Do you believe that your future is shaped by your DNA? 

SK-II believes that a woman’s destiny is created by herself and not determined by her DNA. 

Misa Kuranaga, currently the Principal Ballerina of the world-renowned Boston Ballet, is the perfect example and how she changed her own destiny is featured in the video above.  

 Her rise to the top was fraught with challenges along the way. She was told she did not have the physical attributes of a ballerina. Standing at just 156cm, her critics opined that she was too short to stand out on stage and her hips were too narrow for the art of ballet.

Instead of giving up, she re-learned how to use her body and trained it to move extremely fast so as to stand out. She had to work doubly hard as her peers were much younger, but not once did she give up. Her hard work and perseverance eventually paid off. 

It’s all in the mind, they say.  Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right. A positive mind leads to positive results and having a can-do spirit can help us to overcome any obstacles that come our way.  

Indeed, Misa Kuranaga’s story serves as an inspiration to all of us. Watch the video to find out how she changed her destiny and how you can change yours too.

**This post is sponsored by SK-II, but as always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

 

Are you all set to celebrate Chinese New Year? It’s barely a week away so if you’ve yet to get your CNY shopping done, it’s time to pull up your socks! To give you some inspiration, I’ll be featuring a couple of CNY-ready outfits from Wisma Atria to help you along.

I love Chinese New Year as it is a tradition to dress up in our new clothes, get a new hairdo and give ourselves a mini makeover to ring in the new year with a bang. What this means is that we have every reason to indulge in a little retail therapy! I’m sure you would agree that comfort is key when it comes to selecting an outfit for Chinese New Year visitations, which makes jeans a popular option for many of us. Instead of going with the flow, I personally prefer to stand out from the crowd with a casual chic romper. 

Whole9yards

Make a statement with this gorgeous muted pink romper from Whole9yards. I especially adore the 3d flower appliques that resemble cherry blossoms which are bound to be a conversation-starter.

Paired with these pointed nude
lambskin flats from Pretty Fit and a bright red leather bag from Plinio
Visona, this ensemble will take you through the day in style without
compromising on comfort. Let the romper shine by keeping accessories to a minimum with a geometric cuff and dainty mid finger rings in festive shades of gold.

Lambskin Flats from Pretty Fit

If you prefer something a little more oriental, slip into a Cheongsam inspired dress that fuses oriental elements with a contemporary flair. This beautiful mint dress with intricate lace cut-outs from Whole9yards caught my eye the moment I stepped into their store at Wisma Atria.

The flared A-line cutting reminiscent of the 1950s exudes a vintage vibe while the scallop lace detailing adds to its oriental charm and girlish appeal. This, in my opinion, is the perfect dress for Chinese New Year. 

Gardenia Bloom Dress by Whole9yards

Earrings from colette by colette hayman

Pumps from Pretty Fit

 
What I love most about this feminine number is its versatility. You can easily dress it up with diamonte earrings, gold pumps and a tote bag to make it work-appropriate. For Chinese New Year gatherings, all you have to do is to swap your work tote for a whimsical clutch like this beauty from Plinio Visona and you’re all ready to go! 

Leather Clutch from Plinio Visona

Do you have Chinese New Year parties or work functions to attend? This is perhaps the only time of the year when we cast aside our little black dresses and start rocking bold prints and vibrant colours to add to the festive atmosphere. 

Turn heads and be the centre of
attention with this satin maxi dress from Future State. I absolutely adore the baroque prints and floral motifs in cheerful
shades of pink, orange and yellow. Bold yet elegant, a dress like this is hard to come by and would be an excellent choice for both formal events during the Chinese New Year period and that romantic Valentine’s Day dinner you’ve been eagerly anticipating.
        

The best part about such dresses is that you don’t have to accessorize. A pair of dangling earrings and statement heels are all you need to amp up the glam factor. 

Earrings from colette by colette hayman

Heels from Pedro

 Thanks for reading! I hope today’s post has given you more outfit ideas and inspirations to dress up for Chinese New Year. 

If you need to do some last minute shopping, remember to get your dose of retail therapy at Wisma Atria to welcome the new year in style! 

You can also like their Facebook page here to receive updates on the latest promotions at Wisma Atria.

Wisma Atria Shopping Mall

Address
435 Orchard Road
Singapore 238877

Contact No.
6235 2103

Website
http://www.wismaonline.com/

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

 
**Thank you Digital Influenza for the collaboration!**

If you have been following my blog for a while, you would probably have read about my positive experience with Dr Dylan Chau from CeleVenus Wellness & Aesthetic Clinic for non-invasive aesthetic procedures. 

This time, I was introduced to Sculptra, the first anti-aging facial injectable that gives you subtle results over time. Unlike fillers, it is not a quick fix and results are not immediate, but it is long-lasting and promises a more natural appearance without giving you away, which is what we all want at the end of the day isn’t it? 
 
I have had dark eye circles for as long as I can remember, but they look far worse when accompanied by sunken under eye hollows (otherwise known as tear troughs) which only deepen with age. While there is little that can be done to eradicate dark eye circles for good, you can however get rid of your sunken tear troughs with non-invasive aesthetic procedures like Sculptra. 

What is Sculptra?

The loss of collagen is the main cause of facial ageing, which leads to deeper lines and more sunken eyes. Made from Poly-L-lactic acid, Sculptra targets the root of the problem by replacing lost collagen over time. Poly-L-lactic acid is gradually and naturally absorbed into the body, and has been used in dissolvable stitches and as a facial injectable since 1999 in over 30 countries.

It starts to work within the deep dermis and as Sculptra replaces your skin’s lost collagen, the reinforced collagen structure forms the foundation that gradually plumps up wrinkles, folds and sunken areas to restore the look of fullness.    

How does Sculptra work?

In general, Sculptra is not meant to be injected into the eye and lip areas.How does it correct under eye hollows or tear troughs then? It is injected into the upper cheekbone area to plump up the skin, which in turn corrects the hollowness in the tear trough area. 

 This is the key reason why you should engage an experienced aesthetic doctor who knows the dos and don’ts of the Sculptra procedure at the back of his hands.  

Dr Dylan Chau is a Sculptra Trainer for doctors in Singapore and is one of the pioneers in Sculptra procedures since its launch in Singapore. Dr Chau’s qualifications, coupled with the fact that he has an eye for aesthetics, assured me that I would be in good hands.

Sculptra requires a series of 3-4 treatments spaced a month apart as time is needed for your skin to generate collagen. It is also important to administer injections in small dosages to achieve the best results.

Does it hurt?

Numbing cream is typically applied for about 20-30 minutes prior to the procedure. There was some discomfort during the injection but it wasn’t particularly painful for me.   

Numbing cream application prior to Sculptra Injection

How long does it last? Is there any downtime?
It can last for more than 2 years, but as with all aesthetic procedures, individual results may vary.  

What can you expect immediately after Sculptra? Is there any downtime? 
 There is no downtime. However, I experienced slight redness and a little bruising after my first session, but I hardly had any bruising after my second session. In any case, all you need is a dab of concealer to cover up any imperfections.

Here are some pictures of me before Sculptra to give you a better idea of how sunken my tear troughs look. 

Sunken tear troughs (without makeup) before Sculptra Injection

Sunken tear troughs (with make-up) before Sculptra

Plumped up under eye area immediately after Sculptra Injection

  
At the end of 1 week, you will probably notice that the initial fullness around the tear trough area would have disappeared. This is normal, as the Poly-L-lactic acid is gradually absorbed into the body and your body starts to generate collagen to plump up the sunken area.

Here’s a photo of me taken 1 month after my second session of Sculptra. Don’t you agree that I look more awake and less tired (even without my eyelash extensions)? What I love most about the treatment is that I no longer have to apply thick layers of make-up to conceal my dark eye circles. Now, all I need is 1 light layer of concealer, which translates to extra time savings for me!

CeleVenus Wellness & Aesthetic Clinic

Address: 
391B Orchard Road
#16-03/04 Ngee Ann City Tower B
Singapore 238874

Tel: 
+65 6410 9621 / +65 6410 9622
 

Email: 
beauty@celevenus.com.sg

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

If you were to ask me to name one make-up item that I can’t live without, my answer would be eyeliner. I have been wearing classic winged eyeliner for years, and I can’t wait to get hold of the newly launched Maybelline Hypersharp Wing Liner.

I typically use pencil eyeliners as most liquid eyeliners are either too thin or too thick for my eyes and they smudge really easily too. Maybelline Hypersharp Wing Liner promises cleaner, more precise lines and comes with a duo thickness brush that allows you to vary the thickness of your eyeliner depending on the occasion. 

The duo thickness flat tip brush measures 0.01mm on one side for thin strokes and can go up to 2mm for thicker lines. All you have to do is twist the pen to adjust the thickness. Plus, it is 100% water-proof and highly pigmented, which means your eyeliner stays put for 24 hours.

Watch the video below to see how you can easily switch between thick and thin lines with the flick of your wrist:

Even if you can’t take that island vacation now, wearing tropical prints
can put you in a vacation mood. Well, at least it works for me, which is why
this adorable flamingo and palm tree printed blouse caught my eye. Pair it with
skinny pants and a pair of loafers, and you’re all ready for the weekend.

Dating back to as early as the Middle Ages, brocade fabric was one of
the few luxury fabrics worn by nobility in Greece, China, Japan, Korea and the
Byzantium empire. Brocade print is lush and sexy in itself, but as a crop top,
brocade’s sexiness factor skyrockets. For this top from MDS, I’d pair it with
high-waist flare trousers and throw on a crisp blazer for work, or a flare
skirt for a lunch date.

 

I have been incorporating more basic pieces into my wardrobe recently because they’re so wearable and will never go out of style. Everyone needs these wardrobe essentials and I couldn’t be happier when I discovered that Luca Ruca‘s collection offers just that – classic pieces with a twist that you can wear again and again without looking dated. 

Luca Ruca is headed up by two fashion savvy European designers, Anastasia Buchinskaya and Belinda Alice Jacobs, both of whom have worked for big names in the fashion industry, including Versace, Red Valentino, Vogue Italia, Matthew Williamson, John Rocha and Ted Baker.  

What struck me most about Luca Ruca is that their designs exude an air of sophistication and quiet confidence. Today, I am going to share with you two of my favourite pieces from their collection.

Basic dresses such as this Dazed Side-Knot Dress are a breeze to style. Slip into a pair of loafers for a casual weekend look or dress it up with red accents in the form of a pair of heels and leather cuff like what I did here. I couldn’t resist adding a whimsical unicorn clutch to keep the overall look casual chic, but you can always choose to amp up the glam factor with a luxe purse.

 Dress from Luca Ruca

Shoes from Zara

Cuff from Hermes

Bag from Taobao

I don’t know if you noticed, but I actually wore this dress differently from the model below. Instead of tying the knot on the left, I decided to tie it on the right instead. And there you have it, with this cute little striped number, you can achieve two different looks with just one dress! Rules are meant to be broken sometimes and it’s perfectly fine to set your own rules and let your creative juices flow.

The Granite Twist Top is yet another versatile piece from Luca Ruca’s latest collection. Again, you can choose to dress it up or down depending on the occasion. I’ve worn this with ripped jeans for a casual, edgy look, but did you know that you could style it with a pencil skirt for work as well?

What I love most about this timeless top is the unique twist details at the shoulders and its cotton/lycra mix material, which gives it a more structured silhouette. 

Simple accessories would do the trick here. I completed the look with a classic diamonte Chanel brooch and Valentino Noir Rockstud pumps.

Top from Luca Ruca

Bag from Givenchy

Pumps from Valentino

Brooch from Chanel

 If you need more styling inspirations, here are some pictures from Luca Ruca’s lookbook, photographed in New York City. This gorgeous top comes in a vibrant Mango shade as well, so if you’re looking at injecting some colour into your wardrobe, that would be an excellent choice.

 

All my lovely readers will also be entitled to a 20% discount from now till 31st Jan. All you have to do is to key in the code “LucaRucaXmas” upon checkout.

 Happy Shopping ladies!

 I couldn’t be happier when Fresver Beauty proposed that I undergo their PTF Plus face treatment because my skin has always been plagued by pigmentation and clogged pores. Recently, the pigmentation around my upper cheeks seemed to have darkened significantly  after my Maldives trip and I noticed clusters of whiteheads have emerged along the sides of my face. 

  Background of Fresver Beauty

Established in 1988, Fresver Beauty is a beauty and wellness brand that offers a wide variety of facial and body treatments with the aim of improving your immunity, increasing your vitality and rejuvenating your cells.

It has 3 branches in Singapore, located at Hougang, Tampines and Orchard. I visited the Tampines branch, which is within walking distance from Tampines MRT. 

The friendly staff and cozy atmosphere put me at ease instantly. I was a little early for my appointment, but there was barely any waiting time. 

 Personalized Consultation

In fact, I was immediately ushered to the consultation room where I filled up my personal particulars and skin concerns. A personalized consultation and skin scan was also conducted by a manager as Fresver Beauty believes in customizing every customer’s facial treatments based on your skin’s needs. 

My pigmentation and clogged pores are usually not noticeable in photographs, but these issues were easily picked up during the scan. 

I typically use make-up removal wipes to remove any traces of make-up and sunblock when I travel before I use a facial cleanser, but I was told that my cleansing routine was not thorough enough and could well be the cause of my clogged pores since I was on the road for a prolonged period of time in October. In place of cleansing wipes, my therapist recommended that I should use a cleansing milk for makeup removal instead.

I ended up purchasing a cleansing milk from Dr Grandel, a German skincare brand exclusively carried by Fresver Beauty. After using it for about a week, I noticed that no new bumps have surfaced and my pores feel much cleaner too. It looks like my therapist was right!

PTF Plus Face Treatment for Skin Rejuvenation

I was recommended the PTF Plus Face Treatment for Skin Rejuvenation. To prepare for the treatment, I was led into one of the therapy rooms where I changed into a comfy robe.

What are the benefits of PTF Plus Face Treatment for Skin Rejuvenation?

The face treatment began like a typical facial. Double-cleansing, steaming, extraction, followed by a gentle neck-shoulder massage as well as hand and leg point massage. I was particularly impressed by the extraction process as my therapist did an excellent job of clearing most of my white heads. Before extraction, my therapist administered a Pore Refining Treatment through the application of a comedone softening essence to dislodge stubborn blackheads and whiteheads for a clean and thorough extraction. Practically all the bumps along the sides of my face were gone immediately after the facial.

After extraction, the PTF Plus machine was used to soothe the redness and brighten up my skin. The treatment was quick and comfortable, with pulses of light delivering mild heat to the surface of my skin.  

A cold hydrating mask was then applied at the end of the treatment to further soothe any redness and boost my skin’s hydration level. I have dehydrated skin that is oily at the surface, hence the therapist also recommended that I stick to water-based moisturizers.

Finally, here’s how my bare skin without any make-up after the treatment. I was initially afraid that my skin would end up looking red and inflamed  after the treatment, but as you can see, all my worries were in vain. There was a natural glow and radiance to my skin and the pigmentation on my cheek bones appeared to have lightened as well.

Most of the whiteheads were gone, leaving me with smooth, supple and healthy skin. It has been more than a week since my treatment, but my skin is still glowing and free from bumps.

Here’s a close-up before and after comparison for your reference.

Promotion for readers of “Shopping Queen’s Haven”

If you are interested in trying this treatment, Fresver Beauty has very kindly offered a promotional price and additional exclusive perks for all my lovely readers! 

Here’s what the offer entails:

• Quote “Regina-PTFPlus” and receive 3 complimentary Youthful Eye Treatments when you book a PTF Plus Face Treatment

• Purchase the PTF Plus Face Treatment before 31 January 2015 and receive an additional M5 localized Body Drainage treatment (read more here) free of charge!

• Extra freebies and samples will also be given to all my blog readers

Remember to quote “Regina-PTFPlus” when you book your appointment! 

Fresver Beauty Outlet Locations

 GROHE is a brand that is synonymous with quality and style when it comes to luxury bathroom fittings. Commonly found in some of the best hotels around the world, many of us would have had the opportunity to experience GROHE during our travels. Being able to replicate GROHE’s unique sensory experience in the comfort of my home has been on my bucket list for a while now, and with GROHE’s new Rainshower Flower Collection, I am finally a step closer to ticking this off my list.

Inspired by tulips, sunflowers and orchids, GROHE’s Rainshower Flower Collection is bound to set your hearts aflutter. An extension of the brand’s popular Rainshower Icon series, this collection features a petal-shaped bumper around the shower head in addition to the trademark halo shower head design and coloured spray face. 

If you love flowers or simply wish to inject a splash of colour to your day, this would be the perfect addition to your bathroom. This fresh take on shower heads would resonate well with children and young adults too.

 

There are six colours for you to choose from, so you can easily pick one that matches your bathroom decor. The “Tulip” model comes in vibrant shades of red and yellow, while the “Sunflower” version combines cheerful shades of orange and yellow. “Daisy” is a mix of white and yellow while its sweeter counterpart, “Orchid”, is the epitome of femininity with a pastel pink halo and white edges. If you prefer darker colours, “Lily”, which comes in white and purple, and “Bluebell”, a combination of white and dark blue, would fit the bill. 

I picked “Bluebell” as it complements my bathroom’s grey colour scheme. I love how the flower shower head adds a touch of playfulness to the otherwise sombre surroundings. It definitely perks up my mood in the morning and after a long day at work.

On days when I prefer something different, I can also choose to remove the petal-shaped bumper to reveal GROHE’s signature halo shower head design.

Design aside, my shower experience has also improved by leaps and bounds. My bathroom is equipped with a rainshower that was installed separately, but it pales in comparison to the GROHE Rainshower Flower. Personally, I feel that the water flow from GROHE’s shower head is much gentler and more soothing. 

Listening to the pitter patter of raindrops as they give my body a pampering massage is such a relaxing and indulgent experience, I can certainly foresee myself taking longer showers from now on. 

All Rainshower Flower Collection models are manufactured using GROHE’s DreamSpray technology, which is the same technology used in all its Rainshower variants. They also share the GROHE StarLight chrome finish, which ensures that they will retain their sheen for many years to come. 

The festive season is just around the corner, which means it’s time for parties and feasting! December is always an exciting month for me, because not only is it my birthday month, it’s probably the only time of the year other than Chinese New Year when I can feast to my heart’s delight and not feel guilty about it because everyone else in the world is having a ball of a time! 

Well, technically, I don’t feel guilty about it until I start to notice unsightly bulges around my tummy. Yes, contrary to popular belief, I don’t always have abs or a flat tummy all year round as I am prone to indigestion and bloating. I am generally blessed with a high metabolic rate, but when I overeat, which is unavoidable during this season, I tend to pile on the pounds in the most undesirable areas like my tummy and arms. Fortunately, I have Reduze PRO with me to save the day during the Christmas and New Year festivities.

Reduze PRO – S$128/box (60 capsules) – 1 month supply

Reduze PRO was specifically developed with this in mind and its triple action synbiotic formula helps you to detox, burn fat and lose weight effectively.

Here’s what it does:

1) Rebalance Gut Flora

– Increase Weight Loss Bacteria

-Decrease Weight Gain Bacteria 

2) Improve Digestive Function

– Increase Bowel Frequency

– Reduce Fat/Toxin Accumulation 

3) Sustainable Weight Loss

-Increase Fat Metabolism

-Increase Satiety

Unbalanced gut flora is one of the root causes of obesity,  as it leads to an increase in appetite, toxins and fat storage. This, coupled with a decrease in metabolism, eventually results in weight gain. Reduze PRO’s unique blend of ingredients breaks the weight gain cycle by rebalancing gut flora and eliminating toxins to achieve sustainable weight loss.

The synbiotic formula, which comprises both prebiotics and probiotics, helps to improve digestion functions. Prebiotics increases satiety, which means you feel full for a longer period of time. In this case, Reduze PRO helps you to feel full for up to 6 hours after meals! Each dose of Reduze PRO also delivers 20 billion live probiotics to optimize fat loss and trim your tummy. 

Clinical studies have also proven that Reduze PRO improves bowel frequency by 52% and I can certainly attest to this. Extensive travelling in the past month has taken a toll on my digestive health and bowel regularity, but after taking Reduze PRO for about 2 weeks now, I realized that my bowel regularity has improved. My stomach also feels less bloated from indigestion. More importantly, it looks much flatter too. Thanks to my trimmer tummy, my crop tops can finally see the light of day again after taking a break!

In addition to bowel regularity, Reduze PRO also promises 8 times more weight loss, a 52% improvement in bowel frequency, 29% less calorie intake and a clearer complexion.

To feel the initial difference, it is recommended that you take the product for at least 4 weeks. 2 pills once a day before food is all it takes. You can also start off with 3 pills once daily before food for faster results. As only natural ingredients are used, Reduze PRO is suitable for long-term consumption as there are no adverse side effects.

I’ve only taken the product for 2 weeks, but I am already very pleased with how it has tackled my indigestion and bowel irregularity issues thus far. Now, I can eat all I want without having to worry about indigestion and weight gain!

Reduze Pro is also available at the following stores:

• John Little

• Metro

• NTUC Fairprice

• Robinsons

• Sasa 

• Unity

• Watsons

While it is difficult to imagine that slimming is one of my concerns, health, fitness and wellness are certainly areas that are close to my heart, especially as age catches up with me.  

So yes, today’s post may be about Mary Chia’s Intensive Weight Vaporiser, one of the most popular slimming treatments offered by the leading beauty and slimming specialist, but it isn’t entirely about weight loss. 

Mary Chia is Singapore’s first home-grown lifestyle and wellness service provider to be publicly listed on the SGX-ST Catalist, and it now operates 8 outlets in Singapore, 6 outlets in Malaysia, with 3 unique spa concepts that cater to different demographics.  

When I heard that their Intensive Weight Vaporiser treatment improves blood circulation and serves as an effective detox for my body even if slimming may not be my top priority, I decided it would be interesting to give it a try. The best part is, no pills, injections or special dietary requirements are needed. 

Who’s suitable for this treatment?

This

treatment is generally suitable for anyone who wants to lose weight or
detox. However, if you have
health issues such as heart problems and high blood pressure, or if you
are pregnant, you may wish to seek professional medical advice before
embarking on this treatment.
 

So, what’s the treatment like?

  I will be giving you a step-by-step run-through of the treatment to give you a better understanding of what to expect. Read on to find out more.

Step 1: Personalized Consultation and BMI Analysis

I was brought into a private room to fill up a form on my health and skin concerns before I was ushered to a machine for a BMI analysis which gives a detailed breakdown of my fat percentage, bone mass, muscle mass as well as what my ideal weight and fat percentage should be.

This is perhaps the most important step in the treatment because a thorough analysis and personalized consultation gives the consultant a better understanding of your body and health condition, allowing her to customize the programme to optimize its effectiveness. Based on this assessment, the consultant would also be able to better advice you on the number of sessions required to achieve your desired results.

I have always been underweight because of my small bone structure (trust me, I do eat and my husband claims I eat more than him!), thus the consultant shared that I could consider doing the treatment just once a month for detox and overall wellness.

Step 2: Vibration Bed

After the consultation, I was escorted to the locker area to keep my personal belongings and change out into a comfortable robe before proceeding to the treatment rooms. I must say I was pretty impressed with the finger print identification technology used for the lockers!

I have to admit I was a little apprehensive when I first saw the vibration bed because I have never seen a machine quite like this. I laid down on my back,with my head nestled into the cushion and my legs propped up. The vertical cocoon-like contraption was then pulled down horizontally to cover my body.

The vibration bed heated up instantly to about 40 degrees Celsius and a series of vibrations ran through the entire bed. 

I could feel my body rocking from side to side as I began to work up a sweat. Did you know that 15 minutes on this vibration bed is equivalent to 45 minutes of rigorous exercise? If exercise is not your cup of tea, this vibration bed is probably just what you need.

Even if you exercise regularly, there are times when you sustain injuries. For instance, I suffered a back injury recently and had to stay off my yoga mat for a period of time. This vibration bed serves as an ideal substitute for exercise in such situations as the vibrations and rocking motions are gentle enough to prevent further injury while you reap the same benefits of exercising. In fact, I was told that many elderly clients who have difficulties moving about get their dose of exercise through this low impact vibration bed too.

Besides providing an alternative
to exercise, the vibration bed also promotes lymphatic drainage, which
is great for detox, relieving water retention and weight loss.

My verdict? It definitely felt like a good workout and I really liked the massaging effect on my back as well. 

For those of you who are interested in weight loss, you’ll be happy to know that you can lose approximately 500g – 2kg after each session, while you are lying comfortably on the vibration bed. It actually felt so comfortable that I dozed off after a while.

Step 3: Sauna

Right after wiping off beads of perspiration from my “workout” on the vibration bed, I was led to the sauna for another 15 minutes. Despite the heat (around 45 degrees Celsius), it was a  relaxing experience as I was given some magazines to while my time away, which I thought was a very thoughtful gesture.

The sauna provides physical rejuvenation and improves blood circulation, refreshing the mind and body while sealing in slimming benefits to achieve a svelte figure. 

Step 4: Air-Pressure Slimmer

The Air-Pressure Slimmer is yet another interesting device that promotes lymphatic drainage and improves blood circulation. Targeted at the waist and stomach area, an inflatable strap is wrapped around your stomach.

The strap inflates gradually at first, tightening its grip on your tummy before it deflates and completely releases its hold. This process continues for approximately 15 minutes.

Step 5: Full Body Wrap

Finally, the treatment concludes with a full body wrap, where the consultant uses a large roll of cling film to tightly wrap around my body. The full body wrap firms up your skin while you continue to perspire and the effect is akin to that of wearing shape wear or compression garments. 

 As you are required to wear this body wrap for around 2 hours, it would be best to wear long sleeves and long pants for the treatment. 

Step 6: Treatment Feedback

At the end of the treatment, I was offered a glass of tea to replenish the fluids that I lost. My consultant also came by to seek my feedback on the treatment and answer any additional queries that I may have. I appreciated her attention to detail and personalized service, which added a nice touch to the overall experience.

How did I feel after the treatment?  

When I first arrived at Mary Chia, I was feeling rather lethargic as I had just returned from Maldives on a red-eye flight that very day but after the treatment, I felt completely refreshed and re-energized. 

My skin was glowing and I felt the same rush of adrenalin that I would usually get from hot yoga, except that the nature of this treatment was of a much lower intensity than exercise. I would actually consider doing this on a monthly basis for detox.   

For more details on the treatment and Mary Chia’s full suite of slimming and beauty services, do visit their website here.