Located in the heart of town in Orchard Central, Skin Shape Club was established in April 2015 as a boutique wellness club to allow members to learn more about beauty and wellness, as well as to receive clinically-proven skin and slimming treatments to keep you looking great all year round.

Skin Shape Club has an in-house R&D team that works with doctors and dermal experts both locally and overseas to design treatments and programs that can be done daily, weekly and monthly. Skin Shape Club is also acutely aware that most ladies already have a basic skincare routine, hence a range of skincare boosters was exclusively developed to suit your lifestyle and complement your existing skincare products. This series of skin essence is able to address any skin issues (e.g. clogged pores, pigmentation, wrinkles and dark eye circles) that you currently encounter and can be easily incorporated into your regular skincare regimen.

The Skin Shaper Plus Facial combines light and heat energy with Skin Shape Club’s signature serum-infused facial massage to achieve younger looking skin. 

LHE technology (Light & Heat Energy) helps to promote skin rejuvenation, collagen regeneration and combat acne conditions. The diagrams below show how it works:

  

I had just returned from a week-long work trip on my first visit to Skin Shape Club and I desperately needed to revive my dull-looking skin. In the photo below, you can tell that my skin was really dull, which makes me look much darker than I usually am. 

It may not be very apparent from this photo but I have rather severe pigmentation on my upper cheeks as well, hence I was also hoping that the LHE Technology would be able to lighten these marks.

 How does LHE differ from similar light based treatments such as IPL? 

Unlike IPL, which can burn the skin and thus requires the use of cooling gel, LHE uses lower energy frequency as it combines two energies (light and heat) to give you optimal results with greater comfort and safety. It is suitable for most skin types and skin tones, but those with very dark skin would need to undergo a consultation process prior to the treatment so that the therapist can adjust the settings of the machine to suit your skin tone.

 Cleansing and exfoliating are integral steps before treatment begins as impurities are removed to allow the light heat energy to better penetrate into your skin. The LHE applicator is then placed onto your skin (including your eye area) where pulses of light will be administered. A slightly warm sensation is felt as the pulses of light and heat penetrate deep into your skin. The treatment is very gentle and comfortable, without the shocking rubber-snapping sensation that you would expect from a typical IPL treatment. 

After the LHE treatment, your skin is all prepared to absorb skin-loving nutrients. This is the best time for Skin Shape Club’s signature facial massage followed by a mask. 

Although the entire process took only about 50 minutes, it was truly a relaxing and pampering experience as the therapist gently soothed my tense facial muscles. Before long, I was lulled into a deep slumber.

I wasn’t expecting immediate results as 6-12 weekly sessions are usually required, hence I was pleasantly surprised to see a significant difference in my skin tone after just one session. Can you tell that my skin is more radiant and much brighter than before? I literally woke up to beautiful skin.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of my skin before treatment, after my first session and after my second session at Skin Shape Club, taken in the same treatment room under the same lighting. To say that I was amazed by the results is an understatement. I could hardly believe my eyes, but pictures don’t lie. I became two shades fairer, my pores have become more refined and the pigmentation on my upper cheek has lightened tremendously.  The treatment does work wonders!

I was advised to avoid sun exposure and oily/alcohol based products for 48 hours after treatment. It is important to apply sunblock religiously too.

 

And if you were wondering if there are any side-effects, the answer is no, so you can head back to office or even go to a party right after. A small percentage of individuals may experience slight redness immediately after the treatment but this would only last for a couple of hours. 

Beyond its effective treatments, what I really love about Skin Shape Club is that its services extend beyond just facial or slimming treatments. If you have some time to spare, you can always feel free to have a snack, sip some tea or simply relax and read a magazine in their exclusive members-only lounge. 

Healthy light snacks are specially prepared for you in the lounge after each treatment. I have been there twice thus far and on both occasions, the food was so delicious I had to have two servings.

I don’t usually find myself looking forward to facial treatments but as I am writing this, I am eagerly anticipating my next treatment session at Skin Shape Club.

If you are concerned about wrinkles, dull skin, enlarged pores, pigmentation or all of the above, perhaps you could consider the Skin Shaper Plus Facial at Skin Shape Club too. 

4 Complimentary weekly sessions of Skin Shaper Facial worth S$480

For busy professionals like you and me who are always in a rush for time, you might want to try out Skin Shaper Facial instead. This is a 30 minute facial that includes LHE treatment without Skin Shape Club’s signature massage. And honestly, there’s no better time than now to try out this facial because you can click here to redeem a package of 4 Skin Shaper Facial sessions absolutely free from SampleStore! 

Upgrade to Skin Shaper Plus Facial (includes signature serum-infused massage) – worth S$680

For a more indulgent and pampering experience, you can also upgrade all 4 complimentary sessions to Skin Shaper Plus facials at a flat-fee of S$28!  

Skin Shaper Plus facials include Skin Shape Club’s signature massage (i.e. the same treatment that I did). The duration of this treatment is 50 minutes. 

To upgrade your redemption, simply quote “RC-SSC” when you book your appointment with Skin Shape Club.

 Did you know that my very first sunblock was from Neutrogena? I used to be rather dark-skinned during my teenage years as a result of constant sun exposure from physical education classes. Believe it or not, nobody believed that I was Chinese then. Out of vanity (I had no concept of sun protection or skin cancer then), I turned to Neutrogena’s whitening suncare. I remember it was slightly greasy but still relatively lightweight compared to its contemporaries, hence I started using it religiously on my face. Looking back, it was one of the best things that I did for my skin because not only was I able to protect my skin from harmful UV rays that could have resulted in premature ageing, it also helped my skin to regain its fairness.

Fast forward to about two decades later, Neutrogena has made remarkable improvements to its suncare range to cater to our humid climate and skin concerns. For instance, its Ultra Sheer Sunblock range has everything that I wish for in a sunscreen:
 

• Non-greasy, matte finish  

• Doesn’t clog pores as it is PABA free and non-comedogenic 

• Superior broad spectrum protection against skin-aging UVA and skin-burning UVB rays thanks to its Helioplex Technology.  Here’s why it is important to have protection against both UVA & UVB rays:

  
  
  Helioplex® Technology

To keep my skin in tip top condition, I stick to a regular beauty routine and make it a point to go for facials whenever I sense that my skin condition is less than satisfactory. Towards the end of last year, I had a sudden outbreak of oil seeds on my face resulting from a moisturizer that was way too rich and creamy for my oily skin. 

Oil seeds are tough nuts to crack as they don’t go away on their own, hence extraction is necessary. Fortunately, one of my friends introduced me to Innersense Spa & Wellness, a beauty salon centrally located at Far East Plaza. 

An oasis of peace and calm in the heart of bustling Orchard Road, the minimalist decor and warm ambiance at Innersense Spa & Wellness put me in a relaxed mood instantly. 

My eyes lit up when I saw skincare products by French brand Payot on display. Payot is a staple in the French beauty scene and its products are commonly found in beauty salons. The brand’s commitment towards creating natural products from plant and marine extracts as well as minerals to minimize allergic reactions is commendable, and I certainly appreciate Innersense’s choice of skincare brand.

Ladies, did you know that your boyfriends and husbands can also treat themselves to a pampering facial or massage treatment with Payot’s Homme range at Innersense while you get your treatment done?

Before my treatment commenced, Cindy, the therapist, assessed my skin condition and gave me an overview of the proposed treatment customized for my skin type.

After a cup of warm tea and a change of attire, I was all ready to begin my treatment for the day.

These are the products that were used during the treatment.

Despite the fact
that many facial treatments have steered towards the use of machines in
place of manual extractions, I still believe that the human touch, especially manual extraction, is of
paramount importance and more effective for oil seeds, white heads and black heads removal.  

I had expected to cringe in pain, as with most manual extractions, but I was in for a pleasant surprise. I hardly felt any pain as Cindy was extremely gentle with my skin and executed every move with utmost precision. The diamond dermabrasion machine was also used in tandem with manual extraction to expedite the unclogging process. 

High frequency treatments are known for their anti-bacterial properties, hence this was administered after the extraction process to eliminate any bacteria and prevent infection. My treatment ended with a soothing hydration mask from Payot and a pampering lymphatic drainage massage using Meditrina’s Ageless Herbal Cream to remove toxins from the body.

 I have always believed that every facial review should come along with before and after photos. I can go on and on, waxing lyrical about how effective a treatment is, but photos are proof that it truly works. 

Here are my before and after photos. Both photos were taken with slightly different lighting but they have not been edited. 

Can you tell that most of the bumps and oil seeds disappeared after just one session? The most amazing part was, I could immediately head out for dinner right after as there was no redness or swelling at all. 

I have to thank Cindy for this as she did a terrific job of saving my skin!




 
Innersense Spa & Wellness

Address:
14 Scotts Road, Far East Plaza
#02-08 

Tel:
8322 3889

Website:
http://www.innersensespa.com

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Innersenseorchard

Crème Simon is a French skincare brand that uses over 90% natural ingredients, and natural skincare brands always get me all excited, especially if the products are free of parabens, alcohol, silicones, sulphates and colouring. 

Crème Simon was founded in 1860 by Joseph Simon, a talented young apothecary. He was searching for a remedy to relieve dry chapped hands that laundresses were so prone to, which eventually led to his discovery of a cream power packed with seven types of flowers and plants with incredible healing properties. This concoction is also known as the Activ-Fleur Complex, an essential ingredient in all Crème Simon products till today. 

Did you know that at the height of its popularity, Crème Simon was the most coveted beauty treatment in its era and sold out in Paris, New York and Asia? Pretty impressive, if you ask me.

Today, Crème Simon promises a range of sheer, lightweight skincare formulas for the contemporary woman. The brand believes that our skin is defined by our environment, hence their products are duly customized to our climate. Personally, I stand by this very same belief as well, and as a matter of fact, I always change up my skincare routine whenever I’m overseas. For instance, I prefer gel moisturizers when I’m in Singapore but I’ll slather on richer cream moisturizers in Australia where the climate is colder and drier. 

Similarly, I generally prefer cream-based or oil-based makeup removers in colder climates, but in Singapore, micellar water makeup removers are my favourite. 

Crème Simon’s Micellar Water Makeup Remover is a water-based, no-rinse makeup remover that gently and thoroughly removes all impurities and makeup, including waterproof makeup. 

It combines the coolness of water with the cleansing properties of oil micelles to effectively trap impurities and make-up. As it is infused with rose, iris and jasmine extracts to boost toxin elimination and promote clear, luminous skin, it comes with a pleasant floral scent that lifts my mood every time I use it.

 Its lightweight consistency leaves your skin feeling clean, smooth and hydrated without any oily or sticky after-feel. You could probably get away without double cleansing if you don’t apply much make-up on a daily basis. Otherwise, I would still recommend following up with a facial cleanser thereafter.

Unlike most micellar make-up removers, Crème Simon’s version is able to remove eye make-up (including water-proof eyeliners) effortlessly. In fact, I use this a one-step makeup remover for both my face and eyes. 

I use my trusty MAC PowerPoint eyeliner everyday and based on my experience thus far, micellar makeup removers generally do not do a good job of removing it thoroughly. With Crème Simon’s micellar water makeup remover however, all you have to do is soak a cotton pad with the product, press it down lightly on your skin and hold for a few seconds before gently swiping your makeup away. 

Most importantly, no rubbing is
required at all, which makes it perfect for eye make-up removal as you
wouldn’t want to run the risk of getting wrinkles due to excessive rubbing.

Did you know that this makeup remover is fortified with Wheat Oligosaccharides Complex which supposedly reduces pigmentation as well? I’ve been grappling with pigmentation issues for eons and would love to see what this product can do in the longer term. 

While I have yet to witness its brightening effects given that I have just started using it, I would highly recommend this product if you’re looking for a lightweight makeup remover that provides heavy duty action with a heavenly scent to boot.

It may have taken me a while to finally get acquainted with Crème Simon’s products as I was away during their launch last year, but nonetheless, it is always better late than never. After trying their Micellar Water Makeup Remover for a couple of weeks, I am now officially hooked. 

The lovely ladies at Crème Simon subsequently surprised me with more products recently, so if you’re interested, do keep your eyes peeled as I will certainly share my review with you in due course.