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" 

<3 nbsp="nbsp" p="p">

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