Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2018 i Her World Singapore

Not so long ago, the in-between seasons – Resort (or Cruise) and Pre-Fall – served a specific purpose: to provide real wardrobe solutions to real women, because the main S/S and F/W seasons were for fashion statements. All that has changed with the democratisation of fashion and social media, which has made every day a fashion statement day. So, what does a designer do? Why, create more fashion, of course. This first part of our Pre-Fall focus exemplifies where fashion is heading now regardless of the season: It’s giving consumers more of what they want, while they still want it. See you next month for part two. www.herworld.com Her World Singapore @herworldsingapore @herworldsg…

We will say this: As long as plastic straws exist, most people – not all – will continue to use them. This is despite the fact that we don’t really need plastic straws. And that we know how we’ve turned plastic into an environmental scourge that pollutes our seas, the life in them, and the lives that live off them (according to conservation group For A Strawless Ocean, the oceans will have more plastic than fish in them by 2050). This is all on us, and it is wholly preventable. That’s why there’s a movement in bars and hotels to make drinks and cocktails that don’t require straws. And if you really need one, you have the options of paper or copper, or Bio-pot straws. Plasticiser- and petroleum-free, the latter…

History is cyclical, and so is much of fashion. What’s cool will at some point become mundane, misguided or mocked, as tastes change. Iconic brands, on the other hand, are, well, simply iconic – which is what old-school sportswear masters like Fila, Fred Perry, Kappa and Sergio Tacchini are. They’re having a renaissance now, and they all have genuine history to buy into.…

When the bulk of fashion-makers still operate within the context of the northern hemisphere, only three (Spring, Summer and Resort/Cruise) of the six seasons are truly relevant to us for obvious reasons. But if you look beyond the obvious, which we have here for Pre-Fall, there are gems under (or over) the layers and thickness. So, what did we find? The familiar, the short, and even more dad’s sneakers. Turn to the next six pages for them, and to our July issue for Part 2 of this Pre-Fall Special.…

Yard Yarn Designer: Genevieve Tan, 31, started her label in 2015 with totes before switching her focus to jewellery six months later. It’s a one-woman operation – Tan conceptualises and handmakes all the pieces. Signatures: Versatile, industrial-meets-feminine jewellery that’s always light (less than 100g), comfortable, and wearable in multiple ways. Tan uses a double clasp system or functional cord stoppers on selected necklace designs. The former lets you easily change chains (sold individually at www.yard-yarn.com),while the latter allows the necklace to be worn in various ways (see Tan demonstrate the versatility of her designs in our digital edition). Materials used: faux suede cords, lightweight beads and hardware, and dressmaking elements like grommets and cord stoppers. Latest collection: Inspired by blooms. Prices: Earrings, $18-$38; necklaces, $38-$58. Dvibhumi Designer: Singapore-based Vyshnavi N…

What’s the secret to Living Beautifully? It’s not about how you look, or how much you spend on your appearance. It’s about making good choices: Saying yes to exercise and no to cigarettes; taking time to relax; and selecting the right health and beauty products that suit you. Guardian’s Health & Beauty Awards are designed to guide your choices when it comes to products. All the winners are picked by beauty insiders – the editors and writers from Her World and Shape magazines – so you know they work. And this booklet is broken down into helpful categories that will educate you about finding the right products for your lifestyle, skin type and tastes. Read on to discover a beautiful selection of hair- body-, skin- and healthcare options for everyone,…

The barely-there makeup look that’s favoured by Korean pop stars hasn’t gone anywhere. If you still haven’t mastered it by now, here are some tools you’ll need to start glowing like you were born with it. Focal points: Dewy skin (hint: a cushion foundation gets you a natural glow without feeling too heavy), filled-in brows and girlishly long lashes (get one that washes out with warm water to avoid taking a toll on your lashes). Add just a hint of colour with youthful-looking pinks or corals on the cheeks and lips. TIP: Thicker brows and lush lashes make you look younger, so go bold on these two! But opt for brown shades on your brows – they’ll look less harsh. Estelle Low Associate editor, Shape…

Q : Most sunscreens make me break out, but I still want UV protection. What type of sun care should I choose? A: Go for sun care in ultra-light formulations that won’t clog your pores or irritate skin. La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Ultra Light SPF50+ Non-perfumed Fluid, for instance, has a very light formula that doesn’t skimp on the SPF, and even has thermal spring water as a key ingredient, which is soothing and has antioxidant properties. Q : I have a combination of eczema and sunburn. How do I help my dry, cracked skin heal faster? A: A common remedy is aloe vera gel, but this may not relieve the itching that eczema usually causes. A balm such as Bioderma Atoderm PP Baume may work better to give you…

A little colour if your lip tone is slightly uneven 1 Mamonde Creamy Tint Squeeze Lip offers customisable intensity. Squeeze on more product for more colour, or less for a hint of it. In 10 shades, $18 each. 2 3ina The Lip Vinyl is a high-shine gloss. In 11 shades, $23 each. 9 Kose Esprique Rich Creamy Rouge adds gloss and a little colour. In nine shades, $30 each. Darker shades to cover uneven lip colour, or your original tone 3 Etude House Matte Chic Lip Lacquer has a smooth, watery texture, yet gives intense colour. In 12 shades, $19.90 each. 4 Innisfree Vivid Creamy Tint has a slight sheen and the longest-lasting colour of the lot. The darker shades (#3, #5, #6, #8, #9, #10, #11 and #12) cover…

More than 1,000 strains of bacteria thrive on our skin. “An ecosystem of microflora – a combination of good and bad bacteria – is key to healthy skin,” says Dr Lionel Breton, L’Oreal’s advanced research scientific director. They are as essential to skin as other bacteria are to our gut and immunity, and we are born with these bacteria. “Their diversity develops from birth until we are three years old, before stabilising. They decrease when we are between 60 and 65 years old,” Dr Breton adds. As with any ecosystem, maintaining the balance of skin bacteria is important. “Unstable microflora cause different kinds of dermatosis,” says Dr Breton. Many things directly affect the skin’s functions: illness, stress, using products that affect skin pH, and hormonal changes. All these can tip…

Hera – named after the Greek goddess who represents the ideal female and was launched in 1995 in Seoul – has a name for the modern professional: “Seoulista”. “She’s feminine, career-driven, looks after herself, knows what she wants,” says Eunim Lee, Hera’s managing director, who was at the brand’s first Southeast Asian opening at Takashimaya D.S. in May. “When we created Hera, we visualised what she, an international woman, not just a Korean, would want from her cosmetics: they should have multi-benefits – be portable, fuss-free, lasting (because busy women have no time to keep touching up), and should suit women everywhere,” says Lee. That’s why Hera’s UV Mist Cushion Cover, for instance, is lightweight enough to wear comfortably in our humidity as well as in only-humid-at-times Seoul, retains moisture,…

Dr Eileen Tan, dermatologist at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, and Dr Tay Liang Kiat, dermatologic surgeon at Dermatology and Surgery Clinic, list the best six. 1. Zinc Regulates sebum production, helps heal wounds, and soothes skin conditions like eczema and rosacea. “It can also treat dandruff and fungal infections of the scalp. And it protects against UV damage, which is why zinc oxide is common in sunscreen,” says Dr Tan. 2. Calcium In the epidermis, it keeps the skin barrier healthy by balancing its oil-water ratio. It locks in moisture and maintains skin homeostasis. 3. Copper Increases collagen production and aids skin regeneration. It also helps regulate melanin production and has anti-inflammatory properties. 4. Magnesium “This reduces acne and rosacea by lowering cortisol levels and sebum production,” says Dr Tan.…

QI’ve had dark circles since I can remember. Even if I sleep well, there is no improvement. I also have oily skin, so concealers never stay put and only make my makeup look messy. How do I get rid of the dark circles? – Celine Tan A Your dark circles may be hereditary, or caused by a tear trough deformity (sunken eyes will cast a dark shadow over the lower eyelids), or by hyperpigmentation. The doctor needs to determine the cause before recommending a treatment. For example, Perfect Eye Treatment ($258) uses a laser to lighten pigmentation while boosting blood circulation to correct the appearance of under-eye dark circles. Meantime, choose a powder or matte-finish concealer, and apply a primer first. You can also better conceal dark circles by choosing…

“When I made the decision to be a plastic surgeon, I was in medical school in Greece. And my parents, themselves doctors, advised me not go into plastic surgery because they said no one does this kind of job, there’s no demand for it,” Dr Yannis Alexandrides says with a laugh. Fast-forward three decades, and not only is the 51-year-old the owner of a successful plastic-surgery practice in London’s Harley Street (a sort of medical Savile Row) and a well-known name in both the industry and media, he is also the founder of science-led luxe skincare brand 111Skin, which he is in town to launch. As he walks into the VIP lounge of Robinsons The Heeren, Dr Yannis – as everyone calls him – looks composed and polished, unfazed by…

Health Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance No matter how tight your budget is, these are the two most basic personal insurance plans you must have to cover medical emergencies and treatment. Personal Accident Insurance is particularly important if you’re doing jobs that require you to move around. It provides compensation should you get into an accident and be unable to work. Professional Liability Insurance If you’re providing a service, this will protect you in the event of malpractice. Even if you aren’t at fault, the legal fees required to defend yourself can be expensive. Premiums can range from $100 a year for small-scale businesses to upwards of $1,000 an event. You can buy these premiums from any insurance provider – the rates and coverage would depend on your needs. Motor…

Camomile tea If you want an alternative to water, Willabelle recommends camomile tea, which is known for its calming properties. Because it’s also caffeine-free, you don’t have to worry about dehydration. Eye mask Cherie swears by the self-warming Megrhythm Steam Eye Mask Lavender-Sage. The heat and scent of the mask help her fall asleep. Classical music playlists Dr Pushparanee advises that your music of choice should be slow, soothing and rhythmic. Classical music releases dopamine and reduces stress, so get a playlist on your Spotify before you fly.…

Here’s how to know when you’ve crossed the line from being into him to being all over him. Suss out his behaviour before declaring how you feel If things are still casual, don’t throw him off by asking “so what are we?”. Charlotte saw that her guy was going out of his way to look after her when she was sick. It gave her the confidence she needed to suggest making things official. If he’s not receptive to you, don’t prod further Dropped plenty of hints and he’s not taking any of them? You need to stop. Unless he’s incredibly obtuse, he’s not looking to speed things up – in which case you’ll need to reconsider if he’s worth sticking around for. Don’t axe your plans just because he changed…

My boyfriend doesn’t like me Instagramming all the details about our relationship. I don’t get why it bothers him so much. I enjoy sharing and immortalising my favourite memories, like our first anniversary dinner and trips overseas. Why is he acting out, and how do I get him to see things my way? If a tree falls in a forest but no one is there to post to its Instastory, does it make a noise? The answer is: no, it doesn’t. Social media is great, except when it’s taking your personal data and selling it to other people. But I digress. The point is, some people might not be as happy about cementing their real-life moments on the Internet as you are. Maybe the answer here is a compromise. Let…

Eating right and exercising regularly aren’t always enough to give you the figure you desire. Saggy skin and pockets of stubborn fat are often difficult to get rid of, no matter how well you eat or how often you exercise. And if you’re considering traditional liposuction or other invasive forms of cosmetic surgery, it’s important to know that there are serious risks involved. From Beaute Hub comes LPG Alliance Face and Body Slimming Treatment, a non-invasive form of therapy that promises to reduce fat, while improving skin quality. Beaute Hub is the first and only LPG Alliance Lab in Singapore offering this innovative treatment that is said to be painless with no side effects. The body treatment uses the Alliance Skin Identity sensor. How this supposedly works: It stimulates the…

If you have sensitive skin, you’re likely to experience itching, dryness and redness often throughout the day. Such discomfort can be triggered by a variety of factors, from household detergents and stress, to certain foods and fabrics, and haze-related airborne pollutants. Certain soaps can also irritate sensitive skin, so if you’re looking for a mild and gentle cleanser that is free of skin irritants and will not strip your skin of moisture, try DermaVeen Soap Free Wash pH5.5. DermaVeen Soap Free Wash has a pH of 5.5 so it’s gentle on skin. Its active ingredient is colloidal oatmeal, made from finely ground oat grains that enable ready absorption of liquids. When combined with a liquid, this special form of oatmeal acts like a colloid to coat and protect the skin.…

Fred Perry This brand, beloved by mods, never really went away, and it has found new fans through its association with Olympian Bradley Wiggins, whose average-Joe demeanour appeals to men and women fans alike. Fila In his heyday, Bjorn Borg was rarely seen not wearing it, and the brand is newsy again thanks to its Heritage collection of premium sneakers being worn by online tastemakers, and its cool collabs with MSGM and cult Los Angeles label X-Large. Kappa Once the uniform of football hooligans (yes, it’s a thing), this ubiquitous Italian football terracewear brand was revived in Russian designer Gosha Rubchinskiy’s Spring 2017 collection. It’s the jersey now favoured by Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner. Sergio Tacchini The chic sports brand sponsored Pete Sampras and John McEnroe, and for a…

From online in 2012 to brick-and-mortar a year later, this multi-label shop at 76 Haji Lane is known for its tight edit of fashion, lifestyle and homeware. It was founded by Leyna Poh, whose day job is graphic design (she was a former art director of Female). She sources new brands and POVs from her travels, flea markets, trade shows and online, and features designers and brands from Singapore, South-east Asia and East Asia prominently. Here’s our curation of the best of its newest.…

Tone-on-tone contours are all the rage now – get a palette so it’s already matched for you. Set a flawless base with a blendable liquid foundation, then sculpt in lots of eye definition with a good contouring shade. Top it off with a flirty flick of classic winged liner that won’t rub off during the night, and bold red lips in an on-trend matte finish. We recommend a lip cream that won’t dry out your pout. TIP: To help your matte lipstick last longer, lightly pat some powder on your lips before you apply the product. Mary-Ann Soh Editor, Her World Online…

DERMA SKINCARE Anti-ageing Moisturiser CNP Laboratory Dual Balance Waterlock Moist Cream Sun Care – Sunscreen La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Ultra Light SPF50+ Non-perfumed Fluid Oil Control – Cleanser A-Derma Phys-Ac Purifying Foaming Gel Oil Control – Acne Treatment Derma-E Very Clear Acne Spot Treatment Oil Control – Dark Spot Treatment Bionike Defence B-Lucent Drop-On Focus Normal/Combination Skin – Cleanser Eucerin Dermatoclean Refreshing Cleansing Gel Normal/Combination Skin – Facial Mist La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water Normal/Combination Skin – Cleansing Water Eucerin Dermopurifyer Makeup & Acne Cleansing Water DERMA BODY CARE Dry/Troubled Skin – Moisturiser Bioderma Atoderm PP Baume Normal/Combination Skin – Moisturising Lotion Aveeno Skin Relief 24hr Moisturizing Lotion Normal/Combination Skin – Moisturising Cream Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Cream with Cooling Action MASS SKINCARE Hydration – Moisturiser Crystal Moist Hydra Ion+…

Why is red such a pain even in the hands of a skilled colourist? “Unlike blonde and brown, red has more complex undertones like purple and copper. So, a colourist needs to mix several shades to get the result he or she wants,” says Steven Chan, Schwarzkopf Professional’s education manager. “More mixing means more room for error.” To help colourists do this tricky job better, the German hair brand has introduced Igora #Royaltakeover Pastelfier, a mixer that dilutes pigment concentration and tone without additional bleach (normally, the brighter or lighter the colour, the more bleach needs to be used). It was developed for Schwarzkopf Professional’s 120th anniversary Dusted Rouge collection, an entire spectrum of reds, from barely-there to deep vintage tones. “The Pastelfier also adds extra ‘lift’ for more high-definition…

Yes and no, as both are two parts of the equation. Fermentation is the chemical process in which probiotics – bacteria – break down organic molecules like carbohydrates. The after-product may have cultures that are deactivated, so that the product doesn’t keep fermenting. An example would be Fresh’s Black Tea Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence, which has deactivated probiotics to keep skin balanced. Other skincare products filter out the cultures – for example, SK-II has Pitera, minus the yeast. In skincare, “fermentation increases active ingredients like proteins and amino acids, which are beneficial to skin,” says Joyce Teh of The Face Shop Singapore.…

June is the first official month for getting away from reality (the other is December). These are the months when we break from routine to chill, recharge, and feel and look like better versions of ourselves. So how does a DIY pedicure fit into the big I’m-going-to-have-funand-be-good-to-myself picture? It gives you a new look any time, anywhere. And if you use Dashing Diva Magic Press Press-On Gel Nails, it’s a new look for your sandal-shod toes any time, anywhere – every three minutes. Here’s why and how: • The range has a lot of designs – both its Pedicure and Premium Pedicure lines have as many choices as your moods or outfits. Both these lines have 36 new options in their summer collection. Among these new designs are “Diamond” variations…

A sedentary lifestyle, long work hours, stress and declining metabolism can make it hard to reach your body goals. For body-contouring help, Astute Medical Aesthetics & Laser Clinic’s medical director, Dr S Reddy, recommends Cool 4D and Ulfit. COOL 4D Q: What is it? A: This non-invasive body-sculpting treatment freezes fat cells, resulting in their natural death and elimination from the treatment area through the body’s natural metabolic processes. Q: How is it different? A: Cool 4D’s 360-degree cooling technology evenly delivers a temperature of minus 9 deg C to the treatment area, offering better coverage than previous cooling technologies. The applicator has two pairs of interchangeable cups in two variations: Flat for underarms and thighs; and Wing for abdomen, back and flanks. The two handpieces have separate settings, so…

Q My eyes are quite big, but I’ve had deep dark circles and fine lines for years. Eye-care products don’t seem to work. Will alternatives like massaging the area or using fillers or botulinum toxin work better? – Huang Peisi A A change in lifestyle is the most natural way to reduce dark circles. Getting better-quality sleep, decreasing your intake of alcohol, salt and MSG, and stopping the habit of rubbing your eyes can significantly help. Try massaging the area around the eyes in a rolling circular motion, from nose bridge to temples. This improves lymphatic drainage and eases puffiness at the same time. But it’s also crucial to consult a doctor to make sure that it is not an underlying medical condition, like anaemia or liver disease, that’s causing…

“When someone asks me to fix or improve something, I try to find the simplest way forward. This means non-invasive treatments or even non-treatment. That’s where my skincare helps me a lot, because sometimes all I need to do is recommend a product and nothing else. It gives me another direction that I didn’t have before,” says Dr Yannis. All 111Skin products are created in-house, not bought ready-made and repackaged. And though Dr Yannis fronts the brand, a whole team of people is dedicated to skincare research and creation, including the two space scientists who first contacted Dr Yannis. Potential products are tested on volunteer patients to see if they work and go down well with users. “We want to have a reason for their existence. We don’t just say…

It comes with compromise and commitment Kalpana Jothiramalingam, 33, left her full-time job as an educator in 2016 to help her husband, Ram, market his new private-chef business. “I started posting photos of his cooking on social media,” she shares. She’s also in charge of logistics. “I prepare the ingredients, pack the food and clean up the house for hosting.” But private events were sporadic, and on bad months they only received a handful of orders. For added income, Kalpana took up a regular part-time gig at a student care centre, working from noon to 6pm. “I have the morning to help Ram with the grocery shopping,” she explains. However, because the pair only had enough savings to cover two months of expenses, Kalpana decided to take up private tutoring…

I once tried to turn up the heat with a guy I was dating. He was on a two-week-long trip to Europe, and I wanted to stay on his radar. Several saucy texts later, he replied: “Um. I don’t think this is the best time to do this. I’m in a museum.” Not to be deterred, I coyly texted back: “What’s wrong with that? Aren’t museums filled with paintings of naked women to get you in the mood?” His reply came almost immediately. “No. I’m in a war museum.” Total buzzkill. But I picked up an important life lesson – always ask your partner where they are and what they’re doing before unleashing a sext. Unfortunate timing aside, sexting is a great way for me and my partner to communicate,…

Don’t let dullness, pigmentation, congestion, dehydration, fine lines, and oiliness get in the way of your desire for a better complexion. Astique The Aesthetic Clinic specialises in treatments that address these concerns, giving you the gorgeous, glowing skin you long for. Look younger and fresher The Stem Cell Derivate treatment promises to replenish the essential growth factors and nutrients that your skin loses as you get older. These work with your body to stimulate the production of matrix proteins, such as collagen and elastin – substances that are vital for firm, bouncy skin. At the same time, the treatment delivers powerful peptides, protective antioxidants and hydrating hyaluronic acid to your skin, where they’re needed most. Your complexion will also benefit from the hydrating serum, which softens skin, improves its tone,…

We all want a smooth, flawless complexion, but it can be challenging to find the ideal foundation that suits our island’s tropical climate (read: hot and humid). Some foundations leave your skin looking dull, oily or cakey within a few hours after application, while others barely provide coverage or disappear completely even before the day is through. Healthy Skin Harmony Miracle Foundation ($27.90 for 30ml) is the latest addition to the foundation family from Max Factor. Packed with skin-loving ingredients, it’s designed to help your skin adapt to daily stress factors. The intelligent formula works to hydrate your skin while controlling shine, so you get nothing less than a healthy-looking, radiant finish that lasts all day and night. How exactly does it do this? The 24-hour hydration formula increases moisture…

Fiona Tan turns up at our photo shoot nursing a terrible cold, but is determined to make things work. Her body may be under the weather, but her spirit doesn’t flag – talking to her, you feel that this is a woman who gets you, and is in your corner. Fiona, 31, stands at 1.70m tall and weighs in at 102kg. At her heaviest, she was 106kg. A self-taught makeover artist who offers beauty and styling advice, Fiona is proof of her ethos: If you feel good and make an effort with your dressing, you’ll exude confidence in the body you’re in. She runs a makeover business that operates on body inclusivity; 10 per cent of her clients are plus-sized. Fiona knew she wanted to spread a message of body…

Instantly Fresh Hair Dry shampoos are a cinch to use – spray onto the hair roots, rub in, and brush out. But if you dislike the whitish residue many of them leave behind, try A’kin Dry Shampoo ($14.90 for 150ml). Its unique, highly absorbent combo of natural bamboo powder and rice powder removes excess oil to instantly freshen and texturise hair without leaving a residue – even on dark hair. It’s also free of parabens, sulphates, and artificial colours and fragrances. At selected Guardian and Unity stores. Customised Facials Your skin has moods – as you do – so at different times, you’ll want different kinds of facials. Customise your treatment with Prive Aesthetics’ Essential Facetherapy ($98 nett for 60min). Each session includes cleansing and light extraction, followed by a…

Knot, the Japanese watch brand (which has a first-in-Singapore franchisee at a Tiong Bahru shophouse) started four years ago in Tokyo. Its intention: to take the watch configuration movement to the next level by making it more individualistic, easier, and accessible. It tackled the first point by selling its watch faces (51 of them) and straps (at least 69 here) separately, which allows customers to truly customise – with up to 3,000 possible combos. To do that easily, you must be able to put faces and straps together without special know-how, tools or any aid. Knot’s answer is the “easy lever”, which literally snaps the parts together or takes them apart. For accessibility, it cuts out middlemen in the creative stage so it can price its watches affordably; straps are…

If you’re looking for a special gift or a unique item for yourself or your home, you’d be hard-pressed to find something better than a luxury artisanal product that tells a story and evokes your senses. Dreamweave offers just that: It’s a one-stop destination that has accessories, fragrances, jewellery, furniture and more, all crafted using only the highest quality materials. Here are some brands you’ll find at the store. Campomaggi Founded by Marco Campomaggi, this collection of artisanal bags boasts a vintage leather look. The natural cowhide leather is sourced exclusively from Tuscany, Italy, and a proprietary vegetal dye is used in the leather treatment. Studs make these bags stand out – made from broken metal, they are treated, cut and hammered by hand for a unique effect. Sika-Design Expertly…

Pandora’s High Summer Collection Just in time for more music festivals, the range of rings, earrings, chokers, necklaces, bracelets and charms is made – just like music – for mixing, stacking, and layering. What’s new: a leather choker and two leather bracelets, which can be worn with or without charms, like all the other necklaces and bracelets in the collection. From $49. - RT It Bags Designer Is Now Stuart Weitzman’s Designer Bet you can’t name the designer of Chloe’s Paddington, Marc Jacobs’ Stam or Loewe’s Hammock, but you definitely know the bags well. Well, he’s Giovanni Morelli, who joined Stuart Weitzman last year as its first creative director. His first collection, for Pre-Fall, is as much about bags as it is about shoes. Its Shoebox shoulder bag looks exactly…

We are not ungrateful. There’s virtually no fault with the all-round great invention that is micellar water. What gives it its name is micelles, the molecules that also imbue the product with its clean-anything-and-anywhere cleansing power – as long as you have cotton pads, and even if you have sensitive skin. So, why does it need to be improved on? Well, its water-like texture, although universally pleasing, does feel a little like we are cleansing only with water. That’s why Dior Hydra Life introduced Micellar Milk No Rinse Cleanser. Its milk-that-turns-to-water consistency creates a gentler, more soothing “cushion” between your skin and the cotton pad. And it cleans as well as micellar water, just in a nicer way. It costs $62.…

Green tea has a lot of something coffee doesn’t have: theanine, an amino acid found to improve skin hydration and quell inflammation. Both actions are crucial as they help lessen sensitivity, dark spots and zits brought on by inflammation. These findings are reportedly supported by a Korean university study which found that tea (green, black or white) is more effective than even arbutin as a melanin-buster. And the point isn’t lost on Clinique and Innisfree. The former brand added Japanese gyokuro green tea to some of its Even Better brightening products, while the latter spent more than 10 years cultivating a new tea variety it calls Beauty Green Tea, said to have far higher levels of amino acids than the tea previously used in its products, for better moisturising punch.…

Probiotics from Natural Fermentation 1 Su:m37 Secret Essence is a pre-serum. $108 Fermented Probiotics 2 Dior Hydra Life 2-in-1 Sorbet Water is a toner for all skin types. $83 3 Lancome Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Serum, $105-$130. It’s part of a complementary range with pre-serum, eye care, and a hydrogel mask. 4 Allies of Skin Molecular Multi-nutrient Day Cream is a moisturiser with fermented lilac cell culture that’s said to reduce redness and inflammation. $139 5 Porcelain Intensive – HA+ Hydrating Serum has lactobacillus ferment to help curb breakouts. $198 6 Elizabeth Arden Superstart Probiotic Cleanser is also a one-minute deep-cleansing mask. $48 Micro-organisms as Probiotics 7 Although Biotherm Life Plankton Clear Essence is lighter in texture than its predecessor, Life Plankton Essence, it still has 5 per cent of…

How dehydrated your skin is depends on how often you zip outdoors from the air-conditioned indoors, and back. Fact #1: The larger the exposed surface area, the faster water evaporates. Fact #2: The skin is our biggest and most exposed organ. Fact #3: Through our skin alone, we lose about 300-500ml of water a day. Under normal conditions. According to L’Oreal’s research in 2007, sun exposure increases water loss by up to 25 per cent – not through perspiration, but heat. Another 2011 study published in Building and Environment, a journal by information and analytics company Elsevier, says temperature changes in skin called thermic shocks – brought on by going from a cold spot (like a mall or the office) to a hot one (outside) or vice versa – increase…

Three Angelic Synthesis Foundation Serum, in 10 shades, $85 each What it is: A liquid foundation that gives you a natural finish. In line with the Japanese brand’s all-natural philosophy, it’s free of parabens, artificial fragrances, organic pigments, animal-derived ingredients, and mineral oils. Its claim: Provides a long-lasting, second-skin finish while imparting clarity, lustre and radiance. Verdict: It feels a little greasy and makes skin look a tad shiny. It takes a good 5-10min to dry to a semi-matte finish – which doesn’t require loose powder. Our patience pays off with a very natural look and feel, like we’re not wearing foundation at all. We can’t help but bask in our-real-skin-but-better glow.…

Nothing spells #FOMO quite like being laid up in bed with a throat bug – especially when your friends are hitting the latest brunch spot in town or the coolest club on a Saturday night. Also a bummer: having to miss out on that important meeting or skipping a session at the gym with your trainer because your throat is super sore. Enter an effortless way to help reduce the discomfort – Difflam Forte Anti-Inflammatory Throat Spray, which relieves pain and swelling in the mouth and throat. The nozzle makes it easy to treat any spot – whether it’s your throat, gums, or a hard-to-reach mouth ulcer that a lozenge just can’t relieve. It allows you to target the affected area with just the right amount for fast-acting relief. All…

Twice a week, soak two teabags in warm water, place them over your eyes, and lie down for 15-30min. Tea contains antioxidants and caffeine, which can help shrink blood vessels, thereby reducing puffiness and dark circles in the eye area. Tea also has tannin, a polyphenol which stimulates blood circulation and reportedly also helps to firm and soothe skin. Use Cliniccare Silky Eye Renewal Cream ($128.40) as part of your night skincare routine to refresh tired-looking eyes. It has bio-hyaluronic acid to optimise hydration and is formulated to minimise sensitivity, increase elasticity, smooth skin texture and protect the delicate eye area against environmental damage.…

“We feel safe with people who like us as they are less likely to hurt us,” explains Ping Dong, assistant professor of marketing at Northwestern University in the US. “We are more likely to get resources or support, when needed, from them.” No one likes getting hurt, so we prefer being with those who give us this assurance. Prof Dong should know – she was one of the PhD students behind a paper published by The Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2014. The study found that being positive and responsive is what boosts our likeability factor. It ran a series of experiments where single men went on dates with a woman who either behaved in an interested manner or was detached and aloof. The feedback given was that more…

1. Ask yourself if you trust your partner with your body – especially in an age when everything can be screen-grabbed. If the jury’s still out on that, you may want to keep any visuals low-key. 2. Understand that pictures, even deleted ones, can be immortalised in the dark hole called the Internet. Keep your face out of view if you want to err on the side of caution. 3. Don’t engage in multiple text conversations when you’re mid-sext. Not only is it a distraction, but you might slip up and send a text to someone you really shouldn’t be talking dirty with. 4. Don’t send pictures without giving him a heads-up during office hours. Two words: Whatsapp Web. You don’t want to treat his desk buddy to enlarged pictures…

Celmonze The Signature (CTS) is your one-stop destination for beautiful skin. Also known as the skin solutions specialist, CTS provides a range of treatments for all types of skin problems. These solutions work quickly, giving you results you can see and feel. Among CTS’ most unique and effective treatments is the Signature Facial + Signature Facelift Massage. The Signature Facial is customised – after a detailed consultation by CTS’ experienced and highly qualified beauty therapists – to target four skin concerns: acne, pigmentation, sensitivity and sagging. The Signature Facial, which uses Celmonze Paris skincare products, includes cleansing, enzyme peeling and extraction, concluding with a double mask application. The first mask purifies and brightens the skin, while the second is designed to boost hydration up to three times more than a…

Fine lines, wrinkles, skin discomfort and a loss of elasticity and radiance are usually due to the same problem: dehydration, or a loss of moisture. In contrast, well-hydrated skin is supple, elastic and less likely to have wrinkles. It also feels comfortable and does not feel tight. The Sothys Hydra3Ha range – comprising serum, creams and mask – is designed to address dehydration. It contains exclusive ingredients that boost moisture levels in your skin, among them, the patented Triple Hyaluronic Acid. Hyaluronic acid is a skin-quencher that holds over 1,000 times its weight in water. But this exclusive ingredient has both high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acids (the former is good for hydrating the surface of the skin, while the latter penetrates deeply into skin), and the patented b1055…