Innholdsfortegnelse for April 2018 i Singapore Women's Weekly

Love is patient, love is kind... love can also be painful and love is definitely hard. How easily do we find ourselves falling into complacency after marriage, and when children enter the equation, it gets even harder to keep the spark alive. Making a marriage work takes effort, communication and compromise. But do men feel the same way? In our Love issue, we decided to grill five guys on the topics of love and marriage. They could have easily given us PR answers, but I’m glad that DJ Glenn Ong, actor-hosts Allan Wu and Paul Foster, restaurateur Howard Lo and Bynd Artisan’s James Quan opened up and shared their honest thoughts and opinions. Their interviews in “Men, Men, Men”, on Pg 90, are a must-read. A key component for keeping…

Barbara Koh Editor-In-Chief If you could be any royal baby, who would it be and why? “I would be the Dragon Prince. Young, charming and super-cute, Prince Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan has huge heart-stealing talents. He is the heir to the fairytale picturesque kingdom, and won’t have to share it with anyone (for now)!” Aaron Kok Fashion Stylist/Writer If you could be any royal baby, who would it be and why? “If I had a choice, I’d want to be baby Marie Antoinette. I love cake, shoes and spending a nation’s worth of money on new clothes and landscaping my gardens. Sure, the ending’s a headache but, hey, at least I get a biopic from Sofia Coppola.” Xu Mei Yan Designer If you could be any royal baby, who…

YOU KNOW YOUR PARTNER IS THE ONE WHEN… “Your friends and family are all in favour of your relationship. Sometimes, you feel like your relationship is right, but your loved ones have doubts and are all telling you it’s wrong. In my case, my family knew Deon was the one for me even before I did – when my dad first met him, he predicted that we would get married, and he was right!” THE KEY TO A HAPPY UNION IS… “To have tolerance for each other. People underestimate the power of tolerance. So many times, I may get annoyed with my husband, but if I just hold my tongue, the issue will blow over. So you need to pick your battles and learn when to hold back.” THE MOST…

WHEN DID IT LAUNCH? Amazon launched its Prime membership programme for Singapore in December 2017, ending a four-year period of blanket free shipping to the Republic under the Free AmazonGlobal Saver Shipping option. A mixture of confusion and frustration has greeted the new offering from the online giant, which first started delivering locally in July 2017 with its Prime Now service. PRIME AND PRIME NOW: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? Prime Now is the company’s ultra-fast two-hour shipping service. It used to be available to anyone here who signed up, but now you have to be a Prime member to enjoy the fast delivery. Amazon is encouraging people to sign up for its paid membership, which at press time is going for an introductory rate of $2.99. This Prime subscription also gives…

Tapping on the unique properties of sakura petal and sakura sake extract, the shu uemura POREfinist² Sakura Refreshing Cleansing Oil, $50 (150 ml), melts away makeup and impurities from your pores, all while protecting skin from free radical damage. The FANCL Mild Cleansing Oil, $30 (120 ml), is a cleansing oil that moves with the times. Formulated to complement the improvements in makeup technology, this oil cleanser removes waterproof makeup with ease, and is gentle enough for use with eyelash extensions. It may look and feel like oil, but the ORBIS Cleansing Liquid Moomin edition, $48 (380 ml), is actually oil-free! Use on dry skin to dissolve makeup, then emulsify with water to wick away impurities without making skin feel dehydrated.…

Environmentalists and scientists have often rallied for people to view our impact on the environment as something that affects everyone personally, instead of a distant threat. The beauty industry, in particular, is a large polluter, and it’s hard to ignore the waste and carbon footprint generated in producing skincare products. How then can we care for the environment, without having to give up our favourite creams and serums? CONSIDER YOUR USAGE Being environmentally conscious doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself of the newest or latest creams, but being mindful of your purchases helps. Aside from applying it to meditation or yoga, practising mindfulness when it comes to shopping for skincare and makeup helps you take notice of the amount you’re buying, how much you’re using and whether you’re generating…

COLOUR PARTY Get style inspo from these deftly-mixed colour palettes TREND ALERT UN-MATCHED EARRINGS…

THE SUMMER SUIT Refresh your suit rack with the new summer suiting, which comes in lighter fabrics without compromising on body-perfecting tailoring. Cut wider on the shoulder and nipped in at the waist, this season’s power blazer gets a sugary overdo with pretty pastels. Straight-cut trousers create the illusion of smaller hips. An elongated necklace draws attention to and flatters your décolletage. THE LACE-UP SHOE Ankles are an erogenous zone, and nothing says “look at me” quite like the delicate lacing of ribbons around your ankles. Break away from your usual pumps and go for these chic options instead THE SILKY SHIRT There’s something sensuous about the feeling of silky fabric on skin. Bring that alluring feeling with you everywhere with these lustrous blouses THE SHOULDER-GRAZING EARRINGS Draw the attention…

For the Apple-Shaped Figure If you’re top-heavy with a full bust and narrower hips, go for full-cup bras and high-waisted bottoms that provide extra coverage to flatter your figure. EVERYDAY COMFORT Feel good all day, every day with these ultra-comfortable lingerie sets High-waisted briefs give the illusion of a more defined waistline. SEXY AFTER DARK Turn the heat up with these gorgeously sensual pieces A cami set is a comfy alternative without skimping on the sexy. SUPER-CINCHING SHAPERS These shapewear pieces will give you plenty of curves: No fuss and no sweat! For the Busty Figure Take your pick from these sturdy supporters for a wider bust that don’t skimp on the details. Think feminine floral lace, and embroidered accents. PLAYFULLY PRETTY Keep it chic and simple with delicate lace…

Gabrielle Lee* is a mother of two and has been married for 10 years. She admits that with having to juggle work and the children, she’s left with little time and energy to feel sexy. She reveals, “I have to admit it – sex, when it does happen, feels routine. It’s not that I don’t enjoy it, it’s just that it’s become predictable. We used to have great sex – there was a time when we would be so spontaneous and my husband would take me wherever and whenever desire struck, on the couch, table...” So, we armed Gabrielle with some web videos and podcasts from sex experts, and also got her to meet sex therapists to help her find her sexual confidence. Here are her lessons: LESSON #1: REDISCOVER…

FUSILLI WITH BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE PREP & COOK 20 mins | SERVES 2 - 3 300 g Alce Nero Organic Fusilli 4 tbsps Alce Nero Organic Balsamic Vinegar 3 tbsps Alce Nero Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 tbsp Alce Nero Organic Acacia Honey 100 g deshelled cooked prawns 1 tbsp white onions Garden salad, finely chopped Salt and pepper, to taste 1. Boil pasta in a pot of salted water for about 10 mins. 2. Drain pasta and drizzle oil to prevent it from sticking. Chill in the fridge. 3. Place onions, cooked prawns, honey, olive oil and balsamic vinegar in a large mixing bowl and stir evenly. 4. Remove pasta from fridge and mix it together with the salad leaves. 5. Pour mixture over the pasta and salad leaves…

1. An upholstered bedhead is a must-have. Light grey offers a cool contrast to warm tones, and helps balance out the room while picking up on touches of grey in the artwork. 2. Start with four regular pillows, with two on each side of the bed, resting against the bedhead. Put the plumpest one at the front. 3. Add decorative cushions. Layer them in a pyramid so there are more at the back, arrange the smallest cushions so they sit at the front. 4. Pull your quilt off the end of the bed. Lay a folded comforter and throw two-thirds up the bed. Fold down the top of the quilt about 20-cm, to rest on top of the layers. This layering gives the bed extra volume, so it looks cosier.…

A A’KIN available at Watsons and Guardian ALDO #B2-20 ION Orchard Tel: 6509 1198 ALICE + OLIVIA #03-17 ION Orchard Tel: 6238 7911 ASTALIFT #03-30 Wisma Atria, #01-30 JEM AVEDA #B2-33 Capitol Piazza, 11 Stamford Road Tel: 6384 1510 AVÈNE available at all personal care stores B BERSHKA #B3-06/07 ION Orchard Tel: 6509 8708 BIBLIOTEK available at bibliotek.co BIMBA Y LOLA #B1-04 ION Orchard Tel: 6509 3305 BIOTHERM available at Sephora BORN IN COLOUR available at bornincolour.com.sg C CH CAROLINA HERRERA $L1-19/20 The Shoppes At Marina Bay Sands Tel: 6688 7503 CHANEL BHG Bugis, Isetan (Katong, Scotts, Serangoon and Tampines), Metro Paragon, #B1-134 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Robinsons (The Centrepoint and Raffles City Shopping Centre), Takashimaya D.S., Tel: 6735 1339, Tangs (Orchard and VivoCity) CHARLES & KEITH #B2-12/14…

› GILLIAN CHUNG AND MICHAEL LAI They may have just gotten engaged in January, but we wouldn’t put it past this photogenic couple to get hitched sooner rather than later, especially if babies are on the agenda. › JOE JONAS AND SOPHIE TURNER The musician and Game of Thrones actress had their engagement party last October, so we’re expecting to see them tie the knot before the year ends. › GWYNETH PALTROW AND BRAD FALCHUK Details are still being worked out and they’ve yet to set a date, but Gwyneth knows she wants a classy wedding this spring by the ocean in front of Hollywood’s biggest stars. › PRINCE HARRY AND MEGHAN MARKLE We, along with the rest of the world, can’t wait to see this pair exchange their “I…

Actress-model Sheila Sim gets dotty for our cover shoot. Here’s how you can recreate her look... WIN! THE COVER LOOK Get Sheila Sim’s dewy, radiant look with makeup from Laura Mercier. We are giving away five Laura Mercier hampers, worth $311 each, consisting of the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder, Foundation Primer, Flawless Fusion Ultra Longwear Foundation, Velour Lover Lip Color in Mon Cheri, and Caviar Stick Eye Color in Rosegold. TO TAKE PART, VISIT www.womensweekly.com.sg Alternatively, scan this QR Code to participate in this promotion. Promotion valid from March 16 to April 15, 2018. Enter code: LM#0418 to increase your chances to win. Winners will be notified via email by end of May 2018. Promotion is open to all residents of Singapore, other than employees and…

LEONARDO DICAPRIO MESSENGER OF PEACE, UNITED NATIONS Famous for championing the environment, Leo is the poster boy for saving the earth. He’s made two documentaries on climate change, The 11th Hour and Before The Flood, and established the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation in 1998 to protect the Earth’s wildlife. Leo is on the board of the World Wildlife Fund, The Natural Resources Defense Council and Global Green USA, and he’s been vocal about urging US President Donald Trump to acknowledge the dangers of climate change. Leo says, “Climate change is real, it is happening right now, it is the most urgent threat facing our entire species, and we need to work collectively together and stop procrastinating.” Last year, the Oscar winner pledged $26 m (US$20 m) towards battling climate change. JESSICA…

1 SCRUB-A-DUB-DUB The accumulation of dead skin cells on the surface of your skin can make it appear dull or prevent skincare products from penetrating well. Using a gentle scrub once or twice a week can help skin appear brighter and smoother. AM Use cleansers that are gentler in the morning as you don’t want to risk having redness and sensitivity that come from using scrubs and harsh cleansers. PM Cleansing your skin in the evening calls for something more thorough. Makeup removers are recommended to dissolve hard-to-remove mascaras and sunscreens. Then, use a regular facial cleanser to remove residual impurities on your face. Did You Know… Clay masks serve a dual function of drawing out impurities from the pores and ridding skin of excess sebum. Before rinsing your mask…

CLAIR® SKIN SOLUTIONS ROYAL AGE DEFYING SERUM Good skin starts with good defence. With a deeply regenerative serum like the Clair® SKIN SOLUTIONS Royal Age Defying serum (Best of Beauty Buys 2018 – Best Anti-Ageing Serum), get pro-active in warding off those wrinkles. Its innovative patented formulation rehydrates and repairs ageing skin in 14 days. This luxurious infusion is also packed with powerful anti-ageing elements to tackle visible signs of ageing. Argireline is made up of peptides that are similar to Botox peptides, and smoothens out fine lines and wrinkles, patented oats® extract provides optimal and immediate lifting effect, while patented hydrolysed soy fibre® boosts and firms up the derma mattress. Bask in a smooth and radiant complexion you can be proud of! PROTECT YOUR SKIN WITH THESE ESSENTIAL SKIN…

GERANIUM SKIN & HAIR BOUTIQUE MULTIVITAMIN TREATMENT Our complexion takes a beating whenever it is exposed to harsh environmental elements. Due to pollution, free radicals and harmful UV rays, not only do our pores become clogged, but our skin texture becomes dry and damaged too. Geranium Skin & Hair Boutique’s signature Multivitamin Treatment is designed to hydrate parched skin while strengthening skin barriers against external aggressors. Enriched with vitamins A, B, C, D and E, this pampering facial promotes cell regeneration and enhances skin elasticity. For freshness and efficacy, the vitamin C comes in a powder form. With Geranium Skin & Hair Boutique’s trusted facials, revitalise your skin today and unveil a brightened complexion every day! TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOUR FACE WITH THESE EXPERT FACIAL TECHNIQUES Geranium Skin &…

Achieve glowing, gorgeous skin, free from the effects of pollution and fatigue, with the Allies of Skin 1A All-Day Mask. You can wear this leave-on treatment mask daily under your sunblock and makeup, as it forms a breathable anti-pollution layer to shield skin from harmful particles. It also repairs your skin with over 35 active ingredients, including the CXA-6 Panacea Complex, antioxidants like acai fruit oil and blue green algae, and moringa seed extract. With 12 soothing, healing ingredients like honey, aloe, ceramides and phospholipids, the Allies of Skin 1A All-Day Mask also calms irritated, itchy and eczema-prone skin. We have 37 masks to give away. HOW TO WIN 1. Visit www.womensweekly.com.sg 2. Click on the “WIN+ EVENTS” tab. 3. Select the contest you wish to take part in and…

THE CRAFTSMANSHIP Even though the brand was only founded in 2015, specialising in ballerina-style flats, Pretty Ballerinas has been in the business of making shoes since 1918. Every pair of shoes is made on the Mediterranean island of Menorca by village craftsmen, and this practice has gone unchanged for decades. THE DETAILS The beauty of a Pretty Ballerinas design stretches beyond the surface; it’s in the details as well. Making use of Mokuba, also known as the best grosgrain ribbon in the world, every trim and bow is handcrafted by skilled artisans for a perfect finish. Pretty Ballerinas also uses Swarovski crystals for that added touch of glamour. THE MATERIAL The brand focuses on using premium materials in their construction of shoes. Lambskin is employed for its soft, breathable characteristics.…

Eager to shed those extra kilos, but don’t fancy yourself a gym junkie? Perhaps it’s time to look at ways you can include physical activity in your day without needing to head to the gym. Daily activities like carrying your own shopping bags, or doing calorie-burning housework and chores like vacuuming and car-washing, can help you burn those calories too – here’s how to get started.…

Just over a year ago, Cheryl Miles was happily single. She had just bought her own place, and had a fulfilling career as a presenter and producer at ONE FM. “I had many close friends who loved me, but they were concerned that I had been single for four years, and encouraged me to put myself out there again,” the 42-year-old says. At her friends’ persuasion, Cheryl downloaded a dating app, but was disappointed by the lack of serious suitors there initially. “I was getting disillusioned about dating as everyone i met on those dating apps were only interested in hook-ups. I wondered if I was the only one who still clung to such old-fashioned values like wanting to be courted by someone who would take his time to get…

Easter isn’t complete without the spiced sweet buns filled with currants and marked with an icing or dough cross on top. According to a 12th Century story, an Anglican monk baked the buns and marked them to honour Good Friday. We love eating the pillowy buns topped with a generous lashing of butter, but what do you do with the leftovers? Luscious Leftovers It’s inevitable come Easter Monday: Hot cross buns lying on your counter top. Here’s how to resurrect them FRENCH TOAST HOT CROSS BUNS Prep 5 mins | Cook 15 mins | Serves 4 In a bowl, whisk 2 eggs, ½ cup milk and 1 tbsp caster sugar lightly to combine. In a large non-stick frying pan, melt 50 g unsalted butter on medium. Dip 4 halved hot…

CHICKEN & LEMONGRASS ROLLS Prep 20 mins | Cook 8 mins | Makes 18 2 tsps vegetable oil 500 g chicken mince 2 stalks lemongrass, trimmed, chopped 2 green onions, finely chopped ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped 2 tbsps sweet chilli sauce, plus extra to serve 1 tbsp fish sauce 1 lime, finely grated zest, juice 1 garlic clove, crushed 18 sheets round rice paper 3 cups shredded iceberg lettuce 1. In a large, non-stick wok or frying pan, heat oil on high. Stir-fry chicken with lemongrass, 5 to 7 mins, breaking up lumps, until mince is browned and cooked through. 2. Transfer to a large bowl. Cool. Add onion, mint, sauces, zest, juice and garlic. Mix well. 3. Half fill a shallow dish with warm water. Dip…

THE EASIEST HERBS TO GROW IN SINGAPORE ARE… “Those that are native to Singapore and a tropical climate, ” says Militza Maury, founder of eco-lifestyle blog Little Green Dot. “Lemongrass and mint are good examples.” Head of Gardens at Citizen Farm by Edible Garden City, Sandy Chen, also recommends mint, as well as basil, Indian borage, aloe vera and mustard greens. SOME HERBS ARE DIFFICULT TO GROW BECAUSE… “They’re just not suited to Singapore’s climate,” Sandy says. Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, lavender, sage and thyme are more susceptible to stem and root rot, she explains. “Rosemary requires more care in the tropics, preferring well-drained soil and lots of sunlight.”. Militza advises: “Prune your herbs regularly, especially those like mint which grow quickly and can look a bit straggly”. HERBS SHOULD…

Dog (2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958, 1946) Much of your hard work will go unnoticed by your bosses. There are many inauspicious stars surrounding you this month, so just lay low and get your work done. Focus on efficiency and planning. Avoid hasty investments and stick to your budget closely for personal wealth. Love luck is also not very optimistic; be patient and understanding. Rat (2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948) You are very lucky this month: Most of the conflict and resistance at work will ease off and be resolved. This is a good month to widen your network, or even start some new ventures with your friends. Wealth luck is good, so just manage your own greed and you will be fine. Your love life may…

LOVELY AS A ROSE Need to rescue your skin from dehydration? Nourish your complexion with A’kin Certified Organic Rosehip Oil, which is 100 per cent certified organic and rich in antioxidants to protect the skin from the elements, and the formation of wrinkles. Use it to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scars, moisturise your face, or hydrate dry lips. It’s also free of parabens, sulfates, mineral oils, artificial colours or fragrances. At $48.50 (45 ml). BUTTER UP An all-natural butter and premium baking ingredient, Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter is made from grass-fed cow’s milk, giving it a silky texture. The salted version contains Omega 3 and 6, while the unsalted version has a higher level of unsaturated fat, which can help give baked cookies a creamier texture. At…

When my daughter Serene* got married late last year, I was the happiest mother in the world. The man she married, Scott*, was the sweetest boyfriend she ever had, and was tall, well-built, had good skin and a bright smile – I thought he looked like a Korean movie star! However, I was the stereotypical over-protective mother who was suspicious of him, and almost sabotaged their relationship! Scott was introduced to us three years ago during a family dinner. The evening went well; my husband felt he was trustworthy, and I thought he was nice and good-looking. Serene assured me that they were only seriously thinking of marriage after they had both graduated from university. After that, we saw him often during our weekly family dinners. We became close, using…

When royal bride-to-be Meghan Markle zipped up in a frothy creation from Ralph & Russo for her engagement photos, she singlehandedly catapulted them into public knowledge. But even before the brand became a household name, Ralph & Russo has always been a brand synonymous with extravagant gowns that feature time-tested techniques of exquisite handiwork, sumptuous fabrics and high-octane glamour. Such is their reputation that even Hollywood celebs and European aristocrats sometimes find it hard to procure looks from them, especially given that they only produce one version of each design per country. Set up in 2006 by Tamara Ralph and Michael Russo, the label has gone on to garner a stellar list of clients, including Angelina Jolie, Beyoncé and Celine Dion. As the first British brand to be invited to…

Ace Your Base Some sunscreens make your foundation pill, and it’s hard to find one that complements your foundation. Enter the Anessa Perfect BB Base Beauty Booster, $30.90 (25 ml), which not only works under makeup, but forms a sweat-proof barrier to help makeup last longer. POWERED BY PLANTS Pamper your skin with the best natural ingredients Mother Nature has to offer ANTIOXIDANT BOOST: Harnessing the powers of pomegranate, the innisfree Jeju Pomegranate Revitalizing Essence, $46 (50 ml), is infused with antioxidants to combat free radicals and stimulate skin renewal cycle for radiant skin. LIGHTEN UP: The LANEIGE White Dew Sherbet Cream, $70 (50 ml), has a delightful texture that cools skin down while imbuing it with moisture. The range’s Mela-vita Crusher technology and saururus chinensis extract inhibits melanin production…

Beloved by celebrities from Bae Suzy to Olivia Palermo, textured wavy hair spells confidence and an enviably carefree attitude. The best part is that this wavy look is highly versatile and can be worn with both glam and casual looks, and suits both short and long hair. It’s perfect for giving stick-straight hair lots of texture and movement, and can infuse thin tresses with much needed fullness. We take you through an easy-to-follow timeline of how to enhance your natural hair and achieve this sexy voluminous style: BEFORE SHOWERING Brush your hair and scalp. This helps to detangle your hair to prevent matting when you shampoo, as well as loosen the buildup of dirt, dead skin cells and styling products, which makes them a lot easier to wash off later.…

Toned Up Break up a tonal ensemble with hits of white. Plus, a long coat is an elongating wardrobe must-have. Royal Watch The perfect companion to a pair of royal blue trousers? Monochromatic gingham, which you can easily wear to the office. Pedal To The Metal A copper satin top offers just the right amount of luxe for daytime, without feeling too stuffy. SWITCH FOCUS Draw the eye up with statement earrings Instead of hiding behind blacks and flowing kaftans, Lily Hamid is plus-sized and proud of it. Those who know this fashion-loving woman will know the mother-of-one confidently strides out in vibrant hues, figure-conscious clothes and striking accessories, especially earrings, that draw attention to her infectious smile and alluring eyes. Describing her style, Lily, 32, who’s General Manager at…

Gym workouts are often touted as one of the best ways to burn calories and get your weekly exercise. But if you don’t have a gym close by, have the responsibility of looking after children or other dependents throughout the day, or are financially strapped, using the gym may no longer be a convenient option. Cue incidental exercise! Here are our ideas on how you can conveniently incorporate activities into your day that will contribute to a healthier, fitter you. Bust A Move There’s a reason why dancers have such amazing figures – they move their bodies in every way possible for hours at a time, every muscle is being stimulated and their heart muscles get a great amount of stimulation, too. Dance anywhere –whether it’s an organised class, with…

Libido, otherwise known as your sexual drive or desire, varies from woman to woman, and there is no right or wrong level. It is normal for desire to fluctuate because of physical or lifestyle changes, and while reduced sex drive becomes much more common later in life, women in their 30s and 40s experience it too. If your libido level worries you, there are a number of things you can do, including determining what seems to affect your libido, and trying strategies to deal with the slump. WHAT CAUSES LOW LIBIDO? Many factors can influence your libido, including your relationship, medications, general health, vaginal dryness that causes painful sex, and body image. It is important to address lifestyle, nutrition and relationship factors that may be contributing to your low libido.…

Prep 25 mins | Cook 55 mins | Serves 10 4 eggs, separate yolk from whites ¾ cup caster sugar 2¼ cups almond meal 60 g softened butter 2 tsps grated mandarin zest 1 tsp orange blossom water 2 tbsps flaked almonds OLIVE OIL CREAM ¾ cup pure icing sugar ½ cup extra virgin olive oil, chilled 1 tsp grated mandarin zest 150 g softened butter Extra icing sugar and some edible flowers for garnish 1. Preheat oven to moderately slow, 160 C. 2. Grease and line a 23 cm-round springform pan. 3. In a bowl of an electric mixer, beat egg whites to soft peaks. 4. Gradually add caster sugar, beating to dissolve and till stiff peaks form. Beat in egg yolks. 5. Fold through almond meal, butter, mandarin…