Earlier this week, I picked up a Chinese book in the local bookstore about beauty and came across some interesting information regarding the best time to wash our hair. It stated prestige beauty bar lip palette specifically that we shouldn’t be washing our hair early in the morning and late in the night. Oh geez…I wash my hair first thing in the morning when I jump out of bed every day for almost my entire life now! In fact, some days as early as 4am! So what gives?

Cold temperature not good for our head
According to the book, the temperature is a lot colder in the early morning and late in the night so it isn’t really good for our health if we wash our hair then. It doesn’t say what problems it’ll create but I imagine it may be something connected to PHD – Permanent Head Damage! Okay, okay, just kidding…the fact that I’m still able to string coherent sentences here after so many years of washing my hair in the wee hours means I don’t have PHD.

Not good to wash your hair just before you sleep
But the author of the book did state that if we do wash our hair during those ungodly time of the day, then it’s best to blow dry our hair. This is particularly so for those who wash their hair late in the night as it is really not advisable to go to bed with wet hair. This one I believe, and based on some old wives’ tale, I think sleeping with a head of wet hair might contribute to headaches prestige beauty bar lip palette and migraines. But truly, going to bed with wet hair might cause more problems such as hair getting into an odd shape, having bad smell and your pillows turning moldy!

One hour before or after meal
So what’s the best time to wash our hair? Well, from what I read, it’s one hour before or after dinner. Okay, don’t ask me how this came about and there is definitely no research to back this one up. My guess is that it’s got something to do with the body temperature and hence, I think it should be good to wash your hair one hour before or after lunch too. And if we go by the logic behind not washing our hair in the wee hours, then I suppose if you wash them in warm water and blow dry your hair with warm air immediately after, you’ll be forever saved from PHD.

Never mind if this sounds like some bull to you, but can you share with us – what time do you wash your hair?

Prestige beauty bar lip palette

Max factor lipfinity lustres

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If one of your new year’s resolution is to slim down, then I have very good news for you if you’re a lover of Korean food, in particular, Kimchi. For Kimchi, also spelled gimchi, is said to be able to help reduce fats as this dish contains a high concentration of dietary elizabeth arden sheer lights illuminating tinted moisturizer spf 15 1 7 fl oz fiber, while being low in calories.

Stay slim with Kimchi fried rice for supper
Well, how do I know? I don’t because I don’t eat Kimchi at all but I picked up this tip from Jo of Lolita, who told us how she learnt of it through her girlfriend who never put on weight despite eating a frequent supper of Kimchi fried rice! Interesting isn’t it? So I was intrigued and went on to do some online research and I found various sources promoting Kimchi diet as a way to slim down!

Research shows South Koreans have relatively low prevalence of obesity
According to this paper published by the Research Institute of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea has a relatively low prevalence of obesity compared with other Asian countries. The research suggests that the traditional Korean diet, which is a low-fat and high-vegetable diet, has played an important part in maintaining this healthy trend. And in discussing the traditional Korean diet, Kimchi was highlighted within the paper and how its ingredients such as radishes, Chinese cabbage, green onions, and garlic account for the high total vegetable intake.

Healthy diet with antimicrobial ingredients
Actually, it kind of make sense since a high cabbage intake contributes to lots of fiber plus the other ingredients of Kimchi promotes intestinal health and helps lower cholesterol. Plus, it’s not oily and it is also possible to make a Kimichi with low sodium so I guess it’s pretty healthy. I’m not into Kimchi but I do take a fair bit of Chinese cabbage and find that it always promote *ahem* flatulence. So yeah, you’ll get lots of fiber eating this one all right!

So any of you liking Kimchi or planning to eat tons of it now elizabeth arden sheer lights illuminating tinted moisturizer spf 15 1 7 fl oz that you know it can help you stay slim?

Elizabeth arden sheer lights illuminating tinted moisturizer spf 15 1 7 fl oz

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Hello Vivabellas! What new beauty treats or products did you get this new year? Well, for me, I went for an eyelash extension and got myself brand new fluttering eyelashes! Well, even I was surprised at my loreal foundation makeup decision to do this, considering I am someone who repelled against wearing falsies and the one time I had them on was during my wedding but I actually tore them off as soon as the makeup artist was out of sight. Ha! So should I say vanity and curiosity got the better of me this time and since I didn’t have to pay for the service and was promised that I won’t emerge from the extension looking remotely like barbie doll, I decided to give it a shot.

Lightweight lashes that are applied lash-by-lash
My eyelash extension was done at Lolita, the only store in Singapore that offers NovaLash eyelash extensions. This extension approach is special because instead of the usual clustered lashes used for most eyelash extensions, here we have semi-permanent individual lashes meticulously applied lash-by-lash, bonded with medical-grade adhesives, by certified professional NovaLash extensionists. I haven’t done any eyelash extension before so I can’t make any effective comparisons in terms of the lashes. However, my bestie who also had the same Novalash extension done on her eyelashes confirmed that Novalash lashes are very light. She had learnt eyelash extension some time back so she definitely knows more than me.

Advantages over cluster lashes
Besides being weightless, Novalash eyelash extension technique allows natural lashes to grow loreal foundation makeup and thrive. Compared to the usual cluster lashes that are commonly used in the eyelash extension market, Novalash eyelashes have to be applied lash-by-lash. Hence, without several natural lashes stuck together to a cluster, this would not cause a faster growing natural lash to pull out slower growing lashes from the root and then causing permanent damage to our eyelash follicle. Additionally, the Novalash eyelash extension technique does not clog our eyelash follicle as no adhesive is applied to our eyelid. This is why this technique ensures no “poking feel” after the extension is done. In fact, I would say I don’t even feel like I have eyelash extension unless I touch it. And those concerned about product safety would probably be pleased to know that only formaldehyde-free, pharmaceutical-grade lash extension adhesives are used.

Application techniques of the eyelash extensionist
I used to think that eyelash extension would make my eyes look very unnatural but apparently, I’ve been mistaken as I didn’t realize that we can still look natural through the choice of eyelash extensions as they come in different texture and length. Interestingly, I found out that how the lashes are adhered on our natural lashes also makes a difference. Okay, I learnt of three techniques at Lolita – top, bottom and side – but I only remember that we can get fuller looking lashes when the extensionist bond the lashes on the side of our eyelases. I can’t quite remember the results from the other two techniques now.

Eyelash extension cycle
Apparently, the Novalash eyelash extension can last about 4 weeks based on our own natural lash growth cycle if properly cared for. Thereafter, you can maintain the look via touchup services. The reason why this extension can last longer is because the extensionists extend based on the new growth of our eyelashes, rather than extending using our matured lashes.

Care for the Novalash eyelash extension
I do like the new look I have but I have to say I needed time to get used to them. Although I felt like I had nothing on now, but as soon as I’m washing my face, I can feel them on my eyes. It took me a while to get used to the idea and the good thing is, I don’t wear a lot of eye makeup and so I don’t need to use a special eye cleanser because loreal foundation makeup I was told I should not use an oil product near my eyes as that would damage the extensions. In addition, if you have your eyelash extended, make sure you don’t rub and scratch your eyes!

Price menu
Okay, here are the prices for the Novalash eyelash extension:
Natural lustrous 60 lashes @ $159 (60mins session) First trial @ $89 nett
Promotion : Save $245 when you purchase 5 session at $550

Glamourous 90 lashes @ $199 (90mins session)
Promotion : Buy 3 session and get 4 free touchup session worth $276

Touchup/Refill 30lashes @ $69 or 40 lashes @ $79

Lolita is located at 6 Raffles Boulevard #B1-12 Marina Square (direct access from Esplanade Exchange). You can also look up their website or contact them at 6338 9981 or SMS 9683 7339 loreal foundation makeup to find out more. And if you like to see more of my pictures, look them up on my Facebook page here.

Loreal foundation makeup

Almay clear complexion makeup

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I know a number of you use face mist frequently and it probably counts as an essential beauty item for you. This means that it’s a repeat purchase and if we go by the usual brands around, it’s quite easy to chalk up anything from $70 to S$150 per year, depending on how much you use this item on a daily basis. I use my face mist on a daily basis, often doubling them up as face toner and to mix products, and this means my usage is high and it would be definitely be lovely if I can reduce this expense. Well, I recently received a face mist that allows me to do just that loreal plenitude shine control double action toner because I can refill using simple spring water such as those from Evian, Volvic, Fiji, Ice Mountain or even purified tap water and yet enjoy several skin-activating benefits because of a special technology within the bottle.

Utilizes a natural skin healing activating mechanism
Called Infotone Face Mist, this unique product is said to utilize an advanced water technology as each bottle contains a non-toxic and 100% natural mineral clay ceramic ball that features AquaLiv’s BioTâ„¢ Bioinformation Technology – this ceramic ball in the glass bottle is able to turn regular water into a powerful tonic that when misted over the face, encouraging optimal hydration and clear, youthful, glowing skin. No chemical ingredients are added and according to the company, researchers also observed improved suppleness, firmness, reduced dryness, oxidation, wrinkles, skin pigmentation, and blemishes. It works by first eliminating factors that obstruct the soundness of skin and second, by activating skin’s natural healing mechanisms. While the exact bioinformation program is confidential, I found out that this product include Squalene, Phytoncide, and Vitamin C, all of which have skin benefiting properties. And interestingly, I found out that Infotone was also designed to eliminate a common parasite that is often responsible for blemishes and irritated skin.

Provide skin hydration
This product was sent to me complimentary from Aqualiv. Although I was intrigued by the product, I wasn’t really loreal plenitude shine control double action toner expecting too much in terms of its skin healing properties. I mean, it just sounds too good to be true isn’t it? But I’ve been using it to replace my skin toner in the evening and I always remember to let it sit on my skin for a good one minute before patting it into my skin. I would say the hydration is good but not astounding for me. Just that I noticed that when I was testing a hydrating serum after using this face mist, my skin couldn’t absorb the serum too well so I guess my skin is already well hydrated using this Infotone Face Mist?

Heals my skin blemishes well
I don’t really mist it too much in the day though but what I found is that my skin does look a tad more dewy than usual after using this for awhile now. But what impressed me most is that my blemishes healed a lot faster using this! Very interesting because I didn’t make the immediate connection that it was because of this product since I was also using other gels on those blemishes. I only realized it because of a blemish that I applied nothing else to healing up very nicely this morning.

Cost and availability
Aside from those two benefits, I can’t say that this product has even out my skin tone nor reduce wrinkles but I guess that might happen if I use this product for a longer period. (I definitely would welcome those benefits!) But I really like the idea of saving more using a product like that because it is refillable. A bottle is now on sale for US$34.97 and considering this product can last a full year because it is refillable, I would agree that is is both green and inexpensive. Plus I always like to use natural spring water in my DIY recipes so this will enhance my recipe, given its skin-activating properties! The only drawback is that the product is only shipped in US and Canada at the moment so those in Singapore may have to make alternative arrangements to get the product in. But I have put aside one bottle for my monthly VivaBella giveaway. So one of you maybe able to lay your hands on it. *wink wink*

For more information on the product, check out their website.

Loreal plenitude shine control double action toner

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~ To kick start the brand new year, I have the first part of a guest post from Crystal of Watermoolen on products from Spa de Soliel, which were sent complimentary to her for review on behalf of Viva Woman. ~

Spa de Soleil Organic Olive Essence Body Butter
Home Spa Collection is an e-commerce store that sells a variety of skincare products depending on your skincare/haircare (i.e., anti-aging, acne). I’ve never heard of the online store before, but the company has been featured in magazines like Marie Claire, Red Book, and Shape Magazine.

The company claims that they create their products within days of the order so that each product can be fresh when sent to your home. In addition, all of Home Spa Collection products do not contain any parabens and mineral oils since the company believes in producing natural, eco-friendly skincare/haircare products.

I was thankful enough to sent four samples of the Home Spa Collection’s organic line, Organic Olive Essence to try out for a month. This line is also certified organic by the USDA through CCOF and OASIS and is in the final process through NSF and Eco-Cert (U.S. organic certifications). Each review will focus on one product, and I will be talking about the Organic Body Butter.

All organic and natural ingredients. No parabens.

What struck me by surprise was that the Organic Olive Essence line emphasizes the benefits of using olive oil in their ingredients, but the body butter did not contain any of that. In fact, the main ingredients were aloe vera juice, rice extract, coconut acid, and shea butter. Aside from that, I really liked the ingredients they had in this product. There were certainly no parabens or any chemically enhanced ingredients which made this body butter already enticing before use.

Texture and application
By looking at it, it looks quite thick (very thick icing!) and I thought it would be hard to apply on. I’ve had bad experiences with organic products before where I literally had to use all my force on my hand to apply the product to my skin. As promised by the product description, it was very easy to apply onto my dry legs! In addition, it didn’t feel too oily or too drying on my skin.

I have dry skin during the wintertime, and I apply a good amount on every night after I shower. Once applied, the body butter did make my legs feel a bit more moisturized which some other non-organic body butters couldn’t do. I did try putting more than directed but it didn’t really improve my skin anyway! Even a month’s use, there wasn’t a real significant improvement to my dry skin. It did help a bit as a moisturizer where my legs did retain more moisture compared to some other brands.

Light Scent
The scent is so wonderful! My past experiences with organic cleansers and creams smell either like grass or some wild forest, which explains why most organic/natural products include fragrances to “mask” the real smell. Because this butter includes so many oils, I can’t really pinpoint how it really smells like. But, the scent is quite aroma-therapeutic, and I like how the light scent stays with me throughout the night.

Packaging and Pricing
The body butter only comes in an 8oz ($22.99) jar which will last you up to three to four months if applied nightly or every other day. However, the product itself lasts up to 24 months so don’t worry if you only want to use it during the wintertime!

Although this body butter didn’t quite cure me of my dry, flaky legs, I still enjoyed using this as a night regimen for my legs. I think it’s a great body butter and is much comparable to brands like Victoria’s Secret and even better because of the light, natural fragrance. I also use this as a hand lotion whenever I want to re-smell the fragrance! I simply love the fragrance, if you can’t tell! Again, you can get this online at Home Spa Collection.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 hearts

Spa de Soleil Organic Olive Essence Hand Cream
When it comes to hand creams, I get quite picky because I tend to choose fragrance-free or light scented hand cream/lotions. It’s because when the scent lingers on my hands throughout the day, I get sick of it easily and don’t even want to even use more lotion. So I was really hoping the Organic Olive Essence hand cream can cure my winter dry hands. It only comes in a 6 oz squeeze bottle and retails for $21.99 at Home Spa Collection.

All organic ingredients. Contains “olive” extract.

The Organic Olive Essence line claims to have olive fruit extracts. From what I know about olive fruit and olive oil is that they can be moisturizing (think of the olive oil in cooking) and can give the skin a natural looking glow. However, the olive fruit extract is not the main ingredient of this hand cream. It’s not a really big deal to me since I see that there are really good ingredients in the cream, such as jojoba oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter which are good moisturizing agents. It’s also good that the extracts/oils are organic and that this hand cream actually contains the olive extract, unlike the body butter I reviewed.

Great Scent
If you’ve ever tried L’occitane rose hand creams, then you’ll know what I mean when I say that this Organic Olive Essence hand cream smells like that! Without that comparison, this hand cream has a mild rose scent. At first, I was put off by it because I usually don’t like rose-smelling products (bad experience from $1.00 rose petal potpourri). But, after a few tries, this light yet good smelling aroma really grew on me. The weird thing is that there is no rose ingredient in the hand cream, so I don’t know exactly what oils made the hand cream smell like that.

Texture and Application
I was hoping that it was thicker but from experience, any product that contains aloe vera as the main ingredient usually isn’t thick. The texture is between gelly and creamy, so it wasn’t so hard to apply onto my hands. The label also claims that this hand cream will make your hands “look and feel younger.” I’m not so sure about that. I’ve used this everyday for about a month and it didn’t really make my hands look any younger. It didn’t really help with my dry skin since my workplace requires frequent cleaning of hands. However, for normal-oily skin, this would be a safe bet!

Although the hand cream can be a bit pricey, you have to consider the fact that it contains no parabens and all organic ingredients. You can bet that you are putting good, essential oils onto your skin for the same moisturizing benefits as chemically-filled lotions. Like I said before, this hand cream would be suitable for normal-oily skin types because my hands are a bit dry and the cream only provided light moisturizing.

Rating: 4 out of 5 hearts

Look out for Crystal’s next review coming up soon. Meanwhile, you can check out these products at Home Spa Collection.

Perfume Illuminated: Lime

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