Wednesday, 17 June 2009

Beauty - The Hollywood A-Lister’s Essential Facial Is Here – At Half The Price They Pay!



Sweeties! I have seen the light! The holy grail is here. I am not a screaming Hollywood fan, but I have tried the Intraceuticals Infusion facial treatment at Grand Hyatt’s Damai Spa and it is really, I kid you not, everything it says it is. And to boot, I was ‘done’ by Madonna’s own ‘facialist’ Rachel Peck, who was here a fortnight ago to launch this wonder of wonders.

Intraceutical Infusions is apparently the latest essential skincare treatment of Hollywood stars including post-50-year-old Madonna. When Madam was invited to try it out, I was admittedly highly sceptical, expecting nothing more than slick American marketing and packaging. But I tell you, there were instant results and if Elaine didn’t stop me from posting my rather unprofessionally taken photograph, I would have wanted to show you a ‘before and after’ on each side of my face. For they did half of it first so I could compare. And what did I see at the end of the treatment? Significantly reduced eye bags and lines around my nose and mouth, lightened and more even skin tone, and firmer, plumped skin overall – the effects of deep hydration I was told.


This fancy new treatment involves a “hyperbaric oxygen therapy” which sends the serum deep into the layers of the skin. Basically the therapist applies the serum (which contains the magic ingredient hyaluronic acid) using a machine which blows a continuous and narrow jet of oxygen onto the skin – from face to neck – apparently sending the tiny molecules deep into your dermis. Ingredients in the serum aids cell growth, firms, tightens, and apparently fights ageing. Botox without the needles and any discomfort! How luscious is that?!

To make it really effective, you’re supposed to load up on the treatment once a week for the first six weeks, followed by monthly sessions to eke out its maximum potential.

So, face to face with Rachel Peck, who’s clients include A-listers like Eva Longoria and Madonna (whom she follows on tour to administer the treatment regularly!), I had to ask what was the elusive elixir to youthful skin? Aside from expensive treatments, the most essential basics she says is ultimately simple – stay out of the sun, use sunblock, use serums – load them on with abandon! She uses four of them at a go – and as far as possible, don’t use make up which she says compromises on the ‘quality of your skin’. That’s what her A-listers do, she says. (Hmmm – not sure if I’m convinced about the no make-up bit.)

Anyway, compared to the US$500 that these celebrities fork out for a 60 minute session, we on the other hand need to cough up S$240 a pop at Damai. It’s really good, and if weekly sessions are too pricey, it’s definitely worth doing it the day before a big event. Because like a good curry or tau yew bak, the effects improve over the next 2-3 days. And indeed I found it was indeed so. With faithful follow up using their take-home products, the effects though started to peter out after about nine days. Still it’s definitely worth a treat.

The Intraceutical Infusions offer a range of three targeted facials – the rejuvenate facial ($240) which hydrates and adds radiance, the opulence facial ($280) for whitening and evening out pigmentation, and atoxelene ($240), a top up treatment, which lifts and fills in the lines. A course of six sessions ranges from $1500 to $1600.

Faster go!

Where:
Damai Spa
Grand Hyatt Singapore
Tel: 6416 7156 for appointment or queries


- by Ee Waun
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Tuesday, 16 June 2009

Bling - Goldheart goes Italiano


Capturing a younger, more savvy and fashionable market, Goldheart introduces NANIS, a premium collection of jewellery into its city stores.

Its stores at International Building, Vivocity, Wisma Atria, Great World City, as well as Goldheart’s new concept store at Orchard Central will offer Bon-Bon, Olga, Papette and Trans Bulb, four different collections of Italiano-style eye-candy coloured charms made of natural stones and yellow gold boules engraved by hand, like transparent sugar candies and small chocolates wrapped by precious paper. Prices start at S$968.

With a strong following in the US, UK, France, Morocco, Japan and Hong Kong, the NANIS collection is eye-catching. Check out these candy-tray picks (above) to take you effortlessly from the office to an evening out or to dress up a simple jeans and top weekend ensemble.

See: www.goldheart.com.sg


- Elaine
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Sunday, 14 June 2009

Beauty - Babe, you have to get some 'BB'!



Its the end of the day, my skin still looks great! Dewy, matte and fresh, words never used before to describe my 40 year old complexion. Borrowing the words of philosopher Descarte "I am because I 'BB'!".

No clue what I am going on about? 'BB' or 'B.B cream' is the biggest buzz word in the North Asian skin care and foundation market, a solo foundation product that is taking up prime display space as its simply flying off the shelves of the Korean and Japanese make up manufacturers, especially here in trend driven Hong Kong.

'BB' stands for Blemish Balm cream and it is basically a 4-in-1 multifunctional cream that soothes, moisturizes, protects and gives a natural dewy finish to the skin. Apparently the product was developed by dermatologists to help patients recovering from laser skin surgery, burns and skin related problems by providing ample coverage as well as soothing and regenerating the skin's surface as part of the complete healing process.

How did it soar to fame? Apparently the big home grown make-up manufacturers in Korea caught on to it as a marketable product and used Korean celebrity endorsement to introduce it. Overnight, this product evolved and emerged as the hottest 'must-have' make-up item to achieve that long-wearing and constantly youthful glow.

Ok so its not botox and does not smooth the wrinkles we are all starting to have at 40 but this product definitely does deliver! I got a tube of this 'miracle' cream by Korean brand Charmzone (Natural Skinade B.B cream with SPF15/PA+) as a gift from my well travelled girlfriend who heard her Korean aircrew friends rave about it. Yours truly decided to test the hype by taking it on a trial run.

I have the worst kind of combination skin, very oily on the T zone and dry everywhere else. I also have an uneven skin tone with the odd age spot appearing here and there and open pores especially along both sides of my nose. The instructions for use were simple. I followed the usual tone, moisturise and sun block routine first and then applied a thin layer of the product all-over focusing on the spots that I wanted to 'cover' as with a regular foundation or concealer. The product instantly reminded me of a tinted moisturiser with an additional mattifier or pore tightening effect. I very pleasantly surprised at the product's creamy and yet light texture. It did not invade the pores or rest heavy on the skin like a two way cake does. Instead, it spread evenly disappearing quickly into the skin, efficiently and almost instantly closing up what I call the 'pot holes' (pores) camouflaging them and evening out my overall complexion bringing me from pasty to radiant without looking 'shiny'.

Twelve hours later, back from my supermarket run and even after a 45 minute visit to the gym, I was still pretty dewy and sufficiently matte rather than looking like an oozing oil well, which I normally am after being out in the humidity and heat of a Hong Kong Summer. Before my final verdict, I did a 'morning-after' test, the next morning just to see if I had clogged pores or any breakouts. Nothing! I was sold!

With the advantage of being both a makeup and a skin care product, BB cream formulations are suitable for all skin types, even those with sensitive and acne-prone skin. BB creams generally come in one or two shades as they are not meant to mask your skin but rather to sink or seep into your skin to even up your skin tone. Note this product is NOT meant as a replacement to the regular, tone, moisturise and sun block routine. Also not to be used as a treatment product if you have existing acne or stubborn blemishes as the product is more cosmetic in nature ie. used for concealment.

Where can you find this? Try the Korean brands (some of these brands are in Singapore) Bio Remedies Therapeutic Cosmetics (BRTC), Skin Food, Missha, Skin 79, Etude, The Face Shop.

Go ahead babe, your skin is in crave mode and you definitely need some BB love!

- Elaine

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Wednesday, 10 June 2009

This Weekend - Zen Rocks


If you’re feeling a little stressed out – maxed out your credit cards at the GSS, perhaps, or missed out on the recent stock market rally? – head to the museum for a touch of zen and restore your inner balance. For a serving of calm and serenity, check out The Way the Sand Flows: Japanese Rock Gardens at the National Museum of Singapore on 13 June (Saturday).

This event, held in conjunction with World Environment Day (5 June), is part of the museum’s Life & Living Series, which aims to present refreshing new ways of discovering different aspects of life and history in a relaxed, informal manner.

Karesansui, or the Japanese rock garden, is a well-known, traditional form of Japanese landscaping and closely linked with broader Buddhist and Shinto beliefs. Symbolism is a key element and underscores every aspect of creating a garden. Explore how these gardens reproduce natural landscapes using stones, gravel, sand and moss and how it ties in with broader Japanese design philosophies. 

Not only that. You also get to create your own mini-garden during this workshop, which will be helmed by artist-designer Grace Tan, who has spent many years researching Japanese design philosophies, including its use in these Japanese rock gardens and ikebana. Grace has exhibited widely, including at the Venice Architectural Biennale, London Design Week and Tokyo Design Tide.

The Way The Sand Flows: Japanese Rock Gardens
At The Salon, National Museum of Singapore
93 Stamford Road
13 June (3pm-5pm)
Tickets at S$25 per person.
Tel: (65) 6332 5642/6332 3659 
www.nationalmuseum.sg

- Lisa
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Buys - This one is for the Dads!


Looking for something more novel for Dad or the man in your life? 

Take a look at this one! Ok, so its not exactly recessionista proof with a S$6,688 price tag, including GST. However the Epson EH-TW5000 is something the whole family can enjoy together. 

The Epson EH-TW5000 is basically a home cinema projector ideal for those who want a premium home cinematic experience. The set up offers a full HD 1080p with true high-definition 1920 x 1080p resolution with 3LCD technology. 

If you are into specs it has a C²Fine inorganic D7 panel, a dynamic contrast ratio of 75,000:1, a high level of brightness of 1600 ANSI Lumens, a HQV video processor to realise clear and sharp motion picture and can be connected to a range of input sources including 2 x HDMI version 1.3, YUV and VGA. Also comes with a five year warranty (including Saturday visits) on lamp and projector. Now that's a good 60 months of airtime that would give you your money's worth. 

You say, "Who am I kidding? It screams 'soccer widow'". 

Call me foolish, hopeful or both but I choose to see the positive rather than the obvious. After all dreams are free and mine are of weekly movie and popcorn nights, lovely elusive visions of the family curled up on couch together. Ahhh... I dream on and so should you darlings -- as dreams are free! 

More details at www.epson.com.sg

- Elaine
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Tuesday, 9 June 2009

Beauty - Skin Spring Clean



Here is a funny one for the desperate housewife in you - for perfect skin, ie. flawless, baby smooth and taut - get out the vacuum cleaner, suck up all the sebum in those pores, shrink them, clear out the dust bag and perfecto! 

Dr. Brandt has launched a new skin care line which is literally called the 'pores no more™ vacuum cleaner' that promises smooth, porcelain looking skin.

Combining a Japanese ingredient called 'the Ejitsu Rose which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties together with Salicylic and Glycolic acid (used in reducing the appearance of open pores), the pores no more™ vacuum cleaner helps loosen and remove blackheads, absorb dirt and excess oil from the pores. It also unclogs, purifies and tightens pores, while refining the skin’s smoothness and texture hence clarifying skin for a smoother application of make-up.

Recommended use is 2 to 3 times every week by applying a thin layer to areas with large open pores. Leave on for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the product to turn light blue with a cooling sensation on the skin. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry. All this for S$80 per 30ml. 
Looks like, I am definitely trading in my vacuum cleaner for this one. 

Go try! Available at Sccube The Apothecary, Centrepoint Shopping Centre at unit 05 or see www.sccube.com

- Elaine
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Buys - Gadget Girl


Fancy yourself a gadget girl. Check these good lookers from Logitech:

Think mobility! This is the Logitech® Comfort Lapdesk for Notebooks and it provides a stable base and helps protect against laptop heat whether you’re working from the comfort of your couch, relaxing on your bed or reclining on the living-room floor. S$69.


Sitting in an office environment, worried about how hot your laptop gets and don't like hunching over to use it. Try the Logitech® Cooling Pad N100 and the Logitech® Notebook Riser N110, which extend the company’s line of notebook essentials that help make the laptop experience more comfortable around the home. S$39 each.


Cut down outside noise whilst you are working? The Super.Fi 5vi earphones offer integrated voice functionality designed especially for the iPhone® and most BlackBerry® phones – featuring a multi-function button that answers or ends phone calls and controls music. 

Enjoy a full, detailed soundstage – accurately reproducing all types of musical genres. Cables can be worn down for casual listening or over the ear for active lifestyles. The Ultimate Ears Super.Fi 5 earphones are available now for a suggested retail price of S$269. Also available are the Super 5 Pro at S$399 and the Super 5 VI at S$299.


You like working in different areas of the room but don't want the hassle of bringing your mouse along. The Logitech® V550 has a Clip-and-Go dock lets you conveniently clip the V550 mouse to your laptop – and go. S$89.

You like it all-in-one? Try the Logitech® Pure-Fi Dream™ Premium Bedroom Music System for iPod® for your bedroom as it has iPod speakers with premium audio, an innovative application of motion- and light-sensing technology, a built-in digital AM/FM radio and a dual alarm with battery backup - the Pure-Fi Dream speakers are perfect for any nightstand. S$399.

More details at:
www.logitech.com

- Elaine 


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Thursday, 4 June 2009

BTW - Get Busy With The Kids


School holidays are a time to relax and take it easy. Or not. The good folks at the Asian Civilisations Museum and Peranakan Museum have thoughtfully lined up some special Children’s Workshops to keep the kids busy (and out of trouble) during the June holidays. Since it’s pretty cool to have a staycation these days -

think credit crunch as well as the dangerous bugs you could catch overseas - here are some ‘funtainment’ activities that should keep the young ‘uns happy, busy and amused while you enjoy a quiet stroll around the galleries and a much-needed, midday caffeine refill.

At the
Stenciling Workshop on 7 June (Sunday), learn how to paint Asian motifs and patterns on cards and even tee-shirts inspired by museum artefacts with decorative stencils. This workshop is for children aged 7 to 14 years old. The S$25 fee includes art materials, except for the tee-shirt. Participants should bring their own light-coloured plain tee-shirt, which they can tranform into personal works of art.
*From 2.00-3.30pm at the River Room, ACM, 1 Empress Place.

Senses rule at the
Scents and Sensibility Workshop on 27 June (Saturday), which will shed light on the role of useful plants in the lives of the Peranakans. This workshop begins at the museum, where participants will discover the role of sireh and bunga rampai in Peranakan weddings and daily life. From there, participants will head to the Spice Garden at Fort Canning Park where they can try their hands at making a bunga rampai scented sachet (a symbol of hope and sweetness for a lasting engagement) and rolling a sireh quid. At S$12 per person, this workshop is best for ‘nosey’ children between 8 and 10.
*From 2.00-4.00pm at the Peranakan Museum, 39 Armenian Street

At the
Embossing Workshop on 28 June (Sunday), find out how to create lovely traditional designs that pop up on cards and ceramic tiles. This workshop is suitable for children from 7 to 14 years old and the S$25 fee per child is inclusive of art materials.
*From 2.00pm-3.30pm at the ACM’s River Room.

To book, register at the Front Desk of the respective museums, or sign up online at their websites. Also, do note that admission charges to galleries apply.

Asian Civilisations Museum
1 Empress Place
Tel: (65) 6332 2982
www.acm.org.sg

Peranakan Museum
Tel: (65) 6332 7591
www.peranakanmuseum.sg

- Lisa
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Binge – Step Forth to Chi Chi


Sometimes, we girls just have to kick back, relax and indulge in a bit of chi chi. Life can’t just be an endless circle of kids, hubs and work. Thankfully there are people out there who know this need and have answered the call to action! Where to tip toe through the tulips?

Tea at The Salon
First stop, somewhere near home….up the private stairs to the TWG Salon at Republic Plaza. Ensconced within wood paneled walls and elegantly bathed in natural light, this salon (don’t you just love the word!) is so very Betty’s of York and Pride & Prejudice proper, you just must stick up your pinky and stir something at once!

There are lists and lists of premium teas which TWG sources from tea gardens all over the world, and which they blend themselves right here in Singapore. (Indeed, it is a home grown brand, but you won’t guess by the supremely European branding.) Such magical names too – Love Me Tea, Sakura Sakura, First Kiss, Grand Emir, Place Vendome, Secret Needles, Gentlemen’s Blend (comes in a powder pink container - seems only the pink dollar and straight guys above 40 years old buy it), a minty refreshing Sexy Tea, a gorgeously light chocolate tea, the list goes on. Apart from blends, they also serve single estate teas and seasonal teas. Recently it announced the year’s first flush Darjeeling teas from the Himalayan Plateau, harvested by tea estates in the region from late-February to mid-April.

Sit and sip in elegance and share some dainty tea cuisine by Executive Chef Philippe Langlois – dainty pastries, ice-creams, tea breads, macaroons and some savories, all flavored and prepared with TWG teas. All very reasonably priced, too. Signature items include citrusy madeleines infused with Earl Grey Fortune tea ($8 for 3), buttery almond financiers infused with matcha and Singapore Surprise ($8.50), a wild strawberry and pastry cream tart infused with Vanilla Bourbon tea. The tea jellies are also must haves, served with every order of tea pastries. The salon also serves breakfast and light lunches such as foie gras terrine ($26), crab croustade ($18), smoked duck salad ($22) and other elegant morsels. A little retail section is a great place to pick up gifts or treats including teas by weight, beautifully packaged teas, tea pots and teacups.

BTW we hear they’ll be opening an outlet in the new Ion @ Orchard later this year.

9 Raffles Place
#01-22 Republic Plaza
Tel: +65 6538 1837

Over to London
A hop skip and jump away from Knightsbridge in jolly olde London, The Berkeley’s Pret a Portea rolls out its Spring/Summer 2009 Collection, a fashionista’s tea spread done in couture style. With inspiration from the London fashion week, the patisserie for the summer collection will echo the season’s trends of block colours, metallic, vibrant orange and exquisite summer chic. This time, it serves up a Josh Goot combination of strawberry panna cotta, mango crème and kiwi marshmallows, representing the current trend of block colours, an Alexander McQueen ‘Elvie’ chocolate truffle tote wrapped in mint flavoured marzipan, boasting vibrant summer green and the must-have of the moment, a Christopher Kane clementine bavaroise dress complete with signature over-sized circles, ticking this summer’s ‘orange’ trend box. The crown of the collection is inspired by a stunning new creation from Michael Kors featuring this season’s red and blue striped Regatta dress cake made out of rich Valrohna chocolate. For a souvenir, Prêt-à-Portea gift cards and notelets are also available, designed and illustrated by fashionable artist Anzu and come complete with pink tissue lined envelopes.

Prêt-à-Portea is served in The Caramel Room at The Berkeley from 1-6pm every day priced at £35.00 per person. (£43 including a glass of Laurent Perrier champagne, or alternatively for the fashion conscious, £49.00 per person including a glass of couture champagne)

Wilton Place
Knightsbridge
London SW1X 7RL
For reservations, call +44 20 7235 6000

Totally Girlie
All hail Barbie, The Ultimate Cougar! Still buxomy and fabulicious past 50. Soak in her style and be unapologetically girlie at Barbie Shanghai, six-level flagship store that’s a veritable shrine to this icon of chi chi femininity, which opened on Huaihai Road in March 2009. Mince your way over to the Barbie Café for all day dining, afternoon tea at the aptly named Pink Room, and for chin chins at the late-night hotspot B Bar.

The Barbie Café is an all-day restaurant where European glamour meets classic American diner, set up by Shanghai-based celebrity chef-restaurateur David Laris as consultant. Serious and fun food include Signature dishes like Fashionista Salad, of shrimp, fennel, mandarin, walnuts and mixed greens; Seared Tuna on Crispy Wontons served with red cabbage slaw; Mediterranean Lamb with Ratatouille; and Barbie, Ken and Kelly Burgers. After dins, gravitate to the sexy black B Bar at one end of the Barbie Café. Under a hanging mobile of Barbie icon cut-outs, sip on cocktails like Barbie Tinis and Malibu Barbies. On the fifth floor, Pink Room is a ladylike tearoom for classic high teas featuring contemporary sweets and handmade chocolates. A highlight here is the Fashion Runway, where little girls can get dressed up in a Barbie wardrobe while you can enjoy treats like New York Cheesecake, Strawberry Éclairs and High Tea Finger Sandwiches served on three-tiered silver stands, along with fine teas and coffees.

As frivolous as it seems, the three outlets were created by a dream team of consultants including David Laris, New York-based Slade Architectxcure and fashion designer Vera Wang. The outlets complement the Barbie retail experience, Spa and Design Centre which make a Barbie-infused dream-come-true for girls from three to ninety-three!

550 Huaihai Middle Road
Shanghai
For reservations, call +86 21 6171 6036
- By Ee Waun
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Wednesday, 3 June 2009

Buys - Where to GSS?


Out GSS-sing this week? Check out our list of discounted bits and bobs or ‘B’s’ as we call them:

B is for ..

‘Baubles’
Goldheart has some good deals with an up to 50% storewide discount. The incentives to spend your mula: every $800 spent gets you a jewelry box for your baubles and every $200 spent gets you a chance to win a diamond studded Canon IXUS 100 IS camera worth $8,988. Details at www.goldheart.com.sg

You will still need that credit card at Larry Jewelry (Paragon, #01-12 and ION Orchard) despite their 40% discount on selected pieces. Whilst you are there, take a peak at ‘Affinity’ their latest creation: a pendant and necklace set showcasing a 21.7 x 17 x 15 mm luminous South Sea Pearl lined with 180 sparkling round diamonds set in 18K white gold. Only $27,000!



‘Bags’
Fossil offers fun fashion with a new range of charming and cheerful Summery weekender bags, pouches and wallets. Spend $99 and up and your purchases get delivered FOC. Check out the brand’s online store at www.fossilsingapore.com.sg

At the Fragrance counters at leading departments, your bag comes free with your fragrance:

At Armani, a Bowling Bag is free when you spend $150. Going fast are the Armani Code Summer Eau Fraiche Limited Edition EDP 75ml for men and women at $105 each and coffrets for the men’s classic fragrances: Armani Code, Attitude and Acqua di Gio Homme all with an after shave and a shower gel thrown in. Prices start from $120 per set.

At Ralph Lauren, a Duffle Bag comes free with any $130 spent. Spend up to $180 and the bag PLUS a Polo Explorer Shower Gel are yours to take home. Coffrets up for grabs include the Notorious, Romance, Polo and Polo Blue scents, each with complementary body lotions, shower gels, after shaves and deodorants starting at $129 per set.



‘Brows’
Feeling furry? Let the folks at the Benefit Brow Bar which has just opened at the Tangs Beauty Hall get you brow arched and facial waxed, all within their whimsical candy store atmosphere. See www.tangs.com

‘Business’
Lanvin (#02-47 Wisma Atria) has some good business and formal wear discounts. There is a 70% discount on selected items from their business shirts, tie-sets, 7 fold ties at $200. Regular ties and cufflinks at $150.

‘Boutique’
Designer, Jo Soh of Hansel has a month-long (up till 26 July) ‘pop up’ a.k.a temporary boutique (unit #01-04, Stamford House) selling her collections from Spring/Summer and Fantasic Juraissic (all dinosaur inspired designs). Other past collections will be on sale from 50% off and from as low as $5! See www.ilovehansel.com


‘Bedlinen’
Aussino fitted sheet sets are going for only $10 nett onwards with new designs every week to choose from. There are 3 piece embroidery towel sets at $10.90, bathmats at $5.00 amd printed quilted blankets at $14.90 to brighten your child’s room. See www.aussino.com

‘Bold’
Get bold and step out in these funky glasses. Get $100 off these funky rimless frames in 12 bright colours. Each has a multi-coated polycarbonate (shatter-resistent) lens. Usual price $228, now $128 at The Lensmen (Parkway Parade #B1-76A/77, Compass Point #02-14, The Centrepoint #02-03) See www.thelensmen.com/promotions/

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