Hi ladies!

What a month it has been huh?~

As February is coming to an end, I start looking for ways to help me overcome the post festive season starting with my face. All the late nights and early mornings, junk food, and alcohol have done some damages to my skin: dark circles, uneven skin tone and blemishes!

So it was very timely that Pure Tincture invited me back after my Sukispa Balancing Cosmeceutical Facial with Helen, to review another facial that would help with my post-festive skin:

 Pai Detox & Decongest Organic Facial

What is Pai Skincare and this facial treatment all about?

Pai is created for sensitive skin types, with products made from the purest natural ingredients with proven skin benefits, without any synthetics and irritants such as parabens, alcohol, or artificial fragrance.

Pai Detox & Decongest Organic Facial uses products from their brand and a skillful combination of lymphatic drainage and acupressure massage to purge the skin of toxins and promote a clear, calm and radiant complexion.

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:

STEPS

First Step: Aromatherapy

To begin the relaxing experience, my aesthetician used geranium essential oil and this moment to further assess the skin while I took 3 deep inhalation and relax.

Second Step: Makeup Removal & Cleansing

Then, my makeup was removed gently with a makeup remover on a cotton pad before having a double cleanse with Pai Camellia & Rose Hydrating Cleansing Cream Cleanser. I love how this cleanser smell!

Third Step: Exfoliation

After cleansing, it was time to exfoliate with Pai Kukui & Jojoba Bead Skin Brightening Exfoliator. This step is accompanied with steaming. I love how the scrub uses jojoba beads to aid in removing dead skin cells, and the heat from the steam helps to slowly melt the beads and exotic oils in the exfoliator into the skin. Lip balm was also applied on lips while steaming.

Forth Step: Extraction (Optional)
After steaming, the moisture is wiped off with Pai Rice Plant and Rosemary BioAffinity Tonic, I was told that this tonic is a toner that helps to rebalance the skin's pH and prevent breakouts. Then, extraction is done, but you can opt it out if you prefer not to have it or if your skin's condition is not recommended to do extraction. I did it because I had heaps of blackheads and whiteheads that needed to be extracted.

Fifth Step: Lymphatic & acupressure points massage

After extraction, I have a swipe of the toner all over my face again before the massage was done. I noted that the style of the massage varied from the other facial massage I received previously, the strokes are quite gentle and soothing, and are focused at the lymphatic nodes and acupressure points on the face, neck, shoulders and arms.

Sixth Step: Detox mask

After the massage, the toner was used again to remove the massage oil and to prep the skin for the mask. The mask used for this treatment ultilizes the benefits of Himanthalia Sea Algae that contains strong sebum-balancing complex and Ghassoul clay that helps to draw out impurities while infusing the skin with nutrients. It was left on for 10min before removal with a hot towel placed over the face for a few seconds to loosen the mask, and a moisten hand to soften the mask and a wet towel to wipe everything off.

Last Step: Head & Shoulder Massage
To end the whole facial experience, the treatment ended off with a head and shoulder massage to bring me back to the present and refresh my senses.

VERDICT

Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes

Cost: $180

Effectiveness: Before this facial, my skin was full of tiny blemishes due to my work environment and the festive period (and improper lifestyle habits) with some redness on the cheek area. After treatment, my skin felt clearer, looks more radiant and is calmer. I did have a few spots that turned into pimples the next day but that is normal, and is part of the post-extraction process and detoxificaion.

Before: Taken before facial. After: Taken next morning.

Overall, as you can see from the images, there is an improvement to my skin tone and texture. And as usual, the facial left me feeling destressed, relaxed and very zen. I was also given a few satchels of Pai Skincare samples to take home and use for the next few days after treatment because my skin was just in a horrible state and it needed more TLC. So if you are in need of some relaxing, detoxing and effective facial, why not give Pure Tincture a try? I'm a fan!

Where Can You Find Pure Tincture?

The Adephi, 1 Coleman Street

#B1-10 Singapore 179803

OR

68 Tras Street #02-01 Singapore 079007

(5 minutes walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT Exit A)

Retail Hours At The Adephi:

11:00 - 8:00 pm (Close on Sunday & Public Holidays)

Treatments Hours: 

Monday to Friday Last facial appointment at 7 p.m

Saturday Last facial appointment at 4:30 pm

Retail Hours At Tras Street: 

11:00 - 8:00 pm (Close on Wednesday, Alternate Sunday, Public Holidays)

Treatments Hours:

Monday to Saturday Last facial appointment at 7 p.m

Sunday Last facial appointment at 4 pm

Contact Details:

Phone 6337 6411 (Adephi) / 6222 0267 (Tras)

tellme@puretincture.com

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.