Braiding My Hair In Israel

I have had long hair since as long as I can remember, but during school days, I always had to tie it up into a ponytail. Due to my laziness, I never bothered to really master hairstyling, hence my hair is messy and I often let it loose instead of tying it up as I find it too much of a hassle.

However, I thought to have my hair tied up in Israel, since we were all wearing the same caps, and the weather was hot. Not humid, but just hot, so it was still bearable and not sticky. But after not having tied a ponytail for upmteen years, I made a mess out of my hair. Finally my mum offered to braid my hair for me.

Wow.. when was the last time I actually had my hair braided? I think it was before I even went to school! But my mum did a very good job, that I could slot my braid inside my cap and it would not blow off, and I could remain cool and neat at the same time.

So that was what we did. And she braided my hair everyday, until the day we transited in Bangkok and I removed the braid and just left my hair as it always is. I like braiding my hair, it makes my hair looks much neater and less floppy. And I also got to have good bonding with my mum, as it has been so long since she took care of me that way!

Post-Vacation Spa

Today I utilised another groupon voucher, on a Javanese massage and oxygen facial package, bought at a very low price, as usual. My verdict? It was good! The massage was really good. I could feel my aches and muscles relaxing already.

However, the facial treatment paled in comparison to the massage. The therapist kept saying my face is super dry. Well.. with the long flight, jet lag, and the haze going around, is it any wonder my face is dry at that moment? So she used an oxygen tank like thing to spurt oxygen on my face, then massaged, then used a gauze before putting on the mask.

Since I was late, I was not able to enjoy the full treatment. It was supposed to be a ninety-minute massage, and a seventy-five minute facial. However, I only had time to do a seventy-five minute massage, and a sixty-five minute facial.

Still, since the treatment is free (sort of), there is no cause for complaint. I managed to get my post-vacation spa treatment in and fulfilled the coupon I bought. So I did get my time and money's worth, but I would not go there again! The distance is just too far for me, and the facial treatment was not even beneficial!

Pre-Vacation Waxing

This was supposed to be posted before I left but I did not have the time to do so. In any case, I went for a pre-vacation waxing the day I left. I needed an overdue bikini wax anyway, and besides, I would be going to the Dead Sea, and how can I not wax before donning a swimsuit?

After my first good experience with the home-based waxing therapist who stays near my place, I decided to go back to her again. However this time, it seemed more painful than the first time. She said because I have not waxed for a while, so it would be more painful. Do not expect the pain to lessen. 

She also said it is all in the mind, as I thought it would not be painful, hence I did not expect it to be painful, so the pain was more real. First time I thought it would be very painful, hence the pain was not as pronounced. Makes sense?

In any case, her service is good as always. At least I got all clean and smooth before my vacation!

Final "New" Facial Treatment

Today is my first brother's birthday ... and I finally completed the last of the three session facial treatment of the Groupon voucher. Perhaps because it was already the last session, this time round the facial seemed more thorough than previous times. At least the blackhead extraction made my face smoother, and the mask and massage made me feel better.

The good thing is they did not hardsell me anything. Even though during the session, the facial therapist did sound me out on whether I wanted their four-session treatment package, I rejected her flat. She still went ahead to finish up my treatment thoroughly, instead of cutting short the whole treatment when I told her "no" to a package, unlike other salons. That is something I am impressed with!

Now I have smooth skin which I hope can last until the end of my middle eastern trip!

A Complete Set Of Brushes

A month ago, I ordered a set of twenty-four makeup brushes from Groupon, and it arrived yesterday! The brushes are wrapped in a pretty pink case and come in pink and black with red and black bristles. Pretty and cute!

Brushes are wrapped in this little pretty pink case

The complete brush set

To be honest, I do not even know the names and purpose of some of the brushes in the set! Essentially there are the basic ones, like powder brush, blusher brush, concealer brush, eyeshadow highlighter brush, eyeshadow contour brush, eyeshadow accent brush, eyeliner brush, lip brush, mascara brush, mascara comb, eyebrow brush, eyebrow comb. As for the rest, I will need to find out their purpose.

Now I will never have any lack of makeup brushes anymore and my makeup can go on smoother than before due to all the blending of the brushes! Maybe I can finally look flawless for once!

Going To A "Clinique"

I went to a makeup class organised by Clinique earlier on. For the price of S$30.00, I got a hands-on demonstration on skin care and natural look makeup at a posh studio, complete with snacks and drinks, with a free tote bag and a matching pouch.

I have attended other makeup courses before, but this is different in that the procedure for skincare seems more complicated, whereas the procedure for makeup seems easier. Other courses will only go through the normal skincare routine of cleansing, toning and moisturising, then go straight into the application of foundation, powder, blusher, eyeshadows, eyeliners, eyebrow pencils, lipstick and lipglosses, spending more time on the makeup demonstration.

 

For this workshop, more time is spent on the skincare demonstration. According to Clinique, they have different makeup removers - one for eyes and lips, the other for the whole face. Which means we need to use two different kinds of makeup removers, before the actual cleansing begins.

 

After the cleansing, we use the Clarifying lotion as an exfoliator, by using a small round exfoliating brush to massage all over your face. I was told it is good to exfoliate the face everyday instead of just once a week or once a month.

 

After the exfoliation process, there is another lotion for toning, and then a moisturiser, followed by a sun cream. The eye cream is last. In applying the eye cream, one need to use the ring finger to tap the eye cream on the lower lid, then tap onto the upper lid, then massage the whole eye in circular motions, using both the ring finger and middle finger. Massage until the cream is totally absorbed into the surfaces around the eyes.

 

The way to remove makeup and cleanse is to dab the cream on the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin areas, starting from the cheeks, massage in an upward motion towards the nose bridge, the nose, the forehead, then to the upper lip area and the chin. Repeat the massage two more times. This is the same process as the makeup remover, cleanser and clarifying lotion and exfoliating brush.

 

Hence in other words, if one is to follow Clinique's beauty regime faithfully, they would probably need to spend an hour or so just on face care alone!

 

After the cleansing routine, we went on to the makeup demonstration. First off is a concealer. We were told to use two kinds of concealers - a brighter colour and a nude colour. The brighter colour is to hide all the eye bags and the nude colour has to be the exact shade of our skin so as to offset the dark circles.

 

How we apply concealer is to stroke three strokes on the under part of the eye lid, then use a concealer brush to blend all the strokes together, before going around the eyes and towards the upper eyes. It is not as simple as it looks as I found the more I blend the concealer, the more the colour went onto the rest of my face. :-(

 

Next step is foundation. Clinique did not use a liquid foundation; rather it goes straight to using a powder foundation. The trick of using fonudation is that the colour must fade exactly into your skin, which means we must get the shade as close to the skin colour as possible, to avoid any visible demarcations or make it seem as if one is wearing a mask. The powder provided is smooth and natural that I look as if I was not wearing any powder even after application!

 

Next comes the eyebrow. Since my brows are arched, we use a brow brush to apply the colour. The trick is to apply from the arch, as in from where the arch is, apply towards the ends of the brow, blending into the end. After that start from the middle, then sweep across to the front of the brows.

 

The eyebrow colour application is a technique that many people, myself included, have never been able to perfect. No matter what I do, my brows still look thick. How I wish I can have perfectly arched brows for once!

 

Eyeshadows go next. Since this is a more natural look makeup, the eyeshadow colours used are more understated. Because I am not that fair a person (in complexion), the colours I was given were more towards the earth tones of beige and coffee.

 

We were told to use a highlighter brush (the bigger brush) to sweep the lighter colour all over the eyelid, until below the brow bone. After that, we use the contour brush (smaller brush) to apply the colour until just above the line of the lid. Which means if one has prominent double eye lids like me, the colour should go just slightly above the line of the double eye lids.

 

Some other cosmetic companies will say it is best to apply the contour eyeshadow first, then the highlighter because that can blend in better. Different strokes for different folks I guess. To me, as long as the colours work well and blend well, it does not matter which one to apply first.

 

As a deviation from other cosmetics companies where the lips always go last, Clinique does the lips first after the eyeshadows and before the blusher and mascara. Because the look is supposed to be a natural look, instead of using lip liner and full colour, we were given a coloured gloss and a coloured balm.

 

Using a lip brush, we applied the coloured gloss all over our lips, then the coloured balm only on the centre of the lips instead of the whole lips. Each person got a different colour according to their skin colour. I was given a shade of honey (more muted brown pink) for the gloss, and a nude pink for the balm. Those with fairer complexions were given brighter colours like coral and sweet pink.

 

Next up was the blusher. We were given two shades of blusher, a brighter one and a more nude shade. The nude shade was to apply to the whole cheek, ie from the apples to the tip of the hairline at the side. We had to smile to know where to apply. Apply the blusher at the plumpest part of the cheeks.

 

After that, use the brighter shade on just the apples of the cheeks alone, then blend the two colours together to create a light natural flush. I must say the effect of the blusher is really good, although I think I did not do a thorough job blending.

 

Finally came the eyeliner and mascara. We were using liquid eyeliner, so we had to draw the liner as close to the edge of the upper lid, sweeping from the edge of the eye to the inner corner. We were asked to start from the middle of the eyelid, sweep towards the outer edge with a little uplift at the end, then sweep towards the inner lid. For this look, there was no need to draw the lower lid.

 

For the mascara, we were told to look down, then sweep the mascara from the bottom part of the upper lashes up two times, then use the top of the mascara wand to stroke the lower lashes. The effect was pretty good, although I was puzzled they did not use eyelash curler. I was told because Clinique does not stock eyelash curlers, hence they did not use it for the demonstration.

 

Finally the look is complete. When I took at look at myself in the mirror, I could not see much difference in me. Maybe that is the effect - a no makeup look. Hmmm.... or maybe I am used to seeing some actual colour after applying makeup, and not so understated.

 

At the end of the course, we could go buy some products from the booth. Since we had a S$30.00 voucher each, it could be used to offset any products. However, the promotion was on the face powder, if we get the face powder, we could also get a travel size lip gloss, lip stick and mascara for free. No colour choices though.

 

I decided to buy the face powder as I really like the natural effect it had on my face. It was just as if I was not wearing anything on my face. The powder comes in a classic metallic box that also acts as a mirror on top. The case itself costs S$20.00 and the powder (refillable) costs S$52.00, making the total S$72.00. After offsetting the S$30.00, I still had to pay S$42.00. Most expensive face powder I ever bought!

 

The face powder case (it is supposed to be a metallic mirror case, not sure why the photo makes it seem white on top)

 



The face powder

 



The free gifts of mascara, lipstick and lipgloss

 

And this is me, with all the makeup after the class. Seems like I did not do a good job with the concealer, eyebrows and blusher.

 





 

Overall it was a useful course, at least to pick up tips which I have not known, and to refresh tips which I have already known. I guess the trick is to just keep practising until I get it to look almost perfect, if not perfect.

Second New Facial Treatment

I had the second of a three-package facial treatment today. I just realised that this particular facial place was set up by a former local actress, whom I have grown up watching her shows. Even though she had never been in any lead roles, I remember her as a pretty versatile actress who could handle any role she was given, hence she was mostly in those major supporting roles.

 

When I reached the facial place, I saw her sitting at the counter. I did not recognise her at first because well, one just looks different on television than in real life. Besides she looks older now. But when I indicated I recognised her, she acknowledged and gave a big smile. Even though she is the boss, she still did everything almost on her own, like calling clients to remind them of their appointments, serving customers, talking to her staff. No airs at all!

 

The facial treatment was okay. I have had better. There was extraction but not that thorough I think. Even the mask was not placed on any gauze but just thick gel direct on my face, although I like what the therapist did to my eyebrows though.

 

My final session is next month, and after that I would be "relieved" from the package. Hopefully the final one will change my impression of the session for the better.

Multi-Colour Nails ...

I am running out of nail polish, so when this deal came up, I grabbed it immediately. The package arrived last week, and I am pleased that all twenty-four nail polish colours come in a small handy box that is small enough to bring everywhere with!

 

All the colours as shown are included. There is a clear polish that can be used for topcoat, a pale pink and white polish for French manicures, and even darker shades for feet or that very special occasion. Essentially I am now able to have matching nails for anything I wear!

 

I guess it is deals like these that make Groupon so popular and useful. I am definitely looking out for even more deals of this kind!

Hair Scalp Therapy Session

I went to Beijing 101 for the Premium Package that I bought via Groupon after work today. All I can say is even though I am satisfied with the treatment and my hair feels much softer and thicker, I am disappointed with the attitude of the staff.

 

The premium package I bought was supposed to consist of five herbal scalp treatments, one hair scalp analysis, one acupressure scalp massage, one anti-hair loss ampoule, and one complimentary bottle of shampoo of fifty millilitres.

 

From the way the package is described, I would think I need to go for at least five sessions. But when I arrived, the staff told me it is only one session, with all the items inclusive. So I sat down for a scalp analysis and was told that I am prone to dandruff (which I already know) and that even though my ends are dry, my roots are oily (which I have always suspected). Hence my hair is thinning because the sebum coagulates at the roots, making the new hair unable to grow.

 

After the consultation, I was brought into the treatment area which looks like any normal hair salon, with the chairs and desks and mirrors and hair dryers. First, she applied the ampoule on my hair. After that she asked me to go to the sink and washed my hair, massaging my scalp at the same time. Then I was brought back to my chair and she applied another treatment to my hair, finishing up with a UV treatment and a final blow drying of my hair.

 

All in all, I counted the scalp analysis, acupressure scalp massage, ampoule and three treatments. What happened to the other two? Furthermore, she did not give me the complementary bottle of shampoo. Or maybe she did, but used it on my hair to wash it while giving me the scalp massage.

 

At the end of the session, I sat down with her again and she went through my scalp. This time round, I could see the sebum and dandruff almost gone. Amazing! But the irritating part was that she started hard-selling me the package. She told me one treatment would not be enough and in order to have healthy hair, I should sign up for the package.

 

I told her straight that I was only there to have a trial, and I would be unable to commit to a package right now, due to finances and time constraint. She then saw my Kate Spade and said, if I can afford this kind of bag, she does not see why I could not afford the treatment.

 

That really riled me! Who is she to tell me what to spend on? It is my hard-earned money after all, who is she to interfere how I want to spend it? So what if I decide to reward myself by buying nice bags once in a while? Does it matter to anyone?

 

I firmly rejected all her offers. She said even if I did not want to sign up for the package, perhaps I should get the ampoule to continue the treatment at home? I rejected her again. In the end she had no alternative but to say a polite thank you and see me off.

 

Would I sign up for a package in the future? Perhaps. One thing I like is that the scalp massage feels really good. And I was told I need to shampoo and condition my hair everyday because my hair is exposed to dust, sweat and whatnot everyday. Hmmm... and I thought I was told we are not to wash our hair everyday to prevent the hair extracts being too worn out? Looks like this bit of information is really contradictory!

Masking In Redang

On my last day in Redang, there was still some time left before I needed to take the ferry back to the mainland. While packing, I came across a sheet mask that I brought along which I totally forgot. So I decided to put on the mask while waiting.

 

I was supposed to put the mask on for half an hour, but twenty minutes later, the resort staff knocked on my room door to pass me the ferry coupon. Even though I was not done with the mask yet, I had to remove it and opened the door, just to get the coupon and a short debrief.

 

Since it was a sheet mask, I could not use it again. But when I saw myself in the mirror, I was surprised that even though it was only twenty minutes, the effects were already there. My face was much brighter and my under eye circles were diminished too! The complexion was much smoother too! That is really great!

 

I really should start bringing sheet masks along for trips just to have little pick me ups as and when!

Sunscreen With Awesome Coverage

The last time I went to a beach resort was a few years back, where I went to Phuket. I got burnt quite badly that time, especially on my shoulders and upper arms. I was peeling for a few months before I finally recovered.

 

This time round, I told myself I need to get a stronger sunblock. The original tube I was using was from Coppertone, with a SPF30. I used this in Sarawak last year and it was not too bad, except I find it rather oily.

 

Since this tube was finishing, my friend recommended me this brand called La Roche-Posay. Actually I have never heard of this brand, but she told me it can be found in all pharmacies. So I went searching and found the sunblock.

 

I bought a tube of normal sunblock, with a tube of tinted sunblock for the face, and a bottle of thermal spray for after sun care. The sunblock has the SPF50, which I think is better. However, this brand is expensive! It is around S$30++ per tube, and three items cost me more than a hundred! I guess I can only use this sparingly and really conserve the cream so as to get my money's worth.

The SPF50 sunblock, 100ml. Effective, but expensive.

 

 The tinted sunblock, SPF50, 50ml.

 

The thermal spray, 100ml

 

When I tried on the sunblock in Redang, it is really effective, as even though the sun is shining down, I did not get burnt. No redness, no peeling. And neither did I turn darker. No wonder it is so expensive, because it is really effective! The thermal water is very good too, as when I sprayed on my body after being out in the sun, I feel so moisturised already.

 

This is really a good brand for sunscreen. I will bring these along each time I go travelling or if I have to be out in the sun. I will highly recommend this brand too, but do bear in mind that this is a really expensive brand, although very effective!

Being A S.Y.T.?

When I arrived home yesterday, I found these two sets from Etude House waiting for me. For the life of me, I cannot remember how in the world I ordered these, but these were sent to me when I was away. Still, I am rather happy to receive them because the packaging is so nice and the colours are so sweet!

 

Essentially, I received two boxes of cosmetics. One is a pink box with a white cover, consisting of eyeshadows, face powder, BB cream, one lipstick and one pink lipgloss.

 The set in the first box. I really like the lipgloss colour!

 

 The eyeshadow colours, consisting of beige, dark brown, brown and neutral.

 

The second set is a white box with a pink cover, consisting of eyeshadows, an eyeliner, BB cream, lipgloss and mascara.

 



 The set in the second box. I love the pink mascara tube!

 

The eyeshadow colours in the second box, consisting of light beige, brown, pink and peach.

If you ask me, I prefer the second box, because the colours and contents are much sweeter and prettier. But the contents and colours of the first box suits me more.

Incidentally Etude House is the place where many sweet young things go for their makeup and skincare. I have tried a hand cream from Etude House before, so I know their products are good. And the packaging is pretty too, which explains why the products are so popular amongst sweet young things.

 

Since I now have the makeup from Etude House, can I go back to being a sweet young thing too? But I guess I am overage now, is it not? I can never be a sweet young thing again, not that I ever was one in the first place!

A Safari Spa?

Since I had the day off yesterday, I booked myself a spa session after coming back from Redang. I bought this voucher from Groupon some time back, and thought yesterday would be the perfect time to go for the session since I would probably be aching all over (and I was!).

 

The deal is really good. For the cost of S$45.00, the three-hour spa package includes a sauna, rainforest shower, full body massage, facial and foot spa. The original price was S$435.00. Is this a fantastic deal or what?

 

The only drawback is that the place is very far off. It is on the western end of the island, where I have to take a train to the last stop and then another bus ride in. Since I was so tired, I could not be bothered and just took a cab down.

 

The spa itself has a unique theme. It is a safari-themed spa, with the interior designed like an African jungle, and lots of tents around where the massage would take place. There are also posters of animals and lots of statues of African tribes and animals. Unique, and cosy too!

 

Since I was not allowed to take pictures, I had to snap these in discreet. A pity I was not able to snap a picture of the nice-looking tents!

 

Sign showing where the spa is

 Entrance of the spa

 

 The safari theme waiting room

 

These cubicles are for foot spas. Can you see the tent on the right side?

 

When I went in to register, I was brought to the bathroom, where I started on the sauna and then shower. The sauna was really good, but I think the shower water is too hot. Normally one takes a cold shower after a sauna, so I have no idea why the water is so hot.

 

After that, I went for my massage. The massage was really good. The masseure did my back first, rubbing it thoroughly, and the nape of my neck, then went on to the back of my legs, and my shoulders. Then she asked me to turn around and started massaging my tummy, arms, fingers, front part of my legs, even the toes and the head! It was really a full body thorough massage!

 

Next was the facial. The facial was good as I find my face brighter, but for this facial, no fauze was used to apply the mask. Instead, a thick cream was applied on my face, then the cream was dried up and torn off, with the remnants washed off. But it made my face really smooth.

 

The final part was the foot spa. I was brought to one of the cubicles and had my feet soaked in hot water. The lady told me that once the water was cooled, I could use the towel in front to wipe my legs, and the whole session was then over. I was also given a bowl of bird's nest dessert too!

 

All in all, I would say this is a very good spa session, in conducive surroundings. However, I would not sign up for a package because if not for the voucher, the price is really steep. Furthermore, the place is so far away from my home and office, so unless I find another too-hard-to-resist deal, otherwise this one experience is good enough.

 

By the way, another positive thing about this spa is that the staff is not hard-selling. I was not even asked to buy the package. I was just told if I ever want to go back again, just give them a call and they would then recommend me whichever package I wanted. Now that is a good thing indeed, and one of those techniques that make customers come back!



Underarm Hair Removal

I went for the first session of underarm hair removal treatment earlier, courtesy of Groupon. I was supposed to go long time ago but because I shaved during the Lunar New Years, so I needed to wait for some time for the hair to grow, hence could only make the appointment this week. Just as well so I can be clean before a beach holiday!

 

My appointment was actually on Wednesday (two days back), but when I went there after work, I was told the first session was just a consultation and signing of the contract. I had to make another appointment to kickstart my treatments.

 

Since the place is just opposite my office, and I was told the treatment would take only twenty minutes, I made an appointment today during lunch hour. When I went there, I had to undress and put on a tank top they gave me. After that one of the therapists would come in and cover my eyes. Then she would trim my hair, put gel, and "pinch" my armpits with a machine, making the laser protrude in.

 

Just a few jabs were all that was needed. After that she put cooling pads between my armpits, where I had to hold for a few minutes. Then she removed the pads, and put cool gel, and the whole treatment was done. Yes, that is all! I was in and out of the place in just tem minutes!

 

Imagine if I had not bought the Groupon voucher that gives me unlimited sessions at less than S$50.00, this whole treatment package would have cost more than one thousand. Considering that it is around ten minutes per session, the original price is really expensive, although I believe the results are permanent, or pretty long-lasting at least.

 

At least I can finally get rid of unsightly hair and need not shave anymore! Furthermore since the place is so near my office, I can go for the treatment, plus have time for lunch at the same time! What a good deal indeed!

The "Longest" Mascara

I have been a fan of Maybelline cosmetics ever since they came up with the ultra moisturising glossy lipstick range Watershine, which has since been retired. I was in my late teens or early twenties then, and still an undergraduate. That was the time when I first discovered cosmetics and started being more vain and tried out different cosmetic brands. But Maybelline Watershine lipsticks won hands down because the colour not only looked nice, my lips were so moisturised and glossy after application. Since then, I have mostly preferred Maybelline lipsticks. My favourite colour then was the Watershine lipstick in Ginger Iced Tea.

 

Later on I realised that Maybelline started out with mascaras first. Mascara is another beauty product that is considered staple for me. Besides lipsticks and glosses, the other thing I like is mascara, because mascara simply makes a difference to one's eyes and how one looks. The very first modern mascara that Maybelline came out with, and is still one of the most popular ones around, is the Great Lash Mascara that comes in that little cute pink tube with the green cover.

Unfortunately, by the time I started buying mascaras, for some reason, this brand stopped selling here. Before I started taking an interest in makeup, I could still see this mascara in stores, but after that, it stopped selling. I wonder why, but then because there have been other mascaras by Maybelline, hence I thought perhaps it was just being phased out.

 

Later on, I realise that this mascara is still very popular around the world, but for some reason, it has stopped selling here. When I go overseas, like Malaysia and Australia, I still see this mascara around being sold in stores. Unfortunately, I did not get to buy when I saw them for whatever reason.

 

Hence I thought I have to wait for another overseas trip before I can start sourcing for this mascara. Recently I realise that I can buy this online. So I bought a total of four tubes so they can last longer. And it arrived yesterday! The tube looks just as cute as I thought!

 

I have not tried out yet though, but I believe the mascara is just as good as everyone has been saying. Afterall, this is probably the longest lasting (in the market) mascara in the world! It has been around for around forty years! It cannot be that popular even now if it is not good right? I cannot wait to try it out now! Luscious lashes, here I come!

The Mother Of All Sheet Masks

It is here! The SK II Facial Treatment Mask, the mother of all sheet masks! After my good experience with sheet masks, I decided to take the plunge and order the ultimate sheet mask of all. And it arrived yesterday!

I have heard rave reviews about this mask for ages, but have always been reluctant to get because this set is very expensive. There are only six sheets per set, yet it can cost more than a hundred. Which is why this mask is so precious and need to be used carefully and sparingly.

 

However, I managed to get a very good discount at this website, which gives me the set for a good price, so I decided to just buy it and try. Hence I bought this, together with a set of eye masks too, which also arrived at the same time.

 

I will really treasure each and every single sheet and use it to the fullest! Hopefully my face does have some changes after that!

All-In-One Nail Spa

It has arrived! The all-in-one manicure set that I ordered from Groupon a few days back, and it has already been delivered to my place today. Kudos to Groupon indeed! When I first saw the picture I did not know how big it is. But now that I own this, I find that it is small indeed. Just perfect for my small hands and fingers! :-)

 

The set consists of a hand bath and detachable units of buffing, filing and cleaning tools, as well as a drying pad. It works on full electricity and comes with a charger and adapter as well. This is one of a girl's dream come true, to have your own convenient manicure set. I am not sure how long this has been in the market though, but I really cannot wait to use this set!

The top of the set. The hand bath is at the back and the kits are enclosed in front.

 

 Close-up of the kits. There are tools for buffing, cleaning and filing. The centre part is the unit to attach all the tools.

 

The drying pad, with a fan and rubber pad to dry nail polish after applying

My Beauty Diary

After all the hype about sheet masks and traditional masks, on the recommendation of a few friends, I went to order a few sets of My Beauty Diary sheet masks. This mask originated from Taiwan, and had been featured in several shows. Apparently this is the best selling mask in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore.

 

What makes this mask so attractive is that the packaging is really pretty! I cannot comment on the smell and texture because I have not used it, but the price is very good! One box at the pharmacist is about S$14.50, making it around S$1.45 per piece. And if we buy online from its main supplier, it is even cheaper!

 

Since I have planned to use sheet masks more often than before, I decided to buy a bit more. So I bought a box of 2-Step Europe Clarifying Pack, Chocolate Truffle Mask, Hello Kitty Strawberry Milk Mask, Japanese Cherry Blossom Mask, Royal Jelly Mask, Collagen Firming Mask, Black Pearl Mask, Cooling Mask and Red Wine Mask. Just look at all these flavours and one can tell it is already so yummy!

 

I cannot wait for the sets to come! Hopefully my face will start shining more after using!

Sheet Mask Vs Traditional Mask

Recently I have developed an interest in sheet masks. Okay, sheet masks have been around for a long time, ever since the famous brand SK II came up with the mask sheets that people can just put on and throw away after that. Since then, many others came up with those mask sheets soaked in essence or moisturising agents that act as cooling effects, hydration and soothing effects to girls everywhere, particularly in Asia.

 

I showed no interest in those sheet masks. I was sceptical, because to me, how effective are these paper or cloth sheets when one can use clay or mud masks to treat our faces more thoroughly? Even if I go for facial, the therapist will use a heavy going clay / mud pack and slather all over my face in order for the nutrients to penetrate my skin deeply. So how can these paper or cloth sheets be as effective?

 

However, in the last decade, I realise that sheet masks are the way to go. Many of my friends are using sheet masks. Feedback received is that they are convenient, cool you down after a hot day, and your face comes out more moisturised and hydrated than ever, without even the need of a moisturiser.

 

I was still sceptical as I still preferred the traditional way. Still, through the years, sheet masks are propping up everywhere. There are so many brands on the market now, all claiming to be the best and using whichever ingredients that will "change" one's skin. I took all these with a pinch of salt and continued my own skincare routine the way it always is.

A few months back, I received a sample bag, consisting of sheet masks, small bottles of toner and moisturiser, eye patches, shampoo and conditioner, even small perfume bottles. With all the raves about sheet masks, I decided to give it a try, since they were free anyway.

 

My verdict? I like it! The moment I put the sheet on my face, I could feel the coolness of the mask. It really cools down my face, especially in tropical weather like down here. Furthermore, I can rub the essence all over my neck and face, making my skin more moisturised. When I took out the mask, I could actually see my skin getting more hydrated and brighter! So it is a pretty good experience for me!

 

Since then, I have developed an interest in sheet masks. Unfortunately, most sheet masks only come in sets of five or ten, so will not last more than a month. Even though they are relatively cheaper, but still, it is troublesome to keep replenishing. And sheet masks are to be used once or twice a week in order to get the full effects.

 

Whereas for clay or mud masks, it can be used just once a month. Even though a tube may be more expensive, it lasts much longer so may not cost more in the long run. And the effects do show after applying a mud or clay mask.

 

So which is better? Personally, I think it is good to use both. Use the sheet mask once or twice a week, especially before sleeping to sooth and hydrate, and then use the clay or mud pack (or go for a facial) once a month, for deep cleansing and removing of the impurities and blackheads on your skin.

 

A sheet mask is good for a "pick me up" after a long day, or a whole day in the sun. It is also great for soothing of a tired skin. But for a real cleansing effect, I would still prefer a normal facial or a traditional mask.

 

Ah... the joy of being a woman, to have these kind of choices that the men do not get!

A "Free" Facial

Last night I went to claim another one of my Groupon vouchers - the first of the three facial sessions. This facial treatment consist of a normal facial (cleasing, toning, extraction), with neck and shoulder massage and an ampoule.

 

Since it is a "free" or rather, discounted facial, I should not have any complaints, but I must say, the facial treatment, even though it is a basic facial, is not as thorough as the other facial treatments I have had. There is the normal cleansing, scrub, ampoule treatment, steaming of blackheads, extraction and mask, but I am not sure if the extraction was complete since the lady did not seem to remove all my blackheads. Furthermore, the mask is only a gel mask and not a deep cleansing mask that requires a gauze to apply on.

 

But then again, there is no free lunch. We pay for what we get, and for the price, it is already very good that the facial treatment has all the essentials already. Groupon's requirement is that I need to complete the remaining two within the next two months, so I have to call in for the next two appointments, before deciding whether to actually sign a package with them or to go back to my normal facial therapist who does a much more thorough job.

 

After all, when it comes to skincare and maintenance, one cannot be too haphazard about it!