Advertorial: Beijing 101

Woots! Today we shall touch on HAIR CARE!!
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post :)

Do you know, your scalp is also part of your face skin! We care so much to have great skin through detailed skincare, but have you neglected your scalp? Our skin condition is closely affected by the condition of our scalp too. Let's take a look at how we can care for our scalp and hair :)

The most common hair issue that many face is hair loss; it could be caused by the following:
1. Oily scalp/hair
2. Dry scalp/hair
3. Itchy scalp
4. Dandruff
5. Stress
6. Environment
7. Illness
8. Other factors

The are many ways out in the market to aid us in better care for our hair whether is it through proper diet, medication or hair treatment products. The most popular and fastest way of all is hair care centres where we seek the help from the professionals. One of the top would definitely be Beijing 101 Hair Consultants!

• Pioneer in merging Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) philosophy into hair care
• A recipient of multiple international awards world-wide
• Beijing 101 is supported by a team of qualified Hair Consultants, and TCM Practitioners
• 40 years success in treating hair problems effectively

Beijing 101 is available in 60 countries worldwide with 9 island-wide branches in Singapore.

Why do they stand out from the rest?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
- Uses Premium-grade Chinese herbs and extracts which are natural and effective:
- Compared to western medicine, Chinese herbal medicine will have no side effects even with long term use.

Customized Treatment
- Solutions tailored to individual customers and concerns
- Customized products for both men and women
- Treats all hair conditions including oily scalp, dandruff, hair loss etc

Hair Care Tips! (Recipes)

If you have read my post on Tea for Health and Beauty, you would have know my love for tea! It's definitely no surprise that there are herbal tea recipes for hair care! Here are 2 to share :)

Frequently asked questions

1. How many times a week should I wash my hair?

I would say at least once a day. Which simply means we should wash our hair daily to wash away the sebum on our scalp that can clog up our hair follicles. Daily hair wash and good hair care routines are also the key to healthy looking hair. Getting rid of the dirt on the hair is the most basis step to allow nutrients to be absorbed more effectively. Chinese herbs such as Chinese knotweed root, Chinese angelica root, Wolfberry tree fruit, Black sesame, helps to achieve radiant-looking hair.

Ps. Imagine a day out in the streets with smoke, oil and dirt blown onto our hair. If we do not wash it, these dirts would be transferred to our pillow and as we toss and turn. these dirt would again to transferred to our face and skin. Without care, it would result to pimples and clog pores.

2. What is the proper procedure for washing hair?

Step 1:  Rinse your hair with luke warm water
Step 2: Squeeze shampoo onto your palm and rub to lather before applying to your hair. do not apply shampoo directly on your hair.
Step 3: Do not scratch your scalp with finger nails; instead use your finger tips to gently massage it.
Step 4: Rinse your hair thoroughly to avoid leaving any residue on your scalp.

Beijing 101 Promotion

Having serious hair loss or other hair issues? Thinking of seeking professional help? Good news! Beijing 101 is currently having promotion!! Call their hotline at 6-5588-101 and make a appointment with them for a FREE consultation today! :)

Beijing 101 Promotion! <---(Click)

Stay Pretty, Stay Healthy!,

XOXO,

Charmaineskx

Vitamins for Beauty

Vitamins are highly mentioned in the health benefits. But what do these vitamins help us with beauty?

Vitamin A: Essential for the growth and renewal of skin cells. Keeps your skin and mucous membrane healthy, while creating new skin, hair, and nails.

Vitamin B: Increases fatty acids, promote exfoliation and firmness. Keeps the skin youthful with elasticity.

Vitamin C: It is the building block of collagen and protein giving the skin its tone, elasticity and structure. Prevents spots and freckles by stopping new melanin pigments from being created. Collagen keeps the skin young and moisturized. The citric acid contained in vitamin C will make you look slimmer too! :)

Vitamin D: Necessary for the development of skin cells

Vitamin E: Helps you stay young by slowing down the skin’s aging process. An antioxidant that maintains healthy skin tissues.

Fat: Necessary for supple skin and shiny hair. Some fat is necessary for overall health. Take them in moderation though :)

So it pretty much summarize how important it is to have a balanced and healthy diet. It not only gives you a healthy lifestyle, it also helps in giving you healthy glowing skin and keeping you in shape!

Stay healthy, stay pretty! Most importantly, Be-You-tiful!!

XOXO,
Charmaineskx

I got my Cert!!!

My goodness,

Sorry for the long wait for posts but i was busy preparing for my exams and the effort has ripened!

Presenting to you my certification!!!

WOOTS! :D 

What i've been up too!

Arghhh!!! Sorry for the lack of posts!!! Well... here's some updates of what i have been up to!

Below are some of the makeup creations that we've been doing for the past weeks :) Should i do tutorials for you pretties? Let me know k? :)

1920's Look

1950's Look

1960's Look

Bridal

Bridal

Bridal

 

Dramatic Fashion

 

Kpop Look

Punky

Smokey Eyes

Thats all for now! Stay beauty and healthy babes! 

Tried and Tested: Health Supplements

Hello Beauties!

Today's post is on supplements. While many would say taking too much pills is not good for the body, i would say to select what you take carefully. Choose only the supplements that you really need. What i'm going to introduce are the supplements that my body needs. You might not need what i take and of course you might need something else which i don't.

Disclaimer: I am not paid to to talk on the following products :) Purely tried and tested!

There are many different brands out there for many different purposes. I definitely do not recommend to take pills for dieting/slimming. What i am going to recommend is to boost the vitamins and minerals needed by the body to help you to have healthy body and skin.

I am not going towards which brand is better as i have not tried as many brands to be able to say so. The vitamin/mineral itself is what i want to recommend :) so if you would like to try them out, you can start of with any brand :)

Evening Primrose Oil

 

Main Benefit: Relieve the discomforts of PMS, menopause, menstruation, endometriosis and fibrocystic breasts

During menstruation, many women experience inflammatory effects such as pain, breast tenderness, irritable bowel flare-ups amd carbohydrate cravings. This is because the body is lacking in GLA (a type of fatty acid), and these acids is suppose to help reduce inflammatory symptoms. These acids, by interfering with the production of inflammatory prostaglandins released during menstruation, the GLA in Evening Primrose Oil  can help to lessen menstrual cramps and other symptoms.

I used to have very bad cramps which results me having to roll around on the bed, unable to stand straight and even dizzy spells. But after consuming the pills on a daily basis, it helped alot. I no longer have cramps and dizzy spells! 

Other Benefits such as: 

- Prevent diabetes-associated nerve damage

- Reduce the symptoms of eczema

- Help treat acne and rosacea

- Combat damage from multiple sclerosis

- Counter impotence and female infertility

- Treat Alzheimer's-related memory deficiencies

- Nourish nails, scalp, and hair

- Prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms

Vitamin C 

Main Benefit: Protection against immune system deficiencies (boost immune system and prevent against colds), cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, eye disease, and even skin wrinkling (prevent from growth of fine wrinkles ;)

Biotin

Biotin is a natural vitamin in our body,widely known as Vitamin B7 or Vitamin H

Biotin Metabolism Benefits

Biotin is essential for your metabolic process, as this vitamin processes almost every type of food that you eat including carbohydrates, protein and fat. When you have proper levels of biotin in your body, food that you take are processes quickly. Instead of taking weight-loss pills or diet pills, biotin is a healthier and more natural choice with it's clear effects of metabolic levels.

Biotin Blood Sugar Benefits

Biotin plays a major role in your blood glucose production. Being able to breakdown carbohydrates within the body, it helps to keep/get your blood sugar level at healthy levels to properly functional amounts.

Biotin Hair & Nail Growth Benefits

Biotin may have an important role in the growth and maintenance of your hair and nails. If you suffer from a Biotin deficiency, you will typically experience hair loss and brittle nails, and taking supplements of this vitamin may help to halt this process. In many cases, taking a Biotin supplement may even help you to stimulate new hair and nail growth. Even though hair loss is rarely caused by a Biotin deficiency in your body, this problem can quite often be helped if you take Biotin supplements regularly. 

I personally have quite a issue with hair loss and slow hair growth. It's getting better after i started consuming Biotin. I've just started to add Biotin into my daily dosage for less than a month and it's already taking effect :)

Biotin General Health Benefits

Biotin, like all of the B-complex vitamins, has an essential role within your body. Biotin offers your body much more than just a metabolic boost - it can help virtually every part of your body to achieve and maintain good health.

Hakubi White C (whitening pills)

There are many different types of whitening pills in the market. However i'm recommended to try out Hakubi White C by SATO. They contain Vitamins that helps to reduces pigmentation and freckles.

It contains the following Vitamins:

- Vitamin C (600mg) for skin whitening

- L-cysteine (240mg) promotes active skin re-generation and flawless skin

- Calcium Pantothenate - enhance skin whitening to as much as 1.6times

It is known to be able to suppresses the production of melanin that causes pigmentation.

Whitening pills are perfect for people who are prone to blemishes and freckles, and for those who lead active outdoor lifestyles at work or play.

That's all for today. Such a long post!

But most importantly, be happy and stay healthy!

XOXO,

Charmaineskx <3

My first BellaBox is here!!!

Hello Everybody!

I believe some of you would have heard of beauty boxes where you pay a subscription fee and they would send you a box of samples every month. Some of the samples are even the newest in the market which you get to try it out at a lower price!!! Pretty good deal for many gurus to get updated and bring the best to our pretty friends :)

Many countries have many different companies providing such services and what we have in Singapore is BellaBox Asia!

I love it that not only do you have to just pay $19.95/mth or $219.45/12mnths you get quite a decent amount of beauty samples in such a pretty and good quality box!!! Its not like other products where you buy online and only get to use what you buy, the box that the goodies come in can also be used on a long term basis! Totally awesome. I guess my storage is going to be filled with BellaBox boxes! 

The theme for July is La-Petite Parisienne. So excited to see whats inside!!! (I know its August already but i only recently decided to get it so my July box came slightly late...^^)

Look what i got in my Bella Box! I have so much to try out and share with you all. But first lets see what each items are. The box also comes with a description card  :) 

L'oreal Paris Hair Expertise Eversleek Shampoo & Conditioner (in stores: 250ml / $14.90)

100% free of drying sulfates and harsh parabens, get ready for sleek and seriously smooth hair without the harmful chemicals!

Hair Expertise Eversleek is infused with natural oils and flower extracts. It claims to give you a wonderfully sensorial hair care experience and undeniably beautiful hair with frizz control for up to 48 hours!

I have seen the effect it has when it was tried on "Tried and Tested" show. Can't wait to feel it for myself!

Givenchy Dahlia Noir EDP (in stores: 75ml / $175)

Concocted with pink pepper, mandarin, cedrat, rose, peach, cedarwood, sandalwood, vanilla and amber, this structured yet delicate scent fully embraces the brand's identity of a woman's enthralling elegance.

I have always had this impression that Givenchy has like very unisex scents and caters more to guys. No doubt, when i sprayed in on my arm, the pepper smell is quite rich and it smelt very powder. I always think if i want the smell of powder, a bottle of baby powder will do the trick. 

Not that it doesn't smell good, but i prefer more floral and sweet scents :)

L'oreal Paris UV Perfect Anti-Dullness UV Protector (in stores: 30ml / $22.90)

A silky smooth sunscreen that offers lasting UV protection, its lightweight texture offers sun-shielding properties of SPF 50+ UVB, UVA PA+++ for up to 12 hours long.

Pretties, if you would like to have fair smooth skin, please protect your skin with sunblocks. It's very important and UV rays are very harmful and it darkens and brings out ugly pigmentation. No matter which brand you like to use, PLEASE USE  SUNSCREEN! I cannot emphasize it more.

Many sunscreens that i tried are very thick in consistency which i don't really like. Since it claims to be lightweight, i shall try. As i try out this product, i would recommend Biore Sunscreen if you are looking for one and like lightweight textures at the mean time. ^^

Dr. Ci:Labo SUPER Cleansing EX (in stores: 120g / $50)

This cleanser is know to provide umpteen benefits in one special formulated product that's designed right down to its feel, look and use. It is formulated for anti-aging and makeup removal as it encapsulates and softens debris to lift it away. It is said to be able to improve blood flow and introduces moisture and vitamins for skin radiance and health.

The product comes in a tube form and in a gel consistency. However, when comes in contact with the skin, i can feel that it turns a little oily and warm. It is mentioned on their website that the gel deeply penetrates into the skin, warming on its own to improve blood circulation which helps in anti-aging. The oil helps softens debris and dead skin cells for easy removal with rinsing.

Who wouldn't like to have smooth wrinkle-less, clean and healthy skin? For people like me who puts on make-up, being able to clean off everything at the end of the day is very important and the chemicals and particles in make-up are not good for the skin as it clogs pores resulting in pimples and acne. So it's important to have a good base before putting on make-up and a good cleanser to remove everything. Definitely will give this product a try and share after my experience :)

Lollipops Glossy Liptick in Fatal Cocktail (in stores: $27)

Description: An ultra-nourishing lipstick with a shiny, shimmery finish, its coral shade will transform your lips into an alluring cocktail concoction that is deliciously glossy. It is paraben, preservative and lanoline free.

I did a quick swatch on my hands earlier and think that it feels more like a tinted lip-balm then a lipstick as the pigment is very sheer (i accidentally deleted the photo -.-") I'll try it on my lips and do another swatch again soon :)

For girls who like sheer and moisturizing look, this could be the product to go for :)

This is the product that came in full-size in the box though :) Not too sure how long the case can last though as it feels rubbery and rubber cant that heat very well - they tend to turn sticky~

Last but not least

L'oreal Paris Revitalift Laser X3 Cream and Serum (in stores: Cream @ 50ml / $39.90, Serum @ 30ml / $49.90)

A triple-action cream and serum that claims to give laser procedures a run for its money - it resurfaces, corrects wrinkles and re-plumps skin for youthful, radiant skin.

I have always wanted to try L'oreal's recent skin care products such as the above product and the  Youth Code Boosting Serum and  Luminizing Essence. But i have pretty sensitive and dehydrated skin which makes me think twice. I ever used L'oreals skincare day and night cream before but it made me breakout. it was a while back though. probably my skin was still young at that time. Now that i am 22, its the time where skin aging starts and so i would give them the benefit of the doubt and give them a try again.

I always believe, you don't have to spend tons if you can find and choose the right products :)

I'm very very careful at what i am using now as the New York Skin treatment has already caused me a bomb (no choice as my skin was in a drastic stage. It has really gotten better already, no worries :) i have my smooth skin back with some scars to take care of now) Facial treatments do help to speed up healing process but it is not a long-term solution cause they are mega expensive. 

I am not recommending super cheap skincare here, don't get me wrong. Quality is still very important. You pay for what you get. I suggest to spend a little more to take care of your skin (which is worth it). At least middle range products are recommended :)

That's all in the box!!! There's so much for me to try and review!!! So do look out for my review posts!!! :D

I cant wait for my next BellaBox too!!

Signup for yours @ BellaBox.com.sg

Till then, 

Stay pretty Beauties! ^^

Tea for Health and Beauty :)

Hi Beauties,

Ever wondered if tea that we drink have health and beauty benefits? Well they do! Here are some of my favourite tea and their benefits :)

Rose Hip Tea

Rose tea/rose hip tea is known for its many medicinal properties. Derived from the fruit of the wild rose hip plant it has a slight tart flavor but is refreshing and delicious to drink. The fruit confers many health benefits as it contains many essential vitamins like C, D, K and E, as well as organic acids, like citric and malic acids and pectin.
It helps to build strong immune system, strengthening the digestive system and the detoxification of the urinary tracts and kidneys.
Fun fact: Rose hip tea contains high levels of vitamin C which helps the body fight off colds and flu germs and viruses. The rose hip fruit contains more vitamin C levels than fresh citrus fruits, like oranges or grapefruits. A single cup of fresh rose tea is equivalent to approximately fifty to sixty citrus oranges!!!

Green Tea

Green Tea is known as one of the healthiest beverage on the planet. It is loaded with antioxidants and nutrients that have powerful effects on our body.

This includes improved brain function, fat loss, a lower risk of cancer and many more other benefits!

Rids the body of excess fluid – Getting rid of excess water weight is one way to lose weight, and provide a slimming effect. The diuretic effects of green tea have been used for centuries to help the body get rid of any extra fluid it’s not using. You might be surprised just how much better you look and feel when you aren’t carrying around extra fluid. When maintained as part of a daily process you should prevent excess fluid buildup as well.

Protects Skin From Sun Damage – The antioxidants in Green Tea being used topically, and in conjunction with sunscreen can work from the outside in, not just the inside out, and it’s being discovered that while it doesn’t necessarily block the sun’s rays, it does mitigate the damage that is done to the skin from the sun. The free radicals that help UV rays cause damage are neutralized, and the green tea helps with inflammation as well.

Snow Chrysanthemum

A ‘heavenly’ rare flower tea that is grown only in the Kunlun mountains, where slow flower growth results in a delicious flower taste with notes of caramel and dark red tea liquor. 

Snow Chrysanthemum flower tea contains high amounts of amino acids and proteins, which are beneficial to your health by lowering blood sugar, reducing high cholesterol, and preventing heart diseases, inflammation, colds, isomnia.

It is fresh with sweet aroma, and great for relaxation & releasing stress. 

It also contains Vitamins A, B and C which helps in giving the skin radiance and give it a healthy glow.

Drink healthy babes :)

Smiles,

Charmaineskx

Supporting sources:http://bembu.com/benefits-of-green-teahttp://ubeni.com/mag/column/beauty-benefits-of-rose-hip-tea%E3%80%80-dr-akikos-skin-beauty-consulting/http://www.teasenz.com/snow-chrysanthemum-flower-tea#.U8UqePmSySohttp://www.livestrong.com/article/71165-rose-tea-health-benefits/

My Everyday Skincare Routine

Hello darlings! 

Pretty much what every beauty blog has, a everyday skincare routine is here :)

For me, I have sensitive skin (breakout on certain products), blemish prone skin (lucky me that i dont have to deal with painful and itchy acnes), dehydrated/oil t-zone and pigmentation. So i have to choose my products very carefully, which includes trying and testing products ($$$ fly away!!!) 

Here are the products that till now i am pleased with and are helping my skin look better and feel better :)

Cleansing

To remove my makeup, I use Neutrogena Deep Clean Cleansing Lotion. with 1 pump, i rub it throughout my face and it removes all makeup even my eyeliner and waterproof mascara (if i have heavy makeup on i would use cleanse it twice - 1 pump rinse X2)

Thereafter i use Bio-Essence Miracle Cleansing Gel - Soap free to wash off excess cleansing lotion, pairing it with my Clarisonic to deeper cleanse the pores and dirt.

For Day - skip the lotion for makeup removing :)) 

Aftercare - Moisturising

After cleansing, next step is replenish your skin with what has been washed away.

My skin type: Dry Combination/Oily T-Zone

Using the Clinique range, steps as follow:

Toner - to cleanse the skin and shrink the appearance of pores.

Even Better Essence Lotion - Infuses skin with hydration, radiance, life. Plump skin to soften and comfort. Renews texture and luminosity. Nourishes dry skin.

Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel and/or Moisture Surge - Hydrates the skin and improve skin's texture and condition. Oil Free.

Add-On 

No matter whether you are a student or a working adult, there bound to be times where we have to stay in an air-conditioned room for the longest period of time. Or some of us just cant sleep without air-conditioning. 

Do you know? - Air-Conditioning dries out moisture from our skin cause it to be dehydrated. Stay less in the air-con if possible :)

To give the hydration a extra boost, i top everything up (with or without makeup) with the Bio-essence Miracle Bio Water Mist. It not only hydrates the skin but it also gives your makeup a dewy and natural look :)

Last but not least and the most important of all - DRINK LOTS OF WATER!!!

Water Helps Keep Skin Looking Good. Your skin contains plenty of water, and functions as a protective barrier to prevent excess fluid loss. Dehydration makes your skin look more dry and wrinkled. So keep your body and skin hydrated with the recommended dose of at least 8 cups a day.

Keep your skin hydrated internally and externally for a healthy body and a healthy glow :)

DRINK IT UP BEAUTIES!!! :D

With Love,

Charmainekx

Universal Studio + Am I a Shopaholic?

Hi all!

Here comes my first post to this new blog! :D *Clap Clap*

Well today was a impromptu trip to USS as my mum's company is having a company trip and someone fell sick so i went to cover, means i get to go for FREE!! It comes in a package - USS+S.E.A+Trick Eye+The Wing Age+Lunch+Dinner! Totally awesome.

First lets talk of what's important for this blog. It's a BEAUTY Blog! Makeup!

Well, Singapore is a super humid country all year round, going to places that has much exposure to the sun, i would want as minimal as possible for my makeup.

After prep-ing my skin with toner, serum, moisturizer and sunblock (i shall talk about these in another post), I basically use a round fluffy brush to brush on ZA's Perfect Fit Two-Way Foundation in OC20 (23), using a sponge pad to pad on the areas that needs more coverage such as the undereye, pimples, scars etc.

Next I line my eyes with Maybeline's HyperSharp Liner in Black and wing it out slightly. Using a flat small brush, i dab on a little of the VOV Shine Shadow in no.1922 (bronze/copper) to give it a little tone.

For the brows, I used Arezia Eyebrow Powder in no.04. I used only the darker tone one to fill in the outer corners of the brows and whats remaining on the brush to lightly brush the rest of the brows. Brush used is the angle brush that came along with it.

Blusher, i used a blush brush with Silky Girl Blush Hour in the colour Nectar Blush 01. Lips i put on some tinted lip balm from Sasa in the colour 02 Strawberry. 

Below are the brushes that i used today. Since it's a simple look, i try to use as little brushes as possible - keep it simple :)

My make up lasted me for quite some time. Considering i was out since 8:15am and the day ended at 8pm! Sorry that these photos are not taken very well. But i reassure you i made no editing to my complexion.

I confess that I am not a photo taking lover (i shall change that soon - cultivate the love to take more photos) so here comes the little attempt i took today!

Start of the day! 10am

5pm while queuing up for a ride :)

Haha! as for my #OOTD, I wore a denim sleeveless top with denim shorts and a canvas shoe. 

This photo was taken at the new Trick Eye Museum. I only took this one as i think it's the nicest - dreamy. Though I agree that the art displays where nice and interesting, I kind of got turned of by the crowd and the small cramp space they have for the displays. As compared to the one at korea (where such museum originated from) I prefer the Korea one more.

Some other photos from the day:

My first visit to the S.E.A Aquarium

Lunch at Hard Rock Cafe :)

BBQ Pork Ribs - super tender and yummy!!!

Never forget the Starbucks Happy Hour Promotion!

Tiramisu and Strawberry Cheesecake Frappe!!!!

Well now you might be wondering why "Shopaholic" appeared in the title. Well i was thinking I might be suffering from mild Shopaholic. 

Just a little background, I have been jobless for the past month and have been surviving on my savings. (im only starting my part-time job in July). I am finishing up my last few practices for my practical driving test which is taking place end of June. I am also on dental and skin treatment. All these is costing me! So i have been trying to cut down on my expenditure :(

I realise i was able to restrain myself from doing online shopping however, if i every step out of house and come in contact with any shopping mall, i bound to have something home -.-" 

I cannot step out of the house!!! ARGH!!!!!

Anw so here's my purchases for today (USS means theres VIVO CITY!)

Sunglasses from ALDO at $29.90, White basic top and Grey loose top from UNIQLO at $14.90 & $7.90 respectively.

I hope that my sharing is helpful and interesting in someway or another to make you want to follow my future post. Do drop feedbacks and let me know where i can improve on :)

Till then, Smiles!

Charmaine :)