VALUE-FOR-MONEY STYLING ESSENTIALS

1. Best Straightener
Ma Cherie Hair Gelee Mist (Silky Straight), $17.90 (195ml), detangles easily and leaves hair feeling so silky that you might not even need a conditioner. You only need one spritz over each section of your hair to see results.

2. Best Texturising Hairspray
Toni & Guy Hair Meet Wardrobe Casual Sea Salt Texturising Spray, $24.90 (200ml), creates instant, non-sticky, long-lasting volume after a blow-dry. It’s easy to wash out, too.

3. Best Heat-protector
Toni & Guy Hair Meet Wardrobe Prep Heat Protection Mist, $21.90 (150ml), is lightweight, easy to use, and gives hair shine.

4. Best Hairspray for a Natural Look
Ma Cherie Decoration Keep Spray, $16.90 (140g), has a light hold to keep your hairstyle looking natural. It also means that restyling is easy. Our judges loved the fine mist.

5. Best Dry Shampoo
Klorane Oat Extract Dry Shampoo Spray, $14.60 (150ml), absorbs sebum from the scalp and lifts roots to give hair volume.

6. Best Frizz Eliminator
John Frieda Frizz Ease Original 6 Effects Serum, $16.90 (50ml), instantly eliminates frizz and protects hair from heat and humidity with its non-oily formula.

7. Best Curl Definer
Toni & Guy Hair Meet Wardrobe Classic Spray Gel for Curls, $22.90 (150ml), is easy to use and defines curls well. Just spray it on, scrunch and go.

8. Best Volumiser
Ma Cherie Hair Gelee Mist (Airy Mush), $17.90 (195ml), gives instant, long-lasting, root-lifting results, without stickiness.

9. Best Wax for a Natural Look
Toni & Guy Hair Meet Wardrobe Creative Style Spray Wax, $22.90 (150ml), is perfect for styling newbies. You can spray it evenly over towel-dried hair and scrunch, or over dry hair to create a more defined style.

10. Best Shine Booster
The Body Shop Grapeseed Glossing Serum, $26.90 (75ml), has a non-greasy formula that doesn’t flatten hair, but leaves it smooth and shiny instead. One tester commented that it’s comparable to a high-end product.

LUXE STYLING ESSENTIALS

11. Best Heat-protector
Goldwell Dualsenses Rich Repair Thermo Leave In Treatment, $30 (150ml), repairs chemical damage done to hair so it becomes smooth and soft to the touch.

12. Best Hairspray for a Natural Look
Shiseido Professional Stage Works Structure Hold Spray, $30 (180g), produces a fine mist and lends a light to medium hold so that hair looks soft and doesn’t feel stiff.

13. Best Dry Shampoo
Joico Instant Refresh Dry Shampoo, $34 (200ml), is fast-drying and absorbs excess oil from the scalp and hair. It gives a lift to roots and a moisture boost to strands for a soft – not stiff – result.

14. Best Texturising Hairspray
Redken Signature Look Fashion Waves 07 Texturizing Sea Spray, $32 (150ml), is lightweight and non-sticky. It is super-easy to use – just spray it all over hair and scrunch to create a tousled style with dishevelled, sexy waves.

15. Best Strong-hold Hairspray
Percy & Reed Reassuringly Firm Session Hold Hairspray, $26 (250ml), produces an ultra-fine mist that gives a strong hold without making hair look “hardened”.

16. Best Shine Booster
Label.m Shine Spray, $38 (125ml), has a spray nozzle that limits the amount used so you don’t accidentally overload hair. It is light enough for fine strands, and protects tresses with its paraben-free and antioxidant-rich formula.

17. Best Straightener
KMS California Tame Frizz Smoothing Lotion, $40 (150ml), detangles and smooths with a non-oily formula that controls frizz and protects hair from humidity.

18. Best Styling Powder
L’Oreal Professionnel Tecni.art Wild Stylers Next Day Hair, $29.95 (250ml), spreads easily compared with most pour-out hair powders. It leaves your do instantly volumised, textured and matte.

19. Best Wax for a Natural Look
O’right Free Mind Mud, $34 (50ml), is a non-sticky formula that holds your hairstyle and at the same time, allows you to restyle it easily. We like that it washes off effortlessly, too.

20. Best Volumiser
Shiseido Professional Stage Works Powder Shake, $31 (150ml), transforms from mist to powder once it dries. Suitable for both fine and slightly coarse hair, it makes your do look fuller all day.

21. Best Frizz Eliminator
KMS California Tame Frizz Taming Creme, $37 (125ml), has a creamy texture that smooths frizz effectively without being too oily or sticky.

22. Best Curl Definer
Shiseido Professional Stage Works Nuance Curl Cream, $30 (75g), gives you defined, bouncy curls. It feels a bit oily, but once applied, the oiliness doesn’t sit on your hair.

ESSENTIAL TOOLS

23. Best Reusable Home Hair Colour Kit
Hoyu Cielo Cream Hair Color, $17.90, dispenses a thick, non-drip foam that you can comb or massage through hair at hard-to-see areas like the back of your head. The fuss-free product covers greys effortlessly and doesn’t irritate the scalp. Any unused product in the bottle can be kept for a later date – perfect for those who need to cover grey roots every few weeks. It comes in six shades.

24. Best Home Hair Colour Kit
Liese Blaune Treatment Cream Color, $15.90, is a non-pungent, nourishing formula that conditions and colours in 15 minutes. The kit includes gloves to protect your hands, a tray to mix the creams, and a comb that lets you apply the cream mix to every strand evenly. It also covers grey hair effectively. It comes in five shades.

This article was originally published in Simply Her November 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.

Frantic over a freshly formed zit? Concealer is your best friend. In keeping with the critical nature of this crisis of the complexion, let’s get straight to it:

STEP 1. REDUCE REDNESS

The first order of business is to squelch the red swelling that makes pimples so unpleasantly prominent. You can use your go-to treatment gel, but I much prefer cooling it as if you were icing an injured knee.

Simply hold a cold compress against the blemish for about two minutes, then pat dry. The dip in temperature shrinks the skin’s blood vessels (say “vasoconstriction” if you want to impress your dermatologist), calling back the blotchiness of the blemish. Bonus: This cool trick also takes care of puffiness, pores and such – essentially any and every cosmetic concern.       

STEP 2. FAKE IT WITH A HYDRATING FOUNDATION

Prep your face with your usual skincare unguents, then move on to makeup proper. Now for the million-dollar question: Foundation or concealer first?

I sit squarely on the foundie-before-concealer side of things, and I’m glad to report that James Molloy, director of makeup artistry for M.A.C Cosmetics Asia Pacific, has my back: “Always apply your foundation first, because you might find that might be enough coverage. If you need a little bit more, go back in with a small brush and finish the job with concealer.”

Product recommendation? The best base for blemished skin bar none is Clinique’s Moisture Surge CC Cream Swirl Compact SPF30/PA++, stuffed with thirst-quenching moisture magnets and a brightening blend of white, pink and peachy pigments to “colour correct” patchy complexion.

Simply buff into skin with the accompanying puff, take a step back and scrutinise yourself in the mirror. Pleased with the level of coverage? Congrats, you’re good to go. If the pimples are still peeking through, proceed to the next step.

STEP 3. ADD A CREAM CONCEALER

On to concealer. When it comes to this makeup essential, everyone and their mother seems to have the most vociferous of opinions, but I’ve found that a creamy product infused with soothing oils, like Shiseido’s sensational new Perfecting Stick Concealer, is your best bet. Why? The chances of unsightly caking and creasing are drastically reduced if your already delicate skin is kept perfectly pampered and well hydrated.

How to apply? Take it from James Molloy, director of makeup artistry for M.A.C Cosmetics Asia Pacific: “What I do is to use a very small fluffy brush– M.A.C 217 is perfect for this purpose – and literally go over each and every spot with an industrial-grade concealer like Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer, as if your brush were an eraser. This way, you get an even-looking canvas without looking like you’re wearing a ton of makeup.”

That means – pun alert – poring over each acne-affected area, blemish by blemish, instead of blanketing your entire face with warpaint,which can look very artificial on problematic skin. Oh, and always use the exact same shade as your skin, never lighter: A pale hue will only highlight the very problem you’re trying to hide.

SOME FINAL TIPS

Use light stippling actions to deposit the product directly onto your little red monsters, then tap with clean fingers around the edges to blur out the demarcation between the blemish and “good” skin. Set with just a smidgen of translucent powder; the talc in the formula will sop up sebum through the day to prevent the concealer from sliding off the spot.

(Aside: Covering up post-acne scars are an entirely different kettle of fish, but let’s hope your blemish heals without a hitch and that you’ll never have to cross that bridge!)

And voila, you’re done! All ready to “face” the day. Consider this the first module of basic beauty school. Good luck, class dismissed!

Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream Swirl Compact SPF30/PA++, $53, ia available at all Clinique counters. For more information, visit www.clinique.com.sg and follow Clinique Singapore on Facebook.

M.A.C Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer, $31, and 217 Blending Brush, $41, are available at all M.A.C Cosmetics counters. For more information, visit www.maccosmetics.com.sg and follow M.A.C Cosmetics on Facebook.

Shiseido Perfecting Stick Concealer, price TBD, is available from January 2015 at all Shiseido counters. For more information, visit www.sg.shiseido.com and follow Shiseido Singapore on Facebook.

It is quite evident that over the years, Zhang Ziyi’s glam squad has figured out what works best for her.

It’s all about emphasising that gamine figure with outfits that nip in at the waist, preferably paired with a long flowy skirt, hair pulled back with shoulder-dusting earrings to frame her heart-shaped face.

Now if all goes according to plan – that is, if rocker boyfriend Wang Feng musters up the courage to propose, which according to Ziyi “should be soon” – we would all love to see her in an even more breathtaking version of her best red carpet looks on the aisle.

Look #1

Images: Corbis

Put your hand up if you are love with this gorgeous Zuhair Murad dress Ziyi wore in 2013 to the post-Golden Horse Awards celebration party after winning Best Actress for her role in The Grandmaster. I’m all for strategic sheer panelling that reveal the figure without showing off too much. Shoulders and legs covered in delicate mesh are definitely wedding day-appropriate.

Look #2

It’s truly all about the details. Ziyi looked stunning in this exquisite embellished Elie Saab dress at the Cannes International Film Festival in 2013. What’s surprising here is how the ultra-slim lilac belt was all it took to create a subtle hourglass figure and should take full credit for pulling the look together.

Look #3

Ziyi adopted a less conventional red-carpet look this time around and it’s a winner. This futuristic Stephane Rolland dress flirts with avant-garde territory. I love how the edgy geometric bodice contrasts sharply with a romantic ruffled train for high-octane glamour. I bet you didn’t notice the discrete detail pulling the look together: Isn’t it amazing how a slim belt is all it takes?

Look #4

It doesn’t have to be floor-sweeping dresses all the time. This Giambattista Valli dress with embroidered leaf details and tulip-like skirt was hemmed up from its original mid-calf version to reveal more leg. It’s hard not to love how the emerald green shade paired with striking yellow Christian Louboutin pumps make for a refreshing yet sophisticated red-carpet outfit.

Look #5

Either you love it or you hate it. I, for one, am in love with the way Ziyi pulled off this Grecian goddess look in a Marc Bouwer gown. The strong shoulders and bejewelled neckline does wonders to highlight her delicate and slender frame and I can already imagine her in a similar version on her wedding day if she opts to go down the Hollywood glamour route.

Check out this one-stop shop if you love gift vouchers. | Image: Screengrab from Gobob.sg

A new online store, Gobob.sg, has just made Christmas shopping a little bit easier.

It has pulled together a group of 12 retailers, including Robinsons, Courts, Fred Perry and Marks & Spencer, to sell gift vouchers on its portal.

You can also choose to buy a gift card of a certain value that allows your friend to choose a voucher from any of the 12 retailers.

You will accumulate credits with every purchase on the website, which you can use towards your next purchase. Or you can turn the credits into cash and donate to one of these charities - Singapore Red Cross, Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore and Touch Community Services.

This story was first published in Urban, The Straits Times, November 28, 2014. To read more from Urban, go to sph.straitstimes.com/supplements/urban. Please note, if you are not a subscriber you may not be able to access this page.

Shop these iconic and limited edition Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress and clutches on Net-a-Porter! | Images: Diane von Furstenberg @ Net-a-Porter

To mark the 40th anniversary of the wrap dress, Diane von Furstenberg has designed a limited-edition capsule collection exclusively for luxury e-tailer Net-A-Porter.

The 12-piece collection of playful wrap dresses, sleek jumpsuits and suede envelope clutches evoke that 1970s sleek, sexy, glamorous vibe.

Prices start from US$228 (S$296).

This story was first published in Urban, The Straits Times, November 28, 2014. To read more from Urban, go to sph.straitstimes.com/supplements/urban. Please note, if you are not a subscriber you may not be able to access this page.

MARKS & SPENCER SPECIAL

Nothing says Christmas and New Year’s Eve like metallics, sequins and embellishments. Marks & Spencer’s range of festive outfits is a glittery collection of party-appropriate ensembles for everyone, from conservative dressers to the stylish woman who’s not afraid of some bling. Plus, forget couple tees and matching colours. It’s all about coordinating to a T.

Wow your friends and family with amazing gifts too! Consider these sweet beauty treats from Marks and Spencer, from pampering gift sets to seductive scents, and you can’t go wrong with biscuits and cookies with beautiful festive packaging.

For more information about Marks & Spencer, go to global.marksandspencer.com/sg/; or you can follow the brand on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MarksandSpencerSingapore. Some items are available only at selected Marks & Spencer stores.

YOU HAVE...ONE MONTH BEFORE THE PARTY

REDUCE FAT AND SHAPE YOUR WAIST
Vanquish
WHAT An application pad hovers over your abdomen, heating up fat cells without hurting the skin, muscles or organs. This is thought to destroy the fat cells, boost your metabolic rate, and get rid of excess fluids and toxins. Post-treatment, you may experience mild redness and warmth on the areas treated, which could last minutes to hours. Your skin will feel firmer.
SESSIONS NEEDED Once a week for four weeks
COST From $600 a session
WHERE Healthsprings Laser and Aesthetic Clinic, #10-01A Liat Towers, tel: 6836-8386; Healthsprings Medical Clinic, #02-01/02 Greenridge Shopping Centre, tel: 6892-6681. www.healthsprings.com.sg

REDUCE STRETCH MARKS AND FIRM SAGGING SKIN
Viora Reaction Refit Treatment
WHAT Multiple modes of radio-frequency energy reach deep into skin to firm it up by boosting collagen and elastin production, and to break down fat cells. Vacuum therapy encourages deeper heat penetration, which is believed to improve blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, and stimulate your metabolism to shrink fat cells. The device has a built-in cooling system to minimise the heat.
SESSIONS NEEDED Once a week
COST $400 a session
WHERE Evan Woo Plastic Surgery, #07-21 Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, tel: 6734-1213. www.evanwooplasticsurgery.com

REDUCE FAT
Liposonix
WHAT The non-invasive procedure delivers high-intensity ultrasound energy deep into skin with the aim of destroying fat cells, while firming and smoothing it by strengthening the collagen. The ultrasound handpiece channels heat energy only to the target area, leaving surrounding tissue unharmed. You’ll feel a bearable warm sensation.
SESSIONS NEEDED One
COST From $2,000 a session
WHERE SL Clinic, #04-04 Wheelock Place, tel: 6235-3246; #03-33 Plaza Singapura, tel: 6336-1106. www.slclinic.com.sg

SOFTEN YOUR JAWLINE
Botox
WHAT Botulinum toxin is injected in small doses via a fine needle into the muscles around the jawline, to weaken the nerves that control muscle contractions. This relaxes tense muscles and softens an angular jawline. You should see results in two weeks, and these last three to six months.
SESSIONS NEEDED One
COST From $600 a session
WHERE SL Clinic

GET TIGHTER, FIRMER SKIN
Thermage CPT
WHAT Radio-frequency energy heats up the deep skin layers, which is believed to strengthen collagen fibres and boost their production for firmer skin and a more defined face. A topical numbing cream is applied beforehand, and a cooling spray is used during the treatment, but you may still experience brief, hot sensations as the application tip heats up areas of skin. Downtime is minimal – you should be able to return to your everyday activities right after the treatment. Results can last up to a year.
SESSIONS NEEDED One
COST From $3,800
WHERE Dr Eileen Tan Skin, Laser and Hair Transplant Clinic, #12-01 Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, 3 Mount Elizabeth, tel: 6733-8898. www.eileentanskin.com

IMPROVE ACNE SCARS, SPOTS AND WRINKLES
Chemical Peel
WHAT Chemical solutions such as alpha-hydroxy acid are applied to create a controlled wound that removes the topmost skin layers. This minimises the look of scars and dark spots. You’ll feel a warm to hot sensation lasting five to 10 minutes. Post-treatment, skin may turn red and shed for three to seven days, before a smoother, plumper-looking complexion is revealed.
SESSIONS NEEDED Once every three to four weeks
COST From $250 a session
WHERE Dr Eileen Tan Skin, Laser and Hair Transplant Clinic

YOU HAVE...THREE WEEKS BEFORE THE PARTY

REDUCE SCARS AND PEP UP SKIN
Viora Vtouch Fractional Radiofrequency Face Treatment
WHAT The non-invasive treatment uses two types of radio-frequency technology with the aim of boosting collagen production, as well as tightening and firming skin. The device also has vacuum and cooling mechanisms to reach less accessible areas such as the neck and decolletage, and to provide a more effective and comfortable treatment.
SESSIONS NEEDED Once a week for three weeks
COST $1,800 for three sessions
WHERE The Wellness Clinic, #04-09 Camden Medical Centre, tel: 6887-3073. www.wellnessclinic.sg

SHAPE YOUR FEATURES
Nose and Chin Augmentation with Fillers
WHAT Fillers are injected into the nose to create a more defined bridge or sharper tip, and into the chin to make the face heart-shaped. Topical numbing cream is applied pre-treatment. You should see instant results that can last from six months to a year.
SESSIONS NEEDED One
COST $800 for every 0.9cc of Radiesse Volumizing Filler; $800 for every 1cc of the Restylane range of fillers
WHERE The Knightsbridge Clinic, 277A South Bridge Road, tel: 9730-9399. www.knightsbridgeclinic.sg

YOU HAVE...ONE WEEK BEFORE THE PARTY

MAKE SKIN GLOW
Nouvelle Medi-Facial
WHAT An upgrade from the usual kind of facial, this begins with dermabrasion to get rid of dead skin cells and debris. Clogged pores, blackheads and whiteheads are then removed using a suction tool. After that, your skin is moisturised before a collagen-boosting mask is applied. The result: a smoother, more supple and radiant complexion.
SESSIONS NEEDED One
COST $250 a session
WHERE The Knightsbridge Clinic

GIVE DROOPY BROWS A LIFT
Chemical Brow Lift using Botox
WHAT The procedure lifts sagging skin around the eyebrows by injecting botulinum toxin into the muscles around them. This weakens the nerves that cause muscle contractions around the brows. Your forehead muscles then compensate by pulling up the lower forehead area, making your brows look lifted, and you, refreshed.
SESSIONS NEEDED One
COST From $250 a session
WHERE SL Clinic

YOU HAVE...ONE DAY BEFORE THE PARTY

REFINE YOUR COMPLEXION
Yellow Laser
WHAT This treatment helps reduce obvious capillaries, acne marks and dark spots. It sends out yellow light energy to repair damaged veins, destroy acne-causing bacteria, lower oil production by shrinking the sebaceous glands, and boost collagen production. At the same time, green light energy
helps to lighten dark spots and melasma by reducing
melanin production.
SESSIONS NEEDED One
COST From $650
WHERE Dr Eileen Tan Skin, Laser and Hair Transplant Clinic

LIGHTEN DARK SPOTS AND BOOST RADIANCE
Lumitherm
WHAT Low pulsed light energy is delivered into the skin via an application probe. Unlike other Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments, you won’t feel rubber band-like snapping sensations on your skin – a built-in cooling system in the probe ensures that you’ll only feel a comfortable level of warmth. The treatment jump-starts skin renewal and collagen growth to give you a smoother, softer, more supple and even-toned complexion.
SESSIONS NEEDED One
COST $250 a session
WHERE The Knightsbridge Clinic

This article was originally published in Simply Her December 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.

Making full use of a sepia-tinged filter! Image: Studio Wongkyu via The Straits Times

When it rains, it pours? Hot on the heels of Mandopop prince Jay Chou’s hugely hyped January 2015 wedding comes another January jaunt, this time courtesy of singer Tay Kewei and her suave sweetheart Alfred Sim.

Pop culture pundits, mark your Gmail calendars: A date – January 4 – has been set, and if Alfred’s passionate proposal is anything to go by, we can look forward to the full fairytale works, and then some.

Here’s what we know. The Singapore pop (S-Pop?) singers have apparently been dating on the down low for close to a decade now, with full and frank disclosure coming only upon Alfred’s Project Superstar win this October. (Interestingly enough, their nuptial news was released by Kewei’s record label S2S. Marriage as publicity fodder? Discuss.)

The celeb couple in their "civilian" garb. Adorable! Image: @Keweitay

As Kewei tells it, Alfred’s “spoil market” five-figure proposal back in May this year is one for the books. In the bride-to-be’s recounting to The Straits Times, phase one of the plan involved Alfred convincing her to take up a faux wedding gig (The pair are part-time wedding singers.)

When Kewei turned up at the allocated venue, she was gobsmacked by a gang of about 40 of her friends and family, complete with a live band and photog on standby. Music started playing, and the 33-year-old hunk of the hour sauntered in strumming the guitar to So In Love, an aptly titled tune from Kewei’s oeuvre. Some crying ensued, cheers from the assembled crowd, score!

But the shenanigans didn’t end that night. The very next morning, Kewei says she was swept off to Tokyo for a week-long wedding shoot: “We took the 5am flight to Japan. I've always dreamt of being surprised like that. I was so happy. He thought that it would be very anti-climactic if we went back to our normal lives after the proposal.”

Here’s when merchandise and marriage intersect: The musical matrimony will also be marked by a self-penned duet from the duo.

It won’t take a giant leap of imagination to envision the accompanying promo video to include #BTS footage of the proposal, plus mood shots of the pair canoodling against the colourful Tokyo cityscape.

Quite the wedding for our ages, no. Congrats, Kewei and Alfred; over to you, Jay Chou and Hannah Quinlivan!

You can follow Tay Kewei and Alfred Sim on Instagram.

We'll have whatever she's having, please. Image: Pantene

Odds are you would have read any number of beauty pieces extolling the “fatty” skincare fad of pouring oil onto everything. As it turns out, when it comes to hair oils, you may want to consider proceeding with caution.

Take it from an expert: “I would never recommend putting natural oil directly on hair,” says Rod Anker, celeb stylist and brand ambassador for Schwarzkopf India. “It blocks the follicles and reduces the pH level, and hair loss is directly linked to the pH level of your scalp.” Oh dear, bummer.

When quizzed for his take, my personal hairdresser concedes the point, saying that heavy-duty oils can indeed clog the “pores” of the hair follicle, hindering hydration to the fragile root. The result? Brittle strands susceptible to breakage and thinning.

All is not lost. Again, we need only look to skincare for an analogous situation: If hair oil coats our cuticles so much so that it prevents absorption of moisture, then it follows that you should apply oils as the very last step in your regime. Or, in other words, apply your water-based hair treatments (read “serums”) before topping up with a styling oil (your equivalent of a night cream). Genius, right?

Right now, I’m panting for Pantene’s intriguingly monickered Total Damage Care 10 BB Crème for Hair which, like its skincare counterpart, is a snazzy styling product with bountiful beauty benefits.

To use, simply run a dollop through the ends of damp or dry hair; this will give a generous shot of shine courtesy of a conditioning coconut and fatty acid blend. For added peace of mind, layer a an enriching essence like the Hair Fall Control Hair Strength Tonic under your BB Crème.

What else? I’m also gaga over Goldwell’s new Kerasilk Deep Smoothing Mask, which is great for a midweek boost of moisture. Chock-full of cuticle-comforting silk proteins, this pampering rinse-off treat promises to do exactly what its name suggests: It deeply smoothes every strand, prepping it for a final spritz of hair oil; for the latter, try the delightfully lush Kerasilk Ultra Rich Keratin Care Oil from the same range.

Once you’ve applied your “base” products, feel free to rake a hair oil through the ends of your tresses for a photoshoot-ready sheen; think Beyonce’s sexy “wob” in the by-now iconic Drunk in Love video. Oils are also perfect for taming pesky flyaways; for this purpose, opt for argan oil blends, which are awesome for lending a really reflective mirror-like mirage. Dispense one drop between your palms and lightly skim it across the surface for high-wattage shine without the extra weight.

So no, hair oils are not “bad” for you, per se. Like heavier-textured face creams, the trick is to layer them judiciously, at the end of your regime. I hope this gets you out of future hairy situations. Good luck!

Goldwell Kerasilk Deep Smoothing Mask, $80, and Kerasilk Ultra Rich Keratin Care Oil, $56, is available from all Goldwell-affiliated salons. For list of stockists, please call Goldwell at 6681 4749.

Pantene Total Damage Care 10 BB Crème for Hair, $9.90, and Pro-V Hair Fall Control Hair Strength Tonic, $7.95, are available at all leading supermarkets and pharmacies. For more information, visit www.everydayme.com.sg/tag/pantene and follow Pantene Singapore on Facebook.

Ever felt the compelling need to look at a person who has just walked past, leaving an alluring trail of their perfume? Chances are, the answer is yes. (For me, it is usually a girl wearing Chloe, or a guy who smells of Bleu de Chanel.)

I always believe that no matter how much time we spend on our clothes, makeup and hair, the one thing that immediately draws us to another person is their scent.

So why not make a lasting impression during this year’s party season by standing out of the crowd (dressed to the nines, no less) with your perfume.

Here are three tips on how you can make fragrances last longer:

#1 KNOW THE BASIC TRICKS
Before you start experimenting with scent, you need to know how to apply it first.

Sometimes we get lazy and all we do is spritz a cloud of perfume into the air and walk into it, but it will not last. Spraying directly onto your clothes can also stain them, so apply your perfume before you get dressed.

Always take the time to spray your perfume at the pulse points — your wrists, behind your ears, the inner elbow, the back of the knees and the nape of the neck — and anywhere that produces heat.

Remember that you should not rub your wrists together. It “spoils” the fragrance experience. The smell you get when the perfume first leaves the bottle is different from the smell you get after the perfume has been on your skin for a few hours. By rubbing your wrists together you accelerate that process. So you will “miss” how it smells on the first spritz.

You can also follow this old trick: Spray perfume into your hair. It will not prolong its wear, but it will help to leave a “perfume trail”. Don’t overdo it though, because the alcohol in perfume can dry your strands. In our weather, applying perfume to the nape of the neck can actually be enough to trap the scent in long hair.

#2 MOISTURISE FIRST
Apart from heat, fragrance clings better to well-moisturised skin, so use an unscented body lotion or cream before spraying perfume. Try these body lotions which are perfect for humid weather if you do not have the habit of applying moisturiser all over your body: 4 body moisturisers for humid weather.

If you really do not like the feeling of an all-over body moisturiser, you can selectively apply them to the pulse points; refer to point one above.

Online beauty community users have also suggested using Vaseline (or any form of petroleum jelly) in place of moisturiser. Wait for the moisturiser or Vaseline to dry, then apply your perfume.

#3 LAYER PRODUCTS IN THE SAME RANGE
Use shower gel, body cream and perfume of the same fragrance family to amplify the scent.

You might think that the fragrance disappears as you wash away the shower foam, but it actually lingers on your skin. Try sniffing your inner elbows after showering tonight: The scent is faint, but it makes a difference. The easiest way to think of this is like a makeup primer, which absorbs into your skin and makes a subtle but visible difference to the finished look.

Remember point number two? Moisturise with a body cream or lotion in the same scent. Many brands offer a whole range of body products for each fragrance these days. Here’s our pick: the iconic Chanel No. 5 range.

You really get the full works for this musky scent — body soap, body cream, deodorant and even a loose powder for the body.

BONUS: TAILOR YOUR SCENT BY LAYERING PRODUCTS FROM DIFFERENT RANGES

You can use the previous concept to tailor your scent without having to go out and buy a new perfume when you want something different, just switch out one of the products.

The trick to doing this is to go for light scents with complementary notes.

The L’Occitane Fragrance Beautifying Cream is meant to help perfume last longer, but its neutral floral notes makes it extremely versatile for layering with other fragrances.

Try it with the brand’s new Arlesienne perfume and smell like a blend of rose, sweet violet and saffron.

If you’re worried about clashing scents, always test fragrances in store first. Do not buy a perfume right away, because you should take note of how it performs over time. (You know how some perfumes smell lovely in the morning on you and turns horrible by noon? Avoid that.) Happy sampling!

Chanel No.5 Fragrance range, from $44, is available at all Chanel stores and counters. For more information, visit www.chanel.com/en_SG, and follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

L'Occitane Fragrance Beautifying Cream, $53, is available at all L'Occitane stores and counters. For more information, visit sg.loccitane.com, and follow the brand on Facebook. 

1. ROASTED WHOLE TURKEY WITH APPLE & CASHEW STUFFING EDITOR'S RAVE
$222.56 (6.5-7.5kg), from Raffles Hotel Singapore, tel: 6412-1100. Available from Dec 1-25.
This marvellous bird didn’t disappoint on all counts, from its remarkably moist, tender texture to its accompanying sides and sauces. The stuffing was particularly refreshing with the fragrance of mushrooms and apples, while the splendid variety of vegetables included zucchini, carrots and super-yummy roast potatoes.
Score: 9.5/10

2. ROASTED TURKEY SERVED WITH CHESTNUT, APPLE AND CELERY STUFFING
$265.36 (4kg), from The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, tel: 6434-5288. Available from Nov 22 to Jan 1.
The turkey meat was a little dry in parts, but the sauces compensated for it. Herby and buttery, the glossy brown sauce was well balanced, while the lingonberry compote had a nice tang that complemented the gaminess of the fowl. A game of “fastest forks first” ensued when it came to the warm cornbread – it was so delicious, we wished for more.
Score: 8/10

3. ROASTED TURKEY WITH CHESTNUT STUFFING BEST VALUE
$169.06 (4-6kg); $254.66 (7-9kg), from Hilton Singapore, tel: 6730-3392. Available from Nov 20 to Dec 25.
We relished every tasty bit of this turkey, from its moist, toothsome breast meat to its slightly saltier drumsticks – even the skin tingled with a peppery seasoning. The giblet sauce was a particular standout with its rich consistency and meaty flavour. But while we appreciated the generous quantity of the brussels sprouts, they were undercooked.
Score: 8.5/10

4. TRADITIONAL MARINATED WHOLE TURKEY
$161.46 (4.5-5kg), from Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, tel: 6233-1100. Available from Nov 15 to Dec 26.
The fowl tasted gamier than the others, but the accompanying condiments – a chunky, tangy cranberry sauce and mildly sweet but mostly savoury giblet gravy – played it down so the overall mix of flavours was just right. The sauteed brussels sprouts, carrots, zucchini and chestnuts were cooked well, too. Surprisingly, the dark meat was tougher than the moist, tender breast meat.
Score: 7.5/10

5. TRADITIONAL WHOLE APPLE-GLAZED TURKEY
$135 (6-7kg), from The Westin Singapore. To order, e-mail: restaurant.reservation@westin.com. Available from Dec 1-25.
Both the cranberry sauce and brown gravy were unsatisfactory – one was too sour and the other, too oily – but every meaty part of the bird was amazingly tender and succulent. The roast potatoes and carrots on the side were slightly burnt, but the chestnut-studded stuffing was soft and tasty.
Score: 7.5/10

6. ROASTED WHOLE TURKEY WITH AMALFI LEMON AND BASIL
$222 (4.5kg), from Regent Singapore, tel: 6720-8000. Available from Dec 1 to Jan 1.
Some of us thought the combination of basil on the turkey skin and rosemary in the sauce was too overpowering, but others liked the strong herb flavours. The meat, however, was satisfactorily moist. Among the accompanying vegetables, the velvety, buttery mashed potatoes were a hit.
Score: 6/10

7. ROASTED TURKEY WITH HOMEMADE BREAD AND CHESTNUT STUFFING GREAT FIND
$168 (5kg); $238 (10kg), from Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, tel: 6831-7253. Available from Nov 1 to Dec 25.
This package delivered visual impact with its army of colourful sides – peaches! Walnuts! Asparagus! Even the Marmite-like brown sauce and cranberry jam came in reusable glass jars. The polished presentation wasn’t just for show because the vegetables were all well cooked, the turkey itself was quite moist throughout, and the buttery bread-like stuffing had us raving.
Score: 9/10

8. TRADITIONAL TOAST TURKEY WITH CHESTNUT, FOIE GRAS STUFFING, CRANBERRY & PORT WINE SAUCE
$172 (4.5-5kg); $288 (9-10kg), from Singapore Marriott Hotel, tel: 6831-4708. Available from Nov 26 to Dec 25.
Well salted through the breast and especially the legs, the turkey meat was tasty even on its own. The white meat was quite dry, but the sweet cranberry sauce moistened it and balanced out the saltiness nicely. The chestnut and foie gras stuffing tasted good, but we felt the port wine sauce was too thin.
Score: 7/10

9. MAPLE BRINED WHOLE TURKEY WITH SAGE AND NUTMEG STUFFING
$208 (5kg), from Shangri-La Hotel, tel: 6213-4448. Available from Nov 28 to Dec 25.
The turkey lacked the juiciness we expected, although the breast and legs were equally tender and had a soft, toothsome bite we liked. While we couldn’t appreciate the lumpy mash and stuffing, what really shone were the crunchy, well-cooked brussels sprouts, which were nothing short of perfection.
Score: 7/10

10. STEAM BAKED TURKEY GREAT FIND
$198 (5kg), from Goodwood Park Hotel, tel: 6730-1867. Available from Dec 1 to 26.
This is the turkey that everyone, even Grandpa and Grandma, will take to. Steam-baked with chestnuts, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, carrots and spring onions, its unmistakable Chinese flavours and smooth, juicy flesh resemble those of steamed chicken. It doesn’t scream “festive”, but it does make a satisfying meal with sides of oyster sauce-braised vegetables, Chinese cured ham and yam rice.
Score: 8/10

It is recommended that you order these turkeys at least five working days in advance.

This article was originally published in Simply Her December 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.

One thing we loved: This power duo looking like the cutest Austrian grandfather-daughter pair. | Images: Chanel

SALZBURG, AUSTRIA — If you’ve seen the 1965 classic The Sound of Music starring Julie Andrews, imagine if you will, the awe-inspiring feeling you got upon seeing Maria stepping into Captain von Trapp’s supremely dignified abode.

Now, picture an estate even posher, grander and more opulent than that, with beautiful models strutting about its elaborate hallways decked out in the most exquisite Austrian-inspired costumes and you’ll have some idea of what Chanel’s Paris-Salzburg 2014/15 collection show was like.

Here are the 5 things that we loved about Chanel’s annual luxury showcase – the Métiers d’Art show – that hit the baroque halls of the Schloss Leopoldskron on December 2, 2014.

1. The luxurious rococo setting that most of us can have only dreamed of

Two words: Blown away. This is without a doubt exactly what I imagined palaces and castles in fairy tales to look like – except that this is actually real life! This is the Schloss Leopoldskron, an elaborate rococo palace from 1744 and also one of Austria’s national monuments – and it's totally going on my must-see travel list.

2. Cara and Karl looking like a sweet Austrian grandfather-daughter combo

Model-of-the-moment Cara Delevingne closed the show with Chanel’s creative director, the inimitable Karl Lagerfeld, hand-in-hand. The Brit model you’re seeing everywhere is the face of the Paris-Salzburg 2014/15 collection, and don’t you just love how they look like they walked right out of a period movie set?

3. The Cara-Kendall fashion power duo

 

Cara and Kendall #ChanelSalzburg #finale

Una foto publicada por Anna Barroso (@it_girls) elDic 12, 2014 at 7:22 PST

Fashion BFF power! There is something decidedly heartwarming about seeing two familiar faces here since everyone else in model world has flown to London for the taping of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.

4. The flared jacket/cape making a comeback

It looks like Maria von Trapp’s wardrobe but better. Steer away from looking like a nun by teaming this flared silhouette with figure-hugging skirt or shorts. The key to pulling off the look is getting the proportions right. Make sure it ends at least an inch above your hip and that the sleeves hit you at three-quarter arm length.

5. This office-appropriate bib top

Trust the traditional bib to transform into an up-to-date wardrobe must-have in the hands of creative genius Karl Lagerfeld. The black and white colour combi paired with that lush teal cardigan is so modern and stylishly office-appropriate.

Get the latest updates from Chanel by following them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Chanel, on Instagram at @chanelofficial and on Twitter at @CHANEL.

1. TARRAWARRA ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2011
$40, from www.winedirections.com
This rounded Australian white wine carries the flavours of stone fruit with a light woody accent. It drinks well on its own, but also goes beautifully with smoked salmon and creamy pastas.

2. MATAHIWI ESTATE RESERVE HOLLY PINOT NOIR 2009
$45, from www.winedirections.com
A red wine from New Zealand with dark cherries on the palate and notes of coffee and oak – the best accompaniment to a non-spicy Chinese zi char feast.

3. SIMONSIG CHENIN BLANC 2014
$41.50, from www.thewinecompany.com.sg
Hailing from South Africa, this sweet, fruity white wine is fragrant with ripe pear and honey. Drink it with grilled or baked seafood, like lobster thermidor with a buttery sauce.

4. LIS NERIS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2011
$56, from www.ewineasia.com
It boasts the classic fresh herbs and grassy notes of a Sauvignon Blanc, and it’s impossible to stop at just one glass of this refreshing Italian white wine. Serve it with a cold platter of fresh prawns and mussels.

5. ISOLE E OLENA CEPPARELLO 2009
$119, from www.ewineasia.com
This dense Italian red wine is absolutely delicious, with the acidity of black cherry and rhubarb entangled with notes of cocoa. If you can bear to share it, have it alongside steak.

6. EMILIO MORO 2011
$60, from www.ewineasia.com
A Spanish red wine that surprises with a burst of umami and mineral flavours – it washes down best with salty jamon (cured ham).

7. NICOLIS AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA DOC CLASSICO 2008
$116, from www.monopole.com.sg
Touted as the “wine of love”, this captivating Italian red wine made from semi-dried grapes has a concentrated flavour tinged with the sweetness of ripe fruit and the smokiness of tobacco, walnut and cocoa. Recommended with red meats and strong cheeses.

8. GABA DO XIL GODELLO 2009
$45, from www.monopole.com.sg
This Spanish white wine is honeyed, with spicy notes and a zesty acidity that go perfectly with fresh seafood.

9. PIEROPAN SOAVE CLASSICO 2013
$43, from www.ewineasia.com
This Italian white wine first charms with fruity-floral notes of apple, pear, lemon and verbena before tapering off with the nuttiness of almonds. Drink it with grilled fish and antipasti.

10. TORZI MATTHEWS FROST DODGER SHIRAZ 2010
$54, from www.winedirections.com
Particularly apt for Christmas festivities is this Australian red wine, velvety and luxe with the flavours of dark forest berries, chocolate and oak. Drink it on its own or savour it with grilled beef and hard cheeses.

11. AUZELLS 2013
$51, from www.winestudio.com.sg
Comprising five white wines – Macabeo, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Albarino – this fruity medley yields the flavours of apple, pear, pineapple, mango, apricot, peach and orange blossom in every sip. Best with fried finger food and grilled prawns.

12. JOSEPH DROUHIN COTE DE BEAUNE ROUGE 2011
$76, from www.monopole.com.sg
This red wine from one of the most reputable wineries in Burgundy, France, is seductive with hints of mulberry, dark cherries and fine-grained tannins. Best with roast duck.

This article was originally published in Simply Her December 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.

THE PROBLEM WITH VITAMIN E OIL

Quick, let’s play a little word association game: “Vitamin E”, go. For me, it’ll be golden capsules, mushy avocado masks … and angry acne all over my cheeks.

True horror story: In a foolish display of derring-do, I decided to run with what I thought was a tried-and-tested beauty hack – breaking vitamin E capsules into regular moisturiser. The result? Spots sprouting literally overnight, which took more than plain luck and quite a few days to clear.

Here’s the thing. Ingestible vitamin E – as opposed to “topical” application, of which more later – has a hallowed history of being an awesome antioxidant: Tons of research have demonstrated its potency when it comes to counteracting certain cancers and improving immunity.

So far, so fabulous. It’s when you introduce vitamin E into your facial lotions that things get a little iffy. For one, all vitamin E supplements come suspended in oil; the “active” tocopherol component of the vitamin is fat-soluble, meaning it dissolves only in a greasy base.

Said oils are heavy-duty stuff; indeed, vitamin E rates surprisingly high on the comedogenic scale. Translation: Vitamin E can clog pores, and we’re all obsessed with keeping our pores clear, right?

Most damningly, researchers writing in the Dermatologic Surgery journal have concluded that “the application of topical vitamin E (such as what you may squeeze from a vitamin E pill) may actually be detrimental to the cosmetic appearance of a scar. In ninety percent of the cases in this study, topical vitamin E either had no effect on, or actually worsened the cosmetic appearance of scars.” Wow, talk about pouring oil on troubled waters.

Here’s another reason why introducing vitamin E into your face “diet” may have dire consequences: You’re applying it the “wrong” way. Take it from an expert: “Vitamin E is a great ingredient but it might throw off the balance of the skin if it isn’t used correctly – and one of the ways your skin reacts to imbalance is to produce more sebum,” warns Nicolas Travis, Singapore skincare entrepreneur and founder of upcoming grooming label Allies of Skin. “Traditional forms of vitamin E may also be too greasy for those with acne-prone complexions.”

THE SOLUTION!

If old-school capsules are off the mark, what can one do to get the most out of what is, after all, an established and excellent antioxidant? The solution is simple: Pair your superhero ingredient with an equally accomplished sidekick, vitamin C.

Here’s why. “Combining vitamin E with vitamin C can act as a natural form of sun protection,” notes Dr Stafford R. Broumand, an NYC-based cosmetic surgeon. “Vitamin E oil works to block free radicals from the body, which play a large part in the aging process. If we can fight off free radicals [with the addition of vitamin C], then we can reduce wrinkles and keep the skin youthful-looking.”

How to combine vitamin E and C without resorting to the risky DIY route? Easy enough: Try SkinCeuticals’ cult CE Ferulic essence, an exquisite anti-aging agent rigged with a carefully curated botanical blend of vitamins E, C and ferulic acid, the latter promising to “double the photoprotective power up to 8 times the skin's natural protection”.

Oh, one last bold claim: SkinCeuticals says this souped-up serum “remains effective for a minimum of 72 hours, making it an excellent addition to sunscreen.” Neat, yes?

So, to recap: Proceed with caution if you’re considering vitamin E oil, particularly if you’re pimple-prone. Or make sure to select a multivitamin formulation for maximum beautifying benefits.

And really, if all else fails and you’re still getting spots, do as I do and “redistribute” the wealth: Massage the leftover cream into chapped cuticles and lips. Zero chance of your nails or smackers breaking out!

You may contact Nicolas Travis at www.alliesofskin.com.

SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic, $248, is available at the National Skin Centre and selected pharmacies. For more information, visit www.skinceuticals.com and follow Skinceuticals Singapore on Facebook.