blogging events – Page 4

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Tokyo Luxey & Japanese Beauty Products in Singapore

May 12, 2014 by Regina Chow No Comments

I was introduced to Tokyo Luxey earlier this year during a briefing session for bloggers conducted by CEO of Rouge Asia, Ms Chie Maeda and it really opened my eyes to the world of Japanese beauty products.

Established Japanese beauty brands such as Kose, Shiseido, SKII and the likes certainly need no introduction. However, beyond these globally renowned brand names lie a myriad of quality beauty and lifestyle brands that have made waves in the Japanese domestic market but are lesser known to the rest of the world.

With Tokyo Luxey, you will now be among the first outside of Japan to get your hands on these up and coming brands. All you have to do is sign up to be a Luxey!

Your role after being accepted as a Luxey

Try beauty and lifestyle goods supplied by TOKYO LUXEY and publish reviews of the products on your blog and via social media channels

Publish beauty and lifestyle-related content and information supplied by TOKYO LUXEY on your blog and via social media

Share and introduce the content from your blog and social media accounts to the TOKYO LUXEY site’s timeline

Introduce TOKYO LUXEY to friends who you feel would be appropriate for our community

What you get as a LUXEY

Receive exclusive & new Japanese beauty and lifestyle-related information and content from TOKYO LUXEY

Sample exclusive beauty and lifestyle products from Japan

Participate in the joint development of Japanese beauty and lifestyle-related goods via TOKYO LUXEY sponsored programs

Receive special pricing reserved only for TOKYO LUXEY members on products that you sampled

Become eligible to participate in TOKYO LUXEY’s affiliate program (details will be sent separately)

Become eligible to participate in exclusive experiences sponsored by TOKYO LUXEY (e.g. a makeup session with a famous Japanese makeup artist)

Special invitations to Japan will be offered to individuals who are recognized for remarkable involvement or results as a LUXEY

For a start, here are some products that I received and would recommend to everyone. I have tried every single one of them myself and am currently still using some of these products in my daily routine. If you would like to know how you can get hold of these products, do read on for more details at the end of this post.

1) Make It & Co Skincare Set

Make It & Co is an Japanese organic skincare brand that is manufactured in England. The set that I received included a washing oil, day moisturizer, night moisturizer and a hand cream. I have to admit that I was initially a little hesitant to try these products because organic skincare is known to cause breakouts in the initial phase, but thankfully, I eventually bit the bullet and used them for a period of about 3 weeks. Instead of a breakout, all I got was beautifully smooth, hydrated skin.

The star product of this series, in my opinion, is the Aroma Washing Oil. Organic soy oil, which forms the base, is combined with lavender, tea tree and citrus essential oils to gently cleanse your face and body. I used this as my facial wash for both day and night for the entire duration, and it is amazing how clean and hydrated my skin felt after each wash. There was no oily after feel at all. My skin felt soft, moisturized and thoroughly cleansed.

2) Evangelist BB Cream

The Evangelist BB cream is an award winning “3D” BB cream that packs a punch. It is the No.1 BB cream for 2 consecutive years on leading Japanese beauty and cosmetics website, Cosme, with 2,000 – 3,000 bottles being sold every month.

Not only does it come with good coverage and sunscreen (SPF 31 PA++), it also includes skincare ingredients such as placenta and EGF to ensure that your skin is well taken care of.

What I like about this product is how incredibly lightweight it feels on your skin. I was told during the briefing that it is so light that you will even forget that you are wearing it, and I can now attest that this claim is absolutely true. Since this is an all-in-one product, you can also skip sunblock and foundation by applying this after your daily skincare routine. This is one item that I would definitely repurchase.

3) Evangelist Skin Care Powder

The Skin Care Powder is another star product under the Evangelist umbrella. The first loose powder to incorporate placenta, EGF and sodium hyalauronate into its formula, it promises to impart a glow to your skin, accompanied by a velvety soft finish.

I like the powder puff that comes along with this product as it picks up just the right amount of powder and feels so luxuriously soft on your skin. As the powder is slightly glittery, it is splendid for dinner dates and special occasions as well.

4) Kiraan! Metal Magic Liner

Kiraan! is a collaboration between twin celebrity models Amiaya, renowned Japanese cosmetics distributor Ohyama and Japanese retailer Plaza Japan. The Metal Magic Liner was the first product to be released under this brand and has been widely marketed in Japanese magazines such as Vivi, mina, Popteen and JJ, among others. There is a total of 5 different shades.

I received this glitter eyeliner in Pink Bird, a sweet candy pink shade that brightens up the eyes instantly. I typically use this at the inner corner of my eyes with neutral eyeshadow colours on weekends when I can afford to experiment with more colour.

*****

Tokyo Luxe Special Edition Gift Box

If you are interested in these exclusive Japanese beauty products, Tokyo Luxey is now offering a Special Edition Gift Box that includes 7 full-sized products at just S$39. Only 300 boxes are available for sale, so c lick here to purchase yours now!

http://member.tokyoluxey.com/clk.php?ssid=55&iid=5

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Fashion Fridays: Audi Star Creation 2014 Preview

May 9, 2014 by Regina Chow No Comments

As one of the four pillars of the Asia Fashion Exchange (AFX), Audi Star Creation aims to groom aspiring fashion designers in Asia and provide them with opportunities to embark on a fashion career to become tomorrow’s stars.

Audi Star Creation 2014 is taking place on 12 May, where 12 finalists from Singapore, Korea, Vietnam, Japan, China, Indonesia and Malaysia will take centerstage for their final runway showdown.

“The Asian Perspective” is the theme for this year’s competition, which is open to designers aged between 16-35 years old, with no more than two years of industry experience. Each designer submitted six original and commercially viable designs

Here are the 12 finalists:

And here’s a sneak preview of two of my favourite looks from both the youngest and eldest finalists at this year’s Audi Star Creation.

The youngest finalist is 19-year old Chloe Keh from Singapore. Inspired by funeral rituals and the passing of her relatives, her collection titled “Grief” boasts monochromatic shades and bold geometric shapes.

The eldest finalist this year is 32-year old Korean Hye Ra Rhee, whose collection titled “Art of Inspiring Empty Space” explores the depth, strength, elegance and resilience of nature’s flora through the mechanism of negative space. Judging from the sketches below, you can tell that the designer has an eye for details, from the choice of fabric, the tailoring, right down to the finer details such as the intricate embellishments.

The three winners from this year’s competition, selected by a panel of
industry experts, will each receive a prize of $10,000 and a year-long
internship with luxury lifestyle fashion retailer F J Benjamin. They
will also have the opportunity to develop their own capsule collection under
the guidance of F J Benjamin, which will be showcased at Audi Fashion
Festival 2015. Their capsule collections will also be exhibited at the
Blueprint tradeshow where they will get to meet international
designers and buyers.

Out of the three winners, the one whose designs
best reflect Audi’s values of innovation, technology and progression,
will also walk away with the prestigious Audi Young Designer Award
(AYDA) with an additional prize of $10,000.

I will be attending Audi Star Creation 2014 this coming Monday and I can’t wait to share more about the actual event with you soon!

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Talika Light Duo+

May 7, 2014 by Regina Chow No Comments

I first chanced upon Talika Lipocils Eyelash Treatment Gel in my early 20s and it was and still is one of the best eyelash treatment gels that I have tried. My wonderful experience with Talika left me with a glowing impression of the brand till today. I wanted to learn more about the brand’s latest innovations and was excited to be a part of the Talika Light Duo+ product launch at Forlino.

Talika Light Duo+ is a revolutionary anti-aging beauty device that includes 3 different light wavelengths to target different skin issues, including dark spots, wrinkles and redness. With this powerful anti-aging multi-program light device, you can now say goodbye to the signs of aging in the comfort of your home.

I especially like the device’s smooth, sleek design. The buttons on the side blend in seamlessly and the handy size makes it a breeze to carry around when you travel overseas.

The device is also fitted with a timer and is activated automatically upon contact with the skin.

Now, I’ll share more about the three different functions. The device comprises 3 coloured lights, namely green, orange and red. Each colour has a different wavelength and is able to address different skin issues by regulating our epidermal and dermal cells.

The green light you see here specifically targets dark spots by regulating melanin production in 2 minutes per day. It has a wavelength of 525nm and is able to penetrate the epidermis layer, also known as the outer layer of your skin. In fact, results have shown that it is able to decrease the appearance of dark spots by 46% in 60 days! I am particularly interested in trying this function because I have very stubborn pigmentation on my upper cheeks.

The orange light on the other hand has a wavelength of 590nm and is able to penetrate the middle dermis to effectively combat wrinkles by reactivating collagen and elastin synthesis.

Finally, the red light has a wavelength of 630nm and is able to eliminate redness and soothe the skin.

Talika Light Duo+ also incorporates gentle vibrations during treatment to boost local microcirculation to improve intercellular communication. I tried the device on my hand and was pleasantly surprised that I hardly felt any discomfort. You can also use this with facial serums to boost the penetration rate and ensure that your skin reaps all the goodness of the ingredients.

All in all, Talika Light Duo+ promises radiant, glowing, younger-looking skin at the touch of your fingertips.

If you are interested in purchasing Talika Light Duo+, it retails for S$575 at all Talika counters at Metro.

Thanks to lovely Mag once again for inviting Karen and I to the event!

For more information on Talika, do visit their website and facebook page.

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OSIM uDiva Launch

April 15, 2014 by Regina Chow No Comments

I attended the launch of OSIM’s uDiva, where their latest celebrity endorser was unveiled. If you follow me on instagram (reginachow_sg), you probably would find this photo familiar because I shared contest details on how you could win yourself a uSnooz wrap worth S$68 simply by guessing who this celebrity was.

I will reveal who this mystery man is at the end of the post, but for now, let’s focus on the uDiva sofa first, shall we?

The uDiva sofa is the world’s first triple enjoyment sofa. It functions as a sofa and doubles up as a lounger and massage chair too. As its name suggests, the uDiva also reflects a diva’s goddess-like appearance, fashionable and stylish traits as well as unique personality.

This is probably one of the most beautiful and well-designed massage chairs that I have ever set my eyes on. Unlike its more conventional counterparts which tend to look a little out of place in your home, the uDiva blends in perfectly with the rest of your furniture and interior decor. You’ll never have to worry about your uDiva sticking out like a sore thumb.

Did you know that uDiva comes in 5 gorgeous colours too? Finding the perfect shade to complement your home decor and decorating style is now a piece of cake.

The lovely people at OSIM also developed some background mockups to give you some home decorating inspirations and to show you how versatile this massage chair really is.

Gorgeous Pink is a soft muted pink that would go well with a minimalist theme where neutral hues take centrestage. This feminine colour is my personal favourite. As this colour complements pastel shades as well, those of you who are mummies could also place the Gorgeous Pink uDiva in the baby’s room so you can kick back and relax while keeping an eye on the baby.

Enchanting Blue is an elegant shade of dark blue that adds contrast to a monochromatic palette and lends a touch of sophistication to your living area or bedroom, providing a wonderful setting for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Luscious Maroon, a dramatic shade of dark red, is the perfect accent colour to jazz up your mood and add a touch of vibrancy to your home.

Last but not least, here’s Elegant Beige and Stunning Black, classic colours that will never go out of style.

I really like the
slim and compact design of the OSIM uDiva as most massage chairs tend
to be very bulky. If you are looking for an aesthetically pleasing
massage chair, the uDiva certainly fits the bill.

Over here, you’ll also see the Elegant Black uDiva in its massage mode.

I love massages! Not only are they pampering, they also help to relieve stress in our daily lives and promote mental relaxation, thereby enhancing our overall well-being.

If you like massages too, you’ll be happy to know that the uDiva sofa incorporates 3D Power-Ball technology featuring Dynamic 3D massage and has 6 massage modes to cater to your needs:

1) Neck & Shoulder – Relieve

This feels just like a head massage that you would get during a hair wash at a salon. It also uses Feng Chi acupressure point massage to relieve headaches and stiff necks and shoulders.

2) Spa – Treat

A favourite among ladies, the spa mode feels absolutely pampering. Besides relieving stress, this mode also boosts cell regeneration and promotes blood circulation.

3) Happy Hour – Mental Relaxation

As its name suggests, this mode was specially created for PMEBs as many of us who hold desk bound jobs suffer from stiff necks, shoulders and sore back muscles. The Happy Hour mode improves blood circulation in your legs, relaxes your shoulders and neck muscles, and uses lower back tapping techniques to relieve the soreness on your back, helping you to achieve mental relaxation after a long day’s work.

4) Lumbar

This is a strong massage to loosen and relieve lower back tension.

5) Stretch

If one of your goals is to improve flexibility, you can count on the Stretch mode to loosen your muscles and deliver results.

6) Sleep

Wind down after a long day and turn on the sleep mode to relax your body and mind for a good night’s sleep!

Besides a preview
of these gorgeous uDiva sofas, we also indulged in an evening of pampering hand massages and gelish manicures at the manicure and hand massage station. I thoroughly enjoyed the hand massage which almost left me drifting off to slumberland while Karen had a soak-off and a fresh gelish manicure done in OSIM uDiva’s Gorgeous Pink hue.

We were also treated to colourful
cocktail concoctions inspired by the 5 different uDiva colours, courtesy of Mixes from Mars.

Established in early 2013, Mixes from Mars is a pioneer in the bespoke portable bar industry that offers a unique customization concept where every drink can be personalized to your palate, mood and preference. If you are interested in trying out these drinks, you may want to check out their pop-up bar called Mars Bar at 83 Duxton Road (Duxton Hotel).

I personally loved the Elegant Beige cocktail, as it gave a light, refreshing (and alcoholic) twist to flavours found in apple pies. The distinctive taste and unique flavour won me over.

For more information on Mixes on Mars, you can visit their website and social media platforms below:

Website:

http://www.mixesfrommars.sg

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/mixesfrommars.sg

Instagram:

@MixesfromMars

#MarsBarSg

And now, after keeping you in suspense the whole time, here’s presenting the new OSIM uDiva celebrity endorser, popular Korean actor Lee Min-ho!

My friends and colleagues were so excited when they saw his standee and many of them could guess who he was immediately.

Want to win an
OSIM uSlender Slim belt massager worth $268?

Simply snap a picture with Lee Min Ho at all
OSIM outlets/roadshows, upload it on Instagram and tag both #uDiva and #OSIMSG
and tell OSIM what’s your favourite massage program. 1 lucky winner will win an
OSIM uSlender Slim belt massager every week from 11th Apr till 31st May. (A
total of 7 sets to be won.)

Do like the OSIMSG Facebook page as well to be updated as
winners will be announced via their Facebook page every Monday.

For more information about OSIM uDiva and the latest updates/promotions, remember to check out the OSIM website here or download the QR code below.

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Vanity Trove: Get, Snap, Blingo! Project Launch Party

April 11, 2014 by Regina Chow No Comments

I had the pleasure of attending Vanity Trove’s Get, Snap, Blingo! Project Launch Party at Zouk recently, where Vanity Trove launched their first mobile app. Now, you can connect with beauty influencers and friends and share your beauty and fashion inspirations on the go!

Thankfully, I didn’t have work meetings in the day and could opt for a more casual, flutter-sleeve lace dress to fit the modern hippie chic theme that night. To complete the look, I threw on a flower head wreath upon arrival.

It was amazing to
witness Zouk’s transformation into a beauty playground, with
hairstyling booths, nail booths and make-up counters to fulfill all your
beauty needs. It was a lady’s night to remember.

These are the partners that Vanity Trove tied up with to make this event possible:

Reebonz
Quincy by Far East Hospitality
Kwerkee
Nikon
Asia Travel
Benefit Cosmetics
Loreal Professional
Skin Inc
Brands Innershine
Gavio
iFly

Aside from beauty services and products, we were also treated to a sumptuous spread of eggless cakes by Emicakes and premium soy ice-cream by Soyato.

Thanks to Vanity Trove, everyone who attended the party also got to bring home a goodie bag brimming with beauty products (including some full-sized ones too!). If you are interested to find out what I received, I might do a review of these products separately if time permits.

The beauty box concept is probably no stranger to many of us as its popularity in recent years has led to the mushrooming of beauty boxes all over the world.

Vanity Trove has come a long way since its inception in December 2011 and has expanded its reach by aggressively acquiring #1 beauty boxes in South East Asia, including Glossybox in Taiwan, Glamybox in Vietnam, Pambox in Thailand and start-ups which have yet to launch their beauty box business in Malaysia, Hong Kong and Indonesia.

Vanity Trove also launched the first personalized beauty box in South East Asia, where consumers like you and I get to choose samples based on our preferences. You can read more about my reviews on Vanity Trove’s beauty boxes here.

And if you are interested in interacting with like-minded beauty lovers and aficionados, remember to capture and share your beauty moments on Vanity Trove and discover more beauty inspirations along the way!

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Yum Cha Restaurant

April 2, 2014 by Regina Chow 1 Comment

Yum Cha (which means “drinking tea” in Cantonese) is a Chinese tradition that is similar to having brunch or high tea, minus the sandwiches, scones and macroons. Instead, yum cha often conjures up images of waitresses pushing wooden carts filled with dim sum laid in piping hot bamboo steamers.

I don’t think I have ever mentioned this, but dim sum is one of my favourite comfort food. The endless varieties leave me spoilt for choice and the fact that they always come in small bite-sized portions make them absolutely perfect for fussy eaters like me who love to try a little bit of everything.

I especially like dim sum buffets but most of them take place during lunch on weekdays (ending at 2.30pm) and can be crazily crowded. You can imagine my delight when I discovered that the weekday dim sum buffet at Yum Cha Restaurant starts from 3 – 6pm instead. If you want to avoid the lunch crowds and enjoy a slow leisurely meal, Yum Cha Restaurant is the place to go. Plus, you’ll get to savour 60 over dishes out of more than 80 items on Yum Cha’s menu at such an amazing price!

Yum Cha Restaurant is conveniently located in the main artery of Chinatown along the crossroads of Trengganu Street and Temple Street. The restaurant may be situated in the heart of a bustling tourist spot filled with modern shops selling gifts and souvenirs, but it chose to retain an old world charm with marble tables and wooden chairs reminiscent of tea houses from the past.

A wave of nostalgia hit me when I sat down as it was only then that I realized that the waitresses here continue to serve dim sum the good old fashion way, by pushing wooden dim sum carts from table to table while patrons like you and I peered into the glass display to place our orders.

I had the privilege of trying out an assortment of delicious dim sum from Yum Cha Restaurant during a food tasting session recently. With a total of over 80 dim sum dishes on the menu, Yum Cha offers a sumptuous spread to tantalize your taste buds. Karen and I had such a satisfying meal, we almost had to skip dinner!

YUM CHA SIGNATURE DISHES

Their
signature dim sum include Xiao Long Bao, Prawn Dumplings,
Shark’s Fin with Meat Dumpling, Fish Roe Siew Mai, Phoenix Claw, Paper
Chicken Wings, Prawn & Mango Sesame Fritters, Baked Mini Egg Tarts,
and Crispy Red Bean with Banana.

Yumcha Prawn Dumpling (S$4.60)

Shark’s Fin with Meat Dumpling (S$3.80)

Fish Roe Siew Mai (S$3.80)

Phoenix Claw (S$4.00)

Paper Chicken Wings (S$4.60)

Xiao Long Bao (S$4.60)

Prawn & Mango Sesame Fritters (S$4.00)

Baked Mini Egg Tarts (S$2.80)

Crispy Red Bean with Banana Pancake (S$3.80)

Among these signature dishes, the fish roe siew mai was probably the most popular dish at our table and it is not difficult to understand why. Made from a tasty mix of chicken and prawn paste, it was bursting with flavours with every bite.

The Crispy Red Bean with Banana turned out to be a hot favourite too. Fried to golden perfection, it was light and crisp on the outside, yet tender and moist on the inside. I could taste the goodness of the red bean and banana combination with every mouthful.

TRADITIONAL DIM SUM DISHES

We also tried the usual dim sum suspects such as Fresh Prawn Rice Roll, Century Egg and Lean Meat Congee, Fried Carrot Cake, Lotus Leaf Glutinous Rice, Crispy Vegetarian Spring Rolls, BBQ Pork Buns, Chicken Yam Puffs, Deep Fried Shrimp Beancurd Roll and Custard Buns, Filo Scallop Rolls, Prawn Wanton Crisps, Crispy Silver Fish and Fish Meat Stuffed Beancurd.

It was difficult for us to pick our favourites as each dish brought its own distinctive flavours to the table. I was personally drawn to the Fresh Prawn Rice Roll and Prawn Wanton Crisps as the
prawns were fresh and succulent. Apparently, choosing the right type of prawns to be used in dim sum is an art in itself and makes a significant difference to the overall taste. We were told that Yum Cha only uses white prawns as this particular breed is best suited for dim sum.

Fresh Prawn Rice Roll (S$4.00)

Century Egg and Lean Meat Congee (S$2.80)

Fried Carrot Cake (S$3.80)

Lotus Leaf Glutinous Rice (S$4.20)

Crispy Vegetarian Spring Rolls (S$3.00)

BBQ Pork Bun (S$2.80)

Chicken Yam Puff (S$3.80)

Deep Fried Shrimp Beancurd Roll (S$4.00)

Custard Buns (S$2.20)

Filo Scallop Rolls (S$4.60)

Prawn Wanton Crisps (S$4.00)

Crispy Silver Fish (S$8.00)

Fish Meat Stuffed Beancurd (S$3.80)

Contemporary Creations

Yum Cha also created a series of innovative specialty dim sum dishes to cater to the ever-changing tastes of its customers.

The Squid Ink Dumplings were one of the most unique creations that we tried. I would give this dish top marks for creativity as I have never seen this being served anywhere else. Although I generally have a preference for more traditional dim sum dishes such as xiao long bao, this was certainly a welcomed change.

Squid Ink Dumplings (S$4.80)

The Oyster Siew Mai is yet another specialty dish with a slightly chewier texture than its traditional counterpart. I have a soft spot for oysters and I really liked this dish.

Oyster Siew Mai (S$4.80)

My favourite savoury dim sum that afternoon came in the form of Yum Cha’s Crabmeat “Sea Treasure” Dumpling Soup, a premium item that is currently not included in the buffet menu. The soup was flavourful and I really enjoyed the generous servings of shredded crabmeat. I would definitely order this again on my next visit.

Yum Cha Crabmeat “Sea Treasure” Dumpling Soup (S$7.80)

Desserts

Just when we were about to surrender after devouring all these delectable dim sum dishes, desserts were served. I am convinced that all of us have separate stomach compartments for dessert, because none of us seemed to have problems woofing down these yummy traditional desserts although we were already so stuffed!

Double-boiled Hashima with Red Dates (S$8.00)

I love hashima for its nourishing properties (and collagen!), hence the Double-boiled Hashima with Red Dates was a natural choice for me. Thankfully, the chewy, soft gelatinous texture of the hashima was easy on the stomach too.

The osmanthus cake was fragrant with just a hint of sweetness and it also had a nice bouncy texture to it. These are perfect as light refreshments.

Osmanthus Cake (S$3.60)

One of the more unique desserts we had at Yum Cha was the Lemongrass Jelly with Fruits. The subtle citrus flavour was absolutely refreshing and the fruits added a delightful crunch to the silky smooth lemongrass jelly.

Lemongrass Jelly with Fruits (S$4.60)

Well, that pretty much summed up my meal! Are you salivating yet?

The good news is, you’ll get to enjoy most of these delicacies and more at Yum Cha’s Dim Sum Buffet for just S$21.80++ on weekdays! This is definitely one of the most value-for-money dim sum buffets around and as you are reading this, I have already made plans to head down with my friends and family for yet another feast!

Yum Cha Chinatown

Address:

20 Trengganu Street (Off Temple Street)

#02-01 (Chinatown) Singapore 058479

Tel:

6372 1717

Email:

chinatown@yumcha.com.sg

Opening Hours:

Mon to Fri: 11am – 11pm/Dim Sum Buffet (3-6pm)

Sat, Sun & Public Holidays: 9am – 11pm

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VENDOR Satisfaction Guaranteed: Shopping for Japanese Products in Singapore with Vending Machines!

March 21, 2014 by Regina Chow No Comments

I have always had a fascination with the vending machines in Japan as you can buy practically anything and everything (not just beverages!) with the touch of a button. For years, I was wondering if this interesting shopping concept would ever be adopted in Singapore and now, I’m happy to report that it is finally here!

Japanese retail company, Satisfaction Guaranteed, launched its state-of-the-art digital vending machines just last month, giving us immediate access to an exclusive and diverse mix of Japanese fashion, cosmetics and lifestyle products without having to fly all the way to Japan! In fact, Singapore is the first and only country outside of Japan to have intelligent digital vending machines like these.

Founded by Mr Shunsuke Sato in 2007, Satisfaction Guaranteed began as a fashion label and is well-known in Japan for having the largest number of fans on Facebook, with over 5 million supporters in over 30 countries. Mr Sato then set up Satisfaction Guaranteed Pte Ltd in Singapore in 2010 to introduce a variety of Japanese brands and products to overseas markets.

Thanks to Satisfaction Guaranteed, consumers like you and me can now take your pick from a specially curated
selection of 29 products from 16 companies, including Japanese lucky
charms, nail polish, nail wraps, recyclable bags and a whole range of
other Japanese goodies.

I was particularly interested in the nail wraps, glitter nail polish and hair chalk. In case you were wondering, those little pots of green, red and orange hues are hair chalk and not make-up products. I love how versatile these products are as you can easily transform your look instantly.

These colourful good luck charms and specialty Japanese products are produced by Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten, a Japanese handicraft and souvenior shop with over 300 years of history.

These good luck charms, known as Daruma, come in different colours as each colour represents a different blessing. Red represents family peace and well-being, yellow represents wealth, white is for good health, purple for luck and happiness and finally green for academic success.

All these products can be viewed on the vending machine’s digital touch screen. A simple tap on the screen will reveal more information about each product.

I got to try out the vending machine during the launch last month and decided to take this floral nail wrap design from VlliVlli home with me. VlliVlli nail wraps can be found in Laforet Harajuku, Shibuya 109 and Plaza Minipla in Tokyo. Now, 10 of their popular designs are available in Singapore through VENDOR Satisfaction Guaranteed.

These vending
machines are now available at The Cathay, Liang Court and 100AM.

All the items are priced at either S$10 or S$12 each, which is pretty reasonable for quality products that are made in Japan.

Happy Shopping!

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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!

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30Minute Cookin’ by Rolleyes – Whip Up A Feast In 30 Minutes!

January 16, 2014 by Regina Chow 2 Comments

No time to cook? Here comes Rolleyes’ 30Minute Cookin’ series to the rescue!

Helmed by a group of six celebrity chefs, the 30Minute Cookin’ series shows viewers how to achieve a two to three-course meal within 30 minutes through online cooking videos. It is the perfect platform for inspiring home cooks, complete with recipes from celebrity chefs with distinctive cooking styles. Through the use
of popular brands like Unicurd, Oki Cooking Oil, Prima Taste and
Heavenly Rice and the help of Panasonic kitchen appliances, cooking
delicious food in the comfort of your home has never been easier.

Thanks to Alvin’s invitation, Grace and I attended the launch of 30Minute Cookin’ by Rolleyes earlier this month, where we had the privilege of picking up cooking tips from celebrity chef Eric Teo.

Held at Chef Teo’s studio, we knew that we would be in for a feast. Little did we know that it was a feast not just for our stomachs, but for our eyes as well.

An interesting mix of eclectic knick knacks, framed pictures and accolades decorated Chef Teo’s studio, providing deeper insights into his personality and tremendous achievements over the years. It was quite an eye-opener indeed.

Chef Teo is someone who pays a lot of attention to details and his penchant for the art of food plating is evident from his exquisite collection of tableware and serving bowls.

Before the actual cooking demonstration began, Alvin shared with us some personal tips on food photography. The food pictures were so enticing that I couldn’t stop thinking about the delicious meal that Chef Teo was going to prepare for all of us.

It didn’t take long for the action to begin. Here are the dishes that Chef Teo prepared for us that day:

1. WILD MUSHROOM FRITTERS

INGREDIENTS

120g Enoki mushrooms (sliced)

120g Shimeiji mushrooms (sliced)

120g Oyster mushrooms (sliced)

A pinch of salt and pepper

Batter

100g self-raising flour

200ml Taiwan Fruit Beer (the Lychee Flavoured beer was used)

1 litre OKI Corn Oil

Aioli Dip

100g Mayonnaise

1tbs lemon juice

20g garlic (chopped)

A pinch of paprika powder

A pinch of salt and pepper

Fresh Enoki mushrooms, Shimeiji mushrooms and oyster mushrooms are the key highlights of this dish.

The batter for the fritters is made using a unique mix of self-raising flour and Taiwan Fruit Beer.

After the batter is prepared, mix it into the mushrooms and deep fry them in batches till they turn golden brown.

The aioli dip is prepared by mixing mayonnaise, lemon juice and chopped garlic, folding them in till you achieve a smooth consistency. Then, sprinkle a dash of paprika on top and you’re done!

As Chef Teo was preparing this dish, he shared that the visual presentation of a dish is just as important as its flavour. Food plating is an art in itself, and with so many food pictures circulating around the internet these days, being able to stand out from the crowd is no mean feat. We are all drawn to beautiful things, and food is certainly no exception.

These wild mushroom fritters are my personal favourite out of the 3 dishes. The fabulous bursts of flavour and crispness with every bite left me wanting more. Most importantly, the recipe seems easy enough even for beginners like me and I think I can actually recreate this at home!

2. STEAMED SILKEN BLACK TOFU AND SEAFOOD IN SPICY COCONUT SAUCE

INGREDIENTS

2 pcs of Unicurd Silken Black Tofu

100g prawns and scallops

100g bell peppers

2 cloves garlic (chopped)

1tbs lime juice

70ml thick coconut milk

3 pcs green chilli (seeded and chopped. If the green chilli is too spicy for you, replace with freshly ground black pepper)

1 egg

A pinch of salt

The special ingredient for this recipe has got to be the black silken tofu. I have never heard of black tofu, much less seen one for myself till that very day. Black tofu is a new product from Unicurd. It is made from black soy beans and packs a punch of antioxidants! Antioxidants fight against disease and aging, hence foods that are rich in antioxidants are definitely good for you and me.

The beancurd is first mashed in a large mixing bowl together with all the ingredients (except bell peppers, prawns and scallops) and then steamed in little serving cups. For those of you who are interested, Chef Teo used the Panasonic Steam Inverter Microwave Oven.

Then, cook the bell peppers, prawns and scallops separately before tossing them into the pan together to soak in the goodness of the juices. Finally, add the seafood and bell peppers to the steamed tofu mixture and the dish is ready to be served!

One useful tip for cooking scallops is to dry them on a paper towel before cooking them.

The rationale behind this step is to prevent the scallops from shrinking in size after they are cooked. I was quite amused when Chef Teo shared that some hotels actually dry the scallops using hotel towels!

Again, I was impressed by how flavourful and aesthetically pleasing the dish was, in spite of the easy peasy recipe. The scallops in particular, were extremely fresh and succulent.

Notice how garnishing and plating have the ability to enhance a dish’s aesthetic appeal? Sometimes, plating does not necessary have to entail the use of intricate serving bowls. In this case, a transparent glass could very well do the trick too. I, for one, was immediately won over by the elegant presentation of this dish.

3. STIR FRIED BROWN RICE WITH SAMBAL BELACHAN

INGREDIENTS

2 pkts Prima Taste Sambal Belachan Paste

500g Heavenly Brown Rice (cooked)

120g white onion (chopped)

3 cloves garlic (chopped)

4tbs OKI Cooking Oil

300g white round cabbage (shredded)

100g carrot (diced)

4 eggs (beaten)

80g Japanese Cucumber (diced)

The brown rice was prepared beforehand by first soaking it in water for 20 minutes, prior to cooking it in the Panasonic Micom Rice Cooker.

Heat up some oil in the pan over medium heat and stir fry the garlic and onion till fragrant, then add in the sambal sauce.

After that, add in the carrots and shredded cabbage followed by the brown rice. Continue to stir fry till everything is well mixed.

Well mixed, piping hot brown rice with sambal belachan, fresh from the pan!

But before we dig into this fragrant dish, let’s take a look at how Chef Teo chose to garnish and plate it.

I was wowed by Chef Teo’s excellent knife skills as he sliced and diced the cucumber with utmost precision.

Finally, here’s presenting the final dish to be served. It is amazing what a little cherry tomato and a dash of sauce did to bring this dish to life by adding a touch of colour to the otherwise neutral colour palette. Taste-wise, the rice was a tad too spicy for me and I am not very used to the texture of brown rice, but I give this dish top marks for health and nutritional benefits.

For more quick and easy gourmet-style recipes, remember to check out 30Minute Cookin!

With 30Minute Cookin’, we can all cook like chefs and recreate these culinary delights in our own kitchen!

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FIDe Fashion Week 2013: Alexis Mabille & Julien Fournié (French Designers)

November 17, 2013 by Regina Chow No Comments

FIDe Fashion Week 2013

I attended the Alexis Mabille and Julien Fournié fashion shows at Fashion Week 2013 with Karen and Jessie, presented by The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and organized by FIDe Fashion Weeks. The gorgeous works of art by the talented French designers were a feast for our eyes. That, coupled with the great company I had, concocted the perfect recipe for a wonderful night out.

Before I delve deeper into the details of the fashion shows, here are some pictures of my outfit. I picked out an all white ensemble for a clean, crisp look that evening. Subtle details and textures were added to add interest and dimension.

Shirt from City Plaza

Skirt from Ching at Far East Plaza

Bag from Hermes

Necklace from H&M

Shoes from Vince Camuto

The intricate lace details were the perfect embodiment of femininity and the main highlight of the outfit. To complete the look, I added a chunky art nouveau necklace in bold hues and a bright blue birkin to lend a pop of colour to the otherwise monotone palette.

The gorgeous lace shirt you see here was actually a surprise find from City Plaza. I love mixing designer labels with street wear as I personally think that this gives the entire ensemble more character and individuality.

Alexis Mabille

French Haute Couturier Alexis Mabille kicked off his show with his A/W 2013/2014 Collection with the mood, colours and silhouettes inspired by the Italian Giovanni Boldini. The collection, in my opinion, was the epitome of femininity with the ingenious pairing of pastel pink, muted dove grey and mint with glamorous touches of gold and silver. Mabille’s signature bow motif was incorporated into every ensemble. Accompanied by tailored silhouettes, dramatic shapes and elegant embellishments, a breathtakingly beautiful collection was created.

Julien Fournié

Closing the show that very evening was Julien Fournié, a recognized invited member of the La Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture. Fournié has worked with brands such as Celine and Jean Paul Gaultier, and is certainly one of the most notable designers to watch.

For Fashion Week 2013, Fournié was the man of the hour as he showcased his own Haute Couture collection, as well as a collaboration collection with Singapore’s Love Bonito!

Fournié’s collection showcased 22 outstanding looks with an elongated feminine silhouette inspired by Italian painter and sculptor, Modigliani, who worked largely in France. Fournié’s signature silhouette also portrays the Chimera, a mythical animal.

He showed sinuous silhouettes and exaggerated the elongation with sky-high stilettos by Walter Steiger, strategically placed crystals, leather strips, fur trims and hand-painted prints by his good friend, artist Anbraude. It all looked simple, but the execution was pure Haute Couture in terms of its tailoring and fit.