LIFESTYLE@LXG: $15 off your first GRABCAR ride with the code: GCLEAGUE

Although Singapore's public transport system is one of the best in the world, nothing beats having your own personal vehicle. Of course, since the media industry does not pay as well as I would like it to, buying a car outright is not on the cards, at least not for a while, okay, make it long while. Which is what makes GRABCAR so attractive!

With Grabcar, I have my personal vehicle and driver for the price of a taxi. I like the fact that before you confirm your booking, the app tells you the actual cost of the ride, so if it seems too steep, you can simply discard it and opt for a taxi instead. 

How do I use GRABCAR?

Unfortunately, this promo for valid only for first time GrabTaxi app users, or those of you with multiple sim cards ;). Simply download the free GRABTAXI APP from the app store and enter your location and destination and select Grabcar Economy, enter the code GCLEAGUE and get $15 off your trip. Its honestly as simple as that!

The $15 off your first GRABCAR and GRABTAXI ride is only valid from the 28th of July until the 10th of August, so hurry and take advantage of this great offer and share! share! share! with all your friends - after all, sharing IS caring :)

LADY@LXG: Falling in love with the Clarisonic's Sonic Radiance!

Just when I thought Clarisonic couldn't get any better, they went ahead and launched their new Sonic Radiance brush head and skin care range, which left me going "WOW" after just one use!

Initially I was skeptical, cos honestly how could my brush get any better right? It was already reducing my breakouts and leaving my skin looking and feeling awesome, could it actually make my skin glow and reduce discolouration and pigmentation? Sounds too good to be true right? and this is coming from a true-blue Clarisonic loving fan mind you!

After my initial skepticism, I decided to give my cashmere brush head a rest and switch to the new Sonic Radiance set and I was honestly going "Oh my God! Oh my God!" after washing my face cos my skin WAS actually brighter, fairer and clearer, I kid you not!

In fact, I was so darn shocked, I actually called Clarisonic up to tell them about how awesome their new Sonic Radiance range was (they were very kind and listened intently as I raved on and on like a lunatic).  

The head is very, very soft. Not as soft as the cashmere head which is what I used when I was plagued with eczema, but it comes close. The cleanser is very milky and super sudsy and smells so fresh and clean and lovely and leaves my face and neck looking so much brighter, with no feeling of tightness or irritation. But how does it work?

The first step would be The Radiance Brush Head. This uniquely designed and patented spot and dullness-fighting brush head is specifically engineered with softer, denser, extra fine bristles to deeply cleanse the skin removing any surface pigmentation and discolouration. 

The next step is the Skin Illuminating Cleanser, which is formulated specifically for use with the Clarisonic cleansing device and Radiance Brush Head, this high-foaming rich, luxurious cleansing milk helps transform the appearance of dull, uneven skin (no exaggeration here). The high-foaming gentle cleansing action combined with the pigment balancing activity of licorice helps brighten and even skin-tone while removing impurities. Key ingredients such as peppermint leaf extract and ginkgo biloba leaf extract soothe skin and increase circulation for a more radiant, healthier complexion. 

After cleansing, the skin is ready for the Skin Renewing Essence Boost. This intensely hydrating high-performance essence water features the anti-oxidant Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide), Lactic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Licorice Extract and Peppermint Extract to help smooth and retexture skin for a more radiant, healthy looking complexion. Designed and formulated for daily use, Essence Boost hydrates the skin for up to 8 hours and helps refine the skin tone while diminishing discoloration and improving skin’s elasticity. I love this essence as I can instantly feel that my skin is plumper and more hydrated, which in turn, makes my pores less visible. 

Finally, its time for the Brightening Activator Serum, with its powerful depigmentation ingredients, Ellagic Acid and Phenylethyl Resorcinol, this clinically proven serum is formulated to provide intense hydration and help reduce the synthesis of melanin and lighten dark spots, age spots and acne-induced discoloration when applied each day and night. Its very light, more like a light-weight lotion than a serum, and absorbs instantly into the skin, leaving no greasy after-feel. 

After washing and patting my face dry, I apply the toner and tap it into my damp skin, followed by the serum and my usual moisturiser and the next morning, my skin looks so much brighter and rested. In fact, I used this range twice a day, every day and am super happy with the results.

While I do not have pigmentation (yet), I do have a dull and sallow complexion, so this range makes me look less like a decomposing corpse, which is truly awesome!

The Clarisonic Sonic Radiance Brightening Solution retails for $355 and is available at Sephora TANGS Orchard & Robinsons Raffles City; Skin Illuminating Cleanser, $35; Brightening Activator Serum, $75; Skin Renewing Essence Boost, $55; Radiance Brush Head, $40. 

GRABCAR PROMO: IT'S BACK!!!

If you remember back in April, we held our fabulous GrabCar campaign with our partners, GRABTAXI.

Well, it was such a success that Grabtaxi are doing it all over again! From now until 5th July 2015, get S$8 OFF for ONE GrabCar ride (single-use only), when you type in the promo code "GRABLEAGUE"!

And for any latecomers out there, here's a simple walkthrough of how to make a booking on the GrabTaxi app. It couldn't be easier: 

First of all, if you haven't already done so, you'll have to download the free GrabTaxi app onto your mobile phone. The App is available on all platforms.

After you've installed and started up the app, you simply have to enter your pick-up and drop-off locations, and then select the GrabCar service you'd like.

Once a booking is confirmed, passengers will receive their assigned driver’s details – name, mobile number, vehicle registration number and also his photo. They'll also be able to track the driver’s movements as he moves towards them.

Here's the breakdown of the GrabCar fares:

• Based on distance, time, location and demand.Your fare will be shown on the app once you enter the pick-up point, drop-off point, and pick up time (for advanced bookings). Where applicable, surcharges apply to this fare for ERP, additional stops, and additional waiting time.
• Additional stops are chargeable at S$5 per stop if the additional distance travelled is less than 5 km. For distances equal to 5km and above, passengers will have to create a new booking. Maximum no. of additional stops is 3.
• Additional waiting time: S$5 per 10 mins.
• The fare is calculated by the app according to the following formula:
• Base Fare S$3 + S$0.70 Per KM + Advanced Booking Fee $5 (if applicable) + Surcharge
• (if applicable) Surcharges are dependent on time, location and demand.
• Hourly hire is available at S$35 per hour (min 2 hours). Simply key in "SG GC ECONOMY" into the drop off location and select the relevant option to book. 

As previously stated, the great thing is even if we do get caught in a jam or the driver has to take a massive detour for some reason, the fare remains fixed* once you make the booking.

(*ERP not included. Additional stops are chargeable at S$5 per stop. Additional waiting time: S$5 per 10 mins).

You can read more about the GrabCar service via http://grabtaxi.com/grabcar/.

So now, why not experience the convenience and comfort of a GrabCar ride for yourself!

AND DON'T FORGET: OUR GRABCAR/LXG PROMOTION TIME! 

22nd June to 5th July.

Visit the LXGers' Facebook Page to find out more!

LADY@LXG: Save the skin on your neck with Neostrata's Triple Firming Neck Cream

In my last review of the Neostrata Triple Firming Neck Cream, I promised to use it and get back to you guys on whether or not it lived up to its claims, so here goes.

The cream is lightweight and absorbs almost instantly. It does not leave a greasy feel at all - which in our humid weather - is a must! It also smells really nice, and does not trigger any outbreak for those with sensitive skin. I am fairly confident of this fact, especially since I used it when I was plagued with a bad case of eczema and didn't have any adverse reaction. The tube is also quite long lasting. In fact, I used it twice a day for almost three whole months.  

I felt that the skin on my neck was more hydrated and supple after use and there was some subtle improvement in my neck creases and lines. I also used it on my décolletage, cos that area of our body is often neglected and is one of the first places to show our age. Unlike my neck, my décolletage was instantly firmer and smoother after application. 

In a nutshell, I love this cream and would totally recommend it to everyone looking for a good quality neck cream that actually works. For more product information and retail locations, you can click  here. 

LIFESTYLE@LXG: Hello to the Market's Most Cutting Edge Electric Shaver!

Breakthrough Series 9 with SyncroSonic TMTechnology: 

World’s best electric shaver in efficiency and skin comfort – proven on 3-day beards.

Outstanding performance in efficiency and skin comfort: The synergy of four specially designed cutting elements, multiplied by the power of Sonic technology, shaves so fast that your skin doesn’t even have time to get irritated. 

On the 29th of May 2015, Braun unveiled the all new Series 9 – the world’s most efficient and comfortable electric shaver, said to remove more hair in the first stroke, than any other shaver – proven on 3-day beards (and if you are hirsute like me, thats not an easy feat). This sleek machine claims to deliver maximum performance in fewer strokes, without compromising on skin comfort. 

Its breakthrough SyncroSonicTM cutting system made of four fully synergized elements, gives us oft neglected men, the most sophisticated and intelligent Braun shave experience yet. Braun’s most advanced shaver head cuts through every type of hair so fast that skin doesn’t even have time to get irritated (okay this is sounding like a machine that I need to get my hands on stat!). The Series 9, a combination of superior cutting performance with utmost efficiency, enables the user to navigate even the most challenging areas of skin and neck effortlessly. 

The tech-breakthrough: Four lifting, trimming and cutting elements in full synergy...

The secret behind the new fully flexible SyncroSonicTM shaving head is technology that gets the job done with fewer strokes and reduced pressure on the skin. 

While other shavers need to go over the same spot several times to achieve a perfect result, the four elements apparently work seamlessly together to capture every type of hair – in less strokes.

The HyperLift&Cut Trimmer and the Direct&Cut Trimmer lift, direct, trim and cut problematic facial hair. The first takes on flat-lying hairs, while the latter specifically grabs and shaves hairs growing in different directions. They work in perfect synchronisation with two OptiFoilTM shaving foils, which cut the hairs as close to the skin as possible. This highly precise and harmonic ‘teamplay’ reduces the need to shave problem areas like the neck over and over again, minimizing the risk that top layers of the skin get cut during shaving, which is the most common reason for shaving- induced skin irritation. Together, the four cutting elements work efficiently; they master every type of hair, every part of the face, every contour – leaving a man’s skin stubble-free, soft and smooth. 

The SyncroSonicTM shaver head is driven by the powerful Linear Drive motor, which is the best Braun has ever produced, generating 10,000 sonic micro vibrations and delivering 40,000 cross-cutting actions every minute.

This shaver succeeds naturally in the hardest torture test, trimming and shaving dense, 3-day beards with less friction, less irritation and less burning than ever before. 

The Braun Series 9 is available at all major electrical chain stores, departmental stores and independent electrical stores in two models, 9040s and 9090cc. The recommended retail prices for 9040s and 9090cc are $499 and $599 respectively.  

LIFESTYLE@LXG: Celebrate Mother's Day with Grabcar!

Celebrate this Mother's Day by treating your mum to a fancy pants ride in one of Grabcar's fleet of cars. Instead of sticking into the train or bus or taxi, show her how much you care by getting her a chauffeur driven car courtesy of grabcar and earn yourself some brownie points!

It's easy as pie. Simply download the free app GRABTAXI onto your mobile phone (trust me, this is one app you won't regret downloading cos it makes getting taxis and cars SO much easier than hanging on the line when you need a cab) and select GRABCAR (not Grabtaxi). Depending on how loving and generous you are feeling, you can choose to book either an "economy" car or "limo". Key in your location, the location you want to go to, and a map will pop up on your screen showing you how many cars are around your vicinity. The cost of the car vs. a taxi, is very minor and with our awesome $8 off your first TWO rides, it becomes even CHEAPER than hiring a taxi!

Just don't forget to enter the promotion code: GRABLEAGUE when you book your Grabcar to ensure that you receive your $8 off :)

Have a wonderful Mother's Day!

LADY@LXG: We truly are what we eat, or ingest...

Where supplements are concerned, there are two types of people; those who guzzle a kadzillion, multi-coloured pills and capsules with their morning kale juice or those who feel that the whole supplement industry is nothing but a clever scam. 

I fall into the former category. In fact, I take about 20 pills / capsules daily and it doesn’t just stop at me. In fact my cats and dogs also take a dose of supplements to help them maintain their joints and muscles, skin and coat.

In fact, this whole supplement obsession, is not something that I suddenly woke up to. No siree, in fact, both my parents are totally into supplements and as wee bairns, my brothers and I, had to hold out our chubby little hands while our mother placed an assortment of pills into them.

I mean, if you look at it objectively, how many of us are really aware of what we are eating and how many of us, actually manage to cram the requisite number of fruits and vegetables down the gullet, every single day? I for one, don’t! 

Personally, I love fruits and vegetables, but I am a naturally lazy person. While I am all for sterilizing my living space on a daily basis, I absolutely abhor cooking. Don’t get me wrong, I have absolutely no problem with eating, but the whole concept of cooking really gets me down, which is why my diet consists of cookies, candy, instant food, fast food and when I feel packed with toxins, I will drag myself to the kitchen and make some ‘real’ food in a desperate bid to detox. This is essentially why supplements are so important to me. After all, with the life style I lead (lets not even go there) and the diet I have, if I didn’t take supplements, my skin and teeth would rot and my bones would shatter, not to mention that my hair would all fall off. 

This is why, I spend a sizeable percentage of my salary on a multitude of vitamins. In fact, open my wallet and you will find a number of member cards to almost every supplement store here in Singapore. Recently, I came across a new brand of supplements from AdN, which I just had to try. Their prices are very competitive (important factor when you buy as much as I do) and I liked the variety of supplements they had on offer, so let me share with you some of the products that I bought.

AdN VisionCare caught my eye (ha ha get it?) because my eyes do not produce much tears and with me spending most of my day in front of the computer, the last thing I need is to have vision issues. 

Plus I loved that this product which is naturally derived from marigold flowers, contained carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin, proven to help protect the eyes from harmful light waves (did I mention that I slouch most of the day in front of a computer?).

It also has antioxidant properties and helps prevent damage to the eyes, while Lutein may even lower the risk of getting some eye problems and with symptoms of certain eye conditions. The bottle lasts two-months and was only $49!

Recently I was diagnosed with horrifically high cholesterol (yeah, wonder why right?) which is why this one caught my eye; AdN CholestoCare which cost me $69 (for around 15-30 days, depending on how often you take it, I take 1 cap once a day after lunch) is a blend of red yeast rice, milk thistle, alpha lipoic acid and CoQ10 for healthy cholesterol levels, liver function and overall wellbeing. 

Red yeast rice has a long history of being used by traditional Chinese herbalists and is said to help keep cholesterol levels healthy naturally, while Milk Thistle helps protect the liver from toxic chemicals and also has some antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. I have been taking this now for a few weeks, so lets see if my readings are better at my next blood test! 

Did I mention that I need to eat cookies and chocolates daily? Well I do, or I get quite grumpy. It doesn’t help that my mother keeps dragging me to have my blood sugar tested for diabetes, so when I spotted AdN GlucoCare which cost me $59 for a month’s supply, I grabbed a few bottles (okay, so I grabbed like five bottles). 

This supplement contains a blend of ingredients to help with healthy blood glucose control. Thiamine (Vit B1) and Pantothenic Acid (Vit B5) helps the body use carbohydrates more efficiently and increases energy, while Chromium and GlucoFit helps improve the way the body uses glucose. Gymnema Sylvestre, which has been used for a long time in Ayurvedic medicine, helps to reduce the  absorption of glucose from our diet as well as help our body to use glucose properly. So I pop this pill before or after I gorge on candy. I look at it as an insurance policy, after all, it sure beats taking nothing and it makes me feel less guilty when I gorge on candy daily.

Ever since I turned 30 and my knees started to ache, I have been religiously taking my glucosamine, so I was quite pleased when I found AdN Glucosamine + MSM which at $89 for 1.5-3-months (depending upon how many you take a day, I just take one capsule and I am pain free). 

It contains a blend of glucosamine sulfate, MSM and chondrotin for healthy joints. 

In fact, we ALL take this supplement, including my 17 year old cat Jelly, who has arthritis in her lower back (don't worry, this has been approved by her veterinarian as not all human supplements are safe for animals, so before you share your stash with your fur-kid, always check with their veterinarian ). 

I combine this with AdN Hi Omega-3 for us all, including my new puppy. This is made from natural fish oil concentrate from sardines,  anchovies and mackerel and encapsulated in a softgel. 

Apparently, smaller fish have less risk of environmental contamination than larger, predatory fish (I say, reading directly from the AdN website), thus making them an ideal source of omega 3. 

In fact, AdN Hi Omega-3 claims to have TWICE AS MUCH OMEGA 3 in ONE capsule as  compared to the usual fish oil products in the market (which contains only 120mg DHA/180mg EPA per capsule), which honestly is good enough for me!

I am really happy with my find and so far have no complaints at all. So if you are new to supplements, give this brand a try. Its affordable, works fine and is available online at AdN supplements.