Business Insider Article on "There's A Huge Online 'Black Market' For Beauty Sample Castoffs"

There's A Huge Online 'Black Market' For Beauty Sample Castoffs

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/online-black-market-for-beauty-samples-2013-3#ixzz2OZzbi6gP

I ran into this article and I thought all you beauty bloggers or people who subscribe to the beauty bags or boxes out there should take a look.

My Scheming Camellia Japonica Hydrating Sheet Mask

Since I have so much old sheet mask to use up I decided to used this particular one from the My Scheming collection.  This sheet mask actually came from a mixed sheet mask box I've gotten from sasa.com.  It's actually one of the first sheet masks I've purchased from sasa.com too.(http://beautyfornewbies.blogspot.com/2012/07/my-first-purchase-from-sasacom.html)  

I find that these My Scheming masks are very similar to the My Beauty Diary sheet masks.  I find that the quality are very similar.  

This particular sheet mask, the Camellia Japonica Hydrating mask is very hydrating.  It's prefect for the cold dry New England weather that we've been having.  I had the mask on for around 30 minutes.  I believe these masks are gentle to leave it even longer if you want.  The quality of the mask is pretty strong so it won't rip when trying to adjust it on your face or unfolding from the package.  I have a pretty round wide face too and it fits perfectly too.  After the mask is in placed on your face, you can take the extra essence or serum in the package and place it everywhere were you need a little extra moisturizing.  I used them around my neck area, arms, and hands.  

Sasa.com description:

My Scheming Camellia Japonica Hydrating Mask contains natural camellia extract to increase the moisturizing and soothing function. And, it also repairs skin. Hyaluronic acid, saccharide isomerate, and jojoba oil improve skin and prevent moisture loss. The mask comprehensively firms skin and leaves it watery and lustrous. 

how to use it

1. After cleansing, remove pearl paper and place the mask over your face. Press it lightly onto your face.

1. Leave on for about 15 – 20 minutes before removing the mask.

1. Pat and leave for essence absorption.

I will re-buy this sheet mask again.  It's a great quality mask in an affordable price.  I apologize I don't have the exact about that I've purchase this at but I'm sure you can find this information on sasa.com very easily.  The My Scheming products are also cheaper than the My Beauty Diary sheet masks.  So if you don't want to spend the extra buck or two for it I will certainly consider buying My Scheming sheet masks. 

FREE Bath and Body Works Take Home Samples

First time ever that I've seen Bath and Body Works giving out take home samples to try.  I was so excited!  Who doesn't like free stuff right?  They had a couple of small buckets placed in front of their store.  A lot of people were taking advantage of them and taking handfuls and handfuls...and putting them in their bags.  If they had handed them out at the cashier's desk, then maybe can than monitor the process and stop people from abusing it.  Because sooner or later they might stop giving things out.

I took three samples and my husband took another three for me.  That's not being too greedy right?  hehe...The samples are all from their Fresh Picked line.  They are all fruity smells.  I actually really like all their scents from this line.  Unfortunately, on these small containers they did not list the names of the scent or what kind of items they are.  The thicker substance I I'm sure is lotions.  But the gel type I'm not sure if they are body washes or hand soaps.  I guess I'll just have to test them out and figure it out that way.

The containers are very small but cute.  They don't leak, so once you're finished with the product you can always wash and reuse them.  You can fill them with your moisturizers or face cleaners.  Maybe even use them as small pill boxes.

Once there's another big sale for sure I"ll go back and buy some hand soaps from this line.  Again, I love all their fruity scents and I love their new packaging.  They are a very classic look to them.  Anyone tried this new line yet?  And favorites I should try?  Please let me know!!

NY Asian Haul - The Face Shop and Detclear

Sorry but it's been a while since I've last posted.  I've been sick and kids have been keeping me busy as usual.  :)

This weekend I was at a wedding in New York so I was actually able to do a little shopping.  So now I have something new to show you all.  There were so many things to look at there and I was always tempted to buy more.  I was able to control myself and got these items below.

Items only purchased items from The Face Shop and from Mitsuwa, Japanese Supermarket in New Jersey.

At the time I wanted to check out the Missha store that I used to shop at.  But I guess 3 years since I've been back is a long time because now The Face Shop had taken over the shop.  I was still very excited because I have never used The Face Shop products before and now it's my face to try.

While I was there I purchased a bunch of face sheet masks.  They were $2 each and with the special they were currently having it was buying 10 and gets one free.  Of course I took advantage of that and got myself an extra one.  I brought two types of sheet masks.  I brought 4 essential masks (I don’t know how else to explain it) and 7 Real Nature masks (two I had given to my sister so I didn't include the pictures here.  I will post later once my sister tries it out and let me know how she liked it). 

#1.  Lemon
#2.  Pomegranate
#3. Soybean
#4. Aloe Vera
#5.  Rice
#6. Raspberries (not in this picture)
#7.  Olive (not in this picture)

#1.  Hyaluronic Acid
#2.  CO-Q10
#3.  Pearl (two)

And lastly from the face shop I purchased a peeling gel mask.  I've always wanted to try them.  I've heard so much about the Cure gel but of course that's $50 and I was too cheap to buy it.  So this one at the face shop, the White Jewel Peeling Gel was only $15, I pick myself a bottle.

Once I checked out they had given me a couple of samples.  I got two FLEBOTE Collagenic EX V lifting cream, two FLEBOTE White Crystal Effect Essence, and two Rice Water Bright Cleansing foam.  Anyone out there tried these items?  How do you use these and how do you guys like them?  Please share with me.

I've also sighed up to be a member.  Membership is free.  And with this purchased I earned 10% off my next purchase and 5% after that on my other purchases.  But since I don't live in New York anymore I think it will be a few years before I'm able to return and use my discount.  Oh well.

And look...Kim Hyun Joong!!  After doing a little research I found out that he's now the official international ambassador of the Face Shop brand.  I remember him from the Korean TV drama Boys Over Flowers.  Hehe...

Once I got home I found out I've over paid for my sheet masks.  Damn it!!  Sasa currently has a sale for $1.50 each.  Damn damn damn!!  Oh well...

The next day I went to the Mitsuwa Japanese market and purchase the Detclear Fruit Peeling Gel.  This one was $17.  I've heard a lot of good things on this item too.  So again, once I get the chance I'll compare two peeling gels I've purchased on this trip and let you know now I feel about them both.

So any recommendations on other The Face Shop items I should try?  Or other Asian beauty products?  Let me know.  I really want to try more.