Face shape is pretty much a make-or-break factor to a new look or hairstyle. Having naturally bestowed with one that is globally adored (for which I thank my Dad), my V-shape visage – characterised by a small and slim oval face narrowing down to a sharp chin and a refined jawline like a melon seed (how the Chinese descriptive term for this face shape – 瓜子脸 – is derived) – has always been on the receiving end of compliments because it is perceived to impart a sculpted and youthful appearance while enhancing facial features. In the eyes of the Koreans and Chinese, a V-line face is also a mark of feminine beauty.
But like everyone knows, nothing is eternal. As the face undergoes the ageing process, it begins to lose structure and elasticity, and slowly becomes an inverted V with a droopy jowl area and a broader lower face. Contrary to popular beliefs, these unwelcome changes can take place as early as in our 20s – or about 25 in my case as evident from my growing double chin – and are often exacerbated by late nights and an unhealthy diet, no thanks to our poor work ethics. If this were the 20th century, the loss of volume in the face would be irrevocable and only get worse as the years go by. But luckily for us, the advancement of technology in recent years has made it possible to reverse these effects brought about by ageing and, what’s more, even alter the appearance of the face by creating a more pronounced cheekbone and chin – all administered by professionals and without the need to go under the knife!
Granted, there may be over-the-counter products that promise similar results but in terms of efficacy, safety and speed, nothing honestly comes close to Sygmalift – a non-surgical, painless process that has risen in popularity among those not ready to deal with the risks of a nip and tuck. It uses combination therapy of High Intensity Focal Ultrasound (HIFU) for facial remodelling and lifting, and Cold Laser 635 nm for bio-stimulation and enhancing skin glow. Not only does it yield long-term results without the downtime, it is also relatively quicker (about an hour) and more affordable than traditional facelift procedures that can amount to thousands of dollars.
The Clifford Clinic
The Clifford Clinic
One of the pioneer aesthetics clinics to offer this newest and most advanced HIFU technology in Singapore is The Clifford Clinic where I was invited by Dr Gerard Ee to experience this wonder first-hand to hopefully address my anti-ageing woes. As opposed to traditional HIFUs which penetrate at precise depths in the skin with very focused large beams and thereby causing a lot of discomfort and pain during treatment, HIFU Sygmalift uses fractionated beams that enable them to painlessly bypass the surface of the skin and penetrate at very precise depths to stimulate and remodel collagen without the need for painkillers or application of numbing cream.
HIFU Sygmalift machine
Before undergoing Sygmalift. This was the state of my face in November 2017 – so horribly sad! So apart from Sygmalift, Dr Ee also recommended a series of acne treatments for me to try and these experiences will be covered in my next post!
Preparing to receive the therapy
Let’s get started!
Suitable and safe for all ages and skin types, this treatment is perfect for facial rejuvenation as well as for saggy cheeks, crow’s feet, jowl and laugh lines reduction. Depending on your age and skin condition, it is recommended to be done once a week over a span of 3 to 6 weeks. Admittedly, my skin hasn’t quite reached a state of crisis so intensive care wasn’t necessary for me. Thus, I was only required to undergo 2 sessions of Sygmalift nearly 3 weeks apart. Results of skin tightening and lifting can be observed progressively within 40 days and are expected to last up to 12 months. In fact, there was already noticeable difference during my first session which followed after my Hydrafacial (but that’s another story and shall be told another time 😉).
From the chin
To the jawline
And then to the cheekbone
Notice that my face is slightly lifted on the right now?
Both times, my makeup would have been entirely removed by the therapist performing the Hydrafacial on me prior to the Sygmalift procedure (otherwise, I’d have to remove it myself), so there was always a sparkling clean surface to work on. Upon applying a layer of cool gel all over my face (as a conductor for the beams to penetrate better into the skin as well as to reduce friction), the therapist firmly pressed the handheld device down onto one side of my jawline (it may take awhile to get used to the pressure), slowly and smoothly sliding her way up to the cheekbone. The whole process involved repeating the same set of steps at one targeted area several times before proceeding to the next, and because it was so therapeutic, I tried very hard to fight off my drowsiness in the middle of the treatment just so that I could keep tabs on what was happening. But my perseverance level plummeted by the second session and I subsequently slept through the next 😂
Moving on to the left side!
From this picture, you can tell roughly how much pressure is exerted onto my face
Done! My face felt a little swollen after the procedure but it was just temporary
The treatment comprises two parts – the first being the focal ultrasound which helps reduce the fat and lift the muscle while the second the laser to stimulate collagen production and tightening. The latter would require me to wear laser-protective goggles and put my ability to take pictures without a sight to the test 😂
Wiping off the cool gel in preparation for the next part of Sygmalift
Putting on the safety goggles…
Part 2 begins now!
Post-Sygmalift
So, did I fare well? LOL.
On that day I underwent my final session, I had my passport photo taken and was pleasantly surprised at how much sharper my chin and jawline had become as compared to how I looked previously in 2012! But considering that I have also started frequenting the gym and engaging in more intense exercises, I must say that my weight loss does play a part in reducing the chubbiness of my face as well.
November 2017 (left) and 2012
As an added bonus, here’s me throughout the years XD
Although no downtime is associated with this treatment, there is still bound to be some sort of aching along the jawline from the continuous pressure of the therapist on the device. But the feeling was mild enough to be ignored without causing any inconvenience and it generally subsided by the next day, leaving no signs of bruising.
For the most part, Sygmalift is relaxing and pain-free, and I would recommend it to those in dire need for a “facelift” but have low pain threshold. It is also great for those who do not have the luxury of taking long leaves because effects are (almost) instant and does not require any time to heal.
What do you think about Sygmalift? Let me know your views or experience in the comments below!
Do stay tuned to find out how, with the help of The Clifford Clinic, I successfully got rid of my acne. Thanks for reading!
The Clifford Clinic · 24 Raffles Place #01-03 Clifford Centre Singapore 048621 (Exit A from Raffles Place MRT) · Tel: 6532 2400 / 8318 6332 (WhatsApp) · For more information about HIFU Sygmalift, do visit Their website or Like them on Facebook and Instagram.
Treatment was complimentary in exchange for this review but all opinions expressed are my own.
In possibly the most bizarre (or rather, mismatched) beauty partnership in the history of celebrity makeup collaborations, drugstore brand L’Oreal Paris joined forces with high-fashion French label Balmain to create a range of 12 exclusive couture matte shades (Legend, Power, Rebellion, Freedom, Liberation, Domination, Confidence, Confession, Fever, Urban Safari, Balmain Instinct & Glamazone) designed under the creative direction of Olivier Rousteing (the man with those unbelievably high cheekbones in the promotional picture below) himself.
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain for Winter 2018
Drawing inspiration from the diverse ethnicity of the 12 supermodels fronting the campaign, the revamped Color Riche Moist collection is divided into three colour themes to represent the three tribes of L’Oréal Paris × Balmain Paris femininity – Glamazone (green), Couture (black), and Rock (blue). They are formulated with pure pigments and camellia oil and were made available for preorder on U.S. online retailers Ulta and Barneys New York (where I bought mine using ComGateWay’s BuyForMe service) last October, and subsequently rolled out in stores (Singapore included) in January. Judging from the almost-empty racks in Watsons within the first month of launch, I reckon this collection had a remarkable reception.
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick packaging
Each lipstick is housed in premium packaging inspired by precious gemstones (albeit not as lavish-looking) bearing the iconic logo of the Balmain. Prices, although significantly higher than those in the regular line, are nevertheless kept relatively affordable despite the prestige name attached to it. So if you have been dreaming to own an authentic designer piece without taking out a mortgage, this is the opportunity you have been waiting for!
Barneys New York decides to ruin the aesthetics of the packaging further by sticking on an ugly price tag..
And it also leaves a residue upon removal
Since this collection has already been out for awhile, many of the shades would’ve been sold out by now in Singapore so pardon me for the delay in posting this review. This was supposed to be completed before the new year but life somehow got in the way (and someone has got to pay the bills, y’know 😕 #life). That said, many of the shades are still pretty much available on Robinsons Singaporefor a steal. Otherwise, you can still snag them all on Barneys New York through ComGateWay’s BuyForMe service if you don’t have a U.S. credit card.
My ComGateWay’s BuyForMe cost breakdown (FYI)
Cost of lipsticks: US$14 × 9 = US$126 BuyForMe service charge (5%): US$6.30 PRIME Shipping (estimated as cost was for multiple parcels): US$15 Total: US$147.3
Estimated cost of each lipstick: US$16.37 (≈S$23) or less after discounts
* STILL CHEAPER THAN IN SINGAPORE 🤩 *
Being one of the first cosmetics brands I was introduced to when I transcended into the makeup realm in my teens, L’Oreal surely has an element of nostalgia associated with it. Hence, talking about it certainly feels like a major throwback. Years after making the switch from drugstore to higher-end products, things have turned full circle now that NINE L’Oreal × Balmain lipsticks (through careful consideration – I would’ve gotten all if my bank account permitted) have earned a spot in my stash!
My L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick haul!
Swatches at a glance
Uncapping the lipsticks one by one, what struck me was the unmistakable smell that wafted from the bullet (which the online beauty community had warned about) – a whiff that will either wrinkle your nose or make you huff it like puppy breath. For me, it was both, or rather a gradual transition from pleasant to kinda revolting. What I initially thought was an artificial-but-still-bearable sweet floral scent morphed into a reminiscent of headache-inducing cheap perfume peppered with stench of sweat (or what many would describe as old lady perfume) after some time, and it was the same for the rest of the lipsticks in this post. Fortunately, the smell did not last long on the lips but it certainly made me more hesitant to wear them.
Rock series
Legend
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Legend (US$14 / S$28)
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Legend
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Legend
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Legend
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Legend
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Legend
Legend is described as a dark brown with a matte finish. This reddish ash brown tugs and skips slightly on the lips and lends a somewhat streaky application with a medium but buildable (to some extent) coverage. The amount of pigment deposited isn’t as intense as most mattes but it’s still passable. It provides minimal shine and does not leave a tacky surface nor settle into my lip lines. The texture, however, feels drying although it does not appear so.
Power
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Power (US$14 / S$28)
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Power
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Power
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Power
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Power
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Power
Power is described as a red brown with a matte finish. A cool-toned brown when swatched on my hand, the lipstick transforms into a deep rusty brownish burgundy when applied on the lips. It provides medium pigmentation and a semi-sheer coverage which builds up to a more dramatic colour in about three swipes and is neither drying nor hydrating. The consistency is slightly leans more towards satin than matte.
Every additional coat seems to intensify the grainy appearance of the product and accumulate in my lip lines. Furthermore, it also left a texture that resembled dry erase marker grime on my lips, and its streaky and patchy consistency made me look like I had scabs all over my lips even though they were as smooth as baby’s bottoms. Hence, I reckon this would exacerbate any dryness or imperfections on the lips, so exfoliate away! Nevertheless, this shade instantly adds glamour to the face and is suitable for all skin types, especially darker ones.
Rebellion
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Rebellion (US$14 / S$28)
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Rebellion
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Rebellion
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Rebellion
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Rebellion
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Rebellion
Rebellion is described as a blue with a matte finish. This deep cobalt blue has a dry consistency that causes it to tug and drag during application, thereby giving rise to a slightly uneven and patchy appearance and a weighed-down sensation to the lips. For the same reason, it is also prone to settling in my lip lines.
It has a semi-opaque pigmentation which strangely stays the same even when more layers are built upon it. Hence, what you see on the first swipe would virtually be how it is like at its fullest potential. The slightly tacky texture tends to lift and separate the colour when I press my lips together, leaving very visible gaps at areas that have been touched. So, bring along a pocket mirror and be prepared for frequent touch-ups if you want the colour to remain immaculate throughout the day!
Couture series
Liberation
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Liberation (US$14 / S$28)
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Liberation
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Liberation
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Liberation
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Liberation
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Liberation
Liberation is described as a dark purple with a matte finish. This beautiful deep cool-toned purple has a consistency similar to that of Rebellion but better to some degree, mainly because it applies more evenly and its patchiness, being only noticeable at a close distance if there aren’t any flaws on the lips for it to throw spotlight on, are more forgiving and can mostly be mended with additional coats of colour. This shade is buildable to full opacity in just three swipes and does not budge as easily as Rebellion. That said, I still couldn’t shake off that drying sensation when I wore it.
Swatch comparison against Rebellion & Liberation
Confidence
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Confidence (US$14 / S$28)
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Confidence
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Confidence (virtually invisible)
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Confidence
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Confidence
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Confidence
Confidence is described as a metallic rose gold with a matte finish. Probably the most disappointing purchase from this collection, this gold shimmer-infused light-medium peach is hardly pigmented anywhere on my skin. Running the bullet across my lips, I felt as if my lips were undergoing another process of exfoliation. The bullet was dry and uncomfortably grainy, and it coarsely deposited a colour (or lack thereof) that disappeared into the void, leaving just unevenly dispersed glitter – most of which decided to settle into the cracks on my lips and only reveal themselves when the right amount of light hits them (an effect that can also be achieved by any lip gloss – easily and more affordably). People with darker skin tones would have better luck at this shade. But still… I wouldn’t recommend this at all.
To be fair, L’Oreal had advised that this be used as a lip topper but I can foresee it rubbing off the lipstick (unless, of course, it’s a matte liquid lipstick) it is supposed to enhance. So, really, I do not understand the point of this shade.
To add insult to injury, the scent of this particular lipstick is exceptionally unpleasant and pungent, so much so that I actually feel paranoid wearing this for fear that I may inadvertently ingest the harmful chemicals behind this nauseating smell. Regardless, steer clear of this trash!
Confession
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Confession (US$14 / S$28)
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Confession
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Confession
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Confession
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Confession
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Confession
Confession is described as a peach with a matte finish. One of my favourites from this haul, this warm-toned coral glides moderately smoothly on the lips with minimal tugging and yielded an evenly pigmented and opaque payoff in one stroke without emphasising every single line and crack in the lips.
While the lipstick feels creamy and a notch more moisturising at first, it does eventually wear down to a completely matte texture over a couple of minutes and this causes it to feel somewhat drying and prone to flaking. But I am happy to turn a blind eye to these minor flaws on account of its other merits. This shade stayed on well for nearly four hours before fading to a lighter orange stain.
Glamazone series
Fever
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Fever (US$14 / S$28)
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Fever
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Fever
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Fever
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Fever
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Fever
Fever is described as a red orange with a matte finish. The most sought-after shade in this collection, this one-of-a-kind muted brown-toned burnt orange sold out unexpectedly in a flash during the pre-order period and again when it was restocked for a brief moment, though it is not difficult to fathom why.
As daunting as it seems, Fever is actually incredibly wearable and complementary on all skin tones, especially olive complexions. Apart from the richly pigmented colour it provides, it applies evenly across the lips and is buildable to a full coverage in a matter of three coats, tops. The pictures above don’t do it justice (and I dare not adjust the colours much because they may appear differently on screens with varying colour resolution), but this hue of orange is really unlike what I’ve owned or seen before. It also has relatively good staying power as I was able to sustain that orange pout for about three hours before it came in contact with grease. The consistency, however, feels slightly heavy and there would be some inevitable tugging and dryness, but this can be alleviated with a little lip balm beneath it.
Swatch comparison against Fever & Confession
Balmain Instinct
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Balmain Instinct (US$14 / S$28)
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Balmain Instinct
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Balmain Instinct
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Balmain Instinct
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Balmain Instinct
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Balmain Instinct
Balmain Instinct is described as a green with matte finish. Loaded with fine gold glitter flecks, this olive green is the unusual lipstick colour I never knew I would dig. The green is subtle enough to rock solo or blended with another conventional colour of your choice to spice up the look a bit while the shimmers prevent you from resembling the walking dead.
But these still do not discount the fact that it has a streaky consistency which causes it to accentuate my lip lines. On top of that, this shade fails to deliver in the pigment and texture departments – it takes at least eight coats for the colour to build up substantially (and rubbing off some existing product in the process) and even so still appears sheer and patchy. Judging from how terribly it applies, I reckon it also won’t hold weight in the longevity arena – I can totally imagine it dissipating into the lip lines as the hours go by.
Swatch comparison against Balmain Instinct & Confidence
Glamazone
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Glamazone (US$14 / S$28)
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Glamazone
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Glamazone
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Glamazone
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Glamazone
L’Oreal Paris × Balmain lipstick in Glamazone
Glamazone is described as a brown with matte finish. At a glance, this grey-toned brown may seem similar to Legend but this certainly looks duller and patchier in appearance. In addition to that, this shade has a slight glistening sheen and a sheerer coverage which can barely build up. But on the plus side, its lightly creamy and emollient texture enables it to glide across my lips without tugging and settling into my lip lines. It is also noticeably more hydrating and comfortable to wear. Considering that the lipsticks in this collection generally have the tendency to dry my lips out, this is actually a feat!
Swatch comparison against Legend, Glamazone, Power & Balmain Instinct
All in all, this collection is a hit-or-miss, but mostly a hit if we disregard their awful smell. But on a serious note, I find the consistency and pigment yielded by many of the lipsticks pretty much comparable to those from mid-range beauty brands. The payoff of Fever, Liberation and Confession far exceeded my expectations of a drugstore brand, to be honest. And you know how drugstore lipsticks always advertise their lipsticks to be matte but in actual fact are more lustrous than my engagement ring? I am so glad none of these L’Oreal lipsticks turned out that way!
What are your thoughts about the lipsticks in this collaboration? Let me know your views in the comments below or simply take a quick poll!
Thanks for reading!
L’Oreal × Balmain is now available on Barneys.com (U.S. only) and Robinsons.com.sg and in all local Watsons, Guardian and SASA outlets, as well as major departmental stores.
fionaseah.com 