Singapore Beauty Guide » Alternative

Best beauty and fashion apps for the Ipad

Sylvia — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 08:44:44 +0000

I couldn’t resist. I bought myself an Ipad and of course I uploaded it with the best Ipad applications I could find to stay on top of beauty and fashion. Here are my favourites:

Reading & Magazines

RSS reader: Reeder

As I like to read beauty magazines and blogs this is by far the most important application for me. And as it turned out it took me the most time to find the right one. In the end I settled for Reeder. Although I had to get used to the different interface from my usual RSS reader Netnewswire, in the end it offered everything I need from an RSS reader (mind you I spent quite some money testing other newsreaders!).

Here is why I choose Reeder

Very clean interface
Easy to enlarge letter size
Easy to share the story with others
Synchronises with Google Reader so I don’t have to read everything twice
Iphone version available as well with the mac version coming soon.

Pulse

This RSS reader is staying on my Ipad as well. Pulse is a very visual reader and perfect for fashion blogs with lots of images, design blogs and photo blogs. The only reason I can’t use this as my permanent RSS reader is because it only allows 20 feeds and only 25 posts within those feeds. But this app makes reading a whole lot more fun.

Flipboard

This is another reader but again a very visual one and it feels more like a magazine. Flipboard has prepared some ready-made topic magazines for you to choose from, like FlipPhotos, FlipStyle and FlipNews, but you can also create your own magazines from your favorite beauty, fashion and design blogs. What’s more it also gives you a very visual read of both your Twitter and Facebook feeds which makes it stand out from all the other readers. See your facebook feed come alive with photos and videos. Honestly reading your facebook feeds has never been this much fun! Grab this app now that it’s still free!

Stumble Upon

Stumble upon is another way to discover fresh and interesting content on the Internet. Just tell the app what your interests are (beauty and fashion of course!) and start stumbling. This a free app.

Kindle

By now you will know that I like reading so Kindle is another must application so I can keep up with the latest news on beauty and skincare. Free.

Fashion

Runway Magazine

Fabulous magazine with lots of beauty tips and fashion. The app is free to download but you may have to pay for the magazine itself although currently the Summer issue is free.

Gucci

Gucci has developed their own app showcasing their latest collections. Watch videos of their latest shows, listen to music and find out about their latest events.

Style.com

Style.com have also launched their ipad application and it is great for watching the latest fashion shows on video or through photos.

Hair styles

Hair do for Ipad

With hair do for ipad you can try out different hairstyles and see what they look like on you.

Nutrition and diet

Nutrition complete

Need to watch what you eat? Then this nutrition database will give you all the information you need. You can also calculate and monitor your daily calorie and vitamin intake.

Calorie counter

Calorie counter by FatSecret is a free app that lets you keep track of what you eat and how much calories you consume. You can even track your weight!

Have fun!

Detox retreat in Thailaind – an experience

Sylvia — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 02:36:16 +0000

In my previous articles Detox Diet good for you? and The benefits of detox retreats I talked about the benefits of detoxing and why I was going to a detox retreat. Well, I’ve been and the experience has been great. So here is my review.

I went to the Atsumi detox retreeat in Phuket, Thailand for a total cost of $1403. This included 5 nights accommodation in a self-contained cottage and the full 4-days full fast detox retreat program. I brought some extra cash with me but did not use it as, of course, I couldn’t use if for food and my culimas and massages kept me busy all day!

It is relatively small retreat in the south of Phuket about 10 min drive from Nai Ham Beach. On the first morning you will receive an induction to the program where you will be explained what to do. Basically the detox program comprises of calimas (self-administered colinics), mud shakes consisting of Bentonite clay and psyllium and nutrients supplements. You are presented with a schedule of when to do and take these. Each evening you will also receive a clear vegetable broth which was to become the highlight of my day!

To read of my experience each day please read my daily detox reports: detox day 1, detox day 2, detox day 3, detox day 4.

I have found the detox program relaxing and informative. As you can do the culimas yourself it is very discrete and I found them too be relaxing. I loved my daily massage and steam bath and in between I spent time swimming, watching movies (dvds are available at the retreat) and reading.

The end result has been that I have lost 2.5 kg and feel cleansed and refreshed. I have come back with renewed enthusiasm and motivation to eat healthier to protect my body from too many toxins. My skin feels clean and soft.

All in all I can say that his has been a good experience which I will likely repeat. I cannot yet judge the long-term effects but will report on those in the future. Meanwhile enjoy my detox reports and let me know what you think!

15 best iphone apps for beauty & fashion

Sylvia — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 06:52:15 +0000

I love my ihpone and the fun things you can do with it. Take for example all those wonderful applications that can keep you up to date with the latest trends and beauty news. I thought I would highlight my favorite applications for the iphone:

Zara

I’m a big fan of Zara and Zara now has an iphone application that shows off their latest collection and newest items. Very handy as I can now check if they have something new I like without going to the shop!

Beauty Tips

Beauty tips brings you 100 beauty tips. So if you are looking for new inspiration on how to improve your looks then download this app.

Vogue Stylist

Stay on top of the latest trends with this iphone app and mix them with your own clothes!

20000 Hairstyles

20000 Hairstyles shows you a lot of popular hairstyles to give you inspiration for your next hairdo and to show your hairdresser exactly what you want!

SG Malls Singapore

If you ever got lost in a mall and have trouble finding a store then this app is for you.

Vitamins & Minerals

Do you always forget which vitamin is good for what. Now you have an easy and quick way to find out whenever you need to with this handy app.

Fleas & Fairs Singapore

In the mood for shopping and want to get a burgain or just find something original. This app shows you where the latest fairs and flea markets in Singapore are.

Ihealth SG

This is an application from the Singapore Ministry of Health that shows you all the health care facilities and clinics in Singapore.

Style.com

All the latest catwalk shows and fashion trends.

GymGoal

GymGoal comes in a free and paid application that helps you do your exercises. Check how all the exercises are done, get a workout schedule and monitor how well you are doing.

Let us know! What is your favourite beauty app?

PS: If you want to keep up with all the latest beauty info from the Singapore Beauty Guide then then don’t forget to get your own newsreader app. I use Netnewswire.

This is a newsreader that is compatible with google reader and lets you easily read the beauty newsfeeds you have subsribed to easily on your iphone. Don’t forget to grab the Singapore Beauty Guide newsfeed so you will not miss a single post.

Another essential is the facebook app. Great for keeping up with my favorite beauty pages of Facebook. Are you a fan of the Singapore Beauty Guide yet?

Detox retreats – what are the benefits?

Sylvia — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 08:55:13 +0000

In our last article on detox dieting and detoxification you learned how a a detox diet can help make you feel healthier. But how about taking a detox retreat? Spend a whole week (or more!) getting healthier and lose weight in the process. Let’s see what a detox retreat is and how you could benefit from it.

What is a detox retreat?

A detox retreat is a place where you can fast and cleanse your body of physical and emotional toxins that accumulates from modern stressful lifestyles. You can opt for a 4, 7 or 10 program where you will eat limited food and have colonic irrigation treatments on a daily basis. A good retreat will also provide yoga classes, daily massages, a fasting consultation, a fasting guide and notes, and other relaxing and enjoyable activities like walking or fitness classes. Detox retreats have become increasingly popular and you will find them all over the world.

Why do I need to fast?

Today’s life is fast, with fast food made for immediate consumption, vegetables that contain pesticides and meat that contains many preservatives or is injected with antibiotics. Processed food is also loaded with saturated fat, sugar and salt.

If you combine the over-consumption of these with stress and the pace we live at, it is no wonder that toxins accumulate in the body and often makes us fat. When the body is overwhelmed by these excess toxins, they bypass the elimination channels and are directly stored in fatty tissues under the skin, to prevent them from entering the blood stream.

As toxins continue to build up, new cell formation is disrupted and your immune system is weakened. By fasting or drastically restricting the amount of calories eaten even for a short time – you can rest your digestive system and cleanse your elimination channels. If you have excess weight it will help you to lose this weight fast.

How will I cope with the fasting?

I’m not sure but I’ve been told that it is not as hard as it seems. Many people don’t experience any hunger at all as they just feel so much better. You will still drink a lot of water and will be provided with all necessary nutrients through herbs and special drinks. Most good retreats will also provide good supervision through experienced staff.

So what will you do all day?

The beauty of a detox retreat is that fasting is combined with activities like yoga, massage or even dancing so the whole process can be fun and relaxing. Plus, you will have time to relax, reflect and catch up on your reading.

In summary what are the benefits of visiting a detox retreat:

You will lose weight fast and safely
It will strengthen the immune system
It can help with insomnia
It can clear congestion and improve functioning of the digestive tract
It helps reduce chronic ailments like asthma and colitis
It helps with anti-aging
It improves skin condition and results in a radiant complexion
It increases energy and general zest for life
It may get you off junk food!
It will help you to lead a healthier and more balanced life.

I’m going to try it out! Stay tuned, subsribe to the RSS feed or become a fan on our facebook page and you will find out how I did! If you want to find a great yoga or detox retreat, then here is a website with the best yoga and detox retreats.

My detox retreat experience >>

Feel beautiful at any age

Sylvia — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 05:15:30 +0000

This site is about beauty and how we can feel and look better. Much focus is always on the outside and how we can improve our looks. But for a while now I felt that I also needed to write more about how to feel good about yourself which in turn will shine through in your exterior appearance. So here is a good article from the Oprah Winfrey website that shows you how can truly feel good about yourself and feel beautiful even in the second part of your life.

10 ways to become a queen in your own life

Some great natural anti-aging treatment tips

Sylvia — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 05:49:51 +0000

We all want to slow down the anti-aging process and look our best. So what natural treatments are there to make us look better?

Hydration

A common issue of aging is a decrease in the skin’s ability to stay hydrated and moisturized. Lack of hydration often can create wrinkles, loss of elasticity, age spots, and other conditions with our skin. When you are considering natural ingredients for your skin, it will be important to remember that oils are more easily absorbed into the skin than creams. In addition, oils do not clog your pores in the way that creams will.

Shea butter

Shea butter is natural way to improve skin softness and suppleness. It is a slightly yellowish or ivory colored natural fat extracted from the seed of the African shea tree by crushing and boiling. It is widely used in cosmetics as a moisturizer and salve. It heals dry and damaged skin and is very compatible with the skin. In addition, the butter contains vitamins A and E which provides significant healing properties to the cells of the skin. The butter is available in three types: raw, refined, and oil. If you are considering a product that contains Shea butter, it should contain more than 20% of the butter to provide the proper elements required to improve for your skin.

Vitamin C

For skin that has lost it’s elasticity and requires hydration, vitamin C is a wonderful ingredient in your natural treatment. Mixing a little vitamin C with heavy cream will moisturize, hydrate and stimulate the production of collagen. Vitamin C is very strong so it is important to use very little in your cream mixture. In addition, adding some almond or jojoba oil will keep your face hydrated throughout the day after you rinse the cream mixture off your face.

Aloe Vera

When sagging skin is an issue, using Aloe Vera on your face and neck will firm and tighten the skin tissue very nicely. It will also increase the elasticity in the face, reduce wrinkles, add oxygen and strengthen the skin. Using Aloe Vera under your make-up will keep your skin firm throughout the day. Mixing the Aloe Vera with a little Shea butter will provide the hydration that your skin requires and give you the healthy glow that you want throughout the day.

Masques

When you are going to start an anti-aging treatment a commitment to a regimen is key to seeing results. Hydration, moisturization and proper cleansing must take place on a daily basis. You will want to include moisturizing masques as well as regular, natural ingredient cleansing.

A great masque for firming and toning the face is very easy to make. Whip egg whites, add a dash of honey and a dab of Shea or jojoba oil and apply to skin. Let dry, then wash off. The oil will moisturize your face, while the egg whites and honey will stimulate your cells, tighten your skin, and help to build elasticity.

Egg White

When you want a quick fix for crows feet, dabbing egg white on the crows feet will remove them for several hours and it is very easy to put make-up on after it has dried. This is a great fix when you are going to be in bright or florescent lighting that picks up tiny wrinkles around the eyes.

Stay tuned for more tips to fight the anti-aging process, or read our popular article essential steps to stop the anti-aging process.

detox day 4

Sylvia — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 02:10:44 +0000

Today we started the day with partner yoga. A fun yoga session that was actually very good for stretching out.

Then I had the usual routine of 1 culima in the morning, massage in the middle of the day, 1 culima in the afternoon + steambath and swim afterward. Only today I had one more massage thrown in by a Chinese lady who specialises in restoring the balance in the body, especially the tummy area.

The day ended with a really interesting talk on how to proceed with the ‘afterfast’ and healthy eating from here on onwards. Learned a lot of valuable new stuff here which I will share in later posts.

So all in all a busy, but still very relaxing day. I still don’t find it difficult to stick to the fasting especially as we are allowed to drink coconot water (not to be confused with codonut milk which is not so good for you). Coconut water is drank straight out of the coconut and is actually quite nice. Great when you are detoxing as it revitalises and reallly gives you a boost.

This ends my 4 days of full fast but as mentioned before there is still an after fast. It is important to move gently into foods again in order for your metabolism to kick in appropriately so you can actually keep the pounds off that you’ve lost!

Sofar I have lost about 2.5 kgs.

Tomorrow I will be treated to salads and fruit juices. Can’t wait!

detox day 3

Sylvia — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 02:01:39 +0000

Wow this is already the end of my third day of detox. I sletp well, although with samll breaks in betwee, due to all the fluids I have been drinking.

I woke up with tummy cramps. Not unusual for me and of the reasons I;m taking this detox. Felt much better than yesterday though wehn I woke up. At 7.30 it was time for the “morning ritual” which was a comination of tai chi and yoga. Again the usual schedule with one culima in the morning, massage in between and culima and steambath in the afternoon.

The culimas are actually quite nice. It is done in private here, very discrete and clean. And it’s a great fealing to get that cleansing.

I also really look forward to my massage every day. Today I had a thai massage which is quite strong and effective. I ended the afternoon with a steambath combined with swimming. The afmosphere here is very relaxing and it’s very easy just to chill out. Have a steambath, then a swim, another steambath, drink some ginger tea…. I might just get used to this.

In between of course were the usual herbs and the sake. Am still not liking the shakes but can cope with it ok. I’ve also tried coconut water for the first time in my life. I heard some bad stories about the taste that I never dared touching it. But is actually is quite nice and when you are detoxing it is a really good ‘pick-me-up”.

6 oclock is the time of day when a clear broth arrives. I can tell you clear broth never tasted this good!
At 7 we had a session of thai kickboxing today. A great workout where we learned the techniques of thai boxing and we got all the anger and frustration (if any) out of our bodies. I loved this session and was really energised by it.

All in all this was a good day. I feel very enrgetic and refreshed and am ready for tomorrow!

<< detox retreat day 2 – detox retreat day 4 >>

detox day 2

Sylvia — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 01:32:13 +0000

Today I woke up feeling dreadful. No energy and a bit nauseous. However, we were going to go for a walk and I felt just good enough to join. Luckily the walk wasn’t that strenuous but after the short bus ride home I felt terrible.

So I decided to buy a juice to see if it would do me any good. As it was still only about 8.30 I had a bit of a rest. My next culima would be at 10.30.

After my rest I already felt a lot better. I’m not sure if it was the juice or just the extra rest but I was ready to get the culima done and get some of the toxins (that were probably causing the nausea) out of the body.
As I was now comfortable with the procedure of the culima it was a relaxing ezperience and I felt even better afterwards. Still not too much energy for a lot of strenuous activity though, so I went back to my room and started readking the booklets on detoxing they gave us. The whole detox process was explained again and the importance of cleansing and keeping a healthy liver.

At 1.30 I went for my massage. As I liked my message so much the other day I opted to have the same one again. And it did not disappoint. My body really needs the firm pressure to loosen up all the muscles. After the masaage I felt invigorated and quite energetic!

I took my second set of mud drinks (which is by far the worst part of this retreat!) and relaxed some more before heading of to my second culima. As you progress your fast the excretions get more fluid. After 2 days there is chance of actually getting rid of some of the plaque that tends to form on your intestines.

After the culima I went for a steam bath, basically just a hot sauna which further helps to eliminate the toxins of the body. It’s extremely hot in there so I didn’t last for long but I decided to freshen up with a swim and then go in again. This is perfect combination which I will definitely repeat again tomorrow.
Then it was time for a chinese medicine talk before settling for the evening.

Although the day started quite awkward I feel really good now. The day was relaxing and with all that ‘work’ to do, it goes extremely fast. Time for some more relaxation now and a good movie!

<< detox retreat day 1 – detox retreat day 3 >>

Detox day 1

Sylvia — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 01:21:40 +0000

Today i s my first day of my detox retreat in Phuket, Thailand.

I got up at 7 and and after a ph test to test if my body is more acidic or alkaline I had 1 hour of yoga. This was lucky so it appears, as one of the students was actually providing the yoga lesson.

After that we got our introduction and fasting talk. The whole process of detoxing was explained and the steps taken at this particular retreat to achieve the desired results.

I was presented with a schedule for my culimas (not traditional colonics, but a gentler version that you can do yourself) and the time of my daily massage.

After that you get an additional talk about the herbs and drinks you take each day and the schedule for that. After drinking one of those ‘mud drinks” I realised that this was going to be the toughest part of the retreat. This drink is not easy to swallow.

After the talk it was time for my first culima. We were lead to a special building and then were given clear instructions on how to perform this ourselves. This was pretty straight forward so off I went. At first it felt srrange but I got used to it after a while. Basically water is sprayed into your intestines to cleanse them.

After the culima I went back to my room to take some of the prescribed herbs, which provide the essential nutrition during the fast.

In the afternoon I had a fantastic thai massage. Am definitely looking forward to more of that.

Late afternoon another culima and a steam bath. The steam bath is recommended as another way to get rid of even more toxins.

All in all this first day went pretty well. I don’t feel hungry; I just miss the feeling and taste of food. The fact that I will have to take those mud drinks for another 3 days does not fill me with joy but I’m sure I’ll get through it.

Sofar so good; I feel fine and ready for some more cleansing.

>> Detox retreat day 2