April is the month for HBO’s Game of Thrones, as Season 6 makes it premiere on 25 April. Also, ahead of the season premiere, there’s that Game of Thrones Experience: World of Westeros Event at ION Orchard, where you’ll get to ascend the Wall in a physical recreation of the Castle Black winch elevator with the use of the Oculus Rift headset and a pair of headphones, sit on the Iron Throne and be in awe at the display of weapons from the series.
To make things more exciting for GoT fans, 17-year-old British actor Isaac Hempstead Wright, who plays Bran Stark in the series, will be in Singapore on 2 April to greet fans at the event. More info on his appearance and a Meet & Greet can be found on HBO Asia’s social media platforms. But if you’re a StarHub subscriber, head on over to this website to win a chance to meet Isaac, passes to preview the event a day before it opens to public and a GoT-themed dinner. All you have to do is answer a simple question. THE GAME OF THRONES EXPERIENCE: WORLD OF WESTEROS (#GOTASIAWOW)
Date: 2-7 April 2016
Time: 10am-10pm
Venue: ION Orchard Basement 4 Atrium
Admission: Free!
Since Luxola became Sephora Singapore’s official online store, we’ve been rejoicing over how our favourite Sephora-exclusive brands like Marc Jacobs Beauty and Tarte can now be purchased online. But we’re still incredibly grateful to the good people at Sephora for still stocking all the underrated cult brands that Luxola was known for, because as we’ve discovered, sometimes the smaller, under-the-radar brands can really surprise us with the quality in their products. Here, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best beauty finds that you probably don’t know about; but a number of them are popular enough to currently be sold out on the site, so you’ll definitely want to get on Sephora.sg’s waiting list to get notified the moment they come back into stock.
Edward Bess Defining Lip Liner, $38
What most people like about this buy is they get two lip liners in one set. “Barely” is a flesh-toned shade, meant to mimic the natural colour of the lips, while “Natural” is a rose-toned beige that you can wear on its own. Another plus point is that it’s an automatic gel liner, so no sharpening required; and reviewers gush about how smoothly it glides on, and how natural both shades look. While Kylie Jenner lips are still trending, we all will need a good nude lip liner in our arsenal – and $38 will get you two good ones, in this case.
Alima Pure Luminous Shimmer Eyeshadow in Chai, $22
If you like your eyeshadows sparkly, it’s quite easy to fall in love with Alima’s mineral powder version in this rose gold shade. There are plenty already raving about it online, about how universally flattering it is on different eye colours and skin tones, and its versatility: wear it as a light wash in the day for work or school, or layer it with other shades to create a smoky eye.
VMV Hypoallergenics Hydra Balance Gentle Cream Cleanser, $30
Those with sensitive, breakout-prone combination skin laud this one for its ability to cleanse without stripping the skin of moisture. The price tag is really reasonable, too, which probably explains the need to get on a waiting list now to get your hands on a bottle. When it comes to cleansers, most of the time, simple is best; also, cream cleansers are generally extra hydrating.
RevitaLash Advanced, $156-$237
Yup, this is one of those lash growth serums. It’s pricier than most other offerings in the market, but people who have tried it insist its effectiveness is worth the price tag. As long as you use it regularly, thicker and longer lashes will be come a reality – but one downside is, there have been reviews that mention a darkening of the eyelid area as well.
Sachajuan Ocean Mist, $34
We love hair texture sprays, but we’ve come to realise that some might be too heavy-duty, and can turn sections of hair into a stiff, tangled mess if not sprayed on too evenly. That’s why this one is so light and lovely – just a few spritzes, and you end up with a nice, even and textured finish. It smells rather expensive, too.
Rahua Shampoo, $54
This is one pricey shampoo, but Rahua fans love it for how soft and shiny it makes the hair, thanks to its organic Amazon forest-sourced ingredients. It’s free of sulphates and thus doesn’t lather up much, but at least you know it isn’t stripping colour from your hair that way.
Julie Hewett Cheekie Cheek and Lip Shine in Jami, $34
Jami is a light mauve that looks natural as both a blush and lip stain, and it’s loved for how fuss-free it is. It goes on slightly dewy as well, so remember to use a light hand on the cheeks to avoid ending up with too much shine – but all in all, a shade like this is really a necessary makeup staple for everyday use.
DaLish Cosmetics Silk to Matte Foundation, $51
Most reviews for this liquid foundation rave about how it really keeps oily skin in check throughout the day, so we can see how this would work really well in the Singapore climate. It dries matte, but not the chalky kind of matte that can make your makeup look like a mask – this one has just a bit of dewiness, and blends evenly.
Nope, this isn’t one of those ‘here’s six ways to style your boyfriend’s old shirt!’ kind of article, though we can’t help but to click on those anyway. But you know the hassle of following a YouTube video and fighting with your piece of fabric — no one ever gets it right, unless it’s a tangled mess you’re looking at.
Well, this one’s a little different. It’s about a British brand rethinking how we should wear a shirt, a classic wardrobe staple, and constructing it artistically into a form that’s exactly how we’d dream of wearing it. Minimal and no fuss.
In an exclusive capsule collaboration with NET-A-PORTER.COM. J.W. Anderson goes for a six-piece set that takes the crisp white and blue pinstripe shirt, now folded and draped into new forms.
“I feel the shirt is instrumental in both men’s and women’s wardrobes; it is something that really defines a brand. Being able to find a focused approach to it is something I really wanted to do for NET-A-PORTER,” says Jonathan Anderson, Creative Director and Founder of J.W. Anderson.
There’s a bodice, corset and off-shoulder top, while we’re dying for the wrap dress and knot skirt, with lines that are unbelievably clean, but with a beautifully messy twist at certain parts of the garment. Now bust out those on-trend white sneakers and shirt up. The exclusive NET-A-PORTER x J.W. Anderson capsule collection, now at NET-A-PORTER.COM.
It kicked off on Tuesday and is already in full swing, but there’s still time to head down and catch this year’s Singapore Design Week 2016. Into its third edition, the SDW features over 100 local and international design trade shows, conferences, showcases, exhibitions, and workshops spanning various disciplines – perfect for the budding young talent itching to satiate his/her appetite for all things art.
That said, this isn’t just a closed-door event for design snobs. In an effort to make design more accessible and appreciated by the general public, the SDW line-up will include the first ever Design and Make Fair at the National Design Centre – a unique hands-on platform for anyone to try their hand at designing one-of-a-kind products with craft and traditional materials. Basically, arts and crafts for adults (yay!) On top of that, look forward to a placemaking project bringing designers and artists together to transform Keong Saik Road, a Design Trails tour to explore the oft-overlooked quirks in our city, and lots more.
Date: 8 March to 20 March 2016 Venue: National Design Centre and other locations Admission: Free More information at new.designsingapore.org/SDW
Star Wars and Beyond: The Iconic Film Scores of John Williams
Calling all fans of The Force – big-time British conductor Anthony Inglis will be conducting our very own Singapore Metropolitan Festival Orchestra to bring to you the best of the Star Wars soundtrack like you’ve never heard before. American composer John Williams should be quite the household name by now, having composed some of the most definitive film scores in cinematic history – from Jaws to Jurassic Park, to E.T. and Harry Potter, and of course, the most epic Star Wars. Brace yourself; this musical voyage through John Williams’s best doesn’t end there – staged in association is an equally dazzling light and laser display, stunningly programmed to perfectly complement each musical score. It’s going to be a stimulating treat for the senses, which you’d be wise not to miss.
Date: 11 March to 12 March 2016 Time: 7.30pm (11 Mar), 2pm and 7.30pm (12 Mar) Venue: MasterCard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands Admission: $65 to $165, excludes booking fee of $4 per ticket More information at MarinaBaySands.com/ticketing Francophonie Festival 2016
Tokyo Anyway
For a dose of French culture this March, check out the Francophonie Festival, organised by Alliance française to promote intercultural dialogue and celebrate the diversity of the French language. In this installment of the festival, look forward to cinematic debuts, music performances, exhibitions, conferences, and other activities meant to convey that Francophone culture starts not with the language, but with the vibrant spirit. Highlights of the festival include screenings of foreign language films that aren’t just limited to French – Timbuktu, Tokyo Anyway, and the award-winning Turkish drama Mustang are just some of the exclusive films to catch.
Don’t miss, too, the worldwide debut of Yann Samuell’s The Canterville Ghost, after which you might just be able to meet and chat with the film director himself. There’s also an intriguing Middle Eastern art exhibit to explore, and a jazz and vocal improv performance that’s bound to soothe the ears. Oui oui, s’il vous plaît.
Date: 10 March to 22 March 2016 Venue: Alliance française Admission: Free to $40 More information at alliancefancaise.org.sg
The main reason why pimples can be so pesky is their tendency to pop up on the same area, over and over again. For me, it’s my chin, an area that has given me trouble for quite some time now, alternating between angry pustules and large foreboding bumps (my facialist recently told me, in an ominous tone, that a blemish-prone chin is a sign of a weak digestive system – but I swear I’ve been digesting just fine).
When they get especially bad, I run to the dermatologist for a prescription acne gel that dries them up fast; but the downside is, it leaves my skin parched and flaky, so concessions have to be made: the pimple heals fast, but makeup won’t be able to sit properly there due to the peeling skin.
So for some time now, that prescription gel has to be a last resort, used when the breakout proves too much for me to handle. If it’s just one pimple I’m dealing with, I’ll resort to over-the-counter remedies such as acne patches, which honestly, aren’t always as effective as I hope.
Until recently, when I mentioned to my editor that I had been dealing with the return of another breakout, and she handed me Kate Somerville’s DermalQuench Clear Anti-Acne Treatment from the press kit of the last Sephora Press Day. At home, I took a closer look at it, and found it to be the most curiously-packaged skincare product I’ve seen yet: It’s a spray can but with an extended nozzle, which I assumed I would have to aim straight at the offending pimple.
Turns out, the bottle indeed has to be shaken well before each use, but the nozzle isn’t meant to be aimed straight at your skin. The instructions state that you’re supposed to press the actuator button while aiming the nozzle at your fingertip, and apply to the skin from there. I soon figured out this is probably due to the force with which the product blasts out of the nozzle, landing on the finger as a white fizz that’s cold to the touch. The tiny bubbles soon dissolve, and by the time I’m putting it on my skin, it has become a colourless, rather chemical-smelling solution.
It’s easy to dismiss this product as just a gimmick, but in time, I found that pimples dried up in about two days, and emerging blemishes that would usually morph into pus-filled pimples never became those dreaded whiteheads. This also doesn’t make my skin flaky, probably due to its Hydrafill™ Complex that makes the hyaluronic acid in the formula fast-penetrating, thanks to an infusion of Oxygen Carriers, as well as a side of moisturising botanical extracts. I even pushed it onto my twenty-year old brother, who’s that typical guy who does nothing to take care of his breakouts – and his skin has definitely been clearer since.
Sure, the way in which the product is dispensed might be somewhat gimmicky, but that blast of cold liquid that comes out each time, coupled with the reassuring chemical smell, does help to make us feel like this is an acne treatment that packs some extra punch. I’ve been keeping it close to stop pimples in their tracks, each time I feel the emergence of an incoming bump on my chin, or anywhere else (but usually on my chin). To anyone asks me for a good acne treatment from now, this is what I’ll be pushing; while keeping what my facialist said in mind, and hoping what she said about those underlying digestion issues is just a myth…
Kate Somerville DermalQuench Clear Anti-Acne Treatment, $94. Available at Sephora. katesomerville.com
They’re out! The nominees for the 2016 MTV Movie Awards just dropped yesterday, and you can bet they’re as hot as hot potatoes be. And since it’s the 25th anniversary of the MTV Movie Awards, no duh the folks at MTV are stepping it up a notch – with a first-ever outdoor telecast of the show taping, against a dramatic nighttime backdrop. Oh, Hollywood.
Who will win the coveted Golden Popcorn? In the heart of the bloodbath is Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Deadpool, with 11 and 8 nominations respectively. Now here’s the exciting news – so that everyone can get in on the action, MTV has partnered with Google for the first time to allow public voting on the most anticipated “Movie of the Year” category. All you have to do is type the keywords “MTV Vote” into the Google search bar to show support for your favourite movie – and hopefully win that bet you made with your friend about who’s gonna emerge victorious.
Here are the nominees for the categories we’re most psyched to see:
MOVIE OF THE YEAR
Avengers: Age of Ultron (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
Creed (Warner Bros.)
Deadpool (20th Century Fox)
Jurassic World (Universal Pictures)
Star Wars: The Force Awakens (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
Straight Outta Compton (Universal Pictures)
BEST FEMALE PERFORMANCE
Alicia Vikander – Ex Machina (A24)
Anna Kendrick – Pitch Perfect 2 (Universal Pictures)
James Spader – Avengers: Age of Ultron (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
Samuel L. Jackson – Kingsman: The Secret Service (20th Century Fox)
Tom Hardy – The Revenant (20th Century Fox)
And an MTV classic:
BEST KISS
Amy Schumer & Bill Hader – Trainwreck (Universal Pictures)
Dakota Johnson & Jamie Dornan – Fifty Shades of Grey (Universal Pictures)
Leslie Mann & Chris Hemsworth – Vacation (Warner Bros.)
Margot Robbie & Will Smith – Focus (Warner Bros.)
Morena Baccarin & Ryan Reynolds – Deadpool (20th Century Fox)
Rebel Wilson & Adam DeVine – Pitch Perfect 2 (Universal Pictures)
On top of that, there are two brand new categories to celebrate authentic narratives too – “True Story” and “Documentary”. The 2016 MTV Awards Show will be hosted by funnymen Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Kevin Hart – working off post-filming comedy magic from Central Intelligence, probably – and premieres in Asia on MTV on Monday, 11 April at 8pm. Can’t wait.
Well, this is awkward.
In another bizarre burst of “innovation”, the fashion world has put forth yet another… questionable bag – in a style straight outta Thailand.
The offender in question is the latest Balenciaga tote, debuted at the recent Autumn/Winter 2016 Fashion Week show last Sunday, as part of Demna Gvasalia’s first collection as Creative Director. We’ll just cut straight to the chase – anyone who’s even stepped into a developing Southeast Asian country once in their life will definitely find the loud, colourblocked stripes on this tote familiar.
I mean, I certainly do. As I recall, the particular memory I have linked to it involves lugging one desperately along the floors of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport in the summer of 2013, the cheap thin fabric threatening to rip at any moment and spill all my precious 100baht-buys, as my friends and I ran for our lives to catch a plane we were seconds away from missing. Well, we made it – barely – but after that episode, it’s a little hard for me to associate any kind of positive sentiment with these recyclable rainbow “totes”.
So to see it on the runway, appropriated into something people will be made to pay thousands for, is downright frustrating. Right now, a Balenciaga Classic City bag goes for approximately S$2299, and can go up to S$3000 here in Singapore. One of those massive recyclable bags – called “Sampheng bags”, named after the wholesale market it is most often used in – costs 75baht, which converts to, erm, S$3. Or S$4, actually, since the 80cm monstrosities have apparently climbed to 100baht after the fashion show.
And this isn’t the first time a luxury fashion house has put out an accessory drawing inspiration from a cheap everyday object. Who can forget the Louis Vuitton plaid tote of Spring/Summer 2007, a dead ringer for the tacky tartan-print Chinatown plastic bags? Or Commes des Garcons’ brown paper “shopping bags” that just scraped the surface of being socially acceptable?
If anything, the people of Thailand have only found humour in this new turn in fashion, as seen from the hordes of good-humoured Instagram posts.
The Bangkok Post even reported an official statement from the country’s Commerce Ministry’s Intellectual Property Department, reassuring citizens that sure, bringing the rainbow bag you’ve had for years to Europe won’t be an illegal act, as the vastly different “material, pattern, shape and colour” means that no intellectual property has been violated. Phew. Good to know I won’t be incarcerated for carrying plastic and nylon in place of a luxury leather bag.
Call me a cynic, but shouldn’t a hefty price tag in the world of high fashion stand for more than just good material, and – hopefully – construction in a country other than China? Obviously, I don’t speak for everyone, but I would like to think that at any time, any amount of money handed over is justified by thought, effort, and creativity put into the product. Right now, all there seems to be said is that designers are running out of ideas – and that you can take the labour out of the developing country, but you can’t take the developing country out of the labour.
But then again, that’s just one opinion. Perhaps there are scores of supporters out there in the fashion world, endorsing the notion that fashion can be recycled – literally. And who then would any of us be, to call out a respected high-end fashion house, for making choices that must have been approved by a PR team with a good head on their shoulders? The unfortunate truth here is, fashion is and always will be left to the big boys; the rest of us mere mortals can only take to Instagram to entertain ourselves with #balenciagathailand.
Just when you thought innisfree packaging couldn’t get any cuter, the Korean naturalism beauty brand has dropped the latest feature in its collaboration with LINE FRIENDS!
The three limited edition Gift with Purchases are eco-themed, and just in time to celebrate Earth Day on 22 April too. With a minimum spend of $100 at innisfree, you’ll get a full Eco-Friendship Green Tea Kit with LINE FRIENDS, consisting of:
A travel pouch
The Green Tea Seed Serum 30ml
Green Tea Balancing Skin 50ml
Green Tea Balancing Lotion 50ml
Green Tea Balancing Cream 30ml
Perfect to take in your carry-on on your next getaway abroad; and everything comes playfully adorned with LINE FRIENDS favourites Brown, Sally, Cony, and Leonard!
Plus, if you’re a proud owner of the handy innisfree cushions, be sure to snag one of the Eco-Friendship Cushion Cases, which come in either the shy and gentle Brown bear, or the lively and caring Cony, Brown’s rabbit wife. Unfortunately, only one cutie Cushion Case allowed per any cushion purchase, subject to availability – so bring along a friend to help you stock up!
All we can say is: Too precious.
innisfree & LINE FRIENDS, available at all innisfree outlets from 1 April 2016, while stocks last. innisfreeworld.com
In an ideal world, we would have the perfect denim for every occasion. High-waisted skinnies for a glam night out, tapered “mom” jeans for a casual weekend, and a perfectly-cut denim jacket to throw on when the temperature dips a bit.
Turns out, it might take just one denim purchase this month to get you living in that ideal denim-filled world. The month of March is the best time to head to the nearest Topshop and grab that pair of jeans or that denim jacket you’ve been eyeing for months: from now till 31 March 2016, any denim purchase at Topshop gets you a lucky draw chance to win a denim wardrobe worth $1,000.
Seriously: $1,000 worth of Topshop denim will get you all the jean silhouettes you’ll ever need, and with leftover to get staples like skirts, tops and outerwear. To stand a better chance, you’ll want to get creative with your denim as well, as you’ll get a complimentary patch with every denim purchase, valid while stocks last. Style your own denim with these patches, and of course you’ll need to show it off to the world: Upload a picture of your patched denim onto Instagram, tag @topshop_sg and hashtag #meetyournewjeans. Winner will walk away with a denim wardrobe worth $500!
(Our take on customising our denim with the Topshop patches!)
To take the customisation a step further, Topshop’s bringing back their denim monogramming services! For all denim jeans or shorts purchased from 22 February to 20 March 2016, you get a free monogram to put your personal stamp on your beloved denim. Here are the dates to note for the monogramming service:
11-13 March 2016, from 12pm: Topshop ION Orchard
18-20 March 2016, from 12pm: Topshop VivoCity
So this month, it’s time to meet your new denim. Play your cards right and with a stroke of luck, you’ll be getting to know lots of Topshop denim swag after this month. Sweet.
Find out more about Topshop Denim promotions here.
Baby it’s hot outside, yes, but it must be done. For the good of (changing) our image as flip-flopping, singlet-and-shorts-wearing plebians, one must resist the humidity and don the occasional second layer. Don’t see it as so much of a fashion statement – it’s more like body conditioning for the buildup to when global warming wipes us out. In any case, here are some weather-appropriate outerwear options that you can rock, from Bukit Panjang to Buangkok.
Light, airy, and the least uncomfortable when it happens to stick to your sweaty skin. They work as more of pretty cover-ups against the sun, so take it as an investment towards your skincare regime. And since kimonos are so easily constructed and replicated in various cuts and colours, it’s easy to find an inexpensive one to try out first too.
Aha, no sleeves, ma! We love the modern take on the classic work-appropriate waistcoat, especially because it means more ventilation in this weather. It’s perfect for sprucing up a casual outfit, even if it’s still just shorts and a top; slap on fitted trousers and loafers and you’ve got a smart-casual look that works in the office.
Like the longline waistcoat but a notch fancier. Dusters, sleevless or not, tend to be cut longer and in a lighter fabric (usually chiffon or polyester) than waistcoats, presumably for a less formal effect. And because of the length, they work really well as day-to-night transition pieces too.
Flannel Nastygal, US$58
You probably didn’t even need reminding of this piece that has become a wardrobe staple for every tween girl. But a well-worn flannel shirt is a classic for life, and fits easily into our Singaporean heat because of its proximity to (boring) cardigans. Opt for an oversized fit for a more laidback look, which you can chuck on over anything from a T-shirt dress to skinny jeans.
You’d be surprised – the denim jacket is more often than not light enough to wear even in tropical weather. And don’t underestimate the air conditioning in our malls! Just be wise in picking your denim; thickness of fabrics aside, lighter washes tend to make you look and feel cooler too.
But we still can’t be too sure. It’s all a hunch, especially after watching the full red band trailer that was just released this morning. It begins with a crane shot of the wall, panning into Castle Black, where Jon Snow lies motionless on the ground; pretty much where the show left off in the previous season. Also, it’s backed by a melancholic cover of Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game” by James Vincent McMorrow. The last time we heard this song was during a scene in Season 5 of Gossip Girl, where Blair visits Chuck to explain that they can never be together (so heartbreaking, so painful).
But what follows is a great myriad of teases to hype up the new season. Obviously the same few questions comes up again, but there might be visual evidence that Jon Snow is alive, though we (and the rest of the Internet) can’t be entirely sure. We’ll have to wait till the end of April to really know what happens, but till then, make sure you head down to ION Orchard from 2-7 April for the Game of Thrones Experience: World of Westeros (#GOTAsiaWOW) event to help you tide through the excruciating wait.
One thing we know from the trailer is that Season 6 is going to be violent, especially since Cersei chooses violence over ordering her big bad zombie buddy to move aside. Since both book-readers and TV viewers of Game of Thrones have no clue what’s going to happen, everything now is fair-game. Speculations upon speculations, we break down the trailer frame by frame, or rather clip by clip, to see what we can take home from it.
R.I.P. Jon Snow. We’re pretty sure you’ll be back.
Yes, Melisandre. Regret your actions and your “visions” you so passionately thought were true. Now repent and resurrect Jon Snow!
Ser Jorah finds Daenerys’ ring. Now get back into her good books and save her!
Hang in there, Mother of Dragons! Hopefully Ser Jorah earns the trust of Drogon and rides on his back to swoop in to save you!
Our cover girl for NYLON Singapore’s #24 July issue lookin’ real good in this scene. But yes Sansa, please gtfo of there. Hopefully Reek a.k.a. Theon Greyjoy will come to his senses to help you escape.
Lancel Lannister telling his cousin Cersei to order her zombie buddy to move, “or there will be violence.” Wrong move, bro.
“What did you just say to the her?!”
Obviously Cersei’s not having it, and chooses violence. Ooh this scene is going to be sooooo brutal…
Hopefully King Tommen doesn’t become like his crazy brother. Also, he’s probably on his way to save his wife and Queen, Margaery .
That better be you trying to help Sansa, Theon.
Oh God, they’re at it again. Stop. Just stop.
So, did Brienne of Tarth kill King Stannis in the end? If she did, then she and Jaime Lannister have another thing in common.
After all that shit with the “great victory” you saw in the flames, you’re still trusting that crap, Melisandre!?
Okay well, we now know that you’re still thirsty in this Season.
WHAT?! WHY IS JON SNOW’S CORPSE ON A TABLE? WHY IS SOMEBODY TOUCHING HIM? WHO IS THAT?! THOSE ARE MAN-HANDS SO IT ISN’T MELISANDRE’S. OMG.
Could that be Arya getting away from the Hall of Faces? The whole running away or escaping thing seems to be a recurring theme in Season 6, huh?
Who are you boning now, Melisandre? And will it help to resurrect Jon Snow?
So everyone on the Internet is going apeshit about this frame at 1:17. Is that Jon Snow we see? Did HBO slip up and accidentally released a spoiler on the trailer?! WE NEED ANSWERS.
Oh crap, the High Sparrow is talking to Margaery. Please don’t make her do that walk of shame like Cersei.
The girl is still blind.
Ah yes. Sansa, keep running and stop looking back. Just go.
Ok a few things here – Bran Stark has a swanky haircut and a brand new pair of legs. Also, here’s him facing the Night’s King. Then again, it could just be one of his dreams again. Perhaps we’ll see more of him this season.
“I apologise for what you are about to see.” No, he’s not going to desecrate Jon Snow’s body further, but we think that he’s probably going to defend the room as Melisandre tries to resurrect him. Season 5 did end with her entering Castle Black, right?
—
So there. We’re pretty convinced that Jon Snow will return in Season 6, but who knows?
If you haven’t noticed yet, new films get released on Thursdays each week. So if you’re the sort who likes to have first dibs on everything, here’s a list of movies you might wanna watch this March.
*** KUNG FU PANDA 3
Release Date: 10 March 2016
Director: Jennifer Yuh, Alessandro Carloni
Cast: Jack Black, Bryan Cranston, Angelina Jolie
Rating: G
There are only a handful of film trilogies that are actually good, but for a fun-filled, family-friendly franchise like Kung Fu Panda, it would probably make the cut. The hilarious kung fu fighting panda Po (voice by Jack Black) reunites with his biological father, and later travel back home where he gets to meet a bunch of hilarious new panda characters. And of course, all is fine and dandy until a villain named Kai threatens to wreak havoc across China. And guess who he brings along? The entire village of clumsy pandas he’s trained.
— THE BROTHERS GRIMSBY
Release Date: 10 March 2016
Director: Louis Leterrier
Cast: Sacha Baron Cohen, Mark Strong, Rebel Wilson
Rating: To be advised (it’s Sacha Baron Cohen, so probably R21)
The man who brought us characters like Ali G, Borat and The Dictator is back and he’s bringing us more of his outrageous antics in the new film The Brothers Grimsby. The story tells of two brothers, one of whom gets adopted by spy agency. 28 years later after being estranged from each other, Sebastian Butcher (played by Mark Strong), a British black-ops agent was sent on a mission at a fancy event. Nobby (played by Sacha) catches wind of it and hoeps to make ammends, but the only thing he does it to send them running from some very powerful people.
— THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT
Release Date: 17 March 2016
Director: Robert Schwentke
Cast: Shailene Woodley, Zoë Kravitz, Theo James
Rating: To be advised
It’s the penultimate of the Divergent trilogy, and Tris (Shailene Woodley) and her friends are at it again. This time, Tris is given the chance to explore the world beyond the wall (very Game of Thrones), in the hope of finding a simple new life with Four (Theo James). Of course drama ensues as they find themselves having to decide on who they can trust (once again) as a war breaks out, and some new truths to be discovered. If you’ve read the book then, well, you just know some people are going to go, “NOOOOOOOO” at the end. Part one of two films, the second part will release some time next year.
— RISEN
Release Date: 17 March 2016
Director: Kevin Reynolds
Cast: Joseph Fiennes, Tom Felton, Peter Firth
Rating: To be advised
Ahh, another Biblical film that follows the story of the Resurrection, except that this one’s told through the eyes of a non-believer. A powerful Roman Military Tribune by name of Clavius (played by Joseph Fiennes), is ordered by Pontius Pilate to find out what happened to the missing body of Yahshua (Jesus). Together with his aide Lucius (played by Tom Felton), they go on a manhunt to shut down any rumours of a risen Messiah and prevent an impending uprising in Jerusalem.
— SISTERS
Release Date: 17 March 2016
Director: Jason Moore
Cast: Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph
Rating: NC16
Of course you’ll want to watch a movie where Amy Poehler and Tina Fey are sisters. The incredibly comedic duo play two estranged sisters who are summoned home by their parents to clean out their childhood bedroom before selling the family house. Looking to relive their younger days, they both throw one last high school-style party and invite all their classmates. And the rest, as they say, is history.
— BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE
Release Date: 24 March 2016
Director: Zack Snyder
Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot
Rating: To be advised (we feel it might most likely be rated PG…)
It’s impossible for anyone to say they haven’t seen any of the trailers. They’re practically plastered all over social media. With so much hype around one of the most anticipated films this year, we’re always worried about whether or not the actual film will live up to its hype. Nonetheless, we couldn’t be anymore excited to see what Wonder Woman will bring to the table. The film is also important as it marks the transition into a more intertwiced DC movie universe, similar to the comics. If you’re wondering why the two superheroes are fighting, well, let’s just leave that to the trailer.
— THE SONGS WE SANG
Release Date: 24 March 2016
Director: Eva Tang
Cast: Liang Wern Fook, JJ Lin, Stefanie Sun
Rating: PG
This local documentary is a throwback to a time when the young generation of Singaporeans wrote and sang songs that lead to the creation of a movement within the Mandarin-speaking community. Xinyao, which means “Songs of Singapore”, began in the mid-1980s and quickly grew to become semi-commercialised in the early 90s. Songs in this category often had clean acoustics and a group of people singing and harmonising together. The Songs We Sang depict the passion and courage of xinyao and its artists.
— LONG LONG TIME AGO PART 2
Release Date: 31 March 2016
Director: Jack Neo
Cast: Mark Lee, Suhaimi Yusof, Silvarajoo Prakasam
Rating: To be advised (come on, we all know this is going to be family-friendly)
The second to a two-part series, the film continues from Long Long Time Ago and follows Zhao Di (played by Aileen Tan) and her family as they make the move from the kampong to the HDB flats. Among many themes the sequel covers, it essentially captures the feelings and thoughts of many of our older generation during a time of transition, ultimately leading to the end of Singapore’s kampong era.
— EDDIE THE EAGLE
Release Date: 31 March 2016
Director: Dexter Fletcher
Cast: Taron Egerton, Hugh Jackman, Tom Costello Jr.
Rating: To be advised
Based on a true story, the film portrays Michael Edwards (played by Taron Egerton), or better known as Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards and his journey to become the first person to represent Great Britain in Olympic ski jumping in 1988. The British Olympic Association didn’t believe in him, but he never stopped. Determined, he employs the help of an charismatic and rebellious coach (played by Hugh Jackman) to go on and win the hearts of people all around the world by making history.
— 10 CLOVER FIELD LANE
Release Date: 31 March 2016
Director: Dan Trachtenberg
Cast: John Goodman, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, John Gallagher Jr.
Rating: To be advised
So much mystery in the trailer, just the way we like it. A young woman by the name of Michelle (played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead) finds herself in an underground cellar after she met with a car accident. A man identified as her rescuer (played by John Goodman) walks into the room and slowly explains that everyone outside has died after a chemical attack. Michelle starts wondering if he had kidnapped her and decides to escape. We just hope that that scene with Michelle looking out the window on the door is the last scene of the film…
We all have fond memories of running towards the Milo truck during school sports days or cross-country events — we’d even go as far and say that it’s the only motivation that gets us through these events, knowing there’s the sweet, sweet solace of ice-cold Milo at the end of our journey. And our love for the chocolate malt drink shows up even when we’re older. There are people who order a cup of iced Milo every time they go to a coffeeshop, and I know someone who guzzles at least three packets of these everyday.
But you know what, all that is fine because now, we get a breakfast drink that’s even healthier. Targeted at adults, Milo unveils its newest beverage that incorporates its original chocolatey goodness with nourishing whole grains, so there’s no excuse being too busy for nutrition.
The drink uses proprietary technology using hydrolysed whole grains from the US, and in fact, four different kinds — oats, brown rice, barley, and wheat. That qualifies it for a Healthier Choice Symbol qualification, because two of these bottles contain the same amount of fibre as one bowl of rolled oats. No word yet on how it tastes, but hey, it beats celery juice any day. MILO® Nutri G™, $1.20 per bottle and $6.95 for a pack of six, at all major supermarkets and convenience stores.
The title “K-Beauty pioneer” shouldn’t be taken lightly at all, and that’s exactly why Korean makeup artist Cho Sung Ah, who has earned herself that title, should be so revered. This is a woman who has been in the business of makeup for 27 years, and along the way, created a bunch of makeup and skincare lines and became the first Korean makeup artist to collaborate with major international beauty brands. She’s definitely a big deal.
So when she creates a namesake makeup line, the world is going to sit up and pay attention. Especially so when it’s made up of products that are handy multitaskers packaged in the cutest, most innovative packaging possible.
Chosungah22 is named after Cho and her number of years of experience at the point of the brand’s creation back in 2012. And the products are made to be multipurpose as much as possible, so they’re not only convenient to use, but you put less product on your face. For example, the C&T Blend contains both a serum and foundation and dispenses them at optimal concentration; the Brow Maker has a two-in-one applicator that includes a sponge tip and a bristle brush, to easily clean up the edges of your brows after filling them in.
We’ve seen plenty of this cult brand on both Korean and American media – since it arrived on the shelves of Sephora USA, people there have not stopped gushing about it. We predict that here in Singapore, we’ll soon be doing the same. Sure, we have plenty more Korean beauty brands to choose from as compared to the West, but there is just something about Chosungah22 that makes it stand out from the current competition. Maybe it’s the fresh innovation of how the products are made and presented, or just how bright and in-your-face the packaging can be. Whichever it is, we love it already, and completely get all the hype now. Here are the ones we can’t wait to tell all our friends about:
C&T Blend Luminous Liquid Foundation, $88
Turn the jar one way and liquid foundation is dispensed; turn it the other, and you get a clear moisturising serum. The idea is that one click on each side gives you the perfect blend of both, for coverage with an extra dose of hydration (yes, that dewy skin we spend so much time chasing). However, you’re free to adjust the ratio of serum to foundation, depending on your skin type and how dewy you want to go.
C&T Blend Fresh Mix, $58
Chosungah22 sure is big on mixing foundation with stuff. In the case of the Fresh Mix, the liquid foundation is mixed with capsules of firming ingredients right before it’s dispensed from the tube, to keep the formula as fresh as possible. On the face, it adds radiance and an extra dimension, and it’s comforting to know this is makeup that will keep you looking young.
Dong Gong Minn Brow Maker, $55
Nope, this isn’t one of those old-school Stabilo highlighters you used to wield in school, just perhaps the coolest eyebrow tools you’ll find anywhere. These brow mascaras are part of the brand’s Dong Gong Minn makeup collection, identified by the graphic eye motifs and in-your-face packaging colours. The mascara brush gives a more natural finish as compared to brow pencils, but you can easily use the built-in sponge tip to clean up the edges.
Dong Gong Minn Jello Color Kit, $60
Wow, that palette design though. The six mostly-neutral colours inside are in line with the K-Beauty trend of wearing mostly natural tones on the eye, and come in a jelly formula that make them ultra-blendable, and a good dose of sparkle (for a selected few shades).
Dual Lip Tint & Gloss, $32
Double-ended lip colours never fail to get us – especially when they come in bold, yet flattering colour combinations like these ones. The tint end leaves a pigmented coat of colour that you can wear on its own, but if you want more shine, the gloss end comes in a complementary shade that happens to add hydration and volume as well. Our favourite shade: Cashmere, made up of a deep berry tint, and a nude gloss.
Chosungah22 is now available at major Sasa stores, and soon to be available at all Sasa outlets. Main image: en.chosungah22.com. See the product catalogue here.
Let’s cut the crap and get straight down to business – the perfect flatlay is more than just a white background and a bunch of random items thrown together. Like any publication today, it’s a strategic curation of the right elements working together in balance. Flatlays are modern day civilian art, and to nail it, you’ll need one item from each element – Lifestyle, Fashion, Food, etc. – so the end result doesn’t look unprofessionally lopsided. Ready? We’re diving in.
Base: White Sheets
Image from muji.com
First and foremost, your base! Nothing says ‘flatlay’ like a clean white background to lay all your elements against, so the products will pop while maintaining a sophisticated elegance. And have you ever seen Instagrammers wake up to bright pink sheets? Didn’t think so. Doesn’t matter if you spill food or product on them; you’ll only be needing a square of it anyway.
Tech: Some form of technology, preferably Apple
Image from apple.com
Irrefutably, Apple has completely monopolised “tech aesthetic”. The subtle shimmer of the back of an iPhone or iPad usually does the trick, but if you’re really serious, break out your Macbook (Air > Pro, sorry budding videographers) for that edge of sleek futurism. +10 points if you can literally bring a wireless Apple keyboard to the table.
Lifestyle: Flowers/Vegetation
Image from johnlewis.com
Like it or not, you are a delicate creature with a soft spot for nature, so chuck that into the pic as well. Baby’s breath and other similar cream or neutral coloured blooms are a good choice; leave the blood-red roses to your partner to gift you on Valentine’s.
Beauty: Cosmetics
Image from tartecosmetics.com
The odd YSL lipstick or pretty eye shadow palette will add the right amount of femininity to your flatlay, but remember to keep things polished and minimal – no gunky sponges or neon-cased lip products, please. Mirrors are a good alternative too; just be sure not to get caught in the reflection, because nobody likes seeing the human effort that goes into a pretty flatlay.
Food: Food
Image from amazon.com
Only beautiful food allowed. That means avocado toast, tea in pristine porcelain crockery, pressed juices, quinoa, cereal, and everything else that’s pretty on the eyes but not always so on the taste buds. In your flatlay universe, tableware should only ever exist in creams, white, or subtle metallics.
Fashion: Magazine
Since you can’t feature an entire item of clothing in your flatlay, a magazine will do. (Just a peek of it at the corner will suffice.) Ironically, Kinfolk seems to be a popular choice even though it’s a lifestyle magazine – must be the watered down pastel hues – we recommend flipping to one of NYLON’s chic fashion spreads to show that you’ve actually read the magazine and not just photographed the cover. Obviously.
On Saturday, in the brightest part of Raffles City, the Elizabeth Arden x NYLON Singapore Visible Whitening event was under way. Sleek white walls formed the backdrop to Elizabeth Arden’s comprehensive range of skincare and makeup, with the newest additions to the Visible Whitening line taking centre stage.
Plush white benches were nicely laid out, all ready for the presentations that were to take place. To the side, a cluster of vanity counters was ready to welcome the guests, and allow them to try out the product on themselves, as well as experience the Mineral Blast Beauty Treatment, which involves cleansing and toning with the new whitening line, and the skin being treated to a mineral mist after.
For each of the two sessions, the programme kicked off with a talk on “The Art of White Fashion” by NYLON Singapore’s Senior Writer, Tami Lai. With practical tips on how to pull off an all-white outfit and how to make white clothing pop by mixing and matching colours and adding accessories, guests got an insight how to shine the spotlight on their visages with the right sartorial choices – wearing white really doesn’t have to be that scary.
Following that, Elizabeth Arden’s Southeast Asia General Manager Nance Tan shared about the Visible Whitening line, extolling the importance of exfoliation to prevent long-term pigmentation problems. That’s where the new products come in – the Visible Whitening Retexturizing Pads gently yet effectively exfoliate the topmost layers of the skin. For a more targeted treatment, the Visible Whitening Melanin Control Day Essence with Advanced MIX Concentrate™ and Visible Whitening Melanin Control Night Capsules With Advanced MIX Concentrate™ seek and control melanin production with the use of Elizabeth Arden’s proprietary Vitamin C blend to treat existing dark spots and uneven skin tone.
Guests got to experience these products on the spot, as well as freshen up with swipes of Elizabeth Arden’s Beautiful Color Moisturizing Lipsticks at the vanity counters. All in all, it was an enlightening Saturday afternoon – for those who were there, we hope you enjoyed yourselves! If you weren’t, the good news is that the Elizabeth Arden Visible Whitening pop-up will still be going on till 9 March at the Raffles City Water Court Atrium, where you can still try the Visible Whitening range, enjoy special offers, and go for that Mineral Blast Beauty Treatment (we highly recommend it). Call 6336 1554 to make your appointment today to unleash your natural skin radiance!
Power up your skin in 10mins!
FREE Elizabeth Arden Mineral Blast Face treatment & Door Gift, total worth $100.
Call now @ Robinsons Raffles City 6336 1554. Offer valid till 9 Mar 2016. Terms and conditions apply.
Elizabeth Arden Visible Whitening pop-up, at the Raffles City Level 1 Water Court Atrium until 9 March 2016. elizabetharden.sg
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