REVIEW: Kizuki + Lim Raffles Hotel Arcade

Before.

My hair was long and flat. My fringe was blah and did not flatter my face shape.  

 ~AG~

This is a review of hair salon, Kizuki + Lim Raffles Hotel Arcade branch. This Japanese hair salon was highly recommended by my sister, MG. She had went to this salon for a hair cut a few months back, and has had high praises for it ever since. In another news, both my brothers also go here for their hair cuts. One of their Japanese friends recommended this hair salon to them a few years back.

My haircut appointment was for June 16, 2015. It has been a week since my haircut. The hairstylist that I was assigned to was, Shun, which also was MG's hair stylist. It was pure coincidence, since I did not request for a particular hair stylist. During my phone conversation to book the appointment, I simply mentioned that I would like a hair cut appointment with a senior hair stylist.

Anyway, about Kizuki + Lim Raffles Hotel Arcade branch. The salon itself is unlike another other salon I have been to. The decoration is very Japanese zen. It resembles more of an art gallery than a hair salon. Too bad, I did not have the guts to take pictures of the interior. Maybe on my next visit, I will gather up the courage to take some pictures. Hehe ;)

My hair condition before the hair cut was long and flat, with severe split ends. It had been over 6 months since my last hair cut. It had also been over 9 months since I did the keratin treatment, and my unruly wavy hair was showing obvious signs of reappearance. Shun asked me how short I was wanted to cut my hair. At first, he suggested about 1.5 inches. But I told him that I wanted to cut off more, he recommended that I only cut about 2 inches off. If my hair get shorter than that, it will be very difficult for me to manage it. He also mentioned that he would like to add some layers to my hair. I was a little worried when I heard the word "layers". The wrong type of layers can make my hair looking crazy. But he re-assured me that he was just going to add some layers to the ends. He also recommended a shorter side swept fringe to conceal my high forehead.

I appreciate Shun's honesty. When I asked him about hair straightening treatment, he recommended against it, since it is an outdated look. He mentioned that nowadays the trend is for natural hair. Other hairstylists would have jumped at the chance to do a pricy hair straightening treatment right then, but Shun did not. He said if I really wanted to, I could do it in two to three months. In contrary, he recommended that I perm the ends of my hair. 

Even though it is pricy to have a haircut at Kizuki + Lim, a senior stylist service goes for $100, you will feel very satisfied with the results. Some salons pressure you to do hair treatments or hair products, and you walk out after with buyer's remorse. But I walked out Kizuki + Lim feeling happy, and that I was not "cheated" out of my money. Since MG recommended me to this salon, I received 10% off my bill. If I am not wrong, all first time customer received discount off their bill.

After.

My hair looks polished simply by his expert blow-drying techniques. No hair curlers or hair straightener was used in this process.

NEW: Philips MoistureProtect Straightener HP8372/03

~AG~

After pondering for quite a while, I decided to invest in a hair care tool that I can use without worry in Singapore. Previously, I had owned several hair straighteners in the States, namely Revlon, Remington and ghd. Without knowing the need to use a step-down transformer for US appliances used in Singapore, I blew up the fuse of two of my straighteners. It was heart-wrenching. The only one left is the ghd classic styler. This beloved hair straightener was used almost daily for over two years. Even after having it for more than 4 years, this hair straightener is still fully functional. It was the best USD $165 investment I made on a beauty tool. However, I did not want to try whether it will work in Singapore.

Philips MoistureProtect Straightener

Doesn't it look girlish and  so pretty?

 

Anyway, back to the topic. After researching online, I decided to purchase Philips MoistureProtect Straightener (Model #: HP8372/03). This is one of the newest hair styling tools from Philips. So what are the features of the Philips MoistureProtect that convinced me to buy it?

1. Philips Sensor Technology protects the moisture balance of the hair. The sensor diagnose your hair 30 times per second and adjusts the temperature according to your hair needs
2. MoistureProtect Technology regulates the heat of the straightening plates to prevent overheating
3. It heats up in 15 seconds, no more waiting around for it to heat up
4. Comes in three temperatures: 150, 175 and 200 degrees Celsius
5. The floating ceramic plates moves to adjust the pressure on hair. This protects hair shaft from being damaged and reduces the likelihood of hair breakage.
6. Negative-charged ions eliminate static, condition the hair and smooth down hair cuticles. Your hair will becomes smooth, silky and frizz-free.
7. 2-year worldwide warranty
8. Automatic shut-off after 60 minutes. A great feature for those that tend to be forgetful.
9. Has a swivel cord
10. Has a temperature display
11. Comes with a pouch, which is handy to have to prevent the straightener from scalding other objects.
12. Has lock capability, for travel convenience. A must in my book!

Plus, Harvey Norman was having a promotion for the MoistureProtect Straightener. It is now selling for S$119, previously retailing at S$139. It was a deal I could not resist!

Please click link for more details on Philips MoistureProtect Straightener
http://www.philips.com.sg/c-p/HP8372_03/moistureprotect-straightener/specifications

Images credit to Philips Singapore.

NEW BUY: Esthetic House CP-1 Keratin Silk Injection

~AG~

 

This is a hair treatment product that I purchased while in Korea. Olive Young was having a promotion for this product. It only cost  me KRW 10,000 (S$12). Prior to seeing it at the Olive Young store, I have never heard about this product. I tried reading the packaging for more information, but it was mostly in Korean. However, MG mentioned that she has heard about this product before. Since it was at an affordable price, I decided to add it to my shopping basket. No harm trying another hair treatment product for my dry and frizzy hair. I am known for my unruly and frizzy hair. MG once even called me, "Boom-Hair girl". What is "Boom-Hair Girl" you asks? Well, it is when in cartoons, the character has frizzy hair after an explosion. That is how she would describe my hair. It is the sad truth.

Each pack comes with 5 ampoules.

 Each ampoules has 20ml of product

 

While looking online for information about this product,  I found that this hair treatment is to be used after washing and conditioning the hair. The bonus is you do not have to rinse your hair after application of the treatment. Some websites mention that you can use this hair treatment everyday, but I think that will be overdoing it. This keratin content creates a protective protein layer to prevent hair damage. It hydrates and prevents frizzy hair. The product claims to penetrate, absorb and protect hair cuticles.

Since I am familiar with keratin and its effects on my hair, I cannot wait to try this on my hair! I hope it works wonder for my dry ends and frizzy hair. Stay tuned for my review of it :)

Korean Beauty Products Haul - Face Products

~AG~

Korean stars are famous for their flawless and luminous skin. Korea is a country where BB Creams, CC Creams and CC Cushions are must-haves. So, without any question, I had to buy some base makeup to bring back to sunny Singapore. My makeup collection is lacking of base makeup. There are only a few products that I use consistently - Bourjois Healthy Mix Skin Foundation, Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk UV Compact and Cle de Peau Beaute Concealer. 

At the top on my shopping list was to find a CC Cushion that will perfectly match my skin tone. Additionally, I also wanted a CC Cream that did not leave my skin looking white or grey. Sounds simple enough? From my past experience, it is tough to find a CC Cushion or CC Cream that match my medium skin tone, since Koreans tend to have fairer skin tone. For shade reference, I am Bourjois Shade 52 (Vanille), MAC NC 30-35, Bobbi Brown Beige (3) and Chanel Beige (10).

Below are the base makeup that I purchased on this trip:

>>> Hera CC Cream (KRW 31,000 = S$38)
This is MG's most raved about CC Cream. Click link for MG's review of Hera CC Cream. She loves it so much because it gives her radiant, flawless skin. It has a heavy pricetag, but it is worth it! People always compliment MG's skin whenever she wears this CC Cream. It is also Allure Korea's 2013 Award Winner for CC Cream.

>>> VDL Metal Foundation (KRW 27,800 = S$34)
This product was not on my shopping list. While at the VDL store, this metal foundation was placed at the very front. It is their newest product! Being the makeup junkie that I am, I had to try it. When I tried the foundation on my hand, the texture was Grrreeeaaatt! It felt very light and natural. However, I hesitated buying it at first, because I really wanted to buy the Hera CC Cream. On the last day at the airport, I looked high and low for this VDL Metal Foundation. I finally saw the VDL section when I was almost at the gate. This was the very last-minute buy before boarding the plane. I felt so HAPPY afterwards. :)

>>> The Face Shop Velvet Skin Primer (KRW 14,900 = S$18)
This primer accidentally sneaked into my shopping basket. I only realized that I had bought this product when I was unpacking my stuff. This product has a Get It Beauty sticker at The Face Shop store. So, I guess it should not be too bad. I hope it works for my sensitive skin and does not clog my pores *fingers crossed*

>>> The Face Shop Concealer (KRW 10,900 = S$13)
This was my must-buy from The Face Shop because it won Get It Beauty blind test in 2013. Concealer is an essential makeup product for me. I wear it almost everyday to disguise my dark circles, and conceal my blemishes. I hope this affordable concealer works well to hide my imperfections.

 

 

I will do a separate review of each product some time in the near future. Stay tuned :)

REVIEW: banila co. It Radiant CC Cream

~AG~

After a year after its purchase, I am finally trying out Banila Co. It Radiant CC Cream. In South Korea, this CC Cream retails for about US$25. Previously, I have tried the Banila Co. CC Cushion and shade (BE15) was not a good match to my medium skin tone. However, this CC Cream only comes in one shade. It is a pinkish shade that blends into the skin. Its has a pump packaging with a protective cap to prevent spillage.

The CC Cream does not blend well into the skin. My sister commented on how there were white patches on my skin. I used my fingers to apply the CC Cream as I would a sunscreen. Plus, this does feel slightly greasy halfway through the day. 

I would not recommend this CC Cream unless you have very fair complexion. 

http://www.banilaco.com/product/productDetail.do?seq=100958&cateVo.category1=1001

DRX Clinic Journey Part 2 (3 Weeks After)

~AG~

So, I have been solely on DRX skincare regimen for over three weeks now.  What can I say about it?

My skin condition has improved. Though, I would not say that my skin is at its best condition.
However, I will attribute that to the constant travelling and lifestyle choices such as food intake.  

As recommended by Dr. Tsu, I tried my best to cut down on dairy products and sugar. Milk and yogurt that were consumed frequently before, have been reduced to less than once a week. For me to cut down sugar, it has been a torturous process. All my friends know me for having a SWEET tooth. I also tried my best to avoid pastries, ice cream and chocolate. Honestly, the reduction of dairy products and sugar intake has helped improve my skin condition. Yes, it is very very difficult. But it is WORTH it!

There are still some pimples on my T-zones especially between my eyebrows

Some pimple scarring below my nose and on my forehead due

As you can see, tiny pimples between my eyebrows

Regarding the regimen, it takes me minimum 30-40 minutes to complete all the steps below:

1) Milk Cleanser - This product is used to remove sunscreen and makeup. I massage a 50-cent amount onto my whole face including the eye area. Sometimes, I find that it stings my skin a little. So, I am careful to not leave it on for too long. I wipe off the milk cleanser with a cotton pad then proceed to wash it with water.

2) Cleanser - Regular facial cleansing. My skin does not feel tight after washing it.

3) Toner - Use a cotton pad to apply it throughout my face. I <3 when there are residue found on the cotton pad, means that the toner is doing its job. The toner does not dry out the skin, but leaves the skin feeling fresh.

4) Comodone Formula - It is a light liquid that I apply only to the T-zones area. I only use half a pump to a pump because it can cause my skin to be over drying.

5) Blemish Formula- A more gel-like liquid that I apply to any whiteheads and pimples.

6) Max-C - Apply it to the whole face, not forgetting the neck area. I usually use 3 half a teardrop pumps for the whole face. My sensitive skin has not had any adverse reaction to it.

7) Hydrator - This moisturizer reminds me of Laneige Water Bank Essence. I think it has something to do with the scent. It has a fresh oceanic scent. It keeps my skin hydrated. I usually use 2 pumps for my whole face, but use an extra pump on dry patches.

8) Acne Spot Lotion (ASL) - The packaging is problematic. It causes me to squeeze out too much product, which is such as waste. The solution has a sulphuric scent. It does help to reduce whitehead pimples significantly. I use it only at night, and try not to use it everyday, since it can be drying.

9) Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30+ - My least favourite product out of the DRX range. Why you ask me? Because it causes your face to look very oily. Because it is a tinted sunscreen, it has a shiny look. The scent of the sunscreen is similar to plastic, which I find awful.

I will continue on this skincare regimen and update you all after my follow-up appointment with Dr. Tsu. Stay tuned!

Korean Beauty Products Haul - Lip Products

~AG~

Since I bought tons of beauty products during my trip to Korea, I will separating my haul into different posts. This post focuses on lip products - lip balm, lip tint, lip crayon, and lip stick. 

VDL Expert Lip Color Cube Ex (KRW 24,000 = S$30)
The triangle-shaped lipstick. Great texture and very pigmented. The packaging allows for precise application of lipstick. 

VDL Festival Lipstick Glow Balm (KRW 18,000 = S$22)

This product is a collaboration with Kakao. The packaging is in Kakao's signature yellow color. The lip balm is embossed with Kakao character, Apeach. How cuuuuuteee is it? The lip balm itself reminds me of Dior Glow, because of the light pink shade. 

Clio Gelpresso Melting Lipstick (KRW 18,000 = S$22)

A creamy lipstick from Clio. The one that I chose was Somewhat (1) which is a pink-nude shade. A great everyday pink lipstick. It has a rather flat tip, which reminds me of my Cle de Peau Beaute concealer's shape. 

Banila Co. Floral Seoul Lip Crayon (KRW 14,000 = S$17)

The cheerful packaging of this lip crayon is what initially attracted me to this product. The brightly-colored flower print makes it a great product for collection. It is so pretty! This product has a rounded tip which is different than typically lip crayon. The one I chose is Boston Pink (ND02) which is dusty rose shade. Another great shade for everyday. It is very natural and not too much for the office. 

Innisfree Canola Honey Lip Balm - Deep Moisture (KRW 6,000 = S$8)

* not individually pictured*
One of Innisfree's bestsellers. The very hydrating lip balm with canola seed oil & canola honey extract. It also contain mango seed butter that moisturises lips. 

Innisfree Canola Honey Lip Balm - Smooth Care(KRW 6,000 = S$8)

*not pictured pictured*
Another of Innisfree's bestsellers. In addition to canola seed oil and canola honey extract, it also contains shea butter & murumuru butter to protect the lips. 

Peripera Rouge Pang (KRW 10,000 = S$14) 

This product is a pigmented lipstick that have texture similar to lip balm, and strong pigmentation of a lip tint. It is very smooth and glides on very easily. I was attracted to the beautiful red shade. The shade pictured is Party Party (RD 03); the name is very appropriate. A red lips is a confidence booster on days when you need it, like when you have a big meeting or on special occasions. 

REVIEW: VDL Expert Color Lip Cube EX in Tease You

~AG~

Mentioned about this product in a previous post. http://beautyloverssisters.blogspot.sg/2015/05/to-buy-vdl-expert-color-lip-cube-ex.html

This was my beauty must-buy while in Korea. Currently, this is my #1 product! It is a lipstick shaped especially for careful application. The long and sleek packaging looks different that typical lipstick. The triangle-shaped lipstick applies the product precisely on the edges of the lips and cupid's bow. There was no worries about color going beyond the lip lines. I was impressed with the packaging of the lipstick. It was super GREAT for lipstick application! It was so eassssyyy to use :)

Slim packaging 

Triangle-shaped lipstick

The shade that I chose was Tease You. The shade would be described as pink-red. It is a great pick-me up color to wear on a gloomy day. This particular VDL Lip Cube EX has a more sheer finish. I tried other shades in store and found them to be more matte. VDL Lip Cube EX in Tease You looks natural and flattering. It was fine to apply this lipstick without prior application of lip balm. The lipstick is rather hydrating. You can build up color by applying more coats of the lipstick. This product stays on very well. Mine lasted for about 4 hours, and only disappeared after eating. It is pretty long-wearing.

The pink-red shade swatched on the back of my wrist

Don't mind my sleepy face. Zzzz

The one major thing that I have to WARN you readers about it is that this product has only a uni-directional twist. This means that it only allows for twisting upwards and not downwards. This was a lesson that I had to learn the first time I used it. During the first use, I had twisted the lipstick enthusiastically upwards. When I tried twisting it to go downwards, nothing happened. I thought there was some defect with this particular lipstick. However, after Google-ing about it online, there were reviews stating that it does not twist downwards. I still do not understand why such function does not exist on VDL Lip Cube Ex. It is a mystery to me. I had to push down the lipstick so that it will not be capped off. 

The lipstick chipped off when I tried to push it down

Apart from the flaw in their packaging, I still like this product! The lipstick does not dry out my lips, has a nice pigmentation, and is easy to use. I will recommend this product 100% to you readers you are looking for a fuss-free everyday lipstick. The only thing that forgot was to take note of the price. I think it retailed for KRW 24,000 (~S$30). It is more pricy than regular lipstick but the extra $$ is worth it. 

NEW BUY: The Face Shop Face It Radiance Concealer Dual Veil

~AG~

The Face Shop Face It Radiance Concealer Dual Veil won a popular Korean beauty show, Get It Beauty, blind test in 2013. Even though it is 2015 now, this product is still one of The Face Shop's bestseller makeup products. It retails in The Face Shop Korea for KRW 10,900 (~S$14). It comes in 3 shades: NB17, NB21 and NB 23. The shade that I chose was NB21. For shade reference, I am Bourjois Shade 52 (Vanille), MAC NC 30-35, Bobbi Brown Beige (3) and Chanel Beige (10).

It is a double-ended concealer. The lipstick-shaped end provides more coverage, while the wand end provides a lighter coverage. The compact packaging makes it a great concealer to have when travelling. An easy concealer to apply on-the-go.

Double-ended concealer

The lipstick-shaped end of the concealer

The sponge wand end of the concealer

I cannot wait to try this concealer! I hope it does well to conceal my major dark circles and red blemishes.*cross my fingers*
Click The Face Shop official website for more details:
http://international.thefaceshop.com/english/product/productView.jsp?ctgr=ctgr&search=ca&prdidx=393&prdtype=222&pageno=1

NEW BUY: VDL BEAUTY METAL CUSHION FOUNDATION

 

~AG~

This is the beauty buy from Korea that I am MOST excited about. Introducing VDL Beauty Metal Cushion Foundation. It is different from your typical CC Cushion in that it has a metal pan for application. How cool is that?!?

 

When I tried this product in store, the coverage and finish was great. It had a natural colour that did not have white or grey effects on my skin. Good job, VDL! The coverage was light and did not feel thick at all. The finish was not too luminous, but rather a nice healthy radiance.

 

It comes in 4 shades: M101, A205, A203 and A201. It costs me KRW 27,800 (~S$34) at Lotte Duty Free.

 

I am not a big fan of skin makeup or foundations. I reserve liquid foundations for special occasions only. In regards to that, I prefer foundation that does not feel like anything at all on my skin. A light-to-medium foundation that still lets my skin breathe is my top choice.

 

I CANNOT wait to try this product and let you all know how it is. :)

 

Please check out VDL official website for more details. http://www.vdlcosmetics.com/eng/product/detail.jsp?pid=EN38000798