Planning for a wedding is never easy. Even though we only planned for a solemnization, there are lots of factors to consider – attire, vendors, venue, florist, decoration, food… and of course, being the most beautiful bride and groom. I had to create a checklist to ensure that everything is in place, including pampering beauty sessions for myself to look more radiant and glowy on my wedding day.

SK-II has specially crafted the Bridal Glow Set to empower brides-to-be to achieve the bridal glow, in just 14 days with 5 simple steps.

Step 1: Facial Treatment Clear Lotion

This wipe-off clarifying lotion gently removes dirt and dead skin cells and leaves skin clean, lively, and perfectly conditioned.

Step 2: Facial Treatment Mask

Reviving and relaxing, this intensive moisture-boosting mask leaves skin noticeably radiant, soft and crystal clear.

Step 3: Facial Treatment Essence

Containing more than 90% Pitera, this much loved “miracle water” helps maintain the skin’s natural renewal cycle its optimum condition.

Check out this review of SK-II Facial Treatment Essence!

Step 4: Cellumination Essence EX

Cellumination Essence EX improves skin from the cellular level for highly defined, aura bright skin in just 4 weeks.

Step 5: Cellumination Deep Surge EX

This daily moisturiser works to balance skin tone from within to unleash skin’s translucent aura.

The team had prepared a very cosy and beautiful setting at Villa Halia with awesome food and I had a great time catching up with other bloggers too. Thank you SK-II! smile

The Bridal Glow Set is retailing at S$382 at selected SK-II counters, while stocks last. The set consists of:
– Facial Treatment Clear Lotion (40ml)
– Facial Treatment Mask (2pcs)
– Facial Treatment Essence (150ml)
– Cellumination Essence EX (30ml)
– Cellumination Deep Surge EX (15g)
– 3-in-1 Electric Beauty Bath Set

Selected SK-II counters include Takashimaya, Tangs Orchard, Tangs Vivocity, Metro Paragon, Metro Woodlands, Isetan Scotts, Isetan Tampines, Isetan Serangoon, Isetan Katong, Robinsons Centrepoint, Robinsons Raffles City, BHG Bugis and OG People’s Park.

Read More: The Ultimate Japanese Skincare Routine For Mochi Skin

It’s the era of CC Creams but I am still loving my BB Creams! smile I received Klairs Illuminating Supple BB Cream from Wishtrend awhile back to review. Wishtrend is an online e-shop selling mainly Korean products and they ship internationally. Klairs is pretty new to me and I was curious about the quality and what the brand has to offer. The Klairs Illuminating Supple BB Cream comes in a tube-like packaging which resembles a toothpaste.

Benefits:

– Sun protection with SPF40 PA++
– Whitening
– Wrinkle improvement
– Sebum control

Features:

– Suitable for any skin type and tone
– Contains Hyaluronic Acid
– Contains SPF40 PA++ for sun protection

What I like about the product:

– Contains no parabens, no alcohol and no artificial coloring
– Contains SPF40 PA++ for sun protection
– Has a very creamy, smooth and easily blendable and buildable texture
– Brightens up the skin tone
– Non-drying as it contains Hyaluronic Acid
– Doesn’t leave a grey tone on the skin
– Medium coverage

What I don’t like about the product:

– Poor oil control. My face starts to feel oily after about 3 hours.
– Packaging is too big for my liking, wish it comes in a smaller tube and cuter design.

My verdict:

Suitable for any skin type and tone, the BB Cream blends perfectly with my natural skin tone. I only used a dollop of the BB Cream for my entire face. Some BB Creams are known to create that dull and grey look on Asian skins but the Klairs BB Cream somehow brightens and doesn’t make my face look too cakey either. Coverage is about medium and the texture of the BB Cream is very creamy, easily blendable and buildable; making application a breeze.

Get the Klairs Illuminating Supple BB Cream from Wishtrend at the price of USD24.99.

Wishtrend
www.wishtrend.com
www.facebook.com/wishtrend.sg

I have tons of Korean products on my list to review, do check back soon! smile

All women long for rosy, glowy and radiant looking skin. How about Spring blooming on your cheeks? The latest skincare range from Garnier – Garnier Sakura White is infused with Sakura extract to help you achieve that. It has been tested and proven that the Garnier Sakura White range is able to achieve:

Dewy skin
Even skintone
Fairness
Rosiness
Silky soft skin

plus…

60% more radiance in just 4 weeks!

Sounds amazing already. Let’s take a look at what Sakura White has to offer!

Cleansing is the most important step of our daily regime. The Gentle Cleansing Foam comes with a gel-like texture and feels really soft and gentle on the skin. The alluring scent of sakura makes the whole cleansing experience extremely pleasant.

Up next, the Softening Lotion! It helps to soften the skin and boost skin rosiness and transparency. The texture of the lotion is extremely silky smooth and gets absorbed easily. I love how it leaves a refreshing feeling on my skin.

The Moisturizing Cream might be a tad thick as a day cream but it is pretty suitable for people with dry combination skin like mine. It melts into the skin effortlessly upon application. Love it lots!

Weekly masking is a must for me, the High Concentrated Mask is specially customized to wrap your face like a second skin. Infused with sakura essence, it helps to moisturize the skin from inside out. I love to do masking while watching my dramas and it’s really relaxing to do so. smile

Here are more pictures taken during the event!

Garnier Sakura White retails at all Watsons, Guardian and major supermarkets at the following prices:

Sakura White Pinkish Radiance Gentle Cleansing Foam (S$5.90)
Sakura White Pinkish Radiance Softening Lotion (S$17.90)
Sakura White Pinkish Radiance Moisturizing Cream (S$19.90)
Sakura White Pinkish Radiance High Concentrated Mask (S$21.90 for 4pcs)

It was my third time to Azur and I always look forward to dining there. You may read my past experiences at Azur here. Azur presents The Gourmand Experience, a series of premium buffet dinners celebrating the freshest ingredients and charming flavors from around the world. For the month of July, Azur launches its first edition of the series – Feast of the Seven Seas and it will be over a limited period of two weekends. I was there to have a preview of the buffet with Esther and Fidelis. Unfortunately, BFF was away on a business trip and she couldn’t join us! sad

For the seafood lovers, be pampered with a huge selection of Chilled Seafood like Steamed Blue Crab, Boston Lobster, Poached Tiger Prawns, Jumbo Bay Clams and Freshly Shucked Australian Oysters.

The Lobster Bisque is extremely flavorful and robust with chunks of lobster meat in it.

The Hawker Style Stir-Fried Bamboo Clams are cooked in chili crab sauce but a tad fishy and overcooked. sad

The Black Pepper Slipper Lobster is one of my favorite dishes as the peppery taste is not too overpowering and the lobster still maintained its sweetness.

The Parisian Mussel with Fresh Herb Crumbles retained its sweetness and freshness, even though it is a little too plain for my liking.

The Baked Conchigliette Pasta with Shrimp & Mozzarella Cheese was slightly dry and overcooked. But nonetheless, the mozzarella cheese was awesome.

The Baked Whole Salmon with Seafood and Aromatic Spices was the star of the night as the chef had painstakingly pieced the salmon, scallops, squids, prawns and other stuff into a dish. The delicious salmon was served with coconut and lemongrass espuma which tasted a little sweet and refreshing, this unique combination is definitely a first for me.

Other delightful seafood dishes available during the Feast of the Seven Seas include Truffle Risotto with Pan Seared Scallop topped with Shaved Parmesan Cheese, Truffle Salt and Caviar Butter, Amritsari Fish, Freshly Sliced Sashimi and Soft Shell Crab Tempura. All these mouthwatering menu items await alongside a huge selection of award winning cheeses from New Zealand, appetizing starters, freshly baked selection of bread and desserts.

The Gourmand Experience: Feast of the Seven Seas
Adult: S$88.00++
Child: S$44.00++
* This promotion is only available for dinner
** Comes with a complimentary glass of white/red wine OR specially created mocktail
*** Get a 15% discount when you make your reservation online here!
**** Available from 19 – 21, 26 – 28 July 2013

Azur
75 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819664
2F Crowne Plaza Hotel
Tel: (65) 6823 5354
www.crowneplazadining.com/azur

~~*♥*~~

Check out my new Monochrome nails done at Play-Nails! Cute huh? Something exciting is brewing at Play-Nails and I can’t wait to share with you guys. Update soon! smile Follow Sophia’s blog, Facebook page and Instagram for more updates!

Violet Dream Luminous (hereafter VDL) from Korea is an international cosmetic brand that was founded in 2012 by The Color Lab of LG Household and Health Care, and they had collaborated with renowned makeup artist like Wendy Rowe and iconic brands to create trendy styles. Their flagship store has opened at Suntec City #02-338/339 with several ranges of products like skincare, fragrance & body, base and point makeup to name a few. The brand is edgy with a wide range of skincare and makeup with vivid and pop colors targeted at the modern women, who love something fun and colorful injected in their lives.

The event was held at Antoinette @ Palais Renaissance, I feel that the location truly matches the theme and style of VDL! The demo was done by makeup maestro Clarence Lee who is extremely talented and friendly. Was also glad to meet up with fellow bloggers Elaine, Jermaine, Maybeline, Jamie and Verlyn. smile

Here are some products that caught my attention…

Festival Gel Pencil

Festival Eye Shadow

Festival Lipstick and Festival Lipgloss Sparkle

Base Makeup & Concealers

Brightening Serum and Lumilayer Primer

Tint Bar Triple Shot

We brought home a bag full of goodies to review!

– VDL Festival Lip Stick (Love Mark) in 502 Cruz
– VDL Tint Bar Triple Shot in 501 Triple Red
– VDL Festival Mineral Eyes (Love Mark) in 301 Club E
– VDL Festival Mineral Blusher (Love Mark) in 602 Back Hug
– VDL Ready Action Pen Liner in 02 Sponge Action
– VDL Eye Bomb Mascara

VDL Festival Lip Stick (Love Mark) in 502 Cruz is a bright red lip color that comes with an adorable wax seal imprinted on the lipstick. I quite like the texture of the lipstick as it isn’t too drying. Unfortunately, I haven’t been wearing red lipsticks for awhile as I had people who commented that I looked ghastly with red lips. angry

VDL Tint Bar Triple Shot in 501 Triple Red is such a cute looking product with its tri-tone layering in a tube. I think this tint bar is perfect to create that Korean just bitten lip look as it leaves a very sheer and subtle color on the lips.

VDL Festival Mineral Eyes (Love Mark) in 301 Club E is a vibrant and intense shade of purple that is extremely pigmented, shimmery and pearly.

VDL Festival Mineral Blusher (Love Mark) in 602 Back Hug is a peachy and shimmery shade that gives a glowy look on the cheeks. It comes with a brush but I am bewildered that there isn’t any space in the blusher to keep the brush.

VDL Ready Action Pen Liner in 02 Sponge Action comes with a sponge pen for a more dramatic look. The eyeliner glides on smoothly and it is described as being easily removed with warm water.

VDL Eye Bomb Mascara is good for adding volume, lengthening and curling the lashes.

Special Promotion

From now till 12 July, the first 10 readers to quote “daintyflair” with a minimum purchase of S$40 nett (in a single receipt) at VDL store will be entitled to a VDL Festival Love Mark Lipstick worth S$21 for FREE!

VDL Singapore
Suntec City #02-338/339
Tel: (65) 6287 3094
www.vdlcosmetics.com
www.facebook.com/VDLCosmeticsSingapore

Apart from skincare products, I am always on the lookout for hair care products to moisturize my tresses as they get dry and tangled easily. Tsubaki, which was launched in 2006 will be introducing new formulation and packaging for their products. Tsubaki (pronounced as Tsoo-bah-kee) means Camellia in Japanese, the main ingredient found in their hair care products.

Based on research, Shiseido has found out that the hair care needs tend to change every 2-3 years. The research also focuses on the amount of melanin found in the black hair of Japanese women and their scientists realized that black hair contain more melanin than other shades. It also leads to the finding of exposure to UV or heat causes a loss of melanin within the hair fiber. This eventually results in the loss of melanin holes which in turn, leads to lost of shine and luster of the hair.

The new Tsubaki range:
– Features a softer design and their signature camellia flowers on the packaging
– Has a shrink-wrap outer packaging which can be torn off easily upon usage
– Contains a new hair melanin hole repair ingredient called Arginine
– Contains Camellia Oil which repairs the cuticle and smoothes & softens the hair fiber
– Contains a UV protective ingredient to cut daily UV radiation

The new Tsubaki comprises of 3 ranges to cater to different hair care needs:

Tsubaki Shining (Shine and Moisture)
– Provides silky manageable hair with a satiny smooth texture
– Provides deep moisture replenishment to the hair core
– Blended with selected Camellia oil for hair shine
– Blended with Camellia leaf essence for hair moisture
– Has a glamorous scent with a blend of flowers and fruits

Pricing of Tsubaki Shining (Shine and Moisture)
Shining Shampoo – S$17.90 for 550ml, S$8.90 for 220ml
Shining Conditioner – S$17.90 for 550ml, S$8.90 for 220ml
Shining Treatment – S$15.90 for 200g
Shining Hair Mask – S$19.90 for 180g

I was given the shampoo and conditioner and boy, do I love the scent! I love stepping out of the shower smelling absolutely awesome and the Shining range managed to give me really sweet smelling hair. The products makes my hair real soft, smooth and easy to manage too!

Tsubaki Damage Care (Intensive Repair)
– Deeply repairs dry and brittle hair for silky smoothness from the roots to the ends
– Blended with selected Camellia oil for hair shine
– Contains Tsubaki Amino for penetrative repair
– Contains Camellia Repair butter for hair repair and moisture

Pricing of Tsubaki Damage Care (Intensive Repair)
Damage Care Shampoo – S$18.90 for 550ml, S$9.90 for 220ml
Damage Care Conditioner – S$18.90 for 550ml, S$9.90 for 220ml
Damage Care Treatment – S$16.90 for 200g
Damage Care Hair Mask – S$21.90 for 180g

Tsubaki Head Spa (Scalp Care)
– For lustrously resilient hair with volume from the roots
– Contains Camellia Flower Essence for prevention of skin irritation and as anti-inflammatory & hair moisturizing agents
– Contains a dedicated blend of natural essential oils for moisture and suppleness

Pricing of Tsubaki Head Spa (Scalp Care)
Head Spa Shampoo – S$19.90 for 550ml
Head Spa Conditioner – S$19.90 for 550ml
Head Spa Extra Cleansing – S$15.90 for 280ml
Head Spa Hair Mask – S$22.90 for 180g

Love being pampered by brands with yummy goodies! Also, a photo of me with Maybeline. smile

The full range of Tsubaki will be available exclusively at Watsons from 4 July 2013.

Crabtree & Evelyn has launched their new Conditioning Hand Wash Collection this month. The collection comprises of 8 new hand washes across the brand’s floral, botanical and La Source ranges – Lavender, Wisteria, La Source, Lily, Citron, Honey & Coriander, Iris, Rosewater and Pomegranate, Argan & Grapeseed.

Lavender – A delicious way to enjoy the classic scent of Lavender every day. Embrace the scent of fresh lavender enhanced with violet, tonka bean, lemon leaf and soft musk.

Crabtree & Evelyn never fail to amaze me with their pretty packaging, very whimsical, luxurious and romantic. I am a huge fan of the brand and especially love their hand therapy products as signs of aging can be visible on the hands, so I try to keep my hands hydrated and protected all the time.

Their hand therapy range comes in 3 sizes – S$20.00 (50g), S$33.00 (100g), S$65.00 (250g). Contains fresh lavender enhanced with violet, tonka bean, lemon leaf, and soft musk, the rich and buttery Lavender hand therapy kept the skin extremely moisturized for hours. The lovely scent of lavender soothes the senses and it can last for a few hand washes.

The bottle of hand wash comes in jewel-like colors that is so pleasing to the eyes. Each Conditioning Hand Wash is luxuriously lathering and pH balanced to be gentle on hands. The texture of the hand wash is pretty similar to their shower gels, very silky smooth and soft on the skin. The lavender scent lingers for hours and my hands smell even better after I apply the Lavender hand therapy.

Each Conditioning Hand Wash retails at S$30 for a 250ml bottle and is formulated without parabens, propylene glycol, phthalate or mineral oil. Available at all Crabtree & Evelyn stores now.

I am sure everyone is familiar with the brand SK-II. The Great Singapore Sale (GSS) is back and SK-II is celebrating GSS with special deals on some of SK-II #1 favorites! We were at their booth at Raffles City Atrium to find out more about these exclusive deals.

Ng Shu Jun, SK-II’s beauty expert was there to address our concerns and gave us tips to discover the secret to crystal clear skin with SK-II’s signature products.

We also had the honour to meet Andrea Claire, a celebrity hair and makeup artist who has authored countless beauty articles and has been on TV with on-air credits including Asia’s Next Top Model, Yahoo Asia’s Glam Up, Canada’s Stylin’ Gypsies, So Chic and Canadian Idol.

Having fun trying out their photobooth! smile A photo with fellow beauty bloggers, Elaine and Verlyn! bigsmile Let’s take a look at their special deals!

For the Youthful Minimalist
There’s no better gift than youth. So it’s no wonder that SK-II has designed 5-piece set specially for the young and young-at-heart. Featuring SK-II’s established heritage skincare range, the set targets your skin’s five dimensions of texture, radiance, firmness, spot control and wrinkle resilience, shifting skin to crystal clarity.

SK-II 5-piece Set (S$114)
– SK-II Lipstick (worth S$70)
– Facial Treatment Cleansing Gel 15g
– Facial Treatment Gentle Cleanser 20g
– Facial Treatment Clear Lotion 20ml
– Signs Eye Mask 1pc

For the All-time Beauty Junkie
Beauty junkies rejoice as this GSS season, SK-II features all its well-loved skincare innovations, from the acclaimed Facial Treatment Essence and breakthrough smart whitening innovation, Whitening Source Derm Revival Mask, to its heritage stars, Facial Treatment Gentle Cleansing Cream, Facial Treatment Gentle Cleanser and Facial Treatment Clear Lotion.

SK-II 7-piece Set (S$207)
– Facial Treatment Gentle Cleansing Cream 15g
– Facial Treatment Gentle Cleanser 20g
– Facial Treatment Clear Lotion 40ml
– Cellumination Mask-In Lotion 30ml
– Facial Treatment Essence 30ml
– Cellumination Deep Surge EX 15g
– Whitening Source Derm Revival Mask 1pc

For the Ultimate Party Queen
There’s no better way to prepare skin to look its best for an upcoming party or to indulge skin in a pampering treat after a late night out than with SK-II’s 10-piece Set. The highlights? A range of acclaimed SK-II innovations such as its latest Stempower cream to address skin’s anti-ageing concerns and established classics ranging from Facial Treatment Mask and Facial Treatment Clear Lotion to Facial Treatment Gentle Cleansing Cream and Facial Treatment Gentle Cleanser. Stealing the limelight will be the exclusive SK-II Lipstick and Lip Gloss that put the finishing touches to help you put your best face forward.

SK-II 10-piece Set (S$300)
– SK-II Lipstick (worth $70)
– SK-II Lip Gloss (worth $50)
– Facial Treatment Gentle Cleansing Cream 15g
– Facial Treatment Gentle Cleanser 20g
– Facial Treatment Clear Lotion 40ml
– Facial Treatment Essence 30ml
– Stempower 15g
– Facial Treatment Mask 2pc
– Signs Eye Mask 1pc

For the Glow Getter
The glow’s really the limit here. From SK-II’s heritage classics to its revolutionary whitening innovations such as Cellumination Mask-In Lotion, Cellumination Deep Surge EX and Whitening Source Derm Revival Mask, this unique set restores dull and lackluster skin with much-needed radiance and glow. Whether you’re preparing for a summer vacation or looking to go for a bare-faced beauty look, this set is all you need to look your best this season.

SK-II 8-piece Set (S$596)
– Facial Treatment Gentle Cleansing Cream 15g
– Facial Treatment Gentle Cleanser 20g
– Facial Treatment Clear Lotion 40ml
– Cellumination Mask-In Lotion 30ml
– Facial Treatment Essence 30ml
– Cellumination Deep Surge EX 15g
– Whitening Source Derm Revival Mask 1pc
– Dyson Fan Air MultiplierTM Table Fan 10″ (worth S$390)

All gift sets are while stocks last. Stop by at their stores to find out more about these exclusive deals. You may also try out their unique Magic Ring Skin Analysis to better understand your skin condition to target certain needs for your skin.

Our goodie bag! Thank you SK-II! bigsmile I will be reviewing the products in a separate entry. Till then! smile

Check out this review of SK-II Facial Treatment Essence!