Monday, August 27, 2012

Up Close: Le Fairymeadow And Her Floral Creations

Recently, I was bowled over by some lovely floral headpiece designs I saw on facebook, and I knew I had to get in touch with the designer. It was Le Fairymeadow, a florist that promises to " dream away with you, and to make those dreams come true with our floral creations". I met up with her and was utterly charmed by her sweetness and creations.



What got you started in floral arrangements and design?
I used to work in the banking industry, but I've known all this time that one day, I would love to have a flower shop. Initially I thought it would be for my retirement, but when I was planning for my own wedding, I met many vendors pursuing their passions who inspired me, and made me want to pursue my dreams. So I left my job and went to floral design school.



Why the name Le Fairymeadow?
When I think of a meadow, I think of freedom. I want a place where ideas can flow freely, and not be restricted by what mainstream designs are. From the time that I was a bride, I knew what was available in the market, and I now bring in what is lacking in the market so I can be different from others.




Your headpieces are so popular with your customers, how did that begin? 
It all started with a creation for a blogger who wanted a floral headpiece for her wedding photoshoot, which wasn't so common in Singapore, except for flowergirl headpieces. It was also because of her that I started thinking of more elaborate designs for brides.



Where do you get your inspiration from?
Actually it's from the brides themselves. I get to know my customers, their preferences, wedding theme, and from there I create pieces unique and inspired by them.



What other floral arrangements do you provide?
We also do events decor, the floral arrangements for the wedding day and the cocktail event, candy bar and hand bouquets.




How about your accessories? I saw some beautiful bracelets that you made.
Those are bridesmaid's corsages. I thought, why not do something special that they could keep as a momento instead of the usual flowers around the wrist. We allow customisation to the bracelets, with one to two months lead time.






Love her style and designs?
Headpieces are from $50 - $100, bouquets from $120. Contact her for her rates on events and wedding floral arrangements.

Le Fairy Meadow
http://www.facebook.com/lefairymeadow/
email: lefairymeadow@gmail.com

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Do You Really Need To Buy Ampoules From The Makeup Artist For Your Wedding?

Hello Ladies, Well, it's been a long time since I've done a wedding-specific post. I've been thinking about this issue for a long time, and I know that writing about it may incur lots of wrath from makeup artists who believe in selling their clients ampoules. But if you know me, I'm pretty much a straight talker who speaks my mind.

So here goes.. Let's get this straight from the beginning. I have never sold or provided any ampoules to my clients although I have had enquiries about them. And yes, I have bought ampoules before to try out on my skin, so I know how they feel and work.

So, what is this whole ampoule business about? Firstly, ampoules are little glass jars of serum / gels for the skin, sealed airtight and broken only upon application. They typically look like this:


The formula of the product is typically of a high concentration, for different skin types and concerns. You could get one for hydration, oil control, whitening, anti-aging etc..

# 1: Do ampoules work?
 - Yes, if you get one of a good quality, it works just as well as a high quality serum. However, ampoules work even better when coupled with a facial, when the skin is prepped to receive nutrients, and even better with a high-frequency machine where it encourages the product to be absorbed into the skin. To work is one, but you need the right time to have it work.

 # 2: Do ampoules really make my makeup last longer?
 - No. Honestly, if you expect a beautiful, radiant complexion with your makeup lasting the entire day on your face just because of a "miracle" ampoule, sorry girlfriend, it's not gonna happen. Simply slapping on the product and then the makeup will just be the same as applying your own serum and then makeup.

 # 3: What do you recommend instead?
 - Go for a makeup primer instead. I use Smashbox's Photo Finish Oil Free Makeup Primer
A makeup primer is specifically designed to reduce the appearance of pores and "set" your skin for the application of makeup, as well as help it to last longer and protecting it against environmental stresses. There are different makeup primers, ranging from those for oily skin, dry skin, even for colour correction(i.e. neutralising redness or brightening sallow skin).

# 4: Then why do so many bridal makeup artists sell ampoules?
 - It makes them extra cash. Simple as that.
 Just like all these hidden charges that some bridal shops charge you after you thought you got a good deal signing up for a $1888 all-in-one package, you end up having to top up for every single detail after. I know of a couple who topped up something like $90 for 3 ampoules, for both groom and bride. $90?! That's daylight robbery for ampoules. Ampoules are available at $5 or less each. Even Dr Hauschka's Rhythmic Night Conditioner Ampoules are £44.95 for 30 ampoules.


Question 5: What shall I do then? They are pushy and say my skin is "very bad and in dire need" of some ampoules?
 - Argh! I hate it when people in the beauty industry try to push products by criticising their clients. It just gives us such a bad rep.
Firstly, in the months leading up to your big day, you should start taking good care of your skin.
Monthly facials are a good way to relax and deep cleanse your skin.
Next, make sure you exfoliate! If you have a thick layer of old or peeling skin, not even a boxful of ampoules is going to help, and any makeup applied will always bring more attention to flakey skin. I use Dermalogica's Daily Microfoliant which is gentle but effective.
Battle extremes with the right skincare. Too dry and everything just looks powdery and doesn't apply smoothly. Too oily and makeup slides off. Using the right skincare regiment will ensure your skin is well prepped.

Of course, checking with your makeup artist about hidden costs (some charge for false eyelashes too! wtf) before you book them will help you make a more informed decision. For me, I don't believe in hiding any costs. What you see is what you get. I also never push products, although if I love something I genuinely recommend or rave about it! Any advice to my client is truthful, and I will give them the most easy way possible to solve any problems they may have.

 Till then!
 xoxo Jo

Friday, August 10, 2012

Boss Bottled Sport : The Ultimate Fragrance For A Sporty Man Who Keeps His Boyish Charms

Let's face it guys, not many girls appreciate you dousing yourself in overpoweringly musky, heavy fragrances. Especially if you're under 50.
We like sporty guys, smart men who don't try too hard and yet are confident of their masculinity. Boss Bottled Sport (and it's charming ambassador, F1 driver Jenson Button) embodies these qualities. And men, listen up and take some notes (top, middle or otherwise) from the qualities of this fragrance , this is how you get the girl.



#1. Excite her.
In this fragrance, the exciting top notes of zesty yuzu, pink peppercorn and grapefruit give a refreshing kick start to the fragrance.
When you meet her, don't be a boring wallflower. Be funny and fresh!

#2. Entice her.
The middle notes of the fragrance contain lavender and cardamon, which are quite commonly found in fragrances. However, a subtle metallic note from aldehyde give this fragrance a quality what Boss is calling "high-tech metallic". Very unique.
So although you may think that you don't stand out from the common man, entice her with something different, like this unique scent does, and stand out from the crowd.

#3. Be a man.
The warm woody base, thanks to vetyver, tonka bean and patchouli give this fragrance a staying power, and grounds the masculinity of this fragrance.
In whatever you do, at the end of the day, she wants you to be her man. Simple things like opening the door for her, making sure she gets home safe, and good manners will win you a place in her heart.

What next? Splash on some Boss Bottled Sport and take her out to catch Jenson Button speed down the track in the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix next month.




Ladies, want to win a bottle of Boss Bottled Sport for your man? Simply submit a picture of the both of you, and get your friends to vote! The most stylish couple wins! Join HERE


Contest brought to you by Styleshoppes, prizes by Boss Bottled Sport. This article was first published on Styleshoppes

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Trying out IPL at the Strip Mobile!

Dropped by the STRIP Mobile last week and tried out their IPL!

Got a trial zap on my navel and it didn't even hurt! I remember the IPLs 6 years ago.. It was like a kid snapping rubberbands on your skin.

But technology has improved and STRIP's IPL is virtually painless. They apply a freezing cold gel on the skin before zapping the life out of your hair follicles.

From today till 11th Aug, the cute STRIP mobile will be parked at Cineleisure Orchard. Drop by to purchase your vouchers for waxing and IPLs at uber fab prices! And if you want it fast, you can get waxed onboard the STRIP mobile too.