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/

Ready, Jetset, Glow!

“Business or pleasure?” These two reasons for hopping on board a flight may separate travellers into different classes of seats, but cabin conditions, dry air, environmental stress and fatigue usually results in the same damage to the skin during travel. Many travellers usually complain of dry skin, which in the long run results in fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin and a sallow complexion.

SK-II believes that these multiple signs of aging are due to one cause – the loss in “radical firmness” (in addition to your fabulous jetsetting lifestyle).
“Radical firmness” is defined as a visible firmness in the skin, determined by the thickness and elasticity of the skin, as well as the integrity of it's basal layer.
To put it most straightforwardly, aged skin is thinner, less springy, and also does not renew itself as quickly as young skin.

The solution that SK-II has developed is Stempower, a moisturiser promising to not only combat the multiple signs of aging, but also to turn back the clock and give you skin that's 10 years younger.

SK-II Stempower contains a plant-derived ingredient (Siberian ginseng, to be exact), the Stem-Acanax Complex which helps the skin's production of “lift-proteins”, giving skin a renewed plumpness. Results are quick and visible in just 10 days, thanks to its high active penetration formula.

Measuring this 10 year improvement is possible with the SK-II Magic Ring, a diagnostic device that analyses 5 key factors in skin age: texture, radiance, spots, wrinkles and firmness.

SK-II's Beauty Consultant Training Manager Nitiwadee Songrienchai 

demonstrating the SK-II Magic Ring  

The "Ageless Vector" is a measure to gauge your skin age based on 

the angles of your skin's fine lines. The more horizontal the lines, the younger your skin looks.

For frequent fliers wishing to get their hands one the SK-II Stempower, be one of the first to try and purchase it exclusively at Singapore Changi Airport from June 1, 2012.
It will be available at the SK-II counters in Singapore and internationally from 15 August 2012 onwards.

Price(exclusively at Changi Airport): S$116 (50g) & S$167 (80g)

Price(SK-II counters in Singapore): S$149 (50g) & S$219 (80g)

Not a jetsetter but want to be one of the first in Singapore to try SK-II Stempower?

Click here to join the exclusive StyleShoppes Contest by 15th June to win a full sized SK-II Stempower (worth S$219)!

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What We Say:  Mia Tan & Joanna Koh weigh in on SK-II Stempower while sharing their travel skincare routine 

Mia Tan, 30s, Entrepreneur  

What are your main skin concerns? 

My main skin concern is combination skin, so it's difficult for me to find a moisturiser that balances the different zones in my skin. I tend to get the occasional breakouts. 

In last couple of years, I've begun to realise that my skin is not as plump and supple as before. 

I also want to even out my skin tone because I have some old scars from pimples. 

Where have you travelled to recently? 

Recently I've been to different islands in Thailand for beach holidays, and my last long-haul flight was from Singapore to Boston. 

What type of skincare regiment do you adopt while travelling? 

Before I board the plane, I make sure that I put an extra dose of moisturiser, and I will pack a moisturising sheet mask in my hand carry luggage which I use during the flight to combat the dryness. I also do not use makeup when I board the plane.

Is it any different from your regular skincare routine? 

Yes, I usually do not use as much moisturiser on regular days because I feel my T-zone gets oily.

How did your skin feel the first time you tried SK-II Stempower? 

I was pleasantly surprised because I thought it was going to be sticky since it was a cream moisturiser, but when I applied it, it did not leave a greasy film on my skin. After three days of application, combined with the unique SK-II massage technique demonstrated at the event, I could see the firming effect. 

What's your favourite thing about SK-II Stempower? 

I love that you don't have to use much, a little bit goes a long way. 

Any downsides to using it? 

At S$219 for 80g, the price is a bit steep, but because the results show, I think it is worth it. 

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Joanna Koh, 20+, Makeup Artist

What are your main skin concerns? 

As I spend many hours in the sun for work and sports, I hope to prevent and possibly reverse sun damage, which is also a main cause of aging. 

Where have you travelled to recently? 

I visited Italy on holiday this year where we spent two weeks eating and drinking our way through the country. 

What type of skincare regiment do you adopt while travelling? 

I make sure I apply sunblock with a high SPF as I know I will be out all day exploring. Also, because the air in temperate countries is a lot drier than in Singapore, I apply more moisturiser and sometimes carry around a moisturising spritz. 

However, I still felt that my skin was extremely dry when I was in Italy, possibly from the climate, and although I didn't wish to admit it, the alcohol in my daily wine consumption also made my skin dry. 

In Singapore, what's your skincare routine? 

I use a toner and moisturiser daily, with sunblock under my makeup. At night I try to moisturise my cheeks more as I have combination skin. 

How did your skin feel the first time you tried SK-II Stempower? 

The Stempower moisturiser was absorbed quickly by my very thirsty skin, it felt smooth and silky to the touch after. 

What's your favourite thing about SK-II Stempower? 

I love that I can see visible results, just after 3 days of using it, my facial contours were more defined and my skin felt firmer. 

The dry areas of my face also feel much more moisturised. 

Any downsides to using it? 

I try not to apply too much of it on my nose and forehead as I have combination skin and some pimples on my t-zone, so I was advised by Niti (SK-II's Beauty Consultant Training Manager) to use less of it on the oilier parts of my face. 

Joanna now uses the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence daily and loves it!