Ah~ Life has been pretty good as a beauty blogger, we get access to the newest & latest products before they are launched and we get to put things to the test!

That's what I really love about being a beauty blogger, the geek in me adores this experiential phase of analyzing and reviewing something that companies claim and we get to say if it is really true or if it's just another marketing gimmick.

And more often then not, we find something that is really good and we add it to, what I refer as,  "My Non-Blogger Mode Routine". These items are the products I head back to after the reviewing process.

Recently, as part of the Top 10 Finalist of Best Beauty Blog for Singapore Blog Awards, Panasonic has loaned us 3 of their Beauty Gadgets to test and blog about:

From top to bottom:

Nano-sized Ionic Facial Steamer EH-SA31, Facial Cool Putter EH-SQ10 and Warming Facial & Body Roller EH-SP32

I have been using these 3 gadgets for 3 weeks now and I have racked my brain on how can I write about these products without sounding like a broken record from my fellow finalists.

Before I dive into the exciting portion, let me clear the white elephant in the room...

I have published a post on the facial steamer before, so I'm not going to repeat myself.

You may view my post HERE.

Now, for this post~

I have thought long and hard as a blogger reviewing them and as an end consumer, what would you want to know before you part your money and purchase these items..

Things that will be taken into consideration are:

How can it benefit me?

Does it really work?

How much is it?

Will I be using it frequently?

Here's how I answer these questions, one product at a time:

Nano-sized Ionic Facial Steamer 

EH-SA31

How can it benefit you?
It makes steaming your face really easy and quick, and effectively introduce moisture back into your skin because the water molecules are of nano-size (easier to penetrate and be absorbed).

Does it really work?
It does make my skin feel well hydrated after use and when paired with a scrub & a mask after, it does seem to keep blemishes at bay but if you are buying this in hopes that it will shrink your pores... don't bother. Your pores don't "close up" with this.

How much is it?

S$199 (inclusive of 7% GST)

Special Promo: S$174, inclusive of delivery and 7%GST
(Skip to the bottom of this post for Info on ordering with this promo)


Will you be using it frequently?

The total facial steaming experience takes around 7 minutes including setup, which is good if you are short of time. The frequency of usage is dependent on your skin type and on your dedication in using this product as part of your skincare routine.

That being said, I found that this facial steamer gadget can be used in 2 other ways to further stretch your usage of it!




Hair Steamer: Simply recreate this salon experience at home with this steamer! Wash your hair as per normal, coat the ends of your hair with a conditioning hair mask and position the steamer directly to your hair ends and relax for the next 6 minutes. Repeat as desired.

Personally, I parted my hair in the middle and steamed one side each for 6 minutes before jumping back into the shower to wash the mask off.

Humidifer: For me, I don’t like sleeping in an air-conditioned room because I find the air too dry and I would always wake up with a dry throat. But lately, it’s been too hot to fall into sleep so I’ve resorted to trading a dry throat for a good sleep… until I realised that this steamer helps to alleviate the dryness of the air.

Once my first alarm ring, I turn to my side and switch the steamer on while I fall back into sleep for my next alarm to ring. In between that time, the steamer act as a humidifier to add back some moisture into my airway and I wake up feeling better! Simply position the steamer to direct the steam towards your face and fill it up with water the night before.

Warming Facial & Body Roller

EH-SP32-S421

This is a facial roller that comes with 2 different head attachment and a heat element in it to provide a variation of different experiences.

The Squeezing attachment squeezes and lifts up the skin while the Rubbing attachments rubs the skin upwards. This facial roller aims to help you achieve a less puffier, sharper face while the warming elements helps to boost circulation and provide a more comfortable experience.

How can it benefit you?

Ok, if your goal is to roll your way to a “sharper” face… don’t bother. If you tend to wake up with a puffy face or you are looking at adding facial massage as part of your skincare routine, then yes. This facial roller is going to be beneficial.

Does it really work?

As a facial massager, this gadget does the job. It really does grip onto the skin well to give it a proper massage and I've seen a slight depuffying effect after use.

How much is it?

S$189 (inclusive of 7% GST)

Special Promo: S$159, inclusive of delivery and 7%GST
(Skip to the bottom of this post for Info on ordering with this promo)

Will you be using it frequently?

It depends if you are into massaging. If you are really committed to it then I would say yes. Because besides using it for the face, this massager works for the body too!




Relieve muscle aches: I’ve found it effective in relieving the aches in my calf after a long day on my feet, the warmth from the device helps make the massaging experience even more comforting. I find that it helps to loosen the tension in my muscles!

Tone Up: Another use of this massager is to use it to help tighten flabby areas like your lower abdomen or even your “butterfly wings”. Simple roll along the area using the appropriate attachment for the troubled area. Now, I didn’t try this out but it was something that was brought up during the Wellness workshop. But I thought that it was a smart way to use this gadget.

Facial Cool Putter

EH-SQ10

This little device works by cooling the skin on contact, reaching to temperatures as low as 10°C in less than a minute. It claims to help tighten skin, shrink pores and cool the skin.

How can it benefit you?

My dear Panasonic, you need to stop with the pores shrinking and go with other rational terms like prevent enlargement of pores or something like that. Because once the pores are enlarged, they don't close up with steam or ice. Steaming helps to prevent the pores from getting bigger by unclogging or preventing the blockage with a good skincare routine. Ultimately, to prevent enlarged pores, you've got to keep your sebum secretion and skin hydration at a balance.

Does it really work?

It does give a tightening effect because of the low temperature but once your skin warms up, it goes back to the way it is... kind of like.. well~ excuse me.. nipples! Haha, but yes, that's how the skin and muscle reacts to the cold, they contract.

How much is it?

S$129 (inclusive of 7% GST)

Special Promo: S$109, inclusive of delivery and 7%GST
(Skip to the bottom of this post for Info on ordering with this promo)

Will you be using it frequently?

I think this is pretty much similar to the facial massager, it is more practical to use it if you are really troubled with issues like puffiness but I found it useful in various ways too!

Cooling and Calming: With the recent spike in temperature and the dry season here, this gadget is really useful in cooling myself down. I would flick it on and in around 30 seconds, the special treated metal plate would be cold (but not damaging as ice cold) and I would pat it on my forehead, cheeks like neck. I also use it to calm down freshly picked pimples (yes, I have itchy hands) as mentioned during the Wellness workshop and it really does work!





Cold Compress: Nowadays with my hectic work schedule, I have the tendency of waking up with puffy tired eyes and I have discovered that this works great at reducing the puffiness under my eyes.

And since it works wonders for my puffy eyes, I would also think that it will be good to bring down the swell in sprains! No more dripping wet plastic bags with ice, just flick the switch on and "putter" the sprain away!

So with all that said, here's the good part now:

How can you order under the promotional price?

1. Email to hanwei.chew01@sg.panasonic.com with subject:

Blog readers' promo - Panasonic Beauty (omy.sg)

2. In the email, indicate product name, model, and quantity of purchase.

3. Indicate which blog you saw this promo from (my blog's url).

Panasonic Singapore will reply to the emails directly with the payment and delivery details.

Please note that this promotion is valid till 5 July 2015 only, while stocks last.

Be Be-YOU-tiful!

Hi Everyone, how are you doing?

Recently, my blog has been selected as the Top 10 Best Beauty Blogs for Singapore Blog Award and it's always nice to know that I am right on track down this Beauty Blogger path. Thank you very much for your support, and please do continue voting for me until the end of 6th July!

So as usual, one of the perks of being a finalist is that we get to attend a beauty workshop by Panasonic Beauty and OMY.sg, and this year, the workshop was on Beauty & Health Wellness.

And the workshop was conducted by Bryan Gan who has appeared on Lady First-Singapore Edition (A TV series on grooming, fashion & health) to teach us a few Beauty & Health wellness tips and tricks.

So today, in this post, I will be sharing with you the tips and tricks from the workshop that I found useful and interesting to share:

The 4-7-8 (or Relaxing Breath) Exercise

This exercise is a natural tranquilizer for the nervous system, and its benefits are strengthen with repetition and practice.

Instructions

1. Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound.
2. Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four.
3. Hold your breath for a count of seven.
4. Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound to a count of eight.
5. This is one breath. Now inhale again and repeat the cycle three more times for a total of four breaths.

Note: Place the tip of your tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind your upper front teeth, and keep it there through the entire exercise. You will be exhaling through your mouth around your tongue; try pursing your lips slightly if this seems awkward.

I love how simple and easy this exercise is, in fact, I first learnt this through yoga during my Uni days. What wasn't highlighted by Bryan was that you cannot do this exercise too frequently. 

My yoga guru instructed us not to do more than four breaths at one time for the first month of practice. It's a skill that you have to strengthen with repetition, so over time, you can extend it to eight breaths. I personally do it once in the morning and once before I sleep.

Tapping Exercise

Like acupuncture and acupressure, tapping is a technique that stimulate the body’s energy meridian points (by tapping on them with your fingers) to  provide relief from chronic pain, emotional problems, disorders, addictions, phobias, post traumatic stress disorder, and physical diseases.

Instructions

1. Rub your hands together, until it's warm
2. Start by tapping the point above, below and the side of the knee caps.
3. Then using your right hand, tap the KC point of your left before moving onto TB, EB, SE, UE, UN, CP, CB and lastly, UA. Then, clasp your right hand over your left wrist and swing your arms out downwards to release all your tension.

Note: Use a firm but gentle pressure, as if you were drumming on the side of your desk or testing a melon for ripeness. Tap each point 5-7 times.

Food To Consume

Another tip that was shared with the food to consume based on TCM.

White Fungus

Click HERE for info on how to prepare and cook White Fungus

Benefits: 

• Anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor
• Nourishing for the bodies
• Heals dry coughs and clear heat in the lungs
• Protects the liver
• Great for maintaining the youthfulness of skin

Chrysanthemums

Different types of chrysanthemums are used for different conditions; yellow chrysanthemum is most commonly used to treat conditions associated with colds and flu, such as fever, headaches, chills and sore throat. While white chrysanthemum is use for visual acuity; the flowers are often taken with other herbs to treat red, swollen eyes and blurred vision, and also used to treat dizziness.

Benefits: 

• Help treat skin problems
• Boost immunity
• Antibiotic and antiviral
• Relieve eye discomforts and dryness
• Help detox the liver
• Dispel wind and clear heat

Corn silk

Ok, I never knew this has such medicinal properties. I am actually very curious of its taste...

All you have to do is to brew it like tea flowers/leaves!

Benefits:

• Used as a diuretic to treat urinary tract infections
• Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiseptic
• Helps to lower high blood pressure

Panasonic Latest Beauty Devices

Tips of achieving a smaller, sharper face were shared during the workshop, and all of them are pretty standard like giving yourself a lymphatic facial massage. The interesting aspect of this segment was the use of Panasonic Beauty devices:

Warming Facial & Body Roller

This device comes with 2 types of roller, one squeeze and lifts the skin while the other rubs the skin upwards. This device also warms up to temperatures of either 44°C or 48°C to provide a soothing experience. 

Facial Cool Putter

This handy devices can cool to 15°C for a cooling experience that helps to calm and tighten skin.

Panasonic has leased out these new gadgets to all of the finalist under the Best Beauty Blog, so stay tuned to all written accounts of our experience with them!

In the mean time, please do continue supporting me while I am doing my best to fit in some time to share with you my experience!

Following up from my Hot Date Beauty Tutorial, I give you another tutorial:

Gala Night!

When I think of Gala Nights...

I think of gowns, cocktail dresses, outstanding makeup and pretty hair!

Continue reading to find out how I create a makeup look for a Gala Night!

In a Gala Night event~
 The "competition" is about being flashy with the dressing, hairstyle & makeup while looking like you were born with the natural charms of Cinderella.

It's easy to glam up with outfits and accessories, but it's a bigger headache to decide how to style your hair and do your own makeup. Usually for events, I will curl my hair with foam rollers the night before and leave my hair down. I try not to tie or bun my hair up because, I have way~ too much hair and over extended period of time... the weight of my hair will give me a headache. *hairy woes*

So, I tend to focus on makeup to work the rest of the magic.
 I will be very thick skin and outright that the best asset of my imperfect self are my eyes.

As an Asian,
I have slightly lighter brown pupils than norm and I make full advantage of what I have and nothing brings out brown pupils better than shades of blues and greens!

Watch the video to learn how I create this makeup look!

Products Used:

1) Becca Nude Liner: Doubled up as cream base

2) RMK Eyeshadow in Iridescent Deep Green

3) Sephora Makeup Made Simple Palette (Eyeshadows & Blush)

4) Red Apple Gluten Free Eyeliner

5) Star Lash Premium Eyelashes (DB17) & Lash Glue (White)

6) Shu Uemura Eyebrow Liner

7) Shu Uemura The Lightbulb Fluid Foundation (564)

8) Dior Addict Extreme Lipstick (339)

Tools Used:

1) 13Rushes Short Shader

2) 13Rushes Angled Mini

3) Maybelline Shadow Brush

4) Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler

5) Boobi Brown Eyebrow Brush

6) 13Rushes Angled Flat Top Kabuki

7) 13Rushes Angled Flat Top Mini

8) 13Rushes Round Cheek

Products Used:

1) Becca Nude Liner: Doubled up as cream base

2) RMK Eyeshadow in Iridescent Deep Green

3) Sephora Makeup Made Simple Palette (Eyeshadows & Blush)

4) Red Apple Gluten Free Eyeliner

5) Star Lash Premium Eyelashes (DB17) & Lash Glue (White)

6) Shu Uemura Eyebrow Liner

7) Shu Uemura The Lightbulb Fluid Foundation (564)

8) Dior Addict Extreme Lipstick (339)

Tools Used:

1) 13Rushes Short Shader

2) 13Rushes Angled Mini

3) Maybelline Shadow Brush

4) Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler

5) Boobi Brown Eyebrow Brush

6) 13Rushes Angled Flat Top Kabuki

7) 13Rushes Angled Flat Top Mini

8) 13Rushes Round Cheek


So there you have it!~
I usually go for the smokey eye look or play up with colours for my makeup for events and even Gala Nights!

Hope you learnt something from this!
Until next time~

To find out more about Panasonic's beauty product, view their website page:

http://www.panasonic.com.sg/

Alternatively, you can view their facebook page for tips and tricks; events; news:

https://www.facebook.com/sgpanasonic

And lastly, head over to SBA's Facebook for more updates on the ongoings:

https://www.facebook.com/sgblogawards

Following up from the workshop with Panasonic, 

here's my take on the first look:

Hot Date

When it comes to dating, I would like to be comfortable in how I look and what I wear.

Studies have been done to show what type of makeup men prefer their dates to turn up with, but to be honest, the results from different studies varies.

Some like it au naturel, some like "no makeup" makeup, some like it sultry, some like it full on.

But if you ask me, I think we should put on whatever we like and feel comfortable in.

I like the bare minimum for face, a hint of blush for colour, a sultry eye and dewy lips for dates.

Why?

Because, at the end of the day, sooner or later~

My bare face is what he might wake up to and so let's keep things realistic.

Haha!

I was fortunate enough to meet Korean Makeup Artist, Steven Lee, to learn a few tricks from him at the Laneige Magic Charm Workshop 2 weeks back at Suntec.

A quick shoutout:

Look how cute this chair is! It really does open and close like the BB Cushion Product!

As you know, Korean makeup is trending at the moment and they are good at the bare minimalist to the extreme funky look. So, I am really glad to be selected by Clozette to join this workshop!

Thank you~!

So taking inspiration from the look that he created on me and from what I learnt in Panasonic workshop~

Here's how I created my look for a Date Night!

Product Used:

1) L'Occitane Ultra Rich Lip Balm

2) 24h Cosme Concealer UV SPF 40 PA+++

3) Eyeko Skinny Mini Liquid Eyeliner

4) Sleek Au Naturel Eyeshadow Palette

5) Maybelline Volumizing Mascara

6) Shu Uemura Eyebrow Liner

7) 24h Cosme Powder Foundation SPF 15 PA++

8) Sephora Makeup Made Simple Palette

Tools Used:

1) 13rushes Short Shader

2) Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler

3) Bobbi Brown Face Blender

4) Panasonic Multi Styling Straightener EH-HW58-K


Links:

Panasonic Singapore Official website: http://www.panasonic.com.sg/

Panasonic Singapore Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sgpanasonic

SBA Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sgblogawards

Hey hey!

As a finalist of Best Beauty Blog in Singapore Blog Awards, we were requested to share with our readers the beauty tools which we use that are important to us. It was easy for me to think of the beauty tools that I use, but the challenge was how these tools were important to me. 

 I have just chanced upon these tools and just use them without realising that they form the essential part of my beauty process! We learn something new everyday!

Check out my video on the types of beauty tools I used in different aspects of my beauty regimen

and scroll down to read how these tools are important to me!

Skincare

Marketing and advertising has always place an emphasis that beauty starts with flawless skin, to the extent that photos and videos are retouched; models are covered up with makeup; and now, any skin imperfection is frown upon.

Ladies are now guilt-ridden for "flaws" that they cant control, like acne, pimples, wrinkles and even pigmentation.

As a new beauty blogger in this field, I would like to break that and tell you that I am far from perfection.

I battled with acne to tell you that the more you try to get rid of it, the more harm you are doing to your skin.
Now, after medications, harsh creams and various chemical treatments, my skin is very sensitive.

I found out the hard way that the solution to happy beautiful skin is to do less with harsh ingredients, sufficient with my cleansing routine and more with the way I love myself despite the social stigma of beauty.

I am currently using natural and basic skincare products for my face (Click here to read more about my current skincare) and to maintain healthy glowing skin, I use these tools below to gently cleanse away dead skin cells, grime and makeup and to boost circulation!

13RUSHES

The Cloud (L)

This fluffy brush here is a cleansing brush!

Made with incredibly fine and soft bristles, The Cloud reaches deep into your pores to prevent the accumulation of dirt, grime and makeup. This reduces causes of blemishes, while smoothing and refining your skin’s texture for incredible results.

I will do a review on this range soon! Keep an eye out if you are interested to know more! 

BLACK PAINT

Konjac Sponge (In travel size)

I have mentioned this in my recent July Skin Care Regimen video, click here to find out more on it!

A 100% natural facial sponge made from vegetable fiber, Kishu Binchotan charcoal (White charcoal) and various minerals that enhance absorptive ability, helps removing excess oil and dead skin cells in the most delicate manner.

With the use of these 2 cleansing tools, I have seen and felt a difference. My skin is smoother and more radiant now, there are still the occasional blemishes but the amount of it has reduced significantly!

I still dont have perfect flawless skin but at least the condition is being kept under control~

Makeup

Gorgeous makeup is as much about the tools you use as the products you apply and the skill of application. 

“Brushes make all the difference when it comes to getting a professional-looking makeup application,” says New York City-based celebrity makeup artist Troy Surratt. 

Having started out with basic makeup: foundation and eyeliner, I have come a long way from using my fingers to apply makeup. Now, I have a holder full of brushes, a drawer full of foundation, powder, blushers, eyeshadows, eyeliners, mascaras, lip gloss, lip stains and lipsticks!

I still use my fingers when I do my makeup, because let's face it~ body heat warms up products and fingers are easier to control when you are rushing for time. But that being said, on days when I have time or when a more seamless makeup look is required, I use brushes for application!

And as a beauty blogger, readers are not only interested in our 2 cents worth of review about a beauty product but also the way we create our makeup look~ (Am I right?)

I find that brushes help to create a smoother almost airbrush application that fingers cant really give.

And at the moment, I am trying out these 5 brushes from 13RUSHES!

13RUSHES

Base (Foundation)- Angled Flat Top Kabuki

Base (Concealer)- Angled Flat Top Mini

Finish ( Blush & Powder)- Round Cheek

Eyes- Short Shader & Angled Mini

13RUSHES aspires to bring cruelty-free alternatives to beauty lovers all over the world. We believe looking great doesn’t have to harm the animals. Contrary to popular belief, getting fur off the animals isn't as pain-free as a haircut. Every year, millions of animals are trapped and strangled in the wild, electrocuted and skinned in fur farms. Beauty should never come at the expense of the animals, as such all our products are 100% free of animal parts. Hence we promise to NEVER experiment on animals. Fur is really not glamourous.

I had the great pleasure of collaborating with 13RUSHES after I wrote in to them, I was really interested to know what everyone was raving about and so far, I am glad with the choices I made!
I will be doing a review on these brushes soon, so please do keep an eye out too!

Brushes aside, another makeup tool that I find very useful is this eyelash curler by Panasonic.

Eyelashes are Asian ladies' woes, they are either too short, too sparse or too straight that cannot rival the Western Ladies...

I have long lashes that are sparse and so poker straight, it would fool everyone at a poker table.

So I have been on the search for mascaras that would add volume and hold curls really well, and in my search, I have come upon many disappointing claims and end up having excess.

SO when I chanced upon this curler, I thought that I would put it to the ultimate test with the less worthy mascaras and boy was I amazed~

PANASONIC

Eyelash Curler (EH-SE60 VP)

I have never used a heated eyelash curler like this before and boy~ am I glad to have this!

This curler really makes the most out of mascaras that droops lashes (you know what I'm talking about)!

It heats up fast, curls well and stretch the use of disappointing mascaras!

Hair

Because I have a longish face shape, I keep my hair long to balance my face out and if you have long hair too, you know the troubles behind keeping our mane healthy.

Besides using SLS-free shampoo and applying all sort of hair treatment oil, I also try to keep it away from excessive heat. If I do, I use a heat protection products.

So what do I use when I want naturally soft curls for events and date nights?

I use these foam rollers!

GOODY

Dent-less Waves Foam Rollers (Large)

I have really long hair that has been dyed more times than I can count now and as usual, dyed hair tends to be dry and brittle. So to avoid excessive heat, I use these rollers to help me achieve my usual hairdo look while I sleep!

And there you have it~

The importance of Beauty Tools to me as a Beauty Blogger!

Please show your support if you like reading my posts by voting for me at:

https://apps.facebook.com/panasonic_sg_vote/

Stay Beautiful!

Panasonic Singapore Official website: http://www.panasonic.com.sg/

 Panasonic Singapore Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sgpanasonic

SBA Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sgblogawards