I have broadly divided organic brands into 2 categories: 1. Advanced organics 2. Plant based/ aromatherapy organics. To me,  advanced science organic brands are like suki and snowberry. Plant based / aromatherapy organics are for instance Pure Lochside, Balm Balm and Madara. Advanced organic brands harnessed technology in their formulation. You can expect complex peptides, liposomes, standardised potent extract in proven concentration. E.g. Suki uses white willow bark in 15 % conc to reduce inflammation n redness. The texture are usually lighter as it is preferred by most people. There might be some ingredients used you might not be familiar or need some checking to be assured. 

Plant based brands, on the other hand, are more gentle relying purely on the power of the plants to heal and nourish e.g. Balm balm uses shea butter, sunflower, essential oils etc. The effectiveness depends largely on the quality of the plants and herbs they used. The scent tends to be more therapeutic. Texture can be light or heavy depending on mix. 

I believe in using clean, as natural as possible or organic (even better) skincare. Yet, it is getting harder to know the truth with dozen articles and studies done on ingredients. some approved some disagreed. I stand by the brands that i carry and know very well, the products that works on the different skin conditions. The worse is getting skincare recommendation from a person whom has no idea what is going on. 

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From a customer point of view:

Recently I had this opportunity to try out a facial at this tiny facial place. It is manned by just 2 ladies providing facial services. It was great! I always prefer smaller salon versus big branded spas. The feeling of sincerity and coziness is the star factor. No pushiness just genuine honest recommendations. I like seeing the same familiar face, not changing therapist. I like that I am in a private place and not in a big spacious cold area filled with people waiting in line. Not changing faces when I declined their offer. 

From a salon owner point of view:

The one to one relationship between me and my therapist is unique, close yet with a respected distant. A friend yet a customer. I enjoy each n every relationship with them. A customer came in yesterday and was upset that i did not inform her beforehand that her favourite facial oil is out of stock. I was bewildered for a moment but but ..how would i know when she is going to need it, i thought to myself. We are open with each other. She continued that she felt that i should know her well enough and note when she will be finishing her products. Hmm.. That is where she was coming from. I did not live up to her expectation of me as her skincare advisor. Quietly i admitted my own negligence and made a point to take note in future. It is a learning point and i reflect upon it. I do treasure each n every customer i have. It saddened me if a customer did not return and makes me happy to see a returning one. As my work responsibility widens and may not be in the salon, I hope that the ladies working with me can continue passing on this feeling of sincerity to all of beloved friends. 

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A new client said that she likes my website and that she enjoys reading my blog. I am greatly encouraged. Thanks Jane. 

Why is it that skincare cannot be viewed as fashion? Why is it girls can buy clothes so easily n so often but not skincare? For me, i love skincare products. To me, it is not just a product, it is the scent, the feeling that i am taking care of myself and the hope that make skincare such an addiction. It means more to me than frilly fashion that changes as unpredictable as wind directions. I have a drawer full of serums, moisturiser, intensive creams. I use the products depending on mood, skin condition or expiration dates. I alternate them and find that it works better on my skin. When i feel dry, i use the wonder rich day cream, dull jus pull out that aha serum, moody is skin&bones for me. Just like clothes, when u feel slim, u will put on that super tight black jeans or pencil skirts. When dull and cant wait to blend in with the background, a plain neat top n bottom does it. A junior school gathering, that "icantbreathe' girdle & black dress that blur actual shape.  For one that worry about putting on the "wrong" cream, i say "know your ingredients". I hardly make mistakes in my skincare indulgences because i know myself and i know how to read skincare products ingredients. For clothes, if you know your style, and know the clothes that suits your body, you will seldom (i din say not never) make any wrong buys too. Wear your skincare today!

1 Banish Breakouts

Pumpkin seeds are the antidote to spots because they’re packed with zinc. Aim for one to two tablespoons a day. The Top 10 Foods that are Highest in Zinc can be found at http://www.healthaliciousness.com/articles/zinc.php

p/s: sorry folks. Zit is not my area of concern. However, i heard from my sister (prior to reading this) that zinc helps to reduce her outbreaks. she now swear by NO COFFEE and DRINK WARM GOOD QUALITY HONEY before bed for soft silky skin. 

2. White Pearly Teeth
An apple a day will keep the teeth-bleaching doctor away. The crunchy snack has been shown to actually buff off the stains left behind by coffee, tea and red wine. Well, there isn’t any excuse for us to avoid these essentials food that keep our day going.

p/s:  NTUC sells a pack of organic apples at about $4 plus. A real steal. 

3. Get Glorious Locks
Green Beans are high in silicon. A study found that people who took a silicon supplement had significantly stronger and thicker hair after nine months.

p/s: i have been eating alot of green beans since i read this. I have high hopes that it will work!

4. Condition Dry Skin
A new British Journal of Nutrition study found that flaxseed is the best weapon in the war again scaly patches. It contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which help to hydrate skin and keep it soft and smooth. You can drizzle some ground flaxseed to yogurt, or cereal or oatmeal.

p/s: I got mine from Natural Farm at S$4.50 for a large pack. I sprinkle over oats, cereal etc.

5. Staying Young

Best bet against the forces of gravity on my face is kiwis.  Packed with an awesome source of Vitamin C, which experts say can slow down the aging process by stimulating collagen production. And the more collagen you have in your skin, the firmer and more elastic it will be and the hotter you will look in 15 years’ time

P/s: I bought a mix of green and yellow kiwis. The yellow ones are expensive but sweeter. It is about $1.40 for one yellow kiwi.

6. Beef up your nails
To get strong healthy nails, try eating eggs several times a week. Rich in biotin and research reveals that the nutrient is responsible for giving your nails superstrength. Another source is gelatin. I tried eating home-made agar-agar (with little or no sugar) for weeks and my nails became super strong.

p/s: This is really easy to follow. I am already going on 2 eggs for 3 times a week diet.  I exercise so the cholesterol is not a issue for me.

Check out my next blog on my detox diet experience with Kaeng Raeng. Check out www.kaengraeng.com

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Review on ARCONA products from Hollywood and Los Angeles' Leading Facial Spa

I read about ARCONA from a book on natural/ organic skincare and makeup. The writer has such great review about the facial and products that I just had to try it.  It is supposedly THE place where alot of celebrities in Hollywood goes to for their facials.  The writer is a fan of organic skincare products thus naturally I assume that the products must be safe for use.

ARCONA
According to their literature, the key to ARCONA’s effectiveness is its active ingredients and the way they are combined and processed.

Cosmeceutical-grade ingredients, such as enzymes, antioxidants and amino acids, are formulated to work synergistically to deliver powerful results. These active ingredients are cold-processed at very low temperatures, in small batches, to keep them active and effective.

ARCONA products do not contain petrochemicals, binders or fillers, chemical stabilizers, parabens, sodium lauryl sulphates, perfumes, dyes, or any other caustic, toxic ingredients. It is not mentioned that the products are organic or using natural ingredients.

ARCONA believes in creating radiant skin at any age with their BASIC FIVE PROGRAM.

The purpose of the Basic Five is to help speed up, strengthen and enhance the skin’s own renewal process. The products to use in the morning nourish, strengthen and protect your skin by day. The products to use at night heal, repair and regenerate your skin as you rest.

I tried their Basic Five Normal Skin Type Travel Kit. It comprises of 5 products, AM regime Golden Grain Gommage (Cleanse/Exfoliate), 2. Magic White Ice (Hydrate),  3. Desert Mist (Protect) and PM regime Toner Tea Bar (Cleanse) 5. Gentle Solution (Treatment). Out of the 5 products in the kit, I am only impressed by the results of the Gentle Solution (Treatment).  The rest of the products smelled nice with mediocre results.

Gentle Solution
Gentle nighttime treatment for dry and sensitive skin repairs sun damage and resurfaces skin as you sleep. Stimulate rapid cell renewal and deep exfoliation with our gentle-acting Glycolactolymer Complex™. Strengthen skin’s immune system and combat free radical damage with our high-powered antioxidant complex. Decongest microcomedones to refine pores, smooth and clear skin. Nourish with algae, amino acids and chlorophyll for healthy, glowing skin.

Ingredients
Aqua (Distilled Water), Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Hydrolized Soy Extract, Glycerine, Glycolic Acid Polymer, Lactic Acid Polymer, Chondrus Crispus(carrageenan) Runus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Glycogen, Beta Fructan, Glucosamine HCI, Chorophyll, Guava Extract, Grapefruit seed Extract

Effect
The skin really GLOWS the next day. It feel like it is dry but it is not, in a sense. I would probably say it feels tight with radiance. If you have done a peel before, you will probably understand what I am saying. The effect can last probably 2 days. It was be applied 2-4 times a week.

Texture and Scent
The texture is gel-like with a mild pleasant scent. I used about 1-1.5 pumps each time and spread it thinly over the face. It feels a little sticky initially but the sticky feel goes away after 15-20minutes.  The skin feels like it has a layer of “shield” over it.

After Thoughts
As much as I like the effect of this night treatment gel. I will recommend using it occasionally. Frankly, I am wary of skincare product that produces overnight tightening or super radiance effect. I believe products that produce fast results contain very strong ingredients. With continued usage, I am concerned that it might cause sensitivity or caused skin that “needs” stronger products for effect.  I prefer milder skin care products that preserve the skin natural pH and acid mantle. The products must be completed within 18 months from opening.

I will purchase it again if i have the opportunity.


 

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Holiday is wondeful. I like to travel, like the sound of it, and the bubbling anticipation as the dates draw nearer. Probably the only thing that I detest about traveling is the packing and unpacking. Such a dread truly. Never a master of it till now. I often simply dump in the basic like clothes, undies, tissues, plastic bags, money, passport, shoe & socks, a good book and toiletries. My The Other can never understand why i can be such a neat freak  yet be such a messy packer. I like to bring along disposable things. The throwing away process makes me feel like i am decluttering my life. Old clothes, over-used undies are part of my holiday packing. Out with the old and in with the new!

For my toiletries and beauty regime items, I only bring along disposable ones. Suki jump start kit is the item for me. 7 pieces in 4ml aluminium packs to last 3-4 days. The 7 items covers all care from cleansing, toning, day moisturizing and night moisturizing, spots treatment, body lotion and hand balm. However the body lotion can only last 3 applications. Do bring along a zip lock bag to contain the half opened pack. For colder countries, I would bring along the nourishing kit and balancing kit for hotter climates.

For trips that last longer than 3 days, the complete care set fits the bill as it meant to last about 1-2 weeks.  In the complete care kit, there are a total of 4 15mL products, namely, cleanser, toner, moisturiser and mask. It comes with 2 one-time use complimentary face care like mask and body cream etc. The complete care set is also more targeted as it comes in 4 types; Youthful for mature skin, even for hyper-pigmentation, calm for irritated skin and clear for oily skin.

On top of the kits, I will bring along Balm Balm face balm in rose geranium or tea tree. It comes in handy for any tricky situations like dry patch, dry hands etc. it also make up for the insufficiency of body care products in the suki kit. For hair care, i either bring along stacks of suki shampoo packs for short trips or madara shampoo in a travel bottle. Body wise, I use whatever i can find in the hotel toilet.

Sun protection wise, it is the Vive Sana SPF 40 tube to protect against the sun or cold weather. I find that makes my skin feels protected in a way as the emollient content keeps my skin soft and "shielded". I use it on my kids too.

For my kids, a baby wash and madara protective cream are the 2 products that I bring for their skin care. Basic care to keep it clean and protect is essential. I double up the baby wash for their hair too if it just a short trip.

Nearing the end of the trip, I will try to finish using all the products.  In this way, I will not be stuck with half-used products or products in travel bottles which I always have problem remembering its content after 2 weeks.

P/s:  Another  essential will be Tatcha Blotting Paper to make sure that I look fresh and ready everywhere I go.  It really freshen me up.

Looking for my next trip in April or May 2011.. Yeah!

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Let me count... How many bottles of face creams do thy have? A good number of 30 bottles of serums and creams. Believe it or not. I have that many to compete with any beauty magazine editors or beauty bloggers. The main difference between us is that I earn from selling these bottles while they earn from writing about it. Heehee. Another difference to note is that I only try the products that I truly believe in its goodness. I wouldn't gamble on lousy skincare products on myself. After all, I need to have good skin to be a credible living advertisement for my products. <wink>

Life is too short too fast to fake about products efficacy. My motto is simple: If it doesnt work, not good for me, it will not be on my shelf for you.

What do I do with so many creams? And it doesn't help that all the products comes with a "use by" date. I have discovered a way to quickly utilise it efficiently. Double up the creams as MASQUE!

 Slap on a thick creamy glorious layer on the skin. Put a paper mask (buy from sasa) soaked with toner over it. Rest for 10 mins. Remove paper, massage excess in or dab a tissue over it and Viola.... Soft moisturised skin. This is a real tried and tested method.  Not joking. 

 NOTE: This method is applicable only if (1) you have alot of skincare products and you cannot finish it all (2) products are natural and organic if possible. I wouldnt want to think of having all the propylene glycol, paraben, fragrance, denat alcohol on my skin (thick layer somemore) for 10 good minutes. Yucks. Or super science chemical laden cream (without an ounce of nature in it) that may burn your skin if you apply more than instructed.

 Have fun!

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