Last month, I was introduced to a service that made a Nail Addict like me very excited because not only was it a service that removes the headache of searching for my perfect nail colour... it is also great as a gift idea for my fellow nail addict friends!

Just imagine having a colour you want in mind for yourself and not having to go up and down shelves of ready made lacquer in stores, but just straight to a place where they will make the dream shade you want to your satisfaction.

Now imagine being totally clueless as to what to get for your girlfriend or lady friends, but you can bring them to a place where not only will you have fun suggesting a nail polish shade for them but also have a hand in creating something memorable for them through the experience itself.

WHAT AM I TALKING ABOUT?

Nail Deck’s latest offering, Lacquer Bar, where you can watch and have your perfect nail colour be mixed by hand, bottled up in the size you want (5ml or 10ml) and labelled instantly!

Although, please note that only creme shades are available at the moment, shimmer and glitter will be available in the near future!

THE PROCESS

Step 1: Your Perfect Shade

Walk-Ins

These are the shades I selected
from my mermaid photo!

Testing out how my 1st shade looks
like.

The experience begins with a one-on-one consultation with the colourist who will walk you

through the entire process. Then using a spectrometer, a device that analyses colour, you get to pick out the desired colour

from an inspired item or inspired  photo provided.

App

Alternatively, you can also choose the colours you want with Nail Deck's App on your phone. Play around with their colour wheel, or pick up the shade with the app's function of your photo library, and test out the shade on the app.

Step 2: Colour Testing

Once at the Lacquer Bar,  the colourist will use an in-house algorithm to convert the digital colour to a formula. From there, chemistry laboratory equipment will accurately blend the colours, creating sample amounts for you to try on under 2 different types of lights (White & Warm) to help you achieve the maximum accuracy!

This process takes time and it is highly dependent on how many shades you intend to have, as well as the shades you want to achieve. With 5 shades to create, my customisation process took more than an hour to create and perfect. I was really impressed by how patient my colourist was with my request and the dedication he has to this craft. 

These adjustments were then made to the hue and the final colours were only bottled when I was satisfied via the very skilful hand-pouring technique into the 10ml bottles (customer have the choice of 5ml for $11 or 10ml for $16).

Step 3: Give It A Name

Yup, the customisation doesn't just end with creating the colours! You get to name the colours you created! I named my colours based on my mermaid journey since the shades were all inspired by this photo!

I named my shades: Detachment, Blushing Honesty, Mahina, Sunset Rays and Seafoam! 

 Final Step: Boxing it up

I call my collection: The Beginning By Jodulu X Nail Deck
Shades in the sample glass (Left to Right): Seafoam, Sunset Rays, Blushing Honesty, Mahina, Detachment

And to end things off, I got to box my lovely creation up!
Now, don't you think this makes the perfect gift for someone who loves collecting nail polishes and doing their own nails!!!

 WHERE?

Vivo City #02-227

NO.1 Harbour Front Walk

Singapore 098585

Opening Hours

Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday

11AM to 7PM

Duration

Now until the end of December 2016

This post has been brought to you by Nail Deck's Lacquer Bar, Singapore's First Bespoke Nail Lacquer Service.

Hi ladies, I'm back with another review of Porcelain's service and this time round, I will be sharing with you my experience with their Proionic Facial.

Porcelain's Own Skincare Range

Porcelain's Proionic Facial harnesses a unique patented 448kHz long wave radio frequency to produce a proionic effect in the tissues, facilitating the movement of ions through cell membranes and restoring the skin's natural ion balance, delivering instantly visible anti-aging effects.

The results are enhanced oxygen flow to skin tissues and increased cell metabolism, rejuvenating and improving skin elasticity. Proionic Facial also instantly boosted facial contours for a younger-looking ‘V’isage. Touted as the best line-reducing facial in Singapore, this treatment is suited for the prevention as well as correction of skin aging.

STEPS

Registration & Introduction

If you have registered before, you get to skip the formalities. I was given a glass of water as I waited for the esthetician to prepare the room. And once she was ready, she lead me to my room where I got changed into their gown before lying down on the bed.

Double Cleanse

The esthetician proceeded to remove my makeup with a makeup remover before doing a double cleanse with their in-house cleanser.

Lymphatic Drainage

Once my face is cleaned, my esthetician proceeds to begin the treatment by "unblocking" my lymphatic nodes with the INDIBA DEEP BEAUTY device. 

Circulation Boost

After the drainage, my esthetician proceeds to boost the circulation of my facial muscles with the device. Here, at this stage, the warming sensation intensifies and I can feel the warmth penetrating deep into my facial muscles. 

Thermal Facial Massage

Here at this stage, using her hands as a medium, my esthetician massages my face with the device touching the back of her hands. It is a really weird experience as the warmth from the device is transmitted to my face via her finger.

Mask & Shoulder Massage

Here at this step, the esthetician proceeded to apply a mask before giving me a gentle shoulder massage. Once that was done, she left me alone for the remaining period until it was time to remove the mask.

Signing Off /Next Appointment

After that, I got changed before heading out to sign off and make my next appointment.

VERDICT

Duration: 75 minutes

Overall Ambiance: A fusion between a spa and a clinic.There is a space to freshen up before heading out of the area where the rooms are.

Suitable for:

• All skin types
• Saggy & wrinkled skin
• Dull & fatigued skin
• Pigmentation

Benefits:

• Wrinkle reduction
• Skin tightening
• Increasing moisture, collagen and elastin levels
• Skin brightening
• Skin pigmentation reduction
• Skin detoxification and revitalization
• Contouring of jawline
• Reduction of fatigue around eye areas
• Skin age prevention and maintenance

Cost: $406.60

Effectiveness:
Hmm, this is a tough one to review because the differences before and after treatment are a little challenging to notice. Based on the benefits that this treatment provides, I did notice a slight brightening effect and a slight tightening around my jawline and laugh lines but that was pretty much it.

My skin continued to be radiant for a week before the environment of my work reverted my skin back to what it was. I did not notice any changes to my pigmentation or the reduction of fatigue around my eye areas.

So to be honest, for the cost of the treatment, I wouldn't recommend this treatment unless you are in a severe need to have a slim radiant face... then maybe this treatment is something you may want to consider. 

This post has been brought to you by Mefitted.com, the world's first interactive directory for grooming, beauty and style.

Recently, I was introduced to a range of skincare that is researched and formulated in Japan, d'skin.

With the demands of today’s hectic lifestyle, this selection  of  premium-quality  products  offers  modern  busy  women effective remedies to common skin issues. 

Besides  skincare  products,  d’skin also  focused  on  using  medical-grade  equipment  to  achieve desirable results. It offers a complete range of non-surgical cosmetic treatments for ageing skin and delivers the top three most  popular services in  health, wellness and  beauty sector: skin tightening, skin rejuvenation and pigmentation.

And I was invited to try and review their Stem Cell Facial Treatment, that claims to  help  with  skin  conditions  such  as  premature ageing, photo damage, hyperpigmentation, acne, sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles. 

The whole treatment is anchored on four factors to reap cellular benefits : 

Stimulate drainage

Improve microcirculation

Strengthen small capillaries

Combat skin slackening  

STEPS

The treatment procedure follows a powerful seven-step methodology

1.Skin health diagnostics and profiling

A measuring device and equipment is used to determine the most apt treatment for customers. This device will indicate the level of hydration, sebum, elasticity, pH level, melanin phototype and temperature. However, during my diagnostics, they only recorded and explained to me my skin's level of hydration, sebum production, and elasticity.

2.Cleansing

I was then shown into the room to get changed into the gown before the commencement of the facial. This is the step where my makeup was removed and the esthetician did a double cleanse with a gel based cleanser, followed by exfoliation with a soft chemical peel together with steaming (for 5mins).

3.Extraction by specialist, Eyebrow grooming & Final consultation

Another lady will step in to do the extraction, and she was quite gentle. Then this specialist did a general consultation of my skin and suggested a suitable treatment for me to do before the esthetician came back to groom my eyebrows and carry on with the treatment.

4. Ultrasound and High-voltage Impulse Therapy

Before the start of the therapy, the esthetician used a antiseptic wand to prep the skin. Followed by the application of their stem cell serum onto my face along with ultrasound and high-voltage impulse therapy to penetrate the skin and introduce a high concentration of serum into dermis simultaneously.

5.Signature Face and Eye Massage

This next step is my favourite. It promises instant, visible results and helps one to de-stress via d’skin’s signature Touch Therapy, which comprises:

a.Targeting pressure points to release energy
b.Stimulating drainage to eliminate toxin
c.Aroma massaging to promote well-being and healing

6. Mask (d’skin’s specialists will choose the mask based on skin condition)
The mask used on me was a cold cooling one.

7.Relaxing shoulder massage

The mask time was accompanied with this massage that helps to improve lymphatic function, promote flow of blood and ease stressed muscles

VERDICT

Duration: Around 2 hours for the facial treatment and 15 mins for skin analysis.

Overall Ambiance: The exterior of d'skin has a very clinic feel which is apt because it is here that the skin analysis is conducted, and the interior has a very calming feminine touch. Toilet is located outside and is quite a distance away.

Cost:  $368

Effectiveness:
For this treatment, I was looking out for signs of a hydrated plumped skin and looking at the images, you can see that not only was my skin more radiant (glowy), there is less sagginess at my undereye area and my cheeks are more plumped. That being said, I also have to state that they left a lot of serum on after the facial that made my skin feel and look moisturized.

OVERALL

The effects in person are hard to tell, but the overall experience of the facial at d'skin was really relaxing and enjoyable. My favorite segment is their Signature Face and Eye Massage. That was gold for me! 

After attending the Opening of Shou Slimming Center at One Raffles Place a few weeks back, I decided to give their service and treatment a trial last weekend.

So What Is Shou Slimming Center Known For?

Shou is reputed for combining eastern and western treatments to deliver effective weight loss with minimal downtime, such as combining TCM massage techniques with the latest Western slimming technologies like Velashape, LPG, and Fat Freeze.

Shou revolutionizes body slimming through the use of safe and effective treatments, their personalized and natural treatments remove stubborn fat in a painless manner. Shou treatments do not require any pills, meal supplements, injections, crash diets or sweaty workouts to help clients achieve the body they have always wanted.

STEPS

Registration

To get things started, I was asked to fill in a basic evaluation form of my personal details like Name, Address and Health Condition.

Photo taking and Measurement

After filling up the form, I was guided into one of their rooms and it was in the privacy of the room where the measurements like the circumference of my thighs, tummy and arms took place.

After which, I was given a robe to don on to walk out of the room to a corner where my weight was taken with this cool weighing machine that could also determine my body fat percentage, water percentage, etc.

Tip:

Wear proper underwear if you are an shy individual, because measurements are taken when you are in your undergarments only.

Assessment and Recommendation of Treatment

After the measurement, my therapist went through my assessment with me highlighting my current health/figure condition, the ideal calories intake for a healthy figure, and the amount of fat I have to drop for ideal healthy figure.

And despite being relatively skinny, my troubled areas are my lower body and my cellulite. So my recommended treatment is VelaShape! 

VelaShape treatment uses the first and only FDA-cleared device that contours, shapes and slims the body by reducing cellulite and firming problem areas such as thighs, buttocks, love handles and abdomen. VelaShape treatment uses a combination of Bi-Polar Radio Frequency (RF), Infrared Light Energy, plus Vacuum and Mechanical Massage that is specially designed to reshape body contours and improve skin texture. 

Clients will achieve a sculpted physique while also feeling younger after treatment.

I was told that the radio frequency produces the heat that will help "burn" fat, while the suction and mechanical massage helps to breakdown fat, and the infrared light energy helps to tighten the skin, and increase skin elasticity.

Start Of Treatment

To start things off, I was asked to changed into a disposable thong and asked to lie face down onto the bed. Then, my therapist proceeded to cover me with a few layers of blanket to keep me warm, exposing only one area to start the treatment before apply a moisturizing cream that will aid the operation of the machine.

I was told that the cream is just to ensure that the machine has a surface that is smooth and lubricated to allow the machine to glide around the area for treatment, in my case, it was my thigh and butt area.

End of Treatment

After the end of the treatment, I was given a rub down to remove the cream and a quick massage before I got up to change. And once I was dressed, I was brought out and seated down for a cup of water and to sign off my treatment service before leaving the center!

VERDICT

Duration:

Roughly 1 hour. 30 mins was spent on measurement, 30 mins on treatment (15mins per area).

Overall Ambiance:

Dark but cozy, clean and neat. The room that I was in, has a sink and a large mirror, which was great because I could ensure that I'm well dressed after treatment or use it to touch up my makeup before leaving the center.

 Effectiveness: 
Ok, I pondered very hard on whether I should show you the whole portion of my thigh but decided that it's too revealing for my comfort... So~ I've cropped out and focus on areas that can still illustrate the effectiveness of the treatment.

I was informed before the treatment that the benefits of Velashape are a gradual smoothing of skin's surface, a noticeable reduction in cellulite, a circumferential reduction with noticeable reshaping of treated area, and possible reduction in the appearance of stretchmarks (woes of growing up too tall too fast).

To be honest, I wasn't expecting much from 1 treatment but the Before/After results are really amazing!

Upper Right Thigh Area

Overall, the treated area feels more toned, my skin looks firmer, the dimples of my cellulite appear to be less "deep"  and the stretchmarks look lighter. A quick pinch test also revealed a less lumpier skin.

Upper Left Thigh Area

As for the sensation of the treatment, I would say that the suction and mechanical massage feels very similar to a kneading type of massage. And while there was heat from the radio frequency, it is bearable (up to 40°C) as the temperature builds up slowly and gradually.

As for the pain factor, I would say that it's bearable (3.5 out of 10, 10 being excruciating painful) but it felt more painful for my left than right leg, especially on the sides of the thighs.

Despite only doing 1 treatment, I really think that if I were to continue with this treatment, I will be able to see an even greater reduction of my cellulite. Now, even though I've mentioned the effectiveness this treatment has for cellulite, VelaShape is also used to help tone up and define troubled area but I've focused solely on cellulite because it's what troubles me the most.

If you are interested to find out more about VelaShape or the other treatment Shou Slimming offers, feel free to head over to their website here or their center! 

Psst! Shou Slimming currently has a "Free Trial" Promotion on their web!

Where To Find Shou?

One Raffles Place #04-49/50, One Raffles Place, Singapore 048616 

Tel: 6536 9388

Novena Square 238 Thomson Road, #03-37/38, Novena Square Shopping Mall, 307683

Tel: 6252 5822

Have you ever been in a situation where you really need a quick beauty fix asap and just walk into a random shop hoping for the best, only to come out from the whole experience regretting it?

Do you find it a chore to have to Google and do heaps of researches on a particular service, only to be overwhelmed with all the site-hopping?

Yes?

Well, I've great news!

The search and stress are over with the use of Mefitted , a new local interactive online beauty directory for grooming, beauty and style,  Mefitted provides beauty enthusiast with the right tools to find industry professionals based on location and recommendations by users called ‘Mefitters’.

This interactive directory makes it easier for beauty patrons and enthusiast to discover beauty/ grooming related services around locations that we never knew existed, all in just a few simple clicks! Featuring over 8,000 listings in Singapore from salons and spas, to tailors and dry cleaners, embarking on a journey towards grooming perfection has never been easier.

Moreover, Mefitted also has a community of reviewers (a.k.a. Mefitters) who share experiences and recommend their favourite haunts, to help you make informed and unbiased decisions by allowing you to compare results, read reviews all in one single site!

So, if you have a passion in helping others discover and find great grooming professionals, brands and other tips and secrets, go ahead and be a Mefitter today!

That being said, I have just added Pure Tincture into Mefitted with my review on their service!

So you see~ Mefitted doesn't only benefit people looking for beauty services, but also businesses! Especially if you are a business that is looking to boost your online presence in the grooming and beauty industry. Mefitted equips businesses with the right online tools to engage with potential customers and increase sales by considering both the needs of companies and individual beauty professionals alike, Mefitted offers an effective yet affordable online platform that allows businesses to tap into a larger customer audience, ultimately strengthening the exposure in the increasingly relevant worldwide web!

So start exploring with Mefitted and feel free to add your list of beauty/ grooming services to it today!

This post has been brought to you by Mefitted.com, the world's first interactive directory for grooming, beauty and style.

Disclaimer: I recommended Pure Tincture because I truly love their service. I am not paid to promote Pure Tincture.

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