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.