Two weeks ago, after my endoscopic sinus surgery, I was feeling terribly down with my hair. For the whole week, I didn’t get a good hair wash and care. As a result, my hair was dull, oily, lifeless and hard to manage. Due to its length, I also started to have split ends.

So, when I woke up last Wednesday morning, I was so desperate to have a haircut. I told V to send me to the salon after my post-operation check-up at Gleneagles Hospital. Thankfully, the check-up was completed on-time and V drove me to The Heeren after that.

It was my first visit to Shunji Matsuo Hair Studio. Prior to my visit, I’ve read numerous good reviews about this salon. Kaoru and Cha are the two Korean hairstylists that were raved the most in forums. Unfortunately, both of them were not around on that day.

I was introduced to Lilian, one of the directors in the salon. I had a chat with her; she is a really nice lady. Very pretty too! I told her what was wrong with my hair and that I was desperate to cut it real short. She recommended a concave bob cut with long side-swept bangs for me. And I said, “Okay, go ahead!”

I’ve been keeping my hair long for the past eight years. It’s time for a change, and I was so eager to try a short hairstyle this time. I want a hairstyle that is easy to maintain.

After a professional hair cut, wash and blow drying, I was very happy with the results. Lilian also shared with me some tips to keep my hair healthy and in shape. Honestly, I really appreciate that they didn’t try to convince me to buy their hair care products or sign-up for any expensive hair care treatment package.

In addition, their price list is very transparent. You know what to expect the moment you’re seated. Most salons nowadays don’t publish their exact prices. They will indicate the lower amount, i.e. from $90 onwards, on their price list. At the end, they will charge twice or thrice the amount depending on the hair lengths.

Because of the above reasons, I will definitely patronize them again. I intend to visit the salon next month for hair color – hopefully before the Chinese New Year.

I highly recommend them too!

Shunji Matsuo Hair Studio

• 260 Orchard Road
• #05-01, The Heeren
• Singapore 238855
• Phone: (65) 62381522, (65) 62381514
• http://www.shunjimatsuo.com.sg/

I’ve been buying and using skin care products for the last 15 years. And in these years, I seldom bought the same product twice unless it delivers exceptional and long-lasting results. Like any other skin care product junkie, I’m constantly looking to get my fix of new products.

I scour beauty magazines and blogs regularly for new products. I’ll also make a note of any products that have great reviews. Thankfully, in the world of online shopping, almost every product is available online – and with great discounts.

Last weekend when I was tidying up my dressing table, I found five products that I’ve been using faithfully for at least one year now. That is to say – I’ve done a re-purchase on them. What are they? Let’s take a look.

1. b.liv Quench Me Moisturizer

I must admit that I’m not a fan of moisturizer, mainly because I’ve moderately oily skin. I used to skip moisturizer too, in fear that it will turn my face into a grease factory! But soon, I learnt that if I don’t moisturize my skin, it will produce more oil in an effort to hydrate itself.

b.liv quench me is the most lightweight moisturizer I’ve ever used. It leaves a silky and smooth finish on the skin – without any oily residue. And it keeps my skin moisturized all day!

2. Clarins Pore-Minimizing Serum

Do not expect that pores will vanish instantly with this product. However, it does make them less noticeable. It also controls oil and allow make-up to stay on longer without the need to blot my face especially on long days.

3. Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair

This award-winning serum is one of the few anti-wrinkle serums that live up to the hype. It goes on easily, aids in the absorption of the moisturizer that follows and makes a noticeable difference in fine lines and wrinkles. The texture of my skin is very much improved with its use. Its price tag may be somewhat daunting, but I don’t mind paying extra for a product that works for me.

4. Kose Mask White

I’ve been using this mask for the longest time now and it’s still the best! It effectively unclogs pores, removes dirt and impurities to reveal a thoroughly clean skin. With regular use, it will dramatically increase skin’s clarity and radiance too.

I use this mask once a week at night. After the mask, I smooth on a generous amount of SK-II facial treatment essence, Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair and moisturizer. I wake up with smooth and radiant skin in the morning!

5. SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

This essence has been the “heart” of my skincare ritual for the past three years. It moisturizes, rejuvenates and balances the skin. Not to be skipped, no matter how tired I am.

Recently, I started on a new product too. It’s the LAC Taut® Collagen Drink from GNC and I’m quite confident that it will work for me. (Will be back with another review)

I’ve been using these two products for two months now, and they are incredibly amazing! I’m so impressed. I thought Dior powder foundation is the best, but now, I totally fell in love with Chanel.

CHANEL White Essentiel Whitening Modeling Effect Base

Extremely lightweight with imperceptible texture that restores the natural luminosity of our complexion. I chose a light pink shade (Rosee); it adds a touch of radiance and brightens dull skin tones almost instantly. Comes with a powerful sunscreen of SPF 30 / PA+++ to prevent dark spots, I couldn’t ask for more.

CHANEL MAT LUMIÈRE EXTRÊME Sebum Control, Pore Minimizing Powder Foundation

Works well with White Essentiel Base. It glides on smoothly, conceals dark spots and imperfections, minimizes pores and keeps sebum production perfectly controlled all day. I’m using shade # 20, Beige Rose.

Flawless and oil-free complexion from morning till evening! They are my dream comes true.

This is the very first time I bought Lancome skincare products. To begin with, I was particularly attracted to its Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate that is widely advertised on the magazines and newspaper. I bought the products from the airport duty-free shop, so the prices are much cheaper than shopping malls.

CLEANSER

I’m using the BLANC EXPERT Ultimate Whitening Purifying Foam with my Clarisonic Mia. This gentle cleaner wash off dead skin cells and cleanses pores very effectively. My skin feels so soft and smooth after cleansing.

TONER

I’m using the BLANC EXPERT Ultimate Whitening Refining Beauty Lotion – Very Moist ($89, 200ml). This toner has intense collagen renewing and deep moisturing effect. Upon application, it feels slightly oily before it’s completely absorbed by the skin. This toner comes in two variations – Moist and Very Moist. I should have bought the Moist type instead of Very Moist as my T-zone is quite oily.

Nonetheless, after using this toner for a month, I felt that my skin is slightly replumped and yellowness is greatly reduced.

YOUTH ACTIVATOR

I apply the Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate after my toner. It is neither greasy nor sticky. It penerates very quickly into my skin; leaving it soft and smooth almost instantly.

What’s my verdict of this yummylicious serum? I absolutely love it! I can truly say this after using it for two weeks now – my skin appears much more glowing and radiant than before! Believe me; you can feel the effects as soon as one week of application.

WHITENING

After Genifique, I apply a pearl size of BLANC EXPERT GN-WHITE Spot Eraser all over my face. I’m not seeing any dramatic results at the moment. I believe it takes at least a month of two to tackle those brown spots. I’m confident that this product will work, so I’m keen to continue using it.

FIRMING

I use this BLANC EXPERT Firmness Restoring Whitening Night Cream ($155)  at night as my final step of skincare. This cream was given to me as free sample during my purchase. It’s 15ml, not too little. So, I believe it will last me for a month. If it’s good, I’ll purchase another bottle and continue using it.

This cream is very rich, thus it makes my skin feels oily after application. However, it really delivers fantastic result! My skin feels firmer, denser and smoother every morning after I wash my face.

All in all, I’m really happy with Lancome Blanc Expert skincare products. They worked very well for my skin and I’ll definitely continue using them for a more dramatic results.

I’ve to admit that I’m increasing my budget on skincare and makeup because I really hate the sight of those brown spots and fine lines on my face.

These are the products that I’ve been using for the past one month and I’m incredibly happy with the results. Lancome really rocks my world. It’s a bit on the pricey side, but hey, it’s an indulgence and it’s worth it.

I’ll share my review on these products later this week. Let me know if you’re using them too. I love to hear your thoughts.