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Here's What's Happening This Weekend

SHINE Festival 2016

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Let’s hear it for our youth; the latest and greatest event celebrating the talents and passions of our local youth is none other than this year’s SHINE Festival, organised by the National Youth Council, and running for its 11th year. Themed “Your Next Stage”, the three-day festival is all about challenging youths to showcase their talents and fulfill their aspirations – in a whirlwind display of music, dance, urban sport, art, and pop culture.
Look out for the debut work of carefully curated exhibitions, installations and performances, put together by Singaporean youths through the all-new SHINE x *SCAPE Talent Development Programme. Also lining Orchard Road (or the “Festival Street” for the weekend) is a Festival Village with more than 60 pop-up stalls, food trucks, and art fringe activities (fashion silk-screening, for one) – so everyone, youth or not, can immerse themselves in an all-encompassing festival experience. And for the Korean hiphop fans… Jay Park himself will be taking the stage for an epic performance.
Date: 1 July to 3 July 2016
Venue: Orchard Road, from *SCAPE to ION Orchard
Admission: Free
More info at shine.nyc.sg
 
4th World Oyster Festival
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There really isn’t much more to it – presented by Greenwood Fish Market, the yearly Oyster Festival is back for its fourth installment, to serve up some serious seafood comas to the island for an entire month. This year, expect a selection of 20 different varieties of oysters, including Dutch Creuses, Golden Mantle, and Normandy oysters. A tasting platter of seven types of oysters (14 pieces) goes for $99++, and AMEX cardholders will enjoy 50% off the 2nd dozen. Taking place at two different venues, this year’s Oyster Festival is definitely one for the upmarket foodies.
Date: 1 July to 31 July 2016
Venue: 34/38 Greenwood Avenue, Singapore 289236 | Quayside Isle Sentosa Cove, 31 Ocean Way #01-04/05, Singapore 098375
More info at facebook.com/greenwoodfishmarketandbistro
 
Silent Disco Asia
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This one’s for those who like the idea of getting turnt without the deafening noise pollution that comes with it. The Silent Disco Asia party sees three DJs spinning different styles of music – which you can choose to tune in to, thanks to individual noise-cancelling headsets provided at the door. And that’s the whole point of the party – flick between the channels on your headset (disco, house, and rock, by the way) for your choice jam; but have the freedom to take a break any time simply by taking it off. Sure it’ll be a little weird once the headsets come off and you’re technically just dancing in silence; but just think of all the great Snapchat stories it’ll make!
Date: 2 July to 3 July 2016
Time: 8pm to 1am
Venue: Kult Kafe, 11 Upper Wilkie Road, Singapore 228120
Admission: $45 (includes one drink)
More info at facebook.com/events/1010696749015510/

Our Favourite 2000s Rock Bands Are Back With Major News

The golden days of 2000s just came screaming back to us in the form of our all-time favourite rock bands. Sure, we might be caught up with music these days (and the drama that comes with it), but ultimately, there’s always something about old bands that sets them apart. Call it the year of comebacks (read: Radiohead’s A Moon Shaped Pool); there’s just so much to look forward to.
1. Sum 41’s new album

13 Voices (web)

The Canadian rock band Sum 41 is finally back with a brand new album, “13 Voices”, that is set to release on 7 October via Hopeless Records. With previous hits such as “With Me” and “Pieces”, it was a wave of nostalgia as we tuned in to their latest music video of “Fake My Own Death”, the first listen off their album. Even after a five year hiatus, we were still pleasantly surprised by Sum 41’s comeback. We especially love how the music video incorporates hilarious memes and cartoon effects, amidst the rather serious tone of the song. The band, while playing, were seen being attacked by some of the Internet’s most famous memes and iconic figures such as Kim Kardashian’s booty, Donald Trump, Nyan Cat and Miley Cyrus, to name a few. Watch the video here:

Pre-Order Sum 41’s new album on iTunes.
 
2. Simple Plan returns to Singapore
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This is not a drill. To promote their latest album, “Taking One for the Team”, Simple Plan will be stopping by South-East Asia and Singapore’s one of their stops. It’s been over four years since they last performed here in Singapore and we’re finally getting to relive the good ol’ days with all too familiar jams that everybody knows by heart. We’re hoping they will be gracing our ears with ballads from our teenage angst days such as “Perfect” and “Welcome To My Life”. While we all wait eagerly for the concert that’s happening in September, here’s some Simple Plan goodness for you folks; their latest music video for “Singing In The Rain”. While its mildly different from the usual style we’re used to, it’s still Simple Plan afterall, and we love them all the same.


 
3. The Strokes – “Threat of Joy” official music video
The Strokes returns with a new album, “Future Present Past”, featuring three original songs, each representing the future, present and the past. Of course, it’s always hard to live up to their famous singles such as “Last Nite” and “You Only Live Once”; but once again, The Strokes manages to bring back our fondest memories of them by incorporating their captivating guitar tunes and soulful music. Watch Julian Casablancas show off his charismatic vocal performance in this stunning music video here:


We Might Have Found Toa Payoh's Best Roast Meat

Everyone loves a good plate of roast meats. Juicy charsiew, crunchy roast pork, buttery duck – yes? So when we stumble upon a hidden gem offering not just one, but all these choice meats, we have to share the good news.
Frankly, we’re a little surprised the stall hasn’t blown up yet. Perhaps its location is to blame – in the heart of Toa Payoh, Roasted Master definitely has some stiff competition in terms of kopitiam eats. It’s also very new, given the coffeeshop (which also houses the more established Hong Sheng Restaurant) had just undergone renovation, and added a bunch of new stalls. Still, at just a five minute-walk away from Braddell MRT, and located directly opposite the SPH News building, it’s in a prime place for when you’re nursing a carnivore craving. And worth skipping over the other Lorongs for!
 

 

 
The coffeeshop was moderately crowded, presumably with SPH folk and office workers from the surrounding industrial buildings. Roasted Master is hard to miss – all bright white lights, red signboard, and rows of glistening meat beckoning to you in the stallfront. We glimpsed quite a few people gleefully tearing into whole duck legs and made a beeline for the stall.
Enter our dabao-ed food haul for the day – roast pork, charsiew, and a whopping portion of roast duck. Let’s just say everyone’s first bites were… silencing.
 

Let’s be real – it’s hard to find good roast duck anywhere except, erm, Beijing. The duck from Roasted Master was buttery and tender – not quite so melt-in-your-mouth slippery but close enough for a humble Toa Payoh substitute. And the skin! Flavourful and moist, it pulled the whole taste together, especially when dunked in black sauce.
The roast pork was a surprise – unassuming in looks compared to the deep, slick browns of the other meats; but so light and crunchy we could easily pop them like potato chips. Probably why it was the first meat to disappear, then.
 
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But the star of the meal was hands down the charsiew. The glazed charsiew pork was thick, tender and juicy – nothing like the sad, skinny dry charsiew you might get from a regular chicken rice/roast meat stall. Burnt in all the right places, and gloriously fatty everywhere else (the good kind of fatty, mind you.) Paired with the flavourful black sauce, it was unanimous; we had found a winner.
It was the food comas to end all food comas after, but so worth it purely for the fact that we’d found a new great find so close to office; and in general so conveniently located. No more excuses about being too lazy to travel out of the way for good coffeeshop food – it’s Toa Payoh, people.
 
Roasted Master 
203 Toa Payoh North, Singapore 310203
Nearest MRT: Braddell

uberPOOL Launches In Singapore Tomorrow

Sharing is caring, people. From 1 July 2016, uberPOOL, Uber’s ride-sharing service, will be available in Singapore – which means that you’ll now be able to share your Uber ride with others heading in the same direction, and you’re doing your part to ease the congestion on the limited Singapore road space, too.
So this is how it works: when you book your ride, you’ll be able to choose the uberPOOL option, then enter your destination and hit the request ride button as usual. The app will then match you with one other Uber user heading in the same direction, and they will either already be in the car when you start your trip – you’ll see their name appear on the app in advance – or be picked up along the way while you’re on board (you’ll also be notified on the app). Uber promises that whether you’re first or second to board, having to share the ride with someone else won’t add more than a few minutes to your journey.

uberpool

The best part of this is, your Uber ride becomes more affordable since the fare for the shared part of the route is split between the passengers, and you can expect savings of up to 25%. And this saving will apply even if you choose the uberPOOL option, but it happens that no other passenger is picked up during that ride – definitely a handy trick to save on the fare if you book a ride during odd timings.
 
uberPOOL is available from 1 July 2016. In conjunction with the launch, new sign-ups to Uber get $20 off their first uberPOOL ride.
 

McDonald's Is Giving Us More Reasons To Love Being Singaporean

Ahh, McDonald’s. While most of us might associate the golden arches with the land of freedom a.k.a America, the brand new menu of McDonald’s Singapore will definitely make you glad to call this little red dot your home. Inspired by all our favourite local flavours, the chain is introducing a number of dishes with a uniquely Singaporean twist, from the Salted Egg Yolk Chicken Burger, to the Twist & Shake Fries with Salt & Pepper Crab Flavoured Shaker, and even a Gula Melaka McFlurry® with Layer Cake Bites!

Salted Egg Yolk Chicken BurgerTwist & Shake Fries (M) with Salt & Pepper Crab Flavoured Shaker

The Salted Egg Yolk Chicken Burger infuses a beloved rich, salty-sweet grainy concoction with a breaded whole-muscle chicken patty, curry leaves and chopped lettuce on a black pepper and white sesame bun (from $5.75). Meanwhile, everyone who’s ever grumbled about those boringly straight shoestring fries will now be able to enjoy the super-fun Twist & Shake Fries, complete with the Salt & Pepper Crab Flavoured Shaker. Enjoy them a-la carte (from $3.40) or with any Extra Value Meal (for an additional $0.60).
And, as always, those of us who love setting our taste buds ablaze can look forward to the trademark McSpicy and Spicy McNuggets (from $4.45), suited for our local palate and making it one of the spiciest McDonald’s formulations in the world.
McSpicySpicy Nuggets

For dessert, McDonald’s has combined our beloved guilty pleasure – Gula Melaka – with kueh lapis to create the Gula Melaka McFlurry® with Layer Cake Bites. Dig into swirls of Gula Melaka-flavoured syrup with velvety vanilla soft serve and delicious layer cake bites as topping (from $2.90 a-la carte). For those of us who prefer hot desserts, they’ve also drawn inspiration from the famous childhood snack, Goreng Pisang, to create a Banana Pie, consisting of a delightfully flaky crust with sweet banana bits (from $1.20).
Gula Melaka McFlurry with Layer Cake Bites   Banana Pie

McDonald’s Singapore Confirm Shiok Menu, all menu items available after breakfast hours in all McDonald’s restaurants and via McDelivery from 30 June 2016, while stocks last.

There's Going To Be A Lot More Adidas x Yeezy Coming Your Way

When a sneaker has the ability to command US$10,000 on eBay, you know it’s something else – and that’s how the adidas Originals by Kanye West Yeezy Boost 350 was crowned the Shoe of the Year by Footwear News at the end of 2015, and the Yeezus himself became known as the King of Shoes.
Adidas made the right move, then, by taking the next step to make this relationship long term. The brand just announced that Yeezy for adidas Originals will henceforth be known as Adidas + Kanye West, which looks set to expand into apparel, accessories, and more footwear of course, in street and sport styles for both genders.


Adidas CMO Eric Liedtke and Kanye West

The Yeezy styles thus far have been geared more towards streetwear, but we can expect serious workout gear soon, as Adidas + Kanye West will include performance wear as well.  Said West on this partnership: “These past two years Adidas and Yeezy have given a glimpse into our future. This partnership illustrates that anyone with a dream can dream without limitations.”
We dream of the day when we don’t have to win our pair of Yeezy Boosts via a raffle then, as we hope the expansion of this highly successful working relationship will make Kanye’s designs a bit more accessible, since Adidas says there will be Adidas + Kanye West physical retail stores to look forward to. There aren’t many concrete details yet, but we have a hunch that West will reveal a lot more soon enough – in his usual dramatic style, we hope.
 
 

Try The Revolutionary Face and Neck Treatments That Help Defend The Skin

It’s often the things we can’t see that are the most deadly. And this adage doesn’t ring more true than when the skin is concerned, because why else are there so many anti-pollutant products out there in the skincare market? Every day, innumerable pollutants, UV rays, and other skin-damaging factors that lurk in the atmosphere attack our skin, weakening the skin’s barrier over time and leaving it more vulnerable to accelerated damage and ageing in the long term.
But no fear, the R6 Customised Face Treatment is here! This powerful facial treatment by Jean Yip Beauty promises to fix skin woes over six aspects, namely: repairing blemishes, resurfacing scars, revitalising dull and ageing skin, refining wrinkles, restructuring saggy skin, and retexturising uneven skin surfaces.

Beauty 4

The reason why this treatment is able to do so many things at once – and do it well, at that – is the use of the high-tech Transdermal Administrative System (TAS) as part of the treatment equipment, which allows any product that is applied in the process to better penetrate the skin and become more effective. And since every Jean Yip Beauty treatment starts off with a one-on-one consultation with a therapist, whatever is administered will always be tailored to your specific skin needs. But generally, each treatment session involves a deep cleansing, a calming and soothing step to minimise pores, the TAS step, and a mask for eye and neck care.
Speaking of eye and neck care, we bet these are areas you’ve neglected; once the fine lines start to show, it’s probably too late, and signs of ageing actually do appear on these areas quicker since skin there is thinner and more delicate. That’s why Jean Yip Beauty has added the R6 Trilogy Detoxification Face Therapy to its fold of add-on treatments, which can be paired with the R6 Customised Face Treatment. It uses ultrasound and light-based technology and lymphatic drainage to detoxify and boost microcirculation in the skin, so puffiness and redness can be cut down by up to 30% within the first session.
Makes sense, since the eye and neck area are parts of our body that many of us can be quite clueless about when it comes to maintaining it in tip-top condition, as Jean Yip Beauty has found out through their customers over the years. We’re glad we now know which expert to go to to fix it all.
Here’s your chance to give the ultra-luxe R6 Gold Infusion Face Therapy a go, at a very special price of $18 for the first trial* (U.P. $201). Sign up by clicking this link!
 
*For first time customers above 21 years old with skin concerns. Valid at all Jean Yip Beauty Singapore outlets. Jean Yip Group reserves the right to amend any terms and conditions without prior notice. Other terms and conditions apply.
 
The R6 Customised Face Treatment and R6 Trilogy Detoxification Face Therapy, available at Jean Yip Beauty outlets. For more information, contact 6332 9918 or visit jeanyipgroup.com or facebook.com/jeanyipSG.
 

Let's Take A Look At The Evolution Of Caps

Headgear is a tricky thing, especially in Singapore, where confining your forehead to hair in a tiny, ventilation-deprived space isn’t exactly weather-permitting. And yet, so many have been able to adamantly rock headgear trends through the years, taking us from trucker hats to beanies and everything in between. So in proud support of those who dared to sweat for style, we take a look at the evolution of caps and hats through the years (specifically the fashion-confused 2000s).
 
Early 2000s: Trucker hats

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Images from YouTube

A truly terrifying trend primarily involving brands like Von Dutch and Vans, the boxy, boyish, mesh-backed baseball cap probably owes its fame to Paris Hilton during her The Simple Life years. The look spread like wildfire across celebrities and plebs alike, and unfortunately even made its way onto our shores for a good few years. We thought we’d seen the last of it before the turn of the decade, but more recently, a certain youngest Jenner has resurfaced it as a possible comeback. Dear Lord, say it isn’t so.
 
2006 – 2009: Beanies
One of the most unwearable options in Singapore; yet even we were guilty of rocking the occasional knitted beanie back in the mid 2000s. Bloggers and celebrities were often spotted tossing on a casual floppy beanie to complete their street-style ensembles, and fast fashion retailers churned out, by the dozen, everything from short “rapper-approved” hats to daintier, beret-inspired beanies – you know, the kind that covered your ears comfortably and chicly.
 
2009 – early 2011: Snapbacks
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New Era New York Yankees Purple Logo Black 9fifty Snapback, $65 

Less obnoxious than the trucker hat, but frankly just as bad. Snapbacks come with a distinct pop-open adjustable strap at the back, so one size can truly fit all. Another telling feature to tell the two apart is the coloured inner bill (ie. the brim) on a snapback, which usually comes in a bright, garish colour separate from the rest of the cap. A particular hot favourite amongst our teenagers and secondary school kids, especially knockoffs of the now infamous New York Yankees cap, and OBEY.
 
2011 – 2013: Floppy hats
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Image from Instagram (@imjennim)

Another trend courtesy of bloggers! Or to be more specific – fashion bloggers, Instagrammers, and influencers, given the sudden rapid transition from Lookbook.nu to Instagram over this time. They come in a variety of colours and materials, but the dramatic floppy shape remains consistent. We’ll admit, these aren’t the most practical to don anywhere but Europe; but there’s also no denying how effortlessly chic a classic black velvet hat looks. They’re still circling the market right now, so don’t be afraid to pick one up for your next holiday.
 
2013 – early 2015: Bucket hats
Kinda cute, but these left us really confused for the most part. Predominantly worn by hipsters, goths, and anyone who went to Laneway.
 
Late 2015 – present: Dad caps
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Adidas, Anti Social Social Club

Enter the present, and fashion is finally doing it right! We actually really dig today’s evolved version of the simple baseball cap; the “dad cap” is essentially a baseball cap, but slouchier and less structured, for a more relaxed, off-duty vibe. They’ve definitely been making their rounds on Instagram, but with good reason – they nail effortless casual while being actually comfy. Sports brands like Adidas and Nike have been quick to capitalise on it and establish themselves as icons of the classic dad cap, but if you prefer something a little more alternative, a host of indie vintage brands await you too – like the permanently sold out AntiSocial Social Club, for one.

11 Burning Questions We Have About The Game Of Thrones Finale

NOTE: DO NOT READ if you have not watched the Season 6 finale! Spoilers ahead.
Yesterday morning I woke up to a WhatsApp message from my best friend. It went like this:
“Game of Thrones finale.
I NEED TO DISCUSS GOT!
So many questions!”

The Season 6 finale for Game Of Thrones managed to tie up some loose ends, but ultimately, it left us with more questions than answers. If you haven’t seen the episode yet, DO NOT READ AHEAD, because… spoilers. If you have, join us in being disturbed.
 
1. How did Arya learn to face change so well? She doesn’t exactly have a lot of experience considering she wasn’t given the chance to try it while training under Jaqen. Also where did she get that face from? Did she kill somebody? (Well, possibly seeing how adept she is at killing now.)


via GIPHY

2. Why did they need to kill Grand Maester Pycelle separately? (And with psycho kids)
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3. Speaking of psycho kids, how did they run from the wildfire so quickly? Especially that one kid who stabbed Lancel. Plus they were below ground where the wildfire was! Also, did you see HOW FAST that wildfire spread?!

via GIPHY

4. Why must Tommen remove his crown before jumping?

via GIPHY

5. How did the wooden carving of a stag withstand the pyre?
Stag
Cue the tears.

 
6. What did the mountain do to that shame woman? What was she screaming about? He was just… standing there. Also, how did they capture her? Those crazy fanatics seem so elusive.

via GIPHY

 
7. Isn’t Bran going to die without that horse Uncle Benjen just took off on?
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Image courtesy of HBO Asia.

 
8. What on earth did Lyanna whisper to young Ned Stark? There have been several speculations by lip readers and those who strained their ears to hear the hushed whispers – finally confirming the highly speculated R+L=J theory.
Lyanna
“Promise me, Ned.”

 
9. So does Jon Snow want the job as “King in the North” or not? I can’t tell from his face.


via GIPHY

10. How did Varys get from Dorne to that ship so quickly? Is he a magician?
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11. Finally, where was the Night’s King this whole episode?

via GIPHY

 
Anyway, Lady Olenna for president!
 
Feature image from facebook.com/GameOfThrones.

A Round Up Of Everything Alice Through The Looking Glass

With the premiere of Disney’s Alice Through The Looking Glass just around the corner (July 6th, to be precise!) it’s no secret that everyone’s been showing their love for our favourite rabbit-chasing, book-loving heroine. But with so many releases whizzing by, it’s easy to lose track of all the collaborations. So for all you Alice fans out there, here’s a lineup of everything so far:

K-PALETTE X DISNEY ALICE IN WONDERLAND stacked

K-Palette x Disney Alice In Wonderland Eyeliner and Eye Pencils, $21.90, available at Watsons, Sasa, Guardian, BHG, Robinsons, John Little, Zalora, and online at Beautycarousel.com.

To begin your journey into Wonderland, the beloved Japanese brand K-Palette has teamed up with Disney to create six eyeliners and eye pencils, each with their own unique design. But don’t be alarmed by the colourful packaging: the pencils and liners are various shades of brown and black, so you won’t have to go full avant-garde to use these.
 
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Urban Decay Alice Through The Looking Glass Eyeshadow Palette, $88, available on 6 July 2016 at all Sephora stores and Urban Decay Free-Standing Stores. sephora.sg/brands/urban-decay

Paying tribute to the kooky inhabitants of Wonderland, Urban Decay has created a limited-edition (and undeniably gorgeous) palette. Featuring 20 all-new shades – spot how many character references you can get – it’s definitely down the rabbit hole with our wallets for this one. Can you even blame us?
 
 
 
Melissa x Alice feature

Melissa x Alice in Wonderland collection, from $95, available from July at all MDREAMS boutiques, selected retailers and online at mdreams.com.sg.

Running after white rabbits can be hard work, but these adorable shoes from Melissa will make you want to walk everywhere. The Mini Melissa Ultragirl + Alice No Pais Das Maravilhas is designed specially for children, featuring the mischievous Cheshire cat and designs inspired by Alice’s iconic light blue dress. Meanwhile, the rest of us can step out in style with the Melissa Ultragirl + Alice No Pais Das Maravilhas II and Mel Ultragirl + Alice No Pais Das Maravilhas, with slightly more subtle motifs like the red and black hearts.
 
 
 
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Finally, Disney has also announced that it will be collaborating with two remarkable Singapore brands – Carrie K. by Carolyn and RÊVASSEUR by Gilda Su – to bring Alice Through The Looking Glass-inspired artisan jewelry and a pre-fall fashion collection respectively to fans through a fashion runway showcase at the Shaw Lido foyer, 3pm on 2 July. The brands will aim to create a collection that reflects the colourful tonality and whimsicality of the wonderland, and the inspired capsule collections will be available for sale in Takashimaya for the month of July, and will also feature Alice Through the Looking Glass-inspired pieces from Irregular Choice, BG Streets and Simply Toys.

5 Lesser Known Instagram Beauty Brands To Try

Call it the Instagram effect, but it’s a little hard to ignore the recent rise of Instagram beauty brands – independent makeup companies built entirely on amassing giant social media followings. Not too shabby a marketing technique, given the reduced costs of having to stock in brick-and-mortar stores; Instagram is free, after all. With Instagram beauty success stories like Colourpop, Morphe Brushes, and even Anastasia Beverly Hills paving the way, there’s more reason than ever to start paying attention to some lesser-known brands circulating the makeup community. And who knows? At the rate some of these are growing, the day they do become popular you can say you “liked it first”.
 
Lipland
Followers: 192k

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Instagram

If there’s one Instagram beauty trend that’s blowing up the industry, it’s definitely liquid lipstick. The demand for luscious, pouty matte lips (courtesy of Kylie Jenner) has prompted many makeup companies to start releasing their own liquid lipsticks – and inspired the rise of smaller, independent beauty brands catering solely to lip products. Lipland is one such brand, with a full range of liquid lipstick, lip glosses, crème glosses, and newly released matte lip crayons. Rationale is telling us “no” but our hearts are screaming yes.
 
 
VioletVoss
Followers: 414k
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Instagram

Known for their highly pigmented eye shadows, Violet Voss quickly shot into the spotlight with their collaboration palette with beauty YouTuber Laura Lee – a gorgeous, 20-colour, warm-toned palette. Their Instagram is filled with flatlays of palettes, eyeshadow swatches, dramatic eye looks, and the occasional relatable makeup meme – thoughtfully geared towards customer engagement, we’re guessing. The brand also sells handmade lashes and shimmery highlighters, and has even begun their foray into liquid lipstick (of course).
 
 
My Make-Up Brush Set
Followers: 56.1k
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Instagram

An efficient dupe for the Kardashian-popularised Artis Brush, My Make-Up Brush Set is quickly gaining popularity with the Instagram community for their oval brushes – and with good reason. We aren’t sure if CEO of Artis Brush Matthew Waitesmith, former vice president of MAC Cosmetics, was aware that US$75 is a lot to drop on a brush – regardless of how airbrushed it makes your makeup look – but in any case, budget-friendly brands like MMUBS are always welcome. The oval brushes work with everything from foundation to powders to eyeshadow; so if you’re ever in the mood to try this newfangled toilet brush-lookalike, you know where to go.
 
 
Coloured Raine
Followers: 510k
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Instagram

It’s back with the liquid lippies – but this time in a shocking array of bold and dramatic colours. Not for the faint-hearted, Coloured Raine is all about serving up the most intense colours for those who like a little more fun in their makeup play. Case in point: beauty YouTuber @Nikkietutorials, who ranks their Matte Lip Paint among her top favourite liquid lipsticks. Shop Coloured Raine also for their deeply pigmented eyeshadows – which of course also comes in a range of unique and daring colours.
 
 
Melt Cosmetics
Followers: 2.1million
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Instagram

With a following like that, it’s surprising that Melt Cosmetics hasn’t made more waves on our sunny shores yet. No matter; your first foray into the brand’s colourful products won’t be your last. Think highly pigmented formulas in an extensive range of colours – everything from safe neutrals to “radioactive” neons (their words; not ours). In fact, a browse through their Instagram feed will reveal just how much focus they place on vibrant colours (with such a dedicated themed feed as well!) The ultra-matte lipsticks are definitely pretty, but we’ll have to give props to Melt’s star product – stackable single eyeshadows too cute not to collect.

What To Look Forward To At The Singapore Food Festival 2016

More so than anything else, we love eating. Which isn’t so surprising since Singapore is widely known for its vibrant food scene. When overseas, our local delights are the ones that have us all teary-eyed when we’ve been away for far too long – even an average bowl of Chinese chow mein would do. It’s safe to say that food plays a crucial role in forming Singapore’s national identity and our rich local food scene goes way back, and this year, the Singapore Food Festival will be revisiting our food heritage and culinary traditions. The theme, “Savour the Past and Taste the Future” will take you through the nostalgia of the good ol’ days with a contemporary modern twist.
To make things easier, we’ve rounded up some of the main highlights of the festival, but there are also plenty of other gastronomical delights for you to indulge in from 15-31 July. So you know, #treatyoself.
1. STREAT

STREAT - 2015_Image6 (Credit MUSE)

SFF’s signature event STREAT is back again this year, featuring creations from several local food establishments such as The Disgruntled Chef, Candlenut as well as Char and Casuarina Restaurant. There will also be a pop-up restaurant featuring an exclusive five-course dinner menu, helmed by celebrity chef Susur Lee (currently one of MasterChef Asia’s judge!). Together with Tunglok Heen’s Ken Ling and Restaurant Labyrinth’s chef-owner Han Liguang, we wouldn’t expect anything less from them. We were especially intrigued by chef Susur’s Laksa Cheong Fun – Chee Cheong Fun in Laksa broth… need we say more?
Date: 15-16 July
Time: 5pm – 10.30pm
Venue: Clifford Square
Admission: Free
More info at singaporefoodfestival.com

 
2. Open Stoves by Timbre+
2016-Timbre+-Set1-12 by Jonathan Wong
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Prata Tacos with BBQ Pork Collar

Having just opened a few months back, the first food truck food place in Singapore, Timbre+, will be bringing us an unique outdoor experience this year. At Open Stoves, you’ll get to see what goes on behind the kitchen walls. Besides unique collaboration dishes (read: prata tacos), there will be other activities that includes a BBQ Blowout picnic, local music performances, bouncy castle and neon beer pong. Beer, food, playground, music? We’re in.
Date: 23-24 July
Time: 12pm till late
Venue: Timbre+, One-north (Fusionopolis)
Admission: Free
More info at timbreplus.sg/open-stoves.

 
3. Singapore Favourite Food Village
SFFV Big Street - Chilli Crab in Prata Bag
Big Street’s Chilli Crab in Prata Bag

Get to explore a wide range of local food culture – from traditional food preparations to the contemporary reinventions of our local favourites. The event will be divided into three culinary zones: Old Favourites, Modern Takes and On-the-Go – each promising satisfaction for your tastebuds. From traditional local food from the likes of Kampong Café and Fortune Food to modern innovations such as Rainbow Churros from Churros Factory and Big Street’s Chilli Crab in Prata Bag, as well as food trucks featuring The Travelling Cow and the all-time favourite Old Chang Kee, you’ll definitely find something you like in this gastronomical village.
Date: 22-31 July
Time: 5pm – 11pm
Venue: Rochor Event Space
Admission: Free
Cooking demonstrations available on 23-24, 30-31 July, 7.30pm – 8pm.

 
4. Chatterbox Food Truck by Mandarin Orchard
Chatterbox Food Truck - Mandarin Chicken Sushi & Maki
Chatterbox Chicken Rice Maki

Mandarin Orchard’s famous Chatterbox Chicken Rice is probably the only time we can justify paying more than we should for this humble dish. Look out for the Chatterbox Food Truck that will be going around several locations and bringing you their cult favourite chicken rice. What’s interesting this time round is their unique creation of a chicken rice maki ($8). So move over, boring salmon rolls and mentaiko maki.
Date: 15-31 July
Time: 12pm – 2pm
Follow Mandarin Orchard Singapore on instagram.com/mandarinorchard and facebook.com/chatterboxsingapore to keep track of the truck’s location.

5. The 50 Cents Fest! by Select Group
Chinatown Food Street
The 50 Cents Fest - Ice Ball
Ice Ball

Revisit the 1950s with a nostalgic dining experience at the Chinatown Food Street, featuring shophouse-lined streets of hawkers, old school music, buskers and scrumptious dishes such as the Kok Kok Mee, Trishaw Noodles and Ice Balls. We’re all excited to relive the old Kampong days with communal activities that include black-and-white outdoor movie screenings and martial art performances. The best part? We’re promised dishes that cost just 50 cents – a single coin that was more than enough for aa indulgent meal in the olden days.
Date: 30-31 July
Time: 3pm – 11pm (30 Jul), 11am – 11pm (31 Jul)
Venue: Chinatown Food Street, Smith Street
Admission: Free
More info at chinatownfoodstreet.sg/the-50-cents-fest.

5 Of The Coolest Music Videos You Need To See

Video may have killed the radio star, but that doesn’t mean the music industry isn’t as booming as ever, particularly when music videos have so much to offer. While it is and will always be, ultimately, all about the music, even the Queen B herself knows that the visuals have grown to be just as essential as a good track. But the huge pool of talent means that musicians have to create increasingly stunning and eye-catching videos, from the craziest ideas to simply returning to the black-and-white style of past eras. We rounded up five of the most innovative ones we’ve seen so far for your viewing pleasure – no Beyoncé here because, let’s face it, she already rules this domain.
*****
Darwin Deez – The Mess She Made


New York’s Darwin Deez – adorably named after their frontman – takes things back to basics by playing around with perspective and a modest amount of face paint. The American Indie rockers keep the concept of the video interesting by experimenting with various types of currency and angles. Even more amusingly, Deez’s moustache and curly hair somehow blend perfectly with most of the people on the bills.
 
 
OK Go – Needing/Getting

It was definitely hard to pick just one OK Go music video for this list. Every single one of their videos boasts innovation, hard work and a truly dedicated team. But Needing/Getting features lead singer Damian Kulash singing while pulling some pretty impressive turns on a Chevy Sonic, and the car itself also plays the longest row of guitars you’ll probably ever see in your life. Everything was reportedly recorded live, which is admirable when you consider how crisp the sound quality is.
 
 
Miike Snow – Genghis Khan

We’re not entirely sure what “getting a little bit Genghis Khan” means, but apparently to Miike Snow, it involves one of the most amazing lip-sync and dance routines of all time. The production value of this music video is definitely heartening, particularly the costumes and the meticulous details of the set, from the control panel to that giant laser pointed at our captured spy. Oh yeah, and that ending is definitely worth it.
 
 
Arcade Fire – Afterlife (Live)

Yup, you read that right, this entire music video was recorded completely live as the band played onstage for the YouTube Music Awards (YTMA). The most fascinating thing about this is probably how seamless everything managed to run, and you really forget that all the sets were crammed together on a stage in front of an audience. Actress Greta Gerwig also delivers a dance that perfectly melds awkwardness with intense emotion – it’s hard not to feel delighted as she dances her pain away. Hearing the surge of the crowd as the camera pulls out at the end is also incredibly satisfying.
 
 
Alessia Cara – Here

While Alessica Cara’s voice is honestly perfect on its own, the music video for Here features some pretty nifty camera tricks. The secret behind freezing frames in time? String, apparently. Lots and lots of string, and a whole bunch of dedicated extras. The moody lighting also helps highlight the isolation Cara sings about – if you’ve ever been at a party you didn’t want to go to, you’ll probably get this video 100%.
 
 
Featured Image: Darwin Deez – The Mess She Made (YouTube)

Wear All-Black Without Looking Dull

Call it a bad habit, but I tend to reach out instinctively for a black piece amongst other brightly-coloured clothes on the same rack. There are so many benefits of wearing black – it’s slimming, easy to match and stain-proof (great for messy eaters). The only downside of hoarding black pieces is that it is so darn tough to find a particular piece that’s stashed among all the other dark clothing in my wardrobe, because they all look the same – from far that is. And the biggest downside of wearing black is having to face face endless questions from friends or even strangers, “isn’t black boring?” Wait, hold up. I’m indignant. Black is never boring, at least in my mind. But to ward off all the colour-loving fans, here are some ways you can wear all-black and still look relatively fun.
1. Layer appropriately

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Asos, $84.06. Zara, $39.90.

Wearing separate black coordinates can be tough sometimes, especially when all your black clothing look the same. To avoid the risk of looking like a boring and shapeless black mess, play around different textures, shapes, lengths and fabrics and match accordingly. Here’s a general rule of thumb: if you’re wearing a tight-fitting top, pair it with loose bottoms of a different texture (pleats are our favourite) and of course, vice versa.
2. Details!

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Zara, $39.90. Topshop, $46.90.

The key to pulling off an all-black coordinate lies in the details of outfit. Whether it’s separate pieces or a dress, unique designs, no matter how tiny, make a huge difference. From the classic lace and crochet to fun ruffles or intricate embellished details, your black coordinate will be anything but boring.
 
3. Accessorise

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Asos, $17.70. Topshop, $36.90.

The best part about wearing an all-black outfit – accessorising. Pairing black with hints of glistening gold and silver will lend sophistication to your look. To avoid looking too sullen, add colours to your coordinate with coloured shoes or a simple bag. Go ahead, go wild.
And in case anybody still asks why you’re dressed so solemnly, you can proudly say:


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Your Next Brazilian Session Can Officially Be Completely Painless

Props to you, if you religiously schedule in Brazilian waxes to keep things fuzz-free and perennially bikini-ready. Not that there’s anything taboo about grooming the bikini area; by now, people hardly bat an eyelid at the idea of going for a Brazilian, and they’ve become as commonplace as your regular facial or manicure session.
Why you have our respect if you wax regularly is because of how much it hurts – skin in that area is sensitive enough as it is, and having hair pulled out so quickly can be quite the nightmare for those without a high pain threshold.

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(We sincerely hope no innocent therapists have been hurt during your waxes.)


Even if you’ve switched to the Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) route, sure, burning out your hair by the follicles using concentrated light energy is a whole lot less uncomfortable than waxing, but there’s actually still going to be resulting heat energy emitting from light that intense, so the bottom line is, when you’re directing all this light and heat energy down there… you’re still going to squirm.

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But it looks like we’ve finally found a hair-removal solution that even those with a non-existent pain threshold can take: behold, STRIP’s Powerpac IPL machine, which promises to be completely painless. The upgrade over the previous IPL machinery lies in the gradual heating system, so the energy is released in multiple passes instead of in sharp bursts: so you’ll no longer feel like quick bursts of fire are consuming your hair follicles, but in its place is a warm sensation that allows you to finally be able to relax – something previously quite unheard of when it comes to Brazilians.
Other factors that contribute to this new level of comfort include the Powerpac’s special cooling system that helps absorb any residual heat on the skin surface, and the machine’s larger applicator (5cm instead of the standard 3cm) to cover a wider surface area at each application. And if you still need to be convinced about the merits of ditching waxing for IPL, the biggest draw factor to us is this: fewer Brazilian sessions. IPL works by weakening hair at the follicle level, and hair growth will be reduced by up to 80% after a few treatments; so if you keep it up, in two years you only need to perhaps go for about six sessions.

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All the reason to give it a go: from now till 31 August 2016, purchase a voucher for a STRIP Brazilian IPL first-time trial at a one-time price of $58 (usual price $642 for 50 minutes), valid for up to 2 months from the date of purchase. Purchase your voucher at this link.
strip.com.sg
 

Bold Eyeshadows To Try

While you’re painstakingly switching your lipsticks everyday for a new look, try focusing on your eyes instead. For a refreshing change, we’re zeroing in on some funky eyeshadows that look daunting at first glance; but once you’ve eased into it, they aren’t that bad after all. Delve into the trove of wild colours and your always-bare eyelids will thank you later.
1. Red

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Shu Uemura Colour Atelier in 189 and 160, $25, available at Shu Uemura counters.

We’re breaking all the basic makeup rules we know by heart here. Red is definitely the trickiest shade of the lot – one wrong move and you’ll look like you have swollen and tired eyes. To be totally foolproof, always go for a cranberry or burgundy shade that go really well with glitter. For the brave souls who are venturing into full-fledged red tones, try blending with a brown shadow for a smokey effect. Remember this: a little red goes a long way – stick to a light and subtle application to avoid looking washed out. Also, always remember to highlight the inner corners of your eyes with a white eyeliner – this not only brightens your eyes, but it also helps to balance the harsh red. For an added oomph, we love pairing our reds with dark eyeliner (remember to line the bottom too) and false lashes.
 
2. Blue and Green
Green
You’ll only need a small hint of blue or green to make your eyes pop. The mix of blue and green is anything but random, and they can easily form a gradient that’s reminiscent of the sea. For a classic daytime look, try lining your eyes with a green eyeshadow with a angled eyeliner brush. Complement this with a light gold or bronze shade halfway up your brow bone to create a softer look. Create an intense, bold look for a night out by lining the bottom of your eyes with a blue and silver eyeshadow, using cotton swabs to avoid sharp lines that might overwhelm your features.
 
Laneige Summer Collection Marine Girl Boy Eyeshadow Palette, $57, available at Laneige counters.
Innisfree Glow Liquid Shadow, $15, available in Innisfree stores from July.
Nars Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow in Deep End, $44, available at Sephora and Nars counters.

 
3. Orange

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Shu Uemura Colour Atelier in 252 and 251, $25, available at Shu Uemura counters.

Orange might look a little off-putting initially, but once you actually give it a try, you’ll be surprised at how natural the orangey warm tones look on your skin. For the newbies, play it safe and easy with a matte, deep reddish orange shade that will look great as a smokey look. Alternatively, go for a dramatic orangey look by creating a small V on the outer corners of your eyes with a bright, shimmering orange. Complement this by lining your eyes with a dark brown shadow, blended out.
 
4. Purple
Purple
From light shimmers to a deep matte purple, to bright violets and glittering hues, you’ll definitely find that purples are one of the easiest colours to wear. For a softer look, use a nude shade as a base colour and apply light purple glitter at the contour area of your eyes. Our favourite way to wear purple eyeshadow is to pair a dark mauve with black cat eyeliner and a dark brown base for a smokey effect. Further define your eyes by lining your bottom waterline with a dark purple liner.
 
Nars Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow in Pool Shark, $44, available at Sephora and Nars counters.
M.A.C Runway Worthy Eyeshadow, $72, available at M.A.C counters.