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! 

Browhaus' Beautiful Revamp

Last month I was invited by the kind folks at Browhaus to try out their Browgraphy Thread & Tweeze in the newly revamped Paragon branch.

It was like being transported into a super cute camp site in the forest once you step in, there are tents, woody furnishings and a "grassy" carpet under your feet.

Entering the Browhaus "campsite" , choose from a ride range of brow and lash treatments 

I was led into one of the cozy treatment tents, fitted with plush recliners and comfy towels

The Browgraphy Thread + Tweeze (S$42) consists of both the Color Tweak and Brow Shaping. 

The Color Tweak is brow dye which can either lighten or darken your brows, matching it to your natural hair colour. 

The Brow Shaping I tried was the Thread + Tweeze, a combination of both tweezing and threading to shape the brows. 

As a makeup artist, I'm usually very iffy about letting someone else touch my brows, so I lay down and presented my obsessive requests to my therapist: no over-plucking, please darken my brows, not too arched and thin. 

She handed me a mirror and explained that she will just be tidying up my brows, balancing out their shape (one of my brows naturally grows higher than the other), and darkening my brows. I insisted on a darker than dark tint, since I look almost alien without any brow makeup. 

It was my first time doing threading, and it was surprisingly fast, and not at all painful for me, perhaps due to the fact that I don't have dense brows. Tweezing was then done to "clean up" around the brow. 

Thereafter, a vegetable-based dye was applied to my brows, and after it was cleaned off, TA-DA! Perfect brows! The arches of both brows were balanced, they were neat and not overly trimmed, and the colour was perfect, made me wish that I was born with them looking like this. It looked like I had run dark brow gel over my brows, natural yet defined. Seriously, I was impressed. 

A "PEACE" ampoule was then applied to soothe any irritation or soreness around the brows, which was lovely. I always meet clients who have red skin after shaping their brows, and especially close to their wedding day, it's better to keep the skin (and nerves!) calm. 

The tint lasted about 5-6 days, perfect for holiday goers, or honeymooners who wish to look great while travelling and not bother about makeup. 

I have a feeling that I'll be returning to this little retreat sometime soon again!

One of the two Log Cabin rooms, for total comfort and privacy during longer treatments such as the 

semi-permanent Brow Resurrection  

Escape to Browhaus Paragon: 

#05-11, Paragon, Singapore 

Tel: +65 67376585

or check out the other Singapore and international Browhaus outlets on www.browhaus.com

Scrub-a-dub-dub.. scrub in my scalp?

While shopping online at HQhair for a kit essential, Redken Ringlet , I chanced across a new range of products by Redken called Nature's Rescue. Honestly I was more drawn to the packaging than the fact that it was paraben/sulphate/silicone-free, and since anyone who knows me knows that I'm a sucker for the ocean, so when I saw the uber cool labels showing a blurry picture of the coast layered on turquoise, I had to find out what it was all about.

Seriously, it looks this cool on my shower shelf. ok, fine, minus the great lighting. 

I decided to order the Refining Sea Polish, which is an exfoliant for the hair. I know what you're thinking, "WTF?" Trust me, I was so curious about it I had to give it a go, since I've never heard of such a product before. Clarifying shampoos, yes, but pumice in your hair? The reviews on the Redken site were all in its favour, and I was also sold on the oceanic fragrance description. I use products like promade and wax everyday on my hair, and recently I thought it was getting limp with a product build-up, so this sounded like a God-send. 

Excited to try it out once I got it, I hopped into the shower, rinsed and shampooed my hair, then squeezed out about a teaspoon of that stuff onto my palm. It felt... just like a foot scrub. 

Rubbing it onto my scalp and working it down sections of hair, it wasn't as scratchy as sugar or salt scrubs, but it really did feel like fine sand getting stuck in my hair. The pumice is very very fine, and cushioned on a creamy paste.

Washing it out was a breeze, it dissolved and rinsed out very easily, and my hair felt conditioned after. But of course, I did condition lightly it after. 

(Same theory works for body scrubs, you may feel like your skin is soft after the scrub, but upon hopping out of the shower, slather on the moisturiser.)

When my hair dried after, it was soft, felt nice and clean, no grimey residue of any product. The fragrance however, doesn't last, perhaps also because I used a different conditioner after. Maybe I should buy the Cooling Deep Conditioner then.

Try it if you're a heavy duty styling product user, or if you want some deep cleansing relief from oily hair.

It's recommended for all hair types, and safe to use on coloured hair. My hair colour did not fade or lighten from using this. 

I haven't seen this sold yet in Singapore, if anyone does, drop me a message in the comment box below.

Priced at €17.35 (S$28) from HQ hair. 

Tip: You can google for coupon codes and get a further discount too

Downside: The order placed on HQ hair took 15 days to get to me in Singapore from the UK-based site. I placed the order on 9 May, and received the parcel on 24 May. They promised 5-7 day delivery.

Strip Me!

Sometimes I wish I could just say that without any consequences, I think this post will be the closest I get away scot free talking about stripping in Singapore!

Confused? Well, this ain't about clothes, although if you do like your clothes more than makeup and beauty, you should drop by StyleShoppes, an online fashion portal, which I am contributing articles like this onto as well.
Now, back to the matter at hand.

Before I went on an Italian spring vacation about a month and some back, the folks at STRIP:Ministry Of Waxing invited me to try out their brand new product, which is a collab with New York based apothecary and uber cool brand MALIN+GOETZ.

So now, marry the two beauty experts: 

STRIP, which offers the most hygienic brazilian waxing experience in Singapore and beyond (and trust me on this, I've seen many other places that truly fall short of good hygiene), has literally stripped off and pruned over 2 million bushes and counting. They bring to the table experience on hair removal, and can pre-amp what happens to your skin after, since they've seen a hell lot of skin that has been irritated, inflamed and affected by ingrown hairs. 

MALIN + GOETZ, which develops their products in the heart of New York, uses paraben-free natural ingredients, botanical extracts, to create tried and tested skincare which is as irritant-free as possible. 

What I love about MALIN+GOETZ is that the co-founder, Matthew Malin, suffers from skin conditions like rosacea and eczema. I know that sounds horrible of me, but I suffer from eczema too, so I find it a relief that somebody who actually understands and experiences our plight is creating a broad line of skincare that aims to be suitable for sensitive skin. 

And their baby is the STRIP x MALIN+GOETZ Ingrown Hair Cream!

How does this work? Well, after my brazillian wax at Beauty Emporium (see pictures below!) by Strip, I was given the cream and  told to apply it on any area which had been waxed, from the first night right after the waxing session. It contains Chamomile to soothe the skin which is usually sore or red after waxing. There is also Vitamin B5 and E to promote skin repair. 

How then does it prevent ingrown hairs? Enzymes from Papaya and Pineapple help to smooth skin out for days following your waxing session till the new hairs start peeking out again. 

Also, the cream can be applied on any other area prone to ingrown hairs, be it your underarms, legs, or even  the face for men who shave. 

I was pretty sold! The Brazilian wax I got lasted me a good couple of weeks and I was frolicking in the (cold!) water along Italy's Amalfi coast in my teeny bikini! 

too cold to swim but I HAD to put on a bikini and get some sun

The Ingrown Hair Cream is available at all 34 Strip Ministry of Waxing locations from London to Shanghai and beyond. If you're in the US out of Manhattan, fret not, order your Ingrown Hair Cream from the MALIN+GOETZ website                     

If you're in Singapore, be sure to drop by the super cool HOUSE at Dempsey where on the 2nd floor you will find STRIP inside Beauty Emporium. Be sure to call ahead to book an appointment for your waxing sessions! 

STRIP Co-ed Beauty Emporium

8D Dempsey Road, #02-01

+65 64757833

10am to 9pm daily

Cute & quirky interiors at Beauty Emporium where Strip is found

Or get your nails done under the same roof - by Spa Esprit 

Deep In Love With The Deep Sea

The fantastic folks at Skin Inc (www.iloveskininc.com) sent me a few products to try when I met them a couple of months ago at a photoshoot with Skin Inc's lovely founder, Singaporean Sabrina Tan.

I have to say I was very impressed with the Pure Deepsea Hydrating Mask.

Firstly, there are a few factors I look for when searching for a hydration mask.
1. That it does not clog my pores. I like using oil-free hydration masks that do not feel heavy on my skin.
2. It must be suitable for sensitive skin. Sometimes I come back from the outdoors, and when I get a touch too much sun, my skin is parched and sensitive. I need masks that do not sting on application
3. Results must show. That, my dears, is my demand. Why use products that do not give positive results? I'm sure many of you would agree in me with that. If the hydration levels in the skin are changing, you can actually feel and see the difference.

Guess what, the Pure Deepsea Hydration Mask does check off my list perfectly!

The ingredients in the mask include deepsea water from Okinawa, an island off the southern coast of Japan, which I'm dying to visit by the way. Since the water is from such depths, it is not exposed to pollution and *gasp* radiation unlike that on the surface.
The mask contains minerals such as calcium, manganese, magnesium and nutrition for our skin, alongside added Hyaluronic acid for hydration and soy bean extract for brightening.

Whats more, the lazy (or Kiasu) girls out there would love that you can leave this mask on overnight for a more intensive boost! It is water based, so it does not leave streaky or greasy stains on your pillowcases.

Retailing at S$188 for 100mls, it is a bit of a splurge, but you can ration it out as you need just a thin layer for each application. They also have a smaller size which is $68 for 30mls.

Also worth a mention: Skin Inc's 5-in-1 Nano Gel (S$158 for 60mls) is a fantastic non-greasy moisturiser that has earned its way into my makeup kit and now all my clients get to try that before makeup application! It's a multi-tasker, toning, hydrating, repairing, protecting and priming your skin. Makeup glides beautifully on top of it and does not slide off.

Developed and made in Japan, Skin Inc is available in Singapore at many locations including Ion, Orchard Central, Nex, Changi Airport and Resorts World. It also retails internationally in Hong Kong, Hanoi, and Madrid.

Miracle Argan Huile!

From the dusty sands of Morocco has come an oil that is fast gaining popularity around the world. Argan oil, highly moisturising and restorative, is sought after as a key ingredient in many multi-tasking beauty products for face, body and hair. It's subtle nutty aroma also smells great and does not have to be masked with artificial fragrances, unlike when using oils from sources like fish.

Here are some top picks.


For Hair

Moroccanoil Original Hair Treatment


The first time I tried a product with Argan oil, it was this one. For use on it's own as a hair serum, or mixed with your favourite hair products, this great smelling oil will leave your hair conditioned, smooth and fortified.

Moroccanoil also has a great range of other hairstyling and body products with the signature fragrance.

www.moroccanoil.com

For worldwide shipping, try www.hqhair.com








For Body

Khiel's Superbly Restorative Dry Oil

The best thing about dry oil is that it never leaves a sticky residue, even in a humid climate like Singapore (I've just heard this term, the Singapore Slick, but that's gonna be a story for another time)

Much less viscous than Moroccanoil, this multi-purpose oil can be used after your shower to moisturise your skin, or as a massage oil, and they say you can even use it on your hair, although I would advise you to just keep it to the ends of your hair.

Available at Khiel's stores and counters
http://www.khiels.com









For Face

Dermalogica Overnight Repair Serum

Not satisfied with only having Argan oil in the mix, this night use serum also includes other aromatherapeutic oils like Jasmine, Rose, Ylang-Ylang, Geranium and Rosemary, also with ingredients such as Brown Seaweed to fight free radicals and and Hyaluronic Acid to smoothen out lines.
Great for mature or dry to very dry skin.
Ask for a demonstration on how to do an at-home relaxing face massage


Available at all Dermalogica- authorised skin care centres and Aster Spring in Singapore
http://www.asterspring.com.sg/





For Anything Else and In Between

Josie Maran Argan Balm

Josie Maran. Supermodel and my childhood girl-crush! After years of cosmetics campaigns, she now has her natural and eco-friendly line of skincare and cosmetics. I'm excited that Josie Maran Cosmetics will be hitting our shores very soon!

The Argan Balm is a carry-everywhere, multi-use balm infused with Argan oil and Shea butter. Apply to dry cuticles, chapped lips, heels, elbows, sun-burnt noses and split ends.


Look out for it at Sephora
http://www.facebook.com/sephorasingapore
or find out more at http://www.josiemarancosmetics.com/

This Stuff Won't Budge: The Best Makeup For Your Workouts

Makeup that lasts through your wedding day, tears and all? That's a piece of cake.
Ask for makeup that is going to last you through your swim, spin class and kickboxing matches? Now that's a real challenge.

Most of my friends and clients who know me will know that I go for a work out almost everyday. And no, I never wear makeup on my hill rides and laps in the pool.

OK I lie.

If there's gonna be a cute guy there, I sure as hell don't want to look like a sweaty mess. At least I will look like a sweaty hot mess. Yeah!

And I agree with you ladies who just can't go out without makeup, even if it's to the gym downstairs. I know they all say "makeup will clog your pores" and even I worry about that, but sometimes you just have to put something on. Right?
If you have to meet your client over golf, or play tennis with that yummy boy, you want to put your best face forward at the very least, yet not look like you're wearing a ton of products.

Here's a quick guide to shopping for the most sports,sweat & sun-friendly products in town - tried, tested and loved.


Skin:

Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Matte SPF15
















This is a personal favourite. I use it daily! It's a fantastically light-weight mineral foundation that keeps shine away, does not contain preservatives and helps minimise pores too. It doesn't give you the foundation-y look, just makes your skin look great.
Although this is not going to withstand your swim, it's fantastic for your land-based sports like golf, gym, tennis and jogging.

Available at Sephora (get the starter pack, it's well worth it at S$104!)

Cheeks:

Face Atelier Facade












This beautiful liquid (well, not really, since it's silicone based) to powder blush is like a cheek stain that builds up or blends out easily with your fingertips. Although it looks scarily bright in the tube, upon application you'll find that it's actually very sheer and really natural looking.
It also goes onto your lips as a matte lipstain, and it's handy pocket size means you don't need to look for more space to cram it into your gym bag.

Available in Singapore from luxola.com at S$45 or in North America from the Face Atelier website


Brows:

B & C Browlash Ex Water Strong W Eyebrow



















I know i JUST wrote about this in my last post about brows , but I am hooked onto this waterproof, long lasting eyebrow pencil and brow liquid liner. Yes, it sounds weird, but this is a double ended pencil that has a wind-up crayon on one side, so you never have to bring a sharpener with you, and a liquid liner for the ends on the brows on the other side so you get a sleek, defined brow. This WILL last you through your swim, although I haven't tested it in the surf, but it really takes a great deal of heavy rubbing to move.

Available from Watsons at S$19.90 or on Sasa's online store


Eyes:

M.A.C. Liquidlast Eyeliner
















I have recommeded this to ladies who go swimming in this and I've seen it do what it claims to do, last and last and last! It doesn't move at all, and in so many colours, you can always get a new colour to suit your bikini.
The Liquidlast Liner does last even longer than the Superslick, if you want to compare these two liquid liners from MAC.



Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Shadow Pencil















Once you get a hang of quickly blending these pencils before they dry to a waterproof finish on your eyes, you'll love how longlasting and beautiful they are. You can blend them out to a full eyeshadow, or keep them neat and defined as a pop of eyeliner. My fav is the emerald green Clinic colour, but you'll be spoilt for choice with more than 10 shades.

Available at Sephora


Diorshow Waterproof Mascara




















Ah, mascaras.. tricky tricky. With so many of them claiming to be waterproof, water-resistant, I've found that I always go back to relying on this classic. It gives you big, bold, va-va-voom lashes and stays put.

*Quick tip: For mascaras, the trick to getting them not to smudge especially with smaller asian eyes, is to lay off the creamy concealers which once your mascara-ed lashes touch, tend to melt off and onto your lower lids. If you can, dust a light veil of powder onto your lower lash line just to help it stay matte and prevent the mascara from smudging.


Lips:

Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm












There's nothing ickier than having lip gloss goo all over your lips when you're working out, it gets on your towel, your bottle, your face..
I love lip blams and bless the genius who created coloured balms. They moisturise your lips and give a lovely hint of colour, especially great if your lips tend to turn pale when you're gasping for breath in the cold pool or surf.

I just got my hands onto the Clinique Chubby Stick in Super Strawberry and am loving it! It's so cute, love the way it looks like a little pencil, and the sheer touch of colour it gives, without making my lips feel oily like some balms do.

It's costs a little bit on the steeper side for a tinted balm, at S$26 it's an indulgence you probably want to get at the duty free store.



Body:

I felt like i had to include this in, because it's no point putting all those lovely colours on if you're not taking care of the rest of your body.

#1 Please, please remember your deodorant!
Smell as pretty as you look with

Burt's Bees Herbal Deodorant















It combines sage, lavander and lemon essential oils to naturally neutralise any odours, without all the harsh chems like other anti-prespiratants or deodorants.

Available at Sephora


#1 (Yes, #1 again 'cos it's just as important!!) Sunscreen
I was mortified when I trained with athletes who don't use sunscreen while training in the hot afternoon sun at the track. You might think you don't see the sun damage, but soon you will. I know I have, from all those holidays, workouts and generally taking my skin for granted when I was younger. Right now I use an SPF50 whenever I know I'm going to hit sun when I cycle, and I'm reminding myself to use it daily too.

Clinique Sun SPF50 Body Cream

















I started using this cream when I was having a really strange arm rash and it not only helped protect my skin from the sun, but also helped soothe the rash, thanks to it's creamy, moisturising texture.
Since then I've continued using this sunscreen, and it's awesome because being fragrance-free, like all Clinique products, it doesn't have the strong smell of sunscreen.
I've let my best friend try it recently when we went for a swim, and he (yes! a guy! wearing sunscreen!) commented that it "didn't feel sticky". Yay for men who use sunscreen!


So, enjoy your workout, the sun, sea and the great outdoors, while knowing you ARE LOOKING HAWT!