Alveda: The New Eden

By Poon Shumin • UrbanWire
• email reporter • email story • printer friendly

Step through the glass doors of Alveda and you'll instantly forget the hustle and bustle of Far East shopping mall, the pounding music from stores and the large gatherings of youths.

Located on the 4th level of the mall, Alveda is a little piece of paradise, tucked away. Choosing to stand out from the older generation of nail and beauty parlours whose décor were more old-fashioned, Alveda is worlds apart with its Zen inspired minimalist décor and a brightly lit interior. Alveda seeks to create a sanctuary for its customers, where they can just concentrate on being pampered and let Alveda work its magic.

So what sets Alveda apart from other nail and beauty parlours that are popping up everywhere, just like the bubble tea craze 5 years back? According to a Alveda spokesperson, it is different because "It takes on a dynamic youthful branding status that can draw in young successful ladies - be it professionals, executives and tertiary students." Also, while other nail and beauty parlours just seek to get your manicure or facial over and done with, the Alveda experience has a mission to "lift the spirit, invigorate the senses and pamper the body, truly developing beauty from within". With that in mind, I was ready to begin my Alveda experience.

The Ultimate Indulgence
As I was treated to the facial, New Age music played softly in the background to put my mind and body at ease. Using the EnYouth series, for which Alveda is the sole distributor, expert hands began deftly working their magic, beginning with gentle cleansing to remove make up and dirt. This then progressed to the regular facial routine of scrubbing, steaming and massaging to stimulate blood circulation and to open up clogged pores. The mandatory removal of blackheads was followed by a final round of cleansing, which made my skin feel 100% cleaner.

A mask was added to tighten up the pores, and finally, toning and moisturising. And to add to the already enjoyable experience, the therapist gave me a much-appreciated massage on my back.

While the facial routine at Alveda did not differ from other facial routines that I might have received from other beauty parlours, I could feel my skin feel more invigorated and clean in this treatment. This, as I found out, was probably due to the fact that the products that Alveda used during my facial treatment contained "natural plant and herbal extracts".

Throughout the facial treatment, the Alveda beauty therapist was accommodating and gentle, enhancing the entire experience. Trusting that I was in professional and experienced hands, I was so relaxed that I nearly drifted off to a wonderful sleep.

Pretty, pampered nails
After the relaxing and refreshing facial, it was time for some pampering for my hands and nails. With almost 100 nail polish shades to choose from, flaunting perfectly manicured nails no longer seemed like a distant dream.

I was given their signature Alveda manicure, which layered on the usual manicure routine, the bonus of a mango-scented scrub and moisturising. The thorough and skilled manicurist's sunny disposition almost stole the shine from the fabulous hands I had after the manicure.

According to the Alveda spokesperson, "The therapists have more than 2 to 3 years of experience in their respective fields (facials and manicures) serving a wide profile of clients."

With other services ranging from decongestive and hydrating facial to anti-blemish treatment for face, to spa manicure and pedicure for grooming services, Alveda promises to deliver a holistic experience for the body and soul, at affordable prices starting from $12 for a simple shape and polish session. Such services at most nail and beauty parlours will cost you at least $15. With only all natural products used for its various treatments, at Alveda, you can be guaranteed that you'll be pampered, the natural way.

ALVEDA is located at 14 Scotts Road, Far East Plaza, #04-85/86.
TEL: (65) 6836 6561
(65) 6836 6047

Alveda Promotion
UrbanWire readers save up to 55%

Grooming
Eyebrow Shaping at $5, usual $12.

ALVEDA Manicure & Pedicure
Classic Manicure at $15, usual $18
Classic Pedicure at $25, usual $28
Classic Mani & Pedi (package at same day) at $35,
usual $46
Shape & Polish Hands at $8, usual $12
Shape & Polish Feet at 10, usual $15

Facials
Anti-Blemish Facial at 80, usual $130
Refreshing Facial at $40, usual $60

1. Promotions valid till Nov 30, 2004.
2. The Urbanwire.com promotion cannnot be used
concurrently with any existing ALVEDA promotions on
the same day or in any other circumstances.
3.Prior appointment is required. We will kindly advise
walk-ins to schedule another day with us.
4. The offer will only be entitled to Ngee Ann Poly
students. The student must bring along
his/her matriculation card for promotion entitlements.
5. Female and male students are entitled to the
promotions.