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.
Wednesday, 6 May 2015
Monday, 4 May 2015
Review of lash extensions by freelance lash artist Julia
My lash craze has continued much to the dismay of my wallet and after hunting down a few saloons to find out about their package prices, below are some of my findings (in order of priority based on my experience with them) -
1. Dreamlash (I called the saloon 11times before someone answered my call, really casted doubt over how easy it would be to secure an appointment with them if I had purchased a package)
Each session comprising of full set extensions + removal
5 sessions - $688
8 sessions - $988
2. Lolita's Lash
Buy 4 touch-up sessions and get 1 touchup free - $396
3. HighBrow (I asked if it was possible to swap the removal sessions into touchups, the kind staff responded with an explanation of how important it is to have proper removal to ensure no glue residue is left behind on the eyelids, now I know!)
Each session comprises of full set extensions + touchup + removal
7 sessions - $660
If you had seen me without eyeliner on, you would know I look perpetually exhausted because of my tiny Asian-slit eyes and literally non-existent natural eyelashes.
Imagine waking up in the morning with a presentable face.
Imagine having semi-permanent fake eyelashes without the hassle of pasting the falsies, without the discomfort of the fake lash weighing down on your eyelids.
These are just some of the benefits semi-permanent lash extensions offer.
In short, the lash extensions really make me look less shitty when I get up in the morning so much so that I can come to office without eyeliner. Which explains my undying love for eyelash extensions. Based on my experiences with both the good and bad, here are 2 factors which I believe determines the level of comfort in the user as well as the lifetime of the extensions -
1. Adherence of the lash extensions - the uncomfortable lash extensions are pasted onto the root/tip of your natural lashes, hence when you blink or close your eyes tightly, the glue residues "bite" into your eyelids causing great discomfort. When the extensions fall off, there is also a high likelihood of your natural lashes falling off together.
On the other hand, the comfortable extensions are pasted mid-length onto your natural lashes. this way you do not feel the extensions at all.
2. Quality of the lash glue and skill of the lash technician - a skilled technician would know the right amount of glue to use to ensure that the extensions adhere well because excessive glue would cause a burning sensation - which was what happened at The Best Beauty - when you open your eyes after the lashes are completed.
No matter how strong the glue is or how skilled the technician is, much depends on how well the user maintains the extensions. Some of the common activities to avoid include -
1. Oil-based makeup removers and mascaras (in fact, with the extensions done you would not require much eye make-up, hence a gentle cleanser should suffice)
2. Swimming
3. Rubbing of the eye area (this is self-explanatory because it causes the extensions to fall off)
In fact when I shower, I try hard not to get water from the shower head directly onto my face otherwise I would have to dry my eyes using my palms, this is deadly for the extensions!
Back to the recent lash extension I did, after searching high and low for reputable saloons offering lash-by-lash extensions, I was thrilled to chance upon Julia's advertisement for home-based eyelash extensions services! Prices were really competitive, what more, she travels to your place at no extra transport charge, Imagine my surprise when the petite lady who showed up at my doorstep is a Korean lady! Upon taking her suggestion I went for the $75 extensions and because my natural lashes are very short and sparse, Julia had quite a hard time fixing the extensions. The whole session took approximately an hour, thanks to her patience, dexterous fingers and fantastic skills, I was very pleased with the end result of the extensions!
As at today, the extensions are already 2 weeks old and I am very happy to say that they are still very much intact and I really recommend Julia's services :) No doubt for first-timers, Groupon deals will be alot cheaper but going long term, as seen from package prices of the various saloons listed above, $75 per session is definitely more affordable :)
1. Dreamlash (I called the saloon 11times before someone answered my call, really casted doubt over how easy it would be to secure an appointment with them if I had purchased a package)
Each session comprising of full set extensions + removal
5 sessions - $688
8 sessions - $988
2. Lolita's Lash
Buy 4 touch-up sessions and get 1 touchup free - $396
3. HighBrow (I asked if it was possible to swap the removal sessions into touchups, the kind staff responded with an explanation of how important it is to have proper removal to ensure no glue residue is left behind on the eyelids, now I know!)
Each session comprises of full set extensions + touchup + removal
7 sessions - $660
If you had seen me without eyeliner on, you would know I look perpetually exhausted because of my tiny Asian-slit eyes and literally non-existent natural eyelashes.
Imagine waking up in the morning with a presentable face.
Imagine having semi-permanent fake eyelashes without the hassle of pasting the falsies, without the discomfort of the fake lash weighing down on your eyelids.
These are just some of the benefits semi-permanent lash extensions offer.
In short, the lash extensions really make me look less shitty when I get up in the morning so much so that I can come to office without eyeliner. Which explains my undying love for eyelash extensions. Based on my experiences with both the good and bad, here are 2 factors which I believe determines the level of comfort in the user as well as the lifetime of the extensions -
1. Adherence of the lash extensions - the uncomfortable lash extensions are pasted onto the root/tip of your natural lashes, hence when you blink or close your eyes tightly, the glue residues "bite" into your eyelids causing great discomfort. When the extensions fall off, there is also a high likelihood of your natural lashes falling off together.
On the other hand, the comfortable extensions are pasted mid-length onto your natural lashes. this way you do not feel the extensions at all.
2. Quality of the lash glue and skill of the lash technician - a skilled technician would know the right amount of glue to use to ensure that the extensions adhere well because excessive glue would cause a burning sensation - which was what happened at The Best Beauty - when you open your eyes after the lashes are completed.
No matter how strong the glue is or how skilled the technician is, much depends on how well the user maintains the extensions. Some of the common activities to avoid include -
1. Oil-based makeup removers and mascaras (in fact, with the extensions done you would not require much eye make-up, hence a gentle cleanser should suffice)
2. Swimming
3. Rubbing of the eye area (this is self-explanatory because it causes the extensions to fall off)
In fact when I shower, I try hard not to get water from the shower head directly onto my face otherwise I would have to dry my eyes using my palms, this is deadly for the extensions!
Back to the recent lash extension I did, after searching high and low for reputable saloons offering lash-by-lash extensions, I was thrilled to chance upon Julia's advertisement for home-based eyelash extensions services! Prices were really competitive, what more, she travels to your place at no extra transport charge, Imagine my surprise when the petite lady who showed up at my doorstep is a Korean lady! Upon taking her suggestion I went for the $75 extensions and because my natural lashes are very short and sparse, Julia had quite a hard time fixing the extensions. The whole session took approximately an hour, thanks to her patience, dexterous fingers and fantastic skills, I was very pleased with the end result of the extensions!
As at today, the extensions are already 2 weeks old and I am very happy to say that they are still very much intact and I really recommend Julia's services :) No doubt for first-timers, Groupon deals will be alot cheaper but going long term, as seen from package prices of the various saloons listed above, $75 per session is definitely more affordable :)
Monday, 13 April 2015
Bangkok trip itinerary
Air tickets : S$202.50 per pax return tickets via JetStar
Departs from Singapore on 4 Apr Sat morning 7.15am, lands in Bangkok 8.45am (local time)
Departs from Bangkok on 7 Apr Tue afternoon 3.15pm, lands in Singapore 6.40pm (local time)
Accommodation : Glow Pratunam
Booked via Agoda, 4D3N Deluxe room only twin sharing. After Citibank discount, total price was S$277.86. Per pax S$138.93.
Review : (1) Location - Right smack in the heart of shopping district Pratunam, very convenient for all those who wish to shop at Platinum (opposite the hotel, about 5mins walk) and get back to the hotel by foot. The famous wanton noodles was right behind the hotel. In the morning, the hotel's vicinity is bustling with street stalls selling clothes. Everything you need is well within walking distance. Be it, fast food, authentic Thai food, bar for live soccer matches and even supermarket.
(2) Room - Clean, bright and roomy. Definitely up to expectation and very good value.
Here is a brief itinerary of how our Bangkok trip -
Day 1 Sat. Hopped on taxi from airport but traffic was really bad, what was supposed to be a 30 - 40mins ride to the hotel took as long as an hour. Taxi fare was THB320 excluding highway toll. We arrived at the hotel and was very pleased with the aesthetics of the reception and check-in area.
After dropping-off luggage, we travelled to Chatuchak weekend market by BTS. We decided to travel like locals instead of taking a taxi because traffic was really congested. The nearest BTS station from the hotel is Ratchathewi, by foot it takes approximately 10 - 15mins. Alight at Mo Chit and walk to Chatuchak in approximately 5mins. 1way ticket from Ratchathewi to Mo Chit per pax THB31. It is helpful to keep your spare coins for purchasing BTS tickets, because the machines do not accept cash notes. And the queue to exchange coins can be very long on weekends.
We spent our morning and half the afternoon at Chatuchak (also had our inexpensive lunch in the weekend market, approximately THB3-400 for 2 mains and a tom yum soup) before our legs gave way. And it didn't help that the weather was scorching hot. We travelled back to hotel again via BTS. 1way ticket from Mo Chit to Ratchathewi per pax THB37.
Just some background on Glow Pratunam, the hotel starts from Level 7. Levels 1 - 5 are retail space and level 6 is a food court. Siam Seafood has a permanent shop front here. The shops in the shopping mall close at around 6pm. Siam Seafood sets up a roadside stall right outside the hotel building on weekend nights. Dinner was at Siam Seafood because we were too exhausted to walk further. We had a soup, a rice, a bbq fish totalling around THB800.
Later in the evening, we headed out by foot to Amari Watergate Bangkok hotel to catch the live broadcast of the BPL match. Drinks at the bar was very reasonably priced. We had 1 virgin mojito, 1 mojito and a can of Chang beer for approximately THB540.
Day 2 Sun. Visited the famous wanton noodles store bright and early but was disappointed to find out that they are closed on Sundays. Explored and walked further down the street, we found ourselves at a eatery with local customers. I had a fishball kway tiao for THB50.
Spend the rest of the day at Chatuchak weekend market again. At late afternoon we returned to the hotel to leave our shopping bags before heading out to Rod Fai 2 night market located behind Esplanade Mall (when communicating with the taxi driver, it would be helpful to tell him to head to Esplanade mall to prevent confusion). We made a mistake of not bargaining with the cab driver and hence paid a hefty THB200 for the short taxi ride. Later on our ride back by a taxi on meter, the fare only worked out to THB100.
Rod Fai 2 is a new night market, the original Rod Fai night market is located on the outskirts of the city and would take 50mins by cab. Hence we opted for the nearer option. After we finished shopping at Rod Fai 2 night market, the night was still young hence we travelled to Big C Supermarket which was within walking distance from our hotel. We got back to the hotel to pack and it was evident that we did not have sufficient luggage space >_< since we purchased 20kg of check-in baggage, we might as well buy a bag or luggage or just something to contain our belongings and maximise the 20kg baggage allowance!
Day 3 Mon. Made our way to the wanton noodles store again at 9.15am but shocked to see a long queue forming in front of the shop this early in the day. We joined the queue and fortunately we did not wait for long before we were ushered into the restaurant to be seated.
Spend the rest of the day at Platinum mall shopping. In the late afternoon we returned to the hotel to drop off our shopping bags before walking to the night market at Siam Square. Important to note that we received conflicting information regarding the operating business days of the Siam night market. We were distracted by the mini night market in front of Central World hence we did not get to Siam night market in the end.
Day 4 Tue. No activities for the day we had to get to the airport to catch our flight home :) cab fare from hotel to airport THB400 inclusive of toll.
Departs from Singapore on 4 Apr Sat morning 7.15am, lands in Bangkok 8.45am (local time)
Departs from Bangkok on 7 Apr Tue afternoon 3.15pm, lands in Singapore 6.40pm (local time)
Accommodation : Glow Pratunam
Booked via Agoda, 4D3N Deluxe room only twin sharing. After Citibank discount, total price was S$277.86. Per pax S$138.93.
Review : (1) Location - Right smack in the heart of shopping district Pratunam, very convenient for all those who wish to shop at Platinum (opposite the hotel, about 5mins walk) and get back to the hotel by foot. The famous wanton noodles was right behind the hotel. In the morning, the hotel's vicinity is bustling with street stalls selling clothes. Everything you need is well within walking distance. Be it, fast food, authentic Thai food, bar for live soccer matches and even supermarket.
(2) Room - Clean, bright and roomy. Definitely up to expectation and very good value.
Here is a brief itinerary of how our Bangkok trip -
Day 1 Sat. Hopped on taxi from airport but traffic was really bad, what was supposed to be a 30 - 40mins ride to the hotel took as long as an hour. Taxi fare was THB320 excluding highway toll. We arrived at the hotel and was very pleased with the aesthetics of the reception and check-in area.
After dropping-off luggage, we travelled to Chatuchak weekend market by BTS. We decided to travel like locals instead of taking a taxi because traffic was really congested. The nearest BTS station from the hotel is Ratchathewi, by foot it takes approximately 10 - 15mins. Alight at Mo Chit and walk to Chatuchak in approximately 5mins. 1way ticket from Ratchathewi to Mo Chit per pax THB31. It is helpful to keep your spare coins for purchasing BTS tickets, because the machines do not accept cash notes. And the queue to exchange coins can be very long on weekends.
We spent our morning and half the afternoon at Chatuchak (also had our inexpensive lunch in the weekend market, approximately THB3-400 for 2 mains and a tom yum soup) before our legs gave way. And it didn't help that the weather was scorching hot. We travelled back to hotel again via BTS. 1way ticket from Mo Chit to Ratchathewi per pax THB37.
Just some background on Glow Pratunam, the hotel starts from Level 7. Levels 1 - 5 are retail space and level 6 is a food court. Siam Seafood has a permanent shop front here. The shops in the shopping mall close at around 6pm. Siam Seafood sets up a roadside stall right outside the hotel building on weekend nights. Dinner was at Siam Seafood because we were too exhausted to walk further. We had a soup, a rice, a bbq fish totalling around THB800.
Later in the evening, we headed out by foot to Amari Watergate Bangkok hotel to catch the live broadcast of the BPL match. Drinks at the bar was very reasonably priced. We had 1 virgin mojito, 1 mojito and a can of Chang beer for approximately THB540.
Day 2 Sun. Visited the famous wanton noodles store bright and early but was disappointed to find out that they are closed on Sundays. Explored and walked further down the street, we found ourselves at a eatery with local customers. I had a fishball kway tiao for THB50.
Spend the rest of the day at Chatuchak weekend market again. At late afternoon we returned to the hotel to leave our shopping bags before heading out to Rod Fai 2 night market located behind Esplanade Mall (when communicating with the taxi driver, it would be helpful to tell him to head to Esplanade mall to prevent confusion). We made a mistake of not bargaining with the cab driver and hence paid a hefty THB200 for the short taxi ride. Later on our ride back by a taxi on meter, the fare only worked out to THB100.
Rod Fai 2 is a new night market, the original Rod Fai night market is located on the outskirts of the city and would take 50mins by cab. Hence we opted for the nearer option. After we finished shopping at Rod Fai 2 night market, the night was still young hence we travelled to Big C Supermarket which was within walking distance from our hotel. We got back to the hotel to pack and it was evident that we did not have sufficient luggage space >_< since we purchased 20kg of check-in baggage, we might as well buy a bag or luggage or just something to contain our belongings and maximise the 20kg baggage allowance!
Day 3 Mon. Made our way to the wanton noodles store again at 9.15am but shocked to see a long queue forming in front of the shop this early in the day. We joined the queue and fortunately we did not wait for long before we were ushered into the restaurant to be seated.
Spend the rest of the day at Platinum mall shopping. In the late afternoon we returned to the hotel to drop off our shopping bags before walking to the night market at Siam Square. Important to note that we received conflicting information regarding the operating business days of the Siam night market. We were distracted by the mini night market in front of Central World hence we did not get to Siam night market in the end.
Day 4 Tue. No activities for the day we had to get to the airport to catch our flight home :) cab fare from hotel to airport THB400 inclusive of toll.
Tuesday, 31 March 2015
Cessation of Sky Fitness operations
Purchased a 60min massage at Sky Fitness from http://www.deal.com.sg only to realise that Sky Fitness at Harbourfront closed it's doors for business and operations from 20 March 2015. The landlord, Mapletree, has decided to repossess the facility from this date due to rental owed.
Upon ringing up the Sky Fitness contact number from the deal voucher, nobody picked up the phone. I was horrified and frustrated at why deal.com would partner and sell deals for a merchant that has gone out of business. I am still waiting for deal.com to refund me the money and it baffles me as to why deal.com still continues to run the deal for Sky Fitness even as at today! This is very irresponsible as I believe customers would not be able to redeem their vouchers.
Upon ringing up the Sky Fitness contact number from the deal voucher, nobody picked up the phone. I was horrified and frustrated at why deal.com would partner and sell deals for a merchant that has gone out of business. I am still waiting for deal.com to refund me the money and it baffles me as to why deal.com still continues to run the deal for Sky Fitness even as at today! This is very irresponsible as I believe customers would not be able to redeem their vouchers.
Sunday, 29 March 2015
Phuket trip itinerary
Air tickets : S$159 per pax return tickets via JetStar
Departs from Singapore on 27 Mar Fri morning 8.25am, lands in Phuket 9.20am (local time)
Departs from Phuket on 29 Mar Sun afternoon 12.40pm, lands in Singapore 3.35pm (local time)
Accommodation : The Senses Resort Patong Beach
Booked via Agoda, Deluxe sea view with breakfast, twin sharing. After Ciitibank discount, total price was S$295. Per pax S$147.50
Review : (1) Location - Not exactly right smack in the heart of bustling Patong but Jungceylon was well within walking distance. The road leading to Jungceylon was well lined with shops, for the 2 of us female travellers, we felt that the walk was safe and there was certainly no fear of dangers lurking in dark alleys. The resort is no where near the beach and our room only had a distant view of the beach.
(2) Room - Clean, bright and spacious. For the price paid, it was certainly good value. Do note that the resort does not provide toothbrush and toothpaste.The period when we visited was really hot and since the resort only provides one key card per room, whenever we left the room and plucked the key card out, the air-conditioning will stop. So each time we returned to the room, it was warm and stuffy.
(3) Breakfast spread was very limited. Fortunately we only stayed there for 3 days as 2 days of breakfast eating the same spread was getting really boring.
Airport transfer : PhuketConnectTransfers.com
THB1,500 for 2-way transfer from airport to resort and resort to airport via sedan
THB1,000 for 2-way transfer from resort to weekend night market and back to resort
Massage : Sovrana Spa, located right opposite Jungceylon
THB1,000 for 2 hr session comprising of body scrub, aromatheraphy massage, foot massage and complimentary herbal tea.
Seafood dinner with sea view : Laimai Courtyard Restaurant
THB2,050 for
4 fresh oysters
Baked mussels
Pizza
2 jumbo prawns (fresh, price by weight)
2 non-alcoholic beverages
Here is briefly how our Phuket trip went -
Day 1. Arrive at resort, drop-off luggage and went for massage.
Grocery shopping at Big C
Lunch before heading back to resort for a rest.
Dinner and explored Jungceylon/Patong area
Day 2. Breakfast followed by a short rest before lazing by the pool.
Private taxi picked us up at 4pm to head to weekend market.
Shopping and dinner at weekend market
Private taxi fetched us at 9pm to head back to resort
Day 3. Breakfast and packing before airport transfer picked us up at 10am.
Departs from Singapore on 27 Mar Fri morning 8.25am, lands in Phuket 9.20am (local time)
Departs from Phuket on 29 Mar Sun afternoon 12.40pm, lands in Singapore 3.35pm (local time)
Accommodation : The Senses Resort Patong Beach
Booked via Agoda, Deluxe sea view with breakfast, twin sharing. After Ciitibank discount, total price was S$295. Per pax S$147.50
Review : (1) Location - Not exactly right smack in the heart of bustling Patong but Jungceylon was well within walking distance. The road leading to Jungceylon was well lined with shops, for the 2 of us female travellers, we felt that the walk was safe and there was certainly no fear of dangers lurking in dark alleys. The resort is no where near the beach and our room only had a distant view of the beach.
(2) Room - Clean, bright and spacious. For the price paid, it was certainly good value. Do note that the resort does not provide toothbrush and toothpaste.The period when we visited was really hot and since the resort only provides one key card per room, whenever we left the room and plucked the key card out, the air-conditioning will stop. So each time we returned to the room, it was warm and stuffy.
(3) Breakfast spread was very limited. Fortunately we only stayed there for 3 days as 2 days of breakfast eating the same spread was getting really boring.
Airport transfer : PhuketConnectTransfers.com
THB1,500 for 2-way transfer from airport to resort and resort to airport via sedan
THB1,000 for 2-way transfer from resort to weekend night market and back to resort
Massage : Sovrana Spa, located right opposite Jungceylon
THB1,000 for 2 hr session comprising of body scrub, aromatheraphy massage, foot massage and complimentary herbal tea.
Seafood dinner with sea view : Laimai Courtyard Restaurant
THB2,050 for
4 fresh oysters
Baked mussels
Pizza
2 jumbo prawns (fresh, price by weight)
2 non-alcoholic beverages
Here is briefly how our Phuket trip went -
Day 1. Arrive at resort, drop-off luggage and went for massage.
Grocery shopping at Big C
Lunch before heading back to resort for a rest.
Dinner and explored Jungceylon/Patong area
Day 2. Breakfast followed by a short rest before lazing by the pool.
Private taxi picked us up at 4pm to head to weekend market.
Shopping and dinner at weekend market
Private taxi fetched us at 9pm to head back to resort
Day 3. Breakfast and packing before airport transfer picked us up at 10am.
Tuesday, 10 March 2015
Review of bikini line IPL at BioSkin, Tampines
Groupon deal - For $88, you get 12 Bikini IPL Hair Removal Sessions (worth $3852).
Q : Did 12 sessions produce a permanent result?
A : No. After 12 sessions I still have very normal hair growth on the targeted area.
Q : How was the overall experience at BioSkin?
A : Mediocre.
Inconsistencies with difference therapists - each time I visit, there is bound to be a different therapist attending to me. Though a therapist have mentioned before that each and every personnel is well-trained in the various services BioSkin offers. I did not experience that at all because for the 12 treatment sessions, every therapist administered (1) varying number of shots and (2) not hitting the same exact bikini line targeted area I signed up for. I did feel short-changed for that. Even when it came down to instructions for undressing, there was one treatment session where the therapist requested I removed my top (I was dressed in shorts and a t-shirt) too just so that hair will not get onto my clothes. I was simply bewildered.
No hard-selling - this came across as a pleasant surprise because after the nasty experience at Jean Yip the last time round, I had a deep-seeded belief that these big enterprises will want to cross-sell customers different services available at their saloon. However at BioSkin, you can feel rest assured that you will walk in for your treatment and not have to listen to any hard-selling by their therapist.
Ease of booking appointments - as I stay near the beauty salon, I usually picked weekend appointments as early as 9am in the morning so that I could continue the rest of my day with no disruptions. I usually book the next month's appointment on that month's appointment day. A couple of times I did have to reschedule and it was really a pain because the salon is almost always fully booked.
IPL experience - it is painful but tolerable, according to my underarm therapist at another salon, this could be due to BioSkin employing an older generation IPL machine which produces a distinct "piak" sound each time a pulse is administered. Furthermore, at body parts where there is so much nerve endings, sensations are naturally heightened.
Q : Did 12 sessions produce a permanent result?
A : No. After 12 sessions I still have very normal hair growth on the targeted area.
Q : How was the overall experience at BioSkin?
A : Mediocre.
Inconsistencies with difference therapists - each time I visit, there is bound to be a different therapist attending to me. Though a therapist have mentioned before that each and every personnel is well-trained in the various services BioSkin offers. I did not experience that at all because for the 12 treatment sessions, every therapist administered (1) varying number of shots and (2) not hitting the same exact bikini line targeted area I signed up for. I did feel short-changed for that. Even when it came down to instructions for undressing, there was one treatment session where the therapist requested I removed my top (I was dressed in shorts and a t-shirt) too just so that hair will not get onto my clothes. I was simply bewildered.
No hard-selling - this came across as a pleasant surprise because after the nasty experience at Jean Yip the last time round, I had a deep-seeded belief that these big enterprises will want to cross-sell customers different services available at their saloon. However at BioSkin, you can feel rest assured that you will walk in for your treatment and not have to listen to any hard-selling by their therapist.
Ease of booking appointments - as I stay near the beauty salon, I usually picked weekend appointments as early as 9am in the morning so that I could continue the rest of my day with no disruptions. I usually book the next month's appointment on that month's appointment day. A couple of times I did have to reschedule and it was really a pain because the salon is almost always fully booked.
IPL experience - it is painful but tolerable, according to my underarm therapist at another salon, this could be due to BioSkin employing an older generation IPL machine which produces a distinct "piak" sound each time a pulse is administered. Furthermore, at body parts where there is so much nerve endings, sensations are naturally heightened.
Friday, 6 March 2015
Deal gone sour?
I purchased a 3 session massage from Deal.com.sg to redeem at Narcissus Javanese Massage & Hairdressing.
I was able to redeem the first session smoothly, albeit the masseuse miunderstanding my instructions - I had requested for the 1hr session to be shortened to 45mins but she misunderstood as I wanted the session shortened to just 30mins. Narcissus is not exactly your posh spa place and the treatment "rooms" are actually partitioned by curtains. I didn't felt secure when removing my clothes before the massage. There were also no proper cupboards or locker for you to store your belongings.
Nonetheless the masseuse is good at kneading my sore shoulder and back with her firm strokes.
Made an appointment for the 2nd session on 13Feb but to my horror the merchant contacted me on 12Feb stating that they are not able to honour my voucher because Deal have not paid up for 2months already.
Rang up Deal and after plenty of time spent waiting on the line, a curt and unsympathetic customer service officer picked up my call. When I questioned her what happened, she shot back a reply saying that I am the 1st customer to voice out such a complaint. Out of concern that they are going bankrupt or winding up soon, I asked the officer if their company is facing any financial issues, to which she says she has to check with the relevant departments and cannot offer me a direct answer (oh wow, what a cover up?). Before I could even get her name, she hurriedly ended the call.
Meantime I had also dropped an email to Deal demanding to know what exactly happened -
Hi Deal.com.sg,
I purchased the attached deal and made an appointment on 13Feb unfortunately the merchant tells me that deal.com.sg did not pay up in the past 2 months hence they not allow me to redeem my massages. Please advise and refund at your earliest convenience.
Following the call the officer dropped me an email -
Hi Good afternoon to you.
We are in the process of checking your enquiry with the relevant department as well as the merchant. Kindly do provide us some time for us to provide you with the solution. Once we have received the solution, we will be contacting you at the soonest. We hope to have your kind understanding on this issue. If you have any enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us at (65) 6299 3011.
Thank You.
Sincerely, Nurul
Customer Relations Executive
Ensogo Group
sg.crm@ensogo.com
I also left a comment on the Deal's Facebook page demanding to know why, originally a representative had replied me but subsequently Deal deleted my comment entirely! Sneaky eh.
Thankfully Deal.com.sg did not take long to settle my dispute, on 16Feb they reverted
Dear Ms Lisa
Good day to you. Thank you for your email.
We will proceed with a refund for you for the remaining 2 sessions. The amount of $41.33 will be refunded back to you in approximately 14 - 21 working days, back to the same credit/debit card that was used to purchase the voucher. Thank you very much and have a nice day ahead. If you have any enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us at (65) 6299 3011.
Thank You.
Sincerely, Nurul
Customer Relations Executive
Ensogo Group
sg.crm@ensogo.com
As at today 6Mar, I am still waiting for my credit card statement, fingers crossed!
I was able to redeem the first session smoothly, albeit the masseuse miunderstanding my instructions - I had requested for the 1hr session to be shortened to 45mins but she misunderstood as I wanted the session shortened to just 30mins. Narcissus is not exactly your posh spa place and the treatment "rooms" are actually partitioned by curtains. I didn't felt secure when removing my clothes before the massage. There were also no proper cupboards or locker for you to store your belongings.
Nonetheless the masseuse is good at kneading my sore shoulder and back with her firm strokes.
Made an appointment for the 2nd session on 13Feb but to my horror the merchant contacted me on 12Feb stating that they are not able to honour my voucher because Deal have not paid up for 2months already.
Rang up Deal and after plenty of time spent waiting on the line, a curt and unsympathetic customer service officer picked up my call. When I questioned her what happened, she shot back a reply saying that I am the 1st customer to voice out such a complaint. Out of concern that they are going bankrupt or winding up soon, I asked the officer if their company is facing any financial issues, to which she says she has to check with the relevant departments and cannot offer me a direct answer (oh wow, what a cover up?). Before I could even get her name, she hurriedly ended the call.
Meantime I had also dropped an email to Deal demanding to know what exactly happened -
Hi Deal.com.sg,
I purchased the attached deal and made an appointment on 13Feb unfortunately the merchant tells me that deal.com.sg did not pay up in the past 2 months hence they not allow me to redeem my massages. Please advise and refund at your earliest convenience.
Following the call the officer dropped me an email -
Hi Good afternoon to you.
We are in the process of checking your enquiry with the relevant department as well as the merchant. Kindly do provide us some time for us to provide you with the solution. Once we have received the solution, we will be contacting you at the soonest. We hope to have your kind understanding on this issue. If you have any enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us at (65) 6299 3011.
Thank You.
Sincerely, Nurul
Customer Relations Executive
Ensogo Group
sg.crm@ensogo.com
I also left a comment on the Deal's Facebook page demanding to know why, originally a representative had replied me but subsequently Deal deleted my comment entirely! Sneaky eh.
Thankfully Deal.com.sg did not take long to settle my dispute, on 16Feb they reverted
Dear Ms Lisa
Good day to you. Thank you for your email.
We will proceed with a refund for you for the remaining 2 sessions. The amount of $41.33 will be refunded back to you in approximately 14 - 21 working days, back to the same credit/debit card that was used to purchase the voucher. Thank you very much and have a nice day ahead. If you have any enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us at (65) 6299 3011.
Thank You.
Sincerely, Nurul
Customer Relations Executive
Ensogo Group
sg.crm@ensogo.com
As at today 6Mar, I am still waiting for my credit card statement, fingers crossed!
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