Beauty News: Kocostar Head-to-Toe Masks Launching in Sephora Singapore

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When we talk about sheet masks, the first thing we visualise is usually a white wet sheet on our face; but there is something more innovative than that....

Introducing a popular mask brand in South Korea - Kocostar! The unique brand concept where Kocostar takes care of your beauty needs at the comfort of your home, from head to toe. You will find masks for your hair, face, eyes, hands, feet and even fingers!

Slice Mask Sheet 

(Price: SGD 6.00 each)

The star collection of Kocostar has got to be the Slice Sheet Mask. Creatively designed into twelve pieces of fruit slices printed sheets in each pack, this allows users more targeted application onto the areas where their skin needs attention.

Currently, the Tomato, Watermelon, Cucumber and Lemon Slice Sheet Masks are available in all Sephora Singapore stores.

My skin concerns are more on the face, so that's where all my cute "fruit slices" will go to! (I have other masks targeted for other body areas - also by Kocostar!) But if you wanna make full use of Slice Sheet Mask, you may place flim sheets anywhere your body such as neck, arms, legs, etc. just like the girl below...

The mask I chose to try first is the Cucumber one because it is suppose to purify pores, de-puff, soothe & refreshes skin. My greasy & puffy face is screaming for help! Besides its hydrating properties, this Cucumber mask also contains Vitamin C.

MY FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF SLICE SHEET MASK

It's very fun to use! Not to mention if we compare to using real cut raw fruits/vegetables, this is a much more convenient and effective alternative. The moisture level undoubtedly will be way higher too. Despite being piece-by-piece film sheets, they didn't get overly messy due to excellent contact ability of the tencel fabric made from eucalyptus tree. The ink is harmless to the skin and won't leave any stains.

Apart from a high level of moisturization, I personally did not experienced the deep cleansing or de-puffing effects. Unsure if it is due to the gaps in between each film sheet, leading to uneven application? 

Product feels & smells refreshing with its light cucumber scent. Putting on the neck & décolleté seems like a smart move since there isn't yet a sheet mask in the beauty market that covers all the way below the neck.

That being said, I think I prefer to stick to my traditional fitted facial sheet mask after the novelty wears off for this!

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Hand Moisture Pack 

Foot Moisture Pack

Foot Peeling Pack

(Price: SGD 7.00 each)

  

Hand Moisture Pack and Foot Moisture Pack are moisturizing and soothing treatment masks that improve the condition of dehydrated hands & feet in 20 minutes. Ingredients such as Shea Butter and Safflower oil are present in these masks to replenish moisture as well as intense nourishment.

Yes, you can still operate your touch screen devices with the Hand Moisture Pack on!

Foot Peeling Pack is something more special:

An intense, soothing treatment of botanicals extracts to exfoliate and repair stressed feet while softening and smoothing the skin’s surface. Product claims that dead skin will come off your feet naturally after 3~4days. 

  Foot Peeling Pack ironically gave me a hard time for trying to tear it into two. #can'tpeelfornuts. 

Me enjoying some me-time with Hand/Foot Moisture Packs.

MY FIRST IMPRESSIONS 

Hand Moisture Pack and Foot Moisture Pack felt pretty pampering to the hands and feet. After 20 minutes, my hands and feet immediately look smoother, softer and brighter! Definitely something I will repurchase when I to complete my "home spa experience" or when they have been neglected for too long. 

TIP: Massage in excess essence for increased absorption. Also, remember to wipe off leftover grease from your soles before you start walking on the floor - it will get slippery!

I can't give a fair review for Foot Peeling Pack as the mask tore after the first 3 minutes because I was walking on the floor, stretching the poor dainty masks on my size 40 feet (to operate the self-timer camera. haha)! Therefore, consequently, I could not see any 'peeling' 3 - 4 days after. Obviously it had to do with me not leaving it on until its specified duration; or perhaps my feet didn't have that much dead skin to start with. Ahem.

To summarise, I am impressed with Kocostar as it offers a wide range of masks for every part of your body and for every skin type! I couldn't manage to finish trying all the masks that were sent to me yet, but I know I will enjoy most of them. In fact, I have been purchasing & using their Ggongji Hair Pack way before they evolved into a new packaging. 

 

The only hair mask I will ever wear to sleep on flights

Latest revamped hair masks packaging

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For more product information, hop over to http://www.kocostar.com/!

Kocostar Home Beauty Treatment Masks are available at SEPHORA SINGAPORE from 16 February 2017. Follow them on Instagram: @sephorasg and @kocostar for more updates.

 

Reviving my skin with Caring Skin : A Review of Facials at Caring Skin

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Remember earlier this year 2016, my skin was in a pretty tiptop condition? Yes, I admit that these photos are taken with selfie mode on my camera, but my skin on photos wasn't too far from real life. However, good times don't last. Good skin days happened in the first half of the year, until I got a massive breakout during the course of my home renovations in July...and from then on, my skin condition continued to deteriorate.

(Photo taken in August with thick full-on makeup)

Just to slowly ease you in, my above photo was me wearing 3 layers of foundation + high coverage concealer. Spent like 35 minutes just on this base makeup alone! And you are still able still see the bumps on the side of my face. It's true what they say - no amount of makeup can hide bad skin. It was a horrible period of my life similar to my first breakout episode many moons ago. I couldn't stepped out of home without concealer & base makeup at all.

During September to October, I was contemplating to go back to visit my dermatologist but I hesitated because I was reluctant to start another dose of antibiotics or to go through acid peels. I wished there is a more natural way my skin can receive treatment yet have quicker healing...that's when God answered my prayers. Caring Skin approached me to offer me some help with my skin through their facials!

Conveniently situated in the heart of Orchard Road (International Building, just next to Shaw Centre), Caring Skin is Singapore’s first and only Dr Renaud’s beauty institute. Dr. Renaud has been working since 1947 to provide customers with certified organic products made from only the most natural and finest plant and marine extracts. Dr. Renaud products are suitable for the most sensitive skin, and have been certified to be free of : parabens, synthetic colorants, synthetic perfume and mineral oils, with NO animal testing whatsoever. It is one of those organic professional beauty salon brands that speaks to my heart the most and I have been wanting to try for ages.

Skin analysis machine at Caring Skin.

(Photo credit: http://tippytapp.blogspot.sg)

Upon first entering the premises of Caring Skin, I was warmly greeted by their all-female staff and was served a tea of my choice. Next, they analysed my current skin condition with their skin analysis machine. Apart from the obvious breakouts, my skin surface was severely dehydrated and my skin tone was uneven. A myriad of facial skin concerns, I must say!

The treatment rooms are cosy & mimalistic; and the beds made me feel snug like a bug in a rug.

(Photo taken on 14 October, right before my first facial session with Caring Skin.)

I wasn't joking when I tried to ease you in by showing you my better-looking-with-makeup-selfie earlier on... Now you can clearly see how bad my breakouts were in mid October.

TYPES OF TREATMENTS

At Caring Skin, you never know what you are in for until you lie on the treatment bed! Their friendly & well-trained professional aestheticians will recommend a customised treatment for you, according to your skin condition of the day. They have over 50 different treatments catered to different skin types including their popular Caring Skin Signature Treatments. You can look up more into their treatments HERE.

I have personally tried Nano Perfector treatment (For baby smooth, refined skin texture), Collagen Veil (An ultra-moisturizing anti-aging facial to replenish hydration) and Silkpeel Dermal Infusion (machine-based facial peel with organic solutions instead of chemical acids). Out of the three, I was most often recommended Collagen Veil due to my skin surface dehydration problem being one of the causes of my acne outbreak.

Alternating between Nano Perfector (U.P: $280) and Collagen Veil (U.P: $200) was one of the most optimal routes to go for my entire 3 months' course of facials. I loved both treatments!

 (Photos taken at my 5th facial session, on 27 Dec 2017)

  

RESULTS 

After going through 5 sessions over a duration of 2.5 months, 95% of active acne had been cleared up. Scarring and dark marks were remarkably lessened or lightened. Not convinced? See below.

  (Disclaimer: Photos have NOT been filtered or edited.)

PERSONAL THOUGHTS

Heartfelt gratitude to Caring Skin for not only caring for my skin, but also for extending that warmth & care as individuals. Delighted to have developed new friendships during these few months with the staff at Caring Skin. Their genuine & meticulous service really touched one's heart! I haven't asked, but I assumed all the aestheticians must have undergone some rigorous training under a certain S.O.P - the massage strokes, the speed of extraction, skin analysis & recommendation of treatments, the amount of product and tools used etc. are somewhat standardised across different aestheticians. This consistency in service standards is something I don't often see at other facial salons. So you are in safe hands with any aesthetician at Caring Skin! For me on a personal level, aesthetician Ms. Apple had become my familiar regular choice.

I won't try to bluff anyone by saying the extractions are painless - I haven't experienced zero pain extractions in my life as yet. With the obnoxious amount of pimples and clogged pores on my face, it is fair to say that Caring Skin's extractions are very through with minimal pain. No pain no gain may sound cliche, but I totally buy it!

How my skin looks today: 

 No base makeup nor concealer

 Wearing a light layer of foundation and some concealer

___

SPECIAL PROMO

Try the Collagen Veil Treatment at only $88 (U.P: $200) when you quote <Faith Tan> ! Receive a FREE hydration booster (worth $88) on top of it if you book between Monday to Friday, 11am to 5pm.

Caring Skin

360 Orchard Road,
#07-07A International Building
Singapore (238869)
Contact no: (65) 6737 7797

For more information, head over to their Website, Instagram and Facebook.

Beauty News: GUINOT launches Hydraderm Cellular Energy skincare machine + Review of Hydradermie Youth Treatment

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I still fondly remember when I was a student in my late teens/early twenties, I used to treat myself to facials at beauty salons along Orchard Road when I have extra bucks to spare. There were a few big brand names of salon-brand facials that I wished I could afford long-term packages for back then because they were proven effective; and one of those was the French beauty brand Guinot.

Fast forward some years, I was ecstatic when I heard about a new innovation developed by Guinot's President & CEO, Jean-Daniel Mondin - Hydradermie, a machine that serves as an alternative to aesthetic medicine by providing quick, painless and affordable treatments. 

Facelift, botox, fillers-like skin, with no side effects and no pain? YES PLEASE!!

I was invited to the headquarters office of Guinot Singapore to try out the Hydraderm Cellular Energy skincare machine where one of the two treatments can be experienced: Hydradermie Youth Treatment OR Hydradermie Lift Treatment. My Guinot Beauty Therapist, Ms Alicia (also the Trainer of Guinot Singapore), diagnosed my skin to be more suitable for Hydradermie Youth Treatment. This treatment's expected results are: firmer, radiant, visible rejuvenated skin.

The therapist selects the gel serum according to individual skin's needs: moisturising, anti-aging, purity, etc. You can see from the above photos that Guinot have a wide range of selection for different skin needs. For me on that day, my therapist chose moisturising gel due to my skin surface dehydration.

The 1-hour treatment is divided into three phrases:

1. Dynamic Ionisation

The machine's massage rollers release a current that helps the skin absorb the gel serums easily. Therapist then uses the massage rollers to focus on areas which appear saggy, in order to bring firmness and vitality.

2. Oxygenation by Thermal Electrode

Gentle heat and an oxygenating cream is carefully applied on the skin. Together, they boost the skin's cells and restore its radiance.

3. Relaxing Massage

Using the machine and the therapists' hands, the facial features are smoothened and relaxed to improve circulation.

BEFORE (No Makeup)

 IMMEDIATELY AFTER (No Makeup)

MY THOUGHTS

The results on the photos speak for itself! My face looks firmer and feels tighter - I can finally see a slimmer, V-shaped face after so many months of chubbiness (Yes, I put on much weight this year, sadly.) Not only the firmness, but I could see an instant glow right after the treatment! My post-acne marks were also visibly lightened.

I think credit must be given where it is due - my therapist is very experienced (But of course! She's the trainer of Guinot Singapore beauty therapists!) so she could customize products based on my skin needs, right down to a tee. Do you know in one single treatment at different points - purifying, moisturising and brightening products were ALL used on my face? That's how my face became so clean, bright and young-ish after 50 minutes! Alicia also took care of my neck lines when I briefly mentioned they were my concern as well.

I was really impressed by the fact that no extractions were needed, NO pain and ZERO discomfort from the machine... yet the end results were better than a traditional/manual facial. I heard the results of firm & radiant skin can last as long as 10 days!

___

So this was how my skin looked like the next day...

No makeup.

With light makeup

A light swipe of BB cream and a dash of lipstick = good to go! No needles needed, no painful extractions/IPL/electrodes etc. Thank you, Guinot!

___

Read more about Guinot Hydradermie Youth Treatment HERE.

For other information about Guinot Singapore, their products/services

 and authorised beauty salons, visit: http://guinot.sg/

Review of Lafine Vegetable Deep Cleansing Cream

Editorial

The current market has no lack of oil makeup removers and makeup cleansing water. However, in comparison, there isn't as wide a range of cleansing cream available.

For sensitive or dry skin, makeup removing can be a nightmare if one does not use the right makeup remover. In fact, for anyone who uses makeup, the first utmost important step to good skin is makeup removing!

When I saw that in the August '16 Beauty Box, there appeared a jar of Deep Cleansing Cream, my curiosity was piqued immediately. BNT always sends amazing K-Beauty products that are not-as-accessible in Singapore as of now; this time round, it is no exception.

How to Use

MY THOUGHTS

Skincare products made from natural ingredients always hit right up my alley. Especially since this one seems so healthy with its vegetable-based ingredients: extracts from cucumber, carrot, water parsley, tomato and parsley. Another bonus is it doesn't smell too botanical or herbal. It smells & feels refreshing, non-greasy and cleans makeup amazingly well* (just gotta follow the above pictorial instructions!). 

In addition, after rinsing-off, skin feels soft and comfortable even before toning & moisturising.

Disclaimer: I haven't tried long enough to see if this can clog pores or causes breakouts, like how some of my other oil makeup removers did to my skin. Do note that it contains mineral oil as well as an ingredient named 'ethylhexyl palmitate', which according to COSDNA, has a high rating of 4/5 for comodegenic ingredients.

*cleans even the most waterproof makeup 

Rating:

 
PRICE: 17 000 won

Check out Bntnews for Korean news and trends!

 

Review of Bella 360° Illuminator Treatment

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Summer time is the perfect time to go sun bathing. 

I, on the other hand, avoid the sun like a plague. For me, even a few minutes walk out in the Singapore sun warrants a hat, an umbrella and at least SPF30. Truth be told, despite all the sun protection and brightening skincare products, my skin is still far from Snow White's. 

When Bella invited me over to put one of their latest facial treatment services on trial, I accepted without a moment of hesitation. Illuminating treatment? 360°?! Sounds like what many S.E. Asians (who are into K-beauty and wish to emulate Koreans' fair skin) would love!

Bella at Serangoon Nex

Out of their five centres, I opted to visit the branch nearest to my home. A cosy store located at the heartland of Serangoon Central (NEX Mall), it houses several treatments rooms. I adore the modern Victorian design of the interior decor. The ambience and lighting of the room was conducive and I almost slept through the treatment.

Herbal tea was served after consultation (which took place in another room), before actual treatment started.

What is 360° Illuminator Treatment?

This is Bella's latest & most advanced 3-step treatment/skin whitening facial, targeting multiple skin concerns and it is suitable for sensitive skin.

As its name suggests, the 3-Step 360˚ Illuminator Treatment consists of three specially-formulated skincare which anchor the treatment, namely the SOD Illuminator Ampoule, the Hydra Illuminator Massage Gel and the CO2 Illuminating Mask. These highly efficacious products, coupled with Bella's qualified team of skincare experts' massage techniques, help to ensure that skin is pampered and rejuvenated. 

1. SOD Illuminator Ampoule - Powerful ingredients such as the stable form of Vitamin C, Alpha Arbutin, Niacinamide and Tranexamic Acid block epidermal melanin biosynthesis and keep dark pigments from resurfacing. In addition, one of its active ingredients, a mighty antioxidant known as Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) gives photo-protection benefits, counteracts oxidative reactions caused by UV Rays, repairs cells and reduces cellular damage. 
2.  Hydra Illuminator Massage Gel - a miracle gel that contains gold microcapsules that burst open upon activation to release the nutrient rich Vitamin E into the skin. The gel also contains Hydroxyethyl Urea, a superb ingredient known for its moisturising properties, as well as Botanical White Complex, a blend of skin-lightening botanical actives which targets and lightens discolourations caused by external aggressors. 
3. CO2 Illuminating Mask, which restores skin's radiance and vitality. The O2 Generator, a main feature of the CO2 Illuminating Mask, brings about the scientific ''Bohr Effect'' - whereby an increase in CO2 concentration results in an increased level of oxygen released by the blood vessels. The increase in the oxygen supply to the dermal cells promotes skin metabolism and regeneration.

  

My face immediately after facial, ZERO makeup.

MY THOUGHTS 

The therapist assigned to me was very experienced and professional. The usual steps of makeup removal, cleansing, steaming, extractions & massage were all properly conducted before commencement of the three special products. The therapist ensured I was comfortable throughout the treatment. Her extraction skills were good, quick and almost painless; plus she knew which blemish to extract, which to be left alone. I find this quality very important when seeking a good facial therapist. I have have bad experience with facial therapists who were overly enthusiastic (borderline OCPD I guess. Haha) and I ended up with major redness and scars! Luckily, Bella really lived to its name! They have been in the industry for so many years and even sponsored famous local celebrities, and that was precisely why I even allowed extractions in the first place. No regrets!

One thing to note is upon application of the CO2 Illuminating Mask, a fizzle can be felt on the skin, and it can get quite stinging & painful for a good 20 seconds.

END RESULTS:

My face was significantly brighter, firmer and even feels tighter in just ONE treatment. My blemishes healed faster than usual after extractions - bumps were gone and by the 3rd day, beautiful full effect of after-facial, clean & radiant skin reached its peak.

I know how people are concerned about the longevity of such facials. I have heard comments such as "facial effects don't last" etc - it's true, facials are all about MAINTENANCE, not major overhaul of your skin condition. It takes much more than regular facials to have a completely different skin! Expectations expectations.

However, I am pleased to witness Bella 360° Illuminator Treatment to be one of the most long-lasting facials I have ever experienced till date!

THE NEXT DAY

 

 AFTER 8 DAYS

 P.S: The above two photos are unedited, with ZERO makeup (not even sunsceen).

If you followed my blog long enough, you know I rarely show my completely bare face...All because I look like a spotty ghost who died of acne problems, it's wiser to only scare my own family and myself, and save the agony of my readers and friends.

However, for 15 days (and still counting!), my skin remained bright, clear, pimple-free and firmer-than-norm! I basically could go makeup-free these days and still look presentable, and most importantly, appear YOUNG. (LOL)

I don't usually rate services... but sorry, can't help it this time...

Only drawback is the price of this facial treatment. It sets you back by SGD380 per session. Pretty much at the same price point for a laser/BBL/IPL type of aesthetic treatment. Still, I will go for this one because it's non-invasive and the least painful out of other options.

____

For more details and a video of how  360° Illuminator Treatment works, click HERE.

Bella Skin Care centres in Singapore are located at:

 360 Orchard Rd, #08-06 International Building

6 Raffles Boulevard, #03-153, Marina Square

1 Jurong West Central 2, #B1-60, Jurong Point Shopping Centre

300 Tampines Ave 5, #01-04 NTUC Income Tampines Junction

23 Serangoon Central, #B1-52 Nex

Toll-Free Number – 1800 7777 222

Website – www.bellaskin.com.sg