*CLOSED* Manicure & Pedicure at BLISS Spa, ION Orchard

**Update: Bliss Spa at ION Orchard has CLOSED :(
But for all you jetsetters, you can get your Bliss fix at the W Hotel in Hong Kong
http://www.blissworld.com/spa/spa-411/locations/bliss-hong-kong/




BLISS Spa in Singapore has been pretty quiet since it's opening in late 2009. Although it's part of an international chain of spas which has a line of extremely successful products, it's spa in ION orchard is tucked away in a quiet corner at the back of Sephora.

Last week, I decided to try out the BLISS Hot Cream Manicure & Pedicure (S$90), to see if their premium-priced treatments were worth the buck.

Entering their spa, I was ushered to their comfortable couch to fill in a consultation form. They have a small spread of bite-sized brownies, lemonade and hot teas which were an excellent touch.
The nail polishes from Essie and OPI were displayed on a clear wall which I got to pick from before beginning the manicure.

The manicure was then done over a table facing two large TVs playing Gossip Girl & Desperate Housewives! I hardly watch TV so this was the first time I got to watch Gossip Girl. If you're worried about it being noisy, it's not, as they have comfy headphones at each table.

Her tools were taken out of a specially sealed pack which means the tools were sterilized either with UV or in an Autoclave, then sealed in a special pack. That's great, since there was a big Hep B scare where Hep B was being spread during manicures.

So she started the manicure:
I have to say this again, why do manicurists keep filing the nails in a super fast, zigzag manner?
This webpage explains it in the simplest, best way:
"Nail filing should be reserved for simple shaping once the nails are at the desired length. Using the proper file, take a few gentle strokes from the corner to center in the same direction. Don’t file nails all the way across or from side to side. A few strokes should be all that is needed to get the ideal shape. Take care not to file down the sides of the nail aggressively - this area is essential to nail strength and should be left alone as much as possible."

After the filing she applied a TON of cuticle remover onto my cuticles, I was really suspicious about it since there was no washing of the remover after. Most cuticle removers need to be washed off since they're very alkaline and are drying to your skin. I asked her about it but she said it is done later.

So after the cutting of cuticles, she put a ton of cuticle oil on, followed by the "Hot Cream" part of the manicure.
Basically, it is cream in a plastic bag which is put into the heater, then wrapped around your hands, and then massaged in.

My hands were never washed or soaked. She only ran a hot wet towel over before applying the polish.

I had chosen Escapades from Essie for my fingernails and she also used Essie base and top coat. The paint job was gorgeous and Essie colours dry relatively quickly, I would say much more quickly than OPI & Orly colours.



Essie "Escapades"


The pedicure was done on these HUGE, PLUSH Chairs. That had got to be the most comfortable pedicure seat I was ever on. Or the most comfortable couch ever.
There were also TV screens right ahead and I got to watch GLEE. (My first time watching GLEE, can I get the DVD set for X'Mas? :P )

I briefed her that my large toenail was easily succeptable to becoming ingrown.. well it wasn't ingrown or inflammed but it always hurt on one side. It was really brittle and had taken months to grow out so I had now cut it extremely straight across. Told her not to cut or file it, and she acknowledged it, but when the filing started she immediately did what i told her NOT to do. I only realised what she had done after all the toes were done and when it started to hurt again. (The hurting comes from the pressure the nail plate puts on the nail bed, and cutting your nails straight shifts the pressure away from the side. So once the nail is cut rounded, the pressure gets put back)
Boy, did I give her a piece of my mind! :(
And yes, I explained about cutting the nail straight, but it makes me wonder, where are the manicurists trained?

The rest of the pedicure was pretty standard: The ton of cuticle remover, cuticle oil, scrub (with a wash off scrub and also with a large foot file), massage and then the polish.

I chose Essie's "Ballet Slippers", a pretty pastel pink. I was inspired by this gorgeous caucasian lady I saw at Great World City, with the most flawless pedicure and pretty polish, exactly like this one, wearing jewelled sandals. I had almost stepped up to her and asked her what shade it was, but figured I might come across abit too obsessive :P



Essie "Ballet Slippers"

Overall, the manicure and pedicure were good, I wouldn't classify it as value-for-money, it's more of a "once in a while, have a treat" kind of place. If you love somewhere hip and luxurious, it would be the place for you.
The major difference comes in their little, important touches, like sterile tools, warm towels, warm massage creams and scrubs, a soft comfy blanket when lying on the couch.

It would be perfect as a pre-wedding treat, or for a private hen's night spa party.

Once you're done, don't forget to get a free pictures of yourself at their little photobooth!

Ambience: 5/5
Service: 4/5
Skill: 3.5/5
Location: 5/5 (for those who take public transport)
3/5 (if you drive and have to pay exhorbitant rates for parking in town)
Price: 3/5
Variety of services: 4/5


Prices for nail services:
Hot Cream Manicure 30 min, $35
Bliss Basic Pedicure 60min, $55
Hot milk & almond pedicure 60min, $75
Double choc pedicure 60min, $75
Pedi colada 60min, $75
Foot Patrol 75 min, $85
additioanl French tips $10


BLISS SPA
at Sephora - ION
01- 05/06 ION Orchard
Singapore 238801

10am - 9pm Daily
+65 6509 3511

On their menu:
Waxing - Facials - Massage - Nails - Slimming


note: 5 days later (today) Still no chips in nail polish!!! And I have been pretty rough on my hands! Impressive.

Happy Halloween!

I haven't gone to a halloween party for the last 5,6 years, so this year when I was asked to do makeup for the Halloween event at Universal studios, I had a chance to check out their event.

If you're going for the Bridezilla look, let me know and we can work something similar out :P

I was doing the makeup for the band, here they are!







And some of my fav characters at the park




These clowns are too much fun :D




Chain Saw gang guy.... I think he's pretty cute! Does anyone know him?? :D

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


I'm going to try the Brazillian Blow Dry today, I'll let everyone know how it goes .. can't wait! I'm hoping for a miracle for my hair

FULLY BOOKED FREE Manicures & Pedicures from ME on 26 Oct & 2 Nov

Thanks for your support :)

I've booked up all the slots, will post another event up soon... the next time it'll be about makeup! :)



Hullo gals!
I am going to sit for my exam to get my Diploma in Nail Treatments from CIBTAC

There is a requirement for me to do 25 (recorded) hours of manicures & pedicures.. See, I have been spending many hours in class and on photoshoots but I didnt record every pair of hands and feet I've worked on.

My exam's gonna be on 10 November, and I've got 2 more sessions of classes to go on the 26th of October, and 2nd of November.

Therefore.. I'm offerring FREE Manis & Pedis for anyone who would like to come down for one! :)

There a just a few easy conditions

1. Timing. You need to book an appointment with me so that you won't be left waiting for 1+hr while I attend to another person

2. Location. I must do this in the school, which is at Ang Mo Kio Central.

3. Picture. We need to take a picture together for me to present to the examiner. (pretty simple right!)

So if you're keen, please do check below for timings..


26 October 2010
9am AVAILABLE
10.30am AVAILABLE
1.15pm AVAILABLE


2 November 2010
9am AVAILABLE
10.30am AVAILABLE
1.15pm AVAILABLE
3pm AVAILABlE


Leave a comment here with your email, or drop me an email at jo@joannakoh.com with

Subject title: Mani & Pedi
Name
Contact number
Preferred timing
Preferred colours (I need to know so I can bring along the colours)


and for a parting shot, here's a picture of the manicure I did for Revolution Magazine awhile back (yes I have been painting nails on set for sometime, I just thought, why not get a Diploma to boot~!)

The great satisfaction lies within a tiny $6 $4.95 pack

I know my previous post was about honeymoons, but no, it's not a box of Durex!


My favourite drugstore buy is the humble but oh-so-genius Biore Pore Pack




Biore Pore Pack isn't new to the market.. wasn't it during the good ol' teenage days that we would obsess over getting great skin by using the newest Japanese product? (And maybe now, still)


Recently I did some facials where they told me I have blackheads (like I need to be reminded!), but didn't do anything to remove them.
So today I pulled out my trusty pore packs (I like the ones in black), and stuck them on while enjoying a clay mask.

I love the short and straightforward Wikipedia has on Blackheads:


"A blackhead is a yellow or blackish bump or plug on the skin. A blackhead is a type of acne vulgaris. Contrary to the common belief that it is caused by poor hygiene, blackheads are caused by excess oils that have accumulated in the sebaceous gland's duct. The substance found in these bumps mostly consists of keratin and modified sebum (an oily secretion of the sebaceous gland), which darkens as it oxidizes. Clogged hair follicles, where blackheads often occur, reflect light irregularly to produce a blackhead's "black" hue. For this reason, the blockage might not necessarily look black when extracted from the pore, but may have a more yellow-brown colour as a result of its melanin content."


Here I am now, feeling oh-so-pleased with my clear skin and damn, that was 45c well spent!



Biore Pore Packs are available at Watsons & Guardian Stores. You can also try your friendly heartland NTUCs and Mama stores! They're everywhere!

A Beautiful Honeymoon Destination

Hey folks!
I'm back from my holiday..and it was an AMAZING PLACE! No, I did not go on my honeymoon :P, I'm not married. However, I think that this country is a fantastic place for you lovebirds to go on a honeymoon, or holiday together!

Presenting....


Bhutan
Land of the Thunder Dragon



above: The view of Tiger's Nest (Tatkshang), after a 5km trek to 900m above ground level


Ok, I can hear the questions now. Where's IS Bhutan? Who are the people there? Is it part of another country? Can they speak English?

The Kingdom of Bhutan is a small country in the Eastern region of the Himalayas, it's neighbours are China, Tibet and India. There are about 700,000 Bhutanese people inhabiting this land. Their National language is Dzongkha, which is very similar to Tibetian, but almost everyone speaks English (and I dare say, some speak better English than Singaporeans :P). They also speak Hindi & Nepali, if you were thinking of flexing your language skills too!


They have four seasons and it's always a great time to go, although they do say that spring is best because of the blooming flowers (I say it could rival those korean travel brochures!), and winter, for the clear skies and visibility (You can see the tips of the Himalayas!)



above: At the Dochu-la pass on a cloudy autumn day. During Winter you can see the right to the tips of the Himalayas.

What's there to do in Bhutan?

For starters, there's always a monastry or temple located right down whichever street you're on.

Your journey can begin in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Spoil yourself and check into the majestic Taj Tashi Hotel to begin your romantic honeymoon and enjoy a local Hot Stone Bath or Indian Ayurvedic Massage.

Each of the major cities has a Dzong, a monastry fortress built to keep out Tibetian invaders, which will have a large courtyard for festivals, a monastry for the clergy and other blocks for administration.




above: Tashichhoedzong, and the Thimphu Tshechu Festival


Head down to the 12th Century Changgang Kha (Goddess of Compassion) Temple where it has been said that you make it in, you can make any wish and it will come true. Look for the dice once you enter the inner sanctum, make a wish, roll the dice, and there will be a monk who will tell you if your wish is good and if it will come true.


Although the hours of driving from town to town can get long, there are always interesting sights along the way. Roadside stands are set up selling local produce - always fresh, organic and grown in the wild, or roasted corn, yak cheese and other snacks.



Driving through the mountains will give you peeks of waterfalls, valleys, streams, farms, paddy fields and monastries set against dramatic backdrops of rich blue skies.



above: 108 Stupas built at the Dochu-la pass. The road runs from the current capital Thimphu to the ancient capital city of Punakha

Punakha is the winter home for the Monk body as it is at a slightly lower altitude and set in a warmer valley. Here, the Dzong is romantically set in between two rivers, the Male river & Female river.

Inside the monastry, the floor to ceiling paintings of Buddhist teachings, philisophies and stories, and statues of Guru Rinpoche and Buddha will completely blow your away with their details and colours, painstakingly restored and maintained.



above: Share a quiet moment in the Punakha Dzong under the Bodhi tree



above: The Punakha Dzong and the Moochu (female) River. I don't have any pictures within the monastries as photography is forbidden inside.


A town that you must not miss is the city of Paro (also where the airport is located at). It is also here where the world famous Tiger's Nest sits, right at the top of a cliff, 900m above ground level.
The Tiger's Nest monastry is built over a cave where Guru Rinpoche was said to have meditated for three months, when he flew (rode) into Paro on the back of a Tiger.
There are also little houses built right on the top of the cliff, where you can stay for three months to meditate.

Well, but for the rest of us, and for honeymooners, a stay at the Uma- Inland Retreats would be much more comfortable. Guess what? Tony Leung (hearts!) & Carina Lau had their wedding right at this resort! If it's good enough for them, it sure is good enough for us!




above: the start of the trek. see the little speck of white up there? that's where we are going! To the Tiger's Nest!



above: The view when you reach the top is worth the hard climb


I promise you, you'll fall in love all over again when you're in a place as beautiful as Bhutan, and not just with your partner, but in love with nature, religion, culture, and life.


And as for me, I know I'm going back again there someday soon :)




-------------------------------------------------------------------
With Thanks:

To Sonam from Bhutan Nor Ter Adventures, www.bhutanpeaceful.com
He's like a walking Bhutan history book, with tons of local information and a knack for outdoorsy activities like trekking, biking (KTM! or Mountain bikes) or just bringing you to the best spots you'll ever be at.

Get in touch with him if you'll like a customised tour across Bhutan or even India & Nepal

Her World Brides Editorial

Hi Everyone! I'm been really bad, not updating this page for a while. It's been hectic, with editorials, commercials & brides! The Christmas season is around the corner, I know you might be thinking, it's 3 months away, but in media calender, it's when everyone starts this mad rush to prepare their Christmas ads.
As I really don't want to disappoint anyone, please do book me in advance, as my schedule fills up pretty quick (besides, I give a 15% discount to all brides who book me 5 months in advance :D )

I've firmed up my travel schedule for the next couple of months, No Bali trips! I miss Bali! If you are doing a pre-wedding photoshoot in Bali, Melbourne or Sydney, I'll be more than happy to give you a super super discounted rate. :)

I'll be away from:
18 September - 24 September
10 November - 15 November

Anyways, enough of words, here are the PICTURES!








Photography: Aik Chen
Styling: Furqan Saini
Hair & Makeup: Joanna Koh using Redken & Clinique, assisted by Angeline Chan
Models: Yana & Sandra/ Upfront


The full series is available on my FACEBOOK page


And incase you're wondering, what's this lovely foundation for the model's skin, it's Clinique Superfit Makeup, which I also use on almost all my clients. It's one of my favourite foundations simply because it lasts 6-8 hours through your oil, sweat and tears (sounds familiar for your big day?), doesnt clog pores, and gives a beautiful buildable coverage.

Manicure at Shine Studio @ Far East Plaza

Today I tried out the manicure at Shine Studio (under Citispa at Far East Plaza.

I chose a shade of cobalt blue, OPI's Blue My Mind ..this shade is amazing!


My nails are cut super short, so there was not much filing for her to do.
Rather disappointed at the way many manicurists here file nails. A zig-zag sawing motion will end up splitting your nails. Never file your nails that way. Instead, file your nails in a single direction, best to file them always towards the center of your nails.
Cuticle pushing & trimming were fine, she did briefly sanitise the metal instruments before beginning.
The arm massage was so-so, ho-hum..

What I was nicely impressed by was her speed and even-ness of her painting. At $18 for a manicure in town, done in 45mins, no one can really complain!
Mani & Pedi go for $38


Shine Studio
14 Scotts Road, Far East Plaza. #02-94
Tel: 6738 0700
Open from 11:30am


Next up.. I'm going to try Bliss Spa's Mani & Pedi! Once my nails grow out abit.. give me a couple of weeks :)