Review on IPL and Micro-dermabrasion at Dr. Calvin Chan Aesthetic and Laser Clinic @ Wheelock Place

Photosource: http://www.drcalvinchan.com/about/about-the-clinic/

501 Orchcard Road #05-11 Wheelock Place, Singapore 238860

Tel: 6732 4981

Website: http://www.drcalvinchan.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Calvin-Chan-Aesthetic-Laser-Clinic-166605240045800

As part of my pre-marital preparation, I decided to visit Dr. Calvin Chan Aesthetic & Laser Clinic at the strong recommendation of a friend. I set an appointment with the friendly doctor and made my way to the posh clinic filled with hospitable and amicable team of staff. By the way,  I just found out that he is a kind of celebrity doctor and used to give advice on radio stations and still does for fashion magazines.

After registration and filling of declaration form - the standard procedure, I was led to the consultation chamber with Dr. Calvin Chan - I found him to be very personable and easy-going. He asked what my current skin concerns were, and proposed various solutions to them. I really liked how he was non-pushy and did not just insist on the most expensive treatments like some other clinics - he would list down all related treatments as well as their results, and was very open to our considerations. Best of all, they do not charge consultation fees at all - not even if a patient walks in without using any of his services or purchasing any products - oh yes, they have a range of skincare and even makeup products on offer.

I liked the reasonable rates and proposed solutions, so decided to try out his Diamond-tome dermabrasion as well as IPL treatments.  I was then left in good care of Yvonne's hands who then guided me to the treatment room to put down my belongings and ran me through the procedures.

I was introduced to the various machines that would be used on my treatments later - namely, the diamondtome dermabrasion device studded with real diamond chips as well as the IPL machine. As I had makeup on, Yvonne proceeded to remove the makeup and did cleansing for me.  I also learned that the team of therapists here are trained to be able to conduct all types of treatments except for Laser - which would be administered by the good doctor himself.  That's a pretty talented team.

The "Photo room" or "Photo booth" happened next, a high tech machine where I laid my head on 3 different directions and a machine scanned my skin and highlighted the problem areas.

Back into the room, the Diamondtome (derma-abrasion) treatment began. The standard rate for a session of this is SGD$120.00, and it took only about 10 minutes in all; the fine smooth tips and suction against the face was gentle yet powerful. A mirror was handed to me to see the difference during half-time; after the session, Yvonne showed me the extracted skin cells and whatnot.

Derma-abrasion is an exfoliating treatment that improves skin texture and color by removing the topmost layer of skin to leave it more supple and vibrant as well as stimulating elastic tissue beneath the skin to result in a healthier and firmer appearance. Yes, my skin did feel firmer after the dermabrasion.

Moving on, the Ellipse I2PL (aka IPL) at SGD$300 per session, where a coat of cooling gel was applied to my face first.  My eyes were then covered because the light and heat from this device is strong, especially upon contact on the skin. This treatment took about 10 to 15 minutes as well.

IPL treatment is beneficial in many ways - wrinkles reduction, vascular lesions, pigmented lesions, age spots, acne problems as well as sun-damaged skin.  The skin did indeed feel tighter, smoother and appeared brighter after the session. Best of all, there wasnt really any downtime or redness!

I am excited to try more of the same or different sessions with this clinic and enjoyed the warm hospitality of the entire team. Thank you Dr. Chan!

Lunch at The Lawn Cafe @ AXA Tower {Revisit)

8 Shenton Way B1-11, AXA Tower, Singapore 068811

Tel: 6534 8749

Website: http://www.thelawn.com.sg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelawncafe

After my first visit to The Lawn (review here),  I decided to return for their healthy and tasty food.  I had with me my buddy *Sidney, who is also into salads, fortunately.  So we headed there for lunch cum catching up.

We filled up the order chit with the items we wanted, queued to make payment, and then collected our respective food items.  *Sidney had the Olive Rice (SGD$8.90) with an additional side of chicken.  The grainy rice was every bit as delicious as I remembered it to be, fragrant and sumptuous with hints of spices. The chicken was tender with subtle smokey hints, and the fresh vegetables on the side added a lovely touch of crisp and sweetness.

I chose the Salad Bowl (SGD$9.90). Besides the usual toppings, I also added avocado (SGD$1.50) and beef (SGD$5.00). The rest of the ingredients in my bowl were green apple, raisins, olives, parmesan cheese and sliced hard-boiled egg.  I wasn't that ravenous, just merely greedy because everything seemed so good. The ingredients were all fresh and delectable; so good that I did not even douse the lovely homemade vinaigrette dressing I'd asked for. The beef was succulent and juicy, grilled perfectly to emanate the right amount of charred charms amongst beef's natural saccharine flavour.

Review: Hibiscus and Milk Facial Treatment at Shakura Facial @ Plaza Singapura [Sponsored]

68 Orchard Road #03-28 Plaza Singapura, Singapore 238839

Tel: 6898 1212

Website: http://www.shakura.com.sg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShakuraSingapore

I was happy to be contacted by Shakura Pigmentation Beauty for a sponsored session of beauty treatment. They have a few outlets in Junction 8, J-Cube, Hougang etc as well, but I chose Plaza Singapura's outlet as it is closest to me.

Shakura is a Japanese beauty concept that makes use of milk essence (lactic acid) in their treatment and products to increase cell renewal and decreases chances for skin to develop pigmentation. Through their research and development processes, they have come up with their own special formulas consisting of milk and Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower (Roselle) which is naturally enriched with Vitamin C and amino acids to repair and hydrate skin from deep within. This would lead to improved skin texture and promotes blood circulation, leaving one with smooth, radiant and luminous skin that is pigmentation-free.

Upon arrival, the Consultant attended to me, explaining to me the benefits and procedure of today's facial treatment after she conducted a scan analysis of my face. Then I had to fill in the standard declaration form before I was escorted to one of the many rooms to begin my facial session.

The rooms are small but apparatus are kept to a minimum so that room does not look cluttered. The tones of deep red and white give a comfortable yet sharp feeling; soothing music is played in the background as per usual practice for bodily therapy parlors.

My therapist came in after I changed into their wine red gown. She tied up my hair tucked me into bed comfortably, while explaining to me the sequence of treatment that would take place over the next 1.5 to 2 hours.

Most of the ingredients and treatment processes used here are natural products, specially customised to fit each individual client's skin condition. These treatments are effective for various skin problems and does not thin the skin because the ingredients are not harsh compared to most machine treatments out there. For more severe conditions they will also use their machines to complement the natural skin treatments for more effective results.

I was served a glass of Roselle tea which I enjoyed very much. The treatment program kickstarted with cleansing of the face using their specially-formulated cleanser. Then the therapist went out to mix / concoct a special facial cream for my face which she applied upon her return. Milk enzyme and a thick, cold mask were then spread over my face in two different steps - I was left to rest for around 20 minutes after mask application. She cleaned off the mask thereafter, and applied a hydration essence over my face followed by a very enjoyable eye massage.

Throughout the process, the therapist did half the face first, and then asked me to see and feel the difference before proceeding with full face. I liked the gentle and soothing treatment overall. It felt especially good knowing that my skin was being pampered with delicious, nutritional ingredients such as hibiscus and milk. I also liked how they customize certain creams specially for each unique individual's skin to offer a targeted healing approach.

Thank you Shakura for the treatment; my skin felt more firm, brighter and moisturized after the session!

[Media Invite] Golf, drinks and food at Urban Fairways (Revisit)

168 Robinson Road #01-07 Capital Tower, Singapore 068912

Tel: 6327 8045

Website: http://urbanfairways.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Urbanfairways

This was a Yelp media event for all community members and reviewers to bond and have some fun together in a chillax sports bar settings. We were here at 7.00pm sharp and proceeded to register ourselves. This was also my second visit; for details of my first visit, click here.

Urban Fairways is a cafe that serves up interesting fusion food items, a pub with wide range of drinks as well as an indoor golf range played on simulators replicate of luxurious golf courses all around the world. The service crew here is dressed as caddies but instead of golf clubs, they hand out food and drinks.

Simulator rates are as follows:

Mon to Fri (8.00am to 5.00pm) - SGD$75.00++ an hour

Mon to Fri (5.00pm to 11.00pm) - SGD$150++ an hour

Saturday (all day) - SGD$75.00++ an hour

Back to the Yelp event, after registering, we had to download the Yelp app on our phones and check-in. Then door gifts were handed out to us, as well as "guess the number of golf tees" contest. We were also given 2 black tees each, to exchange for drinks.

In the mood for reds, I started with a glass of Red Wine and ended up another glass of the same. We mingled around with representatives from Yelp as well as other reviewers, eating and playing virtual golf as the night drew on.

Food-wise, they started us with Delhi Belly Good (SGD$12.00), made of flat bread, feta cheese, red pepper, Spanish onion and coriander. The pastry base was crunchy and ingredients were flavourful - a lovely combination of spices and umami cheesey goodness.

Next, Oh Calcutta (SGD$14.00) - chicken tikka wrap with poppadoms and mint yogurt. This made for another tasty bite flaunting the heavy taste of spicy tikka chicken and refreshing pierce of mint yogurt.

Following that, Amazeballs (SGD$15.00) - meatballs, parmesan, spicy tomato sauce and ciabatta. One of our favorite dishes as well - this tangy dish with tender, springy beef meatballs.

Last but not least, Wrap & Roll (SGD$14.00), comprising rice paper stuffed with red pepper, coriander, mint, cucumber, carrot, glass noodles, soy, lime and chilli. The palate was on fire with this one, but the sensation was addictive; the chopped vegetables were crunchy and an explosion of flavours as well.

Finally, the night came to a close with some photo taking and announcement of the contest winners. Wow, my wild guess of 66 golf tees turned out to be the closest of 65 tees in total, making me the proud winner to walk away with SGD$500.00 voucher from Urban Fairways.

This marked a happy night - thank you Melissa (Instagram @cptslowyeo for the invite and Yelp for the fabulous event.