Protecting your skin with a layer of sunscreen

I always thought that sunscreen is a hassle and that it is too sticky. For people like me with an oily/ combination skin, it adds on to the troubles that you're already having. So I have a love-hate relationship with sunscreen, using them on and off.

I been using this korean brand, ODBO that features this small sunscreen pact for a few years now. It's like your regular foundation/ blusher pact but it's only sunscreen. I don't really indulge in makeup - except for occasions, or when I have too much time on my hands before leaving the house. 

Most sunscreen pacts that I find in Singapore come with foundation.
This is JUST sunscreen.

Usually, for work, I would just put on the basic toner, hydrating lotion and moisturiser and if I can spare an additional 5 mins, I'd put on some sunscreen. But I can't see to find this in Singapore and when I ran out the first time, I had to source for alternatives while troubling my friend to bring it back for me when she visited Korea. The first alternative that I tried was Neutrogena. I forgot which collection it was but it was slightly sticky and I didn't like how it felt on my face. After I managed to get some stock from Korea, I tried to save it for when I travel since it's easy to carry the pact around. You know how some airlines are exceptionally anal *ahem* strict about carrying liquids and sprays? This is the best solution for travelling. And since I travel quite a bit for work, I had to save some for the 'rainy/ flying' days so I still tried some brands that I can find locally like Avene's Very High Protect Spray. But now, I found a better solution!

Few weeks back, I started this facial program with Skin Shape (I've posted my review few days back) and my consultant/ beautician reminded me on how important it is to have sunscreen. And approximately the same time, I was watching a video on youtube and I came across one of those irritating advertisements that either forces you at the beginning of the video to watch 5 seconds of it before skipping or one of those that pops out of nowhere in the middle of your video. Hahaha. Anyhow, this was how I saw the advertisement on Loreal Paris' UV Perfect Aqua Essence City Mist with SPF50.

So, seeing that I have the same excuse as those in the video, I decided to get myself one of those sunscreen mist and give it a try. And boy, ever since I started using it, I'm in love with it. It is so easy to apply, so fast and, it's ultra lightweight. Well, maybe after a few hours, it starts to get oily and sticky but this is just as well - a reminder for you to slightly cleanse your face and 'top-up' your sunscreen. 

The only "Make-up" I have on my face when I leave for work.
Either the Odbo Sunscreen or Loreal Mist would protect me from the Sun.

The bottle is quite small and easy to carry around. I usually start to remove my sunscreen in the afternoon because your face starts to get all greasy. But it got me thinking, after this video, why I got UV glasses? Hahahaha. Precisely because the computer - that I am staring at right now and 90% of my time at work emits UV rays... So, I decided to keep this "tiny solution" in my office for any re-application if necessary. 

Good news for those that might be tempted to try. 

From 20-Aug till 02-Sep, Watsons is having a purchase with purchase sale. With every $18 spent, you'll get to get this tiny magic solution at $17.90. That's a total of $7 savings as compared to its original price.

The funny thing is, because the original price of this item is already more than $18, you don't need to purchase something first. You can just get this at the discounted price. I clarified this with the cashier before I stocked up another 2 bottles at home. Hahaha. Sharing the love and benefits for all those lazy bums out there - like me. Hahahaha. Enjoy~!

Another Public Holiday for Singapore this SG50

I was at work, in a meeting no less when my phone started buzzing non-stop with the following text/ WhatsApp:

Parliament dissolved; Singaporeans to vote in General Election on Sep 11 - Channel NewsAsia - http://www.channelnewsasia.com/mobile/singapore/parliament-dissolved/2071898.html

11-Sep, people! Another public holiday for the office workers like me.

I'm supposed to be out of the country on business trip till the 12th. So, because of this election, I cancelled my trip. Whoohoo! But, I still gotta wake up early and confirm the operations via phone.

It's gonna be my first time voting. Not too sure who to vote for yet since I've yet to find out the parties involved. Hahahaha. Sorry. I'm not that into politics. I won't say for sure that I'll vote for PAP. Nor will I for sure vote for the opposition.

I will make sure I listen to both parties "proposal" and vote accordingly. There's always a second time, or a third and more to make things right. Yes, opposition is needed to make one party grow and change but it might not necessarily be the best. So people, vote wisely! Don't do it just  because you want to spite a certain party. Do it while considering your future, and the future of Singapore.

Wise choices, people!

Getting your Skin into Shape with Skin Shape Club

Those of you that know me, you've probably noticed me talking about some new facial treatment that I've tried recently. And, after waiting for the management to send me some photos, I am finally writing about it.

So, Samplestore has given me the opportunity to go for 4 trial facial sessions at Skin Shape Club for its signature Skin Shaper Program.

What is Skin Shaper (Facial) Program?

• Uses LHE (Light, & Heat Energy)
• Yes, they use a machine for this program
• Offers younger, healthier looking skin
• Boasts skin rejunvenation, collagen renewal and acne clearance
• Fast Treatment (within 30-45mins)
• No Downtime yet discreet and gentle treatment

On my first trip, I met up with Jasmine - one of the consultant therapist at Skin Shape Club, a bubbly personality that makes you feel at ease when talking to. She was the one that guided me through the introduction and 'orientation'.

With almost every procedure, you will need to disclose your personal information and your medical history. Always make sure to fill it out as accurately as possible because you never know what is being used. Especially when you have allergies or sensitivity to some products - no matter how small, please make sure to tell the consultant. Anyhow, I filled out the application and Jasmine looked through to double confirm some of her concerns. She will also check with you what are your insecurities or what you would like to improve for your face that she can help with and she will begin a pre-examination. I was pretty amazed that results from that one "SMART WEIGHING MACHINE" as I call it. Please forgive me because I didn't ask for the actual term for the machine. Haha. Anyway, the results were pretty amazing - the happiest being my metabolism age is only 19, i..e 5 years younger than actual yo! Hahaha. I can eat and eat and burn. But the fat % is almost at its max. So, I really really get back to my routine and start working out again. 

The 'Orientation/ Introduction' pack I received after my first treatment

I'll talk about how the facial is in a while. For now, How does it feel (ambience) when you're there?

I like the simplicity of the place.
Feels less cluttered and doesn't make you feel overwhelmed.

Another cute balloon - but now its gone...
Back to the air where it belongs.

 The treatment rooms are also very simple,

Bed with warmer.
(Sorry, I took this after my treatment. Pardon the messy bed)

Small wardrobe for your belongings

Frankly speaking, I have not done any facial in my life prior to this. I AM SERIOUS. Jasmine found it hard to believe but she made sure she explained what to expect - like redness and swells if there were extractions. And I think she went easy on me for the first 2 treatments. Come by the 3rd and I was having very bad breakouts. Especially because I was PROBABLY stressed out due to the upcoming exams, work and all that flying around, she started the extractions. I'm good with pain but my tears weren't. They just started welling up inside my eyes and the moment I opened them, they started flowing like a river. I'll show you some photos, please brace yourself for the bad acned forehead (if there even is the word "acned") and the redness/ swells.

First session - where there are pimples, dispersed and small

Session 3 and 4 are just my bad skin

How did I liked Skin Shaper Program?
Overall, I liked how gentle the LHE treatment is on the skin. To compare between Session 1's AFTER with Session's 2 AFTER, you (rather I) actually see lesser pimples and pigmentation. Like I mentioned previously, session 3 and 4 was a bad time with more pimples - an acne-fest on my forehead. Hahaha. And coupled with the extractions, they were exceptionally red and swollen. Frankly, I actually have pretty sensitive skin. Even when I went for eyebrow trimming/ threading, I would always leave the beautician's with a red eyelid. Hahaha.

What is done during the Skin Shaper Program?

1. Your face will be cleansed and exfoliated to remove impurities and dead skin (if any)
• This allows for better penetration for the LHE
2. The LHE applicator will be placed on your skin and later administered the pulses
• You will feel warm pulses
• If it gets too hot for you, please let the consultant know
• Also, please make sure to follow the consultants instructions as the LHE light is pretty strong and some pulses are made close to your eyes. To safeguard them, listen! Hahaha.
3. Serum will be applied after the LHE followed by a mask.

Sometimes, between step 1 and 2, there will be a need for extractions. This is where the additional 15min I buffered earlier in this post comes in. Generally, the Skin Shaper Program only needs 30mins or so. But if you require extractions, it might take longer. Jasmine told me that extractions is necessary or else the LHE pulses will not be able to penetrate deep into the skin. And when they don't, you won't be able to see visible results. So, ladies (and gentlemen), please bear with it. Price (Pain) we all pay for beauty.

How often should you indulge your skin with the Skin Shaper Program?
According to Jasmine and the brochure, it should be 6-12 sessions at weekly intervals - depending on your skin condition - before switching to a monthly maintenance program. This treatment is rather gentle yet result-oriented, suitable for most skin types and skin tone. For people with darker skin tone, more consultation might be required before proceeding. I also recall that the skin will also be more sensitive to sunlight after the treatments, because Jasmine will always remind me after the treatment (she knows I'm lazy with sunscreen), so please make sure you protect your skin enough. I'm not lazy any more, I've found my solution (P.s. I will share it with you guys in a different post soon)!!!

The most important and final question.
Where is Skin Shape Club and how much does the treatment cost?
Skin Shape Club is located in the heart of town, level 3 of Orchard Central.

If you need to know, the address is 181 Orchard Road #03-13/14 Orchard Central (S) 238896.

From the centre court of OC, please take the escalator to the 3rd floor. Turn to your right and walk straight into the aisle. You will come across molecule, pink parlour before you see the Skin Shape Club.

The Skin Shaper Facial Program is priced at SGD120 for 30mins, but new customers can enjoy 4 trial sessions at the price of SGD128 (i.e., only SGD32/ session). Do check out their website at http://www.skinshapeclub.com/ to see their products, treatments and offers. You may wish to call them at +65 6589 8331 or email your enquires to enquiry@skinshapeclub.com. Alternatively, you can go to their website and there's a live chat option that should help you with your queries.

I've finished my trial program and I actually did sign up for additional packages. I had to give myself a break because of all the work commitments over the past 3 weeks. But coming September, I will be back to 'restart' my program for a consecutive 4 weeks and judging how my skin is after, I might reduce my remaining sessions to a monthly maintenance. I might post an update on this in October. For now, I will be leaving you with images of the lounge area and the food they served. Did I forget to mention that after every treatment, you will be treated to a 'meal' (or dessert)? Hahaha.

Lounge 'Sofa'

Window view tables - facing KPO

My First & Last Meal at Skin Shape Trial Sessions.
I had the same thing on the first session and my 4th session.

Session 2 - ABC soup! Yummy

Session 3 - Porridge with Crabmeat, Carrot and Egg

Already thinking of food now. Ciaos~!

Cha Thai

For those of you that have seen my Instagram, you would know that I went Cha Thai for lunch. It's a little concept restaurant/ cafe along Telok Ayer street.

If you're interested, do look it up. 

Anyhow, I feel the price is slightly on the pricey but if you share it with your colleagues, it should be quite worth while. They do have set menus so please make sure to flip till the back of the menu to see what they offer. The lunch sets are 25nett with main course, drink and fruit.

Frankly, my colleagues and I forgot to request for our fruit dish and left. So I really don't know what they serve. Hahaha. Stupid, I know. But there's a reason behind everything right? 

1. We didn't know the portion of all-carte was that big.

2. On top of our individual mains, we ordered the pandan toast to share. 

3. Something funny and serious happened at the same time...

We were all so engrossed in the menu. Because of the variety and the price, and Grace who always puts her phone conveniently on the desk. 

Somehow when we were done eating, which I'm pretty sure would have landed me in a food coma, we were headed out to the cashier for payment when Grace realizes she has a phone missing. Well, most of us at work carry two mobiles - one for work and one personal. 

While Winnie was making payment, I stepped out and checked my phone to find few missed calls from the office and one from another colleague.

Upon calling back, the conversation was as such.

Liz: Gek, you called?

Gek: Yes.. (In an anxious voice) Are you out for lunch with Grace? 

Liz: Yeah. What's wrong?

Gek: Does Grace know she misplaced her phone?

Liz: Yeah, she's looking for it now. Do you know where it is? 

Gek: Her mum called the office and said she lost her phone. It's now at a Thai Restaurant. You need to tell her to go collect.

Liz: We're still here. I'll tell her now.

*At the same time, Grace was calling her personal phone using the company mobile, and the cashier took it out from her pocket*

We were all just staring wide-eyed when the cashier explained. "We found it within our menu. But we didn't know whose it was and we could only call your mother."

I was just laughing and shocked that they managed to find her mum's number and also, how her mum managed to call the office. Over that hour of lunch, no one realized the phone was missing. And when we did, it felt like it all happened so fast, it was even comical. Haha.

After lunch, on our way back to the office, I reminded Grace to call her mum to give her the peace of mind. Then Grace said, "Wa. My mum actually went to our store to find our office number cause she didn't manage to get through on my company phone."

Tsk. This blur sotong! 

*p.s. Stay tuned tomorrow, or later today since it's already past 12...

I am damn pissed. Or am i just sad?

I just ended exams for my first semester/ trimester at school and boy am I pissed. The last paper just had to piss me off. Damn!

The first paper was tough but it should be passable. The second paper (I.e. my first paper today) is considerably alright. Especially since there was MCQs. However, like what I said. What pissed me off was the last paper. They just had to.

The paper was supposed to be about the case study. But among 6 questions, only 2 had relations with the case. I am so mad. I don't know to be mad at myself or at the bloody paper. Ughs. Forget it.

I'm going to get an early rest. Since I'm working tomorrow. If it really comes down to remoduling, we'll talk about it when the time comes.

P.s. I will be writing a review in a few days for a facial treatment. Stay tuned ya? (:

This might be something new...

I swear I think I'm allergic to my books! Hahahaha. I know how crazy this sounds but I'm serious. 

Every time I start studying, especially at night, my nose starts to run. Like out of the blue the river flows. Damn irritating but also amusing me while I'm dying in my pool of books, slides and notes. 

Ahhhh! I have yet to finish one subject and I have 2 more to go. Omg. This is the time when I start questioning myself. Why did I even sign up for this in the first place? And why did I insist on taking 3 modules? Preparing for reports and presentations are still alright. When it comes to exams, I doubt my brain can fit in all these chapters in just a matter of days... Can someone please give me doraemon's bread? I'll gladly copy the notes down!

Getting back to reality, update soon~!

Waiting to board...

I'm blogging as I am waiting to board the plane. Somehow, I always think that it's logical to have food before boarding the plane. 

Once again, I am wrong. Or they are wrong! I did ask okay? Not that I blindly went in without confirming... Scammed again by KLIA2. I need to remind myself that this happens too often. Sigh. Faster call for boarding! Don't delay ar! I need SuperMaggie to rescue my stomach. If you know what I mean (;

Anyhow, this work trip hasn't been all that fruitful. My trainee had some family emergency and called one day short. Of course, training plans are slightly behind schedule and I sort of wasted this trip. Oh well, no point looking bad right? Forward, here I come! But first... SUPERMAGGIE, I NEED YOU~!

Today is 7th August, one of Singapore's Jubilee weekend. Extra holiday for all Singaporeans and those working in Songapore. And for me, replacement off on Tuesday! Long weekend too but I'm afraid it's mostly been booked for books. Yes, you read right. I have a date with my books for the next few days so as to prepare for my exams. Got to do well especially since I'm slogging my guts out at work and school while sacrificing my sleep. Beauty does not come cheap, cause pimples popping on my forehead like multi-buy. 

Sigh. 

Sigh. 

Sigh.

Okay, I should stop typing 'Sigh'. Hahaha. Frankly, looking back at this trip, it has been fun. Somehow I've became a fan of PARK STAR unknowingly. Hahaha. 

And, although I am more like a carrier... I managed to score some Korean seaweed for myself and the team from Park. Hahahaha. 

Leaving you with the picture and the mental image of Korean Seaweed. Drool now and never see it. Muahahaha. Okay, signing off.