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These New Click Lip Tints Remind Us Of Our Favourite Pilot Click Pens

Jun 16, 2016Aug 15, 2018

Makeup should be fun – yes? Well Etude House certainly has their priorities in check, with an all-new release of a 2nd generation gradation lips system to the already popular ombre lip trend. Make room in your lippie stash for the Twin Shot Lips Tint, a pocket-sized bit of fun that combines matte mousse tint and glossy liquid for a burst of gorgeous colour.

twin shot LIPS TINT RD303 boss x mad shot

twin shot LIPS TINT RD302 dusty x rose shot

twin shot LIPS TINT RD301 lady x red shot

twin shot LIPS TINT OR203 thank you x very shot

twin shot LIPS TINT OR202 nihao x mandarin shot

twin shot LIPS TINT OR201 pure x love shot

twin shot LIPS TINT PK002 inner x peace shot

Don’t be alarmed that the one product comes dispensing two different colours; each duo comes neatly dispensed through one tip, and is formulated to perfectly complement each other for the perfect gradient finish. After applying the mousse base to your entire lips for brightening and colour-correcting, simply click the shot button to release a good amount of the highly pigmented, moisturising tint shot – before layering tint shot in the inner contours of your lips. Just like the click pens you loved back in school; only twice as pretty, and formulated just for your lips. The final product is a luscious pout that smoothly blends the two different tints, for that effortless K-pop gradient you’ve been lusting after.
Nine different colour combis for nine different looks – maybe more; who knows? You might never need another lippie again.

Etude House Twin Shot Lips Tint, $23.90, available from August 2016 at all Etude House stores. etude.sg.

#ThrowbackThursday: The Cartoons Of Our Childhood

Jun 16, 2016Aug 15, 2018

Ah, Thursday: so close to the weekend, and yet so far. Thank god for the #ThrowbackThursday hashtag, or we’d probably be spending our pre-Fridays in existential crises. Today, we’re looking back at the wacky characters that got us out of bed – especially on Saturday morning – and right in front of the TV. In retrospect, some of them are pretty dang weird, but hey, it’s our childhood.
*****
The Powerpuff Girls

While there’s actually been a recent effort to reboot the series, there’s nothing quite like the classic PPG episodes. There was just something awesome about watching three kindergarteners saving their town, going to school, and figuring out themselves all before bedtime. Heck, I could barely decide which snack to go for after playtime. The Powerpuff Girls were practically the definition of Girl Power, and they still probably are. Also, who could forget that iconic heart background?

Courage The Cowardly Dog

If there was anything you shouldn’t/couldn’t watch before bedtime, it was this show. The phrase “return the slab” still makes me shudder to this day, eek! For a show that’s primarily aimed at kids, you’ll wonder how some of this stuff actually got to be aired. For now, though, it’s a great go-to cartoon for those of us who are too afraid to watch horror films, especially during Halloween. Just maybe have a flashlight close at hand, in case something goes bump…

Rugrats

How did these babies get away with these things again? The Rugrats gang was way too smart for their own good. But hey, when you’re faced with an evil baby-sitter like Angelica, you do what you have to do. Tommy and his friends truly went above and beyond the sandbox or their backyard, and it was always kind of cool to look into the world of toddlers. Kids are definitely smarter than you think.

The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy

Okay, really, how creepy is a kids’ show allowed to be? But in all honesty, there was something about seeing the Grim Reaper finding himself in strange, bizarre situations caused by none other than his human companions that just made for side-splitting laughter. And who didn’t feel empowered by Mandy’s eye-rolls and deadpan comebacks? Shoutout to Cartoon Network for never being afraid to shy away from horror-comedy, I guess. I still demand nightmare compensation, though.

Hey Arnold!

The fictional town of Hillwood is actually an amalgam of the places that creator Craig Barlett grew up in: Seattle, Portland, Brooklyn – but kid-me honestly just assumed it was somewhere in New York. Regardless, watching this show as a kid, I couldn’t help but feel a little bit envious of how much freedom Arnold and his friends had to go roam the streets, especially at night. And of course, who could forget Helga’s weird crush-not-crush, which occasionally caused her to break out into heartfelt poetry recitations in private?

Recess

The playground is a battlefield, but the Recess gang knew how to play – there’s a reason the show’s theme has clear similarities to the marching song of soldiers. But the cartoon perfectly captured the weird clique hierarchies of school, and how to rise above them. Who could forget The Diggers and their eternal excavation of the sandbox, or Upside-Down girl and how she always found something to hang on (how did she get through classes)? Regardless, TJ and his friends always stayed true to themselves, but they also knew when to be fiercely loyal and stand up for what was right. Man, maybe we do kind of miss school…just a little bit.
PS. a group of students re-did the theme sequence and it’s truly amazing.

Some honourable mentions: CatDog, Pokemon, The Wild Thornberrys, Codename: Kids Next Door, Ed, Edd n Eddy.
Featured Image: Courage The Cowardly Dog opening.

The New iOS 10: What We Love And Hate

Jun 16, 2016Aug 15, 2018

After facing a fall in sales and profit for the very first time in the first quarter of 2016, Apple tries to get back into the game with their biggest release yet – the iOS 10 update. Every time Apple drops something big like this, there’s bound to be some crazy changes that not everybody’s going to love. I for one still can’t get used to my iPhone 6s that’s too large for my tiny hands but absolutely love the new 3D Touch. The huge iOS 10 update consists of several major changes and before you get into a heated debate about team Samsung or team Apple with your friends, we’ve rounded up a list of things we love and hate about the new update.

What we love:

1. The Siri Change
Siri is finally opening up to third party developers like WhatsApp, WeChat and Uber. Yes, you’ll be able to use Siri to activate non-Apple applications and functions via the voice control. Siri is going to be much more useful than just a weird sassy voice you talk to when you’re bored at home. This change also means good news when you have something urgent to say but you’re not free to do so, i.e while driving.
2. QuickType
We’re hoping it’s going to be a vast improvement to the rather unimpressive QuickType keyboard we’d much rather disable. According to Apple, the new QuickType will be able to bring in data from other apps to craft faster responses. For example, your phone will automatically generate your location when your friend asks where you are. We’re not sure if they will be able to understand acronyms like “WRU” though.
3. Messages
Messages are getting a refreshing revamp, and this update is definitely meant for those of you who type using loads of emoji, so much that your parents or friends actually have to call and ask about your intended meaning. Well good news, there will be predictive emojis and your emojis are also about to get three times bigger. Furthermore, your phone can now scan the message and highlight words that could be replaced with an emoji. For an emoji hater like me, this sounds extremely hellish.

The gamechanger that’s got everybody writhing in excitement. There will be full-screen visual effects (confetti or even fireworks) and speech bubble effects for a dramatic pop or smaller bubbles if you want to say something “softly”. Also, you now have the ability to write in an “invisible ink”, a blurred bubble that only becomes revealed when the recipient swipes it. Now you have the power to send your friends into a nervous mess with just a message.
To be completely truthful, I’m a little iffy about this one. But for its cool graphics and impressive technology, Apple deserves a thumbs up. Besides, it will be rather entertaining and fun to play around with.
4. HomeKit

You can now take control of all the connected HomeKit-enabled devices with just your phone. You can lock the door, dim the lights, and switch on the television with just a tap on your phone. The Home app actually does help you minimise work at home, except that it can’t cook your dinner and wash your clothes. We’ll wait, Apple. We’ll wait.
5. Deletable apps
I can already hear a resounding “hell yes”. Apple is finally getting rid of their most annoying feature till date – their stock apps that we stash in a dark corner of our phone and forget about instantly. You can now delete apps such as News, Watch, Mail, Reminders, Tips, Compass and more. Apple has finally admitted that their some of their stock apps are pretty much useless.

What we hate:

1. Lock screen changes

Apple announced the “raise to wake” function in their latest update, which basically helps you avoid missing your notifications on the lock screen. Like the name suggest, your phone immediately lights up once you lift your phone. Incorporating its 3D Touch technology, there will be a ton of things you can do easily on your lock screen such as: opening up your calendar schedule and staying in a message thread. We know all that sounds much more convenient for users, and honestly, it really is! But what strikes me as bizarre is that there really isn’t any privacy on our phones now. The 4-digit password we have on our lock screen essentially becomes redundant if messages could be easily read without even going into the home screen. And really, the “raise to wake” function will just drain the battery life even more drastically.
Let’s get honest Apple; the one thing we are really concerned about is the damned battery life.

Images from the WWDC 2016 Keynote.

We Made Our Eyeliner Permanent With Browhaus' Big Eye Eye Define

Jun 15, 2016Aug 15, 2018

Just a few months ago, I would never, ever have entertained the idea of tattooing or etching on my eyeliner. Firstly, with years of experience drawing it on on a daily basis, I could nail an almost-perfect cat flick in a record number of minutes most mornings; and secondly, isn’t this sort of thing reserved for women a few decades older? You know what I mean – your friendly neighbourhood auntie with her heavily tattooed lids that might already be turning a nasty tinge of green or blue, enough to scare us off making our eyeliner permanent.
But then Browhaus introduced their Big Eye Eye Define Treatment, and because so many people are already such big fans of their semi-permanent brow services, I was willing to take a hesitant step to trying it out. The premise is to enlarge the eyes by etching a semi-permanent black line along the upper and lower lash lines, with the upper line drawn on slightly thicker in the middle, so the eyes appear bigger and rounder, and the lashes fuller. That also means shaving precious minutes off your makeup routine – no more having to struggle to make your eyeliner even on both sides.

Browhaus Big Eye Eye Define Model Visual

Browhaus Standard Eye Define Model Visual

Some examples from Browhaus of what the Big Eye Eye Define will look like.

So off I went to Browhaus, still with a bit of trepidation in my heart. But I quickly relaxed when we found out that Jason from the Browhaus 100AM outlet would be doing the treatment – he did my brows before and he’s great! – so I would be safe hands (only therapists with at least two years of experience are allowed to perform the Eye Define); plus, the dyes are completely safe, since they’re of 100% vegetable origin. And of course, therapists will be drawing on the proposed eyeliner shape with regular eyeliner first before the etching begins, so I get an idea of what my eyes will look like at the end.
The biggest question that might be burning in your mind right now is… does it hurt? The short answer is: just a little, but nothing that isn’t tolerable for the average pain threshold. Numbing cream was first applied onto my closed eyes, and once the effects kicked in, the needles used to etch on the eyeliner felt like mere tickles on my skin. And when the numbing effect wore off, there was a slight stinging sensation and some swelling, but that went away before the end of the night.
I have hooded monolids, and to fit my eye shape best, Jason opted for a thin line right above my upper lashlines that extended just slightly beyond my eyes, as well as lining the outer half of my lower lashlines. Immediately, my eyes looked bigger and more alert, a very welcome change, since every time I go sans eyeliner, people ask me if I got enough sleep. While the etched eyeliner on my upper lashlines aren’t immediately obvious due to my hooded lids, they added a subtle definition, and the slight flicks were all I needed – the whole point is to still keep my eyes looking natural, after all.

What the Browhaus Big Eye Eye Define looks like on my hooded monolids.

Post-treatment, I had to skip out on eye makeup for a week while my eyes healed. There was very slight itching as the dye scabbed, but otherwise, it was a relatively smooth healing process. And oh boy, all the time I saved in the mornings while I did my makeup; plus no one’s going to ask me why I’m so tired from now, should I choose to head out without eye makeup.
The Big Eye Eye Define is supposed to last three to five years, but there’s a need to go for one Tune Up session after one month has passed and within the first six months of the treatment to keep the results looking tip-top for a long time after. And definitely no ending up with strange bluish eyeliner that just looks unnatural, thankfully. As I’ve come to realise, there’s hardly anything more liberating than being able to skip out on manually lining your eyes… time to throw out my stash of liquid eyeliners maybe?

BROWHAUS Big Eye Eye Define, $856 for the upper eyeline and $107 per eye for a Tune Up maintenance session, to be done within 6 months of treatment. First-time customers get to enjoy a special price of $450 for the Upper Eye Define, valid till 31 August 2016. Available at all BROWHAUS outlets. browhaus.com

We Scoped Out The Best Fitness Watches On WITHINGS

Jun 15, 2016Aug 15, 2018

Gone are the days where keeping fit simply meant a feel-good stint on the treadmill, or sweating it out with power squats – these days, if you aren’t keeping track of your progress, you might as well not be making any at all.
But we’ll leave the tough-love barking to your personal trainer. Instead, take it easy and have a leisure browse through our top picks from Withings – guaranteed to boost your fitness efforts; and pretty to look at too. First up in this mini series: Activity tracking watches.

WITHINGS Activité

Now here’s a bit of arm candy that’s bound to put even your fanciest sports watch to shame. For everyone who’s always wanted an event-appropriate watch that still does the job of tracking your fitness activity, the Activité Steel is a sure winner, with its 316L stainless steel case, chrome hands and double-domed glass. Working on a minimalist design, the watch bears no buttons or protrusive lights; instead, an analog subdial gives you a straightforward look at your daily activity progress – which you can also track on the Withings Health Mate app, through clear colour-coded graphs detailing everything from your sleep cycle to how many calories you last burned. Even if you aren’t on a fitness jaunt, 24/7 automatic activity tracking ensures consistent monitoring, which is always useful to have on hand afterwards.

For a more casual option, spring for the PVD-coated silicone Activité Pop watches that bring back great memories of the jelly snap watches of our childhood; but offer no less durability and smart functions than its steel chrome cousin. Available in a whole range of sports strap colourways, there’s something for everyone – still, we’re unabashedly partial to the sleek, steel black timepiece that’s sure to stand out in a crowd, whether you’re scaling Everest or rubbing shoulders at your next company social.
Activité Watches, $259 to $299, available online at Ban Leong, Challenger, iStudio & Airport Duty Free stores.

WITHINGS Pulse O2

If you prefer keeping it real with compact, no-frills smart accessories, the Pulse O2 more than does the job. Made to cater to various levels of fitness regimes and styles, the Pulse O2 features advanced tracking every step of the way, to help you be more active and improve your health – whether you’re a gym junkie or just a fitness amateur starting out. In the day it captures steps, distance covered, and calories burned – the usual stuff you’d expect from any smartphone health app; at night, though, the watch comes into its own, monitoring your sleep cycle and measuring heart rate and blood oxygen level. Revolutionary, given the tiny pocket-sized make of it – but the wealth of data at hand (and the ease of which it was collected) will definitely empower you to make more informed choices.

And versatility is key here! The Pulse O2 is ultimately just a portable screen – so attach it on its own to your belt or pockets, or drop it in your purse (like a pack of gum!), if you’d rather not wear it together with the adjustable watchband. We also appreciate the user-friendly features – easy touch-screen swiping, seamless Bluetooth syncing, and once again, automatic data syncing to your phone, using the Health Mate app. Really, it almost makes us want to start exercising again.
Pulse O2, $159, available in Blue and Black online at Ban Leong, Challenger, iStudio & Airport Duty Free stores.

Steps To Achieving That Glowy Look

Jun 15, 2016Aug 15, 2018

We can only blame ourselves for binge watching Korean dramas and having our self-esteem bruised when we can’t seem to achieve that elusive ideal of a flawless, glowing skin. No matter how much water we inhale (2 litres a day, mind you), fruits we gobble up and the countless, countless Google searches of “how to make your skin glow naturally”, we finally found an alternative solution to our dull problem – make up. While we are still furiously trying to improve our complexion, we have compiled a list of steps to take to achieve that glow – even if it’s all just make up. But hey, it’s worth a shot.

1. Primer
Ah yes, the easily forgotten step that lazy people (guilty as charged) can’t be bothered to deal with. But seriously, you shouldn’t sit this one out. A primer essentially smooths and holds the layers of make up together, preventing a cakey mess after you’ve been out for hours. It not only ensures that your make up doesn’t wear off quickly in this terrible heat, it also keeps your face looking fresh and hydrated throughout the day. You can’t really expect to look all natural when you have your foundation melting off your face, can you?
Laura Mercier Foundation Primer, $69, available at Sephora.
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer, $84, available at Sephora.

2. Water-based foundations
The natural-looking alternative that will really give you the “no-makeup” makeup look that we’re all after. A water-based foundation allows your skin to breathe, which is perfect given the sweltering heat these days. Unlike thicker oil-based foundations that will only weigh your skin down, water-based products are hydrating and cooling; leaving you with a soft and illuminating veil over your skin.
MAKE UP FOREVER Face & Body Liquid Make-Up, $72, available at Sephora ION Orchard, Sephora Ngee Ann City, and the MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Loft.
Laneige Water Supreme Foundation SPF 15 PA+, $55, available at LANEIGE boutiques and counters.
Too Faced Born This Way, $61, available at Sephora.

3. Mixing oil with your liquid foundation
As frightening as this sounds, mixing facial oils into your liquid foundations actually does wonders. All you need to do is to add one drop of the facial oil to your make up base, and apply it on your face as per normal. You don’t have to worry about looking too oily though, the oils actually provide plenty of nourishments for your skin and with the added hydration, your skin wouldn’t need to produce any more oil to compensate its dryness. Our best bet would be to use argan oil as it not only hydrates, it contains a high amount of vitamin E and has anti-oxidising effects, leaving your skin looking younger, which is always a plus.
You can get argan oily easily at Watsons or Guardian stores.

4. The right concealer techniques
Before you slap a ton of concealer on your face in a hasty attempt to cover up those imperfections, you have to master the art of applying concealer correctly – or at least attempt to.
1. Dot your concealer on your under eye bags in the shape of a triangle, this will draw attention to your eyes and lift your face.
2. Using a concealer that’s lighter than your skin tone, line the inner corners of your eyes and the space beneath your brow bone for an instant highlight that will bring out your eyes on days you’re feeling exceptionally tired.
3. Apply concealer on the bridge of your nose will also give the illusion of a slender nose and bring light to the center of your face.
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, $43, available at Sephora.
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circles Eraser, $19.90, available at Watsons and Guardian stores.

5. Get lit
Contouring helps to further enhance and brighten the features on your face. To achieve that natural, all-over-glow, apply a bronzer strategically on your cheekbones and on your nose. An easy way to apply your bronzer is to start from the top of your ears and work downwards, following the direction towards the corners of your mouth.
The crucial step in achieving that glow lies in the careful application of the highlighter. Using a fluffy brush (we recommend a fan brush), apply the highlighter slightly above your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, your brow bone and the center of your forehead.
However, bear this in mind when you’re contouring: a little goes a long way.
Benefit Cosmetics Watt’s Up! Highlighter, $53, available at Sephora.
Sleek Makeup Face Contour Kit, $19, available at Sephora.

The Irrational Fears of A Hair-Dye Virgin

Jun 15, 2016Aug 15, 2018

It’s scary being a hair-dye virgin. When you’re not fighting off very real threats from your friends to have a DIY home-dye night, you’re keeping a wary eye on your local hairdresser – who’s got a dangerously eager glint in her eye. Growing up I never really considered switching it up, so the most adventurous my hair has been is a shoulder-length bob in Primary Three; still black, by the way. After 22 years of life in the same long black ‘do, I’ve realised something – hair-dye virgins are probably rarer unicorns than actual virgins. That, and that everyone around you will try their hardest to “deflower” you.
What’s the big deal, you’re probably rolling your eyes right now; it’s just hair. Indeed, but fear of the unknown is a treacherous thing; and if it took you 20 years to step onto a plane for the first time, you’d probably be experiencing a hell lot of inertia too. So between appreciating my jet-black hair and cowering in anxiety every time someone in the office receives an invitation for a media hair makeover, and yells, “Let’s send Amanda! Virgin hair!”, I decided to address my irrational fears, once and for all.

1. I’ll look terrible
Duh. Puberty may have come and gone, but the one constant in all this change is my straight black hair; and after a lifetime of feeling completely self-assured in my main mane, it’s only natural that I’m worried even the slightest change will throw everything off. So superficial, but so real.

2. It’ll be a waste of money
Kudos to girls who’ve mastered the art of the home dye kit, but $300 for a salon job I might end up hating? Tales of regret and sorrow have plagued my listening ears since post-secondary school days. Is this really the price we pay for beauty that, in this case, literally fades…?

3. Every colour but black will look wrong
If I had a dollar for every time someone said “Black hair suits you!”… I’d have enough to actually pay for a quality dye job. Assuming I wanted to. Also, observing friends go through poor dye jobs or colours that just didn’t flatter their skin tone has made me the wise old willow tree on the matter – sure they lived to tell the tale, but Facebook still has the pictures they wish had never happened.

4. It’ll damage my hair – for life!
Why fix what’s not broken (literally)? Especially since chemical hair dye will do the exact opposite for unspoiled virgin hair. I’ve got enough dry split ends as it is without having to worry about what bleaching will cause, thank you very much. And isn’t it widely known that there’s no real coming back from hair bleach?

5. I won’t be me anymore
You know how you associate certain people with certain hairstyles or colours? I’m no Anna Wintour, but having had the same ‘do all your life inadvertently cultivates a fear of losing a part of what’s essentially “you” – and that’s terrifying. This is also the part where I apologise for getting unnecessarily deep about hair.

6. I… kinda don’t want to lose my virgin hair status
Alright, the truth is out. The number one reason I’ve avoided playing with my hair colour all these years is sheer stubbornness about becoming one of the masses. Who knew that one day, in a sea of ashy blondes and chestnut browns, an au naturel head of black hair would be the “uncommon” one, standing out for the simple (ironic) reason that she never made the effort to stand out in the first place? In any case, that day is now, and though the humblebrag effort on my part may have been a little hard to stomach, there’s no denying that having dyed hair really isn’t a big deal anymore (at least not where I’m concerned). And there actually is a slight thrill in having people gawk at you in wonder, as you acknowledge and embrace that you are a rare breed on the verge of dy(e)ing out. Maybe one day, when I stumble upon a colour that really looks like it’ll suit me, I’ll give it a go; till then, I guess I’m more than comfortable remaining the 21^st Century ebony unicorn that I am.

via GIPHY

Illustration by Carina Foo.

5 YouTube Channels That Will Make You Smarter

Jun 15, 2016Aug 15, 2018

As addictive as Buzzfeed videos are, I think we can all agree that the moment we catch ourselves clicking on another ‘Weird Things You Do When You’re Alone’ video, we get the sense that our brains may or may not be melting into silly putty between our ears. But hey, who says YouTube can’t be educational? Sure, you may have to brush aside the music video parodies, video game commentaries and conspiracy theory videos, but there’s definitely a treasure trove of YouTube channels out there who will help you with those mind-numbing time-travel tropes and get you that A+ you deserve.
*****
Vsauce

From Physics to Culture to Art, Vsauce has the answers to all those weird questions that you thought were just completely ridiculous. Side note: they’re not, and they actually make for great conversations, for the record. Vsauce also provides links to their sources, whether they’re in print or online, which makes your citing your essays a whole lot easier. While we wouldn’t necessarily recommend solely using Vsauce for your homework, their videos definitely act as a great jumping-board for wider exploration and analysis of your relevant topic.

CrashCourse (by John and Hank Green)

We’ve all found ourselves desperately trying to cram for an exam while realising that we can barely remember the basics. Where are my notes? Where is that old worksheet I did during my first Chemistry class? What’s the definition of “Globalization” again? But don’t fear, CrashCourse is here. While we’re probably more familiar with various quotes from John Green’s novels (thanks, Tumblr) and/or the fact that the Green brothers are the creators of the massively popular YouTubers gathering known as “VidCon”, it’s safe to say that CrashCourse is probably my favourite venture of theirs, so far. John takes on World History, American History and Literature, while Hank leads the Biology, Ecology and General Chemistry videos. They’re all 10-15 minutes long, but they’re pretty substantial if you’re desperately trying to grasp the basics. Not to mention, the animation is pretty cute too.

The Nerdwriter (Nerdwriter1)

While The Nerdwriter channel doesn’t always explore topics that are necessarily school-related, the videos definitely help you widen your understanding of various facets of culture, particularly pop culture. Expect to see critiques on various forms of Art, Film, Music, etc., and you may even learn how to approach subjects which may seem a little more daunting like analysing Picasso’s works or even understanding how Donald Drumpf’s language is pretty influential, as deadly as that sounds. The videos are also beautifully edited, which is always a plus.

MinutePhysics

Okay, I’ll admit it: Mythbusters tricked me into thinking that academic Physics would be a breeze. Cue the soft sobbing noises. But if you’re like me and have absolutely zero understanding of how to approach Physics, MinutePhysics is the perfect place to start. Armed with Crayola pens and yes, (approximately) one minute, Henry Reich will delve into every and any Physics-related questions you can think of. The time-lapsed stick-figures of the video are also a definite plus for visual-learners, especially if you hate listening to your teacher drone on and on about gravitational forces. Physics actually is pretty fascinating, you just have to find the right forms to learn it.

 Every Frame A Painting

This one’s for the film fanatics out there. Tony Zhou’s Every Frame A Painting channel releases videos a little bit slower than the other channels listed on this list – a new video is up once a month or so – but they’re honestly worth the wait. Each video essay typically focuses on the work of a filmmaker or a film, whether classic or contemporary. What’s great about this channel is that Zhou is an editor and has his roots in filmmaking himself, so you can trust that he knows what he’s talking about. Ultimately, if you love a film and find a video on this channel about it, you’re sure to love it even more – and if you hate a film/filmmaker, well, you might find out why. It’s a great channel to appreciate art, without the art snobbery.

Featured Image: The Death of Socrates: How To Read A Painting – The Nerdwriter

Fresh Off The Boat: An American Sitcom We Can Finally Relate To

Jun 15, 2016Aug 15, 2018

While we love undeniably addictive American sitcoms, they aren’t always entirely relatable – notable sitcoms we know today such as New Girl, The Big Bang Theory and Friends more often than not have plotlines centred on the lives of Americans in America. We admit that’s part of the thrill of watching these American sitcoms – getting some form of escapism from our sunny little island via our small screens. But when Fresh off the Boat premiered more than a year ago, we fought past our initial scepticism about the show and tuned it, and it’s turned out to be a refreshing change from the usual and indeed, a year later, the show’s got us hooked. Despite the controversies regarding racist portrayals, it’s managed to do what comedies are supposed to do – make us laugh.
Fresh off the Boat is actually an adaptation of celebrity chef Eddie Huang’s written memoirs, which goes by the same name. Following a Taiwanese family of six who recently relocated from Chinatown in Washington D.C. to Orlando, we get a peek into the humorous lives of the Huangs as they attempt to navigate their new environment. Here, we’ve rounded up all the times that, as Asians, we related to most to the show.

1. The pains of having a difficult name

Those of you with difficult names, you’ll definitely hate any self-introductions that always make you feel so small inside when everybody’s got to hear your name at least thrice before they finally get it. Even if we are already familiar with obscure names, they’re often hard to get on the first try, made worse when it’s one that’s constantly being mispronounced. Cue the cruel nicknames that will haunt you for the rest of your life.

2. (Exaggerated) Asian stereotypes

Enter the Tiger Mum, one of the best known Asian stereotypes of an excessively strict mother, prizing her child’s academic achievements above everything else. Jessica Huang, the show’s matriarch, definitely fits the bill: feisty, protective and strict, Jessica rules her home with an iron fist. We are all too familiar with the contrasting stereotypes of authoritarian Asian parents as opposed to Western ones, who seem to be more laid back, and many of us have often been on the receiving end of our own mother’s exceedingly high expectations and angry gazes (especially when we fail to clean our rooms), so Fresh off the Boat will definitely ring a bell.

And let’s be honest – we all know that one superstitious person, whether is it our parents/grandparents or friends; suddenly, all those times when we were yelled at for a harmless nail-cutting session at night or for pointing at the moon came screaming back to us. All in all, while the show does in fact portray exaggerations of Asian stereotypes, it’s so far done rather tastefully, and all in the name of good humour and comedy.

3. Familiar feelings

via GIPHY

Jessica is all of us when at a crowded place (basically, everywhere in Singapore).

via GIPHY

Even if you won’t admit that you furiously hunt for free samples in the supermarket; you can’t deny how your senses are heightened when you hear the word “free”.
4. Habits we just don’t get

We will never understand the important ritual of fighting over the bill. Is it a matter of pride? Embarrassment? Courtesy? It differs from time to time. But one’s thing for sure – we never did quite understood the big commotion that our relatives made whenever the dinner bill was due.
5. Finally! Chinese New Year!

Let’s all take a moment to appreciate this rare occurrence on an American TV show. We are all used to watching popular American holidays such as Thanksgivings, St Patrick’s Day, Fourth of July and Halloween’s usual trick-or-treating on the TV, but the portrayal of a Chinese holiday almost never occurs. It was a refreshing and endearing moment to watch the Huang family celebrate Chinese New Year in an American environment, but still maintaining their traditions and customs despite their obscurity there. We can only imagine how delighted the Asian Americans must have felt when this episode was screened.
6. The nostalgic throwback

Set in the 1990s, Fresh off the Boat is definitely a bittersweet throwback for all you 90s kids out there who still reminisce about the glorious past before technology fully took over our lives. Appreciate all the old school computers, video games, old cars that appear in the episodes, and relive those fond memories of fighting over the TV remote, or having absolutely zero privacy when talking on your home phone.

Images courtesy of Fresh Off The Boat’s Facebook page, facebook.com/FreshOffTheBoatABC.

The Prettiest Game Apps You Need To Try

Jun 14, 2016Aug 15, 2018

It’s no secret that everyone’s trying to curate their life to be as “aesthetic” as possible, so why not apply the same logic to the games you play on your devices? While we’re not going to deny that games like Fallout 4 and the Bioshock series definitely take the cake for fun and game design, it’s definitely difficult to lug a full console system on all our journeys to and from home. So here are some of the prettiest game apps we’ve been able to get our hands on – but beware, their beautiful designs didn’t compromise their difficulty:
*****
Monument Valley

If you’re a fan of mind-bending geometry, particularly the Penrose triangle a.k.a. the impossible triangle, then you’ll absolutely adore Monument Valley. The great thing about this game is that you find yourself applying similar lessons in perspective in your daily life once you’re done playing: nothing really is what it seems. With paths that twist into different dimensions, gravity-defying characters (literally), and gorgeous architecture, it’s hard not to fall in love with the world of Monument Valley and its silent princess, Ada. Oh, and there’s even a screenshot function for you to add to your collection of awesome wallpapers.
Monument Valley, developed by ustwo games, $4.89 – $5.98 (excluding in-app purchases), available on the App Store and Google play.

Botanicula

Remember A Bug’s Life? This game is similar, only the bugs are a lot weirder (and cuter), and the soundscape is also amazing. Seriously, for a game that has no text at all, you’ll be surprised at how comprehensive Botanicula is. Don’t be fooled when it comes to the puzzles, though: it can take a little bit of exploration to figure it out. But hey, no pain no gain. After all, you’ve got five small but terribly brave friends to help you along the way.
Botanicula, developed by Amanita Design, $4.99 – $5.99 (excluding in-app purchases), available on the App Store and Google play.

Tarot

If you’re a fan of having your future read and/or contemporary art, Contemporary Magic: A Tarot Deck Art Project a.k.a. Tarot is practically made for you. Designed with the collaboration of world-famous artists, each card has been specifically curated and created just for the app, in accordance with the tarot card assigned to them. The result? A deck that is incredibly whimsical, educational and not to mention, free. The app also supports an auction to help fund the placement of an anniversary print edition in the permanent collection at the Andy Warhol Museum!
So, are you ready to gaze into your future?
Tarot, developed by Two Dots, free, available on the App Store (iPhone only).

Machinarium

Okay, we can’t help but be a little biased with Amanita Design, but can you even blame us? If Botanicula seemed a little too “organic” for you, they’ve got your back covered with Machinarium. Its post-apocalyptic, steampunk-esque design is charming and intriguing, especially considering it’s a point-and-click game. There’s no telling what you can and can’t do with each new puzzle, especially when you’ve got a robot to help you through it all. Maybe everything isn’t as gloomy as it seems.
Machinarium, developed by Amanita Design, $4.99 – $6.98 (excluding in-app purchases), available on the App Store and Google play.

Limbo

Isn’t it a bit early for horror games? you may say. Never! we cry. Especially not this one. Don’t worry, you won’t find any jump-scares here, but Limbo‘s black-and-white design definitely brings home the creepy factor. Add in a few weird monsters, deadly traps, glowing eyes, and one boy who just wants to find his sister, and you’ve got a game that’s both brilliant in its simplicity and equally haunting. Timing is key in this game, but hey, you’re already in limbo. It’s not like you can die…right?
LIMBO, developed by Playdead, from $6.88, available on Google play and on Xbox One.

Featured Image: Botanicula

5 Lazy-Girl Alternatives For Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes

Jun 14, 2016Aug 15, 2018

Confession time: I’m pretty gross. I can go weeks without washing my makeup brushes, and since we can’t all be rich beauty YouTubers blessed with a hoard of brushes – that means I’m constantly using dirty brushes on my face, everyday. Ew.
But here’s the good news – you’re not me! And armed with a whole lot more discipline and common sense, you’ll definitely want to make a habit of washing your brushes regularly, to remove unsanitary build-up that messes with both your makeup and your skin. And if you’ve been putting it off claiming that you don’t have the right brush cleansing liquid, here are five easy alternatives to getting your makeup tools squeaky clean.

1. Brush cleaner

For the lazy lass who can’t be arsed to wash her brushes every time she uses them, a quick and easy cleaning spray does the job. Simply spritz it onto the bristles, and rub the brush back and forth over a paper towel or piece of clean tissue, till all the comes off. The spray dries within minutes, so there’s no need to bother with drying your brush before dipping it into another product – which is why many professional makeup artists swear by it. Try the highly recommended Cinema Secrets Aerosol Spray (worth shipping from the States), or pop into a local Sephora to check out the other brush cleaner options on offer.

Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner, US$8, available online

2. Shampoo/Conditioner
A tip I picked up over the years from various beauty enthusiasts is that regular shampoo works in cleaning makeup brushes – after all, they’re made of hair. In the same vein, soaping up your favourite brushes with conditioner helps to keep them soft and smooth too, like your own luscious locks. Swirl your brush in a mix of shampoo and water before rinsing off with cold water, making sure to tilt your brush downwards so no water gets to the glued-on tips of the bristles.

3. Johnson’s Baby Shampoo

If you’re willing to pick up a shampoo brand other than the one you use, make sure it’s Johnson’s Baby Shampoo. Makeup artists and girls everywhere appreciate its extremely gentle formula and the fresh, powdery scent afterwards. If it’s good enough for the scalps of soft, squishy babies, it’s good enough for your makeup brushes.

Johnson’s Baby Shampoo 800ml, $11.10, available online and all Watsons stores

4. Anti-bacterial hand soap
Sounds a little rough, but what’s cleaner than anti-bacterial hand soap? (Let’s be real, no one’s washing their hands with BeautyBlender cleanser after a trip to the loo.) Squeeze the hand soap onto the bristles and rub throughly; then rinse out and feel good about your now 99.9% clean brushes. If you’re still a little wary, you can leave using hand soap as a disinfectant for your synthetic hair brushes.

5. Facial wash/cleanser

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, $21.90; Avene Gentle Milk Cleanser, $30.16 (on offer), available online and at Watsons and Guardian
My personal favourite; when I do make the effort to treat my filthy brushes to a deep cleanse, my daily facial cleanser is my go-to product. Think about it this way – you’re washing your brushes (which touch your face) with the same thing you use to wash your face; there’s really no way you could go wrong. Spring for a milder cleanser like Cetaphil or Avene – dermatologist faves and formulated for sensitive skin – to take the best care of your brushes. That way, you’ll avoid damaging your brushes with a rough, heavy-duty facial wash, and possible breakout from using said damaged brushes in the future. Win-win.

Superheroes vs Representation: The Blockbuster Nobody Asked For

Jun 14, 2016Aug 15, 2018

A few months ago, I was speaking to a friend about current and upcoming superhero films when we got to the topic of the recent reboot of the Fantastic Four series. While the movie has it’s own issues, I brought up that I appreciated that they had made the choice of casting an African-American actor to play Johnny Storm a.k.a. The Human Torch because “it was interesting”. Her response?
“Yeah, but they keep doing this– this thing of changing the character’s race. I don’t understand it.”
I paused for a moment, expecting my brain to be able to form a proper reply, but I couldn’t. At the time, I’ll admit, I freaked out a little. Was the statement prejudiced somehow? Maybe even…racist? I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I didn’t have the right answer. And then, just a few days ago, Marvel released news that Peter Parker’s best friend in the upcoming Spiderman: Homecoming film would be 14-year-old New York actor Michael Barbieri. Sounds innocent enough, right?
Except Barbieri has been cast as Ganke Lee, a heavy-set, Korean-American character, and Barbieri is about as far from that description as you can get.
Ignoring the fact that Lee isn’t even Parker’s best friend but that of Miles Morales – the half-black, half-Hispanic teen who takes on the role of Spider-Man in another series – this problem of what’s come to be known as “white-washing” has been carrying on for quite some time now. You’ve probably already seen the controversy surrounding Tilda Swinton’s role in the upcoming Doctor Strange film, and if you haven’t, well, the film’s chosen to re-write the character of the ‘Ancient One’ from one of Tibetan origin to that of a Celtic mystic. While this seems pretty innocent, the problem here is that the film’s current cast has raised a few eyebrows (and more than enough voices) about the lack of diversity and representation. Based on what we know so far, anyway.

There’s nothing wrong with having White characters or White superheroes or being White, but there shouldn’t be a problem with there being Asian characters or Black superheroes or being Hispanic, and so on, either. Racial and ethnic minorities constantly have to re-evaluate and somehow accommodate to the practices and/or values of the majority, and it’s easy for their voices to be lost. “Representation” has become such a buzzword in recent years simply because more people have access to social media and TV/movies now more than ever, and they see a problem with the content. Is it any wonder Fantastic Four only got flack for being a bad movie than as opposed to its casting choices?
In retrospect, my friend probably felt that “changing a character’s race” was insulting to the “canon” universe – that is, what has been deemed the original or what is “true”. Maybe she felt it was disrespectful and, as evident from her tone, unnecessary. But maybe she isn’t totally wrong. We don’t have to change a character’s race for the sake of representation. There are already a number of superheroes in the canon who aren’t White, and they all have a story to tell. Heck, there’s even a Singaporean superhero (thanks, DC!). These characters are our representatives, so far, and we should keep an eye out for them as best as we can.

A photo posted by DC (@dccomics) on Mar 21, 2016 at 4:30pm PDT

But when it comes to cinematic universes, studios run the risk of opening up a whole other can of worms. What happened with Michael B. Jordan as Johnny Storm could be seen as a move to “diversify” the character – there’s technically nothing a fictitious character can or cannot do, canon universes aren’t legislative bodies or something – but we also run the risk of losing out on characters whose origins could be much richer in their complexity due to their varied backgrounds. And original characters at that. Continuously re-casting actors of various ethnicities for one role seems pretty interesting at first, but could ultimately be considered lazy after some time.
White actors have been given so many options when it comes to superheroes: the patriotic soldier, the brilliant scientist with a troubled background, a Norse god, an anti-hero who breaks the fourth wall, etc. So what about the rest of us? To quote Batman from The Dark Knight (2012): “Anybody can be a hero”.
Maybe it’s time we started living that out.
Featured Image: Doctor Strange Teaser Trailer, YouTube

What To Look Out For During Your Next Trip To The Drugstore

Jun 14, 2016Aug 15, 2018

Browsing the aisles at any Watsons is quite a therapeutic experience, as we’ve found. Most of the time we’re there to stock up on necessities, be it for beauty or health needs; but plenty of other times we’re there just to browse through the endless beauty selection that covers skincare, makeup, hair and a whole bunch of other stuff, and end up filling our basket with things we didn’t know we needed. But it’s only to be expected – Watsons is a real beauty haven after all. So here, we’ve rounded up our recent favourite Watsons buys so you know what to zoom in straight on the next time you’re there, but we still highly encourage wandering through the aisles anyway.

Hada Labo Hydrating Essence, $31.90
We’re already big fans of the Hada Labo Hydrating Lotion and its promise of boing boing skin; this essence is all about hydrating with hyaluronic acid as well, but this one packs three times more hydration power. If you’re a user of the brand’s Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Essence, this new version will replace it, so look out for this sleek white bottle on the Hada Labo shelves.

DHC Water-Friendly Cleansing Oil, $29.90
DHC’s original olive-oil based cleansing oil needs no introduction – it’s achieved cult status even in Western markets where DHC is less commonly found in stores, because everyone loves a cleansing oil that’s powerful on makeup yet gentle on the skin, and at drugstore prices to boot. Last year, DHC launched this new version, which removes the need to double-cleanse since it functions as a facial cleanser as well. All the lazy girls, say yay!

L’Oréal Paris UV Perfect Aqua Essence City Face Mist SPF50/PA++++, $24.90
Seriously; no more excuses for not applying sunblock every day with this super-convenient mist sunblock. We’ve seen mist sunblock for the body, but this is the first one made for the face, and yes, you can spray it over makeup too (so there’s really no excuse to not reapply). All it takes is three seconds, and your skin is moisturised without stickiness or greasiness.

Dr.Ci:Labo Labo Labo Super-Keana Washing, $24.90
This range from Dr.Ci:Labo is made to rescue pores, and our skin is grateful. The cleanser is the main star of the Super-Keana range, and uses only plant-based ingredients to clear out clogged pores and refine them, while keeping the skin moisturised, proving that you don’t need harsh chemicals for a product to be effective.

MegRhythm Steam Eye Mask, $6.50 for a box of 5
If you’ve never heard of or tried this self-heating eye mask, oh boy, do you need to go out and grab a box. It might not look the sleekest, but those pads heat up once you put it on, to give the most soothing heat treatment your tired eyes deserve. The range has a regular unscented version, and a whole bunch of scented ones including lavender-sage, chamomile-ginger, and fresh rose.

Majolica Majorca Lash King, $25.90
Majolica Majorca’s one of our go-to brands for mascaras that are serious about amping up our short and straight Asian lashes. We like the oversized brush and waxy jet-black formula of this one; it’ll come in handy for when you’re going for the false lash effect.

Za True White Two Way Powder, $20.80
There’s a reason this two-way cake has been Za’s bestseller for so many years: if you need a powder foundation that does the job of providing coverage and keeping the skin shine-free throughout the day, this one does so, and at a price that allows you to keep up on the refills without feeling like you’re breaking the bank. It’s one of those beauty products we’ve been using since our younger days and are reluctant to give up even now, because why fix what’s not broken?

Naturals by Watsons Olive Hair Shampoo, $12.90
Olive oil really does have a great scent, and happens to also have pretty powerful moisturising properties. In the case of shampoo, this keeps the scalp hydrated and healthy, so your hair looks stronger and shinier as well.

Batiste Blush Dry Shampoo, $12.90
Dry shampoos aren’t that commonplace in Singapore, so this cheery brand is really one of our better drugstore finds (isn’t it super cheap?). There’s a whole variety of scents to choose from ranging from fruity to floral, but our pick is the Blush, if you want your tresses smelling all feminine and floral.

Tsubaki Oil Perfection, $29.90
This one is a godsend if you’ve just chemically treated your hair, and have to deal with dry, damaged locks. The oil immediately softens the strands so you can easily run your fingers through them again, and this version of the oil also comes with a humidity barrier ingredient to keep the frizz at bay.

Dress Alternatives If You Hate The Bodycon

Jun 14, 2016Aug 15, 2018

Whether you love it or hate it, we can all agree that bodycon dresses have the ability to look more ~fancy~ than the others. But let’s face it – not everybody can pull off this body-hugging dress that not only shows all the lumps you wish to bury, but grossly accentuates them even more. Before you furiously squeeze into a dress you don’t even like, we’re here to break it to you: tight-fitting dresses do not have to be a necessity. You can always look extra dressy even if you’re not wearing something you’d be uncomfortable in for the rest of the night, and here’s how.

1. Slip dresses

H&M, $39.90. Topshop, $66.90. Bershka, $39.90.
Tight-fitting dresses are not the only sultry dresses around. Don’t be easily fooled by this seemingly boring and shapeless number; the thin straps, slinky material and slimming silhouette makes this an ultimate go-to piece whether you’re heading for dinner or just a casual day out. Match them with a long line cardigan or an oversized coat for a polished look.

2. Maxi dresses

Topshop, $106. Asos, $39.82.
A maxi dress always makes a statement; regardless of its design or cutting. Whether you like it printed or not, a maxi is always a complete look you don’t even have to try too hard for. We especially love how breezy sandals are just what we need to make an effortless co-ordinate (perfect for the weather here, really), or a pair of heels for more formal occasions.

3. Jumpsuits

Stradivarius, $39.90. Zara, $109.
Look instantly ready for anything with a nifty jumpsuit that will bring out your curves – but not in an in-your-face manner like a bodycon does. A jumpsuit essentially features a high waisted cut that gives the illusion of a slimmer figure and longer legs. If you have a petite frame, you might want to skip the overwhelming jumpsuit (unless they have it in a petite cut) and opt for a playsuit instead. Here’s your chance to explore various other playsuit styles for dressier options. Think waist sashes, collars or even a plunging neckline.

4. Details are important

Zara, $89.90. Bershka, $39.90. H&M, $59.90.
And finally, our favourite hack when it comes to pulling off shapeless dresses – the details. Bear this in mind on your next shopping trip: whether it’s an off shoulder cut, puffed sleeves or a sleek button down design, it matters. Similarly, don’t underestimate the difference the right neckline can make. Be sure to find a suitable cut for your figure (everybody’s shaped differently!) and you won’t risk looking like the dress has swallowed you whole. A great tip: if you have well-defined collarbones, flaunt it.

Here's How To Pull Off Animal Prints

Jun 14, 2016Aug 15, 2018

Dilemma: To rock animal print as and when you want, or risk looking tacky? With so many weirdly off-point animal print concoctions out on the market today, it’s easy to shy away from such a bold, in-your-face print. And yet, somewhere deep down inside all of us, lies the secret yearning to be able to pull off animal preenz – even better than Riz Low herself. Of course a big part of wearing animal print is choosing the right prints, in the right colour combinations – monochromatic is usually the way to go; while you’ll want to steer clear of full-on leopard. Still, co-ordinates can be a tricky business, so we narrowed down our top ways to wearing animal print, without looking like you just raided This Fashion.

1. Bodysuits
Somehow, having the print plastered to your body makes it a little more acceptable to rock a bold print – we’re guessing that’s how the appeal of bodycons works too. Either way, we’d pick a figure-flattering graphic print over loose, baggy sleeves (note: chiffon is evil) any day.

L-R: Topshop Mono Rio-Life Body, $39.90; River Island Cream Snake Print Bodysuit, £28

2. Collared shirts
Just like how a neat, tight body lessens the impact of animal print, a collar always helps to smarten up any daring pattern. (Tip: works for other bold prints that aren’t just creature-inspired.) Take a walk on the wild side with a vintage cropped shirt, or go airy and resort-style with a lightweight collared tunic.

Topshop Animal Jacquard Short Sleeve Shirt, $89.90

3. Wear a skirt – but break it up
It’s tempting to wear a full skirt or dress in animal print, but here’s us fervently stopping you before you commit social suicide. A full print covering at least half the body will overwhelm any stature, which leaves you looking frumpy and larger than you are. Instead of drowning in fabric and print, make a compromise and find bottoms that break up the continuous print – either through construction details like a slit in the side, or a new pattern or pop of colour.

L-R: ASOS Wrap Maxi Skirt in Animal Print, £25; ASOS Animal Print Pleated Midi Skirt, £42

4. Keep it subtle
And our all-time favourite way of rocking animal print – shoes! The devil’s in the details, so keep ’em down to your toes for a statement that’s subtle but still different. We particularly like a good snake print, which always looks classy, whether they’re slithering around your ankles in a sexy lace-up shoe or a casual everyday espadrille.

L-R: Bershka Tied Ballerina Shoes, $59.90; Zara Animal Print Espadrilles, $69.90, both available in stores

5 American Indie Films To Watch

Jun 13, 2016Aug 15, 2018

Okay, we get the appeal of blockbusters: the car chases, badass soundtrack, super-hot cast…It’s not difficult to get through a whole box of popcorn when everything’s blowing up on-screen. But sometimes it’s nice to take a step back from the cathartic experience of watching superheroes beat up bad guys and dive into the offbeat. A dysfunctional family on a road trip, a reluctant friendship, an examination of love – indie films typically seek to explore and capture the nuances of our lives, which are typically a lot more bittersweet than this summer’s action-packed flick, but all the more beautiful. We’ve barely brushed the surface here, limiting the scope of this article to five American films, so if you like what you see, go forth! The world of Indie awaits.
*****
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

We’re not gonna lie: child pageants are creepy – especially after Toddlers & Tiaras. If you thought reality TV couldn’t get any trashier, you were wrong. Watching mothers fuss over their barely 10-year-old daughters by giving them fake tans, ridiculous amounts of make-up and increasingly risqué outfits, all while nearly tearing their hair out over not winning the championship title was enough to make me feel like never turning on the TV again. But the family of Little Miss Sunshine is different, albeit 100 percent dysfunctional. Olive (played by a very young Abigail Breslin) actually wants to compete in the pageant, so her family – in a bid to support her – climbs into an obnoxiously yellow Volkswagen minivan and sets off for California. What follows is a film that is heartbreaking, hilarious and one of the most honest indie films about dealing with love, loss and family all in one sitting.

Paper Heart (2009)

If you’ve never heard of comedienne Charlyne Yi before, you’ll probably be looking out for her once you see this film. While people mainly love bringing up Paper Heart in an attempt to debate how much of a mockumentary it really is, the film’s raw style and awkwardly-charming cast (including the ever iconic Michael Cera) allows for a frank look at budding love and romance – and, to an extent, the art of documentary filmmaking. It’s also nice to see a lead Asian-American character whose vulnerability and shyness are also organic and don’t reduce her into a stock character, for once.

Whip It (2009)

It’s hard not to love Ellen Page, and it’s even harder when she’s on roller-skates. Inspired by Derby Girl by Shauna Cross, Whip It explores the brutal world of roller-derby: the all-girl, all-rowdy, all-real sport of knocking people off their feet and skating around a track as fast as possible. Bliss Cavendar (played by Ellen Page) joins the “Hurl Scouts”, a process which takes her on a journey of self-acceptance and discovery, culminating in a film that’s one of the most charming coming-of-age films of all time.

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015)

No one likes being sad, and no one likes knowing how a movie is going to end before they’ve even seen it. So it’s easy to understand why the premise of Me and Earl and the Dying Girl might steer viewers in the opposite direction from the get-go, but don’t write it off just yet. It won the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival, after all. And if you try not to give credit to films solely for their accolades, then take it from us: you know the ending of Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, but that doesn’t make the story any less moving, or important. With a stellar cast and witty, honest dialogue, the film explores our ideas of friendship and hope, and what it means to grow up.

The Wolfpack (2015)

Okay, okay, we cheated a bit: this is a documentary. But the subject matter definitely sounds like something straight out of a fictitious film. Having been locked away in a tiny apartment in the Lower East Side of Manhattan for most of their life due to their fiercely protective father, the six Angulo brothers learnt of the world by watching films, occasionally re-enacting them. It wasn’t until director Crystal Moselle chanced upon them while walking around Manhattan and, curious about their appearance –with their waist-long hair and Ray-Ban sunglasses – struck up a conversation with them. As they bonded over their love of movies, Moselle began to learn more about them, and the rest is history. It’s eye-opening, intriguing, and definitely liberating to watch.

Featured Image: Little Miss Sunshine (2006), dir. Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris