LADY@LXG: Perfect skin with my new awesome Clarisonic's Mia 2

 I have always wanted a Clarisonic face brush. I mean like REALLY, REALLY wanted a Clarisonic  face brush so much, but the retail price is not exactly pocket change, so I just secretly fantasized about it instead. Eventually, I settled on a cheaper alternative, which to be fair did a decent job, but did not extinguish the flame that burned deep within me, for the Clarisonic.

Then one day, out of the blue I met lovely Matilda from Clarisonic. While she demonstrated the benefits of the brush and all the different brush heads (they have the regular type, one for sensitive skin, one to hydrate the skin and one for the delicate eye area), I restrained myself from braining her and running away with her demo model. Instead, as she extolled the brushes' many benefits, that little flame which burned deep within my heart began to grow into an uncontrollable inferno and I found myself falling in love all over again. The Clarisonic was so pretty, so perfectly crafted and so ergonomic in design that it seemed like it was made just for my little hand! 

Christmas came early for me this year when Matilda not only GAVE me a Clarisonic Mia 2 (OMG not just a Clarisonic but the latest model!!) she also let me choose which colour I wanted. After 30 minutes of dithering, I finally picked the "Energy" brush, a fresh, light green hue that is so fresh and cheerful that it makes me smile whenever I see it perched upon my bathroom sink.

 I have had the brush now for over a month and I love it! I mean really! I use it once a day, every day on my face and neck, and my skin has truly cleared up, so much so that I no longer get insulted by my facial therapist. (Score!)

For those of you who follow my frequent rants about the state of my congested skin, I can honestly say that it has improved by leaps and bounds since using the brush just once a day. Its so gentle, I even use it a day after having my face lasered. Yeah, its that gentle. 

I did the tissue test with my old brush which had the sheet of facial tissue spinning around like a windmill, but when I used the Clarisonic on the very same piece of tissue, it didn't even budge. This is because the Clarisonic does not spin, which is why it is gentle enough to be us

If that wasn’t enough, Matilda also gave me the Clarisonic’s Deep Pore Decongesting Solution, a definite “must-have” for those of you with congested skin like myself or those of you who just want an awesomely flawless complexion.

The Clarisonic’s Deep Pore Decongesting Solution combines Clarisonic’s first-ever two-step skin solution with its patented Deep Pore Brush Head and sonic technology to optimize the cleansing experience when it comes to pores. This innovative collection includes the renowned Clarisonic Mia 2 Sonic Skin Cleansing Brush with the Deep Pore Brush Head, Deep Pore Daily Cleanser and Decongesting Clay Mask.  

Tested by leading dermatologists, this set reduces pore appearance by 25% after just one use. Skin is left with a smoother, more radiant and flawless complexion.  

When used twice daily, the powerful combination of the Deep Pore Brush Head and Deep Pore Daily Cleanser flushes pores to remove set-in debris, revealing clearer, smoother skin. The Deep Pore Daily Cleanser is specifically formulated with ingredients designed to help control oil and refine enlarged pores.  

The sulfate-free, paraben-free formula when activated by the Deep Pore Brush Head creates a keratolytic action that loosens pore-clogging dead skin cells. While the Decongesting Clay Mask combines the skin-renewing power of a hydroxy acid blend with the oil-absorbing power of kaolin and bentonite clays. When removed with the Clarisonic Deep Pore Brush Head, this combination helps exfoliate dead skin cells and rid the pores of damaging pore-clogging toxins. 

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.