A Love Affair With Vanity...

Don't Get Your Ginsengs Wrong!

2011-12-20T23:17:00.000+08:00

Often we use the word "ginseng" very loosely to describe the famous root in Traditional Chinese Medicine that costs a bomb but is supposed to have tremendous health benefits and properties. However, not all ginsengs are alike. They even look different and can have very different medicinal purposes and so it helps not to get them confused. The three types of authentic ginseng are Korean Ginseng, American Ginseng, and Chinese Ginseng.

Korean Ginseng

Also commonly known as Panax Ginseng, is probably the most widely "publicized" ginseng due to it being a core ingredient in the popular Korean Ginseng Chicken dish. It is also the most researched on ginseng. This ginseng is known to have a "warming" effect on the body, which probably explains why Koreans feast on the ginseng chicken soup in winters. This ginseng has also been known to help detoxify and protect the liver, increase blood circulation, prevent stomach and lung cancer as well as aid the body during radiotherapy and chemotherapy. It is also supposed to enhance male libido and potency. In hot weather, this ginseng may cause headaches and insomnia. Patients of high blood pressure should be careful when consuming it.

Korean Ginseng
Photo from prkorea.com

American Ginseng

This ginseng root looks eerily like a human, so whenever I see this root being displayed in TCM shop windows it always gives me the creeps. Anyway, I digressed. Unlike the Korean Ginseng, this root has a cooling effect on the body so is good to be used in summertime. This ginseng has also been used to relieve cramps, stomach problems and PMS symptoms. It has been used to treat bronchitis, cough and fever. And it has been known to heal the lungs, act as a stimulant and fight body fatigue. This should never be used together with the Korean ginseng as they have an opposite effect to the liver. This root is suitable for people of all ages and conditions, except those who have low acidity.

American Ginseng
Photo from explorechinatown.com

Chinese Ginseng

The Chinese ginseng is also commonly known as the Panax Red Ginseng or Ren Shen. It is the cheapest of all ginsengs but has similar benefits to the Korean Ginseng. It too has a "warming" effect but is milder than that of the Korean counterpart. This root has also been known to improve vision and hearing, as well as combat against fatigue and protect against stress. It has a stronger Chi boosting effect than the American ginseng and is not recommended for those suffering from high blood pressure and heart conditions. It is suitable for people who have low energy, low sex drive, cold hands and feet and poor memory.

Ginseng (Ren-shen)
Photo from chinese.herbs.web

Note:

It should be noted that ginseng consumption should be moderate and best advised by a professional. This is because overconsumption of the ginseng could be highly toxic and side effects may range from anxiety and over-stimulation to dizziness, rashes, bleeding and even death. Some medications must also not be used concurrently with ginseng, as this might overly increase toxicity. When in doubt, always consult your doctor. They may also not be suitable during pregnancies.

I am a healthy (i hope!) human not under any medication and sometimes I infuse a sachet of American ginseng tea to boost energy levels while I am at work. I have reported no problems with side effects but to be honest neither have I noticed any significant difference in my energy level. My mother, on the other hand, highly endorses the American ginseng tea for its cooling properties and as a stimulant. I have also known classmates back in school to bite on a piece of ginseng to stay awake and alert during exam periods. So I do not know if one needs to be under a certain circumstance to best reap the benefits of these roots. I still maintain they look really creepy though! Heh.

Your Vanity Partner,
Snowy

The Incredible Acai Berry

2011-12-18T22:52:00.000+08:00

Green tea, royal jelly, honey etc are so passe. Recently the new buzz word is Acai Berries! Used in many weightloss products, cosmetics and beauty products, this fruit is touted to have antioxidant content that is higher than the levels of cranberry, raspberry, blueberry and the like.

Photo from www.acaiberryhealthdrink.com

While the jury is still out there regarding acai berry's ability to promote weight loss, products that include it as an ingredient claim that acai berry helps to boost energy levels, cleanses and detoxifies the body, regulates metabolism and suppresses appetite.

When used in beauty products, acai oil is used in facial and body creams, hair products and anti-aging products due to its high level of antioxidants. Even after it is processed and stored for long terms, the antioxidant content still remains high.

Acai berry has also been used as a health supplement because apart from its anti-cancer properties, it is also packed with vitamins, fiber, and essential fatty acids. This enables the body to maintain healthy levels of cholesterol and prevents hardening in the arteries and enhances blood circulation. The fruit is also effective in warding off the common flu, and it is rich in Omega 3, 6 and 9.

Sounds pretty amazing so far isn't it? =) The problem is, I don't think the fruit is easily available for sale in Singapore. The reason for this is because the fruit that grows in the flood plains and rain forests of South America tends to spoil really quickly and so has to be rapidly processed. There are acai berry supplements that can be obtained from heath food stores and online.

This festive season, may everyone be healthy and jolly! =)

Your Vanity Partner,
Snowy

Have a DIVA Christmas!

2011-12-16T14:29:00.000+08:00

'Tis the Christmas season again!

The season of love, joy, wine & dine, gathering and gifting... But for some of us (especially the clueless men), gifts shopping could prove to be a nightmare. Okay, that's too intense, maybe not a nightmare but a headache. ;)

Chocolates are too boring and gift sets from The Body Shop are waaaay too predictable. And there are only 2 weeks left to the occasion, during which there are looming deadlines at work, social obligations at play and family duties to be responsible for... In short, no time for shopping! *thunder claps and lightning strikes*

You need ONE place to settle for all the gifts to all the womenfolk on your gift list. And from this place you must be able to obtain -

A decent gift for your girlfriend that wouldn't bust your wallet yet not receive a raised eyebrow + sideways glance....
A sweet and practical gift for your younger sister, something she'd be able to wear everyday with every of her outfits...
Something for the nice marketing executive who's helped you out aplenty on your projects...
Another something for the nice platonic friend of yours who's given you present ideas for your girlfriend 800 times...
And any other female on your list.

For the girls, here's the ONE place you can source for pretty gifts for your galfriends as well, and for us it's way simpler isn't it? We don't need a reason to give something to our fellow galfies!

And that ONE place where you can fulfil all your shopping requirements is none other than Diva, an accessories store originated from Australia, which you can find all over Singapore as well. And I'd personally verified - the prices here are not much higher than the real prices in Australia (with exchange rate factored in), so you don't feel like you'd been cheated by the inflated prices across continents.

Here are some amazing gift ideas from Diva -

Sets available in gold and silver - SGD$26

Chanti Bracelets - SGD$11

Cross necklaces available in gold and silver - SGD$13

Hoop earrings available in gold and silver - SGD$20

Love gift set - SGD$26

And they have a lovely (albeit a little cheesy) slogan for Christmas 2011 too!

Give DIVA, give love... Give the one you love DIVA.

Have fun shopping everyone! :D

Your Vanity Partner,
Snowy

Abercrombie & Fitch Opens Flagship Store in Singapore

2011-12-14T13:25:00.000+08:00

First and foremost, I'm kinda amused.

Flagship stores are sprouting like mushrooms in Singapore, and each store boasts of "first flagship store in Southeast Asia" as their marketing slogan. First flagship store in Asia, I'd be pretty impressed. First in Southeast Asia? Nah... Pretty much expected isn't it?

Anyway, back to the main topic. A&F, an Ohio-based casual luxury themed brand, will open its 21,000 square feet, 4-storeyed flagship store at Knightsbridge on December 15th, 2011. Months ago, a particular ad of a topless man had spawned countless controversial discussions, leading to an eventual suspension of the ad in September.

Personally, I have no idea why people got so mad. When I saw this myself, I had zilch opinion on it. To the people who thought it's vulgar, offensive, objectifying men etc., I think they are being hypocritical. I'm sure they'd not have flinched at a half-naked woman's body on the ad, which are a dime a dozen all over Orchard Road anyway. What's the norm doesn't make it any more righteous than what's not. Such double standards are so loathsome.

Image from The Straits Times

I'm glad that the ad suspension didn't deter A&F from continuing to deviate from the norm, with their fleet of 40 buff-bodied shirtless greeters making an appearance outside the yet-to-open flagship store. Until organizers ban the swimsuit categories from beauty pageants, I shall support A&F's publicity stint with my whole heart!

The first thought that came to my mind though when I saw these photos was - "How in the world did A&F manage to source for so many of such dishy men in Singapore?" And true enough, only 5 were from Singapore. The other 35 hail from Brazil, the United States, France, Japan and Italy. What are all the gyms in Singapore doing?! =P

In any case, I am very glad to see A&F finally in Singapore after I first got acquainted with the label about 10 years ago. Back then brands like A&F and Hollister were all the rage amongst college kids, but they were not easily available. And now that they finally are, I'm almost too old to be interested in such casual wear. *shakes head in dismay* I sure hope the brands will bring it on before I become too old to care!

Your Vanity Partner,

Snowy

Up to 70% Off Clarks!

2011-12-12T14:23:00.004+08:00

Just wanted to share this with everybody! =)

Have fun shopping everyone! *beams*

Your Vanity Partner,
Snowy

The Men Now Get It...

2011-12-10T12:24:00.000+08:00

Alright, the title for this article is a naughty twist of a certain ladies' credit card marketing slogan "The Men Don't Get It", but it totally delivers my idea for today. I could see it coming for a while, was surprised they don't have it already, and I trust it will soon pick up in other Asian countries like Singapore and Taiwan.

And I'm referring to Manstudio, South Korea's first apothecary created expressly and exclusively for men.

Manstudio in Seoul

You just know that if somebody is going to do it, it'd be South Korea! Haha... I suspect that the typical man there is probably vainer than the typical woman in Singapore. But I think it's a rising trend (and awareness, if you could call it that) these days as I see the boys and men and young punks around me becoming more concerned and astute about their skincare, probably no thanks to the influence of the many South Korean dramas that have taken the country by storm.

Actually I think it's a very good idea. Most of the current male skincare products on the market right now are like small, insignificant subset of the women's collection under the same brand. Many major labels have still not begun to tap into the male market yet. To have a dedicated men's skincare collection would not only be way more convenient, but likely more credible as well. After all the structure of men's skin is very different from women's skin, and this includes having less sebaceous glands, being oilier due to the male hormone testosterone, being thicker (so less likely to be subjected to sun ageing as compared to women), being more fragile and more easily irritated in part due to daily shaving, and have less nerve fibers than than women. The amount of collagen also decreases to a lesser extent in ageing when compared to women. Effective skin products for men should therefore take in all these differences and attune accordingly.

Manstudio carries an impressive range of lotions, essences, creams, masks, sun protection, BB creams (!!!), shaving, cleasing, hair and body products. There prices average around an affordable USD$20 - $50. And their signature and most popular Intensive Care Program costs USD$281 for 8 sessions. That's an average of USD$35 per session. How inexpensive it is to stay good looking in South Korea! *shakes head in dismay at the prices in Singapore*

Said Sung Hoon Kang, product manager, when asked why skincare was Manstudio's top selling category - "As the social status of Korean women grows, men are no longer just competing with themselves, but with women as well. Men now need to groom to be relevant in today's world.".

Women take heart! The men are are all out to compete with you!

Dreamwarp Society by Mimco

2011-12-08T00:15:00.012+08:00

Christmas season has yet to arrive, and fashion retailers are already all set to launch their Spring/Summer 2012 collections. In these competitive times, it's not easy to sustain a revenue-generating business indeed...

Australian fashion retailer Mimco is one of those to hop on the bandwagon of being amongst the first to release their publicity for their Spring/Summer collection - Dreamwarp Society. "Dreamwarp" is not a dictionary word but comprises of two dictionary words "dream" and "warp". I guess the word is essentially chosen to add a streak of whimsicality to the theme idea of being dreamy and surreal?

This is the story behind Dreamwarp Society... "The main character of Mimco’s dream is a pretty punk girl who rocks the renaissance, delves into the opium dens of 1930’s Hong Kong, slides into the retro futurism of a minimalist kingdom and finally leaving through the invisible exit door of a surreal and robotic desert-scape."

And therefore as you can imagine, Dreamwarp Society is a cauldron of design ideas, including a fusion of the East & West, punk and romance, modern and tribal, as well as minimalism. It is indeed a little complicated. I'm wondering if the designers cannot make up their minds and collectively decide on one major idea, and so they've decided to put it altogether for Dreamwarp Society's theme. And goodness knows how they came up with the idea of the punk girl and the 1930's Hong Kong opium dens!

But actually, notwithstanding the complicated ideas that are kind of overwhelming for straightforward me, the collection is really quite endearing. Amongst some of my favorites...

Fortune Hip Bag (Scarlet) SGD$430

Mahjong Long Drop (Jet Silver) SGD$260

Heiress Crystal Bracelet (Crystal Pearl Mix) SGD$220

Imperial Bow Twist Choker (Jet Pearl) SGD$390

Medici Midi Pump (Black Milky Way) SGD$300

The jewelry in this collection are oh-so-pretty, while the bags veer towards the safe and functional route. The price tags are a little on the hefty side for a non-designer label. The collection will be available in stores from mid-January 2012, and you can get your Fortune Hip Bag from...

Mimco
#B1-29, 2 Orchard Turn ,
ION Orchard,
Singapore 238801

Your Vanity Partner,
Snowy

The Accidental Birth of A Luxury Bag...

2011-12-06T22:40:00.002+08:00

A lot of business successes are unplanned. And the same can be said of Tila March, a French luxury leather brand incepted in 2006 by French Elle Contributing Fashion Editor Tamara Taichman and her business partner turned life partner Nicholas Berdugo, Louis Vuitton Marketing Executive.

It all started with Tamara's personal demand for a certain bag, which bore with it her personal expectations, and this one bag eventually actualized with Nicholas' help and gradually expanded into more than 200 bags and a full shoe collection in 2009, all in a mere 3 years. It is nothing short of amazing!

And on November 21st, 2011, Tila March opened the doors to its first South East Asian's flagship store at Scotts Square in Singapore. Where designers choose to open their stores speak a lot about how they perceive the people's fashion sense and astuteness, and needless to say their purchasing power. Tamara's decision to open a flagship store in Singapore speaks for her belief that local women are "more sophisticated, a little more dressy and chic". Coming from a fashion editor of a top fashion magazine in a top fashion city, it is definitely something that us local women should be proud of. =)

In a luxury brand market as saturated as France, I'd say Tila March'es success in such a short period of time can only be described as phenomenal. I mean, look at the rest of the labels - Louis Vuitton was founded in 1854, Hermes in 1837, Yves Saint Laurent in 1963, Chanel in 1925, Christian Dior in 1947... And of course you have Tila March in 2006. I don't know about Tamara, but I'd never for one moment dare to dream that one day I'd own a luxury label strong enough to rival the likes of LV and YSL.

Exactly what is the popularity level of Tila March?

Spotted! Cameron Diaz with Tila March

Cameron Diaz and Tila March'es Zelig Canvas tote bag...

Spotted! Sarah Jessica Parker with Tila March

Sarah Jessica Parker and Tila March Dora Boston Bag...

Spotted! Sienna Miller with Tila March

Sienna Miller and Tila March Pompon Shoulder Bag...

I think Tila March bags cut edge because of their luxurious hide, rich colors and classic designs, that make them timeless and stylish yet functional as a day-to-day bag. I can practically see the fullness and softness of the leather just from looking at the pictures, and I can so imagine amorously feeling its thickness and delightfully inhaling the signature leather smell... And the price, of course they are in the 4-digits range. Oh well, I guess it's not called luxury leather brand for nothing!

So what can we takeaway from the success of Tila March?

A fashion editor can potentially become a bag designer.
Your personal want can potentially become a major business idea.
Your business partner can potentially become your life partner.
Do not undermine the possibility that a simple design can be wanted by people who are willing to pay big bucks for it.

And the bag that gave birth to Tila March today?

If I hadn't told you, would you have imagined it'd become a hit with Paris fashion buyers?

Check out the rest of the Tila March collection at the flagship store today! It doesn't always have to be an LV or a Prada or a Mulberry, dare to be tastefully unpredictable... Afterall, that is what the Singaporean woman is about. =)

6 Scotts Road,
#02-08,
Scotts Square
Singapore 228209

Your Vanity Partner,
Snowy

Review - Hawaiian Tropic Sunscreen Baby Lotion

2011-12-04T10:08:00.000+08:00

Ever since I'd started to look beyond the product packagings and embarked on the quest to understand the products themselves more thoroughly, I realized that most of them are often more than meet the eyes. And a lot of the messages that the product is trying to convey can be found on the packaging itself, but too often many of us either ignore, or fail to completely understand what the messages mean. Sun protection is one very good example.

In the first place, is there a difference between sunscreen and sunblock, since the two words are used so interchangeably?

There are two different types of sun protection, physical sun protection and chemical sun protection. Physical sun protection is also known as sunblock, and they either scatter or reflect harmful radiation before it can reach the skin. Chemical sun protection, also known as sunscreen, absorb the energy of harmful radiation before it can reach the skin.

Most of the products on the market actually are a combination of both sunblock and sunscreen to provide a more complete, broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. UVA rays are the ones that cause permanent damage such as wrinkles, freckles and skin cancer, while UVB rays are the ones that cause your skin to burn.

The sun protection factor, or SPF, refers to the length of time that you can be under the sun without burning. Therefore needless to say the higher the SPF, the longer will be the length of protection. However, the effectiveness of sun protection fades over time, even for those with very high SPF. To ensure prolonged, complete protection, reapplication is still necessary. Sunburn can take up to 24 hours to appear fully, so do not wait till skin turns red before reapplying sun protection.

PA ranking refers to protection from UVA rays. Therefore naturally a PA+++ will have more UVA protection than a PA+. Water resistant sun protection maintains the SPF level after 40 minutes of water immersion, while very water resistant sun protection maintains the SPF level after 80 minutes of water immersion. So again it doesn't mean that you can wear a very water resistant sunblock and swim for 2 hours without reapplication.

When purchasing sunblocks of sunscreens, I like one that does not leave a thick layer of whitish gunk on the skin, does not feel too oily, and does not come with a strong signature sunblock smell. And since sunblocks are more likely to fail my no "whitish gunk, no smell" test, I tend to prefer sunscreens.

Hawaiian Tropic Baby Sunscreen Lotion

Sprays usually make me feel like I haven't got enough protection, while creams and sticks are too rich for my liking. Therefore I tend to like my sunscreens in lotions. And because sometimes I tend to rub my eyes with my hands unconsciously, I run the risk of having sunscreen streaking into my eyes when I'm perspiring under the hot sun, so I use baby formulas! =P

SGD$16.90 from Sasa

I like Hawaiian Tropic sunscreens because they are very sweet-smelling. And I tend to trust them because they specialize in sun protection research, ranging in a wide array of tanning, sun protection and after sun products.

There is one point that I'd like to highlight about sunblock and sunscreens. About 41% of the products (including Hawaiian Tropic) on the market include a derivative of Vitamin A - Retinyl Palmitate, as an ingredient. The industry put this in because Vitamin A is an anti-oxidant that slows skin aging. However, scientists have found that Vitamin A can spur excess skin growth, and in sunlight it can cause free radicals that damage DNA. A recent FDA study on lab animals seems to suggest that Vitamin A can accelerate tumors and lesions, though the data is still in preliminary stages. While I'd thought I'd found my ultimate sunscreen lotion, the existence of Retinyl Palminate in its ingredients may mean that the hunt for the ultimate sunscreen lotion has yet to be mission accomplished.

*sigh*

Your Vanity Partner,
Snowy

The Lowdown on Parabens

2011-12-02T21:46:00.003+08:00

Methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, isobutylparaben, or more generically known as parabens - they are the most commonly used preservatives in personal care products such as shampoos, moisturizers, shaving gels, cleansing gels, toothpastes, and the like. Parabens have been known to be very efficient against bacteria and fungi.

In 2004, a study was published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology, depicting findings that parabens, which mimic the hormone estrogen, have been detected in malignant breast tumors. The study was led by Philipa Darbre, a senior lecturer in oncology and researcher in biomolecular sciences at the University of Reading, England. She specializes in the impact of estrogen in breast cancer. It should be noted though, that the article doesn't prove that paraben causes cancer, only that it is prevalent in cancerous cells.

Before that in 2002, Dr. S. Oishi of the Department of Toxicology, Tokyo Metropolitan Research Laboratory of Public Health reported that exposure of newborn male mammals to butylparaben “adversely affects the secretion of testosterone and the function of the male reproductive system.” in the July issue of the Archives of Toxicology. Whether parabens might impact the development and growth of babies and adults, the findings are still inconclusive.

In a recent Danish study, it was found that parabens can be traced in the blood and urine of healthy young male volunteers, who applied lotions that contain parabens a few hours before. It could be concluded from this study that the preservative can be absorbed, metabolized and excreted, and therefore can potentially contribute to adverse health effects.

All these findings seem to suggest the harmful effects of parabens, but are yet able to conclude. I, for one, will honestly say that I'm not going to start throwing out all paraben-containing beauty and personal care products and in my collection because there are just too many of them. However, I felt that there is a need to spread the knowledge, and thereafter it is up to the individuals to decide whether they want to go paraben-free. The good news is more and more companies are choosing to go paraben-free for their products as consumers become increasingly concerned.

For the savvy consumer, it sure seems like it is no longer enough to solely look at the functions and directions of a beauty product, but to get familiarized with the ingredients as well. And I hope that this article has raised your concern (but not alarm) about the potential risks of parabens.

Your Vanity Partner,
Snowy

Image: YaiSirichai / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Resources:
http://www.thegoodhuman.com
http://www.besthealthmag.ca

Food Review of the Month - Casa Verde

2011-11-30T01:23:00.013+08:00

*chuckles*

To add a little bit of variety into the content of my website, I've decided to start a "Food Review of the Month" segment to be added to the Lifestyle section. This will be published on the last day of every month. I'm no food connoisseur or food critic, so I'm in no position to do this predominantly. However, I do love my food, and I'm a total believer of "sharing the love" where food is concerned, and so the birth of this little idea. *pats tummy satisfyingly*

Casa Verde, which means "Green house" in Italian, is a patio-styled terrace-cafe that I would really love to bring my prospective dog (Yoshi the golden retriever) here someday. Part of the Les Amis Group and situated in the Singapore Botanic Gardens, it's a rare gem of a place where you can find the sun, fresh air, nature, space, dogs, owners and friends all congregated together. This is the kind of atmosphere where I can lounge and spend all day with a bunch of girlfriends, a good coffee and some good conversations. And of course with Yoshi the goldie when he is in my life. =D

But apart from loving its ambience and how dog-friendly it is, the real reason for me to visit this place is because they serve my favorite pizzas in the world. Or at least I haven't found another place to rival this. But that's also because I'm not a big yeast fan, so I have my selected moments when I crave for pizza, and it's totally not often at all.

There are 11 recipes of pizza served all day long together with their salads, soups, pastas, sandwiches amongst their daily lunch and dinner menus. Interestingly they also serve local delights, though I'm a bit puzzled why anyone would order Yang Chow Fried Rice and Seafood Mee Goreng in an Italian restaurant. I suppose they must be trying to appeal to the tourists.

The 11-inches pizzas claimed to be charcoal-grilled, and trust me, they do taste different from their oven-grilled counterparts. The crusts are the thin and slightly burnt kinds. And they taste amazing. Every ingredient in the pizza is well balanced by one another, instead of any one single ingredient that is overpowering the others. My favorite amongst them is the Pizza Parma Ham e Rock Salad (SGD$25). The ingredients are tomato salsa, mozzarella, parma ham, rocket leaves and olive oil - all of my faves.

Pizza Parma Ham e Rock Salad

But I also liked the Pizza Rustica (SGD$23) with its cheery sunny-side up in the center. =) The ingredients are tomato salsa , smoked streaky bacon, asparagus, and of course sunny-side egg.

Pizza Rustica

A little bit different from the usual caesar salads that you can find is the signature Casa Verde Salad (SGD$11.50), a combination of seasonal fruits and mesclun in light citrus dressing. This is a very light yet delightful concoction that serves well as an appetizer with its slightly sweet and tangy citrus dressing.

Casa Verde Salad

Good food and good environment, what else is a person to ask for? *grins* To make things even better yet, you can go for a leisurely stroll with Le Canine in the Garden after a gratifying meal. Such simple pleasures... :)

Prospective Yoshi the Golden Retriever...
(Picture from www.discoveringgoldenretrievers.com)

Casa Verde
1, Cluny Road,
Singapore Botanic Gardens
Tel: +65 6467 7326
Opening Hours: 7.30 a.m. to 9.30 p.m.
Website: http://www.lesamis.com.sg

Vitamin E - My Unsung Beauty Hero

2011-11-27T23:35:00.000+08:00

My knowledge of Vitamin E as a beauty product came about 4 years ago, when my doctor prescribed me Vitamin E capsules to help an open wound heal faster and to minimize potential scars. Since then, my interest in Vitamin E was piqued, and I went home to research and uncovered more about Vitamin E benefits.

That was how I learnt that some people actually apply the Vitamin E oil directly onto their faces from the capsules. The University of Maryland Medical Center actually found that pure Vitamin E can decrease facial roughness caused by wrinkles and fine lines. Apart from that it is also an antioxidant (therefore slowing down the effects of aging) and it helps to promote new skin cell growth - the reason behind my doctor's prescription. Medically, Vitamin E helps to prevent skin cancer. When mixed with coconut oil and smeared onto skin, this becomes a natural sunblock concoction. For a sunburn remedy, Vitamin E can be mixed with aloe vera gel to soothe as well as to heal. Seriously, by now you should be sold on the benefits of Vitamin E already!

A lot of beauty products actually include Vitamin E as a key ingredient. However, I like to take my products or supplements directly from the source if I can help it. Previously I have mentioned before in another article that I combine my Vitamin E oil with a basic skin moisturizer when I need that extra boost and hydration on my face. I first apply the moisturizer because it acts as a primer for easier application of the oil, then pierce a Vitamin E gel capsule with a needle, squeeze out the oil and smooth it around my face. The following morning I find my face more supple and hydrated and I try to do this on a weekly basis. Some people actually recommend mixing Vitamin E oil with olive oil instead. Personally I have not tried this mixture before so I can't testify for it.

This method is simple and cost-efficient because you save on all the expensive skincare products where good old Vitamin E would do the trick and probably even better. It is also easily available. However, I wouldn't advise ladies with oily or combination skin to follow this method as the thick consistency may actually give rise to clogged pores in some. There are Vitamin E oil products on the market that ladies with oily and combination skin can use that will mitigate this problem. The consistency also makes it rather tricky to apply before bedtime because sometimes it causes my hair to stick to my face during sleep so it gets rather uncomfortable. And I also have to place a towel over my pillow in case the oil gets smeared onto it while I stir in my sleep. Amazingly, thick as it is, the oil DOES get absorbed in the morning (assuming my pillow doesn't get it first). My T-zone area was relatively oilier than the rest of the face though so I reckon absorption in these areas was not as fantastic.

What I have shared today are my own experience and knowledge of Vitamin E as a beauty product. I hope this has been useful for you as well. If you, my dear reader, has other methods of using Vitamin E, do drop me a note to share your insight with me! Have a good day everyone! =)

Your Vanity Partner,
Snowy

Makemania Eyes Flasher in Pink Bordeaux - Review

2011-11-25T19:26:00.000+08:00

It was kind of a bimbo moment when I was wondering how I am expected to review this when I don't even know the brand in English. *sweat*

And then when I flipped it around, therein lies some very very very small font in the English words "Makemania Eyes Flasher PB" and *ting* went a lightbulb above my head!

I was lurking around in Raffles City Shopping Center after work one evening to "gather market intelligence", as I would have called it, though what it really means is - I went shopping. *cough* I meant to check out if there are new products on the market of late, not really intending to bring anything home, but I ended up purchasing this -

Makemania Eyes Flasher in Pink Bordeaux

It costs SGD$25.10 from Watsons. I had a hard time deciding between the Pink Bordeaux one and the Black Brown one. Eventually I selected the former as it is more suitable for day/office wear while the latter is more suited for a night's out, with its darker colors and silvery shimmers.

I'm always a sucker for Japanese makeup, French skincare and fashion, and Taiwanese innovative beauty products. Eyeshadow is one makeup product I don't usually splurge on because I haven't noticed too much difference between the expensive ones and the cheaper counterparts as long as the color is suitable for oneself. Thus my eyeshadows tend to be from ZA or Majolica Marjorca. I do have a palette from the MAC Hello Kitty series but that was a present.

I used my Clarins eyeshadow brush to apply the Pink Bordeaux instead of the attached applicator to try on the second and third colors on the palette. To my surprise, the eyeshadows were not very well pigmented. Despite picking up quite a bit of color on my brush, very little color was actually revealed on my lids. That was kind of out of sync with my esteemed impression of Japanese makeup, so I was a tad surprised. The pink definitely didn't resemble the picture on the packaging at all, and I'm relatively fair so it shouldn't be difficult for colors to show up, even if they are pale. Perhaps the next time I use it I should apply with the applicator instead to see if it makes any difference, though I am doubtful.

Apart from Pink Bordeaux and Black Brown, the series also includes Khaki Green. I would say that the product didn't really live up to my expectations, and it's not exactly value-for-money.

Your Vanity Partner,

Snowy

KTM Resort Spa Villa - Review

2011-11-23T17:28:00.002+08:00

Sometime in October, I embarked on a 2 days 1 night weekend retreat to recharge, rejuvenate, and to temporarily escape the hustle-bustle of the hectic corporate life. I found myself attracted to a KTM Batam Resort promotion which I thought was a marvellous deal, though it didn't turn out to be that noteworthy afterall when all the hidden costs were included, but I digressed.

The spa was a big part of my weekend retreat, and KTM Resort Spa Villa, in particular, has had plenty of raves and positive reviews over the years. Only a 5 minutes car ride from the pristine Sekupang Ferry Terminal, the location was fantastic. The spa has 7 beach front, well-equipped private treatment rooms. The rooms are not air-conditioned but you are not going to need it because of the gusty winds from the sea. Throughout your treatment you will be accompanied by the lullabies of the lapping waves, occasionally inter-weaved with noisy rumblings from the generators of bum boats passing by. My beauty treatments for the weekend included a 90 minutes full body massage, and a 60 minutes traditional facial.

Jacuzzi bathtub

The spa is managed by Singaporeans, so the services are also charged in Singapore Dollars. The 90 minutes Javanese massage was part of the promotion so I only had to pay SGD$20 for it. At the non-promotional rate a 90 minutes massage would have set me back by SGD$40. Choosing massage oil cost an additional SGD$5. I chose that because otherwise they merely use a cream for the massage and I have no idea what kind of cream it would be. The traditional facial cost SGD$38 for 60 minutes.

Lounge chairs for foot reflexology facing the sea...

I really loved the atmosphere of the treatment rooms. I have never had a massage by the sea before and I reckon that if I do something similar in Singapore, where the number of beach fronts are limited, I would probably be expected to pay easily SGD$300-400 for it. The skills of the therapists, however, are lackluster. But somehow you learn to manage your expectations towards them. Maybe it has something to do with the price as well. Being so cheap, it's like - what else would you expect?

Balinese-themed private treatment rooms...

For the Javanese massage, I had a scrawny therapist who either didn't have a lot of strength to exert, or didn't bother to exert any strength at all. Neither did she try to hover over the knots in my back a bit more, but rather I felt that she was just eager to get through with the whole 90 minutes routine. The facial was worse. This time round the therapist exerted way too much force than was required for a face. She used a dodgy-smelling piece of sponge to clean my face and I felt like I was a ceramic plate roughly scrubbed down with a dishwashing sponge. I have no idea what products they used but they smelt suspiciously like a certain cleaning liquid I'd smelt in public loos before. There was no extraction, no steaming or any machine treatments. She merely went through one product, cleaned off, second product, cleaned off, and etc. The only redeeming factor was her facial massage - it wasn't the best I've tried but it was good enough. In both treatments, I emerged from the treatment rooms to find that I have been grossly short-changed by 10-15 minutes. I have, however, enjoyed the cup of strong ginger tea that they offered post treatments.

That was the experience that I'd had, but then again I only tried 2 out of their many treatment packages and there were many other therapists available so I might have gotten the youngest and least skillful masseur or something. I'd give them the benefit of the doubt since one experience hardly speaks for everything the spa has to offer, especially since they have received so many good reviews they must have been doing something right. I will definitely advise readers against the traditional facial though. For regular facial goers, the contrast is too stark.

Personally, I am not too keen to give them a second go, and I definitely wouldn't go all the way out to Batam for the spa services. I am still quite comfortable with what our local shores have to offer where skills, services, and the range of prices are concerned.

Your Vanity Partner,

Snowy

Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel Review

2011-11-21T14:56:00.000+08:00

I was getting a facial mask from Sasa the other day and the one I got actually had a freebie attached to it. *beams* I love sample-sized freebies! This way I can get to try out new products without the commitment of a standard retail sized portion, just in case the products don't really suit me after all.

The freebie that came along with my mask was a 75 oz tube of Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel. Most people are aware of Aloe Vera's soothing properties when applied post sunburns. But actually it is also anti-inflammatory (good for acne), a natural antioxidant (slows down signs of aging), and holds in moisture.

It was just as well that I got home really late one evening and I wanted to shorten my regular night time beauty regime so that I could quickly hit my pillow. I almost toyed with the idea of going without a night moisturizer that day (I do that once in a while to allow skin to rest and breathe), but decided against it as my face was going through a period of drought again. So I needed something that could be absorbed by my skin in 10 seconds flat, and my newly acquired aloe vera gel was is.

Application was smooth, the colorless gel was relatively runny and easy to spread. There was a faint sweet aroma that smelt suspiciously like pulot hitam - a certain Malay black glutinous rice dessert. On first application, my face felt cool and refreshed. So far so good.

In about 10 seconds later, however, my eyes started to sting. I did not apply the gel any nearer to my eyes than usual but they began to become red and started to water. And then my nose started to sniff too. Although the product indicated that there is no alcohol, the stinging in the eyes and nose definitely felt like irritation from alcohol. I suspect that it might be the preservatives. Followed by that parts of my cheeks began to feel tight and there was a mild stinging as well, but it wasn't as bad as my eyes.

I decided that I ought to give it another chance, because my eyes might have been too dried out by my contact lenses the night before and therefore rather sensitive. So the following morning I used it again, as moisturizer and as a primer for my makeup. True enough this time round there was no stinging of the eyes, but the slight discomfort in the cheeks was unmistakeable.

It felt somewhat bizarre that my skin could react to aloe vera gel this way, so I went about to check out some reviews of this Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel, just to see if I'm the only one who's experienced this anomaly. Turns out that while most people have good feedback on the product, some people did advise that they, too, have experienced the tight sensation on their dry skin. One reviewer in particular, actually cited that her cheeks were on fire. Tearing up, dryness are yet some other negative effects that have been noted. So it seems like I am not alone.

I'd say I'm a tad disappointed with this aloe vera product, because I'd have thought that aloe vera gel should be a savior for dry and sensitive skin. Although I pretty much like how smooth and cooling the gel is when being smeared across the face, the superficial benefits defeat the purpose if the product is unable to live up to its fundamental expectations, which is unfortunate.

Your Vanity Partner,
Snowy

Dandruff - An Itching Problem to Resolve

2011-11-19T20:30:00.000+08:00

Dandruff is a relatively harmless medical condition that is often quite misunderstood. It does not require a doctor's diagnosis as individuals are mostly able to confirm if they have dandruff themselves through the characteristic white flakes of the scalp. In severe cases, dandruff might even cause some people to suffer from social and esteem problems.

Dandruff IS NOT -

A result of poor hygiene.
A cause of hair loss.
Curable though it can be easily controlled.
Necessarily only on the scalp but it can occur on any part of the body where there are hair follicles.

Dandruff IS -

A faster renewal of dead skin cells on the scalp, thereby giving rise to more shedding.
Found to be significantly improved as sufferers get older.
More prevalent in men than in women.
More prevalent in those who have oily skin.
Potentially exacerbated by excess salt, sugar or spice in the diet.

The exact cause of dandruff is unknown, but there are some suggestions that worth noting for sufferers -

It might be caused by insufficient hair brushing. People who do not comb or brush their hair frequently deprive their scalp of the aid that brushing provides in the shedding of skin.

People with dry skin tend to get dandruff more frequently, as do people with irritated oily skin. The former will have small flakes which are not oily while the latter will suffer from red, greasy skin with white or yellow flakes.

Dandruff may be a reaction to hair/skincare products. Too frequent shampooing has also been suggested to be the culprit as this may irritate the scalp.

Insufficient consumption of zinc, vitamin B and some types of fats in the diet.

Sensitivity to yeast.

Malassezia that has grown out of control. Malassezia is a fungus that lives on everyone's scalp. It generally doesn't cause any problems but when it is out of control, it can feed on the oils that our hair follicles secrete. This causes the scalp to be irritated and generate more skin cells.

Mental stress.

Chronic illness such as Parkinson's disease of HIV.

As can be seen the causes of dandruff may range from superficial reasons to something more serious underlying it. When treating dandruff age and the severity of the dandruff are two key factors that doctors look at. There are many over the counter medicated shampoos that help to control (not cure) dandruff. These should be used everyday until the condition has alleviated, then it can be used less frequently. Tea-tree oil is one ingredient that can be found in anti-dandruff shampoos because it is antifungal, antibiotic and an antiseptic. Some people may be allergic to it though.

But apart from anti-dandruff shampoos, there are also some home remedies for treating dandruff. And everyone knows I love natural remedies! Here are some inexpensive and fuss-free methods you may like to try -

Method 1
Squeeze the juice of a fresh lemon into a glass of warm water and pour over hair in the final shampoo rinse. This is because lemons are natural antibiotics.

Method 2
Mix one part apple cider vinegar to 3 parts warm water and spray onto hair using a spray bottle. Leave it one for an hour before washing off. Apple cider vinegar is believed to stimulate blood circulation in the small capillaries just under the skin, as well as to combat bacteria, viruses and yeast.

If you have any other home remedies against dandruff that have worked for you, please share them with me and the readers! I hope that after reading this article you will have acquired more understanding about a common condition that plagues many of us either previously or currently in our lives. Have a great day all! =)

Your Vanity Partner,
Snowy

Image: graur razvan ionut / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

References:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com
http://www.homeremediesfordandruff.org

Grameen UNIQLO Tee-Shirts and Tote Bags

2011-11-17T22:40:00.000+08:00

In July 2010, Grameen Bank, a community development bank in Bangladesh, launched a social business venture with Uniqlo to form Grameen UNIQLO. The aim of this venture was to tackle poverty in Bangladesh by having local people involved in the planning, marketing, manufacturing and selling of clothing in the country. The profits are then reinvested in the social business. Investors will get back only their investment amount but no dividends. Because locals are developing the business on their own, they play an active role in improving their own lives and generating job opportunities in Bangladesh.

Grameen Bank was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 2006, as it was known to provide loans to the poor and unemployed without requiring any collateral. Grameen Bank believes that charity is not the solution to poverty. Charity creates dependency instead of fuelling an individual's determination to fight poverty. Loans, on the other hand, offer people opportunities to take initiatives in business, thereby breaking the poverty cycle on their own accord and tenacity.

I respect Grameen Bank's motivation and their efforts in helping Bangladesh defeat poverty. It is tantamount to giving a boy a fishing rod and teaching him to fish, instead of dishing him a fish directly on a platter. The former is definitely more sustainable in the long run, and to give the country hope, they have to come out of poverty on their own. It will take a long time for them to get there no doubt, but when they finally do get there they will truly be self-sufficient. They will not collapse just because the UN or World Bank or another country has stopped granting them monetary relief.

And I also respect the team behind UNIQLO who brainstormed, planned, passed and implemented this social business plan. They really needn't have done that, but yet they did. And we, as consumers and as people who are more blessed to be born into this country instead of in an under-developed nation like Bangladesh, can do our parts to show our support to the citizens (particularly women) of Bangladesh, who are working hard to fight off poverty.We will also be indirectly encouraging Grameen Bank and UNIQLO, who will be pleased to know that their efforts in the social business is well-received.

You can view more designs of this collection on UNIQLO's website

T-shirts retail for SGD$24.90 each while the tote bag retails for SGD$14.90. Once again I advocate that I'm a big fan of UTs for their material and their cut. I wouldn't call them ridiculously cheap, but they are affordable and value-for-money for the quality they offer.

Hats off once again to Grameen Bank and UNIQLO! I applaud you.

Your Vanity Partner,
Snowy

Facial Wash - Drugstore vs Counter Challenge

2011-11-15T23:56:00.000+08:00

For the longest time I have been using Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser for my dry and sensitive skin. That was because I had a really hard time searching for a facial wash specially formulated for sensitive skin, much to my surprise. I remembered I went from counter to counter at Raffles City Shopping Mall, asking the sales attendants if they have such a product. So when I finally found it from Clarins, I stuck to it fervently like a leech. Because it is formulated for dry and sensitive skin, the product is ultra-moisturizing and there is no post-wash tightness evident of facial washes that are either too harsh or drying for my skin type. And I was a faithful supporter for a good 3 years or so. It is a good product, no doubts about it.

Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser

Gradually, however, I began to feel a need to source for a cheaper alternative as I begin to make my transition from working professional to surviving student. I was sceptical though, because if finding a suitable product from counter brands should feel difficult, then finding such a product amidst drugstore brands should be insurmountable. It doesn't help that I gave a few of them a chance but they have failed me point-blank, despite their claims to be suitable for dry skin. There was that inescapable icky sense of tightness in the skin post-wash, as if skin had been streaked of its moisture. Urgh.

As you can imagine I wasn't too excited when my brother came home one day and tossed me some samples of the Himalaya Neem Face Wash he got from a goodie bag. It wasn't even formulated for dry and sensitive skin, I was wary of it from the beginning. Eventually I don't know what overcame me to give it a go, and boy, was I surprised by how moisturizing it is!

It was formulated for all skin types, yet it gave me none of the tightness that 85% of the facial washes in the market would probably have given me. Neem and turmeric have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties as well so I've also noticed the occasional zit has also been kept at bay. This was something my Clarins wasn't able to achieve. And the best part was it came at a sweet price tag of SGD$9.90 instead of SGD$38.00 as in the Clarins foaming cleanser. I could almost buy 4 tubes of the former with the price of the latter!

Himalaya Purifying Neem Face Wash

I'm still using the Himalaya Neem face wash now, graduated from samples to a proper tube, and I would probably be sticking with it for a while. Once again this has proven that drugstore brands may not necessarily be inferior to counter brands. The key lies in finding a product that suits you, not in which company produced it. The truth is, many drugstore brands are produced by the same manufacturers, in the same factories using the same ingredients as the counter brands. I'm not trying to slam counter brands though, I'd just advise the intelligent lady consumers out there to try a product for yourself before you pass a judgement or write off a product as ineffective, which was what I almost did. It may not take you by surprise all the time, but the more you experiment selectively, the higher are the chances of a good hit rate. =)

Have fun experimenting! Chances are, you are less likely to break the bank trying many drugstore products than settling on a few counter products anyway! =P

Your Vanity Partner,
Snowy

DEPRESSION Label Opens Flagship Store @ Cineleisure Orchard

2011-11-13T22:58:00.000+08:00

This article would probably be deemed too late because the actual opening was on 4th November 2011. But actually, this article wants more than just to inform you of the flagship store, but to salute the two local designers Andrew and Kenny, who upped the fashion scene in Singapore by a remarkable notch, in my opinion.

DEPRESSION Fall 2011 Collection...

For a long time Singapore has never been known to be as fashion-forward as her other Asian counterparts such as Japan, Korea and Hong Kong. Mostly attributed to the weather here which is perpetually sunny, locals tend to don simple and cooling day-to-day wear instead of having the opportunity to change their wardrobes in accordance to the seasonal changes. Layering and color-coordinating, which fashion is so big about, becomes more of a novelty here than a necessity. Seriously, the only times when we really need to layer is when we are in a freezing cold cinema theater or in an office with a blasting central air-conditioning. And boots? Like seriously? As much as I idolize fashion, I am still an ardent believer of pragmatism. I did go as far as to try leather booties in my halcyon (read: younger) days, but I really regretted that one occasion and never did it since.

But I really think that we are catching up. Seasons or none, the average girl (and guy!) on the street is definitely getting more and more dressy, and it's really fantastic! Commuting to work has become a more colorful affair because people-watching has become more interesting. =) Influence from Japan, Korea and the west over here has definitely been prevalent. As we adopt the "wearable" styles and items from foreign labels and incorporate them with the climate here, we've unwittingly developed our own style in the process. And I haven't even started on the accessorizing... =)

Yet even then, reigning local designs and notable local designers are still considered far and few, probably constrained by the relatively small market here in Singapore. Of course we have got the famous Benny Ong and Ashley Isham, as well as famous local brands such as alldressedup and Raoul, we are still lacking in younger designers around the likes of Keith Png and his label KOOPS. There is a gap between the really esteemed realms of Ashley Isham, and the mass market labels. Which is the reason why when I met Andrew and Kenny of Depression, I began to have hope yet!

Andrew and Kenny also happen to be the friendliest and most unpretentious well-known designers in Singapore. Whenever they happen to be in their store at Parco Millenia Walk when I dropped by, I always find them serving their customers personally and providing tips on how to wear their designs. They are also ever-ready for small talk and interactions. Even if you were not out to purchase, they still earnestly share their designs and fashion knowledge with gusto. That is Passion with a capital 'P', which I found myself so lacking in my own job and therefore am always so appreciative to find it in someone else.

The designs created by Andrew and Kenny are bold yet discrete, stands out from the crowd yet doesn't attract attention in the wrong way, unique yet not odd. They have balanced the fine line between individualism and defiance very well indeed. When you don their outfits, you can rest assured that you will not be part of the norm, yet at the same time you don't have to worry about sticking out like a sore thumb because of fashion-gone-wrong. That's what I am most impressed by Depression's designs.

You can view the designs for yourself here.

Your Vanity Partner,
Snowy

Movie Review - Don't Go Breaking My Heart

2011-11-12T22:33:00.001+08:00

This movie was screened earlier this year but I never managed to catch it. Which was a good thing as well, because I don't really think it would have been worth the price of my ticket. Hmmm... =/

Directed by Johnnie To, Don't Go Breaking My Heart was stared by Louis Koo, Daniel Wu and Gao Yuan Yuan. Basically I picked up this movie because I rarely fail to watch anything starred by Louis Koo. *blush* Where physical attributes are concerned, I always thought that he is the epitome of perfection in a man, with the exception of his tan because I like fair-skinned men. Anyways, I digressed.

Well basically, the story doesn't make sense because as believable as a love triangle between two men and a woman is, love at first sight in both cases is definitely not. To make a long story short, Wu and Gao just met each other on one occasion, lost contact for 3 years, coincided again 3 years later and he knows he's still madly in love with her. And he just proposed to her after that. No dating, no understanding of each other, they skipped everything else in-between. And the same goes for Koo and Gao. Seriously, how believable is that? How much can one love another just after one interaction to the extent of harboring that love for 3 years and then jumping straight into marriage after that? I guess it can only happen in movies.

If there's anything worth watching about the show, it's the methods that both men used to propose to Gao. Very very ingenious, grand and romantic! It's made the "real" proposals that I've heard of so far amongst people around me pale immensely by comparison. =P Or perhaps, it's just because Koo and Wu are just so ridiculously swoonsome, they make everything they do seem a million times more enticing. I seriously don't discard that possibility!

If you want to know exactly what they did to propose to Gao that's made me think it's the only highlight of the show, go and catch it for yourself! Just take the story with a pinch of salt! ;)

Your Vanity Partner,
Snowy

Changing Shampoos Regularly - Myth or Truth?

2011-11-10T21:42:00.000+08:00

I know I have definitely heard this reiterated several times before - that one should switch shampoo brands periodically because after a while hair gets used to the usual brand and it no longer works for us. Is this true and what is the rationale behind it?

I would say with confidence that many of us would have noticed before that after we switched shampoo brands, our hair indeed become silkier, softer and more manageable for a while. The differences are often so obvious we are convinced that the saying makes sense. The truth is, many shampoos and conditioners cause product build up after a while. These products leave a film on your hair causing it to look drab and lack lustre, or create more prevalent hair fall problems. Cheap shampoo and conditioners, 2 in 1 products, and silicone-based products are particularly susceptible to causing build up. In fact, all conditioners are also known to create build up after enough time has passed because a lot of them contain mineral oils and silk proteins as ingredients. This might be the reason why your regular brand appears to have stopped working for you.

One way to get around this is to use an anti-residue shampoo to remove product residue. Another more natural but proven-to-work method is to use apple cider vinegar. Simply dilute one part apple cider vinegar to 10 parts warm water and pour over your hair. Massage hair for a bit and then rinse out thoroughly with cold water. Do this after your shampoo and conditioner routine and you'd find hair to be shinier as well. This concoction has also been known to be effective on dandruff but I cannot vouch for this personally. Some people do the apple cider vinegar routine everyday but I'd say once to twice a week should be sufficient. For one, apple cider vinegar is rather expensive! And then of course, it IS vinegar after all so I'm not sure if every kind of skin and hair property will take well to it if used everyday.

And then of course, hair products also ought to be changed accordingly if there are changes to the state of your hair. For example you have undergone chemical treatments such as coloring, perming or straightening. Or you may have had lifestyle changes such as being more active at sports so you need to shampoo more frequently, or you may be swimming a lot, so you need a more moisturizing shampoo. You may even have moved to another country where the weather as well as the water quality might be different. All these will affect the condition of your hair to a certain extent and you may need to adjust your shampoo and conditioner properties accordingly.

So now we know that hair doesn't simply get "used to" the same brand over time! There is no real need to switch shampoos just for the sake of doing it. Just pay more attention to your hair condition and it will tell you when something you are doing aren't right. =)

Here's to more beautiful and luscious locks for everyone! *raises a champagne glass for a toast*

Image: Graeme Weatherston / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Of Golf, Golf Fashion and My Chubby-Cheeked Coach!

2011-11-08T19:14:00.000+08:00

I seriously can't golf properly for nuts, but I sure love them golf apparel!

I don't know of another sport that has a wider range of apparel than golf does, it even has its own stipulated umbrella type! Seriously, the fashion that golf offers is an EXTREMELY HIGHLY motivating factor that keeps me in the hobby, amongst many other reasons. =P

Who can resist these? The gloves and the umbrella are my favorites!

Ralph Lauren Golf

Chromax Golf Balls

Pink Wooden Tees

Ogio Diva Standing Bag

Padova Ladies' Golf Shoe

GLOVEIT Pink/Grey Argyle Glove *fave*

Wilson Pink Ribbon "Hope" Fairway Wood

Callaway Golf Cap

Cleveland Golf Umbrella *fave*

Hello Kitty Golf Ball Marker

There is another reason why I am enchanted by this sport - it cultivated a certain patience in me. And I don't mean patience in the form of tolerating a longer wait for your orders to be sent to your table, or higher threshold for waiting in heavy traffic. It is however, the patience to work slowly towards a goal, a trait that I'm acutely aware that I lacked. With the exception of dancing, I've embarked on learning journeys several times on various different hobbies, and I've lost interest sometimes in as quickly as 4 lessons because I don't see results quickly enough. Latin dancing was different because I had a certain level of flair, so even without too much effort I knew I could do it better than most of the class.

But golf is really quite an enigmatic sport. After n number of lousy shots when I'm just about ready to give up and conclude that this is not for me, I can suddenly whack a satisfactory shot out of nowhere that gives me a flicker of hope. And it's this hope that I'd feel compelled to whack yet another n number of shots just to recreate that satisfactory feeling.

And then it's not just all about the feel, it's about measurable performance too. A month ago I managed to hit 50 meters, 2 weeks ago I achieved a 60 meters, and today I accomplished a 70 meters. Now I'm dying to go back to the range to see if I could potentially hit 80 meters. That is how golf makes oneself compete against no one but oneself. And you cannot rush it, it will happen but not immediately, yet it will be just enough to let you know it can happen so you keep going back for more. Gee... This Golf sounds like a mysterious and temperamental lady!

So that was for golf and golf fashion. The third reason that kept me in the game is none other than my chubby-cheeked coach, the only personal, non PGA-certified (but only better!) coach who multi-hats as a personal caddy and chauffeur to-and-fro golf lessons and practices as well. =) This paragraph is dedicated specially to him, for turning up unexpectedly at the bus-stop outside the range today to fetch me home amidst his busy bestman duties. As well as for the time he appeared in yet another surprise attempt in the middle of my golf lesson, and for the time he bought my usual brand of shampoo and conditioner for my after-golf shower because I had failed to pack mine. Although today's practice session was an utmost peaceful one (nobody forcing me to do ugly warm-up exercises, or to chide me for wearing slippers to play golf, or occasionally exclaiming "OEI!" followed by a jab with the driver), I still think that practising with my chubby-cheeked-coach-caddy-chauffeur is a more enjoyable experience and I wouldn't mind being jabbed a few more times if it has to amount to that! =)

P/S - Just DON'T make me do ugly warm-up exercises, I'd rather live with the aches afters...

PP/S - Looking very droolworthy in that pink shirt suit! ;)

Sebastian enjoying gnawing at a golf ball...

And henceforth this also marks my 10th post to thevanityaffair.com, and I know it's just been 10 so it's too early to tell, but I'm really enjoying it. =) This is the reason that I can average 4, 5 hours of sleep every weekday amidst balancing 2 major, no-screw-ups-tolerated project at work, dating with the boy, golf training under the CCCCC, and studying for the GMAT. For all the supporters of this post, you may know me personally, or you may have just chanced upon this, but I thank you for reading on or for your repeat visits, if you have came back. For the daily website hits is the reason that I've trudged on, and of course those who have expressed that they've enjoyed reading my articles. Thank you everybody, I have felt immensely encouraged by you and I hope you have felt educated/entertained by me too! =)

Your Vanity Partner,

Snowy

Applying Facial Moisturizers Correct

2011-11-07T11:28:00.001+08:00

It's been a long day and you are finally home, you've painstakingly removed your makeup and cleansed your face, and now you are ready to tuck yourself into bed in a few moments.

So you go about your daily skincare regime and when you reached your facial moisturizer, you scoop/squeeze a dollop, dab it onto several points of your face such as your forehead, cheeks, nosetip and all, and then you start slathering the moisturizer over your face and you are done.

Hang on a second! What do you mean this is not the correct way to apply moisturizer?!

If you were to read the directions at the back of your facial moisturizer, especially if it is a Japanese skincare label, you might notice that it reads something like this - "Apply on palms and gently pat onto face until thoroughly absorbed." Similarly, you might remember that when you went for facials, the beauticians would have also applied moisturizer for you this way, instead of the dotting method. What are the benefits of applying onto palms before you smooth it onto the face?

Firstly, believe it or not, but the dotting method may actually be causing you to use more moisturizer than you need. When there's more moisturizer than the skin needs the excess will just sit on the skin's surface making it feel oily and icky. It might even clog your pores because it's too rich and result in outbreaks. If you observe that after applying your moisturizer it takes a very long time to absorb, it could be that you are using too much moisturizer.

Secondly, when you used a pea-sized amount of moisturizer, rubbed your palms about 2 - 3 times to spread it between your palms, you will warm up the moisturizer and make it more liquid for application. This little action makes the it easier for your skin to absorb the moisturizer. (Ah ha! Never thought that a little action could make such a lot of difference right?)

Thirdly, when you apply the moisturizer with your palms you naturally start with the two sides of your face before you reach for your forehead, your chin and your nose. Your cheeks are the drier areas of your face. Comparatively, the T-zones are oilier so the remnants of moisturizer on your palms should be sufficient.

Doesn't this method now makes a lot more logical sense? =)

I used to do the dotting method too but I found it took a long time for the moisturizer to get absorbed and I never really understood why. Then I learnt that I was actually using too much. But of course apart from that other reasons why your moisturizer is not being absorbed effectively could be because it's too rich for you, or your pores are too clogged.

Hope this little skincare tip will make a difference to you! Since you are already moisturizing anyway, you might as well do it right! =)

Follow LeVanityAffair on Twitter! =D

2011-11-06T23:53:00.001+08:00

Boy, am I upset!

When I tried to register the username "TheVanityAffair" on Twitter it has already been taken, so I had no choice but to use "LeVanityAffair" instead. And guess what? This "TheVanityAffair" had not updated a single tweet in his/her/its life! It's like killing a whole chicken and only eating a wing - the death wasn't honored by making it worth its while. Okay, I know it's a pretty far-fetched analogy, but you get the drift!

Arrgh... *pulls hair* I'm still upset. But I'd get over it. SIGH.

I just suddenly remembered that I haven't been to Sephora for quite sometime now. And to think I am a Sephora member! I haven't utilized that membership enough. About time to go down and check out the Christmas collections isn't it? =)

Goodnight now everyone!

Your Vanity Partner,
Snowy

Image: farconville / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Physiogel Cream and Lotion Review

2011-11-05T23:14:00.000+08:00

The moral of this article is - Advertisements do work!

That is because until I heard this advert repeatedly over Class95 FM every morning while I put on my makeup before work, I never knew the existence of Physiogel. Later on I learnt that quite a lot of people who suffer from eczema actually use Physiogel to soothe their skin problems but that was about the only reason why they got acquainted with the label.

My ears pricked up at the advert because of the "physiological lipids that lock in moisture for as long as up to 3 days." liner. That sounded like good news for char dried skin like mine. So I went off to Watsons, loitered around a bit reading the words on the box and all, and then I put it back onto the shelf. I am still somewhat suspicious of creams and lotions that just refer to "skin" in general and doesn't differentiate between face and body. While the ingredients might be the same, the concentration levels can be very different. So I only always use explicitly stated facial products for my face, much to the chagrin of the boy, who has been using Physiogel by then. (Another proof that advertisements work.)

And then I went through a period of extreme drought in my face which was itching pretty badly because it was so dry, and I saw the boy's complexion getting rosier by the day because he had been using the Physiogel cream on his equally dry skin, so I got a little ~~jealous~~ wavered. I then got myself the Physiogel Lotion instead of the cream because I don't snooze in air-conditioning like he does so I didn't think I need the extra richness. Generally, the lotion is sufficient for the face while the cream is more suitable for the body. Concentration levels, remember? ;)

Physiogel Cream

Physiogel Lotion

So after using it for a while, I concluded that the Physiogel lotion is effective in its function as a moisturizer, but no more so than other moisturizers that I have used before. It is alright to be applied on the face as it is non-comedogenic (does not clog pores). However, it is a very basic moisturizer, so that is about all that it does. Unlike other facial moisturizers that have functions such as whitening, anti-aging or hydrating properties etc, the Physiogel lotion simply moisturizes. It is perfect for sensitive skin because it contains no colorants, no preservatives and no scents. The smell may be a little off-putting though (at least to me), especially on the cream version. I can always tell when the boy forgot to put on his cream.

So what I have taken to doing is to use the Physiogel lotion as a "lubricant" for my sticky Vitamin E gel, which I apply at least once a week. I just pierce a capsule, squeeze out the oil and apply it onto my face. But because it is so sticky, it is quite difficult to rub it directly onto bare skin. Using it together with Physiogel lotion helped me to alleviate the problem though. Vitamin E is a natural antioxidant so it prevents premature aging. However I wouldn't recommend it for everybody especially those with oily or combination skin. Because Vitamin E is an oil in itself, it might clog pores and cause acne outbreak. Even for those with dry skin, I would also advise against daily usage. Twice a week is probably more than enough.

All in all, I'd say I have no qualms with using Physiogel for the body, but most likely I wouldn't use it for my face because it is not powerpacked enough as a standalone facial moisturizer. For reviews of better facial moisturizers, stay tuned to this page! =)

Your Vanity Partner,

Snowy