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Sinderella: Customized Shoes in Singapore

March 18, 2014 by Regina Chow 1 Comment

When I was planning for my wedding 5 years ago, it took me a while to find the perfect shoes to go with my bridal and evening gowns. I wish someone had told me about Sinderella, a shoe boutique located at Delfi Orchard (#03-04) that customizes wedding shoes and glitzy evening shoes. That would have saved me a lot of trouble!

Well, it’s better late than never because I realized recently that Sinderella customizes work heels and heels for special occasions too. If you want to stand out from the crowd and add a dash of individuality to your work ensembles or dinner party outfits, Sinderella could very well help you to achieve your objectives.

I already had an idea of what type of work heels I wanted when Sinderella kindly invited me to their shopfront to get a pair of work heels customized. A simple pair of pumps in a solid colour would be perfect.

However, my heart literally skipped a beat when I saw the dazzling array of glamorous heels in a myriad of designs and colours as I simply couldn’t take my eyes off those with feminine lace and gem embellishments.

I will show you my customized shoes nearer the end of the post, but meanwhile, let me share a little about how you can go about customizing the heels of your dreams.

The designs here are all ready-made, but modifications such as the heel height, type of heel, embellishments, material and colour can be done to tailor to every customer’s needs.

Step 1: Decide on whether you prefer Covered, Peep-toe or Open-toe shoes

I generally prefer covered pumps for work and functions because I feel that they look more formal and presentable. At Sinderella, you can choose between pointy pumps or round toe pumps.

Pointy pumps are excellent for elongating your legs but as I have bunions since birth, I personally find round-toe pumps more comfortable. I fell in love with the Gisele Pumps the moment I laid my eyes on them.

Gisele Pumps

Peep-toe and open-toe heels are great for showing off your beautifully pedicured feet. I love to wear strappy open-toe heels for evening functions and dinners as they go really well with gowns and cocktail dresses.

Step 2: Choose the Material and Colour

Besides the typical bridal colours such as ivory, off-white, beige and silver, Sinderella also offers more than 100 choices of colours and materials for you to take your pick from.

I particularly love colours like silver and gold because they can complement most colours, but if you prefer eye-catching shades like fuschia or sky blue to match your evening gown or outfit, these are readily available too.

Step 3: Choose your Embellishments

Trust me when I say you’ll be spoilt for choice, especially when it comes to embellishments. Add that extra sparkle to your evening shoes with a little bling in all shapes, designs and sizes.

For an elegant bridal day look, you can also add subtle lace or crystal details to your shoes. Bridal shoes aside, these details would go beautifully with a pair of work heels too.

If you like bows and flowers, I am sure you will be drawn to Sinderella’s collection of delicate bows and floral embellishments.

As I was browsing through the wide variety of choices, I also came across these swarovski crystal heel rings. Heel rings look just like the rings that we wear on our fingers, except that they are meant to dress up your heels instead. All you have to do is to slot the rings into the heels of your shoes. It is removable and thus gives you the option of varying your looks. I especially love the versatility of this accessory as you can easily take your shoes from day to night by adding a touch of bling.

Step 4: Choose your Heels and Soles

Choosing your heels marks the final step of customization. Thin stiletto heels may fare well in the looks department but honestly they may not be all that comfortable especially if you have to be on your feet all day long. Sinderella understands your concerns and has specially brought in heels of varying heights and thickness to cater to your whims and fancies.

At Sinderella, you can also choose the colour of your soles to match your shoes. I love the attention they pay to details like this as it really shows that they take pride in their designs.

As mentioned earlier, I fell in love with the Gisele Pumps hence my original plans to customize a simple pair of work heels got derailed. I decided to customize this design in a shade of champagne gold as it would complement most of my outfits anyway and I could easily pair it with both my casual dresses for weekend catch-ups with the girls and formal outfits for work functions. For added height without compromising on comfort, I eventually chose thicker 4 inch heels and built-in platforms.

It took about 3-4 weeks for my customized heels to arrive, so if you are planning to customize a pair for your wedding or a special occasion, do remember to plan ahead!

Every pair of customized heels comes in a transparent Sinderella shoe box with a handle at the top, which makes it very convenient for you to carry around should you wish to change out of your shoes for photo shoots or events.

Finally, here are some photos of my gorgeous customized Gisele Pumps.

I wore it out immediately the next day for lunch with my hubby and he had nothing but praises for this beautiful pair of heels.

Shoes from Sinderella

Skirt from Choies

Top and Necklace from random stores

Clutch from Saint Laurent

*****

Sinderella

Address:

402 Orchard Road, Delfi Orchard

#03-04 Singapore 238876

Tel:

6224 5586

Opening Hours:

Mon-Sat: 12pm – 8pm

Closed on Sun and Public Holidays

Website:

http://www.sinderella.com.sg

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/sinderellashoes

Blog:

http://www.sinderellashoes.blogspot.com

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L’Oreal EverStrong Hair & Scalp System: 30-Day Hair Challenge

March 15, 2014 by Regina Chow No Comments

L’Oreal Hair Expertise recently developed its EverStrong Hair and Scalp System, which promises stronger, thicker hair in 30 days. If you follow me on instagram (@reginachow_sg), you may have read that I gamely took up L’Oreal’s 30-Day Hair Challenge.

It is important to condition your hair ends, which is what we all tend to focus our efforts on to achieve silky smooth hair, but did you know that the scalp is just like our skin and needs just as much tender loving care? Fertile soil is necessary for plants to thrive and flourish. Similarly, a healthy scalp promotes hair growth and is the key to having healthy, beautiful hair.

What causes scalp problems? Excess sebum production and using the wrong hair products without clarifying the scalp will clog pores and hair follicles over time, leading to scalp problems and hair loss. Our hot and humid weather doesn’t help either as it only makes our scalp oilier.

Well, the good news is, hair thinning and hair fall issues can be easily prevented with the use of proper scalp care products such as L’Oreal’s EverStrong Hair and Scalp System. The use of scalp care products on a regular basis will also help to strengthen hair strands, leading to healthier, more beautiful hair!

In a day and age where we encounter chemical substances in practically every facet of our daily lives, responsible brands and products that cut down on the usage of chemicals are definitely a breath of fresh air.

I am sure that many of us are no stranger to L’Oreal Hair Expertise’s range of hair products, which are 100% sulphate-free, silicone-free and paraben-free. The complete suite of L’Oreal
Hair Expertise products includes EverSleek for frizzy, rebellious hair,
EverPure for colour-treated hair, EverCreme for dry to very dry hair and
finally, the latest addition to the family – EverStrong for scalp care
and hair fall control.

Frequent colouring has rendered my scalp sensitive and somewhat irritable, hence I often turn to in-salon scalp treatments to maintain my scalp health. On days when I don’t have time to head to the salon, L’Oreal’s EverStrong Hair and Scalp System is the most comprehensive sulphate-free scalp care system that I can rely on to care for my sensitive scalp. These products are also infused with nourishing botanical oils to energize and invigorate the senses.

The EverStrong range consists of a set of 1) shampoo, 2) conditioner and 3) hair tonic.

When it comes to
maintaining a healthy scalp, you have to be conscientious and patient
because it takes time for you to see results and these results take
place over time. 30 days is just about right for you to see some visible results. Although I have only reached the 1 week mark when this post is published, there are already significant improvements in my scalp condition based on my scalp scan results which you will see later on in this post.

I love shampoos that lather well as I personally feel that my scalp and hair feel cleaner, hence I was initially a little apprehensive when I first tried the L’Oreal EverStrong Thickening Shampoo as I thought it wouldn’t produce much lather, like most sulphate-free shampoos or other conventional scalp shampoos in the market. Surprisingly, it lathers like a dream. Not only does my scalp feel
much cleaner, my hair also feels softer and silkier immediately after
shampooing, which is impressive given that most of the scalp shampoos
that I have tried tend to leave my hair dry and entangled. I also love the fresh minty scent which appeals to both sexes.

If you have a sensitive scalp
like me, it is absolutely important for you to steer clear of hair care
products that include sulphates. Sulphates are typically used in hair
care products to create foam but these chemicals are so harsh, they
strip your scalp of moisture and causes it to be even more irritable
than it already is. L’Oreal understands what is needed to promote a
healthy scalp, hence its EverStrong series is completely sulphate-free and is specially enriched with Rosemary and Mint oils to soothe dry sensitive scalp and regulate sebum production. The formula also includes amino acid complex to strengthen and fortify hair strands.

I use conditioner on a daily basis to keep my hair well moisturized and I have always been told not to apply any conditioner to your scalp as it weighs down the hair at the crown and could also make your scalp oilier.

You can imagine how shocked I was when I read the instructions behind L’Oreal’s EverStrong Thickening Conditioner and realized that this conditioner can actually be massaged into your scalp. Again, I was quite skeptical. What if it weighs down my hair and causes my scalp to itch?

Nonetheless, I followed the instructions and dutifully massaged the conditioner into my scalp and hair strands before rinsing. To my utter amazement, there was no greasy after feel. On the contrary, I felt that it gave my roots a natural lift, which contributes to fuller-looking hair. In fact, a couple of my friends commented that my hair looks fuller and thicker recently, and some new acquaintances even thought that I was born with naturally thick hair. I have never received such compliments in the past as my hair is naturally thin and fine, hence I strongly believe the L’Oreal EverStrong Hair and Scalp System certainly has a role to play in this!

The L’Oreal EverStrong Hair and Scalp System also includes a Thickening Tonic to be sprayed onto your roots directly and massaged into the scalp. No rinsing is required. I have been using this religiously everyday after shampoo and conditioner and I absolutely love the cooling sensation and minty after feel.

I can go on waxing lyrical about how wonderful this entire series is, but nothing beats actual evidence to prove that the EverStrong Hair and Scalp System really works.

Before I embarked on this 30-day Hair Challenge, a few other bloggers and I popped by L’Oreal’s office for a scalp scan. We also did another scan midway through the challenge. Please note that the images that follow may be rather disturbing, but do read on if you are interested to find out exactly how effective the EverStrong products were on my scalp.

The whitish, cloudy residue at the roots depicts sebum (or oil) and as you can tell from my ‘before’ and ‘after’ scalp scan results, my scalp is less oily than when I first embarked on this challenge.

I am so heartened to see these encouraging results and I can totally envision how clean and healthy my scalp will look after 30 days. I will do a final wrap-up of the challenge on my instagram account (@reginachow_sg) after 30 days, so do follow me if you would like to track my progress!

Meanwhile, I am basking in the joy that my hair already looks and feels healthier!

If you want to have lustrous hair and a healthier scalp, do join me in L’Oreal’s 30-day hair challenge too.

Here’s what you have to do:

L’Oreal 30-Day Hair Challenge

(From 15th March 2014)

1. Purchase L’Oreal EverStrong Thickening Tonic and receive a free 59ml set of Everstrong shampoo + conditioner

2. Register your particulars for the Challenge here. L’Oreal will contact you shortly on how to redeem at L’Oreal office. (A ‘before’ shot must be provided.)

3. After redemption, use regime for 30 days. At the end of 30 days, return to L’Oreal office to retrieve $50 hamper incentive, in exchange for a testimonial and after shot.

For more details on L’Oreal’s EverStrong Hair and Scalp System, remember to ‘Like’ L’Oreal’s Facebook Page here!

Now, you can also purchase L’Oreal’s EverStrong Hair and Scalp System online at Luxola!

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Allure Beauty Signature Eyebrow Embroidery

March 9, 2014 by Regina Chow 4 Comments

Eyebrow embroidery is a beauty service that I’ve been thinking of trying out as it is getting immensely popular these days and many of my girlfriends have experienced wonderful results. I have previously read rave reviews about Allure Beauty from forums and blogs, hence when Mistical from Absolute PR contacted me on behalf of the saloon for an eyebrow embroidery session, I agreed right away.

Established in April 2002 by founder Ms Angela Tnee, Allure Beauty has since expanded and includes 3 outlets conveniently located in Tiong Bahru Plaza, West Mall and City Square Mall respectively. I couldn’t be happier when Mistical suggested that I visit their West Mall branch as it is just a stone’s throw from my home.

What is Eyebrow Embroidery? How is it different from Eyebrow Tattoo?

Eyebrow
embroidery involves the application of pigments to the outermost
epidermis layer of your skin. This is different from eyebrow tattoo,
where the pigments penetrate deep into the dermis layer and gets
absorbed deeper into the skin as time progresses. Unlike eyebrow tattoo which is permanent, eyebrow embroidery is only semi-permanent and can last up to 2 years or longer with frequent touch-ups.

Founder of Allure Beauty, Ms Angela Tnee, picked up eyebrow embroidery in 1994 from an eyebrow specialist in Hong Kong and was the first to introduce creative eyebrow embroidery skills using the stroke-by-stroke technique in Singapore. This technique is now known as Allure’s Signature Eyebrow Technique and that was exactly what I was going to try out that very day.

Kelly, the Principal Trainer at West Mall, gave me a detailed overview of the different types of eyebrow embroidery services offered by Allure Beauty.

Allure Beauty believes in upholding the highest standards of professionalism, hence the Allure Signature Eyebrow Technique is only performed by senior consultants who have undergone years of training and are personally certified by founder Ms Angela Tnee. This particular technique incorporates nano-technology to achieve natural-looking strokes that mimic the appearance of real hair.

Before I give you the lowdown on the eyebrow embroidery process, here’s an embarrasing photo of my brows before embroidery for your reference. As you can see, my brows are relatively thick (thanks to my mum who painstakingly applied alcohol on them when I was a baby), but they are extremely untidy, undefined and completely out of shape.

I used to get them plucked and trimmed professionally but in recent years, laziness got the better of me as my bangs covered most of my unruly brows anyway. I couldn’t wait to get started on the eyebrow embroidery session after Kelly clipped up my bangs and revealed my horrible brows!

What is the eyebrow embroidery process like?

Step 1: Neatening the brows

The first step is to neaten your brows by shaving off the stray hairs.This makes it easier for the therapist to shape and design your brows later on.

Step 2: Numbing Cream Application

Most beauty saloons would apply numbing cream after shaping and designing your brows, but over at Allure Beauty, numbing cream is applied at the onset so that your brows are sufficiently numbed. This is an important step to ensure that the whole process is painless and comfortable.

This step takes about half an hour. During the wait, Kelly and I discussed any possible concerns that I had about my brow shape and colour. We both agreed that a dark brown shade would be used for my brows to match my light hair colour.

Kelly also shared with me that Allure Beauty offers a comprehensive
range of beauty services, including facials, eyelash extensions,
eyeliner embroidery and lip embroidery. She noticed my eyelash
extensions and recommended that I try their Wonder Lash extensions from
Korea next time. Time to book another appointment soon!

Step 3: Shaping and designing the brows

At
Allure Beauty, your facial features will first be assessed based on the
Golden Ratio to determine the best brow shape to suit your facial
proportions.

Kelly
shared that my facial features generally conformed to the Golden Ratio,
but the space between my eyes and eyebrows was too narrow. Hence, she
suggested that my brow had to be moved up a little higher to bring more
definition to my eyes.

She then proceeded to fill in my brows to the desired shape and thickness.

I loved how meticulous Kelly was. As my left brow was naturally higher than the right, she took pains to check that they were symmetrical from every angle, every step of the way.

Step 4: Eyebrow Embroidery

Once I was satisfied with my brows, Kelly invited me into a private room for the eyebrow embroidery session.

Personal hygiene is of utmost importance to Allure Beauty, hence a fresh new blade is used for every customer to eliminate the possibility of infection. The colour used is also specially customized based on your personal preferences.

Is the process painful? How did I feel?

I could feel the blades brushing against my skin with each stroke but to my pleasant surprise, it was relatively painless if you were to compare it to eyebrow plucking.

Kelly then sat me up to check on my brows. Please excuse my sleepy look here as I was about to drift to slumberland in the private room.

A few more strokes added the finishing touch and I was done!

And now for the final look. My skin was slightly red as I have sensitive skin but the redness went away in less than half an hour.

Here’s a closer look at my transformation, complete with before and after photos for a better comparison. I was absolutely amazed by the remarkable difference before and after eyebrow embroidery!

My new brows frame my face better and soften my features too, giving me an even more feminine appearance.

Before and after pictures of my left brows:

Before and after pictures of my right brows:

From the pictures, you can also tell that the individual strokes look just like my own natural eyebrow hair. I really love my new brows and how they pull my features together.

Thank you Kelly for a job well done! Kelly is very pretty, with silky smooth poreless skin to boot. I was so tempted to try out Allure Beauty’s facials after seeing her gorgeous skin.

Are there any after care tips for Eyebrow Embroidery?

I was given a card with after care tips and a tube of soothing cream (Retails at S$48) to be applied 5 times daily with a clean cotton bud for a period of 1 week.

Remember to ensure that your eyebrows do not have any contact with water for a week. Not only does this prevent infection, it also ensures that the colour lasts much longer.

To prevent any contact with water, Kelly suggested that I use these 3M Tegaderm Films which feel just like clingwrap-like stickers on my brows when I shower. You can get them from any Watsons outlet.

Instead of facial wash, I also switched to a tissue-off cleanser (Avene’s Extremely Gentle Cleanser No Rinse Tissue-Off Formula) for a week.

My Healing Process

I also took some pictures following my eyebrow embroidery session so that you will have a better idea of what to expect.

Day 1 – Without Make-up

Day 3 – With Make-up

1 Month Later – With Light Make-up

The colour fades by about 50-70% after the 1st month, hence a touch-up is necessary for maintenance. I love how natural it looks after a month though, and now, I no longer have to hide my brows behind my bangs!

One of my girlfriends saw me with my new brows the next day after my eyebrow embroidery and was so impressed she immediately booked herself an appointment at her nearest Allure Beauty Saloon for the Allure Signature Eyebrow Embroidery session. Now, we both have beautiful brows!

******

Special Discount for Blog Readers:

All readers of ‘Shopping Queen’s Haven’ will also be entitled to a 10% discount off the Allure Signature Eyebrow Embroidery session. Simply quote my blog name or my name “Regina Chow” to enjoy this offer!

As Kelly is the principal trainer at West Mall outlet, an Allure Signature Eyebrow Embroidery session with her would cost S$1680 excluding GST. This includes 2 free touch-ups (after 1 month and another after 1 year).

*****

Allure Beauty Saloon

Website:

http://www.allurebeauty.com.sg/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/allurebeautysg

Addresses, Contact Numbers and Opening Hours:

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Korean Style Make-up with Laneige

March 2, 2014 by Regina Chow No Comments

When we think about Korean style make-up, images of flawless, dewy complexion and barely there make-up always come to mind. If your complexion is less than perfect, which is the case for most of us, you can easily achieve the no make-up look with Laneige!

While I only use sunblock on my skin on most days, there are times when my skin needs that extra boost and that’s when Laneige Snow BB Soothing Cushion comes to the rescue. It gives my skin a radiant, healthy glow immediately upon application. The effect is so natural, I look like I was born with naturally flawless skin. If you are interested, you can also read more about my review on BB cushion here.

Eyeliner is one of my make-up staples and if you follow Korean make-up trends, a common way of eyeliner application is to extend the eyeliner and wing it out so your eyes look bigger and more elongated. I personally love this style of eyeliner application as it really opens up my eyes.

I usually use black or brown eyeliner, but whenever I feel a little more adventurous, I would turn to Laneige ArtPlay Waterproof Eyeliner in Deep Green and Forest Green. It is dual sided, which gives you the flexibility to transform your look from day to night with the flick of an eyeliner. I have come to realize that green is actually a really versatile colour too.

When the rest of your face is fresh and nude, all it takes is a bold lip to brighten up your face. Orange lipstick was something I would never have considered in the past, but Laneige’s Silk Intense Lipstick in Spangle has since become my go-to lipstick shade. Unlike red which gives off a mature vibe, orange actually exudes youthfulness and a tinge of playfulness.

The Laneige Silk Intense Lipstick in Spangle is highly pigmented and a little goes a long way. It glides on very smoothly and the hydrating formula which includes collagen peptides ensures that lips stay moisturized throughout the day.

Here’s the final look that I created with these 3 products from Laneige:

And finally, here’s my outfit for the day. I went for a monochromatic look to bring attention to the bold orange lips.

T-shirt from Dip Drops

Skirt and necklace from random shops in Singapore

Bag from Chanel

Cuff from Hermes

Hat from Venice

Shoes from Pazzion

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Dr Scalp Treatment with Naoki Yoshihara by Ash

February 28, 2014 by Regina Chow 2 Comments

Dry and brittle hair ends are probably the most common complaint among those of us who undergo chemical treatments on a regular basis. But did you know that healthy hair actually begins at the scalp? The root of many hair problems stem from poor scalp conditions and yet, many of us tend to neglect our scalp until hair problems begin to surface and hair loss becomes an issue.

As the old saying goes, prevention is always better than cure, hence taking good care of my scalp has always been my top priority. I have tried various scalp treatments and one of the most effective scalp treatments that I have tried thus far is the Dr Scalp Treatment from Naoki Yoshihara by Ash.

Masa-san from Naoki Yoshihara by Ash has been taking good care of my crowning glory for the past few months and I have to thank him for introducing me to this wonderful treatment. I love Japanese products and services because they are always at the forefront of technological advances and innovation.

Dr Scalp Treatment hails from Japan and it entails the use of a scalp care machine that combines light diode and gentle LED light to stimulate your scalp and support healthy hair growth without harming your skin. This unique, one-of-a-kind treatment incorporates the use of scramble pulse, radio frequency waves, EMS and electroporation technologies. As the skin on the scalp is twice as sensitive as the skin on our face, Dr Scalp ensures that only high frequency radio frequency waves that do not damage our skin are used.

Dr Scalp is also incredibly effective in treating hair loss problems. Whether you are in your 30s and starting to experience thinning hair (see picture below) or in your 50s with visible bald patches (see picture above), Dr Scalp guarantees fantastic results in just a span of 3-6 months. As you can tell, these before and after photos certainly speak for themselves.

Hair essence is first sprayed evenly over your scalp, followed by a scalp massage using the Dr Scalp scalp care machine. The machine can also be used at the back of the neck for a gentle massage and also to stimulate circulation.

The hair essence has a refreshing, minty scent that invigorates your senses after a long day at work.

Here’s what the Dr Scalp scalp care machine looks like. The tips of the probes that come into contact with your scalp are coated with titanium, which is very gentle and works well with all skin types, even sensitive skin.

When the Dr Scalp scalp care machine is activated, it emits a bright red glow and a very therapeutic tingling sensation is felt when the probes come into direct contact with your scalp.

The scalp machine also enhances the permeability of the hair essence and stimulates hair growth. Indeed, my scalp felt instantly rejuvenated and well cleansed after the treatment as all the dirt and grime were lifted from my pores.

Masa-san then applied two other scalp treatment products, namely Sparkling Spa Shower and Sparkling Gelee, to top off the treatment.

Sparkling Spa Shower promotes blood circulation and has anti-inflammatory properties as well. I was particularly fascinated with Sparkling Spa Shower because instead of spraying the product directly onto your scalp or dispensing it onto your fingers, all you have to do is to press the sponge tip of the bottle onto your scalp slowly.

A cooling sensation is felt every time you press the sponge tip on to your scalp as you can actually feel a burst of cold air being released. It is really refreshing and since this product contains only natural herbal ingredients, you can be assured that your scalp is in good hands!

Sparkling Gelee on the other hand, works just like a leave-in conditioner to seal in the moisture in your hair. As it is made of 100% hyaluronic acid, it can be applied directly to the scalp, hair and even on your skin.

My scalp tends to be a little oily and itchy, especially if I choose to wash my hair on alternate days, but after undergoing 3 sessions of Dr Scalp Treatment, I can feel a great difference in my scalp condition.

My scalp is no longer as oily as it used to be and there is more volume at the crown. My girlfriend
Karen has tried a few sessions of Dr Scalp Treatment too as her scalp
has become rather sensitive after her frequent overseas travels. If you have a dry and sensitive scalp, it is recommended that you do the Dr Scalp treatment once a week for a start until your condition stabilizes.

I love how
Masa-san goes the extra mile to recommend suitable treatments for my hair every
time I visit the salon. And it is amazing how my hair always looks shiny
and smooth in spite of all the chemical treatments I do every month.
Thank you, Masa-san! All the credit goes to you!

I have been recommending Masa san to many of my friends as well, and all of them love what he did with their hair. Masa-san currently shuttles between Japan and Singapore for work, but here comes the good news – he will be relocating to Singapore in April this year!

Naoki Yoshihara by Ash

Address:

177 River Valley Road
Liang Court #02-15/16
Singapore 179030

Tel:

6333 5662

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Gelish Manicure by Niu Nails: Apple Nailart

February 14, 2014 by Regina Chow No Comments

Apples are the protagonists in my latest gelish manicure with Niu Nails. It took me a while to decide on this design as I wanted something simple yet unique and festive for Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day.

Inspired by my cute little Kate Spade apple bag (can you spot it in the background?), I scouted around for apple nail designs and this was the final design that I chose. I love how it complements my bag perfectly and how incredibly versatile the design is. It adds a touch of quirkiness to feminine and vintage outfits, which are my wardrobe staples for weekends. The simplicity of the design also ensures that it is subtle enough for work.

Manicures
are pampering treats and those of you who have tried gelish manicures
would probably agree that they are the best invention ever. Not only do
your nails remain chip-free and shiny for at least 3 weeks, the nail
polish looks just as fresh as the day they were painted on.

Again, I had my gelish manicure done by Serene of Niu Nails in the comfort of my home about 3 weeks back. and my nails still look as perfect as they did on the first day. This was my second gelish manicure with Niu Nails, a home-based salon in Hougang.

What I love most about Niu Nails is that the owner, Serene, is able to travel to your home, which is perfect for those of us who find it hard to make time to do our nails thanks to our hectic schedules!

If you are interested, you can read more about my first experience with Niu Nails here.

If you were wondering, this gelish manicure with apple nailart costs S$40. Now that Chinese New Year is over, perhaps it’s about time to give your nails a fresh coat of polish or a new design!

Special Privileges for Readers of “Shopping Queen’s Haven”

In collaboration with Niu Nails, all readers of “Shopping Queen’s Haven” will also be entitled to a 10% discount on gelish manicure/pedicure services at Niu Nails!

All you have to do is quote “Reginachow” or “Shopping Queen’s Haven” when you make your appointment to enjoy 10% off!

For more details on Niu Nails and Serene, do check out their website and social media platforms below:

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/niunails

Website:

www.niunails.com

Instagram: @Niunails

Contact No.:

8113 6741

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Tsubaki Out-of-Bath Series & Senka Skincare Launch

February 10, 2014 by Regina Chow No Comments

I attended the launch of Tsubaki’s Out-of-Bath series and a new skincare brand called Senka at Butter Studio a while ago, thanks to DSPG and Shiseido.

I have always loved Tsubaki’s affordable yet effective haircare range and it is not hard to see why Tsubaki has been the leading haircare brand in Japan since its inception in 2006.

Tsubaki haircare products contain 3 key ingredients, namely:

1) Melanin Hole Repair Ingredient (Arginine) – This repairs the melanin holes and restores the inner structure of our hair fibre to bring out the shine and lustre in our tresses.

2) UV Protective Ingredient – UV protection is essential for lustrous locks as it protects hair from UV radiation and damage.

3) Selected Camellia Oil – An oil that is known for its ability to repair hair cuticles while retaining shine and elasticity. It also softens and smoothens our hair fibres.

(L-R): Damage Care Hair Water, Shining Hair Water and Damage Care Hair Emulsion

Besides its In-Bath series (i.e. shampoos and conditioners), Tsubaki has also launched its latest Out-of-Bath series in Jan 2014 to provide a comprehensive range of haircare products for all ladies. The Out-of-Bath series includes the Damage Care Hair Water (S$13.50), Shining Hair Water (S$16.90) and Damage Care Hair Emulsion (S$16.90).

I have a soft spot for hair products and was absolutely thrilled to have had the privilege of trying out both the Tsubaki Damage Care Hair Emulsion and Shining Hair Water. I have been using both products together for close to a month now.

Tsubaki’s Damage Care Hair Emulsion is a leave-in treatment that boasts a new, highly penetrative boost formula. It consists of 5 ingredients, including selected Camellia oil, Tsubaki Amino, Camellia Repair Butter, Melanin Hole Repair Ingredient and Penetrative Essence. This new formula ensures that all the goodness of these 5 ingredients penetrate deep into the core of each hair shaft to repair and restore damaged hair.

I have been using this product on both semi-dry and dry hair. What I love most about it is that it doesn’t leave a sticky residue and it instantly tames any frizziness.

How To Use This Product Effectively?

The trick to applying this hair emulsion is to pump an appropriate amount onto your palm (2-3 pumps for my long hair) and then spread them all over your palm before gently rubbing the product into your hair ends. If you have soft and fine hair like me, you should start applying the product from the hair ends and gradually work upwards towards the middle section of your hair. To prevent flat hair, I prefer to apply less product nearer the roots.

As its name suggests, Tsubaki’s Shining Hair Water instantly adds shine and replenishes moisture to the hair. I spray this on after using the Damage Care Emulsion everyday, before heading out under the sun because it protects my hair against UV exposure.

What I love about this product is its lingering floral scent which makes your hair smell absolutely divine. Like the other products in the Tsubaki series, Selected Camellia Oil is a key ingredient in this product and is supplemented by Camellia Leaf Essence and Hyaluronic Derivative to seal in moisture, leaving your locks smooth, sleek and manageable.

Senka is another Japanese brand that we were introduced to during the launch. Created only recently in the autumn of 2010, Senka is an up and coming brand that focuses on simple yet effective skincare. It aims to develop safe, allergy-free products that are environmentally friendly.

Senka has a comprehensive range of skincare that covers 4 essential aspects, namely Cleansing, Moisturizing, Whitening and Sunscreen. As you can see from the picture below, there are 5 different types of cleansers to cater to various skin types.

The moisturizing range features a lightweight lotion that is just as nourishing as a rich moisturizer, while the whitening range contains Vitamin C to prevent the appearance of sunspots. Senka’s sunscreen is made using 100% mineral water from Mount Fuji and does not leave any sticky after-feel.

Speedy Perfect Whip (S$13.90) is the latest member in Senka’s range of cleansers. I have come across several cleansers that require the use of a sponge to create thick, foamy lather, which I found rather inconvenient. Now, with Speedy Perfect Whip, a quick pump is all you need to dispense a creamy rich lather that covers your skin in a “lather cushion”. A fuss-free cleanser like this is perfect for those of us who have a busy schedule!

Developed to be gentle on the skin without compromising on efficacy, the Speedy Perfect Whip cleanses very well, removing oil and dirt effortlessly, while retaining the skin’s moisture. All I need is two pumps to deliver a rich, luxurious foam that cleanses effectively. I especially adore its lovely rose scent, which makes the cleansing process all the more enjoyable. This is definitely one cleanser that I would repurchase.

Besides the Speedy Perfect Whip, I also received a few other skincare samples from Senka. Having experienced the excellent results delivered by Senka’s mousse cleanser, I can’t wait to try out all the other products in the skincare range!

Tsubaki’s Out of Bath Series and Senka Skincare are now available at selected Watsons stores!

Uncategorized

MyJotterBook: Vintage Style At Its Best (Giveaway at the end of this post!)

January 19, 2014 by Regina Chow No Comments

Tucked away in the cozy Jalan Rumah Tinggi neighbourhood, MyJotterBook is an oasis of loveliness where vintage fashion apparel, bags and accessories take centrestage.

Before I even stepped into the shop, I was instantly drawn to the gorgeous signage, which I later learnt was a DIY project that Lishan took on using an old, forsaken wooden plank. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that an old plank of wood could undergo such an impressive transformation. I have to give my two thumbs up for Lishan’s creativity and eco-friendly efforts!

Lishan also took pains to decorate the shop in a retro fashion, adding her personal touch to everything that you see, touch and feel.

Established in the last quarter of 2013, MyJotterBook first started its foray into the world of fashion by introducing a series of exclusive hand-made book clutches through its website. I fell head over heels in love with their book clutches and immediately purchased 3 at a go to add to my growing collection of bags.

Obviously, I was not the only one who found these book clutches irresistible, because they became an instant hit overnight and many of the popular designs are now either out of stock or running out fast! If you haven’t grabbed one for yourself, please act fast! You can also read my review of the book clutches here.

VINTAGE APPAREL

To complement its collection of book clutches, bags and accessories, Lishan decided to take one step further by offering a specially curated selection of vintage apparels as well.

MyJotterBook’s vintage collection is exclusively available at their physical store and every piece is lovingly handpicked by Lishan and her partner. I am an ardent fan of vintage fashion and stepping into MyJotterBook was like a dream come true for me. It may be a new kid on the block, but the collection that MyJotterbook stocks is surprisingly varied and very wearable.

The minute I stepped in, I was greeted by racks of true blue vintage dresses and blouses spanning across various eras in a multitude of designs to cater to your every whim and fancy.

The vintage apparel at MyJotterBook come with detailed description tags that gives you a better understanding of the size and condition, as well as design elements unique to each era.

Wearing vintage apparel is akin to wearing a piece of history, and being able to appreciate the finer details truly completes the overall experience.

I spent hours at MyJotterBook, reveling in the company of Lishan as I tried on dress after dress. I simply couldn’t get enough of all the beautiful apparel, and of course, it also helps that the fitting room is cozy and absolutely welcoming.

Here are just some of the lovely dresses that I tried on that day:

BRAND NEW ITEMS & NEW-OLD STOCK

Not everything that you see in the store is vintage or preloved though. There are brand new items and new-old stocks too!

What differentiates MyJotterBook from its counterparts is that it goes the extra mile to bring in brand new items from overseas labels that are not found on our sunny island and off the beaten path.

One such label is Sourpuss, an independently owned US label that offers an interesting array of brand new vintage inspired apparel and kitschy accessories.

This quirky blue 50s inspired dress from Sourpuss stole my heart the moment I set my eyes on it and I had to take it home with me. It looks like a dress that came off the set of popular American series, Mad Men and I can see totally see myself wearing this out for tea with the girls at a retro bistro like Billy Bombers!

And here comes an adorable sailor doctor’s bag to complement the dress. I especially like how the structured doctor’s bag is given a playful twist with bold red stripes and contrasting navy blue trimmings, complete with anchors. Not only will this statement piece dress up a casual weekend outfit instantly, it would also be a fantastic addition to your Chinese New Year wardrobe!

If you don’t already know, the book clutches modeled after popular English Classics are also brand new items. For those of you who are looking for a special gift or if you are a fan of English literature, you will be happy to know that you can now purchase the book clutches and English Classics as a set!

Recently, MyJotterBook also brought in a brand new range of cigar box bags in limited quantities. These bags are made from genuine cigar boxes and each one is creatively crafted with beads and embellishments to ensure that no two are the same.

I was so besotted with the cigar box bags, I decided to get the diamonte embellished one with a skull motif for myself.

If you follow me on instagram (@reginachow_sg), you would have gotten a preview of the gorgeous bag:

It took me some time to decide on the skull design because I was equally mesmerized by this pretty, white-based cigar box bag as it went really well with my outfit that day.

In case you were wondering, the sunglasses in the photos above are actually new-old stock from MyJotterBook. New-old stock refers to genuine vintage items which have never been worn before, so they are in fact as good as new!

Besides sunglasses, MyJotterBook also offers a beautiful collection of jewellery from yesteryear as part of its new-old stock. Accessories add the finishing touches to an outfit and I am a fan of vintage jewellery simply because they have so much character.

If you prefer brand new items inspired by vintage designs, MyJotterBook also boasts a collection of brand new belts, pill-box hats and fascinators to tickle your fancy.

These hats and fascinators are great for parties and formal events. I can foresee myself wearing these to the turf club events or a dinner function.

In fact, all the fascinators and hats that you see in my outfit posts above are from MyJotterBook. Aren’t they beautiful?

Thinking of doing some last minute Chinese New Year shopping? Head on down to MyJotterBook for some retail therapy today!

GIVEAWAY ALERT!

In collaboration with MyJotterBook, I will be giving away not one, but TWO sets of MyJotterBook goodies to two lucky readers of “Shopping Queen’s Haven”!

Each set consists of a brand new adorable heart shaped sling bag and retro a-go-go style earrings (new-old stock)! Colours and designs will be given out at random.**Please note that winners are to collect the items from MyJotterBook’s store directly.**

To take part in this giveaway, just follow these 3 simple steps below!

******

Step 1:

Add me on Facebook Here

(Existing Facebook friends can join too!)

Step 2:

Like MyJotterBook’s Facebook Page

Step 3:

Drop me an e-mail at regina.chow@gmail.com with your name, address and contact number!

*****

SPECIAL DISCOUNT FOR BLOG READERS

All my blog readers are also entitled to a 10% discount on vintage apparel, valid from now till 19 Feb 2014!

Simply quote ‘Shopping Queen’s Haven’ or ‘Regina’s blog’ before making payment to enjoy the discount.

MyJotterBook

Address: 37 Jalan Rumah Tinggi

#01-403

Contact: 9826 5008

Website:

http://www.myjotterbook.com.sg

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/MyJotterBook?fref=ts

Instagram:

@myjotterbook

Uncategorized

Rakuten Singapore (Free Delivery and Discount Code!)

January 14, 2014 by Regina Chow No Comments

Did you know that Rakuten, Japan’s largest online shopping mall is finally in Singapore? I have always been a fan of Japanese products and I’m absolutely stoked that these products are now easily available here!

Rakuten Singapore currently features more than 120 Japanese and local merchants with over 40,000 products across more than 10 categories ranging from fashion, food, health and beauty products, electronics, kids’ and babies’ products, toys and games, livingware, furniture and decoration, books, pet products, and even vehicle accessories.

Here are some of the brands that shoppers like you and me can look forward to:

FREE DELIVERY

In celebration of its launch, Rakuten Singapore is now offering free delivery for all products (min purchase of S$30) from January 14, 2 p.m. to January 17, 11.59 p.m.

DISCOUNT CODE FOR BLOG READERS

Besides free delivery, Rakuten Singapore is also offering a special discount code to all readers of Shopping Queen’s Haven!

Key in “REGINA20” upon check out to enjoy S$20 discount off a minimum spend of S$100!

(valid till Jan 24, one time purchase per member)

This discount code is valid for members only, so please remember to sign up as a member on Rakuten Singapore’s website and sign in when you check out!

From now till 31st March, members can also accumulate 10 times more Rakuten Super Points by paying for your purchases using Mastercard.

Happy Shopping!

Uncategorized

Linen & More: Shopping for Linen Home Decor and Fashion Apparel

January 8, 2014 by Regina Chow No Comments

Located at Great World City Basement 2, Linen & More is a treasure trove of linen home decor and fashion apparel waiting to be discovered.

With Linen & More, decorating your home has never been easier. It
offers a wide assortment of linen cushion covers, bed linen, placemats,
runners and tablecloths in a gamut of colours and designs. There’s something for every occasion and you will literally be spoiled for choice.

Now that Chinese New Year is just around the corner, it is time to extend the festivities to the way your home looks and feels. Let your home echo the festive spirit of this season by adding a splash of colour to your furnishings!

Jazz up your sofa with festive cushions in a riot of colours or add a bold table runner to perk up your mood and create a joyous ambience. These beautiful hand-embroidered cushion covers are just some of my choice picks for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations.

Red is one of my favourite colours for Chinese New Year as it symbolizes good luck, so be sure to add a dash of this auspicious colour to your home to bring you luck in the year of the Horse!

I succumbed to temptation and picked this gorgeous red cushion cover with baroque prints (S$49.90) to complement my baroque style sofa. Don’t you think it stands out beautifully against the lush black velvet? I absolutely adore how it adds a touch of opulence and glamour to my home.

If you love this cushion cover as much as I do, read on till the end of this post to find out how to win one for yourself!

If red is not your cup of tea, perhaps orange will tickle your fancy. Orange is another popular colour for the Chinese New Year festivities and this set of orange cushion covers will certainly add a touch of festive cheer to your home decor.

What I love most
about the cushion covers from Linen & More is that they are timeless
classics and will never go out of style. The intricate designs also lend a
touch of sophistication and grace to your interior decor, regardless of
what the occasion may be.

Cushion covers aside, I was also enthralled by the variety of table runners that Linen & More offers in bold, vibrant hues. Again, these are perfect for Chinese New Year or even as housewarming gifts!

Have you ever wondered what is it
about linen that makes it an ideal fabric for home decor and apparel?

Linen is
a natural fabric made from flax and it is valued for its durability and
eco-friendly properties. Not only is it extremely lightweight and
comfortable, those of you who are prone to allergies will be happy to
know that linen is one of the few fabrics around that is naturally
anti-bacterial and non-allergenic.

Linen is an expensive fabric and it is hard to come by quality linen apparel in Singapore. Fortunately, at Linen & More, you will find a specially curated collection of exquisite linen apparel that will set your hearts aflutter.

The dazzling array of linen dresses and tops ensures that your choices are endless, ranging from casual breezy dresses for the weekend, to intricately embellished pieces for a glamorous night out.

I was particularly besotted with this toga embroidered dress (S$179). A mish mesh of oriental and bohemian elements, this unique number is ideal for a resort getaway or high tea with the ladies on a weekend.

Manisha, the owner of Linen & More, shared that she imported this dress from a Spanish designer based in Bali in limited quantities, hence exclusivity is assured.

I selected this design in yes, you guessed it, a cheery shade of red! The highlight of this dress lies in the fine hand-stitched embroidery, which instantly transforms the ensemble into a magnificent masterpiece. Flaunt this piece of art by wearing it to your Chinese New Year gatherings. The gorgeous oriental blooms are bound to be an instant conversation starter.

Giveaway Alert!

In collaboration with Linen & More, I will be giving away this fabulous embroidered cushion cover (worth S$49.90) to 1 lucky reader of “Shopping Queen’s Haven”! Just in time for Chinese New Year!

To take part in this giveaway, just follow these 3 simple steps below!

******

Step 1:

Add me on Facebook Here

Step 2:

Like Linen & More’s Facebook Page

Step 3:

Drop me an e-mail at regina.chow@gmail.com with your name, address and contact number!

*****

In line with the festive period, Linen & More is also extending a discount of 10% to all readers of “Shopping Queen’s Haven”!

All you have to do is quote “Shopping Queen’s Haven” at the shop itself.

No minimum spending is required.

Linen & More

Address:

Great World City, B2-05

Website:

http://www.linennmore.com

Instagram:

@linennmore

Tel:

6887 5247

*****

GIVEAWAY WINNER

The lucky winner of the gorgeous embroidered cushion cover is….

Shermaine Lau

I will be contacting you shortly!

Page 6 of 16« First...«567 8 »10...Last »

Sinderella: Customized Shoes in Singapore

L’Oreal EverStrong Hair & Scalp System: 30-Day Hair Challenge

Allure Beauty Signature Eyebrow Embroidery

Korean Style Make-up with Laneige

Dr Scalp Treatment with Naoki Yoshihara by Ash

Gelish Manicure by Niu Nails: Apple Nailart

Tsubaki Out-of-Bath Series & Senka Skincare Launch

MyJotterBook: Vintage Style At Its Best (Giveaway at the end of this post!)

Rakuten Singapore (Free Delivery and Discount Code!)

Linen & More: Shopping for Linen Home Decor and Fashion Apparel

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