AHLIANREVIEWS: Bee Choo Origin Herbal Hair Treatment Review - 2nd & 3rd trial

As you can read from my title, I am going to combine my last 2 visits to the salon into 1 post. The reason is because the steps and procedures are the same. What is different is that on my 3rd visit, I was recommended to try their collagen hair treatment as my hair ends are really dry.

The therapist told me that usually it would be advisable to do the collagen hair treatment after 2-3 sessions of the herbal scalp treatment as to a certain extent, it made the hair dry. So I tried since I have not had a hair treatment done for many months. It just took another 20 minutes or so and the mask would be wash off. It cost around $46 I think since I did the herbal scalp treatment. The collagen hair treatment alone cost $70+ if you do not do any scalp treatment.

On the 3rd visit, I did not use the ampoule as I kind of get used to the herbs so save $8 to pay for the collagen treatment. :) I have to say the collagen hair treatment was really good. My hair was immediately soft to touch. Again, my hair was not blow dry, just damp and let dry naturally due to the herbal treatment. But you can definitely feel the difference. Below is a picture of me under the steaming machine while the therapist stepped out to collect laundry:

As mentioned in my earlier post, I always chose to visit the salon on Sunday morning as less people. The therapist just finished with one customer and I had the salon to myself during this time. haha... Let me post another picture of the hair tonic that I bought and still using:

At first, I used it every day for the 1st 2 weeks. Thereafter I only use on alternate days. I love this hair tonic and think it really helps to strengthen the hair and stimulate hair growth at the front of my scalp. This bottle has lasted me more than 3 months and cost only $28. Super worthy!! And if you remember to bring this along, the therapist can help to apply after washing your hair.

I have bought another hair oil for dry ends. It is a small bottle. Sorry keep forgetting to take a picture of it. I use that everyday on my hair ends and it does not weigh down hair. Something similar to Loreal Extraordinary Oil. But Loreal is in a larger bottle and price is almost comparable. So I think I can skip from Origin and buy Loreal one better. I bought the hair conditioner for dry and damaged hair. It is quite good. Hair is soft after wash but for my case as I have extremely dry ends,  I still need to use hair oil, sigh... so much $$$ spent on my hair...

After 3 sessions with Bee Choo, I think I will continue to stick with it unless something drastic happen. :) It is definitely a cheaper and safer way to cover my grey hair and maintain a healthy scalp. And really, I see some fine and short hair growing out at the front, which I am super happy as I have a receding and thinning hairline. :):):)

Lastly, let me share with you what colour my hair comes out after the treatment. The colour on your hair is subject to your own hair texture and colour so will be different from individuals:

 

AHLIANREVIEWS: Bee Choo Origin Herbal Hair Treatment Review - first trial

I was recommended by my colleague who visited a hair salon that uses Bee Choo Origin Herbal hair treatment to colour her grey hair. Her verdict was that it was much cheaper than normal chemical colouring and they use herbs to dye the hair, which is better than chemical colouring.

So I searched online on what exactly is this "Bee Choo" thingy... You can also search for it so I shall not waste time to repeat whatever you can find in their website or other website.

Maybe as age is catching up, one tend to be more conscious of what goes into our body so anything herbal, natural should be good right? :)

For my case, it is not so much about hair loss although I do lose hair everyday. Especially after I wash my hair or when I am blow drying my hair.. the amount of hair on the floor is scary... I have long, over shoulder hair, fyi.

I wanted to try this Bee Choo herbal hair treatment to see if it really can help with covering my grey hair and hopefully reduce the amount of hair drop. I do have slight receding hairline over time and also at the two temples of my head. It also claims to leave your hair softer and less dry, which is what I want!

Finally, I went for my first trial... Sorry that I did not get any pictures taken on my first visit. And really it is just a normal hair salon shop... I have read reviews that the place could be very crowded and so I chose to pay a visit on a Sunday at 10.30am! Luckily for me, there was only one lady in front of me and the therapist (I called her therapist as she does not style or cut hair, only do the treatment and blow dry hair) was able to service me immediately.

She examined my scalp and said my scalp was "not too bad" and went ahead to spray some gingerly-tonic and apply olive oil on my hair. "But your hair is really dry. This treatment will help to improve the condition of your hair," said the therapist.This was followed by applying THE cream or paste on my hair/scalp. It has some herbal smell, but not very pungent. I would say acceptable to most people in general. I told my sister the smell reminded me of lotus leaf... thinking of ba-chang! (Slurp) Next stage was to let the hair go under the steamer for 40 minutes.

Ok, this is the part where I think most people will drag... Sitting there under the hot steamer for 40 minutes!!! Well, just make sure you ask the therapist for more magazines or you could bring your own entertainment devices.

Once the timer went off, you would need to sit there for another 20-30 minutes for your hair to cool off... Urghhhh.... another long wait... Then again, for the sake of healthy looking hair, I shall endure... When your hair has cooled down, you would be asked to move over to the shampoo area for the therapist to rinse off the paste. So I had 2 washes and some head massages which was relaxing.

I was told not to wash my hair for the next 5 hours and should use dark colour towel when I do wash it. That was nice, we all love constant reminders. :)

While blow drying my hair, the therapist gently asked if I would like to add an ampoule ($8) for my scalp to further enhance the benefits of the whole treatment. Ok ok, bring it on.. Oh it does feel good as the ampoule has a minty feeling on my scalp.

One thing to note, they will not blow dry your hair until it is completely dry. The reason not to do so is because our hair has the herbal paste and if our hair is completely dry, it will turn very hard. So the trick is to let the hair dry up naturally... Therefore, have to be prepared that when you leave the salon, your hair is still 30-40% damp. That is for my case as I have very thick hair and long... But still ok for the sake of beautiful hair...

The therapist did mention about the treatment package at the end of the session, but I was not keen as I do not see the big pull factor to get it. At the end, it cost me $52 for the whole treatment, including the ampoule. What a steal, I have to say, comparing it to a normal chemical dye in any salon. Even my neighbor salon's hair colour plus treatment would set me back by at least $130.

I did purchase the hair tonic ($28) that I have been using it daily. After I washed off the first time, I had to say my grey hair has nicely turned red. It has become like highlights, which is quite nice, haha... I promise to post some photos in my next review. :)

Oh, btw, my hair was not soft after the first trial. Still the same stiff, dry, coarse... perhaps too much chemical still lingering on my hair. Hopefully after the next visit, I can see some improvement.

AHLIANREVIEWS: SON&PARK MIRACLE BEAUTY WATER, BEAUTY GEL, LIP CRAYON

You know the craze about all Korean-cosmetics / make-ups nowadays? So I am also one of them... How not to give in when the reviews are so good, right? And with the name as " Miracle Beauty Water" and at affordable price... What are you waiting for?????

The Son&Park Beauty Water is a luxurious cleansing liquid based on a natural plant therapy that exfoliates and moisturizes skin at once. How cool is that??? It's made with organic French lavender water, orange water & rose water that soothes the skin giving it sufficient moisture and nutrients.

I initially got the whole concept wrong. Thinking it is just a toner. But after some prolong use and reading back the benefits of the water, did I realize it serves as a cleanser too! So you can try to use 1st time as a cleanser then second round as a toner. I have to say my face looks fairer now, as seems like less breakouts. But I have been quite diligently using facial scrub and pore brush to cleanse my face so not sure which one is doing the work.

In any case, I do not mind to repurchase this Beauty Water as it does cleanse the face quite well if you only have mild make up on. I would call it a 2-in-1 use of the Beauty Water. This is ideal if you do not like those oily make up remover. I think it does as well but not much on water-proof make up.

Next review is on the H2O Beauty Gel. My face is dry on surface but I cannot take cream based moisturizer as it tends to give me oil clots. So my beautician advised me to try gel based as much as possible or serum. With this H2O Beauty Gel which is also affordable, I decided to try out too.

The gel itself is very light and watery. But I feel that it does not moisturize as good as I want it to be. It seems like if you have oily skin, this may be better for you as after using, I kind of feel a bit tight on my skin. Then I realized it actually works to tighten the pores. It may be more ideal on morning use when you have to put on make up and want the gel to dry up fast. But it will not serve as an ideal night moisturizer. At least not for me so may not repurchase for this item.

The last item in my review is the Lip Crayon. I bought the Sugar Tint colour. I like it!!! Hahahhaa... The colour changes to a darker pink after applying. But it is very light and sweet kind of pink. I will try to upload some pictures when I have the chance. I like that it is quite moisturizing as well, unlike other types of lip crayon. For this, the price is not cheap. I think is $16.90. Shall see how long it can last for me. Yes, I will definitely buy other colours of this lip crayon!!!

[S$24.90]★DEDUCT $18★ FAMOUS KOREAN CELEBRITY MAKE-UP ARTIST★BEAUTY WATER/FLAWLESS SKIN/EXFOLIATES/SOFT SKIN/MOISTURIZES/GET IT BEAUTY!! SON and PARK.

 

AHLIANREVIEWS: Japan Enzyme Crystal Bar Soap

Updated on 16 May 2014:

Can anyone guess which one is the current and which one is the before photo? If you can guess correctly, then it shows my complexion has improved. :)

Updated on 7 May 2014:

Enzyme soap... another interesting product for our face after the Konjac sponge which claims to clear white and black heads just by washing our face... And not just that, because there are live enzyme on the soap, the enzyme helps to tighten the pores after it removes the impurities from our face. Your skin is left cleaner, tighter and smoother! Wah sey... cannot already.. die die must try!!

So here is the parcel I received one day before Labour Day. I bought $60 in one purchase to qualify for free shipping.

The types of soap I bought were; Papaya, Avocado and Collagen. Papaya is for cleansing and exfoliation so I use it when I want to remove my make-up, usually at night. Avocado and Collagen for both for moisturizing which is suitable for morning after you wake up to prep your skin. The soap comes with a washing net which is very useful. If you want to have a good foam like texture, you need to use the net to lather up a good foam like texture to use. A little goes a long way. So I would advise using the net if you want to prolong the use of the soap. And if you lather up a lot of foam, you can even use it for body wash. I did that on some days when the net is still soapy and can lather up another handful of foam. Save on body wash too! hiak hiak...

Below is how the soap looks like after one week of usage:

Do take note the soap is really small, not your usual rectangular shaped soap. It is smaller than the inner circle of my palm. Left dark colour is the Collagen soap and the right side orange with small white flowy design is the Papaya soap.

I have yet to see those crystallization of the soap like what the website has shown. Not sure is it because I use the soap dish instead of the recommended placing the soap on top of sponge way. Would love to see those crystal forming. However, you could see there is a layer of crystal forming on the Collagen soap, if you observed it closely. So hopefully I can see more crystallization. Not that it has any effects on the benefits of the soap but it would mean the soap really has live enzyme???

I have yet to upload photos of my face before and after as I have not seen a big change (picture not clear to show the blackheads on my chin) but will continue to use it and see if it helps to reduce the pit holes on my face. Will upload photos if my face condition improves and can see from the photos. :)

One thing to note, it does help to reduce black heads on my chin area so far after 1 week of using it. And it really cleanses well to the effect that your face looks fairer immediately after washing. I have to say I am considered very fair and yet it can make my face looks fairer after washing. haha...

I normally pat on toner after washing to get rid of any residual make up that is not removed during face washing and mind you, after using this soap, the effect is as good as using Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil.

One down side is that my face feels really dry after washing with the soap and it feels itchy so definitely have to use moisturizer even though the recommended usage from the website says not to so that face can peel off to reveal smooth skin. I cannot be bothered as the itchiness makes me scratch my face so I feel I better use light moisturizer after toner.

VERDICT: I will definitely continue to use this soap as the cleansing ability is very good. I do not think it is expensive if you compare it with Shu Uemura yet achieving the same or better effect. However, if your skin is getting too dry from this, please opt for other options or alternate use. Trust your skin on the cues they give you. :)

[S$13.90][Skinのpure]女人我最大OVER 13300 GOOD REVIEWS:miraculous Result Perfect Skin- SKINのPURE Enzyme Crystal Soap Bar skinpure

WWW.QOO10.SG

*SOLD* AHLIANMARKETPLACE: Olay Pro-X Microdermabrasion Plus Advanced Cleansing System, 1-Kit

Updated on 7Nov2013:
Thought it might be a good idea to show how much Qoo10.sg is selling currently for price comparison. Similar set from US which I got it from Amazon.

• [olay]*FREE GIFT* *READY STOCK-NEW* Olay Professional Microdermabrasion Plus Advanced Cleansing System
• S$85.00

Updated on 6Oct2013:
Olay Pro-X Microdermabrasion Plus Advanced Cleansing System, 1-Kit

Get microdermabrasion results at home with this next generation system

Exfoliate using Microdermabrasion speed setting for a visibly brighter, more even skin tone

Microdermabrasion Foam Heads and Thermal Crystal Polisher work together to gently polish away imperfections, dull patches and surface discoloration for exfoliation thats 7x better than our scrub alone

Also includes an Advanced Cleansing Brush Head and two cleansing settings for a thorough, daily cleansing

Kit includes a 3 Speed Facial Cleansing System, Microdermabrasion Foam Head, Cleansing Brush Head, Thermal Crystal Polisher (0.68 fl. oz.), Exfoliating Renewal Cleanser (0.68 fl. oz.), & 2 AA Duracell Batteries

Currently Qoo10.sg is selling this at $59.90 on promo for a limited time. Usual price is $70.00.

I am letting go at $52.00. Recommended to top up $3.00 for registered post or meet up at my convenience.

No waiting time as ready stock in Singapore!

 

AHLIANREVIEWS: Konjac Sponge 100% natural vegetable fibre

I know it has been a long time since I last wrote anything, let alone review anything. :) I bought a few things from qoo10.sg but thought I want to use them for a while before reviewing to be fair to the products.

One of the reason for me to go for facial is to have the beautician extracts blackheads and whiteheads from my face. Some areas are difficult to reach such as the chin area which I am very prone with blackheads.

I actually do not have much problem with the nose but the chin area is definitely one area my beautician loves to squeeze because she said it gave her a sense of satisfaction when she saw how much she had extracted from my chin! No matter how much I extract on my own, it still comes back after a few weeks.

So I have to make monthly trip to my beautician and if I skip a month... wahhhhh... it just accumulates!!! And so I was very tempted to get the automated pore brush which promises to clean the skin and remove dirt from your pores. I believe my face is not thoroughly washed that is why the dirt, make-up stuff still remain in the pores which clogs it and cause the blackheads build up.

I have to applaud qoo10.sg as it constantly advertises new products and one of the new items I noticed is this Konjac Sponge. And so you ask what is so special about this sponge? Well, I really don't care as long as it works. hahaha... Some extracts from the website:

The Konjac Sponge Round is a facial sponge made from a vegetable called "konjac". This 100% natural vegetable fibre sponge helps to clean, exfoliate and moisturise the skin. It is softer than loofah and natural sea sponges and is 100% biodegradable.

 

Its highly water-attracting properties allow it to absorb more water, up to 20 times its weight, bringing much needed moisture to dry skin. The natural vegetable fibre imparts a weak alkalising effect working like a gentle and natural cleanser.Its natural cleaning ability reduces the need for irritating soap products that may dry the skin. The Konjac Sponge is 100% natural and is hand-made containing no preservatives or artificial chemicals.

But I like the idea that it is 100% natural vegetable fibre... Makes any sense to you???? LOL. As long as it is natural I don't mind to try out.

Here's how it looks:

They actually come in many shapes so you can choose whichever you like. Best thing is, it comes in different colours too! Each colour represents a different purpose or "flavor". My first purchase was Tumeric/yellow and aloe vera. The Tumeric one will help to exfoliate the skin and reduce pigmentation and even out your skin tone. I do have a small patch of pigmentation on my cheek so will see if this really helps. Even if it does not, I won't blame it as it is so cheap...

I must say the first attempt was impressive! I really felt a difference to my chin area. And I have to mention that I did my facial just a few days ago before using this sponge. So the chin area should be just fine. But you can still feel a bit bumpy due to the build up. The sponge is actually soft to the touch and it is not like your typical body sponge which is coarser. This is really just nice for the face and I actually have the tendency to use more pressure. :)

After the first attempt, my chin area really felt smoother! No joke! Why? Because this sponge is only $2.20!!!!! My gosh.... I saw similar sponge in KL Watson 2 weeks ago when I was on business trip and they were selling like RM30-40!!! Speechless and my oh my I have found a true gem in qoo10.sg!!

My verdict: MUST BUY!!!! coz it works for me!!! I am so happy.... I only use it on alternate days and I can really feel the difference. It has been like coming to 3 weeks and my chin area still feel like I had my facial done yesterday! No kidding. You have to use it to believe it. Maybe because my chin area is very bad so I can feel the diff. My hubby also said his face feels smoother but he is lazy to use it everyday... so if you are not diligent, don't blame the product!! I cannot wait for the next trip to my beautician to hear what she has to say about my chin area. hahaha..

• Fast Delivery Konjac Sponge 100% natural vegetable fibre/ Reduce blackheads/ Clears Acne
• S$2.20

AHLIANREVIEWS: Secretkey Snail + EGF Repair Gel

After seeing positive results from the Secretkey Snail Cream I decided to try the gel instead. Since I am getting the gel, I just add another 2 tub of Snail Cream to my bucket. :) It is cheap and absorbs well so I do not mind to use it as morning moisturiser.

Items came in good form with additional freebies, as usual. Very thoughtful of the seller. :) The gel is transparent as can see from the second photo.

In terms of the texture, it is cooling when applied on. Something like the Laneige Sleeping Mask. However, as it is gel, it takes a longer time to be absorbed. Thus I would advise to use this before sleep instead of morning moisturiser. Plus it is quite sticky so really better to use as a night moisturiser.

After using it for more than 2 weeks, I feel that it is not that as moisturising as the snail cream. I do not see visible results or feeling that my skin is getting the "nutrients". Perhaps those with oily skin can try the gel instead of cream. I will most likely stop getting the gel once I finish my current stock as I still prefer the cream due to dry skin.

AHLIANREVIEWS: Secretkey Snail + EGF Repair Cream

I was intrigued by the good reviews on the latest beauty fad regarding snail's secretion or mucus. Qoo10 has quite a few sellers selling the item but in different type. Some are cream and some are gel. There is also serum. Even for cream there is those normal white cream type and those sticky liquid type.

As a first time user, of course I will try the one that offers the cheapest yet having good reviews. So this seller, Secretkey got my attention because one small tub of snail repair cream is about $10 compared to other sellers selling at $19 or more. I ordered 2 tubs without hesitation because I was recovering from sensitive skin and thought I could try other products. I also credit to Suntory Milcolla collagen that I have been faithfully taking every day for the great improvement to my skin. :)

A little information on the Snail + EGF Repair Cream: the cream is made from snail's mucus and EGF that promotes cell regeneration and helps to improve acne scars and skin elasticity.

But you know good things do not last for long and I was having some acne problems on my chin and mouth area. Probably due to eating chips with bare hands and then touching those areas unconsciously... "sob" So although Curel is helping to treat my sensitive skin, it does not help to reduce the acne marks that I have created due to pimple squeezing. "sigh"

With the good reviews on snail cream, I was really anticipating good results even before I use it.

Items came in within 2 weeks which is acceptable. There are 2 freebie items included which I have yet to try. The cream feels like normal cream you would expect with lightly scented fragance which is acceptable to me.

The texture is quite thick and needs abit of effort to apply and blend the product into skin. But the cream absorbs well and leave a tinge of cream on the skin surface. It is not that oily but you can feel that there is something on the skin. This is fine when you use at night before going to sleep. I tried putting on in the morning before my make up and surprisingly it blends in well without having to wait for it to dry or absorb into skin! Or maybe my skin is too dry so it is able to absorb the cream. :)

The next image is to show the before and after effect after one week of using the cream for morning and night.

The above picture is to show there is a dark acne scar on the left side near my mouth and you can also see the deep pimple holes that are left behind since teenage years. A = after and B = before. Not sure if you can tell the difference but I think there is a slight fading on the A photo. Not much improvement to the deep pimple holes though but it is just a week of usage so I do not expect miracles to happen for that area. :)

Second photo is to show the pimple marks on my chin before and after one week of usage:

Again I think the marks have lightened and if not wrong seems to have shrink abit? So far one week of usage, it seems that the cream is really quite good especially when it does not give me problems as I do have sensitive skin prior to using this snail cream. I am almost half done with the first tub so hopefully I can see better results in the next one week. Will update my blog in another week's time.


Updated on 2 November 2012:

I have finished using one tub of the cream for exactly 2 weeks as I used 3x per day. Not trying to be kiasu but because the cream is not that rich as a night cream in my opinion. I normally apply once after I shower and by the time I am ready for bed, the cream seems to have been absorbed onto the face. Therefore I apply another layer before I go to bed for more moist.

I just want to confirm that the image is taken as raw as it can be although you may find that the door colour and my face colour seems brighter on certain image. I guess I must have taken the photos at different time of the day that resulted in the different shades. But the main thing is that you can clearly see the acne mark on the side my mouth is definitely less obvious compared to 2 weeks ago. All these photos are taken without any trace of make-up.

The next set of photos show the chin area after 2 weeks of using. I did not realise that my chin was worse after 1st week as compared to image A! Then when compared to image C with A, can see the marks have lightened a bit although not as obvious as the one above.

I have passed the other tub I have to my mum hoping she would like it. And have subsequently purchased another 2 tubs and this time purchased the gel type as well! Cannot wait to try it on. :)

Disclaimer: I am not endorsing the product but merely just sharing my personal experience after using it. Results may vary from individuals.