October 2013 – Regina Chow

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Christmas Shopping with Zalora

October 30, 2013 by Regina Chow No Comments

Time flies doesn’t it? We’re already heading into the month of November and in the blink of an eye, it’ll be time for Christmas (and my birthday in early December)! I love Christmas shopping as it is great to be able to share the spirit of giving with friends and family. However, I don’t enjoy squeezing and queuing with throngs of shoppers at the malls, hence in recent years, I’ve turned to online shopping instead. Shopping online is fuss-free and shipping is so fast these days, there’s really no reason to get out of the house!

It’s never too early to start shopping for Christmas and if you’re wondering how you can get started, Zalora is one shopping website that has some pretty good deals!

Here’s what I like about shopping at Zalora:

1) Free shipping on orders above S$40 (a S$3.90 flat shipping rate applies for purchases below S$40)

2) Zalora accepts cash on delivery so there’s no need to make payment upfront!

For more Christmas gift ideas, sign up for Zalora’s newsletter and you’ll receive a complimentary S$10 Voucher!

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Vichy Normaderm Review

October 23, 2013 by Regina Chow 1 Comment

I was invited to try out the Vichy Normaderm range recently and I was so excited when the products arrived in a classic vintage style tin box. The packaging alone was enough to take my breath away and make me fall head over heels in love. I absolutely adore how it exudes elegance with a touch of quirkiness.

Within the box was a thoughtful, personalized message from the Vichy team, all wrapped up in a pretty green ribbon. Honestly, I was pretty much sold before I even tried the products.

Vichy’s skincare range is
especially popular among people with sensitive skin as their products
are hypoallergenic, paraben free and alcohol free. All Vichy
products also contain Vichy Thermal Spa Water to soothe intolerant and
sensitive skin, protect the skin against ageing and free radicals from
the sun, as well as regenerate skin cells by stimulating cell metabolism
and epidermal repair.

I had a bout of
eczema about 2 months back and although only the skin on body was affected, it
served as a wake-up call for me to start paying attention to the
products that I put on my skin, including my face. Since then, I have been
trying to cut down on products with too many chemicals in them and
I was very grateful that Vichy’s Normaderm range came just in time.

The Vichy Normaderm range is specially developed for imperfection-prone skin. While I generally
don’t have blemish prone skin, I do experience a greater incidence of
whiteheads and pimples during that time of the month. When I travel, my skin also tends to secrete more oil due to climate and environmental changes. While we tend to think that pimple cream alone is sufficient for blemish-prone skin, the truth is, pimple creams are not formulated to treat excess sebum production, which is the root of the problem. That is why a comprehensive skincare regime that consists of cleansing, toning, moisturizing and a spot treatment is absolutely essential to regulate oil production and rebalance our skin.

1) Deep Cleansing Purifying Gel

The Deep Cleansing Purifying Gel cleanses well without drying out my skin. A little goes a long way and one pump is all I need. I also like the refreshing fruity scent, which is a wonderful pick-me-up for those early weekday mornings.

2) Vichy Normaderm Imperfection Prone Skin Lotion

I used to think that toning is a redundant step in my skincare routine, but I have come to realize that it is one of the most important steps to maintaining healthy, glowing skin.

Toning removes remaining traces of make-up and prevents the build-up of dead skin cells on your skin surface. It also tightens your pores and refines your skin texture. More importantly, it prepares your skin for better absorption of the nutrients in your skincare products. My skin feels much cleaner after using the Vichy Normaderm Imperfection Prone Skin Lotion. It contains salicylic acid to gently lift impurities and the best part is, it does not dry out your skin as Vichy products are all alcohol-free.

3) Vichy Normaderm Tri-Activ Anti-imperfection Hydrating Care

One common misconception is that those of us with oily skin do not require moisturizer, but did you know that excess oil secretion, which causes clogged pores, is actually a result of dehydrated skin? A good moisturizer is the key to restoring your skin’s balance and treating imperfections.

Vichy Normaderm’s Tri-active Imperfection Hydrating Care does just that. It is the no. 1 oil control moisturizer in the derma skincare category and it is not hard to see why. Besides it hydrating properties, this moisturizer also fights against 6 different skin imperfections, including blemishes, pores, redness, shine, pimples and uneven complexion! I really love the lightweight texture as it glides onto your skin effortlessly and is instantly absorbed. It is amazing how your skin can feel hydrated yet matte at the same time.

4) Vichy Normaderm Hyaluspot

I am always tempted to squeeze my
whiteheads and pimples but I have learnt through the hard way
that touching your pimples with your fingers only transfers more
bacteria to your skin, which further aggravates pimples. Now, I try my best to keep my hands away from my face!

Cleansing alone is insufficient to prevent pimples from bacteria contamination. It is also important to isolate pimples on the surface as well. To combat pimples effectively, Vichy Normaderm Hyaluspot combines Hyaluronic acid with salicylic acid and LHA.

I know that Hyaluronic acid is a natural skin moisturizer, but I only just found out that it has anti-inflammatory and healing properties too. Not only does it leave an invisible film on your skin, it also isolates the pimple from bacterial contamination and eliminates 99.9% of the bacteria that causes pimples in just 2 hours!

This spot treatment comes in a gel form and it does not cause my skin to peel like most of the other pimple treatments that I have used. I use it on little bumps on my forehead and they miraculously clear up overnight without a trace. For embedded pimples however, more time is required for visible results, but always remember that patience and discipline is all you need for those nasty zits to disappear.

I would highly recommend the Vichy Normaderm range to those of you who have sensitive, blemish-prone skin. I have been using the Normaderm range for only a week now but I can already see that my whiteheads have reduced and my pores are less clogged. Many of my friends swear by Vichy products and now, I finally understand why!

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Laneige BB Cushion Party

October 21, 2013 by Regina Chow No Comments

I was invited to the Laneige BB Cushion Party a while back at
My Art Space. For those of you who are familiar with Laneige’s products, you
would probably know that the BB cushion is not a new product and thanks to the
generous team at Laneige Singapore, I have been using the BB cushion for some time prior
to the event. While I only use sunblock without any foundation on a daily
basis, there are times when I feel I need just that extra hint of coverage.
That’s when I turn to Laneige BB cushion.

I adore its dewy, brightening effect, and I absolutely love
that it comes with SPF50+ PA+++, which is great for touch-ups during the
day. Unlike the typical BB creams in the
market, you’ll also feel a cooling sensation upon application, which makes your
skin feel instantly refreshed amidst the sweltering heat.

Here’re 5 benefits of Laneige BB Cushion that you should
know about:

1)
Brightening Effect

2)
Daily protection against harmful UV rays and sun
damage (SPF 50+ PA+++)

3)
Cooling effect that cools down your skin

4)
Tone correction and medium coverage; and

5)
Long-lasting, sweat-proof coverage

Since its launch earlier this year, the Laneige BB Cushion
has become such a popular product that it was completely out of stock when I
visited Korea in July! To cater to
ladies of all skin tones, the BB cushion now comes in 5 shades, namely 13 True
Beige, 21 Natural Beige, 23 Sand Beige, 31 Brown Beige and 33 Coffee. The
latest shade, 33 Coffee was launched in Sephora in September 2013.

Also, Laneige BB cushion now comes with a DIY kit that includes an assortment of embellishments, crystals and stickers so you can
beautify your bb cushion to reflect your personality. How very thoughtful!

I attended the event with Karen and we were also introduced
to some new Laneige make-up items, including 6 New Shades for the Silk Intense
Lipstick range as well as Artplay Eyeliners which feature dual colours in
complementary shades to suit every occasion.

Both of us were fascinated with
the artplay eyeliners as they come in such a wide array of colours, ranging
from subtle, neutral hues to bright, bold hues which are versatile enough for
both day and night looks.

A live make-up demonstration was conducted to give us a
better idea of how Korean style make-up can be done with these new products.

I loved the dramatic transformation that was
achieved with just a touch of BB cushion, artplay eyeliner and a dash of
lipstick. The model looked radiant and effortlessly chic in a matter of
minutes!

Next on the agenda was a hands-on painting session for all
the bloggers. We were told to express through art what we felt about the BB cushion
and its benefits.

The last time I painted was in secondary school, and I have
never worked with acrylic paint, so you can imagine how daunting this task was
for me!

Karen and I hesitated a little initially, but we eventually took the
plunge and two hours later, our masterpieces were born.

My amateurish painting was characterized by bold brush
strokes as I thought this was probably the easiest way to fill up the entire
canvas. The painting depicts how Laniege
BB cushion could dispel the darkness of dull skin (shown through the black and
grey brush strokes) and brighten up our skin, making us radiant, cheerful and
glowy, just like the rays of the sun.

I also loved Karen’s painting of a beautiful
eye surrounded by a myriad of colours.

Here are the paintings done by the other beauty bloggers:

Thank you Laneige Singapore for having us! We each received a BB cushion, Artplay Eyeliner and Silk Intense Lipstick at the event and I will be doing a review of these products soon.

Meanwhile, I’ll be rounding up this post with some outfit shots. It was such a coincidence that Karen and I both came in blue and white, which are classic Laneige colours!

Dress from Rosebullet

Shoes from Miu Miu

Bag from Hermes

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Paris Home: Bespoke Furniture

October 19, 2013 by Regina Chow 5 Comments

I stumbled upon Paris Home one day as I was on the lookout for a baroque style sofa to replace my old, worn-out sofa set. What started off as a chance encounter eventually wound up to be a blessing for me. I fell in love immediately with the pictures of their sofa sets online and deeper research revealed that the furniture are all made of mahogany or teak wood which are prized for their durability.

More importantly,
the company also has its own factory in Indonesia and is able to
custom-make practically anything in your wildest dreams without you
having to bear any middle-man costs. With Paris Home, you can now get
quality, well-designed furniture without breaking the bank.

Sounds too good
to be true? I decided to make an appointment with the lady boss,
Michelle, at their Binjai Park shopfront to check it out for myself.
Located beside popular Peranakan restaurant Ivins, the shop is pretty
easy to find and relatively accessible, especially if you live in the
West. Michelle was very friendly and patient, as she took pains to
answer all my questions about the sofa frame and foam density. I would highly recommend that you contact Michelle if you have any queries. Also, it’s best to visit the shop on weekdays as it can get pretty crowded on weekends.

Here’s what I chose eventually:

Some of you may have already seen my new sofa set on my social media platforms. I changed the frame of the Rococo Luxury Sofa to glossy black and swopped the PU leather fabric for a luxurious black velvet material instead. You can also customize the size of the sofa to suit your living room.

I love the air of elegance that it lends to my living room. I have had a couple of guests and family members over at my place since and everyone waxed lyrical about how gorgeous the sofa set is. It isn’t hard to see why, isn’t it?

Besides sofa sets, Paris Home also offers a wide selection of bespoke furniture ranging from beds, cupboards, shelves to coffee tables and chairs. Given that the furniture is custom made, don’t be surprised if you can’t find most of the items on the website on display at their shopfront. There are a few pieces of furniture on display for customers to get a better look and feel of what to expect. The quality of the furniture speaks for itself and is very evident, even from the small collection on display.

Should you be unsure of the
measurements or installation process required, I would also suggest
that you consult your interior designer or contractor before heading
down as that would save you some time.

I am so pleased with my purchase that I wish I had found out about Paris Home 4 years ago when I first started renovating my house! For those of you who have done your research,
you would know that it is difficult to come across affordable baroque
and french style furniture with quality workmanship.

It is a little too late to turn back the clock now, but here are a couple of my choice picks if I were to redecorate the rest of my home:

1) Regency Collection Dining Set

2) Antique Library Bed

3) Le Rochelle Vanity Set

4) Victorian Belle 4-Doors Armoire

Aren’t they beautiful?

If you are
planning to renovate your new home or revamp your current abode and you adore baroque and french furniture like me, remember to check out Paris Home! You may also wish to follow them on Instagram (@frenchfurniture) for more pictures of their latest designs.

For my international readers, you’ll be happy to know that they ship internationally too!

Paris Home

Address:
23 Binjai Park Singapore 589828

Tel:
+65 6748 8740

Mobile:
+65 9722 7857

Website:
http://www.parishomeonline.com

Instagram:
@frenchfurniture

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Tokyo Bust Express

October 16, 2013 by Regina Chow No Comments

Tokyo Bust Express kindly extended an invitation to me to experience their bust treatments at City Square Mall recently, to which I readily agreed as I have heard from fellow bloggers who have undergone Tokyo Bust Express treatments that only natural ingredients are used and the results are instantaneous, even with just one treatment! It sounded so miraculous that I thought I ought to try it for myself.

What struck me the moment I arrived at the Tokyo Bust Express branch at City Square Mall was how thoughtful the company is. The name of the shop was discreetly etched behind the reception counter against a neutral backdrop to protect the privacy of its customers and prevent curious stares from passersby, a very telling gesture that speaks volumes about how customer oriented the company is.

Upon stepping into their branch at City Square Mall, I was greeted by the warm and affable staff who made me a cup of delicious fruit tea while I waited for my consultation to begin. I also loved the cozy ambience which put me at ease immediately.

As I sipped on my tea, I couldn’t help but notice the pictures of models with enviable figures that every lady would aspire towards.

Truth be told, I am not particularly well endowed and although plastic surgery may seem tempting, I can never bring myself to go under the knife.

Some years back, I discovered lumps in my breasts and that caused alarm bells to ring because breast cancer is the number 1 cancer among women in Singapore! Thankfully, after consulting a specialist and undergoing a couple of tests, I was told that the lumps are fibroids (unlike cancerous lumps which are hard nodules, these are tender and move about within the breast) and there wasn’t any cause for concern.

You can imagine how relieved I was, but that episode also served as a reminder that my health should never be taken for granted, which is why I would never put myself at unnecessary risk for the sake of beauty. Honestly, I never thought that I would share this piece of information on my blog, but I wanted to let those of you who have the same issue know that you are not alone!

Well, then why did I decide to visit Tokyo Bust Express? Tokyo Bust Express is the largest bust enhancement centre in Singapore and its treatments
are not just for enhancement purposes. I had a very candid discussion with my consultant regarding my fibrocystic breasts and was told that one of the causes of breast
fibroids is the lack of circulation in the lymph nodes which limits lymphatic flow.

Massage
is one possible way to enhance lymphatic drainage and promote better breast health. Similarly, Tokyo Bust Express treatments are able to boost
circulation and help in lymphatic drainage as well as detoxification to promote better breast
health and reduce the risk of cancer, which addresses my concerns.

If bust enhancement is your main concern, here’s what you need to know. A common misconception is that breasts are made up of fats. In reality, breasts are made up of both fats and mammary glands. If your bust size decreases when you lose weight, which is a common complaint among many ladies, chances are your breasts are made up of more fats than mammary glands as fats are the first to go during weight loss. This is the reason why Tokyo Bust Express focuses on the stimulation of mammary glands for bust enhancement instead.

Of course, it also helps that natural ingredients are used in all Tokyo Bust Express treatments. The key ingredients include:

1) Fenugreek Seed Extract: A unique herb that is rich in phyto-estrogens, active plant cells with estrogen-like properties (estrogen is the female hormone) that promote breast health and lower your risk of cancer.

2) Mexican Wild Yam Root: This is an excellent source of beta-carotene and diosgenin, which are powerful phyto-estrogens to aid in breast development.

3) Dang Gui Root: This is probably no stranger to most Asians. Used to treat menopausal symptoms and also typically taken after each menstrual cycle for iron replacement, Dang Gui Root is able to effectively balance women’s hormone levels.

4) Humulu Lupulus: Also known as Hops Flower, this is a Eurasian shrub which is rich in flavonoids and highly valued for its anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties. It also promotes the development of mammary glands.

After the very detailed consultation, I changed into a robe and had my measurements taken. A personalized bust analysis was conducted and it revealed that one of my breasts was higher than the other and there were some initial signs of sagging (sob!). Fortunately, all that was about to change as I was led to the treatment room.

The treatment room was tastefully decorated in neutral hues, complemented with feminine shades of red and pink. The sprinkle of rose petals on the bed added a nice touch too. I was all ready to kick back, relax and begin my customized treatment!

Here’s what my treatment included:

1) Firming Scrub

2) TT Push Up Machine (with Bust Toning Essence)

3) Bust Up Therapy

4) Bust Suction Therapy

The treatment started off with a firming scrub. We all know how important exfoliation is in enhancing the absorption of nutrients, don’t we?

Next up was the TT Push Up Machine, where two flat, circular plates were placed on each breast to stimulate my mammary glands through the use of electric currents. You will feel a light, pulsating sensation during this treatment. Before the treatment started, I was half expecting to be shocked by the current, but it turned out to be pretty comfortable and I even dozed off for a while.

My favourite step was the manual massage (Bust Up Therapy), where my therapist expertly massaged my bust with her deft hands to unclog the lymph nodes and boost blood circulation. My bust area felt rejuvenated and I could also feel an immediate difference in terms of fullness and softness. The therapist warned that this was the most painful step out of the routine, but my high pain threshold made the process rather pleasurable.

The last step, Bust Suction Therapy, entailed the use of two pumps with suction pressure to lift and enhance the overall shape of the bust.

The results of the treatment were nothing short of amazing. I experienced fullness, firmness and softness immediately. There was also a noticeable lifting effect which was further proven with measurements. I was impressed!

The effects after 1 treatment generally lasts a few days (it lasted about a week for me!), which is why it is important to follow up with regular sessions (at least 5-10 sessions) for maintenance and longer lasting results.

In line with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Tokyo Bust Express is pleased to offer an October Pink Ribbon Special to all my readers.

You’ll get to enjoy:

1 Complimentary Bust Customised Health Treatment + 1 Bust Collagen Volumizer (U.P S$1,266)

To enjoy your free treatment,

1.
Participate now by clicking on the link HERE

2.
Call 6262 6161

Terms and Conditions Apply:

– Only for females aged 18 years old and above

– Strictly by appointment only

– Promotion is valid for 2 months

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Taps Designer Handbags

October 11, 2013 by Regina Chow 1 Comment

Taps Designer Handbags is a one-stop shop that showcases the latest designer bags and accessories fresh off the runway, ranging from dazzling clutches, luxury totes to trendy accessories in a wide array of styles and brands. Adding the finishing touch to any outfit has never been easier!

Located in the heart of town at Far East Plaza, Taps Designer Handbags is a reseller that you can trust as it obtains its products directly from Europe and US. Authenticity is guaranteed and prices are typically between 20% – 50% below retail prices!

The retail store is excellent for shoppers to try on the latest designs before making a purchase, but what I love most about Taps is that I can enjoy the
convenience of being able to shop in the comfort of my home through
their online portal as well!

I was invited to their Far East Plaza shopfront recently and I was amazed by the myriad of designer brands that it stocks under one roof. This is a dream come true for every handbag aficionado! Can’t decide what goes best with your wardrobe? Just try on any bag that catches your eye and take your pick!

While Taps specializes in mainly Saint Laurent, Celine and Prada, you can also find a good selection of other designer brands including Givenchy, Mulberry, Proenza Schouler, Givenchy, Fendi, Dior and even Hermès. All the bags on display are brand new and unused, except for the Hermès Kelly and Birkin bags.

Many designer shops in Singapore have limited stock for popular designs which are highly sought after. For instance, Hermès accessories are so hot these days, they literally fly off the shelves the minute they hit the stores locally. For many of us, disappointment is inevitable because thanks to our fast paced society, we simply do not have the time to pop by the shops in time.

With Taps’ Preorder and Concierge Service, all you have to do is place your orders, then sit back and relax while the little elves at Taps work their magic to make your wishes come true! Preorders are conducted for brands such as Hermès, Chanel, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Proenza Schouler, among others.

Check out their Facebook Page here to find out more about the current preorder. You can also contact them directly here to place your orders. All preorders will arrive in 2 weeks.

Bags aside, Taps also carries accessories from the various brands including Hermès as well as a small collection of Ferragamo and Kartell shoes.

Now, for the good news!

Taps will be having a multi-brand clearance sale (up to 65% off!) this weekend, from 11 Oct (Friday) to 13 October (Sunday).

You can either check out their physical store or head to their website here for more details on the sale items and prices. Local shipping is free and international shipping is at a flat rate of S$20! Definitely sounds like a good deal to me. 🙂

I was given a sneak preview of the products that would be featured in their upcoming sale. To whet your appetite, here are just some of the brands and designs that will be on sale this weekend:

1) Proenza Schouler PS1 Satchel

The Proenza Schouler PS1 Satchel catapulted to cult status almost immediately after its launch and it is certainly not hard to see why. Functional, edgy and effortlessly stylish, this bag is great for both work and play. It also comes in different leathers and colours to match your mood and outfit.

My pick would be this vibrant yellow version as it adds a striking pop of colour to any outfit.

Just look at how it brightens up my all white outfit instantly! I also love how it lends a touch of edginess to my feminine ensemble.

2) Saint Laurent Cabas Y Bag

Saint Laurent’s Cabas Bag is a classic design that never goes out of style. It is also very sturdy and roomy, which makes it the perfect bag to take you from the board room to a holiday destination of your choice.

The brown and black versions make great wardrobe staples and are extremely popular with celebrities. For me however, I prefer to push the envelope a little and opt for bolder colours such as pink and red.

Don’t you think the red and pink versions add an element of fun to your wardrobe without compromising on style? They are also less common so the chances of you bumping into someone on the streets with the same bag are much lower!

3) Fendi 2Jours

The latest It bag from the house of Fendi, the Fendi 2Jours exudes elegance and sophistication. Its versatile and practical design has captured the hearts of many, including mine. In particular, I like the fact that this bag comes with a detachable shoulder strap as it
gives me the option of carrying it in different ways.

Fendi has reworked this lovely bag in a variety of colours every season, but my favourite has to be this daring shade of orange.

4) Miu Miu Matelasse

The buttery soft leather and handy size are just two reasons why I love the Miu Miu Matelasse bag. The size of the bag fits well on my petite frame and yet it is spacious enough to store everything that I need when I head out.

The black is a safe bet, but if you are looking to perk up your wardrobe, the yellow version is a wonderful choice!

Are you tempted yet? If you have been thinking of adding any of these bags to your collection, this weekend will be the best time to succumb to temptation, because these items (and more!) will be marked down by up to 65%!

Mark those dates down in your calendar (11-13 Oct!) and head on down to Taps for your dose of guilt-free retail therapy!

Taps Designer Handbags

Address:

14 Scotts Road, Far East Plaza, #03-39,

Singapore 228213

Opening Hours:

Mon – Fri: 1230 – 2100 hrs

Sat-Sun: 1300 – 2100 hrs

Tel:

6735 6510

Website:

http://www.taps.com.sg

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/taps.sg

Email:

taps@live.com

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ClubCouture’s Mystery Bags are Back!

October 10, 2013 by Regina Chow No Comments

ClubCouture’s mystery bags are back!

For just S$15, you will get a package that includes apparel and accessories by ClubCouture with retail values ranging from S$29.99 to S$200. This is such a value-for-money purchase as the items are worth so much more than what you are paying for!

As the name suggests, there is an element of surprise as the items in each mystery bag are selected by ClubCouture.

All you have to do is to select your size, add a mystery bag to your shopping cart and leave it to ClubCouture to deliver the goodies to your doorstep!

Here’s an idea of what you might receive in your mystery bag:

Vanilla Mood Purity Lace Dress , previously featured in my blog post here.

Tiffany Strapless Dress, previously featured in my blog post here.

ClubCouture’s Mystery Bags were launched just yesterday, but they’re selling out really fast, so if you haven’t already grabbed yours, be sure to do so now!

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MINDEF Event: Think About Our Boys!

October 9, 2013 by Regina Chow No Comments

Have you ever been to Singapore’s Army Museum or SAFTI
MI? I had a chance to visit both places recently at the invitation of Mindef, who organized an event titled “Think About Our Boys!” for female bloggers to better understand and appreciate what the average Singaporean male has to go through during National Service. It was not easy waking up early in
the morning but it was worth the effort in retrospect.

I went along with Karen because we were both curious about the event. Upon arrival at the
Singapore Discovery Centre, we found ourselves strolling along a quiet
lake amidst lush greenery in an idyllic setting.

Did I mention that we were both dressed in military themed outfits too? Here’s what I wore:

Top from Forever21
Shorts (not shown in pics) from Editor’s Market
Shoes from Korea
Bag from Chanel
Kelly Dog from Hermes
Cap from random store in Singapore

To complement our outfits, the thoughtful organizers made personalized dog tags for each and every one of us.

They also roped in professional manicurists who treated us to military-themed
manicures.

I’ve always appreciated the
importance of NS and how critical it is to defend our nation, and I
thought these cute nail designs were great ways for ladies like us to
show
our support for our NS boys!

Here’s presenting my freshly painted nails. It has been more than 2 weeks now but my nails still look very presentable, which is impressive considering that all I had was an express manicure.

Check out the intricate nail art! In case you were wondering, no these are not stickers. They were painstakingly drawn on by the very talented manicurist.

We also had the opportunity to speak with a handful of lady officers who signed on with the army as regulars. It is not compulsory for females to serve National Service (NS) and admittedly, serving NS has never ever crossed my mind, much less signing on as a regular.

Being able to put your country before yourself is no mean feat, and I was deeply intrigued as well as inspired by these ladies because they knew from a young age that defending Singapore was exactly what they wanted to do.

To give us a better understanding of what the officers go through, we were given a brief tour of SAFTI MI, where I learnt a lot about
the rich symbolism in its architecture. The tri-service nature of the
SAF – Army, Airforce and Navy – was celebrated in every part of the
place. The environment, the exhibits and even the buildings.

We were
brought to two places – the Ceremonial Hall and SAFTI MI Tower. Upon
entering the Ceremonial Hall, I immediately felt the solemn and
respectful mood from the spatial presentation of the OCS Sword and Torch
as well as the Officer’s Creed.

We were told that the floor of the
Ceremonial Hall was made of granite from Bukit Timah Hill to signify our
land which they step on as they promise to defend it.

Ceremonial Hall

Thereafter, we were brought to the SAFTI MI Tower. Placed at the
pathway to the entrance were two stone lions, who used to guard the
Merdeka Bridge.

The number of steps leading to the top of the tower is
265, which is apparently the number of days for the Officer Cadet
Course. The tower was an interesting triangular design which reflects the tri-service SAF.The three sides at the top face the industrial areas, housing
estates as well as the forests and hills respectively, which serve to
remind officer cadets of what they are defending.

It was indeed a breath-taking view at the
top and we couldn’t help but whip out our cameras.

Along the way, the officer also shared that there was a
straight passage which led directly from the cadet training wings to the
parade square where their Commissioning Parade will be held – to
symbolize the 9-month period it takes for them to develop in the ‘womb’
and finally be commissioned as officers.

After the tour, there was an interactive session with personnel from
the SAF for us to find out more about what they do. Karen and I also
dropped by the Army Museum, which depicted the history and evolution of
the Singapore Army.

While I really loved my 1 year stay in Sydney as it has so
much that Singapore doesn’t have, I have also come to realize that Singapore is
where my heart is, because it has formed a part of me – my memories, my
bonds and my beliefs.

That is why I hope that we can all love Singapore
for who she is, and recognize the sacrifices by our NS boys in our own
little ways. This event reminded me again of the need for national defence to
protect this place where we call home, and to never take peace for granted.

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Especially Escada Elixir

October 4, 2013 by Regina Chow 2 Comments

Especially Escada Elixir is a new fragrance in the Especially Escada family. I had the opportunity to try the Especially Escada perfume previously and I loved how it lends a touch of old-world 1920s, Great Gatsby glamour to any occasion. I have been using it regularly, even on my overseas trips, hence you can imagine my delight when Especially Escada Elixir was introduced.

More intense than its predecessor, Especially Escada Elixir features prominent rose notes fused with a unique blend of ingredients, resulting in a sensual, long-lasting scent that is perfect for an enchanting evening.

All it takes to capture that extra touch of mysterious, rosy scent is a little spritz during that magical hour at dusk, just when the day ends, and the evening begins.

Elixir embodies everything that an Escada woman should be – boldly elegant, radiating confident femininity and joie de vivre, the life of every party who lights up the room with her smile and positive energy. That was my source of inspiration for this feminine evening look.

Lace dresses have a special place in my heart and I love how this gorgeous lace dress from Dustbunny Vintage epitomizes glamour and femininity. Wearing lace always makes me happy and the positive vibes remind me of how Especially Escada Elixir embodies positivity and happiness.

Did you know that 4,000 kg of roses are needed to produce just 1 kilogram of rose oil? Damask roses from Turkey are one of the few roses that can produce rose oil for use in perfumes. These roses create a mysterious and sensual scent, which make them a wonderful base for the Especially Escada Elixir fragrance. The rose notes are further enhanced with ambrette seeds, which give off a woody and musky fragrance similar to Musk. Musk was originally sourced from the Musk Deer, which is now banned.

To balance the intensity of the base notes, Especially Escada Elixir is infused with oriental elements such as Vanilla and Ylang Ylang from Madagascar, both of which are known to calm nerves and aid relaxation. Finally, for that element of fun and surprise, which to me is what sets the Elixir apart from its counterparts, blood orange (my favourite fruit!) is used to add a clean, crisp and citrus scent to this luxurious fragrance.

Rouse your senses and add a touch of opulence and glamour with this sensual, evocative fragrance, the perfect accessory for your evening escapades!

Vintage Dress from Dustbunny Vintage

Vintage Tapestry bag from Sydney Glebe Market

Necklace from Mistress of Glam

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Celevenus Wellness & Aesthetics

October 1, 2013 by Regina Chow 2 Comments

I was invited by Celevenus Wellness & Aesthetics to try out their anti-ageing aesthetic treatments recently. Helmed by Dr Dylan Chau, who is able to blend science and artistry to bring out the best in his patients, Celevenus specializes in aesthetic treatments to reverse the effects of aging, achieve clearer, more radiant skin as well as improve facial contours and features.

I was certain that I was in good hands as Dr Dylan Chau has 9 years of experience in medical aesthetics and is well versed in resolving dermatological problems as well as administering anti-aging treatments. He is also a Sculptra trainer for doctors. Sculptra is one of the latest and most revolutionary treatments in the realm of anti-aging treatments.

Age has taken its toll on me now that I am past 30, and I can feel that my skin is beginning to lose elasticity and firmness. One of the most noticeable telltale signs of aging on my face has manifested in the form of more pronounced nasolabial folds, and I have been thinking of doing fillers for these deep lines.

Nasolabial folds are the lines that run from the sides of your nose to your lips, also more commonly known as smile lines. Did you know that
nasolabial folds deepen over time because our cheeks sag with age?
Smiling and facial expressions are contributing factors too, but they
are most certainly not the main cause.

Nasolabial folds
can make one look older than he or she actually is, and they are a pain
to get rid of because unlike wrinkles, topical creams or moisturizers
have no effect on these stubborn lines. The most common way to minimize
their appearance is through aesthetic procedures such as fillers.

I was a little nervous during my consultation session with Dr Chau as I have never done any aesthetics treatments previously, but Dr Chau put me at ease instantly as he listened patiently and attentively to my concerns about my deepening nasolabial folds before going on to explain how fillers could be used to plump up the folds and improve their appearance. I liked how consultative and informative the entire session was. He also gave a detailed explanation of what I could expect after the treatment. As my cheekbones are pretty high and I have rather full cheeks, Dr Chau candidly shared that my nasolabial folds would not go away completely. Nevertheless, there would still be a visible difference.

I also took the opportunity to ask Dr Chau for his expert opinion on my facial proportions. He felt that my features were generally fine, but if I wanted to, I could add some height to my nose bridge and sculpt the tip of my nose. In addition, I could also consider botox to reduce my slightly squarish jaw for a sharper face shape and Sculptra for my tear trough. I have to admit I was tempted to try out all these procedures, but given that I have never done any aesthetic treatments previously, I decided to take it slow and address my nasolabial folds first.

As I had an important event to attend shortly after my consultation, I scheduled another appointment for the procedure to be done on a separate day. If you like, you can go ahead with the procedure immediately after consultation.

This is a ‘before’ picture of myself on the day of the procedure, after the approachable and friendly staff at the clinic prepped my nasolabial folds with numbing cream.

Here I was, all numbed up and ready for the procedure.

Dr Chau used the latest Juvéderm® VOLUMA® Lidocaine for my treatment. The addition of Lidocaine reduces pain and provides additional comfort during and after treatment.

Juvéderm® VOLUMA® with Lidocaine is hyaluronic acid facial filler specifically made to restore lost facial volume in the cheeks, cheekbones and chin. It uses hyaluronic acid, a sugar that
occurs naturally in our skin, to add fullness to areas that need more support or enhancement. Developed to be smoother than other hyaluronic acid facial volumizers, it is also easier to inject during filler treatment. Juvéderm® VOLUMA® with Lidocaine was developed with VYCROSS™ technology to deliver a natural look and feel that can last up to 18 months.

Most importantly, Juvéderm® VOLUMA® is unlikely to result in lumpiness or product migration, both of which are common side effects of other facial fillers.

I was told that the nasolabial folds are one of the more painful areas for injection but Dr Chau administered the procedure expertly and skillfully with utmost precision, resulting in minimal pain. In fact, the filler injection felt more like tiny ant bites.

Dr Chau also chatted with me throughout the entire duration of the procedure, which was very reassuring and comforting.

The following pictures will give you a better idea of what to expect during the procedure. Essentially, the fillers were injected directly into my nasolabial folds at three different points on each side.

As I bleed easily, Dr Chau shared that I am likely to be more inclined to bruising. The key to reducing bruising is to apply pressure at the injection site immediately after injection.

And there, my right nasolabial fold was done in the blink of an eye. Can you tell that the fold is almost gone?

My left nasolabial fold is much deeper in comparison, partly due to the way my lips tend to curl up towards the left when I smile, hence a larger quantity of JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA™ was required to plump it up sufficiently.

Now, here are the final results. The photo on the left is my ‘before’ picture and the one on the right was taken immediately after the procedure.

I went out immediately for an event after the procedure as I did not experience any swelling or bruising till the end of the next day. The clinic called me the very next day to check on me as well, which I felt was a very thoughtful gesture. The bruising lasted a couple of days, but all I needed was a touch of foundation and concealer.

Here’s another comparison of my ‘before’ picture with the final results after 2 weeks:

Before

After

Pictures say a thousand words. I like how my cheeks look lifted now thanks
to my less obvious nasolabial folds, which also contributes to a more
youthful appearance.

What I really liked about the treatment was that it naturally enhanced my looks without drastically altering my overall appearance. My friends and
family could not tell that I had anything done to my face,
but many of them commented that I looked fresher and younger. Just so you know as well, the pictures in this post were not digitally enhanced.

I am very satisfied with the final results and I know I have Dr Dylan Chau to thank for reversing the effects of aging and restoring my youth. I would highly recommend Dr Chau for any of your dermatological or aesthetics concerns. In fact, as you are reading this, I have already made plans to head back to Celevenus for a round of laser treatments to address my skin pigmentation issues. 😉

Celevenus Wellness & Aesthetics

Address:
391B Orchard Road

#16-03/04 Ngee Ann City Tower B

Singapore 238874

Tel:
+65 6410 9621 / +65 6410 9622

Email:
beauty@celevenus.com.sg

Website:
http://www.celevenus.com.sg/

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