One of the biggest beauty brands in Korea is opening its biggest flagship store right in Singapore. Etude House, which is famous for all things girly and fun, has transformed a significant corner of Wisma Atria to a princess enclave of sorts.

The brand’s biggest flagship store in the world has a princess carriage, photo booth, and plush makeup corners fit for royalty. To top it off, the brand is launching a brand new Disney collection befitting of a queen.

Etude House’s Disney Princess Collection features a mix of old and new products. Divided into different Disney Princesses such as Snow White and Cinderella, each collection contains products that the fictional characters may actually use!

Each limited edition product is also packaged in a “storybook”, imitating how these childhood fairytales started. The collection is quite a sight to behold, with only two products (the BB cream and mascara) repackaged from existing collections.

My favourite of the lot is Princess Belle’s Rose Cheek Blusher. The pigmented shimmer is embossed in a lovely rose petal, and the shade in Coral Rose is just simply gorgeous beyond words. Despite looking like a like a light shade of pink, the actual colour is a warm rouge with a tinge of coral. When applied, the colour is also iridescent, making the blush extremely blendable and easy to wear.

Meanwhile, the Snow White collection features the brand’s Precious Mineral BB Cream Blooming Fit, a brightening and anti-ageing BB cream said to provide radiant coverage without cakiness. Pair it with the highly pigmented Apple Red Lips, and you might actually be on your way to looking like the real princess herself.

The rest of the collection is made up of two lipsticks, three eyeshadows, four nail polish sets (complete with accompanying embellishments!), and a mascara.

p.s. From one princess to another, this limited edition set is only sold at the new flagship store, and I hear that stocks are really limited!

Etude House Disney Princess Collection is available from the Etude House Flagship store at Wisma Atria. For more information, visit www.etude.sg and follow the brand on Facebook.

A Spanish town is deploying citizen street patrols and actors dressed as detectives to combat an invasion of dog droppings.

Actors in Sherlock Holmes costumes will spend the next two weeks pressing the case for cleaner sidewalks in Getafe, on the outskirts of Madrid. Then patrols will take to the streets to report any poo-petrators to the real police.

"Residents asked for this," said a spokeswoman for the mayor's office. A study in September, she said, showed an average of 7.8 pieces of dog excrement every 100 metres.

The operation, dubbed "Canine Watch," takes inspiration from a similar clean-up programme in Colmenar Viejo, to the north of Madrid. -- AFP RELAXNEWS

You'd be hard pressed to not be able to find a good Thai eatery in Singapore, regardless of budget, and new Thai-Chinese restaurant Khun Mee Thai looks like it could be yet another restaurant lost in the fray of such eateries in Singapore.

But while it's hardly the most impressive in terms of consistent quality or culinary prowess, its no frills home-style cooking (all ingredients used are sourced directly from Thailand and numerous dishes are based off of founder and managing director Khun Aum's family recipes) still makes it a reliable dinner spot should the mood for a taste of Bangkok strikes you. Lucky you, east side dwellers!

Must-try: The signature Ba Mee, a Thai street food classic perfected by Khun Aum's take on the traditional recipe. A basic bowl starts from $5.80 (yes, really) with a portion of delightfully springy egg noodles with dumplings and charshu, but give into the temptation to splurge a little for the full works – the $8.80 bowl includes a lava egg and a surprisingly generous amount of crab meat.

Mix in all the condiments of chilli powder, green chilli in vinegar, fish sauce and sugar (one spoonful each will suffice) for the ultimate oomph combo. It's heartland grub at its finest, right down to the crackling pork lard bits. The Ba Mee is also available in Tom Yam ($8.80) and green curry renditions ($9.80), but we still like it best when it sticks to basics. 

Also worth busting your gut for: the luscious glutinous rice with durian ($5.80, below), a lovely spin on the traditional mango and sticky rice dessert. 

Skip: The green curry with chicken ($7.80). On our return visit, the previously robust dish had become watered-down and was severely lacking in spices. Unimpressive. 

Khun Mee Thai is located at 799 New Upper Changi Road, #02-32/34 Bedok Point. For more information, visit www.khunmeethai.com or call tel: 6445-9932.

IF YOU'RE SHORT ON TIME...
Plan sex in advance, as unromantic as it sounds. Schedule it one or two days a week and start as soon as dinner’s done and the kids are asleep.  

Our reader's tip:
"My husband and I call Wednesday and Saturday nights 
our 'happy hour nights'. We never fail to make love on these 
two nights, no matter how busy or tired we are. Scheduling 
sex has forced us to reconnect on an intimate level – it 
has brought us closer and improved our marriage greatly." 
– Danni, 41, lecturer  

IF YOU'RE NOT IN THE MOOD...
Take off your clothes and just lie in bed with Hubby, pressing your bodies tightly together. Research shows that a few minutes of this will get you in the mood, as skin-on-skin contact releases pheromones – chemical signals that trigger desire.

Another idea: Chew on liquorice, thought to mimic the effects of oestrogen and progesterone – critical female hormones for getting you turned on. A Chicago-based study in the late 1990s revealed that women who were exposed to the scent of liquorice had a 13 per cent hike in blood flow to their nether regions. But take note: Buy only those that contain real liquorice root extract.  

Our reader's tip:
"My husband and I practise what we call 'naked yoga'. When we manage to strike and maintain a pose well, we 'celebrate' by kissing. This usually gets me passionate enough to get naughty midway through the session." – Lily, 32, 
fitness trainer

IF YOU'RE TOO TIRED...
Carve out 10 minutes each night to relax. Research shows that for women to feel aroused and experience orgasm, the parts of their brain linked to external stressors must deactivate.

If all else fails, chomp on a banana or two. Bananas are a rich source of vitamin B, which converts carbohydrates into energy – so you'll literally have more energy for monkey business. Bananas also help your body to 
produce sex hormones like testosterone – which means that having the fruit a few hours before nookie time can keep you pepped up, says Dr Hilda Hutcherson in her book, Pleasure: A Woman's Guide To Getting The Sex You Want, Need And Deserve ($19, Amazon.com).

Our reader's tip:
"If I'm feeling exhausted and my husband insists, I'll squeeze in a 10-minute power nap first. I don't want to deny him the pleasure, as we work 
long hours and barely 
see each other. So I 'meet' both our needs by resting before indulging him. It works each time." – Mary, 38, 
accounts manager

IF YOU'RE BORED WITH THE SAME ROUTINE...
Try strip aerobics. To master the art of disrobing, pop in a DVD of Baywatch babe Carmen Electra's Aerobic Striptease – In The Bedroom ($16.45, Amazon.com), which is part of her fitness collection series. Your new moves are guaranteed to be a sight for Hubby's sore eyes.

Our reader's tip:
"I picked up belly dancing to lose weight and jazz up my love life. I thought the slinky moves and shimmies would help me seduce my husband better. And they did. Now, we are thinking of signing up for salsa as a couple – I hear those moves are raunchier!" – Lena, 36, civil servant

IF YOU'RE NOT LOVING YOUR BODY...
Slip on something that makes you feel sexy all over. This can have a positive effect on your confidence, especially when you tune in to how much he's admiring your body.

Our reader's tip:
"I have a go-to nightgown that I put on each time my insecurities set in. It hugs my curves and boosts my cleavage, so I feel like a vixen whenever I put it on. 
My worries about my dimpled thighs, sagging tummy or flabby arms just disappear." – Laura, 42, lawyer

IF YOU HAVE A HEADACHE, LITERALLY...
All the more reason to make love. Research has shown that satisfying sex can chase away a niggling migraine – scientists believe it is 10 times more effective than painkillers. But it can't be just-lie-there sex – 
you need to get really involved in 
the horizontal tango (better still, hit 
your climax) to trigger the release 
of endorphins, the body's natural 
pain reliever. If you'd rather alleviate that headache first, down a palmful of almonds – they contain magnesium, which helps to relax constricted blood vessels (a cause of headaches) and improve blood flow.

Our reader's tip:
"There's some truth to how sex can cure a headache. My migraine disappeared halfway through intercourse with my husband. I also read that sex may alleviate a flu as it builds up antibodies, boosting immunity. My husband jokes that whenever I get the sniffles, it's time to meet the love doctor – him." – Myra, 29, graphic artist

IF YOU'RE ANGRY WITH YOUR PARTNER...
Sniff a few drops of ylang-ylang essential oil. The scent can help calm your nerves and heighten sexual feelings. Then have a heart-to-heart with your other half before bed. Tell him why you're furious with him – when you're more relaxed, you'll be more open to his reasoning and advances. Make-up sex, anyone?

Our reader's tip:
"I commit to couple time about 15 minutes a day. My spouse and I discuss anything, from vacations we want to take, to what we disagree about. We do this with no interruptions – no phones, no television, no children. We also discuss our deepest fantasies about twice a week. Our love life has improved so much since we started doing this three years ago." – Valerie, 35, 
social worker

IF YOU LACK PRIVACY...
Have your trysts as and when you can. Head home during lunch or take half a day off and check into a nice hotel.

Our reader's tip:
"My sex life came to a standstill after my children were born. My husband and I didn't want the lack of intimacy to affect our marriage, so we decided to use any stolen moments we could find. We're both lucky to work near home, so we sneak back during lunch for a quickie at least once a week. About twice a month, we take half-day leave, pack our kids off to our parents and check into a hotel to chill out and reconnect." – Rina, 32, writer

IF YOU'RE NOT LOVING YOUR HUSBAND'S BODY...
Carry a photo of him that shows him at his best. When you're only seeing him in a negative light, pull out the photo and have 
a good look. Find one quality that you love – his hands, his lips, his eyes – and focus 
on that.

Our reader's tip:
"I've always been attracted to my husband's arms – they're very manly
 and make me feel protected. Although he has developed a paunch and is balding, on days when I feel less physically attracted to him, I stare at his arms and remind myself why I found him sexy in the first place." 
– Candy, 37, stay-at-home mum

This article was originally published in Simply Her September 2013.

Angelababy's very apt babylights

Ombre, sombre, highlights, lowlights … now say googoo-gaga to the adorably named babylights, the cool colouring trend that’s tipped to be the next big thing.

Conceived by celeb colourist Jack Howard of London-based Neville Hair & Beauty Salon, the memorable monicker is meant to allude to the super-soft sheen of toddler tresses – like hair colour you were born with, essentially.

Here’s how it works. Your stylist will assess the state of your hair, then divvy it up into tiny sections before painstakingly painting selected slivers scattered all over your head. The result of this delicate dye job? A very beguiling, barely there twinkle that’s like the sun-kissed shimmer of a blonde kid on a beach.

And no, babylights aren’t exactly revolutionary – the technique is much like the so-called “balayage“ method of dabbing dye on by hand – but it’s certainly a cute beauty buzzword that’s a subtle, sophisticated and arguably superior alternative to solid blocks of colour.

Maintenance is easy enough; when shown a picture of said dye job, my go-to stylist says a full head should last a good eight weeks or so. Colour-wise, babylights will work swimmingly with just about any shade, but the effect’s extraordinarily beautiful on golden-haired girls the likes of Kate Bosworth or Cate Blanchett.  

Keen to give this a go? The trend may be gaining traction with the virtual beauty community, but your average barber might be a tad late to the party. In the “mane” time, here are some #hairfies to flash to your colourist when trying to communicate what you want done to your ‘do. Bookmark this page for future reference, and have fun reliving your baby days!

 

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Oscar de la Renta – along with his hearty humour, whimsical wit and uncanny knack for conjuring up the most covetable of couture creations – will be dearly missed.

The legendary Dominican-American designer died today aged 82 of cancer.

Fashion observers will surely agree that it was Oscar’s incredibly intuitive feel for the feminine silhouette that has cemented his status as an enduring style icon for the ages.

Indeed, his popularity with the high society set and celeb circles alike – his fans spanned First Ladies Nancy Reagan and Hillary Clinton; Sarah Jessica Parker to Lea Michele – must have had a great deal to do with his genius in making women feel good about themselves.

Over and above his technical triumph and singular dexterity as a draper of the female form, Oscar was a ladies’ man of the highest order, a rakish party-rouser with swarthy Latin good looks, always armed with a debonair grin and flanked by the most fabulous of women.

We’ll sign off with Karlie Kloss’ affectionate ode to Oscar: “There is no one on earth who makes a woman feel more beautiful than Oscar de la Renta.” Your work will live on, old sport.

 

It is a privilege to work with this loving man. There is no one on earth who makes a woman feel more beautiful than Oscar De La Renta. ❤️

A photo posted by @karliekloss onSep 9, 2014 at 4:51pm PDT

IMAGE: Jose Luis Pelaez, Inc./Blend Images/Corbis Images

We all have a standard skincare regime of sorts. You wash your face, and then slather on your serum and moisturiser without much fuss. But what happens when your skin is suddenly ultra dull and finicky? Or your last trip to the beach resulted in more than a perfect tan?

Instead of opting to cover your sun damaged skin with makeup, or highlighting your face like a Kardashian, opt for these tried and tested skincare products that work to soothe skin emergencies in an instant.

Daylong After Sun Repair
Nothing moisturises your skin as well as after sun-care products. Designed for sun burnt skin, after-care sun products are great for instantly soothing and repairing dry and flaky skin (even when it’s not sun burnt).

I often rely on an after-sun product like Daylong’s Repair to soothe and remove my flakey skin. The lightweight lotion contains a unique enzyme that supposedly supports the repair of the skin, and the lotion is moisturising enough to prevent the creation of new patches of dry skin throughout the day.

Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask
A gold standard, Fresh’s Black Tea Mask is really what it claims to be: instant perfection. The velvety mask taps into the essence of Black Tea, which the brand claims is nature’s answer to anti-ageing.

Containing powerful antioxidants that fight wrinkles, as well as collagen boosting lychee extract, Fresh says this mask works because its formula defends your skin against free radicals: the very cells that cause ageing. I love how the whipped texture of the mask melts into my skin, and in twenty minutes, my skin transforms into a soft pillow of radiance.

innisfree Soybean Energy Essence (light)

Too many late nights can cause your skin to look really dull. When that happens, swipe a cotton pad filled with innisfree’s Soybean Energy Essence. The gentle essence works to brighten and soften your skin instantaneously, and as it is water-based, you won’t be left with a sticky film after.

Sulwhasoo Luminature Essential Finisher
The anti-ageing powerhouse is back with a brand new product for the market. Touted as the first “finisher” in skin care, Sulwhasoo’s Luminature Essential Finisher is to be used as the final step to your skincare routine; Sealing in all your skincare’s goodness.

But apart from creating a barrier to protect your skin, Sulwhasoo’s Luminature Essential Finisher is also doubles up as a great brightening and firming product! According to Sulwhasoo, the Luminature Essential Finisher contains a unique blend of Korean Red Ginseng and Green Tea, which increases the collagen levels in the skin. Simply pat a generous amount before you sunblock, and let the product infuse your skin with collagen throughout the day.
 

Daylong After Sun Repair, $32.90, is available at selected pharmacies. For more information, visit www.daylong.com.

Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask, $144, is available at all 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.

Innisfree Soybean Energy Essence (light), $59, is available at all innisfree stores. For more information, visit www.innisfree.co.kr/global and follow the brand on Facebook.

Sulwhasoo Luminature Essential Finisher, $112, is available at Sulwhasoo counters. For more information, visit www.sulwhasoo.com.sg and follow the brand on Facebook.

I’m not a fan of exercise, so I often choose to diet the easy by adjusting my eating habits instead of running along some reservoir. In tweaking the foods I eat and choosing to sleep more, these tips have helped me shed a bit of weight without the effort.

IMAGE: didi/amanaimages/Corbis

TIP ONE: EAT REGULARLY
The number one rule in dieting should be to have regular meals. Even if you decide to opt for smaller meals throughout the day, you should still be having your main meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) at around the same time. Many studies show that having an erratic meal schedule often messes up the body, making you eat more at your next meal; which causes significant weight gain.

TIP TWO: TEA IT
In more ways than one, tea is a great weight loss option. The natural antioxidant helps to give your body a light detox, and the naturally sugarless drink makes it a very healthy option. Certain teas even work as an appetite suppressant, and green teas in particular, have even been found to reduce the fat content in your body.

TIP THREE: SLEEP FOR EIGHT HOURS
You’ve heard it so many times, your body needs at least seven to eight hours of sleep to stay healthy. Sleep deprivation is linked to everything from heart disease to stroke, but for the purposes of this article, lacking sleep can also cause you to gain weight. Sleep deprivation is known to cause obesity, and a new stud.y even suggests that sleeping less will make your brain crave fatty foods.

TIP FOUR: CONSUME FEWER CALORIES THAN YOU BURN
Probably the golden rule for any diet, the easiest way to lose weight is to ensure that you’re eating less than what you burn. Before you think that you’ve got to start counting your calories, stop. The rule to knowing how much calories you need is pretty simple: plan your meals.

If you know that you’re headed out for a dinner appointment, eat a smaller portion for lunch: Since you will most probably be feasting for dinner. Likewise, if you’re going to be out and about on the job, grab a heavier meal before hand. This will ensure that you don’t become overly hungry when you’re running about, which might likely result in you overeating at your next meal.  

Apparently, male worms would rather have sex than eat, if push comes to shove.

Research conducted by the University of Rochester Medical Centre looked into subtle changes in the brain's circuits and how they showed the contrasting behaviour in women and men.

For the study, a roundworm called C. elegans was looked at. Researchers focused on a couple of neurones called AWA, which are linked to finding a partner and also hunger. The scientists called in two genders of the worms; males and hermaphrodites, who are mating partners for males and are seen as the equivalent of females.

The slimy creatures were put into a Petri dish and given food, with the option to search for a mate or eat. Some of the worms had been genetically engineered to be more sensitive to the smell of food, and had their neurones tampered with.

While the normal male worms left their food source and hunted for a mating partner, the genetically mutated ones were hungrier and less likely to mate as they were keen to stay by their food. The hermaphrodite worms just waited by their food and wouldn't go out of their way to find another worm.

The study was published in the journal Current Biology, and points towards the idea that males are more likely to suppress their hunger in search of sex.

"While we know that human behaviour is influenced by numerous factors, including cultural and social norms, these findings point to basic biological mechanisms that may not only help explain some differences in behaviour between males and females, but why different sexes may be more susceptible to certain neurological disorders," assistant Professor Douglas Portman said, from the Department of Biomedical Genetics and Center for Neural Development and Disease.

"These findings show that by tuning the properties of a single cell, we can change behaviour.

"This adds to a growing body of evidence that sex-specific regulation of gene expression may play an important role in neural plasticity and, consequently, influence differences in behaviours - and in disease susceptibility - between the sexes."

It may have been conducted on worms, but C. elegans have long been used by researchers and have previously lead to a better understanding of human behaviour.

© Cover Media

It’s that time of the year again. Your letter opener (and poor PA) must be working overtime, slitting apart envelopes enclosing gilded invites to the biggest bashes of 2014.

If you're wondering which parties to RSVP to and fretting over pairing your puckers to your polish, it’s so easy to default to a burgundy for both. Safe, conventional … and completely expected.

Try this instead. I was thumbing through a fashion rag when I was stopped short at the backstage beauty shots of Karen Walker’s Spring 2015 show. Bingo. The powers-that-be have basically given us the green light to brandish (literal) green thumbs.

Here’s why I think green nails are great for this season of carousing and champagne clinking. Sure, a Jessica Rabbit red will really pop on your feet – and play up the soles of your Loubies – but a glazed green gloss on your fingertips just feels so sexy, sumptuous and surprisingly fresh.

Even better, the right shade of emerald enamel will simulate the gleam of the jewels themselves, meaning you could conceivably do away with cumbersome finger swag and let your own nails do the talking.

Polish recommendations? Try Burberry Beauty’s deeply dramatic Dark Bottle Green, which comes with beautifying benefits by way of cuticle-comforting pro-vitamin V5 and moisturising myrrh extracts; or opt for Crabtree & Evelyn’s Nail Lacquer in Deep Ocean, a lush liquid lacquer with a seafoam shine and gorgeous glide.

For a virtuous varnish that’ll lend you a truly killer set of talons, try The Body Shop’s Colour Crush Nails in The Body Shop Green. As per the brand’s wholesome image, the formula’s free of ethically suspect stuff; read my primer on toxic polish for a full list of cancer-causing chemicals.

Not enthusiastic about emerald? Green nails don’t even have to be well, as green as grass. For an edgy youthful spin, try layering Ettusais’ Gel Color Coat in Milk Tea over the Japanese prestige brand’s Nail Color in khaki-tinged Corsage – the glossy gelish mani effect is more camo-cool than conservative and fuddy-duddy.

Some final polish pointers? Dispense with the #NailArt embellishments and use a single solid hue – less mess, less stress – and keep your nail bed neatly trimmed and nicely rounded. Green is most definitely not the shade for a “stiletto” silhouette; you’ll run the risk of looking like a witchy extra from “Wicked”.

Other than that, it’s all systems go. Have fun blinding your fellow party goers with your bejewelled set of talons!

Burberry Beauty Nail Polish in 423 Dark Bottle Green, $30, is available at all Burberry counters and stores. For more information and to shop Burberry Beauty online, visit sg.burberry.com and follow the brand on Facebook.

Crabtree & Evelyn Nail Lacquer in Deep Ocean, $13, is available from all Crabtree & Evelyn stores. For more information, visit www.crabtree-evelyn.com.sg and follow the brand on Facebook.

Ettusais Nail Color in Corsage, $10, and Gel Color Coat in Milk Tea, $24, are available at all Ettusais stores. For more information, visit www.ettusais.com.sg and follow the brand on Facebook.

The Body Shop Colour Crush Nails in 510 The Body Shop Green, $12.90, is available at all The Body Shop stores. For more information, visit www.thebodyshop.com.sg and follow The Body Shop Singapore on Facebook and Instagram.

Once again this year, the French brand has presented a limited edition holiday collection. For 2014, feathers are the chosen theme.

Playing on contrasts and shimmer, this winter beauty collection is intended to be as light and delicate as a feather.

The centerpiece of the Plumes Précieuses de Chanel line is the Camelia de Plumes Highlighting Powder, which is pressed into a camellia-shaped feather pattern. The powder combines platinum and gold shimmer particles to illuminate and highlight the cheekbones or the neckline.

Next come the eyeshadows, which Chanel is offering two ways this holiday season. For a multi-layered look, there is the Oiseaux de Nuit Palette, which includes five contrasting colors (white, gold, grey, lavender, dark purple-grey and black). For a monochromatic look, there is the Illusion d'Ombre eyeshadow in Envol, a shimmery peach shade.

The Stylo Yeux Waterproof liner in a metallic gold color also helps to bring out the eyes.

Making sure not to leave out the mouth, Chanel has also unveiled two new lipstick colors -- one bold and the other more subtle. The Rouge Allure Velvet lipstick in La Flamboyante is an intense matte red that's perfect for the festive season. Those who prefer more understated lips can choose the Rouge Allure lipstick in Volage, a peach that ties in with the Envol eyeshadow.

This soft tone carries over to the cheeks with the Joue Contraste powder blush in Caresse, completing the look.

Finally, for your holiday manicures, Chanel offers Le Vernis in Phenix , a vibrant red color that either matches the lipstick or contrasts with it, depending on the color chosen.

AFP RELAXNEWS

GREAT FIND
MOST FUSS-FREE: SAMSUNG WA11FS9MTA (11kg)
$1,099, from major electrical stores
UNIQUE FEATURE
None – it's a no-frills machine.
PROS
• It's one of the quietest and most stable – it only trembled oh-so-slightly when in use.
• My thin tees and soft tops were gently handled in the Delicate cycle; duvets were fairly dry after going through Blanket mode.
• It was fairly easy to use even though it's not as versatile or sophisticated as the other machines. I could adjust the spin timing (but not the speed) and duration of the rinse of some programmes.
• Its eight wash programmes are efficient, ranging from a 43min Quick Wash to a 90min Blanket programme.
CONS
• Its Air-dry function (a cool-air-only cycle to reduce the wetness of the laundry without completely drying it) has shorter durations – 15 or 30min, compared with the 45-90min of some of the other washers.
VERDICT
This is perfect if you want a quiet machine that washes well without the bells and whistles.

EDITOR'S RAVE
MOST VERSATILE: LG WFT1471 DD (14kg)
$1,399, from major electrical stores
UNIQUE FEATURE
Warm wash function Top-load washers don't normally come with a warm wash function, but this one does. The Stain Care and Whitening programmes wash at 40 deg C, and the Allergy Care programme at 60 deg C. The only drawback is that the Allergy Care programme took more than four hours to complete.  
PROS
• It washed and spun quietly, like a well-oiled engine. It even has a Silent Mode, useful if you're a light sleeper.
• It was gentle to both regular and delicate clothes. Although laundry came out more damp than from other washers, the clothes were not entangled.
• It has helpful features like a self-cleaning lint compartment and a soft-close cover. A sticker on the side of the machine provides the washer's model number and the numbers to call troubleshooting advice.
• The 12 wash programmes cater to every laundry need, from Normal to specialised ones like School Care and Eco. Some programmes let you add Steam and Strong Wave functions (to clean dirty clothes better).
• It has sleek stainless steel finishing and touch controls.
CONS
• Its tub is one of the deepest – I needed to go up on tiptoe to reach in for the last pieces of baby clothes.
• I could only select the air-dry function (60, 90 or 120min) after the laundry was done, instead of right at the start, which would have been more convenient.
VERDICT
It's quiet, gentle to laundry and lets you use hot water – I only wish the warm wash worked in shorter cycles. Its extensive wash menu would serve big families well.

MOST INNOVATIVE: ELECTROLUX EWT1212 (12kg)
$1,499, from major electrical stores
UNIQUE FEATURE
An ultrasonic stain remover wand The wand – a large pen attached to the top of the washer – uses ultrasonic energy waves and water to create vibrations to loosen stains on fabric. It worked like magic! It cleared day-old ice cream blotches and lightened old Milo stains from my kids' tees effortlessly.
PROS
• Other than reading up on the stain remover wand, I did not need to refer to the instruction manual to use the washer, thanks to its intuitive control panel and unambiguous buttons.
• Even though it has no air-dry function (unlike the rest of the machines), there was no need for it because it evenly spun-dried large loads of laundry.
• The front of the washer is gently sloped, making it easy to reach for laundry in the base of the rather deep tub. It also has a soft-close cover.
• Its wash programmes are efficient, ranging from 44min for woollens to 1hr 9min for bed linen.
CONS
• It was loud and vibrated more than the others during the spin cycle. A pole in the middle of the tube rotates to create the wash action (unlike the other machines whose tubs rotate), and it looks odd, but is not inconvenient.
• Its delicate function is more intensive than that of the other washers.
VERDICT
With its magic wand and vigorous washes, this is a great stain-busting appliance that's efficient and easy to use if you don't mind the noise.

BEST VALUE
MOST USER-FRIENDLY: TOSHIBA AW-DC1300WS (12kg)
$969, from major electrical stores
UNIQUE FEATURE
A Child-proof mode While all the rest of the washers have covers that auto-lock during the rinse or spin cycle, this machine locks it right at the start.
PROS
• The spin cycle was quiet, but during the wash cycle, I could hear the water splashing and swishing in the tub some 5m away. However, it contained vibrations really well and hardly shook as the tub spun.
• Laundry was well-washed and evenly dried in all cycles. It was also kind to delicate items.
• I could select the air-dry function (which kicks in at the end of the wash programme) right at the start; not every machine offered that option.  
• It has eight efficient wash programmes, ranging from 40min for a regular cycle to 1hr 35min for a soak programme. They are clearly named, too.  
• Like the Hitachi washer, it gives a good range of customisable options. I could adjust water levels, wash and spin duration, rinse frequency, as well as programmes like wash-only or rinse-only.
CONS
• A water hose sticks out from the top of the machine. It would be less awkward-looking if it were attached to the back of the washer.
• It was easy to accidentally detach the detergent dispenser.
VERDICT
Easy to use and gives ample options for different laundry needs, although it was a tad noisy at times.

MOST EFFICIENT: HITACHI SF-130SS (13kg)
$899, from major electrical stores
UNIQUE FEATURE
Auto self-clean function The washer automatically cleans the tub for 12min before every spin cycle. In addition, it has Tub Clean and Tub Dry functions that you can activate regularly to clean the inside of the machine.
PROS
• Regular and large laundry loads were well spun after the wash.
• It has one of the widest tubs, which makes loading a duvet a cinch.
• It caters to smaller laundry loads, with a mode for loads of 2kg and less.
• It is highly customisable – I could select water amount, duration of the wash and spin cycles, rinse cycle as well as spin speed (400, 600 and 800 rpm) for most programmes. When I ran the Air Jet programme, the blow-dry function (15, 25 or 45min) kicked in automatically after the spin cycle.
• It's the only one with a detergent indicator to show the recommended scoops for each load, and an indicator that shows the weight of the laundry, as well the amount of water used.
• It has the quickest wash cycle – a 29min Speedy wash. Its longest cycle is a 74min Fuzzy programme.
CONS
• It was a tad louder and vibrated more than the LG, Samsung and Toshiba washers, especially with small loads. 
• The water inlet pipe sticks out from the washer and is rather unsightly.
VERDICT
Not only is it productive, it also pays extra attention to tub cleanliness.

This article was originally published in Simply Her October 2014.

All product and pricing information was correct at the time of the magazine's publication. We advise readers to check with the stores for the latest availability and pricing information.

Follow these tips, look like this 

I’ve got a friend in James Molloy, dapper director of makeup artistry for M.A.C Cosmetics Asia Pacific, who says that – shocker! – the dewy K-Beauty look can be dicey in Singapore’s searing weather.

Take it from the man of the hour himself: “If you want to achieve the beautiful translucency of Korean skin, you need to understand that a full face of shine can be very challenging to pull off in real life.”

Translation? There’s an exceedingly fine line to tread between glowy and greasy.   

Give it up for the men in the beauty biz – James and yours truly included!

If you absolutely must ape the complexion of your favourite K-Drama idol, James has a couple of “illuminating” tricks up his muscly sleeve:

TIP #1. 5 MINUTES OF PRIME TIME. First things first. Get your fundamentals right by prepping your skin with an intensive pre-makeup mask.

Here’s how. Do as James does and layer a generous gloop of M.A.C’s delightful Lightful Softening Lotion under your eyes or around your laugh lines: “I’m obsessed with this little baby because the vitamin C sloughs away dead skin in a jiffy: Especially good if your skin is feeling a little dehydrated and tired-looking.”

Twiddle your thumbs for five minutes or so, wipe off excess and follow through with your usual unguents. The beautifying boost afforded by this express mask will give your makeup a "highlighting" head start; indeed, this speedy spot treatment is a tried-and-tested secret behind the subtle sheen that’s so coveted in today’s K-Obsessed world.

TIP #2. TRAIN THE “SPOTLIGHT” ON SPECIFIC AREAS. Modern makeup isn't about blanket coverage. Indeed, as James very cannily puts it, “it’s all about being dewy at strategic spots and matte at the right places.”

How so? As I understand it, think of yourself as a cinematographer and your face as the frame; the secret to great-looking skin, then, is knowing where to direct your audience’s attention – where to “place” the light, essentially:

Behold! Your incredibly instructive illustrated guide to highlighting. (Shout-out to my colleague Bernice for coming up with this vividly realised visual.) As per James’ advice: “If you have great skin, a bit of highlighter on the forehead could work, as would any area where light hits: Think nose-bridge, cupid’s bow and such.”

That’s all well and good, but here’s the kicker: “There are a few hot spots that don’t necessarily look good when shiny; any illuminating product placed there will only come off as oily.”

Asked to elaborate, James says you should steer clear of – and jot this down, please – the sides of the nose and between the eyebrows: “No woman will ever look good with a dewy nostril or any sort of shine between the eyebrows, because the light will actually distort the face.”

Brow raised in scepticism? Try experimenting by dabbing a shimmery fluid around said no-go areas, then step back and scrutinise yourself in the mirror. You’ll find that the overall effect is disturbing – you’ll look puffy or worse. Renee Zellweger, much. 

Now that you know where the no-go zones are, here’s how to highlight. For the purpose of this story, you’ll need at least two foundation formulas. Bespoke blends are par for the course, really: Besides, mixing different textures together for a tailored fit is a favourite trick of backstage professionals, and it isn’t all that complicated.

Here’s how. Start with a mattifying base by way of say, Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15. Blend well with a fluffy foundation brush, then switch to a light-reflecting liquid foundation. My recipe: One part M.A.C’s Mineralize Moisture SPF 15 to one part of my go-to serum. Use this extra-moist custom "highlighter" on your cheekbones for a sexy, out-of-the-shower look. Easy-peasy. 

If you’re going for broke, consider using a pen-type illuminator, like the Prep & Prime Highlighter, and follow our illustrated guide: Swipe along the nose bridge and under the eyes to draw attention to the middle of your face; dot on your cupid’s bow to give your puckers a poutier appearance; and finish with a dab in the middle of your chin. The glimmering effect as light falls on your face masks fatigue and imbues your mien with a subtle inner sheen that’s very intriguing indeed.

Time for a quick recap, then. First, prime and plumpen with a hydrating mask; then mix and match your foundations: Matte first, luminous later. Avoid highlighter between the brows and around the nose; other than that caveat, go ahead and illuminate the areas highlighted in our face chart.

Let James’ #QOTD-worthy advice be the guiding “light” for us beauty buffs: “I think makeup is generally getting more refined. We’ll see less false and more real, you know? Women just want to look real – real-beautiful rather than fake-beautiful.”  

Indeed, follow these tips and you’ll be well on your way to looking like one of those ruddy-cheeked, K-Drama lasses caught in a gentle garden drizzle – fresh, dewy and undone!

You can follow James Molloy on Instagram at @molloysie_makeup and on his personal website. For more information on the M.A.C Cosmetics products featured in this story, visit www.maccosmetics.com.sg and follow the brand on Facebook.

Makes 24
INGREDIENTS
200g salted butter, cut into small cubes and softened
500g self-raising flour, sieved
60ml fresh milk, plus more for glazing scones

DIRECTIONS
1 Rub the butter into the flour with your fingertips.
2 Mix in the milk and knead the mixture lightly into a dough.
3 Preheat the oven to 200 deg C.
4 Roll out the dough on a floured surface with a rolling pin to a 2.5cm thickness. Cut out 24 rounds with a 5-inch (12.7cm) round cutter.
5 Place the rounds on a greased baking tray and glaze the tops with milk. Bake for 10min until risen and golden-brown.

TIP: If you like your scones more crumbly, use a little less milk as their texture depends on the amount of milk you add.

This article was originally published in Simply Her October 2014.

IMAGE: AFP PHOTO

After recently inducting Karlie Kloss into the exclusive club of L'Oréal Paris brand ambassadors, the cosmetics brand has bestowed the same honor on Naomi Watts.

At age 46, Naomi Watts is the latest face of L'Oréal Paris. The British-Australian actress joins the ranks of the brand's other prestigious ambassadors alongside Penelope Cruz, Doutzen Kroes, Eva Longoria, Jane Fonda and Ines de la Fressange.

This will not be the first time Watts has lent her face to a beauty brand. According to The Telegraph, the "King Kong" star has already starred in campaigns for Pantene haircare products and for the Astalift skincare range.

No details were announced regarding which product lines the actress will represent for L'Oréal Paris. 

AFP RELAXNEWS

IMAGE:Blue Jean Images/Corbis

My parents have been married for more than 40 years, and I still wonder how they do it. In a time and age where relationships don’t seem to be a big deal, I hold onto the “old fashioned” belief that marriage is a lifetime commitment. Whether or not you believe in this age-old institution, here are some golden rules I’ve gathered from married couples and science.

RULE ONE: GIVE AND TAKE
Most couples will tell you that this ranks highly on their list in terms of “relationship success”. Studies have shown that couples who are willing to compromise, lead a very happy marriage.

When you expect the other party to give in most of the time, there will be an imbalance of power, resulting in you undermining your partner’s opinion. When that happens, he will feel that his opinions aren’t as important in the relationship, and you will inevitably feel that your opinions matter more. Which shouldn’t be the case in a relationship.

Giving in every now and then is a sign of your commitment to a relationship. You’re showing him that he is special enough, that you are willing to bend the rules once in a while.

RULE TWO: NEVER COMPARE
Have you have ever scrolled through your Facebook feed to find that your friend has just received a branded handbag or ipad as a present from her partner? Or if you found out your girlfriend’s husband paid for their recent holiday to Europe?

If you were filled with envy and texted your boyfriend that so-and-so got a new and expensive gift, you are most probably guilty of comparing.

The reality is that no two relationships are the same. Which is why you should never compare your “lack” of an all-expense paid trip to Europe.

Comparing will only make you bitter, as you are taking the “best” of everyone else’s relationship, and judging it with your “worst”. Over time, this comparing business will lead you to see what your partner cannot give you in a relationship, versus what he actually can. So even if he sends you on a trip to Europe for free, you’re most probably going to find an excuse that your girlfriend’s trip was better.

Do you see the problem here?

RULE THREE: DON’T HOLD GRUDGES
Believe it or not, forgiving your partner and not holding onto grudges has been proven by science to be a crucial factor for happy romantic relationships. Being disappointed by your other half is normal, but even science says it isn’t wise to hold onto that disappointment.

Studies have shown that choosing to forgive (and forget) provides closure to an incident, and sets the stage for reconciliation and better communication. When you hold onto grudges, you are also showing that you don’t trust your partner - since you have a subconscious mindset that he will do it again.

In other words, forgive and forget.

There are many things that can lower your libido, with most couples putting it down to stress, relationship troubles or perhaps even prescription medication. But have you ever taken into account what food you're tucking into, and how that could affect your sex drive?

New research has pointed towards fast food, processed options and nonorganic produce as the reason why libidos could be low. Most of the time they contain phthalates, chemicals which, unfortunately, are known to send women's sex drives down the drain.

The study was presented during the annual meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. A total of 360 pregnant women in their 20s and 30s were questioned about their sex lives in the months leading up to when they conceived. Urine samples were also taken to measure the levels of phthalates. Results showed women who had the highest measurements were two-and-a-half times more likely to admit to feeling less urges.

As well as being found in the foods listed above, these chemicals are also in tons of other everyday items such as steering wheels, shower curtains and almost all flexible and soft plastic pieces. They weren't taken into account during the experiment, but Emily Barrett, Ph.D., lead study author and an assistant professor at University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, noted that they may also affect your libido.

“We know that phthalates are endocrine disruptors that affect hormone levels in men,” Emily explained. “But this study demonstrates that phthalates also impact hormones in women, specifically the estrogen and testosterone (yep, women have some of this too) that power libido.”

This isn't to say you should cut out some not-so-healthy treats entirely. If you want to be safe and worry about the amount of fast food/nonorganic produce you eat, simply lower your intake and try to incorporate more fresh, organic foods into your diet.

© Cover Media

Not a good look, Lewis

Gorgeous guys goofing off on film just for the heck of it? Yes, please, especially if said studs are rad racers Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton from the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One team.

Ostensibly shot to show off the technical triumph of Swiss fine watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen’s new collector’s chronographs, this mini movie is more about the men and their hilariously ham-fisted acting, really.  

We won’t spoil the plot for you, but the seriously sick star drivers – congrats to Lewis and Nico for nailing the recent 2014 FIA Formula One World Constructors’ Championship, by the way – can be seen playing up their profession’s need for speed, to pretty sidesplitting effect.        

One last note: Whoever came up with IWC’s new “slow is our fast” tagline is a genius, and deserves all the copywriting accolades from the world of watches. You’ll see what we mean when you click “play” on the video below. Enjoy!

For more information, visit www.iwc.com and follow the brand on Facebook.

Left: Phuong My's Spring Summer 2014 collection "Summer Scent"; Right: the designer. Credit: Phuong My

KUALA LUMPUR - You would never guess that Tran Phuong My is only 26 years old when browsing through her rack of Autumn Winter 2014 pieces on display at Mercedes Benz Stylo Asia Fashion Week (MBSAFW). Typical of an Autumn Winter collection, more sombre colours and outerwear dominates but the workmanship is impeccable – the standard of a master tailor – which is who Phuong My is.

I sat down with the young designer who was in Kuala Lumpur for MBSAFW 2014 that took place from October 20 to 22, 2014. Phuong My who is based mainly in New York spoke about the collection she would show on the runway, “The Autumn Winter 2014 collection is all about layers. First, we want to create a look for our woman that every time she puts on one piece, it looks like she’s wearing multiple layer pieces.”

Autumn Winter 2014 looks photographed at a fitting session. Credits: Phuong My

Phuong My showed me how, be it a dress or jacket, each piece has an inner and outer layer to give the illusion of layers without the bulk. She has created a complete look so the customer doesn’t have to look for other pieces to match. I am introduced to one of her favourites, a black luxe cashmere coat with a green drape panel that appears like a scarf but is actually part of the coat.

 

A video posted by herworldsingapore (@herworldsingapore) onOct 10, 2014 at 2:42am PDT

“Most of the coats are inspired by menswear with strong shoulders and an oversized fit so she feels warm and petite in winter. But the inside pieces like the dresses are still very feminine,” said Phuong My who is inspired by the Asian woman because “they always seem very strong for their family and husband. They take care of everything, they go to work and when they go home, they do housework but inside they are soft and sensitive.” It’s this big contrast that inspires the designer to create very soft, delicate, elegant and feminine inner pieces while the looks that go on top are stronger and more masculine.

Interestingly, the designer targets women from their 30s to 55-years-old as her audience. She explained, “She already knows what she wants in life and doesn’t try too hard because she has already achieved what she wants. She’s not confused, she’s very confident but she’s not at a young age, her body may not be as beautiful as when she was 18. Our cut hides that and still reveals the confidence and elegance of the woman of that age.”

Sorbet cocktails in pastel hues feature in Phuong My's Spring Summer 2014 collection. Credit: Phuong My

You would think she had her hands full as a designer but Phuong My is also a stylist and often styles covers and spread for the Vietnamese editions of Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue. The styling experience has been beneficial to her own label too. “Obviously the connection is helpful. When I style for magazines, I learn the market of the industry I style for and why we have to do a certain theme for that market,” she said. On the flip side, she’s able to imagine through a stylist’s eyes how to style and to put together her own collections.

The 26-year-old is also an accomplished tailor who is able to create pieces that move like poetry and don’t restrict a woman does she goes about her day. Phuong My says, “Most of the cutting, I try to fit for the woman I have in mind. When I design, I don’t only think that she’s going to a party. But I will think, how is she going to the party, how would she sit and step out of her car, how would she take her first drink. Those [thoughts] would inspire the cutting of the collection. If she sits with one leg crossed, I want the fabric to fall down one leg elegantly. You wouldn’t want it so tight that she has trouble when she sits.”

Layered pants and sleeveless silk shirts juxtapose with mannish contours. Credit: Phuong My

This mature approach to design has resulted in gorgeous collections that has caught the eye of many fashion insiders. In less than two years of building her brand, Phuong My has been featured in international magazines like Vogue Italia and British Vogue and has established herself in Vietnam, Singapore, Shanghai, and Paris.

I would remember her name if I were you because Phuong My’s definitely a name to watch out for.

Shop Phuong My’s Spring Summer 2014 collection at Styled by Argent and Gnossem. For more information about Phuong My, go to www.phuongmy.com.