5 Ways How TheSmartLocal.com Makes You a Smarter Local

About TheSmartLocal

TheSmartLocal, or known widely as TSL, is Singapore’s leading Travel and Lifestyle portal that offers editorial content and an online database where their members can make review contributions. Founded by Bryan Choo, TSL now has a team of creatives and writers who regularly produce interesting and insightful videos and articles which are being viewed by more than 2 million pairs of eyeballs monthly. I shall share with you, in TheSmartLocal’s popular and famous listicle style, 5 ways how TheSmartLocal makes you… Well, a smarter local! ;)

(1) Smarter Diner

FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD! I don’t know about you, but I live to eat. TSL is like my smart local food directory where they share food reviews too. It is also one of the sites I visit when I need to get information such as hotel buffets in Singapore or healthy food choices in the CBD area (With delivery services to boot)! With café-hopping being a very popular activity for most people these days, TSL also publishes a monthly summary of the latest dining establishments in Singapore. Click [HERE] to read about the 21 NEW Restaurants and Cafes to Try in May 2016.

Not an alcohol addict nor close to having the need to attend Alcoholic Anonymous, but I am just someone who enjoys drinking (in moderation, mind you) - While having meals, when I am out on dates, celebrating or chilling out with friends, or even for movie or drama binge-watching nights at home. If you are going to drink outside, leave your car at home, use the money saved from the Happy Hours promotions at these places listed in this TSL article and take a cab/Uber/Grab home. Don't drink and drive!

(2) Smarter Traveller

I loveeeeeeee to travel, so much so that I grabbed the opportunity to be based overseas in London in 2015. I made use of that period of time to live like a local in London and to explore neighbouring European cities. Tons of hours were spent on researching for places to go, stay and eat... Simply time and effort consuming! (If you are keen, check out #ZaUK2015 on Instagram for my UK/Europe pics!)

For countries nearer to Singapore, you can count on TheSmartLocal as your online travel guide where they have plenty of short and concise travel articles for your vacation needs. Think you have already explored Asia fully already, I will say no unless you actually gone to these 14 places in Asia yet to be discovered (and swamped) by tourists! If you are lamenting that you are unable to head to far places due to 123456789 reasons, there are always the nearby interesting beach holidays that you can consider!

TSL team has so far ventured from Singapore to countries like Australia, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. If you are planning a trip to any of these countries, you know which website to visit.

(3) Smarter Beautiful You

Want to be beautifully dressed up or dolled up? Other than sharing beauty hacks, tips and places to get your beauty woes solved on their website, TSL also has a PrettySmart channel on Youtube to learn beauty and tips. I have zero skills when it comes to hairstyling, so I have to say, I really learnt a few easy-to-do hairstyles in this video hosted by the pretty and chirpy Christabel Chua (@bellywellyjelly). I totally adore her personality! ;p

(4) Smarter Shopper

Known to be the shopping queen among my pals, I am the person to go to to find out the latest products or promotions (ie. Black  Friday, Cyber Monday, 11/11). But if we are not acquainted or for some reasons that you are unable to ask me for information, then that's where TheSmartLocal comes in --- Introducing to you the latest deals and reviews of products/services offered by retailers! One of their latest articles on cheap deals at Singapore's food factories got me excited and I cannot wait to shop! #closetauntymode

Shopping smart is not just about getting the most bang for your buck, but it is also about knowing that your purchases are environmentally-friendly or that it helps people in need. It was good to know that there are many retailers in Singapore that practices corporate social responsibility (CSR) by giving back to society in their respective ways. Smart shopper me, thanks to TheSmartLocal!

(5) Smarter Local

TheSmartLocal has interesting articles that make me want to explore this country I called 'Home' in a whole new light --- Exploring the East side of Singapore, up my Instagram game by taking photos that give the optical illusion vibes, and even to know where I can charge my smartphone when its battery life is dying and I am outside with no portable charger. And that includes charging my phone by exercising at a fitness corner - The energy generated by exercising is converted to battery juice for my phone! Save the Earth + Healthy Lifestyle + Battery Life for my Phone??!? Bring it on!

If you have overseas friends visiting Singapore, bring them to local places that is not touristy, or even better... Local places that locals do not even know exist nor have been before. Totally brilliant! All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, so make a trip to these old-school playgrounds that we used to have in the 90s... Simply glad for this playground list that TSL had compiled.

If you did not grow up in Singapore, be a smarter local in Singapore and learn the unique cultures and lingos found in this article. And if you are a true-blue Singaporean, do read it and see whether you can relate to any of the points stated.

~*~*~*~*~*~

To sum it all, TheSmartLocal offers a magnitude of creative ideas and guides to their site visitors. As inspiring their articles or contributors' lives may be, it is always important to believe in yourself and in your dreams, and even to make some sacrifices (ie. Getting less pay and putting in more hours than your peers). The founder of the site, Bryan Choo, shared the following on his FB (see printscreen below)... And look how well TheSmartLocal is doing now, being one of the most influential media platform in Singapore. In my opinion, that is the most inspiring story of TSL... And that is every Smart Local in Us should do --- FOLLOW YOUR HEART!

*While this post was written in partnership with TheSmartLocal, all opinions remain my own*

Salon De Choix - Hair Color & Highlights Last Longer with Olaplex

My pampering moments at Salon De Choix are what I look forward to every month. In my recent trip down to the salon, I got to have my hair base re-colored, had a new color for my hair highlights, protected my hair with the Olaplex range (healthier hair with the colors lasting longer), did a hair treatment and had my hair trimmed. I can't express my heartfelt thanks to the wonderful peeps at the salon for taken of my hair for the past THREE years --- My hair looks good and healthy, and more manageable! Three years on this journey with Salon De Choix..... Wow! XOXO!

Lovely hair = Happy me!

Preparing to get my hair treated and pampered!

Snacks + Drinks + Magazines

Simply needed a touch-up at the hair roots area!

Chester (My wonderful stylist) and I had a short consultation and discussion. He suggested that I could try a different shade for my base color since I had the brown base color for awhile. In addition, since I felt that I would like to have brighter highlights. Chester suggested trying out a darker shade for my base color, which he promptly suggested that I try burgundy as it has been a while since I had this colour.

My highlighting color is from the Majiblond series.

A burgundy shade from Loreal's Majirel series was selected.

The dye for my highlights was the first to be applied onto my hair.

For this hair makeover session, Chester recommended a different highlighting technique instead of the usual "several streaks applied in each section on a few areas". His suggestion was to have a full section of hair to be dyed in the highlight shade (under the Majiblonde series) in the inner layer. Initially, I was taken aback, as I felt it would be like color blocking, or rather like a patch of brightly-colored highlights. He assured me that as our hair moves freely when we move, it would not be like what I thought since the highlighted area will "mix" with the base color.

The highlighting technique that he suggested as shown in below picture 

Once the dye application for my highlights was completed,
it was time to allow the dye to settle into my hair.

Next, the burgundy base color was applied to the remaining parts of my hair.

LATEST ADDITION TO SALON DE CHOIX'S PRODUCT OFFERINGS TO ACHIEVE NOT JUST BEAUTIFUL HAIR, BUT HEALTHIER HAIR....

"OLAPLEX"

It was my first time that I heard of this brand "Olaplex".  This brand hails from California, and only to  be used in salons. It has been widely raved about in many international publications like Cosmopolitan, Vogue and Elle. In fact, it is said to be the "HOLY GRAIL FOR COLORED HAIR" since it protects your hair no matter how bold the hair color is, and how you want to bleach your hair to achieve the awesome color. Even Kim Kardashian swears by it, and no she was not being sponsored nor is Olaplex's spokesperson or brand ambassador.

 The products are marketed as a form of "insurance for your hair". From my understanding from what my stylist Chester had shared with me, the use of Olaplex products dramatically reduce hair breakage, for healthier hair, and to have your hair color last longer. Don't get me wrong, this is not to replace the hair treatment procedure. It is to be done BEFORE any hair treatment procedure.

The Olaplex range has 3 different steps:

No. 1 is a single ingredient additive mixed into hair color/balayage dyes and/or lightener/bleach. This multiplies molecular bonds inside the hair while the hair is being coloured - Meaning no more damage when colouring hair. This also means that the hair color lasts much longer as the internal structure of the hair has been enhanced.

No. 2 is a cream-based version of No. 1. This is to be used just after rinsing off the color dye, leave it for 20 minutes before shampooing the hair. This perfects and strengthens the bonds inside the hair while using conditioning agents. By now, your hair integrity is greater and more enhanced, hence making it to be more receptive to all other products and treatments. Example, more effective conditioning treatments, styles last longer, and less styling products need to be used to achieve the desired effect. 

No. 3 is to be used at home to strengthen your hair in between of chemical services.

Hair professionals also dish out advice that we should only color our hair once every three months as frequent colouring will cause the hair to be weak which will lead to hair loss or breakages. Isn't it good that there are the Olaplex products out there that helps in making our hair stronger and more resilient to hair breakages? In addition, we can start playing with our hair colors more often, since our hair will be well-treated with Olaplex, having healthier  hair and a more vibrant hair color which lasts longer! After a few weeks, my hair still looks very healthy and feel smooth, and not that dry-looking despite all the hair color jobs!

I loved the fact that Salon De Choix believes in not beautifying our hair... They believe in giving their precious clients healthier and stronger hair. Think about it, what is with having beautifully-done but unhealthy and weak hair? Hence, do request for the Olaplex treatment when you are at Salon De Choix! Paying a bit more and to have healthier hair in the long run is worth it!!! I would love to have this incorporated in my future sessions at Salon De Choix.... IT FREAKING WORKS!

Other than the Loreal professional salon range, Salon De Choix carries the Shu Uemura brand too. 

For this makeover session, I got to try the hair treatment products from the Shu Uemura Art of Hair range. I was glad to be able to try it, as I I have always loved the makeup range from this brand. From their website, it was stated that "the brand offers a beauty ritual for the hair. Built around the philosophy of Mr Shu Uemura and his experience in the field, the company supplies haircare and hairstyling products to the finest of salons, drawing on rare, natural ingredients magnified by science". There are different ranges of products to cater to different hair conditions and needs. The Shu Uemura Color Lustre range was used in my case.

Allowing the treatment cream to be fully absorbed into
my hair strands after it was applied onto my freshly-colored hair

After rinsing off the treatment cream and having my hair to be towel-dried, the stimulating concentrate from the Kerastase Densifique range was massaged into my scalp. This serum helps in strengthening the hair bonds so that there will less hair breakages. It also helps to promote hair growth and gives a thickening effect, which is good for the long-haired us since we tend to lose more hair strands on a daily basis.  This was the second time that I used it. The first time was during my previous session in July. I could witness the improvement within one month, hence this is one treatment serum that I highly recommend! 

Stimulating Concentrate serum from
the Kerastase Densifique range

As I am currently trying to grow my hair longer, Chester did only a bit of snipping to give my hair some layers and snip off a lil at the ends. Next, it was the hair blowing/styling moment to give me the final end-result of this hair makeover session - Of not just beautiful-looking hair, but HEALTHY and STRONG hair too!

Love the hair curls which Chester did for me! 

Simply love the highlighted streaks which matches well
with my base color, yet very contrasting as well.

Back view

Chester did his finishing touch to my hair using
the Moroccan Oil Glimmer Shine.

Ask for the Moroccan Oil procedure when you are Salon De Choix.
They offer the full range to use at the salon,
or you can buy and use it back home.

Remember I told you the highlighting technique which
Chester suggested to me? As you can see, this is how it looks like...

And when you flip the upper layer down, the "color block" area would not be so visible.

Instead, it blends in well with the other layers of my hair,
giving it gives an overall harmonised look.

No awkward color block at all! 
Chester was right. Glad I took up his recommendation!

In fact, I grew to love the highlighted area.
It looks prefect, especially when it is kinda visible when I
clip my fringe backwards into a high bump and thicker highlighted
streaks can be seen. Something different and unique!

This is the final look! Love the whole outfit and of course,
my newly-done hair! Thanks Salon De Choix and Chester!!! 

If you are interested to make an appointment at
Salon De Choix,

mention my name 'Feliza'  when you call to the salon 

and get 20% discount off your total bill for the month of SEPTEMBER
as it is SALON DE CHOIX'S BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY!!!~

(Not applicable for promotions)

CALL TO BOOK AN APPT: +65 6836 2959!

My stylist's name is Chester! 

For more information about Salon De Choix, 
check out their FACEBOOK!

Salon De Choix is located at: 
3 Killiney Road #01-06 
Winsland House 1
Singapore 239519

Thanks for reading my blog post.
Hope that you will visit Salon De Choix for your next hair session.
Give your hair the opportunity to be well taken care of by the professional team.

Here's a photo taken with my stylist, Chester!
Do get him to attend to you especially if you like my hair color!

Shiseido Sale 2014 Beauty Haul (Shiseido, Clé de Peau Beauté, Maquillage, Joico)

*** This post was drafted before I fell ill last week, but I was too sick that I wasn't online much, and did not upload this post. Started with sore throat, and then I developed a bout of fever, and flu. It was a terrible week for me last week indeed! Feeling better now, though I am still down with the flu. The weather has been crazily hot for the past few days! Do drink lots of water to keep yourself hydrated! :) ***

 

Shiseido held its semi-annual sale a week and a half ago!

- 12 and 13 June 2014 -

Many items were going for more than 50% discount!

Much thanks to the Shiseido team for the kind invitation to the Media and VIP Preview on 11 June! I blogged about some of the product offerings at the sale in this previous blog post of mine. Have you read it? Anyway, this blog entry shall be about my shopping haul of the various beauty products which I snagged at the Shiseido sale event! :)

Shiseido

I bought two bottles of Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Toning Lotion (S$30), despite that I have one unopened bottle in my 'Beauty Stock Drawer" which I bought previously from the departmental store counter. I wanted to buy just one, but was urged by Rachel to get two instead. The only difference between this and the store-purchased one is that these products at the sale event do not come in the packaging box.

The Shiseido White Lucent Intensive Spot Targeting Serum+ is my HOLY GRAIL!!! Ever since starting on my very first bottle, probably in year 2012, I am hooked on this! And yes, I do still have one more unopened bottle which I bought from the store. (-_-)" I am unable to recall how many bottles I have used up, but given that this 30ml size was going at S$50 at the sale, in contrast to S$159 at the counters, I simply had to get it! *Just to note that the serum that is sold at the sale is of the old formula and packaging design*

In addition to purchasing the 30ml size, I bought the exact serum that comes in a 9ml pump bottle. It is sold as a pack of 3 (S$20), and yes if you simply do the math... It seems to be more worth it to get a pack of 3 which comes up to a total of 27ml for S$20, versus S$50 for 30ml. ;) This bottle size is suitable to bring for travel and staycations, sleepovers, etc. 

Clé de Peau Beauté

This is the very first product that I have ever gotten from Clé de Peau Beauté... The Refining Fluid Foundation in O20 shade. And yes, please do give me a big round of applause of stepping into the CDP world, hehe! Afterall, it is said that once you start using CDP products, it is very difficult to steer away from it.  I do understand why so, especially since they have the technology to synergize makeup and skincare ingredients into their makeup products. Furthermore, being a luxury beauty brand hailing from Japan, it will be nice to pamper myself with this, right? It cost just S$60 per bottle at the sale.

I was told by the beautiful Nora, that Clé de Peau Beauté does not retail the Synactif fragrance (S$20). Instead, this is sprayed in the Clé de Peau Beauté facial rooms for that lovely and relaxing rose scent. I caught whiffs of it and I WAS SOLD! :p I have been spraying this in my room, and I have to say that it smells so good!!! I wish I had bought more than just one bottle!!!! :(

For those who wonder what the french words 'Clé de Peau Beauté' mean... It means 'Key to Beautiful Skin'.

Maquillage

Not the first time using Shiseido Maquillage products, but it was my first time purchasing the brand's compact powder foundation. I wanted to give this a try, based on its optical illusion technology to conceal pores and its 10 hours lasting power. Let's see if it works! ;)

The compact case was designed by the NY-based designer, Alexander Wang a couple of years back. It is not a recent design. The other Maquillage product purchased was the Glossy Perfect Rouge lipstick in RD318, that is of a rose pink shade.

Joico

This conditioner helps in hair repair and preserves your hair color. It was selling at an attractive price of S$16 or S$18 for two bottles. Hence, I decided to give it a try.

Well, that's all for my shopping haul from the Shiseido sale.
I can't wait for the year-end Shiseido sale already.
Thanks to the team for the invitation! 
 
Hope you had fun shopping at the Sale if you headed down!
Share with me what you bought too! :)

Shiseido Sale June 2014 (cle de peau Beaute, ettusais, NARs and more!)

The Shiseido sale is here again! 
Get your beauty products from Shiseido, cle de peau Beaute, ettusais,
NARS, Za, Majolica Majorca, Aqualabel, Joico and Zotos!


 

Thanks to the Shiseido marketing team for the invitation to today's Media and VIP Preview! The sale will be carried out on 12 and 13 June 2014, 10am to 8pm.

Be sure to head down for this half-yearly affair! :) 

Let me share with you pictures taken at the sale event!

Ettusais

 
I started using Ettusais products since I was about 17 years old. 
Prior to that, it was Za cosmetics.

And even till now, I am still using some of the products from this brand.

You can say, I grew up with this brand. :p

Next booth: Clé de Peau Beaute! CDP!

 

When I returned back to the booth about an hour since my arrival, the brightening serum as pictured above) was totally OOS. It was a sold-out! Not sure if it will be replenished for the next two days. There were eyeshadow palettes, luminizing face enhancer, base makeup (powder, cream and liquid), lipsticks, etc. Interestingly, there were bottles of room fragrance that was on sale. I love scents that contain rose notes, and it smells really nice! This room fragrance is actually what they spray in the CDP's facial rooms. ;)

Lipstick is going at S$30.

   
The CDP Refining Fluid Foundation is going at S$60/bottle.

NARS


NARSskin range available...



Tons of NARS makeup spread!



Lip colors available.



Beautiful color hues of NARS eyeshadow single

NARS eyeshadow duos available too.



Nail polish range...




SHISEIDO

Next booth is my top few skincare brands of all times! SHISEIDO!
I have been a loyal supporter of Shiseido skincare products, and they are never missing in my skincare regime.
I tend to buy from Japan, or from the local departmental store counters.
And to have some of the few Shiseido skincare products that I use to be on sale at this event,
it was more than enough to make my day!


My current day skincare products are from the 'The Skincare' range.
I bought it from the departmental store counter and imagine my surprise to find out that these are only selling for S$30/bottle!!?

I almost bought the tinted moisturiser (S$20) as I wanted to give it a try. But of course, I bought the Shiseido Intensive Spot Targeting Serum from the White Lucent range. This is my staple product in my skincare regime... And once again, imagine my utmost surprise to see it selling at S$50 per bottle, whereas the retail price is S$159. But do note, that this is the old formula and old packaging. 

The reason why I did not get the products from 'The Skincare' range was because I have a new set of Moisturizer, Serum and Toner (or Softener? I forgot) from the White Lucent range, which I purchased from Isetan and unopened. Having been a user of these two skincare range, I personally prefer the White Lucent range.

Apart from those that I have mentioned,
there were also sunscreen, essence, eye cream on sale too.



Shiseido Maquillage


Compact (S$25), cream and liquid foundation is available.



Eyeshadow palettes, lip gloss and lipsticks (S$20) are also available.






Za

The brand that I use for my eyebrow pencil. The brand of my current mascara (I switch mascara brands, btw... But Za mascara works fine for me. Hence I am into my second tube already). The brand that I used when I just started makeup (apart from TBS). The brand which its alphabet letters can be found in my name, and it is what I call myself in short - Za. :p

Za makeup is like a makeup feast and going at a great price! I was previously gifted one of the eyeshadow palettes (seen below) by the Za team , and I have to say that it contains a pigmented formula.. So a little of it goes a long way. I really liked it alot. :)

The remaining two beauty brands available were Aqualabel and Majolica Majorca.

There were also the Joico and Zotos hair range available.
Consisting of Shampoo, conditioner, serum and hair styling products.

Keep a lookout for the GwP items: 
Pouches are going at S$3 each.
Bags at S$5.
Ettusais luggage at S$25!

Coming along with me for the Shiseido sale event was this wonderful girl, Rachel. We got to know each other through Instagram, due to our love for Dior bags haha! Knowing that she has a keen interest in beauty products, I asked if she wanted to go together. Fun to have her along... To poison and dissuade each other when making purchasing decisions! :p 

Photo of us before we parted ways.
Back to work for the afternoon!

- I will be posting my beauty haul soon! -
Till then, Happy Shopping! ;)