Heyhey!

April has been a hectic month and nothing soothe stress away than a relaxing facial~

And even better?

An Organic Facial Spa at Pure Tincture!

Being a fan of organic/ nature skincare products and with a belief that "less is more",

Pure Tincture checks off my list of the ideal place to go for a facial.

To learn more about Pure Tincture, read my interview with Pure Tincture's Co-Founder here!

Now~ I'm not to sure about you, but for me, hormones affect the condition of my skin greatly. Be it stress or just the time of the month, it shows up on my skin in the forms of pimples, blackheads and whiteheads.  

So what facial treatment did I do?

Sukispa Balancing Cosmeceutical Facial

A gentle yet effective facial to decongest clogged pores, kill bacteria & control oil production leaving the skin soothed, calmed & purified without stripping the skin’s essential moisture. Suki products at professional grade potencies beef up the skin’s immune response to fight future breakouts. Skin feels calm, smooth and clean and softly radiant.
Ideal for combination skin/ acneic skin.

STEPS

Skin Assessment

So the first step involves sitting down with the aesthetician to evaluate the skin type, condition, and personal preference of scent and facial outcomes (relaxing, uplifting, detoxifying).

I was told that I have a combination skin with my cheeks area being dehydrated and that I have a mild sensitive skin. Then I was asked if I like scents and what facial outcomes I would like; I replied yes and I would like something relaxing.

Facial Treatment Recommendation

The second step involves the recommendation of the different types of treatment to do based on the assessment. At this stage, the sequence of the treatment, the products used and the outcomes are explained before the client makes an informed decision.

Two different types of facial treatments were recommended, Sukispa Balancing Cosmeceutical Facial and one of Santaverde Aloe Vera treatments. I decided to go with Suki because I have heard of the brand before and it appealed more to me as I needed my breakouts under control!

Facial

So to start off the facial, I got changed into the robes, got under the blanket and my aesthetician start the whole process in this sequence for my treatment:

First Step: Aroma Therapy

To begin the relaxing experience, my aesthetician used geranium essential oil and this moment to further assess the skin and bond with me to help ease any awkwardness or discomfort.

Second Step: Double Cleansing

After which, she started cleansing my skin with Suki Purifying Foaming Cleanser. There was a slight cooling tingling sensation experienced during this step..

Third Step: Exfoliation

Then using Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser, she did a mild scrub all over my face. I like that she also scrubbed the sides of my mouth and the tip of my nose, places that people generally miss. 

The scrub was cleansed away and using Suki Concentrated Clarifying Toner, she removed any remaining residue for the next exfoliation process. I also noted that it is used between every step from here on wards.

Then, Suki Resurfacing Enzyme peel was used next to deeply cleanse the skin and even out the surface of the skin by treating the upper layer. It is common to feel a stinging sensation, especially on troubled areas.

Forth Step: Steaming

Follow which, steaming was used to soften the skin and aid in skin detoxification through perspiration. This steaming process took about 15 mins.

Fifth Step: Extraction

After a swipe of toner, my aesthetician extracted any visible pimples, blackheads and whiteheads before ending off with the toner again.

Sixth Step: Hydrating and Nourishing of the Skin

To help rebalance the skin's, Suki Even-tone Brightening Serum and Balancing Oil were used in this step along with a therapeutic massage that lasted for 20 mins for both face and shoulder. I fell asleep at this point, it was really relaxing and I absolutely enjoyed it!

Seventh Step:Mask

A paper mask infused with a liquid cream and an organic calming gel from seaweed, was used on me. I was told that this mask aids in hydration, healing, whitening and brightening of the skin. It had a very cooling sensation which was nice and refreshing.

Last Step: Sunblock and Head & Shoulder Massage

To end the whole facial experience, my aesthetician helped me apply some sunblock and finished it off with a head and shoulder massage to bring me back to the present and refresh my senses. I was told that the head & shoulder massage will be done on clients first if they had clay mask on because, the paper mask I had on would have moved with the massage... which wouldnt be nice. Haha!

Makeup Corner

After your facial, you have the option of reapplying your makeup if you have to go back to work or have other appointments for the day. Pure Tincture allows clients the freedom to use their organic makeup product range and if you need help, there is an aesthetician (if she is in) who could help you out, on the house.

VERDICT

Duration: 60 mins or 90 mins. I did the treatment for 90 mins that includes extraction.

Overall Ambiance: Very neat, clean and simple yet cozy.

The washroom is outside, but it is very close by, so it does not pose an issue unless you need to go to the loo mid-treatment.

I like the fact that I can see all the products used, in a glance, and that they are displayed openly for clients to explore and discover.

Cost: $130 for 60 mins, $180 for 90 mins

Effectiveness: I felt relaxed throughout the whole facial, and my skin was radiant after the treatment. I took a before and after close up of my right cheek, 5 days after treatment. From the photo, you can tell that my skin looks more hydrated, pores are less obvious, troubled spots are gone, scars look faint and my skin looks calmer (less red).

Overall, it was a very pleasant experience. My favourite portion of the treatment was during the massaging of Suki Balancing Facial Oil because it was very soothing and I could feel a difference after. It was like beneath the layer of skin, my muscles are less tensed up and the circulation in my face area is smooth. It's hard to explain, but the sensation will be opposite of what it's like when there is congestion in your face. Get it? 

I also love the freedom to do your own makeup with their makeup counter, that houses organic makeup products! I was also told that Pure Tincture offers makeup services, so you can book a slot for makeup if you have an event that requires you to glam up!

Where Can You Find Pure Tincture?

The Adephi, 1 Coleman Street

#B1-10 

Retail Hours:

Monday to Friday 10:30 am to 7:30 pm 

(Last facial appointment at 7:00 pm)

Sat 10 am to 6 pm

(Last facial appointment at 6:30 pm)

Closed on Sundays and PH

Contact Details:

Phone +65 6337 6411

tellme@puretincture.com

Last week, in midst of my busy schedule, I managed to find a day of serenity and peace in a simple homey organic beauty boutique located at The Adelphi, called Pure Tincture. Run by a group of empowered ladies, all of the products used in Pure Tincture are scanned and used by these ladies first, before they are used on their customers. Pure Tincture is not new to the block, and has won quite a few facial awards from various magazines with the latest clinch on Harper Bazaar Feb 2015 issue.

To find out more about Pure Tincture, the products used and the concepts of Organic Beauty, I sat down and spoke to Pure Tincture's Co-Founder, Helen Lien.

Hi Helen, thank you for inviting me down to Pure Tincture today! To start off this interview, could you please share with me 3 Interesting facts about Pure Tincture.

Firstly, it might be interesting for you to know that 80% of our clients have sensitive skin of varying degrees. We are known as the place to go if you have sensitive skin. 

Secondly, all products are tried and tested on sensitive skins to assess its suitability for our clients so we know exactly the products that will go well with the different skin conditions. 

And thirdly, as we deal with sensitive skin, we ensure that all of our therapists are experienced in the field and have been professionally trained with the different brands by their in-house trainers on facial massage technique and product knowledge to ensure that we understand the products or treatments, and are able to advise and provide recommendation to our clients accordingly. We also build long relationships with the brands that we carry, understand their concepts and philosophy and make a point to visit its factory to see how their products are made and to hear from the maker.

Wow, sounds very comprehensive and assuring~ Haha! Now, talking about sensitive skins, would you then recommend everyone to use natural and organic products instead? If yes, why should they and how does using natural and organic products make a difference?

Yes, most definitely. You see, the skin is our body’s largest organ. It is alive and it has the wonderful ability to mature and develop. Regardless of your skin type, generally, organic and natural products are made with less chemical or harmful ingredients and we believe that these products can help our skin to gain strength and resilience to protect and recover on its own. 

Over time, the skin stays stronger and regains its innate strength without being over reliance on external skincare products to stay clear and radiant. Additionally, organic natural skincare are sustainable and contributes the health of our earth.

That makes lots of sense... In my own blog, I share with my readers with posts on some of the ingredients in our daily products to avoid. In your opinion, what are the top 5 ingredients in skincare products that we should avoid, and why?

Personally, I try to avoid these top 5 ingredients because they can irritate the skins or cause allergic reactions. My top 5 that I avoid are: parabens, propelene glycol, bismuth oxychloride, and the laureth family which are ingredients with laureth, laurate or lauryl extensions, as well as any ingredients that contains these words “myristate or Myristyl”.

That being said, I also avoid using products using any of these ingredients and Pure Tincture definitely does not bring in products with these ingredients. For the specific skin issues that each of these are associated with, I always advise my clients to read up about these on their own.

Since we are touching on something personal and reflective in the way you operate Pure Tincture, may I know what's your philosophy in skincare, and how does Pure Tincture reflect it?

I firmly believe that we must love ourslves and take time to care for ourselves daily, and I use organic skincare for home care and, if needed, employ the benefit of advanced technology such as machines to rejuvenate or firm the skin.

At Pure Tincture, we have created a beauty space – there’s a lounge, open display of the full range of products for clients to sample or test and a make-up area for them to put on make-up after facial treatments. More importantly, we have private rooms for facial treatments, some of which are at least 90mins long. We believe in using hands, not just machines, for facial massages and these sessions are all part of the “Me Time” for clients to pamper themselves.

I always advise our clients to listen to their bodies as their skins need time to adjust to external environment and stress. Pure Tincture’s therapists make recommendation not just based on the skin's condition but also the lifestyle (active or sedentary ; in aircon or under hot sun, etc) and personal preference (if you prefer products with nice scent etc) so that optimum benefits are received from the recommendation.

I know that Pure Tincture offers both services and products. For those who haven't been to Pure Tincture before, what are the Must-Try service and product you would recommend?

If you’re looking at a one-size-fits-all type of treatment or product, it’s difficult to pick just one. The reason is that people who come to Pure Tincture already have particular skin issues and that they choose not to continue with their present aestheticians or therapists for various personal reasons.

In any case, when a new client with hyper-sensitive skin (eczema-prone; red, blotchy or highly irritated) comes to us, our first order of the day is to help deliver a calm skin. We have a number of clients who found our PAI Organic face Treatments and facial products very effective in helping to calm their skin. For at-home maintenance, they can use PAI cleanser, instant calm toner, rosehip regenerative oil and instant calm day moisturiser daily.

For acne prone and very oily skin, we tend to recommend suki’s range of facial treatments and skincare, in particular, the suki balancing oil is a must-try product. Yes, oil for oily skin! Our clients love this because it is specially formulated to be a light, breathable solution yet provide light moisture and calm for oily skins.

As with any natural or organic skin care products, it does take time – weeks, not minutes – for our bodies to adjust to the products and treatments, and usually, after a period of one to four weeks, clients enjoy the benefits of calmer skin.

When it comes to foundation, I look for one that has the least amount of harmful ingredients (so something that uses more natural than chemical/ synthetic ingredients), something that evens out my skin's imperfection without it feeling like a mask or oily and sticky and ideally, something that has some SPF! 

I have been collaborating with Charis Naturals to review some of their products and they have been a sporting bunch to keep coming back to me for my honest review. This time round, they are getting me to review one of the foundation from their new makeup brand, Studio 78 Paris!

Studio 78 Paris eases your conscience by proposing a new solution for women who are in need of a "green" makeover, by creating an organic make-up line high tolerance certified by Ecocert. Their laboratory has selected natural pigments from vegetal and mineral lands, in order to offer a natural and ecological make-up range, protecting the skin and respecting the environment.

YES to Health, YES to Beauty... NO to Chemicals!

Studio78 Paris Bi-phased water foundation

This enhancer sublimated and brings our the natural skin radiance with translucency, thanks to its innovative formula, easy to apply: a highly pigmented mineral powdery phase combined to a toning aqueous phase.

This matte finish texture leaves the complexion perfect, natural and luminous.

The formula is enriched with organic AVOCADO OIL and organic GLYCERIN in order to moisturize the skin and in PALMITATE SUCROSE to smooth the skin and eases the application.

Available in 2 shades:

Energizing mist 01 - Warm light beige for light skin tone.

Enhancing dew 02 - Medium warm beige for olive skin.

To Use:

Shake Water Foundation well before use. Apply your natural liquid foundation with fingertips and blend onto both sides of the face from the nose outwards. Use light sweeping movements and take special care to blend past the jawline. For best results on dry skin, apply after moisturising well.

VERDICT

Texture: Watery, easy to blend, dries off matte

Smell: Floral Scent


Ingredients:
AQUA, PERSEA GRATISSIMA OIL*, GLYCERIN*, MICA, SILICA, SUCROSE PALMITATE, PARFUM, BENZYL ALCOHOL, DEHYDROACETIC ACID, LIMONENE, LINALOOL. May contain: CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499.
99% of the total of the ingredients are natural
30% of the total of the ingredients are from organic agriculture

Cost: $68

Product Rating: 9/10

This is the first time I am trying a water-based foundation and it reminds me a lot like applying Sunkiller's water-based sunscreen. Haha! It's is very watery and it will drip off your fingers if you apply too much, but I like the consistency of it because it makes it easy to blend into my skin.

On the skin, the texture of this foundation feels very similar to how a mositurizer feels. It's not too thick or sticky and it allows the skin to breathe.

One thing to note is that you have to shake well before using it as the ingredients will settle.

The shade of the foundation is also very interesting, I have the one in Enhancing dew 02 because my skin tone is towards the "darker Asian shade" or aka olive shade. Initially, I was a little doubtful that the shade will blend well because it is peachy in tone but as you can see from the photo above, it blends seamlessly into the skin.

The packaging of this foundation is very similar to M.A.C's foundation old packaging (before the pump) or Loreal Nude Magique foundation, where you have to pour the foundation out. The only difference is that Studio78 Paris's opening is smaller due to the stopper. There is a tiny sticker covering the opening the first time, so do note to peel it off. Initially, I couldn't tell that it was is sticker and I actually prick a tiny tiny hole in the middle which took forever to pour out enough product.







Overall, I love this foundation. It has been a constant product in my makeup pouch because it fulfills most of my criteria. I find that this foundation works well to even out any minor imperfection with one coverage and helps to brighten my skin.If you are looking for a foundation with a thicker coverage, this wont do.

I advise against adding too many layer, the most 2, because that's when the shade builds up and you end up looking orange. Personally, I do a general application for my whole face with 2 drops of the foundation using a foundation brush and add on a swipe or two over troubled areas like the sides of my nose, dark circles and cheeks.

The great thing about this shade is that it acts well as a under eye concealer too because of its peachy tone (peach/orange counteracts blue/purple ) so you can skip a step for a quick makeup for the day!

This foundation last pretty well, more than half a day in our climate for me because of its natural and light coverage, it doesn't smudge or cake much like normal foundation. Personally, if I know that I will outdoors most of the time, I pat on some powder to reduce the natural shine and to help the foundation last longer.

Studio78 Paris Foundation applied to half side of my face.
Coverage is minimal but sufficient to blend away minor imperfection, lighten my dark circles and brighten my overall complexion for a natural no makeup look!

To view more of Studio 78 Paris products or purchase this foundation, head over to Charis Naturals!