HER WORLD
SMALL BATCH, BIG BUSINESS
LOCAL BEAUTY BRANDS WITH A LOT OF LIKES
JANUARY 2020 I $6
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SINGAPORE I HERWORLD.C COM
DON’T WASTE SPARE PARTS AND OFF CUTS ARE NOW FINE DINING
THE HAPPINESS PROJECT OVER 1,200 SG WOMEN ON WHAT MAKES THEM HAPPIER
•BE THICK-SKINNED •HAVE LESS “FRIENDS” •DITCH THE JOB FOR WORLD TRAVEL •LIVE SLOWER
PERFECT 2020
FASHION’S BRIGHT COLOURS & SOFT LEATHER; HAIR & MAKEUP SWITCH-UPS
JAN 2020 FASHION
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HW ENDORSES
The Breton camisole.
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Liquid Silver
Stand out in this metallic shade that instantly elevates your look and mood.
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Start the year with the cheeriest looks, like this one from Balenciaga.
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FUNCTIONAL DRESSING AS A WAY FORWARD
The creative director of Uniqlo shares the brand’s philosophy.
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COLOUR THEORY
Bright hues and bold prints are a sure-fire way to brighten your day.
THE LIBERTY PRINT
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Ace your holiday wardrobe with cropped tops, shorts suits, poofy shirts, and more.
This is the new yet classic way to wear florals for spring.
THE SAFARI JACKET The must-have piece of the season for the urban explorer.
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COLOUR CRUSH
Don’t limit yourself to red this lunar new year.
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Buttery soft LEATHER
The soft variety gives maximum comfort.
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Modern Gold
Yellow gold is making a comeback.
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There Are Only 88 of These in The World The new Chopard watch that celebrates the Year of the Rat.
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The one who’s Taking ACTION
Gabriela Hearst shares her passions, from fashion and family to sustainability.
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Spring HAS ARRIVED
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Classic Luxe
The truly timeless designs that will take you from day to night.
JAN 2020 BEAUTY
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HW ENDORSES
Foundation brushes you need zero skills to use.
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VELVETY MATTE LIPSTICKS They softly “airbrush” lip lines for a fullerlooking mouth.
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GET OILED
These good face and hair oils are essential skincare – and aren’t greasy, stinky or pore-clogging.
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BLUE LIGHT SHIELD IS THE NEW SPF
Like sun protection, you should be layering blue-light protection into your skincare and makeup.
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all you need to know about STEM CELLS
How to jump-start sluggish skin stem cells and get your skin working youthfully again.
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WHAT IS A SKIN ALLERGY?
Not to be confused with skin sensitivity, it’s when your immune system reacts to a specific trigger.
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ARTISANAL, crafted, ethical, natural, wholesome simplicity
Local beauty brands that produce limited quantities, are self-tested by the founders, and make for results-driven products. 8
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78 Switch up the way you wear blusher every day.
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BASIC BUT BETTER
That’s the ethos for 2020 when it comes to beauty. That means: changing up your skincare according to your skin’s needs, wearing blusher a different way every day, and getting with the new looks to start the new decade.
H ER WO RLD O NLIN E the women’s online guide to life and style
FA S HI O N
B EAUT Y
SHO PPI N G
L IF E S TY LE
PHOTO SHOWBIT.COM
Bold red dresses to power you through the new year.
JAN 2020 FEATURES
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The case for no waste
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Offal, off-cut, spare-part eats have moved from street food status to gourmet dining.
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THE garden sanctuary
The Japanese lifestyle lends itself to wellness with a love for gardens, healthy eating and onsen baths.
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Her World Rally
Together with Two L(i)ps, we opened the conversation on the part of the female anatomy that we so often refer to as “down there”.
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GIRL TALK
Media personality Jade Seah on how she jump-starts positive emotions and happiness every day.
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ASK JAY
Got a relationship problem? Our guy expert, Jason Godfrey, is here to help.
REGULARS
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EDITOR’S NOTE
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COVER LOOK
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SHOP PLUS
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THE LAST PAGE The decadent bag for hongbao. 10
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Off cuts and spare parts = fine dining, not street food.
HAPPINESS
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THE HAPPINESS PROJECT
One year ago, HerWorld. com embarked on The Happiness Project, culminating in our Happiness Survey with responses from over 1,200 women. Here’s what they had to say.
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UNPLUGGED & HAPPY
These farmer girls found fulfilment in slow living.
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HAPPY AND OUT OF THE COMFORT ZONE
One corporate high-flier ditched her career to reclaim her happiness in a year-long journey exploring 23 countries.
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THE COVER
Being a comedienne isn’t funny
Says funny girl Sharul Channa, who is Singapore’s only full-time female comic stand-up act.
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KONMARI YOUR Relationship
Spark joy and get rid of your toxic friends – once and for all.
PHOTOGRAPHY SHAWN PAUL TAN, ASSISTED BY KAT MIDORI STYLING WINDY AULIA, ASSISTED BY SEAN THAM HAIR & MAKEUP SHA SHAMSI, USING HANZ DE FUKO & NARS MODEL MILK/ MANNEQUIN OUTFIT PRADA
H ER WO RLD O NLIN E the women’s online guide to life and style
FA S H IO N
BE AU TY
SHOP PI NG
L IF E S TY LE
PHOTO SHOWBIT.COM
Anti-pollution skincare you’ll need for city living.
HE R WOR LD
EDITORIAL GROUP EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CAROLINE NGUI nguislc@sph.com.sg GROUP EDITOR DHYLAN BOEY dhylanb@sph.com.sg GROUP EDITOR, WATCHES ONG TING NEE tingnee@sph.com.sg EDITOR NG YI LIAN ylng@sph.com.sg CREATIVE DIRECTOR WINDY AULIA waulia@sph.com.sg ASSOCIATE EDITOR LEE KYLL SYNN kyllsynn@sph.com.sg ONLINE EDITOR MARY-ANN SOH maryanns@sph.com.sg FASHION Associate Fashion Editor DEBBY KWONG debbyk@sph.com.sg Fashion Writers SEAN THAM stham@sph.com.sg VALERIE WONG valwsw@sph.com.sg BEAUTY Executive Editor (Beauty) PENELOPE CHAN chanslp@sph.com.sg Beauty Writers CHELSEA TANG SINEAD LEE sineadl@sph.com.sg FEATURES & LIFESTYLE Features & Lifestyle Editor CARA VAN MIRIAH caravm@sph.com.sg Features & Lifestyle Writers HAYLEY TAI hayleyt@sph.com.sg CHEONG WEN XUAN wenxuanc@sph.com.sg ART Senior Art Director ALEX GOH alexgoh@sph.com.sg Art Director RAY CHRISTIAN TICSAY rayt@sph.com.sg Associate Art Directors LI HWEE SHAN lihs@sph.com.sg ALICE CHUA chpin@sph.com.sg WENDY FOO wfoo@sph.com.sg PHOTO Chief Photographer VERONICA TAY verontay@sph.com.sg Executive Photographers FRENCHESCAR LIM frenchl@sph.com.sg TAN WEI TE tanweite@sph.com.sg Photographers DARREN CHANG darrenc@sph.com.sg PHYLLICIA WANG wanglx@sph.com.sg VEE CHIN veechin@sph.com.sg Videographer ALICIA CHONG achong@sph.com.sg Senior Administrative Executive WENDY WONG wwong@sph.com.sg DIGITAL TRENDING DESK Group Editor DHYLAN BOEY dhylanb@sph.com.sg BRAND LAB & VIDEO LAB Director ONG TING NEE tingnee@sph.com.sg Editor GRACE CHUA cshgrace@sph.com.sg Fashion Director JANICE PIDDUCK pjan@sph.com.sg Associate Editor SHAIRAH THOUFEEKH AHAMED stahamed@sph.com.sg Senior Writer NIDA SEAH seahnida@sph.com.sg Assistant Project Manager NURASYIDAH ABDUL RAZAK nsyidah@sph.com.sg Senior Art Director NECCOL WOO neccolw@sph.com.sg Art Director KIM WONG kimwong@sph.com.sg Senior Designer SHERLI CHONG csherli@sph.com.sg Video Editors SHERRY LEUNG suetyee@sph.com.sg FIRDAUS MAHADI firmhdi@sph.com.sg
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EDITORIAL SUPPORT Senior Manager, Administration and Editorial Support Unit JULIANA CHONG julianac@sph.com.sg Senior Administrative Executive WENDY WONG wwong@sph.com.sg
AD SOLUTIONS MANAGING DIRECTOR DIANA LEE leemld@sph.com.sg PUBLISHER EILEEN CHIA elchia@sph.com.sg Account Manager (Her World) KAYLYN ANG Director, Commercial Projects (Her World) ALICE RAPPA BEAUTY Head, Beauty GWENDOLYN HO Account Manager ANGELINE ANG Account Executives EILEEN MAH JELEEN ANGELA PRIJOLES RONDON FASHION Head, Fashion RACHEL CHIN Senior Account Manager CLAUDIA LAM Assistant Account Manager AMBER WOON Account Executive GLORIA KOH WATCHES & JEWELLERY Account Director KIMBERLY TONG Assistant Account Director CALISTA ANG Senior Account Manager LYNETTE FOO Account Manager KAYLYN ANG MALLS Head, Malls SEAN CHEN Group Account Managers RACHEL NG ENN SHEN BANKING & INSURANCE Head, Banking & Insurance ELLEN LEE
INTEGRATED OPS & INSIGHT MANAGING DIRECTOR JOSEPH LEE Director, Product & Innovation FAITH YOONG Manager, Product & Innovation SERENE ONG Assistant Manager, Product & Innovation ONG PEIYU Senior Executive, Online Marketing ZOE YEW
MEDIA PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT
Team Head ALICE CHEE siewyuen@sph.com.sg Assistant Manager LIN FENG fenglin@sph.com.sg
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER MAUREEN WEE weekfm@sph.com.sg CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS HEAD CHIN SOO FANG soofang@sph.com.sg VICE-PRESIDENT, HUMAN RESOURCES IRENE LEE leebl@sph.com.sg INTERNATIONAL EDITIONS HER WORLD MALAYSIA Editor EENA HOUZYAMA eenash@bluinc.com.my Sales Enquiries CHEE ENG SAN chee@bluinc.com.my HER WORLD INDONESIA Editor-in-Chief SHANTICA WARMAN shantica.warman@herworld.co.id Sales Enquiries ADAM RIYADI adam.riyadi@herworld.co.id HER WORLD THAILAND Online Editor INTHIRA inthira.t@treedance.co.th Sales Enquiries PHUWARA phuwara.s@treedance.co.th HER WORLD VIETNAM Editor PHAM NGOC LUU UYEN uyen.pham@sunflowermedia.vn Sales Enquiries NGUYEN HONG NHUNG nhung.nguyen@sunflowermedia.vn
FOR SALES ENQUIRIES MAGGIE magadpromo@sph.com.sg
MARKET DEVELOPMENT MANAGING DIRECTOR GEOFF TAN Directors, Partnerships & Strategy EILEEN CHIA Head, Marketing & Circulation LIN SHAO MEI Senior Marketing Manager FION NG Marketing Manager GOH SZE MING Assistant Marketing Manager NGOI SIEW WEI Marketing Executive JASMINE CHUA
HER WORLD is published by SPH MAGAZINES PTE LTD 1000 Toa Payoh North, News Centre, Annexe Block, Level 8, Singapore 318994 tel 6319-6319 fax 6319-6345 e-mail magherworld@sph.com.sg Ad sales enquiries tel 6319-6281 Distributed by Circulation Department, Singapore Press Holdings Ltd Printed by timesprinters, Singapore registration no. 196700328H SPH Magazines registration no. 196900476M ISSN 0046-7270 MCI (P) 060/07/2019 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 Her World are those of the authors or contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. For back issues e-mail circs@sph.com.sg
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H ER WO RLD O NLIN E the women’s online guide to life and style
FA S H IO N
BEA UT Y
SHO PPI N G
LIFESTYLE
PHOTO SHUTTERSTOCK
The best festivals to go to this year.
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EDITOR’S NOTE
Be happy now: How these SG women have done it, from page 88.
POWERING OUR OWN
When I was a young girl, my annual birthday wish was always “I just want to be happy”. Sometime in my late 20s, I realised that happiness is a choice, and not a fleeting emotion. Happiness is not a destination – it’s a decision. But how do we get there? From personal life experiences and reading about the modern women farmers on page 92, the answer is clear – knowing and discovering oneself plays a huge part.
www.herworld.com
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Her World Singapore
In the findings of our year-long Happiness Project survey (with responses from over 1,200 women in Singapore) on page 90, we’ve discovered that we become happier as we age. I’d like to think that’s because older women have gone through the rough patches, and emerged on the other side with a better understanding of themselves and their places in life, resulting in a higher state
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@herworldsg
of happiness. The next time you feel yourself stuck in a rut, perhaps see it as an opportunity to grow. And how best to do that? As our freelance writer Gyscha Rendy shares in her piece on self-discovery on page 98, by “getting comfortable with being uncomfortable all over again”. New experiences, adventures, or even new friendships are the best catalysts to get you there.
- NYL, EDITOR
Her World Singapore
Download Our January Issue Now! Exclusively in the digital edition WATCH OUR VIDEOS Designer Gabriela Hearst shares what’s in her bag.
HOW TO We show you the many different ways to wear blusher.
SINGAPORE COMEDIENNE SHARUL CHANNA INTERVIEWS HERSELF.
Download the digital edition of Her World January from the App Store or Google Play, or log on to www.sphmagazines.com.sg/digital.
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COVER LOOK
From Prada – and the Stuff That Went into It Including the stuff that didn’t. So that you have the option of shopping for the same, or a different look.
Dior 5 Couleurs Glow Vibes eyeshadow palette in Pink Vibration, $107.
Dior Backstage Rosy Glow in Coral, $61.
The must-try look this season, according to Prada: Wear a dress over a skirt.
Kanebo The Cream Foundation in Ochre B, $295. Benefit Cosmetics The Porefessional Hydrate Primer, $56.
Bowling calf leather bags, $3,270 each.
Huxley Oil Mist; Sense Of Balance, $32.
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Fashion WHAT TO BUY, DO & KNOW NOW
The nearest stockist for Celine’s Triomphe’ Signature vest is in HK. It’s $480.
HW
Endorses
The Breton Camisole
Even the model’s stance suggests she can’t believe we’re putting $ on something that women (with style reminiscent of Jane Birkin’s, circa late ’60s-early ’70s) have always had on heavy rotation. We can imagine them saying nonchalantly, “Seriously? This old
thing?” Yup. Seriously. Because this “old” thing is going to be something – courtesy of Celine’s Hedi Slimane for Resort. Unlike the Breton tee, the cami – specifically with ribbonthin shoulder straps, a V-neck and equally thin stripes – hasn’t been widely worn the way it
was in the ’70s, ’90s and early 2000s. And no one appreciates a forgotten look like Slimane. This, in turn, might inspire others (from high end to high street) to turn this “old thing” into a ubiquitous, hot thing. H&M already has a scoop-neck version for $17.95. – JE 17
). re ts he ee t m ran on Ma ks l ac be l J Isa ae ue ich s (c : M 80 ion 19 rs e ve th ’s ts 20 ee 20 m rt lis so po Re etro M
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TO BUY / TO DO
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Calf leather and metal bag, $10,300, Louis Vuitton.
Metal sunglasses, $770, Bottega Veneta.
Embossed calf leather shoulder bag, $3,300, Alexander McQueen.
Polyester top, $45.90, Bershka. Calf leather sandals, $1,500, Givenchy.
Polyamide pants, $69.90, Bershka.
Polyester and wool shirt, $650, Bimba Y Lola.
COORDINATION SEAN THAM
Viscose dress, $69.90, Zara.
Calf leather and PVC brogues, $680, Pinko.
PVC shirt (price unavailable), Pinko.
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TO BUY / TO DO
Sportmax
The Liberty Print A softer allure is guaranteed with this English-style floral wallpaper print. Think feminine and flirty, not fuddy-duddy, with low V-necks and girlie bows.
3.1 Phillip Lim
Chloe’s take on chinoiserie: wallpaper prints on a high-slit cheongsamlike dress.
Viscose dress (price unavailable), Topshop.
Viscose playsuit, $54.95, H&M.
Viscose dress, $64.95, H&M.
Polyester dress, $59.90, Stradivarius.
Silk dress, US$408 ($555.88), Sir at www.matchesfashion.com.
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Polyester top, $59.90, Zara.
Viscose dress, $89.90, Mango.
Polyester dress, $89.90, Zara.
COORDINATION SEAN THAM
Cotton dress, US$503.77 (S$686.36), Alice + Olivia at www.net-a-porter.com.
TEXT & COORDINATION DEBBY KWONG PHOTOS SHOWBIT.COM
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TO BUY / TO DO
The Safari Jacket Oft-associated with Yves Saint Laurent, this borrowed-from-the-boys outerwear staple is one of the most classic and utilitarian pieces you can own. It goes equally well with pants or skirts, and allows you to go handsfree with its profusion of pockets. Best paired with fierce stilettos (and attitude). 21
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TO BUY / TO DO
Colour Crush Zesty orange and punchy pinks are the modern alternatives to classic red this CNY.
Make a grand entrance in Givenchy’s full-on pink gown. Calf leather and vinyl cross-body bag (price unavailable), Bonia
Polyester dress (price unavailable), Kate Spade New York
Metal and acetate cat-eye sunglasses, $590, Louis Vuitton
Wool skirt, $1,420, Miu Miu
Wool blazer, US$2,141.54 (S$2,912.69), Alexander McQueen at www.net-a-porter.com
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Leather flats (price unavailable), Pretty Ballerinas
Cotton shorts, $29.90, Uniqlo
COORDINATION SEAN THAM
Silk jacquard top, $2,550, Chloe
Silk blouse, $665, Tory Burch
Moschino Chloe
Polyester dress, US$427.14 (S$580.95), House of Holland at www.net-a-porter.com
Polyester skirt, $49.95, H&M
Wool pants, US$1,027.33 (S$1,397.95), Gucci at www.net-a-porter.com
Calf leather belt, $165, Pinko
BV Twist nappa leather bag, $3,100, Bottega Veneta
Polyamide dress, $179, Zara
$215, Kate Spade New York at Capitol Optical
Leather mules, $139, Mango
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TO BUY / TO DO
Buttery Soft Leather This luxuriously supple material can be versatile and surprisingly comfortable.
Leather dress, $6,830, Bottega Veneta. Leather dress with belt, $3,200, Longchamp.
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Leather shirt, $4,620, Tod’s. Cotton skirt, $415, Sandro.
Leather jacket, $5,200, Dolce & Gabbana. Leather microshorts, $1,510, Longchamp. Viv’ Ranger leather boots, $1,950, Roger Vivier.
Cotton and leather blazer, $625, Maje. Leather pants, $581, Sandro. Patent leather and ponyskin loafers, $1,240, Tod’s.
PHOTOGRAPHY VERONICA TAY STYLING DEBBY KWONG HAIR & MAKEUP AUDREY WEE, USING KEVIN MURPHY & CHANEL MODEL GALYA I/MANNEQUIN
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TO KNOW
Modern Gold A younger fan base (see Meghan Markle’s and Emily Ratajkowski’s engagement rings) and cooler designs have given yellow gold a reboot.
B.Blossom yellow gold and mother-of-pearl earrings, Louis Vuitton.
Winston Gates yellow gold pendant with diamonds, Harry Winston.
Affinity ring and bangles, and Affinity II ring, On Cheong. Blouse, bra and skirt, Dolce & Gabbana. All prices unavailable.
Oui yellow gold earrings with diamonds (price unavailable), Dior.
Two Butterfly yellow gold ring with diamonds (price unavailable), Van Cleef & Arpels.
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Lace yellow gold ring with diamonds, $11,150, Ole Lynggaard.
Hardwear yellow gold bracelet, $6,850, Tiffany & Co.
Margherita yellow gold ring with diamonds and citrine quartz (price unavailable), Damiani.
Panthere de Cartier yellow gold bracelet with tsavorite garnet and onyx, $41,200, Cartier.
Etincelle de Cartier yellow gold earrings with diamonds, $10,100, Cartier.
GG Running yellow gold ring with diamonds (price unavailable), Gucci.
B.zero1 yellow gold ring (price unavailable), Bvlgari.
PHOTOGRAPHY FRENCHESCAR LIM STYLING DEBBY KWONG HAIR & MAKEUP NIKKI FU MODEL ANYA D/MANNEQUIN
Happy Diamonds Icons yellow gold earrings with diamonds, $7,120, Chopard.
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TO KNOW
There Are Only 88 of These in The World And Chopard’s L.U.C XP limited edition in 18K rose gold is made to fit petite Asian wrists.
Ultra-thin at 3.3mm
Powered by an inhouse movement with a 65-hour power reserve.
The handcrafted 39.5mm dial is lacquered with varnish from the sap of the urushi tree. Its resin is harvested annually in extremely small quantities, and is only ready three to five years later, when it is treated to be used as a lacquer.
TEXT DEBBY KWONG
L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Rat Ref. 161902-5069 is $32,900, and only at Chopard boutiques.
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TO KNOW
The One who’s Taking Action Best known for her extensively waitlisted Nina bag, Gabriela Hearst walks the talk when it comes to sustainable luxury. The New York-based designer shares her inspirations, dreams and resolutions for herself and her eponymous label.
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Who is the Gabriela Hearst woman? “She’s a woman of action. She’s a professional. She’s ambitious. She has to take care of her family. She’s of service. And all we have to do is to make sure that we’re giving her the armour that she needs to go through life.”
What was the inspiration behind your S/S ’20 collection? “It was about courage – both the everyday and the extraordinary kind. On our moodboard were Kurdish female fighters; Athena, the goddess of war and craftsmanship; and Josephine Baker, a black dancer who was also a resistance spy during World War II. We wanted to do things we’ve not done before, and so we looked up real examples of courage.”
What’s the next step for fashion when it comes to sustainability? “The time for good intentions is over. Now, we have to be accountable – what you are talking about must match what you are doing. For example, my S/S ’20 runway show was carbon neutral. We did all the models’ hair without electric appliances; no models were flown in; everything was repurposed and recycled; and we catered local. This will not be a once-off. We’re going do it for all our shows to see if we can reduce our carbon footprint.”
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How did Gabriela Hearst start? “I had another ready-to-wear label before. We started it with US$700 and it made US$1 million in its first year. But I could not continue as it was really not where my heart was. I thought: Why does the world need another fashion brand? Maybe it needs a very good luxury brand that makes products to last, and makes them with integrity.”
PHOTO OF GABRIELA HEARST: PHOTOGRAPHY VERONICA TAY STYLING DEBBY KWONG
1 Designer Gabriela Hearst’s philosophy: “I have two fundamentals: long-term view and sustainability. I love what I do, and I want to do what I do for the rest of my life. So I want to make sure we pace ourselves and are doing things right.” 2 Named after Diana Ross, the Diana bag resembles the bellows of an accordion. From $3,990 for a Mini in suede.
What are you most proud of? “We raised funds with our handbags to cover 1,500 families during the 2017 drought in Africa that affected 20 million people. We managed to raise US$600,000 in two days. And the proudest thing I have is my team. Because I have a lot of ideas, but vision without execution is hallucination.”
3 Nina, Hearst’s signature bag that’s named after the late singer/ activist Nina Simone. Despite its irregular shape, it’s spacious. Hearst’s holds a handsized sketchbook and journal, sunglasses, wallet and two cardholders –with room to spare. 4 Joni is one of two bags inspired by singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, and features drawer compartments with rose gold and leather pulls.
What is your favourite thing to design? “I’d really love to do a collaboration with a watchmaker, a heritage house that I really like, because I enjoy the learning process. I like things that last. If it’s a good watch, you want to have it for the rest of your life, and you will pass it down through generations. And that’s also what I want to achieve with my clothes.”
How do you balance family and work time? “With humbleness, grace and trying to not lose the plot completely. You have to be a little bit crazy to do this job, but don’t go all the way. I think the most important thing is to never believe the hype. It’s not about fame. It’s not about anything else. It’s about your work. It’s about what you do.”
What are your 2020 resolutions? “I want to go on a retreat for a week with no cellphone and be alone. I also want to structure my professional life such that I am with the product at all times – from creation and inception to the development and production. I hope to spend more time with the retail teams in our stores because I really enjoy it. And, of course, I’ll continue working on my fabulous six pack.” – VW
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TO KNOW
Functional Dressing As A Way Forward Creative director of Uniqlo, Rebekka Bay (pictured right) on how the near future will dress: timeless, cross-seasonal and ever-evolving.
It’s bliss when Rebekka Bay, the creative director of Uniqlo Global Innovation Center in New York, doesn’t have to think about what to wear to work, lunch dates or concert dates. Better yet if she can wear the same outfit throughout the day and not have to head home to change. “When we lead such busy lives, who has time for that?” asks Bay. There’s also the fact that with a world that’s “smaller”, climate change and flexible working spaces, 30
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the modern customer’s lifestyle needs have evolved, and will continue to evolve. All these are not lost on the Danish Bay. When she joined the Japanese brand in 2017 after stints at Gap and Cos, she thought she wanted to bring more premium materials to the brand. Now, her focus is to create products that can adapt to change. “In the near future, I believe we’d want to increasingly live with less, and want our products to do more.” And this is where innovation will lead the way for all of Uniqlo’s apparel range Lifewear. “Innovation is about being ahead of people’s wants and needs, trying to understand what people want even before we know we want it,” says Bay. “Innovation (also) comes from wanting to
make lives better, producing clothes in synthetic fabrics, like our 3-D premium knits, that check all the right boxes – they hold their shape, are super lightweight, dry within an hour, and do not wrinkle. “We want our products to do more, to cater for more situations and different climates. So when customers wear Uniqlo, they are comfortable and confident.” – MS
All of Uniqlo’s Lifewear, including its seasonal collections (like S/S ’20) are designed for form and function: rayon blouses with bow-ties are wrinkle-resistant, and sweaters with puffy sleeves retain their shape courtesy of 3-D premium knits.
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS Since 1991, the Her World Woman of the Year Award has recognised and celebrated outstanding women in Singapore. It is the most established award for women in Singapore with a distinguished list of winners. In 1999, the Her World Young Woman Achiever Award was created to honour remarkable women aged 35 and below – women whose influence impacts their immediate professional space and who inspire the community we live in.
SEND IN YOUR 2020 NOMINATIONS KEEP IN MIND THE JUDGING CRITERIA FOR BOTH AWARDS: WOMAN OF THE YEAR
The Her World Woman of the Year Award honours women who have made outstanding contributions to society in their profession or respective field. • The winner must represent and project the best of Singapore, at home or abroad. Her accomplishments should leave a lasting impression on others, and she should be an inspiration and a role model to society. • Her achievements must have had a broad impact on society or benefited a particular industry or field at a high level. • She should be a Singapore citizen or permanent resident.
YOUNG WOMAN ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR
The Her World Young Woman Achiever Award celebrates the success of young women who push existing boundaries, inspiring those around them and paving the way for future generations. • The winner must be seen as an inspiration and role model to society. • She should have visible achievements and have demonstrated the potential to attain an even higher level of success in her chosen field. • She is 35 years old or below at the point of nomination. • She should be a Singapore citizen or permanent resident.
HER WORLD WOMAN OF THE YEAR & YOUNG WOMAN ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR SEND YOUR NOMINATIONS TO magherworld_promo@sph.com.sg SUBMISSION DEADLINE IS
JAN 31, 2020
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Cotton blouse, gaberdine shorts, and leather sandals, Prada.
Nylon dress, Dolce & Gabbana.
The premise here: Brights and bold prints deямБnitely brighten our days.
PHOTOGRAPHY SHAWN PAUL TAN, ASSISTED BY KAT MIDOR STYLING WINDY AULIA, ASSISTED BY SEAN THAM HAIR &MAKEUP SHA SHAMSI, USING HANZ DE FUKO & NARS MODEL MILK/MANNEQUIN
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Sequinned cotton dress and velvet vest with brooch, Giorgio Armani.
Cotton shirts, Loewe.
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Silk crepe dress, Chloe. Leather espadrilles, Prada.
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Cotton blouse and gaberdine skirt, Prada.
Silk dress, Moschino.
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Polyamide vest, Chanel.
Silk chiffon dress, Salvatore Ferragamo. Leather mules, Fendi.
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PHOTOGRAPHY JOEL LOW, ASSISTED BY ALFIE PAN STYLING DARYLL ALEXIUS YEO, ASSISTED BY LOW RIN HAIR SEAN ANG, USING KEVIN.MURPHY MAKEUP WEE MING, USING SHU UEMURA MODEL YUE MENG/ MANNEQUIN
Cropped Tops • Short Shorts Suits
• Rompers & Jumpsuits
• Denim • Poofy Shirts
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Linen jacket with cut-out sleeves and ties, Loewe. Chiffon cape, Chanel. Denim jeans, Balenciaga. Canvas sneakers, Nike.
Lambskin blazer, Moncler. Sheer organza dress, Fendi.
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Cotton shirt, Chloe. Silk tie, Hermes. Woolblend palazzos, Loewe. Calfskin wooden platform clogs, Celine.
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Cottongaberdine vest, matching pants, and double-breasted jacket, Chanel. Metal bangles, Hermes. Leather-lined canvas slip-ons, Balenciaga.
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Nylon shirt, Balenciaga. Denim ďŹ tted jeans, Celine. Calfskin boots, Dior.
Cotton midi shirtdress, Bottega Veneta.
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Cotton shirt, wool-blend pleated skirt, cotton socks and leather sneakers, Prada.
Cotton romper, Chanel. Brass choker, Givenchy. Lambskin pumps, Bottega Veneta.
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Satin shirt and wool-blend blazer, Dior Men. Lambskin shorts, Longchamp. Calfskin belt, Hermes. Leather and foam platform slippers, Givenchy.
Cotton-blend oversized shirt, Loewe. Calfskin biker jacket, Bally. Corduroy bermudas, Dior Men.
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Wool-blend cropped top, Versace. Calfskin harness bag, Hermes. Cotton pants, Bally. Lambskin booties, Fendi.
Sleeveless cotton shirt, Chanel. Cotton jumpsuit, Givenchy. Silk scarf, Hermes. Calfskin booties, Balenciaga.
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Sparkling Cluster platinum and diamond earrings, ring, necklace and bracelet, and Emerald Quartz 33mm white gold watch with diamonds on alligator strap (prices unavailable), Harry Winston. Maillot, Eres.
Dolcevita stainless steel watch on alligator leather strap, $1,910, Longines.
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Classic Timeless designs and sparkling white diamonds. This is luxury that lasts.
Luxe Photography Frenchescar Lim Styling Debby Kwong Hair & Makeup Nikki Fu Model Anya D/Mannequin
White gold earrings with diamonds, $30,800, white gold ring with cushion-cut diamond, $480,500, and Happy Diamonds white gold watch with diamonds and rubies, $64,400, Chopard
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Tiffany Victoria Vine platinum and diamond earrings, ring, necklace, and bracelet (prices unavailable), Tiffany & Co.
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Tag Heuer Carrera Lady stainless steel watch with diamonds on leather strap, $6,550, Tag Heuer.
Juste un Clou white gold ring with diamonds, $14,500, matching bracelet with diamonds, $31,200, and Panthere de Cartier white gold watch with diamonds, $35,000, Cartier.
IT ALL S TA R T S WITH A LINK High-achieving women need to work smarter, not harder. Introducing our new Her World LinkedIn community, a super digital shortcut that helps you make headway in your career. This new social media hub understands that the empowered woman wants meaningful connections, a network of support, and rich content to power her work life. With this empowering resource, you can stay on top of career-related trends, reach out to mentors, learn best practices from and network with other highachieving women, integrate (or balance) your work and life, or just be inspired by our women-focused videos. Come connect with us on LinkedIn!
Ng Yi Lian, Editor, Her World
Beauty WHAT TO BUY, DO & KNOW NOW
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That means, no need for fancy blending – swipe on foundation any way you like and it will still look perfect. The reason these brushes work better? More tightly packed bristles, cut into a more precise shape.
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This combo produces a brush that picks up just the right amount of foundation to disperse it across your skin. Take the It Cosmetics brush – 61,650 bristles sculpted into a perfect ball shape. The straight and
wavy bristles of the Sisley brush give it an unusual rounded yet angled shape while the Shiseido one is four mini brushes shaped into a petal to mimic the softness of your fi ngertips. And the Chantecaille brush is small but incredibly dense. We tested all of them using not-so-great foundations – ones that cake up or don’t blend very well. The verdict: We still looked decent. – CT 61
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TO BUY / TO DO
Velvety Matte Lipsticks Unlike traditional matte versions, these softly airbrush lip lines for a fuller-looking mouth. The South Korean girls are already onto them (but, of course). And like how it is for everything they like, we find ourselves liking them too. The blurring effect is courtesy of dimethicone, a type of silicone used as a smoothing agent in pore-fi lling
primers. Velvet matte lipsticks have more of the silicone to fi ll in lip lines and create a physical barrier so that pigments don’t sink into dry, flaky patches. Something that older women with thinner lips will like, too. – CT
Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro Matte Nature, $55. Nine shades. Eglips Muse In Velvet Lipstick, $13.90. Five shades.
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Rom&nd Zero Gram Matte Lipstick, $22.90. 13 shades. Bbia Last Lipstick, $13.90. 20 shades.
Dior Rouge Dior Ultra Care Liquid, $52. 17 shades.
Nakeup Face Velvet Scandal Lip Tint, $26.90. Three shades.
Candylab Creampop The Velvet Lip Color, $15. Eight shades.
Vdivov Lip Cut Rouge Velvet, $29. 22 shades.
PHOTOGRAPHY RAYMOND LEE/CAPSULE PRODUCTIONS
The best velvet-matte lipsticks to try
Finally, a powder cleanser you can use daily. The secret to daily use lies in its ultra-ďŹ ne powder. It does not over-exfoliate, neither does it dry out the skin. Bursting with moisturising abilities, it is gentle, even on the most sensitive skin. Start Afresh Daily Enzyme Powder Wash. https://irensk.in/startafreshdaily
CLEAN
CRUELTY FREE
VEGAN
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TO BUY / TO DO
Get Oiled The good ones are not oily and stinky, won’t clog pores, and are essential for skin and hair health.
Maybe it’s our humid climate. Maybe it’s because our skin breaks out at the slightest provocation. In any case, the idea of using oil on our face, scalp and hair isn’t something we take to intuitively. The truth is, the right kind of face oils are our best bets for achieving healthy skin because of how they help shore up the skin barrier – that outermost layer of cells and oils that is the skin’s fi rst line of defence against external factors, keeping moisture in and damaging stuff out. And since a weak barrier brings on problems such as dehydration, dullness and sensitivity, strengthening it is right up there on the to-do list for better skin. Not only are oils good for all skin and hair types – yes, even oily and blemish-prone complexions, and greasy scalps – many are lightweight, fast-absorbing and won’t result in a slick face or head. How to use: Add a few drops to your moisturiser or foundation, or apply it as the last step of your skincare routine to seal in moisture. For hair, use an oil-infused shampoo. Remember though: Using a face oil doesn’t mean you can skip the moisturiser, as skin needs both oil and water to function well. PHOTOGRAPHY VERONICA TAY STYLING SHAN
- GYH
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For blemished skin
The face oils that give you better skin Delicate textures with solid benefits.
Lightweight, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, the oils here help tackle acne.
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1. KORA ORGANICS NONI GLOW FACE OIL, $32 Softens and strengthens skin while reducing the signs of sun damage. 2. HUXLEY OIL: LIGHT AND MORE, $59 Its star ingredient, prickly pear seed oil, is said to be lighter yet more moisturising than argan oil. 3. SK-II FACIAL TREATMENT OIL, $205 The brand’s signature ingredient Pitera + six highly nourishing oils, such as avocado, jojoba and rice bran.
SUNDAY RILEY U.F.O. ULTRA-CLARIFYING FACE OIL, $59 Moisturises and balances out the potential drying effects of salicylic acid.
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4. CHANEL HUILE DE JASMIN, $216 Smoothens, nourishes and fortifies skin with premium oils chosen for their high skin compatibility, as well as a jasmine extract from the brand’s exclusive fields in Grasse, France. 5. L’OCCITANE DIVINE YOUTH OIL, FROM $89 Its eight natural oils reportedly offer double the anti-ageing power of vitamin E. 6. CHANTECAILLE ROSE DE MAI FACE OIL, $310 Packs in the brightening, anti-ageing and healing benefits of various roses, including the vitamin C-rich Rose de Mai.
VOTARY CLARIFYING FACE OIL, $129 Its base oils of oat, rice bran and peach are soothing and quickabsorbing.
Oil-infused shampoos for different hair conditions Sulfate-free and low-lathering ones work best as they don’t remove oils from the scalp.
ACT+ACRE COLD PROCESSED HAIR CLEANSE, $41 Antioxidants and an essential-oil base soothe the scalp.
OGX RENEWING ARGAN OIL OF MOROCCO SHAMPOO, $16.90 Argan oil restores hair lustre and protects against heat styling and UV rays.
HASK CHARCOAL WITH CITRUS OIL PURIFYING SHAMPOO, $16.90 Citrus oils remove impurities, but are suitable for daily use and colour-safe.
DIANE BONHEUR GRASSE ROSE SHAMPOO, $22.90 Has nine certified organic, cold-pressed oils and 100 per cent plant-derived cleansing agents.
JOHN MASTERS SHAMPOO FOR NORMAL HAIR WITH LAVENDER & ROSEMARY, $26-$46 Purifies and calms. Natural surfactants create a rich lather.
KIEHL’S SMOOTHING OIL-INFUSED SHAMPOO, $41 Tames frizz and smooths coarse hair with argan and babassu oils.
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TO KNOW
Blue Light Shield is the New SPF First introduced in sunscreens, it’s now also available in serums and makeup primers.
Fact: Blue light causes as much skin damage as UV rays, and there’s no avoiding it as long as there is the sun, and we are hooked on smart devices, computer and TVs with LED screens. With it literally in our face, more cosmetic houses are incorporating blue light protection into their skincare and makeup bases.
1 Botanical antioxidants in Sisley’s Youth Anti-Pollution Energizing Super Hydrating Youth Protector ($240) helps to heal, shield and build skin’s resistance. 2 Cover FX Water Cloud Primer ($62) has deepsea plankton extract which defends skin against blue light. 3 The reformulated est.lab Sun Shield
($96), a tinted makeup base, boasts calendula, reportedly a natural blue-light filter, to create a barrier for reduced blue light exposure. 4 Chantecaille’s Blue Light Protection Hyaluronic Serum ($250) has radiation-resistant micro-organisms, found in the waterfalls of the Spanish Pyrenees, to absorb and deflect light. – CT
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SPECIAL
DOC TALK
Doc Talk Dr Karen Soh, medical director of Prive Clinic, answers your questions about fillers and botulinum toxin injections. A friend recently confessed that she did filler injections. She looks great, but refused to tell me where it was done on her face. What can fillers do?
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Fillers help to restore the facial volume you lose with age. It brings the skin back to its original position, and softens smile lines and creases from the corner of the mouth to the chin. When plumped up with fillers, the fi ne lines are smoothed. Fillers can also improve facial proportion and shape – so, to achieve a V-shaped face, we may use fillers in the chin to increase the length and fullness, and in the nose to slim the sides and raise the nose bridge.
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There are also very soft fillers to improve skin hydration and collagen levels. The main component of fillers is hyaluronic acid, which acts like a sponge and holds water. So fillers injected at or just below the skin level retain water there, plumping it up. Imperceptibility is the ultimate goal. Those around you should say, “Oh, I never knew you had brown eyes” instead of, “Have you had fillers done?” I’m in my 40s and notice that my frown lines are deeper, and my forehead lines more prominent. I’m open to botulinum toxin injections but am afraid I will end up looking “frozen” or worse, addicted to them.
Q
The use of botulinum toxin in aesthetic medicine has been proven safe and effective for many years. In the forehead, botulinum toxin relaxes the muscle that contracts when we raise our eyebrows, resulting in softer lines and a smoother forehead. If it’s done by experienced doctors, you will not have an unnatural or “frozen” look. Your doctor may also recommend that botulinum toxin be administered to other areas of the face to balance muscle activity – this keeps the face looking consistent and natural. The results last four to six months, depending on the area injected and dosage used. When it wears off, the original lines will return. You will need to be treated again in the same area for continued effects. You won’t be addicted to the medication; many of my patients love the results and natural effects of this treatment, and have it done two to three times a year. Other options are non-invasive treatments that use focused ultrasound and unipolar radio frequency, that will reduce frown lines, and provide skin tightening and lifting.
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I had injectables (both botulinum toxin and fi llers) done about eight months ago. The results still look good, but should I do a top-up for CNY, just to “refresh” my look?
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Dr Karen Soh, Medical Director of Prive Clinic, is best known as a trainer for Merz Aesthetics and Silhouette Soft threadlifts. She is recognised for her experience and skill across different modalities in aesthetic practice. With passion and a keen eye for detail, she balances the art and science of aesthetic enhancement, achieving natural-looking results safely and effectively.
It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly how often you’ll need more treatments, as everyone’s face and skin responds differently. Some people want more frequent treatments as they don’t want their lines or wrinkles to fully return, others are able to leave seven or even nine months inbetween treatments. But to maintain your new look, you will need regular top-ups. Botulinum toxin injections last four to six months, and fi llers, 12 months. Your doctor should be able to tell, from the condition of your skin, how often you need treatments to maintain the fresher look that dermal fi llers and antiwrinkle injections bring. However, it’s impossible to be certain until the procedure has been carried out.
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What does the perfect face look like? The ideal facial proportion obeys the rule of thirds: One third from the forehead hairline to the highest point on the nose bridge; one-third to the nose tip, and one third to the tip of
the chin. In Asia, most women like to have a V-shaped or heart-shaped face because it makes them look youthful, due to the slim lower face, defined jawline and sharp chin.
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CHANTECAILLE SPECIAL
Chantecaille: the first and best to advocate clean beauty The French luxury beauty brand stands out as one of the pioneers of skincare that switched out skin-harming chemicals for skin-loving botanicals. By combining science and nature, the brand has some of the most effective clean beauty products.
A vast eld of Rose de Mai in Grasse, France, gave Sylvie Chantecaille not just a feast for her eyes, but the inspiration for the eponymous beauty brand she went on to found. From these rare roses, she created a revolutionary rosewater extract with amazing anti-ageing and skin-perfecting benets that became the brand’s rst product. Other bestsellers later on also contained the Rose de Mai as a star ingredient. People loved the products for how natural, yet effective the formulas were.
It got Sylvie thinking. If roses can have such great skincare benets, then there must be different benets to be gleaned from different flowers too. So, she started researching. The more she researched, the more she discovered a wealth of untapped potential in the realm of botanicals and skincare – how they have natural healing abilities, their anti-inflammatory properties, and their soothing effects. But that wasn’t enough for Sylvie. She wanted to create products her
stem cells in the market. Why? According to the research team, there is evidence showing that certain plant stem cells can protect and enhance the protective abilities of our skin’s own epidermal stem cells, to guard our skin from ageing. Using plant stem cells is also a way to save the environment – it’s a sustainable ingredient source. That nding has been translated into the Chantecaille Bio Lifting Serum +. Here, choice plant stem cells were chosen and incorporated into the product because of their powerful effect on skin lifting, reshaping, re-plumping and rming. The serum also addresses photo-ageing caused by blue light. For an immediate lifting effect, you can thank the alga tensing blend, which forms an invisible (and flexible) lm on the skin for a tightening and smoothing effect.
customers would obsess over for their beautiful textures, wonderful scents and solidly effective results. She also insisted on her beauty formulas being kept clean. This was 13 years ago, when the term “clean beauty” hadn’t yet been coined – it was uncharted territory. Yet, Sylvie was adamant that the brand be based on that philosophy: products free of skin-harming additives like sulphate detergents, mineral oil, synthetic colours and fragrances, and so on – as well as formulas that are cruelty-free and
vegan-friendly. Her products not only have to be safe on the skin, but also produce effective results. With that DNA in mind, the brand places its focus on scientic advancement, so as to harvest the maximum potential of botanicals. The mindset was to convey the message of “skin science, powered by nature”. This led to its most recent breakthrough: plant stem cells. Chantecaille isn’t just the rst beauty brand to use plant stem cells. It is also the brand that uses the most varieties of plant
Other plant stem cells include: caffeine-free coffee stem cells that moisturise and plump skin from within, to hydrate and ll out wrinkles; bionymph peptide stem cell extract to boost collagen production and reduce the appearance of ne lines; raspberry stem cell extract to ght against inflammation, and soothe irritable skin. As an added bonus, there are cocoa peptides in the serum that protect skin against harm caused by blue light. To complement the Bio Lifting Serum +, try the Bio Lifting Cream +. The velvety smooth cream is a supercharged version of the original cream. It has 10 million plant stem cells in it, so the effects of the lifting and reshaping are boosted in this reformulation. Both serum and cream work hand-in-hand for rmer, tauter, and suppler skin. The Chantecaille Bio Lifting Serum + costs $460, while the Bio Lifting Cream + costs $578.
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TO KNOW
All About Stem Cells Specifically, skin stem cells. We find out from the scientists at Dior how essential they are to healthy skin and how to keep them in tip-top shape. e hear the term “stem cells” in skincare a lot. But what’s not so well-known is that the term was fi rst coined by German biologist Ernst Haeckel back in 1868. He was a major supporter of Darwin’s theory of evolution and drew tree diagrams (like the one on this page), which he called stammbaume (German for “stem” or family tree) to represent how organisms evolved from common ancestors. From there, came stammzelle – stem cell. Fast forward to modern times. We now understand stem cells to be “blank” cells. Read: cells that can develop into all sorts of cells to serve different functions in the body. There are two main classes of stem cells: embryonic, and nonembryonic (or adult). The former comes from human embryos that are three to five days old and
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TEXT CHELSEA TANG MAIN PHOTO ERNST HAECKEL’S TREE OF LIFE (1866)/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
can become virtually any type of cell in the body. Adult stem cells, on the other hand, are tissuespecific – they can only generate new cells for the tissue or organ in which they’re found. So for instance, liver stem cells can only create liver cells – they can’t create bone marrow or heart cells. Similarly, skin stem cells are factories that churn out new skin cells to regenerate skin – and they do so all your life. But there’s a catch. They are extremely rare – only 0.2 per cent of all our skin cells are adult skin stem cells, based on a collaborative study done by the LVMH Recherche, on behalf of Dior Science, and the Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA) at Kyoto University. “A stem cell has the power to generate millions of new cells, by dividing itself to create other cells. Skin stem cells are the key to skin renewal – in fact, one skin stem cell alone can rebuild the skin surface of an entire adult body,” says Edouard MauvaisJarvis, scientific
FORWARD THINKING Capture Totale through the years
communication and environmental director of Dior Science. Dior Science’s latest breakthrough in its 30plus years of research in skin stem cells found two things: First, unlike regular cells that die in three to four weeks, skin stem cells (or stem cells in general) never decrease in number over your lifetime. The second thing: While the number remains the same, skin stem cells lose energy – by at least 50 per cent by the time you’re 40. “This decrease goes hand in hand with the decline in all cellular functions, and the overall vitality of the face,” MauvaisJarvis says. “It includes skin cell renewal, self-repair, healing, and strengthening of the skin. It’s like exhaustion.” The new Dior Capture Totale C.E.L.L. Energy line – a reformulation of the 2008 range – represents the brand’s latest solution to this problem. What C.E.L.L. Energy does: It revives the energy potential and
restores the regenerative power of skin stem cells. Based on in vitro tests, 40-year-old skin stem cells will start working like 20-year-old skin stem cells, says associate professor of CiRA, Knut Woltjen. “The 20-year-old skin stem cells are at their peak energy level – they’re working best to produce more skin cells, and that cell renewal keeps your skin supple and glowing,” he says. “That doesn’t mean you’ll go back to looking like a 20-year-old. But it does mean your skin will look healthy and radiant, even when you’re in your 50s, 60s and beyond.” The key to C.E.L.L. Energy’s effectiveness is floral science. Dior ethnobotanists screened 1,667 botanical ingredients before narrowing their selection down to four flowers: Madagascan longoza, Chinese peony and jasmine, and white lily, chosen for their exceptional revitalising powers. The four flowers form a complex that “reawakens” slowerperforming skin stem
cells and is found in all five products in the upgraded range: the Gentle Cleanser, SerumLotion, Super Potent Serum, Creme and Eye Creme. “C.E.L.L. Energy is made with 91 per cent natural-origin ingredients, says Bruno Bavouzet, president of LVMH Recherche. He adds that hundreds of trials were necessary to combine a high concentration of naturalorigin ingredients, without comprising on efficacy, in one skincare formula. “Just the Super Potent Serum (the star product) took at least nine months, and over 300 attempts, to perfect.
The creation of Capture Totale, where Dior Science used liposomes (originally used for medicine) to enable active ingredients to be passed through skin cell membranes, then released into skin cells.
Dior Science discovers the 20 “youth markers” produced by skin cells and creates an Alpha-Longoza Complex that refreshes the efficacy of skin cells to preserve those markers.
In Capture Totale XP, products work to increase the amount of skin stem cells on the epidermal layer of skin, thereby boosting skin regeneration.
The launch of Capture Totale C.E.L.L. Energy, which ups the energy potential of skin stem cells.
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The new eco design of this range cuts down the volume of packaging by at least 10 per cent. Bottles and tubs are also made with recyclable glass. The inks on labels and boxes are of plant origin.
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TO BUY KNOW / TO DO
What is a Skin Allergy? Simply put, it’s when your immune system goes nuts and overreacts to a specific trigger or allergen. Not to be confused with skin sensitivity.
It’s common these days to hear people say their skin is sensitive or allergic. You can even make a case that “sensitive” is the new normal. But according to Dr Low Chai Ling, medical director of aesthetic clinic SW1 Clinic, these terms are often wrongly conflated. “They have slightly different meanings. ‘Allergic’ does not describe a skin type. You can be allergic to a particular substance like paracetamol. Some patients have normal skin but are allergic to one ingredient alone, say glycolic acid.”
“On the other hand, ‘sensitive’ describes skin’s overall predisposition. If you have sensitive skin, you may be more prone to redness or other signs of irritation than the normal population,” she says. There can be overlaps: You can have sensitive skin and be prone to allergies, or have several skin allergies that cause skin to be more sensitive, adds Dr Low. Dr Ker Khor Jia, a consultant dermatologist at Dermatology & Co, says your skin is considered prone to allergies if it reacts to allergens. Common
Bioderma Sensibio Mild Cleansing Foaming Gel, $33.90
Yuli Cocoon Elixir, from $19
ones: air pollution, dust, sweat, fragrance, preservatives and chemicals like methylisothiazolinone, commonly found in soaps and shampoos. “It can result in rashes, an itch or even blisters if the reaction is intense,” she adds. What can you do about allergies? There’s no way to cure one. If you know what the allergen is, the best way to avoid having a reaction is to steer completely clear of it. Your GP or dermatologist can also prescribe antihistamines or topical steroid creams to calm flare-ups and reduce itching.
La RochePosay Toleriane Ultra 8, $35.80
You can also manage the condition by using intensely soothing skincare with anti-inflammation properties. They can’t make the allergy go away, but they can help reduce redness, itching and discomfort. “Choose fragrancefree products. Opt for a gentle, soap-free cleanser. Your face moisturiser should preferably contain ceramides – proteins that help repair the skin and reduce its sensitivity over time,” says Dr Ker. Products with short ingredient lists are also good picks, as they tend not to contain common skin allergens. – GYH
Aesop Seeking Silence Facial Hydrator, $80
Curel Moisture Face Milk, $32.80
Sensitive vs sensitised skin - what’s the difference? Sensitive skin is in-born, meaning you have genetic traits like thinner skin or less pigment. Sensitised skin is temporary and usually caused by lifestyle habits like lack of sleep and stress, or environmental factors such as temperature changes. Both conditions can be managed the same way – with calming, moisturising skincare that strengthens the skin’s barrier function.
Chanel La Solution 10 de Chanel, $166
The products that calm, heal and strengthen skin prone to allergies
Cleanse
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Do That One Change From fresh skin to natural-looking waves and the best colour for your hair and eyes, the most wearable looks for 2020 are pared down and simple.
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FRESH, WELL-TAKENCARE-OF SKIN
It’s not just about using a sheer foundation or tinted moisturiser. It’s not about not wearing any makeup, either. To get the modeloff-duty, fresh-faced look, makeup artists are turning to serum foundations. What it is: mediumcoverage foundations that have serum-like skincare benefits infused – they actually even feel like, well, serums. What we like: Bobbi Brown’s Intensive Skin Serum Foundation SPF40/PA+++ ($92, 17 shades), which has cordyceps and artemia to nourish skin and give it a glow. And the Double Lasting Serum Foundation ($35.90, 12 shades) from Etude House is 61 per cent hydrating serum; putting it on gives the illusion of well-rested, rosy skin.
Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation SPF40/PA+++
Etude House Double Lasting Serum Foundation
THE BARELY-THERE PERM
It’s the perm that doesn’t quite look like a perm. Forget about tight Maggie Cheung curls, big, deliberate princess ones or even a body wave perm. The perm to get in the new year should curl your hair so subtly, it can be (and should be) mistaken for natural waves. Hair Salon Tokyo Michaela delivers this type of perm perfectly – the Michaela Signature Perm ($500) will trick just about everyone into thinking you have #iwokeuplikethis waves. Not only does it look naturally tousled from the get-go, the salon will customise the curls to the direction of your natural hair, so the waves still look great even after your hair grows out.
CHOCOLATE BROWN FOR YOUR HAIR
Brown is still a popular “other-thanblack” hair colour but the better brown to get now is chocolate: a single all-over colour. No highlights, no gradient; just a rich, robust, and true brown. The slight reddish tones in the shade help bring out the rosiness in your skin too. If you’re not keen on a box dye, make an appointment at a Shiseido Professional salon. It offers the haircare brand’s Colour Mixology concept, which lets the hairstylist concoct the chocolate brown that’s most suitable for you.
TEXT CHELSEA TANG PHOTOS SHOWBIT.COM
THE UNEXPECTED NEUTRAL: PURPLE EYESHADOW
Before you jump, hear us out. Purple eyeshadow is the new tried-andtested wearable colour, simply because of its colour-correcting effects. It cancels out dullness in the eye area, giving you a brighteyed sparkle. (PS: It’s also a S/S ’20 runway trend.) For the less adventurous, go with mauve as your all-over lid colour instead – the Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Intense Amethyst ($49) is a good pick to start with. Else, Sisley Les PhytoOmbres eyeshadow in Purple ($59) is a beautiful vibrant purple that complements all skin tones.
Sisley Les Phyto-Ombres eyeshadow in Purple
Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Intense Amethyst
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#1
This is the art of listening to your skin and the science of choosing the right skincare.
iley Cyrus had it right when she sang “No one stays the same… change is a thing you can count on”. Well, that applies to your skin and its needs too. Just as your body requires different The most at different times – extra vitamin C nourishment when there’shair a flu and bug going around, or a double-shot wearable latte after pulling an all-nighter – your skin can’t makeup trends always cruise by with the same products. There will fordays thewhen newits year be not bringing its A-game and needs an extra boost todown get back on track. are pared Actress Oon Shu An, for one, pays close attention and simple. to her skin. Every day, she takes note of how it looks They’re basic and feels, then tweaks or swops out her skincare accordingly – even if it goes against her usual routine looks given a little or skin type. It’s the way to maintain good skin, she twist to make says. We agree. them fresh and It’s not about carrying out major shake-ups all the time. Stick to your basic routine, then add what’s exciting. needed or switch one product for another that better addresses your skin condition at the time. Here, we list the common symptoms you’re likely to experience at some point or another – and what to do about them.
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Samson & Charlie Famous 24K Glow Facial Oil, A$89.95 (S$83.42). Lightweight but intensely moisturising, with antioxidant-rich fruit seed oils, omega oils and vitamins.
Clinique Moisture Surge Hydrating Supercharged Concentrate, $85. This watery gel-serum promises to up skin’s moisture reserves and deliver 24-hour hydration.
Everyone, even those with oily skin, can be hit by dehydration. Too much time in air-conditioning, lack of sleep, changing hormones, too much alcohol or caffeine – these are just a few factors that can result in dry, flaky skin that feels tight and itchy. WHAT TO ADD: A nourishing oil, which has the immediate effect of sealing in moisture. Facial oils also repair a weak barrier function, and are full of ingredients needed for healthy skin like antioxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids. For even better effects, include a hydrating serum that has hyaluronic acid or other humectants.
#2
ZITS ARE REARING THEIR HEADS
Blemishes boil down to excess sebum, dead skin cells and bacteria becoming stuck in pores. This spike in oil may be due to hormonal changes, pollution, unsuitable products or overzealous cleansing that dries skin out, causing it to over-compensate by producing more oil. WHAT TO ADD:
A product with antibacterial properties but isn’t astringent – you don’t want to cause further dryness. Also, a moisturiser that tops up skin’s moisture, not oil.
Kiehl’s Calendula HerbalExtract Toner, $59 Alcohol-free and packed with calendula petals, which is known for having antibacterial and antiinflammatory benefits. Origins Clear Improvement Pore Clearing Moisturizer with Bamboo Charcoal, $58 Provides oil-free hydration and has salicylic acid to exfoliate skin and cleanse pores.
TEXT GOH YEE HUAY
Tweak Your Skincare Every Day
SKIN FEELS DRY AND TAUT
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Pollutants, dehydration, sleep deprivation, stress, diet – there’s a host of factors that can lead to sluggish blood circulation and skin turnover, making you look less than brilliant.
Just returned from a sun-drenched holiday or recovering from a recent breakout? Maybe you’ve been slack with moisturising, or makeup is clogging your skin. If your natural skin type isn’t oily or combination, the visible pores and coarse skin could be due to UV damage, drynessinduced sagging or heavy makeup.
COMPLEXION IS LACKLUSTRE AND TIRED
WHAT TO ADD:
First up, a chemical exfoliant to get rid of dead skin that’s making your complexion dull, rough and uneven – they penetrate deeper than facial scrubs and bring about more even exfoliation. Follow with a product that offers loads of skinplumping moisture and brightening ingredients.
PORES ARE ENLARGED AND SKIN LOOKS ROUGH
Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber De-Tox Bouncy Hydrating Gel, $90 Refreshing and soothing, this oil-free moisturiser with a matte finish has antioxidant vitamins and hyaluronic acid to prevent moisture loss.
Fresh Umbrian Clay OilFree Lotion, $65. A lightweight moisturiser with mineral-rich clay to absorb impurities that may lead to clogged pores, it also helps to curb oil and shine.
WHAT TO ADD:
Smooth skin with a scrub or peel first, then work in a hydrating and balancing moisturiser – preferably with mattifying properties as well – to plump skin and restore its natural oil-water balance. And make sure your foundation is noncomedogenic.
#5 Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Intensive Recovery Ampoules, $200 This concentrate supports skin’s natural recovery processes and reduces visible signs of irritation overnight.
Shiseido White Lucent Overnight Cream & Mask, $120 Its rich, comforting formula locks in moisture, while a brightening complex targets dark spots and uneven skin tone.
Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel, $27-$135 Suitable for sensitive skin and chemical peel noobs, this two-step DIY peel exfoliates with gentle acids and nourishes with antiageing actives like retinol and vitamin E.
Lancome Advanced Genifique Sensitive Dual Concentrate, $120 Combines ferulic acid, vitamin E and centella asiatica – three highly effective antioxidants and skin-healers – to strengthen skin and protect against future discomfort.
SKIN REDNESS AND DISCOMFORT LIKE ITCHING, DRYNESS AND STINGING
Unless you have an allergy or skin condition like eczema and rosacea, skin sensitivity is most oftten the result of nvironmental factors en ke wind, dust and lik oyo-ing temperatures, yo or lifestyle ones like strress, dehydration and lacck of sleep. WHAT TO ADD: A prroduct with soothing, hyydrating and repairing beenefits that will help strrengthen skin’s barrier function. Avoid thick, occlusive formulas as they can be too heavy for fraagile skin and are likely to contain cosmetic mulsifiers and fillers. em
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Blushers Are Possibly The Most Underrated Makeup Products Ever Maybe it’s because most of us only use them one way – by dusting them all over our cheeks – when they are really more versatile than that. Here’s how to wear them in different ways for different looks.
CHELSEA TANG
CONTOUR BLUSH
It’s like contouring but not exactly – so you don’t have to worry about muddying your face with contour powder. For a slimming effect, place your blusher brush slightly under your
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VERONICA TAY
cheekbones (where you’d have contoured) and blend upwards from there. This helps to lengthen the top half of the face, creating the illusion of slimness. Be sure to use soft, tawny shades (unless your goal is 2017 Rihanna at the Met Gala).
DEBBY KWONG
GET THIS LOOK USING: Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Blush in #220 Pink Kiss, $66 — Silk chiffon dress, Dolce & Gabbana
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DOLLY BLUSH The Japanese do this kawaii doll-like look the best. How they wear it might be a bit of an overkill, but the technique does create a youthful, fresh-faced effect. Concentrate the blusher on the apples of the cheeks, then lightly blend towards the edges. Avoid bright pinks if you’re not keen on looking too cutesy – just your usual rosy shades will do the trick. GET THIS LOOK USING: Clinique Cheek Pop Blush Pop in Baby Marble Pop, $40 — Cotton polo shirt, Maje. Rose gold vermeil and diamond stud earrings, Monica Vinader
GRADIENT BLUSH Fun but understated, this look earns double takes without yelling “look at me!”. For the most natural effect, makeup artist Audrey Wee (who created these looks) recommends using shades in the same colour range and tone – don’t mix warm and cool colours. Apply the stronger colour on the apples of cheeks and diffuse outwards with a softer colour. Easy peasy. GET THIS LOOK USING: Dior Backstage Rosy Glow in #001 Pink and #004 Coral, $61 each — Cotton mesh top, Bimba Y Lola. Rose gold vermeil and diamond mini hoop earrings, Monica Vinader
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SUN-KISSED BLUSH
Fake a Bali beach holiday tan without actually having gone to Bali. The trick is applying blusher – preferably one with a sheen – on the high points of your face. Read: cheekbones, across the nose bridge, brow bone and chin. Don’t be heavy-handed when applying on the nose or you’ll look like you’re sunburnt instead of sunkissed, says Wee. GET THIS LOOK USING: Charlotte Tilbury Cheek To Chic Swish & Glow Blusher in Pillow Talk, $70 — Satin shirt, Maje. Sterling silver hoop earrings, Monica Vinader For more long-lasting blushers, see HW’s digital edition.
HAIR MAURICE CHEE/PREP LUXE USING L’OREAL MAKEUP AUDREY WEE MODEL SOFIA A/ AVE
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They’re locally made, by hand, in small batches. No state-of-the-art labs, massive R&D teams or big-bang advertising. Yet, these homegrown beauty labels are flourishing. We speak to five brands about their success.
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“I believe that this generation is well-connected to global trends. A growing number are committed to having a positive impact on the environment.” − Hildra Gwee of Oasis Skin 1 Katman Manly Beard Oil, $32.90 2 Katfood All About That Face Foaming Facial Wash, $32.90 3 Katfood Matcha Made In Heaven Brightening Mask, $32.90 4 Katfood Hands Down The Best Salve, $16.90 5 Katfood Aventurine Lip Tonic, $29.90 6 Oasis Skin Mask Brush (part of Mask Essential Kit), $65 7 & 8 Oasis Skin Organic Turmeric and Organic Ash Solid Shampoos, from $10 each 9 Want Acai Moringa Coco Cleanser, $49 10 Want Ginger Clay Scrub Mask, $49 11 Want The Face Oil, $69 12 Want The Body Oil, $39 13 Want Beet This Honey Cleanser, $30 14 Oasis Skin Brighten Antiageing Clay Mask, $31
“Initially, our customers were people who visited craft markets and were curious about our soaps. Now, we work with more businesses, making customised products.” − Chew Jia Tian of Rough Beauty 86
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ingredients and even water (to reduce the carbon footprint), its ingredients are fair trade and sustainably sourced. The brand also contributes funds to women’s cooperatives in Bali and Benin. “Giving back has been instilled in me since young, so it all came about very naturally. I’m fascinated by how things are made and where they come from, so I watch a lot of trade documentaries to learn more about the production journey. And I found out that most farmers are being exploited by big organisations,” says Tan. Kendra Liew, a former lawyer and founder of organic brand Katfood, feels that what’s on our skin should be safe enough to put in our mouths, since skin absorbs up to 60 per cent of what is applied. That prompted her to start her label in 2014, which lays claim to being Singapore’s first boutique food-based skin and haircare range. “The beauty of natural skincare is that it makes use of ingredients that everyone is familiar with and even use in our kitchens, giving us a safe space to experiment with,” she says. IT’S PERSONAL A flooded beauty market may seem like a tough place for home-grown, small-batch labels to survive, but it also works in their favour. With all the exposure to cult/indie brands from around the globe, consumers are now more open to giving local niche brands a shot. And faced with a glut of options, some are gravitating towards no-fuss, all-natural products that address their needs, and are made by women they can relate to. Oasis, for instance, stemmed from Gwee’s desire to find a cure for her acne problems, which she had been struggling with since her teens. Want came about when Tan – a lifelong skincare junkie – found that she was spending too much money on products with chemicals her skin didn’t need. For former graphic designer Teresa Foo, her vegan skincare and bodycare brand Balm Kitchen was born of sheer necessity. Back then, she was looking for a natural product that could soothe her three-year-old son’s atopic dermatitis. “I wanted to avoid synthetic medical creams like steroids, as they thinned his skin and didn’t address the problem,” she explains. The first product she whipped up was a natural body balm made with a few simple ingredients – sweet almond oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter, vitamin E and candelilla wax. When that worked in treating her son’s eczema, she decided to learn more about the science behind them.
PHOTO OF HILDRA GWEE JANICE TAN
hose of you who still think of local handmade beauty products as the stuff of craft markets and home kitchen stoves haven’t been paying attention. Over the past several years, artisanal brands have gone from cottage industry to thriving segment of the beauty business – a feat that’s all the more impressive when you consider how crowded the market is already. Much of it can be chalked up to the rise of clean beauty and sustainable living. Consumers are more health- and eco-conscious now, seeking out products that reflect their own values. And clean, green products are perfectly placed to cater to this need. Hildra Gwee, who launched plant-based Oasis Skin in 2018, says the majority of her customers are females from 18 to 35 years old, who are curious about green and zero-waste beauty. “I believe that this generation is wellconnected to global trends. They’re increasingly informed about how to read cosmetic labels to avoid chemicals. There is also a growing number who are looking at package-free and organic products as they are committed to having a positive impact on the environment,” says the former bank relationship manager, who quit her job at the end of last year to focus on her label. Rough Beauty, a botanical bath and body care outfit launched in 2014, draws a similar crowd. According to founder Chew Jia Tian, a former nurse at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, her customers range from people with skin sensitivities to those who are informed about sustainability. And now, corporate types and companies too. “In the beginning, our customers were people who visited craft markets and were curious about our locally made soaps. Now, we work with more businesses, making customised products for them,” she says. It certainly helps to have a growing consumer base that’s savvy about ingredients. Winona Tan, an ex-IT company executive who started ethical skincare brand Want in 2016, says her ingredients are foods that are good for the body and skin as they are packed with essential fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins. She says: “Small-batch, handmade products are preferred as consumers are learning more about chemicals and preservatives used in skincare. There is going to be a much higher demand for chemical-free options.” Not only are Want’s products free of chemicals, synthetic
She says: “I studied with an online accredited organic skincare school in the UK – Formula Botanica – and was also part of its teaching team for a year. With my Diploma in Organic Skincare Formulation, Advanced Diploma in Organic Cosmetic Science and other skincare certificates, I was able to create more products.” Foo is hardly alone in attaining her formulating chops through the Internet. To create Rough Beauty’s soaps, Chew went online to learn how to make them from scratch. The same goes for Liew, who picked up basic techniques online before experimenting to see which ingredients work best together to achieve the desired effects. Gwee says she started concocting different beauty oils by consulting books and countless websites. “I am self-taught and motivated by my sheer interest in the healing powers of plants. There is a lot of free academic research and laboratory test results published online, you just have to look deeper to fi nd them. A lot of the recipes I have used in my formulas are based on
“ I think it’s important that our products continue to be made by hand. It is what sets us apart from the big brands.” − Kendra Liew of Katfood these research papers, which show how organic, natural and botanical ingredients can be synergised to care for troubled skin,” she says. Product testing is usually carried out by brand founders on themselves, their family and friends, as well as loyal customers. Foo says: “We send out many samples to our existing customers – they are the best testers – and close friends. Once we have a general consensus on a formulation’s efficacy, and after a lot of finetuning, it will be made into an actual product.” Often, founders put their own skin on the line. Tan says she once had a skin allergy reaction when she accidentally spilt undiluted essential oil on herself. “ That was a big lesson learnt about careful dilution. That’s why I make sure I research a lot on different recipes, try them out and tweak them till perfection,” she adds. Gwee, too, saw her skin go through a roller coaster of ups and downs. “The very first blend I did – based on a well-recommended book – inflamed my skin because of the sheer number of oils in the recipe. I took several days to recover from the incident. But I persevered and learnt to simplify the formulas before fi nally coming up the my go-to beauty oil – the Instaglow,” she says.
“The artisanal beauty industry is no longer the ‘made in my kitchen’ cottage industry of the past.” − Teresa Foo of Balm Kitchen
15 Oasis Skin Solid Conditioner, from $10 16 Savonnerie Fer A Cheval Marseille Soap Cube at Oasis Skin, from $10 17 Balm Kitchen Awakening Skin Tonic, $58 18 Balm Kitchen Fruity Gelly Wash, $60 19 Balm Kitchen Super Fruit Defense Anti-pollution Facial Oil Serum, $24 20 Rough Beauty Mint Rose Hand & Body Wash, from $17 21 & 22 Rough Beauty Mint Rose and Geranium Scruffy Cleansing Grains, $14.90 each 23-25 Rough Beauty Saffy Fields Soap, Orange Bar, and Mint Rose Soap, $9.50 each 26 Rough Beauty Calm Moisturising Oil, $15 27 Rough Beauty Ashberry Soap, $9.50
THE SMALL-BATCH INDUSTRY IS GETTING BIGGER The past few years have seen these brands register healthy growth in various ways. “We started out making simple lip balms and body balms. Now, five years on, we have skincare, bodycare, baby care and custom formulations. We are also providing ODM and OEM services to corporate clients,” says Foo. “The artisanal beauty industry is no longer the ‘made in my kitchen’ cottage industry of the past. Brands like Balm Kitchen are using trending and exotic ingredients in products, and making them with knowledge of cosmetic science. Some have even adopted innovative technologies such as ingredient encapsulations,” she adds. Liew, whose Katfood products are now stocked at Watsons and available on Amazon, feels the only way for the industry to go is up. She says: “When I started in 2014, you could count the number of independent Singaporean beauty brands on one hand. Today, there are so many more options available to consumers.” She insists, however, that her brand will continue to stick to its guns. “I think it’s really important that our products continue be made by hand. It’s what sets us apart from the big brands. Even as we aspire to the big leagues, we must not lose our identity. We are committed to expanding our facilities and team size – instead of small batches, we’ll make big batches by hand!” Others express similarly strong convictions about maintaining their brand’s DNA. “Rough Beauty has been growing slowly and organically. While sticking to our practices may not allow us to grow quickly, we feel it is important to adhere to our principles of simplicity and sustainability,” says Chew. Tan believes the reason Want has taken off is because there is a clear vision of what it represents. “Want is about ethical skincare and this will always be the core of the brand,” she says.
“Small-batch, handmade products are preferred these days as consumers are starting to learn more about chemicals and preservatives used in skincare.” − Winona Tan of Want 87
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WHAT MAKES THE SINGAPORE WOMAN
Her World Happiness Survey 2019 in collaboration with Centre For Mindfulness Singapore. THE OLDER WE ARE, THE HAPPIER
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who are 61 years and above say they are happy, making them the happiest lot. In second place: folks in the 51-60 age group at 60.4%.
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e’re generally a blissful bunch, so say half of the women in Her World’s Happiness Survey 2019 – and the rest are seemingly contented. The best indicators of happiness are career success, good health and financial security, but women seek more to find fulfilment, freedom and purpose at different stages of their lives. In the last quarter of 2019, Her World – in collaboration with Centre For Mindfulness Singapore (CFMS) – put together Her World’s Happiness Survey 2019, and cobbled the answers from 1,241 women from different age groups to fi nd out what makes them happy – and what does not. The CFMS, which was established in 2015, is a one-stop centre for mindfulness training, education and practice. Indeed, women’s options are vast today compared to a generation or two before. Women everywhere are taking strides in their careers and making a mark in the workforce. While there’s no formula to happiness, we make bold, meaningful changes to our work, attitudes, surroundings and relationships, to set us on course for a happier life the way we know how. Even though it can be an elusive path, a wonderful thing happens as we grow older into our 50s and 60s. As the survey results show, we become happier. Just as life is fi nite, we take stock of our blessings and all that we have experienced.
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MONEY GIVES US OPTIONS
CHILDREN BRING US LOTS OF JOY
65.1% The happiest group of people are those with three to four children.
WORK – PEOPLE ARE UPGRADING THEIR SKILLS 100%
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66.7% who earn over $10,000 a month are happy, putting them in the lead, followed by those in the $5,000-$10,000 bracket.
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Slightly more than 50% of respondents have upgraded or learnt new skills in the past year.
COMMUNITY – FINDING YOUR OWN KAMPUNG
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4 out of 5 people have friends whom they can turn to for help. Siblings and parents came in second.
Analysis by Dr Sunita Rai of CFMS. Results based on 1,241 valid female responses.
Freedom gives us options
For some, happiness isn’t always about getting richer. The financially comfortable lot of 8.7 per cent who make over $10,000 do not feel the need to bump up their wealth to be happier. It comes as no surprise that we hit a higher index for happiness as our coffers grow: Those who earn more than $10,000 a month are the happiest lot (66.7 per cent), followed by those making between $5,000 and $10,000 a month. While the almighty dollar can’t buy happiness, it gives us the freedom and options to make decisions where money isn’t the only deciding factor. That freedom affords us guilty pleasures such as holidays. For instance, 84 per cent of respondents who earn over $10,000 a month splash out on annual vacations (spending at least $5,000 a year), while 55 per cent who make up to $5,000 a month spend within their income bracket on annual trips. Career and leisure are the main focus for young women in the 21-30 age group. Senior sales manager Susan Leng, 29, says: “I work hard to save for two week-long holidays a year. I feel more refreshed and happier after that.” Even though she clocks 50 hours a week, she says she’s happy at work – like 41.8 per cent of respondents – while 31.6 per cent are “neutral” or seemingly contented in their careers. Many also invest in their professional development to scale the ladder in a competitive economy like Singapore’s.
WE ARE
Last year, more than half of the respondents upgraded their skills or learnt something new.
Good relationships make us happier
Meaningful relationships are the greatest indicators of happiness, perhaps more than money and career. Women who are married are the happiest lot, forming 57.5 per cent of respondents. When it comes to family, mummies are truly a blissful set. Interestingly, 66.7 per cent with three to four children found life to be most meaningful, compared to those with up to two children or more than five children. As mother-of-three Meredith Chu, 39, an admin manager, puts it: “My kids ‘complete’ me. Their laughter or a hug makes a bad day good, and they give me a deeper sense of meaning and purpose in life.”
People to count on
And when the going gets tough, our “troops” play a significant part in our well-being. That is, having a friend or family member whom you can confide in, providing moral support. While six per cent of respondents say they have no support network, 41 per cent have more than four friends whom they can turn to for help first before approaching their siblings and parents, in difficult times.
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We assume that the young and carefree are the happiest, but it’s not always the case. By Cheong Wen Xuan, 23 Millennials have long been mocked for being narcissistic, entitled and lazy. As if those labels aren’t enough, they struggle with a real problem: being unhappy (single) workhorses. More in their mid to late 20s have been putting their careers before marriage, as population censuses of 2018 and 2015 have shown. Millennials live in an increasingly competitive economy. A bachelor’s degree is no longer enough. Master’s degrees and postgraduate certifications have become the norm. I know how it’s like for my younger peers under 20 – the age group that forms the biggest bulk
of unhappy folks at 31 per cent, who rate wealth as top priority – while those like myself, who’re between 21 and 30 years old, are scowling behind in second place at 13.2 per cent in Her World’s Happiness Survey 2019. Then, as a university student, I spent more afternoons with my tutors than socialising. I was a member of the lonely, paper-chasing, pre-career adult club. Now, as the oldest millennials turn 40, thus qualifying for Eldershield, the youngest of the lot at 23 will soon make way for Gen Z in the workforce. As goal-oriented Singaporeans, some things never change.
We’ll continue to conquer one thing after another in the form of acronyms we’ve grown so familiar with even before we hit puberty, from PSLE, GCE O Levels, GCE A Levels, DIP to BA… The list goes on. Even as I hurdled my way towards becoming a working adult, a dreamy property ad depicting a happy family triggers three letters in my mind – BTO (builtto-order) flat. Will I be rich enough to afford one at 35, in case I wind up single and miserable? Okay, maybe not rich, but with enough in the bank to put a down payment that’s equivalent to years’
31.1% worth of exotic annual vacations? As it is, a large number of 20-somethings are dependants living with their Gen X and Baby Boomer ”pa” and ”ma”. It’s hard not to feel envious scrolling through your Instagram feed and seeing young newlyweds posing happily in their (own) homes. This makes us – the singletons – feel as if we’ve lost a big chunk in the game of pursuit. And the pursuit of higher education – get
broke first to get rich later – is out of the question for some. While singlehood seems to disrupt the plan of what’s next, life isn’t all about that, and romance isn’t the only shape that love takes. Don’t compare. Think friends, family, selflove and more. But if being selfpartnered is the root of our unhappiness, step out and live up to our digitally savvy rep to scroll, swipe and tap to find love – and expand our social circle.
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le farmers a m i find fe s t e joy living ou re ncrete jung o c le an d em p a p r k o bracing the ac h ac b of slo w living. HAYLEY TAI VERONICA TAY & FRENCHESCAR LIM ALICE PIN
OLIVIA CHOONG, 40
She is Singapore’s green girl on Instagram (@ tendergardener), and also the cofounder of local non-profit green movement, Green Drinks Singapore. The home-farmer has learnt many life lessons from her garden.
When her rooster crows at the break of dawn, she gets up for a cup of tea or simply rolls back into bed. Her day begins between 11am and 12pm, when she’s fully rested. Next, Olivia Choong feeds her chickens and prunes the shrubs at the expansive backyard of her family bungalow in MacPherson. The backyard is sectioned into three plots of land. One for a chicken coop that fits three chickens, another for bigger trees like mulberry, and the other for new plants like taro and popcorn. Oh, she keeps bees, too. The former Republic Polytechnic lecturer who became a full-time home farmer has been slow-living since 2012. Olivia says: “Singaporeans are so used to routine. That’s fine if it keeps you inspired. For me, taking it slow enlivens my mind.” She adds: “It’s not hard to just take time off when you feel stressed. A short stroll in the park near your home will clear your mind.” Balancing the slow life with society’s pace keeps her in touch with reality. When she’s not farming, Olivia freelances as an event organiser and does public relations for eco companies.
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Her love for farming began when she was studying in Perth, Australia. Tending to the garden at the house she lived in struck a chord within her. In 2007, she returned home and set up Green Drinks Singapore, a non-profit movement that raises awareness on pertinent environmental issues. More recently. Olivia headed to Byron Bay in Australia, where she became interested in beekeeping. During her four-month stay there, she enrolled in beekeeping and farming courses conducted by Australian nature company Milkwood. Her pay-off: Olivia attracted a colony of bees to her DIY hive in Singapore. And when the bees didn’t survive a wax moth infestation, the positive farmer took that as a life lesson. “Things aren’t always in your control. Now, I’m trying to attract a new colony of bees.”
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"FOR ME, TAKING IT SLOW
MY MIND."
STYLING DOLPHIN YEO HAIR ASH LOI/SONDER, USING KEUNE HAIRCOSMETICS SINGAPORE MAKEUP ZOEL TEE, ASSISTED BY SANDRA WONG, USING NARS T-SHIRT & PANTS TOPSHOP
In Olivia Choong's backyard, everything is subject to trial-and-error. The seasoned farmer isn't affected by the death of new plants – if plants don't grow well from the seeds, she'll try stem or root cutting instead.
Kimberly Hoong tending to the EGC garden in Queenstown with pockets of sweet fruits, edible flowers, vegetables and fragrant herbs.
The idea of slow living for Kimberly Hoong is simply taking She's the deputy head of Foodscaping a step back and not getting at Edible Garden caught up in the daily grind. The City. A life-changing 24-year-old once suffered from six-month stay in the anxiety as a result of packing too Indian Himalayas many activities within a day. made her see the Kimberly, the deputy head of different ways of living more consciously and Foodscaping at Edible Garden sustainably. City (EGC) in Queenstown, says: “Being in nature makes me realise that there is so much more out there (in life). Slow living translates to happiness because I live more consciously and mindfully, thinking twice before I buy something.” The EGC, an urban farming social enterprise, sells fresh produce to food and beverage outlets, builds and maintains food gardens in the city, and conducts farming workshops. She adds: “You don’t need so many clothes or all the expensive food to be happy. You don’t
KIMBERLY HOONG, 24
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need to earn a million bucks. You can be happy if you learn how to live simply.” The millennial female farmer discovered her passion for farming at 19. She started an urban farming group in the National University of Singapore (NUS) that involved environmentally related activities such as visits to community gardens and local farms. The group also set up an edible garden in school with composting and vermicomposting, which is the product of the decomposition process using various species of worms to create a mixture of decomposing vegetable or food waste. As fulfilling as the work was, Kimberly often felt tired as she overloaded herself with too many activities. It wasn’t until a life-changing six-month stay in the Indian Himalayas that made her see things quite differently. The trip was part of an exchange programme during her Yale-NUS College days. On that trip, she realised that she could live life and take things at a much slower pace. Of her experience, Kimberly, an
“By doing all these, one will naturally take on a slower lifestyle,” she says of the changing mindset. “Even though things can get busy at the farm, I don’t get burnt out because I’m doing what I love to do, as well as taking a step back and looking at the larger picture.” Kimberly concludes: “People often forget that there are many ways to live. I made a choice that is aligned with my values – and that makes me happy.”
p y p a h
"YOU CAN BE
IF YOU LEARN TO LIVE SIMPLY."
STYLING DOLPHIN YEO HAIR ASH LOI/SONDER, USING KEUNE HAIRCOSMETICS SINGAPORE MAKEUP AUNG APICHAI SHIRT H&M
environmental studies major, recalls: “I did not have to squeeze so many things within a day, but I still felt that I’d learnt quite a lot of things.” The trip turned out to be mind-opening. Kimberly went on hiking trips, village homestays, and visited non-governmental organisations such as Waste Warriors, which undertakes waste collection, waste management consultancy and event waste management in different parts of India. Being immersed in the local culture also made her realised that there were alternative ways of living – not just the fast paced one that she was so accustomed to in Singapore. Kimberly notes: “I wanted to break away from all of the materialism, because I felt that the consumer culture we live in is not sustainable for both mental health and the environment.” When she started working at the EGC in 2018, her desire was to get consumers to actively question the origins of their food, and for people to be more mindful and thoughtful about the things they ate.
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You'll know exactly what goes into your food if you dine with the Farmers. Right: Justine Ong-Farmer conducts a meal prep session, where she explains how to pair local herbs together.
The Farmers literally live up to their last name after multiple She’s the community builder who is homestay trips in Europe, where spreading the locavore they were inspired by the hosts movement through who harvested fresh produce in Nasi Ulam workshops their gardens. in her front yard. Besides farming in her family home’s garden at Begonia Avenue, you can find Justine Ong-Farmer tending lovingly to the beans and courgettes grown on the side of the road outside the terrace house. “My neighbours are totally fine with it,” she laughs. Just last month, she dug up the corner patch on the side of the road and refertilised the soil with compost because the ground was so stale. But she couldn’t have done it without the help of Scott, her English husband who’s an operations manager at a regional law firm. The National Environment Agency is taking well to her efforts, says Justine. “They were quite happy to see us growing stuff on that patch.” Justine encourages her neighbours to pick the herbs and try them, as she believes that sharing her produce will encourage others to grow their own. “No one’s gonna care about my plants if I just keep them for myself," she adds. “I also want people to try and know the taste of fresh vegetables. When they finally understand, I get a sense of fulfilment.” And this is what Justine gets out of living it slow. The ex-fashion designer notes: “The days don’t go by so quickly anymore. I find myself feeling less anxious of not being able to finish certain things.” “My mind is more relaxed, and I’m always learning how to grow new stuff,” she says. Her 200 sq ft home garden saw an addition of green cabbage, blue pea flowers and a variety of herbs – on top of torch ginger and pineapple grown by her mother – when Justine got serious about gardening in 2018. You’ll see compost bins behind taller ginger plants, and rows of potted herbs kept healthy by earthworms. “Growing my vegetables at home has changed my eating habits. These days, most Singaporeans eat imported fruits and vegetables because it’s convenient," she says.
JUSTINE ONG-FARMER, 27
But it’s easy to eat seasonally and locally, says Justine. “All you have to do is start growing local vegetables in your home. Chilli padi or cosmos thrive in pots. These plants don’t need much space.” Justine starts her day at 8am, moving the potted plants around just so they get enough sunlight. She waters the plants and starts preparing for the day’s meals. Being able to revive the concept of “living off the earth” inspired her. She started a homemade Nasi Ulam boxed-lunch delivery business last year. The traditional steamed rice dish is mixed with shredded herbs such as wild pepper leaf, torch ginger and onions, sometimes topped up with additional dishes like omelette and fried tofu. Justine recalls: “My mum used to make Nasi Ulam for me when I was a kid. It’s a very healthy and hearty dish.” After friends and customers started asking about the herbs Justine used in the dish, she decided to get them involved in the preparation of the meal. And what began as a small gathering of friends last year is now a biweekly, full-day affair of herb harvesting and meal prep that’s open to anyone for $80 per person. “If you ask me what makes me happy, it’s not just seeing where my food comes from,” she says. “It’s the educational effect these sessions have on my customers. Many have asked me for tips on how to grow their own herbs at home, and I’m always willing to help. Eating out of your garden just tastes so much better.”
s a pl nt
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"NO ONE'S GONNA CARE ABOUT MY
IF I KEEP THEM JUST FOR MYSELF."
HAPPY & OUT OF THE S
ft her care e l er he appin h ess to reclaim r in he ay ey explo n r ea ri n jou r-long g2 3c ou n tries. GYSCHA RENDY
I
’m 30 and life has just begun. More than a year ago though, I was in a rut. The “me” today is a different person, but that didn’t happen until after I quit my dream job as a music editor, packed my bags, and travelled around the world for a year on a mission to reinvent myself and reclaim my happiness. At that time, my career had reached a culmination point. There was no room left to grow in the company, and I was craving new challenges. Sure, I could’ve just moved on to another job with better prospects, but it wasn’t enough to make me “whole” as a person. Deep down, I knew that embarking on this journey would be life-changing, one that would open my mind, heart and soul. You could say that my whirlwind trip was a self-investment of sorts. Still, I was scared as hell. With no stable income, I had to survive on my hard-earned savings, which lasted through the year-long trip. And being on the road meant that I had to face many uncertainties, including the dangers of travelling solo while moving from one unfamiliar place to another, picking up new languages to get by, and getting comfortable with being uncomfortable all over again.
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ZONE
Sa Pa town in the Hoang Lien Son Mountains of north-western Vietnam – a popular trekking base, it overlooks the terraced rice fields of the Muong Hoa Valley.
In short, it was like learning to ride the bicycle again. I took a deep breath – and a leap of faith, stepping boldly into the unknown with my trusty luggage to let life unfold itself. Looking back a year on, it was the best decision I’ve made in my 20s: rewriting my future and reclaiming my happiness. Undoing Old Habits I focused on rebuilding myself in the fi rst three months in America and France, where I visited Hawaii, Los Angeles (LA) and Nice. That meant doing something different every day to break the cycle of monotony of my “old” life. With no more work e-mails, texts, meetings and punishing deadlines, I was occupied with other activities like hiking, reading and writing my journal. I even signed up for pole dancing classes for fun in LA! All that gave me so much contentment – and joy. I seized the opportunity to expand my professional network, reaching out to people in the entertainment industry in LA for new opportunities, as I hope to work there some day. Then, I stayed for a month with my best friend, who lives in LA, before travelling to Europe. In France, the small town of Nice was where I stayed for two months to learn French – a
airfares) extended to another nine months because my journey had just started. In some places, I stayed with friends and relatives. Don’t Give Up Easily A breathtaking picture of the sprawling Inca citadel of Machu Picchu I saw on the Internet a few years ago eventually brought me to Peru. I was pretty nervous going there as I couldn’t speak Spanish, and the country doesn’t have the best reputation for safety among travellers. Peru turned out to be that one place that challenged and pushed me out of my comfort zone. And it all began with my week-long adventure in the capital city of Lima, when I signed up for a guided two-day, one-night trekking trip to Colca Canyon – one of the deepest canyons in the world. Naively, I thought it was going to be a fun, easy hike. Boy, was I wrong. I wasn’t physically and mentally prepared for what was to come, having done no research on it. I started the endurance trek with a group of people at 8am, and after three hours under the sweltering heat and challenging altitude, I wanted to give up the ghost. I was so exhausted and all the conflicting thoughts came to mind, telling me, “I can’t do
i n k be d
"THE STRANGERS THAT I’VE MET REMIND ME EVERY DAY THAT IT’S IMPORTANT TO Learning and appreciating the simple life from the ethnic people of Sa Pa town in Vietnam (top row); Kathmandu (middle left), Nepal (middle right); Inle Lake in Myanmar (bottom left); Bhutan (bottom middle); and Rainbow Mountain in Peru (bottom right).
BECAUSE IT GOES A LONG WAY"
lifelong dream of mine. In between courses, I picked up new and familiar things such as photography, producing my podcast, Flirty and Fabulous, and penning my travel book. I discarded the routine of having a fixed itinerary of must-dos. Whenever I was tired, I took a break to chill out – and empty my mind. Instead of shopping, my luxuries came in the form of a cup of coffee at a cafe, enjoying long morning walks, and indulging in “conversations” with myself. I lived very simply, choosing to invest only in positive experiences that would uplift the spirit. My initial plan of a three-month sabbatical (spending $7,000, including
this”, “I just can’t anymore...”, “Just five more steps, c’mon Gyscha, take five more steps!”. My flesh was weak, and so was my spirit. I was crumbling. But it slowly became apparent that my only option was to keep soldiering on, no matter how far I was lagging behind. To get to the final point, I took a break every five minutes to catch my breath – and take in the beautiful scenery – before moving ahead. Why waste the once-in-a-lifetime moment to admire the magnificent surroundings? Trekking at Colca Canyon was by far the toughest and craziest thing I’ve done in my life, and the experience taught me to be a stronger person when unexpected challenges come my way.
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Seen here at Paro Taktsang, a sacred site located in Paro valley in Bhutan, writer Gyscha Rendy grew from someone who was finding her path to finding herself.
Strangers Who Opened My Heart In the course of my year-long travel, I met incredible people. Who would’ve known that I would make that many new friends, and in different continents too? Friendships aside, the strangers whom I met on my journey remind me every day that it’s important to be kind because it goes a long way – the same way people have shown kindness and support during my difficult moments in Colca Canyon. The ordinary folks whom I got to know in South Africa, Myanmar and Peru taught me something invaluable: Be grateful that my blessings are more than my problems. Sometimes, we owe it to ourselves to pause every now and then to acknowledge that good feeling after a job well done or the gratification after a good meal, or reflect on a meaningful conversation. You don’t need fancy or expensive stuff to bring you joy. I learnt about the “art of enough” through the people I met on my trip. How they live and what made them happy got me thinking deeply about the concept of sufficiency in today’s modern society, of how we can balance the way we live
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and do things in order to maintain our wellbeing and happiness. I was fortunate to have crossed path with genuine folks who filled my heart, soul and tummy with good (home-cooked) food, coffee and wine, kindness and many wonderful stories that I could take home. That was enough for me. Happier Self I never thought I would make it to 23 countries in 12 months. It was defi nitely no Amazing Race as I set out on my happiness journey from Day 1 in a leisurely pace. I arrived with an open mind to embrace the present and what was ahead, and it was nothing short of empowering and, at times, endearing. It became a transformative process, watching myself grow from someone who was fi nding her path to fi nding herself. And along the self-explorative quest, I reclaimed my happiness. I returned to Singapore a year later with renewed energy, having “graduated” from a worldly experience that made me see things in a whole new perspective.
i n e ss j o u r n ey W h a t s h e le a r n t o n h e r h a p p Live life with a positive frame of mind "I learnt that life has a funny, strange way to humble, uplift and inspire you, just when you think you won’t ever make it through (in certain situations). Then, it somehow shows you the way, reminding you that it’s okay to take it easy.” Don’t get sucked into the rat race "Take things one step at a time. Do not rush and, most importantly, never compare yourself to anyone and keep going at your own pace. It’s good to stop for a moment to take a breather if you need to, and enjoy or tackle any situation as it comes.”
Let go of negative things. Don’t look back and move on "I learnt to choose myself first because I deserve better. To love and respect yourself means having the ability and strength to walk away from any toxic environment, situation and relationship. Don’t let anyone dim your light or hold you back! Focus on the things you love to do instead. For me, I’m slowly in love (again) with the idea of meeting someone new as well as finding new opportunities." A new language "Living in a small town in Europe to learn French had always been
a dream of mine. To be able to stay in Nice in France to do that, even for the short time of two months, was a really a dream come true for me.” Be grateful for all the good things in your life "One may not always know what comes next in life. Don’t overthink and stress over things unnecessarily as it will make you unhappy. I’ve learnt to be thankful and grateful that my blessings are more than my problems.” Make new friends and you’ll be surprised how they can inspire you "Keep an open mind – one can learn
from people from other cultures and backgrounds. The strangers whom I’ve met on the road have showed me a great deal of kindness. They took care of me and taught me valuable life lessons that money can’t buy.” Don’t give up. Conquer your fear and you’ll get to where you are "Don’t give up easily and be defeated by immediate thoughts of failure such as ’I can’t’ or ’I cannot do this anymore’. Instead, tell yourself that you have got this far and you are capable of reaching your goal – even if it means taking slower, smaller steps to get there.”
Gyscha's year-long journey of selfdiscovery took her to places such as (clockwise from top left) Inle Lake, Myanmar; Sumba in Indonesia; Sintra resort town in the foothills of Portugal’s Sintra Mountains; Hanoi in Vietnam; Granada city in Spain; and Angkor Wat, Siem Reap in Cambodia.
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FUNNY
The camera pans, and a statuesque woman looks up with expressive eyes. “My name is Sharul Channa, and no, I’m not a Malay boy. I’m an Indian woman with a Malay boy’s name,” she introduces herself in her signature opener, holding the silence in an amiable manner before flashing a warm smile. With that, Sharul breaks the ice in the studio. Her flamboyance has a distancing effect – yet she baits the audience with what she has to say next. Tall and elegant, with sculpted features, Sharul appears too poised to be a stand-up comic on first impression. Yet it is the same funny girl who gamely – and boldly took on an invitation to perform her first comedy act in a bar eight years ago.
She has flown the Singapore flag at the biggest comedy festivals in the region, like the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and India’s Weirdass Pajama Festival. She also recently completed a 10-city India tour, covering Mumbai, Goa, Ahmedabad, Delhi and Chennai. In between, Sharul gigs at comedy bars, hosts and conducts comedy-writing workshops. But where you really see the influence of Sharul as an entertainer – and progressiveminded artist – is within the confines of her first performance at an intimate bar. In the most unfiltered of art forms, she works her material with little interference or trace of concern about standards or demographics. She switches between gestural tics and musingly dry observations about love, social disparities, womanhood, her family’s initial disapproval of her craft, and anything that matters to her heart. She brings on raucous laughter one moment, sets off a contemplative mood next, but never fails to provide an oasis of positivity at the end of it. Tautly written, her material isn’t all risqué. It’s heart-warming and riveting, although Sharul prefers to describe herself cheekily as a “dangerous export from the safest country”. Not Just Jokes and Laughter Born in Chennai and raised in Singapore, Sharul says a good show is made of three things: Good comedic timing, research and careful planning.
"I HAVE A
YOU MUST NOT DOUBT YOURSELF." Her first (spontaneous) line was about her proximity to the front-row audience: “Wow, this is the first time a white man has been so close to my vagina.” The amused crowd chortled – a triumphant moment when the then-theatre actor realised comedy was her calling. “Being able to script, produce and act out my own show makes me happy,” she tells Her World. And the only full-time female comedian in Singapore has good reasons to be. Sharul worked hard to sharpen her material, find her voice and use the stage to hone her own comedic brand. Today, the 35-year-old slays in at least 70 shows annually, making between $500 and $1,000 for each.
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“When you joke about something, you have to sound intelligent. If not, no one’s gonna come for your next show,” she says, matter-of-factly. It’s good to choose a topic that resonates with you, she tells her students in her comedy-writing workshops organised by Theatreworks. “Be in touch with your feelings onstage,” she adds. “This isn’t just for comedy performances, you can inject humour into any public speaking.” A week before each show, Sharul engages in a mind-mapping session. “I sit down, open my drawing block pad and start mind-mapping a topic I want to talk about,” she explains. “I then branch out to how the issue affects me, my verbal reactions to it and what people have said about it.”
Being Thick-Skinned But not everyone gets the joke, reveals Sharul who was trained in acting at Lasalle, College of the Arts. She has had her fair share of tragic responses – deadpan faces and awkward silence from the audience.
DRESS STYLE THEORY
Sharul's comebacks in five awkward situations 1. Bad date "Just tell the guy that you actually love yourself and this was all a mistake."
To that, she says: “I have a thick skin. You must never doubt yourself because the crowd can sense your insecurity. That’s when the entire set comes crumbling .” The conversation is then interrupted by the sight of her frisky pet dog. Sharul shrugs and comments: “He [the dog] likes Chinese girls more than me.” Married to fellow comedian Rishi Budhrani, Sharul says their jokes are different and each appeals to different audiences. “I comment on topics about women empowerment without getting hated, and he gets away with calling people names on stage,” she adds. As a comedic couple, they bounce ideas off each other and help each other with new material. On Valentine’s Day, the couple will perform their second show together. But it’s not all work and no play. Sharul takes regular trips to visit her spiritual healer in India. “It gets intense onstage,” she explains. “My topics can be heavy on the mind and sometimes, I’m sucked into the negativity. It helps me be in the right headspace, it’s important to live life at your own pace once in a while.”
ns w a i d e Other Actresses and Com > Whitney Cummings American stand-up comic and writer who created the sitcom, 2 Broke Girls.
> Ronny Chieng This Australiabased Malaysian comedian and actor is a senior correspondent for The Daily Show on Comedy Central.
ho Inspire he r
> Cristela Alonzo The first AmericanLatina to create, produce, write and star in her own US primetime comedy, Cristela.
> Ellen DeGeneres American comedian who's best known for her globally popular talk show, Ellen.
2. Weird in-laws "Buy an apartment two hours away from their place, so if they're in Singapore...move to Johor Bahru!" 3. Case of mistaken identity "Just ask: What does your name start with? They will start with their name first." 4. Unwanted company "Tell them you can see ghosts and there is a spirit that follows you everywhere." 5. When you make a mistake "I don't have a boss but if I did, I'd say 'You have such a big heart to hire me'."
UPCOMING SHOW: Feb 14, 2020 Featuring Sharul Channa and Rishi Budhrani. Go to Sharul Channa Facebook Page for more info.
CELEB PHOTOS TPG IMAGES & SHUTTERSTOCK
Touchy Topics Off stage, at her three-bedroom apartment in the east of Singapore, Sharul is introspective, interesting – and all serious about work. Born to a traditional Indian family, Sharul doesn’t hold back on her disagreement with customary expectations. Question is: If we’re living in a culturally-sensitive and politicallycorrect age, how does one get around it in the public domain? Unlike many comics who are real selves in name, Sharul’s material isn’t that far removed from her real life. But there’s just as much value in material that delves into personal territory, as long as it’s funny, she says. “Once you do that, it becomes your story to tell. It softens the tone,” she quips, taking a sip of chai masala. While the storyteller navigates consciously, Sharul credits Singapore’s old guard of stand-up comic and drag queen, Kumar, who paved the way for local acts like herself. “Kumar pushed the envelope and got into some trouble,” she says. “Without him, I can’t say many things on stage without fear that I’ll be sued the next day.” Her respect for Kumar is represented in her well-kept $50 note he had autographed for her the first time they met. “It’ll always be a reminder of my passion for comedy,” she says. Gender discrimination is one of Sharul’s favourite topics. It resonates at the heart of her persona, being a relatable ordinary woman: “Even before I was born, my grandmother expected me to be a boy. Because she brought my mum to the temple and got a string to tie around a bed that my parents were supposed to sleep on. It was supposed to make my father angle his body to produce only male sperm.”
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year ago, I ruthlessly dumped them loose – even if they’ve been stringing us three-quarters of my clothing and along for years, making us believe that they accessories to try out a capsule really care? wardrobe – a tightly-edited Well, that’s because we sympathise with selection of only things that I the person’s past experiences and situation, (actually) like. says Jean. “For example, if you don’t want to Boy, what joy it sparked! Gone were the lend the money to a friend to buy a handbag things that made me feel absolutely lousy, like she doesn’t need because it doesn’t change her pants I could no longer fit into, splurges I felt habit, you may feel that you’re not being a good guilty about and broken things that I didn’t friend,” she explains. care enough to mend. “Yet if you do (lend her the money), you may This year, humans are on the purge list. feel used in the long run. State your reasons Yep, you heard right. These aren’t “starter” clearly and tell her that you care. Leave it to friends but a species that has existed long enough her to decide if she wants to form a healthy in the phone book to give you a fair amount of joy, relationship or leave. If she chooses to stay but but also unparalleled levels of pain. not work it out, you can walk away.” And I have quite a large and eclectic And walk away I did. When something is collection in this department, rather tragically. completely out of sight, out of mind, it no longer There’s the emotional vampire (who saps bothers you as much or at all. your soul till you turn Smurf-blue); the sneakyI’m not saying that people are as disposable snoop (who gleefully rats on you to your boss); as last season’s trends. Truth is, life’s too short the preacher-Jane (who condemns you to to be “saving” everyone from themselves at Dante’s Inferno with her 20 commandments); your own expense. the guilt-tripper (who keeps scores of little favours in exchange for mammoth ones); the Operation Block Party green-eyed monster (who sees green – then red And desperate measures call for drastic actions when you’re happy); the attention-seeker (who's for my culling spree. I took the bad-boyfriend embarrassingly loud and brash in the most approach, going beyond unfriending and inappropriate circumstances); and the ghoster blocking on social media (a few just don’t get the (who shows up with a sad face to borrow $200 hint!) to devise an intricate and comprehensive before she “vaporises” – and appears many plan – Operation Block Party – that covered all moons later, acting as if nothing happened). communication apps. Oh, let’s not forget the chronically unhappy In four hours, I had successfully konmarigirlfriend who waltzes around with a permanent ed a dozen names from Whatsapp, Viber, scowl on her face, with an attitude that rivals Telegram, WeChat, two phones, and four Wednesday Addams. social media platforms. I wasn’t about to embark on any project in It sparked a sense of relief – and joy. some vain attempt to “turn” them – like I would I was never ever going to be robbed of my with my gardening efforts to turn waste into soil emotions again – or from my purse. fertiliser by dumping them in the compost – in Just as with my wardrobe, I’ve resolved to the hope that the result would be a friendship invest only in what I love – people who love me blossoming like fresh tomatoes back without drama. in my balcony. I was way past it. "ONE NEEDS As psychotherapist Jean Chen, director of Relationship TO STOP Matter, puts it: “One needs to stop toxic behaviour and work towards it, it doesn’t go away on its own.” So, it begs the question: Why do we put up with lousy friends for years – and become insufferable fools, when we’re decisive enough to break up with our partners when it doesn’t feel right anymore? Why do we feel a tinge of guilt at the thought of cutting
IT DOESN'T GO AWAY ON ITS OWN."
– JEAN CHEN
PHOTO EVERETT COLLECTION
Out of Sight, Out of Mind
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The Case For Offal, off-cut, spare-part eats have moved from street food status to gourmet dining. DAWN WONG
CRAYFISH SHELLS = A TASTIER BISQUE.
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VERONICA TAY
SHAN
No
GROUPER BONES = AROMATIC SAUCE, GARNISH AND STOCK.
COCK’S COMBS = YUMMY BAR SNACK.
Waste FISH HEAD = COCONUT-KAFFIR LIME SAUCE.
HEADS AND SHELLS OF SICILIAN PRAWNS = EXTRA KICK TO A RAVIOLI DISH.
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It looks like a plate of prawn fritters at first glance. Your curiosity is piqued upon closer inspection of the dish’s interesting “spikes”.
You’re thrown a curveball on your fi rst bite: It has an intense chicken flavour, with a delicious, chewy and textured meat, like a drumstick. And you’re not far from it. This oddball of a dish is cock’s comb – served at two of Bincho’s casual fi ne-dining restaurants at Dempsey Road and Moh Guan Terrace. At the yakitoriya-inspired (Osaka’s traditional small grilling stalls) eateries, chicken is the mainstay, and every part of the animal is used for cooking by its executive chef Asai Masashi, including the tail, cartilage, heart, gizzard, neck and liver. While the no-waste practice is deeply entrenched in Japanese Mottainai culture, “spare parts” are quickly fi nding a place on the marbled tables of fi ne-dining eateries – a
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CREATIVE, DELICIOUS Chefs are diving into adventurous territory, pairing off-cuts and offal – once considered a poor man’s diet – with ingredients from the kitchen to enhance existing dishes with new flavours and create new dishes. Take, for example, the Toh Thye San duck ($62) served at the famed Table65 modern European restaurant at Resorts World Sentosa. The duck breast is glazed with a reduced orange juice and soy sediment – the pulp left over from the process of making soy sauce with a crumble of cumin and dehydrated orange. The remaining bones are roasted and infused to a
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trend that’s bolstered by the rising cost of produce, and the nose-to-tail global culinary movement towards minimal wastage.
1-3 BINCHO Executive chef Asai Masashi prepares the delicious cock’s comb yakitori dish that’s on the a la carte menu. 4-6 TABLE65 Ingenious creations of the Pomfret Ceviche (left) and Toh Thye San duck (right) by chef Yoran Jacobi. 7-9 SALTED and HUNG No-waste dishes Risotto, Clayfish & Lardo, and The Pearl Grouper by chef Drew Nocente. 10 & 11 GATTOPARDO Ristorante di Mare Ravioli with Sicilian red prawns by head chef Kenneth Oh.
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bouillon. The sauce is made from duck legs and wings fi nished with red wine, foie, and the heart and liver of the duck. The menu at Salted and Hung on Purvis Street revolves around the usage of the entire animal from protein to innards, skin to bone, all cooked to perfection using culinary methods like smoking, curing, pickling and grilling for its contemporary Australian menu. After the dish is conceptualised, leftovers are mainly skin and shells. Chef Drew Nocente says: “I work from there on how we can use the by-products for another dish or to enhance the main dish I’ve created. After eliminating about 95 per cent of wastage, the dish fi nally goes on the menu.” Here, the most popular dish is The Pearl Grouper ($58), where the whole fish
is used. The bones of the grouper play an integral part in the creation of the varying flavours and textures. It is fi rst infused with soy for 30 days to make the aromatic sauce, then dehydrated and ground to a crispy crumble to garnish the dish. The remaining bones are turned into stock to steam-bake the grouper. The result: a sublime and incredibly inventive fare that builds the appetite. NARRATING A CULINARY STORY While diners today have more sophisticated palates and seek out more interesting food experiences, it still boils down to restaurants educating consumers on what they’re paying for and eating now. And it is the element of storytelling, about how
the dish came about, that sparks diners’ interest, notes head chef Kenneth Oh of the upscale Gattopardo Ristorante di Mare, which serves contemporary Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. On one Christmas, this Tras Street eatery purchased a fresh, whole swordfish, and the culinary team used the innards to make a swordfish mousse after smoking the loins. Kenneth recalls: “This was served as a small amuse-bouche for guests. We use different parts of the same animal in different dishes across the menu, not just one dish.” He adds: “It was fascinating for people to hear about the dishes, for example, the different parts of the fish that were used for which aspect of the dish. This is one way to engage diners to get them to take a greater interest in the fi ner aspects of their food.”
Dario Cecchini: The Man Who Started The Nose-To-Tail Culinary Movement Walk into Carna and you’ll be introduced to the eatery’s meat programme before you pick the cut that you’ll be eating later. Carna is Dario Cecchini’s first steak house that opened last year in the Bahamas, and his first venture out of Italy. He’s the famed butcher-chef who has been championing the noseto-tail culinary programme for more than three decades. Today, it’s adopted worldwide. Dario, 64, believes in working with farms that give animals a good life and compassionate death. He uses every part of the animal in his cooking, to give thanks for the sacrifice they’ve made. With no premium or lower cuts of meat in Dario’s menu, every part is delicious when well-prepared, he says. His philosophy was inspired by his late granny, who used leftover cuts of meat from legs, snouts, tails and everything in the belly. Dario, who starred in Netflix’s 2019 food documentary Chef’s Table, says butchers have “the most important task in educating people to value everything they eat”.
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FEATURE
The Scenic Culinary Destination
Jewel Changi Airport is taking dining to a whole new level at an enchanting lush oasis.
> From top Garlic Teriyaki Chicken Donburi.
GO JAPANESE Tanuki Raw #05-202
art futuristic dome, part theme park enveloped in a natural green environment, Jewel Changi Airport is Singapore's latest and most spectacular icon, and dining there is an enchanting experience that's almost part fantasy. It's no surprise that Jewel has become a culinary destination for foodies, particularly at its topmost level. This is where eight fashionable restaurants – Tanuki Raw, Burger & Lobster, Tiger Street Lab, Herit8ge, Prive, Rumours Bar & Grill, Arteastiq Bistro, and Aloha Poke – are located, serving up a host of eclectic and creative fare within a dazzling paradise garden. Here on the fifth level is also where the most Instagrammable spot is – the sprawling Canopy Park comprising numerous oneof-a-kind attractions such as HSBC Rain Vortex and Shiseido Forest Valley that add to the memorable culinary outing.
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The menu takes a modern approach to Japanese cuisine – one that packs a punch, with prices that are light on the pocket. The must-try donburis: Jewel Truffle Gyu ($18, $23 with foie gras), featuring a generous serving of charcoalgrilled US short rib beef slices flavoured with truffle soy and black garlic teriyaki sauce, onsen egg, pickles, and panseared foie gras; and the Garlic Teriyaki Chicken ($15.90) – a delicious charcoalgrilled boneless
chicken cutlet glazed with garlic teriyaki sauce, with onsen egg, pickles, shio konbu and chives over steamed rice. You're in luck during Happy Hour – craft beers go for $10 per pint from 3 to 7pm, and a bowl of Tanuki's Jewelexclusive Prawn Cocktail is only $5 when you order an alcoholic drink. To sweeten the deal, fresh raw oysters are going for just $2 each from 3 to 7pm daily. Over at Tanuki's The World is Flat bar, try the classic G&T or something adventurous like Vodka Milo ($12 per glass, $45 per carafe).
TEXT SEAN THAM
A glass of classic Gin & Tonic.
> From left Both versions (L: steamed, R: grilled) of Original Lobsters.
Desserts include, Chocolate Jewels, Pistachio Tres Leches, and Mango Eaton Mess.
Expect a messy and fun affair, prying lobster meat from the shell and sinking your teeth into thick, juicy burgers. The dining experience isn't just about the hearty entrees in its compact menu, but the big flavours that it's known for. The Jewelexclusive, Sambal Glazed Lobster ($65) promises to give you an extra "kick". Or you can opt for the non-spicy, succulent Original Lobster ($65) that comes steamed or
grilled, and glazed with clarified butter or lemon and garlic butter. The Original Roll ($40) is a definite winner – the toasted brioche roll encases generous chunks of tasty lobster meat slathered in Japanese mayo and chives, giving it a unique salted crunch. Take note, burger fans: The Mayfair ($25) and The Hot One ($25) each comes with a perfectly grilled Nebraskan patty for that wow factor. Or go for the vegan option, The Impossible Burger ($20). Burger & Lobster will also impress diners with its wide variety of wines, cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks.
QUINTESSENTIALLY LOCAL: Tiger Street Lab #05-205
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Its Gin & Tonic comprises extra ingredients like juniper berries and rosemary, while its Lillemoni is made up of aperitif wine, grapefruit and tonic water.
GET DOWN AND DIRTY: Burger & Lobster #05-203
From left Tigerinfused Crispy Baby Sotong. Shrimps, Guacamole and Mango Salsa Flatbread.
There's no better way to pair the worldfamous brew and street fare in style than at Tiger Street Lab – the first global concept by homegrown brand Tiger Beer. Expect delectable fare like King Prawn White Beehoon ($18.80), and Tiger beer-infused Crispy Baby Sotong ($15.80). Dine on this special menu by Da Shi Jia, a 36-year-old zi char haven, from now till end April. If you fancy something light, an all-day bar menu by
Timbre X will tease your appetite with Shrimps, Guacamole, and Mango Salsa Flatbread ($16) and Truffle Fries ($10). Wash down your meals with a glass of Jewel-exclusive seasonal beer ($13 for 300ml, $15 for 500ml) that changes once every three months. On the tap till end February is the refreshing Shiok Ale, a medium-bodied golden ale with sweet notes of pineapple and passion fruit. Tiger Street Lab also promotes artists' works, offering merchandise such as T-shirts and totes created by Singapore designer Amos Ananda Yeo, and South Korean illustrator Mina Kwon.
JEWEL’S INSTA-MOMENTS The Canopy Park Stroll along the pretty garden trails at this indoor foliage wonderland. Petal Garden Marvel at the creative displays of seasonal flowers in every colour and shape from around the world. Canopy Bridge Be wowed by the bird’s eye view of Jewel from this bridge, which is suspended 23m above the ground, and sports a cool glass bottom. Hedge Maze Wander through Singapore's largest hedge maze, and take in the view of its intricate windings at the watch tower. Visit www.jewelchangiairport.com for ticketing details and opening hours.
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FEATURE
The Japanese lifestyle lends itself
The
Garden
to wellness with a love for gardens,
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Sanctuary healthy eating and onsen baths.
Nestled in a breathtaking garden, the famed Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo draws throngs of local and international travellers every season.
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FEATURE
The resort-like facilities include an indoor hot spring bath or Japanese onsen using water from Ito, a famous hot spring resort town.
he low evening light accentuates the green oasis of the famed Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo in Bunkyo. It’s postcard-perfect every season, drawing visitors who are besotted by the awe-inspiring view of botanical species from cherry trees to camellia trees and plums that bloom beautifully in the cold of winter, reminiscent of snowy scenes on ink paintings.
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Day 1 If dining in the garden conjures images of a tea house nestled in lush greenery, you’re not far from it. Mucha-an, one of Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo’s first-rate restaurants, is set in the little forest on the hotel’s grounds. The walk to Mucha-an is scenic as one strolls through the Kabuki Gate along the Kanda River, before the cobbled steps lead you to the charming soba eatery. Here, you’ll experience an authentic dining experience within the elegant confines of lovingly restored Muromachi period (1336-1573) interiors. Known for its homemade soba, the culinary team at Mucha-an makes these noodles from stone-ground Japanese buckwheat flour that’s carefully selected every season. Served in cold or warm broth, Mucha-an’s soba is chewy with a slight grainy
texture, and served with spring onions, radish and wasabifilled dipping sauce. Indeed, the eatery lives up to its name with a service that’s graceful, and a culinary standard that’s refined. Its kaiseki-style course, which is a traditional multicourse Japanese dinner – akin to haute cuisine of the West – that promises a delightful journey of textures, colours and taste. The multi-course is carefully presented to harmonise flavours. The misogrilled salmon is exemplary, and it needs nothing more than a sprinkle of sea salt. Day 2 There’s something magical about Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, which dates back to the Meiji era, as guest services director Andre Sol narrates pieces of the hotel’s
700-year-old history. Being here feels surreal, especially in the gorgeous outdoors where the three-storey pagoda from the Muromachi period stands poignantly, or when you’re enveloped in the imposing shadow of a sacred tree believed to be 500 years old. “It’s attractive here any time of year,” says Andre of the hotel’s famed garden that is populated with fireflies in the summer, covered in carmine leaves in autumn, and blanketed with snow during winter. Spring is even more
“It’s attractive here any time of the year. People come to admire the pink cherry blossoms in the day.” At Yu, The Spa by L’Occitane, you can chill out in the welcoming lounge area, then indulge in luxurious, rejuvenating treatments using L’Occitane products, before unwinding at the Garden Terrace.
spectacular when a sea of pink cherry blossoms gives throngs of visitors more reason to celebrate. He says: “People come to admire them in the day, and at night, after the food and drinks are served, everyone sits by the river and it’s a big party!” We walk towards Le Jardin at the lobby lounge where the Shine Muscat grape-themed afternoon tea is served. The seasonal seedless green fruit adds natural sweet notes to an array of treats such as cream cheese tarts and jelly, served with dainty savouries and buttery scones. At Yu, The Spa by L’Occitane, I visited the sauna before taking a dip in the indoor onsen. The spa’s menu features
five luxurious facial and body treatments, using L’Occitane products with skinnourishing botanical extracts. The Garden Secret Signature Treatment was specially created with inspiration from the hotel’s famed garden, featuring different treatment products in each season, highlighting the seasonal flowers. The session begins with a gentle footbath, after which the therapist goes on to massage your neck, shoulder and upper back. The Shea Nourishing Comfort facial uses L’Occitane’s shea butter range (suitable for sensitive skin) for gentle cleansing and massage. After the rejuvenating spa experience, it was time for dinner at Mokushundo, one of the hotel’s popular restaurants. It serves
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FEATURE
It’s not just any treatment, but a plan that brings together four types of treatments into one.
fresh meat and seafood grilled on lava rocks from Mount Fuji, so expect to relish the natural flavours of the fish, poultry, and vegetables. The restaurant features an open-kitchen concept where the service staff prepares the food before you.
Day 3 I’m in for a special treat at Zangetsu teahouse for the Tea Ceremony Experience. Zangetsu is a Registered Tangible Cultural Property in Japan, which means it is protected by the Japanese government due to its high historical or artistic value. The tea ceremony is an art form that goes back more than 1,000 years. It’s not about drinking the tea, but rather, a ritual with precise and graceful movements presented in a careful sequence. Ayumi Sanada, the hotel’s assistant director of marketing, guides us through the customary cleansing of the hands and mouth using a wooden ladle from the fountain. One also has to exercise the proper removal of footwear. Dressed in kimonos, the tea master and her server soon enter the tatami room, holding fans as they take a bow. Guests are then presented with delicate red bean cakes shaped like chrysanthemums, and the ceremony takes its course from there. The tea master holds court with much grace, whisking the liquid until bubbles appear on the surface of the matcha. Before sipping the brew, one would bow and thank the host fi rst, saying, “Otemae chodai itashimasu” (which means “thank you for making tea” in 12 0
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Japanese), then bowing to the tea cup. Although Zangetsu’s tea ceremony is a crisp introduction, compared to a traditional ceremony that can take up to four hours, it presents an in-depth experience that details each process succinctly. After the tea ceremony, lunch awaits at Il Teatro, which serves Italian cuisine in a classic Italian setting, complete with Venetian glass chandeliers and a forested garden backdrop. Here, the delectable dishes include Tomato Capellini, John Dory with Mint Gnocchi, Tiramisu and Cheesecake. If you prefer Japanese fare, feast on the robust flavours at Miyuki, which serves traditional and modern Japanese cuisine in an elegant atmosphere. Sushi and teppanyaki are also served at the counters. Day 4 I’m back for a special treatment on my last day at Yu, The Spa by L’Occitane to try out the 90-minute Shea Nurturing Treatment. It’s not just any treatment, but a plan that brings together four types of treatments into one experience, combining slow yet fi rm pressure strokes and hot stones to relieve stress and soothe overexerted muscles. Plus, oil gathered from the highly moisturising shea butter (shea oil) gives skin a smooth and healthy shine. After four days at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, I checked out feeling rejuvenated. The stay was truly experiential – certainly one for the senses, designed to draw city dwellers in search of health and relaxation, in a location where tranquillity imposes itself by the very nature of the landscape. Coupled with the cures of soothing onsen baths and luxurious spa treatments, it was a trip to remember.
The elegant decor at Yu, The Spa by L’Occitane makes you feel right at home while you enjoy its luxurious facial and body treatments.
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TEXT STEPHANIE SHIU PHOTOS HOTEL CHINZANSO TOKYO
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HER WORLD RALLY
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t comes in different shapes and sizes. At times, our reluctance to say “vulva” or “vagina” shrouds our bodies and sexuality in secrecy. Today, the female anatomy has become the topic of female empowerment, with women taking a wholesome attitude towards how they look at it, groom it and talk about it. The November 2019 edition of Her World Rally presented by Strip: Ministry of Waxing did just that, engaging invited Her World readers with a panel of specialists in the areas of wellness, beauty, and sexual health, at the Two L(i)ps pop-up space at Pasir Panjang Power Station. Her World Rally is one of Her World’s signature events that aims to broaden the aperture on topics that matter to women, while Strip: Ministry of Waxing is the leading brand that has revolutionised Singapore’s beauty standards in Brazilian waxing techniques. The event also showcased a pretty display of Spa Esprit Group’s newest brand Two L(i)ps – touted as the world’s first luxury intimate care range for the vulva. On the panel were sex and relationship counsellor Erin Chen of Gilly; Bella Koh, founder of Slowhouse; and Cynthia Chua, founder and chairman of multibrand outfit Spa Esprit Group and Wonderscape Holdings. Moderating the conversation was Her World editor Ng Yi Lian. The session closed with guests mingling over champagne and getting their energy read through Spa Esprit’s Super Vibrator, a bioenergy device. – CVM GO TO WWW.HERWORLD.COM FOR FULL EVENT COVERAGE.
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Her World Rally and Two L(i)ps, Spa Esprit Group’s newest brand, opened the conversation on the part of the female anatomy that we so often refer to as “down there”.
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1 Her World editor Ng Yi Lian (front row, middle) flanked by panellists – Bella Koh, founder of Slowhouse (left); Cynthia Chua, founder and chairman
of multi-brand outfit Spa Esprit Group (right); and Erin Chen, founder of Gilly (second from right). 2&3 Invited Her World readers at the Her
World Rally at Pasir Panjang Power Station, which included an engaging 45-minute discussion on vulva care. 4-8 The quirky vulva-shaped
pop-up was specially built for the occasion and showcased a range of Two L(i)ps products, such as charcoal masks and antitoxidant creams for guests to browse.
9&10 Guests trying out the Super Vibrator, a bioenergy device. 11 The panel (from left): Ng Yi Lian, Cynthia Chua, Erin Chen, and Bella Koh.
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GIRL TALK
THE SIMPLE TRUTH TO HAPPINESS
I had a simple childhood and everything was a hand-me-down from my older brother. No fancy pencil boxes, water bottles or school bags. My parents told me to 12 4
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Media personality Jade Seah keeps a “Three Blessings” journal to jump-start positive emotions.
study hard and get a good job – that was the way to get “rich” and to able to afford all the luxury in the world later on in life. And so that is exactly what this daughter did.
I graduated with a Bachelor in Business Management at the Singapore Management University, snagged a job in a top ad agency, and signed on as a Mediacorp artiste. While I was more than fi nancially comfortable, I was pretty miserable. I checked the boxes – education, money, social status, and physical appearance. So what went wrong and why was I unhappy? Well, it boiled down to three things, so I have learnt. No. 1: Social connection. It’s the single most important thing one can do to be happy, and depth (not breadth) is what matters. That is to give more love to the special few, and to deepen the bonds and trust, while taking time off from superficial relationships. No. 2: Flow state. That’s to be immersed in something like a favourite activity where you can use your creative abilities to lead a happier and more fulfilled life. For me, it is sport, but it could be playing a musical instrument, cooking, or learning a new language.
No. 3: Gratitude. Yep, grateful people are happier people. The simplest thing you can do for yourself right now is to count your blessings. And, I keep a “Three Blessings” journal. It involves penning down three good things (before going to bed) that happened (to you) in the day that you’re thankful for. I prefer to do this fi rst thing in the morning to kick-start my day, looking back on all that was beautiful the day before. Now, try it every day for a week! Like me, you can possibly fi nd an immediate lightness of spirit after writing the blessings down. I found an increased sense of purpose that helps with productivity and getting me into a flow state at work (double win!). The side effects: I feel pumped with vigour. And research has proven it to be the most powerful of all positive psychology techniques for increasing overall well-being. It takes just five minutes a day to be happier. If you do just one thing for yourself today, let this be it!
PHOTO JADE SEAH
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ASK JAY
Got a relationship problem? Jason Godfrey our resident guy expert, is here to help. I’ve never believed in love at first sight until I met two guys in the same week: one I got to know at a bar, and the other is a new colleague. Are these feelings real for me to act on it? You’ve never been in love before but you fell in love twice – all in a week? Did you change your medication or change the brand of your coffee bean? Of course the feelings are real! That is, they are real enough for you to bat your eyelashes and flirt relentlessly with both of them until you end up on a date with one of them, or both. Preferably not at the same time. Remember, being struck by Cupid twice with two different guys doesn’t make you a floozy. Getting deep into a relationship with two guys in the same week or same time does. So you’re good. I saw pictures of one of my girlfriends on social media, hanging out
with my hubby and his friends in poses I’m really not comfortable with. Should I start showing up at these parties to stake my claim, Jay? An Eastern European friend told me that her aunt and uncle had celebrated 70 years of marriage, and she asked the elderly lady what the secret to their longevity was. Her answer: “I’m not friends with anyone who wants to sleep with my husband.”
And from what you’ve said, it sort of, kind of sounds like a situation where this girlfriend of yours may want to hook up with your man. The problem with girls who want to hook up with any woman’s man is that they play the long game. They’re in it for years and years, planting the seed of infidelity. You should definitely have a girl-to-girl talk or at least show up at a couple of these gatherings to let her know: The man is yours.
“Hi, I’m his shadow. He’s mine – forever.”
THE REAL OR FAKE ME?
If a relationship is new, you’re often faced with this dilemma. How much of your real self do you want to reveal without scaring him away? The answer: Just enough. Sounds hard to grasp? That’s because it is difficult to perfect. Here are some ideas of what that means. If you have loud laughter, laugh as loud as you need to, but cut it short at snorting liquid out of your nose, girls! And if you have a different opinion, don’t hold it back. Express it and own it, but don’t get into a petty argument. Indulge in that piece of cake at dinner because you (really) deserve it. But don’t stuff it in your face like a stress-eater. You can’t be that “safe generic girl” because nobody wants to date that “safe generic girl”. You need to be enough of you to show how awesomely idiosyncratic and beautifully unique you are – yet not too much of you that can be annoying to people. In short, head out on that date with confidence and show off your likeable personality that will win him over. Now, if that doesn’t work, don’t fret. That person isn’t right for you anyway. So get out there and be your best self. Take note: You can always introduce them to your worst self once they’re living with you and trapped with a couple of kids.
Have any questions about men and their romantically obtuse ways? E-mail Jason at magherworld@sph.com.sg, follow him on Twitter (@bigsmilenoteeth) and like his Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bigsmilenoteeth.
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Originating from Tamagawa Onsen - Akita, Japan, Yunohana’s Hokutolite Bedrock Spa Therapy is a bathing method that does not require water. Also known as a dry onsen, this involves laying atop natural mineral rocks with heat. This treatment
has a host of benefits: slimming, detoxification, an immunity boost, skin repair and anti-ageing properties. Firsttime customers can enjoy the treatment for just $70. Available at Yunohana Spa, 9 Scotts Road, #03-03 Pacific Plaza.
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THE LAST PAGE
The Decadent
Jimmy Choo’s Posy, a gold-plated brass cagelike clutch/crossbody/ shoulder bag embellished with metal flowers and emerald-coloured stones, is a pretty number. The size of an iPhone XS Max, it fits all the essentials (hongbao, cards, keys, breath mints and a lipstick) for CNY. ₏4,795 (S$7,230), at www. jimmychoo.com. - ST
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Bag
for Hongbao
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