I was recently asked to participate as a Beauty Judge for the Harper's Bazaar (Singapore) Beauty Awards, November issue (2010).

Being a hairstylist and makeup artist of 20 years, I pride myself in keeping up with the Beauty Joneses remaining current in my field. This includes reading up on ingredients, recommendations and testing out new products. As you can imagine, I, beauty geek, was honoured to be given this task!

Well, the magazine called to confirm that I was home to accept my boxed beauty bundle as the courier was about to leave their office; 20 minutes later my concierge rang up to my suite 'M'am, you have some hair product delivery. Shall I send it up?'

Ok.  First, hate being called 'M'am'.

Second. Some hair product??? This is not how I would have described it.

I opened the door to find the courier with a dolly full of crates!

I was a kid in my very own candy store! For roughly 6 weeks, donned in my inconspicuous labcoat (the fashion industry uniform: an LBD) my life was immersed in luxurious creams, lotions, gels, fragrances, masks, powders, pigments.... you name it - I tested it.

If this wasn't work related you would have had to do a Beauty Intervention ala SATC's Charlotte and the rabbit episode! And this felt probably as good - if not better!

Now, I don't feel its right to point out my favourites until the issue is out, (mark your calendars to purchase Bazaar, November 2010!) but from time to time I will post a breakdown of what beauty products I tested and the results I have found. (here's one) Some products I was amazed by in an 'if I hadn't seen the results myself, I would never have believed it' fashion. And, yes, yes, OH yes! I did see some ageing reversal from tubes at home.

 I have... err.. HAD a shallow-ish wrinkle in-between my brow that was taken care of within 2 applications... no word of a lie.

Glamoxy Snake Serum

'This revolutionary oxygenated, viper-inspired serum contains syn-ake; a neuro peptide that mimics the effects of the Temple Viper's potent venom to instantly lift the face, freeze muscles and plump fine lines and wrinkles.'

Now, the key word here is 'mimics'. I don't like snakes unless they are on my feet. (I kid; illustrating that I don't like snakes - they give me the hee-bee-jee-bees.)

Check back to see what product had me looking like an organic beef-steak tomato.

 Desired result or no? You be the judge - you know I was.