AQUAGOLD Fine Touch, lovingly termed as the “Golden Cocktail Facial” by celebrity Kim Kardashian, is now available in Singapore, only at Clifford Aesthetics! I was privileged to be one of the first to try this highly sought after treatment that Kim Kardashian did before the MET Gala in 2018. I have nothing but positive feedback about the treatment, which left me with glowing skin, even when bare-faced.

AQUAGOLD Fine Touch is a skin rejuvenation treatment that involves the use of a micro-needling device which incorporates 20 gold plated needles to deliver multiple injections. Each gold plated needle is finer than a strand of human hair, thus making the procedure painless yet efficient. Skin loving ingredients that go into the device can also be customised by the doctor during a consultation to assess your skin’s needs.

Believe it or not, fillers and botox can be added into this concoction too! I asked Dr Gerard Ee if there was any difference between injectibles like botox that was administered in this manner as compared to a typical injection. I was told that the effects are similar but in the case of botox, your muscles won’t be affected as the AQUAGOLD device will only deliver botox to the dermis layer of the skin to enhance the appearance of your pores.
Besides minimising the appearance of pores, AQUAGOLD will also be able to help improve your skin texture and brighten up your skin tone.

The AQUAGOLD fine touch treatment at The Clifford Clinic ends with a massage, red and yellow LED light therapy and a soothing mask. Red light therapy promotes faster cell growth to accelerate wound healing while stimulating collagen production.

Yellow light therapy, on the other hand, soothes and calms the skin.

A layer of numbing cream was applied to my entire face before the procedure, hence the process was painless and very comfortable throughout. Another perk – there’s no downtime or redness, which makes it the perfect pick-me-up treatment before any special events. Here’s how I look immediately after the treatment, as well as a before and after comparison of my skin.

As the age old adage goes, there are no ugly women, only lazy ones. There’s really no excuse not to give your skin a well-deserved pampering treat when all it takes is an hour to achieve radiantly beautiful skin!

Those of you who have read my CoolSculpting post with Dr Terence Tan of Halley Medical Aesthetics must be wondering if I saw any results after the treatment. I completed the treatment in February and I just had my review done in May as the results are supposed to be evident only after 3 months.

If you have seen my IG stories, you might have already seen how drastically different my tummy looks post treatment. The skin looks and feels more taut. Overall, my stomach is so much flatter now. I didn’t realise how round my tummy was pre-treatment. In fact, I looked like I was in the early months of pregnancy! Photos don’t lie and I didn’t edit any of the photos in this post because there really isn’t a need to! Check out my before and after photos below (there are some marks on my tummy in the after photos as I was wearing a pair of high waist stretchable band pants):

I honestly couldn’t believe my eyes. A body analysis done at the clinic also revealed that I lost weight overall as well, but what’s even more amazing is that I lost fat (which is very difficult to achieve according to Dr Terence Tan) and gained muscle mass too! No more mum tum for me! I didn’t have to go on a diet and I still eat whatever I wish. My only exercise these days is taking baby R for her daily walks in the carrier. Now all I have to do is head to the gym or work out at home to tone up my stomach and get my long lost abs to finally make an appearance again.

Thank you Dr Terence Tan for the incredible results. I cannot be more pleased with my flatter tummy. Perhaps those crop tops hiding in my wardrobe can finally see the light of day again!

About Halley Medical Aesthetics: 

277 Orchard Road, #03-15 Orchard Gateway, Singapore 238858

+65 6737 8233

info@halley.com.sg

www.halley.com.sg

www.facebook.com/halleymedicalaesthetics

www.instagram.com/halleymedicalaesthetics

www.youtube.com/HalleySGMedicalAesthetics

I’m perfectly fine with how I look, especially after Dr Gerard Ee from The Clifford Clinic zapped away all the stubborn pigmentation marks on my cheek with just a few Q Switched and Pico laser sessions. Those marks have been bothering me for close to 2 decades, and I almost lost hope of finally seeing clear skin again until Dr Ee came along. Needless to say, I have complete trust in his recommendations. Hence, when he suggested I try Ultra V HIKO Nose Thread Lift, I said yes without any hesitation. The last time I had any injectibles done was 7 years ago, so to be able to convince me to take the plunge readily is truly no mean feat.

What is Ultra V HIKO Nose Thread Lift?

It is a method of nose augmentation using PDO (polydixanone) threads. These threads, which are placed under the skin to provide a scaffolding effect and shape the nose, have been scientifically proven to be fully bio-compatible. As the threads dissolve, collagen and tissue fibroblasts are stimulated, which further support the overall shape of the nose for a longer period of time.

Why Choose Nose Thread Lift over Fillers?

Nose Thread Lift is a non-surgical and minimally invasive procedure that immediately lifts, contours and shapes your nose without the risks of filler injections. Filler injections, unfortunately, can potentially result in lumpiness, allergic reactions and vascular complications, among other possible side effects. In addition, nose thread lift is able to lift and reduce your nose tip while creating a higher and straighter nose profile. This is not achievable with filler injections.

Did it hurt?

I would rate the pain factor 2/10. Numbing cream was applied, followed by local anaesthesia just before the threads were injected. The most painful part was when the needle was first inserted for LA but it felt like nothing more than an ant bite.

Is there any downtime?

Besides the injection point mark at the tip of the nose, there aren’t any other tell-tale signs. I didn’t get any bruising and could head out for appointments immediately after and in the days that followed without makeup as it didn’t bother me at all. In terms of aftercare, I was prescribed some antibiotics and painkillers to prevent infection and inflammation. I was also advised to avoid swimming. No issue for me since I can’t swim at all.

I love the effect of the Ultra V Hiko Nose Thread Lift as it accentuates not just my nose, but my facial features as well. This before and after shot was taken on the day of the procedure.

The after shot in the comparison collage below was taken 5 days after the procedure.

Before and after shot of my side profile:

As you can tell from the photos, my nose looks more contoured and my features appear more refined. The results are most evident from my side profile, but the difference is pretty stark even from my frontal photos.

I’ve received several compliments and DMs about the procedure, and even my hubby was amazed by the results! I can’t stress enough the importance of exercising caution when it comes to choosing an aesthetics doctor though. After all, it is your face and health that we are talking about here. Engaging a trained, skilful doctor with a keen eye for aesthetics is of paramount importance and I would highly recommend Dr Ee.

The Clifford Clinic

24 Raffles Place, #01-03, Clifford Centre, Singapore 048621

Open Mondays to Fridays from 10:00am to 8:00pm

Open Saturdays from 10:00am to 5:00pm

Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays

Call +65 6532 2400, Whatsapp +65 8313 6332

What is CoolSculpting?

What was the consultation process like?

What about the treatment process?

How did I feel after treatment? Was it effective?

Pigmentation is an issue that I have grappled with since I was in my teens. Just when I thought I have tried every cream and aesthetic treatment in the market, I was given the opportunity to head down to The Clifford Clinic to seek treatment with Dr Gerard Ee.

During my first consultation, Dr Ee quickly pointed out that I suffer from Hori’s naevus, a type of pigmentation characterised by greyish brown oval spots usually caused by sun exposure and hormonal changes (e.g. pregnancy) that is common among Asian women. He assured me that Q-Switched laser would work brilliantly on my type of pigmentation and that I would definitely see significant results after just 5 sessions.

I had my makeup removed in the clinic’s designated makeup room before applying numbing cream on my first session. No numbing cream was required on my subsequent sessions as Dr Ee is so swift and adept at administering this treatment, all I felt was a mild ant bite sensation. On a scale of 1-10, I would say the pain level is probably about 4-5 without numbing cream.

Dr Ee’s professionalism and affable demeanour helps to allay any fears. I know I am in safe hands, and I notice a huge improvement in my skin after every session. Aftercare is of paramount importance after laser treatments too. I make a conscious effort to avoid the sun and reapply my sunscreen whenever possible to prevent my spots from resurfacing. There is some downtime after the treatment as you would experience redness and a slight darkening of the pigmentation area, but there’s nothing that a dab of concealer can’t fix.

And as Dr Ee promised, I’m finally on my way to achieving perfect skin after almost 20 years of living with patchy skin! Here are my before and after photos to prove it:

If you too are plagued with pigmentation problems, I would highly recommend seeking treatment at The Clifford Clinic. Now, I am able to ditch the concealer and leave my house with just a layer of tinted sunscreen. You can’t believe how liberating that feels.

Plus, it saves you so much time especially when you have a baby in tow!

One of the best cleansers I’ve tried thus far has got to be Kanebo’s Suisai Beauty Clear Powder. It is the star product in Kanebo’s Suisai range and was ranked the number one facial wash in Japan for 3 consecutive years! A good facial wash is probably one of the most underrated skincare products in any skincare regime. But did you know that proper and thorough cleansing is the only way to ensure that your power packed serums and moisturizers can be readily absorbed into your skin?

Before I delve deeper into the benefits of this cleanser, did you know that the entire Suisai range is inspired by the “Gift of Fermentation”? The fermentation process is said to produce incredible beautifying ingredients. This particular range contains moisturising elements such as fermented soy milk extract, pear juice extract and Double Hyaluronic Acid. The results? Radiant, nourished and hydrated skin.

What’s special about Kanebo Suisai Beauty Clear Powder?

Aside from the fact that it is packaged in tiny individual capsules in powder form ($27 for a pack of 32 and $14 for a pack of 15) and are hence a breeze to travel with, these babies actually do pack a punch when it comes to cleansing. If your key concerns include rough skin, unwanted shine, clogged pores and excess sebum, Suisai Beauty Clear Powder is the perfect fit for you.

It contains unique enzymes and amino acid cleansing ingredients to decompose keratin plugs and exfoliate dead skin cells. Simply pour the powder onto your palm, add a few drops of water and rub your hands together to work up a foamy lather, then massage onto your skin.

How long have I been using it? Is it effective?

I have been using this for 2 weeks now. Not only does it prime my skin and enhance the absorption of my serum and moisturizer, it also makes my skin visibly brighter and more hydrated.  I love how the granule-structured powder formula enables me to achieve humidity-resistant, rich and voluminous lather that feels absolutely silky smooth yet effectively lifts impurities and deeply cleanses my skin to reduce visible pores, blackheads and acne. My skin feels much cleaner immediately, similar to when I have just enjoyed a deep cleansing facial at the beauty salon. I finally understand why this product is highly raved by beauty enthusiasts in Asia, including Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Go on, redeem your free sample here and try it for yourself! You can also purchase this from Don Don Donki, Welcia-BHG and Lazada.

Blackmores – Australia’s leading natural health company

When you mention Blackmores, health supplements naturally come to mind. No wonder, since this leading natural health company has been around since 1932 and is very much a household name. Founded by naturopath Maurice Blackmore in 1932, the brand combines traditional naturopathic expertise and scientific research with the aim of achieving optimal health and wellbeing. To date, Blackmores is available in 17 markets!

As one of the most trusted brands in the industry, Blackmores’ vitamins, herbal and mineral supplements as well as nutritional foods use only premium ingredients sourced from around the world and are produced based on Australia’s strict manufacturing standards. Did you know that they use sustainable packaging and focus on waste reduction practices too?

Now, were you aware that Blackmores has a skincare range as well? Blackmores Vitamin E Cream was launched in 1978 and has become a mainstay in the brand’s suite of products.

What’s special about Blackmores Vitamin E cream?

Ever since I gave birth, I’ve been experiencing random bouts of dry spots and eczema on my body. It appears that the hormones have wrecked havoc on my skin. Besides relying solely on eczema creams that are usually high in steroid content, I’ve decided to take preventive measures by moisturising my skin regularly.  With skin loving ingredients such as natural vitamin E, avocado oil and apricot kernel oil, I can always trust Blackmores Vitamin E cream to come to the rescue!

I love that this moisturizer can be used on both my face and body. It’s soothing and moisturizing, perfect if you sleep in air-conditioned rooms like yours truly. Natural Vitamin E provides antioxidants to the skin’s cells and conditions your skin at the same time, while avocado oil nourishes your skin and protects it from dry climates. Apricot kernel oil, on the other hand, helps sustain and nourish your skin, keeping it hydrated at all times. Most importantly, it is 100% made in Australia without any artificial colouring or fragrance.

Lanolin is another skin-loving ingredient in this product that packs a punch. Did you know that Lanolin has similar functions to our skin’s natural sebum? Both Lanolin and sebum act as a protective barrier on the skin to prevent the skin from becoming dry and brittle due to dehydration. Lanolin is purified secretion from sheep’s sebaceous glands and is commonly found in sheep wool. Its fatty acids reduce the evaporation of water from the deepest layers of the skin. Now, that’s the secret to silky soft and smooth skin.

Simply massage a small amount into your skin after cleansing. I use it twice a day for optimal results. The cream absorbs readily into your skin and feels absolutely lightweight. My skin feels soft and supple immediately, and after using it for a week, I find my dry spots are more hydrated too. The handy packaging also made it a breeze to pack it in my luggage for our recent staycation with baby R!

And this is how I apply my skincare everyday – with baby R in tow. I wanted a photo by myself but she kept fussing until I held her up. As you can see from her pose, she wanted to be in the frame as well. Perhaps she knows she’s the cause of my dry skin? 😉

If you’ll like to try this skin cream for yourself, click here to register for Blackmores Singapore and Sample Store’s By-Invite Sampling today!

Before I even received my first bottle of su:m37˚’s Secret Essence, I’ve already heard so much about it thanks to the glowing reviews online. I couldn’t wait to try it for myself as I was experiencing dull and dehydrated skin (no thanks to pregnancy hormones).  

As the star product of su:m37˚which hails from Korea, the Secret Essence consists of over 80 types of plants that have been naturally fermented for 365 days at a temperature of – yes you guessed it 37˚. How did this magic number 37˚ come about? That’s actually the optimal temperature for both the fermentation process and the human body.

City dwellers like you and me would love this product because the key active ingredient used, Cytosis®, is known to effectively strengthen your skin’s foundation and protect it from environmental aggressors when combined with ferulic acid, a patented ingredient derived from the fermentation process. It promises to enhance your skin tone, texture and hydration level after just 2 weeks of usage.

I put it to the test by applying it after toner every morning and evening, before layering with moisturizer. It has a very lightweight, watery consistency and absorbs instantly into the skin without any sticky after feel. 

Although you practically can’t feel it on your skin after patting it on, I noticed that my dry spots looked more moisturized immediately and the effect lasted throughout the day. Did I also mention that I absolutely adore the soothing lavender scent which is perfect for lulling me to sleep at bedtime? 

After two weeks of usage, I’m happy to report that my skin became noticeably brighter, smoother and more hydrated. My make-up glides on more easily and I no longer have to apply as much blusher for the pigments to show up. This product certainly lives up to its claims. With continued use, I trust that I can finally bid adieu to my dry and dull skin! 

Experience the benefits for yourself! Visit the new su:m37˚in Isetan Tampines  to collect a best-seller trial pack from 3rd – 31st October 2017!

su:m37˚is also available at TANGS in Tangs Plaza and VivoCity.

**Trial pack is exclusive to Tampines Mall.

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I have a soft spot for beauty brands that go the extra mile to incorporate natural ingredients into their products, which is why Korean brand W.lab left a lasting impression on me. Recently launched in Singapore, you can find their products at aresa.sg, Sasa Singapore, Lazada and Zalora.

Their Blossom White Cushion is one of my favourite products as it offers impeccable coverage with just one application and imparts a beautiful glow on your skin. It is formulated with 33% damask rose water, a natural ingredient that heals and protects your skin at the same time. I use it selectively on parts of my face to even out the skin tone. I love that it comes with SPF50 protection, whitens your skin and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. In fact, I can tell that my eye area has less lines when I use this and it is pigmented enough to conceal my dark circles too!

To add on to that gorgeous glow, you have to check out Bling Bling Cheek, a multi-purpose blusher that also doubles up as a highlighter and eyeshadow. It is created using a hand-made baking technique with Smart Complex Oil Coating System to enhance the durability and adhesiveness of the blusher to your skin.

I also adore the pocket shadow palette in Edge, which comprises 5 matte and 5 glitter colours. This multi-functional palette can be used as eyeshadow, eyebrow shading powder, and highlighting and contouring powder. How convenient, especially for those of us who are constantly on the go.

Here’s a look that I put together with the above products:

While makeup has the ability to enhance our features, maintaining a good skincare routine plays just as important a role (if not more). It probably didn’t come as a surprise that W.Lab has a dedicated skincare line to complement their makeup products too.

At the end of the day, I always make it a point to thoroughly remove all the makeup on my face before heading to bed, no matter how tired I am.

If you’re looking for a heavy-duty makeup remover that doesn’t leave your skin feeling taut, you have to give W.lab’s Milk Protein Cleansing Balm a go. It gently melts away sebum and thick makeup yet leaves your skin feeling moisturized. Use the spatula provided, scoop out a small portion (as pictured) and that’s all you need to cleanse your entire face.

I hope you enjoyed my review of these products. Now, I can’t wait to try the other goodies in this range!

The benefits of hyaluronic acid, especially its moisturizing properties, need no introduction. But did you know that there’s something else in the market that is completely natural and achieves the same goal?  I was recently introduced to Vivacé, a Taiwanese skincare brand founded by a group of medical professionals. Keeping your skin suitably hydrated is at the heart of what Vivacé aims to achieve with its range of skincare products which are formulated with an organic extract, γPGA, or Gamma PGA. In fact, its skincare range is organic and is free of parabens, animal protein, and hyaluronic acid, making it ideal even for sensitive skin types.

What is γPGA?

γPGA is a plant-based ingredient derived from Japanese natto. Based on research by the Japanese Medical Association, it provides up to 5 times more intensive hydration than its animal-based counterpart, hyaluronic acid.

 I spend most of my time managing my F&B business (Foxhole Cafe) these days and being in an air-conditioned environment all day long dries up my skin. Pigmentation was my primary skin concern, but now dehydrated skin is an issue I have to grapple with as well. Most hydrating products are either too greasy to my liking or not moisturizing enough for my skin.

Well, at least that was before Vivacé came along.

Vivacé Bright Hydra Cream

This is a night cream that nurtures and lifts your skin while locking in moisture at the same time. It also protects your skin from free radicals and pollution. I am always on the lookout for anti-aging products and I couldn’t be happier to discover that this cream contains copper DNA & truffle extract, which are proven to have potent anti-aging properties.

Don’t be fooled by how rich the cream looks. Developed specially for those of us who live in low to mid altitude climates, it doesn’t feel greasy at all when applied.

In fact, it glides on beautifully and absorbs as readily as a serum. It plumps up my skin instantly, making it feel silky soft and smooth. This is the only product I apply on my face before bedtime and I love waking up to radiant, moisturized skin every morning. Sometimes, I cheat and apply it as a day moisturizer as well simply because it produces amazing results. After a week of usage, I can tell that my skin is now more hydrated than before and my pores appear smaller too.

Vivacé Matte Night Jelly

The Matte Night Jelly is a sleeping mask. All you have to do is to squeeze out about 2 large pearls’ size worth of product, apply it to your face and go to bed. Wash it off in the morning and you’re good to go!

 Personally, I find that the matte night jelly has a more lightweight texture than the night cream and would be perfect for normal to oily skin types. These days, I alternate between the night cream and night jelly. The night jelly also comes in a handy tube which is perfect for traveling.

Vivacé Aging-defy Biotechnology Mask (3 Sheets in 1 Pack)

Aging-defy Biotechnology Mask is their star product. It boasts superior hydrating properties and one sheet is equivalent to one ampoule.

Initially used by dermatologists and plastic surgeons for post-treatment and surgery clients, this mask is safe to use even for the most sensitive skin types. It is completely paraben-free and safe for pregnant or lactating ladies too.

The mask’s jelly-like material adheres to your face like second skin. As it isn’t made from petrochemical byproducts unlike most of its counterparts in the market, it is actually safe to leave the mask on overnight. Amazing isn’t it? The best part is, the essence absorbs completely into your skin without any sticky after-feel.

For optimal results, it is recommended that you leave the mask on for at least 40 minutes on the first day of usage. Leave the next mask on overnight on the second day. As you can tell from the photo below, you’ll wake up with baby soft, dewy skin that glows from within. I couldn’t stop touching my skin thereafter. I highly recommend this mask if you are suffering from dull, dehydrated skin as it’ll give your skin a much needed boost. More importantly, the results are immediate.

Vivacé Lite Facial Mask (5 sheets in a pack)

 If whitening is your objective, try the Lite Facial Mask. It’s made from pulp and feels similar to most sheet masks in the market. This is great if you love outdoor activities but do not wish to be tanned. Leave it on for about 15-20 minutes. I use this once a week to keep my skin fair.

Interested in giving these products a try? Click here to purchase them!

Stay tuned to Samplestore.com for free samples of Vivacé Aging-defy Biotechnology Mask soon!

Check out the following links to find out more about their products:

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https://m.facebook.com/beautyvivace

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http://m.tw.weibo.com/kangyingchina/

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https://www.instagram.com/beauty_vivace/

Website:

  http://kangying.en.taiwantrade.com