If you follow this column, you’ll know that I’m a fan of porcelain-skinned Asian beauties. One of my biggest aspirations is to have skin so luminous it’s practically translucent (yes, I’m a simple girl). So when I discovered that Japan’s bestselling skincare brand Hada Labo had just launched a new face lotion, I knew I had to try it. The Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Face Lotion ($22.90 for 170ml bottle at all Watsons outlets) is touted as the No. 1 face lotion in Japan with one being sold every four seconds over there (if you care to believe the hype), but what makes it such a hot buy is the fact that it contains super hyaluronic acid, which they say mimics the skin’s natural moisturizing ability. Apparently, one gram of hyaluronic acid is able to hold up to six liters of water. The jury’s still out on whether it’s taken me any closer to my goal of looking like a Japanese skincare model, but a quick word of advice—the concoction really is rather rich, so use very sparingly if you have oily skin.

After exposing my hair to copious amounts of sabotage (rebonding, coloring, relaxing—you name it, I’ve done it), it is finally throwing in the towel by shedding. While it’s a battle to try and tame thick hair, it is still very assuring to have so much—it just means it takes that much longer for it to fall. Phyto Hair Spa’s Regenerating “Thairapy” Treat ($208 at Phyto Hair Spa by ReVAMP, #05-08A Wheelock Place, 6220-6948) for men and women is intended to help thicken and rejuvenate hair, and boasts a clinical success rate of 85 percent in slowing down the appearance of gray hair. The 105-minute long process involves five types of treatment, beginning with a rinse using aromatherapy oils, followed by intense scalp cleansing and stimulation. Then, it’s off for a 20-minute oxygen therapy procedure, which opens up the hair pores for better detoxification of your scalp. Lastly, an anti-hair loss ampoule will be massaged into the hair, providing it with a very happy ending.

You know how people are always talking about inner beauty? Well, here’s your chance to prove that your personal beauty isn’t only skin deep. The Body Shop Singapore has recently launched a global petition to stop sex trafficking of children and young people. Through Mar 31 next year, you can sign the Stop Sex Trafficking petition at all The Body Shop stores or online at www.thebodyshop.com.sg. The petitions signed all over the world will be presented to the United Nations by the third quarter next year.