Pro Makeup Tips For Asian Eyes – Vanessa Tai

Single eyelids? Sleepy eyes? Not sure how to pull off the smokey eye look? Akinobu Nishimura, RMK’s international makeup artist, was recently in Singapore and Vanessa Tai sat him down for a 101 on makeup techniques for Asian eyes. 

Your eyes are the most expressive part of your face, so it’s only natural that you’ll spend more time and effort prettifying your peepers. But with so many different products and techniques out there, it can be hard to cut through the clutter. To make things simple, here are easy makeup techniques for the most commonly-used eye makeup.

Akinobu Nishimura, international makeup artist with RMK

Eyeshadow

1. As our eyelids are naturally oily, it’s recommended to prep your eyelids with an eyeshadow base or some powder before applying eyeshadow. This helps your eye makeup to adhere better to your skin.

2. Use eyeshadow in one colour, but in a gradation of shades. Start by applying the darkest shade on the bottom of your eyelid and slowly work your way up the eye socket to the lightest shade. This helps create a more 3D appearance.

3. When applying the next shade, don’t start at the line where the previous colour ends. Rather, the colours should be blended so that it looks more natural. Using a brush can help you create a more natural look, without any hard lines.

Mascara

1. Before applying your mascara, it’s important to curl your eyelashes properly so that it curls upwards and creates the appearance of wider-looking eyes. For the doe-eye look, you can also curl your lower lashes.

2. When applying mascara, avoid layering on too many coats as it’ll end up clumping and weigh your lashes down, which may make your eyes appear smaller.

3. Wondering if you should get falsies? It’s always better to work with what you have, but if your natural lashes are sparse to begin with, you can consider getting natural-looking eyelash extensions. Anything too thick or dramatic may also make your eyes appear smaller.

Eyeliner 

1. To create the perfect wing tip, start by drawing an outline according to the shape of your eyes. (For a clearer idea, refer to the sketch below.) From there, you can fill in the gaps, depending on how dramatic an effect you’re trying to create. Think of the wingtip as an extension of your lower lash line. If the tip is too high or long, simply use a cotton bud to adjust until you achieve your desired effect. Over time, you’ll discover the perfect angle and length for your eye shape.

Akinobu-san demonstrates how to draw an outline according to your eye shape.

2. Some people believe lining your lower lash line can make your eyes appear smaller. However, it really depends on your eye shape. Experiment with different techniques to see what works best for you. If you want to continue lining your lower lash line, one way is to simply line it halfway (from the wing tip to the middle of your lower lash line) and use a lighter shade to fill in the other half.

3. If you’re bored with your usual black or brown eyeliner, some great options for everyday wear include shades such as navy blue or grey.

This collection from RMK is a symbol of the dual aspects of a woman’s personality when it comes to love – she’s equal parts strong and vulnerable.

RMK 2014 Autumn/Winter Collection is available from August 2014 at all RMK counters (Isetan Scotts Level 1 Tel: 6887 5308; Isetan Serangoon Central Tel: 6634 481; Takashimaya Department Store Tel 6238 8043). 

About The Author: Vanessa Tai is a founder of Material World who has previously worked on magazines Simply Her and Cosmopolitan Singapore. Now a freelance writer and a full-time contributor to this website, the 27-year-old dreams of attending every single major music festival before she turns 30. Follow her on Twitter @VannTaiTweets.

26 Things To Put On Your September Watchlist

From Mid-Autumn Festival and free champagne to plenty of new skincare products, looks like September is going to be one exciting month!

A is for All-Day Sun Protection

When you live in sunny Singapore, good sun protection is an absolute must-have. Daylong is a range of sun protection products from Switzerland, with a formulation that’s gentle enough for children (Cate Blanchett uses them on her kids!) yet offers you all-round protection from both UV rays and infrared radiation. We like its lightweight, non-greasy formula and how it doesn’t leave any whitish residue upon application. We also appreciate how it’s formulated without additional preservatives or perfumes, and is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, making it suitable for all skin types.

Daylong is available in selected pharmacies from mid-September 2014.

B is for Beauty Cleanse’s Candyfloss Nutmylk series

If you’re looking for a quick, tasty, and nutritious meal replacement, you can’t go wrong with these nutmilks from Beauty Cleanse. It comes in a package of six bottles in the following flavours: Original, matcha (green tea), cocoa, coffee (decaf), black sesame and “marshmallow” (thought it tastes like marshmallow, it’s actually an ingenious blend of fruit and veggies!). All ingredients used are organic, plant-based, vegan, and raw. Dairy-free, they are great for those who are lactose-intolerant.

A package of six bottles is priced at $95. To order, visit www.beauty-cleanse.com.

C is for Crabtree & Evelyn Nail Lacquers

The best thing about these is that they are formulated without the toxic chemicals commonly associated with nail lacquers. Available in 12 shades from neutrals, to brights and darker shades. Each nail lacquer retails for $13 each.

For a full listing of Crabtree & Evelyn stores in Singapore, click here.

D is for Skin Destiny 

SK-II’s Skin Destiny Study is definitely giving a lot of us hope. This landmark study discovered an intrinsic link between long-term usage of SK-II Facial Treatment Essence and skin quality. It was found that users who started on the Essence in their 20s enjoyed better skin in their 30s and 40s. Long-term users also displayed no increase in major visible aging signs after age 50. At $99 for a 75ml bottle, we say this is as good a beauty investment as money can buy.

SK-II counters can be found at major department stores such as TANGS.

E is for Ecommerce 

With a whole slew of ecommerce sites launching these days, the days of running errands could well and truly be over. Serial entrepreneur Chris Chong has recently launched not one, but TWO ecommerce sites! The first GoFresh.com.sg is an online grocery service for those who want their meats, seafoods and fresh produce delivered right to their doorsteps. The second is AirClick.co, set up to help customers find and book photographers. What’s next? Personal chefs? Oh … that’s been done already.

F is for Free Champagne!

You are going to love HI-SO Ladies Night at Sofitel So Singapore! Ladies will be treated to a free first glass of Ruinart Champagne between 6pm and 9pm, after which, each glass of Champagne will be at $10 nett. So for a bubbly good time with your girlfriends, swing by one of Singapore’s most beautiful hotels every Wednesday.

G is for Gourmet Escape

Fancy a trip to Western Australia where you get to enjoy the finest dining and wine experiences? Well, you can! From 12 September to 11 October, guests who dine on specially-created Western Australian dishes from either Bedrock Bar & Grill or The Pelican will stand a chance to win a trip to Perth to experience the Margaret River Gourmet Escape. This 3-day event is a foodie’s dream come true with tastings and demonstrations of some of the region’s freshest produce and fine wines.

For reservations at Bedrock Bar & Grill, call 6238 0054; for reservations at The Pelican, call 6438 0400.  

H is for Hada Labo Lotion

According to findings by Hada Labo, just 3 out of 10 women in Singapore use lotions as part of their skincare regime. This compared to 10 out of 10 women in Japan. The secret to dewy, fresh skin could lie in your next bottle of Hada Labo Lotion. Featuring a new generation of 4 Interlocked Hyaluronic Acids, the new lotion promises to keep your skin supercharged with hydration, even in the hard-to-reach bottom skin layer.

Hada Labo is available at Watsons islandwide. 

I is for Ioma Cell Protector SPF 50+ PA+++

Not only does this sunscreen provide the highest possible protection against UVA and UVB rays, it’s also formulated with the active ingredient Desoxine. Desoxine is a powerful antioxidative shield and offers three benefits: (1) Detoxifies by eliminating free radicals (2) Stimulates skin’s natural antioxidant defences, and (3) Protects cells from free radical damage. Retails for $85.

Ioma counters are located at Robinsons Orchard and Isetan Scotts.

J is for Joaquin Phoenix and Jeremy Renner

These two Js will be starring opposite Marion Cotillard in The Immigrant, a story set in NYC in 1921. Joaquin plays Bruno, a pimp who thrusts Marion’s character Ewa into a world of prostitution, while Jeremy plays Orlando, a stage magician and Bruno’s cousin, who becomes Ewa’s only hope of a better future. Directed by yet another J (James Gray), this period drama is definitely one to watch – it’s received several accolades at international film festivals, including Best Actress at the International Cinephile Society Awards.

The Immigrant opens Sep 14 in cinemas islandwide.

K is for Kérastase

If you’ve been struggling with brittle or falling strands, what you probably need is proper scalp care. At Kérastase, they believe that strong and healthy hair always starts at the scalp. This is why the brand-new Kérastase Densifique range comes fortified with a combination of B Vitamins to regulate the production of sebum on the scalp and give it the nourishment it needs for healthy, beautiful hair.

The Kérastase Densifique range is available at all Kérastase consultant salons. Call 6738 3113 for salon listings.

L is for Laneige Time Freeze Intensive Cream

Laneige’s adds two more products to its Time Freeze anti-ageing line: Time Freeze Intensive Cream, and Eye Serum. The line works on the principle of restoring skin’s weakened collagen structure; its Dynamic Collagen_EX technology breaks down and “upcycles” old collagen into young and healthy collagen. The line’s other active ingredient, hyaluronic acid, helps improve the appearance of wrinkles.

Laneige Time Freeze Intensive Cream and Eye Cream retail for $95 and $69 respectively. For a full store listing, click here.

M is for Mooncakes

Bliss Collection at Bakerzin

Enter any shopping mall in the month of September, and you’re bound to see bright lights and plenty of vendors selling a wide variety of mooncakes at the atrium. Here are some of our choice picks this Mid-Autumn Festival:

Peony Jade

Each year, Peony Jade never fails to impress us with their spectacular mooncake offerings. We love how they always manage to come up with new and exciting flavours such as the Honey Williams pears with organic apricot and raspberries as well as Valrhona chocolate with bananas, salted caramel and walnuts.

Bakerzin

Bakerzin has rolled out three new snow skin mooncake collections – Bliss, Joy and Lush – to add to their existing range. The Bliss and Lush collections consist of slightly more unique flavours and fillings and contain alcohol (flavours include Frangelico Hazelnut Truffle Snow Skin, Whisky Truffle SNow Skin, Lychee Snow Skin and Yuzu Snow Skin), while Joy is made up of classic fillings (they include Pandan Lotus Snow Skin and Purple Sweet Potato). Founder Lili is not usually a fan of snow skin mooncakes, but she vouches for the tastiness of these new ones from Bakerzin! From $52 for box of 8, available at all Bakerzin outlets and participating booths until Sep 8.

Goodwood Park Hotel

There’s no doubt that Goodwood Park Hotel is the first hotel to come to mind when you mention the word “durian”. This year, they will be bringing back the Premium Durian Snowskin Combo, which consists of four mooncakes filled with the fresh pulp of four types of durians. There will be some new flavours inspired by tropical fruits as well – Calamansi, Kumquat and Sour Plum Snowskin Mooncakes. From $28 for 2 pieces, available at Goodwood Park Hotel Deli until Sep 8.

Yan Ting at The St. Regis Singapore

You can count on the acclaimed Cantonese restaurant for some of the most decadent mooncakes available, such as the all-new Chocolate Royal Liqueur Truffle, the popular Pure ‘Mao Shan Wang’ Durian Indulgence, as well as baked traditional mooncakes like Reduced Sugar White Lotus Paste with Macadamia Nuts. From $68 for 4 mooncakes, available at Yan Ting restaurant at level 1U, The St. Regis Singapore, until Sep 8.

N is for Night Owls Feasting

We are always looking for interesting places to check out for supper. Well, this month, why not check out Fish & Co.’s Supper Catch menu at Changi Airport Terminal 2? This menu is available between 11pm and 3am and features popular items like Seafood Platter for Two and Fish & Chips!

The Supper Catch menu is available at Fish & Co. at Changi Airport Terminal 2, Departure Hall, #036-058.

O is for Organic Shampoo

If you’re starting to notice that your hair’s thinning, the first thing you should look into is changing your shampoo. Dr Jones Organic Shampoo and Conditioner – which were developed by Canadian physician Dr Robert Jones – are free from synthetic, chemical and petroleum-derived ingredients – all of which are believed to play a part in hair loss. We liked how the shampoo cleansed well without over-drying the scalp, and it was also able to deal effectively with the problem of an itchy, sensitive scalp.

Dr Jones Organic Shampoo and Conditioner retail for $26.80 each (or $50 for a set) and are available here. 

P is for Personalised Monopoly

Revive Board Games Sundays with the latest from Monopoly! Called My Monopoly, the classic property trading game now comes with a customisable board, where you can personalise the tiles, game tokens, Chance Cards and Community Chest Cards via the My Monopoly app.

My Monopoly retails at $46.90 at all Toys “R” Us and major department stores.

Q is for Qatar Airways

Been itching to travel to far-flung destinations? This might be the chance to feed your wanderlust. Qatar Airways is having an exclusive promotion to Europe and America, with special rates from just $890! The promotion ends 2359hrs on Sep 12 (travel validity period: Aug 18 – Mar 21, 2015). Bookings can be made online, here.

R is for Rays

In case you missed it, a quarter of the world’s sharks and rays – including the majestic manta rays – are now at risk of extinction. To raise awareness on marine life and conservation, RWS has dedicated the month of September to highlight manta rays in their S.E.A. Aquarium’s SEAA Wonders series. Some activities include sharing sessions with underwater photography experts and conservationists, diving with manta rays, and witnessing the feeding of manta rays.

For the month of September, you can purchase 2 adult one-day admission passed to S.E.A. Aquarium at a discounted price of $50. For more information, click here. To make reservations, click here or call 6577 8899.

S is for Shima

Even though renowned Teppanyaki restaurant Shima recently reopened sporting a brand new look after a month-long renovation, the restaurant still retains the one-inch thick cast-iron griddles that have been in use since 34 years ago, when Shima was established – a launch that revolutionised Japanese dining in Singapore as it marks the first-ever fine-dining Teppanyaki restaurant. According to Executive Chef Michael Koh, their well-seasoned griddles not only enhance the flavours of the food but also allow for even cooking. Besides Teppanyaki, Shima also serves up sushi, sashimi, Shabu Shabu as well as Yakiniku.

Shima is located at Level 1, Goodwood Park Hotel. For reservations, call 6734 6281.

T is for Tsubaki Hair Oil

Been searching for the ultimate hair oil that works to moisturise and smoothen your hair, without costing you a bomb? Look no further. Tsubaki Hair Oil is formulated with a high concentration of camellia oil, which is extracted by pressing carefully curated camellia seeds in Nagasaki, Japan. Camellia oil is highly lauded for its nourishing benefits – it prevents cuticle damage to smoothen hair strands, protects hair from UV rays, and penetrates hair quickly to add a healthy shine without leaving behind any grease.

Tsubaki Hair Oil retails for $26.90 from Sep 11, available exclusively at Watsons.

U is for Uniqlo: Now available online!

Uniqlo stores are pretty ubiquitous these days with 18 stores in Singapore alone. But just in case you’ve given up brick-and-mortar shopping altogether, you’ll be happy to know that you can now shop for your Uniqlo essentials online (desktop and mobile). To celebrate the launch of its e-commerce platform, the store will be offering exclusive online promotions for the first 11 days of September; keep a lookout for special offers on 11 different items daily.

For more information, log onto www.uniqlo.com/sg.

V is for Value-For-Money Set Meals

If you work somewhere in Orchard Road, you gotta make a beeline for this brand new restaurant, SET. As the name suggests, they only serve set lunches and set dinners here. The five-course set lunch is priced at $28.80++ and the six-course set dinner, $38.80++, which is incredibly good value considering the type of dishes you’ll get. For appetisers, you’ll get inventive twists on classics such as the Mushroom Soup with Peanut Butter. It sounds weird, but the peanut butter actually lends a chunkier, more layered texture to the soup. For mains, we liked the Baby Pork Back Ribs, where the meat is painstakingly steamed then boiled with star anise and cinnamon before being roasted and slathered with Chinese BBQ sauce. For desserts, we were impressed by the Pistachio Panna Cotta, which was smooth, light and silky, almost like a tofu milk pudding.

SET is located at #02-01 Pomo, Tel: 6337 7644

W is for What A Feast!

The annual Epicurean Market at Marina Bay Sands is back! From 12 to 14 September, eat your way through award-winning nosh from celebrity chef restaurants, participate in masterclasses and bring home gourmet wines and produce from the Fresh Food Market. Epicurean Market will be held at Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Basement 2, Hall D & E. For more information, click here.

X is for X-cite Your Senses

Don’t you love how art is getting more and more interactive, and not just people passively looking at a piece of artwork anymore? Sensorium 360°: Contemporary Art and the Sensed World is an interactive exhibition of contemporary art that explores all aspects of the human senses. The Singapore Art Museum has put together a series of workshops — from tea-tasting to perfume-making and even to learning Braille — all to give us a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

For more details, visit the Singapore Art Museum website here.

Y is for Triangles Of Youth 

There are 2 triangles of youth around each eye – the upper triangle and the lower triangle. The former refers to immediate area next to the outer corner and is where crow’s feet and droopy eyelids form. The latter is the area under your eye and is where eye bags and dark eye circles become more obvious with age. To address these problems, Clarins has launched a complete solution for your eye area to help it regain its youthful and firm appearance. Clinical evaluation shows that Clarins Extra-Firming Eye Cream can help reduce dark circles and eye bags by 7% and 13% respectively.

Visit Clarins counters at TANGS, Robinsons or Metro Paragon to find out more about this new eye cream!  

Z is for Zen’Ga

If you’re looking to take your Pilates practice to the next level, check out Breathe Pilates’ newest class, Zen’Ga. This is a new form of Pilates that combines the the latest discoveries in fascia fitness techniques with Yoga flow movements. Fascia is the term used to describe the connective tissue that surrounds your muscles, blood vessels, and nerves. Regular practice of Zen’Ga is said to help improve overall strength and flexibility, and giving you smoother, more fluid movement in your day-to-day life.

Breathe Pilates is located at #09-33 Novena Medical Center, 10 Sinaran Drive (8 participants); and #13-02 Parkway Centre, 1 Marine Parade Central. For more information or to make an appointment, call 9835 5683, email info@breathepilates.com.sg, or visit http://www.breathepilates.com.sg.

3 Secrets To Beautiful Eyes, 1 Place To Get Them – Deborah Tan

Are you obsessed about the way your brows and lashes look? If you’re anything like Deborah Tan, these 3 offerings from Browhaus may just be what you need.

Growing up, I was always told that my eyes were beautiful. Since crossing the 3-0 mark, I have noticed that my eyes are not as “young looking” as they used to be. I may be paranoid here but I’ve noticed that if I left the house without drawing my brows and lining my eyes, and I happened to have a picture taken, I would look damn tired in the photo.

It goes without saying that on any average day, the 2 makeup steps that I HAVE to do are: (1) draw my brows and (2) line my eyes. Even on days when I don’t feel like wearing sunscreen (yes, it happens to the best of us, okay?), I have to do my eyes.

What about mascara? Well, unfortunately, I do not have a relationship with mascaras. My lashes are stick-straight and are pretty resistant to curling. Wearing mascara is also uncomfortable since I tend to tear whenever I yawn. Waterproof mascaras stay on for nearly all day except they make my lashes look a bit stiff. Smudge-proof mascaras, however, are a no-go because they don’t stand a chance against my oily eyelids.

So, what does it mean to have eyes that don’t quite betray your real age? For me, besides being free of lines, eyebags and dark circles, lush eyebrows, luxuriant lashes and dark lash lines are also a must.

For the last 3, it seems Browhaus of the Spa Esprit Group may just be able to help …

Browhaus at One Raffles Place, #04-01

Mission 1: Get eyebrows tweezed and shaped
If I don’t draw my eyebrows, I’ll look like I have none. No kidding! My eyebrows are a bit of a mess – thick and unruly at the inner half, sparse at the outer. I checked out Browhaus’ new joint at One Raffles Place. I tried the Thread+Tweeze treatment where, as its name already suggests, a combination of threading and tweezing is used to shape my brows. The session was over in less than 15 minutes and I was immensely glad to see that the therapist had given me a pair natural-looking brows that were neither too dark nor too arched.

Nice, neat, shapely brows … even after 2 weeks!

Verdict: It’s been two weeks since my Thread+Tweeze session and my eyebrows remain in good shape. Of course they still need to be drawn (if you want to put an end to that, you can try Browhaus’ Brow Resurrection treatment) but there is hardly any stray hair under or above the main body. The therapist had done a very thorough job and, honestly, I’m now tempted to “outsource” the work of maintaining my eyebrows to her.

 

Mission 2: Plump up my lashes
Browhaus HD Mascara is part of Browhaus’ first-ever range of eye makeup and it promises to lengthen and hold the curl of your lashes for up to 24 hours. If you are looking for a mascara that will dramatically transform your eyes with some serious va-va-voom effects, this isn’t it. This mascara basically helps your lashes look more lush. The formula goes on smoothly (there is really no clumps!) and it really feels weightless.

No va-va-voom effect but I love that my lashes look soft and lush.

Verdict: I like that this mascara is super-comfortable to wear. It is waterproof as well so no worries about walking in the drizzle. The brush effectively separates the lashes too so you don’t end up with spidery strands.

 

Mission 3: Darken the lash line
At $17.90, this liquid felt-tip eyeliner is definitely going to be my new go-to eyeliner. The Precision Eyeliner delivers intense, dark lines and, using it to create wing tips is such a breeze. The formula doesn’t crust up so you won’t get black flakes falling into your eyes in the middle of the day. I may be a bit biased now but this wins Best New-To-Market Liquid Eyeliner in my books.

Now all Browhaus needs is an eyebrow kit to complete the set!

Verdict: Previously, I could never use an eyeliner and mascara together (unless a professional makeup artist helps me out). The tip of this eyeliner finds its way in-between lashes so easily, lining your eyes after mascara is absolutely do-able. I prefer to line my eyes after mascara cos my eyeliner always comes off onto the lash curler’s rubber bit.

Browhaus’ newest branch is located One Raffles Place, #04-01. The Browhaus HD Mascara and Precision Eyeliner both retail at $17.90 at all Browhaus outlets. For a full listing, click here. This post is neither paid for nor advised by Browhaus. All opinions are the author’s own.

About The Author: Deborah Tan is a founder of Material World. After 10 years of working in magazines Cleo and Cosmopolitan Singapore, she is now a freelance writer/editor who works on this website full-time. She wants to know what it means to age gracefully and would like to invite you to take this survey here. Follow her on Twitter @DebTanTweets.

 

 

Lust-Worthy Limited-Edition Makeup You Need This Season – Denise Li

Run to the counters to get your hands on these before they run out. By Denise Li

Laneige x pushBUTTON

Since its launch in 2003, Korean fashion label pushBUTTON has been featured in countless magazines and worn by celebs who love their signature quirky style. The packaging of the products in this collab looks like standard leopard print, but look closer and you’ll see images of dogs within the leopard’s spots. We also like that it wasn’t just the packaging that was given a makeover – there are new lippie shades to covet as well.

Laneige Serum Intense Lipstick in Plum, $34

Laneige x pushBUTTON Eyeshadow, $40

The Laneige x pushBUTTON collection will be available exclusively at Laneige counters and boutiques from August 7, 2014. 

RMK Autumn/Winter 2014 collection

We find these limited edition RMK Matte Shiny Eye Pencils to be super handy! The matte colours are great for creating a professional look for work. Just before heading out for after-work drinks, layer your eye shadow with the glitter powder pen applicator and you’re all set to party. Comes in six shades.

RMK Matte Shiny Eye Pencil in 04 Grayish Brown, $65

These blushers are also both matte AND shiny. While we don’t recommend using the shiny bit of the compact on your cheeks (especially if you have oily skin), they are great as skin brighteners. Sweep it over your forehead and nose to give skin a soft glow.

RMK Matte Shiny Cheeks in 02 Bright Orange, $79 (Psst, if you have yellow under tones, this shade will immediately brighten up your skin)

The RMK Autumn/Winter 2014 collection will be available at RMK counters in August 2014. 

Lunasol Autumn/Winter 2014 collection

Inspired by the Baroque, the colours in this collection are extremely wearable. What we love is the Soft Contrasting Cheeks blusher, $58. It has a moist powder texture that melts onto skin when applied with the accompanying puff sponge, giving that “lit-from-within” glow.

Lunasol Soft Contrasting Cheeks, $58

The Lunasol Autumn/Winter 2014 collection will be available at Lunasol counters in August 2014.

About the Author: Denise Li is a founder of Material World and a freelance writer-editor. Before that, she spent a few years in the Features section of CLEO and Cosmopolitan Singapore. She considers Chiang Mai her spiritual home and makes it a point to head there for a yearly pilgrimage. She’s also a fitness buff and enjoys boxing, running and the occasional yoga session. Follow her on Twitter @DeniseLiTweets.

[If You Like This, You Might Also Like]

How To Get Date-Ready In Under 5 Minutes

Maybelline BB Wonder Smooth Compact Cream: The 6-Hour Test

 

How To Get Date-Ready In Under 5 Minutes – Vanessa Tai

So your crush suddenly hits you up for dinner and drinks tonight, or your boyfriend finally gets time off work and asks to meet. Vanessa Tai picks out four products that will get you from office-blah to date-hot, stat. 

Call me dramatic, but sometimes it feels like the universe is doing everything it can to get in the way of you hightailing it out of the office to meet your date. Your boss hands you a project with an urgent deadline at 5pm, the printer goes wonky just as you’re printing out slides for tomorrow’s client meeting, you’re trying to finish up an important proposal but can’t seem to concentrate, and so on. Add that to the stress of wanting to look your best before your date and you have a recipe for a potential meltdown. I get it, I’ve been there!

Don’t worry, with these easy tips, you can look (and smell) as fresh as you would if you had spent hours prepping at home. Here’s how:

Skin:

After an entire day of being in an air-conditioned environment, your skin may appear dry or dehydrated. Plus, if you’re going to be drinking alcohol later in the evening, it could cause your complexion to appear dull. Revive tired skin with The Body Shop Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet. It contains over two million Aqua Spheres, as well as wheatgerm oil, shea butter, and soya oil to deliver a burst of hydration to your skin. With your skin looking so dewy fresh, you can even skip applying foundation.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet, $32.90

Make Up Store LED Lipgloss in Sparkle, $35

Makeup:

Here are some easy makeup tricks to look perked up, instantly. If your eyes are looking a little bloodshot or tired, use a flesh-toned eye pencil to line the inner rims of your eyes. It will offset the redness and make your eyes appear brighter. Another way to brighten up your features in a flash would be to add a swipe of lipstick. While you probably can’t go wrong with a bold red lippie, I think there’s something surprisingly alluring about a hot pink lipstick. It’s not as muted as a nude lip and not as in-your-face sexy as a red one. Right now, I’m crushing on Make Up Store’s LED Lip Gloss in Sparkle. I love the glittery, jewel-like effect and the LED light is particularly helpful for touching up in darker rooms (say, a club bathroom).

Such a pretty shade, yes?

Hair:

So your hair is looking a little lank after a day of being hard at work. Bring your tresses back to life with Tsubaki Head Spa Sparkling Serum. This is an in-scalp essence that literally crackles and pops when you spray it onto your hair. Don’t worry though; it’s just the sparkling bubbles working its way into your scalp. Just a couple of spritzes should leave your hair looking and feeling softer and more luxuriant. Plus, the soothing scent of Camellia Oil and Camellia Flower Extract will calm any jittery pre-date nerves.

Tsubaki Head Spa Sparkling Serum, $18.90

Fragrance:

Now, I know fragrances are a very personal choice and you should wear whatever makes you feel the most confident. However, I’m not sure if you read my recent review of Elizabeth Arden’s UNTOLD Eau Légère but there was something about the warm muskiness of the fragrance that was a real confidence booster … and it was a hit with my date too! Anyway, here’s a tip on how to wear your scent strategically – since you’re probably going to be holding hands that night, mist your fragrance on your palms so that your touch will release small amounts of scent throughout the night.

UNTOLD Eau Légère, $117 for 100ml

There you have it – my secrets to looking fab in under 5 minutes! Share with me your own pre-date beauty secrets in the Comments section below.

About The Author: Vanessa Tai is a founder of Material World who has previously worked on magazines Simply Her and Cosmopolitan Singapore. Now a freelance writer and a full-time contributor to this website, the 27-year-old dreams of attending every single major music festival before she turns 30. Follow her on Twitter @VannTaiTweets.

26 Things To Put On Your July Watchlist

Are you ready to embrace the second-half of 2014? We’re still recovering from the whirlwind that was the first-half of the year, to be honest. But with so many cool places to see, products to try and activities to check out in July, we’re all set to enter yet another whirlwind of new experiences!

A is for Anti-Ageing

 

Youthful skin isn’t just wrinkle-free; it’s also free from pigmentation, and glowing with youth and radiance. A two-step, in-home peel, the Philosophy Microdelivery Peel aims to rejuvenate skin by resurfacing and replenishing skin with peptides and vitamin C for smoother and more radiant skin. Best of all, results are evident after just one use, and the whole process takes less than 10 minutes!

Philosophy is at B2-03 Takashimaya S.C., Ngee Ann City; and #01-16 Bugis Junction.

B is for Becasse 

Becasse has launched its first full format dining concept at Dempsey Hill and it promises to spoil you silly with a wide menu consisting of French- and European-inspired dishes, a seafood bar and fresh hand-made pastries made on-site daily. Fans of brunch will love the Croque Madame with a truffle baked egg and the fluffy but oh-so-sinful sticky date pancakes.

Becasse is located at Blk 10 Dempsey Hill #01-21. Tel: 6479 8119.

C is for Cats of the World Photo Exhibition

One of the entries from Japan!

Love cats? Then this annual exhibition is one you can’t miss! In its eighth season this year, the non-profit Cats of the World Photo Exhibition features photos of adorable furballs, taken by aspiring and professional photographers around the world. This year, look out for one-off cat-inspired creations by artists such as David Chan, Ginette Chittick, Wyn-Lyn Tan and Puffingmuffin; each artwork will be sold for $100 to raise funds for Cat Welfare Society. Of course, you can also look forward to the exhibition’s feline-themed flea market. From postcards and notebooks to accessories and even toys for cats, the Saturday Purrzaar Market has been a crowd favourite since it was launched in 2011.

Cats of the World Photo Exhibition will take place from July 2-28 at The Arts House. The Saturday Purrzaar Market, also held at The Arts House, will take place on July 5, 12 and 19, from 11am to 6pm.

D is for District 10 Brunch 

Mothers looking for a place where the kids can play while they tuck into their scrambled eggs can check out District 10 at The Star Vista. On Sundays, the restaurant installs a full-size bouncy castle to keep the kids occupied while their parents grab a bite. If you like food with a local twist, the pandan pancakes with gula melaka syrup will hit all the right spot.

District 10 is located at The Star Vista, #01-42/K3 (next to the taxi stand). Tel: 6694 2884. Email: thestarvista@district10.com.sg .

E is for Exciting Fashion News

We may call ourselves the Material Girls, but we all know who the original Material Girl is. Apart from being the reigning Queen of Pop, Madonna also dabbles in fashion. She and daughter Lola have a popular fashion label, Material Girl, which was previously only available in department stores in the US, Australia, and Canada. But not anymore! You can now get your hands on the label’s trendy peplum tops, printed pencil skirts, bodycon dresses, and more on Zalora! The Spring collection is now available for purchase at http://www.zalora.sg/material-girl/

F is for Football Fever

So not everyone’s inclined to sit down to spend 90 minutes watching The Beautiful Game, especially when it’s screening at unearthly hours, but we’re pretty sure that practically everyone will fall in love with the Breadzil 2014 collection that Breadtalk has released to celebrate The World Cup. Our favourite? The Dillopillo, a spicy sambal chicken bun inspired by the armadillo mascot. It looks cute, and tastes even better.

For a full listing of Breadtalk stores, visit this link.

G is for Great Skin

If hot and humid weather is causing your zits to come out and party, now may be the time to switch to a BB cream that not only provides coverage but also controls shine and fights blemishes. Powered by Community Fair Trade tea tree from Kenya, The Body Shop Tea Tree Flawless BB Cream blends seamlessly into the skin to give you a great-looking complexion. At just $29.90 per tube, it’s a summer beauty must-have!

Available at all The Body Shop islandwide from 7 July 2014.

H is for Healthy Tresses

We’ve all resorted to trimming our own tresses at home to get rid of split ends, but now there’s an easier way to repair damaged hair. Enter the L’Oreal Paris Total Repair 5 Emergency Care Split End Sealer. Powered by active ingredient LAK1000, it promises to penetrate deep into the hair to reinforce damaged hair structure and strengthen hair fibre. Up to 6,500 strands of hair will be repaired with just one use!

Available at Watsons and Guardian pharmacies. 

I is for Instant Laksa

There’s something strangely comforting about a bowl of instant noodles, especially after a long day of work or after a night of partying. Now, MAGGI ups the ante with MAGGI SENSES Laksa, with a special wet paste made with fresh galangal, spicy red chilli, and ginger. Combined with MAGGI’s signature springy noodles, this is a slurp-worthy bowl of deliciousness.

MAGGI® SENSES™ Laksa is available at $7.95 for a pack of 4x141g at all leading super/hypermarkets and convenience stores.

J is for Jermyn Street

The trend of high-end grooming stores for men seems to be taking off in Singapore and more’s the better, we say! Jermyn Street is the new kid on the block. The decor is inspired by the 1930s style, and it offers a comprehensive suite of services including a luxury hotel towel straight razor shave, haircuts, shampoos, manicures and pedicures, eyebrow grooming and much more. Something to treat your man to on his birthday, we think.

Jermyn Street is located at 108 Amoy Street. For more information, visit www.jermynstreet.com.sg.

K is for Kiehl’s 

One of our all-time favourite beauty brands is celebrating its 10th year in Singapore! Kiehl’s turns 10 this July and to mark this momentous event, it is sending out Ultra Generous Trucks across 21 destinations across the island to hand out samples and treats! So keep a lookout for these trucks – there is a selfie contest too! Details in the latest issue of Kiehl’s Times at all Kiehl’s stores islandwide.

L is for Laneige

After 20 years of research (you know they mean business when they spent two decades researching on moisture), Laneige has introduced the new and improved Water Bank range, which claims to deliver eight times more moisture into the skin. Through their research, they found that Asian skin is more susceptible to moisture loss. To tackle this problem, the reformulated Water Bank range features the exclusive Moisturizing Biogene Technology and Hydro Ion Mineral Water to restore the Asian skin’s natural ability to generate and retain moisture – even under dry conditions. The Water Bank range consists of Water Bank Essence_EX ($60), Water Bank Eye Gel ($49), Water Bank Gel Cream_EX ($52), Water Bank Moisture Cream_EX ($52), and Water Bank Double Gel Soothing Mask (5 sheets, $34).

The Water Bank range is available at all Laneige boutiques and counters islandwide.

M is for Melissa

Brazilian shoe brand Melissa collaborates with some of the biggest names in fashion – Karl Lagerfeld, Jason Wu, Gareth Pugh, and J Maskrey – to roll out even more fantastic pieces for its Fall/Winter 2014 collections. These pieces will be available from July 2014 at the new MDreams Boutique at One Raffles Place, as well as its existing store at Wheelock Place.

MDreams is at #01-11/12 1 Raffles Place, and B2-03 Wheelock Place.

N is for “No” to Shark Fin

Kudos to Marina Bay Sands (MBS) and Singapore Airlines (SIA) Cargo for saying “No” to shark’s fin! Starting last month, MBS is no longer serving shark’s fin in restaurants it owns and operates, as well as in MICE events at Sands Expo and Convention Centre; from August 1, SIA Cargo will no longer carry shark’s fin on its cargo flights. The two bigwigs are the latest to join the growing list of companies that have pledged to protect the environment and play a part in shark conservation.

O is for Oleosome Technology

A sunscreen is a sunscreen is a sunscreen, right? Not so, with Dermalogica Protection 50 Sport SPF50. This sunscreen is made with the new Oleosome Technology, which is a type of technique that slowly releases sunscreen directly to your skin surface over time. This increases the UV protection minus any additional chemicals or emulsifiers. Even better, this formulation comes with botanical extracts like Licorice, Orange Peel, and Ylang Ylang to soothe and nourish your skin.

Dermalogica Protection 50 Sport SPF50 is available for $75 at all AsterSpring Centres and selected Dermalogica-authorised skin treatment centres.

P is for Pretty Homeware Collection

Racking your brain for a housewarming gift for a vintage-lovin’ friend? Cath Kidston’s High Summer collection has her name on it! Featuring a botanical theme inspired by the ’50s, the Painterly Rose baking collection includes baking ware and accessories such as a ceramic cake stand, rolling pin and adjustable apron.

Cath Kidston’s High Summer collection is available at Cath Kidston outlets islandwide.

Q is for Qi Mantra

If you’re after flawless, radiant skin for that special occasion, be sure to book yourself in for the Miracle Facial, $350, at Qi Mantra. It’s a 90-minute non-invasive treatment that marries advanced VPL (Variable Pulse Light) and revolutionary stem cell technology to stimulate collagen production and significantly improve signs of ageing. Best of all, there’s no downtime!

For a full listing of Qi Mantra outlets, click on this link.

R is for Ramen 

Sake + Ramen = one deliciously addictive bowl of noodles! The sake broth at Shin-Sapporo Ramen takes a minimum of 8 hours to produce and you can taste the potent flavor of the sake with every bite. The noodles are made fresh daily in the shop and the pork broth is painstakingly prepared by boiling the bones over high heat for 15 hours. For a taste of this awesome ramen, make your way to Shin-Sapporo Ramen at Orchard Gateway today.

Shin-Sapporo Ramen is located at B2-04A/05. Tel: 6702 4906.

S is for Summer Beauty

Founder Lili sporting Priscilla Lip Gloss in Shocking Pink.

Synonymous with poolside and beach parties, summer is all about having a splashing good time and sexy, bold appearances. Complete the sun-kissed look with Nars Summer 2014 collection, whose palette is a striking mix of pop and sultry the collection. We love Priscilla Lip Gloss in Shocking Pink ($37) – it is eye-catching and amazingly wearable! Other makeup products from the collection include Tropical Princess Duo Eyeshadow in Neon Lemon Lime and Icy Lavender ($50); Lost Coast Duo Eyeshadow in Golden Pewter and Lilac Snow ($50); Malacca Single Eyeshadow in Iridescent Peacock ($38); and Hot Sand Illuminator in Peach Champagne ($45).

Nars Summer 2014 collection is available at Nars counters islandwide.

T is for Tempting Cocktails

At a recent media tasting at Ding Dong, we were blown away by the lethally delicious cocktails. One of our favourites was The Golden Mile, which is a blend of Thai herb-infused Ketel One vodka, blue ginger gomme, and citrus. The best way we can describe is like a refreshing alcoholic beverage with nuances of Tom Yam. Sounds strange but it’s surprisingly delectable. Another drink we enjoyed was the Fujiyama, which is made with Yoghurt sake, elderflower liqueur, fresh strawberries, and yuzu liqueur. Because of the sweet flavours, this is a deceptively easy drink to down. It’s only when the buzz hits you that you realise how potent the drink really is.

Ding Dong is located at 23 Ann Siang Road, Tel: 6557 0189

U is for Ujong

The chef who brought you Wok & Barrel is back with even more tantalising treats at the newly-opened Ujong. Chef Shen has a knack for putting a gourmet spin on humble local dishes and elevating them to something amazing. And now you can enjoy her signature dishes such as Claypot Rice with Five Spice Pork, Har Zi Meen, and Hae Bee Hiam Mentaiko Capellini with a side of Col di Salici Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore. This is a zesty, dry Prosecco sparkling wine with fruity notes that pairs beautifully with the rich flavours of Chef Shen’s dishes.

Ujong is located at #01-10, 328 North Bridge Road, Raffles Hotel Arcade, Tel: 6635 6502

V is for Von Trapp

The delightful Von Trapp family comes to town! The Sound of Music, arguably the world’s most iconic musical, comes to the MasterCard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands this July, all the way from London’s West End. Based on the original 1959 Broadway production, this is one show everyone in the whole family will enjoy! Get your tickets here.

W is for Whiff of Fabric Fragrance

Downy’s latest range of fabric softeners features an innovative technology known as the Scent Switcher Technology – and, yes, it apparently does what its name implies. The new Downy Parfum Collection is formulated with two types of Downy’s signature perfume microcapsules, which will be deposited onto the clothes during washing. Through the rubbing, moving and wearing of the fabric, the Scent Switcher Technology is activated, during which the two microcapsules are released at varying amounts. We can’t be sure exactly how and whether that works, but it sure sounds interesting!

Downy Parfum Collection, from $6, is available at all leading supermarkets.

X is for X-cellent Deals

If you have a Mastercard debit/credit card, now’s the time to put it to work. Why? Cos it’s partnered with Borderfree to give you free shipping for orders above USD100 at nine US online merchants. The merchants are: Aeropostale, Adriana Goldschmied, Bloomingdale’s, Eileem Fisher, Elie Tahari, Jos A. Bank, Lands’ End, Lane Bryant and MotoSport. Simply key in the code MCSHOP when paying with your Mastercard card. Promotion is on from now till July 14, 2014.

Y is for The Fountain of Youth 

Looking perfect at every age is now almost possible with Shiseido’s new Vital-Perfection skincare series! Combining whitening and anti-aging benefits, this skincare line brings you impossibly bright and firm skin with the revolutionary ingredient VP8. This ingredient shuts off the creation of aged proteins, which are the root cause of wrinkles, sagging, dullness and yellowish skin. Results can be seen in as little as 1 week.

Shiseido Vital-Perfection skincare series is now available at Shiseido counters islandwide.

Z is for Zero Percent Worries On Spots 

SK-II’s new Whitening Spots Care series claims to give you 0% worries when it comes pigmentation and skin damage. For a targeted solution, the Ultimate Spots Corrector boasts a dual approach, breaking the vicious cycle of spot formation and helping repair existing skin damage to prevent new ones.

SK-II is available at department stores islandwide.

6 Things Soccer Widows Can Do Over The World Cup Period – Matthew Fam

Don’t bother checking his phone messages to find out what he’s been up to- your man’s probably glued in front of the television all this while! Yes, we’re talking about the World Cup. Taking place from 12 June – 13 July 2014, the much-hyped tournament sees ladies suddenly “widowed” from their partner’s absence. So here are 6 ways to get him out of the house, or even a chance to rope in a girlfriend for that much needed catchup sesh.

1. A Miraculous Transformation
You’re battling for his attention, so a mere dye job or change in hairstyle will not be enough to steer him away from the TV screen. What you need to capture his fancy with is a showstopping transformation in the form of a Qi Mantra Miracle Facial treatment that uses stem cells and Variable Pulse Light (VPL) to firm up and soften skin.

The 90-minute non-invasive treatment, $350, includes a luxurious stem cell lifting mask, containing plant-based placental extract to stimulate the production of collagen and plump skin for a youthful complexion.

Available at #03-19 Wheelock Place, 501 Orchard Road. Tel: 6737 3463. Opening hours: Mondays – Sundays, 10.30am – 10pm.

2. A Worldly Cuisine
Sate his international frenzy at MELT – The World Café, that offers a buffet spread of cuisine around the globe.

Located at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, take him out for a one-day-only Father’s Day promotion on 15 June. Enjoy a glorious spread of fresh seafood and gourmet pastas at the Champagne Brunch, priced at $128+ per person. Or for a feast that will fill him through the night matches (3 will be taking place later on!), try the Barbeque Dinner at $88+ per person.

Better yet if he samples the cuisine of his favourite World Cup team- allowing you to score a conversation while enjoying precious quality time away from the telly!

Mandarin Oriental, Singapore. 5 Raffles Avenue, Marina Square. Tel: 6885 3500.

3. Wear His Team Colours at a Fashion Party 
You may not sit through those arduous matches with him, but you can show your support by wearing his team’s colours. Wearto.com’s 2nd anniversary party at Outpost Bar & Bistro is the perfect opportunity to wear his colours with pride. The first 150 party-goers will receive party bags filled with deals and merchandise sponsored from brands like Spa Espirit and Browhaus.

Plus, with the fashion retailer’s launch of edgy bag brand, GLUSH from Hong Kong, you can take home a piece of the soccer pitch in the brand’s line of quirky, AstroTurf-lined bags!

Party on 22 June 2014, 12 – 6pm. Outpost Bar & Bistro, 3 Sentosa Gateway, St. James Power Station #01-11. Tel: 9069 1109.

4. Catch Euro Fever 
If you can’t beat them, join them! The French may have won the World Cup back in 1998, but if there’s another thing they totally get right, it’s their artisan pastries and baked creations! Bécasse has launched its full format dining concept with classic European and French inspired dishes, giving diners a wider selection of culinary treats apart from its in-house prepared pastries.

Bécasse (Dempsey Hill), Block 10, Dempsey Road #01-21. Tel: 6479 8119. Opening hours: Daily, 10am – 10pm.

For moisture and coverage in a single pump, try Sephora CC Care & Colour Creme SPF 20, $30.

5. Faking A Good Night’s Rest
Staying up for a late-night soccer match with your partner can give you a dull, sallow complexion the next day. So feign your beauty sleep with a selection of BB and CC Creams from Sephora.

From 10 – 31 July, enjoy a 10% discount on selected products from: Boscia, PureHeal, Tarte, Sephora’s house brand, Peter Thomas Roth, and Kate Somerville. On top of that, White Card members get another 5% off.

2 Orchard Turn #01-05/06, ION Orchard.  Tel: 6509 8255.

6. Visit A Pop- Up Restaurant
What better way to soak up the festivities of the World Cup than to spend an evening in a pop-up restaurant, held at a historic landmark which was once the crossroads of travellers all across the globe?

My Private Chef introduces its first leg of pop-up dining, Stories, held at the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station. At $188 – $248 per ticket, enjoy a fresh interpretation of local cuisine by Chef Stephan Zoisl, who has worked in Michelin starred restaurants around Austria, Portugal and the United States of America (coincidentally teams of the tournament!)

22 – 26 June 2014. Tickets can be purchased on http://www.myprivatechef.com.sg. Advanced reservations can be made at dine@myprivatechef.com.sg. 

 

So, how would you be spending time during the World Cup period? Share with us in the comments section below!

About the Author: Matthew Fam is a contributing writer of Material World, and has worked at Cosmopolitan Singapore as an intern and Contributing Beauty Assistant. He writes, teaches, and performs for the stage. Matthew enjoys museum visits, Singaporean Theatre, and spends too much of his undergraduate allowance on magazines.

If you liked this post, you might also like:

1. 26 Things To Put On Your June Watchlist

2. Beauty Review: Elizabeth Arden UNTOLD Eau Légère – Vanessa Tai

3. 3 Products That Will Help You Beat Face Puffiness – Deborah Tan

10 X-Men Inspired Beauty Looks For Non-Mutants – Matthew Fam

Are superhuman abilities out of reach for us non-mutants? Not a chance! The ladies of X-Men may have fire-wielding and shapeshifting tricks aplenty, but you can have super beauty with these 10 X-Men inspired beauty looks.

Relax- it’s not her blue body paint we’re talking about.

1. Mystique
This shapeshifting babe has got the smoking beauty trend you HAVE to follow (hint: it’s not her blue skin). Slicked back hair is neat and amazingly chic, especially when contrasted with a bold lip.

Hold the style in place using hair mousse. For bobbed hair lengths, dispense mousse the size of a lemon; for long hair, a baseball-sized mound would suffice. Apply on damp hair that is 60% dry, then style behind ears and blowdry.

2. Kitty Pryde
You may not phase through walls, but Kitty’s ‘no-makeup’ makeup can take you from work to weekend brunch without a beauty hitch.

Instead of creating an artificial mask of foundation, use a stippling brush (it distributes product evenly without streaks) to apply makeup only on problem areas. Dab on lip and cheek stain for a subtle pinch of colour. Now, with a face that pretty, you’ll be able to snag your very own Iceman.

Short crops = world domination.

 

3. Storm
Storm may have the power to manipulate the weather, but you can heat things up too- with a sexy short crop, that is! Having shorter crops doesn’t mean that you can’t look feminine. A smooth, pixie cut a la Anne Hathaway can be demure-looking as well.

When creating texture, the key is to use hair wax sparingly. Rub a ten-cent coin sized dollop between palms and rake fingers through hair. Add extra for a windswept ‘do. But remember not to go overboard- the weight of excess product will flatten your mane.

Bold brows FTW! (Not quite sure about face tats, though…)

4. Callisto
Joining forces with Magneto’s brotherhood of mutants in X-Men: The Last Stand, Callisto expresses her superhuman strength through her bold brows and face tats. Okay, so face tattoos aren’t exactly office friendly, but these strong-woman brows are a must!

Using a brow pencil, swipe upwards in diagonal, feather-like strokes. It’s all about looking fierce and fabulous, daaahling.

 

5. Emma Frost
She may have diamond-tough skin but Emma’s look is hardcore beauty. A pale colour palette is essential for achieving this pristine, icy look. Keep eyeshadows simple, and stick to neutral lip shades.

For fairer complexions, opt for pink-based nudes; darker complexions should try caramel tones instead. Blend highlighter along the top of cheekbones and dot the inside corner of eyes.

6.Lady Deathstrike
Do adamantium claws and leather cat suits a femme fatale make? Not on our watch. Deathstrike’s sensous eye and a dark lip gives her an edge above the rest. To channel this foxy fighter, a luscious coating of mascara is what you need. Coat the tips of your lashes with brown mascara to create the illusion of larger eyes.

Mocha magic.

7. Angel Salvadore
Want Angel’s mocha-toned skin, but afraid of the skin-damaging effects of the Sun? A cream self tanner can solve your problems. For an even wash of bronze, exfoliate and moisturise skin before application- dry patches of skin grab onto too much colour and create a blotchy tan. (Watch out for knees and elbows!)

 

8. Rogue
She has the power to absorb memories and you don’t. But what you can steal is everyone’s attention with your sexy, silky tresses. *Cue shampoo-commercial dramatic hair flip*

Rogue’s silky standards are no superhuman feat: the trick lies in misting hair with a heat-activated straightening spray so hair is frizz-free. Follow this with the use of a hair iron. Then slick a pump of hair oil from mid-shaft to tips for glossy, lustrous strands.

9. Blink
A recent addition to the X-Men film franchise, Blink gives us major punk with her stark orchid highlights, and crazy plum pout. For a temporary streak of colour, use hair chalks.

Thinking of upping the ante? Try a graphic, bold eye like Blink’s.

It’s not just the wind machine that’s making her look so fabulous.

 

 

10. Phoenix (Jean Grey)
When she’s not going batsh*t crazy annihilating everything in her path, Phoenix rocks those auburn tresses even without a wind machine.

If you’re thinking of penciling in a salon dye job, avoid conditioning hair before your visit. Red dye pigments have a large molecule size. This means that any prior conditioning would seal the cuticle and block pigment from penetrating the hair shaft, producing a less-saturated colour.

A botched dye job is a huge no-no. After all, who else is going to save the world if you don’t look fabulous??

 

So, which of these X-Men inspired beauty looks is your favourite? Share with us in the comments section below! 

About the Author: Matthew Fam is a contributing writer of Material World, and has worked at Cosmopolitan Singapore as an intern and Contributing Beauty Assistant. He writes, teaches, and performs for the stage. Matthew enjoys museum visits, Singaporean Theatre, and spends too much of his undergraduate allowance on magazines.

If you liked this post, you might also like:

1.[Material World x Maybelline] The #OOTD Challenge – Denise Li

2. 7 Ways To Rock Pantone’s Colour Of The Year- Matthew Fam

3. Maybelline BB Wonder Smooth Compact Cream: The 6-Hour Test – Denise Li

Maybelline BB Wonder Smooth Compact Cream: The 6-Hour Test – Denise Li

Denise Li is forever on the search for Holy Grail of base makeup – one that doesn’t need touching up AT ALL. So, did the Maybelline Wonder Smooth Compact Cream cut it?

How do you like your base makeup? For me, I have always been about liquid formulations. The finish is a lot more natural than that of compact powders, which sometimes make you look like you’re wearing a mask. Compact powder tends to get cakey quickly – especially if, like me, you have oily skin.

Lately, I’ve been experimenting with blending my base makeup too – I’ve been mixing my too-light BB cream with my too-dark-and-too-heavy liquid foundation and it’s just PERFECT. Not only has it allowed me to get my perfect shade, my custom formula also means that I get high coverage (from the foundation) without losing radiance (thanks to the BB cream). With compacts, you need to find the perfect shade from the outset.

So – to be honest – I wasn’t sure how I’d take to this cream-to-powder compact. I had a lot of questions before I started using it: Would it blend well? Would it look cakey? Would it look cakey after long hours of wear? Most importantly … would it survive the 6-hour “stress test”?

With our capricious weather of late – sunny one minute, rainy the next, sometimes both at the same time! – finding the right base makeup that would last through a workday day (I’m not a fan of touchups) has been somewhat challenging. I love a radiant, dewy finish, but step out into 95% humidity and dewy becomes oily faster than you can say “sebum production”. The perfect base makeup (to me) has to be able to keep sebum production in check yet make skin glow. Tall order, I know. So did this Maybelline compact live up to the test?

First Impressions

It has a wonderfully creamy texture that melts into skin – if you don’t use too much of it a go. I didn’t really like the sponge it came with because it doesn’t spread the product well – I had to blend it into my skin using a combination of fingers and a foundation brush. Coverage was amazing; my pores simply disappeared (and I didn’t use a primer or pore-blurring product as I normally would). Though my complexion looked flawless, the finish was on the matte side, as you would expect. But no matter. Let’s see if it would last the next six hours without me needing to touch up or blot my face.

Immediately after application …

See! Not a pore in sight. It’s the perfect canvas for the rest of my makeup.

Two hours later (sitting outside in high humidity) …

This is normally around the time I’d have to start fishing around for my blotters but so far so good! And is it just me or is my complexion looking more radiant as the day wears on?

Six hours later (after running around town doing erands) …

What sorcery is this?! The BB looks freshly applied close to seven hours later (and I know … my face is a totally different colour from my neck. Not because the BB colour didn’t match my skintone but because I’m guilty of the beauty sin that’s putting sunscreen ONLY on my face …). By a happy accident, I found that the BB was also very effective as an eyelid primer. I forgot to bring my usual primer out today so I gently spread a little BB on my eyelids, and it was great at preventing my eye makeup from smudging and migrating!

What else do you need to know about this BB compact?

1. It has SPF25/PA+++

2. It has vitamins C and E to give it antioxidative properties.

3. It keeps skin well-hydrated, and has soothing Chamomile extract to calm the skin.

4. It comes in two shades (though, do take note that both shades are more suitable for girls with fair skin).

Conclusion? The Maybelline BB Wonder Smooth Compact Cream is one of the few compact formulations that passes my “six-hour test” with flying colours. So while I still prefer liquid base makeup, this is the one compact I’ll reach for when I’m extremely pressed for time.

The Maybelline BB Wonder Smooth Compact Cream retails for $19.90 and is available at Watsons, Guardian, and SaSa. The products were given to Material World for review purposes. All opinions are the author’s own. This post was neither paid for nor advised by Maybelline. 

About the Author: Denise Li is a founder of Material World and a freelance writer-editor. Before that, she spent a few years in the Features section of CLEO and Cosmopolitan Singapore. She considers Chiang Mai her spiritual home and makes it a point to head there for a yearly pilgrimage. She’s also a fitness buff and enjoys boxing, running and the occasional yoga session. Follow her on Twitter @DeniseLiTweets.

3 Days Of Beauty Fun! – Vanessa Tai

Our favourite retailer TANGS is throwing a massive 3-day beauty extravaganza and everybody is invited! Vanessa Tai has the scoop on all the best deals. 

What are you doing this weekend? Well, whatever your plans are, CANCEL THEM! From 6 to 8 June, there’s no better place for a beauty junkie to be than at TANGS. All your favourite beauty brands are pulling all stops to ensure you’ll have an unforgettable time of primping, prepping, and getting pampered. Here’s what to expect:

Yet-to-be-launched Products

M·A·C x Pedro Lourenço

Buy before everyone else! These products aren’t officially launched yet, but you can be among the first to bring them home. We have our eye on the Shu Uemura Drawing Pencil and Benefit They’re Real! Push-Up Liner! Another pre-launch that has us excited is the collaboration between M·A·C and Brazilian fashion designer Pedro Lourenço, with their lust-worthy collection of nudes and reds.

Massive Savings 

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Set

When I say massive, I’m talking about “OMG I NEED TO SNAP THIS UP NOW!” massive. Just check this out – Shiseido Revital Vital-Perfection Science Cream AAA Set is yours for $300 (save $131), Lancôme Genefique and Visionnaire Serum Set is yours for $238 (save $114), Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Set is yours for $330 (save $90).

Gifts Galore

Clé De Peau Beauté 9-pc gift set

No, I’m not just talking about a free makeup pouch or tote bag with each purchase. I’m talking about receiving a 9-pc gift set (worth $180) when you spend a minimum of $550 at Clé De Peau Beauté. I’m talking about receiving a 6-pc Hydrating Gift Set (worth $200) with every $250 purchase at Guerlain. I’m talking about receiving a full-sized cK Eternity Aqua Fragrance 100ml (worth $137) when you make a minimum purchase of $180 at cK Fragrances. Yes, that’s the kind of mind-boggling giveaways I’m talking about!

Party with Barbarella

Everybody’s favourite SPG will be roaming TANGS Beauty at the Orchard store on 7 June (Saturday) at 3pm, so don’t miss out! Trust us, she’s as funny in person as she is on The Noose. Several other brands will also be holding complimentary skin consultations and makeup demonstrations so there’ll be much to do and try!

For detailed listings on what to try and buy, click here.

See you there!

About The Author: Vanessa Tai is a founder of Material World who has previously worked on magazines Simply Her and Cosmopolitan Singapore. Now a freelance writer and a full-time contributor to this website, the 26-year-old dreams of attending every single major music festival before she turns 30. Follow her on Twitter @VannTaiTweets.

 

[Material World x Maybelline] The #OOTD Challenge – Denise Li

Denise Li was issued a challenge by the folks at Maybelline to create 5 OOTDs using the new and improved Maybelline Hyper Sharp eyeliners. This is the result.

If you were to ask women in Singapore about the one beauty product they can’t live without, I’ll bet my last dollar that most of them will say it’s a liquid eyeliner. Gel liners can be a bit unwieldy – it’s hard to draw a thin line and they dry up too quickly; pencils are great for smoky eyes but they aren’t the best if you’re running around for meetings cos they smudge way too quickly.

When it comes to liquid eyeliners, the one to beat definitely has to be Maybelline Hyper Sharp. They’ve just launched a new and improved version with an even finer tip – 0.01mm! What this means: Greater precision, so you’ll be able to create more diverse looks, from the classic wingtip to something a little more dramatic.

With the launch of the new Hyper Sharp, the folks at Maybelline issued Material World a challenge – to come up with 5 #OOTDs (outfit of the day), and create a variety of looks using the three eyeliners in Brown, Soft Black, and Intense Black. Despite the fact that I’ve always thought of my wardrobe options as limited – I am a dress and sneakers girl – I took it on. Challenge, ACCEPTED!

The Everyday Look

 

This is what I usually wear on harried mornings when I’m rushing to get out of the house and don’t want to think too deeply about throwing together an outfit. Foolproof skater-cut dress, no accessories. I brightened up my eyes with a subtle wash of yellow, and finished it off with Hyper Sharp in Brown. Though the default colour of eyeliner for many of us is black (as was mine), I permanently made the switch to brown a few months ago following the advice of makeup artist Larry Yeo who noted that black can actually look too stark against Asian skin, particularly if we’re not going for a dramatic eye makeup look.

The Look That Says “Trust Me, I Write Creative Copy!”

 

Just before meeting a client last week, I experimented with a more punchy look. The razor-thin tip of Hyper Sharp is perfect for graphic eye makeup, so I went all out with this one. I was afraid that it would go south, considering my less-than-steady hand but I’m pretty happy with the result. It’s definitely not something you can achieve with a lot of other liquid eyeliners. I finished it off with a swipe of shiny pink lippie.

The “WOOHOO, TGIF!” Look

 

I’m usually pretty spent by the time Fridays roll around so to perk myself up, I’d put on my favourite canary yellow dress and Melissa heels. On my eyes, I used a shimmery light blue eyeshadow and gave my peepers definition using Hyper Sharp in Intense Black. On my lips is a berry lipstick-gloss. All set for the wine bar and, if my friends are up to it, grooving the night away at a club.

The “Saturday Brunch” Look

I don’t usually do “themes”, but I was feeling particularly inspired on this day. The particular theme in question? Flora and fauna. I paired my super-girly Topshop dress with equally girly makeup. On my eyes, I used a yellow cream eyeshadow as a base, and layered on a green cream eyeshadow (flora and fauna, forest … get it?!), before lining eyes with Hyper Sharp in Brown.

The “Casual Friday” Look

 

Honestly, the term “Casual Friday” doesn’t mean that much for folks in the creative industry …. every day is Casual Friday for us. Despite that, I’m not usually in the habit of wearing T-shirts to work. But I was DETERMINED to wear my new favourite Beastie Boys tee at all costs. So as not to look too sloppy, I threw on this grey cardigan and finished off the ensemble with a leather bag. This deviates quite a bit from my usual look but I’m really really loving the androgynous feel of it. It’s actually quite an accurate reflection of my personality. To balance out the boyishness of the outfit, I dressed up my face a little more. On my eyes, I used all three Hypersharp liners. I lined my top eye line with Intense Black, and layered Brown on top of it, up to the fold of where my double eyelid begins. On my bottom lashline, I used Soft Black to balance out the heaviness of the look. A little coral on cheeks and on the lips adds a soft, feminine glow.

My thoughts on Maybelline Hypersharp:

They weren’t kidding when they said it was really easy to use – drawing the perfect wingtip was a cinch. If you’re a makeup newbie, this is definitely the eyeliner to get. Because the tip is so thin, you can get very close to the lashline – it’s very nifty for filing in sparse lashes. I also thought that the Soft Black was the perfect shade for the lower lashline – it will further define eyes, while ensuring you don’t stray into “Auntie” territory. They are also relatively waterproof and smudge-proof. The colour didn’t migrate even when I was out and about for meetings in high humidity.

I must thank the folks at Maybelline for issuing the #OOTD challenge too – turns out my fashion repertoire is more diverse than I initially thought!

Material World worked with Maybelline to review its Hyper Sharp eyeliners. All reviews are the author’s own and were not vetted by the client. You may read our advertising policy here.

Win one of three Maybelline hampers worth $100 each!

From top: Brown, Intense Black, Soft Black

Now, it’s your turn to take up the #OOTD Instagram challenge. Here’s how to take part:

1. Create a two-photo collage (like the ones above) showcasing (1) Your favourite daytime OOTD (outfit of the day) (2) A close-up of your daytime makeup.

2. Upload your collage onto your Instagram account (which should be set to Public), and tag @maybellinesg and @materialworldsg.

2.The top three posts will each win a $100 Maybelline hamper, including the Hyper Sharp liner of your choice)

This contest ends Wednesday, 4 June 2014, and is only open to followers of Material World. Please read our terms and conditions here.

[Material Moms] Time-Saving Beauty Products for Busy Moms – Beverly Burgess

Just because you become a mother doesn’t mean you should stop taking care of how you look. Material Mom Beverly Burgess recommends several tried-and-tested products that get the job in double-quick time.

I have been a beauty junkie ever since I turned 18 and discovered the transformative power of makeup. After over a decade of trying out several thousand beauty products (give or take), I’ve narrowed it down to a few and perfected the art of “putting on my face” in 5 minutes flat. This has proven especially useful after I became a mum because every minute counts – it was the difference between a poo explosion and a REALLY BAD poo explosion (hello, leakage). 

So these are the key products I’m using on a daily basis right now. They get the job done (ie. I don’t make small children scream), are quick and easy to apply (time is of the essence, remember?), and they all travel well (when I have to throw them in my bag to apply on-the-go). Isn’t that what we all need?

Moisturizer/Primer: Etude House Face Conditioning Cream

An excellent prep product before makeup application, this Face Conditioning Cream comes in a tube (how sanitary!) and is marketed as a makeup boosting cream. In reality, it squeezes out as a thick white cream not dissimilar to sunscreen. Surprisingly, it melts quickly into the skin and leaves behind a soft, smooth base. As a bonus, this includes SPF25, so I can pass on the sunscreen on days when I’m mostly indoors. 

Foundation: Shiseido Sheer and Perfect Foundation

True to its name, this foundation applies like a dream – it blends well and gives a little coverage. Suitable for normal skin (ie. without major blemishes or skin issues), it helps blur imperfections yet allows skin to breathe. It’s best finished off with some powder to ensure it’s set. 

Blush: Chanel Le Blush Creme

The powder-to-cream formula has a delightful mousse-like consistency that blends oh-so-easily, leaving no hard edges. The colour is vibrant, so only a little is needed. The staying power is tremendous, lasting from morning to night, even when I’m running around outdoors. It’s very portable too: It comes in a small compact with a mirror inside the lid. 

Concealer: Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place High Cover Concealer

For those afflicted with dark eye circles or blemishes, you simply can’t go wrong with this. Boasting SPF35, this concealer gives fantastic coverage yet easy to apply with a concealer brush. It melts easily into skin – just be sure to set it with loose powder to make it last the whole day. 

Powder: MAC Mineralize Skinfinish

This pressed powder compact provides a natural matte finish, and sets foundation to ensure it lasts through the day. It can also be used for touch-ups, thanks to the light coverage it provides. Especially beneficial for oily skin, this finishing powder is excellent for Singapore’s humidity.

About the author: Having blogged for the past two decades spanning life in Australia, China and Singapore, Beverly Burgess entered an alternate universe at warp speed when she went from career-driven shopaholic and social butterfly … to juggling being a wife and a mother of two kids. All within three years. The career is now replaced with the privilege of being a full-time mum, but the urge to shop and socialize still remains (albeit with two obliging children in tow). And, she wouldn’t have it any other way. She blogs at Beverly’s Adventures.