REVIEW: 3 Mamas Try Hair & Beauty Treatments at Salon by VIVA (+ 20% salon discount code!)

You’ve heard about their jaw-dropping salon and Pilates studio overlooking the yachts at Keppel Bay… but do their beauty services match up? Three mamas review Salon by VIVA (plus here’s how to score 20% off salon treatments)

Trips to the salon – what used to be a sacred self-care ritual we would look forward to has now turned into quick ‘errands’ these days #momlife! But when a salon is so primely located overlooking rows and rows of beautiful yachts, you can’t help but feel like you’re on holiday and relax instantly. So if you want to really cherish your well-deserved pampering and need a getaway-for-a-day, book yourself in for some pilates, a beauty treatment and a coffee at Salon by VIVA.

With captivating locations at Sentosa Cove and Keppel Bay, highly-qualified reformer Pilates instructors and a professional, experienced and friendly Salon team, the VIVA Group is all about creating a unique wellness experience. We’ve tried the reformer Pilates classes for ourselves and can vouch that although it looks super graceful and glamorous, these workouts kick some serious butt! Salon by VIVA at Keppel Bay also offers Hair Treatments, Cut & Colour, Mani-Pedis, Brows, Lashes & Waxing services and some of us at team Sassy Mama had the pleasure of trying them out for ourselves!

1. Treatment: Blonde highlights and haircut

“In Singapore, I am always a bit hesitant to trust just anyone with getting the blonde just right but VIVA’s lead stylist, Felix, was a total pro!”
As a new mom, my personal grooming and self-care have more or less taken a back seat over the past few months! So I was more than excited to try VIVA at Keppel Bay (spoiler alert: I will definitely be going back!). Their floor-to-ceiling windows with a view of the bay was exactly what I needed to escape and prioritize ‘me’ for a little bit. Somehow getting your hair done with a stunning view just felt so much more indulgent and I immediately felt relaxed.

As I’ve aged, my once towhead blonde has progressively gotten a lot darker and I choose to keep it light with a little help from highlights every few months. In Singapore, I am always a bit hesitant to trust just anyone with getting the blonde just right but VIVA’s lead stylist, Felix, was a total pro! I loved how Felix really took the time to understand and ask questions about what I was looking for. For me, that meant a natural and low maintenance colour that could handle a bit of growth between visits. We ultimately settled on a blend of two colours for the highlights with a bit of framing around the face.

Felix went to work while I relaxed in their super comfortable and indulgent chairs listening to their awesome playlist while enjoying a cup of tea. I am very happy with the end result and will definitely be going back. I hate it when the blonde turns a bit brassy after a week or so, but Felix’s colour has definitely held up. Plus that view gave me the mental break I needed. Shhh! Don’t tell my regular salon that I’m switching. – Kristin Bemowski, Marketing Manager

2. Treatment: Lash lift and tint

“I love not having to curl my lashes anymore!”
I’ve always wanted to try a lash lift, so when this opportunity came along I was psyched! Plus the chance to have it done in VIVA’s beautiful Keppel Bay studio was really the icing on the cake. One of VIVA’s lash technicians explained the whole process involving a lift and a tint to darken my lashes. I could choose between brown, jet black and blue-black. I went with blue-black as she mentioned it has more of a glossy effect when it’s complete in comparison to a regular black tint. Shiny eyelashes for an extra twinkle in my eyes? Yes please! The whole treatment took about an hour.

It was slightly uncomfortable in some parts, but after I got used to the feeling of having the plastic card stuck on my eyelids while the treatment was being done, I settled in and managed to squeeze in a power nap since I couldn’t open my eyes anyway. When the hour was up, I got to check out my lashes. They looked OK in the moment, but I was even more impressed that they stayed curled and lifted even after showers, washing my face, removing my makeup, and just the regular day-to-day errands. It’s said to last for 6-8 weeks – 5 weeks on and some of my lashes have straightened, but they’re mostly still going strong! I love not having to curl my lashes before putting on mascara, plus I look so much more awake now even without makeup on. – Syazana Hishamuddin, Editor

3. Treatments: Brow wax + tint and eyelash lift

“I love my brows and lashes now, plus this is by far the longest-lasting pedicure I’ve ever had in Singapore!”
My eyebrows are sparse and my eyelashes stick straight out, so I elected for a brow wax + tint and an eyelash lift… after originally planning to do a brow lift treatment! However, that requires more eyebrow hairs than I had (blame the 90s!) so my technician recommended the wax + tint. I appreciated her knowledge and that she truly wanted to make me look and feel my best. She drew in the shape and told me exactly what I could expect. She walked through each step of the eyelash lift (taping, applying product, letting it set in) so I knew exactly what was going on and how long the whole process would take. Of course, I appreciated the opportunity to lay down and close my eyes for about an hour and a half, since the room was private and cozy. I was so pleased with my eyes after the treatment.

4. Treatment: Pedicure

After that, my same technician (everyone is well skilled in all areas!) brought me to the nail treatment area… I was able to get comfortable in Viva’s velvety soft green chairs for my pedicure. She helped me select a colour that would go nicely with my skin tone. Viva uses non-toxic nail polishes and products, so I wasn’t assaulted with any strange smells during my treatment time. She was very thorough and while I was embarrassed about the amount of pruning my feet required, it didn’t seem to phase her! And the best part…it’s been several weeks and my toes are STILL not chipped…this pedicure is the longest lasting one I’ve had in Singapore to date! – Kristen Mooney, Project Manager

Salon by VIVA really has it all for a day of luxurious pampering – you can even plan your celebrations at this stunning studio overlooking Keppel Bay! There are four signature event packages to choose from, and each one is luxuriously conceptualised to spoil you and your sassy little ones or your best gal pals. Whether it’s a spa birthday party, mama-daughter bonding, a corporate bash or the ultimate girls’ day out, they’ve got you covered with all the fixin’s!

If you’re swinging by for some self-care, tell the ladies at Salon by VIVA that Sassy Mama sent you and enjoy 20% off salon treatments!
*Terms & conditions: Promotion is only applicable to First-Time customers of The VIVA Group. One promotion per customer. Not to be used with other promotions. Promotion valid till 31 December 2021.

Salon by VIVA Keppel Bay, Marina at Keppel Bay, 2 Keppel Bay Vista, 02-02, 098382, Tel: (+65) 9785 7753, [email protected], www.thevivagroup.com