Tag Archives: Japanese skincare

MTG’s ReFa S Carat & Plosion

November 22, 2015 Ena Teo 2 Comments

Hi Loves!

MTG should not be new to you as I’ve previously featured MTG’s ReFa Carat Facial & Body Massager on my blog post here. So, a while back, I was invited again for their bloggers’ & media preview as MTG launched in Singapore, their ReFa S Carat which is a smaller, sleeker version of the ReFa Carat, as well as Plosion carbonated mist set, which is a beauty product coming from Japan, more of that below!

ReFa S Carat is more suitable as a facial massage – for the nose, cheeks, side of face – as compared to the bigger ReFa Carat. Priced at S$220. For more information and to purchase, visit their Singapore site here.
Here, the MTG Singapore director is giving a demo of MTG products on the model. Always remarkable when he works on one side of the face to show the difference from the other! I suggest that you pop by one of their stores and test it out for yourself. 😉

Now on to MTG’s PLOSION – it’s designed for convenience and functionality, the PLOSION diffuser has a portable compact body capable of emitting a small but powerful jet of carbonated mist containing three times the average concentration of carbonic acid. Carbonic acid has emerged as a new beauty trend in Japan and the treatment aims to give your skin a healthy dose of hydration, anytime anywhere.

Before I attended this media preview session, I was honestly clueless about carbonic acid because well, it’s not something that’s popular in Singapore – at least something that I was unaware about! So I did some research about it before the event and I was quite surprised with the results I found, namely that it’s already super popular in Japan. And the MTG staff told us that they have already introduced Plosion way back in 2008 in Japan(!) and the version that they are now introducing in Singapore is already quite advanced.

So more about Carbonic Acid, taken from this JapanHotNow article dated from 2013:

Best-selling ingredient #1
Carbonic acid: From food to cosmetics!

Carbonic acid has taken Japan’s health and beauty scene by storm in the last several years. The trend started with popular carbonated-water diets and moved to a huge boom in carbonated bath salts, hair and scalp treatments, and now cosmetics!

Carbonic acid lifts dirt from pores, promotes healthy circulation, and more. Blood circulation in the skin is what promotes cell turnover, which has a host of skin benefits–including fighting dullness and spots as well as combatting sagging and swelling.

Sounds amazing, huh? How come I haven’t heard of it earlier in Singapore? HAHA.

The PLOSION Carbonated Mist Handy set comes with:

1x Carbonated Mist Diffuser
2x PLOSION Face Essential Lotion (13ml) (S$79 each for refills)
1x CO2 Cartridge (S$20 each for refills)
Retail price: S$399
Available in 3 colours, silver, white & dark red.
For more information and to purchase, visit the site here.

I’ve tried the Plosion product, it definitely feels very refreshing and moisturizing. It’s supposed to also be able to lift sagging skin, although I won’t be able to tell or see the difference. The product should last you about 30 days if you use it daily, refills would cost about $99. It’s definitely a product targeted at the more mature crowd, considering the product features and price point!
Also loving the media preview space at Cosentino gallery, more of the space in another blog post!

Thank you MTG Singapore & Touch PR for the invite & ReFa S Carat!

Ena

Beauty, Lifestyle

ORBIS CLEAR Skincare is Your Solution to Menstrual Acne

July 16, 2015 Ena Teo Leave a comment

Hi Loves!

Don’t you just hate it when the time of the month comes and your beautiful clear skin is ruined by pesky acne? >,<#

To combat menstrual acne, ORBIS recently launched their renewed CLEAR skincare series! Honoured with the Best Basic Research Award at the 28th International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists, ORBIS’ new discovery identifies female hormones (Progesterone) as one of the factors that causes a decrease in skin resistance towards acne. A world’s first, this breakthrough established that during the female monthly cycle, an increase in progesterone causes a decrease in “antimicrobial peptides” which eventually leads to acne breakouts. Now we know why these pesky menstrual acne come about!

As such, ORBIS’ renewed CLEAR skincare series come with Gromwell Root extract, a compound that enhances the skin’s own protective functions to defend against menstrual acne. The use of herbal ingredients like Gromwell Root / Lithospermum Erythrorhizon extract (which promotes wound healing with its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects), actually multiplies the amount of antimicrobial peptides five times, making the solution highly effective in tackling menstrual acne.

In addition, when complemented with ORBIS’ signature OIL-FREE formulation, not only is the menstrual acne diminished, the overall skin also becomes firmer, smoother, more protected and moisturised with better clarity and texture – a foundation for beautiful skin.

Whilst it’s meant to combat menstrual skincare, this range is also suitable for acne in general as well as for men! Infact ORBIS products are commonly known to be unisex and I recommend their concealer for my male friends as well for their unisex packaging and branding.

ORBIS held a media launch to share more about the CLEAR series, check out the event below:

The ORBIS CLEAR series consists of a Wash (Cleanser), Lotion & Moisturizer:

ORBIS CLEAR Wash
A bound-rich facial wash that effectively clears clogged pores, preparing the skin for active ingredient absorption. Contains Amino acid components to gently cleanse the skin

ORBIS CLEAR Lotion
A toning lotion that is effective in penetrating through to the stratum corneum layer (outermost), even in rough skin condition, and binding itself to the sebum within the pores. The result is that the ingredients of the lotion get actively absorbed deep into the pores effectively.

ORBIS CLEAR Moisture
This moisturiser with fine 0.1 micron mesh structure, effectively protects the skin from external damages, such as dryness, for a skin that is soft and hydrated.

There are also masks and body lotion and wash in the range.

Gromwell Root Extract, the special ingredient to the range due to its anti-inflammatory effects, promotes wound healing and anti-bacterial properties.

ORBIS CLEAR series promises better skin protective functions and higher skin hydration.

Award winning findings; during women’s period, increased progesterone causes the decrease of antimicrobial peptides which cause acne – hence by increasing antimicrobial peptides, the skin can combat menstrual better.

My Review

The ORBIS CLEAR Wash requires lathering to create a thick foam to gently cleanse the skin. It’s gentle yet able to cleanse thoroughly for a taut clear skin. The ORBIS CLEAR Lotion is refreshing formula that is able to remove any debris even after a second wipe down, the only set back is the light alcohol scent. My favourite of the lot is the ORBIS CLEAR Moisturizer – it’s got a watery gel consistency, applies smoothly on the skin and really keeps the skin hydrated for the whole day.

Before I knew about ORBIS CLEAR Skincare, I was more familiar with ORBIS supplements. I popped by their outlet at Robinsons after the media launch and here’s some interesting supplements I came across!

ORBIS CLEAR Step for clear healthy skin, comes with Vit Bs and C and more to combat acne skin.

Slimming exercise pills that help you burn more while you exercise!

Super cool isn’t it?

Product Prices
ORBIS CLEAR Wash, $20.00
ORBIS CLEAR Lotion, $23.00
ORBIS CLEAR Moisture, $26.00
ORBIS CLEAR Trial Set, $18.50
ORBIS CLEAR Powder Foundation, $28.00
ORBIS CLEAR Powder Foundation Case, $11.00
ORBIS Acne Spots Concealer, $18.50

You can purchase ORBIS products at their outlets here:

Robinsons (The Heeren, Raffles City) both at Level 1 Beauty Hall

Bishan Junction 8, #01-46

Westgate, #02-18

Let me know if you’ve tried any ORBIS products and what you think of them!

Ena

Art & Design, Beauty, Lifestyle

SK-II Workshop & Trial Set First Impressions

July 19, 2014 Ena Teo Leave a comment

Hi Lovelies~ 🙂

A while back I had the opportunity to attend SK-II’s workshop and purchase their products at a huge discount. 😀

This is the generous goodie bag that was given to the workshop participants! I also really love the bracelets and charms. 🙂 There was also a $90 voucher, which I used to purchase a set of masks for my sister, since her wedding is coming up in August and I want her to look her best. 🙂

As you would probably have guessed by now, I have too many beauty products to try at the moment and I #onlyhave1face, so I haven’t got round to try SK-II products yet!

As I was busy trying out the products during the workshop and demonstration, I also didn’t manage to snap any pics. :/

I’m not sure about you, but I have conflicting feelings towards SK-II. On one hand, my first impressions of the brand is that it’s a prestige brand with amazing whitening effects but on the other hand, my emotional feelings towards it is really bad – I really hated seeing SK-II ads popping up during Youtube videos. And it’s practically everywhere online! Clozette, Luxola and basically most of the female sites when I’m on, of which I reckon by now that I am one of the targeted/intended advertising recipient. It’s one of those brands that I feel is suffering from “over exposure”, to the point that consumers like myself find it irritating.

That said however, I look forward to trying these products and to report back how I find it. 😉

Anyone has any experience with SK-II products that you wanna share?

Thanks for reading~! <3

Ena

Beauty, Lifestyle

Kose Sekkisei Cinderella Contest Audition & Updates

June 1, 2014 Ena Teo 13 Comments

Hi lovelies! <3 <3 <3

By now I’m sure you’re aware that I’m one of the 6 finalists in running to be
Kosé Sekkisei Cinderella for Singapore.

I want to specially dedicate a post to share with you all the audition process and the month long process thus far! 🙂

Prizes for the champion for the Kosé Sekkisei Cinderella Contest
includes SGD$6,000 cash &
an invitation to the Sekkisei 30th Anniversary Birthday Party to be held in Japan in spring 2015 (next year).

There will be special prizes:
Ms Popular & Kosé Judges Special Prize where the winners win a year’s supply of Sekkisei products.

I’ve previously shared the reason why I wanted to take part in the contest on my instagram and my contest Facebook page.
It’s also featured on the contest dedicated site, a screenshot here:

And that’s the reason I am blogging about my journey, to share with my readers about Kosé products, the journey of this contest, beauty tips and my personal thoughts. This is in line with my blogging philosophy; to share about my personal experiences and hopefully it brings a smile to your face and inspires you to pursue your own interests and make wonderful memories of your own! 🙂

This is the contest schedule, we’re just done with May’s Facebook postings and June’s public voting has just began! More on that later. Results will be out in July, exciting times and it’ll also be my birth month! 🙂

Now let’s rewind back to the audition evening:

I first came to know about the Kosé Sekkisei Cinderella Contest on Facebook in passing and it was only when I attended the Kosé workshop with June that she encouraged me to take part and so I did!

On the evening of audition, there were about 20 shortlisted ladies present. We were spilt into groups of 6-7 and each batch took turns to go into a room with a panel of Japanese and local Kosé representatives who asked us questions and we had to reply them one by one. They asked questions like why did we take part in this competition (my answer above) and what is our idea of a Cinderella. If you’re curious, my idea of a Cinderella is someone who is kind and gentle. I am definitely not a perfect Cinderella, but I do aspire to be a kind and gentle lady! 🙂

Some of the refreshments served for the audition evening, including special Japanese snacks brought by the representatives from Japan.

After some consideration, the panel of judges decided on the 6 finalists and we were given a briefing on what to expect and also took photos for our contest Facebook page profile, with a tiara no less! ^^

Here with one of the Kosé staff who was also our host for the evening, who speaks fluent Mandarin, Japanese and basic English. I am always in awe of multi-lingual people!

Everyone who came down for the audition went home with a Kosé Sekkisei goodie bag, and of course the 6 finalists got a complete set of Kose Sekkisei skincare regime to use, review and share on our contest Facebook page:Truth: Kosé Sekkisei Cinderella Contest is influencing me to be a big fan of the deep sea blue. <3

I’m reposting from my Instagram how I’ve been using Kosé Sekkisei products for my morning and night routine:

Kosé Sekkisei Morning Skincare & Beauty Routine

1. White Liquid Wash, 140ml, $46
I use 1 pump, lather on my hands for a foamy and gentle facial cleansing.

After cleansing, I use 2. Emulsion, 140ml, $82
A small dose is sufficient moisturizer my entire face.

3. Sun Protect Essence Gel in 50+SPF PA++++, 80g, $50
is a milky gel that applies smoothly and keeps my face protected against the damaging sun rays.
On days when I don’t want foundation (on days when I don’t have to attend to any appointments or events), I end my skincare at this step.

4. White BB cream, 30g, $39
Is my current go to BB cream. It’s lightweight yet provides a good coverage for a dewy look on camera. 🙂

With these 4 skincare and beauty products, my skin is pampered, protected and I’m good to go!

This is how I look after 2 weeks of using the products, photos with no filter.

My current Kosé Sekkisei Morning Skincare & Beauty Regime Summary as posted on my Instagram.

Now onto my Kosé Sekkisei Night Skincare & Beauty Regime

This is how I look like 3 weeks, photos without filter, after using Kosé Sekkisei products, with Kosé White BB cream, after a full day!
YES, can you see the dewy glow that the White BB cream gives? Well, of course there’s a bit of my perspiration at work, nonetheless this is the reason why the White BB cream is my go-to BB cream, I like that it is lightweight and has a smooth and dewy finish.

1. Cleansing Cream, 140g, $44
in cherry size. I use a cotton pad to pick the cream up and I love how cooling and gentle this cream is on my skin.

2. Facial Liquid Wash(140ml, $46) in the shower, same as the day.

3. Clear Whitening Mask, 76ml, $35
Apply an even layer over face, avoiding the eyes, hair line and lips. It dries taut within 20 min and removes cleanly, along with pore hairs so that my face is shiny & smooth!

You have to apply a fair thick layer, it feels like I used up 1/10 of the bottle.

Remove the mask gently from the bottom first and then side, and try to remove from both sides of the face together with the nose being the last touch point, so that the mask removes the dirt and hair more effectively.

4. Lotion (100ml, $41). Apply using Kose’s cotton mask and leave on for 15 min. Leaving my skin hydrated.

Kose’s 100% Cotton Lotion Mask

Tip: Use the bottle cap of the lotion as a mini container.

Fill it up with the cotton in it.

Fill to the brim.

Till the cotton is fully absorbed with the Lotion goodness <3

Leave in on your face for 15 min. Pat down gently.

5. Night cream, 40g, $82
use in pearl size, I love how hydrating this is and it has a refreshing aqua scent.

6. Eye cream, 20ml, $82
use in rice grain size for each eye. I apply along with an eye massage, great for resting the eye.

I love how my skin is hydrated and fairer after this regime! No filter and yes, it’s a nice blush and rosy cheeks I have there. HEH.

The full Kosé Sekkisei Night Skincare and Beauty Regime Summary as posted on my instagram, @ena_teo.

I’m gonna repost the before and after photos, side by side for your comparison here:

So, what do you think? My skin has gotten fairer, smoother and more radiant huh? ^^

The 6 of us finalists also had a photoshoot recently, with Tricia who’s the blogger mentor for this contest. Some of the behind the scenes photos of that day:

Kosé skincare and Esprique make up for the day~

Getting my hair done

Photos of our fittings at Tricia’s Vainpot Boutique.

Visit Tricia’s online boutique vaingloriousyou.livejournal.com for her fab dresses! I’ve got my eyes on one of her Mary Katrantzou inspired designs. 🙂

Accessories in hues of blue…

Here’s the one matching my dress. From Lovisa if I’m not mistaken!

Getting my hair and makeup retouched just before the individual shots:

Giving my best mega-watt smile 😀

With the other lovely finalists, Gina, Michelle, Elizabeth and Chloe, missing Cheryl while it was her photoshoot turn!

With Tricia! <3

And UKay, the photographer of the day.

With Chloe, Michelle, Gina and Cheryl.

With all the finalists and the Kosé marketing team! 🙂

All of us finalists had dinner together and it’s a blessing to be taking part together in this contest with all these lovely ladies! <3
It’s been a rewarding journey thus far to be able to meet with all these lovely Kose Sekkisei Cinderella Contest team, Tricia herself, her team and Cinderella finalists. 🙂

With the the make up team, Cleo, Cindy and MUA whom I didnt get the name, sorry!

Post-shoot photo. 😀

Couldn’t bear to remove the make up without some selfies to remember the look by, so here goes!:

Please vote for me on my Kosé Sekkisei Contest page here. Arigato! <3

When you vote, you’ll get an exclusive coupon code to enjoy Sekkisei Lotion 100ml at $25 worth $41! 🙂

Last but not the least, I’m having a mini Kosé giveaway worth $80!

When I was attending the workshop, I bought these products to try, little did I know that I would later be selected as one of the 6 finalists and sponsored the same products (and more). Therefore I would like one of my lucky readers to win this set of Kosé Sekkisei star products which I’ve been enjoying:

Kosé Sekkisei Clear Whitening Mask 76g, $35 and Sun Protect Essence Milk 57g, $46.
They’ll come in these pretty blue and silver boxes! & I’ll be sending these to the winner via mail.

~Giveaway~

For a period of 2 weeks:
1. Vote for me on the site here (http://sg.sekkisei-cinderella.com/finalist/ena.html)
2. Like and Share this giveaway http://bit.ly/EnaKoseFBGiveaway on Facebook. (Make sure its public so I can see you’ve shared.)
3. Submit your details on this google form:bit.ly/EnaKose
to stand a chance to win a set of Kosé Sekkisei products including Clear Whitening Mask ($35) and Sun Protect Essence Milk ($46), total worth $81.

T&C:
– Contest runs for 15 days, from 1-15 June.
– Winner will be randomly chosen using excel sheet and announced after on my Enabalista FB page (https://www.facebook.com/enabalista).
– Contest opens internationally.
– Winner will have to reply to my FB message or email within 3 days with his/her address and I will send it over within 1 week.

In the event that I win the contest/crown title come July when the results are out, I will also be randomly picking 1 more local winner(based in Singapore) from this same giveaway list and the very lucky winner will win a handwritten note by me & $500++ worth of Kosé Sekkisei products, yes the very same set above!

Hope you enjoyed this post~ 😉

Thanks to Kosé Sekkisei Cinderella Team for the sponsorship and support to all of us finalists thus far.

Thank you for reading! <3

Ena

Beauty

HABA Japanese Non-Additive Skincare Review

March 16, 2014 Ena Teo Leave a comment

Hello~!

Today I’ll be reviewing a set of products from HABA, a Japanese skincare and beauty line. ^^

HABA the brand, is an acronym which stands for Health Aid Beauty Aid.
HABA believes in beauty from the inside out:
that the right skincare and healthcare will lead to a better life.

HABA also desires for their users to experience a Non-Additive mindset,
which originates from Hokkaido, Japan.

What is unique about HABA is that it boasts to be:
Paraben-Free
Mineral Oil Free
Artificial Colourant Free
Artificial Fragrance Free
Petrochemical Surfactant Free

These are common additives (aka preservatives) in many brands’ products
that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Instead, HABA uses ingredients such as sasa kurilensis water (bamboo extract) which acts as a preservative, contains antibacterial properties and helps to keep the skin moisturized. (Is that why bamboo juice is so refreshing on a hot summer day?!). HABA only uses ingredients that are safe and healthy for the skin.

Weeks back, I was invited down for a mini facial and skincare treatment at the HABA Suntec outlet.

The skincare treatment consists of the items which I also brought back for use to review.

The regime is as such:

1) Cleanse
with HABA’s Micro Force Cleansing
2 in 1 make up remover and cleanser

Usage:
I pump 1-2 times on my cotton pad and wipe away my makeup.
Then I will gently cleanse my face with water.

After using this to remove my make up, it also cleanses my skin, so technically it saves me one step!
That said, however I still use a gentle cleanser in the shower. 😛

I love this water based cleanser as it is very hydrating and moderate in consistency,
much like a water based lotion and cleanses gently as much as thoroughly.

2) Special Care
with HABA’s best selling whitening serum, White Lady

Usage:
I use 1 pump for my entire (small) face.
Pump generously into your palm for how much you require,
and gently pat on your face with your fingers.

This serum is developed from a doctor’s formula,
contains sasa kurilensis water (bamboo extract) and vitamin C,
it is moisturizing, antiseptic and has sterilizing effects.
The serum is light weight and is liquid in consistency.

3) Moisturize with
HABA’s VC lotion, whitening toner

Usage:
Apply VC Lotion by patting lightly on the skin with both hands.
HABA encourages ladies to apply this toner 5 times during each use.
This way, the product can fully penetrate the skin, leaving it refreshed and supple.

I was quite amazed at why I was never previously educated on this method,
it does make a lot of sense since toner bottles always come in such big bottles and take forever to finish.
That said, it’s still important to check and follow the recommended dosage for different brands
as not all toners are formulated in the same way. 🙂

VC lotion is a moisturizing alcohol free toner infused with Vitamin C derivative
which can penetrate the skin better and is non irritating to the skin.
It also contains Ceramide nanosome which
helps to keep moisture levels in your skin for a longer time.

4) Protect
with HABA’s Squalane

Usage:
With hands and face still moist from toner lotion,
apply one drop of Squalane on your moist hands,
spread the Squalane on your palms and press them gently on your moist face.

This is also one of HABA’s best selling products.
Extracted from deep sea shark’s liver oil, this is the same oil
that is in our skin that created a protective film to retain hydration.

After using this set for weeks in the morning and evening, I feel that my skin is pampered and properly hydrated. I would definitely recommend this to ladies who are looking for natural skin care products, for hydrated and supple skin, especially in dry weather.

The prices of the featured products are as such:
– Micro Force Cleansing (Makeup Remover) 120ml, S$46
– White Lady (Whitening Serum) 30ml, $78
– VC Lotion 180ml, S$85
– Squalane (Beauty Oil), 15ml $29
I’ve been using these products for about 3 weeks now,
and I approximate that these will last for 3 months.

5) Moist White Beauty Drink
A fresh, crisp beauty drink that contains Haskap (blueberry honeysuckle),
a fruit that is coveted for its powerful whitening and anti-aging properties.
It also includes collagen, ceramidea and L-Cystine
which helps to enhance skin clarity and firmness.
Each bottle contains 3,000mg of collagen and on 21 calories per bottle. 🙂

The taste is sweet, smooth and I love the blueberry flavour.
I only got to try 1 bottle, so I can’t attest to it’s longer term effect.
Also, as I am also in my early 20s I don’t (yet) have to worry about collagen loss.
Altho’ I’m quite sure when the time comes (another 5-10 years) I’ll start collagen intake regularly
as it’s been said that collagen drink works wonders for your skin! 😉
$49/box (of 10 bottles).

When I was in their store, I als got to try their Ion My Esthe II,
a home esthetic treatment device that cleanses and treats your skin with the power of ion.
It performs two basic function in two modes:
Ion Cleansing Mode and Ion Care Mode.

I tried their Ion Care Mode as such:
Apply 8-10 pumps of White Lady Serum on face
Soak a face sheet with VC Lotion
Put the mask on face and slowly roll on Ion My Esthe II on my face
At approximately 8 minutes, a beeping sound will go off to indicate that the treatment is done.
Remove the mask and apply lotion Squalane on your face.
It is recommended to perform Ion Care Mode twice a week
and Ion Cleanse Mode once a week for maximum results.

I am quite amazed at how ION treatment works, in the sense that I am unsure how it works.:P
(Maybe my learned chemical engineering sister can tell me how?)
It’s also hard for me to say how effective it is as I’ve only tried it once.
However I can attest that it’s definitely safe, it uses our/my own body’s ION power to
charge this instrument. Cool huh?!
That’s one of the reason why I love being a blogger!
Getting acquainted and to be able to try new and cool
beauty products and treatments to share on my blog. ^^
Given the chance, I would definitely love to try using it for a longer period. 🙂

The Ion My Esthe II (Facial Instrument) costs $350.

HABA also has make up products, which I had the pleasure to try during my visit.
Their make up products are light and feels very natural
and also creates a very Japanese look, in my opinion.
If you’re a fan of natural/non-additive products, do give their make up range a try. 🙂

~ For my dear readers ~ ^^
Quote my name “Ena” and get 15% discount, valid till April 2014.

I will also be having a HABA GIVEAWAY &
1 lucky winner will win more than $200 worth of HABA products consisting of:

– 1 make up remover

– 1 White Lady (whitening serum)

– 1 toner

– 1 Squalane oil

To join, simply do the following:

Step 1: LIKE HABA’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/haba.com.sg

Step 2: Like my blog Enabalista Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/enabalista

Step 3: SHARE this Facebook post here.

Deadline: 30 March 2014, Sunday 7pm.
Winner will be announced here and on my Enabalista FB page shortly after.

Winner will have to provide his/her email address and pick up the products at the Suntec store!
HABA staff will select the suitable products after checking your skin type. ^^

You can find HABA outlets at:

Suntec City Mall #01-306

Ngee Ann City #B2-13A

And their *NEW* OG Orchard !
To celebrate this event, they are having an exclusive promotion, see below image for more info.:

Follow HABA on their Facebook here.

Thanks for reading! <3

Ena

Ena Teo | Enabalista