Threading

What Is Threading Hair Removal?

Threading is a proven age-old form of facial hair removal practiced in India, China and Middle East. The procedure uses a 100% cotton thread which is twisted and pulled along the skin surface of unwanted hair, lifting hair directly from the follicle. As the facial hair is removed, only a slight pinch is felt.

I went with Marc to have his hair cut one day at a barber shop in Benmore Gardens, Sandton and I was quite intrigued and wondered what the Barber was doing with a roll off thread, holding one end in his mouth while moving up and down over a mans face. Naturally I had to ask, and the guy kindly showed me how he removed facial hair with this technique called "threading".


















I never wondered about it again really, because I never heard anyone talk about it, or saw it done anywhere, until we moved to Asia. When we moved to India I suddenly saw threading being done everywhere and all my friends raved about this wonderful way to shape your eye brows. And I must admit, it is by far the best way to get rid of unwanted facial hair. I have never had such neat, perfectly shaped eye brows. I even started threading my upper lip and once I also had my chin done. It used to cost me about $1 to have my eye brows shaped.

So, if you've never had threading done, you should definitely try it. A warning though; some people might find it really painful. I had a friend that couldn't bare her upper lip being done but if you are used to tweezing or waxing, and you have a high pain threshold this is by far the best method of removing those unwanted facial hair.

The first time I went to the hairdresser in Jakarta I was upset that they didn't do threading. I went to three other salons in the Kemang area determined to find someone that does threading, but sadly they didn't even know what I meant when I asked if they did treading.

We drove past a Waxing Studio sign on Ampera Raya a couple of times but because the salon is off Ampera Raya and I could physically see it, I just didn't know what to expect and never actually took the time to check it out.

After another bad waxing experience since my post on waxing. I decided to check it out, still hoping to find a place I could go to for a good leg wax that won't cost me a fortune.

Having lived in Vietnam and India I got used to the typical Asian (under $10) spa experiences and I guess I have become rather spoiled. Naturally it pains me to have to pay $30-$40 for a facial which I used to pay about $10 for. I did pay high spa prices when we lived in SA and I of course really enjoy the occasional treat of going to a really nice candle lit, incense filled spa, wearing fluffy white robes and slippers while relaxing to background "inner peace" music. But, I am used to and are very happy going to more "local" salons.

STUDIO WAXING Poetré, on Ampera Raya, pleasantly surprised me. I walked into this small, no frills but neat and clean "local" salon. What I mean by local is that they clearly don't cater for expats, when you compare their IDR35,000 for a full leg wax to the IDR170,000 at the other "expat" salons around Kemang.























I was very happy with my wax and I was even happier to hear that they do threading.

Address: Jln ampera raya no.60 (depan pengadilan jakarta selatan)

Coming from Kemang - Drive down Kemang Timur (becomes Ampera), it is on the right hand side.
Look out for a sign board: STUDIO WAXING Poetré

Tel: 021-7813841 (only one of the girls speak some English)

Home made lip plump balm

As per my previous post on lip plumping home remedies, I have tried and tested the home made lip plump balm.

It was so quick and easy and I think, it really works. It is definitely a lot better than applying the 100% pure clove oil, that's for sure. I still wouldn't recommend kissing someone straight after you've applied it but at least it doesn't leave such a vile taste in your mouth and it definitely stings a bit less, but with the same, if not a better effect.

I actually had all the ingredients recommended for this home made lip balm, in my bathroom and kitchen cupboard's so it was really easy to concoct:

You will need:

Petroleum jelly (Vaseline)
Ground Cinnamon spice
Ground Cayenne Pepper spice
Peppermint essential oil
Clove bud essential oil

Find an empty container to mix the lip balm in. Preferable something small that you can put in your handbag; a lip balm or even eye make-up twist off tin/container would work well.








I didn't have one so I used an empty cellfood bottle (small plastic squeeze bottle with a removable dropper bit).

I just mixed the balm in an old hair mask tub, which I keep in the bathroom cupboard for future mixing and I put some of the balm into the squeeze bottle. It was a bit of a messy, jelly finger business to get the balm into the bottle but I managed to fill it and it actually works very well; squeezing the balm onto my lips.

But, it of course doesn't look very nice, so I won't be applying my home made lip balm in public ;-).


How to:

STEP 1: One or Two teaspoons of Vaseline (depending on the size of your container)
STEP 2: A couple of drops of peppermint essential oil
STEP 3: Add a couple of drops of clove bud essential oil
STEP 4: Sprinkle or add a pinch of Cinnamon and Cayenne pepper and mix

Voilà...You will feel a tingling sensation, and should notice a difference almost immediately. If you don't, you may want to add a couple of drops of the essential oils and spices.












My lips after applying the home made plumping lip balm.

I definitely think it plumps my lips and it also makes them a very nice rosy pink colour.

Paula's Choice - Skin Care

I picked up a Paula's Choice brochure and sample cleanser and moisturiser at one of the woman's club bazaars in May. I have never heard of Paula's Choice before and to be honest, the name Paula's Choice reminded me of the pick 'n pay "choice/no name" brand.

I tried the samples and I really liked the products. I did research on Paula's Choice and found the products to be very reasonably priced and the reviews looked good so I decided to try it. I bought a cleanser, toner and exfoliant, which cost approx. $60.

Paula's Choice Indonesia: (Call for delivery)
PT. Mitra Kurnia LarasatiJl. Raya Wolter Monginsidi No. 12B - Lt. 2Jakarta Selatan 12160Ph. (021) 720 8543 / (021) 722 0986Fax. (021) 722 3982

The skin balancing cleanser for normal to Oily/Combination skin is a 100% fragrance and colorant-free, mild foaming, water soluble cleanser that leaves my skin refreshed and removes all makeup, incl. eye make-up.





















Skin Balancing Toner for Normal to Oily/Combination Skin is 100% fragrance and colorant free. It soothes my skin and leaves it feeling revitalized, smooth and soft. It also has anti-inflammatory ingredients which is great for controlling breakouts; reducing redness.























Exfoliating 2% beta hydroxy acid lotion for all skin types is 100% fragrance and colorant free. It exfoliates the skin's surface and inside the pore lining with a 2% concentration of salicylic acid (BHA) and a pH range of 3.2-3.6.

It has definitely helped smooth out my skin's texture and seem to have minimized my blemishes and blackheads.
























I have always been very impatient, and usually change to a different product if I don't see results within a couple of weeks. The problem is that it actually takes a couple of months before you will start noticing a difference in your skin.

After nearly two months of using Paula's Choice I am very satisfied with the products and will definitely keep using it and hopefully I will notice an even bigger improvement in my skin, the longer I use it.

About Paula's Choice

Paula Begoun is the creator and innovative force behind Paula's Choice skin care and cosmetics. Paula Begoun is the author and publisher of several best-selling books on the beauty industry, including several editions of Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, Blue Eyeshadow Should Be Illegal, The Beauty Bible, and Don't Go Shopping for Hair-Care Products Without Me. She has sold more than 2.5 million copies of her books and is also a syndicated columnist, with her “Dear Paula” column appearing in papers throughout North America. Her work as a nationally-recognized consumer expert for the cosmetics industry has led to repeat appearances on CNN, as well as programs such as Oprah, The Today Show, 20/20, Dateline NBC, The View, and Primetime.

L'Occotane - Immortelle Very Precious Cream

I started my search for skin care products in May, and tried many different samples and did a lot of research; looking at reviews trying to decide on a product.

I wanted something that will help with my occasional breakouts but I also figured being 30 something, calls for a really good anti-aging cream. And though it is believed that products work better when you use the same range of products I decided to mix them anyway. I decided on the L'Occotane Immortelle products but when I saw the prices of the products I decided to only get the very precious cream and very precious eye serum, which set me back approx. $160 and to go for a less expensive Paula's Choice cleanser, toner and exfoliator for approx. $60

And the verdict is; I love the L'Occotane very precious cream and eye serum. Definitely money well spent.

The very precious eye serum seems to make the skin around my eyes more even-toned, smooth and firmer.

The very precious cream appears to eliminate my crow's feet and fine lines and leaves my skin soft and supple. This anti aging formula uses organic Immortelle oil which help stimulate cell metabolism, improve wrinkle reduction and skin firmness. It feels like the cream really nourishes and repairs and it gives my skin a healthy appearance.

It's a fact of life; we get older and our wrinkles prove it. We have to accept it but it doesn't mean we have to like it. Not that there is a rule as to how many laugh lines, crow's feet a 32 year old should have but I noticed mine after 30. I believe prevention is better than cure. I probably started using eye cream when I was 25 and whether or not it actually works, I don't know but I will always use an eye cream and very importantly apply sunblock, every day to try and fight those signs of aging. Aiming to grow old, gracefully.

It works!

I am very happy to report that I've kept up the "health kick" regime, and I am reaping the benefits of my new lifestyle.

A green drink, 2 tablespoons of flax seeds, plenty of water and ensuring that I eat enough, fruit and veg and antioxidants foods everyday has definitely improved my overall look and feel.

I've been taking zinc and chromium supplements on and off for some time now. I started taking zinc about two years ago because someone suggested that it helps with problem skin and well, Chromium I think I started taking because someone said it is suppose to help speed up your metabolism and burn fat.

Unfortunately, it doesn't help only taking them every other day though. So, for the past month as a part of my "health kick" regime I've also been taking zinc, chromium as well as a 1000mg vitamin c drink, every morning.

The problem now is that I don't really know if I owe the difference in my skin and renewed energy levels and the 1 kg weight loss to the supplements, flax seed smoothies, antioxidants or the fruit and veg but I am really happy with the results and I am planning to keep up my new regime.

Click on the links to read more about the benefits of:
Zinc, Chromium, Vitamin C, Flax seeds and Antioxidants.

Here's to good health!

It's been nearly 3 weeks since I started my new health kick. Notice that I'm not calling it a diet... In fact I've given up trying to loose the extra 4kg that I've been carrying around for probably the past 5 years, looooong ago. I tried and tried, but I've just don't seem to get my weight down, and that's ok.... It's of course good to know how much you weigh and to try and always keep your weight within 2kg of what I call your "happy weight". There is nothing worse than trying to shed 5-10kg (been there, done that got the T-shirt and definitely aint going back) but 1 or 2kg are easily manageable. Just a week of being "GOOD" and you're back!!!

But more than just the weight on the scale, I think your clothes are a pretty good gage for determining whether or not you have gained weight. Just pull that old pair of "skinny" jeans/trousers out of the closet from time to time and when they shout "O no" even before you get them over your knees you will know to order a salad instead of fries with your meal. Also, don't buy a size bigger when you go shopping - If it doesn't fit, don't buy it.

Prevention is better than cure:

I try to stick to my rule that "treats" (only when I crave it) ice-cream, chocolates, crisps etc. are only allowed on weekends. Unless it is a special occasion.

And when I feel that my favorite pair of pants are a bit tight I just cut my carb and sugar in take and try the NO carbs after 4pm rule for a week.

Having said that, it shouldn't only be about managing those unwanted kilograms. We have heard it all before...."eat more vegetables and fruit, drink water, consume less alcohol, don't smoke and the list goes on. There are so many books and internet sites dedicated to educating us about "what you put in is what you get out". And over the years I have read it all and tried it all. I've tried special supplements, received many different expert opinions, from online health plans to dietitians personalised diets, all attempts to achieve optimum health.

I am by no means an expert in any of this. But I have decided to go back to basics:

If there was something called "Good Health for Dummies" I would imagine that the fist thing they would teach you would be that you should eat 2 fruit and 5 vegetables per day. Now I know nutrition is a lot more complicated than "an apple a day keeps the Dr. away" . I have decided to try (very seriously this time) to change my lifestyle by just eating the required portions of fruit and veg. per day, rich in antioxidants and all the other good stuff that my body needs.

The problem with eating healthily is that it isn't always convenient. It is one thing grabbing an apple or banana but you can't exactly run out of the house with a bunch of spinach in your hands. And the leafy greens are what we need to eat more of. For a long time my vegetable in take consisted of capsicum, onions, zuccinni, eggplant, tomato, cucumber, lettuce and definitely not 5 portions per day, more like 5 portions per week.

I have been very good the past 3 weeks. I've been making sure that I always have fresh veg and fruit in the fridge, which forces me to use it before it goes off. Snacking on raw carrots and celery and making juice, blending carrots, celery and apple together.

After watching an episode of Oprah I decided to try the Dr. Oz green drink and I love it. There are a couple of different recipes on the internet but this is how I made it.

Green Drink (enough for 1 glass):

Blend together a hand full of Spinach, a celery stick, half a peeled apple and cucumber, fresh ginger and lemon to taste, add water and ice and voila you have a refreshing juice and you can actually taste the goodness.
















TRY IT!

According to the experts, eating your fruit and veg holds a promise of improved health and is also the best anti-aging prevention approach.

Take this quiz to find out if you are eating enought fruit and vegetables!

Still on the lip plumping...

I have been doing a bit of research on lip plumping products. There are of course many different lip pluming products on the market, incl. the wonderful lip fusion that I wrote about in one of my previous posts.

If you've ever used any of these lip plumping products, you would have realised that most of them contain either Cinnamon, Clove, Cayenne pepper or a combination of these spices. I decided to do a bit of research on "home remedies" for plumper lips.

I came across a lot of different tips: From, rubbing you lips with a wet cloth, scrubbing them with sugar and even recipes for making your own plumping lip balm by just mixing cinnamon, cayenne pepper into a bit of Vaseline.

I've decided to go with the easier suggestion of just rubbing clove oil onto your lips. I bought a small 10ml Clove bud essential oil from a pharmacy for approx $3.

Be WARNED though...in this case it is really painful to be beautiful!

Yes, it actually does work. So, for those of you with a high pain threshold, no taste buds (because it really tastes vile) go ahead and try it. It will definitely give you fuller lips.

So, if you are brave enough to try it, I would advise you to wait about 30 minutes for the oil to be absorbed, before you drink or eat anything and especially before you kiss anyone. Most men generally don't like to kiss us with stuff on our lips. So your man will definitely not appreciate a kiss that leaves him with a bad taste in his mouth and stinging lips.

Next I will try mix up my own lip balm, so watch this space for a post on that.