Review of facial and lash extensions at Pheonix La Beaute, Palais Renaissance

Bought the deal for $50 and scheduled my appointment on a Sunday morning. I had enquired with the staff to find out how much time I need to set aside for both facial and lash extensions, the staff had informed me both procedures would take roughly 2hrs thereabouts.

First, the staff performed the facial which turned out to be my longest facial ever. I was lying on my back so long that my back was starting to ache. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy long facials so long as time is efficiently spent. And generally I would equate long facial = better results, I was simply stumped by how slow-motion everything was and the end results was not impressive at all. Not surprisingly, the facial took a whole 2hrs. 

The blackhead extraction was not performed thoroughly despite me instructing the therapist to not go gentle on me because I preferred to put up with the pain and torture of extraction in exchange for a clean nose.

Next was the eyelash extensions. Lash artist informed me that my natural lashes were short, sparse and unequal in lengths hence she could only manage 10mm extensions. Well, I trust the professional's judgement. 

Everything went fine but my major gripe was when she was removing the tape on my eyelids at the end of the procedure. Boy oh boy, that bloody hell hurts! It did felt like they were using industrial masking tape because I have never encountered tape that adheres so strongly onto the skin! Of course, I voiced out my discontent and the lash artist could only apologize. My eyelids were slightly bruised from the ferocious masking tape removal. That really spoilt the experience, just imagine how pissed I was! I left the saloon after 3hrs and 15mins, talk about major overrun man!

The extensions were nothing to shout about, I've had more impressive extensions done before. But going by the value I paid for the deal, it's not too bad after all. 

Review of laser facial at Refresh Laser Clinic, Tampines Mall

Promotion as follows - Enjoy complete care at Refresh! Three minutes of Deep Laser (Gold standard FDA approved Revlite/Fotona) wash and two minutes of Intense Pulse Light Lift with pre and post treatment care by experience clinic assistant.

3 x Laser Facial at $60

Arrived promptly on a Friday evening for the first session of laser facial and after filling up the registration form, I was promptly whisked away to start the procedure. 

The clinic assistant first helped to cleanse and remove any makeup on my face before the doctor had a quick chat with me to find out my objectives from the laser treatments as it was my first session with Refresh. 

Before starting the doctor did mention that as this is my first session, he will lower the intensity accordingly.

The treatment room had about 4-5 beds and was partitioned by curtains, much unlike the individual private room I experienced at Gangnam Laser Clinic. 

The laser treatment was administered by doctor and right after followed by IPL administered by the clinic assistant.

The entire procedure took less than 15mins and I was able to book my 2nd appointment with much ease. The promotion I purchased requires the 3 sessions to be utilized within 7days hence the 2nd appointment was on the immediate Sunday evening. I am delighted to find that Refresh accepts appointments as late as 8.30pm on week days and even on weekends the doctor is available for laser facials.

On the 2nd appointment during the laser facial I was a little shocked when the laser facial felt more intense on my skin than before. I figured it is most likely due to the doctor upping the intensity since this was my 2nd session.

On the 3rd and final session, I chickened out and requested for a lower intensity which really felt like nothing on the skin. Needless to say when the laser operates at such lower power, there is not much effect so to speak. 

1st session by Dr David Tan
2nd session by Dr Yau

3rd session by a doctor whose name I can't remember. 

There is no consultation with the doctor nor follow-up offered and every single laser session I had a different doctor treating me. I am still deciding whether or not to take up a package because their prices are comparatively cheaper amongst all other laser clinics. 

Review of PulsedLight Skin Facial at CSK Aesthetics, Tampines Telepark

Upon receiving CSK clinics' pamphlet in my mailbox, I made an appointment with the intention of trying out their laser facial at a promotional price of 4 sessions at $68. But when I arrived the branch manager told me that the doctor on duty has left for the day (??? I did make an appointment to see the doctor for laser facial, didn't I!).

Anyway, my intention for going down to the clinic is to treat my skin concerns (namely, dull skin), not pick an argument hence after my consultation with branch manager Kerlyn, she recommended PulsedLight Skin Facial.

Mention IPL and one would commonly associate it with hair removal treatments. True enough, INTENSE PULSED-LIGHT (IPL) HAIR REMOVAL is an advanced and semi-permanent hair reduction method. Beams of specially filtered light are used to disintegrate hair from the root. New hair growth is delayed and a percentage of hair may not re-grow. (Source: http://www.strip.com.sg/sg_en/m/faqs/faqs-ipl/)

Another application of IPL, which is gaining large popularity in recent years, is actually in facials towards treating skin conditions.

PulsedLight Skin Facial CSK® Clinical IPL makes use of pulses of light to reverse the skin's photo aging process, pigmentation and vascular lesions. It is a comfortable, virtually painless and quick procedure. Our clinical IPL systems incorporates the latest advances in cosmetic IPL - more powerful and yet much less painful. This is due to the “cold touch” technology and combination with thermal RF for better penetration deep into the skin layers. (Source: http://www.cskclinics.com/clinical_ipl.php)

The clinic was running promotions and 13 sessions of said treatment will cost $1,638 before GST. I was not going to put my money down on something new which I have never tried before. Per session ala carte price was $204 before GST. However since I had already made a trip down, I was prepared to shell out $180 for this session which Kerlyn eventually managed to work it out and offered me the treatment at $180.

I must mention that there were a few small acne bumps on my face, just pure bad skin day (plus a late period) because I do not have acne problems so to speak. To which Kerlyn and also the beautician noted and mentioned the IPL facial will help alleviate the acne.

After settling payment, I was brought to the treatment room, the beautician first removes my makeup and double cleanses my face. After which a cooling gel was applied onto the skin before the machine was applied onto. With goggles to protect the eyes, all you could feel were bright pulses of light being applied onto the face in a systematic manner. There was only slight discomfort (definitely more tolerable than laser facial) around the lip and mouth area as the skin was thinner in those regions. After completing the IPL application, a mask was applied to cool down the skin surface. Do note that this a not a full facial so to speak, no extraction, facial & neck massage included.

Immediately after the treatment I did not see visible results, the acne bumps were still there. Hence I left the clinic without signing up for a package.

Review of facial at SkinLab The Medical Spa, Wheelock Place

$28 Groupon deal includes 90 min Clinical Vita C Infusion Facial + Mask with Eye Treatment + 15 min Lactic Peel. Arrived on time for my appointment on a Sunday morning. Upon consultation, I made known that my key concern was blackheads. The consultant advised that I should top up for a medical peel (which was previously known as chemical peel, using salicylic acid) because the Lactic Peel included in my Groupon was much milder. The salicylic acid would allow the blackheads to be extracted easily subsequently.

With the promise of less painful extraction, I went ahead and topped up $38 for the peel. Mind you, this top up already costs more than the Groupon deal itself. I guess for me, I like to try and experience new treatments which will treat my blackheads and in particular, any treatments which will pave the way for less painful extractions is a must-try for me, provided it is within my affordability.

I had high expectations for the facial, SkinLab promoted themselves as a medical spa hence I had the impression that the products used in the facial must be of higher grade than your usual beauty salons. Unfortunately, the facial did not meet my expectations. During the exit interview, I had voiced out my disappointment.

Firstly, the salicylic acid peel served no purpose because the facial extractions still hurt (like a b!tch) to the same extent as my usual facials. In fact the blackheads extraction was not performed thoroughly. I was taken aback when the consultant explained that her beautician did not perform a full extraction as I was using a Groupon deal. I suppose a suitable analogy would be - imagine you went to a restaurant which serves you half-cooked food and the restaurant manager then explains to you "Oh we are serving you sub-standard food because you are a Groupon customer." *Slow clap* Another tiny gripe I had was, the beautician did not even trim my eyebrows. I was clearly not impressed.

The consultant went on to offer 2 subsequent facials at $268 and she promised that this time round the beautician will (1) perform the full suite of services (extraction in particular) and (2) leave the chemical peel on the nose for a longer period of time for the blackheads to be better exfoliated.

I felt this was illogical, the whole point of working with Groupon is to promote your brand to new customers like myself, and if your services and treatments were in fact that fantastic (like how it was with Gangnam), customers would be able to tell and see the results from this one trial session. Why would customers purchase any more of your services if the trial session produced no results? Needless to say based on my personal experience with SkinLab, my overall review is a thumbs down.

Review of laser facial at Gangnam Laser Clinic, HarbourFront Centre

Received a complimentary laser facial session from the Gangnam team which came just in time for my wedding skin-prep.

Made the appointment on 18 Dec, approximately 1.5 weeks before wedding day in order to allow the skin to recover (fear of unexpected side effects after the laser treatment). I had high expectations for this laser facial after the raved facial I had at Gangnam Aesthetics. Furthermore, a close friend who went for the same treatment at their Raffles branch shared highly positive reviews. I mean, since laser facials are more penetrative than usual facials, the effects must be even more pronounced right?

Before heading down I had already checked out their prices and packages, seems reasonable and I just needed to see the effects after the treatment to convince myself to sign up.

Arrived at the clinic, filled in registration form and read through the long list of T&Cs on the indemnity form which kinda scared me because of the endless possibilities and side effects that may arise from the laser facial. Eventually I spoke to the doctor regarding my concerns and that my big day is coming so I cannot afford any awful bumps or spots on my face. Thankfully he laid all my fears to rest as the side effects only happen to a small handful of patients. Lastly, he added that his staff will pass me a post-laser treatment list of activities and products to avoid.

Before treatment started, the staff removed my makeup, albeit in a rather rough manner (Gangnam Aesthetics staff were much professional in this aspect), which left me rather displeased.

2 types of laser treatment was administered by the doctor, the first is the one that stings for skin resurfacing. The pain is definitely tolerable as it was only for a short 3-5mins. The "burnt" smell is due to facial hairs being burnt off by the laser. As I laid there going through the procedure, I silently hoped that the effects better be worth all these discomfort.

The next laser administered was for toning, this was a comfortable procedure as a warm probe was rolled around the face. After which the staff re-enters the room and requests that I shift to another room to recuperate with a mask applied to my face. The mask was icy cold and hence very soothing on my face.

After the staff removed my mask, she tells me that no further paperwork required and I was free to leave right away. So I enthsiastically checked out my skin in the mirror, I had expected bright, radiant skin but I was disappointed to see not much has changed on my face. Crestfallen, I left the clinic (which by then was empty, even the reception counter was empty) and without the post-laser treatment list.

Review of Premium Aesthetic Facial at Gangnam Aesthetics

Mention Korea & the first thing that comes to mind is the plastic surgery procedures. But beyond the plastics, you cannot help but agree that Korean women have fantastic complexion! Lunch time today, I popped over to Gangnam Aesthetics to redeem my Groupon and experience the difference of Korean facial treatments.

I tried out the Jaesang Revival Treatment Facial which is a "60 min Revival Treatment - Afford visages with a quick perk-me-up with this facial. Feel the immediate boost of vitality as this treatment makes use of an intense jet infusion of oxygen and vitamin to bless skin with a natural, youthful glow."

The facial treatment comprises of - cleanse, extract + eyebrow shaping, massage, oxygen infusion followed by mask. Unlike most facial saloons, Gangnam does not use a steamer to open up facial pores. Halfway through the facial, my skin just felt so pampered & well cared for that I was already convinced that I am not going to leave this place without signing up for a package because the therapist was so skilled, you could tell from the firm and consistent strokes she applies on my face.

Throughout the whole treatment, my therapist did not sell or recommend any products. She simply left me to enjoy the facial. Too awesome!

Another point which I felt was a small detail yet shows how detail-oriented Gangnam is, was after the massage, the therapist would cleanse and then use a hot towel to wipe and dry you up. That way, you will not feel like an oily deep fried fish fillet like how I usually am after a facial because of the massage oil residues. Lastly because I visited during lunch time, I do have to return to office, you will be glad to know that Gangnam has a dressing table in the treatment room for you to blow-dry your hair and touch-up your face before leaving the saloon :)

Once the facial ended, I checked my complexion in the mirror and the effects were instant, my skin was glowing radiance! Unlike other saloons which I frequent, I typically step out of the beauty saloon looking all red and bruised because of the intense extractions. This once again affirms my decision to sign up for a package so much so that once I exited the treatment room, I jumped the gun even before the therapists could speak & asked for the package price.

For Groupon customers, you are entitled to a 50% discount off. The minimum package is $1,500 credits and so you pay $750. The facial which I done today costs $128, so going by that, $1,500 will entitle me to roughly 11 sessions :) For those who are interested, the Groupon is still ongoing, act fast! (Groupon link)

Gangnam Aesthetics is located at
1 Harbourfront Walk
#02-226 Vivo City
Singapore 098585

Review of 150-Min Spa Indulgence at Venus Skin-Aesthetic Institute

The Groupon auntie strikes again! Off deal.com.sg I purchased this - Only $18 for 150-Min Spa Indulgence at Venus Skin-Aesthetic Institute, Tanjong Pagar - Includes Trifolia Facial Treatment + Refreshing Spring Dew Body Massage + Luminous Eye Treatment + $100 Spa Voucher + Eye Serum.

The therapist assigned to me was Lily and her massage technique was abit of a mix between TCM-cum-deep tissue strokes. Unlike the usual aromatherapy or Balinese massages offered at most massage joints, Lily was able to detect what was wrong with my body once she hits the various acupoints on my body. I was in awe especially when she touched my cold feet and hands, she immediately commented - 寒气，你一定吃喝很多冷的。Spot on Madam! *Hangs head down in shame* The massage definitely hurts when she presses on certain acupoints but like what Lily said - 不痛不通！

Of course, this deal being such a cheap bargain, I expected plenty of hard-selling. She proved me right. Though I was impressed by her massage techniques, I had no inclination of signing up for packages because the location was out of the way for me and the massage was not enjoyable for me at all.

The facial session which accompanied the deal was just a simple process comprising of cleanse, mild extraction, tidying up my brows (she basically just shaved off the stray strands) before ending off with a mask. Throughout the whole treatment she kept going on and repeating the package to me, I felt vulnerable because she had her hands on me and I cannot help but wonder if the facial procedures hurt more than they should be because of my rejections towards her advances lol.

I left the saloon with very unglam hair because of the massage oil and the train ride home was very uncomfortable because I was worried about bumping into people I know when I am in such a messy state.

Review for Beauty Veranda (2 Hour Spa Indulgence)

If you know me, I am quite the Groupon auntie (or maybe with age, I just pay more attention to the value I get for every buck I spend). I buy such deals very frequently. Food, nails, Brazilian waxing, IPL, massage, facial, these deals are commonly what I would purchase. Typically after a massage session, it is normal to feel like you just stepped out of a frying pan because of the massage oil, and not to mention a facial would generally mean that you leave the saloon looking like a red puffer fish with all that facial extraction. Hence it made sense, at least to me, to dash home after any massage or facial.

So I made the decision to buy this Groupon because the location was convenient for me. The $42 deal included:
60 min Bamboo Full Body Massage
60 min Jyunka Peel Facial Treatment with Premium Mask M+ Instant Lifting & Radiance by Jyunka
Choice of Aromatherapy Back Scrub, Back Mask, or Tummy Detox Treatment

When I called to make the appointment, I was pleasantly surprised to be able to book my massage on the immediate weekend. Usually for saloons that run these sort of promotions, they will tell you "oh weekends fully booked because many people redeeming their coupons." Upon further checking I realise this Groupon deal was only purchased by 16 customers, that explains why I was able to get my appointment so easily!

This was my virgin experience with bamboo massage & it definitely hurts but tolerable. Right after the massage session I decided that I still prefer good ol' human hands kneading my aching muscles over a bamboo stick. Halfway through the massage, the therapist asked if I would want to proceed with a back scrub or back mask. No mention of tummy detox surprisingly but I didn't kick a fuss over it & opted for back scrub.

After the massage, I was lying on the bed comfortably waiting for the facial to start, the therapist suddenly barged in to say that I needed to switch rooms as another customer was going to use the room (!!!). A male customer was waiting outside. Wow thank you lor... I wrapped myself up hastily using their towel & exited the room.

At the very beginning when I was registering, the sales staff had informed me that this facial was not a full facial (i.e. no scrub, no steam, no extraction) as this facial session was only meant to let customers experience & witness the effects of their facial products. Beauty Veranda uses Jyunka brand of products which comes from France & I could really see the effects on my skin W.O.W.! Most noticeably was the uplighting effect on my cheeks.

Without hesitation, I signed up for a 6 session package at $68 per session, not too pricey I thought. Each facial session comprises of cleanse, extract, massage & mask.

Just when I was into my 2nd session of the package, the consultant started selling packages to me again (please, my existing package is barely utilized). To which I nicely rejected. Finally, at my 2nd last session, the consultant promoted another package to me, 10 sessions for $888. What an auspicious number but too big a hole for my wallet, hence I rejected. Besides, my skin condition is not in such dire state to warrant a $88 per session facial. What a pity though because I really enjoyed the facial sessions there.