Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio by Bastien Gonzalez

There are manicures, and there is Bastien Gonzalez manicure! Having heard so much about him and his famous manicure and pedicure treatments, I decided to book for an appointment to see what the fuss is all about. Known as a fave among many celebrities, here's my account of my experience with his star treatment.

Bastien Gonzalez - The man who changed the world of manicure and pedicure

The Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio by Bastien Gonzalez is available exclusively in Singapore at The St. Regis Singapore, at its award-winning Remède Spa. Available since July 2011, this is where one can experience the world-renowned manicure and pedicure treatments designed by the French podiatrist.

At the Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio in Singapore, you will find Steve Desobeau at the helm. Personally trained by Bastien, Steve is also a trained podiatrist. Steve's story is very similar to that of Bastien himself. Both were sportsmen and injured themselves during their pursuit of their respective sports. Bastien was a competitive skier, Steve was a professional footballer.

Upon entering the treatment room, I was greeted by a dentist chair. To my surprise, I also saw a set of medical equipments - scalpel, lancet and drill. With a revolutionary approach to manicures and pedicures, Bastien’s treatments gently restore baby soft skin and cuticle-free nails using a scalpel, lancet or drill. It all depends on the individual's conditions.

The other big difference compared to other manicures and pedicures is that the Bastien method is completely waterless. Yes, you read correctly, waterless. No soaking your hands or feet in water to soften cuticles before removal. Instead, Bastien's technique is polishing and buffing the nails with a Chamois leather nail buffer (a secret of his great grandmother) and a special paste until each nail has a healthy shine. Nails look so shiny and awesome after that you don't even want to have nail colour put on.

 

The pedicure procedures is similar to that of the manicure, but the extra is a massage for each muscle of the leg and foot to achieve optimal joint mobility, circulation,skin elasticity and volume in the foot’s fatty cushion. Nice! That's my kind of pedicure!

The 45-minute manicure is priced at S$145++ and the 60-minute pedicure (including a massage) is priced at S$195++. However, if it is your first experience, I would recommend for you to try the ultimate pampering experience of the Bastien's duo, a 75-minute synchronized manicure and pedicure priced at S$270++. All treatments are done using Reverence de Bastien, a range of products developed by Bastien that can also be purchased for maintenance at home.

You might gasp at the prices, but trust me, this was a life changing experience for me. Not trying to be dramatic here, but I learnt a lot during the manicure and pedicure session by Steve. He taught me how to look after my nails and what to do to keep them healthy. My nails stayed shiny for a month after the session! In fact, I am loving it so much that I am going back to buy the products for some pampering maintenance at home.

This will make a great pampering gift for yourself or anyone you love.

For more information, please visit:
http://www.bastiengonzalez.com/en/
http://www.remedespasingapore.com/bastiengonzalez

Tried & Loving It - Clarisonic

While I was in New York with a gal pal last week, she told me that the one thing I should consider buying is a Clarisonic. Well, it is one of the best things I ever bought.

I am always skeptical about beauty gadgets and products that promise to deliver a miracle, but I went ahead and bought myself a limited edition Jaguar print Clarisonic Mia. Two reasons... I trust my friend's recommendation and it is also cheaper in NYC (I paid US$129 at Sephora in NYC and it is S$249 in Sephora Singapore).


I have been using Clarisonic for a week and I swear by it now. My skin actually improved and is so radiant that I even left home one day thinking that I have applied foundation, when I actually didn't.

We all know that beautiful skin begins with good cleansing. Traditional methods of cleansing will not get the skin as clean as when one uses sonic cleansing. Using Sonic Technology, Clarisonic’s patented micro-massage motion works within skin’s natural elasticity to gently remove the impurities traditional methods leave behind- leaving skin softer, smoother and more beautiful.

Sonic Cleansing Benefits:

Removes 6X more makeup than manual cleansing
Leaves skin feeling and looking smoother
Removes impurities that keep creams and serums from working their best
Gentle enough to use twice a day
Reduces oily areas, dry skin patches and blemishes
Minimizes the appearance of visible pores

Without proper cleansing, drying detergents, pollutants, oil and bacteria can damage the appearance and health of the skin. Using Clarisonic helps to remove impurities and clear pores. It is a gentle, natural way to cleanse the skin. One thing I love about it is the option of using any facial cleanser, as long as they are not the strong exfoliating type.

It is waterproof and can be used in the shower. It is not harsh and it feels like I am giving my face a massage each time I use it.

I also love the sleek design of the handheld device and the charger. Clarisonic Mia is the smallest from the range of Sonic Skin Cleansing System. The Mia is a one-button, one-speed Clarisonic that comes in a variety of colors and is good for travel use as well.

For more information, please visit www.clarisonic.com

Top Beauty Picks - Back To Basics

I am not a skincare nor makeup expert, but I am a beauty junkie. I have also picked up some tips from makeup artists at photo shoots from time to time. Here are some of the products that I have tried and tested, and think they are good enough to share with you. :)

The Best Facial Cleanser - Officina De' Tornabuoni

It is rare to get a cream cleanser in a pot and even rarer to get this brand in Singapore. ODT (short for Officina de' Tornabuoni) is a hidden gem from Italy. This Florentine house has been producing the finest quality, natural and effective skincare and health supplements for royalty and other discerning clientele since 1843! The products are made with the finest quality ingredients, without the use of parabens, mineral oils and artificial colorants. This 'Crema Sapone Non Sapone' cleanser contains high concentration of pure Florentine iris, which helps to visibly tighten the pores and refine the complexion. It feels so luxurious every time I wash my face.

The Best Exfoliator - CURE Aqua Gel

This is all the rage now, with one bottle being sold every 20 seconds (claims its website). A good friend of mine who is into Japanese skincare highly recommended this to me. I got mine from Watson's last week and is now a convert. For those who remembered Ginvera Marvel Gel, this is similar but better. It is fragrance-free and comes in a simple unpretentious packaging. The best part is it really works... and you can use it for the face and body. Skin feels really smooth after the first use.

The Best Make-Up Remover - Biore Cleansing Oil Wipes

I have been using this product for years. From time to time, I got tempted to try expensive wipes from international makeup brands, but I always end up switching back to Biore. Why? It is 100% efficient and effective, removing every trace of makeup (including water-resistant eye makeup) without pulling my skin. I also love the fact that it is easily available and inexpensive.

The Best Eye-Makeup Remover - L'Oreal

This is a product I have been using for years. If it works, why change it? This eye makeup remover is gentle enough for contact lens wearer, yet strong enough to remove waterproof eye makeup instantly with a gentle, oil-free formula. Another inexpensive product that is easily available.

The Best Eye-Makeup Base - Urban Decay

I was introduced to this amazing product by the make-up artist on my wedding day. I have been having the problem of my eyeliner smudging for the longest time, and I am so glad to have finally found a solution! This eye-makeup base (matte version) looks and feels like a concealer. It intensifies eye shadow and keeps eyeliner in place.

The Perricone Promise

If you are a beauty junkie, you will know Perricone MD. Founded by Dr. Nicolas Perricone whose belief is that we can control the way we age (wrinkles and all) by simply following an anti-inflammatory diet backed with nutritional supplements and anti-aging topical skincare.

I am a fan, and even have his famous book - The Perricone Promise.

If you are new to this brand, a good way to try it is with the 'Prescription for Youthful Skin' value set. It also makes the perfect travel skincare set. This set contains a Citrus Facial Wash, Firming Facial Toner, Advanced Face Firming Activator (for use in the morning), and Face Finishing Moisturizer.

After swiping the Firming Facial Toner over my cleansed face, I could see dark yellow marks left on the cotton pad. I assumed that meant the toner helped in removing the dead skin cells. I like the fact that it left no stinging sensation on my sensitive skin. My favourite is the Face Finishing Moisturizer, as it left my skin really smooth. I would definitely recommend this.

Another favourite of mine is the 'No Foundation Foundation'. It is Perricone's version of the BB cream. It provides adequate natural coverage with SPF 30 protection. Its anti-aging formula helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time, while its specially treated pigments and light diffusing mica help to instantly soften the looks of lines, pores and wrinkles. I would recommend using loose powder as a finishing touch, as the application on its own can feel rather sticky and shiny.


As the range available at Sephora is rather limited, I am hoping that these following products will be available soon, as I can't wait to try them.


Described as a rich emollient cream-serum that absorbs quickly to hydrate, minimize the appearance of puffiness, and brighten around the eyes—and doubles as an excellent eyeshadow base. Cold Plasma, a breakthrough, revolutionary treatment from Dr. Perricone formulated to address the 10 most visible signs of aging is creating a buzz even among aesthetic doctors.

Inspired by a passion to feed hungry skin, Dr Perricone created SUPER, a nourishing collection of formulas for the face and body. Infused with phytonutrients derived from some of the most powerful superfoods and formulated with advanced patented sciences.

I love the colourful packaging and innovative formulations. Think Super Bright Eyed with Melon, Super 3-Minute Facial with Ginger, Super Acne Treatment with Green Apple, Super Detox Elixir with Watercress, and Super Hand & Cuticle Cream with Yogurt. These products sound good enough to eat!

I think this is one "First-Aid" kit that I would like to keep in my beauty cabinet. Super cute!

Shrek-tacular Nail Colours From OPI

I bumped into a friend and her teenage daughter when I went to watch "Shrek Forever After" last week. The first thing she said to me was "What are you doing watching Shrek? You don't have a kid". I replied instantly "I am the kid here!" The movie was entertaining and funny. The script was well written to target both kids and adults. I think adults got reminded with the key message to not take things for granted... as sometimes you don't realise what you have until you lost it...

I honestly didn't see this one coming. This collaboration between OPI Nail Lacquer and Shrek is just brilliant! The tongue-in-cheek names are ri-donkey-lously funny and definitely won't be a cat-tastrophe.




With six Shrek-tacular colours, express your inner ogre with these limited ogre-the-top bright shades inspired by the Dreamworks' Shrek Forever After. So, who the Shrek do you think you are? I'll go with "What's The Cattitude" and "Ogre-The-Top Blue". I wonder if they sell these shades in Singapore...

Official Site : www.opi.com

Tom Ford's Private Blend

The most coveted lipstick has been created by Tom Ford. He is one man with a Midas touch when it comes to packaging and selling sex appeal. Let's have a little recap of Ford's "powerful" recent advertising ad campaign to illustrate my point.

This is the Spring/Summer 2010 campaign directed by Tom Ford. However, the influences from the early Terry Richardson days are subtly evident. Bordering on pornography if not done right, these tongue-in-cheek images were artfully executed by Ford, a man who could do no wrong.

The following images were shot by Terry Richardson in 2008. They created major shock waves then, and they still do today...

Now let's get back to the lipstick. The collection of 12 lipsticks (manufactured by Estee Lauder) is called Private Blend. Formulated with rare and exotic ingredients, the luxurious formula has an ultra-creamy texture for an incredibly smooth application. Specially treated color pigments are blended to deliver pure color with just the right balance of luminosity.

Ford told WWD, "This is my take on 12 classic lip colours. I took the most universally flattering colours that a woman can wear, and then I re-imagined them in a modern and authoritative way. These are signature lip colours for the makeup connoisseur."

I like Pink Dusk and Moroccan Rouge. What about you?

Check out the video on his website. Here are some stills taken from the video for your voyeuristic pleasure...

Official Site: www.tomford.com