I broke out from my first facial with New York Skin Solutions, and here's how they handled the situation | UPDATE

As I am typing this, I have visited New York Skin Solutions for the 7th time now, and I am honestly happy to report that I have been beyond pleased with their service and professionalism.

Now, here's what happened:

New themed zones and interactive 4D concept: The revamp of Trick EyeMuseum Singapore | EVENT

{ Event | Lifestyle News }

Hello from the other side ...of the blog category! I'm no lifestyle blogger, but this is one topic that I'm most excited to blog about.

With the title of this post, I'm sure you already know what I'm gonna talk about - that's right, Trick Eye Museum!

Trick Eye Museum is no foreign place to us Singaporeans, and especially so to Koreans. When the Korean-based museum reached the shores of Singapore last year, it quickly became one of the main highlights in Resorts World Sentosa that most tourists (and Singaporeans) will not miss out on. It probably remains as the only museum where you can touch anything and everything, and take as many photos (even with flash) as your heart desires!

However, for those of you who have visited Trick Eye Museum, it is not likely for you to head back again, unless you go with different friends and family members, as there would be nothing new for you to see and be fascinated by.

Well, not anymore!

Trick Eye Museum has recently revamped some of the zones, which means you can now expect to witness new themed zones and exhibits! The best part? There are even interactive 4D exhibits now!

Here's a preview of one of the 3 new 4D exhibits:

Don't you love how they include this just in time for the festive season?

Fret not if you can't make it in time to head down before Christmas; there is also a Chinese New Year version that is just as funny and adorable!

I have never been to Trick Eye Museum before, so everything was new and interesting to me! Yes, I was one of the few who had never been there - I almost went with my mum once, but it was so crowded that we decided not to join the queue. Hence, I was beyond thrilled to be able to bring her along as my 'plus one' when I received a pair of invites from The Influencial Network - thanks guys!

Instead of simply letting the following pictures do the talking, I shall proceed to tell a story...

Are you ready? :D

*cues Disney's intro soundtrack*

The Girl Who Lived Beside the Moon

An anti-ageing skincare range without the exorbitant price tag: DCSNUTRIDERM | REVIEW

Since my discovery of DCS' AQUADERM range, I couldn't stop using the ampoule, and it wasn't long before I used up the whole bottle! I was pleasantly surprised  with the positive results (skin appeared more radiant and hydrated) given the affordable price tag, which is of course a great thing for my wallet! Well today, I am glad to introduce another range of DCS to you - NUTRIDERM.

"From the brand that harnesses the volcanic power of Jeju, DCS helps you embrace the youthful and dewy skin of Korean women with its anti-ageing range, NUTRIDERM. Keeping away fine lines with the powerful anti-ageing properties of the rare Korean ginseng berry, this NUTRIDERM range is gentle on the skin and kind on the wallet." 

- Adapted from press release

[GIVEAWAY] Beauty Starts with a Smile: Smile Makers Personal Lubricants

{ Beauty News | Giveaway }

"When you are smiling on the inside, you smile on the outside."

This is the mantra that Smile Makers live by, and I think there is no better quote for the sexual well-being brand that aims to make you smile with their new line of personal lubricants.

You saw that right - we're talking about lubricants. Let's not be shy about this topic now, shall we? ;)

The resurrection of my non-existent eyebrows at The Best Beauty Centre | REVIEW

{ Sponsored Review }

Relationship Status:

Single

Married

It's Complicated

In a Relationship

Doing Eyebrows 

Put your hands up if the above status applies to you as well. I chanced upon this funny "quote" while browsing through my Instagram feed and I thought, how true is this? For someone like me who is not blessed in the brow department, I spend the longest time drawing my eyebrows and trying to perfect them; it is a satisfying but troublesome daily affair. Having my "eyebrows on fleek" is addictive, and I have never left the house without a pair of eyebrows I'm satisfied with - at least not in years. This addiction is unfortunately very time-consuming... until I visited The Best Beauty Centre, where my non-existent eyebrows got resurrected in style.

The Best Beauty Centre @ Toa Payoh HDB Hub

Hair protection all day, all night: Essential CC Oil and Night Care Milk | REVIEW

(FYI, I captured the photos in this post a few months back, which explains my much-longer hair!)

To me, Essential is a Japanese hair care brand that needs no introduction. This is the brand that caught the attention of us girls when they first launched their shampoos, conditioners and hair masques in Singapore (remember the pink and orange bottles?) years ago. 

I remember the old version of their hair oil (called Essential Serum) being pretty popular too. Back when I used to work for Watsons, I would never fail to walk to the hair care aisle, grab the Essential Serum and moisturise my own tresses hehe.

Essential has since re-formulated their hair oil, and the new version is called Essential CC Oil! Their old Treatment Milk (for nighttime use) has also been re-formulated and is now called Essential Night Care Milk.

Achieve that dewy skin you see in Korean dramas: Goodal Moisture Barrier Range | REVIEW

Even as a girl with oily skin, I am constantly looking for skincare products that will effectively improve my skin's hydration level. The more hydrated one's skin is, the lesser oil it will produce, and this will also result in lesser breakouts. Because I also have sensitive skin, keeping my skin hydrated will improve my skin's sensitivity as well.

I have never heard of Goodal before, but I'm glad to have recently discovered this naturalist skincare brand from Korea.

Goodal has recently introduced a new range called Moisture Barrier, and it consists of 4 different skincare essentials designed to repair the moisture barrier of the skin, thus keeping one's skin plump and hydrated. I received a cute little press kit from Goodal, and the mini travel-sized bottles allowed me to try their Moisture Barrier range for a few days.

My first trip to New York Skin Solutions | REVIEW + Link to free $300 facial!

(Before I begin, I would like to apologise for the text being centralised in the first 1/3 of this post, then being on the left side after. I can't seem to change the text format no matter how many times I tried. It's really bothering me - thank you OCD - but I hope it doesn't bother you as much!)

HELLO! *waves vigorously*

I apologise for the lake of updates on this space (although I'm still active on Instagram - follow me at @mybeautyroad if you have not!) because I've got so much on my plate. I'm back now for another facial review!

When I came back from Taiwan in October, my skin was not in its best state. The strong winds + blazing sun + low temperature (yes, it was all 3 at the same time) made my skin confused - I mean, even I was confused! Knowing my own skin, I wasn't surprised that it reacted adversely. I had dry patches around my nose and in between my eyebrows, while the rest of my face was clogged. Thankfully, I had already made an arrangement with New York Skin Solutions to have my first facial appointment with them right after I came back from Taiwan (I know my skin too well), and I was so glad I did.

New York Skin Solutions @ Ngee Ann City

2 weeks of radiant, glowing skin... thanks to Dr HAACH's The Advanced Oxy Sync Facial Treatment | REVIEW

We have all heard of HAACH, a leading beauty brand for premium spa, face, skin and body care - think luxurious treats to pamper you from head to toe. But HAACH gets even better with Dr HAACH, an extension of the brand with medical doctors in this particular clinic.

In May this year, Dr HAACH launched a new facial treatment called The Advanced Oxy Sync Facial Treatment, and I had the honour of giving it a try. Allow me to tell you more about what you will get out of this facial, especially since their website is currently going through a revamp.

Unsurprisingly, Dr HAACH is located at Novena Specialist Center, a building which houses over 40 medical specialists, practitioners and clinics.

40 minutes of heaven with Hadara's Heavenly Acu-Press Massage | REVIEW + GIVEAWAY

Hadara - Hebrew for "glory, beauty, splendour".

When an aesthetics boutique carries such a beautiful Hebrew name, you know you're in for an indulgent treat, one where the most important element there is you.

"The aesthetics boutique, opened in September 2014, is a tranquil space which offers time starved and stressed executives a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of work to pamper themselves in their personal beauty Shangri-La before stepping out all ready to take on an equally buzzing social calendar. The Hadara experience is an embodiment of its meaning – Beauty, Glory, and Splendour in Hebrew – a place where heavenly instant fixes for the face, skin, and body are just around the corner."

Remember my first ever facial? If you have been following my blog since December 2014, you may think Hadara sounds like a familiar name - that's because I've once blogged about this tranquil place when I had the chance to try out their awesome Hadara Power Facial (read here).

To commemorate  Hadara's 1st anniversary this month (blessed 1st birthday, Hadara!!), the team decides to come up with 3 new services that truly focus on the idea of pampering, of which one is called:

Hadara Heavenly Acu-Press Massage

S$88 / 40 minutes

Description:

"Experience 40 heavenly minutes of deeply relaxing massage that harnesses east-meets-west techniques, focusing on the pressure points of your face. Apart from draining out toxins, this specialised facial massage helps to improve blood circulation, reduce eye bags, stimulate collagen and promote general well-being."

As the name suggests, the Hadara Heavenly Acu-Press Massage is literally 40 minutes of massage goodness. No fancy schmancy machines or tools are used throughout this facial treatment, but what you get is the therapist's unique strokes and techniques from her amazing pair of skilled hands. Let me tell you, my experience was indeed heavenly.

A capricious floral touch: The NEW TOUS Floral Touch fragrance | BEAUTY NEWS

Beauty News

TOUS TOUCH introduces a new fragrance for us girls to to indulge in; a collectors’ limited edition with an ultra-feminine design; a subtle prelude to the aroma inside.

Presenting... TOUS Floral Touch.

The "healthier choice" gel manicure: Depend GelLack Nail System | REVIEW

On the nails: Depend GelLack Colour in How Sweet (pink) and Pretty Me (coral)

Shiny, glossy nails that last for 2 weeks or more with no drying time? That's typical gelish nails for you, and they unfortunately come with a cost - thinning, dehydrated nails that become damaged and brittle. 

The Depend GelLack Nail System is all but the harmful aftermath. Unlike regular gel nail polishes that require buffing (before application) and acetone removal, the unique formula of Depend requires none of that, thus making in the brand a much healthier choice for your nails while still ensuring that you achieve high-gloss nails that last for 2-3 weeks. The best part? All of this can be achieved in the comfort of your own home!

As if my love for Depend GelLack isn't obvious enough, read on to find out more about this in-home system, the how-tos on applying and removing your Depend gel nails, price and availability... all that jazz.

Gather your tribe at Singapore's most iconic yoga festival: SOULSCAPE2015

The annual yoga-music-dance festival is back!

SOULSCAPE is Singapore's most iconic yoga festival that gathers yoga and health enthusiasts (or anyone really, even kids!) for a full day of fun and holistic movement encompassing 3 things: Yoga, Music and Dance.

This year, SOULSCAPE aims to do the same... except there's something extra installed just for you. I'll reveal in a bit! :)

NEW Etude House x High Cheeks Bling Me Prism Color in Liquid Lips | SWATCHES & INFO

Beauty News

In collaboration with High Cheeks, the hottest trendy accessories brand in Korea, Etude House x High Cheeks launches the Bling Me Prism Collection this fall season. The collection comprises of Bling Me Prism Color in Liquid Lips, Bling Me Prism Nails and the latest liquid eyeshadow - Bling Me Prism Eyes. Do bright hues with a hologram twist sound good to you? If so, you're definitely in for a treat this September!

I will be talking solely about the Bling Me Prism Color in Liquid Lips in this post.

Apart from its limited-edition packaging, the Bling Me Prism Color in Liquid Lips range also consists of new and limited-edition lip shades that are not available in their permanent collection. Read on for both arm and lip swatches of all shades!

Bling Me Prism Color in Liquid Lips

Available in 5 shades

I got my skin in shape thanks to Skin Shape Club! | Skin Shaper Plus Facial REVIEW

Before the month of August comes to an end, happy 50th birthday to my dearest Singapore! #SG50

This month has been quite a fulfilling one for me. For a start, I finally have my own domain!!! I don't know why this is very exciting for me, but I've never had my own domain. Hello www.mybeautyroad.com, bye bye www.mybeautyroad.blogspot.sg! :D

I thoroughly enjoyed myself with family, relatives and loved ones this month - celebrated a dear friend's birthday and had a stayover playing drinking games and even childhood games, visited USS and sat on the rides at night, went for National Day countdown and caught fireworks, saw Ah Boys To Men perform, went to Marina Barrage for picnic on National Day and caught fireworks again, finally went cafe-hopping at Malaysia, visited the National Orchid Garden and finally saw our national flower as well as Aranda Lee Kuan Yew, .....are you bored of my activities already? I don't always get to hang out with my loved ones (at least not so often in one month), hence August has been especially good to me... :')

Aside from pampering my soul by spending quality time with people I love, I also managed to pamper my skin silly this month!!!

Thanks to Skin Shape Club, my skin was pampered for a grand total of 4 times in a span of 2 weeks.

You might be thinking, "4 facials in 2 weeks??? Are you crazy?"

That's what I thought initially, but that's also where I was proven wrong... at least with regards to the specific treatments I did at Skin Shape Club! I'll be sharing more about what I did in a bit.

Stay lean with the help of Stay Lean Tea | REVIEW

"Detox", the word you so frequently hear nowadays.

And then, there is "TEATOX".

What is teatox? It's basically a tea detox!

In Singapore, there is already a renown brand selling detox teas, and so many Singaporeans are going gaga over it. I, on the other hand, never once jumped on the bandwagon because... I don't know, I guess I never bothered to? I don't even believe in "detox" products because I know for a fact that there is no such thing - the body detoxifies itself. Although, being a self-proclaimed beauty enthusiast, I won't say that I was never curious. Why are there so many raved reviews and testimonials about detox teas? What exactly is the hype all about...?

Well, thanks to Stay Lean Tea, I think I finally have the answer to my own question.

No, Stay Lean Tea is not the local brand I was talking about - this is actually an Australian company! When the good people of Stay Lean Tea approached me to do a review on their 14 Day Detox Program, I was a little hesitant because like I said, I don't believe in any product that claims to "detox" the body. However, my mind changed when I looked through their website and saw the ingredients of their teas. I was honestly surprised to find out that the ingredients used are 100% natural, laxative-free and beneficial for one's health! Here are the ingredients:

CLEO Magazine's "Most Effective Makeup Remover": NEW Bioré Aqua JellyMakeup Remover | REVIEW

Another Bioré review for you? :D

The highly-acclaimed Bioré Aqua Jelly Makeup Remover has won the "Most Effective Makeup Remover" title for The CLEO Beauty Hall of Fame 2015. Congratulations, Bioré!

With its revolutionary jelly-like texture, Bioré introduces the NEW Bioré Aqua Jelly Makeup Remover which comes in an even smoother, lighter consistency but with the same high cleansing ability - it effortlessly dissolves and lifts off more makeup in a gentle glide.

As a user of its old formula, I was curious to find out whether or not the new version really has... improved!

So then, what makes the NEW Bioré Aqua Jelly Makeup Remover version better than the previous one?

Prep yourself for sunny days ahead: My must-haves for hot days + NEW Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel REVIEW

Not protecting your skin with sunscreen when you don't wanna get hyper-pigmentation is like not wearing a condom when you don't wanna have kids.

...I'm sorry, this is the only scenario I can think of xD

How many of you are guilty of neglecting your sunscreen? Or worse still, how many of you do not actually own a sunscreen?

The negative and permanent effects of the harmful UV rays (sun spots, hyper-pigmentation, premature skin aging, skin cancer) only show on your skin years down the road. As quoted from ScienceLearning, "though a tan may look good now, you could be paying for it with wrinkly leathery skin or skin cancer later".

Singapore has been extremely hot and humid recently, so today I decided to share with you guys some of my favourite products to use during this scorching period!

Take care of your scalp with TrichoKare | REVIEW

Don't focus on your mane; focus on your scalp.

Just like how flawless makeup begins with a good canvas (a.k.a good skin), a bed of healthy hair starts with owning a healthy scalp.

Before I proceed further, I just wanna add in that I am now part of the GetKlarity team as one of their GetKlarity Brand Ambassadors! Woohoo! :D If you haven't heard of GetKlarity, it is a beauty and wellness website / app that allows you to luxuriate in some much-needed 'me-time' anytime, anywhere. The cool thing is that they even have a blog filled with editorial reviews and inspirational articles, so be sure to keep a lookout for my articles on www.blog.getklarity.com! :) What's more, if you like discounts (come on now, who doesn't?), you don't wanna be missing out on all the promotions EXCLUSIVE to GetKlarity readers!

Now, let's get back to the topic of scalp, shall we? :)

"The most luxurious medspa in Singapore": Launch of Simply Aesthetics + My First Teeth Whitening Experience

Barely 2 months ago, I was warmly invited by The Influencer Network to attend the soft launch of a new luxury spa in town: Simply Aesthetics - a place that aims to marry "aesthetics" and "beauty" with the latest aesthetic technologies and cosmeceuticals for quick, effective results.

In line with the theme of Capitol Piazza (where it is located), a luxurious and newly restored historical building just outside of City Hall MRT, Simply Aesthetics provides a luxurious pampering environment that is bound to make you feel like a princess or prince!

Pretty treats and luxurious-looking decor at Simply Aesthetics during their soft launch party!

Simply Aesthetics was also really generous, because I got to try out their LED Teeth Whitening and an exclusive 2.5hr facial with compliments from Simply, both of which I will share more about today!

Slimmer face without contour or botox? You've got to try the KLARITY Lasertox V-Line Shape Up kit | REVIEW

"I don't want a slim face." ...Says nobody ever!

It's totally understandable to want a slim face (aka V-line) because it makes our facial contours look more defined = look slimmer. Instead of relying heavily on your contour creams and powders, or botox on the more extreme end, I may have found a much better solution for you - without having to contour or go for botox injections, that is!

Introducing the KLARITY Lasertox™ V-Line Shape Up kit, an intensive 5-day treatment to visibly shape and lift the face.

Now, I don't know about you, but I am the biggest sceptic of such at-home products. Just like some lifting / firming facial creams - sure, it may really work and you will probably see results, but the results usually only last for a few hours. It goes the same for whitening facial masks, right? You put on a whitening mask for 15-20 minutes and your face really does appear brighter and/or fairer after you remove the mask. But this is only temporary; the "whitening effect" definitely won't last you more than 1 or 2 day(s)... at least for the ones I've tried. All these are just temporary fixes that are ideal for pre-events or pre-parties.

What about the KLARITY Lasertox™ V-Line Shape Up kit...? To be honest, I was really curious myself (only because I was sceptical hahaha). I couldn't wait to put this product to the test, especially with all the raved reviews about it!

Unlock the Korean secret to dewy, radiant skin: DCS AQUADERM range

Press Release, Press Sample

I just have to start this post off with a picture of the creative DIY press kit!!

Well-received in its home country, Korean skincare brand DCS Cosmetic  (DCS stands for "Dermatology Cosmeceutical Solution") makes its mark in Singapore with its hydrating range - AQUADERM. The key ingredient prominent in every DCS product is the volcanic seawater all the way from Jeju island!

About DCS

DCS specially infuses each one of its products with Jeju's mineral-rich volcanic sea water, making it possible to tap into the volcano's rejuvenating power for healthier glowing skin. DCS has 5 ranges, from hydrating to anti-ageing, ensuring that every skin need is catered for. In line with their cruelty-free business philosophy, all products from DCS are not tested on animals (thank you, DCS!). They are also paraben-free.

Givenchy's lipstick reinvention: Le Rouge-À-Porter | SWATCHES & INFO

Press Release

"What if the most Couture lipstick were reinvented as a ready-to-wear lipstick?"

Givenchy is proud to launch a sister product of their iconic Le Rouge lipstick, the Le Rouge-À-Porter. Taller and more slender (also boasting a completely different formula compared to the classic Le Rouge), the new box contains a longer lipstick. While its shape may differ from the original, its luxury case remains the same - genuine black leather featuring a metallic stud.

The sheer formula of Le Rouge-À-Porter leaves a luminous colour and a naturally shiny finish on the lips. If you're a fan of sheer, hydrating lipsticks that glide over the lips easily, you certainly don't wanna miss out on this collection!

The new-age moisturiser in a can: Introducing Palmer's Rapid Moisture Spray Lotion | REVIEW

Body oils, gels, lotions, butters... and now sprays too!

A distinct household brand in the beauty market for its long history (since 1842), commitment to quality and affordability, Palmer's can be found in the homes of families in more than 80 countries, making it one of world's leading names in skincare. There is a Palmer’s product for every skincare need: hand and body care, facial care, stretch mark care, hair care, body care and personal care.

Using nature’s richest, most luxurious ingredients, Palmer’s key ingredients include Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter and Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Do you know that Palmer's is a proud member of the World Cocoa Foundation, as well as the Global Shea Alliance? This means that both their cocoa butter and shea butter are ethically sourced. I don't know if you guys have watched this documentary on YouTube showing the dark side of chocolate, how countless children have been (and still are) kidnapped and smuggled due to the high demand for cocoa...

Dare to be FLAWLESS: April Bellabox 2015 | UNBOXING & REVIEW

“You wake up, flawless

Post up, flawless

Ridin' round in it, flawless

Flossin' on that, flawless

This diamond, flawless

My diamond, flawless

This rock, flawless

My rock, flawless

I woke up like this

I woke up like this

We flawless, ladies tell 'em”

- Flawless by Beyonce

Now that we have Beyonce's song as our inspiration, let us beauty enthusiasts be a step closer to flawlessness! With haircare, nail care, skincare and even skin-loving makeup, I would say the April bellabox is pretty much an all-rounder. I'm quite excited to calculate the value of this box (I love maths so I can't help it lol) so let's get to the individual items and price calculations!

Le Spa, a sanctuary to derive joy | REVIEW

I have been wanting to go for a body massage since February, no kidding. Maybe it's because of all the time I've spent on my laptop, but my shoulders and lower back have been feeling extremely strained. Then one day in March, it's like God decided to send me a sweet surprise via e-mail when Le Spa contacted me and asked if I wanted to try out their body massage. I have to admit though, I didn't agree immediately because I was afraid it was some dodgy company LOL. Plus, I've never heard of "Chun Tin Road" so even the road name sounded dodgy to me hahahaha. BUT, my mind changed when I checked out their website and realised this company seemed very promising! Bonus points for finding out that Chun Tin Road is actually located at Bukit Timah (opposite Beauty World Centre) and that's kinda near for me! *gleeful*

The first and last time I did a full body massage was almost exactly a year back, so boy was my anticipation real!

Yes, 24 hours - how awesome is this especially if you live nearby??

No excuse not to pamper yourself even with a busy schedule!

Lipstick / lipgloss / lip stain? It's all of the above with Etude House's NEW Color in Liquid Lips | Swatches & First Impression Review

Press Sample

Products by Etude House never fail to please, don't they? Packaging, quality, affordability - they almost nail them all every time!

This Spring, the Korean brand launched a whopping collection of 20 new lipsticks, with every shade being incredibly vivid to reflect the effervescence of Spring = the season of youth!

I love bright lip colours!!!

The new Color in Liquid Lips (it bugs me that they use US English though hahaha) is a triple threat to lip perfection, with a combination of lipstick, lipgloss, and lip stain, all in one! These liquid lipsticks offer a plush and velvety texture that melt effortlessly onto your lips. From pretty pinks to robust reds and even spicy oranges, you are bound to find a shade that will match your favourite Spring outfit, whatever your style.