You know those things you were curious about, but always found not really necessary?

Longer and more pronounced lashes is one of those things for me. I was content with what I naturally had. My makeup routine was pretty basic too. If I had a choice, I'd just go to work and to meetings barefaced. Alas, I default (and try) to have a more awake and fresh look. This meant I have to add eyeliner and/or an eyelash curler/mascara in my day-to-day prep. It seems simple, but I'm not exactly excited about doing this so it all just felt like an added chore in my mornings.

Origin Story (what?)

In my 3 years in Singapore, I have noticed eyelash extensions are pretty common among the girls. In my pole studio especially, I'd give a conservative estimate of 50% of the students have this. I always thought the girls who have them were already beautiful prior to the procedure and the last extensions just add that extra oomph.

The final straw for me was when mascara slipped from my hand as I was putting it back into my makeup kit, and it. fell. in. the. toilet. bowl. Yes, it really fell down there, and I had to woman up and fish it out with my hands. After that I said, "Fuck, no. I'm not buying another mascara until I try getting lash extensions."

Finding The Right Lash Salon

Yes, I finally decided to jump into a land of unknown. But from which salon do I get it?


A quick Google search of lash extension singapore returns with 5.4 million results. (ICYDK fun fact: Singapore's population is roughly 5.6 million) Obviously not every Google result corresponds to a lash salon, but it's an extremely big amount of content out there that's readily available for any lash extension newbie like me.

For guidance on where to get my lashes done for the first time, I consulted three girls from my pole studio (Studio Sands) and I ended up taking the referral of Sandra Chua, who also happened to be my pole teacher. She pointed me towards the lash studio just a few steps below our studio. Not only is it convenient for me who's always in the Kampong Bahru/Outram MRT area, this salon is also supposedly one of the best ones according to my laoshi who has tried it all.

Now, this is the point where I will say this is not a paid blog post.

If you're thinking to get your lashes done, do consider getting it at The Lash Co this month, November 2018. It's their 2nd Year Anniversary and everyone gets a 10% off their total bill on top of any valid promotion (e.g., first-time clients) and refills.

My main points of consideration in finally choosing them was the convenience, location, quality of service, testimonials. Price-wise, they are not cheap but there are lots of salons who charge a LOT more.

The Actual Service

I availed the Full Classic Trial (S$90).

For my first appointment, I had just finished pole class and arrived 15 minutes early to fill out the paperwork. I then had to wait a little bit since my lash technician was still finishing up on another client. Then it was my turn.

Again, this was the first time I was doing this. I had totally no idea what was going to happen.

My technician was nice and was talking through the procedure the entire time. I liked that they clean the lashes thoroughly, even when clients are advised to come in with fresh face. Another nice touch I liked was that the technician I got dabbed my lips with lib balm at that very moment when I thought my lips were drying up but I couldn't exactly reach out for my bag to get my own lip balm. 

Tip: I learned that for the entire procedure, both eyes will be closed using what seemed like a facial tape that were strategically cut into strips that held my eye/face muscles down. If you want to use your phone, you can't. Text everyone you need to beforehand to say you can't be reached.

My appointment was only supposed to be 1.5 hours but apparently I had too many lashes so the procedure lasted for 2 whole hours.


Verdict

Will I go back? Yes. I actually already went back for a Refill (coming back for a refill within 2-3 weeks from a procedure means about $28 is slashed off the price)

The Lash Co's brand motto is "Wake up beautiful" and I feel like it held true. Overall it has been really great for me. I no longer need to fuss with my eyes in the mornings. I skip eyeliner, eyelash curler and mascara, and if you're lazy with makeup like me, this is really a huge plus. Lastly, I just wanted to see if lash extensions are for me. Though I haven't fully decided if it's worth the extra monthly cost, I'd be happy to try it out some more.



The Lash Co
+65 9753 2275 (Text or WhatsApp only)
thelashcompanysg@gmail.com

Address:
9A Kampong Bahru Road, #02-01 Singapore 169343 (Near Neil Road and next to Spottiswoode Park Road)
Nearest MRT: Outram Exit F

You've seen the title. If you're a guy friend who would rather not know about things about me such as places I go to get waxed, take this as your cue to stop reading this post.


The moment I got here, one of the things I googled was "brazilian waxing in singapore" and then, followed closely by "cheap brazilian waxing in singapore." I gave myself a deadline because my friends from Manila planned on visiting during my third weekend and we all agreed on swimming at the Marina Bay Sands sky pool and/or at a beach in Sentosa.

Knowing full well how hard it was to find online reviews on waxing services here, let me list down the options I considered.

1. DIY Waxing
This was actually my first choice. I have done it on myself, at first out of necessity during my December 2014 holiday in Palawan. (Short backstory: There were virtually no waxing salons in Puerto Princesa. I looked everywhere! I found one that had them in their services menu but it was a salon specializing in nail care and they didn't have an available attendant to do the waxing. AND it was pretty expensive too! Strip Manila pricing levels, kaloka sila! Desperate me saw Epilin wax at Watson's and had a light bulb moment--"why don't I just DIY it?", I said rhetorically. Long story short, it was the most painful experience ever. It was so painful, I spent 2 hours trying to get the wax and hair off while crying at 2AM.) After that, I eventually got the hang of waxing myself and had been doing it until I left Manila. It meant shaving (pun!!!) off a thousand Pesos off my monthly expenses then.

Back to Singapore, I looked at Fairprice and all the Watsons I've passed by but I didn't find any Epilin or any hot wax variation. My best bet, there would be some in Sephora (???? Can anyone confirm??) or online shops specializing on depilatory waxes.

Cost: The price of the wax and comfort food, because if you're a first timer at waxing yourself, you will need ALL the comfort you can get AKA food.

2. Home-based Waxing Service
In my Google searches, this "home-based waxing" result appeared and it services those who are within the Ang Mo Kio area. I didn't get the chance to try it since they only allow appointments booked at least 2 days before the schedule. But in case you live in the area and want to try this out, here's the website.

Purplicious: The Wax House
http://purpliciouswaxhouse.com

Cost: A Brazilian wax is priced at SGD 50. For other services, check out the price list here.

3. Waxing Salons/Beauty and Wellness Spa
I tried calling more salons and spas in my proximity but most don't offer waxing services. I was quite tempted to just go to Strip, but not only is it really expensive, it is also far. I have also read posts on how the service won't make you feel like you got your money's worth. Then, I saw another listing on the internet, a beauty and wellness spa in Toa Payoh.

Blossom Beauty House
http://www.blossombeautyhouse.com

My waxing attendant was named Angie. The waxing experience was like just having a chikahan moment with a girl friend, except this girl friend was casually, yet carefully, stripping off hair after every sentence. I don't know if it's the wax they use or the technique, or maybe both, but I will say on record that that was the least painful waxing experience I've ever had. (Or IDK, are Manila waxers really just not as careful?!) By the end of the waxing session, I wanted to be best friends with Angie.

Cost: For first timers, a Brazilian wax is priced at SGD 38. Such a steal, right? However, the original price is SGD 98 for non-first timers. But fret not, there are packages you can avail wherein you can pay for 5 sessions and get a big discount, making the service cost around SGD 50-55 post-package discount.

I'm pretty sure I'll still always find myself near a body of water (#IslandGirlForever), and that means more waxing. I will update this post as soon as I get to try other waxing options here. Friends who are/were based in Singapore, feel free to chime in and share your hair-free secrets!


Related: Where I Go To Get Waxed (Taguig)

 

While everyone is on the Ben Nye Banana Powder bandwagon, here I am having just received my first theatrical powder, the Palgantong Theatrical Powder.

I originally ordered the shade Beige Ochre (Read: suits Medium-Dark skinned girls) but Original Beige was the one that arrived in the mail. I have already confirmed from the correspondence with a Joan that there was a mix up and she expressed intents of getting the item replaced, but as shown in the photos below, I have already opened the sealed jar so I just accepted my fate. Haha!

This is something I've debated with myself if I should post or not. I'm just really too selfish to share the eyeliner brand I've been using for more than two years now. It's my HG eyeliner, as the female girltalkers would say.

When I let someone use it on their eyelids, they always ask for the brand and where I bought it. Also, it stayed intact that it overstayed a MAC longwearing eyeliner that my friend was using. Since I don't have anything else interesting to blog, maybe now's the time to finally let you in on this find. (Chos! For sure naman marami na ring fan nito. Haha!)

Tada! Here it is.


With that build up, I'm sorry if the product itself was underwhelming. It is almost gone, like with my previous Prestige Total Intensity eyeliners, it will serve me until I can no longer sharpen it. As you can see in this photo, the cap (which I'm holding from the bottom but had to crop out my dirty nails from the shot) is already longer than the eyeliner itself. This is how much I love this eyeliner!

It's not that I'm worried about getting my money's worth because the best thing about this eyeliner is that it's INEXPENSIVE. Php 315 for an eyeliner that can outwear an expensive brand? Hah, take that MAC!

As for the finish, I always get the "Are you wearing a gel liner?" questions because the finish somehow resembles that of a gel liner. It also glides well on the lids.

Basically, it's everything I can ask for an eyeliner. And now that I've even also convinced myself of Prestige's performance, maybe I'll try their other products too.

Where to buy: Beauty Bar, Php 315
Will I buy again: YESSS!

I was expecting this box to be sent by January 15 but my sound Saturday sleep got disrupted when a loud delivery man kept on knocking on the gate.

Package was sent at January 10 via Fasttrack.

As most of the BDJ Box subscribers already know, there was a half a month delay of the December box. To make it up, the package included a free BDJ Forget-Me-Not Ideas Journal. Awesome, right?




It's fuss free and a clear pad for everything you'd want to write/draw. I've been thinking of buying a journal for this year so this came just at the right moment.







What I liked most about this box at first sight is that there are a lot of full-sized products and like last month, it also came with discount cards for various salons an shops.


A little less cluttered but I still like everything in it. Without further adieu, here are the individual product shots.

Pantene Pro-V All Day Smooth Miracle Water, 250mL (Php 149). Full-sized sample. This, I would probably use everyday.

Flormar Super Shine Nail Enamel (Php 99) Definitely bringing this on my next mani/pedi session. The first one for 2013!

Flormar Long Wearing Lipstick (Php 349) Let me be the first one to tell you that although it says long-wearing, it is not make out proof. :)

Snoe Beauty Beso Balm (Php 149) Tried it. It leaves a minty tingle to the lips. I like.

Pevonia Botanica Phyto Gel Cleanser 200mL (Php 3640) The most expensive among the contents although I haven't really heard about it.

Etude House Moistfull Collagen Trial Kit (Emulsion and Freshener) 150 mL (Php 628 each) Hopefully, I can try this some time.

Burberry Eau de Toilette 60 mL (Php 3898) It's a photo of Rosie Huntington-Whieteley! Wha't not to love!

Tony Moly Broccoli Sprout Cleansing Cream 200mL (Php 478) I reckon this is like Pond's Cold Cream. Will let you know.

Tony Moly Tomatox Magic White Massage Pack 80g (Php 548)

Browhaus P500 voucher. I have always wanted to try Browhaus' services but it's too expensive for me so this voucher will really help. Yey!

Etude House 10% Discount on all skin care and cleansing items. Another reason to go to Etude House and do a haul.

Tony Moly 10% discount on all skin care and cleansing items

Another L'oreal Peofessional Inoa Hair Color and X-tenso Moisturist vouchers redeemable at any Azta Urban Salon branch.

Lipstick swatch from the Flormar lipstick

What to do with a newly arrived lipstick? Never mind that I just woke up and haven't washed my face nor brushed my teeth. Instagram it, of course!

Yep, posting this as it happens.

Xy and I wasted the whole afternoon by falling asleep after lunch and only waking up when it was already dark, which now made us alive and kicking on a Monday morning.

What better thing to do but watch Fringe while our faces bask in Garnier's Self-heating Sauna Mask.

This product is great, I tell you! I've been only using it for two weeks though. So far, it has delivered everything it has promised. And for only 49 pesos for the two doses, it's definitely a steal.

Printed at the back:
• The formula generates a self-heating action on contact with the skin. Specially developed with clay and zinc, it works to remove impurities and excess sebum to unclog pores and refine skin texture. Your skin feels deeply cleansed and looks shine-free. It feels purified up to 7 days.

I must say though that the clean face it achieves cannot top my derma's cleansing-diamond peel combo (naturally and obviously), which is up to this date, the cleanest I've felt my face was.