BodyTech™ Perfectionist System by Marie France Bodyline

“Throughout the procedure, I felt very relaxed and with the attention given by the therapist, I felt assured and comfortable even while going through a –3% chill effect.”
— Sabrina Ong, 88DB.com writer

BEING overweight significantly increases your risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer...the list seems almost endless. Plus, if you do get sick or need surgery, being overweight can make any treatments riskier.

Women today face incredible pressure handling numerous responsibilities such as juggling careers and families. Maintaining one’s health and a sense of well-being is often overlooked in favour of more urgent demands on a woman’s time. Coupled with an unhealthy diet, these daily assaults to a woman’s body certainly take their toll.

So, what can people like these do to achieve their goal of looking great? Try a no-sweat fitness programme, as 88DB.com writer Sabrina Ong did.

What are you recommending today?
A new body slimming treatment, BodyTech™ Perfectionist System by Marie France Bodyline.

What made you try it?
A colleague asked me if I wanted to write about it, and so arrangements were made and I made my trip down to the outlet at International Building #08-01/02. To be frank, I didn’t know what to expect. For all I knew they’d probably throw me a pile of notes and pitch to me how great their product is. But no, instead of a long, boring, “we’re great” presentation, they insisted that I should try it out myself.

Were you impressed?
To a certain extend I’m impressed by their confidence in their product, and after trying it out, I understand why. I’ve tried other slimming programmes before and this is one of the most relaxing one of all. And it’s services… let’s just say it’s a true representation of what service should be. (And I’m not a paying customer.)

How long is the session?
The BodyTech™ Perfectionist System is a 1.5 hours programme (per treatment) that 'BTPS' addresses five common body problems (excess fat, flabby skin, wrinkles, cellulite and stretch marks) with one treatment. It eliminates fat and cellulite while improving skin tone, circulation and energy flow of the body.

What do they do to your body?
During the treatment, a small suction cup is used to work on specific accu-points along the whole body; this is supposedly to energies the body.Next, pressotherapy, where “presso cups” are used to release and dislodge fibrous skin tissue. This hastens circulation and drainage, which would result in an effective remedy for circulatory related problems such as cellulite, water retention and heavy legs. Finally, the body undergoes cryotherapy at –3%. To enhance the slimming process faster, I purchased the BodyTech™ Perfectionist Serum, a lightweight gel especially formulated through scientific research and boosted with the CafeiSilane C, BodyFit and Regestril active compounds.

Was it effective?
All this may sound technical, and I’ll be honest, it is. I’m not an expert in this mumbo jumbo and undergoing just one treatment hasn’t exactly shown me “amazing results”. What I can say is that throughout the process, I felt very relaxed and with the attention given by the therapist, I felt assured and comfortable even while going through a –3% chill effect.

Would you consider signing up?
Honestly, why not? I wouldn’t mind losing an extra pound or two at the right price. Would you? To end this, I’d like to thank Marie France Bodyline for their complimentary treatment as well as their little gift that I brought back for my “future mother-in-law”.

Shape up to desirable curves today. Call 1800-732 7877 now for a FREE trial or visit www.mariefrance.com for more information.

Orchard
360 Orchard Road #08-01/05
International Building

Bishan Central
Blk 513 Bishan Street 13 #01-502

Marina Square
6 Raffles Boulevard
#01-200 Marina Square

Jurong Point
1 Jurong West Central #02-37
Jurong Point Shopping Centre

Siglap
907 East Coast Road
#01-04 Springvale

Tampines
5 Tampines Central 6
#01-23 Telepark

Woodlands
900 South Woodlands Drive
#06-07 Woodlands Civic Centre

View original article about the BodyTech Perfectionist System by Marie France Bodyline.

Bella’s Seaweed Cold Mask

“The only time I woke up during the treatment was when a new layer of mask was placed on my face.”
— Sabrina, 88DB.com writer

WHY do women do facial? “I want to look beautiful,” says Zune. “My skin complexion is not good so I do facial hoping to improve it.” “I have very sensitive skin,” says Sara. “I want to feel pampered while improving my complexion.”

A facial is a cosmetic treatment on the face, commonly involving a variety of skin treatments, including: steam, exfoliation, extraction, creams, lotions, masks, peels, and massage. Normally performed in a beauty salon, it is also a common spa treatment.

Basically women want to be pampered and look radiant, this is why women like me go for facials. When a colleague asked me to try one at Bella, I knew I needed a treat and this was one that no woman would reject. And so arrangements were made and I headed down to the Bella shop at International Building #08-06.

What am I recommending today?
Seaweed Cold Mask by Bella. This involves a unique anti-ageing treatment utilising the natural, therapeutic properties of seaweed. The result? “An extraordinary, skin nourishing serum which precisely duplicates the body’s own intercellular fluid with moisture binding abilities,” says the brochure.

Why do you recommend it?
As a writer, I am out conducting interviews, attending events, etcetera. In short, I move around a lot, whether rain or shine. Having such a tight schedule at most times, it’s nice to just sit back, relax, and let the therapist pamper me a little with the results being a more radiant and fresh look.

How different was this treatment from other facials?
I never really liked having people squeezing my face to achieve what we believe to be “beauty”. But this was different. When I arrived, I was given tea, led to a room, got changed, and attended to like the princess that I claim to be. The service was at its best, and the treatment literally put me to sleep.

How good was it?
How many of you out there can sleep through a facial treatment? Then again, perhaps my tolerance for pain is beyond others, or I’m just too tired to react. The only time I woke up during the treatment was when a new layer of mask was placed on my face.

Bella Skin Care Client offers free consultations; for more details, log on to www.bellaskin.com. They may also be contacted at the following branches:

Hotline: 1800-732 7677

Orchard: 1800-734 0807

Marina Square: 1800-733 2662

Jurong Point: 1800-316 7767

Tampines Junction: 1800-783 6066

View original article on Bella's Seaweed Cold Mask.

Best Art Galleries In Singapore

“I really like Opera Gallery's collection. I've bought all sorts of paintings from them, from French ones to Romanian...” — Patricia Liang, Mulan Gallery owner

PATRICIA Liang has a case of art attack. The art director of Mulan Gallery, an art gallery selling resplendent contemporary sculptures and paintings, travels extensively around the world in search of good art. Take a look inside her sprawling apartment and you will find paintings dotting the walls and sculptures lining the floors. It’s as if one has walked into an art gallery or museum. Patricia is that passionate about art. Hence, we speak to the mother of two boys on her recommendations on her favourite art galleries in Singapore. Text and interview by Ronald Wan

Opera Gallery Singapore (Ngee Ann City; 321 Orchard Road #02-12H; Tel: 6735 2618): “I always buy my art from them. I really like and admire their collection here. I have bought all sorts of paintings from them from the French ones to Romanian,” says Patricia. Opera Gallery is an illustrious international gallery and the Singapore gallery is located in the heart of Orchard Road. The huge space i offers the perfect spot for art lovers to appreciate fine art in the best setting. Master artists featured here include Salvador Dali, Pierre Bonnard, Damien Hirst, Claude Monet to Eugene Boudin. Asian art is also available here such as works by Chang Xin, Kim Chang-Young and Chen Yi Fei. A professional team at the gallery will provide any information or advice to interested art collectors.

Mulan Gallery (Tanglin Shopping Centre; 19 Tanglin Road #02-33; Tel: 6738 0810): “Of course I have to recommend Mulan Gallery. We are the new kid on the art block and we are certainly making ourselves known among art lovers and even the companies with vested interests in art,” enthuses Patricia. Mulan Gallery is the latest and brand new contemporary art gallery set up in Singapore, which offers original and resplendent contemporary bronze and clay sculptures and paintings by celebrated artists worldwide, especially in Europe and China. Mulan Gallery aims to put together a diverse and esteemed portfolio of eminent and well-respected artists, including young emerging artists from all over the world. Famous artists whose works have been highly sought after by art aficionados worldwide and featured in Mulan Gallery include Jiang Huan, Zhang Hua, Fernando Suraez, Zheng Yu Kui, Yu Qing Cheng, Lu Peng and more. The gallery also aims to raise awareness and standard of contemporary art appreciation, especially in sculptures, in Singapore.

View original article of the Best Art Galleries In Singapore.

Best Spas In Singapore

“The Remede Spa at St. Regis Hotel is the first outside the US and uses luxurious high-quality Laboratories Remède products and St. Regis body signature selections...”
— Jasmine Alimin, magazine editor

FOR the ladies, some of the best indulgences (or vices, if you get a man's point of view) in life are shopping, chocolates and spas. For the third one, we strongly believe in its unadulterated power to repair the mind, body and soul. Spa treatments are the best way for one to refresh and rejuvenate, especially after a tough week at work or a day of shopping in high heels. It’s the essential must-have on a holiday, but what about back home? There are plenty spa centres to go around for our occasional pampering. We seek out Jasmine Alimin, an editor at BeautyBlackBook magazine, published by Viscion Media Group and the authority on beauty and wellness. Jasmine shares with us her favourite spa places. Text and interview by Ronald Wan

Spa Botanica (Sentosa The Sentosa Resort & Spa Tel: 6371 1318):
If you're looking for total indulgence with the frills thrown in, there's no place that can beat Spa Botanica. I've been to the premises but I haven't had the time to sample a treatment. A mud pool, meditation garden, wading pool, spa cuisine...it's all like something out of a Balinese paradise .

Lagunita Spa (Laguna National Golf & Country Club Tel: 6248 1772):
I have also found a secret place that might give you the same feeling as Spa Botanica − at half the price. Lagunita Spa is the one for me! Think charming Balinese décor and a Cleopatra milk-bath tub that can fit six people! And an outhouse that sit atop a Koi Pond – very shiok! Spa Botannica and Lagunita have pretty similar treatments. I really enjoy the Sports Massage at Lagunita and the milk bath!

Remède Spa @ St. Regis (29 Tanglin Road Tel: 6506 6896):
Another place I'm dying to visit is the new Remède Spa at St. Regis Hotel because I have heard so much good stuff about it. The Remede Spa is the first outside the United States and uses luxurious high-quality Laboratories Remède products and St. Regis body signature selections.

Jurlique Day Spa ( Wheelock Place #04-02 Tel: 6735 7177):
I'm not much of a facial girl, but everyone should try Jurlique Day Spa at least one. It's a holistic experience not to be missed. As for frequency, facials and massages are not something we do regularly because it's considered an out-of-pocket treat. If I had the money, I would go once every two months for facials and once every three for body.

View original article on the best spas in Singapore.

Wedding Photograper Sky Hu

“He knows exactly what he needs to do and what works best for the couple.”
— Dorcas Hong, HR executive

DORCAS Hong discovered wedding photographer Sky Hu when he was recommended by her makeup artist, Liren Neo. Dorcas, an HR executive who likes to spend her weekends cooking, chose Sky to take her pre-wedding photography session in Taiwan. She has not looked back since. Sky began his career as a photographer in Taiwan in 1994, and in Singapore back in 1997. He’s taken photos for magazines, print ads, fashion shoots, and portraits.

Who are you recommending today and why?
Sky Hu, the best photographer we have ever known! When Sky first showed us his work, we were totally amazed and very sure that he was the photographer we had been looking for. We signed a package with him during our first meet-up session and never regretted it! We never get bored looking at our pictures because they are all so beautiful. The best thing is that the pictures are so natural and portray who we are. We have received very good comments from our friends, and everyone who has seen our photos just loves them!

How did you discover his services?
Through Liren Neo, our excellent make-up artist, who is also Sky’s working partner.

How often do you visit him?
We visited Sky at least three times before we went to Taiwan for our pre-wedding photo shoot. We were really impressed by Sky’s professionalism as he is the one who initiated the meet-up sessions. Those sessions were not only to discuss the pre-wedding photo shoot, but also to give us an opportunity to get to know one another better so that we would feel comfortable during the shoot. How thoughtful can Sky be! I must admit the meet-up sessions really helped a lot. Well, we still meet up quite often after the photo shoot as we have become friends now!

How's the service?
Superb. Sky is a very nice, friendly and professional photographer. He knows exactly what he needs to do and what works best for the couple. He communicates a lot with us to ensure that we are comfortable with his ideas, and always listens to what we want, too. We are truly very impressed by his professionalism. You definitely have to consider Sky when searching for your wedding photographer!

Any other advice for people who intend to visit Sky?
Relax and rest assured that you will enjoy your time with Sky even if you’re meeting him for the first time. He is truly an amazing guy who is very easy to get along with. Thoughtful, friendly and professional. I am sure you will become friends even before you sign a package with him!

View more about the services offered by professional wedding photographer, Sky Hu.