BRAND’S® InnerShine® RubyCollagen Review

Experience collagen at its finest with BRAND'S® InnerShine® latest breakthrough innovation - RubySignatureTM formula. 

Unlike normal collagen, RubySignature™ formula is created with a unique and precious blend of ingredients derived from natural sources. It contains micro-collagen and one of mother nature’s most powerful antioxidants, astaxanthin (micro-algae extract). Scientifically proven, its anti-oxidant power is 6000 times more powerful than Vitamin C, 800 times more powerful than CoQ10 and 500 times more powerful than Vitamin E.

We all know collagen is necessary to support the skin’s structural foundation to improve firmness and elasticity for youthful and supple skin. Astaxanthin serves as the perfect complement by acting as a natural shield against the collagen-depleting procedure. In containing both micro-collagen and astaxanthin, RubySignature™ formula defies the ageing process by performing a vital triple-action of supplying collagen, protecting against collagen degradation and delivering collagen effectively to skin cells. Designed to complement your topical skincare routine - in 6 weeks, experience skin rejuvenating power with  BRAND’S® InnerShine® RubyCollagen Essence*. Daily consumption will help to ensure that your body is adequately supplied with the essential nutrients for optimal skin support and protection. For optimum efficacy, it is recommended that BRAND’S® InnerShine® RubyCollagen be consumed twice daily to experience the skin age-reversing difference in 6 weeks*.

*Results may vary according to individuals

After my recent beach getaway (more on Instagram @OYHZ), I definitely need new RubyCollagen Essence range by BRAND’S® InnerShine® even more to fight the collagen-depleting rays of the sun. 

If I had been reminded earlier, I would have brought with me a few bottles or stripes for the holiday. Still, better late than never! In order to fend of the visual signs of aging, it is necessary to not only replenish lost collagen, but also prevent further collagen degradation in the skin from occurring. Inspired by this insight, BRAND’S® InnerShine® developed RubySignature™, a formulation designed specifically to challenge the existing paradigm in anti-aging skin care.

Both packaging are rather slim and compact for slotting into our ladies bags :) This is how you could simply bring it along for a day trip or for consumption!

If you had read my previous review on the marine collagen here, I personally find that the RubyCollagen Essence suits my palate better with the more tangy taste.  BRAND’S® InnerShine® RubyCollagen Essence is infused with natural pomegranate juice that gives the invigorating and zesty flavour. Being so delicious, it is certainly an added bonus to addressing the needs of aging skin.

I had been drinking BRAND’S® InnerShine® RubyCollagen Essence for the past week and so far my skin has been recovering well from the slight sunburnt on my cheeks. The burnt cheeks didn’t turn patchy or flaky (thankfully!) and the bumps that appeared on my face right after the trip are disappearing fast. This may be the effect of the RubyCollagen Essence, coupled with the hydrating and soothing products I spammed right after I got home. Plus some deep-cleansing and exfoliating masks which I have been more diligently using too. 

According to Isabella Tan, Vice President and General Manager of Cerebos Pacific Limited Singapore, Brunei, and Philippines, “The creation of the RubyCollagen Essence range has enabled BRAND’S® InnerShine® to capitalize on an underserved realm within the anti-aging beauty space, addressing women’s needs for a more complete and holistic anti-aging skin care regimen that also nourishes from the inside out.”

There are 2 formats to RubyCollagen:

1. BRAND’S® InnerShine® RubyCollagen Essence (50ml x 12) SGD $62.90

http://www.brandsworld.com.sg/Our-Products/InnerShine/RubyCollagen-Drink

2. BRAND’S® InnerShine® RubyCollagen Essence Strip (15g x 10): SGD $36.00

http://www.brandsworld.com.sg/Our-Products/InnerShine/RubyCollagen-Strip

You may buy BRAND’S® InnerShine® RubyCollagen Essence now on e-store (store.brandsworld.com.sg) or find out more info on Rubycollagen here: https://store.brandsworld.com.sg/index.php/gallery-index-.html?scontent=n,rubycollagen

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About BRAND’S®

Operating across six major markets namely, Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and China, BRAND’S® is the market leader in Asia with over 80 per cent market share. The company-owned manufacturing plants located in Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia and China ensures that products meet the highest quality and safety standards. Keeping relevant with consumers’ demands and changing needs is one of the company’s topmost priorities.

About InnerShine®

Developed with a winning combination of scientifically proven health-enhancing ingredients, BRAND'S® InnerShine® is a modern range of beauty wellness supplements to help you promote beauty from within. Don’t let your lifestyle stand in the way of feeling great and looking fabulous. Let BRAND'S® InnerShine® bring out the best in you. For more information about BRAND’S®, please visit www.brandsworld.com.sg.

Cha Thai

I have been hoping to try Cha Thai for the longest time. This rather new restaurant doesn’t just serve authentic Thai food, they are bringing to us fine Thai. 

At Cha Thai, you can often see its Founder, Permsiri Sirijindapan, also affectionately known as Leah, rolling up her sleeves and working her wok magic in the kitchen, whipping up Thai cuisine from the central region we all love. This certainly makes Cha Thai quite a newfound treasure and dining pleasure.

Most of us see Thai food as generally street food that comes at affordable prices. Cha Thai is more than that with Leah’s strong culinary passion got her admitted to schools in France and Thailand, which explains why she is able to  marry the best of East and West, adapting the West’s technology while keeping to the East’s traditions, to bring Thai food to another level. “Thai food is just like food from any other culture. In Japanese food, we have the street food, as well as the finer quality food. In Chinese food, likewise. Even Western food, we have street food or fast food and fine dining. Thai food is not just about street food”, said Leah. “The quality of Cha Thai’s food is the result of premium quality ingredients, along with traditional (not authentic) recipes cooked with modern techniques, to bring out another dimension in the taste of Thai, so our customers experience the best of Fine Thai Food”, Leah shared.

At Cha Thai, there is one thing you will definitely notice - the portions are so large you should always come with friends. It is in the Thai’s tradition and culture to gather, and therefore, their food always comes in portions large enough for sharing. Food always tastes the best in good company.

Besides the large serving portions, Leah insists on great quality ingredients. Seafood is sourced locally from kelongs for freshness. Meat is sous vide to achieve tenderness. Dips, curries, pastes, sauces, gravy, milk teas, refreshing drinks and all are made from scratch as well. 

The Smoothies are $4.50 each. Cold and hot drinks are at $2.90.

Cha Thai Signatures

Creamy Crab Roll $15

Deep dried spring roll sticks served with crab cream sauce made of finger roots herbs, and the fragrance of the crab cream sauce tastes like Thai laksa in a creamy state.

Crispy Prawn Cake $15

Deep fried thick juicy prawn cakes made with tiger prawns (not the usual shrimps used by many), served with sweet plum sauce

Lemongrass Prawn Salad $28

Not your normal salad, this is savoury yet refreshing at the same time!


Another 'salad' - Pomelo Salad

Signature Tiger Prawn ‘Panang’ Curry $28

Thai saffron curry with tiger prawns and juicy sweet lychees, glazed with coconut cream

Sauteed Kai Lan with Roasted Pork $16

Stir fry baby kai lan with sous vide roasted pork, garlic and oyster sauce

Garlic Chicken with Bird’s Chilli $18

Tom Yum Vegetarian Dumplings $18



I don't usually take vegetarian dishes specially, but this is one I wouldn't mind going for!

Simmered Pork $22

Simmered pork knuckle with kai lan, pork knuckle is super tender from 14 hours of sous vide, served with fresh chilli sauce made of fermented chilli sauce 

Premium Giant Tiger Prawns Claypot Glass Noodles $159 / Tiger Prawns Claypot Glass Noodles $55 (for 4 pax) (giant tiger prawn is about 35-40cm)

Thai baked claypot prawn tang hoon seasoned with spices, ginger, pepper and spring onions. Savour the good quality tang hoon which should be QQ in texture, not soggy.

Pad Thai $22

Charcoal Toast $8

Adapted from Cha Thai’s signature toast, Charcoal kaya toast is even fluffier and softer, paired with kaya dip. The orange dip at the background is milk tea flavour, which is good as well! Absolutely my favourite! Please go and try it for yourselves!

Coming to the desserts which sadly, I couldn't stomach much after the heavy dinner.

Emerald Jade (green ruby) $8

Red Ruby $8

Red Ruby with pandan fragrance fresh coconut milk

Sweet Corn Herbal Jelly $8

If you are looking for an enjoyable fine Thai meal of high quality, Cha Thai is certainly the right place for you :)

Cha Thai

80 Telok Ayer Street #01-01 Singapore 048466

Tel: 6636 3696

www.chathaisg.com

www.facebook.com/chathaisg

www.instagram.com/chathaisg

South & North Okinawa Gelato

Mia and I dropped by South & North Okinawa Gelato pop-up stall last night and sampled their gelato made in the island of natural goodness - Okinawa.

I believe most of us know how different gelato is from ice-cream. Gelato is commonly known to be more flavourful, has less fats contained and healthier in that aspect, uses fewer egg yolks in comparison to average ice-creams.

The more unique point of Okinawan Gelato is that they use only Hokkaido & Yamakawa milk and natural flavours. Their gelato is made using tradition confectionery method i.e. in line with Okinawa tradition. What's more, being a Japanese brand, they visit farmers and producers personally to select only the finest and most suitable ingredients to produce the Gelato. In addition, there are no artificial essence used.

There are 8 flavours available for sampling at the pop-up store at Raffles Xchange. To start off, here are 3 of my personal favourites:
(In clockwise direction, beginning with the purple flavour)

❤ Purple sweet potato : From Yomitan villange and Miyako island. The purple sweet potato is made into velvety paste before blending into the gelato. The overall taste combined a mild sweetness and intense potato “punch”. I was initially skeptical towards this with thoughts of it as a savory flavour. However, it gave my tongue quite a lovely surprise. After sampling all 8 flavours, this left quite a deep impression on me as the taste of the sweet potato was powerful yet not overwhelming. I eventually bag it home!

❤ Shikuwasa sorbert : Made in ogimi village. The tangy sweetness of the green fruit is surprising refreshing and fruity, with a sweet orangey aftertaste which is really invigorating.

❤ Black Tea : Made in Kunigami Village. A unique Okinawa tea leaves from Inzatsu Assam variety offer an full aroma character. I like how fragrant and refreshingly light this is, bagged it home too!

(In clockwise direction, beginning with the green flavour)

❤ Matcha : Using tea leaves from Shizouka Prefecture, this gelato has intense yet slightly bitter after-taste. Great for matcha lover who is looking for the real matcha “punch”.

❤ Salted milk : Made using Nuchi masu salt. Seawater is drawn off the coast of Miyagi Island. This sea salt contain high in minerals and it can accentuated the creaminess of the milk flavor. Reminds me slightly of salted caramel, milky version!

❤ Brown Sugar : Made in Tarama Village. This gelato offer a sweetness with a complex, mineral-rich finish.

❤ Okinawa Tofu : Made in Nanho city. Okinawan tofu, being extremely high in protein, is often referred to as “longevity food”. The overall gelao is gently rich with Okinawa soyabeans.

The remaining two flavours (not pictured close-up:

❤ Meyer Lemon yogurt : Meyer Lemon is a natural hybrid of lemon and orange. The tanginess is much more powerful than the Shikuwasa sorbet above. This unique yogurt can be suitable after-dinner.

❤ Cheese : Made in Ishigaki Island using milk from Jersey cows. It’s very mild, almost like a milk gelato. A great alternative if you fancy the "plain vanilla" kind of flavour (pun not intended).

Each tub of gelato retails at $4.90 currently. As South & North Okinawan Gelato does not have a permanent store in Singapore yet, do visit the pop-up store at Raffles Xchange instead, available until 29th July! :)

Beauty Base - bSoul facial & MTM back therapy

Went for bSoul facial and massage before a festive season previously and wow, the facial results turned out to be SO GOOD. If you hadn't knew about bSoul before, here is more details on one of their skincare kit.

bSoul facial is available at several salons, and I visited one at Clementi - Beauty Base. It's less than 5 mins walk from the station if you travel by mrt :)

The introduction to the products used were pretty straight-to-the-point, a manner which I’m personally fond of. No overpromises or fanciful claims that builds up your expectations only to give end results that is below mediocre, which happens at some salons. The therapist used pretty layman terms to explain the products with their usage and effects, which makes it easy for me to understand and absorb the information (especially while lying on the comfy bed and being only half awake).

My skin is pretty dehydrated these days due to the cold and dry air-conditioning in office and insufficient plain fluid consumption. Thus, the therapist recommended facial that can help to restore my skin’s moisture and pH level which in turn will brighten up my complexion. 

The range of products used for the facial.

To my amazement, there were no high-technology machines or 'fanciful' creams or serums used during the facial. It is a classic facial, without extractions, using the exact bSoul set shown above that can be purchased and used at home on our own! 

1) Thorough removal of my makeup

This took possibly thrice the amount of time I would spent removing makeup on my own. Must be really thorough :D ok, i'm 1/2 kidding.

2) Cleansing with my favourite bSoul 3 Activ scrub

Again, the therapist spent 2-3 times the effort than I usually do when I use the scrub. She reminded me that the scrub can be effective as a hydration mask too when used together with a serum. The granular beads from the scrub will break down into waxy state after few minutes of scrubbing and it will act to hydrate the skin like a mask. Hence, the 'scrub' was left on my skin while she proceeded to trim my eyebrows.

3) Mask

This was applied in conjuction with the facial massage.

Do note that the facial massage is rather heavy-handed as compared to any other facial massages i've done before. Not something that you will fall asleep with. But neither is it painful at all, hence no worries!

The massage skill of the therapist helps in getting the products absorbed more effectively into my skin as well as reduce any water retention, making my face feel lighter and refreshed, perhaps even more nimble in my expressions that evening.

Now I look forward to using my remaining bSoul scrub in a new manner at home!

There is a makeup room for girls to tidy up after a good sleep facial so that you can hang out shopping even right after a facial.

Of cos, please go and try the facial yourselves to experience the goodness of it. Would be great to pamper your skin and be ready to face the world in the upcoming (June holiday) travel season :)



(Beauty Base is 20 years old! Pretty established for a beauty salon!)

Other than bSoul facial, Beauty Base also offers MTM back therapy.

Prior to trying out MTM massage, I've already prepped myself for a painful experience as what Mia had shared. It's not meant to be the 'shiok' kind of massage, but a real, painful jabbing type. I was honestly looking forward to some beneficial jabbing to clear the knots in my shoulders, and lower back which I strained some time in Dec :(

Now, what exactly is MTM massage? This therapy is a new type of corrective massage, based on Traditional Chinese Medicinal (TCM) Philosophy and Modern Western Medical principal. This technique is aided by specialized handheld rod (read: buffalo horn), which goes beyond the conventional superficial skin and muscle levels. Check out the 'rods':



Each of our backs is like a main power switch that reflects the major organs and nerve systems of our bodies. Here's an overall view of the acupoints on our backs.

The treatment works by stimulating these meridian points in our body to work on the facial restrictions and scar tissues in the muscle. It can be performed in one session for a full body treatment, or it can be localized for specific target area such as face, and is designed to address stubborn problems such as chronic stiff shoulders or bloated face (depending on which area are you performing the treatment on).

Unfortunately, I'm soooo sensitive (read: ticklish) to any touches on my (mid) back that the massage could not be done full-out over that area. The therapist was able to carry out the acupressure treatment properly for my shoulders and neck regions though, helping with the relief of my stiff shoulders and that chronic pain. It wasn't as painful as expected - the massage on my neck, shoulder and lower back region were just that slightly uncomfortable during the session.

The massage therapist, however, warned me of subsequent aching muscles which I felt indeed the very next morning. It was far more sore than I've ever came across before, or have expected.

Thankfully, they gave me the tub of ageless herbal cream to help with the expected aches and I had it rubbed onto my shoulders immediately after I woke up. It soothed the aftermath aches considerably!

http://www.meditrina.com.sg/detail.php?ProductID=351

Overall, I find the MTM massage much more effective in curing my muscle stiffness than another other solutions I've tried so far. If you have problems which regular massages can't help, do give MTM massage a try!




BEAUTY BASE

Block 443 Clementi Avenue 3
#01-69 Singapore 120443

Operating hours:
Mon -Fri: 10.30am-8.30pm
Sat -Sun: 10.30am-6pm
P.Holiday closed.

Tel: 6872 2268
Fax: 6872 2268
E-mail: beauty.base@gmail.com