Dior Beauty stuns us every year with the release of their limited-edition Forever Couture Perfect Cushion — this year’s edition, though, truly knocks it out of the park, if we’re talking about a classic aesthetic that’s elegant and très chic. You’re looking at the New Look collection, of makeup and fragrances dressed in a houndstooth check pattern, a couture signature that’s emblematic of the house.
This black-and-white series also marks the first time a special print is seen across both the La Collection Privée Christian Dior fragrances, and Dior Makeup, helmed by Creative and Image Director Peter Philips.
Forever Couture Perfect Cushion New Look ($105). In 0N – 1N – 2N, either Luminous Matte or Skin Glow finish.Rouge Dior New Look ($69) — in 6 shades. Available in 100 Nude Look , 720 Icône, 999 (velvet finish); 312 Incandescent (satin finish); 525 Chérie (metallic finish); 772 Classic (matte finish).
Interestingly enough, the use of the houndstooth design across Dior’s wardrobe pieces originated from Christian Dior’s “anglophile passion” and love for all things British, especially menswear pieces — the graphic checks soon found themselves on feminine silhouettes, as well as Cocotte and Calèche designs, and now reinterpreted in a beauty collection that captures the elegance of the print.
We’ll start with the makeup, where everything is kept chic and monochrome to match the understated design. The Rouge Dior is available in 6 shades, including the famed 999 and Nude Look in a velvet finish, in cases completely covered in houndstooth, accented with the ‘CD’ initials; inside, the lipstick bullet is subtly engraved with the houndstooth check as well.
Then, there’s a covetable Dior Forever Couture Perfect Cushion, now adorned with the Dior print, which then transforms it into a fashion accessory and worthy accompaniment to your Dior Book Tote.
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A trio of La Collection Privée fragrances also receive a similar couture treatment, starting with fragrance cases covered entirely with houndstooth-patterned toile, for a luxurious fabric touch you can feel when running your fingers over their exteriors.
As for the fragrances included in the New Look collection, these are the Gris Dior, Lucky and Jasmin des Anges, three of François Demachy’s leading fragrances, which also see houndstooth markings delicately etched onto the glass bottles. Even a refillable travel spray sports the graphic edge of the New Look codes, for a full collection that feels modern, timeless, and utterly collectible.
The limited edition New Look Makeup Collection will be available from 1 January 2022 at all Dior Beauty boutiques and counters.
Fragrances are exclusively available from 1 January 2022 at the La Collection Privée Christian Dior boutique in ION Orchard.
The New Look collection will be available at the Dior Beauty ONLINE BOUTIQUE on 3 January 2022.
Millennials are that special generation born between 1981 to 1996; and today, they would be between the ages of 25 to 40. And this is also the age where our skin is supposed to be at its best; healthy, radiant and effortless. Millennials want “millennial skin”, and naturally all preceding generations want their skin to appear youthful as well, and Dolce&Gabbana Beauty has captured it in a new foundation formula that the brand claims to give you that “glow on the go”.
This is a reimagined and reformulated product based on Dolce&Gabbana Beauty’s popular tinted moisturiser, and it gives that same fresh, natural glow to the skin, but with a more advanced formula, extended shade range (there are now 15 shades available), and a new “mistake-proof” packaging.
Above: Packaging for the new Dolce&Gabbana Beauty Millennialskin On-The-Glow Tinted Moisturizer.
The new formula for Millennialskin contains Dolce&Gabbana Beauty’s Mediterranean Glow Complex, a synergy of natural ingredients powered by exclusive skincare technology that plumps, softens and hydrates the complexion. It includes Mediterranean Fig Extract that smooths and protects, Organic Italian Olive Oil to plump and soften, and Hyaluronic Acid that gives lasting hydration. The product feels incredibly lightweight on the skin, and blends in easily, appearing natural with a healthy glow. Light reflectors in the formula further give a universal radiance that enhances skin, without looking shiny. There’s also SPF30/PA+++ for important sun and UV protection.
Above: The new Dolce&Gabbana Beauty Millennialskin On-The-Glow Tinted Moisturizer.
The expanded shade range of 15 colours also means it’s easier than ever to find the right shade for yourself, with each of them being able to expertly blend into your skin tone for a natural and fresh finish. It’s a single application that requires no touch-ups throughout the day, yet the formula is buildable so you can go from an ultra-sheer finish to one with more coverage where needed.
[Roll over the images for shade names, and click on them to enlarge.]
The face of the campaign is Italian fashion model, Chiara Scelsi, who embodies the spirit of the brand and has the carefree, upbeat attitude of today’s youth. In the visuals, she wears minimal makeup and lets her beauty shine through with beautiful, natural skin.
The product is available at the Dolce&Gabbana Beauty store at ION Orchard, where you can see the new packaging for yourself, and get a recommendation for the right shade for your skin tone. While you’re there, do check out Dolce&Gabbana Beauty’s Holiday makeup collection, which includes two new festive colours each for the Royal Gloss – Shine Lip Plumper, and Royal Shadow – Liquid Eyeshadow.
Dolce&Gabbana MILLENNIALSKIN ON-THE-GLOW TINTED MOISTURIZER SPF 30/PA+++ is priced at $69 and available in 15 shades. For more information, visit DOLCEGABBANABEAUTY.COM.
HUAWEI recently announced their flagship phone, the P50 Pro, which is their most advanced smartphone to date; and to further set a new standard for industrial smartphone design, the Chinese brand has teamed up with Dutch haute couture fashion designer, Iris van Herpen to create a foldable, premium pocket edition that is part of the P series.
Above: HUAWEI P50 Pocket in white.
It’s called the HUAWEI P50 Pocket, and has an all-new hinge design that enables the phone to fold seamlessly into a slim and pocketable form. The model comes in two colourways: White and Premium Gold, with the White version being inspired by the brilliance of diamonds.
Above: HUAWEI P50 Pocket in white.
But it’s the Gold version that is designed in collaboration with Iris van Herpen, and is guided by the fashion brand’s principle of “symbiosis”. The back of the device references the shadows and texture of the earth, and these are brought to life through the advanced 3D micro-sculpture design that Iris van Herpen is celebrated for.
Above: HUAWEI P50 Pocket in premium gold.
Similar to the P50 Pro, the P50 Pocket uses the Snapdragon 888 4G processor and the improved HUAWEI XD Fusion Pro image engine, which supports Ultra Spectrum Image Technology.
When opened, the Main Screen offers a large display of 6.9″, with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz; while the Cover Screen gives users a quick and convenient display of notifications, schedule, calendar, music and weather.
Above: HUAWEI P50 Pocket in premium gold fully opened.
Above: HUAWEI P50 Pocket cover screen on the front of the phone when closed.
The P50 Pocket also offers one of the most advanced camera systems in a smartphone. Huawei calls it the Ultra Spectrum Camera Matrix, and it comprises a 40MP True-Chroma Camera, a 13MP Ultra Wide Angle Camera, a 32MP Ultra Spectrum Camera, a 10-Channel Multi-Spectrum Sensor and an Ultra Spectrum illuminator.
And because of its foldable form, selfies can be taken with the rear camera, which uses the large camera sensor to take better and clearer portraits. As for the Ultra Wide Angle Lens, it has a 120-degree wide field of view, making it ideal for capturing landscapes, and even macro photography with incredible clarity.
Above: HUAWEI P50 Pocket in premium gold.
There’s also an Ultra Spectrum Fluorescence Photography feature, which can capture details that are invisible to the human eye, enabling users to see patterns that were previously hidden to them.
Another useful innovation is the Sunscreen detection, which is for the first time accessible via the Mirror app. This feature visualises the spread of sunscreen on skin to help users check for uncovered spots to avoid getting sunburnt.
Above: HUAWEI P50 Pocket in premium gold box packaging.
The HUAWEI P50 Pocket will be available in Singapore in early 2022, more details on pricing will be revealed soon.
If you’re here, then you must’ve been guilty of lapping up — or hate-watching — the first season of Emily in Paris when it made its debut last year, at a time when an escapist romantic comedy was just the thing we needed after months of lockdowns and social distancing. Either way, we’re not judging your entertainment choices, ringarde as they may be. No, really, we’re not. The show is admittedly a winner for sticking by its delightfully ditzy tone, one that’s brimming with necessary optimism and fabulous fashion — which propelled it to the most viewed comedy series of 2020 on Netflix.
Helmed by creator and showrunner Darren Star, the lighthearted series is back for Season 2, where we get 10 new episodes of Emily’s fish-out-of-water experiences as she struggles with the idiosyncrasies of French life. “I would say that this season, Emily, immerses herself more in French culture and starts to speak the language better, and just takes more influence from those she’s meeting and surrounded by in Paris — exploring the city more and just feeling a bit more comfortable within the city itself,” says actress Lily Collins, who plays titular character Emily.
It’s not just that, though, as the show, and Emily, stumbles headfirst into the love triangle drama set up in the first season — what will happen to Emily and Gabriel now that they’re so obviously obsessed with each other, while he’s staying in Paris to boot? Will Camille ever find out, and what will be the fallout if she does? How will Mindy and Emily’s lovely friendship evolve now that they’re roommates — and most intriguingly, who is this the newcomer and so-called ‘love interest’ Alfie? Ahead, we hear from cast members Lily Collins (Emily), Ashley Park (Mindy), Lucas Bravo (Gabriel) and Lucien Laviscount (Alfie), to find out more about the new season.
1. What happens between Emily and Gabriel? Emily’s Season 1 dilemma gets addressed right away.
The second season wastes no time by starting right where we left off, and immediately steps back into the love triangle drama between Emily, Gabriel and Camille — in particular, the morning-after moment when Emily realises the consequences of her intimate time with “hot chef” Gabriel. “I think Emily was very tormented at the end of season 1, because she’s a good person, you know, deep down, she’s just a really good girl who has a strong moral compass. It really rocked her, when she found out that Camille may or may not know, and that Gabriel was not leaving, and she doesn’t like anyone to be upset or to be the cause of anything like that,” says Collins of the sticky situation.
Not to worry though, we don’t get dragged down by the drama this early in the season — in fact, after a short but inconclusive resolution where Emily dishes the news to her new roommate, Mindy, the show quickly zips the girls over to the quaint seaside town of St. Tropez, “back to that bright place that people really resonated with with the show”, Collins continues: “But if we didn’t have the distress and turmoil that these real situations bring, it wouldn’t make the show as relatable — I don’t think — because you need the highs and the lows to appreciate it.”
“There’s a lot of comedy within it, whenever they’re in the apartment. I was laughing out loud at the table reads because we’re familiar with these characters and their relationships… I think that we actually found a groove for the specific kind of comedy of this series. And also, that’s why we are allowed to sink into the deeper, richer parts of the emotion too,” says Ashley Park.
2. Expect even more Emily & Mindy, and Mindy & Emily — and a look at what healthy female friendships can look like.
Can we just say how happy we are that there’s a decent portrayal of female friendship on TV? Mindy and Emily are like a breath of fresh air — no doubt, thanks to the brilliant chemistry between the two actors — but also because Darren Star and his team of creatives have made it so.
Says Collins to Park during our interview, “You’ve said this before, that you as Mindy have this non judgmental quality, which is so wonderful in a friendship because it allows the other person to speak freely and be all of themselves and not hide anything. Emily is only able to be vulnerable and emotional with Mindy because she gives her a safe space to be that in, and makes her feel like she’s enough and has the power within herself to make big decisions. That self-care is self-love and it’s not selfish. You need to be that person to be open with you in order for you to be open to yourself, and that’s something special between them.”
For Park, she charts the journey between the two characters, noting that they’ve evolved from strong, independent women, into strong, independent women who allow themselves to trust and be open with one another. “You watch two women who are good at taking care of themselves; when Emily was facing a problem, she doesn’t want to ask help from anybody, and for Mindy, we see the emotional hit of finding out that her relationship with her dad isn’t good. I don’t think either of these women, before they found each other, were able to say ‘I need somebody’. It’s a beautiful thing to watch strong women find someone they trust and to be able to grow with them.”
“I think that they’re problem-solvers, which I really like, and positive in different ways, Mindy leading with humour and Emily with this bubbly, true positivity. They both don’t like to sit and be gloomy or victims, and instead, are like, what are we going to do about it!” says Park.
3. We get to hear more of Mindy’s singing, and delve more into the backstory of this fan-favourite character.
Mindy, the performer, will be out in full force this season. “We see her lean on Emily a lot more this season, and also really pursue what her passion is, which is singing. We see a lot more of the internal life of Mindy,” Park tells us. The Broadway star got to truly come into her own, first with a snazzy performance at a drag club, and then later on with her new band. Of having to perform and project her voice across various outdoor scenes, the actress says: “I got tonsillitis one day, from like, the birds singing, but it was just the most fun because I got to really explore different styles of singing.”
4. Heads up — there’s a new man in town. London boy Alfie, who meets Emily in French class.
The new kid on the block is here to stir things up, and we can’t wait, judging from how he’s described as Emily’s new love interest. Oh, things are about to get more complicated alright. Played by British actor Lucien Laviscount, we’re told that the Englishman, his cynical character, isn’t quite fond of Paris in general — in fact, their meet-cute is less cute, and more, well, contemptuous. Soon enough though, sparks do fly, and we find them standing under the glittering lights of the Eiffel Tower.
“I felt like I really kind of understood Alfie, from the jump, what it’s like to be in a foreign city, working on a job that you don’t necessarily love, but you’re forced to be there. We all understand what it’s like to be alone, right? And we all come up with our own defence mechanisms behind that, Alfie’s is his sarcasm, but who doesn’t wanna be happy and who doesn’t want to find love?” says Laviscount of his character. “When he meets Emily, it opens up his eyes to this new world he’s been living in.”
He continues: “I just feel so blessed and honoured that I can bring Alfie to life around these incredible, creatives, actors. The thing about the show is that people see the light, the joy, and everything it brings, but we’re working with some serious, serious actors who are deep into their craft and and they are very special human beings that I don’t think people really see, and I’m very thankful to be part of that world with them.”
5. “We need escapism, beauty, and a bit of life.” There’s nothing that French actor Lucas Bravo would change about the show, even if it is a bit cliché.
With all the online uproar about Emily in Paris’ portrayal of the French way of life, whether it’s their attitudes towards love and work, or how truly sanitary the city of Paris is (it isn’t!), we had to ask — what does actual French man and actor Lucas Bravo have to say? Quite a lot it seems, except he wouldn’t change a darn thing.
“Paris is one of the most diverse cities in the world and, and there’s so many nationalities and different languages. It would take more than a lifetime to actually go through all of it and adopt all the perspectives,” he starts. “When you tell a story, you have to choose an angle, and Darren Star chose the angle he knew because he moved to Paris when he was a teenager and he speaks fluent French. So he’s telling a story from his perspective, plus all the natural ‘Darren Star’ ingredients — the bubbly fashion, and the romantic, dreamy, enhanced reality.”
Continues Bravo: “You know, you have to take the show for what it is. Of course Parisians were a bit mad, ‘oh, you don’t see the metro. You don’t see the filth in the metro and the bad districts.’ But if we made a show that portrayed the filth in the subway in Paris, it would be a documentary, and I don’t think 60 million people would sit and just binge it. We need escapism, beauty and a bit of life.”
Above: Nothing ear(1) in white and black editions. Photo courtesy Nothing.
Nothing earbuds are instantly cool because of the transparent casing — and I’m not referring to the case that the earbuds come in; the earbuds themselves have transparent stems that let you see through to the electronics, almost like seeing the skeleton of it. I really do like the transparent design and it works well for both the black and white versions. The new all-black design was recently released clearly to cater to those who like their gadgets black. It’s a smoky finish with matte black silicone earbuds and internal casing —it’s a very sleek and stunning design that sets this pair apart from other brands of earbuds.
Above: Nothing ear(1) sits comfortably and secure in the ear. Photo courtesy Nothing.
They feel secure sitting in the ear and are very comfortable. I have to hand it to them, these guys got the ergonomics right; it doesn’t feel like they are about to drop out anytime unlike many other brands of earbuds I’ve tried.
There’s no “R” and “L” label on the actual earbuds and I would have preferred the designers put these in. Although when you pluck the earbuds from the case, it’s quite evident which side is which (eg. the one on the right is for the right ear), but it’s really when I hold them in my hand after taking them out and they get mixed up, that I have to figure the sides out.
Above: Nothing ear(1) black edition. The earbuds are extremely light at just 4.7g.
The sound is bassy and clear, and good for its price. At $179, it costs substantially less than the new AirPods 3rd Generation (which is $269), and offers a different quality of sound as well. It’s not worse than the AirPods — just different. The AirPods 3rd Generation sounds more “open” (it has an open fit design after all, which does make audio clearer and “live”), but Nothing does a really good job of blocking out external noises with its Active Noise Cancelling function, and in that sense, the audio sounds more immersive and full.
There’s an app you can download for iOS and Android that allows you to control settings such as equalisers and gestures, plus other features such as Find My Earbud, In-Ear Detection, Fast Pairing and more.
Check out the rest of the images below.
Above: Nothing ear(1) black edition with box packaging.
Above: Nothing ear(1) black edition in case.
Above: Nothing ear(1) black edition in case.
Nothing ear(1) black edition is priced at $179 and available on LAZADA. For more info, visit SG.NOTHING.TECH.
Little in size, but big in heart, these beauty baubles and mini kits will look perfect on, or under, the Christmas tree — and you can count on them for some last-minute Secret Santa gifts as well. The one we’ve picked out offer some of the best holy grail beauty products at value-for-money prices, in fun-sized versions that make the festive cheer a tad bit more exciting. Some of these are going for even more discounted prices as well, which feels like quite the audacious reward if you’ve actually waited this late. No shame here though, everything’s still available — while stocks last, of course!
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Know an iPhone user? Great, they immediately qualify! Instead of fretting over which of our gift guide categories best suits your loved one, here are some thoughtful gifts that require less thought. After all, every Apple user wants the same things — a nice case for their prized possession, a decked-out charging port, and sleek but useful accessories for work and play.
NATIVE UNION CLIC CASE + SLING — from $61, available at nativeunion.com.
Any person with an iPhone will love Native Union’s sleek cases with matching slings. We love that the cases can be used on their own without the sling, with no connectors sticking out, plus you can mix and match the smooth TPU or leather cases with paracord rope or leather slings. Also, all cases are made with recycled materials and sustainable leather.
CASETIFY PHONE STRAP — US$35, available at casetify.com.
Happy straps in rainbow colours in both glossy and matte versions. They fit onto any Casetify case, or any case that has a hole to thread the strap through. In case you’re wondering, yes, these Y2K-era beaded straps are definitely trending now, here’s more to consider.
XOUXOU PHONE CASES — from €58, available at eu.xouxou.com.
The original necklace strap iPhone cases get better with every new collection. You can wear your phone as a necklace, or sling it crossbody; importantly, it’ll keep your hands free. What we love: you can mix and match your style and colour of strap (paracord rope or lanyard) with a case colour of your choosing — and there are many to choose from.
MOFT O SNAP PHONE STAND — US$19.99, available at moft.us.
The idea of a phone grip isn’t exactly new. What’s great here though is how multi-functional — and chic — this soft vegan leather tool is. Snap it on your phone and it will stay in play with strong magnets, while you can rotate it 360° and flip it out so it functions as a stand, both with the phone upright and on its side at various angles.
The latest series of the Apple Watch has a larger display (but the physical size remains close to the previous versions), uses the same straps from previous series (your friends can reuse those Hermès straps they paid so much for), charges even faster, and is more durable than ever.
If you know someone intent on travelling, and yet want top-quality sound from their Apple headphones while on the in-flight entertainment system, this is it. The AirFly Pro is a tiny wired jack transmitter, or a wireless headphone adapter, that lets you use your AirPods or Beats wireless headphones in places that only have a headphone jack — and this isn’t limited to airplanes either. Think the treadmill at the gym, TVs at hotels, and non-Bluetooth speakers.
EMBER TEMPERATURE CONTROL MUG — $169, available at apple.com.
For those sick of cold coffee or tea that they’ve unfortunately left out for way too long, the app-controlled Ember Mug is a dream. You may pair it with an app on your iPhone or Apple Watch, in order to remotely set a precise drinking temperature (and a whole lot of other features) for your hot beverage; the mug then maintains that consistent temperature for about 1.5 hours, even without its charging coaster, so you’ll never feel disappointed again.
LOGITECH FOLIO TOUCH KEYBOARD CASE — $239, available at logitech.com.
Those with an iPad Pro or iPad Air will love how slim yet versatile this all-in-one keyboard case is. Combining both a protective case and kickstand, with a foldable keyboard, and even a high-precision trackpad, this allows you to use your tablet as casually as you like, while also making room for those who like to use their device as a productive workstation.
NOMAD BASE STATION PRO — US$199.95, available at nomadgoods.com.
What do you do when you’ve got way too many devices at once? The modern dilemma deserves a modern solution, in the form of the Base Station Pro. The roomy charging pad looks minimalist, but uses FreePower® technology and a matrix of 18 coils that allows you to simultaneously charge up to 3 devices anywhere. The padded leather surface will look sleek on any workspace too.
BELKIN BOOST↑CHARGE™ PRO 3-in-1 WIRELESS CHARGER — $209, available at Belkin authorised dealers.
Once again, for the Apple fan who owns all the devices, this 3-in-1 wireless charging stand makes it really convenient to charge their Apple devices at once. There’s a charging stand for the iPhone 12 / 13, with a speedy charge of up to 15W, a magnetic charging module for the Apple Watch, and a wireless charging pad for your AirPods as well.
POLAROID LAB PHOTO PRINTER — $228, available at Shopee.
For all that technology has to offer, some old ways may be better. And for a truly analogue moment that feels like you’re creating photographs in a darkroom, we’ll turn to Polaroid. The Polaroid Lab is a photo printer, yes, but one that acknowledges the past by turning digital photographs into Polaroid ones using 100% real film chemistry. The result’s less predictable, but that’s the beauty of it really.
APPLE MAGSAFE BATTERY PACK — $139, available at apple.com.
When all else fails, there’s always this trusty portable battery pack, one that offers extra juice without them ever losing it, since it snaps to the back of the latest iPhones with ease.
Also known as, the keyboard warrior. If there’s ever someone who seriously needs to chill out, it’s them. You’ll find them lurking around the Internet and popping up at the most random moments — well, not entirely random. They’re usually gathered about the hot spots of Internet controversy, the online water cooler talk at ST’s comment section perhaps, and seemingly everywhere since they do take umbrage with every small affront. Instead of getting, in turn, affronted by their insensitive remarks, be the bigger person and offer the proverbial olive branch — any one of these nice (and slightly passive-aggressive) gifts will do.
LG PURICARE WEARABLE AIR PURIFIER — $249, available at Shopee.
Put a fan on your friend’s face with this wearable air purifier. It incorporates two H13 HEPA filters — the same as those found in home purifiers — and it’s driven by a small, light motor. There’s also VoiceON technology, which employs a microphone and a built-in speaker, so if your friend forgets to turn it on, you can’t really hear them. Perfect.
CRICUT MAKER 3 — $650, available at Lazada, Harvey Norman, POPULAR Bookstores, Spotlight and NomadX.
What your keyboard warrior friends need is a hobby — a good one to keep them occupied. The Cricut Maker 3 is the ultimate cutting machine that will keep anyone busy for days and even months on end. Your friend can start a sticker business, print t-shirts (you’ll need the Easypress for this), or create bags with fabric cut-outs from the Cricut. For the less crafty, there are ready-made projects to start with from the Cricut Design Space app, and it’s pretty easy to use. Check out our full review of the previous version of the Maker here.
“F*CK OFF, I’M COLORING!’ ADULT COLOURING BOOK — $17.81, available at bookdepository.com.
Speaking of arts & crafts, this is just the thing for their anxiety-ridden soul — that is, 30 pages of filthy swear words they can colour in for instant stress relief. Maybe they’ll see the humour in this, or maybe they won’t. Either way, they’ll take it out on the colour pencils, not hapless strangers.
ZOUK DJ MASTERCLASS — $49 for a DJ trial class (price valid till 31 Dec 2021). Book your course here.
Here’s another thing to occupy your friend’s time — sign them up for DJ masterclasses with Zouk’s elite resident DJs. Your friend will get to hang out with Jeremy Boon, Hong, Ghetto and Nash D, and perhaps become a better person by association.
HENDRICK’S GIN MARTINI — $88, available at Nutmeg & Clove.
Who has time to mix a martini when they’re busy trolling the Internet? This bottled cocktail is Hendrick’s first ready-to-drink product, and is available in limited quantities. You can serve it chilled from the fridge, shaken with ice, or poured over ice.
T2 TEA ‘A YEAR IN TEA’ COLLECTION — $120, available at t2tea.com.
This is the perfect gift for a proper year-end review, considering that they’d love to look back on all 12 months of spilledtea in 2021. Well, now they get to do so sipping on a variety of T2’s exquisite blends, houses in 12 mini tins.
KINDRED TEAS TALL GLASS TEAPOT + TEA TIN — $40.85, available at kindredteas.com.
Clearly we’re not over the tea puns here, but we can imagine how Kindred Teas’ blooming blends may be quite calming to look at. Handmade by skilled Chinese tea artisans, the blooming tea slowly unfurls into a beautiful bouquet, all the better to admire in a glass teapot.
Feel like they’ve got issues? Short of engaging a professional therapist, maybe they’d benefit from a wellness app that’ll set them on a path towards better emotional management. Locally-made app Intellect is based on cognitive behavioural therapy and has 4 to 6-week programmes that simulate how you would work with a therapist, breaking down common issues around procrastination, decision-making, and more. See more similar apps here.
LOFREE EH112S MILK TEA MECHANICAL KEYBOARD — $129, available at shopee.sg.
If all forms of intervention don’t seem to work, at least they’ll have a beautiful-looking mechanical keyboard that’s less likely to wear out.
Dreaming of an Italian holiday? You might not need to leave the country for this one. Here with some of the most beautiful, joyful-looking makeup is Dolce&Gabbana Beauty, who have expanded their Solar Glow collection with two base makeup products — a cushion foundation, and a loose setting powder. These come dressed in cases inspired by the iconic Dolce&Gabbana majolica pattern, and recall dreamy summers by the Mediterranean Sea.
The best thing about these lightweight formulas is how they feel — and look — on the skin. That fresh-faced glow you want to have while basking under the Italian sun? Thanks to an intelligent blend of skincare and makeup, that natural look is brought out by these complexion-enhancing Solar Glow products, which do the most, while you do the least, for your skin.
The Solar Glow Healthy Glow Cushion Foundation
We’ll start off with the Healthy Glow Cushion Foundation. Of a creamy formula that offers light-to-medium coverage, this one gives a naturally luminous finish that evens out the skin tone, while leaving it with an effortless glow.
What’s unique here is that, like most of the Solar Glow range, it contains the Mediterranean Glow Complex, an exceptional synergy of natural ingredients powered by exclusive skincare technology. Mediterranean fig extract helps to promote hydration and a radiant complexion, organic Italian olive oil brings softness and comfort while hyaluronic acid helps to provide lasting hydration. You’ll feel comfortable with the foundation on your skin, with none of that tight, cakey feeling one usually gets during all-day wear.
Dolce&Gabbana The Healthy Glow Cushion Foundation SPF50 PA+++, $107 ($62 for refill and $45 for case).
The foundation then further protects against damage linked to environmental aggressors and UV rays, with both an anti-pollution Cotton Extract and SPF50 PA+++ , pretty much necessities in our modern times. The formula is then complete with a subtle Solar Glow scent, for you to truly feel the Italian experience; this one’s an addictive elixir of orange blossom, juicy mandarin, jasmine petals, frangipani flower and vanilla orchid. It arrives in six healthy glow shades, each available as convenient cushion refills.
Now, for the Translucent Loose Setting Powder. An essential given our humid climates, will look beautiful in your makeup case, and definitely deserves a spot in it as well. Dolce&Gabbana again infuses their powder with the Mediterranean Glow Complex for its skin-caring functions, and yet, doesn’t compromise on the lightweight nature of its finely-milled powder particles.
Perfect for those who want a “filter-like” blurred complexion, the loose powder pats on with a natural matte finish, smoothening out the skin, and covering it with an ultra-thin veil that perfects and sets makeup so it looks fresh all day long. A dedicated puff is stashed away under its gorgeous lid, ensuring a neat solution to this vanity table-worthy object.
OUR REVIEWS
“The Solar Glow cushion isn’t as “juicy” as other cushion foundations, and I actually prefer this; I can control the amount of product that comes out of the sponge, and build the coverage from sheer to full. The texture is slightly creamy and feels semi-matte on the skin, even though the cushion has the word “glow” in its name — and the “glow” comes through in the finish once the product rests on the skin; the complexion appears radiant and healthy.
I patted on the Translucent Loose Setting Powder as a finishing touch, and set my makeup in place for the entire day, without any caking, and looking extremely natural.” — Adele Chan, Editor-in-Chief
“As a regular cushion foundation user, thanks to their portability while on-the-go, I was excited to give this a try. The Solar Glow cushion is certainly unique; the formula is not as liquid compared to most cushion foundations in the market, which, to be honest, threw me off a bit. I then expected the product to feel heavy and slightly cakey on my skin, but, surprisingly, that was not the case at all!
The foundation formula is more creamy than liquid, but blended effortlessly into my skin, disappearing almost into my complexion while helping to even out redness and sun spots. This was greatly helped by the applicator, which I absolutely love — instead of a regular puff, this was slightly bouncy sponge, which helped to transfer the foundation onto my face with minimal waste. It also worked like a beauty blender, creating a most even-toned, non-streaky, natural finish.
Another thing I noted was the finish. While called the ‘healthy glow’ cushion, its finish was not a dewy one, but more of a subtle luminance that won’t get mistaken for oiliness.
For the loose powder, I was impressed by its lightweight texture and pore-blurring effect. I generally apply loose powder just over my T-Zone to keep shine at bay, and a little under the eyes too, either way, the translucent powder was as stunning as promised with its natural matte finish.” — Amelia Tan, Deputy Editor
Dolce&Gabbana Solar Glow The Healthy GlowCushion Foundation SPF50 PA+++, $107 ($62 for refill and $45 for case).
Dolce&Gabbana Solar Glow Translucent Loose Setting Powder, $70.
Available at the Dolce&Gabbana Beauty flagship store at ION Orchard.
For your favourite shutterbug, one who’ll never be caught saying ‘say cheese!’ (amateurs!), or the friend who’s willing to let your food get cold because “the camera eats first”. We’re only half-kidding, of course, because our list of gifts are sure to appease any photography enthusiast, no matter their skill level. From professionals in need of serious accessories and gear, to those re-discovering the joys of analogue photography, here’s what’s on our personal wishlists too.
LEICA Q2 REPORTER — $9,000, available at leica-store.sg.
The Leica Q2 is one of the best compact (yet full-frame) cameras you’ll ever own; it sports a 47.3MP sensor, a versatile 28mm prime lens (with Macro function), 4K video capabilities, and a high resolution OLED electronic viewfinder. And the “Reporter” edition is the one everyone is lusting after. It’s a more discreet design that does away with the Leica “red dot” logo on the front, and comes in a special matte green finish that is scratch and abrasion-resistant. This “body armour” replaces the typical leather finish on the Q2, and is made of Kevlar, a synthetic material used in high-grade protective clothing. If you want it, I suggest you get it while it’s in stock — because it won’t be for long.
HUAWEI P50 PRO — Price TBC. Launching soon, at huawei.com.
HUAWEI’s P-series has always been about excellence in photography, and it’s arguably the best smartphone camera system — at least according to DXOMARK. The new P50 Pro introduces a dual-matrix camera that includes a main camera matrix and superzoom camera matrix, and these work together to produce high quality photos that would please even the most discerning photographer.
This action camera has a modular, wearable design so you can take it everywhere. It’s dustproof, waterproof and drop-proof, making it perfect for action-packed adventures. The sensor records video in 4K/120fps and offers a super-wide 155° Field of View, but what’s really special about this camera is the ecosystem of accessories available for it; from Magnetic Lanyards and Ball-Joint Adapter Mounts to Waterproof Cases and Headbands.
PEAK DESIGN TRAVEL TRIPOD — $969, available at Shopee.
Possibly the best — and definitely the coolest — travel tripod money can buy, this one from Peak Design is crafted from Carbon Fibre and is sturdy, strong, light and durable. Read our full review of it here.
WOTANCRAFT “PILOT” TRAVEL CAMERA BAG 7L — USD159, available in Singapore at Riceball Photography Bookstore and Lumen.
Designed with photographers in mind, the Wotancraft travel camera bag bears a rugged look, though made with lightweight CORDURA®, a material that’s 60% thinner than traditional canvas, 50% lighter, and 10 times more durable and tear-resistant so you know their gear will be kept entirely safe. Other neat design elements include a zipper-less “seashell flap” opening for scratch-proof quick access, loop strips for optional add-on modules and pouches, a tripod strap, as well as a vintage-style brass buckle.
MINT INSTANTKON SF70 INSTANT CAMERA — $1,329, available at mint-camera.com.
This is no ordinary instant camera; unlike the standard instant camera that controls your settings (and your photo), this camera gives the user full manual control. It’s compatible with the Fujifilm Instax Square film so this one is really for the purists. It looks like, feels like, and operates like a classic camera letting you set shutter speed, aperture and focus. Good luck.
LOMOGRAPHY SIMPLE USE REUSABLE FILM CAMERA COLOR NEGATIVE 400 — $34.90, available at shop.lomography.com.
Essentially a point-and-shoot of analogue cameras, Lomography’s reloadable camera makes it really easy for beginners to pick up film photography. For one, it comes pre-loaded with Lomography Color Negative 400 so your friend can get started right away, while there are Color Gel flash filters attached to the side of the flash that they can experiment with various hues and tints.
LOMOGRAPHY 2021 LOMOCHROME METROPOLIS 35MM ISO100-400 FILM — $94.50 for 5 rolls, available at shop.lomography.com.
The unique chemical formulas in this film truly set it apart from anything you can find at Kodak or Fujifilm stores. Lomography describes it as punchy contrasts and muted tones with intense pops of colour.
INSTAX LINK WIDE — $249, available at tkfoto.com.sg.
The Wide format produces some of the clearest and best quality instant photos, and now you can print out your favourite pictures from your smartphone straight onto the instax Wide film. Use the dedicated Link WIDE app to edit your photos (you can make them “richer”), to create greeting cards, or to make a collage of your photos using one of the 29 design templates available.
LENSBABY OMNI CREATIVE FILTER SYSTEM — USD99.95, available at lensbaby.com.
This rather strange-looking contraption will be right at home with a budding photographer who wants to experiment with creative in-camera effects. The system can be mounted onto most lenses, where you can then add on light-refracting crystals and other objects for some artistic, filtered shots.
STROPPA FLAT CAMERA NECK STRAP — USD43.70, available at stroppa.pl.
Rope and leather can look this good! The durable and lightweight camera strap by Stroppa is indeed stylish, and comfortable sitting on your neck too. The neat design is available in three styles — the Flex is made from all-purpose rope which allows for both flexibility and strength, Duo is a braided design that incorporates some personality to the ropes, while Active is the toughest of the bunch, made from actual climbing rope.
Send some self-care, please. If you know someone who’s been stressed out all year, more than usual that is, gift them the gift of indulgence. Remind them to take a break with these pampering hair care and body care sets, filled with plenty of nourishing products that will care for them, from head to toe. Along the way, maybe they’ll appreciate how time seems to slow down as well.
L – R — Coco & Eve Oh My Hair Kit, $43 | Briogeo Detox + Repair Scalp Shampoo & Hair Repair Mask Kit, $79 | Oribe Gold Lust Collection Set, $158 | Aquis Alice + Olivia Double Layer Hair Wrap.
First things first, smooth and glossy tresses for the holiday season and beyond. Coco & Eve’s haircare duo contains a Super Nourishing Hair Masque made with their award-winning coconut and fig formula, and the Miracle Hair Elixir to treat split ends, detangle, tame frizziness, for more manageable hair, basically. For Briogeo’s, their clean beauty mask duo goes deeper to soothe and detoxify irritated scalps with a binchotan charcoal formula that draws out impurities that clog the hair follicle, while algae extract and their proprietary NOVA Complex restore moisture to dry, damaged hair.
Going big on the festive feels, Oribe has collaborated with Antoinette Poisson, a French interior design atelier, for holiday sets adorned with designs from their intricate water-coloured 18th-century papier dominoté wallpapers, which are stamped on using a traditional block printing technique on boxes that contain Oribe’s luxurious hair products. If you’re ever in doubt though, a trusty Aquis hair wrap is the gift they never knew they needed — especially in this limited edition Alice + Olivia print. The super-absorbent material cuts drying time by 50 per cent, allowing less frizz and less breakage.
L – R — Percy & Reed 5 Step Regime Award Winners Haircare Set, $95 | slip Crystal Scrunchie Set, $71 | Olaplex Healthy Hair Essentials Kit, $95.
How impressive does “award winners” sound? Everything you’ll want for full, voluminous hair can be found in Percy & Reed’s 5-step regime, complete with their Turn Up The Volume Volumising Shampoo & Conditioner that leave locks light and lifted, along with a hair primer, a “no oil” hair oil that restores shine with its weightless formula, and the Turn Up The Volume Volumising Dry Shampoo that boosts volume at the hair roots to lift lifeless hair in seconds, especially in between washes.
We also highly recommend Olaplex’s professional-grade formulas for dry and damaged hair. This limited edition kit is a good place to start, and contains a full-sized version of their selling hair treatment, the No.3 Hair Perfector that helps rebuild hair bonds in order to reduce breakage and split-ends. Then, have your friend further protect their long hair by swearing off the common hair tie — only silk ones please! slip’s is made with 22 momme slipsilk™ so it’s extra gentle on hair when they’re having it up or readjusting that ponytail or bun.
L – R — Aesop Gift Set – The Advocate, $140 | The Body Shop Love & Plums Ultimate Gift, $99 | L’Occitane Week Of Self-Care Set, $75.
We guarantee this: you can’t go wrong with an Aesop gift set. This year, they’re celebrate the selfless people in our lives, so we can in turn, show our appreciation with beautifully curated beauty sets. The Advocate’s all for a nurturing and equitable society, so if you know one, they’re probably deserving of some self-care essentials too, housed in a recycled paper pulp case, by the way.
Generous gift-givers will want to look out for these equally generous, all-encompassing sets. The Body Shop’s has a shower gel, body scrub, body butter, shimmer mist, hand cream, and body yogurt, all in a juicy-smelling festive scent that carries notes of plum sorbet, peony and musk. L’Occitane couldn’t be more apt in naming their set the “Week Of Self-Care” set too — here, you’ll find, essentially, a 7-day advent calendar of miniature self-care bestsellers, including their Almond Shower Oil, Almond Milk Concentrate, and Shea Butter Hand Cream.
L – R — Skin Inc Embody Your Bliss, $398 | Frank Body Party S’More Scrub & Lip Tint Kit, $50 | Malin+Goetz Make it A Double, $65 | diptyque Eau Rose Set, $133.
More head-to-toe pampering awaits with these, starting with Skin Inc’s indulgent full-body kit. It contains their Tri-Light™ Body Sculpt Fit, a NASA LED treatment device that also heats up with micro-vibrations, to smooth and lift skin. Frank Body makes the home spa experience way more fun with a Party S’More kit that’s meant to leave you softer than a fluffy marshmallow — hence its name. The Buff Marshmallow Body Scrub smoothens skin, while the Whip Marshmallow Lip Scrub and Pout Lip Tint takes care of your lips.
For more gifts that come ready-wrapped, look to Malin+Goetz’s duo, consisting of the gentle yet effective hand + body wash and their quick-absorbing body lotion, both infused with the brand’s signature rum scent. Then, there’s diptyque’s holiday collection, decorated with a graphic design inspired by the historic Basile pattern; Eau Rose is the fragrance house’s tribute to the rose, in the form of a hand cream and hair mist.
L – R — This Works Space to Dream Christmas Kit, $68 | Lush Cosmetics You’re A Star Gift Set, $159 | Clarins Body Shapers Collection, $102 | Burt’s Bees Essential Burt’s Bees Kit, $52.
Now, for the true self-care fiends. They’ll love everything here. This Works promises a good night’s sleep with their sleep kit, in a supersized set that contains the lavender and vetiver Deep Sleep Bath Soak, the Sleep Balm, a roll-on product, and the crowd-favourite Deep Sleep Pillow Spray.
Lush always, always impresses with their fun holiday sets too, but can you really pass up on a good old bath bomb? Thankfully, this set of 8 bath, shower and body products contain all the items your friend needs to be the star of their own lives — bath bomb, included.
The dream gift for those who love to slather cream on themselves, Clarins’ kit will reward their commitment with a sculpted figure, thanks to their trio of body essentials that sees a full-sized 200ml Body Shaping Cream, on top of an exfoliating body scrub, body wash, and a sleek new case. Burt’s Bees also gathers their essentials in one place, where we get to enjoy their gentle and natural Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream alongside a nourishing Milk and Honey Body Lotion, Coconut Foot Cream, as well as their bestselling Hand Salves and Beeswax Lip Balm.
And then there’s the ultimate self-care. As Singapore’s first luxury intimate care brand, TWO L(I)PS wants us to care for our delicate vulvas, starting with this starter set of two everyday serums that control sebum and return radiance to the most sensitive of skin. There’s also the cheeky Sex Bomb by Good Vibes, a one-of-a kind bath bomb that houses a discreet Raven Bullet vibrator within. You can truly send happy vibes, then.
ALL ITEMS AVAILABLE AT THEIR RESPECTIVE BOUTIQUES, COUNTERS, AND ONLINE AT THE LINKS PROVIDED.
Staying home has certainly been felt quite keenly this year, and while we haven’t had any official Circuit Breaker-style lockdowns, we still got the sometimes sinking feeling of not having anywhere to go to — which, in hindsight, may not be a bad thing. Maybe someone learnt a new skill, or maybe they took the chance to redo their home furnishings; perhaps even moved to a new place. Whether you know someone with a new home, a house-proud host, or a natural homebody who loves the sweet comforts of their abode, we’ve got something for them.
BOSCH VEROCUP 300 SILVER COFFEE MACHINE — $1,999, available at Bosch authorised dealers.
There’s instant coffee from a sachet, and then there’s instant coffee from a capsule machine; but nothing beats real café style coffee that is instant but doesn’t taste instant. This coffee machine is fully automatic for maximum convenience; there’s a OneTouch function that allows you to make all your favourite espresso-based beverages at the touch of a button. For drinks that require milk (like cappuccino and latte), there’s something called MilkMagic Pro, where you just pour the milk into the cup.
HERMÈS GRAND THEATRE NOUVEAU CHANGE TRAY — $1,050, available at hermes.com.
Made in porcelain with hand painted gold trim and a velvet goatskin base, this change tray features a tiger against a graphic and colourful backdrop.
RUHENS V WATER PURIFIER — from $2,549, available at ruhens.com.sg.
This tankless water purifier can dispense up to five different temperatures and three fixed amounts of water. There’s a removable faucet and automated sterilisation so everything is kept clean and easy to maintain; you just need to change the filter when the indicator reminds you that it’s used up.
AIRBOT WAFFLE MAKER — $29.90, available at Shopee.
A waffle machine always ends up in everyone’s “nice to have, but not essential” list. Make a hearty breakfast a priority by gifting this 3-in-1 waffle maker, that allows the cook to create waffles, grilled sandwiches, and omelettes. An additional “fish pan” even makes homemade taiyaki.
RIMOWA ONE BOTTLE CASE — $2,360, available at RIMOWA stores.
This case can hold one bottle. Or you can remove the interior mold and use it as a medicine / makeup / jewellery box.
STEIGEN SOLAR ULTRA — from $799, available at steigen.com.sg.
Solar drying laundry racks are the answer to everything; clothes dry faster, dustmites are repelled, and nothing smells bad. We especially like the ones from Steigen because their racks are the sleekest and there are five models to choose from, each addressing a different need and budget. If you’re new to this, check out the Solar Ultra that’s just been updated with new colours ($1,199).
SONNO BEDDING — $99 (pillow) and $139 (bedsheets), available at sg.sleepsonno.com.
Soft sheets and firm (but fluffy) pillows will make a huge difference to your rest, and Sonno is so confident with their products, they offer a 30-night trial (for their pillow) and a 1 to 2-year warranty.
WEAVVE HOME LYOCELL DUVET — from $259, available at weavvehome.com.
Local bedding brand, Weavve Home brings us Singapore’s first Lyocell Duvet made with 100% TENCEL in both its exterior fabric and inner filling. This provides great thermal regulation for comfort (it’s a silky soft feel on the skin) and rest (it’s suitable for those who suffer from common allergies). The exterior is also treated with SILVADUR Advanced Microbial Control technology (by DuPont), which helps to eliminate bacteria, and to stop mold and fungi from forming. A good house-warming gift for a friend with sensitive skin or young children.
Here’s Xiaomi’s new TV that looks good (the exterior is super sleek, while the display is a state-of-the-art DCI-P3 97% colour gamut with one billion colours depth), sounds good (it has cinematic sound with 30W stereo speakers), and has all the apps you need to keep you entertained, with dedicated buttons for Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Assistant voice control.
RING FIT ADVENTURE FOR NINTENDO SWITCH — $89.90, available at qisahn.com.
Since they’re gonna be spending much more time at home — or already do — encourage them to keep fit with this novel fitness-themed game, that sneaks in arms, legs, and abs workouts while they’re battling a very buff dragon.
SELENIGHTCO THE SIGNATURE KIMONO IN STRIPES — $89, available at selenightco.com.
For that person who’d like to saunter around their house in PJs and still look great. Simply throw in this pastel-toned kimono, and you’re suddenly presentable for answering the door.
If they ever feel like leaving the house, they can still carry some of that cosiness with them, in the form of these Book Club necklaces. Shaped in the classic silhouette of a book, each jewellery piece also encourages us to be kind and reflect on our younger and future selves.
REMODELISTA: THE ORGANIZED HOME — $39.90, available at ohhappyfry.com.
We like that this book isn’t trying to be like Marie Kondo. Instead of forcing you to minimise the number of things you have, it shows you ways to organise and display them beautifully.
Everyone always seems to be busy and strapped for time, so who wouldn’t welcome the extra help to clean the house, service the aircon or even get a massage. Book your friend some experiences at Urban Company — we recommend a classic mani/pedi ($53) and one-hour Swedish massage ($97) done in the comfort of your friend’s home, and a professional-grade 5-hour house clean ($96).
This one’s for the person who never fails to share their yearly ‘Spotify Wrapped’ with the rest of us — after all, it gives them an opportunity to show off their alternative taste. If you know a true connoisseur of music who’d scoff at you not having a “proper” sound system at home, you’ve come to the right place. From classy speakers that liven up the home space while offering top-quality sound, to just the most appropriate fashion pieces and accessories, here are the ultimate must-haves for any audiophile.
BEOPLAY A1 2ND GEN CLOT — $479, exclusively available at the Bang & Olufsen Showroom at the Grand Hyatt and CHAMBER at Wisma Atria # 03-24.
Bang & Olufsen and fashion brand CLOT have collaborated for a special edition of the portable A1 bluetooth speaker. This comes in a catchy bright red shade with teh CLOT logo printed on the top. As for the sound, it’s loud and rich, and designed to be shared with everyone. It’s great that it’s also fully dust and waterproof, making this good for using outdoors.
SONY LSPX-S3 WIRELESS GLASS SOUND SPEAKER — $499, available at the Sony Store online.
This looks like a lamp, but it’s actually a speaker with a built-in microphone (so you can take calls too). It’s fairly compact and wireless, so you can move it around the house — just be careful the cat or kids don’t knock it over because it’s made of glass. We haven’t heard the sound quality in person, but Sony says that it’s stunning (of course they would); there’s something called Advanced Vertical Drive Technology that uses three Actuators to vibrate the entire glass tweeter to spread sound in every direction. Sounds good (according to the press release).
As much as the television brands tout their in-built speaker, nothing sounds better than a premium soundbar to truly bring all your entertainment to life. Sonos Arc is a sleek device that sits parallel to your TV, and comes in black or white.
This speaker mesmerises for its minimalist, see-through design that hides no messy wires, and indeed, the cross-section shows that its electronic components are as clean as can be. Stripped back to include only the essential, the glass panels allow you to view the various components at work — while giving us statement-making technology that delivers on high-quality sound.
Just like the Transparent Speaker, the Nothing earbuds have a transparent case that allows you to see the electronics within. It’s not just cool to look at, but these sound great too; there’s an 11.6mm dynamic driver with a spacious air chamber — Bass is strong, mids are balanced, and the treble is clear. You’ll get 5 hours of listening time and 34 hours in total with the charging case.
NATIVE UNION AIRPODS BEANIES — $39, available at nativeunion.com.
Who needs a case when you can have a beanie to keep your AirPods cozy. This knitted case is both fun and functional, and comes in a four-pack that includes Glacier, Peach, Indigo and Sage colours.
STELLA MCCARTNEY + THE BEATLES GET BACK SGT PEPPERS PRINT SWEATSHIRT / T-SHIRT — USD734 (sweatshirt) and USD364 (t-shirt), available at net-a-porter.com.
All you need is love… and a vintage-inspired t-shirt it seems. It’s quite a high chance that your friend’s a fan of The Beatles — get them a memento of one of the most legendary bands in the world, with this sweatshirt from the Stella McCartney x The Beatles capsule collection, printed with a Sgt. Pepper-style portrait that fans will absolutely adore.
SAINT LAURENT CASSETTE TAPE KEYRING — $460, available at YSL stores and ysl.com.
Consider this an ode to the pre-playlist glory days of painstakingly recording the perfect mixtapes, when gifts for a loved one could be that much more intimate. If your friend’s the sentimental sort, they’ll appreciate the sentiment behind this one.
NINM LAB LONG TIME NO SEE PORTABLE CD PLAYER — HKD918, available at ninmlab.com.
Your friend probably doesn’t need a CD player but it’s still nice to have one. This player is inspired by the 90s and has an all-new black transparent cover so you can see the CD playing. We like the built-in magnet so you can stick it on the fridge, and Bluetooth capabilities so you can use your wireless speakers and earphones with it.
BEYERDYNAMIC GAMING HEADSETS, MMX 100 / MMX 150 — $169 (MMX 100) and $199 (MMX 150), available early next year (sorry it’s not in time for Christmas).
These new additions to the popular MMX series are just right for gamers looking for comfort and good quality sound in their gear. There’s the MMX 100, which has a traditional analog outfit 3.5mm jack plug, and the MMX 150 that’s a digital USB gaming headset with integrated sound card and tuned features. Both headsets also feature the new META VOICE cardioid condenser microphone.
HUAWEI FREEBUDS LIPSTICK — $298, available at Shopee.
These earbuds come in a case that’s packaged exactly like a lipstick. It may seem like a novelty (which actually makes it perfect as a gift) but these play really well. They use the brand’s open-fit design — it’s very comfortable — and dual-microphone noise cancellation, which picks up environmental noise effectively. You get 4 hours of playback and a total of 22 hours with the charging case.
If you’re getting wanderlust scrolling through your Facebook and Instagram newsfeed, you’re not alone; we all have those “lucky” friends who are traversing Europe and The States, and posting about how it’s their first time flying after two years. Yai for them. But their reality is far more than Business Class flights; they would have gone through a great deal of stress navigating the paperwork required to enter another country, and taken (and paid for) multiple PCR tests that aren’t the most pleasant experience. Our answer to the travel bug is to be a tourist in your own country! There really is a lot more to do and see in Singapore than we realise, and it all starts with a fun and relaxing staycation.
And the Christmas season is the best time to get out of the house and check yourself (and your family) into a hotel; it’s stress-free (you just need to be vaccinated) and a comfortable process. We’ve rounded up four Festive Staycation deals worth checking out this month.
THE CLAN HOTEL SINGAPORE
The Clan Hotel is right next to Far East Square and just across the road from Amoy Street and Telok Ayer Street, which are both bustling with character and old-world charm.
Above: The Clan Hotel Grand Premier Room
Plan a 3D2N heritage experience with “The Exuberant Edition” package, which includes a stay in the MASTER Series Grand Premier Room, a Trishaw ride down Chinatown (it’s great if you’ve never done this before), a 6-course festive feast of re-imagined classics with free-flow of cocktails at QĪN Restaurant and Bar (located in the hotel), a bumboat cruise for 2 along the Singapore River (again, a great experience if it’s your first time doing this), a 2-way limousine transfer, and late checkout at 3pm.
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3D2N Price : FROM $1,888
Book and Stay period : 3 dec 2021 – 1 Jan 2022
THIS PACKAGE IS EXCLUSIVELY FOR FAR EAST INSIDERS. YOU CAN SIGN UP AS A MEMBER HERE for free.
THE BARRACKS HOTEL SENTOSA
Get whisked away to a bygone colonial era with a charming stay at The Barracks Hotel located in Sentosa.
Above: The facade of The Barracks Hotel Sentosa
The building is a converted military outpost that dates back to 1904 and has just 40 exclusive rooms. It’s the perfect setting to surprise and pamper your loved one and celebrate the year in style.
Check out the “Exquisite Barracks” Christmas package — a 3D2N stay in the hotel’s Premier Room, which includes breakfast, complimentary land transfers throughout your stay, and a private dining Christmas experience at your gorgeous patio with free-flow cocktails. You’ll also be treated to a morning sail to the Southern Islands complete with a festive-themed picnic, as well as a ride on the Barracks Jeep to Mount Faber for the famous Singapore Cable Car Sky Dining experience for two.
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3D2N Price : FROM $4,588
Book and stay period : 3 dec 2021 – 1 Jan 2022
THIS PACKAGE IS EXCLUSIVELY FOR FAR EAST INSIDERS. YOU CAN SIGN UP AS A MEMBER HERE for free.
OASIA RESORT SENTOSA
If you’re looking to rebalance yourself, unwind and relax, Oasia Resort Sentosa nestled in the greens of Sentosa is the perfect hideaway.
Above: Oasia Resort Sentosa Junior Suite
The “Christmas Retreat” seasonal deal for 2 will help you and your plus one reset for the new year. You’ll spend a well-deserved 3D2N at the hotel’s Junior Suite, inclusive of daily breakfasts, complimentary wellness amenities, 2-way land transfer and a 3-hour Body Ritual at Oasia Spa (comprising a 30 mins Body Scrub, 90 mins Massage, and 60 mins Private Workshop on body care). Add to that a 4-hour Relaxation Therapy for 2 that includes a 2-hour Forest Bathing experience, 90 mins Facial, and 30 mins Scalp Massage; you’ll be completely pampered and refreshed after the sessions. Then refuel with a Welcome Cocktail and $300 dining credit at Bedrock Origin where you can tuck into the finest steaks that are dry-aged in-house and cooked on the bone.
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3D2N Price : FROM $3,988
Book and stay period : 3 dec 2021 – 1 Jan 2022
THIS PACKAGE IS EXCLUSIVELY FOR FAR EAST INSIDERS. YOU CAN SIGN UP AS A MEMBER HERE for free.
ORCHARD RENDEZVOUS HOTEL
For families with kids, your little ones will enjoy this “Family Rendezvous x Cath Kidston” package by Orchard Rendezvous Hotel. The hotel has collaborated with British lifestyle brand, Cath Kidston to present an airy 53m2 botanical-accented getaway that features Cath Kidston’s signature prints on bath, bedding and dining accessories. The room overlooks Orchard Road (no lack of shopping here) and houses a bunk bed for the kids, making it ideal for a family of four.
Above: Cath Kidston family room with bunk bed
As part of the specially-curated 3D2N experience, you’ll get in-room breakfasts (there’s a comfortable, dedicated dining area), a unique Singapore Botanic Gardens outing, an open-top coach tour of the annual Orchard Road Christmas Lights on Fridays and Saturdays, from 10 December 2021 to 1 January 2022 (the kids will love this!), vintage car rides (everyone will love this), and to top it off, you can take home handpicked Cath Kidston mementoes.
Above: Cath Kidston hamper
3D2N Price : FROM $2,188 on weekdays / FROM $2,288 on weekends
Book and stay period : 3 dec 2021 – 1 Jan 2022
Discover more staycations with hotels under Far East Hospitality. There are a full variety of hotels and packages to choose from, including these festive staycation seasonal deals featured here from The Clan Hotel Singapore, The Barracks Hotel Sentosa, Oasia Resort Sentosa, and Orchard Rendezvous Hotel. Click here for more.
Smell good, and have your home smelling divine too. Floral, fruity, woody, radiant, Christmas-inspired, and everything in between, keen noses will definitely appreciate these fragrances and scented candles. Many of these come in holiday sets, or beautifully-crafted, limited-edition designs that truly please all our senses.
L – R — CHANEL Beauty N°5 EDP 2021 Limited Edition, $266 (100ml); N°5 L’Eau EDT, $266 (100ml) | YSL Beauty Libre EDP Holiday 2021, $179 (50ml) | Dolce & Gabbana Beauty The One Gold EDP, $164 (50ml) | Tiffany & Co. Rose Gold EDP, $170 (50ml).
Some of the most luxurious-looking fragrances include the 100th anniversary version of the CHANEL N°5, iconic as ever with the lucky number 5 inscribed in gold on the label, and with high-end recycled glass incorporated into the bottle design.
Both YSL Beauty and Dolce&Gabbana go for gold, where the former sees YSL’s first floral lavender scent housed in a bottle speckled with a gold leaf design, while D&G wraps its scent’s fruity notes of mandarin, plum and pink pepper in an exquisite gold.
Tiffany & Co.’s latest launch is every bit as sophisticated as their jewellery; the Rose Gold EDP sees a blush-tinted faceted glass flacon inspired by the house’s diamond cuts, with the radiant scent’s fragrance notes etched into the bottle design.
L – R — Jo Malone London Starlit Mandarin & Honey Cologne, $228 (100ml) | Cartier Les Nécessaires à Parfum, from $830 for the case and $144 for the scent (2 x 30ml) | Tom Ford Beauty Private Blend Bitter Peach EDP Set, $539 (50ml) | Louis Vuitton Miniature Set, $510 (10ml x 7).
Jo Malone London’s fragrances are highly coveted any time of the year — but even more so during the festive season because they always go the extra mile. Here, an elegant citrus fougère scent shines bright with a star-studded pattern etched onto the glass bottle.
If you’re going all out for your gifts though, consider Cartier’s Les Nécessaires à Parfum series that bring back an old-school tradition of vanity cases for our perfumes, with modern cases that store the maison’s fragrances in 30ml glass refills.
No doubt, the fragrance sets from Tom Ford Beauty and Louis Vuitton are just as worthy of mention; Tom Ford’s voluptuous scent “evokes nectar-filled flesh at its most ripe”, and comes with a mini Atomizer by its side, while the Louis Vuitton Miniature Set is big on delivering seven of their best creations, in a minimalist presentation case that’s definitely a keeper.
L – R — Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Pera Granita EDT Christmas Set, $128 (75ml) | Burberry Beauty Her London Dream Gift Set, $223 (100ml) | Gucci Beauty Bloom EDP with Rouge à Lèvres Mat, $227 (50ml) | Anna Sui Fantasia EDT, $129 (75ml).
Here are more fragrance sets to indulge in. Guerlain’s citrus-fruity Aqua Allergoria Pera Granita is light on the nose and extra delightful when accompanied with a body lotion, miniature, and beautifully-designed gift box. Burberry Her’s London Dream iteration, on the other hand, whisks us away to the heart of the city with its radiant, vibrant notes of lemon, ginger, rose and peony, housed in a monogrammed box no less.
For Gucci Beauty, it’s truly the best of both worlds when we get the Gucci Bloom, a floral scent of jasmine bud, tuberose and rangoon creeper, paired with one of their Rouge à Lèvres Mat lipsticks. Making an enchanting entrance is also the Fantasia EDT, with a gleaming unicorn tipped dipped in glossy gold, and a woody-floral fragrance that’s both feminine and mysterious.
L – R — Hermès Twilly d’Hermès EDP Gift Set, $235 (85ml) | Chloé Nomade Eau De Parfum Mini Set, $202 (75ml) | Acqua di Parma x Emilio Pucci Colonia Futura Gift Set, $253 (100ml) | Bvlgari Omnia Amethyste EDT Set, $159 (65ml).
For those with discerning tastes, you can’t go wrong with this Twilly d’Hermès gift set, which pairs the youthful and irreverent ginger-laced scent by the luxury house with a mini EDP and moisturising body lotion — we have to say, that decorated box alone is already highly enticing. One for wanderlust, the Chloé Nomade is beloved for good reason, and here, you’ll be getting a 75ml bottle, mini 10ml and a body lotion that all take after the original fragrance bottle.
Acqua di Parma’s holiday sets are usually sought-after for their limited-edition designs, and this one features the Vortici print, of sophisticated city architecture reinterpreted in a flowy form to accompany the Colonia Futura’s luminous notes of grapefruit, lavender, clary sage and vetiver. If you want to go even more iconic though, Bvlgari’s distinct fragrance bottle is unmissable, as this holiday set features the iris-and-rose Omnia Amethyste scent.
L – R — Dior 30 Montaigne Candle Set, $194 | diptyque Scented Candles in Pine Tree, Snowflake, and Holiday Pastry, $115 (190g) | Le Labo Santal 26 Classic Candle, €52.89 (245g) | Loewe Home Scents Floral Candle Gift Set, $225 | Penhaligon’s The Nose Twitchers Gift Set, £38 | Maison Francis Kurkdjian 1,2,3, Noël! Trio of Scented Candles, $168.
The festive season calls for the most cosy home set-up, so we’re definitely not forgetting these lovely candles. Dior’s certainly mesmerises since the candle container is all dressed up with this season’s Atelier of Dreams floral motifs. You know we can always rely on diptyque as well, and this year, they’re presenting a limited edition trio of scented candles that evoke winter classics,, with artistic paint flecks of gold on their glass vessels. Elsewhere, only the most refined candles make our cut, which includes Le Labo’s iconic Santal 26, as well as duos and trios from Loewe, Penhaligon’s and Maison Francis Kurkdjian.
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ALL ITEMS AVAILABLE AT THEIR RESPECTIVE BOUTIQUES, COUNTERS, AND ONLINE AT THE LINKS PROVIDED.
For mom, dad, and baby — or toddlers, children, and even your precious pet. We’re counting them all in a list of gifts perfect for all kinds of parents. From an aesthetic playmat that doesn’t clash with their homes, to custom bedtime books and made-for-kids backpacks, these will hopefully make the sweet parenting life a whole lot easier.
CANON POWERSHOT PICK — $649, available at Canon authorised dealers.
This looks like a CCTV camera, but it’s actually an 11.7MP compact camera for taking home photos. It has voice-activated controls and you can customise your shooting preferences through the app. What it’s good for: it has facial recognition software for that perfect focus on the face every time. Just place it on the table and the camera will automatically scan the scene and capture candid photos or videos without you having to operate it.
LOLLIBLY DUAL-SIDED TERRAZZO PLAYMAT — $259, available at lollibly.com.
This one’s an investment they don’t even know they need — a dual-sided playmat that’s equally classy and cute, that blends in to their homes rather than create more clutter. Designed in collaboration with local blogger Drea Chong, one side features a terrazzo print in soothing colours, while the other sees a Habitat Playmat design that takes their little one on an adventure through the woods.
MUNCHKIN SHHH… PORTABLE SOUND & LIGHT SOOTHER — $24.90, available at authorised dealers including fairprice.com.sg.
Studies have shown that babies prefer some form of noise over complete silence when they sleep — after all, a mother’s womb is said to be a loud but comforting place. This device helps deal with fussy babies by presenting three specific sounds. A shushing noise helps to calm down an upset child; a soothing, steady heartbeat lulls them into a calm state; while white noise eventually helps keep them asleep. There’s a timer, nightlight, and it’s extremely portable too.
WONDERBLY BEDTIME FOR YOU CUSTOMISABLE BOOKS — $39.99, available at wonderbly.com.
There are story books, and there are customised story books, clearly on a different tier because the child (and parents!) gets to experience the thrill of seeing their name and likeness in this beautifully illustrated bedtime story. A meaningful gift, surely.
SANRIO HELLO KITTY STAINLESS KING FOOD JAR WITH FOLDING SPOON — $69, available from Thermos Singapore’s official store on Shopee.
This essential food jar comes in a vivid red, blue and white, featuring the most famous cat in the world. It has a bigger capacity of 0.71L (compared to previous versions of Thermos Food Jars), with its lid doubling up as a bowl, and it also comes with a useful folding spoon.
LEGO DUPLO DELUXE BRICK BOX — $67.99 (on sale from $84.99) at toysrus.com.sg.
Every child will appreciate this big box of building bricks; they are larger than your normal LEGO pieces, and this set includes windows, flowers, a car, balloons, gifts, a cake, and numbered bricks from 1 to 5.
THE PAPER BUNNY KIDS BACKPACK — $49, available at thepaperbunny.com.
Instead of them lugging their child’s items all over the place, have them trick their kid into wanting to take ownership of their stuff, with this little cutie. The Paper Bunny nails the sunny colours and functional design of this water-resistant nylon backpack, which comes with adjustable padded straps, plenty of pockets inside and outside, and even a chest velcro fastener to prevent straps from slipping off. Toys, water bottle, that little pet rock they’re currently attached to, these all fit in here.
UNIQLO JWA BENJAMIN BUNNY LONG SLEEVE SWEAT SHIRT — $59.90 from Uniqlo.com.
Every little baby loves bunnies so wear them printed on a soft, comfy sweat shirt. Available in both Beige and Blue versions.
URBAN LI’L DISNEY EUCALYPTUS ROUND — $45, available at urbanlil.com.
We can see this taking up prime space in the nursery or living area. Urban Li’l is here with a collection of adorable wooden plaques adorned with Disney characters — Winnie The Pooh, Elsa, Olaf and more — in customised pieces laser-cut from premium plywood. Read our feature for more Disney-themed decorative pieces and Christmas ornaments.
KĀI COFFEE, WINE & WATER TUMBLER — $29.90, available at iamkai.co.
Exactly what a parent needs. Coffee in the morning to fuel them through school drop-offs, water for hydration throughout the day, and wine to wind down with. How else are they going to get through the stresses of parenthood?
You know the feeling when you’re digging for your pair of sunglasses — the one cool thing you own — in a huge bag of toys, teethers, and extra nappies? Good luck. You can make it easier though with this puffy sleeve, in a bright shade with extra padding.
SIDERSONLINE RAINBOW TAKE IT EASY REVERSIBLE SHOPPER TOTE — $39.90, available at sidersonline.com.
A reminder to take it easy, perhaps, and a great thing to stow in their already massive tote bag — in case they need more storage space. The dual-sided tote sees a neutral pink shade on one side, and a full-fledged rainbow design on the other, which they can rock depending on their mood.
PRADA CRYSTAL-STUDDED PET COLLAR — $595, available at Prada boutiques.
We’re acknowledging the pet moms and dads here. Spoil your kid silly with this crystal-studded number from Prada, with sparkling crystals atop the luxury brand’s enamelled triangle logo.
SWATCH X PEANUTS CHOMP! WATCH — $223, available at Swatch stores and swatch.com.
Swatch has teamed up with Peanuts for a series of watches this season, and this one’s the most special. A bold mirror dial is at the centre of the design, that comes with a red bio-sourced case and red silicone strap that features panels from original Peanuts Christmas comic strips. It features a classic image of Snoopy on his doghouse too, and is packaged in a fun dog bowl design.
Above: Packaging for the new Dolce&Gabbana Beauty Millennialskin On-The-Glow Tinted Moisturizer.
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