Sunday, March 31, 2013

PORN'S (sexy.thai.food)

It was 2 years ago, since my last PORN'S visit (oh my... sounds so wrong :x). Time flies.

Right now, this Thai restaurant has a total of 4 outlets - Liang Seah Street, Mount Faber SAFRA, J10, The Star Vista. 


This time, I went to The Star Vista outlet for a food tasting session hosted by OpenRice. It was my 1st time (again) at this outlet, this mall.


This new outlet was much bigger as compared to the one at Liang Seah Street. 3 times maybe?


PORN, in Thai, means nothing (sleazy) but blessings and good wishes (;


I love the colorful graffiti pop art theme, definitely a unique visual aspect for diners. Spot the cute tuktuk(s)!


Pornsak's wall of fame. Yups, PORN'S was opened by him and his business partner.



Tom Yum Talay / Tom Yum with Seafood
- small: $10.90, large: $12.90

When it comes to Thai cuisine, Tom Yum is a must-order! Don't be deceived by the clear-based soup. It was really spicy and sour! The spiciness can be too much for those who can't really take spicy food. PORN'S serve it "charcoal steamboat" style IF you order the large portion. This way, the soup will stay hot longer. The seafood ingredients (prawns, squid, fish) used were pretty fresh. Hmm... I think the portion was a kinda small for the price though.



Tom Kha Talay / Coconut Soup with Seafood
- small: $10.90, large: $12.90

This is somewhat the same yet different. Do I make any sense here (lol)? Anyway, the addition of coconut does make a difference. The soup was more flavorful while the spicy level was the same. I much prefer this coconut version though the soup looked a lil' oily. It did not taste oily though. Again, the seafood ingredients used were fresh. The portion could be a lil' bigger.


Gang Kaew Gai / Green Curry with Chicken
- $10.90

The chunks of chicken meat are really tender. Green curry is usually sweet and not that spicy. This is no exception. Again, the portion was kinda small for the price.


Phad Tai Talay / Seafood Phad Tai
- $10.90

The Phad Tai was really good, according to my tastebuds. One of the best I've tried. The noodles are well-cooked, not too dry or soggy... smooth with a QQ texture *drool*


Khao Pad Sapparod / Pineapple Fried Rice
- $10.90

The last time I ordered this at Liang Seah Street, it was served in a hollowed-out pineapple. The dish presentation is still nice albeit simple. Regardless, PORN'S Pineapple Fried Rice is definitely one of the best I've tried. The addition of cashew nuts and pork floss made it even more appetizing! Thumbs up :d~


Pak Boong Fai Daeng / Stir-Fried Kang Kong Thai-Style
- $7.50

I took a few mouthfuls of this... coz I was quite full already -.- For those who cannot take spicy food, you might want to give it a miss. It was very spicy... but yummy nonetheless. The portion was rather generous, in my opinion.


Kapow Moo / Stir-Fried Minced Pork with Basil Leaves
- $8.50

I love simple savory dishes like this. Give me a bowl of plain rice... and (I think) I can easily finish the whole plate myself. Thankfully, the basil taste was not too strong.


Gai Tor Ga Thiam / Deep-Fried Chicken with Garlic
- $8.90

I, for one, dislike garlic. BUT... I love garlic bread though :P The bite-size chicken pieces were fried to perfection - crispy and most importantly, not that oily. With or without the sweet thai chilli dipping sauce, these addictive bites were super yummy!


Nam Takai / Lemongrass Drink
- $4.50


Nam Ga Jeab / Freshly Brewed Thai Roselle with Lime
- $3.90

Ma Prow / Young Thai Coconut
- $4.00


The weather (that day) was incredulously hot. All three are thirst-quenching. I had Ma Prow, a refreshing young thai coconut drink with natural sweetness. My all-time-favorite was none other than Nam Takai. If you want to go healthy, Nam Ga Jeab will be a good choice as roselle is known for its health benefits. 


Khao Niew Mamuang / Sticky Rice with Mango
$9.90


Though I was very extremely full and bloated by then... I still had space for dessert! Khao Niew Mamuang is the one (thai) dessert I will order without fail. The sweet sticky rice drizzled with savory coconut milk, plus the sweet mango chunks was simply delish! The overall taste was not too cloyingly sweet, I like!

Khao Niew Turian / Sticky Rice with Durian
$9.90

Though its appearance was not as appealing as the mango variant, Khao Niew Turian tasted sooo good! If you're a durian lover like me, you will confirm (plus guarantee chop) love this dessert! 


PORN'S

Add: The Star Vista, 1 Vista Exchange Green, #02-09, Dover
Tel: 6694 3501
Website: http://www.porns.com.sg

Monday, March 25, 2013

VanityTrove Feb 2013 Edition - To Beautiful You

Hmm... I know I'm so late in mentioning this >.<~~ Well, here goes... VanityTrove Feb 2013 Edition - To Beautiful You.

Beauty Tip No. 2

"Wear your heart on your sleeve. Don't hide your emotions - be honest and be true 'To Beautiful You'!"


As you can see, VT Feb 2013 Edition is packed with skincare goodies. 


Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Serum
- $118 (30ml)

Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Serum delivers wrinkle-reducing power without the effects of photosensitivity. It is formulated with siegesbeckia and rosemary extract to rebuild natural collagen and elastin. Suitable for all skin types.

iderm Placenta Serum
- $128 (25ml)

The secret ingredient in this amazing, silky smooth serum is the concentrated sheep placenta extract. iderm Placenta Serum provides intense hydration to parched skin, with its rich source of bioactive nutrients like essential amino acids, placental protein, SOD, nucleic acids and growth factors. Regular usage will transform your skin, making it firm, smooth and clear. It will also dramatically diminish the appearance of age spots and pigmentation. 

Phytomer Hydrasea Serum
- $150 (30ml)

Phytomer Hydrasea Serum is a lightweight and ultra-moisturizing serum that melts into the skin instantly. The star ingredient, hydrasea, is known for its exceptional power in restructuring the skin's moisture.


Kiehl’s Dermatologist Solutions Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution
- $90 (30ml)

Formulated for Asian skins, this contains the Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution that is 100% active. Once applied, it immediately targets deep-set dark spots. The power-packed key ingredient, Activated C, has “anti-cluster” technology that breaks apart discolorations and prevents melanin clusters. Unlike traditional discoloration products, this solution is lightweight, hydrating and suitable for use all year round.


Skin79 VIP Gold BB Cream
- $36.90 (40g)

Do you know that Skin79 was the brand that ignited the worldwide BB cream craze? Skin79 is dubbed the "Queen of BB creams" for its glamorous packaging and premium ingredients like gold, caviar and pearls.

Skin79 BB Cream Reviews:



LoveMore French Caviar Anti-wrinkle & Firming Mask
- $8.90 (5-pc set)

LoveMore is one of the popular facial masks in Taiwan. LoveMore French Caviar Anti-wrinkle & Firming Mask is a protein-rich treatment that restores moisture, smooths fine lines and enhances your skin’s softness and radiance.

CLICK HERE for my review.

pureDKNY A Drop of Rose EDP
- $96 (50ml), $132 (100ml)

Indulge in a moment of calm to find beauty in living simply. Built around the scent of a single drop of rose, this new fragrance by Donna Karen marks pureDKNY’s continuing partnership with CARE, a leading humanitarian organisation that lifts women out of poverty.

CLICK HERE for my review.


Yuan Soap – Honeysuckle
- $16.90 (100g)

Made from precious plants from Yuan farm, Yuan soaps cleanse and protect the skin. The honeysuckle soap is wonderful for diminishing heat and dampness.

Get your monthly dose of vanity HERE.

Thank you for reading!

***All info are extracted from VanityTrove booklet.***

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

BioNike Defence B-Lucent

Recently, I was introduced to this brand called BioNike. Truth be told, I was unaware of the brand's existence. Fyi, BioNike was founded way back in 1930.

BioNike products are highly effective and are based on our "allergen-free philosophy", that is products with no preservatives, no fragrances, no gluten and nickel tested. In fact, nickel, preservatives and fragrances are well known skin sensitisers that are responsible for triggering contact allergies.

• Nickel Tested
• Preservative free
• Fragrance free
• Gluten free





BioNike's latest solution for dark spots - Defence B-Lucent, is an effective multi-active strategy to achieve even and radiant skin.

The range is based on the combination of a number of ingredients that work on different levels of the melanin formation process with ingredients that favour the natural cell renewal process. Melanin production is countered by methyl gentisate, a gentian root extract, a special biomimetic peptide carried into skin in a liposome and a lipoamino acid (undecylenoyl phenylalanine) which prevents the transfer of melanin from melanocytes to the surrounding skin cells. Finally, the combination of AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) and PHAs (poly-hydroxy acids) help to fade dark spots and illuminate skin by stimulating cell turnover.


The full range of BioNike Defence B-Lucent consists of:-

DAILY PROGRAMME: Treatment Steps

1) Preparation
Defence B-Lucent Day Peel

A creamy, rinse-off cleanser that removes impurities from skin. Thanks to the gentle exfoliating effect, it provides immediate freshness and radiance to the face. The special formulation is based on polyhydroxy acids, effective in modulating the keratinisation process, favouring cell turnover and providing hydration at the same time. Ideal for preparing skin to receive subsequent treatments. Can be used daily and in combination with other products in the Defence B-Lucent line. It reduces dark spots and evens out the complexion.

How to use: Apply morning and night on damp skin of the face in a circular motion, avoiding the eye contour area. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

2) Intensive Treatment
Defence B-Lucent Skin-Evening Concentrate

An intensive treatment to even out the complexion and make it radiant. The active ingredients work synergistically and complementarily on the synthesis of melanin, helping to inhibit the onset of hyperpigmentation. It has a light texture, and is suitable for all skin types. It helps to prevent and reduce dark spots, illuminate and even out the complexion.

How to use: Apply in the evening to perfectly cleansed skin.


3) Hydration and Protection

Defence B-Lucent Skin-Evening Face Cream SPF15It helps to radiate the complexion. With regular use, it reduces dark spots and prevents their formation. The special blend of active ingredients, helps to work on melanin production, countering the onset of hyperpigmentation (solar lentigo, age spots, post-acne marks). It also helps to even out the complexion
and protects the skin from any worsening due to daily sun exposure (SPF15). It can be used alone or with the Skin-Evening Concentrate to boost effects of the cream. Ideal as a base for makeup.

How to use: Apply daily after cleansing skin thoroughly.





LOCALISED TREATMENTS


Defence B-Lucent Roll-On Focus

A local, intensive, treatment that favours a more rapid attenuation of dark spots. The special ingredients achieve a double effect: provide an immediate exfoliating action (alpha and polyhydroxy acids) and, at the same time, attenuate melanin production. The gel texture dries up rapidly and the handy roll-on format allows the precision of product application on dark spots.

How to use: Apply directly on dark spots 1-2 times a day, before applying the usual treatment and before makeup. Do not apply on the eye area and the lips.


Defence B-Lucent Skin-Evening Hand Cream

It has a rich texture that is easily absorbed into skin. It protects skin and makes it softer instantly. Daily usage helps to reduce the number and extension of dark spots and prevents their formation (SPF20).

How to use: Ideally applied in the morning, application in the evening is recommended as well.

Yummy chocolate cupcake & cookies, served at the event.


The Day Peel and Roll-On Focus, were given to us, packed in a pretty pink box.



Defence B-Lucent Day Peel (100ml) - $89

I apply the Day Peel on damp skin in a circular motion (day and night), avoiding the eye contour area. Then, I rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. It doesn't leave the skin feeling tight. 

Day Peel has a creamy texture, with very fine exfoliating bits. The exfoliating effect is gentle enough for sensitive skin like mine. It does not leave any redness thereafter. My skin looks slightly radiant, and feels nicely moisturized. 


Defence B-Lucent Roll-on Focus (15ml) - $73

I apply Roll-on Focus directly on my post-acne marks and pigmentation spots twice a day. 

It has a liquidy gel-like texture, which absorbs fast into the skin, leaving no stickiness/greasiness. Since it is a roll-on, it is easy to apply precisely on the dark spots. For hygiene purpose, I wipe the roll-on after every use. So far, I do notice there is slight lightening of spots. 




Want to try out BioNike?

LIKE BioNike SG FB Page to redeem free samples. Quote VERLYN and send in your particulars (name, IC, address, email) to online@xiaoyuan.com.sg. The sampling campaign ends this Sunday (24 Mar). While stocks last!


BioNike is available at The Spa-Lon, Watsons and Guardian.

***All info are extracted from press release.***