Smart SolutionS for BuSy Women
School Holidaye Happiness Guid
28
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June Special: one-for-one deals & discounts on food, hotels & play
yummy mummy Kate Pang
“Why i Banned my son from watching cartoons”
20 great eyeliners under $20 “I lost the love of my life – just when I’d found him”
How to protect your marriaGe from HiS
office wife
VA-jAy-jAy sTEAmINg Should you do it?
16
pg spice up your everydAy work stAples
134
pg mAke eAsy, yummy sAlted egg yolk squid TrIEd & TEsTEd • Vacuum cleaner-cum-mop • pressure cookers • Brain training apps
Group Editor-in-chief Caroline Ngui nguislc@sph.com.sg Group Editor Susanah Cheok susanahc@sph.com.sg EDITORIAL Editor Penelope Chan chanslp@sph.com.sg Deputy Editor Lim Tsiao Hui tsiaohui@sph.com.sg Beauty Editor Simone Wu simonewu@sph.com.sg Features Writer Kayce Teo kayceteo@sph.com.sg Consumer & Lifestyle Writer Mia Chenyze chenyze@sph.com.sg Assistant Stylist Karin Tan karintan@sph.com.sg Senior Manager, Administration and Editorial Support Unit Juliana Chong julianac@sph.com.sg Editorial Support Manager Alice Han tayaha@sph.com.sg Editorial Support Executive Jessie Ng jessieng@sph.com.sg
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is published by SPH Magazines Pte Ltd 82 Genting Lane, Media Centre Level 7, Singapore 349567 Tel: 6319-6319 Fax: 6319-6345 E-mail: magsimplyher@sph.com.sg Ad sales enquiries: 6319-6281 Distributed by Circulation Department, Singapore Press Holdings. Printed by KHL Printing Co. Pte Ltd, Singapore registration no. 197801823M. SPH Magazines registration no. 196900476M, MCI (P) 037/03/2016. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the written permission of the publisher. The views and opinions expressed or implied in Simply Her are those of the authors or contributors and do not necessarily re ect those of the publisher. For back issues, e-mail circs@sph.com.sg. Subscribe online at www.simplyher.com.sg.
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June 2016
JUST FOR S! R E D A E R R E H Y SIMPL ne deals
22
One-for-o ts on and discoun y fun. mil food and fa
COVER READS School Holiday Happiness Guide: Twenty-eight fun and free things to do. 32 20 Great eyeliners under $20. 56 “I lost the love of my life – just when I’d found him.” 64 How to protect your marriage from his ofce wife. 138 June Special: One-for-one deals and discounts on food, hotels and play. 52 Yummy mummy Kate Pang: “Why I banned my son from watching car toons.” 72 Va-jay-jay steaming: Should you do it? 16 Spice up your everyday work staples. 134 Make easy, yummy salted egg yolk squid. 121 Tried & tested: Vacuum cleaner-cummop, pressure cookers and brain training apps.
138
46
16
32
REGULARS 12 13 14
HELLO! YOUR SAY Readers’ letters. GET LIST Things we love this
month that you should own.
FASHION 16 22
WORKSHOP Spice up a white shir t, pencil skir t or work pants. BUY IT NOW Go feminine with rufes, pleats and drapey details.
BEAUTY 26 32 38 42
WORKSHOP Fixed! The Singapore woman’s top makeup concerns. ROAD TEST Eyeliners under $20. REVIEW A brightening serum that mimics the effect of laser therapy. NEWS Trends and hot buys.
14
Win!
A CP food hamper worth $80. 6 SIMPLY HER | JUNE 2016
PHOTOGRAPHY FRENCHESCAR LIM ASSISTED BY ANGELA GUO STYLING DOLPHIN YEO HAIR CHRISTIAN GOH, USING KEVIN MURPHY MAKEUP CLARENCE LEE, USING ESPRIQUE BY KOSE OUTFIT BOTTEGA VENETA
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Distributed by Financial Advisers:
June 2016
54
FEATURES 46
FREE AND FABULOUS
52
MUM KNOWS BEST
54
56
60
64
No-expenses-needed June holiday activities for the family
Actress Kate Pang talks about her second pregnancy and motherhood. SLOW BURN The many ways people are slowing down in life. “I LOST THE LOVE OF MY LIFE ON NEW YEAR’S DAY” This woman’s hopes
and dreams for the future came crashing down in the most hear tbreaking way. DADDY’S GIRL Women share treasured memories of their fathers. RISKY BUSINESS How to protect your marriage if your husband has an ofce wife.
LIFE MADE EASY 69
74 70
72
46
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Josephine K Chow, country head of Shopback Singapore. WORK Ways to transform bad ofce vibes into good ones. MONEY How to think differently about your money and make it grow. HEALTH What you should know about vaginal steaming.
SMART SHOPPER 121 ROAD TEST A vacuum cleaner-cum-mop. 122 ROAD TEST Pressure cookers that cut cooking time and amp up avours. 124 ROAD TEST Apps that train your brain. 126 GREAT FINDS Lightweight travel essentials.
8 SIMPLY HER | JUNE 2016
126
June 2016
134
FOOD 130 RECIPES Everyday Japanese comfor t food. 134 COOKING CLASS Salted egg yolk squid. 136 FROM THE OVEN Red velvet naked cake with cream cheese frosting.
BOOKENDS 142 EVENT Highlights from the Simply Her car workshop. 143 STOCKISTS Where to buy what’s in our pages. 146 YOUR STARS Your horoscope forecast for June. 148 ONE LAST BITE Fried ice-cream – no batter needed.
10 SIMPLY HER | JUNE 2016
UP FOR IS H GRABS TH! MONT
141 WIN! A box of Trulife Collagen Manuka Max worth $58.80 WIN! A Sunrider Oi-Lin Natural Emulsion Sunscreen SPF30 worth $146.30 WIN! A Smashbox Art Love Colour Lip Gloss Trio and Bestseller Set worth $89 WIN! A Labo Labo Super-Keana set worth $149.50
Trying my hand at frosting a naked cake (see the recipe on pg 136, and the video on the Simply Her Youtube page).
I’m Whagt this doin nth mo
I’m going on a family holiday, and using this lightweight suitcase (pg 126).
Conquering my fear of pressure cookers (spurting, hissing steam!) and learning how to use one (pg 122).
And my sister has painstakingly programmed alarms into his mobile phone so he can keep track of his various medications throughout the day. We also chat often about his health and well-being. So this Father’s Day, in tribute to dads everywhere, we asked women to share their treasured memories of their dads – including some that may leave you teary-eyed (pg 60). Also, turn to pg 46 for our list of free and fab family activities these June holidays, then download our digital edition for more ideas. If you need inspiration for your work outfits, find out how to spice up office staples like the white shirt, pencil skirt and pants (pg 16). And be sure to download our digital edition for recipes you can prepare in a pressure cooker that are amazingly quick and easy, as well as our video on how to make salted egg yolk squid. Enjoy!
PENELOPE CHAN, EDITOR
PS. Thanks for all your lovely letters. E-mail us at magsimplyher@sph.com.sg or write to us at 82 Genting Lane, Level 7 Media Centre, S(349567), and keep sending in your wonderful ideas. CONNECT WITH US:
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12 SIMPLY HER | JUNE 2016
@simplyhersingapore
@simplyher_sg
Editor’s Photo Darren Chang Styling Angela Chu Hair Nick Ng/J-cube Storm by Monsoon Makeup Rina Sim, using Lancome Out t Karen Millen
Fathers and daughters have such a special relationship. Oh, how I love my dad. When I was growing up, he was a stern disciplinarian with a quick temper. He expected my sister and I to be unquestionably well-mannered – a rude remark or talking back earned us a frown and tongue-lashing. He was tough on us when it came to school as well, never accepting that anything was beyond our abilities or understanding. If we didn’t get good grades, it was simply that we didn’t make enough effort. He had clear rules for mealtimes, too. Never complain about the food, eat with your mouth closed, no slurping no matter how much you love the Mirinda Orange, and get your leg off the chair! I never found his high standards suffocating. Conversely, I developed useful life skills because of them. Since Daddy never accepted excuses like “It’s too hard” or “I can’t do it”, I simply worked harder because arguing about how it really was too hard was just not worth getting a shelling for. No slurping? No problem! I mastered getting to the last bit of liquid at the bottom of the glass noiselessly. And if I didn’t like anything at dinner, I simply quickly ate what I hated first, then slowly savoured what I did enjoy. I still eat this way today. Sure, my dad and I, both cut from the same cloth, clashed. And often. But it formed the basis of our tight bond. Now, when my husband gives me a pointed look whenever I lament how our kids are so impatient and quick to anger, Daddy and I share a secret smile and a sheepish look. Today, my sister and I dote on our dad. Everything we do for him is a gesture of love. I tell him I love him when we talk on the phone or text each other.
Your Say
M A D E E A SY
WO R K
BRING BACK THE JOY Having a good day at work may be as simple as changing the way you and tweaking your approach. think Here are six tips to help you ½nd joy.
64 SIMPLY HER | APRIL 2016
While you can’t do anything about make the journey more positive. a train delay, you can “If someone in front of you is walking slowly or they elbow you on the train, it’s helpful to think of them as good people having a bad day. Having this mentality can make for a less stressful commute situations; apply it in the workplace, and de-escalate especially when your colleague is being annoying – think about what might be going wrong in their day,” advises And come up with a few possible Caroline. reasons for their bad behaviour. You don’t have to believe them but the could be a reason behind their snappiness – perhaps they missed idea that there told off by their boss – can the train or were help you look at the situation differently and even make you feel empathy for them.
• DON’T E-MAIL GRAZE
“There are times when it’s tempting to graze e-mails,” says Caroline. “I recommend that people blitz e-mails twice a day rather than look at them throughout the day. I’m not saying go of¾ ine all day. Hone in on the most impor tant piece of work and go of¾ ine while you’re doing that.”
• PUMP UP YOUR TO-DO LIST
& 123RF.com
A big meeting or presentation can make for an awful day in the of½ ce. But there is a way to bypass that stress – sing a song to yourself before you begin your workday. “Our brains are very associative and we only have to experience one good thing to trigger thoughts related to that,” says Caroline. “So if we hear a song we like, it will trigger a cascade of memories that could put us in a good mood as we’re reminded of a night out with friends or a lovely holiday.”
Text Louisa Pritchard/The Daily Telegraph/The Interview People Main Photo Kim Eriksen/Corbis, Nick White/Image Source/Corbis
We’ve all had bad days at work: thinking happens, enduring the traf½ c snarls to get into actually drops the of½ ce, run-ins with annoying when we’re colleagues and being set yet another stressed. The unrealistic deadline by your boss. knock-on But before you break down in effects are tears, there might be a way to make enormous, both those bad days a thing of the past. professionally and Caroline Webb, a former par tner at in your family life. a management consultancy, suggests You’re simply not using a combination of psychology and at your best.” neuroscience in her book, How to Have Gail Kinman, a Good Day: Think Bigger, Feel Better and professor of Transform Your Working Life, to help Occupational Health Psychology you have a good day at work at – every the University of Bedfordshire, single day. agrees: “Having bad days at work can “So many people are having affect days of every par t of your life. dissatisfaction,” says Caroline. “It’s sor t “Daily hassles like awful commutes of accepted. We talk about having day at work as if it is something a bad and dif½ cult work e-mails are worse we have for your health than to put up with. But I found major life events that making like divorce and bereavement. small tweaks can make a big Those difference major events are one-offs and to how people feel.” very intense, but you tend to have In a survey of 3,300 people a lot of suppor t for them. That doesn’t conducted by job website CV-Library happen for daily hassles. Instead for British newspaper The Telegraph, they build up and lead to a negative 51 per cent admitted to having mindset one and stress.” day at work a week, while nearly bad one So what makes a good day? in four had two bad days a For week. 63 per cent of respondents, main reasons for the unhappiness The it’s the were feeling they have done their feeling unappreciated (47 per work well cent) while others (46 per cent) say and having an unrealistic workload it’s all about meeting targets. (40 per cent). But it could also be something “Research is very clear that as when we simple as getting a seat on the are stressed, we aren’t able train and to think at being served your morning our best,” says Caroline. coffee record time, all of which, Caroline in “Our brain diver ts mental energy says, sets your brain up for wanting to mounting a stress response, to see which the good things in your day. means activity in our brain’s Here are prefrontal her top tips for having a blast cor tex, where most of our at work sophisticated every day.
• SURVIVE YOUR COMMUTE
• SING YOUR FAVOURITE SONG
• TAKE SMART BREAKS
Taking regular breaks can help you make sense of a task rather than be overwhelmed by it. “We’ve got a tendency to think breaks are a nice thing to have, but they are essential to the workday,” says Caroline. “It’s not just because your brain’s deliberate system (the par t of the brain that focuses on analysis, selfcontrol and forward planning) needs a break, but it’s actually doing work while you are of¾ ine, processing and consolidating what you’re doing.”
Your to-do list is a vital par t of boosting your mood at work. “It’s all about making your brain happy,” says Caroline. So motivate yourself by making it satisfying to tick things off, only looking at what you have to do that day and adding in things like going for a walk. “If your list is online, give yourself a box to tick. The more rewarding it feels, the more your brain will tend to spur you towards getting things done.”
• STRIKE A POSE
Research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that the key to success at work is not talent but con½ dence. So what happens if you’re lacking in either traits? Caroline advises faking it till you make it. “We smile when we’re happy, and breathe deeply and slowly when we’re calm. So when we mimic the physical actions of an alpha male or female – squaring our shoulders and standing taller – we give ourselves a boost of con½ dence. “This is one of the quickest hacks available. It works best if you strike the pose just before on doing it subtly throughout.” a meeting and then carry
APRIL 2016 | SIMPLY HER
65
ALL SO AWESOME
I love reading Simply Her for its wide range of articles, from health and beauty to food and recipes. It’s a good lifestyle magazine for everyone. Priscilla Goh
LOOK GOOD
My favourite part of Simply Her is the beauty section. In April, I liked the stories on how to get radiant skin (Start Bright And Early) and blushers (Bright & Beautiful) to help me get that instant dewy K-pop glow. Toh Lay Hoon
TOUCHING BASE
I’ve moved from Singapore to Adelaide, Australia, and I recently read the digital editions of your January to April issues in one sitting. The magazine is getting better and better! Now that I’m living away from home and leading quite a different lifestyle, it was good to read articles – from beauty and lifestyle to my favourite recipes – that keep me connected to Singapore. Some of the stories are very motivating, too. Thank you for staying true to your readers. All the best to the Simply Her team. Mah Mei Hui
This month’s Star Letter wins a CP Singapore food hamper worth $80. Products include CP Korean Crispy Chicken.
WRITE TO US: Tell us what you like about this issue. E-mail magsimplyher@sph.com.sg or send a message to our Facebook page at Simply Her Singapore. JUNE 2016 | SIMPLY HER
13
1 Lunchbox Envy
Prepd Pack, US$70 (S$95), from www.getprepd.com
We think these things are great and you should have them.
14 SIMPLY HER | JUNE 2016
This gorgeous lunchbox is just the motivation we need to pack a homecooked lunch to work. It comes with microwave-safe modular containers (and a mini dressing pot for salads), and the cutlery magnetically “clips� on to keep everything neat.
4
3 Kopitiam Cool
Kopibag Mug, $24.90, from www.naiise.com
3
This quirky mug is designed specically to hold those old-school plastic bags that coffeeshops pack kopi into for takeaways. So charming.
4 Dirty Diagnosis
5
The House Doctor laundry bags, $35 each, from www.naiise.com
Forget wicker or plastic baskets, here’s a sleek new way to stow away dir ty laundry until washing day. Hang the storage bags on hooks or stand them on the oor – they’re washable too.
5 Cushy Comfort
Padded Bike Seat Cover, US$35 (S$47), from http://cityseat.com
Not just a pretty cover to dress up your bike, it also comes with 3cm-thick padding to make cycling more pleasant.
6 A Breath of Fresh Air
ou r e! v fa ou rit
6
2 #foodporn
Le Petit Kit of Food Styling, $65, from www.beylonguelle.com
This pencil case-sized kit is what every foodstagrammer needs. Everything, from the vintage and wooden teaspoons to linen fabric, was curated to provide a versatile mix of props for any kind of food photo.
Awair Smart Air Quality Monitor with LED display, US$199 (S$268), from www.amazon.com
This chic-looking smar t device measures indoor air quality: temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and dust levels, then assigns an Awair Score on a 0 to 100 colour-coded scale to let you know how clear your air is. Great for haze season.
7 Hang On!
7
Hold it – balance hanger, US$14.90 ($20), from www.artoridesign.com
Just plant it on the edge of a shelf to add a minimalist touch to your home decor.
8 Geometric Style
8
Metropolis Crossbody Onyx, $900, from Furla
Structured mini bags are all the rage, so rock the style with this geometric print number : Your essentials would t snugly in here, and the gold chain sling is glitzy enough to double as an evening bag.
JUNE 2016 | SIMPLY HER
15
Fash on
WO R K S H O P
CLASSICS WITH A TWIST
Clever ways to spice up that crisp white shirt, pencil skirt or pair of pants in your work wardrobe. BY K A R I N TA N
WHITE SHIRT Get The Look
Instead of pairing a white shirt with a jacket, try layering a turtleneck top under the shirt. • Cotton-blend white short-sleeved shirt, $69.90. • Brass earrings (worn throughout, price unavailable) and metal cuff, $12.90, from H&M. • Polyester-blend sleeveless turtleneck top, $29, and cotton-blend maxi skirt, $34, from Forever 21. • PU shoulder bag and PU sandal heels (prices unavailable) from Charles & Keith. • Exist double ring, $255, from Swarovski.
Polyester skirt, $135, from Massimo Dutti
Leather jacket, $525, from Massimo Dutti
Sam Edelman leather heels, $250, from Pedder on Scotts Viscose skirt, $59.90, from Zara Woven leather bag, $225, from Massimo Dutti
Cotton-blend ruf e shirt, $79.90, from Topshop Polyester-blend skirt, $39.90, from Zara
16 SIMPLY HER | JUNE 2016
Photography Winston Chuang Styling Karin Tan Hair Hong Ling/Fac3inc using Bed Head by Tigi Makeup Lolent Lee using RMK Cosmetics Model Jen Jung/Mannequin
ALSO TRY THESE
Get The Look
You can also add a punch of colour with bright hues in different textures, like this suede jacket and denim skirt combo. • • • • • •
Studded suede jacket (price unavailable) from Shanghai Tang. Polyester-blend shirt, $89.90, from Warehouse. Denim midi skirt, $34, from Forever 21. Suede lace-up platform sandals, $1,200, from Stuart Weitzman. PU handbag (price unavailable) from Charles & Keith. East bangle, $210, and Exist double ring, $255, from Swarovski.
ALSO TRY THESE
Viscose cropped top, $36.90, from Topshop Iris & Ink cotton boyfriend shirt, £66.67 (S$129), from www.theoutnet.com
Printed lace skirt, $109, from Zara
Leather sandals, (price unavailable) from Stuart Weitzman
Etoile Isabel Marant cotton-blend tweed jacket, US$465 (S$626), from www.net-a-porter.com
Polyester skirt, $126, from Topshop
Polyester pleated skirt, $109, from Topshop
Viscose skirt, $69.90, from Zara
Leather jacket, $374, from Topshop
JUNE 2016 | SIMPLY HER
17
Fash on
WO R K S H O P
PENCIL SKIRT Get The Look
The pencil skirt is a common go-to in a formal setting but you can freshen it up by pairing it with an off-shoulder top – a look that can take you from ofce to dinner with some added accessories. • Cotton-blend offshoulder top, $79.90, and metal ring (worn on thumb), $19.90, from H&M. • Polyester pencil skirt, $79.90, from Topshop. • PU sandal heels (price unavailable) from Charles & Keith. • Earth necklace, $550, Alpha bracelet, $210, Exact ring, $255 (both on right hand), Ethic bracelet, $255, and Exist double ring, $255 (both on left hand), from Swarovski.
ALSO TRY THESE Polyester-blend off-shoulder top, $69.90, from Zara
Patent leather sandals (price unavailable) from Aldo
Polyester top, $39.90, from H&M
Michael Michael Kors leather tote (price unavailable) from Michael Kors
Polyester-blend oral pencil skirt, $69.90, from Zara
Leather heels, $199, from Aldo
Polyester sandals, $89.90, from Zara PU handbag (price unavailable) from Charles & Keith
18 SIMPLY HER | JUNE 2016
JJacquemus cotton one-shoulder top, US$88, from www. net-a-porter.com
Polyester coldshoulder cropped top, $96.90, from Topshop
Get The Look
Play with different textures. If your ofce allows for smart-casual dressing, try this faux leather pencil skirt, which screams character. • Polyester-blend bodysuit, $59.90, from H&M. • PU leather pencil skirt, $39, from Forever 21. • Faux suede jacket, $149, from Warehouse. • Glitter-encrusted heels, $190, from Pedder Red. • Borbonese leather hobo, $1,460, from Julie Nicole. • Alpha bracelet (right hand), $210, East bangle, $210, Exact ring, $255, East ring, $255, and Ethic bracelet, $255, from Swarovski.
ALSO TRY THESE Leather pencil skirt, $216, from Topshop
PVC shoulder bag, $45.90, from Mango Polyester jacket, $139, from Zara
Sam Edelman patent leather sandals, $210, from Pedder on Scotts
Cotton-blend pencil skirt, $69.90, from Mango
PU belt (price unavailable) from Charles & Keith Faux leather pencil skirt, $59.90, from Z Zara
A.P.C. linen-blend top, US$144, from www. net-a-porter.com
Leather heels, $99.90, from Mango
PU shoulder bag (price unavailable) from Charles & Keith
JUNE 2016 | SIMPLY HER
19
Fash on
WO R K S H O P
PANTS Get The Look
The roomy t of a bomber jacket balances the slimness of this pair of tted pants. Wear it with heels for added height, or a pair of white sneakers on casual Fridays. • • • • • •
Sequin-encrusted bomber jacket, $179, from H&M. Polyester-blend crop top, $220, from Bimba Y Lola. Polyester-blend pants, $109, from Warehouse. Walter Steiger patent leather heels, $950, from Julie Nicole. East necklace, $400, and Vio bangle, $255, from Swarovski. Metal cuff, $12.90, from H&M.
ALSO TRY THESE PU bag (price unavailable) from Charles & Keith
Polyester-blend bralet, $46.90, from Topshop Viscose-blend top, $49.90, from H&M Viscose bomber, $109, from Zara Cotton-blend jacquard pants, $69.90, from Zara Polyester heels, $190, from Pedder Red
Polyester drawstring pants, $59.90, from Zara
Cotton-blend bomber, $139, from Zara
20 SIMPLY HER | JUNE 2016
Polyester heels, $69.90, from Mango
Get The Look
A pair of cropped ared pants worn underneath a dress will instantly add cool to your out t. Opt for a more roomy dress, or simply buy a size bigger if you’re thinking of pairing that dress with pants. The too-tight look doesn’t look good. • PU leather jacket, $149, polyester dress, $109, and polyesterblend cropped pants, $89, from Topshop. • Walter Steiger patent platform loafers, $1,100, from Julie Nicole. • Edify necklace, $880, Exact ring (right hand), $255, Ethic bracelet, $255, and Exist double ring (both on left hand), $255, from Swarovski.
ALSO TRY THESE Polyester pleated pants, $76.90, from Topshop PU belt (price unavailable) from Charles & Keith
Rachel Zoe silk-blend off-shoulder dress, US$321, from www. net-a-porter.com
Glitterencrusted slip-ons, $650, from Stuart Weitzman
Polyester widelegged pants, $126, from Topshop Iris & Ink cotton shirt dress, £91.67, from www.theoutnet.com
Leather and suede bag, $225, from Massimo Dutti Leather loafers, $800, from Stuart Weitzman
Leather shoes, $175, from Massimo Dutti Paper London silk wide-legged pants, US$251, from www. net-a-porter.com
Silk-blend are pants, $199, from H&M JUNE 2016 | SIMPLY HER
21
Fash on
b u y it n ow
Gia polyester blouse, $73.05.
Jacqueline cotton dress, $73.05. Eblin cottonblend blouse, $70.12.
Feminine touch
Ruffles, soft pleats and drapey details add a nice balance to the usual structured work outfit. by k A r i N TA N Maleah cotton dress, $60.77. Kaila cotton blouse, $52.59.
Charlotte polyester dress, $122.72.
Ashly cotton dress, $65.45.
These items are from Cool-find.
Rory cotton skirt, $46.28.
22 Simply Her | june 2016
Beauty
WOR KS H OP
Solved!
YOUR 5 BIGGEST MAKEUP CONCERNS
You shared your most common issues about looking good. These tricks will help you tackle them for everyday perfection. BY SIMONE WU
#1 “How do I get perfect eyebrows?”
FLATTER YOUR FACE SHAPE • Square. Go for less angular, more rounded brows to counter a strong jawline. High, softly-rounded arches can actually help elongate your face. • Round. Make them more angular and draw higher arches to better frame your face. • Heart. Rounded brows with an angled arch will balance a small chin and make the upper half of your face appear longer and narrower. • Oval. Straight brows with a low arch are perfect. • Long. To subtly widen your face, go for straight brows with a gentle arch. High arches will only elongate your face even more.
26 SIMPLY HER | JUNE 2016
TOP BROW TRICKS 1 Identify the start of the eyebrow by holding a pencil ver tically against each side of your nose. 2 The arch – or the highest point of the brow – should be roughly two-thirds towards the tail. Never have your arch in the middle of your eyebrows – a la Ronald McDonald – or you’ll look perpetually surprised. 3 If you have dark hair and eyes, pick a brow colour that’s one to two tones lighter than your hair. If you have light brown hair and dark eyes, go for lighter brown brows. For lighter eyes, you need a darker brow shade to dene your peepers.
Square: Olivia Wilde Heart: Deepika Padukone
Oval: Liu Wen Long: Maggie Q
MAKE THEM LAST To boost the staying power of pencilled-in brows, apply an eye makeup primer rst, dust on loose powder and then ll them in.
Make Up For Ever Pro Sculpting Brow, $40
EDITOR'S RAVE
Laneige Natural Brow Liner in #2 Stone Gray, $26
Celebrity Photos Corbis Photo oto of woman Fabrice Lerouge/Onoky/Corbis Lipstick smear 123RF.com
Makeup ar tist Larry Yeo says your face shape determines your brow shape, and how thick they go depends on your most prominent facial feature. Don’t follow trends. If you have softer, smaller features, bushy brows like top model Cara Delevingne’s will overwhelm your face. And if you have a square or round face, straight brows like Korean actress Song Hye Kyo’s will make it look wider.
Round: Selena Gomez
#2 “How do I pick the perfect red lipstick?”
There is no such thing! It all boils down to personal preference. However, colours that complement your skin tone will light also up your complexion. • Warm skin tones. Use reds with peach, orange or coral tints. A blue under tone will make you look pasty and pale rather than rosy. • Cool skin tones. Use a red with a blue under tone, or a shade that even veers towards fuchsia. Both will also make your teeth look whiter. • Neutral skin tones. You can wear any shade of red with ease.
Best for fair complexions. Best for medium-fair to olive skins.
Best for tanned skins.
Best for medium-fair skin tones.
#3 “How do I tone down my blusher without having to start over or worrying that it’ll affect my foundation?”
If you’re using a powder blusher, dust on loose powder over your cheeks. Using the right brush helps, too. You need one with densely packed bristles like a at-top kabuki brush, says Larry. This will properly set the loose powder on your skin and pick up excess blusher at the same time. You can tone down cream blusher by pressing a piece of tissue paper over er it.
GREAT FIND M.A.C Russian Red, $31
M.A.C Vivaglam I, $31
M.A.C Vivaglam III, $31
M.A.C Vivaglam IV, $31
13rushes Flat Top – Foundation Brush, $23
JUNE 2016 | SIMPLY HER
27
Beauty
WOR KS H OP
#4 “How do I hide dark circles more effectively?”
• They look grey or ashy Use a peach-toned concealer or one with red under tones to neutralise the greyish tint. Then, to even out the skin tone, dab on a yellow-toned concealer in a shade close to your natural skin colour.
NYX Dark Circle Concealer, $12
• They appear discoloured Skip concealer and dab on liquid foundation in a shade closest to your natural colour instead. If you can still see them, gently tap on peachbased concealer to help even out your complexion.
28 SIMPLY HER | JUNE 2016
• How you prep the skin under the eyes A lot of people apply too much eye cream under the eyes. The greasiness makes it impossible for concealer to stay put. Urban Decay U Naked Skin Weightless Complete Co C Covverage C cealer, $40 Conce
Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Concealer, $50
Here’s what can affect the longevity of concealer on skin, explains Larry. • Blocked tear ducts If you have sinus or nasal allergies, concealer under the eyes and at the outer corners tends to crease easily. Nose infections and chronic sinusitis may irritate and block the tear ducts, causing eyes to get watery.
• They have a hint of redness Apply a yellow-toned concealer in a shade that blends seamlessly into your complexion. Start with a tiny dab at the inner eye corners and blend outwards.
Choose the R colour range to cover greyness.
Why Your Concealer Doesn’t Last
• Too much moisture When your concealer is too hydrating, humidity tends to make it smudge. • How much you use When you apply too much concealer, it tends to cake or dry up and slide off.
Photos Fabrice Poincelet/Onoky/Corbis & Ada Summer/Corbis Concealer smear 123RF.com
To conceal them properly, you need to identify the type that you have.
#5 “How do I make my eyeliner perfect?”
Begin by prepping with a lightweight eye cream and a primer. This allows eyeliner to glide on smoothly and last longer. Practice makes perfect, says Larry, who recommends using a waterproof gel eye pencil as its creamy texture goes on easily and sets beautifully into a solid black line. If you want to remove a smudge or create a sharp winged tip, simply use a cotton bud and swipe away. 3 EASY TRICKS 1 Get in position. Rest the elbow of your drawing hand on the table or against the mirror to keep it steady. You can also rest the eshy par t of a thumb against your cheek. 2 Draw dots and dashes. It takes practice to create one single line across your lash line. In fact, even with practice, the line can sometimes turn out wavy and uneven. Instead, draw dots and connect them with shor t strokes. After that, you can gradually ll in any spaces to smooth out or thicken the line. 3 Wing it. Use the lower lash line as the star ting point of the wing and draw the line upwards. There are no hard and fast rules for the angle and length. Draw it in at a higher angle if you are going dramatic or go lower for a softer look.
Fan Bing Bing and her signature winged eyeliner.
MAKE EYELINER LAST ALL DAY To create extra staying power for liquid eyeliner, add matte translucent powder between two layers of it. Here’s what to do: After the rst layer has dried on your skin, dip a small, uffy makeup brush in matte translucent powder and dust it over the eyeliner in short strokes. Then, add another layer of liquid eyeliner.
Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Eye Pencil in S-50, $36 Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Gel Eye Crayon in Navy Noir, $36
JUNE 2016 | SIMPLY HER
29
Estetica Special
Jesseca Liu’s Secrets To Youthful Skin Pampering, discipline and lots of sunscreen, of course. Now in her third year as Estetica’s ambassador, the ever-radiant Jesseca Liu shares her tips to never having a bad skin day.
When it comes to having her skin taken care of, what 37-yearold actress Jesseca Liu values most is trust. “There are lots of brands out there. But working with a brand that works for me is very important,” she says, citing Estetica’s forward-looking philosophy as something she shares and applies to her acting challenges. A TRUSTED FRIEND “Estetica is like a good friend I can trust for all my beauty needs, from head to toe. It has amazing facials and body treatments, as well as excellent at-home skincare products that are all backed by thorough research, science and technology,” adds Jesseca, who recently won her fth Star Award as one of 2016’s Top 10 Most Popular Female Artistes. In fact, she credits Estetica for helping her look her very best every day for the past two years, in spite of a hectic lming schedule. “I’ve experienced the treatments and products myself, and seen real results. My friends and makeup artists can also attest to their efcacy.”
Jesseca’s Top 3 Estetica Skin Essentials
1 NO SHORTCUT TO BEAUTIFUL SKIN Jesseca believes that there is no such thing as a shortcut to beautiful skin, and keeps to her daily beauty regime strictly. “If you take an ‘off day’ from your routine, it’s easy to grow lazy and skip the subsequent days as well,” she says. “Not everyone is born with awless skin, but beautiful skin can be achieved with hard work,” Jesseca adds. “And, of course, you can always leave your beauty concerns to Estetica like I do!”
JOIN US AT THE ESTETICA X SIMPLY HER SKINCARE WORKSHOP
Pick up insider beauty tips and tricks from actress and Estetica ambassador Jesseca Liu, makeup guru Larry Yeo, and Simply Her’s beauty editor Simone Wu at this exclusive skincare workshop.
GENEO+ SUPER FACIAL This is her go-to treatment to alleviate the appearance of expression lines, wrinkles and puffy eyes from constant late-night filming. It combines three technologies: TriPollar RF, OxyGeneo and Ultrasound to exfoliate, firm and enhance suppleness in just one session. She says, “A good facial not only helps to improve my skin, it also brightens up my mood and keeps me going!”
2
SUNSHIELD SPF50 During the day, she’s never without her SunShield SPF50. “My mother has inculcated the importance of sunscreen since young, so sun protection is a must for me to prevent pigmentation for a flawless complexion,” says Jesseca. This product has SmartVector UV technology, which changes colour from white to beige upon application. She adds: “It blends into my skin perfectly and gives a dewy finish. Just perfect for makeup-free days.”
3
OPTIMALIFT A+ RANGE As an actress, one of Jesseca’s key concerns is her eye area as it is where she expresses her emotions. It also reveals evidence of late nights and the crying scenes she sometimes has to do. She says: “For daily use, I like OptimaLift A+ Eye Essence Multi-Repair and Eye Cream AntiWrinkle. They help to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as brighten up my eye contour. For a weekly boost, I’ll complement the regime with OptimaLift A+ Eye Contour Mask. Then, whenever my schedule allows, I also go for Estetica’s signature OptimaLift A+ Eye Treatment at the salon. After each session, my eyes are instantly refreshed and look brighter!”
Date: May 28, 2016, Saturday Time: 2-4pm; registration starts at 1.30pm Venue: Mandarin Orchard Singapore Registration fee: $30 for one person or $50 for two. Fully redeemable for Estetica est.lab products at the workshop. A high tea buffet will be provided. Take home an attractive goodie bag filled with $96 worth of beauty products and a $100 Estetica facial treatment voucher. Go to this link to sign up now: http://campaign.herworldplus.com/ sherxestetica Estetica ést.lab OptimaLift A+ Eye Essence Multi-Repair and Eye Cream Anti-Wrinkle
Estetica ést.lab is available online at www.esteticabeauty.com/shop and at all nine Estetica beauty studios, including #06-18 Plaza Singapura. For more information, visit www.esteticabeauty.com, or call 1800-333-9393.
Beauty
ROAD TEST
e n i L e h T k l a W
and cise , or thick s – re p d n a e n r a- ner your liner ult udget-fr iendly liquid eyeli r fe re p u o y r nd b H Whethe udge-proof a e you covered. B Y J O I E G O b 0 2 e s e th , bold – hav all under $20
Our tester tried all the eyeliners without using an eye primer. She has oily eyelids and sensitive eyes that tear easily.
1
GREAT FIND
2 3
5
4 6 1 Bourjois Liner Feutre in Ultra Black, $19.50 Extremely pigmented, this felttip liner gives a thicker line that glides on effor tlessly for a ’60s cat-eye or a rebellious-rocker look. It dries to a matte nish, and sets without transferring or smudging in spite of how black it is – you need to be a little more practiced, 8.5 using this eyeliner. 2 Browlash Ex Liquid Eyeliner in Deep Black, $19.90 The felt tip is smooth, yet rm enough to give even beginners good control, and dispenses an intensely black formula that
32 SIMPLY HER | JUNE 2016
stays smudge-proof and sebumresistant. It doesn’t smudge even when applied on the 8.5 lower lashes. 3 Browhaus Precision Eyeliner, $17.90 It’s sweat- and tear-resistant, yet comes off easily with just warm water. However, the ne felt tip is a tad stiff and pokey, and might be slightly irritating to very sensitive eyes. It gives you super sleek lines in a semi-matte nish. However, one layer isn’t intense enough to create 6.5 an opaque black line.
4 Sephora Collection Classic Line 24hr Felt Eyeliner in Black, $20 A great all-in-one liner for most makeup looks and expertise levels, the felt tip is better suited to creating medium to thick lines, rather than thin ones, while the super-pigmented formula means you only need to use one stroke for a bold, dark nish. It stays for up to eight hours before 9 there’s any colour transfer. 5 Cyber Colors Super Stay Black Tip Liner, $19.90 It has a long and ne brush tip similar to a liquid eyeliner, but with the convenience of a pen, so you can create even and
smooth lines in a single stroke. The formula doesn’t smudge, but fades slightly towards the 7.5 end of the day. 6 Bourjois Liner Pinceau Liquid Eyeliner in Ultra Black, $18.50 An intensely black liquid liner that stays fade-proof for up to 16 hours, and doesn’t transfer even on oily lids or hooded monolids. But be warned – the dip brush picks up a lot of formula, so you will need to take off the excess before applying to prevent mistakes, unless you’re a fan of very thick liner. Not 8 for newbies.
7
8 GREAT FIND
9 10 11
12 13 7 K-Palette Real Lasting Eyeliner 1 Day Tattoo in Brown Black, $19.90 If black is too intense, and brown too subtle, then the deep brown pigment of this waterproof and smudge-resistant liner is perfect for that polished look without looking 8.5 too done up. 8 Etude House Drawing Show Dot Liner in BK801, $18.90 The liner has a threepronged tip that’s perfect for those who want an extremely subtle look – just press the prongs close to the lash line until the desired intensity is
achieved. It does take a few attempts to master, though. Creating a continuous black line requires practice too. The formula is fairly smudgeproof but tends to feather, settling into the 7 ne lines on the skin. 9 Za Liquid Eyeliner in BK999, $19.50 An ideal beginner’s eyeliner. The delicate brush tip has a springiness to it that allows for feathery strokes or a smooth lick of dark black pigment, depending on your preference. But there is a slight colour transfer after around six hours. 8.5
10 The Face Shop Color Proof Eye Liner in #01 Black, $14.50 The formula is thin and buildable, allowing you to touch up throughout the day without taking off existing liner. While it doesn’t smudge, it is more time-consuming to use. The pigment is not opaque so you would need to add several layers for a solid 7.5 black line. 11 Innisfree Powerproof Brush Liner, $15 This doesn’t create a solid black line but gives a dark charcoal-grey tint, good for those who want
a softer, less dramatic alternative to black liners. The liner smudges slightly on oily eyelids, and fades over the course of the day. But its non-irritating formula is suitable for sensitive eyes, and it 8 has a soft brush tip. 12 Revlon Colorstay Skinny Liquid Liner in Black Out, $19.90 This smudges with vigorous rubbing. On the bright side, this means it can be smudged to create a smoky-eyed look. The brush is long and yielding, but this makes it slightly challenging 6.5 for clumsy users.
13 Etude House Proof 10 Gelquid Liner in BK801, $18 The ne brush tip glides over the lash line smoothly, dispensing a thick formula that dries to a vivid black and gives the effect of a gel liner – but without the tedium of using a pot liner with a separate brush that needs to be cleaned daily. Be warned: it dries quickly and stays put, making it difcult to do any 8.5 corrections.
JUNE 2016 | SIMPLY HER
33
Beauty
ROAD TEST
15
14
BEST VALUE
16
17 18
EDITOR'S RAVE
19 GREAT FIND
20 14 Kate Super Sharp Liner A, $17 The brush tip is the nest in the line-up and gives the sharpest, thinnest lines. The formula isn’t as pigmented as most, which makes it ideal for lining the lower lash line. Due to its thinness, though, it’s not ideal for those who prefer a bolder look as you’ll need to use several strokes to reach the 8 desired thickness. 15 NYX The Curve Liner in Jet Black, $18 The ergonomic shape of the pen and the medium brush tip makes it easier for total novices to draw precise lines of various thicknesses. Unfortunately, it rinses off easily in cool water, so it’s best suited for days when you’re stuck indoors, lest you turn into a streaky8 eyed mess.
34 SIMPLY HER | JUNE 2016
16 Kiss Me Heroine Make Smooth Liquid Eyeliner Super Keep Black, $18.90 The ultra black, glossy line may fade slightly at the inner eye corners if you have watery eyes but it generally stays put until a hot shower, thanks to sebumresistant polymers that cling on tightly. The eyeliner rinses off cleanly with just warm water without leaving any greyish 8.5 remnants on the skin. 17
NYX Matte Liquid Liner in Black, $14 The formula goes on glossy and quickly dries to a matte nish without aking off over the day. The ne brush tip is the perfect length for creating long skinny lines and wing tips without being unwieldy. It lasts all day without smudging but takes some 9 effor t to remove.
18 NYX Super Skinny Eye Marker in Carbon Black, $18 The tiny brush tip is micro-ne for the thinnest and most precise of lines. It’s also good for lling in the lash line even if you have shaky hands – so it’s great for beginners. This works well too, if you like graphic effects like oating liner or ick-backs. Only downside: it tends to fade 9 over the day. 19 Kiss Me Heroine Make Impact Liquid Eyeliner Super Waterproof Black, $18.90 The dip-brush eyeliner picks up the perfect amount every time – there’s no need to brush off excess. The pigment is super black so one layer is enough. However, the applicator, while soft and gentle, may be challenging for eyeliner beginners as it requires more control to
apply. The formula is so lasting, an oil-based cleanser is 10 needed to remove it. 20 The Face Shop Ink Graf Brush Pen Liner in Ink Black, $15.90 The wand is quite long and the brush tip is a little too soft to give good control, so you’ll need steady hands or patience to apply the liner precisely. The formula dries and sets quickly without smearing or smudging, even on thick, hooded lids or on sensitive eyes that tear up easily. It stays crisp and clean, even after an hour-long 8 K-drama cryfest.
ZTE Special
Beautifully Crafted The ZTE Blade S7 has clever features and an eye-catching design that will draw you in.
SLEEK AND STRONG Going by rst impressions alone, the ZTE Blade S7 is a winner. With a width of just 67mm, the smartphone offers the perfect grip for women and is a breeze to handle – even with one hand. Its slim 7.2mm aluminium alloy body also ts easily into a clutch. If you’re a little obsessive about keeping your phone scratch-free, the Blade S7 uses Corning gorilla glass for the front and rear, which is thin, light and tough. With normal usage, it is scratch-resistant. And you’ll nd it effortless to use when watching your favourite Korean dramas and checking e-mail on its 5-inch full high-denition screen.
At the rear, you’ll also nd a 13-megapixel camera with a choice of shooting modes (professional and auto) and laser autofocus, which shoots fast and accurately – even under less-than-ideal settings on a night out. Plus, there is no need to pack the crowd into a tight shot – just use the panorama shot function that lets you take photos of a family park outing or a team lunch with your colleagues. With ve built-in levels of beautication options, you can make everyone look better in the photos, too! SAFE AND PRIVATE To add to the ease of unlocking your phone, the device is equipped with a ngerprint scanner. So, even if you forget your password, all you have to do is touch the home key. You can also use the sensor to authenticate access to apps and images. For an added level of security, there’s an ultracool Sky Eye feature, an iris scanner that identies users and unlocks the phone.
GREAT SNAPSHOTS Designed in Munich, Germany, this Android phone is a dream for sele lovers. It’s packed with 32GB of internal storage, a powerful 13-megapixel front-facing camera and a front ash for illumination, especially in dim light.
ZTE Blade S7 (in gold or black) comes with a two-year warranty. Available now at all M1 shops.
Beauty
REVIEW
Teo Ling Nah, 34, teacher
Sheena Lim, 31, stay-at-home mum
“It has a light texture and leaves a dewy nish. It also locked in moisture for more than 12 hours with makeup on, and my skin texture was improved and brightened as well.”
Dhaniah Suhana, 29, student
“It absorbs really well and my skin feels smoother and hydrated. I didn’t notice a signicant fading of my dark spots and freckles, but overall, my skin became brighter and more glowy.”
Nimrta Kaur Sandhu, 30, senior executive “I use it quite diligently morning and evening but haven’t noticed any difference. It does feel nice to put on and is absorbed easily.”
38 SIMPLY HER | JUNE 2016
Laser in a Bottle
This treatment for dark spots and dullness mimics laser therapy and promises a awless, even complexion. BY JOIE GOH
WHAT Shiseido White Lucent Microtargeting Spot Corrector, $155 (30ml), $200 (50ml) THE SCIENCE You’d usually go to your dermatologist or aesthetic physician for laser therapy to treat pigmentation. But while lasers can help lighten dark patches on the skin, it only works on larger areas, and not on the scattered, less pigmented spots across the face. These scattered spots are what cause the skin to lack clarity and look uneven. Shiseido’s intensive brightening serum lls the gap. It treats the tiny, undened spots on the skin in two ways. First, by helping the skin to respond the same way as after laser therapy – by optimising turnover so that skin cells containing melanin are “pushed” to the surface and eventually sloughed off as dead skin to reveal a radiant complexion – but without the damage and scabbing of a laser treatment. The second method uses sakura blossoms, said to suppress the signals given out by UV-exposed skin cells to produce melanin, preventing more spots from forming. HOW TO USE After cleansing and toning, dispense one or two pumps onto your palms and smooth onto skin, then follow with moisturiser. You can also use it before and after brightening cosmetic procedures.
Elfarina binte Mohammed Zaid, 35, company director
“The serum smells nice, and left my face feeling fresh yet non-sticky after a few seconds. My dark spots look lighter too.”
Seah Choon Ying, 36, underwriter
“My complexion looks more radiant, and my skin feels smoother and softer. After one month’s use, I noticed that my skin tone looks more even and feels more hydrated.”
Product Photography Zaphs Zhang Background Photo 123RF.com
“It’s non-sticky but moisturising enough. My face did feel a little tighter after applying it, and my skin looked slightly more radiant, although I’m not sure if it’s a temporary effect.”
CNP Laboratory Special
4 Reasons
TRIED AND TESTED
to Wear Sunscreen Now
“Tone-Up Protection Sun smooths and moisturises my skin, and it’s convenient as I don’t have to use a primer. It doesn’t leave me looking shiny and greasy.” – Diora Toh, 28, marketing executive (IG: @diora.tt)
A sunscreen does more than prevent sunburn. CNP Cosmetics tells us why it’s important to use sunscreen every day, and how their sunscreens can save your skin.
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CONTAINS SAFE INGREDIENTS Chemical sunscreens contain benzophenone, which breaks down ultraviolet (UV) rays but has been linked to a cancer risk as it can enter the bloodstream. Instead, opt for physical sunscreens like CNP Laboratory’s Tone-Up Protection Sun SPF42 PA+++ and Omega Perfection Sunblock SPF50+ PA+++. These have zinc oxide and titanium oxide, which form a barrier that scatters UV rays so they never reach the skin, says Alfred Tan, marketing and merchandising executive, and trainer for CNP Cosmetics. The two ingredients block out the entire spectrum of UV rays and are safe to use. Alfred adds: “These sunscreens are suitable for sensitive skin as they do not
contain parabens, articial colour pigments and fragrance, or mineral oil.”
2
HELPS YOU SAVE TIME CNP Laboratory’s ToneUp Protection Sun SPF42 PA+++ is a superb timesaver as it doubles as an excellent makeup primer, and has skincare benets like sebum control, hydration and brightening.
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PROTECTS SKIN AGAINST PREMATURE AGEING UVA causes tanning and premature ageing, while UVB is responsible for sunburn.
www.cnpcosmetics.com.sg
No matter how high the SPF level, it doesn’t protect the skin against UVA. You need a PA rating – Protection Grade of UVA – which is rated by the number of plus signs. The more pluses, the higher the defense against UVA, explains Alfred. CNP Laboratory’s sunscreens come with a high PA+++ rating for optimum protection against UVA rays.
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PREVENTS BREAKOUTS Older physical sunscreens with high SPF may have felt heavy on the skin and contained ingredients that
CNP Laboratory Singapore
cnpsg
“Gentle yet efficient, Tone-Up Protection Sun doesn’t dry out my skin with harsh chemicals. I use it as a makeup base, so I don’t need to use BB or CC creams.” – Joanna Lim, 26, social media marketer (IG: @ joannalhs)
clog pores, but newer ones feel almost invisible. The lightweight CNP Laboratory Omega Perfection Sunblock SPF50+ PA+++ is free of pore-clogging mineral oil, and contains green tea extract to moisturise and prevent breakouts. It is also suitable for use on your arms and legs. SHOP SMART
E-mail to enquiries@ cnpcosmetics.com.sg with your contact details for a free skin consultation and a threeday product trial today.
Biore Special
Fun In The Sun
Don’t let the sun stop you from enjoying outdoor activities. Protect yourself from harmful UV rays with these lightweight sun-care products from Biore.
Wearing sunscreen is essential, especially when you spend a lot of time outdoors on our sunny island. It helps to prevent sun damage, slow down the development of premature ageing skin, and prevent spots and skin discolourations. If you avoid wearing sun protection because you dislike how it feels on your skin (some can feel sticky or heavy), you will love the texture of the new Biore UV Aqua Rich Refreshing Gel SPF33 PA+++. Lightweight and refreshing, the gel-lotion transforms to a powder when applied, absorbing perspiration immediately and leaving your skin feeling smooth and rejuvenated. Suitable for multiple applications throughout the day, it also provides high UV protection against skin-ageing UVA rays and skin-burning UVB rays. If you are looking for a fuss-free and convenient option for UV protection, try the Biore UV Perfect Spray SPF50+ PA++++. This spray formula can be used over makeup, on your hair and even on your body. It has an invisibly light texture that purportedly feels like nothing on skin, even after
Biore UV Perfect Spray SPF50+ PA++++, $9.90 for 50g.
Biore UV Aqua Rich Refreshing Gel SPF33 PA+++, $18.90 for 90ml.
multiple applications, leaving your skin feeling soft, smooth and comfortable. The waterproof formula boasts a superior double UV block for maximum protection, and also contains sebum-absorbing powder for effective shine control. Now you can swim, run, cycle or just enjoy the outdoors comfortably and safely. Available at all pharmacies, hypermarkets and supermarkets, leading beauty stores, departmental stores and selected minimarts.
Beauty
NEWS
GREAT FIND
Smooth & Stubble-free
Remove unwanted hair at home with the I-Light Pro IPL Hair Removal System, $899. Unlike shaving, the intense pulsed light (IPL) device doesn’t tug on skin, helping to reduce skin irritation and delay premature ageing. Suitable for those with dark hair and light skin tones, it emits light energy that damages hair follicles, preventing regrowth.
HOT WEATHER MUST-HAVE
Made without parabens, alcohol and colourants, Idenel Cooling Mask, $83.90 (200ml) helps to soothe, deeply hydrate and brighten. Quickly absorbed, it leaves skin feeling cool, smooth and supple. To be applied after toner, it can be used as a wash-off or sleeping mask.
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EDITOR'S RAVE
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If your skin tends to itch or turn red after you’ve applied skincare, look for a moisturiser without skin irritants like synthetic fragrances, alcohol and menthol. 1 Eau Thermale Jonzac High Tolerance Light Emulsion, $50 (40ml) soothes and regenerates skin cells with mineral-rich thermal spring water, calms with organic chamomile oral water, and moisturises with organic mallow leaf water. 2 Chanel La Solution 10 De Chanel, $125 (30ml) is oil- and fragrancefree, and contains 10 ingredients that soothe and hydrate, leaving skin soft and calm. 3 Declare Stress Balance AntiIrritation Serum, $130 (50ml) is made with allergen-free fragrances, goes on ultra-light and is easily absorbed. It also boosts microcirculation for a more eventoned complexion. 4 Etude House True Relief Moist Emulsion, $27.90 (180ml) soothes and strengthens skin against irritants with ceramides as well as extracts of apricot, chestnut and chicory.
WHAT I’M LOVING...
Beauty editor Simone Wu’s picks for this month.
“I use an eyeliner to dene my hooded lids and help me look more awake. Make Up For Ever’s Aqua XL Eye Pencil ($36, available in 20 shades) is highly pigmented, waterproof p and smudge-resistant.. It also glides on smoothly withouut poking my skin.””
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“With my combination skin, I need a makeup primer to help me look awless. The lightweight Diorskin Forever & Ever Wear Extreme Perfection & Hold Makeup Base ($70) makes my skin look more even and helps foundation stay put.”
Text Simone Wu Main Photo Corbis
TLC FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Laurier Ultra Gentle Special
The Delicate Treatment
Periods are uncomfortable enough – think cramps, nausea, fatigue and bloating. For some women, napkin dermatitis, or itching, soreness and rashes around the intimate area, adds to their monthly woes. While it’s not something women often discuss, the condition is more common than you think and can affect anyone, not just those with sensitive skin. SO WHY DO I GET NAPKIN DERMATITIS? Skin around the intimate area is extremely delicate as it has the least number of protective layers, even fewer than your eyelids. So unless extra care is taken to manage the two main triggers – humidity and friction – the area can get inflamed easily. During your period, relative humidity is high due to the build up of perspiration and moisture in the area. This damp environment
makes skin more sensitive and susceptible to inflammation. Friction, caused by skin rubbing against the napkin surface, can also trigger symptoms. HOW CAN I PREVENT IT? Besides changing your pad regularly and keeping the area clean, you can reduce the occurrence of napkin dermatitis by choosing the right kind of sanitary napkin. Laurier Ultra Gentle is the first sanitary napkin in Singapore to be dermatologically tested and specially designed to minimise skin discomfort during periods. It is
equipped with a Quick Lock System that absorbs quickly and “locks in” fluid so you’ll never have that wet, sticky feeling. It also boasts a unique wavy top sheet that minimises contact with skin and reduces discomfort caused by friction. What’s more, Laurier Ultra Gentle is made in Japan and developed in accordance with Japan Advanced Skin Science Technology, which means you get premium quality napkins that care for your skin. Visit bit.ly/laurierultragentle to redeem a free sample today!
MAIN PHOTO 123RF.COM
Don’t let itching and skin discomfort during your period get you down. Laurier Ultra Gentle has the perfect solution for your monthly woes.
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Illustrations Corbis, 123RF.com
Free
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A whole month of your kids having nothing to do doesn’t have to be a nightmare for you. J O U P C R A F T rounds up 28 no-expenses-needed activities for families these June holidays. You’re welcome.
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BE AN EXPLORER
1You may know of the Merlion at Merlion Park next to One Fuller ton, but that’s not the only landmark “lion-sh” in town. Take your kids on a Merlion hunt to spot the Merlion statues scattered all around Singapore. Where to go: One Fullerton (there are two there), Sentosa, Mount Faber and Tourism Cour t (which houses the Singapore Tourism Board) at 1 Orchard Spring Lane. 2 Hop on the MRT and head to the front carriage. Kids and adults alike love to pretend they’re the train driver, so navigate your way through the tunnels and make up funny announcements as you pull into stations. Warning: people may stare at you, but who cares? 3 Look beyond Uniqlo and 4Fingers Crispy Chicken at Ion Orchard and look up. Take in the best views of Singapore from Ion Sky, the mall’s 56th-storey observatory, and tell your little
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ones that this is how Superman/ woman sees the world. Level 4 Ion Art Gallery, then take the lift to Level 55. 4 From the ar ty walls in Tiong Bahru, and the colours and tunnels of Gillman Barracks, to the murals at HDB void decks all over Singapore, our island is lled with places for the perfect sele. Pack a rehydrating picnic and take your little one on a tour, striking poses as you go. 5 Some 14 re stations in Singapore hold open houses every Saturday, from 9am to 11am. Watch reghting demonstrations, don a reman’s hat, and pretend to control a hose. Children can also get behind the wheel of a Red Rhino and see the remen sliding down re poles. Groups of fewer than 10 can simply walk in, otherwise, register two weeks ahead at www.scdf.gov.sg. You can also log on to nd the re station closest to you.
GET A SLICE OF LIFE
MAKE IT
6 Don’t have a garden? Terrariums are hugely popular now and these little greeneries-in-jars are great fun to make. Gather old glass bottles as containers and ll them with soil, stones, shells, plants and/or moss. Add a personal stamp by popping a family of Lego gurines inside, too. And then just watch your creation grow!
TAKE IN SCREEN TIME
7 Movie Mob holds free drive-in movie/picnic events at different locations across Singapore. The schedule is packed for June but kept under wraps until the dates draw closer. Announcements are made on their Facebook page, MovieMob, so get following them, sharpish! Tel: 6225-6536. www.moviemob.sg 8 Watching a movie at the cinema can be a walletshrinking affair – plus, kids always complain about how cold it is in the halls. The alternative? Get a Netix subscription (from $10.98 a month for a basic plan) and have a movie afternoon. Par t of the fun is in prepping for it – think popcorn, chips and drinks. www.netix.com/sg 9 You’re tired. You can’t do Any. More. Playy dates. We’ll let you off and let you succumb to Youtube videos..Toddler T ddl Fun Learning, Story Time and The Word Worm are great forr younger children. Anything Funnny Cat-related will always go dow wn well (and soak up hours). And if your child loves lip-syncing, downloading the DubSmash App (free on iPhone and Goo ogle Play) might result in you neverr wanting to leave the house again. i .
10 You and the family can spend a happy morning exploring the hub of pet and animal-related shops at Block 154, Serangoon North Avenue 1. From aquarium shops selling everything from $2 packets of longkang sh (and frogs) to pricey arowana, to stores selling pet food, toys and accessories, and hotspots for buying birds, hamsters and even a chinchilla (www.houseofchinchilla.com) – it’s all wildly good fun. 11 If your kids are supermarket denizens, the hustle and bustle of a wet market could be an eye opener for them. The famous Tiong Bahru Wet Market (30 Seng Poh Road) aside, don’t dismiss your neighbourhood equivalent. Far from the sterile environs of pre-packed meat and produce, here, your kids can see chickens being deboned, sh being sliced up into llets and get to choose their fruits and veggies. They’ll soon stop complaining about how hot and wet it is. 12 Make it an early morning adventure by waking your kids up at 3am and taking them to Senoko Fishery Port, where buyers and seafood merchants stock up on the freshest seafood before the crack of dawn. Your child may just sleep for the rest of the day afterwards. 31 Attap Valley Road. Open Tue-Sun, 2-6am
PLAY WITH FOOD
13 All you need is rice and food dye. One Simply Her reader keeps her young son busy by simply dyeing rice in different colours, which the little one uses to llll the back of his toy trucks. f ever!! Best fun N t best thing to eating cupcakes is 14 Next d ating them. Buy a box of plain ones, decora her your decorating arsenal (candy gathe osss, chocolate buttons, marshmallows, dy-to-pipe icing and so on) and get read starr ted. Let your children use their i gination and turn the cakes into ima f ily-member por traits. Dad will be fam thrilleed to nd himself reincarnated with blue caandy oss hair and pink jelly lips.
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SLOW BURN Food, sex, parenting… it’s now cool not to be on high speed all the time.
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Text Patrick Randall/The Interview People Photo Rainer Holz/Corbis/Corbis
slow down... smell the flowers
The Italians were the rst to put the brakes on with a protest against the opening of fast food restaurant McDonald’s in Rome, in 1986. That morphed into the slow food movement, where the aim isn’t so much about intentionally procrastinating or using only slow cookers but more about doing things at the right pace, favouring quality over quantity. Since then, the deceleration trend has spread quickly, touching everything from travel to money, technology and education. The past few years have seen the development of even more surprising slow concepts, such as these. SLOW SEX The slow sex movement focuses on rediscovering desire. When it comes to sex, there’s just no need to rush – in other words, no more quickies. Slow sex enthusiasts often engage in creating a cosy, gentle atmosphere, simply watching each other for several minutes, massaging each other and talking during and after the act. Such approaches to physical relations have been around for centuries in other cultures, especially in Hindu Tantric beliefs. But in the West, it became a real concept when South African author Diana Richardson published her book Slow Sex: The Path to Ful lling and Sustainable Sexuality, in 2011.
SLOW AGEING While some people turn to botox injections or cosmetic surgery to hide the effects of ageing, others are focusing on ways to “slow” the process – to age more successfully with the help of healthy diets, hygiene, sleep, exercise, environments and social activity. Tobacco, alcohol and drugs are, of course, a big no. But other requirements, like reducing calorie intake by 30 per cent, balanced by a personalised diet that provides the right amount of proteins, vitamins and minerals, could extend the average lifespan by about 25 years, as The Telegraph repor ted. Other methods for a long life include helping and being kind to others. Charitable behaviour is said to result in endorphin release that decreases stress and reinforces the immune system. Brain exercises through meditation are also advised, to ght age-related mental diseases. Other studies have found that simply being happy and optimistic can improve one’s health and lifespan. SLOW PARENTING Slow parenting loosely means no more racing about from activity to activity, and place to place. It cherishes quality over quantity, and is all about making meaningful connections with your kids. The movement, in other words, is about practising mindfulness together as a family. The concept isn’t all that new. Back in 2009, author Carl Honore said in an interview with The New York Times that slow parenting was “about bringing balance into the home”. To do so, slow parents advocate interactive activities. This
means playing with toys, board games or just running around outdoors – basically, what children used to do in the good old days. SLOW GARDENING Gardening might not seem like the most frantic activity in the rst place, but some green-thumbed individuals think it should be slower still. Star ted in the United States shor tly after the slow food movement, slow gardening is, as its name might suggest, about being patient with plants, trees, vegetables and lawns. Slow gardeners think yard work should be pleasurable, not just a chore people are obliged to get through. SLOW CITIES The Cittaslow (“slow city”) movement, like slow food, originated in Italy. It was founded in 1999 by Paolo Saturnini, the former mayor of the small town of Greve in Chianti, Tuscany. The organisation, now present in nearly 200 (mostly small) towns across 30 countries, aims to help us rethink the way we conceive, build and move around in urban spaces. If a city wants to join the movement, it must correspond to 55 criteria, divided into six par ts: environmental policy, infrastructure, quality of public space, encouragement of local products, hospitality and slow city awareness among residents. SH
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“I lost the love of my life on New Year’s Day” Text Ranessa Jacyntha Theyakaraja Photo 123RF.com
Ranae* saw her hopes and dreams for the future come crashing down when she least expected it.
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“It was 4am at a friend’s house when I walked out of the dark par ty room and onto the balcony for some air. ‘Whoa! Where did you come from?’ a voice exclaimed from the back. My thick, waist-length curly hair was all over the place from dancing but there Raymond* was, looking completely Zen. “He beckoned me to sit with him and talk. He told me he had just moved home after a ve-year stint overseas, and was taking time off to explore South-east Asia. We talked the rest of the night and went our separate ways in the morning. CHANCE MEETINGS “Raymond and I bumped into each other on and off over the next six months, although we never stopped to chat. And then, we found ourselves at another gathering where he walked straight up to me and we talked for hours – about our thirst for adventure, the world, his travels, and how we were both interested in taking up diving. “When he said: ‘It was time for me to come home after ve years of working overseas. I missed my girls’, I couldn’t help but feel a slight pang. ‘I wanted to be closer to my mother and my sister. I love my girls,’ he continued. “Being an early bloomer, the only boys and men I’d come across were bad news. Three years prior to meeting Raymond, I was in a physically and mentally abusive relationship. To come across someone so openly affectionate towards his family was a breath of fresh air. “When the night came to an end, he tapped me gently and said: ‘There’s something about you. I hope you know that and I don’t want to see you change. Not for anyone.’ MISSED OPPORTUNITIES “The next day, Raymond and I began having daily conversations. These always star ted with a morning text and ended with a goodnight text, with pictures of what we were currently doing and what we’d seen lling the gap in between. “I’d make him laugh as much as I could and he’d always use his ‘marry me’ one-liner after a good laugh. We’d often plan to meet but never could make it due to work.
“A month passed before Raymond rang me. ‘Do you remember talking about getting our diving license? Aren’t you tired of waiting for everyone to do it?’ said his soft voice on the other line. “‘Let’s do this! Let’s go,’ he coaxed. Within the hour, he had made bookings for our island trip, which was to happen in a month’s time. We talked about it almost every other day, counting down the days until we’d be able to let loose and enjoy the sun and sea. “But one day before the trip, I realised work was piling up for both of us. We agreed that the timing wasn’t right and decided to cancel the trip. We were so busy that it would be three weeks before we communicated again. I kept missing his calls and when I could nally return them, he would miss mine. “Raymond was still on my mind, but I understood that time just didn’t allow us to meet. I told myself to forget about the possibility of a romance with him. REMEMBERING DECEMBER “In early December 2014, my friends and I organised an event at a club. I decided to take a break from the loud music and indoor smoke. Turning around, I spotted Raymond from afar. Without breaking eye contact, we walked up to each other and hugged hard. He even lifted both his hands to hold my face but stopped himself. I was ustered by this. “Later that night, I looked for him but he was nowhere to be found. I waited outside for an hour before deciding to leave. I was in a cab when I got a call from Raymond. ‘I came tonight for you. I’ve never known someone like you,’ he said. “From that night on, ‘we’ became a reality. He would travel from wherever his projects were based to spend time with me, even if it was just for a little while. “We’d sit and talk about how we could t into each other’s lives realistically. I met his mother and he met my family. For the rst time, my family approved of my boyfriend. We even planned a trip on New Year’s Day. JUNE 2016 | SIMPLY HER
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THE ENDING TO MY BEGINNING “On New Year’s Eve, I decided to spend some time with my family, as Raymond and I were going away the next day. At 11pm, I got a call from him and invited him over. He arrived minutes before the clock struck midnight – just in time to give me a New Year’s kiss. “We were like teenagers that night, running around town laughing, hugging and kissing, excited for what the future would bring. We knew we shared the same values and beliefs and that these were strong enough for us to have a solid relationship. In the wee hours of the morning, he held me in his arms and said: ‘I’m going to miss you tonight.’ “The next day, I packed my bags, ready for a romantic yet adventurous trip. It was 2pm and I was on my way to meet Raymond when he called. He had just returned home after his run and was getting ready. ‘I’m coming to you,’ he said over the phone. “We were scheduled to leave at 4pm, so I hung around at our meeting point and waited for him to arrive. Time passed, and I wondered if he had got caught in traf c. Another hour passed and by this time, I was nervous and also getting mad at him – was he cancelling on us? “I called him a couple of times but no one picked up. Finally, his sister answered. She sounded frantic and could only say, ‘My brother died!’ “I laughed, because I thought it was a stupid brother-and-sister joke – she hung up on me. I tried calling back but there was no answer. “Then, I received a call from our mutual friend. Raymond was getting his bags out to pack when he suffered a hear t attack and passed away immediately. Our friend had to repeat this twice before I nally believed him. “I broke down in tears. It felt as if my hear t had fallen to the bottom of my stomach, yet I was completely numb. Raymond was never coming to meet me.
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THE LAST GOODBYE “I spent New Year’s Day with Raymond on his deathbed. The feeling I had when I looked into his casket to say goodbye was unexplainable. It was painful, because this was the last time I would be seeing him and yet, he didn’t look back at me – he wasn’t smiling at me. He always did and he’d always plant a kiss on my forehead. “I have had my hear t broken many times and had to deal with dif cult issues very early on in life, but this was different: He was the man of my dreams and still is. “Before me lay an adventurous man who collected books when he travelled; a man who’d tell me that I could sleep through anything. He was patient, held strong beliefs and values, and loved the women in his life unconditionally – the one true love that could t into any landscape I’d imagined. He was the air to my re. TRYING TO MOVE ON “I didn’t unpack my bags for the longest time and for a while, I would lose myself in work, sometimes not even going home, in addition to overworking my body through vigorous exercise twice a day. “To the outside world, I appeared to be coping, but it was all an illusion, because I knew that was what people wanted to see. In private, I was a mess and things seemed to be getting worse. “It’s been a year and I still think about him every single day and what could have been. I haven’t dated because I can’t go out with someone without comparing him to Raymond. He has raised the bar for me. “I’m terri ed to move on, because I’m afraid I might slowly forget what his voice sounds like and his smile. It still hur ts and I still tear up when I think of him, but his passing has made me appreciate the time I have with the people around me. All I can say is God took him away too soon, because the world was never meant for angels.” SH
*Names have been changed.
Do you have a real-life drama to share or a true story that would inspire other readers? E-mail us at magsimplyher@sph.com.sg and we’ll get in touch with you.
How to cope with sudden loss BE KIND TO YOURSELF 1 Talk to your close family and friends, especially those you feel can understand. 2 Don’t listen to those who say you “should be doing better than you are”. 3 Tell yourself that you are normal for feeling the way you do. 4 Find ways to continue your bond with the person. It may be engaging in things that they used to do. For example, cooking or carrying out an activity the deceased would have appreciated. IF YOU FEEL YOU ARE NOT COPING 1 Don’t go back to work too soon. Give yourself ample grieving time. 2 Con de in someone close to you. Sharing can ease the emotional burden you are feeling. 3 Try counselling. Sometimes, it feels better to talk to someone outside of your circle, and it can be helpful to retell your story over and over again. This can help you make sense of how you are feeling and normalise your feelings. 4 Not everyone likes to talk. This is ne, so long as you’re not pushing things away so that they build up to a point where you feel you’re going to explode. It can help to have an outlet, such as talking to a good friend or seeking professional help. Source: The British Psychological Society
My First Skool Special
To encourage an early interest in mother tongue, there’s the billingual immersion programme that uses fun and innovative methods to teach the fundamentals of Chinese language and culture. This programme also aims to impart core values and attitudes that will serve them well through life.
Set for School Give your preschooler the headstart he needs with My First Skool’s fun and interactive learning programme. Making the transition from kindergarten to primary school is a huge jump for any child. So it’s only natural to wonder and worry if your little one is truly prepared for school and its many challenges. To ease children into the big unknown they know only as Primary One, My First Skool has designed a holistic programme for four- to six-year-olds. The SkoolReady Curriculum helps them develop the skills and knowledge that will contribute to their social and academic success in their early primary years and beyond. AN INQUIRY-LED APPROACH The Skool-Ready Curriculum consists of thematic lessons and a project that is based on a topic of interest to children and will challenge them to learn more
about the chosen topic. Through this exercise, each child’s resourcefulness will be developed as they discover more about the subject. LANGUAGE FOR LIFE In addition to the thematic lessons, there are lessons in language and literacy. Preschoolers have ample opportunities to develop their language skills through spelling, writing, comprehension, and letter and word recognition. They also hone their communication skills through class discussions, show-and-tell sessions and interacting with their peers.
NUMERACY AND CREATIVITY The essentials of numeracy skills are taught through practical exercises such as sorting shapes and telling time. Your little ones also get to express themselves through drawing, painting, crafting and origami, as well as through music lessons. HEADING OUT Outdoor play, which is crucial to the development of motor skills, also features strongly in the programme. Besides playtime during the week, children can look forward to eld trips every term. For a smoother transition into Primary One, My First Skool also organises outings to a primary school for K2 children, to familiarise them with a new learning environment as well as daily routines like recess time.
For more information or to enrol your child in My First Skool, visit www.myfirstskool.com or call 6509-7887.
More than just building a strong foundation for preschoolers, My First Skool makes learning fun by engaging children in meaningful experiences and encouraging them to interact actively with their peers and teachers.
DADDY’S GIRL
“My dad taught me how to swim when I was just two years old. I was afraid of the water but he would motivate me until I found the courage to swim on my own. Within months, I was swimming like a pro, and when I was in primary and secondary school, I even swam competitively. A couple of years ago, Dad asked me if I knew anyone who could teach him how to swim. I was dumbfounded because I thought he was a good swimmer. Turns out he wasn’t! He told me, ‘I never said I could swim, I just made you believe that I could’. He faked it till I made it. What a guy!” – Olinda Cho, 36, business owner, and Alfred Cho, 63 SIMP SIM MPLY HER HER HER R || JUNE JUN 2016 JUNE 2016 16 60 SIMPLY
Main Photo Anna Kern/Johner Images/Corbis Photos of TV Dads Everett Collection.inc
He’s the rst man you’ve ever loved, so in honour of Father’s Day, we asked women to share their most treasured stories and memories about their special man. B Y S A S H A G O N Z A L E S
“Some weeks ago, I wanted to go for a jog at about 11pm, pretty late to be running around the neighbourhood alone. Concerned about my safety, my father offered to drive slowly alongside the kerb while I ran. He could have easily stayed at home to watch his favourite detective show on TV but instead, he put me rst. I was so moved that my eyes actually welled up with tears. Dad is so protective of me – he’s my knight in shining armour.” – Gladys Toh, 34, business development executive, and James Toh, 67
“When I was 15, I wanted to be a model, something that’s frowned upon in Thailand, where I grew up. The only person in my family who suppor ted my dream was my dad. He was worried that my education would suffer but I promised him that I would not drop out of school and that I would get my degree. Spurred on by his encouragement, I managed to have a successful modelling career and complete my Master’s course. I don’t know what I would’ve done without Dad’s approval.” – Mita Kelder, 40, photographer and columnist, and Veerapan Maleipan, 75
“Papa raised me. In addition to being my dad, he is also my mother, my provider, my advisor and my condant. In my early 20s, he saved me from a toxic relationship. He could see how I was being treated by the guy, and he said to me, ‘If you think he can give you everything I’ve given you so far, then go to him. If not, stay with me’. That made me think hard about my wellbeing and I knew that if I wanted to be happy, I would have to leave my then-boyfriend.” – Lily Hargrove, 38, singer, and Rahmat Damhori, 68
“When I was about eight years old, my younger sister was hospitalised. Mum stayed with her, so it was up to Dad to take care of me. He had no clue how to tie my hair for school, let alone fashion it into pretty braids, the way my mum did every day. But I remember him trying anyway, so that I could get to school without looking a mess.” – Lee Min Jie, 29, public servant, and Lee Poo Nee, 58
“When it came time for me to attend university, I decided that I wanted to study in Hawaii in the United States. To show his suppor t for my decision, my father looked for a higher-paying job to help pay for my tuition and living expenses. When it came time for me to return home, Dad even ew all the way to help me pack everything for the move.” – Sharika Otts, 32, assistant business development specialist, and Wayne Otts, 62
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TV DADS WE LOVE
“My father has sacriced so much for our family. In 2011, he took a job in Shanghai so that he could provide for us nancially. It was not easy being away from us but he accepted that it had to be done. When I star ted university, Dad was still working in Shanghai. He ordered a laptop for me online and got it delivered to our house. There was a gift card in the box too, which read: ‘A gift from Papa. Do well in university’. I stuck the card on my laptop, where it remained the whole four years I was at university. It served as a reminder to never take his love or sacrices for granted.” – Gloria Tan, 24, research assistant, and Tan Kong Ming, 53
“For our father, family takes precedence. His work takes him overseas often but wherever he is, we are never far from his thoughts. He always comes home with gadgets and other fun treats for the family – he sure knows how to make us smile!” – Zheng Tianying, 29, brand manager, and Tay Yeong Kiang, 65, entrepreneur
“After my mother passed away, we really longed for her home-cooked meals. So at the ripe old age of 65, my father, who had never in his life used a stove or even a can opener, began learning how to cook simple dishes, just so that we would have something on the table when we got home.” – Chua Hwee Ping, 43, in-house counsel, and Chua See Ka, 72
• Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) from Downton Abbey With his stiff upper lip and matter-of-factness, he’s not the kind of father you’d want to mess with. But he sure knows how to keep his three strong-willed daughters in line, simply by reasoning with them. Plus, he’s super loyal. • Tony Micelli (Tony Danza) from Who’s the Boss? Those who grew up in the ’80s would remember the widower Tony for being a great housekeeper, cook and babysitter, but also an amazing dad to daughter Samantha (Alyssa Milano) and stepson Jonathan (Danny Pintauro). • Tony Soprano (James Gandolni) from The Sopranos Although he was involved with the Maa, Tony went to great lengths to be a good father to his two kids, showing them tough love when they got into trouble and sharing with them his words of wiseguy wisdom.
“I have an incredibly suppor tive father – he is always 100 per cent behind me. Five years ago, my sister and I decided to star t our own catering company. We didn’t have the funds to buy equipment or set up a business website, so Dad gave us the money we needed to get on our feet. He even jumped behind our stall at the market to help us sell macarons. When it comes to his girls, there is nothing he wouldn’t do and we adore him for it.” – Chanel Gallen, 30, editor, with her
sister Amber Gallen (left), 28, interior architect, and Guy Gallen, 60
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Risky Business
Does your husband have an “ofce wife” that he’s close to and can’t stop talking about? Here’s how to prevent their relationship from destroying your marriage. When her husband star ted getting work-related phone calls on weekends from a female colleague, Tanya* didn’t know what to think. “He wasn’t cheating on me, but this woman would ask to meet my hubby at cafes in town to discuss work, and usually on Saturday afternoons, which I found odd,” shares the 38-year-old marketing executive and mum of two. “When I found out that they lunched together on weekdays too, without their other co-workers, I hit the roof. My husband called me paranoid and we didn’t talk for days. Even though he insisted that he and Melissa* were just colleagues, a par t of me felt uneasy, and our relationship is suffering now because of her. “Every time he asks me to do something for him, I’ll say ‘Ask your of ce wife to do it’. I hate being angry with him, but their closeness makes me feel uncomfor table and insecure,” adds Tanya. Does Your Hubby Have An “Ofce Wife”? Many of us have someone in the of ce that we’re close to, someone who makes us look forward to being at work all day. We may share of ce or personal gossip with this person, have lunch with her, and even consider her a good friend to the
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point where we socialise or travel with her. Now, imagine if that colleague was of the opposite sex. Ad agency creative director Mark* has an of ce wife, Donna*. The two are inseparable but Mark says that his “real” wife understands their relationship. “She trusts me and knows that Donna and I are just colleagues,” says the 40-year-old. “In our industry, it’s not uncommon to work late into the night with your team, and to attend events, take overseas trips, or go for drinks with them.
“Donna is my deputy, so we have no choice but to do these things together. We have a tight bond; we share our personal problems with each other, and I must admit that she makes my job more fun, but we both know there’s a line that must never be crossed. I would never do anything to jeopardise my career or my marriage.” Donna, who is 32 and single, claims her relationship with Mark is strictly professional. “I respect him and his wife, whom I’ve never met but heard a lot about,” she explains. “Yes, we’re super-close, we share the
Photo beyond/Corbis
BY S A S H A G O N Z A L E S
“I admit that she makes my job more fun but we both know there’s a line that must never be crossed. I would never do anything to jeopardise my career or my marriage.”
same sense of humour and have common interests, but at the end of the day, we just work together.” It’s normal to have someone at work that you feel close to. Dr Lim Boon Leng, a psychiatrist at Dr BL Lim Centre For Psychological Wellness, Gleneagles Medical Centre, says that many people nd it comfor ting to have someone they can trust – much like their spouse – in the of ce. “That person is your lunch companion and listens when you want to complain about the boss. In a nutshell, he or she is there
when you need them and you don’t have to fear being judged or rejected.” Dr Lim says knowing that your of ce spouse will watch your back also makes you feel safer at work and when you’re away from work. However, he cautions that calling this person a “spouse” already implies the crossing of psychological boundaries. “This may ultimately lead to problems,” he adds. A Marriage Nearly Broken Indeed, problems may arise if your
hubby and his of ce wife develop romantic feelings for each other and decide to take their friendship to the next level. James*, a 37-year-old manager, says his ve-year marriage was almost ruined when he began spending more time with his of ce wife, Jenny*. “We went from being lunch and cubicle mates to having dinner together, and pretty soon we were watching movies together on weekends,” he shares. “My wife knew about Jenny and was upset about our closeness, but the truth is, Jenny made me happier than my wife did. I was tempted to make a move on her. She ir ted with me all the time and I enjoyed the attention.” Several major arguments with his wife, and seeing how his fouryear-old son was affected by these arguments, made James re-think his relationship with Jenny. Other colleagues were also star ting to gossip about the pair, and James was worried that it would destroy his career. In the end, he asked for a transfer to another depar tment and worked on improving his relationship with his wife. The Ofce Affair Steven*, on the other hand, was not so lucky. His of ce wife Clara* initiated an affair with him. Steven says that Clara showered him with a lot of attention – something he wasn’t getting from his wife of six years. “I wasn’t unhappy with my wife, but having an affair with Clara was exciting,” the 42-year-old sales JUNE 2016 | SIMPLY HER
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manager shares. “Often, we’d sneak out of the of ce in the afternoon to watch movies or have a quickie in a hotel room. We had sex on work trips. We’d pass each other cute notes and even send sexy texts to each other. The affair ended after three months, when Clara begged me to leave my wife for her.” When Steven refused, Clara not only threatened to tell his wife about the affair, but also to tell their supervisor that he had sexually harassed her. In the end, Steven resigned from his job and also came clean with his wife, who left him and took their daughter with her. Make Their “Ofce Marriage” Work for You Just because your husband is close to a woman at work, it doesn’t mean that he’ll cheat on you with her. But, Dr Lim says that if your marriage is already strained and vulnerable, or if your husband is yearning for a romantic relationship without the responsibility, the situation can get tricky. “In either case, he may look at his of ce wife and see a convenient avenue to stray. And if she is emotionally involved with him, she may not stop the affair from happening.” If your husband has an of ce wife yet insists that their relationship is professional, then he should have no problem talking about it with you. “He should feel comfor table letting you know about the existence of this relationship and the full extent of it,” says Dr Lim. “He shouldn’t have anything to hide when you question him.” If you still feel insecure despite your husband’s openness, the last thing you should do is accuse him of cheating, threaten him, or act aggressively towards him, as this will only make him defensive, says Daniel Koh, a psychologist at Insights Mind Centre. “Instead, tell him how the relationship is affecting you and that you need help understanding it better,” says Daniel. “Ask for his reassurance. Find out why he likes spending time with her. Does she give him emotional suppor t? Do they share common interests?”
At the same time, you and Hubby should do all you can to maintain your closeness and improve your communication with each other. A strong foundation is crucial to prevent an extramarital affair of any kind. “Whatever role this of ce wife plays, you need to assess your marriage and see if anything is missing,” Daniel adds. “Is there anything you’re not giving your husband that she is? Is there some aspect of your marriage that can be improved? Is your husband looking for something he’s not getting at home? “If you can work through these questions honestly with each other, your marriage will be stronger, and you’ll also minimise any oppor tunity for something to happen between him and his of ce wife,” he adds. Should You Ask to Meet Her? Mark’s wife says she has no desire to meet Donna because she trusts her husband. “Why would I want to suss her out or observe how they act when they’re together? That’s unnecessary because I know there’s nothing going on between them,” says the 38-yearold accountant. Daniel believes there’s nothing wrong with wanting to meet your husband’s of ce wife. But before you do, you should ask yourself why, and if you’re ready to witness their close bond. “Don’t ask to meet her just to confront her,” he advises. “One way you can feel better about their relationship and get to know her better is to organise a gathering for his co-workers. Then you can observe how she acts towards your husband and vice versa. “If you don’t feel comfor table with her behaviour then you can bring it up. But it’s a good idea to get to know her better anyway – if you want to – because then you can approach her later if the need arises.” SH *Names have been changed.
66 SIMPLY HER | JUNE 2016
When should you worry?
If you see these signs, it’s time to have a talk with Hubby. • He refuses to talk about his of ce wife or his relationship with her, and refuses to let you meet her. • They start spending time together during non-of ce hours, and you know that they’re not working, for example, they go shopping or watch a movie on weekends – typical “couple” activities. • He starts comparing you to her and says things like, “You don’t understand me the way she does.” • You discover he’s been con ding in her about personal matters, even marital ones. • You discover that they’re exchanging expensive and/ or personal gifts, or that they have pet names for each other, like “dear”, “babe”, “darling” and so on.
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Everything you need to manage your work, sex life, relationships, health and more
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MADE EASY
JOSEPHINE K CHOW
COUNTRY HEAD OF SHOPBACK SINGAPORE
Cross-check the model’s measurements.
“Clothes from different brands are cut differently, so make it a habit to check the model’s measurements and t with the item you intend to buy. Sites like Asos and Zalora come with catwalk videos, which give a pretty good gauge of the t.”
Trawl through customer reviews to make sure they are authentic.
“It’s really impor tant to go through customer reviews to make sure they are real – some sellers ‘fake’ good reviews by getting their own staff to ‘purchase’, then write a review.”
Manage your expectations.
“What you see may not necessarily be what you get. This is why you should check the ratings of the store, especially if
you are buying from marketplaces like Taobao or Lazada.”
Take note of the terms and conditions.
“Keep an eye out for things like additional shipping fees, ‘service fees’, shipping duration and return policies. Some stores have inexible shipping policies where they don’t do a second delivery. If there’s no one to receive the parcel the rst time, they will place it at a post ofce. You’ll then have to do a self-collection, which defeats the purpose of online shopping in the rst place: convenience.”
Only buy big ticket items like electronics from a trusted source.
“Sometimes, electronics are sold at super cheap prices. Find out the reasons for the massive discount, and make sure the items you buy come with a warranty.”
HOW TO GET THE BEST DEALS WHEN SHOPPING ONLINE
• Sign up for your favourite online sites’ newsletters so you get notied whenever there are sales. • Promotions may be pegged to your payment method, so search for the best ones before deciding on a mode of payment. • Compare prices offered by multiple platforms – this is especially applicable to travel products. • Be familiar with seasonal sale periods. For example, for clothes, look out for end-ofseason sales (usually at the end of each quar ter or month); for travel, discounts are usually tied in with ofine sale events like travel fairs.
JUNE 2016 | SIMPLY HER
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M A D E E A SY
Become a Financial Superstar
Take these tips from everyday people who took on impressive – if not, seemingly impossible – nancial challenges, and be inspired to think differently about your money. 70 SIMPLY HER | JUNE 2016
Text Laura Shin/Forbes.com/Featurewell Photo Corbis
MONEY
One pair of roommates embarked on a project they titled the Buy Nothing Year. One couple minimised their housing, transpor tation and grocery expenses and bought little else until they were able to retire in their 30s. One man gave up a salary of US$150,000 (S$203,677) and now travels the world on less than US$30,000 a year. The stories astound from a sheer practical perspective and while many of them employed the same tactics – cycling instead of driving, cooking at home rather than eating out, choosing inexpensive investments and minimising taxes – what kept them on their path tends to be more individual and unique. Here are some mental (because the rst hurdle is always psychological) tips you can pick up from these everyday nancial superstars, who haven’t done anything more special than you and me – except to think differently about their money.
1
STOP THINKING OF SAVING MONEY AS DEPRIVING YOURSELF As blogger Mr Money Mustache, who retired at 30, says: “You’re actually buying yourself the most valuable thing you can: your freedom. So if you say, ‘I like spending my money – on my freedom’, it gets you excited about saving again.” “With that money comes freedom and oppor tunities,” says Geoffrey Szuszkiewicz, one half of the Canadian roommate pair that embarked on the Buy Nothing Year, in which he and his roommate Julie Phillips stopped spending on consumer items such as clothing and electronics, as well as services such as haircuts, dining out and even petrol.
2
BE CLEAR ABOUT YOUR GOALS Don’t embark on new
nancial habits just because you know you should. They won’t stick. “Saying ‘I want to save 20 per cent’ doesn’t mean anything,” says Cait Flanders, Blonde on a Budget blogger, who lived on just 51 per cent of her income for a year. “Why do you want to save money? Make sure your entire budget is wrapped around your goals, not just what you think you should be doing.”
3
LIVE BY GUIDELINES, NOT BY RIGID RULES Says Julie of the Buy Nothing Year pair: “Geoffrey has a background in psychology, so we used a model called acceptance and commitment therapy, where you commit to something but accept that you’re human and you’ll make mistakes.” So, Julie and Geoffrey allowed for conscious cheats. “There were days when it was below 4 deg C and I had had a really bad day, so I would just order a pizza,” she adds.
4
DON’T BE AFRAID TO SUGGEST CHEAPER SOCIAL ALTERNATIVES “I didn’t have a problem saying to people: ‘Let’s do something at your house instead’, or ‘Let’s have a barbecue’,” says Cait. “Once you suggest it, it’s surprising how many people will agree with you because, honestly, most people can’t go out as much as they think they can. They’re also thinking, yes, it would cost $5 or $10, instead of $30 to go out.”
5
VALUE TIME AS MUCH AS MONEY Colin Wright seemed to be living the life: He was running a branding studio in Los Angeles in the United States, living in a nice apar tment and earning US$150,000 a year. But he was also working 100-hour weeks. On his rst trip outside the country, he remembered that he’d always wanted to travel. Although he was soon offered a much more lucrative job, he declined it and decided to live on the road. “I was 24 at the time, looking at
the rest of my 20s, thinking, ‘I can always make more money, but I can’t get my 20s back. I cannot get more time, no matter how much money I have,’” he says. Now, he travels the world on less than US$30,000 a year.
6
FIND FRIENDS WHO SHARE YOUR VALUES For some of these super savers, their choices did not affect their social lives much. For others, it had a big impact. For instance, Mr Money Mustache says: “We generally did the same things as our friends – hosting par ties, camping and mountain bike rides, snowboarding, and working a lot.” The difference was mainly in hidden wastes. “I would keep my older car instead of upgrading to a new one bought on credit. Maybe enjoy some wine on Friday night rather than going downtown for expensive drinks. Cut my own lawn instead of hiring a service company,” he says. But the Buy Nothing Year pair went through a period of adjustment. “Not all of our peers signed up for it. They were inviting us to things that cost money and slightly guilting us too – ‘It sucks, I haven’t seen you in so long,’ they’d say. “So there were times when I felt out of sync with my own life, and lonely,” says Geoffrey. Eventually, their new lifestyle made them new friends in the ar ts and downshifting community, and people involved with food security and urban farming. Depending on your current lifestyle choices, tackling your own nancial feat could entail some of these bigger psychological challenges. But the rewards seem great. “I feel like the best version of myself right now,” says Cait, who also got rid of 70 per cent of her stuff. “In getting rid of stuff and not being able to buy more, I’ve come to grips with who I am as a person. I’m very comfor table with myself. I don’t need to buy or own anything that will make me look, or will make people think of me in a cer tain way. I live a very good life with what I have.” SH JUNE 2016 | SIMPLY HER
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M A D E E A SY
H E A LT H
Would You Detox Down There?
Vaginal steaming is the latest craze to sweep Hollywood, but S A S H A G O N Z A L E S wonders if the treatment’s claims to cleanse, tighten and rejuvenate the vagina are just a load of hot air.
72 SIMPLY HER | JUNE 2016
LIKE A SPA TREATMENT FOR YOUR VAGINA It is not clear exactly where V-steaming originated, but the ancient Greeks, Mayans, Koreans and Indonesians were all known to practise some form of vaginal cleansing or other, using steam. In Korea, the ritual is called chai-yok; in Central America, it is called bajo; and in Indonesia, it is called ganggang. To do a vaginal steam, you sit on a toilet-like apparatus over a large bowl of steaming hot water containing a mixture of medicinal and aromatic herbs. A tented skir t or large towel prevents any steam from escaping. For about 20 to 30 minutes, the herb-infused steam travels upwards to your genitals. The vapour carries the volatile essential oils from the herbs to your labia, where they are supposedly absorbed through the delicate skin. The steam is also said to enter the vagina, where it detoxi es the tissue and warms the muscles. In 2015, Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow preached the bene ts of vaginal steaming on her lifestyle blog, Goop. Of her regular mugwor t-infused V-steam sessions at the high-end Tikkun Holistic Spa in Los Angeles, the 42-year-old wrote: “You sit on what is essentially a mini-throne, and a combination of infrared and mugwor t steam cleanses your uterus, et al. It is an energetic release – not just a steam douche – that balances female hormone levels.”
Photo 123RF.com
You’ve heard of vaginal douching, the process of cleaning or washing out the vagina with a mixture of water and vinegar, baking soda or iodine. But have you heard of vaginal steaming? Also called V-steaming, this centuriesold practice is said to impar t a range of health bene ts, from detoxifying the womb after childbir th to tightening the vaginal opening, improving blood circulation to the pelvic area, minimising vaginal odour, helping with vaginal and urinary infections, relieving menstrual cramps, aiding fer tility, and balancing your female hormones.
HERBAL REMEDY In Singapore, vaginal steaming is offered at a few spas, including Babies Bellies Javanese Massage & Spa, which has outlets at Golden Landmark and Square 2, and Spa Jelita at Guthrie Building on Changi Road. Ally Vijay, owner of Babies Bellies Javanese Massage & Spa, says that the treatment is especially popular with women who have just had a vaginal bir th. Depending on which spa you visit, different herbs or herb blends are used. The steam produced is merely the channel through which the medicinal proper ties of these herbs are delivered to the skin and the vagina. Gwyneth Paltrow’s favourite V-steam uses mugwor t, a popular traditional Asian herb that is thought to have a detoxifying, energy-boosting, and comfor ting effect. For its ganggang treatment, Spa Jelita uses a variety of herbs combined with sandalwood. The mixture is then brewed over burning charcoal. Spa owner Fadilah Majid says that the steam or smoke produced cleanses the vagina as well as removes odour from the area, leaving you feeling fresh and clean. A DIY HOME KIT You can also buy por table vaginal steaming kits online if you want to try a do-it-yourself (DIY) treatment at home. A typical kit comes with the special toiletlike seat and bags of different herbs, with instructions on how to set everything up. You can expect herbs like mugwor t, wormwood (another therapeutic herb common in traditional Asian medicine), and more common herbs and owers like lavender, rosemary, camomile, yarrow, dandelion root, calendula, oregano, jasmine, peppermint, thyme, sage, rose and basil. Each herb has a special proper ty or purpose. TOO HOT TO HANDLE While practitioners of traditional medicine may rave about the bene ts of vaginal steaming, Western doctors are not so sure. Dr Christopher Chong, an obstetrician and gynaecologist at Gleneagles Hospital, says he does not think that steam or herbs can tighten the vagina. “There are muscles in the vagina, and in order to tighten them, you would
“VAGINAL STEAMING IS MY MONTHLY INDULGENCE” Stay-at-home mum Sheryl*, 38, says she feels cleansed and relaxed after her regular V-steam treatment. “I always look forward to my V-steam treatment, which I indulge in monthly, either in Singapore or when I visit Jakarta, Indonesia for business. The rst few minutes always feel a little weird, because the vapour is wet and hot, and you can actually feel it entering your vagina. Once you allow yourself to relax, however, you can feel the steam travel upwards into your uterus, warming it ever so slightly. This is a real Zen moment for me because it feels so good, so comforting. And the heady sandalwood aroma really calms my mind. Post-treatment, I always feel squeaky-clean down there. It’s a sensation that’s dif cult to describe – my vagina just feels fresher and more rejuvenated.” *Name has been changed
have to contract those muscles or have them surgically tightened,” he stresses. He is also doubtful about claims that the steam can cleanse the vagina internally, saying that, in the rst place, nothing can enter the vagina unless the opening is manually par ted. “It is not possible to clean or treat the inside of the vagina this way,” he explains. “The vagina is a closed passage. Even when you go for a swim, water cannot get in. You would have to manually open the vagina for water or steam to nd its way in.” The treatment may work to cleanse the external genital area, however. If the steam is hot enough, then theoretically it should eliminate germs that are on the surface of the skin. If vaginal steaming is something that leaves your private area feeling more refreshed, “cleaner”, or better in some other way, then there’s no reason why you shouldn't do it. However, Dr Chong warns that because the treatment uses
Where to buy a DIY V-Steam kit • Sonia’s Yoni Steam Herbal Blend Kit, from $28 www.etsy.com/shop/ PamperYourPuss The basic kit contains a 29g bag of mixed herbs, including mugwort, calendula, sage and peppermint, a large bowl and a toilet seat cover. You can upsize the amount of herbs.
• Organic Vaginal Steam Kit, US$41 (S$55) www.divinesacredspace. com As well as instructions, this kit includes a sitz bath and enough herbs for two steam treatments. heat and steam, there is always the possibility of your skin getting scalded or burnt. “If you want to try vaginal steaming, make sure that the temperature of the steam isn’t so high that you end up scalding or burning yourself,” he advises. Something else to be wary of: if the opening to your vagina somehow par ts during the treatment and moisture gets in, you raise the risk of infection, par ticularly if this moisture is also carrying germs and bacteria from outside your vagina. Don’t try vaginal steaming if you have a genital infection, as the infection may nd its way into your womb and cause even more complications. Pregnant women should also avoid vaginal steaming, as some herbs may induce labour. If in doubt, get advice from your general practitioner or gynaecologist. SH
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WO R K
TURN THAT FROWN UPSIDE DOWN
Don’t let workplace negativity keep you from doing your best. Here’s how you can transform bad work vibes into positive ones.
Text Averlyn Lim Photo 123RF.com
We all have good and bad days at work. When it’s the latter, we shake it off and hope that things will get better the next day. However, if your of ce is constantly plagued by negativity and it’s draining you emotionally – to the point where you’re dragging your heels to work – what you need is a new of ce game plan. If switching jobs isn’t the best solution, re-evaluate what causes the negativity at work and how it affects you. Then, turn the situation around with these tips from Karen Leong, director of In uence Solutions and author of Win People Over – 75 Simple and Powerful Ways to In uence Anyone.
74 SIMPLY HER | JUNE 2016
2 SEE PROBLEMS AS OPPORTUNITIES
1 CHOOSE TO BE EMPOWERED
“Two people in a similar work environment, who are facing the same issue, can adopt different responses to it. A half- lled glass can be seen as half full by one person, and half empty by another,” says Karen. “I was once told by a mentor that you can either live like a lion, happy and trusting with your head held high, or live like a jackal and constantly watch your back in fear. Even when you choose the latter, you may still have arrows red at your back.” For most people, it would be easier to choose trust and happiness. “I discovered that people treat me the way I view them – the happier and more trusting I am, the more people share that positive energy and return the trust,” she adds.
“Usually, it is our perspective that is the problem. When one person sees a problem, another may see nothing and yet another may see an oppor tunity,” Karen explains. “Oppor tunities knock on our doors all the time. However, they are often disguised as problems and negativity. People who can see the oppor tunities in problems will likely be more positive and successful.” So the next time you’re confronted with a problem, ask yourself: “What is the oppor tunity in this?”
4 MAKE REWARDING CHANGES
3 FIND MEANING IN WHAT YOU DO
When you perceive your work as meaningful, you’re more likely to think positively about it. Likewise, it’s easier to be bogged down by negative emotions when you feel disconnected. Once you’re able to see the value of what you do, and the difference it makes to other people, chances are, you’ll feel happier and more ful lled.
Receiving less-than-glowing feedback from your bosses no doubt chips away at your self-esteem. But constructive feedback, even while hard to swallow, can actually lead to better things. “When you receive a negative performance review, ask yourself: ‘Have I been true to myself and given it my best shot?’ If you haven’t, take it as a wake-up call to sharpen your skills and be at the top of your game,” says Karen. Turn negative emotions into a catalyst for selfgrowth. By doing this, you give yourself a chance to change things for the better. If you’re dealing with of ce politics or negative behaviour from a colleague, speak to the person instead of complaining to others. “Think about how you can communicate directly with him or her to resolve matters,” adds Karen.
5 LOOK FOR POSITIVE TRAITS “Negative emotions often stem from human interactions – be it with bosses, colleagues or clients. When we feel hostile towards someone, we tend to reduce communication with that person,” says Karen. While it can be bene cial to avoid confrontation, you can’t always avoid cer tain people or problems – it’s best to focus on their positive traits and see what makes them assets instead of liabilities. “For example, instead of seeing your bosses as ‘overly critical’, think of them as ‘having high expectations’. When you do this, you tend to want to live up to those expectations,” Karen explains. “You may also star t viewing your bosses as mentors and seek them out more proactively. This, in turn, leads to a more positive and empowering relationship with them.” SH
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FA S H I O N J U L I E N I CO L E
PICK OF THE FASHION CROP Multi-label boutique Julie Nicole ups the fashion ante by housing several top luxury brands from Europe.
Not everyone’s a glamorous jetsetter who shops at top fashion boutiques in Europe. That’s why the newly opened Julie Nicole is a godsend to trendy shoppers in Singapore. This luxurious 640 sq ft, multi-label boutique on the first floor of Capitol Piazza is home to some of Europe’s most fashionable bags, footwear and accessory brands. Designed to resemble an open gallery, it is your onestop destination for names like Walter Steiger, Rupert Sanderson, Borbonese, Serapian and Le Silla. Selected brands under Julie Nicole are also available in Takashimaya Department Store and Robinsons The Heeren. For Spring/ Summer 2016, Julie Nicole has curated a selection of leather goods and shoes inspired by this year Pantone’s colours (Rose Quartz and Serenity) and metallic surfaces. Here are some of the brands you’ll find:
Borbonese: Founded in 1910, this Italian company produces luxury handbags, jewellery, accessories and apparel, combining the finest materials and manufacturing techniques with expert craftsmanship.
Walter Steiger: Clean lines and classic shapes are the hallmark of this minimalist-inspired brand. Shoppers can now get the brand’s signature curved heels, as well as sporty flatforms, in metallic pebbled leather and suede triangular cutouts. Cutout flatforms, $1,250.
Rupert Sanderson: The British designer is known for his sexy yet understated heels made from the best leather and fabrics. This season sees refined choices such as nude slingbacks and patent pointed pumps with acrylic adornments.
Le Silla: Modern women will love this well-established Italian brand known for its feminine and elegant shoes. Think va-va-voom pumps in satin and lace.
Serapian: This Italian brand specialises in timeless high-quality leather goods, from travel bags to business briefcases and ladies’ handbags. Visit Julie Nicole at #01-17 Capitol Piazza, tel: 6385-5411/6741-6011 or log on to www.facebook.com/JulieNicoleHQ and Instagram @julienicolehq.
Meline tote bag, $2,560. Satin Torchon pumps, $1,250. Nadira pouch, $460.
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ASTALIFT Pure Collagen 10000 Drink, $60 for a box of 10 30ml bottles: This drink contains 10,000mg of premium grade, high quality collagen, which purportedly firms skin, boosts hydration, and strengthens hair and nails. It also has 400mg of a beauty ingredient called ornithine, which promotes the secretion of growth hormones, and ceramide and vitamin C to support collagen replenishment. At just 46 calories per bottle, this caffeine-free, peach-flavoured drink is the perfect daily treat for your skin.
ASTALIFT White Shield Drink, $60 for a box of 10 50ml bottles: This drink contains 4mg of nano astaxanthin, which promises to repair sun damage and protect the skin from harmful UV rays. It also has vitamin C and pure collagen to enhance its skin beautifying effects. Caffeine free, it is available in a delicious peach and lemon flavour.
PROMOTION 1. Buy two and get one free on all ASTALIFT supplements! Valid from Jun 1 to 30. Available at #03-30 Wisma Atria, #01-20 JEM, BHG Bishan Level 1, and selected Guardian, SASA, Watsons and Unity pharmacies islandwide. Terms and conditions apply.
2. Collect 10 barcodes from any ASTALIFT supplement box and redeem a FREE box of collagen drink worth $60. Valid from Jun 1 to Dec 31. Redemption available at #03-30 Wisma Atria, #01-20 JEM, and BHG Bishan Level 1 only. Terms and conditions apply.
ASTALIFT Pure Collagen Powder 5000, $76 for a box of 30 sachets: This is a blend of 5,000mg of pure collagen, ornithine and vitamin C. It is available in a single-dose sachet stick and dissolves quickly in any beverage or food without undermining their taste. It’s a great way to get your daily dose of skin-firming collagen and has just 21 calories per stick.
BEAUTY ASTIQUE THE AESTHETIC CLINIC
TOP TO TOE BEAUTY
Improve your complexion, target stubborn fat and more, with these treatments at Astique The Aesthetic Clinic.
Looking after your skin doesn’t get any easier than at Astique The Aesthetic Clinic. Located in the heart of Orchard Road, this boutique aesthetic clinic provides a comprehensive range of FDA-approved medical aesthetic treatments that boast minimal downtime. These include laser skin treatments, non-surgical facelifts, fillers, facials, non-invasive body contouring and more. The treatments, which are customised to meet your needs, use only the latest technology and are performed by highly skilled doctors and nurses. Here are some of the treatments to keep your face and body looking great:
Astique offers beauty and body treatments for a more youthfullooking appearance.
Dr Celine Leong in consultation with a patient.
highly advanced laser treatment is said to produce excellent results with reduced skin damage and discomfort. Get six sessions at $2,407.50, and 10 sessions at $3,745.
One of several treatment rooms at Astique.
DermaShine Skin Booster Said to be a popular procedure with Korean and Hollywood celebrities, DermaShine infuses the skin with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and other ingredients to give you a dewy, supple and radiant complexion. The microinjections used in the treatment help get the ingredients under the skin, so the effects last longer than if you were to use a topical serum. DermaShine is recommended for those with dull or dry skin, uneven skin tone, pigmentation, acne, fine lines and other signs of skin ageing. Get one regular session at $642, and three sessions at $1,605. Get one session, inclusive of a full dose of hyaluronic acid, at $963, and three sessions at $2,568. Dual Yellow Brightening Laser This laser uses yellow and green light for fast, precise and targeted treatments. It is used to treat a range of skin issues, such as vascular lesions (redness), acne, melasma and raised scars. This
CoolSculpting and CoolMini by Zeltiq This lunchtime procedure targets stubborn fat in areas like the abdomen, arms, inner and outer thighs, hips and waist, and chest. It freezes fat cells underneath the skin without damaging the surrounding tissues, allowing the body to remove the frozen fat cells naturally. There is little to no downtime, and no needles are involved. To get rid of double chins or fatty areas around the armpits or knees, try Zeltiq CoolMini, which is able to target small pockets of fat. Get one CoolSculpting session at $499, and six sessions at $2,880. Get one CoolMini Session at $642. Fillers and Botulinum Toxin Look more youthful with fillers and botulinum toxin. The former is made of hyaluronic acid and is injected into the skin to reduce the look of wrinkles and get a more lifted look. The latter temporarily paralyses facial muscles to lessen the appearance of wrinkles, bringing about a softer and more relaxed appearance. Get three vials of any Juvederm fillers (except Juvederm Voluma) at $2,000, and 100 units of Botox at $1,299. All are nett prices. Astique The Aesthetic Clinic is located at #08-00 Shaw House, tel: 6732-3801/9857-7892 (24hr SMS). For more information, visit www.astiqueclinic.com.sg.
BEAUTY BIOSKIN
SUPER SERUM
Bioskin’s Absolute Miracle Essence promises to address a range of skin issues, from deep wrinkles and pigmentation to enlarged pores.
Save time on your skincare ritual with Bioskin Absolute Miracle Essence ($280 for 50 capsules), an all-in-one serum that works to renew, smoothen and firm the skin. Contained within a capsule to ensure purity and stability, the serum’s Vegicaps unit dose technology helps you control the amount used per application, so that you get the most out of the product and the best results with every use. Each capsule contains a silky fluid with pure vitamin A (retinol), which, along with other powerful ingredients, helps to minimise fine lines and deep wrinkles, improve skin texture, lighten pigmentation spots, refine pores, repair sun damage, stimulate collagen production, and clear blemishes and acne. It is also fragrance-free and preservative-free. Day after day, skin is said to look younger, clearer and softer. For more information, log on to www.bioskin.sg, visit www.facebook.com/ BioskinSG and on Instagram at @mathildakoh.
BEAUTY CARING SKIN
NATURAL BEAUTY
The plant-based facials at Caring Skin are free of chemicals and promise to be effective on a range of problems, from acne to dehydration.
There are plenty of face treatments out there, but some may use unsuitable chemical-based ingredients like parabens and artificial fragrances which may not be the best solution for problem skin. In fact, they can irritate the skin further, causing unsightly breakouts and increasing sensitivity. That’s why it’s important to use the right ingredients for your skin. Caring Skin believes in using plant-based treatments that are not only kind to your skin, but suitable for all skin types as well. During your first appointment, experienced therapists will conduct a complimentary skinmap analysis (worth $38) to target key problem areas, and recommend one of five plant-based face treatments to address various concerns.
Nano Perfector, $280: Suitable for dull and tired skin, this rejuvenating treatment is said to stimulate collagen production by infusing it with vitamins A, C and E for a brighter, firmer appearance. Acne Clear Up, $180: Those with acne-prone and oily skin can try this treatment that uses vegetable and lemon extracts to eliminate impurities and dead skin cells for a smoother, more refined texture.
Subrina Liew, founder of Caring Skin.
Rosa C3, $280: Sensitive skin and skin that is prone to flushing will benefit from the jojoba seed oil and shea butter used in this treatment. SensiVital Plus, $250: Suitable for sensitive skin, the essential fatty acids used in this treatment is said to calm and hydrate sensitive skin while activating micro-circulation. Collagen Veil, $200: The ultra-moisturising formula of this treatment helps dehydrated and dull skin look softer and younger with collagen and caviar extracts.
PROMOTION Purchase any of the above-mentioned plant-based treatments for just $88*/ $98**. Valid till June 30, 2016, for first-time customers aged 18 years and above. Customers below 18 need to be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Appointment is required. Call 6737-7797 or email discover@caringskin.com.sg and quote “SPH-GSS� when you book an appointment. Caring Skin reserves the right to change the terms and conditions without prior notice. *Off peak hours: 11am to 5pm on weekdays (last appointment at 5pm). **Peak hours: After 5pm on weekday evenings, and 10am to 6pm on weekends (last appointment at 4pm). Caring Skin is at #07-07A International Building (opposite Wheelock Place), tel: 6737-7797/9123-7700 (Whatsapp). For more information, visit www.caringskin.com.sg, email discover@caringskin.com.sg or log on to Facebook at CaringSkin and Instagram @CaringSkin. All prices stated are exclusive of GST.
B E A U T Y C E TA P H I L
FUSS-FREE SKINCARE
Caring for your complexion is easy with Cetaphil’s three-step routine. THREE STEPS TO GOOD SKIN Step 1: Remove excess oil and impurities with Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser ($21.90 for 500ml). Suitable for all skin types, this soothing soap- and fragrance-free formula will not strip skin of its natural oils. Step 2: Apply Daily Advance Ultra Hydrating Lotion ($25.50 for 85g). Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, it keeps skin hydrated for up to 24 hours. It contains Epidermal Replenishing Complex⁵, a unique combination of ve key ingredients to protect dry skin. Juggling the demands of work and family life leave most modern women with scant time for themselves. While some are still committed to complicated 10-step skincare routines, many women would appreciate one that’s as effective as it is pared down. Cetaphil and Daylong offer just that with its best-selling gentle range that covers all your needs, including defending skin against the effects of daily stressors and UV rays, which can dry it out and cause premature ageing. The best bit? All it takes is three simple steps and you’re well on your way to an amazing complexion. Cetaphil and Daylong are available at leading retail pharmacies and supermarkets. For more information visit www.cetaphil.com.sg and www.daylong.com.sg.
Step 3: Complete your routine with Daylong SPF50+/PA++++ Gel ($32.90 for 50ml). This fragrance-free, lightweight formula is best for sensitive skin. Not only does it offer broad-spectrum UVB and UVA defence against sun damage, it also protects against infrared radiation which is linked to adverse heat effects on skin and cell damage.
BEAUTY CHRYSALIS MEDICAL AESTHETICS
CLEAR AND BRIGHT
Address skin pigmentation issues with the advanced “BB” laser therapy at Chrysalis Medical Aesthetics. Living in sunny Singapore, we can’t help being exposed to UV rays. And for many of us, this means only one thing: pigmentation woes, like melasma, freckles, sunspots and age spots. These problems can make us look older than we are and affect our self-esteem. Dr Ho Rui Ming, medical director of Chrysalis Medical Aesthetics, recommends the daily use of sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun. Other treatment options include specially formulated topical creams and oral medications that brighten the complexion. If you want the best results, however, you may wish to consult a dermatologist or a doctor with a special interest in facial pigmentation. Dr Ho, who received his Master’s degree in Clinical Dermatology from St John’s Institute of Dermatology in London, believes in developing and offering the latest treatment options for his patients. “I like to combine different treatment modalities to achieve the best possible outcome,” he says. One such treatment is the “BB” laser, a unique sub-ablative laser that targets dark spots, acne scars and other skin blemishes. At the same time, it promises to improve skin elasticity, minimise pores, lift saggy skin, reduce fine lines, and give skin an overall brighter, clearer appearance. According to Dr Ho, Chrysalis is the first clinic in Singapore to offer this laser treatment, which he says is suitable even for sensitive skin and has no major side effects, apart from slight redness which lasts for a few days. “BB” laser and other treatments are available at Chrysalis Medical Aesthetics, which has three locations islandwide: #03-26 AMK Hub, #01-25 Bedok Mall, and #03-13 Pacific Plaza. For more information, visit www.chrysalisaesthetics.com.sg.
BEAUTY IMEDEEN
SKIN DEEP
Imedeen Time Perfection works where creams cannot reach, to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Most skincare creams and lotions only care for your skin from the outside. To nourish your complexion from within, take Imedeen Time Perfection skin supplement. It takes your beauty routine to another level by working from the inside, where visible signs of ageing begin. Imedeen Time Perfection skin supplement is a wonderful addition to your skincare routine. Formulated with the revolutionary and exclusive Biomarine Complex and antioxidants, it is scientifically proven to reduce signs of ageing in as little as 12 weeks*. According to Imedeen, Time Perfection stimulates collagen production while renewing skin cells, targeting the deeper layers of skin where creams cannot reach. The result: healthy, moisturised skin and fewer visible signs of ageing. Skin is brighter, smoother and looks more luminous, not just on your face but all over your body. Imedeen Time Perfection tablets are recommended for women aged 30 and above. Imedeen skincare and beauty products, including Time Perfection, are available at Guardian, Unity and Watsons stores, and online at www.prettyhealthy.sg. For more information, visit www.imedeen.com.sg.
PROMOTION
Imedeen Time Perfection, $135.40.
Enjoy 25 per cent off Imedeen products at Guardian and Watsons stores from Jun 1-30, 2016.
*Based on a 2003 in vivo, 12-week randomised, doubleblind, placebo-controlled efficacy study of 74 women aged 38-61 years, by Stephens & Associates.
BEAUTY INNISFREE
BEAUTY WITH A CAUSE Treat your skin while showing your support for the planet with Innisfree’s Eco-Handkerchief campaign.
Every year since 2010, Innisfree has campaigned for a cleaner, greener planet with its Eco-Handkerchief initiative. The campaign aims to encourage customers to reduce their use of tissue paper, so as to minimise the cutting of trees. The key message for this annual campaign is “Use a Hankie, Save the Earth”. To champion the initiative, the Korean beauty brand has created limited-edition handkerchiefs and product packaging in whimsical designs, inspired by the colours of the Jeju Sea and the sea women of Jeju, also known as Haenyeo. These women divers harvest various shellfish and seaweed by hand, without using underwater breathing apparatus to avoid disturbing the delicate marine environment. These designs are found on Innisfree’s four bestselling products: The Green Tea Seed Serum, The Green Tea Seed Cream, Long Wear Cushion SPF50+/PA+++ and Water Glow Cushion SPF50+/PA+++. You’ll also get a limited-edition handkerchief if you spend $30 or more at Innisfree.
The Green Tea Seed Cream ($46 for 100ml) This cream uses fresh green tea and green tea seed oil, and contains green tea EGCG, a type of catechin extracted from green tea leaves that are said to be powerful antioxidants. Its gel-cream texture leaves skin feeling fresh and hydrated. Now available at double the original volume of 50ml, and in three limited-edition designs.
The Green Tea Seed Serum ($48 for 160ml) Instead of water, the Green Tea Seed Serum uses freshly-squeezed green tea essence from organic Jeju green tea leaves and green tea seed oil. To be used after cleansing, this serum is said to keep skin moisturised from deep within, from the very first drop. Now available at double the original volume of 80ml, and in three limitededition designs.
Long Wear Cushion Special Set SPF50+/PA+++ ($34 for 15g and 15g refill) This cushion foundation helps you look fresh and flawless for longer, even on hot summer days. Said to last up to 12 hours, it has a pore-blurring effect, Jeju volcanic cluster powder for sebum control, and UV protection. Available in a limited-edition design.
Water Glow Cushion Special Set SPF50+/PA+++ ($34 for 15g and 15g refill) The Water Glow Cushion contains fresh green tea essence for long-lasting moisture, and water glow complex for a dewy, glowing effect. It also cools and offers excellent sun protection while being gentle on the skin. Available in a limited-edition design. This limited-edition collection is available at Innisfree stores at #B2-34/35 Ngee Ann City., #01-63/64 Plaza Singapura, #01-109/110 Bugis Junction, #02-36 Jem, #0135/36/37 Tampines Mall, #B1-02 Vivocity, and JP2 #0155/56/81/82 Jurong Point Shopping Centre, from June 2016 (while stocks last). For more information, visit www.facebook.com/innisfreesingapore.
PROMOTION From June 1-30, receive a limited-edition Eco-Handkerchief with every purchase of $30 and above. Choose from three exciting designs (while stocks last).
BEAUTY IWHITE
SMILE BRIGHT
Get whiter, healthier-looking teeth all year round with iWhite’s range of whitening products. As Marilyn Monroe once said, “A smile is the best makeup any girl can wear.” Indeed. A bright smile with healthy teeth projects confidence and enhances your looks. It is one of the first things people notice, whether they are meeting us for the first time or just passing us on the street. Clean, white teeth are a sign of good grooming, hygiene and youth, so it’s important to keep them looking naturally beautiful and healthy. To maintain a healthy set of teeth and gums, you’ll need a thorough oral care routine, much like a skincare regime. That means brushing and flossing, visiting the dentist regularly, and eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet. If you are looking for a convenient way to further enhance your dental health, there’s iWhite’s Instant Whitening range that includes a toothpaste, mouthwash and whitening kit. Unlike some teeth-whitening products that contain hydrogen peroxide which can cause gum irritation, teeth sensitivity and even enamel damage, iWhite’s products contain three active ingredients that are kinder to teeth: bioactive crystals help create an instant whitening effect, phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid (PAP) eliminates stains, and bioavailable calcium deposits whiten and strengthen teeth at the same time. Try iWhite’s whitening range and you’ll be on the way to your brightest smile ever!
Available at selected Guardian and Watsons stores. For more information, visit www.iwhiteinstant.com.
Instant Whitening Toothpaste: Rated number one and the most effective toothpaste by consumers*, this product provides intense whitening, inhibits plaque formation, and removes stains quickly and effectively. The added fluoride also works to strengthen and remineralise teeth.
Instant Whitening Toothpaste, $9.90 for 75ml.
Instant Whitening Mouthwash, $10 for 500ml.
Instant Whitening Mouthwash: This mouthwash contains blue covarine which alters the way light glints on teeth for an instant whitening effect. In addition, it removes and prevents plaque, and dissolves discolouring substances without causing damage to the teeth or gums for a bright smile.
Instant Whitening Kit, $49.90 (includes 10 prefilled trays).
Instant Whitening Kit: This includes prefilled one-size-fits-all mouth trays and has been clinically proven to leave teeth up to eight shades whiter in 20 minutes. It also contains the innovative MOHA-complex composed of microcrystals that promise to restore enamel and whiten teeth.
*Based on a March 2015 Norwegian consumer trial involving eight toothpaste brands.
BEAUTY LUSH AESTHETICS
SHAPE SHIFTERS
Get rid of stubborn fat with these slimming treatments from LUSH Aesthetics.
Diet and exercise can only do so much to get rid of stubborn fat. Sometimes, you need a little extra help targeting problem areas, like your arms, stomach, hips, buttocks and thighs. LUSH Aesthetics offers two non-invasive treatments that promise to destroy hard-to-shift fat for a more sculpted silhouette.
LipoSONIC Hi-Definition Treatment: This treatment emits high-intensity, focused ultrasound energy to eliminate fat in localised areas. The fat cells are reduced to liquid, which is then naturally drained by the body. You can reportedly lose up to an inch of fat after just one session, with results improving over time. The treatment also has a firming, toning and tightening effect on the skin.
Fat Freezing: Cooling plates are placed on the problem spots for an hour. These areas are cooled to a temperature that kills fat cells while leaving other tissues, such as the skin, blood vessels and nerves, unharmed. The frozen, dead fat cells are then naturally expelled from the body. Results are said to be visible after two months. LUSH Aesthetics is located at #06-11 Tanglin Shopping Centre. For more information, call 6737-4964 / 6733-2431, email info@lushaesthetics.com.sg, or visit lushaesthetics.com.sg.
PROMOTION Enjoy Fat Freezing, LipoSONIC Hi-Definition Treatment and other services at these special rates! Simply register at http://bit.do/lushgss16. Promotion is valid until Jun 30, 2016. 1. Fat Freezing: $50 for one session; $100 for two sessions. Limited to first-time customers aged 21 and above. Not applicable for tourists. 2. LipoSONIC Hi-Definition Treatment: $68 for one session; $128 for two sessions. Limited to 300 shots per session. 3. Laser Facial: $60 for three 30-min sessions. 4. LED Teeth Whitening: $99 for one 30-min session.
BEAUTY PHS HAIRSCIENCE
LET YOUR HAIR DOWN
A gorgeous, shiny mane starts with a clean, healthy scalp. The award-winning Customised 12-in-1 Scalp Therapy at PHS Hairscience will help you get a head start.
PROMOTIONS 1. Enjoy PHS Hairscience Customised 12-in-1 Scalp Therapy at only $50 (UP: $268). Terms and conditions apply.*
2. Get 20 per cent off PHS Hairscience products from June 1-30. Enjoy an additional 10 per cent off when you purchase three or more products. Limited to five products per customer. Offer valid at all PHS Hairscience labs. *Valid until July 31, 2016. Offer applies to Singaporeans, permanent residents and long-term pass holders, who are first-time customers of PHS Hairscience only. Not valid with other promotions or discounts. Treatment is strictly by appointment only. Call 6692-0662 and quote “ Simply Her GSS”.
An unhealthy scalp can cause dull, lifeless tresses and even hair loss. According to PHS Hairscience, ordinary shampooing alone is not enough to purify it. The hair spa’s award-winning Customised 12-in-1 Scalp Therapy is a deep-cleansing treat that deals with common hair problems such as hair loss, dandruff, and sensitive and oily scalps. Developed by PHS Hairscience certified trichologists, it combines the purity of botanicals and the precision of trichologistbased solutions to detoxify the scalp, allowing for better penetration of products to promote a full head of gorgeously dense and healthy hair. The therapy comprises 12 pampering steps that promise to remove impurities and excess sebum from follicles, exfoliate and soften the scalp, as well as eliminate bacteria, product and environmental build-up in order to support hair and scalp health. The final few steps are designed to nourish the scalp, stimulate circulation and condition, leaving you with a soft, shiny and lush mane. PHS Hairscience is located at #04-12 Wheelock Place, #05-25A/B Ngee Ann City and #04-34/35 Plaza Singapura. For more details, visit www.phshairscience.com or call 6692-0662. Stay updated via Facebook (PHS Hairscience) and Instagram (@phshairscience).
BEAUTY REMESCAR
PERFECT COVER
Minimise the look of spider veins with Remescar’s innovative formula.
Remescar Spider Veins, $40 for 50ml.
A common affliction among women, spider veins are the tiny, dilated blood vessels that sit close to the surface of the skin. They are related to varicose veins but are much thinner in diameter on the surface. Resembling a spider web, they often show up as unsightly red, blue or purple veins on the face and legs, and have been linked to factors including prolonged standing or sitting, a sedentary lifestyle and excess weight. While spider veins don’t usually pose major health risks, the unsightly cluster of blood vessels may be embarrassing for sufferers. Specifically designed to target this condition, Remescar Spider Veins contains active ingredients such as phospholipids, hyaluronic acid and Phyto Dynamic Complex that protect the affected area from external aggressors like UV radiation while preventing it from further damage. It even works to minimise discolouration and stops new blood vessels from developing so you’ll notice a visible improvement. An interdependent clinical study done under dermatological control had demonstrated an instant decrease of up to 51 per cent in skin redness of spider veins after three months of application. In addition, 95 per cent of the patients saw a reduction in visible brownish pigmentation. So use Remescar Spider Veins and say hello to beautiful skin! Available at Guardian, Watsons, Unity and major pharmacies. For more information, please visit www.remescar.com.
BEAUTY SHILLA BEAUTY LOFT
TRAVEL TREATS
Before you take off, pamper yourself with exclusive new products and services at Shilla Beauty Loft at Changi Airport’s Terminal 3.
Shilla Beauty Loft has been the highlight of many a beauty lover’s visit to Changi Airport. Opened in 2015, it is the world’s first-ever luxury beauty and spa concept in a duty-free store, offering beauty services and products from prestige brands. The next time you travel, be sure to check out these new and exclusive products from your favourite top beauty brands:
Dior Beauty House: Exclusivity is what shoppers can enjoy when they visit Dior Beauty House – it’s the only airport in the Asia-Pacific region where you can purchase Dior La Collection Privee scents and get a Signature Fragrance Consultation from one of the brand’s fragrance specialists. Look out for La Colle Noire, the latest addition to a range of 12 exclusive Dior fragrances. This lively, spicy, woody perfume is built around the radiant beauty of the May rose, the queen of Grasse, and of Christian Dior’s garden. Call 9816-6114 for an appointment. La Colle Noire fragrance, $364.40* for 125ml.
Indulge in La Prairie’s skincare rituals.
The limited edition Caviar Spectaculaire, $1,349* for 75ml.
Luxury Skincare Bar by La Prairie: How do you make your luxury skincare cream even more luxe? Serve it in a caviar bowl, of course! La Prairie has collaborated with Baccarat, artisans of fine crystal, to produce the limited edition Caviar Spectaculaire. Its legendary lifting and firming Skin Caviar Luxe Cream, which has pure caviar extracts, is housed in an exquisite handcrafted Baccarat crystal bowl. When the cream is used up, the bowl becomes a treasured caviar server. Only 1,500 of these crystal servers were produced, and just 50 are available in Singapore – making them even more precious. Call 8243 8445 or email beautylounge.singapore@ laprairie.com for more information.
Treatment rooms at SK-II PITERA Lounge.
Pick up SK-II products or enjoy a facial or massage before you fly.
SK-II PITERA Lounge: This June, head to SK-II’s first-ever airport lounge concept for a pampering respite from the stresses of modern transit. Try the Aura Brightening Facial which uses the new GenOptics Aura Essence to brighten skin and reduce dark spots. There are also a host of pampering facials and massages to help you relax and get a glowing complexion before your flight. Call 6241-0756 or 9352-3687 or email changispa_bookings@ email-skii.com to book an appointment. Shilla Beauty Loft is located on the mezzanine level of The Shilla Duty Free’s Transit Departure Central store in Terminal 3. Visit sg.shilladutyfree.com/en/beauty-loft to view the services available. Follow The Shilla Duty Free on Facebook at Shilladutyfree.SG and Instagram @Shilladutyfree.SG for the latest updates. *The reflected prices are standard duty free prices and are subject to change.
LIFESTYLE ALCON
ALL-DAY COMFORT
Say goodbye to dryness and discomfort at the end of the day with Alcon Dailies Total1 Water Gradient One-Day Contact Lenses. If you experience dryness and discomfort at the end of a long day as a result of wearing contact lenses, you need to try out Alcon Dailies Total1 Water Gradient One-Day Contact Lenses. These lenses are the world’s first and only water gradient contact lenses that provide exceptional comfort, even till the end of the day4**. The secret is the water gradient material. The lenses have a highly breathable core that allows oxygen to pass through. In fact, Dailies Total1 is six times more breathable¹ than the leading daily disposable lenses². The lens also boasts an extremely smooth surface as it is close to 100 per cent water³*. Together, these features keep the eyes healthy, and all that touches them is a cushion of moisture till the end of the day4**. In a Singapore survey, nine out of 10 contact lens wearers who tried Dailies Total1 preferred it to their current lens brand5.
Alcon Dailies Total1 Water Gradient One-Day Contact Lenses, $73 for a 30-piece box.
For more information, visit www.dt1.sg. The lenses are available at leading optical retail chains and outlets. ¹ High oxygen transmissible lenses: Dailies Total 1 (delefilcon A) contact lenses: Dk/t = 156 @ -3.00D. Other factors may impact eye health. ² Based on the ratio of lens oxygen transmissibilities among daily disposable lenses. Alcon data on file, 2010. ³ Angelini TE, Nixon RM, Dunn AC et al, Viscoelasticity and mesh-size at the surface of hydrogels characterised with microrheology. ARVO 2013; E-abstract 1614872. * In-vitro measurement of unworn lenses. 4 In a randomised, subject-masked clinical study; Alcon data on file, 2011. 5 Based on a survey in Singapore of 15 eye care practitioners fitting 107 patients in Dailies Total1 contact lenses, based on the percentage of wearers agreeing with the statement “I prefer these lenses to my previous contact lenses.” Assessed Aug 10, 2015; Alcon data on file, 2015. ** Based on wearers agreeing with the statement “I can comfortably wear these lenses all day long”.
LIFESTYLE ASUS
GO FOR GOLD
Laptops have never looked this good. Match your #OOTD (outfit of the day) with these beauties from ASUS.
#Whatsyourstyle? Gold hues made a big showing on the runways this Spring/Summer season, from shimmering sequinned dresses to gilded accessories. To help you stay ontrend in this brave new high-tech world, ASUS has created two laptops that’ll turn you into the golden girl of the season. The ZenBook UX305 is for trendsetting women and stylish professionals who are constantly on the go. Combining both looks and performance, this laptop gives you an instant geek-to-chic upgrade with its striking champagne gold or glossy black colour. But don’t let carrying a laptop cramp your style. Grab an oversized satchel or fringed tote – the laptop’s lightweight design at only 1.2kg as well as ultra-slim and sleek profile makes it easy to slip into your bag and carry around town. Plus, with a battery life of up to 10 hours*, it is a versatile workhorse that will take you from day to night in a single charge.
The ZenBook UX305 and ZenBook UX360 are available at all ASUS Brand Stores (Funan DigitaLife Mall, Sim Lim Square and Vivocity), as well as all other authorised ASUS retailers. Visit www.asus.com/sg for more information.
ASUS ZenBook UX305, from $999.
The latest ZenBook Flip UX360 launched recently in May, with its brushed gold finishing and Zeninspired concentric circle pattern, looks as good as it performs. It is sleek, elegant-looking and lightweight at only 1.3kg, so you can easily bring it with you anywhere, anytime. And, thanks to the 360-degree hinge with flippable display, it can be used as a traditional touchscreen laptop or as a convenient tablet – perfect for work and play.
*Battery life depends on usage configuration.
ASUS ZenBook Flip UX360, $1,298.
A TREAT FOR YOUR TASTEBUDS Tuck into crisp-yet-fluffy Dutch Baby pancakes, fresh fruit tarts and more at the new Dutch Baby Cafe.
Mango Dutch Baby Pancake Set, $15.80.
Beef Curry Rice, $14.80.
Mixed Berries Dutch Baby Pancake, $13.80.
Give your usual pancakes a miss this weekend and head over to Dutch Baby Cafe for a very special kind of pancake that will make your mouth water. Cooked on hot cast-iron pans and then baked until they puff up, Dutch Baby pancakes have deliciously crispy sides and a soft, crepe-like centre, making them the perfect morning or afternoon treat. Choose from a variety of sweet and savoury flavours. In addition to Dutch Baby pancakes, the new cafe also serves a range of fresh fruit tarts, made with light fresh cream and topped with an assortment of juicy fruit selected by the cafe’s patissiers. If you fancy a more substantial meal, choose from Japanese-Western favourites like Baked Cheese Curry Rice and Curry Udon that’s made with fresh, springy udon noodles. The drinks menu features quality Nespresso coffee and brewed tea, fresh juices, and ice cream floats and soda. Dutch Baby Cafe is located at #B1-13 Paragon, tel: 6836-9488. For more information, visit www.dutchbabycafe.com.sg.
PROMOTION Present cut-out coupon on the facing page to enjoy 20 per cent off Mixed Berries Dutch Baby Pancake or Crab Cream Croquette Curry Rice. Valid from May 15 to June 30, 2016. Eggplant Baked Cheese Curry Rice, $13.80.
L I F E S T Y L E G I N Z A K U S H I - K AT S U
Every Gyu-Katsu order comes with a mini teppan to cook your meat.
BITE INTO THIS Gyu-Katsu, a popular deepfried beef treat in Japan, is now available in Singapore at Ginza Kushi-Katsu.
Crazy about Japanese food? For the first time in Singapore, foodies will get to enjoy Gyu-Katsu, a popular beef cutlet that is currently popular in Japan. Made from premium beef, the Gyu-Katsu is deepfried at 210 degrees Celsius for just 60 seconds. This flash frying method gives the meat a wonderful crispy crust and a tender, medium-rare interior that melts in your mouth. If you prefer your beef a little more done, you can gently cook it on the mini teppan that comes with every Gyu-Katsu order. To complement the dish and give it extra flavour, choose from three dips: wasabi soy sauce, mustard mayo and rock salt. Also on the Ginza Kushi-Katsu menu: juicy Foil Wrapped Hamburg Steak, which is layered with demi-glace sauce, and Foil Wrapped Salmon. Another must-try is a new signature Crab Cream Croquette Omu Rice, with crispy balls of rich and creamy crab goodness. For large groups, get the Kushi-Katsu Party Set, an assortment of 12 or 24 skewers of fried prawn, salmon, meat and gyoza. Ginza Kushi-Katsu is located at #B1-47 Paragon, tel: 6262-1304. For more information, visit www.ginzakushikatsu.com.sg.
PROMOTION Present cut-out coupon on the facing page to enjoy 20 per cent off Gyu-Katsu menu selection. Valid from May 15 to June 30, 2016.
Steamed Wappa Pork Shabu and Vegetable Set, $16.80
Gyu-Katsu, from $20.80.
Crab Croquette Omu Rice, $18.80.
Foil Wrapped Hamburg Steak Set, $18.80
LIFESTYLE MARIGOLD
GUILT-FREE INDULGENCE
Treat yourself to a delicious and fat-free MARIGOLD 0% Fat Yoghurt Drink. Everyone deserves a healthy, refreshing treat, and one great way is to enjoy MARIGOLD 0% Fat Yoghurt Drink. The No.1 Total Yoghurt Brand in Singapore*, it has five flavours that combine real fruit juice with the silky smooth goodness of yoghurt. The unique flavour featured here is Fruits & Vegetables with Wheatgrass. This drink combines 16 fruits and vegetables, including wheatgrass, in one bottle. In addition to vitamins and minerals from real fruit juice, it contains calcium for stronger bones and teeth, and live probiotic cultures for a healthy digestive system. The zero fat and zero cholesterol content means that you can indulge in this luscious beverage whenever you want. In fact, the Health Promotion Board has given it the Healthier Choice Product endorsement. Can’t get enough of this MARIGOLD 0% Fat Yoghurt Drink? Then try other flavours: Mango, Mixed Berries, Strawberry and Natural. You’ll feel good and look good with MARIGOLD 0% Fat Yoghurt Drink. *Based on Nielsen ScanTrack data ending Oct 2014. Available at all leading hypermarkets, supermarkets, convenience stores, petrol kiosks, provision shops and mini-marts.
MARIGOLD 0% Fat Yoghurt Drinks are priced at $1.20 for 200g and $2.80 for 700g.
LIFESTYLE PHILIPS
BETTER LIVING
Philips has all the appliances you need for an easier and more efficient lifestyle.
SmartPro Active Robot Vacuum Cleaner FC8820, $799 (UP: $899).
We all want to look our best, have a clean home and be able to whip up a delicious meal in a jiffy. While that is easier said than done, Philips has come up with a range of innovative personal and home appliances that can help you achieve all this with little hassle. For more information, visit www.philips.com.sg.
Juicer HR1871, $269 (UP: $289).
HEA ALTHY MEALS IN A FLASH ok all your favourite food Coo i h little to no oil. The Philips with Digiital Airfryer HD9238 uses pid Air Technology for Rap hea althier frying, and even grills, roassts and bakes. Complement your meal with a glass of fresh fruit juice. The Philips Avance Collection Juicer HR1871 makes up to 2.5l of juice at one go without having to dispose of the pulp. It even has an extra large feeding tube so no precutting is needed.
Air Purifier AC3256, $799 (UP: $899).
AN AUTO CLEAN HOME Getting a cleaner home takes minimal effort, thanks to the Philips SmartPro Active Robot Vacuum Cleaner FC8820. Using a Smart Detection System, this intuitive appliance adapts cleaning to any environment and boasts infrared sensors that detect and avoid obstacles. You can also breathe healthier air with the Philips Air Purifier AC3256. Its VitaShield IPS technology removes ultrafine particles and common airborne allergens naturally and effectively in the long term. And its advanced Aerasense technology provides real time indoor air quality using PM 2.5 as an indicator.
GREAT STYLE, HEALTHY HAIR Unlike your skin, your tresses can’t feel heat damage. Preserve hair’s moisture while blow drying with the Philips Moisture Protect Dryer HP8280, equipped with Moisture Protect Technology Sensor that detects hair temperature as it dries. Next, get fabulous salon-worthy curls every time with the Philips ProCare Auto Curler HPS940.
Digital Airfryer HD9238, $399 (UP: $459).
Moisture Protect Dryer HP8280, $159 (UP: $185). ProCare Auto Curler HPS940, $209 (UP: $239).
L I F E S T Y L E WA Z A K U R A C LU B
JOIN THE CLUB If you adore everything Japanese, you will love Wazakura Club, a monthly subscription-box service that delivers fresh fruit, beauty products and other items from Japan straight to your door. Do you love checking out the latest made-in-Japan products but can’t spare the time to go shopping? Join the Wazakura Club at www.wazakuraclub.com and it’ll give you your fix every month. The company will even deliver all the items to you. Unlike other subscription box services, everything this monthly shopping club sells is manufactured or grown in Japan. Simply subscribe to the service for three, six or 12 months. During that period, you will get to try seasonal fruit, beauty products, and home and lifestyle items. These are all sourced directly from Japanese farmers and companies, which helps keep your subscription costs down. And your orders are always delivered straight to your doorstep, saving you time. The range is extensive, too – choose from four categories: Food, Lifestyle, Kitchen, and Beauty & Health. Lifestyl
BEAUTY & HEALTH: If you are watching your weight, try these low-calorie replacement meals from Japan. Fuss-free and easy to prepare (just pour hot water), they are a healthy way to reduce your calorie intake. Complement your meal with wakaba juice, made from organic young barley leaves, which are said to be high in vitamins, minerals, fibre and other essential nutrients.
LIFESTYLE: Brighten up your home with mini gardening kits. Grow plants like sweet basil and lavender in colourful cans filled with eco-friendly compressed, dried coconut palm fibre. You can also get chic towels made from a soft, light and super-absorbent fabric, woven using a traditional Japanese technique known as Kaya-Ori.
FOOD: For those with busy lifestyles and little time to cook, try healthy, easy-toprepare, vacuum-packed Japanese meals. Just add hot water and you’ll get pasta, noodles and even porridge within minutes. If you enjoy fresh fruit, Wazakura Club offers seasonal fruits from leading Japanese farms. Enjoy new flavours every month, flown directly from Japan.
KITCHEN: Enhance your next family meal or dinner party with handcrafted and handpainted Japanese tableware. Varying from set to set, you’ll get a collection ranging from rice bowls to serving plates to mugs. All tableware is packaged in a Wazakura box for extra care. For more information, visit www.wazakuraclub.com.
PROMOTION Subscribe to any service and receive a special personalised gift from Japan with your name printed on it. You will also stand a chance to win a trip to Japan in November. Limited to one gift per subscriber. To qualify, readers must subscribe by Aug 31, 2016. For more information, visit www.wazakuraclub.com.
GREAT SINGAPORE SALE 2016 BUY I N G GU I D E
Smart Shopper R oad test
Silent Hero
Looking for a vacuum cleaner that cleans your home quickly, efficiently and quietly? This could be it.
Digital Exclusive!
Watch the Philips Powerpro Aqua Stick in action.
Text Amanda Jayne Lee
THE MACHINE An upright bagless vacuum cleaner, the Philips Powerpro Aqua Stick stands out from other stick vacs with its unique mop function. The mop is a magnetic attachment consisting of a microfibre pad that’s dampened by water stored in the 200ml water tank. The mop can simultaneously clean the area you’ve vacuumed and can also be detached if you only want to vacuum. The cordless machine takes an hour to fully recharge; each charge lasts 40min – more than enough time to clean my threebedroom apar tment. USING IT A practical mop function My home was squeaky clean after I used the vacuum and mop function. I like that the
mop left the floor just damp, not overly wet, as holes under the water tank released a slow constant drip of water to keep the pad damp. The magnetic mop system was easy to attach – fill up the water tank, attach the mop pad and click it in place. To remove it, I just had to step on the corner of the mop attachment and lift the vacuum cleaner up. Large but easy-toswivel nozzle Although the machine is weighed down by the nozzle, water tank and dust bin, the wheels on the nozzle made moving it across different types of flooring – parquet, tiles and carpet – a breeze. The swivel head, which went around furniture legs and into corners easily, also helped. The only downside: the large
nozzle didn’t always fit into tight spaces. Strong and quiet I like how silent yet powerful A sturdy the machine is. There are only handle two power settings – Regular and Max. At the Regular setting, clumps of my dog’s fur, dust and even cereal were picked up quickly. I found the Max setting quieter than other A mop attachment regular vacuum cleaners. Verdict An easy-to-use and timesaving appliance that did a great job of cleaning my home, and in half the time it usually takes. SH
A washable dust canister
that fixes to the vacuum cleaner magnetically
Philips Powerpro Aqua Stick vacuum cleaner, $499, from major electrical stores. Good suction power! June 2016 | Simply Her
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Smart Shopper ROAD TEST
TASTES SO GOOD
A pressure cooker cuts cooking time and amps up avours for seriously luscious dishes. M I A C H E N Y Z E tests these with beef stew and chicken soup.
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USING A PRESSURE COOKER
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• Place all the ingredients in the pot and put it on the hob (those here can be used on gas and induction hobs). For stews, fry the aromatics and brown the ingredients, if necessary, before adding water or stock. • Lock the pot and bring it to pressure, which takes about 15min. • Lower the ame when the pot reaches optimal pressure (watch the indicator), then leave it to cook for 30-40min to be done. • At the end of the cooking, remove the pot from the hob and depressurise it by pressing a button or turning a knob before opening the pot. Alternatively, put the locked pot under running water for a few minutes to release pressure. All the pressure cookers here have a safety lock that does not allow you to open them when there is built-up pressure.
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Main Photo Photography Vernon Wong
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GREAT FIND EDITOR'S RAVE
WMF PERFECT PRO 6.5L BEST VALUE FISSLER VITAVIT PREMIUM 6L $999, from Isetan Scotts USING IT • The standout feature is the pressure vent, where the steam inside the pot is expelled in a V direction away from you. This makes depressurising less scary. • It is the only one with visual cues about the heat. Yellow indicates that it’s reaching optimal pressure. Green: Pressure-cooking has star ted and you should lower the ame. Red: The temperature within is too high and you should turn down the heat or take it off the stove. • Thanks to the Close tab on the lid, this one was dead easy to secure. THE FOOD • Beef stew came out almost fork-tender after 30min at high pressure, and the broth was beefy without being gamey. But the carrots and potatoes were a tad mushy. • Chicken soup was robust and the breast meat was still moist after cooking. VERDICT A dream to use in every way, it’s wor th the 9.5 premium price tag.
TEFAL CLIPSO+ PRESSURE COOKER 6L $379, from major department stores. USING IT • The steam-release vent was intimidating. I used a wooden spoon to turn the pressure adjustment dial, and steam spur ted out vigorously in all directions. • The lid was the easiest to close – just push down the top handle to lock it. No alignment to fuss over. • It was easy to monitor. At optimal pressure, a red ball bobs up. • The handles can be folded down to save space. THE FOOD • The beef stew was avourful but could have used another 10min on the stove for a more tender bite. Like the Fissler and WMF pots, the potatoes and carrots were a little mushy. • The chicken soup was the best of the lot. It had good depth and struck a perfect balance between savoury and sweet. It was also surprisingly light and not oily. VERDICT A budget8.5 friendly workhorse that gets the job done efciently.
$459, from major department stores USING IT • The pressure vent points away from you, which feels safer than having steam spur t out in all directions when you depressurise the pot. • It was fairly easy to monitor the pressure level. When you see the rst orange ring, the pot has hit the pressure to cook veggies and sh; when you see the second ring, the pressure is good for meats. • It’s easy to check and change the pressure setting with the knob on the handle. • It took me a while to align the lid. Having to struggle with this over a hot stove stressed me out. • Some liquid dripped at the point where the lid meets the handle. It didn’t affect the cooking but was messy. THE FOOD • Beef stew was stellar on avour, and only slightly less tender than the one cooked in the Fissler. The carrots were mushy, but potatoes had better bite. • The chicken soup beat the Fissler one by a small margin, with the onions and carrots balancing the taste of the chicken better. VERDICT An above-average pressure cooker. All you need 9 is practice tting the lid.
ASD PRESSURE COOKER 6L $139, from major department stores USING IT • The steam release vent works in the same way as the Tefal, which made me nervous. • The lid’s indicator arrow helps with alignment, making it easier to lock it into place. • Like the Tefal, a red ball bobs up when it reaches the right pressure. THE FOOD • The beef stew developed very good avours, and the potatoes and carrots had the best texture, but the meat was quite tough. • The chicken soup came out well – tender meat in a tasty, non-oily soup. VERDICT A good buy if you don’t mind spending a little 8 more time cooking. SH
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Smart Shopper ROAD TEST
BRAIN WAVE Give your grey matter a workout with these apps designed to boost your memory and sharpen mental skills.
GREAT FIND
COGNITO: BRAIN TRAINING GAMES Free, from the Apple App Store. In-app purchases from $4.48. This app struck the best balance between cognitive skills training and fun. Players assume the prole of a spy in training, and progress through a story by completing three missions a day. Each mission is designed to increase a cognitive skill, such as memory, adaptability to changing rules, reasoning and speed – all necessary for a spy, of course! The game’s narrative structure kept me playing, and the beautiful graphics and enter taining games motivated me to improve my score. I could also compete with friends in a shoot-out for cognitive supremacy. VERDICT: Enter taining and educational – what a perfect brain training 9 app should be.
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ELEVATE – BRAIN TRAINING Free, from Apple App Store and Google Play. In-app purchases from $4.48. Unlike the others here, Elevate is training-focused. The interface and the games are simple and to the point. Each game is a thinly-veiled “fun” activity that's like a shor t English or maths multiple-choice session. There is a large emphasis on language skills, including a time-based activity with a series of sentences riddled with redundant words that you tap to remove. I liked how short and to the point the games were. This illustrated clearly the specic skills one had to hone. I also liked the twominute pre-training test. It showed me what to expect in upcoming games and gave me a benchmark to work towards. VERDICT: For the serious learner wanting to improve maths, vocabulary and 8 grammar.
Text 1Amanda Jayne Lee Illustration 123RF.com
EDITOR'S RAVE
PEAK
BRAIN WARS: COMPETITIVE BRAIN TRAINING GAME Free, from Apple App Store and Google Play. In-app purchases from $2.98. The app goes out of its way to hide the learning elements that actually work your brain by pitting you against strangers in a match of three random games. These were challenging, and the element of competition pushed me to work harder. One tested my focus with a stack of cards that had symbols. I had to swipe the ones with the same symbols in the same direction, and then quickly swipe in another direction when a different symbol appeared. The simple interface made it enjoyable to play. VERDICT: A fun app that makes brain-training a friendly, social and 8.5 competitive game.
Free, from Apple App Store and Google Play. In-app purchases from $2.98. Only a handful of games are available on the free version, and I was a little disappointed by how slow and easy they were when I rst star ted playing them. But the more I played, the harder the games became. I liked one missile targeting game in particular : Tiny missiles with letters on them ew out from different sides of the screen and I had to direct them to targets to form words. The more I played, the quicker the missiles moved and the longer the words I had to form became. The only trouble? To raise the point of difculty, I needed to invest in a lot more playing time. The app also gives you the option to add advanced training for skills like sharpening your memory, solving problems and thinking creatively. VERDICT: A comprehensive but timeconsuming app with a 8 lot of potential.
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Smart Shopper GREAT FINDS
TRAVEL LIGHT
Scored a great deal on a budget ight? Jet off with these lightweight essentials to make the most of your reduced baggage allowance, so you’ll have more room for shopping. B Y SMITA WE E Unbearable lightness
Light but warm Women Ultra Light Down Parka, $99.90, from Uniqlo The stylish nylon par ka packs compactly into a carr y pouch, making it incredibly spaceefficient. It may be unbelievably light and thin, but it’s super warm.
Rimowa Salsa Air Multiwheel Collection, $850-$1,025, from Rimowa stores You’ll want a light suitcase that’s strong to protect your belongings. This collection, one of the lightest in its class, is spacious and durable. Made from polycarbonate, the range comes in five sizes, star ting from 1.9kg for the cabin-sized 34-litre luggage, to 3.6kg for a huge 98-litre one.
Travel Card Charger, US$29 (S$38; UP: US$49), from www.travelcardcharger.com At an almost negligible 57g and 4.9mm slim, this por table charger fits right into your wallet like a card. When it’s full, it can recharge up to 80 per cent of an iPhone 6. That's enough juice to let you post pictures on social media.
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High and dry Micro Travel Umbrella, US$18, from www.geniuspack.com This opens to a diameter of about a metre wide and then collapses to just 15cm – that’s one and a half times the length of a credit card! Even if you’re not carr ying a bag, the 225g umbrella could fit easily into your jacket pocket.
Illustration www.feminineillustration.com
Charge right up
A shoo-in
+
Shooz, from US$129 for a skin and a sole; US$65 for each additional skin or sole, from www.indiegogo. com/projects/shooz-the-world-srst-modular-tech-travel-shoe The shoes come with a detachable and interchangeable “skin” and “sole” that you connect via a zipper. Once linked, you only need to fasten the snap on the heel and you’re ready to go. So, instead of packing multiple pairs of shoes, bring along more skins for different occasions.
Bag it Quechua Arpenaz 15 Ultralight Bag, $8.90, from www.decathlon.sg When you need a backpack for a day trip, this light polyester bag that carries up to 3kg is perfect. It also keeps your things dr y in case it rains. You can roll it into a ball and tuck it into your suitcase when not using it.
Water break Vapur Eclipse Water Bottle, US$11.99-$13.99, from https://vapur.us This unique water bottle can be folded, rolled up or simply flattened when not in use. It also comes with a handy carabiner that your child can use to attach it to his backpack.
All’s Not Lost
Dread losing your belongings, including all the shopping you've just done? Tracking devices such as Tile (US$25, from www.thetileapp.com), Loc8ing Air Travel Tag (US$38, from www.loc8ing.com) and Trakdot Luggage Tracker (NZ$119 or S$112, from www.trakdot.com) offer hope. Just attach one to your suitcase, download its app onto your phone, and you’ll be able to locate the whereabouts of your suitcase provided it is within a distance of usually 70m to 100m. Early next year, look out for Samsonite bags with an embedded tracking beacon to help travellers find their luggage using a smartphone app called Track&Go. Of course, owners must register the beacon at Samsonite's own Travlr app first.
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Bookends
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The Belif skincare set The star ingredient of the Belif Peat Miracle skincare range is peat extract. The extract is fermented from more than 80 herbs and contains pure glacial water and humic acid, said to boost skin turnover rate. It revitalises skin, prevents in ammation and minimises irritation.
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+
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For the rst 30 existing subscribers of Simply Her or Her World. Extend your current subscription with the bundle deal and get a Labo Labo Super Keana set worth $149.50.
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Made with natural peeling and pore-rening ingredients such as natural lactic acid, artichoke, rose and hamamelis leaf extract, the Labo Labo Super-Keana range from Dr. Ci:Labo helps to get rid of blackheads and clogged pores. Developed by Japanese dermatologists, it is free of fragrance, alcohol, articial colourants, mineral oil and parabens.
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TERMS & CONDITIONS: This subscription promotion is only valid when you sign up at campaign.herworldplus.com/megasubs2016 for the sale period of the June 2016 edition. Your subscription will commence two months after confirmation of successful subscription. Current print subscribers may also enjoy this promotion (the new subscription period will automatically commence when the current one expires). The subscription offer applies only to Singapore addresses. Subscriptions are non-refundable and non-transferable. Please allow six to eight working days from the magazine release date for delivery. Subscribers will be informed by post to collect their gifts (where applicable). Subscribers’ information may be used in future marketing or promotional activities. Gifts are given on a first-come, first-served basis and while stocks last. SPH Magazines reserves the right to replace gifts if stocks run out. SPH Magazines and the sponsors shall not be liable for any loss or damage suffered by the subscriber or any party in accepting, possessing, using or consuming the gifts. By providing the information set out in the subscription form and submitting it to SPH Magazines, you confirm that you have read, understood and consented to the terms of this subscription and to the collection, use or disclosure of any personal data by SPH Magazines for the purposes of the subscription, in accordance with its Data Protection Policy (details in www.sphmagazines.com.sg). For subscription enquiries, call 6388-3838 or e-mail circs@sph.com.sg.
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F ood
RECIPES
Oishii,hai!
COOK UP A STORM WITH THESE EASY RECIPES FOR EVERYDAY JAPANESE COMFORT FOOD.
SALMON IKURA DON
By Frank Shen, manager of 510 Sake Bar
Serves 4 ½ cup rice vinegar 1 tsp salt 1 tsp sugar 2 cups warm Japanese rice 240g sliced salmon sashimi 4 tbsp ikura (salmon roe)* 1 tbsp white sesame seeds 1 tbsp pickled ginger* 3 tbsp thinly sliced nori (Japanese seaweed sheets) 1 tbsp light soya sauce 1 tbsp wasabi *Available from sushi counters at major supermarkets. DIRECTIONS
1 In a large bowl, mix rice vinegar, salt and sugar into warm rice. Leave to cool to room temperature, then divide into 4 bowls. 2 Arrange salmon sashimi over the rice until the slices cover the top. 3 Sprinkle ikura over the salmon, followed by sesame seeds. 4 Add pickled ginger, then garnish with nori. Serve with soya sauce and wasabi on the side.
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Coordination Mia Chenyze Photography Winston Chuang and Zaphs Zhang Art Direction & Styling Clare Chan Crockery Robinsons 510 Sake Bar #01-06 Novena Gardens, 273 Thomson Rd (6256-0261) Sushi Kou #01-16 Orchid Hotel, 1 Tras Link (6444-8433)
INGREDIENTS
CALIFORNIA MAKI ROLL By Frank Shen
Serves 5 INGREDIENTS
½ cup rice vinegar 1 tsp salt 1 tsp sugar 2 cups warm Japanese rice 5 sheets nori 1 avocado, cut into 1cm-thick strips 100g crab sticks 1 zucchini, cut into strips 1 tbsp Japanese mayonnaise 100g tobiko (ying sh roe)* 2 tbsp light soya sauce 1 tbsp wasabi *Available from sushi counters at major supermarkets. DIRECTIONS
1 In a large bowl, mix rice vinegar, salt and sugar into warm rice. Leave to cool to room temperature. 2 Cover both sides of a sushi rolling mat with cling wrap, and set aside a bowl of clean water. 3 Place a sheet of nori on a at, clean surface. With dampened ngers, spread a thin, even layer of rice over the nori. Put the sushi mat on top of the rice, then ip everything over, such that the sushi mat is now underneath. 4 Line avocado strips along the width of the nori. Line a row of crab sticks beside the avocado, followed by zucchini strips. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on top, then sprinkle with tobiko, saving a little to coat the maki in later. 5 Using the sushi mat, roll the sushi into a tight log. Once the rolling edge of the sushi mat hits the nori, peel it back downwards. Continue rolling into a log. 6 Spread remaining tobiko onto a plate. Coat maki rolls in it, then cut each roll into 6 pieces with a damp knife. Serve with soya sauce and wasabi on the side.
CHICKEN KARAAGE WITH WASABI MAYONNAISE By Frank Shen
Serves 2 INGREDIENTS
1 tbsp ginger, grated 1 clove garlic, grated 2 tbsp soya sauce 1 tbsp sake 2 tsp sugar 450g skin-on chicken thighs, deboned and cut into 5cm-long pieces For the batter: 1 cup plain our 1 egg, beaten 1 tsp garlic powder ½ tsp ground black pepper 1½ cups stout
For the wasabi mayonnaise: ²/³ tbsp wasabi powder* 1 tsp water 4 tbsp mayonnaise Cooking oil, for deep-frying 1 lemon, cut into wedges *Available from Japanese supermarkets like Isetan Scotts and Meidi-ya.
DIRECTIONS
1 In a large bowl, whisk ginger, garlic, soya sauce, sake and sugar together. Marinate chicken in this mixture for at least 1 hour, or overnight. 2 To make the batter, whisk our, egg, garlic powder and black pepper together, then stir in the stout. Set aside. 3 In a small bowl, combine wasabi powder with water to form a paste, and let sit for 1min. Stir in mayonnaise to make wasabi mayonnaise. 4 Heat the cooking oil in a pot. Evenly coat the chicken pieces with batter and deep-fry until golden brown. Transfer onto kitchen towels to soak up excess oil. Serve with wasabi mayonnaise and lemon wedges.
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F ood
RECIPES
OYAKO DON
By Kanazawa Homare, chef of Sushi Kou
Serves 4 INGREDIENTS
For the dashi mixture: 360ml dashi stock 2 tbsp mirin 3 tsp sugar 4 tbsp Kikkoman Usukuchi Soy Sauce* 4 tbsp Kikkoman Premium Soy Sauce* 2 tsp salt 2 tsp mirin 200g diced chicken thigh 1 yellow onion, sliced 4 tsp chopped spring onions 4 eggs 4 bowls cooked Japanese rice *Available from Japanese supermarkets like Isetan Scotts and Meidi-ya. DIRECTIONS
1 In a pot, bring all the ingredients for the dashi mixture to the boil, then turn off the heat. 2 Bring another pot of water to a boil. Stir in salt and mirin. Blanch chicken for 15sec, then drain. 3 Divide the chicken and onions into four portions. 4 In a saucepan over medium heat, spread out one portion of chicken and onions, then pour in a quarter of the dashi mixture. Cover and simmer for 4min. 5 Add 1 tsp spring onions. Turn the heat to low, beat one egg lightly and pour over the chicken. Stir lightly, and turn to high heat for 5sec. 6 Turn off the heat and cover for 15sec. When the egg starts to set, slide out the chicken and egg mixture onto a bowl of rice. Repeat for the remaining portions.
132 SIMPLY HER | JUNE 2016
PORK TONKATSU By Kanazawa Homare
Makes 4 INGREDIENTS
4 pork loin chops, each about 120g and 1cm thick 2 tsp salt 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper 2 cups tempura ďƒ&#x;our 3 eggs, beaten 2 cups panko (Japanese bread crumbs) 2 cups cooking oil
DIRECTIONS
1 Use a sharp knife to make shallow slits on the surface of the pork chops. 2 Season pork chops with salt and pepper. 3 Place ďƒ&#x;our, egg and panko in separate shallow plates, then dredge the pork chops through each one in the same order. Press on them lightly to help the panko stick to the meat. 4 Heat cooking oil in a pot and deep-fry the pork
chops, one at a time. Cook each side for 3min, until golden brown. 5 Transfer pork chops to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up excess oil, then slice into 2cmthick strips.
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JUST FOR SIMPLY HER READERS!
ENJOY THE JUNE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS EVEN MORE WITH THESE DINING, STAYCATION AND PLAY DATE DISCOUNTS. Promo period: May 20 to June 30, 2016
S ELIGHT D G N I DIN
1 For 1 TOMATO OR YORUTON RAMEN AT CHABUTON The Chabuton chain is extremely popular and one of the fastestgrowing ramen chains in Japan and Thailand. It boasts a menu created by Yasuji Morizumi, the rst ramen chef to ever receive a Michelin star. Chabuton is located at: #02-15 Millenia Walk, tel: 6837-0335; #B2-01 313@ Somerset, tel: 6636-8335 and #01-41 Star Vista, tel: 6339-0335. To redeem: Flash a printout or digital copy of this page. Terms and conditions: Not valid with any other promotions.
138 SIMPLY HER | JUNE 2016
30% off BRIZO RESTAURANT & BAR AND COCOBOLO POOLSIDE BAR + GRILL AT PARK HOTEL CLARKE QUAY Feast on great seafood at the all-day dining Brizo Restaurant & Bar on the ground oor of Park Hotel Clarke Quay. If you love grilled meats, don’t miss the sumptuous barbecue spread of premium meats like New Zealand Angus striploin and Australian rack of lamb at Cocobolo Poolside Bar + Grill. Park Hotel Clarke Quay is located at 1 Unity Street, tel: 6539-8855. To redeem: Flash a printout or digital copy of this page. Terms and conditions: Discount valid for a la carte items, Brizo’s seafood buffet and Cocobolo’s Love Your Char Grill Barbeque Buffet. Limited to a maximum of four diners per meal. Not applicable for set menus. Not valid with any other promotions, discounts, in-house specials, loyalty programmes or vouchers, and the eve of and on public holidays, or special occasions. Park Hotel Clarke Quay reserves the right to change the terms and conditions without prior notice.
1 For 1 BREAKFAST MENU ITEMS AT SUNRISE BISTRO & BAR
When you’re craving eggs Benedict for lunch, head to Sunrise Bistro and Bar for its all-day breakfast (Mon-Fri, 11.30am-5pm; Sat-Sun, 9am6pm). Helmed by executive chef Vincent Teng, who has over 20 years of culinary experience, the bistro specialises in casual French fare cooked with Asianinspired avours. Sunrise Bistro and Bar is at Big Splash, 902 East Coast Parkway, tel: 6440-9090. To redeem: Flash a printout or digital copy of this page. Terms and conditions: Not valid with any other promotions.
AMILY FOR A FO T DAY U
free child’s pass WITH EVERY PAYING ADULT AT COMBAT SKIRMISH LIVE
Round up your family and battle it out in a laser tag combat game at For t Siloso. Choose from three game options: Indoor Maze ($20, 15min), Laser Clay ($35, 30min) or Tunnel Battle ($35, 30min). Safe and suitable for children (aged six and above), teens and adults, it’s guaranteed fun for the whole family. Combat Skirmish Live is at For t Siloso, Siloso Road, Sentosa, tel: 6272-4649. Open daily, 10am-6pm (last entry is at 5.30pm) To redeem: Flash a printout or digital copy of this page. Terms and conditions: Valid daily, 10am-6pm.
20% off
30% off
GUIDED ECORIDER RIDES AT SINGAPORE SPORTS HUB
Cruise around the Singapore Spor ts Hub on the EcoRider, a two-wheeled mobility device. Choose from three guided rides on the Waterfront Route ($22, 30min), Stadium Route ($22, 30min) or a combination of the two routes ($36, 30min). To redeem: Flash a printout or digital copy of this page when registering at the Sports Hub Visitors Centre.
Terms and conditions: Valid for a minimum of two riders at a time on weekends and public holidays, 10am-7pm. Each EcoRider accommodates one person. Sharing rides is not allowed. Riders must be at least 70cm tall and weigh less than 120kg. Riders must wear the provided helmets, disposable hairnets, and knee as well as elbow guards during the ride. A 10-minute safety brieng and practice session is included in the ride duration. Rides are not transferable. For enquiries, call 8777-3188.
A RIDE & DINE PACKAGE AT KOMBI ROCKS DINER
A family of four can enjoy a chauffeured joyride in a vintage Volkswagen Kombi followed by set dinner at Kombi Rocks Diner (UP: $382.80). You also get to take home two sets of Green Light collectibles wor th $45. Kombi Rocks Diner is at 66, Yio Chu Kang Road, tel: 9008-6918.
To redeem: Flash a printout or digital copy of this page. Terms and conditions: Valid for a single redemption only. Applicable for a party of four only. A reservation is required. E-mail sales@ kombirocks.com to make your booking. Kombi Rocks Diner reserves the right to vary the items in the giveaway.
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RE TAKE A B
AK
10% off
FAMILY MOMENTS ROOM PACKAGE AT PARK HOTEL CLARKE QUAY
The Family Moments package (UP: $400++) includes one night in two interconnecting Superior Family Rooms – with a queen-sized bed in one and two single beds in the other. It also comes with breakfast for two adults and two children, as well as complimentary meals for kids accompanied by paying adults. At weekends, enjoy a complimentary upgrade to two Deluxe Rooms. To redeem: Call 65938829/32/33 or e-mail rsvn. phcq@parkhotelgroup.com and quote “Simply Her June” to make a reservation. Flash a printout or digital copy of this page when you check in. Terms and conditions: Valid for one-time use only. Not valid for the eve of and on public holidays, as well as special occasions. Not valid with other promotions, discounts, in-house specials, loyalty programmes or vouchers. Reservation cancellation policy applies. Park Hotel Clarke Quay reserves the right to change the terms and conditions without prior notice.
140 SIMPLY HER | JUNE 2016
20% off WORKSHOPS AT GENIUS R US
Genius R Us is an enrichment centre offering children unique learning experiences through baking and crafting workshops, and bir thday par ties. The sessions are designed to reveal your child’s innate talent and provide oppor tunities to hone his or her strengths for academic success. Workshops star t from $45 per child and $75 for one parent with a child. To redeem: Call Genius R Us at City Square Mall (tel: 66346020/8183-0563) or Westgate (6908-3736/8183-0563) and quote “Simply Her reader” to book your session. Terms and conditions: Valid for one-time use only. Children must be aged two and a half to 12 years old. Sessions are held at Genius R Us HQ (#07-08 City Square Mall), and Westgate Kids Club Powered by Genius R Us (#05-03 Westgate).
UN KIDDY F
1 For 1 WEEKDAY ADMISSION AND WEEKEND BAKING CLASS AT FIDGETS WORLD
Your little ones will have endless fun in this spacious indoor playground with multiple play concepts at The Grandstand. It has a 140-seater cafe and three par ty rooms, and offers baking as well as ar ts and crafts sessions. Fidgets World is at #03-10 The Grandstand, tel: 6466-7611. Open daily, 9am-6pm. To redeem: Flash a printout or digital copy of this page. Terms and conditions: Valid for children aged two to 10 years old. The one-for-one promotion rate is $22 for two weekday passes to the playground and $31 for two weekend passes to the baking class. For the baking class, an admission fee of $22 per child applies. Each baking session is 90min. Free entry for adults, and babies under 12 months.
Bookends
STEALS & DEALS WIN
a box of Trulife Collagen Manuka Max worth
$58.80
TRULIFE
Give your complexion a radiant glow with Trulife Collagen Manuka Max. The collagen drink is packed with micro marine collagen peptides clinically proven to improve skin structure and rmness. Cynatine, a natural keratin, helps boost elasticity and protect the skin. It’s also said to make your nails stronger. Available at Watsons, Unity, Robinsons and Metro. Nine readers stand a chance to win a box of Trulife Collagen Manuka Max worth $58.80. Promotion valid till June 30, 2016. CODE: SHER0601
SMASHBOX
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LABO LABO
The Labo Labo Super-Keana range from Dr. Ci:Labo focuses on your pores. Made with natural peeling and pore-re ning ingredients such as natural lactic acid, ar tichoke, rose and hamamelis leaf extract, the products – which are developed by Japanese dermatologists and made in Japan – help to get rid of blackheads and clogged pores. It is free of fragrance, alcohol, ar ti cial colourants, mineral oil and parabens. Available at #B3-41 Ion Orchard, selected Watsons, and www.ci-labo.com.sg. Four readers stand a chance to win a Labo Labo Super-Keana set worth $149.50. Promotion valid till June 30, 2016. CODE: SHER0602
Smashbox has par tnered with breakthrough ar tist Yago Hor tal to create limited-edition kits inspired by his vivid and dynamic paintings. Each one features gorgeous shades and unique textures. The Ar t Love Colour Lip Gloss Trio consists of three best-selling Be Legendary Lip Glosses, while the Ar t Love Colour Bestseller Set has a Photo nish Primer, Photo Op Eye Shadow Trio, Full Exposure Mascara, and a Be Legendary Lip Gloss – everything you need to look fabulous. Five readers stand a chance to win a set of Smashbox Art Love Colour Lip Gloss Trio and Bestseller Set worth a total of $89. Promotion valid till June 30, 2016. CODE: SHER0604
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a Labo Labo SuperKeana set worth
$149.50
a Sunrider Oi-Lin Natural Emulsion Sunscreen SPF30 worth
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SUNRIDER
The all-natural sunscreen with a pleasant, uplifting lemon scent provides superior protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays. It has a highly concentrated antioxidant formula of vitamins A, B and E, and other key ingredients include royal jelly, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, camellia sinensis and jasmine ower. These help the skin to maintain elasticity and diminish the visible signs of ageing. Four readers stand a chance to win a Sunrider Oi-Lin Natural Emulsion Sunscreen SPF30 worth $146.30 from Sunrider at CT Hub. Promotion valid till June 30, 2016. CODE: SHER0603
WIN
a set of Smashbox Art Love Colour Lip Gloss Trio and Bestseller Set worth
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HOW TO WIN
Step 1: Go to www.simplyher.com.sg. Step 2: Click on “Promotions” in the menu bar and choose the promotion you want. Step 3: Fill in your particulars and key in the promo code. Step 4: Click to submit. JUNE 2016 | SIMPLY HER
141
Bookends
STO C K I ST S
13RUSHES www.13rushes.com ALDO #B2-20 Ion Orchard (6509-1198) BIMBA Y LOLA #B1-04 Ion Orchard (6509-3305) BOURJOIS Sasa & Watsons BROWHAUS www.browhaus.com for store listings BROWLASH Watsons CELINE #01-28/29 Ngee Ann City (6736-0511) CHANEL FRAGRANCE AND BEAUTY BOUTIQUE #B2-43 Ion Orchard (6634-5500) CHARLES & KEITH #B3-58 Ion Orchard (6238-1840) CYBER COLORS Sasa outlets DECLARE Donna Spa, Marylande & Pola The Beauty Anchorpoint. Call 6272-3898 for salon listings
EAU THERMALE JONZAC Bella Skin Care & Marie France Bodyline centres ETUDE HOUSE #B1-20/21/22 Wisma Atria (6737-2460) FOREVER 21 #01-16 313@Somerset (6834-4423) FURLA #02-38 Paragon (6735-8313) & #B2-108A The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands (6688-7120) GUCCI #01-38/39 Paragon (6734-2528) H&M #01-00 Orchard Building, 1 Grange Road (6235-1459) HEROINE MAKE BHG, John Little, Robinsons, Sasa & Watsons I-LIGHT www.massmark.com.sg IDENEL www.ohwow.sg INNISFREE #B2-34/35 Ngee Ann City (6733-6728) ISETAN SCOTTS Shaw House, 350 Orchard Road (6733-1111) JULIE NICOLE #01-17 Capitol Piazza (6385-5411) K-PALETTE Watsons & BHG KATE COSMETICS Watsons M.A.C Tangs at Tang Plaza (6235-7718) MAKE UP FOR EVER Sephora MANGO #B1-39/40 Ngee Ann City (6736-2027) MARC JACOBS BEAUTY Sephora MASSIMO DUTTI #B1-01/02 Ion Orchard (6509-9081) MICHAEL KORS #01-16/17 Scotts Square (6723-8068) MOSCHINO #01-04/05 Paragon (6732-1375) NAIISE #01-31/32 I12 Katong (6252-7701) & #02-02/24 Orchard Gateway (6252-7701)
NEW LOOK #B2-34/37 313@Somerset (6884-6408) NYX Sephora PARFUMS CHRISTIAN DIOR Tangs at Tang Plaza (6738-6618) PEDDER ON SCOTTS Level 2 Scotts Square (6244-2883) PEDDER RED #03-04 Ngee Ann City (6735-5735) REVLON Guardian & Watsons RIMOWA #01-02 Mandarin Gallery (6735-2051) & #01-476/482 Suntec City Mall (6338-9252) SEPHORA #01-05/06 Ion Orchard (6509-8255), #01-42 Jem (6694-5528) & #01-35/36/37 Nex (6509-8489); www.sephora.sg for full listings SHANGHAI TANG #03-06/07 Ngee Ann City (6737-3537) SHISEIDO Tangs at Tang Plaza (6733-2589) & other major department stores STUART WEITZMAN #02-12E Ngee Ann City (6734-2331) SWAROVSKI #B1-17/18 Ion Orchard (6509-9293) THE FACE SHOP #B1-K5/K6 Wisma Atria (6884-9501) TOPSHOP #01-05/06 Knightsbridge (6733-8912) & #B2-01 Ion Orchard (6509-8602) UNIQLO #B2-38, #B3-51/52 Ion Orchard (6509-1073) & #01-382-386 Suntec City Mall (6238-8174) WAREHOUSE #B1-15 Ion Orchard (6509-6361) ZA Watsons ZARA #B2-03 & #B3-05 Ion Orchard (6509-8840)
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Bookends
S H O P E X TR A
Glossy Tresses
Humidity and damaging UV rays can wreak havoc on your crowning glory, causing an oily scalp and hair loss. Naturvital’s hair loss shampoos ($23 each, 300ml) can help improve your hair’s elasticity and shine, and reduce hair loss by up to 83 per cent. With its phytoactive complex, ginseng extract and a host of vitamins, the shampoo strengthens, hydrates and protects your hair and scalp. It’s gentle enough to use daily. Available in ve variants (Normal, Dry, Antidandruff, Anti-breakage and Greasy), from Guardian, Watsons, Unity, Robinsons, John Little, Metro, OG and BHG.
ALL-IN-ONE RENEWAL It can be time-consuming for a busy working woman to take good care of her skin. Bioskin’s new Absolute Miracle Essence ($280, 50 capsules) is an all-in-one serum that shaves time off your skincare routine. Free from preservatives and fragrance, each capsule delivers vitamin A into the skin to minimise the appearance of ne lines, wrinkles, pigmentation and pores. It also stimulates cell renewal and keeps skin hydrated. The result? Firmer, clearer and younger-looking skin. Visit www.bioskin.sg for more information.
DEFEND YOUR SKIN
Daily aggressors like UV rays and drying air-conditioning affect our skin. The Propolis Energy Ampule ($40.90, 15ml) by CNP Laboratory contains a high concentration of propolis extract, a compound similar to, but rarer than, honey and royal jelly, to help boost the skin’s natural defences. The ampoule also has hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin, and madecassoside, a plant extract, to help alleviate skin irritation and redness. During the month of June, get a 20 per cent discount for the Propolis Energy Ampule at www.cnpcosmetics.com.sg.
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Super Facial Facing complexion problems like dull
skin and ne lines? Try the GeneO+ Super Facial ($758, 90min) from Estetica that employs cutting-edge technologies to give you visibly younger-looking skin after one treatment. It uses a third-generation radio frequency, boosted with ultrasound technology, to deliver targeted energy to the dermis. The deep-heating effect then accelerates fat-cell metabolism to increase collagen regeneration, resulting in rmer and tightened skin. Available at Estetica Beauty Studios islandwide. For more information, visit www.esteticabeauty.com.
The True Regimen
There is no way to turn back the clock, but you can try to delay skin ageing with a good skincare regimen. Belif ’s True Decoction range, which comprises the Firming Essence ($86, 50ml), Line Rescue Essence ($86, 50ml), Line Rescue Cream ($81, 50ml) and Line Rescue Spot Care ($71, 25ml), helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, tighten and rm saggy skin, increase the production of collagen and boost skin immunity, all while nourishing and moisturising skin. Available at Belif counters at Junction 8, Plaza Singapura, Suntec City and Tangs Vivocity.
Nail It Down
You can have discoloured, thick or brittle nails for a variety of reasons – heat damage, a fungal infection, trauma, or too-frequent gel manicures. Kerasal Nail ($29.90, 10ml) helps repair your nails without fuss, by softening, hydrating and smoothening nails. Apply a thin layer on affected nails once a day and leave it to dry for a few minutes. The patented pinpoint silicone tip is easy to use and hygienic, and leaves no mess behind. Available at Guardian, Watsons and Unity.
Soothe Dry, Itchy Hands It’s important to wash our hands regularly because they come into contact with germcovered surfaces like doorknobs, mobile phones and keyboards every day. But all that washing can cause skin to dry out. The Nutraplus Protect Hand Cream and Repair Hand Cream (from $15.90 each) form a barrier that hydrates and protects skin against dryness and external irritants. Use the former in the daytime, and the latter at night to give your hardworking hands round-the-clock care. Available at hospital retail pharmacies and selected clinics.
FRESHER FOR LONGER
If you nd yourself making frequent trips to the supermarket because your fresh produce doesn’t last as long in the refrigerator as you’d like it to, consider the new Samsung top-mounted freezer refrigerator, the RT6000 (from $1,399). Its unique Twin Cooling Plus technology regulates humidity levels so your food stays fresh, no matter where it is stored in the refrigerator. The freezer can also be conver ted into a chiller to suit your needs, and the Vacation mode helps you save energy when you go for a long holiday too. Best of all, its Digital Inverter Compressor has ve cycles instead of the usual two, to maintain consistent temperatures and keep noise to a minimum. Available at major electrical stores.
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Bookends
YO U R STA R S
(MAY 21 – JUNE 20)
Angelina Jolie
Born: June 4, 1975
This is a happy and prosperous month – you will be at your most energetic from the 13th. Take this time to expand your network of contacts. Being exible will help you become more successful. While your career will go through a rewarding time, don’t neglect your spouse and loved ones.
Other Gemini celebrities: Jacelyn Tay (June 12, 1975) Natalie Portman (June 9, 1981) Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen (June 13, 1986)
Dates to note: June 5, 10, 12, 13, 19, 24 Your best dates: June 4, 7, 14, 17, 21, 25
CAPRICORN
AQUARIUS
PISCES
ARIES
TAURUS
CANCER
(Dec 22 – Jan 19)
(Jan 20 – Feb 18)
(Feb 19 – March 20)
(March 21 – April 19)
(April 20 – May 20)
(June 21 – July 23)
This may be a dif cult month emotionally but you’ll pull through with hard work and determination. Your nances will be slow but will pick up from July. Midmonth, make time to pamper yourself. Dates to note: June 2, 6, 7, 14, 27, 28
June 2, 9, 16, 20, 29, 30
June 7, 11, 12, 17, 27, 28
Stay strong and focused; be prepared to accept moneyrelated challenges early in the month. A good business network will set you in the right direction. Relationship energy will be strong from the 18th. Dates to note: June 5, 9, 13, 14, 22, 29
June 3, 10, 12, 18, 25, 26
June 3, 4, 6, 15, 17, 21
June 1, 5, 14, 20, 26, 30
June 1, 7, 11, 25, 27, 28
Your best dates:
This is a good month to review your goals. Jobseekers will nd success. Be prepared for money energy to suddenly slow down from the 20th. Improve your well-being with regular exercise. Dates to note:
Your best dates:
Keeping a steady pace at work this month is the key to success. Your nances may be slow. Your spouse may go through an emotional time. Therapeutic activities will bene t your well-being. Dates to note:
Your best dates:
Your best dates:
The rst half of the month favours new projects, with interesting tie-ups and new contracts indicated. Money energy is vibrant – your income may increase. Be patient with loved ones. Dates to note:
June 8, 9, 18, 23, 24 Your best dates:
June 10, 12, 13, 19, 21, 28
LEO
VIRGO
LIBRA
SCORPIO
SAGITTARIUS
(July 24 – Aug 22 )
(Aug 23 – Sept 22)
(Sept 23 – Oct 22)
(Oct 23 – Nov 21)
(Nov 22 – Dec 21)
If you’re looking to move ahead in your career, be aler t to oppor tunities. Decisions made after the 13th may meet with challenges. Changes in the home are indicated; don’t buy proper ty on impulse. Dates to note: June 2, 5, 18, 20, 30 Your best dates:
June 1, 3, 12, 17, 23, 28
Trust in your abilities – ignore of ce gossip and be selective about who you approach for advice. Avoid impulsive money decisions as nances are slow this month; set and review your goals for the rest of the year. Dates to note:
June 4, 5, 11, 20, 25, 26
Your best dates:
June 3, 10, 18, 19, 29
Career energy is strong this month and your projects will run smoothly. Be persuasive when dealing with stubborn colleagues. Finances will uctuate. Take care of your health if you travel on business. Dates to note:
June 1, 4, 7, 10, 17, 25 Your best dates:
June 6, 13, 14, 15, 21, 29
Focus on your career goals. Your nances will improve from the 12th but leave major decisions until after the 14th. Taking care of your home and relationships should be a priority now. Dates to note:
June 8, 9, 13, 19, 29 Your best dates:
June 5, 7, 16, 18, 21, 25
You’ll need to deal with people differently this month. You may also be unusually stressed or have mood swings on the 8th and 9th. Personal relationships can also be strained but changes from the 21st will be positive. Dates to note: June 1, 2, 8, 9, 22, 23, 30 Your best dates:
June 6, 7, 18, 19, 24
DATES TO NOTE: These are signi cant days that could be positive or negative. YOUR BEST DATES: Things are likely to go well for you on these days.
146 SIMPLY HER | JUNE 2016
This is an optimistic month and you’ll be full of con dence. At work, new situations will challenge your management skills – communicate clearly and take nothing at face value. Take care not to overspend. Dates to note:
June 1, 5, 8, 14, 20, 28
Your best dates:
June 6, 9, 16, 21, 25
Clarice Chan adds the wisdom of fengshui to enhance the predictions for each zodiac sign. Visit www. claricegvchan.com or e-mail her at stars@ claricegvchan.com.
Photo Celebrity Monitor/Demotix/Corbis
GEMINI
Star of the Month
BIRTHDAY SURPRISE
TREAT YOUR LOVED ONE FOR HER BIRTHDAY! GET HER A 12-MONTH DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION OF HER FAVOURITE MAGAZINE TO ENJOY 20% OFF PLUS! RECEIVE FREE BEAUTY TRAVEL SETS WORTH $164 (Limited to the rst 100 subscribers each month)
Subscribe to any of these titles to enjoy this promotion. You can also send your best wishes with a special e-card when you subscribe.
+ Repair damaged hair and split ends with the botanical-keratin-rich Phytokeratine Reparative Kit worth $75.90
Looking your best from head to toe is easy with the Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Coffret worth $88
To subscribe, log on to http://sphmagazines. com.sg/digihatch2016 or scan the QR code.
For
42
luc k y read e rs
ALSO, YOU STAND A CHANCE TO WIN:
• A CHAUFFEURED KOMBI ROCKS JOYRIDE AND LIMITED-EDITION COLLECTIBLES FOR TWO WORTH $288 *. • A 20% DISCOUNT * WHEN YOU DINE AT KOMBI ROCKS DINER. Retro Kombi Rocks Diner offers Teochew and Thai fusion dishes. It even boasts a eet of restored classic vehicles, including the VW Kombi, Beetle, and 1962 Chevrolet Impala, which are available for rent. *Terms and conditions apply.
Bite
ON E L AS T
Fried Ice Cream
No batter or serious equipment needed for this dessert.
Makes 8 servings 1 Scoop 8 balls of ice cream onto a tray, spacing them out. Freeze overnight, uncovered. 2 Trim the edges of 8 slices of wholemeal bread, then ďƒ&#x;atten with a rolling pin. 3 Place an ice cream ball in the centre of a piece of bread. Wrap it by pinching the two diagonal corners together, then pressing the seams together to make a triangle. 4 Fold in the other two corners to fully wrap up the ice cream ball. 5 Freeze the ice cream parcels overnight, uncovered. 6 Over high heat, add cooking oil into a pan to about 3cm deep. When the oil starts smoking, place an ice cream parcel in it. Roll it around the pan for 10sec until evenly golden brown. 7 Drizzle over with chocolate sauce and serve.
148 SIMPLY HER | JUNE 2016
Coordination Mia Chenyze Photography Vernon Wong Art Direction & Styling Ann Neo
MAKE IT! Recipe by Si Thu Kyaw, ďƒ&#x;eet manager
best ways to cook different cuts
MoutHwatering recipes for tHe faMily
How to pick a good steak
tips on storing beef
How to Choose FOR THE MOST FLAVOUR
ryan goH, meat specialist, emporium Shokuhin
Prime cuts such as rib-eye, striploin and tenderloin are the most flavourful and can be cooked quickly.
Henry ngoH, outlet manager, Swiss Butchery
MARKS FOR MARBLING
This refers to the veins of white fat running though the meat that give beef its flavour. The fat also keeps it juicy and tender when cooked. How wellmarbled meat is depends on the breed of cattle and what it’s fed. For example, premium Japanese beef is generally more wellmarbled, thanks to the cow’s diet of mixed grains.
GRASS-FED OR GRAIN-FED?
Grass-fed beef is leaner and takes more skill to cook well to ensure it doesn’t dry out. grainfed is generally fattier, has a meatier, more robust flavour, and is easier for even novices to cook.
THE IDEAL SIZE
a good-sized steak should be about 1cm thick and weigh between 180g to 200g, so that it can be easily cooked at home. a thicker slab needs to be seared in a pan and then roasted in the oven, so the insides aren’t too raw.
REDDER IS NOT BETTER
Contrary to popular belief, colour does not indicate how fresh beef is. Like the flavour, the colour of the meat comes from what the cows are fed and where it’s from, so don’t fret if your meat isn’t “red enough”. Here’s how to tell: • Japanese beef generally has a pinkish hue. • US beef can be a pale red, and is typically mistaken for aged meat. • Beef from Australia and new Zealand is bright red when freshly cut, but it turns brownish red quickly. The best way to determine freshness is to check the date on the packaging before you purchase the meat or ask the butcher when it was cut.
Text Amanda Jayne Lee Cover Artwork Diane Ng Photos of Beef and Meat Mallet 123RF.com
Our experts
What's On The Menu? ryan and Henry say different cuts call for different cooking techniques. STOcK
• Marrow Bone
• Beef Trimmings
(the small pieces left behind after major cuts have been removed)
STEwS & SOUpS
• Chuck Tender • Square Chuck • Short ribs
Tip
STIR-FRy • Beef Rump • Flank Steak • Skirt Steak ROAST • rib-eye • Tenderloin MINcE MEAT &MEATBALLS • Chuck roll
Secondary cuts like rump and chuck contain little fat, so you should always tenderise them first. Lightly pound them with a meat mallet to break up the fibre and create a softer texture.
STORING MEAT
• Store raw meat in a zip-lock bag with the air pushed out because air bubbles can cause moisture to accumulate in the bag and this makes it deteriorate faster. • Cook chilled meat within three days of buying it. If it is vacuum packed, it can last up to a week in the chiller. • Never refreeze meat. Once thawed, it loses moisture and protein, which affects the flavour of the meat.
wHERE TO BUy yOUR BEEF
Keep this list of meat specialists on hand for your next steak or stew craving. culina #01-13 Dempsey Hill, 8 Dempsey road, tel: 6474-7338. Mon to Thur, 10am-9pm; Fri to Sun, 9am-9pm. emporium shokuhin #01-18 Marina Square, tel: 6224-3433. Daily, 10am-10pm. foodie Market place 225 outram road, tel: 6224-3290. Tue to Fri, 11am-8pm; Sat and Sun, 9am-6pm.
Huber’s butchery 22 Dempsey road, tel: 6737-1588. Mon to Fri, 9.30am-8pm; Sat and Sun, 9.30am-7pm. Meat collective 342 Tanjong Katong road, tel: 6348-6339. Tue to Sat, 10am-8pm; Sun, 10am-6pm. Meat the butcher 6615 Bukit Timah road, tel: 6465-1651. Daily, 10am-7pm. ryan’s grocery 29 Binjai Park, tel: 6463-3933. Daily, 9am-8pm. swiss butchery 56 Tanglin road, tel: 6235-8080. Daily, 9am-8pm. the butcher’s dog #B2-11/12 great World City, tel: 6836-8498. Daily, 9.30am-9pm.
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Best Marinades & Rubs A little salt and pepper goes a long way with a good piece of steak, but when you want a bit of variety, these marinades and rubs by Ryan Goh do the trick. These quantities are enough for two to three steaks. DRy RUB ½ tsp sea salt flakes, crushed 1 tsp crushed black pepper 1 tsp dried thyme 1 tsp dried rosemary ½ tsp garlic powder ½ tsp dried parsley
OIL-BASED MARINADE 150ml olive oil 1 tsp of crushed black pepper ½ tsp salt ½ tsp paprika powder ½ tsp onion powder 1 tsp dried oregano
EASy MARINADE ½ tsp fresh garlic, chopped 1 tsp rosemary, chopped 1 tsp thyme, chopped ½ tsp crushed black pepper 1 tbsp olive oil ½ tsp sea salt flakes
DIREcTIONS
DIREcTIONS
DIREcTIONS
1. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. 2. Sprinkle the dry rub evenly and generously over the steak and pat it in lightly, so the rub adheres. 3. Set aside for 10-15min before cooking. Longer than 15min and the meat will dry out and lose its flavour.
1. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and whisk until well-mixed. 2. Place the steak on a plate and spoon the mixture over it, coating both sides evenly. 3. Set aside for 10-15min before cooking.
1. Except for the sea salt flakes, mix all other ingredients in a bowl. 2. rub the marinade into the steak evenly on both sides. 3. Set aside for 10min before cooking. 4. When the steak is done, lightly sprinkle it with sea salt flakes and serve.
Cooking for a special occasion? Mathew Leighton, head chef at Salt grill & Sky Bar, tells you how to put a restaurantworthy steak meal together.
START wITH A BASIc STEAK Serves 4 INGREDIENTS
4 sirloin, rib-eye or tenderloin steaks, each about 200-300g Salt and pepper DIREcTIONS
1 Season each steak with a pinch each of salt and pepper. 2 Heat a greased pan over high heat. 3 Cook each steak for 5-6min for medium doneness, flipping it over every minute. Add or reduce the cooking time for your preferred doneness. 4 Remove and let the steaks rest for 5min before serving. This lets the juices settle in the meat so they don’t gush out when you slice the steak, causing it to become dry.
Photography Jasper Yu art Direction & Styling Clare Chan
Build A Meal 1.
2.
ADD A TOppING: BEEF wHOLEGRAIN MARMALADE INGREDIENTS
2 tbsp cooking oil 750g diced beef or beef trimmings 1 tsp salt 1 tsp pepper 75ml beef stock 60g brown sugar 60g caster sugar 125ml red wine vinegar 75g wholegrain mustard DIREcTIONS
1 Heat the oil in a hot pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef, ½ tsp of salt and ½ tsp of pepper. Cook until the beef is evenly browned. 2 Add enough stock to just cover the meat. Simmer over low heat for 60-90min. 3 Remove the beef and shred it, then return it to the pot with the remaining salt and pepper, the two sugars, red wine vinegar and wholegrain mustard. Cook over medium heat for 20-30min, until the gravy thickens. 4 Spoon the marmalade over the cooked steak.
3.
ADD A SALAD: wATERcRESS AND SHALLOT wITH RED wINE DRESSING Serves 4 INGREDIENTS
1 tbsp Dijon mustard 90ml red wine vinegar 200ml olive oil 1 tbsp sugar 400g watercress 8 shallots, sliced DIREcTIONS
1 To make the red wine dressing, combine the Dijon mustard and red wine vinegar in a bowl. 2 Add the olive oil and sugar gradually, stirring to mix them in. 3 Toss the watercress and shallots together, and drizzle over the dressing to serve.