TheFaceShop introduces The SMIM Fermentation Concentrate Range @ Cotton ECP

May 31, 2014 Ena Teo 1 Comment

Hi lovelies! <3 <3 <3

A while back I attended TheFaceShop’s blogger launch for The SMIM Fermentation Concentrate Range at Cotton Restaurant at East Coast Park.

As usual, I’ll let the photos do the talking before I review the product! 😉

As I was slightly early for the event, I took a stroll along the East Coast beach.
I KID. The truth is, I was lost and I walked in the wrong direction, so I sorta took a detour before I reached Cotton restaurant. Nonetheless, I learn to enjoy the detour. 😉

And look, what a sweet picture this is, a couple having what seems like dinner. Not a bad view and date I must say. 😉

The clouds, the view, the breeze… reminds me of why I enjoy heading to ECP with my friends. 😀

Finally! I found Cotton. Looking pretty cosy even from the outside…Here’s the view from the area we were seated. It’s really quite a big restaurant, and I heard from Alethia that they serve pretty good brunches! More about the food later. 😉

The brand executive of TheFaceShop sharing about the SMIM Fermentation Concentrate Range.
Yes, that’s Sheena on the right. 😉

The SMIM Fermentation Concentrate Range (not in order of the photo, but in the order of usage):
Information courtesy of TheFaceShop Press Release

1. SMIM Fermentation Total Treatment, $66.90
With 85% of pure yeast extract and naturally fermented kefir grains, this treatment is the ultimate ally for women for intensely regenerated and repaired skin for optimal youth and glowing radiance. This ‘Miracle of Youth’ acts as a power booster to enhance the synergy of products used in subsequent steps to promote texture refinement, firming, wrinkle resilience, sebum balancing and radiance.

2. SMIM Fermentation Toner, $53.90
An anty-aging toner consisting of undiluted kefir grain fermentation crystals and pure yeast extract, this gelish watery texture toner penetrates deeply in your skin, providing optimal hydration and elasticity. It contains Tundra Chaga mushroom substance that strengthens your skin’s defense power to help accelerate skin repair for healthy, hydrated and radiant skin.

3. SMIM Fermentation Essence, $59.90
An all in one anti-aging essence that contains a high concentration of fine particles of fermented Tibetian mushroom extracts and concentrated yeast extract., this lightweight essence aims to provide intense firming, radiance and regeneration to your skin. Light to the touch, this essence will melt into your skin and leave it with an satin radiance and luxurious touch.

4. SMIM Fermentation Emulsion, $53.90
The Emulsion provides an intensive firming and wrinkle repair. With a perfect blend of micro kefir grain fermentation crystals and natural fermentation yeast liquid, this essence helps to achieve a youthful radiant glow and an even skin tone. The undiluted fermented yeast solution and Tibetan mushroom extracts render soft flexibilty to the skin and elasticity for refined skin texture. Lightweight emulsion melts into the skin for silky hydrated comfort.

Pretty Suzy of Miss A and also touted the new “Korea’s Little Sister” is the Face of the SMIM Fermentation Concentrate Range.

We were each gifted a bottle of the SMIM Fermentation Total Treatment. 🙂

During the session, we tried using this product and the hand that had this product applied, I could visibly tell and experience that it quickly absorbed the subsequent water sprayed on, while the other hand had the water droplets sitting on the skin. Lol!

More of my review later. 🙂

Now onto dinner at Cotton @ ECP!

This is a very yummy tuna salad.Roasted chicken and beef. The beef was very tender, I usually don’t fancy beef due to its overly chewy texture but they served it up very well. The mushroom gravy for the chicken was especially yummy.

These tiny sized chicken wings are a hot favourite amongst the bloggers. I’m not a big fan of chicken wings, but I know these are perfect for parties! Plus, the chilly sauce is very yummy too. The skin is crispy and the meat isn’t dry. If you’re a chicken wings fan, I recommend this. 🙂

After dinner, we had a cross word search activity! Fastest blogger wins a big pack of TheFaceShop hamper.

Nope, I didn’t win cause I wasn’t fast enough! LOL.

With Yvonne, who won the game! 😉

Some selfies of the night~

Thanks to TheFaceShop, I’ve just started using this product after cleansing and before putting any other skincare. The recommendation is to use it with a cotton pad, because the product will remove the dead skin cells and only with the cotton pad can the dead skin cells be picked up. So I’ve used it and I did find the cotton pad just slightly yellower than normal so I reckon the removal of dead skin cells is legit! There is a little sweet scent, not sure how to describe it except for sweet, and it’s texture is much like a toner, very lightweight. The full effect of this product is supposed to take effect in 14 days.

If you’d like to know a more detailed review, you can refer to Sheena’s 14 day beauty diary / journey on CozyCot, where you can also redeem a 2 weeks trial bottle here (which I think is the mini bottle that I also have, see above) you should also check out Sheena’s blog here. 😉

Last but not the least, a promotion specially for my readers!

Plus, TheFaceShop is offering Free Makeovers this weekend (see below). What are you waiting for?

Thank you TheFaceShop for the event invite~

Thank you for reading <3

Ena

P.S. Please vote for me for Kose Sekkisei Cinderella Contest on the site here (http://sg.sekkisei-cinderella.com/finalist/ena.html)! <3
If you’re a fan of Kose Singapore FB, you have to unlike and like them for the vote button to pop up again!

Current Kose Giveaway
For a period of 2 weeks from 1-15 June 2014:
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 applies, refer to end of post here.

Lifestyle

Busting Myths about Cervical Cancer & Tea @ Lady M Singapore

May 31, 2014 Ena Teo 1 Comment

Hi Lovelies! <3 <3 <3

How have you been? I hope you’re having a fine Saturday! 😉

About 1 month ago, I was invited to attend a brunch to know more about Cervical Cancer.

Gonna digress a little, just wanna give a shoutout to my sister, Lujia’s friends:

Krystle, Brenna, Gen Wong, Gen Ng & Pamela!

I know, I know, lately almost all of posts have been sponsored reviews. But I can’t help it. I’ve got blogger obligation (self imposed, really) to review and blog about all the lovely products that’s been sent to me, I can’t possibly not blog about them. And so, I’ve still got tons of products and events queued up to publish. I reallyyy want to get up to speed with all my product and event reviews so that I can have a 2 days turnaround. But right now I have enough content to cover for the whole of June! >.< Not that I’m complaining, I just need to get myself disciplined to post up reviews every day or every other day! It’s just, with a full time job, it’s hard to manage. I really take my imaginary hat off to the bloggers who have no problem managing both, and yes, I’m talking about you girls, Cheryl and Alene!

Anyhoo, let’s get down to the Cervical Cancer talk! 😉

Here we have A.Prof Goh opening the session, telling us 3 salient points:

Cervical Cancer Rates have dropped since the introduction of CervicalScreen, Singapore’s pap smear screening programme.
HPV Vaccination was made Medisave Payable in 2010 for young girls.
Dispelling the myths will help all in a better education about cervical cancer and how you can prevent through regular screening and vaccination.

Aren’t these balloons in the prettiest pastel pink and mint colours? ^^

Next up, we had Prof Tay Sun Kuie, Senior Consultant of Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (read: the dept that specializes in the care of female reproductive system. You’re welcome.), sharing with us about the 10 myths of Cervical Cancer.

I’ll be sharing & busting 10 Myths here:

Myth 1: Cervical Cancer is not common, it can never happen to me

The number of cervical cancer cases in Singapore has been decreasing in the last 20 years because women take part in prevention programs.
Without these programs, cervical cancer is the 2nd most common cancer affection women. Globally, 500,000 women are diagnosed each year.

Myth 2: I am not at risk of Cervical Cancer as there is no such history in my family

Almost all cases of Cervical cancer occer in women with no family history of it. It is caused by a common virus – HPV.
There are about 130 different types of HPV but only 15 cause cancer. The 4 most frequent and aggressive HPV types that cause cervical cancer worldwide, are HPV 16, 18, 45 and 31. – Not that me telling you this makes any difference. >.< #geektalk

Myth 3: Getting Cervical Cancer is linked to being sexually promiscuous

HPV is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact:
Sexual intercourse or contact at the genital area
Non sexual contact (mother to infant during delivery)
Women can still be infected from having just one partner.
Every sexually active woman is at risk of being infected by HPV because it is so common and so easily transmitted.

Myth 4: I am feeling well, I do not have HPV infection

Cancer causing HPV is silent.
Infected individuals do not know that they are infected and may unknowingly speadthe virus.
Early cervical cancer has no signs or symptoms, this is why regular screening and prevention are critical.

Myth 5: If I have a normal Pap smear, it means I will not have cervical cancer

A pap smear is a screening test to detect any changes in cervical cells.
One normal Pap smear is not enough to protect you from cervical cancer.
In Singapore, all woman aged between 25 and 69 years old who ever have had sex are advised to have a pap smear done once every 3 years.

Myth 6: Pap smear program is effective, HPV vaccination is unnecessary

Pap smears and HPV vaccination play different roles in the holistic prevention of cervical cancer.
Pap smear detected changed in the cells of your cervix which may develop into cancer later.
Vaccination help to prevent certain HPV infections and reduce the risk of developing cervical pre-cancers and cervical cancer.

Lastly we had A/Prof Anne Goh, President of Pediatric Society and a gynaecologist sharing the remaining 3 myths and her own personal doctor stories with encounters of Cervical Cancer story, one that I will share below.

Myth 7: I am already sexually active, so the vaccine will not work for me

The best time to vaccinate is prior to sexual debut.
However, HPV vaccine has been proven to protect thousands of women in the clinical trials who were already sexually active.

Myth 8: My daughter is too young to be vaccinated. She won’t be at risk of cervical cancer at the age of 10.

Immune response is stronger when vaccinating young.
Singapore has included HPV vaccination into it’s National Childhood Immunization Programme starting from age 9-26 years old.

Myth 9: Vaccinating adolescents will encourage sexual promiscuity

The goal of vaccinations is to reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
Therefore, vaccination should not encourage promiscuity.

Myth 10: I must wait for my daughter’s menses before vaccination

Vaccination will not impact the onset of the menstrual cycle.
The antibodies generated by the vaccine will not interfere with adolescent development.

Side Effects associated with HPV vaccine:
injected site pain, redness
low grade fever
fatigue

Prof Goh mentioned that one of the most heartbreaking case she came across was a mother of 2 children, who came back for a check up with she was in the last stage (stage 4) of the Cervical Cancer and within a few months she passed away, leaving behind 2 young children. It was obvious to Prof Goh that the mother only had one partner (her husband in marriage) and still, Cervical cancer happened to her due to the common HPV virus. And she also mentioned that the majority of her cervical cancer patients are the common aunties in our midst. It is not a taboo, it is reality. In fact, she has not come across a single sex worker in her career because sex workers are regulated by law to go for check up regularly, to make sure they are in the pink of health.

Prof Sun spoke earlier that, there is no guarantee that you will not get Cervical cancer, unless you take the vaccination AND still go back for checks every 1-3 years.

So if you’re sexually active, it’s time to get your pap smear done and follow up with a vaccination plan! Even if you’re not sexually active, it’s best to get vaccinated before you are. Go ahead, call 6499 9133 to make your appointment.

Now for pics of Lady M cafe where the talk was held~

Best cake stand, ever! ^^

I had this, very yummy!
With blogger Crystal at the event~

My latte from Lady M, couldnt resist as I had an appointment in the morning and by 3pm I was in need of a perk me up!

I didn’t manage to take a pic, but their mushroom soup is incredibly yummy too, must try!

Event pics with Sam & Ash & Yvonne! Be sure to check out their blogs! 😉

Hope you found this talk as information as I did! 😉 I’m doing my bit to spread awareness on Cervical Cancer prevention!
Prevention is ALWAYS better than cure. 😉

Here’s an infographic to end off the post!

Thank you OCG Communication for the invite.

Thank you for reading! <3

Disclaimer: Protect to Tell – Cervical Cancer Awareness” on 12^th April 2014 Sat (the “Event”) was held as a lunch session, organised and sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline Pte Ltd. I was not paid for participating in the Event. All personal views expressed here are entirely my own.

Ena

Beauty, Lifestyle

MyLuvMe.com & Hyo Yeon The First Treatment Essence Review

May 29, 2014 Ena Teo 2 Comments

Hi Lovelies! <3 <3 <3

Today I’m very glad to be sharing about an online beauty shop, MyLuvMe.com! 😉

MyLuvMe.com focuses on supplying beauty products from skin care, hair care, body care, to make-up and color cosmetics, to health food, as well as beauty tools and accessories to consumers. All brands that are selling under myLuvMe.com are 100% guaranteed genuine and supplied directly from their authorized distributors. Along with offering international delivery all around the globe, they also provide free return within 14 days. Cool, huh?

Let’s check out the site together, shall we? ^^

Home page, the top bar promises free return within 14 days, authenticity guarantee, free international delivery upon 2nd purchased item. COOL.

Go ahead, check out all these acclaimed beauty brands! I spot a few of my faves, Kose, Dior, Estee Lauder… ^^

It seems that they have a featured brand every week and promotions going on for the featured brand… So you just gotta check back every week! 😛

These are their new arrivals, featuring Lancome, Estee Lauder, Dermalogica, Eve Lom.

Hot items include bliss, what seems like a slimming machine, La Prairie cream, Glam Glow Bright Mud Eye Treatment (being seeing a few raves on blog and social media!) and Valmont (haven’t heard or seen this brand before!).

PLUS they have a customer review segment, so awesome. I LOVE a site where I get to read customer’s review of the products before I buy, just so I know I’m buying a product that is well loved, hehe! I’m also the kind of person that goes to a restaurant and orders the food with the “Popular!” “Chef’s Recommendation!” stamps next to the food item on the menu when I am ordering… 😀

Thanks to MyLuvMe.com and Welcos, they sent me a Hyo Yeon The First Treatment Essence for review and here’s my review!

Before my review, just a little more about Welcos, the company and the brand Hyo Yeon.

Welcos is a Korean company that is all about a “Total Beauty Solution” manufacturing their own products and using natural ingredients mostly if not all grown in Korea. You can check them out on http://www.welcos.com/.

Their current model ambassador is Seo Hyun Jin:

Check out their 5 beauty brands: Hyo Yeon, Puretem, Eco ennea, Kemuel and Lian. I feel a bit like a beauty geek right now, but I really enjoy reading up and knowing about beauty brands and their mother companies. It’s just, nice to know where a product comes from and what the brand stands for, don’t you agree? 🙂

Coming back to the brand I’m reviewing: Hyo Yeon

They use special ingredient: Lotus Stem Cell.

The product feature is it’s 92.98% Pomegranate Lacotbacillus Extract which works to enhance the skin’s condition to its best level, keeping it healthy, protecting it and boosting the skin’s original health. Recommended to use after cleansing face, apply to face with cotton, wiping or dabbing to allow skin to absorb.

This is how the Hyo Yeon First Treatment Essence looks like, watery with slightly thick consistency, like syrup.

After the Hyo Yeon FTE is absorbed into my skin. My skin is more hydrated and supple and slightly brighter.

I did a test, to see if water would be absorbed faster into this hand after applying FTE.

VS my right hand, which I didn’t apply FTE. The verdict is that the rate of absorption was not the crucial point, but rather, the one with Hyo Yeon’s FTE gave my skin a more supple and firmer look, the lines were less obvious and is also smoother to the touch. Pretty awesome!

My review after using it for 2+ weeks is that I enjoy using this product. I use it in my first step of skin care, after cleansing. I will use this product generously on my face ensuring that all my face, neck and arms area are covered with this product. All without cotton, as I think it’s a waste to use it with the cotton as most of the product will end up on the cotton instead of my face. Then I will apply on my toner, moisturizer and make up.

I can tell you that my arms were having slight rashes due to the odd weather in Singapore blowing hot and cold. And all I did was simply to apply this FTE to my arms (both day and night) and a little of my normal lotion at night and the rashes would disappear soon and stop itching almost immediately. What I would highlight is that this product has a slight oriental ingredient scent, reminiscent of ginseng, I can’t read Korean, so I cannot confirm if there really is ginseng, however it is very light and should not put you off from using it unless… you have phobia of ginseng, lol. I would definitely recommend this product to all FTE fans and Hyo Yeon’s 200ml bottle is only S$41 on MyLuvMe.com as it’s currently on sale. U.p. is $58. Awesome much!
Buy it here. Check out other Welcos products here.

That’s all I have for now. Hope you enjoyed this post!

Thank you MyLuvMe.com &Welcos.

Thank you for reading! <3

Ena

Lifestyle

Tea Time at Your Very Treatz cafe

May 26, 2014 Ena Teo Leave a comment

Hi lovelies! <3 <3 <3

Have you ever found yourself around town wondering where’s good for a quaint little place for tea with your loved one?

Today I’m gonna help you out by introducing you to Your Very Treatz cafe at North Bridge Road which is super close to Bugis Junction! 🙂

Address: 420, North Bridge Road, #01-06, North Bridge Centre, Singapore 188727.

Let’s check out Your Very Treatz cafe!

Cakes galore! *✲ﾟ*｡✧٩(･ิᴗ･ิ๑)۶*✲ﾟ*｡✧

Dine-In Special: Get a slice of Chocolate Dome with any drinks at $7.80 only!

Cute as a button cookies. o(^▽^)o

Soothing and calming environment.

Chocolate Dome cake;
choocolate sponge cake coated with fine and smooth chocolate and vanilla cream, definitely the type of chocolate cake that satisfies my chocolate craving! It’s also the same Chcolate Dome cake with the special promo mentioned above. 😉

Made with very fine ingredients in Germany, the desserts and cakes found at Your Very Treatz Café are flown in frozen regularly to ensure the best quality and taste. 🙂

A lighter raspberry and cream cake. The raspberry filling tasted authentic and the cream is light, definitely a less sinful alternative to the Chocolate Dome. 🙂

Love the decor on the plate drawn with the berry syrup.

Double Chocolate Tartlet.
It’s cake covered with a very generous amount of chocolate mousse. One of their best sellers, I recommend this to be shared with a friend as it might be a bit too indulgent in one seating. 😛 If you’re feeling down and looking for a quick endorphine/pick me up fix, this is definitely one fine choice. 😉

Strawberry Cream Cheese Tartlet.
I’m a huge chocolate and berries fan, so that’s why all four of the cakes and tart choices and even my tea is either chocolate or berry flavoured. 😛
The sweetness of the strawberry goes very well with the natural cheese flavour. And how does one not love the overflowing berries filing? It’s made of real full berries. So awesome. 😀

See what I told you about the whole full berries?

I love how the tea comes in a cute tea cup set and blue pot!

If you like people or car-watching, you can do so by the window seat… 😉
I had Fruity Berry Tea which was sweet (but not overly so) and just the way I like it.

Snippets of the menu. Might be different the next time you’re there as I’ve heard they are upgrading the menu soon. 😉

Full set for only $15.80, top up $3 for an additional drink, so that makes $18.80 for two. Definitely makes for an affordable sweet date for two! 😉
P.S. I am definitely going back for this deal. 😛

$3.80 for a Treatz Brew, I’m definitely gonna try that too.

Great tasting cakes and tarts are affordably priced at $2.30 and $3.80, I know you’ll definitely be checking this place out on your next date. 😉

Your Very Treatz Cafe details:

420, North Bridge Road, #01-06, North Bridge Centre, Singapore 188727.
Tel:63368997 SMS:97897367
OperatingHours:10am10pm
Email:enquiry @ yourverytreatz.com (without the spaces) Website:www.yourverytreatz.com
Visit Your Very Treatz Facebook for their updates!

They’ll soon be having a promotion:

So book your next date at Your Very Treatz from 11-15th June. Whole cakes starting at $25. 😉

Hope you’ll enjoy Your Very Treatz cafe cakes and drinks as much as I did!

Thanks to Lucas for the media tasting and great company!

Thank you for reading~ <3

xoxo

Ena

Beauty, Fashion, Lifestyle

5 Hair Care Tips with Calvin Gan to #GetSassooned

May 21, 2014 Ena Teo Leave a comment

Today I’d like to share 5 tips to pamper your hair!
Watch and learn as hair stylist Calvin Gan treats Oon Shu An’s hair in this video:

1. Prep It
First, shampoo. An essential first step in keeping hair gently cleansed and moisturized from root to tips.

2. Work It
Use premium care conditioners to deeply nourish and thoroughly condition every strand.

3. Protect It
Using Vidal Sassoon’s Intensive Hair Mask, smoothens cuticle texture, prevents hair follicle from drying out.

4. Treat It
Treat it with Vidal Sassoon’s concentrated Amino Salon Essence formula.

5. Perfect It
Finally, perfect that style with Magic Style Activator for Curls, keeping hair frizz free and gives curled hair a soft, bouncy, natural finish that stays on for the entire day.

For the uninitiated, Vidal Sassoon is a brand that hails from the UK:
At the height of the mod 1960s, the original salon genius Vidal Sassoon revolutionised the hairdressing industry with his precise, unapologetically modern geometric cuts and chic, swingy bobs. Driven by an insatiable curiosity to understand and bring forward the future, he blended influences from the worlds of fashion and design, to create a signature style which changed the face of female beauty.

Local actress Joanne Peh is Singapore’s first Vidal Sassoon’s ambassador and
she was given the Vidal Sassoon treatment, where she traded her silky locks for a trendy bob:

I think it’s a bold, experimental and fashionable look and it gives Joanne Peh an edgy feel, especially after seeing her for years in her shoulder length hair. Check out the full xinmsn feature here and her video feature on youtube here. 😉

Vidal Sassoon products are available at Watsons & Guardian stores in Singapore.

Thanks to Vidal Sassoon for the press release.

Thank you for reading!

Ena

Art & Design, Inspiring, Lifestyle

#EcoAfterMe

May 20, 2014 Ena Teo Leave a comment

When I was in JC, I was part of the environmental club! As part of the club, we would implement environmentally friendly campaigns, like donating old phones as part of a campaign we held with Nokia (yeah, those were the days!).

Since young, I’ve always believed in being eco-friendly, having taught the 3 simple Rs:
Reduce
Reuse
Recycle

I remember I would cut up all my A4 papers from past years’ worksheets but were still empty on one side to use as rough paper. I stopped doing that since secondary school days, as there weren’t worksheets after JC… But that’s just a little earth-friendly activity that every student can take part in!

Well, if you have never been one to take part in environmentally friendly actions, you can start now by taking part in creating awareness for this campaign titled #EcoAfterMe!

Without further ado, I’ll introduce this site www.ecoafterme.com which allows you to take part and send your friend a fun postcard to spread awareness for environmentally friendly tips. 😉

A quick run down of how the site & postcard works! :

Here’s how the website would look like:

Insert the photos of you/yourfriend/photo of you & friend for the big reveal~ 🙂
Then you’ll be asked for your particulars, including your friend’s address to mail the postcard to!

I think this is a really fun site and it mails a postcard to your friend for free, so send one to let your friend know you’re thinking of him/her! 🙂

If that’s not a compelling reason enough, by taking part you can stand to win a staycation!:

After sending and receiving the postcard, follow the instructions below and
stand a chance to win $200 shopping vouchers and another staycation!

Now, if you’ve received your postcard, what can you do with it?

This is how a hardcopy #EcoAfterMe publicity postcard looks like.

Scrapbooking materials of colourpencils and journal from The Paper Store!

These coloured pencils are made with recycled newspapers!

You can use these stickers to stick your postcards to your journal. 🙂My sister happen to have bought these 4 stickers recently from the Paper Store at 4 for $9.90.
They have a lot of cute stickers and paper stationary, be sure to check them out. 😉

Visit their site here to find out where you can shop your stationary from!

Follow #EcoAfterMe on Facebook here!

Thanks to The Thinking3 Team, Lyrenna, Melissa & The Paper Store for the press kit.

Thank you for reading! <3

Ena

Art & Design, Fashion, Inspiring, Lifestyle

Zulu Zion’s Rad Socks

May 16, 2014 Ena Teo Leave a comment

If you haven’t already seen or heard, Zulu Zion socks are some of the raddest socks on earth.

ZULU ZION SOCKS

BOLD VIBRANT COLOURS

GRAPHIC PATTERNS

PREMIUM QUALITY 100% MADE IN EUROPE

Zulu Zion is a brainchild of Miha and Dijana Rolc – husband and wife, who grew up with the street culture of the 90s and always felt the urge to transform their lifestyle into a fashion accessory wearable everyday of the year.

BEST OF ALL, congrats to Zulu Zion for reaching their $10,000 target on their Kickstarter!:

Want to get your rad socks?

Their shop will be coming soon on http://www.zuluzion.com/:

Here’s my happy feet dressed in Rio socks! 😉

Thanks Miha & Zulu Zion for the gift of your rad socks.

Thanks for reading <3

Ena

Beauty, Lifestyle

A Bio-Derma H2O for Every Occasion

May 10, 2014 Ena Teo 4 Comments

Long before I was sent this press kit for review, I’ve heard countless beauty Youtubers, make up bloggers & instagrammers (yes, there’s officially such a term) raving about the Bio Derma H2O!

However at that point in time / for the whole of last year, I was using another milk based make up removers (bought 2 at a sale) and was also gifted several, or gift with purchase and didn’t have the occasion to try Bio Derma. So just imagine my delight when I was asked if I would like to review this product and it couldn’t be more timely as my current go to make up remover just finished.

The Bio Derma H2O family, from top Left, clockwise:
1. Bioderma Hydrabio H2O for dull, dehydrated skin
Special feature / Patent wonder:
The miracle worker here is the Aquaporin® Patent which ‘teaches hydration’ so that the skin reconstitutes its own resources to restore its original hydrating abilities. It contains an apple seed extract that stimulates skin’s natural hydrating capabilities and Vitamin PP that locks in water within the skin layers. In a clinical study, Hydrabio H2O increased 25% of skin’s hydration. $29.90 for 250ml

2. Bioderma Sensibio H2O, for sensitive and all skin types.
Much raved, star product.

The patented natural complex is a combination of ingredients consisting of saccharides, sugar and golden seaweed extracts.
This is proven to strengthen the skin’s resilience and have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and moisturising properties. $15.90 for 100ml, $29.90 for 250ml, and $39.90 for 500ml

3. Bioderma ABCDerm H2O, for babies and delicate skin
ABCDerm H2O is a high-safety and high-tolerance dermo-paediatric cleanser dedicated to babies and children. Its gentle formula and delicate texture help preserve and restore the skin’s natural physiological balance while respecting its fragility. ABCDerm H2O envelops babies in a tender and protective cocoon. Formulated for babies, ABCDerm H2O follows a framework of ABCDerm Dermatological Safety Commitment that strictly responds to 4 principles: Safety, Efficacy, Tolerance & Traceability. Daily cleanser for diaper area, skin folds, face, eyes and hands. No residual oily film. Does not sting eyes. Hypoallergenic, paraben-free, soap-free, and alcohol-free. $15.90 for 100ml, $39.90 for 500ml

4. Bioderma Sebium H2O for oil-prone skin
Those who suffer from oil-prone skin or dilated pores. This H2O uses copper sulphate and zinc gulconate to purify and regulate sebum production without drying the skin.
A Fluidactiv® patent improves sebum quality and inhibits comedogenesis.
Daily cleanser, purifies the skin and regulates excess sebum. Colourant-free, non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic. The blue tint from Sebium H2O stems from the natural colouring of copper sulphate. $15.90 for 100ml, $29.90 for 250ml, and $39.90 for 500ml

All Bio Derma H2O uses Micellar Water:

This stuff is amazing. I am blown away by how water can contain Micelles the softest cleansing agent to remove dirt and make up. But it does, and it works!

My review on Bioderma Sensibio H2O, for sensitive and all skin types

The water based cleanser is refreshing, fragrance free and feels like spring water/mountain alps water. So it is amazing to me how this water solution is able to cleanse my make up so well, as you know, normal water doesn’t clean off make up well. Must be the special Micellar solution. On days when I wear only sun block it is hardly remarkable. But on days when I wear foundation, it is remarkable how this unassuming water based cleanser takes off all the make up and dirt. I apply it on 3/4 of my square cotton pad and just wipe the make up off. I take 2 squares to completely clean my entire face, sometimes 3 when I have on thicker eye make up, just to be thorough. This make up remover is gentle, effective and remarkable. I have used it for appromimately 2-3weeks, and am 1/4 through the 250ml bottle. I surmise the bottle will last me 3 months.

In case you’re wondering, you can purchase Bio Derma from these outlets in Singapore:

Let me know if you’ve used or are currently using these products and your thoughts! 🙂

Thank you Chloe of the PR People and Bio Derma Singapore for the products.

Thank you for reading. <3

Ena

Beauty

Bio-Oil, The Multi-Purpose Oil

May 10, 2014 Ena Teo 2 Comments

In this post I’d like to share with you my review of Bio-Oil

10 Facts about Bio-Oil:

Bio-Oil is a specialist skincare oil that helps improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks and uneven skin tone.
Originated and manufactured in South Africa, this problem-solution specialist skincare oil was launched in 1987 and has grown to become the global leader in this segment over the last 26 years. Globally, Bio-Oil has won more than 135 skincare awards, as well as becoming the No.1 selling scar and stretch mark product in 17 countries.
Bio-Oil is the product most recommended by doctors for scars and stretch marks in New Zealand and South Africa. It is also the product most recommended by pharmacists for scars and stretch marks in the UK, Australia and South Africa. Many doctors and pharmacists around the world recommend Bio-Oil as their first choice for scars and stretch marks.
Bio-Oil is also a great all-over scar healer, as well as helps even out your skin tone. If you are pregnant, or have recently had a baby, Bio-Oil is the product to prevent the formation and/or helps to improve the appearance of existing stretch marks.
It is also suitable for use on the face and body. The product is suitable for sensitive skin, is hypo-allergenic and non-acnegenic (does not cause acne).
Bio-Oil has a unique breakthrough ingredient PurCellin OilTM. PurCellin OilTM ensures that the active ingredients are rapidly absorbed into the skin, without leaving an oily residue.
Bio-Oil is a formulation of vitamins A & E, natural plant oils – Lavender, Calendula, Rosemary and Chamomile.
Bio-Oil is highly effective for numerous other skin concerns including ageing and dehydrated skin. Clinical trials and skin tests studies were conducted to provide important information on how well the product works.
The best way to use Bio-Oil: Massage into the skin twice daily for a minimum of 3 months.
Bio-Oil was launched in Singapore in September 2011. Based on Nielsen’s data, Bio-Oil is the No. 1 selling scar and stretch mark product in Singapore.

The specialist skincare product is available in 2 sizes, 60ml (SGD $15.50) and 125ml (SGD $25.90) in all leading pharmacies, personal care stores, selected hospitals and departmental stores

Information above extracted from the press release.

What’s PurCellin Oil?

A German cosmetic scientist called Dieter Beier, discovered PurCellin Oil after studying the preen gland oil of ducks. A manufactured version of the oil was made, this reduced the thickness of the oil, making it easily absorbed into the skin. info. here.

1. PurCellin Oil™ provides the optimum storage environment for vitamins and natural herbal ingredients, ensuring they maintain their maximum efficacy prior to application.

2. PurCellin Oil™ creates a thin, non-greasy, protective layer over the skin which helps prevent skin dryness and guards against moisture loss, whilst still allowing the skin to breathe and maintain its normal physiology.

3. PurCellin Oil™ reduces the viscosity of Bio-Oil making it light and non-greasy. This ensures that the vitamins and natural herbal ingredients are fully absorbed by the skin and do not simply remain on the skin surface.

In October 1993 the Institute of Experimental Dermatology in Germany undertook a study to ascertain whether PurCellin Oil™ could cause skin irritation. 31 women and 19 men were tested, of which 16 had either allergy-prone or sensitive skin. Undiluted PurCellin Oil™ was placed on each subject’s skin for a time span of 48-72 hours. None of the subjects recorded any form of skin irritation

Information extracted from here.

Here are 6 New Ways for the Bio-Oil:

My Review

I don’t have any particular scar I can test the efficacy of this Bio-Oil in reducing scars. However I have used it on a few occasions to test the product, on my hands and arms as it’s touted to be hydrating. I don’t dare venture to use it on my face as it has mineral oil, which is often linked to clogging pores. Although the product says that it does not clog pores and after using in on my hands, I am still not comfortable with the idea of using it on my face. >.<

It has a baby oil smell, much similar to Johnson & Johnson’s baby oil. It’s a scent I like, as it’s familiar and comforting. It’s no doubt greasy. I don’t know why it’s stated that there’s no oily residue. Yes it leaves no residue, but it is oily after application, so I would advise application just before bed time so you don’t feel like your hands are oily in the day. Or of course unless you don’t mind cleaning/washing your hands after use in the day.

If you’re pregnant and looking to stop the itch from stretch marks then perhaps Bio-Oil is for you. Although I can’t say it works for sure as I did not use it for scar removal and/or stretch marks relief, I would recommend you to test the small bottle out, and if you like it, to then repurchase the big one if you like it.

Let me know if you’ve used or are using this product, how you’re using it and how you find it! 😉

Thank you for reading~ <3

Ena

Beauty, Lifestyle

Pamper your Mum with Crabtree & Evelyn

May 10, 2014 Ena Teo 1 Comment

Have you thought of what gift to get for your Mum for Mother’s Day?

Why not consider pampering your Mum with a luxurious gift box from Crabtree & Evelyn, filled with your customized selection of Rosewater,Lavender,Lily or Wisteria? 😉

For S$98, you get to indulge your Mom with an Eau de Toilette (100ml), Hand Wash (250ml), Hand Therapy (250g), Bath & Shower Gel (50ml) and Body Lotion (50ml).

If your Mum is a jet-setter, the S$38 petite gift box that consists of Bath & Shower Gel (50ml), Body Lotion (50ml) and Hand Therapy (25g x 2) might just be the ideal gift for her.

The heart shaped box with ribbon will be sure to melt your mum’s heart!

What’s more, enjoy special gift-with-purchase with minimum spending from now till 1 June 2014!

With a minimum spending of S$120 nett in a single receipt, receive a Crabtree & Evelyn® Mini Floral Body Care Set.

For the first 100 customers who spend S$150 nett in a single receipt, they receive additional 1-for- 1 Buffet voucher for use at RISE® Restaurant, Marina Bay Sands Hotel lobby®, Tower 1.

With any purchase of a Limited Edition Heritage Fragrance, receive a Heritage Fragrance notebook.

Gift sets are valid to two sets per offer, per customer. Promotions are valid at all Crabtree & Evelyn® outlets. While stocks last. Terms and conditions apply.

Crabtree & Evelyn® Store Locations

Takashimaya S.C, Ngee Ann City #B1-36/36A Paragon #B1-26
Raffles City Shopping Centre #B1-29
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands #B2-17A Suntec City Mall #01-320
Bugis Junction #01-14
VivoCity #01-00
Parkway Parade #01-07
Tampines Mall #01-31A
Junction 8 #01-42A
Jem® #01-60
The Star Vista #01-03

Thanks to Cindy of WOM & Crabtree & Evelyn Singapore for the Petite Gift box.
My mum will be pleased to receive this heart shaped box. <3

Thank you for reading! 🙂

Ena

Beauty, Lifestyle

Kose’s Youthful Radiance Beauty Workshop with Ariel Lin

May 10, 2014 Ena Teo 1 Comment

As announced on my Instagram & Facebook,
I’m currently in the running as one of the six finalist for Kose Sekkisei Cinderella contest! 🙂
(took me so long to announce here… procrastination will be the death of me >.<)

As part of the contest, each finalist has a dedicated Kose Facebook page where we post our beauty tips and journey through the month of May.
Do show some love and support by liking my page here (you can also click like on the sidebar)! <3
o(^^)o

Prior to joining the contest, I was invited by June to attend a Kose Beauty workshop where Taiwanese actress and Kose Ambassador Ariel Lin was also in attendance! 🙂

Kose make up artist Cleo, June, Ariel and DJ Jia Hui during the skincare segment.

Fan interaction where Cleo and Ariel show how one can complete the make up base regime in less than 5 min.

Ariel giving out token of appreciation to the volunteers. Lucky lucky volunteer who got her face touched by Ariel! Haha!

Next up we have make up segment by Osamu Dobashi, Japanese make up artist who looks like Vanness Wu, especially from his side profile. 😛 Model of the segment is the model/actress Haley.

Look at all the important looking Japanese men at the front row. I was wondering if they enjoyed the workshop as much as we ladies did. Hehe!

Dobashi getting very animated about makeup.

And the whole look is completed!

Then we have Ariel re-entering the stage with a beautiful blue dress. Sorry my Iphone 5 photos doesn’t do her justice. Her skin is as beautiful (or perhaps more so) than a 24 year old’s and she’s past 30! I want to have beautiful skin like hers when I’m her age! <3

After the stage demos, all of the participants got to explore booths and buy Kose products at a discount! Yay!

Beach themed decoration. So cute!

Instagram activities for the evening! Photo collage with all the lovely people at the event! <3

I’ll be blogging about the Kose Sekkisei Cinderella Contest audition and interview process in another post soon!

Some of my updates on my Kose page:-
Be sure to visit my page here to read about each post and like for updates! 😉

Thank you June, Kose Sg Team for the wondering afternoon at MBS for the workshop.

Thank you for reading <3

Ena

Beauty, Lifestyle

Get Your Zen Beauty with Black Paint

May 2, 2014 Ena Teo 1 Comment

Hello~!

In this post, I wanna share with all of you a set of skincare that I’ve tried for 3 weeks. 😉
Black Paint Sg sent over a pretty box of their beauty goodies for review:

Such a pretty rose motif~

Happy girl ^^,

All the Black Paint products in a glance~

Their star product, Black paint soap bar is a gentle pore cleansing hand-made face soap with Kishu Bichotan Charcoal (White Charcoal) cleans pores and removes oil and dirt thoroughly but gently without stripping away skin’s essential moisture, leaving skin fresh and silky smooth. It contains 23 types of plant oils, amino acids from silk powder and vitamins in honey and brown sugar.

This is the list of plant oils, for once, a beauty product ingredient list that can be read and understood in simple english and not some laboratory code language! 😀
SOAP FOUNDATION, WATER, JOJOBA SEED OIL, UREA, OLIVE OIL, ALMOND OIL, PINE EXTRACT, CHARCOAL, PALM OIL, COCONUT OIL, RAW SUGAR, IRON OXIDE, HYDROLYZED SILK, LAVENDER OIL, HONEY, GREEN TEA LEAVES, DAMASK ROSE OIL, MACADAMIA NUT OIL, AVOCADO OIL, ROSEHIP OIL, GRAPE SEED OIL, EVENING PRIMROSE OIL, FLAXSEED OIL, BORAGE SEED OIL, SAFFLOWER OIL, SUNFLOWER SEED OIL, PEANUT OIL, SESAME OIL, WALNUT SEED OIL, PERILLA FRUTESENS SEED OIL, APRICOT KERNEL OIL, HAZELNUT SEED OIL, ROSE OIL

Pretty amazing huh? A few of the oils that I understand which are really good for the skin are Coconut oil, nourishes the skin and Evening Primrose oil, helps prevent hormonal imbalances! In fact, if you don’t know, #funfact I take Evening Primrose Oil also known as EPO nightly. One aunt first recommended it to my sister, who then recommend it to me. Been taking it for 2+ years now, and It’s one of those beauty saviour (in addition to proper skincare regime, diet, facial) that’s really helped me prevent hormonal acne outbreaks! There’s a lot other goodness/benefits of EPO, you can go read up about it online. 😉

More about the Kishu Bicotan Charcoal

One of the main factors of why BLACK PAINT is black in color is because of its White Charcoal component. White Charcoal has been widely used in Japan since thousands of years ago for their teamaking (Chado) ceremony. White charcoal is made from holm oak, a very hard wood used in kilns in the southern Kishu area in Japan. This charcoal, called Kishu Bichotan, takes about 10 – 40 years for the suitablely grown branches to be selected for its making.

Kishu Bicotan Charcoal is considered to be the best grade because it is hard and yields a long burn. Due to the hardness of the word, the charcoal made from such wood produces a high pitch ‘tingling’ sound. Bichotan is also called White Charcoal because it is covered with ash during final processing, leaving whitish ash powder on its surface.

Known as the best quality charcoal for purifying water and air, the variety of benefits of Bichotan charcoal can be found in a number of everyday uses. Whether it is used to absorb chemicals in tap water, enhance blood circulation in a hot bath, stimulate healthy soil in the garden, or deflect negative ions in your home, the environmental and chemical-free charcoal is the natural way to boost overall wellness.

Here’s the recommended usage of the Black Paint Soap Bar:

My personal experience & review of Black Paint soap bar
Because I previously read blogger Karen of Renzze’s review, I picked up a tip from her to chop up the soap into smaller bars which is easier to apply on the face and prolongs the longevity of the soap.

What I truly love about this soap is how natural and zen it makes me feel, during the cleansing process and after it.
As pictured, it is recommended for us to apply the black paint soap over the entire face. I find the application and cleansing process very therapeutic and artistic. I feel like I am a chinese calligraphy practitioner and I am spreading ink over my face, that is the canvas. The entire experience is oddly satisfying and I recommend everyone to try this unique product! And of course, other than the interesting and unique experience, I also like that soap bar cleanses my pores, but yet doesn’t leave it squeaky clean. I used to think that squeaky clean skin is good, but I’ve now learnt that it’s better to use gentle cleansers that will clean our skin but still leave it hydrated with necessary oils on our skin. 😉

This star product has won the Grand Gold Medal of Monde Selection Award Winner for 5 consecutive years since 2009, under the Cosmetics and Toiletry category in Japan. Award winning product!

Black Paint’s Konjac Sponge
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.

Konjac = 100% Natural Vegetable Fibre
The KONJAC SPONGE is the perfect tool for cleansing your face with BLACK PAINT soap, but can also be used without a cleanser. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin and is ideal for those with oily skin and acne.

Its 100% natural vegetable fiber delicately pulls blockages from pores, while the Kishu Bichotan charcoal absorbs dirt and excess oil. You may see waste and dead skin cells coming off as flakes, a gentle exfoliation which promotes new cell growth. Skin is left with a smooth and clear finish.

How to use:

My personal experience & review of Black Paint’s Konjac Sponge

I like that it is really gentle on the skin and this second step cleansing process is a further extension of the whole zen beauty regime. Having a 100% natural vegetable fibre cleansing + massage tool, one can’t get any more zen than this, right? As shown above, do make sure you take it out of the bathroom and possibly back to your room to air dry to extend its usage~

Now we come to the 3rd + 4th steps of the beauty regime~

Black Paint’s Best Water Toner & Oil Water Lotion.

Black Paint’s Best Water Toner

A pore-minimizing toner that contains 30 types of minerals that deeply penetrates the skin (epidermis) to nourish and help restore skin’s natural barrier to prevent moisture loss

Ingredient list
WATER, SODIUM, BORON, MAGNESIUM, SILICON, SULFUR, POTASSIUM, NICKEL, SILVER, ANTIMONY, LITHIUM, ALUMINUM, PHOSPHORUS, CALCIUM, SCANDIUM, VANADIUM, CHROMIUM, MANGANESE, IRON, COPPER, ZINC, STRONTIUM, MOLYBDENUM, ARSENIC, RHODIUM, TELLURIUM, BARIUM, HOLMIUM, LEAD, COBALT, BROMINE, RUBIDIUM, TIN, IODINE, CAESIUM, TANTALUM, IRIDIUM, PLATINUM

My review of Black Paint’s Best Water Toner

In my personal opinion, this Best Water Toner is enriched water. The feel and texture is similar to applying water on your face. I personally think that this product isn’t a very effective skin softener or essence to prime the skin before lotion application. Which leads me to:

Black Paint’s Oil Water Lotion

A dual-layer emulsion that regenerates, protects, soothes, and soften the skin keeping skin soft, supple, radiant and young-looking, while a delicious rose scent uplifts the spirit.

Ingredients

ROSA DAMASCENA FLOWER WATER, OLIVE FRUIT OIL, ARGANIA SPINOSA KERNEL OIL, ROSA DAMASCENA FLOWER OIL, CRANBERRY SEED OIL, ROSE FLOWER OIL, ADONIS PALAESTINA FLOWER EXTRACT, SUNFLOWER SEED OIL, ROSA CANINA FRUIT OIL
* The ingredients listed in GREEN are organic, moisture retention ingredients.

Why Dual Layer Emulsion?

Two layers, one complete formula for regenerating and protecting your skin! Because we refuse to put any synthetic emulsifiers into our products (and onto your face), the ingredients in OIL WATER separate as they sit in the bottle. To mix them up again, just shake the bottle before using.

Ideal for sensitive and aging skin, OIL WATER helps tighten and firm up its texture. The “magic” ingredient is rose essential oil, noted for its healing and rejuvenating effects on the skin including the reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, redness and uneven color. We maximize its effectiveness with a blend of organic plant oils for hydrating protection against dry air and environmental pollution.

My review of Black Paint’s Oil Water Lotion

I enjoy using this product! Although it is a quite a hassle to shake it up before applying every time I pump it out, (2-3 pumps for my whole face) this rose scented oil water lotion is a delight to the regime as it’s completely natural, hydrating for my combination skin and it smells awesome. I love the smell of roses, so the sweet rose scent is really a huge bonus to the product.

Last but not the least… *drumrolls*

Black Paint’s Water Cream

A water-based moisturizing cream that diminishes visible pores, protects your skin from dryness and maintains moisture all day long. By filling the skin with moisture, it builds resistance from outdoor environments as well as creates a smoother and more refined skin texture.

Natural Ingredients

The star ingredient in WATER CREAM is Moroccan argan oil, a renowned natural anti-aging product worn by women since ancient times. This wonder-working oil, extracted from the kernels of the argan tree, is a unique blend of oils, minerals and fatty acids. It is exceptionally rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin E.

WATER CREAM, which also has argan oil and 7 more organic plant oils, makes use of these ingredients for additional protection and moisture, restoring the skin’s own youthful capability to resist drying agents from both within and without. Use it as a make-up base during the day and a moisturizing cream at night.

DIMETHICONE/PEG-10/15 CROSSPOLYMER, GLYCERIN, SQUALANE, ARGANIA SPINOSA KERNEL OIL, ROSA DAMASCENA FLOWER OIL, SODIUM HYALURONATE, OLIVE FRUIT OIL, HYDROLYZED COLLAGEN, MACADAMIA TERNIFOLIA SEED OIL, SWEET ALMOND OIL, ROSA DAMASCENA FLOWER WATER, XANTHAN GUM, SODIUM CHLORIDE, MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE, ROSE FLOWER OIL, LAVENDER OIL
* The ingredients listed in GREEN are organic, moisture retention ingredients.

My review of Black Paint’s Water Cream

I think it would be more accurate to name it Water Cream with a tinge of Moroccan Argan oil. I don’t like the oil feel on my skin, which I would liken it to the lip balm(albeit gel and not solid form) feel. After using it for 3 weeks, I can attest that the oil did not break me out and in fact I am impressed by the cream. To name it Water Cream isn’t accurate or doing it justice, but I guess some customers might be turned off with the idea of applying oil on your face. But as you can tell and have read from Black Paint’s super educational facts and my personal review above, applying natural oils on your face isn’t as bad as it seems.

It might seem weird that most ladies spend their dollars on oil removing and oil prevention beauty products, but here Black Paint is campaigning for natural oils for the skin. The Black Paint way of skincare is radically different, requires a fair bit of education for us customers but I can say that the journey for me has been enjoyable and the experience, rewarding. I would definitely recommend this regime to all you beauty lovers, for a zen and natural beauty experience~

It is recommended to use the Black Paint skincare range solely (no mixing) for 28 days to maximize results, however it is ok to use the soap and sponge with other skincare brands if preferred.

This is a really long post huh? Well, to sum it all up, here’s the entire regime in a poster:

Visit their online site here and their Facebook page for updates.
Black Paint is currently available at ISETAN, B2 Westgate Mall, the prices are as such:
Black Soap S$49.90
Konjac Sponge $14.90
Best Water $59.90
Oil Water Rose $49.90
Water Cream $79.90

All italicised information and pictorial posters credits to Black Paint Singapore, courtesy of their site.

Thank you Steph and Black Paint for the products.
Thank you for reading <3

Ena

Art & Design, Beauty, Lifestyle

Visible Whitening with Elizabeth Arden

May 1, 2014 Ena Teo Leave a comment

Hello all you lovely people~

In a blink of an eye 😉 , May’s here! I do hope you’re enjoying this lovely May Day. 🙂

Well, I hope you’re out having dinner or relaxing at home, cause I’m here at my desk blogging. 😀

If you’re a regular reader, you’ll know that I don’t have a schedule for publishing new posts. I try to write as much as I can (which isn’t more than 2-3 posts each seating, haha!) when I’m free and schedule them over the week. Lately the drafts have been piling up due to the fashion, beauty & lifestyle events I’ve attended and products received for review. And I always think that I should spend a certain time of the day (early morning, really) to blog, but I don’t have that discipline to do so, sigh pie. :/ I also hope to be able to share more creative and original content (yunno, like non-sponsored posts, haha!) but I also have an obligation (personally-imposed) to finish blogging about the sponsored ones first. Plus, it’s not nice if I get invited as a blogger, but then I don’t blog about it right? HAHA. Ok, surely you get my drift, that you can expect a lot of new content on my blog, content that you’ll and you’re hopefully enjoying! 😀

So, a while back I attended Elizabeth Arden’s Visible Whitening Blogger event, introducing their Visible Whitening Intense Brightening Biocellulose Mask and Visible Whitening Anti-Melanin Spot Corrector.

Photos time!

On the way towards Arteastiq Gallery @ Mandarin Gallery where the event was held, on a Saturday morning.

Elizabeth Arden’s Visible Whitening Range. Doesn’t it look super chic and also kind futuristic with its silver packaging with rainbow hue-d reflections? More of that later!

The actual items on display.

The new product, Visible Whitening Intense Brightening Biocellulose Mask.

Elizabeth Arden’s classy gift box with its iconic red door. After the new products presentation, we were each presented with a blank canvas, a set of brushes and box of paint and an hour plus to paint our version of the rose. The blogger with the most creative and pleasing painting gets to bag home the gift box above.

And the painting begins!

Bloggers Jerlene & Yvette fully focused at the task on hand. 🙂

On the opposite row, more bloggers sketching out their ideas. 🙂

Here’s my brushes & canvas pre-painting. Oh, and my cup of rose tea courtesy of Arteastiq cafe~ Check out my previous post on them here.

I was inspired by the rose, baby breath flowers and the shadow casted onto the canvas.

My brushes and palette, post-painting! I decided on the 2 main colours red and white, representing Elizabeth Arden’s brand colours.

My completed painting.

Close up.

What do you think? 😉

A selfie with the lovely Isabel from Eliz Arden team.

Snippets of the event posted on my Instagram, @ena_teo.

The products we were gifted for review. So in love with the new packaging!

My review

Elizabeth Arden Visible Whitening Intense Brightening Biocellulose Mask

It was my first time using a Biocellulose mask, and I think that it takes some getting use to. I’m rather accustomed to cotton-type masks and this Biocellulose mask feels like jelly on the skin. The concept of the Biocellulose mask is that it fits onto the facial contours like “second skin”. The feel of the mask is no doubt luxurious. Each box comes with 5 masks and each mask is individually wrapped with key ingredients such as Vitamin A derivative, Vitamin B3, and optical diffusers to help firm and brighten skin’s appearance instantly and with continued use by reducing the appearance of imperfections. In addition, Vitamin C derivative and Lipoamino Acid work to significantly reduce the appearance of existing dark spots and uneven skin tone.

Key Ingredients

Lipoamino Acid and Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) — assist with the appearance of uneven skin tone.

Vitamin A Derivative (retinyl linoleate) — Supports skin’s own collagen and elastin matrix to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and enhance skin’s ability to reflect light.

Vitamin C Derivative— Controls melanin production to help enhance skin’s brightness and diminish darkness over time.

Adenosine— Supports skin’s own natural collagen to reduce visible signs of aging.

Hyaluronic Acid and Barley Extract Complex— Helps to increase skin’s moisture content to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and refine the look of pores.

Licorice Extract – Helps to inhibit tyrosinase activity to prevent the formation of dark spots and uneven skin tone.

Glycerin— Helps to improve skin’s moisture content.

Mica Minerals and Corn Starch—Optical ingredients able to reflect light to instantly brighten the look of skin and impart immediate radiance.

The suggested usage is 2 masks weekly, for 4 weeks to achieve optimum results. I would recommend this mask for ladies who appreciate a luxurious feel during their mask regime, and/or as a gift for a special woman (mother, wife, girlfriend) to show that you care. 😉 Each box set retails at SGD$90.

Elizabeth Visible Whitening Anti-Melanin Spot Corrector aims to target stubborn dark spots and uneven skin tone, reducing their intensity. Infused with intensive skin brighteners, such as Vitamin C derivative and an exfoliating agent, pre-existing melanin in the skin’s outer most layer looks diminished and new melanin production is controlled. Due to the exfoliating agent, the spot corrector will result in the dark spot drying and falling off, and it’s not advisable to be scratched off. After testing it out, I personally don’t fancy the product compared to other spot correctors I have used. I feel that it would be better if the spot can be corrected without having to dry and flak off. 🙂 Maybe the R&D team can take in this suggestion and improve their next formula? Each tube comes in 20ml, retails for SGD$110.

Key Ingredients:

Lipoamino Acid—Assists with the appearance of uneven skin tone.

Vitamin C Derivative— Controls melanin production to help enhance skin’s brightness and diminish darkness over time.

Protease Enzyme—Eliminates dead skin cells to smooth skin’s surface and supports natural cell renewal to help exfoliate surface pigmentation.

Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Soy Amino Acids and Yeast Extract Blend— Helps maintain skin’s hydration and moisture balance.

Hyaluronic Acid—Helps to hold moisture in skin.

List of Elizabeth Arden stores / counters in Singapore can be found on their site here.

Ending off this post with this lovely quote:

Thanks to Isabel and Elizabeth Arden Singapore for the lovely event and products.

Thank you for reading. <3

Ena

Fashion, Lifestyle

Resort Styles with FlopStore

May 1, 2014 Ena Teo Leave a comment

<Giveaway Ended>
Thank you all who have taken part, join me to congratulate the winners!:
Jay Louise
Aizat Zaidi

Slippers are really popular here in Singapore.

They’re comfortable to wear, airs our feet in the warm weather and are perfect on the beach!

Today I’m sharing 3 resort fashion styles featuring Havaianas flip flops which you can also buy from FlopStore.sg.

1. Resort Goddess featuring Havaianas High Light Sand Grey Golden Flip Flop, S$42.68.
Dior Squared Cat Eye Sunglasses | Alexander McQueen Slant Cuff | Miriam Haskell Dangling Pearl Earring |
Alice Olivia Maxi Dress | Jimmy Choo Clutch
Visit my polyvore set for the shopping links.

2. Resort Bohemian Chic featuring Havaianas Slim Season White Rose Gold, S$35.15.
Alexander McQueen Skull Padlock Leather Tote | Mara Hoffman Maxi Dress |
RayBan Original Wayfarer Pop Sunglasses in Pink | Valentino Earrings | Alexander McQueen Bracelet
Links here.

3. Resort Punk Rock, featuring Havaianas Slim Rose Flip Flop, S$32.64.
Alexander McQueen Studded Aviator Sunglasses | Erickson Beamon Necklace |
Valentino Rockstud Cut Out Leather Bracelet | Valentino Fluo Camoflage Swimwear |
Melissa Odabash Maxi Dress | Valentino Gryphon Fringe Finger Leather Clutch
Links here.

Photos of my pair of High Light Sand Grey Golden Flip Flop that FlopStore.sg kindly sent for review.

Isn’t it gorgeous?

I don’t think I need to elaborate further on Havaianas slippers, they’re famous for being good quality, long lasting slippers.
So, more about FlopStore.Sg, taken from their site:

Flopstore® started in 2012. Carrying only the best brands, styles, models, and colors allows us to have very competitive prices. We also specialize in very fast shipping. Flopstore® carries 100% genuine products from major brands such as Havaianas, Reef, Teva, Crocs, Roxy, Volcom, Etnies, Billabong, Nike, Puma Five Fingers, Cobian and many more.

They’re also based in LA, America, only began in 2012. I think we can expect more brands from them in the future! At the moment they only have Havaianas stocked, and I’ve compared the prices with Zalora, the flip flops are priced lower by S$7-10. 😉 They ship from US to Singapore in about 1 week. If you’re in the US, it’ll be faster. I also like that you can make payment via Pay Pal, very convenient. I strongly recommend you to find out your slippers size at your nearest Havaianas store (at ION Orchard mall in Singapore) before you order online. ‘Cause I assumed it’s the same size as Ipanema, which unfortunately isn’t. Thus it’s 1 size too big for me 🙁 and I’m gonna gift it to a friend. 🙂

If you like the slippers featured above,
join the Flopstore x Enabalista giveaway that’s gonna take place on my Facebook. Update, take part here.
2 lucky winners will have (any of the non-Swavorski pairs on the online store) shipped to them.
The giveaway will be opened Internationally, woohoo!
The T&Cs are super simple, you just have to Like & Share the post on my Facebook, starts 1st May, ends 15 May and
you’ll need to email me your Name, Address, chosen style, size, when you’re selected so that Flopstore can ship the slippers to you.

Visit them on Facebook, for new stocks and giveaways.

Thanks Mike & Flopstore.sg for the Havaianas slippers and giveaway.
Thank you for reading~

Ena

Ena Teo | Enabalista

Monthly Archives: May 2014

TheFaceShop introduces The SMIM Fermentation Concentrate Range @ Cotton ECP

Busting Myths about Cervical Cancer & Tea @ Lady M Singapore

Myth 1: Cervical Cancer is not common, it can never happen to me

Myth 2: I am not at risk of Cervical Cancer as there is no such history in my family

Myth 3: Getting Cervical Cancer is linked to being sexually promiscuous

Myth 4: I am feeling well, I do not have HPV infection

Myth 5: If I have a normal Pap smear, it means I will not have cervical cancer

Myth 6: Pap smear program is effective, HPV vaccination is unnecessary

Myth 7: I am already sexually active, so the vaccine will not work for me

Myth 8: My daughter is too young to be vaccinated. She won’t be at risk of cervical cancer at the age of 10.

Myth 9: Vaccinating adolescents will encourage sexual promiscuity

Myth 10: I must wait for my daughter’s menses before vaccination

MyLuvMe.com & Hyo Yeon The First Treatment Essence Review

Tea Time at Your Very Treatz cafe

5 Hair Care Tips with Calvin Gan to #GetSassooned

#EcoAfterMe

Zulu Zion’s Rad Socks

A Bio-Derma H2O for Every Occasion

Bio-Oil, The Multi-Purpose Oil

Pamper your Mum with Crabtree & Evelyn

Kose’s Youthful Radiance Beauty Workshop with Ariel Lin

Get Your Zen Beauty with Black Paint

Visible Whitening with Elizabeth Arden

Resort Styles with FlopStore

Singapore's Lifestyle Blogger ☀

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Myth 1: Cervical Cancer is not common, it can never happen to me

Myth 2: I am not at risk of Cervical Cancer as there is no such history in my family

Myth 3: Getting Cervical Cancer is linked to being sexually promiscuous

Myth 4: I am feeling well, I do not have HPV infection

Myth 5: If I have a normal Pap smear, it means I will not have cervical cancer

Myth 6: Pap smear program is effective, HPV vaccination is unnecessary

Myth 7: I am already sexually active, so the vaccine will not work for me

Myth 8: My daughter is too young to be vaccinated. She won’t be at risk of cervical cancer at the age of 10.

Myth 9: Vaccinating adolescents will encourage sexual promiscuity

Myth 10: I must wait for my daughter’s menses before vaccination

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Singapore's Lifestyle Blogger ☀