collagen

REVIEW: Fancl Tense Up Collagen Drink

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Collagen drinks… There are a lot in the market. However, my first encounter with collagen drink was when I was 17-18 when I tried FANCL because they were one of the first few players then. My sister was extremely vain. She would spend most of her part time salary on FANCL Tense Up because of the many great reviews she had heard. Of course, I was very much influenced by her so I joined her in the journey as well.

We bought FANCL Tense Up for quite a long period of time before they exited Singapore. We drank it daily because we were told that it could help achieve and maintain the best possible results. True enough, we could feel the difference. Especially at the stage where we were still undergoing puberty where acne seems to be a common thing, our facial complexion felt a lot better and we were looking very radiant.

When FANCL left Singapore and I could no longer buy Tense Up and their other products regularly, I experienced minor breakouts on days when the time of the month was near. And needless to mention, my face was not as radiant as before. I started relying on other skincare brands then. It was effective but it doesn’t give me the same confidence I felt when I used Tense Up.





So imagine how happy I was when I heard that FANCL is back in Singapore! Finally, I can get my hands on Tense Up without flying overseas!





What makes FANCL Tense Up different from others?

You know why I love Tense Up? Unlike other collagen drinks in the market, Tense Up is made up of tri-peptide collagen strings of molecules. The molecules are so small that they are able to pass through your digestive system and gets absorbed by your skin. When your skin is able to absorb the collagen, it will only get better and better.

What do I mean by better? Firmer, younger and brighter skin of course! As you age, your body loses more collagen… and even the amount of collagen produced by the body is also lesser as compared to younger days. This is why we age and wrinkles start to appear.

By the way, not only can it help the skin with HTC collagen of 2,600mg, Tense Up also contains Vitamin C, E, Coenzyme Q10, Hyaluronic Acid and a lot of other goodness that is not only good for your skin but your body as well! You can take it as a supplement for your wellbeing!

If you are wondering why 2,600mg and not more, that is because FANCL R&D experts have done extensive research and conclude that 2,600mg is the optimum amount of collagen that our skin need and can absorb!





When do you drink FANCL Tense Up?

The best time to drink it is before your bedtime because skin rejuvenation its on its peak at night. However for me, I don’t have a specific time to drink it. I find myself drinking it after lunch most of the time because I left my supply in my office 🙂

What did I experience after drinking FANCL Tense Up?

Need I say more? People usually do not get my age right because I look a lot younger than my actual age. Other than that, my skin now looks firmer and brighter! I am so glad they are back now!

If you are expecting brighter and clearer skin like me, YES! For sure! And you will be able to experience these benefits after your first month of supply. I must say that the effects appear quite fast if you are hardworking (don’t forget to drink it everyday!).

If you think that you are too young to be needing these, I would say better to start early than late as it is never too early to start prevention. FANCL Tense Up Collagen Drink is suitable for people in their 20s, 30s and even 40s! When you are in your 20s, you need to prevent wrinkles, once you hit 30s, you will need it for maintenance. And lastly, when you hit 40s, it can turn back the clock! It is never too early or too late to start your Tense Up journey.

Evidence: Below is a very recent #selfie of me with no edits done. Good skin yay! Thank you FANCL!





For more information about FANCL Tense Up, please visit their stores located at Isetan Scotts, Robinsons Raffles City and Suntec City. And here’s the big news: FANCL’s first ever flagship store will open at 313@somerset on the 23rd December!

Be sure to also follow FANCL SG Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/FANCLSG.

Here’s a treat: get a $10 voucher after downloading the iFANCL App! You can download the app from App Store or Google Play. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy Tense Up as much as I do.

NEW: Kinohimitsu Marine Collagen Review

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What do you usually have for breakfast every morning? Bread? Coffee? Or even nothing?

I always skip my breakfast because I hate waking up early for it. I will spend every extra minute I have in bed if I can.

I have a recommendation for you girls! Mmmm.. Actually guys can have it too. If you don’t have the extra time to make breakfast, just fill up your water bottle with some water and add some magic dust into it!

The magic dust is none other than Kinohimitsu Marine Collagen Power! *dust sparkles all around*





As you age, collagen in your body decreases by 1.5% per year and your body can no longer produce as much collagen as before. Collagen is very important as it is responsible for skin’s elasticity and softness.

The reduction in collagen in your body can lead to dry and full skin, saggy skin, appearance of wrinkles, brittle nails and more!

Kinohimitsu Marine Collagen Powder (180g) is made up of Type 1 and 3 Collagen Powder. Each scoop contains 5000mg of Collagen and can last you for 30 days.

It also contains Green Caviar, Formosa Ruby and 100mg of Vitamin C which can help balances oil and water, boosts collagen production and protects the skin against free radicals and anti-flammation.

What you can expect is better joint and bone health, firmer, tighter and fairer skin, reduction in hair fall, stronger nails and even toner body!

Look at the inside! It even comes with a spoon for your convenience! You don’t even have to wash your metal spoon after ever cup 😛





It is resealable so you don’t have to pour the powder into a container. It makes carry it around easier too! So what do I mean by having it for breakfast…. Simply add a scoop of the powder to your water and drink it on the go! It has a fruity – lychee taste so it’s yummy!





A cup of goodness every morning help chase the wrinkles away!





Experience better, brighter and clearer skin like me today! My mom tried it and her complexion seems to be a little more radiant after a week!

There is also no known mechanism of action for collagen to cause weight gain so PHEW. Ladies, drink it already!





If you are interested, Kinohimitsu Marine Collagen is already available both online and offline – in the stores!

For more information, please visit: http://sg.kinohimitsu.com

BRAND’SÂŽ RubyCollagen Essence

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Advertorial

Remember my previous post about BRAND’S® InnerShine® RubyCollagen Essence drink?

If not, recap here: http://maybelinesim.sg/2015/03/16/brands-innershine-rubycollagen-essence/

Don’t say I didn’t share with you guys about the 1 for 1 promotion!!

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For forgetful or lazy people, this is not an excuse to avoid taking in collagen because BRAND’SÂŽ has came out with another kind of RubyCollagen Essence for you but in strip form!!

They just made taking in skin supplements more fun and sweet. It’s like taking in desserts. Yummy!

 

 

It comes in strips form so you can bring it out everyday. Just put in 2 strips into your daily bag before you leave home for work/school.

 

As I said, it can be an after meal dessert so take it after your breakfast and lunch.

 

 

This low calorie dessert is formulated with RubySignature™ which is created with a special and precious blend of different ingredients derived from natural resources like micro-collagen which is said to replenish collagen to retain our skin’s suppleness and micro-algae extract – Astaxanthin, which is the most powerful anti-oxidant to support our skin’s smoothness.

 

Vitamin E is also found inside this pomegranate beauty “dessert”. And why Vitamin E you may ask. It is because Vitamin E is an anti-oxidant and it is very good for the skin! It literally protects and repairs the skin so you can have youthful looking skin.

Let me summarise for you. Basically, the essence strip contains Marine Fish Collagen 1500mg, Astaxanthin 1mg and Vitamin E 3IU.

 

The essence strip is also having the same 1 for 1 promotion!

Instead of a box for $36, it’s 36 for 2 boxes right now!!

Shop at: https://store.brandsworld.com.sg/index.php/product-160.html

Good deals must share right?! Thank me later!

BRAND’SÂŽ InnerShineÂŽ RubyCollagen Essence

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Advertorial

Weehoooo. Feeding (masks) the skin with nutrients is very important. But you can also improve your skin from within like taking supplements orally. I enjoy eating bird nest because they are sweet and avoided collagen drinks because some of them can taste really really fishy.

I may look young but nahhhhh. You don’t really wanna know my actual age because I am OLD. Not to the extent of very old but definitely no longer classified as young where I can skip using the anti-aging products.

As we age, our body produces less collagen and this can result in wrinkled skin, as the skin becomes thinner, drier, and turns saggy. With lesser collagen and slower metabolism, new skin growth also starts to slow down. And this is where vain pots like us turn to supplements or anti-aging products.

 

 

Rather than just doing 1 out of the two, why not drink and apply the skincare at the same time? Incorporate BRAND’SÂŽ InnerShineÂŽ RubyCollagen Essence to your daily regime. I must say that I am very used to taking such drinks because I take supplements on a very regular basis.

Look at these beautiful BRAND’SÂŽ InnerShineÂŽ RubyCollagen Essence! A bed of roses, literally. It comes in two forms – Essence Strips and Bottled drink. Featured in this post is the bottled ones, which are manufactured in Taiwan. Taiwanese has good skin right??!!

 

 

What makes BRAND’SÂŽ InnerShineÂŽ RubyCollagen different from other collagen drinks is that the ingredients are natural and uniquely formulated for us – Asian skin to help us achieve a more radiant skin and retain our skin’s suppleness! The essence contains Astaxanthin extracted from Haematococcus pluvialis, which is a species of micro-algae and micro-collagen peptides derived from freshwater fish.

Does micro-algae sounds good to you? Cause it sounds good to me! The smaller the molecular size, the easier it get absorbs into the body and into the skin!

It may taste a little sweet but it does not contain any added sugar, artificial colorings or preservatives. Although it is recommended to take twice daily, but I drink only one bottle per day and I can still see visible results. I wake up to supple and radiant skin. I thought I was a few years younger! lol.

 

 

I am down to my last few bottles right now. One reason why you should go for BRAND’SŽ InnerShineÂŽ is because they are easily available everywhere in Singapore.

Find them at leading pharmacies, selected retailers and even their e-store at https://store.brandsworld.com.sg.

While blogging this, I saw their Buy 1 Get 1 free on-going promotion!!! Wah super worth it!!!

2 boxes of it for only $57.00. Gogogo!

Qi Matra Facial by J

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Note: James wrote this post because he did the facial. And thank you for offering to help out! You guys will probably see more posts (reviews) that are written by him from now onwards! 🙂

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I have never done facial in my whole life, so I know nuts about facial. Upon knowing this, my loving girlfriend decided to give me my virgin facial treatment at Qi Mantra.

She told me that I would be doing the Miracle Facial ($350) and she wouldn’t stop raving about it because they will be using Miracle (stem) cells for the facial.

The cells are derived from Soy photo placenta extract which is rich in protein and amino acids. They aid in the repairing process of the skin and restores the youthful collagen while reducing my signs of aging.

The outlet we went to is located at Wheelock Place #03-19.

All ready and anticipative for the Miracle Facial treatment incorporating the latest VPL technology and the Miracle Cell product which seeks to awake every of my facial skin cells!

My before face: Couldn’t be dulled any further after weathering the harsh Singapore environment for 27 years! Look closer and you would be able to see some blackheads too.

Haiyo, Buay Tahan this vainpot! Still wanna selfie even in my treatment room! Tsk!

Finally the treatment started with double cleansing, toning and exfoliation of my skin with scrub and steamer. The beautician was very friendly and patient in explaining each individual steps during the whole process. The whole process was nothing but comfortable even for the VPL application process!

VPL stands for Variable Pulse Light which allows the intensity to be customized to suit the individual’s preference.

Before the VPL application, the beautician kindly seeked my opinion on the treatment options and I selected the firming and pore reducing one. Personally, I tried fractional CO2 laser before and it was a pretty painful experience. On the contrary, this was almost painless! Just felt that my face was at most undergoing ‘photocopying’ with every flash on my skin under the VPL treatment.

The extraction part was kinda “shiok” because my face felt cleaner and the fresher. I had always thought extraction to be painful but nah, I could barely feel anything. A layer of black head softener cream as also applied before the extraction to facilitate the process.

I also enjoyed the application of Stem Cell Ampoules and Stem Cell Lifting mask! I kept falling asleep because it was too comfy.

Felt thoroughly rejuvenated after the session ended. I was also further pampered with a shoulder and scalp massage! I felt that my whole week of stress just disintegrated within that 1.5 hours treatment!

Just look at the serenity from my face *totally unaware the girlfriend sneaked on me*

The girlfriend asked for feedback from me end of the session & I just gave her this face! Lol! Needless to say, this time the kiss wasn’t for her but for the treatment! just simply love it! My skin felt firmer and definitely more radiating with energy and vigour.

Results that you can observe from the facial would be:
– Increase of elasticityy and collagen
– Amazing firming and lifting result
– Immediate glow from within

No redness was observed and the skin felt smoother.

Personally, I would return for the treatment again 2-3 months later as the customer service was good and more importantly, I could feel the drastic difference immediately from the treatment!

All confident, rejuvenated and ready to tank any challenges that comes along! Heh!

Momiji Collagen Hotpot Buffet

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Holy Holy ladies! Whoever is crazy over collagen have got to visit Momiji as…….

Momiji Shabu Shabu is now introducing Singapore’s first and ONLY collagen hotpot buffet!! I don’t think I need to elaborate on the benefits of collagen. Tell me, who doesn’t know that collagen is good for the skin?!

The soup base is made of collagen pudding – the culmination of 6 hours of simmering kampong chicken.

The taste was a little bland at first but this is due to different preferences. You can top it up with Himalayan Pink Salt yourself if you like it saltier. Ladies would generally prefer it to be bland while the guys would prefer the taste to be stronger.

Complementing the collagen soup are over 100 items including delicatessens such as Kurobta pork, half-shell scallops, deep red sea prawns, Asari clams and more!! From cooked food to non-cooked food. Well, you know me, I always spam all the chawanmushi!

Crunchy vegetables.

Golden fried ebi.

Chicken wings.

The pastes here are the guy’s favorites. They are handmade! There were 3-4 choices to choose from.

Bouncy balls.

And even fresh seafood!!

The red prawns were really so damn good. Even better than the tiger prawns. They even have timings that you have to observe.

For example, red prawns are best boiled for 4 minutes.

What is Shabu Shabu without meat. Sliced perfectly, the shabu shabu meat melts in your mouth. Best paired with a raw egg and drinks. Everyone was literally rushing for them but thankfully, the staffs there refills them fast.

I would suggest you to avoid the noodles and go for the meat! :X

The two pots and huge table sits 6 pax comfortably.

After a sinful yet hearty meal, end it with fruits, warm desserts or ice cream.

What you see in this post is only part of the food found there. There is really a huge variety but that is not the best part of it.

The best part is the price.

*For every two pax dining in, customers will get a complimentary premium item of either wagyu beef or snow crab.

Even though we stay in the west part of Singapore, we traveled all the way to Balestier for this!

Find them at Balestier Shaw Plaza #04-01 Singapore 329783.

For more information: https://www.facebook.com/Momiji.JapaneseBuffet

DHC Apply and Consume

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OHAIYOOOO~

What is DHC to you? My first impression of DHC is COLLAGEN!

Actually, DHC is  Japan’s number one direct mail skincare brand!

I was very honored to be invited to Watsons x DHC’s cook off event! Cooking with collagen. Yum yums.

The japanese girls so kawaii desu~~~ Do also take note of the words. “Apply” and “Consume”

Smith, Verlyn, Herine and me me me.

A brand new DHC is to set to hit Watsons stores to focus on “Beauty Inside Out”. Now, that’s why it’s Apply and Consume!

They are adding an all-new oral beauty and health supplement DHC Collagen Powder and newly launched cleansing sheet DHC Make-off Sheet to its existing range of DHC Olive Essentials products.

I had this powered collagen initially but I switched it with Herine for the drink.

Now I feel like trying the powdered one again 🙁 hahahaha.

The collagen powder ($58.50) is a NEW product by DHC.

It can be added to food or drinks for easy consumption, the distinct smell of collagen is suppressed to retain original flavour of food and drinks (OMG do you know that most collagen powder has this strong fishy smell? This one has none even though it is made from highly purified and excellent quality small molecule fish!!!)

The powder also contains 50mg of Vitamin C which increases collagen synthesis to make skin become more beautiful. *-*

Background information for collagen:

– Plays an essential role in maintaining firm and supple skin by supporting moisture and elasticity of the skin

– One of the most effective and direct methods to replenishing and maintaining a healthy collagen level is to actively consume collagen on a daily basis.

Do you want younger, smoother and tighter-looking skin? I WANTTT!!

They also come in pill form.

This is the latest skincare series, the Kakonjuka Range.

It combimes six specially selected Asian botanicals for a youthful complexion. The anti-ageing skincare series comprising a lotion, essence and cream.

And the functions? To moisture to sooth, hydrate and fight signs of aging!!

Complementing the this series is the DHC collagen Beauty 7000+ collagen drink. Together, the products help to build healthy skin from within and strengthen the skin’s moisturizing effect, aiding in skin rejuvenation for smoother, tighter skin.

So kawaiiiii~

This is the DHC Acne Series. Did you notice the packet of oral pills on the left? It’s their latest product in addition to the series which helps to control sebum secretion and prevent the worsening of acne, helps the skin prepare for a healthy skin turn over and lastly, locks moisture in the skin while prompting skin elasticity and firmness.

Only retailing at $29.90 for a one month supply.

We were first taught by the DHC beautician who flew over from Japan to reach us how to achieve sharper jaw lines and radiant skin! She was so cute. Or are all Japanese cute? Sooo soft spoken.

The final programme was a cook off! We made ramen, sushi, and dessert.

Yes, all of them had collagen powder added to them!!

Me me me. With my DHC cook hat.

Ingredients.

My favourite collagen drink! I used to drink another brand’s collagen drink but the price was too steep.

So I switched with DHC, it was slightly cheaper with higher collagen content!

The taste was also very berry berry. I like.

First dish was ramen! (no, it’s not pasta). I made thissss!

Collagen powder was also added to the ramen.

Making the second dish.

Sushi!

Likewise, collagen was added to the sushi too.

Just to add on, there is no fishy smell/taste in DHC collagen powder so you can add them freely into your food.

The collagen drink was used to make desserts. I prefer to drink it off the bottle though.

Really love the taste of it 😀 Plus, IT’S ZERO CALORIES!

Some of the products DHC generously gave us to try.

DHC Make Off Sheet ($17.50) – This is a new product. Other than cleaning away the dirt and sebum from the spores, it also remove makeup such as mascara with a gentle wipe. 100% cotton.

DHC Collagen Drink ($49.90) – I believe this is no new product to you. This is one of DHC’s most famous selling collagen drink! Taste like grapes. I like it.

DHC Pills ($25.90) – 6 tablets a day of 1 month supply. Excellent absorption and continuous daily intake will provide youthful beauty and also maintain proper body function. (Just started on this since 2 days ago. I’ll do a separate review on this for sure!)

DHC Olive Virgin Oil ($72.90) – This is suitable even for blemish prone and sensitive skin. It infuses moisture into skin effectively and most importantly – non greasy. Use it if you want a more radiant and healthy skin.

DHC Washing Powder ($22.90) – I have dry skin so this is pretty suitable for me. It is a plant based cleansing formula that is gentle to the skin and effectively removes dead skin and dirt. Light and fluffy foams appears once the powder comes into contact with water :O

DHC Mild Lotion ($55.90) – This helps to calm and refresh the skin as it contains cucumber extracts and it is suitable for all skin type. You can use it with DHC Olive Virgin Oil to maximize its results.

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil ($43) – Perhaps one of my most favourite product in the entire DHC collection. It protects the skin while dissolving make up (even those stubborn makeups like waterproof mascara) and dirt and unclogging pores.

DHC products can be found at Watsons CCK Lot 1, NTUC Hougang Mall, IMM, Jurong Point, Parkway Parade, Tampines 1, Tampines Mall, Vivocity and East Point.

However for full range of DHC products (including the latest range), they can be found at Watsons Bugis Junction, Compass Point, ION Orchard, Takashimaya and Raffles City.