Good news Samsung fans. The Galaxy Note 8 is back with a bang…well, figuratively, of course. The company announced via a global launch event in New York on Wednesday (August 23) the latest version of last year’s disastrous device, which will be officially available to consumers in Singapore from September 15 onwards.
And this time round, Samsung hopes that the new phone will explode in terms of sales, not batteries.
For that, the company has gone all-out with the Note 8. Consumers can expect a truly powerful gadget – on paper at least, with impressive specs like a snazzy 6.3-inch QHD Super AMOLED infinity display, dual 12-megapixel cameras, a medley of biometric security options, and of course, a new and improved battery.
New features include a multi-tasking mode that allows you to save apps – Netflix and your email for example – and open them up at the same time in a split screen. Besides that, the Note 8 is also the first Samsung phone to have two cameras on its rear, with a wide-angle lens shooter and a telephoto lens camera.
Both cameras will incorporate optical image stabilisation, a first in the market, and like the iPhone 7 Plus, is able to re-create that fake “bokeh” effect. There will also be a feature called Dual Capture mode, which allows users to capture their subject and save two photos simultaneously: a close-up shot and a wide-angle shot.
In addition, the Note line’s signature S Pen gets an upgrade too. With a finer tip and improved pressure sensitivity, the pen now allows users to write on the phone’s screen without unlocking it, translate languages, and last but not least; write a handwritten text message and send it as a GIF.
All this sounds exciting and everything, but the question on everyone’s mind is whether the phone is safe or not. And according to Samsung, it is.
“We have been closely working with Samsung to make meaningful advancements in the science of smartphone quality and safety evaluation,” said Sajeev Jesudas, President, UL International – an independent safety-testing firm
“As a result, the Galaxy Note8 has successfully completed a rigorous series of device and battery safety compatibility test protocols. We look forward to maintaining our strategic relationship with Samsung to help ensure device safety for all consumers,” he added.
That includes Samsung’s own 8-Point Battery Safety Check, although the best indicator of the company’s safety is the success of the Galaxy S8 series, which went without a hitch since its launch earlier this year.
But is the Note 8 worth getting though?
Yes, if you’re a “phablet” lover looking for a feature-rich gadget. If last year’s explosive debacle fazes you, then don’t bother. Although the Note 8 does indeed look promising, and it stands to become the biggest rival for the iPhone 8, which is slated to launch later this year.
Right now, pre-orders and registration of interest for the Note 8 will start tomorrow (August 25) from 12pm onwards. You can register with telco operators Singtel, M1, and Starhub, and online via Samsung’s website or retail outlets like Courts, Best Denki, and Harvey Norman.
The Note 8 will arrive in three colours: Midnight Black, Maple Gold, and Orchid Gray.
For more information, visit www.samsung.com/sg.
All images taken from Samsung.
The Search For The Perfect Nude Lip Gloss That Complements Darker Skin Tones Is Finally Over
After taking the beauty world by storm with their nude lipsticks that’s specifically made for women of colour, Mented Cosmetics (short for pigmented), is back again with an extension to their lip offerings – lip glosses.
Founded by two women of colour, Harvard Business School Graduates, KJ Miller and Amanda E. Johnson are launching their latest Gloss for Grown Ups lip gloss collection, which consists of four nude shades, punnily named “Mauve Over”, “Berry me”, “Baby Brown”, and “Send Nudes”. According to Miller, the lip glosses are highly pigmented, not too excessively shiny, and have a slightly sweet taste to it – basically, the winning combination for kissable lips,
Admitting to being a self-confessed “hardcore lip gloss fan” herself, Johnson however struggled to find the perfect nude lip gloss that actually complemented her dark skin tone. Either that, or the formula wasn’t right. “Everything was either too sticky, too shiny, too frosty, or too sheer and didn’t complement my skin tone,” said Johnson, which explains the duo’s motive behind this new collection, making sure that women of colour everywhere know they too, have options to choose from.
Mented Cosmetics, Gloss for Grown Ups Lip Gloss Collection, US$15 each, available at mentedcosmetics.com, from 1 September 2017.
Header image: Mented Cosmetics
How to Banish Back Acne for Good
Acne can be incredibly frustrating to manage, but back acne? Now, that’s a trickier fiend to deal with. Those angry red bumps taunt us each time we think about putting on that tank top, off-the-shoulder blouse, or open back dress. And unless you’re a professional contortionist, it’s impossible to cover them up with concealer. Yup, bacne can be a real bitch.
You may think that the blemishes on your face and body require the same treatment, but the skin on your face is actually very different to that on your back. Surprisingly, the skin on your face has a higher level of blood supply, which means blemishes tend to heal faster and leave lighter scarring and pigmentation. The skin on your back, however, is much thicker than the skin on your face, so it’s much more resilient and can tolerate stronger treatments and exfoliants that are often too harsh on the face.
Today, we’re going to learn more about this curse and find out the most common triggers of bacne. Of course, we’ll also show you how to change up your body routine so you can say goodbye to those pesky blemishes. If you’re facing severe back acne, however, we recommend you see a dermatologist soonest.
Sweat
There’s no easy way to say this, given our year-round humidity, but perspiration is often responsible for your back flare-ups. If you’re someone who enjoys an intensive cardio routine or the occasional jog in the park, wear moisture-wicking, breathable fabrics so that sweat and bacteria aren’t trapped within that layer, allowed to fester and block up your pores. That said, it’s impossible to wear a Dri-FIT material to work every day even though it’s terribly easy to work up a sweat, so use a tissue to keep your back dry or give it a quick swipe with a cleansing wipe if you have time to spare. You may want to trade in your existing body wash for an blemish-fighting one too, a plus if it’s pH-balancing.
Simple Exfoliating Facial Wipes, $19.90 (left); The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Body Wash, $18.90 (right)
Increased oil production
Generally, acne is caused by a spike in oil production and irregular skin cell turnover which result in blocked pores, providing the perfect conditions for bacteria to breed. A dip in oestrogen levels can throw your hormones off significantly and that imbalance can play a huge role in increased sebum production, which is why might notice more an eruption of breakouts around the time of your period. So another good way to manage back acne is to incorporate a chemical exfoliant into your bodycare routine. One that contains salicylic or glycolic acid is able to penetrate deep into the pores and exfoliate from within, unclogging that nasty buildup of sebum, bacteria, and dead skin. Try not to overdo it, though. Apply the treatment to your blemishes on alternate nights and monitor your skin. If it’s too drying, try using it once a week instead. If it gets red and itchy, stop immediately.
Pixi Glow Tonic To-Go Exfoliating Toner Pads, $34 (top); Boscia Exfoliating Peel Gel, $51 (bottom left); Paula’s Choice Acne Body Spray, $41 (bottom right)
Conditioner
Turns out, there are certain ingredients in your conditioner that can cause face AND back acne, especially if conditioner is the last step of your shower routine. Most conditioners on the market contain petroleum, silicone, and shea butter, all of which are oil-based ingredients that can clog pores and trap bacteria. The hair strengthening ingredient panthenol is also another common culprit, so read your ingredient labels and steer clear from those ingredients. A cautionary step you can take is to cleanse your body with a body wash after you’re done rinsing your conditioner off. That way, your back won’t be covered in those conditioning agents.
Main image: @shopgirl.la
Meet Moleskine's Sleek Minimalist Bags
Notebooks are kinda a thing of the past, what with tablets, smartphones with even larger screens, and Kindles taking over our lives, but that’s not stopping Moleskine from keeping up with the times. The brand, known for their paper products, might pop up most prominently two times a year — when we’re looking for a year-long planner, and when we run out of pages of that one sturdy notebook we have for the entire year — or, you know, when they see popular pop culture fandoms such as Star Wars or Game of Thrones on their covers, but did you know that they’re in the business of magic too? Come on, what else do you call this?
The Smart Writing Set is a genius bunch of tools that allow you to draw or write on the very tactile surface of a specially-designed notebook, that feels very much like writing on paper, while any sketch or writing is then instantaneously digitised, and appears on your phone/tablet/laptop, whichever platform you’re running the app from. We’re told that the notebook’s actually a paper tablet, while the special Pen+ contains ink but also a small hidden camera that traces and digitises any mark you make, so there! At $359, it’s a little costly, but think about how handy this will be for lectures or meetings.
So okay, this technology has already been around for at least a year, but it definitely brings out our point — that the company is embracing the new age — and is just one of the ways the Italian company is staying relevant in today’s digital landscape. The other? Bags.
Moleskine Classic Tote, $178 ; Classic Backpack, $239 ; Classic Duffle, $279
So you’re probably wondering… isn’t that kinda old-school? Well, maybe. The designs are predictably functional, in a series of totes and backpacks that feature ergonomic designs, and with a nice touch of rounded edges that are a callback to the way Moleskine notebooks are designed. There’s even that “in case of loss” tag sewn on the inside of the bags that reference the first page of every one of their notebooks, cute. However, looking at the sizing and sturdiness of the designs, it’s easy to tell that they’re made to carry our digital devices, and all other documents and essentials we need for travel, client meetings and more.
Classic Foldover Backpack, $148 ; Classic Backpack, $239
Those who actually bother looking for a laptop bag (as opposed to a case) will know how hard it is to find one that’s functional and slim — thankfully, Moleskine’s bags are pretty sleek and unisex too; the Classic Tote is roomy enough for lots of items while retaining a neat body, while the Classic Backpack comes in a discreet design that you can use daily.At the same time, the Classic Foldover Backpack is a more interesting take on the boxy backpack, since the lightweight design features that distinct flap as a design element.
Classic Backpack, $239 ; Classic Foldover Tote, $178 ; Classic Backpack, $239
There are also new shades such as Steel Blue, Myrtle Green and Slate Grey, or genuine leather versions of the Classic Backpack and Classic Tote that can withstand even more wear and tear. And since it’s Moleskine, each bag has a not-so-secret pocket for you to store your favourite notebook. Of course!
Moleskine Fall/Winter 2017 Collection, from $148 to $320, available at Takashimaya L3, TANGS at Tangs Plaza L3, and all Moleskine stores. moleskine.com
The Upcoming adidas Originals x Sneakersnstuff Upcoming “EQT Materials” Pack Is An Abstract Work of Art
A household name amongst a long list of collaborators that has worked with Adidas, Sweden-based sneaker retailer, Sneakersnstuff, has yet again scored another exclusive collection with the brand with three stripes. This time, the duo has linked up to come up with an “EQT Materials” Pack, consisting of two tonal pairs of the EQT Support Ultra PK.
Inspired by the 1993 EQT Running Support shoes, this updated version sees the original silhouette fusing with modern and innovative adidas technologies, resulting in a premium one-piece primeknit upper, mounted on a full-length BOOST midsole. Coming in dark blue and white colourway options, the shoes bring onto the table a distinct Swedish aesthetic.
And this is made much more evident if you just take a look at the accompanying campaign created by Swedish design duo, Wang and Söderström.
In a very calming and therapeutic series of abstract visuals, the core materials used across the pack are brought to life using 3D animations and renderings, breaking down the components of the shoes to a macro level, focusing on the individual aspects of the shoe, such as the BOOST tech, primeknit construction, and other elements.
Check out the visuals and animations for yourself:
The Sheet Mask That Shortens Your Morning Skincare Regime To 1 Minute
There is a special satisfaction in discovering an especially effective product from the Japanese drugstore. This is so for a few reasons: first of which is that Japanese characters are incomprehensible to us, so it’s always a challenge to even figure out which product does what; second of all is that there are so many things in a typical Japanese drugstore that browsing never fails to feel overwhelming.
So when we take a chance on a Japanese product that we’re not entirely sure about, and find that it actually works superbly, it’s like hitting the jackpot. A few examples: this lash primer, these lens wipes, and possibly the most amazing eye drops ever. And now, meet our most recent discovery: sheet masks that look like a pack of wet wipes.
This is the Saborino Morning Facial Sheet Mask, and as the name states, it’s a sheet mask you’re supposed to use in the morning. Convention tells us that a sheet mask treatment usually requires at least 10 minutes, so frantic mornings would be the worst time to use one – but this one only has to be left on for 1 minute. It’s quite the multi-tasker as well, working as a cleanser, skin-tightening treatment, moisturiser, and makeup primer.
All of this basically means that you can essentially shorten your morning skincare routine to a mere minute, and a single step. It contains avocado extract, peppermint extract, tea tree oil, and grapefruit peel oil, so expect a slight tingly feeling upon application (handy for feeling more awake).
The best part about this is that getting your hands on a pack doesn’t require a trip to Japan: it’s currently available at Tokyu Hands, Meidi-ya and Metro stores.
Saborino Morning Facial Sheet Mask, $21.90. Available at Tokyu Hands, Meidi-ya and Metro stores.
Why You Should Be Using These Odd Golden Capsules Around Your Eyes
A while back, we gave Elizabeth Arden’s golden pods a try with our mums, to test out the anti-aging powers of the brand’s iconic ceramide capsules. You pop them open and apply the serum, which feels like a moisturising oil, all over the face. With ceramide as the key ingredient, skin barrier is kept strong, moisture is kept inside the skin, allowing skin to look younger.
So now, meet these:
Yes, the golden capsules now come in fun-sized versions, and these are made for the eye area. Ceramide makes even more sense for this part of the face, since the skin there is extra delicate, and even more in need of the powers of ceramide, which makes up almost half of the essential lipids in the skin’s strateum corneum layer.
The Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Eye Serum works by minimising the appearance of fine lines, crow’s feet and puffiness by boosting the skin’s natural collagen; upon application, the boost of hydration also immediately strengthens the skin’s natural protective moisture barrier. And yes, it’s safe even for sensitive eyes.
Capsules really are a clever skincare idea – you’ll always know that you are applying just the right amount. They’re biodegradable too, if you are about the environment and all; also fragrance and preservative-free.
Now you must be wondering: how on earth do you use these?
Step 1: Twist the top part of the capsule to open, and squeeze out the serum onto your fingertips by gently pressing on the rounded part of the capsule.
Step 2: Apply onto the eye area with your ring finger, beginning at the outer corners and moving inwards to the nose.
To complete the massage, you can also move your finger upwards to the browbone, and moving back towards the outer corners.
Step 3: Repeat this a few times, until the serum has been completely absorbed. The eye area should feel immediately refreshed, smoother, and nicely moisturised.
All of the above makes for a quick eye care routine that shouldn’t take longer than a few minutes. Pair this with the Advanced Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum for the face, which as we found out when we tried them with our mums, has a nice instant skin-smoothing and hydrating effect. You need ceramide on all parts of your face anyway.
Head to reddoorclub.sg/eyesecrets to register. Call 8645 2634 for details.
Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Eye Serum, $105 for 60 capsules; Advanced Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum, $75 to $169. Available at the Elizabeth Arden store and counters. elizabetharden.sg
How To Make Knits Work For Your Tropical Wardrobe
The onset of the Fall/Winter season means the knits are definitely coming out to play. All too soon, the summer dresses and breezy materials are wiped from the racks and shelves, replaced by the wool, the leathers, and the knits.
And then we find ourselves wishing, yet again, that average Singapore temperatures would be just a few degrees cooler, just so we could comfortably wear these pieces without any suffering. Alas, that’s still wishful thinking; also, wool and leather just aren’t going to work outside of a room with air-conditioning on full blast. So what we’ll settle for are the knits, which are still somewhat feasible for a tropical wardrobe. Fortunately, the Fall/Winter collections give us plenty of options – here’s how we’d wear them, without breaking a sweat (hopefully).
The Knit Cardigan
Cut out one extra layer by wearing this knit cardigan as a top, instead of outerwear.
1. Cardigan, COS; 2. Denim skirt, Topshop; 3. Watch, Daniel Wellington; 4. Bag, Valentino; 5.Sneaker, Ecco.
The Knit Skirt
Fact: a knit skirt won’t trap heat – which really makes it a sensible knitwear option for our climate! Use it to anchor a simple work outfit.
1. Skirt, Massimo Dutti; 2. Top, Sandro; 3. Ring, Monica Vinader; 4. Bag, Mulberry; 5. Boots, Pedro.
The Knit Top
This style’s a classic, so make things a bit more interesting with prints (we spotted many great options in the latest Uniqlo x Inès de la Fressange collection).
1. Skirt, Zara; 2. Sweater, Uniqlo (launching 1 Sep); 3. Scarf, Mulberry; 4. Bag, Roger Vivier; 5. Heel, Pedder Red.
The Knit Bag
Now, isn’t this unexpected. A knit bag! A clever way to work with knits, if your tolerance for sweat is an absolute zero. The slouchy silhouette easily accommodates all your daily necessities and knick-knacks, plus will make a nice conversation starter.
1. Dress, Pull & Bear; 2. Jacket, American Eagle Outfitters; 3. Bag, Zara; 4. Earrings, Swarovski; 5. Sneaker, adidas.
Kit Kat Japan Launches Cough Drop-Flavoured Chocolate
Chocolate is a relatively straightforward concept, right? You’ve got milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, truffle chocolate, etc. You get the point. Humanity’s favourite confectionary is pretty standard when it comes to flavours, and we all have a preconceived idea of how it should be and what it should taste like.
Well, except in Japan.
Kit Kat’s Japanese outpost is taking weird flavours to a whole new level with the release of its latest product: cough drop-flavoured chocolate. Yep, you read that right. The humble cacao-based confectionary is going to get a medicinal revamp in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Cringe.
Called Kit Kat Nodo Ame Aji, which directly translates into Kit Kat Cough Drop Flavour, the new chocolate will have a solid dosage of 2.1 percent throat lozenge powder in each serving, and according to Nestlé, the grounded cough powder is mixed with the chocolate layers to provide a “fresh and invigorating flavour.”
Equally wacky is the new product’s packaging, which sports a cartoony image of Yasutaro Matsuki; a former national football player and manager who’s now widely recognized for his work as a commentator.
The words on the packaging are apparently inspiration for Kit Kat fans to buy the chocolate, with Matsuki shouting, “It’s one more point! Another point!!” alongside a slogan that reads, “There’s a battle there that most definitely can’t be lost.”
If anything, it’s not the first time Kit Kat Japan has dropped strange flavours in the market. Previous limited edition releases include Soy Sauce Kit Kat, Grilled Potato, and Cherry Blossom, although each of them sounds way more appealing than the new medicinal variety.
Right now, the Cough Drop Kit Kat is retailing for 140 yen (approximately S$1.75), and is available till September 10 at Japanese convenience stores. Each box contains three sets of Kit Kat’s.
For more information, visit nestle.jp.
All images taken from Nestlé.
10 Spectacular Game of Thrones Locations You Can Visit in Real Life
Warning: major spoilers ahead.
Just kidding. Your Facebook feed has probably given you enough of that already.
Still, we need to talk about the Night King’s insane power (ignore those memes of him throwing a javelin, he killed a dragon for Christ’s sake). Speaking of dragons, the fact that he now has a zombified Viserion under his wing makes it look as if doom is imminent for the seven kingdoms.
But let’s put all that aside shall we? After all, Westeros – while a fictional continent, is a beautiful one, and there’s a whole lot more to Game of Thrones than feuding royalty, fire-breathing dragons, incest, an army of the walking dead, and magic.
And here’s the proof: gorgeous filming locations that you can actually visit in real-life, whether you’re planning an epic vacation with your best buds or you just want a taste of the Iron Throne before Dany gets Cersei off it.
From crumbling castles to the magnificent natural landscapes that lie beyond the Wall, we’ve compiled a list of the very best real-life filming locations that every hardcore GOT fan needs to visit.
Now, if only we could travel there as fast as they do on the show…
Grjótagjá, Iceland – Beyond the Wall
Remember when Jon broke his vow of celibacy for Ygritte? Here’s the cave where all that went down. And damn, it is absolutely gorgeous. Located in Northern Iceland, just off the picturesque town of Akureyri near Lake Mývatn, this ethereal spot opens up to a beautiful hot spring that’s surrounded by clusters of jagged rocks. However, you aren’t allowed to bathe here for your own safety – the water rises up to a staggering 43-46°C!
What else you can do:
Take a dip in the geothermal waters of Mývatn Nature Baths or visit the Sigurgeir’s Birdmuseum that has 300 birds of 180 species.
Thingvellir National Park, Iceland – The Eyrie
Iceland is a country with just about the craziest terrains imaginable, and none of this is more apparent than at Thingvellir National Park, which was used as a filming location for the imposing towers of The Eyrie in the Vale of Arryn. You won’t see any of those scary sky cells here though. Instead, be greeted with glorious birch woodlands, unreal volcanic fissure plates, and Lake Þingvallavatn – the largest natural lake in Iceland.
What else you can do nearby:
Entrance into the park is free, so you can either camp, fish, or hike as much as you like. Just remember to stay safe!
Castle Ward, Northern Ireland – Winterfell
No Game of Thrones vacation is complete without a visit to Castle Ward in Strangford. Better known as the dark and grim abode of Winterfell, this quaint spot actually holds an annual Winterfell festival, complete with theatrical re-enactments, games, music, and food. Robb Stark’s Riverlands camp and one of the two towers that compose of Walder Frey’s castle are also nearby, so thumbs up for convenience.
What else you can do nearby:
Well, the best thing to do here really is to embark on a fully-fledged GOT tour. Over here, you’ve got the license to go crazy, so make full use of it!
Dubrovnik, Croatia – King’s Landing, Qarth
Everyone, from Olenna Tyrell to Oberyn Martell, has previously remarked of King’s Landing’s stink. But the capital’s real-life filming location of Dubrovnik in Croatia is anything but smelly. Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, Dubrovnik is home to some of GOT’s most famous scenes, like the staircase where Cersei embarked on her “walk of shame”, as well the Red Keep Gate, Littlefinger’s brothel, and the residence of the Spice King in Qarth.
What else you can do nearby:
It’s all about visiting GOT locations over here. But besides beautifully preserved buildings and monuments in the Old Town, there are also beaches for you to chill at.
Girona, Spain – Free City of Braavos, Oldtown
Valar Morghulis! If you’re interested in exploring the streets of the Free City of Braavos, where Arya Stark learned how to be a Faceless Assassin, take a trip down to the picturesque Catalan town of Girona. The town, which is thousands of years old, is packed to the brim with charming architectural gems, such as the Arab Baths; where Arya escaped from the Waif, and the Plaça dels Jurats; the spot where Arya saw her family mocked in a play.
What else you can do nearby:
Hit up the Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants, which was used as the setting for the Maesters’ Citadel, or explore the Jewish Quarter and Girona Catherdral; both GOT filming locations.
Alcázar of Seville, Spain – Water Gardens of Dorne
As grand as the castles in Game of Thrones may be, all of them pale in comparison to the Water Gardens of Dorne’s beauty and its real world setting of the Real Alcázar of Seville in Spain. Immaculately embellished with intricate tile work, ornate arches, and neatly trimmed gardens, this 14th century royal palace is one of those rare buildings that look even better than its fictional counterpart, making it a true paradise for all those who visit.
What else you can do nearby:
Star Wars fans will be pleased to know that the Plaza de España, which was used as a backdrop in “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones”, is located pretty nearby the Alcázar of Seville.
The Dark Hedges, Northern Ireland – King’s Road
With its myriad of twisting branches forming an enchanting tunnel, The Dark Hedges along Bregagh Road in Northern Ireland – one of the most photographed roads in the world, is a sight to behold, even before it was used as the setting for King’s Road. Different times of the day and seasons give it different illusions of mysticism, although we recommend checking it out when the sun sets. That’s when this iconic tree tunnel is at its most beautiful.
What else you can do nearby:
Nothing much. But a trip out here with a camera in hand makes the journey worthwhile.
Downhill Strand and Mussenden Temple, Northern Ireland – Dragonstone
Before Dany and her dragons landed at Dragonstone, it was the domain of Stannis Baratheon and Melisandre, although one of the ancient fictional castle’s most striking features was its stunning scenery, which IRL is the beach at Downhill Strand. Used as the site where Stannis burned the Seven Idols of Westeros, Northern Ireland’s longest beach is flanked by Mussenden Temple; another GOT filming locale.
What else you can do nearby:
Enjoy scenic views of Northern Ireland’s North Coast or visit the nearby counties of Donegal, Antrim, and Londonderry.
Aït-Benhaddou, Morocco – Yunkai
Better known as the city of Yunkai, the ksar of Aït-Benhaddou is a series of mud brick buildings enclosed by high walls in southern Morocco. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the town lends an air of exoticism to all those who drop by, and you can just picture crowds of liberated slaves screaming with joy as Dany and her crew free them from their masters. It’s also the site of many films, including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator, so there’s plenty to see here.
What else you can do nearby:
To be honest, the town itself is the main attraction, although you can check out a massive granary that’s located at the top of a hill or the Mausoleum of Ben-Haddou.
The Fortress of Klis in central Dalmatia, Croatia – Meereen
Yet another stunning Croatian GOT filming location, the Fortress of Klis in central Dalmatia was used as the Essos stronghold of Meereen, where Dany crucified a total of 163 slave masters. Granted, the towering pyramid at the fictional city’s apex doesn’t exist, but this medieval fortress based off the Adriatic Sea is still a gorgeous place to visit, with its sloping walkways and rocky mountain passes transporting you to a whole other world.
What else you can do nearby:
Mostly exploring the fortress’ various fortifications and visiting a small museum with displays of swords and costumes.
Images: HBO
Review: What The NYLON Team Thinks Of The YSL All Hours Foundation
The YSL All Hours liquid foundation launched two weeks ago and I tried it on a few personalities, each of them with a distinct skin tone. The great thing about this product is that it comes in 22 shades, and Singapore is one of the markets bringing in the full range of colours (unusual for our small population but a very good thing!). So every time a new “hero” product launches, I always want to try it on real girls — like the NYLON team.
Our typical work day has us putting on a foundation in the morning, and praying that it lasts though hours sitting at our desks, trudging out to lunch under the heat and humidity that is Singapore weather, and any evening activities like press events or dinner parties. Here’s what we have to say:
Adele Chan, Editor-In-Chief
I wrote the original article for this product, and so got the brief and did the research; which means I know all the benefits that this foundation claims. Firstly, did I find my match? Yes of course; there are 22 shades and I have my YSL number memorised by heart: 20. Basically, any YSL base makeup with the number 20 (and for this foundation: B20). The cream blends in easily and literally disappears on my skin. I like to pat it in with a cushion compact sponge, just for the convenience of it, but it works; the product creates as good a finish that my skin can have. Dark rings and pigmentation lighten, pores are minimised, redness around the nose reduces, and veins become much less obvious. Overall, my skin evened out, which is exactly what a good foundation should do. Did it last? It actually really did — from morning, all through the day, through dinner with friends; and when I finally got home and took a look at myself in the mirror at 10pm, my skin still looked fresh. It’s a miracle. Disclaimer though: I have generally decent skin, so this product fared well for me (as many products do), but not all my colleagues were as successful. Read on.
Tami Lai, Associate Editor
Put a high coverage foundation in front of me, and I’ll definitely try it. Not that I have a lot to cover up, but it’s just a personal preference when it comes to my base makeup. That’s why I was pretty stoked to try the YSL Beauty All Hours liquid foundation, especially because I found the Touche Eclat Le Teint and Youth Liberator Serum Foundation to be so amazing. First impressions: this one has the same floral fragrance as the other YSL foundations, which I like, and blends easily with minimal streaking or patchiness. The coverage is nice and matte as promised, without appearing chalky. Not as luminous as some of my other preferred foundations, but that’s not a big deal. The real test though, is whether it lasts for all hours. At the end of the workday, it’s still holding up okay, but to be honest, my complexion doesn’t look as flawless as I thought it would. A slight touchup is still required, but I do find that my skin looks less oily as compared to when I have other foundations on. Overall, still one that I’m probably going to be using quite often.
Amelia Tan, Associate Editor
I have tons of makeup to try every day (yep, the evidence is right there), but I genuinely get excited when it’s YSL — their makeup’s usually pricey, but I do love the lipsticks and swear by the Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils, and really, no one can resist those gilded cases right! So I was pumped (not a pun) to give their liquid foundation a try too! It so happens that I had a bad skin week and was desperately trying out ways to get rid of my blemishes while also covering them up during the day, and the YSL All Hours foundation came in really handy. Firstly, the coverage was great — I usually prefer more sheer coverage honestly, but this time, I needed all the help I could get. When I patted it on using a cushion sponge, it blended in with my skin beautifully, while also hiding any redness and bumps, and didn’t turn out cakey despite the layers of product. Not the lightest texture, but quite comfortable, really. The finish was even and natural too, a soft matte that isn’t powdery, with just the right glow that mimics any dream skin. After a whole day in an air-conditioned environment though, while I noticed that while it definitely stayed in place, my skin felt a little dry and less fresh than it looked in the morning. Maybe I should have kept a hydrating mist by my desk? Still, it doesn’t take away from the great coverage; I was quite happy that I could walk around with better-than-what-it-really-is skin without feeling insecure at all!
Jade Yeo, Writer
My skin reacts negatively to majority of beauty products on the market, even to those that were made specifically for sensitive skin. Now that you’re aware, I’ll start with the bad news: this foundation left my forehead red and itchy after a few hours of wear. I’m pretty sure the sole culprit was the fragrance in the formula, which sits relatively high on the ingredient list. For that reason, I tend to select products that are completely devoid of fragrance and aromatic essential oils. That aside, I really liked its buildable coverage. I’m not someone who’s blessed with naturally clear skin, so it’s best to have a foundation that can do the most. This one hid every trace of dark eye circles, acne, scars, shadows, veins and redness, so I didn’t even need a concealer by the time I was done with my whole face. It leaves a matte finish, but still looks glowy and fresh somehow, and it didn’t start caking when I added more foundation to my problem areas. If my skin weren’t this reactive, the YSL All Hours Foundation could have been the one.
Nurasyiqin Sedik, Media Executive
I really like the scent of the foundation, not sure why but it somehow reminds me of honeydew? Haha. I managed to attain a nice smooth canvas with only one pump. The product itself feels light on the skin, as though I don’t have foundation on when I touch my face. I didn’t think the foundation looked matte on me as there was a little glow to the face, and I quite liked that. Overall, in my opinion, the product looks beautiful on the skin (but it’s not as non-transferable as it claims to be — it rubbed off on my clothes!).
Eleni Kontorigas, Media Executive
Being someone who prefers the minimal look, I often opt out of wearing foundation to avoid the “overdone” cake face — so my morning and night routine is quite simple. In saying this, I’ve struggled to find a product that is lightweight with enough coverage to mask my problem areas. That is, until I used the YSL All Hours Liquid Foundation. I used a pea-sized amount to blot my T-zone area and blended it in using my fingertips. My first thought was how smooth my complexion looked and how easy the application was – with minimal effort! The real test for me was if the one layer I applied would last me all day, and how my pores would react to the foundation. Thankfully, the long-lasting wear surpassed my expectations, leaving my skin feeling fresh with only a minor flare up of my pores. Overall, I was impressed with the coverage and wasn’t left deterred from wearing it again.
Patrene Mathieu, Designer
I’ll start off by saying that the coverage is really fantastic. The downside to that is the consistency of the product, which goes on pretty thick. Too thick to use as a daily foundation. I used it on my entire face for about half the week and realised that I had a slight breakout after. It also doesn’t seem to last as long as my regular foundation, and I usually need a touch-up before the end of the day, despite setting it. However, it’s an incredibly effective concealer, and I’ve been using it as such ever since. I only need a very tiny amount to see good coverage. Also, it smells nice.
Phyllis Guo, Editorial Assistant
The shade I picked out was BD45, a warm tone that leaves my skin looking a little bronzed, which is always a good thing if I want to achieve Kim K’s bronzy tan look. I get pretty high coverage with just a small amount of product and there wasn’t really a need for me to use my concealer in the next step. However, I do feel that the foundation dries up quickly, in a sense that if you do not immediately blend the foundation out evenly, it will result in uneven patches (at least for me because the shade I chose was bronzy). But, true to its name, the foundation stays on throughout the day, which is one of the important qualities I look out for in foundations.
YSL Beauty All Hours Foundation, available in 22 shades, $98.
Available now at YSL Beauty stores and counters, and on tangs.com.
M.A.C Is Sending Plenty Of New Nudes Our Way
M.A.C and Nicki Minaj go way back – beginning in 2010 with the Pink 4 Friday lipstick to celebrate the launch of her Pink Friday album, and followed by her two campaigns as Viva Glam ambassador: in 2012 with Ricky Martin, and a solo run in 2013. All the colours she’s launched so far have been unabashedly pink – nicely in line with her Harajuku Barbie persona, we suppose – but in 2017, all that’s set to change.
Yes, it’s all about the nudes this time around, and we’re super stoked, obviously. This latest collaboration sees two limited edition M.A.C x Nicki Minaj nude lipsticks: Nicki’s Nude, a soft coral pink, and The Pinkprint, a mid-tone creamy pink, both in Amplified finishes.
Guess who’s back w/M·A·C? Surprise announcement coming for 2018! Until then, #NickiNudes come out globally in September. #MACxNickiMinaj pic.twitter.com/g7BGAg5TMx
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) August 22, 2017
And all this is just the beginning, according to this tweet from Minaj herself. There’ll be plenty more of M.A.C x Minaj for 2018, and we are so ready for all of that. In the meantime, M.A.C is very kindly launching these two Nicki Minaj lip colours with a whole range of nude lipsticks, lipglosses and lip pencils, covering both brand new and familiar shades.
Ever-reliable beauty insider @trendmood1 gives us a comprehensive sneak peek here, and we already see plenty that we’re tempted by. We always say that a girl can never have enough nude lipsticks, the extent of this M.A.C drop makes us feel like with this collection, we might finally have enough to last us a lifetime.
M.A.C x Nicki Minaj lip colours, $33 each. Available at M.A.C stores and counters from 7 September 2017. maccosmetics.com.sg
This Is Not A Drill: McDonald’s Nasi Lemak Burger Might Just Be Making A Comeback!
Isn’t this the best news you’ve heard all day? Well, we don’t know about you, but we sure as hell are jumping with joy when we saw that news of the McDonald’s Nasi Lemak Burger will be returning back on the menu. According to 8Days, they received a lil (okay, major!) tip-off from an unknown but reliable source who spilled the beans that McDonald’s reinterpretation of one of Singapore’s classic soul food will be making a comeback, along with the Chendol McFlurry and Bandung McFizz, at the end of August at all McDonald’s outlets.
Millions of Singaporeans probably have their hopes raised way up high right now, especially for those who did not even get a taste of the delightful burger, so to that mysterious insider: this news is a huge claim to say so confidently, and if it happens to be a scam, just know that you’ll be the most hated person in the whole of Singapore.
However, it seems like there is a high possibility that this is true, given that the representative from McDonald’s who spoke with 8Days did not give a confirmation NOR shoot down the prospect of it entirely. Plus, the whole concept of creating locally inspired dishes to celebrate National Day and the taste of the burger itself received positive reviews and overwhelming support island-wide, so McDonald’s, can you feel the love from everyone?
Here at NYLON, we braved the long queues during the lunch peak hours, and we almost even exceeded our break time, but it was all worth it as we sunk our teeth into the burger that’s packed with a juicy chicken patty, golden fried egg, caramelized onions, fresh cucumbers, and the sweet and spicy, but bearable yet addictive sambal sauce, in between two toasted semolina buns. We had a major food coma after.
Although McDonald’s came up with Eggcellent McSpicy to take over the short-lived Nasi Lemak Burger, it was not enough to quell our disappointment upon hearing news that it was going to be taken down when it didn’t even last on the menu for more than two weeks, leaving our taste buds craving for more.
We’ve spoken, so everything is now in the hands of McDonald’s. We trust that our favourite fast food chain will make a wise decision and bring us the good news we all want to hear, so stay tuned for further updates!
Header image: McDonald’s
YouTuber Jenn Im Has Just Launched Her Very Own Clothing Line
From Michelle Phan’s EM Cosmetics to Huda Kattan’s Huda Beauty and Samantha Maria’s NovemKnight clothing line, our favourite YouTubers have ventured out into the world, seeking new ways to tap on their creativity and to stay relevant in the industry. By now, we’re pretty familiar with the numerous collections that have been created for the masses, not just dedicated to loyal fans. The latest YouTube sensation to jump on board? It’s none other than Clothes Encounters’ Jenn Im.
If you’ve never heard of Jenn Im, you’re probably living under a boulder, far from Internet access. With almost 2 million subscribers on YouTube and 1.5 million followers on Instagram, it wouldn’t be wrong to brand Jenn Im as YouTube royalty. She started her channel in 2010, sharing fashion tips with her audience and gradually branched out to beauty and lifestyle in the span of 7 years. Having partnered with fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands in the past, Jenn decided to launch her new fashion line, Eggie – a project she’s been working on towards the end of last year.
“‘Eggie’ is ‘baby’ in Korean and growing up, I was always the ‘eggie’ in the family, and now this clothing line is the ‘eggie’ of my own,” she says in her most recent upload. “This is a full-blown 27-piece collection – there’s a lot to go through!” Eggie’s debut offers classic staples as well as some of Jenn’s favourite trends like slip dresses, jumpsuits, bomber jackets, and even a comfy jogger set. Evidently, the lineup is an extension of her existing closet, which is great news for those who wish to cop Jenn’s wardrobe in its entirety.
One thing that makes her clothes stand out is undoubtedly her Korean heritage. You’ll spot a custom print of the Korean national flower on a jumpsuit from the collection, and a Korean melon print on a matching off-the-shoulder top and skirt set.
Eggie’s pieces range from US$25 – US$79, which makes the collection pretty darn affordable actually. We can’t wait to see more seasonal updates added to her new clothing line.
Eggie by Jenn Im, available now at eggie.us.
Main image: Eggie.us
Virgil Abloh and Nike’s “The Ten” Collection Finally Makes Its Debut
The hype over the collaboration between Off-White and Nike is at its peak right now, with all 10 shoes finally unveiled to the fashion community. You bet every hypebeast out there has already marked their calendars and has started stocking up on necessities which they will be needing while they queue for those coveted sneakers, which include the Nike Air Force 1 Low, Nike Air Max 97, and the Converse Chuck Taylor among others.
Divided into two themes, the open-source nature of “The Ten” is a reflection of Nike shoes over the years that were able to stand the test of time, all while defining and representing the sport and sneaker culture at the same time.
The first set under the theme “REVEALING” consists of the Air Jordan I, Nike Air Max 90, Nike Air Presto, Nike Air VaporMax, and Nike Blazer Mid. It centers around the idea of accessible-looking shoes, and features a hand-cut, open-source, and reconstructed design to achieve that aesthetic.
The other set of five shoes belong to a theme dubbed as “GHOSTING”, and as the name suggests, goes for a more futuristic vibe that has a little mysterious aura going on. Constructed with translucent uppers to fuel the idea of “revealing” and combining it with other common materials, classic silhouettes like the Converse Chuck Taylor, Nike Zoom Fly SP, Nike Air Force 1 Low, Nike React Hyperdunk 2017, and Nike Air Max 97, undergo a slight revamp.
Abloh’s signature tongue-in-cheek text placements are also found on this collection, with the word “AIR” positioned on the lateral side of the Nike Air VaporMax, Air Jordan I, and Air Presto, as well as “SHOELACES” written on the shoe strings. While some shoes had their Swoosh placements shifted, and others enlarged, what remains consistent through it all is a unique red zip tie that tagged onto the laces of each model, giving off a do-it-yourself aesthetic, which is exactly what Abloh had in mind.
Speaking of the collection, Abloh says: “Yes, we’re making a desired product, but by making a trip to your local store, and using tools you have at home, you could also make this shoe.”
Very well, if we can’t get our hands on them, we might as well Just Do It with what we can find from our very own mama shops at the void decks.
The first five sneakers of “The Ten” project—the Air Jordan I, Nike Blazer, Nike Air Presto, Nike Air Max 90, and Nike Air VaporMax—will be pre-released in New York City (September 9-13), London (September 18-22), Milan (September 21-25) and Paris (September 26-30) at NikeLab stores.
The full collection including all ten silhouettes will be available in November at NikeLab stores and select retailers worldwide.
The Really Luxurious Hand Creams That You Don't Need, But Definitely Want
Recently, Chanel sent us their newest hand cream, the La Crème Main that’s launching in October. We saw it, and of course we had to Instagram it:
This definitely has very high aesthetic value for a humble hand cream, though it’s Chanel after all, so that probably makes it not-so-humble. As someone pointed out in the comments, yes it looks like an Apple mouse, and we’re already kind of obsessed with it. Chanel promises a formula made of the most exclusive botanicals, like May rose wax and the iris pallida flower from Chanel’s gardens in Grasse, France.
For 50ml, this will set you back $85. A pretty penny to pay for hand cream, but then again, it’s Chanel. The La Crème Main got us contemplating the need for hand cream in our lives, however. Given that we don’t have a dry climate here, it’s definitely not a pressing need for most; and when you put a high premium on a beauty product that’s far from a daily necessity… are you really going to pay for that?
In the case of the La Crème Main, the answer is in the affirmative. Probably just for the sheer novelty of the packaging and the thrill of taking it out of our bags to the impressed gasps of our friends, but it’s worth it. We took the opportunity to seek out other really expensive hand creams, and examine what makes them worth the price.
La Mer The Hand Treatment
$185 for 100ml. Available at La Mer counters.
Suddenly, Chanel’s $85 hand cream seems affordable next to La Mer, which costs a whole hundred dollars more. Of course, you’re getting twice the amount of product here, but it’s not like there’s a cheaper, smaller-sized tube to go for. It’s either almost $200 for a 100ml tube of La Mer for your hands, or nothing at all. Why is this so pricey? The immediate answer is that it’s La Mer, and this one contains that famed Miracle Broth too. If you can afford to apply youth-preserving algae extract on your hands, it’s a pretty clear sign you’ve made it in life.
Clé de Peau Beauté Hand Cream
$120 for 75ml. Available at the Clé de Peau Beauté store and counters.
Coming in a close second at $120 is Clé de Peau Beauté, and this pastel pink tube contains what is described as “a concentrated, richly emollient cream”. It contains the brand’s Illuminating Complex, in case you need your hands to be as radiant as your face is, and SPF 18 because ain’t no sun spots are going to make their way to your hands. Even the fragrance is extra atas: apparently, it’s created from peony, and a rare orchid.
Tata Harper Rejuvenating Hand Cream
US$56.98 for 50ml. Available on net-a-porter.com.
The packaging of this one belies the premium price tag, but what you’re paying for is a formula that’s free of synthetics, artificial fragrances, and… gluten. In case your strict gluten-free diet extends to the skin cells on your hands as well. Dry skin gets treated with hyaluronic acid, avocado peptides, and extracts of rose geranium and magnolia flower, which makes for a very nice natural scent.
Rodin Luxury Hand and Body Cream
US$59.61 for 100ml. Available on net-a-porter.com.
Rodin’s a cult beauty brand famous for their facial oils, and this hand and body cream contains essentials oils as well. Which means this smells like a dream thanks to the oils of jasmine and neroli, so each application will transport you into an almost-spa experience. Suddenly, S$80 for hand cream and Net-A-Porter’s shipping fee seems well worth it. This, dear readers, is what luxury feels like.
BYREDO La Tulipe Hand Cream
$50 for 30ml. Available at escentials.
Like everything else from this Swedish fragrance brand, you’re paying for the branding, and the feeling of whipping this monochrome, intentionally minimalist tube out of your purse, and applying this uniquely-scented cream all over your hands. Or maybe the opportunity to casually slip this into your next Instagram flatlay. No judging, because we’re one of those who gladly hand over almost $200 for a small bottle of Byredo perfume, even though we know we can’t really afford it.
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