Actress Bonnie Loo loves pampering herself with manicures, massages, facials and hair treatments

Who: Singaporean actress Bonnie Loo. The 31-year-old has been a familiar face on television screens since 2013, after winning the fourth season of singing competition Campus Superstar that year.

At the Star Awards, she has been nominated for Best Supporting Actress five times – for Tiger Mum (2015), Hero (2016 to 2017), Mightiest Mother-in-Law (2017), C.L.I.F. 5 (2019) and Key Witness (2021).

Highway To Somewhere, her latest drama, airs on Channel 8 on weekdays at 9pm and is available on mewatch. In the 20-episode series, she plays an unemployed woman who goes on a road trip to Malaysia with three friends, only to be abducted by a scam syndicate. Loo sang the drama’s theme song, In Search Of Light, which was released on March 6.

“On weekends, I typically spend a day pampering myself. I consider this a form of self-care, since life can be so stressful.

I do not go to a specific spa or outlet, but often find businesses which offer one-off services. I do not like to sign up for packages, as they make me feel locked in. I prefer to try different services. I will look the businesses up online and read reviews on them to help me decide which to go to.

I usually get my nails done first at around 10am, as manicures often take two to three hours and nail salons are very busy on weekends. I usually go for nail shaping, cuticle grooming and polishing. Sometimes, I also get acrylic enhancements which can match, or even enhance, an outfit I plan to wear later in the week.

I also love massages, typically after lunch. These last between one and two hours, and cost from $100 to $120.

I generally ask for Chinese-style massages, such as tuina or those that use traditional Chinese medicine principles, as these help to lessen back pain, reduce stress and improve my sleep.

If time allows, I opt for a full-body massage, which leaves me feeling recharged and energised. Depending on my schedule, I might squeeze in a facial or hair treatment.

Sometimes, the massage therapist or manicurist tries to chat, which helps to pass the time. But if I sense the staff is pushing me to buy a package, I will make it clear I am looking for only a single session and do not live in the area. I will say that if I like their service, I will come again.

Although paying for individual sessions is more expensive, it gives me the freedom to decide if I want to return or seek services elsewhere. To me, uncovering hidden gems is part of the fun.

Over the years, I have discovered businesses where the service does not live up to the hype online. But I have also found those with service which exceeded my expectations and I have returned for repeat sessions.

There will always be disappointments, but these help me better decide where to go next. When I chance upon an amazing place nobody knows about, however, it feels awesome.”