LADY@LXG: Mum's Radiesse and Botox makeover at EHA Clinic

“I once laughed at the vanity of women of thirty or forty who whitened their ruddy old skin with lead, but now I know such salves are not disguises for old crones who wish to catch a young husband. Instead they are only a mask we wear so that we can, for a little while, still recognize ourselves.”                            - Rebecca Johns, The Countess

Last year, as a surprise birthday gift to my mother, I treated her to some much needed facial fillers. You can read more about it here: Mum's Birthday treat with Radiesse. Although she is in her mid 60's, my mother (unlike me) has really lovely fair and relatively flawless skin. After much nagging, she is now even taking collagen supplements, which has greatly improved the texture of her skin, but age, neglect, gravity and genetics has left her with sagging jowls, pigmentation and wrinkles, which I felt compelled to eradicate with the help of modern aesthetic medicine.

Because she was really comfortable after her first filler experience last year with Dr. Tam from EHA Clinic, I decided to schedule her next session there as well. Personally, I think its important to find a doctor you like and trust and then stick to them. That way, they know your medical history and concerns and can help recommend treatments that suit you.

Immediately after the injections of filler and botox, my mum's skin looked noticeably smoother. Her crows feet and deep forehead wrinkles were instantly a thing of the past, while her marionette lines, which are normally quite prominent, were also greatly reduced. Based on her experience from her last filler (a little over a year ago) she said that her skin and face looked its best, around three-months after the injections. Thats because, thats around the time when Radiesse stimulates the body to create its own collagen.

After the procedure, she experienced slight bruising and swelling around the injection sites and mild discomfort once the effects of the numbing cream wore off. But the discomfort only lasted the first day. The treatment she said was mostly painless and all she had was topical numbing cream, so I am quite impressed. I think it has a lot to do with the doctor's skill, as I have heard horror stories of painful fillers from my friends, which is why I was careful about finding the right doctor and clinic for my mum.

The photos below are of my mum directly after the treatment. 

If you would like to treat yourself or someone you love, do give Dr. Elias Tam at EHA Clinic a call. The doctor and his staff are very down to earth and helpful. Because it was our first experience with Botox, we had many questions and the doctor was very helpful and patient. We paid $400 for the botox and $1,500 for the Radiesse filler. The effects vary on each individual, but on average Radiesse can last up to a year, while botox will need to be touched up after around four to six months. For more information, call EHA Clinic on 6235 3325 or visit them at #15-01 Shaw Centre (Orchard). 

EHA Clinic is on Facebook! You can click on the link and join the page for daily beauty and skin care tips.

LADY@LXG: Taking hydration to a new level is NUXE Crème Fraîche® de Beauté

I now have a new favourite skin care range that I just can't live without. Its Nuxe's Crème Fraîche® de Beauté range. Yes the entire range. I kid you not. With its 24-hour boost of hydration and delightful botanical concoction of eight plant milks, this range is the perfect solution for those with dehydrated, combination or sensitive skin.

  (and for all your grammar Nazis out there, yes I used the word "range" three-times in the same sentence, get over it already).

But before we look at the line of products under this range, lets first understand what causes our skin to become sensitive. Sensitive skin is often caused when water stored in the dermis becomes scarce and its circulation from one layer to another is impeded and can no longer be held inside the epidermis. This causes the skin to become dehydrated from below. When this happens, skin becomes dry and uncomfortable and ages prematurely. To prevent this, I believe its important to select your skin care based on your skin condition as opposed to what works for your friend or what is currently on offer. Be selective, choose your skin care based on what YOU need! 

Sérum Crème Fraîche® de Beauté priced at $8,5  is my go to serum every morning and evening. Especially after laser treatment. The texture of this serum is unlike most  which tend to be more silky and oily. This serum is so light its almost like a watery lotion and absorbs upon contact with the skin.  A definite must-have for those of you with dry, dehydrated and thirsty sensitive skin.

Masque Crème Fraîche® de Beauté priced at an affordable $48, this cream masque will change the way you look at masques. Extremely light weight and delicately scented, I just apply a thin layer over clean skin - I personally use it over the serum - and in 10-minutes your parched skin is deeply hydrated and fine lines, dullness and overall flakiness is a thing of the past. The best part, you do not have to clean it off. Its not greasy and it absorbs instantly, leaving skin plumped and younger looking. I usually use this under make up before an evening out or over night twice a week.

Crème Fraîche® de Beauté Light priced at $65, this is what I am currently using twice a day. This super light, almost water like lotion hydrates but leaves skin matte and manageable and is perfect for sensitive and combination skin.

Crème Fraîche® de Beauté Enrichie priced at $45 (30 ML tube) this is perfect for those of you with very dry, sensitive skin. This rich buttery cream absorbs instantly and leaves skin plumped but not greasy. A definite must, in out humid climate.

NUXE products are available at all Robinsons, John Little, BHG (Bugis Junction, Lot 1, Clementi Mall, Tampines Mall & Bishan Junction 8), Metro (City Square Mall & Causeway Point), Unity (Great World City, Katong Mall, Holland Village, Ang Mo Kio Hub, Thomson Plaza & Clementi Mall), selected Watsons, and all Beauty by Nature stores. 

LIFESTYLE@LXG: La Roche-Posay launches Anthelios XL Ultra-Light Fluid SPF 50+ PPD 42

The emblematic Anthelios “shaka shaka” bottle has a new, more modern and portable look! 

The new Anthelios XL Ultra-Light Fluid formula has an optimized version of the brand’s patented filter system, Mexoplex®, which offers very high UVB-UVA protection even against long UVAs. The Persistent Pigment Darkening (PPD) has now been increased from 4 points to 42, offering even more protection to ensure the safety for those with
sensitive and sun-allergic skin.

Thanks to the right dose of new sensorial oils, the new Anthelios XL Ultra-Light Fluid glides easily on application for uniform protection. With sebum neutralizing and instant absorbent action, you can expect a non-sticky, non-oily finish that feels like bare skin (goodbye sticky, icky sunscreens of the past!). The ultra-light fluid texture is suitable for all skin types but especially ideal for combination skin (hoorah for us at LXG!). The optimized filtering system also ensures no white marks! Formulated with soothing and anti-oxidant La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, this product is hypoallergenic, fragrance and paraben free.  

The new Anthelios XL Ultra-Light Fluid SPF 50+ is priced at $46.90 and will be available at major pharmacies like Watsons, Guardian, Unity and selected hospital pharmacies from July 2014. 

LADY@LXG: PHS Hair Science Detox Restorative Spa Treatment

PHS Hair Science Detox Restorative Spa Treatment   

There is really nothing more pampering or indulgent than treating yourself to a hair spa!

Imagine the bliss of spending 150 minutes of some well deserved “me time” as your therapist gently brushes your hair (OMG! Total princess fantasy!), using PHS’s very own brushing technique to stimulate and prepare your scalp and hair for the treatment. The brushing is followed by a relaxing three-point shoulder and neck massage (which, if I am to be perfectly honest, was the best shoulder massage I have ever had!) My therapist’s skilled fingers kneaded away at my tensed and knotted muscles, all while I enjoyed watching a movie on my personal ipad. The relaxing back massage was then followed by the treatment, all while I sipped on my cappuccino and nibbled on a cookie! 

Using orange peel extracts, sechium edule fruit extracts and helichrysum extracts, this pampering treatment detoxifies the scalp and opens up the pores to promote hair growth. As with all PHS Hair Science treatments, the Detox Restorative Spa Therapy was developed by a trichologist, using professional range Trichological products. It combines deep cleansing properties with hair regenerating benefits, making it a doubly effective hair loss treatment.  

The treatment addresses hair loss problems on all scalps -  especially on Asian scalps - by rejuvenating hair cells and nourishing roots, it also boosts the growth of dense and healthy new hair, leaving the scalp purified and balanced.

The Detox Restorative Spa Treatment is priced at $348. 

PRO Range Hair Loss Tonic

Using premium grade ingredients, PHS Hair Science’s PRO Range Hair Loss Tonic helps to reduce hair loss while revitalizing the scalp enabling healthy new growth. Simple to use, just spray on approximately 20 pumps onto a clean scalp and gently massage it in. The pleasantly scented minty tonic works by extending the hair’s life cycle, and promoting strong and constant hair growth by oxygenating and regenerating the hair bulb. It also inhibits the action of free radicals while increasing scalp circulation. 

It is also ideal for treating various causes of hair loss including Telogen Effluvium (thinning hair) and Alopecia Areata (baldness). Like all other PHS Hair Science trichology products, the PRO Range Hair Loss Tonic is developed and tested by trichologists for its efficacy. 

A 100 ml bottle of the PRO Range Hair Loss Tonic is priced at $338.

If you would like to try this blissful treatment for yourself, check out their latest promotion!

Try the PHS Hair Science award winning Restorative Hair Loss Therapy at only $68 nett. To schedule an appointment call their hotline 6692 0662 today! 

PHS Hair Science is conveniently located at:

Ngee Ann City 

 #05-25A/B, 391 Orchard Road  

Singapore 238872  

Plaza Singapura  

#04-34/35, 68 Orchard Road  

Singapore 238839  

Wheelock Place  

#04-12, 501 Orchard Road  

Singapore 238880 

FILM@LXG: Pompeii

In a moment of weakness, and subconsciously knowing exactly what I was getting myself into, I decided to watch Pompeii... And I have come to the conclusion that a Paul W. S. Anderson movie is where all actors go to die. Let me explain...

You know Asylum Films - that production company that makes low budget versions of Hollywood blockbusters (eg: Atlantic Rim, and Age of Tomorrow)? This initially felt like a cheap rip-off of Gladiator, with an exploding volcano thrown in for good measure. 

The first thing you notice is, "Hey, hang on a minute, isn't that Jon Snow from Game of Thrones? What's he doing away from The Black Watch? And isn't that like, Heavy Duty from G.I.Joe? What's he doing with a strange accent and cheesy one-liners? And isn't that the Police Captain bloke from Grimm? What's he doing with a pansy haircut and less lines to say than some of the animals appearing on-screen?

But wait, that's not all - isn't that Prof. Moriarty from Sherlock Holmes? What's he doing being mis-cast as a spineless and ineffectual Roman leader? (By the way, the actor in question is Jared Harris - son of the legendary Richard Harris, who might actually be rolling in his grave). But the greatest travesty comes from Kiefer Sutherland, who obviously needed some spare change to take this role - playing a cliched cruel and unscrupulous senator.

In fact 'Cliche' is the operative word for this movie - you've seen it all before - so don't be surprised if you watch many of the scenes with a sense of deja-vu. W. S. loves his action sequences, so the gladiatorial battles are fast and furious - and the volcanic eruptions are actually quite beautiful. And quite clever.

Unfortunately there's nothing clever about the plot - our main protagonist's upbringing and means of gaining proficient fighting skills are all glossed over. After losing his father and his tribe, obviously he's got an inherent hatred of the Romans, but hell, so did most of subjugated humanity at the time... He also conveniently falls in love with the main female lead within seconds of seeing her, prompting that old 'unrequited/forbidden love' movie chestnut. (Her mother, incidentally, is played by Trinity from The Matrix, who obviously had some time on her hands now that Neo's escapades are over).

Having said all of this, again I must say I knew what to expect, and therefore wasn't as disappointed as I might have been. In the climactic scene, as fire and brimstone rains down upon the doomed city, I dare say a few budding movie careers will also go up in flames.

Pompeii. Better than a punch in the face. Only just.

LIFESTYLE@LXG: Grab a car today with GrabCar!

Launched on the 8^th of July this year, GrabCar is the latest service by GrabTaxi. This premium service essentially enables users like myself, to book a limo by simply using my smartphone. For those of you who already have the GrabTaxi app, you can book your car using the same app. For those of you who have yet to download it, hurry up and do so, its free and it takes the hassle out of finding a taxi when you really need one.

GRABCAR currently works with several trusted and safe fleet partners, giving us the option of choosing from a range of 4-seaters (Mercedes Benz, Toyota Camry and Volkswagon Passat). 6-seaters (Toyota Vellfire, Toyota Viano, Toyota Alphard and Mecedes Vito) and a Toyota Hiace 13-seater.

The best part about all of this is the brand’s strong belief in safety. In keeping with this, your family and friends are able to track your travel progress in real-time, ensuring that you are always in safe hands. 

“The inclusion of GrabCar as part of the GrabTaxi service shows our desire and ability to meet our customers’ needs especially during peak hours. It offers them access to a wider network of taxis as well as premium cars. The inclusion of GrabCar as part of the GrabTaxi network will give our passengers that personalised experience, while at the same time, ensuring quick, safe and reliable rides.” said GrabTaxi founder and Group CEO Anthony Tan (featured in the photo above).

LADY@LXG: SHEA - making daily cleansing sheer joy!

Living in Singapore, It's easy to forget that simple everyday pleasures don't have to cost an arm and a leg. Stepping into SHEA at Orchard Central, is like stepping into a beautifully scented Aladdin's Cave, filled to the brim with every beauty addict's wildest dreams. 

Shelves and tables stacked high with colourful tubs and bars, jars and bottles of essential oils, body butters, scrubs, clay masques, hand creams and hair products that will make any beauty junkie foam at the mouth.

I love to bathe. In fact, here’s a pointless bit of information, I shower/bathe at least three times a day with a final soak in the bath tub just before bed. I make my daily ablutions “me-time” where I can relax and soak in the scent and feel of my bath oils and soaps - so imagine my joy when I came across SHEA.

Not only does Shea's range of bath and body products make cleansing and bathing a pleasure, but they get another big thumb's-up from me because they practice responsible beauty - using pure and natural ingredients, recyclable containers - and absolutely NO animal testing.

Shea carries a variety of yummy highlights - like pure shea butter, which is wonderful for those who suffer from eczema and dry skin. They also stock an exquisite range of handmade soaps and essential oils.  

One of my particular favourites is their range of body butters. These come in a range of delectable scents, some of which I haven't found anywhere else. These colourful little tubs of happiness can sit just as comfortably on your office desk as your bathroom shelf - their moisturizing benefits helping to inject a little bit of pleasure and calm into your day.

These gorgeously scented Little Hotties are a must have in the office or home. They smell as good as they look and my personal favourite scent was Morning Coffee! The Little Hotties are priced at $21.50 for 100grams.

This Scrubology body scrub which retails at $32.80 smells GORGEOUS and leaves your skin moisturized, clean and scented. In fact, unlike most scrubs, don't be surprised if you smell shower fresh for hours as the pure essential oils ensure that the perfume stays for hours!  

Shea's staff are all extremely knowledgeable and will happily spend ages explaining and answering any questions. They lend a welcoming atmosphere to the store (located at Orchard Central and Liang Court), and like me, you'll probably spend a much longer time in Shea than you intended!