LADY@LXG: The Shoe That Fits (I Wish...)

I love you pretty shoe. You are so beautiful - yet when I wear you and walk ten steps, the excruciating pain you fill me with, leaves me with an uncontrollable urge to rip you off my feet and smash you against a wall.

I seem to have a love-hate relationship with shoes. Because I am a half-size and I have rather thin feet, I seem to have quite a problem finding shoes that fit, look amazing and are a dream to walk, stand and run in. So far, apart from my absolute favourite and rather battered pair of nude wedges from Banana Republic, I am at quite a loss.

Recently I was invited for a super posh launch. So I spent the afternoon dolling myself up, having my hair and nails done and donning a pair of beautifully crafted leather heels, which although only worn twice, have been stored for over a year (due to them not being too comfortable and only bearable for short spurts). Unfortunately, being in storage didn’t do my beautiful shoes any favours as they literally came apart when I reached the venue and I had to scuttle around Orchard Road looking for the perfect pair of wearable heels, which didn’t happen - so it was back home for me, all decked out in my finery with nowhere to go.

During the entire journey home, I fantasized about how I would smash my shoe with my trusty hammer. Unfortunately when I got back home, my dear man foiled my attempt at retribution by taking away the hammer and broken shoe and promising to have it seen-to by the cobbler. Bah! 

Several of my friends swear that Ferragamo shoes are a dream to wear and in desperation, I found myself at the said boutique. The staff were lovely and helpful but to be quite frank, they were not as comfortable as I had hoped (maybe its just me?) and I was not ready to fork out over $600 for a pair of shoes that would spend most of its life wrapped up in tissue paper and stored in my wardrobe. 

When I see girls prancing about Orchard in sky-high stilettos with all the dexterity and comfort of someone wearing flats, it gives me quite a case of shoe-envy. When I watch movies where the heroine runs and kicks zombie-ass while clad in a pair of vertiginous high heels, it makes me call up my mother and blame her faulty genetic material.

I give my cobbler so much business that the man knows me by my first name and actually asks after my many pairs of shoes. He has stretched, re-stretched and resoled so many of my shoes that he has formed quite a bond with them. 

Alas, I may have to accept the fact that for some reason (maybe its age catching up with me or just bad genes?) I am not as tolerant of the discomfort felt when wearing high heeled shoes as I did in my 20’s. Perhaps when we are in our teens and twenties, the nerve-endings in our feet are not yet fully developed or perhaps they are simply anesthetized with alcohol and a zest for life. Whatever the reason, now that I have hit my 30’s I find wearing high heels as comfortable as performing surgery on myself - sans the anesthetic.

LADY@LXG

LADY@LXG: The Miracle of Argan Oil

It is scary just how much ‘muck’ we slather onto our skin on a daily basis without giving it a second’s thought. What many of us don’t realize is that our skin is our largest organ, and what we apply on it, is absorbed directly in to our system, so if we apply carcinogenic products simply because they are cheap, freely available and smell nice, we are literally poisoning ourselves slowly but surely and that is truly a scary thought.

Products like deodorant, body washes, soaps, talcum powder, body lotion and sprays that we often take for granted, may not be as healthy or safe as we expect them to be.

Although more expensive, I like the fact that Kneipp products use natural ingredients and less preservatives than most. I also respect and value the fact that no animal testing is conducted on their range as I love animals and don’t agree that they should suffer for our vanity.

Kneipp® Natural Skincare Jasmine & Argan Oil 

Jasmine, also known as the “oil of romance”, has a strong floral scent. It has been used for centuries to promote total body relaxation and warm the emotions, because of its strong calming nature. 

Argan Oil It has been used for centuries by the women of Morocco who traditionally used it in the daily care of their skin and hair. Pressed from the nuts of the Moroccan Argan Tree, it is a rare and precious oil rich in vitamin E and unsaturated fatty acids and is highly nourishing for skin and hair.  

The Kneipp® Jasmine and Argan Oil range available in Singapore is the Body wash and the Body oil. 

This Body Wash is extremely moisturizing and protects skin from drying-out. I love the lotion like feel to it and the fact that although it does not lather, it keeps your skin feeling clean, hydrated and delicately scented. To me, it smells like shea butter and you can even go without lotion after using it as your skin really does feel softer and moisturized. This has now become one of my favourite body washes! 

The body wash retails at SGD 21.90 for a 200 ml tube. 

The Body Oil is not greasy or heavy and is best used after a shower or bath when you skin is still slightly damp. It smells lovely, just like the shower cream and because the scent is so light,it wont clash with your fragrance. I use the oil in the night so I am enveloped in its delicate scent and also so that my skin doesn’t dry out under the air conditioner, plus I like to smell good at all times, especially in bed :)

The bottle of oil retails at SGD 28.90 for a 100 ml glass bottle.

This range has the NATRUE-Label stamped on it. The NATRUE-seal allows you to easily identify high-quality natural skin care worldwide. 

It is not profit-oriented, but rather aims at one target: To strengthen the consumer’s trustfulness in true bio- and natural skin care. For more information on NATRUE and the NATRUE-seal, visit www.natrue.org. 

You can find products from Kneipp at the following locations: 

Unity Healthcare: 

2 Jurong East Central 1 #B1-05 Jcube Mall

252 North Bridge Road #B1-44L Raffles City Shopping Centre 

LINK BRIDGE 62 Collyer Quay #02-01 to 04 OUE Link 

3 Temasek Boulevard  Suntec City Mall #02-105

Choa Chu Kang North 6   #B1-08/09 Yew Tee Point 

1 Kim Seng Promenade #B1-14/15 Great World City 

Guardian Health & Beauty:

290 Orchard Road # B1-20/24 Paragon

101 Thomson Road #B1 United Square

930 Yishun Ave 2  # B1-01/02 Northpoint Shopping Centre 

2 Jurong East Street 21 #01-57 IMM Building 

Novena Hospital 38 Irrawaddy Rd.#01-08/09/10/11 

1 Woodlands Square #B1-28/29/30 Causeway Point 

23 Serangoon Central #B1-62/63 Serangoon NEX 

Uchino Bath Designs 

Takashimaya Departmental Stores: 391 Orchard Road, Basement 1

Isetan Katong Departmental Stores: 80 Marine Parade Road, Parkway Parade

Kneipp is on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kneippworksnaturally 

Want to try Kneipp Jasmine and Argan oil range?

Kneipp has kindly sponsored either a body oil worth S$ 28.90 or a Body wash worth S$ 21.90 to TWO lucky winners!

You can win either a body oil or body wash (you decide), just tell us what you would like to win and why and share! Share! Share!

The more you share, the greater your chance. Good luck!

• Like this post
• Like Kneipp’s FB page
• Tell us what you would like to win and why
• Share this post with EVERYONE!

LADY@LXG: PORCELAIN INTRODUCES THE R3 SELECTION

The Recharge, Re-energize and Re-new Facial Regimen customized specifically for men...  

Continuing on my list of “must try facial treatments” I must share my first ever experience at Porcelain the Face Spa. 

The salon is located a mere five minute walk away from Outram Park MRT station. Upon entering the salon, if your therapist is still engaged, expect to have a relaxing foot soak in a sea salt infused bath and a cup of tea while you wait.

There are three treatments under the R3 Range; Recharge, Re-energize and Re-new, which are adaptations of Porcelain’s existing treatments, tweaked specially for men and their skin care concerns.

If you are a frequent reader of this blog, you would know that I suffer from chronically congested pores. But having said that, my skin has been quite decent as of late thanks to my religious use of Jyunka’s M+ Fluid. However, my last facial left me with breakouts and scars, due to over enthusiastic but incomplete extractions - which was quite depressing really, if you consider how long and hard I worked at keeping the zits at bay. 

Treatment Room

When Porcelain invited me down to try their R3 selection of facial treatments (which although is created for men, can also be used on us women), I was quite skeptical to be honest, but I had to do something with my deteriorating complexion, so I decided to give it a go, and I am still thanking my lucky stars that I did!

My therapist Nicole (who I greatly recommend), suggested I try the Renew treatment based on my skin’s condition. This treatment is perfect for those suffering from open pores, blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, acne, acne scars and oily/sensitive/dry skin, which more or less described me to a T.  

This facial is an adaptation of Porcelain’s bestselling Quintessential Treatment and showcases the face spa’s key-competency in deep pore cleansing by using extractions to achieve clearer looking skin.  

Nicole put her whole heart and soul into taking out every blackhead she could find. For a facial totally focussed on extraction, this was one of the most painless procedures that I have ever experienced. Most of my blackheads are concentrated around my T-zone, and Nicole ensured that they were all eradicated. To prevent my skin from turning red and swollen, she applied squares of cotton saturated in skin calming chamomile essence and at the end of the facial (it took almost three hours) my skin looked so clean and clear with minimal swelling and redness. 

She warned me that I would have some scabbing the next few days due to the extraction using a surgical needle, but honestly, that was not a problem for me at all, considering how clean and pore-less my skin looked for the first time in its oily little life. 

It was a joy talking to Nicole, as she was a wealth of information and gave me many tips on how to cleanse and extract my blackheads at home without causing any scarring or breakouts. 

It is recommended that this treatment be done every 10 to 20 days depending upon your skin condition. 

This facial costs $280 for 90-120 minutes and although I am sure that all their therapists are good, I was really impressed by Nicole’s skill and professionalism. Not many people can spend two hours painstakingly extracting every single blackhead from someone's face and still be cheerful by the end of it.

Special Launch Promotional Rates: 

1. Purchase either ReEnergize or Renew at 50% off AND receive a complimentary Recharge 

treatment. 

2. Purchase all 3 treatments at a special price of $250 (UP $720) 

3. Purchase all 3 treatments x 3 sessions each at $1500 & receive a complimentary custom 

product home-care regime worth $290. (UP $2450)  

For the holiday season, Porcelain Face Spa has launched a limited edition five-piece DIY facial spa kit, so you can recreate your experience in the comfort of your own home, or simply extend the effects of your treatment. The kit retails at just $99 (UP $157).

For more details, contact Porcelain the Face Spa at Tel. 6222-9802.

FILM@LXG: CULT CLASSIC - They Live!

LXG welcomes movie-buff, comic reviewer and all-round action man Nick Talbot to its righteous Round Table of writers.

Nick's expertise delves deep into the annals of entertainment history and he kicks off his column with one of the grand-daddys of modern-day B-movie sci-fi flicks...

 

"They Live" is a film made in 1988 & was directed by John Carpenter who developed the screenplay by combining two short stories. 

 
Often considered a cult classic, the plot revolves around a drifter who discovers that the wealthy elites who are major cogs in business & who run the country are not in fact humans, but aliens. 

The alien elites & their cronies are capable of controlling human social affairs through subliminal messages & signals broadcast from a satellite dish mounted on the top of a television station.

The film is a very clever blend of both science fiction & horror. Those protesting with the current Occupy movement would relate well to the film's message which offers an explanation as to why the majority of the world's wealth is controlled by such a small percentage of its population. 

In the film's case however the ruling class are aliens assisted by humans that have "sold out", to better their social & monetary standing, in exchange for assistance with controlling the general populace.

Carpenter has done a masterful job of portraying western society as a people consumed by greed & mass consumption, leading shallow lives fulfilled by trivial distractions - including magazines, consumerism, advertising & television.

To this backdrop enters the character referred to as Nada (Rowdy Roddy Piper), who discovers sunglasses which reveal the alien lifeforms & also the subliminal messages used to control the populace.

There is however an underground movement which is manufacturing the sunglasses & jamming the subliminal television signal in an effort to awaken the populace to the alien control. 

After discovering the conspiracy to control the population, Nada clashes with the authorities & assists the underground movement to destroy the signal being beamed from the satellite dish.

"They Live" contains some brilliant action scenes with gunplay aplenty & combines a deft sense of humor within the science fiction/ horror plot. Rowdy Roddy Piper delivers some classic one liners (including one judged as one of "The 100 Cheesiest Movie Quotes of All Time").

This film has it all - science fiction, horror, humour & action all tightly bound up with a social commentary where the rich & powerful are the bad guys & the poor masses are the heroes. Special effects are definitely B grade, but to me this adds a certain charm to the film which harks back to the drive-in horror/ sci-fi films of the 1950's.

Another highlight of the film is a well documented fight scene which lasts for 5 minutes with (ex-pro wrestler) Roddy Piper going toe to toe with Keith David (who appeared in Carpenter's "The Thing).

I must confess I am an absolute fan of John Carpenters films & I prefer "They Live" to his massive hit film "Halloween". This film certainly isn't Shakespeare, but that is not what Carpenter is about with his films. In my mind, Carpenter is the Ed Wood of my generation & is the master of the modern day "B-flick". If you are a fan of this genre I thoroughly recommend "They Live" as a must see.

****  

Nick Talbot

LADY@LXG: My Quest for the Perfect Shampoo

Hair care is something that is very important to me. I spent most of my life using whatever I found in the bathroom, or whatever brand was on offer in the store, but as I grow older, I notice that my scalp is becoming far less tolerant of what I use...

 A lot of the shampoos that I previously had no problem with, now causes my scalp to flake and itch and as a result my hair to fall, which is why I now look for products that are SLS free or have ingredients that will nourish my scalp and not irritate it. 

Its a lot of trial and error, which benefits my brother greatly as he gets to take home a bag of my ‘errors’ almost every month, but totally worth it to find a product that works, so if you have an itchy scalp - my advice - determine the cause for the flaking and itching. 

If you wash your hair daily (some people don’t, which is terribly gross), use a suitable shampoo, condition religiously (on the hair and not the scalp unless specified, as conditioners leave residue on the scalp which can lead to itching and flaking), wash your comb or brush, then the culprit could be the shampoo you are using. 

One of my favourite hair care brands is Lebel. Its a Japanese hair care range that is SLS free, smells gorgeous and is extremely gentle and perfect for daily use. The range I normally use is Lebel’s Hair Soap in Jojoba which is so gentle and smells divine, but recently I received one of their more recent range of hair care which they were kind enough to specifically select, according to my hair type and condition. 

Lebel’s IAU Bound Water range is all about keeping hair and scalp hydrated and healthy. I was lucky enough to get a bottle of their Cleansing Relaxment shampoo, a hydrating shampoo for dry scalps, which smells very clean and lightly floral and even though it is sulphate free, it still lathers quite well.

The shampoo which is also silicone-free, cleans thoroughly but does not dry; neither does it strip away my hair colour. I followed it with Melt Repair, a deeply hydrating conditioner. I like the fact that although the scent is not overpowering, it does last through the day and keeps hair smelling nice (there really is nothing more off-putting than stinky hair).

 

As a weekly pampering treat, I use their Pure Booster serum/oil on my hair tips or their deeply nourishing and hydrating hair mask which leaves my hair looking shiny and healthy.

If you would like to try Lebel’s range of IAU Bound Water hair care treatments or at-home products, do visit the salons mentioned below. A piece of advice, its better not to be penny wise and pound foolish when selecting your hair care and skin care products. I'd rather spend more money on something I know is good, than buy something that will make me lose hair and go bald! 

IAU Home Care (basic care) includes: 

IAU Cleansing Freshment (200ml, RRP: $38.00) 

- Suitable for oily scalp 

- Gentle cleansing  

IAU Cleansing Clearment (200ml, RRP: $38.00) 

- Suitable for normal scalp 

- Deep cleansing  

IAU Cleansing Relaxment (200ml, RRP: $38.00) 

- Suitable for dry scalp 

- Hydrating 

IAU Silky Repair (200ml, RRP: $38.00) 

- Smooth lightweight conditioner 

IAU Melt Repair (200ml, RRP: $38.00) 

- Deep-moisturizing conditioner 

The products are available at the following salons:  

De Hair-tique Salon 

23 Serangoon Central,  

NEX, #04-09,  

Singapore 556083 

Tel: 66344722 

Flhair Salon 

Blk 722 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8 #01-2829,  

Singapore 560722 

Tel: 64522330

WELLNESS@LXG: The Benefits of Boto Caviar

Its actually quite ironic how much I have transformed into a metrosexual.

A year ago I would have taken great offense to anyone who would dare suggest it.... but as a wise man once said ‘a good woman comes at a price’, and in my case, the considerable cost was to part company with my prehistoric habits...

But to be truthful, after having used Jyunka M+ Fluid and then their peel kit, I have become something of a fan for the brand, which doesn’t promise anything that it can’t deliver.

My latest product from Jyunka is their Boto Caviar serum.

Jyunka Boto Caviar Serum

 Now as you know, M+ Fluid is what is known as a booster (still trying to decipher all this beauty-speak), so to complete my skin care regimen, I still needed to use a serum. The purpose of Boto Caviar is to provide crucial nourishment to the skin.

Since my skin is now slowly recovering from a lifetime of neglect and abuse, the Boto Caviar is really helping to further enhance the benefits of the M+ Fluid. My dry and pigmented skin is actually looking softer, the pigmentation not as pronounced and forgive my description but my skin really does have a bit of bounce to it.

The Main Active Ingredients:

• ACETYL HEXAPEPTIDE-8 A powerful anti-wrinkle hexapeptide with a Botox-like Activity, used via a topical application to induce muscle relaxation.

• ACACIA COLLAGEN
 Extracted from the Acacia Senegal tree, the collagen softens and retains moisture on the skin, reducing dryness or skin chapping; and at the same time inducing greater collagen production by the fibroblast.

• CAVIAR
Applied on skin, caviar helps to stimulate and regenerate the skin’s cellular structure

• SODIUM HYALURONATE
A smaller and stronger version of the Hyaluronate Acid chain that exists naturally in the skin, this super Hyaluronate retains large amounts of moisture and protects the skin from bacteria, dust and ultraviolet rays.

Its only been a week of use, but I am already seeing an improvement in my skin’s texture and tone. The serum is very lightweight in texture and is almost watery and simply dissolves when applied.

If your skin is in need of nourishment or a pick-me-up, I suggest trying the Boto Caviar serum. The product does show results quite fast.

Boto Caviar retails at $198.00 for a 30 ML bottle. 

If you would like to try Jyunka’s Boto Caviar Serum, I have just one bottle to give away to one lucky winner.

All you need to do to take part is to:

- Like this post and tell me why you would like to try this product
- Like the Jyunka FB page 
- Share this blog post on your FB, twitter etc.

The more you share, the greater the chance of winning so hurry, start sharing now!

WELLNESS@LXG: Jyunka M+ Fluid - Miracle Skin Care?

For regular readers of this blog, you'll know that I have been undertaking something of a journey of discovery with regards to facial treatments for the modern man...

Where once there was a mere soap-and-water kinda guy, now stands a man who appreciates and adheres to a regular facial treatment regime. Man thought it couldn't be done, but here I stand; living proof that even the most stubborn Neanderthal can become a member of modern well-groomed society.

But after having undertaken my first facial treatment and my first facial peel, there was one other step that had to be taken to complete my initiation.

And it was to be Keefe Chie, Marketing Director and Trainer at Jyunka International, who would introduce me to a rather special product. Having previously undertaken the facial peel, using Jyunka's Epidermal Treatment Kit, Keefe was keen to find out if the texture and quality of my facial skin had improved. So I arranged to have a consultation with him.

Jyunka product range at Phoenix La Beaute

I found myself in the familiar surroundings of Phoenix La Beaute at Palais Renaissance once again, where my journey of dermal discovery had initially begun.

Phoenix La Beaute

After having met Keefe and settled down in one of the comfortable treatment rooms, my face was placed under close scrutiny. Although still a little uncomfortable with the idea of having someone that close to my face, Keefe was quick to put me at ease and soon went about picking out areas of my face that were obviously prone to dehydration and sun damage. Old scars and blemishes were also zoned in for treatment.

And this was when Keefe unveiled his secret weapon - JYUNKA M+ Fluid.

Now my better half had previously sung the praises of this 'Miracle Fluid, and of course I was initially dubious as to its healing effects. But on reading further about its properties, I realized that there was some heavy science behind its composition.

You see I'm a sucker for science, and it wasn't long before I was researching the patented 'QuSome Technology' that powers the M+ Fluid's restorative attributes. Very, very interesting...

According to the published research, QuSomes are a delivery system of anti-aging skin care ingredients. Minuscule and multi-layered, the theory is that QuSomes more effectively penetrate the skin, delivering nutrients and beneficial ingredients to deeper layers than is possible with other products.

A QuSome is a microscopic bubble layered with different types of ingredients designed to benefit the skin. As the products are applied to the skin, the layers are absorbed one at a time. QuSomes alternate layers of water soluble ingredients with fat soluble ingredients, on the theory that each layer will target a different layer of the skin, designed to deliver nutrients ever deeper. As one layer of these QuSomes is absorbed, it exposes and makes way for the next, allowing the appropriate ingredients to each reach the layer of the skin where they would be most effective.

This diagram explains the delivery system of QuSomes and how they differ from ordinary skincare products:

Okay, so there was enough there for me to become intrigued, and so when I got the offer to experience M+ Fluid firsthand, I was ready, willing and able...

Keefe explained to me that the QuSomes are able to deliver Vitamin C in its purest form, directly into the dermis of the skin. Pure Vitamin C is well known to counteract the causes of skin's blemishes, acne, pores, wrinkles, and sagging - but it is extremely unstable and rapidly deteriorates if left exposed to the air. But the new technology used in Miracle + enables deep penetration inside the skin.

After cleansing my face, Keefe applied the fluid - just about three drops massaged across the contours of my face and neck. There is no greasy feeling or residue - the liquid simply absorbs into the skin. Keefe also advised further topical application to darker spots or blemishes.

And this is when the really interesting stuff happened: Keefe had me sat in front of a mirror, so I could see any visible effects taking place. And within minutes of the application, I could actually see a  change... Most obvious were my cheeks - they seemed to have been given an instant lift; like a filler without the needles! The skin had firmed up, with a visible glow.

A subtle lightening of dark blemishes could also be seen. Really quite amazing - and all within 20 minutes.

Keefe explained that the change taking place was due to the facial contour being lifted at the muscular level, leaving the skin firmer and more toned. Long term usage is said to lead to increased skin cell production, followed by increased collagen and elastin production at the dermis level - which basically means, overall skin rejuvenation.

After seeing it with my own eyes, I was convinced enough to sign on for a long term trial. I mean, if it takes just minutes to see a visible improvement in the texture of my skin, think what regular use over, say three months, could achieve?

So I'll be carrying on with my M+ Fluid usage - and I'll blog again in about three months with some photo comparisons, to see what further changes have taken place,and if the product actually retains its effectiveness.

But so far, I am well and truly impressed...   
_________


Jyunka M+ is priced at SGD 344.00 (inclusive of GST) for 30 ML and is available at :
Phoenix La Beaute : Palais Renaissance #B1-07. Tel: 6733 4556

AND AS USUAL, I DON'T EXPECT YOU TO JUST TAKE MY WORD FOR IT!

Jyunka has kindly sponsored a bottle of their star product, M+ Fluid, for one lucky reader worth $344.

To take part:

1. 'Like' this post and tell me why you want to try this product
2. 'Like' Jyunka's FB page
3. Share, share and share this post. The more shares, the greater your chances of winning!
4. Good luck!