Decléor 'n' de clé d'or to the temple of beauty

So finally to my posts about Decléor...I admit I've been a pretty bad blogger of late (my excuse being a certain 'Victoria T' and a 'high end' department store Beauty Journal needed a little "je ne sais quoi?" from your's truly :-)

Not to imply that Decléor and my blogging should have taken a back seat but, unfortunately, I only had so many free hours in the day and what with my maid up and leaving I was a 'tad' busy!  Normality can now resume and yes, I've found a new maid (more about that in another blog...'the maid hiring process').

de clé dor = the golden key

and Decléor share this golden key and welcome you to their Temple of Beauty

So, as I was saying, to a couple (actually 3) Decléor 'Beauty Writer' events I did go...

Each one had it's own unique touch:-

The first offered skin analysis, mini facials, product discovery, a meet and greet with the Marketing beauty from Paris and lots more beauty filled moments...

We beauty writers discovered 'Life Radiance' a dual radiance cream that immediately activates the skin's radiance and gives long lasting effects.  Let's face it, with late nights, early mornings, daily stress, counting the days to the next beach holiday or counting the days until the kids go back to school, we all get that tired, warn out, and lack of life look!!  This bottle of 'Life (giving) Radiance' really is sent from the gods.  Love it, love it, love it :-)

The second, back in February, was a perfect evening for like minded beauty writers to get together.  We all learnt a whole lot more about the Decléor aromatherapy ritual in the 'Aroma n Action - Radiance and Whitening' session. 


I'm proud to admit I was one of the ladies who dared to bare!  We took off our makeup and completed our night-time facial routine courtesy of a mass of Decléor products that were to hand.

What did we see, learn about and get hands on with:-

Brightening Cleansing Foam - a delicate texture mousse for morning and evening use that cleanses, evens out, brightens and softens.

Hydra Brightening Lotion - an almost textured lotion that hydrates and illuminates the skin leaving a clear and radiant complexion.

Recovery Brightening Night Cream - luxurious, soft and silky textured cream that truly regenerates, evens out, brightens and illuminates.

Extreme Brightening Essence - a light liquid texture that is instantly absorbed and restores luminosity to even the dullest complexion (THIS IS MY ABSOLUTE FAVE PRODUCT EVER...heart, heart, love, love ;-))

During this evening I absolutely fell in love with the routine and have since made Decléor a major part of my beauty routine (day and night) ...I look pretty darn good 'cos of it - even though I do say so myself :-)

me...actually, the day I took this pic my youngest son said I looked young
and asked me what I''d been doing !!!  (kids, got to love 'em!)

The third and most recent of my fab Decléor events was held at the Decléor Institut set within the luxury space 'SEVIIN' at TANGS Orchard.


This morning of Aroma in Action saw us stepping into Spring and discovery the Hydra Floral Multi-Protection range, we were treated to a hand massage (kind of like foot reflexology due to the points of the palm connecting to the body), we discovered the brand's first BB cream and sipped on their signature tea :-P divine.

So, what did I see of the Hydra-Floral Multi-Protection range:-

Of course, not all beautiful skin is the same so choose the perfect moisturiser for your skin type -

24 hr Moisture Activator Light Cream - a light, fresh and easily absorbed cream that perfectly hydrates, protects and maintains our natural beauty reserves, or

24 hr Moisture Activator Rich Cream - a creamy yet fresh and velvety texture that is perfect for those with a more dry skin type.

Next, there's Decléor's first BB cream -
BB Cream 24 hr Moisture Activator SPF 15 - a light, fresh and easily absorbed BB cream that hydrates, refreshes and leaves a flawless and bright complexion (one colour fits all)

 and for those (like me) who love a mask, there is the Ultra-Moisturising & Plumping Expert Mask - in just a flash of 10 minutes this creamy texture is massaged into the visage and transformed into an oil.  Leaves skin's thirst perfectly quenched and smooth as silk.  (another one of my faves :-)) 










Is it clear to see I am a Decléor fan!?

With thanks to the forever lovely Camy along with her colleagues for my discovery of the aromatherapy benefits in a beauty routine :-)

I have to dash now...off to experience my very first Decléor facial.  An Hydra Force 60 min facial at their Institut at SEVIIN at TANGS Orchard.  (more about that in my next post)...

Until then,

kisses 'n' smiles from me xx :-)

Beautiful Surprises pour moi...

I absolutely adore receiving my 'Trove' of Beautiful Surprises each month...who could not smile at this perfect package appearing on their doorstep every 22nd of the month :-)

http://www.vanitytrove.com/

I was such a lucky girl this month and received an extra 'Trove' which was the 'Belle edition de Mai' ;-)  I promised to review and give my 'honest' opinion...here goes...

Starting with the Gatineau products :- DefiLift 3D with 'Bodufix', Aquamemory moisture replenish eye care and Strategie Jeunesse intensive treatment for eye area...

I have to totally admit that the 'Bodufix' kind of got me excited :-)  Anything that promises to help with these 'ever-appearing' fine (sometimes not so fine) lines gets a massive smile from me!  The scent is perfect, very mild.  The texture is smooth and creamy and does not leave a 'sticky-ness' as some 'fine line' creams seem to do.  I'm actually hoping to get myself a huge jar of this in duty free!  Of course, I cannot comment on the effects as, with all of these such products, it requires some weeks of usage to see the 'remarkable change'...when I have purchased my 'duty free jar' I shall get back to you with the 'changes' I see xx ;-)

The eye treatments, again, are a perfect product for me to try...right now I'm preparing baggage, schedules and generally 'trying' to make my way down my 'to do' list so...my sleep is being disturbed and, yes, I have massive dark-ness and puffy-ness under my eyes.  These little compresses 'ouzing' with serum are super.  Again, not at all sticky and actually made me relax for the necessary 10 mins (I think I will try popping these little beauties in the fridge for the next time I use ;-))  I did, honestly, see a little difference even if it was simply the fact that I was 'forced' to lay down and relax with this product xx ;-)

eye care replenish product...(dehydrated skin)...ah yes, around my eyes do become a 'lot' dehydrated, OK, I know the white wine I drink does not help my 'fine lines' and skin elasticity so a product that can counter-balance the effects of white wine definitely gets a smile from me xx ;-)  en plus, the texture is not at all greasy and left my eye area extremely smooth and 'a little' more hydrated.  I guess you get to a 'certain' age and realise 'eye cream' is the way forward :-D

Les produit de Payot up next...Démaquillant - eyes and lips, Tonique purifiant, Lotion essentielle, 'so pure' balancing and purifying serum and 'hydrofluide' hydrating activator serum...

So, these products are the absolute perfect size to pop in my carry on bag for the air plane!  So, that is exactly what I shall be doing...I'm leaving my 'beautiful Singapore' tomorrow evening and heading to 'dreary 'n' wet' (although totally family and friend filled) UK for the annual 'summer' holidays.  I shall be giving my full review and no doubt fighting the jet-lag the next time I log on...to blog on...

A trés bientôt,
kisses 'n' smiles from me xx :-)



OK, so I received this May edition of VanityTrove completely free of charge from the beautiful VTeam but hey! my review is totally honest xx :-)

Beautiful Surprises 'n' tiny diamonds...

I've had my box of Beautiful Surprises sat on my dressing table for quite some time now!  Well, not exactly just sat...I have been using the products and adoring the scent too ;-)

The VanityTrove April edition was another fab 'n' beautiful box...what did I get?

Braphy Lip Plumper - this little lip gloss totally made me smile...it comes with a tiny mirror attached especially for those who can't find their lips :-D  I laugh but yes, I can never put gloss or colour on without a mirror ;-)

Braphy
is a cosmetic brand made in Taiwan

Braphy Eye Liner - I don't actually use 'much' eye make-up...but, I shall start and give this little liner a try.  It does seem easy to use and 'even I' should be able to make a pretty good job of applying it ;-)

Biotherm White D-Tox - apparently it shall give my face an instantly bright look...that promise alone is enough to make me smile ;-)  I've not actually used it yet but, will try it out and hope to report my brightness!  I'm not really into the whole whitening product thing - preferring a little colour in my cheeks actually ;-)

Style Aromatherapy Hair Moisturiser - now, this is my favourite ;-)  I have very long, very thick hair and it really isn't in the best condition due to chlorine, sun damage, heat damage (straighteners) and generally not getting it 'trimmed' often enough.  This product though is making my hair worth smiling about and I totally will be buying again and using my S$2.00 off voucher in Guardian...yay!  love it ;-)

Masego Safari Spa voucher and Cappu Spa Polish - I'm not really much of a spa kind of girl but may well have to make an exception for this!  The 'coffee scrub' smells divine ;-) and the texture is lovely.  Can I only buy this at the Spa?

Finally, but equally as 'beautiful' is the Filthy Farm Girl - Filthy Pussy Soap - I received mint-rose and really the scent is absolutely gorgeous.  I didn't put it to the test in the shower yet but if the scent alone is anything to go by it will be another fab product from VanityTrove.



I also have to share my B*Dazzle experience!  Whilst on a little coffee morning turned retail therapy day, my friend pointed out this store in both Wizma, Orchard Road and Raffles City Mall.  I became pretty excited ;-)  Previously I got the very top of my right ear pierced and over time it healed up...I've been wanting it re-doing again for years actually.  So, couldn't wait to jump in the seat and get this perfect tiny diamond 'popped' into my ear ;-)  smiling, smiling and not a single bit of pain afterwards.

Excellent service, quick and 'relatively' pain free ;-)  I was given 2 bottles of 'ear care solution' to use morning and evening to ensure the piercing is kept infection free.  Also a check up for a week later to be sure all is well.  Definitely made me smile ;-)

So, now I pack and get ready to leave for a romantic 'stay-cation' with Mr Man...my early Birthday treat.

kisses 'n' smiles from me xx ;-)

Singapore from kampongs to vibrant towns...

Last week I took my first tour with the British Association of Singapore...I'm not really into associations and/or clubs but figured I'd join and that way I have a support group of Brits if and when I need 'em :-)

http://www.britishassociation.org.sg/index.html

all the info you need regarding BA Tours HERE

They organise regular drop in coffee mornings at various cafés around Singapore, these are more my cup a tea (;-)) and I will eventually get to one of these for a bit of chat 'n' gossip ;-)

So, the tour...Housing and Development Board (HDB) - "from kampongs to vibrant towns". With more than 80% of Singapore's population living in public housing and the fact that governments from other countries aim to have public housing as good and popular as Singapore's, I thought this would make an interesting morning...


The tour was very well organised and I'm pretty sure everyone arrived on time (proper British punctuality ;-)). Our tour guide made the morning really interesting and shared lots of facts, info 'n' a few secrets of Singapore ;-) 

A few points re HDBs :-

Pre-1960's .. accute housing shortage - most people lived in slums and kampongs which were dirty and unsafe;

1960's-1970's .. the Housing and Development Board created all new towns to meet the growing demand for public housing;

With a population of 2 million in 1970 and at 1976 50% of the Singapore population had been housed by HDB;

HDB not only created the public housing (flats) it also provided community centres for the residents;

In the early days...the allocation of flats went something like this - there were 2 boxs, you would be present to see you 'draw', one box contained your name and the second box was 'your' flat.

You could be on a wait list for 3 years...when it was eventually 'your' turn you did have the right to refuse 'your' given flat BUT, on the third 'draw' if you were still not happy then you would go to the back of the queue and possibly wait another 3 years!


The visit to the HDB Gallery in Toa Payoh certainly made us all rethink on public housing... These days, the flats are built to order - with the person taking out the lease being able to choose their preferred flooring, door handles, bathroom colour and entrance door :-)  Of course, the 'show flats' were well set up so the tenants can judge just how many rooms they need and get some interior design ideas...

2 room/1 bedroom

 

3 room/2 bedrooms

4 room/3bedrooms

5 room/4bedrooms

A little secret our tour guide shared with us...apparently, if a tenant takes out a lease with the HDB then at a later date can afford to buy a private house/condo they can 'kind of slip through some sort of loop hole'!  Some HDB tenants then lease out the private place (quite often to expats).  Of course, with the rental they are then charging Singapore sees (or perhaps...turns a blind eye) to millionaires living in public housing!! If you could own a four bedroom condo unit with pool and gym would you live in a two bedroom 75m2 flat? I'm pretty sure I wouldn't.

The Pinnacle@Duxton

http://www.pinnacleduxton.com.sg/

Our last stop on 'the tour' was the Pinnacle @ Duxton...a one off project to show public housing can be in the centre of town/city.  With the land costing a premium this place is really special and no doubt will stay 'a one off project'.  S$5 per entry to the Pinnacle's 'sky bridge' @ the 50th level and you can enjoy pretty impressive views from the roof tops - my pics are not so clear as the day was extremely hazy :-(

Other stuff going on in my life in Singapore.... Well, it's been a 'long' three weeks without my maid/helper! Oh, don't get me wrong I've pretty much survived and the family are dressed in clean clothes and not starved :-D. But having been doing laundry, ironing, cleaning, shopping, cooking in this heat and humidity I'm totally shattered ;-)  I've had no time for ME and well, my nails are a disgrace! no pretty nail pics today :-((


So, yes, Aileen returns to Singapore this week (I breath a sigh of relief and am happy to give up my housewife chores)! I plan to treat myself to a morning in Ikea (never have enough things to store things in!).  Do my nails and get back to the gym...yep, generally turn the expat wife status back on ;-) and I'm pretty sure my Mr Man will be happy his shirts are being ironed 'properly' and actually have no creases in them :-/

Anthea Turner - Perfect Housewife dvd series...
I love watching her but I for sure don't want to be one ;-)

L8r beautiful 'n' gorgeous people xx

kisses 'n' smiles from me xx ;-)

Beautiful things 'n' love...actually

Love Actually...I've no doubt mentioned this movie before, but my Valentine's Day (and evening) alone 'sans mon mari' sparked a DVD and a glass of wine moment...ah, yes for a girl who loves a bit of a romantic comedy 'n' a few happy tears, a perfect moment was had :-)

Husband away on business or working late are a common aspect of Singapore life (yes, lots of other lives too...even beautiful Kate and Prince William were apart this Valentines).  I always 'try' to stay sane and positive when I'm alone and make endless lists of all that 'random stuff' I don't get around to normally. This time, I'm creating a fabulous bedroom make over for my boys :-) it's kind of tiring me out so I'm sleeping pas trop mal, actually.  I wonder if my Mr Man will notice that the 60 minute make over team (should have) been round?

who sleept in this messy unorganised room?

OK, so my self-set budget didn't stretch to interior designers!

but, plenty of 'housey' mags were flipped through.

I'm pretty pleased with the result... 

Last bits, a random selection of links making me smile :-)

ASOS yeah...they deliver free to Singapore :-)

Net a Porter lots of wish list beautiful things here :-)

The Tiger Mother I am actually admiring this woman...she is amazing, so too are her children :-)

and a few beautiful things I'm loving actually xx :-)

from top left clockwise...

Burberry wedge, February's Bellabox, Tiffany bracelet,

pink 'n' purple glitter nails,

Christian Louboutin 'snakey paint splatter' pumps,

arty cutie dog :-)

kisses 'n' smiles from me xx :-)