DHA for pregnancy - Neurogain PB vs GNC

Only realised the importance of DHA supplement after attending an antenatal class during my 25 week of pregnancy. It's vital for brain or neurological development of the fetus.

Fortunately, many websites say that the importance of DHA intake peak during the third trimester.

Anyhow if possible, do take DHA latest by week 18 so I was 7 weeks late. Still I believe it's better late than never.

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My first DHA was Neurogain PB

Got mine from AA Pharmacy @ RM44 for 30 capsule. I saw the same thing being sold at Caring pharmacy for RM51. Guardian around RM49.

NOTICEABLE DIFFERENCES

1) First thing I noticed after taking the DHA is the soreness or dryness on my lips was gone.

Before I had to apply and reapply lip balm in the morning, afternoon and night to prevent Angelina Jolie's lips.

I called it Jolie's lips cos the cracked lips / soreness and redness was so bad that my upper lips lines expanded and look thicker.

2) Second thing I noticed I do not need to apply Cetaphil cream on my legs anymore as they are no longer dry.

I thought that's great.. but the price was a bit of a put off.. at about RM1.50 per capsule it's quite costly since I have to take it everyday and I have to take other supplements as well.

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So to cut costs, I tried GNC's DHA instead.

It's only *RM47.40 for 60 capsule (*if purchased as GNC VIP during birthday month but normal retail price is RM72.90).

Comparison between Neurogain PB vs GNC DHA

VERDICT
I personally prefer Neurogain PB simply because I tend to burp fishy smell after consuming GNC's.

I did not have this problem with Neurogain PB. Also with Neurogain PB my lips were completely ok but with GNC's I occasionally (like once a week) still have to apply lip balm.

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Note:-
a) the lower the EPA, the better it is for pregnant woman but 100mg is still ok but lower is better cos something to do with EPA can dilute cholesterol in the body and too much of it (more than 3gram) will thin the blood and increase risk for bleeding for normal person. So pregnant woman better avoid if possible.

b) the best time to consume DHA is after meals (any meals).

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More photos on NeuroGain PB

Size of the capsule

Great buys from Sephora Starhill Malaysia

Bought 2 products from Sephora at amazing low prices.

1) It's the Sephora Enchanting Eye Palette with 14 great colours.

Been looking for an eye palette with all the right colours because I always read of people just using half of the available colours on a palette. But this is good because it has the staple black and white colour as well as some dark blue, brown, purple and plum and some great matte and metallic colours.

Fantastic! And it's priced at a steal at RM40 only!! OMG! Too bad it's only available at Starhill outlet as I could not find it in their KLCC and Paradigm outlet.

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2) Bare Mineral Original SPF 15 Foundation

Initially I was really concerned about this product drying my skin but so far no drying but it's not the usual compact foundation or liquid foundation.

It's actually a loose powder form of foundation which Bare Minerals recommended to be applied with a flat top brush (brush not included).

So it's quite a hassle to apply but so long as it does not dry the face, it's ok for me.

PLUS it's at a steal at RM82 for the deluxe version which is 18gm. The original size of 8gm goes for about RM116.

Again, this is only available at Sephora Starhill outlet.

CONCLUSION
Even though these items may no longer be available, there's is no harm checking out Sephora Starhill outlet from time to time as they have a side rack at one corner which sell items on offer.

These offers are somehow not available at other outlets like Paradigm as a check with Paradigm's staff revealed that the only offer they carry are for fragrances.

Perhaps this is because the Starhill branch is the first stand alone Sephora outlet in Malaysia. Hmm.. Plausible..

Discovering Sephora Malaysia

My current favorite shopping place - Sephora Starhill Gallery.

Ok let me count the things I like about Sephora:-

1) It's like a beauty playground for me because I'm at liberty to try and test all products. And they even provide the tissue, cotton pad and makeup remover.. Wow!!

2) they have all the famous brands under one roof.

3) their in house Sephora brand products are top notch and reasonably priced.

4) you can join their Sephora White Card LIFETIME membership with any purchase. Thereafter you collect points which can be redeemed for 10% discount on next purchase voucher.

You need to collect 250 points for that which is equivalent to more than RM417 since RM5 = 3 point.

Purchases made in Malaysia and Singapore are eligible for point accumulation.

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5) after joining, you will receive an email from them which you need to print to redeem a welcome gift.

I collected this yesterday from Sephora Paradigm Mall because the stock ran out in the Starhill branch.

Not too shabby -  a full sized 140ml made in France body wash! Woo hoo!!

6) they will give you a birthday gift during your birthday month. Not sure what it is. Will update this come June (*hint hint - yes my birthday is in June).

UPDATE:-
Yay!! I received my birthday treat email from Sephora. They are giving away a FREE mini palette!! Will try to collect soon and update photo of the gift later.

2nd UPDATE:-
So these are photos of the actual gift.. It's a palette of 4 mini lip gloss. Very very handy and over all great all time favourite colours. Glide on easy and comes with a nice smell.. Yummy!!

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7) 30 days return policy
even for used products - yes you read correctly.. products which you open and used but allergic to. Apparently they will give you store credit for the same amount. Not too sure about the mechanics as I have not tried it personally but it's great comfort to know there is such policy.

8) to avoid returns, you can ask the friendly Sephora staffs to squeeze some of the products into small Sephora containers which you can then try at home. Brilliant!

I just asked for the Urban Decay and Too Faced eyeshadow primers so will be blogging on them soon =D

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What I dont like about Sephora?

Nothing but hubby complained there is no place to sit and relax cos the last time we were there, he sat on one of the makeup stools.. guess some of the ladies gave him dirty looks for hoarding those precious seats.

So hopefully Sephora might consider opening a cafe inside their Starhill store for the guys to sit, drink and perhaps read some automotive / football magazines.