Innholdsfortegnelse for July 2021 i Her World Singapore

I believe I’m speaking for most women when I say that there have been times when we’ve been less than satisfied with our appearances. When the concept of body positivity started gaining popularity 10 years ago, it challenged the unrealistic standards of feminine beauty. Women were encouraged to think positive, and embrace and love their bodies as they are. While it’s a great movement to motivate us to accept our bodies, flaws and all, it’s easier said than done for many of us. The focus is still on our appearances, and to forcibly accept what we don’t love can be a tall order. This is why at Her World, we want to talk about body neutrality while embracing body positivity. The former is about focusing on what your body can…

Born in the Bronx and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Folake Kuye Huntoon has always had a strong interest in fashion. “Since I was little, I knew that I wanted to do something in fashion, whether it was creating or styling. I’ve always enjoyed pairing unlikely pieces and colours,” says the 44-year-old. Folake started posting daily #ootds on her blog Style Pantry over a decade ago. Since then, she has amassed over 640,000 followers on Instagram and had several fashion partnerships, but there’s one thing she holds dearer to her heart than anything else: her namesake brand FKSP (Folake Kuye Style Pantry). Launched in 2017, FKSP is known for its sustainable philosophy to avoid wastefulness and minimise its carbon footprint, even if it means higher production costs. The brand produces all…

GREEN IS IN Black, blue, silver and white – these are the usual colours we’ve come to expect on dials. This year, though, green has proven to be a hit with watchmakers, with various shades of emerald, artichoke and forest seen on a large number of timepieces, perhaps in part due to our ever-growing ecoconsciousness,. One of the first brands to produce coloured dials in the 1930s, Jaeger-LeCoultre has released the Reverso Tribute Small Seconds with a lacquered deep green face, inspired by the pine forests native to the watchmaker’s home in the Vallee de Joux. The elegant timepiece also comes with matching straps crafted by Argentine leather maker Casa Fagliano. Patek Philippe has replaced its famous blue dial with a sunburst olive green in its Nautilus 5711/1A-014. This stainless…

1 GOOD SKIN MAKES MAKEUP A LOT EASIER “There’s a drastic difference between my makeup routine now versus a couple of years ago when I was dealing with really bad acne. I felt like I was limited to using full-coverage products. As my skin cleared, a whole new realm of products opened up for me. It really simplified my makeup routine.” 2 SETTING POWDER IS ESSENTIAL “Especially in Singapore’s heat and humidity! My favourites are Givenchy Prisme Libre (for dry skin) and Huda Beauty Easy Bake (for oily skin).” 3 DO YOUR SKINCARE IMMEDIATELY AFTER YOU TAKE YOUR MASK OFF “Thoroughly cleanse and moisturise your face whenever you take your mask off. And you should change your face masks every few hours, as repeatedly breathing under the same mask for…

Chanel Sublimage L’Essence Teint, $228 The brand’s iconic vanilla planifolia water and oil help enhance skin health, while giving a soft long-lasting glow. In six shades. Using it: Its serum-like texture gives a natural, second-skin finish. You can even skip makeup primer as your skin will still look flawless and fresh, even at the end of a long day. Burberry Beauty Ultimate Glow Foundation, $89 The serum foundation contains hyaluronic acid to protect skin and give it a youthful glow. In 10 shades. Using it: One pump covers the entire face. The finish is very dewy and can get a little too shiny by midday – a light dusting of translucent powder will keep the shine more radiant than greasy. Skip the glow-enhancing primer. Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin…

Biotech skincare allows for formulas that contain more concentrated actives, which results in products with greater efficacy. When nature meets high-tech science in a lab, biotechnology is created. Biotech skincare creates active ingredients in the lab using sophisticated bio-fermentation, combining microorganisms and lab-created microbes such as yeast and bacteria. Here’s why it matters: Biotech is good for the environment. The active ingredients are sustainably sourced as land and water don’t have to be set aside for growing plants. This type of technology allows active ingredients to work in harmony with the skin naturally. Why? Because the skin is a host to a community of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms, known as a microbiome. Microbes (the microorganisms that cause fermentation) interact with the microbiome to keep it in balance. Its main…

Here’s the honest truth: It can be hard to love your body – flaws and all – on some days. Contrary to the body positivity movement that is so rampant on social media, you are allowed to get frustrated at your FUPA (fat in the upper pubic area), your less-than-clear skin, your lack of curves, or whatever it is that makes you feel like you don’t fit into society’s ideal standard of beauty. So what then? Enter body neutrality, the antithesis to the body positivity movement. The term has been around since 2015, and was popularised by Anne Poirier, an intuitive eating coach, body confidence coach and eating disorder specialist. The concept is simple: Accept your body for what it is, and focus on what it can do. And as…

Escape to a Secret Farm in Siglap Pre-pandemic, my vacations were planned around spending some time in nature and disconnecting. It’s been 16 months since I last travelled, and my entire being is craving for an experience to break the monotony. Sure I could do forest bathing on the various nature trails here, but the crowds and scorching weather made me think twice. So when I first learnt about a secret rooftop farm that’s just a 10-minute drive from my house, I was intrigued. Could this experience provide the brief respite that I badly needed? Locating The Sundowner was an experience in itself – I felt like Alice, stumbling into Wonderland. The hidden oasis is accessible through an unmarked door (look for the bright yellow wall) in a back alley…

Here’s a fun fashion hypothesis: What would Phoebe Philo wear? Modern, worldly and always one step ahead, the iconic designer may have left industry years ago, yet her legacy lives on. The “oversized outfit in shades of neutral” trend can be traced back to Philo’s heyday, and it’s never waned since, becoming the epitome of smart dressing. And the women who embrace it usually belong to the uber fashionable crowd who are anti-trend. Sounds ironic? Let’s put it this way: As seasons come and go, investing in a good sand-coloured blazer with extended sleeves or a pair of floor-grazing roomy pants makes perfect sense, because they withstand the test of time. In short, they are always on trend. The key to nailing the look is understanding shades, fabrics and fit.…

Growing up in Taiwan, style adviser Amanda Lee’s highlight of the month was going to the 7-Eleven store to grab the latest copies of Vivi, Mina and Vogue, before rushing back to the school dorm to indulge in stories and fashion spreads. “Magazines, and now social media, are definitely a big way of shaping a girl’s beauty aesthetic. That’s why I celebrate people of all kinds, no matter their race, shape or sexuality. Being able to see yourself in and identify with characters in the media is so important,” she says. “Being the fat kid, I always felt different growing up. I was picked on and called names. Did it hurt? Of course. Did it stop me from feeling pretty? Absolutely not. I changed my focus to fashion, and that…

First launched in 1985, the graphic Pasha de Cartier was inspired by a round wristwatch from the brand’s archives dating back to 1943. With its powerful lines, grid, Arabic numerals, crown cover and clous carre, it was a tribute to the Pasha of Marrakesh, a lover of fine watchmaking and lifelong customer of Louis Cartier. Originally marketed as a man’s watch adored by women, the 35mm relaunched last year is a size that captures the androgynous and contemporary aesthetics of the design. “Relaunching the Pasha watch was an obvious choice for us. It’s a question of feeling and capturing the moment it embodies: the new notion of success defined by today’s generation, different to that of their predecessors. We have, of course, updated the movement and made a few minimal…

When it comes to your skincare routine, it makes sense to suss out your skin’s needs for that day and use the products that answer those needs. It makes sense to do the same for your shower routine too. Spa Esprit’s new Plantation Shower Cures ($39 each, from Spa Esprit outlets and Beautyemporium. shop) are a collection of nine essential-oil-based body washes that promise added “soul care”. Each features a specific blend of essential oils. Need an energy cleanse? Pick The Negativity Cleanse, with its blend of vetiver, geranium, lavender and rosemary to balance body and soul. Had a tiring, stressful day? Breakout From Burnout, with its uplifting bergamot, grapefruit and orange, may help re-energise and soothe frazzled nerves. Feeling weighed down? Clear your head with Remedy To Clarity’s peppermint,…

Whether or not you believe that a woman may ingest anywhere from 1.8-2.7kg of lipstick in her lifetime, the fact is we do end up eating some of it. And it’s why more beauty brands are now creating clean formulations, ones that don’t compromise on colour pay-off. There isn’t an industry standard as to what counts as “clean”, but it generally means an absence of controversial or suspected harmful ingredients, such as sulphates, parabens, phthalates, coal tar, heavy metals and acrylates. Do take note: a clean lipstick isn’t necessarily vegan (as in, no animal-derived ingredients like beeswax and carmine) or cruelty-free (not tested on animals and none harmed), although they sometimes overlap. Here are the best ones to try. Vegan 1. Axiology Lipstick in Bonafide, $42 Made almost entirely of…

Beauty supplements – those you consume for your skin, hair or nails – are more than just health supplements. Dr SK Tan, founder of IDS Clinic, an aesthetics clinic, says it may be better to call them skin supplements, as they “usually contain antioxidants or vitamins shown to benefit skin”. These include photo-protection, skin barrier repair and, sometimes, skin brightening. Co-founder of supplement brand Miriqa, Winthrop Wong, who is also a pharmacist and director of Wellchem Pharmaceuticals, says supplements can benefit your beauty routine. “The health of our skin and hair is a reflection of our diet, and inadequate intake of certain nutrients may affect our hair and skin.” Sounds good – but isn’t your daily serum or moisturiser enough? Wong says this “dual approach” gives your skin “optimal benefits”:…

Biossance The vegan skincare brand is one of the few companies in the world to use Brazilian cane sugar to make squalene, an exceptional skin hydrator, replacing the need to kill sharks for shark liver oil – Biossance says it saves over two million sharks a year. The cane sugar is bio-fermented and makes a perfect match with the skin to lock in hydration. It also uses its expertise to create biodegradable packaging, including glass containers and plant-derived plastics. Virtue Labs Founded by Dr Luke Burnett, a retired US Army colonel, the brand discovered a way to extract human keratin in its purest form, to help with wound healing and tissue regrowth – its Alpha Keratin 60ku is extracted from ethically sourced human hair. An accidental discovery was that it…

Only 43 out of 157 respondents reported being “quite happy” with their bodies HAPPY 43 UNHAPPY 114 WHAT THEY LIKED ABOUT THEIR BODIES: · It’s functional · It birthed children · Legs · Butt · Height WHAT THEY LIKED LEAST ABOUT THEIR BODIES: · Tummy · Signs of ageing · Hairy legs · Flabby thighs or arms 42.5% of respondents indicated that the body positivity movement makes them feel worse about themselves YES 42.5% NO 57.5% If you or someone you know is struggling with body image issues, please reach out to a mental health professional, or call the Institute of Mental Health’s 24-hour mental health helpline at 6389-2222.…

Fiction: STRESS CAN CAUSE A MISCARRIAGE There is no evidence that stress causes miscarriage per se, though stress is (of course) not good for general health. Fiction: AFTER 12 WEEKS, MISCARRIAGE DOESN’T HAPPEN While the rates of miscarriage are much lower after 12 weeks, there is still at least a 1 per cent chance of miscarriage from week 13 onwards. Fiction: ALL BLEEDING MEANS MISCARRIAGE Bleeding can happen during pregnancy for many reasons, and it doesn’t necessarily mean a miscarriage, though it is, of course, very scary. If there is any bleeding, it is worth seeing your doctor to ascertain the cause. Fact: IF A MISCARRIAGE HAPPENS ONCE, IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN The vast majority of women will go on to have a healthy pregnancy after a miscarriage, and 1…

I am happy with my body. It has taken me many years to be able to say that with full honesty. Growing up, I had some insecurities. I hated that I had no curves to speak of, and felt so terrible about my skinny ankles that I would insist on hiding them under the thickest socks. This was exacerbated by being in a girls’ school, where comparison was rife. Being at that awkward, prepubescent age, where everyone’s body develops at a different speed didn’t help – I was a very late developer! When I was spotted to model at 14, my insecurities were amplified exponentially. As a model, I was always told by my agency that I had to lose weight, and that I was neither tall nor thin enough for…

Traditionally, men seem to have more body confidence. This largely came from male-dominated media in the past, where women with “ideal body types” were seen as the norm. This has changed in recent years. Media has turned to showcasing eight packs on men. Male movie stars routinely get into incredible shape for roles that will showcase their buff physique. As a model who started out in the late ‘90s, I saw the “ideal male body type” shift. Back then, if you were in reasonable shape and lifted some weights, you could do body work. By the time I stopped modelling in the ‘10s, if your body wasn’t rippling with muscles and had visible veins in places you never even knew you had veins, then no one would be taking a…

First seen on the FW 2020 runway, Chanel’s gorgeous airpods cases are proof that the French maison has perfected the art of fusing function and fashion. At the brand’s Metiers d’Art show at the Chateau de Chenonceau in France last December, we couldn’t help but be drawn to the shiny resin versions emblazoned with a large strass CC signature logo in two colourways – white for Airpods Pro and black for AirPods. The best part about this latest version for Pre-Fall is the elegant combo of an XL pearl necklace and handwoven lambskin leather strips that add an ultra luxe factor instantly. With these fancy glass pearls around your neck, there’s really no excuse to misplace your Airpods anymore…

CLASSIC WHITE WITH A TWIST Never underestimate the power of this wardrobe staple, especially when it comes with interesting details like sequins and lace or an edgy cut. FANCY FROM THE WAIST UP A bold patterned shirt can anchor an entire outfit. There’s just one rule: Always pair it with tailored shorts or jeans to elevate the look. A word of warning though, it’s not for the faint of heart. KEEPING IT NEUTRAL You can’t go wrong with shirts in “safe” neutral shades, and a blue-beige colour combo works surprising well, no matter the shade of blue. Opt for details like thin stripes or double cuffs for a masculine edge that looks more polished.…

“Social media is a way to show different kinds of beauty. The ‘pretty’ ones don’t necessarily get more followers than the ‘real’ ones. It encourages people to just be themselves. I guess it is because most people are still afraid of putting themselves out there on social media, so they follow influencers who give hope that one day, they can do something similar.” 1 ASHLEY GRAHAM (@ashleygraham) She is definitely one of the OGs of body positivity. 2 JAMILLA (@jam_illaa) Great example of how to flaunt a curvy body, and dress chic and minimalist. 3 RIANNE MEIJER (@rianne.meijer) She’s beautiful, but she also shows her imperfect side in a funny way. 4 VIVIAN HOORN (@vivianhoorn) I just love how she shows her rolls effortlessly.…

It’s so easy to have a conversation with Sahur Saleim, even if you’re a stranger that she’s just met. The 23-year-old popped up on Zoom, clad in a loose Metallica T-shirt, bare-faced with her hair pulled back into two fishtail braids. Never mind that she had just recovered from a bout of food poisoning over the weekend – you wouldn’t be able to tell from her upbeat, high energy tone. The makeup maven sounds exactly like how she presents herself in her video tutorials that have endeared her to 303K followers and counting on Instagram (@sahursart): bubbly, animated and sincere. Since the beginning of her social media career, it is clear that Sahur stands for inclusivity. She doesn’t filter away her acne or the resulting post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and her beauty…

Foundations used to do one job – provide coverage for an even complexion. Today’s foundations, however, go beyond that. They pamper the skin, with a range of benefits, from hydration to brightening and anti-ageing. In fact, some brands claim that the more you use their foundation, the better your skin will be – because these makeup products work like skincare. That said, it doesn’t mean you should skip your skincare. Makeup artist Larry Yeo says foundation should still be considered as makeup, and proper skincare steps are still a must. They’re important as they prep the skin, giving you a smooth canvas so that foundation applies easily, enhancing its flawless finish. “Treatment products like serums address skin concerns, while moisturisers keep moisture in, prevent moisture loss and reduce skin dryness.…

Many of us now know that the skin microbiome needs to be in a state of harmony for healthy skin to occur – an imbalance leads to skin issues. French skincare brand Lancome has gone further and found that the eye contour has its own specific microbiome, which is more diverse than the cheek area. Dr Annie Black, Lancome’s international scientific director, says that eye-area microbiome is rich in diversity, but the number of bacterial species is relatively low. This causes it to be fragile, since it doesn’t take much to unsettle these minor species, which then leads to an imbalance. The constant rubbing of your mask against the lower eye area, the build-up of warm air from the mask, pollution and UV damage, ageing and genetics, as well as…

At Chanel, it’s Thomas du Pre de Saint Maur’s (above) job to craft visuals for the French maison. The man is responsible for some of the house’s most iconic imagery, placing screen sirens such as Marion Cotillard and Nicole Kidman with directors like Moulin Rouge’s Baz Luhrmann to create fantastical films for its fragrance campaigns. But for Factory 5, there is no muse. He’s chosen instead to buck tradition and go for a purely product-driven campaign. “This time the muse is the product itself. We live in a world that is so saturated by images, I didn’t want to come up with a new campaign, a new face so soon.” Over a video call, Du Pre de Saint Maur gestures to the campaign behind him – blown-up posters resembling Warholian…

“My injuries taught me resilience and patience.” You probably know that the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo has been postponed to this month due to the Covid-19 outbreak. One elite athlete representing Singapore this time is Tan Sze En, the second Singapore gymnast ever to qualify for the prestigious sporting event (the first was Lim Heem Wei in 2012). The 20-year-old secured the last individual spot at the upcoming meet after an impressive performance at the 2019 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany. Here’s what you should know about her. MAKINGS OF A CHAMPION While Sze En has been training since she was six, she didn’t set her sights on being at the top until she was already there. “My mum signed me up for classes. There wasn’t really…

Monica Saranya Selva De Roy, 27, lives with vitiligo “I realised that I was a much bigger critic than anyone else in my adult life.” “I was ‘blessed’ with vitiligo when I was around the age of 12. It first started around my eyes, and then some spots started appearing around my hips. Before long, it spread like wildfire. When it was diagnosed, I felt like it was the end of the world for me. I didn’t know of a single other person in school, at home, or in my neighbourhood who had it. There also wasn’t anyone like me on TV. It felt like a disease that needed to be covered up and never spoken about. My insecurities were endless. I’d often stand in front of the mirror and…

“I was 100 per cent sure I had felt Judah move the night before the check-up, but after the ob-gyn ran the sonogram across my stomach, he told me that he couldn’t detect a heartbeat. I knew Judah had slowed down, but while he was small and I had suffered from pre-eclampsia, he seemed to be holding on. I don’t know if my husband didn’t understand what was going on at first, or maybe he was in denial, but he kept asking the ob-gyn to change the machine settings or to try a different angle or spot. I had to tell him straight, ‘What he means is that there is no heartbeat to be found.’ After this, my husband seemed to go into shock, and I did all the talking…

I want to take a short sabbatical from work due to burnout. I will have to rely on my husband financially for a bit – any advice on how to avoid a build-up of resentment? If you need, I can boost your ego like I actually mean it. Maybe make sure that your sabbatical doesn’t last a decade. That might cause some resentment. But jokes aside, a sabbatical is a great idea. Most people could benefit from taking a prolonged break from work – it’s good to get away from things and refresh. Sometimes, that leads to more innovation at work or a clearer understanding of what you want, which might lead to a career pivot. Whatever the case, if you’re in a somewhat stable position financially, there’s no reason…