Showing posts with label skin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label skin. Show all posts

TRIAL BELIF First Aid Overnight Brightening Mask

TRIAL BELIF First Aid Overnight Brightening Mask
Details are available at Simply Beauty Aspirations

Result of appearance of skin after BELIF First Aid Overnight Brightening Mask


Diane Kruger Chanel’s new skincare ambassador speaks


Chanel’s new skincare ambassador
Diane Kruger, the new face of Chanel skincare. She opens up about Chanel skincare in the first of four films for Chanel in Where Beauty Begins.

According to her, Chanel takes another approach to beauty― in their new skin science, their products and in the way they beautifully adapt to today's woman.

"The elegance and subtlety of the house of Chanel, and the Chanel woman, is something we always dream about," says Kruger, fashion model turned actress. For the 37-year-old, beauty is "something we earn I think; it is about a curiosity, it's a culture, a certain strength of character," she reveals. Movies in which Kruger was cast includes Inglorious Basterds (2009) and The Host (2013).

Look out for the other instalments at this site: second instalment out on August 5.




Watch on You Tube if the above doesn't work: Diane Kruger

Look out for the 2nd instalment out on August 5 below.

3rd instalment uploaded on the 7th August. 

4th and final instalment:


Thank you for checking back for each video.  

REVIEW: AsterSpring’s Dermalogica acne scar healing facial


REVIEW: AsterSpring’s Dermalogica Anti Scar Facial (acne scar healing facial)
Walking into JEM (Jurong East Mall) for the first time is rather refreshing. With most of the popular retail brands under its tenancy, it’s as if I’ve walked into one of the malls along Orchard Road. Now all it takes for one living in the West to get to popular retail stores like Top Shop and Warehouse takes less than half an hour, instead of an hour. JEM offers more than retail therapy. Located within the walls of JEM is AsterSpring: Origin of Beauty, part of a regional beauty group that also brings into Singapore established skincare brand, Dermalogica – a skincare brand I always go back to for my acne troubles.  

TRIAL EXPERIENCE
The interior of the skin accessing machine
I trialed DERMALOGICA ANTI SCAR FACIAL, $290 (85 mins) blemish repair treatment. Dionne, who attended to me, was very detailed in her explanation. After accessing my skin with AsterSpring’s special skin check machine which uses ultraviolet rays to detect skin conditions such as hydration level and hyperpigmentation, Dionne concluded that this anti-scar treatment would address my skin needs better than the anti-acne treatment I was scheduled to experience as I have obvious open pores, dull skin, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, acne scars and fine lines.

The spa has a clean and neat changing room with lockers for storage of valuables. Now one doesn’t need to worry where to keep one’s valuables and bag when one is having facial. The room is clean, neat and cool, not stuffy at all with dimmable lights. Everything in the room is white or chrome from the cabinets to facial machines used for a sanitary clinical feel. For my facial, Dionne customised it to include the use of lavender essential oils for the massage, instead of a nourishing cream as it has relaxing properties which soothes my skin as well as my sinusitis issues. No extractions with needles were done during this session to avoid stinging sensations over spots where extractions where done when she uses the machine on my skin later on (although I’d much prefer that having extractions as I usually have pimples that are embedded in the skin that remain there for months).

The Lymphatic Drainage massage session was without any uncomfortable sensations. All Dionne needed to do is select the option for treating acne scars and start moving the probe over my skin systematically. The mask done at the end of the session included the use of gauze placed over the face before anti-ageing and hydrating oat mixture is applied over my face. The session ended with a Dermalogica moisturiser and tinted primer applied over my face to protect my skin from environmental aggressors when I leave the building and a cup of soothing warm cup of date and longan tea to quench my thirst.

Why DERMALOGICA ANTI SCAR FACIAL is beneficial:
1. Increases the cell regeneration process
2. Lightens and brightens uneven skin tone
3. Reduces fine lines and post-acne scars
4. Refines and smoothens skin texture
5. Promotes healthier and smoother skin complexion

This is best for those with the following skin problems:
1. Post-acne scars
2. Skin with opened pores and no active acne
3. Dull and rough skin texture
4. Blemish marks

How it works:
Massaging your way to beauty
The treatment uses a machine that offers Lymphatic Drainage Massage (LDM) treatment with a new generation mechanical wave treatment of between 3 MHz to 10 MHz applied to skin between 100 to 1,000 times every second. These frequency changes and pressure variations create a pulsating and massaging effect, also known as Local Dynamic Micromassage. The frequency is then better absorbed into the upper epidermis and dermis, which makes it great for cell renewal and collagen stimulation. LDM possesses three effect levels of advantages―Thermic, Mechanic and Biochemical―Thermic promotes blood circulation and activates metabolism. Mechanic increases membrane permeability tightens connective tissue and improves skin elasticity. Biochemical gently alters the pH level of skin and collagen cross-links.

LDM can be used for effective anti-aging treatments including skin rejuvenation, skin tightening and wrinkle reduction; acne treatment and scar reduction through the stimulation and redistribution of collagen.

Ideal Facial schedule to address the issues effectively:
One to two weekly or bi-weekly corrective treatments before spreading out to a treatment in once in three weeks or once a month for maintenance. See results in six continuous treatments

Current Promotion: 20 per cent off per three treatments package taken up. If you are able schedule your treatments during off peak hours, ask them if it is still available as it may offer treatments valued at $300 for package price of less than $200. Package price varies depending on monthly marketing activities, that was what I was told when I visited the beauty salon.

VERDICT:
My skin was more hydrated and open pores less obvious by the end of the session. My uneven skin tone however was less obvious when I’m not wearing foundation or makeup base. I guess as I’ve been having it for years, perhaps a few more skin whitening sessions would help to even up the skin tone better. The bump which appeared after a pimple was removed without creating a wound, subsided the next day. No antibacterial zapper was used over my acne during the facial, except for the application of Dermalogica antibacterial pimple cream. The embedded pimple which was on my neck was left alone to develop and hopefully surface. Well it’s still there after one week. 



Interior of a treatment room





EVENT SK-II Star Gazing Party and Pitera Event in August




What are your plans for August? SK-II has some activity  lined up for you.

1. From August 1st (this Thursday) to 11th August 2013:
SK-II will be holding a Pitera™ event at TANGS Orchard. You can learn more about the unique history of SK-II, how the brand evolved with the discovery of its exclusive patented Pitera ingredient and Facial Treatment Essence that captured the world's attention since its launch in Japan in 1980, and became top sellers in a few Asian countries over the years.

Visitors to the Pitera™ event will get to enjoy exclusive promotions at the Pitera House during this period.

2. On August 2nd:
How about some star gazing while discovering the history of SK-II and the birth of SK-II's patented Pitera?

At 6.30pm, Keep your schedule free and rub shoulders with Mediacorp celebrities Qi Yu Wu and Rebecca Lim. The duo, who are part of the cast of the local drama The Dream Makers, will be making special appearances at TANGS Orchard


Singapore Changi Airport & Nuance Watson offers exclusivity to its customers yet again

Nuance-Watson @ Singapore Changi Airport The First To Launch SK-II Stempower Essence in Asia

SK-II is the first brand in the world to be on The Social Tree
at Singapore Changi Airport in July 2013.
After the launch of SK-II at Changi Airport a few years ago, it has been the topseller in Perfumes & Cosmetics. Today, following Nuance-Watson’s aim to offer added exclusivity to its customers, it is again the first in Asia to launch SK-II Stempower Essence in July 2013 at Changi Airport, one month before the essence is available in the domestic market. 





The Social Tree @ Change Airport 
The Social Tree at Singapore Changi Airport is a new attraction that blends avant-garde design with interactive technology. It allows travelers to leave behind a photo or video of themselves, which will be kept for many years and decades to come and hence be a part of Changi Airport's history.
At close to nine metres tall and taking pride of place at the heart of Terminal 1, The Social Tree is surrounded by eight touch-screen photo booths where photos can be attached onto the colourful and animated crown of the structure. Made up of 64 giant 42-inch high-definition screens, the crown of the structure offers a 360-degree display of various animated backgrounds including a mystical forest and the Singapore skyline.




The Social Tree is located in the Central Piazza in the Transit Lounge on Level 2 of Singapore Changi Airport Departure. 

Click here for details in SK-II.

In Pursuit of Youthfulness with SK-II_NEWS

SK-II Stempower Essence Discovery

SK-II scientists found that skin ageing speed increases with age, and that as women approach 30, the main skin concerns includes loss of firmness, enlarged skin pores and obvious fine lines. The reasons behind these include loss of inner resilience and the ability to close skin pores after sebum secretion with age, resulting in enlarged skin pores.

And through stem cells studies, it became obvious that epidermal root cell activity declines with age, resulting in reduced skin firmness, and more obvious signs of ageing. By identifying the ageing speed patterns and critical factors that affect skin’s ageing speed, SK-II is able to focus on formulating solutions that improve skin radical firmness and slow down skin ageing speed. This leads to the discovery of revolutionary ingredients that reveal more youthful skin, such as Stem-Acanax ES Complex.

SK-II Stempower Essence
SKII Stempower Essence boosts skin inner resilience for firmer skin with refined pores to achieve clear skin in just two weeks. Setting a new standard in youthful beauty, which is not only smooth, but also a visibly "poreless" appearance and bouncy with a higher skin inner resilience and elasticity.

After 1 day of use, pores become less visible, leading to skin firmness as much as that of 10 years before, after 10 days of use.
  
The Application of Stempower Essence by SK-II beauty trainer Cindy Cheong
Step by Step approach to applying the Stempower Essence to reveal smooth, firm skin with appearance of refined skin.


Step 1 SK-II Facial Tratment Essence Clear Lotion
Step 2 SK-II Stempower Essence (1-2 drops) over face, and an additional few drops on concerned areas with gentle knuckling motion.

SK-II Stempower Essence retails at $156 (30ml)/$224 (50ml). Available in leading department stores in August 2013.



PRESENTATION
Supermodels paraded in the latest designs retailing at local leading fashion online retailer Love Bonito, while manoeuvring Samsonite luggage. Hair is styled by hairstylists at Salon B.






PICTURES FROM THE EVENT


Detoxify and Protect Skin from Haze

Antioxidant Skincare - Estee Lauder Nutritious


With more hot spots found in Indonesia and the winds predicted to blow the haze this way, purifying and detoxifying skin from pollutants that stick to skin is even more important now. Not just that, it is also important to strengthen skin with a rich dose of antioxidants to protect it against skin irritating and damaging effects of free radicals. 

One of the latest antioxidant-rich skincare to consider is Estee Lauder reformulated and improved Nutritious Collection. The range restores skin by detoxifying skin of irritants, neutralising free radicals from pollution and haze and strengthening skin with potent nutrients and essential hydration.

Why It's Good For Your Skin
In the centre of this new formulation is proprietary Pomegranate Nectar Infusion. It is a fusion of bio-converted Pomegranate and antioxidant rich super berries said to instantly revitalise dull, tired skin to leave it with radiant. How does it do this? The infusion hydrates and nourishes skin with its rich source of nutrients, as it promotes skin natural antioxidant activity.
Bio-converted Pomegranate: Pomegranate nutrients are easily absorbed into the skin in this form after a patent-pending bio-fermentation process. This further boosts the potency of antioxidant-rich pomegranate properties in skin to neutralise free radicals.
Super Berries: A rich blend of bio-fermented Cranberry, blueberry and Wolfberry boosts activation of skin detoxifying enzymes to defend skin against external stress. Cranberry and Blueberry neutralize free radicals. Wolfberry enhances the absorption of nutrients.

How to achieve radiant skin with this regime:
1 RADIANT VITALITY 2-IN-1 FOAM CLEANSER, S$40
This gentle foaming cleanser detoxifies skin of surface pollutants and residues of makeup and dirt with charged clay. It is also a 2 minute skin purifying mask when massaged on dry skin and left on for two minutes to work.

2 RADIANT VITALITY ENERGY LOTIONS (Fresh Moist and Intense Moist), S$70
Preps skin to reap maximum benefits from treatments that follow, while intensively hydrating and nourishing skin.

3 RADIANT VITALITY ESSENCE OIL, S$100
This light-weight radiance and vitamin booster rebuilds skin natural lipid barrier, thus strengthening it against irritation and moisture loss with a blend of nourishing oils including pomegranate extract and vitamin E.  It forms a layer to protect skin against pollution.

4 RADIANT VITALITY 2 STEP TREATMENT, S$90
A Detoxifying Clay Mask and a Nutrient Infusing Gel Mask packed into separate compartments within a container offer a two step skin treatment to first purify skin before intensively hydrating skin. It is a complete radiance transformation treatment.

Estee Lauder Nutritious Collection is dermatologist tested, does not cause acne and specifically created for and tested on Asian skin.

Available at BHG Bugis, Isetan (Katong, Scotts, Tampines and Serangoon Central), Metro (Paragon, City Square, Woodlands), OG People’s Park, Robinsons (Centrepoint and Raffles City), Takashimaya and Tangs (Orchard and Vivocity).

For link to effects of haze, please click here.

SAVINGS Astalift Lunamer offer

Further to my review about how Astalift Lunamer brightened my complexion, you can now save 30% off the normal retail price of $154 when you purchase the Brightening Kit. While stocks last.

For details on the Astalift Lunamer range.

NOTE: This promotion has ended.

Dazzle at Parties and get Dull Skin to Glow

Dazzle at Parties with once Dull Skin                               
After Office Party Skin Glowing Tip
To prep skin for an evening night out after work:
1. Refresh complexion with a dab of Kenzoki Cream with a Sheen
2. Relax your facial features before touching up on your makeup
3. Restore luminosity to complexion and set makeup with a spritz of Kenzoki Spray With A Sheen
4. The soft powdery scent from white lotus in the Kenzoki Cream with a Sheen and when spritzing the Kenzoki Spray With A Sheen onto skin relaxes the senses during the skincare and makeup setting ritual.
5. Now that you are relaxed, leave work frustration behind as you proceed to your appointment, and pick up some cheerfulness and have a ready smile. How you feel will further relax facial features and help you stay relaxed and dazzle at the party.

Trial Kenzoki Cream with a Sheen and Kenzoki Spray With A Sheen
I moisturised my skin with Kenzoki Cream with a Sheen and set my makeup with a spritz of the Kenzoki Spray With A Sheen, before setting off on a 7-hour drive to Terengganu, Malaysia on a hot afternoon. Upon arrival at our hotel at 1030pm, I noticed that my complexion had a healthy sheen. On the second day of using this cream, I didn't feel any tingling sensation upon application. And by mid-day, I checked my skin again and there was a subtle sheen on my nose bridge and cheek bones (I could not capture the sheen with the camera on my mobile phone, so I decided to drop the idea of uploading the visual of my skin). My open pores were less obvious as if they were airbrushed, but are still obvious if I take a closer look at them. 

Restore Radiance to Dull Complexion
Feeling blue at the sight of your tired, lack lustre skin? Long working hours and irregular meal times  drains energy and the life out of you. Not just that, a lifestyle like this, which leaves skin dull, also makes you appear lifeless and lacking in enthusiasm as well as energy. Well, Kenzoki gives you a chance to glow everyday with its newly reformulated Kenzoki Cream with a Sheen, or Creme qui fait Belle (in French) literally translated as "Cream that makes Beautiful". Yes, you will look better or more beautiful than before, once skin pores are less obvious, skin more refined and smoother, and skin tone evened up. 

What makes this cream work?
Promising to refine skin pores and leave it glowing and more refined, Kenzoki Cream with a Sheen, is packed with ingredients such as :

Extract of pink peony: Promote skin radiance, evens uneven skin tone to restore its natural sheen. 
White lotus: the soft powdery scent of white lotus has an intense relaxing effect on your mood.


Kenzoki Spray With A Sheen
Osilift®, a derivative of oats, forms a flexible film on skin like a second skin to smoothen and firm it as it sets make-up.





Not available for retail, but as a gift with purchase. Please see details below.
Kenzoki Cream With a Sheen, $105 (50ml) is available at all Kenzo counters in July. Top up your purchase to $160 nett on Kenzoki products and receive a 9-piece gift set inclusive of Kenzoki Spray with a Sheen 30ml (worth $35). Having a travel-size Kenzoki Spray With a Sheen in your bag allows you to look radiant before every meeting or appointment. Simply lightly spritz over makeup minutes before stepping into meetings.

VERDICT
Kenzoki Cream With a Sheen is amazing. Although trial results claim to restore radiance and more refined skin to dull skin in eight weeks, I could see some subtle glow on my skin after the first use. Note that this cream is meant for day moisturising. Other than using a concealer to achieve flawless skin, this cream is a great emergency moisturiser for anyone who needs to appear to have less obvious skin flaws in a day and keep skin hydrated. A great plus is that after using it for a while skin becomes more refined.

REVIEW The gentlest and most aromatic cleanser for oily/combination, acne prone skin


A Very Gentle Cleanser for Oily/Combination Skin


Coast to Coast Rainforest Pore Purifying Foaming Cleanser with Lilly Pilly & Eucalyptus sulphate-free cleanser

Trial
Cleansing my face and smelling the aroma of soothing essential oils is a very calming and pleasant experience, especially when the haze condition was at an unhealthy level. This gentle, low foaming cleanser left my skin cleansed, calm and comfortable without stripping my dry combination skin of excess oil. I am rather surprised as this cleanser is actually meant for oily/combination skin. The active ingredients in this gentle cleanser are Lilly Pilly, Eucalyptus & Australian Tea Tree.

What’s great about it?
Lilly Pilly: This antioxidant vitamin C-rich ingredient protects skin’s cell structure by preventing damage from free radicals as it also helps skin regenerate and cleanse. Vitamin C and fruit acids promote collagen and elastin production to visibly firm and brighten complexion. Its astringent properties cleanse and refresh skin and improve youthful resilience.

Eucalyptus: Its strong antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and cooling properties are best for healing wounds. It has a fresh scent that is both refreshing and invigorating.

Australian Tea Tree: Regulate and repair skin with its potent antiseptic, antibacterial and astringent properties.

Salicylic Acid: Banish acne-causing bacteria, while maintaining skin’s natural moisture balance.

VERDICT:
I double cleanse my skin by removing my makeup with a makeup remover before removing impurities and excess sebum with this sulphate-free cleanser. My dry-combination skin feels clean and very comfortable after cleansing with this light foaming cleanser. In particular, I love the sensory part of using this cleanser as smelling it while massaging the foam on my skin soothes my senses and refreshes me at the same time. It makes me look forward to cleansing my skin even when I arrive home very late and tempted to hit the sack without removing my makeup.

Coast to Coast products are available at Coast to Coast Boutiques at Vivo City #01-08.

REVIEW:Silk 'N Face FX rejuvenating home gadget


REVIEW: Silk 'N Face FX rejuvenating home gadget





Simply Beauty had the opportunity to do a trial with this cool skin rejuvenating gadget Silk ‘N FaceFx. Here’s what we found.
Silk’N FaceFX
It uses the synergy of heat radiation and optical energy for long term clinical results. The tool uses a combination of 24 LEDs and HFTM technology proven to be clinically effective at improving the appearance of aged and photo-damaged facial skin.

Silk’N FaceFX Technology
It works with dual use of energies. The low optical energy, non-thermal LED may contribute to increased collagen mass by inhibiting its degradation down to the deep dermis. This will be manifested as improved wrinkles and pores size. The optical energy of 635 nm along with the superficial penetration of the heat radiation may heat the epidermis and render the brown spots more fragile. The contact heating may also help in collagen contraction.

How It Works
Gently glide the applicator over desired part of face to be treated for 15 to 20 minutes. You should feel gentle heat coming from the metallic part of the head with LED lights. The efficiency of the results varies from person to person and according to the frequency of use and skin type. Some may see results sooner than others.

Silk’N FaceFX treatment course: During the first month (4 weeks), treatment should be performed 3 times a week for 15-20 minutes per session, after which, use only once a week for maintenance.

Here’s what we found out:
The Trial
Silk N’ FaceFX is lightweight and very easy to use.

When I first started, I would use the rejuvenator on my face night the before, and could see a firmer skin the following day. The skin improvements such as more refined and toned skin were obvious on first few days of use. However after a while, as skin is already firm, it took longer to see greater improvements such as a less obvious double chin and a more defined jaw line, when focussed the usage over my cheeks and jaw line. 

ADDITIONAL NOTES: When used over wrinkles on forehead and freckles on cheeks, wrinkles become less obvious after a few sessions, and freckles and uneven skin tone less obvious.
Double chin is not as obvious as before
(from left) Cheek and jaw line after using FaceFx and before starting on FaceFx.
Shadow at the side of my nose is less obvious (See picture on left) after using Silk 'N Face Fx for about two months. NOTE: Difference in skin tone is due to tan acquired from exercising outdoors during the two months, not from using the gadget.

Challenges of Fitting This Tool into Daily Routine


It takes a while to get used to making a smooth glide on my skin with this handheld skin rejuvenator, while creating imaginary circles with it. Initially it was difficult to glide it smoothly over skin. It was after a few attempts over a few days that I managed to succeed in getting a smoother glide. The trick was to wait a couple of minutes for my skin to be less damp after wiping my face dry from a wash. Incorporating Silk 'N FaceFx into my skincare regime took a little of getting used to. It also took me a few attempts to remember not to instinctively reach out for my toner right after cleansing my skin as it needs to be used on clean skin. However, these are easily overcome once I set my mind to it. Also, as my family tries to conserve energy by not charging our gadgets all day, I put the applicator on the charger only when the battery is flat or seem to be very weak. On days when the battery was weaker, all I could manage was a few strokes on my face before the battery conked off. But that didn’t bother me at all. I’d just postpone the session to the next day. 

A few doubts Clariancy clarified:
Simply Beauty: Can I use this tool with a serum to improve its absorption?
Clariancy:  Only use FaceFx on dry cleansed skin as using a gel or cream while gliding the FaceFx on it may cause gels or creams to get stuck into the Red L.E.D.s leading to malfunction of the tool. While it helps to increase skin cell renewal and stimulate collagen and elastin production, remember to continue with regular skin exfoliation, which will help to even out skin tone and the bumpiness.

Simply Beauty: I heard some therapists advise that if one doesn't clear the pimples or rough skin with milia seeds before a rejuvenation treatment, skin rejuvenation treatments will not be as effective. So what can I do?
Clariancy: That is true. As such, it is best to exfoliate first before performing aesthetic treatments. If you are using FaceFX, you can consider a home microdermabrasion device to peel the skin first before performing FaceFX treatments. This removes excess keratin on the skin and allows the rays from the Red L.E.Ds to penetrate further and more efficiently into the deeper layers of the skin.

At the clinic setting, we also advise clients to consider peels first before their IPL or laser treatments for better results.

On occasional bumps or single pimple:
Simply Beauty: If I have bumps which sometimes become more pronounced while using the FaceFX, from using a massaging cream that are too rich, what should I do?
Clariancy: Usually FaceFX does not make bumps more pronounced than they already are. If your bump is raised because it is a pimple/acne, the FaceFX can indirectly help because acne is most sensitive to Heat and LED Blue Light. The technology behind FaceFX is 41 degrees Celsius heat and LED Red Light. The heat from the FaceFX can help to treat acne.

Simply Beauty: Hydration after FaceFX is a must. What kind of skin hydrator or moisturiser to use?
Clariancy: A hydrating moisturiser is a definite because after all kinds of treatments, our skin tends to be drier, that's why we have to top it up with more hydration. Thus, using hydrating serums that contains Hyaluronic Acid will be good. An anti-aging moisturiser is alright if it is suitable for your skin type. Basically moisturiser comes in 2 forms, water based or oil based. Usually the more mature and dry skin type will go for oil ones and the acne, oily ones will go for water based. Also, do note the humid weather in Singapore, usually our skin tends to produce oil after awhile, so it is advisable to go for a more water based moisturiser. I'll say that it's important to apply serums before your moisturiser as the molecules in moisturiser are bigger and harder to get absorbed into our skin.

Simply Beauty: Can this be used every day? What precautions to take? Does it cause skin to become dry? I find that my already dry skin gets drier after using this tool.
Clariancy: It can be used every day. Having said that, using the Sill 'N FaceFx daily would not make the results better. As such, I would still recommend you to use it as per the protocol which is 3 times a week for 4 weeks. It does make the skin slightly dehydrated and applying moisturisers after treatments are advisable. In fact, FaceFX helps to increase serum and chemical absorption and it really plumps up the skin when you use a moisturiser after a FaceFX treatment. I guess for this part about the oily stuff, you'll have to look through all your products. If a product gives you bumps after using, then stop using it as it is too rich for you.

Simply Beauty: Initially when I started using this tool, I thought I could see my skin looking more refined and firmer every day. But after a stopped for a few days before starting again, the improvements are not as obvious as before. Why is it so? (usage time is same as before)
Clariancy: This is really like going to a gym. If you want to train your muscles to get a better bicep definition, you need to hit the gym a few times a week. Once you have reached your goal of having well defined muscles (6 abs or so), you still need to do regular visits to maintain the figure/definition. If you stop, the muscles lose the definition and revert back to fat cells. Your Collagen is like your Muscles. You need to give it regular stimulation so that you can have enough collagen and this helps to tighten and firm your skin. You should see good results 4 weeks after a course of sessions but you should also perform maintenance sessions. Perhaps, no need to do 3 times a week but just once a week should be good enough.

If you skip the sessions, you need a bit more time to see the results again. Also, like going to a gym, you can't just lift 5kgs each time. You need to lift 5kgs, 10kgs later and 20kgs even later. If you find the results with Silk 'N FaceFx is diminishing, you can use it longer or even twice a day.

Simply Beauty: Can I use alcohol swaps to clean the contact point without damaging it? The brochure mentions cleaning with a piece of cloth after every use. I wonder if I clean with alcohol swap it would be more hygienic?
Clariancy: Yes. It is fine to use alcohol swabs to clean the head of FaceFX, but I would use a lightly moist cloth to double clean after using the alcohol swab. It should be alcohol swab, moist cloth and then dry with another cloth. Alcohol is flammable. While the heat of FaceFX would not cause a fire when in contact with alcohol, we rather err on the side of caution and use a moist cloth to wipe of the alcohol.

Silk 'N FaceFx retails at $480. Available at all Clariancy (Private Limited) outlets. 

VERDICT: Being able to achieve skin rejuvenation results with a home DIY gadget is great news. I’ve been wondering about the chances of achieving firmer skin with a home gadget at a lower cost as compared to anti-ageing facial packages, which I realised my therapist does not always give me for every visit. At least with this gadget I can manage my expectations better. 

My Haul from L'Oreal Beauty Fair June 2013

My beauty haul at L'Oreal Beauty Fair June 2013


These are a few of the products that I bought on behalf of a friend. Some of the items are offered at a great price:

Not in the picture are 2 Redken Real Control Crema Care 250ml for $30. I paid about $50 each when I bought it at a hair salon a few years ago.

If you haven't seen the Facebook announcement, here are the details of the sale again:
L'Oreal Beauty Fair
Singapore Expo 
till 23 June. 
Foyer 2, level 2. 
10am to 8pm. 

Only selected items are available at a special price. Brands  I saw yesterday were:
L'Oreal Professionelle, Kerastase, Matrix hair brands, 
L'Oreal Paris, Maybelline, Vichy and La Roche Posay beauty brands. 

Happy shopping!

Pollution remedy?

How well are you protecting your skin on this #hazy day?

TIP: On a hot day like today with the environment polluted by haze, it is even more important to protect skin with #antioxidant-rich hydrators. Though some of us may experience slight skin irritation, and for some the effects may not be visible now, but in the long run, the youthful appearance of your skin years later will be the evidence.


Read more options on respite from the haze by clicking on the following:

Astalift
Estee Lauder Nutritious
Kerastase hair - Antioxidants
Moisture
Salt Cave
Snail Cream
YSL sun protection


THE HAZE

The raging fires sparked by the dry weather in the months from May to October that set parts of Indonesia alight, and the clearing of Indonesian land for agricultural reasons through burning, affect those living in Indonesia, Singapore and parts of Malaysia. Smoke haze caused by these fires envelope Indonesia as well as Singapore and parts of Malaysia, when the prevailing Southwest Monsoon winds blow the smoke haze from the fires in our direction.

Haze Levels
The Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) determines the level of air pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide and particulate matter of 10 microns or smaller in size (note: 1 micron is 0.001 mm)

Following is a set of PSI Values and their corresponding PSI Description for Singapore:

PSI 0 to 50  --> Good PSI Level
51 - 100 --> Moderate PSI Level
101 - 200 --> Unhealthy PSI Level
201 - 300 --> Very unhealthy PSI Level
Above 300 --> Hazardous PSI Level

Another value PM2.5 measures the level of pollutants that are of particulate matter 2.5 microns or 
smaller in size. As a result of their very small particulate size, these pollutants can penetrate deeper 
into the lungs and enter the blood stream, resulting in greater adverse health conditions. 

Effects of Haze
Other than dust and smoke particles, haze also contains sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide and particulate matter. Depending on the particulate size of the particles in the haze, the smaller particulates are able to penetrate deep into the lungs, and in some cases, enter the bloodstream.  Not all effects of the haze is immediate. The health effects of the haze may have up to three days time lag between exposure to the haze and health effects surfacing


Those with sinus problems or sensitive nose are more likely to develop nasal congestion, sore throat and coughing, or eye, nose, and throat irritation. 

Those with eczema or other skin conditions may have skin irritations.




More serious health effects may include respiratory conditions such asthma attacks and bronchitis, and worsening of heart diseases.


Health Advisory

When PSI rises to between 100 and 200, the following with the conditions before are advised to minimise outdoor activities:
- Children
- Elderly
- Those with past medical problems that include:

  • respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive lung diseases
  • heart diseases especially coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure
  • a history of ear, nose and throat problems such as allergic nasal problems with sinusitis
  • chronic diseases such as diabetes 
when PSI rises above 200, all are advised to wear N95 face mask to filter out fine particulate, especially when venturing outdoors.


However, I feel that each of us who are more prone to sensitivity to pollution should monitor our own health condition as some like me may feel unwell when PSi hits 50.



Picture Credits: Special thanks to sekchmd