not necessary to own this brush, but still useful in my opinion.

All these I got from Sample Room for free and only paid shipping. You may wanna head out to the site to see if there are still stocks available ('cause they run out fast!). I hope you enjoy using them as much as I do!

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