Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2018 i Her World Singapore

The one thing (or variations of it) that I am often asked: Why is there a dearth of local models in local magazines? Which implies (well, to me, anyway) that we are not featuring enough Singapore models. If local doesn’t stand up for local and show local, who will, right? It’s not so straightforward, because there’s context behind everything, including the local modelling scene. I was born in the 1960s, so I can’t speak for that era – I was too young to be interested in anything but playing, and the music of the 1970s. But I doknow that in the 1980s and 1990s, we had a lot of local models: Ethel Fong, Pat Kraal, Zoe Tay, the late Bonnie Hicks – all were regular faces in HW. The 2000s…

The Classics You don’t need a whole suite of them. Just a couple of great ones (single-breasted is fine; so is double) in equally classic colours. The payoff is priceless. The Coloured The last time we saw so many of them was in the ’80s. Our advice: Stick to the ones in your size. The Striped/Checked A pattern is not hard to do – as long as the stripes are thin and the checks are small, and they are in black, white or grey. The Plaid It’s like the leopard-print jacket: a classic that seems loud but is strangely not.…

OLDSOWHAT WWW.ETSY.COM/SHOP /OLDSOWHAT FOR VINTAGE FROM THE VICTORIAN ERA TO THE ’90S. This online store, which started two years ago, is something of an anomaly in the vast craft and curio chambers of Etsy. It’s a rare, locally based business where clothing dating back to the Victorian era is listed alongside ’60s Christian Dior lace-up leather gloves, ’80s Givenchy jewel-tone skirt suits, and ’60s to ’90s Chanel, Hermes and Celine leather goods. It even has Russian pilot goggles from WWII. The site’s founder, Ace Tan, 43 (“Madam Old” to her customers) has been growing her collection for more than 20 years. But the reason why she adores all kinds of vintage designer fashion and brands has evolved. When she started, her day job in TV commercial production allowed her…

What’s the difference between a coloured lip liner and a metallic one? The coloured one, when matched to your lipstick, gives definition. The metallic lip liner, in silver, gold, champagne or bronze, doesn’t define but gives lips a three-dimensional effect. Don’t outline your lips with it – that would look clownish. Instead, draw a small “M” on your Cupid’s bow, then add a touch of the liner on the outer thirds of your lower lip. There, your lips now look more pouty. Use your skin tone as a guide to choosing the right metallic shade. Says makeup artist Melissa Yeo: “Silver or light champagne for fairer skin, and gold or bronze for deeper tones.”…

To reduce crow’s feet Whether you laugh, squint or frown a lot, fine lines around the eyes are unavoidable – even for people in their mid-20s. The best way to make crow’s feet look less obvious is to keep the eye area hydrated and plumped up. Pro-Xylane, said to have a plumping effect on skin, and adenosine, which reportedly smooths skin, are active ingredients in the Revitalift LASER X3 Anti-Aging Transforming Eye Cream ($39.90). The tube also has a metal-tip applicator for cooling and comfortable application. The texture of the cream, although lightweight, still allows you to massage it in. Once it is absorbed, the fragrance-free formula leaves no greasy residue or sticky flm behind. To brighten dark under-eye circles The skin around the eyes is delicate and thin. This…

You can have facial after facial – even facials days apart – and there would still be a handful of blackheads to extract. Your skin is not dirty. Its dirty secret is sebum. This oily substance from the sebaceous glands is secreted continuously. And as long as there is sebum, there will be blackheads. Sebum mixes with dirt, sweat, dead skin and pollution to form a clog in the pore which then oxidises and turns black. All this is normal, says Dr Liew Hui Min, specialist in dermatology and consultant at Raffles Skin & Aesthetics. Can you remove blackheads for good? No. You’d have to remove or seal up the pores. Neither can be done. Should you still bother with extraction during a facial? Yes. Large, stubborn and ignored blackheads…

Stability and bioavailability. The potent antioxidant protects and repairs skin, but is unstable in its natural form, breaking down quickly in air, water and light. Once that happens, vitamin C becomes useless, says Jodi Ayre, international corporate trainer for Dermalogica. The brand’s Biolumin-C Serum (price unavailable) is made with two types of synthetic vitamin C which are more stable, and also three times more bioavailable, than conventional vitamin C. (“Bioavailability” refers to how well an ingredient is absorbed by skin.) The effect on your skin? The antioxidant is not only absorbed but absorbed well, enabling it to reduce the appearance of fine lines, brighten skin, and make it look smooth and radiant.…

Q How do I treat pigmentation caused by acne? – Wong Su Lin A Acne marks or pigmentation are red or brown, and occur in the area where the acne has healed. The marks appear because of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and post-inflammatory erythema (PIE). PIH is due to an increase in melanin in the affected area. PIE is a result of trauma or inflamed acne. Treatments for both are very different, so you should first get assessed by a doctor. Skin brighteners such as retinol, vitamin C, kojic acid and liquorice can help. A topical vitamin C serum like ZO Obagi C-Bright Serum ($160 for 50ml) can help build collagen, brighten and smooth skin, and promote healing of the skin. It provides a potent dose of pure stabilised vitamin C,…

BEST CLARIFYING FACIAL Editors’ Choice AQUA PEEL FACIAL ($150 FOR 60MIN) Astute Medical Aesthetics & Laser Clinic, #01-08 Tembeling Centre (tel: 6581-9633/9733) The facial uses a machine with a handheld tool to vacuum out pore gunk, without discomfort. The therapist attending to our tester was very thorough, running the nozzle over the tester’s face multiple times before manually extracting stubborn clogs. Glycolic and salicylic acids were also used during the facial. Our tester’s skin, usually clogged and dull, felt clean and even glowed for a few days after. Readers’ Choice SELF DEFENSE DETOXIFYING MEDI-SPA FACIAL ($208 FOR 60MIN) Radium Medical Aesthetics, #03-326 Suntec City Mall (tel: 6837-0507) The extraction-free facial is made for clogged yet sensitive skin. It uses two peels, two masks (a seaweed fortifying mud mask and a…

Different devices help skin in different ways. Lily Kew, founder of Kew Organics and Sugar K Organic Peel Bar, and Manon Allano, managing director of Estheclinic, have drawn up this list: • LED technology targets acne and dull skin, and stimulates collagen and elastin production, to firm skin and smooth lines. • HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound) encourages collagen growth, which could help lift sagging skin. • Fractional Skin Resurfacing (FSR) is for enlarged pores, and uneven skin texture caused by pitted scars and wrinkles. It is also said to reduce hyperpigmentation. • Oxygen-infusion delivers a pressurised stream of oxygen to “push” active ingredients (like hyaluronic acid) in serums into the skin, for immediate radiance. • Dynamic Pulsed Light (DPL) combines laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) technologies to soothe breakouts and diminish the look of…

BEST DEEP-CLEANSING SCALP TREATMENT Editors’ Choice HAIR DEFENCE ($380 FROM 75MIN) Dr Hair. Visit https://drgl.com/store-locatorfor outlets. After an extensive assessment of your follicles and scalp, the treatment is tailored to your needs. It deep-cleans the scalp by removing excess sebum, dead skin cells and product build-up. It also deeply embeds peptides and phytonutrients into the scalp to give hair a good environment to grow in. After the treatment, our tester had another scalp analysis showing immediate positive effects on the scalp and hair. Your scalp feels incredibly fresh and clean, and your hair will be styled beautifully as well. Readers’ Choice APGUJEONG SIGNATURE SCALP SPA DETOX ($201.16 FOR 60MIN) Apgujeong Hair Studio. Visit www.apgujeonghair.com/salon-locator.html for outlets. When you arrive, you’ll first receive a scalp analysis to determine what you will…

› Move the car to the side of the road so you’re not obstructing traffic – but do this only if no one is injured. If someone is hurt, it becomes a police case and vehicles should not be moved. › Call 995 for an ambulance if someone needs medical attention. › Take down the other driver’s details – that means name, contact number, and photos of the licence plate. › Take pictures of the damage, but also in the context of the location where the incident happened. You’ll need these for the insurance company report. If you’ve got a dashboard camera, remove the SD card so new recordings don’t overwrite the one you need. › File your insurance claims within 24 hours of the incident. If you don’t, your…

» You gotta have a point of view Davelle Lee of Some Scuffs focuses on social anxiety, while Anngee Neo and Jon Wang of Longkang Kitties work on inspiring conversation about what’s going on in Singapore. » Don’t stick to the same format Bring in guest speakers so that your show doesn’t get predictable, and for a variety of views, says Anngee. » Have musical breaks Davelle gets a sound engineer to compose music for each episode so that listeners don’t get bored. » Engage Fariqqin Anuar of Do Not Clique updates his podcast’s Instagram page to interact with listeners on a regular basis. Be consistent with posting new podcast episodes to build a following. Host podcasts on iTunes and Soundcloud for free.…

IN COLLABORATION WITH HER WORLD AUGUST 2018 THE MARITIME INDUSTRY IS DYNAMIC AND EVOLVING EVERY DAY, THANKS TO ADVANCING TECHNOLOGY. More than scrubbing dirt and grease on vessels, or living in cramped quarters while sailing the rough seas, many different career paths are possible in this industry. Jobs run the gamut from policy writing and port operations to crewing, broking and more. With Singapore connected to 600 ports in more than 120 countries, and 5,000 maritime companies employing at least 170,000 people here, we have a thriving maritime industry. Talent is always in demand, but one thing is clear: This is no longer a man’s domain. Women today play a vital part in maintaining the country’s position as an industry leader amid fierce competition. Rather than brawn, good…

Singapore’s commercial port operators handle several tens of millions of containers and other diverse cargoes every year. But increasing their efficiency and competitiveness requires more than hardware – it also needs “heartware”, such as fostering good customer relations and improving staff engagement. GOING THE EXTRA MILE Wendy Teo (NEAR RIGHT), Vice-President, Human Resources, Jurong Port Wendy has been a human resource practitioner in the automotive and retail industries, but the maritime sector captured her heart – she has been with Jurong Port since 2006. While the learning curve was admittedly steep at first, Wendy is now a whizz with the ins and outs of the business, and manages a team of nine staff. The dynamic nature of the industry keeps the petite woman on her toes, and often calls for…

The upstream marine, oil and gas sector, commonly referred to as “offshore”, involves exploration, drilling, production and maintenance, plus the construction and installation of facilities in an offshore marine environment. It’s a dynamic industry that employs more than 90,000 people in Singapore. Those who thrive in it owe it to hard work, grit and a whole lot of chutzpah. TOUGH AS NAILS Sophia Low, Director & Lead Shipbroker, M3 Marine Offshore¢Brokers Talk to Sophia about towing offshore drilling rigs, remotely operated subsea vehicles and saturation diving vessels, and she will chat up a storm with you. Her ease with technical jargon comes from her previous job as an offshore drilling engineer, and her subsequent years as a shipbroker. Her current role entails broking offshore supply vessels for charter, sale and…

I’m 29 years old, and all things considered, the world is my oyster. I have fulfilling hobbies. I have a wide social circle. I enjoy my career as a writer. And (because I refuse to say “but”) I am single, and have been for the last four years. Just shy of 30, I know that I’m on the younger spectrum of adulthood. In 2016, the average age for Singapore women to get married was 28, according to the Singapore Department of Statistics, so I shouldn’t be fussed. But with six weddings and two baby showers to attend this year, at one point I started to feel rattled. Why did everyone seem to be moving on with their lives? Was I being left behind? And then I got frustrated with myself…

1. Amrith by Barsmiths’ Katong Laksa cocktail Served in a bowl, the cocktail has all the components of its namesake, and is a spicy pick-me-up that doubles as a bar snack. Shrimp and a laksa broth reduction are cold-steeped in vodka, then served with noodles and a hard-boiled quail egg soaked in sake and soya sauce. 2. Origin Bar’s The Pearl cocktail This is a blend of lusciously smooth silken tofu, elderflower, sea grapes, barley shochu, and Black Forest gin. Like tau huay, but lighter . 3. Milk Moons’ Pandan Inti cake A modern take on the classic pandan chiffon, this is made with fresh pandan juice and stuffed with a crunchy filling of sweet grated coconut, then smothered in gula melaka cream. 4. Old Seng Choong’s Satay Cookies These…

1. WHERE IT IS: The Cotswolds is an area of 2,000 sq km in West-Central England that comprises five counties – Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire. It’s well known for its idyllic surroundings and network of picturesque villages. Many of these villages boast homes built with honey-coloured cotswold stone, which gives them a look that’s distinct to the area. The Cotswolds has also been christened an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England and Wales. 2. GETTING THERE: Many airlines fly daily to London, a 14-hour journey from Singapore. Transport options are limited when it comes to getting to the Cotswolds, so your best bet is to rent a car from companies like Avis, Hertz and Sixt – all of which have branches at London’s Heathrow Airport – and…

Swedish cosmeceutical brand Cliniccare is now in town, thanks to Prive Aesthetics. Prive offers two exclusive Cliniccare treatments to deliver hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and other active ingredients deep below the skin’s surface. If you need a moisture boost, opt for the award-winning Cliniccare Hydra-booster Facetherapy. For lifting and sculpting, choose Cliniccare Hydra-firm Facetherapy. Both treatments last 90 minutes and cost $228 each. Call 9656-5380 for reservations.…

Surrounded by mountains and olive groves, Belmond is situated in the idyllic village of Deia. The vivid colours and lush greenery of the Spanish resort property prompted Williamson to shoot his Summer 2017 campaign there. The attraction was mutual: Belmond approached him to design a suite after that. The one-bed Suite 67 is signature Williamson – nature, colour, and eclectic fabrics in myriad textures. His mark is in the details, too: The suite’s original bed is now lacquered in electric blue; the furniture is either hand-picked or tailor-made to his specs; and his signature floral wallpaper, with framed paintings of native birds, adorns the space. Williamson says he designed it to be a “one-of-a-kind space to escape, relax and indulge”. The suite has an outdoor patio, private pool, garden, and…

The problem with having different designers for different lines at one house: the lack of a unified vision. Which was what happened at Calvin Klein the brand, when the US designer retired and sold his company. Until now. After more than a year of harmonising the brand’s message across its many product categories, the house cleaning is finally sorted. What does all this unity mean to us? We get easier-to-wear runway looks (now called 205W39NYC, not Calvin Klein Collection) – like patchwork denim, full skirts, and cowboy shirts and boots, at diffusion-line prices that definitely speak to us.…

The reviews since his return as chief design officer and vice-president haven’t been bad – or good. The Business of Fashion’s Tim Blanks calls Nathan Jenden’s F/W ’18 collection for Diane von Furstenberg (his first since he left the brand in 2011) “deliberately familiar”, compared with the “electricity” of his predecessor, Scottish designer Jonathan Saunders.Vogue.com’s Nicole Phelps feels the same way about it. But between what’s familiar and what’s not, DVF prefers the former. Why? Because it sells, and Jenden is the guy to do it – and he did do it during his last tenure by “turning the label from a US$2 million business to a US$200 million one in 10 years”, says DVF. So what can we expect from familiarity? A lot of what the brand is known…

Amino acids are the basis of every cell in the body. These building blocks of protein make up our muscles, organs, skin, hair and fingernails. In the skin, amino acids form collagen, which maintains elasticity and firmness. In the hair, it makes keratin. Amino acids are also found on their own in the epidermis, the upper skin layer, where they attract water to keep your complexion hydrated. Your body makes amino acids constantly. But it is able to produce only so much. And how much it does produce depends on your age. The older you are, the longer your body takes to replenish amino acid levels. Researchers from Japanese skincare brand Minon Amino Moist found that after the age of 18, the rate of replenishment drops by about 1 per…

In perfumes, rose is a shape-shifter. It plays well with other scents, behaving differently depending on what it’s paired with. And because it’s such a good team player, perfumers love it. Rose softens cedarwood, making it less overpowering. It balances the tanginess of fruit, making it fuller. It also gives a finishing touch to other florals, allowing the wearer to smell like a bouquet of fresh blooms. Perfumers have begun to play up how multifaceted rose is. They’re moving away from the old-school, granny’s closet-type formulas, and embracing new blends. The modern crop of rose perfumes still has the flower at its heart, but it isn’t the standout note. The scent is elevated by unexpected pairings – with citrus to brighten and freshen, or as a rose-musk to make it…

A good primer hides fine lines, wrinkles and large pores, gives foundation a smooth base, and helps makeup last longer. Bobbi Brown’s primer range does a little more – it caters to different skin concerns. Primer Plus Mattifier has sebum-absorbing powders to keep foundation from slipping off oilier skin. It also locks moisture in and sets to a soft matte finish. Primer Plus Radiance SPF35 is a multitasker. It gives you smooth-looking skin and sun protection, and its ultra-fine pearl pigments provide soft radiance for a lit-from-within glow. Primer Plus Protection SPF50 offers high-enough sun protection to let you skip your sunscreen. It’s lightweight, sheer, quickly absorbed, and won’t leave a white cast on your face. It’s priced at $57, like the other primers.…

FOR SKIN: Silica and Thialidine Why you need them: Avene’s new-generation silica is said to absorb excess water and sebum, keeping skin fresh and shine-free longer. It has a second-skin feel without whitish masking or streaking. As for the antioxidant thialidine, it counteracts free radicals from UV rays and protects the cells’ mitochondria (power stations) against sun damage. Find them in: Avene’s revamped suncare range. Use Dry Touch Fluid Fragrance-free SPF50+ for normal to combination skin; Unifying Tinted Cream SPF50+ and Comfort Cream SPF50+ for dry and sensitive skin; Cleanance Mattifying Sunscreen SPF50+ for oily, blemish-prone skin; and Dry Touch Reflexe Solaire SPF50+ for sensitive skin. $39.90-$49.90 FOR HAIR: Ylang-ylang Wax Why you need it: UV rays cause your hair cuticles to rise, damaging the keratin and melanin within the…

Q I had very bad acne as a teenager, which resulted in pockmarks on my skin. These still bother me. How can I remedy this? – CY Soh A Before you embark on treatment, get a doctor to evaluate your skin first. Pockmarks due to acne are atrophic acne scars. There are different types of acne scars: ice-pick (deep, narrow, pitted scars); boxcar (broad depressions with sharply defined edges); and rolling (broad depressions with a rolling edge). These three types are indented, but there’s a fourth kind of acne scar, which is raised: a hypertrophic or keloid scar. Ice-pick and boxcar scars respond well to TCA Cross chemical peels and subcision (inserting a needle under the scar to break up the tissue beneath). Rolling scars can be treated with resurfacing…

Sticking to your skincare routine after a facial helps the results last longer, says Astute Aesthetics. And you can still use a cleanser at bedtime – New York Skin Solutions says your skin would have absorbed the facial’s products by then, so you won’t be washing off any goodness. What else can you do? Apply a non-comedogenic, oil-free and paraben-free sunscreen. It doesn’t clog pores, and prevents sunburn and discoloration, which means a more even skin tone, says Porcelain. Keep your pimple-popping fingers to yourself. If zits appear, apply a spot treatment. Use a nightly hydrating mask that has sodium hyaluronate and ceramides to moisturise and clarify skin. Porcelain says one made of bio-cellulose fits more snugly, so active ingredients can be better absorbed.…

Because an unhealthy scalp leads to unhealthy hair, says Catherine Choi, Leekaja Beauty Salon’s senior stylist. To get to the root of the problem, Ted Kim, director of the salon, says you can do four things to take care of your scalp. 1 Ask your hairstylist to recommend a shampoo suitable for your scalp condition. But note that scalp-targeting shampoos are drying to hair, so you also need a good conditioner. 2 Caps and hats can trap heat, which makes your scalp produce excess sebum that irritates it, causing premature hair loss and thinning. 3 It’s a good habit to shampoo your hair at night. Product residue and dirt isn’t good for either your scalp or hair. 4 Use a cushioned hair brush – it helps remove dirt and has…

Other than a memorable make-out session to The Weeknd’s first album, music hasn’t had a major presence in my steamy encounters. Perhaps I should have given it more airtime. After all, getting it on to a set playlist gets a lot of good hype. The problem is – where do I even start? And what songs do I put on my playlist to make magic happen? The first thing you need to know is – making a great playlist to do the deed to does not equal a random cobbling together of songs you like. A lot of thought needs to go into making sure the music makes a good time even better. “Before you even make a playlist, think about what your aim is,” says DJ and producer Tinc.…

“The process of policymaking has instilled in me the discipline to analyse situations holistically and systematically.” Various departments in MPA lead, plan and facilitate port operations and growth. Every team member works to advance and safeguard Singapore’s strategic maritime interests, a task that requires walking the ground and listening to feedback from seafarers, companies and industry partners. SERVING WITH PRIDE Lynn Tan, Manager, Operations Policy Unit, MPA “I like to think that we pave the way to make things feasible,” says Lynn. She and her colleagues craft new maritime policies and review existing ones to ensure that they remain relevant to port operations. Lynn and her team spend a lot of time talking to port operators to improve efficiency of operations while upholding safety standards. The feather in her cap…

There are more than 4,700 Singapore-registered vessels, carrying at least 88 million tonnes of cargo. It takes a dedicated team to ensure that the vessels and crew meet high standards of safety and function. NURTURING PRESENCE Kelen Lim (NEAR RIGHT), Senior Manager, Chartering, PCL While many of her peers chose different fields or became homemakers, Kelen opted to climb the ranks in what was then the male-dominated field of maritime after her GCE A levels. That was 30 years ago, and she has not looked back once. “No two events are the same, there are so many things to learn, and I get to meet people from different backgrounds,” she says. From crafting documents for container shipping and marketing to crewing and operations, Kelen has dipped her fingers into myriad…

“Regardless of gender, one who possesses the right attitude towards work and the ability to provide practical solutions to problems will make a great maritime engineer.” Establishing and maintaining high technical standards for safe shipping and clean seas are why classification societies play such an important role in the industry. TOP IN CLASS Charmaine Pang, Principal Engineer, Singapore Engineering Services, American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Since joining the company in 2006, Charmaine has risen through the ranks from plan approval engineer to her current position. She now heads a team of five engineers to identify and resolve engineering issues of vessels, and ensure timely delivery to clients. The job has brought Charmaine lots of satisfaction over the years. “Knowing that my job ensures classed vessels under our care can safely…

“I STRIVE TO CONSISTENTLY BETTER MYSELF IN ALL ASPECTS OF MY LIFE. THAT’S WHY I AM WORKING AS A CHEF, WAITRESS, AND MODEL.”Shearling hoodie, $3,100, and Dreamer Tote 52 in leather, $3,200, Coach. AMEERAH SMITH, 23 The pint-sized Smith, who stands at 1.65m (minus the additional height of her natural Afro), is definitely not industry-standard. But you know what? The part-Arab, part-African-American, all-Singapore girl doesn’t care. She thrives on challenges. When she discovered that she had a flair for cooking, thanks to her grandma, Smith entered the food and beverage industry at 14. She became the first under-18 student at culinary school At-Sunrice Global Chef Academy. To challenge herself more, she specialised in baking rather than cooking, because the former is more exacting. She’s now working as both a pastry…

Consuelo Castiglioni left the house she founded in 2016. Yet, her spirit is still at the heart of the label. It’s evident in the quaint, oddball collectibles in Marni Market, a themed pop-up selling limited-edition bags, furniture and jewellery that can’t be purchased at any Marni store. It kicked off in September 2014 in a garden-like setting in Milan, selling bags, pots and small garden decorations like fake flowers. Further editions were staged in Paris and Bangkok, as well as Costa Mesa (California) and Nagoya, before it returned to Milan in April 2018 at furniture and design fair Salone del Mobile. From August 1-15, the concept repeats here at Ion Orchard’s Atrium. Prices are from $60 for a tin can, to $1,000 for some sculptures.…

We’re all for do-it-all products as long as they do it all well. A hair primer, which works like a makeup base forhair, does do it all well. Here are five ways it’s good. 1) It’s a lightweight leave-in conditioner. It doesn’t weigh down fine hair, and works just as well on normal hair. But if you have very dry or damaged hair, you’ll need to apply a separate leave-in conditioner. 2) It’s a pre-styler. A hair primer works like a “base coat”, smoothing hair and helping styling products to stay on until the end of the day. 3) It’s a styling product. It detangles, gives shine to any type of hair, and provides a light hold for low-maintenance styles like loose or natural waves. 4) It acts as a…

On your skin 1 Minon Amino Moist Moist Barrier Cream hydrates dry areas on the face, such as around the mouth, and even your eyes. $32.90 2 Fresh Soy Face Cleanser is a gel that removes tough makeup without leaving skin dry and flaky. From $23 For your hair 3 The frothy texture of Amino Mason Whip Cream Shampoo protects your hair from harsh friction when you wash it, to reduce breakage. $25 4 Kiehl’s Amino Acid Shampoo is gentle enough for sensitive scalps. It helps smooth coarse and damaged hair by replenishing its moisture. $41 5 Kiehl’s Amino Acid Conditioner keeps hair manageable by boosting its hydration. $59…

1 Tabacco Toscano EDC blends woody tobacco and sweet vanilla. The subtly spicy fragrance becomes smokier over time – a chemical reaction occurs with the essential oils as the perfume ages. $210 2 Latte Doposole is a milk-based lotion meant to hydrate sun-exposed and sunburnt skin. $90 3 The Candela Relax candle has the brand’s signature blend of cinnamon, orange, rosemary and lavender to calm nerves. $65 4 Acqua di Rose is an all-natural rose-water mist and toner. $48 5 Aloe Gel Viso Corpo is a lightweight face and body moisturiser that can help to soothe sensitive, irritated skin. $87…

People generally have preconceptions about anything vegan. They assume that vegan food must be healthy, nutritious and fat-free. They assume that vegan beauty must be better, more eco-friendly and more morally sound than what’s synthetically engineered. Well, it’s yes and no for the latter. A vegan beauty product has no animal ingredients or derivatives such as carmine (a red pigment that comes from crushed cochineal insects), gelatin, animal fat, milk protein, honey and beeswax. It doesn’t mean it’s all-natural, has 100 per cent botanicals or that all its ingredients are ethically and sustainably sourced or cruelty-free. So what is vegan beauty? Eric Chew, founder of natural multi-brand beauty store Bud Cosmetics, says many people turn to veganism because they don’t want to contribute to animal suffering, which is why they…

The key components for beautiful hair, says Japanese haircare brand Tsubaki, are minerals (said to deliver ingredients hair needs to grow well), protein (which purportedly improves the condition of hair), vitamins (to tone the cuticle), lipids (for glossiness and suppleness), and carbohydrates (to regulate moisture levels, preventing dryness and frizz). But for them to work, they need to get into the hair. Tsubaki says its delivery system ushers ingredients more effectively into the hair shaft, and this forms the basis of the brand’s new range of botanical haircare. Three lines are available: Moist for dry, hard-to-manage hair; Smooth for rough, wavy hair; and Volume for flat, limp hair. The first two variants each comprise a shampoo, conditioner and treatment, while the third has a shampoo and conditioner. Each product is…

In place of cleansing oil, mix cleansing milk with face oil, says Heena Choi, international makeup artist with Chantecaille. “The Flower Infused Cleansing Milk ($116), mixed with a few drops of Rose de Mai Face Oil ($310), removes makeup residue without stripping skin of its natural moisture.” Makeup artist Larry Yeo recommends using baby wet wipes instead of cotton pads. “Fold into quarters, saturate with a good makeup remover like ZA Eye & Lip Makeup Remover ($12.90) or Dior Hydra Life Oil To Milk Makeup Removing Cleanser ($62), then press over the eyelid for 5-10sec. Sweep off and repeat until the wipe is clear.” On lips, Larry says to massage in lots of lip balm. Leave for 5-10min, then clean off with a wet wipe. Or try Maybelline Superstay Eraser…

Adult acne is on the rise. According to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, more than 50 per cent of women above 25 years old have some facial acne. The big reason is chronic stress. Never-ceasing stress increases hormone levels, leading to an increase in oil production, which can lead to acne. To tackle and prevent adult acne, you should get sufficient sleep, eat less refined sugar and hydrate well daily. Also important: Keep your skin clean and exfoliate your face. Never go to bed with makeup on. You can try Prive Skinworks Cleansing Milk ($73.80 for 150ml). It cleanses gently without harming the epidermis or the skin’s natural pH balance. It also has brightening effects.…

BEST ALL-IN-ONE FACIAL (MACHINE-BASED) Editors’ Choice SENSES-THERAPY ($480 FOR 90MIN) Senses Spa & Beauty, #03-19 The Cathay (tel: 6909-2559) Brighter skin as well as less visible pores, age spots and fine lines are the immediate results of this treatment. Even after a week, the tester’s face and neck remained smooth and soft. The hot clay mask had an instant lifting and brightening effect, although the tester felt a burning sensation when the machine-based massage stayed on the same spot for too long. Other bonuses: 20min to use the jacuzzi and shower room, and the range of six freshly brewed teas pre- and post-treatment. Readers’ Choice RADIUM RADIANCE SIGNATURE MEDISPA FACIAL ($568 FOR 120MIN) Radium Medical Aesthetics, #03-326 Suntec City Mall (tel: 6837-0507) This skin revival treatment offers deep cleansing, brightening…

Kate Khwa, wellness director at Healing Touch, shares how to get the best out of your treatment. 1 Arrive early. It gives you time to learn more about the massage and whether it will suit you. You’ll also get to experience the full treatment. 2 Tell the therapist what type of pressure you like. Deeper doesn’t mean better for aches and pain – it’s deeply personal. 3 Tell the therapist about a recent or chronic injury or surgical procedure. 4 If you’re not comfortable with your therapist’s massage techniques, you can ask for a change within the first 10min of treatment. 5 Therapists are usually advised not to talk to you during the treatment so you can relax fully – they’re not being unfriendly or stand-offish. 6 Take a warm…

1 You’re winding your way down (or up) a multistorey carpark when your car suddenly breaks down. Next thing you know, a long line of cars has built up behind you. Don’t freak out, says motoring expert Dr Andre Lam. “Be cool, apply the parking brake, put the car into Park (mode), and flick on your hazard lights.” Then try restarting your car. If that doesn’t work, call a tow-truck company and ask it to send a vehicle to get you out of that tight spot. Provide the height restriction of the carpark and your car model so they don’t send a truck that’s too big. Some carparks – like at Square 2 in Novena – have emergency numbers on the walls, says Lynn Tan, who used to compete in…

Serial For fans of true crime, Serial is an investigative podcast hosted by journalist Sarah Koenig that delves into high-profile murder cases. Highly regarded, it won the Peabody Prize in 2015 for its compelling storytelling. Some Scuffs Being friends with bad texters, what it means to date someone with “no personality”, and yoga phobia – the episodes (hosted by writer Davelle Lee) navigate social anxiety and make you feel less alone in the world. Modern Love Produced by The New York Times, this is a collection of stories on love and loss. Actors Kate Winslet, Uma Thurman and Jake Gyllenhaal are among the famous names who have lent their voices to moving essays about relationships – between friends, family members and significant others. Anna Faris Is Unqualified Not sure if…

I broke up with my boyfriend a few months ago. We chat often and I still show up at his family gatherings, because I get on really well with them. He knows we’re done, but I think he might still have feels. Am I misleading him by spending so much time with him? I value his friendship and still enjoy spending time with his family. Okay, wait up there. You said YOU broke up with him and you still HANG OUT WITH HIS FAMILY? You can’t break up with someone and then still chill with the fam like nothing happened. At least, not right away. No wonder the dude still has feels. Stay away from the family for a while and give him time to get over you – he’ll…

Singapore has actively served in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council since 1993, and chaired the IMO Council from 2001 to 2003. More than extensive experience and resources, it takes a combination of soft skills and industry know-how to represent the country and successfully champion safe, sustainable and efficient shipping practices. MEET THE TRAILBLAZER Mary Seet-Cheng, MPA Special Adviser and IMO Maritime Ambassador for Singapore Long before it was commonplace to see women in the maritime trade, Ambassador Mary Seet-Cheng was already playing an active part in the industry. She joined MPA as a director in 1997, after an illustrious career in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “Interacting with and learning about the experiences of shipowners and former seafarers was what I found most rewarding,” she says. Since 2016, she…

The range of maritime shipping services runs the gamut from marine insurance and law to arbitration, broking and more. These women provide crucial support for the industry in all areas. IT’S A SMALL WORLD Devika Loiwal, Handy Trader,¢Cargill Devika may not have done maritime studies, but the industry is a perfect fit for this adventurous soul. The people-centric business energises Devika, who watches supply-and-demand factors of handy (smaller-sized) vessels and takes calculated trading risks for profit. Her role also includes ensuring that high-quality ships reach her clients on time for cargo transportation, and that the supply chain remains smooth. Today, Devika specialises in the Middle Eastern and Indian markets, which are known to be dynamic and volatile. “Since we are new in the region, it’s up to me to lead…

The Singapore Maritime Academy (SMA) at Singapore Polytechnic (SP) offers maritime diplomas and internship opportunities, while the MaritimeONE Scholarship programme administered by the Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) gives students a leg up with funding, and networking opportunities with industry professionals. LET’S TALK DOLLARS AND SENSE Professor Annie Koh, Vice-President, Office of Business Development and Professor of Finance (Practice), Singapore Management University (SMU) Prof Koh is a highly respected figure in the field of international finance who has also served on the advisory committee of SMA. At SMU, she and her colleagues steer the Maritime Economics Track, a cluster of courses within the economics major. Modules include maritime economics and ship finance, port economics and management, and shipping business. Students also get funding from MPA and have the opportunity to participate…

THE COMFORT-FOOD CONNOISSEUR: JUSTIN QUEK, CHEF-OWNER, JUSTIN Justin Quek wants to do Singapore classics – but with oomph. That means Hokkien noodles tossed with Maine lobster, sweet and sour Iberico pork, and kaya toast made with French butter on brioche bread, all of which you can taste at his eponymous eatery, Justin, which opened in May. The 56-year-old celebrity chef has worked in the kitchens of Michelin-starred restaurants in France, co-founded Les Amis here, and won awards for his Franco-Asian cooking. So why is an industry veteran with more than three decades of fine French cooking under his belt churning out hawker favourites and zi char instead? Simply put, he loves its familiarity. “If I have no time, I want to eat simple noodles at my go-to convenient place. I’m…

Take a Selfie with This Instax Fujifilm’s SQ6 is the first analogue Instax camera to print in square format. And in another first, it’s now got a selfie mode that adjusts to an optimum brightness and focus for the perfect capture. The camera also has a discreet selfie mirror beside the lens so you can make sure everything is in frame, as well as a timer for group shots. The SQ6 is available in Pearl White, Blush Gold and Graphite Grey, and retails for $219. Get Instantly Matte A makeup base that functions just like oil blotting paper, the Cezanne Make Retouch Base ($9.90) can be used under or over makeup for an instant matte finish. Containing mint water and menthol to tighten skin, this quick-drying clear gel also has…

This isn’t just another blusher, though it looks like one. This is the first blusher created to precisely match selected shades in the Dior Rouge line of lipsticks – for a truly monochromatic look where your cheeks and lips are of the same hue. Available here in 16 shades, they don’t just match the French brand’s lip colours; they will pretty much match most of your lip colours, too. Rouge Blush comes in three finishes – matte, satin and shimmer (this has 40 per cent more shimmery pigments for a more even, intense and luminous effect). $73 each…