IMAGE: Crisco/Corbis

Yes, we’ve all been there. You’ve painted your nails and your brain decides that it is the best time to pee. So what do you do? You can’t go to the toilet without washing your hands, right? When emergency situations like these happen, I’m glad that I relied on these few tips to ensure that my nail polish dries in the fastest time possible.

STEP ONE: THIN LAYERS
Without having to state the obvious, painting a thin layer of varnish will speed up the nail drying process. Instead of plonking a giant glob of polish on your nail, lightly pile on the varnish by layering it.

STEP TWO: WAIT IN BETWEEN
Yes, the waiting game is inevitable. Waiting for a minute or two for each layer to dry will make your overall nail painting process a breeze. Instead of painting the second coat once you’re done with the first round, wait for the first coat to dry before embarking on the second. This will indefinitely make the entire drying process a whole lot faster, trust me.

STEP THREE: PICK QUICK DRY

Sealing your nails with a quick dry top coat is the fastest way to dry your polish in minutes. The all-time winner in this area is Seche Vite’s Dry Fast Top Coat. The mini bottle of goodness dries your polish almost instantaneously, giving it an extremely glossy finish, too! And in the case of this top coat, you can generously afford to plonk on a thick layer over your manicure.

STEP FOUR: ICE IT
My favourite tip is to dip my nails into a bucket of ice-cold water. The cold temperature will freeze and harden your nail polish, so you don’t have to wait around in front of a fan. I normally fill half a bucket with ice, and pour the water in only when I need it.

But before you dunk your nails in, be sure that your polish is already dry to the touch. Soak your nails for a few minutes, and you’ll be good to go.
 

Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat is available from Sephora stores. For more information, visit www.seche.com and follow the brand on Facebook.

No, we don't all look like perfect K-Princesses IRL

Here’s the tough truth, guys: K-Brows are not for everyone. K-What? Think brows sported by the sulky Bert from Sesame Street: Stubby, solid, straight as a ruler … and as trendy as oh, lobster rolls and soft serve ice cream.

But why? What is it about K-Brows that make them so appealing to so many? I posed this question to Jared Bailey, Benefit Cosmetics’ international spokesperson for global services, and his explanation is delightfully droll: “Thick brows are quite simply a telltale sign of youth, [but] another option of looking five to 10 years younger is to make much older friends.” 

WHY I'M NOT K-RAZY FOR K-BROWS

All jesting aside, there’s a reason why thick brows can backfire. Take it from James Molloy, dapper director of makeup artistry for M.A.C Cosmetics Asia Pacific, who’s of the old-school beauty breed when it comes to brows: “I think there’s something really nice to be said about an arched silhouette. If you add a really strong eyebrow to the equation, it’ll tend to dominate the face in an off-kilter way.” Translation? You’ll look like a peevish Sesame Street puppet, or worse.

So what’s a girl to do? Here’s what must surely be the single best beauty rule to live by, courtesy of Jared Bailey: “You should always think about bringing proportion and balance to the face. That should be the guiding principle for any ‘look’ a woman would want to try, trendy or not.” (Duly noted, Jared; I’ll be printing that out and sticking it next to my vanity mirror.)

To get out of a hairy situation, consider submitting yourself to the expert hands of what I privately refer to as brow bosses; Benefit boasts a really neat Brow Mapping service, essentially a tailored trim and tweeze that should give you bespoke brows worth shouting about.

Once you’ve procured the perfect brow, all you need in the way of maintenance is a simple shaping kit; Jared recommends using Benefit’s all-in-one Brow Zings or Gimme Brow, depending on your preference for powder or gel-type formulas. Simply pick up a smidgen of your go-to brow product and “feather” it on with short, deft strokes.

Any other DIY tricks? Jared has a pretty neat one: “Take it slow. ‘Power-tweezing’ multiple hairs at once usually results in bald spots.”

Oh, and here’s a personal tip: Don’t sweat the small stuff. Brows may come in pairs, but they’re by no means identical. Don’t fret over every single strand; brows are sisters, not twins!

I’ll sign off with a personal anecdote. Blunt-talking beauty buddy, on meeting me a month or so ago: “Why the frown? Oh, wait, it’s just your Korean brow.” Makeup artist Larry Yeo doesn’t mince his words – and he most certainly wasn’t a fan of the furry caterpillars crawling across my face. (My ill-advised foray into the bewildering K-Beauty world has since sorted itself out over time, thank goodness.)

Key takeaway? Fads fall in and out of favour, so it’s best to hew to the beauty brow basics: Keep it soft, keep it full, keep a lovely little arch. Bert would knit his brows in approval!

For more information on the Benefit Cosmetics products used in this story, visit www.benefitcosmetics.com and follow the brand on Facebook.

FOR A SPLASHING GOOD TIME
Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort
Phuket, Thailand
The sprawling resort sits on a prime spot on Phuket's famed Bangtao Beach. Accommodation options include the Family Room and the two-bedroom Villa. The Family Room on the ground floor is perfect for two adults and two children up to the age of 12, with its large outdoor area, spacious bathroom, and a choice of a king-size bed or two twin beds, a daybed and an extra bed. The Villa perfect for a family of six, with one king-sized bed and two twin beds.

One of the resort's central features is the massive waterpark, with waterfalls, a curvy water slide for hours of fun, and an outdoor pool that overlooks the beach. There's also an outdoor playground and the Koh Kids Club, which offers supervised activities and entertainment. Enjoy the unique charm of the Bangtao beach area by shopping at the local markets, visiting Thai temples, horse riding, and dining at the inexpensive food outlets – it all makes for an enjoyable family outing.

PRICE: A one-night stay at the resort starts from THB3,495 ($136) per night. www.outriggerthailand.com/laguna-phuket-beach-resort/

NATURE ESCAPE
Four Seasons Resort Langkawi  
Langkawi, Malaysia
This luxurious Malaysian retreat is located within the pristine Langkawi Geopark, a geological and ecological wonderland of 550-million-year-old rock formations, mountainous rainforest and deserted islands. Outdoorsy, nature-loving families will find plenty to do here, from rock-climbing and abseiling for adults and kids as young as five, to water sports like kayaking, snorkelling, wind surfing and paddle boarding.

The resort also offers safari tours by boat, foot and kayak: Explore ancient mangrove forests, where you may see eagles, otters, colourful tree-climbing crabs, and fish that "walk"; check out the 1.2-metre-tall hornbill on a bird-watching excursion through Gunung Raya, Langkawi's tallest peak; hike through the rainforest on Pulau Langgun; or catch squid on a squid scooping tour. Your kids will love the Kids Club, in its own building, complete with an adventure playground and a large garden. There, they can create art from recycled materials, try children's yoga, take part in treasure hunts, and learn about traditional Malaysian culture through batik painting and kite making.

The resort has 90 pavilions and villas in tropical beachfront gardens, but for that true "beach holiday" feel, why not stay in one of the 10 Family Beach Houses? Each unit is just steps away from the sand, and features a private plunge pool, spacious dining and living areas, and a children's bedroom equipped with board games, sandcastle-making kits, an LCD-screen television and a PS3 game console.  

PRICE: One night in the Family Beach House starts from MYR$5,940 ($2,326), plus 10 per cent service charge. It includes breakfast for two adults and two children. www.fourseasons.com/langkawi

KIDS' PERKS GALORE
Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort
Bali, Indonesia
It's a new resort in the popular Kuta Beach area, and is the epitome of luxury, with an outdoor infinity pool, dining options, an impressive spa and rooms offering views of the beach and sea.

The resort recently launched its Play@Sheraton Family Package, tailored to younger travellers up to 12 years old. The Play@Sheraton team will get in touch with you prior to your arrival, to find out about your children's interests. Upon checking in, each child receives a drawstring bag filled with kid-friendly items. In-room, they will find kid-sized hooded bathrobes, bath amenities and slippers. The package includes complimentary access to the Play@Sheraton Kids Club, where they can learn about Balinese culture, socialise with other children, watch movies, create works of art, read, build sandcastles in the sand pit, and play PS3 games.

The perks don't stop there. Also part of the package is a mani-pedi for the kids, and daily breakfast for two adults and two children under 12. Children get the SPG Kids Pass, which gives them all-inclusive access to a variety of dining options, including children's menus, buffets and beverages during their stay. They'll receive a free-flow bottle too, which they can fill up with chilled juices or milk at any of the resort's venues. While the kids are having fun, Mum and Dad can indulge in retail therapy at the attached beachside shopping complex or enjoy a Balinese temple tour.

PRICE: The family package starts from US$200++ ($250++) a room a night for one room, for a minimum two-night stay. It includes access to the Play@Sheraton Kids Club and daily breakfast for two adults and two children under 12 years old. www.sheraton.com/balikuta

ALL FUN AND GAMES
Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort
Kota Kinabalu, East Malaysia
This resort on Pantai Dalit Beach in East Malaysia is surrounded by the Rasa Ria Nature Reserve and fronted by a sparkling blue ocean. Besides popular sea sports like jet skiing, hydro-biking, banana boat rides, boogie boarding and kayaking, you and your family can try horse riding, petanque, golf, and table tennis. The resort also offers guided river excursions and bicycle tours.

Head for the nearby Rasa Ria Nature Reserve, which was established by the resort in collaboration with the State Wildlife Department of Sabah. A protected ecological space, the reserve aims to facilitate rehabilitation programmes for endangered species, and those native to Sabah. Its activities include jungle walks, bird watching, orang-utan viewing, and nocturnal animal watching. Most are suitable for kids aged five and older.

Your kids can also try the Ranger Experience, which lets them assist the reserve's rangers in their work. Children aged 11 and older will like the Researcher Experience, where they'll study flora and fauna at the reserve. Back at the resort, there's lots for the kids to do – coconut leaf weaving, pony rides, face painting, baking, seashell collecting, batik painting, origami and hopscotch and more.

PRICE: Rates start at RM780++ a night. www.shangri-la.com/rasariaresort/

THE PERFECT DE-STRESSER
Anantara Seminyak Bali Resort & Spa
Bali, Indonesia
Surrounded by ocean and coconut palms this is the ideal family retreat, which has beautiful sea views and expansive balconies from which to enjoy them, as well as a relaxing infinity pool that faces the Indian Ocean. The suites are packed with modern comforts to help you relax, including jacuzzi terrazzo tubs, outdoor loungers, and roomy living areas complete with satellite TV.

The resort has plenty of on-site activities for the whole family, like beachminton (badminton on the beach), kite-flying and water sports. Away from the resort, try an elephant safari, horse riding, river rafting and snorkelling. Of course, you can also shop at countless stores and markets in Kuta, Legian and Nusa Dua.

To ease your kids into relaxation mode, the resort's spa offers a Kids Spa menu. Services include a 30-minute chocolate oil massage for children aged two to 12, mani-pedis for girls using fresh strawberries and featuring nail art, and hand and foot massages for boys using chocolate butter.    

PRICE: A one-night stay at a suite starts from US$555++ (S$690) per night. http://bali.anantara.com

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.

Nude and brown eyeshadow pens are make-up pouch must-haves.

Just twist the crayon, apply on the eyelids and blend with fingertips for a wash of colour. Or line the lower lashline and inner corners of the eyes with the crayon to make them look brighter and wider.

BY TERRY OMBRE BLACKSTAR COLOR-FIX CREAM EYE SHADOW IN BRONZE MOON NO.4
$60, from Escentials

Review: A beautiful metallic bronze with fine gold flecks. The crayon glides onto skin smoothly. The colour sets within 30 seconds. So blend it with fingertips immediately if you like a sheer colour. The shadow stays put after 30 seconds and is smudge-free and long-lasting. The Blond Opal no.3, a pearlescent champagne shade, is also equally versatile, and can double as a highlighter.

CLIO GELPRESSO WATERPROOF SHADOW IN BEER PONG NO.1
$19.90, from selected personal care stores

Review: A pretty gold shade with gold sparkles. This shadow takes up to a minute to set, so you have a little more time to smudge it to shape the eye.

When blended out, the colour adds dimension to the middle of the lids.

MARC JACOBS TWINKLE POP EYE STICK IN VOLVER
$39, from Sephora stores

Review: The creamy and lightweight shadow leaves a cooling effect on the skin. The metallic shimmer champagne shade does not budge if you do not smudge it with the fingertips immediately.

It is easy to line the eyes with this creamy crayon as it has an angled tip.

This article was first run in The Straits Times newspaper on October 24, 2014. For similar stories, go to sph.straitstimes.com/premium/singapore. You will not be able to access the Premium section of The Straits Times website unless you are already a subscriber.

IMAGE: AVAVA/SHUTTERSTOCK

Our penchant for gossip is sometimes referred to as the root of all evil, but it can help us adapt to a new social environment, help us improve on ourselves and reveal potential threats, according to a new study at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands.

"For example, hearing positive stories about others may be informative, because they suggest ways to improve oneself," says lead researcher Elena Martinescu. "Hearing negative gossip may be flattering, because it suggests that others (the gossip target) may function less well than we do. However, negative gossip may also be threatening to the self, because it suggests a malign social environment in which one may easily fall victim to negative treatments."

In the two-part study, 183 participants were asked to recall in an online survey a time when they received gossip, positive or negative. Researchers then assessed the gossip, pertaining to how it could affect the receiver in terms of self-improvement, self-promotion and self-protection.

The participants in the second study were asked to play the role of a sales agent and pretend they had written a job description that researchers presented to them. They then received either negative or positive gossip about another's performance.

The two experiments had similar results: Those who had received positive gossip were motivated by someone else's success, and those who had received negative gossip showed an increasing desire to protect themselves but also elicited pride.

What came as a surprise to researchers was that the make-believe workers in the second study were more alert after receiving either positive or negative gossip and they had expected it to have that affect only if the gossip was positive.

Researchers conclude that gossip isn't so bad after all, and there's no need to eliminate it. What's best, says Martinescu, is to accept it as natural and stay grounded in light of the potential negative consequences.

"Receiving gossip about other people is a valuable source of knowledge about ourselves, because we implicitly compare ourselves with the people we hear gossip about," says Martinescu.

The study was published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin.

We've always been fans of cocktail bar Jigger & Pony, even now, more than two years since its opening and after what seems like an endless stream of new bar openings. It's one of those few rare places where I can recommend my friends to go to, without having to worry that standards have dipped since my last tasting there (and I'd end up looking like someone who has the worst ideas in the world). In fact, one of my enduring tasting memories involved attempting to have four of Jigger & Pony's nefariously potent cocktails, and having to throw in the towel after just two. Yes, it's that kind of place and no, they don't make them like Jigger & Pony very often anymore.

But my love isn't unconditional - for the longest time, I've bemoaned the lack of a proper food menu here. Sure, there are cold cut platters and decent tartines. But when dining out these days equates to finding one cool place and staying put for the rest of the night (whilst looking smugly upon those who didn't manage to get seats), you want an all-rounder. You want to be fed well and watered, and you want it now, darn it! 

And it looks like my whinging has been heard. Jigger & Pony's refreshed food menu, though small at just 12 items, now includes more substantial nourishment (think beef rib sliders, pork belly and lamb) under its Big Bites section. Plates under the Small Bites section aren't to be sniffed at either – these at heart are good old-fashioned comfort grub, but given executive chef Polo Seah's (who also manages the kitchen at sister bar Sugarhall) inspired spin. 

Well done, Jigger & Pony. Our love just might be unconditional now. 

Must-tries: Bite-sized fun comes in the form of the Mushroom Poppers ($16), an unabashedly comforting appetiser that stacks quail eggs upon button mushrooms and doused in a luscious chorizo cream sauce. The hefty chunks of Pork Belly ($20) – brined and cooked for six hours – cooked for six hours, is deliciously firm, paired with a sweet apple and fennel jam to cut through the richness.

The Beef Short Rib Sliders ($22, above), though not quite as substantial, deserves top marks for an on-point homemade BBQ sauce that's perfectly smoky-sweet and tangy. 

Drink also: The Parisian ($22, above middle), one of the six new additions to Jigger & Pony's drinks menu. Despite its ruby-red, slightly girly facade, this play on the classic Martini finds happy middleground between an easy-drinking tipple and a lethal concoction that'd knock you off your feet in a matter of sips. Sweet, smooth and so potent - classic Jigger & Pony. 

Jigger & Pony is located at 101 Amoy Street. For more information, call 6223-9101 or visit www.jiggerandpony.com. 

Get over your ex ASAP! © Cover Media

Breaking up is never fun, whether it’s a crash and burn situation or a passive aggressive drawn out affair. No matter what, it’ll take some time to get over. And then just when you think your ex is firmly in the past you’ll get wind they’re with someone else. It’ll send you into a spin, made even worse when you see them out looking like loves young dream. You will see them out too, no matter how big the city you live in is. So what to do?

First up you need to accept there will be several stages of feelings. First up? Fury. A better person would feel happy for their ex and realise that letting them go set them on the path to true love, but in reality you’ll feel mad. There’s nothing wrong with that, with writer E J Rosetta suggesting you give into it in a piece on Huffington Post. There’s something to say for that, but within limits. Try letting your aggression out on inanimate objects rather than people, so punch cushions and not your friends. Having a good old swear at home is fine, letting rip with the profanity in the office not so much. If kicking’s your thing go to a kick-boxing class – basically do anything that will allow you to let rip unchecked.

Once that’s out the way it’s time to focus on the good things in your life. By that we mean the fact that you don’t have to please anyone. Maybe you spent months pretending you loved art-house cinema to impress your ex? Well no more, now you can rent the latest Jennifer Aniston rom com with abandon. Or maybe you had to pretend you loved haute cuisine when actually you hanker after a hamburger, or stopped watching your favourite TV show. Whatever you ended up neglecting, now is the time to get back in the saddle.

You’re bound to have more time on your hands now you're single, which could mean hours spent obsessing over your ex’s new romance. So instead take the opportunity to do something you’ve always dreamt of. Maybe that’s taking an evening class, joining a gym or getting a second job so you can travel the world. Whatever it is, now is the time to focus and make it happen.

Don’t forget you had a life before your relationship either. Start catching up with friends or going out for work drinks. Soon you’ll be having so much fun you’ll forget what you were upset about in the first place. © Cover Media

Michelle Phan's pink magic! © MichellePhan

Is it overkill to say I’m completely obsessed with this hot hair hue? Calling it right now – when it comes to colour crazes, rose gold is the “hair” apparent to the somewhat played-out ombre fad. 

Kate Hudson getting her hair did – proud mother Goldie in the background! © Instagram

I’m not the only one raving over rose: There’s makeup princess Michelle Phan’s cotton candy coiffure, for one, not to mention Kate Hudson’s debut of a peachy pouf at the American Cinematheque 28th Annual Awards just last week. Then there’s the shock of sherbet-ey locks sported by the girls walking Marc Jacobs’ Autumn 2014 show – all proof that pale pink is where it's at.

Muted rose gold was everything on the Marc Jacobs Autumn 2014 runway

Here’s why rose gold hair’s such a hit. Now, at first blush, pink might seem problematic to pull off, but depending on the lighting, it can read like a honey hue one way and a soft salmon the other.

This faceted quality means the dye job has the potential to be both incredibly fascinating and endlessly flattering across the entire skin spectrum – a cool complexioned chick should be able to rock a rose gold as well as a warm bronzed babe.

1 part copper, 1 part red, 1 part gold = Rose gold gorgeousness!

I know what you’re thinking: Will this work on dark hair? Sure, this strawberry blonde shade shines brightest on golden-haired girls, but if you’re currently a deep brunette or even black, you should be able to achieve a coppery chestnut hue.

Intrigued and raring to give rose gold a go? In a happy case of synchronicity, L’Oréal Paris has rolled out a new Excellence Fashion Auburn Range of at-home colourants. The carefully calibrated cocktail of red, copper and gold dyes means you get a multidimensional mane, and a beautifying boost of amino acids and collagen helps to fortify your follicles and amplify shine.

Of course, pretty as they are, it bears repeating that pale primrose and pastel peaches are notoriously short-lived and will wash out in a couple of months, so if there’s any time to reach for rose gold, it’s right now, just in time for the year-end festive fetes. Have fun letting your hair down!

L’Oréal Paris Excellence Fashion Auburn Range in Intense Warm Auburn and Intense Golden Auburn, $18.90 each, is available at Watsons, Guardian and selected supermarkets and departmental stores. For more information, visit loreal-paris.com.sg and follow the brand on Facebook.

Left: A look from Cassey Gan's Spring Summer 2015 collection; right: the designer. Credit: Cassey Gan

KUALA LUMPUR– Quiet confidence. That is the Cassey Gan woman. The representative pieces from the Malaysian designer’s Spring Summer 2015 collection may not scream for attention yet there’s something about the loose silhouette and turbulent wave prints that definitely make one do a double take.

I was seated with Cassey Gan at her booth at Mercedes Benz Stylo Asia Fashion Week (MBSAFW) where she would be showing her Spring Summer 2015 collection on the runway for the first time. It’s evident that Gan personifies the woman she designs for – she’s not your typically flamboyant creative type but has a quiet spark that shines from within.

The Samurai warrior is an unlikely source of inspiration for the collection. Credit: Cassey Gan

Although Gan graduated with an engineering degree, she knew she wouldn’t be happy working nine to five. When she asked herself what job would allow her to use her crafty and creative side, she decided to enroll in a foundation course to give fashion a shot. “Two weeks into it, I knew this is really for me and I’ve not looked back since,” declared Gan with conviction.

Unlike most other designers, Gan didn’t work with another fashion house before starting her own label, although that had been her original intention. She shared, “Although I didn’t have any experience to fall back on and had to start everything from scratch, it was a good learning curve for me. Because I was not moulded (by another designer) before, I can actually try and experiment with something new and find my own way. This is truly my style and I’m slowly getting to know more about my own design, who I am and who I want to design for – that’s really important to me as a designer.”

 

The final walk at @casseygan #casseygan #mfw2014 #mbstyloafw #designer #fashion #malaysiandesigner #malaysia

A video posted by herworldsingapore (@herworldsingapore) onOct 10, 2014 at 11:26pm PDT

For instance, the young designer’s non-form fitting shape has become one of her signatures. Gan’s pieces skim off the curves without restricting movement. “The Cassey Gan woman is relaxed and has quiet confidence. She’s always moving around. Hence, my clothes are not fitted at all, you can move easily to feel really comfortable and confident,” explained Gan, pointing out the key silhouette.

One of Gan’s favourite books is a book on Japanese prints and where her Spring Summer 2015 inspiration stemmed from. “I am very inspired by the fighting spirit of the samurai. Their garments have a really loose silhouette, mixed prints and a lot of layering,” said the designer who managed to translate all the aspects of the samurai’s armour including the plate armour details.

Wave prints, sequins and mesh panels make for a modern samurai. Credit: Cassey Gan

The resultant collection named “The Samurai Spirit” is a modern take on the ancient Japanese warrior’s armour. The prints are on point with turbulent waves and sunburst prints along with loose sashes and pleats and layers mimicking the different details of the armour. Gan throws in a dash of modernity with mesh panels that show off just the right amount of skin to pique interest.

For a designer with a very new label – Cassey Gan the brand is only one and a half years old – Gan finds comfort when she spots people wearing her creations and said, “It gives me assurance that there’s a market for this kind of clothes. Especially when customers keep coming back, you are probably doing something right.”

Judging from how impressive and how wearable her latest collection is, the young designer is definitely on the right track and we hopes she keeps doing that “something right”.

The Cassey Gan Spring Summer 2015 collection will be available from early December 2015 at Nana and Bird at at #01-65, 59 Eng Hoon Street. For more information about Cassey Gan, go to www.casseygan.com.

IMAGE: SVEN HOPPE

Bioactive ingredients found in cocoa sharply reversed age-related memory decline in a group of volunteers, scientists reported on Sunday.

The compounds, called flavanols, were taken in a specially-prepared cocoa drink, according to an experiment published by the journal Nature Neuroscience.

Over three months, 37 healthy volunteers aged 50-69 had a daily drink containing either a high dose of flavanols -- 900 milligrammes -- or a low dose, 10mg.

The scientists carried out brain imaging, measuring blood volume in a key part of the hippocampus called the dentate gyrus, a region of memory formation whose performance typically declines as one ages.

They also carried out memory tests before and after the volunteers started with the drink.

The tests entailed a 20-minute pattern-recognition exercise designed to assess a type of memory controlled by the dentate gyrus.

The high-flavanol group notched up major memory improvements and an increase in blood flow to the dentate gyrus.

"If a participant had the memory of a typical 60-year-old at the beginning of the study, after three months that person on average had the memory of a typical 30- or 40-year-old," said Scott Small, a professor of neurology at Columbia University Medical Center in New York.

More work, in a bigger group, is needed to verify these early findings, he cautioned.

Flavanols have excited great interest. They dangle the possibility of tackling age-related memory loss in the world's fast-growing population of elderly but without using drugs.

The compounds exist in grapes, blueberries and other fruit as well as in some vegetables and teas, but the type of flavanol and the amount vary widely.

Previous studies in mice showed that the class of flavanols found in cocoa boosts the performance of the dentate gyrus.

"The dentate gyrus in humans and mice are very similar," Small said in an e-mail exchange with AFP.

"I suppose that our study does show, for the first time, that flavanols improves the function of humans' dentate gyrus, particularly in ageing humans."

-- Age-related decline --

The findings apply to normal memory loss -- things such as forgetting names of new acquaintances or where one has left one's glasses -- which usually becomes noticeable when people reach their fifties or sixties.

They do not apply to memory loss caused by disease, such as Alzheimer's.

The cocoa drink was prepared by a large US food corporation, which also partly supported the research. The study is published in a peer-reviewed journal.

The firm used a proprietary process to extract flavanols from cocoa beans. Under conventional processing, most of the flavanols are lost from the raw plant.

Small said it was still too early to make dietary recommendations for flavanols, but "certainly I would NOT suggest that people consume more chocolate."

"That would be a mistake," he said.

"Very simply, the amount of flavanols that are found in chocolate is minuscule compared to the very high amount of extracted flavanols that our subjects consumed. The same is true for most other foods or teas," said Smith.

"Hopefully, in the future a food source or a specific diet will be identified that contains very high amounts of the specific flavanols we studied."

AFP RELAXNEWS

You've had a bad day and all you want is a big tub of ice cream and to wallow in self-pity. And while it's long known that eating a whole bar of Galaxy won't solve much, there are now thought to be some foods that really can heal broken hearts and curb anxiety.

French chef Joël Robuchon, who has the most Michelin stars in the world, and neuropharmacologist-and-acupuncturist Dr. Nadia Volf, are behind book Food & Life, which offers up recipes with the mental and physical benefits described.

"I see so many girls who comfort themselves after a heartbreak by eating Nutella and big portions of ice cream, but it doesn't work. They gain weight, and they don't feel better. The most beautiful thing to eat when you have heartbreak is turkey, because turkey has the amino acid tryptophan, which is the basis of our hormone serotonin. But the girls just don't know that," Nadia previously told New York Times.

So is there some method to this madness? Can lean poultry really outdo a huge bowl of Cookie Dough? We sum up some supposedly mood-boosting foods.

Fighting anxiety and sadness

A breakup is one of the most common reasons to comfort eat. So what can make you feel better whilst watching The Notebook on repeat? Food & Life suggests radish, turnips, carrot, small white beans, trout, carp and sea bass. If you're feeling fruity, reach for oranges or pears. As a snack, try almonds and pine nuts.

Fighting anger

Has a fallout with friends left you seething? Or has your boss wound you up at work? Stop dialling your local takeaway and look to seafood instead. Oysters, clams, molluscs and scallops are all thought to help when you're angry. Pair with sweet rice, fennel and celery and then reach for a dessert that includes hazelnuts, pecans or coconut. Other anger-busting foods include egg whites, anchovies and sunflower seeds.

Overcoming pain

It's not just emotional troubles that have us reaching for comfort food - suffering from the cold in winter or struggling with menstrual cramps can mean a craving for stodgy meals. Instead, vegetables with a strong flavour could be the answer - think garlic and onions. Aromatic herbs like parsley and chives also make the cut, as do plums and cherries.

© Cover Media

Singer Beyonce Knowles is launching activewear with Topshop. ©AFP PHOTO/JOE KLAMAR

US singer Beyonce and British high-street retailer TopShop announced on Octover 27, 2014. they were launching a fashion brand for "athletic streetwear" that will be available the same time in 2015.

The joint venture, Parkwood TopShop Athletic, will include "clothing, footwear and accessories across dance, fitness and sports categories," the chain said in a statement.

Philip Green, head of Arcadia Group, which owns TopShop, said the project was a way of developing "fashion-inspired fitness".

"Creating a partnership with Beyonce ... who spends many hours of her life dancing, rehearsing and training is a unique opportunity to develop this category," he said.

TopShop was founded in a department store basement in northern England in 1964 and has been praised for the variety of clothes it offers and the sharp eye of its designers.

It launched the high-end Unique label in 2001 and has expanded internationally, opening 80 stores and retail outlets in 13 countries in 2013, including in Australia and France.

Beyonce shot to fame in the 1990s with the R'n'B girl group Destiny's Child and was named by Forbes magazine this year as the most influential celebrity in the world.

The 33-year-old advertises a variety of fashion labels and manages her own ready-to-wear brand, House of Dereon, with her mother Tina Knowles, a fashion designer. - AFP RELAXNEWS

The most important thing to take note of when wearing knit dresses is getting the fit right. A common mistake with this kind of dress is wearing one which is too tight, showing off every unsightly bump.

(left) Salvatore Ferragamo Fall Winter 2014, (right) Lanvin Fall Winter 2014. Credit: Showbit

For a flattering look, stick to straight or A-line silhouettes which barely skim your body. Knit dresses in a slouchy shape work too, either with or without a belt. In general, go for a size or shape which is a little looser than what you would usually select.

The knit material should not be too thin either or you risk having the outfit look a bit cheap. A good thick material is the most forgiving and the easiest to wear.

PHOTOS: NET-A-PORTER, TOPSHOP, UNIQLO

Another great thing about knit dresses is that they come in a diverse range of styles and many of them are easy to dress up or down.

Take this merino wool dress from Uniqlo's collaboration with French style icon Ines de la Fressange (photo 1, $59.90, from 01-382 Suntec City Mall). The boatneck opening, three-quarter sleeves and navy colour are all classic elements which can be easily dressed up with accessories.

For a more casual knit dress, wear something such as this Madeleine Thompson cashmere number (photo 2, US$435 or S$553, from www.net-a-porter.com). Perfect for the weekend, the dress also has a contrast trim, which makes for a nice detail.

If you are interested in making a statement, pick a knit dress in a bold colour, such as this bright pink turtleneck viscose and nylon dress from Marques'Almeida x Topshop (photo 3, $186, from www.topshop.com). The shape is fairly conservative but the fun hue ensures you will be noticed.

This article was first run in The Straits Times newspaper on October 24, 2014. For similar stories, go to sph.straitstimes.com/premium/singapore. You will not be able to access the Premium section of The Straits Times website unless you are already a subscriber.

The Buy to Save charity fashion sale is back in Singapore for its eighth year. Expect to shop the best of pre-loved designer handbags, clothes and accessories in support of initiatives by the Singapore Committee for UN Women and other similar projects around the region.

Shoppers at Singapore Committee for UN Women's Buy to Save charity sale in 2013.
Credit: Singapore Committee for UN Women

Since the event's launch in 2006, the Singapore Committee for UN Women says it has raised over $280,000 to support women and young girls in Singapore who are exposed to violence, abuse and exploitation.

The pre-loved wares are donated through a Club21 Cares initiative called Style It Forward, and will be on sale over three days from November 7 to 9, 2014, at Forum The Shopping Mall.

Proceeds from the sale will go to the Singapore Committee for UN Women's "Help Anna" campaign and support the immediate needs of women in the Karenni refugee camps along the Thailand-Myanmar border.

"Research shows that on average one in three women will experience a form of violence in their lifetime," said Trina Liang-Lin, president of the Singapore Committee for UN Women. "Through 'Help Anna', Singapore Committee for UN Women promotes awareness and public education about violence against women, which is a vital aspect in being able to support women locally and around the region.”

MasterCard will also donate $5 for every MasterCard transaction at the sale, through their MasterCard Purchase with Purpose initiative.

The event details:

Date: Friday-Sunday, November 7-9, 2014
Time: 10am to 8pm
Venue: Forum The Shopping Mall, Basement Atrium, 583 Orchard Road
Members-only preview sale: Friday & Saturday, November 7 & 8, 2014, from 9am-10am

IMAGE: AStock/Corbis

When creams and lotions don’t work, you know you need something that will really give you a “face lift”. The team sacrificed our faces to undergo some of the best aesthetic treatments on the market, to find out what will really help to give you a Christmas glow.

THERMAGE
Reviewed by Phoenix Leow
One of the most popular anti-ageing aesthetic treatments, Thermage is a non invasive treatment that uses radiofrequency waves to stimulate your skin’s own collagen production. Approved by the FDA to reduce wrinkles, the aesthetic treatment is administered by doctors in Singapore.

I had the opportunity to undergo this beauty treatment at TLC Lifestyle Clinic. Dr Georgia Lee said that although I do not need any anti-ageing products just yet, Thermage will supposedly give me radiant skin while also slimming my face over time. If you do have mature skin, clinical trials have shown that this product is very effective in tightening the skin and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

The treatment itself is pretty fuss-free, taking less than an hour for my entire face. With the help of numbing cream, the pain was pretty bearable. After the treatment, the first thing I noticed was that the results were not exactly immediate. My chubby face did appear leaner, but I didn’t notice any other change. Dr Lee said that Thermage is supposed to be able to stimulate the collagen in your skin itself. So unlike treatments that “infuse” your skin with collagen, Thermage is said to “activate” your skin to produce it’s own collagen. As this takes some time, the results are only visible after two to three months. When that happens, I am supposed to have a slimmer and radiant visage that will last for months.

ULTHERA
Reviewed by Phoenix Leow
Similar to Thermage, Ulthera is a treatment that is said to stimulate collagen growth in your facial skin – but through the use of ultrasound waves. Unlike Thermage which is often described as being painful (depending on your threshold), Ulthera actually isn’t as pain inducing since the ultrasound waves hit very deeply into the skin. This means you technically don’t actually need any numbing cream, whatsoever.

Dr David Loh, who administered the treatment, said the treatment’s apparent lifting and slimming properties are said enhanced over time. The results are said to be the most visible two to three months after, as the ultrasound waves target “the fibrous tissue around the cheek's fat pads”, supposedly lifting and sculpting your face cell by cell. Which is why for people aiming for a slimmer visage, Ulthera might be your cup of tea.

RADIOFREQUENCY TIGHTENING PROGRAMME DLT (DUAL LIFT TIGHTENING)
Reviewed by Shi Tianyun
Being one of the older writers on the herworldPLUS team, I was “tasked” to try out the Radiofrequency (RF) Tightening Programme Dual Lift Tightening (DLT) treatment at IDS Clinic. Enhanced RF technology is said to boost skin tightening and firming – and even though I like to think my face is not bad for a 30-something, I can’t deny that age and gravity has had an effect on the elasticity of my skin.

But it seems that besides sagging skin, I also have to worry about wrinkles! “Your laugh lines will be less noticeable after the treatment,” Dr Heng pointed out in my consultation. The non-invasive treatment took 45 minutes and was performed by a therapist. A warm flat probe was used to massage my face and the experience was actually quite relaxing. After the treatment, my face did feel “tighter” (although I wasn’t sure whether it was just psychological) and my laugh lines were definitely less obvious.

The treatment is said to be preventive in nature by circulating high frequency currents through tissue to stimulate collagen production, improve blood circulation and revitalise skin cells. The clinic recommends the treatment for women in their late 20s and early 30s. I was told that I would be able to see more distinctly plumped up skin with frequent treatments due to the apparent effect of stimulated collagen production.

ATTACHE LIFT THERAPY FACIAL
Reviewed by Eugene Quek
Looking for a no-needles, no-downtime, no-nonsense facial? I’m all for Attache’s Lift Therapy Facial, a superbly soothing intensive treatment.

Your therapist will kick off with a thorough skin cleanse, before smoothing and stroking signs of facial fatigue into submission. The ritual also makes use of silky serums and energising emulsions from Spanish-based prestige beauty brand Attache.

Key ingredients? Something dubbed “dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate”, a potent peptide said to simulate the “numbing” effects of viper venom – sort of like Botox in a bottle; as well as moisture magnets like hyaluronic acid; all of which are said to work in tandem with the massage movements to lift your spirits and your jowls. One session was all it took for me to notice smoother skin and a subtle re-contouring of my jawline – nothing too crazy, but good for last-minute party prep.

DEW DROP HYDRATING SKINBOOSTERS
Reviewed by Eugene Quek
Dr. Karen Soh, medical director of Privé Clinic, says this novel form of Restylane facial filler placement promises a facial boost that’s incredibly subtle and well-nigh undetectable – like your own skin, only better.

My face was first prepped with a liberal smearing of a topical numbing cream. Dr. Soh paused every so often to size up my face and ask after my discomfort level. All told, the “ordeal” takes 15 to 20 minutes tops to complete, so you’ll be in and out in a jiffy. Some swelling and bruising is par for the course; in my instance, it took about a week and a half for the black-and-blues to dissipate.

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

Attache Lift Therapy, $480 per session, is available at all BeauLab-affiliated aesthetic chains. For location and other information, call 6316 3168.

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

IDS RF Tightening Programme DLT treatment is $350 for 45 minutes (for face), $450 for 60 minutes (for face and neck). IDS Clinic is at #05-07 to 10, Novena Specialist Centre. For more information, go to www.idsclinic.com

Thermage is available at TLC Lifestyle clinic at 27 Lorong Liput Singapore 277738. For more information, visit www.drgl.com and follow the brand on Facebook.

Ulthera, $3,800 for a full face session, is available at David Loh Surgery at 501 Orchard Road #05-16 Wheelock Place Singapore 238880. For more information, visit www.davidloh.sg and follow the brand on Facebook.

Officially obsessed with the orangey lips on the girls at Zac Posen's Spring 2015 show!

Singapore ladies, why, oh why aren’t you using more lipstick? Possible explanation: An informal poll among beauty buddies has fingered feathering, or the “bleeding” of colour into mouth creases, as the foremost reason for forgoing lippie.

If frequent application of lipstick’s left a bad taste in your mouth, it’s time to sink your teeth into these top tips – guaranteed to make your lacquer last through lunch and beyond!

STEP 1. Start by priming your puckers with a quickie DIY mask. On bare lips, layer on a generous gloop of a good balm – for this purpose, gun for products with an almost gluey consistency for maximum mileage. Try Ettusais’ Lip Essence Treatment, a sumptuous salve chock-a-block with comforting botanical oils and a licorice root extract said to soothe signs of inflammation. 

Wait five minutes, then wipe off with a washcloth; the fibres of the fabric help dislodge dead skin and such. Another trick I discovered through sheer serendipity: This pucker-pampering product is amazing for alleviating painful "hangnails", so feel free to spread the wealth and massage any excess into your cuticles as a neat nail nourisher.

STEP 2. Now that your smackers are flake-free and fabulous, switch to a specific treatment product to create a smooth canvas for your lip colour to cling to. Product recommendation-wise, I’m really loving Ioma’s incredible Lip Lift, with its cosmeceutical concoction of potent plumping peptides, hydrating hyaluronic acid and botanical butters. The petal-shaped tip makes application a cinch, and the opaque cream turns clear in seconds. Get it!        

STEP 3. Time for a bit of “reverse lining”, which is really just fancy makeup jargon for using a light liner of any sort. All you need to do is trace the natural contours of your mouth with a creamy nude pencil like Tarte’s Lights Camera Lashes Inner Rim Brightener, then blend by patting outwards.

How does it work? For starters, this invisible skin-toned barrier stops the colour from transversing into “illegal” territory and bleeding out of your natural lip line. Reverse lining is incredibly important if you’re serious about getting your lippie to stick, so don’t skip it!

STEP 4. On to lippie proper. Using a paddle-shaped brush for precision application – Make Up For Ever’s retractable lip brush is a sure beauty bet – start from the middle of your cupid’s bow and follow the curve down to corners of your mouth.

I’m partial to a pop of tangerine, so consider dialing up the drama with a cheerful citrus courtesy of Ettusais’ Creamy Lip Crayon. Packed with pearlescent pigments and rosehip oil, this cute chubby stick is a quadruple threat: It’s said to boast the pigmented power of a traditional lippie; the patina of a gleaming gloss; the comfort of a creamy balm; and a decent SPF18 rating for protection from the sun.

STEP 5. Almost there! Now for a tip that’s an oldie but a goodie: Blot, re-apply, blot again. James Molloy, the very handsome director of makeup artistry for M.A.C Cosmetics Asia Pacific, says he swears by this tried and tested trick: “There’s a lot to be said for applying one layer, tissuing off, applying another layer and so forth. This layering technique removes excess moisture and oils so that the colour really locks on.”

What you do is to fold a soft two-ply facial tissue in half, part your mouth, place it between your upper and lower lips, then press down gently. Like James says, this blotting action wicks away oils, leaving a concentrated stain of sorts.

STEP 6. Now for the pièce de résistance: Apply the final layer of lippie, this time in a bolder but still complementary colour. In this instance, I’m going with M.A.C Cosmetics’ sizzling new Pro Lipstick in Neon Orange – super sexy and satiny.

Now, this isn’t a trend piece per se, but M.A.C’s James Molloy makes a solid case for owning the orange lip: “A punchy peach is the shade for Spring; it’s so pretty and healthy looking!” One misconception about orange is that the hue can impart a sickly sallowness to your complexion. Worn judiciously as an accent colour, orange lips lend an instantly brightening effect to your face.

In any case, now that you're armed with this nifty makeup manual, your budge-proof lippie – orange or otherwise! – should stay put as the night goes on and the bubbly fizzes over. Cheers to that!

Ettusais Lip Essence Treatment, $28, and Creamy Lip Crayon, $23 in five shades, are available at all Ettusais stores. For more information, visit www.ettusais.com.sg and follow the brand on Facebook.

Ioma Lip Lift, $95, is available at all Ioma counters. For more information, visit www.ioma-paris.com and follow the brand on Facebook.

M.A.C Pro Lipstick in Neon Orange, $30, is available at all M.A.C counters. For more information, visit www.maccosmetics.com.sg and follow the brand on Facebook.

Make Up For Ever Lip Brush with Cap 304, $45, is available at all Sephora stores and the Make Up For Ever Pro Loft at 36 Armenian Street. For more information, visit www.makeupforever.com.sg and follow Make Up For Ever Singapore on Facebook and YouTube.

Tarte Lights Camera Lashes Inner Rim Brightener, $32, is available at all Sephora stores. For more information, visit www.sephora.com/tarte and follow Sephora Singapore on Facebook.

Illiza Ho (left) and Jimmy Choo (right) take to the runway. Credit: Davie Gan

KUALA LUMPUR - One would expect the legendary Jimmy Choo to mentor a budding shoe designer. It only makes sense right?

But when Choo is in the house, all expectations fly out the window. The designer was the honorary advisor of the Mercedes Benz Stylo Asia Fashion Week (MBSAFW) 2014 – instead of an entourage, Choo flew solo most of the time, including making sure that everyone was seated in the front row before one of the runway shows started. Not typical behaviour from someone whose name is associated with luxury footwear.

Left: Illiza Ho. Credit: Illiza Ho. Right: A model with a clutch from Illiza Ho's Spring Summer 2015 collection. Credit: Davie Gan

So it was less of a surprise to find out that Choo’s current protégé Illiza Ho is in the business of bags, rather than shoes. Having a famous mentor may have played a part in Ho’s rise to prominence but it wasn’t sheer luck or a fluke that her eponymous line of arm candy quickly made a splash in the Malaysian fashion industry.

The Malaysia-based designer showed her Spring Summer 2015 collection at MBSAFW 2014 riding high on receiving the Most Promising Designer award in 2014 at the Mercedes Benz Stylo Fashion Awards in Kuala Lumpur. She was the picture of calm and collected when I managed to steal her away for 10 minutes.

More from Illiza Ho's Spring Summer 2014 collection. Credit: Davie Gan

The new season’s concept is exploration, explained the slight Taiwanese woman: “Through exploration, one can discover a lot of ideas and potential. I design for a traveler. When you travel, you need a lot of stuff so I designed a multifunctional bag like a double bag.” To demonstrate how there were many ways of wearing and using her creations, she showed how a colourful cord sling bag can transform into a clutch to take you from day to night.

In fact, bags with many functions are what Ho wants to make her signature. The challenge for the designer with every new collection is creating interesting handbags that are also multifunctional.

Left: Origami Shoulder bag in cow leather light green; right: Purse with Tassels in cow leather Mint. Credit: Illiza Ho

Ho’s unlikely muse? None other than her mentor. Since 2011, Ho has been working with Choo as an assistant designer and travelled with him all around the world for work. She said, “When I was a student in university, my collection had pale colours like black, white and greys – not interesting. When Choo became my mentor, he told me that I have to be colourful because colourful designs catch people’s eyes.”

Originally, Ho studied shoe design but veered away from that path – even with Choo’s influence. “I can’t make shoes by myself but I can make a bag from start to finish on my own,” shared Ho who explained that to be a designer, one has to know how to do everything because with this skill and knowledge you will be able to save time negotiating with the factories. Besides creative input, it was evident that Choo has imparted precious business acumen to his protégé. A truly perfect master-disciple match!

The Illiza Ho Spring Summer 2015 collection will be available on www.illizaho.com.

After Fearless, the American lingerie brand has launched its latest perfume, Scandalous. Supermodel Jasmine Tookes is the face of the new scent.

A sensual and sweet eau de parfum with notes of raspberry liqueur, black peony and praline, Scandalous by Victoria's Secret comes in a studded pink glass flacon with a large black satin ribbon.

To promote its new perfume, the brand called upon one of its famous Angels: supermodel Jasmine Tookes, who has also posed for DKNY, Lancôme and Kate Spade among others.

In the campaign video, in addition to promoting the new fragrance, she also models looks from the brand's latest lingerie line, the Very Sexy Scandalous Collection.

Scandalous is available on the brand's website and in Victoria's Secret stores. The eau de parfum is priced at $58 (50ml) and $78 (100ml). Also available are a fragrance mist ($25 for 250ml), a scented candle ($25) and a fragrance lotion ($20 for 200ml).

Watch the campaign video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fMRrhha5JU