Regina Chow - Singapore Fashion, Beauty & Travel Blog
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About Me
Fashion
Travel
Beauty
Lifestyle
Personal Thoughts
Regina Chow - Singapore Fashion, Beauty & Travel Blog
  • About Me
  • Fashion
  • Travel
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Personal Thoughts
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ISOI Natural Korean Skincare

December 15, 2014 by Regina Chow No Comments
I believe that less is more, especially when it comes to exposure to chemicals, and that is the reason why I am always on the lookout for natural skincare brands that advocate skin-friendly ingredients and omit harmful chemicals.
ISOI is one such skincare brand from Korea and it is now readily available at specialist organic retailer bud Cosmetics. ISOI stands for “I am SO Intelligent” and is developed specially for the intelligent consumer who makes purchases based on the ingredients used in each product instead of being swayed by advertising and branding campaigns.
 
One of the most distinctive natural ingredients used in ISOI skincare is precious prime-grade Bulgarian Rose Oil. Prime-grade Bulgarian Rose Oil is different as 3,000 roses are required just to extract 1ml of rose oil. You can imagine how heavenly the products smell, and after using them for a period of time, I can assure you that their lovely scents are a treat for the senses.
Bulgarian Rose Oil is selected for its high levels of vitamin A and C (17 times more than lemons and 20 times more than tomatoes), great penetration ability, excellent skin softening function and for its ability to protect the skin, delay skin ageing and boost skin vitality. Bulgarian Rose Oil is suitable for all skin types including sensitive or troubled skin. 
I had the privilege of attending ISOI’s media event recently, where I gained a better understanding of its full range of products and had the opportunity to participate in a flower-arrangement session. Each of us put together a bouquet of flowers to be brought home at the end of the event as a memento. 

ISOI believes that harmful chemicals can be substituted with luxurious natural ingredients without affecting the efficacy of its products. Controversial harmful chemicals such as chemical surfactants (SLS, SLES) that are cancer-causing agents are replaced with natural and safe ingredients such as coco-glucosamine. 
Did you know that natural skincare products generally tend to have relatively shorter shelf lives due to the lack of preservatives? To counter this issue, ISOI substituted chemical preservatives such as parabens and phenoxyethanol which cause allergies and breast cancer with patented natural preservatives such as scutellaria baicalensis extract which allows skincare products to have a shelf life of up to two and a half years before opening.
In view of my pigmentation issues, I was recommended the following products:

ISOI Bulgarian Rose Laser White Tonic Essence (130ml) – S$70
ISOI’s Bulgarian Rose Laser White Tonic Essence is a whitening essence that promises to improve your skin tone, reduce and prevent pigmentation as well as soften your skin. It is one of the most popular products in the ISOI skincare range.
The natural vitamin C from Bulgarian rose creates strong antioxidant activity to whiten the skin and enhance its clarity. Natural whitening ingredients such as arbutin and licorice extract are used to deeply penetrate the skin to whiten dull, dark skin and remove age spots and freckles.
I have been using this essence after cleansing on a daily basis. After using this for about 2 months, I noticed that the pigmentation on my upper cheekbones seemed to have lightened slightly. My skin also feels more supple and much softer. Most importantly, the peace of mind that I get from using this product to prevent my pigmentation issue from worsening in the long term is priceless.

Bulgarian Rose Blemish Care Serum (35 ml) – S$92
ISOI’s Bulgarian Rose Blemish Care Serum is yet another star product. While it fills sunken areas
with moisture, Arbutin and natural vitamins from Bulgarian rose oil
deliver whitening effects that even out your skin tone. A little goes a long way, and all you need is just 1-2 pumps. I pat this evenly on to my face after applying the tonic essence.
 The Blemish Care Serum packs a punch as not only does it improve your skin tone, it also provides ample hydration while preventing clogged pores through the use of natural anti-trouble ingredients such as Centella Asiatica.In addition, it promises to improve acne-prone skin, sunken scars and even dark traces on skin.
This is certainly no mean feat because most products that prevent clogged pores are usually a little drying and may cause skin sensitivity. I am generally prone to clogged pores but after using this for 2 months, I realized that my pores appear smaller and are less clogged than before. I also noticed that my dehydrated skin feels more moisturized as a result of the product’s continuous supply of moisture. Natural hydrating ingredients and high quality rose oil are delivered deep into the skin to ensure continuous hydration for 24 hours, thereby strengthening the skin’s protective barrier and increasing its regenerative power.

Intensive Sugar Scrub (50ml) – S$62
Besides receiving the full-sized Tonic Essence and Blemish Care Serum, I was also given a small sample of ISOI’s intensive sugar scrub. This mild exfoliator has smaller sized crystals than other sugar scrubs to gently remove dead skin cells and sebum. 
As only natural ingredients are used, it is safe enough to be ingested, which is why I love to use this on my lips. Not only does it exfoliate dead skin cells, it also adds elasticity to the lip line which tends to wrinkle easily. 


Pore Tightening Fresh Gel Cream (50ml) – S$99

While I didn’t get to take this gel-based moisturizer home with me, I was truly tempted to purchase this after trying it at the media event.
I have oily but dehydrated skin and only gel-based moisturizers seem to work well on my skin. I was charmed by ISOI’s Pore Tightening Fresh Gel Cream as it absorbs readily into my skin without any greasy after-feel. This is a dream come true for oily and combination skin types as it controls sebum while supplying abundant moisture. I would certainly purchase this once my current moisturizer runs out.
 If you are interested in trying ISOI or other organic, all-natural brands, you might want to check out bud Cosmetics, a store dedicated to providing customers with pure, organic, safe, ethical and guilt-free products. Aside from ISOI, bud Comsetics also offers a curated selection of popular organic beauty brands including The Organic Pharmacy, OSKIA, John Masters and NEOM Luxury Organics.
You can either visit their website at www.budcosmetics.com or head down to one of their physical stores at the following locations:
Bud Cosmetics
Orchard Branch
Address:
 333A Orchard Road
#03-32 Mandarin Gallery
Singapore 238897
Tel/Fax: 
6733 5782

Novena Branch

Address:
10 Sinaran Drive
#01-66 Square 2
Singapore 307506
Tel/Fax:
6397 6013

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Fashion Fridays: Shopping on Taobao & My Cut-out Shoulder Shirt Dress

December 12, 2014 by Regina Chow 2 Comments

Ever since I discovered how easy it is to shop on Taobao through Taobao agents in Singapore, I haven’t looked back. 
I have to admit it was a little tricky at first. The multitude of products available is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it ensures that you’ll be spoiled for choice, but on the other hand, sieving through the sea of products to unravel gems can be a rather challenging task. To narrow down your search, having a basic command of Mandarin is very helpful. For instance, you might be looking for Korean style clothes, a tweed jacket, or off-shoulder dress. Searching for these terms in Mandarin is usually more effective, and as daunting as this may seem, it is surprisingly easy to find the exact Mandarin terms by through a quick search on Google. 
How do you determine what Mandarin terms to use?
The trick is to use a mix of English and Chinese words to tease out the right term. For example, to find the exact term for off-shoulder dress, key in “off-shoulder 衣服” (衣服 is the equivalent of clothes in Mandarin) into the search engine. You should be able to find an accurate translation from the first few links that pop up without much difficulty. In this case, off-shoulder refers to “露肩”. Once you are equipped with the correct terms in Mandarin, searching for the items that you desire becomes a walk in the park.
 For ease of reference and convenience, I also make it a point to bookmark reputable sellers (please read the reviews and ratings before buying!) whose products I adore, especially for items such as clothes, shoes and anything related to fashion. 
Here’s just one of the sellers that I typically buy from:
http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=40371394113
I posted this cut-out shoulder shirt dress on my instagram account (@reginachow_sg) recently, and I received many queries on the exact Taobao link where you can purchase this dress from. 
As promised, here’s the link.
  
Cut-out shoulder shirt dress from Taobao
Shoes from Charlotte Olympia
Bag from Hermes
Necklace from random shop in Singapore
 

At a little over S$20, this dress is an absolute steal! It looks exactly as pictured and I love how the cut-outs at the shoulders give it a more feminine vibe as compared to the typical shirt dress.

I’ll be sharing more details on the other sellers that I typically buy from in time to come, complete with outfit shots, so if you’re interested, remember to watch this space!
I’m currently on my way to Hong Kong as you are reading this post. I’ll be updating my instagram account while I’m on the go, so do follow me to find out what I’m up to (@reginachow_sg)!


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Reduze PRO Review

December 1, 2014 by Regina Chow No Comments

The festive season is just around the corner, which means it’s time for parties and feasting! December is always an exciting month for me, because not only is it my birthday month, it’s probably the only time of the year other than Chinese New Year when I can feast to my heart’s delight and not feel guilty about it because everyone else in the world is having a ball of a time! 
Well, technically, I don’t feel guilty about it until I start to notice unsightly bulges around my tummy. Yes, contrary to popular belief, I don’t always have abs or a flat tummy all year round as I am prone to indigestion and bloating. I am generally blessed with a high metabolic rate, but when I overeat, which is unavoidable during this season, I tend to pile on the pounds in the most undesirable areas like my tummy and arms. Fortunately, I have Reduze PRO with me to save the day during the Christmas and New Year festivities.
Reduze PRO – S$128/box (60 capsules) – 1 month supply

Did you know that detox is one of the most important steps to achieve weight loss? A study conducted by the International Journal of Obesity published in 2010 has shown that weight loss releases excess toxins into the body, hence it is necessary to detoxify your body as you embark on your weight loss regime. 

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

Here’s what it does:

1) Rebalance Gut Flora
– Increase Weight Loss Bacteria
-Decrease Weight Gain Bacteria 

2) Improve Digestive Function

– Increase Bowel Frequency
– Reduce Fat/Toxin Accumulation 
3) Sustainable Weight Loss
-Increase Fat Metabolism
-Increase Satiety
Unbalanced gut flora is one of the root causes of obesity,  as it leads to an increase in appetite, toxins and fat storage. This, coupled with a decrease in metabolism, eventually results in weight gain. Reduze PRO’s unique blend of ingredients breaks the weight gain cycle by rebalancing gut flora and eliminating toxins to achieve sustainable weight loss.


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

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

In addition to bowel regularity, Reduze PRO also promises 8 times more weight loss, a 52% improvement in bowel frequency, 29% less calorie intake and a clearer complexion.
To feel the initial difference, it is recommended that you take the product for at least 4 weeks. 2 pills once a day before food is all it takes. You can also start off with 3 pills once daily before food for faster results. As only natural ingredients are used, Reduze PRO is suitable for long-term consumption as there are no adverse side effects.

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

*****
Special Discount for My Readers
Reduze PRO has also kindly extended a special discount to all my readers should you be keen to give it a try. 
From now till 31st December, click here to purchase Reduze PRO on Rakuten and you will enjoy S$10 off with a minimum spend of S$128(1 box of Reduze PRO).  
Remember to key in my discount code: REGINA10 (case sensitive) upon checkout to enjoy this exclusive offer!
*****
Reduze Pro is also available at the following stores:
  • Guardian

  • John Little

  • Metro

  • NTUC Fairprice

  • Robinsons
  • Sasa 

  • Unity

  • Watsons

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Naoki Yoshihara by Ash: Partial Rebonding

November 30, 2014 by Regina Chow 1 Comment

After rebonding at Naoki Yoshihara by Ash
I’ve always had baby hair which tends to stick out in all directions. It’s particularly obvious if you take a closer look at the hair framing the sides of my face as I have very fine hair. 
To tame the mess, Masa-san from Naoki Yoshihara by Ash suggested that I rebond just the sides of my hair. Only partial rebonding was done because the rest of my hair is naturally straight. This makes styling a breeze as I no longer have to apply hair serum to keep my baby hair in place. 
 It has been a couple of months now and I am glad to report that my baby hair is currently still under control. 
 

 
 
Did you know that besides hair services and products, Naoki Yoshihara by Ash has also brought in an exclusive selection of facial massage gadgets from Japan?

 

A hit with the Japanese market, these Re Fa facial massagers are known for their facial slimming effects. You can now achieve the perfect V-shape face without botox! Although I haven’t tried this personally, I am tempted to given the numerous accolades and positive reviews. After all, Japanese beauty products are known to deliver results.

Now that the festive season is just around the corner, do remember to book your appointments early!
Naoki Yoshihara by Ash
Address: 
177 River Valley Road
Liang Court  #02-15/16
Singapore 179030
Tel:
6333 5662


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Fashion Fridays: Blush Pink Victorian Dress & Korean Accessories fromRedeye

November 28, 2014 by Regina Chow 1 Comment


Blush Pink is perhaps one of the prettiest and daintiest colours I’ve ever come across. It is more feminine than beige, but not overwhelmingly sweet like pink, yet just as classic as black or white. I can’t quite find another colour like blush pink on the colour wheel.

I bought this blush pink dress from I.T. in Hong Kong a couple of years ago and it was only recently that I uncovered this hidden gem lying in the depths of my wardrobe. 

It was time to bring it out to let it sparkle.

 

Its vintage inspired Victorian design is made contemporary with pointy nude heels from Miu Miu and a splash of accessories from Korean label, Redeye. 

Where do I get my accessories? That’s one question that I often get from readers and friends alike, hence I decided I should share more about my latest craze, Redeye. I first came across the brand in Seoul, but I found out through a friend that they now have a branch in Johor Bahru at City Square Mall. I paid them a visit during my recent staycation and needless to say, went a little crazy over their accessories.  I especially love the statement pearl ring, which I personally think is a welcomed change from its more common pearl necklace counterpart.

 I’m definitely heading back to JB for more stylish yet affordable Korean accessories. The extensive collection ensures that you’re spoilt for choice, regardless of the final look that you’re aiming to achieve. If you’re heading to JB, remember to stop by Redeye! 


Accessories aside, the lovely Swan Lake Gazebo at the Botanic Gardens provided the perfect backdrop for this ensemble. I enjoy taking long walks in parks and I couldn’t be happier that the cooler temperatures of late has made this possible. 

 Nestled amidst lush greenery, the gazebo overlooks the swan lake near the entrance of the gardens. The gazebo represents a piece of history as it was built in the 1850s and was originally located at Old Admiralty House along Grange Road before it was shifted to the gardens. Historic structures like these are part of our cultural heritage and lend character to our concrete cityscape. I love the intricate details on the grilles of the gazebo and I wish that more of such architecture could be preserved in our country to allow the old and new to coexist in harmony.



Dress from I.T. Hong Kong
Shoes from Miu Miu
The Great Gatsby Book Clutch from My Jotter Book
Pearl Belt from my mum
Accessories from Redeye, JB
I hope you enjoyed this week’s edition of Fashion Fridays. Thanks for reading and have a great weekend ahead!




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Buck Tile St Cafe

November 25, 2014 by Regina Chow No Comments
Buck Tile St Cafe is a new cafe that we stumbled upon in our neighbourhood in the Western part of Singapore. I cannot express how delighted I was with this new discovery because sipping on a piping hot cup of cafe latte (or chai latte) while savouring delectable desserts in rainbow colours in a cafe that is situated just a stone’s throw away from where we live is right up my alley. 
I love the cozy, non-pretentious vibe of the cafe. What stood out the most for me was this row of clocks that adorned the main wall. I’ve seen this decor in another cafe in town and to my amusement, the time in Pulau Tekong at that cafe was intentionally adjusted backwards. I’m sure all the men who have served National Service can relate to this as the first three months in Pulau Tekong would have felt like an eternity.  
The time in Tekong at this cafe however, remains the same, though both of us felt that the time in West Coast could be slower here to depict a slower, more leisurely pace of life that you’ll get to experience the moment you step into Buck Tile Cafe, which was exactly what we felt. 
 
I also love the sense of humour here. Anywhere with free wifi is a plus, especially if it is very wavy.
Did you know that the name Buck Tile St. Cafe came from the term Bucket List? At the back of the cafe, you will see little squares of colourful handwritten notes and wishes on a board titled “Bucket List”.

 

I personally think that the main highlight at this cafe is their interesting selection of cakes and desserts. I was tempted to order a slice of every cake just to have a taste, but JW wasted no time in turning down my suggestion. Only two servings of dessert please, he said.

I had to order their Tiramisu dessert because it comes in a really cute flower pot with a wooden spade that doubles up as a spoon! Let me assure you that not only is this dessert aesthetically pleasing, it fares very well in the taste department too. It is light, moist and has just the right balance of bitter chocolate powder to complement the creamy filling.

I also ordered the very peculiar blue velvet cake. JW was skeptical about my decision at first, but the cake’s extremely light and fluffy consistency won him over. Moist and soft on the inside, every mouthful was a delight. This is easily one of the best cakes we have tried in a long time. 
Did I mention that I really adore the colourful confetti balls too?

I was craving for fries too as I’ve been abstaining from them for a long time due to a cough that wouldn’t go away. I needed that plate of spam fries. 
It was a little salty, which was to be expected since you’re really munching on luncheon meat, but we thought it could have been fried a little more to make the edges crispier. Even then, it is hard to go wrong with spam fries and they were nonetheless a satisfying addition to our meal.
 What about the drinks, especially the coffee? Coffee addicts would be happy to know that the coffee beans here are from Toby’s Estate. The cafe latte may not be mind-blowing, but it was definitely good enough to meet my hubby’s requirements whenever he needs a coffee fix.
I had the chai latte, my default comfort drink if I can find it on the menu in any cafe, and I am very happy to report that Buck Tile St Cafe serves up one of the better chai lattes in Singapore.
 Many cafes that offer chai lattes make the mistake of adding too much milk, which drastically waters down the flavour and takes away the essence of the drink.  Here however, the milk takes a back seat while the distinctive flavour of the chai spice blend takes centre stage and really shines through. I love it.


 So yes, we will definitely be coming back for our cafe latte and chai latte fix. I can’t wait to try the other desserts that we missed out this time too! 
Buck Tile St Cafe 
Address:
104 Faber Drive
Opening Hours:
12pm – 11pm daily

Nearest MRT Station:
Clementi
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Jamco Optical: Crizal Prevencia Lenses for Protection Against UV Light

November 21, 2014 by Regina Chow No Comments
Rocco eyewear with Crizal Prevencia lenses


Karen and I were both part of the Rocco eyewear campaign and we each received a pair of designer Rocco frames. I picked a purple pair that’s a little more feminine (as featured in the photos above and below) while Karen got herself a preppy navy one. 
Just as we were thinking of getting lenses for our eyewear, Bryan from Jamco Optical at Katong Shopping Centre kindly offered to sponsor our Crizal Prevencia lenses.  
What’s special about Crizal Prevencia lenses?
These lenses are the only clear lenses in the market that selectively filter light to protect the eye against harmful blue-violet and UV rays while maximizing the benefits of essential light.
 Crizal Prevencia
lenses have an eye-sun protection factor of 25 (E-SPF 25), which means
that your eyes are 25 times more protected than without any lenses.
Unlike standard UV lenses, Crizal Prevencia’s unique patented technology
ensures that its lenses are able to effectively protect your eyes from
front and back UV rays.
What’s the difference between blue-violet light, UV light and essential light?
 




 

In addition to UV light, why do we have to protect our eyes from blue light too?
I
usually wear contact lenses on a daily basis, hence I can easily
protect my eyes from UV rays by putting on my sunnies. However, on days
when I decide to put on my spectacles just to give my eyes a break,
that’s when I worry about exposure to harmful UV rays. 
With Crizal Prevencia lenses, I never have to worry again because my eyes are automatically protected from both UV light and blue-violet light.
Watch the video below for more details on Crizal Prevencia Lenses:
 
 
Aside from spectacle frames and lenses, Jamco Optical also boasts an extensive collection of sunglasses, including classic brands such as Ray Ban and highly coveted designer brands such as Victoria Beckham.
Ray Ban
Ray Ban Aviators
Ray Ban
Here’s what I ended up purchasing eventually. Karen bought the same pair in a darker shade. Great minds certainly think alike!

I was really tempted to purchase the Victoria Beckham aviators from Jamco because they are so incredibly light and stylish.  
 
The prices at Jamco are also generally below market rates, hence you can rest assured that you’re getting a good deal. The warm yet professional service provided by Bryan and team also made the entire shopping experience a very pleasant one. I would definitely recommend Jamco for all your eyewear needs.

Victoria Beckham Aviators
Victoria Beckham Aviators

Victoria Beckham Aviators

For more details on Jamco Optical, do visit their website here.
Remember to follow Jamco Optical on Facebook for latest updates and promotions too!




Jamco Optical & Trading Co.
Address:
B1-15 Katong Shopping Centre
Singapore 437844

Tel / Fax: 
63459519

Email: 
enquiries@jamcooptical.com
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Fashion: Of Cape Blazers, Superheroes & Counting My Blessings

November 18, 2014 by Regina Chow No Comments

Want to look like a superhero without compromising on style? I came to realize that the cape blazer will easily do the trick for mere mortals like you and me. It’s chic, stylish and can take you from work to play depending on how you pair it. 

The cape blazer design is also perfect for our humid weather. I hardly ever wear blazers in Singapore but I really like how the cape design keeps you warm when you step into an air-conditioned room while the slit sleeves help you to look and feel cool when you step outdoors under the blazing sun.

I’ve worn this cape blazer with a formal pencil dress for work, but for weekends, shorts are my staple. Of late, I find myself favouring shades of black, white and grey. I have also started to gravitate towards simple, minimalist pieces with clean lines. That was how I came up with this ensemble. A simple leatherette cropped top, a pair of embossed shorts and a cape blazer all in the same shade, accented with touches of gold. Sometimes, the beauty of an outfit lies in its simplicity and I’m surprised it took me so long to discover this.

 

Cape Blazer from Love Bonito
Cropped Top from MDS
Shoes from Charles & Keith
Cuff from Hermes
Clock Bag from Taobao


I
have been back in Singapore for some time now, and while it is great to
be back with family and friends, I haven’t been doing so well in the
health department. In times like this, I really wish I was a superhero with immediate self-healing powers. If only I could be a female version of Wolverine and Superman with my cape blazer!
 I
pulled a muscle due to a persistent cough, which recently led to a
painful inflammation of the membrane protecting my lungs (also known as
pleurisy). The bad news – I was in so much pain I could barely walk or
lie down. Even talking, breathing or laughing hurt and I could not move my right waist for days. The good news is, Arcoxia (a strong painkiller) helped a lot and I’m much better now. I have to minimize any movement as it adds pressure to my waist and back area but thankfully, my cough has faded into oblivion.
In spite of all the pain and inconvenience, this episode serves as reminder that I shouldn’t focus on how stressed I am and instead remember how blessed I am. 
The hubby is on an important course this month hence my parents have
been taking me to the doctor and going out of the way to make sure my 3
meals are settled. My dad also makes it a point to drive me to important
meetings that I cannot miss despite my condition. 
Every cloud has a silver lining and there’s so much to be grateful for.  
 
The
early-morning text messages from my mum just to check that I’m fine, the cozy
lunches with my dad every afternoon since the mishap happened, their silly antics that made me laugh even though they cracked me up so bad my injury hurt, the hubby’s attempts at placating me with comfort food (i.e. unhealthy food) as I’m sick of plain food, and even text messages from the colleagues persuading me not to go for less important meetings lest I hurt myself again. It warms my heart from inside out and I honestly cannot be more appreciative for everyone and everything. 
 
Thank you, all of you are my superheroes.
 
I’ll be back in the pink of health soon, I promise. 🙂
 
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Fashion Fridays: Maldives Resort Wear & Beach Essentials

November 14, 2014 by Regina Chow No Comments
It was an incredible feeling to have paradise right at my footsteps for a week. Maldives felt like a dream and heaven on earth is perhaps the only description that does any justice to its natural beauty.
I will be sharing more about my trip to Maldives in a separate post as the focus of today’s Fashion Fridays post will be on resort wear and beach essentials. If you follow me on instagram (@reginachow_sg), you might find some of these photos familiar.
Breezy Chiffon Outfits
I bought this purple cropped top and shorts set from Theory of Seven a while ago but never found the right opportunity to wear it until Maldives came along. 
The devil lies in the details and in this case, the cape-like chiffon layer attached to the shorts made this set absolutely irresistible. I love how it moves with the wind, as if it is performing a little dance accompanied by the peaceful waves gently lapping onto the shore.

Swimwear
Swimwear naturally comes to mind when you think about resort wear and beach essentials. This time, I packed enough swimwear to last me an entire week in Maldives. Here are just two of my favourite bikinis. They’re exceptionally well-made and fit petite ladies really well.

 3-piece Swimwear Set from Liz Lisa, Japan

Bikini from Victoria’s Secret

Crochet Cover-ups
I personally have a soft spot for crochet cover-ups and over the years, I have added more than a handful of these to my beachwear collection. This lovely crochet dress from Australian label Bardot is the perfect cover-up.
I didn’t actually get a tan as I kept spraying SPF50 sunblock regularly throughout the day, but this crochet piece must have been sprinkled with some magic dust. I was initially a little doubtful about the colour, but when I put it on, I realised it complemented my skin tone and even gave it a healthy tan and glow.



 Beach Essentials


Swimwear and beach coverups aside, here are some of the beach essentials that I cannot live without. If I were to choose one item to take with me on a beach vacation, sunblock would definitely rank first.
On this trip alone, I brought along two SPF50 sunblock sprays from Japan, two SPF50 sunblock gels for my face (from Kose and Clarins), and an SPF30 sunblock powder from Jane Iredale. I even brought along a lavender scented facial mist with SPF30 which I bought from Hokkaido in June!
The beauty about beach holidays is you don’t have to wear much make-up. The only make-up items I packed were my trusty Benefit Dandelion blusher, my favourite lipstick from Laneige in Spangle and Paw Paw Ointment (which I use as a lip balm). 

 


What about you? What are some of your beach essentials?

For more resort wear inspirations, do check out my previous post in the link below:
Fashion Fridays: Resort Wear x Her Diva Online Fashion
Have a great weekend ahead!
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Mary Chia Intensive Weight Vaporiser Treatment

November 10, 2014 by Regina Chow 2 Comments


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

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

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

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

Who’s suitable for this treatment?

This

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

So, what’s the treatment like?

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

Step 1: Personalized Consultation and BMI Analysis


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



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

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


Step 2: Vibration Bed

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Step 3: Sauna

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

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

Step 4: Air-Pressure Slimmer

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

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


Step 5: Full Body Wrap

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

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

Step 6: Treatment Feedback

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

How did I feel after the treatment?  

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

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

Complimentary
Vibration Bed Therapy Trial

If you are interested in trying Mary Chia’s vibration bed
therapy (Step 2), you can head on down to SampleStore.com here:
https://www.samplestore.com/mary-chia-beauty-slimming-specialist-bmi-assessment-therapy.html
to redeem a free trial!




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

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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:

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