Blog - Page 498 of 505 - NYLON SINGAPORE

Account Switching Is Now Available On Instagram

Feb 10, 2016Aug 15, 2018

FINALLY! It’s one of the many things that many Instagram users groan about, which also made it to the top of our list of annoying things Instagram users would know last year. But why would anyone need more than one account? Well, many Instagram users tend to switch back and forth between their personal and work accounts on a daily basis, which makes it super annoying and not to mention, scary if they’re not careful (imagine accidentally posting a selfie on your work account). Others may have another separate locked account that documents their daily lives (which what Instagram is essentially for, but these days it’s a little different), or a “test feed” to see how their pictures turn out on their grid as a whole before posting it on their main account. Whatever the reason, one thing’s for sure – everyone at NYLON Singapore (and probably the rest of the Instagram community) is thankful for this new update.

It’s pretty easy to set up. Make sure you’re logged into an account already. Then go to your settings (cog button on the top right of your page). Scroll down and tap on “Add Account”, and you’re all set. To switch between multiple accounts, you can either toggle by tapping on your username at the top, or by holding down your display picture on the bottom right. Just remember to check where you’re posting before you hit the share button.

Try This: Facial Cleansing Bars

Feb 10, 2016Aug 15, 2018

The idea of cleansing your face with a bar of soap might seem like a practice reserved for those who don’t know any better when it comes to properly taking care of their skin. Bar soaps are known to be harsh and extremely drying for the skin, and to contain barely, if at all, any skincare ingredients – we wouldn’t ever recommend washing your face with them.

But that was before we were made aware of the existence of luxury facial bar soaps. Within that lesser-known category, New York skincare brand Erno Laszlo has to be the authority. The brand is the namesake of the Hungary-born dermatologist who treated the skin of classic Hollywood stars like Greta Garbo, Katharine Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Marilyn Monroe – Dr. Laszlo was obviously the go-to guy among the biggest stars of that era – and today, it specialises in what it calls “bespoke skincare”: a skincare ritual that’s crafted to be especially precise to meet individual needs.
The range of Cleansing Bars embodies that, with five different types currently available. It all started from the Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar, the iconic charcoal-based cleanser that serves a detoxifying purpose, by gently exfoliating the skin and ridding it of dead skin cells and other impurities. After it came the Phelityl Cleansing Bar for hydration (Phelityl is Erno Laszlo’s proprietary moisturising complex); the Firmarine Face Bar for, as it name indicates, lifting and firming; the White Marble Treatment Bar for brightening; and the Oil-Control Cleansing Bar to keep oily-prone skin matte.

oil control
Why, then, should you bother giving these cleansing bars a shot? Erno Laszlo’s versions are undoubtedly luxurious, so we suggest investing in them if you don’t mind switching up your cleansing routine a bit, with a higher-quality formulation. And yes, we know you’re wondering about the hygiene aspect – we suggest storing cleansing bars in a dish with perforations on the bottom, to keep the bar from soaking in a pool of dirty water (ugh). Do also remember to give it a good rinse before each use.

Erno Laszlo Cleansing Bars, $70 each. Available at selected SELECTIV’ by Sasa and Sasa stores. Main image: ernolaszlo.com

Here're 2 Ways You Can Stay Matte In The Heat

Feb 10, 2016Aug 15, 2018

No one ever admits it, but everyday makeup is hard. For starters, nailing your base canvas (ie. your face) alone is a tricky situation – with the tropical climate humidity, we don’t exactly recommend rocking the dewy-skinned look. After all, you don’t want anyone to confuse the intentional shine on your face for an oily complexion, right? But while it’s equally difficult to stay matte in a sweat-prone climate, it isn’t entirely impossible either. Enter Benefit’s new POREfessional Matte Rescue – a water-based, invisible-finish mattifying gel that overpowers shine and absorbs excess surface oil. We love it, because 1) it’s water-based, which instantly means it’s more lightweight and cooler on the skin, so you get the matte finish without all the heavy product build; and 2) it contains diamond powder known to create a soft-focus, pore-blurring effect. And to top it all off – it’s Benefit, which always means beaut packaging.

the-porefessional-instant-wipeout-mask-hero copy

It’s an extra step to the everyday routine, but worth it seeing as it reduces shine and pore visibility. But for even more precious pore care, give the Instant Wipeout super-cleaning pore masks a try – these dual-sided masks clean out and smooth the look of pores around your T-zone (read: nose, forehead, and chin). The main pore ingredient used for pore clarifying is a little funky tbh (mushroom extract…?) but for a clear, matte face, we’ll close an eye. Or both.

Main image: Christopher Kane Spring/Summer 2016, courtesy NARS
Benefit the POREfessional Matte Rescue, $49; 8-pack Instant Wipeout masks, $56, available at all Benefit outlets. benefitcosmetics.com

Why We're So Obsessed With These Leather Bags

Feb 10, 2016Aug 15, 2018

Okay, secret’s out. We’re definitely letting the cat out of the bag, because after taking one look at Coccinelle‘s Spring/Summer campaign images, full of pastel hues and adorable kitties, we can’t help but tell you why we’re fawning over the brand’s staple of classic, chic leather goods.
First, they come in a whole range of shades that don’t necessarily include the staples of black, nude, and white. And that’s something to embrace – a brand that isn’t afraid of vivid colour. If you look at the shapes and designs of their bags, they feel sophisticated, even luxurious after you’ve had a closer look at the quality leather and expert craftsmanship. What’s instantly striking though is far more obvious, because the same artisanal pieces are given a wash of shades like vermillion red, orange, purple, bright pinks. Granted, these may not be the easiest to match, but it’s time to exercise some creativity and fun. The bright hues would give any outfit a pop of colour that isn’t at all boring.

And secondly, these are coveted even by celebrities such as Alessandra Ambrosio, Sienna Miller and Poppy Delevingne, all enviable style icons. The former two were seen out and about with a clutch bag and shoulder bag respectively, while the latter was spotted with a snakeskin variation of the B14 top handle tote, in a casual all-black outfit that suddenly looks way more amazing with a bag in tow.
As for the Spring/Summer collection, expect the same fresh styles, in new forms and shades. Here are the ones we can’t resist.

C_PC2

The Perine
Imagine you’ve got a packed schedule, full of meetings and errands and both lunch and dinner plans, with hardly even five minutes to yourself. Rather than look permanently frenzied, walk up to every appointment in style, with this Perine bag. Easy and chic, the shopping bag’s at a brilliant size to lug around, and a comfy companion on busy days because you get to stow away your necessary items. We mean things like a laptop and a hefty makeup pouch, all in this classy bag. It’s available in a mix of colours and leather textures, such as crocodile and snakeskin embossed leather.

The Arlettis
This one’s for the #ootd queens out there, because each iteration just looks so undeniably stylish. A perennial favourite among celebrities and style bloggers, Coccinelle’s goat print leather bags (as seen on Alessandra Ambrosio and Sienna Miller) now come in an array of colours including fragola (a bright strawberry pink), eggshell white and olive.
As for the boxy version, termed the Arlettis lady bag, we’d pick this for days when you’re donning a minimalist outfit. The geometrical shape goes nicely with either draped or structured fabric, while the bold silver hue stands out and win points for being edgy, but also easy-to-match and subdued.

The B14
We’re not surprised that this sleek tote was seen on Poppy Delevingne – the iconic B14 bag deserves all the attention it’s getting, due to its simple, classic form. Go for bolder shades if you’d like to stand out among a sea of office ladies in black, and make it versatile enough for sunny weekend too.
This time, the brand takes the design a step further by getting inspiration from the craft of saddle making. What we get are clear details such as topstitching, visible seams and perforations in natural tones, and leather corners on canvas. All improved designs also include a resin coating to make the bags even more durable than before.

Valentine’s Day Collection
The most romantic day of the year calls for some of the sweetest designs seen in these Coccinelle bags. So, take the typical reds and pinks, seen all over in heart-shaped chocolate boxes and fresh roses, and transform them into bag form. This means leather cutouts that form heart shapes when attached to the flaps of limited edition B14 leather bags, a brilliantly simple addition that tops off this cute design. In the same way, adding this to your wardrobe will take your look up a few notches.

Coccinelle Spring/Summer 2016 collection, available at Robinsons at The Heeren, TANGS at Tangs Plaza, and Takashimaya Department Store. coccinelle.com

UNIQLO's New UTs Make The Perfect Band Tee

Feb 10, 2016Aug 15, 2018

Who said T-shirts have to be boring? At UNIQLO, comfort and fun go hand in hand, thanks to Creative Director NIGO’s vision to create tees that will “become valuable vintage items after several years”. That, we like, especially after validation that T-shirts and jeans actually do make the coolest combination. As part of the LifeWear collection, the UT (Uniqlo T-shirt) brand has brought together a wide range of icons from today’s global pop culture – from art and music to movies, comics, and cartoons – all in the hopes of encouraging self-expression through the classic T-shirt.

eu-pc-150928-w-ut-uniqlo-t-shirts-hero-01

For the Spring/Summer 2016 Collection, expect to see collabs with international fashion houses, plus beloved icons like LEGO, Miffy, and even more Disney characters gracing the UTs. There’s also an upcoming line dabbling in Japanese culture – think slick brush-stroked characters and some manga wrestling superheroes; but what we’re really pumped about is the new and improved Music Icons line.

174149_17_Music Icons Graphic T-shirt Foo Fighters $19.90 Back

Old school rock-and-rollers rejoice! The new series of designs from Universal Music Group’s record label logo portfolio takes the badass band tee to the next level. Take a step back from the usual cuter graphics, and look forward to graphic tees featuring logos, portraits and album covers from the Foo Fighters, Kurt Cobain, Led Zeppelin, Misfits, the Sex Pistols, and The Chemical Brothers. Given UNIQLO’s famed quality, we can’t really see these getting worn and grungy all too soon. But what we can say is, we can definitely see these becoming collectors’ vintage gems one day.

UNIQLO UT Spring/Summer 2016 Music Icons, $19.90, available at all UNIQLO stores on 15 February 2016. uniqlo.com/sg/

4 Short Films To Catch If You're Staying In This Vday

Feb 5, 2016Aug 15, 2018

Happy early Valentine’s Day! Forget Netflix & chill, if you’re looking for a lazy day in with your loved one this February 14, the folks over at Viddsee have compiled a handy list of romance short films to do just that. A free-to-watch mobile cinema platform, Viddsee curates and promotes the best short films in Asia, helping Asian filmmakers share their stories to the world. Here are our top four picks to help get you feeling in the mood.

Rain
Directed by Keiya Ando

It’s forecasted to rain (what’s new) this Valentine’s Day, so why not kick back with this 6-minute short film succinctly titled… ‘Rain’. The story follows a young Japanese man who seeks shelter from the nighttime downpour, and his endearing encounter with a lady running away from the rain too. There’s everything you’d expect in a romance short – the cute, awkward small talk we’ve all experienced at least once in our lives; the shy, secret smiles. You’ll quickly come to love the bashful but earnest protagonist as you follow his journey to getting the girl – including tackling the possibility of a third party.
Time: 05:52
Country: Japan

32°C Fall In Love (32°深夜KK)
Directed by Tan Seng Kiat

What do you get when you put a security guard, a pretty convenience store assistant, and a robber in a poncho together? Romance, apparently. At close to 14 minutes, this is hardly a short, but the antics of the three main characters will have you cracking up throughout. The sheer unconventionality of the situation (in a Malaysian KK Supermart, of all places) makes for a fresh story, and props to the scriptwriter for cheeky, down-to-earth dialogue that’s a lot more convincing than the usual sap. Don’t forget to stay till the end for a pretty entertaining twist.
Time: 13:52
Country: Malaysia

An Unconventional Love Story (她和他的故事)
Directed by Daniel Yam

Finally, something by our very own storytellers here in Singapore. Director Daniel Yam waxes nostalgic with elements of 1970s Singapore – think Dragon Playground! – infused into this local love story. The film follows a young girl (Pamelyn Chee) and her loveless life, filled primarily with romance novels, and a stuffed rabbit linked to a barely there childhood romance. The big theme here is Destiny, so it’s no surprise when she eventually bumps into her childhood sweetheart, ten or so years on. But what follows next is a heartwarming turn of events that will leave you wishing this were more than just a 12-minute short.
Time: 11:35
Country: Singapore

It’s Complicated
Directed by Byron Kwong

What’s Valentine’s Day without a little scandal? If you’re in the mood for something a little more sombre, this Cantonese mini drama and its melancholic overtones might just fit the bill. The protagonist is a wedding photographer who finds himself in a bind when his latest client is the fiancé of his ex. Expect a whole lot of wistfulness, confusion, and unfortunate talk of infidelity, all of which is summed up nicely in the title – It’s Complicated. You’ll be holding your breath as they navigate this seeming love triangle, but be warned that the ending might just break your heart.
Time: 19:06
Country: Hong Kong

We Round Up This Year's Most Unique CNY Snacks

Feb 5, 2016Aug 15, 2018

It’s that time of the year (again) that you’re feasting and making a whole lot of noise at each others’ houses – and what’s Lunar New Year visiting without sitting at a corner and stuffing our faces with cookies and pineapple tarts? While we love ourselves some open-faced pineapple tarts and love letters, here, we’re talking about the snacks that you won’t find at every house. Possibly, the #hipster ones. Load your house with these and be prepared to gather up empty jars at the end of the day – your friends and relatives will thank you (or, not).

1. Plain Vanilla — Bak Kua Cookies & Black Sesame Cookies

Doesn’t matter what they say about bak kwa being good or bad for you – you know you won’t be able to risk some sweet barbecued pork when it’s just right there. Instead of getting your hands sticky, try this tempting treat: Plain Vanilla’s Bak Kua Cookies ($38), made with a cornflake cookie base, which results in a delicious, crunchy biscuit that complements the chewy texture and sweetness of the pork. Or, if you’re up for something that’s both non-traditional, yet still traditional, try the Black Sesame Cookies ($19). The black shade’s almost too cool for CNY, but you’ll find the strong flavour of roasted black sesame seeds, as traditional as you can get, in these bite-sized treats. Butter Pistachio Cookies and Matcha White Chocolate Cookies, $19 each, round off a nice, unique bundle.
Available at Plain Vanilla Holland Village, Tiong Bahru Estate, or the IN GOOD COMPANY store at ION Orchard, or online at plainvanillabakery.com.

2. Sinpopo — Salted Egg Yolk Cookies

We love salted egg yolk everything, including fries, chicken wings and lava cakes, but it’s way more appealing when you can just pop it into your mouth, like these Salted Egg Yolk Cookies ($15) from Sinpopo. It’s a new creation that combines butter cookies with the much-loved fragrance of salted egg yolk and curry leaves, guaranteed to be a hit. You might have to order a few extra jars for yourself.
Available for order online at sinpopo.com.

3. Creme Maison Bakery — Matcha Gomu/French Cheese/Cranberry Mango Pineapple Truffle Tarts

There are buttery, melt-in-your mouth pineapple tarts at Creme Maison Bakery, but if you’re looking for something different, opt for the ones in Matcha Gomu, French Cheese and Mango Cranberry flavours, from $25 to $28 per jar. We tried the Matcha ones, and while it still has the all-familiar taste of sweet pineapple paste, the green tea flavour is a good balance if you like it slightly less sweet and more aromatic.
Available for order on whatsapp (81813689) or email (hello@crememaison.com) with the subject ‘CNY Truffle Tarts’. crememaison.com

4. Joe & Dough — Gula Melaka Pandan Cake

This makes for a nice gift if you’re visiting an older relative, because it’s not just any ordinary pandan cake that you can buy from your neighbourhood store (though those are still good), it has a nice drizzle of gula melaka and coconut shavings on top. By Joe & Dough, the Gula Melaka Pandan Cake ($52) also includes finely ground almonds, and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at the table. Also, trust us when we say it’s one of the nicest cakes that we’ve tried at the NYLON office, light and moist, the pandan sponge tastes fresh and fragrant, while the gula melaka lends a nice sweet, but not overpowering, flavour to the dessert. Some nice Citrus Butter Cookies ($18.80) and Golden Pineapple Tarts ($23.80) complement the cake well too.
Available till 27 Feb 2016 at all Joe & Dough outlets and online at joeanddough.com.

5. Tiong Bahru Bakery — Choc’Orange Loaf & Gong Xi Gateau

More offerings in the desserts department, this time, the rich ones from Tiong Bahru Bakery. Instead of getting those ridiculously overpriced Mandarin orange “da ji da li” plants, put that festive flavour into your dessert. The Choc’Orange Loaf ($6.80/slice, $50/loaf), more like a tea cake, is a classic chocolate loaf cake freckled with bits of candied orange, and then coated with a blanket of luscious orange chocolate ganache. As for the Gong Xi Gateau ($9.80), a zesty orange biscuit sponge is layered with homemade kumquat jam, orange syrup and luscious dark gianduja cream. topped off with dark chocolate. Sinful? Yes, very, but who’s counting the calories anyway.
Available at Tiong Bahru Bakery stores at Eng Hoon, Raffles City and TANGS Orchard. tiongbahrubakery.com

6. Bloomsbury Bakers — Pork Floss Seaweed Cookies & Bak Kwa Sesame Cookies

We just have to give them props for innovation, including Bloomsbury Bakery’s savoury-sounding cookies options, including Pork Floss Seaweed and Bak Kwa Sesame. It’s like being able to have all our favourite, and traditional, CNY snacks in one easy bite. At the same time, they do have classic butter cookies such as Cornflake Raisin Cookies and Almond Cookies, all at $25 each, and made with premium French butter.
Available at Bloomsbury Bakery, 30 Bendemeer Road. bloomsburybakers.com

The Lip Colours To Wear This CNY

Feb 5, 2016Aug 15, 2018

Red is an auspicious colour and all, but we definitely get more than enough of it every Chinese New Year. So we propose staying away from a clichéd red lip this year, and opt instead for these equally vibrant, but more interesting, alternatives.

innisfree Real Fluid Rouge in Blush Sunset Over An Orchard
$20, innisfree stores
A cool-toned grape with a moist finish

Clé de Peau Beauté Extra Rich Lipstick in 212
$70 for refill, $35 for lipstick holder, Clé de Peau Beauté counters

A silky red-toned peach

M.A.C Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour in Personal Statement
$39, M.A.C stores and counters
A matte shocking pink

CHANEL Rouge Coco Shine in Shipshape
$44, CHANEL Beauty stores and counters

A bright orange balm

Cosme Decorte Art des Fleurs Rouge in RO611 Noble Cattleya
$88, Cosme Decorte counters
A subtle glossy rose

Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Gloss in Intense Spice
$44, Estée Lauder counters

A shimmery warm orange

Main image: Michael Costello Spring/Summer 2016 backstage, courtesy NARS.

5 Beauty Discoveries Of The Week

Feb 5, 2016Aug 15, 2018

Stuff that the NYLON team has tried and loved this week.

This Works Sleep Plus Pillow Spray
$52, Sephora from May
I have a relatively small and flat nose, but as irony would have it, my sense of smell is incredibly sharp. And it’s not always a gift — I can smell body odour and bad breath three metres away… and when the seventh month burning comes along, I have to lock myself in an air-tight room with two air purifiers (true story). So when I discover any product that smells divine, I become addicted to it. Like this new pillow spray from “natural beauty” brand, This Works. The key ingredient is Lavender and that’s pretty much the main thing you smell, but it’s blended beautifully with Vetivert, Patchouli, and Ho Wood oils, and the resulting whiff is similar to that of a premium spa. The aroma is relaxing, soothing, and comforting — all the traits necessary to put you to sleep. The brand recommends spraying this directly onto bed linen and that the natural night time movement will release the fragrance as you sleep. I like to spritz this into the air and scent my room (and literally be one with the smell). It’s a god-send when your neighbour decides to fry blachan. — Adele Chan

NUDESTIX Dual-Ended Lip & Cheek Stain in Love/Sin
$34, Sephora
I’m very prone to impulse buys, especially when I’m standing in line at the Sephora counter, buying another beauty item, while being “casually” assaulted by the lure of those pretty travel-sized items in neat rows… You know what I mean. This was one of them. I’ve heard about the fresh-faced makeup philosophy of young founders Ally and Taylor Frankel, and the cult appeal of their makeup crayons, so I was eager to try it out. What I love is how fuss-free this is — this one product can be used to create a nice dewy flush on my cheeks, and to add a natural shade on my lips as well. And this one has two shades in one stick, that I could easily stow in my bag wherever I went. To use it as a blush, you just have to swipe three lines at the side of your face, then blend it out with your fingertips, easy due to its creamy texture. Still, I wouldn’t say it’s an all-day beauty must-have — the lip colour does transfer quite easily compared to lipsticks — but the touch-up is so effortless, and the matte case even comes with a mirror for this, that I don’t mind at all. All this for a barely-there glow that looks completely I-woke-up-like-this, if you ever want to channel Beyonce (who doesn’t?). — Amelia Tan

NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint
$66, NARS counters from March

Liquid foundations are very much stuck in my daily routine. Women are always being encouraged to let their real skin shine through and all that, and yes I’d like to think my skin is in a pretty good state and I do try to take care of it and keep it as clear as possible – but at the same time, I just like the heavier coverage of a liquid foundation. To the point that I find it almost hard to pick up my BB cream on weekends when I’m just heading out somewhere near.

But I’m also a NARS fangirl, so when they introduced their all-new Velvet Matte Skin Tint, which is kind of like a BB cream, I was intrigued. The premise is, it’s a matte-finish tint but with none of that dry chalkiness that poorer-quality matte products can leave. The finish is more of a velvety one, so it’s matte with a soft-focus finish – all of the shine control, with none of the dryness. I was immediately sold, and since it’s so blendable, I can easily layer it and get the heavier coverage of a foundation as well. — Tami Lai

NYX Butter Lipstick in Moonlit Night
$12, Sephora
NYX is one brand that consistently manages to impress with its quality, despite the super-low prices. And… I’ve found my perfect berry lipstick in the NYX Butter Lipstick in Moonlit Night, because, like its name implies, it goes on smooth like butter. Yet, it’s crazy pigmented with just the right small amount of shine; and most importantly, as the day passes it fades into an even stain.
I’ve found that some other dark lipsticks from luxury brands that cost close to five times the price of NYX don’t fade as evenly, nor are as smooth. Here’s to coming across prize makeup finds at drugstore prices. — Tami Lai

Moonshot Jelly Pot in P06 Bronze Champagne
$34, Sephora
After years of telling everyone I avoid eyeshadow because it’s simply too difficult to navigate applying it on my hooded monolids, I’m finally taking baby steps towards wearing it with confidence, starting with neutral tones like pinks, champagnes and bronzes (I’ll need more time before I can take on a smoky eye). I’ve been dipping into the few eyeshadow palettes I’ve been hoarding for the longest time and most of them are great – shoutout to the M.A.C Eyeshadow x 15 in Warm Neutral for its pigmented and very pretty tones – but recently, I swatched this Moonshot Jelly Pot and was unexpectedly impressed. The Bronze Champagne shade is exactly as its name describes: a bronzy, shimmery colour that goes on rather sheer, i.e. just the right amount of colour. Another thing I like about it is that the jelly consistency makes it incredibly easy to blend and layer. We’ve been told that this Jelly Pot is a real multitasker, as it can be used as colour for the cheeks, lips, and – get this – even on the nails. Definitely a worthy investment. — Tami Lai

Italian Meets French in This Superga Collab

Feb 5, 2016Aug 15, 2018

Our all-time favourite Superga gets a French interpretation in this SS16 collaboration with Parisian fashion house Sandro. Exclusively designed by Sandro’s creative directors Evelyne and Ilan Cherite respectively, the Women’s and Men’s models retain the same classic shape of the 2750, but with subtle touches characteristic of Sandro’s clean, sharp aesthetic.

For the guys, look forward to the vintage style Men’s trainer that comes in white, navy, and light blue denim – and looks casual chic paired with both jeans and suit trousers.

The Women’s model is available in white, off-white, and navy cotton canvas – but flip the otherwise basic shoe for a fun kick. Evelyne Chetrite deliberately pairs these easy neutrals with brighter-coloured soles – blue, red, burgundy – for a colourful twist that still works perfectly with an everyday wardrobe and shoe. Frankly, tennis shoes never looked this good.

Sandro & Superga Capsule Collection, $160, available at Superga ION Orchard and Marina Bay Sands. superga.com.sg

5 Things to Do This Valentine's Day If You're Single

Feb 4, 2016Aug 15, 2018

So… it’s ten days to you-know-what, and this year, you’re single. No sweat – if you haven’t gotten the memo, the stigma of being single on Valentine’s Day is well and truly disappearing, and thank God! Ditch any negativity that might still be lingering, and take the time to hang with your friends, or appreciate some well deserved “me” time. Here are five personal picks on what we would do.

1. Fried Chicken Fest
Specifically, Korean fried chicken. Of all days in the year, February 14 should be the one day when #treatyourself knows no bounds. So take a leap of faith (in your waistline) and calorie-splurge on a massive Korean fried chicken binge.
A personal favourite is Choo Choo Chicken, a humble establishment along Bali Lane that’s small but straight to the point, serving up light and flavourful fried chicken in four flavours: Original, Soy, Spicy, and Sweet. The menu is certainly not for the faint-hearted – the only options to order fried chicken are in 8pc/16pc portions ($15/$28), or an entire chicken $29.90). But the lightness of the chicken makes such guilty binging a lot easier, without compromising on the saucy marinade characteristic of Korean fried chicken.

Image from facebook.com/Choo-Choo-Chicken-츄츄
If you’re really up for a personal challenge, take on the fried chicken buffet at the more popular Chicken Up. For $25++ a person, it’s all-you-can-eat chicken and, get this, free flow truffle fries. Having personally tried it, yes, it is as insane as it sounds, but don’t be afraid to go all out – the chicken is hearty, flavourful, and worth the hike down to Tanjong Pagar. Just take care you don’t pass out.

Image from chicken-up.com
Choo Choo Chicken
Address: 33 Bali Lane, Singapore 189869
Opening hours: 11.30am – 11pm (Mon – Sun)
Chicken Up
Address: 48 Tanjong Pagar Road, #01-01, Singapore 088469
Opening hours: 5.30pm – 2am (Mon to Sun)

2. Go Fishing
Oh yes, us Nylon folk sure are alternative. While we aren’t suggesting you park your butt at East Coast Park for the day, what we are saying is to grab a friend and head down to Qian Hu Fish Farm, yonder in the north. As the island’s largest ornamental fish importer and exporter, Qian Hu is home to hundreds of species of fish that you can purchase as pets too. Spend the day ogling the insane variety of fighter fish, go pet-shopping, or take a farm tour to see the full range of what Qian Hu has to offer. But for a real good time, reminisce the good old kampong days and go “Long Kang fishing” at Qian Hu’s very own long kang pond. It’s the throwback of all throwbacks – for $6 per half an hour, you get a net and a fish tank to catch as many long kang fish as you can. Best part? You get to bring whatever you catch home at the end of the day. Mind you though, those little buggers swim fast.

Qian Hu Fish Farm Trading
Address: 71 Jalan Lekar, Singapore 698950
Opening hours: 10am – 6pm (Mon to Thurs)
Fishing charges: $6/person for 30min, $10/person for 60min

3. Carousell Closet Clean-out

Image from Carousell
Sounds a little mundane but hey, when better to do a little spring-cleaning right? Now that you’ve finally got a whole day to yourself, no more weaseling out of chores you’ve put off for the last year. And you might as well make some money out of one of the most commercialised holidays of the year – so take the day to overhaul your wardrobe, photograph it, and pop them onto Carousell. Remember, detox.

4. Spend the day in Punggol

Images from waterwaypoint.fraserscentrepointmalls.com and nparks.gov.sg
… What? Hear us out. With the newly opened Punggol Waterway Point, we’re expecting this northeastern heartland to see some new life, and soon. While the mall isn’t 100% open yet, it does boast a surprising variety of shops and amenities. For avid shoppers, you’ll be pleased to know that on top of your usual Cotton On and Factorie, there’s also H&M and Uniqlo available – a sure sign that this isn’t just some tatty old neighbourhood hangout! The real attraction here, though, is the 24-hr Shaw Theatres cinema, complete with ten halls and an IMAX theatre. Whew.
After checking out the mall, head over to Punggol Waterway Park – which you can cop a good view of over at Waterway Point – a huge riverine park that’s gorgeous to boot. Contrary to popular belief, the park is actually more than just the iconic red bridge that appears on so many Instagram feeds, and makes for nice grounds to stroll and just explore, especially when it cools down in the evening. Plus, once you’ve got your visual fill of the place, you can always head back to the mall for a late-night movie.
Waterway Point
Address: 306D Punggol Dr, Singapore 824306
Nearest MRT station: Punggol MRT

5. Netflix & Chill. Like, really chill.

Image from Netflix
Do we hear “TV Show Catch Up Time”? Believe it or not, “Netflix & chill” first started as an act of voluntary solitude, because… relaxing alone is actually fun. Shocker. But now that Netflix has arrived in Singapore, you’ll be able to join in on this exasperating catchphrase, whether or not you’ve got someone to chill with. And if anyone gives you flak for hiding in a blanket and binge watching shows the whole day, at least you can play the ‘single’ card.

Hooray for singleness!

6 Airbnb Listings For A Romantic, Scenic Getaway

Feb 4, 2016Aug 15, 2018

Valentine’s Day – a day where you’ll see hordes of couples walking down the street with gifts from their boyfriends (read: flowers and chocolates), couple outfits and even more couples hogging restaurant tables. And then you’ll see the awkward couple who met on Tinder and are out on their first date. But if you’ve already planned on bringing your significant other on a holiday to a place far, far away from here, you might wanna take a look at these Airbnb listings with an amazing view for even more magical experience. Then again, it might be too late to plan a surprise Valentine’s Day trip. But who says you can’t proclaim your love on other days too? Either way, these accommodations come with an incredible view at an affordable price. Whether you’re heading to Australia, Greece, Italy, Costa Rica or Portugal, it’s always nice to spice things up a little, no?
**********
1. Ever wondered what happens down under? This apartment has an unobstructed view of Sydney’s Harbour Bridge, Opera House and the city’s CBD area.

Harbour views. Massive apartment

Sydney, NSW, Australia

MASSIVE. Fully furnished. Point blank views of Sydney Harbour Bridge. Sleeps up to 6. 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms Views of: Harbour Bridg(URL HIDDEN) Opera Hous(URL HIDDEN) North Sydne(URL HIDDEN) Sy…

Sydney Short Term Apartment Rentals

2. Oh Santorini… one of the prettiest places of Greece. Talk about a hole in the wall; this humble abode was carved into Santorini’s iconic caldera cliff over 250 years ago, and was originally a wine cellar.

Hector Cave house (Oia, Santorini)

Oia, South Aegean, Greece

Hector Cave House, carved into the unique caldera cliff for more than 250 years, was originally used as a wine cellar.Then It became a family owned house, which then opened its doors to share its u…

Accommodation in Oia

3. It’s a cabin overlooking Lake Como and the rolling hills beyond it. Best to stay around July and August.

Casa vacanze con fantastica vista 1

Gravedona ed Uniti, Lombardy, Italy

Casa di campagna recentemente ristrutturata con splendida vista sul lago di Como composta da due appartamenti indipendenti. L’appartamento Dominga al 2°piano è composto da zona giorno con grande te…

Holiday Apartment Rentals in Gravedona ed Uniti

4. The host calls it a “designer home” with floor-to-ceiling windows, situated in the middle of the rain forest covered mountains. Note: you’ll probably need to rent a car to get there, and pretty much anywhere else if you’re not planning on staying in the entire trip.

Designer home with stunning views

Uvita, Puntarenas, Costa Rica

It’s a designer home, just recently built. Bedroom has floor to ceiling windows overlooking mountains covered in primary rain/cloud forests.

Uvita Rentals

5. It’s a huge terrace with a breathtaking seaview. But make sure you check their rates properly as it’s priced differently at different times of the year.

Ancient Gallipoli Exclusive holyday

Gallipoli, Apúlia, Italy

In the ancient Gallipoli, just above the Riviera and “Puritate Beach”. Double entrance from seaside and from behind, two double bedrooms, two bathroooms, main salon, large kitchen, studio, second…

Gallipoli Holiday House Rentals

6. It’s a treehouse… sort of. Well it’s a house that’s nested on some trees with a panoramic view of the hills.

Aroma(n)tica TreehouseinMonferrato

San Salvatore Monferrato, Alessandria, Italy

A wonderful suspended nest, an amazing panoramic view on the hills, among the fragrances of the linden trees and other aromatic herbs. A garden with solarium and a swimming pool (seasonal opening) …

San Salvatore Monferrato Rentals

The Prettiest Valentine's Day Beauty Items

Feb 4, 2016Aug 15, 2018

As 14 February looms, we get more and more inundated with all things pink, roses, and hearts. But whether or not you’re in the mood for love this year, everyone can appreciate the extra-pretty special edition beauty products that contribute to making Valentine’s Day the big commercialised event that it is. It can be a time of spending a few extra dollars to love yourself too, right?

Lipstick Queen Look Of Love Lipstick Library – Volume 2
The idea behind this lipstick and blush set is to recreate the colour your lips and cheeks glow when you’re in love, according to brand founder Poppy King. That means shades that are close to your natural skin colour, with just that bit of extra glow. Whether you’re in love or not, these are colours that you can do with every day, anyway.
US$53, net-a-porter.com

BYREDO Loose Lips Candle
BYREDO’s trademark monochrome candles get all dressed up in pink for V-Day, while losing none of that sleek Scandinavian minimalism. Loose Lips is a scent that has been in the BYREDO library since 2007, and quite simply bears the powdery scent of old-school lipsticks: notes of rosewater, violet, and rice powder.
$110, escentials Paragon.

Lush Unicorn Horn Bubble Bar
Bath time becomes instantly magical when you pop these into the water – expect to see shimmery, pastel bubbles that smells of neroli and lavender. Like a unicorn just took a dip in your bathtub.
$15 each, Lush stores.

L’Occitane Fleurs de Cerisier Sparkling Flowers Shower Gel
Besides smelling like cherry blossoms, this shower gel looks extra pretty with the pink beads suspended in it. These contain protective active ingredients that are released upon contact with the skin.
$33, L’Occitane stores.

The Body Shop British Rose Exfoliating Gel Body Scrub
This might be better than a cliched bouquet of roses – there are real rose petals in this gel formula, which melt onto the skin and help refine the skin. And of course, it smells divine.
$36.90, The Body Shop stores.

Burberry ‘London With Love’ Illuminating Bronzer
If you’re not glowing from being in love, might as well adopt a different kind of glow – one that makes you look like you’ve been lightly sun-kissed. Fake the effects of Vitamin D with this bronzer and highlighter duo, which is also embossed with prints from Burberry’s Scarf Bar.
$94, sg.burberry.com.

This Valentine's Day, Go Both Naughty And Nice

Feb 4, 2016Aug 15, 2018

Valentine’s Day happens to be the most romantic date of the year, and even if you think it’s entirely made-up, at least we can look forward to the brands that are putting up smashing Valentine’s Day collections. One of them happens to be lingerie brand, La Senza, who are all for a charming, cheeky (literally) collection that has something for everyone.
You know the brand for their huge-ass billboards you somehow can’t seem to tear your eyes away from. They’re definitely not shy to go bold and sexy for their campaigns, and at guilt-free prices, you’d want to treat yourself to new lingerie too. The latest collection features their lingerie in what seems like two contrasting, but complementary, lines – the Smoulder Black and Sparkling Red shades are a little more playful and daring, sultry even, while in Cherub Pink, they’re going for a sweet look that still makes you feel confident.

L – R: Beyond Sexy Push Up Bra, Hello Sugar Push Up Bra, Push Up Merrywidow, Beyond Sexy Push Up Bra
It helps that there are plenty of push-up bras in store. Their best-selling piece, the Beyond Sexy, lets you make a statement with a blend of lace and side corseting details, combined with gel push-up cups for a good lift. The delicate red lace is a nice touch, but if you’d like to show a bit more skin, opt for a matching Obsession Brazilian Panty, a near-translucent piece that carries the same corset detail at the back.
If you’re up for more of a tease, try the Hello Sugar push-up bra, an indulgent piece that gives you extra lift, by way of a lightweight foam that takes you up two cups. There’s smooth microfiber for comfort, but you’re really looking for badass, especially with the lace overlay design and front corseting detail. This comes in a “naughty” version of black, or a “nice” subtle pink. The campaign shots pair this with a thong and a Lace Garter Skirt, for nights when you’re feeling a tad bolder.
And for the ultimate contrast, there’s the Push Up Merrywidow that has details to make it look like a corset, including lace and a sheer mesh body, as well as the Beyond Sexy push-up bra in pink. They give totally different vibes when put side by side, but when worn, you’ll have the same unmistakable, and totally sexy, La Senza flair.
La Senza Valentine’s Day Collection, available at La Senza stores. For more information, visit facebook.com/LaSenzaSingapore.

Handmade Sweets For Your Sweet

Feb 4, 2016Aug 15, 2018

This February 14, “sweet treats” gets a whole new meaning with MUJI’s Valentine’s Day Handmade Kits. Whether you’re rendezvousing with a date, or just chilling with your girls, these little do-it-yourself kits are the perfect way to spend your day. And seriously, you can’t go wrong – because who doesn’t have a sweet tooth?

We can’t help but see the resemblance to the adorable Japanese Popin’ Cookin’ miniature food kits, but MUJI’s variety is out to impress. There are 16 kits in total, ranging from mini doughnut-shaped chocolates to tiny cheesecake, and even to handmade ganache – for those of us with a more refined palate, of course. It’s a chocolate-lover’s dream come true, but the best part is that everything is completely doable without an oven. So if this is your first foray into baking, relax, we gotchu.

4547315911066_1260_HANDMADE GATEAU CHOCOLAT

Starting today til V-Day, all the kits, plus the entire range of ready-to-eat Valentine’s snacks and sweets, are at 20% off – definitely a viable alternative to your usual expensive restaurant dinner. And when your gift is both fun and practical, on top of being from the heart, the thought more than counts.

MUJI Valentine’s Day Handmade Kits, $12.90 to $18.90; Snacks & Sweets, $2.60 to $6.90, available at all MUJI stores. muji.com.sg/store

These New Revlon Matte Balms Are Definitely Staple Colours

Feb 4, 2016Aug 15, 2018

It’s easy to love the Revlon Matte Balm. Pigmented matte lip colours that are not the least bit drying, ranging in shades from neutral to neon-bright, and that come in a convenient crayon format that makes application totally foolproof.
So of course we’re getting excited if there are new shades to be tried. Four colours have just been added to the Revlon Matte Balm fold, and we have to say that each one can easily find its way into our regular lip colour wardrobe:

Elusive
A dusty rose that is kind of a “your-lips-but-better” shade.