Have you visited Crabtree & Evelyn’s first pop-up cafe at Paragon Shopping Centre Atrium?
Having afternoon tea with scones or cookies in an English tearoom overlooking lush greenery may seem like an impossible dream on this sunny island, but Crabtree & Evelyn brought that dream to life right in the heart of town.
Yes, from now till 3 Sep (tomorrow’s the last day!), you can enjoy afternoon tea in a quintessentially English inspired garden any time from 10am to 10pm.
Think manicured
lawns, box hedges and a royal garden swing where you can swing your
troubles away as you sip on Crabtree & Evelyn’s fine selection of
tea blends and nibble on some scones or cookie — the perfect haven for pure relaxation and indulgence.
I had the pleasure of attending the media preview of Crabtree & Evelyn’s pop-up cafe last week and the beautiful set up was such a lovely sight to behold. Despite being in a shopping mall, I was instantly transported to an English tearoom set against the backdrop of a stunning garden. It was as if time stood still in this sanctuary as the outside world rushed by.
Guests were also treated to a watercolour painting session, where we could each paint a tea cup design of our choice.
The last time I held a paintbrush was eons ago and while it took me some time to get the hang of it, I found it very enjoyable and even somewhat therapeutic.
I was away for a period of time and have been terribly busy since I returned to Singapore. Fortunately, this event also gave me an opportunity to catch up with Karen before we take off once again.
Before long, it was time to put down our paintbrushes and indulge in Crabtree & Evelyn’s Fine Food Collection. All of us were handsomely rewarded with scones, cookies and fine English tea. Oh, please pardon my amateurish painting in the background.
At $10 per set, you too can enjoy biscuits with tea or preserve served with a scone and tea at this gorgeous English garden cafe.
Getting away from the maddening Orchard Road crowd for a moment of peace and serenity is now made possible at Crabtree & Evelyn’s pop-up cafe. It closes its doors to the public tomorrow (3rd September), so go on, head on down for some pampering today!
Home to 300 top brands in the beauty, body and baby industry at prices that are way below retail,Beautiful.Meis the new kid on the block that is set to revolutionize your shopping experience.
SKII, Avene, 3CE, Laneige, L’Oreal, NYX, OPI and the list goes on – you name it, they have it, at much lower prices and delivered right to your doorstep.
Doesn’t that sound amazing?
No more shopping bags and no more waiting for the next big sale before going shopping!
How is Beautiful.Me different from other e-retailers? How will I benefit from it?
Incredible cost savings, that’s what you’ll stand to gain. Plus, you get paid to shop too! In other words, we can finally have our cake and eat it.
Beautiful.Me is a members-only online shopping portal that offers all your favourite brands at special members’ prices that start much lower. The concept is similar to that of Costco and Walmart’s Sam Club in the US, where members get huge cost savings when they shop for groceries.
With Beautiful.Me, you get to enjoy cost savings when you shop for your favourite beauty, body and baby products simply by joining as a member.
Here are some other perks that you’ll enjoy:
Reward points with every purchase,
which you can redeem for free samples, product trials and gifts. No minimum purchase is required!
Exclusive Flash Deals, Group Buys and Daily Deals to help you to save even more
Unlock cash rebates and rewards when you share your purchases on social media, write a review or refer friends!
Beautiful.Me adopts a “profit-less” pricing model, meaning to say that only a small markup is applied to the products sold. By cutting out retail inefficiencies such as rental cost and related expenses, the cost savings are passed on to consumers like you and me!
Membership Fees
To cover basic expenses, it charges an annual membership fee of S$49, which is backed by a 200% Satisfaction Guarantee.
What does that mean?
If you don’t save more than double the amount paid for your membership, Beautiful.Me will refund you the difference at the end of the year!Isn’t that good news? You have nothing to lose really.
Free 6-Month Membership at Beautiful.Me (If you sign up now!!)
It doesn’t just stop here. You can automatically extend your membership to 12 months for free (and early access) by recommending 5 friends to sign up.
Oh and remember I mentioned that you’ll get paid as well? When you refer 10 friends, you’ll be rewarded with a share of up to S$800,000 in cash rebates! The more friends you refer, the more rewards you unlock!
Good things ought to be shared, especially when excellent deals and massive discounts are in the picture. I have already referred some of my friends (you know who you are) so that we can all start saving together.
You can start saving too by signing up at Beautiful.Me today. Let’s lend a helping hand to one another (and our pockets) in our quest for beauty!
Is your skin prone to scarring? Or perhaps you have spider veins on your legs from walking everywhere in high heels? You might want to give Remescar Silicone Scar Stick and Remescar Spider Veins a go. I have been trying to get rid of those irksome spider veins for as long as I can remember and I have old scars from sandfly or mosquito bites. With Remescar, I finally have solution to treat old and new scars as well as spider veins.
How do scars form?
Scars result from a biologic process of wound repair and are fibrous tissues that replace normal skin after injury. As part of the healing process, our body attempts to remodel our skin to its former glory. Unfortunately, more often than not, the structure of the skin changes.
Remescar Silicone Scar Stick is an advanced silicone stick that aids in the healing process of old and new scars resulting from surgery, burns, bug bites, acne and even stretch marks.
How does it work?
An age-defying skincare product based on the triple action of silicone treatment, Beta-glucan healing and UV protection, it acts as a protective barrier and isolates the scarred area to protect it while the UV filters effectively promote recovery.
It is easy to use as all you have to do is pop up the cap and roll it onto your skin twice a day for at least 2-3 months. I love how it leaves a thin, transparent film that is hardly visible. Its handy size makes it a breeze to carry around too even when you’re traveling. Be sure to apply it gently on affected areas and around the border of the scar. Did you know that you can use it on your body or under makeup on your face? How convenient!
Spider veins may not pose health risks, but I am sure you would agree with me that they are terribly unsightly. To untangle yourself from the web of spider veins, use Remescar Spider Veins.
It shields the affected skin and incorporates in-depth therapy of the vascular structure to protect, treat and prevent spider veins. Not only did I see an immediate improvement in skin colour thanks to the Microlens Coated Crystals which reflect light from the skin to give it a smoother appearance, I was told that long-term usage would reduce the appearance of spider veins by a whooping 51%! I use it regularly to prevent more spider veins from forming too.
Apply the cream directly on clean and dry skin before massaging it in till it is thoroughly absorbed. For optimal results, it is recommended that you apply it twice a day for 2-3 months.
Remescar Scar Stick (S$30) and Remescar Spider Veins (S$40) are now available at Guardian,Watsons,Unity and major pharmacies.
Is your skin prone to whiteheads and blackheads? Mine is, and I try to get them professionally extracted at a beauty salon on a regular basis. The only issue is, I don’t always have the luxury of time to indulge in a facial.
What do I do then?
I usually try to extract blackheads on my own, but whiteheads can be a real headache as they are unbelievably stubborn. Thank goodness b.liv’s Off With Those Heads found its way into my skincare regime at a friend’s recommendation. I love how effective it is when it comes to softening my whiteheads for easy extraction, hence when I was asked to review this beauty product recently, I had to say yes. You’ll find out why as you read on.
What causes blackheads and whiteheads?
Did you know that blackheads and whiteheads form as a result of excessive oil secretion and dirt accumulated in open pores? I have naturally oily yet dehydrated skin, which is why these horrible comedones refuse to leave me alone. Controlling oil secretion is the key to preventing their formation.
How does b.liv Off With Those Heads Work?
b.liv’s Off With
Those Heads (30ml/45ml, S$69.95/S$94.95) softens the clog in your open pores and promises to help with easy
and painless blackheads and whiteheads extraction after just 14 days of
application.
Off With Those Heads is a beauty-salon formulation that incorporatestea tree oil (acne control + comedone control + soothing), witch hazel extract (oil control + comedone control + skin softening) and aloe vera extract (soothing + hydration). It uses a dual-action process to deeply penetrate within the skin to keep oil secretion at bay. Tea tree oil has antiseptic, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties while witch hazel extract and aloe vera extract control oil secretion, soothe and soften the skin without drying it out. This way, achieving blackheads and whiteheads-free complexion is possible without compromising on hydration.
How do you apply the product?
I use this twice daily after cleansing. All you have to do is pump 2-3 pea-sized drops onto your hand and apply to areas that are prone to blackheads and whiteheads. I like to pat in the product gently on my nose and the sides of my face.I apply it on pimples too. Give it a night and the tiny ones usually subside by the next morning. The bigger ones generally take about 2-3 days to recover.
I love how the lightweight water-based texture leaves a cooling sensation on your skin upon application and feels like next to nothing as no residue is left behind. Its minty scent is very refreshing and never fails to perk me up every morning.
Does it really work?
I always check out online reviews before I decide to purchase skincare
products. If the
reviews are positive and they include convincing before and after photos, the deal is sealed.
I wish I could show you before and after photos of my full face for better comparison, but as I’ve been using this product for many months before this review even came up, most of my whiteheads have cleared up considerably.
However, I did have a small blackhead right above my eyebrow recently. I couldn’t extract it initially but after applying Off With Those Heads, I could extract it with ease the very next day.
Here’s a before and after shot for your reference. Seeing is believing, and you can tell from the comparison below that the blackhead above my eyebrow has flattened and the skin has almost completely healed.
This product definitely works for me and I would highly recommend that you try it too if you are a victim of stubborn whiteheads and blackheads.
After all, you have nothing to lose because b.liv’s Off With Those Heads comes with 100% money back guarantee, no questions asked, within 2 weeks of purchase!
For more information on b.liv Off With Those Heads and other complementary products, do check out their website here.
You can also follow b.liv on Facebookand Instagram for the latest updates!
Ever since my trusty hairstylist Michelle gave me pink highlights earlier this year, I’ve been wanting to up the game with something a little more adventurous.
I always give Michelle free rein to do whatever she wants with my hair and this time, she gave me beautiful purple balayage.
What exactly is balayage?
Unlike traditional highlights or ombre hair, balayage is a technique of hair colouring where the dye is applied to the surface of your hair and only becomes saturated at the tips.
What I like about balayage is that you can get a smooth transition between two completely different colours. Minimal maintenance is required as there isn’t an obvious regrowth line, unless you have a lighter base colour.
Now, here’s the catch. Bold hair colours like pink and purple usually do not last more than a couple of weeks.
I should probably thank my lucky stars because my pink highlights from April never budged and were only further enhanced by the purple balayage. Other than giving Lady Luck full credit for this, I am pretty certain that my haircare regime plays an important role in keeping my hair colour fresh.
Good things ought to be shared, so I thought I’d share some haircare tips for maintaining your hair colour too.
6 Tips for Maintaining your Hair Colour
1. Never shampoo your hair immediately after a colouring job – Give your hair a full day to absorb the dye. Your hair colour will also last longer if you wash it less, but I wouldn’t recommend this in our humid climate.
2. Avoid shampoos and conditioners with sulfates – I have been using sulfate-free haircare for more than a year now. Sulfates are known to strip your hair of moisture, oil and colour, so if you want your hair colour to last, avoid them at all cost.
3. Protect your hair from UV rays – I use a leave-in conditioner with UV protection on a daily basis. UV rays are harmful not just to your skin, but to your hair too, especially coloured hair.
4. Rinse your hair with cold water – Hair colours last longer when you rinse your hair with cold water as warmer temperatures cause hair colour to fade.
5. Avoid haircare products with alcohol (especially ethanol, SD Alcohol, SD Alcohol 40, Alcohol denat, Propanol, Propyl Alcohol and Isopropyl alcohol) – Alcohol strips your hair of its colour and causes it to be dry and frizzy. The types of alcohol stated above are commonly found in hair styling products.
6. Avoid heat styling tools – My hair is naturally straight and I wear sponge curlers to sleep when I want my hair to be curly. I steer away from curling tongs and straighteners as the heat again causes hair colour to fade quickly.
This is what my sponge curlers look like:
credit: Wikipedia
Definitely can’t sleep with these as they’re made of plastic and much harder:
Aside from my haircare regime, I have to thank Michelle for taking such good care of my crowning glory. The strawberry hair treatment is my personal favourite as it keeps my hair soft and smooth for several months.
I can’t wait to visit Michelle at her own salon when I am back in town but from now till August, you can still book an appointment with her at Jeric Bugis and say hello to beautiful hair!
Michelle has since started ToliV Hair Salon. Her contact details are as follows:
According to a study conducted by SK-II, 80% of women feel that our future is predestined and that whatever happens in our lives is beyond our control.
We are told that we should work for passion. We should take control of our lives by ditching jobs that do not interest us, in the hope of finding our dream jobs. In reality, however, many of us stick on with jobs that we have no interest in because of the way society perceives success, or to ensure that we can put food on the table and have a roof over our heads.
If you have the opportunity to watch your life on playback, just like a movie, do you think it’ll be a movie worth watching?
Can we really change our destinies? How do we overcome our challenges and societal perceptions?
1) Draw up a list of what is important to you
In our quest to ensure that our basic needs are met, try not to lose sight of what is important to you as this gives meaning to your life. Have you always wanted to start a new business? Do you value family time, hanging out with your friends, blogging, swimming, running or climbing? Draw up a list (prioritize please, it shouldn’t be a laundry list) of what is important to you!
2) Lack of time or money is not an excuse
We often lament about the lack of time or money to pursue our interests. Make it a point to set aside just 10-15 minutes a day to indulge in your passion. You’ll feel rejuvenated instantly. That’s what blogging does to me.
No money to pursue a hobby such as traveling? Make it a point to save. Everything comes with an opportunity cost. Cut down on unnecessary purchases, take the public transport and eat at hawker centres. You’ll soon be able to make your travel dreams come true.
3) Be your own agent of Change
Blogging has always been a passion, and never in my wildest dreams did I think that it would open up so many windows of opportunities for me, especially in terms of sponsorships and advertorials.
I only started blogging actively in my late 20s and you know what, it’s never too late to start. If yesterday was a bad day, try something different today.
Believe in yourself, be your own agent of change and gradually, you’ll be able to change your destiny. #ChangeDestiny
*****
Through this teaser video starring Chinese actress Tang Wei,SK-II is embarking on its #ChangeDestiny movement that begins this July to inspire women like you and me to change our destinies.
Watch the video to find out more and stay tuned to Tang Wei’s story (to be launched on July 15).
For more information on SK-II and the #ChangeDestiny movement, do check out the following links:
I am a fan of Palmer’s Cocoa Butter body moisturizer because it is one of the few body moisturizers in the market that can truly transform my dry parched skin into buttery soft, smooth skin. It wasn’t until recently that I discovered that one of my favourite bodycare brands has its very own range of facial skincare products too, and I was delighted to get my hands on them.
Palmer’s White & Even skincare range is formulated specially for those of us who are plagued by pigmentation issues such as age spots, dark spots, acne scars and sun damage. Pigmentation is usually formed when sun exposure causes melanocytes in the epidermis to overproduce melanin which then results in brown skin cells rising to the skin surface. Topical creams like the White and Even range by Palmer’s can inhibit the overproduction of melanin to prevent and treat skin discoloration.
Besides its pigment-correcting properties, what I love about this range is that it is water-based and thus suitable for our humid climate.This range is also free of parabens, phthalates, sulphates, harsh dyes, synthetic dyes and fragrances, making it suitable for all skin types.
1) Palmer’s White & Even Dark Spot Corrector ($29.90/30ml)
The White & Even Dark Spot Corrector is a serum that you can easily incorporate into your daily skincare regime. I typically apply this after toner and before moisturizer.
Palmer’s Tone Enhancing Complex and Songyi Mushrooms are the key active ingredients in this product. The Tone Enhancing Complex is a unique concoction of Cocoa Butter (smooths marks and scars), Soy (restores luminosity), Licorice (improves tone and texture), Synovea (lightens age spots and just as effective as Hydroquinone!) and Vitamin C (natural skin brightener), while the highly coveted Songyi Mushrooms are widely sought after for its ability to reduce hyperpigmentation, soothe inflammations and firm up the skin for a youthful appearance.
The lightweight non-sticky gel serum is infused with a sheer veil of shimmer and a delightful floral scent (all-natural as the product is fragrance-free). Honestly, it is almost too pretty to be used. On application, it glides on like silk and absorbs quickly, almost as if your skin is quenching its thirst, leaving a soft, pearlescent finish on your face.
If your skin can’t withstand the heaviness of traditional moisturizing, this serum doubles up as a moisturizer as well. I have been using this product as both a serum and moisturizer under sunblock. It sits well as a make-up base, even with Palmer’s CBB cream, and the subtle shimmer gives you a luminous complexion without looking like a disco ball.
After using this for 2 weeks, I noticed that my skin tone has become brighter and more even. I went for a facial recently and with the help of this product, the extraction marks on my face vanished miraculously in just 2-3 days when they usually take about 4-5 days to fully recover. This is my favourite product out of the entire range and I would recommend this as an affordable alternative to some of the bigger brands because it actually works!
For more details about the product, you can also view the video of Palmer’s Brand Ambassador, Taiwanese Celebrity, Sonia Sui,here:
2. Palmer’s White & Even Dark Circle Correcting Eye Treatment ($22.90/15ml)
Many of us, including myself, are victims of dark eye circles, which make us look more tired than we really are. To fight the signs of fatigue and reduce the appearance of dark eye circles, which is usually due to a lack of blood circulation, you may wish to give Palmer’s Dark Circle Correcting Eye Treatment a try.
Here’s what it promises to do:
Brighten Dark Circles and Under Eye Shadows
Help Improve Microcirculation (circulation of blood in the smallest vessels)
Reduce Puffiness
Firm & Lift
Moisturize
It achieves these 5 effects through its triple blend of Caffeine to stimulate microcirculation, Skin Nutrients to plump and moisturize the delicate skin and Sheer Luminizing Veil to brighten the shadowy under-eye area. The cooling metal tip applicator reduces puffiness and can be used to massage the eye contours to relieve tiredness.
Just like the Dark Spot Corrector, this eye correcting treatment comes with a gel texture and pearlescent finish to brighten up your eye area. The metal tip
applicator is also very handy for re-applications during the day, whenever
you feel that you need that extra pick-me-up.
A little goes a long way, so remember to squeeze out just a 5 cent coin size of gel and use the applicator to evenly distribute the product all over your eye contours, starting from inside out. Doing this in the morning when I am usually still half awake really perks me up and makes me feel absolutely refreshed.
3) Palmer’s White & Even CBB Cream Fair/Light ($22.90/30ml)
We have all heard of BB creams or CC creams. Now, what exactly is CBB cream?
CBB stands for Correcting Beauty Balm and Palmer’s CBB Cream contains a multi-functional formula that targets discoloration and spots while giving you the coverage and sun protection (SPF 15) that you need.
Here’s what this multi-tasking product does:
Targets discoloration
Provides superior moisturization
Protects your skin from the sun
Prevents discoloration from recurring
Provides lightweight coverage to conceal imperfections
Primes skin for makeup application
Brightens complexion
Improves radiance and clarity instantly
Reduces redness
It may have a relatively thick consistency but it blends out well and the coverage is very buildable. It is also very hydrating, which explains why you really do not need to add a moisturizer to your skincare routine with Palmer’s White and Even range.
Can you tell that the vein on the right side of my hand is less obvious than before? Palmer’s White and Even CBB cream is again formulated with their Tone Enhancing Complex, with the addition of Mineral Pigments to even out your skin tone and boost radiance, leaving you with luminous, younger-looking skin.
Did I find this skincare range effective and would I recommend it?
When you use Palmer’s White & Even skincare a daily basis, you can expect to see your skin tone lighten and become more uniform within 3-5 days. After 4-6 weeks (depending on age, health and sun exposure), your skin evens out beautifully as the products act on the deeper skin layers to inhibit overproduction of melanin.
In fact, the brightening properties of Palmer’s White & Even skincare can be seen immediately upon application. From my before (no make-up) and after (after applying White & Even Dark Spot Corrector and Dark Circle Correcting Eye Treatment) photo below, you can tell that my skin tone already looks more even and my eyes look less tired.
Now, let’s take a look at my before and after photo upon application of Palmer’s White & Even CBB Cream.No concealer, foundation, blusher or even eye make-up (except lash extensions) was used in all the photos featured in this post.
A touch of the CBB cream was all it took for the pigmentation on my upper cheeks to disappear. If you require more coverage, simply dab on an additional layer of CBB cream for clear, flawless skin.
I would recommend Palmer’s White & Even Skincare range if you have pigmentation, dark spots, acne scars or simply wish to even out your skin tone as it is very affordable and most importantly, it actually works. After using this range for about 2 weeks, I noticed that my skin tone has become more even and the redness has subsided. I would be lying if I were to tell you that the pigmentation on my upper cheeks has disappeared, because there isn’t a miracle product like that in the market but based on the results currently, I am confident that with regular usage, it would lighten with time.
Oh, and don’t forget your sunscreen to ensure that your efforts don’t go to waste!
Head on down to Watsons, Guardian, BHG, Robinsons, John Little, Essentials Pharmacy, Nishino Pharmacy, all leading pharmacies, departmental and cosmetic stores to get your Palmer’s White & Even skincare range!
In our relentless quest for beauty, we need to be mindful not to subject our skin, which also happens to be our body’s largest organ, to harsh chemicals that actually do more harm than good. This is the reason why scent-free and paraben-free skincare always tops my list of beauty must-haves.
mdd COSMECEUTICAL skincare falls right into this category. Established over 7 years ago, mdd COSMECEUTICAL aims to create skincare products that suit the ever-changing needs of consumers today through rigorous research and development. Its skincare line is formulated without fragrance and parabens, combining Japanese cutting-edge technology with breakthrough research to ensure that active ingredients penetrate into the deepest layer of our skin to deliver optimal results.
Did you know that Stella Leung, Hong Kong celebrity make-up artist for A-mei and Jacky Cheung, is also a huge fan of MDD products and claims that the brand saved her skin?
Well, it is not hard to understand why. I have been using some of their best-selling skincare products for close to a month now, and I am in love with the brand’s fuss-free approach to achieving good skin in just one step. Now, you can happily bid farewell to the multiple serums or essences and say hello to a simple, effective routine that not only saves you time, but actually works.
1. SKIN PERFECT BRIGHTENING NANO GEL (S$68.95, 60ml)
If you desire brighter skin that glows from within, the Skin Perfect Brightening Nano Gel would be your best friend.
This all-in-one multitasking product contains the following skin-loving ingredients:
1) Vitamin C and Pearl Essence to brighten your skin
2) Seaweed Extract to keep your skin thoroughly moisturized
3) Ceramides to calm down and prevent skin irritations
I have been using this product as a moisturizer twice daily. It repairs, tones, hydrates, primes and protects your skin all at once, and is a life-saver especially when I need to rush out of the house early in the morning.
Its lightweight, gel texture makes it perfect for our humid weather as it absorbs readily into your skin and keeps it plump, hydrated and glowing all day. You may not observe the brightening effects immediately upon usage, but give it about 2 weeks and you’ll notice a brighter, more luminous complexion.
If you are prone to oil seeds (like me!), this would work well with your skin as anything too rich and creamy would lead to an onslaught of oil seeds.
2) SKIN PERFECT CC CREAM (S$31.55, 20ml)
I have tried several CC creams but most pale in comparison to mdd COSMECEUTICAL’s Skin Perfect CC Cream.
Yet another multitasking product, this CC cream is formulated with Marine Collagen and Ceramide complex and acts as a sunscreen (SPF 30), make-up base, anti-aging cream and moisturizer all rolled into one to give you perfect skin without the hassle.
I use this every morning, after the Skin Perfect Brightening Nano Gel and I absolutely adore how it provides full coverage without clogging my pores. It also does a wonderful job of smoothing out fine lines and concealing imperfections such as pigmentation, giving you flawless, air-brushed skin instantly.
I typically dab on an additional layer of CC cream on my upper cheeks to conceal my pigmentation and was pleasantly surprised when some of my friends told me that it seemed like my dark spots had vanished miraculously!
Besides its excellent coverage, I am particularly impressed by its featherlight texture. Good coverage and light, weightless textures usually do not go hand in hand, hence this CC cream is definitely a gem.
Don’t be fooled by its seemingly thick consistency when you first squeeze it out of the tube. It glides on like a dream, gives you the coverage you need and imparts a healthy glow to your skin without any sticky after-feel. This is one product that I highly recommend and would personally purchase when it runs out.
3. HYDRA-INFUSION OKINAWA MASK (S$78.95, 50ml)
Hydrating masks are my favourite as my skin is perpetually dehydrated, all thanks to late nights, frequent traveling and constant exposure to air-conditioning.
The Hydra-infusion Okinawa Mask is the latest addition to my range of hydrating/sleeping masks and I find myself reaching for it at least twice or thrice a week because it hydrates, clarifies, brightensand boosts cell renewal simultaneously, leaving me with soft dewy skin every time. I also love its ultra light gel texture and how it energizes my dull, tired skin and restores radiance.
The active ingredients include nourishing Okinawa deep-sea water and Hyaluronic Acid to lock in moisture, as well as soybean extract to effectively brighten your skin.
You can either apply a thin layer to your skin for 30 minutes and wash it off thereafter or leave it on overnight as a sleeping mask, which is my preferred method. A little goes a long way, and I can foresee that this tub of goodness will last at least six months, even with regular usage.
OVERALL IMPRESSION OF mdd COSMECEUTICAL SKINCARE
I only recommend products that I have personally tested on my skin for an extended period of time, and this time was no exception. What are my overall thoughts on mdd COSMECEUTICAL’s skincare line? Would I recommend this brand?
It is hard to come by multitasking one-step skincare products that suit both our humid climate and our hectic lifestyle. More importantly, mdd COSMECEUTICAL products are scent-free, paraben-free and fuss-free, yet remarkably effective, hence I would highly recommend this skincare range for all the reasons that I have stated above.
After all, who doesn’t love hassle-free skincare that delivers optimal results?
All products are available at www.skinbalance.com.sg, the distributor of MDD Cosmeceutical products.
Enter the code “MDDC Social Launch 6” upon checkout for a special store-wide discount of S$7 valid till 31 July 2015!
For more information on my beauty routine with mdd COSMECUTICAL, watch the video that was filmed in collaboration with Karen below:
Mermaid nails in pearly, iridescent pastel shades have always been a fascination of mine. There are numerous designs on the internet, but most come in bright turquoise shades and are heavily encrusted with crystals. A little too over the top for work, if you ask me.
When it comes to nails, dainty, feminine designs are right up my alley. Nothing too loud (no turquoise blue) or gaudy lest it risks looking unprofessional, but yet it can’t be plain and boring. This delicate balance is generally hard to achieve, but Koji from Dazzlette Nails literally nailed it with this set of beautiful mermaid nails.
Skills and experience aside, good manicurists have a keen eye for detail and aesthetics. I sent Koji a couple of photos before my manicure to give her an idea of the design that I desired, but instead of replicating it, she gave it a fresh spin with her own interpretation based on my preferences and personal style. The results? Nothing short of fabulous.
I couldn’t stop marveling at how intricate the details were. The inlay method was used to encase the gems and seashells to prevent them from falling out easily. Don’t my nails resemble a work of art? Even JW and my parents, who usually do not pay any attention to my nails, gave the nod of approval.
I love that Dazzlette Nails is centrally located at Bras Brasah Complex, so if you work around the area, you can always pop in for a pampering session during lunch or after work and then bounce back into your schedules.
To give you an even better excuse to pamper your nails, quote my name “REGINA” and you’ll receive a 20% discount on nail art services from now till 30th June!
[This post was written by Isabelle, a permanent writer on Shopping Queen’s Haven.]
Isn’t it true that hair completes a look? Perhaps that’s why we always bemoan bad hair days, as we instinctively feel the difference that great hair makes us look and feel.
It was therefore a pleasure to learn more about hair care and hair health from Svenson, the leading expert in solutions in hair and scalp problems with over 40 years of trichological expertise and knowledge. The scalp is actually an extension of our skin, so just as we spend lots of time and effort on our facial care and body care, we should not neglect our scalp. And indeed we’ll be thankful for it later when we do not need to battle hair loss problems, but enjoy the benefits of luscious, healthy, shiny hair!
Debunking Hair Myths
During the Svenson expert talk, they did a careful analysis of my hair and scalp, and also shared many professional tips that debunk hair myths we might have believed in.
Did you know that it is recommended to use combs with wooden bristles, as plastic bristles cause greater static and frizz? When applying styling products, you should also avoid getting them onto the scalp. Also, always wash your hair daily, especially in our hot and humid weather.
I have to admit that many years of hair dye and perms have inevitably caused damage to my hair. More importantly, I also need to continue to take care of my scalp to ensure my hair follicles can grow healthily.
That explained why I was really excited to try the treatments and shampoos, and immediately tried the entire regime as soon as I got home after the Svenson event.
Svenson Trichology Pre-Shampoo Treatment
Firstly, I applied the Svenson Trichology Pre-Shampoo Treatment to unwashed scalp, section by section. Then I used my fingertips to gently massage it into my scalp, left it for 2 minutes, and rinsed it off. So simple!
During the 2 minutes, what did I do? I was reading the label (I really like reading up on products): Svenson products are a concentrated blend of carefully selected botanicals and protective herbs combined with advanced bio-chemical technology, designed to help you achieve healthy scalp and strong beautiful hair. Sounds promising.
Svenson Volumizing Shampoo
Next, I started my hair wash. All it took was a small amount (around 50 cent size) of the Volumizing Shampoo rubbed in palm to create a very nice lather that I massaged through from scalp to ends, then washed.
I loved how the rich lather thoroughly cleansed my hair and scalp without stripping my hair of its natural oils.
Svenson PLGA Total Solution
And finally, the crowning jewel : Svenson’s PLGA Total Solution!
It is one of Svenson’s best-selling hair care treatments, and is a breakthrough Do-It-Yourself home treatment that combines remarkable properties of the rare Loquat leaf and nanotechnology to produce noticeably thicker, fuller-looking hair for those suffering from thinning hair.
The key active compound extracted from the Loquat leaf is Corosolic acid, traditionally used as a herbal medicine. It encourages better blood circulation and manages testosterone level, often the primary cause of hair loss.
The PLGA Total Solution is to be applied daily after hair wash using a light head massage on problem areas, and a typical complete treatment process will take six months of consistent application. But the great news is, from as early as two months, a gradual increase in fine hair growth at alopecia neurotic areas might start to appear.
Do the products work?
Every time after I wash my hair, I experience a huge amount of hair fall. When I shared my concerns with the Svenson Expert, I was assured that hair fall after each hair wash is normal. We should not be afraid to wash our hair daily simply because we are worried about the amount of hair fall each time. After all, as they shared, the hair would fall, regardless of wash or not. Instead, washing daily and then applying the treatment is the proper way to treat and regain healthy scalp and hair. This was indeed reassuring to hear!
And the results speak for themselves. After I finished washing my hair and treating my scalp that night, I did my daily blow dry (remember not to sleep with a wet scalp), and I was so excited with the results that I immediately texted my friend to say it was amazing how my hair felt so light and bouncy. I could truly feel the difference. It was such a pity that night to sleep with my happy-looking hair (or rather, I was happy, haha!). I have been faithfully using the products these 3 weeks, and I can attest to the great results.
Besides using these products, I have been religiously following the Svenson 5-Step Massage to increase circulation, facilitate absorption and release tension.
Remember, do not hesitate to kick-start a good hair and scalp regime. You will certainly reap the benefits for a long time to come!
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About the writer Isabelle:
An MBTI personality profile that believes in making the world a better place (one starfish at a time), Isabelle is a communications professional who enjoys creating good memories for others, and balances realism with a healthy dose of joie de vivre and can-do positivity.
Hi! My name is Regina and I am a style, beauty and travel enthusiast who enjoys writing, photography and letting my creative juices flow.
My blogging journey has been nothing short of exciting. I was recently named the winner of Her World Magazine’s Estee Lauder Style Superstar Awards 2016. My blog was also awarded Best Fashion Blog (Grand Winner) at the Singapore Blog Awards 2014. The year before that, it won Best Online Shopping Blog at the Singapore Blog Awards 2013.
Additionally, it is listed as one of the 10 interesting blogs on Singapore by AsiaWeb Direct (http://www-singapore.com/blogs.htm). I was also featured on both local and international mainstream media for my views on style, fashion and online shopping:
The Straits Times (14 Oct 2014)
The Business Times (14 Oct 2014)
My Paper (13 Oct 2014)
CNBC ("Pricey Singapore: Savvy shoppers go online" - 28 Dec 2014)
For advertorials/partnerships, feel free to contact me at regina.chow@gmail.com.
