I've Moved!

Hi Everyone!! Thank you for your support time and time again on my blog! I've MOVED to beautynthebikes.wordpress.com

Those who know me personally know that I'm a bike fan, having started riding regularly since November 2011, and within a span of a year, have acquired (a nicer way to say splurged!) on both a road bike and a mountain bike! Cycling does make me happy - I feel like I've found true love, just like the beauty biz is and will continue to be my passion.

The new site is alot more user friendly, with direct categories in dropdown menus, so if you're a bride and looking to read all my articles on bridal beauty, you can view them all here instead of sifting for them through a pile of beauty articles and reviews


Please do let me know what you think! You can drop me a note on my facebook page 

Or on Instagram  - my username there is beautynthebikes

See ya'll soon on the other side! :)

xoxo

The Miracle Facial at SK-II Boutique Spa

Last month, I was very blessed to be invited to be part of the first ever global blogger workshop by SK-II. It was held in Singapore, and bloggers from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Korea flew in to attend it. A nice surprise was that we were going to enjoy facials at the newly opened SK-II Boutique Spa at Millenia Walk! I'm happy to share with you my experience at the spa, and what you can expect there.. read on!

The newest SK-II Boutique Spa, located conveniently in the heart of the Marina Bay district in Singapore is the biggest SK-II spa in Singapore to date. It offers over 20 different treatments, mostly facials, and also waxing services. 

The entrance of the spa.. showcasing the full range of SK-II products! 

The facial I tried was the Miracle Facial (S$190 for 60 mins). It is an anti-aging facial, which promises to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and dullness, by using lots and lots of.. you guessed it, Pitera. 

Previously one to avoid anti-aging facials because I thought they were too rich for my skin, I decided to go with this because I (or actually, my aesthetician friend from Boston!) noticed crinkles around my eyes. :( 

I had blamed the dry weather in the US for that, but when I came back to Singapore I still felt it didn't get better!

The rooms were cosy and the beds were plush, possibly the softest facial bed I had laid in, with a down mattress and a fluffy comforter thrown over me. (See the photo up there? It's not my boobs perking up the towel, it's the blanket under the towel!) 

Using aromatherapy, my facialist started the treatment, which brought me into a relaxed state. I got to try so many products during the treatment, and here are some of the highlights.  

Cleansing: My face was gently cleansed with the Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil, followed by the Gentle Cleanser. I really liked the Skin Refining Treatment, which helped to deep cleanse and exfoliate the skin, while minimising pores. 

Extractions: She gently did extractions on my skin, nothing more than I could bear! And trust me, my pain threshold for the face is pretty low. 

Massage: Using the Facial Treatment Massage Cream, she massaged my face, neck and shoulders. 

Mask: SK-II Skin Signature 3D Redefining Mask was left on for.. I think 10 minutes - a little short! I did feel that so much of the fluid in it went to waste, I would have squeezed the rest out and applied it to my body if I were using it at home. The 3D Redefining Mask is for anti-aging, where it targets sagging points of the face. 

After the facial, there was a little dressing area we could get ready at. There were SK-II Foundations available for use, and I tried them out. I have to say I was greatly impressed with the smooth application and coverage of their foundation! It lasted me through the special welcome dinner till 10PM without any touch ups (I finished my facial around 4PM). 

I like the SK-II Foundation! At the welcome dinner, chatting with the lovely Velda Tan of  Belluspuera. 

With such a wide range of facials that the SK-II Boutique Spa offers, there is something for every skin type. You can even bring you man along with you for him to enjoy the MEN Vibrant Facial. 

Brides-to-be will enjoy the radiance the facials provide (try the Aura Lucency Facial for that special glow), and if you love aromatherapy, try the Cloud9 Facial which uses organic essential oils.

Can't wait to try? First timers get $50 off their facials if you register here. 

SK-II Boutique Spa 

9, Raffles Boulevard, #02-54/55 

Millenia Walk Shopping Centre, 

Singapore 039596.

Tel: +65 6336 4880

Website: http://www.senzesalus.com/

For Beloved One Moisture Surge Extreme Hydration Moisturiser

We love the sun. We love the snow. The sea, deserts, cities, jungles, mountains. As travellers, we put ourselves and our skin through a weather shock each time we get to a new destination.

If I only had to bring ONE skincare product on a trip, it would be a moisturiser, although sunblock would be a close second.

Here’s the moisturiser I took on my vacation to the USA.

For Beloved One is a skincare brand from Taiwan which is available in Sephora Singapore (and hopefully soon in more Sephora stores around the world)

I was impressed by their Moisture Surge Extreme Hydration moisturiser (S$90 / 30mls) , which has a gel-cream texture and light fragrance.

I can’t emphasise this enough, the best way to prevent wrinkles and fine lines is to keep your skin hydrated. This moisturiser is packed with Minerals (to stimulate cell repair and eliminate free radicals), German Chamomile (to soothe any sunburn I may get), and Allantoin (which reduces skin irritation.. I’m dreading the dry weather!).

It absorbs quickly into the skin and leaves a smooth, velvety feel after, and works both as a day and night moisturiser because it isn’t oily, and you can apply your makeup over it.


This post was first published on www.unpackthere.com , a website by my friends & I about all things travel. 

Facial Cleansing Wipes Reviews

As a makeup artist, I use cleansing wipes at almost every job. Sometimes models come to photo shoots with makeup on and we need to remove that before starting again, and sometimes we change makeup looks so many times we have to keep cleaning it off.

Also the great thing about wipes as compared to carrying around a bottle of cleansing oil or makeup remover, is that it won't spill in your bag - best for travelling or for the times you can't get access to water. It's really useful when I go straight to cycling from work and I'm at a far-off place where there's no bathroom, and I need to remove my makeup.

I have tried a few different wipes and here's my review of those from drugstore brands.


Nivea Daily Essentials Fragrance Free Cleansing Wipes

This is my go-to wipe for any job, because it's fragrance free, there's one less worry about irritating the skin with added fragrances.

It does remove makeup thoroughly, although on very waterproof mascara and eyeliner, you will have to hold it to the skin for a few seconds before wiping off, so as to give it some time to dissolve the makeup.

Available in single packs of 25 wipes, or twin packs of 2 x 25 (about $15) which are slightly cheaper if you use alot of it.

Nivea Daily Essentials Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes

Just like the fragrance free version, this one removes makeup effectively, but not as quickly as the former. 

On the plus side, the cotton is much much softer than the fragrance free version, so it won't irritate dry and sensitive skin.

It's also cheaper than the fragrance free version, at $8.80 for 2 x 20 wipes at Mustafa in Little India (favourite all time haunt!) 

Garnier Clean Sensitive Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes

This one removes makeup including mascara really quickly and well, but it does feel a little soapy during use, and so I usually go over the face again with a baby wipe to remove any residue of any cleanser stuck on the skin, if I am doing another makeup look. 

However, if you're going to wash your face right after, then you'll have no problem with the formula. 

Price wise it's pretty good, at $5.90 for 25 wipes (At Mustafa again, but they also do sell this in the other drugstores like Watsons.) 

Australis 3 in 1 Wipes

I was sorely disappointed with these wipes from Australis. It claims on the packaging "gently removes all traces of makeup including mascara". Hell, I could not even wipe off eyeshadow with this. 

Also claimed it was "moisture rich", but it felt dry, and therefore could not even dissolve any makeup. 

Don't waste your time or money on this. 

Biore Cleansing Oil Cotton Sheets

Okay, this, my dear friends, totally takes away ANY kind of waterproof makeup you may have on your face. The Biore ads where they remove half a face of makeup cleanly? Believe them. 

For this, it is so saturated in cleansing oil, and you will have to give you face a good wash with facial cleanser after, to remove the oil, but all your makeup will come off cleanly without any tugging or rubbing. 

It comes in a hard plastic box, where you can buy refill packs of 48 sheets once the initial supply runs out. For the frequent traveller, they sell them in tiny packs of 10, and I've bought them for vacations where I don't want to be carrying around bulky packs of makeup removers. 

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So how about you? What type of makeup remover wipes do you use? Write me a comment and share with me too :) 

Oh, and do follow me in Instagram , my user name there is "silverfrond" 

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Get Groomed For Christmas!

So, the Christmas countdown has started!! We have exactly 11 more days to go to the 25th!! Have you sorted your gifts? Sent your cards? (I love snail mail so if you want to send me a card I'll be delighted ;P ) Got your pretty on for the festive season? I painted my nails a glittery gold to remind myself!

If you need some help in grooming, you can drop by STRIP: MINISTRY OF WAXING and Browhaus at HOUSE, which is in Dempsey. In fact, House is Dempsey is my favourite outlet because they have all services under one roof (oh, and free parking too)! You can get waxed, have your brows shaped, your claws filed and varnished, your tummies filled at Skinny Pizza and even shop for Christmas presents at Beauty Emporium.

The folks at STRIP & Browhaus have lovingly extended a 10% discount to all my readers for the pre-christmas grooming appointments. The 10% -off is valid on all brow construction services at Browhaus and on all waxing services at STRIP .. whoopie!
All you have to do is this:

- Call Strip Co-ed Beauty Emporium at 6475 7833 to make your appointment
- Quote my blog URL joannakohweddings.blogspot.com
- Get your 10% discount when you go for your appointment!

Have fun, enjoy and tell me how it goes!

Review: L'Oreal Youth Code Eye Essence

Launched this month in Singapore, the L'Oréal Youth Code Eye Essence promises younger-looking eyes with the treatment of fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles and eye bags, sagging, puffy lids and dark spots.

I tried it out for a month and here's my verdict.

It has the texture of a serum and not a cream or gel, so it is absorbed very fast. The folks at L'Oréal said that we don't need to use an eye cream over this, and although I was initially skeptical, so far it's sufficient as an eye treatment.
Since it's absorbed so fast, it leaves no oily residue and makeup application over it is great, no oily lids, no streaking of my concealer.

Treatment-wise, my eyes look fresher after use, less puffy, and noticeably less dark.

Two main technologies developed by L'Oréal Paris help with achieving these results. PRO-GEN™ helps to boost skin's recovery powers and strengthens it's barrier function. DRAINBOOST™ uses two active ingredients, Haloxyl(which directly reduces dark eye circles and reduces puffiness) and Caffeine (which counters water retention and eye bags).

However, those with very dry skin may like to use another eye cream over this essence if this is not sufficiently moisturizing in dry weather.

Overall, it's a good product, and at S$34.90, in a dropper bottle, a great buy.
For the months of November - December 2012, it will be only S$29.90 in stores as an introductory price. You can pick yours up at Watsons stores across Singapore.


And just a little something I read today, "Age has nothing to do with the lines that appear on the corners of your eyes.. it's a combination of hereditary and careless abuse of the area". WORD!

Now, you'll start taking good care your precious peepers, won't you?  :)

Up Close: Le Fairymeadow And Her Floral Creations

Recently, I was bowled over by some lovely floral headpiece designs I saw on facebook, and I knew I had to get in touch with the designer. It was Le Fairymeadow, a florist that promises to " dream away with you, and to make those dreams come true with our floral creations". I met up with her and was utterly charmed by her sweetness and creations.

What got you started in floral arrangements and design?
I used to work in the banking industry, but I've known all this time that one day, I would love to have a flower shop. Initially I thought it would be for my retirement, but when I was planning for my own wedding, I met many vendors pursuing their passions who inspired me, and made me want to pursue my dreams. So I left my job and went to floral design school.

Why the name Le Fairymeadow?
When I think of a meadow, I think of freedom. I want a place where ideas can flow freely, and not be restricted by what mainstream designs are. From the time that I was a bride, I knew what was available in the market, and I now bring in what is lacking in the market so I can be different from others.

Your headpieces are so popular with your customers, how did that begin? 
It all started with a creation for a blogger who wanted a floral headpiece for her wedding photoshoot, which wasn't so common in Singapore, except for flowergirl headpieces. It was also because of her that I started thinking of more elaborate designs for brides.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
Actually it's from the brides themselves. I get to know my customers, their preferences, wedding theme, and from there I create pieces unique and inspired by them.

What other floral arrangements do you provide?
We also do events decor, the floral arrangements for the wedding day and the cocktail event, candy bar and hand bouquets.

How about your accessories? I saw some beautiful bracelets that you made.
Those are bridesmaid's corsages. I thought, why not do something special that they could keep as a momento instead of the usual flowers around the wrist. We allow customisation to the bracelets, with one to two months lead time.

Love her style and designs?
Headpieces are from $50 - $100, bouquets from $120. Contact her for her rates on events and wedding floral arrangements.

Le Fairy Meadow
http://www.facebook.com/lefairymeadow/
email: lefairymeadow@gmail.com