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Guerlain Goes Even More Sustainable With A Refreshed Line Of Aqua Allegoria Fragrances

Jun 17, 2022Jun 17, 2022

Guerlain’s fragrances are unmistakable for that familiar Bee Bottle, invented in 1853 to show off the emblem of the house; our modern fragrances feature sleek honeycomb-topped flacons with a gold finish, certainly an exquisite update to the original.

What’s even more original though is that the house isn’t done with updating their iconic fragrance line yet. This time, the reinvented Aqua Allegoria collection features two new sustainable approaches — first, a formula change, and second, a bottle redesign.

2022’s versions now contain up to 95% ingredients of natural origin, and are formulated exclusively with alcohol from organic farming, particularly from organic beetroots, a first for the brand. And while the new bottles look identical to their predecessors, they feature an eco-friendly design made from 15% recycled glass, compatible with a simplified refill system that still retains the perfume’s luxe feel.

This revamp aligns with the house’s values, where they’re all for celebrating nature, while making a commitment to protect and preserve it for future generations. In fact, the Aqua Allegoria line is, itself, inspired by Nature and her glorious gifts, with luminous scents that are meant to be allegories of nature, and composed by explorers and perfumers who travel the world for exceptional raw materials.

The reformulation ensures that every fragrance is made up of 95% natural origin ingredients, further ensuring that these are sourced through sustainable supply chains to preserve our planet’s biodiversity. Their suppliers are controlled by the independent organisation Union for Ethical BioTrade (UEBT), of which Guerlain has been a member since June 2021.

Another major conscious commitment would be the exclusive use of alcohol from organic farming, produced in Chartres, France. Here, the house looks at supporting suppliers of beetroot alcohol, as these farmers transit towards more environmentally-friendly agricultural practices.

On the consumers’ end, we’re also getting a redesigned fragrance bottle, made entirely in France, and with 15% recycled glass that’s still as transparent and gleaming as before.

With a new refillable model, the golden decorative elements have been optimised to stand the test of time, while the spray bottle can now be manually unscrewed for refills. These arrive in a 200ml refill bottle, equipped with a non-drip system and simplified refill design, of clear glass, a paper label, and a simple white cap that’s easily recyclable.

If you’re thinking about picking up a scent in the Aqua Allegoria family, know that they’ve also launched a new variant, the Nerolia Vetiver, a vibrant fruity-woody floral that stars radiant neroli, alongside vetiver, fresh basil, and a delicious fig accord.

The new Guerlain Aqua Allegoria, priced at $169 (75ml, Sephora-exclusive), $231 (125ml), and $277 for the 200ml refill.

Available at the Guerlain ION Orchard store; counters at TANGS at Tang Plaza, Takashimaya Ngee Ann City, and Metro Paragon; and Sephora outlets at ION Orchard, Ngee Ann City, and Marina Bay Sands.

CHANEL WANTED — A Capsule Collection Of Their Iconic Watches Feat. The CHANEL Logo

Jun 16, 2022Jun 16, 2022

CHANEL’s timepieces are already coveted the world over, but things get even more intense with this latest capsule line of watches — and this one’s for the collectors, whether of watches or a piece of fashion history. The CHANEL WANTED series is all black, white and brilliant, choosing to shy away from last year’s electro-pop colours to focus on one major design detail: the CHANEL logo.

These six letters adorn limited edition designs of already-beloved watches — the J12, Première, Code Coco, and Boy·Friend models, as well as a collector-worthy box set of six J12 watches. The collection is currently available at CHANEL boutiques.

It’s a lot of fun too. CHANEL’s take on logomania sees the letters boldly splashed out across the dial and onto the bezel; featured prominently, unmissable really, on leather bracelet straps; and done like pendant charms that swing freely at the wrist. Basically, there’s nothing subtle about their graphic approach, and we’re here for it.

Ahead, a look at how each of these signature watches embody the CHANEL logo.

J12 WANTED DE CHANEL

A perennial favourite, the J12 WANTED DE CHANEL is available in either a glossy black 38mm model, or a 33mm one in white. Either way, these sport graphic elements across both the dial and bezel, on highly-resistant ceramic and steel cases.

The most subtle of the two would be the version in black, where we see a dial completely free of embellishment, save for the six iconic letters of ‘CHANEL’ in white on black, stretching across the dial and towards the edge of the bezel for maximum impact. The J12 in white, on the other hand, features a filigree of rhodium-plated logos artfully arranged; again, the design overlaps right onto the bezel.

PREMIÈRE WANTED DE CHANEL

The bracelet design of the Première lends itself well to this particular aesthetic, where we have the six pendant letters of ‘CHANEL’ dangling like charms off the steel chain bracelet, creating plenty of movement and energy. Just like how the watch interlaces metal with black leather, by now a celebrated CHANEL motif, the letter-charms are also done in steel and black lacquer to match.

BOY·FRIEND WANTED DE CHANEL

Sleek and with a minimalist silhouette, the boxy Boy·Friend is given some 90s flair, first with a pixelated design on the black-lacquered dial, then six steel letters riveted onto the leather strap, with ‘CHA’ on one side and ‘NEL’ on the other.

CODE COCO WANTED DE CHANEL

Perhaps the most graphic-looking of the bunch, the Code Coco is buzzing with attitude, thanks to the six iconic letters, treated in palladium, and punctuated on its leather strap. All the other rock ‘n’ roll details we love about the timepiece are retained here, particularly the embossed calfskin strap alongside the silver trim, and a princess-cut diamond on the dial.

J12 HIGHLY WANTED DE CHANEL BOX

Talk about highly wanted, this one’s a set of six J12 38mm watches done in various tone-on-tone matte black styles —the only slightly shiny finish would be those CHANEL letters, still in black though, and a diamond set onto the crown of each watch. They’re also equipped with the Caliber 12.1. set with 34 brilliant-cut diamonds. We’re told that these J12 watches can be sold separately as well, but you know, all of them in a black-lacquered wood box would be nice.

CHANEL WANTED collection, available at CHANEL boutiques. More info at CHANEL.COM.

& Other Stories To Debut In Southeast Asia On Online Shopping Platform ZALORA

Jun 15, 2022Aug 22, 2022

First COS and Monki, now, & Other Stories. Leading online retailer ZALORA will debut the beloved fashion brand in three digital marketplaces across Southeast Asia, ahead of the opening of its physical store in Singapore. This marks the first time customers in Singapore, Malaysia and Philippines will have direct access to & Other Stories’ chic range of ready-to-wear, shoes, bags, accessories, and even beauty ranges.

[UPDATE] & Other Stories has landed in Singapore, both online on ZALORA while also with the launch of a physical store at ION Orchard, #03-24.

If you need a brief introduction on why this is so highly-anticipated, know this. If Monki is the playful sibling within the H&M group, & Other Stories feels like a sophisticated older sister, not quite as minimalist or “adult” as COS, but with well-designed, quality pieces that are on-trend for the season, yet with elevated staples timeless enough for a capsule wardrobe. This applies not only to their apparel, but also their often covetable shoes and bags.

In particular, their seasonal picks are designed by & Other Stories’ three ateliers in Paris, Stockholm and Los Angeles, which reflect the diverse styles of their respective cities. Previously, the only way we could get our shopping fix was to fly over to South Korea, where the brand has three stores in Seoul.

& Other Stories, now available at ZALORA.

The CHANEL Rouge Allure L’Extrait Is A New High-Intensity, Refillable Lipstick With A Satin Finish

Jun 15, 2022Jun 15, 2022

There’s a new lipstick to covet, and this one’s quite different — meet CHANEL’s new ROUGE ALLURE L’EXTRAIT, a formula that promises intense, pigmented colour, housed in a refillable lipstick case. An eco-conscious mindset has become increasingly important in the current beauty sphere, which is why we’re so glad the luxury Parisian house is on board too, starting with their N°1 DE CHANEL moisturiser, and now, an evolution of the iconic ROUGE ALLURE lipstick.

Launching 1 July, this new formula is made for boldness, as CHANEL imagines a confident individual who’s looking for vibrancy, comfort, and effortless style. The ROUGE ALLURE L’EXTRAIT takes notes from the ROUGE ALLURE lipstick, created in 2006, with a signature sleek case that opens with a satisfying click; the strength and femininity it symbolises carries over to this new series as well.

The 20 shades in the collection offer concentrated colour, radiance, and care, topped off with an intense, satin finish.

A high concentration of pigments ensures we get bold lips every swipe, across shades that range from intense beige to fiery red and deep pink. CHANEL also achieves a luminance that’s better than ever, thanks to light-reflecting ingredients that give the illusion of a smooth “your lips but better” pout.

Then again, this effect isn’t just an illusion. The ROUGE ALLURE L’EXTRAIT goes one step further, and is enriched with a complex of ume flower enfleurage oil and plant waxes to properly nourish and protect the lips, keeping them moisturised and supple for up to 12 hours.

If you’re curious about the refillable aspect of the lipstick, no doubt, CHANEL keeps the design modern and sleek, so much so that you’re hardly able to tell at first glance. The refills arrive in a slim golden cartridge that fits in perfectly within the new slim case. From the outside, the lipstick looks just like the ROUGE ALLURE we know and love, distinctive click and all.

See all 20 shades here:

[click on the images below to expand, and for more info.]

ROUGE ALLURE L’EXTRAIT , in 20 shades. $73 for the lipstick; $53 for the refill. Available from 1 July at chanel fragrance & beauty counters, and SG-ESHOP.CHANEL.COM.

Review: ErgoTune Supreme V3, The New And Improved Version Of Their Highly-Rated Ergonomic Chair

Jun 14, 2022Jun 29, 2022

If there’s one thing we can thank 2020 for, only in hindsight of course, it’d be how the year made working from home (WFH) the norm. Fast forward two years later, and we’re seeing how the practice has become an actual viable option in the workforce. With that, there’s now a ‘new norm’ necessity we’re considering more seriously than ever: the need for a more ergonomic home office set-up, the kind that advocates for good posture and less back-breaking typing, which is where the ErgoTune Supreme comes in.

The brand launched V2 of the chair in late 2020 to immense success, propelled by the work-from-home culture and the intuitive customisations that the model offered. This year, they’re introducing a new and improved version — the ErgoTune Supreme V3, which boasts a more adjustable headrest and better lumbar support, while catering to a wider height range.

Here’s a look at the new model, available in Charcoal Black, as well as two fun colours that stand out without taking over the room, Aqua Blue and Coral Red. And while they look very similar to the original ErgoTune design, several key changes make the V3 chair more accessible and even more adjustable than before.

These improvements were made after carefully reviewing customer feedback, and aim to make the seating experience more comfortable. Here are three ways it differs from the previous model:

Caters to people of various sizes and heights — an enhanced Gas Lift where there will be three options for petite, standard and tall users
An improved headrest — an adjustable head rest depth allows for a better fit on the neck; the headrest height also caters better to petite users
More customisable lumbar support — you’re now able to adjust its tension level according to your comfort or activity, up to 3 settings of light, medium or firm

On top of these, we’re also getting the already-lauded adjustable features that ErgoTune is known for. These include the ability to adjust everything from the headrest, backrest, and rotatable armrests, across 11 different points that also includes the seat’s height, depth, and level of recline, which makes for an ergonomic chair that feels very much like it’s tailor-made for the individual.

Read on for our review of the new ErgoTune Supreme V3.

REVIEW

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Like most people would, I opted for the safest colour of the trio: Charcoal Black. The pastel Aqua Blue was a close second for me, but we wanted a chair that didn’t draw attention to itself, and the ErgoTune felt just like that. It wasn’t a designer piece; it was a functional, and functional-looking piece that was sleek but also sturdy — and yes, comes with a 12-year warranty for good measure.

There are some design elements that were pleasing to the eye though, for both my husband and I (we’re sharing the chair, for now). For instance, the seamless matte finish of the aluminium base and casters, and how the slightly see-through mesh material made the look of the chair less bulky than a typical office model.

The first sit-down test was also a thoroughly comfortable experience, though some time was spent adjusting every point of customisation to our exact preferences. I appreciated the lumbar support, in particular, how it seemed moulded to support my back and keep it in an upright position, primed for peak concentration, without causing discomfort — a feature which I did try for long hours. The rolling of the wheels across parquet was also quiet, while the chair and all of its parts felt sturdy and premium.

My husband also commented that the chair’s sturdy material and construction seemed like it can take a beating — not that we were going to subject it to one anyway. The point is, you didn’t have to be gentle around it since even the joints and swivels were of a quality that was built to last, and while adjusting, snapped responsively into place with satisfying, intuitive clicks.

PUTTING IT TO THE TEST

the material — DuraWeave™ hybrid-mesh

ErgoTune’s proprietary material, the DuraWeave™, is a hybrid-mesh upholstery that blends fabric and polyester, offering the breathability of mesh and the comfort of fabric; it’s also made to withstand long hours on the chair. So how does this feel? Surprisingly comfortable. The thing about WFH chairs is that you’d want something that feels good against your skin too, because, um, how many of us might just be wearing PJ shorts instead of work pants? While strong, the upholstery was still flexible, and only slightly prickly against the skin (we’d still recommend clothes).

What we most enjoyed though was the high breathability factor of the fabric. You see, some bulkier fabric or leather chairs come with a high back that blocks off any airflow coming from the back; the ErgoTune design allows for better airflow, and a more cooling experience in our hot and humid climate.

back support — an enhanced Auto-Tuning Lumbar Area Support

I never knew how important lumbar support was until I sat on the ErgoTune. As mentioned, it straightened my back right up without any awkwardness or discomfort, with an adjustable back rest that properly supports the spinal curve.

The brand calls their adjustable technology the ATLAS™, or Auto-Tuning Lumbar Area Support, where the lumbar support is attached right to the backrest. This already means that the chair is better than an average office chair, where one would often have to place a cushion near your lower back to prop it up; cushions often shift, and get deflated or dirty, so the lumbar support here, done in the same DuraWeave material is already superior.

For the Supreme V3, this lumbar support is now customisable. A knob at the back of the chair can be adjusted to three different tension levels, whether you like it light, medium or firm. Our chair was adjusted to the light setting most of the time, which I felt was sufficient for good support, while still allowing a more relaxed mode should I choose to lean back. To be honest, while most appreciated, I felt like we didn’t really make full use of this adjustable feature, so it didn’t feel like a necessary change, say, if you’re thinking about upgrading from a V2. However, lumbar support is, for me and now, absolutely necessary, since I noticed less strain on my lower back compared to a normal chair.

for your head — a more adjustable TriTune™ 3D Headrest

The difference here is that while V2 already had an adjustable headrest height and angled tilt lock of up to 60°, V3 now caters to a wider height range, which directly benefits me, a user who’s on the shorter end of their standard height range of 150 – 180cm. The headrest can now be adjusted to go lower than the top of the backrest, so I won’t have to hold my neck awkwardly while working.

Another new feature is the adjustable head rest depth, said to give a better fit on the neck to provide support to the upper spinal column, while preventing neck and upper body aches. I generally didn’t adjust the depth of the headrest after the first round of adjustments, but did experience how an optimal depth better supports the posture.

more customisations — rotatable armrests, TrueTilt™ reclining and more

More on comfort, the Supreme V3 also comes with TrueTilt™, which allows users to adjust the recline angle of the backrest across 136°; its recline tension can further be fine-tuned across 4 levels, depending on the resistance you’d want when leaning back. As with most ergonomic chairs, the standard resistance is set rather high, since they’re meant to support posture; that said, I still appreciated how they’ve catered to people’s different preferences for this one.

Another feature I’ve been seeing across social media would be the customisable GyroBrace™ 5D armrests, which are freely rotatable up to 270° and height-adjustable. These were fun to play with, and as mentioned, locked into place while adjusting them. They were, admittedly, a little hard to figure out due to the full adjustability, especially if you want them up front, but after some trial and error of swivelling them around, we got it.

We mostly kept the armrests in their standard position along the sides of the chair, though I liked that I could move these to the front, a position that proved most useful when working off my desk and on my phone or iPad, say, when on social media or while editing Instagram reels.

VERDICT

As with its predecessor, the Ergotune Supreme V3 is most successful when it comes to how customisable you want an ergonomic chair to be. ErgoTune has managed to improve on that, with new features that cater to all sorts of heights, body shapes, and preferences, everything from the headrest to lumbar support. These are welcome upgrades that make the chair more versatile and customisable for everyone, and certainly smart choices too since “highly-customisable” seems to be their main selling point.

That’s also the main draw of the ErgoTune Supreme, V2 or V3 — everything from how your feet touches the floor, the seat depth that caters to your height, the amount of support you want for your lower back and neck, to how you’d like to position your arms on a chair, is adjustable. Even if you don’t normally switch up some of the chair’s adjustable functions on a day-to-day basis, that they’re catered to you right from the beginning makes it versatile across situations, work or play, and also makes the long hours on it both comfortable and well-supported.

If you have an existing ErgoTune model, I’d say that the improvements may not be major enough for an upgrade, unless you happen to be shorter or taller than the average user; the new features of an enhanced gas lift and headrest cater most to those at the ends of their standard size spectrum, while the adjustable lumbar tension is preferred but can feel negligible. For those looking to switch up their normal chairs to a more ergonomic design however, the ErgoTune Supreme V3 makes a strong case for its superior lumbar support, built right into the chair, which was a game-changer for me.

Some other underrated plus points are the breathability of the chair’s DuraWeave™ material, especially welcome given our climate, and the sturdy construction of the design. One potential downside, though, might be the limited colour options and design customisations for the chair. Currently, we’re getting three colours, with the colours Aqua Blue and Coral Red limited to the upholstery design. That said, it really depends on your idea of a work desk chair. If it’s something that’s practical and functional, and still stylish sans embellishment, then the ErgoTune is a reliable, ergonomic option.

The ErgoTune Supreme V3, in 3 colours: Aqua Blue, Coral Red, and Charcoal Black. Priced at $599, available at ergotune.com.

CHARLES & KEITH Collaborates With Spanish Artist Coco Capitán For Some Thought-Provoking Accessories

Jun 13, 2022Jun 14, 2022

Part whimsical, part stylish, and fully thought-evoking. That’s how we’d describe CHARLES & KEITH’s latest collaboration with Spanish-born artist and photographer Coco Capitán, known for poetic musings and slogans written in her distinctive scrawled handwriting.

Having previously collaborated with Gucci for their “Art Wall” mural project in New York and Milan, as well as several high-profile art exhibitions around the world, you’ll now find the artist’s unique point-of-view across two CHARLES & KEITH designs — a top handle tote bag, and a pair of chunky loafers, launching this July.

As you can tell, these are androgynous accessories, particularly chosen to serve as blank canvases for Capitán’s art, while still bearing the touch of elegance we love about the fashion brand.

The collection comes inspired by the child-like innocence of the “He loves me, he loves me not” game, you know, where we used to wait with bated breath while anticipating the results of our petal picking, which explains the sprays of blue daisies across the items.

Both the bag and the shoes feature uneven contrast stitching that give each piece a unique whimsical feel, as if they’re specially personalised for the wearer.

“My art is inspired by overheard conversations, diary entries, and sudden waves of introspection. I believe that words can transcend cultures and give us a glimmer of hope for brighter times,” said Capitán.

To evoke that sentiment, CHARLES & KEITH has adorned their signature Perline Penny Loafers with Capitán’s handwritten prose “Loves Me Blue, Love Me Blue Not”, a cute take on the childhood game.

The Double Handle Sculptural Tote Bag, on the other hand, features a thought-provoking and “hopeful tale of a solitary blue flower blooming through concrete”, embroidered on the back of the tote, meant to inspire, and perhaps, stir up meaningful conversations. We’ll take them both, please.

The CHARLES & KEITH x Coco Capitán collection, available from 13 july 2022 at selected CHARLES & KEITH boutiques and on charleskeith.com.

GOODSTUPH Launches A Limited Edition “Love All Shades” T-Shirt For Pink Dot 2022

Jun 13, 2022Jun 13, 2022

This year’s Pink Dot event is just around the corner, on 18 June to be exact, and in support of the Pride celebration, social marketing agency is back with a series of limited edition merchandise that honours our local LGBTQ+ community. This year, they’re all about even more inclusivity and intersectionality — the “Love All Shades” campaign aims to support minority races within the community, and calls us to celebrate our unique differences.

“Diversity and inclusivity run deep in our veins in GOODSTUPH. 22% of us are LGBTQ+ and 32% of us are of minority races. In addition to our continual support for Pink Dot, we feel it’s important for us to address the discrimination minority races sometimes face, within the LGBTQ+ community itself. We are part of the problem, but there comes the opportunity to be part of the solution,” says Pat Law, founder of GOODSTUPH.

The merchandise sees the tagline “Love All Shades” across a t-shirt and a set of stickers designed by creative Stella Seetoh, with an illustrated graphic featuring people of various skin tones. Several other stickers also sport the phrases “Brown & Proud” and “Brown Is Beautiful”, in a bid to celebrate and empower the experiences of minorities with a “message of love and acceptance”.

The GOODSTUPH t-shirt and stickers are currently on sale here. Order before 18 June, and you may receive a complimentary pack of stickers, while stocks last. Importantly, all profits will be donated to Pink Dot SG as well.

goodstuph’s pink dot 2022 merchandise, available at thedamngoodshop.com.

6 Gifts to Spoil Dad with This Father’s Day

Jun 10, 2022Jun 10, 2022

It can be said that buying gifts for the patriarch of the family may come as a challenge, especially when it’s harder to predict what dads might like. To help with the dilemma that you might be facing as you shop for Father’s Day, here are some gifts that you can get to spoil dad with on his special day.

#1 Glenfiddich x Mr. Bucket Chocolaterie Whisky-infused Chocolate Bon Bons

If dad’s got a sweet tooth and a palate for the finest whisky, this might just be the perfect gift! The exclusive set of Whisky-infused Chocolate Bon Bons (from $58), a collaboration between Glenfiddich and Mr. Bucket Chocolaterie. These are made using Single Origin Asian chocolate that is infused with Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Each Bon Bon features chocolate origin sourced from farms around Asia and is paired with Glenfiddich’s 12, 15, or 18-year-old whiskies to complement and highlight each of their unique taste profiles.

Here’s a closer look at the three flavours available in each set:

🍫 Honey Oak: Light, smooth, and sweet with notes of floral honey and made using 64% Panchor Dark Chocolate Ganache infused with Glenfiddich 12 and honey

🍫 Citrus Oak: Rich, warm, and smoky with fruity raisin notes and made using 80% Anaimalai Hills Dark Chocolate Ganache infused with Glenfiddich 15 and orange peels

🍫 Spice Oak: Deep, woody, and robust with hints of peppery notes and made using 72% Calinan Dark Chocolate Ganache infused with Glenfiddich 18 and mild spice

The exclusive set of Whisky-infused Chocolate Bon Bons is available for pre-order from $58, HERE and HERE.

#2 HUAWEI FreeBuds 4

Is dad an audiophile? The HUAWEI FreeBuds 4 ($158) is equipped with its own bass-enhancing power engine and adaptive ear-matching technology to give dad extraordinary immersive sound quality when he is listening to his favourite tunes or watching an action-packed movie on his mobile. It even has an open-fit Active Noise Cancellation which offers intelligent noise cancellation modes to achieve optimal low-frequency sound reduction.

The FreeBuds 4 also provides 22 hours of music playback with a fully-charged case and 4 hours of music playback from fully-charged earbuds.

The HUAWEI FreeBuds 4 is priced at $158, available at major electronics stores and online through HUAWEI’s official stores on LAZADA and SHOPEE.

#3 Garmin Instinct 2

The new and improved Instinct 2 (from $499) series offers a range of purpose-built smartwatches that have been designed to withstand the everyday challenges which is perfect for dads who are busy and constantly on-the-go.

The classic smartwatch combines all things high-tech that not only helps with keeping connected through smart notifications but also keeping fit with all the functions needed to track a workout such as Daily Workout Suggestions and Body Battery Energy Monitoring that gauges when dad needs to be active or to take a break.

The Garmin Instinct 2 Watches are priced from $499, available at major electronics stores and online through HUAWEI’s official stores on LAZADA and SHOPEE.

#4 MCM Fursten Belt Bag

Elevate your dad’s fashion with a new addition to his wardrobe that might just add to his street cred. The MCM Fursten Belt Bag (from $860) is the ideal hands-free accessory that dad can wear across the body or around the waist for easy access to his items. The bag comes in three sizes, small to large, and comes in two solid colours that are guaranteed to match with whatever outfit dad has on.

The MCM Fursten Belt Bag is priced from $860, available at MCM boutiques and through MCM ONLINE.

#5 Lush Father’s Day Collection

Who says pampering is just for women? Pamper dad with the Lush Father’s Day Collection which features a Dirty Bath Bomb ($16), a No.1 Dad Bubble Bar ($16), a Glitch Shower Gel (from $20) and a Big Moustache Soap ($16) for dad to enjoy during his me time.

There are also gift sets available such as the Deep Blue Sea Gift ($39) which comes with two bath bombs, and the Get (Sur)real! Gift ($65) which comes with the Glitch Shower Gel and the Big Moustache Soap.

Lush Father’s Day Collection, available at all Lush outlets and ONLINE.

#6 Hachiko HA-06: 16-Inch Foldable Bicycle

Health is wealth, definitely a saying all dads agree on, and if that’s the mantra of yours, he might appreciate this. A foldable bicycle that’s transport-friendly, so he can start his cycling journey from anywhere around Singapore. This upgraded HACHIKO is made with better-quality parts and sold directly from an authorised distributor, so you’re assured an authentic purchase, on top of the more obvious benefits of a lightweight frame and ingenious folding design.

now at a special price of $400, available at SHOPEE. For more gift inspiration, check out their gift ideas under $15, $50, $100 and $500 that satisfies every budget.

Images courtesy of Mr Bucket, HUAWEI, Garmin, MCM, Lush and Shopee.

Here Are 7 New Eyeshadow Palettes, For Everything From Bold To Dreamy Eyes

Jun 10, 2022

Now, we love an ever-reliable quad of carefully curated shades, especially those limited-edition collections, but how on earth are we supposed to go from everyday glam, dreamy date nights, and dream Euphoria-inspired looks in a flash. We need more to work with, and that means going beyond the quad. Here, we’re rounded up some great contenders — blockbuster palettes that give you more bang for your buck, unexpectedly bold neutrals and duo-chrome metallics, and a recent trend of whimsical, soft pastel shimmers.

1. SHU UEMURA NUDE PUNK EYE PALETTE / LILAC REBEL EYE PALETTE

Fancy a pocket-sized palette with shu uemura’s trusted eyeshadow formulas? These eyeshadow palettes from the Spring/Summer 2022 series see pigmented and bold, yet thoroughly wearable shades, with smokey browns and sharp blacks alongside soft, fresh pinks and pearly glitters. Definitely a more edgy take on Spring.

$85 each, available at shu uemura stores and counters, and Sephora.

2. ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS NOUVEAU PALETTE

Trust ABH to deliver on a versatile palette that feels utterly luxe. Rich hues and duo-chromatic shades abound on this new Nouveau Palette, of 12 easy-to-apply pigmented shades that promise a creamy feel and excellent colour payoff. What’s different here are the re-invented mattes and multidimensional metallics — particularly, unique olive tones paired with natural, warm colours to keep things universal and versatile.

$80, available at SEPHORA from 16 June.

3. TARTE TARTELETTE™ FULL BLOOM AMAZONIAN CLAY EYESHADOW PALETTE

Tarte’s cult-favourite Amazonian clay-based eyeshadow palettes have been really reliable, especially if you love nudes, neutrals, pinks and browns, so consider this upsized palette an upgrade. This is their biggest Tartelette™ palette ever, with 28 new, limited-edition shades of rosy, plum, bronze and neutral hues, across romantic matte, shimmer, metallic and glitter finishes. Basically, everything you need. That and the buttery-smooth texture we can count on.

$84, available at SEPHORA.

4. NARS SUMMER UNRATED EYESHADOW PALETTE

Orgasm. Laguna. Taj Mahal. These aren’t just provocative words or places, they’re the names of NARS’ bestselling shades, whether that’s a peachy-pink with golden shimmer, warm brown, or burnt tangerine. These three shades are present in this limited edition NARS palette, which features 16 shades of complementary matte neutrals, warm bronzes, and exotic pink tones.

$90, available at SEPHORA.

5. TOO FACED TOO FEMME EYESHADOW PALETTE

Dreamy and ready to make your hearts flutter, the Too Femme makeup collection is inspired by butterflies, hence pastel packaging and the sweetest hues across the entire collection designed by Too Faced Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer, Jerrod Blandino. Take the colours on this eyeshadow palette as well — we’ve got dreamy shimmers and mattes, where rosy and brown shades go side by side with a bright pop of pink, as well as whimsical hues of lavender, soft teal, and a shimmery mint.

$68, available at SEPHORA.

6. COLOURPOP GETTIN’ FRESH MEGA PRESSED POWDER PALLETE

For another blockbuster palette of 30 shades, we’re turning to Colourpop’s eye-catching creation, which puts together wearable greens and warm metallics, with earth tones, peaches and corals. You’ve got their ultra-pigmented pressed powder formulas as well, which goes on velvety and long-wearing, while there’s something dreamy about the light green shimmers that give this palette an edge over the usual champagnes, pinks, and browns. Go see the swatches if you’re not convinced!

$48.06, available online at COLOURPOP.COM.

7. HUDA BEAUTY COLOR BLOCK OBSESSIONS EYESHADOW PALETTE

Polarising? Probably, but definitely bold! Huda Beauty is all about experimenting with vibrant colours, as seen in their Color Block Obsessions Eyeshadow Palettes, in either Orange & Purple or Blue & Green. The palettes combine contrasting colours into a 9-shade palette, with a range of suede-soft mattes, duo metallics, dazzling baked flake shadows, and debossed, water-activated cake liners. These are inspired by runway looks too, where colour blocking, clashing hues, as well as neon and primary colours are celebrated — you can now replicate these across your eyelids.

$93, available at SEPHORA.

Apple WWDC 2022: New iOS 16, iPad OS 16, Upgraded MacBooks with the Next-Gen M2 Chip

Jun 9, 2022Jun 9, 2022

By now you would have probably heard about Apple WWDC 2022 and the exciting announcements for their line of Apple products. For the uninitiated, WWDC is Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference which is held annually to announce upcoming major software updates to all its platforms and sometimes preview new devices set to launch in the later half of the year.

In case you might have missed the announcements this year, here are 4 key announcements that you should note.

#1 iOS 16

One of the most exciting things to look out for at WWDC every year is the iOS update to the iPhones. This year, Apple gave a sneak peek at iOS 16 which will be available in the later half of this year. Just like the big iOS 15 updates of last year with the customisation of your home screen, iOS 16 is set to bring you the ability to personalise your lock screen.

Using a new multilayered effect, the subjects of your photo will now be artfully set in front of the time on the lock screen, creating a sense of depth. You can also change the look of the date and time to expressive type styles and colour choices of your preference.

The lock screen features widgets as well, taking inspiration from the Apple Watch, to make it easy to get information at a glance. This would include upcoming calendar events, the weather, battery levels, alarms, and activity ring progress. The updated lock screen also includes a new lock screen gallery that features multiple lock screens which you can switch as you like with just a swipe. Notifications have been redesigned to roll up from the bottom too, ensuring that you have a clear view of your personalised lock screen

Additional key features that will come with the iOS 16 include:
.

📱 Messages: You can now edit or recall recently sent messages, recover recently deleted messages, and mark conversations as unread. You can even use SharePlay to enjoy synced content like movies or songs and shared playback controls while chatting in Messages.

📱 Mail: Schedule emails ahead of time or cancel delivery of a message before it reaches a recipient’s inbox. The updated Mail will also be able to detect if you forgot to include an important part of your message, such as an attachment, and give you the option to resurface an email at any date and time with Remind Later. Mail will include a major overhaul to search which uses state-of-the-art techniques to deliver more accurate results letting you see recent emails, contacts, documents, and links the moment you begin to search your emails.

📱 Live Text and Visual Look Up Enhancements: Live Text will now be available to use on video where you can pause a video on any frame to interact with the text, and you can quickly translate or convert currency. Visual Look Up adds a new feature that will allow you to tap and hold a subject of an image to lift it from the background and place it in apps like Messages.

To learn more about the features of iOS 16, click HERE.

#2 iPadOS 16

The iPadOS 16 will provide a major update that will make the iPad experience even more versatile. Tapping on the power of the M1 chip, Stage Manager brings a new way to multitask that automatically organises apps and windows, making it easy to switch between tasks. For the first time on the iPad, you will be able to create overlapping windows of different sizes in a single view, drag and drop windows from the side, or open apps from the Dock to create groups of apps for more flexible multi-tasking.

Collaboration is also made easier with new ways to work with others in apps across Apple products using Messages, and the new Freeform app which provides a flexible canvas for all to create, edit and share. New smart tools in Mail similar to that of the iOS 16 will help you to stay productive while the addition of shared Tab Groups in Safari will let you browse the web with others. For those who own an iPad Pro, you can expect to turn your iPad into an even more powerful mobile studio with the new features Reference Mode and Display Zoom.

To learn more about the features of iPadOS 16, click HERE.

#3 13-inch MacBook Air and MacBook Pro

Following the introduction of the M1 chip MacBooks last year, Apple will be launching a completely redesigned MacBook Air and an updated 13-inch MacBook Pro that are both powered by the new M2 chip.

The MacBook Air will feature an all-new durable and thin design with a larger 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display, a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, a four-speaker sound system, MagSafe charging, and up to 18 hours of battery life. Powered by the M2, the new MacBook Air will be able to take on intensive workloads like editing in Final Cut Pro and perform nearly 40% faster than the previous generation.

The updated 13-inch MacBook Pro, dubbed Apple’s most portable pro notebook, will get even more capabilities with the M2 chip which include:

💻 A faster 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU which provide a fast user experience that can take on graphics-intensive games and demanding editing work

💻 Supports up to 24GB of unified memory for seamless multi-tasking and working

💻 Support for ProRes encode and decode in the media engine of M2 where you can play back up to 11 streams of 4K and up to two streams of 8K ProRes videos

💻 Longer battery life with up to 20 hours of video playback

The MacBook Air with M2 is priced from $1,699 and the 13-inch MacBook Pro with M2 is priced from $1,879. Both models will be available from next month onwards but you can still pre-order them HERE. To learn more about the MacBook Air with M2 and the 13-inch MacBook Pro with M2, click HERE.

All images courtesy of Apple.

These MUJI Essentials Give Us More Reason To Enjoy The Great Outdoors

Jun 7, 2022Jun 7, 2022

It’s time to touch some grass, according to MUJI — and we mean it only in the best way possible. Getting in touch with nature and the great outdoors can be such a refreshing experience after years of social distancing, or even the breakneck pace of urban living. As the Koreans like to say, nature can often feel “healing”, and we appreciate its slow calmness, peace, and abundance of fresh air.

It’s great to know, then, that lifestyle brand MUJI has curated a series of outdoor essentials for these precious moments, whether it’s a sturdy storage unit that doubles up as a picnic table, or minimalist mugs and tumblers for a day out by the beach with your loved ones.

And while each of the lifestyle goods are all solid choices, our favourite item has to be the unassumingly-named ‘Strong Polypropylene Storage Box’.

This one does it all, and is both #aestheticgoals while low-key boasting functional, organisational prowess that Marie Kondo would be impressed by. Great for both indoor and outdoor settings, the lightweight but sturdy box is able to store all your on-the-go items, while also doubling up as a chair or table.

Its newly-improved design is simple, though with much thought behind every choice, the way great design should be intuitive. Now available in 4 sizes, the boxes are made of a durable polypropylene material that’s long-lasting and water-resistant, while also being easy to clean; they can hold up to 100kg of weight as well, for use as a chair for instance, and feature flat tops that serve that purpose quite well.

Beyond that, the design also factors in large handles for easy movement, and a raised edge by the lid, which allows stacking of the boxes as it prevents the box from shifting out of place.

To inspire us to live our best lives, MUJI imagines three outdoor experiences where you’ll find the storage boxes particularly useful — picnic and camping with friends, on a fishing expedition, or by the beach with the family, kids in tow. You’ll see the boxes used in multiple ways, as a bench, table, toy box, or a a fast-and-simple tray to keep food off the ground.

A CAMPING TRIP

For a picnic or camping trip, use the Storage Box for all your clothes, cushions, mats, and other miscellaneous camping items. During meals, it can then function as a makeshift table or chair, while the lid can be used like a tray to keep food off the ground.

FISHING

Fishing is supposed to be a relaxing activity, so you’d want you planning to be as stress-free as possible. The storage boxes are big enough to store all you need, and are the perfect side tables alongside your portable chairs.

BEACH DAY OUT

During a day out with junior, you can do away with the many separate bags, and place them all in one easy-to-carry box. The height of the box is ideal for toddlers to reach in for their toys too, while the material is easy to wipe clean. Pro tip: use soft polyethylene cases to further organise within.

Along with the Storage Boxes, MUJI’s range of items also include more organisational tools — the Soft Polyethylene Case, for instance — outdoor essentials like matching lunch boxes, mugs and stainless steel tumblers, as well as snacks, and organic teas and drip coffees for some necessary refuel. Here’s a look at all of them:

[click on the images below to expand.]

MUJI outdoor essentials, including the Strong Polypropylene Storage Box. Available at MUJI stores and online at their Official Stores on Shopee and Lazada.

Get Disney Merchandise, Homeware & More When shopDisney Launches In Singapore

Jun 7, 2022Jun 7, 2022

If you’ve ever wanted a one-stop shop for everything Disney, and we mean everything from those collectible Disney ears to homeware and apparel across the worlds of Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel, the official Disney store’s the way to go about it. Fans here can now rejoice as they just announced the launch of shopDisney.sg!

Going live at 8am on 14 June, the e-commerce destination now offers over 1,000 products just one click away and ready to be shipped to our doorsteps faster than before. These include limited edition collaborations as well, such as the Disney x COACH collection of leather goods and handbags, Asia Pacific-exclusive ranges, or coveted, stylish plates, bowls, cookie jars and more starring fan-favourites Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh. New items arrive to the online store weekly.

Ahead of its launch, here are some Disney-inspired collections you may look forward to:

Authentic Disney Parks products — At shopDisney, you’re able to purchase merchandise as if you happen to be roaming around at one of the Disney Parks. This includes a multitude of Ear Headbands, Spirit Jerseys and Loungefly Backpacks — look out for the popular ‘Mickey Mouse: The Main Attraction’ series that’s inspired by Disney Park attractions including the Mad Tea Party and Space Mountain.
Home & Living essentials — Mickey Mouse, Marvel and more on mugs, dinnerware, planters, and other lifestyle products. Coming soon: bed and bath accessories, desk and office gear.

Disney x COACH Mickey Mouse and Friends Camera Bag.

Fashion & Accessories — These include themed shirts based off the latest movies and Disney+ series; baby wear featuring Avengers, Buzz Lightyear, Star Wars, and more; the Disney x COACH collection and other major collaborations.
Global Collections — Collectible collections include limited edition dolls from the Mickey & Minnie Doll Set, Ultimate Princess Celebration and Disney Designer Collection. The recently popular series of pocket-sized Disney nuiMOs plush toys are also available, a first-in-Japan launch where fans are free to dress characters such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, in a range of fashionable accessories and outfits. Also coming soon: the Sakura series from Japan’s shopDisney.

See more of the collections and collectibles here:

[click on the images to expand.]

shopDisney.sg launches 8am on 14 June 2022. follow INSTAGRAM.COM/SHOPDISNEYSG for more.

‘The Sandman’, ‘All of Us Are Dead’ Season 2, And Other Announcements During Netflix’s Geeked Event

Jun 7, 2022Jun 7, 2022

It’s just Day 1 of Netflix’s Geeked, a five-day virtual event where we’re privy to exclusive entertainment news, new trailers, and even celebrity appearances from the streaming platform’s biggest shows — and, already, it did not disappoint.

Neil Gaiman was on hand to talk about the upcoming live-adaptation of his beloved comic series, The Sandman, while we celebrate the return of popular series All of Us Are Dead and Alice In Borderland. Be prepared for more, um, wet squelching too, thanks to upcoming horror installments such as Guillermo Del Toro’s anthology series and a Wednesday Addams spin-off. Here are the most exciting series announcements you should know about.

1. The Sandman

Definitely biased here, but I’ve been waiting for this live-action adaptation since forever, especially since being a fan of Neil Gaiman’s award-winning DC comic series. Mostly because this isn’t your average superhero-filled comic story. The Sandman explores a dark fantasy world, as expected from the fantasy author and now co-creator of the series, where we follow Morpheus, the Dream King (Tom Sturridge), who finds himself finally free after being held prisoner for a century. He then journeys across the dreaming and waking worlds to restore the disorder that took place during his absence, and confronts old friends, foes — and possibly, siblings — too.

The Sandman, premieres 5 August 2022 on Netflix.

2. All of Us Are Dead — Season 2

The wildly-popular Korean zombie series has been renewed for a second season. How popular was its first season? Our collective fascination with zombie flicks and k-dramas alike shot it straight into the top 10 most watched non-English TV series in 91 countries, where it stayed top of the charts for two weeks in a row. Its first 12 episodes followed a group of students fighting for their lives at ground zero of the zombie outbreak in Hyosan High School, though the ending leaves room for interesting possibilities — are all of them really dead? It could be a matter of how you define that.

All of Us Are Dead Season 2, premiere date tbc.

3. Alice In Borderland — Season 2

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Not much is known about the upcoming Season 2, except that it looks like Arisu and Usagi seem to be back and possibly playing for their lives once again in a dystopian Tokyo. The show’s premise certainly got us hooked the first time — as we watch strangers fend to win, and not die, in a series of sadistic games that felt part-Saw, part-Hunger Games. Either way, expect more twisted scenarios and plot twists alike.

Alice In Borderland Season 2, set to release december 2022.

4. Guillermo Del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities

More wet squelching please! Fresh off Stranger Things S4, it certainly looks like Netflix is ready to dive into more horror fare, starting with this 8-part anthology series by Academy Award-winning director Guillermo Del Toro, the Mexican film director who brought us Pan’s Labyrinth. Cue old mansions with glass-stained windows on their front doors, flashing lights, taxidermy, graves, and other horror tropes. The creative team alone deserves a shoutout as they bring in some of today’s most revered names, including the directors of The Babadook, Splice, Mandy, and A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night.

Guillermo Del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities, set to release in 2022.

5. WEDNESDAY

We all know Wednesday Addams, everyone’s favourite moody Addams Family daughter, but things get weirder. Led by director Tim Burton, the kooky new series gives us a glimpse of her teenage life at the Nevermore Academy, alongside “a murder mystery with close ties to her famed clan”. Coming-of-age series, horror flick, some sinister sleuthing, or all of the above? As you can see from the first official teaser, not much is yet unveiled, save for some major gothic vibes and the fact that Netflix is staying true to Wednesday’s famous pigtail braids. She’s played by Jenna Ortega, while the rest of the cast sees Catherine Zeta-Jones, Luis Guzman, Gwendoline Christie, Christina Ricci, and more.

Wednesday, set to release fall 2022.

Of course, there’s way more news on other releases too, including this panel featuring the stars of The Umbrella Academy. Tom Hopper, David Castañeda, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Aidan Gallagher, Justin H. Min and Genesis Rodriguez talk about the big showdown between the OGs and the new Sparrow Academy, while the Geeked Week panel also aired brand-new clips ahead of the show’s anticipated premiere on June 22.

Then there’s Resident Evil, the third and final season of Locke & Key, anime to live-action adaptation ONE PIECE, and more. Since Day 1’s focused on just Netflix’s series announcements, look forward to all the upcoming film, animation, and games news, as well as a special day dedicated to all things Stranger Things.

Full schedule on the poster here:

Netflix’s Geeked Week runs 6 – 10 June on YouTube, Twitter, Twitch, Facebook and TikTok. Visit netflix.com/geeked for more information.

The Tinted Lip Balms, Glosses, And Lip Oils We’re Currently Obsessed With

Jun 3, 2022Jun 9, 2022

Now that masks are off, in outdoor settings at least, we’ve been seeing people getting a lot more experimental with their lipstick choices — thank goodness. For beauty brands though, there’s been an uncanny phenomenon: a bias for sheer, shiny lips.

The lip gloss resurgence is back with a vengeance, and this time we’re not getting tacky, messy formulas that were such letdowns in the 90s. On top of that, new-generation lip oils and lip balms offer plenty of nourishing hydration, coupled with sheer flushes of colour with the prized look of healthy lips, which we’re definitely here for. Ahead, a roundup of our new favourite tinted and ultra-hydrating formulas.

LIP OILS & GLOSSES

Straight from the tube, these liquid formulas offer the most nourishing lip-care ingredients that deeply condition the lips, while also delivering on colour. Yes, you can have both. It’s ultimately a matter of preference though — is it MLBB sheer shine you want, a marble-like liquid lip balm, or one with a soft, creamy texture?

[click on the images below to expand, and for more info on each.]

TINTED LIP BALMS & SHINY LIPSTICKS

These days, tinted lip balms are formidable stuff. The fresh colours are made to be especially flattering for the complexion, and while sheer, manage to stay on the lips with a glowy soft sheen. You can rest easy knowing that your lips are well taken care of as well.

[click on the images below to expand, and for more info on each.]

AVAILABLE AT THEIR RESPECTIVE BEAUTY BOUTIQUES AND COUNTERS.

The Elegant ‘Épure’ Is Longchamp’s Take On A Minimalist Bucket Bag

Jun 2, 2022Jun 2, 2022

Longchamp captures the essence of bucket bags, in the truest sense, with the Épure, a series of beautifully-crafted bucket bags done in single-toned leather or woven styles. And, my, we’re tempted. The Épure takes on a refined, elegant form, with its smooth silhouette and rounded bottom, which then streamlines into minimalist details such as a simple press stud and short handle, making for a casual number we’d like to tout about town.

While the Russian leather forms in shades of brown, black, orange, yellow, red and green are elegant in their versatility, there’s also a strong case to be made for the multi-coloured, cane-weave iterations too, which take after the familiar bistro chairs typical to Parisian cafes.

Here, we see braided cowhide leather that combines a carefully picked-out colour palette — a funky bright orange is accented with white, blue and purple; sweeter hues abound on a pale pink version that’s interlaced with white, red and black leather; while a more neutral but still cheery beige base sees colours of red, yellow and blue in between. Furthermore, these are made with leftover leather from previous productions, sustainably upcycled into a most creative new form.

The Fall/Winter 2022 launch also sees another style of the Épure bucket bag, this time in a more chunky cable-knit style braided leather. Alongside that, we can also expect two designs that expand on the sophisticated range — a small crossbody bag that’s inspired by the flap of the Le Pliage, and interestingly, a chic leather bottle holder that’s able to hold a refillable 500ml bottle in insulated steel, one that’s stamped with the Longchamp racehorse logo and dynamic side stripes.

See the Épure collection of bucket bags, crossbody bags, and bottle holders, here:

[click on the images below to expand.]

The Longchamp Épure Bucket bags, priced at $525 for plain leather and $815 for woven leather, now available in-stores and online.

Longchamp Épure Crossbody bags and Bottle Holders will be in-stores and online from 28 June.

This Bold Winning Hair Look Was Created By Chiho Kihara With Hoyu Professional’s PROMASTER Colour Range

Jun 1, 2022May 26, 2022

Coloured hair is the way to go these days — and the bolder the better too, whether that’s a full head of ash blues, purples, and pinks, or even platinum blonde. Never mind what’s socially acceptable, let’s talk about expression, what makes you, you. So of course we love it when hair colourists get to flex their creativity, to create bold looks that are all about maximum personality, something like this:

You’re looking at the winner of the Hoyu Professional 2021 Hair Color Competition – for Overseas Design Award (Singapore), held by Hoyu Professional in Japan — in particular, a look created by Chiho Kihara from local salon The Fluxus House.

Her vision sees bold streaks of red and blue, a mix of warm and cool tones, for a look that’s lighter at the front and top of the model’s head, and darker towards the bottom. “I wanted to express flaming fire, likened to the brightness of the sun,” said Kihara. Bearing in mind the competition theme ‘Connect’, which seeks hair colour that expresses interactions with each other or the future, her interpretation showcases an optimistic sentiment of moving forward towards a brighter future.

Those vibrant colours draw attention to and lift the face, while the model’s hair was also prepped to accentuate those tones; her long hair was trimmed to varying lengths that help emphasise the colouring, resulting in a light, airy feel.

As for the Hoyu Professional Hair Color Competition, it’s one of the more celebrated ones in the industry. As a brand, Hoyu is famous in their home country Japan, and in fact, holds the No. 1 spot in the D-I-Y hair dye market for their consumer range — still, this competition goes beyond that, and aims to honour hair colourists and hairstylists at their best.

First started in 2016, all submissions are judged by 13 industry professionals from Japan. New submissions are welcome every year, usually during the second half of the year.

Ahead, we speak to Chiho Kihara on her winning look, as well as her experience with Hoyu Professional’s PROMASTER colour range.

INTERVIEW WITH CHIHO KIHARA

On her industry experience

“I have a total of 16 years’ experience in the hairdressing industry — 8 years in Japan and 8 years in Singapore. My forte is in changing my customers’ hair style because I want them to enjoy the new style. I specialise in creating short hairstyles, and I often propose design colouring to my customers since the performance of bleaching products have improved these days. My daily goal is to encourage them to change their style as much as possible for them to feel new and refreshed.”

On the inspiration behind her winning look

“For this competition, I wanted to test my skills and I also wanted my local staff members to enjoy the experience and to challenge themselves. The theme of Hoyu’s Color Collection 2021 was ‘Connect’. When I heard that, I had an inspiration of using a model that is representative of the locals in Singapore. After two and a half years of COVID-19, I decided to create a design using strong and vivid colours to express a brighter future.”

On the PROMASTER colour range

“I’m loving Hoyu Professional’s PROMASTER because of its rich colour line-up. The colour pigments do not remain in the hair shaft for the next hair colouring. As a hairstylist, this is very important and it makes a big difference whether there’s any colour residue in the hair from the previous colouring. In this regard, the hair colour products from Hoyu Professional are my go-tos.”

and who she’d recommend it to

“I would recommend PROMASTER to local hairstylists in Singapore who want to change their customers’ hair colour frequently and are confident in proposing different styles. It is also highly recommended for its ease of use.

In Japan, it is common to use different colours for the re-growth and coloured hair, but it is not a common practice for some local hairstylists. But with PROMASTER, it can be done easily, and I believe this is very helpful for local hairstylists as their customers will also like the results.”

Check out the video interview featuring competition winner Chiho Kihara here:

THE PROMASTER HAIR COLOUR RANGE

You heard it, the Manager of the Fluxus House House, Chiho Kihara calls Hoyu Professional’s hair colour products her “go-tos”, while she’d also recommend it to hair stylists — and people like you or I — who desire out-of-the-ordinary, richer and bolder styles.

After all, the PROMASTER range aims to give bright, vibrant and intense colour. But what makes it so effective in creating these looks without further damaging hair?

The answer: extensive research and development, with advanced technology from Japan that goes into maintaining smooth and shiny tresses. For one, new ingredient Lysine, a type of essential amino acid, gives a much improved anti-frizz effect to combat the loss of moisture during the colouring process. This smoothening effect is further enhanced by lanolin and beeswax; the former supplies lipids to the hair for hydration and softness, while beeswax is able to coat the surface of the cuticle, adding gloss and moisture to the hair.

Hoyu says that they’re able to achieve a “glass veiling effect”, thanks to the above ingredients, along with protective Taurine and L-Theanine. What all these do is give hair much-needed moisture and ensuring longer-lasting hair colour, while the added shine makes whatever hair colour we choose look new and extra refreshing.