EVENT: Erabelle's Beauty & the Browlogy Bloggers' Event.

My February concluded with a cozy little party held by Erabelle at the Bugis outlet. I have always been intrigued by the brand because the Erabelle ladies look incredibly elegant in their pink kimonos. But brows are really everything. Depending on their lengths and shapes, brows can make or break your look. Hence, I stick to my brow therapist like lovers stick together. BUT quite frankly, I was a teeny weeny bit bored of the way my brows looked and I really did want more of an arch. BUT BUT... I'm way ahead of myself. First, an introduction to Erabelle.

Erabelle understands that today's women are bogged down by many commitments. And so, it becomes increasingly difficult for us to keep up with our personal care. Hence, Erabelle's philosopy - Beauty in an Instant. Erabelle prides itself in coming up with solutions to simply beauty routines so that we can put our best face forward anytime and anyway with minimal time and effort. And without paying less attention to our commitments.

One such solution is Erabrowlogy, which is Erabelle's latest brow treatment. A holistic eyebrow embroidery, it utilizes the specialized Eurpoean Softstroke technique with a European micro-pen to apply colours just below the epidermis of your skin. The result is a set of beautiful, natural-looking and perfectly-drawn brows for 2 to 3 years, with the full course of treatment and proper care. Bid pale and naturally sparse brows goodbye!

Psst! Just to assure you that you are in safe hands, Erabelle has been a Brow Expert with more than 9 years of experience! And it has received the most awards for their brow services.

Erabelle currently has 4 outlets in Singapore. The Bugis one is actually Erabelle's first but it has just been newly renovated with a fairy tale concept. Erabelle hopes to create a warm and familiar ambience, like that of fairy tales, which is complementary with their warm and sincere service. And just like all fairytales, things end with a 'happily ever after'. There are 3 private rooms and each comes dressed in a different tale; Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood.

And gosh, were the rooms beautifully done! I love the Cinderella one the most! And aren't those pillows the most luxurious ones you have ever seen? There's even an iPad in-built in the walls, so that you can pick your songs as you get your treatments done!

Erabrowlogy consists of just 5 quick steps to achieve gorgeous, semi-permanent brows to frame your face!

Step 1: Brow Preparation - A brow mask will be applied onto your brow area to remove dead skin cells and excess sebum, whilst hydrating your skin. This is especially beneficial for those with oily or dry skin, as unhealthy skin condition is a factor that contributes to weak colour retention.

Step 2: Erabrow Design - The customization design process includes a face shape and eyebrow analysis, designing, trimming and tweezing. Creation of the perfect arch will then be done with Erabelle's Long-Lasting Brow Pencil, which shade is chosen accordingly to suit your skin tone and hair colour.

The Artist will first identify your face shape and recommend the suitable eyebrows. There are 6 common Asian Face shapes:

• Diamond: Narrow square forehead + wide cheek bones + narrow jawline + pointy chin
• Long: Round narrow forehead + slim long jawline + long chin
• Oval: Narrow round forehead + slim long jawline + round chin
• Square: Wide square forehead + angular jawline + pointy chin
• Round: Wide round forehead + round jawline + round chin
• Heart: Round forehead + narrow jawline + pointy chin

For the design of your brows, which includes trimming and tweezing, there are 5 factors of consideration:

• Length of eyebrows
• Thickness of eyebrows: Distance between the brows and eyes + size of eyes + size of face + body frame
• Shape and tip of the eyebrow arch
• Starting point of the eyebrows: Light + natural looking
• Ending point of the eyebrows: Precise + complete

Next, comes the penciling in the brows to simulate look of full brows and you can compare the before and after Erabrow Design. If you're happy with the brow shape, you'll proceed to step 3 of the Erabrowlogy!

Step 3: Patch Test - The patch test is done before the procedure to test for any allergy to the certified colour pigment used.

Step 4: Preparation of Equipment - New Micropen tips and colour caps are used for every customer to ensure that strict hygiene standards are observed.

Step 5: Application of Colour - The Softstroke technique is used, coupled with topical numbing cream and micro-pen so as to induce an experience of minimal discomfort.

After each Erabrowlogy session, you'll also be given an Erabrowlogy Care Kit which consists of:

• Aftercare cream (5g)
  To be applied every morning and night for at least 5 days of the colour-settling process.
• Hydra Cleansing Water (15ml)
  For ease of cleansing, the cleansing water can be used with cotton pads to cleanse the face, avoiding the brow area.
• Skin Calming Mask (5g)
  To counter discomfort and redness after the procedure, it is recommended to use this mask for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th nights after the procedure for a soothing effect.

Here's Louisa and her new brows after about an hour! I love how defined and natural they look!

Then, it was my turn to try out Erabelle's Erabrow Design (Just the first part of the Erabrowlogy.)! My therapist was Winnie Yeo and I was jumping inside when she told me that it was actually alright for me to have a higher arch (Nope, no Korean pencil-straight brows for me.). After analyzing my face (Which is long and oval.) and working her magic hands on me...

... TADAHHH! Look at the drastic difference! Seriously, guys. Brows. Are. Everything. My eyes had a less droopy appearance and I looked more awake and alert. Man, how nice it would be if I could make this permanent! It's pretty pricey though but can you imagine the convenience!

Thanks so much, Winnie! :D She was really patient in answering all my questions and explaining the reasons why she did my eyebrows like so.

The complete Erabrowlogy takes about 60 minutes per session and is priced at $1,314. This consists of 4 colour services, with pre-treatments and Browlogy Care kits. For ladies who have done embroidery or tattoo on their brows and would like to correct them, you have Erabrowlogy Redesign & Change. This is priced at $1,690.60 for 5 colour services, with pre-treatments and Browlogy Care kits. (Do note that there is an additional surcharge of $214 if you request for the Master Artist.).

And just for you, a 20% Erabrowlogy/ Erabrowlogy Redesign & Change discount voucher will be given to 5 lucky readers! All you need to do is to email me at lovecharlenejudith@hotmail.com why you are interested in doing eyebrow embroidery, with your name, email address and the last 5 characters of your I/C number. Winners will be selected on March 26th.

For more information, please visit Erabelle's Facebook page here or the following:

Erabelle
Bugis Junction #02-05, Tel.: 6883 1151
Bedok Point #03-27, Tel.: 6753 2322

Erabelle Prestige
Orchard VisionCrest #01-06 to 11, Tel.: 6836 8388
Vivocity #02-01/02, Tel.: 6376 8336
Kuala Lumpur The Gardens Mall FF-227, 4th Floor (Opening in May 2014)

REVIEW: HABA's 3-Step Skincare System and the White Lady

It is always my rule that if I'm tackling my face with some 'harsh' treatment, then I should balance it up with a skincare routine that's simple and gentle. As aforementioned in my last entry, my hormones haven't exactly been very kind to me. So while I'm brandishing my top 3 zit zappers at the sight of anything red, I started on HABA's 3-Step Skincare System, along with the famous White Lady.

For the uninitiated, HABA stands for the brand's principle 'Health Aid Beauty Aid'. The brand believes that beauty comes from the inside and that with the right skincare and healthcare, a better life will be led.

Hence, the brand gives top priority to safety with its non-additive philosophy. All HABA products are free of

• parabens
• fragrances
• mineral oils
• artificial colourants
• petrochemical surfactants

Instead, HABA uses safe and healthy ingredients. One such ingredient is the Sasa Kurilensis Water, which is Bamboo Extract. It acts as a preservative, contains antibacterial properties and helps keep skin moisturized.

HABA's basic skincare system consists of just 3 steps:

1. Cleansing
2. Moisturizing
3. Protecting

(Each step has 3 to 4 options for you to choose from, depending on your skin type and preference.)

These 3 steps are built upon Squalane, which is HABA's key ingredient. Made up of 10% sebum, it is a lubricant found in the sebaceous gland that forms a protective layer on our skin, keeping it supple. However as we age, our body produces less Squalane and this results in dehydration and fine lines.

HABA's Squalane is extracted from the liver oil of deep-sea sharks and purified to the maximum level of 99.9%. This pure and lightweight natural oil sinks into our skin quickly and easily and is safe for everyone, including babies.

Squa Powder Wash (80g for $37 and refill for $33)
Step 1: Protecting moisture levels without drying the skin.
The is a superior face-washing powder that melts into a rich and fine lather upon contact with water. It removes makeup and dirt gently and is weakly acidic to prevent the stripping of your skin's natural oils. It can also be made into a paste to treat zits overnight.

I like that the Squa Powder Wash is very gentle and soap-free (Yay to opening eyes when washing your face!). After cleansing, my skin feels smooth and isn't the least bit tight. It is also pretty calming and doesn't aggravate my zits.

White Lady (10ml for $29, 30ml for $78 and 53ml for $120)
This serum is an additional step to HABA's 3-Step Skincare System. Developed from a doctor's formula, it contains Sasa Kurilensis Water and a water-soluble Vitamic C derivative that is both stable and penetrating. Within a week of usage, your skin becomes fairer, firmer and more hydrated with tighter pores.

Though 4-5 pumps of this serum is recommended, I find that I only need 3. It sinks into my skin pretty easily and I find that my skin feels more supple and the tone is more even. This also works great in lightening fresh acne scars. However, my pores looks pretty much the same. I'm guessing that a longer usage is needed for some proper declogging to happen.

G-Lotion (180ml for $58)
Step 2: Replenishing moisture levels.
This smoothing, anti-bacterial lotion whisks away flakes and refines pores to reveal a clearer complexion and supple skin. Its refreshing formula contains Hyaluronic Acids, Chondroitin and minerals from deep seawater and a low-striped bamboo which can only be found in Hokkaido's native forest.

This is perhaps the most fun, though a tad tedious, step. Haha. As recommended, I apply this lotion in 5 layers; pour a coin-sized amount, pat it in and repeat. It feels very refreshing and provides adequate hydration. When I first started out this skincare routine, my cheeks were dry and patchy from late nights. But now, they are well-hydrated with just a slight tinge of redness. Makeup application has also become a lot smoother.

Squalane (15ml for $29, 30ml for $49, 60ml for $90 and 120ml for $165)
Step 4: Protecting skin's moisture.
This 99.9% lightweight and odourless beauty oil mimics the Squalane found in our body's own lipid barrier. It sinks into the skin easily without leaving any greasy residue. Hence, allowing our skin to breathe. It can be used as a daily moisturizer or treatment for your skin, hair and nails.

The final step of this skincare routine, it really helps to boost and seal in the moisture in my skin. I use this more often at night, waking up to skin that's supple and clear. I tried skipping this step and I find that with the Squalane, my skin stays hydrated for a longer period in the day, even when I'm stuck in my Arctic-cold office.

And that's my two cents worth on HABA's 3-Step Skincare System and the White Lady. This skincare routine is simple, gentle and fuss-free. Perfect for the very busy us! I really appreciate the fact that it's free from additives. After all, we are what we apply. Haha. Anyway, HABA has been very kind to provide you, my readers, with some perks:

• Quote 'Charlene Judith' at HABA shops to enjoy a 15% discount! This is valid till the end of April 2014.
• Giveaway: Like HABA's Facebook page here and email me at lovecharlenejudith@hotmail.com your name, Facebook username and why you would like to try out HABA's 3-Step Skincare System and the White Lady by March 31st, 10pm. The winner will win 1 makeup remover, 1 White Lady, 1 toner and 1 Squalane oil (To be picked up from the Suntec City outlet, after a skin analysis.).

Also, HABA opens its latest outlet at OG Orchard this week and there are some exclusive promotions going on, from March 17th to 23rd. (:

Alrighty, I'm off for my run. I hope this entry has been detailed enough and as always, if there are any questions, just drop me an email! Have a terrific Tuesday, ladies! :D

ATM: Top 3 Zit Zappers!

Work's turning out to be more stressful than I expected and when stress decides to make me its best friend, it wrecks havoc on just about everything. Sigh pie. Anyway, so my skin is back to being a breeding ground for blackheads and zits and I thought I share my top 3 zit zappers. They are the most potent and most efficient zappers and I will never ever let myself slip into a situation whereby I do not have at least 2 of them. *nods solemnly*

(clockwise from the top.)

Galderma's Eryacne
JH introduced this gel-like topical antibiotic to me back in 2008 and I have never been without it since. This kills crazy big-ass acne very quickly, with minimal scarring. However, this doesn't sit quite well under power foundation (It's very obvious that you applied something.) and can't be bought over the counters in Singapore. I get mine from Bangkok's pharmacies for about 18 bucks.

VMV Hypoallergenics' Red Better Spot Corrector
A reader recommended me this whitish gel-like paste and the above's my 2nd tube. This works as efficiently as Eryacne but it seems a lot gentler and sits better under makeup. However, this is the most expensive and the smallest. This can be bought from VMV Hypoallergenics outlets in Singapore for about 35 bucks plus.

Galderm's Epiduo
A makeup artist advised me to get this 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide gel after noticing the blackheads on my forehead (BIG SIGH. I have NEVER got any on my forehead in 23 years of my life. Very, very upset.). This causes a little drying and flaking and takes a bit longer to kill acne than the aforementioned 2. However, this works best when it comes to eradicating blackheads. I got the above from Trinity Medical Centre (Marine Parade).

Happy zit zapping! :D

MAIL: Crabtree & Evelyn's Pear and Pink Magnolia Collection

This March, Crabtree & Evelyn is welcoming the brand new Pear and Pink Magnolia collection. Drenched in baby pink and white, it leaves the scent of delicious fruits and flowers lingering beautifully on your skin.

The red pear is loved not only for its crimson blush and delectable taste, but also for its juicy and inviting, perfume-like aroma. When paired with notes of passion fruit and bergamot, this charming pear scent deepens and leaves you wanting more. Enhancing its playful elegance is the creamy lemon, floral scent of pink magnolia. And with the addition of jasmine, apricot-scented osmanthus and the violet tones of orris, this harmony of precious notes brings to mind cherished riches of the natural world.

Available since March 6th, the collection comprises of:

• Eau de Toilette (30ml for $38 and 100ml for $75)
  The enticing aroma of fresh, juicy pear is blended with the delicate floral notes of pink magnolia, jasmine and osmanthus.
• Body Wash (250ml for $30)
  This gentle cleansing body wash contains moisturizing glycerine and is soap-free for soft and silky smooth skin.
• Body Lotion (250ml for $40)
  This lightweight moisturizing and conditioning body lotion contains glycerine and panthenol for soft and silky smooth skin.
• Body Soufflé (250g for $48)
  This light, whipped, easily absorbed cream contains moisturizing glycerine and shea butter for soft, silky smooth skin.
• Ultra-Moisturizing Hand Therapy (25g for $13 and 100g for $33)
  This intensive conditioning cream leaves hands feeling softer with each use. Formulated with conditioning shea butter and macadamia nut oil to moisturize and soften hands, along with myrrh to help condition cuticles and nails.
• Triple Milled Soap (100g for $13)
  This vegetable-based soap is fragranced with the enticing aroma of pear blended with the delicate floral notes of pink magnolia, jasmine and osmanthus. Shea and cocoa butter gently moisturize and condition the skin.

RAMBLINGS: When you are a hurricane.

"I am not the first person you loved. You are not the first person I looked at with a mouthful of forevers.
We have both known loss like the sharp edges of a knife. We have both lived with lips more scar tissue than skin.
Our love came unannounced in the middle of the night. Our love came when we’d given upon asking love to come.
I think that has to be part of its miracle. This is how we heal. 
I will kiss you like forgiveness. You will hold me like I’m hope.
Our arms will bandage and we will press promises between us like flowers in a book. I will write sonnets to the salt of sweat on your skin. I will write novels to the scar of your nose. I will write a dictionary of all the words I have used trying to describe the way it feels to have finally, finally found you.
And I will not be afraid of your scars. I know sometimes it’s still hard to let me see you in all your cracked perfection, but please know:
whether it’s the days you burn more brilliant than the sun or the nights you collapse into my lap your body broken into a thousand questions, you are the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.
I will love you when you are a still day. I will love you when you are a hurricane." ― Clementine von Radics -
I JUST watched 'The Notebook' and my gosh... As sappy as it was, I friggin' love it! I can't believe I took so long. Okay, so I actually really hate sappy stuff. But I only hate it when I'm over it. Haha. Anyway, I'm reading the book now. And the book pales in comparison to the film, which is so very, very strange because we all know that the books are usually better. But Nicholas Sparks is so s-l-o-w. Like every movement of the protagonists is calculated and has a meaning to it. So does not happen in real life (Hello. Pur-please.). BUT I'm still going to finish it anyway. It has been so long since I last picked up a book. I know. Shameful.   It has been a while since I last 'rambled' here. I feel like my thoughts are so frivolous and trivial now that they are just not worth penning down. I try to run everyday after work. Once dinner is done, I do random stuff, reply to texts and end the day with a phone call to my bestie. And that's it. I think my work is meaningful enough but I feel like there should be something more. Unfortunately and as always, I just can't put my finger on what it is.   But surely, life is more than this.

REVIEW: SK-II's Facial Treatment Essence - Eye

SK-II's Facial Treatment Essence - Eye is the latest addition to the only family that's steeped in the goodness of Pitera. Inspired by 10 years of research, the potent eye-potion vanquishes the signs of ageing and fatigue. Bid dark circles and fine lines goodbye as you welcome brighter and livelier peepers.

I received the Facial Treatment Essence - Eye earlier this year and have been using it pretty frequently. Late nights spent poring over Math questions have pretty much morphed my eyes into those of a zombie's. And when you're a quarter of a century old, eye bags are no longer funny. The essence comes out creamy and as white as snow. Instructions say to pump once onto your palm but I find it rather thick so I don't use a full pump. With my ring fingers, I make small dabs around each eye and massage the essence in with circular motions. I do this before applying my moisturizer.

The essence keeps my eye areas smooth and I wake up to skin that's smooth and plump with hydration. My eye bags have also lightened slightly so concealing them now is a much easier task; I need less concealer and I find that it doesn't sit into my lines so much anymore. Despite its thick and creamy consistency, I haven't had any problems with it. I didn't experience any irritation, there is no greasy and uncomfortable feeling and no new milia seeds formed.

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For those who are still a tad skeptical about the powers of Pitera, here's a video to convince you otherwise. (:

And for the month of March, SK-II will be celebrating the anniversary of their SK-II LXP Lounge at SEVIIN, TANGS Orchard. Quote 'SK-II via Charlene Judith' and you will be able to enjoy the following perks:

Additionally, if you go down on March 7th or 8th to redeem the above offers, you will get to enjoy the TANGS storewide 12% rebate. Cheers to crystal clear skin! :D

REVIEW: Crabtree & Evelyn's Ultra-Moisturizing Hand Therapy Collection

Crabtree & Evelyn's Ultra-Moisturizing Hand Therapy is a cream formulation of shea butter and macadamia nut oil to moisturize and soften your hands. It also contains myrrh, which helps to condition your cuticles and nails. And the intensive conditioning is provided without any greasy residue because it melts instantly into your skin.

There are currently 16 fragrances.

• Avocado, Olive & Basil
• Citron, Honey & Coriander
• English Honey & Peach Blossom
• Evelyn Rose
• Gardeners
• Iris
• La Source
• Lavender
• Lily
• Nantucket Briar
• Pomegranate, Argan & Grapeseed
• Rosewater
• Summer Hill
• Tarocco Orange, Eucalyptus & Sage
• Somerset Meadow
• Verbena & Lavender de Provence

Crabtree & Evelyn's Ultra-Moisturizing Hand Therapy is my favourite-st hand cream. It smoothens the lines on my hands instantly and plumps them up with moisture. And the scent! Ahhh... I have one residing in every bag that I own, another sitting prettily beside my bed and yet another accompanying me while I work (I bought the massive sampler set 2 Christmases ago!).

This week, I acquired the above 2! Haha. Summer Hill has a very light, refreshing floral scent, while English Honey & Peach Blossom is, of course, as sweet as honey! I think it is important to take extra care of our hands because we totally overwork them (More so than the other limbs.). I mean, we use them for practically everything. And besides, hand creams come in really pretty and adorable packaging. Especially these Crabtree & Evelyn's darlings.

The only gripe that I have, though, is that because these hand creams are so full, they tend to overflow even when you aren't squeezing the tubes. Of course, this problem is eradicated when you are 3/4 into the tubes. (:

Each fragrance comes in tubes of 25g ($13), 100g ($33) and 250g ($65). The smallest will actually last for several months, depending on how much you 'spam'. From now till March 5th, there are 2 in-store promotions; Hand Therapy Duo, $45 (U.P. $66): Hand Therapy 100g x2 and Mini Hand Therapy Sampler. $28 (U.P. $39): Hand Therapy 25g x3. Happy shopping! (: