Innholdsfortegnelse for May 2021 i Her World Singapore

I don’t think any woman I know grew up thinking they were perfectly beautiful. I have a good friend whom I’ve always thought is very pretty. “Ugh, but I have all these moles, and I’m a lot darker than the average Chinese person. People often tease that my parents picked me up from the rubbish chute,” she’d complain. I’ve been lean and underweight all my life. I was that skinny girl who was erroneously diagnosed as being malnourished, and had to drink that nasty-tasting fresh milk every Monday in primary school. When I was in secondary school, the boys in my school would call me “bamboo” in Hokkien. And I actually answered to that nickname, even though I hated it. It was only when I reached adulthood that I learnt…

They had zero background in fashion and retail, but that didn’t stop 32-year-old Hongkonger Sarabe Chan and 21-year-old Moe Thitsa from launching activewear brand Sparks in November last year. “We started an education venture together in Yangon, which was recently acquired. We spent a lot of time in the yoga/pilates studio next door because we wanted to be more committed to taking care of our physical and mental health. We were both not very active people to begin with, so it wasn’t easy for us to be constantly motivated. The turning point was stylish activewear,” shares Sarabe. Sparks is the duo’s second venture that combines their love for wellness and activewear, while incorporating their passion for social enterprise and the environment (the brand’s motto is literally “‘do good, live good,…

Her favourite jewellery My collection of Nudo rings. They are stackable, so I can play with their incredible colour palette – they are the perfect day to night jewel! Nudo (which means naked in Italian) was launched in 2001, and it was the perfect ironic answer to the solitaire ring as it was the first to use coloured gems “naked” in their full splendour – an essential design that became an icon and a must-have. Why jewellery is sentimental My first encounter with Pomellato was at the start of the ’80s. I was at a professional high point and wanted to reward myself, so I bought a ring from the Pomellato Griffe collection with a big aquamarine stone. I still wear it today! On being a woman leader I’ve learnt…

1. Sigi Skin Idyllic Fields Day-Time Moisturiser, $78 The Singapore vegan beauty brand’s first moisturiser is 100 per cent waterless and silicone-free, and helps hydrate, repair, strengthen and protect even sensitised skin. It’s also said to have anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. 2. Maison Christian Dior Eden Roc Candle, $130 The maison pays tribute to the legendary Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in the French Riviera. Besides wearing the perfume (from $175), the candle is a wonderful way to experience the scent’s warm, sea-salty, sun-filled, citrus-floral notes. At the Maison Christian Dior boutique at Ion Orchard. 3. Hermes Rose Hermes Silky Blush, $115; refill, $63 What I’m excited about in the brand’s new Rose Hermes collection of cheek and lip products are the blushers, which come in eight shades, from fresh to electric…

If you’re a fan of K-dramas, you’ll notice that the South Koreans are big fans of facial masks. The famed glass skin trend stipulates using a face mask as one of its 10 skincare steps, and many K-pop idols like (G)I-dle’s Minnie, Twice’s Momo and Red Velvet’s Joy credit daily masking – from sheet to sleeping masks – for their flawless and supple complexions. In Korea, this “one day, one pack” method promises to help you achieve smooth and dewy skin. And I have to attest that it helps. I’ve never been into daily masking, but in the past year, I’ve enjoyed winding down every night with a sheet mask. And I can see why the K-pop idols love them – my skin is softer, smoother, and there’s a lit-from-within…

STEP 1 Spread a small amount of cleansing balm on your palms to soften it, then massage it over the entire face to dissolve makeup, dirt and grime. When removing eye makeup, take special care not to massage the cleansing balm in too enthusiastically – you could end up pushing product into your eyes, which could sting. STEP 2 Add water to your skin to emulsify the cleansing balm, and massage a little more. STEP 3 Rinse off. If you have dry skin, your routine ends here, but those with oilier skin can double-cleanse with your usual cleansing gel or foam (use just half the regular amount).…

Think of DNA-based skincare as an intimate deep dive into how your skin will respond to ageing, sun damage, sensitivity and repair. In Singapore, Anake offers an end-to-end process, from DNA testing to skincare recommendations and in-store treatments. “Because of the inherited differences in specific genes, the nature of the body’s responses to daily life varies from one person to another. DNA-based skincare allows each person to be knowledgeable about their own skin,” says co-founder Anna Melman. The first step is a DNA test using a cheek swab to reveal your skin profile. You can order it online ($299) and do it at home or at its store at Wisma Atria. The swab is sent to a lab in Australia and results are available in two weeks. Melman says the…

I am a Singaporean living in New Zealand. We have a daughter Rachel*, whom we adopted 17 years ago. The move here was a much-needed break for me from my professional career, which took my family and I to China (where we made the decision to adopt) and the US as well. Rachel was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as a child, although she is high functioning. That was one of the reasons why we decided to move to the US and then New Zealand. It was from a long-term perspective for Rachel, so she could have access to options and opportunities that were accommodating of her differences and learning challenges – which can be difficult in a large school, large classroom and exam-based system such as the one…

1 MANAGE EXPECTATIONS It is important that you discuss expectations with your boss and colleagues and find out if the same rules apply whether WFH or WFO. In addition, you should manage the expectations of those at home. For example, it is unreasonable to be expected to cook regularly for the family if you go back to the office. 2 PRACTISE SELF-CARE Now that you’re back in the office, it might be easier to schedule a walk, lunch with friends or even a gym session after work – these are all great ways to practise self-care. It is exactly because of the possibility of more changes in the future that a self-care practice needs to be intentional. You will, in turn, enjoy a more balanced attitude towards life and…

I got together with my boyfriend in early 2020 and flew back to Singapore from New York (where we were based) because of the pandemic. So essentially, we’ve been stuck in a long-distance relationship the entire time. He’s now suggesting that I move back, but I don’t feel safe. How do I tell him that without making him feel like his needs aren’t valid? You think dating is tough? Try being single for 10 years. Love in the time of Covid sure is tough, especially when you’re in a long-distance relationship. You’re not feeling safe because of the pandemic, I assume? The good news is that the US is looking at hitting herd immunity by this summer according to a report by CNN. Let him know that once everyone is…

Five years after making its Baselworld debut, the self-winding chronograph, which features a flying tourbillon and retains the same COSC-certified Heuer 02T calibre, has gotten a makeover. The 45mm timepiece now comes with a sporty Grade 2 titanium strap, and in a beautiful blue hue that’s seen on everything from the sunray brushed dial and ceramic tachymeter bezel, to the bridges of the tourbillon cage, and even the rubber that protects the crown and push buttons. Even the oscillating mass has been given a PVD coating to create a sleek azure aesthetic. The tourbillon chronograph’s movement, visible via its sapphire caseback, features a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, and an ultralight carbon, titanium tourbillon cage. To top it off, it’s water resistant to 100m – in other words, it’s…

The answer to everyone’s sartorial conundrum on how to dress up in the tropical heat lies in SS ’21’s sleeper hit: the relaxed tailoring trend. Go bare vested as suggested at Tod’s (pictured left), or layer an oversized blazer on top of, well, your bare skin, as seen at Stella McCartney (right). Two things if you want to nail this cool summer look: First, opt for baggy proportions – there’s nothing more comfortable than wearing a roomy outfit when you’re under the scorching sun. Second, play with contrasts, whether in terms of colour (such as pairing classic beige with bold purple and bright yellow all in one ensemble) or style (top off a modern suit with fashionable open-toe sandals and a casual chic maxi bag).…

1 VERY HIGH RISE SUPER SUPPORT LEGGINGS Specifically designed for Asian bodies, it has a very high waistline, giving an elongated silhouette. The inseams are also sewed in a way that gives more support for various exercises, from power-walking to kick-boxing. 2 BUTTER LEGGINGS The fabric is buttery soft (hence the name) with minimal stitching, so this is definitely your go-to leggings for yoga. It comes in a range of pastel colours like baby pink and mint, as well as bolder and brighter hues like coral and jade. 3 LUXE-RIB COLLECTION 3-D knitting is used to achieve the ribbed knit look with no seams, so that nothing gets in the way during cardio and pilates. The Swedish blue and lavender are bestsellers.…

First introduced in 1993 by Caroline Scheufele, co-president and artistic director of Chopard, Happy Sport has since become a mainstay of the Swiss luxury brand. “Happiness expresses itself through movements (and) happy diamonds follow the rhythm of your emotions. The free diamonds twirl as you do – they communicate your joie de vivre, they sparkle and celebrate your happiness, inspiring those around you,” she says. And Caroline believes that Julia Roberts embodies all of that spirit, especially with her famous smile. Julia is the perfect star for the latest Happy Sport campaign, radiating positive energy and fostering hope that everything will be reborn even more beautiful than before. The Hollywood star showed up barefoot at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes in 2016 wearing an off-shoulder Armani Prive black dress…

Not being able to head to Japan to top up our beauty stash doesn’t mean we’re completely cut off from found-only-in-Japan products. You can probably find them at Osakakuma, which specialises in J-beauty. The store, which originated in Osaka, Japan, curates its beauty, health and personal care offerings from over 10,000 surveyed customers of its 24 stores, both offline and online across Asia – Japan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam and Singapore. In Singapore, it carries more than 1,000 products at its PLQ Mall flagship and Bugis+, and online. These are curated from its 10,000-strong product base in Japan, and updated regularly. “We curate our product lines strictly to eliminate product confusion [while ensuring] no inflated prices through our direct-from-supplier channels, and ensuring a uniform shopping experience…

We already know about dreaded maskne – and may even be experiencing it – but have you noticed that in addition to breaking out, your skin also seems drier, more itchy and hyper-sensitive from wearing a mask? In fact, Dr Eileen Tan, dermatologist at Eileen Tan Skin Clinic & Associates, Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, says that besides acne, she has seen a surge of eczema and skin infections on the face over the past year. What’s causing this increase in skin sensitivity? Dr Coni Liu, consultant dermatologist at DS Skin & Wellness Clinic, says the combo of sweat, humidity and your mask continuously rubbing against your skin is a likely culprit. “It causes the skin barrier to break down and become more sensitive,” she says. Dr Tan explains that there…

“I don’t want to cover up something that makes me unique.” LIM SHI-AN 23, STUDENT “My parents taught me to appreciate the diversity in this world and to embrace the fact that everyone is unique. I simply don’t care about naysayers. This, I get from my mother, actress Tan Kheng Hua. My freckles come from her too, so I’d never want to change what reminds me of her. Of course, there were moments of insecurity during my teenage years. I saw people on social media whom I envied and wished I could look like. People would also make not-so-nice comments because it’s unusual for a Chinese person to have freckles. Now, however, social media has helped me be more confident about my freckles, which are considered quirky and fashionable. I…

A woman breaking the glass ceiling in this day and age might not exactly be novel, but Nicole Tan’s accomplishments are surely impressive. Last year, she was appointed president and CEO of the Asia-Pacific Region for Shiseido Company, which aside from its namesake brand, also includes well-loved skincare and makeup brands such as Drunk Elephant, Cle de Peau Beaute, Nars and Laura Mercier. She is the first female chief executive in the organisation’s 149-year history. And if you’re wondering, the 45-year-old started from the bottom. When looking for a job in the beauty industry some 20 years ago, she began by sending out physical copies of her resume to companies via registered mail – our version of cold e-mails, but with a lot more effort. She landed an entry-level position…

In October last year, I switched from full-time work to a half-day arrangement. This decision was inevitable. I’d been growing increasingly unhappy with the imbalance between my work and personal life. I was irritable, impatient and constantly tired, and my kids were all but raising themselves. My mental well-being, physical health and family all needed urgent tending. Prior to this, my husband and I would have a talk every few months about how either one of us should be home with our kids. We knew that the children would benefit all around, whether with their school work, handling of relationships or outlook on life. Knowing that the most practical person to do so would be me, I would simply nod and change the subject. Again and again, we rounded back…

For important meetings, you want to wear an outfit that makes you look your best, but does not detract from what you need to project and deliver on,” advises Christine Amour-Levar, founder of Her Planet Earth and co-founder of Women On A Mission (WOAM). “You need to wear something that looks professional yet feminine, and that you are comfortable ‘working in’ and being your best self in,” she says. The multi-hyphenate admits that it took several years to develop her own style, learn what suits her body type, and be more confident in her fashion choices. Christine definitely commands the attention of a room when wearing one of her favourite colours, which include red, magenta, blue and white. A-line dresses, Diane von Furstenberg jumpsuits and tailored jackets are her go-to…

Your eyes say everything that your mouth cannot. Dior scientists have found that, at one glance, the eye area says more about the state of your skin than anywhere else. In their study of 200 eye shapes across France, South Korea, China and Japan, of women between 20 and 70 years old, they found that women all have the same concerns about the eye area – from visible ageing, to dehydration, fine lines and sagging skin. Enter Dior Capture Totale Super Potent Eye Serum ($116), which promises to redefine and lift the eye area. The star is the brand’s proprietary ingredient, the Madagascan Longoza flower. It’s a scarlet-pink flower that blooms indefinitely, no matter how it gets cut or bruised. And because its seeds can grow in very extreme conditions,…

Cocochi AG Ultimate Sleeping Pack, $49.90 The highly sought-after overnight mask helps restore skin firmness and elasticity, while suppressing melanin production, for an even and radiant complexion. The Ginza Hybrid Gel Oil, $389.90 From beauty giant Shiseido’s most premium range, the serum contains argan oil to nourish skin and enhance microcirculation for a healthy glow. It also helps reduce puffiness in the mornings. Fine Hyaluron & Collagen + Ubiquinol, $65.90 The oral collagen supplement promises to treat dry, dull and uneven skin tone, skin sagging and wrinkles, and even brittle hair and nails. The formula contains hyaluronic acid, fish collagen peptide, elastin, pearl coix extract, vitamin C and Kaneka Q10 (also known as ubiquinol). Amplitude Long Lasting Liquid Foundation, $159.90 Delivers even and flawless coverage that doesn’t leave the complexion…

1. Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre, $39.90 The soft cream contains soya proteins, aloe vera, shea butter and beeswax to nourish and protect skin while reducing sensitivity. At Watsons 2. Belvea Moisturizing Skin Cream Formula, $20 Its gentle formula contains low-irritation-index ingredients like allantoin and aloe vera leaf extract, to soothe and heal irritated or sensitised skin. At selected clinics, Qoo10. sg and Shopee.sg 3. Dr Dennis Gross B3 Adaptive Superfoods Barrier Repair Face Cream, $110 Superfoods, adaptogens and niacinamide help strengthen the skin barrier so skin can withstand stressors and inflammation, reducing its sensitivity. The formula also has anti-ageing properties. At Sephora 4. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Dermallergo Mask, $7.90 per mask The mask contains a week’s worth of Toleriane Ultra Dermallergo Serum. It provides instant relief to dry, sensitive and…

Don’t be afraid to put your hand up “Be confident of your abilities and ask for a seat at the table. Don't wait for someone to call on you – that call may never come.” Don’t keep your professional aspirations to yourself “As much as the company wants to develop your abilities, it needs to be on track with how you want them to be developed.” Don’t try to be someone you’re not “If you’re not very compassionate, don’t pretend to be – people can see through it. Find your own mode of leadership and be good at it.” Don’t be afraid of hard work “Success is 99 per cent hard work. If you achieve a ‘B’, but can get an ‘A’ by doing a bit more, why not go…

HOUSEHOLD CHORES 53% of working women who cohabit with their romantic partners but are unmarried said they spend more time on them than their partners. 59% of married, working women said they spend more time on them than their partners. 66% of working mothers said they spend more time on them than their partners. CAREGIVING DUTIES 59% of working women who cohabit with their romantic partners but are unmarried said they spend more time on them than their partners. 67% of married, working women said they spend more time on them than their partners. 74% of working mothers said they spend more time on them than their partners. *Go to www.herworld.com/gallery/women/ career/gender-inequality-survey-results for the full report on our survey.…

“I share a room with my sister, and because we’re both working from home, the arrangement hasn’t exactly been ideal. Apart from having to be around each other round the clock, one of us also has to take a call in the living room whenever we both have calls at the same time – this can be exasperating because we live with four other family members, and there’s always a lot of hustle and bustle happening in the house. Even though I'm not looking forward to the morning crowd on the MRT train, I'm looking forward to going back to the office and having a cubicle to myself. I also can't wait to be able socialise with my colleagues a lot more often.” – ESTHER, 29 “I’m a mother of…

I read my first fashion magazine as an impressionable prepubescent girl (it was Go – anyone remember that?). I remember looking wistfully at the stunning, perfect faces of the top models of that era: The likes of Celia Teh, Jessie Leong and Shirley Yee ruled the roost then, with their piercing gazes and razer-sharp cheekbones. At 12, I hardly felt “beautiful”. I was tall and gawky with a softer facial bone structure, had the beginnings of teenage acne, and a nose that was slightly too large for my face (studies have found that the nose may grow faster than the rest of the body during puberty). As I got older, my skin cleared up and my face grew, so my nose now looks more proportionate and attractive. Getting into sports…

Get firmer & brighter skin Skincare devices have become an integral part of our beauty routines, especially during the circuit breaker when salons and clinics were closed – and they’re here to stay, even in the new normal. Looking to firm up and brighten your skin? Try Nu Skin’s ageLOC Boost. Powered by an exclusive variable pulse microcurrent technology, it works with the ageLOC Boost Activating Treatment to give you bouncier and brighter skin. All you need is two minutes every morning, after cleansing and toning. Be sure to follow up with moisturiser and sunscreen to protect your youthful radiance! ageLOC Boost system is priced at $446. Visit www. nuskin.com.sg for more details. 2-IN-1 EYE CARE The eyes don’t lie – especially when you haven’t been clocking your eight hours of…