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.

Brown Sugar Café Bistro and Hamoru Japanese Restaurant

“My favourite outlet for Western comfort food burger and fish ‘n chip is Brown Sugar Café Bistro; the bento sets of Hamoru are superb and value-for-money.”
— Raymond Lim, Les Amis Group

THOSE in the food and beverage industry — especially chefs, food connoisseurs and wine sommeliers — know Raymond Lim, Group Corporate Communications manager for The Les Amis Group, which owns a gamut of award-winning restaurants and bistros like Au Jardin, Les Amis and Canele Patisserie-Chocolaterie.

Raymond, who loves “Japanese and well-executed simple Western fare” is suave, totally on the ball, and possesses a depth of knowledge about the restaurant and fine-dining scene in Singapore. And so we decided to check in with him to divulge some of his favourite dining eateries. If the man says it’s good, then it ought to be.

Among his recommendations are Brown Sugar Café Bistro, a casual and chic café that serves modern bistro fare like lobster bisque and wagyu burger. Their tantalising desserts, like the tarte tartin of pears, will warm the heart. There is a private dining room with limited seating capacity of 24 so we recommend you make reservations. Raymond also mentions Hamoru, the Japanese restaurant at Suntec’s Food Republic food court. Interview and text by Ronald Wan

What is your best comfort food place?
“My favourite outlet for Western comfort food like burger and fish ‘n chip is Brown Sugar Café Bistro along River Valley road because the owner, chef Oeiji Yuan, does a wonderful job of training his team to churn out consistently good food.”

Where can you get the best Japanese food?
“I like Koh Japanese Food’s branch in Suntec City's Food Republic [called Hamoru Japanese Restaurant]. The bento sets are superb value-for-money. You get chicken teriyaki that is grilled over a real charcoal fire, tempura that are fried upon order…all these for less than $15! Lastly, the chef helming the counter, Patrick, is the friendliest chef I have known!”

Brown Sugar Café Bistro
277 River Valley Road
Telephone no. 6333 6612

Hamoru Japanese Restaurant
Food Republic, Suntec City Convention Centre Level One
Telephone no. 6820 8569

View original article on this food review of Brown Sugar Café Bistro and Hamoru Japanese Restaurant.

Makeup Artist Liren Neo

“During our overseas shoot, she helped us in more ways than just putting on make-up…she made our experience pain-free and enjoyable.”
— Karen Liew, future bride

SOON-to-be-bride Karen Liew has done the rounds of suppliers for her upcoming wedding, and one of her finds is professional makeup artist Liren Neo. “I have found her not only a good make-up artist but also a very helpful, knowledgeable and IT-oriented person,” says Karen, who also notes Liren’s punctuality and helpfulness. “She’s an artist who never fails in her service.”

Who are you recommending today and why?
Professional makeup artist Liren Neo. She's a professional at what she does, makes recommendations to suit the client and never makes you feel obligated.

How did you discover her services?
Through bridal magazines and the Internet.

When did you deal with her?
We chose Liren for our overseas shoot in Bali. We will also hire her for the actual wedding day, as well as for the hair and make-up of three bridesmaids and the mother of the bride.

How would you describe her service?
First of all, I was impressed by Liren’s website, especially the before-and-after shots. When I met her in person for the trial, she was lovely and easy to get along with. I was after a natural but different look ─ she did just that, and also brought out the positive features of my face. Plus, she provided me with accessories to go with my gowns.

Who would you recommend her to?
If you’re doing an overseas shoot, I'd recommend Liren Neo. During our overseas shoot, she helped us in more ways than just putting on make-up. Because we're a generally camera-shy couple, she made our experience pain-free and enjoyable.

What is her price range?
Comparable to most other professional make-up artists.

Blk 58 Stirling Road (Conveniently located near Queenstown MRT Station)
#01-306
Singapore 141058
Mobile: +65 9768 6075

Find out more about Liren Neo and her makeup services.

View original article on Liren Neo.

Beijing 101 Hair Consultants

“I am very satisfied with Beijing 101. I have responsed well to the treatments as my bald patches have disappeared. I would recommend Beijing 101 to anyone suffering from the same problem.”
— Ryan Tan

RYAN TAN, 28, started losing hair two years ago. His hair loss pattern is called Alopecia Areata; people who suffer from it have one or more round bald patches, the size of a large coin on the scalp.

When Ryan was studying in England, he lost considerable hair due to heavy schoolwork load. His condition worsened when he returned to Singapore. He found it hard to re-adapt and faced difficulties in securing a job. The change in environment and increased stress caused two large bald spots to appear on his scalp.

Concerned about his hair problems, Ryan did some research for possible hair specialists and clinics. When he saw a photo of Beijing 101 celebrity endorser Ben Yeo and his thick full head of hair, he knew that was it. Beijing 101’s history of 33 years combined with the usage of 100% Chinese herbs gave Ryan the confidence to visit Beijing 101 for a free consultation.

At Beijing 101, the friendly and professional hair specialist did a thorough analysis of Ryan’s hair and scalp. A customised herbal treatment plan, combined with high-pressure oxygen therapy, was formulated for Ryan based on the result of the analysis.

The herbal treatment used premium ingredients such were Ginseng, Ling Zhi, He Shou Wu and Dang Gui. These natural herbs are effective yet gently in nature to ensure no adverse side effects. High dosage of oxygen was delivered to the scalp and injected into the hair follicles under pressure. The deeper layers of the scalp readily absorb the oxygen. Pure oxygen help to repair damaged hair follicles, increase rate of herbal absorption by the hair roots, and stimulate hair growth.

Overall appearance of Ryan’s hair improved after regular treatments. The two bald patches also grow back gradually.

“I am very satisfied with Beijing 101. I have responsed well to the treatments as my bald patches have disappeared. I would recommend Beijing 101 to anyone suffering from the same problem,” says Ryan.

Beijing 101 is available in over 60 countries including USA, England and Japan, and has won international recognition for its treatments. The ingredients used are extracted from Chinese herbs and are free chemicals. In addition, each Beijing 101 Hair Consultant is professionally trained to ensure customers can receive the best hair care.

You may contact Beijing 101 Hair Consultants via email at info@beijing101hair.com or visit any of their five branches in Singapore:

Funan Mall #B1-03A, 109 North Bridge Road (near City Hall MRT)
East Point Mall #04-01, 3 Simei St 6 (near Simei MRT)
Jurong East St 13 , Blk 135 #02-315 (near Jurong East MRT)
Hougang St 21, Blk 204 #01-97 (near Kovan MRT)
North Point #03-09, 930 Yishun Ave 2 (near Yishun MRT)

View original article on Beijing 101 Hair Consultants.

Toys N Toys, Ng’s Collections, G&B Comics

Digital artist Gary Choo recommends his favourite toy shops in Singapore

GARY Choo, a digital artist who works in one of the world's biggest studios, has always loved his toys and figurines. He counts his Iron Man figurine and all the superheroes in the Marvel and DC Comic cosmos as favourites.

Growing up, Gary was enraptured both by the wonders and magic of those toys and the morning cartoons he saw every Saturday morning. So he pursued his lifelong dream: to be that artist who draws and sketches those superheroes and characters to life. His portfolio back at Nanyang Polytechnic was just the beginning of things to come.

Now back home in Singapore after stint in the United States, this 20-something jovial chap (and geek boy) humbly recommends his favourite toy stores. May the force be with Gary! Text and interview by Ronald Wan

Tell us where you can find special collectible toys, gadgets, comics and anything a geek – such as you – desires!
Toys N Toys and Ng’s Collections at China Square Central. G & B Comics at Bras Brasah Complex.

What’s so special about these shops?
Toys N Toys and Ng’s Collections bring in awesome toy imports from Japan and Hong Kong. You can find almost any speciality toy from Die Cast Chogokins to 12-inch figures all here. You name it and they probably should have it. They also have a catalogue for you to pre-order your toys. G&B Comics at Bras Brasah is the one-stop comic shop that will satisfy your Marvel’s cravings and DC fix. They also import comic speciality statues and the latest action figures!

Do you go there often and what do you get there?
I go there bi-weekly. There’ are more than enough stuff to find something new almost every week, which keeps me coming back for more! I usually hunt for figures. My most recent purchase is a Kotobukiya 12-inch movie Ironman statue from Toys N Toys! Janga janga janga!

Toys N Toys
18 Cross Street #01-25/26 China Square Central,
Tel no: 6438 6806

Ng’s Collections
18 Cross Street #02-09 China Square Central,
Tel. no: 6536 5320

G&B Comics
Blk 231 Bras Brasah Complex #03-47,
Tel. no: 6837 2280

View original article of toy shops in Singapore.

Books Actually, Earshot Café, Page One, 25 ºCelsius

Assistant book editor Adeline Loh recommends her favourite speciality bookstores in Singapore

ONCE upon a time, in a land far far away, all Adeline Loh had were her books and all she did was to just read. We know that is fictional but at least that is what Adeline dreams of. Since young, Adeline loved her books from romance novels to Disney fairytales. Fast forward to present day, the bookworm has since graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in – you guessed it – English literature. The bibliophile, who is an assistant editor at Page One, a publishing house specialising in art and design books, shares with us on her favourite bookstores and newsstands in Singapore. Interview by Ronald Wan.

Books Actually (No. 5 Ann Siang Road; Telephone no: 6221 1170). “This is one of my favourite bookstores. You should come here for the literary gems not found in big bookstores and the discerning selection of books on poetry, critical theory, film and art. I appreciate how the owners bring in the edition of a book with the most beautiful covers because I’m quite picky on the book covers myself!”

Earshot Café (1 Old Parliament Lane; Telephone no: 6883 1019 ). Located in The Arts House, this new shop is dedicated to the local arts scene selling Singapore’s music, film and books with about 780 book titles and 130 music titles to choose from. “I like the cosy environment and the comprehensive selection of Singapore’s literature, poetry and plays,” says Adeline.

Page OneBookshop (Vivocity 1 Harbourfront Walk #02-41/42 Tel: 6272 0822). It started out as a small bookshop but has since evolved to become a brand known to be specialising in design and art books.
“Of course I have to promote this bookshop! Besides the design and art books that the bookstore is well known for, Page One actually has a very good range of Chinese books and literature as well. See it for yourself!”

25 Degree Celsius (25 Keong Saik Road #01-01 Tel: 6327 8389) For those who love to whip up a storm in the kitchen, this is the best place to get favourite recipes and advice. The assortment of cookbooks is classified by region such as Chinese, Japanese, French and Thai. You can also hang out in the café for a drink or two with your favourite read. Adeline enthuses, “I love to come here just to browse and pick up a cookbook if I’m in the mood to learn a new dish!”

View original article of Books Actually, Earshot Café, Page One, 25 ºCelsius.

Fairmont Singapore's Room 2639

“At $13,800 per night, the most expensive place to watch the F1 night race is Fairmont Singapore's presidential suite.”
— James P. Ong, 88DB.com editor

FAIRMONT Singapore's (formerly Raffles Plaza Hotel) Room 2639 is a very popular address among the very, very important people of this world. King Juan Carlos of Spain and Muhammad Ali, to name a few, have stayed there.

And with 200-odd days left before the Formula One Singtel Singapore Grand Prix, this two-bedroom presidential suite, located on the penthouse floor, is still available to the highest spender.

As of this writing, it is Singapore’s most expensive accommodation during the historic F1 week: $13,800 per night, for a minimum stay of five nights. That’s easily $69,000 in total — enough to buy you a decent Japanese-made car.

“As one of September’s races’ 11 trackside hotels, the Fairmont Singapore has been receiving numerous queries from various companies and individuals — here and abroad since the latter part of 2007,” says Mr. Ian Wilson, general manager of Fairmont Singapore and Regional Vice President, Asia of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.

“During this time, guestrooms and suites which boast not only a panoramic vantage point of the magnificent races but also a dramatic backdrop of Singapore’s picturesque skyline are highly coveted,” he adds.

Fairmont Singapore's presidential suite comes with these other amenities: your own sauna, Miller Harris toiletries from London, a sun room, and an eagle’s view of at least three F1 tracks.

In addition, you can throw your own party and invite a gazillion of your friends — the windows are wide enough for everyone to see something. If you're still looking for accommodations during the F1 week, this is it.

Don’t forget to invite us over for cocktails.

You can reach Fairmont Singapore (80 Bras Basah Road, Singapore, 189560) through tel. no. (65) 6837 3883 or email them at reservations.singapore@fairmont.com.

View original article for Fairmont Singapore here.