The Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free skincare range couldn’t have arrived at my doorstep at a better time as I recently discovered that I have oily but dehydrated skin.

Can oily skin be dry at the same time?

My skin looks oily on the surface but there are signs of flaking if I don’t moisturize adequately. Sounds contradictory? Totally not.

Those of us with oily skin tend to skip moisturizer, thinking that our skin already feels moisturized anyway. We are also afraid that our skin will look oilier after applying moisturizer. Contrary to popular belief, it is not true that people with oily skin do not need to moisturize because beneath that oily exterior, your skin may be sorely lacking in moisture (like mine), which then results in dry, flaky skin.

I have tried several skincare brands and products. Most fare well in terms of hydration but I can’t say the same when it comes to the oil control. That’s where Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free range makes a difference. 

After using this skincare range for about a month, I feel that my skin feels more matte and  hydrated than before. 

Moisture without the shine – isn’t that a dream come true?

1) Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser (S$43, 150ml)

What I love about Kiehl’s products it that they are paraben-free, sulphate-free, silicone-free, oil-free and fragrance-free. Hence, you have nothing to fear even if you have sensitive skin. To reduce my level of exposure to unnecessary chemicals, I generally prefer products that do not contain these ingredients as well.

A pea sized amount is all I need to create sufficient lather for the entire face. My skin feels thoroughly cleansed yet hydrated as this facial cleanser is specially formulated with Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract to retain and restore moisture, even as it removes excess oil and impurities. It also contains Lemon Fruit Extracts which have astringent and antiseptic qualities to perk up and refresh tired, sluggish skin. 

I am using this cleanser on a daily basis and this is one product that I would repurchase as I really like the slightly tight, squeaky clean feeling after cleansing. I would recommend this to people with oily skin. That said, this cleanser is best paired with the Ultra Facial Oil-Free Toner to balance out the skin’s moisture level.

2) Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil Free Toner (S$43, 150ml)

 This toner is alcohol-free, paraben-free, sulphate-free, silicone-free and fragrance-free. Made from Imperata Cylindrica root extract and antarcticine, a glycolprotein found in the Antartic Sea, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil Free toner gently hydrates and soothes your skin by balancing your skin’s pH level. 

I use it after the facial cleanser to remove any residual impurities and I love how it leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean, without stripping it of moisture. I especially like to use this when my skin breaks out during that time of the month as it effectively double cleanses my face to remove any excess oil. I currently alternate between this and my SKII Facial Treatment Essence (which is more nourishing) depending on my skin’s condition.

3) Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream (S$48 for 50ml or S$82 for 125ml)

I love
cream-based moisturizers for their nourishing properties, but they are
usually too rich for my skin, which results in the formation of milia
seeds. Gel-based moisturizers like this one are definitely more suitable for oily skin.

The lightweight gel texture absorbs readily into my skin, giving it a dose of much-needed moisture without that rich, creamy after-feel that most moisturizers tend to impart.There is absolutely no residue after application, and I adore how silky smooth and plumped up my skin feels immediately. Most importantly, it doesn’t give me milia seeds.

What is really impressive about this moisturizer is that despite its almost feather-light  texture, it is more hydrating than most of the other gel-based moisturizers that I have tried. In fact, it feels just like an intensive serum cum moisturizer.

I would highly recommend this skincare range to anyone with oily skin. Its key strength lies in oil control without compromising on hydration, and the entire range has worked particularly well on me thus far. If you have oily skin as well, perhaps you could give this a try!

Let’s start with Jonker Walk, one of the most iconic tourist attractions in Malacca. Lined with street hawkers peddling local delicacies, knick knacks, trinklets and apparels,
the street is always bustling with life. Weaving in and out of the maddening crowd is part and parcel of the entire experience, and while it can be rather exasperating at times to be stuck in a human jam, there is always something interesting
in every nook and corner, ready to enchant and captivate.

If you are a fan of pineapple tarts, be sure to stop by Madam Goh. There are more than 10 shops selling pineapple tarts along Jonker Walk, but the pineapple tarts here are by far the yummiest that I’ve tried.

I have a penchant for durians and I’ve heard so much about One Bite Durian Puff along Jonker Street.

Encased within a soft fluffy puff pastry, the durian filling is rich and bursting with flavour. As the name suggests, you are supposed to devour the entire puff in one bite, but it was way too huge for me. I took at least 5 bites. With every bite, I had to rotate and contort my wrist in different directions just to prevent the delicious durian filling from oozing out on to my hands.

 Every bite gave me immense pleasure, so much so that I decided one durian puff was simply not enough for me. This is definitely a must-try if you are a durian fan!

Restoran Nyonya Makko

123, Jalan Merdeka, Taman Melaka Raya, Melaka

Tel: 06-2840-737

These were just some of the dishes that we had and every dish was sumptuous. It is quite impossible to go wrong with an establishment that has been around for 27 years and before long, everyone at the table abandoned their cameras to tuck into the splendid spread of Nyonya delicacies.

Chicken Rice Balls are my absolute favourite, which is why I saved the best for last. The most famous chicken rice ball stall in Malacca is probably Chung Wah Chicken Rice Balls, but the massive queues can serve as a deterrent, especially when your stomach is growling.

I have little patience and I get grumpy when hunger gets the better of me, so I was really happy when the Julie’s Biscuit staff introduced us to another chicken rice ball stall that is equally yummy to satisfy my cravings.

Did you know that Ee Ji Ban Chicken Rice Ball is apparently the only halal chicken rice ball stall in Malacca?

The chicken rice balls were moist, fragrant and slightly sticky. I especially love the soft and smooth texture, which makes it incredibly easy to swallow. That probably explains why I ate up close to 20 rice balls in one seating.

The other dishes were equally mouthwatering. The chicken was juicy and succulent but in my opinion, the sambal squids took the cake. The sambal chilli was simply superb.

The abundance of good food in Malacca is such a huge draw and I can’t wait to head back to explore and discover new eating places. There is so much more that Malacca has to offer, and what I have shared in this post barely scratches the surface.

Are there any other restaurants or cafes in Malacca that you would recommend?

I love adding a pop of red to my outfits, especially simple minimalistic pieces like a little black dress. Red stands out against black and the marriage between these two colours creates a classic look that never goes out of style. 

For a more playful and quirky look, you can also consider throwing on a splash of colours with red as an accent colour, like what I did here. It’s easy to wear several colours at the same time and not end up looking like a clown as long as the colour of your shoes and accessories matches one of the colours in the ensemble. 

I have been waxing lyrical about leaf prints and palm prints the past 2 weeks, hence this week, I decided it’s about time to bring on both flowers and foliage. After all, leaves and flowers belong together, don’t they?

If you take a closer look at this whimsical top and skorts (yes, it’s not a skirt!) set, you may notice that there are a couple of pop-up leaves and flowers that give it a more 3-dimensional visage. These cute little pop-ups are made of fluffy cotton pads and I know this sounds really childish and ridiculous, but I couldn’t help but give these squishy pop-up motifs a good squeeze every now and then. Oops, now you know how silly I am!

I hope you enjoyed today’s edition of Fashion Fridays! As always, have a great weekend everyone!

I am always on the go, shuttling between the office, meetings and events. While I may not be able to meet up with my loved ones as frequently as I would like to, I am grateful that advancements in technology have allowed me to constantly stay connected with them via email or social media platforms. 

For the past couple of weeks, my Samsung GALAXY Tab S has been out and about with me everyday. It is so incredibly light and slim, I can just pop it into my handbag and take it around with me wherever I go. It is now my trusty companion and I love how I can connect with the rest of the world with the swipe of a finger.

In
a day and age where productivity is the buzzword, keeping myself
productive is one of my top priorities and I love how I can get things
done with my Samsung GALAXY Tab S.

Did you know that Samsung GALAXY Tab S also comes with a suite of programs to enhance your productivity on the go?  

Hancom Office, which is similar to Microsoft Office, is one program that I find particularly useful for work. With Hancom Office Hword (similar to Word document) and Hcell (similar to Spreadsheet), I can read and edit all my work documents easily. I never have to worry about compatibility issues again!

Another feature that I fell absolutely head over heels in love with is the Remote PC function, which allows you to sync your PC/laptop at home or at work with the Samsung GALAXY Tab S. With the tap of a button on my Samsung Galaxy Tab S, I can now gain access to all the files on my laptop or PC at home regardless of where I may be.

I upload tons of photos onto my laptop a few times a week and I always make it a point to edit my photos before publishing them on my blog. More often than not, I only have time to edit my photos on my laptop way after working hours at night as it is such a chore to carry my laptop around. 

You cannot believe how thankful I
am to have my trusty Samsung GALAXY Tab S with me. I know I
have been gushing incessantly about how light the Samsung GALAXY Tab S
is, but aside from
that, it also gives me the flexibility and convenience of being able to
edit my photos on the go all the time. The long battery life is a huge
plus point too as I can rush out urgent blog posts or work with complete peace of mind. 

SideSync 3.0 is yet another feature that got my attention. It actually makes me want to get myself a Samsung mobile phone.

SideSync
allows you to control your Samsung smartphone from the Galaxy Tab S, which means you can
continue to text your friends or pick up calls even if your mobile phone
is not by your side. You can also share files between both devices by
copying and pasting or dragging and dropping into the shared clipboard. Isn’t that amazing?

 

SideSync

Taking short breaks throughout the day increases my productivity as I am able to recharge, refocus my energies and keep my mind fresh. To relax, I would usually grab some nibbles or catch a movie. And that’s where Samsung GALAXY Life comes in useful. 

Samsung GALAXY Life

 
All Samsung GALAXY Tab S users stand to enjoy an exciting array of exclusive rewards and  privileges through GALAXY Life. Thinking of grabbing a bite, catching a movie or buying mooncakes for your loved ones? GALAXY Life has got you covered. 

You can easily redeem the rewards by clicking on the “Redeem It” button, after which you are given an hour to claim your reward.

Samsung GALAXY Life users are also entitled to a variety of special privileges. For instance, you could have redeemed a lucky draw code that gives you not one, but three chances to win concert tickets and rehearsal passes to the YG Family 2014 concert that took Singapore by storm! 

I love everything that Samsung GALAXY Tab S has to offer. With my trusty Samsung GALAXY Tab S, higher productivity is easily attainable and that also translates to fewer late nights and more beauty sleep for me!

Is Baby Blue the new Pink this year?

Pants from Ching

Shoes from Charles & Keith

Clutch from Givenchy

Top and necklace from random stores

I have been wearing this pair of baby blue pants from Ching (Far East Plaza) more often these days. I love the unique baroque prints and there’s a slight stretch to the pants which makes it unbelievably comfortable. 

These baby blue mules from Charles & Keith have also been making very frequent appearances. I like the minimalist chic design and clean simple lines. Don’t you think they resemble an Alexander Wang design?

Whenever I wear these two items together, I prefer to keep the rest of the outfit simple with a basic black or white top. The whole idea is to make the baby blue shade pop.

 On days when I have after-work events to attend, I’ll throw on a statement necklace to dress up the outfit. I’ll also swop my work bag for a clutch, like this cute yet stylish piece from Givenchy.

Have you got any baby blue pieces in your wardrobe? If not, perhaps it’s about time (now that the weekend is just around the corner) to start adding a dash of baby blue to keep your wardrobe updated!

 Have a great weekend!

Restoring a healthy balance and rejuvenating my skin from within are two of my key priorities now that I’m well into my early 30s. Aside from exercise (hot yoga in my case), I’ve been incorporating supplements into my daily regime in a bid to maintain a healthy, energetic lifestyle and to keep my skin glowing. Thanks to Vanity Trove’s invitation, I was introduced to TruLife’s ready to drink supplements during their product launch at Willow Stream Spa recently.

TruLife is a newly launched contemporary healthcare brand by Poli Medical, an established Singapore-based company that has served the TCM needs of many Singaporeans since 1971. TruLife is acutely aware that today’s society thrives on convenience and aims to answer the health and lifestyle needs of consumers with this in mind. 

Manufactured in Singapore, TruLife’s ready to drink supplements combine powerful active ingredients that are rapidly absorbed by our body for targeted results, giving us the luminous glow of health from within. 

The best part is, these supplements are completely sugar-free and additive-free. 

Collagen Cell Renew – For Bright & Radiant Complexion (S$56.60)

I am a huge fan of collagen drinks and most of the collagen drinks that I have tried in the past contain preservatives and added sugar. I couldn’t be happier when I
found out that one of TruLife’s latest state-of-the-art products
includes Collagen Cell Renew, a collagen drink that contains 15,000mg dosage of Micro Marine Collagen Peptides.

Collagen Cell Renew is clinically proven to increase moisture levels by 50% and decrease UV spot area by 13%. It also targets fine lines and brightens your complexion, leaving you with smooth, supple skin.

I have previously read about how difficult it is for our body to absorb collagen due to its large molecule size, hence you can imagine my delight when I was told that only low molecular weight collagen peptides of deep sea fish origin are used to enhance absorption levels and ensure that our body absorbs the highest grade of collagen available today.

Besides Collagen Cell Renew, we were also given a thorough introduction to the full range of TruLife’s ready to drink supplements and products by Mr Dylan Hu (Director of Poli Medical and third generation business leader) as we nibbled on delicious canapes between sips of yummy fruit-infused water. 

Yingjie, a seasoned TCM practictioner, was also present to give us tips on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Based on TCM theories, the key to achieving good health is to balance the Yin and Yang energies.

Here are the other two ready to drink supplements that we were introduced to:

Herbal System Detox – Stay Lean with Less Effort (S$45.95)

Herbal System Detox helps to improve kidney and liver functions by stimulating regular bowel movement, thereby preventing toxin accumulation and increasing metabolism. It also enhances digestive health and reduces oil absorption after meals. 

 It contains six
natural active ingredients, namely Green Tea, Lotus Leaf, Folium Sennae,
Hawthorn Fruit, Herbal Plantaginis and Cassia Seed to hasten the
detoxification process.

This supplement is perhaps your next best alternative to dieting. Not only is it flavourful, it is also completely natural, which makes it safe for consumption in the long term.

Berry EyeHealth – Brighten Eyes and Improve Visual Acuity (S$45.95)

Berry EyeHealth
aims to improve visual acuity and relieve eye fatigue to keep your eyes
bright, sparkling and healthy. Infused with high concentrations of
Wolfberry, Bilberry and other natural ingredients such as Chrysanthemum,
Dendrobium stem and Prinsepia Seed, this supplement targets common
problems such as blurred vision, cataract and even symptoms of glaucoma
too.

I intend to purchase a box of Berry EyeHealth soon as taking good care
of my eyes is one of my top priorities given that I spend the bulk of my time sitting in front of the computer on a day to day
basis. I am also genetically predisposed to myopia and am practically
blind without my contact lenses or spectacles.

We also had the opportunity to try other products under TruLife. Perosonally, I think that the Bird’s Nest Drink would make a wonderful gift to my parents or friends who are more health conscious as TruLife offers a sugar-free version of this popular tonic too.

 After
the comprehensive presentation, the evening ended on a relaxing note
with a pampering massage of our choice at Willow Stream
Spa. I chose the Keep Calm with Collagen treatment, a specially
customized Face and Neck Massage that complemented TruLife’s Collagen
Cell Renew supplements perfectly.

TruLife’s supplements are
now available at Guardian and Nishino pharmacies, as well as OG and
Robinsons department stores.

  For more information on TruLife’s premium quality healthcare products, do visit their website here.

 While I may not be plagued by
hair loss issues, I do have a relatively sensitive scalp as I colour my hair frequently. It is also
somewhat oily and itchy. I knew I had to do something about my scalp,
hence I was looking forward to trying out a series of treatments
specially customized for me by Yun Nam Hair Care. 

 To give you a better understanding of what to expect at a typical consultation and treatment session, I will be sharing more about Yun Nam Hair Care’s 3-Step Approach to guarantee results.

Step 1: Professional Scalp Scan and Analysis

 

I knew my first consultation with Yun Nam Hair Care was off to a good start when warm smiles greeted me at the reception counter upon arriving at the Tiong Bahru outlet. I was then guided to a consultation room where I was treated to tea and a light snack while I eagerly waited for my hair care specialist to attend to me. 

As Yun Nam Hair Care believes in getting down to the root of your hair issues, I was asked to answer some questions about my lifestyle habits and health before treatment commenced. This helps the professional hair care specialists to gain a deeper understanding of how your hair condition came about and allows them to customize your treatment accordingly.

Agnes is my appointed hair care specialist and she will be taking care of all my treatments at Yun Nam Hair Care. She has a friendly and bubbly disposition which put me at ease immediately.

After answering a series of questions, Agnes conducted a scalp scan on different areas of my scalp, including the crown area, the back of my scalp, and the side of my scalp. 

Here are the results:

Did you know that a healthy hair follicle usually has three or more strands of hair?  

Each hair strand should also have a lifespan of 2-6 years, during which it will regenerate approximately 21-25 times. However, this is only applicable if your hair is in tip-top condition. In many cases, the lifespan of a hair strand and the number of times that it regenerates are shortened, no thanks to our lifestyle habits and environmental stress. 

I was informed that I had more hair at the back of my scalp (top-left picture) but I didn’t have as much hair in the other areas of my scalp. Also, my scalp is pretty oily (the whitish residue are traces of oil) and while some of my hair follicles had at least 2-3 strands of hair, there were many hair follicles with just 1 strand of hair due to clogged pores. In a nutshell, what this means is that I have to improve my oily scalp condition before hair loss issues set in.

Agnes then gave me a detailed overview of Yun Nam Hair Care’s products, all of which are 100% herbal. The key ingredient is primarily Ginseng but other herbs such as Danggui and Lingzhi are widely used as well.

Depending on your hair condition, Yun Nam also offers oral supplements to hasten your recovery process.

Step 2: Customized Treatment Programme

To target my oily scalp and clogged pores, Agnes recommended that I should do a course of scalp cleansing treatments. Agnes explained that this step is critical as my hair and scalp will only be able to absorb nutrients to stimulate hair growth and increase hair strength after its state of health has been restored. 

You can either choose to have your treatment done in the main hall or in a private room. I wanted to have some privacy, hence I opted to have my first treatment done in a private room.

I was first given a thorough hair wash using Yun Nam Hair Care’s in-house Ginseng shampoo. The Hair Cleansing Lotion and Hair Renewal Lotion are used hand-in-hand with the shampoo to restore my scalp’s PH balance. Yun Nam Hair Care advocates the use of cold water when washing your hair as this prevents irritation.

A hair steamer was used to open up my hair follicles and product absorption to allow deeper penetration of the products into the scalp. 

Agnes then rubbed
away the residue with her fingers. I was told that this process helps
to lift all the dirt and grime from my scalp.

 I had another round of shampoo followed by conditioner this time. I really enjoyed the light head massage that accompanied the hair wash as I could feel all the tension slipping away into oblivion. 

So, what did I think of the treatment?

Amazingly, my hair felt much lighter after the treatment and as I ran my fingers through my hair, I could feel that my scalp was extremely clean. What I love about this treatment is that the effects last for more than two weeks. I wash my hair everyday and I noticed that hair fall was greatly reduced as well.

Agnes did a scalp scan immediately after my treatment and a before-and-after comparison for my reference. From the scan results below, you can see that my oil clogs have cleared up significantly. As this was only my first treatment after all, I was advised to undergo a series of 10 treatments for more permanent results.

Step 3: Home Care & Follow-up

Yun Nam Hair Care

Outlets in Singapore:

Many women turn away from wearing black and yellow together to avoid
looking like a bumblebee, but Nicky Hilton’s New York Fashion Week look made a
case for the dynamic colour combo. She worked a complete Diane von Furstenberg
ensemble – black leather shorts, a printed tie-neck blouse, and a color block
bag – with ankle-strap Brian Atwood pumps, accessorised with an emerald
cocktail ring and diamond ear studs. 

 Other than leaf prints, palm prints are all the rage this season too. A palm print dress always puts me in a holiday mood. Summery and resort-chic, palm prints are perfect for a beach or weekend getaway. 

These prints have a laid-back, relaxed vibe that make it especially enticing amidst the hustle and bustle that we are so used to in our cosmopolitan city state. 

Like leaf prints, green palm prints are a refreshing change from the usual floral prints. I also like that these prints are a little more abstract, resembling splashes of colours on a white canvas instead of actual palm trees.

 If you prefer something edgier, get a palm print dress in darker hues, like the dark blue one I wore here. I love how the unexpected cut-out behind this seemingly prim and proper dress adds an element of surprise.

Whenever I encounter busy prints like these, I usually prefer to go without accessories and just let the prints do the talking. In this case however, I felt that the darker colour scheme of this dress would allow me to play around with a statement necklace and my favourite gladiator heels from Sophia Webster to show you how you can easily transform a casual dress into something that’s dressy enough for formal occasions.

I thought I’ll also take the opportunity to share a tip on how to wear ankle high heels without looking like you have short legs. Ankle high heels are tricky to pull off, even if you have the slimmest legs. 

The trick is to play with proportions by going for dresses or skirts with shorter hemlines to create the illusion of longer legs. 

 Dress from KissJane

 This series of photos were a result of a project that I undertook with Kissjane, and you will probably catch a glimpse of them in a publication soon. 

I hope you enjoyed today’s edition of Fashion Fridays. Have a great weekend ahead!

 I just got my hands on the latest Samsung GALAXY Tab S (10.5″) and I can’t begin to tell you what a world of difference it has made to my lifestyle. 

Let’s start with its appearance. Don’t be fooled by its size. It is perhaps the thinnest and lightest tablet that I have ever come across, which means I can take it with me wherever I go. It is especially useful for my overseas beach holidays, where all I want to do is chill, laze around and watch a movie or two on my laptop.  Watching movies on tablets isn’t usually as enjoyable due to the size of the screen, but with Samsung GALAXY Tab S, it is a different story altogether.  

I am in love with the large screen and more importantly, the Super AMOLED display. The slimness of the Samsung GALAXY Tab S is also largely attributed to the Super AMOLED Screen, which unlike an LCD screen, does not require additional filters or diffusers to create images. Super AMOLED is an emissive technology that displays direct, unimpeded colours and details.  LCD tablets generally have a 70% colour reproduction rate, but the Super AMOLED’s colours match up to 90% of Adobe®
RGB Colour Gamut. This means that whatever you see on screen is true to life. Honestly, it is such a joy to watch movies and view images on my Samsung GALAXY Tab S as everything comes alive right before my eyes. Even my hubby uses it to watch his favourite rockclimbing videos now!

It probably comes as no surprise to my readers that besides entertainment, fashion has always played an important role in my life. I enjoy browsing through
fashion magazines to keep abreast of the latest fashion trends but it is a chore
to carry several copies of these heavy magazines around.

As a GALAXY Tab S user, I will also stand to enjoy additional perks from GigOut! PLUS. These include: