Viva Woman

My impression of Korean ladies based on my visits to that country some years back is they are very well dressed.  In fact, I thought they were rather formal in their dressing.  The office ladies whom I interacted in the past wore suits mainly, though most of them seem to like showing off their legs quite a bit.   However, based on what I’ve seen from the media these few years, this seems to be changing.  Korean fashion wear is looking more feminine, using details like laces, ruffles, bows with cuttings that emphasize the body shape.


So it’s no wonder that Korean fashion is gaining popularity with many followers these days.  I’ve seen a couple of shops locally selling Korean fashion wear but somehow, I’m not really able to appreciate them very much.  One that I came across features clothes looking like these  2008 Summer Roem Collection that Song Hye Kyo models.   Frankly, the designs aren’t fantastic but of course they look more appealing because Song Hye Kyo is in them. 

In fact, I thought the Korean fashion available online are far more palatable.  Like these mix of white ruffled tops, curvy flounce dress with fit-and-flare cut or pleat details from the brand Aidma.  Very modern and very pretty!   And I was surprised to find that these are brought in by a Singapore company and the prices are rather reasonable.  These four designs you see here are all quoted at S$59.99.   And according to the website, international shipping can be arranged for those interested.

So if you like what you see, you can check out the entire Korean fashion collection here. 

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Looks like more companies are coming out with products to help us fight cellulite.  L’Occitane is the latest to jump on the bandwagon, coming out with two new products in their Almond Body Range which promise to help us attain a firm and toned body.  One is the L’Occitane Almond Delightful Shape and the other is the L’Occcitane Almond Delicious Tummy. 

L’Occitane Almond Delightful Shape 200ml at S$73
Described as a contouring gel-cream that firms the skin and acts on the appearance of cellulite, this formulation comes with almond-protein complex, silicium and essential oils of immortelle, peppermint and palmarosa that promotes, stimulates skin microcirculation, and thus helps drain away excess water and toxins. The complex is also complemented by quinoa extract, which helps prevent the formation of new fat, and lemon essential oil, which, combined with caffeine, enhances the complex’s contouring action.

L’Occitane Almond Delicious Tummy 150ml S$73
This is a formula that targets the skin around the waistline and has an instant tightening effect. Formula includes a complex rich in blackthorn fruit, to promote draining action and the breakdown of fats by 400% while it fights against skin slackening.  Almond-protein complex and the combination of silicium and essential oils of immortelle, peppermint and palmarosais are said to double the amount of fat release.  This action is enhanced by the almond extract, to provide what is said to be an instant tightening sensation.

Looking good without the works?
If you’re keen on looking slimmer without the works, you might want to check these new products.  But my experience tells me that some of these products do work, but only for as long as they’re used.  In addition, it’s not true that you can achieve a slimmer contour effortlessly.  In fact, you do need to put in some effort to massage and rub the creams in for them to be effective.  So they’re really no good for extremely lazy women like me.

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I have fairly dry cuticles that are rather unsightly.  I find that manicures do not help resolve the problem long term and let’s face it, how many times can I afford to go for manicures on a monthly basis?  So my saviour has been the Mavala Mavapen which I always carry in my bag so that I can whip out to groom my cuticles anytime, anywhere.  

Mavala Mavapen for neat cuticles on the go
Mavapen is neither greasy nor messy to apply and the smell is rather pleasant. Just one application, and the handy pen containing nutritive oil actually softens the skin and gently loosens cuticles from the nail surface, making my nails look well manicured, even if they aren’t so.  You can find Mavapen available at Mavala counters or at Sasa.  I don’t know the exact price now but it should be in the range of S$15 or so and one pen can last me a couple of months.

Badger Cuticle Care to repair dry and cracked cuticles
To treat dry and cracked cuticles, I would recommend Badger Cuticle Care.  I started using this for my son’s dry cuticles every night and within a week, they were looking good.  And I now share this with him, and apply it on my cuticles every night before bedtime. 

Formulated with lots of soothing Shea Butter and Seabuckthorn Berry Extract, Badger Cuticle Care is delicately fragranced with essential oils of Rose Geranium, Ginger, Cardamom, Rosemary Verbenon, Litsea Cubeba, Mandarin & Lemongrass.  However, this is not a product I want to use in the day because it is a tad greasy and hence, messy as well.  But use it regularly in the night and you’ll notice quite a difference to your cuticles after awhile. 

Places selling Badger Cuticle Care in Singapore
I always get my supply of Badger products from Dargon Dors Cosmetics (Kim Leng Store) at People’s Park Complex but I understand that you can find it at some Guardian outlets (Paragon, Centrepoint, Vivocity, Parkway Parade. Great World City and Ang Mo Kio) although for some strange reasons, I seem to miss them all the time.  In addition, you can also buy from online stores like whoopeekiddies.com.  Anyway, it’s very affordable at S$11.90 and because you won’t need a lot each time, the 0.75 oz tin can last up to a few months as well.

Vitamin E Oil and Omega Fish Oil
There are choices of other similar products you can find in the market of course but these are just two of my fave.  I understand some ladies get good results rubbing vitamin E oil into their cuticles too.  In addition, regular intake of Omega 3 and 6 Fish Oil can also help to maintain healthy skin, hair, nails and cuticles.

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Overview:
- discovered recently in 1989
- successfully used in Japan
- derived from a fungus (mushroom)
- has a similar effect as hydroquinone
- unstable and can oxidize quickly when exposed to air
   > alternative kojic dipalmitate is used because it is more stable
- studies have shown that it is effective as a lightening agent
- can be used on sun freckles
- can also be used to treat melasma

Purported skin care benefits when applied topically:
- inhibiting production of melanin or brown pigment
- treatment of pigmentation and age spots
- prevention of severe photoaging (apply before sunlight exposure)

Known side effects:
- reported to very irritating to the skin
- cause sun sensitivity (must use a sunscreen)
- can potentially result in potential contact dermatitis and erythema

Products containing this ingredient:
- blended with other skin whitening and exfoliating products:
  > Philosophy A Pigment Of Your Imagination
  > Peter Thomas Roth Power K Skin Brightener 
  > Lancome Blanc Expert XWII Extra Whitening Spot Corrector
  > SkinCeuticals Phyto +

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