LIFESTYLE@LXG: Page Advisor - Home Services at your Fingertips!

Sooner or later, something at home is going to break. It’s usually the air-con isn't it? Or perhaps the TV suddenly goes on the blink...

Not only is this highly irritating, but the resulting hassle of having to call up a repairman or take your appliance down to a service centre is a real pain. And even though you know its better to get it sorted out as soon as possible, how many of us just sit on the problem and procrastinate about getting the job done? I know I am supremely guilty of doing this...

But if a new homegrown startup has its way, all of this hassle will quickly become a thing of the past. Local entrepreneurs Fabian Lim, Ho Boon Peng, Tan Jian Yong and Jamie Lee channelled two years and $500,000 of their own money into building PageAdvisor, a mobile app that aims to radically change the way we hire home service providers.

Through PageAdvisor, consumers can gain access to more than 1,400 registered service providers from over 100 specialised services. From handymen like electricians and plumbers to lifestyle providers like home spa therapists and private chefs, this app boasts them all. It’s easy to envision that this first-of-its-kind, one-stop app can hugely simplify the way we search for quick home fixes when we need them. In many ways its like the evolution of our trusty old Yellow Pages...

So how does PageAdvisor work? Essentially, those looking for a particular service will need to answer a short set of questions regarding their requirements — job scope, budget, preferred time slots and so forth. Once you hit send, you can sit back and relax while service providers submit quotes to bid for the job.

And in comparison to Googling for service providers and calling them up one by one, searching for a provider via PageAdvisor seems unbelievably speedy and convenient.

Next to speed, safety is probably the most important thing that we’d love guaranteed in a service provider. PageAdvisor provides that security, with a number of features aimed at making sure we get merchants that we can trust. Before accepting a quote, customers will be able to sort through ratings and reviews — contributed by past users — of each service provider bidding for the job. The app also comes with an enhanced PIN security feature, comprising a 4-digit code that you and your service provider will key in before you open your door to a stranger.

Through PageAdvisor’s Merchant Guarantee Programme (MGP), you won’t have to foot the bill if you have the misfortune of experiencing unsavoury vendors — service providers registered under the MGP will offer a 100% money back guarantee.

The PageAdvisor app is now available for Android and iOS. If you still need an incentive to try out the app, the LXGers have teamed up with PageAdvisor for a very special promotion!

From now until the 29th February 2016, our readers can use our unique promo code: LXGERS to enjoy up to 50% off up to every $40 spent. For example, if you get a service for $80, you will enjoy the maximum $40 off. If you get a service for $60, you will enjoy $30 off.

Each reader can only use the promo code twice.

Our very own LADY@LXG couldn't wait to try out the PageAdvisor app, and has already treated herself to a reflexology session at home!

Read her experience and review here.

LADY@LXG: The joy of having reflexology in the comfort of your own home!

Today I test-ran a service on Page Advisor and I was quite impressed. Maybe I have lived a sad sheltered life, but I have actually never tried a home service of this kind before, so it was quite a thrill. 

My home reflexology trial cost me only $60 for a 90-minute session. My reflexologist was a lovely lady named Iris, who  kneaded and massaged  my feet, sending shivers of pure bliss all the way up to my scalp. 

While she kneaded my tired footsies, I slouched on the sofa, sipped my expresso and gorged on Christmas cake while alternating between playing Panda Pop on my iPad and reading the latest Karin Slaughter novel. This truly was the height of relaxation for me. 90-minutes just for myself, no interruptions and no need to have to drag myself home on my jellyfied legs in crowded public transport.....absolute bliss! 

If you would like to enjoy up to 50% off on your selected service or treatment, simply use the discount code: LXGERS (please read the info in the graphic below for details) 

LIFESTYLE@LXG: Sherri discovers the best place to do last minute Christmas shopping!

The best place to do last minute Christmas shopping? Watsons of course!

It's that time of the year again and if you are still looking for the perfect gift for your loved ones, you are in big, big trouble. In case you haven’t noticed, Christmas is literally just around the corner! If you only have time to go to one place to buy everything for everybody, Watsons has you covered. 

Not only is it a one stop shopping paradise that carries anything from toiletries, diffusers to chocolates, it is really accessible too. With a branch in almost every mall, it is great for busy people like you and me, who don’t have time to make it to town. 

I have shortlisted a few items that you may want to zoom in on when you are there and have too many choices to make. ;)

Goodies for the grownups

Ok, this is not what you think it is. I know you are too lazy to think and just want to buy a box of chocolates as a gift.  But it is Christmas and buying regular chocolates will not cut it. Get the ones that will give you a kick. Yep, Watsons now carrys Cupido’s chocolates with liquor and cocktail fillings! They are really the best bitter-sweet festive treats, so yummy I can’t stop popping them myself! (from $4.90)

The all rounder 

Need to buy in bulk, but no idea what to get? Well toiletries are no brainers because they are pretty safe gift choices for just about anybody and unisex gifts too. Pretty packaging and practical, what’s there not to like? 

English brand Grace Cole gifts sets are beautifully presented and relatively inexpensive with prices starting from only $6.90.

The Fruit Works range divine duo’s packaging is bright and cheery. In the pack, you will find a small tube of shower gel and a nylon bath ball. ($6.90)

If you are looking for something more feminine, you can’t go wrong with the brand’s Romantic Rose range’s romantic trio. The lovely packaging with rose print is girlish and attractive. It includes a body wash, body cream and soap. ($10.90)

Baylis & Harding is another brand that offers pretty gift sets at Watsons. The brand’s Boudoire Collection Floral Bouquet and Garden House gift sets’ are full of English charm. Its limited edition Jojoba, silk & almond oil gift set’s packaging on the other hand, is classy and has just the right amount of glitter. (All $8.90 each)

Spreading love through the Air

Aromatherapy never went out of fashion. Grace Cole’s diffuser sets in Orchid and Sea Breeze are decorated with a watercolour print.  The former is pretty in romantic colours like pink purple and blue. The latter has splashes of green, blue and yellow.

Besides looking good and smelling nice, it also offers really good value at just $5.90 per set. 

Good thing to have when hosting parties at home and good to bring along as a gift when attending one at a friend’s place.

About today's writer:

We are really happy to welcome Sherri into our LXG family. Sherri was a crime desk and entertainment reporter turned lifestyle correspondent for SPH. She spent her the last 7 years of her career covering beauty, fashion and health stories. She now freelances as a translator and writer for several health, wellness and lifestyle magazine. A beauty junkie, fashionista wannabe and self-proclaimed foodie she will be one of the many contributing writers at LXG. 

LIFESTYLE@LXG: The LADY embraces pure hydration with Sothys Hydra3Ha

"Healthy hydrated cells are the key to ageless skin and a healthy body" 

- Howard Murad

If you have read any of my posts, you will know that I have been having itchy and disgusting eczema on my face for the past two years (since I can’t seem to shut up about it). Anyway, the biggest problem with having eczema all over your face (apart from the itching, flaking skin and ugliness that is) is that it dries your skin almost to the very core, enhancing lines and wrinkles that no amount of moisturiser can heal.

This is where Sothys comes in. Recently, I decided to pop on down for the Sothys launch for their new Hydra3Ha cream and serum launch and it was love at first try. I personally love Sothys products, my must-have or I will die product is their Energising Night Cream which makes me look like I actually manage to sleep eight hours each night, when in fact I am lucky to clock around six or seven. 

But unfortunately, it does not help with my eczema and in some cases can even aggravate it, which is why their new Hyaluronic Acid range is a godsend, as its very gentle and keeps my parched skin deeply hydrated.


The cream is lightly scented and does not aggravate sensitive skin. In fact, the next morning, the skin on my face feels plumper and more hydrated. So if you have dehydrated skin, you really must try this range as its gentle but deeply hydrating! 

LADY@LXG: Is in love with Pureessentiel!

"Aromatherapy can help address the physical and emotional causes of pain"

I am a huge, huge fan of all things aromatherapy for a myriad of reasons, from personal to health. In fact, I even use pure essential oils (tea tree, lavender and peppermint - in case you were interested) to clean my house, as its non toxic and leaves the house smelling so lovely and the soothing lavender oil helps keep my hyper pup less crazy. 

At the media launch recently, we were given three products out of their comprehensive range to try: 

My favourite is the PURESSENTIEL PURIFYING Air Spray with 41 essential oils and  I was so excited to try it out that I started spritzing it around my house the moment I got home. Apart from the fact that it smells absolutely divine, it has helped  control my asthma and sinus from flaring up. So much so that I spray around the four corners of the room every night. 

The spray is said to get rid of bacteria, viruses, microscopic fungi and unpleasant odours. It also limits the sources of allergies, ensuring you breathe in purer air. With 41 essential oils and bio-alcohol, this product is 100% natural and free of cancer causing synthetic perfume (seriously, synthetic scents are bad- google it if you don't believe me). 

The Purifying Air Spray retails at $49.90 for 200 ML.

Something I can’t live without and use every night is the PURESSENTIEL MUSCLES & JOINTS Roller with 14 essential oils Ok so those of you who read my rants know that I have sensitive skin and am currently having an awful outbreak of eczema, which basically means that I can’t use almost anything. In fact, right now, I am even restricted from eating anything, which sucks with it being Christmas and all. The only benefit of restricting my chocolate and cake is the fact that I might actually lose some of that weight I have piled on. What I really like about this roller is that its tolerance tested, which essentially means that I can use it without my skin to breaking out in a rash. Its non photo-sensitizing, non photo-irritating, dye-and preservative-free, with no artificial fragrance and no mineral oils. The best part is that it smells so nice (not old-lady like at all) so much so that you can wear it when you go out (yeah its that nice!) and it works almost immediately, nixing pain upon contact almost. The Muscle and Joints Roller retails at $33.90.

PURESSENTIEL MUSCLES & JOINTS Soothing Balm + 14 essential oils This little pot of happiness is suitable for more intense pain and just like the roll-on, it smells really nice and botanical and will not leave you smelling like your granny, which means you can use it anytime you need it, even when you are going out. 

The velvety balm helps relax muscle tensions with its 14 essential oils. Its also 100% natural, 100% pure and 100% active, has no colouring, mineral oils or preservatives and retails at $26.90. 

The PUREESSENTIEL range is available exclusively at BEAUTY BY NATURE stores islandwide.

LADY@LXG: Finally, a safe and natural solution for eczema!

"What do I love best about my eczema? The pain? The itch? The public embarrassment? Oh there is just so much to choose from!"

I honestly can’t believe that I forgot all about Salcura Zeoderm. I came across this lifesaver when it was first introduced to Singapore, but since I was not suffering from any skin ailment at that point in time, it completely slipped my mind. But now, since my eczema has flared up and spread onto my arms and legs making me look like some sort of red and swollen creature, I am so thankful that this product is so easily available (not to mention affordable) here in Singapore! 

Salcura Zeoderm Skin Repair Moisturiser is so gentle it can even be used on infants over 6 months of age. A powerful antioxidant, it defends against skin cell damage, while it helps irritated skin detox by binding and eliminating skin toxins.

I use this cream on my face and neck because the eczema had made my skin so parched that it literally cracks. This cream is lovely, you only need a little bit and it keeps skin deeply hydrated and protected and most importantly, it greatly reduces the itch. The cream makes my skin matte and seems to have a slight blurring effect, making my complexion look less red and inflamed. 

The Salcura DermaSprayTM Intensive is a very water-light lotion thats great to spritz on  super itchy or hard to reach areas. It lightly hydrates and nixes the instinct to rip your skin off. Its so gentle, it can even be used on infants over 12 months of age. 

Because it comes in a spray bottle, there is no rubbing, thus lessening any risk of infection or discomfort. The water light liquid absorbs deeply, is not greasy, doesn’t stain and can even be sprayed on the scalp. Unlike many products in the market, Salcura doesn’t mask the problem. Instead, its all natural ingredients reach lower skin layers to promote healthy new skin growth. 

Both products smell pleasant, Personally I like the scent a lot. Its a bit herbal (not TCM stinky herbs, but more aromatherapy type herbs) and the scent is very light, so it wont overpower your skin care or perfume.

I especially like the fact that the products do not contain any steroids, cortisones, hormones, peroxides, antibiotics, alcohol or parabans and very importantly it is not tested on animals! 

Don’t expect overnight miracles, although it will help soothe or stop the itchy feeling and heal the skin instantly. Like all things natural, give it a little while to work its magic to heal your skin from inside-out, trust me, the patience is worth it! 

Salcura Zeoderm Skin Repair Moisturiser retails at only $26.80 while Salcura DermaSprayTM Intensive retails at only $29.80 

LADY@LXG: Thank God for Maybelline Mascara and Concealer...

"I am not one of those girls who needs to plaster on a whole face of slap before I can leave the house. At the same time, I do try to look and smell nice because, well because I respect myself, and I don't want to make little children run away crying".

Personally, I feel naked without my lipstick, mascara and concealer (for those areas that just need concealing). 

While I would love to have long, fluttery lashes that I can coyly flitter at attractive males that I come across, I was unfortunately born with a bit of stubby and sparse hair that perches precariously upon my eyelid, masquerading as lashes. Also, unlike most girls, I suck at wearing falsies. They always look lopsided, and I end up glueing my eyes shut, which is such a pain (literally)  - and that is why I am so very thankful to have discovered Maybelline's Lash Sensational Mascara which thanks to its lash catcher wand, can fan out even the stubbiest lashes, from one end to the other. 

The shorter bristles on one side of the wand allow you to go really close to your lash line, while the longer bristles help to fan out all the lashes, even the stubborn little ones, giving you nine-times more volume - so I can ditch those annoying falsies once and for all. 

Of course if you want major dolly eyes, you are still going to need those falsies I'm afraid, but for me, this works just fine. 

As for a concealer, I swear by YSL's Touche Eclat, although recently I bought a lovely one from Physicians Formula which gives a lovely sheer and natural coverage for a fraction of the price of my Touche Eclat.

Then recently, while trawling through Watsons, I discovered the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer, which comes in two colours and helps erase dark circles, puffiness and fine lines instantly (this really works by the way). 

The active formula with Haloxyl reduces the look of puffiness and shadows, while fading the appearance of under-eye circles. It applies very smoothly and covers completely. 

Unlike my usual concealer/highlighter, this product leaves skin matte with pretty good coverage. My skin felt like I had nothing on, but my dark circles and eczema was covered beautifully (although it did look a bit cakey on the flakey bits, but then what wouldn't right?).