After a tough day at work it's likely you'll want to vent, slamming everything from that annoying colleague to how tight your deadlines are. And having an understanding partner who's willing to listen could actually have more of an impact on your workplace happiness than having a good boss.

You might think a nice boss who understands your needs and makes you feel valued is the key, but Canadian researchers found a supportive other half is just as crucial to your wellbeing and avoiding burnout.

Burnout is a psychological condition, characterised by extreme exhaustion, higher levels of irritability and a loss of interest in work.

Now the University of Montreal and Concordia University have focused on the mental health of 1,954 employees in 63 companies to explore the condition further. The study focused on factors such as parental status, social network, household income, gender, age, feelings of self-esteem and physical health. These factors were then examined in light of common workplace stressors such as job insecurity, lack of leadership and inadequate use of skills.

Work-related mental health wasn't just affected by the office, it was found by the study. The home environment also played a big part, although professional factors were still important. Those less prone to mental health problems generally had higher household incomes, fewer family conflicts and easy access to a social support network. Employees were also happier when they received encouragement, felt valued and had job security.

"This is a call to action," lead author Steve Harvey, a professor of management and dean of the John Molson School of Business at Concordia, said. "Researchers need to broaden their perspective in order to have an overview of the complexity of factors that determine the mental health of a person."

Alain Marchand, a professor at the School of Industrial Relations at the University of Montreal, added: "To combat mental health problems at work and maintain a labour-work really healthy, we need to look beyond the single workplace."

© Cover Media

IMAGE: I LOVE IMAGES/CORBIS

Unless you’re one of those people that was miraculously born without underarm hair, you’ll probably have experienced the pain of shaving, plucking or waxing. As if the tiring process isn’t enough, the skin often gets darker over time, making our armpits very unattractive. Fret not however, for I’ve gathered four tips to help whiten and brighten your pits.

TIP ONE: SCRUB A DUB DUB
One of the most common reasons for skin darkening is the buildup of dead skin cells. Although this is a natural occurrence, drier skin types, harsh soaps and sun damage makes your skin a breeding ground for dead skin.

Scrubbing regularly will help to counter dead skin build-up. My all-time favourite underarm exfoliator is Shills 3-minutes Bubble Body Scrub. A foam that removes dead skin cells through a chemical reaction, the product works effortlessly in whitening my underarms. The only gripe I have is that no retailer has it in stores, and I always have to order it online or get it overseas.

Alternatively if you want something more accessible and versatile, Fresh’s Brown Sugar Body Polish is a great option. A luxurious scrub that is filled with Fresh’s signature brown sugar, the scrub sloughs off dead skin cells without too much abrasiveness (as the product is also infused with a multitude of essential oils). Additionally, brown sugar is a natural antibacterial agent, which makes it great for ridding your armpits of any godforsaken germs.

TIP TWO: AIM FOR THE ROOT
There are many reasons why our pits get dark, but it is generally believed that shaving and hair removing creams are two of the main causes. This is because such methods only remove hairs on the surface, which makes future hair regrowth thicker and coarser over time: resulting in an unattractive sight.

If you’re a fan of shaving or hair removal creams, try to switch to methods such as waxing or epilating, as these remove the hairs directly from at the root. They are more painful, but hey, pain is temporary, but dark underarms? Might last forever.

TIP THREE: BAKE IT
If you have some serious underarm darkening, you might want to try baking soda. Baking soda is a proven whitening agent, and is often used in deodorants due to its anti-odour properties. Simply make a thick paste with water, scrub vigourously, and wash away.

TIP FOUR: USE THE RIGHT DEODORANTS
Although not scientifically proven, it is widely believed that deodorants cause underarm darkening. But lets face it, smelling bad is way worse than having to deal with unsightly armpits. Which is why I opt for deodorants that help to whiten my skin while also making me feel fresh all the time.

For avid shavers, Nivea’s Whitening Happy Shave might work for you. Infused with pro vitamin B5 and vitamin C, this new deodorant was specifically created to soothe shaved skin, while also whitening it in the process.

Otherwise, you could also opt for Nivea’s Extra Whitening deodorant. The brand claims that this anti-perspirant repairs damaged skin caused by excessive plucking, while also tightening pores over time.

Whiter pits, here we come!

Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish, $63, is available at all Sephora stores. For more information, visit www.fresh.com andwww.sephora-sea.com, and follow the brand on Facebook and Sephora Singapore on Facebook andTwitter.

Nivea Deodorant Whitening Happy Shave, $4.90 - $9.10, is available at at all leading pharmacies, supermarkets and hypermarkets. For more information, visit www.nivea.com and follow the brand on Facebook.

Nivea Deodorant Extra Whitening, $4.90 - $9.10, is available at at all leading pharmacies, supermarkets and hypermarkets. For more information, visit www.nivea.com and follow the brand on Facebook.

Is a spritz a slap on the face? 

Let’s get the bad news out of the way. Here’s Joshua Wong, Guardian senior patient care pharmacist, on the perils of one too many pumps of an atomiser: “Excessive use of a facial mist can strip skin of its natural layer of protective oils, making it even drier.” Darn, my life is officially over.

Hey, chin up, girl. There’s hope yet for facial mist addicts (yours truly included). Pouring oil on troubled water is Joshua Wong again with this note of reassurance: “When used following the guidelines on the packaging, facial mists can offer significant beauty benefits.”

TIP #1 So uh, what exactly should you do to rehydrate when you’re wilting midday? For starters, remember that this is a facial mist, not a facial wash. Here’s what our go-to grooming guru recommends: “Holding the canister at arm’s length, spritz just once or twice so you don’t drench your skin. If you overindulge and spray too liberally, the tiny water beads will coalesce into large droplets that can quite literally wipe off your makeup.”      

TIP #2 Okay, so go small on the spritzing. What else? Here’s another cautionary comment courtesy of the good pharmacist at Guardian: “A common mistake when using a facial spray is leaving the mist to sit on the skin. When you allow the excess droplets to dry on its own, moisture from the skin may be drawn out as well.” One word: Evaporation. Elementary chemistry, my dear.  

The solution is incredibly intuitive, really. Whenever you spritz on a facial mist, use soft cotton pads to dab off the excess after a few minutes. You want to prevent the evaporation process from wicking precious water off the top layer of your skin. 

TIP #3 Finally, not all facial mists are created equally. When perusing the beauty aisles, zero in on bottles boasting moisturising ingredients. Pick the good stuff and your spray will serve you well when it comes to rapid replenishment of parched skin. Take it from Dr David Orientrich, Clinique’s guiding dermatologist: “When skin is properly hydrated, it functions better and better resists environmental stresses.” Sounds good to me!

Product recommendations, please. What’s sitting pretty on my powder dresser right now? Clinique’s Moisture Surge Face Spray Refreshing spray, for one. I adore the alleviating aloe and trio of moisture magnets by way of hyaluronic acid, toning trehalose and soothing sorbitol. Use over or under your facepaint for softer, smoother skin in one spritz.

Then there’s Kiehl’s exceptional Oil Eliminator Refreshing Shine Control Toner Spray, technically targeted at men but who’s keeping score, anyway.

The atomiser works like a dream, yielding a lovely, light mist supercharged with cooling menthol and a botanical derivative dubbed capryloyl glycine, said to aid in sopping up sebum, sweat and shine for a perfectly matte mien.

Also very scrumptious indeed is Skinfood’s new Premium Tomato Whitening Mist, which comes chock-a-block with a brightening broth of carefully selected Korean tomatoes and an especially stable form of vitamin C. Oh yeah, bonus points for the pretty pink packaging, too, if you’re into that sort of thing.  

Right, then, recap time. Facial mists can deplete your skin of moisture – but only when a squirt becomes a spurt. To do mists the right way, always use a light hand, blot off excess and choose a hydrating formula. You’ll go from lethargic and lacklustre to divine and dewy in seconds. Good luck!

Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray, $47 for 125 ml, is available at Clinique counters. For more information, visit www.clinique.com.sg and follow Clinique Singapore on Facebook.

Kiehl’s Oil Eliminator Refreshing Shine Control Toner Spray, $40 for 180 ml, is available at all Kiehl’s stores. For more information, visit www.kiehlstimes.com and follow Kiehl’s Singapore on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.  

Skinfood Premium Tomato Whitening Mist, $35.90 for 100 ml, is available at all Skinfood stores. For more information, visit www.skinfood.sg and follow the brand on Facebook.

Serves 4
INGREDIENTS
1 young coconut
1 brown onion, chopped
1 small red chilli, chopped
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
1 tbsp lime juice
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
2 - 3 tbsp fish sauce
8 kaffir lime leaves
500 gm (about 4) carrots, peeled and sliced
300 gm (about 1 small) orange sweet potato, peeled and sliced
750 ml water
Salt to taste
Coriander to garnish

DIRECTIONS
1 Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, add onion and cook for several minutes until soft. Add garlic, chilli, ginger and lime leaves and cook for 1min.
2 Add carrot and sweet potato, stir well then add water (water level should just cover vegetables). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20min, or until vegetables are tender.
3 Cool slightly, discard the lime leaves then transfer to a blender and puree until very smooth.
4 Cut young coconut and extract the juice. Scrape coconut flesh from the inside and slice finely to use as a garnish.
5 Return pureed soup to saucepan, add coconut juice and fish sauce to taste, bring to the boil.
6 Add lime juice and season with salt if necessary. Serve soup garnished with sliced young coconut flesh and coriander leaves.

Recipe courtesy of SuperNature, Singapore’s premier organic and natural food and health store.

For more than five decades, French beauty brand Yves Rocher has been synonymous with botanical formulas and affordability for generations of French women.

At its stores, you can expect to find the one-of-a-kind Rinsing Vinegar ($18 for 150ml) to keep locks soft and smooth, as well as other inexpensive skincare, bodycare, cosmetics and perfumes made from natural ingredients. Prices range from $7 for a 200ml bottle of shower gel, to about $60 for a 30ml bottle of anti-ageing serum.

Some even call Yves Rocher, The Body Shop of France.

It is more. To put things in perspective: Yves Rocher has at least 4,500 stores and counters across 100 markets; The Body Shop has around 2,500 stores in about 60 places.

Here, Yves Rocher was stocked until about a decade ago when the company decided to consolidate its business in Europe; but now it is back. The brand re-entered the market with a store at Westgate in Jurong East late last year. Two more outlets have now opened at Takashimaya Shopping Centre and BHG Bugis.

"We're now working on market expansion and we want to target the major cities everywhere, so we're back in Singapore," says Mr Bris Rocher, the brand's chief executive who was in town two weeks ago for a market visit.

A TWIST OF FATE

Growing up, Mr Rocher, now 36, never wanted to head the eponymous French beauty empire built by his grandfather, Yves Rocher.

A fan of jazzy tunes, he wanted to be a musician.

But by a twist of fate, he found himself working at the company's accounting department when he was 16.

His father, Didier, had been appointed chief executive in 1992, when his grandfather and company founder, Yves, retired. But just two years later, the former died in an accident.

"My father passed away when I was 16 and I made up my mind to be involved in the family business," says Mr Bris Rocher. "And my grandfather decided that I would be the one to continue the business, so he taught me everything."

The elder Mr Rocher returned to work at the company until his death at the age of 79 in 2009.

In 2006, he made his grandson chief executive officer (CEO). By then, Mr Bris Rocher had spent around a decade working at the company.

Upon taking over, one of the first things Mr Bris Rocher did was to buy back its shares. In the 70s, the Rocher family had only a 30 per cent stake in the business; today, it owns more than 95 per cent of the group capital.

"I did that because I wanted to guarantee the stability of the company. Because when it is owned by the family, the family is committed to it in the long run," says the father of a 15-month-old girl.

"This is even more important today with all the changes we face around the world."

So far, so good.

The annual turnover of the Yves Rocher brand alone now stands at roughly €1.5 billion (S$2.4 billion), compared with around €1.1 billion at the time Mr Rocher became CEO eight years ago. Its revenue has also been on a 5 per cent year-on-year increase for the last two years.

Mr Rocher is also chairman and chief executive of the Yves Rocher Group.

The group, which had an annual turnover of more than €2.2 billion last year, owns seven other companies, including clothing label Petit Bateau, as well as the cosmetic brands Kiotis and Dr Pierre Ricaud. Two-thirds of its revenue is generated from sales in Europe.

Mr Yves Rocher started his beauty brand in 1959, after he took an interest in the healing properties of the flora growing around his birth village of La Gacilly, Brittany. He created his first cream, from the lesser celandine plant, in his attic.

From the late 70s to the early 90s, to support his growing business and the economy of his hometown, Mr Rocher built three factory plants in La Gacilly. He was also the mayor of the village from 1962 to 2008.

Currently, these three factories - where all Yves Rocher products are made - are indirectly responsible for at least 10,000 jobs in Brittany. The brand also continues to harvest certified organic arnica, cornflower, marigold, Roman and German chamomile, nasturtium and mallow from 55ha of its own fields in La Gacilly. The rest of the non-genetically modified ingredients used in the products are sourced from around the world.

Mr Bris Rocher says he sticks to his grandfather's simple philosophy, that "nature is the future", to guide him in running the business.

Today, the Yves Rocher Botanical Garden in La Gacilly is a conservatory where 1,100 species of plants are studied for their beautifying properties. The brand's formulas hold more than 50 patents and more than 100 new products are churned out every year.

Among its other eco-projects, the company has also pledged to plant 50 million trees worldwide by next year.

"My grandfather used to tell me that if you think only about profit when running a business, it will dry up your heart," says Mr Rocher.

This article was first run in The Straits Times newspaper on September 19, 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.

How can I lighten my cosmetics pouch?

To pack an economical make-up bag that still has everything you need, the trick is to pick up multi-purpose products. Besides the usual lip-and-cheek balms, and day-to-night eyeshadow palettes, here are some useful products to look out for.

No bigger than a pen or lipstick, these make-up items are compact enough to be slipped into a clutch too.

Peter Thomas Roth CC Eye Correcting Concealer
$89, from Sephora stores

Made to hide dark circles, this double-ended product contains matte liquid concealer (for the under-eye area) on one side, and a liquid pearlescent highlighter (for the lids and inner corners of the eyes) on the other.

Think of this as a sunscreen for the eye area too; both formulas come with SPF15.

The product is also infused with the extract of the camu camu fruit, which is said to contain 30 times the amount of Vitamin C in an orange, to boost collagen production.

Too Faced Bulletproof 24 Hour Shadow Liner
$32, from Sephora stores

This crayon is both an eyeliner and an eyeshadow. Draw a thicker line on the areas you want to emphasise and blend with the sponge tip on the other end for a smoky effect. Pull out the base of the sponge tip and you get a sharpener for the crayon. Available in eight shades.

RMK Matte Shiny Eyepencil
$65, from RMK counters

This eye make-up product comes with a matte crayon on one side for lining the eyes, and a complementary glitter shadow with a sponge-tipped applicator on the other.

Available in six shades.

Kate 3D Eye Create
$23.50, from selected personal care stores

Made for highlighting and contouring the eye area (to give it more depth) and nosebridge (to make it look sharper), one side of the product contains light highlighting powder, while the other contains a darker contouring powder.

Each end comes with a sponge tip which makes application fuss-free. You can also use the highlighting powder on the cheekbones.

Etude House Moistfull Super Collagen Multi-Stick
$19, from Etude House stores

There is no need to lug around a bottle of moisturiser with this hydrating balm stick that contains collagen and baobab tree extract.

Glide it onto the areas that need moisture (such as the delicate eye area) and pat into skin with fingertips.

This article was first run in The Straits Times newspaper on September 19, 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 usually hard to drum up any sort of real enthusiasm when we hear about (yet another) Italian restaurant opening in Singapore – not when the Italian dining scene has become so saturated that these restaurants blur into one another after awhile. But ever so often, a real game-changer comes along, makes us sit up and pay attention and more importantly, fall in love with Italian cuisine all over again.

And newbie ALBA 1836 is one such sterling example. Co-owned by Sardinian chef Alessandro Frau (currently also the chef-owner of top Italian restaurant Acqua in Phuket) and now helmed by resident chef and fellow Sardinian Luca Piras, the charming restaurant located right at the end of leafy Duxton Hill serves an elegant, adventurous interpretation of classic Sardinian fare. But there are no airs or pretensions about the food or service (which is impeccable without being intimidating or obtrusive) – ALBA 1836 merely elevates comforting Sardinian dishes into stellar presentations worthy of multiple visits back. And isn't that what good Italian food should be all about? 

Must-tries: The classic Grilled Sardinian pecorino cheese (below, $22) that comes served with chesnut honey and fresh figs – it's a delightful symphony of sweet-savoury flavours and textures. Chef Alessandro's risottos are much raved about, and while they're excellent, we're still partial to the absolutely stunning homemade ravioli stuffed with burrata cheese and black truffle and drizzled with a veal ossobuco sauce ($35). Ravioli really doesn't get more luxurious than this. The branzino, or grilled Mediterranean seabass ($40) is another winner with fork-tender and ocean-sweet flesh. 

Skip: Nothing. That's how much we enjoyed our food at ALBA 1836. Small eaters might want to skip the Spanish roast suckling pig ($50) though – it's a little heavy on the palate and not quite the thing you'd want weighing your stomach down after a work lunch. 

Alba 1836 Winebar & Restaurant is located at 28 Duxton Hill. For more information, call tel: 6222-2048 or visit www.alba1836.com. 

IMAGE:  Mirko Iannace/Corbis

I was beginning to wonder why I had a mini-breakout of sorts over the weekend. When I stepped outside on Sunday, it hit me like a truck. The haze is back.

Whether it’s dealing with sensitive skin or breakouts, here are some ways to make sure your skin doesn't turn into a hazy mess.

CLEANSE WELL
This is pretty much a no brainer, but keeping your skin clean is vital during this period. Not only will the haze cause short-term damage, Dr Low Chai Ling from The Sloane Clinic says that its effect is beyond the average pimple: “Long-term, free radical damage (from the haze) can also cause premature ageing. When the pollutants in the haze rob your skin of its oxygen supply, the result is signs of ageing, such as wrinkles and loss of elasticity in the skin.”

Which is why using a gentle but efficient cleanser will not only protect your skin from short-term effects, but also prevent pre-mature ageing in the long haul.

You don’t have to start using a harsher cleanser, but making sure that your makeup and sunscreen is properly removed becomes a whole lot more important. And if you have the budget to spare, I will definitely recommend cleansing with a Clarisonic Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush. Why? The brand says its technology has been recently proven to be 30 times more effective in removing particulate matter: The very thing that the haze is filled with.

Clarisonic’s collection of cleansing brushes is pretty extensive, but I’ll suggest sticking with the travel friendly Mia 2 (now available in a limited edition set!). The Festival of Colours Collection features the Mia 2 in three eye popping colours, and it comes together with a sensitive brush head and travel kit that is perfect for this hazey season.

P.S. If you’re really planning to buy the Clarisonic, I will highly recommend investing in the Luxe Brush Heads. Super soft and very luxurious, they give my skin a real good clean so gentle, each wash feels like a mini massage.

STOP SCRUBBING
Yes, you read that right. Although you probably feel that you should, the experts are telling you not to. Dr Georgia Lee of TLC Lifestyle Clinic says that the haze makes our skin more sensitive to pollutants, so scrubbing it will only make your skin worse. She even recommends cutting back on products with exfoliating properties, such as those containing AHA or tretinoins. Although these products are great in removing dead skin cells (and pollutants), they also strip your skin of essential oils - which is what you need right now.

KEEP ALL THE MOISTURE
Every single drop. Long term exposure to air pollution can cause our skin to become dry and rough, making it more susceptible to developing a rash or two.

And I don’t want to state the obvious, but loading up on moisturisers is a must. Not only will moisturisers prevent your skin from being rash-prone, but they also act as a barrier protecting your skin against harsh environmental pollutants.

ALREADY REACTING? HELP IS ON THE WAY
If your skin is already affected by the haze, Dr Lee recommends loading up on calming agents such as chamomile, green tea, aloe vera and cucumber. Alternatively, you might even want to consider switching to gentle cleansers that help the skin in restoring its natural balance. Personally, when my skin is red and blotchy, I rely on Kiehl’s Centella Skin-Calming Facial Cleanser and DrGL’s Cleanser for Sensitive Skin to get it back in shape.

Due to its texture and ingredients, these two cleansers are ultra gentle and leave a thin layer of moisture behind. Furthermore, they contain the recommended calming agents aloe vera and chamomile, making them perfect for skin already irritated by the haze.

Dr Georgia Lee is the founder and medical director of TLC Lifestyle clinic at 27 Lorong Liput Singapore 277738, and she has her own skincare range, DrGL, found in leading departmental stores. For more information, visit www.drgl.com and follow the brand on Facebook.

Dr Low Chai Ling is the founder of Sloane Clinic at 30 Raffles Place #03-01 Chevron House Singapore 048622, and she has her own skincare range, Sloane Inc. For more information, visitwww.sloaneclinic.com and follow the brand on Facebook.

Clarisonic Mia 2 Sonic Skin Cleansing Brush, $220, is available from September - October at the Clarisonic store in Biotherm Homme Ion orchard, Sephora stores, and select Robinson stores. For more information, visit www.clarisonic.com.sg and follow the brand on Facebook.

DrGL Cleanser Sensitive, $88, is available in Sephora Ion, Robinsons Orchard, Raffles City and JEM, Escentials Paragon and CK Tangs, and online via www.drgl.com. For more information visit www.drgl.com, www.escentials.com.sg and follow the brand on Facebook.

Kiehl’s Centella Skin-Calming Facial Cleanser is available at all Kiehl’s stores. For more information on Kiehl’s, visit www.kiehlstimes.com and follow Kiehl’s Singapore on Facebook,Instagram and Twitter. 

Bulgari celebrates its 130th anniversary with the launch of a new feminine watch collection, Lucea (a fusion of Italian for “light” and Latin for “luxurious”).

Designed for the pleasure of wearing something precious on your wrist every day, the ticker pays tribute to its jeweller’s roots. The crown fashioned out of red cabochon-cut spinel alludes to Bulgari’s penchant for bright gems, while the bracelet strap draws inspiration from the scales of its iconic Serpenti bracelet watches.

Taiwanese movie star Shu Qi is the ambassador of Lucea and star of the ad campaign. Watch her doing what she does best – pouting, vamping and generally looking like a billion bucks – in the video below, and enjoy! 

For more information, visit www.bulgari.com and follow Bulgari on Facebook. 

WHAT IT IS: Fun fact from a Seoul mate: The dewy K-Beauty look everyone and their mother’s so K-razy about these days hails from a K-oncept known as Mul-guang, or “water glow” in Korean. Now you know!

That neat tidbit makes for a nice segue into the beauty world’s next big thing. Said to steep your skin with a thirst-quenching torrent of moisture, Dew Drop Hydrating Skinboosters are delivered via multiple micro-injections of Restylane, a patented hyaluronic acid – yes, that mighty moisture magnet found in everything from silky serums to standard-issue fillers.

As versatile a treatment as any, opt to have your full face fixed, or spot-correct regions requiring a little smoothing and softening: The haggard hollows encircling your eyes; dimpling around the décolletage; or the back of your hands, if you’re a woman of the well, Madonna persuasion.

The result? Privé Clinic says this novel form of filler placement promises a beguiling boost that’s incredibly subtle and well-nigh undetectable – like your skin, only better, with the sort of lit-from-within dewiness that’s the very definition of Mul-guang.  

WHY I LOVE IT: Crucial caveat cum disclaimer: This doesn’t sub for a proper sit-down with a qualified aesthetician, and whatever you do with your face and body is well, entirely your business. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, it’s time for the fun stuff – needles and bloodshed!

I’ll be upfront here: You’ll be better off with traditional filler techniques if you’re looking for instant gratification. What’s the difference? Old-school fillers puncture your skin at one or two targeted sites; this next-gen method bores microscopic holes into multiple points of entry.

As such, Dew Drop Hydrating Skinboosters are most decidedly not the sort of low-key lunchtime fix you can excuse yourself from the office for. I should know, because when I crept back into my cubbyhole post-treatment, all my colleagues could do was balk at my beat-up face. Takeaway? Apportion a couple of days off for bruising, bleeding and such.

What did I have done? Dr. Karen Soh, medical director of Privé Clinic, suggested some pumping and plumping under my eyes and cheeks: “You want Fann Wong-worthy cheekbones, yes?” And by golly, did I!

My face was prepped with a liberal smearing of a topical numbing cream, and the reassuringly maternal Dr. Soh took pains (pun!) to pause every so often to size up my face and ask after my discomfort level.   

So, does Pretty Hurt? I’m no wuss when it comes to needles, so this rates pretty okay on the pain-o-meter. I’m told the particular form of Restylane used is shot through with a mild anaesthetic, so that coupled with the numbing cream makes for a tolerable treatment.

All told, the “ordeal” takes 15 to 20 minutes tops to complete, so you’ll be in and out in a jiffy. As mentioned, some swelling and bruising is par for the course; in my instance, it took about a week and a half for the black-and-blues to dissipate.

Results-wise, Dr Soh says you’ll enjoy the best beauty benefits after three sessions spaced a month apart, but I noticed better skin after just one treatment. How to describe the effect? I’m blessed with relatively trouble-free complexion, but with the Dew Drop Hydrating Skinbooster my skin looked like it was on perpetual “post-mask” mode: Soft, supple and beautifully bouncy, like that of a Korean starlet on a Seoul billboard.  

Final thoughts? On the minus side, the week-or-so downtime can be a deterrent; on the plus side, you can expect firmer skin that’s glistening and glowy 24/7, with none of that telltale tautness that’s a mark of “over-filling.” Dr Soh puts it best, methinks: “This subtle effect is the future of fillers, because even tai-tais themselves don’t want the 'tai-tai face' these days!”

GET IT AT: Dew Drop Hydrating Skinboosters, $1,000 per session, is available at Privé Clinic. For more information, visit www.priveclinic.com and follow Privé Clinic on Facebook.

IMAGE: AFP PHOTO

Move over pumpkin spice latte, there’s a new coffee in town - and it tastes like beer. That’s right, the coffee behemoth that popularized the beverage that puts fall in a cup is reportedly testing out a new latte that tastes like stout beer. Or a pint of Guinness to be more precise.

As reported by Buzzfeed and a handful of Twitter users, Starbucks is pilot testing a Dark Barrel Latte made with a blend of espresso, chocolate stout-flavored syrup and steamed milk, all topped with whipped cream and a dark caramel sauce.

The drink, which can also be made as a frozen Frappuccino, is alcohol-free and is reportedly being trialed in stores in Columbus, Ohio and parts of Florida.

The din of online excitement on Twitter, meanwhile, is mixed with some heaping praise on the innovative new flavor, and others giving it a thumbs down.

"DarkBarrelLatte is cozy but not sweet- like a bonfire on a chilly autumn night. @Starbucks please keep it around!,” tweeted one fan.

But those who may not be able to stomach the idea of drinking a beer-like beverage for breakfast may want to heed another customer’s review:

“The dark barrel latte at Starbucks literally tastes like drinking a Guinness in the early morning...so yuck,” wrote one customer.

Meanwhile, earlier this year the coffee giant began rolling out an evening menu at stores across the US that includes cocktail, beer and wine offerings -- a strategy aimed at drawing the after-work crowd and filling up stores in the evening.

AFP RELAX NEWS

When it comes to wine-themed tourism, certain destinations come to mind immediately: France's Rhone Valley, Australia's Yarra Valley, California's Napa Valley. But great wines are also made where you may least expect them. Here's the lowdown on wine production in five unexpected destinations, many of which are already popular among tourists for other reasons.

France, Australia and Italy aren't the only countries where exceptional wines are produced. © Catalin Petolea/shutterstock.com

Belgium
Known abroad for its craft beers, the European nation also produces quality wines. Found in both Wallonia and Flanders, the country's vineyards cover a total area of 370 acres and are owned by around 90 winemakers, most of whom are Flemish. Belgium produces around 500,000 bottles of wine per year using up to 34 different grape varieties, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio.

Reds account for just 20 percent of the country's total production, and the white wine production consists of around half still, half sparkling. For a taste of Belgian bubbly, look for the "Vlaamse Mousserende Kwaliteitswijn" label.

A tour of Belgian wine country might start with a trip to Genoels-Elderen, the country's largest winery, which spans 54 acres.

Lebanon
Italy, Spain and France are not the only Mediterranean countries with long and rich winemaking traditions. In fact, the land of the cedars is thought to be one of the oldest wine production sites on the planet. Tourists will find several scenic vineyards in the Bekaa Plain to the east, close to the Syrian and Israeli borders. In recent years, the region's producers have been busy restoring their vines to health in the aftermath of various conflicts.

The influence of French winemaking, and particularly of the Bordeaux region, is clearly felt among Lebanese producers, with a focus on growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Cinsault grapes. The country also boasts its own indigenous varieties, such as Obeideh and Merwah, which are slowly beginning to make a comeback.

Newcomers to Lebanese wine can start by getting to know Château Ksara, Lebanon's oldest winery, which was founded by Jesuits in 1857. Its 6,670 acres of vineyards enjoy close to 300 days of sunlight annually and relatively stable temperatures thanks to the nearby sea.

Ethiopia
Once best known internationally as the site of devastating famine and other humanitarian disasters, Ethiopia has since acquired a different image abroad thanks to its rich cuisine and culture. Now the country's wines are also making their way around the globe.

It may come as a surprise, but certain grapes actually thrive in the arid West African climate. The soil is sandy and the rainy season is short, at least at the location chosen by the French wine company Castel Group for its first production site in the country, in Ziway.

The relatively new vineyard will launch to market its first wines this year, primarily to customers abroad. Around 1.2 million bottles will be produced and sold under two different brands: the Rift Valley line of red and white varietals (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay), and the Acacia blended wine.

Thailand
Rice isn't the only crop cultivated in the land of smiles. When tending to their vines in northeast Thailand's Loei region, growers must contend with a volatile and particularly rainy climate. But the site also has its advantages for grape growers, namely plenty of sunshine and warm summers.

Travelers will also find grapes growing in the regions to the east of Bangkok and in the Chao Phraya delta.

The varieties grown include Syrah and Chenin Blanc as well as indigenous grapes such as Malaga and Pokdum. An introduction to Thai wines might begin at the Château de Loei, which planted its first vines in 1991 in northeast Thailand at 2000 feet above sea level.

Japan
While Japanese whisky and sake are well-known among spirits connoisseurs, few oenophiles know that the land of the rising sun also produces Western-style vintages. And not just since yesterday. Since around 1850, Japanese producers have developed growing methods to cope with local weather conditions in the region of Yamanashi, at the foot of the famed Mount Fuji. Here, the climate is warm and the summers are wet. Like their French counterparts, Japanese winemakers often face mildew problems due to excess rain, which can make the vines susceptible to disease. The moderate amount of sunshine means that the grapes are not too sweet and produce wines with lower alcohol content.

There are around 56,800 acres of vineyards, but only 8 percent of these are dedicated to wine production. Among Japan's local grape varieties is Koshu, a large red grape used to make white wines that pair nicely with Asian cuisine, particularly with sweet dishes. Japanese producers also make red wines thanks to the Muscat Bailey A grape, another local variety. - AFP Relaxnews

I’m not proud of it, but it took me a full year before I could convince my boyfriend to use face wash. He belonged to the select group of people that had naturally good skin, so remnant shampoo became his de facto facial foam.

IMAGE: Joel Low

Which is why I’m glad that people like George Young exist. The 34-year-old actor advocates his fellow men have a proper skincare regime (SPF moisturiser only, please), and is not one to shy away from a challenge. After bravely proving his manhood by applying false eyelashes for Dolly Wink’s Guinness Book of Records attempt (which they accomplished!), I sit down with the FLY Entertainment artiste to suss him out.

MR SMARTY PANTS
If you don’t already know, George read law and psychology in England before his pursuit of acting. Born to a Chinese father and Greek mother, his real name is George Ng; he only adopted the name George Young for his on-screen projects.

HE IS ALWAYS UP FOR A CHALLENGE

This is pretty self-explanatory. George gamely put his hand up when Dolly Wink asked him to be a part of it’s Guinness Book of Records attempt (which was a tremendous success!). Without having any prior experience in eye makeup, the hunk said he knew he would be saying yes to potentially stabbing his eye with an eyelash curler, liner or false eyelashes. 

What’s more, the actor bravely attempted doing the entire act on his own. Only after a multitude of hilarious (and failed) attempts that were caught on camera, did he finally concede and accept some help from eyelash queen Xiaxue and beauty guru Shu An.

HE TAKES CARE OF HIMSELF 
The Eurasian actor is a brand influencer with SK-II Men, but before you think this is just some money-fuelled endorsement, George does really takes care of his skin. When I asked him about his skincare routine, the actor was more than happy to rattle of the products he used. The suave host revealed that he absolutely loves his SPF moisturiser, which he believes is his saviour for anti-ageing – don’t you just love a guy in the know?

IN TOTAL CONTROL
Perhaps this was one of the reasons why George knew he was born to be an actor. The 34-year-old can control almost every muscle on his face. Whether its wiggling his ears or twitching a corner of his mouth, George can move his face any direction he fancies. Which makes him part of a small percentage of the entire world’s population that can do so!

ANYWHERE, EVERY TIME
When I asked what he and his girlfriend Janet loved to do when they spend time together, I was expecting some answer like “oh we love to stroll along the beach or play board games!”. Instead, what I got was a cheeky reply that they’re favourite pastime involves “A lot of YouTube watching, everywhere, anytime, in every position possible”. Oh George. I should have known better.

George Young is a FLY Entertainment artiste. For more information, visit www.fly.com.sg and follow George Young on Facebook.

Dolly Wink’s Guinness Book of Records attempt was organised in collaboration with the Breast Cancer Foundation. From 20 September to 30 November, the brand will donate $2 for every Dolly WinkLash, Dolly Wink Eyelash Fix, Dolly Wink Eyelash Case and Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner in Black sold in at least 50 Watsons stores to the Breast Cancer Foundation. 

Like two peas in a pod ... 

So it seems Qi Yuwu is staying true to his patented Mopey Man type, even unto marriage.

Get this: The erstwhile swinging bachelor says Joanne Peh, fellow thespian and freshly minted Mrs. Qi, is like a “mirror” image of his merits and misdeeds. Someone’s been listening to too much Justin Timberlake, perchance?  

Hat tip to Chinese daily Lianhe Zaobao, which ran a column penned by the hubby of the hour himself. Pertinent pull-quote: “I seem to have found a mirror and through her, I see the good and the bad in me. It makes me feel inferior and proud. I can be myself and grow up.” All together now: Aww.

The preternaturally pretty boy – or man, really, given that he’s all of 37 years old! – adds that this marriage thing wasn’t on the agenda when he struck it out on his own some 15 years ago.  Here’s the self-professed “student” of marital life on his singular good fortune: “I must have done something right all these years, to have all this. In the face of life, no one can be fully prepared.”

And now for a flurry of sweet somethings from the studly star: “I will find my own answers, continue to learn to love myself, learn to love others, and continue to grow through constant adjustments.” Shiver me timbers, is that precious or is that precious!  

Or what about this? “There might be wishful thinking about what you want to give each other, but in the end, it isn't certain who will give what to whom.” Hmm, best not to read too much between the lines, I suppose …

Good grief, so gushy (but pretty poignant, we’ll give him that.) All eyes must surely be swivelling towards his comely companion for her response to his moony love letter. Joanne Peh, the ball’s in your court! 

Choupette is meowing her way to the bank.

If 2013 was the year Choupette became a fashion celebrity (with her own Twitter account and Lagerfeld line to boot), 2014 is the year the pussycat is going mainstream. Following the launch of her own feline lifestyle book, Choupette is set to be immortalised in another new line by Karl Lagerfeld, this time with some attitude.

The Monster Choupette line shows the lovable, if demanding, pet as the star of the show, and she's grown teeth! The capsule collection, which is set to hit stores in November, includes bags (a shopping bag, two sizes of pouch and a wallet, all in Saffiano leather), shoes, and clothing (t-shirt, sweatshirt, scarves, and socks).

It's only the latest development in the land of the pampered cat: earlier this month, Japanese cosmetics brand Shu Uemura unveiled a beyond-cute Choupette-inspired capsule named Shupette (with packaging featuring Lagerfeld's drawings of his cat), which will be out for the holidays. We want them all!

Step into Mongkok Precinct in Jurong Point and you'll feel as if you've been teleported smack into the bustling shopping and eating district of the same name in Hong Kong. It's got the neon lights, the crowds, the shops, and best of all, the most authentic cha chan teng (tea restaurant) you're likely to find in Singapore.

Running the kitchen at Legendary Hong Kong are eight specially scouted chefs from Hong Kong, each with 14 to 31 years of experience in his own specialisation (roast meat, dim sum, congee, wonton noodles, wok stir-fries, and bing sut, or traditional tea restaurant fare) – some of their resumes boast stints at the famous Yung Kee, renowned for its roast goose, and Michelin-starred Mak's Noodle.

We picked these five items from the menu of over 300, which you absolutely must order.

1. Roasted London Duck ($30 for half, $58 for whole)
The fowl served here is imported from temperate Ireland, so they're considerably plumper and fattier than the ones we usually get locally. It took the roast-meats chef 30 test ducks to arrive at the one they now serve – utterly tender flesh and meltingly soft fat under crisp skin, doused in a savoury sauce with spices and aromatics.

2. Custard Crust Bun with Butter ($2.50)
With a perfectly crumbly, sugary crust moulded to soft, slightly buttery bread, you'll be hard-pressed to find another bo lo bao in Singapore that tastes just as glorious. Tip: it's best washed down with a glass of finely balanced yuan yang, aka HK Style Tea & Coffee Mix (iced, $2.80).

3. Thick Rice Roll with Dough Fritters ($4.50)
There aren't many dim sum houses here that offer this dish, so we were mighty pleased to find these chewy, deep-fried you tiao swathed in silky robes of rice sheets, then bathed in light soya sauce – so spectacular in its simplicity.

4. Wonton Noodle in Soup ($6.80)
The stars here are undoubtedly the slippery-skinned dumplings – bite-sized nuggets of pleasure with a tasty, slightly peppery filling of shrimp and minced pork. Go for the thin egg noodles (other options are thick egg noodles, thick rice noodles, and vermicelli), which are blanched in a series of hot, cold, then hot (again) water to keep them immaculately springy. And don't miss the house-made chilli sauce, which delivers a real kick even when consumed in tiny doses.

5. Congee with Century Egg & Pork ($6.80)
The smooth, comforting rice gruel is anything but bland – it's loaded with large chunks of jelly-ish century egg and shredded pork, cooked only when you order. We recommend letting it sit for five minutes before you dive in, to let it thicken and take on an even more velvety texture.

Legendary Hong Kong is located at #03-80 Jurong Point 2, tel: 6794-1335. Open daily, 11am-2.30pm and 5.30-11pm.