Saturday, June 29, 2013

Priceline Skin Care Bag

I managed to give Priceline's Beauty Bag a miss earlier this year, but for the second year in a row, the skin care goodie bag proved to be hard to resist. Though I've only used a fraction of the items in last year's bag and given away at least half of the contents to family and friends, logic and moderation clearly weren't involved in my decision-making process. From 20 to 22 June, if you spend $60 or more on selected brands (including Dove, Aveeno, Nivea, Palmer's, Bioré, Avene, Sanctuary Spa, Formula 10.0.6 and Yes To), you get a veritable bounty of lotions, cleansers, scrubs and lip balms purportedly worth over $220. In light of my current elevated interest in skin care, I thought it would be a good opportunity to acquire new products I'd willingly pay for, while incidentally receiving a bucketload of freebies.




The most agonising part was figuring out what to buy to qualify for the gift. Somehow, I thought that browsing Priceline in my 30 minute lunch break was a good idea. I had about 5 minutes left and I still wasn't sure of what I'd picked out, and for a second I contemplated dropping everything and walking out the door, completely negating the 20 minutes I'd already spent looking through the aisles, picking up products, putting them down, and searching for reviews on my mobile. Finally, I settled on Dove Foaming Make Up Remover, Formula 10.0.6 Deep Down Detox Ultra-Cleansing Mud Mask Orange + Bergamot, Sanctuary Spa Brightening Facial Polishing Hot Cloth Cleanser and Sanctuary Spa Therapist's Secret Facial Oil.

The Dove Foaming Make Up Remover is a repurchase (I'm almost done with my second bottle now, and this would be the third). I find it's the strongest and most effective makeup remover that I have, short of a cleansing oil. When I want to really get the makeup off or if there's more makeup gunk than normal on my face, I'll use this as a first cleanse before my Dove Cleanser & Toner in One. It's also brilliant at getting rid of all traces of lipstick or eyeshadow from my arm after I've photographed swatches for the blog.

I was fairly sure I wanted to get the Sanctuary Spa Therapist's Secret Facial Oil, only because I'm a huge believer in face oils and Sanctuary Spa seemed to be the only participating brand that offered one (Sukin was excluded this year, and other brands stocked by Priceline like Grown, Trilogy or A'kin were sadly not part of the deal). I'm looking forward to using this in rotation with my four other face oils (yep, I'm obsessed).

The Sanctuary Spa Polishing Hot Cloth Cleanser was really more for the novelty than anything else, given the resemblance in name to Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, a product I'd always been curious about but haven't had the chance to try. After one attempt at cleaning my face with the included muslin cloth, I gave up and have been using this in the shower as I would any cream cleanser. It has a very thick, creamy consistency and feels quite luxurious on, though it's also heavily scented which might be a turnoff for some.

Formula 10.0.6 Deep Down Detox Ultra-Cleansing Mud Mask was purchased after being persuaded by unexpectedly good reviews while looking it up on my mobile as I was trying to pick a final product to buy. I used this on for the first time last weekend and boy, did it sting almost to an unbearable extent around my nose. It was all worth it however, after I followed up washing off the mask with my first Bioré pore strip in several months to deeply satisfying results. Chrissy Teigen knows what I'm talking about.


Like every single Priceline freebie bag, everything comes in a Models Prefer tote. After mock croc, snakeskin and leopard print versions, this time it was faux black patent leather. The bags are more of an afterthought and convenient vessel to lug around (or store) a heavy load — I don't think they're much of a pulling factor in and of themselves to buy $60 of products, especially since they're not exactly amazing quality.

What's inside:

Palmer's Daily Calming Facial Lotion
I'm on the lookout for a good new lotion after discovering my beloved Dove Essential Nutrients Protective Day Cream has seemingly been discontinued. I wanted to buy a few tubs with this promotion but it's disappeared from the shelves. Not sure how my skin will get along with the cocoa butter in the Palmer's, but we'll see.

Palmer's Twin Pack Lip Balm
I'm loyal to my Maybelline Baby Lips, but I wouldn't mind giving these a go.

Puretopia Smooth & Renew Gentle Exfoliating Face Scrub
I'll consider this a steep downgrade from the Antipodes Reincarnation Pure Facial Exfoliator I'm currently using, but who knows, I could be pleasantly surprised. At any rate, exfoliation is an unmissable part of any skin care routine and I have a feeling it'll be gentler than my St Ives Apricot Scrub.

Sanctuary Body Scrub
I think I'll be a while yet before I really get into body care, but this scrub does seem like one of the nicer products in the bag.

Nude by Nature Super Anti-oxidant Foaming Cleanser
I didn't even know this brand did skin care, but I'd be keen to see how this stacks up against my Dove Cleanser & Toner in One, and whether it does a decent job at removing makeup.

Vaseline Total Moisture Dry Skin Lotion
Still have my other Vaseline body lotion from last year's bag, which we can take as a pretty accurate predictor of whether I'll be using this one.

Dove Visible Beauty Revitalising Beauty Body Lotion
See above.


Nivea Lip Care Essential
I wish I had received the strawberry-flavoured one, because I am five.

Chapstick Ultra SPF30
Even more boring than my non-strawberry Nivea, but SPF is important and things.

Dermalex Adult Eczema Repair Cream (not pictured)
First product I was extremely keen to give away to a friend who might actually benefit from it.

Beauty Essentials Sorbolene Cream
Clearly the 2kg of body lotions in this bag weren't enough, so they threw in this one as well.

Formula 10.0.6 Overnight Success
I don't have a great track record of finishing up anything packaged in a sachet, but I may remember to give this a go if I start to breakout (I think they're meant to be small, circular spot-minimising patches?).

Bioré Steam Activated Cleanser
I really disliked the Bioré Clean Things Up Nourishing Gel Cleanser (which was anything but) in last year's bag, but hopefully I'll have a better experience with this one. Otherwise I'll resign myself to the fact the only relationship I have with Bioré is with their pore strips.


Skinvitals Hydraflex Face/Visage Mask
I still have the Skinvitals mask from last year's bag (this seems to be a recurring theme as I go down the list of products). It's unbelievable in the space of one year I haven't mustered up the will to use it. I'm not a fan of sheet masks in general (I much prefer to put product on my face and wash it off) and something about the packaging seems quite clinical and uninviting. But I really should get cracking with at least the old one.

Yes To Blueberries Travel Cleansing Towelettes
One of the standout items in the bag, though I was under the impression this would be a full pack like last year's 30-pack of Yes To Cucumber Facial Towelettes. The smaller size makes it more suited for travel, so I may bring this along to my next holiday.

Swisspers Cucumber Facial Cleansing Wipes
These look repackaged as I still have travel-sized packs of these wipes with slightly different packaging. Provided there's been no change to the actual product, I'm happy with the inclusion of these as they're my favourite cleansing wipes.

Dr Lewinn's Essential Bio Care Oil
A treatment oil said to be for dry skin and to minimise the appearance of stretch marks and scars. I don't really have those among my skin concerns, but I guess I could still use this in place of a body moisturiser ... or possibly on my face.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Eye Illuminator
Honestly, I'm not entirely sure what this is. Is it makeup? Is it basically a moisturiser for the eye bags?

Avene Thermal Spring Water
Oh yes. Chuck one of these in here, and I'm sold. I have a huge can at home and a small one in my bag at all times. I don't care that I'm paying for water in a can, I love it.

39 comments:

  1. Wow, thats a great deal ! Thanks for the post !

    Madeline | Its a Mads Mads World

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  2. Wow, that is so worth it! There are some good item in it!

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  3. And to think I somehow resisted buying this, im crazy!

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  4. Wow great post, I am really intrigued by the stuff that u hauled, the facial oil and hot cloth cleanser and the mask, let us know how u go about it :) I really wanted to buy this offer, but somehow manged to refrained, but probably shouldn't have, hey but there's always a next time ..

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  5. You literally bought so many things I wanted to get! That Dove cleanser and the oil I NEARLY bought! Can't wait to hear what you think of the products :)

    Sarah
    morethanadored.blogspot.com

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  6. I am actually intrigued by the stuff that u hauled, the facial oil and hot piece of cloth cleanser and the mask, I really liked to purchase this offer, but someway manged to refrained, but likely shouldn't have, hey but there's habitually a next time.


    Regards,
    obagi nu derm starter kit

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  7. 'Avene Thermal Spring Water
    Oh yes. Chuck one of these in here, and I'm sold. I have a huge can at home and a small one in my bag at all times. I don't care that I'm paying for water in a can, I love it'.

    Here, here!

    The Vaseline lotion isn't too bad! I like it better during Summer though, it's not enough for the winter.

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  8. I was tempted to get this, but I passed because I knew I'd probably never use most the items. But it is a really good deal though.

    I hope you don't hate me for posting this again ^^; And I hope it's okay to do this, but I recently updated my make up blog sale with a ton of new make up and lower prices and (hopefully) better pictures. Most items are brand new and I'm shipping from Sydney.

    Some brands include: Urban Decay, theBalm, Le Metier de Beaute, NARS, Addiction, Shu Uemura, MAC, elf, NYX, Korean brands, Japanese brands, Rae Morris and more! Please take a look! http://sites.google.com/site/muablogsalebroken/

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    Replies
    1. Not at all! I just checked out your new items, very tempting! :)

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  9. The skincare bag really is great this year!
    Would love to hear your thoughts on the Biore activated steam cleanser.
    Also, I totally agree, the Formula 10.0.6 stings my face so much that I cry in pain but the results can be quite nice.

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  10. I can totally understand why you couldn't resist it!!! the goodie bag is amazing! I think, spending $60 to get the bag is worth it.. I wish our local drugstore would do the same *fingercrossed*

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  11. I am interested to hear what you think about the Aveeno Eye Illuminator! Seems like this year there's much more skincare items as opposed to makeup.

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    Replies
    1. Well they have a skin care bag, hair care bag and makeup bag - 3 bags every year. Crazy huh?

      Haven't tried the Aveeno Eye Illuminator yet but I Googled it and it comes with a brush that seemed to turn people off :p I still have no idea what it is LOL

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  12. That's actually a pretty good deal :) Most places offer $50 or more for free shipping and they offer a bag full of skincare items! I think that's pretty neat~

    Joyce @ carouselstreet.com

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  13. Wow, that's such a great deal!! Especially now that, like you said, you're getting into skin care :) Hopefully you find some new loves in that afterthought of a bag they all came in haha (I always appreciate those things for what they're worth)

    ♥Cassie
    thriftthick.blogspot.com

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  14. Wow, that's a lot of goodies! :) I'd really want to try a lot of those products out!

    http://jemaroons.blogspot.com

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  15. I would have grabbed this deal, too. We don't really have anything like that here! Now I'm dying to hit a Priceline if I'm ever in that side of the world.

    We also don't have the Dove Foaming Make Up Remover. I don't know why, but the Dove skincare line totally flopped here and got taken out a few years ago. My youngest sister used to love one of the face creams and I had no issues with their cream cleanser.

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    Replies
    1. Really? LOL. I wouldn't have expected that! I always thought Dove was a successful multinational company. Oh dear :p

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  16. I'm really disappointed that I missed out on this bag! :'( Now I have to wait until next year.

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  17. I really must try this Dove Foaming Makeup remover- many repurchases must warrant this product to be amazing! I'd always heard raves about the Shu Uemura Cleansing Oils which are so far away from my budget that the Dove might be the better alternative. I never seem to be able to use up body lotions either- as much as I slather myself with them. I love the Avene Thermal water- it is so refreshing and soothing and likewise, I don't care if it's just water in a can :)

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  18. I am not really ever swayed by these bags, though I know many people who take advantage every time they come out :) I love the look of that Sanctuary hot cloth cleanser, it sounds similar to my Soap & Glory fab pore cleanser which I lurve!

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  19. I was excited that I got the strawberry one, so I must be five too ;) please keep us updated on how you're finding the hot cloth cleanser, as the last liz earle knock off I tried (soap and glory's one) broke me out like no other.

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    Replies
    1. Haha I saw it was in yours! And also Sarah's. Boo.

      The Sanctuary I think is pretty similar to the S&G and Liz Earle, though I haven't examined the ingredients of all 3. My skin isn't what I'd describe as sensitive, but last night when I used the Sanctuary it did look a bit redder and more irritated - but I used it in conjunction with the muslin cloth (fancy word for handkerchief) so I may have just overdone it with the manual exfoliation from the cloth. I think it fares better just put on like a cream cleanser and mixed in with a bit of water. I can see how it would really be bad for sensitive skin though - must be the essential oils or something in there which is very irritating.

      Delete
  20. This is such a good deal, sometimes I'm glad I don't have Priceline near me to sucker me into their sales/ freebies! Love the sound of all the things you've bought, barr the Mud mask, although I think some things can sting around the nose because the membranes are much more sensitive. They are so generous with the things you get in the goodie bag! xx

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  21. That is such a huge bag of products!! That would definitely be hard to resist. That is going to take a LONG time to go through all of those products....but how exciting!

    I'd be excited about those two Yes To Blueberries and Swisspers towelettes....since you can actually use them. The Yes To products always seem to have such a lovely smell to them. Beautiful pictures!

    <3 Kelly | The Patch Diaries

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  22. Wow, that is an amazing deal for purchasing $60 worth of products! I love how the "samples" you receive are full-size as well, talk about a total score. Hope you have good experiences with the new products!

    xoxo
    Jenny @ Geeky Posh

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  23. Wow! What a great offer, the amount of freebies you get is brilliant. Hope you enjoy trying them all
    Daisy Dayz

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  24. Thank god this is over, I would totally have cracked and broken my no-buy!

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  25. love the stuff :) wish we had such deals in Qatar!

    Im inviting you to my huge giveaway, please have a look:

    http://pinkcloudsz.blogspot.com/2013/06/giveaway-its-raining-clothes-babe.html

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  26. This skin care bag is such a great deal. The products in it looks good and there is such a great variety too.

    Liz
    www.lizchewy.com

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  27. Wow an entire skin care routine right there : ) Those overnight patches sound amazing, hope they work. Love Nivea lip balms, have all of the kind that they sell where I live, you know, back ups of back up... LOL

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  28. I wish they did stuff like this here, it sounds so good!
    Also, I've used the sanctuary oil and it's really good :)

    xoxo

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  29. I am always tempted by these but I never get through all of the things in it!

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  30. Oh wow this looks exciting! I have never seen the Dove Foaming Make Up Remover before, I was not even aware that they did skincare.

    Amy x
    A Little Boat Sailing

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  31. Wow what a spread!! So exciting!

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  32. Some product is really nice. I want to buy some products but this time it's not possible so, next time I would definitely buy it.

    Regards,
    obagi nu derm starter kit

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  33. What a great bag! I love incentives like these as they totally appeal to the consumer in me :)
    I just picked up the 10.0.6 Detox Mask and enjoyed it as well, but I didn't experience the stinging that you did.

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  34. The bag itself is a gorgeous black Models Prefer bag, with lovely hot pink inlay. My mum actually scored this from me, as I really don't need any more bags (especially since I got all the previous free bags fromMike Walden Review

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