Jeunesse Product Presentation & My Husband as a Home Lab Guinea Pig (ssst don't tell!)

I was invited to a product presentation hosted by Jeunesse in the Fairmont Hotel, because now available in Singapore: AM PM Essentials, dietary supplements designed for your well-being -maintaining strong nails and healthy hair among the benefits- and Be the Envy Perfecting BB Mist Foundation, for a professional airbrushed look in seconds.

I'm particularly keen to try out the AM & PM Essentials™, a two-part dietary supplement loaded with 70+ key vitamins, minerals, nutrients and botanicals that specifically targets your body’s morning and nighttime needs. Problem is however that I'm already quite happy with my current mix of supplements, carefully tailored to my diet and needs, as I have been a vegetarian for more than 18 years now. Over the years, it took quite some trying and adjusting, hence I don't want to switch to any other supplements than the ones I'm taking.

Luckily, I do have the perfect guinea pig at hand in my home lab: my husband. If someone could feel and look better, "begin the day with health in mind" and "end the day with peace of mind", it's my typical SEA Expat, workaholic, always travelling, always jetlagged, living-on-airplane-food and late-night-hotel-room-service-junkfood hubbie.

The perfect guinea pig: my always travelling, workaholic, airplane-junkfood-munching hubbie.

He'll be home from yet another trip to Jakarta tonight, and I came up with the greatest test design: not telling him what supplements I'll be feeding him from now on, and will just observe whether these dietary supplements, designed to achieve optimal health and slow the symptoms of premature aging, will root some notable differences. Like most men, he shares every single pain and itch with me, loudly, extensively and not to be missed, so I trust I WILL know if AM & PM Essentials will prove to be his holy grail in "improving his quality of life from the inside out".

To be continued...

Out of the Office until Fall: busy being mommy to the most beautiful creature in the world!

Home Sweet Home Fragrances

Last month we moved places within Singapore, and a new home always means new smells – the one more pleasant than the other. Great: the exotically sweet frangipane plants in the new garden. Not so great: continuous fried garlic fumes from the masterchef aspiring neighbor, and somewhat odd smelling closets. Luckily there are products called Home Fragrances, from scented candles to sachets and diffusers. Although this isn’t a beauty topic by definition, I didn’t want to keep my finds on home fragrances in Singapore to myself and therefore justify this topic as, well, beauty for your home.

So I’m a known fool for smells and fragrances. Not just perfumes, the industry I worked in for several years, but any distinctive, interesting smell. Especially when it's related to people, the pleasant smelling ones, obviously, and places - again, agreeable smells only and definitely not the smell of durians in Chinatown or the sewers of Jakarta. I must confess that I regularly though discreetly stick my nose in a lovely smelling neck while waiting for a traffic light. And my heart always jumps when I set foot on Changi Airport again, because I absolutely love the fresh, peachy smell of this place – most likely caused by a very good home errrr… airport fragrance. I would love to have that job, “Airport Fragrance Manager”. Anyway.

I don’t quite like the smell of one of the bathrooms in our new place and while I’m at it, the semi open walk-in closet could use a subtle fragrance as well. So off I went, on the hunt for some home fragrances. Of course there are Yankee Candle and Bath & Body Works in Singapore, but for me personally, their scents are way too artificial; the pungent synthetic notes of Bath & Body works’ aromas even give me headaches. A thorough round of research taught me that Tangs on Orchard Road is the place to be for home fragrances.

A selection of brands and products available at Tangs: B1 at Orchard Road 

is Home Fragrance Heaven!

To start with, Tang's has Diptyque scented candles in the niche fragrance corner on the 1st floor. I absolutely adore Diptyque, but their pricey products do hurt your wallet and my inner-Dutchie refuses to pay 100 SGD or more for a candle. Luckily in B1, alongside the pots, pans and chinaware, Tangs has lots of other home fragrance brands, that are (mostly) less expensive and at least as good, if not better. The blissful brands available are mostly luxurious, boutique style brands that are brought in from all over the world: Singaporean brand To Be Calm (of which I tried the “Singapore Journey” scented candle before), Australian borne Glasshouse Fragrances, Irish-owned Max Benjamin, obviously Italian Culti Milano, essentially English Royal Doulton Home Fragrances and another Ozzy brand named iKOU.

Most brands have both candles and diffusers, and some even stock sachets, scented cards and body products, like hand wash, body lotion, bath salts, essential oils etc. I got 3 different types of products from 3 different brands and put them to the test at home:

1. GLASSHOUSE FRAGRANCES: "Kyoto" Fragrance Diffuser

This is by far my favorite pick, and I already had trouble in store deciding on what fragrance to choose, as I actually wanted all of them. The names of the fragrances alone had me carried away on luxurious trips to dreamy places such as Bora Bora (Cilantro & Orange Zest), Oahu (Ilima Milk & Honey), Monte Carlo (Fig & Guava), Rio de Janeiro (Passion Fruit & Lime) and Beverly Hills (Pink Lemonade), just to name a few out of the large selection.

I chose Kyoto (Camelia & Lotus), as it really did remind me of what Japan smells like; softly sweet and sensually mysterious. Like a calm Zen temple surrounded by tantalizing Cherry Blossoms and Lotus flowers, something like that. The 250ml diffuser comes with about 12 wooden reeds, but using 5 proved to be enough to diffuse a very generous trail of fragrance throughout my bathroom, where I now try to spend as much time as possible. Can't wait to try out more of their products. And to book a trip to Oahu or The Hamptons.

Glasshouse Fragrances - “Kyoto” Triple Strength Fragrance Diffuser, 250ml
Price: 75 SGD
Available at Tangs, but also at Robinsons and other stores (find them here)

2. MAX BENJAMIN: “French Linen Water” Scented Card

Like fragrance diffusers, I like how carefree a sachet or scented card is. You just place it somewhere and don't have to think about it anymore, which is not the case when you burn a scented candle, that requires to be kept an eye on. Problem with most sachet type of product however is that the fragrance weakens so quickly, at least from my own experience. Fortunately this is not the case with Max Benjamin's Scented Cards, soft rubber plaques about the size of a (large) business card.

Max Benjamin has quite some appealing scents available, like Lemongrass & Ginger and Mimosa & Sweet Amber. I chose the clean and soft floral French Linen Water, that reminds me of a lavish bubble bath in a French mansion in the Provence, enveloping myself in fluffy, freshly washed towels afterwards. Indulgent, to say the least. So far, my walk-in closet has been smelling like the boudoir of a French countryside chateau for over a month now with the same two scented cards - magnifique!

Max Benjamin - “French Linen Water” Scented Card, for bag, wardrobe, drawers or car
Price: 13 SGD
Available at Tangs, Robinsons and Takashimaya

3. TO BE CALM: “Travelers Journey” Scented Candle

As said before, scented candles are more high maintenance than diffusers or scented cards and sachets - you do not want to leave a burning candle unattended. Singaporean brand To Be Calm does offer fragrance diffusers as well, but I couldn't resist to pick one of the cute candles that just look so nice on display in one of our bathrooms, especially the medium and mini sized candles.

Travelers Journey, with White Tea and Ginger, is a soothing as well as a reviving scent, fresh and clean with a subtle spiciness. Reminds me of...a much needed spa treatment in a 5-star resort, after a long and scorching hot day at an exotic South East Asian destination. I imagine a soothing and cooling body wrap, a fresh breeze rustling through the palm leafs outside and a last glimpse of glistering sun through the dark wooden shutters. Ahhh to be calm...

To Be Calm - “Travelers Journey” White Tea & Ginger Luxurious Scented Candle, Medium Size
Price: 37 SGD
Available at a.o. Tangs, at Pasarbella, through Sephora’s Webshop and even through Redmart.

Beeline to Daiso for the Cutest Toe Separators Ever

I'll keep it short so everyone can make a beeline to Daiso: the beloved Japanese dollar store (2 Singapore Dollar, actually) we mainly go to for magic sponges, now has the cutest toe separators ever. 

As I'm betting my husband won't have a clue what toe separators are, for accidental male readers (or people that have been living under a rock): it might sounds like a medieval torture device, but you actually use toe separators when applying nail polish to your toe nails, in order to avoid messing up your otherwise (ahem) flawless lacquer results.

For the ladies who don't get professional pedicures, or those - perfectionists like me - find themselves in need for small touch-up in between pedi's, these toe separators are irresistible and at only 2 SGD there's no good reason not to get them. Also, although they initially seemed a bit small, they are incredibly comfortable - something that doesn't come naturally with toe separators. So run!

My favorite nail polish of the moment: OPI Taupe-less Beach

Daiso - Animal Foot Pad* "Rabbit"
Price: 2 SGD
Available at Daiso, find locations here

* Lost in translation?! They're called toe separators, Daiso!

Tropical and Oriental Scented Shower Gels Emphasizing the Asian Paradise around me

I love embracing my surroundings with these tropical and oriental scented shower gels that emphasize the extraordinary Asian paradise that forms the decor of my daily life here in Singapore! 

I'm obsessed with scents. Scents of cities, people, places. What I love about scents is that they can bring back very strong memories instantly, but also strengthen a certain feeling while you are experiencing it. Living in Asia, I currently love scents that emphasize my surroundings and make me aware of the extraordinary lush and colourful Asian tropics that form the decor of my daily life even more.

To deal with the scorching and tiring Singaporean heat I treat myself with a refreshing cold shower every late afternoon. Apart from cooling off, it's a reflective moment - while showering I open the bathroom window to see the glinstering of the sun on the aquamarine pool of our condo and the rustling palm trees that bend from a gentle breeze (now that there's no gray and suffocating haze - yet). Flowers like frangipane, bougainville and heliconia's add a bright touch of colour to the already amazing view that still wows me everyday.

In addition, my favourite "living in Asia and loving it" shower gels solve a major problem: the search for a "normal" shower gel in Singapore, that is not a 1 liter bottle advertised as whitening, germ-killing and anti-bacterial and that looks like either kitchen cleaner or like it belongs aside a dimly lit jacuzzi in a brothel:

Your average Singaporean shower gel would not stand out below the sink with the kitchen cleaners...

...or aside a jacuzzi in a grimy Geylang brothel.

- Favourites: Sunny Asian-Pacific Islands & Balinese Beach Parties -

FAVOURITE #1: Sephora  - Monoi Creamy Body Wash

Seriously one of my most favourite body products ever! This shower gel with (you already guessed it) Monoi or Tiare flower and Tahitian Gardenia flower gives you that instant tropical feeling. What I love about this product is that the scent is pleasantly subtle, whereas most monoi products tend to smell really -nauseatingly- artifical. Not this one, which is perfect in every sense for a very friendly price. Reminds me of anything tropical from sunny beaches to cocktails to palm trees & coconuts and ofcourse colourful tropical flowers. 

Sephora - Monoi Creamy Body Wash, 140ml
Price: 11 SGD
Available at Sephora (find stores here)

FAVOURITE #2: The Body Shop - Fijian Water Lotus Shower Gel

Since April this year there are -finally- direct flights available from Singapore Changi Airport to Fiji, but in case you haven't had the chance yet to visit this tropical paradise just head to the Body Shop for this sparkling fresh tropical shower gel. Fijian Water Lotus shower gel has a sparkling zest of mandarin, the floral freshness of water lotus and a hint of marine saltiness for that beachy feeling. The Body Cream is just as lovely as the Shower Gel!

The Body Shop - Fijian Water Lotus Shower Gel, 250ml
Price: 15,90 SGD
Available at The Body Shop (find stores here)

FAVOURITE #3: Glasshouse Fragrances - Oahu Nourishing Body Bar

Not a shower gel but a soap, and although I usually prefer shower gels I was willing to set aside my preference because of this body bar. The product description in Sephora's webshop is spot-on: this soap embodies the joy of of grass skirts on shaking hips, Hula dancers and aromatic leis. Orange Blossom, White Heliotrope and Narcissus flowers create an unforgettable and indulging aromatic experience and the Shea Butter, Vitamin E and Almond Oil generate a rich lather that will leave your skin feeling nourished and beautifully fragrant.

Glasshouse Fragrances - Oahu Nourishing Body Bar, 200gr
Price: 20 SGD
Available at Sephora Singapore's webshop (find here)

- Favourites: Oriental Bliss & Traditional Herbal Spa's -

FAVOURITE #4: Ba Yan Ka La - Organic Tibetan Roseroot Body Wash

Although Tibet is far from tropical, this lovely oriental shower gel with an earthy floral scent to it cannot miss in this list. Ba Yan Ka La is a pioneering skincare and body care concept from Shanghai, inspired by thousand years old Oriental wisdom of herbal science. The company’s products are ethical, natural and clean, using organic and plant ingredients. Ba Yan Ka La's products are a favourite brand for a selected number of leading boutiques, resorts and prominent global five star hotel names. I highly value the fact that they have a "Leaping Bunny certification", demonstrating their commitment to a cruelty free approach. What's not to love about this product?!

Ba Yan Ka La - Organic Tibetan Roseroot Invigorating Body Wash, 500ml
Price: 40 SGD
Available at Tang's Orchard Road, Level 4 (find store here)

FAVOURITE #5: Spa Siam - Lemon Grass Body Wash

The scent of Spa Siam's Lemongrass Shiso Shower gel is incredibly invigorating after you survived yet another hot and humid day in the tropics. My husband said I smelled like Thai food though. Cymbopogon schoenanthus oil derived from natural lemongrass aids in balancing the skin, containing natural anti oxidants and antimicrobial properties. Bergamot fruit oil stimulates natural relaxation and is refreshing on the skin. Shiso extract a is a natural moisturizer. An exotic combination of natural ingredients to rejuvenate your skin. Contains no parabens or sulfates.

Spa Siam - Lemongrass Shiso Shower Gel, 320ml
Price: 23,40 SGD
Available online through Redmart

Feeling Absolutely Reborn with Traditional Chinese Magic Mushrooms: Soo Beaute's Oriental Herbal Essence "Ganoderma-Ginseng Mask"

What’s that strange, knobly brown fungus that is displayed on all kinds of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) pills, powders and beauty products, that was traditionally considered to be among the most valuable possessions a new bride could bring into a marriage in ancient China? Personally I think it looks like some sort of alien brains, but nevertheless I put this TCM allstar to the test with Soo Beaute’s Oriental Herbal Essence “Ganoderma-Ginseng Mask”.

Traditional Chinese Medicine – initially I would stay away as far as possible from the aisles stuffed with shiny red and gold product packaging, displaying the strangest herbs and fungi pills, powders and tonics with names such as “blood cleanser”, “kidney booster” and "liver purifier".

This part of Asian culture however fascinates me more and more, especially related to beauty products. After having tried beauty products with a.o. bird’s nest, pearl powder and horse fat I consider myself ready to step up my game and try out something with a strange fungus as ingredient, a knobly, brain-like fungus that I’ve seen a lot on the packs of TCM pills and powders and ‘fresh’ (dried, that is) in the small herbal shops in Singapore’s Chinatown and that I encountered during trips in Hong Kong and Shanghai as well. What is this strange stuff and what are the benefits to the skin?

My globetrotting, always open-to-adventure godmother couldn't resist to check out the TCM dried lizards 

in Singapore's Chinatown when she was visiting me this spring...

Herbalist Emperors and Prosperous Brides

The knobly, alien brain-like brown fungus is called Ganoderma lucidum and this mushroom species is known across the world under different names like Reishi, Ling Zhi, Lucid Ganoderma, and Linh Chi. It grows on wood in tropical regions and is therefore also referred to as shelf mushrooms or bracket fungi.

It was first described more than 2400 years ago during the Shu Dynasty. During the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.~ 8 AD) legendary herbalist-emperor Shen Nong described it as a superior herb that “serves to maintain life, causes no side effects by continuous use, and promotes radiant health and long life by helping to harmonize the functions of the body, mind and spirit”.

A Famille-Rose lobed bowl showing a leafy sprig of lingzhi - although being a mushroom, lingzhi does not have leaves. 
Copyright Sotheby's - read a great article on Lingzhi in Chinese art here.

Ganoderma or Lingzhi (i.e. the most common names in TCM) is widely depicted in Asian art, architecture and design and can be seen everywhere in the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace in Beijing, a testimony to how highly it was valued in Chinese society throughout history - even the traditional scepter of the Chinese emperors was a stylized Reishi. Because of its many benefits for health, Ganoderma was traditionally considered to be amongst the most valuable possessions a new bride could bring into a marriage in ancient China.

Health & Beauty Benefits of Ganoderma

Ganoderma contains lots of bioactive compounds that make these herbal mushrooms innately rich with a.o. analgesic (painkilling), antipyretic (fever-reducing), antimicrobial (killing microorganisms), splenic, cytotoxic (toxic to bad cells) and sedative properties. Main general health benefits  are believed to be a.o.:

• Boosting and regulating the immune system of the body; 
• Detoxifying and strengthening the liver; 
• Normalizing the body’s metabolism rate, energizing the body and help it combat stress;
• Improving overall mood, easing irritability and anxiety, calming the mind, relaxing the body and helping to overcome depression; 
• Preventing the release of histamines in case of allergies (anything from hay fever to atopic dermatitis and anaphylactic shocks); 
• Nourishing the respiratory system in case of a simple cold or even sinusitis or more severe conditions like asthma and bronchitis; 
• Lowering and regulating the blood pressure levels of the body; 
• Easing inflammatory conditions and alleviating and easing the pain that is experienced by the sufferer. 

For skin specifically, Ganoderma is believed to slow down premature aging because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic agents that empower the immune system and promote blood circulation. A stronger immune system eases free radical activities, which is supposed to reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and inflammations. Improved blood circulation enhances the elasticity and tone of the skin, slowing down the ageing process with a clearer and younger looking skin as a result. In addition, various studies indicate that a large range of external skin issues like sunburns, wounds and rashes can be cured by Ganoderma through harmonized functioning of its anti-histaminic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbialand anti-allergenic properties.

For hair specifically, the high level of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties and improved blood circulation slow down premature hair loss and balding and is believed to promote hair growth and prevent premature graying.

All together that's quite a list!

Soo Beaute - Oriental Herbal Essence Ganoderma Ginseng Mask

I’m trying out a Ganoderma mask with Ginseng from Soo Beaute, a Korean brand renowned for its wide variety of sheet masks. My intention for this post was to research ganoderma instead of ginseng and as I don’t want this post to become too extensive here’s just some short info on Ginseng:

Panax Ginseng, Chinese Ginseng or Korean Ginseng to be exact, is a slow-growing perennial (i.e. living > 2 years - ginseng is believed to be best after 5 years) plant with fleshy roots that grows in the cooler climates of eastern Asia in countries like China, Korea, Bhutan and eastern Siberia.

Ginseng is one of the most highly regarded herbal medicines in Asia. Its roots and leaves are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which are good for overall skin health.  According to Eu Yan Sang, Singapore’s Traditional Chinese Medicine specialist store: “Ginseng is a unique root that brightens the skin, prevents UV damage, enhances collagen synthesis, and diminishes signs of ageing”. It is often used to reduce black spots on the face, reduce puffiness of the eyes and to lighten dark circles under the eyes.

The promise of diminishing signs of aging sounds always good; in addition, I think my skin can definitely use some antioxidants after a few nights of extensive dining and clubbing in Hong Kong and Shanghai. 

According to the product description I should leave on the mask for 20-30 minutes, which is quite a long time. Fortunately I have plenty of time as I have planned to spend a night of relaxing in the bath tub of my Shanghai hotel while my husband is out for dinner with business relations. Glass of chilled white wine: check. Newest Vogue: check. Relaxing scented candle; check. I might was well skip the scented candle next time, as the scent of the face mask is overwhelming and unmistakably ginseng. Very strong ginseng. I don’t think I can smell the ganoderma, but then again I have no clue what it smells like.

The fit of the sheet mask is pretty ok; there’s two flaps of sheet under the holes for the eyes that I presume aren’t intended to have a function, but for me they prevent my mascara from smudging on the skin under my eyes so that’s good in case you want to look good while pampering in the tub. The mask itself feels fresh and is very comfortable. The strong scent doesn’t bother me so much and 30 minutes fly.

The result? I feel absolutely reborn – whereas I was in a ‘tired from travelling and partying’ and ‘stressed from work related deadlines’ state before, I now feel totally calm and zen. Awesome. I think my skin isn’t visibly different, but I find the mask works miracles when stressed and tired and in need for some relaxation and invigoration. How do I know it's not just taking a bath that causes this marvelous effect? Well, I'm very much not a bath person and prefer showers as I find these way more relaxing. So if this product works on me taking a bath that in general never relaxes me, it must be the magic mushrooms. Like!!! *Running to the store to get a heap more*

Soo Beaute Oriental Herbal Essence Ganoderma-Ginseng Face Mask
Price: 1,95 SGD
Available at Sasa (find stores here)

Forget the Merlion Key Chains & Nonya Kaya: Cool Asian Beauty Gifts to Bring Back Home during Summer Holidays

Almost summer holidays, meaning a massive migration amongst expats in Singapore that are going home to Europe, the US, Australia or elsewhere outside of Asia. Anticipating on this migration, I find myself picking up increasing amounts of local gifts to bring back home for friends and family. During past visits I already brought back silk kimono’s, chopsticks, all kinds of merchandise with “Can Lah” and local delicacies such as Nonya Kaya. This time I decided to delight the people at home with something more inspiring than another Merlion keychain or Orchid fridge magnet, and -more importantly- stuff that I love myself: Asian Beauty Products. Anything from kawaii cute to Chinese Traditional Medicine weird (from a Western point of view, that is) – find out below what I will bring back home this year!

Etude House “I need you” Sheet Masks

Possibly the cutest sheet masks around that come in a great variety with different ingredients for different purposes: from ‘regulars’ like Tee Tree and Olive Oil to ‘through and through Asian’ like pearl powder, ginseng and snail slime (all very high regarded ingredients within Traditional Chinese Medicine!). These sheet masks can be purchased individually for only 1,90 SGD a piece and make great small gifts; I usually create a set myself by picking 5 Asian ingredients/themes by just wrapping a ribbon around it.

Price: 1,90 SGD
Available at Etude House (find stores here)

It’s Skin – Macaron Tinted Lip and Cheek

A beauty product in the shape of a pink macaron – need I say more?! Besides the cutesy packaging this lip and cheek tint is actually a pretty great product to add a subtle hint of colour on your lips or cheeks; it has a creamy texture and the sweet and delicious scent that "sends happy softness and moisture”.

Price: 10 SGD
Available through Althea (free shipping to Singapore above 50 SGD)

The Face Shop "Myeonghan Miindo" Hwansaenggo Gold Eye Cream

A luxurious gift for your (aging) besties! I first of all love the design of The Face Shop's entire Myeonghan Miindo line, a range of Oriental herbal skincare. This anti-aging eyecream contains 6 year old red ginseng, which is believed to be the highest grade ginseng and is effective to regenerate and slow down the aging process. In addition, the firm and rich cream contains 24K pure gold (250mg) to create bright and resilient skin. Amongst the other wrinkle improving and nourishing essences from traditional Asian plant extracts are camellia oil, lotus flower extract, cordyceps, lingzhi mushroom and fermented bean extract. The Myeonghan Miindo line consist of many other great products in different price categories, starting at 12,90 SGD for a sheet mask. 

N.B. This product contains skin lightening ingredients like licorice extract and niacinamide; these ingredients won't turn you or your friends into pale white ghosts right away, unless you use several products with these ingredients multiple times a day for a longer period of time. In a single eyecream these ingredients won't do any harm to your skin and might even cause good results like lightening up the dark circles under your eyes. Read more about the difference between whitening, lightening and brightening here.

Price: 95 SGD (also available in a gift set - see picture above)

Available at The Face Shop (find stores here)

Majolica Majorca "Lash Gorgeous Wing Neo" Mascara

Mascara formulated with long and short jet black fibers to fill in the gaps between each eyelash for thick, voluminous lashes! So yes, there's actually little pieces of fiber that stick to your eyelashes, like minuscule false lashes with a more natural effect than regular rows of false eyelashes. These fibers stick firmly to your lashes so no worries that the particles will fall into your eyes. I wear contact lenses myself and have no issues whatsoever wearing this product and really love the full voluminous effect it creates (use at least 2 layers of product though). Majolica Majorca is a leading makeup brand in Asia and part of the Shiseido Group - valid arguments to use if your friends initially find the not so Western-looking mascara a bit bizarre (last time I brought this home I was bombarded with a.o."Ieww...did you get this from AliExpress for less than a dollar?!" and "I looks like it has been made in Frankensteins Seoul basement...You seriously expect me to use this?!")

Price: 25,90 SGD

Available at a.o. Watsons (find stores here)

Onsen Japonica "Complete Regimen Box"

Hydrating, nourishing and pampering - this ultimate treat makes the perfect gift for your BFF. An onsen is a Japanese hotspring that the Japanese have been bathing in for centuries already because of the healing powers derived from its mineral content. The products of Onsen Japonica contain pure, certified onsen water that is sourced from the only onsen spring approved by the Japanese government for use in cosmetics. This cool brand offers their complete three-step skincare routine to soothe and rejuvenate the skin at a cellular level in a lovely traditional Japanese Paulownia wooden box. That you actually might want to keep yourself instead of giving it away - happened to me before. Still not convinced? Read my review of Onsen Japonica's Deep Hydrating Cleanser here.

Price: 280 SGD

Available through Onsen Japonica's webshop (free delivery in Singapore) and Sephora's webshop

Piolang "CP-1 Oriental Herbal Hair Cleansing Shampoo & Treatment"

The past decade I have worked in Marketing Communications for several cosmetic brands - as a result, I'm a fool for the incredibly funny Asian product claims and taglines that give me a good laugh and make me love the products even more. Recently I couldn't resist to purchase Piolang's CP-1 Oriental Herbal Hair products as a gift for two another marketing-savvy friends back at home because of the following product promises:

I mean, who can resist "their lover dreaming deep into your subtle scent beside you"?! The products contain a herbal complex consisting of fruits and flowers used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, like Magnolia Kobus Bark extract, Camelia Japonica Seed extract, Evening Primrose extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa root (Moutan or Chinese tree peony) and. In addition, the products contain horse oil – a fascinating ingredient (read my review of a face mask with horse oil here) that is very popular in all kinds of Asian cosmetics.

Price: 16,80 SGD (set of Shampoo + Treatment)

Available through Althea (free shipping to Singapore above 50 SGD)

My Beauty Dairy (Imperial) Bird's Nest Sheet Masks

A true classic and typically South East Asian beauty ingredient: Bird's Nest. Read my review of My Beauty Diary's Imperial Bird's Nest Mask here.

My Beauty Dairy (Imperial) Bird's Nest Mask (10 pcs)
Price: 14,50 SGD

Available at a.o. Watsons (find stores here) & Guardian (find stores here)