Showing posts with label beauty review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beauty review. Show all posts

Monday, February 25, 2013

I have oily skin. By the end of the day, my face will be oily enough to be a non-stick pan. I tried a "red-carpet worthy" treatment that uses a patented Plasma Magic Gel to achieve glowing skin by reducing sebum, reducing pore size and brightening the overall skin tone.

Can't start without double cleansing first, f
ollowed by exfoliation. 
Then the Black Magic ™ is performed, a intense pulsed light treatment, followed by a custom blended mask with serum and finished off with an LED – Light therapy coupled with a heavenly shoulder-back rub! 

It is as the name suggests, totally black magic. Without extraction, my face actually felt so taut, smooth, & so soft! The effect lasted for weeks. Definitely some magical work. 
The Black Magic Treatment, a proprietary Korean technology is suitable for all skin types, dull or uneven skin tone and acne scars. It maintains skin clarity, refine pores, brightens skin tone, lifts, firms and smoothen skin. Not only has it reduced my sebum production, it also stimulates cell renewal and collagen and elastin production. Too many benefits in one treatment!

Book An Appointment Now

60 minutes | $380

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Doll me Up

I used to think if i could walk out a facial without a red face, that therapist must be a gem! So for awhile I was walking out of my old salon with a face that didn't look like I just had a facial. Hooray?

Then i started breaking out, and my face didn't feel baby ass smooth. There were bumps underneath. Later on, i got to know about Porcelain Face Spa and i learned that the extraction I was getting wasn't deep enough.

However, deep extractions usually leave me looking like this after a facial. Horror of horrors!
AHHHHHHHH!
But I unabashedly go out after a facial, that's because i've a secret weapon.

It's not make-up. I wouldn't want to undo all that deep cleansing Porcelain did for me, i didn't want to clog my open pores with concealer.

Porcelain Face Spa's tinted sunscreen, Doll, is my secret weapon.

Combined with lightening agents, this UV filter corrects pigmentation problems while protecting my skin against UVA/UVB rays. It is SPF 60.
With a tint, it makes my skin dewy and it's not make-up! It doesn't clog pores either. It may be pricey at $150 for 35ml but i'm still using my tube from a year ago!
You can get Doll from Porcelain Face Spa at 15 Cantonment Road.

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Experiencing winter is not what we Singaporeans are used to. Rain is the closest we'll get & it's the only chance to take out the sweaters. Wellies, not ugg boots is what we'll wear. 

I don't normally experience harsh winter conditions even during my travels, so i was very ill-equipped when i visited UK early this year. It was towards the end of winter, and i thought my regular skincare would suffice.

I was SO wrong. My skin was SO dry, probably that's why i didn't have a holiday fling (anyone would be afraid of my skin flakes falling on them like snow).
At wit's end in UK, April with my dry skin.
I made a quick trip to the pharmacy and bought travel sized facial scrub and mask. Alas, they didn't help. I was so desperate that i contemplated shelling SGD 300 for a facial when i was in Switzerland. I decided to hold out to return to Porcelain Face Spa in Singapore.

My second winter trip in the year, i was a little more well-equipped. I learnt that a very rich moisturizer is essential in winter. What i use daily in Singapore is not sufficient because due to our climate here, we need skincare that is not oily.

I also felt that the scrub i was using while travelling was too harsh for winter. I thought i was sloughing away the dead skin, but in fact that dehydrates my face even more!
My skin was abit more hydrated in Finland, October this year.

After my return, i learned a new skincare tip! 

Porcelain's REVIVE contains beads to physically scrub away impurities with an advanced formula that makes use of natural enzymes to dissolve dead skin cells. While the motion stimulates microcirculation as i massage my skin, it gently lifts dissolved impurities and at the same time, pump nutrients deep into the skin. It is a non abrasive exfoliator, good for winter!

$98 for 50ml
I'm going to experience my third winter this year. This time, China where it's -8! Let's hope i'm three times wiser!

Tuesday, August 7, 2012


So, i've been on a hair raising journey the last months. Hair raising, literally because I'm stimulating hair growth!

I'm not sure if it's because of my pony tail tying during school years that caused early signs of balding but the consultant at Hair Sciences said it's a natural state of aging and pollution.

But if you often tie your hair into a tight pony tail, stop now! Just in case.
My journey at Hair Sciences have been very enjoyable. Conveniently located in Orchard (or in Jurong),  i get my weekly hair treatment that is natural and helpful. 

First, the head is washed with a shampoo that has a plant extract also known as "miracle maker". The Pueraria Mirifica which contains Phytoestrogen have been reported to exhibit a unique property simulating hair growth. While the USA bans manufacturers from making health benefit claims, folk medicine have been using it to boost memory in remembering 3 books of Astrology, have baby smooth skin, live more than a thousand years and yes, be boastful after all that. In modern belief, it is said to increase appetite, improve hair growth and ENLARGE BREASTS ( .  ) (  .  )
After hair washing, protein treatment is applied along with more plant extract tonic. 

Thereafter, a to-die for head and shoulder massage is performed simulating blood circulation.

P.S I was told to tell if eyelids have been enhanced via plastic surgery, there will be a deep crease visible on the lid when closed.

Finally, I sit under a UV light for better penetration of all the good stuff! I'll share the results after a couple more sessions.


Meanwhile, quote "Chrispytine Blog" for a complimentary customized scalp treatment with head and shoulder massage worth $360.

Terms & Conditions:
·       Valid till 31st August 2012
·       Valid for Singapore NRIC/PR/EP holders only
·       Valid for female & Male customers aged 23 years and above, and strictly by appointment only
·       Customer has to arrive 30min before appointment time for the complimentary hair & scalp analysis.
·       Call 6100 1698 for appointment.

    Read fellow blogger Mint's very detailed scalp problem review.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Advertorial
Here's a gift idea for a girlfriend, a best friend, a sister, mum or even a treat to yourself!
For only $25 each month, a specially put together trove filled with the latest and trendiest beauty treats is hand delivered to your doorstep for your enjoyment.

Mine arrived in a box slightly smaller than an A4 paper. Sleek in white, it was heavy. The box was one of the sturdiest i've ever received, i made a mental note to recycle the box for which i can use it to re-gift! Peeling away the plastic sheet that encased my trove, i pulled out the trove's drawer. As I eagerly lifted the chiffon paper, the most heavenly smell hit me. A sweet citrusy bowled me over. A trove of treats greeted me, a smile lit my face.

The surprise delivery certainly lifted my spirits.

Here's why it's heavy. I uncovered these items within, there were known brands like Clinque lip gloss & facial foam (25ml) but also new brands (to me) like Nuxe's nail cream and a leave-in hair moisturizer (100ml) made in Israel! I can't wait to try that one out, my badly parched hair ends need it.

Love the cheeky farm-girl soap too, yes I'm filthy!
Within, there is also a complimentary 60 min spa treatment at The Safari Spa (at Boon Lay SAFRA) and many discount/ cash vouchers for blog shops like Dressabelle, Smooch, Pink Flare and more. Since opening up the pandora box, my room is filled with the citrusy scent that puts me in the mood for love.

I strongly suggest boyfriends subscribe to a SURPRISE vanity trove delivered to your girlfriend if not monthly (every month, she receives a surprise), quarterly (every 4 months, she receives a surprise) is still sweet!

Prices start at $25 (for 1 month) to try out!

You won't be disappointed. From my first vanity trove, the value is more than $25 already!

I still can't get over the smell of heaven.

Monday, April 9, 2012

I’ve been going for facials since I was 15. I was acne plagued during my puberty years and my mum believed that facials could help. So she took me to a friend’s salon at Far East Plaza and it costs $50 per session without much frills.

It was painful but the sessions did not eradicate my acne problem, in fact I felt really ugly immediately after the facial because my face was red with extraction scars (temporary) all over.

I always had to wear a cap after the treatment, trying to hide my face as much as possible on the way home because I wouldn’t want to be caught by friends in Orchard.

The hideousness lasts on average 3 days.

I remember lamenting to the facial therapist this isn’t helping and the nice old lady told me to pray and put pictures of porcelain skin around my room so that I can envision myself like that. Quite an alternative healing.

Then I gained financial independence at 19 and sort out my own facial salon. It was a major chain with numerous branches within Asia and I signed a package with my first paycheck.

Slowly, it got my acne problem under control.

I tried finding for old pictures with my bad skin but alas there is none digital. I remember being insecure and wasn’t such a cam whore back then.

After spending about $2000 on treatments, my skin started improving.

Slowly, I started getting less and lesser pimples. Since 2 years ago, I started walking out of the salon head held up high without any redness at all. I thought, could this be true? I didn’t mind being “caught” in Orchard now.

I’ve been with that facial salon for almost 7 years now with trials at other salons in between, their treatments remained status quo but until I experienced the Quintessential facial, I wouldn’t know better. Though I could walk out without any redness, I knew my face wasn’t supple and smooth like a baby’s bottom. I could FEEL the little bumps beneath even if they weren’t visible as pimples.
The regular facial at most salons are usually luxurious with shoulder massage, hand paraffin and all that jazz. At Porcelain, you may not necessary get all that (although you get a foot soak if you’re early for appointments) but the time spent on peripherals elsewhere is spent on extractions at Porcelain.

Porcelain Face Spa believes in extraction and their extraction method is a long, tedious and highly skillful.

It was torture to me to lie still for 2 hours of treatment time but the torture was WELL WORTH for porcelain skin.

Admittedly, I was hideous after the treatment but located at Outram was less likely to be spotted. Besides, the MRT was just across the street for an quick escape.

But a day later, the redness was gone and my skin was smooth, I could feel no little bumps AT ALL!

It’s a miracle. Experience yours at Porcelain Face Spa.

P.S I just looked online and they are having an online promotion. Instead of $200 for a Quintessential Facial, it’s $68 now. My therapist is Joanne, in case you’re asking.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012


Beauty product of 2011 for me is the Soothe, Hydro Cleanser. For long, I’ve been battling with imperfect skin. My acne problem was no longer a problem after years of facial treatment but it remained imperfect because of incorrect cleansing at home.

SGD 25 (15ml) / SGD 69 (200ml)

With make-up or not, cleansing is very important to prevent oil bumps from forming or pimples appearing. For a long while, I had been using a cleansing cream to remove make-up and then the facial foam that everyone uses at home. My skin surface was rough and I had the occasional breakout.

Because of my combination skin, I was advised to use water based make-up remover on top of my cleansing cream and then facial foam for a more thorough cleansing but that didn’t help despite THREE STEPS OF CLEANSING!

Then, I did that review at Porcelain Face Spa last year and was introduced the Sooth, Hydro Cleanser. Paraben and sulfate free, it is enriched with 6 natural ingredients (like Aloe Vera, Carrot, Rosemarry, Sage leaves etc) to cleanse, hydrate and calm even the most sensitive skin. Containing powerful antioxidants and conditioning agents to protect and nourish, it also effectively dissolves makeup.

After one Quintessential facial where all kinds of gunk and junk were extracted from my face, I replaced my make-up remove and facial foam with Soothe, Hydro Cleanser and my skin remained smooth. Doubling up as a make-up remove AND facial foam, it’s just 2 steps to maintaining perfect skin!

Get them at Porcelain Face Spa near Outram MRT. 

Thursday, February 16, 2012

I don't use falsies because i could never stick them on neatly. Besides, i heard that the glue dries out your eye lids. But if i do need them for stage, shoots or special dates, i use Shu Uemura glue which was recommended by a girlfriend who is never seen without her falsies.
Costing $21 in our Singapore stores ($9 in Tokyo, it's a black tube), it is a adhesive that stays on long enough, nothing's more embarrassing than drooping lashes. Ok, maybe chicken fillets dropping out of bikinis like what i saw at Miss Singapore is more embarrassing.

Make-up artists have also recommended hand-made soft criss cross falsies to look the most natural.
However, when i don't need falsies, Anna Sui's Super Mascara Water Proof pulls me through the day without smudges. They make my lashes look extremely long too, except that it is often clumpy.
$36 at Sephora.
Coated with Anna Sui mascara.
Then i was invited to review Musee, which i did and i was absolutely in love with the lash extensions (chose the natural look). My natural lashes did not drop despite horror stories, I did not have to get it removed professionally as they dropped one by one automatically. Best of all, they looked SO NATURAL that everyone knew i looked different but can't quite lay their finger on what it was.

A woman must have her secrets. The men cannot know without her push-up bra, the falsies, the make-up, her hair extensions, that she is ACTUALLY CMI one. Cannot.Make.It.

I could wash my face (not rub the eyes) and exercise as per normal. I found my eyes abit more itchy than usual though. The lash extensions were so addictive that after the first session ($120 for 100 strands), i went for 2 touch ups ($30 each time). Then i stopped, just because.

After that first experience of lash extensions, i thought it was an ingenious idea to look made-up without make-up. Alas, MUSEE has closed down their lash extension service because their Japanese trainer went back home. That's how perfectionists the Japanese are. Perhaps they couldn't train their local therapists in time so they decided to shelve it.

Recently, i started itching for the convenience of semi-permanent lash extensions again and i checked out Browhaus Express Lash in Bloom.

Unfortunately, Browhaus Express Lash in Bloom ($75) paled in comparison. It may not be a fair comparison judging that the Browhaus ELB, because it being an express service (30 mins), uses clusters instead of Musee's stand by strand technique.

Making a comparison:
Browhaus Express Lash in Bloom.
Musee's Natural Lash Extensions.
The very obvious difference is that Browhaus ELB, despite recommended as "the natural look" looked nothing natural at all. Even worse when there is no make-up and no brows drawn, i looked like a freaky doll.
Au Naturel only with Musee.
Au Naturel only with Browhaus ELB.

Although, the more prominent lashes do well in photos.

Musee.
Browhaus.

Musee.
Browhaus.
Musee.
Browhaus.
 Alas, i am not a camera whore and i don't live anonymously behind the computer so i do not prefer the ELB. I meet people and i don't use make-up all the time, i will prefer not looking like a creepy doll but will rather look undetected with falsies.

Browhaus's ELB is also heavy and stiff, although to be fair, one must be reminded it is glued on in clusters compared to strand by strand. However, the technique must be the same and it looked as if Browhaus glued the falsies on to the roots of my natural (they claim they don't) which makes me very worried that my natural ones will start dropping! I have lash strengthening serums but i can't seem to brush it on because ELB is too thick and i can't see my roots! Didn't have that problem with Musee's, i could coat both my natural and the extensions with the serum.

I'm tempted to pay $20 for professional removal, barely 5 days after getting ELB. We'll see. Watch this space for updates.

Meanwhile, let me just cam whore more.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Advertorial

An Update: It's been a week now and i returned to edit this post, compelled to rave. Though it started as an advertorial, I AM SOLD. Achieving porcelain skin is ACTUALLY POSSIBLE!

It has always been a battle with me and porcelain skin. Some days are good but most days are bad. Even if there are no visible acne, i was afraid for any lover to stroke my face. The sensitive fingers would feel the bumps (blackheads/whiteheads/clogged pores) beneath. Despite my regular monthly facial at another salon, while i kept acne breakout at bay, i never did achieve porcelain skin.

I just finished swimming and as i was smoothing on my skincare, i was astonished to find it smooth without bumps beneath! To be honest, it was a horrible 1-2 days after the treatment as my face was SUPER red and it felt like a breakout is imminent. I was alittle disappointed. I pulled through by religiously apply Soothe as i was told and voila, a week later...results as promised.

Porcelain Face Spa, i am impressed and you've got my thumbs up.

Read on to know more and see a special deal!
I hate extraction. The uncomfortable prodding and pushing with a metal loop and syringe needle sound scary.

Beauty is pain. Yet extraction is necessary so that impurities can be removed and nutrients from products can penetrate easily into the dermis. However, extraction needs to be done by professionals and with the right techniques. It’s a monthly beauty routine and I was looking forward to the visit at Porcelain Face Spa after returning from Jakarta, a highly polluted city.

What I found different at Porcelain Face Spa from my regular facial salon is. If you arrive 10 minutes early, you get to have a sea salt foot soak!
This is me before the treatment, pores clogged to the max from walking on the streets of Jakarta. Skin on the cheeks are pretty dry, some pigmentation scars as well.
Well, other than the extraction techniques being a tad different from other salons, what i found different was the recommendation of LED light therapy after.

Red Light Therapy Rejuvenates Your Skin
In the anti-aging process, what is important is the collagen production and red light therapy stimulates the collagen production. Collagen is responsible for the elasticity and firmness of your skin, resulting in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. The collagen is also the protein that repair damaged skin cells.

Blue Light Therapy Kills Acne
The blue light therapy kills the Propionibacterium acne bacteria. This bacteria is one of the cause of acne, and is sensitive to light in a certain range (405 to 420nm). The bacteria absorb the light and the light kills the bacteria. It is also used for to reduce the inflammation caused by acne, reduces scarring, sebum and oil production.

What makes Porcelain different is they believe in 3 key philosophies.
  1. Good skin should be clear and radiant from within. Porcelain does not advocate covering imperfections; instead, they seek to treat the root of the problem.
  2. No two skins are alike. To maintain a high level of quality and professionalism, all Porcelain treatment will be fully customized based on skin type, skin problem and therapist recommendation. Customization begins from a wide selection of cleansers, serums, ampoules, masks and other even equipments.
  3. Skincare is long term. You can’t develop a six-pack after one gym session, just like how it is pretty hard to achieve Porcelain skin after 1 treatment. Because skincare is long term, Porcelain work to educate their clients and develop a trusted relationship to better cater to client’s skincare needs.
The therapist warned me before the treatment about the redness experienced after and assured me it will fade. This is me very very red after the treatment. Do not go for a facial a day before any big event or date.
I diligently used the feathery light soothing gel that heals and hydrates the skin to eliminate breakouts and irritation. Specially formulated with pure aloe extracts to soothe skin after procedures.
 This is me 4 days after, redness diminished, pores tighter and blackheads on nose begone!
To good skin and beyond!
Try out their Signature Trial Facial + RevitalEye Luxx + Aroma Relaxing Footbath @ $60! (U.P $365)

Call 6227 9692 for appointment booking. Porcelain, The Face Spa is located at 31A Cantonment Road (3 mins walk from Outram MRT, Exit H) Alternatively, you may visit their website at www.porcelainfacespa.com


Sunday, November 13, 2011

The springing up of group buying websites, how will you know which is legit, which provides quality service?

I'm your quality hunter. I review the deals and tell you which to use.

A manicure and pedicure is a monthly routine for me. I spend up to $60 for a classic service, sometimes i bring that amount down to $40 each time if i pay upfront for a package.

These gams need maintenance! Standing long hours and in 3 inch heels creates blisters and callouses.

And there is a new kid on the block!

BECONNCECTED.SG today's deal is The Nail Pageant!
Conveniently located in Dhoby Xchange at Dhoby Ghaut MRT, pay $28 instead of $80. 64% off classic manicure and pedicure + a paraffin treatment.

That's the full works, cuticle maintenance, massage etc. The paraffin made my feet so soft i want to kiss them! Except i can't.

Buy it now! BECONNCECTED.SG

Friday, November 11, 2011


Here's a skin blog to bookmark.

Sometimes, the things we consider as being trivial and unimportant can cause a lot of damage when put together. Because researchers in the area of health and beauty are always giving us new insights and potential clues in terms of possible factors that can influence our appearance, staying informed is crucial. Here are some of the factors you might want to consider if you wish to have a youthful, radiant skin:


Saunas became a big hype a few years ago, due to the development of spas and a raising interest in the area of healthy living and natural detox methods. Sauna sessions are said to purify the skin by opening the pores and helping the skin remove toxins through sweat, however, if done excessively, the steam power can work against us causing the skin to sag over time. While there’s no need to completely give up this form of pampering, limiting it as much as possible might be a wise idea.

Cellphones can affect the skin negatively if we are not careful. Even though it has not yet been established whether or not the radiation they emit could harm our health, spending a lot of time talking on the phone could cause breakouts in the chin and jaw area. To avoid the risk, you simply have to form the habit of wiping your skin with antibacterial wipes regularly.

Coffee might contain important antioxidants that help prevent premature aging, however, it can dehydrate our body very quickly, stripping water from our skin cells as well. Coffee is a mild 
diurectic. If drunk in large quantity, coffee can cause dehydration of the skin.
Having beautiful skin might be simple in theory, but when it comes to practice, things tend to become a little more complicated. Because there are several variables we need to take into account when it comes to our skin care regimen, it can be quite simple to make unintentional mistakes, however, with the right knowledge most of them can be easily avoided.
Read the skincare blog here http://porcelainfacespa.com/blog/