Regina Chow - Singapore Fashion, Beauty & Travel Blog
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VENDOR Satisfaction Guaranteed: Shopping for Japanese Products in Singapore with Vending Machines!

March 21, 2014 by Regina Chow No Comments

I have always had a fascination with the vending machines in Japan as you can buy practically anything and everything (not just beverages!) with the touch of a button. For years, I was wondering if this interesting shopping concept would ever be adopted in Singapore and now, I’m happy to report that it is finally here! 
Japanese retail company, Satisfaction Guaranteed, launched its state-of-the-art  digital vending machines just last month, giving us immediate access to an exclusive and diverse mix of Japanese fashion, cosmetics and lifestyle products without having to fly all the way to Japan! In fact, Singapore is the first and only country outside of Japan to have intelligent digital vending machines like these.


Founded by Mr Shunsuke Sato in 2007, Satisfaction Guaranteed began as a fashion label and is well-known in Japan for having the largest number of fans on Facebook, with over 5 million supporters in over 30 countries. Mr Sato then set up Satisfaction Guaranteed Pte Ltd in Singapore in 2010  to introduce a variety of Japanese brands and products to overseas markets.

Thanks to Satisfaction Guaranteed, consumers like you and me can now take your pick from a specially curated
selection of 29 products from 16 companies, including Japanese lucky
charms, nail polish, nail wraps, recyclable bags and a whole range of
other Japanese goodies.

I was particularly interested in the nail wraps, glitter nail polish and hair chalk. In case you were wondering, those little pots of green, red and orange hues are hair chalk and not make-up products. I love how versatile these products are as you can easily transform your look instantly.

These colourful good luck charms and specialty Japanese products are produced by Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten, a Japanese handicraft and souvenior shop with over 300 years of history.
These good luck charms, known as Daruma, come in different colours as each colour represents a different blessing. Red represents family peace and well-being, yellow represents wealth, white is for good health, purple for luck and happiness and finally green for academic success.

All these products can be viewed on the vending machine’s digital touch screen. A simple tap on the screen will reveal more information about each product.

I got to try out the vending machine during the launch last month and decided to take this floral nail wrap design from VlliVlli home with me. VlliVlli nail wraps can be found in Laforet Harajuku, Shibuya 109 and Plaza Minipla in Tokyo. Now, 10 of their popular designs are available in Singapore through VENDOR Satisfaction Guaranteed.

These vending
machines are now available at The Cathay, Liang Court and 100AM. 
All the items are priced at either S$10 or S$12 each, which is pretty reasonable for quality products that are made in Japan.
Happy Shopping!
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Sinderella: Customized Shoes in Singapore

March 18, 2014 by Regina Chow 1 Comment
When I was planning for my wedding 5 years ago, it took me a while to find the perfect shoes to go with my bridal and evening gowns. I wish someone had told me about Sinderella, a shoe boutique located at Delfi Orchard (#03-04) that customizes wedding shoes and glitzy evening shoes. That would have saved me a lot of trouble!

Well, it’s better late than never because I realized recently that Sinderella customizes work heels and heels for special occasions too. If you want to stand out from the crowd and add a dash of individuality to your work ensembles or dinner party outfits, Sinderella could very well help you to achieve your objectives.

I already had an idea of what type of work heels I wanted when Sinderella kindly invited me to their shopfront to get a pair of work heels customized. A simple pair of pumps in a solid colour would be perfect. 

However, my heart literally skipped a beat when I saw the dazzling array of glamorous heels in a myriad of designs and colours as I simply couldn’t take my eyes off those with feminine lace and gem embellishments.  

I will show you my customized shoes nearer the end of the post, but meanwhile, let me share a little about how you can go about customizing the heels of your dreams.
 The designs here are all ready-made, but modifications such as the heel height, type of heel, embellishments, material and colour can be done to tailor to every customer’s needs.

Step 1: Decide on whether you prefer Covered, Peep-toe or Open-toe shoes

 
I generally prefer covered pumps for work and functions because I feel that they look more formal and presentable. At Sinderella, you can choose between pointy pumps or round toe pumps.

Pointy pumps are excellent for elongating your legs but as I have bunions since birth, I personally find round-toe pumps more comfortable. I fell in love with the Gisele Pumps the moment I laid my eyes on them.
Gisele Pumps
 Peep-toe and open-toe heels are great for showing off your beautifully pedicured feet. I love to wear strappy open-toe heels for evening functions and dinners as they go really well with gowns and cocktail dresses.

Step 2: Choose the Material and Colour

Besides the typical bridal colours such as ivory, off-white, beige and silver, Sinderella also offers more than 100 choices of colours and materials for you to take your pick from. 
I particularly love colours like silver and gold because they can complement most colours, but if you prefer eye-catching shades like fuschia or sky blue to match your evening gown or outfit, these are readily available too.

Step 3: Choose your Embellishments

Trust me when I say you’ll be spoilt for choice, especially when it comes to embellishments. Add that extra sparkle to your evening shoes with a little bling in all shapes, designs and sizes.

For an elegant bridal day look, you can also add subtle lace or crystal details to your shoes. Bridal shoes aside, these details would go beautifully with a pair of work heels too.

If you like bows and flowers, I am sure you will be drawn to Sinderella’s collection of delicate bows and floral embellishments.

As I was browsing through the wide variety of choices, I also came across these swarovski crystal heel rings. Heel rings look just like the rings that we wear on our fingers, except that they are meant to dress up your heels instead. All you have to do is to slot the rings into the heels of your shoes. It is removable and thus gives you the option of varying your looks. I especially love the versatility of this accessory as you can easily take your shoes from day to night by adding a touch of bling.

 
Step 4: Choose your Heels and Soles
Choosing your heels marks the final step of customization. Thin stiletto heels may fare well in the looks department but honestly they may not be all that comfortable especially if you have to be on your feet all day long. Sinderella understands your concerns and has specially brought in heels of varying heights and thickness to cater to your whims and fancies. 
At Sinderella, you can also choose the colour of your soles to match your shoes. I love the attention they pay to details like this as it really shows that they take pride in their designs.

As mentioned earlier, I fell in love with the Gisele Pumps hence my original plans to customize a simple pair of work heels got derailed. I decided to customize this design in a shade of champagne gold as it would complement most of my outfits anyway and I could easily pair it with both my casual dresses for weekend catch-ups with the girls and formal outfits for work functions. For added height without compromising on comfort, I eventually chose thicker 4 inch heels and built-in platforms.

It took about 3-4 weeks for my customized heels to arrive, so if you are planning to customize a pair for your wedding or a special occasion, do remember to plan ahead!
Every pair of customized heels comes in a transparent Sinderella shoe box with a handle at the top, which makes it very convenient for you to carry around should you wish to change out of your shoes for photo shoots or events.

Finally, here are some photos of my gorgeous customized Gisele Pumps.


I wore it out immediately the next day for lunch with my hubby and he had nothing but praises for this beautiful pair of heels.

Shoes from Sinderella
Skirt from Choies
Top and Necklace from random stores
Clutch from Saint Laurent

 

*****
Sinderella
Address:
402 Orchard Road, Delfi Orchard
#03-04 Singapore 238876 
Tel:
6224 5586
Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm – 8pm
Closed on Sun and Public Holidays
Website: 
Facebook:
Blog:


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L’Oreal EverStrong Hair & Scalp System: 30-Day Hair Challenge

March 15, 2014 by Regina Chow No Comments
 L’Oreal Hair Expertise recently developed its EverStrong Hair and Scalp System, which promises stronger, thicker hair in 30 days. If you follow me on instagram (@reginachow_sg), you may have read that I gamely took up L’Oreal’s 30-Day Hair Challenge.

It is important to condition your hair ends, which is what we all tend to focus our efforts on to achieve silky smooth hair, but did you know that the scalp is just like our skin and needs just as much tender loving care? Fertile soil is necessary for plants to thrive and flourish. Similarly, a healthy scalp promotes hair growth and is the key to having healthy, beautiful hair.

 What causes scalp problems? Excess sebum production and using the wrong hair products without clarifying the scalp will clog pores and hair follicles over time, leading to scalp problems and hair loss. Our hot and humid weather doesn’t help either as it only makes our scalp oilier.

Well, the good news is, hair thinning and hair fall issues can be easily prevented with the use of proper scalp care products such as L’Oreal’s EverStrong Hair and Scalp System. The use of scalp care products on a regular basis will also help to strengthen hair strands, leading to healthier, more beautiful hair! 

In a day and age where we encounter chemical substances in practically every facet of our daily lives, responsible brands and products that cut down on the usage of chemicals are definitely a breath of fresh air.  

I am sure that many of us are no stranger to L’Oreal Hair Expertise’s range of hair products, which are 100% sulphate-free, silicone-free and paraben-free. The complete suite of L’Oreal
Hair Expertise products includes EverSleek for frizzy, rebellious hair,
EverPure for colour-treated hair, EverCreme for dry to very dry hair and
finally, the latest addition to the family – EverStrong for scalp care
and hair fall control.

 Frequent colouring has rendered my scalp sensitive and somewhat irritable, hence I often turn to in-salon scalp treatments to maintain my scalp health. On days when I don’t have time to head to the salon, L’Oreal’s EverStrong Hair and Scalp System is the most comprehensive sulphate-free scalp care system that I can rely on to care for my sensitive scalp.  These products are also infused with nourishing botanical oils to energize and invigorate the senses.  

The EverStrong range consists of a set of 1) shampoo, 2) conditioner and 3) hair tonic.
When it comes to
maintaining a healthy scalp, you have to be conscientious and patient
because it takes time for you to see results and these results take
place over time.  30 days is just about right for you to see some visible results. Although I have only reached the 1 week mark when this post is published, there are already significant improvements in my scalp condition based on my scalp scan results which you will see later on in this post.

I love shampoos that lather well as I personally feel that my scalp and hair feel cleaner, hence I was initially a little apprehensive when I first tried the L’Oreal EverStrong Thickening Shampoo as I thought it wouldn’t produce much lather, like most sulphate-free shampoos or other conventional scalp shampoos in the market. Surprisingly, it lathers like a dream. Not only does my scalp feel
much cleaner, my hair also feels softer and silkier immediately after
shampooing, which is impressive given that most of the scalp shampoos
that I have tried tend to leave my hair dry and entangled. I also love the fresh minty scent which appeals to both sexes.

If you have a sensitive scalp
like me, it is absolutely important for you to steer clear of hair care
products that include sulphates. Sulphates are typically used in hair
care products to create foam but these chemicals are so harsh, they
strip your scalp of moisture and causes it to be even more irritable
than it already is. L’Oreal understands what is needed to promote a
healthy scalp, hence its EverStrong series is completely sulphate-free and is specially enriched with Rosemary and Mint oils to soothe dry sensitive scalp and regulate sebum production. The formula also includes amino acid complex to strengthen and fortify hair strands.

I use conditioner on a daily basis to keep my hair well moisturized and I have always been told not to apply any conditioner to your scalp as it weighs down the hair at the crown and could also make your scalp oilier. 
You can imagine how shocked I was when I read the instructions behind L’Oreal’s EverStrong Thickening Conditioner and realized that this conditioner can actually be massaged into your scalp. Again, I was quite skeptical. What if it weighs down my hair and causes my scalp to itch? 
Nonetheless, I followed the instructions and dutifully massaged the conditioner into my scalp and hair strands before rinsing. To my utter amazement, there was no greasy after feel. On the contrary, I felt that it gave my roots a natural lift, which contributes to fuller-looking hair. In fact, a couple of my friends commented that my hair looks fuller and thicker recently, and some new acquaintances even thought that I was born with naturally thick hair. I have never received such compliments in the past as my hair is naturally thin and fine, hence I strongly believe the L’Oreal EverStrong Hair and Scalp System certainly has a role to play in this!   
The L’Oreal EverStrong Hair and Scalp System also includes a Thickening Tonic to be sprayed onto your roots directly and massaged into the scalp. No rinsing is required.  I have been using this religiously everyday after shampoo and conditioner and I absolutely love the cooling sensation and minty after feel.  
I can go on waxing lyrical about how wonderful this entire series is, but nothing beats actual evidence to prove that the EverStrong Hair and Scalp System really works. 

Before I embarked on this 30-day Hair Challenge, a few other bloggers and I popped by L’Oreal’s office for a scalp scan. We also did another scan midway through the challenge. Please note that the images that follow may be rather disturbing, but do read on if you are interested to find out exactly how effective the EverStrong products were on my scalp.

 

The whitish, cloudy residue at the roots depicts sebum (or oil) and as you can tell from my ‘before’ and ‘after’ scalp scan results, my scalp is less oily than when I first embarked on this challenge. 

I am so heartened to see these encouraging results and I can totally envision how clean and healthy my scalp will look after 30 days. I will do a final wrap-up of the challenge on my instagram account (@reginachow_sg) after 30 days, so do follow me if you would like to track my progress!

Meanwhile, I am basking in the joy that my hair already looks and feels healthier!

 If you want to have lustrous hair and a healthier scalp, do join me in L’Oreal’s 30-day hair challenge too. 

Here’s what you have to do:
L’Oreal 30-Day Hair Challenge 
(From 15th March 2014)
1. Purchase L’Oreal EverStrong Thickening Tonic and receive a free 59ml set of Everstrong shampoo + conditioner

2. Register your particulars for the Challenge here. L’Oreal will contact you shortly on how to redeem at L’Oreal office. (A ‘before’ shot must be provided.)

3. After redemption, use regime for 30 days. At the end of 30 days, return to L’Oreal office to retrieve $50 hamper incentive, in exchange for a testimonial and after shot. 

For more details on L’Oreal’s EverStrong Hair and Scalp System, remember to ‘Like’ L’Oreal’s Facebook Page here!

Now, you can also purchase L’Oreal’s EverStrong Hair and Scalp System online at Luxola!

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Allure Beauty Signature Eyebrow Embroidery

March 9, 2014 by Regina Chow 4 Comments

Eyebrow embroidery is a beauty service that I’ve been thinking of trying out as it is getting immensely popular these days and many of my girlfriends have experienced wonderful results. I have previously read rave reviews about Allure Beauty from forums and blogs, hence when Mistical from Absolute PR contacted me on behalf of the saloon for an eyebrow embroidery session, I agreed right away.

Established in April 2002 by founder Ms Angela Tnee, Allure Beauty has since expanded and includes 3 outlets conveniently located in Tiong Bahru Plaza, West Mall and City Square Mall respectively. I couldn’t be happier when Mistical suggested that I visit their West Mall branch as it is just a stone’s throw from my home.
What is Eyebrow Embroidery?  How is it different from Eyebrow Tattoo? 

Eyebrow
embroidery involves the application of pigments to the outermost
epidermis layer of your skin. This is different from eyebrow tattoo,
where the pigments penetrate deep into the dermis layer and gets
absorbed deeper into the skin as time progresses. Unlike eyebrow tattoo which is permanent, eyebrow embroidery is only semi-permanent and can last up to 2 years or longer with frequent touch-ups.

  Founder of Allure Beauty, Ms Angela Tnee, picked up eyebrow embroidery in 1994 from an eyebrow specialist in Hong Kong and was the first to introduce creative eyebrow embroidery skills using the stroke-by-stroke technique in Singapore. This technique is now known as Allure’s Signature Eyebrow Technique and that was exactly what I was going to try out that very day.

Kelly, the Principal Trainer at West Mall, gave me a detailed overview of the different types of eyebrow embroidery services offered by Allure Beauty.  
Allure Beauty believes in upholding the highest standards of professionalism, hence the Allure Signature Eyebrow Technique is only performed by senior consultants who have undergone years of training and are personally certified by founder Ms Angela Tnee. This particular technique incorporates nano-technology to achieve natural-looking strokes that mimic the appearance of real hair.
Before I give you the lowdown on the eyebrow embroidery process, here’s an embarrasing  photo of my brows before embroidery for your reference. As you can see, my brows are relatively thick (thanks to my mum who painstakingly applied alcohol on them when I was a baby), but they are extremely untidy, undefined and completely out of shape. 
I used to get them plucked and trimmed professionally but in recent years, laziness got the better of me as my bangs covered most of my unruly brows anyway. I couldn’t wait to get started on the eyebrow embroidery session after Kelly clipped up my bangs and revealed my horrible brows!

What is the eyebrow embroidery process like?
Step 1: Neatening the brows
 The first step is to neaten your brows by shaving off the stray hairs.This makes it easier for the therapist to shape and design your brows later on.
 
Step 2: Numbing Cream Application

Most beauty saloons would apply numbing cream after shaping and designing your brows, but over at Allure Beauty, numbing cream is applied at the onset so that your brows are sufficiently numbed. This is an important step to ensure that the whole process is painless and comfortable.
This step takes about half an hour. During the wait, Kelly and I discussed any possible concerns that I had about my brow shape and colour. We both agreed that a dark brown shade would be used for my brows to match my light hair colour.
 

 Kelly also shared with me that Allure Beauty offers a comprehensive
range of beauty services, including facials, eyelash extensions,
eyeliner embroidery and lip embroidery. She noticed my eyelash
extensions and recommended that I try their Wonder Lash extensions from
Korea next time. Time to book another appointment soon! 
Step 3: Shaping and designing the brows
At
Allure Beauty, your facial features will first be assessed based on the
Golden Ratio to determine the best brow shape to suit your facial
proportions.
Kelly
shared that my facial features generally conformed to the Golden Ratio,
but the space between my eyes and eyebrows was too narrow. Hence, she
suggested that my brow had to be moved up a little higher to bring more
definition to my eyes.
She then proceeded to fill in my brows to the desired shape and thickness.

I loved how meticulous Kelly was. As my left brow was naturally higher than the right, she took pains to check that they were symmetrical from every angle, every step of the way.

Step 4: Eyebrow Embroidery
Once I was satisfied with my brows, Kelly invited me into a private room for the eyebrow embroidery session.
Personal hygiene is of utmost importance to Allure Beauty, hence a fresh new blade is used for every customer to eliminate the possibility of infection. The colour used is also specially customized based on your personal preferences.
Is the process painful? How did I feel? 
I could feel the blades brushing against my skin with each stroke but to my pleasant surprise, it was relatively painless if you were to compare it to eyebrow plucking.

 Kelly then sat me up to check on my brows. Please excuse my sleepy look here as I was about to drift to slumberland in the private room.

A few more strokes added the finishing touch and I was done!

And now for the final look. My skin was slightly red as I have sensitive skin but the redness went away in less than half an hour.

Here’s a closer look at my transformation, complete with before and after photos for a better comparison. I was absolutely amazed by the remarkable difference before and after eyebrow embroidery! 
My new brows frame my face better and soften my features too, giving me an even more feminine appearance.

Before and after pictures of my left brows:

Before and after pictures of my right brows:

From the pictures, you can also tell that the individual strokes look just like my own natural eyebrow hair. I really love my new brows and how they pull my features together.
Thank you Kelly for a job well done! Kelly is very pretty, with silky smooth poreless skin to boot. I was so tempted to try out Allure Beauty’s facials after seeing her gorgeous skin.


Are there any after care tips for Eyebrow Embroidery?
  I was given a card with after care tips and a tube of soothing cream (Retails at S$48) to be applied 5 times daily with a clean cotton bud for a period of 1 week.
Remember to ensure that your eyebrows do not have any contact with water for a week. Not only does this prevent infection, it also ensures that the colour lasts much longer. 

To prevent any contact with water, Kelly suggested that I use these 3M Tegaderm Films which feel just like clingwrap-like stickers on my brows when I shower. You can get them from any Watsons outlet.
Instead of facial wash, I also switched to a tissue-off cleanser (Avene’s Extremely Gentle Cleanser No Rinse Tissue-Off Formula) for a week.
My Healing Process
 I also took some pictures following my eyebrow embroidery session so that you will have a better idea of what to expect.
Day 1 – Without Make-up

Day 3 – With Make-up
1 Month Later – With Light Make-up
The colour fades by about 50-70% after the 1st month, hence a touch-up is necessary for maintenance. I love how natural it looks after a month though, and now, I no longer have to hide my brows behind my bangs!
One of my girlfriends saw me with my new brows the next day after my eyebrow embroidery and was so impressed she immediately booked herself an appointment at her nearest Allure Beauty Saloon for the Allure Signature Eyebrow Embroidery session. Now, we both have beautiful brows!

******
Special Discount for Blog Readers:
All readers of ‘Shopping Queen’s Haven’ will also be entitled to a 10% discount off the Allure Signature Eyebrow Embroidery session. Simply quote my blog name or my name “Regina Chow” to enjoy this offer!
 As Kelly is the principal trainer at West Mall outlet, an Allure Signature Eyebrow Embroidery session with her would cost S$1680 excluding GST. This includes 2 free touch-ups (after 1 month and another after 1 year).
*****
Allure Beauty Saloon
Website:
Facebook:
Addresses, Contact Numbers and Opening Hours:

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[Work Outfit]: Bodycon Dresses for the Office

March 5, 2014 by Regina Chow No Comments
I usually post casual weekend outfits because I don’t have the luxury of time on weekdays to document my work outfits. But I figured it’s probably about time I ventured beyond casual wear and share more work outfits, since we spend most of our waking hours at work and being able to look professional in such a hot and humid climate is one of the greatest challenges faced by corporate executives in Singapore.
Pencil dresses with structured silhouettes are my work wear staples. Truth be told, I have never considered bodycon dresses work appropriate because they are far too figure-hugging. Little did I realize that it is actually possible to turn a bodycon dress into a work wear staple.

The easiest option is to throw on a blazer, but layering in this heat is hardly a good idea especially if you take the public transport. Choosing a bodycon dress with the right cutting, print and length would probably be more ideal in our situation.
To balance out the form-fitting silhouette and transform it into a modest work piece, go for a bodycon dress that has longer sleeves (instead of the sleeveless ones that show off more skin) and length (ideally, a midi length would be great). Such dresses look amazing in solid colours as they form the perfect canvas for accessorizing with statement necklaces and you will be surprised by just how elegant the overall look is. However, if you
are feeling more adventurous, go all out with prints. 
Prints can be a
little too gaudy for work but it is acceptable as long as you stick to a
monochromatic colour palette. This dress from Topshop totally fits the bill. 3/4 sleeves, midi length and bold monochromatic prints – you get the idea. What I love about printed dresses is that it saves you the hassle of having to accessorize, which is great given that we don’t have much time to doll up before leaving the house during the rush hour.

To pull the look together, a pair of pumps always does the trick. Covered toe shoe always look more professional, even if you always get your pedicures done. 
I would usually have reached out for a pair of black pumps to complement a dress like this, but I thought these electric blue pointy pumps added a pop of colour and interest to the whole ensemble. It also helps that these are wedges and a lot more comfortable to walk in than stiletto heels.In fact, this is probably the best type of work shoes for rushing into trains and chasing after buses!

Dress from Topshop
Shoes from Pazzion
Bag from Chanel
Cuff from Hermes

Hopefully this post gave you some inspiration on how you can transform bodycon dresses into work appropriate pieces. I hope to post more work outfits in time to come, if time permits, so do keep a lookout for them! 
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Korean Style Make-up with Laneige

March 2, 2014 by Regina Chow No Comments

When we think about Korean style make-up, images of flawless, dewy complexion and barely there make-up always come to mind. If your complexion is less than perfect, which is the case for most of us, you can easily achieve the no make-up look with Laneige! 

While I only use sunblock on my skin on most days, there are times when my skin needs that extra boost and that’s when Laneige Snow BB Soothing Cushion comes to the rescue. It gives my skin a radiant, healthy glow immediately upon application. The effect is so natural, I look like I was born with naturally flawless skin. If you are interested, you can also read more about my review on BB cushion here.

 

Eyeliner is one of my make-up staples and if you follow Korean make-up trends, a common way of eyeliner application is to extend the eyeliner and wing it out so your eyes look bigger and more elongated. I personally love this style of eyeliner application as it really opens up my eyes.
I usually use black or brown eyeliner, but whenever I feel a little more adventurous, I would turn to Laneige ArtPlay Waterproof Eyeliner in Deep Green and Forest Green. It is dual sided, which gives you the flexibility to transform your look from day to night with the flick of an eyeliner. I have come to realize that green is actually a really versatile colour too.

When the rest of your face is fresh and nude, all it takes is a bold lip to brighten up your face. Orange lipstick was something I would never have considered in the past, but Laneige’s Silk Intense Lipstick in Spangle has since become my go-to lipstick shade.  Unlike red which gives off a mature vibe, orange actually exudes youthfulness and a tinge of playfulness.

The Laneige Silk Intense Lipstick in Spangle is highly pigmented and a little goes a long way. It glides on very smoothly and the hydrating formula which includes collagen peptides ensures that lips stay moisturized throughout the day. 

Here’s the final look that I created with these 3 products from Laneige:

And finally, here’s my outfit for the day. I went for a monochromatic look to bring attention to the bold orange lips. 
T-shirt from Dip Drops
Skirt and necklace from random shops in Singapore
Bag from Chanel
Cuff from Hermes
Hat from Venice
Shoes from Pazzion

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Topshop Bodycon Dresses

March 1, 2014 by Regina Chow No Comments

I fell in love with this red checked bodycon dress from Topshop the moment I laid my eyes on it. The form-fitting cut flatters the female silhouette without being too curve-hugging, just the way I like it. Most of the bodycon dresses these days are Herve Leger inspired and a little too revealing for everyday wear in my opinion.
While I have always been a fan of Ms Selfridge due to their feminine designs, I have now set my sights on Topshop’s lovely bodycon dresses, which fit me to a T (I’m a UK Size 6). If you are petite like me and prefer bodycon dresses that are more wearable, perhaps you could consider those at Topshop too.
As this was meant to be a casual weekend outfit, I styled the dress with edgier accessories and booties. However, you can easily transform the dress into a work appropriate outfit with a tailored blazer and pointy pumps. Don’t we all love versatile pieces like this that can take us from weekdays to weekends?
I bought another bodycon dress together with this red checked one, which I will likely feature in another outfit post. Meanwhile, I’ll definitely be keeping my eyes peeled for more bodycon dresses from Topshop.

Dress from Topshop
Bag from Chanel
Booties from Sydney
Accessories from Taiwan

Have a great weekend!

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Dr Scalp Treatment with Naoki Yoshihara by Ash

February 28, 2014 by Regina Chow 2 Comments
Dry and brittle hair ends are probably the most common complaint among those of us who undergo chemical treatments on a regular basis. But did you know that healthy hair actually begins at the scalp? The root of many hair problems stem from poor scalp conditions and yet, many of us tend to neglect our scalp until hair problems begin to surface and hair loss becomes an issue. 
As the old saying goes, prevention is always better than cure, hence taking good care of my scalp has always been my top priority. I have tried various scalp treatments and one of the most effective scalp treatments that I have tried thus far is the Dr Scalp Treatment from Naoki Yoshihara by Ash.

Masa-san from Naoki Yoshihara by Ash has been taking good care of my crowning glory for the past few months and I have to thank him for introducing me to this wonderful treatment. I love Japanese products and services because they are always at the forefront of technological advances and innovation.

Dr Scalp Treatment hails from Japan and it entails the use of a scalp care machine that combines light diode and gentle LED light to stimulate your scalp and support healthy hair growth without harming your skin. This unique, one-of-a-kind treatment incorporates the use of scramble pulse, radio frequency waves, EMS and electroporation technologies. As the skin on the scalp is twice as sensitive as the skin on our face, Dr Scalp ensures that only high frequency radio frequency waves that do not damage our skin are used.

 Dr Scalp is also incredibly effective in treating hair loss problems. Whether you are in your 30s and starting to experience thinning hair (see picture below) or in your 50s with visible bald patches (see picture above), Dr Scalp guarantees fantastic results in just a span of 3-6 months. As you can tell, these before and after photos certainly speak for themselves.

Hair essence is first sprayed evenly over your scalp, followed by a scalp massage using the Dr Scalp scalp care machine. The machine can also be used at the back of the neck for a gentle massage and also to stimulate circulation.
The hair essence has a refreshing, minty scent that invigorates your senses after a long day at work.

Here’s what the Dr Scalp scalp care machine looks like. The tips of the probes that come into contact with your scalp are coated with titanium, which is very gentle and works well with all skin types, even sensitive skin.

When the Dr Scalp scalp care machine is activated, it emits a bright red glow and a very therapeutic tingling sensation is felt when the probes come into direct contact with your scalp.
The scalp machine also enhances the permeability of the hair essence and stimulates hair growth. Indeed, my scalp felt instantly rejuvenated and well cleansed after the treatment as all the dirt and grime were lifted from my pores.

Masa-san then applied two other scalp treatment products, namely Sparkling Spa Shower and Sparkling Gelee, to top off the treatment.

Sparkling Spa Shower promotes blood circulation and has anti-inflammatory properties as well. I was particularly fascinated with Sparkling Spa Shower because instead of spraying the product directly onto your scalp or dispensing it onto your fingers, all you have to do is to press the sponge tip of the bottle onto your scalp slowly. 
A cooling sensation is felt every time you press the sponge tip on to your scalp as you can actually feel a burst of cold air being released. It is really refreshing and since this product contains only natural herbal ingredients, you can be assured that your scalp is in good hands!

 Sparkling Gelee on the other hand, works just like a leave-in conditioner to seal in the moisture in your hair. As it is made of 100% hyaluronic acid, it can be applied directly to the scalp, hair and even on your skin.


My scalp tends to be a little oily and itchy, especially if I choose to wash my hair on alternate days, but after undergoing 3 sessions of Dr Scalp Treatment, I can feel a great difference in my scalp condition. 
My scalp is no longer as oily as it used to be and there is more volume at the crown. My girlfriend
Karen has tried a few sessions of Dr Scalp Treatment too as her scalp
has become rather sensitive after her frequent overseas travels.  If you have a dry and sensitive scalp, it is recommended that you do the Dr Scalp treatment once a week for a start until your condition stabilizes.

I love how
Masa-san goes the extra mile to recommend suitable treatments for my hair every
time I visit the salon. And it is amazing how my hair always looks shiny
and smooth in spite of all the chemical treatments I do every month.
Thank you, Masa-san! All the credit goes to you!

I have been recommending Masa san to many of my friends as well, and all of them love what he did with their hair.  Masa-san currently shuttles between Japan and Singapore for work, but here comes the good news – he will be relocating to Singapore in April this year!
Naoki Yoshihara by Ash
Address: 
177 River Valley Road
Liang Court  #02-15/16
Singapore 179030
Tel:
6333 5662

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Going Nautical with Midi Skirts

February 21, 2014 by Regina Chow 1 Comment
  
I wish I started my collection of midi skirts much earlier on. After all, there’s a feminine, vintage vibe about midi skirts that is right up my alley. They are also extremely versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on what tickles your fancy.
I’ve always had a soft spot for tulle skirts, and this tulle midi skirt from ClubCouture is like a dream come true for me. In a delicious shade of cream, this airy fairy skirt looks like it came right out of a fairytale.

Top from Zara
Skirt from ClubCouture
Shoes from Miu Miu
Hair Accessory from Korea

For a casual weekend look, I decided to amp up the vintage vibes and went for a nautical themed ensemble with a comfy blue striped t-shirt and quirky pink accessories for added contrast.

This whimsical magazine clutch from MyJotterBook (sorry to disappoint you, but this is no longer for sale!) completed the look and served as an instant conversation starter.

JW takes all my outfit shots, and in this series of photos, he experimented with a new photography style, which resulted in a dreamier and more mysterious interpretation of my surroundings.

 I can think of so many other ways to style this lovely midi skirt,
so if you are interested, do keep your eyes peeled for more outfit
posts that will be coming your way in this humble space of mine.
Meanwhile, have a good weekend ahead!

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Gelish Manicure by Niu Nails: Apple Nailart

February 14, 2014 by Regina Chow No Comments

Apples are the protagonists in my latest gelish manicure with Niu Nails. It took me a while to decide on this design as I wanted something simple yet unique and festive for Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day.
Inspired by my cute little Kate Spade apple bag (can you spot it in the background?), I scouted around for apple nail designs and this was the final design that I chose. I love how it complements my bag perfectly and how incredibly versatile the design is. It adds a touch of quirkiness to feminine and vintage outfits, which are my wardrobe staples for weekends. The simplicity of the design also ensures that it is subtle enough for work.
Manicures
are pampering treats and those of you who have tried gelish manicures
would probably agree that they are the best invention ever. Not only do
your nails remain chip-free and shiny for at least 3 weeks, the nail
polish looks just as fresh as the day they were painted on.
Again, I had my gelish manicure done by Serene of Niu Nails in the comfort of my home about 3 weeks back. and my nails still look as perfect as they did on the first day. This was my second gelish manicure with Niu Nails, a home-based salon in Hougang. 
What I love most about Niu Nails is that the owner, Serene, is able to travel to your home, which is perfect for those of us who find it hard to make time to do our nails thanks to our hectic schedules!
If you were wondering, this gelish manicure with apple nailart costs S$40. Now that Chinese New Year is over, perhaps it’s about time to give your nails a fresh coat of polish or a new design!
Special Privileges for Readers of “Shopping Queen’s Haven”

In collaboration with Niu Nails, all readers of “Shopping Queen’s Haven” will also be entitled to a 10% discount on gelish manicure/pedicure services at Niu Nails!

All you have to do is quote “Reginachow” or “Shopping Queen’s Haven” when you make  your appointment to enjoy 10% off!


For more details on Niu Nails and Serene, do check out their website and social media platforms below:
Facebook: 
Website:  
Instagram: @Niunails
 
Contact No.: 
8113 6741

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About Me

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.

Thank you!

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