Design Your Beauty With These Upcoming Makeup Launches You Need To See

Apr 21, 2016Aug 15, 2018

In general, new makeup launches get us really excited, even if we already have a million and one liquid foundations/eyeliners/mascaras/lipsticks cluttering our vanity tables at home. We know you get us – sometimes, resistance is simply futile.
And when it comes to what L’Oréal Makeup Designer Paris has in store for us over the next few months, there’s no point in telling yourself, no, you will not succumb to getting these. We literally want everything here, from the first-ever L’Oréal Paris cushion to that insane neutral eyeshadow palette, because each of these new launches are easily staples that we can see ourselves using on a daily basis. Base, cheeks, eyes, lashes, lips – everything’s covered, and we haven’t even mentioned the best part yet: Drugstore prices. So don’t just wear makeup, design your beauty – and all the tools you need are right here.

Lucent Magique BB Cushion Lumiere SPF29/PA+++
Say hello to L’Oréal Makeup Designer Paris’ first-ever cushion, and if you’re looking for light-to-medium coverage with a moist finish, this is your best bet. There are 800,000 micro air bubbles in the cushion, so one tap of the anti-bacterial sponge gets you an even coat of the lightweight water-based BB formula.
$31.90, available from May 2016.

Lucent Magique Cushion Blusher
Yes, there’s a cushion blusher to look forward to as well. Boy, are we getting real lucky this year or what? This one is a lightweight water-based formula as well, and the two available shades are a vibrant pink and coral to add an instant natural gradated flush to your cheeks.
$22.90, available from May 2016.

Superstar Felt Liner
If you wear eyeliner on the regular, you’ll know how much the quality of the eyeliner affects whether you nail the perfect flick in seconds, or end up having to redraw it about 10 times. A good formula and the right pen tip are key, and this new addition to L’Oréal Makeup Designer Paris’ Superstar line has both. The nib on this one might be thick (so it’s easier to control), but the tip is thin and flexible enough for it to easily follow the natural contours of your eyelids, and line them with a deep, intense black.
$19.90, available from April 2016.

Superstar False Lash Mascara
When we see a double-ended mascara, we know our lashes are in for a good length and volume boost. The primer end goes on first to thicken individual lashes and give them a serious volume boost, and then the fibre-rich formula goes on to coat them in an intense black. You’ll definitely get a false lash effect, so turn to this only if you want your lashes to make a statement.
$25.90, available from April 2016.

La Palette Nude Beige and Nude Rose
Okay, we really don’t think we’ve seen an eyeshadow palette that’s as good a deal as this. There are 10 shades that range from nude to dark in three different finishes: matte, satin and sheen, to allow you to create an eyeshadow look of any intensity with the included double-ended brush. The Nude Beige consists of neutral nude tones, while the Nude Rose is similar, just with a touch of pink and purple. Nude-themed palettes like this will always be a staple, and even if you get this in both shades, it’ll barely make a dent in your wallet.
$29.90, available from April 2016.

Shine Caresse CC Genius Balm
For all of you who can’t live without your lip balm, you’ll like this one – the aerogel-based formula leaves a layer of moisture and shine on the lips while coating them with colour, so it essentially doubles up as a super-moisturising lipstick. It’s infused with shea butter as well, to smooth over those nasty lines and cracks on chapped lips. The six available shades are bright but go on sheer, and the formula has a technology that targets dullness on your natural lip colour.
$19.90, available from April 2016.

You should also know that L’Oréal Makeup Designer Paris does a good variety of lip colours in different finishes. Clockwise from top, there’s the Color Riche Moist Satin and Moist Matte; the Matte Reds and Creamy Nudes; and if you like your lipsticks liquid, the L’Extraordinaire Intense Gloss and Velvet Matte. Altogether, these six ranges encompass 41 shades – we’re glad the brand is as colour-obsessed as we are.
Color Riche and L’Extraordinaire lip ranges, $21.90 each.

L’Oréal Makeup Designer Paris products are available at Watsons, Guardian, Sasa, and selected Fairprice supermarkets and department stores. loreal-paris.com.sg

MAC's Releasing Their Wildest Collection Yet

Apr 21, 2016Aug 15, 2018

It’s another crazy MAC collaboration – this time with a couple of 90’s characters you never thought would make it on the list. Behold: dropping in August, MAC Good Luck Trolls, featuring the vibrantly haired toy trolls of your childhood, which probably freaked you out half to death but secretly fascinated you as well.

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While MAC (as usual) isn’t releasing many pictures on the collection, we’ve been promised that the pieces will be as “crazy-hued” as the silly troll dolls themselves, taking inspiration from their rainbow tufts and bejeweled bellies (definitely an ode to glitter). In fact, we’re already pretty excited for the lipstick ($36) and eye shadow ($34) shades – for the former there’s Midnight Troll in a rich blue matte and Dance Off Pants Off in a frosted hot pink; or dust your eyelids with Black Tied, a velvety black with silver sparkle, and Paradisco – bright pinky-coral with a touch of pearl. And of course the heck ton of glitter we’re planning to dump on because #highlight.
Think what you will, but this pop culture collection sounds like it’s going to be exactly what we need to add some colour to our days.

MAC Good Luck Trolls collection, $34 to $92, available 12 August 2016 at all MAC stores.

Singapore Will Be The First In Asia To Roll Out Samsung Pay

Apr 20, 2016Aug 15, 2018

We all know what’s happening right now. Just yesterday, Apple announced that Apple Pay will finally be available for users in Singapore. And less than 24 hours later, Samsung makes a similar announcement. Samsung users, it’s time to rejoice!
Samsung Pay will be made available for Singaporeans sometime between this month and the end of June, making it the first country in our region (and the fourth in the world) to enjoy Samsung’s secure and easy-to-use mobile payment service. While it sounds like it’s pretty much the same thing, what can Samsung users expect with this new service? Well, for starters, you can expect more than just American Express on board. MasterCard and Visa credit/debit cards will also be supported when Samsung Pay officially launches in Singapore, with major banks like DBS/POSB, OCBC and Standard Chartered Banks to follow after.
Samsung hopes to expand its list of retail and merchant partners so that the service will be available to Samsung consumer “almost anywhere”. This includes supermarkets, convenience stores, departmental stores, healthcare and beauty outlets, food and beverage outlets, fashion and lifestyle stores and electronics and furnishing stores.
Another thing that Samsung Pay seems to have covered are its security features – fingerprint authentication (the most basic of all security features), tokenisation and Samsung KNOX. Whenever you make a transaction, Samsung Pay will generate an encrypted single-use digital token in place of your personal payment information (so all your information is kept confidential) to the payment outlet, which can only be authorised with your fingerprint. Samsung’s industry-leading KNOX security platform looks out for malicious software and monitors activityes on your device for added security and protection.
Samsung Pay will be available on the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 4G+, Galaxy S6 edge+ 4G+, Galaxy S7 4G+ and S7 edge 4G+ upon its launch in Singapore.

Rihanna and FENTY PUMA Drop The Perfect Fur Slide

Apr 20, 2016Aug 15, 2018

Rihanna is just killing it these days. With her much anticipated FENTY PUMA FW16 collection due in September, the pop star cum Creative Director of Puma has been releasing sneaky bits of the collection – and killing us too in the process.
The latest in her slew of sick drops – a pair of RiRi-appropriate Fur Slides By Fenty, the third new footwear style under her FENTY label. It’s PUMA’s classic Leadcat slides treated to a luxe fur makeover – soft but bold tooling, stylish faux fur strap, and a smooth satin foam backing. The result? An unapologetically over-the-top sandal that’s still comfy – which makes it perfect for all occasions, whether it’s poolside chilling or hanging around town.

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The Fur Slide by FENTY is available in three staple colourways: White, Black, and Shell (read: everyone’s favourite blush pink), and frankly, is the must-have off-duty footwear you didn’t even realise you needed. The sandal officially drops in two days (just in time for summer!); only time will tell if they’ll do as well as Ri’s permanently sold out PUMA Creeper.

PUMA Fur Slides by Fenty, $79, available at Limited Edt and Leftfoot from 22 April 2016.

Baked Cheese Tarts Are Suddenly The New Must-Try Food

Apr 20, 2016Aug 15, 2018

Food fads come and go, surely, but being Singaporean, we’re all suckers for them anyway — both new, exciting and delicious things, as well as queueing for said exciting things. No doubt, baked cheese tarts are currently on our watch list. First, we got an e-mail from a famous Hokkaido establishment, saying that they’ll be opening their first SEA flagship store here, and alright, we know the trend’s already big in Japan and Hong Kong. Then, suddenly, two more local ones popped up on our Instagram feed as well, so you know that the hype for some humble, oozy goodness has finally reached our shores. Is there some sort of behind-the-scenes discussion we did not know about?? The timing’s all too uncanny, but hey, we’ll never know… Still, we tried some of these and concluded that they’re definitely worth the hype.
1. BAKE CHEESE TART — well, literally Baked Cheese Tarts

Probably the most hyped-about ones seeing how they’re the most original, and hence, authentic, ones around. Hailing from Hokkaido, the brand’s really excited to bring its baked goods to Singapore, after rousing success across Japan, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Seoul. The store sells only one product, all the better for ultimate perfection, so it had better be darn good (and it is).
Why is it so delicious? We’ll try to describe it in words: sink your teeth into the tart and you’ll be able to taste the fresh cream cheese mousse that feels exactly how perfect mousse should be, light and airy, while the tart pastry has a crunchy bite. It’s not fluffy puff pastry but a crisp recipe that holds the soft cheesy centre well. The brand also boasts in the quality of their ingredients, blending three different types of cream cheese in their formula, two from Hokkaido and one from France, while the pastry goes through a double-baked process. The crust is baked first, then again after the the filling, in order to get that rich texture. You should be tempted.
BAKE CHEESE TART’s Baked Cheese Tarts, $3.50 each, available at ION Orchard, #B4-33 from 29 April 2016.
2. PrimaDéli — Lava Cheese Tarts

Now, these are a little less traditional, but still good. The homegrown brand has added an oozy, molten Lava Cheese Tart to their range of confectionery, and compared to the mousse filling of traditional tarts, this one flows out and onto your tongue. You’re getting the full sensory experience, in other words. There are also two flavours to choose from — Original and Salted Yolk (way to combine the trends!). The cheese filling sits in a buttery shortcrust pastry, and like its name, can be a bit of a molten hot mess, but a satisfying one nonetheless, especially when served warm. All it takes is 5 minutes in the over (at 180°C) to reheat the room temperature tarts that you brought back from the store, and yas, tea time cravings satisfied.
PrimaDéli Lava Cheese Tarts Original, $2.40 and Salted Yolk Lava Cheese Tart, $2.80, available at all PrimaDéli outlets.
3. Antoinette — Flavoured Cheese Tarts

A photo posted by Antoinette (@antoinette_sg) on Apr 19, 2016 at 3:46am PDT

As you can tell, we’re moving further away from the “original” — so here are the most creative ones around. Not only is there a vanilla tart that tastes closest to the original, but there are also salted egg, salted caramel, chocolate, and matcha variations, all held together by a light puff pastry tart base that’s there to complement the rich fillings. The cheese is a lot more molten here than the traditional ones, but still creamy, and the ingredients used are some of the finest around — think Madagascan Vanilla, bittersweet Grand Cru chocolate, for instance. If you like creativity in your trends, Antoinette’s the way to go.
Antoinette Cheese Tarts, from $2.60, available only at Anoinette Penhas Road.

Fred Perry x Bella Freud Gets Tomboy Vibes Right

Apr 20, 2016Aug 15, 2018

Ladies, if you felt a little left out with that last Fred Perry capsule collection, here’s a wicked new collab that’s tailored (literally) just for you. The Fred Perry x Bella Freud collection is a boldly coloured homage to “boy girl dressing” – a tasteful blending of masculine and feminine details for a look that’s still incredibly versatile. In fact, the influence comes from London-based Bella’s own personal archive and love of boy girl dressing, which definitely manifests in the masculine collars – exaggerated to frame a feminine face for a more unique silhouette. And it explains why you’ll see the words ‘English Boy’ handwritten neatly on some of the pieces.

The collection is also a take on the subculture of the early 80s – particularly with respect to a style born out of music culture and a focus on minimalism. There’s a stunning statement gingham shirt dress and preppy argyle sweaters, but it’s the Bella Freud take on a classic Fred Perry polo that’s piqued our interest – a pique shirt gets treated to Bella’s signature double gold star embroidering and gold tipping, not to mention a frosty Alaskan blue colour palette.

Fred Perry x Bella Freud collection, $209 to $319, available at the Laurel Wreath Collection Shop at Mandarin Gallery, #03-08.

[Contest] Pamper Mum With This Huge Mother's Day Gift Hamper

Apr 20, 2016Aug 15, 2018

“As we are growing up, they are growing old.”

When we think of our parents, this is a quote that might be quite heartrending, but very true. As children, growing up can mean tending to forget Dad and Mum’s unceasing love and care for us, very unfortunately; we know this shouldn’t be the case, so here’s your chance to take the upcoming Mother’s Day as your chance to show your appreciation for a very special woman in your life.

Here’s a contest by Dr. Young Singapore, meant to help you celebrate and appreciate Mum this Mother’s Day. It’s a “Vote-and-Win” Mother’s Day contest, open to all Singapore residents. To take part, follow these steps:
1) Take a picture with your mum
2) Upload it to Dr. Young’s contest webpage at: www.dr-young.com.sg/contest
3) Caption the picture with the reason why you love your mum
4) Share it on your Facebook profile, and get all your friends to vote for your picture

The votes will determine the top 3 winners – in addition, 5 voters will be randomly selected and will get to walk away with prizes as well. Participation in this contest will also give you a chance to score exclusive deals from the contest sponsors.
Of course, we’re showing you what you stand to win.
The 1st prize winner will get a 2D1N staycation at Wanderlust Hotel, while the top 3 winners will get a Mother’s Day hamper consisting of the following prizes:

1) Dr. Young products (worth $200, $180 or $150)

2) A bouquet from Windflower Florist (worth $180)

3) Faux Fayc cosmetics (worth $109)

4) Togather Cafe cash vouchers (worth $50)

5) Trichokare Hair Treatment products (worth $219)

6) G.Spa Signature Treatment voucher (worth $188)

7) A pair of True Fitness 14-day passes
8) True Yoga 2-session pass

Prize sponsors:

The contest is running till 9 May 2016, so grab Mum and start snapping! Head to the link to participate:

www.dr-young.com.sg/contest

Our Favourite Theme Parks In The World (That Aren’t Just Disneyland)

Apr 20, 2016Aug 15, 2018

Because, well, Orlando isn’t the only place in the world that knows how to do theme parks.

Fuji-Q-Highland in Japan

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Possibly the Six Flags of Japan, Fuji-Q-Highland features crazy and extreme rides, and is “the roller coaster expert”, boasting the world’s sharpest, longest, and highest roller coasters. But their star attraction is a haunted house – the Super Scary Labyrinth of Fear – that apparently no one can escape from.
“But you escaped.”
“I didn’t dare to go in.”
It’s even seen its fair share of TV fame – most popularly when K-pop group Big Bang visited and had their day filmed for a talk show. Bottom line: the adrenaline factor is “way up there”.
Favourite ride: The eejanaika. “Very fast, exciting, and the drop was so intense, like nothing I’ve ever felt before. I’m usually okay with roller coasters but I couldn’t even open my eyes on this one.” – Josiah

Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey

Of course, then, Six Flags would make it onto this list, but of the 18 parks across North America, the Great Adventure in New Jersey has to be our top pick.
“It’s like no-frills; you just go for the roller coasters, you’re not there to meet characters and the food isn’t ‘famous’. You’re just there for the thrill-seeking so you go straight to the queues.”
And there you have it – reason enough for any adrenaline junkie to skip Disneyland. Great Adventure is just a short bus ride away from New York City too, if you’re ever looking for a quick and satisfying daytrip to escape from the city.
Favourite ride: Kingda Ka – a vertical roller coaster that sort of slingshots you up and down, 90 degrees from the ground each time. “It shoots you all the way up then shoots you down, and you don’t really remember what happens for the rest of the ride.” – Joanne

Warner Bros. Movie World in Gold Coast, Australia

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It’s not really extreme compared to other theme parks, but the park revolving around Warner Brothers’ movies is a classic must-go for its healthy mix of thrill rides, movie sets (ie. photo ops) and character mascots. Not to mention, it’s the closest you can get to a ton of accessible Hollywood movie-themed rides – without having to fly to the States or staying on Sentosa.
“Think USS but ten times better, plus more magic. And feels.”
Favourite ride: “A toss-up between Superman Escape and the Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster – the drop on Superman is sick but I love the backwards drop and indoor special effects on Scoobydoo.” – Amanda

And just for good measure, here are some lesser-known theme parks we’re dying to try.

Suoi Tien Amusement Park in Vietnam

Think Haw Par Villa water park. There are Buddha statues, carvings of gods from Vietnam’s history and legends, and most prominently, a gigantic waterfall with the face of an emperor sculpted into it. Hell yes! (Pun intended.)

Popeye Village in Malta

Previously the film set – constructed from scratch – for the 1980 film Popeye starring Robin Williams, this little seaside community perched on Anchor Bay in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea is now a theme park, putting to good use the cutesy houses you’d usually find Popeye and Olive Oyl frequenting.

Gilroy Gardens in California

It’s exactly what it looks like – a vegetable-themed amusement park. There are regular rides like carousels, roller coasters and raft rides, but obviously the ride we most want to try in this family theme park is the Garlic Twirl – garlic-themed tea cups that go round and round. Not sure how Alice would take to those.

Get Ready For Some Actual Colour With This Raf Simons x Fred Perry Collab

Apr 19, 2016Aug 15, 2018

Oh Raf, what doesn’t turn into gold spun under your magical hands?
For all you Raf Simons fans out there, Fred Perry is pleased to present their 13^th collaboration collection with the Belgian couture giant. We’re looking at a slick little capsule collection of vivid modernity featuring a happy marriage between Simons’s bold sensibility and the classic Fred Perry sports aesthetic. Yum.

We’re obviously fans of Fred Perry’s subcultural pieces that pretty much work in every possible era, but the modern art influences and bold graphics from Simons takes everything one step further. It’s the elevation we didn’t even know we wanted, but the bold splash of colour on the usual monochromatic pique shirts and polos is everything. And if you’re just a tad tired of conventional T-shirt cuts, this SS16 collection invites you to join in on the daring proportion play with the new dropped neck T-shirts that sit wider on the body, and tempt with a little peekaboo neck. Frankly, it’s a collaboration that actually brings more than just another famous name to the table, and we’re completely sold.

Raf Simons x Fred Perry Collection, available at the Laurel Wreath Collection Shop at Mandarin Gallery, #03-08.

Apple Pay Is Now Available In Singapore

Apr 19, 2016Aug 15, 2018

After being frustrated with the lack of updates on when it’ll be available in Singapore last June, we finally have some good news (and some bad news). Before you forego your entire wallet in the hopes of paying for everything using your iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch, Apple announced that they’ll be rolling out the mobile payment service, but only for American Express (Amex) card users first. However, support for credit and debit cards from DBS, UOB and Standard Chartered will be made available in the coming months. But for those who already have an Amex card, you can use Apple Pay at a variety of retailers, including FairPrice, Din Tai Fung, G2000, Shaw Theatres, Starbucks, StarHub, Topshop, Topman and UNIQLO (the service will be expanded to more retailers in time to come). All you need to do is to add your card details into your Wallet app, and you’re good to go! Apple Pay uses near-field communication technology, which will transmit data from your device to the contactless reader when you’re making a payment, and only works with devices that have the Touch ID fingerprint sensor, like the iPhone SE, iPhone 6, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s Plus, iPad Air 2, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 4 and iPad Pro. If you’re going to use the Apple Watch, just make sure it’s running on watch OS 2.1 or later.

How To Keep Your Manicure From Chipping, Once And For All

Apr 19, 2016Aug 15, 2018

It was after a recent quick manicure that we saw our nail polish start chipping off before the day had ended, and we knew it was the last straw. Why on earth does nail polish chip so quickly on us whenever we attempt to do our own manicure? Surely formulas aren’t made to last mere days (or sometimes, even mere hours). So we decided we’ve had enough, and set out to figure out, once and for all, how to keep our tips chip-free for as long as possible.
What we’ve learnt since is that it all comes down to quality products, and more importantly, a good application technique. That’s why we pay the experts at the salons to get our nails done – it all requires patience and skill to get it right. But don’t fret and give up on all the nail polishes you’ve bought just yet! With a few simple steps and tips, it is possible to get a DIY manicure decently close to what a trip to the nail salon gets you.

Step 1: Invest in a good base coat, and always use it

Without a quality base coat, the colour isn’t going to adhere to your nails properly – it provides a smooth surface for the nail polish to stick to properly, by going over any ridges or uneven spots on your nails. We’ve tried skipping out on a base coat before, and we’re here to tell you don’t even bother trying: it was a massive fail manicure. Many quality base coats also have nail-strengthening properties, so you don’t have to feel so guilty about always covering your nails in polish. Oh, and always to be sure that your nails are completely clean before the base coat goes on, as any residual oils will cause the polish to peel off; just do a few quick wipes with nail polish remover.
Try: Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Smooth and Strong Base Coat, $19.90, selected Watsons and Guardian stores; Nails Inc NailKale Superfood Base Coat, $27, Sephora

Step 2: Apply each coat of polish thinly

When nail polish goes on thick and gloopy, there’s a higher chance it won’t be even, or you’ll knock it into something and instantly ruin it. Observe how the manicurist does it the next time you’re at the nail salon – you’ll notice that she always paints the first coat in a thin layer, even if the colour doesn’t completely cover the nail; and each subsequent layer goes on the same way. This is the key to the polish going on evenly, with no streaking or weird bumps.
Another important thing is not to use polishes that are too low-quality. Of course we like our cheap drugstore beauty buys, but there’s a line between an affordably-priced product that’s of good quality, and a dirt-cheap one that’s just poorly formulated. The problem with these inferior polishes is that they’re too watery, making it difficult to get an even, yet solid coat of colour.
Try: O.P.I Nail Colour in Show Us Your Tips!, $16, selected Watsons and Sephora; The Body Shop Colour Crush Nail Colour in 820 Meet Me At Dusk, $12.90; NARS Nail Polish in Arabesque, $30

Step 3: Always wait for each layer to dry completely before painting on the next one
Patience, my young Padawan. We admit that we have a problem with this as well, as it’s just too tempting to paint on the next layer before the previous one is completely dry, especially when we’re in a hurry (note: never do a manicure when you’re in a hurry; you’ll never be satisfied with the results). How to check that a layer is dry? Gently tap it with a fingertip – if it’s done, it should not feel sticky at all. Sure, this will all take a longer time and requires lots of waiting, but just run an episode of your favourite Netflix series or Korean drama, and you’ll find your nails will dry in no time. Tip: Pause the show when you’re painting on the polish; we’ve tried multitasking, and it’s never worked out.

Step 4: End by applying a long-lasting top coat, ensuring to go over the tips of your nails

Of course, it’s crucial to keep all the colour in place with a good top coat, which helps your manicure last longer by providing a protective layer that’s nice and shiny as well (or matte, if you’re going for that look). We’ve noticed more brands coming up with gel-effect top coats, which promise to give your manicure the lasting power and glossiness of a gel manicure, but with none of the hassle of removing it.
Another key is to make sure to run the brush over the tips of the nails, since nails always chip from the tips, so it’s actually the most crucial to protect the colour there.
Try: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat, $15, Sephora; Revlon Multi Care Base + Top Coat, $15.90, Watsons and Guardian stores; Sally Hansen Miracle Gel 2X Volume Top Coat, $16.90, selected Watsons and Guardian stores

Step 5: Try not to open any cans with your bare hands
As much as all of the above tips will help keep your manicure as chip-free as possible, of course any vigorous activities (like opening lots of cans) will significantly reduce the nail polish’s lasting power. You don’t have to treat your nails like they’re super fragile, but it’s a good idea to be a bit more mindful of what you’re using your hands for.

Main image: Gareth Pugh A/W ’16, courtesy M.A.C.

The 5 Films To Catch At This Year's European Union Film Festival

Apr 19, 2016Aug 15, 2018

The annual European Union Film Festival (EUFF) will return for its 26th edition this May at Golden Village Suntec City. You’re in for a real treat – as Singapore’s longest running foreign film festival, this year’s showcase is the largest yet, featuring 30 films from 30 countries across Europe. Whether you’re an active film buff or just the average Joe who likes a good film every now and then, it’s definitely a date worth marking. Check out the full list of films that’ll be screened here, or peep our top five picks on what to watch.

The Invisible Boy (Italy)
Adventure | 2014 | 100 min | Italian with English subtitles | PG13- Some coarse language

Watch for: A feel-good underdog fantasy film, without the tacky vibrant film aesthetic of most superhero movies.

Flowers (Spain)
Drama | 2014 | 99 min | Spanish with English subtitles | PG

LOREAK – Trailer VOSI from Irusoin on Vimeo.

Watch for: What one (or just us) might term a stereotypical “European art film” – muted hued colour palette, the impeccable eye for cinematography, and that bewitching storyline that starts off slow and sedated but knocks you dead at the end.

The Judgment (Bulgaria)
Drama / Family |2014 | 107 min | Bulgarian with English subtitles | NC16 – Some coarse language

Watch for: An emotionally wrecked adventure through the Rhodope Mountains bordering Turkey, through the eyes of a bankrupt destitute who’s had to resort to smuggling illegal immigrants from Syria into the EU. A Bulgarian The Revenant, perhaps? The heavy daddy issues are certainly present.

Hotel (Sweden)
Drama | 2013 | 97 min | Swedish with English subtitles | M18 – Sexual scene

Watch for: Alicia Vikander speaking in her native tongue. There, we said it.

The Tribe (Ukraine)
Drama | 2014 | 132 min | No dialogues – No subtitles – Sign language | R21 – Sexual scenes and violence

THE TRIBE TRAILER 2014 from Oleksiy Yevtukh on Vimeo.

Watch for: A truly unique (chilling) cinematic experience. Dark plot aside, the film places you in the same uncomfortably handicapped position as the deaf mute protagonist, leaving you feeling lost and vulnerable without subtitles or even dialogue. You can always google afterwards anyway.

European Union Film Festival, 10 to 22 May, Golden Village Suntec City. euff.sg.

Our Favourite Bronzing Sticks

Apr 19, 2016Aug 15, 2018

It’s no secret that we’re a fan of convenience, especially when it’s in the form of a handy everyday makeup product. We’ve fallen hard for easy twist-up lip chubbies and the cushion compacts of Korea beauty, because, well, they’re just so damn easy. So it comes as no surprise that our latest obsession is bronzer – in fuss-free stick form, of course. Perfect for contouring newbies (like us tbh), bronzing sticks let you into the wide and wonderful world of face sculpting, minus all the panic attacks of powder or cream contour palettes. Experimenting comes a lot easier – simply swipe and blend with your fingers, pop it into your bag, and you’re good to go. Here are our faves for getting that on-the-go glow; we guarantee it’ll be love at first swipe.

1. Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour
US$22, available at Sephora

2. Benefit Watt’s Up! Soft Focus Highlighter
$53, available at all Benefit Counters and Sephora.sg

3. NYX Cosmetics Wonder Stick
$20, available at Sephora

4. Nudestix Sculpting Pencil
$37, available at Sephora.sg

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5. Nars Matte Multiple
$60, available at Sephora.

6. Laura Mercier Bonne Mine Stick Face Colour in Bronze Glow
US$34, available at Sephora and TANGS

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Here’s What We’d Splurge On To Plan The Perfect Wedding

Apr 18, 2016Aug 15, 2018

Weddings – they’re a terrifying ordeal, what with having to handle tight planning deadlines, selecting the perfect dress, and, well, dealing with the possibility of wedding photos so ghastly they go viral.
But wedding planning isn’t all that bad. In fact, if you’ve started planning for the happiest day of your life, you’ll soon realise that the options available to a 21^st century bride are way more plentiful and forgiving than what they might initially seem. The key, then, to nailing your selections for the perfect wedding? Don’t be cheap. Sounds like a harsh critique on a certain Facebook couple’s package-buying choices, but in all seriousness, weddings literally are once-in-a-lifetime events that warrant the splurge. And the wise words your mama imparted back during your childhood ring true: 一分钱一分货, or you get what you pay for – and especially as you progress into adulthood, where quality should occupy a bigger space in your priorities.
So, in the spirit of splurging and in true NYLON fashion, we’ve rounded up ideas of what we’d personally spend on, to achieve the perfect wedding day that’s both impeccably smooth-sailing and aesthetically on-point. And while we’re at it, we decided to take things up a notch, and opt for services done in a slightly more alternative way – because hell, weddings should be fun too.

1. Car rental services

Apologise to your best pal who volunteered his slick Mercedes as tribute, and spring for a professional vintage car rental service instead. Nothing says “classy” like stepping out of a swinging 60’s-esque Beetle or shiny convertible, flowers in hand and wedding train in tow. And the best part – when else will you get the chance to drive around in a snazzy antique car?

Our picks:
Volkswagen Wedding Car Rental Programme

Vintage cars are cool and all, but take it up a notch by arriving in a Volkswagen bad boy. Opt for an iconic modern Beetle or open-top Golf Cabriolet – both of which come in a stunning ‘Pure White’ guaranteed to photograph well alongside any possible styling theme or décor. Rental includes insurance for two drivers, so you can both have a turn at the wheel, and the large boots are a definite godsend for storing all your wedding bric-a-brac for the entire day. We’re already dreaming of driving off into the sunset in these, a lá Grease.
Price: $200 to $650
More info at vw.com.sg/wedding

Kombi Rocks Rental Services

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Support the upkeep of local vehicles and travel in style with the old-school automobiles from Kombi Rocks. We’re bypassing the Beetle here and heading straight for the Kombi vans – large enough for your whole crew to ride with you and still cute as a button. Choice vehicles even come with rollback sunroofs so you can pull an “In that moment, I swear we were infinite”.
Price: $150 to $1288
More info at kombirocks.com/rides

The Wedding Limo Company: Morris Minor

Go full-on vintage with these Gatsby-approved Morris Minors that are pretty much the definition of a “sweet ride”. They promise luxury, convenience and affordability – and obviously a killer photo opp. If it isn’t already apparent, we’re seriously digging the plush red seats
More info at theweddinglimo.co/catalogue/cars/morris-minor-white

2. GIF booths

Get with the programme, people – stationary photobooths are on their way out, to make room for fun and quirky GIF booths, for moving (literally) mementos you can keep for life. GIFs are dynamic, spontaneous, and full of laughs – basically how you’ll want your guests to remember your wedding. And since you can have them sent straight to your email/iPad/smartphone, never again will there be the risk of people losing photo printouts from your wedding; you’ll be etched permanently into their hard drives (or Cloud) – whether they like it or not.
Our picks:
Fotobox: For to-the-point GIFs, square-cropped and ready for Instagram.
More info at hellogif-whatisfotobox.com
Aww Snap!: For fun backdrops and props for your picture-perfect keepsakes.
More info at awwsnaphotobooth.com.sg

3. Desserts table

Here’s something you definitely won’t regret spending on; if we’ve learnt anything in the line of hosting and attending events, food is the one thing people remember from any event, so make sure your selection leaves an impression. Sweet treats on your special day are a given – and will probably come in the form of a colour-coordinated fancy desserts table, but we like stepping it up a notch with gourmet treats that boast an unexpected local twist. It’s having the best of both worlds, really, when you get both your grandma’s favourite orh nee and your Instagram-obsessed bestie’s artfully iced cupcakes, rolled into one. We’re pretty sure your guests will leave raving about how amazing your hipster desserts table was – oh and err, about how good you looked that day too.

Our picks:
Bloomsbury Bakers

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Orh Nee cakes! Chendol cheesecake! Pulut hitam in tart form! Whether you decide to get them separately or as a bundle desserts table package (this is the kind of package you should be placing your confidence and money in, ladies and gentlemen), the local flavours are bound to please.
Price: From $650 for a 30-pax dessert table package
More info at bloomsburybakers.com

Janice Wong

Chocolate bon bons that taste like home? Oui oui, s’il vous plaît. Check out local pastry chef Janice Wong’s Singapore Signature series that features chocolate bon bons infused with familiar flavours like gula melaka pandan, laksa leaf, and even bak kwa praline rocks (from $2.50). Now there’s something you don’t see everyday at a wedding feast.
More info at janicewong.com.sg

And if you haven’t already realised for yourself – don’t skimp on the wedding photography.

Nike Air Presto Ultra Flyknit

Apr 18, 2016Aug 15, 2018

Images of this sneaker (the all-white is obviously a favourite) have been circulating the web for a while now, but Nike has finally put out official word for it – the Air Presto is now the newest member of the brand’s famed Flyknit family. Originally released in 2000, this shoe rose through the ranks because of its slip-on sock-like construction, which were considered very unusual, unique and fresh back then, and for its breathable and lightweight build. Fast forward 16 years later and you get the Nike Air Presto Ultra Flyknit. Nike used the blueprint of the OG Air Presto and improved it with an adaptable Flyknit upper, which provides stretch at the collar, ventilation in the toe and tongue and support in the heel and underneath the toecap. This mid-cut collar provides a modern aesthetic for the Air Presto Ultra Flyknit, paving the way for a reworked TPU cage to fit this silhouette’s new upper and ultra tooling with rubber in high-contact wear areas to improve comfort and durability.
Nike Air Presto Ultra Flyknit, $265. Available at Seek (ION Orchard, #B4-23/24) from 5 May.

Grocery Shopping For Lazy People

Apr 18, 2016Aug 15, 2018

You could call it the downfall of our generation, or you could call it ingenious innovation. Most of the time, technology exists to bring convenience to people. This is one of those instances. Someone out there, who opened the fridge door only to be welcomed by an endless abyss of nothingness, probably thought, “Damn it, I’ve so busy with work and family and socialising that I forgot to stock up on groceries. If only there was an app that lets me buy groceries…” For those who prefer shopping for groceries while watching Netflix in their PJs, this one’s for you. All you need to do key in your postal code to see which partnering stores you can shop from, click on what you want from those stores, get your credit card ready and checkout. Someone else will do the shopping for you. Easy peasy. They all do pretty much the same thing, but they do have their little differences here and there.
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HONESTBEE

Release Date: July 2015
Delivery Charge: $10 + $2 for Concierge Shopping Fee. Free delivery with minimum $30 purchase.
Delivery Time: 1 hour from the moment you click checkout (the site will show you the earliest delivery slot too)
App: Yes (iOS & Android)
You don’t have to worry when you’re shopping with honestbee because they have trained shoppers (or shopper bees as they call em’) who provide a sort of “concierge service”, where they’ll handpick every item just like you would. For example, they’ll pick a proper, fresh papaya instead of taking one off the shelf just to make sure they get it to you on time. And if there’s an item that’s out of stock, you can have the option of having them contact you to suggest replacements. But more importantly, honestbee started out as a social impact business looking to provide people who have difficulty in working fixed hours with sustainable income opportunities. Since their launch till today, they’ve created more than 1,200 jobs (in case you’re interested, check it out here). They’ve also provided retailers with a platform to increase their reach without having to create one themselves. It’s a win-win situation for everyone, including us consumers. Some of their partners include NTUC FairPrice, Cold Storage, Jones The Grocer, Butcher’s Dog, Four Seasons Organic Market, Gastronomia, MMMM!, GNC, Pet Lover’s Centre, Fine Brands/Crystal Wines, Joe & Dough, Ben & Jerry’s, Little House of Dreams, Laurent Bernard, Wein & Vin, Wine Connection, Thirsty, Organic7Days and Daily Juice.
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REDMART

Release Date: August 2011
Delivery Charge: $7
Delivery Time: Within the next two days (2 hour slots)
App: Yes (iOS & Android)
Think of RedMart as the Uber of grocery shopping, except that they don’t do same-day deliveries. They’ve been around for a while now and obviously have a bigger consumer base. They’ve moved into a 100,000-square-feet temperature-controlled warehouse where they keep their stock, which helps them to ensure the prices of goods and to control the quality of each delivery. They work like a supply chain company, right from picking out the products you want, to packing and finally to the delivery. They’ve also recently started a marketplace for merchants, where sellers can tap on their logistics network to reach out to more consumers. They already have about 100 independent sellers (RedMart doesn’t keep their items in their warehouse), so you could very well buy stuff from PasarBella along with your usual snacks that’s available from their warehouse, all delivered to you on a stipulated day.
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KENNY GROCERY

Release Date: 1997
Delivery Charge: $7
Delivery Time: Mondays to Saturdays, 1pm-3pm (for offices, Bukit Timah & Holland area) and 4pm-7pm (island-wide)
App: No
This one’s a little old school. Kenny, the business owner owner, has been in the grocery business for over 30 years, and have been delivering fresh groceries to families since 1997. He started it so that people can spend more quality time with their families as opposed to going through aisle after aisle to get their groceries. It’s important to get your orders out by 2.30pm so that they can deliver them on the same day, but you can call them up if you’d like to have a special or specific time slot. They’ve got a bunch of organic fruits and vegetables, along with other stuff like general goods and supplies.
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PURELYFRESH

Release Date: July 2014
Delivery Charge: Minimum order of $49, with $6 delivery fee for orders below $75.
Delivery Time: Daily, in 2-hour slots from 10am to midnight
App: No
It’s almost like you’re right there, shopping at the wet market. PurelyFresh has been in the industry since 1998. They started out as a wet market vegetable stall and have taken the natural route of business expansion into the World Wide Web. Now, with wet and dry markets in Woodlands, Sengkang, Punggol and Tampines, they offer fresh produce and household products that are handpicked and packed straight from their markets. There’s even the option to customise your meat orders without any additional costs, just like at the wet market. So if you’d like your pork belly to be cut into smaller pieces, just write it down in the comments section and the butcher will prepare it accordingly. You can even order Halal meat if you prefer (just note it down on the comments section too). They offer same day and next-day deliveries within 2-hour time slots. But their version of “same day” is a little different from the likes of honestbee; if you make your order before 3am, you’ll get your groceries on the “same day”, and by that they mean within the next 24 hours.
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THE USUAL SUSPECTS
Don’t worry, if you’re looking for an online grocery delivery platform but aren’t really up to trying these one-stop websites, your usual suspects have also gone online. Yes, obviously they’d want a piece of that online delivery pie, so if you’re more familiar with their products and aisles, this is for you. Their delivery fees and times all vary, so you might want to check em’ out below:
• NTUC FairPrice

Delivery Charge: $10.70 with orders less than $60, $7.49 for orders more than $60, $26.75 for bulk orders (more than 600 items per order) and free for orders $150 and above when charged to Plus! Visa/NTUC Plus! Visa Credit/Debit Card
Delivery Time: Deliveries available from Mondays to Saturdays, between 10am to 10pm. See table below.

App: Yes (iOS & Android)

• Cold Storage

Delivery Charge: $12 with orders less than $60 and $7 with orders $60 and above
Delivery Time: Daily, between 9am-1pm, 2pm-5pm, 6.30pm-9.30pm, depending on when the order is received. See table below.

App: Yes (iOS & Android)

• Giant

Delivery Charge: Delivery charge of $12 with orders less than $60 and $7 with orders $60 and above
Delivery Time: Daily, between 9am-1pm, 3pm-6pm, 6.01pm-9pm, depending on when the order is received. See table below.

App: Yes (iOS & Android)