LADY@LXG: My Quest for the Perfect Shampoo

Hair care is something that is very important to me. I spent most of my life using whatever I found in the bathroom, or whatever brand was on offer in the store, but as I grow older, I notice that my scalp is becoming far less tolerant of what I use...

 A lot of the shampoos that I previously had no problem with, now causes my scalp to flake and itch and as a result my hair to fall, which is why I now look for products that are SLS free or have ingredients that will nourish my scalp and not irritate it. 

Its a lot of trial and error, which benefits my brother greatly as he gets to take home a bag of my ‘errors’ almost every month, but totally worth it to find a product that works, so if you have an itchy scalp - my advice - determine the cause for the flaking and itching. 

If you wash your hair daily (some people don’t, which is terribly gross), use a suitable shampoo, condition religiously (on the hair and not the scalp unless specified, as conditioners leave residue on the scalp which can lead to itching and flaking), wash your comb or brush, then the culprit could be the shampoo you are using. 

One of my favourite hair care brands is Lebel. Its a Japanese hair care range that is SLS free, smells gorgeous and is extremely gentle and perfect for daily use. The range I normally use is Lebel’s Hair Soap in Jojoba which is so gentle and smells divine, but recently I received one of their more recent range of hair care which they were kind enough to specifically select, according to my hair type and condition. 

Lebel’s IAU Bound Water range is all about keeping hair and scalp hydrated and healthy. I was lucky enough to get a bottle of their Cleansing Relaxment shampoo, a hydrating shampoo for dry scalps, which smells very clean and lightly floral and even though it is sulphate free, it still lathers quite well.

The shampoo which is also silicone-free, cleans thoroughly but does not dry; neither does it strip away my hair colour. I followed it with Melt Repair, a deeply hydrating conditioner. I like the fact that although the scent is not overpowering, it does last through the day and keeps hair smelling nice (there really is nothing more off-putting than stinky hair).

 

As a weekly pampering treat, I use their Pure Booster serum/oil on my hair tips or their deeply nourishing and hydrating hair mask which leaves my hair looking shiny and healthy.

If you would like to try Lebel’s range of IAU Bound Water hair care treatments or at-home products, do visit the salons mentioned below. A piece of advice, its better not to be penny wise and pound foolish when selecting your hair care and skin care products. I'd rather spend more money on something I know is good, than buy something that will make me lose hair and go bald! 

IAU Home Care (basic care) includes: 

IAU Cleansing Freshment (200ml, RRP: $38.00) 

- Suitable for oily scalp 

- Gentle cleansing  

IAU Cleansing Clearment (200ml, RRP: $38.00) 

- Suitable for normal scalp 

- Deep cleansing  

IAU Cleansing Relaxment (200ml, RRP: $38.00) 

- Suitable for dry scalp 

- Hydrating 

IAU Silky Repair (200ml, RRP: $38.00) 

- Smooth lightweight conditioner 

IAU Melt Repair (200ml, RRP: $38.00) 

- Deep-moisturizing conditioner 

The products are available at the following salons:  

De Hair-tique Salon 

23 Serangoon Central,  

NEX, #04-09,  

Singapore 556083 

Tel: 66344722 

Flhair Salon 

Blk 722 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8 #01-2829,  

Singapore 560722 

Tel: 64522330

WELLNESS@LXG: The Benefits of Boto Caviar

Its actually quite ironic how much I have transformed into a metrosexual.

A year ago I would have taken great offense to anyone who would dare suggest it.... but as a wise man once said ‘a good woman comes at a price’, and in my case, the considerable cost was to part company with my prehistoric habits...

But to be truthful, after having used Jyunka M+ Fluid and then their peel kit, I have become something of a fan for the brand, which doesn’t promise anything that it can’t deliver.

My latest product from Jyunka is their Boto Caviar serum.

Jyunka Boto Caviar Serum

 Now as you know, M+ Fluid is what is known as a booster (still trying to decipher all this beauty-speak), so to complete my skin care regimen, I still needed to use a serum. The purpose of Boto Caviar is to provide crucial nourishment to the skin.

Since my skin is now slowly recovering from a lifetime of neglect and abuse, the Boto Caviar is really helping to further enhance the benefits of the M+ Fluid. My dry and pigmented skin is actually looking softer, the pigmentation not as pronounced and forgive my description but my skin really does have a bit of bounce to it.

The Main Active Ingredients:

• ACETYL HEXAPEPTIDE-8 A powerful anti-wrinkle hexapeptide with a Botox-like Activity, used via a topical application to induce muscle relaxation.

• ACACIA COLLAGEN
 Extracted from the Acacia Senegal tree, the collagen softens and retains moisture on the skin, reducing dryness or skin chapping; and at the same time inducing greater collagen production by the fibroblast.

• CAVIAR
Applied on skin, caviar helps to stimulate and regenerate the skin’s cellular structure

• SODIUM HYALURONATE
A smaller and stronger version of the Hyaluronate Acid chain that exists naturally in the skin, this super Hyaluronate retains large amounts of moisture and protects the skin from bacteria, dust and ultraviolet rays.

Its only been a week of use, but I am already seeing an improvement in my skin’s texture and tone. The serum is very lightweight in texture and is almost watery and simply dissolves when applied.

If your skin is in need of nourishment or a pick-me-up, I suggest trying the Boto Caviar serum. The product does show results quite fast.

Boto Caviar retails at $198.00 for a 30 ML bottle. 

If you would like to try Jyunka’s Boto Caviar Serum, I have just one bottle to give away to one lucky winner.

All you need to do to take part is to:

- Like this post and tell me why you would like to try this product
- Like the Jyunka FB page 
- Share this blog post on your FB, twitter etc.

The more you share, the greater the chance of winning so hurry, start sharing now!

WELLNESS@LXG: Jyunka M+ Fluid - Miracle Skin Care?

For regular readers of this blog, you'll know that I have been undertaking something of a journey of discovery with regards to facial treatments for the modern man...

Where once there was a mere soap-and-water kinda guy, now stands a man who appreciates and adheres to a regular facial treatment regime. Man thought it couldn't be done, but here I stand; living proof that even the most stubborn Neanderthal can become a member of modern well-groomed society.

But after having undertaken my first facial treatment and my first facial peel, there was one other step that had to be taken to complete my initiation.

And it was to be Keefe Chie, Marketing Director and Trainer at Jyunka International, who would introduce me to a rather special product. Having previously undertaken the facial peel, using Jyunka's Epidermal Treatment Kit, Keefe was keen to find out if the texture and quality of my facial skin had improved. So I arranged to have a consultation with him.

Jyunka product range at Phoenix La Beaute

I found myself in the familiar surroundings of Phoenix La Beaute at Palais Renaissance once again, where my journey of dermal discovery had initially begun.

Phoenix La Beaute

After having met Keefe and settled down in one of the comfortable treatment rooms, my face was placed under close scrutiny. Although still a little uncomfortable with the idea of having someone that close to my face, Keefe was quick to put me at ease and soon went about picking out areas of my face that were obviously prone to dehydration and sun damage. Old scars and blemishes were also zoned in for treatment.

And this was when Keefe unveiled his secret weapon - JYUNKA M+ Fluid.

Now my better half had previously sung the praises of this 'Miracle Fluid, and of course I was initially dubious as to its healing effects. But on reading further about its properties, I realized that there was some heavy science behind its composition.

You see I'm a sucker for science, and it wasn't long before I was researching the patented 'QuSome Technology' that powers the M+ Fluid's restorative attributes. Very, very interesting...

According to the published research, QuSomes are a delivery system of anti-aging skin care ingredients. Minuscule and multi-layered, the theory is that QuSomes more effectively penetrate the skin, delivering nutrients and beneficial ingredients to deeper layers than is possible with other products.

A QuSome is a microscopic bubble layered with different types of ingredients designed to benefit the skin. As the products are applied to the skin, the layers are absorbed one at a time. QuSomes alternate layers of water soluble ingredients with fat soluble ingredients, on the theory that each layer will target a different layer of the skin, designed to deliver nutrients ever deeper. As one layer of these QuSomes is absorbed, it exposes and makes way for the next, allowing the appropriate ingredients to each reach the layer of the skin where they would be most effective.

This diagram explains the delivery system of QuSomes and how they differ from ordinary skincare products:

Okay, so there was enough there for me to become intrigued, and so when I got the offer to experience M+ Fluid firsthand, I was ready, willing and able...

Keefe explained to me that the QuSomes are able to deliver Vitamin C in its purest form, directly into the dermis of the skin. Pure Vitamin C is well known to counteract the causes of skin's blemishes, acne, pores, wrinkles, and sagging - but it is extremely unstable and rapidly deteriorates if left exposed to the air. But the new technology used in Miracle + enables deep penetration inside the skin.

After cleansing my face, Keefe applied the fluid - just about three drops massaged across the contours of my face and neck. There is no greasy feeling or residue - the liquid simply absorbs into the skin. Keefe also advised further topical application to darker spots or blemishes.

And this is when the really interesting stuff happened: Keefe had me sat in front of a mirror, so I could see any visible effects taking place. And within minutes of the application, I could actually see a  change... Most obvious were my cheeks - they seemed to have been given an instant lift; like a filler without the needles! The skin had firmed up, with a visible glow.

A subtle lightening of dark blemishes could also be seen. Really quite amazing - and all within 20 minutes.

Keefe explained that the change taking place was due to the facial contour being lifted at the muscular level, leaving the skin firmer and more toned. Long term usage is said to lead to increased skin cell production, followed by increased collagen and elastin production at the dermis level - which basically means, overall skin rejuvenation.

After seeing it with my own eyes, I was convinced enough to sign on for a long term trial. I mean, if it takes just minutes to see a visible improvement in the texture of my skin, think what regular use over, say three months, could achieve?

So I'll be carrying on with my M+ Fluid usage - and I'll blog again in about three months with some photo comparisons, to see what further changes have taken place,and if the product actually retains its effectiveness.

But so far, I am well and truly impressed...   
_________


Jyunka M+ is priced at SGD 344.00 (inclusive of GST) for 30 ML and is available at :
Phoenix La Beaute : Palais Renaissance #B1-07. Tel: 6733 4556

AND AS USUAL, I DON'T EXPECT YOU TO JUST TAKE MY WORD FOR IT!

Jyunka has kindly sponsored a bottle of their star product, M+ Fluid, for one lucky reader worth $344.

To take part:

1. 'Like' this post and tell me why you want to try this product
2. 'Like' Jyunka's FB page
3. Share, share and share this post. The more shares, the greater your chances of winning!
4. Good luck! 

WELLNESS@LXG: PEELING AWAY THE LAYERS

As a recently converted/evolved caveman, I am still new to the whole skincare regime that many women and metrosexual men take for granted... So when the good people of Jyunka recently gave me a sample of their Peel Kit with instructions to start having a “peel” done every week to keep my skin in optimal condition -  I was initially at a lost to how to go about using it.

Thankfully, having a partner who used to be an editor for a beauty magazine helps. After promising to share my Peel Kit (yes there is always a price to be paid), she explained that unless I exfoliated my skin weekly, it would lead to a build up of dead skin which would leave my face looking dull and congested. Because the peel would treat my superficial epidermal layer and stimulate regenerative cells, it would leave me looking younger and more attractive. When I still looked a bit confused, she summarized it all by saying that unless I used the peel, I would look like something the cat dragged in, and she would have no choice but to leave me for a metrosexual, So with that kindly cleared up, use the peel I will.  

In my first review of Jyunka’s M+ Fluid, which I use religiously together with my usual skin care products, Keefe, the trainer for Jyunka, applied the Jyunka Peel onto my skin after thoroughly and gentle cleansing it. 

Being a typical guy and only recently having learned that exfoliation is necessary or else your partner leaves you, I was quite nervous about using the peel on myself without an expert to guide me. ( I was recently spoiled rotten by a fantastic therapist during my first ever facial treatment). Luckily, the good lady was at hand and quite roughly (I must add), scrubbed my face clean and rubbed in the peel cream. After four minutes (you can leave on for between 1-5 minutes, but must not exceed five minutes) she very roughly cleaned it with cotton pads soaked in the Epidermal Lotion and then sent me off to wash my face.

During the peel, my skin felt a slight biting sensation which was very bearable and far less traumatic than the good lady’s rough facial cleansing (how I yearned for the gentle hands of the therapists at Phoenix La Beaute). After the peel was cleaned away and my skin neutralized, my face immediately looked clearer, lighter and matte but not dry. I was in fact rather pleased. 

The Peel Kit is very simple to use and shows immediate results. I would recommend using it before an important date or meeting, as your skin will look refreshed and brighter. 

If you have PIGMENTED SKIN - Apply the peel on spot locations three times a week. 

If you suffer from congested skin and and have BLACK HEADS - Apply it for three consecutive days on the problem area, after which you can apply it one to two times weekly.

If you have DULL SKIN  - Apply the peel on your whole face weekly (avoiding the eye area and lips).

The Jyunka Epidermal Peel Kit retails at SGD119 and is available at Phoenix La Beaute at Palais Renaissance #B1-07. Tel. 6733 4556.

OF COURSE I DON'T EXPECT YOU TO JUST TAKE MY WORD FOR IT!

Jyunka has kindly sponsored an Epidermal Peel Kit, for one lucky reader worth SGD119.

To take part in this giveaway:

1. 'Like' this post and tell me why you want to try this product
2. 'Like' Jyunka's Facebook page
3. Share, share and share this post. The more shares, the greater your chances of winning!
4. Good luck! 

LADY@LXG: When Sunscreen Meets Science

A sunscreen that doesn’t need to be reapplied every two hours is born! 

One thing I can’t live without, is a good sunscreen. Whether I am cloistered away writing at my desk or horseback riding on the plains of Mongolia, one beauty product that I will always have on, is my broad spectrum sunblock. 

Unfortunately, a good sunscreen has not so much to do with how high its SPF is, but its efficacy. This is because no matter how high the SPF is, every sunscreen’s effectiveness halves every two hours. This simply means that if you use a sunscreen with an SPF of 60, in two hours it will reduce to SPF 30. In two more hours, that drops down to SPF 15 and so on. In next to no time (unless you reapply) you are left with zero protection. And let's be frank - how many of us actually reapply our sunscreen, especially over our carefully made-up faces? Its just not practical.

This is why - when EHA Clinic, run by Aesthetic Doctor Elias Tam launched its first Japan-made SPF 30 sunscreen with 24hr efficacy, I just had to have it...

The sunscreen is mildly tinted and applies smoothly and is very easily blended. It has no scent and the tint is very subtle and leaves my skin looking clear, fresh and natural. I love using this by itself during the weekends or when I don’t require too much coverage. But if you have good skin, you can skip the foundation or powder and simply go with the sunscreen.

For those skeptics among you, (and I was one of them to be quite honest), lets talk science...

Many of the high SPF sunscreens available on the market today use chemical filters to block UVA rays, but these have been shown to only offer marginal protection. That’s because commonly used UVA filters like avobenzone and Mexoryl, break down quickly and lose effectiveness in the sun unless stabilized. This stabilization process is difficult and few companies have been able to prove that they can do it. Therefore in the past, the best way make sure you were protected throughout the day was to reapply sunscreen often – at least once every two hours. Even if it offered the best UVA protection, it’s efficacy soon disappeared.

EHA’s Sun Shield 24hr has been proven to block both UV-A and UV-B rays by 99%, for a period of 24 hours, with just one application.

The main ingredient used in Sun Shield 24hr to block UV rays is called the "Y titanium particle", a kind of Titanous Oxide coated with silicon. A very thin application of this product (10-15 microns) is all you need to maintain its effect. Stearyl glycyrrhetinate helps prevent inflammation caused by sun burn and snow burn.

Plantal moisturizing ingredients such as Scutellaria baicalensis root extract, Althea extract, Arnica extract, Paeonia suffruticosa root extract, Linden extract, etc., and organic ingredients such as sodium chondroitin sulfate, aspartic acid, glycerin, etc., help maintain good condition of the skin by moisturizing and giving tensity and elasticity to the skin. Oil-based moisturizing ingredients such as natural vitamin E, squalane, etc., help prevent dryness and oxidation of the skin.

EHA Sunshield 24 hr is available at EHA Clinic. 1 Scotts Road. #15-01 Shaw Centre. Singapore 228208. Tel: 6235 3325

EHA Sunshield 24HR is priced at: 
30 Ml bottle $98.00
5 ML travel size tube $38.00

Want to try this sunscreen? EHA is sponsoring three 5ml travel-size sunscreens worth $38 each. 

“Like” this post

“Like” EHA’s FB page

Comment on this blog post and tell me why you would like to try this product

Share this with ALL your friends. Remember, the more you share the greater the chance of winning.

LADY@LXG.

MENTOR@LXG: Back in the Dating Game

We here at the LXG are always happy to lend some constructive words of advice to any of our fellow gentlemen out there. Whatever the issue, dilemma or query - we are here to help.

So let's kick off with a situation that quite a few gentlemen are finding themselves in these days. This query will surely resonate with many:

Q: I'm going out on the town for the first time in years. My work life has taken over for so long that I've completely neglected the personal side of things. Anyway, what should a guy in his late-30's wear on a date with a very attractive and fashionable lady in her mid-20's? And of course, how do I avoid making a nervous and awkward fool of myself?
LXG: It's not usually about the person you're with, but rather where you are going. But we can understand your concerns... could you be in danger of looking like her uncle, or worse still - her father? Well, you can't go wrong with a slim dark suit and a fine white shirt. If you're worried about looking geriatric, hold the tie. And use a fine fragrance - but don't drench yourself in it. Just a few dabs. Subtlety is the key here. You may be shaking inside, but an outwardly relaxed air of confidence will also put her at ease...  

Nervous people often talk too much, so be wary of too much chatter. Be respectful of her and listen (even if you are not interested in what she says, be polite and courteous). And don’t talk about your EX... If she asks you questions about your ex then gracefully sidestep the question without too much criticism or complaints!

Turn your cell phone off and put it away. You simply have to put your work life away this evening. Make the effort to give your date your full attention. Checking your phone every few minutes for messages is the height of rudeness!

Don’t order more than a couple of drinks and don’t get drunk. It’s not impressive to your date. Drunk people often talk too much and too loud!

And yes, you are paying the bill. You're not going halves, you're not going Dutch. You are paying the bill. All of it...

-LXG-

If you need some words of advice, our experts at LXG will be sure to point you in the right direction.
Just message us at our facebook page.

TECH@LXG: The Mixtape Reloaded!

In the days before CD, MP3 or iTunes, when Sony's Walkman was just about the only mobile music player worth having, hip young music lovers engaged in the painstakingly intricate process of recording a 45-minute-per-side compilation of favorite tunes onto an audio cassette tape. I'm not ashamed to admit I remember those days well...

A kind of forefather to today's MP3 playlist, the mix tape was about creating a unique musical identity, an expression of personality that could be shared with those near and dear. Technology marches relentlessly on and tapes are now all-but extinct, replaced by digital files on smartphones and media players.

The essence of the compact cassette mix tape has now been given a modern update by the folks from the MakerBot Industries Applications team in Brooklyn, New York, with the launch of the 3D-printed Mixtape do-it-yourself music player kit.

The first in a new series of DIY Projects, the Mixtape is available in two distinct flavors - the choice depending on whether you own something like a MakerBot Replicator or not. A DIY kit containing the electronics (including a Li-ion battery that's good for four hours of playback between charges), a USB cable and instructions is available for US$25.

The design files needed for 3D printing are available for download from Thingiverse.com. Once the components have been created with a 3D printer, the Mixtape just snaps together with the electronic board housed inside. The 3.5mm headphone jack should be available at the bottom (where the pressure pad would be on a cassette) and three buttons positioned on the front of the Mixtape control play/pause, skip forward or backward, equalizer, volume and reset.

MP3 music files can be dragged and dropped onto the 2GB of built-in solid state storage from a Mac/PC via USB. For those not lucky enough to own a 3D printer, MakerBot has also made a ready-to-go Mixtape available for $39, which is printed, assembled and shipped from the Brooklyn workshop.

As you can see from the following promo video, creating and sharing a personalized collection of tunes with a loved one continues into the digital age with the MakerBot Mixtape.
Source: MakerBot