Gone are the days when I smack on matte skincare and makeup products for a matte flawless finish. These days, I try to achieve the dewy Korean look (which is not the same as looking oily okay!!) as it tends to make me look younger with super healthy looking skin. Other than using a BB Cushion as foundation, I found out that the secret to having the dewy look is actually in the skincare products.

A typical Korean lady follows a 10-step skincare routine DAILY. When I first heard it from Yoon Eun Hye's assistant earlier in May, I was appalled. That is A LOT of time spent on skincare, and I thought my 10-15 minutes routine was frightening enough. Anyhow, I'll be sharing about my 9-step daily skincare routine today!

The History of Whoo preventive ageing and hydrating skincare range + Bichup range I'm currently using.

When I was introduced to The History of Whoo's ("Whoo" for short) skincare range, I realised, the 9/10-step skincare routine is actually essential. Before I breakdown the steps to my skincare routine, I'd like to share with you the informative consultation I went through at the History of Whoo flagship counter at Tangs Orchard with Mannde.

Mannde brought me through the different product ranges Whoo carries and then we discuss about the problems my skin faces.

The History of Whoo is a relatively new skincare brand in Singapore. For the uninitiated, Whoo is a luxury skincare brand that fully embodies the Korean traditions. The concept of the brand revolves around providing self-care and self-regeneration beauty remedies for women using premium eastern medicinal herbal ingredients in their patented and signature herbal complexes that enable skin cell self-regeneration for powerful and effective anti-aging benefits.

One such complex is the Gongjinbidan (供辰秘丹) Complex, present in all The History of Whoo’s skincare and makeup products, is formulated by combining 6 different precious herbs; Siberian Deer Antler, Angelica Roots, Cornelian Cherries, Acanthopanax Root Bark, Asparagus Roots and Wild Thyme. Through modern technologies, The History of Whoo created a single complex that increases energy flow in the skin while balancing the Yin and Yang energy, improving every product’s efficacy while inducing self-regeneration by triggering skin cell activities.

And so, what we have today is a very traditional yet luxurious skincare line that contains ingredients adapted from royal court remedies that were used by empresses from the Eastern Royal Courts, and the products are, literally, fit for a Queen!

After we found the right skincare range for me, Mannde sat me down and we went through the products individually. The whole consultation took approximately 30 minutes.

So now, back to my daily 9-step skincare routine (2x each day)!

The first step is always cleansing. I always break that down into two steps: 1) removing makeup kinda cleansing and 2) washing your face kinda cleansing, or exfoliating, which happens once a week.

Then I'll normally move on to toning for my second step BUT for Whoo's skincare, it is a little different. Instead of toning, I am recommended to use the Bichup Soon Hwan Essence right after my face is thoroughly cleansed as it helps to prep the skin and enhances the skin’s ability to absorb nutrients from the next skin care products. 

The Soon Hwan Essence contains multiple herbal complexes that synergises each other to improve our internal Qi & Blood circulation. You cannot see it from the picture here but there are very tiny white beads in each pump that helps to maximise the skincare products efficacy AND reduce facial water retention.

The essence is actually very light, with very water-like texture when spread on the face. The recommended usage is 2-3 pumps and I found that 1.5 pumps work best for me.

Step 3: Toning
I'll drip a few drops of the Soo Yeon Balancer on my palm, then pat it all over my face for quicker absorption.

Also part of the Bichup range is the Bichup Ja Saeng Essence. This is Whoo's best-selling essence, and rightly so. What this essence does for the skin is powerful. Formulated with numerous herbal complexes, the main ingredient, the Plant Placenta, provides energy for skin to self-recognise individual skin concerns and activate the right skin cells for self-heal/repair.

How the Ja Saeng Essence works:

It is a 3-step self-regeneration essence. First, the plant placenta derivatives help the skin cells to identify skin concerns. Then, the Gongjibidan, Gyeongokbidan and Cheongsimbidan complexes activate cells for cellular repair via improvement of Qi & blood circulation, moisturizing and soothing functions. Lastly, the plant placenta will provide energy for the skin cell to conduct repair.

Our skin knows itself better than what we see on the exterior so I find the abilities/functions of the Ja Saeng Essence super amazing!!

The texture of the Ja Saeng Essence is a little thicker and more sticky so a pump is more than enough to go around my face. With oriental herbal medicine as its main ingredients for all of Whoo's products, the scent is surprisingly non-herbal. In fact, I couldn't even detect a teeny weeny bit of those Chinese medicine herbal smell that I'm used to. The scent is very refreshing, with hints of floral notes - just really pleasant smelling!

To achieve the best results (think glowing, dewy, hydrated skin), I would recommend using both the Soon Hwan Essence and Ja Saeng Essence together.

Step 5: 

Back to my complementing skincare range, the Camellia Moisturising Oil provides instant moisture for my skin - very much needed for my dry skin. However, I make sure to use it only once a day (instead of day and night) as my skin doesn't take well to products that are too rich.

The Camellia Moisturising Oil is THE secret to having the Korean dewy look! Just mix 1-2 drops of it with your foundation ;)

Step 6:

If you've noticed, this is the 3rd essence for my daily skincare routine. Layering of essence/serum is nothing new. Our skin has many needs (brightening, anti-aging, hydrating, etc) and if each essence provides different functions, I'd say, layer away with the essences/serums!

Part of the Gongjinhyang (preventive aging and hydrating) range, the Soo Yeon Essence supplies clear moisture to the skin and my skin feels hydrated for a long time. If I did not use the Camellia Moisturising Oil in the day, I would mix it with the Soo Yeon Essence at night and apply them together so I can save a step haha.

Step 7:

The Gongjinhyang Gi & Jin Eye Cream contains "Gongjinbidan" and Wild Ginseng which are excellent for removing wrinkles. The cream is thick so a little goes a long way.

Step 8:

It is either the day moisturiser or night cream in this step. I use the Soo Yeon night cream (gel texture) and I always wake up to hydrated and glowing skin the next day!

And of course, step 9 is either the sunscreen or sleeping mask (on alternate days).

The History of Whoo would like you to try out their star product - the Bichup Ja Saeng Essence!

Flash this blog post or my Instagram post at The History of Whoo’s flagship counter located at Orchard Tangs to redeem a complimentary Bichup Ja Saeng Essence Experience Kit from 18 Nov to 31 Dec 2015.

I hope you like the product as much as I do :)

And remember to stay updated with The History of Whoo's latest news and promotions at their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/thehistoryofwhoosingapore).

To Better Skin with Caring Skin

I have been going to Caring Skin for my monthly facials for a year now. When I first went down for a trial session at their outlet in International Building, I did not bring any expectations along. I haven't gone for a facial in more than 6 months then, I knew my skin must be in a terrible state and I was looking for any sort of salvation.

Skin analysis machine at Caring Skin

What I didn't know was that, my skin is severely dehydrated until I had a detailed check on my skin with the machine above on my first visit. The outer layer of skin was dry and flaky due to the lack of sebum. My skin is naturally thin which means wrinkles will be formed easily if I don't bring the sebum level up. The horrors of what ageing does to you!!

It was truly a wakeup call for me after I saw the results.

Taken a year ago before my trial session at Caring Skin (it was renamed shortly after)

Taken in June 2015

The main difference between Caring Skin and other beauty spas is that, you never know what facial treatments you will be doing on the day of your appointment until the aesthetician has done a thorough check on your cleansed skin. Having personalised treatments will better target the problems your skin is going through that month. Whatever your skin is lacking of - moisture? collagen? elasticity? etc, Caring Skin provides the solution in the form of facial treatment during that session. This way, you can expect your skin to always be well-fed and in tiptop condition.

This picture was taken right before my first session at Caring Skin I'm not sure if you can tell but my skin was looking a little dry, rough and was extremely dull-looking.

Also with makeup on, this was taken in August 2015 while waiting for my pampering session to start. My complexion looks smoother, definitely healthier, more supple and emits that little bit of glow! I honestly have no idea how much my skin has improved IF I weren't looking back on pictures to do this post.

Okay, maybe makeup did the trick in the previous picture. Here's my naked skin after cleansing and I promise, no editing was done to the above photos. To say I am surprised by the change is an understatement. Caring Skin practically revived my (almost dead) skin!

One of the treatments that has improved my skin is the MatriCol Refiner Treatment. It is Caring Skin’s best collagen facial, where a facial peel and collagen is combined to renew your skin cells. Using a carefully chosen acid suitable for your skin and Gluconolatone as its main active ingredient, even the most sensitive skin can undergo this treatment to achieve improved radiance and brighter skin. To top it off, one of the best collagens used in the aesthetic field will be applied before the end of the treatment, slowing down premature aging and tightening of skin.

The main reason why I stayed on with Caring Skin is because I trust the brand. I can feel that Subrina (Founder of Caring Skin) genuinely cares for her customers and wants them to feel comfortable and beautiful in their naked skin. She strongly believes in NO hard-selling and only uses products with natural ingredients. The products used in Caring Skin are from Laboratoire Dr Renaud (http://ldrenaud.com) by the way! And of course, I stayed on because I see improvements in my complexion. Now, I'm gonna be concentrating on my under eye dark circles and Caring Skin uses "gua sha" 刮痧 so let's hope I'll see results in a couple of months!

It's been a year since my skin analysis test so I think I wanna go through the test again to see if my skin really improved that much. I'll definitely keep you guys updated!

Special Promotion

Mention my name "Jessica" when you make your appointment with Caring Skin to enjoy the first trial of the MatriCol Refiner Treatment at $98 (U.P. $298) and eye-treatment during off-peak hours (11am-5pm) at $68!

Caring Skin

360 Orchard Road,
#07-07A International Building
Singapore (238869)
Contact no: (65) 6737 7797

For more information, head over to their Website, Instagram and Facebook.
Let's work towards better skin together! :)

Beauty Review: Lancôme Advanced Genifique

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Have you ever wondered what makes a woman feel beautiful? Or what makes you feel beautiful? I have. For me, it is when I feel good about myself, exuding confidence from within, and having that glow on my skin. I believe every woman aspires to have youthful skin and possibly remain forever 21. My complexion at 21 was my skin's prime - it was smooth and firm, clear, radiant and supple with no fine lines. I simply love that youthful aura and I want it back! Don't you?

I am in my late twenties now and I have learnt - time waits for no man. Now, I have to rely on makeup to get back that radiant glow which I was spotted with some n years ago just because I was young.

Thankfully, I found the Lancôme Advanced Genifique range because its sole purpose is to make you and me look physically younger than yesterday!

The Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate is a Youth Activator that has scientifically proven its effectiveness in repairing and activating 10 visual and tactile signs of youth which are fine lines, coarse wrinkles, radiance, clarity, evenness, texture, resilience, tonicity, firmness and sageness.

It is the most essential step of my skincare regime now as the Advanced Genifique targets every existing problem I have that comes with ageing. This is the first product I apply on my face as it boosts the efficacy of any other skincare products I apply after, by up to 3 times! 

Another aspect I like about the Advanced Genifique is the design of the bottle. With one twist, the dropper is loaded with the optimal amount of concentrate for application - extremely clever and convenient! I never have to gauge the amount of concentrate to pump again.

With its light watery texture, the concentrate is quickly absorbed into my skin, prepping it for my next skincare step. After using the Advanced Genifique for 2 weeks now, my complexion is visibly radiant, clear and rejuvenated!

It is an awesome time to try the Lancôme Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate for yourself now because the 30ml concentrate is retailing at a promotional price of $98 (U.P. $130) now till 31st August 2015 (while stocks last)!

You'd know I place a lot of emphasis on my eyes as fine lines have started forming a couple of years ago and I'm doing all I can not to worsen it. The bendable metal applicator of the Advanced Genifique Yeux Light Pearl was cooling on the skin and when I massage my eye contour in a up-down movement, it helps to smoothen wrinkles. Coupled with the rich and hydrating Advanced Genifique Yeux, I notice firmer skin around my eye area after a week. Hopefully with more consistent use and many bottles later, the areas around my eyes would start looking younger than yesterday like what the Advanced Genifique did for me!

WIN A BOTTLE OF ADVANCED GENIFIQUE:
Share on Facebook or Instagram
What the #YouthfulAura means to you
and/or
What is your secret to your #YouthfulAura to qualify!

To find out more on the Lancôme Advanced Genifique range, check out http://www.lancomesg.com/advanced-genifique

Beauty Review: Origins Retexturizing Mask and Renewal Serum

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I never had much skin problems throughout my life, not even when I was going through the pimply teenage phase. For that, I definitely have to thank my parents for their good genes. All through the years till I entered polytechnic, I only washed my face with whatever cleanser my mum bought for the family and on some days, I didn't even use it. When I was 17, I learnt a little about skincare as I started using makeup and fortunately, I knew I had to cleanse my face properly haha.

I received a lot of compliments on my flawless complexion, non-existing pores and smooth skin...until I hit 26 when the flattery stopped coming in. Just like how I was going through quarter-life crisis mentally, my skin is going through the same process physically as well. My complexion was looking dull, I spotted uneven skin patches and I just looked tired. I realised as I age, my skin is changing. What I was using in the past no longer works for me.

And only now did I know there's something known as quarter-life skin concerns! The symptoms I spotted above are exactly what I was (and still am) going through.

Hence, this time round, I will be reviewing the latest anti-aging products from Origins, the Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay and the Original Skin Renewal Serum with Willowherb, both just launched in Singapore on 1st August. Origins is offering my readers an exclusive promotion so read on to find out what is it! ;)

The Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay is a two-in-one purifying mask and skin refiner that’s formulated with Canadian willowherb, Persian silk tree, and a potent blend of actives to smooth, refine pores, and boost skin’s overall quality.

Unlike normal clay mask, the Original Skin Retexturizing Mask comes with Jojoba beads in it and comes in a beautiful shade of pastel pink - what an eye-candy (all natural ingredients by the way)!

While spreading the mask, the exfoliating beads gently polishes my skin's surface. At the same time,  the rose clay deep cleans my skin's inner layers by absorbing impurities, excess oils and drawing out dirt in the pores. 

After washing off with wet fingertips, I am left with refined skin texture that is silky-smooth to the touch. My complexion appears translucent and youthful-looking. Most importantly, my skincare products are absorbed really quick into my skin immediately after! That is when I know a product works because pores are clean and unclogged, hence allowing faster absorption.

Quarter-life skin concerns are less visible compared to teenage acne and midlife lines/wrinkles but are just as impactful. And this is when the Origins's Original Skin Renewal Serum with Willowherb comes in. Quarter-life skin concerns such as rough texture, enlarged pores, stressed skin, flaws and loss of radiance would benefit when using the serum.

I have combination skin which tends to be a little dry at times but skincare for dry skin are usually too rich for my face so I love, love, love gel products! The Original Skin Renewal Serum comes in a lightweight gel texture which my skin adores because it was absorbed quicker than any other serums I have used.

My face remains matte-looking, with imperfections softened and I am left with a flawless finish. There is no icky sticky feeling on my skin, it just feels like I have nothing on my face.

Designed to restore the glow of younger skin, I think the Original Skin Renewal Serum did it for me. With regular use, my skin's vibrancy is renewed, no longer as dull-looking and my skin gives off a fair luminosity. And my pores - they are almost non-existent!

I would recommend layering the Original Skin Renewal Serum with a hydrating serum or moisturiser at night as this might not provide enough hydration for the skin alone when it is doing its repair work.

Glowing complexion, smooth texture, restored clarity - no #quarterlifecrisis for my skin with the Origins Original Skin Renewal Serum with Willowherb and the Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay!

Head over to Origins's Facebook page to get free samples for both products and see for yourself the effects they'll have on your skin!

Fill up the form as seen above (this link!) and you'll be on your way to healthy, radiant-looking skin! :)

Origins is offering my readers the solution to your #QuarterLifeCrisis with the Origins Original Skin Set at a promotional price!

The Origins Original Skin Set includes:
- Original Skin Serum 30ml
- Original Skin Mask 100ml
- Ginzing Refreshing Scrub Cleanser 150ml

Simply flash this blog post and quote "ORIGINS JESSICA" to purchase the products I've reviewed + the cleanser at only $128 (U.P. $166)! That's a hefty 23% savings!! Promo ends 30th Sep 2015.

You can check out this link to find your nearest Origins store.

Have a lovely Jubilee weekend, everyone! :)

VDL Base Makeup Collection

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I am no stranger to VDL after having tried a couple of their products. My favourite is the uniquely shaped Lip Cube EX which is lipstick in a triangle tube. To extend, you'll have to twist the bottom of the lippie! Pretty interesting and I love the matte texture too.

But today, I'm not gonna be talking about lips... Instead I will be focusing on the VDL 3-step base makeup routine to achieve flawless and perfect base makeup using their latest products.

Read on till the end to find specially curated promotions just for you! :)

Clean, bare face with a layer of tinted lip balm. And I am ready!

Step 1: Prep your skin with SKIN P+R=O Almighty Ampoule Essence and SKIN P+R=O Almighty Cream

To achieve optimal skin condition for makeup, we have to focus on providing the right skincare to protect our skin and help it to recover. Therefore, I prepped my skin with the SKIN P+R=O Almighty Ampoule Essence after cleanser and toner.

The lightweight watery texture was absorbed into my skin after a few pats, leaving my skin hydrated and softer right away!

The second part to prepping my skin is the SKIN P+R=O Almighty Cream. The texture is more balm-like and doesn't feel oily or too heavy in our humidity.

I was very impressed with the Almighty Cream as it actually forms a protective layer against micro-dust and my face feels smoother instantly!

Step 2: Enhancing the staying power of foundation with the use of Lumilayer Primer

VDL's signature and best-selling primer is this Lumilayer Primer. It contains VDL's patented Lightflex Pigments that helps to reflect light off different angles of the face to create a mild highlighting and 3-dimentional face line.

After a thin layer of the primer, you can see my face has a slight radiance to it that is very natural and healthy looking. Very much akin to the glow you see on Korean celebrities!!

Step 3: Perfecting Last Foundation

The last step to VDL's perfect and flawless base makeup is the re-formulated Perfecting Last Foundation.

Can you see the drastic difference!! The coverage is GREAT. I can totally skip the concealer as my dark circles and flaws are fully concealed just with this liquid foundation.

If you would like to find out how these products fare on your skin, you can quote "JessicaForVDL" at any VDL outlets (they have just recently opened up the ION Orchard outlet!) to redeem 4pcs Base Makeup Collection Trial Kit from now till 31 May 2015 (while stocks last, T&Cs apply).

Also, from now till 22 May, enjoy 10% off Base Makeup Collection at any VDL Outlets (T&Cs apply)!

To stay updated with their latest news and be informed about their newest products, "LIKE" their Facebook page HERE!