BigDeals – An Exercise In Trivial Pursuits

Couponing: Facial + Lymphatic Face Massage + Shoulder Relax Massage + Eyebrow Trimming at Xin Beauty

Posted on September 22, 2011July 13, 2012 by Chloe Happ

Date: 26 August 2011

Deal: 88% OFF on 75mins Facial (3 Choices) + Lymphatic Face Massage + Shoulder Relax Massage + Eyebrow Trimming @$25 ONLY

How it went:

Midpoint Orchard is a really strange building that’s out of place in fancy Orchard Road, especially with the addition of Ion Orchard, 313@Somerset and Orchard Central. It’s a building that’s stuck in the late 70s with minor renovations done probably in the early 90s. There are so many small beauty salons and electronic shops, I really wonder who patronises them. Xin Beauty is one of those neighbourhood shops that basically transported its entire operation there – no upscaling for town, and the size of my living room!

Whilst the location was good, everything was so basic that I’d rather not get a facial in town. My hair was sticking up after the facial and there was no space, nothing to help me get out into public without looking like a doofus. I just needed a hair brush and a hair dryer to sort the mane out. I went to one of the small hair salons and they tried charging me $12 to do just that. I’m not even asking for a wash. Just blow and brush. ARGH! Luckily they had those old fashion hand dryers in the toilets and I bent down, put my head under the hot air stream and brushed my hair out with my fingers. Sometimes old fashioned is good. Forget those fancy air-stream hand dryers where you dip your hands in.

Practical sized room. Just enough for the bed & a tray of products.

Ok so anyway, this is a $25 facial in the heart of town but in a dingy building, where the entire shop (reception, pantry, and treatment rooms) was enclosed in a space the size of my living room (I’m not even joking). The deal was that I could choose from 3 facials – Option 1: Skin Perfector Anti-pigmentation Treatment; Option 2: Anti-blemish Skin Renewal Treatment; Option 3: Oxy-Pure Rejuvenating Treatment. I had no idea which treatment I received and it certainly didn’t match any of those fancy-titled options. It was largely one of those old fashioned “Mode Circle” (anybody remember those?) facials that I had in the early 90s. As a pimply teenager, I’d have been okay with it, thinking that facials were all like that. Painful, uncomfortable and awkward. But I’m not. It didn’t feel like it was worth my time. I didn’t feel any better after the treatment. Firstly, the technique was so-so. I wouldn’t say it was bad but I’ve had a lot better, many more times. Secondly, the products used were very generic and hardly anything special. Thirdly, I could hear the girls outside gossiping at the top of their voices because the entire space was open on the top and it is really small.

So was it worth $288? Nope! Of course not! But to be honest for $25, I suppose it’s justified. Also I might go back again (if I have a ride straight home) because the beautician working on me thought I was still in school. She thought I was a 22 year old with really dry skin. She tsk-tsked me when I said I barely used home care products other than the basic facial wash, make-up remover, exfoliator and sunblock. When she asked me to guess how old she was and it turned out she was only 5 years older than I was heehee… Cheap thrills, I know. But people should stop tsktsking me when I see so many people my age who actually look older!

couponing

Couponing: Nobel Award Winning Facial + 30 min Massage + 30 min Neck and Eyes Treatment at Beaute Hub

Posted on September 4, 2011July 13, 2012 by Chloe Happ

Date: 25 August 2011

Deal: $15 for 60 min Nobel Award Winning Facial + 30 min Massage + 30 min Neck and Eyes Treatment at Beaute Hub (Worth $448)

How it went:

Let’s just say, this is an experience I’d rather forget. Even if there was another deal offer at $15, I wouldn’t take it and neither should anyone else, unless you’re desperately in need of a quick facial/massage. It was trouble from the start. I bought the voucher on 31 May 2011. I called up 2 days later (in June obviously) to book an appointment, but I was told to call back in August because they had no more slots. The voucher is valid from 1 June to 30 November 2011. I’m assuming this meant that they didn’t have the capacity to accommodate. Imagine if I were to buy a package, I’d only be able to have a facial every 2-3 months? So anyway, I did call back in August and I managed to get an appointment on a weekday afternoon (alarm bells, hello)…

Firstly, bad location (for me) because you had to walk a distance from the MRT station before you actually get there. Also when leaving, I had a bad time trying to hail a cab. Secondly, the place was a little dinghy and perhaps in my crazy imagination, what a whorehouse would look like inside (please see pictures). Thirdly, they made me leave my shoes outside!!! Along the sidewalk!! Mind you, it’s not within a building. This was a shophouse. Okay, I had to remove my shoes (this I understand for cleanliness) but can’t you put the shoe racks within your shop? Fourthly, I didn’t like the 2 consultants at the reception. One (Malaysian) was ambivalent but tried to get me to upgrade before I even went in ($99 for an ampoule of Jasmine whatever) and the other (PRC) was staring at my trolley bag filled with toiletries then told me not to drag it on its wheels on their floor. Yes, I probably looked like a hobo so I deserve that kind of stare. But… your floor is made of cheap chip-wood. There’s a hollow-echoing sound when you walk on it. And Miss PRC, are you wearing your skanky heels inside the shop if we can’t bring our shoes in? The same shoes I see you wear in and OUT of the shop to buy food from next door?

Beaute Hub - almost missed it because it was partially hidden — Beaute Hub – almost missed it because it was partially hidden

They had about 6 treatment rooms when it looked like they only had space for 4

I waited for almost 15min in this corner space that was just wide enough for 1 armchair.

Can’t say I enjoyed the treatment either. I don’t know what kind of back massage requires me to lie on my back while you try to shimmy your arms down the grooves between my shoulder and the treatment bed instead of having me lie on my front. I don’t think it’s the therapist’s fault while I was wincing in pain several times – from the extraction to the scraping face massage (was it a rock she was using??) to the weird shoulder and upper body massage. I suppose that’s how they do it at Beaute Hub. If this was their award winning facial… I’d be afraid to try the other treatments. Oh! But I did like what she did on my eyes. She used a very hot/warm eye mask before brushing on the cold/icy face mask. The contrast was interesting and I think the eye mask did make me relax. I probably nodded off during a) the head massage bit b) the eye masking.

Super cramped room. You had to crab-walk sideways to move.

Saving grace - hair dryer, mirror & hair brushes!!! — Saving grace – hair dryer, mirror & hair brushes!!!

So was it worth $448? Not at all! I guess the $15 I paid would’ve gone to the cost of the hair-straightener (why do they even give out these things?) as well as the nice eye mask that was used on me. Other than that, if I’d known, I’d just say hello can I pay you $15 for the eye treatment and please don’t do the other stuff on me. One saving grace is the mirror and hairdryer! I must say that this cancels out having to put my shoes in the alleyway and risk losing them. My hair goes crazy after a facial because they put it up in a headband. The hairdryer and brush is important for public service (i.e. don’t want to scare people with my Mad Max head).

couponing

Couponing: Brand New Skin Facial at Beauticove

Posted on August 31, 2011July 13, 2012 by Chloe Happ

Date: 24 August 2011

Deal: 89% off Negative Energy Cleansing Facial (New in Singapore!) or Pore and Scar Reducing Facial or Tummy/Thigh Slimming at $22 (worth up to $200) FREE Eye Treatment for Facials (Clarke Quay)

How it went:

It actually was quite good! It didn’t start off well because I had a bit of a problem booking the appointment. I called 3 times before I managed to get someone on the phone but after that, I had SMS confirmation and reminders so that was good. My post title says a different thing from the actual deal because I went there with really bad skin that day. It was a terrible weekend before and I had a breakout. My surface skin was dehydrated but underneath it was oily and I had 4 huge zits like a constellation on my face!

The treatment room and the terry towel tube I changed into

A Eurasian lady named Carole (who appears to be the boss) attended to me. She looked at my face and explained the various offers in this coupon. None of which matched the treatment I urgently needed so she decided to customise a session that was closer to their “Brand New Skin Facial” (usual price $130) but threw in the eye treatment from the coupon as well. The room was nice and spacious. They had about 3 treatment rooms side by side and it all opened up to become one big room for training. There was a projector overhead in my room and Carole reassured me it wasn’t a spy camera. Carole was very motherly, firm but gentle. I fell asleep almost immediately. There was no extraction (YAY! No pain!) and she said it wasn’t something they did at her beauty parlour anyway. She did 2 mild acid peels, followed by the masks and I swear my skin felt almost back to normal after the facial!

Beauticove uses Alpha-H products from Australia. I ended up buying the Liquid Gold for $60+. It has been doing wonders and I swear it works! I wasn’t being pushed to buy products or packages and I felt reassured that I could walk out without feeling any pressure. I’d be honest and say that I was skeptical about the Liquid Gold. It was a plain cheap packaging and I was bleagh about it. But after using it for almost a week, I’d buy it again once I’m done with this bottle! If you can get over the smell (like drinking sherry), then you should try it too! My pores are more refined, my t-zone less oily. Though I was told not to use it for an extended period because my skin is quite thin.

So was it worth $200? Not really. I’d maybe pay between $80-$90. Would I go back again? Yes! I might even consider taking the 6-session package for the “Brand New Skin Facial” as I was offered a 30% discount. Clarke Quay MRT station is on the Northeast Line and less than 30mins ride on the train for me to get back home! I definitely am thinking about the offer. Also a boon is that Riverside Point is a strange place because it’s so quiet! I like it!

couponing

Couponing: 3 Sessions Hair Rejuvenating Therapy by TK Trichokare

Posted on August 31, 2011July 13, 2012 by Chloe Happ

Date: 18, 22 & 28 August 2011

Deal: $49 instead of $537, 91% off 3 Sessions Hair Rejuvenating Therapy at 4 locations by TK Trichokare

How it went:

Let me just put it out there that I actually go to Svenson’s for oily scalp treatment as my hair has been thinning for some time. I have fine hair to begin with and I’ve never had a thick head of hair ever. My oily scalp makes things worse because the grease apparently clogs your hair follicles and you get a bald patch. I’m very satisfied with Svenson’s at this point in time but I am still shopping around for a good deal on similar treatments so I tried out this TK Trichokare.

Frilly filigree patterns on the wall at the reception

Frilly wall patterns and individual stations. — Frilly wall patterns and individual stations divided by frosted glass panels

I went to the Wheelock Place branch on 3 different days over 2 weeks. It’s nice and quiet. The decor was fake classical European-esque (compared to the more Scandinavian style Svenson’s). There were these frilly gothic type patterns and gold frames. And on the 3 different times I went, it wasn’t crowded plus a ton of magazines for reading which I loved. After I was greeted at the reception, I was led into a small office for a “discussion” with their consultant Sharon (I think). She was probably Malaysian and spoke with an accent. I found it a little difficult to follow her train of thoughts and her language skills were a bit of a problem too. She didn’t seem too comfortable speaking in English and her grammar was all over the place. But I get the general drift. She felt that my hair was thinning and I wasn’t getting enough from my Svenson’s treatments. Also I should upgrade to this other thing and top up about $100 (even before I did the 3 sessions). Everything here was expensive but nothing exceptionally outstanding. It was good but it wasn’t worth $200 to wash my head.

I loved the hair wash. I also love $10 hair washes and head massages, who am I kidding? Then there was this squirting of some tonic after my hair wash. After which, a red light was shone on my head for a bit. Then my hair was blown dry and styled. That’s all.

So was it worth $537? Nope! Was it worth $49? Maybe… a little too much money for a hair wash, blow dry and application of tonic. But it was in a fancy building in the middle of Orchard Road. They had nice magazines for me to read and I did thoroughly enjoy my ME-time! If a similar coupon comes by, I wouldn’t hesitate to snap it up! I do like the ambience but the location was a bit out of the way if I wanted to go there frequently. The Svenson’s branch I visit is 10 minutes away from my house, so yup! Oh but I did end up spending about $39 for a bottle of TK Trichokare “Black Shine” hair serum. Very easy to use – one pump, rub it through your wet hair, and that’s it! It’s supposed to make your hair soft and shiny!

couponing, Rants & Raves

Couponing: Eyelash Perming Session at Shine Nail Beauty

Posted on August 5, 2011July 13, 2012 by Chloe Happ

Date: 1 August 2011

Deal: $20 for 45 min Eyelash Perming Session at Shine Nail Beauty (Worth $68)

How it went:

POMO was fairly accessible. It’s one of those malls on the edge of town – not too far from everywhere else. I also located the shop easily. It was quite near the escalator so when you reached level 3, you’re almost there. The shop was manned by several middle-aged Chinese ladies who spoke a rather strange dialect – Hakka? Hainanese? Throughout my treatment, I kept hearing them talk. One would come in and say something and the other who was attending to me just chit-chatted. No privacy there!

Anyway, the layout of the shop was strange. It was long (not small, but I didn’t get to see the entire place) and messy. I was told to remove my shoes and just leave it there. No where in particular, just a finger pointing in the general vicinity of a table and some chairs where other people’s shoes were strewn around too. Like a house?

The room that I was in was basically a partitioned area just big enough for a treatment bed, a lamp and a chair. I reckon it was less than 1.5m wide. But because I went after work, it was rather quiet and I managed to nap (after my eye stopped tearing and the 2 women stopped talking around my head). It wasn’t the most comfortable treatment and my eyes were obviously irritated by whatever perming lotion she used. It smelt bad too! She also used some plastic clips to hold my lashes in place but she clipped so close that it clamped onto my eyelids. My eyes couldn’t stop tearing and I was literally crying. Even when I got home, my eyes were bloodshot red. Not a good sign. Either I’m too ultra sensitive and shouldn’t perm my lashes again OR she didn’t do a good job.

Curly lashes at the expense of bloodshot eyes

Was it worth $68? Maybe. I’m not sure. Let’s see how long this perm lasts and if my eyelashes start dropping off. Heh. Definitely though, $20 was pretty reasonable I think (possibly going blind non-withstanding).

couponing, Rants & Raves

Couponing: Scalp Analysis + Wash & Blow + L’Oreal Hair Spa + Cut at Charme Hair Studio

Posted on July 24, 2011July 13, 2012 by Chloe Happ

Date: 23 July 2011

Deal: $38 for Scalp Analysis + Wash & Blow + L’Oreal Hair Spa Treatment + Cut at Charme Hair Studio (Worth $156)

How it went:

It was really crowded from the moment I stepped in. The salon was small and a little cramped. Part of the decor was chic and it seemed like it could’ve worked but it was so small and cramped and messy at some parts. My face was literally 3 inches away from a row of hanging aprons when I was getting my hair washed. Cleanliness of certain areas leave much to be desired. Even if it was a busy day, I’m sure dust wouldn’t accumulate so crazily in corners (see picture below) so quickly. Also, they put their hair dryers on the floor and pick them off the ground when they want to blow dry your hair. It’s a bit dangerous that way, no? With that said, I’m undecided about whether I like this place or not.

My scalp analysis was a disappointment. Groupon said “Detailed scalp consultation and hair spa treatment”. I barely got a few words out. Mainly, “how often do you do hair treatments” (almost never), “you have very fine hair” (yes I know). And I went to get my hair washed. Then there was a machine that looked like a giant steaming nappy on my head. Then another wash. Then a haircut (I didn’t really care as long as it was short). And that’s it. Byebye! No come back again, no would you like to buy this, no… nothing. I must say I really liked that actually. I didn’t want too much hardselling or small talk either.

Egg-shaped machine with a steaming nappy for my hair spa

There were a lot of men who obviously were either regular customers or just really good friends hanging out. Amongst them, fashionable, chic gay men. Actually no, all types of gay men. Your gym bunnies, your small effeminate ones, your metrosexuals, sporty gay men… I don’t know. All sorts of men. All friendly and laughing. This is the perfect place for happy men of all types. Especially if you speak Cantonese or Mandarin! (I felt old, spinsterly and dowdy in comparison. Made me feel like I also want to be part of the gang, you know?)

Was it worth $156? No… I don’t think so. Even with the location and the perception that the hair spa treatment was expensive, I’d say… maybe $100 for the entire experience. I like my haircut though. It was worth $38 in itself. And all in, very fast! Just over an hour! I like that.

couponing, My Stuff, Rants & Raves

Couponing: Cell Enzyme Face Treatment + De-stress Body Massage at Maple World Beauty

Posted on July 24, 2011July 13, 2012 by Chloe Happ

Date: 21 July 2011

Deal: $39 Instead of $446, 91% off Cell Enzyme Face Treatment (75 min) + De-Stress Body Massage (45 min) by Maple World Beauty. Available at 2 Locations

How it went:

While the branch I went to was located in central Singapore at Orchard Road, it was not exactly the nice part of Orchard Road. You had to walk past dodgy Orchard Towers, for one. And also the walk from Orchard MRT station made me break out into a little sweat. I guess for a beauty salon that started in Ang Mo Kio, to be able to open a branch downtown is sign that they were actually doing pretty well.

I had no problems with the therapists and the treatments. They were 2 small-sized women who didn’t speak very good English but they had brute strength. I didn’t need them to talk to me anyway. My face actually looked a lot brighter and my pores much smaller after my facial. This wasn’t one of those “See! It looks so much nicer!” and me squinting to see the difference. The entire process took about 2 hours so it was well worth my trek and well worth the money!

Maple World Beauty - treatment room — Maple World Beauty – treatment room

Unfortunately I didn’t like the room they put me in. Mainly it was tiny and freezing. It looked like they had about 6 other different rooms inside another area but I was put outside right next to the reception. So it was a little noisy and there was a group of women who laughed and talked at the top of their voices in Malay whilst I was inside. Relaxing, it was not. Perhaps it’d have been better if you had the treatments inside in privacy instead. Every time the therapist opened the door, anyone seated at the reception can see me lying on the treatment bed.

Was it worth $446? No! But I’d pay up to $70 for this combination of treatments. They also recommended some packages which I’d have taken up if a) I didn’t already sign up with Fresver b) I had tried the treatments inside instead c) I didn’t mind trekking down Orchard Road to get to the MRT station in messy crazy hair (which always happens after facial). They had a promotional offer which cost about $48 per treatment (you had to buy 10 at $480) and I thought that was really decent. If you had the chance, you should get it!

couponing, Rants & Raves

Couponing: Oxy Miracle Peel + Neck Infusion at Skin Inc

Posted on July 16, 2011July 13, 2012 by Chloe Happ

Date: 14 July 2011

Deal: $38 for an Oxy Miracle Peel Treatment + Neck Infusion Treatment at Award Winning Brand, Skin Inc Worth $226

How it went:

Scary! That’s how. I’ll never do another facial with machines ever again! I’ve done Diamond Peel a couple of times and I was scared stiff each time. This Oxy Miracle Peel requires a jet spray of Oxygen (or so they say) all over my face and my neck. It was uncomfortable, ticklish, loud and scary! I was so nervous and I couldn’t relax at all. It made me so tensed up, the therapist had to calm me down a few times.

Other than that, as usual, I fell asleep. I like face massages and I like being in a spa environment. And I’m generally a sleepy pig anyhoos (even though I could hear children shouting outside when we were in the treatment room). This wasn’t a spa but 2 treatment rooms in a shop that sold skincare products. NEX mall at Serangoon is indeed crowded all the time, even on weekday afternoons! I’ve walked past this shop a few times but I didn’t realise they did beauty treatments there because the shop front was full of bottles of serum.

My therapist/consultant Shannie was shocked to see how terrified I was but tried to remain professional. Despite knowing that I might not go back again, she was patient and explained the various treatments and products available. So Skin Inc, huh? They seem to have won many awards. $128 for a bottle of serum that apparently works wonders and can be customised to all your needs. I don’t have a skincare routine and I’m a basic cleanse-wash-sunblock woman, so I listened to her explain. I’m curious and I might go back. Just need to spend a little more time researching about the encapsulated seaweed or whatever product she was talking about. The serums did feel like they were absorbed really quickly and were non-greasy. I am interested in UV protect at least. But prices, prices, prices. A major deterrent there!

So was it worth $226? I’m not sure. There’s an Oxygen jet spraying machine and some “expensive” serums involved. But I was too frightened to enjoy the treatment. Maybe some other women would. I don’t like these hole-in-the-wall facial places. Give me a full-service spa anytime, please!

couponing, Rants & Raves

Couponing: Facial Treatment by Adeva Spa at Paragon

Posted on July 10, 2011July 13, 2012 by Chloe Happ

Date: 10 July 2011

Deal: 77% Deal for One Award-Winning Facial Treatment by Adeva Spa at Paragon only $50 instead of $214

How it went:

It was luxurious and worth every single penny (AND MORE!). I had a great time and I fell into such a deep sleep! I went with 3 of my SPArty girls (Big Nat, Small Nat and Linda) and we all loved it!

The spa was located in a very central place. Decor was so elegant! The interiors were beautiful and spacious, with high ceilings. We took a tour after our facial and it was wow wow wow! The facilities were great and the environment was very appealing because even on a Sunday afternoon, it wasn’t crowded nor noisy. People respected each other’s spaces and it was all very comfortable.

My facial was awesome. I forgot to ask the therapist’s name though. She started the treatment by telling me she was going to “do destress” and before I knew it, she put her hands over my face, I took a deep breath and the lavender essential oils just knocked me out. Everything from the shoulder, face, head and arm massages, to the actual facial (cleansing, extraction, mask etc) was so well executed. She had smooth, strong hands that were masterful and firm. I fought the zzzzz monster from the get go and lost! I wanted to stay awake to see what she was doing to me but I know I started snoring because I woke myself up a few times. Heh.

Was it worth $214? Yes yes yes! No hard-selling, a real spa environment, luxurious designer seats, we had hot ginger tea, water and a detoxifying Hawthorn dessert. The 90-minute session was fantastic! I was almost tempted to buy the offered package but I don’t have money now. My friend Natalie bought it though and I’m envious! The package makes you a member. Members are allowed to use the facilities in the spa and there is free food, drinks and dessert too. I will try to wrangle some $$ the next time and make sure I get at least a small 10-session package. This will be one of those “for special occasions” treats, not my usual monthly maintenance spa sessions. I love this spa! I want to come back again!

couponing, Rants & Raves

Couponing: Massage & Facial by Fresver Beauty

Posted on June 29, 2011July 13, 2012 by Chloe Happ

Date: 27 June 2011

Deal: $28 instead of $233, 88% off 95-Minute Anti-Stress Back Massage + Spa Refreshing Facial + Relaxing Eye Treatment for Men & Women by Fresver Beauty. Walk Away with a Free Elastic Q10 Eye Mask (Worth $58)

How did it go:

Booking an appointment took a few tries. There was a centralised system where you called 1 number instead of the branch you wanted. My calls were ignored for 1 day, then I tried calling another 6-7 times before someone returned my call. My preferred time was 7pm on 27 June 2011, at the Hougang Bus Interchange branch because it is near where I currently live. It was changed a total of 3 times (not by me) before I ended up going for my treatment at 6.30pm. Strange location, not necessarily bad but I’ve never seen shops (save for little snack kiosks) at bus interchanges. Took me a while to locate it because I went there by MRT and I didn’t know it was literally in the bus interchange in front of some bus bays.

It was decent inside the salon but there was definite suburban shoppe vibes. The massage therapist was chatty and it wasn’t really relaxing but she had great technique. Once I found the will to ignore her questions about my tattoos and what I did for work, I managed to relax (only for a while because the massage was only 20mins long). The rooms were a little tiny and the walls were thin. I could hear people laughing and some banging on the partition walls. The facial was not bad but nothing to rave about. I fell asleep because I generally do fall asleep at facials.

I had facial at True Spa, Beyond Beauty and Amore Day Spa prior to this and I was used to that level of comfort, privacy, service and dare I say, luxury. I didn’t particularly think they were luxurious till I went to Fresver. Price-wise, Fresver tried to sell me packages that were in the price-range of what I’d have paid at Amore (without the frills or the convenience) but because I am genuinely shopping for something, I ended up buying 6 sessions at $188 (with GST, it came up to slightly over $200).

At less than $35 per session, I’d say that’s a little under what I’d pay for such services at a small operation like this. To be honest, I was prepared to pay up to $50 per session but I didn’t have $960 (which was the minimum 20 sessions x $48 package) upfront and I think she was desperate to make a sale. There came a point where she offered to pay part of the package for me, only to pay her back in installments. She literally asked me what I could afford and magically pulled out “promotions” from 3 years back just for me… dedication much?

Was the coupon really worth $233. Nope! They didn’t even give me that whatever elastic eyemask (not that I wanted it). I’d say it came up to slightly under $100 at most. They weren’t even using the Dr. Grandel products that she raved about being the sole distributor to. Just generic ones. Also, it’s a bus interchange shop, yo! It was quite small and they were a little bit messy inside (plastic pails along the corridor).

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