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The Latest Dior Addict Lipstick Has A New Shiny Formula And 4 Couture-Inspired Cases

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With the good news that mask-wearing is now optional — in outdoor settings at least — there’s no better time to flaunt bright red on your lips again, especially with 2022’s version of the iconic Dior Addict lipstick.

A signature of Dior’s beauty atelier, the lipstick has been redesigned for exceptional shine, while containing 90% natural-origin ingredients and floral lip care, similar to other new lipsticks from the brand. On top of that, it’s also refillable, to be used with an exciting line-up of catwalk-inspired cases — including a Pink Cannage design that takes after a key motif of Dior’s leather bags.

This fusion of makeup and skincare has been important for Dior Beauty, and they’ve achieved this while delivering on excellent colour too. Here, you’ll find 40 stunning shades, including the new brick-red Dior 8, touted as the next up-and-coming colour of the season.

The latest Dior Addict line was developed under the guidance of Peter Philips, Creative and Image Director for Dior Makeup, who’s proud that they’ve come up with “a strong range of shades in an exquisite formula”. A breakthrough formula, one that underwent 200 trials and two years of effort, delivers on 24-hour hydration, 6 hours of wear, and a lacquer-effect shine that’s “mirror-like” in its appearance.

Above: Jisoo, featured in the Dior Addict campaign.

Within the formula, Dior turns to Jasmine, Christine Dior’s favourite flower, via a jasmine wax that deeply nourishes the lips; other plant-based oils help to distribute the pigments evenly so we can get a neat, highly-pigmented layer of colour in one sweep.

Key shades to look out for include Dior 8, a flattering brick-red that enhances your natural lip tone, named after the lucky number of the House and Dior Couture. 100 Nude Look is also prized for its classic beige shade; 720 Icône is a delightful rosewood; while 525 Chérie is a luminous rose that makes your skin glow, named after the women of 30 Avenue Montaigne.

The 4 key shades — Dior 8, 100 Nude Look, 720 Icône, 525 Chérie.
The Dior Addict with the Indigo Denim case.

For the lipstick cases, this is a concept they’ve explored with the Rouge Dior, where we’re free to pick and switch out our lipstick colours for the day, week, or month. What’s particularly exquisite here though are the Couture Cases — four in total, designed just like fashion accessories.

[click on the images below to expand.]
The Dior Addict with the Metallic Silver case.
The Dior Addict with the Metallic Silver case.
The Dior Addict with the Pink Cannage case.
The Dior Addict with the Pink Cannage case.
Jisoo, featured in the Dior Addict campaign.
Jisoo, featured in the Dior Addict campaign.
Anna Taylor-Joy, featured in the Dior Addict campaign.
Anna Taylor-Joy, featured in the Dior Addict campaign.
Sharon Alexie, featured in the Dior Addict campaign.
Sharon Alexie, featured in the Dior Addict campaign.

The most contemporary one sees the Dior Addict in a lacquered case with a black vinyl effect and a Dior oblique logo on the edge, meant to complement the shiny lip formula. Then, there’s a Metallic Silver that gives off futuristic mirror-like reflections, and a casual Indigo Denim, that has the textured effect of raw denim on the outside of the case.

Perhaps the most exquisite of them all though, is the Pink Cannage, meant to be a tribute to the leatherwork of the House. It features a pink vinyl-effect case topstitched with the iconic cannage motif we usually see across Dior’s range of leather bags.

 

The new Dior Addict lipstick, $58, in 35 shades. The three Couture Cases (Metallic Silver, Indigo Denim, Pink Cannage) are priced at $43, while the lipstick refills are priced at $47.

Available from 28 March on the Dior Beauty Online Boutique, and at all Dior Beauty boutiques and counters from 1 April.

 

Aesop Collaborates With Rick Owens For Minimalist Scented Candles And A Travel Kit

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Though it certainly looks like it, the latest Aesop x Rick Owens collaboration is more than a #mood — even as we’re admiring the mysterious allure seen across these smokey, monochromatic campaign images. Thing is, the celebrated fashion designer has long admired the Australian brand’s approach to design; and vice versa, it seems. Hence, a beauty series dedicated to their combined ideals of serenity, a considered approach, and an appreciation of non-conformist design.

The limited-edition collection sees the Aromatique Candle, available in three sizes, a Travel Kit of curated beauty products wrapped in jersey, and a specially-created Stoic Eau de Toilette fragrance with accompanying ceramic beads. For Owens, he’s been a long-time fan of the brand, and has been using Aesop’s body care products exclusively for years.

“I am not sure if it was my body responding positively to the alchemy of the unguents they produce or my head responding to the quiet and gentle aesthetics of their ethos as a company, but Aesop’s balms represented a soothing mood that I wanted to continue seamlessly throughout my home life and my travel life,” he notes.

His sentiments culminate in the Aesop and Rick Owens Travel Kit, which consist of Owens’ favourite formulations: the Coriander Seed Body Cleanser, Resolute Hydrating Body Balm, Classic Shampoo and Classic Conditioner, along with the Stoic Eau de Toilette oil, developed with perfumer Barnabé Fillion. The scent takes on spicy aromas of black pepper and coriander seed, and a base of frankincense and woody notes usually associated with Aesop’s fragrances.

On top of that, the kit is lovingly caressed by a jersey wrap crafted from certified organic cotton, which can then be repurposed as a chic wrist wrap or bandana. A co-branded dual grosgrain strip, a signature of Owen’s fashion pieces, can also be found here.

For the Stoic Aromatique Candles, these take after Owens’ own furniture collection, paying attention to his love for contrasting futuristic and ancient elements. Here, the ceramic vessels come inspired by the sculptures of Constantin Brancusi and Dadaist Hans Arp, that when lit, create a calming dance of light and shadow on the walls. These scented candles also give off the feel of “benevolent strength”, most notably via black pepper, earthy vetiver, and a warm and woody base. Appealing most to those who love the minimalist mindset, this is as considered a collection as it can get.

above: Aesop and Rick Owens Travel Kit, $250.

above: Aesop and Rick Owens STOIC AROMATIQUE CANDLES, $60 for 65g, $135 for 240g, $300 for 620g.

 

The limited-edition Aesop x Rick Owens collection is available at aesop.com and Aesop Ngee Ann City.

5 Sakura-Themed Beauty Products That Usher In Cherry Blossom Season

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It’s officially Spring in the Northern Hemisphere — since 20 March, Sunday, actually — so we’re more than happy to present this beautiful line-up of Spring beauty goodies, all sakura-themed of course. Even if we can’t all head over to Japan to witness the soft pink blooms for ourselves, there’s at least a bunch of makeup and skincare items to look forward to, appropriately decorated with cherry blossom motifs to usher in hanami season. Here are a couple of our favourites.

1. M.A.C Wild Cherry Collection 

Instead of pretty pink pastels, M.A.C imbues fresh punk vibes into their cherry blossom-themed collection, packed with wild pinks, magentas and peaches for the lips and face. The packaging sees a bold, slightly-fluorescent take on pink running across images of delicate blooms, there’s a cherry blossom-embossed Extra Dimension Skinfinish in Petallic Metallic and new shades of the Love Me Lipstick, while their cult-favourite setting spray arrives with a refreshing cherry blossom scent.

$36 – $63, available at M∙A∙C counters island wide and through M∙A∙C’s Home Concierge service.

2. Shiseido White Lucent Illuminating Micro-Spot Serum Sakura Edition

Shiseido’s celebrated brightening serum gets a limited-edition sakura design, though those familiar with the White Lucent range will appreciate its promise of even, luminous skin. This serum aims to reduce the appearance of dark spots, dullness and uneven skin tone in just a week of use, and is powered by a 3x more concentrated 4MSK and SAKURA-Bright Complex for that spot-targeting, brightening effect.

$213, available at Shiseido stores and counters, including at Metro. 

3. Bobbi Brown Glow & Blossom Collection 

Comprising of two makeup items and their Soothing Cleansing Oil, Bobbi Brown’s Spring collection features pink floral illustrations inspired by cherry blossoms across a sophisticated dark background. Other than a glorious eyeshadow palette of matte, metallic, and shimmer finishes, the Extra Lip Tint is worthy of mention, in sheer rosy hues that contain a blend of six natural oils, so our lips get both the hydration and flush of fresh colour.

$52 – $79, available at Bobbi Brown counters and Sephora. 

4. Laneige Water Sleeping Mask_Ex Cherry Blossom

We will never get enough of Laneige‘s cult-favourite Water Sleeping Mask, and just as well too since they’ve come up with a Cherry Blossom version, decked in sakura-pink. The overnight gel mask has been recently improved with micro-biome technology and an enhanced probiotics complex, so it not only deeply hydrates skin, but also helps strengthen our skin barrier. Infused with squalene and with a comforting sleepscent too, it provides intensive overnight care to our skin so we can wake up with a soft, bouncy complexion.

$45, available at Laneige stores and counters, and Sephora. 

5. Fresh Floral Recovery Calming Mask 

While Fresh’s new mask isn’t pink or particularly sakura-themed, we saw that its calming effects are brought to us via a powerful blend of floral extracts that includes — you guessed it — cherry blossom. The Floral Recovery Calming Mask is perfect for those with sensitive or sensitised skin, which may manifest via visible redness, uneven texture and breakouts, or tingling, tight sensations; these may be triggered via environmental factors or diet and stress. Fresh’s overnight mask can be used daily, and helps calm all the above with a formula that includes passionflower, cornflower, cherry blossom, and peony extracts. Vitamin C and Squalene also ensure bright, calm, and smooth skin.

$105, available at Fresh boutiques and counters, and Sephora. 

Worthy Mentions — shu uemura POREfinist2 Sakura Refreshing Cleansing Oil, & the L’Occitane Cherry Blossom Bath & Shower Gel

These two beauty products aren’t limited-edition, but they’re definitely well-loved. shu uemura’s POREfinist2 Sakura Refreshing Cleansing Oil (from $50) is known for tackling stubborn makeup, impurities and pore concerns, via an antioxidant-rich Japanese Sakura duo complex, which further helps with excessive sebum and blackheads. As for L’Occitane’s year-round Cherry Blossom series, the Bath & Shower Gel ($34) is a popular pick for its mesmerising scent, enhanced with a cherry extract from the Luberon region of Provence, as well as the generous, luxurious lather it creates on the skin. 

 

 

Levi’s® Fresh Is A Sustainable, Pastel-Hued Collection Inspired By Fresh Produce

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It doesn’t get fresher than this. The new Levi’s® Fresh collection gives us a glimpse of just how fun denim can get, with jackets, jeans, and sweats decked out in glorious colour, inspired by fresh produce. More than that, expect a modern twist — the spectrum of pastel hues you see here are achieved using natural dyes derived from natural sources such as plants and botanicals. Fresh ‘fits that are refreshingly sustainable? You don’t say.

What’s interesting to note is that this fresh produce-inspired collection is pulled from Levi’s®’s 70s archives, though now with new dyeing methods that enable the pieces to be made more sustainably. The peach, lavender, pink and yellow tones come from one of three sources: plants such as madder root extract and natural indigo; agricultural by-products, like food waste; and minerals including clays, carbonates, and natural oxides.

In fact, all dyes in the collection feature a minimum of 50 percent plant or mineral content. An innovative dye process then ensures crisp and fast colour, ensuring vibrant or icy shades rather than the more earth-toned palette natural-based dyes usually give off.

To further their sustainable approach, the Levi’s® Fresh line also uses multiple water-saving dye techniques, such as reverse osmosis to recycle water at fabric mills, or ensuring the use of recycled water and energy-efficient equipment.

The result’s a delightfully youthful series of garments for all ages, featuring the 551Z Straight Crop jean and a Type II Trucker in all four signature colours; 501® Original jeans and shorts are available too.

You’re free to wear them in head-to-toe monochrome, or pair them with other items in the collection, consisting of Red Tab Vintage Tees, a denim overall dress, sweatshirt and sweatshorts, and even cotton twill bucket hats.

For a little extra detail, look out for special tabs that feature various fruits and vegetables, a take on the carrot tabs introduced in the original 1970s series.

 

The Levi’s® Fresh collection, $49.90 – $199.90. Available at Levi’s®stores and online at levi.com.sg.

 

SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense Serum — The 2-Week Wonder Solution for Stubborn Dark Spots

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Do you have persistent dark spots on your face that just refuse to go away or seem to get worse over time? For most of us, we do; either in the form of past blemish marks, sun spots (also known as age spots), or just general skin discolouration. It’s not a big deal to live with this pigmentation, but wouldn’t it be nicer to lighten them or better yet, remove them altogether? Since I hit 40, sun spots became more prominent on my cheekbones, and the only way I could get rid of them was to laser them off at the clinic. It’s not a painless procedure, nor was it cheap (it’s a few hundred each session), and there’s around one week of downtime. Personally, the downtime wasn’t the issue; it’s the cost of the procedure, and for many people, it’s the idea of taking a laser to the face. This is where topical serums come in.

One of the proven serums for pigmentation is the Discoloration Defense Multi-Phase Serum from SkinCeuticals; this one addresses dark spots (and stubborn ones too!), uneven skin tone, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (such as blemish marks). This is what the bottle looks like:

Above: Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense Multi-Phase Serum, $168

For me, when it comes to skincare, I always believe in the science behind the formulation. In this serum, the key ingredients aren’t just effective, but are optimised in their concentrations, and an optimised cocktail works in synergy to perform what it’s set out to do; in this case — even skin tone and reduce the appearance of discolouration in as early as two weeks. In this serum, the key ingredients include:

  • 3% Tranexamic Acid (TXA) — this controls the release of inflammatory mediators, which is the first step of dark spots forming. This ingredient is relatively new in the skincare industry and a game-changer as new studies showed that topical formulations with tranexamic acid have a documented effect on hyperpigmentation. By targeting and deactivating inflammatory mediators — which is the first step of the hyperpigmentation pathway — tranexamic acid can help prevent and correct hyperpigmentation, including difficult-to-treat forms such as melasma.
  • 1% Kojic Acid — this suppresses the production of melanin.
  • 5% Niacinamide — this one blocks the transfer of melanin. So even if melanin is produced in the deeper layers of skin, Niacinamide will stop it from surfacing.
  • 5% HEPES — this exfoliates the skin and promotes cell turnover.

Each of these target a different step of the formation of pigmentation, so collectively, they will correct and prevent pigments from reoccurring. It’s recommended to use this serum twice a day for 12 weeks to see very visible results; skin will get brighter and more importantly, even out, so there’s less discolouration and patchiness.

Here are the clinical results provided by SkinCeuticals after 12 weeks of use.

*These are a 12-week, single-centre, clinical study conducted on 50 females, aged between 25 to 60, with mild to moderate facial pigmentation, including melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and hyperpigmentation. Discoloration Defense was applied to the face twice a day in conjunction with sunscreen. Efficacy and tolerability evaluations were conducted at baseline and at weeks 2, 4, 8, and 12.

Above: an example of improved appearance of Discolouration after 12 weeks of usage.

Above: an example of Post-Blemish marks reduced after using the serum for 12 weeks.

Clinical trials after 12 weeks use of Discoloration Defense also show:
— 59% improvement in skin discoloration
— 81% improvement for post-blemish marks
— 60% improvement for the appearance of Melasma (brown patches)

But even in as quick as two weeks, if you consistently use the product, you’ll see an improvement in your complexion. You’ll notice dark spots start to lighten and new ones not forming.

Above: Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense Multi-Phase Serum, $168

If you have a multi-step skincare regime, it’s easy to incorporate this serum into it; in the morning, apply it after other serums and follow it with moisturiser and sunscreen. In the evening, use it along with your other serums in order of product texture — go from lighter to richer textures, then top off with your usual moisturiser.

Above: it’s a dropper style applicator. Just use 3-5 drops each time and apply it to the entire face and neck. the texture is light and not oily at all. It spreads easily over skin and absorbs easily, leaving behind a comfortable feel.

If you’re looking for complementary skincare to really get the best results out of this serum, do check out SkinCeuticals’ H.A. Intensifier; I’ve previously reviewed it and after two weeks of day and night usage, the skin on my forehead was smoother and the fine lines reduced. You can see the results here:

Editor’s Review: 2 weeks of SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier gave me visible, impressive results

SkinCeuticals is also most known for their C E Ferulic Antioxidant Treatment (it’s for fine lines, wrinkles, firmness and brightening), and those familiar with the product know that it’s been shamelessly knocked off by many other famous beauty brands, which also means that it’s a winning product in itself.

Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense, $168 (30ml). Available at TANGS at Tang Plaza, BHG Bugis, and SkinCeuticals flagship store on Lazada.

 

 

New Balance’s CT302 Is A Retro-Minimalist Court Sneaker, Seen On Korean Singer IU

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With IU fronting the latest New Balance campaign, you bet there’s plenty to admire here. The popular Korean singer-songwriter and actress is most recently seen sporting the CT302, the sportswear brand’s latest court silhouette, in a minimalist cloud colour and a form inspired by classic tennis shoes from the 70s.

The retro-style shoes are, however, exceedingly modern in their approach. Its design is both archival, paying homage to the brand’s heritage and expertise in court silhouettes, while also refreshingly minimalist, ensuring that the sneakers can be paired with all sorts of outfits, in and out of the court.

In fact, the campaign series sees IU just as comfortable in a matching pair of athleisure sweats, as she is rocking a casual, neutral-toned blazer and pants look; the elevated platform style is also conveniently flattering for her frame.

For the full details on the CT302’s versatile silhouette, note that it features an oversized N logo, as well as colour tones from New Balance’s contemporary Shifted category, which consists of lifestyle shoe styles such as the 327 and 57/40.

The midsole is further updated with a trendy higher platform compared to past court models, alongside other design elements including a larger back tab, rounded edges, a larger-scale outsole, and an asymmetrical tip with a higher medial side. Materials-wise, there’s a mix of suede and rubber on the shoe tip, with leather and synthetic leather kept throughout the rest of the look for maximum freshness.

Much like classic tennis shoes, the first launch of the New Balance CT302 comes in a white and muted light blue colourway — with subsequent variations launching further down the road.

Here are more campaign photos we can be inspired by.

[click on the images below to expand.]

 

The New Balance CT302, $139. available at the New Balance ONLINE STORE, Paragon, Jewel Changi, Bugis, Limited Edt and Leftfoot, with additional releases throughout 2022.

 

Kids are gonna love this: H&M is launching a colourful line in collaboration with artist, Liunic and it looks like so much fun

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Take just one look at this collection and it’s hard not to smile; Jakarta-based artist Martcellia Liunic sees her whimsical illustrations on children’s clothing, trainers and accessories from H&M. These doodles include creatures, plants, flowers and shapes, and in energetic colours and bold prints.

The pieces are also made using print techniques that have a lower environmental impact, such as digital printing, which consumes less water, less energy and less chemicals than traditional printing. Each piece is crafted from at least 50% sustainably sourced materials, while some of the trainers in the collection are made with Bananatex ®, an innovative fabric made purely from banana plants. Check everything out below.

Available from 17 March, the Liunic x H&M designs will be in selected stores as well as on HM.COM.

 

 

Dyson has an all-new Airwrap with new attachment heads that are faster and more effective than ever before

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Most hair styling tools offer a one style and size fits all approach, Dyson wants to approach this differently, considering that everyone’s hair is unique. The idea is to help owners of all hair types access the right tool for themselves. And with that in mind, they introduce the new Dyson Airwrap multi-styler. This is Dyson’s first re-engineered tool with an enhanced Coanda effect. It’s a fully-customisable styling tool that’s completely redesigned by Dyson, and is made to be faster, without the need for extreme heat.

Above: The colours of the new Dyson AirWrap multi-styler.

The entire set is upgraded from the original and best-selling Dyson Airwrap, and this begins with new attachment heads, including an all-new dual-purpose Coanda smoothing dryer. The head can be “twisted” two ways, to perform two different functions; one as a standard hair dryer to remove excessive water, and another as a “smoother” to smooth down hair and flyaways. The “dry mode” is a “high heat, high blow” mode; while the “smoothing mode” directs the air flow based on how you press it on the head. The hair goes through the attachment and doesn’t change or remove any “C-shape” created (if you’ve created one). This attachment is by far my favourite of the lot and really works; it blows hair dry and smooth, and actually does a really quick job of it.

Above: example of how the coanda airflow works.

Next, there’s a new directional change barrel that changes the direction of airflow without the need to remove and swop out barrels. Everyone who uses the barrels to curl hair will love and appreciate this new design; it’s convenient and intuitive to use — just twist the “cool tip” to change the direction of airflow.

You’ll love that most of these new attachments come equipped with this new “cool tip”, which is exactly what its name implies; it’s the tip at the head of the attachment that doesn’t feel hot to the touch after using it with the device. This means it’s safer and much more comfortable to handle.

There are also two flat brushes that are now less restrictive; they allow more air to flow through, so hair dries faster and the style is set more effectively. The brush is also quieter than its predecessor, and great for creating that “C-shape” style that’s popular with girls with long hair. When you start curling the hair, make sure the hair is 80% damp so the style created by the attachment really holds. And if you want to even undo your waves, you can use the included Round Brush.

above: All the available attachments of the Dyson airwrap multi-styler.

If you have an existing Airwrap, you can just buy the new attachments to upgrade your kit.

Here’s a tip for preparing your hair to get styled: use a good shampoo to really clean the hair so you can get the volume and fullness you need. Then choose a conditioner that isn’t too rich so it won’t weigh the hair down. And just before styling hair, spritz on some water so the hair is damp; this will ensure the style you want is created and will hold. And like all nicely styled hair, finish it with hair spray so it’ll last.

 

The new Dyson Airwrap multi-styler is available from 17 March 2022, priced at $849. New attachments are fully compatible with existing machines and owners can upgrade their full set with the trade-up kit, with pricing and availability to be announced soon.
visit DYSON DEMO STORES or WWW.DYSON.COM.SG for more.

 

First look at the new iPad Air with M1 Chip — it’s unbelievably fast

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Last week, Apple announced a whole slew of new products including the new generation iPad Air. The iPad Air was always marketed at the consumer who wants portability in size (it’s really thin) and weight (it’s light), coupled with performance and versatility; and with this 2022 5th generation version, its specs are bumped up significantly.

Above: The new ipad air (image courtesy apple).

The main upgrade is with the inclusion of the M1 chip that’s already in the iPad Pro, and it makes the iPad Air extremely fast and powerful. In first tests by us, just starting up and swiping through apps is speedy; transitions feel smooth with hardly any lag time. Running more processor heavy applications like 3D modeling apps and those that use augmented reality features will feel smoother and have a better response time. I tried the magicplan app on the new iPad Air and it worked well; responding to both finger and Apple Pencil gestures quickly.

This year’s iPad Air also adopts the same all-screen design as the last model (the 4th generation), which has more squarish corners that follow the industrial styling first seen in the iPhone 4, and then again in the iPhone 12 and 13. In the current iPad lineup, this shape is across all iPad models with the exception of the iPad that is rounder at the edges. I’m a big fan of this squarish design; it feels better in the hands and looks more pleasing to the eye.

Above: the ipad family includes (from left to right) the ipad pro, ipad air, ipad and ipad mini (image courtesy apple).

The iPad Air comes in five colours: Space Grey, Pink, Purple, Starlight, and a new Blue. I’m testing out the Starlight shade, which is almost like a silver, but with a hint of a champagne colour. It’s a truly gorgeous tablet that looks even better with the Magic Keyboard (in White — to match the Starlight shade, of course).

Above: The five shades of the ipad air (image courtesy apple).

Here’s a first look at the new iPad Air in Starlight:

Above: it’s a 10.9″ Liquid Retina display that’s an all-screen design (same as the previous 4th generation).

Above: The back features a 12MP wide camera for capturing high resolution photos and 4k videos.

Above: close-up of the back camera.

Above: It’s very thin and light, and has the smart connector (to use with the smart folio or Magic Keyboard).

Above: the ipad air shares the same magic keyboard as the ipad pro 11″.

Above: the front of the magic keyboard is plain and sleek. I love it.

Above: The ipad air connects easily to the magic keyboard and feels secure.

Above: The magic keyboard is a joy to type on; i actually prefer these keys to the keyboard on the macbook pro. this one has a nice and low profile, and feels comfortable to use.

Above: The ipad air “floats” above the keyboard and you can tilt it to set the perfect angle to type or watch movies.

Above: the ipad air is compatible with the 2nd generation APPLE PENCIL, which snaps magnetically to the top of the device to both charge and sync it.

Above: if you get an ipad air (or any ipad at all), the apple pencil is really an essential accessory; it’s the perfect tool for drawing and marking up with.

Just like any Apple product, the iPad Air is also committed to keeping its environmental impact as low as possible. So many parts of it are made from recycled material. It’s important and good to know:

Above: ipad air recycled material chart (image courtesy apple).
The iPad Air is priced from $879 and available for order now on APPLE.COM. it will ship from 18 march 2022.

 

 

Why Is Purple Blush Trending, And How Do You Wear It?

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You read that right, purple blush is having a major moment. We’re currently in love with the cool-toned hue, no thanks to, well, TikTok. While pinks, peaches and corals are the most common (read: basic) shades to create a natural flush on your cheeks, the most popular beauty content creators on the social media platform are touting purple blush, which is shown to be surprisingly flattering with blended into the skin.

While the colour might sound intimidating at first, bright mauve and plum tones look especially lovely on medium and darker skin tones, giving off a natural, brightening effect. The final look is often romantic, but just different enough to catch the eye.

Just look at how Rachel Rigler raves about Nudestix’s cream blush, or how Darcei pulls off an atypical shade of Fenty Beauty’s Cheeks Out blush:

@rachelrigler

thoughts on purple blush?? 💜🤔 #blush #makeup #beauty #purpleblush

♬ original sound – Rachel Rigler

@missdarcei

Reply to @big_bewbz A purple blush?? @Fenty Beauty Drama Cla$$ #makeup #makeupreview #blush #viral

♬ original sound – Darcei

Now that you’re interested — and fully invested — in trying out the trend for yourself, here are some tips to get you going, including how to pick the right shade of purple to flatter your skin tone.

choosing THE RIGHT PURPLE FOR YOUR SKIN TONE

The great thing about purple is that everyone can rock the hue — though there are specific tones that flatter certain skin tones more. Generally, purple is ultra-flattering on warm-hued medium and dark skin tones, as purple is a cool shade that corrects warm undertones such as yellows and reds. If you’re used to colour-correcting concealers and primers, you’ll also notice that purple tends to brighten up dull skin tones as well.

Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle in Drama Cla$$.

Here’s a general guideline to start, depending on your skin tone:

  • Light to fair skin: Go for pale purple and pastel tones, especially those with hints of pink or lavender for a pop of welcome colour on the cheeks. Try: Clinique Cheek Pop in Pansy Pop.
  • Medium to tan skin: To enhance your natural skin tone, reach for mauve or violet shades that best flatter yellow undertones. Try: Glossier Cloud Paint in Haze; Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Blush in Drama Cla$$.
  • Dark skin: Don’t be afraid to go bold with plum or berry purples, which work best for people with medium and deeper skin tones. Try: Nudestix Nudies Matte All Over Face Color Blush & Bronze in Moodie Blu; Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in Faith.
Nudestix Nudies Matte All Over Face Color Blush & Bronze in Moodie Blu.
how to wear purple blush

We love a tone-on-tone makeup look, similar to the one that the Nudestix model has going on, so that would absolutely be our top recommendation. To achieve a similar style, apply purple blush on your eyelids, top of the cheekbones, and lips; a buildable product is preferred here to really make your cheekbones pop. Nail this, and you’ll get a retro vibe as well as sculpted cheeks, thanks to the higher placement of your blush.

Then, there’s the trusty method of applying it right onto the apples of your cheeks, which works especially well if you’re gotten your hue-to-skin tone ratio right. Blend it out, and you’ll be looking at a soft, romantic flushed look, a classic really.

Glossier Cloud Paint in Haze.

If you still feel a little intimidated by the bold colour though, you may always start with a small amount of blush and continue to build on it, a method that best works with a powder blush and fluffy brush to buff the product out. That said, cream or liquid blushes, especially when applied with just your fingers, do create a most natural look with subtle glow.

Here’s our recommended list of purple blushes:

[click on the images below to expand.]
Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Blush in Drama Cla$$, $36
Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Blush in Drama Cla$$, $36
Nudestix Nudies Matte All Over Face Color Blush & Bronze in Moodie Blu, $50
Nudestix Nudies Matte All Over Face Color Blush & Bronze in Moodie Blu, $50
Clinique Cheek Pop in Pansy Pop, $40
Clinique Cheek Pop in Pansy Pop, $40
Glossier Cloud Paint in Haze, USD18
Glossier Cloud Paint in Haze, USD18
Shiseido Innerglow Cheekpowder in Berry Dawn, $56
Shiseido Innerglow Cheekpowder in Berry Dawn, $56
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in Faith, $33
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in Faith, $33
  • Nudestix Nudies Matte All Over Face Color Blush & Bronze in Moodie Blu, $50
  • Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Blush in Drama Cla$$, $36
  • Clinique Cheek Pop in Pansy Pop, $40
  • Glossier Cloud Paint in Haze, USD18
  • Shiseido Innerglow Cheekpowder in Berry Dawn, $56
  • Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in Faith, $33

 

The New Harry Potter x CASETiFY Collection, feat. Tom Felton Repping A Slytherin-Style Phone Case

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As if cookware and gaming chairs aren’t enough, we’ve got even more news Potterheads would get excited about — a collaboration between tech accessories brand CASETiFY and the beloved Wizarding World, announced today.

The new Harry Potter x CASETiFY collection features all the phone cases and accessories you’d want to accio to your side at once, from Leather Cases that represent the four houses of Hogwarts, to those inspired by key motifs in the books and movies, everything from the Marauder’s Map to the Mirror of Erised. The collection launches 31 March on casetify.com.

And in case these aren’t magical enough on their own, CASETiFY has also gotten actor Tom Felton, who plays the delightful, ever-sneering Draco Malfoy in the films, to star in the campaign images. He’s seen holding a Slytherin-style phone case that Salazar would be proud to show off, a metallic green model that recalls the epic battle with the Basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets, which boasts CASETiFY’s Reflective-Plate Material technology.

This collaboration also introduces CASETiFY’s first Lenticular Case — seen on the Marauder’s Map model — that mimics the magical “moving photos” phenomenon dearly-loved in the series. When tilted from side to side, the new Lenticular Case will reveal the Marauder’s Map to its owner, should you need to manage some mischief.

Other designs feature Harry’s first broomstick, the Nimbus 2000, as well as symbols that include Harry’s glasses, Hedwig, and the Golden Snitch on CASETiFY’s signature styles, which include the ultra-durable Impact Case series, Reflective-Plate Material Cases, Compostable Cases, and the Impact Crush series from the sustainable Re/CASETiFY Collection. The house crests of Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin features on their Leather Case line-up.

For the accessories, these are meant to complement the phone case collection, and see a generous line-up made for Apple Watches, AirPods and the AirPods Pro. House colours abound on limited-edition AirPods cases and Apple Watch bands, along with Beaded Phone Straps and Wireless Charging Plates. Most unique though, is a 3D Golden Snitch AirPods Case, which comes complete with the inscription “I Open At The Close.”

See the full collection below.

above: phone cases, from USD40. these are compatible with a range of iPhone device sizes, including the newest iPhone 13 series, as well as select Samsung models.

above: tech Accessories in the collection, available in limited quantities, from USD35 USD.

 

Harry Potter x CASETiFY collection, available 31 March. Sign up now for priority access to shop the collection at casetify.com.

 

 

The Polaroid GO Instant Camera now comes in Black, with new attachable filters and black frame film

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The world’s smallest analog instant camera now comes in black. It’s the same thing as the original white version, but in a stylish black case that you can hang around your neck like an accessory, and it’ll just go with every outfit you own.

There’s also a new Black Frame edition film for the Polaroid GO, which comes in a pack of 16 pieces, with a glossy finish.

And if you want to expand your creativity (and you should!), check out the box of three coloured filters (red, blue and orange) that fit over the main lens and flash to give special photo effects. You’ll have so much fun with this.

 

POLAROID GO in black starter kit IS PRICED AT $228. THE double PACK black frame edition FILM and lens filter set is priced at $36 each. AVAILABLE on SHOPEE.

 

 

Onitsuka Tiger Takes On The Iconic MEXICO 66s In Brand-New Casual And Sporty Silhouettes

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Think Onitsuka Tiger, and the first sneaker silhouette that’d come to mind would be the MEXICO 66™ — that’s just how iconic the shoes are. The slim design takes inspiration from shoes that had debuted in the 60s, particularly the features of the original LIMBER-UP™ training shoe that debuted in 1961 and another 1966 design, and became one of the first models to feature the now-classic Onitsuka Tiger stripes.

So what makes the shoe still relevant in 2022? New modern takes of the design, those that prioritise comfort, style, and expert craftsmanship, while catering to the different preferences of sneaker wearers.

Classic lovers would love the SD model, reinvented in soft leather in both low-tops and a mid-runner; there are casual lace-free, slip-on styles for those who like to take it easy; while we’re also seeing dad shoe silhouettes perfect for street-style ‘fits.

MEXICO 66 PARATY, $129 ; MEXICO 66 SABOT, $179.

Take these two for instance. First up, the MEXICO 66 PARATY is a slip-on style that looks just as sweet, where the laces are removed and the tongue is stitched to the inside panels of the upper, making for a super-casual look that you can slip in and out of — you may even wear it as a mule style. Then, there’s the unique-looking MEXICO 66 SABOT, made with a mesh material for extra breathability in summer.

DELEGATION EX, $199 ; GIGATIA, $249.

For the Onitsuka Tiger version of chunky dad shoes, look to the TIGER HORIZONIA and DELEGATION EX. The latter is a modern version of the shoes worn by Japanese team at the international sport event held in 1964. Similar to the original, these bear the TOKYO Onitsuka logo on the tongue, and with shoelace loops seamlessly integrated into the design. The GIGATIA, on the other hand, is a new mixed-media silhouette that boasts a rugged sculptural sole, though its upper is made up of heritage styles from the archives, with familiar striped elements of course.

See all the reinventions of the MEXICO 66 here.

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MEXICO 66 MID RUNNER - SD M PF, $249.
MEXICO 66 MID RUNNER - SD M PF, $249.
MEXICO 66 SABOT, $179.
MEXICO 66 SABOT, $179.
MEXICO 66 PARATY, $129.
MEXICO 66 PARATY, $129.
MEXICO 66 SLIP-ON.
MEXICO 66 SLIP-ON.
MEXICO 66 SD PF.
MEXICO 66 SD PF.
DELEGATION EX, $199.
DELEGATION EX, $199.
SERRANO, $129.
SERRANO, $129.
TIGER HORIZONIA, $129.
TIGER HORIZONIA, $129.
GIGATIA, $269.
GIGATIA, $269.
Available at Onitsuka Tiger stores and the Official E-commerce site, onitsukatiger.com.

Spend The March School Holidays at Changi Airport’s Chupa Chups Lollipop Wonderland

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If you are looking for something to do during the weekend, or something fun to do during the March school holidays with your kids, Changi Airport has got you covered with a trip to the land of Chupa Chups!

The popular brand of lollipops will be taking over Terminal 3 with colourful Chupa Chups photo opportunities that include larger-than-life lollipop daisies at the lollipop garden, and a giant display that holds Singapore’s Book of Records for the largest Chupa Chups lollipop display in the city. Standing at 11.1-metres-long and 4-metres-tall, get ready to pose next to a giant lollipop wrapped with a 14-metre-by-14-metre Chupa Chups wrapper of the brand’s signature strawberry flavour.


You are also invited to take in the sights of the whimsical Chupa Chups playground, located near T3 Departure Hall Row 11, decked out in vibrant colours with interactive and sweet-looking backdrops such as a carousel ride made of lollipops and a Ferris wheel. 

LIMITED EDITION CHUPA CHUPS-THEMED PREMIUMS

Fans of the sweet lolly can look forward to an exciting range of Chupa Chups-themed collectibles that will be available for the first time in Changi. The line-up features a wide range of Chupa Chups fashion apparel such as cropped tees, cardigans, and bucket hats, as well as back-to-school items that include water bottles, stationery, and notebooks with the signature Chupa Chups pattern. 

Chupa Chups’ signature lollies will also be available alongside their range of “Better For You” gummies, which is an assortment of gummies made with fruit juice in various flavours, at the pop-up retail store. Be sure to look out for a brand-new flavour featuring notes of strawberry, orange, lemon, and apple, which will make its debut in Singapore at Changi Airport in April 2022.
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Limited edition Chupa Chups premiums that include cooler bags, collapsible lunch boxes, and foldable shopping bags will be available at a special price of $8.90 when you spend a minimum of $50 at Changi Airport’s terminals or through Changi Eats, Changi Airport’s food delivery service.

INTERACTIVE ROBOTICS AND ARTS AND CRAFT WORKSHOPS FOR KIDS

Besides taking in the sights of all things Chupa Chups, Changi Airport has also prepared a series of engaging workshops for kids to learn and play. From learning the basics of coding to fun with polymer clay, here’s a closer look at what’s available.
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1. Be a Young Pilot — Robotics Workshop (Ages 7 & above)

Robotics is a powerful, engaging tool for teaching kids computational thinking and computer programming. In this session, your child will find out how robotics helps with travel and aviation, and even pick up the basics of programming with their robot aircraft.

🎟️ $53 (Direct Purchase) / $29 (Spend and Redeem)
📍 T3, Level 3, The Planet Traveller
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2. Innovative micro:bit — Programming/Coding Workshop (Ages 7 & above)

Through experiential learning, this workshop will allow your child to think about possible rescue missions that happen during an emergency through a better understanding of the equipment used by the Airport Emergency Service. This will also include a chance to practice programming a device that is used to locate an aircraft in distress.

🎟️ $53 (Direct Purchase) / $29 (Spend and Redeem)
📍 T3, Level 3, The Planet Traveller
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3. Magic Discovery — Magic Workshop (Ages 7 & above)

Conducted by award-winning magician Max Ling, this magic workshop will let your child gain valuable insights into the creativity of making magic and how a simple magic trick can be enhanced with showmanship.

🎟️ $42 (Direct Purchase) / $25 (Spend and Redeem)
📍 T3, Level 3, Colonial Club
*Content is subject to change
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4. Cupcake Decor — Decorative Workshop (Ages 5 & above)

Create your own masterpiece that looks as good as it tastes! In this workshop, little chefs are taught how to handle fondant and shape various fondant elements to create their personalised dessert treats, complete with a hands-on experience of piping frosting on cupcakes.

🎟️ $44 (Direct Purchase) / $25 (Spend and Redeem)
📍 T3, Level 4, Bikanervala
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5. Bento Felt Art — Arts & Crafts Workshop (Ages 6 & above)

Encourage your child to be imaginative and creative with the Bento Felt Art workshop that promotes motor skills and hand-eye coordination to create their very own kawaii sushi bento box using felt fabric.

🎟️ $33 (Direct Purchase) / $19 (Spend & Redeem)
📍 T3, Level 4, Bikanervala
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6. Fun with Polymer Clay — Arts & Crafts Workshop (Ages 5 & above)

Pick up simple techniques in this workshop which allows your child to learn how to sculpt, mould, add texture, and embellish with polymer clay to create miniature sweet treats that can be turned into charms, keychains, or a necklace. 

🎟️ $39 (Direct Purchase) / $19 (Spend & Redeem)
📍 T3, Level 4, Bikanervala
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7. Story-Telling & Craft — Story-Telling Workshop

Engage your child with interactive story-telling told by one of Singapore’s best-selling authors, Neil Humphreys, as he teaches your child about some of Singapore’s most important wild animals and why it’s important to cherish and protect our precious wildlife.

🎟️ $39 (Direct Purchase) / $19 (Spend and Redeem)
📍 T3, Level 3, The Planet Traveller
*Content is subject to change

How to sign up for the workshops?

You can choose to purchase the workshop pass on Playpass at the original price as a Direct Purchase, or redeem 1 Spend & Redeem Discounted Workshop Pass with every $50 spent in a single receipt at the public areas of Changi Airport’s terminals or through Changi Eats (excluding Jewel Changi Airport). Only a maximum of 4 discounted workshop passes can be redeemed in a single receipt. 

The booking of time slots for the workshops is subject to availability through the iChangi App. For more information on the workshops, click here.

 

 

For more information on the event at Changi Airport, click here.

Images courtesy of Changi Airport and Flying Cape.

 

 

The Swatch x Centre Pompidou Puts Modern Art On Your Wrist

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Fancy a Mondrian on your wrist? How about an iconic self-portrait of Frida Kahlo, complete with Mexican folk motifs? The art world just got smaller — and it’s a good thing — all because Swatch had the ingenious idea of taking the world’s most memorable art, and making it that much more accessible when worn on your wrist.

The six watches of their Swatch X Centre Pompidou reimagines six varied art pieces from the Parisian landmark, as part of the brand’s ongoing Museum Journey series.

The works featured include those by five renowned artists: Frida Kahlo, Amedeo Modigliani, Robert Delaunay, Vassily Kandinsky, and Piet Mondrian, who all have artwork proudly displayed at the Centre Pompidou.

Both collaborators also share quite a similar synergy; with a shared goal of making art accessible for all, both brands invite vibrant colours and fresh design in their overall aesthetics. The Centre Pompidou, in particular, is just as famous for an inside-out building design as its art, made of steel, primary-coloured tubing, and “caterpillar” glass-enclosed escalators that go up the side of its exterior.

[click on the images below to expand.]

Here’s a closer look at all six designs, and how the art pieces displayed at Centre Pompidou have influenced the watches’ signature details.

above: PORTRAIT OF DÉDIE, BY AMEDEO MODIGLIANI ; RED, BLUE AND WHITE, BY PIET MONDRIAN.

Our first two art pieces couldn’t be more different in style. Amedeo Modigliani’s is an elegant painting of a woman, full of rich textures and reflections that are similarly recreated on Swatch’s Gent watch. The style features a silver-coloured dial with a print of ‘The Portrait of Dédie’ painting, with a touch of pink on the transparent shiny plastic case and buckle to balance out the darker tones on its matte silicone strap.

Piet Mondrian’s piece, on the other hand, should be something you’ll recognise. ‘Composition in Red, Blue and White II’ sees clean graphic lines and striking pops of colour, which you’ll also find on the New Gent watch, kept minimalist with a black dial. White and red hands stand out against that stark backdrop, while Mondrian’s architectural lines fit perfectly on the watch’s silicone strap.

above: EIFFEL TOWER, BY ROBERT DELAUNAY ; CAROUSEL, BY ROBERT DELAUNAY.

Here, we’ve got two modern artworks by the same person — French artist Robert Delaunay. The first sees him take on a Parisian landmark, the Eiffel Tower, where the iron monument is pictured soaring towards the sky in vibrant colours. The Gent watch, then, is faithful to the original painting, even to the point of honouring the textured light blue sky on the plastic case and silver-coloured dial.

The second piece is composed of circles of colour; ‘Manège de Cochons’ is an abstract imagining of Paris in the 1920s, and the Gent watch captures that same Dadaist spirit, with the colourful artwork featured prominently on the transparent dial and semi-transparent matte blue silicone strap. There’s a new detail too — a special cut-out on the dial reveals a colour-changing calendar wheel that reminds wearers of the spinning rhythm of an amusement park.

above: BLUE SKY, BY VASSILY KANDINSKY ; THE FRAME, BY FRIDA KAHLO.

If you like a touch of whimsy, look to Vassily Kandinsky and the quirky creatures and characters in his painting, ‘Sky Blue’. What Swatch gets right here are the swatches of blue and Kandinsky’s textural technique in his playful piece, seen on the semi-transparent matte light blue silicone strap and continuing onto the plastic case, silicone loop, and buckle. Dots at the tips of the hour and minute hand of the New Gent style are a subtle nod to the artist as well.

As for Frida Kahlo’s ‘The Frame’, it looks like we’re seeing double — not one, but two recreations of the Mexican artist’s powerful self-portraits, reflected like a mirror for good measure. The exuberant New Gent timepiece celebrates the Mexican folk motifs that the artist used in her artwork as well, where the original piece saw her encase her self-portrait in a small frame decorated with Mexican folk motifs, bought from a village market. These bright shades are accompanied by matte pink watch details on the silicone strap, buckle, and loop.

above: A special Collector’s Set.

Understandably, the watches all arrive in boxes that feature the original work of the artists as well, and descriptions of the art they’re inspired by. There’s also a special Collector’s Set of all six watches, with a sleeve that showcases an artist’s impression of the exterior facade of Centre Pompidou.

See close-ups and details of the watches below.

[click on the images below to expand.]
PORTRAIT OF DÉDIE, BY AMEDEO MODIGLIANI
PORTRAIT OF DÉDIE, BY AMEDEO MODIGLIANI
EIFFEL TOWER, BY ROBERT DELAUNAY
EIFFEL TOWER, BY ROBERT DELAUNAY
CAROUSEL, BY ROBERT DELAUNAY
CAROUSEL, BY ROBERT DELAUNAY
PORTRAIT OF DÉDIE, BY AMEDEO MODIGLIANI
PORTRAIT OF DÉDIE, BY AMEDEO MODIGLIANI
EIFFEL TOWER, BY ROBERT DELAUNAY
EIFFEL TOWER, BY ROBERT DELAUNAY
CAROUSEL, BY ROBERT DELAUNAY
CAROUSEL, BY ROBERT DELAUNAY
THE FRAME, BY FRIDA KAHLO
THE FRAME, BY FRIDA KAHLO
BLUE SKY, BY VASSILY KANDINSKY
BLUE SKY, BY VASSILY KANDINSKY
RED, BLUE AND WHITE, BY PIET MONDRIAN
RED, BLUE AND WHITE, BY PIET MONDRIAN
THE FRAME, BY FRIDA KAHLO
THE FRAME, BY FRIDA KAHLO
BLUE SKY, BY VASSILY KANDINSKY
BLUE SKY, BY VASSILY KANDINSKY
RED, BLUE AND WHITE, BY PIET MONDRIAN
RED, BLUE AND WHITE, BY PIET MONDRIAN

 

$149 each. The Swatch X Centre Pompidou collection is available online and at all Swatch stores.