Innholdsfortegnelse for April 2020 i Her World Singapore

As we get older, progress in our careers and rack up experiences and accolades, we sometimes find ourselves saying, “Wow, and we thought we knew everything at 21.” And while the comment indicates growth in our lives, it also means we run the risk of having ageist thoughts that assume we can’t learn much from the young. It’s a belief I don’t subscribe to. Nearly half of the Her World team is under 25 and I’ve learnt much from them, whether it’s the newest social terminologies or their personal progressive perspectives on life that provide much food for thought. In our Youth Special (from page 56), Singapore’s young showcase their individualistic fashion styles, give us the low-down on their secret beauty haunts, and share their opinions on issues such as…

The cooler alternative to traditional pantsuits, and ideal for our tropical climate. Opt for classic materials like linen or tweed for added sophistication.…

Founded in 1983, the watchmaker Swatch is known for its colourful, pop culture-inspired and limited edition designs. The brand upholds the values of “Swiss made”, yet is attainable with its affordable prices, with the no-frills wristwatches really fashion accessories to be worn to match your mood of the day. The brand continues to surprise with its newest product line Big Bold, which is inspired by bold ideas and meant for even bolder personalities. The most striking style is the Big Bold Jelly ($155, pictured here) – a bigger and better version of the iconic transparent Original Jelly Fish GZ010. The quartz watch has a 47mm fully transparent plastic case, with the crown unusually positioned at two o’clock, and semi-transparent silicone straps. The bright hands in blue, red and yellow stand…

OFF-WHITE Founded by American designer Virgil Abloh (aka artistic director of Louis Vuitton), this is the It brand that everyone wants a piece of, with its high profile collaborations (Nike, Heron Preston, Jimmy Choo) and celeb fans (Kendall Jenner and Kanye West). The streetwear label is known for its graphic and logo-heavy designs. Available at #01-01, 268 Orchard Road, and #01-03/03A Paragon BIANCA CHANDON Established in 2014 by professional skateboarder Alex Olson, the brand draws inspiration from ’70s subcultures such as hippies and the Studio 54 disco club scene. The name is a nod to 70’s style icons Bianca Jagger and Olivier Chandon de Brailles. Its cool vintage vibe is bang on trend right now, with its signature “Lover” slogan design spotted on American model Sofia Richie and rapper Wiz…

Top-of-the-line Moisturisers 1 YSL Beaute Or Rouge Creme, $559 Not many people know the brand has this luxe moisturiser, described by insiders as “darn amazingly good” because of how it addresses 11 visible signs of ageing – in a pampering formula, no less. Why the hefty price tag: It uses vitamin- and antioxidant-rich saffron, said to be worth more than gold and 10 times pricier than caviar. 2 Armani Beauty Crema Nera Supreme Reviving Light Cream, $560 It has a lightweight feel, but users say it keeps skin moisturised and radiating an inner glow all day. After one night, skin texture becomes smoother, and long-term use helps to heal acne scars and bumpiness. 3 Cle de Peau Radiant Multi Repair Oil, $200 Fine and silky, it absorbs extremely fast, leaves…

No one wants to look like they’ve had “work done”. They want to look fresher, as if they’ve just come back from a holiday or had a great facial. Here’s what these aesthetics treatments from SW1 Clinic can do for your looks. They come with little downtime and are non-invasive. A lifted, less crepey neck Did you know that your neck and jaw muscles are connected? When gravity takes hold, both get pulled down. The Nefertiti Lift, inspired by the namesake Egyptian queen, gives you a lower facelift and a younger-looking neck. Both will help you look slimmer, younger and more elegant. The treatment involves micro injections of botulinum toxin into the neck and jawline to relax those muscles and reduce the effects of the downward pull. The injections also…

1. GLIT AF The go-to place for influencers who want to get glit. You can find them at Dr Lash outlets. $50-$75, at Dr Lash, #04-20/21 Orchard Central, tel: 8829-3038 2. Black Hair Salon Besides glitter extensions, it’s also adept at colouring and hair treatments. $39-$69, at #B2-44 Capitol Piazza, tel: 8893-9593 3. The Lash Chapter Come here for glitter extensions, manicures, lash lifts and extensions, and microblading. $30, at #03-06 The Flow, 66 East Coast Road, tel: 9785-0439…

The more than 15 types of plant stem cells, along with anti-ageing peptides, fortify and revive skin for a lifted, toned, supple and glowing complexion. These products are available at Chantecaille counters at Takashimaya D.S. and Tangs at Tang Plaza (opening April 30, 2020). Treat Bio Lifting Serum+, $460 It contains bionymph peptide, caffeine-free coffee, raspberry and plantago lanceolata, to help you get firm, toned, radiant and youthful-looking skin. It also protects against blue light, which can lead to premature skin ageing. Hydrate Bio Lifting Oil Free Fluid+, $471 A lightweight oil-free lotion that keeps skin shine-free, and lifts and sculpts the face while reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. It contains the same actives as the serum, plus daphne extract. You can also use it to prep skin…

Clinique supports women on their journey to be their ideal selves by enabling them to put their best face forward. Now, with the newly reformulated Clinique Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter, you can achieve better skin with visibly reduced dark spots, acne scars and uneven skin tone. Boasting double the dose of Clinique’s gentle but powerful brightening active, this concentrated damage eraser works fast to tackle hard-to-treat dark spots and deliver brighter, clearer, more even skin. It also contains gyokuro extract, which comes from a premium and prized variety of Japanese green tea, to help prevent future spots by soothing skin irritation that may result in their formation. It costs $115 for 30ml, and $150 for 50ml. #EvenBetterYou #CliniqueSG…

I started my cheongsam business Studio HHFZ in 2018, four years after graduating from Temasek Polytechnic’s Fashion Design course, as I felt that millennials have forgotten their roots. I wanted to celebrate the Chinese heritage, focusing on custom dressmaking service. I also want to encourage more people to don the cheongsam other than on special occasions such as weddings and Chinese New Year. I’m a one-woman show at the studio because I want to be 100 per cent involved, walking my customers through the entire dressmaking process. Many people have asked me, “Ruixian, why do you go through all these steps by yourself?” Some of my industry peers think it’s too “ley cey” (troublesome). But to me, it’s not about how many clients I have or how fast I get…

It’s a great opportunity help to those with disabilities with my skills. It gave me a renewed sense of purpose. Fashion design has always been my passion, but when I pursued my fashion diploma at Lasalle College of the Arts, I realised luxury fashion didn’t quite resonate with me. I began questioning my place in the fashion industry. Then, a doctor whom I got to know asked me to design clothes for his bedridden patients, during the final year of my diploma in 2015. I thought, “What a great opportunity to help those with disabilities with my skills.” It gave me a renewed sense of purpose, and I began researching and working on the designs. I graduated in 2017 with a degree in fashion design, and set up Will &…

$138+ FOR A FIVE-COURSE LUNCH/ DINNER Il Cielo Level 24 Hilton Singapore Cuisine: Michelin-plate Japanese-Italian Food and Vibe: Il Cielo is best experienced in the evening, when the outdoor pool is illuminated by the warm flood lights, with the surrounding townscape brightly lit up. Though the eatery has a separate Italian and Japanese tasting menu, each dish tastefully balances Japanese and Italian ingredients. Il Cielo’s chef Yohhei Sasaki, who is behind the culinary creations, says: “We present diners with a contemporary version of Italian cuisine, recreated with a Japanese flair. Every dish is made with the finest seasonal gourmet produce sourced from Italy and Japan.” Yohhei worked in top Italian restaurants in Japan, and later trained in Michelin-starred restaurants in Italy before joining Il Cielo in 2017. A fine example…

American singer Jennifer Lopez (JLo) famously said that men are useless before they’re 33. I agree to disagree: Prior to being 33 or in our 30s, we’re pretty useful in stuff such as lifting things, carrying heavy stuff, and opening doors for the ladies. Okay, I digress. What JLo means is: Men below 33 are useless when it comes to taking on the role as a long-term companion. I kinda agree to some extent, as it can take the majority of men (or even women) well into their 30s to establish their career and have a sense of financial stability. It can give them the maturity that comes with experience and independence. But that’s not to say that men in their 20s aren’t mature and capable of achieving the same…

What it’s not: wide-legged or flared. What it is: tailored but slouchy. The trick to still look smart and polished: Pick a high-waisted pair that’s brightly coloured or printed.…

The ’80s redux is still going strong on the runways, and the trend applies to jewellery too. Instead of delicate necklaces, now it’s all about heavy-duty links. And it’s easy to make a statement – layer necklaces together for a chic yet messy look, or opt for oversized earrings or bracelets.…

These are not bronzers or highlighters. These are foundations for the body, that help cover veins, uneven skin tone, tan lines, redness like sunburn, blemishes, bruises, psoriasis, varicose veins, marks, and even tattoos. It’s what gives celebrities like J Lo and Kim Kardashian-West their bare-bodied airbrushed perfection. A body foundation feels and looks like a face foundation, and also offers buildable coverage. The only difference: The coverage is much higher. Bonus: It’s also smudge-and transfer-resistant, so it doesn’t rub off on your clothes – or the person you’re hugging. Remove with makeup wipes or with soap and water in the shower. KKW Skin Perfecting Body Foundation, USD$45 (S$62.50) Created by Kim K, the water-resistant body foundation gives an even, lit-from-within finish. It has a vanilla-coconut scent. At kkwbeauty.com M.A.C Studio…

Women are a hair-obsessed bunch. If we’re not trying to grow more of it (on the head), we’re trying to get rid of it (from the rest of the body, including the pubic area). What’s been available for many years is intense pulse light technology or IPL, which uses broad-spectrum pulses of light to get rid of unwanted hair. Now meet AFT – Advanced Fluorescence Technology, IPL’s sophisticated cousin and the next gen of hair removal. It uses a narrower wavelength of light to increase penetration into the target area – and more evenly too – to destroy the follicles so no more hair can grow. Hair removal salon Strip says it’s the first here to offer the hair removal technology (since mid 2019), and US dermatologists have used this…

If you’ve had a long and hard workout, or are down with diarrhoea, and have lost a lot of fluids, consuming a sports drink should help you rehydrate. The key lies in the electrolytes contained in the drink, which top up what your body has lost. There are a couple of things to know about electrolytes. One: they’re electrically charged minerals like sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium dissolved in water. And two: they are vital for many key body functions including hydration, as they regulate the movement of water in and out of cells – including skin cells. Most times, our body can maintain a healthy balance of electrolytes through normal fluid intake, as even tap water contains trace amounts. But when an electrolyte imbalance happens, you need help. One…

Cliniccare EGF Extra Glow Essence 2% Bio Hyaluronic Acid is a Prive Clinic exclusive that uses two ingredients. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) helps skin stem cells absorb nutrients, speed up cell division and growth, and stimulate the synthesis of hyaluronic acid and glycoproteins. EGF also promotes wound healing and reduces scars. The second ingredient is HA. Its high concentration of low-molecular weight HA goes deep into skin to maximise collagen levels. The effect is hydrated, smooth skin.…

Caffeine-free Coffee Stem Cell Comes from the coffee plant. It plumps and hydrates skin. Daphne Stem Cell Comes from Winter Daphne, a plant that can thrive in freezing alpine cold. It protects skin from damage caused by a harsh environment, like wind and extreme cold, increasing sebum production and repairing micro-lesions that result from such exposure. Skin is also well hydrated. Tomato Stem Cell Comes from tomatoes, which are rich in antioxidants that protect skin from free radical damage and repair DNA damage. Plus, it promotes skin clarity and radiance. Bionymph Peptide Stem Cell A blend of peptides and sugars derived from cultured plant stem cells. It reduces the look of fine lines, protects DNA from free radical damage, energises skin cells and boosts collagen levels. Raspberry Stem Cell Comes…

I felt so free when I purged unwanted things. I used to have a closet of sexy clothes in my 20s, but even if I could fit into them right now, would I want to keep them? Me – a mother-of-two in my 40s? Nah, I’ve moved on. I felt so happy when I cleaned them out. That’s the feeling I get when I help people to declutter as a certified Konmari consultant. But this wasn’t my biggest “clearance”. Four years ago, my family downsized from a 2,400 sq ft home in Shanghai, where my husband works, to a 1,000 sq ft space. That was when I first read Marie Kondo’s best-selling book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. Though some may not agree with her methods, they resonated with…

“The greatest achievement as a filmmaker isn’t getting awards, it is when you can make a positive change to society with your work.” Filmmaking has given me a voice as a woman in a male-dominated industry. My films are largely driven by emotion. If you ask me, a woman’s emotion is not her weakness but her best gift in telling a compelling story. I never dreamt of becoming a filmmaker because I was never exposed to films when I was younger. Before filmmaking, I took on various jobs from selling ice cream door-to-door to selling clothes at a department store! All I wanted to do was to earn enough money to give my grandparents a better life. They raised me after my parents divorced. I was an arts student in…

The kids didn’t see me differently... they treat me like everyone else. I was often bullied in primary school by my schoolmates for having poor grades and being a slow learner. They called me hurtful names... but what they didn’t know was that I have mild intellectual disability. I was diagnosed at 11. My school then recommended a transfer to Grace Orchard School (GOS) when I was in Primary 5. It’s a special education school for students with mild autism and intellectual disabilities. That was the best thing that happened to me because I work as a childcare aide now. At GOS, the classes were in smaller groups. I was more... comfortable and I made more friends. In 2017, I was one of three students selected to train in childcare…

I used to throw Singles’ Parties when I was single so my friends and I could meet more people. I never really had the chance to get into dating apps. I was in a serious relationship by the time these apps got mainstream. Instead, I played around with my girlfriends’ accounts on their phones, and it seemed like a fun and easy way to get to know guys. If I suddenly found myself single again, these apps will introduce a new dimension of relationship problems that I never dealt with previously! You see, I’m a romantic. Methinks dating apps, with their casual hook-up culture, aren’t suitable for romantics who have an old-fashioned view of love. Although not everyone is there for that purpose, a substantial number are. That isn’t what…

Designers are putting the focus on the back with cool, edgy details. While the front is kept understated, the back is accentuated with interesting accents, as exemplified by Bottega Veneta’s diagonal slit dress, Hermes’ sleek cross-back shell apron-top hybrid with metal fasteners, and Alexander McQueen’s open-back blazer. High-street labels have followed suit, with Zara offering a back-cut-out turtleneck top for $45.90. Versatile and easy to carry off, nothing says “business in the front and party at the back” better than this.…

There’s a common misconception that K-pop is the driving factor behind the “South Korean” look. In reality, the essence of K-style goes beyond music influence. Instead, it’s really about sleek, sophisticated clothes, championed by contemporary South Korean designers. To understand this, one just has to look at the dress code of the Parks in Parasite (2019), Bong Joonho’s hit film and the first Asian movie to win Best Picture in the 92-year history of the Academy Awards. And this is exactly what these five fashion creatives are offering: a myriad of easy, elegant apparel and accessories for the modern, working woman. Here’s what you should know about their brands. LE 17 SEPTEMBRE unisex sleek minimal WHAT: Le 17 Septembre, founded by Grace Shin, 37, in 2013. The Seoul-based ready-to-wear label…

AN EX-K- POP IDOL ON YOUTH PRESSURE AND BODY IMAGE Millennials often preach self-love, but I don’t think we truly understand what it means. Instead, we criticise our bodies: too fat, too skinny, too muscular or too curvy. All these have brought about endless body image issues, poor self-esteem and online bullying. I used to be chubby. Then, my peers would tell this “fatty” to go on a diet. I began to loathe myself, and I stopped snacking and took up more dance classes While I lost weight, the scars never went away and it later sparked a series of body image issues that affected me as an adult. It wasn’t until years later that I finally learnt how to love myself. I spent four years in South Korea as…

Cleansing bars for the hair come with minimal packaging (no plastic bottles = eco-friendly), last roughly as a long as liquid shampoos, and are often made from natural and plant-based ingredients. To use: Lather on hands and massage into your scalp and hair. And after, store it in a soap dish that allows water to drain away. Oasis Skin Organic Rose Dry hair Remedy Solid Shampoo, $10 Restores moisture to dry, damaged hair, controls frizz, and detoxes the scalp. From oasis-skin.com Solid Skincare Argan Oil And Mint Natural Solid Shampoo, $25 For normal to oily hair, organic argan oil (a super moisturiser) and mint deliver an invigorating non-drying cleanse. From solidskincare.co The Hive Solid Shampoo Bar, $16 Gently cleanses the scalp with rosemary oil, while nourishing plant oils like camellia,…

I’m a regular IPL user, and I’ve also done waxing and sugaring before. At my AFT session, the technician applies an ice-cold gel on the pubic area. The applicator is then placed over the mons pubis and moved in quick circles. At the labia, she switches to an up-down movement. I barely felt any heat, although the heat sensation was stronger at the labia, but still bearable. At the end, the gel is wiped off and a moisturiser applied to calm and soothe skin. There was no redness or soreness. After six weeks, I noticed less hair regrowth as compared to IPL, especially around the labia. My next session is 10-12 weeks after the first – this longer interval between sessions is what I appreciate most about AFT.…

Glitter hair extensions are a real hidden gem. These thin glitter strands are weaved into two or three strands of your hair, interspersed all over to create a shimmery effect. It works for anyone, on any style or hair length. It’s low on commitment. The extensions, 10 to 30 of them, cost between $30 and $75, depending on the salon. It takes 25 minutes, after which, the extensions are cut to your hair length. The strands come in a rainbow of colours, from gold to pink and more, and are chemical-free and heat-resistant. You can style your hair and wash it normally – just don’t tug too hard. The extensions last four to six weeks, then become loose and fall out. You can redo them at the salon or snip…

Sylvie Chantecaille, the founder of her eponymous French beauty brand, started her business based on one belief – that flowers have amazing healing potential. And that botanicals should star in her products. The very first botanical she came across was Rose de Mai on a trip to Grasse in France. The scent captivated her, and the prized rose quickly became one of her favourite flowers. It’s why Rose de Mai rosewater is used in all her products. But Sylvie didn’t fall in love only with the scent. The rose is rich in anti-inflammatory, anti-ageing and antioxidant properties, and keeps skin well-hydrated. It’s an extraordinary plant that also helps reduce sleeplessness and soothe headaches. Flowers aside – and using them in her products – the founder decided it was important to…

YVON BOCK Founder and CEO of Hegen nursing products As a mother of four, Yvon Bock empathises strongly with other mums, and the challenges faced by those trying to juggle breastfeeding and work. It’s this desire to bring about change and create a positive impact for these women that spurred her to create Hegen nursing products, which are designed to be fuss-free, user-friendly and sustainable. Her company also supports a shelter called Safe Place that helps women with unwanted pregnancies, by conducting workshops and breastfeeding talks. “There are women who suffer in silence, like rape victims, abused wives and those who are pregnant out of wedlock. They are crying out for help, and I’m very proud to be part of their support system,” she says. What she wants to do…

“For decades, Her World has been a champion for women – in mind, body and action. To celebrate Her World’s 60th anniversary this year, we present #HerWorldHerStory – a collection of 60 inspiring real-life stories on print and on herworld.com. And it starts with you: real women. In this second of our six-part series, which runs till our August issue, #HerWorldHerStory will feature 10 women who encapsulate what it’s like to be a woman in Singapore. They share their successes, challenges, passions and ambitions – these are their stories.”…

“I also want to reach out to those who aren’t exposed to social work. This way, I can show them the joy of giving.” A conversation with an elderly lady in her 80s inspired me four years ago. It was perhaps one of the most heartwarming interactions I’ve had when I was volunteering in London. We have more in common than I’d have expected. I admired her spunk, and we shared the same joy of connecting with people through charity work. In 2017, The Social Co. focused solely on helping elderly folks, compared to a wider group of people when it first started. I co-founded Social Co. in 2014 with my friend Cheryl Chong as a passion project. It’s a think-tank or a collective of professionals who provide advice and…

I could further develop the academy with my professional skills, and shape the children’s learning experience. I’ve always been a hardcore soccer mum but I had no formal sports background other than learning about the sport from two of my three teenage sons (aged 14, 13 and 6), and showing up at all their training at F-17 Football Academy since 2014. F-17 provides professional football coaching to about 500 children aged two to 16 at three locations, and it was founded in 2013. I got to know the then and current management of F-17, who initially sought my advice in accounting during a buyover. Last April, they offered me a full-time position as F-17’s chief financial officer (CFO). I couldn’t say no. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity where I could…

Most times, sex workers don’t need my sympathy. They ask for empathy, and for others to stand with them to say, “I’m with her”. I no longer judge people too quickly, and I’ve learnt this through my full-time work at Project X – a sex workers’ rights group founded in 2008 that provides sex workers with equal opportunities, and protect them from the violent crimes they are often subjected to. I’ve always believed in gender equality, and wanted to pursue a career in this field. I did so after graduating from university. Most times, sex workers don’t need my sympathy. They ask for empathy, and for others to stand with them to say, “I’m with her”. I’m involved in a lot of outreach to sex workers in a handful of…

She wanted to formulate a lubricant to alleviate the discomfort of vaginal dryness for women experiencing menopause. One that smells nice, doesn’t dry up easily, and is gentle enough to be used as a facial and body moisturiser. In 2014, Singaporean entrepreneur Bellen Tan, 35, launched Juicy Missy lube in Taiwan, after nearly a year’s research and development (R&D), retailing it in hospitals and clinics in Taipei. This was followed by the introduction of its commercial line after another round of R&D. Last September, Juicy Missy was launched in Singapore on juicymissy.com after its well-received response in Taiwan. Bellen tells Her World: “Vaginal dryness can be an embarrassing issue for some women. So I decided to create a lube using plants and herbs as a base, like lingzhi, cordyceps and…

My soon-to-be husband says I should pay 30 per cent more in deposit for our new flat because I have more savings. We earn the same amount of money, and his reason is because he’s already paying more for our wedding. How can we reach a compromise? Ah money. The anti-glue that tears relationships apart. I must say that your husband has a point, though. He’s paying more for the wedding, and you have more savings, but then again there was the time that you paid for that vacation, and he paid for food, then you covered taxi fares for a whole year – even though you also bought him a new speaker… You get the picture. Aren’t you both getting married? This means sharing expenses and responsibilities? It also…

Achieve Better Complexion Timeless Tomato has made it easier to get healthy skin at home. The Timeless Tomato is a pill that contains active ingredients (such as coenzyme Q10 and grapeseed extract) to brighten skin. And Timeless Moist is a vegan and gluten-free supplement that contains Ceramosides and O’lives to improve skin’s hydration and collagen levels. Finally, the Timeless Invisible Silk Mask includes white tomato and centella asiatica extract to moisturise skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines. For more information, visit www.timelesspharma.com. Genie In A Bottle Well, this genie is au naturel and vegan-friendly. Chantecaille’s Bio Lifting Oil Free Fluid+ is an anti-ageing moisturiser made from plant-based ingredients. Some of the ingredients, like caffeine-free coffee and raspberry stem cell extracts, help soothe dry skin and calm redness. Formulated…

If there was one bag that caught our attention on the SS ’20 runways, this would be it. With nostalgia still going strong, Louis Vuitton’s creative director Nicolas Ghesquiere has reimagined one of the ’80s most iconic objects – the VHS cassette tape – and turned it into the collectible item of the season. The limited edition brass and aluminium bag features plexiglass trimmings, complete with a faux tape strip. And it’s practical too: big enough to fit an iPhone 11 Pro Max, and with an adjustable leather strap that lets you wear it multiple ways (on your hand, shoulder or cross-body). $7,900, upon enquiry only, at #B1-38 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and #01-20 Takashimaya D.S.…