Bare Beauty, Series 1, Ep 3

With the manic lives we lead, we always seem to be burning the candle at both ends! What you may not know is the effect your lifestyle may have on your circulatory system – so important for keeping your body in tip top condition. Anita discovers the total rejuvenating effects of traditional Thai massage and is inspired to concoct a Thai herbal face steam. We also tap into beauty expert and author, Naazli Anwari’s all natural zest for life.

The daily stresses of a modern woman have taken its toll on Anita. She rediscovers that bounce in her step again by exploring the wonders of Aromatherapy. Anita also ventures into Traditional Chinese Medicine to discover how to revitalize your nervous system. What better way to realize that beauty is ageless as Bare Beauty learns the secret of eternal youth from a very special guest...?

In this episode, Anita finds herself fascinated by the traditions of the ancient Chinese as she discovers the wonders of ancient herbs. In a twist to the conventional idea of beauty, Anita learns that the Chinese believe that beauty must be from the inside out. This explains why the drinking of herbal tonics, soups and tea is essential to the Chinese practice of healing the inner body system in order for the outer system to manifest the benefits. For a herbal trip down the Chinese beauty practices, Anita meets a youthful elderly lady who shows her the secret behind a healthful bowl of organic herbal soup and who gives her some tips on the kind of herbs Anita can use to prepare her own herbal remedies at home. Along the way, Anita visits a traditional Chinese medical hall and finds out more about the various herbs used for centuries by the ancient Chinese. A qi-gong master shares his knowledge about the martial art form and how it helps keep the qi or life energy flowing uninterrupted. Betty Khoo, former editor of Her World, adds her knowledge to the ancient Chinese tradition of eating well in order to look well. Anita's homemade Chinese herbal remedies include a herbalicious pot of cheng tng, a herbal foot soak and a traditional cooling powder.

Beauty may be only skin deep but we all could use a boost to help us cope with today’s busy schedules. Anita shares with you how to make easily accessible homegrown plants and herbs such as aloe vera, tumeric and kafir lime part of your beauty regime by creating facemasks and health drinks. She also looks at traditional bath rituals. Beauty begins in the kitchen!

They say age shows first in the hands and feet so this week, Bare Beauty goes on an age-defying rampage as it uncovers the essential secret of gorgeous extremities – and the acupressure techniques that keep hands and feet not only feeling and looking good, but working overtime to boost the body! As working girls (and guys) face the stresses of repetitive stress injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome, nature comes to the rescue with holistic approaches to good health – from the feet and fingertips up.

The eyes have it when it’s time for a masquerade party! Anita discovers what the perfect look is for the eyes as she prepares for her masquerade party. She explores the tricks and traditions people have used over the centuries for that “come hither” glance of beauty. Bare Beauty takes a glimpse into the life and trade secrets of Clarence Lee, a make up artist for famous celebrities like Tom Cruise and Zhang Zhiyi.

White tea – is this the latest fashion trend in today’s beauty products? Anita explores the past and present of this special ingredient and uncovers its unique powers. Bare Beauty catches up with TV personality, Nadya Hutagalung, who shares with us her beauty secrets for youthful skin. Anita prepares a homemade white tea face scrub and toner that will leave your face glowing!

Anita goes in search of the secrets and traditions of the Eurasian community. She begins her journey at the Eurasian Association where she is introduced to the role the Eurasians played in the building of Singapore. She comes across authentic Eurasian artifacts and costumes and 'meets' some famous members of the Eurasian community. Anita then catches up with Francesca Eber, a graceful lady renowned for her authentic Eurasian tea parties, a tradition that she has passionately preserved over the years. She gives us an insight into the lives and times of the Eurasians of the past. Next Anitha catches up with culinary consultant Nazli Anwari to find out more about the benefits of natural ingredients in homemade therapies and remedies. Anitha pops by the Integrative Therapy Centre to see how a natural healing process begins from the inside. Next she meets Eurasian jazz sensation Claressa Monteiro whose glamour and beauty continues to impress and enthrall her fans. She also reveals her homemade hand lotion made with natural ingredients to keep skin soft and supple. For her homemade experiments, Anita whips up a deliciously healthy fresh fruit juice using common Eurasian ingredients such as fruits and nuts and at the end of a long day, she tries her hand at making another Eurasian party favorite, mead (also known as the Drink of the Gods).

The exotic draw of Indian culture makes it easy for us to fall in love with its intricate and lush traditions. In this episode Anita rediscovers what’s behind the 5000 year-old traditions of Ayurvedic practices by visiting one of the oldest Ayurvedic centre in Singapore. She receives health tips from our very own Mr. Singapore 2007 and creates simple beauty and health recipes with kitchen ingredients such as coconut oil, fenugreek leaves and cinnamon. In learning about beautification of Indian women, Anita also learns about the colourful tradition of wedding preparations that will make any bride glow. Anita's homemade Indian remedies include the coconut hair oil, shikakai natural shampoo and another traditional face & body scrub.