If you’re unable to make it to the Illumi Run 2014, fret not. With the growing popularity of themed-EDM parties worldwide, the team behind the Illumi Run 2014, Infinitus Productions, are throwing Asia’s first massive glow-in-the-dark paint party in the run up (pun intended) to the Illumi Run 2014. All about innovative partying, Infinitus Productions certainly knows how to pack all the action into one night.

Happening on October 11, 2014, high-powered EDM beats and bursts of glow-in-the-dark paint will culminate in a heady party atmosphere. Join 10,000 other party-goers at Siloso Beach for a fun-filled time and revel in the pulsating beats spun by three internationally renowned DJs – Bingo Player, Dada Life and Martin Solveig – the masters of EDM who will be headlining the party. New acts have also been added to the line-up for an all-round enthralling night.

Top international DJs spinning at Illumi Nation - (from left to right) Bingo Player, Dada Life, Martin Solveig

Revellers can also anticipate exciting fringe activities, including glow-in-the-dark graffiti “live” art, body art painting and dance acts. Be awash with colour in a sea of neon as you dance the night away.

A standard ticket for Illumi Nation costs $98 and will be $118 at the door. To enjoy a handful of perks, opt for the VIP package which will cost you $148 – perks include priority access at the door, access to a VIP zone, one complimentary standard drink and an Illumi Nation party kit thrown in for good measure. If you're going with friends, enjoy savings with the "Party of 4" package - four tickets available for only $370, at www.illumination.asia.

“Become the light” at Illumi Nation’s psychedelic neon party and get your tickets now!

Illumi Nation 2014
Date: October 11, 2014
Time: 6pm-3am
Venue: Siloso Beach Sentosa, Singapore
Admission: Tickets start from $98. Entry to party only for 18 years and above
For more information, go to www.illumination.asia. You can follow Illumi Nation’s official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/illuminationasia.

1. HOW TO GET LUSCIOUS LASHES 
This tutorial was put together by ASOS makeup artist Elias Hove and starts with a soft metallic eyeshadow. A touch of rouge on the lips is followed by some light bronzer on the cheekbones. Clumpy mascara adds an ounce of va-va-voom to your peepers. For the finishing touch, dab some concealer under the eyes to brighten up your look.

2. HOW TO WEAR A METALLIC SMOKY EYE
Earlier this year, Aussie blogger Chloe Morello took advantage of the southern hemisphere season to experiment with a fun autumn look. She starts with a layer of primer and adds some highlights and contouring using foundation sticks. Chloe then gets to work on the key feature ‒ a metallic smoky eye. Although slightly dramatic, we think it's a great touch for any glamorous evening events.

3. HOW TO WEAR A BOLD BERRY LIP
Blogger Kristin Cooley has also put together a bold fall look, but this dark lip, dark eye combo comes with a little bit more autumnal edge. After contouring her face she moves onto the eyes, adding shaded eyeshadow and a cat's eye flick, and finishing with deep berry lips à la Lorde.

There are a few things in life that I’ll kill for, and great skin is one of them. Although I am acutely aware that celebrities are paid to look that good, I still get skin-envy whenever I meet them face to face. I sat down with Michelle Chia, the new face of Hada Labo Singapore, to find out how she gets away without having to use foundation (even when she’s on set!).

TIP ONE: PAT YOUR FACE RELIGIOUSLY
A beauty secret she inherited from her mother, Michelle swears by patting her face nonstop (at least 300 times a day!). Whether she is watching the tele or lying in bed, Michelle is continuously “slapping” her face. Which has even led her boyfriend to wonder why she’s always hitting herself. Looking at her very contoured jawline and taut face, I would say this patting business is working for her.

TIP TWO: TECHNIQUE IS KEY
Believe it or not, the tanned actress doesn’t use foundation. “I have rather oily skin, so I don’t use foundation actually, I can’t! Be it a big show or a small television series or whether I’m hosting an event ‒ I don’t use foundation.” Michelle says that her constant perspiration makes it difficult for makeup to stay, so she relies on loose powder or an illuminator to hide flaws instead.

Being forced to go foundation-free has also led her pick up great makeup tips. One thing that Michelle believes in is that for any beauty product to work, you need to find out the best way to use the product. For example, instead of just smearing BB cream all over her face, the actress warms it up in her hands and then presses it onto her visage. Doing so often gives the actress a nice dewy finish every time.

TIP THREE: WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS, MIX IT ALL TOGETHER?
Michelle declared that she is extremely impatient when it comes to skincare. Once when she had an eight-step skincare routine, the actress simply mixed all eight products on her palm, gave it a swirl, and slapped them on her face. Although she knew it wasn’t the most effective method, Michelle said that her idea was to warm up the products in her hands before applying them on her face (although she admits that applying eight products at once was a bit too excessive).

She said that warming up the products she believed increased its efficacy. Likewise, the actress warms up a dollop of Hada Labo’s lotion on her palm before patting it on. The product enters her skin instantaneously, so she doesn’t have to resort to mixing up her skincare steps any more.

TIP FOUR: SHARE THE LOVE
The sporty actress said that when she’s done applying her Hada Labo Lotion, she eagerly pats the excess on her boyfriend (which makes the scientist grimace in the process!). The two of them also share certain beauty products, and Michelle says that she even indulges him in facials from time to time ‒ making him feel extra loved.

Well, what can we say, love does make a person glow.

Michelle Chia is the local ambassador for Hada Labo. For more information, visit www.hadalabo.com.sg or follow the brand on Facebook.

Will it be a little sister or brother for Prince George? © James Whatling/Splash News/Corbis

We knew it! The royal couple have obviously been very busy after Prince George’s bedtime because the Duke of Cambridge has announced that he and the Duchess are expecting baby number two.

Unfortunately for the Duchess, the second time around isn’t any easier as she’s suffering from the same acute morning sickness as she did with Prince George. The Duchess is less than three months pregnant right now and the new baby is thought to be due in April 2015.

As with every royal baby, the punters have come out in full force. Elizabeth and Henry have emerged as frontrunners for the new baby’s name according to Irish bookmaker, Paddy Power, right off the bat at the announcement. Bets for the baby’s gender are also on.

But what does this mean for the line of succession? When Prince George’s new sibling arrives, the baby will be fourth in line to inherit the throne after George, William and Prince Charles. Poor Prince Harry though! The original spare heir has been pushed down to fifth spot. But don’t worry Harry, you will always have a special place in our hearts that no chubby baby can replace.

Stay tuned to herworldPLUS for the royal baby bump watch and Kate’s maternity fashion choices.

Stuart Weitzman’s upcoming “Pump Up Your Wardrobe” MTO trunk event marks the first time the brand has held such an event in Singapore. VIP customers and the public are invited to come along to find their perfect match!

Add some pazzaz to a classic pump with Swarovski crystals embellishment!

The “Pump Up Your Wardrobe Program” will be offering a range of shoe styles for pre-order. With the program’s customisation service, customers will be able to conjure up their ideal shoe to suit their preferences. All 12 pairs of MTO shoe samples in all 12 colours, along with swatches, will be available in store to help your selection during your customisation process.

As if there wasn't choice enough, customers can go the extra mile with customisation and add a bit of sparkle to their step - embellish your intials on the soles of the pumps in Swarovski crystals, with a total of six different coloured crystals to choose from. If a classic pair of pumps are not what you’re after, you’ll be glad to know that several styles of long boots and booties will also be customisable. Depending on the style and customisation, delivery time will take anywhere from six to nine weeks – I daresay its worth the wait!

Stuart Weitzman’s MTO trunk event will be in Singapore for a limited time only – from September 12-14, 2014. So make use of this long shopping weekend to “pump up your wardrobe” with one-of-a-kind shoes made just for you!

Prices start from $620. The Stuart Weitzman “Pump Up Your Wardrobe” service will be available at Ngee Ann City, #02-12E in Singapore from September 12 to September 14, 2014.

Baked Eggs and Scrambled Eggs from Patisserie G. -- PHOTO: PATISSERIE G

For breakfast (or breakfast at 4pm)

Well of course eggs cocotte and scrambled eggs are not hard to make. You can do them while half asleep.
But on days when you are too lazy to make breakfast, stop by Patisserie G for Oeufs En Cocotte and Scrambled Eggs En Cocotte.

The baked eggs are delicious. Free-range eggs are baked with creme fraiche and Gruyere, and smoked salmon ($18), mushroom ($16) or bacon ($16). The egg whites are delicious and decadent from the cheese and creme fraiche. I am happy just to have them, but take great pleasure in breaking the two perfect yolks, and then mopping up all that golden goodness with the brioche toast soldiers served alongside.

A heartier option would be the scrambled eggs ($15), with three free-range eggs in each serving. Add-ons include smoked salmon ($3), pork sausage ($3) and mushroom ($2.50). You can choose from brioche or a croissant to go with the eggs.

For late risers and people who can eat breakfast all day long, the eggs are available until 4pm daily.
And until the end of the month, any egg cocotte or scrambled egg order comes with free brewed coffee, tea or juice. Add $1.50 for a cappuccino or other espresso beverage.

Where: Patisserie G, 01-40 Millenia Walk MRT: Promenade Open: 8am to 9pm (last order), Mon to Thu;, 8am to 10pm (last order), Fri; 11am to 10pm (last order), Sat; 11am to 9pm (last order), Sun Tel: 6338-7578

-- PHOTO: GYOZA-YA, TAN HSUEH YUN

For a fuss-free lunch or dinner

Gyoza-Ya has become my go-to place for a quick, satisfying and relatively inexpensive meal. I have tried practically everything on the menu so it is a good thing there are some new choices.

One of them is the Tokusei Tonkotsu Udon ($6.80), a comforting bowl of noodles for rainy days.

The restaurant uses milky pork broth, usually used for ramen, for this dish. Instead of ramen, there are strands of silky udon which are flat instead of rounded.

A chunk of pork belly braised in soya sauce and lots of finely sliced negi or leek complete the simple dish. The broth looks rich and flavourful and it is most certainly flavourful. What surprises me is that it is also light. I avoid hot liquids at all cost, but am happy to slurp every drop of this broth.

Where: Gyoza-Ya, The Heeren, 260 Orchard Road, Robinsons Orchard, B1-02A MRT: Orchard Open: 11.30am - 10pm daily Tel: 6737-5581

For a post-meal treat

The last time I had a whoopie pie in Singapore, I almost chipped a tooth, it was so hard.

So when I saw them at Vicky’s in Bukit Timah Road, I wondered if I should just stick to the bakery’s luscious signature chocolate fudge cake instead. But curiosity got the better of me. Whoopie!

These confections, an American invention, are excellent. Soft rounds of chocolate cake, so velvety, sandwich a vanilla cream filling. The chocolate is dark and pretty intense and the filling is not cloying. They cost $3 each and make for a satisfying after meal treat.

Where: Vicky’s, 833 Bukit Timah Road, Royalville, 01-07 MRT: Holland Village Open: 9.30 to 6pm, Mon to Sat; closed on Sun Tel: 6466-4000 Info:www.vickycakes.com

For a good cuppa

Cafes are popping up at the most unlikely places and one of my latest finds is The Tiny Roaster in a quiet HDB neighbourhood in Clementi.

The name is apt. There are a few seats indoors and a couple more outdoors, and I shudder to think what the place will be like when more people find out about it.

For now, it is quite possible to pop by at lunchtime on a weekday and have the place all to yourself. On weekends, there might be a few more people, but there is a very chilled out vibe about the place that I like.
Order The White Brew ($4.50), Aeropress coffee topped with foamed milk. Some people might miss the Hello-Wake-Up kick of an espresso shot in the drink, but I enjoy the mellow smoothness of it so much I long for one every day.

Where: The Tiny Roaster, Block 612 Clementi West Street 1, 01-288 MRT: Clementi Open: 11am to 8pm, Tue to Sat; 11am to 6pm, Sun; closed on Mon

This article was first run in The Straits Times newspaper on September 5, 2014. For similar stories, go to sph.straitstimes.com/premium/singapore. You will not be able to access the Premium section of The Straits Times website unless you are already a subscriber. 

Tattooed from shaved head to pinkie toe in checkers and other designs, the man who calls himself "Chess" was a star attraction at the first ever International Tattoo Convention in Peru.

The man, whose real name is Matt Gone, has, with the help of 80 different US tattoo artists, turned his entire body into a canvas -- including his eyes which he injects with red dye.

The dye wouldn't take on his palms or the soles of his feet, but he did manage to tattoo his genitals, said the 40-year-old, who was born with Poland Syndrome, which affects muscle development.

Gone was one of around 100 heavily tattooed participants -- 80 from Peru, 20 from elsewhere -- at the three-day convention in Peru's capital, Lima.

The convention aimed to bring together tattoo artists and encourage proper safeguards and professional practices in the industry.

Participants had also modified their bodies in other ways, like Uruguayans Victor Peralta and his wife Gaby, tattooed over 99 percent of their skin, who also have inlaid metal on their chests and arms, forked tongues, and one yellow and one green eye.

The two hold the Guinness World Record for the couple with the most body modifications. They own two tattoo parlors in Uruguay and give talks throughout Latin America.

"At 11 years old, I got my first image, a flower," Peralta said, adding he is proud of the silicone implants in his forehead and arms.

"I like to be unique," he said.

The staying power of the crop top is remarkable. Season after season, short tops have been present in fashion shows in droves and surprise, surprise, Spring Summer 2015 isn’t any different. Meet the newest crop tops fresh off the New York Fashion Week runway.

All images from Showbit.

The American cosmetics brand is revisiting the 1975 musical comedy horror film for a new capsule collection due out in time for Halloween. 

The 70s West End and Broadway stage show, which was made into a movie starring Tim Curry and Susan Sarandon, is pretty fertile ground for a glamorous, and let's face it, rather risqué Halloween transformation.

"The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a cult classic about transformation, diversity, individuality and fantasy; all elements that are a part of M·A·C's DNA," explained MAC's James Gager.

"The collection was inspired by the strong makeup looks of the film characters. It will be out just in time for Halloween, one of M·A·C's favorite holidays," he added. 

The collection will feature a selection of lipsticks, an eyeshadow palette, blush, eyeliner, and of course, plenty of glitter. We think it's perfect for all those 'Sweet Transvestites from Transsexual Transylvania' out there, as well as anyone else up for a spot of glam rock cross-dressing come Halloween!

Following in the footsteps of French beauty brands, such as Bioderma and Givenchy, Biore has launched its own Micellar Cleansing Water ($18.90, from selected personal care stores and supermarkets).

This water-based cleanser is made with water sourced from the Japanese Alps and removes make-up gently while leaving skin quenched.

Free of alcohol, it contains an anti-bacterial ingredient to prevent acne outbreaks and refine pores. Collagen has been added to keep skin supple.

This article was first run in The Straits Times newspaper on September 5, 2014. For similar stories, go to sph.straitstimes.com/premium/singapore. You will not be able to access the Premium section of The Straits Times website unless you are already a subscriber.

If you know or thing or two about me, you know that I enjoy indulging in a spot of online retail therapy every now and again as much as the next girl. I’m also a sucker for a good sale because really, who isn’t? Combine both online shopping and a sale – therein lies my weakness. Which is why upon getting wind of Rakuten’s upcoming Super-Sale, every shopaholic fibre in my being was prepared to shop up a storm!

First launched in Japan, Rakuten’s signature Super Sale is touted as the country’s largest online shopping event. With subsequent success in markets across the globe, Rakuten will finally be extending its Super Sale to Singaporean shopaholics from September 15-25, 2014.

This 11-day shopping extravaganza will offer a series of flash sales, with discounts of up to 70 percent on more than 1,000 items spanning the fashion, food, health, beauty electronics, home and living and lifestyle categories, and more. Three types of sales will run each day, along with a flood of promotions – buy-one-get-one-free deals, timed sales, and one-day-at-one-price promotions!

From cult-favourite brands like SK-II to Korean brand Beauty Credit, snag your essentials at Rakuten’s Super Sale and enjoy a one-for-one deal! Been eyeing up that Chanel or Hermes Birkin bag? With up to 28 percent off on luxury labels, now’s your chance to splurge on new arm candy at Rakuten’s timed sales – all bags brand new and shipped directly from Japan.

Hawk-eyed shoppers will also be able to catch deal-of-the-day discounts on featured items. Bespoke leather shoes, LeCreuset casserole pots, salad makers and Rimowa luggage will be amongst the tide of discounted offerings. With a diverse selection of products daily, shoppers will no doubt be spoilt for choice.

As if there weren’t already enough incentives for shoppers, there are perks in store for new shoppers exclusive to the Rakuten Super Sale. From September 10-14, 2014, new Rakuten registrants who sign-up before the Rakuten Super Sale will stand a chance to win attractive prizes including $10,000 worth of shopping vouchers (first prize), a pair of return tickets on Japan Airlines to Tokyo (second prize), or $100 worth of shopping vouchers (third prize x 10 sets).

So shop the highly anticipated Rakuten Super Sale to bag a great deal or two (or three or four…)!

Click away!

For more information and to shop Rakuten’s “Super Sale” from September 15-25, 2014, go to www.rakuten.com.sg. You can follow Rakuten on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RakutenSG and on Twitter at @Rakuten_SG https://twitter.com/rakuten_sg.

Apple Watch ©Apple

After much teasing and many false alarms, Apple has finally released the iPhone 6. Along with the great reveal, the tech company has also unveiled what it calls the “most personal device” ever – the Apple Watch.

While the idea of an Apple smart watch isn’t a big surprise, of course the company had to rise to the challenge that Samsung issued with the introduction of its Gear, but this new product is really quite revolutionary. I’m going to spare you all the tech talk about specs and tell you exactly why part of my Birkin fund is now going to be used to buy the Apple watch instead.

I can't wait to slap the Apple Watch on my wrist - 2015 why must you be so far away! ©Apple

I don’t have to take my phone to the loo anymore
Yes, I’m putting it all out in the open ‒ I take my iPhone with me to the loo. Now, I don’t have to worry about accidentally dropping my phone into the toilet bowl because even without it, I can still answer urgent calls, send and receive messages, and even go through my Instagram feed all on the “throne”. In fact, the Apple Watch is so clever that I can dictate a message to it (that person talking in the loo cubicle? That’s me) while I’m “busy”. If I don’t manage to complete the message before I’m done with my “business”, I can always continue on my actual phone.

It’s an activity tracker too
I currently wear a fitness band that helps me keep track of how many steps I take and how active I am during the day. Well, the Apple Watch has an Activity app that does what the band does – measures calories burned, brisk activity and how often I stand up in the day! That’s not all, the Apple Watch will act as my own personal trainer with the Workout app that actually paces me when I exercise and even helps set goals based on my past workouts. There’s no excuse to forget my activity tracker when it’s already in-built with the Apple Watch. Sorry fitness band, your spot on my wrist is going to a more deserving statement cuff.

It’s very clever
Of course, the team at Apple has stuffed the tiny watch with every possible bit of technology – duh. When I mean clever, I mean intuitive for the normal person and not the genius. The watch face is small – either 38mm or 42mm – but despite its size you can still scroll and see the screen even with big fingers, thanks to a digital crown that you navigate with. Every watch goes through bumps so you might think the touchscreen is going to be set off with any random slight touch. No worries, the Force Touch technology has got the Apple Watch’s back ‒ it senses the difference between a tap and press.

It’s pretty
‘Enuff said. Nothing goes on my wrist, no matter how high tech is it, if it doesn’t pass the style test. And pass it the Apple Watch does, with flying colours. The three collections – Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport and Apple Watch edition – come in two different watch face sizes. The sleek enclosures are made from stainless steel; anodized aluminium; or 18-karat rose or yellow gold … All very minimalist chic. Plus, there is a range of watch straps available to mix and match. I really can’t decide whether to go for the sport band for working out; quilted leather loop with magnets for easy fastening or the ever sophisticated link bracelet … Hmm, decisions, decisions!

The Apple Watch will be available in early 2015 starting at USD349 in the US. Apple Watch is compatible with iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus running the latest version of iOS 8. For more information about Apple products, go to www.apple.com/sg.

The lady-like lull before the storm ...

Yes, yes, we know fashion weeks are usually a K-razy kerfuffle of ruffled feathers both literal and metaphorical, but throw Nicki Minaj into the mix and you get … this.

So some social media-minded folks at Vogue US decided that shadowing Nicki backstage at Alexander Wang’s show would make for some highly GIF-able moments. And by golly, were they right.

As it turns out, a quizzical quartet of models end up being “coached” by rap’s reigning regent on the finer points of the leg-lifting moves from the Anaconda vid.

(My fashion friends have tentatively ID-ed the poor unfortunate souls as Ewa Wladymiruk, Irina Kravchenko, Valery Kaufman and Aleah Morgan.)

Sigh. If we were judges keeping score on Dancing with the Stars, we’d give every single one of ‘em a big fat zero (or is that small skinny zero). There’s no other way to put it: These girls look like gangly giraffes in the tortuous throes of a seizure.

Look, everyone has their strengths. Conventional runway models just aren’t built for the sort of … cheeky cavorting our dear Nicki is justifiably infamous for. Juxtaposed against the jiggling juggernaut doing her thang, the models’ shall we say, lack of a certain asset becomes painfully pronounced ...

Which can only mean one thing: Nicki Minaj is one deliciously mischievous genius. Google the decidedly NSFW lyrics of the song in question and you’ll quickly realise that Nicki is clearly taking the mickey out of these models.

Because we’re not one for skinny-shaming of any sort, we’ll try to stay positive: The poor dears did try. A+ for effort. Now go out there and walk like there’s no tomorrow.

Oh yeah, and Nicki, if booty buddy Kim K is any precedent, keep this up and you’ll end up grinding on the glossy cover of Vogue. Cheers to that (we think)!

For five months only you’ll be able to shop some of Singapore’s best home-grown designer brands at a unique pop-up shop located centrally on Orchard Road. Keepers will feature a wide range of top quality Singapore designer brands covering everything from fashion to furniture and more.

Jointly organised by the Textile and Fashion Federation of Singapore (TaFf) and Singapore jewellery designer Carolyn Kan of Carrie K., Keepers will be Singapore’s largest-ever collective of local designers and artisans.

Gathering a host of designers, the Keepers showcase will span multiple disciplines – from furniture, fashion, and food to architecture, millinery and homewares.

Keepers will host fashion designers A.W.O.L, In Good Company, hansel, Dzojchen and accessories by Carrie K. and DestiSaint. Perfumes by Code Deco, homewares by Supermama and IEX and furniture by Granfunkt also add to the more than 50 designer-strong showcase, all of whom have been hand-picked.

You will also be able to see the designers at work in the two working studios with artisans in residence and a diverse calendar of events at Keepers. Sate your olfactory senses with scent workshops run by Code Deco, Singapore’s first artisanal perfumery. Thematic food events, insightful talks, and monthly rotations of visual display installations by visual display artist and milliner Chee Sau Fen are also bound to keep guests occupied.

Located at Orchard Green on Orchard Road next to the STB outlet, the purpose-built space where the pop-up showcase will be held is a collaborative effort between award-winning local architect Ray Chan and design agency Acre, in true Keepers fashion.

Through the Keepers showcase, the spotlight will be focused on the calibre and diversity of design talents here in Singapore.

Keepers Singapore Designer Collective
Date: September 12, 2014 – February 15, 2015
Opening hours: Open daily from 11am-10pm
Venue: Orchard Rd, junction of Cairnhill Rd and Orchard Rd, between Robinsons Orchard and UOB Faber House

For more information, you can follow KEEPERS on Facebook at www.facebook.com/KeepersSG and on Instagram at @KeepersSG www.instagram.com/KeepersSG. The designated hashtag is #KeepersSG

JIMMY CHOO GALA FLATS $795, from 01-10 Paragon 

VELVET RACHEL FAN FLATS $19.90, from www.zalora.sg

PEDRO T-BAR FLATS $76, from B3-10 Ion Orchard

KANDEE PARADISE FLATS $250, from 02-08 Mandarin Gallery

CHARLES & KEITH CUT-OUT SLINGBACK SLIP-ON $49.90, available next month from B3-58 Ion Orchard

ALDO FLATS $89, will be available later this month from selected Aldo boutiques

PEDDER RED FLATS $230, from 03-04 Takashimaya Shopping Centre

NINE WEST AMOURE FLATS $165, from 01-08 Wisma Atria

This article was first run in The Straits Times newspaper on September 5, 2014. For similar stories, go to sph.straitstimes.com/premium/singapore. You will not be able to access the Premium section of The Straits Times website unless you are already a subscriber.

It’s finally here! The big reveal of iPhone 6 was a huge affair that involved celebrities like Gwen Stefani and Dr Dre flying in for the event and rock band U2 performing its new song – all for a smart phone.

But it’s not just any phone. Apple has stretched its screen size – the new iPhone 6 has a bigger 4.7-inch screen while the iPhone Plus’s screen is 5.5 inches. And celebs, they are just like us! Many were very excited about the new gadget, some were skeptical and a few were nonplussed, especially about the Apple Watch.

We round up the funniest celeb reactions to the latest Apple news on social media.

Apparently it was the best news that Katy Perry has heard in a long time. 

Waking up to hear the news that the iPhone 6 has 128 GB has me saying OMG like: http://t.co/P6htBmIIfW

— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) September 9, 2014

On the other hand, Olivia Wilde was just sarcastic.

Great, Apple announced more products for me to become entirely emotionally dependent on.

— olivia wilde (@oliviawilde) September 9, 2014

We can always count on Ellen to make joke (and make the rest of the world feel stupid).

So excited for the Apple Watch. For centuries, we’ve checked the time by looking at our phones. Having it on your wrist? Genius. #AppleLive

— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) September 9, 2014

Joel Mchale, host of The Soup, joked about how Apple still had Siri problems.

Trying out the Replicator on the new iPhone 6. I had to say "Tea, Earl Grey, hot" twice before it worked. User error most likely. #AppleLive

— Joel McHale (@joelmchale) September 9, 2014

Mia Farrow didn’t understand why she would need the Apple Watch.

But I already have a watch pic.twitter.com/5edgGws78d

— mia farrow (@MiaFarrow) September 9, 2014

While Ricky Gervais just made his own Apple Watch.

IN HONG KONG - Yours truly was recently in heady Hong Kong for a posh press pow-wow feting the global launch of DFS’ amusingly punny First Class Beauty campaign (get it?).

Essentially a gentle reminder of the awesome suite of travel-friendly services-plus-perks to be had at T Galleria locales the world over, the chi-chi affair also boasted its fair share of first-rate “passengers”.

There’s Aussie lifestyle blogger and globe-trotting good-looker Nicole Warne of @garypeppergirl, for one (she’s schmoozing with fashion folks at New York Fashion Week as we speak); and dapper Taiwanese dandy Perry Liu, stylist to the stars.       

In the “flighty” spirit of said campaign, I asked Perry and Nicole for their top tips on travelling beautifully, both on and off the plane. Let’s nose-dive straight into it and get this off the ground:

ON THE PLANE PROPER

TIP #1. MASSAGE YOUR MIEN FOR A HAPPY ENDING! Perry says you should bump up blood circulation by kneading your face with the lubricating aid of a silky serum.

Use a fancy schmancy silicone massage roller if you have one, although bare hands will do nicely in a jiffy. Simply warm up a generous gloop of a hydrating essence; my obsession du jour is Guerlain’s gorgeous Super Aqua-Serum. Replete with restorative botanicals and re-plumping mineralised water, smoothing it on is akin to gulping down a tall glass of green tea for the parched plains of your face.

Right, then. Pumpful of serum in your palms? All set to go. Take it from the makeup master himself: “In terms of technique, all you need to do is clench your fists and press the knuckles against your face, starting from the chin and moving up to your cheeks in a gliding motion.”

Final flourish? Sweep outwards from your nose to iron out the kinks of your smile lines, then press under your eyes for speedy de-puffing. Oh yeah, if you’re a tad self-conscious, Perry says you can easily go through the motions in the relative privacy of the cabin restroom.

TIP #2 TAKE IT ALL OFF AFTER TAKE-OFF! Enduring a long-haul flight to nowhere? Save yourself from tears on a red-eye by removing your face paint with a quick swipe with a wet wipe: “Once your face is free of gunk, pat in a nourishing oil as a protective barrier against the dry cabin air.”

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, ad nauseum if need be: Topical oils are good for you. Try Sisley’s sumptuous new Black Rose Precious Face Oil that’s packed with a potent blend of botanical extracts shot through with a bouquet of Bulgarian black rose, magnolia and geranium essential oils, all of which work in tandem to sop up free radicals for petal-plump skin.

A drop is plenty for the entire face; follow up with your usual moisturiser if you’re extra diligent, then settle in for a transportive hour or two of in-flight entertainment.   

20 MINUTES TO DISEMBARKATION

TIP #3. FAKE FAB SKIN WITH A FOUNDATION-SERUM BLEND! Challenged to spill a legit beauty secret that would actually surprise jaded journos like myself, Perry flinches not an inch. Here’s the recipe he says is used by intrepid industry folks to nail the nude skin sported in those “morning after” scenes you see on tellie.    

Perry’s in good company here: Mixing different textures together for a tailored flesh-toned fit is a favourite trick of backstage pros, and it isn’t all that complicated to boot. What you do is to create a custom cocktail by swirling together the sheerest liquid foundie and your go-to serum in a rough 2:1 ratio.

Personal endorsement? Try Shu Uemura’s beyond buttery Lightbulb Fluid Foundation, jam-packed with what the posh Japanese brand dubs Multi-glow macadamia oil for a 12-hour sheen that’s glowy, not greasy.

Just a few sprinkles of this foundation-serum mixture in your palm will do very nicely indeed, which means you can easily decant this into flight-friendly flacons for stashing away in your hand-carry tote. Fuse this fluid into your face by patting it in with fluffy pieces of cotton.

Once you’re done, ditch the pads and switch to your fingers; the warmth of your digits will well and truly meld the makeup with your mien. The result is an incredibly intriguing, is-she-or-isn’t-she sheen that’s just right for the short jaunt between the airport runway to your limo pick-up!

TIP #4. SHOCKER! THE DEWY K-BEAUTY LOOK DOESN'T TRANSLATE WELL IN PHOTOS. Want a #wefie with your best bud once you've been given the go-ahead to use your cellphones in the plane?

Sadly, unless you have in-flight access to the glam squad assigned to a K-Beauty billboard belle, Nicole says that it’ll be (pun alert!) a rough ride pulling off the dewy look at the airport: “I look greasy in photos if my foundation’s finish is too satiny, which is why translucent powder is a makeup must-have for long-haul flights. Just a smidgen before touch-down is all you need for a pretty airport picture!”

Product recommendation? Nicole’s all about Giorgio Armani’s Micro-Fil Loose Powder, which boasts surpassingly soft powders for a filter-like glow.

TIP #5. A LIL HIGHLIGHT IS JUST RIGHT! Another top tip? Tamping down excess shine is well and good, but go too matte and you’ll risk flattening out your features. Nicole says a judicious dab of a luminising lotion ought to make “light” work out of the situation.

Here’s how. Dot on say, Benefit’s beyond sexy Sun Beam on areas which “pop” to erase telltale signs of flight fatigue: Inner eye corners, cupid’s bow, nose bridge and between your brows. You can also use warm fingers to sweep it around the droopy edges of the mouth, or spot correct a blemish to camouflage imperfections.

Another incredibly useful beauty tip: If you have paper-dry skin, avoid the crepey outer corners of your lids – highlighting formulas will quite literally highlight creases and crinkles. Easy-peasy. A semi-sheer finish that will leave you looking like you had the plane ride of a lifetime!

First Class Beauty is running now until September 21, 2014. For more information about First Class Beauty at T Galleria Singapore and the products featured above, visit www.dfs.com/firstclassbeauty and www.dfs.com/en/tgalleria-singapore.

(Relaxnews) - Here's our pick of the hot tickets this season at the fashion shows in the UK capital, which kick off Friday.

Twitter goes e-commerce

The Burberry show, set to take place on September 15, 2014, normally has a tech twist up its trench coat sleeve. This season the London brand has the pleasure of debuting Twitter's latest feature, a new 'Buy Now' button that will link tweets directly to e-commerce for the first time, according to WWD. Burberry fans will be able to click on the button to get their hands on a box set (retailing at $63) of the three blue nail polish colors that appear on the runway.

House of Holland Fall/Winter 2014 © AFP PHOTO / ANDREW COWIE

House of Holland

If you're watching the House of Holland show on September 13, 2014, you'll be able to experiment with another first: trying on the clothes digitally. Using the MeModel technology, customers can check out the fit of the latest collection and pre-order their pick of the clothes in their size. There's also a special Try on House of Holland site where you can sign up to be part of the experience.

Shoe designer Camilla Elphick ©Camilla Elphick

Camilla Elphick

The London-based shoe designer will be unveiling her Spring Summer 2015 collection. A recent graduate of the London College of Fashion, Elphick worked with Donna Karan and Burberry in New York, and Nicholas Kirkwood, Charlotte Olympia and Topshop in London. She's certainly picked up something of Kirkwood and Olympia's fun-loving, irreverent touch, and the 12 new styles in the 'You've Got The Luck' collection were apparently inspired by Elphick's own lucky necklace.

Starlets take note: Hollywood filmmakers pushed a no-fuss, no-makeup look in new movies at the Toronto film festival this week, redefining beauty as "raw".

And established stars including Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon lapped it up.

"I loved every minute of it," said Aniston. "It was extremely liberating to do that because as women we do feel we have to live up to an expectation, whether it's on camera or going to the market or whatever it is.

"And the truth is, that's just not the way it is, we don't always have our high heels on, we don't always have our hair and makeup on."

In her new film "Cake," Aniston, 45, plays an unpleasant woman in chronic pain who has driven away all of her friends and lost all reason to live.

It is an unflattering role that sees her sporting greasy hair -- and no makeup.

"I think there's beauty in all forms, whether it's in pain or grief, or an awards show or whatever it is, I think there's beauty in all of it and I thought it was important to portray that," said Aniston, who received a standing ovation at the film's premiere Monday evening.

Director Daniel Barnz added: "It was an extraordinary experience seeing one of the most beautiful women in the world without a stitch of makeup on, and somehow in this film because of the beauty that comes from the inside I've never found her more beautiful."

Aniston said she consulted with two friends who suffer from chronic pain and pharmacologists to understand how drugs impact a body to prepare for the raw role of "Claire."

She also wore a back brace, she said, "because I tend to slouch."

Earlier in the week, Witherspoon described how "Wild" director Jean-Marc Vallee had ordered the actors not to wear any makeup during filming, going as far as covering the mirrors in their on-set trailer.

"Wild" is based on author Cheryl Strayed's best-selling memoir.

It tells how, devastated by the death of her mother, Strayed self-destructs -- destroying her marriage, becoming hooked on heroin and even pregnant by a stranger.

In a bid to find her way out of despair, she embarks on a 1,100-mile (1,800 kilometer) hike.

"It was raw," said Witherspoon of her rumpled look in the movie.

"But if Cheryl could be brave enough to tell every part of her story, I had to be brave enough to throw away my vanity and go for it."

- AFP RELAXNEWS