REVIEW: Haircut, Rebonding & Cinderella Treatment @ Leekaja Beauty Salon

~AG~

Leekaja Beauty Salon has been gaining popularity online. The trusted Beauty Undercover has raved about them and I been wanting to try them out. Leekaja was having a promotion through their Facebook page, 50% off all hair treatments. It was such a good deal that was too hard to resists. Since I have been long overdue for a haircut, I made an appointment with one of their senior stylists, Jenny Kang. My appointment was for the LKJ 5-Step Hair Treatment as well as a haircut. The good thing about Leekaja is that you can schedule for your appointment through their website. According to their website, LKJ 5-Step Treatment is a comprehensive treatment for your hair and scalp concerns. Turns out, the LKJ 5-Step Treatment is actually the Tokio Inkarami Treatment - as I was informed in their email confirmation. 

 

Leekaja Beauty Salon is located on the third floor of Mandarin Gallery. The ambience of Leekaja Beauty Salon is wonderful. It has an industrial chic style. It had comfortable lighting and cafe-style decors. They offer a wide range of drinks - from different kind of coffees, teas and fresh juices. Each customer is provided a platter with cookies,  banana and a drink of your choice.

Jenny recommended the Cinderella Treatment for my hair type. The Cinderella Treatment is considered the botox treatment for hair. It supposedly soften and smoothen hair to give a anti-frizz look. Its organic ingredients of aloe vera, vitamins and collagen nourishes hair. She also recommended a shoulder length hairstyle for my face shape. She cut about 3-4 inches off my hair and gave some nice layers. Though she was careful to not to give too much layers, or else, my hair can get messy. While cutting my hair, she mentioned that I might consider during rebonding for my roots as it is quite curly. Even though Cinderella Treatment helps to minimize frizz and smoothen the hair, it does not have much straightening properties. Since my natural hair is quite curly and unruly, she said I will be more satisfied with the result with a rebonding of the curly parts. Her assistant did most of the application of the cream and treatment for the whole process. Jenny was there to guide her assistant when needed. It is starkly different than Japanese salon, where you get one hairstylist to be with you from start to finish.

1. Hairwash
2. Haircut
3. Application of debonding cream to the curly parts of the hair. Wait for 15 minutes with a warmer machine.

4. Rinse
5. Apply the Cinderella Treatment on wet hair, and wait for 15 minutes.
6. Blow dry and then flat iron to seal the keratin
7. Apply cream, roll the fringe. Wait for 10 minutes
8. Then rinse off.
9. Final haircut and styling

 

A "plastic shield" to protect the face 

The whole process took 3.5 hours. My hair feel shiny and smooth now. The haircut is great, my hair feels light and fresh. I am glad I get to try the Cinderella treatment but I would not do it again. The Cinderella Treatment is pricey, the full price is $400. Moreover, the effect of the treatment can only lasts for three months. For the half rebonding, Jenny charged me $180 which I think is decent for such service especially in the Orchard area. The haircut was $70, which is reasonable for a hairstylist with such experience. This is the most I have ever spent on hair service! 

 

Price list at Leekaja Beauty Salon

I would not hesitate to come back to Jenny Kang @ Leekaja Beauty Salon for a haircut again. Jenny has been in Singapore for over 11 years and is very knowledgeable on haircut. Though I will go elsewhere for a hair treatment, as their prices are too steep for my wallet.

REVIEW: COSRX Clear Fit Master Patch

~MG~
Unlike the COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch, this new version only comes in 1 size (10mm). Each pack comes with only 18 patches. The Acne Pimple Master Patch has 3 different sizes and 24 patches in one pack. Both versions cost the same, around US$5 (S$7). However, you can find it for cheaper on websites such as Shopee or Qoo10. 

The idea of the Clear Fit Master Patch is to use it during the daytime, because it is thinner than the original acne pimple master patch. The Acne Pimple Master Patch is thicker and has a harder plasticky texture, while the Clear Fit Master patch has a more smooth and flimsy plastic texture. Since the Clear Fit Master Patch has a thinner texture, it will look almost nothing on your skin.  

On days where I need to look more presentable but still want to cover up my acne, I will use the Clear Fit Master Patch. When you use the Clear Fit Master Patch, it is less noticeable. People would only notice it at a closer distance. From afar, they would not be able to tell that you stick something on your face. I even got people asking me whether I put any makeup over it because it looks natural like my skin tone which I did not at all. It really does look that natural on your skin.

I like that both versions come in similar resealable packaging which helps to keep it hygienic. The slim packaging makes it handy to slot it into your handbag. I actually always carry the patches in my bag, for just-in-case moments. Clear Fit Master Patch has the backing plastic sheet pre-cut, so that you can peel off the patch without creasing the edges. Since the Clear Fit Master Patch is thinner, it is actually easier for the edges to be crinkled when you peel it off especially if you have long nails. The backing plastic pre-cut sheet just makes it more convenient to peel off the patches without damaging the edges of the patch.

If you ask me whether I prefer the new version or the older one, I would say no. I like both versions. I still continue to stock up both patches because I feel the Acne Pimple Master Patch does a better job in absorbing the pus/whitehead of the acne, and I like how it comes in 3 different sizes as acne varies in sizes. On areas that has more contours and have plenty of movements, (like laugh line, nose and mouth areas, jaw lines), the Clear Fit Master Patch will stick on better than the Acne Pimple Master Patch.

Final note: always remember to replace the patch once it becomes white and puffy from the serious extraction because it would not be able to stick onto the skin well when it is puffy.

For the Love of Sheet Masks

~AG~

Sheet masks are an essential part of my skincare routine. This single-use sheet mask helps to soothe and add moisture to the skin. The first brand that ignited my love of sheet mask was My Beauty Diary, a Taiwanese brand that has a wide range of sheet mask for different skin concerns and needs. During my university days in the States, I would put on a face mask after a long day at school and work. A box of sheet masks costs about S$12-16, and a single mask costs about S$1.50. This is one of the most affordable sheet masks in the market. My recommended series from My Beauty Diary are: Aloe Vera and Natto. The sheet masks are drenched with serum and your skin will feel instantly moisturised after application.


innisfree offers a range of sheet masks. I have used:

1) My Real Squeeze Masks (S$2). A triple layered sheet mask with freshly squeezed juice of plants or fruits. My Real Squeeze Mask offers 16 different types to try - Rose, Rice, Green Tea, Aloe, Kiwi and etc. For those who are more budget conscious, My Real Squeeze Mask is a good way to try mask for various skin concerns. The Face Shop and Nature Republic offers similarly priced sheet masks, but they are not as memorable. 

2) Skin Clinic Mask (S$3) is made of 100% natural cotton sheet and it is mineral oil-free, colorants-free and animal ingredients-free.

3) Second Skin Mask Range (S$7-8) is made of fermented soyabean sheet that feels like hydrogel. I have tried the Nourishing and Soothing sheet mask.

This a new discovery for me. LuLuLun Daily Face Mask costs about S$7-9 for a 7-pack sheet mask. It also comes in a pack with 30-pieces face mask. The one that I tried LuLuLun Daily Facial Mask Extra Moisturising. Though the sheet mask is not as drenched with essence, my skin feels hydrated and soft after use.You are supposed to use it daily for seven days, but I am usually too lazy for that. It is a good skincare boost when your skin is feel tight and tired.

Leaders Insolution Mask from South Korea is a popular sheet mask brand. The ones I tried was the Collagen Lifting Skin Renewal Mask, AC-Dressing Skin Clinic Mask and Aquaringer Skin Clinic Mask. The one that I use most often is Collagen Lifting Skin Renewal Mask as my skin has been on the drier side lately. The sheet mask is fully drenched with essence and helps to restore moisturize. A single mask costs about S$4.00. This is not as affordable as My Beauty Diary and innisfree.

Last but not least, is my highly-rated Mediheal Mask. One of my Korean friends said this is one of the best-selling sheet masks in Korea. The Collagen Impact Essential Mask is my ultimate favorite sheet mask. It soothes and moisturizes my tired skin. Whenever my skin feels dry, I would apply the sheet mask. This Mediheal Collagen Mask is fully drenched with essence. Even after applying it for 20 minutes, the sheet mask is still soaked with essence. I have yet to try the other mask from Mediheal.

REVIEW: I'm From Volcanic Clay Mask

~MG~

Bought I'm From Volcanic Clay Mask last August from Wishtrend. It costs S$34 for 110 grams of product. For clay mask, I like it to be in a jar packaging. Since I can see the whole product and I can scoop it all up so no product will go to waste. I bought a spatula to scoop out the product because I do not want to dip my finger into the jar. This product has pinkish brown colour with the typical clay scent.

 

Previously,I had used the innisfree Super Volcanic clay mask for a few years but I was getting annoyed with its texture. The innisfree clay would get harden in time, even though I used the mousse form that was in an aerosol can. So when I saw that I'm From Volcanic Clay won the 2016 best awards on Wishtrend,  I knew I had to get it. I bought it in hope to help absorb my sebum and to purify my large pores.

REVIEW: LuLuLun Daily Facial Mask

 

~AG~
One of my friends gifted me with this popular facial mask from Japan. The one she bought for me was the LuLuLun Daily Facial Mask Extra Moisturizing (Blue). LuLuLun Daily Facial Mask has a range of products to meet your skin needs. LuLuLun's regular range includes the Pink (Hydrating) and White (Brightening). This facial mask is designed for daily use. For a 7-piece sheet mask, it costs about S$8. LuLuLun also offers a pack that comes with 32- and/or 34-piece pack.