Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2024 i Her World Singapore

As you might have already guessed, our theme for the month is “Love Letters”. To be honest, I wasn’t quite sure how to go about writing this ed’s note, because where do you even start when talking about one of the most exhilarating yet complicated emotions in the world? Instead of waxing lyrical about romance, I’m choosing to break it down into three somewhat practical things that have been on my mind lately. 1. LOVE MY TRIBE Time is precious, and what better way to honour our loved ones than to spend time with them? I’m choosing to be intentional with what I say yes to, so that I can be more mindful about catching up with family and friends. 2. LOVE THE EARTH I’m no tree hugger, but the…

This is a love story. Though not in the conventional sense. This is a tale of self-love and self-discovery, one that’s unfolded over Rebecca Lim’s pregnancy journey. “Pregnancy has taught me a lot of things,” says the 37-year-old actor. Our conversation takes place when she’s in her last stretch of pregnancy, at 38 weeks. Throughout her pregnancy term, Rebecca has engaged in events, and done a couple of shoots for media features. Yet, it has been some time since she has had the opportunity to be in front of the camera for such an extended period, especially considering she hasn’t filmed a new show since the start of her pregnancy. During the cover shoot, there’s a subtle wistfulness in her expression as she reviews the shots – it seems that…

1. Striped maxi dress, price unavailable, Marimekko When Rebekka Bay joined Marimekko as creative director in 2023, one of the first things she did was to identify the brand’s key silhouettes and work around it. “[The brand] has always been about the art of printmaking, and we are famous for our patterns, but never really famous for silhouettes,” she explains. Her task at hand was figuring out how to create collections that are print-heavy but wearable. The solution? Working with prints that are more toned down, and a base with a more muted colour palette. “That way, the collection feels calmer, and you can pair the more vivid Marimekko prints with basic and neutral separates, so it feels more subdued and sophisticated,” she says. 2. Headphones in smooth calfskin with…

For decades, the fashion and beauty industries have tapped on ageist sentiments against women as a marketing tool – and this happens even today. Perhaps that is why stereotypical comments like “You shouldn’t be wearing this after [insert age here]”or headlines such as “Fashion Mistakes That Make You Look Older” are still prevalent. And don’t even get me started on the insensitive “You look great... for your age” remark. What is that supposed to make someone feel? Should they be grateful for being acknowledged for their discerning taste at 47? Is being “older” a scarlet letter to be hidden away in shame? We sell anti-ageing creams as if they were the answer to eternal youth. We fawn over celebrities beyond 50 who have nary a shadow of a wrinkle around…

It’s Wednesday morning, and you find yourself in your fifth meeting of the day. You’ve already navigated Tim’s continuous interruptions, John’s repeated attempts to “mansplain” your project, and the unexpected responsibility of organising Vera’s birthday celebration, despite it being outside your job description – all before 11 am. As you dread going through the rest of your day, you can’t help but wish for a comforting hug. Just imagine if your partner were there beside you in the office at that very moment. I can’t. Working in tech, I often find myself surrounded by less remarkable versions of Mark Zuckerberg that are likely to inspire one to swipe left – and into the black hole of profile rejects. I often ponder whether workplace romances are the forbidden fruit of my…

“Our goal is to create a platform where people can enjoy and learn about coffee without the intimidation factor.” KOPISTAN When the craft coffee scene blew up in Singapore over a decade ago, bean aficionados flocked to speciality coffee roasters Chye Seng Huat Hardware, Common Man Coffee Roasters and Toby’s Estate for their fix. Today, these pioneering players have been joined by a slew of local businesses. One of them is Kopistan, a small-batch, home-based coffee roaster. Friends and business partners Muhammad Afiq, 36, and Siti Nazhifah, 33, who are regular volunteers with Islamic non-profit Sout Ilaahi, launched Kopistan last year after noticing that attendees were ordering their own coffee from nearby cafes during events by the organisation. The pair wanted to share their love of the brew, which marked…

While it is often said that beauty is skin deep, a good beauty product does so much more than just perfecting our skin and hair. After cycling through numerous shampoos, hydrators and cleansers throughout our lives, finding “the one” can not only elevate your beauty routine, but also your confidence. To celebrate the month of love, we asked beauty insiders and a Her World Tribe member to pen heartfelt letters addressed to their most cherished makeup, skincare, and haircare products. Read on to uncover the formulas that left their skin glowing, their hair lively, and their hearts aflutter. “The phrase ‘your hair is your crown’ couldn’t have been more accurate for me. I was born with a head full of curls. Even the nurses quipped to my mum, ‘Watch out,…

Matte lips, step aside – the latest beauty wave is all about glossy, luscious pouts. The Spring/ Summer 2024 runways have spoken, announcing the triumphant return of high-shine lips that are injecting a refreshing touch of youthfulness into our makeup routines. THE ESSENTIAL PREP Before trying any glossy lip look, prepping your lips is crucial. “Ensuring that your lips are smooth without any peeling or dead skin is key. Prior to applying lip colour or gloss, prep with a lip scrub,” advises makeup artist Kat Zhang, who recommends Fresh Sugar Lip Polish. Don’t forget to slick on some nourishing Rouge Dior Balm too, for some softening, hydrating and smoothing action. NUDE GLAZE The MLBB (my lips but better) phenomenon takes a shine-infused twist during the S/S ’24 fashion showcases, most…

In the United States, there have been reports of a “tween takeover” at Sephora, with young girls swarming the stores for products from brands like Drunk Elephant, Sol de Janeiro, Glow Recipe and Summer Fridays. Search Tiktok, and you’ll find videos of the brand’s employees, fellow shoppers and commentators talking about this craze. It’s no surprise when you consider the ubiquity of young celebrities and social media influencers promoting age-reversing products and “tweakments” (non-surgical cosmetic treatments). Last year, 14-year-old American Carson Bradley received attention for posting her involved skincare routine on Tiktok, which included applying retinol, taking apple cider vinegar pills, and putting on a face mask for 10 minutes daily. “Here are some things I do to slow down the ageing process,” she narrates in her video, also revealing…

Sweden may be known for iconic mid-century furniture, but its independent perfumeries are equally worthy of attention. Stora Skuggan, a Stockholm-based perfume studio, is a niche producer founded by five multidisciplinary creatives in 2015. Encased in glass bottles topped with oversized orbs, each handmade perfume features an unusual scent that is inspired by art, history and mythology. Our favourite: Azalai, named after a caravan route in the Tenere region of the Sahara desert – a warm, sensual blanket of blood orange, saffron, gum acacia, and amber incense. $182, available on storaskuggan.com…

A study by Future Forum (a consortium by Slack, Boston Consulting Group, Millerknoll, and Management Leadership for Tomorrow) in 2023 found that since 2020, burnout has been on the rise. While it affects all ages and genders, a majority of respondents indicating burnout are Gen Zs and Millennials. The study also revealed that women reported higher levels of exhaustion than their male counterparts. Suffice to say, we’re all tired. As 2024 unfolds, we find ourselves needing to redefine self-love. It’s not just about nurturing our relationships with others, but also about fostering a deeper connection with ourselves. This is where the “Niksen” lifestyle comes into play, a concept borrowed from the Dutch. Niksen advocates the art of doing absolutely nothing – not even the bare minimum – and it’s been…

The one thing most of us have in common is our desire to love and be loved – but it is easier said than done. Since time immemorial, our quest for love remains eternal, messy, and full of fantasies, heartbreaks, grand gestures, unrequited crushes, existential queries, and the question: “Is it me or you?” “Meet cute” seems to be a thing of the past. Dating apps have made it easier to meet potential dates from all corners of the world. And yet, it seems like finding the ideal match is more elusive than ever. The dopamine hit with every match and message can be addictive, while the disappointment of being ghosted after a first date makes one feel jaded, and less receptive to new, potential connections. As we sit behind…

THE LOW-DOWN You may recognise the name (and face) of Elin Kling as one of the pioneers in fashion blogging, alongside Chiara Ferragni, Susie Bubble, Rumi Neely, and Aimee Song. Renowned for her understated Scandinavian style, Elin made a significant mark in the blogging world when she unveiled her personal fashion blog in 2007. Within just two days of its launch, she became Sweden’s most-followed fashion blogger. Subsequently, in 2011, she extended her influence by launching her own editorial fashion magazine Styleby in Sweden. In 2014, Elin transitioned from blogging and magazine editing to designing womenswear. She and her husband Karl Lindman launched Toteme in New York City in 2014, later relocating it to their native Sweden in 2017. Since then, Toteme has experienced remarkable growth, boasting 13 standalone stores…

Start with foundational shades To ensure a well-balanced closet, prioritising colours that effortlessly complement each other is key. The most versatile options typically come from neutral and base colours, such as black, navy blue, grey, and tan. A smart approach involves acquiring layers in this range of foundational hues, such as a grey T-shirt, a white shirt, a navy jacket, and black trousers. Aim for at least three pieces within each base colour across various categories (tops, button-ups, outerwear, dresses) to mix and match your outfits seamlessly. Add a contrasting colour Once you’re comfortable with coordinating outfits in neutral, foundational colours, it’s time to incorporate some personal favourites. Whether it’s red, blue, pink, yellow, green, purple, or orange, choose one of these hues as the primary focus of your outfit,…

Did you know that women outperform men when it comes to investment returns? According to a 10-year study by international financial consultant firm Fidelity, they make 0.4% more on average than their male counterparts. Still, some women are hesitant to take that first step: They believe that they lack the financial knowledge to dip their toes in the water. When Her Worldconducted the What Women Want Financial Literacy survey in 2023, the results showed that more than 50% of respondents stated that their financial knowledge was poor to average. But as the adage goes, Rome was not built in a day. Taking baby steps can sometimes be all the push we need to help us build our financial knowledge and confidence. We turn to three financial experts and three savvy…

Maya’s* nightmare began three years ago, during a routine play session with her three-year-old daughter, Lily*. Maya was planning a weekend outing with the family, and had asked her little girl if she preferred the zoo or the aquarium. Lily chose neither, asking for ice cream instead. When Maya refused her request, Lily threw a tantrum and cried, saying that Papa and Ms June*, her preschool teacher, always bought her ice cream. While Maya was thrown off by this revelation, that her husband and Ms June seemed to be in regular contact without her knowledge, she shrugged it off, choosing to console her child instead. About two weeks later, Lily came home from school with an ice cream stain on her uniform. When asked about it, her husband, John* said…

1. Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion, $100 The cult-favourite semi-matte cushion foundation gets a skin-friendly update thanks to the addition of the K-beauty brand’s patented Jaum Activator, a revitalising ingredient found in its First Care Activating Serum. Comes in five shades. 2. Guerlain Orchidee Imperiale Gold Nobile The Cream, $1,150 Formulated in partnership with Palacky University in Czech Republic, this unique concoction is said to enhance skin’s luminosity by reflecting light at a quantum level. On top of that, the formula also harnesses the glow-giving powers of the Himalayan Gold Nobile orchid, a flower that has been prized for its skin-illuminating properties. 3. Fasio Ultra Waterproof Mascara, $18 If you’re looking for an affordably priced mascara that defines and thickens the lashes sans clumping or smudging, look no further than this J-beauty…

Do you ever find yourself looking at someone’s face and wondering about the stories it holds? “Different parts of our face symbolise different aspects of a person’s luck or fortune,” says Master Alex Low, founder of The Meta Services, and a Chinese Metaphysics consultant with over 14 years of experience. According to him, changes in facial appearance over time, such as ageing, can indeed alter face reading interpretations. “To enhance lucky facial attributes, consider caring for your skin with regular facials, suitable skincare products, and exercises to boost radiance.” Master Alex emphasises that while appropriate makeup and grooming can boost confidence, altering your appearance through plastic surgery or makeup doesn’t fundamentally transform your destiny. He notes that it merely influences how others respond or react to you and, in turn,…

Recently, a news article about Singapore marathoner Soh Rui Yong sparked a mini revelation. “Singapore’s top marathoner launches academy” announced the headline. The report detailed his plans to offer remote marathon coaching services to working professionals. What really struck me, however, was his statement: “Once you’re an adult, the schedule is very different. Your time is no longer yours; your time belongs to your boss, wife, kids – you may have only one hour of free time a day to exercise. “But the beauty of running is that’s all you need.” Just to be clear, there are two things in life I absolutely detest: long-distance running and Ed Sheeran. Soh’s running school didn’t pique my interest, but his astute observation about time being a shared resource did. It’s a rather…

When it comes to the ingenious repurposing of fabrics, Japanese fashion designer Chitose Abe is in a league of her own. Abe is the brains behind Sacai, and has successfully made a name for herself with her brilliant, deconstructed clothing – think classic pieces primarily inspired by menswear, with a touch of quirkiness. For the Resort season, one of the key pieces was a classic denim jacket intertwined with pinstriped menswear fabric. Abe has always thrived on “taking something familiar and making it into something unfamiliar”, which is why she starts her design process by deconstructing a garment. At a glance, the pinstriped portion, which resembles the underlining of the jacket, looks like it’s crossed over to the front, particularly with the detail of the “overturned” pinstriped pockets. Abe shares…

TAILORED AND TRENDY Ferragamo’s Resort collection is a masterclass in tailoring elegance – in particular, creative director Maximilian Davis’ take on the shorts suit, made up of a cropped cocoon-shaped hoodie and tailored shorts. ECLECTIC FERVOUR Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing always welcomes a hint of drama. In this case, with a fusion of leather allure and an abundance of exquisite accessories. A TOUCH OF SOPHISTICATION Trust Victoria Beckham, the purveyor of all things chic and classy, to show us how a truly stylish woman would style a pair of shorts: with thigh-high socks, sky-high heels and a semi-fitted pullover.…

CONSIDER HERITAGE Many of today’s buyers, especially in Asia, prefer to understand the DNA of a jewellery maison before investing in a piece. They want to uncover the history and see the inspiration behind the brand. Even entry level pieces without diamonds are part of the history of the maison. For example, the Alhambra was created in 1968 and has a very interesting story to it. [Ed’s note: Jacques Arpels, a nephew of the founders of Van Cleef & Arpels, would often pick four-leaf clovers in his backyard and give them to his employees as good luck charms.] We also have pieces inspired by ballet, as dance is something close to the maison’s heart. When someone buys them, they buy it for the mystery or the aura of the maison.…

JENNIFERAgeEarly 30sOccupationAssociate manager Industry/Education levelPublic Relations/Master’s Degree Monthly salary $6,000-$7,000 MONTHLY EXPENSESRent/Utilities & Internet$1,000 Insurance$4,300 a year for life, critical illness and hospitalisation plans Investments$200 in ETFs through robo-advisor Stashaway Phone BillN.A. (it’s covered by her company) Subscriptions$450 for The New York Times, Spotify, Netflix, Adobe, and gym memberships. She shares Disney+ and Amazon Prime services with friends Transport, Food & Groceries $650-$800 EntertainmentAnywhere from $0 to $50 SavingsAbout $3,000 per month I remember learning in school how it was important to save money. My parents would say the same, but the need for it only sank in when I started thinking about buying my first property a few years ago. On the cusp of turning 30, I started thinking about the mainstream milestones that I had yet to achieve.…

Are you anxious, avoidant, fearful or secure? We ask a psychologist to explain what the different attachment styles mean, and how yours might impact your relationships. (Hint: It starts with your childhood.) Have you ever noticed repeating patterns in your love life? Perhaps you always seem to be more involved than your partner. Or maybe you have always desired to be in a relationship, but once things get emotionally intimate, you immediately back off. Your reaction could be due to your attachment style. Attachment theory was first developed by psychologist Mary Ainsworth and psychiatrist John Bowlby in the 1950s, who found that a person’s relationship with their primary caregivers during childhood plays a major overarching influence on their intimate relationships as adults. “The expectations formed during infancy and childhood tend…

I think I might be the red flag in my romantic relationships. I relate with some of the signs that I read about, and I think I exhibit those patterns. Is this normal? How can I address these issues? First of all, we all exhibit certain red flags to varying degrees; no one is perfect. Our behaviours, thoughts, beliefs, and how we relate in a relationship are shaped by our childhood experiences, traumas, and whether we were raised in love or survival. We are complex beings. It’s not something to be ashamed of, but rather an opportunity for growth, healing, and improvement in ourselves and our relationship. The journey towards change starts with awareness and acceptance, leading up to the accountability for one’s part in the relational space. Exploring the…

Blush is a staple in our makeup routines. It’s a quick fix for a radiant glow, especially if you’re pressed for time. Even so, you can take your blush game a step further by layering different formulas. Makeup artist Lasalle Lee says this makeup technique is becoming popular because more people are aware that blush layering adds depth and dimension to their cheeks. Blush layering not only makes your makeup last longer, but also helps to further contour and define your features. It allows you to create new colours to match your skin tone, the occasion or specific look you’re going for. “Blush layering is suitable for any occasion or face shape,” Lasalle shares. “As there are different blush layering techniques and face shapes, it’s important to know where to…

SKIN’S RELATIONSHIP WITH SKINCARE In short, your skin does not build an immunity to skincare products over time. Initially, the results of using new skincare products may be more obvious, but as time progresses, these effects become harder to notice. This is not because the product has lost its effectiveness, but because the degree of improvement of your skin has plateaued. There are exceptions, however, such as with prescription retinoids that may cause redness and dryness when you first use them, due to the production of inflammatory cells in the skin brought about by the renewal of skin cells. With time, the skin barrier is repaired and skin thickness is restored, therefore you experience less of such symptoms. FACTORS INFLUENCING PRODUCT EFFICACY One crucial factor is understanding how to store…