Shu cute! So it’s true, guys: Choupette Lagerfeld has been confirmed as the newly inked feline face of Shu Uemura’s ridiculously covetable festive collection.

Choupette who? Fashion folks will surely be familiar with Kaiser Karl’s slinky Siamese, her courtly carriage and fabulously fluffy pelt amusingly aligned with her owner’s ostentatious tendencies.

The cat in question even has her own Twitter handle with a cheekily concise bio to boot: “I am Choupette Lagerfeld and I am @KarlLagerfeld's spoiled pussy.” Uh, okay then.

The pedigreed pussycat also has a penchant for puns that’s after my own heart; this cosmetics collection has been christened – wait for it – Shupette (groan).

From left: Silk Cushion Cheek, $45, Shupette’s Flair Eyelash Curler, $30, and Eye-need-shu Trio, $55

Meanwhile, her human collaborators over at Shu Uemura promise a party-ready plethora of shimmery blush pots and blinged-out falsies, a gloriously campy eye and lip palette complete with furry pouch, nail enamel in dainty pink champagne and silvery shades, plus all manner of beauty bits and bobs stamped with sketches in the cat’s likeness (penciled by Karl himself, no less). 

Standouts from the Shupette suite? I’m personally purring for the plush Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil ($160), made even plusher with its mirrored metallic packaging.

You’d also be well-advised to keep a cat’s eye out for the shadow trios; a new shade dubbed Shupette Blue is meant to approximate the beautiful beryllium blue of the fashionable feline’s peepers. So very pretty.  

Cat got your tongue? If you’re speechless with lust, know that the coddled cat’s collection will be on counters sometime later this year – just in time for festive binge-shopping. I’m pretty sure plenty of glamour pusses are gunning for these gift-ready trinkets, so get ready to fend off fellow feline fans and well, pounce like a cat! 

Shu Uemura Shupette Holiday 2014 collection, from $29 for the Fabulous Cat Nail Enamel to $500 for Shupette’s Makeup Trunk, will be available from November 1, 2014 at all Shu Uemura counters. For more information on Shu Uemura, visit shuuemura.com.sg. You can follow the brand on Facebook and on Instagram at @shuuemura_sg and #shuuemurasg.

IMAGE: Glowimages/Corbis

Unlike our faces, our hair often gets less attention. We only bother about our tresses when the damage has already been done - which might be a little too late. If you can’t be bothered with slathering on conditioner after conditioner, you can always choose the easier (and healthier) way out. Here are some foods that promise to give you luscious glowing locks in a few bites.

LOAD UP ON (DARK) GREENS
We all know that vegetables are great for us, but picking the right type can make a difference to your hair too. Opting for darker greens like broccoli, spinach or kale will invariably make your hair more hydrated. Darker vegetables are loaded with Vitamins A and C, which the body uses to produce sebum for shiny hydrated hair.

NUTTIFY YOUR DIET
I’m not sure about you, but when I was growing up in Singapore, I had fond memories of the kachang puteh man. And as it turns out, having a nutty treat every weekend may have played a part in my luscious locks. Nuts contain the vital mineral Zinc, and a deficiency in Zinc is linked to hair loss. So if you want to prevent losing your mane, load up on raw uncooked nuts - as zinc may be destroyed in the cooking process.

BE A CARNIVORE
Unless of course, you’re a vegetarian. Hairs are made up of 80 percent protein, which is why a lack of this nutrient might result in limpy sad hair. To protect your tresses and make them grow, choose lean or red meats as they are higher in protein. Alternatively, if you prefer greens, get your protein fix from beans or lentils.

EGG IT
Poached, boiled, or even raw, eggs are a great source of protein and Vitamin B biotin. Biotin is crucial for hair growth, with studies showing that a deficiency in it results in a thinner mane. But if you’re adverse to this yellow gooey goodness, biotin can be found in carrots, oats, and sweet potatoes, too.

BE A GREEK GODDESS
Have you ever wondered why Greek gods are always depicted with long, flowing locks? Even when they’re set in stone?! It might have to do with their Mediterranean diets. Calcium is an important source for continued hair growth, and we all know that the Greeks love their yogurts. A serving or two of this milky goodness may leave you with a glossy mane that might even make Zeus jealous.

For more information on foods for great hair, visit huffingtonpost or WebMD.  

It takes skill to create a piece that’s sexy but not vulgar – the antithesis of Miley Cyrus. Yet, breathing an air of sensual nonchalance into a collection is second nature to Joseph Altuzarra. His brand of effortlessly sexy – think blouses cut down to there and skirts with slits running up to the hips – has found hardcore fans in Rihanna, Kate Bosworth, Jennifer Lawrence and more.

King of sexy fashion Joseph Altuzarra. Credit: Net-a-porter

Since news hit that the American designer was the next designer to collaboration with department store Target, we’ve been waiting in bated breath for the collection to be available. The teaser video starring a leggy Eva Herzigova in a barely there silk robe and lace eye mask gave us a sneak peek at the sultry sophistication of the collaboration only helped to fuel our anticipation.

But good things come to those we wait and the Altuzarra for Target finally hits Target stores and a curated selection is available to those who don’t live in the US at Net-a-porter (namely us). Altuzarra doesn’t disappoint with feminine shapes meshed with French sophistication for an effortlessly sexy look. Every woman needs sexy pieces in her wardrobe that she can wear when she needs a boost in confidence and we’ve picked five pieces that do just that.

Satin-trimmed velvet blazer, US$90.25 
There’s something sensual about stroking lush velvet – case in point, this blazer in a lush burgundy in a cut that nips your body in the right places. If you dare to bare, make a statement by wearing it on itself – with nothing under.

Pussy-bow Swiss-dot chiffon blouse, US$52.75 
Pussy-bows bring to mind a naughty secretary. With a Swiss-dots pattern the blouse is proper enough (with a slip under) for work with a pencil skirt but when it’s after five, we would ditch the slip (try a fun bralet) and replace the skirt with leather pants.

Python-print stretch-cotton twill pencil skirt, US$66.73 
Speaking of pencil skirts, a python-print injects an added sensuality to an already feminine silhouette. Throw in a thigh side slit and you can’t look at the office staple in the same boring light again.

Embroidered pleated georgette dress, US$82.63 
Sexy doesn’t have to be all about curve accentuating cuts. A flowy peasant-style dress like this one from the collab with subtle embellishments with a hint of décolletage will do the job tastefully.

Lace-trimmed satin pajama set, $52.75
Sexy lingerie, enough said.

OK, so we couldn’t stick to just five. We will sneak in this faux leather waist belt, US$45.13, that has a hint of S&M (ooh, saucy) – a great addition to any ensemble.

Shop the Altuzarra for Target collection at Net-a-porter. You can follow Net-A-Porter on Facebook at www.facebook.com/netaporter; on Twitter at @netaporter; on Instagram @netaporter; and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/netaporter.

The fashion action moves on to Milan for the Italian leg of the fashion week. Gucci kicks things off with its Spring Summer 2015 show on September 17, 2014 at 8pm Singapore time.

SEE THE GUCCI SPRING SUMMER 2015 LIVE STREAM BELOW FROM 8PM (SINGAPORE TIME) ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2014:

There is a new store in town for beauty junkies to check out - Tokyu Hands at Westgate in Jurong East.

The Japanese lifestyle store opened last week and its beauty section takes up about a third of the 7,500 sq ft store.

It features more than 50 Japanese beauty brands - many of which are exclusives - such as Nov, Wasser, Suhada Recipe, Loretta, MVNE and Chacott. There are also beauty gadgets and grooming products for men.

Products that caught our eye include the Face Lift Tape by Magie Lab (from $14.90). It is said to be an alternative to actual face-lifting surgery - just stick the almost-invisible tape near the areas you want to lift, such as the eyes.

Also, check out the moisturising face sheet masks printed with Kabuki designs and animal faces ($15 for a box of two) from Isshindo Honpo.

This article was first published in The Straits Times newspaper on September 12, 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.

IMAGE: AFP RELAX NEWS

A husband's happiness is significantly related to how his wife feels about the union, according to researchers at Rutgers University and the University of Michigan, who say the happier the wife is with the marriage, the more content her husband will be with life in general.

"I think it comes down to the fact that when a wife is satisfied with the marriage she tends to do a lot more for her husband, which has a positive effect on his life," noted Deborah Carr, a professor in the Department of Sociology, School of Arts and Science at RU. "Men tend to be less vocal about their relationships and their level of marital unhappiness might not be translated to their wives."

The team analyzed data from 394 couples involved in a larger-scale study on health and income who had been married 39 years on average, in which at least one of the spouses was over 60 years of age.

They were asked questions about their interaction as a couple: How much they argued, how much they understood each other and whether they felt appreciated by their spouse. Next, each couple was assigned to perform typical couple activities like watching TV or going shopping together and record their emotions in diaries for 24 hours.

Average ratings for life satisfaction in general were high, with husbands showing slightly more enthusiasm for their marriages than the wives.

"For both spouses being in a better-rated marriage was linked to greater life satisfaction and happiness," says Carr.

Should the husband fall ill, the wife's happiness is likely to diminish, according to Carr, who says this is not true the other way around.

"We know that when a partner is sick it is the wife that often does the caregiving which can be a stressful experience," said Carr. "But often when a women gets sick it is not her husband she relies on but her daughter."

The key to marital bliss is a hot topic for researchers studying links between marital happiness, conflict and health, and various studies have highlighted different factors as most influential.

A study from the University of Chicago, published in March of this year, also indicated that the husband's health is a key factor in marriage quality, but suggested that the key for a happy union in fact resided with the husband. "Wives whose husbands show higher levels of positivity reported less conflict. However, the wives' positivity had no association with their husbands' reports of conflict," lead author James Iveniuk said.

Meanwhile a study out of the University of California at Berkeley last year concluded that a stable union depends on the wife's happiness and positivity, as researchers observed that she holds the power to resolve spats. "Emotions such as anger and contempt can seem very threatening for couples. But our study suggests that if spouses, especially wives, are able to calm themselves, their marriages can continue to thrive," said psychologist Lian Bloch, lead author of the study.

All three studies worked with older couples, and members of the Rutgers team emphasize the major impact a relationship can have on the health of the elderly.

"The quality of a marriage is important because it provides a buffer against the health-depleting effects of later life stressors and helps couples manage difficult decisions regarding health and medical decision making," Carr said.

The Rutgers study was published in the Journal of Marriage and Family.

AFP RELAX NEWS

Use this foundie, look like this

THE CLAIMS: The Radiant Fluid Foundation is a real grooming gem – it takes a luminous leaf from the secretive world of stone-cutting. How? Much like the bevelled edges of a diamond, the foundation’s powder particles are said to settle on the skin’s surface in a faceted formation – all the better to reflect light for a “radiant” mien worthy of its moniker.

And because this is Clé de Peau Beauté we’re talking about, the foundation also comes with the Japanese prestige brand’s iconic Illuminating Complex, a treasure trove of brightening boosters.

This quite literally silky salve contains silk and pearl powders as well as a carefully calibrated cocktail of over 20 types of deeply hydrating amino acids and proteins, all of which promise to work in tandem to soothe “cellular stress”.

The result? That enigmatic, lit-from-within glow the brand’s luminous luminary Amanda Seyfried is justifiably famous for.

Throw in a respectable broad spectrum SPF 24 rating (a more than decent figure if you’re the indoorsey type, really) and you’ve got a slam-dunk winner of a skin superstar.

WHY I LOVE IT: Occupational hazard: Strangers and siblings alike accosting me for the latest beauty intel, to which my usual response is a shrug and my most Sphinx-like smirk. Not this time! The next time you spot me (say hello!), I’ll urge you to give this new unguent a shot.

Now, if you can’t already tell, I’m quite a Clé de Peau Beauté groupie (and a “review” is the best avenue for unabashed gushing, yes?) but even the most objective of beauty observers ought to be pleased with this product.

Why all the love? It more than passes muster as an actual foundation, for one; a pump-full of the sheer-to-moderate coverage fluid was plenty for evening out my post-Siloso Beach ruddiness.

I’m a vampiric NC15 on the M.A.C Studio Fix scale, so I can get away with pretty much any light-to-medium shade; if in doubt, ask your friendly Clé de Peau Beauté counter staff for advice on the 12 Asian-friendly hues in this range.

Top tip: Use Clé de Peau Beauté’s fabulous new Fluid & Cream Foundation Brush (sold separately, FYI) to stipple on small dots, then blend well to prevent any discernible demarcation along your jawline.

Question: To powder or no? Unless you’re particularly greasy, I’m all for leaving your foundation as is; this allows a sexy glimpse of your real skin to glimmer through for a softly diffused, is-she-or-isn’t-she look.

Entirely welcome beauty bonus: Thanks to the prodigious amount of highly hydrating ingredients it’s packing, the Radiant Fluid Foundation is terrific at doing double duty as a thirst-quenching tincture.

Skip your regular moisturiser if you like because this foundation’s spectacularly smooth consistency is comforting beyond belief; like a balm on troubled skin, really. Maximum score for sheer sensorial satisfaction!

No complaints when it comes to packaging, either. The ribbed indigo-and-rose-gold pump-type dispenser is incredibly posh, Instagram-friendly and hygienic to boot.

Best paired with its cult concealer sidekick – now available in two intensely pigmented new hues and breathlessly described in the press notes as “perhaps the most perfect product in the world” – this superheroine foundation has pretty much secured a permanent spot on my monthly repurchase list.

In short,  this is Clé de Peau Beauté’s latest; get it. Now, have I made my case or have I made my case?

GET IT AT: Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Fluid Foundation, $175, Fluid & Cream Foundation Brush, $73, and Concealer, $116, are available at Clé de Peau Beauté counters at Takashimaya Shopping Centre and TANGS Orchard. For more information, visit www.cledepeau-beaute.com and follow Clé de Peau Beauté on Facebook.

We know herworldPLUS Street Style Awards 2014 winner Gwen and finalist Dann have pretty fly style. So we sent them out onto the streets in search of awesome street style and also to spot some of the hot trends. Are you one of those they ambushed? There's only one way to find out!

For more information, go to www.robinsons.com.sg and follow the store on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RobinsonsSingapore.

Oops, we've got not so good news about your boobs. Credit: © asiaselects/Corbis

In the quest for eternal youth, we usually focus all of our attention on our face and lavish every would-be wrinkle and dark spot with creams and serums. But did you know that your breasts (yes, your boobs!) actually age faster than the rest of your body?

This shocking news comes from the result of research done at UCLA that revealed that breasts age quicker than other parts of the female human body. They can start the ageing process at 25. Generally, healthy breast tissue is two to three older than the other parts of a woman’s body – gasp! We can “thank” hormonal changes, UV rays, genome structure and gravity for our older breasts.

Are you now wondering exactly how old your boobs are? In the same way there’s a way to tell how old your facial skin is, the good people at Triumph have come up with a bust meter to help you determine your current “bust age”.

Meet the bust-meter

The concept of the bust meter is based on a study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal done by Laurence Kirwan who has categorised the drooping of a woman’s breast into stages. By determining the position of your nipple, the Bust Meter can tell you whether your bust age falls into its 20s, 30s, 40s or 60s.

If your bust is in its 20s, your breasts are in Stage 1 of ageing. Sagging normally starts during the 20s when collagen in your body starts to decrease. In the 30s, the upper bust begins to lose its fullness and your nipples start to point downwards and this is Stage 2 of breast ageing. Stages 3 and 4 happen when your bust is in its 40s to 60s ‒ the nipples start moving outwards due to the weakening of muscles. OK, not a pretty picture.

Time may not be on your side but with the correct bra you can fake it!

Well there’s a way to beat Mother Nature at her game and Triumph has created a collection of bras to help all girls achieve a younger-looking bust. Aptly named Forever Young (of course), the range uses innovative shaping fabrics and advanced designed features to lift and contour your bust for a fuller, more voluptuous shape. The Forever Young collection has three support styles for each of the different stages of breast ageing your bust is going through. Lucky 20s busts should make an effort at prevention with the Natural Support style to enhance your natural curves without compromising on comfort.

From left: Natural Support, Shape Support and Super Support bras from the Forever Young collection

The Shape Support style is made for breasts in Stage 2 – in their 30s. The diamond cup design provides extra stable support for your bust to maintain lift while giving your bust rounder curves and a sexy cleavage. If your bust falls into Stages 3 or 4, there’s still hope with the Super Support style. Smoothing high side panels, additional layers of crescent fabric and a “stay-in-place” back design are what give an extra boost and oomph for a youthful-looking bust!

Find out exactly how old your bust is by picking up a bust meter from any Triumph store or counter. The Forever Young collection retails from $109 at all Triumph outlets and major department stores. For more information, go to www.triumph.com/sg. Follow the brand on its Facebook page.

IMAGE: Corbis Images

For as long as I could remember, my mother would stand in front of the mirror every Saturday morning trimming her eyebrows. She wasn’t an extremely vain person (my mother didn’t believe in makeup), so I couldn’t quite understand why she was so concerned about having a set of defined brows.

That all changed when I grew older. If you’ve ever had your eyebrows done well, you will know that having a great pair does wonders to your face ‒ your features instantly become more defined, and your face appears slimmer and well framed.

There isn’t any hard and fast rule to getting a pair of great eyebrows, but these few tips might help if you’re looking for a trim or two. Otherwise, you could always count on our favourite products to give your eyebrows a raise.

Urban Decay Brow Box

Known for its killer eyeshadows, Urban Decay also has a lesser known, but just as good, Brow Box that is kickass. The nifty double-layered box houses everything you need to make the perfect set of eyebrows: Angled brushes, tweezer, and a mirror that magnifies. The box even includes a special priming wax that tames unruly strands, while ensuring that your piece of work doesn’t smudge or budge after long hours of wear.

Maybelline Fashion Duo Brow Shaper

The newest kid on the block, Maybelline's Fashion Duo Brow Shaper is my current rave at the moment. Combining an eyebrow pencil and brush, the double-ended product is so easy to use! I simply draw and define my eyebrows with the pencil, and soften the entire look with the powder-filled sponge.

Dolly Wink Eyebrow Pencil

For the old-school girl who likes to keep it simple, Dolly Wink’s eyebrow pencil does its job to a tee. Created by Japanese gyaru sensation Tsubasa Masuwaka (who is also the model on every product), Dolly Wink’s Eyebrow Pencil comes in very Asian-friendly shades. From different browns and blacks, you’ll definitely find a shade that suits you. If you don’t know where to start, a tip is to pick a colour that is one shade lighter than your hair.

Eyeko Brow Gel

Mascara for your eyebrows? Eyeko’s Brow Gel colours your eyebrows with just a single swipe. The award-winning product uses a formula that does not stiffen or smudge, so you don’t have to worry about having rigid brows at the end of the day. As the brow gel works to colour existing strands of hair, it is perfect if you already have brows that are light in colour. Otherwise, I would suggest filling in your brow shape before swiping on a coat.

The Face Shop Face It Designing Cake

If you’re new to the world of eyebrows, powders are a great way to start. Unlike pencils and gels which might leave harsh streaks, eyebrow powders are softer and easier to work with. A simple kit that does its job, The Face Shop’s Face It Designing Cake features colours that are very soft and wearable; so you don’t have to worry about leaving any hard streaks at all. You can even mix and blend the shades for an extra stroke of dimension.

Dolly Wink Eyebrow Pencil, $16.90, is available at selected Watsons, SASA, John Little, BHG, and Robinsons departmental stores. For more information, visit and follow the brand on Facebook.

Eyeko Brow Gel, $32 is available at all Sephora stores. For more information, visit www.eyeko.com or www.sephora-sea.com and follow the brand on Facebook, and Sephora Singapore on Facebook and Twitter.

Maybelline Fashion Brow Duo Shaper, $12.90, is available at all leading pharmacies, supermarkets and hypermarkets. For more information, visit www.maybelline.com.sg and follow the brand onFacebook.

The Face Shop Face It Designing Cake, , is available at The Face Shop stores. For more information, visit www.thefaceshop.com.sg and follow the brand on Facebook.

Urban Decay Brow Box, $48, is available at all Sephora stores. For more information, please visit www.urbandecay.com or www.sephora-sea.com and follow the brand on Facebook, and Sephora Singapore on Facebook and Twitter.

Jean-Paul Gaultier ©AFP PHOTO / VALERY HACHE

Jean Paul Gaultier, showman of Paris fashion, is to bow out of ready-to-wear by late September 2014 after nearly 40 years of over-the-top, sometimes provocative collections.

The 62-year-old former "enfant terrible" of fashion, who famously designed Madonna's cone bras, will devote himself to couture, the brand's perfume business and other projects, the fashion house said in a statement.

Gaultier's last ready-to-wear collection will be shown on September 27, 2014 during the Spring Summer 2015 fashion shows in Paris.

The designer told industry journal Women's Wear Daily the decision had been taken after an "in-depth assessment" of the future of the fashion house in which Spanish fragrance and fashion group Puig has a majority stake.

"We looked at various possibilities considering the present state of the company and we have reached the same conclusion," he said.

"For some time, I have found true fulfilment in working on the haute couture, and it allows me to express my creativity and my taste for research and experimentation," he added.

The designer, who still creates stage costumes for performers such as Kylie Minogue, said the decision came as the world of ready-to-wear had "evolved considerably".

"Commercial constraints as well as the frenetic pace of collections don't leave any freedom, nor the necessary time to find fresh ideas and to innovate," he said.

"I will be able again to express my creativity without constraints," he added.

Gaultier, who launched his own company in 1976, started his beauty business in 1991 and an accessories division in 2000.

He moved into haute couture in 1997, and his high-fashion collections are always a highlight of the Paris fashion calendar.

For the finale of his last couture show in July 2014, Gaultier got the bearded Eurovision winner Conchita Wurst to parade down the catwalk resplendent in a black and red vampire-themed gown.

"She is bringing in a new genre -- a man with a beard with... virility, but a great femininity," he said afterwards.

In recent years, Gaultier, considered one of France's most talented designers, has been the subject of a major retrospective by the Museum of Fine Arts in Montreal.

Since 2011, the exhibition has been seen by a million visitors worldwide and is due to arrive in Paris in 2015.

One room in the exhibition is devoted to "Eurotrash", the outlandish adult television show hosted by Gaultier and Antoine de Caunes on Britain's Channel 4 during the 1990s.

The eccentric designer is still popular in Britain for the show and has said that he continues to be inspired by London where he went "to party" in the 1970s.

WWD quoted market sources as estimating that the fashion house currently generates consolidated revenues of around $38.9 million, with fragrances the most successful part of the business. - AFP Relaxnews

Lobster Roll, $48
Pince & Pints, 32/33 Duxton Road, tel: 6225-7558. Open Mon-Sat, 5-11pm.

$48 sounds steep for a sandwich, but this is no ordinary sarnie: buttered then pan-crisped pillows of bread spilling over with 150-160g of fresh, slightly crunchy lobster meat.

Accentuated with just a sprinkling of salt and pepper, the sweetness of the bun echoes that of the creamy, lightly mayonnaise-dressed seafood. The bucket of fries on the side would do better if they were double-fried (the technique of frying French fries twice to crisp them), but dipped into the accompanying garlicky aioli, are quite heavenly.

Maine Lobster ‘Roll’, $26
Manhattan Bar, Level 2 Regent Hotel, tel: 6725-3377. Open daily, 5pm-1am.

Anything but pedestrian, this delicate roulade comprises half a Maine lobster enveloping shredded crabmeat – the sweetness of the super-fresh seafood shines with complementary blobs of velvety avocado puree and the lively tartness of remoulade (a French condiment similar to tartar sauce).

Le Homard, $25
Fleur De Sel, 64 Tras Street, tel: 6222 6861. Open Mon-Fri, noon-2pm and Mon-Sat, 6.30-10pm.

This stellar rendition of lobster bisque laced with sour cream doesn’t have the overpowering bitterness that comes from over-roasted seafood – it’s just right with a rich, luxurious texture.

The warm broth is poured over lobster tartare, almost instantly cooking the meat to tender perfection. So good we could get drunk on this.

Lobster Mac & Cheese, $24.50
The Providore, #02-05 Mandarin Gallery, tel: 6732-1565. Open daily, 9am-11pm.

A luscious four-cheese sauce infused with fennel and dill, liberal chunks of succulent lobster, and oversized al dente macaroni – what’s not to love? It’s recommended as a sharing plate, but sorry, we’re hogging this.

Eugene Souleiman, Creative Director of Wella Professional, talks you through the hair looks at the Spring-Summer 2015 DKNY show which featured plaits and ponytails, with fringes gelled down onto foreheads.

The technique involves sectioning off hair to create graphic shapes, using plenty of product in the process. Here's how:

This secret is getting under my skin ... 

True story: My buddy over at the other end of the office silo says she swears by anything with “biocellulose” affixed to its name, and begged me to suss it out for myself.  

As it turns out, this intriguing ingredient isn’t such an exotic element after all. Chancing upon it on an average cosmetics aisle should be no skin off your nose; said substance can be found prominently publicised on a plethora of face masks.  

That said, what in Gaga’s name is biocellulose? I’ll let Dr Yanni Xu from The DRx Clinic give her sciencey spiel: “Biocellulose is a naturally derived fibre that’s structurally similar to that found in plants. When used in facial masks, biocellulose is a superb physical barrier against external irritants. This makes it great for use on sensitive skin with acne or open wounds.” Now you know!

Even better, Dr Xu says the pulp’s porous properties means it acts like a thirsty sponge, sopping up serum and supercharging skin with all of the gloopy goodness that would otherwise go to waste by pooling in the packet of your conventional cotton mask. (Universal pet peeve: Fishing out face masks and creating a soggy mess on the sofa.)

Best beauty benefit, bar none? Wearing biocellulose masks to sleep is perfectly permissible – to be encouraged, even. Here’s the good doc again in her own words: "While you can stick to the stipulated 20 minutes, leaving the mask on overnight can speed up recovery of post-laser injuries. This protective layer also stops water loss from the top layers of your epidermis, which can be a problem when sleeping in air-conditioned rooms.” I'm sold!

Now for an obligatory roll call of the best biocellulose beauty buys on the market (in my opinion, anyway!) There’s Derma-RX’s exceptional Bio-Cellulose Facial Mask, for one, a skin splurge that’s chock-a-block with a comforting ceramide complex, wrinkle-erasing peptides and brightening boosters vitamin C and sodium hyaluronate.

Bonus points for the Spiderman-worthy stretchiness of the sheets. These sweet babies boast a taffety-like texture that swathes every inch of your facial contours: Wrap it around your mien, wake to a visibly lifted visage.

Pair with Pureheals’ Ginseng Berry Hydrogel Eye Lift Patch. Steeped in a very Korean-sounding herbal broth of berries and ginseng, these patches promise to ward off wrinkles among panda-eyed people.

Finally, consider giving the criminally underrated T-Beauty brand For Beloved One some love. The Taiwanese top dog’s Extreme Hydration Bio-Cellulose Mask is a mighty contender for obsessive hoarding.

Over and above its potent patented potpourri of plumping peptides and moisture magnets courtesy of microalgae and hyaluronic acid, the melting marshmallow “mouthfeel” of this mask makes for an incredibly indulgent After Eight evening treat.

Here’s my personal beauty "recipe". After you're done marinating your face with your night stuff, wait 10 minutes (this gives your serums and such enough time to sink in), then drape the mask over the whole shebang, as if you're sealing in all the delicious juices of a slow-roasted chicken.

The morning after your For Beloved One mask? Luminous complexion so lovely, your beloved one will, to extend the roasted chicken analogy, find you finger lickin' good.

So, to recap. Reasons why you should swap your regular sheet masks for those made of biocellulose: They maximise the formula's efficacy; they're super absorbent, less messy and hence easier to apply; plus they’re perfect for overnight use on even the most sensitive of skin.

In short, masks made with this near-magical material are just darn good. Take my money already!

Derma-RX Bio-Cellulose Facial Mask, $20 per piece, is available from the DRx Clinic, 16-01 Tong Building. For more information, visit www.derma-rx.com and www.drxclinic.com.

For Beloved One Extreme Hydration Bio-Cellulose Mask, $63 for 3 pieces, is available at all Sephora stores. For more information, visit www.forbelovedonemember.com and follow For Beloved One Singapore on Facebook.  

Pureheal’s Ginseng Berry Hydrogel Eye Lift Patch, $48, is available at all Sephora stores. For more information, visit www.sephora.com and follow the brand on Facebook and Twitter.

After watching Burberry's makeup artist Wendy Rowe, vlogger Rae recreates the runway makeup from the Spring-Summer 2015 makeup look.

The look uses a mix of new cosmetics products from the British brand to give a fresh but flawless complexion with a red lip to finish. Enjoy!

MODERN CALLIGRAPHY
Happy Hands Project
www.happyhandsproject.com
WHAT YOU'LL DO Learn the basics of pointed pen calligraphy – using old-style metal-tipped pens and bottled ink – and different letterforms that you can use to design your own framed prints, invitations, pillow covers and bags. Professional graphic designer, Pauline Ibarra, partners local home studios to conduct the workshops. Monthly classes are in the works, so subscribe to the mailing list to receive updates.
COST $80 a person for two hours, refreshments and all materials provided.

INSTAGRAM TIPS AND TRICKS
Bloesem Class, #01-81, 77 Seng Poh Road. Open weekdays, 9am-6pm; Saturdays, 10am-7pm; Sundays, noon to 5pm.
www.bloesem.co
WHAT YOU'LL DO Bloesem often invites creatives from all over the world to conduct intimate classes that last about three hours, for 10-20 people. They've previously conducted food styling and photography, modern calligraphy and handicraft lessons. This month, they’ll be hosting Jelito de Leon, a freelance food and lifestyle photographer from Manila for their Be Insta Good! workshop. During the three-hour class, you’ll pick up techniques for capturing delightful images with your smartphone and building up your audience on Instagram.
COST $159 a person. Refreshments and all materials provided.

MINIATURE GARDEN-MAKING
The Plant Story, Level 1, 33 Hyderabad Road (off Alexandra Road), tel: 9722-0438. Open every day except Wednesday and major public holidays, 10am-7pm.
www.theplantstory.com
WHAT YOU'LL DO Get in touch with nature and create your own miniature garden in a glass container during a one-hour session. Choose from four types of creations: rainforest (terrarium), air, water and desert gardens. Private gardening workshops can be organised, with topics such as growing Western herbs and starting your own edible garden, but these require a minimum of 15 participants. Unwind at the garden cafe next door when you’re done.
COST $10 a person. You’ll have to buy a DIY kit too, which may cost from $30 to just under $300. Sessions can be booked only by e-mail.

ARTISANAL BAKING
Baker & Cook, 77 Hillcrest Road, Greenwood, tel: 6469-8834. Open Sunday to Thursday, 7am-8pm; Friday & Saturday, 7am-10pm.
www.bakerandcook.biz
WHAT YOU'LL DO Baker & Cook founder and co-owner Dean Brettschneider conducts evening baking classes for beginners at the bakery chain’s flagship store in Hillcrest Road. Pick either basic bread-making (four hours) where you'll bake a traditional baguette, or basic tart-making (three hours) where you'll make a savoury galette. The celebrity Kiwi baker usually holds these classes once every two months, so sign up for the e-newsletter to keep yourself posted.
COST Basic Bread Making, $150 a person. Basic Tart Making, $150 a person. All materials provided.

SCREEN PRINTING AND BLOCK PRINTING
Fictive Fingers, #01-61, 462 Crawford Lane. Open Monday to Friday, noon to 5pm; Saturday, 10am-5pm.
www.fictivefingers.com
WHAT YOU'LL DO This class is run by design house Fictive Fingers, which specialises in handpainted textiles. The founders – sisters Hani and Aisah Dalduri – conduct introductory lessons on fabric printing. They offer two types of classes: one on the screen-printing technique, where you'll learn to put your design on a woven mesh; the other on the block-printing technique, where you'll carve the block used to transfer your designs. Classes are usually held once or twice a week, depending on demand. After your lesson, pick up sweet or savoury treats from And All Things Delicious, a bakery that shares the shop space.
COST $89 a person for a two-hour lesson, all materials provided.

BASIC LEATHERCRAFT
The General Company, 150A Tyrwhitt Road, tel: 8444-5589. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am-7pm.
www.thegeneralco.sg
WHAT YOU'LL DO Find out about the different types of leather and their properties, as well as cutting, construction and finishing techniques, during the two-hour class. You’ll also create your own card-holder from a single piece of vegetable-tanned leather that you can personalise by debossing your initials on it. Check their website for class dates.
COST $79 a person; $138 for two people; $207 for three people. All materials provided.

IMAGE: AFP RELAX NEWS/STOCKSNAPP

Promoted as an aid to good health, artificial sweeteners may in fact be boosting diabetes risk, said a study Wednesday that urged a rethink of their widespread use and endorsement.

Also called non-calorific artificial sweeteners, or NAS, the additives are found in diet sodas, cereals and desserts -- a huge market for people worried about weight gain and sugar intake.

Some experts recommend NAS for people with Type 2 diabetes, a disease that has attained pandemic proportions, and for a pre-diabetic condition called glucose intolerance, with elevated blood-sugar levels.

After leaving a sensation of sweetness on the tongue, NAS molecules pass through the intestinal tract without being absorbed.

This explains why, unlike sugar, they add negligibly, if at all, to the calorie count.

But scientists reported in the journal Nature that experiments on lab mice and a small group of humans found NAS disrupted the makeup and function of gut bacteria, and actually hastened glucose intolerance.

"Artificial sweeteners were extensively introduced into our diets with the intention of reducing caloric intake and normalising blood glucose levels without compromising the human 'sweet tooth'," the paper said.

"Our findings suggest that NAS may have directly contributed to enhancing the exact epidemic that they themselves were intended to fight," it said bluntly.

Scientists led by Eran Elinav and Eran Segal of the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel added three commonly-used types of NAS -- aspartame, sucralose or saccharin -- to the drinking water of mice in body-size appropriate doses equivalent to recommended maximum human intake.

Those rodents given NAS developed glucose intolerance, whereas mice that drank only water, or water with sugar, did not.

Next, the researchers transplanted faeces from NAS-fed and glucose-fed mice into rodents bred to have no gut bacteria of their own.

The blood-glucose levels of the NAS transplant recipients rose sharply, the team found -- and their gut bacteria worked harder than the other group's at extracting glucose from nutrients.

The next step was to apply these insights to humans.

Poring over questionnaires and health data from 381 non-diabetic people, the team found a "significant" link between glucose intolerance and higher NAS consumption.

Finally, the researchers placed seven volunteers who did not normally use NAS on a seven-day regimen that included the maximum sweetener intake recommended by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Within five to seven days, four developed elevated blood-glucose levels and an altered gut bacteria mix, apparently mirroring the effect in mice.

- Demand for a review -

Past investigations into NAS have delivered mixed results. Some showed benefits in weight loss and glucose tolerance, while others suggested the opposite.

The picture is muddied by the fact that many NAS consumers are people who already have diabetes or are prone to it.

The new experiments are a red flag, the team said.

"This calls for a reassessment of today's massive, unsupervised consumption of these substances," said Elinav.

Independent commentators praised the work for its innovation, but warned against overreaction.

The human trial involved just seven people over a week, and wider and longer trials are needed to draw any firm conclusion, they said.

"Human diets are complex, consisting of many foods, the consumption of which can vary in amounts, and over time," warned John Menzies of the Centre for Integrative Physiology at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.

"This research raises caution that NAS may not represent the 'innocent magic bullet' they were intended to be to help with the obesity and diabetes epidemics," Nita Forouhi, a University of Cambridge epidemiologist told Britain's Science Media Centre.

"But it does not yet provide sufficient evidence to alter public health and clinical practice."

AFP RELAX NEWS

IMAGE: Andersen Ross/Blend Images/Corbis 

I remember the first time that I entered into the world of beauty treatments: I had my eyebrows done at a dodgy shop in the heartlands. I say it was dodgy because the shop was also promoting mole removal services. The over-enthusiastic lady would not stop harping on how she could remove my mole with the swipe of a cream.

Was it safe? I asked. Without batting her eyelids, she replied that it was completely safe, and even approved.

I wasn’t actually tempted, but just very curious. I mean, should beauty salons be allowed to apply creams that burn off moles?! The thought of it just made me feel very uncomfortable.

The majority of beauty services are generally safe, but if you’ve ever been concerned over your waxing parlour that practices double-dipping, or whether you should colour your hair while pregnant, I ask the experts for their opinion

IPL Treatments
Short for Intense Pulsed Light, IPL treatments include everything from hair removal to collagen facials. According to aesthetic doctor Dr David Loh, the primary purpose of IPL is to “remove” superficial pigments like freckles and sunspots. And as hair follicles contain melanin, IPL treatments have also become very popular for the removal of unwanted hair.

Although the general consensus is that IPL treatments are safe (as it is just an intense burst of noncoherent light), the bulk of the “danger” lies in the machine and the expertise of its user. For example, in the area of hair removal, the settings of the machine varies depending on the person’s hair texture and colour. If the wrong settings are used, or if the IPL applicator is not placed correctly, you are looking at permanent scars.

“The higher power machines can cause burns. In a doctors’ office this can be treated quickly, minimising any scarring. But its a different matter in a beauty salon. Although it is rare, I have had some patients referred from spa and salons with pigment marks and even scars that may never go away.” quipped Dr Loh.

So how do you avoid it? Dr Loh says you've got to use your better judgement, “There are some pretty conscientious and righteous beauticians in town. Which is why I do not discourage my patients from going to beauticians. I only advise them not to fall for hard sell and expensive packages. And also use their better judgement if the beautician oversells the possible outcomes.”

Waxing
Unless you’re doing it yourself, waxing at a salon may give you unintended germs. For practical and commercial reasons, most therapists practice double-dipping: Where they use an applicator to apply wax on skin, and then return it to the same pot of wax, only to be reused again.

Even if you’re perfectly fine with sharing germs with unknown strangers, the practice of double-dipping can be quite dangerous. Furthermore, wax is not sterile - you can only hope that the heat from the wax pot kills whatever germs the previous person had.

In a worst-case scenario, double-dipping may cause “cross infections”, where germs are transferred between different people through the same applicator. Dr Loh said that when that happens, you can expect a variety of skin inflammations such as pimples or fungus. In more serious cases, you can even be exposed to sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhoea and Chlamydia. Yikes. It might be time to just stick to good old shaving.

Removal of moles
$25 for the removal of five moles, why not? Many beauty salons (or even roadside tents) are offering mole removal services for as little as $5. Compared to licensed practitioners that charge in the hundreds, it isn’t difficult to understand why people are opting for the more budget-friendly version.

Unlike doctors that opt for lasers or excisions to remove moles, most beauty centres use a “burning” instrument or an acidic cream to destroy them. In the cases of some, you are even given a money-back guarantee if the moles return.

And you know how the saying goes: if it’s too good to be true, it probably is.

For starters, you might end up with scar if the beautician didn’t know what she was doing. In more serious cases, such as if your mole happens to be cancerous, the improper removal might cause the cancer to spread. Which is why MOH and I share the same feelings about this mole removal business: be careful and trust the professionals.

Hair dyes
Whether you do it at home or at a salon, colouring your hair exposes you to chemicals. Studies have shown that hair dye is pretty safe, but it is still good to know that certain ingredients aren’t.

The most common and possibly, nasty, ingredient is Formaldehyde. A known carcinogen, Formaldehyde is so harmful that its use by salons is strictly regulated in the United States. And despite how it is regulated (and we all know its dangers), you might still find it difficult to avoid this ingredient altogether.

Why? Products may be labelled “Formaldehyde-free”, but may still contain other ingredients that release Formaldehyde gas - the fumes that we are all trying to avoid in the first place. So for the lot of us who didn’t score an A in chemistry, this list of Formaldehyde’s many names might help.

And if you’re pregnant or trying to conceive, I will advise avoiding hair treatments altogether. Although doctors say there are limited studies to prove the dangers (which is true), these studies still raise alarming links between dyeing your hair in pregnancy and having your child develop serious illnesses.

Like Beyonce said, Pretty Hurts.

Dr David Loh is the founder of David Loh Surgery at 501 Orchard Road #05-16 Wheelock Place Singapore 238880. For more information, visit www.davidloh.sg and follow the brand on Facebook.

Fun follicular fact: You lose 100 hairs a day, give or take.

Now, 100 hairs don’t sound like a lot, but shed a teensy bit more and you’ll start to approach the tipping point of no return. Goodbye hair, hello wigs and weaves.

When should you really begin to bother over the prospect of possible baldness? Well, Professor Bruno Bernard, Manager for L’Oréal Hair Biology, cautions that if you spot stray strands on your pillow the morning after, the odds are good (bad?) that you’re hanging by a hair.

Here’s Professor Bruno Bernard again on the whys and wherefores of hair breakage: “Applying excessive pressure with a damp brush or constantly pulling your hair into a tight ponytail are two of the most common causes for hair fall.” Darn, guilty as charged.

Don’t curl up and “dye” just yet. Happily, I’m here to well, keep your head above water. My hairdresser who shall remain anonymous (he’s shy!) swears by this trick for halting hair breakage.

And guess what? I’m willing to wager 100 bucks that the hair hack I’m about to disclose is something everyone reading this will be able to pull off, right this very instant.

Drumroll, please. Instead of reaching for your regular bath towel to dry your tresses, grab a t-shirt to blot your hair. Ta-dah.

Even better, you don’t need fancy schmancy 1,000 thread-count swag. Any clean cotton tee will do in a jiffy – perfectly practical if you’re Singaporean, because who doesn’t have old P.T. relics from our secondary school days lying about collecting dust?

Here’s why “tee-drying” your hair trumps towel-drying. Credit where it’s due: A bath towel’s fuzzy fibres are superb for sloughing dead skin and wicking water off your face and body.

According to my stylist, however, the friction created by those very same fibres can result in frizz and split ends. The solution to your towel trouble? A soft cotton t-shirt’s tightly woven “grain” whisks away water without aggravating hair cuticles. Incredibly ingenious and intuitive, yes?

Okay, so you’re done dabbing your locks with a tee. What next? To maximise moisture in your mane, Professor Bruno Bernard proffers this profoundly useful gem: “A great tip for women living in Singapore is to use protective growth serums and hair oils. If you’re wary of greasiness, apply on damp hair and blow dry on medium heat.”

When a Prof from L’Oréal’s Hair Biology division speaks, you listen. I’ve taken his hair-vice to heart; to that end, I’m in love with Kérastase’s absolutely delightful Absolue Densifique, which comes stuffed with the “mane” ingredient stemoxydine, a lock-loving molecule that was 10 years in the making. Simply apply on damp hair, starting mid-length and paying extra care to the ends for easier styling.

Or opt for the equally exquisite Aminexil Force R, ensconced in tiny vials chock-a-block with a collagen-boosting and cuticle-comforting concoction. On big nights out, I like warming up one drop between my palms and lightly skimming the salve across the surface for surpassingly silky strands.

Key takeaways? Tee-dry, not towel-dry; and follow up with a follicle-fortifying serum for high-wattage shine with none of the extra weight. “Hairs” hoping this story will get you out of a hairy situation. Good luck!

Kérastase Absolue Densifique, $149.80 for a box of 10 ampoules and $342.40 for a box of 30 ampoules, is available at all Kérastase consultant salons.Call 6738 3113 for salon listings. For more information, visit www.kerastase.com.

Aminexil Force R, $130 for 10 vials and $390 for 42 vials, is available at all Kérastase consultant salons.Call 6738 3113 for salon listings. For more information, visit www.kerastase.com.