The Foodinista: Salon

My Lash Salon, Lucky Chinatown Mall

Friday, February 10, 2017

My Lash Salon

My Lash Salon provides you relaxation and chic environment with our friendly professional staff and well trained eyelash extension techniques from korea.

Why settle for simplicity?Every girl deserves to be a queen. try out our eyelash extension and you will know why.

I've always wanted to have an eyelash extensions cause it's just a hassle to put on falsies every time I have to attend an event. Putting it on takes time and the normal flasies size are usually big that I have to cut it to fit my eyelids so when I discovered My Lash Salon on Facebook, i've scheduled an appointment right away!

My Lash Salon Binondo

My Lash Salon has 4 branches already (Blue Bay Pasay, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Forbes Town Taguig and Nuvali Solenad); Good thing they opened a branch in Binondo which is more accessible for me cause I live in Manila!

Their all-white walls and touches of pink on their furniture added a chic and dainty feel which is really suitable and eye-catching for kikay ladies like me.

Rates

My Lash Salon specializes in Eyelash Extensions. They even offer different types of length, thickness and curl for the lash hair. I chose FABULOUS which comes with 200 pcs. of Lash Extensions (100 pcs on each eye). I want mine thick and bold cause I really have very short lashes. The original rate of Fabulous is P1000 but I only got mine for P700 cause they offer monthly promos which can be viewed on their social media accounts. They sometimes offer Bring 1 get yours free services!

They also offer other services from Waxing, Threading, Lip Spa, Ear Spa, Foot Spa, Hand Spa, Eyebrow Tint and even Mani Pedi.

I find their rates affordable for the quality of service i've experienced so far. :)

First thing: they placed tape on my under eyes so to see where they'll be putting the strands of lashes basically to clear out all unwanted foreign object near my eyes. My lash hair is very thin it's almost not noticeable. The process took about 30min to an hour to finish. There's a feeling of discomfort after the treatment cause the glue takes time to dry but afterwards I felt fine.

I didn't have any proof of my aftermath treatment cause I forgot to take one :(

But my lashes were damn fabulous! I find it a little too thick though and had a heavy feeling while I was wearing it. Having eyelash extensions can be very hard to maintain, washing it is a little hassle cause you have to be meticulous in cleaning plus it makes me cry whenever I accidentally pull out a hair on my lashes.

I really looked effortlessly beautiful having it on my eyes so tiis-ganda nalang!

SERVICE: The service was great. My lashes felt out after 2-3 weeks. I went to Bohol a week after my lashes were done and they still looked good! I even snorkled with my lashes extensions and they didn't even fall out. Removing is quite painful so I recommend you have it removed by them as well even if you have to spend for it. I tried removing mine when my eyes were starting to get irritated and it was painful! Haha!

Regardless, I really love having my eyelashes done. Wish it wasn't expensive to have it done on a monthly basis, but I'd reco for you to try it at least once!

Beauty

Bench Fix Salon: Worst Hair Cut Experience

Thursday, June 30, 2016

Bench Fix Salon

My HAIR is my HOLY GRAIL. My hair is so long almost reaching the butt area. I rarely have a major hair cut but I do a monthly trim around 1 inch a month to cut away thesplit ends. I love my hair being this long, it adds more confidence and makes me feel more beautiful - talk about my low self esteem! I have fat cheeks and kind of a big head so I think having a long hair makes my face look thinner and smaller. O diba, todo judge sa sarili!

I decided to have my hair cut at Sm San Lazaro Bench Fix Salon because they did trim my bangs very well last time. So I told myself why not try to have my hair cut there again since i'm already confident with the results before. I've officially decided to have my hair trimmed around 4 inches long that's a hard decision to make for me because I know it will take years and months before I grow that hair back again.

I have been experiencing dry ends and super tangled hair lately because my hair dried out from intense colouring without any treatments. It was freakin' hard to comb it and blow drying my hair every morning and became a pain in the ass! Imagine spending most of your time just to comb and fix your hair, what a waste of time!

I went to Sm San Lazaro right away and scheduled a 4pm booking for my hair cut. I will not mention the name of the stylist so to protect his reputation.

I was confident at first but right after seeing the result, I was shocked. Akala ko nga namamalik-mata lang ago and then I asked the stylist to re-do it and adjust, but it seems like he can't see the difference dun sa hair cut. He trimmed it a little and explained to me that it's because of the shape of my hair and texture that's why it looks like it's not even.

Since it looks like I don't have a win in the situation, I just gave up. Paid and left the salon.

Check the photo below, as you can see the ends should be layered but it looked so awkward. Other areas are so even and others are not.

Bench Fix Salon

At first, I thought it was okay and no one would notice. But every time I comb my hair, napaansin ko talaga so I tried contacting Bench on Facebook and apparently they kept "seen-zoning" me. They didn't even reply to my e-mail as of this writing which is more than a month after this hair tragedy LOL. I lost my patience already and ranted on my Instagram account. I tagged Bench Fix Salon's Page and even had the courage to tag Mr. Ben Chan who is the owner of Bench Company to resolve this issue.

Maybe you would ask why I ranted instead of going to the Salon directly to form a complaint?

Well it's because I don't trust them enough to have my hair done there again. They might ruin it even more, I got paranoid and thought they might gang up on me.

Hair Cut Bench Fix Salon

GUESS WHAT?

Mr. Ben Chan replied to me 10 to 15 min. after that post. Gosh I was so happy yet a little embarrassed at the same time thinking maybe he was laughing while reading my rant and told himself talagang sa Instagram nagreklamo to. Haha! But I am happy to know that he is very reliable. He replies faster than their customer service, just wow.

His manager Dale sent me a DM and asked their store manager to contact me so they can fix it. However, I told them that I'd have my hair remedied on a different branch nalang cause I was too afraid that they might ruin it more. My intention here is not actually for them to fire the stylist or reprimand him, I just want to have my hair cut fix without having to pay another extra fee and of course for them to know they should double check the quality of work their stylists gives at Bench Fix. Awareness, kumabaga.

Ms. Jessica who is the Head Store Manager contacted me right away the next day and I was very happy how she handled the situation. She calmly apologized to me and told me they'll fix everything and gave me a free hair cut. I explained to him that my hair is of course my holy grail and I chose their Salon because of my trust on their services.

I was sent to Bench Fix Greenhills Branch which is my choice of branch for a re-do of my awful hair, and I was very happy on the service they provided me. My stylist's name is JAMES and he is a senior stylist in Gh Branch. I recommend you look for him when you pay a visit here, he is really good and obviously, he knows what he's doing. According to him, my hair is really awfully cut. It's not really even. Especially because I have a very straight hair which makes minor mistake on cut too obvious.

Thank you Mr. Ben Chan and Sir James and also to Ms. Jessica for accommodating my concern.

Anyway, it's a good lesson for me to do research first before I go to Salons. Also, do not be afraid to complain when you have one or even rant if needed. Companies need to know what they have to improve on their services and that should be from us customers. Feedback is always important for the betterment of their service.

HAVE A HAPPY HAIR DAY LADIES!

Reply From Mr. Ben Chan of Bench Fix Salon

Beauty

FIX: Bench Salon at SM San Lazaro Branch

Monday, February 15, 2016

SM SAN LAZARO Branch

I have always been on a hunt in finding the best salon and the most affordable one in Manila. If not, the one who can give me a good fringe cut the least. I have had a long straight hair for more than 3 years now and it's not easy to maintain.

I usually do a trim on the ends of my hair every 4 to 6 months just to take out all the split ends and then have my side bangs trimmed.

I do not have a particular salon that I often go to but I usually have my hair cut in Bambang Fresh Salon - it's just a cheap salon but since I want to cut a short part of my hair only I do not see the need to spend a huge amount for salon services. This time though I felt the urge to look for a salon that I can really spend on to have my hair cut.

I was choosing between David Salon and Bench Fix Salon since these are the nearest salon's in my house which is just located at SM San Lazaro.

Services

This is the Bench Fix Salon's most recent rate card (Feb 2016). I took the FIX - A STYLIST for P250. The shop assistants would ask the service you want and the stylist you prefer to have your service done. If you're a first timer better ask for the senior stylist so to assure that you'll have a good haircut.

Sm San Lazaro branch tends to have a lot of customers so I suggest you call for a reservation of a time slot for your convenience or book in advance before you roam around the mall to reduce the long waiting time period.

Inside the salon

The space of the salon is enough to accommodate 7 to 10 customers in one sitting however it will still depends on what service the customers will avail.

What I like about this place is it's very clean and neat. Does not smell awful, it is well lit and everything is visible. Their products are in order and even the towels.

My stylist's name is Ferdie.

He asked me the style that I wanted and I said I just simply wanted a trim and a perfect side bangs.

A different person shampooed and blow-dried my hair, after that when I was all set Ferdie came back to me and then started trimming my hair. He is really good and was able to achieve my desired hair cut and he even gave me a lot of tips on how I should be taking care of my hair and how to make my bangs 'pop' and have more volume.

Side Bangs

I will definitel come back, I really love my hair cut! My bangs popped and I was ready to go out and party! Have you tried their services? How do you feel about it? Comment below!

168 Shopping Mall

Browhaus: The Brow Salon at Lucky Chinatown Mall

Friday, November 27, 2015

Browhaus Lucky Chinatown Mall Branch

I have always dreamed of having my brows threaded and I finally experienced my first ever Eyebrow Threading with Browhaus Salon. I was given a complimentary P500 Gift Certificate when I attended Marj Sia's Beauty Workshop last August 2015 and I was tremendously happy when I receive the Gift Certificates! I have not had my brows done ever since cause I was afraid that it was going to be painful. Besides, I can ask a favor from my mom to just use a razor and shave it for me. Haha!

Threading is one beauty process I fear the most whether it's going to be done on my brows or in my underarm, I just can't imagine going through it so I went to Lucky Chinatown Mall Binondo which is their nearest branch in Manila area and took courage to finally have my brows done. I just told myself, "Para sa Ekonomiya!"Haha! Tiis Ganda!

Browhaus is globally famous so I have been easily convinced to try even just one of the services they offer. They have the highest 'quality commitment, their staff are well trained and skilful, and they value customer service.

Waiting Area

As I enter the shop the lady in the counter approached me with a warm smile. She asked what treatment I wanted to do and I chose the classic threading being the basic one. The staff are very friendly and accommodating and considering that it is my first time, they assured me that I shouldn't worry about anything.

They also have brochures which indicates some tips on having the perfect brows or which Ideal brow looks best for specific face shapes and other treatment promos.

Throw Pillow

Browhaus Menu

I went for the classic threading which is priced at P648. I just added P148 'cause I already got a P500 GC. Yey me! Imagine how much I have saved cause of that gift certificate.

Most of their services are way too expensive for me, It is really way out of my budget. If you plan to do a monthly threading it will create a huge hole in your pocket but since they are experts in doing people's brows I guess you're getting what you've paid for and deserve to experience such luxury to do so once in a while.

I was assisted by the lady to a private room where my brows will be threaded. The area is separated with a hanging thick cloth for privacy. I have no picture of it but I sat in a reclining chair that is comfortable enough to lie for a few minutes. It looked like a dentist chair which is comfortable enough to sit on for a few min while the treatment is being done. There is a white brick wall in front and a mirror hanged on it so you can look at your brows after it has been done.

As you can see the tool section is very neat and hygienic. I am very particular about this because I've been to some salon where it looks like they have not cleaned the space for weeks already.

Before Threading Photo

This is my before photo. I edited the hue of the photo a little since my skin looked too 'yellow'. I did not apply any make up on the prior threading.
I just did my facial before this day that's why I have pimples on my forehead. Please disregard that.
Look at my really MESSY brows. The direction of the hair seems to be going everywhere and anywhere it wants to.

Before Threading Photo 2

This is a clearer version of my before photo. As you can see some areas do not grow hair, some have too much. Basically, the hair is not equally distributed. Browhaus uses a fine cotton thread which is meant for the skin. Threading is less traumatizing as compared to waxing or shaving. It removes unruly hair strands which results in a clean looking brow line. For people who have sensitive skin like me this is a better option.

The lady started using the thread to my brows slowly following it's original shape. They did not actually let me choose any shape instead I just told them I wanted it pointed on the end with a hint of that 'wow' - snobby look. She started isolating some areas and then slowly pulled the thread away from my skin. It was a little painful. Of course there is a shocking feeling whenever the therapist would suddenly pull the thread away from my skin but it's really tolerable and if you get used to it you and will not even feel the pain at all.

For the remaining hair which could not be removed, the therapist used tweezers and scissors to cut the overgrown hair strands.

AFTER

After Threading

Here is a photo after threading. Voila! Clean, Classic, and Polished. I loved how my hair now follows a certain direction. The therapist meticulously cut and threaded unnecessary hair on my brows.

The procedure took around 15 to 20 minutes. I got little bumps and red marks on the areas surrounding my eye brows, but I did not get anxious about it 'cause it went away after a few hours.

After Care

Do not put anything on your brows right after hair removal. This is to prevent any foreign bodies to enter your skin. Since your pores are open, bacteria can easily penetrate the skin which could cause pimples or even acne.

I was also informed by the therapist not to get the brow area wet for about a day. I also suggest you do not do any facial treatments a week within the treatment time to avoid breakouts.

Photo Taken by Iphone

Focus on the brows! Shading my brow has never been this easy. I just followed the shape of my threaded brows and right away I achieve the perfect brows I've always wanted. A lot of people have even complimented my brows for looking on point! I am actually lazy when it comes to putting eyebrow make-up on, so threading it made my life easier.

Will I recommend this? Definitely. If you have the budget to spend on it once in a while, I suggest you try it once. Especially for first timers who have troubles in putting make-up on theirs brows, this is a must for you.

Will I go back for another session? Definitely, if I have the extra cash and probably will have to try other treatments too!

Note: Went back twice for the same treatment cause I got another GC from make up workshops I have attended. I must be lucky!

Pages

The Foodinista

My Lash Salon, Lucky Chinatown Mall

Bench Fix Salon: Worst Hair Cut Experience

FIX: Bench Salon at SM San Lazaro Branch

Browhaus: The Brow Salon at Lucky Chinatown Mall