Regina Chow - Singapore Fashion, Beauty & Travel Blog
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About Me
Fashion
Travel
Beauty
Lifestyle
Personal Thoughts
Regina Chow - Singapore Fashion, Beauty & Travel Blog
  • About Me
  • Fashion
  • Travel
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Personal Thoughts
Fashion, Uncategorized

Fashion: Bohomian Chic Trend 2015

June 30, 2015 by Regina Chow No Comments

The bohemian chic trend is perhaps one of my favourite fashion trends of all-time. An enchanting, timeless style that exudes individuality and an effortlessly carefree vibe, it comes as no surprise that this trend is so wildly popular that it has been revived again and again in the history of fashion.


Commonly associated with hippies of the 70s, this trend has evolved over the years and there are many ways to go about embracing the boho chic look without looking like a druggie or a gypsy. One easy way to go about this is to slip into a white lace maxi dress with gladiator sandals, like what I did in my previous post here for a casual chic look. Alternatively, go for billowy silhouettes and softer fabrics paired with laced-up heels for a dressier take. Here’s what I wore recently to attend the wedding of an old friend. 

Dress from Blum
Shoes from Windsor Smith
Vintage Carpet Bag from Sydney Glebe Markets
Earrings from Chanel
Ring c/o Coco & Tulip

I kept my accessories to a minimum with a simple pair of stud earrings from Chanel and an exquisite statement ring, aptly named Fire Leaf Ring Cuff, from online luxury jewellery boutique Coco & Tulip. 

Made of the finest sterling silver with cubic zirconia, the Fire Leaf Ring Cuff is a captivating accent piece that will add a touch of sparkle and liven up any ensemble. It never fails to draw compliments from friends and even strangers whenever I put it on. 
Coco & Tulip aims to make luxury jewellery affordable and easily accessible because everyone deserves to indulge in quality jewellery that stand the test of time. I find myself reaching for this beautiful ring ever so often simply because it goes with practically everything. 
Do visit Coco & Tulip’s website here or follow them on instagram (@cocoandtulip) for more updates on their latest designs.
 

Hope you enjoyed this post. Have a great week ahead!

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Beauty, Uncategorized

Palmer's White & Even Skincare for Pigmentation Issues

June 28, 2015 by Regina Chow No Comments
I am a fan of Palmer’s Cocoa Butter body moisturizer because it is one of the few body moisturizers in the market that can truly transform my dry parched skin into buttery soft, smooth skin. It wasn’t until recently that I discovered that one of my favourite bodycare brands has its very own range of facial skincare products too, and I was delighted to get my hands on them.

Palmer’s White & Even skincare range is formulated specially for those of us who are plagued by pigmentation issues such as age spots, dark spots, acne scars and sun damage. Pigmentation is usually formed when sun exposure causes melanocytes in the epidermis to overproduce melanin which then results in brown skin cells rising to the skin surface. Topical creams like the White and Even range by Palmer’s can inhibit the overproduction of melanin to prevent and treat skin discoloration. 

Besides its pigment-correcting properties, what I love about this range is that it is water-based and thus suitable for our humid climate.This range is also free of parabens, phthalates, sulphates, harsh dyes, synthetic dyes and fragrances, making it suitable for all skin types.

1) Palmer’s White & Even Dark Spot Corrector ($29.90/30ml)

The White & Even Dark Spot Corrector is a serum that you can easily incorporate into your daily skincare regime. I typically apply this after toner and before moisturizer.
Palmer’s Tone Enhancing Complex and Songyi Mushrooms are the key active ingredients in this product. The Tone Enhancing Complex is a unique concoction of Cocoa Butter (smooths marks and scars), Soy (restores luminosity), Licorice (improves tone and texture), Synovea (lightens age spots and just as effective as Hydroquinone!) and Vitamin C (natural skin brightener), while the highly coveted Songyi Mushrooms are widely sought after for its ability to reduce hyperpigmentation, soothe inflammations and firm up the skin for a youthful appearance.

The lightweight non-sticky gel serum is infused with a sheer veil of shimmer and a delightful floral scent (all-natural as the product is fragrance-free). Honestly, it is almost too pretty to be used. On application, it glides on like silk and absorbs quickly, almost as if your skin is quenching its thirst, leaving a soft, pearlescent finish on your face.
If your skin can’t withstand the heaviness of traditional moisturizing, this serum doubles up as a moisturizer as well. I have been using this product as both a serum and moisturizer under sunblock. It sits well as a make-up base, even with Palmer’s CBB cream, and the subtle shimmer gives you a luminous complexion without looking like a disco ball.

After using this for 2 weeks, I noticed that my skin tone has become brighter and more even. I went for a facial recently and with the help of this product, the extraction marks on my face vanished miraculously in just 2-3 days when they usually take about 4-5 days to fully recover. This is my favourite product out of the entire range and I would recommend this as an affordable alternative to some of the bigger brands because it actually works!
For more details about the product, you can also view the video of Palmer’s Brand Ambassador, Taiwanese Celebrity, Sonia Sui,here:
2. Palmer’s White & Even Dark Circle Correcting Eye Treatment ($22.90/15ml)

Many of us, including myself, are victims of dark eye circles, which make us look more tired than we really are. To fight the signs of fatigue and reduce the appearance of dark eye circles, which is usually due to a lack of blood circulation, you may wish to give Palmer’s Dark Circle Correcting Eye Treatment a try. 
Here’s what it promises to do:
  • Brighten Dark Circles and Under Eye Shadows
  • Help Improve Microcirculation (circulation of blood in the smallest vessels)
  • Reduce Puffiness
  • Firm & Lift
  • Moisturize
It achieves these 5 effects through its triple blend of Caffeine to stimulate microcirculation, Skin Nutrients to plump and moisturize the delicate skin and Sheer Luminizing Veil to brighten the shadowy under-eye area. The cooling metal tip applicator reduces puffiness and can be used to massage the eye contours to relieve tiredness.

Just like the Dark Spot Corrector, this eye correcting treatment comes with a gel texture and pearlescent finish to brighten up your eye area. The metal tip
applicator is also very handy for re-applications during the day, whenever
you feel that you need that extra pick-me-up. 
A little goes a long way, so remember to squeeze out just a 5 cent coin size of gel and use the applicator to evenly distribute the product all over your eye contours, starting from inside out. Doing this in the morning when I am usually still half awake really perks me up and makes me feel absolutely refreshed.
3) Palmer’s White & Even CBB Cream Fair/Light ($22.90/30ml)

We have all heard of BB creams or CC creams. Now, what exactly is CBB cream? 

CBB stands for Correcting Beauty Balm and Palmer’s CBB Cream contains a multi-functional formula that targets discoloration and spots while giving you the coverage and sun protection (SPF 15) that you need. 

Here’s what this multi-tasking product does:

  • Targets discoloration
  • Provides superior moisturization
  • Protects your skin from the sun
  • Prevents discoloration from recurring
  • Provides lightweight coverage to conceal imperfections
  • Primes skin for makeup application
  • Brightens complexion
  • Improves radiance and clarity instantly
  • Reduces redness

It may have a relatively thick consistency but it blends out well and the coverage is very buildable. It is also very hydrating, which explains why you really do not need to add a moisturizer to your skincare routine with Palmer’s White and Even range.

 Can you tell that the vein on the right side of my hand is less obvious than before? Palmer’s White and Even CBB cream is again formulated with their Tone Enhancing Complex, with the addition of Mineral Pigments to even out your skin tone and boost radiance, leaving you with luminous, younger-looking skin.

Did I find this skincare range effective and would I recommend it?

When you use Palmer’s White & Even skincare a daily basis, you can expect to see your skin tone lighten and become more uniform within 3-5 days. After 4-6 weeks (depending on age, health and sun exposure), your skin evens out beautifully as the products act on the deeper skin layers to inhibit overproduction of melanin.

In fact, the brightening properties of Palmer’s White & Even skincare can be seen immediately upon application. From my before (no make-up) and after (after applying White & Even Dark Spot Corrector and Dark Circle Correcting Eye Treatment) photo below, you can tell that my skin tone already looks more even and my eyes look less tired.

 Now, let’s take a look at my before and after photo upon application of Palmer’s White & Even CBB Cream.No concealer, foundation, blusher or even eye make-up (except lash extensions) was used in all the photos featured in this post. 

  A touch of the CBB cream was all it took for the pigmentation on my upper cheeks to disappear. If you require more coverage, simply dab on an additional layer of CBB cream for clear, flawless skin.

 I would recommend Palmer’s White & Even Skincare range if you have pigmentation, dark spots, acne scars or simply wish to even out your skin tone as it is very affordable and most importantly, it actually works.  After using this range for about 2 weeks, I noticed that my skin tone has become more even and the redness has subsided. I would be lying if I were to tell you that the pigmentation on my upper cheeks has disappeared, because there isn’t a miracle product like that in the market but based on the results currently, I am confident that with regular usage, it would lighten with time.

Oh, and don’t forget your sunscreen to ensure that your efforts don’t go to waste!

Head on down to Watsons, Guardian, BHG, Robinsons, John Little, Essentials    Pharmacy, Nishino Pharmacy, all leading pharmacies, departmental and cosmetic stores to get your Palmer’s White & Even skincare range!

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Travel, Uncategorized

Travel: Beaches in Gold Coast

June 25, 2015 by Regina Chow No Comments
Other than theme parks, Gold Coast is known for their beautiful beaches that stretch on forever. Sunny yet cool, the beautiful weather all year round, even in winter, makes Gold Coast the perfect beach destination in Australia.
I could just laze my day away at the beach all day with a book, feeling the powdery soft sand between my toes and listening to the roar of the crashing waves. When I get bored of sitting down, up I go to take a walk along the beach, where the finely milled sand makes you feel like you’re walking on silk.
How divine.
Some of you may know that I typically avoid the sun like the plague, and the only time I am willing to get out in the sun is when I am at the beach, not without slathering on sunblock of course. I love beaches and during my recent trip to Gold Coast, I visited several of them.Here are some of the beaches that left a deep impression on me:
1) Surfers Paradise

 

 

 

Surfers Paradise is the most popular beach in Gold Coast, which also makes it the most touristy. It stretches over 3 kilometres and depending on your preference, you could either join in the crowd and people watch or find a quiet spot to indulge in a little me-time, all against the backdrop of towering skyscrapers.
Just so you know, none of these photos in this post required any editing on my part. Yes, the gorgeous deep blue gradients, dramatic cloud formations and beautiful beaches are all real.
Pretty amazing isn’t it?

 

Romper from Alice McCall
 
If you stay till the evenings on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, you can also visit the beachfront
markets and check out the fresh bakes (I loveee fudge!), produce, art
and craft and souvenirs. While you are at Surfers Paradise, I would also highly recommend that you visit SkyPoint Observation Deck for a bird’s eye view of Gold Coast. Aside from its glowing beaches, you will be treated to a breathtaking view of Gold Coast’s waterways. Fun fact of the day: Did you know that Gold Coast has more waterways and canals than Venice?  

 

 

 

 

 

 

General admission tickets are priced at A$22 for adults and A$13 for children. There’s also a family pass for 2 Adults + 2 Children priced at A$57.

If you are up for some adrenalin-pumping action, try the SkyPoint Climb. The climb is conducted outdoors and takes you right to the top of the building. We were all ready to book a slot but eventually decided against it because we found out that no cameras are allowed, which we thought was quite a waste.

If you are interested, tickets are priced at A$69 for adults (Day Climb) and A$49 for children (Day Climb), and A$80 for adults (Twilight Climb) and A$69 for children (Twilight Climb).

*****

SkyPoint Observatory Deck

Address:


Level 77 of Q1 Resort
9 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Queensland, 4217 Australia

Website:

http://www.skypoint.com.au

 Tel:

+61 7 5582 2700

*****
2) Nobby Beach

 

 

If a little peace and quiet is what you are after, head over to Nobby beach. An oasis of calm and serenity, there’s hardly anyone around at all. If I were staying in Gold Coast, I would come here everyday just to chill out and unwind after a long day at work.
Nobby beach gets extra bonus points as one of our favourite restaurants, Sparrow Eating House (owned by the same people behind Elk Espresso) is located just a stone’s throw away.
 


3) Coolangatta Beach

 

Coolangatta beach is the nearest beach to the airport and is located close to several cafes and shops.

We were in Coolangatta for breakfast at The Black Sheep, which serves up delicious meals and good coffee. After the hearty meal, we really needed to walk it off and it didn’t take long before we found ourselves on Coolangatta beach. We hadn’t planned on visiting the beach that day, hence my rather inappropriate attire drew curious stares from the beach-goers lining the shore.

 

 

This beach seemed very popular among families and the locals so if you want to feel like a local, this is the beach to go. We also chanced upon an interesting cluster of rocks which provided a great backdrop for my OOTD pictures.

 

 



4) Broad Beach
We visited Broad Beach slightly before 6 a.m. on the last day of our trip and was greeted by vibrant shades of orange, red and blue as the sun peeked out from the horizon. .
Broad Beach is relatively quieter than Surfers Paradise but I was amazed to see many joggers along the beach early in the morning. Foodies will also be happy to know that Broad Beach is close to popular restaurants such as RockSalt Modern Dining (we had dinner there and the food was delicious!), Social Eating House, Verve and many others.

 

The waves are generally too
strong for swimming in Gold Coast, but you have to visit the beaches here if surfing is your cup of tea. No idea how to surf? Surf schools are aplenty so if you’re feeling adventurous, you can always take up surfing lessons and ride the waves. Even if you don’t wish to enter the sea, take a walk
towards the waves, twiddle your toes and enjoy the moment as the waves crash onto shore and
break into delightful white foam at your feet. Trust me, it’s worth it.
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Fashion, Uncategorized

Summer 2015 Trend: Lace Dresses & Gladiator Sandals

June 17, 2015 by Regina Chow 3 Comments
Breezy lace dresses are a necessity for summer. So are gladiator sandals this year. Put these two together and you get a match made in boho heaven. Yes, the bohemian trend is back this summer, so remember to add a couple of lace tops, dresses and lace-up gladiator sandals to stay ahead of the curve.
Lace dresses hardly go out of style and honestly, you don’t have to wait till summer to take them out for a spin (especially when it’s summer all year round in Singapore!). After all, which lace lover can resist the intricate lace details on the Luna Maxi Dress from my current favourite label For Love & Lemons? 

The surprise cut-out at the back adds to the allure and beauty of the dress.Glam it up with a pair of open
toe heels or keep it casual with this season’s must-have and oh-so-comfy
gladiator sandals which have since become my weekend footwear. Versatile maxi dresses are hard to come by and I know this number is here to stay in my wardrobe.

Luna maxi dress from For Love & Lemons
Vintage Carpet Bag from Sydney
Gladiator Sandals from Hong Kong
Hair by Michelle from Jeric Salon (Bugis)

Have you got your summer wardrobe all planned out?
 
Here are some of my picks from For Love & Lemons and Shopbop to whet your fashion appetite:

Woodstock Mini Dress

Desert Nights Maxi Dress

Summer Lily Dress

Stuart Weitzman Gladiator Sandals

Stuart Weitzman Sparta Sandals

Tibi Camilo Gladiator Sandals

Happy Shopping!

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Travel, Uncategorized

Travel: Elk Espresso Cafe in Gold Coast

June 16, 2015 by Regina Chow No Comments

I was under the impression that cafes in Gold Coast pale in comparison to those in Sydney and Melbourne, but my recent trip to this sunny city proved me wrong.In fact, JW and I came across quite a number of good cafes thanks to recommendations from Urbanspoon, now known as Zomato (the Australian equivalent of Hungrygowhere) and Elk Espresso at Broadbeach was one of our favourite spots. If you ever visit Gold Coast, you have to come here for breakfast or brunch.

Why Elk Espresso? In a nutshell, the casual, laid-back Australian vibe and friendly service at Elk Espresso go hand-in-hand with its unpretentious yet absolutely delicious food to give you an experience that you’ll never forget. No wonder it is so popular with the locals!One of the most popular items on its breakfast/brunch menu is the very photogenic French Toast which comes with a medley of poached pears, salted caramel and dehydrated berries with vanilla bean mascarpone (A$17.50). Its prepossessing appearance is bound to brighten up any instagram feed.

 

 

The salted caramel sauce adds just a hint of sweetness to the french toast while allowing the natural flavours of the fruits and berries to shine through. I loved the refreshing touch of vanilla bean mascarpone which further enhances the party of flavours in your mouth, giving a new dimension to the overall taste.

 

To complement the comparatively sweeter french toast, we ordered a savoury breakfast favourite – Potato Hash with bacon, avocado, rocket, free-range eggs, hollandaise sauce, garlic, thyme and mushrooms (A$17). What a mouthful, literally, but this makes such a hearty and satisfying breakfast.
Aside from seasoned chefs, there is just something special about the eggs in Australia. They are always perfectly poached,with bright orange yolks that ooze out like liquid gold when you cut into it.

 

The portions are very generous and despite the temptation, we were way too full by the end of the meal to add anything else to our order.
Well, except that a cafe experience is never complete without a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and he had to have his coffee and me, my hot chocolate.
The cafe latte (A$3.60) is good by Australian standards (usually much higher than Singapore’s) but in comparison to the hot chocolate that I tried at Lindt Cafe in Sydney, I felt that the Lindt Hot Chocolate (A$5.50) here could be richer. Don’t get me wrong though, it was gratifying nonetheless.

 

We had such an enjoyable experience at Elk Espresso that we headed over to the owners’ new restaurant, Sparrow Eating House at Nobby Beach for dinner during our stay.
If you were wondering, yes, we gave two thumbs up for both establishments, and I can assure you that you wouldn’t want to miss them for the world.
*****
Elk Espresso
Address:
16 Chelsea Avenue
Broadbeach QLD 4218, Australia
Tel:
+61 7 5592 2888
Website:
http://www.elkespresso.com
Instagram:
@elkespresso
Opening Hours: 
6am – 4pm 
 
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Fashion, Uncategorized

Fashion Fridays: Fashion Steps Out 2015 @ Orchard

June 12, 2015 by Regina Chow 2 Comments
Encapsulating vibrancy, bustle, and an intoxicating mix of fashion, cuisine and action, world-renowned Orchard Road was host to traffic-stopping style at the Fashion Steps Out @ Orchard event.
Singapore’s renaissance has been 50 years in the making, and the fashion mecca of Singapore was the hotbed for fashionistas, celebrities and models as the entire road was transformed into a giant catwalk showcasing some of the best Asian designers.

Presented
by Orchard Road Business Association (ORBA) and supported by Singapore Tourism
Board and MasterCard, well-known Singaporean celebrities such as Paige Chua (in
white), Belinda Lee (in black) and Ya Hui (in yellow) graced this exciting
annual fashion affair that is into its sixth year.
“With 2015 marking Singapore’s Jubilee year, Orchard Road Business Association (ORBA) rounded up some of our nation’s most celebrated designers and curated a visionary SG Next50 collection for Samsung Fashion Steps Out 2015. The SG Next50 collection was presented at Singapore’s longest catwalk, the iconic Orchard Fashion Runway, together with a showcase of Spring/Summer 2015 collections, which will be available in our Orchard Road stores,” said Mr Mark Shaw, Chairman of ORBA.
“ORBA remains committed to making fashion accessible to all, and our six-week long fashion extravaganza offers something for every visitor to Orchard Road,” he added. 
The six-week fashion season encompasses a whole host of activities and shopping rewards to celebrate fashion. Regina and myself were excited to attend the exclusive Fashion Party set within a garden at ION Orchard prior to the glitzy Runway show. The garden featured whimsical swings, a gorgeous swan feature and even a real butterfly garden! 
Regina’s outfit matched perfectly with the garden swan theme, hence these beautiful photos of her OOTDs. You can also check out her full OOTD in her previous post here.
As the evening set in, we made our way to the unique lighted stools that lined the road catwalk. All vehicular traffic was stopped specially for this event, and a record number of 176 models showcased the stylish creations along the length of Orchard Road, including the grand opening segment presented by Samsung.

Large poster trucks drove down the road and then stopped in front of the VIP guests, and models stepped out to ambient music as celebrity host and model Junita Simon announced the start of the fashion show.
Said Eugene Goh, Vice President, IT and Mobile, Samsung Electronics Singapore, “Samsung.. believes in finding the perfect blend of beautiful craftsmanship and purpose, similar to how the designers are pushing the boundaries of fashion.”
This year, the thematic catwalk display featured the latest designs from 13 brands: Aimer, Ashley Isham, DEPRESSION, FOX Kids, Francis Cheong, Germain, Mary Katrantzou, max.tan, Moiselle, PAUL, PAULINE.NING, Pleatation and Sean & Sheila.
These included 50 special looks created by acclaimed local Singaporean designers to commemorate SG50, and five celebrated local designers with diverse styles – Francis Cheong, Max Tan, Chiang Xiao Jun of Pleatation, PAULINE.NING and Kenny Lim of DEPRESSION – presented a forward-looking collection representative of their outlook of SG Next50 years.
The looks incorporated show-stopping concepts into wearable pieces (I would definitely wear quite a few of the pieces for work and after-hours!), showcasing the versatility and modernity of the SG Next50 interpretations. I was also impressed with the thought-provoking sharing by the designers on the inspiration behind their collections.
Clean lines, flowy details and minimalistic designs are the essence of PAULINE.NING’s SG Next50 Fashion Futurism Collection. (FashionStepsOut)
“We’re inspired by the key dates in Singapore history. We want to look forward but at the same time, not forgetting the past.” – Kenny and Andrew, the creatives behind the local brand DEPRESSION (FashionStepsOut)
“My collection is to reflect the nation’s even more sophisticated brighter future in fashion and beyond,” says Francis Cheong – the soul behind the modern and dreamy designs in the SG Next50: Fashion Futurism collection. (FashionStepsOut)
“I feel humbled by this opportunity to be able to celebrate SG50 with my own creative discipline together with other creatives. My home has provided me with opportunities to grow the brand.” – Max Tan on his creations with his own label in the SG Next50: Fashion Futurism collection.(FashionStepsOut)
“My collection is drawn with inspiration to a reflection of an individual’s inner self. I believe that how one portrays himself on the outer self, may be different from his inner self.” – Chiang Xiaojun on her creations with Pleatation in the SG Next50: Fashion Futurism collection. (FashionStepsOut)
The many beautiful fashion creations by the designer maestros were a gorgeous concoction of concept fashion and wearable fashion, and the catwalk was complemented with a touch of whimsy as the Road burst into color during numerous segments, such as when models sashayed down with balloons….
and when models showed the audience what living in the tropics was all about!
This year was also the first time that children’s wear was featured, and the cute child models for FOX Kids aged four to eight years old took to the streets in multi-coloured fashion and balloons, eliciting squeals from the adoring audience. The 40 child models were in fact chosen for a fun-filled taste of modelling through a contest ran by FOX Kids in March.
Ashley Isham, world-renowned Singapore designer, has indeed been one of the key fashion maestros in putting Singapore onto the fashion world map, and his Fall / Winter 2015 collection was showcased to much anticipation, hot off the runway from the recent London Fashion Week.
The catwalk had some stunning pieces, and the tongue-in-cheek signages with traffic references such as “Give way to models” and “Look out for fashion police” added to the impact of the entire “road show” (pardon the pun!)
After the show, we were also treated to a special extended time of shopping at the Mandarin Gallery, with special shopping and dining privileges for that evening. Deborah Heng, Group Head and General Manager of MasterCard Singapore said, “MasterCard data show that over sixty percent of consumers do shop offline despite the popularity of online shopping, which shows that the in-store experience is still strongly valued… we are pleased to cardholders offer even greater rewards for shopping along Singapore’s iconic Orchard Road.”
As Ms Tan Yen Nee, Director, Lifestyle Precincts Development, Singapore Tourism Board, shared, “The sixth edition of Fashion Steps Out @ Orchard looks set to enliven Singapore’s iconic shopping belt, with a variety of lifestyle experiences to enjoy.. and in commemoration of SG50, FSO will feature even more local designers and fashion this year.. (including) the Merlion as fashion muse. These element will certainly add another dimension of authenticity and fun for visitors and locals.”
It was an impactful evening, from the scale and scope of the entire event, to the magnitude of the concept and ideology driving the showcase of Singapore as an iconic and cosmopolitan destination. Thank you once again to STB, ORBA, Samsung and MasterCard for the invite, and cheers to great success!
[This post was written by Isabelle, a permanent writer on Shopping Queen’s Haven.]
****
About the writer Isabelle:
An MBTI
personality profile that believes in making the world a better place
(one starfish at a time), Isabelle is a communications professional who
enjoys creating good memories for others, and balances realism with a
healthy dose of joie de vivre and can-do positivity. 
****
 
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Beauty, Uncategorized

Beauty: mdd COSMECEUTICAL Skincare Review

June 10, 2015 by Regina Chow 2 Comments

 In our relentless quest for beauty, we need to be mindful not to subject our skin, which also happens to be our body’s largest organ, to harsh chemicals that actually do more harm than good. This is the reason why scent-free and paraben-free skincare always tops my list of beauty must-haves.
mdd COSMECEUTICAL skincare falls right into this category. Established over 7 years ago, mdd COSMECEUTICAL aims to create skincare products that suit the ever-changing needs of consumers today through rigorous research and development. Its skincare line is formulated without fragrance and parabens, combining Japanese cutting-edge technology with breakthrough research to ensure that active ingredients penetrate into the deepest layer of our skin to deliver optimal results. 

Did you know that Stella Leung, Hong Kong celebrity make-up artist for A-mei and Jacky Cheung, is also a huge fan of MDD products and claims that the brand saved her skin?
Well, it is not hard to understand why. I have been using some of their best-selling skincare products for close to a month now, and I am in love with the brand’s fuss-free approach to achieving good skin in just one step. Now, you can happily bid farewell to the multiple serums or essences and say hello to a simple, effective routine that not only saves you time, but actually works.

1. SKIN PERFECT BRIGHTENING NANO GEL (S$68.95, 60ml)

If you desire brighter skin that glows from within, the Skin Perfect Brightening Nano Gel would be your best friend. 
This all-in-one multitasking product contains the following skin-loving ingredients:
1) Vitamin C and Pearl Essence to brighten your skin
2) Seaweed Extract to keep your skin thoroughly moisturized
3) Ceramides to calm down and prevent skin irritations

I have been using this product as a moisturizer twice daily. It repairs, tones, hydrates, primes and protects your skin all at once, and is a life-saver especially when I need to rush out of the house early in the morning.
Its lightweight, gel texture makes it perfect for our humid weather as it absorbs readily into your skin and keeps it plump, hydrated and glowing all day. You may not observe the brightening effects immediately upon usage, but give it about 2 weeks and you’ll notice a brighter, more luminous complexion.
If you are prone to oil seeds (like me!), this would work well with your skin as anything too rich and creamy would lead to an onslaught of oil seeds.

2) SKIN PERFECT CC CREAM (S$31.55, 20ml)
I have tried several CC creams but most pale in comparison to mdd COSMECEUTICAL’s Skin Perfect CC Cream. 
Yet another multitasking product, this CC cream is formulated with Marine Collagen and Ceramide complex and acts as a sunscreen (SPF 30), make-up base, anti-aging cream and moisturizer all rolled into one to give you perfect skin without the hassle.
I use this every morning, after the Skin Perfect Brightening Nano Gel and I absolutely adore how it provides full coverage without clogging my pores. It also does a wonderful job of smoothing out fine lines and concealing imperfections such as pigmentation, giving you flawless, air-brushed skin instantly. 
I typically dab on an additional layer of CC cream on my upper cheeks to conceal my pigmentation and was pleasantly surprised when some of my friends told me that it seemed like my dark spots had vanished miraculously!

Besides its excellent coverage, I am particularly impressed by its featherlight texture. Good coverage and light, weightless textures usually do not go hand in hand, hence this CC cream is definitely a gem. 
Don’t be fooled by its seemingly thick consistency when you first squeeze it out of the tube. It glides on like a dream, gives you the coverage you need and imparts a healthy glow to your skin without any sticky after-feel. This is one product that I highly recommend and would personally purchase when it runs out.

3. HYDRA-INFUSION OKINAWA MASK (S$78.95, 50ml)

Hydrating masks are my favourite as my skin is perpetually dehydrated, all thanks to late nights, frequent traveling and constant exposure to air-conditioning. 
The Hydra-infusion Okinawa Mask is the latest addition to my range of hydrating/sleeping masks and I find myself reaching for it at least twice or thrice a week because it hydrates, clarifies, brightens and boosts cell renewal simultaneously, leaving me with soft dewy skin every time. I also love its ultra light gel texture and how it energizes my dull, tired skin and restores radiance.

   

The active ingredients include nourishing Okinawa deep-sea water and Hyaluronic Acid to lock in moisture, as well as soybean extract to effectively brighten your skin.
You can either apply a thin layer to your skin for 30 minutes and wash it off thereafter or leave it on overnight as a sleeping mask, which is my preferred method.  A little goes a long way, and I can foresee that this tub of goodness will last at least six months, even with regular usage.
OVERALL IMPRESSION OF mdd COSMECEUTICAL SKINCARE

 I only recommend products that I have personally tested on my skin for an extended period of time, and this time was no exception. What are my overall thoughts on mdd COSMECEUTICAL’s skincare line? Would I recommend this brand?
It is hard to come by multitasking one-step skincare products that suit both our humid climate and our hectic lifestyle. More importantly, mdd COSMECEUTICAL products are scent-free, paraben-free and fuss-free, yet remarkably effective, hence I would highly recommend this skincare range for all the reasons that I have stated above. 
 After all, who doesn’t love hassle-free skincare that delivers optimal results?

All products are available at www.skinbalance.com.sg, the distributor of MDD Cosmeceutical products. 

Enter the code “MDDC Social Launch 6” upon checkout for a special store-wide discount of S$7 valid till 31 July 2015!

 

For more information on my beauty routine with mdd COSMECUTICAL, watch the video that was filmed in collaboration with Karen below:

mdd COSMECEUTICAL
Website: 
 http://www.skinbalance.com.sg
Facebook:
 https://www.facebook.com/SkinBalanceSG
 
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Personal Thoughts, Uncategorized

Part-time Jobs & Internships in Singapore

June 7, 2015 by Regina Chow 1 Comment

What are you doing during the school holidays? It is a good time to take a break after the exams, go for a short holiday, or even take up a part-time job or internship to make full use of your time before school reopens.

Why should you take up a part-time job or internship?

Good grades may be important, but practical working experience and testimonials from past employers will set you apart from the sea of fresh graduates seeking job opportunities as our job market becomes increasingly competitive. 
I remember grabbing every opportunity to take up part-time jobs and internships to build up my resume and make some extra pocket money when I was still schooling eons ago. On hindsight, I realized that besides monetary remuneration and invaluable working experience, I gained a deeper understanding of myself, my strengths and weaknesses and most importantly, what I was looking for in a career upon graduation.
 It was an eye-opening experience. I learned that desk bound jobs were not my cup of tea and I really couldn’t sit down for hours on end facing a computer screen or filing documents. On the contrary, I really enjoyed marketing and sales promoter roles where I got to meet and interact with people from all walks of life. It was challenging having to deal with difficult customers from time to time, but being able to put a smile on their faces and turn things around gave me a tremendous sense of satisfaction. Fast forward to today, and yes, if you were wondering, I am currently still in customer-facing role.
 
What about you? Do
you know what you want to do with your life upon graduation? Some of us
do, but most of us don’t. The fastest and easiest way to get an inkling
of what you would like to do and develop the relevant skills in the process is to embark on a journey of self-discovery
through part-time jobs and internships. 
What is the difference between part-time jobs and internships?
The key difference between part-time jobs for students and a Singapore internship is that the latter is generally in line with your field of study and serves to supplement your academic learning. Part-time jobs on the other hand, have less stringent requirements when it comes to hiring students from a certain field, but this doesn’t make them any less challenging or meaningful. 

Through part-time jobs and internships, you will also get to assess if a particular industry or corporate culture gels with your personality and career aspirations. With a better understanding of yourself, your environment and the necessary skills required to succeed in an industry of your choice, you will certainly get a head start when it comes to securing your dream job later on.

More importantly, if you take the initiative to do well in your job, connect with your bosses and co-workers and leave them with a positive impression, be it in a part-time job or internship, there’s always a good chance that opportunities would come knocking on your door when full-time positions need to be filled. 

Where should you start looking for part-time jobs and internships?
 Thanks to technological advancements, information on anything and everything is readily available at the touch of your fingertips these days. A quick desktop research on “part time jobs singapore” and “internship singapore” would give you a better idea of current opportunities in the market and what potential employers are looking for. 

Remember, first impressions count, so I thought I would leave you with 5 tips to secure that job/internship:

1. Customize your resume to highlight skills and experiences that are relevant to the job that you are applying for (most candidates tend to omit this critical step.)

 2. Highlight your strengths and experiences that are relevant to the job that you’ve applied for in your resume and at the interview

3. Do your due diligence on the company that you’ve applied to prior to the interview

4. Dress appropriately for the interview

5. Go in with a positive attitude. Employers are always on the lookout for people who are eager to learn and contribute.  

Hope you found this post useful and here’s wishing you all the best in your job search!

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Fashion, Uncategorized

Fashion Fridays: Review Australia in Singapore

June 5, 2015 by Regina Chow No Comments
Those of you who have been following my blog may have realized that I have a penchant for Australian designer labels. Their unrivaled quality, workmanship and classic designs that never go out of style ensure that their apparels are worthy wardrobe investments. 
If you have an appreciation for the finer things in life, Review Australia is another Australian label that you cannot miss, especially since you can now get hold of their beautiful designs from their Singapore-based website. Plus, free shipping is available for all Singapore orders (limited time only)!

A big thank you once again to Review Australia for dressing me up for my recent Gold Coast trip. The Addie Royce Top and Hanna Skirt are perfect for traveling as they require no ironing and are completely crease-free. When paired together with wedges and a quirky book clutch, both pieces create a casual chic holiday look that exudes femininity and elegance. You could also swap the book clutch for a tote bag, such as the Valentino Rockstud tote pictured above for a more work-appropriate yet fun look.
To complete my holiday look, I added some gold accents in the form of a skinny belt and comfortable diamonte wedges (I always love a touch of bling!). You can also easily mix and match these versatile pieces with other wardrobe staples to recreate various looks for different occasions.
 Did you know that there is a story behind every design? The inspiration for every design comes from the design team’s travels around the world, as they relive the romance of a bygone era through Parisian flea markets and vintage stores in London and New York. It is an amazing feeling to be able to indulge in your sense of wanderlust and adventure through their captivating designs. 
My first encounter with Review Australia actually took place several years back when I was living in Sydney. You cannot believe how infatuated I was (and still am) with their feminine vintage-inspired designs, complete with their signature bow, lace and jewel embellishments. Review Australia is the epitome of romantic, eclectic style, a style that I absolutely adore. Needless to say, I never looked back. 

Addie Royce Top & Hanna Skirt c/o Review Australia // Earrings from Chanel // Bangle from Hermes


Thanks for reading and have a wonderful weekend ahead! In case you were wondering, this set of photos was taken at Marina Mirage in Gold Coast. I’ll also be sharing more about my Gold Coast trip soon, so do keep a lookout for more updates!

Review Australia

http://www.review-australia.sg





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Travel, Uncategorized

Travel: Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai Pudong Dining & Spa Experience

June 3, 2015 by Regina Chow No Comments
Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai Pudong is one of the most beautiful hotels in Shanghai in my opinion. It has the perfect combination of old-world charm with contemporary features and modern finishes, not to mention the killer view of Pudong’s iconic skyscrapers from its infinity pool, made world-famous by the latest James Bond movie, Skyfall 007.
Infinity Pool featured in Skyfall 007
During my recent trip to Shanghai, I had the privilege of dining at Shang-Xi, hosted by the lovely team from Four Seasons Pudong. Located on the second floor of the hotel, Shang-Xi offers fine Chinese cuisine in an exclusive and luxurious setting.

 

I found myself attracted to the
opulent decor reminiscent of old Shanghai and the intimate ambiance
resulting from just 22 seats for public dining, which affords a
wonderful balance of privacy and interaction.
The highlight of Shang-Xi lies in its five private rooms, each of which is designed to represent a semi-precious stone. The cozy yet elegant rooms are ideal for hosting VIPs or even just a private get-together with family and friends.

 

 

 

 

Ambience aside, I had one of my most enjoyable dining experiences in China to date. The food was exquisitely prepared and artfully plated, but what struck me most was how the restaurant gave iconic Shanghainese and Chinese dishes a unique twist.

 

Amuse Bouche

 

Top-Bottom (Clockwise): Chinese Evergreen Salad with Fresh Crab Meat, Pan-Fried Dough Cake with Spring Onion in Foie Gras, Marinated Chicken in Fragrant Soy Sauce, Jelly Fish Marinated with Aged Vinegar
One of the four appetizers that we had was the Pan-Fried Dough Cake with Spring Onion in Foie Gras, a popular Shanghainese delight that combined both eastern and western elements.
Pan-Fried Dough Cake with Spring Onion in Foie Gras
While you may be
able to find pan-fried dough cake with spring onion on the streets,
Shang-Xi’s Foie Gras version was a refreshing change. The smooth and
creamy foie gras was a wonderful accompaniment to the light and fluffy
dough cakes which were pan-fried to golden perfection.
Double-Boiled Fish Maw Soup with Matsutake and Lycium

 

Double-Boiled soup is a must-have for me at Chinese restaurants as it is both nutritious and very flavourful.  As I had just touched down from a long flight before the meal, a bowl of piping hot soup was a nourishing and comforting way to wind down after a long day. I could taste the savoury goodness of the fish maw and matustake mushrooms with every sip.
The Garoupa fillet, which was up next, was very fresh, tender and aromatic. The citrus notes from the preserved mandarin peel balanced out the fermented garlic flavour beautifully. I loved it as the beauty of this classic Chinese dish lies in its simplicity.

 

Steamed Star Garoupa Fillet with Fermented Garlic & Preserved Mandarin Peel in Bamboo Red Basket
I would highly recommend the braised pork in brown sauce layered in crispy tofu sheet and if I had to choose my favourite dish for the night, this would probably be it. The braised pork was already delicious on its own, but that delightful crunch from the crispy tofu sheet was the icing on the cake and truly sealed the deal for me.
Braised Pork in Brown Sauce with Layered Crispy Tofu Sheet, Stewed Vegetables with Green Peas and Walnuts

 

The last dish before dessert was fried rice, and if you are familiar with Chinese cuisine, I am sure you would have heard that fried rice is the true test of a chef’s culinary skills. I was feeling quite full by the end of the meal, but this bowl of fried rice was so addictive it took my breath away. Topped with a dash of flying fish roe, it was bursting with flavours and textures with every bite.

 

Shang Xi Fried Rice with Shredded Abalone, Conpoy and Seafood
To cleanse the palate after my hearty meal, a light and refreshing dessert in the form of osmanthus jelly with chilled yogurt was served. I was told this dessert is wildly popular with ladies and health-conscious patrons due to the health benefits of osmanthus jelly (including beautiful skin!) and the creative pairing with chilled yogurt. It tastes sinfully delicious, but you can rest assured that this delicious concoction will satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt. Looks like killing two birds with one stone isn’t that challenging a task after all!
Osmanthus Jelly with Chilled Yogurt
After my sumptuous meal, I was invited to the hotel’s stylish FLARE spa for the Orchidee Imperiale Signature Facial.
Entrance to FLARE Spa
A welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city, this is the place to indulge in a pampering facial or massage, or a relaxing dip at the infinity pool as you disconnect from the world.
If you need to head out right after, private make-up counters well-stocked with Guerlain beauty products are readily available for use to ensure that you always look your best.
I am always thrilled at the prospect of indulging in a pampering facial after a flight or a long day of meetings and travelling. After a quick change of clothes and a soothing foot bath, I settled comfortably under the covers and let my therapist work her magic as I drifted off to slumberland. What a wonderful way to recharge!
Guerlain’s Orchidee Imperiale range of products which contains orchid extracts to boost cell longevity were used during the facial, accompanied by a gentle massage to improve circulation and aid relaxation.
You can expect to wake up to a smoother, brighter complexion with redefined facial contours immediately after. I felt absolutely refreshed and all ready for my week-long meetings in Shanghai.
Refreshed after the relaxing facial
While I stayed in Puxi this time, I would definitely head back to Four Seasons Hotel Pudong on my next trip, be it for business or leisure, as I came to realize that it took me just under 10 minutes to get from Puxi to Pudong even in peak hour traffic.
I couldn’t be more grateful for the warm reception and hospitality at Four Seasons Hotel Pudong. The immaculate service and attention to detail and aesthetics only made my dining and spa experience all the more memorable. I can’t wait for my next trip to Shanghai, but till then, I thought I’d leave you with a breathtaking view of Pudong from Four Seasons Hotel Pudong’s infinity pool. Isn’t it beautiful?
 Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai at Pudong
Address:
210 Century Avenue
200120, Pudong District
Shanghai
Tel:
86 21 2036 8888
Website:
http://www.fourseasons.com/pudong/
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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About Me

Hi! My name is Regina and I am a style, beauty and travel enthusiast who enjoys writing, photography and letting my creative juices flow.

My blogging journey has been nothing short of exciting. I was recently named the winner of Her World Magazine’s Estee Lauder Style Superstar Awards 2016. My blog was also awarded Best Fashion Blog (Grand Winner) at the Singapore Blog Awards 2014. The year before that, it won Best Online Shopping Blog at the Singapore Blog Awards 2013.

Additionally, it is listed as one of the 10 interesting blogs on Singapore by AsiaWeb Direct (http://www-singapore.com/blogs.htm). I was also featured on both local and international mainstream media for my views on style, fashion and online shopping:

The Straits Times (14 Oct 2014)

The Business Times (14 Oct 2014)

My Paper (13 Oct 2014)

CNBC ("Pricey Singapore: Savvy shoppers go online" - 28 Dec 2014)

For advertorials/partnerships, feel free to contact me at regina.chow@gmail.com.

Thank you!

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