I am terrible at styling my hair and applying eyeshadows. I'm pretty sure you already know that from the pictures I post on my Instagram haha. Before every special event, I always prefer to head down to my hairstylist to get my hair done but that would mean looking absolutely ridiculous in the public transport in my 4 inch heels and floor-length outfits. Either that, or the hair salon is not located in the same district as my event venue and that will mean making a detour and incurring extra taxi fares.

Learning about the house call services provided through Vanitee is truly a life saviour!

Vanitee is an online booking destination for quality beauty services from sought-after independent and emerging artists. The platform bridges the gap between beauty artists and customers, you can book a massage, facial, brow and lash services, etc.

I was headed for a formal event last week and decided to try out the Vanitee app for the first time to engage a hair+makeup artist, as well as a manicurist, straight to my house! The app is very transparent and there are LOTS of beauty artists in each category to choose from. You can read reviews, check prices and browse through past works before choosing your favourite! Moreover, chat with the artists through the app and get immediate responses!

After much surfing around, I engaged @kel to do my hair+makeup and @nailedyougood to dress my nails before the event! My appointments were confirmed right away through the app and text messages.

Kel and Rachel arrived right on time at my doorstep and we immediately got down to business! Both of them needed a table, chairs and electrical plugs to work so my dining table was the perfect choice since the area was spacious, and everyone can move around easily without getting in each other's way.

They came well-prepared and I love their professionalism. My gelish nails were completed in an hour and hair+makeup was done in 1.5 hour, all in the comforts of my own home!

Once I've changed, I was ready to go. No rushing around in heels and reaching my destination looking flustered or feeling sticky from perspiration. The convenience is unbeatable and I'm already looking forward to my next house call experience with Vanitee! 

With CNY around the corner, I'm sure everyone's looking to doll up and get ready for the festive season. You'll be delighted to know I have a 20% off discount code for all beauty services on Vanitee. Download the app and check out with JESSICA20 (for 1st time users only, code expires 29 February 2016) to book your nail, hair, makeup, and even eyelash extension appointments! Oh, and for all bookings made from now till 14 February, you'll be entitled to a sure-win ang pow! There are $30 Vanitee credits, cute Vanitee Unicat (their mascot) totes, etc all up for grabs!

Ash Grey In My Hair

Every 2-3 months, I'll visit Elva at Pro Trim JEM for a new hair colour because by then, the original colour would've faded and it always looks a little orange-brown on my hair no matter what colour I dye, and hair treatment at least once a month! Whenever possible, I will go for a hair wash at the salon as well because 

1) I loveeeee the head massage, and 

2) I think I'm not thorough enough when I wash my hair and the oil/dirt accumulates which can cause quite a lot of hair loss.

So this month I decided to have some ash grey in my hair!!

I actually saw some pictures of the colour while surfing and immediately texted my excitement to Elva who was just as excited as I am because I am finally going out of my comfort zone haha!!

I have always been quite conservative with my hair colour choices so it is always dark brown, medium brown, ash brown...whatever shades of brown there are, name it and I've probably had that before. So apparently Tino (@ 313 Pro Trim) and Elva were shocked that I am actually okay to bleach my hair to achieve the desired ash grey haha. All that was on my mind was, if not now then when?? 

Elva already had it all planned out for me when I arrived at Pro Trim JEM. She was gonna use the new VLook technique by L'oreal to colour my hair. I have actually already heard of this new technique during Singapore Fashion Week in May but I thought VLook actually meant achieving a V-shaped face with the help of a haircut. Who would've thought the way you have your hair coloured could give you a defined and smaller face shape!

There are in-salon pre and post treatments available in the VLook package, as well as a bottle of Mythic Oil to bring home!

Not only that, I also got a bottle of V-Shaper Essence for my face!

We started by bleaching a V-shaped portion of my hair because there's no other way to achieve the shade of ash grey I want if I don't bleach.

I was a little horrified when I saw that streak of gold after bleaching :O

Thankfully that didn't last long!

I did the Keratase Scalp Treatment after my colouring. This treatment soothes and calms the scalp after such an intensive session, at the same time, giving me silky and smooth hair :)

The greys are all hidden!!

Got my favourite photographer (H) to help me take some pictures the next day!

It is honestly very well-hidden and subtle. If I didn't tuck my hair behind my ears or if you're not walking behind me, you probably wouldn't notice it. 

I know I look like I've aged overnight and H even called me "姑姑" hahaha you know 杨过and小龙女?? HAHAHA

Hehehe I loveeeeee it :D

Also got a new set of eyelashes extensions at Dreamlash! On my lashes this month is the "Diamond Wink Lash" which features diamond silk lashes with thinner ends which give a more natural and softer look! Not as dramatic as what I normally do so this was a refreshing change!

If you are interested to try out "Diamond Wink Lash", quote my name at Dreamlash to enjoy the trial set at $50 for up to 60 strands of eyelashes. Top-up is available for 100 strands and above. You can call 6884 8019 to enquire! :)

Pro Trim / Miss Gritty

With the approaching Lunar New Year, I thought I'll head down to Pro Trim JEM to tidy my crazy tresses before Elva (my hair stylist) is fully booked. So I went on the afternoon of the last Thursday of January and Pro Trim JEM was bustling. Their usual occupancy rate is 60-70% in the mid-afternoon but that day it was peaking at 90% full yet Elva and Jen could still give me their full attention. Thank you so much! <3

I decided to go with a dark ash colour so it can fade to a (hopefully) pretty ash tone after a couple of washes! It's my first time dyeing my hair ash so I reallyyyy hope it wouldn't turn out too bad! Trimmed my hair just a little as well since I've made up my mind to go back to medium hair length. And of course, I could never leave the salon without my monthly Keratase hair treatment that leaves my mane silky, smooth and soft! *love eye emoticon*

Elva told me she has presents for me when I made my appointment and I went home with these! She noticed I was dropping more hair than usual during hair wash so she gave me a box of anti-hair loss ampoules (the ten red bottles on the right) to curb it. But really, my hair loss is hereditary. And for hair regrowth, I was asked to use the ten ampoules (in the black box) after I've finished the first course.

My extremely dry hair has been bugging me for a while now so I was happy to receive the pre-shampoo nutrition replenisher (white bottle, second from right)! Just leave on for 10 minutes before shampooing and there's no need for conditioner after! The orange bottles pictured are my current shampoo and conditioner.

I'll do a review on the products after I've finished both courses of ampoules and if I see some positive change! ;)

I am always on the lookout for big and pretty earrings to match my outfits with. Even though my hair is always down and the earrings are not always in your face but accessorising always make me feel that little bit better about myself.

I was introduced to Miss Gritty (http://www.missgritty.com) recently and managed to pick out 2 pairs of big dangly earrings that go so well with my outfits! Miss Gritty was founded in August 2013 and they are the curator of quality statement accessories!

This pair of encrusted crystal earrings speak elegance and classy, I can picture this with an up-do for formal events and looking effortlessly glam! ;)

For something more subtle, great for everyday wear, I recommend this jewelled pair. Wear it with any of your frocks or even a pair of denim jeans to ooze casual chic!

All my readers get 10% off for orders above $50 when checking out with <JESSICA10OFF> at Miss Gritty! Happy shopping and spice up your outfits with some quality statement pieces today! :D