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. 

---- 

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

Do You Really Need To Buy Ampoules From The Makeup Artist For Your Wedding?

Hello Ladies, Well, it's been a long time since I've done a wedding-specific post. I've been thinking about this issue for a long time, and I know that writing about it may incur lots of wrath from makeup artists who believe in selling their clients ampoules. But if you know me, I'm pretty much a straight talker who speaks my mind.

So here goes.. Let's get this straight from the beginning. I have never sold or provided any ampoules to my clients although I have had enquiries about them. And yes, I have bought ampoules before to try out on my skin, so I know how they feel and work.

So, what is this whole ampoule business about? Firstly, ampoules are little glass jars of serum / gels for the skin, sealed airtight and broken only upon application. They typically look like this:

The formula of the product is typically of a high concentration, for different skin types and concerns. You could get one for hydration, oil control, whitening, anti-aging etc..

# 1: Do ampoules work?
 - Yes, if you get one of a good quality, it works just as well as a high quality serum. However, ampoules work even better when coupled with a facial, when the skin is prepped to receive nutrients, and even better with a high-frequency machine where it encourages the product to be absorbed into the skin. To work is one, but you need the right time to have it work.

 # 2: Do ampoules really make my makeup last longer?
 - No. Honestly, if you expect a beautiful, radiant complexion with your makeup lasting the entire day on your face just because of a "miracle" ampoule, sorry girlfriend, it's not gonna happen. Simply slapping on the product and then the makeup will just be the same as applying your own serum and then makeup.

 # 3: What do you recommend instead?
 - Go for a makeup primer instead. I use Smashbox's Photo Finish Oil Free Makeup Primer

A makeup primer is specifically designed to reduce the appearance of pores and "set" your skin for the application of makeup, as well as help it to last longer and protecting it against environmental stresses. There are different makeup primers, ranging from those for oily skin, dry skin, even for colour correction(i.e. neutralising redness or brightening sallow skin).

# 4: Then why do so many bridal makeup artists sell ampoules?
 - It makes them extra cash. Simple as that.
 Just like all these hidden charges that some bridal shops charge you after you thought you got a good deal signing up for a $1888 all-in-one package, you end up having to top up for every single detail after. I know of a couple who topped up something like $90 for 3 ampoules, for both groom and bride. $90?! That's daylight robbery for ampoules. Ampoules are available at $5 or less each. Even Dr Hauschka's Rhythmic Night Conditioner Ampoules are £44.95 for 30 ampoules.

Question 5: What shall I do then? They are pushy and say my skin is "very bad and in dire need" of some ampoules?
 - Argh! I hate it when people in the beauty industry try to push products by criticising their clients. It just gives us such a bad rep.
Firstly, in the months leading up to your big day, you should start taking good care of your skin.
Monthly facials are a good way to relax and deep cleanse your skin.
Next, make sure you exfoliate! If you have a thick layer of old or peeling skin, not even a boxful of ampoules is going to help, and any makeup applied will always bring more attention to flakey skin. I use Dermalogica's Daily Microfoliant which is gentle but effective.
Battle extremes with the right skincare. Too dry and everything just looks powdery and doesn't apply smoothly. Too oily and makeup slides off. Using the right skincare regiment will ensure your skin is well prepped.

Of course, checking with your makeup artist about hidden costs (some charge for false eyelashes too! wtf) before you book them will help you make a more informed decision. For me, I don't believe in hiding any costs. What you see is what you get. I also never push products, although if I love something I genuinely recommend or rave about it! Any advice to my client is truthful, and I will give them the most easy way possible to solve any problems they may have.

 Till then!
 xoxo Jo

Boss Bottled Sport : The Ultimate Fragrance For A Sporty Man Who Keeps His Boyish Charms

Let's face it guys, not many girls appreciate you dousing yourself in overpoweringly musky, heavy fragrances. Especially if you're under 50.
We like sporty guys, smart men who don't try too hard and yet are confident of their masculinity. Boss Bottled Sport (and it's charming ambassador, F1 driver Jenson Button) embodies these qualities. And men, listen up and take some notes (top, middle or otherwise) from the qualities of this fragrance , this is how you get the girl.

#1. Excite her.
In this fragrance, the exciting top notes of zesty yuzu, pink peppercorn and grapefruit give a refreshing kick start to the fragrance.
When you meet her, don't be a boring wallflower. Be funny and fresh!

#2. Entice her.
The middle notes of the fragrance contain lavender and cardamon, which are quite commonly found in fragrances. However, a subtle metallic note from aldehyde give this fragrance a quality what Boss is calling "high-tech metallic". Very unique.
So although you may think that you don't stand out from the common man, entice her with something different, like this unique scent does, and stand out from the crowd.

#3. Be a man.
The warm woody base, thanks to vetyver, tonka bean and patchouli give this fragrance a staying power, and grounds the masculinity of this fragrance.
In whatever you do, at the end of the day, she wants you to be her man. Simple things like opening the door for her, making sure she gets home safe, and good manners will win you a place in her heart.

What next? Splash on some Boss Bottled Sport and take her out to catch Jenson Button speed down the track in the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix next month.




Ladies, want to win a bottle of Boss Bottled Sport for your man? Simply submit a picture of the both of you, and get your friends to vote! The most stylish couple wins! Join HERE

Contest brought to you by Styleshoppes, prizes by Boss Bottled Sport. This article was first published on Styleshoppes

Trying out IPL at the Strip Mobile!

Dropped by the STRIP Mobile last week and tried out their IPL!

Got a trial zap on my navel and it didn't even hurt! I remember the IPLs 6 years ago.. It was like a kid snapping rubberbands on your skin.

But technology has improved and STRIP's IPL is virtually painless. They apply a freezing cold gel on the skin before zapping the life out of your hair follicles.

From today till 11th Aug, the cute STRIP mobile will be parked at Cineleisure Orchard. Drop by to purchase your vouchers for waxing and IPLs at uber fab prices! And if you want it fast, you can get waxed onboard the STRIP mobile too.

STRIP: Ministry Of Waxing Comes To The People

The people of the east, to be exact. If you live in Tampines, there are certain perks to be shaggin' it up in the 3rd largest housing estate in Singapore, and that includes having four large shopping malls around your local MRT station.

And now, with STRIP: Ministry of Waxing as your newest neighbour, our eastern residents can truly boast that the east is where it's happening.

just the regular view from your bedroom

We dropped by STRIP Tampines 1 to check out what they had in store! 

Both STRIP and Browhaus are here! Doesn't matter if the MRT breaks down, no more having to run all the way down to Orchard Road for your waxing and tweezing sessions

Similar to the Browhaus at Paragon, the Browhaus here has an outdoorsy camping theme 

Plush loungers await you in each "tent". When I showed my mum this photograph, she asked if it was a dentist's room. Well mum, if only my dental clinic was this cute! 

Mossy green turf lines the floors of both STRIP & Browhaus. Cute sandals from Steve Madden btw ;) 

Over to STRIP, Treatment rooms with room numbers on red hot wooden doors, almost like checking in to your own little suite. 

Now this is the creme de la creme of waxing rooms! Mongolian & Persian inspired, it looks like you just walked into a Yurt. Oriental carpets under your feet and on the furniture lend a warm, exotic feel to the room. 

Make a quick stop on your way out to check out their range of Malin + Goetz  products as well as their STRIP's very own products. 

I also tried out STRIP's Ice Cream, a post-wax cooling cream that literally "puts out the flames" on freshly waxed skin. It has a cool, minty sensation, lessons any irritation and sensitivity on skin. At $48 for 50mls, it'll last you past many waxing sessions. You can also use it on other parts of you skin that need a quick soothe from itch and chafing. 

Till the end of this month (31 July 2012), STRIP & Browhaus Tampines 1 are offering any  first-time customers to the branch a special 50% off all ala-carte treatments (excluding IPL). So, even if you've visited other STRIP and Browhaus outlets before, you can still enjoy this special promo when you make your way down here. 

To make your appointments, contact them at 6782 0611 (Strip Tampines) or 6782 8976 (Browhaus Tampines). 

Their address is:  10 Tampines Central 1, #02-27, Tampines 1, Singapore 529536

Enjoy! 

A Little Pick-Me-Up For The Day

Sorry I've disappeared for the entire of last week! We went to Phuket for a shoot and I was caught up in the whole whirlwind of 5 star resorts and gourmet cuisine. Well..not quite just that. We also spent two days shooting in the rain and wind, and I ended up catching a cold over the weekend.  :(

I woke up today with pretty bad skin, I am breaking out from eating all that spicy and fried Thai food (I shouldn't have had those delish salted egg fried squid dish at dinner!), and my skin is rather dull since I guess my body is focusing on getting well rather than tightening pores.

Thanks to my friend Mia's suggestion that I should go do a mask, I raided my cupboard and decided to use the Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque.

It was just what I needed since I was feeling so under. It has a yummy fragrance (all natural, this product does not contain any artificial fragrances or colour), spreads on like butter, and is full of Vitamins A, C, E and F to help skin recover from any harsh environmental damage. It's calming to the skin and also soothes any irritation, so you won't have to worry about stinging if you have sensitive skin.

10 minutes later, I washed off the mask, and was immediately greeted with fresher skin. The Vitamin C really helps to brighten skin quickly, my pores were tightened, and overall, my skin was deeply moisturised.

I would recommend this for anyone who has concerns over fine lines, dry and dull skin. This once or twice a week mask can really help to perk up your skin, great for use just before you get made up and ready for a big day.

As for myself, I'll just have to wait it out for the rest of my body to recover before tackling my next challenge.

Something borrowed...and very beautiful

Something old, something new

Something borrowed, something blue,

And a silver sixpence in her shoe

For brides-to-be searching for their gowns, you know it's going to take more than sixpence to get there. Increasingly in Singapore, more brides are looking past our shores to get their wedding gowns from the US, Europe and even Australia. 

A made to measure gown in Singapore is costly, and those for rent off the shelf... sometimes, you just can't find anything suitable. 

Then again, for the ladies who don't have the luxury of time to jet set to New York just to try on a Vera Wang gown, wouldn't it be great to fit it here in Singapore? I have a friend who decided, for her wedding, to order her gowns from Vera Wang White online, only to find that the material wasn't what she envisioned it to be. Disappointed, she still wore it for her wedding. She looked great, but it wasn't really her style.  

Descriptions of the material (tulle!organza!satin!chiffon!georgette!), cut (mermaid!ball gown!one shoulder!fitted!trumpet!) don't really help much if you can't envision how the gown will fall on your frame, or how it'll change your silhouette. 

I was pretty excited to find out about Something Borrowed, which is offering the perfect solution. They've done the scouring, sifted through hundreds of gowns and brought them back to Singapore. These gowns are available for rent, a great way to get your dream gown at a fraction of the cost, and not worry about storing it after the wedding. 

Gowns from Vera Wang, Vera Wang White (above), Monique Lhuillier, Pronovias, and Johanna Johnson are some of the labels available, and they are constantly adding more. With a background and years of experience in weddings and bridal gown design, the team at Something Borrowed have exquisite taste, knows what works and what brides need. Here are some top picks now available: 

Ethereal Silk Satin Chiffon gown by Amy Kuschel

Full Embroidered Lace gown by Monique Lhuillier

They're having their launch on 30 June 2012, so do drop them an email to preview the lovely pieces at their boutique in the quaint Joo Chiat Place. 

In the meantime, follow their updates on: 

http://www.facebook.com/SomethingBorrowedSingapore

Something Borrowed 

84 Joo Chiat Place, 

Singapore 427801 

www.somethingborrowed.com.sg

Jo's Tips To Finding Your Best Wedding Hairstyles

I love browsing the web for hairstyles.
Brides.com has a great library of hairstyles, which was my to-go page when I started doing bridal makeup and hair. Here's a screen shot of their page, this one has tips for your trial session.

Read it? It is true - at least the bit about wearing your hair out after a trial. I always tell my clients to keep wearing their hair and makeup after the trial, and then tell me after how it went. We'll know then if anything went wonky, or they prefer certain things differently, or hey! that the false eyelashes are actually really comfortable (I use the Princess Lee eyelashes from Taiwan ;] )


Another thing I advise my clients to do, is to search out pictures online about what styles they like. Sure, I do give recommendations and suggestions, but when I meet my client for the first time, I don't automatically know their real style.
I am not psychic. I can't read minds, and I can't quite imagine the exact wedding dress from verbal descriptions (lace, tulle, ivory, princess, mermaid... ).
The best way to communicate with your makeup artist? Pictures. Hell, it actually is THE best way to communicate with any of your creative suppliers, be it your wedding planner, designer or florist.
Because "natural" may mean different things to different people, and so does "casual". There are 1038462 different "smokey eyes" - ok, i exaggerate, but really, if you can be specific, do be specific. It'll save you alot of time and also help us get straight to the point and give you what you want.

And if you still have no idea what you want?
You can ask me , or you can also check out ELLE's list of The Best Wedding Hairstyles, and then give me a call :)

Born This Curly Way: Making The Most With Texture

Growing up, I used to hate my curly hair. Well, who wouldn't? As a kid not knowing any better, I would brush it till it got big, frizzy, uncontrollable. The only time I liked it was right after my shower, dripping wet, sleek and straight.

For 10 years in my life, from when I was 15 till 25, I tried everything, from relaxers, rebonding, flat irons, and even the Brazillian keratin straightener (did not even last more than a week!). Finally, tired of endless visits to the salon, curly root regrowth, damage from the heat and chems, I let my curls grow out.

Today, I have a curly bob and I'm totally loving it!

Most people think I've used a curling tong, or permed my hair, but all I did was embrace my curls. Here are my shortcuts to getting frizz-free curls in this crazy weather (where humidity goes up to 90% on a normal day! )

1. I use shampoo and condition for curly hair 

The Luscious Curls range by Fekkai  with grapeseed extract and moroccan oil, helps define curls and control frizz. Available at Sephora in Singapore 


2. Once a week, I use a deep conditioning treatment

My hair has been coloured, dunked in chlorine when I swim, and suffers UV damage whenever I'm out playing (sorry, I mean working on a shoot ;P) in the sun. Although it contributes to the whole "surfer vibe", the ends of my hair do really take a beating. So once a week, especially after swimming, I use L'Oreal Absolut Repair Cellular hair masque to restore moisture and it does help to soften and smoothen my hair.

p.s. I think surfer Rob Machado could use a little of this, but whatever it is, DAMN, I love his hair!!! And I love surfers :)

3. A curling cream really helps to enhance and define curls

Where was I before using Moroccanoil? Pretty much living in frizz.. Seriously though, only this curl cream does it for me so far. Although I like to use Redken Ringlet 07  for work as it is perfect with a curling tong, for my own hair, Moroccanoil Intense Curl Cream  both conditions and defines curls. Sometimes I mix in a drop of Moroccanoil Treatment for more shine. And you know what? It smells perfect too, no yucky ol' hair gunk situation here. 

4. Some wax and styling products won't hurt

In fact, they'll help hold your hairstyle, add volume and polish. I use Hoyu 3210 Neutral Wax, which I bought at the salon (more details next!). It has a natural, matte finish. 

I rub it between my palms and fingers, then finger curl sections of my hair, which helps enhance the curls, making them more spiral, bouncy, and prevents them from frizzing and messing up throughout the day. 

Sometimes if I want lots and lots of volume, I scrunch it all in, pushing my hair from the bottom up. 

5. A good haircut is essential 

Without my hairstylist, Ivan from Insquare Salon, my hair would probably still be an unmanageable mess. I first met him at a photoshoot back in....2007? But it was only in 2010 when I went to him, with my hair half grown out from a rebonding, that I saw the possibility of having curly hair again.  

With decades of experience, Ivan is still amazingly humble, friendly and gives excellent suggestions. Unlike hairstylists who insist on chopping off inches of hair, Ivan respects his client's styles and wishes, which is what I really, really love about him. If you would like a creative cut, leave it in his stable, precise hands, and you'll always walk out of his salon always feeling beautiful, with a cut that always grows out well. 

Andrew & Kenny, the awesome designers of Depression, also trust Ivan with their hair! 

In Square Salon also stocks Hoyu, so give them a call if you'll like a makeover for your hair, then follow my easy, easy, easy steps and start loving your curls :) 

In Square Salon 

24 Sin Ming Road 

#01-39

Singapore 570024

Tel: 6554 0916 / 6554 0917

http://www.facebook.com/InSquareSalon