Fresh hair.

Just got my hair done by Sue from Salon Vim at Orchard Central. I trimmed, coloured and did the Privy treatment. My hair is soooo soft and fluffy now…I can dieeeee. I also got a set of home haircare products – the Kerastase Bain Chroma Riche Shampoo for colour treated hair, Kerastase Nutri-Thermique Hair Mask and Kerastase Fibre Architecte Double Serum for my dry ends. I’ve been using Kerastase hair products for a long while now and I love what they’re doing for my hair. I’m all set for the Chinese New Year! 

Here’s an exclusive bundle deal from Salon Vim to get your tresses ready for CNY: 
Haircut + Highlight + Base Colour + Treatment for $288 and up! 
Call 6884 7757 for your appointment.
-xoxo-

The amazing LAC Taut® 16-day Transformation


They say that when you hit 30 and your body starts going downhill. Your health will start showing subtle signs of ageing and taking care of yourself will mean finding a balance between stress and healthy living habits. I’ve never quite thought about that when I was in my 20’s and used to probably scoff at that, thinking that my body will probably have some super powers to maintain and keep my youth forever. Now that I’m in my 30’s, I take those thoughts and words all back. I’m sad to say that my memory is not as good as before – I’ve never used to need to make lists or write down scheduled appointments. On occasions that I don’t enter appointments into my calendar, I  receive texts that read, ‘I’m here. Where are you?’ and completely panic simply because, I forgot. That of course will set me off like a crazy lunatic rushing to get ready in all of 5 minutes. I usually take at least 30 minutes and I’ll be out of the house looking like a crazed wreck, waving my hands crazily in my desperation to try and hail a cab to rush to my appointment. Trust me, it’s not a pretty sight. 
I’ve read that as we get older, the number of nerve cells in the brain decreases. We start with around 100 billion, but in our 20s this number starts to decline. By 40, we could be losing up to 10,000 per day, affecting memory, co-ordination and brain function. Right. I’m not looking forward to that at all! 
So, besides the age taking a toll on my brain and memory retention abilities, the next most obvious change that I’ve noticed on myself is my skin. Having suffered from sensitive and blemish prone skin for most of my life, I’ve always been religious with skincare and taking care of my skin. Complicated skincare routines and slapping on masks a few times a week on my face are routines etched into my daily life. Despite my being so disciplined, I’ve noticed that my skin, especially those around my eyes have become less taut. A deep line has formed above my eye socket making it look like I’ve got deep-set eyes – pretty on some days, but I think I just look older on most days. My cheeks are not set as high as they used to be – I used to get compliments on how pretty and high my cheekbones were. Yep, as you’d expect, those compliments are now a distant memory and I don’t hear them anymore. The most worrying of all besides the cheeks not sitting as high, is my skin being less taut and giving way to gravity. I try and fight it as hard as I can, but I see a hint of double-chin (gasp!!) and saggy cheeks that hang off my face and goes beyond my face bone structure (god forbid!!). Wrinkles of course, are having a heyday on my face. The most obvious merry makers are the wrinkles and crow’s feet around my eyes and boy, do they show up when I laugh or smile. The crows feet at the end of the eyes used to be called cute smile/laugh lines. Now, they’re just called crow’s feet. 
Research shows that your skin starts to age naturally in your mid-20’s. As get get older, production of collagen – the protein that acts as scaffolding to the skin – slows, and elastin, the substance that enables skin to snap back into place, has less spring and can even break. Dead skin cells don’t shed as quickly and turnover of new skin cells may decrease slightly. This causes fine wrinkles and thin, transparent skin. 
Hooray! Cheers to being 3-0! Haha. Alright, don’t get me wrong. I am enjoying my time being 30-something (figured I’d better have the time of my life before I hit 4-0 and more goes downhill). Being a petite Asian, I’m also lucky to possibly have the signs of ageing show up less. People still tell me that I don’t look my age – thank you!!. But you know that we are always our worst and harshest critics. We prod and examine ourselves under the microscope and set alarm bells ringing at every small change. I sink into a mild depression every time I spot a new wrinkle. Okay, kidding. 
The good thing is that there is so much help available in the market now for you to preserve your youth and defy the ageing process. I was recently introduced to GNC’s LAC Taut® 16-day Transformation Kit (Retail price: $188 / total worth $249.40). The kit contains:

– 16 x 50ml of LAC Taut® Collagen Drink plus Placenta

– 5 x LAC Taut® Collagen Infusion Mask

About  LAC Taut® Collagen Drink plus Placenta

Each bottle of this collagen drink contains 13,000mg of premium collagen from red snapper and other age-defying nutrients. The collagen strengthens your skin and improves skin’s elasticity for youthful, clear skin. It visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and sagging skin is lifted and tightened. The placenta helps rejuvenate ageing tissues and enhances the skin renewal process. The drink also contains DNA, Hyaluronic Acid, CoQ10, Ceramide and Vitamin C and E for enhanced skin hydration, elasticity and luminosity. 


About LAC Taut® Collagen Infusion Mask

This facial mask is infused with concentrated premium collagen-enriched essence to firm hydrate and brighten your complexion in 7-10 minutes. This intensive mask smoothens deep and fine lines, infuses skin with moisture and lightens stubborn skin discolouration and dull skin. It also contains antioxidant ingredients to target dark spots and wrinkles caused by ageing and environmental pollution.

Direction for the transformation kit: 

Drink a bottle of LAC Taut® Collagen Drink daily, preferably before bedtime for 16 days. Use at least five pieces of LAC Taut® mask during these 16 days for a powerful synergistic effect.

After 16 days, take 1 bottle of LAC Taut® Collagen Drink, preferably before bedtime, at least 3-4 times a week as a health supplement and for maintenance. Use the LAC Taut® Collagen Mask at least 2-3 times a week for best results.


Strengthen skin, improve skin’s elasticity, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, tighten and lift sagging skin, rejuvenate ageing tissues and enhance skin renewal process?! Imagine my glee when I read up and found out more about the kit.

I couldn’t wait to start. I religiously followed the instructions and drank the collagen drink for 16 days in a row and used the facial mask for about 15minutes each time every 2-3 days.

This is my before/after documentation.

Full-face Before:

Full-face After:
I tried to keep lighting conditions and angles as close as possible for the before and after shots with no makeup and filtering of course. The most drastic difference that surprised me after 16 days of the LAC Taut® 16-day Transformation Kit was that my face looked sharper and it was more V-shaped. Notice in the before picture that there is some flesh hanging off my cheeks (especially on the right side of my face / left side of the image)? It’s gone in the after picture! Even my friends around me commented that my face looked sharper and asked if I’ve lost weight. Trust me, I haven’t lost any weight. 

Other differences I noticed were my face looking generally brighter, the darkness below my eyes lightened some and my skin generally looked more even-toned overall. I’ve also got combination skin where the skin on my cheeks tend to get dryer than the rest of my face. Guess what? I’ve had less of this dry skin issue now that I’ve completed the 16 day transformation. My eyes may be playing tricks on me, but doesn’t my skin look ‘tighter’ in the after picture too? I’ve definitely noticed that I look less tired and my skin less dull without makeup. I’ve even felt confident enough to step out of the house without makeup on a few occasions. Haha. Check out the close-ups on my eye area below. I’ve been most worried about the fine lines below and around my eyes. 
Close-up of my eye Before picture:
 Close-up of my eye After picture:
The most obvious difference I noticed as you can see from the both pictures is that the fine lines below my eyes were lesser and less obvious than before I started the 16-day transformation with LAC Taut® 16-day Transformation Kit! I’ve also always had this strange streak of dark patch below my eyes (as seen in the before picture) that I’ve always had to conceal and the dark patch lightened significantly after 16 days. 

Wow. I was definitely amazed by the results after just 16 days. I’m so excited to continue with the drinks and masks. I’m cutting the regularity to 3-4 times a week for the drink now for maintenance and  fingers crossed, even more results. If you are looking to achieve brighter, more hydrated skin and to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation, I’d definitely recommend this LAC Taut® 16-day Transformation Kit. Start today and you’ll still be in time for Christmas! 🙂 
Even more exciting news for my readers: 
Share your experience from the LAC Taut® 16-day Transformation Kit in a video with LAC Taut® on their Facebook (www.facebook.com/LACTaut) and you may stand a chance to win a year’s supply! Go to LAC.com.sg/TryTaut for more details of this contest and watch videos of real Taut users. Terms and conditions apply! Good luck! I am sooooo tempted to join the giveaway too. 

-xoxo-

The Ginza Calla Difference

I admit that I’m slightly biased with anything ‘made in’, or ‘from’ Japan. My experience from working with Japan Airlines as a flight attendant has proven that the Japanese are a bunch of very hardworking people and they are extremely focused on customer service and giving their consumers the best quality products and services. I’ve always been a huge fan and trusted Japanese skincare and beauty solutions. I figured that Asian beauty solutions should suit us much better, right?

I jumped at the opportunity when I was given the chance to review the new IPL salon in town, Ginza Calla. This renowned Japanese hair removal specialist store has been around in Tokyo for over 20 years and by far, they’ve got 30 stores located across Japan. Their first Singapore store is located conveniently at the new wing of Plaza Singapura (#04-55). I went for my appointment without much expectations as I’ve done IPL treatments before and the sessions are usually no frills (with no pampering whatsoever) and very quick. 

It turns out that Ginza Calla is unlike no other IPL treatments that I’ve tried before. This Japanese specialist not only pays attention to removing your hair, they also take care of your skin before and after the IPL session.  


The therapist explained the entire procedure before my treamtment session and I filled in a questionnaire to make sure that I was fit to undergo the IPL session. 

The therapist first spread a cooling gel on my legs in preparation of the IPL treatment. She then proceeded with the IPL. The entire process was pain-free and super fuzz free. Here’s a tip for those going for the IPL treatment, shave the day before and not on the actual day so that your skin is not extra sensitive on IPL day from shaving!

And here’s the Ginza Calla difference that got me sold. 

Five pulses of light
While other IPL treatments deliver 3 pulses of light per shot, Ginza Calla’s delivers 5. This makes the treatments even more effective and hair growth will be greatly reduced after 12-18 sessions. 
Bihadajunbi Lotion
This part of the treatment was what impressed me most. After the IPL treatment, my skin was doused in this moisturizing Bihadajunbi lotion from a high powered jet spray machine. Developed by dermatologists, this lotion is packed with moisturizing properties such as Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen to keep your skin supple and moisturized. The jet spray allows for better penetration of the lotion into deeper layers of the skin and ensures 95 percent moisture retention rate. The cool blast of air from the jet spray was very welcoming and calmed my skin after the IPL treatment leaving my skin feeling refreshed and comfortable.
This is the Bihadajunbi jet-spray machine.

Here are my legs being pampered with the moisturizing lotion after IPL.
After application of cooling pads, my skin was doused with this deliciously moisturizing lotion once again. And here are results that I never expected from an IPL session. 
Ta-dah! Fairer legs! Can you spot the difference in skin colour from my thighs (did not undergo treatment) and calves that underwent treatment? This was completely unexpected. Smooth, fuzz-free legs – yes, but fairer skin? No way! It was such a nice surprise. Now I want to IPL and Bihadajunbi my whole body! 
I proceeded with IPL for my underarms excitedly after my legs because not only was I going to have the whole Bihadajunbi experience, a moisturizing and whitening mask was going to be applied after for even better results. This was the procedure for my underarms (in-order): cleansing, shaving, application of cooling gel, actual IPL, high-pressure jet spray Bihadajunbi lotion mist shower, cooling pads, whitening mask, last douse of Bihadajunbi lotion.

This is the whitening mask that was applied to my underarms after treatment. Similarly, it will be applied to your brazilian area for those who undergo Brazilian IPL treatments. Once again, Ginza Calla not only takes care of your hair removal needs, but also ensures that your skin is taken care of after the treatment.

Now, here’s the part that I know all of you are waiting for. Special Ginza Calla promotions when you quote my name so that you can try their awesome IPL treatments too! 
Promotion 1
$2 for any small parts (unlimited) when you purchase the small parts unlimited plan for $388.
Small parts are marked out in red below.
Promotion 2

$68 for 3 sessions of Full Brazillian with that amazing whitening mask that I mentioned about earlier or Unlimited full Brazilian IPL for only $2,380. Brazilian IPL is one of Ginza Calla’s specialty and you know you’d want someone really professional for your V area.  The number of IPL treatment sessions varies with each individual and it usually takes at least 3 sessions for results to show and at least 12 – 18 sessions for a truly fuzz-free Brazilian area. In this case, the unlimited plan totally rocks. Split $2,380 by 18 sessions and it only works out to $100+ per IPL treatment. And I bet you’ll be going more than 18 times.

For customers who purchase both 1 & 2, you will be entitled to 1 free sea-plant mineral mask which contains nourishing ingredients that will help eliminate dullness and un-even skin tone while soothing and calming your skin.


Promotion 3

$50 Unlimited Plan on any 1 of the following 4 parts: Underarm/ Upper Lip/ Back of Hands & Fingers/ Toes and Feet. This promo is for limited customers only, so do hurry and make your appointment!

For more information, go to: http://www.ginza-calla.com.sg/

68 ORCHARD ROAD
#04-55 PLAZA SINGAPURA
SINGAPORE 238839

Tel+65-6238-8850

Emailinquiry@ginza-calla.biz

Opening Hours11:00 21:00

Thank you, Ginza Calla for my smooth, soft, fuzz-free legs and underarms!

Fluttery Lashes

I recently got my lashes fluttered at Flutters, the lash parlour. I’ve been hooked on eyelash extensions for awhile now just because they’re so super convenient. I used to stick eyelash falsies before the awesome discovery of lash extensions and we all know how annoying falsies can get mid-day when they start falling off and all. So, I’ve since moved on to extensions and have not looked back.
I used to have my lash extensions done at Far East Plaza. My only complain there is that the glue they use seem really harsh on the eyes. Although I’ve never experienced any aftermath irritation, but I’ve always had to use a mini fan to ‘dry’ the lashes for about 20-30 minutes after each session at the shop. If not, the glue will really sting my eyes.
This time around though at Flutters – I experienced (almost) zero irritation and stinging from the glue used for the extensions. My entire experience was super smooth and painless. The therapist took time to patiently explain the different types of extensions available, from the different lash curl types to the length of curl and fullness of the eyelashes. 

It was only after I was sure of the type of extensions that I was going to have was I led to the room to start the extension process. The whole process took about an hour – I fell asleep on the comfy bed and when the therapist pronounced that I was done, I anticipated the follow on tedious procedure of using a mini fan to dry my lashes. To my surprise, I opened my eyes and felt no stinging sensation at all! She asked if I felt ok – no irritation, no stinging – and I said yes. And it was then when she told me I was done. Woo hoo! How painless! 
And now I’ve got such pretty lashes~ 
It’s been a week since I’ve had the extensions done and they’re still going strong. A couple have fallen off – which is completely normal – but I expect this set to last for about 2-3 weeks before I head for a touch-up.
I‘ve got awesome news for my readers:

Quote my name, Jeneen at Flutters and receive:

– 10% off ala carte services and trials
– 5% off regular packages (until year end of 2014)

And here are more promotions! 

Look for Flutters at:

15A Duxton Road
Instagram: @fluttersg
P/S Did I mention that I love the vintage theme of Flutters? These are a few pictures of the shop interior that I stole off their Instagram. 

Love pin-up girls!
Happy Friday everyone! 
I’m off to Guangzhou today for another little adventure. 🙂
-xoxo-
  

Hello, Anna Sui!

Look what arrived at my door today!!! It’s been such a good year so far, with so many surprises springing up sporadically at my door. Always a huge fan of Anna Sui’s beauty products, I was super excited and couldn’t wait to see what was inside the pretty bag.

I think every girl will fall in love with Anna Sui. They are a brand that pay so much attention to details; from the outer packaging, to the smell, and even to the experience you get upon application of their products. Two thumbs up every step of the way!

Here’s a peek of what’s inside.
Ta-da! (From left to right) Pearl Gel Primer, Refreshing Loose Powder, Lipstick in Shades 400 & 301.

Opened the product packagings and all the make-up smell soooo good – like a garden of nice smelling roses. Mmm…! And here they are, sitting pretty on my make-up counter.

Pearl Gel Primer

Check out the pretty mini blue and purple beads! The primer felt so cool on my skin upon application. Very very refreshing. I can imagine using this in the early morning to ‘wake’ my skin up.
Refreshing Loose Powder

Really shocked upon application of the loose powder. It felt so cool against my skin and almost felt like water melting into my face. It definitely holds up to its name of ‘Refreshing Loose Powder’. I’ve never tried any loose powder that felt like this before. Super amazing!! The powder also has a nice touch of glitter shimmer – just enough to give your skin a nice sheen and highlight, but not too much that it makes your skin look oily. I’m sure you girls know what I mean! I’ve bought powders with an overdose of shimmer before and it made my face look like a huge shiny oil pot. 

The powder puff comes in a nice separate black packaging. Can’t stop raving about how pretty Anna Sui’s packaging is.
Super attention to details – the holder for the puff comes with breathable holes so your puff won’t turn mucky and smelly.
The pretty purple puff. 

The powder is very fine and applies well on the skin. Of course, I’m sure the primer before this helped with the smooth and easy application!
Love, love, love the texture, smell and refreshing feeling upon application! Here’s me looking nice and bright after the primer and loose powder. 
Lipsticks in Shades 301 & 400

Prettiest lipstick ever!

Shade 301 (left) and 400 (right)
Shade 301 is a really pretty sweet pink, and 400 is a super hot, sexy red. I’ve been looking for a pale pink, and hot red lipstick for the longest time. These 2 are perfect! So happy! Even the lipsticks smell like roses!!
Check out my kiss imprints. Haha.
I’m wearing the pink 301 here. Such a sugary sweet colour, I melt! (Girls, I’m sure the guys around you will melt with this lippie colour too!)
Me in the vampy red. The red shade is oh-so-perfect. Not too gaudy!
Close up of my lips (the lipsticks have got a nice glossy texture):

301

400
All made up and ready to go! I’m ready for my close up now. 😀