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Interview: Chef’s Table Creator David Gelb on His Apple Short Film About SG Hawker Culture, Shot Entirely on iPhone 13 Pro Max

Apr 25, 2022Apr 25, 2022

Singapore is a melting pot of unique cultures and though we may all be very different, there is one thing that unites us as a country — our insatiable appetite for all things food. To commemorate Singapore’s UNESCO Heritage hawker culture, Apple teamed up with acclaimed food documentarian and creator of Chef’s Table, David Gelb, to shine a spotlight on our local cuisine featuring everyone’s favourite dish, Chicken Rice.

Shot entirely on the iPhone 13 Pro, Poached is a short film that dives into the intriguing history and fierce competition between two stalls, Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice and Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice, both located at the popular Maxwell Food Centre. The film aims to put a fresh spin on the classic generational conflict of old versus new, which ultimately ends in how Singapore’s love for chicken rice and food, along with its people and their passions, triumphs all.

Check it out:

https://youtu.be/kU9Y2F2TQgE

Ahead of the short film’s release, we also had the opportunity to speak with David Gelb. Read on to find out about his directing experience with the iPhone 13 Pro Max, how he got those unique food shots, and which is his favourite chicken rice stall.

Was the iPhone 13 Pro Max your choice of iPhone for the film?

“Yeah, of course. The iPhone 13 particularly has some features that I was really happy about, specifically the cinematic mode, which is something that really makes it look like a movie. So with that, the macro mode and the low-light capabilities, I thought okay, well, this is a device that is really a step forward and can create an image that looks like the kind of work that I do on my show Chef’s Table or my movie Jiro Dreams of Sushi.”

How long and how many days did it take to create this documentary?

“We were in Singapore for maybe between a week and a half and 2 weeks and spent some time preparing, getting to know the locations, getting to know the people, and kinda digging into the story. And then, we shot for a very focused 4 or 5 days.”

How big was your crew?

“Our crew is similar to the kind of group that we would use when I’m shooting Chef’s Table, so maybe it’s like 10 or a dozen people. We try to keep the crew small because we’re in tight spaces and often times, I was able to just shoot entirely on my own. Some of the shots that I took of food that I was eating during the scout actually makes it into the movie because iPhone has the low-light capability and the image is quite naturally good.”

Did you do a lot of takes with the iPhone or did you have one-shot wonders?

“It’s funny because you’ll notice that there’s a lot of sauce. One of the things I love about Chicken Rice is how you can customise it. You can put in your favourite amount of chilli, you can put in your favourite kind of brown sauce or whatever it is that you want; the dark sauce and things like that. And so, sometimes you’ll nail it on the first one when you’re getting a really tight macro shot and you want to make the sauce kind of drizzle on in the perfect way, and sometimes you just cannot get it so it’s random.”

“The cool thing about shooting on cinematic mode is that you know that it’s going to be in focus because with the cinematic mode you can have a very shallow depth of field, where a specific thing looks like it is in focus, but then you are still able to adjust it in post-production. So that kind of helps and we know like it’s okay; we know that take can work and we can make the adjustment. So, sometimes it’s perfect — one-take perfect — and sometimes it takes a little while.”

Back to cinematic mode, you mentioned the shallow depth of field and being sure that it is always in focus; do you manually select the focus point or do you just let the phone do it for you?

“It’s a combination. So, iPhone is designed to be able to, in cinematic mode, recognise if the focus should shift. I think that’s quite a useful thing because you can kinda hit that timing in a perfect way. It looks for faces in a crowd and then it’s able to say okay, this person is turning towards the camera, let’s rack the focus to that person.”

“But then, in post-production, you are able to make an adjustment yourself. Maybe you didn’t want to do that but you still have the ability to change it. So, we have many choices — we are able to lock the focus where we want it, we’re able to let the AI of iPhone do the work for us sometimes — so different situations call for different usage.”

Did you do any video editing on the iPhone itself or perhaps on an iPad?

“We didn’t. We used other Apple products throughout the entire process in our edit. However, we decided to do everything the same as we do on Chef’s Table basically, except with iPhone. So, our editing process was quite the same. We used iPads often for monitoring and we even used our Apple Watch sometimes to monitor because you are able to use Apple Watch as a screen to see what the phone is seeing.”

“Sometimes when we put the iPhone in a strange or kind of a tight place, we may not be able to see the screen or monitor, so we are able to use the Apple Watch to see what the iPhone sees, which is kind of a cool usage of the tool. But, we did a fully professional post workflow using iPhone instead of a conventional camera and it worked really well.”

When you were filming on the iPhone, did you use the native iPhone camera app or did you download other additional apps to use?

“We decided that we wanted to keep the iPhone kind of as naked and as natural as possible so I didn’t want to put any lens attachments to it. I wanted to use the natural lenses of the iPhone and really show what it can do. So, we used the native cinematic mode, which can only be done using the native camera app, and that was what the vast majority of it was. While Cinematic Mode is so useful in many ways, it does not shoot in slow-motion so for certain slow-motion shots, we used FiLMic Pro, which I find is a good way to control the shutter speed.”

“When we’re shooting slow-mo, because of the different types of lights, where every single different hawker stall has its own kind of lighting that is on its own circuit, it’s quite challenging sometimes as we needed to control the shutter speed so that the lights don’t flicker so much. For that, we had to use FiLMic Pro. But, I would say that 80% of it was shot on the native camera app and 100% of it was shot on the iPhone.”

What was the frame rate when you used FiLMic Pro?

“Well, I think it’s really about controlling the shutter speed so it really depends. I can’t say a specific number but I think it was like if we’re in this area, we just kinda fiddled with it and tried different things until we find that it’s okay and it looks right.”

There was a lot of steam while shooting some of the food. Did that fog up the lens?

“It depends. When we put the camera — and that’s one of the cool things about iPhone where we can really just put it in anything — very close to the flame, we had a protective glass so you could see the ignition of the fire. We edit around the part where it gets very foggy but if you take a phone, or any kind of camera and you put it inside of a giant vat of rice, there is going to be some steam. But, we were able to find angles and ways to avoid the lens being fogged up, which really wasn’t much of a problem.”

Let’s rewind back to putting a glass in front of the fire. We thought it was zoomed in on that particular shot, but that was a glass?

“Yeah, we were taking advantage of the size where we’re in the kitchen of Tian Tian and they have these giant vats where they make the broth that they poach the chicken in. They have these big burners too so we were able to kind of wedge the iPhone very close to the burner. We put a protective glass in front of it just to make sure nothing gets damaged and we were also able to kind of put the camera in places where you wouldn’t be able to put a big camera, and that’s kind of one of the advantages of using the iPhone.”

“We were also able to shoot in slow motion and because of the low-light capability, we didn’t need to pump so much light in so we were able to get like a very cool effect of the flame kinda flickering on and then spreading throughout the burner, and I love that kind of shot.”

Did you drop the phone at all anytime during the shoot?

“Oh, sure. I mean, we don’t put that on camera but the phone is durable so no phones got cracked. We could put a disclaimer, ‘No iPhones were injured in the making of this film’ if we wanted to, but they hold together very nicely. We have a very professional grip team too so when we’re clamping the iPhone, we’re attaching it to a tray, we’re attaching it to a knife, we’re attaching it to the ceiling, so we make sure that it is very secure for the safety of the phone, and for the safety of the people because we don’t want any phones falling on people.”

Final question and this is a tough one — which chicken rice did you prefer in the end?

“Uh, no comment — no, I’m kidding — it’s the hardest question to ask and it’s like when people ask who’s your favourite chef’s table chef, or where’s your favourite food city. You can’t really say because when you dig deep into it you find the merits in both of them. This is a film that we were excited to make because of the characters and the passion that they have to make something that is very similar — almost the same thing — but with a very different approach, kind of philosophically.”

“For a novice like me coming from the outside, the differences are quite subtle between the two chicken rice stalls. I found that there may be a certain sort of leanness to the Tian Tian whereas the Ah Tai is a bit more fatty and kind of decadent in that way. So, maybe Ah Tai is something that I eat a little bit more once in a while, and Tian Tian could be more of a go-to if I was living in Singapore. But, as we say in the film, we leave it to the audience to decide and that’s one of the coolest things about the Hawker centres. You’ll find similar dishes done in slightly different ways and so you can really find the one that’s perfect to your tastes and I really love that.”

check out the behind the scenes footage of Poached below.

https://youtu.be/YnBAxN8Nmhs

Poached premieres here on Apple Singapore’s YouTube page on 25 April 2022. For more information on the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max, click here.

All images courtesy of Apple Singapore.

Earth Day & Beyond: A Guide To Making More Sustainable Choices In Your Daily Life

Apr 22, 2022Apr 22, 2022

You may be reading this on Earth Day, or Earth Month in April, but truly, the spirit of going green ought to carry on for the rest of the 364 days in a year. To help, here’s a list of our must-read roundups and features, so we can live more sustainably while caring for our planet, one baby step at a time.

1. Refillable Beauty Products

What it’s about: Beauty brands with makeup, skincare, and haircare products that allow us to refill the original container, without compromising on the quality of the product, and thus minimising waste. Read more here.

2. Sustainable Activewear Brands & Sneakers

What it’s about: Complete your sweat sesh in style, comfort, and now peace of mind, with these eco-friendly activewear brands. We’ve got sports bras, leggings, and bike shorts made with recycled fabrics, as well as comfortable knit sneakers that use algae instead of EVA in their midsoles. Read more here.

3. Eco-Friendly Feminine Care Products

What it’s about: Instead of single-use products that end up in a landfill, the pads, tampons, mentrual cups and period panties on our list are environmentally sustainable alternatives that not only keep you comfortable during your menstrual cycle, but also help to reduce our carbon footprint. Try these during your next time of the month! Read more here.

4. Sustainable Shampoos & Eco-Friendly Haircare Lines

What it’s about: Haircare brands that are making great strides in the name of green, clean beauty, whether we’re talking about vegan formulas and ethical ingredient sourcing, or opting for plastic-free — or in some cases, zero — packaging when it comes to housing their precious formulas. We look at good-for-you shampoo bars, powder shampoos, and more. Read more here.

5. Digital Apps For A More Eco-Conscious Lifestyle

What it’s about: In addition to the physical ways we can help to protect our environment, there are also various apps available for us, to make it easier to live more responsibly — these include a rewards app that honours and encourages our green habits, as well as platforms that minimise food waste and help us upcycle old items or recyclables. Read more here.

Shampoo Goes Sustainable — In The Form Of Shampoo Bars, Powder Shampoo, And Eco-Friendly Haircare Lines

Apr 22, 2022Apr 22, 2022

This Earth Day, you may be doubting your current efforts towards sustainable living. Well, don’t. We’re not here to judge how much trash you generate a week, but if you’d like to adopt more eco-friendly, green practices in your daily life, here’s a start. Activewear made from ethically-sourced or recycled materials, refillable beauty items that reduce packaging waste, and sustainable haircare ranges. Baby steps, really!

More and more beauty brands are making great strides in the name of green, clean beauty, whether we’re talking about vegan formulas and ethical ingredient sourcing, or opting for plastic-free — or in some cases, zero — packaging when it comes to housing their precious formulas. Ahead, we look at the shampoo bars, powder shampoos, and more, and why these good-for-you forms of shampoo will make a difference, in our lives as well as planet Earth’s.

SHAMPOO BARS

The main plus point here: zero packaging. Shampoo bars are a minimalist concept that don’t just aim to reduce unnecessary waste — they eliminate it altogether. Instead of plastic bottles that take up space in your bathroom, it’s basically shampoo in solid form, where highly concentrated ingredients are packed into pebble-sized shapes. That the bars are usually lighter than bottled shampoos also means a reduced carbon footprint during shipping and transport, certainly something to keep in mind as well. To use, simply wet the bar, lather it up using the palm of your hands, and massage the shampoo into your scalp.

1. OASIS: Solid Shampoo — Rose & Thyme

If you think package-free means plain or sad-looking bars of shampoo, think again. OASIS: is here to change that mindset with solid shampoo bars that mimic the shape of canales, handcrafted in Singapore and made using 100% plant-based ingredients. This Rose & Thyme solid shampoo smells good and packs a punch too, with a blend of organic roses, thyme, and premium jasmine tea leaves that naturally condition the scalp while giving us shiny, nourished hair. Furthermore, each shampoo is wrapped in FSC-certified compostable paper printed with soy ink, so they’re really doing the most here.

$15, available online at oasisbeautykitchen.com.

2. Lush Shampoo Bar — Angel Hair

We all know Lush for their delightful bath bombs and scented bath products, though we feel the lengths they go to ensure sustainable living deserves to be more known too. All of Lush’s bountiful array of products and fragrances are made fresh by hand using little or no preservatives or packaging, with only carefully-sourced vegetarian ingredients; they’re famously against animal testing as well. The Angel Hair Shampoo Bar is, thus, the perfect embodiment of the brand’s values, in “naked” packaging, and with heaven-sent ingredients of shine-enhancing aquafaba, calming rose water and witch hazel, ylang ylang oil to gently stimulate the scalp.

$25, available at Lush stores and online.

3. Ethique Shampoo Bar — Heali Kiwi

New Zealand-based brand Ethique, known for their range of solid shampoos, started way back in 2012, when founder Brianne decided to do something about the amount of waste — particularly, plastic waste — generated by the cosmetics industry. At a time when solid beauty bars weren’t yet the norm too! This then explains their wide range of formulas, and expertise, when it comes to targeting various hair concerns, whether it’s dry hair, an oily scalp, dandruff, or for simply maintaining your curls. The top-selling Heali Kiwi, in particular, is a 100% soap-free, pH-balanced, and gentle formula that helps calm and nourish sensitive scalps, and contains ground oatmeal, karanja oil, and neem oil among other ingredients. Each solid shampoo bar is also equivalent to three 350ml bottles of shampoo!

USD15, available online at ethique.com.

4. L’Occitane Solid Shampoo — Gentle & Balance

The next time you’re shopping at L’Occitane for their luxurious hand creams, look out for the eco-conscious brand’s range of solid shampoos as well. Gentle & Balance is all about a gentle wash that cares for the scalp’s natural balance, made with 100% natural essential oils including that of lemon, orange, rosemary, chamomile, and Provence-sourced lavender, along with a naturally-derived sugar complex. Many users love the generous lather this bar of shampoo produces too.

Bonus points: if you’ve got other beauty / skincare empties, feel free to drop them off at L’Occitane stores for recycling, since they’re one of the rare places that accept plastic containers across all brands.

$20, available at L’Occitane stores and online.

POWDER SHAMPOO

Most of us associate ‘powder shampoo’ with dry shampoo, the kind you use to freshen up your hair in between wash days or after the gym. What if we told you there’s a powder shampoo that lathers and foams as well? This is a new category that homegrown beauty brand, The Powder Shampoo, is pioneering, and they hold the title of being the world’s first foaming vegan powder shampoo. The powder-to-foam formula transforms into a cleansing foam when in contact with water, providing the lather and cleansing power you’d expect from a liquid shampoo.

1. The Powder Shampoo

It’s not just the plastic-free packaging they’ve got going on here — try, zero water. Local brand The Powder Shampoo is straightforward about their planet-first philosophy, with water-free, power-to-foam shampoos that save five litres of water per bottle; removing water also means they can pack 100 washes or more per bottle, making one product last three times longer than regular liquid shampoos. Each shampoo is also housed in a recyclable aluminium bottle, so picked in order to minimise plastic waste with a material that can be recycled multiple times.

While being a new category of shampoo, we can be assured that the ingredients are familiar and very welcome for our hair and scalp — the brand uses more than 20 plant extracts across the range, with the key ingredient being Thyme-Capsuled™️ technology, which promotes hair growth, present in every formula, no matter your hair concern.

$39.90, available online at thepowdershampoo.com.

ECO-FRIENDLY HAIRCARE RANGES

What impresses us with these haircare lines, from already established brands, is how much they devote themselves to well-rounded sustainable practices. These involve looking to ethical sources for their precious ingredients, to packaging that’s earth-friendly, as well as refill packs that help minimise waste.

1. HAIR KITCHEN

HAIR KITCHEN is a new Japanese natural haircare brand that just launched in Singapore, helmed by the reputable Shiseido Professional group. A massive plus? Natural, ethical and sustainable formulas that tap on fruits and vegetables to protect and repair hair, as well as several great efforts towards sustainability. The haircare range makes use of peels, seeds, and non-standard produce usually rejected by retailers, and are SLS-free, using an amino acid type cleansing agent instead. Shampoo and treatment bottles are also made with biomass plastic packaging, a material derived from sugarcane, while there are refill packs to further reduce waste.

HAIR KITCHEN, available at selected partner salons. Full list here.

2. Moist Diane ‘Diane Be True’ Series

Moist Diane happens to be Japan’s No.1 silicone-free shampoo brand, so we’re thankful that they’ve come up with a cruelty-free, eco-friendly series of shampoos and treatments made with ethically- and sustainably-sourced ingredients — at affordable price points too. The ‘Diane Be True‘ series also features their first-ever vegan formulations, formulated without animal testing of course, and as an added bonus, all items are packed in bottles made from 96% recycled plastic, true to their strong commitment towards products that are kinder to our environment.

$14.90 each for the Shampoo and Treatment. Available at Watsons, FairPrice, Don Don Donki, Lazada, and Shopee.

CASETiFY and Lucasfilm collaborate for accessories featuring classic movie poster artwork

Apr 21, 2022Apr 23, 2022

CASETiFY and Lucasfilm collaborate to launch a collection of tech accessories featuring some of the most iconic Star Wars artwork. It includes classic movie poster designs from the original three films (A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi), and as a bonus, a collectible laser-engraved Millennium Falcon Case that will be released in a limited series of just 1,000 pieces. And exclusive to the CASETiFY Co-Lab app, is a design featuring Luke Skywalker’s home planet of Tatooine.

The pieces drop on Star Wars Day, May the 4th. You can join the waitlist here: www.casetify.com/co-lab/star-wars.

The Lucasfilm x CASETIFY Star Wars collab is available on May 4 for Star Wars Day. The collection is priced from US$25 to US$149 and will be available for iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel, AirPods, AirPods Pro, Apple Watch, iPads and Apple’s MagSafe ecosystem.

Dior Beauty’s ‘Dioriviera’ Summer Makeup Introduces Golden Hour Hues And A New Limited-Edition Cushion

Apr 20, 2022Apr 20, 2022

Arriving as early as May is an exquisite Summer collection from Dior Beauty, and if the campaign images are anything to go by, the cushions, lipsticks and eyeshadow palettes of the series are destined to be more lovely than a Summer’s day.

Peter Philips, Creative and Image Director for Dior Makeup, imagines a sensual summer along the famous French Riveria, or Dioriviera, which is why the makeup collection is imbued with a similar spirit of carefree elegance, which highlights sun-kissed skin, luminous textures, and warm shades of coral and bronze. “The products are never intimidating, and aspire to create a sublime, radiant beauty,” he says.

Dior 5 Couleurs Couture Dioriviera in 479 Bayadère and 779 Riviera.

The Summer look starts with “golden hour” eyes, inspired by the glorious moment when the sun is about to set on the horizon, usually a treat for photographers. Philips translates those hues into two limited edition 5 Couleurs Couture Dioriviera eye palettes, of either creamy bronze, iridescent gold and copper tones, or one built around a champagne copper centre with peachy pink, white gold and plum bronze. These are embossed with chic Bayadère stripes — a motif seen on Dior’s book tote for instance, and one you’ll also find elsewhere in this beauty collection.

Dior Forever Couture Luminizer in 001 Nude Riviera and 002 Pink Riviera.

Then, there’s the look of sun-kissed skin, achieved by the Dior Forever Couture Luminizer highlighting powder, stamped with the bayadère compact motif and in two crystalline shades inspired by the last glimmers of light from the setting sun, either a radiant subtle pink or sensual gold.

Lips are kept fresh, healthy-looking and comfortable, thanks to the Dior Addict Lip Tint, in 12 natural shades that are infused with cherry oil for ultimate comfort and a barely-there feel. The curated shades range from beige and raspberry to vibrant coral, while what’s really got us excited are the tone-on-tone tubes bearing the Dior Oblique logo in a velvety finish. Divine. Elsewhere, we get peach, bronze and coral iterations of the beloved Rouge Dior and Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil as well.

Dior Forever Couture Perfect Cushion Dioriviera.

Collectors of the Dior Forever Couture Perfect Cushion will have something to look forward to here. The collection introduces Bayadère stripes on the packaging of the high-coverage cushion foundation, available in luminous matte or dewy glow finish. Pair it with the Dior Addict lipstick in its couture-inspired Indigo Denim case, and you’re all set for those casual beach OOTDs.

See the full collection here:

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

The Dior Beauty Summer 2022 Collection, available at all Dior Beauty boutiques and counters from 1 May 2022. Also available online on Dior Beauty Online Boutique from 25 April.

Shopee Goes Big On Beauty & Fashion Deals During Their 5.5 Shopee Brands Festival

Apr 20, 2022Apr 21, 2022

This year has breezed right past hasn’t it? With April coming to a close in about a week, it’s about time we looked to the new month ahead, and thankfully, we’ve got something enticing to look forward to. The month of May happens to coincide with the 5.5 Shopee Brands Festival, happening from 21 April to 5 May.

This one’s an online shopping haven where we get to see lots of offers and deals on Shopee Mall — over 2,000 authentic brands are listed, in fact, and these offer everything from free shipping to $555k worth of Cashback Vouchers. If you’re new to the one-stop app, you may also enjoy $10 off your first purchase with no min. spend, just use the code <55SHOPEEBF> when you check out.

As usual, we’re here to do a roundup of things you wouldn’t want to miss during the 5.5 Shopee Brands Festival. Avid shoppers on the app will know to check in daily for deals; these include Upsized One-Day Brand Specials and Daily Category Sales across Beauty (21 Apr), Personal Care (22 Apr), Health & Wellness (30 Apr), and Fashion (2 May).

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Before we delve into our recommended items, here are some of the key highlights and dates to take note of if you’re on the hunt for great beauty and fashion deals.

— Important Dates

21 April — Beauty Sale
22 April — Personal Care Sale
30 April — Health & Wellness Sale
2 May — Fashion Sale

— Beauty & Personal Care Deals

This is where you get to stock up on your beauty essentials. Pro tip: sign up to be a Beautyholics member to gain access to exclusive prices, or buy in bundles to maximise savings with up to 80% off personal care items.

Beautyholics Specials — exclusive prices only for Beautyholics members
Brands Relay — upsized deals for key Beauty and Personal Care brands, refreshed at 12am, 12pm, 6pm, and 10pm
- - 21 April: Laneige, Perfect Diary, SASA, and Somebymi
  - 22 April: Medicube x Aprilskin, La Roche-Posay x Vichy, Grafen, and P&G
Big Bundle Sale — buy in bundles, with up to 80% off on haircare, oral care, feminine care, and grooming

— Health & Wellness Deals

Other than flash vouchers for renowned brands, the items you can look forward to here include bird’s nest drinks, chicken’s essence and home massagers, which make perfect early Mother’s Day gifts.

Flash Vouchers — at three time slots on 30 April: 12am, 10am, and 6pm
Shopee Pharmacy collections — including, Immunity, Post Celebration Essentials, Senior Care and Sexual Wellness

— Fashion Deals

Shopee has worked with the bestselling brands on their platform to ensure up to 25% off featured products, or up to 90% off trending styles. It’s a good place to start looking for your Mother’s Day gifts too as jewellery sets, luxury bags and watches are going for under $500, which you can shop under the Mother’s Day Style Gift Guide.

Fashion Bestsellers — up to 25% off products, at a limited time only from 12am – 12pm, and 12pm – 12am! Brands include: TAKA Jewellery, Skechers, Converse and more
Trending Styles — up to 90% off, featuring brands such as Zanzea, Lovito, FILA, PUMA, The North Face, Adidas and more

— VitaminMall-exclusive Deals

All VitaminMall supplements are manufactured in GMP-certified facilities in USA, Canada and Australia, and are carefully curated by pharmacists to ensure the highest standard of purity, potency, and quality. During this event, you get to enjoy up to 70% Off + 10% off Voucher when you shop from VitaminMall’s official store on Shopee, now till 5 May.

— 5.5 Shopee Brands Festival Offline Engagement

With pandemic restrictions easing up these days, Shopee is proud to announce that they’ve got a special 5.5 Shopee Brands Festival pop-up event, happening from 29 April to 5 May. Located at L1 of Bugis Junction, head over to snag exclusive on-site deals, complete with a claw machine of capsule that contain brand voucher codes, grand giveaway items, and samples from top Shopee Mall sellers. The variety of brands include: Walch, L’Oreal, Skin Inc, IT Cosmetics, Kose, Vichy, La Roche-Posay, Logitech, Dermalogica, and more.

DEALS AVAILABLE ON SHOPEE

For the beauty-obsessed

1. Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara

$17.52 (O.P. $21.90) | available 21 april – 5 may

Promising sky-high lashes, this TikTok-famous mascara does it all. Its waterproof formula delivers limitless length and volume, while the mascara boasts a Flex Tower brush that bends and flexes with your lashes, coating every lash easily for full impact at every angle.

2. Aprilskin Mood Blurring Lip Tint

$12.49 (O.P. $27) | available throughout april

Mask on or off, you probably can’t resist a k-beauty lip tint. Wildly-popular k-beauty brand APRILSKIN has just the thing. Their latest launch is the Mood Blurring Lip Tint, which gives the smoothest, most velvety-soft and dreamiest matte lips via a liquid formula that’s lightweight and moisturising. It comes in two warm tones, two cool tones, and a neutral primer. Our pick? The Peach Breeze shade, that’s the perfect peachy-nude to warm up the complexion.

3. innisfree x Peanuts

$10 – $66 | available 21 april

Shopee will be host to this exclusive innisfree x Peanuts launch, which debuts on the shopping platform on 21 April, ahead of its islandwide release. Here, the Peanuts crew take over some of our favourite innisfree products, including the Green Tea Seed Serum and Volcanic Calming Pore Clay Mask, while Snoopy, Charlie Brown and friends are also featured on the brand’s No-Sebum line of powder makeup.

4. Aprilskin Masking Master Set

$63.90 (O.P. $119) | available throughout april

We now venture to cult-favourite skincare, of which APRILSKIN’s Calendula Peel Off Pack, a 30-min peel-off mask, is one of the brand’s bestselling items as it leaves one with a glorious glow while soothing the skin. The Masking Master Set combines it with other complementary products, including a clay mask, peeling gel, and collagen-infused eye patches, to further refine and replenish skin.

5. Vichy Normaderm Probio-BHA Serum, 30ml

$45.90 (O.P. $54) | available 20 & 21 april, 5 may

As one of the trusted skincare brand’s new launches, the Vichy Normaderm Probio-BHA Serum is meant for those concerned about post acne marks, or who wish to reduce the appearance of blemishes. A high concentration of dermatological actives, including 5% exfoliating acids (Glycolic Acid + Salicylic Acid) helps to refine skin texture, while your skin’s in safe hands since the formula includes 5% probiotic fractions as well, which work to strengthen the skin barrier.

6. Vichy LiftActiv B3 Anti-Dark Spots Serum, 30ml

$63.20 (O.P. $100.60) | available 21 april – 5 may

Then again, if you’re looking for something tried-and-tested or to stock up on an old favourite, there’s the Vichy LiftActiv B3 Anti-Dark Spots Serum. Here, a combination of 13% Niacinamide, Glycolic Acid, and a peeling actives complex provide an all-rounded solution to fight against pigmentation and dark spots, those on the surface as well as ones deep within our skin. The lightweight serum is also dermatologically tested, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, and made with no fragrance, alcohol, colorants and silicone.

For the health junkies

1. [VitaminMall] Nutra Botanics Omega 3 Wild Alaskan Salmon Fish Oil

$33.90 (O.P. $99.90) | available in may

Why fish oil? This particular supplement happens to be an excellent source of Omega-3 essential fatty acids EPA and DHA, which support heart, brain, joint and eye health. For VitaminMall’s Nutra Botanics, theirs is formulated with 100% Alaskan omega-3 fish oils from wild Alaskan salmon, as well as other cold water fishes like anchovy and sardines caught in the pristine waters of Alaska. Made in USA, the fish oil is then molecularly distilled and ultra-purified to meet strict purity guidelines, making the supplement as pure and quality-grade as can be.

2. [VitaminMall] Nutri Botanics Royal Jelly

$29.90 (O.P. $99.90) | available in may

VitaminMall’s Nutri Botanics Royal Jelly is made using the purest and most potent Royal Jelly harvested from the forests in Australia. The power ingredient is known for being the only food ingested by the queen bee in a hive, while research has also linked it to increased vitality, improved digestion, and maintaining healthy hair, skin, and nails, thanks to it being a natural source of protein, amino acids and vitamins. These premium royal jelly softgels contain a guaranteed 6% 10-HDA, the active constituent of royal jelly, that helps boost one’s immune system, and gives one energy to meet their daily needs.

3. [Julie’s Choice Official] Vitaglow C 3700

$35.90 (O.P. $100) | available 20 – 25 april

The Korean brand ensures their products are made with healthy ingredients without any synthetic chemicals, and no doubt, the Vitaglow C 3700 happens to be one of their top products. Containing a high concentration of Vitamin C and L-Glutathione, these work hand in hand to brighten and illuminate the skin, especially effective if you’re concerned about blemishes, freckles, and an uneven skin tone.

For the fashionistas

1. FILA x Pepe Shimada Tuxedo Cat Print Crossbody Bag

$103 (O.P. $128) | available 20 – 21 april

Know any cat lovers? FILA has teamed up with cat-obsessed Japanese artist Pepe Shimada for a series of crossbody bags that feature cheeky cat illustrations. In black, white, or blue, the online-exclusive bucket bag styles feature a drawstring closure and a detachable shoulder strap, so you can opt to carry it across your shoulder or off your wrist.

2. Lovito Sexy Plain Criss Cross Drawstring Boot Cut Pants

$6.50 (O.P. $11.90) | available 20 – 25 april

Popular on Shopee, the Lovito store is home to plenty of trendy, everyday fashion items, all going for wallet-friendly prices — and of course, it gets better during Shopee’s sale. This pair of pants, for instance, is a flattering cut that’s slightly flared at the hem, and comes with a drawstring detail at the waist that’s best flaunted with cropped tops.

3. Lovito Sexy Tie Dye Cowl Neck Halter Dress

$5.50 (O.P. $10.50) | available 20 – 25 april

If you’ve been looking for a way to wear tie-dye on your next date night, say no more. This Lovito halter neck dress features a tie-dye print in either pink or green, on a form-fitting number that shows off your curves and appropriate for any time of the day.

5.5 SHOPEE BRANDS FESTIVAL, happening from 21 April to 5 May.

The Most Instagram-Popular Luxury Handbags In 2022 So Far

Apr 18, 2022Apr 18, 2022

You’ve seen them on Instagram, casually worn by your favourite celebrities and style influencers, so what do this season’s top-of-mind It-bags have in common? Class, for sure, and a timeless appeal whether on the runway or off. The sleek geometry of Prada’s and Valentino’s offerings certainly impress, while it seems like we’re simultaneously obsessed with bags both oversized and small; we’re counting Chanel’s slouchy number here, and alternatively, a small-sized version of Dior’s coveted tote, as well as a Fendi clutch that doesn’t look out of place sitting on a cafe table. Ahead, our roundup of SS22’s most popular bags that you’ll surely be tempted by — scroll at your own risk.

CELINE CHAIN SHOULDER BAG CUIR TRIOMPHE

Celine’s latest shoulder bag is an extension of their Triomphe range, which dedicates prime real estate to the Triomphe logo, inspired by the chain surrounding the Arc de Triomphe in Paris that was used as a house emblem during the 1970s. While the bag’s sleek silhouette had already launched last year, the beloved piece is now updated with a gold chain, making it even more timeless alongside its modern rectangular form. Truly, day-to-night-to-day at its best. The instant classic was recently spotted on k-pop’s hall of fame, including Nana, Minju and Lisa.

From $4,100, in Mauve, Anis, Pale Grey Shiny Calfskin ; Sequins, Python, and more. Available at Celine boutiques and online.

PRADA TRIANGLE

Prada’s metal triangle logo is one we’ve seen across ready-to-wear skirts and bucket hats, and here, the Italian fashion house has taken it to new geometric proportions. The Prada Triangle is a larger-than-life leather shoulder bag that bears the same triangle shape of its logo, that comes with a woven tape shoulder strap and removable zip leather pouch for versatility. To keep things subtle and sleek, the front sees just a tonal embossed logo that mimics the bag’s silhouette, and vice versa, while an enameled metal triangle logo as relegated to the back in favour of a more minimalist vibe.

$3,200, in Black, White, Sunny Yellow, and Mango Leather. Available at Prada stores and online.

VALENTINO ONE STUD

Zendaya can do no wrong in our eyes — and if her Internet-popularity is to be believed, anything she wears or carries will hit immediate cult status. Case in point: the Valentino Garavani ONE STUD. Think of this as the Rockstud’s minimalist cousin. In both classic colours and rich jewel tones, the contemporary envelope-style bag is characterised by neat lines that lead towards a bold maxi stud detail in the middle, paired with an adjustable chain. Its hardware is also finished with an antique brass that contrasts nicely with the soft nappa leather, while the ingenious stud also functions as a magnetic closure on the shoulder bags and the clutch.

$4,360, in Gingerbread, Yellow, Ultra Green, Ivory Lambskin Nappa, and more. Available at Valentino stores and online.

FENDI FENDIGRAPHY

Depending on which way you look at it, the Fendigraphy bag could be a diminutive crescent-shaped hobo bag, or a bold statement piece stamped with an oversized ‘FENDI’ lettering in gold hardware. Both are just as valid. The soft leather bag was popular on the Spring/Summer 2022 runway, as well as on the streets after, most notably tucked under the arm, worn like a bangle on the wrist, or casually strewn on tabletops alongside a spot of high tea. Pick your vibe; either way, it’s a fun, playful take on house iconography that’s suitable for all sorts of occasions.

From $3,490 in Small and $1,690 in Nano; in Black, White, Light Blue, Pink leather, Suede, and other finishes. Available at Fendi stores and online.

LOUIS VUITTON TWIST

Squid Game actress and breakout star Jung Ho-Yeon fronts the campaign for the Louis Vuitton Twist, making it more covetable than ever. The classic design is already well-loved and established, though we appreciate the various SS22 iterations, or well, twists, by the fashion house. This season, there’s a sunrise-inspired edition, for instance, which sees fresh orange fading into a soft pink, yet still recognisable for that iconic LV Twist lock closure. Whether in Gold Miel, Noir, Blanc, or Quartz, what stands out is also the grain of the epi leather, or the accompanying accessories you can play around with, such as bi-colour chains and 3-D printed silicone shoulder straps.

From $6,150 for the Twist MM and Twist PM. Available at Louis Vuitton stores and online.

DIOR SMALL BOOK TOTE

The Dior Book Tote is an icon in itself, ever since it was first introduced by Creative Director Maria Grazia Chiuri. No doubt, there’s something about its casual tote silhouette, roomy space that holds daily essentials, and ornate embroidered detailing that has us collectively obsessed — and now, there’s a new version to obsess over. In a small version that’s a scaled-down version of the original, it sits between the Medium and Mini, making it perfect for the weekend, especially when it’s best carried as a literal handbag. Pick from the blue Toile de Jouy Reverse motif, a latte Dior Zodiac motif, or the house’s signature blue Dior Oblique. Personalisation services are also available at Dior stores and online.

USD3,500. Available at Dior stores and online.

BURBERRY LOLA

The Lola bag is a staple for the British luxury house, as you can see on campaign stars Bella Hadid, Lourdes Leon, Jourdan Dunn, and Ella Richards. There’s a Thomas Burberry Monogram clasp, sure, but everything else is done subtly, whether we’re talking about the neutral hues or soft quilted padding on the rectangular silhouette, inspired by the Burberry Check and seen in everything from raffia to Italian-tanned leather. And while we love these gorgeous neutrals that go with many an outfit in your wardrobe, this season’s new colourways include orange, sky-blue and bright lime as well, for those who’d like to switch things up.

From $3,150 in Small, and $3,550 in Medium. Available at Burberry stores and online.

CHANEL 22

We all want one of CHANEL’s quilted bags, but here’s an atypical number to consider — the CHANEL 22. The new campaign sees a series of short films starring Lily-Rose Depp, Margaret Qualley and Whitney Peak touting the fresh, slouchy style in all sorts of real-life scenarios that show off just how versatile this supple leather bag is. Paired with a short chain shoulder strap, it’s a refreshing addition to the Parisian house’s classic line-up. If you’ve ever wanted to wear CHANEL, but keep it low-key and effortless, this is it.

$7,530 in Small, and $7,850 in the classic size. Available at CHANEL boutiques; more info online.

8 Free Apps That Help Us With A More Sustainable and Eco-Conscious Lifestyle

Apr 18, 2022Apr 19, 2022

Earth Day is commemorated on 22 April this year and gives us the perfect opportunity to reflect on our roles as citizens on this planet. In addition to the physical ways we can help to protect our environment, there are also various apps available for us, to make it easier to live more responsibly — these include a rewards app that honours and encourages our green habits, as well as platforms that minimise food waste and help us upcycle old items or recyclables. Here’s a look at some apps available for download.

TOP PICKS FROM CHARLOTTE MEI

What’s better than a list of useful apps? One that features these apps, tried-and-tested-and loved by Charlotte Mei, a nutritionist and host/presenter who has a passion for sustainability. Here, she shares some of her personal favourites, and why she loves them.

1. treatsure

treatsure is an app that connects you to businesses with surplus and sustainable food that you can purchase at affordable prices, in an effort to minimise food waste as well as tackle the common issue of excess food from F&B establishments, hotel buffets, and supermarkets.

Charlotte: “ Food waste is a topic very dear to me, and treatsure is one of my favourite apps for that reason. I’ve been using it since 2019 and it’s incredible to find the type of food items you can get from it! It’s essentially an online marketplace for perfectly-edible food that would’ve otherwise been thrown out. In fact, I used to get my avocados from them on a weekly basis — they were even better than the ones I found at my usual grocery store! I shared this so passionately on Instagram that they ended up being sold out in subsequent weeks! Their buffet-in-a-box service is awesome too. It is a great way to snag a deal at your favourite hotels, all while saving food waste.”

You can download treatsure from the App Store here.
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2. susGain

Redeem points for each sustainable action and convert them into planting trees! susGain is a rewards app that lets you earn points for your green habits as well as help guide you to a more sustainable lifestyle with ways to locate food bank donation points, water refill stations, cash-for-trash stations, and over 150 eco-friendly and socially-conscious stores.

Charlotte: “Talk about gamification, susGain is great at that! It’s essentially a Maps app that serves as a directory for all things related to the environment and rewards you for your actions. I use it to search for the nearest water coolers, e-waste bins, ethical stores, cafes that accept BYOs, and more. It even gives information on events happening nearby, such as waterway clean-ups. The amount of information they have on there is incredible and it’s very up-to-date too. A must-have for me!”

You can download susGain from the App Store here.

3. OLIO

OLIO connects you with neighbours from all over the world to share, care and waste less. You won’t just have the ability to give away spare food or household items; you can also borrow from others and sell homemade food and handmade crafts.

Charlotte: “OLIO is a platform to give away or lend items (food and non-food) to people in your neighbourhood. You may even use it to request, or borrow items. It’s one of my most-visited apps, especially when I’m spring cleaning, or right after I’ve finished filming recipe videos and am left with too many ingredients that I know I won’t use up in time. I remember having given away quite a few tubs of unopened pineapple tarts over the Lunar New Year! It’s great seeing how you can save so much potential waste with this app. I’ve successfully requested and received items through the app too, so it works both ways! It also calculates your impact, which is a great way to receive feedback.”

You can download OLIO from the App Store here.
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4. Upcircle

Pick up a better way to recycle with Upcircle, where anyone can contribute old items or recyclables to creators who will reuse, recycle or upcycle them. Discover meaningful initiatives by artists, communities and businesses or become a contributor to any project, all in a bid to keep trash away from landfills.

Charlotte: “Upcircle is a locally-founded app that promotes a circular economy through upcycling. Similar to OLIO, it is a platform to give away or request items. There are a number of crafters and small business owners on the platform so things like bubble wrap, poly mailers, glass jars, and deadstock fabric are commonly requested! I can’t bear to throw out glass bottles or jars so I wash them out, remove the labels and post them on Upcircle!”

You can download Upcircle from the App Store here.

FOR REPLENISHING THE FORESTS

1. EcoMatcher

Plant trees anywhere in the world in a transparent and engaging way with EcoMatcher. The app lets you virtually travel to every tree with satellite maps that features a unique photo of the tree, its precise location, the species that co-exist with the tree, the carbon sequestration of the tree, and a picture of the farmer who is taking care of the tree. You can also listen to forest sounds, send a message to the farmer, and even chat with a chatbot-powered tree!

You can download EcoMatcher from the App Store here.
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2. Ecosia

Ecosia is an app that works as a search engine and allows you to search the web with private browning, dark mode and ad-blocking features. Unlike other search engines though, it takes the money that they make from search ads to fund climate action, with at least 80% of the proceeds going to tree-planting projects around the world. For every search that you do, you will be helping to remove 1kg of Carbon Dioxide!

You can download Ecosia from the App Store here.

FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVING

1. GreenDay: EcoFriendly Shopping

Get access to one of the largest selections of credible eco-friendly and sustainably sourced items from conscious and responsible merchants with GreenDay. The app acts as an eco-friendly lifestyle platform where you can shop from local merchants, connect with an eco-conscious communities, and learn more about sustainable living.

You can download GreenDay from the App Store here.

2. JouleBug

JouleBug is the easy way to make your everyday habits more sustainable whether you are at home or at work. It organises sustainability tips into actions that you ‘buzz’ in the app when you do them in real-life to receive points for various eco challenges. You will also be able to learn more about each tip with easy-to-understand impact stats, bonuses, how-to videos and helpful links.

You can download JouleBug from the App Store here.

Header image courtesy of Ecosia, Upcycle and JouleBug.

LEGO adds Orchids and Succulents to their popular Botanicals Collection

Apr 14, 2022Apr 14, 2022

Building LEGO and tending to your flowers and plants is possibly the best therapy we could ask for after a long day of work and dealing with the kids; which really makes the LEGO Botanical Collection one of our favourites to collect and make. And they’ve just announced two new additions to the range — a LEGO® Orchid and a LEGO® Succulents selection. Both sets are actually priced pretty affordably at $79.90 each, and will be launching on May 1st, just in time for Mother’s Day. If mom is cool, she’ll really love this instead of a cake. Check them out:

Above: LEGO® Succulents and LEGO® Orchid ($79.90 each), available from 1st may 2022.

Above: When completed, the Orchid measures over 39cm high and 30cm wide.

Above: building the lego orchid is a great way to destress.

Above: the set features six large flowers and two newly opened flowers, which can all be customised.

Above: It comes with a beautiful blue fluted vase and bark mix all made from lego elements.

Above: the Lego orchid’s design was inspired by a real orchid the lego team had in the office.

Above: the lego succulents feature nine individual succulents in their own containers.

Above: The plants and cacti can be connected together.

Above: they can also be separated and displayed individually.

Above: the Succulents measure over 13cm high, and 17cm wide.

Above: The lego botanicals collection.

The LEGO Orchid (10311) set and the LEGO Succulents set (10309) launches on May 1st at LEGO Certified Stores, LEGO Official Store on Lazada, Shopee and Amazon, as well as major retailers and department stores in Singapore, priced at $79.90 each.

This Serum-And-Booster Skincare Combo By Dr. LeWinn’s Will Do Wonders For Fine Lines And Hydration

Apr 14, 2022Apr 11, 2022

It’s time we got real about our skin. As much as we’d like to tell ourselves otherwise, once you’re past the age of 25, or if you’re in your 30s, the skincare you’ve been used to just doesn’t seem to work as well anymore. There’s constant vigilance involved, whether that’s incorporating more steps to your skincare routine, or going for an anti-ageing product that keeps saggy skin and fine lines, a reality with older skin, at bay for just a while longer.

Our recent discovery? This underrated Australian brand. Dr. LeWinn’s has the distinction of being the No.1 Australian Cosmeceutical skincare brand in Australian pharmacies, and is trusted for their powerful anti-ageing formulas, said to deliver real results no matter your life stage or concern.

Of their extensive range, two highly-praised products within the Line Smoothing Complex range deserve mention — namely, the Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Essence, a series of five potent ampoules, and the Triple-Action Defence Serum, a unique-looking serum containing millicapsules of highly-concentrated ingredients. Both these include Snap-8™, a super potent peptide consisting of 8 amino acids proven to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Ahead, we share more about these products, as well as our experience with it.

1. Line Smoothing Complex S8 Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Essence

HOW IT WORKS:

You might already be familiar with hyaluronic acid’s skincare properties, and it can, in fact, get better. The Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Essence from Dr. LeWinn’s is a potent but lightweight ampoule with highly-concentrated active ingredients — in particular, a highly-effective Hyaluronic Acid Tri-Complex that acts as a moisture magnet and “flash filler”, which penetrates the skin twice as fast compared to standard Hyaluronic Acid.

What this does is to immediately deliver a shot of hydration to the skin, leading to plumpness and visibly reduced lines and wrinkles. On top of that, it contains star ingredient 3% Munapsys, an advanced peptide that’s often considered a needle-free alternative to Botox®; as well as 3% Niacinamide, which helps with our skin’s moisture barrier and protecting it against environmental aggressors.

OUR EXPERIENCE:

To be honest, I did feel a little intimidated at first since I was afraid of disrupting my current skincare regime. The thing that assured me were the ingredients — that Hyaluronic Acid was such a familiar one that my skin was already used to, while safe to pair with my other skincare products too. Plus, knowing that this one’s formulated to be even more potent than normal? That got me intrigued.

The product comes in a sleek box of five 3ml bottles, meant to minimise air exposure and preserve the integrity of the actives, which I appreciated. I had to dispense about 5 drops into the palm of my hand, before smoothening it over my face — I was then pleasantly surprised by the lightweight texture of the ampoule, which absorbed quickly into my skin. There was some tackiness for about 30 seconds after, which then disappears, and I noticed an immediate plumpness and hydration to my skin. This plumping effect did lessen the appearance of my fine lines too. If you’re looking for a good boost of active ingredients to supplement your regime, Dr. LeWinn’s has a safe and effective option right here.

2. Line Smoothing Complex S8 Triple-Action Defence Serum

how it works:

The most interesting detail about the Triple-Action Defence Serum? Those gold, lilac and white millicapsules suspended within the serum. Like the Boosting Essence, this treatment serum delivers on high concentrations of anti-ageing active ingredients so we get the best benefits per use.

Its formula consists of three types of millicapsules: a nourishing Caviar Extract within the gold capsules, an antioxidant-rich mix of Lipochroman-6® and regenerating Black Currant Oil within the lilac capsules, and moisturising Vitamin E within the white capsules. These are contained within a gel serum loaded with the Line Smoothing Complex range’s Snap-8™ active, in order to further reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Those antioxidants we mentioned are also responsible for defending against free radicals that often lead to premature ageing.

Our Experience:

I love knowing that extra steps are taken to ensure my skincare is functioning at its best — and often, this means innovative technology and packaging that keep the active ingredients at their most effective. This Dr. LeWinn’s serum just does that, with millicapsules where the active ingredients are released only when dispensed from the clear tube. After a pump, I noticed how they come out already blended together, making it easy and intuitive to apply.

The texture is, of course, very lightweight and silky-smooth when applied, and I love how it instantly plumps my skin, making it feel soft and smooth. It feels refreshing too, and doesn’t weight the skin down at all. While it may take a longer while to see stubborn fine lines going away, I did notice that my skin, which sometimes gets dry and tight across the day, doesn’t feel so on days when I’m using the Triple-Action Defence Serum. This long-lasting hydration and firmness was most felt when combined with the Booster Essence, a combination that I’d recommend if you’re desiring more from your skincare.

Dr. LeWinn’s Line Smoothing Complex S8 Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Essence, $74.90 ; Line Smoothing Complex S8 Triple-Action Defence Serum, $74.90. Available at Watsons, Fairprice, Lazada, Shopee, and Amazon.

Review: The N°1 DE CHANEL Revitalizing Serum and Cream, feat. Eugena Bey and Charlotte Mei

Apr 13, 2022Apr 14, 2022

The N°1 DE CHANEL line is the brand’s latest breakthrough in beauty, so no wonder it’s been the talk of the town since its launch in January. The first thing you must have noticed? The colour red. It’s a deliberate choice by the house, which highlights the defining ingredient present in the skincare series: the red camellia.

As Mademoiselle Chanel’s emblematic flower, CHANEL has cultivated a special relationship with the camellia, ensuring that the precious ingredient is grown at their own open-sky laboratory in Gaujacq, located at the South-West of France, a space established in collaboration with reigning camellia expert Jean Thoby. The garden contains 2,000 camellia varieties collected worldwide, and it’s there that we find the exact variety used in the N°1 DE CHANEL — ‘The Czar’, from which CHANEL derives its red camellia flower extract.

Research has shown that the flower helps to protect skin vitality by addressing the first stages of skin ageing. The beauty line then harnesses its revitalising power, in order to prevent and correct the appearance of the five signs of ageing. With regular use of the N°1 DE CHANEL skincare ritual, you’ll notice lesser wrinkles, visibly refined pores, improved skin texture and skin comfort, as well as a glowing complexion.

It’s worth noting that the N°1 DE CHANEL takes on an eco-responsible approach to their product design as well, introducing their first refillable packaging in the form of the Revitalizing Cream. Its lid is also made with 90% bio-based materials, while other products in the range do away with paper leaflets and see their potent formulas housed in lighter, recyclable glass printed with organic ink.

With that, we just had to have a skincare session with Eugena Bey, founder of BE. Pilates, and nutritionist Charlotte Mei on the range, comparing notes on what we loved about the range, and why skincare is such a complementary part of their respective passions. Ahead, we hear from them as they share more about their go-to items from the N°1 DE CHANEL line.

Eugena Bey (@itzeugena)
Founder of BE. Pilates

Entering Eugena’s pilates studio feels like home — which is a stretch, coming from someone who doesn’t devote much time to exercise. Yet, I didn’t feel judged at all. With her radiant yet calming demeanour, the founder of BE. Pilates, a boutique pilates studio, is the kind of teacher you’ll want guiding you through your fitness routine, which she does regularly in private, intimate classes, on top of running the business.

Beyond just encouraging us to take care of our bodies, she’s all for taking time out for a skincare routine as well, a practice that helps with her mental wellness and being comfortable in her own skin.

Her Go-To Products:

The N°1 DE CHANEL Revitalizing Serum, $175; N°1 DE CHANEL Revitalizing Cream, $167.

her thoughts on the N°1 DE CHANEl range:

“I first got to try the skincare series last December, and brought it along with me on my trip to Denmark. And because I really wanted to see the effects after usage, I used the range exclusively for an entire month. I love how moisturised it kept my skin despite the freezing temperature, and my skin definitely looked more radiant.”

“As for what I like most about it, I love the scent! It’s a really subtle note that I like. I really like the packaging of the N°1 range too — the dropper for the serum gets the perfect amount of product that I need for my skin.

I like a simple, but effective skincare routine. The N°1 skincare range provides all the benefits that my skin needs in two steps. I apply the serum and cream, top it off with some sunscreen, and I’m ready to go.”

why fitness and skincare are so important to her:

“I strongly believe in taking care of ourselves. Making time to work out outside of my working hours goes beyond just physical goals — it helps me to clear my mind and gives me a better quality of life. Likewise, for skincare, I make a routine out of it because it benefits my skin, and helps me become more comfortable and confident in my own skin.”

Charlotte Mei (@thecharlottemei)
Nutritionist, Presenter

Charlotte meant business the moment she entered the room, with a red tweed jacket too, surely a power move. All intimidation, surely, melted away the moment she spoke though, sunshine smile and all. As a nutritionist who’s all about health and wellness, she’s dedicated to “bring people closer to the food they eat and build a healthy relationship with food”.

This admirable dedication of hers led to a recently-launched podcast, In A Bite, where she debunks common nutrition myths, a newsletter covering her day-to-day life, as well as her work as a presenter where she often talks about food, health, and sustainability — and here, skincare.

Her Go-To Products:

The N°1 DE CHANEL Revitalizing Serum, $175; N°1 DE CHANEL Revitalizing Cream, $167.

her thoughts on the N°1 DE CHANEl range:

“It feels like I’m giving my skin exactly what it needs. At 29, I need more than just hydration, yet I don’t necessarily need intense anti-ageing creams yet; CHANEL Nº1 gives me just that. It’s incredibly easy to use and my skin feels like it’s getting pampered throughout the day. I’ve been using it for four months now, and my skin has very quickly gotten acquainted with it.

The cream actually looks and feels thick upon contact (I mean, do you see how it looks when I swipe my finger over it!), yet it glides so easily on my skin, gets absorbed really quickly, and gives a light satin finish. I also really like the fragrance mist, which I use not only on myself, but also as a bed spray. I learnt this trick when I experienced the Nº1 facial treatment at CHANEL PRIVÉ.”

“The nerd in me also loves the technology behind it. When I first started using the range, I spent a few hours reading up about senescence (the process of skin ageing) and how the red camellia extract, the star ingredient of the Nº1 range, contains a molecule which slows down this process. I find that really fascinating. I also appreciate how CHANEL has lowered their environmental footprint through several ways in this range such as providing refillable jars and redesigning their packaging.”

on the importance of ingredients we put in our body, and our skin:

“Overall health maintenance is a holistic process and doesn’t only rely on just one thing. What we eat and drink, what we apply topically, how we speak to our inner selves, our sleep hygiene… all these have a part to play and hence require our attention.

I like a fuss-free and versatile approach when it comes to my skincare regime. You know the products work for you; they’re intuitive, easy to use, absorb into your skin effectively without too much waiting time in-between. This summarises my experience with the Nº1 range.”

N°1 DE CHANEL IS AVAILABLE at chanel fragrance & beauty ON THE CHANEL FRAGRANCE AND BEAUTY boutiques, and online at SG-ESHOP.CHANEL.COM.

CREDITS
PHOTOGRAPHED BY ADELE CHAN USING THE LEICA M10-R + APO-SUMMICRON-M 50 F/2 ASPH LENS.
HAIR & makeup BY GREG-O.

eugena, SHOT ON LOCATION AT BE.PILATES
charlotte, shot on location at FUNAN l7 urban garden.

innisfree x Peanuts Features Snoopy And Friends On The K-Beauty Brand’s Bestselling Products

Apr 13, 2022Apr 14, 2022

The Peanuts crew is set to take over our favourite innisfree products, in this latest k-beauty tie-up. Fresh from reppin’ watches and denim jackets, the famous faces of Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and their pals Lucy, Linus and Sally Brown now feature on a whole range of skincare and makeup items, whether it’s the Green Tea and Volcanic lines, or powder cushions and powders from the No-Sebum range.

The limited edition collection will be pre-launching exclusively on innisfree’s Official Store on Shopee, on 21 April, ahead of the series’ islandwide launch on 1 May. Here’s a look at all the items available:

above: GREEN TEA SEED SERUM SPECIAL SET, $39

The first of two special innisfree x Peanuts sets sees their bestselling Green Tea Seed Serum, a full-sized bottle, alongside the Green Tea Seed Skin, Green Tea Seed Cream, and the Green Tea Foam Cleanser. All of them are adorned with illustrated Peanuts characters inspired by the original comics, in a green box that bears gifts of plump and dewy skin.

above: GREEN TEA SEED SERUM & VOLCANIC CALMING PORE CLAY MASK DUO SET, $66

The other skincare set caters to those concerned about clogged pores and blackheads, as it pairs the Green Tea Seed Serum with innisfree’s popular Volcanic Calming Pore Clay Mask, which helps with reducing excess sebum and gently removing blackheads without drying out the skin. The Jeju Volcanic Pore Toner 2X and Cleansing Foam 2X round up the skin-refining set.

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If you’re looking to further enhance the appearance of your skin, look to innisfree’s No-Sebum makeup range, which helps your complexion stay fresh all day. For the Peanuts collaboration, the No-Sebum Mineral Powder, known for its finely-milled texture and natural finish, comes in five styles, each featuring a different cheery character and its own unique scent. They are: Snoopy (cotton); Charlie Brown (calming tea); Lucy (green citrus); Linus (cacao); and Sally Brown (floral).

There’s also the unique No-Sebum Powder Cushion, a lightweight cushion that offers coverage with long-lasting sebum control, and recommended if you’re like to keep your makeup smudge-proof. This one’s available in three shades, each featuring a different Peanuts character as well.

Since Shopee will have first dips on the innisfree x Peanuts launch, they’ll also be launching some exclusives as part of their Super Brand Day campaign. Only on 21 April 2022, you’ll be able to enjoy a buy-one-get-one-free deal for the Green Tea Seed Serum, Black Tea Youth Enhancing Ampoule, and Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule, while stocks last. An exclusive innisfree x Peanuts Cotton Pouch will also be made available from 12am – 2am, with a minimum spend of $40.

innisfree X Peanuts Limited Edition Collection, pre-launching exclusively on Shopee as part of innisfree’s Super Brand Day campaign on 21 April 2022.

It will then be available islandwide at all innisfree Singapore stores and the official innisfree e-Store from 1 May 2022. While stocks last.

The Casio BABY-G BGA-310 series, in 6 colours and a familiar round face that lights up in the dark

Apr 13, 2022Apr 13, 2022

Casio announces a new BABY-G line of shock-resistant watches for women — the BGA-310 series, which includes six designs in various colours suited for outdoor fashion and active women.

Above: The Casio BABY-G BGA-310 in Navy, Pale blue, Coral pink, and Cotton Beige.

Above: The Casio BABY-G BGA-310 in black and white.

The watches come in matte coral pink, cotton beige, navy, pale blue, white, and black, and feature the familiar round case that incorporates four outsized index markings that glow in the dark.

Above: a high-intensity double led light illuminates the lcd and dial.

There’s also a high-intensity double LED light that illuminates the LCD and dial so you can check the time easily in dark locations. The light turns on by pressing the easy-access light button under the 6 o’clock position, and you can choose to go hands-free with an auto-light function as well. When this function is activated, just tilt the wrist and the lights turn on.

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Three of the BGA-310C models are matched with a cloth band in eco-friendly fabric made from recycled plastic bottles, and there’s now a wider range of motion at the lug where the band connects so it’s more comfortable than ever when on the wrist.

Above: The Casio BABY-G BGA-310 in coral pink.

Above: The Casio BABY-G BGA-310 in pale blue.

Above: The Casio BABY-G BGA-310 in black.

Above: The Casio BABY-G BGA-310 in white.

The new BABY-G BGA-310 Series will be available in 4 colours: Coral pink ($179), Cotton Beige ($179), Navy ($199), and Pale blue ($199) at gshock.casio.com/sg, and in all G-SHOCK stores in April 2022. The other 2 colours, Black ($199) and White ($179) will be available in May 2022.

Sustainable Feminine Care Products to Consider During Your Next Time of the Month

Apr 13, 2022Apr 13, 2022

These days, living a sustainable life does not just apply to the food we eat or the reusable items we use. In fact, going eco-friendly can apply to your feminine care products too! As most pads and tampons are single-use products that end up in a landfill, it is good to find environmentally sustainable alternatives that not only keep you comfortable during your menstrual cycle but also help to reduce your carbon footprint.

Here’s a look at some of the sustainable feminine care products available in Singapore — whether they are good old pads and tampons, or menstrual cups and period panties.

PADS

1. blood

As the first of its kind, blood corn pads are made with 100% corn topsheet, which are not only super-thin but also ultra-gentle on your skin. The smooth and breathable corn layer helps to keep rash, irritation, and discomfort away unlike the common plastic pads that could cause chafing or scrunching. The pads feature a GushDry Anti-Leak Japanese core as well, making them super absorbent as they’re able to lock blood in quickly while keeping leaks away.

blood Corn Pads are available for purchase here from $6.45 for a 14-pad (25cm) pack.
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2. Rael Organic

Crafted with a plush organic cotton cover and a super absorbent core, Rael Organic Cotton Cover Pads are designed with Leaf Locker Technology to trap fluids and prevent overflowing. The natural ingredients and high-performance technology work together to keep you dry and comfortable during your period.

Rael Organic Cotton Cover Pads are available for purchase here from $9.90 a 14-pad (regular) pack.

MENSTRUAL CUPS

1. Freedom Cups

Freedom Cups are reusable menstrual cups made out of 100% medical-grade silicone and manufactured in the USA. The Singapore-based brand offers cups in two sizes, a Mini and Grande, where the Mini can hold up to 25ml when full, and the Grande, about 35ml; these are able to last 10 to 12 hours a day leak-free, depending on your flow. Instead of single-use pads, you now have a reusable, sanitary option that you can wash and reuse each time. Freedom Cup also matches every direct purchase by giving a cup to a woman in an underprivileged community.

Freedom Cups are available for purchase here at $33 each.
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2. Saalt

Designed to be the most comfortable menstrual cup that is also easy to use, the Saalt cups are made with soft-touch 100% medical-grade silicone. The design features a soft flex stem, and a bulb shape double seal so it’ll stay in place and feel secure. Naturally odourless, biocompatible, and chemical-free, they have a capacity of 2 to 4 times that of a regular tampon, which allows comfortable wear for up to 12 hours. Good to know — one Saalt Cup lasts for 10 years, and saves 3,000 pads and tampons from landfills.

Saalt menstrual cups are available for purchase here from $59.90 each.

TAMPONS

1. Daye

Daye’s Naked tampons is an absorbent organic tampon made entirely with organic cotton fibres that are unbleached and free from pesticides as well as dyes. Each piece is sanitised for safety to remove bacteria that cause Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) and has a protective sleeve to prevent fibre from separating and building in the vagina.

The Daye naked tampons are available for purchase here at $50 for a 36-piece pack.
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2. Natracare

Using only certified organic cotton, Natracare’s organic cotton tampons are made using ingredients grown free from toxic pesticides and are completely biodegradable and compostable. This means that in addition to doing your part for the environment, you will also be feeling at ease knowing that you’ll be kept comfortable throughout the day.

Natracare organic regular tampons are available for purchase here from $14.90 for a 20-piece pack.

PERIOD PANTIES

1. Thinx

Thinx gives us washable, reusable period underwear that looks and feels like regular underwear, but with built-in protection when you’re on your period. Every pair of Thinx is made with cotton, nylon, elastane, and their signature technology of a moisture-wicking top layer, odour-controlling treatment, super-absorbent core layer that can absorb up to 5 regular tampons’ worth, and leak resistance. These help you feel fresh all day, without worry or hassle.

The Thinx period underwear is available for purchase here from $42.45.
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2. Uniqlo

Uniqlo’s AIRism Absorbent Sanitary Shorts features a three-layer construction that comprises a quick-drying and odour control layer, an absorbent layer that is able to hold up to 30-40ml of liquid, and a water-resistant layer made of laminated water-repellent fabric — all to provide you with a peace of mind while you go about your day.

The Uniqlo AIRism Absorbent Sanitary Shorts is available for purchase here at $29.90.

All images courtesy of Rael Organic, Freedom Cups, Saalt, Daye, Natracare, Thinx, and Uniqlo.

The Lacoste x Minecraft Collection Features A Pixelated Crocodile Logo

Apr 12, 2022Apr 12, 2022

First it was Animal Crossing, Fortnite and Overwatch, and now Minecraft. The fashion world just can’t enough of virtual games it seems, the more 80s-inspired, the better, which is the case for this legendary collaboration. Lacoste has teamed up with Minecraft for what you can call a co-op, or a 35-piece collection featuring the expansive block-like environment of the sandbox game.

Launched earlier in Paris in March this year, the Spring/Summer 2022 collection debuts in Singapore on 15 March. As you can see from the vibrant campaign images, Lacoste has gone the extra mile to include actual gamers and enthusiasts to front the series, particularly those who embody the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play. They are: Mari Takeshi, Shelby Grace, music artist Broky Brawk and gaming video creator Scott Major.

For the collection itself, we’re encouraged to “play”, and mix and match pieces across unisex, men’s and women’s tops, bottoms, sportswear and accessories, that take you from behind the computer screen to an outdoor court. Iconic Minecraft details of pixelated graphics can be seen on caps, a set of cotton joggers, on sports bras and fleece hoodies alike.

While plenty of these are monochrome street style-inspired silhouettes, we also see more colourful Lacoste tennis classics of printed polos and t-shirts with a unique twist — a pixelated crocodile logo, the main mascot of Lacoste, redesigned by the Minecraft Creative Studio.

To celebrate the launch, campaign ambassador Scott Major has also created an actual “Croco Island Map” within the game, featuring landscapes such as a city, forest, beach, and a highly-necessary tennis court, as well as a giant croc that overlooks the entire new world. It is free to access by players from all around the world.

See the full collection here:

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LACTOSE X MINECRAFT collection, from $59. Available from 15 April 2022 at all Lacoste stores.

The L’OCCITANE x Hello Kitty Collection: The Bestselling Almond Shower Oil, Shea Butter Hand Creams, & More

Apr 12, 2022Apr 12, 2022

Your favourite body care and hand care products, made from the best ingredients of Provence, will soon feature the world’s most famous cat — Hello Kitty, of course. The Sanrio character now reps L’OCCITANE‘s bestselling products, in a limited edition collection that’s exclusive to the ASEAN region, launching 15 April.

The bottles and jars of the Almond Shower Oil and Almond Milk Concentrate, as well as tubes of the Shea Butter Hand Cream see classic versions of the beloved Hello Kitty featured front and centre. Of these, the Almond Shower Oil, as always, is the star of the series, known for the mesmerising way it melts into a soft, silky milk texture upon contact with water.

For the luxurious hand creams, made from 20% organic Shea Butter, these see three different, collectible designs — in pink, blue, and purple — that make great gifts for your Hello Kitty-obsessed friends. An eco tote bag is also available with a min. spend of $300 at L’OCCITANE stores.

See the full collection here:

above: Almond Shower Oil (500ml), $62.

above: Almond Milk Concentrate (200ml), $89.

above: Shea Butter Hand Cream (30ml) — classic scent, available in 3 different designs. $16 each.

above: eco tote bag — available as a gift-with-purchase, and complimentary with $300 spend, with min. 1 hello kitty collection purchase. from 15 april – 15 may 2022, while stocks last.

The L’OCCITANE x Hello Kitty Limited Edition Collection, available from 15 April 2022 at L’OCCITANE boutiques and on sg.loccitane.com.