Another new spa in town? Yup. I can’t believe it either but seems we Singaporeans can’t seem to get enough of spas (and massage parlours). There’s almost one in every corner that we turn (there are three massage parlours on Level 1 of our building alone)! There must be a demand that’s causing a steady rise in spas in our tiny island cos guess what? I hear there are plans for mega and more exciting spas due to open later this year.

 An urban sanctuary by St. Gregory opens their seventh outlet at Pan Pacific Singapore. What I like about hotel spas is the sense of exclusivity even though they are open to the public. There is also a standard for cleanliness and amenities in spas like these. Having been opened for just over a month, I could smell the freshly fitted wooden wall features and I love how plush the towels are. Set amidst the lush greenery at the rooftop on level four, the new facility features a variety of therapy rituals tailored for the jetlagged tourists and work-worn locals alike.

 Unlike the other St Gregory outlets, this one has a more contemporary interior with a strong focus on natural elements like woods, plants and stones. The therapy rooms are named after various herbs. Two couple therapy rooms also come with a traditional cedar wood hot tub aka Mu Tong that’s situated outside a private walled terrace.

 An exclusive treatment here is the St. Gregory Well Being Massage, $150 for 60 minutes, which combines unique Ten Culture Touches of massage while the skin is prepared with light dry body brushing. This ensures maximum penetration of potent massage oils that refresh the body and strengthen vital energies. Smooth continuous massage strokes run from the arms down to the legs for both sides of the body. The therapy ends with a 15-minute facial using Elemis facial products. Although there isn’t the usual application of mask and layers of serums and moisturisers, my skin felt very smooth after. My only grouse is that the heated blanket didn’t work during the time I was there. 

 St Gregory is located on Level 4, Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square, Tel: 6826 8140 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

While some of you soccer fans are nursing post-World Cup fever, I’m still trying to get over the fact that I’ve broken up with my long-time hairstylist of eight years.

If your experience with your hairstylist was a really good one, then all the more unforgettable it is, like your first love. Except that in my case, it’s also tinged with guilt since I was the one who called it quits.

It all began in 2000 when I first met Eugene Ong of Ginrich Salon (at The Heeren Shops) at a shoot. I saw how he transformed a girl’s locks (from long to short) and loved it so much so that I got him to lop off mine there and then. There’s no turning back to longer tresses ever since. For nearly nine years, I went to him for a haircut every two months diligently – just about the only appointment that I keep to most regularly. Whenever I was down and out or had a bad hair day, I’d seek Eugene out to give me a quick fix. He works better than a counsellor in my case. There’s nothing like a fabulous haircut to make you feel all good again.

Then about two years ago, I started going to Edward Chong for my haircuts. The first time I went, I was so wrecked with guilt for cheating on Eugene. And believe it or not, I actually got a call from Eugene asking how are things with me! I freaked for a while and out of sheer guilt, I went to see him again (I needed a haircut then too). But it didn’t feel the same and honestly, I didn’t like that last haircut he gave me. That marked the end of our relationship.

I know it’s all fair game in the hair industry – after all, it’s all about who you’re comfortable with and the styles that your hairstylist creates for you. It takes two for the relationship to work – even in a head case like mine. Tell me I’m not just over-reacting.

Not so long ago before I started working out at the gym, I used to have stiffness and pain on my neck and shoulders everyday. My regular remedies include for night: Tiger Balm Medicated Plasters (I know – it’s very “aunty” but hey it works for me!) and for day: weekly body massages. Both of which were effective only temporarily. No matter how pampering or strong the massages were, they were never able to relieve the aches for good.

 

When I heard about Magner’s Magnetic Healing Plaster, I admit I was curious. Magnet therapy? Does it really work or is it just a gimmick? I’ve had my doubts. According to magnetic therapy, the use of magnets and the electromagnetic fields they produce is said to help create a beneficial environment that promotes the body’s own healing processes. It is also said that our bodily fluids are more alkaline when we are healthy. But when there’s inflammation or swelling, the affected area in the body becomes more acidic and produces a more positively-charged magnetic field. Hence, the idea of placing an external magnetic field to enhance the body’s own immune system by re-normalising the pH level and relaxing the blood vessels, thus increasing blood flow into the affected area and bringing oxygenated blood to the wound.
 

The only way to know if it works was of course to try it for myself. The first time I tried it, I placed it on the stubborn knot on my shoulder. What I like about this plaster is that it is small, discreet and I can wear it to work and nobody will know cos it is also odourless. And I don’t have to remove it when I shower as it is water resistant. The morning after, I thought I felt some sort of relief but wondered if it was more psychological than a real physical healing.
 

When the PR called up to ask how the product went, I told her that I honestly couldn’t tell if it really worked and said that I needed to give it another go. Perhaps the next time I had a stiff neck?
 

A couple of weeks down the road, I developed a lower back ache. I decided to give the Magnetic Healing Plaster another try. And I have to say that it worked! The pain was definitely less pronounced. After using it for a couple of days, the pain slowly subsided.
 

Although it’s only retailing for $6.80 for a pack of 20 patches, I soon wondered if they were reusable... but then I’m not sure about the lifespan of these magnets.  
 

Another pain relief patch that was introduced by Panadol unfortunately didn’t make the cut for me. I much prefer them in the oral form.
 

These days, my preferred choice of pain and stress relief is an hour at the gym. It works every time and I haven’t had a need for Tiger Balm pain patch or a massage since.
 

I couldn’t help but get excited upon learning of a new spa called g.spa (I learnt that “g” was chosen cos the spa owner liked the way the letter curves and curls… but his name is also Gary…).

Touted as one of the largest spas in Singapore, the nature-inspired retreat has a feel of a country club and a theme park. With soft-lit trees, miniature thatched huts, birdcage lamps and the sounds of trickling water, I feel like I’m transported to It’s a Small World…
 

The therapists are well-versed in a variety of massage techniques like aromatherapy, Shiatsu, Swedish massage and the principles of TCM. The pressure is rather strong – even for a massage junkie like me, so be prepared to tell them to go a little lighter. Body therapeutic treatments start at $98, which is not expensive considering each treatment includes facilities usage and a complimentary bar and buffet. I was quite surprised to find that they serve more hearty local and western delights like laksa and lamb chop than healthy and lean spa cuisine. But I must say that they do a pretty good laksa there. Its menu is said to change every four days.
 

Another plus of the spa is that they close at 11pm which is perfect if you’re thinking of de-stressing at the spa instead of the bar after a long day at the office.
 

What’s new at the spa?

The Business Class suite, $198 for 90 minutes
 

Imagine having two therapists paying undivided attention to your aching muscles, while you slowly drift off to sleep…For those suffering from jet-lag or travellers’ fatigue, this four-hand massage is doubly soothing and soporific. In Shanghai-style luxury, this “suite” starts with a 30-minute Grand Shanghai scrub, an age-old Chinese bathing practice using nothing more than a towel and some soap, leaving skin soft, supple and clean as a whistle. This is followed by a synchronised hour-long massage by two therapists, one working on the upper body and the other working on the lower body. Like a choreographed dance, this intricate massage uses palm pressure and broad long strokes to soothe, while the calming lavender-infused aromatherapy oil eases tension.
 

g.spa is located at 102 Guillemard Road, #02-02 Guillemard Village.  Tel: 6280 8988

Like most girls, I get star struck every now and then. Of course there’s RPatz at the top of my list but it’s female celebs like Natalie Portman, Anne Hathaway, Charlize Theron and Elettra Wiedemann (face of Lancome, also Isabella Rossellini’s daughter) who constantly inspire me with their effortless beauty and style. Currently topping the charts for me is the delightfully cute Carey Mulligan. Honestly speaking, if it wasn’t for her pixie crop, I wouldn’t have taken notice of this sweet girl-next-door actress.

It’s no secret that I love short hair. Nothing gives me greater satisfaction than seeing a woman go from long to short. Taking off the length can also help to trim years off your face. If you want an immediate makeover, this is definitely one. In Carey’s case, her hairstyle is a softer and more girlie version of Twiggy’s boyish crop in the 60s’. It is a short layered crop with sides clipped around the ears and a fringe that is cut short enough to give a nicely rounded pouf when you sweep it up. But unlike the popular Pob (Posh’s bob), this is a style that few girls (or women) will dare go near. If you’re used to having locks around your face (because you think that it helps to give you a more chiselled face shape) then you’ll probably fear this face-baring cut.




While I have hot pink lips

Over the 10 odd years of having short hair, I think this is one of my favourites beside the last asymmetric cut I had where one side was shaved and the fringe was long and swept to the side for a rock look. Thank you Carey for the inspiration and thank you Edward for listening. What will I do without my hair guru! I think it’s absolutely essential to find a hairstylist who knows you well enough to be able to turn you down gently when what you want doesn’t suit you. But in this case, I’m glad he gave me exactly what I wanted.

Lastly, when you have hair like mine, you’ll want to draw your eyes and put on a bright lippie (like the one I have on – Chanel Rouge Allure in 167 Super from the summer collection) every day.


 

Get a massage or go to the spa of course! If you don’t already know, I’m a massage junkie and for me, I don’t believe in having too many massages (OK maybe two a day may be a bit much but one a week is great for relieving those tension knots and renewing the stressed-out body.

If you ask me where to go, there are quite a number of faves. One of my all-time favourite places to go for a no-fuss massage is Spa Elements/ Spa Infinity. If you’re thinking of seriously working out all the kinks on your neck, shoulder and back, aim for their signature Sports Massage. This deep tissue massage focuses on problem areas by releasing muscle tension. As this massage involves stroking against the muscle grain, you may feel some discomfort and soreness for couple of days after the treatment. If you choose to do the treatment at Spa Infinity at Far East Shopping Centre, you may want to spend an extra 15 minutes before and after the treatment in the hot/cold Jacuzzi pools, sauna or steam bath to further complete the relaxation.  Spa Infinity is at #B1-22 Far East Shopping Centre (next to Wheelock Place), Tel: 6738 0069.

I recently discovered a wonderful spa oasis - Auriga Spa located at Capella in Sentosa. Firstly, it’s not an easy to get to place (for those who don’t drive) – you will have to make plans to spend at least a good half (or even whole) day there to make the trip altogether worthwhile. This luxury spa has the perfect ambience for total relaxation with staff who are polite right from the moment you step into the door.  Each room also comes with a mini garden. Auriga’s four signature treatments correspond interestingly with the lunar cycle, designed reflect the varying energies of the lunar cycle. Each 120-minute treatment includes a scrub and wrap followed by a massage using products from the UK-based company – The Organic Pharmacy. However, if like me you’re not so keen on anything cold and wet, you’ll enjoy the 90-minute Senja Sunyi Massage, $210++, much more. This sublime massage is delivered using the luxurious Rose & Pomegranate Body Balm, coupled with long flowing strokes and warm ‘moon' stones to smooth out muscle kinks and tangled nerves. You’ll also notice that throughout the treatment, the therapist’s hands almost never leaves the body which leaves a great sense of continuity. End this with a 30-minute Hair & Scalp Treatment, $70++, where hair serum is applied to calm the scalp and hair during the massage. With everything smelling so good, I didn’t mind going home smelling like a spa.
To make an appointment, call Auriga Spa at 6591 5023 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .


 

I don’t think I’ve managed to perfect the way my brows looked till now. I remember the first time when I had them threaded – I asked for an arc, the therapist exclaimed that I have half-moon shaped eyebrows, that it’d be rather difficult to force an arch out of them. It took years to have them reshaped.

It’s always a little daunting meeting up with makeup artists – especially Clarence Lee who’ll sometimes scrutinise my brows. I’ll admit that I have yet to master the art of drawing them. Can you blame me when I have only a total of 15 minutes every morning to wash up, change, and put on my makeup before I dash out?

But guess what? Recently, when we met over dinner, Clarence said to me, “Did you do something to your eyebrows? Who did it for you (nothing escapes the makeup maestro)?” I then proudly revealed that I had them done at Erabelle. “They look like you draw them yourself. Looks very natural.” After knowing Clarence for over 10 years, this is the first mark of approval from him.

It’s taken me many years to finally take this step to try semi-permanent “makeup”. Like many girls, I’ve always boo-booed eyebrow tattoo as an “auntie” thing - it did get a bad rep for leaving the brows in a distasteful greenish state after the initial ink wears off. Then there’s eyebrow embroidery and other new fangled techniques to permanently mark the shape and colour of your eyebrows but I thought them all too painful and ridiculously expensive. I’m a chicken when it comes to pain (yes, even though I’ve given birth to two children naturally!). But when I saw the results of what Erabelle has done for some of my colleagues, I decided to give them a chance.

At Erabelle, the eyebrow expert, Bernice in my case, would first pluck, trim and draw them to a desired shape. After which, if you are happy with the shape and colour, she’ll then proceed to put numbing cream over the brows before inking them using a sterile needle and special ink from Germany as I’m told. I was pretty apprehensive when it started but the numbing cream really helped to dull any pain. Fifteen minutes later, I actually fell asleep! The process takes about 45 minutes to complete.  There isn’t any redness or scabbing. The colour appears a little dark initially but it soon fades to a natural hue. I’m due back for my second colour service – they’ll top up any colour that’s been faded out and this should help them last for at least a year or two. It’s great not having to fuss over my brows in the morning.

 
BEFORE: my brows are looking sadly sparse and uneven 

 
After Erabrow Design, my brows are looking much more decent! 

 
Voila! 45 minutes later... no signs of torture, only perfection! They look better than drawn really.
 

Erabrow is going for $540, includes two colour services. Call Erabelle Prestige at 6836 8388 or 6376 8336 to make a booking.

1. First up, don’t reach for that cuppa first thing in the morning. Try a glass of virgin mojito instead - fresh mint leaves, slice of lime and sugar to taste. Limit your caffeine intake and drink plenty of water, essential for healthy and glowing skin.
   
2. For skin that’s feeling particularly parched, take a dry bath by gently brushing your skin from the feet up towards your heart with a body brush. This helps to rid toxins and promote blood circulation. As your skin will feel warm and tingly, wait for 15 minutes before you rinse with cool water.
   
3. If you’re feeling sluggish, jump into the shower then alternate hot and cold jets of water to boost circulation and perk up your skin.
   
4. Call it beauty boot camp. Don’t use any makeup products (no matter how horrid you look) - let your skin breathe for one to three days. We suggest you take a hide for the time being while your skin rests up.
   
5. You heard Mum. Load up on as much greens and fruits as possible. Juice them if you have to.
   
6. Feed your skin. It is just as important to maintain a healthy diet for your weight as it is for your skin. Nourishing the skin with lots of vitamins, minerals and most water (try Biotherm Aquasource Non Stop) to keep it fit and healthy to better counteract free radicals, environmental aggressors and other beauty demons we try so hard to fight against.

• Keep your eye gel in the fridge for an ultra cooling fast fix. If they are still puffy, take the heat off tired peepers by accentuating your mouth instead.
• Go for a super shiny gloss (like Chanel Levres Scintillantes Brillant Extreme Glossimer and Maquillage Perfect Lip Gloss) or a bright coloured lipstick (hot pink is still my fave btw). 
• To hide a hangover and get your healthy glow back, rely on bronzer or bright blush for a pop of colour on your cheeks.
•  (This is quite gross but) if you don’t have time to wash, pull your unruly locks up into a ponytail or whip it up into a bun.
• A spritz of perfume (go for zesty fresh ones like Hermes Un Jardin Sur Le Nil and Malin + Goetz Synthesized Lime Tonic EDT) will also help disguise the lingering smell of smoke.

You won’t believe how far we’d go for our job. Besides listening to hour-long talks on the latest technology behind the product, we sometimes get dolled up, quizzed on, play games, etc. all part and parcel of what goes on in a beauty press conference/event/launch. 

 
At the latest Majolica Majorca Mademoiselle Midnight collection launch, not only were we made up with a choice of looking Provocative Red or Girly Enchanting Purple – the two key colour palettes in this collection, we were given costumes complete with accessories to dress up to look like ahem, a mademoiselle of course (well, we tried even though we are far from looking anything like the campaign models below).

  The enchanting purple look

 Are you sure this fits? I'm going to hold my breath for 10 secs...

  Pin-up girl or just another head case?

 Ta dah!

I chose Provocative Red but Marcus, the brand’s ambassador and makeup artist decided to tone down the colours by mixing up the colours from the two palettes. I wouldn’t mind going full-on red on the lips except that my eyes were already pretty smoked up and I would much prefer softer lip and reserve the dramatic red lip look with bare eyes. Both palettes are so pretty, it’s going to be a really tough call. But since they are only priced at $30.50 each, there’s no reason why you can’t get both. 

I’m proud to say that Singaporean girls are pretty savvy when it comes to beauty. This is why there is no slowing down of the influx of new beauty brands coming ashore even when the economy was suffering a downturn earlier this year. Many are confident that their brand/products will do well when asked about the threat of a stiff competition.

A most recent entry is DHC, Japan’s No. 1 direct mail skincare brand, now distributed exclusively by Watsons. It’s certainly no baby with a history of over 29 years. At first glance, it may look a tad boring with none of those cutesy packaging or snazzy names that many girls these days are spoilt with. But why DHC and why now? “Customers are always on the look out for quality brands, and Watsons has noticed that Singaporeans tend to favour Japanese skincare brands and with DHC’s deep understanding of Asian’s skin, it was a natural choice for this collaboration,” adds Cathy Yeap, managing director of Watsons Personal Care stores. It’s true. I’m personally also partial to Japanese products.

The signature of DHC lies in its Olive Essentials line that’s good for de-clogging pores. Its core ingredient being Flor de Aceite, a premium organic extra virgin olive oil, has been extracted from hand-picked olives, can be found in the star products of DHC Olive Virgin Oil, $69.50, and Mild Soap, $26.50.  Other ranges to check out include the Salicylic Acid Acne Care, Acerola Series – a brightening range for oily/combination skin, Q10, Camu Camu – whitening for normal/dry skin, and Eye care.

I recently started to try their Eyelash Tonic, $26.50, am told it’s another one of their bestseller besides their Deep Cleansing Oil, $42. The eyelash tonic or essence contains conditioning ingredients like Swertia plant and placenta extracts. To be used as a treatment before I sleep and as a base before mascara. Not sure if I’m imagining it but the inner lashes appear a bit longer than before. How I come to notice this is because they used to be negligible when I apply mascara but now I can coat them!

We’ve been told that DHC health supplements will also be made available come January 2010. DHC is now available at Watsons Bugis Junction, Compass Point, Ion Orchard, Ngee Ann City and Raffles City.

I have to admit that without a doubt, The Triple Oxygen Treatment at Bliss spa (believe it, it’s here!) has got to the best ever! Other beauty eds also concur!

When I first experienced the heavenly facial, the place was only opened to the media for first-hand trials of course. For the benefit of those who have yet been into a Bliss spa in the US, this one at Sephora Ion is as good as any, as assured by Megan, my facialist (not in the picture) for the day, who hails from Bliss Chicago.

The bed was nice and snug, hugging the comfortable form of my lying body – curved such that I’m nearly three-quarter propped up. I felt cocooned and ready to zzzZZZ  

As I was having a bit of a breakout issue that time, Megan assured me that the deep cleansing, exfoliation, fruit acid wash, and necessary extraction will help to unclog and clear all the spot troubles after. Her strokes were firm yet assuring. I couldn’t believe how thorough the cleansing was until she started to gently clean my ears too!

I’ve had eyebrows plucked and trimmed during a facial but this is definitely a first. When it came to extractions, I always thought it was a more Asian thing but apparently the Westerners are also into them. To prep for the extraction, oxygen cream, plastic wrap and hot towels are used instead of old-fashioned steamers (said to breed bacteria and dehydrate the skin).

After a very extensive extraction, I think all whiteheads, blackheads, and whatever else that were clogging up my pores were cleared out (she even went as far as behind my ears!). While waiting for the goodness of the oxygen mask to get absorbed into my skin, she gave me a hand massage. The final treat of vitaminised oxygen spray completes my Bliss.  Other than a little redness on where my pimples were (which would soon fade as I was assured), my complexion was beyond the usual clean and smooth. My face looked and felt like fresh air, really.  

Some nifty things I noticed about the spa include the conveyor belt at the mani-pedi station carrying not sushi, but products for each use during a manicure or pedicure so the nail specialist doesn’t have to step away. There is also a photo booth to take your BEFORE and AFTER treatment pictures. There is also a wall of “Our Shop 10 List” if you’re looking for bestsellers.  

The Triple Oxygen Treatment, $185 for 75 minutes, is available at Bliss in Sephora Ion from 31 October. To book an appointment, call 6509 3511.

I guess you can officially call me one now. At last count, I use a total of (don’t gasp) 17 products in one night! Kid you not. This is just the stuff I use for cleansing and pampering on a nightly ritual and it doesn’t even include the weekly extras of a scrub and mask which I've been less diligent with since I became bogged down with the dailies. 

If you are really curious about my beauty’s must-do list, it goes like this:

1. Shampoo
2. Conditioner
3. Anti-hair loss tonic (more for prevention than remedy)
4. Shower gel
5. Cleansing oil or makeup remover
6. Pore minimising cleanser (I try to use an exfoliating one so that I can cheat on my weekly exfoliation)
7. Lotion/toner/refining lotion (whatever your brand of regime calls it)
8. Serum
9. Moisturiser
10. Eye serum (Yes, now there’s even a serum for your eyes!)
11. Eye cream
12. Bust-enhancing cream
13. Bum lift moisturiser
14. Body contour/slimming product (for the other “fat” areas like the tummy and thighs)
15. Body moisturiser (that leaves with arms and legs)
16. Lip balm (a must since I sleep in an air-con room)
17. Hand cream (just before I hit the sack)

Seems ridiculous I know but thanks to the crazy number of products that keep pouring into my office I am forced to try as many products as my different face and body parts will take. Call it a good job hazard I guess.

I’ve been told that some brand managers even try a different product for each half of her face to better test the efficacy. This is especially a great idea for face-lifting moisturisers. You can then compare each side of your facial contour. I haven’t been that brave to go that far. Seriously, the above steps only take about 20 minutes. If you do this regularly like I do, you can even go through them with your eyes closed. Promise!

Some friends say I'm a changed woman - one even went on to say that I've gone over to the "dark side" of becoming a health freak!

It's all thanks to a BodyAge media challenge where each of us is given 16 sessions to work out with a personal trainer (PT) at California Fitness – to be completed in two months. The person with the lowest body age wins. I took it as the opportunity to kick start my body into a healthier regime. In the health and fitness department, I’m guilty as charged.

I haven’t exercised for the last four years. The closest thing to exercising is my morning rush-hour dash to the bus-stop and stair-climbing the escalators. I have considered dropping off a bus-stop early and walk the rest of the way to the office. But that never happened.

In my initial assessment, I was underweight and my fat mass took up a fourth of my total body weight! My bicep strength was fair and my flexibility rated on a low. My body age was a year younger than my chronological age. I was told it’s not bad for someone who doesn’t exercise. I told Nik, my then PT (who sadly left after my 10th session) that my aim was to gain some weight and look more toned. Nik then drilled on the fact that I have to eat more than my usual – even indulge in some fast food if I can so that I have enough fuel to burn when I exercise and enough to feed my muscles. I can’t believe someone’s telling me to indulge in more junk food!

Basically I have to eat before and after each workout. Many envy me for the licence to eat as much as I can. But the irony is that I don’t enjoy eating. Basically I’m your “eat to live” rather than “live to eat” girl. The increase-your-food-intake part proved to be a bigger challenge for me. Life’s unfair that way.

Having a PT assist in my workout is a real morale and motivation booster. Now I know why celebs can’t do without their PTs. What’s great after the workout is that I feel totally recharged and energised, my mind stayed alert throughout the day and above all, there are no more aches on my neck and shoulders. For once, I wasn’t gagging for a massage every other week. My new body age reads a drop of three years off my first assessment. Not a lot.

But more importantly, I’ve gained 2kg in weight, increased bicep and abdominal strength, my flexibility rated good and I’ve lost 5kg of fat mass! Hooray! I’ve done myself proud. Regardless of whether I win this challenge or not, the important thing is that I’ve learnt to be healthy again – and trust me, that’s the hardest thing to do when you don’t love exercise by nature.

To my surprise (or horror), I learn from some girlfriends that they have never had a facial done before! I guess I’ve taken many things for granted and assumed a lot of things to be part of a norm – facial being one.

Some believe that facial is just another way to spend “unnecessary” money. Others simply have no time and don’t know where to go. Of late, I’m more and more convinced that facials are as important as a good skincare regime to help me stall the signs of ageing. Here are at least six good reasons why you should go for a facial regularly as part of your beauty regime (not by order of importance).

1. In just a 60-90 minute session, it does all that you’ve failed to do on a regular skincare basis. Eg, blackhead removals, scrub, mask, etc.
2. A facial is an intensive treatment. It offers much much more hydration than your normal serum and moisturiser.
3. As most facials come with a facial massage, it helps to boost the circulation in your skin. 
4. At the end of the session, your skin is guaranteed to look firmer and more radiant because of all the skincare products that have been smoothed onto your skin.
5. It’s a great way to suss out a new skincare brand or line.
6. It helps to relax your stressed-out skin – it’s even better when you fall asleep cos your skin will absorb all the skincare goodness while you rest.

My latest facial experience takes me all the way to National Skin Centre to try Skinceuticals facial treatment. As my skin’s currently going through a beauty mayhem because of the hundreds of products that I have to trough through for Beauty Hall of Fame, I requested to try their Calming Facial, $99 for 60 minutes, gentle enough for those with sensitive skin. I was told that there will be no extractions and shoulder massage. Nonetheless, I found the session to be an efficient one – the therapist cleansed my skin before layering it with their signature serums and mask. It does the job of boosting hydration where my skin needs most. I also like that the brand is being taken seriously enough to be situated at the National Skin Centre. For an appointment, call 6350 8209.