[SHOUT-OUT] TAKASHIMAYA Beauty Hall #UnveilANewFace with New Brands and Counters

Hello everyone!

Singapore’s leading department store, Takashimaya recently celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a little unveiling party to introduce a couple of new brands such as HERA, Fresh and Albion, as well as to reveal the transformation of some existing counters.

The press event – hosted by Jade Seah and Marie Alexander – kicked off last Tuesday (the day before Hari Raya Haji) with live makeup demonstrations by celebrity makeup artist Ginger Lynette using products from the aforementioned brands. HERA’s global makeup artist Lee Sehyoung was also present to work his magic on the face of the model while giving some insightful tips with other respective trainers on how to achieve flawless skin using the brand’s makeup products. Following that, Class 95 radio deejay Jean Danker opened Day 2 of the event by inviting makeup maestro Peter Khor to take centre stage to demonstrate his coveted skills.

Read on to find out what went down on those two exciting days!

All photographs courtesy of Alexander PR Group and Willy Foo unless otherwise stated

DAY 1

TAKASHIMAYA celebrates its 25th anniversary with #UnveilANewFace

TAKASHIMAYA celebrates its 25th anniversary with #UnveilANewFace

Media personality Jade Seah picking the lucky draw winners!

Media personality Jade Seah picking the lucky draw winners!

Mouth-watering Japanese canapés by Ma Maison

Mouth-watering Japanese canapés by Ma Maison

Guests were also treated to some delicious pastries and cakes by Butter Studio

Guests were also treated to some delicious pastries and cakes by Butter Studio

Bloop

Pretty nails at the Bloop booth!

Pretty nails at the Bloop booth!

HERA

TAKASHIMAYA Beauty Hall welcomes HERA!

TAKASHIMAYA Beauty Hall welcomes HERA!

HERA's global makeup artist Lee Sehyoung (who flew in from South Korea) giving some invaluable beauty tips

HERA’s global makeup artist Lee Sehyoung (who flew in from South Korea) giving some invaluable beauty tips

Fresh

Fresh is also one of the newcomers at the beauty hall

Fresh is also one of the newcomers at the beauty hall

Check out their counter!

Check out their counter!

Some star products by Fresh!

Some star products by Fresh!

Live demonstration by a representative from Fresh

Live demonstration by a representative from Fresh

Fresh product testing

Fresh product testing

Albion

Welcome! Albion joins the ranks of HERA and Fresh

Welcome! Albion joins the ranks of HERA and Fresh

Some of Albion products

Some of Albion products

Aren't these eye shadow quads pretty?!

Aren’t these eye shadow quads pretty?!

Albion skin care products

Albion skin care products

Celebrity makeup artist Ginger Lynette wowing the crowd with her makeup prowess

Celebrity makeup artist Ginger Lynette wowing the crowd with her makeup prowess

DAY 2

Radio personality Jean Danker looking at stunning as ever while addressing the crowd before her

Radio personality Jean Danker looking at stunning as ever while addressing the crowd before her

Chantecaille

Cult beauty label Chantecaille (pronounced shan-duh-kai) finally opens its first outlet in South East Asia at TAKASHIMAYA!

Cult beauty label Chantecaille (pronounced shan-duh-kai) finally opens its first outlet in South East Asia at TAKASHIMAYA!

The brand's founder Sylvie Chantecaille is an anti-poaching advocate, so don't be surprised to find images of at-risk animals embossed on the eye-shadow pans of its signature and collectible palettes!

The brand’s founder Sylvie Chantecaille is an anti-poaching advocate, so don’t be surprised to find images of at-risk animals embossed on the eye-shadow pans of its signature and collectible palettes!

The embossing has already worn away with use, but you can roughly make out the elephant print on two of the pans

The embossing has already worn away with use, but you can roughly make out the elephant print on two of the pans

More of Chantecaille! Their products are so pretty!

More of Chantecaille! Their products are so pretty!

THREE

Hello and welcome, THREE!

Hello and welcome, THREE!

Some of THREE's products

Some of THREE’s products

Celebrity makeup artist Peter Khor showing us the tricks of the trade!

Celebrity makeup artist Peter Khor showing us the tricks of the trade!

MDNA

All hail the queen of pop: TAKASHIMAYA brings in Madonna's premium line of skincare products, MDNA SKIN

All hail the queen of pop: TAKASHIMAYA brings in Madonna’s premium line of skincare products, MDNA SKIN

You can already tell how luxurious (and expensive *gulps*) her products are just by the looks of the packaging!

You can already tell how luxurious (and expensive *gulps*) her products are just by the looks of the packaging!

Shiseido

Not a newcomer, but Shiseido has just got a counter revamp! It's so much more spacious now!

Not a newcomer, but Shiseido has just got a counter revamp! It’s so much more spacious now!

The goodie bag I received for attending the press event! I will be doing a review on the Guerlain lipstick soon 😉 (Photo by me)

The goodie bag I received for attending the press event! I will be doing a review on the Guerlain lipstick soon 😉 (Photo by me)

Other new beauty brands not mentioned above include Clé de Peau Beauté, La Prairie, La Mer, Sisley, ReFa and Yves Saint Laurent Beauté.

Have you popped by the beauty hall at TAKASHIMAYA to get your beauty fix yet? Let me know what you’ve bought in the comments below!

Thanks for reading!

All brands featured above are available at Cosmetics Department, Level 1, TAKASHIMAYA Department Store (391 Orchard Road Singapore 238872)

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[SHOUT-OUT] Shopee × Seoul Shop Pop-Up Store @ Suntec City

Hello everyone!

The Prudential Marina Bay Carnival opens tomorrow and those who’ve planned to go there might be wondering what to do before the doors open at 4 pm. Well, perhaps you could consider adding Suntec City to your afternoon itinerary since it’s just one stop away from Bayfront MRT and has a free shuttle service to the carnival. Most importantly, if you’re into all things Korean, there’s something new there to keep you occupied for at least an hour!

From now till 17 December 2017 (that’s two days from now), get your Korean fix without leaving Singapore! In partnership with Shopee, Seoul Shop (the same management behind I’M STARTICE) has set up a pop-up store at Suntec City (West-North Link) that provides a unique (believe me on this) and fuss-free shopping experience!

Expect an array of products ranging from beauty, accessories to household essentials flown in from South Korea at the store which will make great Christmas gifts! For the neat freaks, I spotted some nice 2018 planners on the shelves too 😆

The aisle

The aisle

Cutesy stationery found here!

Cutesy stationery found here!

If you're a fan of LINE Friends, this is why you should go to the pop-up store!

If you’re a fan of LINE Friends, this is why you should go to the pop-up store!

Handheld LINE Friends fans (if you didn't manage to score one from McDonald's)

Handheld LINE Friends fans (if you didn’t manage to score one from McDonald’s)

Isn't this the cutest tea infuser you've ever seen?!

Isn’t this the cutest tea infuser you’ve ever seen?!

Iceberg-inspired cup cover and infuser! Gwiyo

Iceberg-inspired cup cover and infuser! Gwiyo 😍

Writing pads!

Writing pads!

A durian-looking humidifier? Not expensive at all - only S$13.41 (before discount)!

A durian-looking humidifier? Not expensive at all – only S$13.41 (before discount)!

Wigs! Quite a number of styles available!

Wigs! Quite a number of styles available!

Vanity mirror for you to see if the wig looks nice on you!

Vanity mirror for you to see if the wig looks nice on you!

I guess.. these are hair dyes? Buy one get one free!

I guess.. these are hair dyes? Buy one get one free!

Eye shadow palettes

Eye shadow palettes

Lipsticks! Don't expect insane pigmentation though because Koreans like barely-there makeup looks!

Lipsticks! Don’t expect insane pigmentation though because Koreans like barely-there makeup looks!

But how is this little retail space different from the surfeit of pop-up stores out there? For one, a customer service counter takes the place of the cashier because the shop adopts a contactless payment system whereby only credit cards are accepted through the Shopee app. In other words, all purchases at the pop-up store are made through @hiseoul.sg on the Shopee app so you don’t have to tote around your bulky wallet! Hence, don’t be deceived by the lack of customers waiting in line at the counter (as given the Singaporean mentality, when a shop has short or no queue, it is presumably not good, right?) because checkout queues are practically nonexistent at the pop-up shop!

That said, do arm yourselves with the app already downloaded on your phone to speed up the transaction process (and save your mobile data). Once you have the app installed, register for an account with your mobile number, add a credit card via Account Settings and you are good to go! In the meantime, you can browse the catalogue to get a better sense of what may be available at the pop-up shop. Due to space constraints, only a small selection of items (from the catalogue) is sold at the pop-up shop so it is advisable that you drop by before you make any order on the app.

To add new credit card, go to settings (gear icon on top left) on your profile page

To add new credit card, go to settings (gear icon on top left) on your profile page

Tap on 'Bank Accounts/Cards'

Tap on ‘Bank Accounts/Cards’

Then, tap on 'Add New Credit Card/Debit Card'

Then, tap on ‘Add New Credit Card/Debit Card’

What’s more, buying through the app entitles you to a 15% off your total bill with the code “HISESEOUL“! If your Korean sheet mask supplies are running low, I suggest you take this opportunity to stock them up! Don’t say I bo jio worz 🤭 Prices reflected on the shelves are before the discount is applied!

When it comes to mask packaging, Korea wins hands-down!

When it comes to mask packaging, Korea wins hands-down!

I spy the Americano and Latte Mask on the bottom right. Like, what?!

I spy the Americano and Latte Mask on the bottom right. Like, what?!

More masks! The ones on the bottom row are mask for your feet! Bought one box and it friggin' works!

More masks! The ones on the bottom row are mask for your feet! Bought one box and it friggin’ works!

Buy this Peel Off mask and film down your reaction XD #waystogoviral

Buy this Peel Off mask and film down your reaction XD #waystogoviral

There will be a live makeup demonstration by native Korean makeup artist Jinnie Lee on Saturday and Sunday (16/12, 17/12) at 1-2 pm and 6-7 pm so be sure to stick around if you’re heading to the pop-up store this weekend! Psst.. I heard there will also flash deals up for grabs over the weekend! You won’t wanna miss them 🤤

Can’t make it for the event or want something on mobile but is not available at the store? If you don’t mind the wait, go ahead and place your order with ease because Shopee is currently offering FREE local shipping on top of the 15% discount that is extended to orders made through the app! Simply apply the same code “HISESEOUL” at checkout to enjoy the offer! But remember, all good things must come to an end – this irresistible promotion sadly runs right up until this Sunday, 17 December 2017. The good news, though, is that you get to keep the Shopee coins (100 Shopee Coins = $1 discount) you earned from your Seoul Store order for three months!

Some products available on the app

Some products available on the app

That’s not all! Shopping at the pop-up store comes with an extra treat – a goodie bag! But do act fast because the goodie bags are available while stock lasts on a first-come-first-serve basis and are limited to one redemption per person. Psst.. get another friend to make the payment of half your order to fully utilise this offer 😜

Mmm, what else? Oh yes, a grand draw! Who can say no to contests? Stand a chance to win a pair of tickets to Seoul by following @hiseoul.sg on Shopee. And as an added bonus for your support, you get to double your chances of winning with any purchase on @hiseoul.sg from 11 to 17 December too! Easy, right?

Look for 'Seoul Shop' in the search bar

Look for ‘Seoul Shop’ in the search bar

Hit the 'Follow' button!

Hit the ‘Follow’ button!

So, wait no further and start Shopee-ing now! 😁 Who knows? You could be the lucky one jetting off to Seoul next year!

Shopee × Seoul Shop Pop-Up Store · 11 – 17 December 2017 · Suntec City West-North Link 1-2 (Outside Cotton On) · 3E Temasek Boulevard Singapore 038984 · Operating hours: 11.00 am to 9.00 pm · Nearest MRT stations: Esplanade (CC3) / Promenade (CC4/DT15) / City Hall (NS25/EW13) · More information here
This post is brought to you by Seoul Shop.

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[SHOUT-OUT & GIVEAWAY] I’M STARTICE, Korean Premium Shop @ Big Box

GIVEAWAY CLOSED
SCROLL DOWN FOR WINNERS

It was barely 11 a.m. on a Saturday, just four days shy of our nation’s birthday. Blaring music from the tower speakers configured next to a stage for a significant event at Big Box pierced the usually-quiet mall in Jurong East. Unbeknownst to many, a Korean premium shop initiated and appointed by the Korean government (Small & Medium Business Corporation or SBC for short) as an exclusive authorised agent to promote their locally-made products was about to open its doors officially.

I'M STARTICE main entrance

I’M STARTICE main entrance

This 4270-square-foot unit marks the first Singapore outlet for I’M STARTICE (아임스타티스) which already has locations worldwide including the U.S., China, Vietnam and Indonesia. The relatively low-key occasion was graced by one-eighth of Running Man cast, Ji Suk-jin, as well as business partners and several South Korean government officials. I’M STARTICE commemorated its official opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a free lucky draw where shoppers could stand a chance to win up to S$1000 worth of shopping vouchers. Missed it? Click here to watch the repeat of Big Box’s live stream or check out the pictures below!

Ji Suk-jin and the other VIPs present at the grand opening

Ji Suk-jin and the other VIPs present at the grand opening

Ribbon cutting ceremony

Ribbon cutting ceremony

Announcing the winners of the lucky draw

Announcing the winners of the lucky draw

And this lucky guy walked away with S$1000 worth of I'M STARTICE shopping vouchers! Dude, you can practically buy one of every item in the shop with those vouchers!

And this lucky guy walked away with S$1000 worth of I’M STARTICE shopping vouchers! Dude, you can practically buy one of every item in the shop with those vouchers!

We scored a picture with Suk-jin oppa! I had a solo picture with him but I accidentally deleted it 😥😥😥

We scored a picture with Suk-jin oppa! I had a solo picture with him but I accidentally deleted it 😥😥😥

Conveniently located right before J-Walk connecting to Jem on level 2, I’M STARTICE boasts a wide variety of products from cosmetics to food to household wares (not sold anywhere else in Singapore) by small to medium enterprises with a limited selection of offerings from mainstream brands such as Innisfree (mainly their facial masks) and Lotte. Due to their low visibility, most of the brands carried at the shop may be unfamiliar even to the most dedicated Koreaboos but they are in no way inferior to more established brands. Apart from the stringent South Korean safety standards they have to comply with, it is also no secret that K-beauty products in general are made of high-quality (and sometimes exotic) ingredients which their Western counterparts fall behind on. And yet, they are inexpensive. For instance, a 125 ml tub of Mizon’s Water Max Aqua Gel Cream costs just S$19.90 when a similar product by a more reputable brand with less than half the volume would set you back at least S$50.

This area sells mostly household items

This area sells mostly household items

The cashier

The cashier

Heading to an EXO concert any time soon? These official EXO light sticks may interest you..

Heading to an EXO concert any time soon? These official EXO light sticks may interest you..

The other side of the shop stocks up beauty products and food

The other side of the shop stocks up beauty products and food

Another Korean group that has been generating a lot of buzz lately for winning international awards... BTS! Why hand cream of all products, though..? I guess whatever sells with their autographs and faces on it.

Another Korean group that has been generating a lot of buzz lately for winning international awards… BTS! Why hand cream of all products, though..? I guess whatever sells with their autographs and faces on it.

Crazy for Aloe Vera!

Crazy for Aloe Vera!

A complete list of participating merchants and their specialty products can be found here (though I can’t guarantee that everything featured is available in-store here).

My favourite section in the shop!

My favourite section in the shop!

There's something for everyone - even the men get a beauty section dedicated just for them!

There’s something for everyone – even the men get a beauty section dedicated just for them!

Some beauty products for the femme..

Some beauty products for the femme..

Skin care products are sold in a bundle at relatively affordable prices!

Skin care products are sold in a bundle at relatively affordable prices!

Of course, how can there NOT be face masks? South Korea is well-known for their face masks!

Of course, how can there NOT be face masks? South Korea is well-known for their face masks!

Makeup by J.ESTINA, which is more known for their jewelry

Makeup by J.ESTINA, which is more known for their jewelry

Authentic (licensed in Shanghai) Hello Kitty Face and Body brushes! You'll be surprised at how affordable they are!

Authentic (Sanrio license awarded in Shanghai) Hello Kitty Face and Body brushes! You’ll be surprised at how affordable they are!

Korean dietary supplements

Korean dietary supplements

Snacks and some instant beverages

Snacks and some instant beverages

Instant food on the other side

Instant food on the other side

You can find foods like kimchi tteok-bokki in the refrigerator

You can find foods like kimchi tteok-bokki in the refrigerator

Household products like adult diapers, containers and diapers are also sold at I'M STARTICE!

Household products like adult diapers, containers and diapers are also sold at I’M STARTICE!

At I’M STARTICE, products are priced as low as S$1.30 for an instant ramen cup and can be as much as over S$200 for a bag pack. On the whole, everything – especially those at the food and beauty sections – is rather affordable so you should be able to stretch your dollar a lot farther than you would at other Korean marts. The following shows some interesting Korean products I could get under S$100:

Dr. Plus Banana Milk Mask Pack

Dr. Plus Banana Milk Mask Pack

And they smell EXACTLY like Banana Milk. The essence has the texture of milk too!

And they smell EXACTLY like Banana Milk. The essence has the texture of milk too!

These Choco Cacao Nose Pore Strips made me craved for chocolates every time I use it. The chocolatey smell is really no joke!

These Choco Cacao Nose Pore Strips made me craved for chocolates every time I use it. The chocolatey smell is really no joke!

What I bought from the Hello Kitty section. Two of these will cost less than US$100 altogether.

What I bought from the Hello Kitty section. Two of these will cost less than US$100 altogether.

Hello Kitty 4D Face Brush

Hello Kitty 4D Face Brush

Hello Kitty 4D Face Brush

Hello Kitty 4D Face Brush

Black Hello Kitty 4D Body Brush

Black Hello Kitty 4D Body Brush

Black Hello Kitty 4D Body Brush

Black Hello Kitty 4D Body Brush

Black Hello Kitty 4D Face Brush

Black Hello Kitty 4D Face Brush

Great news for those who hate hustling through the crowd and meandering around the aisles!

You can soon place your orders online at the comfort of your couch and pick them up in-store on another day. This service is not available at the moment, but do check back for further updates!

Some Korean cup noodle which I've yet to try..

Some Korean cup noodle which I’ve yet to try..

I've grown tired of Samyang noodles.. Time for a change!

I’ve grown tired of Samyang noodles.. Time for a change!

More snacks!

More snacks!

Green Tea Dream Cacao

Green Tea Dream Cacao

Korean fried chicken-flavoured chips? Take my money!

Korean fried chicken-flavoured chips? Take my money!

Other purchases we lugged home were a few vacuum-sealed airtight containers (which we bought mainly for storing durians in the refrigerator😲) and a set of kitchen cooking tools meant for our future use (when we’ve gotten our own flat – gotta think ahead, y’know?). Teehee!

And now, here comes the most exciting part of this post..

★ ★ ★ INSTAGRAM GIVEAWAY ★ ★ ★
-CLOSED-

I understand Jurong East may be a little too far for some of you living in eastern Singapore, so I plan to bring some of I’M STARTICE’s bestsellers to your doorstep (or rather, mailbox) instead! It has been awhile since I held a giveaway, so I promise this is gonna be huuuge. To thank you for your continued support all these years, I will be gifting three lucky readers either a Hello Kitty 4D Facial Brush or Body Brush. More prizes are up for grabs this time around so as to increase your chances of winning something from this giveaway! If you are a Hello Kitty fanatic, this is definitely one giveaway not to be missed 😘

Prizes to be won

TOP PRIZE
1 × Hello Kitty 4D Facial Brush

CONSOLATION PRIZES
2 × Black Hello Kitty Body Brush

To participate in this giveaway, all you need to do is complete the following easy steps:

  1. Follow me (@amelieseah) and I’M STARTICE (@imstartice.sg) on Instagram
  2. Comment on this Instagram post why you should be picked as the winner (unfortunately, you won’t be able to choose the prize) and..
  3. Tag 2 friends who may also want to lay their hands on these Hello Kitty brushes

And I will pick 3 lucky winners once the giveaway ends! 😉

T&C #1: ELIGIBILITY

This giveaway is open to everyone currently residing in Singapore only. To enter the giveaway, participants must follow @amelieseah and @imstartice.sg on Instagram, tag two (2) friends and comment why you want to win the Hello Kity brush on this particular Instagram post. Only entries on Instagram will be considered for this giveaway. Entries submitted after 8 September 2017, 2359 h will be disqualified.

T&C #2: SELECTION & DELIVERY

Winners will be electronically selected and will be notified via e-mail within 3 days of the closing date. All giveaway results are final; winners are not allowed to choose the prize. Prizes are also non-transferable. Winners will be announced on the aforementioned Instagram post as well as on this feature. Prizes will be delivered by post only and no meetups will be entertained. In the event of unclaimed or unsuccessful prize claims, another draw will be held to determine the next winner.

NOTE

FIONASEAH.COM reserves the right to edit, amend the giveaway Terms and Conditions (T&C #1 and #2) as it deems fit.

[UPDATED: 10 SEP 2017]

★ ★ ★

That’s about it!

Thanks for reading and good luck if you are intending to enter the giveaway! 😄

I’m Startice
big box (next to Jurong East MRT Station)
1 Venture Dr, level 2
Singapore 608521
Instagram: imstartice / imstartice.sg
THIS FEATURE WAS DONE IN COLLABORATION WITH I’M STARTICE. PRODUCTS FEATURED WERE EDITORIALLY SELECTED. ALL OPINIONS, AS ALWAYS, ARE GENUINE AND UNINFLUENCED.

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