LIFESTYLE@LXG: Susan pampers herself at Immortelle Atelier

I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl almost five months ago. Motherhood is a completely life changing experience and as a new mother, I barely had any time to take care of myself. As much as I love spending time with my new baby, the sleepless nights have taken a toll on my complexion and hair. 

 That’s why I was ecstatic when I was offered to try out the Cryolift Facial Treament with Guasha Eye Treatment and a hair Cream Bath treatment at Immortelle Atelier in their spanking-new outlet in United Square, which is centrally located near Novena MRT station. 

Immortelle Atelier is a one stop venue for all your facial, make-up, styling and hair treatment needs. 

For busy individuals and mother's who have dropped their kids off at class and have some time to kill, they offer quick 45-minute facial and hair treatments that are a wonderful treat and should definitely be tried.

After a quick assessment of my skin condition, my therapist led me into the cozy treatment room at the back of the salon to change and get ready for my treatment. I loved that their robe was so soft and plush and smelled so nice. For me, its the little extra touches like these that make the experience so special.

She started off with a relaxing lavender aromatherapy massage to help me unwind. She then proceeded to deep cleanse my face using Maria Galland skin care products. I love it that they only use very high-quality skincare products such as Maria Galland and Jyunka – this shows the length that Immortelle Atelier goes to in order to provide the best facial experience to their clients.

After the deep cleansing procedure, Judy proceeded with the Guasha Eye Massage. Guasha is a traditional Chinese medical therapy using a spoon-like bone to massage the skin and the bones to help improve blood circulation and drain toxins. I must say this was my favorite part of the whole treatment session! As a new mother experiencing sleepless nights, I honestly thought that I would permanently have to sport massive eye bags, but after Judy’s skillful guasha massage around my tired eyes, I could immediately feel that my eye bags were less pronounced and I felt much better overall.

As I opted for the Cryolift Facial Treatment, Judy applied the Skin Perfusion Gel and Serum containing more than 12 vitamins, 24 amino acids and various minerals and anti-oxidants onto my skin. She then proceeded to use the state-of-the-art Filorga cryolift probe around my face. The probe helps bring the skin down to -18 degree Celsius, stimulating collagen production under the skin. The treatment works by dramatically improving micro blood flow in the skin, reversing the aging process.

The whole facial treatment took about two hours – complete with skin extraction, eyebrow trimming and a relaxing head and shoulder massage. To finish off, she applied a hydrating mask onto my face and a cocoon mask for my eyes. The cocoon mask is unique in that it helps stimulate skin metabolism to fight the destructive effect of stress on the skin. 

At the end of the session, I could feel that it helped my fatigued skin regain its lost radiance and tautness. The best thing? the products used are safe for breastfeeding mothers and even pregnant women!

 After my relaxing facial, I was treated to a Hair Cream Bath session to help restore the shine back to my dull hair. Hair Cream Bath treatment is a highly popular hair pampering experience in Indonesia, where I grew up, so I am glad to re-discover this treatment here in Singapore at Immortelle Atelier. I have been experiencing severe post-partum hair loss so I opted for the “Cooling” cream bath treatment. The treatment lasted for 45 minutes and started off with a hair wash, followed by the application of the cream of your choice, a relaxing head and shoulder massage, a rinse and a final blow-dry. My hair smelled so good and felt so soft after all the pampering. All in all, two thumbs up for my experience at Immortelle Atelier. I will definitely come back for more! 

LIFESTYLE@LXG: Joanne tries the Cocoon Mask facial at Immortelle Atelier!

I’ve always had dehydrated and sensitive skin, and the condition of my skin has gotten a lot worse ever since I came back from Paris (the weather was pretty cold when I was in the City of Light). If you take long flights or visit drier countries, you probably know what I mean. So I was pretty excited when I was given the opportunity to review the Relaxing Eye Treatment and Maria Galland's Cocoon Facial at Immortelle Atelier.

Conveniently located at United Square in Novena, Immortelle Atelier provides professional facial, make up and hair services using only high-quality and premium products. Indeed, some of the products that the salon uses are Maria Galland, a premium skin care line from France and Jyunka from Japan.

I was attended to by my friendly and knowledgeable therapist, who took me through the various facial services that are available at Immortelle Atelier in-depth, and they include:

-          Maria Galland Hot Modelling Facial Treatment (for rejuvenating & lifting effects)

-          Jyunka Vitamin C Facial Treatment (for instant radiance)

-          Jyunka Epidermal Peel Facial Treatment (for skin purification)

-          Jyunka Whitening Facial Treatment (Whitening treatment)

-          Filorga Cryolift Facial Treatment (for firm and intensive radiance)

-          Intensive Dark Circle Eyecare Treatment (for dark eye rings & puffiness)

The treatment that I was scheduled for was the Maria Galland Cocoon Facial Treatment for instant hydrating results. I’ve never tried something like this before, but the professionalism and friendliness of the staff put me at ease.

I was led into a small but cosy room to being the treatment.

We started off with the usual deep facial cleansing procedure, followed by the eye treatment thereafter. This is really interesting as she applied the Gua Sha therapy to my under eye area. If you’re not familiar with Gua Sha (just as I was earlier), this is a traditional Chinese medical treatment that uses a spoon-like tool to scrape your skin. According to my therapist, this helps to stimulate blood circulation and reduces dark eye rings. She even shared that some customers actually commented that they could feel a difference in their vision right after the eye treatment.  I can’t attest to this, but it did feel good.

For the facial treatment, she applied the Maria Galland Masque Froid Hydratant Hydrating Cooling Mask. As it name suggests, the mask was really cooling and I felt good knowing that my (dehydrated) skin could finally get the essential moisture that it needs. She shared that this is one of the star products by Maria Galland, and that she has seen her fair share of brides who diligently used the Cooling Mark for at least a week before their big day, and swear by it.

Both treatments lasted slightly under two hours. Eyebrow trimming, extraction and your usual neck and shoulder massages are provided as well. I could instantly feel a difference right after the facial – my skin was much firmer, supple, radiant and definitely well-moisturized.

Apart from facial services, Immortelle Atelier also provides professional makeup and hair services for both adults and kids. Not surprising, given that United Square is also known as the ultimate kids mall. My therapist shared that they have their fair share of experience styling kids for children’s birthday parties.

The team of lovely ladies and their affordable treatment that uses premium and quality products easily attests why Immortelle Atelier has won several accolades (such as CozyCot.com’s ‘Best Salon Vitamin Infused Skin care' for their Jyunka serum SME of the year 2014 and ‘Singapore’s Outstanding Enterprise’ Award 2013). This may be my first time at the salon, but I know I’ll definitely be back for more!

Immortelle Atelier is located at: United Square Shopping Mall Singapore, 101 Thomson Road #02-08B, Singapore 307591. Tel: 6259 9001/ enquiries@immortelleaterlier.com

LADY@LXG: Laboratoires FILORGA

Renowned by dermatologists, aesthetic doctors and plastic surgeons in over 54 countries, Laboratoires FILORGA are recognized as the experts on cutaneous aging.

I have been terribly lax for not writing about this wonderful range of products sooner. When Filorga first came onto our shores late last year, I was terribly excited as I had heard much good things about the brand, but had never had the chance to actually try it. So as soon as I got my stubby little hands on the products I got immediately to work trying them out. 

For those of you who read my blog, you know that I have dehydrated but oily and sensitive skin, especially on my T-zone, so I try to stay away from commercial face washes as I find them to be a little harsh for my skin. Initially I have to admit that I was a bit wary to use the face wash, but since it is a part of the Filorga range I gave it a go and I am so glad that I did!  

MOUSSE DEMAQUILLANTE 150ml $   41.00. 

The first anti aging cleanser that dissolves the slightest traces of sebum, make-up and pollution while intensely hydrating the skin and protecting it from free radicals. 

In addition to an ultra-gentle latest-generation surfactant of plant origin, it features a high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, which plumps up and smoothes dehydration lines, and white Lily, which soothes irritation and protects the skin from free-radical attacks. 

The wash foams and just one pump or one-and-a-half is adequate to thoroughly cleanse your face and neck. It also strips away makeup and sunscreen, so I can finally skip my double-cleansing regime which was personally too time consuming and annoying to maintain. The wash keeps my skin clean but not tight which is why its my definite must-have from the range. 

SLEEP & PEEL 50ml $ 110.00

A cell renewal “booster”, this cream restores your skin’s radiance and softness while protecting it from premature aging. 

This is another definite must-have. I started using this on my face every night after I had a bout of breakouts which my usual zit cream did absolutely nothing to clear. The fact that this is actually a night cream cum peel is fabulous as I personally love products that multitask and make my life easier. After just one night’s application, my stubborn breakouts healed literally overnight. My skin looked more even-toned and smoother. Scars seemed to be lighter. It was definitely love at first application, so since then, I have been using my Sleep & Peel daily and my skin has been behaving itself and looking far less temperamental than usual. 

MESO MASK 50ml $   79.00

This mask has a light creamy texture. It leaves skin plumped and radiant and glowing. The power of mesotherapy in a mask!

Skin is plumped and signs of wrinkles and fatigue are erased. A definite must after an all nighter or before a big date or presentation!  

The rhamnose-containing polysaccharide soothes irritation and instantly and lastingly evens out and lightens up the complexion. NCTF®, Filorga’s exclusive core formula, stimulates cellular activity and collagen production. 

HYDRA FILLER 50ml $   94.00

This moisturizer contains a high concentration of extra-pure hyaluronic acid for deep skin rehydration and a micro-filling effect which is great on dehydration lines. It leaves skin comfortable and plumped.  Lines and wrinkles vanish, almost as if they have been ‘filled in’ and the skin looks younger and plumper, with makeup going on smoother.    

Two effective hyaluronic acids that act in synergy to deeply hydrate and plump up the skin:  High-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid through deep hydrating action and the micro-filling of dehydration wrinkles and lines. Micro-fragmented hyaluronic acid to stimulate the production of collagen to plump up the skin.  A lipid-replenishing complex to boost epidermal production (+256%) and re-program the skin’s natural hydration process. 

SNEAK PEAK! Meso C launches in Singapore in February

With 8% pure Vitamin C kept fresh in an air tight and light resistant packaging, its properties are kept fresh with maximum efficacy until opened. Thoughtfully packaged in 3 separate bottles for use within a span of 1 month, rest assured ingredients are kept fresh until opened.

Look forward to brighter and rejuvenated skin when signs are tiredness are erased with Filorga Meso C.

Meso C retails at 3 x 10 ml  $122 

Filorga products are available exclusively at SEPHORA