Take care of your scalp with PHS HAIRSCIENCE® ADV Soothe Range!

Let's admit it, When it comes to hair care in Singapore we are flooded with options. We’ve encountered endless television ads, online ads and even old school flyers on hair care and more specifically; scalp care. Being young, you might think - “Scalp care? Not really something of my concern.. Isn’t it more of a concern for older people?”

Here’s the bad news guys, scalp care is extremely important - even if you’re a teen or a hip grandma in your 70s! Particularly if you’re rather adventurous like I am with my hair! I’ve done so many different kinds of treatments with my hair, from perming to bleaching and going crazy with colours - you might be surprised at how your scalp can be harmed during all these processes.

Nice colour but in all honesty my hair + scalp was rather damaged :(

Particularly with bleaching! I’m speaking from experience, the last time I bleached my hair - my scalp went crazy. It was peeling and scabbing so much, and I was extremely worried if I’ve damaged it to the point of no return! I was constantly resisting the strong urge to scratch. Even after some time, I still find my scalp itching occasionally and sometimes even bleeding. Did you even know, not taking care of your scalp can cause massive hair loss? I was so afraid of losing my luscious locks thus I’m constantly finding ways to save my scalp and nurse it back to health!

So when PHS HAIRSCIENCE® sent some products from their PHS HAIRSCIENCE® ADV Soothe Range that is specifically engineered for Dry & Sensitive Scalp for both males & females, I was rather excited to try it out.

PHS HAIRSCIENCE® believes that when it comes to your hair, Miracles Can Happen! All of their products are lovingly made with the purest botanical essences and do not contain harmful additives like parabens, mineral oils or benzophenone. Unlike many products in the market, their superior formulations are highly concentrated and not watered down, ensuring effectiveness and faster results!

On top of that, their Bioscience-based components such as Bio-conversion Plant Stem Cells and Patented Complex 5 Technology deliver fast results and long-term benefits. Their formula even contains ingredients that are great for your hair such as Herbal Extracts, 20 kinds of Phytogenic Proteins, multiple Vitamins, Peptides and Keratin! I’ve heard so much about PHS HAIRSCIENCE® and read many great reviews online! In fact PHS HAIRSCIENCE® has been the leading hair and scalp expert since 2006, with various awards and recognition from beauty experts, international publications and even government agencies on their track record!

Now you might ask, what affects our scalp?

• Singapore’s humid weather 
• Certain products we use on our hair and scalp 
• Chemicals like Chlorine, colourant and perm lotions can irritate by disrupting PH levels, preventing the secretion of sebum that keeps the scalp moisturised and protected

All of this can lead to a dehydrated, sensitised and possibly flaky scalp! So what are some of the (rather) uncomfortable symptoms of a dry and sensitive scalp?

• Itchy Scalp 
• Tightness on your scalp 
• Redness Fine powdery flakes when you scratch your head! 

Cue PHS HAIRSCIENCE® ADV Soothe Range! This range is specifically created for individuals with dry & sensitive scalp! It will help to calm irritation, prevent inflammation and nourish the scalp back to its healthy, rejuvenated self.

In this range we have the PHS HAIRSCIENCE® ADV Soothe Shampoo as well as the PHS HAIRSCIENCE® ADV Soothe Tonic! In fact, the team even sent down their popular PHS HAIRSCIENCE® ADV Nutrition Conditioner for All Hair Types to complete the whole hair care routine.

And Boy, was I excited to wash my hair! So into the shower I went.

So let’s start off with the PHS HAIRSCIENCE® ADV Soothe Shampoo! You know how some shampoos are extremely drying, like once you wash your scalp + hair with it you feel as though all of your natural oil have been stripped away?

Well, this gentle scalp cleanser feels nothing like that!

In fact, this scalp cleansing shampoo gently cleanses without stripping off our scalp’s natural protective barrier, and even helps to strengthen the scalp’s natural resistance! I must tell you, I was pleasantly surprised by the light minty scent that greeted me as I was expecting a heavy scent of chinese medicine like tones - all based on past experiences with other scalp care shampoos. The texture was pretty smooth as well, and not chunky like other shampoos that I’ve experienced.

Now this shampoo also soothes and calms irritation which was pretty much an instant sensation I got the minute I started rubbing it into my scalp! It felt really nice, cooling and relaxing!

The PHS HAIRSCIENCE® ADV Soothe Shampoo contains key ingredients such as:

• Rice Stem Cells that helps promote scalp circulation
• Jasmine Extract that is antiseptic and anti-inflammatory
• Green Tea Leaf Extract that prevents oxidative damage that can cause scalp irritation 

Next, we have the PHS HAIRSCIENCE® ADV Nutrition Conditioner!

This had a light sweet floral smell which was really pleasant! Made out of Tomato Stem Cells that helps to improve hair resilience with rich moisturising properties as well as Hydrolysed Keratin that reduces hair breakage, split ends and helps to strengthen hair!

Got a huge dollop and rubbed it into the ends of my hair, being careful not to touch my scalp! The PHS HAIRSCIENCE® ADV Nutrition Conditioner is definitely a game changer in my hair care routine because after rinsing the conditioner out, I could already feel the transformative difference it had on my grassy hair!

Now you might think that your hair care routine is sufficient or complete with a shampoo and conditioner but that’s far from the truth. Did you know that the best way to take care of your scalp and hair is to use tonics?

To be honest, I really hesitated to try hair tonics because most of the brands that I’ve found have strong chemical medicinal scents that make me feel like gagging. But not the PHS HAIRSCIENCE® ADV Soothe Tonic!

The PHS HAIRSCIENCE® ADV Soothe Tonic has a healing and restorative formula that offers immediate relief to scalp itching, redness or swelling. It restores balance to sensitised scalp, enhances scalp immune system to strengthen it against inflammation and improves blood circulation to enhance nutrient delivery to strengthen hair roots and boost scalp health. It also has strong antioxidants and anti-microbial properties that helps to boost the scalp immune system all in one product! Plus, it doesn’t stink!!!!

It also carried tones of fruity floral scents and was rather light so you know that you’re really giving your scalp nutrients and not using something that might possibly clog your pores and cause more issues! It has a very watery texture as shown in the picture above thus I would recommend for you to squirt it directly onto your scalp.

The PHS HAIRSCIENCE® ADV Soothe Tonic contains key ingredients such as:

• Lotus Stem Cells that heals and strengthens hair follicles
• Rosemary Extract that improves blood circulation and carry antibacterial and anti-flammatory properties
• Japanese Pepper Fruit Extract that promotes healing with antibiotic properties 

Honestly, I am so happy with the results that I’ve gotten from using the PHS HAIRSCIENCE® ADV Soothe Range for Dry & Sensitive Scalp. My scalp doesn’t itch anymore, my hair doesn’t even look unhealthy or grassy anymore and even my mother + friends can see the difference. I’m so happy to have been introduced to PHS HAIRSCIENCE® and if you’re looking for a hair care solution that works and is made without harmful chemicals and parabens, you have got to give PHS HAIRSCIENCE® a try! 

The PHS HAIRSCIENCE® ADV Soothe Shampoo (200ml) retails for $48 and the PHS HAIRSCIENCE® ADV Soothe Tonic (100ml) retails for $108. You can get your hands on the PHS HAIRSCIENCE® ADV Soothe Range in stores at: 

• Wheelock Place #04-12
• Ngee Ann City #05-25
• Plaza Singapura #04-34/35
• Bedok Mall #B2-40/41
• Parkway Parade #B-70/71
• Takashimaya Level 3 Counter

And online at: 

• www.phshairscience.com 
• Shopee
• Lazada
• Singapore Airlines Krisflyer Shop

In fact, I’ve got a special offer for you. If you’re looking out to give the PHS HAIRSCIENCE® ADV Soothe Range a try, click here to redeem your free ADV Soothe Shampoo and ADV Soothe Tonic Samples! And share the link with your friends who you know will appreciate it too ☺️

The Patio

I pretty much just shifted into my new home, or more aptly - my parent's new place. Felt like there's a need to define it cause it's not a place of my own and increasingly, I found that there was a trend of young adults my age living in house of their own. It's a dream definitely, but for now, I guess I'm happy here to a certain extent - or as much as my finances would allow.

That aside, it's the first time that I'm sitting in my brand new desk, reading. Being in a new environment, it's been a little hard to adapt to or it takes quite a bit of time to get used to. Plus it really doesn't help that I don't actually have windows in my room but sliding doors as I have a mini patio that was really just converted from a planter. I feel so exposed even with my day curtains drawn. I was just casually looking out, spacing out a little and digesting a bit of the chapter I've just read from my book, The Color Purple by Alice Walker. It was then that couple on their mini patio at the opposite block caught my eye. Probably also because this morning, they were having breakfast on their garden set at the patio filled with quaint little plants - a dream scene of a perfect life with your other half.

But at that moment, she was huddle over her laptop and he was engulfing her in a back hug. It seemed all romantic and sweet, my heart melted. Until, her hands started swiping across her eyes - a sign that she was crying. It seemed like he was trying to make it better but it didn't seem to. And he walked away. She sat at the patio crying, and I felt a little something in my heart. I was worried. And before you knew it, he was back, hidden behind the sliding doors. She shifted her body to face the figure behind the sliding door. But what I saw next shocked me - her body flung slightly back, as though it had just taken an impact. She was clutching her left cheek, yelping with more tears streaming down. And the sliding doors immediately went shut. I'm guessing he was sitting at the couch and had slapped her or something.

I don't really know how to quite describe how I feel. A myriad of pity, hurt for her, anger and a hope that it'll never happen to me.

Ouch

People are cruel and reality is harsh. It really is like skip roping and landing on a stone covered ground ready to crush your flesh. I can't tell if it's me overthinking or being sensitive to the people around me. But I would say that I am rather observant and the signs aren't very positive. This is a tough and dark period that really makes me heavy with doubt.

Bus Talk.

The brain is an amazing plethora of memories. A similar incident on the bus this morning sparked the revival of this memory that was long forgotten. 

I remember being young. Heck, what am I saying. I am still young. I meant young-er, much younger. 

During secondary school, I can’t quite remember why but I was on the bus with my good friend, Raecia. I’ve always had a loud voice and it gets a little more shrilly or high pitched especially when I get excited. So it was no surprise that I was excited chattering away with my Best Friend at 8-ish in the morning. Suddenly, in the midst of our conversation, a lady snapped at me to stop talking as I was disrupting the morning peace. She then continuously glared at us until she was sure we were going to stop our chatter. I was shocked and we remained hushed for the rest of the trip. Thankfully, it was a short one. I remember Raecia and myself being annoyed like, “Who does she think she is? She own the bus meh.” I mean, if she was really annoyed by our voices the least she could asked was for ya to quieten down. Maybe it was because I was young, or maybe because I didn’t want to start a fight - so I chose to remain quiet. I honestly have no idea what made her do that. 

Today, I boarded the bus and was glad to find it pretty empty and quiet - just what I needed. I had just got up and was making my way to the Doctors. But peace was disrupted when these two Chinese nationals board the bus and as usual, their loud voices resounded through the bus. It really didn’t help that they decided to sit right next to grumpy little me. And that their voices were entering my sound receivers above my music. I was so upset, then the memory came and I realised, but I have no rights to shut them up - just like what the lady did. Because this is a public space, and it wasn’t up to me to determine my surroundings - everyone had a right to it and it was their choice on how they wanted to act. Even if it was with inconsideration. 

Maybe I was inconsiderate back then. Or maybe the lady was having a grumpy morning. But anyway, we share spaces all the time. I guess it’s a little give and take - just like how I blasted the volume of my music in order to drown their voices out, instead of shushing them. 

Within the Boundaries.

Why are there so many rules in life that people set for us, rules or projections that are placed upon us that we have to be obedient to? And if we rebel against the system we're being put down.

Yet, at the same time they ask us to be ourselves.

Then, what can being ourselves truly consist of?

Angry Little Girl(s).

(image from http://www.angrylittlegirls.com/)

I cannot begin to describe my love for the comic series by Lela Lee - Angry Little Girls. Or how much I can constantly relate to almost each and every one of her comics.

Recently, I feel like there's been a relapse of my repressed emotions that I've held in - not for very long, but more of the recurrence of the incidents that have been happening around me. I suddenly feel like I hate the world, I hate life and I really hate people lol. Actually, the only thing that really annoys me about people is how most of them are severely rude or just ignorant to things that are clearly screaming out for their help or attention. And their lack of empathy and sympathy. And care or concern for the world that they live in and the people they share the same air with.

Maybe I'm just really tired of having to deal with so much at one go. Or maybe not even just so much, but just having to deal with whatever little that I have. I know it's not a common thing to admit the fact that you can't handle your life and the little things that you have due to the fact that someone will probably compare your situation with another's whose life is literally an overflowing coffee cup. But let's face the truth, each of us have different thresholds and maybe I've reached mine for this stage of life where I feel extremely exhausted and I need to have some downtime. Yet time waits for no man. And life moves on, so how do I deal with it if I want to be stuck here but the world just zooms by demanding more?

Sometimes the world is unkind. But you can still be kind, to yourself, or someone who's struggling just as much as you have or you are.

xxx

BIODERMA 2-in-1 moisturising anti-UV mist (Eau de soin SPF 30)!

I’ve always loved Bioderma since reading reviews from bellywellyjelly and using the water based make up remover for myself since the days where I first started using make up. So when the company said that there was a new skincare product, of course I wanted to try it for myself!

Introducing, the BIODERMA 2-in-1 moisturising anti-UV mist (Eau de soin SPF 30)!

This bottle of goodness is perfect for dehydrated, dry skin and especially in Singapore’s crazy sunny weather. This mist is not just a hydrating mist but a 2-in-1 hydrating mist that has both sunscreen and anti-oxidant complex. So what does this mean for our skin?  It means that it not only blocks 97% of sun rays with it’s SPF30 rating and provides the highest grade of UV radiation protection available but also helps prevent skin ageing on-the-go!

If you don’t understand the importance of sun damage on your skin – constant exposure to sun and UV rays without protection makes your skin age faster (incl. various problems like freckles and acne) and can even cause skin cancer! Thus it is always important to load up sunscreen on your face, but if you don’t like the oiliness of normal sunblock – here’s your solution.

With the Hydrabio Eau de Soin, it’s integrated formula of sunscreen allows a mist texture that is invisible on the skin and can be also used on top of make up! Furthermore, if you hate the icky feeling of sunscreen, this mist feels as though you just splashed some water on your face. It also has added Cellular Bioprotection (tm) that helps to protect cellular DNA, preventing damage to the skin immune system and preserves antioxidant reserve.  

Furthermore, it uses highly purified water enriched with hydrating molecules. Containing Aquagenium (tm) patent containing apple seed extract and vitamin PP, it helps to repair the skin barrier, retain moisture and also restores the skin’s water circulation! It also contains glycerine and texture agents specially included to help increase hydration power of the mist, while providing a light refreshing sensation on the skin, thanks to the superfine spray pump of the bottle. Plus, the packaging comes in an air-free pump bottle with a gas-free atmospheric spray thus not to worry about a non-environmental friendly packaging – the bottle is also recyclable! Really helps especially since I’ve been trying to up my recycling game (:

Also if you’re worried as you have sensitive skin, this product it hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and also free from paraben, alchohol and fragrance! You might think that having to add sunblock is a chore to the already very long make-up process but thanks to the mist, it’s super duper simple!

1. Shake the bottle well.

2. Spray at a distance of about 20cm away from face.

3. Per use, use 4 sprays and spread around the face area

4. Leave the water to dry on your face and you’re done!

FYI!!! I really tried to take a photo of the water droplets but it was so tiny my face dried up so fast it was really unlike the other mists that I’ve used before omg.

Before Mist:

After Mist:

And it really looks like there’s nothing on my face but I know that my face has SPF 30 PA+++ protection! Like no joke it really feels so super light I love it. IT IS THAT EASY TO USE and no mess and it does smell like sunblock yet comes without the oiliness of it and it doesn’t even stain clothes hehe. PLUS you can spray it over your make up cause I mean it doesn’t even smudge or like you don’t even have to pat it dry so all is good.

In addition to that, the small bottle makes it easy to carry out to use for whenever you feel the need to freshen up. Give your face a quick spritz, allow it to dry and tada! Refreshed with your skin protected without damaging your make up! Plus I measured, it’s about the height of a pen and smaller than a book and a kindle even so it’s definitely going out with me on long hot sunny days especially.

And a 50ml bottle of the BIODERMA 2-in-1 moisturising anti-UV mist (Eau de soin SPF 30) costs only $19.90. 

But only for the month of March as part of it's launch, it will only be exclusively available at Watsons at a 15% discount for $16.90! You can also purchase it at Watsons' eStore!

After which, it will be available islandwide at $19.90 from 1st April 2018 from  at major Watsons, Guardian, Unity stores as well as Robinsons, Welcia-BHG, Lazada Official store and Zalora Official Store in Singapore!

For more information, visit http://www.bioderma.sg/our-products/hydrabio/eau-de-soin-spf-30

xxx

(This post was brought to you by Bioderma & Sample Store)

Old Friends.

On bus rides, many things happen. Old aunties chatter about the young generation they fail to understand, sleep deprived youth take naps or indulge in a game that keeps them entertained. Some choose to take their mind elsewhere and dig their noses into a novel. Or some just enjoy the ride looking out of the window. 

While I do enjoy the scenery, my thoughts can’t help but wander, to think back about the past, and my old friends. 

I used to have a wider social circle I would say. But I never see anything last beyond what I had hoped for it to last. Plus the fact that I left church a while back really caused the circle to shrink. 

I remember the friend I used to have in poly that I’d always go home with. We talked about life on the bus back and I remember always trying to convince him to study harder than he already is but somehow he managed to convince himself that uesshis grades didn’t really matter. Then it extended out to going out for random movies and hanging out with his dog. But I don’t know how it all became nothing but a bunch of memories. 

When I was younger, secondary school saw me having good friends that I was used to seeing 5 days a week from almost 7am - 7pm. We would get out to lots of mischief, hang out at Void Decks and playgrounds and eat lots of junk food. When it was time to study, we studied hard too of course. Summer saw lots of movie watching at my place, board games, and truck loads of chips and ice cream. I remember the girl I called my constant. I always felt that there was a wall between us but our friendship transcended when she really came through for me during a critical moment of my life. I’ve had another close friend too, but things were pretty complicated then. And I don’t see them anymore. 

Then, there are the friends that came through. Over the years, I am glad for those that choose to stick around or even reappear into my life once more. I’m also glad for the low maintenance friends that don’t need constant TLC to remain friends. They’re the kind of friends who will really be there for you and a catch up once in a while is nice enough. Been spending the time since I was back catching up with those few and it has been really really good. 

I guess what they say about growing up is true, you’ll lose some friends along the way but it’s those that really stay through it all are true. 

It's week 4 already?

Being back from exchange was a dream. Though I had wished to post more online, I'm glad that I had it all down in a journal old school style - with a collection of ticket stubs.

The weeks pass by way quicker than I hope that it would.

One thing I would say that I truly missed would be the amount of freedom that I had? Somehow I was more motivated to study as well while overseas as compared to being back an NTU. Also missing the weather and it's the start of yet another LDR season, of another 5-6 months apart from the boy yet again. Can't believe a month of school has already flown by.. and I'm still struggling as usual. 

Let's pray that all goes well this sem... and that I'll share more on exchange again soon. And also publish the various drafts in my backlog........ plus the large amount of photos on my DSLR....

Leaving the page with one of my favourite photos of the season of Warwick; Autumn. 

Hiruscar Anti Acne Range!

Acne has always been something that I struggled with since the age of puberty, thus I'm always on the look out for solutions/products that will work for me. 

Through the Sample Store, I found out about the Hiruscar Anti Acne Range. This dermatological skincare was specially formulated for acne prone skin - sounds like something my skin needs!

This range contains salicylic acid for anti-acne benefits and my fav - Aloe Vera! To soothe redness and moisturise. Hiruscar has also added Mucopolysaccharide Polysulfate (MPS)! A short google search showed a study of which it has been clinically proven effective for scar and keloid care. It was proven to provide improvement of skin hydration for at least 10 hours after a single application!

The range includes:
1. Hiruscar Anti-Acne Pore Purifying Cleanser
2. Hiruscar Anti-Acne Pore Purifying Serum
3. Hiruscar Anti-Acne Spot Gel

This product range boasts to see acne improvement in 2 days, with it helping to reduce pimples & lighten spots without drying the skin.

But before we get on to the products and how I feel about them.. it's time to review the current condition of my skin.

My cheeks are really problematic with lots of scars and spots and redness sobs. And somehow my left side is way worst than my right.

Always sad about it but Hiruscar is here to help me out, right?

So first up!

CLEANSING

The Hiruscar Anti Acne Pore Purifying Cleanser! A clear solution that you pump out of the bottle, it felt light on my skin and it did not foam up - probably because it's a gel gentle formulation. The cleanser helps to deeply cleanse the skin without stripping it of all moisture, helping to remove excessive dirt & sebum while balancing the skin's moisture. It also contains Moringa Seed Extract which helps to remove impurities & protects skin from pollutants + various amino acids, vitamin complex and even caffeine to help reduce excess sebum on skin.

So after wetting my face with water 

And then massaging it all around especially my cheeks...

TADA

Honestly felt like my skin was clean yet it wasn't drying at all!

The texture of it was pretty liquidy and I was satisfied with the job it did!

TONING & MOISTURIZING
The Hiruscar Anti Acne Purifying Serum!

A light weight moisturizer that helps to reduce excessive sebum and tighten pores, it has a light and non-greasy texture - which is great cause I love moisturisers but I really hate how oily they make me feel or make my face feel. Apart from the superpower MPS, it also contains Chamomile Extract to help sooth and condition irritated skin along with Artichoke Extract which helps prevent dryness and enhances the skin's moisture. And if you love mushrooms like me... did you know that Larycil is an extract from mushroom that has astringent, pore tightening and moisturizing effects? And it's all jam packed into this serum!

It was real milky and watery but after applying it on my face it felt good and cooling hehe. 

TREATEMENT

The last product, and also the last step of the Hiruscar recommended skincare regime is the Hiruscar Anti Acne Spot Gel.

This gel treatement helps to reduce acne problems like blackheads, whiteheads and even pimples! With Salicylic Acid to help prevent more acne from popping up, the gel is also formulated with Vitamin C & MPS! An unique ingredient present in this gel is Allium Cepa which is an Antiseptic extract which helps prevent scar proliferation - basically helping to prevent the formation of scars from itchy fingers or scratching at pimples and blackheads. (I am totally guilty of this :<)

So with the transparent gel which resembled much like my fav Aloe Vera Gel (and yes this has Aloe Vera in it too!),  I slathered it over my two cheeks, my nose and the bottom of my chin where I commonly have blackheads.

And there, my skin felt moisturised already. Also after a while I could feel that my skin texture was smoother.

And this was just after the first application so onwards to the next check in!

AFTER TWO DAYS 

Boy was I delighted. To be honest, I was a little skeptical but check out the results below!

My left side has definitely cleared up, with pimple scars fading slowly but noticeably! 

Also, my big fat pimple was gone! 

And my right side was not that red as before anymore.

And all of this happened in just TWO days! My skin cleared up that quickly, all thanks to the three-step provided by Hiruscar! It definitely did the job it said it would - acne improvement in just 2 days with lightening of acne spots, all while keeping the skin bouncy and moisturised! 

If you don't believe me, why don't you give it a try yourself?

You can sign up with Sample Store to get a FREE sample of Spot Gel - the power product of this range!

And if you're convinced, head down to any Watsons or Guardian stores to get the range for yourself!

The Hiruscar Anti Acne Pore Purifying Cleanser is at $14.90

The Hiruscar Anti Acne Pore Purifying Serum is at $39.90

The Hiruscar Anti Acne Spot Gel is at $19.90

In my opinion, these products are pretty affordable for the amazing job that it's done so good on Hiruscar. Can't wait to see more improvements on my skin. What about you?

So if you're looking to clean up the acne, why not try Hiruscar today! 

xxx

(This post was brought to you by Hiruscar & Sample Store)