Sunday, January 31, 2010

Charm Brushes!!!


Many are asking for them, and YES!!!
They are still AVAILABLE!!!




Yes Yes Yes!!!
All Charm brushes still available here!
Low quantity of In-stock of all brushes available now.
Do check older post on how to order.

Friday, January 29, 2010

My Beauty Review II

My Beauty Review II
Basic Black Blemish Control Soap








Basic Black Blemish Control Gel


Basic Black Blemish Control Moisture Gel






Living in a humid climate such as ours here in Singapore, many of us share the same skin woes. The No.1 complaint has to be Acne! The much hated 'A' word does not just affect young prepubescent kids, it also affects men & women well into their adulthood. This painful condition, both physically and emotionally, can sometimes cause scarring if not treated or taken care of well, especially those who still believe that acne, pimples and oily skin is only a phase which will 'disappear' with time. Not to mention the emotional stress many face by their imperfect appearance.
Many a time, I have been asked to recommend skin products by clients and models to curb , prevent or simply get rid of acne and pimples quickly without drying their skin. Most acne/pimple treatments or products have high salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide which will kill bacteria by drying the problem areas. This is effective , however, the drawback is you may over-dry your skin by stripping all natural oils to maintain the healthy glow or even end up with raw and sensitive skin where applyingof make up is impossible during that 'peeling' & recovery stage.

I have been battling with problem skin during my 20's when I was still in the airline for years. The constant climate change and wearing of make up for extremely long hours gave me occasional painful episode of breakouts. I was always desperately looking for treatments and products which some of them did help for a short period of time, but the over-drying problem made me stop using them because I could not wear make up for work and was just unhappy that the lumpy acne started to creep back even with the use of such strong acne products. I slowly realised that a good treatment or skincare product should not be harsh and too strong, instead it should be able to work effectively deep under your pores yet be mild enough not to cause you any discomfort.

After I was introduced to Dr Ci:Labo's Aqua collagen gel & super moisture gel, which helped calm my sometimes raw and dry skin from the treatments/products, I started to venture into their other products. As it was only sold in Japan many years ago, I had a hard time finding out what their other products could do as they were all in Japanese. Given the fact that the collagen gel had worked wonders on me, I gave the Acneless range a try without much expectations.

To my pleasure, in two days, I had almost perfect skin again. Hard lumpy acne subsided, oily skin became more balanced and no new blemishes suffaced! I was amazed by how well it worked as I was accustomed to stronger and drying lotions to be effective and this Acneless range seems too mild to be able to give such results.

The key ingredients in this range are charcoal, known to absorb thousands of times its own volume in oil, which plays a major role in solving adult problem skin. A natural blend of plant extracts that complements the activated power of charcoal to remove oil and impurities from the skin when healing. Plant extracts like pueraria lobata root, salvia, citrus, hedera helix, nasturtium, aloe, are used, each containing an essential ingredient for skin rejuvenation. The Blemish Control formulas work together to balance the skin's pH factor and discourage bacteria.

Let me first start on the cleansing. The Basic Black Blemish control soap is rich and creamy when comes in contact with a little water. The ultra strength yet mild cleanser removes impurities and oil effectively reaching deep into the pores. It leaves your skin healthy, balanced and clean yet not stripped of its natural oils.

Replacing pimple spot treatment, this Basic Black Blemish control gel anchors the basic black regimen. It is used to kill the bacteria responsible for causing the blemishes. The same sebum absorbing charcoal also regulates the pH balance giving you shiny skin without the shine. Apply liberally over troubled areas without worrying about over-drying as it is so strong yet so mild. The added surprise is that this works as a perfect make up base for oily skin as the matt skin allows you achieve long-lasting make up. I do not know of any other ultra-strength blemish control product to be able to do this as yet.

Lastly, your regime is complete with the Basic Black Blemish moisture gel. Even as much as we want to target the problem here with kiling of bacteria causing acne, oily skin and other blemishes. Our skin needs to be rejuvenated and properly moisturised. This moisture gel has highly moisturising elements such as Marine Collagen and Hyaluronic acid, which not only protects your skin from dryness, it also regulates sebum secretion , restores the pH balance and lastly maintains your youthful skin.

Whenever I pack for a trip to more air polluted countries/cities such as Bangkok and India, this is something I cannot do without in my toiletry bag. For those who are still facing troubled skin, do give this a try. The Basic Black range comes in a very cool and understated black packaging.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

My Beauty Review I

My Beauty Review I




As promised, I am starting the new year with my favourite skincare and beauty product reviews and recommendations. Many of my clients who come to me for my make-up service have frequently asked me what are the ways and products I would use to maintain skin's radiance, mioisture and elasticity. Of course, the standard answer would be to wash, exfoliate, cleanse, moisturise and never forget your sunscreen, but we all know that this itself may not be enough for everyone! With so many new and wonderful products in the market now, aren't we spoilt for choice. That being said, wouldn't it be more wonderful to have others try out the products and you can decide if they are suitable for you?

Though I know many people have heard about this Japanese Brand, not many have been told about the miracles it can do!

Here is my No. 1 choice of must-have! Dr Ci:Labo Aqua-Collagen Gel Super Moisture. Its patented Nano-moisturising capsules greatly improves permeation. This 5-in-1 acts as toner, milky lotion, beauty essence, whitening essence and make-up base. It guarantees nourishing non-stop for 24 hours while keeping skin supple, healthy and firm. Dr Ci:Labo products claims to be free from any artificial ingredients, colorings and fragrance. This water-based moisturiser is also free from mineral oil, which is perfect for acne-proned or oily skin. Its natural ingredients include marine collagen, hyaluronic acid and a mixture of plant extracts that has similar placenta elements which can deeply penetrate into the cuticles of our skin.

Since I was first introduced to this in 2006 by an ex-colleague when I was still working for the airlines, I have been using tubs and tubs of this from then onwards. Here is my personal experience and why I love it so much.

As my previous job required me to have on make-up for long hours and also to be travelling to and fro very different climates, it started to take a toll on my skin. My skin became very sensitive with angry red patches accompanied by frequent ugly breakouts, all from lack of moisture deep within, lack of sleep and climate change. I spent so much time, energy and money on doctor's prescriptions, expensive skin products and facials, but these only resulted in temporary relief or breakouts from over moisturising. I was on the verge of giving up, until I was given a sample pack of this amazing gel from my ex-colleague who assured me that this is one of a kind miracle moisturiser.
Upon application, this very light and non oily gel moisturiser is instantly absorbed into your skin. You will be able to experience instant nourished, plumped up skin with elasticity. It is so gentle that you won't feel any stinging sensation you would get from other moisturisers when they come in contact with problem skin. My sensitive skin became less easily irritated in just a few applications and my skin regained its suppleness which had been missing for a long time. No more red and raw patches, no more dry scaly skin and most important no more unhealthy looking skin. I was bowled over and had to get my hands on one when i next fly to Japan. It was not available in Singapore at that time. I have not looked back eversince and have recommended this to many friends and clients especially after it has been made available in Singapore.


Over the years, my skin has gone through several changes and has different needs now. Having said that, this gel moisturiser still works perfectly fine for me. There has not been any moisturiser that can replace this at the moment, at least for me.
My next review will be on it's acneless range. Stay Tuned.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

New Year, New Stock!!!

New Year, New Stock, Same Price!!!

No increase in price!!!

Holiday Charm Set $55


Charm Luxe Kabuki $32

Charm Luxe Retractable Kabuki $28

Charm Holiday set - $55

Made with the softest synthetic hair, they are very durable too. You need to feel them yourself to know how soft they are.This Charm holiday set comes in a very compact pouch (L=15cm, W=10cm) which you can bring along when you're out shopping, travelling, clubbing or anywhere at all.

Did I mention how very cute and pink they are?

The 8 brushes are :
Powder/Foundation brush
Blush brush
Crease Blending brush
Lip brush
Concealer brush
Angled brow liner brush
Eyeshadow brush
Pointed liner brush

Luxe Collection

The latest and newest Charm Luxe Collection by beautyandminerals is true to its name, more luxurious and softer than ever. Who says luxury comes with a hefty price tag?These two Kabuki brushes which are must-haves in everyone's makeup kit, not only glides like velvet on your skin while you apply your mineral makeup, finishing powder , blush or loose powder, they also look so adorably pretty in the most beautiful shade of pink. As you would have known by now, pink is the trademark color of the Charm brushes. I agree strongly with beautyandminerals, that makeup should be fun and tools can look pretty too!

Charm Luxe Kabuki $32 (Comes with pouch)

The Luxe Kabuki is made of synthetic, vegan hair. I cannot stop gushing about how soft the hair is, how velvety and smooth it feels on the face. The fun does not just stop here, the Luxe Kabuki comes in a gorgeous pink pouch which can also house some of your mini pots so you can conveniently bring them anywhere and everywhere you go.

Charm Luxe Retractable Kabuki $28
Like the Charm Luxe Kabuki, the Luxe Retractable Kabuki is made of synthetic, vegan hair. This is especially perfect for those who want to keep a brush in their bags for touch ups and not wanting to make a mess. The Luxe Retractable Kabuki is in mine for sure, for touching up on loose powder or blush.

To order :
1. Send an email to joie@joieleong.com in this format.
Name:
Mobile no :
Item name/Quantity :
Amount payable :
Mailing Address (if opting for postal service):

2. An email acknowledgement will be sent to you with advice to transfer the full amount of item/s toDBS Savings A/C: 027-5059554

3. After your transaction, email me again with transaction details.

4. Your order has been confirmed and you may choose to self-collect at East Coast Road (address will be given in email) or opt for postal service add or registered mail at your own cost.
Do let me know your choice when you email me and I will let you know the postage fees..

* I will post out items every Friday ONLY, unless otherwise advised.
** Please note that I will not be responsible for any loss or damages during the mail transition. However, I will take extra care to pad items when sending out.**
*Special thanks to beautyandminerals for the images.