Regina Chow - Singapore Fashion, Beauty & Travel Blog
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Fashion
Travel
Beauty
Lifestyle
Personal Thoughts
Regina Chow - Singapore Fashion, Beauty & Travel Blog
  • About Me
  • Fashion
  • Travel
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Personal Thoughts
Beauty, Uncategorized

Arch Angel Brow Korean Eyebrow Embroidery Review

September 20, 2015 by Regina Chow 2 Comments
  
It is no secret that Korean eyebrows are able to take a few years off our faces and my personal experience with Korean Eyebrow Embroidery by Kelly, the lady boss at Arch Angel Brow confirms that. To give you a better idea of how much younger, fresher and well-groomed you can look with Korean brows, I am starting my review with a recent photo of myself taken two weeks on with just tinted sunblock and lash extensions.

Now, let’s take a look at the before and after photos for a better comparison. As you can see from my after photo, Korean brows soften your facial expressions, giving you a more youthful appearance. 
Do excuse my untidy crescent-shaped brows (don’t they resemble the moon? =S) in the before photo. My previous eyebrow embroidery done by Kelly two years ago when she was a trainer at another beauty salon had faded and lazy me just conveniently hid my brows under my bangs. Imagine my horror when I switched to centre parting! I could no longer hide my hideous brows from the world. Honestly, Kelly couldn’t have approached me at a better time. 

 
Located at Clementi 321 Mall which is a stone’s throw from Clementi MRT station, Arch Angel Brow was set up a few months ago by Kelly, who has close to 10 years of experience in this industry. The cozy atmosphere coupled with Kelly’s friendly and amiable disposition made me feel at home instantly.
Why should you choose Arch Angel Brow? How is it different from other eyebrow embroidery salons?
 In this day and age, eyebrow embroidery salons are a dime and dozen. Aside from Kelly’s experience and aesthetic eye, Arch Angel Brow’s Korean Combo Eyebrow, an exclusive state-of-the-art eyebrow embroidery technology directly imported from Korea, gives it a competitive edge.  
After all, when it comes to Korean brows, who else can you trust but the Koreans?

Other eyebrow
embroidery techniques would require that you isolate your brow area when
you wash your face and you would also end up looking like Crayon
Shin Chan’s (aka 蜡笔小新)twin sister for a week. 
Thanks to Arch Angel Brow, there is absolutely no downtime.
Most importantly, you will not become a victim of extremely dark brows
in the style of Crayon Shin Chan. You can even wash your face and brows
immediately after eyebrow embroidery as there isn’t any wound at all.
Kelly was also
based in Korea for a period of time and Arch Angel Brow is the only eyebrow embroidery salon in Singapore that is equipped with this technology currently. 
 Even the techniques and technology used for other services provided by Arch Angel Brow, such as eyeliner, lip and hairline embroidery, all hail from Korea.
What is the process like?

It is very much like any other eyebrow embroidery service and I will let the following photos do the talking. 

Kelly and I first had a discussion on my desired eyebrow shape before she proceeded to neaten and fill in my brows to alter its appearance. 

As my brows are naturally bushy, the Korean Combo Eyebrow service is suitable for me as it would enhance the colour of my brows using natural pigments that can be customised to suit your hair colour.

I originally wanted thick and straight brows, but my slightly higher brow bone and the shape of my eyes did not seem to suit this style of brows. I actually looked depressed with such brows! I could still go for thick brows, but a slight arch would complement my features much better.
 Kelly was quick to point this out. I cannot stress enough how important it is to get an expert’s opinion  to determine the right type of eyebrow for your face. In fact, I actually turned down a few eyebrow embroidery sponsorship offers previously because I couldn’t be completely sure if the outcome would be positive. With Kelly, I knew that I would be in good hands.

Once the desired shape was achieved, numbing cream was applied and I was led into a private room where the eyebrow embroidery process commenced with a slim, needle-like instrument. A brand new piece is used for each customer, perfect for those of us who are hygiene conscious.

Does it hurt? This is one question that I often get. Well, you’ll be happy to know that the pain is very bearable and feels similar to eyebrow plucking.

After the procedure, Kelly sat me up to check if my brow colour was uniform. As I wasn’t able to return to her shop promptly after two weeks for a touch-up, she took pains to ensure that my brows were given an additional coat of colour. Her attention to detail is truly remarkable.

Despite my darker brows, I could head out for events immediately the day after without drawing laughter or strange stares from passers-by.
Here I was, at the Uniqlo Re-Jean launch at Kallang Wave Mall.

The day after, I also attended Sample Store’s Ka-Bloom event. Here’s a photo of me taken at Lady M cafe after the event.

I couldn’t be happier with my new brows. Even without the initial touch-up session after two weeks, you can tell from my very first photo in this review that my brows are still in excellent shape. The best part is, no maintenance is required except for the application of a treatment oil to keep the skin around the brow area moisturized. 
It was extremely liberating to be able to wash my face immediately after the procedure as well. Everything was so hassle-free! I’ll be sure to head back to Arch Angel Brow for my touch-up the next time I return to Singapore.

Aside from eyebrow embroidery, I also had the opportunity to try their deep cleansing facial treatment that unclogged all my pores and left me with healthy glowing skin.

Thank you once again to Arch Angel Brow and Kelly for giving me beautiful brows and skin before I set off again for Nanjing!
*****
The Korean Combo Embroidery costs $980 including two touch-ups, one after two weeks and the second one before a year is up.
*****
Arch Angel Brow
 Address:
321 Clementi Ave 3 (New mall in Clementi)
#01-08
Tel:
6250 1151
Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11.00 am – 9.30 pm
Sat-Sun: 10.30 am – 8.00 pm 

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/archangel.brow

Instagram:
@archangelbrow

 

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Beauty, Uncategorized

Svenson Hair Centre Scalp Treatment & Hair Myths Busted!

September 3, 2015 by Regina Chow 1 Comment

Given our sunny weather all year round, a common problem that we face is an itchy scalp and if left ignored, this could eventually result in hair loss issues. The scalp is one of the unsung heroes of our body and I truly felt like I was
in scalp saver heaven after meeting with Joni, the expert consultant at
Svenson Hair Centre. 
  


 During the consultation, she carefully asked me about my daily
habits and routine, answering all my questions patiently. She also debunked some hair myths and assessed my scalp condition through a scalp scan before recommending a suitable scalp treatment for me.

Did you know that in theory, we can lose up to 100 strands of hair a day? 
However, due to our lifestyle, stress, dietary habits and lack of sleep,
most people are not as healthy as before, and our hair regrowth is
slower. This means that if we lose even 30 strands of hair daily (and
it’s usually double that amount, through daily actions such as running
your fingers through your hair), we cannot replace the hair as fast as
before, leading to hair loss issues.
Myth No. 1 – Since our hair is made of protein, we need protein shampoo

Yes, our hair is made
of amino acids – the simplest form of protein. That is why we need to
eat food rich in protein such as meat, fish, cheese, tofu, beans and
nuts, and vitamins such as Vitamin B, as that helps us to keep our hair
healthy and strong. Our digestive system’s absorption process must also
be efficient in order for our hair to gain sufficient nutrients.

However, this does not mean that you should run out to buy the latest protein shampoo (one of the haircare product trends recently). There really isn’t a point to protein shampoos because they are on your hair for only a minute of cleansing before you wash it off. The objective of using shampoo is to ensure that both our scalp and hair are clean. That is why we should apply two rounds of shampoos: the first for the scalp, and the second for moisturizing the hair.
P.S. I have been doing this ever since my Svenson consultation with the Svenson products that Joni recommended to me, and I do feel a significant difference in both my scalp and hair! If you are interested,  click here to read my previous post for more details on these products.

Myth No. 2 – Washing your hair daily strips it of moisture and nutrients

Another common myth is that hair should not be washed daily as it strips its moisture and nutrients. Joni shared this is because many off-the-shelf brands contain a lot of cleaning agents within their shampoos, and this makes it harsher for the hair and scalp. But professional haircare brands such as Svenson contain a good proportion of herbal or organic ingredients that are good for daily hair wash.
For someone who works long hours and has late night baths like me, it is also important to blow dry the scalp and hair before sleeping, as warm and damp environments encourage bacteria growth, and really bad for the scalp.
How do you tell if your scalp is unhealthy? 
Joni scanned my scalp prior to the treatment and here are some examples of what an unhealthy scalp looks like.

See the really thin reed of hair versus the thick black one? That’s a sign of weak follicles, especially if you have a lot of really thin reeds.
If there is a hair pore but no hair in it, that’s also indicative of a damaged scalp because it’s not growing hair anymore!
With problem areas identified, Joni recommended the Pre-Scalp Detox Therapy Treatment, High Frequency Treatment, the OxyJet Treatment, and the Corrective Treatment.

We went off to the treatment room, and look at how lovely the corridors are! 

Step 1: Pre-Scalp Detox Therapy

My therapist was a lovely lady, Justina, who started off the session with a wonderful shoulder massage, before applying a cooling detox scalp mask that was minty and cleansing. The Pre-Scalp Detox Therapy really helped to clear the scalp, as our hair follicles are often clogged with sweat and waste particles and if not properly cleansed, is not only irritated and itchy, but could also trigger baldness. 
 
Shampoos normally only clean the surface of the scalp, but cannot penetrate deep within the hair follicles. This treatment not only deeply cleanses the accumulation of dirt, dust, dead skin, sweat, oil and bacteria. It also stabilizes bacteria multiplication and removes dead skin/ dandruff / accumulation of chemical products that we have from hair dyes, perms and styling products. This is recommended to be done once a month to aid in healthy scalp and hair (the detox is done from root to the tips of the hair!)
Step 2: High Frequency Treatment 

This treatment was really interesting because an infra-red treatment was utilized as part of the process, which rejuvenates the scalp condition for improved hair growth. The high frequency stimulates cell renewal and improves the product penetration,helping to eliminate toxins and acne-causing bacteria. The rapid oscillation can’t be felt so you can thoroughly relax during the treatment, but what happens is that the high frequency current improves nourishment and blood circulation, stimulates glandular activity and the heat soothes the nervous system to significantly improve the overall effectiveness of the post-treatment hair growth formulas.





Step 3: OxyJet Treatment 
The Oxy DH Therapy has a Peeling Phase and an Infusion Phase, and is important in revitalizing the scalp and hair with 95% pure oxygen! Justina used a specially-designed handpiece that delivered the oxygen to precise areas across my scalp. This treatment is extremely important in infusing peptides and actives to boost cell regeneration and lymphatic circulation. It also helps the penetration and absorption of the proprietary DH Hair Concentrate Serum formulated by Svenson’s trichologists, that was applied on both my scalp and hair. Containing a high concentration of copper peptides and plant actives such as Gingko Biloba, it eradicates receptor sites that block off blood supply, oxygen and nutrients, to slow down hair loss and accelerate hair growth, helping to maintain hair’s elasticity, texture and density!
Step 4: Corrective Treatment

Ever since my Outward Bound camp (yes I know it’s been many years!), my scalp has never been the same again due to the harsh conditions. The Corrective Treatment was especially helpful because it balances hair and scalp for healthier hair. For people experiencing oily and flaky scalp, it regulates, soothes and reduces irritated scalp even for dandruff. Importantly, it also relieves itchy, scaly and seborrheic scalp conditions such as psoriasis, with anti-septic, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that effectively exfoliates decaying and dying epidermal cells, preventing bacterial proliferation. I was then given a head vibrator machine massage, and a beautiful blow-dry.

How was the treatment?

The treatment process lasted for 1.5 hours, and I must say that I was really impressed with the professionalism of the Svenson staff. I was the last customer left in the outlet because I went after work, but my consultation was a proper one (that even went up to 45 minutes with Joni carefully diagnosing my hair and scalp issues) before they started the treatment. They did not cut corners on the process, and Justina took care of every step of the treatment and even did a nice blow-dry of my hair. They could have rushed through it or showed signs of disinterest, but they instead showed true passion for their work.
Joni stayed right to the end – when I finally walked out with a refreshed lightness to my scalp and bouncy glossy hair – just to say goodbye and answer any final questions I had. Truly this was a great experience, and I’m definitely going back for more treatments as I can really tell the difference to my scalp quality. Thank you Svenson!

The prices for the treatments are as follows: Pre-Scalp Detox Therapy Treatment $80, High Frequency Treatment $40, OxyJet Treatment $90, and Corrective Treatment $90. 

*****

Svenson Hair Centre

Address:

360 Orchard Road
International Building
#09-06/07
Singapore 238869

Tel:
 6737 8575

Website:
https://www.svensonhair.com.sg/

 

[This post was written by Isabelle, a permanent writer on Shopping Queen’s Haven.]

****
About the writer Isabelle:
An MBTI
personality profile that believes in making the world a better place
(one starfish at a time), Isabelle is a communications professional who
enjoys creating good memories for others, and balances realism with a
healthy dose of joie de vivre and can-do positivity. 

****

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Beauty, Uncategorized

Crabtree & Evelyn Pop-Up Cafe at Paragon

September 2, 2015 by Regina Chow No Comments

Have you visited Crabtree & Evelyn’s first pop-up cafe at Paragon Shopping Centre Atrium? 

Having afternoon tea with scones or cookies in an English tearoom overlooking lush greenery may seem like an impossible dream on this sunny island, but Crabtree & Evelyn brought that dream to life right in the heart of town. 
Yes, from now till 3 Sep (tomorrow’s the last day!), you can enjoy afternoon tea in a quintessentially English inspired garden any time from 10am to 10pm.
 

Think manicured
lawns, box hedges and a royal garden swing where you can swing your
troubles away as you sip on Crabtree & Evelyn’s fine selection of
tea blends and nibble on some scones or cookie — the perfect haven for pure relaxation and indulgence.

 I had the pleasure of attending the media preview of Crabtree & Evelyn’s pop-up cafe last week and the beautiful set up was such a lovely sight to behold. Despite being in a shopping mall, I was instantly transported to an English tearoom set against the backdrop of a stunning garden. It was as if time stood still in this sanctuary as the outside world rushed by.
Guests were also treated to a watercolour painting session, where we could each paint a tea cup design of our choice.

The last time I held a paintbrush was eons ago and while it took me some time to get the hang of it, I found it very enjoyable and even somewhat therapeutic.

I was away for a period of time and have been terribly busy since I returned to Singapore. Fortunately, this event also gave me an opportunity to catch up with Karen before we take off once again. 

Before long, it was time to put down our paintbrushes and indulge in Crabtree & Evelyn’s Fine Food Collection. All of us were handsomely rewarded with scones, cookies and fine English tea. Oh, please pardon my amateurish painting in the background.

 At $10 per set, you too can enjoy biscuits with tea or preserve served with a scone and tea at this gorgeous English garden cafe. 
Getting away from the maddening Orchard Road crowd for a moment of peace and serenity is now made possible at Crabtree & Evelyn’s pop-up cafe. It closes its doors to the public tomorrow (3rd September), so go on, head on down for some pampering today!  
*****
Crabtree & Evelyn Pop-up Cafe
Address:
 Paragon Shopping Centre Atrium Level 1
290 Orchard Road
Singapore 238859
Opening Hours
10am – 10pm (28 Aug – 3 Sep)

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Fashion, Uncategorized

Fashion: 10 instances of Kpop Stars’ Cardigan Obsession

August 18, 2015 by Regina Chow 1 Comment
Love it or hate it, the preppy hipster look is a
major trend and cardigans play an important role in completing this look.

Thanks to the rise of modern British aesthetics,
and the revival of the preppy look first popularised in the early 1900s, cardigans
are receiving new-found appreciation among the younger demographic, and
particularly among the boys. Yes, for the first time ever, I will be sharing
some looks that the boys can relate to. After all, fashion is not only for the
fairer sex, and I am secretly hoping that my hubby will be able to pick up a
tip or two from this post too (oops, looks like that it’s no longer a secret)!
For the ladies, cardigans used to be regarded as
boring granny clothes. But with the explosion of prints and cuts these days,
cardigans are anything but boring. Just take a cue from the K-pop artists who
are unafraid to experiment with the wildest prints and designs. Sure, there are
hits and misses, but they have definitely made the humble old cardigan come
alive again.
You could break all the rules and wear cardigans the K-pop way, but first let’s review
the good, the bad, and the ugly.
1. Donghae

Super Junior’s baby-faced looker Donghae looks
impossibly adorable in this collegiate outfit, complete with a bow-tie and geek
glasses.
2. Nichkhun
Speaking of baby-face, here’s another one who does
not seem to age. 2PM’s Nichkhun does college cool for South Korean fashion
label Basic House with boat shoes, stripes and a bright cardigan.
3. Kyuhyun
Taking a leaf from his hyung‘s book,
Super Junior’s Kyuhyun does the bow-tie and cardigan look too, this time with a
mustard-coloured cardigan that brightens up the talk show he is co-hosting.
4. Park Bom
2NE1’s four-dimensional (code word for kooky)
powerhouse singer, Park Bom, looks right at home in her ice-cream printed
cotton cardigan. I am sure that you would agree that this cardigan is as
whimsical as her personality.
5. Shinee
Shinee looks ready for the eggnog and log cakes in
this colour-coordinated getup that involves scarves, beanies and, yes,
cardigans.
6. Shinee
Boy, they sure are fond of cardigans in a multitude
of colours and prints.
7. Minho
Here’s another instance of Shinee – this time just
the “visual” of the group, Minho – showing some love for the
cardigan. Unfortunately, he looks like a rejected Christmas tree or a child’s
failed art project.
8. G-Dragon
Dubbed South Korea’s most stylish dresser, Big
Bang’s leader G-Dragon manages to pull off a punk look even with a muted grey
cashmere cardigan from Thom Browne.
9. Jessica
Girls Generation’s Jessica does mixed prints right
with a slouchy knit cardigan and printed dress. Those brown ankle booties complete
the laidback vibe of the outfit.

10. Tiffany
Like her fellow member, Girls Generations’ Tiffany
rocks a printed cardi. The bright scarlet print on her oversized cardigan makes
for a majestic airport entrance. Plus, it totally goes with her hair.
Well, I did warn you there were hits and misses
(I’m still scarred by Minho’s awful cardigan), but at least they’re not afraid
to give it a try! 
Now, which look is your favourite?

 

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Beauty, Uncategorized

Remescar Scar Stick & Spider Veins

July 31, 2015 by Regina Chow No Comments
Is your skin prone to scarring? Or perhaps you have spider veins on your legs from walking everywhere in high heels? You might want to give Remescar Silicone Scar Stick and Remescar Spider Veins a go. I have been trying to get rid of those irksome spider veins for as long as I can remember and I have old scars from sandfly or mosquito bites. With Remescar, I finally have solution to treat old and new scars as well as spider veins.

How do scars form?
Scars result from a biologic process of wound repair and are fibrous tissues that replace normal skin after injury. As part of the healing process, our body attempts to remodel our skin to its former glory. Unfortunately, more often than not, the structure of the skin changes. 
Remescar Silicone Scar Stick is an advanced silicone stick that aids in the healing process of old and new scars resulting from surgery, burns, bug bites, acne and even stretch marks. 
How does it work?
An age-defying skincare product based on the triple action of silicone treatment, Beta-glucan healing and UV protection, it acts as a protective barrier and isolates the scarred area to protect it while the UV filters effectively promote recovery.
It is easy to use as all you have to do is pop up the cap and roll it onto your skin twice a day for at least 2-3 months. I love how it leaves a thin, transparent film that is hardly visible. Its handy size makes it a breeze to carry around too even when you’re traveling. Be sure to apply it gently on affected areas and around the border of the scar. Did you know that you can use it on your body or under makeup on your face? How convenient!
Spider veins may not pose health risks, but I am sure you would agree with me that they are terribly unsightly. To untangle yourself from the web of spider veins, use Remescar Spider Veins. 
It shields the affected skin and incorporates in-depth therapy of the vascular structure to protect, treat and prevent spider veins. Not only did I see an immediate improvement in skin colour thanks to the Microlens Coated Crystals which reflect light from the skin to give it a smoother appearance, I was told that long-term usage would reduce the appearance of spider veins by a whooping 51%! I use it regularly to prevent more spider veins from forming too.
Apply the cream directly on clean and dry skin before massaging it in till it is thoroughly absorbed. For optimal results, it is recommended that you apply it twice a day for 2-3 months.
Remescar Scar Stick (S$30) and Remescar Spider Veins (S$40) are now available at Guardian,Watsons,Unity and major pharmacies.
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Beauty: b.liv Off With Those Heads Review (For Blackheads & Whiteheads)

July 26, 2015 by Regina Chow No Comments
Is your skin prone to whiteheads and blackheads? Mine is, and I try to get them professionally extracted at a beauty salon on a regular basis. The only issue is, I don’t always have the luxury of time to indulge in a facial. 
What do I do then?

I usually try to extract blackheads on my own, but whiteheads can be a real headache as they are unbelievably stubborn. Thank goodness b.liv’s Off With Those Heads found its way into my skincare regime at a friend’s recommendation. I love how effective it is when it comes to softening my whiteheads for easy extraction, hence when I was asked to review this beauty product recently, I had to say yes. You’ll find out why as you read on.
What causes blackheads and whiteheads? 
Did you know that blackheads and whiteheads form as a result of excessive oil secretion and dirt accumulated in open pores?  I have naturally oily yet dehydrated skin, which is why these horrible comedones refuse to leave me alone. Controlling oil secretion is the key to preventing their formation.
How does b.liv Off With Those Heads Work?
 b.liv’s Off With
Those Heads (30ml/45ml, S$69.95/S$94.95) softens the clog in your open pores and promises to help with easy
and painless blackheads and whiteheads extraction after just 14 days of
application
.
Off With Those Heads is a beauty-salon formulation that incorporates tea tree oil (acne control + comedone control + soothing), witch hazel extract (oil control + comedone control + skin softening) and aloe vera extract (soothing + hydration). It uses a dual-action process to deeply penetrate within the skin to keep oil secretion at bay. Tea tree oil has antiseptic, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties while witch hazel extract and aloe vera extract control oil secretion, soothe and soften the skin without drying it out. This way, achieving blackheads and whiteheads-free complexion is possible without compromising on hydration.
How do you apply the product?
I use this twice daily after cleansing. All you have to do is pump 2-3 pea-sized drops onto your hand and apply to areas that are prone to blackheads and whiteheads. I like to pat in the product gently on my nose and the sides of my face. I apply it on pimples too. Give it a night and the tiny ones usually subside by the next morning. The bigger ones generally take about 2-3 days to recover.
I love how the lightweight water-based texture leaves a cooling sensation on your skin upon application and feels like next to nothing as no residue is left behind. Its minty scent is very refreshing and never fails to perk me up every morning.

 

Does it really work?
I always check out online reviews before I decide to purchase skincare
products. If the
reviews are positive and they include convincing before and after photos, the deal is sealed.
 I wish I could show you before and after photos of my full face for better comparison, but as I’ve been using this product for many months before this review even came up, most of my whiteheads have cleared up considerably.
 
However, I did have a small blackhead right above my eyebrow recently. I couldn’t extract it initially but after applying Off With Those Heads, I could extract it with ease the very next day.
Here’s a before and after shot for your reference. Seeing is believing, and you can tell from the comparison below that the blackhead above my eyebrow has flattened and the skin has almost completely healed.
  This product definitely works for me and I would highly recommend that you try it too if you are a victim of stubborn whiteheads and blackheads. 
After all, you have nothing to lose because b.liv’s Off With Those Heads comes with 100% money back guarantee, no questions asked, within 2 weeks of purchase! 
For more information on b.liv Off With Those Heads and other complementary products, do check out their website here. 
You can also follow b.liv on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates!
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Fashion, Uncategorized

Summer 2015 Trend: Lace Dresses & Gladiator Sandals

June 17, 2015 by Regina Chow 3 Comments
Breezy lace dresses are a necessity for summer. So are gladiator sandals this year. Put these two together and you get a match made in boho heaven. Yes, the bohemian trend is back this summer, so remember to add a couple of lace tops, dresses and lace-up gladiator sandals to stay ahead of the curve.
Lace dresses hardly go out of style and honestly, you don’t have to wait till summer to take them out for a spin (especially when it’s summer all year round in Singapore!). After all, which lace lover can resist the intricate lace details on the Luna Maxi Dress from my current favourite label For Love & Lemons? 

The surprise cut-out at the back adds to the allure and beauty of the dress.Glam it up with a pair of open
toe heels or keep it casual with this season’s must-have and oh-so-comfy
gladiator sandals which have since become my weekend footwear. Versatile maxi dresses are hard to come by and I know this number is here to stay in my wardrobe.

Luna maxi dress from For Love & Lemons
Vintage Carpet Bag from Sydney
Gladiator Sandals from Hong Kong
Hair by Michelle from Jeric Salon (Bugis)

Have you got your summer wardrobe all planned out?
 
Here are some of my picks from For Love & Lemons and Shopbop to whet your fashion appetite:

Woodstock Mini Dress

Desert Nights Maxi Dress

Summer Lily Dress

Stuart Weitzman Gladiator Sandals

Stuart Weitzman Sparta Sandals

Tibi Camilo Gladiator Sandals

Happy Shopping!

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Travel, Uncategorized

Travel: Elk Espresso Cafe in Gold Coast

June 16, 2015 by Regina Chow No Comments

I was under the impression that cafes in Gold Coast pale in comparison to those in Sydney and Melbourne, but my recent trip to this sunny city proved me wrong.In fact, JW and I came across quite a number of good cafes thanks to recommendations from Urbanspoon, now known as Zomato (the Australian equivalent of Hungrygowhere) and Elk Espresso at Broadbeach was one of our favourite spots. If you ever visit Gold Coast, you have to come here for breakfast or brunch.

Why Elk Espresso? In a nutshell, the casual, laid-back Australian vibe and friendly service at Elk Espresso go hand-in-hand with its unpretentious yet absolutely delicious food to give you an experience that you’ll never forget. No wonder it is so popular with the locals!One of the most popular items on its breakfast/brunch menu is the very photogenic French Toast which comes with a medley of poached pears, salted caramel and dehydrated berries with vanilla bean mascarpone (A$17.50). Its prepossessing appearance is bound to brighten up any instagram feed.

 

 

The salted caramel sauce adds just a hint of sweetness to the french toast while allowing the natural flavours of the fruits and berries to shine through. I loved the refreshing touch of vanilla bean mascarpone which further enhances the party of flavours in your mouth, giving a new dimension to the overall taste.

 

To complement the comparatively sweeter french toast, we ordered a savoury breakfast favourite – Potato Hash with bacon, avocado, rocket, free-range eggs, hollandaise sauce, garlic, thyme and mushrooms (A$17). What a mouthful, literally, but this makes such a hearty and satisfying breakfast.
Aside from seasoned chefs, there is just something special about the eggs in Australia. They are always perfectly poached,with bright orange yolks that ooze out like liquid gold when you cut into it.

 

The portions are very generous and despite the temptation, we were way too full by the end of the meal to add anything else to our order.
Well, except that a cafe experience is never complete without a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and he had to have his coffee and me, my hot chocolate.
The cafe latte (A$3.60) is good by Australian standards (usually much higher than Singapore’s) but in comparison to the hot chocolate that I tried at Lindt Cafe in Sydney, I felt that the Lindt Hot Chocolate (A$5.50) here could be richer. Don’t get me wrong though, it was gratifying nonetheless.

 

We had such an enjoyable experience at Elk Espresso that we headed over to the owners’ new restaurant, Sparrow Eating House at Nobby Beach for dinner during our stay.
If you were wondering, yes, we gave two thumbs up for both establishments, and I can assure you that you wouldn’t want to miss them for the world.
*****
Elk Espresso
Address:
16 Chelsea Avenue
Broadbeach QLD 4218, Australia
Tel:
+61 7 5592 2888
Website:
http://www.elkespresso.com
Instagram:
@elkespresso
Opening Hours: 
6am – 4pm 
 
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Fashion Fridays: Fashion Steps Out 2015 @ Orchard

June 12, 2015 by Regina Chow 2 Comments
Encapsulating vibrancy, bustle, and an intoxicating mix of fashion, cuisine and action, world-renowned Orchard Road was host to traffic-stopping style at the Fashion Steps Out @ Orchard event.
Singapore’s renaissance has been 50 years in the making, and the fashion mecca of Singapore was the hotbed for fashionistas, celebrities and models as the entire road was transformed into a giant catwalk showcasing some of the best Asian designers.

Presented
by Orchard Road Business Association (ORBA) and supported by Singapore Tourism
Board and MasterCard, well-known Singaporean celebrities such as Paige Chua (in
white), Belinda Lee (in black) and Ya Hui (in yellow) graced this exciting
annual fashion affair that is into its sixth year.
“With 2015 marking Singapore’s Jubilee year, Orchard Road Business Association (ORBA) rounded up some of our nation’s most celebrated designers and curated a visionary SG Next50 collection for Samsung Fashion Steps Out 2015. The SG Next50 collection was presented at Singapore’s longest catwalk, the iconic Orchard Fashion Runway, together with a showcase of Spring/Summer 2015 collections, which will be available in our Orchard Road stores,” said Mr Mark Shaw, Chairman of ORBA.
“ORBA remains committed to making fashion accessible to all, and our six-week long fashion extravaganza offers something for every visitor to Orchard Road,” he added. 
The six-week fashion season encompasses a whole host of activities and shopping rewards to celebrate fashion. Regina and myself were excited to attend the exclusive Fashion Party set within a garden at ION Orchard prior to the glitzy Runway show. The garden featured whimsical swings, a gorgeous swan feature and even a real butterfly garden! 
Regina’s outfit matched perfectly with the garden swan theme, hence these beautiful photos of her OOTDs. You can also check out her full OOTD in her previous post here.
As the evening set in, we made our way to the unique lighted stools that lined the road catwalk. All vehicular traffic was stopped specially for this event, and a record number of 176 models showcased the stylish creations along the length of Orchard Road, including the grand opening segment presented by Samsung.

Large poster trucks drove down the road and then stopped in front of the VIP guests, and models stepped out to ambient music as celebrity host and model Junita Simon announced the start of the fashion show.
Said Eugene Goh, Vice President, IT and Mobile, Samsung Electronics Singapore, “Samsung.. believes in finding the perfect blend of beautiful craftsmanship and purpose, similar to how the designers are pushing the boundaries of fashion.”
This year, the thematic catwalk display featured the latest designs from 13 brands: Aimer, Ashley Isham, DEPRESSION, FOX Kids, Francis Cheong, Germain, Mary Katrantzou, max.tan, Moiselle, PAUL, PAULINE.NING, Pleatation and Sean & Sheila.
These included 50 special looks created by acclaimed local Singaporean designers to commemorate SG50, and five celebrated local designers with diverse styles – Francis Cheong, Max Tan, Chiang Xiao Jun of Pleatation, PAULINE.NING and Kenny Lim of DEPRESSION – presented a forward-looking collection representative of their outlook of SG Next50 years.
The looks incorporated show-stopping concepts into wearable pieces (I would definitely wear quite a few of the pieces for work and after-hours!), showcasing the versatility and modernity of the SG Next50 interpretations. I was also impressed with the thought-provoking sharing by the designers on the inspiration behind their collections.
Clean lines, flowy details and minimalistic designs are the essence of PAULINE.NING’s SG Next50 Fashion Futurism Collection. (FashionStepsOut)
“We’re inspired by the key dates in Singapore history. We want to look forward but at the same time, not forgetting the past.” – Kenny and Andrew, the creatives behind the local brand DEPRESSION (FashionStepsOut)
“My collection is to reflect the nation’s even more sophisticated brighter future in fashion and beyond,” says Francis Cheong – the soul behind the modern and dreamy designs in the SG Next50: Fashion Futurism collection. (FashionStepsOut)
“I feel humbled by this opportunity to be able to celebrate SG50 with my own creative discipline together with other creatives. My home has provided me with opportunities to grow the brand.” – Max Tan on his creations with his own label in the SG Next50: Fashion Futurism collection.(FashionStepsOut)
“My collection is drawn with inspiration to a reflection of an individual’s inner self. I believe that how one portrays himself on the outer self, may be different from his inner self.” – Chiang Xiaojun on her creations with Pleatation in the SG Next50: Fashion Futurism collection. (FashionStepsOut)
The many beautiful fashion creations by the designer maestros were a gorgeous concoction of concept fashion and wearable fashion, and the catwalk was complemented with a touch of whimsy as the Road burst into color during numerous segments, such as when models sashayed down with balloons….
and when models showed the audience what living in the tropics was all about!
This year was also the first time that children’s wear was featured, and the cute child models for FOX Kids aged four to eight years old took to the streets in multi-coloured fashion and balloons, eliciting squeals from the adoring audience. The 40 child models were in fact chosen for a fun-filled taste of modelling through a contest ran by FOX Kids in March.
Ashley Isham, world-renowned Singapore designer, has indeed been one of the key fashion maestros in putting Singapore onto the fashion world map, and his Fall / Winter 2015 collection was showcased to much anticipation, hot off the runway from the recent London Fashion Week.
The catwalk had some stunning pieces, and the tongue-in-cheek signages with traffic references such as “Give way to models” and “Look out for fashion police” added to the impact of the entire “road show” (pardon the pun!)
After the show, we were also treated to a special extended time of shopping at the Mandarin Gallery, with special shopping and dining privileges for that evening. Deborah Heng, Group Head and General Manager of MasterCard Singapore said, “MasterCard data show that over sixty percent of consumers do shop offline despite the popularity of online shopping, which shows that the in-store experience is still strongly valued… we are pleased to cardholders offer even greater rewards for shopping along Singapore’s iconic Orchard Road.”
As Ms Tan Yen Nee, Director, Lifestyle Precincts Development, Singapore Tourism Board, shared, “The sixth edition of Fashion Steps Out @ Orchard looks set to enliven Singapore’s iconic shopping belt, with a variety of lifestyle experiences to enjoy.. and in commemoration of SG50, FSO will feature even more local designers and fashion this year.. (including) the Merlion as fashion muse. These element will certainly add another dimension of authenticity and fun for visitors and locals.”
It was an impactful evening, from the scale and scope of the entire event, to the magnitude of the concept and ideology driving the showcase of Singapore as an iconic and cosmopolitan destination. Thank you once again to STB, ORBA, Samsung and MasterCard for the invite, and cheers to great success!
[This post was written by Isabelle, a permanent writer on Shopping Queen’s Haven.]
****
About the writer Isabelle:
An MBTI
personality profile that believes in making the world a better place
(one starfish at a time), Isabelle is a communications professional who
enjoys creating good memories for others, and balances realism with a
healthy dose of joie de vivre and can-do positivity. 
****
 
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Beauty, Uncategorized

Beauty: mdd COSMECEUTICAL Skincare Review

June 10, 2015 by Regina Chow 2 Comments

 In our relentless quest for beauty, we need to be mindful not to subject our skin, which also happens to be our body’s largest organ, to harsh chemicals that actually do more harm than good. This is the reason why scent-free and paraben-free skincare always tops my list of beauty must-haves.
mdd COSMECEUTICAL skincare falls right into this category. Established over 7 years ago, mdd COSMECEUTICAL aims to create skincare products that suit the ever-changing needs of consumers today through rigorous research and development. Its skincare line is formulated without fragrance and parabens, combining Japanese cutting-edge technology with breakthrough research to ensure that active ingredients penetrate into the deepest layer of our skin to deliver optimal results. 

Did you know that Stella Leung, Hong Kong celebrity make-up artist for A-mei and Jacky Cheung, is also a huge fan of MDD products and claims that the brand saved her skin?
Well, it is not hard to understand why. I have been using some of their best-selling skincare products for close to a month now, and I am in love with the brand’s fuss-free approach to achieving good skin in just one step. Now, you can happily bid farewell to the multiple serums or essences and say hello to a simple, effective routine that not only saves you time, but actually works.

1. SKIN PERFECT BRIGHTENING NANO GEL (S$68.95, 60ml)

If you desire brighter skin that glows from within, the Skin Perfect Brightening Nano Gel would be your best friend. 
This all-in-one multitasking product contains the following skin-loving ingredients:
1) Vitamin C and Pearl Essence to brighten your skin
2) Seaweed Extract to keep your skin thoroughly moisturized
3) Ceramides to calm down and prevent skin irritations

I have been using this product as a moisturizer twice daily. It repairs, tones, hydrates, primes and protects your skin all at once, and is a life-saver especially when I need to rush out of the house early in the morning.
Its lightweight, gel texture makes it perfect for our humid weather as it absorbs readily into your skin and keeps it plump, hydrated and glowing all day. You may not observe the brightening effects immediately upon usage, but give it about 2 weeks and you’ll notice a brighter, more luminous complexion.
If you are prone to oil seeds (like me!), this would work well with your skin as anything too rich and creamy would lead to an onslaught of oil seeds.

2) SKIN PERFECT CC CREAM (S$31.55, 20ml)
I have tried several CC creams but most pale in comparison to mdd COSMECEUTICAL’s Skin Perfect CC Cream. 
Yet another multitasking product, this CC cream is formulated with Marine Collagen and Ceramide complex and acts as a sunscreen (SPF 30), make-up base, anti-aging cream and moisturizer all rolled into one to give you perfect skin without the hassle.
I use this every morning, after the Skin Perfect Brightening Nano Gel and I absolutely adore how it provides full coverage without clogging my pores. It also does a wonderful job of smoothing out fine lines and concealing imperfections such as pigmentation, giving you flawless, air-brushed skin instantly. 
I typically dab on an additional layer of CC cream on my upper cheeks to conceal my pigmentation and was pleasantly surprised when some of my friends told me that it seemed like my dark spots had vanished miraculously!

Besides its excellent coverage, I am particularly impressed by its featherlight texture. Good coverage and light, weightless textures usually do not go hand in hand, hence this CC cream is definitely a gem. 
Don’t be fooled by its seemingly thick consistency when you first squeeze it out of the tube. It glides on like a dream, gives you the coverage you need and imparts a healthy glow to your skin without any sticky after-feel. This is one product that I highly recommend and would personally purchase when it runs out.

3. HYDRA-INFUSION OKINAWA MASK (S$78.95, 50ml)

Hydrating masks are my favourite as my skin is perpetually dehydrated, all thanks to late nights, frequent traveling and constant exposure to air-conditioning. 
The Hydra-infusion Okinawa Mask is the latest addition to my range of hydrating/sleeping masks and I find myself reaching for it at least twice or thrice a week because it hydrates, clarifies, brightens and boosts cell renewal simultaneously, leaving me with soft dewy skin every time. I also love its ultra light gel texture and how it energizes my dull, tired skin and restores radiance.

   

The active ingredients include nourishing Okinawa deep-sea water and Hyaluronic Acid to lock in moisture, as well as soybean extract to effectively brighten your skin.
You can either apply a thin layer to your skin for 30 minutes and wash it off thereafter or leave it on overnight as a sleeping mask, which is my preferred method.  A little goes a long way, and I can foresee that this tub of goodness will last at least six months, even with regular usage.
OVERALL IMPRESSION OF mdd COSMECEUTICAL SKINCARE

 I only recommend products that I have personally tested on my skin for an extended period of time, and this time was no exception. What are my overall thoughts on mdd COSMECEUTICAL’s skincare line? Would I recommend this brand?
It is hard to come by multitasking one-step skincare products that suit both our humid climate and our hectic lifestyle. More importantly, mdd COSMECEUTICAL products are scent-free, paraben-free and fuss-free, yet remarkably effective, hence I would highly recommend this skincare range for all the reasons that I have stated above. 
 After all, who doesn’t love hassle-free skincare that delivers optimal results?

All products are available at www.skinbalance.com.sg, the distributor of MDD Cosmeceutical products. 

Enter the code “MDDC Social Launch 6” upon checkout for a special store-wide discount of S$7 valid till 31 July 2015!

 

For more information on my beauty routine with mdd COSMECUTICAL, watch the video that was filmed in collaboration with Karen below:

mdd COSMECEUTICAL
Website: 
 http://www.skinbalance.com.sg
Facebook:
 https://www.facebook.com/SkinBalanceSG
 
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About Me

Hi! My name is Regina and I am a style, beauty and travel enthusiast who enjoys writing, photography and letting my creative juices flow.

My blogging journey has been nothing short of exciting. I was recently named the winner of Her World Magazine’s Estee Lauder Style Superstar Awards 2016. My blog was also awarded Best Fashion Blog (Grand Winner) at the Singapore Blog Awards 2014. The year before that, it won Best Online Shopping Blog at the Singapore Blog Awards 2013.

Additionally, it is listed as one of the 10 interesting blogs on Singapore by AsiaWeb Direct (http://www-singapore.com/blogs.htm). I was also featured on both local and international mainstream media for my views on style, fashion and online shopping:

The Straits Times (14 Oct 2014)

The Business Times (14 Oct 2014)

My Paper (13 Oct 2014)

CNBC ("Pricey Singapore: Savvy shoppers go online" - 28 Dec 2014)

For advertorials/partnerships, feel free to contact me at regina.chow@gmail.com.

Thank you!

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