It’s always been a dream of mine to create a makeup line. Well, my dream has finally come true! I’ve created my makeup line that are all made in the US (BB Cream in Korea) specializing in mineral foundation that is medically approved for use on the most sensitive skins.

With ingredients that have natural healing qualities and sun protective properties that won’t clog or irritate your skin, you’ll find excellent flawless coverage that imparts a youthful glow to your skin.

While getting my formulations on track and ready, I’ve been using and testing my own formulations for most of the events and even for photo shoots at the Miss Universe Pageant 2009 in Bahamas.

My mineral foundation was developed with our skin tones in mind. The loose and pressed powders are soft and silky – it’s like putting an air veil on my face that lasts all day long!

Rachel K Mineral foundation applied during rehearsals for the finals at the Miss Universe 2009

Meeting with Donald Trump

Rachel K Mineral Makeup used at the Miss Universe Elegant Ball event

Rachel K Mineral foundation applied during rehearsals for the finals at the Miss Universe 2009

Kissing the dolphin at Atlantis Resort, Bahamas

Playing with the dolphins at Atlantis Resort, Bahamas

Protection Primer & Rice Perfection Setting Powders

Not only are all my powder products waterproof but they also have a minimum SPF value of 20. The high SPF with lightweight coverage protects your skin against sunburn, reduces freckling, lessens uneven pigment coloration, guards against premature wrinkling and it helps reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Filming under the sun for the opening number of Miss Universe 2009 live on NBC television

The mineral pigments provide natural sun protection while delivering the colors and natural look that you want!

Opening number scene – Approximately 4 hours of retake under the scorching heat

Official photoshoot for Miss Universe 2009, Atlantis Resort, Bahamas

Flawless BB Cream

The BB Cream formulation is extremely lightweight and moisturizing. One color is all you need to match all skin tones after 1-2 minutes when blended evenly on the skin. For a lighter application, applying powder after the BB Cream is not neccessary if you want to achieve a natural radiant and glowy look.

Flawless BB Cream (1 tone) light creamy texture – Matches all skin tones when blended evenly and left untouched for 1-2 minutes on skin

Below shows the difference on the skin appearance when applied with and without mineral powder after BB Cream…

BB Cream used without Mineral Powder Finish

BB Cream used with Mineral Rice Perfection Finish (touch-ups)

Make the most of your features! Stay tune to learn more tips, tricks and looks for your everyday makeup occasion.

Rachel K Mineral Cosmetics is now available at these retail stores:

DermaSolutions – MediSpa
18 Cross Street
#02-32 China Square Central
Singapore 048423
Tel: 6438 6238
Fax: 6532 6933

DermaSolutions – MediSpa
1 Maritime Square
#03-55 HarbourFront Centre
Singapore 099253
Tel: 6275 3381
Fax: 6275 3886

ClubCouture Private Sale

Great news! ClubCouture is organizing a Facebook only private sale this Friday, March 7th 2010.

Be a fan on ClubCouture facebook page for exclusive benefits like this private sale and more to come!

MUSE Concert, Indoor Stadium Singapore

Rachel & Melissa – “Outfits by ClubCouture“

ClubCouture Behind The Scenes

While new to the online apparel scene, ClubCouture is anything but new to the fashion world. ClubCouture has expanded itself worldwide and I had the pleasure of attending their recent photoshoot along with 5 other girls for the official ClubCouture ambassador programme.

Individual shots were being taken for each of the ambassadors, shot by the ClubCouture crew who were very friendly and fun to work with.

Introducing the other 5 ambassadors of Clubcouture – Agri, Melissa, Holly, Renzee, Huirong, Jeanine

Agri Velt – www.agrivelt.com

Melissa – www.melissafaithyeo.blogspot.com

Holly – www.holly-jean.blogspot.com

Karen – www.renzze.com

Huirong – www.myfatpocket.com/huirong

Jeanine – www.bamboopandalove.wordpress.com

“Outfits by ClubCouture”

These girls are gorgeous and a pleasure to speak with!

“Outfits by ClubCouture”

The shoot was styled to be all about the girls - with a fashion direction being formed by only what suits our personality and minimal accessories.

“Outfit by ClubCouture”

Like what you saw?!

I’m giving away this dress http://sg.clubcouture.cc/black-sequin-dress in size S!

“Outfit by ClubCouture”

You can easily win it by telling me which product from my mineral makeup range you are interested in and why. Simply email me your answers to rachel@rachelkum.com and the best answer will win the dress at no extra cost. It’s that simple so hurry on now!

Rachel K Mineral Benefits

Rachel K Mineral makeup is a premium, high-end line with many formulation choices to meet the needs of every skin type. Due to its exceptional adherence, nonaggressive properties and sun protection factor, mineral powder is ideal for those who experience acne, rosacea, distended capillaries and hyperpigmentation, as well as after laser treatments, chemical peels or cosmetic surgery. The minerals work to decrease irritation and redness in the skin, and do not clog pores; they contain no oils, fragrances or synthetic colors or dyes, and have natural healing qualities as well as natural sun protection properties.

With so many different brands of mineral makeup on the market, choosing the right makeup for you can be difficult. Rachel K only utilizes the finest ingredients available (Pharmaceutical & Cosmetic grade raws). Although the ingredient lists of different mineral products may appear to be identical, they are not! There are several grades of raw materials; a variety of densities, dispersions, particle sizes and opacity levels. The quality and variation in particle size, grade, feel, etc. all contribute to the final product. Beware of bargain mineral makeups that use low grades as well as additional, unnecessary fillers.

Loose Powder Foundation

Matt Finish Shade

4 lightweight, breathable shades that are perfectly matte. Recommended for sensitive skin and normal to oily skin types or anyone having trouble applying standard mineral makeup. This photo friendly makeup is great for smoothing out mature, textured skin.

Rachel uses Loose Powder Original shade in Porcelain

- Makeup ingredient contains light reflective properties that do not absorb light the way most makeup does

Mineral Rice Perfection Setting Powders

Create the perfect matte finish with this lightweight, translucent powder. Use to tone down shine from over applied foundations. Mineral Rice Perfection Setting Powder uses rice starch, cornstarch and minerals and is completely talc free. Rice Powder is invisible on the skin (no colour) Transparent Light = Cool, Transparent Medium = Warm.

Rachel uses Rice Perfection Setting Powder in Transparent Light for touch ups

Pressed Mineral Foundation

Available in 9 foundation shades, these pressed mineral makeup silky formulation offers a superb coverage with a matte finish, as well as portability for convenience of travel. Shades will apply lighter or darker then loose versions, depending on application method (brush or sponge). If sponging on, you may need to choose one shade lighter than you wear in the loose version.

Protection Primer

Minimize pores and fine lines with this translucent primer or setting powder. Infused with a rich blend of herbs and precious plant oils to restore, firm, hydrate and revitalize the skin. Protects skin from environmental pollutants & harmful UVA/UVB rays. Simply dust a layer on bare skin, over your moisturizer or use as a finishing powder after your makeup application for added sun protection. Ideal for women and men. (all skin types)

Mineral Enhancers (Multi Tasking – Pick Me Uppers!)

These luminous loose powders have ultra fine particles of shimmers (mica) to deflect light and illuminate the skin, helping to create the look of naturally radiant skin. The fine shimmer is not overly glittery making it perfect for day or night with a luminous finish that’s subtle rather than shiny or greasy. GO CRAZY WITH THESE POWDERS; THEY LOOK FABULOUS ANYWHERE YOU PUT THEM!

• Illusion: Can be mixed, worn over, or under minerals to enhance complexion and add the natural radiance of a soft, luminous glow to your skin.
• Diamond: A golden-beige shade that can be used as an eye shadow base, face and eye highlighter, concealer or mixer. Mix Illusion with other mineral colours to lighten.

Rachel uses enhancers for special occasions

Pure Cover Natural Concealers

Balance

Revive

To help conceal & correct problem areas. These beautiful, creamy concealers are mineral based and infused with naturally powerful anti-oxidant oils. Great on its own or under foundation, this ultra-smooth formula blends beautifully. Covers imperfections, as well as discoloration and pigmentation marks. Gives high coverage and lasts all day long. Use prior to makeup application to conceal imperfections and under eye circles.

Application – Apply with brush for light to medium coverage or sponge for heavier coverage. Best coverage is achieved by applying a little to an area and leave unblended for a minute. Then soften and blend with a concealer brush, rather than blending immediately.

• Balance – soft golden shade (light to medium skin tones)
• Revive – soft apricot shade ( medium to dark skin tones)

Rachel uses Pure Cover in Balance  for dark eye circles

Flawless BB Cream

This blemish balm is a special formula that repairs the epithelial cells of the region and is effective for anti-inflammatory action, relief, moisturization and pigment prevention.

Containing water and volcanic ash (Patented), Ecklonia Cava Extract, and Chrysanthemum Morifolium Flower Extract, it restores the moisture level of the skin, protects it, brightens your complexion, and provides a natural looking coverage to your skin. In addition, its ultra-fine scoria powder helps with sebum regulation and thus keeps the skin supple and free of grease all day long.

Rachel applies Flawless BB cream before her everyday makeup

Last but not least, Rachel K’s products are incredibly easy to blend and are not soluble in water, which means you can swim or perspire without reapplying. In addition to this, you can rest assured that Rachel K mineral makeup is completely vegan and cruelty free.

E-COMMERCE COMING SOON!

Now sold in retail stores:

Here’s wishing Celine from France a Happy 16th birthday this 17th January 2010!

Cover of Adoh!

So I’ve met a few models and beauty queens in my time. Not socially, but by way of work…I never meet pretty girls socially. Most of them bored me stiff (pun not intended), but Rachel Kum – Miss Singapore Universe 2009 – was a breed apart. What started off as an interview ended up as a conversation, and an interesting one at that.

Rachel won the Miss Singapore Universe pageant in May this year and wears her metaphorical crown as easily as she walks on the high heels that have become second nature. Her poise is untrained, natural and yet sophisticated. If beauty queens (no, make that ‘ambassadors’, calling someone a beauty queen is such an objectification) were born and not made, she would be one of them. Rachel is refreshingly easy-going, and the complete antithesis of the sitcom character of the same name made popular by Jennifer Aniston. She sits elegantly, yet comfortably, with none of the awkwardness of searching for the choreographed pose. I ask her about her obvious absence of a need to be noticed. Sitting as we were in the lobby of the Cinnamon Grand, she does not – like many others of her trade – preen herself regularly, or check to see if she is being noticed. I check, and she is being noticed. However, Rachel has that easy grace which allows her to field the attention without being affected by it.

This is Rachel’s first pageant, and at 24 she seems to be a relatively late entrant into the stage. When asked what prompted her entry into the competition she was as honest and simple as anyone could be. “I love to travel, I love to meet new people and I want have as many new experiences as I can. The pageant was in the Bahamas so I decided to kill three birds with one stone”, she says with a laugh. Nevertheless, she is of the opinion that had she won the title at 19 she wouldn’t have been mature enough to enjoy it to the fullest, or to give back to the title the most she could. She admits that she’s blessed to look younger than she is, and her professional and academic background acquired over the last half decade or so will help her be a better ambassador. It’s hard to argue with such reasoning.

At the Miss Singapore Universe 2009 pageant Rachel won the Miss Body Beautiful and Miss Personality competitions as well. It’s difficult to assess the first one without being rude, so I don’t. Rachel has this rare habit of looking people in the eye, which makes it difficult to check her out sneakily, so I resort to google which confirms my suspicions that she deserved the award. But it’s immediately clear to see why she won Miss Personality. She has a sense of humour which doesn’t allow for her to take herself too seriously. Not only does she have a Body Beautiful and a Face to go with it, she is also a graduate of the University of Western Australia where she majored in Finance. She now works as a Brand Manager (and also de facto brand ambassador) for a company which specialises in ‘aesthetics’. Her colleagues and bosses are supportive of her and give her time to fulfil her modelling and official assignments. Why wouldn’t they, with the most beautiful woman in the country endorsing their beauty treatments? Professionally, Rachel also worked in a hedge fund trading commodities and futures. Her fund felt the heat of the recession and Rachel simultaneously realised the world of derivatives and financial markets were not for her, thereby confirming that she does, in fact, possess a soul.

Living away from home for the first time in her years in Perth was a completely contrasting experience, says Rachel. Away from the constant buzz and energy of Singapore, in the laid back capital of Western Australia, she said she met and made friends with people of all colours and sizes. She sees no merit in moving to a foreign country without embracing the benefits of diversity. Clanism is not for her and as a result, she says she now has friends in any country she wishes to travel to. And travel she does. “For me everything is about the experience”, she says resolutely, and with this attitude she is bound to fulfil her life’s ambitions. “I like to plan, but to get to the final destination you have to take everything step by step” says Rachel in a mature appreciation of life and its frailties. She has already seen the aurora in Alaska in the summer, and has travelled to many exotic destinations in North America and Europe although she says her favourite city is Sydney.

Miss Singapore Universe therefore, is but a step in the journey for Rachel. Most girls would probably be content to sit on their laurels but not Miss Kum. “I have a plan to launch my own line of cosmetics” she says, “It’s called ‘Rachel K’. What’s special about Rachel K I ask her, and she says that it will be a line of “mineral cosmetics using the most fine materials for sensitive skin, which will have sun protection and most importantly not clog the pores. Clogged pores are a huge problem for girls who have to wear foundation for a long period”. Her ability to combine her modelling experience with her professional background, and an astute business sense is a quality to be admired. She hopes to see her product range all over South East Asia soon including Indonesia, Malaysia and hopefully Korea as well. “If I can break the US market that would be great”, she says realistically.

Rachel does confess however, that the pressure to “look good all the time” can take its toll. Nevertheless, she says it’s something she does for herself and not as result of having to maintain appearances of being Miss Singapore. “I eat a lot, I’m going to take advantage of my metabolism before it starts slowing down”, she says with smile. However, I struggle to picture her wolfing down cocktail food. She used to swim in school and still does some exercise including swimming to stay in shape. But again, it would appear that looking good is something that is an almost congenital condition for her. Rachel admits that she used to be a bit of a loner in her young days, and still likes to do her own thing. Unlike most girls, she likes “to go shopping on my own. I’m not one for shopping with friends”. While she says she loves to “do her own thing” she also loves spending time with the people who know her best. “I can be a bit crazy and even childish with my friends” she says. Various internet sites have described her as ‘racy’, but this probably only because they conventionally judge her candour and zest for life as prohibitive.

I ask her about the controversy surrounding some party pictures of her that surfaced on the internet. She shrugs it off and doesn’t make a hue and cry about justifying and pointing fingers. “I think people are insecure and they created a big fuss about it”, she responds. She does say though that sometimes having to be on your best behaviour all the time can be a bit stifling, but it is a responsibility she realises comes with the territory.

Rachel exudes a calmness and self-assurance which probably stems from her parents who she said were very supportive. “They advised me but at the end of the day allowed me to do what I wanted, but if I crossed a line they would also let me know”. It seems as if this balance struck by her parents, has resulted in a very well balanced individual as well. “My father is my role model” she says. She currently lives with her mother in Singapore while her father works in China and her older brother lives and works in London.

Rachel’s philosophy on life is simple. “Do good and be true to yourself. If you do what makes you happy without hurting those around you then you will be alright. Sincerity is important” she says. She is in Sri Lanka modelling for the Hayden fashion show in aid of the Thalassaemia Rehabilitation and Prevention. She says her visit to the hospital in Kurunegala housing the afflicted children was “very touching”, and although seeing the children moved her to tears she “stayed positive for them, because they don’t want to see you crying. It’s not fair to depress them”. Her awareness of her fellow human beings is a truly rare trait. She is happy to be in Sri Lanka especially for a charity event and says she will probably come back for a longer visit. “I like to really experience the local culture and don’t like to only travel and see the tourist sites”.

Rachel loves meeting people and also likes analysing people’s behaviour. “I love watching people she says. And by watching them you learn a lot about yourself as well” she says smiling. It is hard to imagine a worthier winner of the Miss Singapore Universe title. Her grace, charm and good humour would be enough even if she wasn’t the stunner she so obviously is. She seems to have figured herself out and is focussed on her priorities. It may not be long before we are swapping the traditional cosmetics for ‘Rachel K’. But Rachel for sure, won’t be swapping places with anyone else. Happy and contented yet simultaneously determined and ambitious, she is in all aspects, a ‘model’.

Shanaka Amarasinghe

Advertorial – Fleur Fairy

Jewellery crafting – passion since 2004

Fleur Fairy jewelleries featured in their website are all handmade. Their materials used such as the crystals, precious stones, vintage materials are mostly imported from the USA, Japan and Korea.

Wedding banquet : Bracelet by “Fleur Fairy”

Bracelet by “Fleur Fairy”

Bracelet by “Fleur Fairy”

Simply visit Fleur Fairy now for more of their latest designs and special promotions!

Launching Soon!

My full range of Mineral Makeup coming soon to a store near you!

• Mineral Loose Foundation (10 shades)

• Mineral Matt Finish (4 shades)

• Mineral Enhancers (2 shades)

• Mineral Rice Perfection Setting Powder (2 shades)

• Mineral Protection Primer

• Mineral Pressed Foundation (9 shades)

• Pure Cover Concealers (2 shades)

• Mineral Luminescence Spray

• Natural Mineral Shadow (16 shades)

• Natural Loose Blush (4 shades)

Our face is the most visible attribute of ourselves. We are instantly recognized by our facial features. So instinctively and naturally we would want our faces to look the best and face the world with confidence.

Looking beautiful

Women since historic times have look after their faces with the utmost care. Nothing is spared in maintaining a youthful face that keeps others guessing their actual age. To this end, countless ways have been devised to rejuvenate the face, both medically and aesthetically. One of the more established aesthetics centres is DermaSolutions MediSpa, an aesthetics wellness centre focusing on customized aesthetics treatments for the face and body, administered by trained therapists with protocols designed by medical professionals.

One of these treatments is Micro-Luminescence Dermal-Infusion. It offers customized rejuvenation and assists in the improvement of the skin in many ways, including oily and blemished prone or acne prone skin. It allows maximal delivery of the agents for treating acne, pigmentation, aging and rosacea. It can also help to moisturise dry and flaky patches or fine lines and wrinkles of the skin, and even brighten red or blotchy patches of the skin\ that has been overexposed to the sun. This Dermal-Infusion system provides the efficacy of the traditional microdermabrasion. It provides the soothing effects of a delivery system that reduces irritation and erythema while delivering solutions that treat and may prevent progression of the underlying condition. The effects are both efficacious and aesthetically elegant. Micro-Luminescence Dermal-Infusion is great as a pre- or post-operative procedure to improve results of IPL, laser or other cosmetic and medical procedures.

Miss Russia Universe 2009 – Sofia Rudyeva

Make me beautiful

Mineral cosmetics are the rage currently, and joining the trend is Rachel K Mineral Cosmetics, started by our very own Miss Singapore Universe 2009, Rachel Kum. One of the products is the BB Cream, popularized in South Korea a few years ago, and now the hottest cosmeceutical product in Asia, for its therapeutic properties on top of being a make-up base. BB is blemish balm, originated by dermatologists from Germany as a balm for post-laser skin treatment to soothe and regenerate the skin.

Rachel K BB Cream is a special formula to repair the epithelial cells of the skin, which was under impetus from dermatological and plastic treatments such as laser therapy, chemical peeling, dermabrasion, cosmesis and plasty, and is effective for anti-inflammatory action, relief, moisturizing and pigment prevention. This premium made-in-Korea cream protects the skin and caresses it softly to make it beautiful. Without using makeup base or foundation, you can evenly regulate the skin tone with this wonderful product. Containing water and volcanic ash (patented), ecklonia cava extract, and chrysanthemum morifolium flower extract, it restores the moisture level of the skin, protects it, makes it clear, and provides a natural cover to it. In addition, its ultra-fine scoria powder helps with sebum regulation and thus keeps the skin supple and free of grease all day long.

DermaSolutions MediSpa

• 18 Cross Street #02-32

China Square Central

Tel: 6438 6238

Fax: 6532 6933

• 1 Maritime Square #03-55

HarbourFront Centre

Tel: 6275 3381

Fax: 6275 3886

Website: www.dermasolutions.sg

- Not for the faint-hearted -

The world’s most prestigious and recognized pageant is here again!

The MISS UNIVERSE Pageant which is a  Donald Trump and NBC Universal joint venture, is committed to increasing HIV/AIDS awareness.

Over the year of 2009, i’ve had many great and unforgettable experiences to remember since winning the title in Singapore. You’ll get to experience another culture like never before while making a real difference in people’s lives from doing charity work. You’ll have a chance to meet 80 over beautiful women from around the world, and work side-by-side with the Miss Universe Organization while you still have time for your own personal adventures.

Miss Universe Pageant in Atlantis, Bahamas

Miss Universe Pageant in Atlantis, Bahamas

Miss Universe Pageant in Atlantis, Bahamas

Miss Russia Universe 2009, Sofia Rudyeva – My closest girl in Bahamas

Miss Malaysia Universe 2009 and I in Bahamas

Miss Thailand Universe 2009 and Miss Malaysia Universe 2009 at Zoukout, Singapore!

Katie Taylor, Miss New Zealand Universe – Rehearsals for finals in Bahamas

Miss Russia Universe & Miss New Zealand Universe with me at Formula 1 Paddock Club Singapore

Miss Russia and I in Central Park, New York

Miss Russia and I at chinese dinner, Raffles Hotel Singapore

Hanging out with my friends in Central Park, New York

Las Vegas – Miss Russia Universe who is now a close friend of my friends!

Donald Trump and I at Breakfast, Bahamas

It’s not everyday you get the chance to work and rehearse a dance for a show with an international celebrity like Flo Rida and and hang out with Richard Branson

Dean Cain (Old Superman) and I

After party coronation ball with Dean Cain

Party with the Black Eyed Peas in Singapore!

and introduce popular local shots like flaming lamborghini to Black Eyed Peas and get them wasted!

Accessories by “Michal Negrin”

Here’s your chance to experience something meaningful and potentially crazy in your life so don’t miss out and send in your application now!

Website: http://www.derrolstepenny.com

Ever wanted to know how to get a fair, radiant and glowing complexion easily?

Now my secret is out with Rachel K’s BB cream!

Unphotoshopped picture of me (right):

Skin looks naturally flawless, radiant and brightened

Rachel K. BB Cream is a special formula that repairs the epithelial cells of the region and is safe to use immediately after non-invasive surgical facial treatments.

Hydration . Sebum Normalizing . Elasticizing . Lighting .Brightening Efficacy

. Sebum Control Efficacy . Anti-inflammation Efficacy . Repair Efficacy

• Brightening Efficacy ————————- Vitamin C decomposes the free radical (a major cause of skin

aging), and decelerates skin aging.

• Repair Efficacy ——————————- Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root (Licorice) Extract effective against

inflammation and wounds, vitalizes the skin.

• Trouble-Solving Efficacy ——————- Allantoin, effective against inflammation and wounds, solves

skin troubles.

• UV-Blocking Efficacy ———————– Titanium Dioxide helps protect the skin from ultraviolet rays.

• Natural Moisturizing Factors ————– Patented Volcanic Ash packed with numerous minerals keep

the skin moist for hours and help retain moisture.

• Super Antioxidant ————————— Ecklonia Cava Extract captures stray electrons from free radicals. Most flavonoids generally have three interconnected rings. ECE has up to eight interconnected rings, making its free-radical scavenging ability 10-100 times more powerful than other polyphenols. It is substantially more powerful than green tea catechins, which only have four rings.

After the basic skin care regimen, take a proper amount on the fingers, dab it evenly all over the face, blend it evenly and leave it on for about 1-2 minutes  for the cream to blend with your skin tone.

(It can be used as a makeup base, day moisturizer, sunblock and foundation all in one)

Water, EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide, Allantoin, Stearic Acid, Isononyl Isononanoate, Ozokerite, Methyl Paraben, Cetyl PEG / PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Ethylhexy, Methoxycinnamate, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Sorbitan Olivate, Propyl Paraben, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sorbitan Stearate, Dimethicone, Caprylic / Capric Triglyceride, Mineral Oil, Butyrospermum Perkii (Shea Butter), Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Beeswax, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Morus Alba Leaf Extract, Panthenol, Tocophenyl Acetate, Polysorbate 80, Cyclomethicone, Iron Oxide Red, Iron Oxide Yellow, Iron Oxide Black, Zinc Oxide, Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root (Licorice) Extract, Chrysanthemum Morifolium Flower Extract, Ecklonia Cava Extract, Volcanic Ash, Fragrance.

Made in Korea

Currently sold in 15ml and 30ml bottles.

THE MEDICAL & REJUVENATION CENTRE

18 Cross Street

#02-33 China Square Central

Singapore 048423

Tel: 6532 7385

1 HarbourFront Walk

#02-226

Singapore 098585

Tel: 6376 9968

Dermasolutions – MediSpa

18 Cross Street

#02-32 China Square Central

Singapore 048423

Tel: 6275 3381

18 Cross Street

#02-32 China Square Central

Singapore 048423

Tel: 6438 6238

(Coming soon in Feb 2010)

Online e-commerce shopping for Rachel K Mineral Cosmetics @ www.rachelkum.com

Make A Wish with ClubCouture offer has been extended till 31st Dec 2009!

"Outfit by ClubCouture"
Melissa Faith Yeo, Agri Velt, Rachel Kum 

"Outfit by ClubCouture"
Melissa Faith Yeo, Agri Velt, Rachel Kum, Renzee

“Outfit by ClubCouture” – Company Christmas Dinner

“Outfit by ClubCouture” – Company Christmas Dinner

“Outfit by ClubCouture” – Christmas gathering at Phil’s

“Outfit by ClubCouture” – John’s birthday dinner on Boxing day at Overeasy

“Outfit by ClubCouture” – John’s birthday dinner on Boxing day at Overeasy

Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts. If there is no joyous way to give a Christmas festive gift, give love away!

“Outfit by ClubCouture” – Formal Christmas eve dinner with Gary at St Julien’s.

“Outfit by ClubCouture” – After party on Christmas eve

This festive holiday…

Love came down for me at Christmas,

Love all lovely,

Love Divine;

Love was born at Christmas;

Star and angels gave me the sign.

Dress to impress with my lovely outfit from Meltcouture !

“Auld Lang Syne“

We were all ready to set sail for the best New Years Eve party for 2010 in the hat!

I’ve organized pre-party drinks at the Loft Suite, Fullerton Hotel to celebrate the countdown at the best view of the Marina Bay and fireworks display, then ended the night of 2009 after the countdown with a bang at Butter PFR table…

Double storey suite at Fullerton Hotel

View of the terrace at the suite

Fullerton Hotel, Loft suite terrace – Surely the most convenient way to watch the best fireworks display on NYE!

Alice brought us a very nice bottle of wine…

1985 Petrus!!!!!! Vintage and super expensive!

Kenny Sia came to Singapore and joined me for the countdown. I’m glad he had a good time!

“Outfit by ClubCouture”

“Outfit by ClubCouture”

(Left) – People who can listen to instructions

(Right) – People who don’t (no hats)

The crowd at One Fullerton, 10 minutes to midnight!

When the clock strikes twelve on December 31st, people all over the world cheer and wish each other a very Happy New Year. For some, this event is no more than a change of a calendar. For others, the New Year symbolizes the beginning of a better tomorrow…

“Outfit by ClubCouture”

New Year’s Day – Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual.

Happy 2010 everyone!

Butter Factory PFR Table :  New years greetings from my not so polite friends, lol.

And the start of 2010 began the PFR way!

Taking a year-end look back, 2009 has been an eventful year for me. I wouldn’t imagine it to be this eventful without the love of my family, friends and people who crossed path with me.

Here’s to wishing everyone a merry Christmas and a blessed year of 2010 ahead!

My first Christmas house party in December started at Erika’s place.

We dressed in blue and arrived in style at her porch to her blue winter wonderland Christmas theme.

Police guard at the gates

A tent set up just for Erika’s Christmas house party

Blue Christmas with shiny disco balls!

Erika makes the best theme parties for any occasion!

Oops! Watch out for those mini skirts on dance floor =/

Audrey, Rachel, Penny, Lianne

Dancing away in a blue winter wonderland

Bongs!

Pretty cupcakes for everyone! =)

Eddie and I. His villas in Bali are now fully completed and it looks amazing! His villas are modern, high-end facility with 24 hr butler service, dream-like decor and the best ‘GetAway Vibe’ you can imagine. I’d be sure to go back there in April again! =)

Check out his villas and become a fan in facebook!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=353935&id=352684415593

Juicy kebabs for the always hungry ones like myself!

Entrance to the house

Most of the boys gambled throughout the night.

Erika organized a great party once again! =)

The next day, we booked 3 villas along side each other at Siloso Beach Resort for Zoukout.

Bedroom 1 for my beauty queens!

Bedroom 2 for me and my friends who wanted to crash

The lovely jacuzzi at day

My girls i’ve missed so much since Bahamas!

Chutima,  Miss Thailand Universe 2009 (left) and Joannebelle, Miss Malaysia Universe 2009 (middle)

(Professionals at day, party junkies by night)

Ben Wei, Eduardo Saverin, Andrew Lee, Chutima, Rachel, Geoff Rapp, Olivier Magaud

Miss Malaysia Universe 2oo9, Miss Singapore Universe 2009, Robyna, Miss Thailand Universe 2009!

It was the girls first time to zoukout and everyone had a blast that night!

We may seem like party animals but we definitely work hard and and know how to play hard too! =P

Party group (The Professionals) – Gary Grumps, Andrian Anwar, Phil Wu

(The Professionals) New Party Junkies in our group – Left: David Morales (US Navy Commander & F18 Fighter Pilot)

One of the great things about our group is that everyone here from all walks of life come together and share a special bond through our common interest which is to get silly by the end of the week! =P

My hottest and old school friend, Melissa.

The night of mayhem has just started!

I don’t think i’ve ever seen Ben drinking from a glass before…

Butter factory PRFs but with a different background this time!

Star tent – Our table was the rowdiest!

My dearest beauty queens enjoyed their first time at Zoukout. Unfortunately they fell ill soon after that.

Francois and little Olivier

Ben Wei, Eduardo, Joannabelle (Miss Malaysia Universe 2009) and Rachel

The long awaited night at 4am where Armin Van Buuren came out to play!

Massive crowd!! Only there for the best and highest paid trance DJ in the world

We partied till the break of dawn!

I’m glad i’ve organized a great party for everyone especially for my beauty queens and friends from abroad. It was a fun and tiring but it was well worth it!

Zoukout again next year? We’ll see! =)

Be Wishful This Christmas With ClubCouture!

Clubcouture is currently having a Christmas wishlist giveaway!

With no purchase necessary, all you got to do is add some items to your wishlist and share it with ClubCouture!

What is ClubCouture?

They are an international label with its Singapore launch site in April 2009 and is rapidly expanding throughout the region with their markets in the United Kingdom, United States and Australia.

I’ve been made one of ClubCouture’s fashion ambassadors and i’m honoured to have been sponsored by them since my Miss Universe 2009 pageant days in Atlantis Resort, Bahamas.

Picture:   “Outfit by ClubCouture“ Miss Mexico in Limousine on the way to Atlantis Resort, Bahamas

Clubcouture designers come  from different parts of the world (namely New York, Los Angeles, Shanghai  and Bangkok), making the style at ClubCouture very cosmopolitan. Customers  can enjoy the freedom of having chic pieces from around the world arriving  conveniently at their doorstep.

"Outfit by ClubCouture" Purple ClubCouture dress I wore to the interviews in Bahamas

Wait no more and quickly make a wish this Christmas here at www.clubcouture.cc and stand a chance to win up to $100 in items every week! Wishing ends this Friday, 25th December 2009. Enjoy!

Soon to come!

Rachel K’s Mineral Cosmetics BB cream

Stay tune to find out how you can get that brighter, fairer and flawless complexion in just one easy application!

The Skin – Basic knowledge you should know

• Epidermis
• Dermis
• Subcutaneous fat layer

The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin which forms the primary protective coating of the body. Its topmost layer known as the stratum cormeum, the “horny layer.” This is a thin tough layer of dead skin cells that acts as our outer “hide.”

The second layer of skin, the dermis, is the skin’s control center. It contains all the vital components that keep the skin nourished, strong and healthy. It also houses the supportive structures that keep the skin resilient and plump.

The third layer, the subcutaneous tissue is a layer of fat beneath the dermis. It acts as a protective, insulating layer between the surface of the skin and the inner organs and helps the body conserve heat energy.

 The primary function of the epidermis is to protect the body from the impact of the environment. The epidermis shields the tender tissues of the body from the harmful rays of the sun, the trauma of extreme cold and heat and the drying influence of the wind. The body consists of more than 90 percent water and the epidermis forms a vital waterproof barrier that protects the body against excessive moisture loss and dehydration.

The epidermis also constitutes an important component of the body’s immune defense, providing a multilayered shield against environmental changes. The deeper levels of the skin discharge a natural oil that is secreted as a thin film on top of the epidermis, creating a slightly acidic environment that inhibits microbe growth.

The dermis constitutes about 90 percent of the skin’s mass and is the seat of most of the skin’s vital functions. The dermis provides the infrastructure and support system of the skin, and its resilient structures protect the body from knocks and bumps. In Addition, components of the dermis play an important role in regulating body temperature and transmitting sensory sensations such as touch, heat, cold and pain.

The strength giving fibres in the dermis give the skin its plumpness, resilience and bounce. In the same way that our skeletal frame creates the supportive structure that upholds the body, the dermis contains fibrous structures that prop up and reinforce the skin. This “skeletal structure” of the skin is made up of two proteins – collagen and elastin.

The collagen and elastin fibres are not rigid like the bony structure of the skeleton. Rather, they are like springs in a mattress – they give the skin bounce and provide a strong, spongy padding that acts as a shock absorber against injury from falls, bumps and knocks. The collagen and elastin fibres also hold the structures of the body together and contribute to the shape and form of the body.

The subcutaneous layer of the skin is one area where fat is good. Located beneath the dermis, the deepest layer of the skin consists primarily of fat cells, which are organized together into fat lobules. When healthy, this layer helps give the skin the plumped out, smooth, and wrinkle-free complexion of youth.

How the Skin Ages?

Aging of the skin consists of a gradual breakdown of numerous different structures and functions. In fact, more than fifty factors are at work in the age-related deterioration of the skin. The good news is that, as a consequence, there is not just one way to counteract skin aging, there are many ways you can enhance the health and youthful appearance of your body’s external covering.

Age- Related Changes in the Epidermis

Slower Cell Reneal – The epidermis constantly replaces itself. New cells are formed in the basal layer (deepest layer of the epidermis) and migrate up through the epidermis, taking on different shapes and forming different epidermal layers along the way. These migrating cells reach the end of their journey at the top layer of the epidermis, where they turn into flat, tightly packed discs called corneocytes and die off. It is this layer of dead skin cells that form the visible layer of the skin and its tough, protective coating, the stratum corneum. Through washing and friction, this layer of dead cells is continually worn off and replaced with a new layer of corneocytes in a cycle of continuous renewal.

The rate at which this cell renewal occurs is important because it contributes greatly to the appearance of the skin. When you are young, epidermal cells turn over about every thirty days. As you get older, the activity of the cells in the basal layer slows and they divide more and more slowly. By age 80, cell turnover takes twice as long as when we were thirty. As a result, the epidermis becomes thinner and more fragile. In addition, the dead skin cells in the top layer of the stratum corneum slough off more slowly, causing the complexion to become full and lose its glow.

The good news is that renewal rate of the top layer of the epidermis is affected by how quickly the outer layer of the dead cells peels off. When the corneocytes are lost quickly, the cells of the stratum corneum are replaced at a much faster rate. This is the secret behind exfoliation and microdermabrasion. Exfoliating  treatments using alpha hydroxyl (AHAs) and beta hydroxyl acids (BHAs) increase the rate at which the dead cells in the stratum corneum are peeled off and as a consequence, speed up the renewal of the outer cell layer. As new skin is brought to the surface more rapidly, the skin becomes clearer, more transparent and fresher looking.

Sunlight is, without comparison, the greatest enemy of the skin. If you’re at all concerned about keeping your youthful looks and delaying your skin’s aging, you have to take precautions to protect it from the skin. There are no ifs or buts about it.

Simple formula:

Sun Exposure = Skin Damage = Premature Aging

Even if your skin type is dark, and you don’t suffer the same risk of sunburn as lighter skin types, you are still susceptible to sun damage – albeit to a lesser extent. For the vast majority of people, skin damage comes not from spending long hours in the sun. Rather, it is the cumulative effect of small doses of sunlight every day.

Source of Sun Damage – Ultraviolet Radiation

The sun emits a wide spectrum of rays. What we perceive as sunlight is only the visible spectrum of light, which makes up 39 percent of the rays reaching the earth. Infrared light, another component of sunlight, constitutes 56 percent of the sun’s rays. Infrared radiation is heat waves, although you can’t perceive infrared radiation with your eyes, you experience it as a pleasant sensation of warmth when the sun hits your skin.

A useful mnemonic for the effects of UVB light is to think “B” for burn. UVB rays penetrate the epidermis and inflict intense damage on the skin. Sunburn is an inflammatory response and a warning cry from your skin that you’ve stayed too long in the sun. Although this acute response to UVB radation is quite unpleasant, it is harmless compared to the long term effects of UVB light, which include premature aging, weakening of the skin’s natural immune protective factors, and substantially increased risk of skin cancer.

To understand the impact of UVA light, think “A” for aging. UVA light permeates even deeper into the skin than UVB light, reaching the dermis and parts of the subcutaneous tissue. Although UVA light creates less acute damage than UVB, its long term effects are just as devastating as those of UVB light, including accelerated aging and heightened skin cancer risk. There are two types of UVA light, long-wave or UVA-I, and short-wave, or UVA-II. UVA-I is by far more harmful, because it reaches the deepest layer of the skin.

In other words, you won’t develop a sunburn when you go for a walk on a gray winter day, but your skin will still soak up accelerating UVA radiation. People who don’t spend long hours in the sun often assume that the risks of UV radiation don’t apply to them. Unfortunately, that is not true. Researches estimate that 80 to 90 percent of the UV radation we receive derives from short, frequent exposures to the head, neck, and hands – when we walk to and from the car, go for a bike ride, exercise outside, and so on. The head, neck and hands also happen to be the places where premature aging is particularly apparent. In Addition, more than 60 percent of the two most common forms of skin cancer occur on these body parts.

Characteristics of Sun-Induced Aging

The harmful effects of the sun on the skin are typically referred to as photodamage. Similarly, the premature aging induced by the skin is often called photoaging. The degree to which photoaging is a factor depends both on skin type and the amount of sun exposure you have received throughout your life. Photoaging is superimposed on and accelerates the normal aging of the skin. It can have a devastating impoact on our already fragile aging biological systems, exacerbating the deterioration of skin tissue far  beyong what happens during the normal aging process. The impact of photodamage, which is cumulative, shows up in a number of different ways.

Sunlight increases generation of free radicals, the molecular marauders that snatch electrons from surrounding cells, disrupting the integrity of cellular structures and functions. Free radicals are the medium through which most sun damage is inflicted. The impairment of the cellular environment wrought by free radicals causes the tissue damage associated with photoaging.

Products you can use to protect your skin from photoaging,

Dermasolutions White-C serum :

Damaged collagen and elastin fibres – Collagen fibres deteriorate and elastin fibres turn into a tangled, amorphous mass of coarse, abnormal fibres, a condition known as elastosis. These changes result in premature wrinkles.

Decreased hydrating capacity – The number of glycoproteins in the dermis increases in photodamaged skin, but at the same time, they appear to lose some of their water-binding capacity. Since glycoproteins play a key role in keeping the skin hydrated and supple, this further predisposes the skin to wrinkles. Many researchers believe the changes associated with photodamage are a far more important factor in the appearance of wrinkles than chronological age.

Spider veins – The small blood vessels in the dermis decrease in number and become dilated and malformed, giving rise to a condition known as spider veins. These are also known as “broken” veins and most commonly appear on the nose and cheeks.

Age spots – Prolonged or frequent sun exposure causes skin to permanently increase melanin output. In its more charming expression, this excess melanin shows up as freckles. However, in older or more sun-damaged skin, these patches or persistent pigmentation show up as unflattering age spots, also known as solar lentignes.

Dull complexion – Sun-induced changes in the skin’s texture make it appear rougher, lusterless and more sallow.

O2 Essense cream has oxygen, vitamins and nutrients within plasma clusters penetrate deeply into the skin to stimulate and nourish skin cells from the dermal layer. Anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties maintain the skin’s health and glow. It is suitable for all skin types.

When sunscreens were first developed, UVB radation was assumed to be the main cause of sunburn, photoaging and skin cancer. As a consequence, the first sunscreens were formulated to shield the skin from UVB rays only. Although UVA rays now are thought to be more potent cancer-causing agents than UVB rays, this determination is fairly recent, and sunscreen manufacturers are still playing catch-up. As a consequence, only some of the sunscreens on the market today provide adequate protection against both UVA and UVB radiation.

How to evaluate the effectiveness of a sunscreen?

The sun protection factor (SPF) of a sunscreen provides a somewhat crude measure of its protective value. It tells you how long the product allows you to stay in the sun without developing a sunburn. Let’s say, for example, that your skin gets red from UVB radiation after you spend 10 minutes in bright sunlight without any form of protection. If you apply a lotion with an SPF 15, the time you can spend in the sun before developing a sunburn is multiplied by 15. So you can now stay in the sun for 150 minutes or two and half hours, without developing redness. Similarly, a sunscreen with SPF 30 would allow you to stay in the sun 10 X 30 = 300 minutes or 5 hours, before your skin turns red.

The problem is that the redness of a sunburn is a very incomplete measure of the degree of damage your skin suffers. First, the skin sustains photodamage before visible signs of sunburn can be detected. Second, since a sunburn is induced mostly by UVB rays, the SPF tells you nothing about the extent to which the product protects against the age-accelerating, cancer-inducing effects of UVA light.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is developing new guidelines for how manufacturers must label a product’s UVA-protective factor. Currently, a company may claim that its sunscreen offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection simply by including one ingredient that filters UVA light, but it may not cover the entire spectrum of UVA light.

One way to gauge the effectiveness of a sunscreen is to look at the ingredient list. As you will recall, UVA light is divided into long wave light, or UVA-I and short-wave light or UVA-II. Most UVB protective ingredients also offer protection against UVA-II light. However only 3 ingredients approved for use in the United States protects against long-wave UVA-I, the most harmful type of UVA light, which causes damage at the deepest layers of the skin.

When you buy sunscreen, look for products that contain at least one of the three ingredients that filter UVA-I light: avobenzone (Parsol 1789), zinc oxide, or titanium oxide. (Mexoryl SX is another effective UVA-I filtering ingredient, but it is only approved for use outside the United States.) Avobenzone is a chemical agent that absorbs UV radiation, and zinc oxide and titanium oxide are physical agents that stay on the surface of the skin and reflect ultraviolet radiation. Studies have shown that sunscreens containing avobenzone tend to be the most effective, particularly when they also contain titanium dioxide. (FDA regulations forbid the combination of avobenzone and zinc oxide.) This effect is completely unrelated to a product’s SPF value.

Sunguard 28 is a non-greasy formula that is suitable for all skin types.

*All of Dermasolutions products are from the United States and FDA approved.

To protect her skin while she was growing up, Kidman opted out of spending weekends on the beach with her school friends. Instead, she looked for other fun-filled weekend activities that she could do out of the sun. She found the perfect solution – taking acting classes in a local downtown theatre. Thus began Kidman’s journey toward her successful acting career.

Although there is no need to avoid outdoor activities together, the rest of us would do well to take a lesson from kidman and develop weekend activities that don’t involve spending a lot of time in direct sun.

Coming to you early next year!

Mineral makeup created for the Skincare industry.

Rachel K Mineral Makeup utilizes the finest ingredients available. (Pharmaceutical & Cosmetic grade raws)

Natural makeup your skin will love! Flawless coverage & natural sun protection without harsh chemicals or preservatives!

December is everyone’s favourite month of the year! What a lovely week to start off my December at one of the most beautiful weddings i’ve ever been to. It was held at St. Regis grand ballroom with over 200 guests, great live local performers and a lovely chinese 12 course banquet for dinner.

I am delighted to extend my congratulations and blessings to Shian and Adrianna who have been married recently. Wishing them a good life together with many happy returns!

Pierre brought 4 litres of MOET! You can imagine how the night ended up at the end of the day.

Getting there…almost rowdy!

Hmmm…maybe that’s why the couple assigned his friends to the back tables!!!

Billy Cheong is back from Taipei! YAY!!! He never fails to bring me a box of Taiwanese short cake cookies when he gets here.

I miss Billy =(

Each of us succumb to peer pressure, all in the name of Shian & Adrianna!

Downing a glass of Moet don’t taste very good!      Bleah =(

Trouble has surfaced! The start of the night where you get to know your friends a lot better.

This calls for a celebration!

“Yam-Seng”, y’all!!!!!!!!!

You could easily spot the lobsters from the humans in the picture below. Point is…I never get red-faced! Sweet!!!! 

Shian in bow tie seemed uneasy, but his wedding party would have been really quiet if it weren’t for us!

Another great event calls for another celebration! This time it was Ashley Isham’s AL boutique official opening at the Mandarin Gallery. To commemorate his opening, there was a silent auction to raise funds for the charity, Heart to Heart.

Ashley flew all the way from London for this special event and he gave me one of his nicest designs. Oh happy me!!!

Not every day are we flourished with joy and happiness. A certain news reported worldwide got me upset and sad.

Nicole Daul Kim, 20 years old.

Raised in Seoul and Singapore, she modeled in Asia before making her fashion week debut in Paris in 2007, modeling for Chanel, Dries van Noten and Maison Martin Margiela, among others. Nicole became a fashion week regular in New York, Milan, Paris and London and most recently appeared during Seoul fashion week in October. She had a lot of potential, a raising star and was close to becoming THE NEXT TOP MODEL.

I met her when she was 15. She had alot going for her. She had a beautiful life, a good family and friends who are there for her. She was blessed with a life filled with many opportunities that could open doors to a successful career which many girls dream of having.

Unfortunately, she was found dead in Paris in an apparent suicide.

Nicole’s agents have confirmed her death but thus far no official cause of death has been disclosed. However, a source tells New York Magazine that they believe that Daul Kim committed suicide.

This is an awful tragedy. She was not alone. She didn’t realize her family and friends were there for her.

If we could just pause for a moment from the hectic rush of life and reconnect, let’s reach out together to those who currently believe they are inadequate, worthless, or “not enough”.

Spread the word with this inspirational media to combat the increase of depression and suicide during this holiday season. Reach out to those who need you the most.

Together we can touch 10 million lives this holiday season – and reach that one person who needs it now most of all.”

Don’t forget that your life matters, you are loved! The world needs you!

Before I end this post, I would like to share a story where we can all learn something from. It concerns an article the New Paper did about me on the 8th of Dec 09. Recently, I approached them in good faith, having come back from the charity trip in Sri Lanka, purpose being to spread awareness of the many children suffering from Thalassaemia and what we can do to help.

Not surprisingly, a 2-page spread about my enhancements seemed to be the focus of the article, and a re-hash of the “drama” was the order of the day. I’m truly disappointed by this, as it makes a mockery of the real intentions of the cause the charity group was championing.

In the words of Spidey’s uncle before he passed. “With great power, comes great responsibility”. When the media has the power to spread awareness to help a cause that could possibly result in lives saved in the future, but instead chooses to mis-represent information for the purpose of viewership and profit, it just brings to light the harsh realities in the world we live in. It’s easy to discount this to saying, “Of course they would do that?! All they think of is money.” and expect the world to accept it like another matter-of-fact race to get publishing props. But, do we just toss ethics out the window? Scorn on the “gentleman’s agreements”? It’s obvious they dont really care about how things affect others, but I really feel let down by these events, and look back with some regret having even represented them as a participant in their new-paper-new-face event two years back. That said, all I can say to them is Step-it-Up! Sex sells but helping the less fortunate is priceless.

On the brighter side of things, I have interesting lineups to look forward to. A fun Christmas party to attend at Erika’s place on Friday and the annual Zoukout event on Saturday which I have booked a 2 bedroom villa at Siloso Beach Resort and have invited Miss Malaysia Universe 2009 and Miss Thailand Universe 2009 to stay with me and celebrate the year end with our friends. Being an ambassador for Singapore, it is my honourable duty to ensure these girls have a good time, just like I did for Miss Russia and Miss New Zealand at the F1 weekend!

In closing, for all you last minute Christmas shoppers or anyone who just want to pamper themselves for the holidays, come on down to Suntec Expo on the 18th, 19th and 20th December to visit the Dermasolutions booth (B9), level 3 for your last minute Christmas shopping! They are giving away special discounts on skincare products and aesthetic face & body treatments as gifts and presents for you and your loved ones only for that weekend!!!

There’s always a good time and occasion to look your best this holiday season. What better way to look great this Christmas and New Years than to grab this opportunity to pamper yourself at Dermasolutions!

For anyone interested to know more about aesthetics, makeup or anything beauty related, I am happy to share the knowledge I have with you. Simply leave a comment and I will try my best to answer them.

See you there! (www.dermasolutions.sg)

My trip to Sri Lanka and a brief civil war history about it…

Founded in May 1976, the Tamil Tigers waged a violent secessionist campaign that sought to create an independent Tamil state in the north and east of Sri Lanka. This campaign evolved into the Sri Lankan Civil War, which was one of the longest running armed conflicts in Asia until the Tamil Tigers was defeated by the Sri Lankan Military in May 2009.

The Tigers, who during the height of their power possessed a well-developed militia, were notorious for recruiting child soldiers, for carrying out civilian massacres, suicide bombings and various other high profile attacks, including the assassinations of several high-ranking Sri Lankan and Indian politicians like Sri Lankan President Ranasinghe Premadasa in 1993, and former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991.

They invented the suicide belt and pioneered the use of suicide bombing as a tactic. They also pioneered the use of women in suicide attacks, and used light aircraft in some of their attacks. They are currently proscribed as a terrorist organization by 32 countries, but have extensive support amongst the Tamil diaspora in Europe and North America, and amongst Tamils in India.

After the breakdown of the peace process in 2006, the Sri Lankan military launched a major offensive against the Tigers, bringing the entire country under their control and defeating the Tigers militarily. Victory over the Tigers was declared by Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa on May 16, 2009, and the Tigers admitted defeat on May 17, 2009. There has been peace in this country ever since.

The Singapore Club of Sri Lanka presents Hayden featuring Miss Singapore Universe 2009; a charity fund raiser fashion show in aid of the Thalassaemia Centre in Kurunegala.

On an early Thursday morning, I went for a radio interview about my purpose of visit and the charity event.

Jacquie and her assistant Tanja – The most hardworking duo

Jacquie was the one who arranged and organized the whole event! =)

If you like the dress I wore to the radio station and the lovely green top I wore to Elias’s place, do check more of these latest designs from Emileen’s blogshop at Meltcouture!  She has a wide variety of pretty girly designs and colors you can choose from. Her comfortable and elegant dresses made my packing to Sri Lanka so much easier! =)

Later that evening, we had a small gathering at Elias’s to meet all the sponsors from the Singapore Club for the Charity event

The Singapore Club of Sri Lanka presents a solution to the dilema faced by the Thalassaemia Centre of Sri Lanka by organizing and staging a remarkably unique event that will propagate the awareness of Thalassaemia and also successfully raise funds for the project which they did!

We had an early local breakfast on the Friday morning on the way of our 3 hour drive to the Thalassaemia hospital in Kurenegala.

We went in two cars. I was in Sandun’s car along with Ayne and Tanja. =)

Eagerly waiting to meet the patients at the centre and not knowing what to expect!

We have reached the National Thalassaemia Centre in Kurenegala!

What is Thalassaemia?

It is a genetic disorder transmitted directly from parents to children. This is a condition where the conventional levels of hemoglobin are partially or completely suppressed. Hemoglobin is an essential element found in red blood cells that plays a vital function of transporting oxygen through the cells of the body.

Thalassaemia involves the defective and decreased production of hemoglobin and in its mildest form results in anaemia while the severest form could require a lifetime of regular blood transfusion. This genetic disorder not only causes major health risks but poses a psychosocial impact between the patents and their families.

Over 750 patients are currently being treated at the National Thalassaemia Centre. The prevention and rehabilitation of Thalassaemia is essential in the overall management of the disease which is based on -

* Regular blood transfusion

*Infusion of the drug Desferrioxamine to reduce the iron overload of the body

* Rehabilitation of the patient in psychological and social aspects

The National Thalassaemia Centre requires more than 650 pints of blood and SGD$96,000 monthly. The reduction of iron is done with a machine which costs approx SGD$700. It is mandatory therefore to prevent the disease from augmenting in new cases and this can only be achieved by increasing the awareness among the public and by carrying out and efficient screening programme.

These are the few Thalassaemia patients who came to greet us with a nice warm welcome!

My first tour around the hospital to visit the patients

In Sri Lanka, 80 Thalassaemia babies are born every year and about 1600 thalassaemia patients from all over the country.

This was the saddest room to be in.

Watching the mother comfort her child with hopes of her baby’s survival really depresses me. I had to be strong to stay positive with a smile on my face for the sake of the children.

Infant on the brink of death fighting to live

Children’s playground …

This wall was painted by volunteers!

and he was one of the them! What a good samaritan!=)

Thalassaemia is inherited if both parents are thalassemia minor carriers. Their children may have thalassemia minor, they may have completely normal blood, or they may have thalassemia major. Thalassaemia minor carriers do not have to go through the montly blood transfusion but Thalassaemia major carriers have to. In each pregnancy there is a one in four (25%) chance that their child will have normal blood, a two in four (50%) chance that the child will have thalassemia minor or a one in four (25%) chance that the child will have thalassemia major.

Having the opportunity to meet the patients was a humble and amazing experience. The feeling isn’t the same by just knowing the facts but actually seeing it for yourself.  I was very touched and moved by this whole trip that was planned for me. All of my praises and gratitudes goes Jacquie, Hayden, the Singapore Club in Sri lanka, Stigmata, Tanja, Sandun and everyone else who put in so much effort to make this happen.

Here are the two main doctors in charge of the centre. They are indeed very respectable and highly motivating!=)

Here is a cosy and well equiped library for the kids made for their free time and during transfusion.

The room for blood test and screening for new patients.

Here is a respectable young man who is a patient and also a volunteer at the centre!

The lovely children, just like any other normal child except for their dependency on free medical care from the government for blood transfusion every month to fight each and every day to live.

Thalassaemia patient performed a dance during presentation. She is just like any other young girl you would see anywhere! These kids definitely deserve a chance to live a normal life just like any of us, don’t you?!

Thalassaemia is particularly prevalent among Mediterranean people. In Europe, the highest concentrations of the disease are found in Greece and in parts of Italy, in particular, Southern Italy and the lower Po valley. Other Mediterranean people, as well as those in the vicinity of the Mediterranean, also have high rates of Thalassemia, including Middle Easterners and North Africans. Far from the Mediterranean, South Asians are also affected, with the world’s highest concentration of carriers (18% of the population) being in the Maldives.

This slide shows a young boy with Thalassaemia whose deformities first started in his mouth and legs.

Without ongoing treatment, thalassaemia causes severe anaemia and death. There is no cure, but treatment includes regular blood transfusions and nightly injections via a slow infusion pump such as the Desferrioxamine.

Desferrioxamine involves iron chelation.

Each day a Thalassaemia patient has to inject the pump into his body for 10 hours like this boy…

He ties the pump around his body for leaves it for 10 hours a day before he can remove it. Each pump costs approx $700 and can be used for up to 10 years. Most of these children rely on free medical from the government and public donation to survive.

This boy is 16 years old. You can see how the disease stun the growth of this child. Imagine having to do this everyday for the rest of your life and worry all the time for public funding and donation of blood! We should count our blessings.

If these kids don’t get any blood transfusion since birth, they are only given approximately 5 – 10 years to live.

Current treatments allow thalassemia patients to live relatively normal lives, however, a cure remains to be found. The only possible treatment for a Thalassaemia major patient to live a normal life is to have a bone marrow transplant. However, such surgery would be extremely costly, a one in a million probability to find the right match and chances of surviving the operation is uncertain.

Monthly blood transfusion for the children.

Each month without the transfusion, the child will develop deformities which starts with their facial structure like the child in the green top.

How to prevent Thalassaemia?

Awareness programmes aimed at prevention of new thalassaemia births are a must. There are two main ways of achieving this:

1. Carrier Screening
2. Pre-natal detection

People with a thalassemia mutation only in one gene are known as carriers or are said to have thalassemia minor. Thalassemia minor results in no anemia or very slight anemia. People who are carriers do not require blood transfusion or iron therapy, unless proven to be iron deficient.

Children born with thalassemia major usually develop the symptons of severe anemia within the first year of life. Lacking the ability to produce normal adult hemoglobin, children with thalassemia major:

- are chronically fatiqued
- fail to thrive, and
- do not grow normally

Prolonged anemia will cause bone deformities and eventually will lead to death within the first decade of life. The only treatment to combat severe anemia is regular blood transfusions.

It was a sad afternoon but a real eye opener and a wake up call for me!

A little bit of effort and charity goes a long way….

Prima Deli dinner – The team who worked so hard to put this together for the benefit of the Thalassaemia centre.

A charity event for the great cause and I am glad I was able to contribute to it!

Here are the Stigmata boys, the number 1 heavy metal band in Sri Lanka who put so much effort into the design and layout for the event. They are so down to earth and very talented and i’m very honoured to have this opportunity to work with them for this charitable cause! Though i’m not a fan of heavy metal music, I gotta say that some of their tracks are pretty interesting! Check out their music at http://www.myspace.com/stigmatasrilanka

Kudos to everyone who did a great job for a good cause! =)

Sweetest model who did the show with me…

Our main aim for the cause?

* Eradication of the deadly disease from Sri Lankan society

* Rehabilitation of the suffering patient and his/her family

We hope to achieve much of this now and more for the future. With the information you now know, you can also do your part bysharing the information with others. Show it to your family, friends, neighbours, coworkers or anyone who has origins from areas where thalassemia is common. Be sure to ask your doctor to test you for thalassemia minor. Increased awareness is the key. There is no option other than prevention.

14th November was Olly Mac Daddy’s big day! A wonderful birthday surprise planned 4 weeks earlier was a huge success! 22 boxes of props and costumes shipped from the US and all the effort of planning and getting everything sorted was well worth my time after all!

22 boxes from the warehouse sent to Naumi Hotel  in a huge truck just days before the party

Children gave a good rummage for their costumes and accessories

The final day!

Took me and a few friends hours to assemble the props. It was tedious and stressful but we made it through…

Facebook and exclusive email invites was sent out weeks ago to plan this special day.

“In Hollywood they say there’s no business like show business, in our hood we say there’s no business like gold digging business!”

He made everyone dance the night away till they were told to leave…lol

It’s a free bar, of course – you don’t need to bring your dough when you’re partying with Celebrity Olly Mac Daddy!

Olly’s 6 kg birthday cake! Specially made for the Arachnophobes!

Be afraid…be very afraid….                         *evil laughs*

Like hookers….just smarter!  Grin

Party people = Happy people  =)

VIP tables booked with 20 bottles waiting to be served.

We do not remember days, we remember moments…

This was truly a wonderful night to remember and a best birthday party Olivier has ever had. Everyone had a massive blast, and i’m happy and proud that I single handedly pulled off one unforgettable party for one of my closest friend.
Friendship needs no words…they are the sunshine of my life. =)

JanthAvenue

I’ve received my items from Janthavenue and her necklace is currently one of my favourite piece that goes with just about anything I put on!

Getting dressed for Burberry flagship event at ION

Casual day trip out in Jakarta!

You will notice the fine details and exquisite design in every piece of Janthavenue jewellery, like this cute girly yet elegant charm bracelet…

Notice the fine details in every charm?

-Cosmetic bag, makeup mirror, shopping handbag charms

Christmas is around the corner so don’t miss out on her latest charm bracelets and accessories while stocks last!

Simply go to www.janthavenue.com, place your orders and enjoy shopping!

FUCHSIA DREAM!

If you prefer a more simple and classy jewelery with a style that last forever, Fuchsia Dream is the place for you!

Her accessories are truly one of a kind  where you will notice that a lot of effort is  put into the workmanship of each design.

Lovely packaging and is great as gifts for your loved ones!

Simple yet stylish necklace that goes well with my casual day outfit

Pearly earrings that came in an elegant gift box!

Sweet looking pair for your everyday casual wear…

Sign up, be a member and you’ll enjoy great discounts from any of their latest designs!

Visit http://fuchsiadream.blogspot.com and enjoy shopping!

From ghoulies and ghosties and long leggety beasties and things that go bump in the night, Good Lord, deliver us!

Happy Halloween! This was the Butter queue at 10pm on Saturday and its amazing how many people made an effort to dress up for the occasion!

Shiver me timbers!

My lovely treasure box purse to go well with my pirate outfit…

ARRR!!!!!! My team of pirates for the evening!

Left to Right: Washed Out Deck Sweeper Pirate, Clueless Fire Cannons Pirate, Cheeky Manning The Sail Pirate

Jonathan as Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice!      There I said it!!!  *poof*

Adrian the chick magnet! He sure did attract a lot of chicks that night, lol.

The usual Butter crew with the PFR’s at Bump VIP. PFR’s = Permanent F**king Residents (that includes Stew, Ben, Adrian and Lien). They have their names printed on the table, no kidding!

Where there is a sea there are pirates and a hot sea captain! =)

Ben was away for business, but Stew was kind to dress as Ben so he wouldn’t miss out on the excitement…

And along the way…we decided to do things the Ben way! Like forcing bottles down peoples throats…

Kiss the french! He loves it! YEAH!!!!

Cuddle his friends…

Being maliciously shot at by his friends…

Payback time from all the accumulated butter weekends from Ben’s force feeding of alcohol!

It was all a joke and just for laughs…

The party isn’t really the same without Ben, and we all miss his presence especially for Halloween!

Here are some interesting costumes people wore out to party.

Very creative I must say!

Very interesting concept but not so fun when you can’t even move to dance.

Along the way I met beautiful Melissa and sexy KayKay! Melissa was a Victoria secrets model and Kaykay was Gracie as Liv Tyler. Nice!!! =)

Celeste’s very creative missile boobies! Long, pointy, right in your face and in the way!

My obnoxious team member misbehaving as usual…

Beware!!! Never leave your belongings where there are pirates lurking around…

Ghosts, like ladies, never speak till spoke to

and yes…we pirates do what we do best! Steal the treasure, steal and women, drink the rum and be merry!

Harvard grads, Count Eduardo and big time money making Andrew.

Eduardo is a co-founder of Facebook. What a great achievement at such a young age! =)

Lovely Fay as Princess Leia, the slave of Chubba the Hutt in the Return of the Jedi. My favourite episode of all time!

Chucky from Child’s Play.

Chucky: I’ve got you now, Andy! And you know what I’m gonna do to you? I’m gonna cut off your legs, too!

Sheesh!

Giggity Giggity! =)

“Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.”

David and Faby! It was nice of them to join me later that night at Butter. I was over at their pre-halloween house party the night before.

Now that’s a real Topgun jumpsuit!

This is not a costume party by the way!

Beside me on the right is David and his friends from the US Navy.

At David & Faby’s pre-halloween house party.

Who was I dressed as?

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Ghostbusters!!!!!!

This is Pirate David, a commander and F18 pilot.

The structure of the US military confuses me sometimes…

I have a similar looking navy costume cap, but this one is the real deal!

I was very impressed by the spooky setup for Halloween! David and his wife Faby did all of it just two days before the party and they did an excellent job to it.

Navy officers let loose for an awesome halloween weekend. We work hard and play hard, that is the way to live life to the fullest and make the best of your youth life.

Kari and Chad! One of the sweetest couples i’ve met in Singapore. They have a 5 yr old son who enjoys trick or treating and they did make that happen for him even in Singapore. So sweet!!! =)

I love this! Easy to do, very original and so true! LOL

Left to Right: Faby, Kevin Ferdeline and Britney Spears

Stairway down to the spooky graveyard…

Blaire Witch Project: “Double, double toil and trouble / Fire burn, and cauldron bubble.”

At first cock-crow the ghosts must go…back to their quiet graves below

Be not afraid as Ghostbuster is here to keep watch over you…

So if you’re seeing things running through your head, who you gonna call???

.

.

.

.

.

ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! =)

Photo credits: Dadang, Chris Zikif

There shines this glowing trail… of flashing lights before me…

A calling for ambition for colors of flawless and natural perfection.

With new strength and hope of humble beginnings…

I bring you a soft launch to remember this December…

For the perfect innovation of colors and lights…

Credits : “Celebrity Photographer Dominic Khoo, www.whatisthesight.com”.

Taboo of Black Eyed Peas (left) at the Fuel Festival 2009 at the National Museum on Saturday. Fellow band member apl.de.ap boogies with Miss Singapore Universe 2009 Rachel Kum and Miss New Zealand Universe 2009 Katie Taylor at the same event.

Credits : “Celebrity Photographer Dominic Khoo, www.whatisthesight.com“.

Credits : “Celebrity Photographer Dominic Khoo, www.whatisthesight.com“.

My video at F1 rocks – A fun-filled weekend with Miss Russia Universe 2009, Miss New Zealand Universe 2009, Richard Branson, Black Eyed Peas and friends.

E entertainment! I invited Melissa and Audrey to join me to this first time ever red carpet event in Singapore.

It was a red carpet treatment all the way with a limo pick up, champagne, gifts, hors d’oeuvre and not forgetting the many local celebrities who attended this event.

If you like my tutu dress, here is the Hayden who designed my beautiful cocktail dress! You can find more of his collections at

http://www.haydensingapore.com

http://www.plushasia.com/media_photo/5455

With barely any sleep from entertaining my dearest Katie, I had an early morning filming to do on Saturday for a Microsoft Windows Fashionista Ad on AXN. The TV crew who came were really nice, funny and friendly and i made it through quick and easy.

Who is Richard Branson?! The man behind Virgin Atlantic Airways, Virgin Mobile, Virgin Blue….etc

In 1993, Branson was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Technology.

He was knighted in 1999 for his “services to entrepreneurship.

In 2000, Branson received the Tony Jannus Award for his accomplishments in commercial air transportation.

Sir Richard appears at No. 85 on the 2002 list of “100 Greatest Britons” (sponsored by the BBC and voted for by the public).

Sir Richard also ranks No. 86 on Channel 4’s 2003 list of “100 Worst Britons”.

Sir Richard was also ranked in 2007’s Time Magazine “Top 100 Most Influential People in the World”.

In 2009, Branson was voted the UK’s “Celebrity Dream Boss” in an opinion poll by Cancer Research UK

On 7 December 2007, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon presented Branson with the United Nations Correspondents Association Citizen of the World Award for his support for environmental and humanitarian causes.

Richard Branson made several world record-breaking attempts after 1985, when in the spirit of the Blue Riband he attempted the fastest Atlantic Ocean crossing. His first attempt in the “Virgin Atlantic Challenger” led to the boat capsizing in British waters and a rescue by RAF helicopter, which received wide media coverage.

A year later his hot air balloon “Virgin Atlantic Flyer” crossed the Atlantic. This was the largest balloon at 2.3 million cubic feet (65,000 m³), and the first hot-air balloon crossing the Atlantic. It reached 130 miles per hour (209 km/h).

In January 1991, Branson crossed the Pacific from Japan to Arctic Canada, 6,700 miles (10,800 km), in a balloon of 2,600,000 cubic feet (74,000 m³). This broke the record, with a speed of 245 miles per hour (394 km/h).

Between 1995 and 1998 Branson, Per Lindstrand and Steve Fossett made attempts to circumnavigate the globe by balloon. In late 1998 they made a record-breaking flight from Morocco to Hawaii but were unable to complete a global flight before Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones in Breitling Orbiter 3 in March 1999.

These were just the few world record attempts he did and he is truly an admirable and respected public figure. I’m now officially a fan of his! He was very kind, warm, friendly and helpful to us. He took Katie and I down to the Black Eyed Peas private party at the Museum and that was where I had a good chance to meet them in person and party with them. The following night, we had dinner with Richard at the F1 Paddock Club and he took Katie, Olivier and I down to the garage to watch the last few laps of the race before he rushed off for his flight back. SO SWEET!!!!

Black Eyed Peas private party at the Museum! I didn’t know Will.I.Am actually djs! He was really good at it and the party was pumping all night long. Igot the chance to meet all 3 of them except Fergie and they were really nice!

Apl.de.ap got me drinks, we partied together and he invited me to their next private party at Supperclub.

Here is Mark and Julius who are the bodyguards for Beyonce. Mark was the same bodyguard for the Miss Universe pageant and he hooked us up with a special meet and great with her at Waterfront Indochine when they arrived that Friday night. It was tough to get a picture with her but nonetheless we were grateful to meet her and introduced ourselves up close and personal. That fateful night, we invited them and her assistant to party with us at Butter Factory. We stayed on till closing time and dropped some of them off at Azuka in Clarke Quay and Mark back to his hotel. It was a crazy night for Katie as it was her first time drinking straight up from the bottle (that is how we roll at Butter!). She did the Tom Cruise act of jumping on sofas, got told off by bouncers and suffered a major hangover from mixing her Vodka with Jaggermeister. LOL!!! The night was absolutely crazy but all of us had a really good time.

Ex Prime Minister Mahathir of Malaysia

With Travis, the singer

And so Hamilton won! As happy as can be even after he complaint about the Singapore tracks being so bumpy and unimproved.

Here is another influencial man,

Oleg Deripaska!

Deripaska is the sole owner and CEO of Basic Element, a diversified investment company established in 1997, with assets in Russia and abroad. He is a self made billionare and is rated number 9 in the world’s richest billionaires in Forbes list.

Deripaska is also one of 16 global business leaders who drafted CEO Climate Policy Recommendations to G8 Leaders, a document outlining international business community’s proposals to effectively tackle global warming. The proposals were signed by more than 100 of the world’s leading corporations and handed to Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda on 20 June 2008. G8 leaders discussed the recommendations during the summit in Japan on 7 July – 9 July 2008. The process was coordinated by the World Economic Forum in collaboration with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.

I was very honored to meet a man like him. He was a gentleman, serious, has quite a sense of humor and most importantly a top notch gangsta! My take is…..you gotta be a real mafia if your business does well in Russia (well most of the time that is the case).

Left to Right: Oleg Deripaska, Ong Beng Seng, Rachel Kum

Will.i.am and I at Supperclub

Yup! The weekend had full of unexpected surprises and it was definitely worth it!

Last but not least….my dearest Sophia joined me to do our facials at Dermasolutions before she left. She loved her Micro-luminscence experience and also the products she received in the Bahamas. I miss her already. Gene and I plan to visit her in St Petersberg sometime soon. It is never goodbye but see you later! Bisou

Beauty Queens for Dermasolutions!

The secret to beautiful skin is at Dermasolutions

I haven’t really shared about my experience at the Miss Universe 2009 in Bahamas, so here are some of the main highlights of my experience I would like to share.

The month away was fun, exhausting and very restrictive. Immediately after arrival, we were ushered by security and police escorts to our hotel and there was the first time I met my room mate Miss Guam. She’s a great girl and we had plenty of good times together

The itinerary for the first few days was exciting that caused this huge buildup for a massive anticipation.  Days went by so quickly that was so full on  that it caused a bit of a negative vibe closer towards the end of the finals.  Our stay started to feel like a boot camp because we weren’t allowed to have any free time to do things on our own as our supervisors and security had to be with us at ALL TIMES.

I didn’t really know what to expect before I got there. As I’ve experienced the whole journey itself and remembered what some said about the true identity of the pageant,  it is true that the whole vibe you get from it can get political. Observing a VIP table across mine at the Governor’s Ball and the choreography of the dance moves at the finals reaffirmed my thoughts about it.

Below is a picture of the VIP table at the Governor’s Ball with the Governer, Dayana Mendoza (Miss Universe 2008), President of Miss Universe Organization, Miss USA 2009, Miss China 2009, Miss South Africa 2009 and some other VIPs. Politics? What say you?

She’s one of the most beautiful girl in the pageant besides Miss Venezuela and I was disappointed that she didn’t get into top 15. Donald Trump however did invite her to join his modelling agency in New York so I hope the best for her modelling career. Besides Miss Russia listed as my number one choice, I thought Miss Venezuela would win when I first saw her during a photoshoot. She has this natural classic hollywood look that stands out among the rest of the girls. Many said that she can’t win because her country won last year’s title, so I had a doubt that her chances might be wrecked because of this.

Well who knew?! This beauty did win it! She is beautiful, humble, sweet, positive and definitely well prepared to win. Beauty pageants are a great deal in most Latin American countries where even its general elections are not as big of a deal. These girls are bred to do beauty pageants since the age of 6 and winning the title in their home country gives them approximately a year to prepare for Miss Universe.

A lot of these girls were vying for the crown so knowing that if they can put up with the boot camp schedule throughout the whole year of their reign, then they deserve to win the title. Miss Venezuela was one of the girls who deserves to win. She was positive and friendly to everyone. She was definitely one of the favourites of the media which caused a bit of jealousy among her latino competitors. From my observation at some of our meal gatherings, she was seated away from the latino group some of the times and was also bitched about when the media’s main focus was on her. I guess the poor treatment paid off when she won the crown and she now has nothing to prove to anyone. You go girl!

Here are some more pictures of our dress rehearsal. Love the hair-do!

Puff accessories brings you original, exquisite and unique hand-made accessories. They guarantee the quality and workmanship of all their items which have been carefully hand-picked.

Puff jewellery are all handmade and they use 14k gold plated and rhodium chains, findings and wires for all of their designs.

As they do not compromise with quality, Puff only uses the finest materials in their pieces.
Puff designs are always evolving and constantly bringing you new and exciting designs to be purchased on-line.

They are also happy to entertain your requests for your requested pieces to be customized to suit your taste!

This was the lovely pair I wore to the Miss Universe pageant at the Bahamas!

Puff Angels – These designs are all handmade from clay, cute designs, sturdy and unbreakable.

Hurry and grab these unique accessories, only available at
http://www.puff-accessories.blogspot.com/

My trip to NYC!

Jim, his mom and grams went to the Bahamas to support me. It’s been a year since I last saw them in Chicago and I was glad and happy to see them again.

I caught up with Jim as planned to visit the tourist areas such as the Statue of Liberty, Ground Zero, Wall Street and Central Park.

The not so bull year….

Fuerza Bruta musical….you gotta see it! New aged, modern and a very interesting concept!

Miss Russia came to join Gene and I to dinner at Waverly Inn. The food and service was fantastic but the waiting time to get seated took a while. We saw Courtney Love at the al fresco and she did look sober!

I miss Sophia, she’s my closest girl in the pageant!

Sophia (Miss Russia) my new long distance friend

Miss Russia and Miss Estonia came to visit before my flight back to Singapore.

A lovely bouquet of flowers from my dear Chris whom i’ve missed so much throughout the whole month away.

It has been a wonderful year so far. The highlight of the month would be August as the whole experience in the Miss Universe pageant was magical that doesn’t come by everyday. I would like to thank everyone who has even me the moral support that I need to go through with this especially my family, my other half, relatives and friends. The main reason why I joined the Miss Universe pageant was for the experience and a big part of it was also the free trip to Bahamas! With a strategy at hand, I could tour New York city on my reconnecting flight and possibly do a road trip to Washington DC and Ontario to see the Niagara Falls. I didn’t join last year because it was held in Vietnam and that is just too close to Singapore.

Travel makes me very happy and I am up for any good trips if such opportunity comes my way. Winning the title is a great achievement but then again I didn’t think winning this trip could be difficult! You get haters spreading rumours, supporters encouraging you, and somehow those series of events has somewhat made me a stronger person. Achieving the best things in life is either all of nothing for me and so winning my first pageant and the best one there is to date is one of my biggest accomplishment so I have nothing to prove to anyone. I have made it and I thank everyone who went through this with me. I am happy to make so many friends from around the world and I thank my organizers and supporters for giving me this opportunity to do so.

Ugly people does not mean what is physically ugly but mentally ugly where they deliberately try to hurt you just to feel good about it. So to try to keep calm and stay positive no matter what happens…. never argue with ugly people because they have got nothing to lose! That’s one of the best quotes to think about especially when you have to be gracious as a beauty queen.Bear that in mind and you can always stay positive.

The final day was good fun! Congratulations to Stefania for winning the crown. She’s beautiful, humble, nice and she deserves it. No asian sensation for Miss Universe this year! I’m disappointed that my Miss Russia wasn’t even in top 15. I guess its business as usual….a bit of politics and a lot about viewership too.

Received flowers for good luck from Flo Rida! How sweet!!!!!!!!!!

With the Miss Universe protection team. They did a great job!

Dean Cain (superman) and I

I’m so happy that Jim, aunty and grams came to support me! Felt so touched and happy to see them again. I miss gram’s Hershey’s chocolate milkshake so much

Jim flew in from Chicago to see me perform and supported me all the way. I’m luck to have good friends like him! We partied like rock stars with Flo Rida, Billy Bush, Claudia, Dean Cain…etc at the Coronation ball then continued to Aura after. Early flight to catch in the morning to NYC! Finally my start of freedom again where I can buy dunkin donuts without the escort of security and rules.

Rehearsals towards the end of the big day!

With Mr Donald Trump at Breakfast

Apple bottom jeans….boots with the fur!!!! Flo Rida!

With 4 Mill… Always complimenting about Singapore!

This shows how exhausted we are!

Finals days till the finale tomorrow. I wish all the girls the best and I have already picked my top 5. I hope that the sincerely nice ones will win the crown because there are some girls who are just blatantly rude , inconsiderate and obnoxious. Miss Mexico comes in a whole package and I think she deserves to win it. My speculated top 5 are Australia, Dominican Republic, Russia, Mexico and Peru. Still, there are many good ones and its a tough fight between a lot of them. My other favorites are South Africa, Nicaragua, Belgium, Spain, Vietnam, Indonesia….just to name a few. I’m enjoying every bit of this even though it can get draggy and tiring towards the end, but its going to be the final days of the experience of a lifetime. I’m looking forward to the coronation ball and after party with the girls for the big farewell to all of my new friends. I look forward to visit them in their home country someday. August 2009 has been the best month so far and I’m looking forward to go home to be with my family and my lovely boyfriend. I miss everyone and not forgetting the food! Singapore is still my home and I miss it every time when something doesn’t feel the same here.

Watch the Miss Universe 2009 live tomorrow, 23rd August. See ya!