FLEEK by Gerald Tan

21141491

291472 4

Hi!

It took me way too long to write this note because of the pressure to put out my best on my favourite issue of Fleek. For the whole team, it has been a conscious effort from the beginning to empower and highlight women’s multi-dimensional, complex, and diverse characteristics. Every single detail, word, and photograph has been crafted with appreciation and respect for women in mind, and we hope to be your trusted companion on your journey to becoming the woman you aspire to be. Our cover page was beautifully illustrated by our sub-editor, Vanoha Chiam. We couldn’t help ourselves and went crazy on the pink colour scheme this issue. In the midst of celebrating romance and relationships, we want to encourage you to love and take care of yourselves. We feel that girls are constantly being criticised, and as a female-centric magazine, we would like to remind you that taking care of yourself and being aWn intelligent woman does not have to be mutually exclusive. You do you! Wear makeup, or don’t. We want you to be happy. 3

21141491

291472 4

The

Beauty of Simplicity shows you how to incorporate a classic white shirt into your wardrobe with four different trendy looks

lassy and fabulous, the little black dress encapsulated everything the legendary Coco Chanel represented, and became an icon of timeless fashion. In the present era of throwback fashion such as crop tops and high-waisted shorts, a piece is emerging in a very different form from its predecessor – the white shirt. In the past, women hardly had any white shirts as a part of their repertoire. Today, celebrities such as Kendall Jenner and Taylor Swift are inspiring girls everywhere by incorporating white shirts into their daily outfits. Beauty vlogger of The Oracle Journal on YouTube, Ann-Marie Yeo, 19, considers Italian fashion designer Chiara Ferragni as her muse. “I was inspired by her to wear white tops with denim for an effortless look,” said Ann-Marie. Paint company Benjamin Moore announced ‘Simply White’ as 2016’s Colour of the Year. This comes as no surprise since minimalistic photographs complete with white backgrounds have become a trend on Instagram and Tumblr today. In fact, your own social media feeds have probably seen the likes of this growing fashion item recently! “I love white shirts as it’s versatile and classic, and can be worn for many different occasions – be it for formal or informal,” said Koo Jing Wen, 22, a university student, “you can achieve multiple looks with just a change in [the type of] bottoms or accessories”. A white shirt will make a brilliant choice for your next #OOTD (Outfit of the Day) post on social media. Here are some ways to style your white shirt into three different looks.

White Shirt — Mango Denim Jeans — H&M Green Kimono — H&M Black Flats — Ecco Black Leather Bracelet — Balenciaga

Also known as 'boho-chic', incorporating a white shirt into your ensemble will neutralise the loud colours and prints usually associated with bohemian fashion. Tie the ends of your white shirt into a knot and match it with an aztec-print skirt, then add a statement necklace to complete the outfit. Brighter accents in the prints are perfect for the spring season. “Once, I wore this outfit to a music festival, and many guys turned to look at me,” laughed Ann-Marie. It definitely is a subtly sexy and head-turning look! White Shirt — Mango Aztec-print Shorts — Zara Statement Necklace — Mango Brown Stilettos — Forever 21 Brown Handbag — Mulberry

STREET EDGE (ON THE RIGHT) An edgy style comprising of neutral tones or clashing bright colours can act as a reflection of one's lifestyle, attitudes, and individuality. In streetwear, there are no right or wrongs, and the only thing limiting you is your own imagination. Some typical streetwear brands such as Supreme and Undefeated are commonly worn by youths today. Take street style to the next level with a white shirt. “The white shirt is great for creating many styles, including something edgier [because] it is simple enough to be able to complement the whole outfit, without stealing the limelight from the other pieces,” said Ann-Marie. In this case, the asymmetrical skirt is the highlight of the outfit, and when paired with the latest pair of trendy sneakers, you will be the queen of streetwear. White Shirt — Topshop Black Asymmetrical Skirt — CAMEO Black Sneakers — Nike

So p h i s t i - K a t e

(on the left )

Ditch the impression that only expensive, couture pieces can make you look and feel chic. This look will make you feel like a million bucks without having to spend an obscene amount of money. Perfect for a day out in town, or to glam up for a day in school. Try throwing on outerwear over a white shirt with skinny jeans. A loose cardigan or kimono would be perfect for those rare chilly days in Singapore. However, don’t let the humid weather stop you from trying this look. “Kimonos are made of a very cooling and silky material that radiates heat away from your body,” said Jing Wen, so there’s no need to worry about constantly having to deal with sweat.

Str

ippe

gets NAKED with Urban Decay’s most famous palette – by comparing it with a fake

Urban Decay

D was born in 1996, when shades of rouge and beige dominated the market, but lacked shades of greens and purples. This led founder Sandy Lerner to try her hand at creating cosmetics with a sense of style you couldn't find on the shelves then. With her friends, they launched the brand Urban Decay, which had 10 shades of lipsticks and 12 nail polishes, breathing life into their edgy and sexy vision (The brand name was created after Lerner invented her first product by mixing red and black nail polish!). Their highly individualistic brand image quickly gained a cult following called 'UDers' – united by individuality.

Photo by Regin Ho Crushed make up photo by dreanstime.com

ny girl that has touched makeup before is sure to have heard or seen of this legendary series of buttery eyeshadow palettes: Naked by Urban Decay (UD). Sold once every five seconds, this beautiful palette series beat the most iconic perfume in the world, Chanel No. 5 (sold once every 30 seconds). They are best known for their ‘revolutionary’ palettes that took the makeup world by storm in 2011. Palettes so revolutionary, that there are fakes floating everywhere on online stores like Taobao and Carousell!

WHAT IS NAKED? Naked’s Pigment Infusion System™ is the formula that gives the series its unique velvety, saturated, and easily blendable powder. The first Naked palette was mostly made up of bronze colours, and was said to be able to “revolutionise neutral palettes forever”, according to their website. The Naked2 palette saw taupe colours catering to those with warmer skin tones. When Naked3 came out, it broke records with one sale happening every second! The palette contained largely of rosy hues, and grabbed the attention of those with peachy skin tones.

REAL

Each of the three palettes come with a double-ended eyeshadow application brush, and also a week's worth of the brand’s bestselling primer potion, which acts as an eyeshadow base to help makeup last longer. Cosplayer and owner of a Naked 2 palette, Tok Wei Yuan, 18, said that the palette's ability to stay on without smudging is its best selling point. Priscilla Theodora Poh Ai Lin, 21, a makeup artist from Cosmoprof Academy, said that her favourite thing about it was the quality of the pigments. “It sticks on the skin right away, and the pigment is really strong,” she said. The palette is sold at $83 at Sephora Singapore.

FAKE Geraldine Leow Min En, 19, also a makeup artist from Cosmoprof Academy, said using fake products pose a risk on consumers because one can never know what goes in that glittery grey! The Telegraph said that counterfeit products may contain things like rat poo and cyanide, and that these can cause “rashes and in the most serious cases, lethal poisoning”. FLEEK ran a poll on Twitter to see how many people would know the difference between the real and fake makeup palettes. Fifty per cent voted wrongly, having been duped by a dupe! “There’s a strong smell of talc and [the shadows] have a flakey consistency too,” Geraldine laughed. The counterfeit palette was bought on Taobao at $12, a whopping $71 dollars less.

CONCLUSION With the pros and cons laid out on the table, it’s pretty obvious why the fakes are indeed fakes. Of course, you still have the choice to try them out yourself, but don’t say we didn’t tell you so! “You shouldn’t even be going for the counterfeit version,” Priscilla said sternly. She insists that if you really want the palette, you should go for the real deal. Wei Yuan also agrees that counterfeit makeup is a bad investment because swelling, rashes, or even an infection is not worth the risk. So we say, spend a few more bucks and enjoy the palette you deserve!

“S

gives you the low-down on the latest hair trend taking over the world one head at a time

he’s got a lip ring and five colours in her hair… That weirdo with five colours in her hair…” To all the 90s kids singing along, this song by McFly must have brought back the memories big time. It’s 2016 and youths are still making statements with their colourful locks. With idols like Hayley Williams and Katy Perry sporting fresh colours every season, it’s no wonder that youths are jumping onto the bandwagon. Statistics on eBay showed that the sale of pink hair dye went up by a whopping 243 per cent in 2013. In another database by a market research and consulting firm, Kline PRO, bright hair dye sales increased by 46 per cent in 2014. Locally, celebrities like Naomi Neo and Sylvia Chan from Night Owl Cinematics have also been spotted joining the trend of bright hair colours.

Given the freedom of dress codes in most tertiary institutions, teenagers have been given yet another way to express their individuality. Ng Shi Ayn, 19, a polytechnic student flaunting her purple mane, shared, “In the past, there’d always been one or two people who were brave enough to dye their whole head blue or orange [...] It’s a fun thing for us youngsters to do before we enter the professional working life.” Ms Desaree Khoo, 38, the salon manager of X’pect Studio, said, “I think this trend will stay in 2016 and get even bigger since it doesn’t require too much commitment, since after a few washes the dye will fade away.” Desaree shared some of the trendiest hairstyles that have been making headlines.

Underlayer Hair Colouring

This hairstyle brings ‘business in the front, party at the back’ to new heights. Also called the ‘secret underlayer’ or ‘peekaboo hair’, it was first seen on Kylie Jenner and went viral recently on social media. Desaree said, “Underlayer colouring is the more conservative style, for people who want to experiment with colours but don’t want to go all the way.” To achieve this look, the stylist would bleach the bottom layer of your hair and dye it with bold colours.

Pantone Hair

2016 was the first time two hues were chosen to be the colours of the year. For something edgy, go for that two-toned look. Much like half-half pizza – the best invention since sliced bread – you get the best of both worlds. Part your hair in the center and dye one side blue, and the other side pink. It’ll attract attention as easily as a neon store sign in the night.

Rainbow Hair

Who said you had to settle on only one colour for your tresses? Definitely not unicorns! “In the past, my clients would only ask for one colour but now they are more experimental with colours and gradients,” Desaree said. It can get time-consuming for sure, but it is totally worth the end result.

Photo by Erin Chua

discovers the fine art of traditional Indian beauty and its symbolic culture through Henna

“

Beauty is transient, and changes with time,” said Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai. While the pursuit for beauty has been constant through generations, ideals have since shifted. Western influences may have a large following in Singapore, but today, traditional Indian beauty techniques are making a comeback. Beauty techniques such as facial hair threading, nose piercing, and Henna drawing have been practiced for centuries. Originally from India, these techniques hold significant cultural symbolism. Traditionally, Henna body art involves intricate designs like flowers or the mandala. However, people are slowly becoming even more creative in the use of this versatile paste. Traditional designs have changed to much more modern styles such as geometric shapes. These designs can be seen on social media sites like Instagram, Twitter, and Tumblr. Owners of the shop Lovgar Beauty Services, Loveena Sharma, 22, and Rano Sharda, 57, said that they see a good mix of customers seeking services like Henna art and facial hair threading. The quaint salon on Clive Street was set up by the mother-daughter duo back in 2013. Sharma shared that Henna exists in two different forms – natural and instant.The more popular choice, Natural Henna, is made with natural ingredients, while its less popular counterpart is made with harmful chemicals found in hair dyes. “I only use natural Henna because I tried using instant Henna once and I got a chemical burn,” shared Sharma while revealing a small scar on her wrist. Eyebrows are said to frame a person’s face, and many women of Indian heritage prefer to keep their eyebrows

neatly shaped, by either threading or waxing. While the latter is the more popular for its convenience, Sharma explained that the process is nowhere near as clean, as finer hairs are not taken out. “The shape achieved is definitely not as elaborate as threading,” she said as she demonstrated the process. Winding a piece of thread around her thumbs and index fingers, she then widened and closed them simultaneously. This hair removal method has since been adopted by Western beauty salons such as Benefit BrowBar and Browhaus. When asked about whether the growing hype of Western salons have affected them, Sharda laughed. “Our shop has its regular customers [...] and there are new customers, especially tourists, that will walk the streets of Little India, and they walk in to try [one of the traditional Indian beauty techniques],” said Sharda. With the increasing popularity of the ‘bohemian chic’ fashion trend and the association it has with Indian culture, there is no doubt at all that such beauty techniques are becoming a trend among young women. “My friends and I go for threading [sessions] on a regular basis and I have definitely seen many Singaporean girls of all races having a nose piercing and Henna art on their palms,” said Kimberly Chua, a 19-year-old polytechnic student. One can always experiment with different styles to find out what they feel confident with. After all, which girl would not want to look, and feel pretty? Photos by Gerald Tan

investigates the hype over Korean skincare and teaches you how to customise your own routine

orean beauty has taken the world by storm ever since the invention of BB Cream in 2012. South Koreans seem to know all the secrets to defying ageing and gravity, and even ahjummas (aunties) on K-dramas have radiant skin that most of us lust after. K-beauty grew from 15 brands available in Singapore in 2010 to 50, thanks to the Korean beauty trend that swept across the nation. What makes Korean beauty products so popular? Beauty blogger Ryan Sim, said, “I believe it’s the innovativeness of technologies, types of packaging, and the fact that it’s affordable for consumers.” The price to pay to stay on top of the Korean skincare game is surprisingly affordable. Ms Elizabeth Cutter, a Korean beauty enthusiast, said, “I believe in K-skincare, because for the results consumers were getting, the cost was extremely affordable.” Here is a six step routine for you to get started on your skincare journey.

Step 1: Double Cleanse

“Double cleansing is essential in K-skincare, and many Koreans believe in it”, Ryan explained. First, massage your face with an oil cleanser to break down leftover makeup, then follow up with a gentle cleanser.

Step 2: Exfoliate

This step should only be done twice a week to remove dead cells and unclog pores. A face wash that contains microbeads will do the trick. Gently massage the product into damp skin, avoiding the eye areas, and rinse off with warm water.

Step 3: Prep with Toner

“Unlike Western toners, Korean toners are supposed to hydrate and optimise the effectiveness of the serums that one will use at the later steps,” Ryan said. To use your toner, spritz it all over your face lightly.

Photos by Regin Ho

Step 4: Treat

This step is customised to your individual skin needs. There are serums available to treat all skin problems, so pick the one that can tackle your current skin woes. Apply this from the centre of your face outward and also down to the neck.

Step 5: Moisturise

Use sleeping packs for intense hydration overnight. “My skincare routine can’t go without sleeping packs. Their [formulas are] light and not at all oily, making my skin firm and hydrated,” declared Elizabeth. Slather the cream on and leave it overnight for your skin to reap its benefits.

Step 6: Protect

Sun damage is one of the biggest culprits that cause early ageing. Many Koreans invest a lot of time and money into this step as it is key in preventing wrinkles and dark spots from appearing on the skin prematurely. Korean skincare can be a lot to take in, with its numerous steps. “Don’t be overwhelmed by the sheer number of products available. Understanding your skin type and primary concerns before starting your shopping trip will help,” advised Ryan.

Skin Friendly Ingredients

Snail Slime

The slimey substance helps to repair and hydrate by triggering collagen and elastin production, reducing signs of ageing and clearing blemished skin.

Black Sugar

Popularly used in Asian cuisine, this unrefined sugar contains vitamin B that helps skin cells to regenerate. Glycolic acid present in black sugar exfoliates dead cells, leaving skin bright and even.

steps to

6 beauty Cleanse Use Skinfood's Black Sugar Cleansing Oil and Innisfree's Jejubija Trouble Cleansing Gel.

exfoliate One of Skinfood's bestselling Black Sugar Wash-Off Mask will do the trick.

tone We recommend Cosrx's AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner.

treat Try Cosrx's Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence.

moisturise Elizabeth swears by Innisfree's Green Tea Seed Sleeping Pack.

protect Biore's UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen SPF50+ PA+++ blocks out UVA and UVB and is light enough for everyday wear.

ade, 23, and June, 22, are both wearing Thai designer clothing from head to toe. Their classy matching bags are from Celine. Kade said, “I would most likely wear a black maxi dress from a Thai designer and pair it with this bag.”

hits the streets to find out what you plan to wear on this year’s Valentine’s

t’s that time of the year again, where you’re either out with your partner or all alone in your room, bingeing on the chocolate you bought yourself. Whether you’re in love, or out, FLEEK thinks you should still be owning it in the fashion department.

A chic slingbag like this can be paired with a variety of looks, from a flattering jumpsuit to a flirty sundress, and will surely make you stand out from the crowd.

Yes, Singapore’s hot weather may feel like satan cast a curse upon our tiny island to feel a fraction of what hell is, but there are always ways to look good while feeling comfortable. Maybe this year you will be the reason for our scorching heat.

t was Jessica’s bright coloured bag that caught our attention. Add some life to a muted outfit by adding a pop of colour like this.

We asked some of you fashionable people what you would wear this Valentine’s day, and here are some great ideas we came across. Quick, steal them!

“I don’t usually wear skirts but I think i’m going to wear one from Editor’s Market this time. I’ll put in more effort but I definitely still want to feel great.”

“I

ackless red ’ll wear a b ith high w maxi dress se I’m u a c e b heels r the shorte already on an get.” c e height I need all th side, so I’ll ould ight, you c got the he , or just wear y d a e lr a If you’ve ls for flats ot? n ap out hee always sw yway, because why an the heels

Photos by Regin Ho

“A

not super black dress and sneakers. I’m to look a bit try I’ll but , girly as you can tell ut trying abo all It's e.” dat the for better d. sai she ks, loo on new

edgy look, but that doesn’t Jeslyn’s piercings add to her feminine side this Valentine’s. mean she won’t tap on her

Forever of the'Forever

ALONE’’ ALONE

leads the anthem of all the single ladies out there this year with a little bitterness and a lot of misadventure 1:00 PM

Ugh, it’s Valentine’s Day. Otherwise known as the day I remind myself over and over again about how I’m forever alone. Remind me again why I have to get out of bed and face public displays of affection 24/7. Oh right, it’s because I’m supposed to be mature enough to be able to handle this without throwing a tantrum. Well, here’s one mature adult getting out of bed right now. (Are you proud of me, Mother?)

1:15 PM

In the words of William Shakespeare, ‘to shave, or not to shave, that is the question’. Or at least something similar to that. I wonder whether women shaved back in his era. Probably not, those lucky ladies never had to face the trials and tribulations of nicking their skin with razors. It’s okay, who has time for shaving? I’d rather ‘shave time’. HAHA! And this is why I’m single.

2:00 PM

I look like a wreck, with uncombed hair and no makeup on. My face practically screams ‘DATELESS!!’, but at least I’ve managed to make it out the door. Well, time to go paint the town red with the blood of happy couplIs that an advert for banana boating? They’re literally being towed by a speedboat on an inflatable banana-shaped tube... That looks insanely ridiculous, I love it. Let’s go.

3:30 PM

So here I am, at Sentosa’s Wave House, waiting for my turn to get squished with nine other souls on a speeding neon yellow rubber banana, clinging on for dear life as it zips across the water. Sounds just splendid, doesn’t it?

4:00 PM

Spotted a cute guy and made eye contact with him! Should I go over and say hi? Maybe he could be The One, my knight in shining armour, the man to pull down my pants, theDang it, he has a girlfriend.

4:25 PM

Finally made it onto the banana boat. This better be worth the $25 I spent.

4:55 PM

MISSION ABORT!! ACCIDENTALLY FLASHED MR CUTE GUY!! MISSION ABORT!!

5:20PM

I can never be seen in public again. Not after my bikini got pulled down and I flashed the whole universe. My future has been decided as of now – I’m going to be a hermit. Wait, is that Mr Cute Guy coming over??? Time to make a quick escape...

6:30PM

Where else to go after an embarrassing escapade than Clarke Quay to drown my sorrows? At least I can afford to blow my budget thanks to my lack of a partner.

7:30PM

Ah, Chupitos looks like a nice bar. Everyone here seems to be like me, singles downing shot after shot. French Lingerie, Pumpkin Pie – is that a blowjob shot – they all sound great. Oh look, I’ve found the perfect shot for me, the Virgin’s Blush! HAHA!

10:30PM

This might be the alcohol talking, but that guy across the bar looks really interesting. Okay, right after this shot (my sixth? Seventh?) I’ll ask him out. Wish me luck. Forever Alone by : http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/ Picture by Regin Ho

Mobile-Dating

APP-ropriate

Love is in the air this February with Valentine’s Day right around the corner. takes a look at mobile dating applications and whether they’re really worth a try

t’s a beautiful day and you’re walking down the street when a glimpse of powdery pink catches your eye. Rows and rows of fresh roses line the windows of a store, a sure sign that Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. For those of you without sweethearts, fret not, perhaps it’s time to turn to dating apps to try your luck. The dating scene has changed and evolved with the introduction of apps such as Tinder, Paktor, and OkCupid becoming wildly popular with those hoping to find love. For example, Tinder has an estimated 50 million users! Tinder and Paktor work similarly – sign up and be presented with a seemingly never-ending list of men or women depending on your preference. Swipe right to indicate interest and swipe left to reject, and if the other party has ‘liked’ you, there will be a match and both of you can start messaging. OkCupid is different in the sense that anyone can choose to message you even if you didn’t ‘like’ them. Those who have tried these apps will probably be familiar with the thrill of a match, and the urge to continue the swiping game to see which stranger reciprocates. However, is who you see on those profiles really the truth? “There’s only Facebook verification needed,” Ms Grace Fang Ming Yar, 54, a polytechnic lecturer of mobile applications, commented about the safety features available. “In which case it’s not very secure, as I could just create a fake Facebook account to get in.” The lack of screening is linked to a phenomenon known as catfishing, a term first coined from a 2010 documentary on fake dating profiles, where people created fake identities and passed off the photographs of other people as themselves. In a

Photo by Kris Chua

2013 survey by Pew Research Center, 54 per cent of dating application users felt that there were some people who provided largely false information on their online profiles and 28 per cent of users have felt harassed on the apps before, from receiving crotch shots to unwanted messages of sexual natures. “Weird pick up lines and stalkers,” shared Syairah Goh, 19, a polytechnic student, on the downsides of the apps. “They tried to find my address!” She exclaimed, as she recalled her terrifying experience. A stigma has also been formed with the use of these apps. According to the same survey, 41 per cent of respondents felt that online dating is not a good way to meet people online, and 21 per cent felt those who participate in online dating are desperate. “People use these apps for superficial connections like one night stands, not for real love, so when they say they’re in a serious relationship with one they met from a dating app it feels very hard to believe,” Erika Chan Hui Wen, 19, a health sciences student, said. A junior college student, Nur Liyana Bte Faizal Wahyuni, 19, also commented, “Society sees dating apps as platforms for those who are desperate or weird as they were not able to find a relationship through their own social group.” How true are some of these prejudices? Couples who found significant others on dating apps shared their views. “Even though they do not show it they are definitely judging,” said Gladys Wong Fang, 19, a polytechnic student, when asked about how her peers reacted when they realised her relationship was formed via a dating app. According to an article on the Wall Street Journal,

many couples have gone so far as to hide the truth about where they met to prevent their peers from thinking ill of them. Some of these couples reveal the truth only when the relationship gets serious, and sometimes they don’t reveal it at all. The Independent mentioned the importance of physical attractiveness in securing a date on the apps, which doesn’t help the perception of online daters as shallow people. Users choose whether to indicate interest based off a few profile pictures and a short biography. Furthermore, there is truth in the assumption that physical attraction plays a big part in online dating. An experiment where OkCupid removed all pictures from the app for seven hours saw their site metrics plunge by about 10,000 as many users didn’t want to make matches without knowing their partner’s physical appearance. However, some argue that physical attraction isn’t shallow. According to an article published by the Huffington Post, 78 per cent of those who took the survey felt that physical attraction is important in maintaining relationship satisfaction, regardless of whether the relationship was formed online or not. So long as users can balance physical and emotional attraction, they will enjoy a healthy relationship. The idea that people have not fully accepted online dating and viewed users as socially incompetent is still apparent. When she talked to her peers about mobile dating apps, Sereneth Evans, 23, a NAFA graduate, recounted one of the opinions, “‘Are you that busy or useless that you need technology to help you meet people?’” Psychologist Dr Jean Liu, 30, a romantic relationships specialist and consultant for Paktor, said, “People

have this misconception that love has to be organic, like a Disney story, but what people don’t get is that love seldom takes place without any help.” She referred to the olden days when people were match made, and likened these applications to a modern-day matchmaker. “The stigma is uncalled for, and there’re issues only when people do not move beyond the screen. If they choose to meet up in person then there shouldn’t be any stigma against mobile dating.” How then do these relationships that have been formed offline compare? Dr Liu said that when the initial meeting happens in person, they would have more information to evaluate their compatibility, as opposed to having to choose based off a profile. However, based on a study conducted by the University of Chicago and Harvard University in 2013, more than one-third of marriages in America had their relationships start with the aid of dating apps. So it’s actually possible for dating apps to work out in the long run. As people become more open-minded towards non-traditional forms of dating, more people will be willing to try out these dating apps, and perhaps with these changing mindsets, the stigma will not be as prominent as it was before.

Your Diet

Is wearing

Has vanity taken over our concern for health? Join as she explores the obsession with being thin and how dieting can really affect us

e it websites that fat-shame celebrities or adverts that urge us to ‘lose five pounds in a week’, everyone is very familiar with what the media is hinting at: thin is beautiful. A study conducted by the British All Party Parliamentary Group found that girls as young as five worried about their size, and one in four seven-year-old girls have already tried to lose weight. The trend has started many diet plans over the years, few of which are actually healthy for us. “Young people today live in an environment where looks are of utmost importance,” explained the Southern Communication Journal on the pressure people feel to have to be whatever the media portrays perfection to be. “Years ago, the trend was to be voluptuous. Then, people had an obsession with gaining weight. I think a lot of it is what the media puts out,” said Karin G. Reiter, a medical nutritionist. Close to seven million viewers tuned in to watch The Victoria’s Secret (VS) lingerie fashion show last year, a drop from an estimated nine million viewers two years ago. Elitedaily.com said, “The Victoria’s Secret fashion show is damaging to a woman’s psyche.” Also, a tweet posted by a teenager on Twitter said, “Time to starve because the VS fashion show is on the 10th!” Kirsten Haglund, 27, founder of the Kirsten Haglund Foundation (KHF), aims to provide aid and hope to those suffering from eating disorders. She said in an article, “The comparison between consumers and the

14 1

images we see daily is bound to have a major impact, and it often manifests in the form of low self-worth, negative body image, and eating disorders.” Just by searching up ‘diets to lose weight’ on search engines, results like ‘four week slimming challenge’ and ‘lose weight fast in three weeks’ appear. These are known as quick-fix diets. However, according to Mayo Clinic, attempting to lose too much weight within a short period of time could lead to the loss of essential water stores in the body as well as lean muscle tissue.

you “When people go for diets that last one or two weeks, they are usually crash diets [...] when you go on a crash diet like that, the weight that you lose is almost entirely water weight,” Karin said. For example, the grapefruit diet. It is based on the claim that grapefruit has a fat-burning enzyme that can aid in weight loss. Most grapefruit diet plans on the Internet allow for 1200 calories a day or less – the advised intake of a four-year-old. Isabel Phua, a 19-year-old student, had a healthy body mass index of 21 when she first attempted to lose weight with the grapefruit diet four years ago. “It made me feel weak and tired, I didn’t have energy to concentrate in class,” she said. A 2014 research journal on obesity mentioned that prolonged calorie restriction can stunt the body’s resting metabolic rate, meaning that when one goes back to eating normally, their body will not be able to metabolise food fuel as efficiently as before, leading to weight gain. Most diets require eliminating at least one food group partially or entirely, such as low-carb or low-fat diets. Keri Gans, author of the book ‘The Small Diet Change’ and a professional nutritionist, said, “I would never tell anyone to eliminate an entire food group, especially carbs. These are our body’s fuel. Our brain only functions on glucose, and carbs break down into glucose.” In the movie ‘Requiem For a Dream’, Sarah Goldfarb saw an advertisement on weight loss everyday. Soon, she started dieting, and the restricted intake made her crave unhealthy food more than she usually did.

This is exactly the thought process that caused many people to fall into the ‘yo-yo’ diet cycle or develop disorders such as binge eating, bulimia nervosa, or anorexia nervosa. The Semi-Starvation Experiment by Ancel Keys took place in 1944 at the University of Minnesota, where 36 young men restricted their calorie intake for six months, the same circumstances as weight loss programmes. Among more than 100 volunteers, they were of the highest physical and psychological health. Most of them experienced periods of emotional dis-

If you’re already stuck in a cycle of dieting and binge eating and can’t seem to get out, it may be a sign of an emerging eating disorder. Seek your doctor for advice on what to do. tress, with 20 per cent of them displaying severe emotional deterioration during the study. Dr Iris Lee, 29, a general practitioner, stands by the fact that diets do not solve the problem but instead disrupt the system. “If you want to lose weight […] one must understand that they cannot achieve it in a short period of time. It is a change of lifestyle, eating better, and exercising,” she said. There are no quick fixes when it comes to losing weight, and eating healthier alternatives such as brown rice instead of white, will help. While it may take longer to see results, the weight will stay off, and it’ll be much healthier than a diet.

151

health is WEALTH and delve into the sudden craze of youths keeping fit

n internal was carried Singapore in 2010, and found of the respondents exercise at least once cent increase from active age group was teenagers aged 13 to cent of those polled

survey out by the Sports Council that 57 per cent participate in a week, a 9 per 2009. The most reported to be 19, where 83 per exercised weekly.

Shirley Tan, 35, a Les trainer at EQUIP Gym been an increase in youths who go to the Many who go to the still studying at local know the importance and benefits of being About 30 per cent of Bodypump classes are

Mills certified fitness said that there has health-conscious gym to exercise. gym are students institutions. “They of being healthy, fit,” she explained. attendees of her students as well.

There was an increase the sports participation ages 20 to 24 between based on a statement Education (MOE).

of 70 per cent in rate for those of the 2012 to 2014, by the Ministry of

Why do youths choose to incorporate exercise into their life nowadays? This could be a supplement to the trend of healthy eating, and perhaps due to active reminders by the government to help Singaporeans understand the importance of keeping fit. Chevy Ang, 18, started exercising in anticipation of his enrolment in National Service. He was encouraged by his friends, and the companionship kept him motivated and also made the workouts more enjoyable.

Photo by Regin Ho

Of course, one of the main motivations for keeping fit is to have that ‘insta-worthy’ body. Yes it may be superficial, but it’s definitely a great incentive to keep working out. Rennie Tan, 19, said, “People are starting to take interest in keeping fit to look good as well, besides it being very beneficial to your health.” So what are some of the ways that youths are trying to keep fit? Jogging seems to be the number one pick, perhaps due to how straightforward it is, followed by workouts at the gym. “More youths prefer building on strength and endurance, or picking up high intensive training. This is the most popular right now among youths as it’s more easy to catch, monitor, and follow. They can also pace themselves, in their own time with their own target,” said Shirley. Both Chevy and Rennie jog weekly to keep fit, and go to the gym to supplement their weekly workouts as well. “The government and schools are doing a much better job in the recent years, encouraging youths to participate more in exercising, and imparting a better knowledge for living a healthier lifestyle,” Shirley praised. She said that the government continues to remind Singaporeans about the importance of caring for their health. Recently, the Health Promotion Board (HPB) launched the National Steps Challenge to encourage Singaporeans to walk 10,000 steps a day. Participants could submit photos with a short description of where they took their 10,000th step to win prizes. Furthermore, Physical Education has been offered as an ‘O’ Levels subject since 2009, exposing and educating teenagers on the importance of looking after one’s body. With such encouragement from the government, it’s no wonder that youths are so much more willing to take more measures to keep fit. If you’ve been looking for a sign to get off your couch for the run that you’ve been putting off, now’s the time to grab your friends and go for it.

MUNCH Your Way To Health A

Who said snacking is bad for you? Join as she uncovers the truth about snacking and teaches you how to snack the right way

ccording to the Global Health and Wellness Report, healthy eating has become the craze. Whether the goal is to lose inches off your waist or to simply to feel more energetic, the steps to be taken are the same – to watch what you put in your body. What exactly then, is healthy eating? Dr Janan Lee, 30, a general practitioner, said, “Healthy eating means eating in moderation. There’s nothing that you absolutely cannot eat [...] but too much of anything is not good.” According to Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch, authors of ‘Intuitive Eating’, abstaining entirely from any kind of food in particular is not healthy for both body and mind. We’re all familiar with mid-afternoon cravings. What then, to do, when your body is screaming for food between meal times? “When you’re hungry you have to respond. You need to eat something rather than starve, because it could cause rebound binge eating,” said Dr Lee. Eating healthily doesn’t mean not being able to indulge. It’s about listening to your body, and feeding it right.

“If you’re going to snack, it’s better to eat something healthy,” said Dr Lee.

Tips for Smarter Snacking

1. Check nutrition labels, even for foods that seem healthy. For example, many energy bars contain high fructose corn syrup, sugar, and saturated fat.

2. Try not to keep junk food at home. Unless you have a great deal of self-control, it may be too tempting.

3. Remaining focused on your meal while eating

helps you to better tell when you're full, preventing overeating.

4. Make your own snacks so you know what is going into your body.

Jessica Bose, 19, a recent junior college graduate, started eating healthily three years ago in hopes of feeling more energetic. Here is a healthy snack she suggested. Get some unsweetened yogurt and add some honey to taste. Pour the first layer of yogurt in a cup and top it off with fruit and muesli. Add another layer of yogurt, fruit, and muesli, and it's done. You can mix it up and try different types of toppings with the yogurt if fruits and muesli aren’t your thing. Now go off and bless your body with some healthy goodness. All that being said, don't be too hard on yourself if you slip up every now and then. Remember that it's okay to treat yourself to a cheeky cookie once in a while.

photo by Vanoha Chiam, 123rf.com

finds out why getting the right bra could be your ticket to feeling and looking better than you do now

only need to get fitted once. However, she does recommend a new fitting for each brand that they try, to ensure that they get the perfect fit. ou’re getting ready for the day, about to put some fresh clothes on, including a bra. The last buckle doesn’t really fit but you squeeze into it anyway, because who has the time to buy a new bra? Well, you do.

If you’re too embarrassed to do it by yourself, try to bring along someone you trust. “My mum usually does it for me,” said Lydia Leong, 18, a polytechnic student, “she makes sure that I get the right size and even goes into the changing room with me. It’s a bit embarrassing but it’s to ensure quality.”

“Eight out of 10 women are completely unaware that they are getting their bra sizes wrong,” said Linda Becker, 61, a professional bra fitter of 25 years, in a video interview with ABC News. In an effort to achieve cleavage that the Himalayas would be jealous of, women might end up with a bra so tight that it eats into the skin, but is it really worth it?

Speaking of quality, a bra big enough to act as an extra pocket will affect its lifespan negatively. A bra too small could lead to problems such as the muffin top – the ugly stepsister of the spare tire. In this case, it refers to a “bulge at the top of your bra” that happens when a bra is too small, Jody Skog from Ezine Articles writes.

“If you’re talking about a lady who is well endowed [...] the ligaments can stretch. Over time, if the bra is poorly fitted, she can face premature sagging of the breasts,” said Dr Winston Liang, 27, a general practitioner. An ill-fitting bra can cause back problems and the blockage of lymph nodes, a medical condition where the removal of toxins is hindered by the pressure of the bra against the skin. No doubt these small bras may make you feel sexier, but your boobs will be gasping for air.

Step 1: Know your size Knowing your size is crucial – it will make picking a bra easier. The best way is to get fitted in a bra shop. “If they allow us to go into the fitting room with them, we’ll make sure that everything fits well for the lady,” Daisy Juraimi, 25, a bra fitter from La Senza, mentioned. The ladies in the shop are professionally trained such that most women

Illustrations by Gerald Tan

Dr Liang warned that wearing a bra of the wrong size can cause chronic pains. “It is not good for the musculoskeletal system and can lead to backaches. They might start hunching over or leaning backwards to compensate for all of the unsupported weight.” How then, should ladies find the right bra size? The process might seem complicated, but trust me, your breasts will thank you in the long run. Prioritise function over fashion and health will naturally follow suit. First, wrap a soft measuring tape around the fullest part of your breasts across your nipples, such that the tape is not too loose or tight. Then, take the measurement in inches and subtract the circumference of the area of your chest below your breasts to get your cup size. The cup should increase in size for every inch of difference. “An A would be two inches of difference, a B would be three and so on,” said Daisy.

Step 2: Get something you like The right bra is not just a boost for your breasts, but for your emotions as well. A study done by Manchester University in 2012, said that a good bra can increase a woman’s confidence by 75 per cent. When they wore a well-fitted bra, things associated with happiness such as smiling increased by 73 per cent, while more negative behaviours such as averting eye contact dropped by 41 per cent. There will be some days when you’ll want to look like a beauty but have all the power of the beast, and that’s when you’ll want your favourite bra to push up your confidence. Getting a design you really love and feel sexy in will definitely help. “I go more for fashion bras,” Lydia said, “I don’t want to see the straps with some of my clothing, so it’s really a fashion choice.”

Step 3: make sure it fits So you’ve picked the right colour and size off the shelf. It’s time to go, right? Wrong! You need to make sure that the bra fits you like a glove. “You have to put two fingers under the band to make sure it’s not too loose or too tight, and check to see if the bra cup fits well,” urged Daisy. Without this vital step, Dr Liang mentioned that permanent ‘dents’ along the bra line under the chest might appear. The Victoria’s Secret website also added that bras should be kept in a drawer to prevent them from being bent out of shape in storage to increase their lifespan. If the cups feel too loose or the bra strap is eating into your skin, it’s time to throw that bra back to where it came from and go for a different size. Once that is done, you’re all good to go!

heads to a health-centric eatery, The Living Café, to find out what they are dishing up

ucked away in a corner is a humble café that doesn't seem like much from the outside. However, this quaint place has something much better to offer than its looks: food. Step through glass doors and prepare to be greeted with a rustic interior. The executive chef of The Living Café, Cessa Obrador, 32, is a friendly, petite Filipino woman. “This café isn't fully vegetarian or vegan, it just serves healthy food,” said Cessa. Nutritionist Dana Heather, 45, founded the café.“She has the hunger to educate people on living a healthy lifestyle,” said Cessa. “We make everything from scratch.” So what does the chef recommend?

Main Course: The Raw Zucchini Lasagna Slices of shredded zucchini replace the pasta in this dish. Tomato slices and bits of 'meat' are stuffed in between the layers. Cashew mayo is drizzled on each layer with marinara sauce and a light green pesto on top. Unlike the warmth of regular lasagna, this cold-serve dish is just as satisfying. However, the taste of taco meat is lost amongst the many ingredients, and the raw cashew sauce may be slightly overwhelming after a few bites in. At $18.50, it can be pricey for a serving, but it can be filling and guilt-free.

Price: $18.50 Rating: 20

Photo by Regin Ho

Dessert: Raw Chocolate Ganache Tart Made out of coconut oil, palm sugar, cacao, and cashew nuts, this dense slice of heaven is a dream come true for all chocolate lovers. The cake has the consistency of cold fudge. Albeit being a tad too sweet, the crunchy bits of coconut make up for it. The crumbly crust is made of cashews and coconut. “The base is unique because it's not a biscuit,” said Nadia Atiqah, 18, a student who chanced upon the café one day. It may cost more than the average chocolate cake, but its unique twists make this a dish that is definitely worth trying out.

Price: $8.50

Rating: “There aren't a lot of cafés that serve healthy food [here], especially since many locals prefer Asian cuisine,” said Cessa, glancing around the café. “Most of the customers are expats. Our goal was for more locals to eat here, but it's a challenge to infuse Asian [and] Western cultures.” “I love the food here, but I can't come everyday, or I'll go broke!” Nadia laughed. However, Singaporeans have been increasingly prioritising quality over cost. The Living Café is a good place to try something new. Take a break from the sodium-rich foods present in most eateries. You’ll be surprised at how pleasantly light health foods can be while still packing a punch of flavour. Happy healthy eating!

Will the local craft scene take flight and become a serious career choice for Singaporeans? sits down with a few crafters to discuss the trend In a worled dominated by mass-produced goods, the local craft scene can provide an alternative shopping experience for consumers who want to seek out products with real faces and emotional connections behind its exterior. “I prefer things made by locals because they are more personal and meaningful,” shared Aqilah Abdul Aziz, 19, a frequent visitor of art markets. As the art scene flourishes, there’s no surprise that handmade crafts are starting to garner attention. Consumers are warming up to the idea of high-quality products made by ordinary, everyday people. With so many startups, here are some notable brands to look out for.

Latch Handmade Behind the intricate bracelets is Adrianne Tolentino, 24, a graduate from LASALLE College of the Arts. She quit her full-time job after two months to pursue her passion for leather jewellery making, which started when she sold her first bracelet made from scrap materials. “When I was young, I actually loved to do crafty things like making jewellery such as necklaces and bracelets. I learned it from my mom as well […] but a lot of it is my own research and trial and error,” she said. According to Adrianne, she manages the business alone, which comes with its own risks. Despite that, she has found her true calling with Latch Handmade and is determined to make it work.

Rough Beauty Chew Jia Tian, 25, a nursing student, never thought that her goal to use natural beauty products could turn into a career. Yet now, she makes unique handmade soaps for a living. “I think a lot more thought and effort goes into handmade goods and that’s why people like them,” Jia Tian shared her thoughts on the appeal these very special handmade goods. While being her own boss is ideal, making Rough Beauty into a sustainable business after her graduation Photo by Dang Le Anh

Shophouse Sixtyfive Founder Petrina Yuen, 24, also a graduate from LASALLE College of the Arts, started up Shophouse Sixtyfive with the vision to bring kopitiam (traditional coffee shop) flavours into beauty products. “I wanted to create a brand that was different and completely local,” she said. Petrina had a brilliant idea with her kopi o (black coffee) and rose bandung (rose syrup milk drink) lip balms which quickly gained a lot of attention. When she started getting interview requests, she took it as a sign to continue her business. “We’re getting a lot of [...] press,” Petrina said when asked about the future of the craft scene. “As [more] people realise this is a viable and quite interesting way to shop, they [tell] their friends about it. Internationally, it’s become a growing trend for movements, artisanal, and many handmade products.” The easiest way to show your support for local craftsmen is to go down to weekend night markets and art fairs. Look for the events organised by Local People and Red Dot Design Museum Singapore, since they’re some of the popular ones. There is always something for everyone from music and art, to fashion and food, promising a good time for the entire family. These products are carefully curated from local crafters so that consumers can be assured of the quality. While shopping at these places may not grant you interaction with the makers, their stories are still told through their handmade goods.

gets intimate with Jessie Ting’s personal and professional life, and spills the beans on her journey to the top

ow an elegant lady with porcelain skin, a charming smile, and two major awards under her belt, who would’ve thought that only 10 years ago, MyFatPocket Blogger Jessie Ting, 28, spent her teenage years in misery, dealing with a broken family and insecurities due to skin issues. “I was from a broken family, and my mom had to raise me [up] single-handedly,” Jessie recounted, “I also had very severe acne skin problems and was made fun of [...] so that left me with low self-esteem, and I had no desire for success.” The 28-year-old had always looked to writing to relieve her stress, and that was what led her to start her blog. Her efforts to inspire and share her experiences with people were not put to waste, and she clinched Best Beauty Blog at the Singapore Blog Awards 2014, organised two years ago by the Singapore Press Holdings. “It feels really good that I can inspire women [...] to follow their dreams and to step out of their comfort zones to achieve what they really want,” she said. Jessie described that one of the most encouraging emails she had received was from a reader who gave birth. Her reader had felt helpless but found reassurance in Jessie’s blog posts. In May 2012, she founded a salon, Beauty Recipe, which provides eyelash extensions, eyebrow, and nail services. “At that time, my readership was starting to grow and I

saw the impact that my blog had on people. I wanted to inspire more women, to make them feel confident, and to fulfil a lifelong dream [...] because I’ve always been into beauty,” Jessie explained. The salon turned out to be a huge success, nabbing the Top 100 Singapore Excellence Award 2014, presented by the Singapore Enrich Group. “You can tell from the way she speaks to customers and the way she [leads] her business. She is a strong woman, I like that,” mentioned Cherie Lee, 31, one of Beauty Recipe’s many customers. “I think [that] my successes are due to the strong support and encouragement I received from my family and friends. They’ve been with me from the start [...] so I am very thankful for them,” Jessie shared. Bloggers turned entrepreneurs like Jessie are increasing in numbers. Wendy Cheng, more commonly known as Xiaxue, arguably the most well-known blogger in Singapore, set up Baby Style Icon in 2014, which features handpicked labels for toddlers up to age six. “These bloggers are smart, and they leverage on their mass following to generate profits to create a passive income for them. A larger number of bloggers are now more open to looking for different avenues to increase their income. Not just from starting up businesses, but also from hosting, book deals, the list goes on,” said Mr Liang Tan, 51, CEO of Ozou Media Lab.

Mr Liang also mentioned that Jessie’s business worked in her favour because of her genuine passion and want to make a change in society, which was the driving force of her business, unlike some who “set up businesses just to generate profit.” The 28-year-old acknowledged the struggles she faced as a blogger, entrepreneur, and mother. “I’m an extremely busy person, so I [have to] manage my time very well [...] so that I can strike a healthy work-life balance,” she explained. Jessie spends at least one day with her family a week, especially with her son, Jack, as she does not want to miss out on precious moments in his life and wants to see her son grow up in a healthy environment. “The happiest moment in my life was when my son was born, and I didn’t want him to go through what I did. I wanted to put in more effort to make his childhood a happy and carefree one,” Jessie revealed, with resolve in her eyes. Being a new mother has brought changes to her blog’s content, contributing to a shift in the demographics of her readers.

mothers who read my blog for inspiration, or maybe even knowledge.” However, despite the drastic changes in Jessie’s life, her supportive mother, Jenny Tan, 55, revealed that Jessie is still the same inside, albeit a much stronger version. “She is a humble and filial child. I have read articles in the newspapers about children leaving their parents to [fend for] themselves. Luckily, Jessie isn’t like that. I saw her transform from this quiet girl to a confidant woman and a mother, and I feel proud of her,” Jenny shared. Jenny added that Jessie has become more caring and nurturing after giving birth to Jack. She revealed that watching her daughter take care of Jack reminded her of how she took care of Jessie when she was just a child. It also warmed her heart to watch her daughter grow up and achieve so much, overcoming many obstacles. When asked about her plans for the future, Jessie says wants to continue writing blog posts, so as to inspire women out there to live out their dreams, especially the married women, and mothers like herself.

Lisa Chin, 31, one of Jessie’s many readers, enjoyed the new content, especially the how-to posts, because it was relatable and imparted advice that worked well for her very own children. “Like I said, I love sharing my experiences with others so I also shared my experiences of being a mother. I blog about what little Jack has done, or I give tried and tested tips on parenting,” she chatted, “ever since I started writing blog posts about parenting, I have received more readers that are

photo by regin Ho

One click

Wonder

Drop your bags and keep your eyes glued to the screen as shows you some of the unique products in the online market trend

he Greek word, Meraki, which means ‘to carry out an activity with soul, creativity, and love’, was the inspiration behind online store JxKL’s new collection. In 2014, Visa found that 26 per cent of Singaporeans shop online at least once a week, which made it the highest in the region.

Halcyon Illustrations takes this advice seriously. Run by an 18-year-old Nanyang Polytechnic student, Chua Hui Yi, the shop features sketches of dolls, fish with no pupils, and chokers bearing artwork inspired by many different Japanese subcultures. All of her products are handmade and promoted mainly through social media such as her Instagram and Facebook page.

So what’s this trend about? Shermaine Ting, 18, said, “It gives youths a platform to show off their creativity and make some extra money, and allows them to venture into new areas.”

With more items being sold online, there will be fewer geographical boundaries and higher revenue. “Especially in Asian countries where [there is a] high penetration of smartphones and comfort in online sales, the market can only increase in popularity,” said Joseph D Ranieri Jr, 45, managing partner of 101 Brands. In five years, drones could become mail couriers, or new technology could be released via online stores.

JxKL integrates different mediums such as dyed resin and frozen flowers to create necklaces to make up chapters that are part of a bigger arc. Transcendence, the arc that Meraki is a part of, features a dyed resin pyramid hanging from a metal triangle and illustrates the meaning behind the collection – to put one’s entire being into doing what one loves. “We have different chapters because we want it to be a story that can be followed,” said Jaren Neo, 24, who started JxKL with his girlfriend Charlotte Yeo, 24. Online shopping has gained traction within the last five years. In 2011, Paypal showed that Singapore’s online shopping commerce increased by 30 per cent since 2010. On Carousell alone, users have listed six million items for sale, as reported in July 2015 by The Straits Times. Zen Wee, an 18-year-old student who uses Carousell, said, “These shops allow you to buy things at a fraction of the retail price, and it’s great if you want to do some last minute shopping.” What is the secret to success? Cheng Leng, 43, one of the managers at Entrepreneurship@NP, a hub in Ngee Ann Polytechnic that allows students to consult experts on their business plans, said, “When you find a need and you fill it, you are automatically drawing people to your product or service because they need it.”

photo by Audrey Leong

One of her designs, Kanojo, shows a schoolgirl in the midst of cutting her hair. “In many Asian cultures, the symbolism of a girl cutting her hair is a new start, so that’s what I was inspired by,” Hui Yi said. Kanojo is the term for ‘she or her’, but it can also mean ‘girlfriend’, according to the website Japanesepod101.

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has reported that Google has plans for drones to fly packages directly to its destinations. This innovative age could also spark new products that solve problems we don’t even know we have yet.

From top to bottom: 1. Pour your soul into this fabulous statement necklace by JxKL, a part of their new Meraki series 2. TinyhomeGarden’s Christmas terrarium, a deskpiece fit for any occation 2. Halcyon Illustrations gives us a new way to combine culture and jewellry

MOSTLY As

What’s your lipstick shade this Valentine’s? Do they have a shade that says, “I’d rather be home right now in my sweatpants”?

So you have a hot date on Valentine’s, your outfit is planned, you’ve got your new kicks on, and you’ve finally decided to have your hair done in romantic curls instead of sleek straight. Do you think you’re done here? We don’t think so. What about your makeup? What shade of lipstick will you be rocking? Will it be classic red? Playful coral? Soft and delicate pink? What about the finish? Glossy? Matte? Satin? Freaked out yet? Don’t worry, We’ve got you covered so pucker up and let this quiz seal your fate once and for all. 1.

How would you

a. b. c. d.

Sexy and Glamorous Casual and Functional Elegant and Poised Edgy and Experimental 3.

What are you

unapologetic for?

a. b. c. d.

Your selfies Your hipster tendencies Your perfect, messy bun Your 90s punk rock music collection

Which U.S. city would you love to live in?

describe your style?

a. b. c. d. 4.

New York Los Angeles Washington, D.C. Chicago Pick a movie with a colour in the title

a. b. c. d.

Black Swan Men in Black Pretty in Pink Clockwork Orange 6.

Which fashion faux

pas do you commit regularly?

Pick your

favourite cuisine

a. b. c. d.

Italian Mexican French Thai

What makeup items can you find in

your bag right now?

a. b. c. d.

Concealer Lip Balm Mascara Bronzer

a. Too much animal prints b. Wearing your sweatpants to school too many times

c. Pink on pink on pink on pink on pink on pink

d. People say I wear too

much eyeliner but that’s just their problem

You are the epitome of old Hollywood glamour. Whether you are wearing faded boyfriend jeans or a little black dress, a true red lipstick will be perfect to complete your outfit. Taylor Swift was often seen sporting Dragon Girl. Trust us, you’re in good hands this Valentine’s.

MOSTLY Bs

Colour Riche Collection Star Barely Greige [$22]

You love fashion but you love comfort even more. One thing’s for sure, you’ll win big time in the effortless department. This Valentine’s Day, I say go for the versatile nude lipstick to achieve a ‘no-makeup makeup’ look and your ‘au naturale’ beauty will surely floor your date.

MOSTLY Cs

Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain Sweetheart [$20]

In another life, you’d probably be a princess. Your style icons are Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly, and you’ve very likely watched Breakfast at Tiffany’s over a hundred times. What could represent you better this Valentine’s Day other than a rosy shade of pink?

MOSTLY Ds

Which trait do you

look for in your date?

a. b. c. d.

Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl [$37]

Charm Sense of humour Intelligence Honesty

Flip over to find out how to pucker up this season!

Matte Royal Lipstick [$28]

Aren’t you a rule-breaking daredevil? To you, boundaries are meant to be tested. You are that girl rocking all shades of black during Valentine’s just because you can. This year go for this unique, in-your-face shade of blue lipstick, but you probably won’t listen to us anyway.

Photo by: 123rf.com