Sally Hansen Salon Effects How-to & Review

I want to be a girl in the USA. The girls there are always the first to try newly launched products!!!

But since I'm miles from there, I had to depend on my lovely friend Andrea in Boston to send me some cool Sally Hansen Salon Effects nail strips that I had been eyeing since Nylon reviewed it!

I have the colours CUT IT OUT, and SKINNY JEANS, decided to go with Cut It Out..

here's what the box comes with





1 mini file which is a file & buffer in one
16 nail strips so you can choose the size to fit your nails
1 mini cuticle stick
an instruction booklet

So here goes.. I haven't done a how-to post before, I hope this will be nice and strightforward!





Step 1: Remove all old nail polish and trim nails down to your preferred length. I always have short nails because of my work so you can hardly see any free edge on mine. Use the file to shape all edges.. my nails have a round edge






Step 2: Use the cuticle pusher to push back any cuticles(gently!). I was abit more obsessive so I used cuticle remover too. If you're using chemicals on your hands, wash them thoroughly after this step.

Step 3(not shown): Run the nail polish remover over your nails again to clean up any oils or debris from the filing



Seep 4: without removing the backing, compare strips to nail bed width and choose appropraite size which fits as closely as possible. If it is a little little little bit smaller it is OK because you're able to stretch it slightly on application




Step 5: Found the right size? peel both the top plastic protector as well as the bottom away. Be careful now.. it becomes very limp.
Align it with the base and side of your nail.

tip: You can stretch it slightly while applying it..be careful not to stretch it too much.. it is very thin and fragile, will tear easily. If it sticks you can still lift it up a little and restick it.

Try practicing with a couple that definitely do not fit your nails just to get a feel of it before doing it for real




Step 6: Bend the excess over the free edge of the nail but make sure what's supposed to be on the nail is completely stuck on. Don't leave air bubbles under it, especially while trying to bend it over the edge.




Step 7: Filing the edge off. Gently file it vertically at a few points, before horizontally filing it all off.
Important tip: While filing it off, always do it towards the center and in short, gentle strokes. If you do it in a long quick stroke, it may lift of what's on the nail and tear. Now you don't want that happening!!!




Complete!!!!!!!!!


What do I think of it? Super easy to use!! I honestly do not like spending alot of time on my nails. And if time is money, this one is so fast for such a cool design that I think it's well worth my money!
It costs between US$8.95 - 11

It smells a little like nail polish. I tried to remove the design off one nail and it came off relatively easily just like nail polish.

Tomorrow I will try adding a top coat for extra gloss and protection. From many reviews I've read online, the girls say it lasts over 6 days without chips (SH claims 10 days). We'll see how it goes :D

The only thing I don't like is the amount of waste there is. Each pack contains an instruction booklet, file/buffer, and cuticle stick, packed in a nice plastic box. If they could make some "refills" without the excessive packaging, that'll be really green.

Please Sally Hansen, bring this into Singapore too!!!
Sephora Singapore carries something similar by Sephora, but no cool patterns brought here :(

They have tons of designs!! I'm gonna be begging my friends to bring this back for me :D

Her World Brides Editorial (issue Mar- May 2011)

I'm so glad to have worked on this new, gorgeous issue of Her World Brides with stylist Janice Seah & photographer Toon Liang.

Here are some of the tear sheets from the bridal fashion spread we shot in The Club Hotel @ Ann Siang Hill

Photography: Toon Liang/ Lightspade
Styling: Janice Seah
Hair & Makeup: Joanna Koh using Redken & RMK

Scroll to the end for my tips on recreating this look :)






























The Hair & Makeup

We were going for a more glamourous / hollywood kind of feel, but without too elaborate makeup or stiff hair.

Here are some crops.. the resolution isn't too good from the scanning but hopefully you'll be able to make it out!


The makeup:
I used muted, brown and nude tones for the eyeshadow, but still played the eyes up with a soft kohl and lots of mascara and lashes.
For her cheeks I contoured them with a matte bronzer, and lips in a complimenting satin nude shade.




The hair:
The model actually had long hair, but I was requested to give her a more glamourous bob. So I had curled her hair into tight ringlets, then gently brushed them out with my fingers to create volume. After that I pinned them into shape close to the nape of her neck. For her fringe I had lightly twisted it back to give it definition and then pinned with the rest of her hair.

Now I know why so many people take wedding pictures in Taiwan!

Last week I had one of the best times in my life in Taiwan, with 2 amazing girlfriends of mine.
We visited Pu Li, Sun Moon Lake, Yang Ming Shan, Wu Lai, and Taipei city :D

First time ever that I saw Cherry blossoms, and ate a Sakura Mochi!
The scenery is gorgeous and the weather was great (a little cold spell midweek), but when we were more south in Sun Moon Lake, weather was JUST PERFECT! for pictures.

Here are some pictures and recommendations where to go

Starting in Taipei:

Go to the many night markets to have your fill of delicious street food. We went to Shilin night market. I love these meat on sticks



Getting to Shilin night market: Take the MRT to Jiantan


From Taipei you can drive/ take a bus to Yang Ming Shan, which is a live volcano. Here are the pretty sights.. they have a spring flower festival, with lots of pretty Sakuras and other flowers. Now you don't have to go to Japan to view them!




Drive higher up the mountain and on a bad day (like when we were there), it's heavily shrouded in fog. On a good day you'll get a view.
And everyday, it'll smell like sulphur. Yuck.



On the plus side, you can hunt for a sulphuric hotspring. there are many hotsprings there and for about TWD150 ( SGD6.70), you get access to one. They usually have a few large shared pools, and some tiny cubicles with a small plunge pool for those who don't want to get naked in front of others.


North of Taiwan is a spot called Wu Lai. It has many hotsprings too (none with sulphur, thank goodness)
There are also lots of taiwanese aborigines living in this area and the streets are painted with their images.

Gorgeous scenery..waterfalls and rivers run through this area




You can either check into hotel with hotspring water, or go au natural like us, and many senior taiwanese folk, to the hotspring pools next to the river. Bring your own towel and a big smile to make friends with the oldies who come here everyday. Seriously, the old men here are SO FIT! I see some 70 year olds with abs!

Here are my friends enjoying the spring.. it's scalding hot, and after that you have to jump into the freezing river behind. And repeat for at least half an hour.



Getting to Wu Lai via public transport:
Take the MRT train to Dan Shui & change to bus


If you have time, you must go to Sun Moon Lake. Granted, it is a very tourist-y destination, but locals and tourist alike come here.

Lots of people do their wedding pictures here too..

Hijacking their shot :P



When you arrive at Shui She (the town on the north of the lake), drop by the Mochi shop. You can't miss it, there's only one there like this! She also serves delicious fresh Milk Tea in the front, you must try all!



My favourite flavours:
Sakura, Green Tea, Chocolate, Ume, Orange



If you have a couple of hours, take a walk or go cycling around the lake. The scenery is gorgeous, and on a spring day, great weather.
If you are too tired you can take the bus or boat instead.




Drop by the temple on the western side of the lake (about 20mins walk from shui she), the deity here is Yue Lao 月老 (thanks Joey!), he's the one who suppossedly "ties red strings" to join couples meant to be together.







Getting to Sun Moon Lake:
Take a bus from Taipei Bus Station Terminal B. There is a straight bus to Sun Moon Lake but they leave only a few times a day so buy your tickets in advance.
If not, you can take a bus from the same terminal to Tai Chung or Pu Li and transfer to another bus from those cities/ towns.
There is no direct train to Sun Moon Lake, your best option will be to take the train to Tai Chung and get a bus from there.



My best tip? Avoid weekends and public holidays and you can get shots of the lake without people in it :)

Behind the scenes: MAXX Brides (Indonesia) Photoshoot

Hello!! I know I've been terribly naughty, being missing for over 2 months ! :(

It's been a CRAAAAZY time, going from 2010 to 2011.
I had a fantastic ultra-extended festive season, partying more than I thought I'm currently capable of :P
I've met some really cool new friends from all over the world, and tomorrow I'm going to Taiwan for a week with two of my girlfriends from Boston! <3
I'm heading to Sun Moon Lake in Nantou, it seems to be really beautiful for wedding photoshoots ! I promise to take lots of location pics and upload them here.. :D


Anyway, yesterday I worked with a really great team from MAXX Brides from Jakarta. Their inaugural issue will be out this May, and the gowns from the Indonesian designers are simply exquisite!! I've worked with Indo designers before and I love the complexity of the detailing on their garments and their extreme dedication to their craft.

Here are some behind the scenes shots of the photoshoot that was done at InterContinental Singapore . The interior of the hotel was simply gorgeous.. It seems to be set in an era far forgotten, with alot of Chinese and Peranakan influences in its decor


Makeup & Hair: Joanna Koh
Model: Erica Denise Lee













Completely insane shoes complete the look!!!

See you guys in a week :D

My Eyeshadow Lasted Through The Rain! ... psst, here's the secret

Ok, let's all admit it. Singapore is SCORCHING hot, and brides here SWEAT like nobody's business. Also, it tends to POUR almost every other day (and at the present moment, it's the monsoon season, so, every day).

Add that to touching speeches and teary moms, most brides tend to shed a tear on their wedding day - Recipe for eye makeup disaster!

So, a few days ago, I put on some pretty makeup (eyeshadow, eyeliner and mascara) as I had a meeting. I confess I do not usually put on makeup otherwise - shock shock horror horror! But that's for a simple reason, read on.
I workout at the track 3 times a week. This time, when I got to the track, the coach said "You gotta hustle, it's gonna rain". So I zipped into the bathroom to get changed and forgot to wash my makeup off! And then the rain came. And we kept going. I trained in the rain for more than an hour, and then in the shelter for another half an hour.
And I was thinking, I look like CRAP! My mascara must be streaking down my face.
Understand me here, my entire class is made of boys.. and I didn't want to look like a wreck.

I only took a good look at myself when I got home and just before I showered. And I thought " OMG! That is like the most perfect end-of-day makeup EVER!!"
My eyes were still slightly smoky, my eyeliner was in place, and my mascara didn't run, it just flaked a little. And this was about 11 hours after I had applied it, gone into the rain and worked up a sweat!

OK, so I must must must share my secret. And then I am sure your makeup on your big day is going to be tear/sweat/rain resistant.. if not waterproof!


The Big Secret is....... Eyeshadow PRIMER !

It's not that big of a secret actually, because I use a primer on almost all my clients before applying eyeshadow. hahaha.

The main great benefits about using a primer are that it holds your eyeshadow to your lids for a longer duration without creasing, or dissolving into oily lids (so common in our climate right?). Also, the big effect you can see immediately is that eyeshadow looks really VIBRANT when applied on top of a primer. The colours pop and you wouldn't need to use as much colour to get the effect. Eyeshadow also blends much better when applied over a primer.

Easy test if you don't believe me? Go to a store, swab a little primer on your skin (back of the palm's good, really flat surface), smoothen it in. Afterwards, get any eyeshadow colour, or use one that you feel you have a hard time getting the colour to show up. Now apply the eyeshadow over the primer, and another time, over your bare skin.
Trust me, you'll see a world of difference.


The primer I used on myself was one from Red Earth. Esprit in Singapore used to carry it years ago, and then Sasa had it. Right now, I have no idea where they are. But I'm sure you can find Red Earth all around Australia.


Here are a few more options that I really do like:

Make Up Store Eyeprimer Tinted



This tinted formula (also comes in clear) goes on liquid smooth and is great for hydration and filling fine lines too. The eyeshadow, especially glittery ones, adhere firmly to your lids when applied on top of this primer.
Love it. It's a staple in my makeup bag.


Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion



This one, I've just tried using recently and really am liking it. No creases, all holding power. Goes on nude and then dries to invisible.
They also have it in a matte finish and champagne shimmer, very cool, but you should use complimenting eyeshadows with it. No point using a matte finish primer with a shimmery eyeshadow or vice versa.
The personal sized one is great 'cos it has the applicator wand, but I'm gonna get myself the SUPERSIZED Professional Sized one without the applicator, although I have no idea how I'm going to finish using all 25mls of it :P


While we are on the topic of eyeshadow primers, don't forget the rest of your face! A little smoothing primer before your foundation goes a loooong way in keeping your makeup fresh all day.


I love Shu Uemura's UV Under Base SPF 30



It's a mousse and goes on great under foundation to even out skin tone and texture. I use this on brides on their big day and on models before a photoshoot..


Also really worth trying is RMK's Makeup Base Mat




I find it really funny that they don't spell it correctly as MATTE, but shorten it to MAT. Maybe it's a Japanese thing?
Anyway, on days when I want to go really light on my makeup, I use this and finish off with powder, skipping the foundation step. As it's slightly tinted, that works well for me, almost like a tinted moisturiser, but mattifying.



So there you go.. one BIG tip which will help your makeup go a long way especially on your wedding day!

Enjoy!

The Pros Get Personal in Sephora's X'mas Booklet! + My top picks for Christmas

Looking beyond the fact that my name was spelt wrongly, (it's Joanna, not Joanne!!!! everyone, please don't get it wrong. ) here are 12 makeup artists sharing their personal favourites from Sephora for Christmas.

So many times when I'm in Sephora, I make it a point to go to the Bliss section just to get some of their Lemon + Sage Body Butter to slather over my arms.. Opps, I know I can just buy it, but I just love having that fresh burst of yummy scent all over myself.

If you're looking for cool Christmas pressies for your girlies (and also boy friends- they have great perfumes, skincare and bath goodies for dudes too!) , make a stop at Sephora to check out all the new stuff they have for Christmas..

here are my top picks:

Sephora Massaging Duck



it looks cute, it floats in your tub, and.... *gasp* it vibrates!!!
definitely something fun to give to someone going to be travelling (alone) on an x'mas holiday


Sephora Holiday Blockbuster



I'm not surprised if this set is already sold out by the time you read this.
With 187 different colours, it boosts eyeshadows, lipglosses, eye pencils, gel eyeliners, blushers and travel brushes all in a cool folding set!
A fantastic pressie that won't break the bank, at only $79!


Toki Doki Eyeshadow Palattes



Italian artist Simone Legno, creator of Toki Doki, has teamed up with Sephora to create these cute palattes with amazingly rich colours , and a cool charm hanging off them. This guy on the palatte (above), is named Adios, looking suspiciously like the grim reaper.. but the devil suppossedly discovered his good natured ways and kicked him out of hell.
Surely will put a smile on any of your japanese/tokidoki-crazy girlies!
(and me too, I love the shades!)

Ole Henrikson Truth Serum



Your mouth might be saying your real age, but with Ole Henrikson's Truth Serum, your skin surely will be lying about it!
This collegen-boosting serum prevents and corrects the signs of aging, while feeling absolutely delectable on your skin. Best of all, it's not heavy or greasy, even if you don't have mature/dry skin, you can still enjoy the benefits (I'm talking amazing GLOW) of this product.
Also available: Truth Is In The Eyes (eye cream), Truth To Go Wipes, and Truth Revealed SPF 15 Super Creme to complete your daily regime



So till Christmas comes, Happy Shopping!!!!