Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2021 i Her World Singapore

I often quote this saying by psychologist Sigmund Freud because I believe love and work build the foundation of a meaningful life, and the balance between both often defines our experiences. Perhaps the millennials and Gen Z-ers we interviewed in Love Conquers All (page 92) and Seeking: Flexible Hours, Meaningful Work… and a Lower Salary? (page 88) are onto Freud’s observation too. Unlike the stereotypical impression that society has of these young people, calling them the “strawberry generation” (connoting that they cannot withstand social pressure or work hard like their parents’ generation), millennials and Gen Z-ers don’t necessarily take “the easy way out” just because of the mentioned assumptions. Instead, they are willing to put in the hard work but, more importantly, they first have to find the meaning in…

WHITE SHIRT “It is a must because it can easily take you from day to night, and everyone looks good in a crisp white shirt.” SUIT SET “I feel so powerful when I walk into a meeting with a gorgeous, well-fitted suit. My current favourite is from P Johnson Femme.” PENCIL SKIRT “J Crew Collection has the most flattering, versatile and elegant ones.” WHITE TEE “Like the white shirt, this is a must. A beautiful white tee – like the ones from Re/Done Hanes – with jeans, a skirt, pants or ballgown skirt is the ultimate way to look effortlessly chic.” WHITE JEANS “I have a little obsession with white jeans. A beautiful pair from Current Elliott, J Brand or Zara can make you look so elegant.”…

Inspired by black-and-white movies where the actresses removed their makeup with what might have been cold cream, Sylvie Chantecaille, founder of her namesake brand, created the Rose de Mai Cleansing Balm. It may seem pricey at $154 for a 75ml jar, but its benefits – plus, the fact that a little goes a long way – makes it a worthy buy. The balm removes makeup and sunscreen as it cleanses, without stripping skin of its natural oils and moisture. Plus, it calms inflamed skin and fights environmental stressors. It is also free of pore-clogging mineral oils and ethylhexyl palmitate, using instead, antioxidant-rich botanical oils – up to 80 per cent of the formula. Its star is the Rose de Mai, known for its rich, skin-renewing antioxidants. And in a Covid-19…

Everyone is talking about self-care these days. Just how much? Some 3.9 million social media posts had #selfcare in them, and 1.2 million posts contained #selfcaresunday. Social data and marketing analysis company Social Standards found that, from September 2019 to September 2020, there was a 61 per cent increase in conversations about self-care in beauty posts, and a 93 per cent increase in personal care posts. For beauty lovers, the simplest way to self-care is to apply a face mask and take those 10 to 20 minutes to relax. Kimberly Khoo, founder of Klaypeau, an SG e-commerce site that specialises in facial masks, says it’s a quick mental escape that delivers an instant glow. She says there are studies that show that restful rituals such as these can help release…

Skincare is serious business. Along with increasingly savvy consumers and the rise of scientific beauty vloggers (such as cosmetic formulator Stephen Alain Ko aka @kindofstephen, chemistry PhD graduate Michelle Wong aka @labmuffinbeautyscience, and Singapore makeup artist and cosmetic science graduate Larry Yeo aka @ larryyeo), we just want to be thoroughly informed about what goes into our skincare products. Kimberley Ho, founder of mum and baby skincare brand Evereden, agrees: “Consumers are much more sceptical these days. They are looking into the credentials of a brand that actually walks the talk and delivers the benefits it claims to offer – none of which can be achieved without science and true innovation in skincare.” “Skin has both overlapping and unique needs, and requires science and results-driven skincare to be healthy and…

I’m a freelance designer but am considering taking up a full-time job at an agency. It pays less than what I can currently make in a month, but undeniably offers more stability. Should I make the switch? Freelancing definitely has many benefits, including the ability to earn more, a flexible work schedule, and the freedom for personal branding. However, working in a full-time job also has its advantages, such as a steady monthly income stream, company benefits and CPF contributions. There are a few factors to consider when deciding on the better option for yourself: 1. How is your design portfolio right now? Do you have enough work to show to engage more clients? If not, working in an agency could help you build your portfolio. 2. What are your…

Whenever it was my birthday and I had to blow out candles on the cake, someone would suddenly yell, “Make a wish!” And my mind would always race to find something to wish for. When I was around 9 years old, I thought I had figured it out: I’d just wish “to be happy” – it encompassed everything! Since then, I have been chasing this elusive happiness. It would be found one day, I thought, if I did well enough in school or life, if I achieved something great, or was able to afford anything my heart desired. Then, I would be happy. However, I now know that happiness isn’t a finish line. I accomplished many of my goals, yet still felt empty. It was only when I started studying…

As the Neil Sedaka song goes, breaking up is hard to do. Your relationship has turned into the equivalent of trying to swim through mud, and you desperately want out, but you don’t want to hurt your soon to be ex-boyfriend – I mean, not too badly, you sort of want him to hurt, but you don’t want to shatter his heart. So what’s the best way to accomplish this task of opposing objectives? Like Nike said, just do it. There is no easy way to dance around a break-up. Dressing it up with niceties or slowly weaning him off you like you’re the human equivalent of Basque burnt cheesecake – always desired and always delicious, and he is a hopeless cheesecake addict – is honestly a little self-absorbed. Break…

The Limelight Stella is known for being the Swiss luxury watchmaker’s first-ever complication made exclusively for women, and its latest edition makes a striking statement in bold scarlet – a colour associated with joy, passion and courage (and suitably apt for the upcoming Chinese New Year too). Featuring a large moon phase in red paired with a crimson alligator leather strap, the ultra-thin 36mm 18K rose gold timepiece has 14 sparkling brilliant-cut diamonds on the mother-of-pearl dial and another 126 brilliant-cut diamonds on the bezel. Horology enthusiasts will be pleased to know that it is powered by an in-house 584P self-winding movement (marvel at it through the sapphire crystal back). What this means: While a standard moon phase lags one day behind every two and a half years, the Calibre…

The Wardrobe 01 collection experiments with exaggerated proportions and unique materials, while incorporating traditional tailored jackets, nipped waists and unique necklines.…

“My twin sister Petty and I always got matching outfits, made by either my mum or my grandmother. I would then imitate them and dress my dolls with their leftover fabrics. So, when I had to choose a major for college, it was only natural that I chose something related to art,” says Peggy Hartanto, creative director of her eponymous brand, which is based in Surabaya. Peggy pursued a fashion design degree at Raffles College of Design and Commerce in Sydney. During her time in Australia, she won numerous fashion awards and graduated in 2009 as Best Student in Fashion Design. She cut her teeth at one of Australia’s leading fashion brands, Collette Dinnigan, before moving back to her hometown to start her ready-to-wear label, which debuted at Jakarta Fashion…

Back in the ’70s, then president of Cartier Robert Hocq wanted to create a line of products that one simply must have. He coined the phrase “Les Must de Cartier”, and The Must de Cartier bag made its debut in 1973. It quickly became a cult favourite by the ’80s. This was the bag that established the rich shade of burgundy as Cartier’s signature colour, which remains part of the brand’s DNA till today. The 2020 edition of the Must de Cartier collection has been refreshed with a relaxed urban style and elements of androgynous chic, while retaining a touch of nostalgia: The bags have a secret pocket containing a mirror engraved with “Cartier, Paris, London and New York”, paying tribute to the three cities the French maison has historically…

1. Gucci Beauty Fluide De Beaute Fini Naturel - Natural Finish Fluid Foundation, $100 The lightweight formula is long-wearing and buildable, so you achieve both a second-skin finish and fuller coverage. Either way, blemishes, pores and imperfections are subtly blurred away. It comes in 25 shades. 2. Dior Rouge Dior Satin Balm, $56 The lip balm contains twice the concentration of extracts of the Rouge Dior lipsticks. Red peony, pomegranate and shea butter help soften, nourish and protect the lips, smooth lines, and offer up to 24 hours of hydration. 3. Chanel Le Lift Lotion, $122 The anti-ageing essence is the final step to cleansing and the first step to skincare. The alfalfa seed concentrate is rich in minerals, trace elements, vitamins and amino acids, which help stimulate collagen production…

Human skin has the same structure whether you’re a woman or a man, so there’s actually no real need to use gender-centric skincare. Beauty products targeted at either women or men seem to be more a product of marketing and stereotyping, than any kind of skin research or fact. Instead of focusing on gender, Dr Eileen Tan, dermatologist and founder of Eileen Tan Skin Clinic & Associates, recommends addressing your skin concerns – skin type (normal, oily or sensitive), medical problems (eczema or acne), and active ingredients and formulation. That’s why more people are looking for genderless skincare products. It just makes for simpler skincare. It doesn’t pander to the female or male aesthetic. It takes away the noise of packaging and addresses what’s important – a person’s skin concerns.…

The first thing you need to know about Amanda Chong is that she’s really passionate about social advocacy. “There are many people who are dwelling in hopelessness without access to opportunities, and I hope to do all I can to walk alongside them towards a more inclusive Singapore,” she says. And she takes actionable steps. For one, the lawyer trained in Cambridge and Harvard not only specialises in maritime law and aviation law, but also human rights. In 2016, she served on the United Nations Expert Group on the International Legal Definition of Trafficking in Persons. Also, aside from being the co-founder of ReadAble, a non-profit organisation that equips underprivileged children with literacy skills, the 31-year-old regularly speaks on public policy and social justice issues in schools and national forums.…

This season, bold separates and cool accessories come in every shade of the rainbow – which seems especially apt in these times, when everyone needs a little positivity in their lives. After all, colour is known to be uplifting and mood enhancing, and there’s really no easier way to lift your spirits than by donning bright hues. Play with the colours of the rainbow – no rules required, just have fun with it. Clash and contrast bold scarlet and fuchsia tones – it’s so uptown chic. Crimson is not only the colour of passion, it happens to be an auspicious pick too. Nothing sends cheery, positive vibes more than zesty yellow and citrusy shades. From sky to sapphire, arctic to aegean, blue pieces in the lighter spectrum are the way…

She counts Dior, Emilia Wickstead and Valentino among her favourite brands, so you can probably picture Astrie Sunindar-Ratner’s style. The founder of A – The Etiquette Consultancy and #HerWorldTribe member loves her romantic and feminine outfits that are elegant, refined and chic. “I experimented with some fashion trends in my youth, but I don’t think I ever went over-the-top crazy. I have always leaned towards a classic, timeless style, and I have a good understanding of what looks good on me,” says the 40-year-old. One way she has fun with fashion is by playing with seasonal colours, but always in her classic style. “My parents taught me everything I know about style. My late father had incredible taste. Although he was short, he knew what looked good on him and…

For those who haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Ben and Naomi in person, they are storybook-cute. Opposites clearly attract: Ben is larger than life, speaks off the cuff and punctuates sentences with gestures and laughter. But if Ben is the storm, then Naomi is the calm. She holds your gaze when you talk, takes a few seconds to think before she answers. She’s mindful and deliberate. When they come together, his tone steadies, her face lights. He reaches for her hand; she cups his chin. They sing snatches of songs, and when they break into dance, it’s clear that they’ve done this many times before. “I wish there was something more dramatic about our relationship to tell you, so it would make for a more interesting story,” Ben laughs…

The season of reckoning is upon us. With Chinese New Year fast on the heels of a decadent Christmas and New Year, and all the feasting of the season, February is the time to reset our skin and lose a little weight. How do you look your best for the family visits and gatherings coming up? And how do you undo all your beauty transgressions after? Aesthetics clinic SW1 has these top-to-toe solutions. FAST TRACK TO A FABULOUS BODY Struggling to shed 2020’s weight gain? Boost your diet and exercise plans with The Skinny Jab. This is a course of daily appetite-suppressant injections you administer on your own, at your tummy, arms or thighs. This US FDA-approved treatment works by mimicking a natural hormone your body produces to regulate hunger.…

The great thing about these hues is that they flatter just about everyone, lending pale, cool complexions touches of sun-kissed colour, while enhancing darker skin tones. Makeup artist Melissa Yeo says: “Shimmery, earth-toned colours and peachy shades warm the skin without making it look bronzed and tanned. It’s a softer, prettier effect.” When using an eyeshadow, pair it with a brown or bronze eyeliner and finish with a coat of mascara for definition. If you have bumpy skin on the cheeks, avoid using blushers in sunset hues as the reddish tones will draw attention to the bumps.…

The past year has shown that organisations can continue to function effectively even when employees work from home full-time. But is this model sustainable? “Physically, firms, regardless of size, can probably continue work-from-home practices. Psychologically, however, it’s less clear whether these practices are sustainable. Evolutionary psychology research has clearly shown that humans are wired for social interaction,” says Dr Yam. “One of the three innate needs is the need for relatedness, loosely defined as the need to experience a sense of communion, and develop close and intimate relationships with others. Virtual interaction alone cannot fill this void, which is why millions of people still disregard social distancing guidelines.” His thoughts are shared by Eric Heung, a manager of supply chain and procurement at Robert Walters Singapore. “We should recognise that…

1. KEEP READING “A good writer is always a good reader first. Read as much as you can across genres to develop good literary taste, and pay attention to what moves you. This will help you to be a better critic of your own writing.” 2. DEVELOP THE SKILL OF PRACTICAL CRITICISM “Understand how a poem ‘works’. Annotate the poems you read to unpack the craft behind a poem and discover how other poets use literary devices to convey meaning.” 3. BE EMOTIONALLY AUTHENTIC “When you are willing to be vulnerable, readers connect better with your work.” 4. LIVE BOLDLY “Live boldly and journey through all the shades and tones of life. Walk into your pain and turn it into art. Rich life experience is the best fodder for poetry.”…

My partner and I have been in a long-term relationship of four years, and we’ve been talking about marriage since a year ago. I want to propose to him, but I’m worried that he might be too freaked out by the role reversal. Role reversal is good! In Hollywood, that’s how they keep things fresh. Remember that Ghostbusters film that went all-female? OK maybe that’s a bad example, but remember when someone touted Gillian Anderson in a pant suit for the new James Bond? That was incredible! Don’t be scared about freaking him out. And even if you do freak him out, it’ll probably be in a good way. Guys don’t like trying to sort out the proposal process, so if you do it for him, chances are he’ll be…