IPL Facial at Japan IPL Express @ Jurong Point [Sponsored]

301 Boon Lay Way, Boon Lay MRT Station, Singapore 649846

Tel: 6636 0550

Website: http://www.japaniplexpress.com

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

In support of World Down Syndrome Day 2017, Japan IPL Express gave out 100 IPL shots for everyone, for treatment of a skin area of choice, on 12 March 2017.

IPL stands for Intense Pulse Light, and uses a powerful and efficient technology for evening out facial skin issues, or hair remival for arms, legs, underarns and Brazilian (reviews here and here).

Japan IPL Express uses a different model from the usual beauty salons / parlors, in the sense that customers pay only for the nimber of shots required for each treatment, without the need or fuss to fix appointments. Their girls are trained to handle everything from registering to administering the IPL shots to selling and payment collection - pretty efficient.

Today I decided to try out the branch at Jurong West area (Boon Lay MRT station). The outlet was small but well-maintained, clean, decorated in their signature blue and white hues.

So, same procedure - ushered into a room, where we could choose to change into their powder blue robe or not, and lay down. The therapist came in to secure googles over the eyes and performed the IPL treatment.

The difference between this year's sponsored treatment and last year's was that, only 50 shots were honored on the day itself (no negotiations). You would automatically be credited the balance 50 shots to your name, which you need to redeem within 3 weeks.

The good thing was that shots were on sale at half price (usual price SGD $1.98 per shot) so customers could top up their shots for future use, and 50% of proceeds would be donated to the Down Syndrome Association of Singapore.

Hope you were one of the supporters of this initiative. After all, what's neater than beautifying oneself while doing good?

Thank you Japan IPL Express!

Review of IPL Brazilian Waxing at Amber Beila @ Raffles Place

1 Raffles Place #05-19 One Raffles, Singapore 048616

Tel: 6532 2668

Website: http://www.amberbeila.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Amber-Beila-Singapore-856046194524047

I stumbled upon this pretty beauty salon named Amber Beila at One Raffles Place, and was taken in by the hanging chandeliers as well as the staff's friendliness.  They also provide a range of facial treatments, massages and slimming treatments.

Ginger tea was served prior to the IPL Brazilian treatment, where I filled out a health declaration form and understood the different types of IPL Brazilian treatments they offer.

The Treatment Room was more spacious than some other parlours', and I was asked to clean myself with their anti-bacterial wipes. I also had to change into the charcoal gray robe.

Then their latest scientific technology E-Frost Light machine was rolled in. The therapist placed a pair of UV-protection glasses over my eyes, to protect against the glare of the light during the IPL session.

The therapist tried the cold IPL Brazilian treatment on me, but I thought it was painful (maybe due to the shocked sting of the cold applicator), so they switched me back to the conventional hot IPL Brazilian treatment.

I forgot to shave my nether hair for the first session and they did it for me (SGD$20.00), thereafter the treatment continued. No major discomfort except for waves of heat, and the treatment was over in about 20 minutes.

IPL Brazilian waxing prevents loosening of the skin at the nether region (as opposed to normal waxing / sugaring), slows hair regrowth, and has minimal irritation overall.


For more reviews on Brazilian Waxing, check out the following:
(i)  Brazilian Waxing at Spa Haven @ Tanjong Pagar (click here)
(ii)  Brazilian Waxing at Plush @ Orchard Central (click here)
(iii) Brazilian Waxing at Sugared @ Bukit Timah (click here)
(iv) IPL Brazilian Waxing at Japan IPL Express @ Raffles Place (click here)

[Japan IPL Express 3rd Anniversary] Review on Brazilian IPL session

5 Raffles Place #B1-69 Raffles Place MRT, Singapore 048618

Tel: 6636 0550

Website: http://www.japaniplexpress.com

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

Having tried their IPL for face for a few sessions before (review here), I decided to use them for my virgin IPL Brazilian as well.  Anyway, Japan IPL Express was celebrating their 3rd anniversary in Singapore, hence inviting us to enjoy 100 free shots on 3 September 2016!

So I walked in, since they go by appointment basis, and gave them my telephone number for registration. Yes, over here, registration and checking of your visit history, remaining shots etc is all done using mobile number, no need NRIC or any member card.

The friendly consultant / therapist brought me to the clean and neat room, where I changed into the sky blue robe and used their antiseptic wipes to clean the relevant body parts. I then lay down on the bed where a clean sheet of paper was lain for me.

She then asked if I had any shaver; I said no, and bought one at SGD$1.98. Yes, it is required to shave or be shaved before the IPL Brazilian session. For hygiene reason, the shaver will be discarded after use though they would ask if you want to keep it beforehand.

Oh by the way, I had concerns about the antiseptic procedure, worrying that the same device used for face IPL might be the same one used for Brazilian IPL (silly me), then the therapist assured me that firstly, they use different devices for face and body; secondly they definitely sterilize before each usage.

I was also assured that it would be painless, after expressing how I felt during waxing and sugaring sessions. A pair of dark glasses were slung over my eyes for protection.

The IPL shots began after the therapist put a thick coat of cold gel on my female parts. While I could see bright flashes of light, I did not feel any pain indeed. All that I felt were warm touches whenever a shot was fired, killing off the hair follicles to prevent growth. There was no major discomfort.

The flashes of bright light whenever an IPL shot is fired

The session ended around 20 minutes later and 115 shots were used on me. I cleaned up, got dressed, and paid up at the counter. A little up-sell was being attempted, asking me to take up more shots (in packages) so that the price of each shot goes down to 80 cents, 90 cents etc.

Other than that, service was good - warm and professional at all times. And I now boost a hairless nether region without suffering any agony at all. Though, the groin area is not smooth and "hairless" the way it is, after waxing or sugaring - short strays of the shave are still around. I had a couple of small bumps a couple of days later, making it rethink if IPL Brazilian is suitable for me.

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!

Review of Japan IPL Express @ Raffles Place

5 Raffles Place #B1-69 Raffles Place MRT, Singapore 048618

Tel: 6636 0550

Website: http://www.japaniplexpress.com

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

I had the opportunity to try IPL facial at Japan IPL Express today. Prior to that, I have been seeing reviews about them popping up on several search engines results and social media platforms. and was curious about this express IPL place where they charge clients by "per-shot" basis. No packages or appointments were required, and the entire process was quick - best of all, they offer many different types of IPL services including facial, underarms,  Brazilian and other bodily hair removal.

When we approached the counter, Cathy greeted us warmly and began to explain how it worked. Then we had to fill in a Declaration Form as standard procedure, to bring to their attention any ailments or skin allergies etc. Cathy then gave us a very adorable gift - a pill-shaped ballpoint pen with Japan IPL Express' logo and colors on it!

We were ushered into the treatment room where we would set our belongings down and change clothes if need be. The room was done in a very neat, organised, clean and clinical manner - none of those plush blankets, dim lights or fanciful lamps used by the usual beauty salons out there. Okay, maybe this place adopted a more "medical" approach as compared to "beauty".

Cathy then wrapped our hair up and explained how they sterilized the machine - which she did as she was explaining. Blue goggles were then strapped over our eyes to protect, and she proceeded to cleanse and tone our face for us. They do not use gel here, so that the IPL shots could penetrate our skin surface and beyond - directly.

She also mentioned that downtime was minimal - very little to no redness at all, and the recommendation sessions  should be 2 weeks apart. Results should be obvious from around 6th session onwards, depending on individual's skin type and condition.

I was surprised to learn that they are trained in every aspect here - from being consultant to therapist to receptionist to cashier. It makes sense as well - if the staff members are well-rounded and well-equipped with all skills, they could mann the shop without the need for 4-5 staff, each playing a different role.

The IPL shots began, and with each flash of the light we knew that one shot was being administered. It was not painful at all - just a little slight pierce of heat against the face.  Cathy was gentle, professional and very friendly, and the entire process only took 10 minutes. After she did one side of my face, she paused to pass me a mirror so I could see the slight difference between two sides of the face. Then IPL session resumed -  I could feel her going over certain areas twice or even thrice if need be, but overall I only needed 70 shots.

Then toner, moisturizer and sunblock (their in-house brand) were applied softly onto our faces, and we were good to go.  She reminded us not to use whitening products or facial scrubs for the next 2-3 days.

Payment was prompt and while they explained the "package" concept to you, they did not hard sell. Best of all, their faces did not turn black and smiles did not waver even though we refused to take on the package. This was impeccable and immensely refreshing, making us determined that we would be back.

As promised there was no downtime or redness, no itchiness or the inflamed, heated look on the skin. I simply slung on my sunglasses and was all set to head for my hightea meeting.