Tiny, Dark & Handsome.

This would probably be the first post I am writing which is non beauty/work related. This is about my other passion and love, animals.

I decided to start talking about dogs here since so many of my friends and clients ask me about it. Almost everything from adoption, training, health issues and feeding them. So here is the first instalment, The Introduction.

I have always been a big animal lover as I grew up in a family full dogs, fish, terrapins, amphibians (yes, frogs & lizards), monkeys and etc. Of course, my favourite would be dogs! Man's best friend, indeed.

My earliest memories of dogs were not all that great though. I remember tripping over them at home as I was learning how to walk, however, they never seem bothered by it. And the scary walk from my Grandma's Katong bungalow gate to her front door. My Grandma had the kindest heart and would take in ANY dog who needed a home. We had pure bred Dalmatian (Spotty), Doberman, small pekingnese, Alsatians, Pitbulls, cocker spaniel and many mixed breeds. 10 over dogs in the garden at one time , if I remember correctly. I remember my dad would tell me no eye contact, no running and just walk straight to the door (a 20m walk). I was like 3 years old. Lucky for me, all the dogs were trained so I was never harmed.

Fast forward to my teens, where a friend of mine gave me my very first dog. A very beautiful and sometimes too intelligent, silver Poodle puppy I named Baby. And because of Baby, I got to experience dogs' unconditional love and joy they can bring. It is amazing how intelligent and sensitive dogs are.
She will always hold a very special place in my heart because she is my very own first dog. I did loads of research in libraries and bookstores (when internet was not available then ;p ) on how to train her, groom her and practically how to take care of a dog. I started to appreciate poodles a lot, especially black and silver ones.

I got another apricot male poodle puppy whom I named Muffy to be part of our pack. The bravest boy who will go out of his way to stay close to me and protect me.
Baby lived till she was almost 18 years old. Though she was completely blind and unable to move during her last days, we all knew this feisty girl was happy till the very end.
Muffy lived till only 9years old as he suffered from liver cancer. His death really broke me. He was in pain at times yet he was still the loveliest boy to me, and to me only. He would snap at others if they tried to pick him up as the tumour in his stomach hurt, but he would never do that to me.

Baby when she was 14 years old

 

 

Muffy at 8 years old



So I started to volunteer at dog shelters to help the less fortunate dogs who are abandoned or stray. I learnt so much about puppy mills and so many things I did not know before about how cruel some people are to breed dogs in terrible conditions just to sell the puppies. Or most reasons for giving up their dogs or even to be euthanized (yes, they do bring their healthy dogs to be put to sleep)  are because the wife is having a new baby, or they are moving to smaller apartment, or just because the puppy grew up to be too big. There are even more cruel abandoned cases, too are many to tell in a single post. Ridiculous reasons? You tell me.

So after trying very hard not to keep another dog as I could not get over the grief of losing Muffy, Oliver aka Ollie, chose to come live with us (we always say he had adopted us ;p) and changed all that. He was also abandoned because he was not the healthiest young dog which would mean lots of medical bills to take care of. It was really hard to resist not taking him home and give him the comfortable life he so deserves. I would like to think that with all the home cooked healthy meals and loads of love, he is extremely spoilt and healthy now. The once skinny malnourished boy is now a pretty good looking furball now.

And this is my boy, Ollie

 

 

Ollie goes to work with me at the studio pretty often, and that is how clients get to interact with him and ask me many dog related questions. I do admit that I do go out of my way a lot just to take him out with us for dinner and outings.

I always try to inspire others to adopt over buying a new puppy at the petshop (especially if you have no clue of the puppies' pawrents, most likely backyard breeder or from the puppymill) by sharing Ollie's story and with this short list below.

Here are a few pros of adopting an adult dog.

1. They have past that destructive phase when they are teething. So no chewing on shoes, furniture and etc. As they become adults, they are more self disciplined.
2. Easier to toilet train or housebreak, or most of them already are trained.
3. With an adult dog, you will already know his size as a full grown, his temperament and health.

 

 

Photos taken at the studio

 

I will be happy to talk more about dog related issues here and of course they will be from my views and experience. I would love to help more dogs and their human family live together happily and healthily with whatever knowledge I have to share.

Here are a few dog rescue volunteer groups you can find out about in their Facebook links :
SOSD
ASD
Animal Lovers League
AAWSG
OASIS



Till next time.

My Tiny, Dark & Handsome boy, Ollie.

Follow me on Instagram to see Ollie regularly.
 

Follow me on Instagram!

Yes, I am a late bloomer. Better late that never right? :)

I have always been very private about my life, however, I know many of you want me to reach out to you on a more personal level. To see what I do at work, out of work, share things I see and events I go to.

Please follow me here!Click Instagram

Casio Exilim TR 15 Media Launch

It has been a very exciting and hectic (good kind of hectic, though) year for me. I do hope it has been great for you too!

This year, I have had so many opportunities to start new and bigger things. So thankful for the new people and things in my life. And I would like to take this opportunity to share with you what I have been busy with.

Some of you might know that I have been helping out in my family's Event conceptualisation business for many years now. Our Event business targets more fashion campaigns and launches focusing on celebrity appearances and fashion models. Now armed with more experience and knowledge, I am now heading the Fashion & Styling department of W.A.T.E Works (We are revamping a new website for W.A.T.E. Works). I take care of all styling & fashion related issues. Namely wardrobe & styling department and makeup & hairstyling department. I also have a great team working under me.

I was handed a very big project before I left for Tokyo, Japan. It is for the Casio Exilim TR 15 Media Launch in Singapore. The compact camera every Self-portrait photo user MUST own. Just do a google and you can see how they are sold like hot cakes even before the official launch in Shanghai, Hongkong and Taiwan. Why are all the celebrities, bloggers, selfie-takers and almost everyone wants one or if you are lucky, already own one.
Let's see how this powerful compact looks like first. Besides the basic white and black colour choices, the shocking pink is a real knock-out. I will talk about this camera more once I get my hands on one myself!

 

Pic credit : Casio

 

 

28th June, just one day after I came back from Tokyo, was the launch party. I had to shop in Tokyo for the models' outfits & accessories since I would not have time back here in Singapore to organise the wardrobe. Hard work lugging them around in busy Tokyo,but totally worth it when I see the final work.

 

The wonderful team of Mojito transformed the ballroom reception area to a very funky and Cyber-age place.

 

Here is the stage.

 

Our very own Top Singapore model, Sheila Sim, was the superstar of the show. Here's some pictures of us backstage before and after I have done her styling (Makeup by me too!)

 

Photo taken off my instagram, sorry for the grainy picture.

 

 

 

Here's the rest of the team. That's my brother, Leslie, the one behind W.A.T.E works.

With Bloggers Agri & Estelle

 

My 'personal' lens man, YuJin (the Hubs)

 

Mojito & W.A.T.E works

 

Choreographing the walk. Rehearsals. (Our videographer, René, got caught in the background)

 

 

And the party begins at 6pm!

Ying Ying opening the show.

 

Agri and Estelle sharing tips on Selfies with the TR 15 with the audience

Selfie-professionals! :)



 

Guests were then invited to go check out the cameras at the 3 different themed rooms.

Here is the tea room.

 

Here's our girls showing the guests all the wonderful and convenient functions of the camera.



 

 Make-up room

 

 



Dance Club



I will be back with more information on this very wonderful compact camera. This camera is currently out of stock so you will have check the retailers if you can be put on waiting list.

 

Till then, Selfie on! :)

 

 



 

 

Love,

 





Joiè

 

 

Photo credits : YuJin, Mojito & Casio



My Journey with Mrs Singapore Universe 2013

In March this year, a lady called me to book my styling services for a few dates. Little did I know, this would be a start to a newfound friendship.

When this lady turned up for her first styling service on 22nd March at the studio, I saw a very warm and down to earth person.

Her name is Christy Chung. A mother of five, a lecturer at our local Polytechnic and a wife who speaks fondly of her very doting husband.

As I usually try to find out more about the event my client is attending to be able give them the most appropriate makeup & hairstyling, Christy then told me she is actually a finalist for this year's Mrs Singapore Pageant! We then started chatting like old friends when I started sharing tips with her about pageants and my experience with styling for the last Mrs Singapore World 2012, Kim Marie Martin. We then kept in regular contact by text messages on other stuffs such as skin care.

The next styling was for her Pre-judging session, which it is actually the most important part of the competition. Where the ladies have to present themselves to the judges in their best evening gowns and answer questions put out to them. This is extremely nerve-wrecking to most people, but Christy showed no signs of nervousness.
This is her after the hair and makeup styling. Gorgeously poised in an elegant yet striking red evening gown. Here is Christy after my makeup & hair styling for her pre-judging.

The finals was on 11th May at Orchid Country Club. We were all in a huge room with the rest of the contestants. I was feeling light-headed by the tension that was filling the air. But none of it coming from Christy. She was still the ever so calm and collected Christy through out. We even managed a picture at the photo wall before I left.

After bidding her goodbye and wishing her the best, I left to go to see Mrs Singapore World 2012 in her room. Had only time to help her with her hair. Here's one with the queen.

At around 3am, I saw a message on my mobile from Kim Marie. The news actually got me super excited that I woke the hubs up too! Christy won the title of Mrs Singapore Universe 2013! I am truly happy for her. No one deserves it more than you, Christy!

Actually, besides Christy, I have had at least 5 other enquiries for styling for this pageant by other contestants. It must be fated then that she got the booking first, and the rest they say, is history.

Now, I am helping Christy prepare for her international competition in Aruba in August, where she is representing Singapore in Mrs Universe 2013. All contestants have to do their own hair and makeup so Christy is taking sort of a crash course on makeup and styling from me now.

Here I leave you with the winning pictures of Christy at the finals. All pictures (except with Kim Marie) are provided by Christy. Thank you!

All the best, Christy! Like what you always say 'Enjoy the moment and the experience!'

Testimonial by Christy on my facebook page :

Love working with Joie. My first encounter with her left me yearning for more. Not only did her personable demeanor put me at ease, her fashionistic inclination and eye for details set her apart from other makeup artists. I knew I was in very good hands after my first styling with her. Besides makeup, she became my beauty consultant as well, introducing cutting edge beauty technology, products and regime which suit my sensitive combination skin. Joie is also able to give fashion styling tips too. Recall her suggestions on matching accessories to go with my gowns and without Joie, I wouldn't have tried and known that bright red lip colour works on me too. Needless to say, I engaged her for my pre-judging and finals. Indeed she was one "magician" who sealed the win.

 

 

 

Lumi-Oxy. Your personal skin care therapy device. Available at Joiè The Makeup Bar

Lumi-Oxy combines Ozone Therapy and NASA's LED Light Therapy to refine, rejuvenate and renew your skin, tackling 4 major concerns many Singaporeans encounter - Pores, Pimples, Pigmentation and Wrinkles.

Introducing the Lumi-Oxy, a revolutionary personal aesthetic technology that combines Ozone Therapy and NASA’s LED Light Therapy to refine, rejuvenate and renew your skin. A first to combine both technologies into 1 device, the Lumi-Oxy tackles 4 major concerns many Singaporeans encounter - Pores, Pimples, Pigmentation and Wrinkles.


 

Do you not sometimes wish that you could have 36 hours a day? There are always too many things to do and too little time. I think the last time I visited a beauty salon to get a facial treatment might have been at least 2 years ago.

I have tried many LED light and Oxygen therapy facial treatments in the past and I really do like how effective it works on my super sensitive and acne prone skin.

I had a severe breakout back in the days as a flight attendant, and I signed up for a series of Blue Light therapy treatment in a beauty salon to kill bacteria that is causing acne and breakout. Within, 2 weeks of expensive (almost $3000!) and intensive treatment, my breakout cleared tremendously and stayed clear from then on.

Then this was followed by the Red Light therapy, to stimulate cell renewal to boost collagen production, resulting in smoother and tighter skin appearance.

Of course, I only could do this when I had time to spare to head for a facial and also this usually means a couple of hundreds of dollars each session.

Then I tried Lumi-oxy. A personal skin therapy device which you can use daily, in the comfort of your own home. You need only 3 minutes for each area, so I do it usually in the evening infront of the Tv when I get the chance to relax after dinner. So convenient, easy and effective!

** I apply my favourite Envie De Neuf Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum before using the Lumi-Oxy. By using the Lumi-oxy with your serum, it helps to penetrate the serum further and quicker to boost its skincare benefits.

 

 

Let's see how the Blue & Red LED light therapy and Ozone therapy can treat our common skin complaints.

This not only has the Blue and Red LED light therapy, it even has another wonderful innovation, Ozone Therapy. So what's so special about Ozone?

The Lumi-Oxy Ozone Therapy Function (O₃) creates a high-energy electrical discharge that ionises three oxygen atoms (O + O₂ = O₃) in the atmosphere, producing supercharged enriched oxygen called Ozone. Ozone sterilizes and purifies skin upon contact and can provide anodyne, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects. It can also effectively brighten and even out skin tone naturally over time, akin to many whitening products or lightening treatments.

 

 

Can I say, I totally love the ozone therapy! Zap your spots and blemishes away. It literally Zaps them away because the Ozone therapy is like a blue electric lightning current. Then it gives off the smell of the aftermath of rain. What you get is, Clear & Clean skin!

 

There are many settings in the Lumi-oxy where you can choose to use :

1) Blue LED alone (targets pimples, acne & pores. Good for dark cirlces too)
2) Red LED alone (targets collagen production, healthy skin. Eye bag reduction)
3) Blue & Red LED together
4) Blue & Ozone (intensive yet gentle clearing up of bacteria which causes pimples & acne.
5) Ozone alone (Anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, sterilises & purifies)
6) Blue, Red & Ozone (for people who want all the benefits of Lumi-oxy and of course who only have a small amount of time each day to do so)
7) Using the intermittent Blue & Red LED for eye area (improve dark circles and eye bags)

Warning : DO NOT USE Ozone around eye & lip areas.

BONUS HAIR CARE TIP!

You can also use the Lumi-Oxy to tackle oily scalp and prevent hair loss. Select both Red and Blue LED therapy, coupled with Ozone therapy and apply it on the scalp.

·         Blue LED Therapy

o    Reduces oil secretion in scalp

·         Red LED Therapy

o    Stimulate cell renewal and boost collagen production for healthier and stronger hair follicles

·         Ozone Therapy

o    Oxidizes toxins and increases oxygen in blood to allow better circulation

 

TREATMENT PROCEDURE

 

The Lumi-Oxy can be used twice daily in the morning and night, up to 3 minutes per treatment area.

 

Choose desired ozone and LED settings, and begin lightly circling the device across the following areas for 2-3 minutes each:

 

1. Forehead: Sweep in a spiral motion from left to right.

2. Nose: Move in light downward strokes along the bridge of nose.

3. Acne: Zap areas with pimples/acne

4. Cheeks: Sweep in a spiral motion from upper cheek down to chin, gradually covering whole of cheek.

5. Neck: Use upward strokes towards base of chin.

  

Introductory Price at $298nett (till 12th June 2013)
Regular Price : $358nett
Cash and carry

 
Now available at Joiè The Makeup Bar
119A east coast road
Singapore 428806
Tel : 93857769
e : joie@joiemakeupbar.com
Appointment required

Winner of Personal one-to-one Makeup class at Envie De Neuf's Tea party Lucky draw!

You might remember 3 weeks ago I was invited to grace the Envie De Neuf Tea party event at Isetan Scotts.  EDN tea party blog post

Here are some pictures from Envie De Neuf's official photographer :

 

 

 

 

 

 

For their Lucky Draw, Joiè The Makeup Bar sponsored our most popular Personal One-to-One Makeup class to be conducted by myself.

 

This course is unique and useful to every individual as it is specially tailor-made to suit your needs, lifestyle and individual features. Through speaking to many clients in the past of their frustrations of not getting the correct instructions and techniques from makeup or grooming classes they have atended to get the results they want, I have come to realise how much I love to empower ladies with this skill of being able to know how to look good everyday. We are not talking about fancy forgettable trends or the latest products in the market. It is about learning how to bring out your best features and conceal flaws with the least hassle , correct products and techniques.

 

In my years of sharing makeup techniques and correcting habits during these courses, I am very glad to have been able to have made significant good changes to their lives. You feel good , when you look good!

 

The winner of the Personal One-to-One class, Miss Jeron, is having the usual complaints on using makeup. Not knowing how, she buys all the latest products promising to give her a flawless finish. Using a total of 6 products for makeup base and concealing usually, I have taught her how with only the basic corrector and foundation to achieve healthy looking skin. Along with new information and techiques to brighten up her fair skin, she left the studio a very happy girl! That makes me happy too! JOB SATISFACTION!

 

Here I leave you with  a picture of Miss Jeron. 'Before' which is her usual makeup she applies on her own, and 'After' which is the finished product of her hands-on class with me.

 

 

 

 

 

Please contact us at joie@joiemakeupbar.com for details on Personal One-to-One Makeup class.