A made in Indonesia hair serum. This ellips Hair Vitamin comes in cute little individual capsules. In this way, you do not need to gauge how much you need to squeeze out or worry that you will over-pump and waste.

Initially, I was quite skeptical as this is not from well-known, tried-and-tested brands like L’oreal or Asience. After I got to know a close colleague of mine who is using and have good reviews, I decided to try it myself.

There are 2 types of packaging; one is a bottle and the other is in blister card form. Hence if you are unsure about whether you will like it or not, you can buy the blister card (6 capsules in one card) to try first. In this way, if you do not like it, you can still give/ sell the rest away.

That was what I did, and went on to buy the bottle (50 capsules in a bottle) later coz I really like it. The serum feels thick when you rub between your palms, but is quickly absorbed into damp hair.

Having very long hair, the ends tend to be dry. I applied most of it to my ends, and the next day, my hair feels softer to the touch and the ends look tamer.

To verify that it works, I skipped it for a day and indeed, the ends looks frizzier the next day.

The most convenient place that sells this is Watson’s. But it is more expensive at $2.45 for the blister card and $15.90 for the bottle of 50’s. I got mine at Beaute Spring at Toa Payoh at $9.00 for the bottle.

There is also different ‘flavours’.

1) Pink - Hair Treatment. Contains Jojoba Oil for hair repair. Also helps in reducing split ends and dryness caused by frequent blow drying and styling.

2) Yellow – Smooth & Shiny. Contains Aloe Vera for hair protection and UV protection. Also provides the necessary vitamins and nutrition to make your hair smooth and shiny.

3) Purple – Nutri Colour. With triple care of nourishing and giving a healthy shine to colored hair, and treating dull hair caused by exposure to the sun.

4) Black – Shiny & Black. Contains Candle Nut and Aloe Vera. Helps protect hair from damages caused by exposure to the sun and helps restore the healthy shine of black hair.

P/S: I personally likes the pink one (not only just because of the colour; just in case you are thinking)

SK II Whitening Source Derm-Definition

One of the banned products on my list.

Upon recommendation from Gentle, I decided to give this product a try as I had this one particular brown mark leftover by an overly friendly pimple that wanted to leave a souvenir.

Since we all love SK II Facial Treatment Essence (aka ‘Miracle Water’), I thought that most of their products would be good, or at least, not produce any side effects.

I was wrong. After 2 days application (twice a day, morning and night), I developed 3 big red marks. They are not acne/ pimple, but look like they are. I thought maybe it’s just my skin trying t get used to the product. But after the 3rd day, a pimple decided to reside on my face, on the same spot as the brown mark I wanted to get rid of. It was a red and angry pimple without the ‘head’ kind. It was a case of “GASP!” I wanted to get rid of that one spot and now I made it worse. I guess it was because I applied more on that particular spot so broke out at that spot.

I stopped using it immediately. After 2 days, the red marks went off. But it took a little while longer for the pimple to subside. The Derm-definition became an ornament on my table for a while. Because it wasn’t cheap, after a few months, I decided to give it a 2nd chance to prove itself.

This time, I applied only on the brown spot itself. And the same episode repeats itself. (-_-“)

I decided that this product is just not suitable for me. Period.

I would not condemn this product though, coz I heard a few others who have had good results with it. I guess it’s just a difference of suitability.

Conclusion: Not suitable for Whiney at all!

Laser Treatment

Your eyes aren't playing tricks on you.

Yes, both whiney and gentle went for laser treatment with the SAME doctor. Of course, the review won't be a total duplicate. But I will touch on more on the treatment process and the recovery process.

Similar to Whiney, I couldn't stand the scars permanently residing on my face. I have both pigmented scars, pitted scars, box holes, and some active pimples when I decide to consult Whiney's doctor who did her laser. It was a difficult decision because his consultation and treatments aren't cheap. And his consultation fees can't be waived even when treatment is done on first visit. His consultation charge is a whooping S$100.

I was mentally prepared for an immediate laser treatment when I visited him. Yes, I cannot stand inefficacy and love instant results. However, through his examination of my 'damaged' face. He suggests that we should treat those active pimples and pigmented scars via Booster Peels. I obliged. I was running at my wit's end as to how to treat my face. The Booster Peels tuen out pretty ok. It wasn't anything special but chemical peels (Neostrata products) with pre-peel booster applied to strengthen the effect. I was also prescribed Dalacin T and Differin Gel 0.1% to apply too. After 2 peels and the topical medication, I was told I am ready for the laser.

I did mine on 21st Feb 2009. I told him that I'm going to be retrenched and he can perform the laser as deep as he felt suitable since I will have lots of time to spare. And yes, he went all the way. There are 3 parts to the whole procedure. First 2 will be focused on the pitted scars whereby the last part is an overall scanning of the entire face. Prior to the procedure, a numbing cream is applied 30 mins before the procedure. Upon Whiney's advice, I instructed them to apply to the entire face, including the jaw. As Whiney's pain treshold is sky high, I got to prepare for the worse. (When Whiney says not pain, it is pain. When Whiney says slightly pain, it is near-death type of pain. When Whiney says pain, it should be classified as death) Whiney says not really pain, but shocking. My verdict (my pain treshold is normal) is PAIN, to the extend that I almost wanted to stop the whole procedure. The most painful area, to me, is the area below the nose and area near the mouth. The pain almost killed me.

The entire procedure last about 20 mins. Though that 20 mins seems short, it was hell long when you at being shot by the laser gun continuously. After the procedure, it is totally not advisable to take public transport unless you stay so near the MRT that the MRT is less than 100 steps from your house. Mine is, and I received lots of stares, lots! I totally look weird. And I didn't wear a cap. Not that I didn't want to spend on a cab, but taking an MRT is much faster than if I were to take a cab and risk my face in the sun!

Back home, the pain and the burning sensation still lingers. So much that my brother has to go to convenient store at night to get me panadol extra to kill off the pain before I can sleep. Applying the cream that he gave is also a tough job when the skin is in pain. I can't remember how I managed, but I'm glad I pull through. The pain was gone the next day. But he indeed did a deep laser which gave me a downtime of more than 5 days. I appreciate his decision and skill in the laser depth, as it really helped a lot. And the effect is significant.

Below is some pictures of the 5 days recovery process.

The red spots were the deep area that was lasered. They evetually dropped off. The improvements are quite tremendous. Many of those who did not know I went for this treatment ask about the improvement. Even a hairdresser from a Salon I patronize ask me about my skin.
The price for my laser alone is S$1000. (Not including all the medications and Booster peels before the laser

Laser burn my skin (and my pocket). But it is well worth it.

He is located at
The Plastic Surgery Practice
Novena Medical Center
10 Sinaran Drive
#11-33Singapore 307506
phone: (65) 6397 6618
fax: (65) 6397 7076

Verdict: Don't waste money on products on pitted scars or enlarged pores, They'll probably give you temporary effects. Laser is the way to go.

Product Ingredient Listing

From my experience, it is helpful to learn to identify whether the cosmetic preparation contains irritants or incompatible ingredient content for your skin type. It will also help u identify if active ingredients(stated on product labels) are present in sufficient amounts to make the product effective.

In a nutshell, learning to read the listing can help you decide if this particular product is worth purchasing or its merely a run for your money.

Moving along..

A typical ingredient list has all ingredients, be it active or inactive, all listed together without any order of distinction.

1. Looking at your product label, you should be to figure out if any active ingredients are in the list.

2. Once you identify which are the active ingredients in the list, you need to find out if they are present in sufficient amounts. Normally the concentration are not stated on the label.

3. We will then look into the listing, the listing normally begins with the ingredient present in the largest concentration (typically water(aqua), oils(paraffin/mineral oils)) and moves downward, often ending with trace contents. In most cases, an active ingredient are not in the first or second spot. And if it is near the end of a long list, it is most likely present in a very small amount.

As much as we would think the active ingredients are supposedly to be present in larger concentrations in the skincare preparation, admittedly, some active ingredients, such as estrogens, work in small amounts.

But many require a reasonably high concentration to be effective. For example, L-ascorbic acid has to be at least at 10%, and alpha lipoic acid at least at 1%. The position of the ingredient on the list can give you at least a rough idea if its concentration is sufficient.

I hope these 3 basic steps will make skincare shopping more economical and it will better you to avoid buying products that contained irritants for your skin.

As for learning what ingredients are incompatible for your skin type, I would suggest you do your own personal research online as there are many school of thoughts when it comes to what skincare ingredients are incompatible. And it would also involve some trial and error with different products of different preparation.

The quest for beauty is never an easy task! Good Luck!

Laser Treatment

After so many years of hiding behind foundation, I decided to go ahead and do something about the pitted holes left behind by the best friends of my teenage years.

It just happened one day during work. I was so free that I took a mirror and start examining my face very closely. I got quite fed-up with the obvious holes even with thick foundation, and decided that I must do something, whatever it takes.

I thought of filler injections. I don’t really know exactly what is it, but I thought it will be just injecting something into each of the holes and voila, perfect skin!

I began to call each clinic and plastic surgeon to enquire about the price. Average price quoted is about S$600 for one jab that can last 4 to 6 months. Wow, that’s like super high maintenance.

Nevertheless, I booked myself for an appointment with Dr. Andrew Tay. No reason why him of all clinics, perhaps just ‘caused he is good looking? Hehe. He used to be with Pacific Healthcare when I was seeing him, and now he moved on to Novena Medical Centre. Perhaps his own clinic now? Gentle saw him at Novena Medical Centre. Read her review to find out more.

During my first appointment, I didn’t know what to expect. Maybe just a jab and perfect skin? And then the doc will be earning my money every half a year.

During the consultation, I asked Dr. Tay about filler injections straightaway. He explained that filler injections are a temporary measure, expensive to keep up and also more for deeper holes. This is because the amount of filler will not fill into each hole so precisely that it will be just nice at “skin level”. Some holes might just be filled up too much and become a bump instead of a hole.

He then went on to recommend the laser treatment for the holes. It consists of lasering off the very top layer of the skin so that the holes are shallower and hence skin will appear smoother, and there is guaranteed results. Just difference in how much improvements depending on one’s skin.

The amount of downtime varies with the depth of the skin cut. And the depth of the skin cut depends on the condition of the skin and also your own choice. Some might think that since you are going to do it, might as well just go all the way and cut as deep as possible.
Well, you will have to take into consideration the downtime and also the risk involved.

For me, because I am working and not able to afford such a long leave, and MC due to cosmetic purposes are not acceptable, I wasn’t able to be down for too many days. Also, the risk for complications such as infection and such are higher as you cut deeper. Taking all these factors, I chose to do the minimal of 20 microns (IF I remember correctly, it was 20). And of course, the deeper you cut, the more expensive is the cost. Dr. Tay did not push me to cut deeper just for the sake of earning, but instead advise me not to go too deep to risk complications, which made me quite comfortable.

I made an appointment for the treatment on an eve of a public holiday at 630pm, so that I can save a day’s leave. A few days before my appointment date, the nurse from the clinic called and asked if I could be re-scheduled as Dr. Tay has a meeting to attend to at about 7pm. I was quite hesitant and explained to the nurse honestly that it is because I want to save a day’s leave. She said she’ll check with Dr. Tay and called me 10 mins later to say that my appointment timing will remain. I was quite happy that Dr. Tay is so accommodating.

On the day of the appointment, I was very excited. It was like… “at last, after all these years” that kind of feeling.


I didn't take any photos of the process, so read on and use your imagination. I shall describe as best as I can with words.

After washing off my make up (I came from work. For those who can go straight from home or your work do not require make up, it’ll be best I think), the nurse proceed to apply numbing cream on my face. The numbing cream requires 30 mins to take effect. So the laser will begin 30 mins after application of the numbing cream.

Before the laser, Dr. Tay took several pictures of my face as preparation for comparison with the results after the treatment. Then, it was time for the long awaited laser to begin.

I was given 2 metal round things to cover my eyes with and also ear plugs. Dr. Tay explained that ear plugs are essential as the sound of the laser can be quite deafening and scary to some people.

The whole process took less than an hour. Dr. Tay explained that he will go deeper on the holes and then do an overall “burning” of the skin. So there was 2 parts of the treatment.

The first part was a series of short, sharp shooting at the problematic holes. The first shot came as a shock. It was like someone took rubber band, stretched it ridiculously and shot you in the face. But definitely not as pain. The process is more of shock than pain. The nurse held my hand throughout the process and that gave so much comfort. =)

Part 2 is the overall lasering of the face. This is like a machine gun going fast and around your face. I think the numbing cream is good at masking the pain. The nurse missed a few spots at the edge of my face when she was applying the numbing cream and when the laser reached those spots, it was pain~. Bearable pain, but can feel the pain like an ant’s bite. Other parts of the face were okay, so I guess the numbing cream they used was really good.

After the laser, I was given this cream/ oil that I have to keep it on my face. I was advised to wash my face with Cetaphil (which I am still using it now) and have to immediately apply the cream/ oil back after washing. So this part is a bit tricky for people who have no control over tossing and turning in their beds and have the tendency to rub their face on their pillows, bolsters and blankets.

Dr. Tay estimated that my downtime would be roughly about 2 to 3 days. So for 2 days and 2 nights, I hid in my room with curtains drawn down and slept straight with face up like a mummy.
On the third day, the ‘burned’ skin came off while I was washing my face. Just like if you cut or burn your skin, the top layer will dry and peel off after days. After the peel, my skin is visibly fairer. Some of the queen of holes are also visibly shallower.

My skin is not perfectly smooth after that, but at least I was able to go work with just sun block and not feel so conscious about it. The skin will continue to improve for about 6 months after the treatment as the laser will also stimulate the production of collagen.



Here are some photos for comparison


Left side of face

Right side of face

Conclusion: I would say it’s worth it for S$700++ (cannot guarantee it’s still the same price now).

LANEIGE WATER BANK CREAM 2_EX

A gift from a friend from her trip to korea.

This brand is common in SG. But this item is pretty special. The SG version sells WATER BANK CREAM 2. But the Korea version is WATER BANK CREAM 2_EX. Personally, I have no idea the difference between the two. However, I do try at the counter. And it appears to be more creamy than mine.

On the Laneige Korea website, it is stated suitable for combination and normal skin. And the benefits as stated in the website are as follows:

1) Fresh gel-typed, nano liposome supplying cream for the combination skin type that gently hydrates skin as if downy snow gently covers the earth.

2) Himalaya Snow Renew Water that contains 70 kinds of snow minerals provides nutrition and vitality to the skin and realizes the transparent and pure skin from deep inside of skin.

3) Water carrier protein, sugar apple that supplies fine water stimulates water circulation by leaving hydrated and soft skin behind.

4) Multi-nano liposome gradually discharges liposome water energy as time goes by, which enables moisture to be remained for some hours.

My reviews

This moisturizer gives sufficient moisturing capabilities for daily care, provided one is not sleeping in air conditioned room, nor applying topical treatments like Differin or Retin A. If you are using Differin, Retin A, or any products that can be drying, it would be good to apply a thicker than usual layer.

Texture: Gel based. Non-oily. Upon application, there won't be the 'perfectly smooth' feeling. (If there is, it's probably silicon loaded) Absorbs into skin readily.

Effects: Supple skin. And if you load a thicker layer at night, you will be expecting well moisturized, glowy skin. No clogging of pores observed after 2 months of religious usage.

Suitability: It has been used by me, the super problematic skin, highly prone to clogged pore when wrong products used. It was also used by the nice ladies who bought this for me. Her skin is normal, and slightly dry. It worked well too, but she probably got to apply a thicker layer than usual. And no negative effects for her too!

Verdict: A GREAT basic moisturizer.

4 out of 5 claps!

Gentle - 4th reviewer

I'm slow, but not for taking care of my skin. I'm 4th reviewer, Gentle

I probably have most skincare products than the rest of them. However, that does not mean that I have the best skin. Because buying and religiously using is 2 different story. But of course, having battling acne for more than 15 years, the problem is finally kept at bay, at least for now. :)

Age: 27

Skin Type: Combination. With my lovely jobs (past and present) having makeup restrictions and with dry working atmosphere, the previously oily skin has evolved to combination. On certain unlucky period, peeling can be evident if my face is in touch with alcohol.

Current Problems: Pitted holes cause by itchy fingers of the past. Some scars that are easily covered by concealer and living in harmony for the time being. A fervent patient to peels and lasers.

Slogan for Skincare: If it works fast, it’s worth it!
(Yes, I prefer things fast and instant)

Favourite Make Up: Blusher.

Can't live without: Concealer!

Eating habits: Love good treats occasionally. Particularly love Japanese food. Particularly hate food courts.

Pain Threshold: Moderate

Tolerance for funkiness of product(s): High. As long as it works FAST!

Body Type: FAT.

Hair: Chopped it short not too long ago. Am adaptable to both long and short hair. Rebond when I need more manageable hair. Coloured.

Other concerns: Get depressed when I look at pictures a few years back. Why do mankind has to grow old!?!

IZU Loose Powder - From True Colours

IZU is not a very well-known brand in Singapore. But I'm sure most of you will know True Colours located at Ngee Ann City Shopping Centre, Basement 1. They carry other brands like Laura Mercier and such, but under the intro of Shitty (she haven't tried, I try first), I decided to give IZU a chance since my Silky Girl Loose Powder was running out.


It costs S$61.90 for 20g of precious powder (as compared to Silky Girl, S$9.90 for about the same amount and that will be reviewed at a later post). After using it for 2 weeks. I think the price is worth it.

Usually for office ladies, loose powder will be the first to run/ "dissolve" for their make up. But IZU proved to be quite lasting on my face. But what I like about it the most is that the texture is fantastic. It's fine so your face don't look powdery or 'grainy' and it covers your pores as well! The difference with and without the loose powder on is evident (at least to me). I use BB Cream, not foundation, for your information.

Oil control wise, I would say it's ok too. I don't go for the super matte look and prefer a bit of shine. So for those of you who have oily skin and prefer matte look, perhaps you'll have to transfer a portion to a smaller case for bringing out for touch-ups.


Conclusion: It's worth the buy.

Add on: Took some photos for 'evidence'. Please do not feel disgusted by such close up and high resolutions photo of my pores.

Picture above is before loose powder, after BB Cream.



These 2 pictures above are after loose powder.


Absolutely no photoshop at all.

Considering that these photos are taken right after application, and the make up is not 'set' yet, I would say it did a good job.

Non - 3rd Reviewer

Gotten the hint from Whiney..
I'm one of the dormant mentioned, who may not have as many eventful stories as the rest of them, but still i would like to introduce myself. =)
I'm not really as adventurous as the rest of them who tries alot of products, however, I do try a few products once awhile if they recevied high positive reviews.

Age: 27

Skin Type: Combination-Oily, mainly oily at the T-zone. Slightly above average amount of pimples during teens. Now, occassional pimples when under stress, working late hours or lack of beauty sleep.

Slogan for Skincare: Apply religiously works! The feeling of light and not thick-rich.. You don't feel it at all, when applied.

Favourite Make Up: None.

Eating habits: Not really fussy about food as long it taste decent. I eat almost all veg, including my favourite celery, which both Whiney and Shitty finds it funky.

Pain Threshold: One of the lowest. (I did not even dare to go for earholes, scared of the pain. I had my very 1st pair of earholes at the age of 26, special thanks to Whiney and Gentle who "accompanied" me to get it done)

Tolerance for funkiness of product(s): Errrmmm it really depends.. like I said, I'm not a very adventurous person. =P

Body Type: Definitely not thin, slighlty plump, trying to tone up my flabby thighs and arms.

Hair: Long below shoulders, with slight natural curls. Colured no, done rebonding once couple of years back.

BEAUTEHUB INTERNATIONAL @ TELOK AYER

kept getting calls from them a complimentary vit. c facial, they sound ok initally, even send reminder sms before the appt time and also re-itierate the point that there are no terms and conditions involved in this complimentary facial.

arrived at the place at 6.30pm sharp after work, the place and ambience is normal, bit crowded in my opinion.

anyway, when the facial started, the therapist removed my MU, cleanse and scrub. standard procedures. thereafter she put the cotton wool over my eyes and on the bright fluorescent light.. i had thought she was going to proceed with the mask or something... BUT NO, she went on to comment about the flaws on my face and try to push me to get another "treatment" facial at $88 . that totally peeved me off cuz my face was cleansed, it had no moisturiser on it and it was starting to get very very dry with the aircon blasting on my face. i have combination skin but the lady gave a wrong diagnosis and kept insisting that my skin is very dry and need their treatments, another hard sell tactic.

i insisted a NO to the treatment, they went on to squeeze my face and it was done in a horrendous way w/o any toner applied right after the squeezing. and it hurts a hell lot as well. then the masking, and it was what i would say half-Fucked! the masking was not done properly on the whole face, only on certain parts of the red areas. there they end it off with a mediocre moisturiser.

when i got outta there, obviously unhappy, the lady boss still had the cheek to hard sell me her packages. she went on and on .. blah blah blah oxygen essence, serum using blah blah machines, all in mandarin that i dun really understand.

she kept saying her place only do TREATMENTS on the face and not mere facials, that's contradictory.. then why is the place promoting its complimentary facials? as for their complimentary service, it was done so poorly that i wont even wanna consider any of their other packages, least to say whatever crap treatment its offering.

it was definitely an unpleasant experience for me. the aircon was too cold and i wasn't even offered a towel over my legs.

Shitty - 2nd Reviewer

Upon the orders of Whiney.. here goes.
Yes, there are more of us.. with the current market awashed with many beauty products,more reviewers means we can actually cover a lot of products in the market.. hehhee, WE ARE PRODUCT WHORES!

Age: 27

Skin Type: Combination skin, can get pretty oily depending on the humidity. mainly oily on the T-zone, and dry ard the cheeks. also suffered from above average amount of pimples, acne and blackheads during teens.
Now, occasional pimples, some blackheads here and there, mostly squeezed out already, can't stand blackheads. generally ok skin with days of red flushes.. also dependent on humidity.

Slogan for Skincare: Rejuventing, Regenerating, Collagen, Deep Sea Minerals!!

Favourite Make Up: that's a difficult one, ermm.. everything?

Eating habits: Very fussy about quality, im a self-proclaimed foodie. even if it only cost $3, it has to taste at least decent!

Pain Threshold: Pretty low but not the lowest.

Tolerance for funkiness of product(s): it guarantees results!? im in!

Body Type: Not thin for sure, meaty on the thighs, arms, looking to tone up the body and to build biceps/triceps like Madonna.

Hair: Long. Below shoulders, straight with slight natural waves at the ends. plagued with dead hair end problems, coloured yes, rebonded no.

Other concerns: Left/Right uneven eyelids, slight droopy lids. Maybe a a higher nose bridge would be good too!

Whiney - 1st Reviewer

Hello! I'm the 1st reviewer, Whiney.

By 1st reviewer, it doesn't mean that I have tried the most products, have the best/ worst skin or am able to come up with the best reviews. It simply means that I happen to have the most free time now and manage to post first. HAHA!

Age: 27

Skin Type: Was above average oily and suffered from above average amount of pimples, acne and blackheads and what-have-you during teens. Now, occasional pimples occurring especially before the damn monthly cycle. Blackheads are still a resident, but generally living in harmony with exceptions of during bad moods.

Current Problems: Pitted holes cause by itchy fingers of the past. Some scars that are easily covered by concealer and living in harmony for the time being. Pores are evident when you want to kiss me *ooohhhhh*

Slogan for Skincare: If it works, it’s worth it!

Favourite Make Up: Eyeshadow. (By favourite, I mean favourite cosmetic item I like to buy)

Can't live without: Foundation/ BB Cream, depending on the mood at that moment & Concealer (Do I need to elaborate more? Bitch)

Eating habits: Fussy about type, not so much for quality. Not a splurger on food.

Pain Threshold: They say is high

Tolerance for funkiness of product(s): Depends on what it promises................................

Body Type: Consider thin bah.... but have no intention to put on weight, thank you.

Hair: Long. Touching waist, straight (not dead straight). No rebonding done before, but coloured.

Other concerns: Unbalance double eyelid, right eye has hidden double. Hairy arms and legs.....like a monkey. Hehe

Introducing The Beauty Times!

At last, the eventful journey of our skin can see a glimmer of hope for some returns. Bitchy as we may be, we are in fact, kind hearted to people who deserves our kindness ;-)

For this blog, we will be sharing about the stories of 5 (well, I said 5, but doesn’t mean all 5 have eventful stories to share and might remain dormant in the end. *hint*hint*) people with 5 different skin types and 5 different journey taken in search of the elixir for the perfect skin.

We hope that at least some beings will be able to benefit from our stories and reviews that are going to be shared. =)

And oh... Make up and other health food/ products etc will also be thrown in like free gifts~