Coast to Coast Australia Skincare Review

I'm heading to Perth soon! Any recommendations or meetups? :)
So many things had been happening recently that I really need a good break from everything! :(

In the mean time, here's an Australian brand to introduce to you, Coast to Coast!
A brand born during a holiday in Australia when Nicole Chadwick – with husband Nick Chadwick founder of Red Earth – marvelled at our country’s raw, natural beauty. She just wanted to capture the essence of the landscape and its purity … and bottle it!

A passionate believer in the power of native extracts and botanicals, Nicole collaborated with one of Australia’s leading formulators to begin years of trials and research into native Australian ingredients to create a collection of skincare, body and hair care products rich in natural potency and quality that actually work. Today that dream is Coast to Coast.

Drawing on the wisdom of indigenous plant knowledge and combining it with the very best in modern science, Coast to Coast is a range of pure and authentic skin, bath, body and hair care products.

Coast to Coast products deliver optimum results for your skin, body and hair using powerful natural ingredients from our beautiful homeland. It is a product range that embodies the beauty and purity of the Australian landscape.

From Coast to Coast, experience natural solutions to enhance the integrity of your body, mind and spirit.

I received products from the Coastal range which are intended for normal-dry skin, to enable a smoother and more supple complexion.

It was after reading through the description and ingredients contained, I find the functions quite suitable for my skin even though I may not exactly have dry skin per say. Also, the products are of 'ultra gentle' range, gentle enough for sensitive skin and to be used daily. So I was quite inclined to give them a try!

The Coastal Collection has been specially formulated with ultra soothing ingredients collected from the Coastal regions around Australia. Botanicals such as Tasmanian Sea Kelp, Sea Parsley Eucalyptus and Wild Rosella contain anti-oxidant vitamins and skin soothing nutrients to protect against dehydration, UV stress and skin inflammation, making it ideal for after sun care or for those who suffer from skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Fresh tropical notes of Jasmine, Grapefruit, Geranium, Rosewood and Eucalyptus essential oils uplift and refresh to lightly scent the skin.

Ultra Gentle Foaming Cleanser
$32.00
Wild Rosella & Sea Parsley
http://coasttocoastaustralia.com.sg/product/ultra-gentle-foaming-cleanser/

This delicately fragranced frothy face cleanser caringly removes surface debris & environmental impurities. Botanical extracts of Organic Aloe, Wild Rosella & Native Sea Parsley help to soothe sensitive skin throughout the cleansing process, while Salicylic Acid helps to clear the skin of pore-clogging oils & breakout-causing bacteria. Skin emerges youthfully soft, fresh & clear.

I like how this facial cleanser contains Salicylic Acid which will help with my oily and clogged pores.



Ultra Gentle Facial Polish
$37.00
Wild Rosella & Oatmeal
http://coasttocoastaustralia.com.sg/product/ultra-gentle-facial-polish/



Scrub away dryness & impurities with this foaming face polish containing Australian Oatmeal to gently exfoliate plus Organic Aloe, Wild Rosella & soothing marine extracts to calm sensitive skin throughout the cleansing process. There’s no ouch, just a clearer, smoother & fresher complexion.

I was initially apprehensive about the scrub because it contains oatmeal. My last experience with organic oatmeal scrub didn't turn out well. But this Australian Oatmeal facial scrub has really micro beads, and very fine oatmeal-like granules that aren't harsh on my skin. The overall texture is really gentle and seems great for daily use! Only con is that I find the scent pretty strong.

Here are some awards Coast to Coast Australia had obtained over the years :)



Have you tried Coast to Coast before? Do share with me your experience!

Skinlab The Medical Spa - Salicylic Acid Peel Facial Review

Time flies after the 25-year-old mark, and I realize I really ought to start taking proper care of my skin now. No more leaving makeup overnight or washing my face with only tap water at times :/ To begin with, I needed a thorough deep cleansing of my skin to get rid of all the accumulated gunk in my clogged pores.

Chris was really nice to head down with me to SkinLab The Medical Spa, at Plaza Singapura, for a sponsored facial treatment. 

*credits: http://www.wellnessly.com/

SkinLab The Medical Spa integrates the pampering, attentive yet unobtrusive service of a world-class spa with the most advanced of aesthetics techniques and cosmetic dermatology. In this facility, they create non-invasive, non-surgical, safe and effective beauty solutions to treat mind, body and soul.

The edge that sets SkinLab The Medical Spa apart from others comes not just from the well- researched, latest technological machines that they provide and the top-grade products carried here. It also comes from the in-house tailored treatments and the well-trained therapists and consultants whose knowledge help every individual client find the treatment that will best meet her that will best meet her needs.

***

My experience with SkinLab The Medical Spa started with a consultation session with the manager, Cheryl, and she recommended me the Salicylic Acid Peel Facial due to my uneven skin tone, and those blackheads and tiny bumps on my skin.

 

Salicylic Acid Peel Facial is the new generation facial treatment for improving the appearance of the skin. It is a superior exfoliate that improves the appearance of ageing and sun-damaged skin. Salicylic Acid Peel Facial breaks down the protein bonds between the layers of skin.

For those suffering from acne and oily skin, this peel is a highly effective treatment as it acts as an anti-inflammatory which helps  to immediately reduce the inflammation of the acne. It is oil-soluble and lipophilic so it penetrates sebum filled follicles and helps to unclog pores, loosen and lift out blackheads, even out skin tone, and prevent future outbreaks.

The Salicylic Acid Peel Facial is also effective in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improving overall facial texture because it exfoliates both the skin surface and within pores.

Salicylic Acid Peel Facial blends powerful skin exfoliation with skin soothing actions. It has ultraviolet absorbing properties that help to protect the skin from the damaging effects of the sun. It can be used more frequently than the other peels without much risk for irritation.

Normal skin cleansing may not be enough to keep your skin clear and bright, but incorporating a Salicylic Acid Peel Facial can help exfoliate the skin and reveal the healthy, new skin underneath.

Salicylic Acid Peel Facial can treat all of the following for nearly all skin tones and textures:
· oily skin
· acne
· blackheads
· whiteheads
· fine lines
· premature ageing
· uneven skin tone

Salicylic Acid Peel Facial gets rid of surplus sebum, bacteria and inflammation from deep inside the pores of the skin. It attacks the systematic core causes of skin problems, specifically acne. It also fights fungus and yeast. Overall it improves skin texture, tone, clearness and quality.

Salicylic acid is one of the most effective ingredients to combat the cause of facial oil, acne and blemishes, as well as providing an excellent rejuvenation addition and alternative to Glycolic.

***

I was led into a cosy treatment room by the therapist to change into a white robe for the treatment:

1. The therapist started by removing my makeup (had eyeliner on even though I skipped the powders) and did a thorough cleanse of my entire face and neck to prepare the skin for the treatment.

2. As I don’t do facials usually, and my skin may not be accustomed to strong chemicals, the recommended chemical peel was of the lowest concentration of only 10%. There are options of 10%, 20% and 30% strength which will be advised accordingly for each individual.

3. The clear, gelish chemical peel was applied to my skin for 10mins, timed by this a cute old school alarm clock. During the 10-min interval, the therapist constantly checked on my condition as she wanted to take care that the chemical is not too potent for my skin. Throughout, I experienced only very, very slight tingling sensation on my cheeks which wasn’t even itchy enough to make me feel like scratching. So it was all great! I wondered if a chemical peel of higher concentration should have been used instead though!

4. The chemical peel was sponged off and the therapist did extraction of the blackheads and tiny bumps on my face. The skin was pretty much softened after the chemical peel and the whiteheads and blackheads surfaced, making extraction a breeze. No tearing or wincing at all ;) Cold rose toner was constantly applied after each area of extraction was done, to calm the skin and prevent any redness/soreness.

5. The therapist showed me my skin with a mirror after the peel and extraction and I was truly amazed at how much visibly clearer and brighter my skin is. It actually made me slightly embarrassed at how ‘dirty’ my face was when I first stepped into the clinic hurhur.

6. The treatment continued with a hydrating ampoule and face massage which felt so pampering!

7. Not just that, as my skin started to show signs of redness from the extraction, a herbal mask was applied and left on for about 20mins to further calm the skin. Concurrently, I was given a head and shoulder massage which was sooo pleasurable and made me sleepy. Soon the therapist left me to have some eye shut.

8. Finally, after a good rest, the herbal mask was removed and the treatment ended well with a quick shoulder massage again!

All the products used during the treatment are SkinLab’s in-house products, researched and developed by doctors to ensure safety and effectiveness. Here’s a comparison picture of my skin a day before facial; 2 hours after facial; the morning after facial and evening after work (with blusher and loose powder).

 

Again, thank you SkinLab for having me. 

I certainly like my skin after SkinLab’s chemical peel treatment. It is now clearer and brighter overall, with the blackheads on my nose gone and pores on the cheeks unclogged significantly. Best of all, there were no irritation to my skin during the chemical peel.
The therapist also trimmed my messy brows ^^ So my face really looks so much cleaner / groomed than before.

In fact, I'm so impressed with this facial that I feel that I should try out other aesthetic offers they have too. Let me check out other procedures and keep this space updated if I do go for any :)

Each session of Salicylic Acid Peel Facial is at $268. If you like to experience the chemical peel facial yourself, give SkinLab a call now :)

SkinLab The Medical Spa

Plaza Singapura

68 Orchard Road, #03-33

Operating Hours:

Mondays to Fridays 10am - 9.30pm

Weekends and Public Holidays 10am - 8.30pm

Contact

+6563361106

Website

http://skinlabmedspa.com 

Other branches:

#04-04 Wheelock Place Tel: 6235 3246

#03-33 Plaza Singapura Tel: 6336 1106 #B1-62

Jurong Point Tel: 6316 2556 / 6316 2246

Facebook: SkinLab Medical Spa

Instagram: SkinLabSG 

DOM© Gel (Deep Ocean Mineral Gel) Review

I don't usually do a lot of exercises or gym, but I try to maintain some workout for my body by attending weekly dance sessions on the weekends. As a result, I always end up with an achy and tired body on Mondays (hurhur) and have to carry around a bottle of pain reliever liquid (and having one bottle in office for that even) to soothe my aching muscle, torturing everyone around me with the strong smell of it each time.

When Herine introduced me DOM© Gel (Deep Ocean Mineral Gel) that can be used as a self-application or massage gel, to relieve muscle aches, cramps and pains., AND also helps to maintain proper muscle function (great for sports person!) and calm overactive nerves, I was elated!

DOM© Gel is a macro mineral and botanical approach to muscle relief by using transdermal delivery system; a method of delivering nutrients to the body through the skin, the largest organ of the body. DOM© Gel is formulated with the highest concentration of ionized Deep Ocean Minerals (DOM) concentrate to be used as a selfapplication or massage gel, to relieve muscle aches, cramps and pains. It also helps to maintain proper muscle function and calm overactive nerves. We added Butcher’s Broom, Centella and English Marigold. Butcher’s Broom and Centella help to reduce inflammation, edema and varicose veins while English Marigold reduces muscle spasms.

Protected 2,200 feet (662 meters) deep in the Pacific Ocean off Hua Lien Coast, the mineral rich deep seawater is kept pure and unpolluted. Deep Ocean Mineral Gel is made at the source, using only the cleanest and naturally mineral rich water. We believe that only the freshest ingredients can produce a product of the highest quality.

Some key ingredients and benefits:

- Ionized DOM Concentrate (Magnesium Chloride, Sodium Chloride and Magnesium Sulphate): Reduce symptoms from conditions such as chronic muscle aches, pains and tension.

- Butcher’s Broom: Helps to reduce edema, water retention and muscle fatigue.

- Centella: Eases inflammation, improves micro circulation and appearance varicose veins.

- English Marigold: Soothes inflammation and reduce muscle spasms.

- Panthenol: A provitamin of B5, helps to smooth and hydrate the skin.

In its gelled form, DOM© Gel’s unique formulation provides excellent results in massages that involve tissue manipulation, such as deep tissue massage, tui na, sports massage, trigger point therapy, shiatsu and reflexology.

Compared to traditional massage gels, creams and oils, Deep Ocean Mineral Gel delivers exceptional performance in achieving the desired outcome. It can also be used at home as a topical gel. Just apply the desired amount and rub into the localized area thoroughly. Repeat application a few times a day on the areas that need more attention.
It comes in a size handy enough to pop into your gym /sports bag.

 

As DOM© Gel is designed to stay on the skin, it may feel a little oily on the skin. This is attributed to the deep ocean minerals when dissolved in water at high concentrations. Personally, I find it more convenient to use it only when I'm home cos it's really oily. Herine advised me to apply it sparingly, but I still haven't quite master the art of it lol. However, the gel is so effective that there isn't much need to reapply it throughout the day or outside of home. It works so much better than the previous pain reliever I have, reducing the muscle ache or even almost eliminating the pain within a day. Also, there is no awkward smell at all using this gel. I would strongly recommend this to any athletes and sportsmen, dancers, yoga fans etc.

  

DOM© Gel is a product of Meditrina and is available online www.meditrina.com.sg and in all Meditrina authorized beauty salons.

It retails at SGD$48.00

If you're getting it online, simply register as a member and make your purchase here http://www.meditrina.com.sg/detail.php?ProductID=1005

Delivery within Singapore is free. What's more, for every $10 spent,  you'll accumulate 1 point for a $1 rebate for your next purchase!

More information on Meditrina 

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/meditrina.singapore

Instagram: @meditrina_sg

Blog: http://meditrinabeauty.blogspot.sg/

GoBuyLah - Your one-stop shopping site, with discount code!

I was introduced to a relatively new shopping website recently and thought it's a pretty innovative all-in-one site for our shopping necessities.

"Gobuylah.sg was created with YOU in mind. We know that much like us, your day-to-day life is usually full to the brim with work, family, and other personal activities. We understand that your TIME is precious and your MONEY hard-earned. That is why our main goal has always been to help you save time and get more value for your money so that you are able to maximize each day of your life!

Shopping for household items and the like is often a tiresome chore, and going online shopping is often a daunting task. But with Gobuylah.sg, we bring back together the pleasure in shopping and the convenience in online transactions!"

"Gobuylah.sg is the first online store in Singapore that combines the B2C and C2C markets into one solid platform. Whether you’re looking for the perfect product or selling the perfect product, we’ve got the right avenue for you! We also have one of the widest range of home appliances in an online store based in Singapore. Finally, we offer “Personalized Order Schedules” that make sure you get your products when you need it at the right time!

From daily household items and office supplies to special delicacies, trust that Gobuylah.sg has it all!"

Check out the list of sub-sections below:

There are even further sub-sections eg:
Home & Living > Home Appliances > Wine Cooler

 Now let us check out the 'Beauty and Health'. From the first few pages, we can see popular korean beauty brands (which may not even be available in Singapore stores) such as 3CE, and IOPE ^^

Other than beauty products, there are also personal care to have a good foundation for beauty :)

I think we're mostly familiar with shopping online for beauty finds and fashion.
How about an ONLINE mama shop? ;)

I carted some snacks to replenish my colleague's "mama shop" immediately.
This is so funnily apt as we were just started a private joke on her desk being the mama shop of our department only last week.

Tissue packs (and in my favourite design ♥) for sharing food and also the cleaning-up that follows.



Not only Gobuylah has such a huge variety of items available, they also have discounts under the Hot Deals tab.

You've really got to check out the website yourself to know how WIDE the variety is!

It would be good if there is a 'sort' function to sort according to brand names A-Z, or price high - low, or sold qty high - low. That way, it can allow consumers with more specific objectives to find their items more quickly.

For now, we can use the sub-sections to do some filtering.

As I'm always buying beauty products and fashion wear online, this time round, I decided to be slightly more adventurous and shop for home appliances instead.

Gobuylah.sg has free delivery by the way, saves me the trouble of lugging appliances home if I were to shop at B&M stores!

Since I'm not done with my home renovation concept yet, decided to buy something of smaller scale first so that nothing would go wrong with the purchase, hee.

Carted an electric kettle from Bosch cos I prefer an electric kettle more than a stove (whistling) type. 

Chose this also because of the established branding, and it was cheaper than buying directly from Bosch website!

Only $95 (before GST) on Gobuylah.sg.

$119 if you were to buy it from the original website.

List of things I ended up buying ^.^"

Free delivery! Yay!

Not only does Gobuylah.sg have a wide variety of items, hot deals, and free delivery, the service level was pretty pleasant as well.
I received a response from the Gobuylah.sg coordinator almost immediately after I checked out the items, informing me that one of the items that requires longer waiting time due to some reasons which he clearly explained in the email. Thumbs up for that!
Overall, it's been an pleasant experience!

I shall update this post again once I've received the items completely :)

Here’s the code for you to enjoy the additional $5 off besides the usual $5 when you sign up as GoBuyLah member.
Valid till 16 Aug 2015.

Simply key in: OYHZ05 at the bottom left corner of the cart-out page.



Now, go buy lah :p

Akaran Essential Water Gel Review

With my love for Japanese products, I'm here to review the latest all-in-1 gel from an non-advertising Japanese brand, Akaran.

If you don't have time for personal grooming, or simply lazy like me to maintain a proper skincare regime, please try this all-in-1 essential gel immediately to save your skin!

As the name suggests, this all-in-1 gel is an essential water gel that will meet all your skincare needs! Just imagine your toner, lotion, serum, moisturizer and facial mask all in one, it’s that convenient. 

 

It is colourless and pretty odourless (just a very very light scent), and is said to be gentle enough for all skin types. As mentioned above, it works to replace all different type of skincare - helping to tone, moisturise, repair and sooth our skin all at one go. One of the more impactful effect I've noticed to my skin is that it is more moisturised and the tone is more evened out the following day of using this all-in-1 water gel.

 

For those who are into reading the ingredients of the product, this gel contains 3 types of hyaluronic acid, 2 types of collagen, Botanical ceramide, and Fucoidan. 

I've learnt that Botanical ceramide (Citrus Junos Fruit Extract) is extracted from plants and they replenish the original ceramides (lipids) found in our skin barrier which are lost during the aging process. Critical for retaining moisture and minimising environmental exposure, they will improve our cellular turnover to enhance skin elasticity and plumpness.

Fucoidan (Cladosiphon Okamuranus Extract) on the other hand, is an unique marine ingredient that has anti-oxidant and antiinflammatory qualities. It stimulates collagen production, inhibits the activity of radical

enzymes that age skin, reduces tissue damage, and increases cell proliferation. 

Akaran essential water gel does not contain any oil, this means there is also an absence of surface-active agents which are commonly used to mix water and oil in skincare and bodycare products. Surface-active agents can potentially accelerate the

loss of moisture and hinder the barrier function of our epidermis. Extremely mild on the skin, akaran essential water gel is

free of 8 additives commonly found in commercial cosmetics and skincare that are potentially harmful for the skin in

the long term: Parabens; Silicons; Ethanol; Mineral oil; Oils; Colour dyes; Fragrances; Surface-active agents.

 

Akaran essential water gel retails at $55 for 120g at all Sasa stores if you're interested to try it out! :*

bSoul Physiological Normalization Kit Review - with discount code!

Following my review on bSoul Hydra Lip, I had the honour to try out the Physiological Normalization Kit. Discount code is available at the end of the post if you're interested in trying it out!

The Physiological Normalization Kit contains:

1. Hydra-Milk Cleanser  (100ml), $48

2. Hydra-Face Scrub 3Action (100ml), $138

3. Redness Sinergy (30ml), $138

4. Hydra-Comfort Cream (50ml), $110

Once again, for those who have not read my previous post, here's the background of bSoul:

"bSoul is the first eco-friendly phytoceutical cosmetic line rich in certified active principles. From nature, the performance of a natural but ingredient-rich line, which gives the best to the skin, while respecting the skin and the environment: both of them are a heritage to protect. This is the reason behind the decision to exclude the use of parabens, silicones, petrolatum, paraffin, SLES and of course no testing on animals.

bSoul skin care is truly certified by ICEA (Environmental and Ethical Certification Institute) and well received in Italy. 

bSoul does not use non-bio-compatible substances, plastics and silicones on our skin as bSoul thinks that skin improvement should be true and not an illusion caused by paraffin, acrylics and silicones. These last ingredients, even if combines with excellent activities will interfere with our natural moistening properties and disrupt the ability of our skin to self-regenerate and self-protect. bSoul skincare are made with formulas that are easy on the environment and, as a result, on us human beings."

The skin, like any other organs in the body has a restorative, normalization and reactivation time given by physiological rhythms and modalities imposed by nature.

Our physiological normalization is suitable for sensitive skin, oily, dry, acne-prone skin and many more other types of skins. bSoul acts with its unique physiological normalization, when a skin manifests a blemish, it will cause an alternation of the skin barrier, therefore bSoul products are formulated to restore balance and radiance to every skin type!

bSoul is a new way of skin care, it encourages the skin to start working in a right, physiological way and for some people, they may experience some discomfort in the beginning. This could be signs that their skin was working in a wrong way. Especially for those who have tried many types of synthetic skin care and cosmetics before, and have a complicated skin history, their skin will need a longer time to stabilize.

When using bsoul products, it would be advisable to use only this range. If possible, and for best results, do not even use other brands of makeup remover and even sunblock as they interfere with the skin’s innate ability to self-regenerate and self-protect. 

The product I love most from this Physiological Normalization Kit is the Hydra-Face Scrub 3Action which happened to be the winning product of Women's Weekly Beauty Buys 2015 too!

The scrub which aims to normalize cell turnover and restore skin lipids works to cleanse my skin really thoroughly, yet gently at the same time. I also like the soothing and moisturizing effect it has due to the jojoba element in it, instead of drying out my skin like most other scrubs do.

And the next best bottle of goodness is the Redness Sinergy, a serum with a very high functional ingredients concentration suitable for redness and fragile skin. It stimulates the skin’s defense mechanism against oxidative stress. Great for reducing the lines on my neck and I like how the serum is absorbed rather quickly after massaging it in.

The Hydra-Milk Cleanser is a cleansing emulsion with argan oil, rosa moschata,extracts of rosemary, sage, thyme and natural surfactants. Not only it acts as a makeup remover, you can also share it with your man for his shaving ;) 

The Hydra-Comfort Cream is a soft and pleasant cream with a delicate and natural fragrance that immediately restores hydration, strengthening the skin’s defences against external agents and preventing skin aging while providing comfort, radiance and softness. It has effective antioxidant action and is suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive and delicate.

It is recommended that during the initial period of normalization, only natural make-up should be used as not to interfere with the treatment. I don't use much makeup, except eyeliners, so it didn't affect me much for my daily routine.

bSOul products are available online www.meditrina.com.sg and in all Meditrina authorized beauty salons.

http://www.meditrina.com.sg/detail.php?ProductID=982

Enjoy 10% discount off the bSoul Normalisation Set with “BSHuiZi10%”, valid till 30 Aug 2015. 

More information on Meditrina 

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/meditrina.singapore

Instagram: @meditrina_sg

Blog: http://meditrinabeauty.blogspot.sg/