Roots Touch up at Michelle's Hair and Beauty Studio

Salon : Michelle's Hair and Beauty Studio
Location : 148, Potong Pasir Ave 1, #01-41, S(350148)
Tel : 6858 3813 / 9641 0488  ( rest day on Wednesday )
Stylist : Michelle

I first had my colour done by Michelle late last year and subsequently I had roots touch up for the next 2 times. Frustrated with the straw-like hair condition after each hair colouring job by Nook, I opted for the Techna colour, this time round. I kept coming back to Michelle, because I love the natural colour she has chosen for me, to colour the greys. In her salon, 90% of her customers use Nook, because it is cheaper and more effective. She herself is also using Nook to touch-up her blonde locks for the last 6 years.

She is puzzled about my feedback of using Nook and said she will take note from other customers to see if they also face the same issue like me. Both brands hail from Italy.

Techna is more expensive but I still wanted to try it out, to see if there's a difference. I was only worried about the colour match between the original colour by Nook and the new hair by Techna. After visiting her salon for several times, Michelle is now more open and friendly as compared to my first visit.

No hair wash prior to colouring. The hair dye stings slightly after application and continue to sting even during shrink wrap for 20 minutes or so. However, it is less intense than using Nook during my first visit.

The hair wash is also less painful but Michelle still wet my top at the back where she made the effort to blow dry it. She complimented my hair, being very healthy and full of shine. That it is not easy to find someone with healthy hair like mine. Oh Whoa! Does my current shampoo and conditioner from Intelligent Nutrients contributed to it? Looks like my favourite hair brand rocks!

Quick with her hands, the job is done within 1.5 hours and she charges me $55 ( as with Nook ) though initially, she says it will be more expensive if based on Techna. My scalp itches slightly after the colouring job and there was a slight straw-like hair condition when I shampoo my hair the next day, though I didn't experience any dandruff which is pretty good news to me.

However, on the second day of hair-washing, dandruff appeared. Large flakes as per previous time. I made a mental note to wash it more thoroughly subsequently and thankfully, there was no such issue thereafter, though my hair is still hard, dry and straw-like when its wet - but less terrible than using Nook.

I was also glad that the colour Michelle chose for me, blend well with my original colour too.

Review : Ioma Flash Youth Eye Concentrate

Product Description

A veritable enhancer for your eyes, Ioma Flash Youth Eye Concentrate ensures a 360 degrees action that counteracts puffiness and dark circles while regenerating on your eye contour, to defy the passage of time. 

Proven results :

• Perfectly moisturizes the eye contour area
• Lastingly regenerates cells
• Instantly and lastingly drains eyelids, under-eye bags and dark circles
• Dramatically lifts eyes

Formulated without parabens, silicones, plant oils and tested under ophthalmological control, Ioma Flash Youth Eye Concentrate is said to contain a combination of highly concentrated ingredients to moisturise, regenerate, drain and lift the eye area courtesy of its cocktail of omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids, caffeine and other eye brighteners all aimed at smoothing and refreshing the whole eye area. It is also the first product to focus on the eyelids, together with the under eye area, to provide a lifting effect. 

I received a complimentary 1.5ml sample sachet from my last Ioma purchase and used it day and night for the last 3 days. The upper eyelid is an often-neglected area yet you cant deny that it does age in its skin and sagging so other than using on the undere eye area, Ioma Flash Youth Eye Concentrate is also meant for the eyelids. 

Usage direction : 

- apply by starting on the interior corner of the upper eyelids and ending with the interior corner of the lower eyelids.

- repeat 3 times

- glide fingers along the under eye area by using back and forth motions towards the outer corner of the eye

- repeat 3 times

During my first usage, Ioma Flash Youth Eye Concentrate gives off an odd spicy sensation that almost felt like I am rubbing chilli on my undereye area. It is just that weird.
On subsequent usages, the sensation starts to get milder but I still get that cooling and tingly feeling. On a psychological front, it felt like the product is doing something to get the blood circulating around the undereye area and I felt good. 

The texture is pretty lightweight and runny. Non-greasy or heavy on the eye area and absorbs well into skin. Ioma Flash Youth Eye Concentrate is providing that feel-good vibe resulting that I may just run to get the full retail size once my current eye products are used up.

I have to admit something though. Every time I used the product, I seriously forgot about the eyelids and only apply on the undereye area hence, I can't comment on the efficacy on the eyelids area. 

Source : Ioma, Ioma-news, 

Lumene Color Correcting & Blurring Primer

Product Description
The Lumene CC Blur Primer is a true hybrid product : skin color correcting blur primer that creates a perfect base for makeup. Its natural nude color corrects the skin tone and gives it a radiant matte surface. It also helps to neutralize the appearance of skin imperfections, brings a glow to the face with reflecting pigments and helps the makeup last longer.

Benefits : 
1) evens the skin tone = subdued nude shade
2) blur effect = silicones that smooth the skin's surface
3) brightens = light-reflecting pigments
4) minimizes the appearance of skin's imperfections

I received a sample of Lumene Color Correcting and Blurring Primer from my aunt's purchase of the Lumene serum as a souvenir for me, when she was touring Denmark. Prior to her trip, I have never hear of Lumene but a google search revealed it to be widely known as an affordable range of skincare, infused with Arctic ingredients.

Formulated without parabens, the primer is said to be a nude colour filling base to diminish imperfections for lasting soft-focus finish. Silicon-heavy, it glides on well on skin to provide that velvety smooth touch, however, it tends to "pill" slightly as I tried to blend it into skin. "Pill" refers to tiny globes of balls as shown below. It feels like the remnants after using an eraser.

The "pill" isn't obvious on skin but I can feel it on my fingertips and I didn't like that one bit. Some may say that a product "pills" easier on dehydrated skin but I didn't feel that my skin is flaking prior to using the primer so to each of its own. Perhaps you may not encounter this issue on your skin.

The nude colour literally disappears into skin and skin looks smoother and larger pores ( between sides of nose and cheeks ) are well-hidden. I did not apply any foundation but apply my loose powder directly after the primer and the final look is just natural. The finishing is matte, with a soft focus feel.

Oil control is normal, it didn't make my T-zone oily - in fact, there is no difference with or without wearing the primer in terms of oil control. The light-reflecting pigments are not visible and I didn't see any glow which I was expecting, from the product. Redness and blemishes are still apparent which is expected since there is no claim from the product that it can conceal those.

However, by end of the day, my make-up tends to slide off slightly, hence the primer didn't help my make-up to stay longer. Note that I didn't use any foundation but just loose powder, so in a way, this may be expected.

Ingredients : 

CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, DIMETHICONE, CYCLOHEXASILOXANE, DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, POLYMETHYL METHACRYLATE, NYLON-12, CETEARYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, C30-45 ALKYL CETEARYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, VACCINIUM VITIS-IDAEA (LINGONBERRY) SEED OIL, PHENOXYETHANOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ALUMINUM/MAGNESIUM HYDROXIDE STEARATE, SORBIC ACID, PERFLUOROOCTYL TRIETHOXYSILANE, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS SEED OIL, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS LEAF EXTRACT, PARFUM (FRAGRANCE) 

MAY CONTAIN: MICA, (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) IRON OXIDES, (CI 77891) TITANIUM DIOXIDE

Source : Lumene

Simple remedies to reduce eye bags

Facts : 

1. The space below the eyes can accumulate fluid. That’s why that area can appear puffy and swollen!
2. Fluid retention is thus a cause for eye bags. For e.g. changes in weather like hot climates, hormone levels, consuming salty foods etc.
3. Fat that is usually confined around the eyes can move into the area below your eyes. This is why there is a protruding pouch below it, otherwise known as EYE BAGS!
4. Did you know that eye bags are also related to aging? When the tissue structures and muscles start weakening, #2 will happen even faster!
5. Make sure to get enough sleep too, because not enough of it may contribute to eye bags!
6. Some allergies or skin conditions like dermatitis can make eye bags worse, especially if redness and itching comes with the puffiness.
7. Had eye bags your whole life? It could be running in the family! Hereditary also plays a part in your appearance, and eye bags are no different.
8. Apart from all the above and not so surprisingly, gravity also plays a part in causing eye bags! The longer you are exposed to the gravitational pull (i.e. as you age) that pulls down all of Earth’s matter including your skin, the more your facial features will sink.

Remedies : 

1. FACIAL EXERCISES

By exercising your eye muscles, it will increase the blood circulation, allowing more oxygen and more nourishment to reach the cells of the skin.

Look to your right side, while keeping your face pointing forward. Hold for 5 seconds. Move your eyes to your left side for 5 seconds.

• Look up for 5 seconds. Look down for 5 seconds. Look diagonally for 5 seconds in each direction. Now, turn your head to the left and look in corresponding directions. Repeat exercise 2 to 10 times for both sides.

 Good For: Drooping eyelids, crow’s feet, eye bags and puffiness.

Step 1: Press both middle fingers together at the inner corner of the eyebrows, then with the index fingers, apply pressure to the outer corners of the eyebrows.

Step 2: Look to the ceiling, and raise the lower eyelids upwards to make a strong squint, and then relax.

Step 3: Repeat six more times and finish by squeezing eyes shut tightly for 10 seconds.

• Place four fingers horizontally beneath your eye, roughly in a line with the middle of your nose at the end of the hollow of the eye.
• Partially close your eye working against the resistance created by your fingers and then hold momentarily.
• Open your eye and repeat 15 times
• Repeat for the other eye, or do both eyes simultaneously

These eye workouts can reduce drooping eyelids and it can also refresh your eyes if you work on a computer or watch television for long periods of time. You can also do this exercise with your eyes closed.

2. COLD SPOONS

This remedy is simple and effective.

• Chill 5 to 6 spoons in your refrigerator for 10 to 20 minutes.
• When the spoons are chilled, take one from the refrigerator and lightly press the rounded portion (i.e. convex part of the spoon) against your puffy eyes until the spoon becomes warm.
• When the spoon turns warm, replace it with the other cold spoon from the refrigerator.

Cold spoons can tighten up the skin around the eyes and relax blood vessels, offering relief to puffy and swollen eyes. 

3. TEA BAGS

Be it green tea or black tea, or any kind of tea bag, they can aid in offering relief to the eyes.

• Soak 2 tea bags in hot water for 2 to 3 minutes before taking them out to cool.
• When the teabags are cooled, lie down and put them over your eyelids and cover them with a soft cloth.
• Leave them in place for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Repeat a few times a day for best effect.

Tea bags contain anti-irritant properties that can reduce swelling around the eyes, and relieve redness and inflammation. 

4. CUCUMBERS

Chilled cucumbers bring ease to puffy eyes.

• Cut a cucumber into thick slices.
• Chill the slices in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Close your eyes and place 2 chilled slices on each of your eyelid until it becomes warm.
• Repeat a few times a day for best effect.

Cucumbers contain enzymes and constringent properties that help tighten the skin. This remedy can also help get rid of wrinkles (i.e. crow’s feet) and dark circles around the eyes. 

5. POTATOES

Like cucumbers, potatoes are effective in reducing eye bags.

• Get a medium-sized potato. Peel, wash, and dry it.
• Grate the potato and put the shavings in a clean, soft cloth before tying the shavings up.
• Place the soft cloth over your eyelids for several minutes.
• Repeat the process a few times a day for best effect.

Lifestyle :  

• Water
  • This simple act of hydrating ourselves is commonly overlooked in our daily lives because we are mostly distracted with other activities. When we give our bodies the right amount of water it needs, it reduces the chances of fluid retention in the body that can cause puffiness in your under eye area.
  • 8 to 10 glasses of water, or 2.2 to 2.3 litres, daily is sufficient to keep your body well hydrated
• Reducing sugar and salt intake
• Consistent sleep of optimally 7-8 hours
• Squeeze in 10-15 mins of exercise everyday
  • It doesn’t have to be very vigorous. Light exercises will do (Brisk walking, skipping etc.)
• *for this part, show the above remedies as making them into a lifestyle e.g. cold spoons on eyes while watching tv, cucumbers on eyelids while resting, etc.

Source : Blackpaint

Boots Cucumber & Aloe Vera Hand & Nail Cream

I received Boots Cucumber and Aloe Vera Hand and Nail Cream from a good friend back from her Phuket trip. The hand cream is in a 100ml tube form, with clear packaging that reflects the green lightweight textured hand cream.

It has a light cucumber refreshing scent and is non-greasy. However, Boots Cucumber and Aloe Vera Hand and Nail Cream is too light to be moisturising under air-conditioned environment. The hand cream disappears pretty quickly after I massage it into my hands and doesn't provide much nourishment.

In terms of ingredients, the cucumber and aloe vera fall as the last 2 ingredients in the list which made the quantities pretty little to be of any effectiveness.