It’s been slightly over a month since baby Zed was born but the only child of Singapore’s number one celebrity couple – Christopher Lee and Fann Wong – has been making headline news ever since, even though he can’t even walk or talk yet! (Imagine what it will be like when he can!). From the Fendi shoes and wardrobe we’re envious of, to pooping on dad, here’s the lowdown on how this celebrity baby and his family is doing.

HE HAS HIS PARENTS WRAPPED AROUND HIS TINY FINGER

Like most first-time parents, Christopher and Fann are finding it difficult to deny their little tot anything he wants. The elated father conceded to Today Online that he and his wife would drop everything to attend to him, and that they are more than happy to do so.

Lee even said that he enjoys having Zed’s poop splashed all over him, as the last time it happened, he was nominated the next day for the Best Actor award at the prestigious Golden Bell (Taiwan’s equivalent of the Emmy’s).

HIS TEDDY BEAR IS FROM CHANEL
Talk about having only the best. As if having pretty neat Fendi kicks weren’t enough, Fann recently revealed that baby Zed has a custom Chanel Teddy bear!

And something tells us this isn’t the last of luxe presents that he’ll be receiving.

MUM & DAD BREASTFEED TOGETHER
Well, sort off. Christopher says that he wakes up with Fann in the middle of the night for feeds. The dad says that it is the least he can do since Fann has the harder job of breastfeeding (good on him!). The father also revealed in an interview with Lianhe Wanbao that Fann will be breastfeeding Zed for at least three months.

LIFE IS SIMPLER
Despite having a crying baby to attend to 24/7, the parents say that life is a lot simpler for them. In an interview with Today Online, Lee said he has seen how Fann has changed; She isn’t so conscious of her figure, and eats according to what their baby needs. Christopher also added that he sees life in a different light now, “Actually, people can live so simply. As long as you’re happy, it’s good enough. There’s no need to concern yourself with the superfluous.”

We can’t be happier for the lovely family, afterall, a baby only grows up once.

Sonia Sui, face of Jewellery Time 2014

The presidential suite at St Regis hotel was set up for my interview with Sonia Sui, the face of luxury timepiece showcase Jewellery Time 2014. When the doors opened to reveal the Taiwanese actress all regal in a CH Carolina Herrera gown and Chopard accessories, she fit perfectly with the grand elegance of the suite.

So I was very surprised to discover how easy going the actress is. Sui wasn’t even wearing any shoes under the long dress (she would later put on heels for photos of course); and when asked where in the huge area she would like to do the interview, Sui said she was fine with anywhere but suggested a table so I could scribble down notes easily – she had noticed the notebook I was carrying. So accommodating!

The Taiwanese model-turned-actress was in Singapore to grace Jewellery Time 2014. One of the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia, the most exquisite and intricate watches from brands like Audemars Piguet, Cartier, Vacheron and more have been housed in a renaissance-styled mansion exhibit.

Read on to find out how Sonia Sui keeps her skin flawless

Diamonds are Sonia Sui’s best friend
Not for the same reasons Marilyn Monroe lauded about. “Personally, I’m not inclined towards diamonds but they have a special meaning to me,” explained Sui. Every birthday since she turned 18, her mother would give her diamond jewellery as a present. Although the pieces would range from a brooch or a delicate necklace and weren’t particularly precious, it is a sentimental attachment to these diamond pieces that Sui holds close to her heart.

Red bean water is Sonia Sui’s secret to her great skin
When asked about her secret to her flawless, youthful complexion – this was one question I could not skip – the actress’ answer took me by surprise. Instead of throwing out a product name or a typical beauty tip, Sui said she drinks plenty of water and pointed to her huge 2-litre bottle that held a faint-reddish liquid that didn’t look like water. It turned out to be red bean water that Sui swears by. Red bean water is not only nourishing but it reduces water retention. She even advised us not to boil the water until the beans break because it will become soup and end up starchy.

Sonia Sui mostly thinks Singaporean men are manly
Sui confessed she didn’t know many Singaporean men. All her friends here are female. If she had to base her judgement of Singaporean males on the only two she had met, Jeremy Lim the COO of Cortina Watch and Christopher Lee whom she sharply pointed out was actually Malaysian, she would say they are manly.

Ethan Ruan doesn’t wear makeup when he’s filming
The actress turned the tables on me to ask about my opinion of Singaporean men. When I mentioned that our local guys were getting in touch with their metrosexual side and some even dabbled with makeup, it was her turn to be surprised. Her reply to that was equally shocking when she revealed Taiwanese male celebs like Ethan Ruan and Joseph Chang don’t wear makeup even when they are filming – they too possessed great complexions. Do they all drink the same red bean water too?

Jewellery Time 2014 is on now until October 5, 2014, at Paragon’s Atrium. For more information, go to www.jewellerytime.com.sg/.

Don't wait until your wardrobe collapses on you. Declutter now. © Bernd Vogel/Corbis

Repeat after me: I don’t need everything in my wardrobe. Good. Because this is exactly what you need to keep in mind when you start to clean out your closet. Whether your cupboard doors can’t shut because your mountain of clothes keeps growing or you still have dresses from your childhood hanging in your wardrobe, you need to declutter.

Why? Once you have cleaned out your closet and gotten rid of everything you don’t want and need, it will be less stressful and a snap to dress in the morning so you can get more precious minutes of sleep.

Still with me? Let’s go through each piece of clothing with these four questions that are going to make decluttering painless and stress-free.

1. DO YOU LIKE IT?
YES: You fell in love with the paisley-print tea dress the moment you spotted it. Move on to question 2.
NO: Every time you see the sleeve of this tie-dyed T-shirt, you have no idea why you bought it. Toss it please.

2. DOES IT FIT / IS IT TORN OR STAINED?
YES: The condition of those flare jeans is as good as new. Go to question 3.
NO: If what you fondly dub your “skinny” pants are tied to pre-puberty memories, they should go. For those working to lose some pounds, your motivation should not be pants from the past but brand new ones that are going to the reward when you hit your goal. Clothing with stains or are torn? Move to question 3 only if you will mend them. If not, they have to go.

3. HAVE YOU WORN IT IN THE LAST YEAR?
YES: Your trusty LBD is your go-to for events that have no specific or clear dress code – what is “cocktail casual” anyway? Go to question 4.
NO: The Manchester United jersey with David Beckham’s number seven hasn’t seen the light of the day since the football player left the English Premier League. Please toss it.

4. DOES IT PROJECT THE IMAGE I WANT TO PORTRAY / WOULD I STILL BUY IT TODAY?
YES: Your only regret is that you didn’t snap up every colour the silk blouse came in. Congratulations, it’s a keeper and a wardrobe staple.
NO: I’m going to assume you wore your beloved Backstreet Boys T-shirt to sleep in the last year - #nojudgement. But would you still snap up the same piece if you were out shopping today? Do you think it reflects the correct image you want to be known for? For your own sake, toss it.

You did it! You successfully decluttered your closet.

Now, for those still-in-good condition bits of clothing you don’t want, someone else can love them now by sending them to the Salvation Army or the New2U Thrift Shop.

Watch all the magic of the Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2014 as it unfolds at Paris Fashion Week, right here with us on herworldPLUS!

We'll be streaming the Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2015 runway show, which will take place on October 1, 2014, at 10am in Paris (4pm Singapore Time).

WATCH THE LOUIS VUITTON SPRING SUMMER 2015 LIVE STREAM BELOW FROM 4PM (SINGAPORE TIME) HERE ON OCTOBER 1, 2014.

The #ForeverYoung Julia Roberts, Lancôme's lovely leading lady

WHAT IS IT?

Fair warning: There’s a legit reason why this review comes with its own sob story of sorts, so bear with me!

Okay, picture this. Drizzy evening, dreadful day at work. Mood-o-meter: Dangerously low. On impulse I decide to drop off in town to console myself with a quick look-see at the nearest mega-mall.

Fast-forward two hours and I’m home with my biggest beauty haul to date. Shout-out to the friendly folks manning the Lancôme cabin at ION Orchard, who plied me with plenty of intriguing insider info about the new Absolue L’Extrait Regenerating and Renewing Ultimate Elixir-Concentrate – seductive enough for me to part with my paltry pay, at any rate. 

What’s new? For starters, the serum is stuffed with the legendary Lancôme rose, a fabulous fuchsia bloom said to boast phenomenal anti-aging properties. What separates this from the other products in the line (all of which contain said rose extract, FYI) is the exceptionally painstaking extraction process, which Lancôme says takes 10 weeks and then some to complete.

Why the fuss? Petals upon petals of the prized bloom are pulverised and then “pressure-cooked” to produce minuscule morsels of so-called “native” stem cells – small enough to diffuse deep into your dermis. The result? Lancôme’s lab-coated scientists say deliberately damaged skin tissue demonstrate an astounding “rebound” to a near-pristine state after six days of being bathed in the botanical broth. 

WHY I LOVE IT

This serum ticks all the boxes of my cosmetics checklist, save price, but more on that in a bit. There’s the swoon-inducing texture, for one; the press notes describe it as a “melting milky gel”, which is bang on the money, methinks. Buttery beyond belief, the comforting creamy concoction sinks straight in; no smearing or spreading required.

The lovely ladies at the Lancôme counter tell me this exquisite emulsion is engineered to offer both mattifying and brightening benefits, and by golly, they ain’t lying. I’ve found that a smidgen of the spectacularly smooth salve was plenty to sop up gunk and grease throughout the day; while opalescent optics lent my skin the illusion of lit-from-within iridescence. 

On the greasy side? Skip your regular moisturiser if you like. Thanks to the prodigious amount of hugely hydrating ingredients it’s packing, the Absolue L’Extrait Regenerating and Renewing Ultimate Elixir-Concentrate is terrific at doing double duty as a thirst-quenching tincture.

Maximum score for sheer sensorial satisfaction, too. The petal-shaped applicator, which tapers to a voluptuously tactile tear-drop, is such a pleasure to use. How to use? First, heat up the spoon by running it under warm water. Pat dry, then use the pump to dispense a pinch of the bergamot and peony perfumed balm, smoothing it right up to the temples and brow bone.

Done? Now cool the massage spoon by sticking it in the fridge or running cold water over it. Towel-dry the contraption and then massage again using the recommended steps in the manual accompanying the set. This sounds like a right hassle, but the entire shebang should take no more than five minutes to cycle through, and makes for a really relaxing ritual in the evenings. 

No complaints whatsoever when it comes to packaging, either. Housed in a handmade jewel-box, the posh packaging demands pride of place on your dresser, being both incredibly Instagram-friendly and hygienic to boot.

As for the results proper? I’m pathologically obsessive when it comes to the creases and crinkles on my face, so I can honestly say that a fortnight of twice-daily use wiped out a wee wrinkle just under my left eye. Better than Botox?

The damage to your purse, however, is substantial to say the least: This baby will set you back a cool $715 per pop. Cue crickets.

This is the point where my little anecdote at the top of the page comes in handy. Remember how down in the doldrums I was? This skin splurge cheered me up in the soul-singing way only beautiful objects can – just looking at it sitting pretty on my table transports me to one particularly memorable caftan-cloaked, champagne-clinking weekend at a sun-drenched tropical villa ...  

In any case, apologies in advance for going all literary on you. I’ll sign off with one of my favourite Keats quotes: “A thing of beauty is a joy forever”. Cheers to that!

GET IT AT: Absolue L’Extrait Regenerating and Renewing Ultimate Elixir-Concentrate, $715 for 30 ml, is available at all Lancôme counters. For more information, visit www.lancome.com.sg and follow Lancôme Singapore on Facebook and Instagram.

IMAGE: LUCKY BUSINESS/POLYVORE

Non-digestible compounds found in apples promote the growth of friendly gut bacteria, which stabilizes the metabolism and creates satiety. That's according to the results of a new study that singled out Granny Smiths as your best bet for gut health.

"We know that, in general, apples are a good source of these non-digestible compounds but there are differences in varieties," says food scientist Giuliana Noratto, the study's lead researcher. "Results from this study will help consumers to discriminate between apple varieties that can aid in the fight against obesity."

In the study, several kinds of apples were examined, but Granny Smith came out on top for having the highest amount of the compounds, besting Braeburn, Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, McIntosh and Red Delicious.

Researchers say their discovery could prevent several of the health problems associated with obesity, like the onset of diabetes, which is quelled by the anti-inflammatory components of a healthy bacteria balance in the colon.

"What determines the balance of bacteria in our colon is the food we consume," says Noratto, who noted that the non-digestible compounds in the apples changed the composition of fecal bacteria in obese mice to resemble that of lean mice.

The compounds include dietary fiber and polyphenols and they survive the entire journey through the gut, including stomach acid and digestive enzymes.

The study was published in the journal Food Chemistry.

AFP RELAXNEWS

Have you curled your lashes and felt so proud of your effort, only to apply a coat of mascara and see them flop down? Asian lashes tend to be thinner than average, so most European mascaras won’t fare as well on us. On top of that, the mascaras may not be made for our climate. Which is why we put a whole lot of mascaras to the test to give you the best for Asian lashes.

BROWHAUS HD

The first mascara by the famous eyebrow parlour, Browhaus’ HD Mascara doesn’t disappoint. The bristles on the brush head pick up just the right amount of formula, so you won’t have to deal with over-coating your lashes (ending up with clumps). But what really takes the cake is that its formula holds the curl for hours - giving you natural looking lashes until the end of the day.

MAJOLICA MAJORCA LASH EXPANDER EDGE MEISTER

A very chic drugstore option, Majorlica Majorca (or MJ MJ for short) has a serious cult following for its mascaras. The brand has an entire range of mascaras for almost every lash type, but the new Lash Expander is a lengthening mascara that works superbly for short lashes. The tiny comb head makes it easy to coat hard-to-reach lashes, and the formula is very resistant to sweat and heat.

LANCOME HYPNOSE STAR MASCARA WATERPROOF

I have to confess that it was love at first sight with this beauty. Lancôme’s Hypnôse Star Mascara is the only “Western” brand that doesn’t weigh down my lashes - giving it the length and volume that it needs. The mascara’s cone-shaped wand also made it easy for me to reach the inner corner of my eyes, as well as my lower lashes. And even though it is a tad pricy, the cheapskate in me wouldn’t mind paying for this product!

CLIO SALON DE CARA

The Korean brand’s newest range of mascaras are pretty interesting: Each mascara is inspired by a hair-salon treatment. For example, the Hair Roll Cara mascara mimics the volumising effect of hair rollers, and Roll Brush Cara simulates the curling effect of hair curlers. The different mascara heads are even designed to look like hair rollers and curlers respectively! What I love about them, though, is how non-drying and clump-free the mascaras are. I didn’t have a problem wearing them the entire day.

COLLECTION DOES IT ALL

Boasting five benefits in a single swipe, the brand says that you can even skip your eyelash curler when you use this product. The Does It All mascara is said to curl, volumise, lengthen, condition and stay on for the entire day - without any primer or prepping needed. Amongst all the benefits, I found that the mascara was best for creating volume without weighing down my lashes too much. And as the mascara wand features very fat bristles that catch every lash, a single swipe was all I needed for some serious lash drama.

Browhaus HD Mascara, $17.90, is available at all Browhaus stores. For more information, visit www.browhaus.com and follow the brand on Facebook.

Clio Salon de Cara Mascara, $24.90, is available at selected Watsons stores. For more information, visit and follow the brand on Facebook.

Collection Does It All Mascara, $17.90, is available at the Collection pop-up store in Cineleisure, selected Watsons stores, and BHG departmental stores. For more information, visit www.collectioncosmetics.com.sg and follow the brand on Facebook.

Lancôme Hypnôse Star Mascara Waterproof, $50, is available at all Lancôme counters. For more information, visit www.lancome.com.sg and follow the brand on Facebook and Instagram.

Majolica Majorca Lash Expander Edge Meister, $25.90, is available at selected Watsons stores. For more information, visit www.majolica-majorca.com/sg/ and follow the brand on Facebook.

"I met Paul* at work. He was nine years older but we hit it off immediately. I fell madly in love with him and we started dating before moving in together a year later.

Apart from sharing my interests in movies, music and seafood, he was encouraging, patient and romantic. He loved making grandiose gestures. For one of my birthdays, he whisked me away and surprised me with a gorgeous piece of jewellery. I was swept off my feet, especially since his friends had told me he wasn't the sort to splurge 
on women. So when he proposed after two years of dating bliss, I said yes.

Again, it was a dramatic affair: When we made plans to go to the cinema, I thought it was just going to be an ordinary movie date. But he got down on one knee and 
asked me to marry him, to thunderous applause from the crowd. I was so
 shocked that I didn't say 'yes' at once – although I eventually did.

NOT HIS HIS USUAL SELF
Two months after Paul proposed, I noticed a change in his behaviour. He was always distracted at home. Our wedding was in four months but he didn't seem to show any interest in it. Our sex life had also come to a standstill – he told me he was tired and stressed from work. I decided to let things be, thinking it would get better after we were married. Not wanting to pressure him further, I told him to leave all the wedding details to me.

Shortly after that, I fell sick. I was resting at home but as I needed to reply to an urgent work e-mail, I logged on to Paul's laptop. The first thing that caught my eye was a series of chat messages between him and his colleague – he was telling her he was upset that Tessa*, a female co-worker he was 'wooing', wouldn't accept his presents even though he was so in love with her and prepared to sacrifice everything for her. I burst into tears. So this was the reason he was distracted all the time – he had become obsessed with 
his colleague!

When Paul returned home, I confronted him about Tessa: How could he fall in love with someone he'd only known for a few months? And just when we were about to 
get married? Paul said he felt they had a connection. But he then begged for my forgiveness, insisting that we still get married for the sake of my elderly mother, who was suffering from depression. She wouldn't be able to handle the news. 

IT'S OFF... THEN ON
I moved back to my parents' place to clear my head. Out of anger, I slashed my wedding dress and cancelled our hotel reservations. I dreaded telling my relatives, friends and colleagues that the wedding was off. For one month, I couldn't eat or sleep properly, and lost a lot of weight.

During that time, Paul kept pleading with me to return to him. He promised to change, saying he would remain faithful and love me with all his heart. Even his best friend, Eddy*, stepped in to ask me to forgive Paul, saying that Paul wasn't in his right mind as he was going through a mid-life crisis. Tessa, Eddy explained, had only given Paul a shoulder to cry on when he needed to unload.

My heart melted. I wondered if I hadn't considered Paul's feelings and the stress he was facing in the lead-up to the wedding. I felt I should give him another chance. I really should have known better. But I loved him more than I loved myself, and went against my instincts that this was the wrong thing to do. 

DISAPPOINTED AGAIN
I moved back in with Paul and we worked on mending our broken relationship. However, I sensed that our bond wasn't as strong as before. I expected Paul to feel guilty and strive to make it up to me, but 
he didn't. No matter, I thought. As long as he still loved me and didn't cheat on me again, I could live with it. So I focused on enjoying his companionship before we finally got married early last year.

We had decided to start a family right away, and after trying for six months, I became pregnant. That was when Paul started acting 
up again. He didn't accompany me to any of my doctor's appointments, and even though I experienced severe bouts of morning sickness and cramps in my first trimester, not once did he comfort me.

Sometimes, he'd get calls in the wee hours, which he'd claim were from his boss, who was based overseas. But I suspected that he 
was lying. He started going for late-night drives, refusing to let me tag along, and only returning way past midnight. On one occasion, I experienced such bad cramps that I had to take a cab to the hospital on my own as I was unable to get hold of Paul. When he finally visited me, I shouted at him out of frustration and he simply walked out, leaving me crying alone in the ward.

ALONE IN GRIEF
Ten weeks into the pregnancy, I suffered a miscarriage. I was devastated. I had married late in life and felt I was too old to try for another child. The next few weeks were a nightmare. My doctor had put me on oral medication to help my womb flush out the dead foetus, which resulted in excruciating cramps and non-stop bleeding. Although Paul said he understood my pain, I didn't feel like he truly cared.

While I was recovering from the miscarriage, I stumbled upon Paul's flirty e-mails with someone named Karen*. He was telling her how he'd fallen for her and couldn't control himself whenever he was around her. Karen reminded him that his wife had just suffered a miscarriage, and that she didn't consider love a game. But that didn't deter him.

History was repeating itself. I could feel the room spinning. I collapsed on the floor and started bleeding. Paul came running and turned pale when he saw how bad a state I was in. I weakly asked him about Karen, and he retorted by telling me to stop prying. I screamed at him, half disbelieving that he was putting me through the same thing again, especially when I had just suffered 
a miscarriage.

NO LOOKING BACK
That same night, I moved out and returned to my parents' house. I told them that I needed someone to care for me as Paul didn't know how to nurse me back to health. I didn't dare tell my aged parents that my marriage was over – I didn't think they could handle the stress.

I sank into depression. I was so ashamed – I felt I couldn't tell anyone, not even my friends, about what had happened. When Paul had first strayed, they had advised me against returning to him and I could only imagine that they would simply say, 'I told you so'. The only person I told was my brother, who persuaded me to drop everything and spend some time with him overseas, to get a much-needed breather. I was at breaking point, so I packed my bags and left.

Paul texted me while I was away, but I ignored all his messages. When I returned to Singapore, I changed my mobile number, blocked his e-mails, and deactivated my Facebook account. I didn't want him to have any way of contacting me, as I was afraid I would fall for his sweet talk again. At the same time, I hired a lawyer to draw up my divorce papers. At first, Paul was reluctant to sign them, suggesting a three-year trial separation instead. But through Eddy, I begged Paul to agree to the divorce and give me the peace of mind I'd not had since his first indiscretion. I told him that I would never forgive him as my trust in him had been broken. Paul finally agreed to a divorce.

I'm a different person now. I have learnt that if you don't want to get hurt, it's better to love yourself more than the man you're with. I'm done with dating – I'm just going to leave everything to fate. If Mr Right comes along, I won't fight it. But I won't turn into a serial dater just to mend my broken heart. I don't want to hurt others the way I've been hurt."

* Names have been changed.

This article was originally published in Simply Her July 2013.

Obviously baby North is less interested in taking her picture than her mother. Credit: Givenchy

They both wore sheer to sit front row at the Givenchy Spring Summer 2015 runway show in Paris. So who wore it better? Did chubby cheeked North West outshine her celeb mother Kim Kardashian-West?

Again, little North rather plays with the new iPhone than bother about the commotion on the runway. Credit: Givenchy

North West won praise from fashion insiders for the mini-sized sheer Givenchy dress (with tiny tights under for modesty) paired with baby combat boots. Aila Wang better watch her back. Baby West is gaining speed to dethrone Alexander Wang’s niece as fashion icon in the making.

So did the mother or daughter wear it better? Credit: Givenchy

On the other hand, critics weren’t so kind to her celeb mother. Kardashian-West was dressed in, of course in Givenchy. Even with a bodysuit under and motorcycle jacket over, the sheer lace jumpsuit – was Nori’s outfit made from the spare material? – was just too over the top.

But fashionista or not, there is a debate on whether little Nori should be dressed in such grown up ensembles that even some grown ups would balk at, like sheer pieces? Are frilly dresses and cute overalls (think his royal chubbness Prince George) far more appropriate and comfortable for a tot who hasn’t started picking out her own outfits yet? Or do you feel that a sense of style has to be instilled right from the cradle?

One thing’s for sure. The fashion crowd in attendance at the Givenchy show wasn’t too pleased with the baby. Apparently, Nori screamed and cried through the show as she clung onto her mother. The general consensus is that the front row of a fashion show’s no place for a not-yet-two-year-old.

Li Yuchun super sharp in Givenchy. Credit: Givenchy

Speaking of who wore it better, we like to give special mention to Li Yuchun. Riccardo Tisci in Givenchy specially created costumes for the Chinese singer to wear in her 2013 concert  and at the Paris show, Li was simply chic and sleek in all black leather.

Do you think North West should start dressing her age? Tell us in the comments below!

The new “It’ bag to join the Fendi stable makes a splash in its own short video teaser that’s a whimsical stop motion romp showing the four different ways the bag can be carried. Check the By The Way bag in the video teaser below and stay tuned to the full length video on herworldPLUS!

For more information, go to www.fendi.com and Fendi Life at fendi.com/fendilife. Follow Fendi on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Fendi, Twitter @Fendi and Instagram @Fendi_Official

Let's hear it for the ... woman in white. Those legs! Image: ©AFP/ Andreas Solaro

I don’t know about you, but a white nail is just so deliciously delightful as an all-year accent in the torrid tropics we call home. 

But why waste precious “talon” on an austere alabaster when there’s so much mani magic to be had from baroque nail art? 

Elementary, enamel enthusiast. White nails make for a clean counterpoint to any contemporary silhouette – just take a gander at the very leggy couture dress the newly minted Mrs Amal Alamuddin-Clooney was rocking at her marital maritime extravaganza in Venice.

Want more proof white is in? White polish is a cool cosmetic complement to more daring dashes of colour: A trendy tangerine lippie, for one, or a flamboyant flash of blue on your peepers.

Plethora of polished pearly whites, from left: Nails Inc Gel Effect in Hyde Park Place, $26; Sephora Colour Hit in Steal Grey, $12; Nailkale Illuminator Bright Street, $27, all available from Sephora stores; Lancôme Vernis in Love in 020M, $30, available at Lancôme counters

Having said that, a wee caveat is in order. Unless you’re explicitly gunning for an “editorial” look, stay well away from matte white formulas. These can look flat at best ... or like you’ve had way too much fun with your office cubicle’s correction fluid at worst.

Instead, opt for an opalescent ivory shot through with a smidgen of salmon or silver; this not-quite-white white lends a lovely luminosity that’s pretty without being peacockish.

Raring to get a white-over? Before racing to the nearest beauty boutique, here’s some Insta-inspiration to get your monochrome manicure going.

P.S. We’ll be looking forward to seeing your nail art come #ManicureMonday!

IMAGE: Cedric Lim/AsiaPix/Corbis

We all know that sunblock is essential, if not vital, in preventing ageing skin. The number one cause in hyperpigmentation and wrinkles, we are often told that applying sunscreen at the start of the day isn’t enough. But seriously, unless you’re really very vain and don’t apply makeup to work - no one has the time to slather on sunblock before lunch. Which is why I’m loving these easy peasy sunblock applicators - they each take less than five seconds to apply (and they won’t ruin your makeup!).

Skinfood Premium Tomato Cool & Dry Sun Spray (SPF50+/PA+++)

Tomatoes are great UV protectors as they contain lycopene, a natural ingredient that protects your skin from UV and free radical damage. This might be why Skinfood has chosen to create an entire whitening range based on this fruit. Skinfood’s Premium Tomato Cool & Dry Sun Spray contains 20 percent Tomato extract and Vitamin C, which also doubles up as a skin brightening agent. What I love about this spray is that it is extremely fine, and I feel like I’m being blown by a gust of wind with every application.

belif Almighty Sun Powder (SPF50+/PA+++)

The only “non-spray” sunblock that made our list, belif’s Almighty Sun Powder is a force to behold. Made primarily with antioxidant Molokhia herb and featuring calming Calendula and Raspberry Leaf, this powdered sunblock boasts antibacterial, antioxidant, and skin calming properties all in one swipe! I love this lightweight powder as it doesn’t smear my makeup when I touch-up in the middle of the day. It also works as an added bonus if you have oily skin: this product mattifies, too!

Cyber Colours Brightense (SPF50/PA+++)

Pardon the name, but this sunscreen spray is pretty awesome. A UV protector that is oil-free and non-greasy, the water-based sunscreen is infused with green tea and lavender, giving it a light and refreshing fragrance. The brand also cleverly included the use of Arbutin, which is a whitening agent that prevents the formation of melanin. So everytime you spritz, you’ll be protecting yourself from UV rays while brightening your skin at the same time.

DrGL Sun Protection Mist (SPF29/PA++)

This sunscreen costs $88 for a reason. A cult favourite, DrGL’s Sun Protection Mist isn’t just your regular sunblock spray. The extremely lightweight and transparent mist is filled with ingredients that fight free radical damage, pigmentation, and redness. Suitable for use even if you have acne-prone skin, the colourless mist works perfect in layering over makeup without leaving behind a sticky residue.

Belif Almighty Sun Powder, $43, is available at all belif stores. For more information, visit www.belif.com.sg and follow the brand on Facebook.

DrGL Sun Protection Mist SPF29 PA++, $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.

Cyber Colours Brightense, $20.90, is available at all Sa Sa stores. For more information, visit www.sasasingapore.com and follow the brand on Facebook.

Skinfood Premium Tomato Cool & Dry Sun Spray, $27.90, is available at all Skinfood stores. For more information, visit www.skinfood.sg and follow the brand on Facebook.

Is zit art if I "squeeze" as many pimple puns into this story as possible?

Pimples are a pain in the face, no question. Even crummier: The post-breakout blemishes besmirching your complexion – arguably tougher to tuck out of sight than spots proper.

Happily, there’s hope yet. If you’re an apprentice in the art of subterfuge, this bad-ass beauty strategy will aid you in your blemish-busting battle. Ready? Go!

STEP #1 OPTIMUS PRIME!

Spend some quality prime time and that extra step will stand you in good stead. A superior silicone-free primer will provide “grab” and glide for the flesh-toned pigments to come. Cycle through your usual unguents, then go over the particularly pitted areas with a generous patting of your go-to primer.

STEP #2 ROCK YOUR FOUNDATION TO THE CORE

Okay, step one down. Onwards and upwards. Next, foundation. Formula-wise, you should be gunning for glimmer and gleam.

I know a dewy-finish fluid foundation may seem counterintuitive when it comes to screening out scars – shouldn’t we be cutting down on spot-causing gunk and grease instead? – but my beauty buddy and makeup artist Larry Yeo says it’s the intricate interplay of light that deflects attention away from the discolouration of acne scars: “Look for light-to-medium coverage foundies that contain reflective optics because these particles help create the illusion of smoother skin.”

Think of it this way: Luminous liquids furnish your face with a ravishing radiance that’s quite similar to that afforded by selfie filter apps. More light, less visible scars.

Product recommendations? I’m obsessed with Estee Lauder’s fabulous new Futurist Aqua Brilliance Moisture Infused Liquid Makeup SPF 15/PA ++ and Tom Ford’s Traceless Perfecting Foundation SPF15, both of which boast decent sun protective powers – pivotal for preventing further skin damage – and a plethora of plush moisture magnets for cushiony all-day comfort.  

Also on my lust list is Dior’s delectable Diorskin Star Foundation, which comes chock-full of next-gen “colour-correcting” pigments encapsulated in silica beads said to work like a real-life Instagram filter in simulating that softly diffused, is-she-or-isn’t-she look the beauty world is so enamoured with these days.

So many products, so little time. Last one: Sisley’s superb Phyto-Teint Expert is another winner in my beauty books, being light as souffle, deliciously blendable and buildable, with a skin-friendly cocktail of vitamin E and ginkgo biloba thrown in for a beautifying boost.

STEP #3 SOMETHING TO HIDE?

Take five as you load up on my nifty guide on the dos and don’ts of foundation; I’ll be right here waiting. All done? We’re almost there! Bring out the big guns because it’s time to get serious on any spots, scars and such that are still visible after applying your base. A creamy concealer is best for our purposes because you want to amplify the light-reflecting loveliness of your foundation.

Go right ahead and use clean fingers if you must, but I’m partial to using a stiff angled brush for precision coverage; simply stipple onto the scar itself and blend outwards to blur the boundary between blemish and the surrounding skin. Try Bobbi Brown’s very covetable Creamy Concealer Kit, which comes complete with a nifty loose powder compartment for setting; or Shu Uemura’s insanely practical Point Cealer, a sexy little sponge-tipped pen for fuss-free touch-ups on the go. No creases and crinkles after a night of gallivanting, too, from my experience.

Got your concealer of choice on standby? Now for the brilliant bit. If your acne scar has resulted in a shallow depression (I hesitate to use the word “pockmark”, which sounds so very harsh), the trick is to switch to a concealer that’s a shade lighter than your true match.

Again, it comes down to smoke, sheen and mirrors: The paler concealer “lifts” your sunken scar to bring it near-level to the rest of your skin. The result? A mirror-like mirage that doesn’t dissipate until your admirer is an inch or two away from your face, at which point a pit or two probably won’t matter anymore …

STEP #4 POWDERPUFF GIRL!

Right, then. This last step is optional, but if you have time to spare while waiting for your date to come knocking on your door, do as I do and finish with a pinch of satiny sheer powder – Larry Yeo recommends Make Up For Ever’s Super Matte Loose Powder – to “freeze” the pigments and prevent slipping and sliding.

Okay, time for a quick recap: Primer, luminous foundation, a lighter shade of concealer, setting powder, done.

These three (or four) steps ought to take the edge off the sting of your spots. Congrats, you’re now a cherished member of a covert community of “undercover” agents!

Larry Yeo can be contacted at www.larryyeo.com.

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit, $62 in 14 shades, is available at all Bobbi Brown counters. For more information, visit www.bobbibrown.com.sg and follow Bobbi Brown Singapore on Facebook.

Diorskin Star Foundation, $79, is available at all Dior counters. For more information, visit www.dior.com/beauty and follow the brand on Facebook.

Estee Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Moisture Infused Liquid Makeup SPF 15/PA ++, $58 in 9 shades, is available at all Estee Lauder counters. For more information, visit www.esteelauder.com.sg and follow Estée Lauder Singapore on Facebook.

Make Up For Ever Super Matte Loose Powder, $49, is available at all Sephora stores and the Make Up For Ever Pro Loft at 36 Armenian Street, #02-06. For more information, visit www.makeupforever.com.sg and follow Make Up For Ever Singapore on Facebook and YouTube.

Shu Uemura Point Cealer, $55, is available at all Shu Uemura counters. For more information, visit shuuemura.com.sg and follow the brand on Facebook and Instagram at @shuuemura_sg and #shuuemurasg.

Sisley Phyto-Teint Expert Foundation, $160, is available at all Sisley counters. For more information, visit www.sisley-cosmetics.com/sg-sg.

Tom Ford Traceless Perfecting Foundation SPF15, $125 in 10 shades, is available at all Tom Ford counters. For more information, visit www.tomford.com/beauty and follow Tom Ford on Facebook.

IMAGE: AFP RELAXNEWS

After heart and dental health, a team of US scientists has found that a compound found in grapes and red wine could also play a role in fighting acne.

Though for some, red wine can cause the skin to flare up in a rosy flush, scientists at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) wondered if they could take the same heart-healthy antioxidant properties of its star ingredient, resveratrol, and apply it to the treatment of acne.

Resveratrol is found in the skin of grapes.

After combining the antioxidant with the common acne medication benzoyl peroxide, researchers found that resveratrol enhanced the drug’s ability to kill acne by by inhibiting the growth of zit-causing bacteria.

Resveratrol works by halting the formation of free radicals, which cause cell and tissue damage.

Benzoyl peroxide, meanwhile, is an oxidant that works by creating free radicals that kill the acne bacteria.

And though, in theory, the two compounds should cancel each other out, researchers found that the two elements actually worked in tandem to fight bacteria: one aggressively killed it, while the other offered prolonged antibacterial effects.

“It was like combining the best of both worlds and offering a two-pronged attack on the bacteria,” said senior author Dr. Jenny Kim in a statement.

For their research, scientists grew colonies of the acne-causing bacteria called Propionibacterium and added various concentrations of resveratrol and benzoyl peroxide.

On its own, they found that while benzoyl peroxide was able to kill the bacteria at all concentration levels, the effect failed to last beyond 24 hours.

Resveratrol, when applied alone, wasn’t able to kill the bacteria as aggressively as benzoyl peroxide, but it was able to inhibit new growth over a longer period of time.

But when applied together, the combination proved the most effective at reducing bacteria counts, the study found.

The findings were published in the journal Dermatology and Therapy.

In other good news surrounding red wine, research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry this spring showed that red wine could help fight tooth decay.

In simulated lab tests, researchers showed that it was effective at eliminating the bacteria that causes plaque and tooth decay thanks to its antimicrobial properties.

AFP RELAXNEWS

IMAGE: CORBIS IMAGES

Dry and chapped lips can be a total pain. They make you look like you’ve emerged from a scorching desert, deprived of water and fluids ‒ when in reality, you’ve been doing all you can to get rid of the unsightly skin. Needless to say, lipsticks and glosses usually accentuate your flaky lips even more which is why I’ve come up with a list that will help you get rid of a dry and flaky pout.

TIP ONE: REMOVE THE DEBRIS
The first way to deal with a parched lip is to remove existing flaky skin. You can choose to use your beady face scrubs, but unless they have really big granules, it will be better to invest in a proper lip scrub. Why? Using a face scrub may not be as effective, and a body scrub will just be too abrasive. And unlike these scrubs whose primary intent is to cleanse and slough away dirt, the purpose of a lip scrub is to make your lips baby smooth and moisturised – so that they won’t peel again.

For beauty insiders, the gold standard for lip scrubs is Fresh’s Sugar Lip polish. Made with the brand’s signature sugar (a natural antiseptic for your lips) and a flurry of conditioning ingredients such as grapeseed and shea butter, this product gently exfoliates and nourishes. I use it once a week to get rid of dead skin cells (lightening my lips in the process), and I’ve realised that my lipstick and glosses go on superbly well after each scrub.

Alternatively, if you prefer something a bit more fancy, Bliss’ ‘pout’-o-matic might be up your alley. The brand famous for its oxygen spas created a unique exfoliating tool for its lip scrub. The toothbrush look-a-like has a small massaging head that is supposed to edge away dead skin cells while also moisturising your pout at the same time.

TIP TWO: BALM IT
You can’t avoid lip balm if you have dry and chapped lips. But as with all things, not all lip balms are made equal. Most lip balms do the job of moisturising your lips, but I often find it a hassle to keep reapplying ‒ which is why I opt for balms that keep my lips moisturised for hours.

When I want a colourless pout, I rely on Burt’s Bees to work its magic. Available in an entire range of different types, Burt’s Bee’s balms are legendary for keeping lips hydrated with its use of natural oils from pomegranate grapefruit, your lips will smell and taste great (trust me, I’ve tried!).

If you prefer a more pigmented pout, my ultimate favourite is Fresh’s Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment Sunscreen. Made with sugar and Vitamins A, C, & E, the buttery lip balm glides onto my lips and moisturises it for hours. And as the pigments are very intense, I often slather on an extra layer in place of using a lipstick. The brand’s range of lip balms are so popular that you’re sure to find a colour that suits you, but I’m particularly loving Ruby – a glittery red that makes me look ultra chic.

I know not everyone can spend $34 on a lippie, so for a more wallet-friendly version, you can try Maybelline’s Baby Lips Electro. The cute balm works in giving your lips sheer buildable colour and is available in flavours such as watermelon and orange. Infused with honey and collagen, the lip balm aims to give your pout an added moisturising boost.

TIP THREE: GIVE IT THE LUXE TREATMENT

To banish dry lips for good, slather on some serious lip serum. Fresh recently launched its Sugar Lip Serum Advanced Therapy, which is a very posh lip serum. Filled with anti-ageing ingredients such as Acmella flower, Vitamins C & E, this lip treatment works to firm and reduce fine lines on and around the lip area. I like to use it in the morning before I layer on my lip balm, or just before I head to bed. The nude shade works in giving me an even lip colour, and its texture is very light and absorbs superbly well.

With these tips, you’ll never have to deal with a dry and chapped pout for long!

Bliss ‘pout’-o-matic, $72, is available at Sephora stores. For more information, visitwww.sephora-sea.com and follow Sephora Singapore on Facebook and Twitter.

Burt’s Bees Lip Balm, $8, is available at Sephora stores. For more information, visit www.burtsbees.com and follow the brand on Facebook.

Fresh Sugar Lip polish, $33, is available at Sephora stores. For more information, visit www.fresh.com and www.sephora-sea.com, and follow the brand on Facebook and Sephora Singapore on Facebook and Twitter.

Fresh Sugar Ruby Tinted Lip Treatment Sunscreen SPF 15, $33, is available at Sephora stores. For more information, visit www.fresh.com and www.sephora-sea.com, and follow the brand on Facebook and Sephora Singapore on Facebook and Twitter.

Fresh Sugar Lip Serum Advanced Therapy, $58, is available at Sephora stores. For more information, visit www.fresh.com and www.sephora-sea.com, and follow the brand on Facebook and Sephora Singapore on Facebook and Twitter.

Maybelline Baby Lips Electro, $5.90, is available at all leading pharmacies, supermarkets and hypermarkets. For more information, visit www.maybelline.com.sg and follow the brand on Facebook.

Fashion week has come and gone in New York, London, Milan and now Paris, which means it's time to take stock of the trends. Here's the skinny on the makeup looks on the horizon for next season.

Red lips

IMAGE: ANDREW COWIE

It's a trend that comes and goes through the years. Once reserved for glamorous evening looks, red lipstick has made its way into everyday makeup routines and is no longer out of place at the supermarket or on the street. Seen at Dolce & Gabbana, Topshop Unique, Burberry, Zac Posen and Antonio Berardi. 

Pastel eyes
Spring will mark the return of soft shades to the eye palette, starting with the mauves and pinks seen at Derek Lam, Matthew Williamson and Sally Lapointe. At Dior, meanwhile, the pastel colors vary but are applied with an innovative technique: tiny strips of satin are placed on the eyelids, like a delicate stroke of pastel eyeliner. 

Aqua lids

IMAGE: TIZIANA FABI

Another makeup trend slated for a comeback is blue eyeshadow, specifically shades in the turquoise family. Seen at Elie Saab, Ungaro and Holy Fulton, this look is admittedly not the easiest to pull off. More daring makeup artists can apply shades of cyan and aqua in a halo around the entire eye. Those who prefer something more subtle can follow the example seen on the Fendi runway: like Dior, the Italian label experimented with unusual materials, placing tiny strips of bright blue leather above the models' eyelids. A look to try out at home with a creamy liner. 

Smoky eyes

IMAGE: CARL COURT

What would rock star style be without black eyeliner and dark, dramatic lids? A counterpoint to the pastel look, smoky eyes are clearly here to stay next season, as seen on the runways of Tom Ford, Diane von Furstenberg, Narciso Rodriguez (just around the outer edges) and Tommy Hilfiger (in a lighter version). But smoky doesn't have to mean just black and grey: the prune variation seen at Vera Wang is one way to shake things up. 

Bare faces
The makeup-free look that appeared on the runways a few seasons ago isn't going away any time soon, judging by the (nearly) bare faces of models at Marc Jacobs, Prabal Gurung, Thakoon, Rag & Bone, Balenciaga, Dries van Noten and Victoria Beckham this season. How to pull off the look? It's all in the flawless complexion. Invest in a high-quality moisturizer and massage the face for several minutes before applying concealer and fluid foundation.

AFP RELAXNEWS

When you’re sitting in the salon, the first thing you notice is the smell of chemicals in the air. Although studies have shown that hair dye and its fumes are pretty safe for our wellbeing, it doesn’t hurt to err on the side of caution.

Which is why we’re loving Aveda’s natural hair colours. Derived from 93 percent of natural ingredients and formulated without nitro dyes, parabens and animal-derived ingredients – your hair wouldn’t be subjected to a chemical mess after every colour. But unlike most “natural” brands that offer a limited selection of colours, Aveda’s hair dye collection boasts an entire spectrum of shades to try.

The brand’s latest Full Spectrum Deep Autumn/Winter 2014 hair collection gives you a myriad of colours to choose from, and based on the latest hair trends, these colours are totally in season.

So if you’re opting for a dye job soon, it really doesn’t hurt to go au naturel.

Eyeshadow is tricky. The makeup looks so good on palettes, but translating the beauty of the palette onto our eyes is another ballgame altogether. I have been so determined to learn how to apply eyeshadow that I did a video on it. After endless attempts of trying not to look like I punched myself, here are my tips on how to apply eyeshadow for dummies (like me).