Not sure what else to put into your party clutch besides your credit card, some cash and a lipstick? We know it’s difficult to predict the beauty slip-ups that might happen when you’re out, so we spoke to makeup artist Larry Yeo to help get you covered.

Dsquared2 Milan Fall 2014

Here’s his list and recommendations on the five things you must-have in your party clutch.

#1 PRESSED POWDER
Remember: It’s a fine line between dewy and oily! No one likes a super shiny forehead showing up in photos, so bring a compact powder with you to take away the grease.

Larry recommends Maybelline’s White Super Fresh Foundation which absorbs oil quickly.

#2 CONCEALER
You’ve got a real good base for your makeup, but sometimes it just ain’t budge-proof. Pop a concealer into your party bag for a quick fix (and just in case a zit appears, you’ll have it covered, literally.)

Use ByTerry’s Terrybly Densiliss Concealer. Larry says that it can work as a liquid foundation for touch ups, and ladies, you’ll be glad to hear that this product goes over powder just fine.

#3 TINTED LIP BALM
No lip colour will last past three glasses of champagnes, and unless if you can be bothered to line your lips and go through the whole long-lasting lip routine in the tiny powder room, a tinted lip balm is your best bet.

Try this cult favourite – Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15. Go for Plum, Passion or Ruby, if you want more than just a wash of colour. Get them in mini sizes this Christmas with this set of seven!

#4 MAKEUP CLEANSING WIPES
Oops, makeup stained your top? Rubbed your eyes and smudged your eyeliner? Unwanted lipstick stains? Don’t fret, just whip out a handy pack of these Biore Cleansing Oil Cotton Facial Sheets.

#5 COTTON BUDS
Cotton buds are a must for those annoying eye makeup smudges! Look for mini cotton bud packs that’ll fit easily into your dainty clutch, or put a few in a little resealable bag and you’re all set!

Beauty slip up? No sweat.

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

Maybelline White Super Fresh Foundation, $22.90, is available at all leading pharmacies, supermarkets and hypermarkets. For more information, visit www.maybelline.com.sg and follow the brand on Facebook.

Fresh Sugar Legends, $82, and Fresh Sugar Ruby Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15, $33, is available at all Sephora stores. For more information, visit www.fresh.com, and follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Visit www.sephora.sg and follow Sephora on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

ByTerry Terrybly Densiliss Concealer, $95, is available at escentials. For more information, follow the brand on Twitter and Instagram. Visit www.escentials.com.sg and follow escentials on Facebook.

Biore Cleansing Oil Cotton Facial Sheets, $3.90 for 10 sheets, are available at all leading pharmacies, supermarkets and hypermarkets. For more information, visit www.kao.com/sg/biore, and follow the brand on Facebook and Instagram.

No, that Charlie Chaplin dude is not Hannah Quinlivan in disguise. Image: Straits Times / Xinhua, Apple Daily

Jay Chou is out and about plugging his new album the “traditional” way, but could he have done a Beyonce and dropped a bombshell of the marital sort? Dun-dun-dun.

Grilled by ravenous reporters on rumours that he had secretly proposed to his sweetheart Hannah Quinlivan at (of all places) Hyde Park in London, Jay said nay.

Here’s the preeminent Mandopop prince in his own words: “They're just wild guesses, how could I propose in a park? If I were to do it, it would be at a secret venue and it wouldn't be secret if I were to reveal the location.” Duly noted!

Speaking at the same press junket in Taipei, Mandarin entertainment portal NetEase reports that Jay also renewed his “vow” to put a ring on it on January 18 – which just happens to be his 36th birthday. (A “shuang xi” double celebration is such a Chinese thing to do; we approve!)

If you’re still not convinced the celeb couple hasn’t done “it” on the sly, well then Jay says the proof is in the pudding and on the finger: “You'll have to see whether there's an important keepsake on the other party's hand.”

Well, what about the grainy photos circulating on the Net showing a rock sitting pretty on one of the fingers on Hannah’s left hand, then? Jay’s cheeky rebuttal is more than a little vague: “Really? It’s there? The pictures need to be slightly clearer.”

Ah, well. It looks like we’ll have to wait ‘till January 18 to truly find out!

You can follow Jay Chou and Hannah Quinlivan on Weibo.

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Ladies, meet your latest mane must-have, the “metallic” highlight. Metallic hair makes all manner of sense, really: Fashion folks will know that designers the likes of DKNY and Peter Som have “mined” precious metals to produce super stylin’ Spring 2015 looks, so why not translate the trend onto your tresses, right?

Not keen on looking like a furry “Monkey King” extra from a bad period drama? No problem.

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The best thing about metallic highlights is how versatile the technique can be: The tiniest tinge of honey on your strands will give you a subtle “babylights” effect; or go straight to Tinseltown with a #Throwback to Marilyn Monroe’s platinum blonde mop.  

Bottomline: What you should be aiming for is a strategic sheen to your hair that calls to mind the incredibly flattering iridescence of polished metal. (Sidebar: There are no actual metal flecks to be found in your hair dye; that would of course be very bad news indeed.)

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To nail the look, ask your stylist to brush on feathery flicks of your chosen metallic colour on select strands; this “freehand” balayage method allows for a supremely natural, lived-in finish.

Beauty bonus: Because there’s no obvious demarcation between dyed hair and new regrowth, balayage also makes for a most cost-effective way of spreading out the months between each hair appointment.

Feeling the metal mania yet? Here’s the clincher: Your newly burnished bronze locks will be absolutely perfect paired with your festive finery, plus you’ll be the “highlight” of any cocktail party, guaranteed.

Show your colourist these hot Insta #hairspo pics to get the creative juices jogging; and cheers to a New Year full of good hair days ahead!

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Skincare treats like Sulwhasoo’s Essential Balancing Water and Gentle Cleansing Foam might be a mainstay on the dressing tables of beauty junkies, but have you ever wondered how these products would look like as art pieces?

Well, if you’re revelling in Seoul this wintry white season, be sure to stop by the 2014 Sulwha Culture Exhibition \'SKIN=NIKS\' at the Sinsadong Sulwhasoo Gallery to experience your fave skincare products in a new way.

Marking the 8th anniversary of the event, this year’s exhibition’s revolves around the audience using their five senses to experience a “different perspective on diverse relations”.

Not sure what to expect? Well, you’ll experience a mix of architecture, digital art, sound and ceramic exhibits, some of which feature Sulwhasoo’s popular products.

Case in point: As you enter the stunning gallery, you’ll be greeted by hundreds of bottles of Sulwhasoo’s Essential Balancing Water suspended on thin wires of different lengths, forming a massive cloud that represents skin.

And since this art gallery is situated smack in the middle of the trendy Gangnam area, you might just bump into beauty celebrities, like our favourite Taiwanese makeup maestro Kevin Lao-shi, who popped by for the gala opening of the exhibit.

Check out his sleek tuxe (and flawless complexion) in the picture below, and have fun sussing out all things Sulwhasoo if you're in the region!

The 2014 Sulwha Culture Exhibition \'SKIN=NIKS\' runs from now until December 31, 2014 at the Sulwhasoo Gallery in Sinsadong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. For more information, visit www.sulwhasoo.com.sg and follow the brand on Facebook.

Image: Corbis 

Recently, I’ve started using bar soap and it hasn’t been an easy transition; dropping the soap is not funny. In a span of two days, the fragrant bar of argan oil soap I was so eager to use was already a soggy, deformed and dented mess.

Bar soap also doesn’t lather up very well. Plus, gripping it tightly and washing your body bit by bit was way too time consuming.

Anyway, I promptly gave up after dropping my soap countless times and spending too long in the shower. Thankfully, I get my best ideas in the shower and thanks to that, I’m now a very happy bar soap lover. Why?

The answer, are these!

Here’s your periodic update on the starry shenanigans of #BabyZed and folks, this time with a timely festive twist and lots of posh presents. Hit it!

Ooh look, here’s a quick and dirty Insta-video of the cute cherub’s very famous Mum and Dad, complete with hashtags of their Mandarin monikers. Looking fab, #范文芳 and #李铭顺!

 

CHRISTMAS IS FINALLY HERE! Today we have Christopher Lee @aiainbaby and Fann @fannaiaiwong sending you their wishes! MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! Be sure to follow our Facebook and Instagram for more exclusive content! #catwalkasia #singapore #celebrity #christmas #greetings #fannwong #ChristopherLee #范文芳 #李铭顺

A video posted by Catwalk Asia Holdings Pte Ltd (@catwalkasia) onDec 12, 2014 at 9:29pm PST

Wait, how old is Zed’s mother again? Fann’s exceptionally fetching here, with her deliciously creamy complexion, strong brow game and just bitten lip stain. (The pink “prop” happens to be a present from Caldecott Hill colleague Sharon Au.) Proving once again that you don’t have to look matronly when you’re a Mum!    

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But back to Zed. Here’s the darling doll looking absolutely adorable in a smooshy onesie. “Who” is he wearing? Fendi, natch. Lucky lad.

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Speaking of the luxe life, here’s Fann and her posse toasting the new year with festive flutes of bubbly, bottle courtesy of Cartier, no less. (Diamonds not included, we think.)

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Zed in a furry Ewok get-up? Ugh, our ovaries. Make it stop!

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So Kanye’s put the kibosh on this year’s Kardashian Christmas card – which is just as well, really, given this very regram-worthy family portrait of Chris, Fann and Zed decked out in Santa hats. Aww.

Happy holidays, all three of you, here’s to many more. And Fann, sorry for the social media stalking, you know we worship you. ‘Till next time!

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You can follow Zed and his exploits via Fann Wong’s Facebook, Twitter, Weibo and Instagram accounts.

If you're heading to South Korea, this is one place you have to check out – Asia's first Burberry Beauty Box. The store – in Seoul’s Coex Mall – follows the same retail concept as the one in London's Covent Garden, where apart from makeup and fragrance services, you’ll be able to browse Burberry’s luxury accessories including eyewear, scarves and small leather goods for women.

Our favourite K-stars – girl group Rainbow’s Kim Jaekyung and Girls’ Generation’s Yuri among the list – attended the opening earlier in December, sporting a variety of beauty looks worth stealing, and we’ve got all the deets on how you can do it.

Before we start, prime your face with Burberry’s Fresh Glow Luminous Fluid Base. Pair it with a satin finish foundation like the brand’s Velvet Foundation.

This will help to give your skin that subtle lit-from-within glow, which shows up a lot better in flash photography than a straight-on dewy look.

Now, try these five looks. (Plus, a bonus Burberry signature face at the end!)

#1 STRONG EYES: Model Kang So Young
Lining the lower lash line has got to be one of the trickiest makeup moves for us girls with almond shaped eyes, because the harsh lines can actually make our eyes look a lot smaller. Girls with this problem, model Kang So Young provides a great example on how to pull off the look.

Steal her look:

Step one: Create a smoky eye with the Complete Eye Palette in Smokey Grey, keeping the darker shadows below the eye crease.

Step two: Line your eyes with the Eye Definer in Midnight Ash, a dark and creamy gunmetal shade. Bring the eyeliner all the way to the inner corners of your eyes, and connect it to your lower lash line. Dab some eyeshadow over the liner to prevent smudging.

Step three: Coat your lashes with a volumising mascara to finish the eye look.

Step four: Balance the strong eyes with the Light Glow Earthy Blush and a satin nude lip. This colour is the brand’s Lip Velvet in Pink Apricot.

#2 MATTE RED LIPS: Actress Kim Min Hee
Regardless of what makeup season it is, a matte red lip is always in (which means you can wear this all throughout 2015). Actress Kim Min Hee has her lips perfectly primed and lined for this elegant look, while keeping the makeup on the rest of her face neutral.

Steal her look:

You should exfoliate your lips beforehand and put on a thick layer of a gel-type lip treatment. No one likes flaky lips, especially if you’re going matte.

Step one: Softly contour the cheekbones with a brown blush that’s just a shade or two darker than your natural skintone.

Step two: Remove the excess lip treatment by blotting your lips with a tissue. Then, use a lip brush for precise application of Burberry’s Lip Velvet in Military Red, starting from the centre of the lips.

#3 WARM COMPLEXION AND CORAL LIPS: Kim Jaekyung, Rainbow
Now we can see this being a huge hit among us no-makeup makeup loving girls who want a little more ‘oomph’ this holiday. This is the most universally flattering look and office-appropriate among these featured here, so you can wear it pretty often. (Ladies who prefer using more eyeshadow in their no-makeup makeup routine, don't worry, there's another look for you coming up.)

Steal her look:

Step one: Use a neutral earth-tone or peachy blush like the Light Glow in Tangerine Blush, to slightly contour the cheeks. A little shimmer to your blush can help to achieve an overall bronze glow.

Step two: The blush doubles up as an eye-contour shade, so use it to give an illusion of deeper eyes. Line your eyes with a black pencil.

Step three: Keep your lips soft with a little bit of shine in the last step with a coral colour. K-Pop's very own beauty guru Jaekyung is wearing the Lip Cover in Devon Sunset.

(By the way, you should follow Jaekyung on Instagram for little K-beauty tutorials! The girl makes her own facial mists and moisturisers.)

#4 BERRY LIPS: Yuri, Girls’ Generation
Love, love, love berry lips! It’s the one lip colour I actually want to wear all year round – not red. Here, Girls’ Generation’s Yuri wears the satin berry lip perfectly with soft plum eyes and skin that’s not too glowy.

Steal her look:

Step one: Give some definition to the eyes by using a brown-based plum eyeshadow for the lids, like the Complete Eye Palette in Plum Pink. Tight line the upper eyelid with a brown pencil, extending the eyeline just a little for a natural look.

Step two: Sweep a dusty pink blush across the cheeks for a light flush.

Step four: Finish the look with the Lip Cover in Bright Plum.

#5 PEACHY EYES: Model Kim Sung Hee
Monolid girls and those with uneven eyelids, this is for you. Tone down the eyeliner (it takes so much effort for it to show up on hooded lids anyway), and go heavy on a nude tone shadow all over the lid. Pair it with a complementing bright lip for an instantly festive look like Model Kim Sung Hee.

Steal her look:

Step one: For a luminous complexion, apply the fluid base like a moisturiser for this look. Follow up with the Fresh Glow Fluid Foundation instead of the Velvet Foundation.

Step two: Two shadows are used for this look – a sheer gold and a satin shell pink. Use them all over your lids as well as the lower lash line.

Step two: Tight line your upper lash line with a black liquid liner and coat your lashes with a voluminous mascara. Then, define your brows, following their natural shape with a pencil.

Step three: Lightly contour your cheeks with a natural brown shade.

Step four: Here comes the fun part. Create depth on your lips with a lip liner that is darker than your lipstick. First fill your lips with the Lip Definer in Brick Red. Apply Lip Velvet in Honey Suckle and you'll look like you've just bitten on a slice of grapefruit!

BONUS #6 SOFT NUDE EYES AND A ROSE LIP: Suki Waterhouse
For more eye-centric nude makeup, use kohl pencils to create the illusion of deeper eyes like Brit model Suki Waterhouse.

Steal her look:

Step one: To balance the nude makeup, go for glowy skin with Burberry's Fresh Glow Foundation instead of a velvet finish.

Step two: Use a mixture of Kohl Eyeliner in Jet Black and Chestnut Brown and blend upwards. To intensify the look, use a black liquid eyeliner on the upper lash line, filling in between the lashes.

Step three: Lightly shape the cheeks and finish with a nude lippie. Suki Waterhouse is wearing the same shade – Devon Sunset – as Kim Jaekyung above. Hers however, has been lined with Lip Liner in Rosewood.

The Burberry Beauty Box is at Coex Mall, 513 Youngdongdae-Ro. Follow the Burberry Beauty Box Seoul on Facebook.

In Singapore, Burberry Beauty is available at Tangs Orchard. For more information, visit sg.burberry.com/beauty and follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Elevate your party frocks with statement accessories. (From L-R:) Twentyeight Lane necklace, H&M heels and Saben clutch. Dress from Daydream Nation. | Images: Celine Chen/herworldPLUS, SheShops, H&M, ASOS, Zalora, Nana & Bird, Shopbop, Topshop, The Outnet

‘Tis the season to dress to the nines. Get your party game on with these sequinned, metallic and party-appropriate dresses. Even better, you’ll find something perfect for every body type! Girls, we’ve got you covered.

FOR 'APPLE'-SHAPED FIGURES

These structured mini dresses will show off your legs and make them look super skinny! Accessorise with statement jewellery and throw on some kickass shoes. 

1. DAYDREAM NATION POLKA-DOT JACQUARD DRESS, $433 from SheShops  

2. AIJEK EMBROIDERED BUSTIER DRESS, $271.15 from Nana & Bird 

3. CAMEO POLYBLEND DRESS, $319 from Shop the Mag

4. H&M LACE DRESS, $99.90 from H&M

5. LOLA SKYE GREY CHIFFON EMBELLISHED DRESS, $129 from Zalora 

FOR HOURGLASS FIGURES

Fitted and bodycon dresses were made for you. Girls with hourglass figures will be filling out these dresses like no one else can.

6. FINDERS KEEPERS POLYBLEND MAXI DRESS, $249 from Shop the Mag

7. RIVER ISLAND NAVY BODYCON DRESS, $99.90 from Zalora 

8. ASOS V-NECK DRESS WITH SEQUIN SKIRT, $58.22 from Asos 

9. NEEDLE & THREAD EMBELLISHED DRESS, $450.53 from Asos 

10. ISABEL MARANT EMBELLISHED SUEDE DRESS, $1,403 from The Outnet 

FOR PEAR-SHAPED FIGURES

For those who are blessed with pear-shaped figures, these dresses will help conceal and reveal in all the right places.

11. H&M black v-neck jersey dress, $79.90 from H&M  

12. ASOS SEQUIN MAXI DRESS, $207 from Asos 

13. TOPSHOP PLEATED HALTERNECK DRESS, $106 from Topshop 

14. ASOS VELVET SKATER DRESS, $92.54 from Asos 

15. KATE SPADE SATURDAY TEXTURED DRESS, $350 from Kate Spade Saturday (Takashimaya S.C. #B1-27, ION Orchard #B1-27)

FOR BOYISH OR 'BANANA'-SHAPED FIGURES

You'll be able to pull off these A-line cuts, and fit-and-flare dresses that help give the illusion of curves.

16. ALICE + OLIVIA SEQUINNED-EMBELLISHED ORGANZA DRESS, $921 from The Outnet

17. DOROTHY PERKINS GOLD SHIMMER MAXI DRESS, $69, from Zalora

18. ASOS SEQUIN DRESS, $80.05 from Asos 

19. PARKER BEADWORK DRESS, $603 from Shopbop 

16. STELLA MCCARTNEY EMBELLISHED COTTON AND SILK FAILLE DRESS, $1,582 from The Outnet
 

THE CLAIMS: Is Clinique’s Smart Custom-Repair Serum the shiny future of skincare? Think of this “smart” solution as the beauty equivalent of the “wearable tech” fad in fashion: The serum apparently “communicates” with your skin on a cellular level, to correct your complexion on the go.    

How? The science is just shy of sorcery, really: Clinique says that when applied, the Smart Custom-Repair Serum somehow “senses” the regions where your skin requires repair, and releases the relevant dose of restoratives for targeted treatment of say, fine lines in one area and dark spots in another.

I know, I know. Your brow must be as raised as mine in scepticism. Let an expert walk you through this brave new beauty world. Take it from Dr Tom Mammone, executive director of skin physiology and pharmacology, Estee Lauder Companies: “Think of each type of damage in the skin like a lock that requires the right specialised repair molecule, or key, for repair. The technologies in Clinique Smart respond to these signals like a key fitting into a lock.” Intuitive enough, yes?

Ingredients-wise, expect star turns by your usual league of skincare superheroes. There’s a heaping helpful of brightening vitamin C and complexion-firming caffeine, for starters; soothing red algae and acne-alleviating salicylic acid; as well as plumping peptides said to function like injectable fillers to hoist up saggy skin.

WHY I LOVE IT: Clinique has always flirted right at the edge of “cosmeceutical” territory, so this sciencey serum is a perfectly logical progression of the brand. But does it work?

Now, because the Smart Custom-Repair Serum’s very workability hinges upon its “customisable” conceit, what works for me may not well, work for you.

That said, if you’re part of the regular Clinique clique you should take to this new serum very nicely indeed: It’s fragrance-free, allergy-tested and explicitly marketed “for all ages, all ethnicities”. Translation: The Smart Custom-Repair Serum should not, in theory, break you out in spots and such. 

For this road test, I gave the serum a good four weeks to work its magic on my mien, and I’m pleased as punch to report that it’s quite the life-saver. My cheeks are supple and springier than ever, and I feel like it tacks on the appearance of a good eight hours of sleep to nights when I’m hardly getting any.    

Bonus points for tactile and aesthetic appeal: Love the posh silver presentation and hygienic pump dispenser, plus the serum proper is a real pleasure to apply. Silky and sebum-absorbing at the same time, the gel-like glide is so good you can consider skipping primer if you’re applying this under makeup.

In short, and on paper at least, the lab-coated folks squirrelled away in Clinique’s R&D quarters have conjured up a boundary-pusher that’s quite intriguing indeed.

So, to buy or not to buy? I’ve got a gut feeling this sort of “cell-communicating” smart skincare will blow up soon, so it’s your call if you want to be ahead of the curve!

GET IT AT: Clinique Smart Custom-Repair Serum, $106 for 30ml and $150 for 50ml, is available at all Clinique counters. For more information, visit www.clinique.com.sg and follow Clinique Singapore on Facebook.

The premise was deceptively simple: What’s the single most important beauty item that you “die-die” must take along to the office everyday, and why?  

But there was hemming and hawing from all. How can I possibly narrow it down to just one?

Hey, that very predicament – the difficulty of stripping beauty to its basics –  was, I suppose, the whole point of this thought experiment. Also perfect as part of your detox prep for the new year ahead, come to think of it.

So. After much cajoling, here’s the herworldPLUS team’s reluctantly curated list of office essentials. (Unexpected revelation: If the products we’ve tapped are anything to go by, it appears the team has more in common than we thought we did.)

Have fun seeing if you agree with us and oh, while you’re at it, we want to know in return: What’s the one thing you can’t live without?

#1 LIP BALM, THE GAO-GAO ONES

“Tinted lip balm to double up as lip colour! Just not the sheer formulas. I swear by Maybelline’s Baby Lips, which moisturises while adding an office-appropriate rosy hue.” –  Xinying

#2 LIP BALM. AGAIN!

“For me, it’d be Burt’s Bees lip balm. I avoid touch ups as much as possible but with all the crisps and chocolate lying about the cubicle, you can't avoid snacking and getting dry smackers in the process.”  – Bernice 

#3 MULTI-PURPOSE K-BEAUTY GEMS

“I seriously don’t think I could survive a day without my trusty cheek blush from 3ce! Just a tiny dab will suffice, plus it doubles up as a lip stain on days when I’m too lazy for lippie.”   – Mich

#4 LOOSE POWDER (WITH SPF, NATCH)

“My makeup must-have? Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral Powder SPF45. With this little baby, I don't have to worry about re-applying liquid or cream sunscreen over makeup. Bonus: it doubles as a loose powder and keeps my T-Zone matte!” – Sabrina

#5 INDUSTRIAL-STRENGTH CONCEALER

“Amazing Concealer by Amazing Cosmetics is my quick fix for dark circles. An absolute necessity for fending off people who won’t stop asking why I haven’t slept, or if I’ve accidentally applied plum eyeshadow under my eyes (yes, true story!)”  – Celine

#6 INDUSTRIAL-STRENGTH CONCEALER. OH, AND FACE MIST. WAIT, I NEED HAND CREAM, TOO …

Yup, it takes an army for yours truly. Sorry, don’t lynch me. I can’t do this!

Is Ms Quinlivan quivering over "losing" her unique last name?

Guess what? Jay Chou made Hannah Quinlivan cry.

No, don’t lose it just yet, “Jaynah” shippers: No domestic squabbling on the horizon, as far as we know.

The reason for Hannah’s howling? If the man is to be believed, Jay’s proposal was so bombastic – MV-worthy fireworks! the man on one knee! lovey-dovey London locale! – the bashful bride-to-be couldn’t help but burst into tears. (Chou insists that he was cool as a cucumber throughout. But of course.)     

Jay’s uncharacteristically candid tell-all at a press junket last week dovetails with his damsel’s own account at a separate Boxing Day conference for her latest TV drama, in which she confessed to being “terribly touched” at her beau’s big-budget overture.

Well, what about our reigning Mandopop prince’s proclamation that he expects five royal babies in the palace? Chinese entertainment portal CRI News reports that Hannah’s response was coy in the extreme: “I will let nature take its course.”

Oh, and just so you know, the model-actress has a self-deprecating sense of humour that’s quite endearing indeed; she says she’ll be pleased as punch “if [she] can give birth to that many.”

That’s about as much juicy gossip you can squeeze out of her, though. Quizzed for the lowdown on their London proposal and upcoming wedding, Hannah demurred, only saying all would be revealed in due time.

Ah, well. Patience, pop culture pundits: Just a fortnight or so ‘till D-Day on January 18!

You can follow Jay Chou and Hannah Quinlivan on Weibo.

All images: Ferragamo

Ferragamo's capsule collection of yummy red bags is launching a just in time for you to get #OOTD-ready for Chinese New Year (CNY). 

We’re serious. These deliciously red bags and sheep-motif accessories aren’t a coincidence!

Ferragamo’s Vara fans will go insane over these Vara bow-ed handbags drenched in that sweet candy apple hue (which is also totally apt for the new year).

Those who are feeling super-CNY will take to the goat and sheep-motif accessories, the zodiac animal for 2015 according to the Chinese horoscope.

Click away at the CNY collection below! 

You can shop the Ferragamo CNY collection at Ferragamo’s Paragon flagship store from January 2015.

Image: Sofitel So Singapore

The start of a new year is kind of a big deal. Whether to take the kids, whether to have a quiet affair with drinks and friends, a total pig out at a New Year’s buffet, or just a crazy night of sick beats and crazy dancing can be a paralyzing decision to make because they all sound so good. Before you go a little too nuts trying to find the perfect party, skim through our list of the coolest ways to usher in this year’s big countdown:

CELEBRATE WITH THE WORLD

What: Some highlights of the night include Sheikh Haikal, Milu Bing’s Nic Lee, DJ Nicole Chen, Juz-B, Chriz Tong, DJ Ronski Speed and Thailand’s top female deejay Lisa BlueStar. Take part in the afternoon carnival when admission is free, with nostalgic local old school games and a SG50 photowall for the snap-happy camera junkies.

Where: The Promontory @ Marina Bay

When: Carnival starts at 12pm and ends at 1am. The party is from 6pm until late

Prices: $10 per pax, inclusive of one free drink

For more information, visit celebratewiththeworld.com

USS DANCE IN THE DARK: A NEON COUNTDOWN TO 2015

What: Prepare to be razzle-dazzled by light shows and neon acts. Street dancers accompanied by LED stilt walkers lead up to the headline act ‒ the Black Eyed Tease. Black Eye Peas fans will love this tribute to the formerly Fergalicious trio; performing hits like Where is the Love, I Gotta Feeling, and many more. Party goers also get full day access to the USS rides, shows, and attractions. Super sweet!

Where: 8 Sentosa Gateway

When: 5pm to 1am (for full day access to rides, USS opens at 11pm)

Price: $84 (adults), $64 (children), $46 (senior). Includes a set meal coupon and full day admission. Admissions starting from 6pm onwards are charged at $68

SILOSO BEACH PARTY

What: Dance from dawn to dusk with five different party zones and a giant foam pool. Come night time, fireworks and neon UV paint fill the air for an explosive good time. Mike Candys, one of the top 100 deejays in the world will be spinning for this one night event, so expect good vibes and jam!

Where: Siloso Beach, Sentosa

When: 6pm - 6am

Prices: $68 per pax, $300 for a party of 6

For more information, visit www.sentosa.com.sg

PAN PACIFIC 50,000 BALLOONS TO COUNTDOWN 2015

What: Magicians, deejays and dancers will set the mood for a retro themed party. At midnight 50,000 balloons will be released into the Atrium lobby. Featuring the longest bar set atop an indoor water feature, the drifting balloons will make the night magic. Guests can also enjoy a complimentary light supper and canapes.

Where: Pan Pacific Hotel

When: 9pm to 12.30pm

Prices: $388 for 2 guests, to $2588 for 16 guests

For more info, visit panpacific.com

LOCO LOCAL 2015 COUNTDOWN PARTY

What: Five local bands rock it out at Crowne Plaza. Watch out for gigs like ORANGECOVE, Marc X Hashy, JJ and The PaperPlanes, Ciao Turtle, and The Jaywalkers. Hosted by Mint Leong, this musical night promises to be unforgettably loud.

When: 9pm to 1.30pm

Where: Crowne Plaza Changi Airport Lobby Lounge

Prices: $32 per pax (inclusive of sodas and beer), $48 per pax (inclusive of wine and spirits)

For more information, visit crowneplazadining.com

SOFITEL COUNTDOWN IN STYLE

What: Soak up the good vibes of a new year, literally, in a HI-SO rooftop bar with a complimentary drink. After pigging it out with a six course dinner, of course!

Where: 35 Robinson Road

When: 10pm until late

Prices: $208++ (per pax, inclusive of a 6 course dinner)

For more information, visit www.sofitel.com/hotel

COUNTDOWN TO 2015 AT CATALUNYA

What: A rooftop countdown party with a spectacular view of fireworks at midnight. Bop to the beat of tunes from DJ Heffny and DJ Young while you shake it out on the laser-lit dance floor.

Where: Fullerton Pavilion, 82 Collyer Quay

When: 10pm until late

Price: Presales $98, door sales at $128. (inclusive of champagne)

For more information, visit catalunya.sg

VIVA LA VIDA AT UNA

What: Have an authentic Spanish celebration of all things new in an iconic boquera setting, framed in rustic, lush garden. Choose between dining, dining with unlimited wine, or simply unlimited, free flow drinks. With decadent dishes like suckling pig, paellas, and tapas on the menu, Viva La Vida will be a fete to remember.

Where: 49B South Bridge Road

When: 6pm - 2am

Prices: Dining ($50++ or $96++), Dine and wine ($148++), Wine only ($110++). Children under 12 dine at half the price and children under 6 enter for free.

For more information, visit www.una.sg

ATTICA’S DECADENCE NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY

With Attica’s rep for throwing the best parties, you can’t miss this one when they say it includes ‘upscale live entertainment’, whatever it is. Also check out the New Year’s festive food and drink package, inclusive of “Golden Trove” a mysterious champagne drink. The club’s regular deejays will be mashing it as well, with DJ Stingray, Iain ‘Spex’ Thomson, Raw and JCherish throwing more zest into this wild party mix.

Where: 3A River Valley Road, #01-03 Clarke Quay

When: 10.30pm until late

Prices: $30, inclusive of one drink

For more information, visit www.attica.com.sg

NEW YEAR’S EVE AT 50RP

What: 50RP offers three types of party experiences all in one night ‒ for foodies, music lovers and sky scape junkies. For $98, get full standing access to 50RP’s 360 degree outdoor platform and a complimentary glass of bubbly. For the foodies, $320 entitles you to a Sear’s semi buffet with free flow of sides. After a dinner of steak, seafood and canapes, enjoy the view on the Empire Rooftop Ultra Lounge while DJ Stanley churns his groovy beat. For music lovers, you can book a table for the wine but no dine experience at the rooftop. The $1000 table even gives you a live jazz band for entertainment!

Where:50 Raffles Place, Singapore Land Tower, Level 45

When: 6.30pm to 12.30pm

Prices: Viewing pleasure ($98), All in one ($320 per pax), Wining Without Dining $1,000 to $2,500 per table

For more information, visit empire@massive.sg

1-ALTITUDE HEAVEN AND EARTH NEW YEAR’S EVE SOIREE

What: Usher in the new year at the highest rooftop party venue in Singapore, with an electric bevy of deejays. After 9, Phase to Face, Jack T and Kenneth take over until countdown time. Also consider the Altimate VIP Ultra Lounge, where you can groove to the beat of Acoustic Trip, Leonard T and Funky T.

When: 6pm until late

Where: 1 Raffles Place

Prices: For table reservations, minimum spending per pax is $200. Prices range from $150-$300++ from 6pm to 9pm and $200-$350++ from 9pm onwards (per pax). Cover charge is at $68 for the Ultra Lounge and $88 for Altitude Rooftop, inclusive of two drinks.

Sure, we love our BB cushions, but the one trend that took the world by storm this year has got to be the K-Beauty lip. From water-stained gradient lips to full-on vampy red, we look back at 10 of the most memorable lip looks that have appeared on K-dramas in 2014.

SBS promotional photo for Birth of a Beauty 

#1 My Love From Another Star: Jun Ji Hyun
This is where it all began– the Cheon Song Yi lip that got everyone around the world in a frenzy, scrambling to get their hands on YSL’s Rouge Pur Couture #52 Rosy Coral, $58, back in February. It was however, later reported by The Korea Herald that this was not the lipstick used in the drama. 

We know for sure, though, that we spotted Laneige's Serum Intense Lipstick in YR25 Neon Orange, $34, see for yourself in the video below.

WATCH: RECOGNISE THE LIPSTICK SHE USES HERE?

#2 My Love From Another Star: Yoo In Na
Yoo Se-mi (Yoo In Na) might have been second to Cheon Song Yi (Jeon Ji Hyun) in the drama, but we think her subtle lip-do deserves just as much attention, especially for those who aren’t quite into bright lip colours.

Get the mango gradient lip with a combination of Benefit’s Cha Cha Tint, $51, and what we’re guessing to be Bobbi Brown’s Pot Rouge for Lips & Cheeks in Calypso Coral, $43. There’s a tutorial on how to achieve the look on Korean beauty programme Get it Beauty by Yoo In Na – who is the host – herself.

WATCH: FIND OUT HOW TO GET YOO IN NA’S MANGO GRADIENT LIPS

#3 Emergency Couple: Song Ji Hyo
If you want the same violet pout Song Ji Hyo has on throughout the entire drama, watch the scene where Han Ah Reum (Clara) confronts Oh Jin Hee (Song Ji Hyo) about her relationship with Oh Chang Min (Choi Jin-hyuk) in the locker room.

Song Ji Hyo – who was the face of Benefit in South Korea at that time – was spotted with Benefit’s Lollitint, $51, in hand.

#4 Temptation: Choi Ji Woo
When it comes to elegance, Choi Ji Woo has it down pat, especially in this blood red shade she wears in the drama Temptation. 

It is Nars’ Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl, $37 – how apt for the strong, workaholic CEO she plays in this drama.

#5 It’s Okay, That’s Love: Gong Hyo Jin
Remember the photo of Gong Hyo Jin in a PushButton shirt floating around the Internet? Well, it’s not only the shirt we’ve got our eyes on – we need that mandarin red lippie too.

WATCH: CATCH GONG HYO JIN’S MANDARIN RED LIPS FROM 1:19

Time to make a trip to DFS Galleria to pick up Giorgio Armani’s Lip Maestro in #300 Flesh, $43.

#6 Hotel King: Lee Da Hye
Not sure how to pull off hot pink lips the grown-up way? Actress Lee Da Hye offers a great example with her bright, almost neon lip colour in the drama Hotel King.

Get the same shade with Makeup For Ever’s Aqua Rouge Waterproof Liquid Lip Colour in No. 16 Fuschia, $39, and the brand’s Aqua Lip, $34 of the same colour.

#7 Discovery of Love: Jung Yumi
The rosy pink colour of Jung Yumi’s lips in this screengrab of Discovery of Love reminds me exactly of the famed Iope Waterfit lipstick in Forever Pink #44 worn by Jun Ji Hyun in My Love From Another Star, except that you can buy this one in Singapore. 

Just head to any Dior Beauty counter or store and ask for Rouge Baume in Diorette, $47.

#8 Miss Korea: Lee Yeon Hee
Apart from her amazing skin (no points for guessing where she gets it from), we can’t stop looking at the semi-matte apricot lip colour– perfect for lazy no-makeup makeup days.

Slap on some BB cream, fill in those brows and remember to swipe on some of Nars Velvet Lip Pencil in Bolero, $37.

#9 Misaeng: Kang So Ra
How can we forget actress Kang So Ra, who recently made headlines for looking like a million bucks in a $49.90 dress she wore to the Mnet Asian Music Awards. Before that dress however, everyone wanted to know about the red lip she was wearing in the drama, Misaeng.

 

A photo posted by jisun0517 (@jisun0517) onOct 10, 2014 at 11:50pm PDT

A little spying on Korean media brought us to her makeup artist Jisun’s Instagram profile, where she is seen using two Lancome products on the actress. Unfortunately, it seems that these velvet matte lipstick hybrids aren’t going to be here anytime soon. In the meantime, try Lancome’s L'absolu Rouge in 190, $44.

#10 Birth of a beauty: Han Ye Seul
Han Ye Seul wears the most beautiful #mlbb (which stands for “my lips but better”, for those not in the know) shades in the drama Birth of a Beauty. Four YSL lippies have been identified for this, with the most popular one being the Rouge Volupte in 33 Rose Neillia, $45.

Others include the Babydoll Kiss & Blush, $50 each, in 7 Corail Affranchi and 8 Pink Hedoniste, as well as the Rouge Pur Couture Vernis a Levres in 27 Peche Cerra-Colla and 11 Rouge Gouache, $48 each. 

There's more info on the South Korean YSL Beauty page (expect to use some Google translate). Better hurry before they sell out.

So, how many of these K-drama lip products do you have?

Karl Lagerfeld shot Brazilian megastar Gisele in black and white for a new Spring Summer 2015 campaign titled 'Afterdark'.

Chanel's latest shots for its Spring Summer 2015 campaign starring Gisele Bundchen will make you swoon and have you yearning for a holiday in Paris! | Images: ©Chanel

Paris by night was the perfect backdrop for Gisele Bündchen in the latest Chanel campaign. Shot around the Saint Germain-des-Prés area and the Seine River, the 34-year-old model appears barefoot in the images with her hair worn down over her shoulders, all designed to capture the modernity and easy-going attitude of the Spring Summer 2015 collection.

Photographed in black and white and playing off some of the city's dramatic lighting effects, the images show off pieces like the classic Chanel tweeds which come in reversible coats, menswear-inspired wide-legged trouser suits, alongside cotton sweaters and lambskin suede looks.

Once again the world's top-earning model according to the annual survey published by Forbes magazine, having banked an estimated $142 million (S$188 million), Gisele is a regular star for Chanel and is the current face of the brand's Chanel N°5 fragrance. The ready-to-wear campaign is set to launch in January 2015. -- AFP RELAXNEWS

Sacks of sadness ...

Quick question: What are you planning to blow your year-end bonus on?

If your wishlist is long and full of frivolity, high five, you’re my kind of woman … and like me, we’ll probably need to implement some sort of austerity drive. 

Just take it from the following roll call of poor unfortunate souls – all of whom are the herworldPLUS team’s nearest and dearest! – and the uh, shall we say ill-advised purchases they’ve made in the past year.

Flash these #confessions to your colleagues if they ask why you’re smirking in your cubicle on the eve of the new year, and let’s resolve to be both frugal and fabulous come 2015! 

I'm all about the bass ... 

“I bought two oversized blouses that were … not ‘oversized’ enough; I had to give them away to a friend." – Angel, accountant

Pleather + perspiration = TMI?

“I bought a snug pleather top that seemed to fit well in the air conditioned dressing room, but when I wore it out in our weather, my skin couldn’t breathe at all. I had to go to the restroom to mop up all the perspiration on my back. I had to do it again after lunch. Haven’t touched that top since.” – Cara, communications assistant

Too sexy for my shirt ...

“I bought a swimsuit online that turned out to be well, way sexier than it looked on the shopping site. And It didn’t even fit me in the right places!” – Cory, graphic designer

The struggle is real for hipster Dads

“I got a gimmicky box that was supposed to cut butter into perfect squares when you press it down onto a wire grid. To be fair, I bought it on my cool Dad’s insistence; he said I don’t understand my daily struggle. #FirstWorldProblems” – Xinying, fashion writer

Lonely soles

“A pair of regular black sneakers. Two weeks later, I bought the same exact sneaker, except they were the ‘platform’ version. I still wear the platforms to death, but the regular ones are still rotting in the box.” – Bernice, intern

Shoe away the blues

“I’ve just bought a pair of plimsolls that cost me $20, as I just couldn’t continue walking in my heels. That wasn’t even the first time I bought flats due to my inability to walk in heels. Actually, that’s my life in a nutshell – a recurring series of bad shoe shopping decisions.” – Lin, account executive

From waiting two months for a lipstick to getting cosy with Cate Blanchett, 2014 has been one heck of an eventful year for us. Just before it ends, let’s look at 12 of the biggest beauty trends this year.

#1 K-BEAUTY
Obviously this is at the top of the list. K-beauty has always been a big deal in Singapore, but never before like 2014.

Screenshot from SBSNow

First, we saw a complete outage of YSL’s Rouge Pur Couture in #52 Rosy Coral in February – globally – all thanks to the Cheon Song Yi lip craze (now just wait for Rouge Volupte to sell out because of K-drama, Birth of a Beauty). Next, Etude House opened its largest flagship store, ever – yes, even bigger than the one in Seoul – in Wisma Atria with K-Beauty guru Pony present at the event. Finally, we know you own more than one BB cushion, ‘nuff said.

Korean beauty brands reading this – we’d like more (and Kim Soo Hyun) in 2015, please?

#2 LIPS, LIPS, LIPS!
We’re sure you’ve tried or seen one of these on your newsfeed – light water-stained lips a la Jun Ji Hyun in K-Drama My Love from Another Star, Kylie Jenner’s overdrawn lip liner, Lorde’s dark pout, and of course, emerald lips from Rihanna.

 

A photo posted by Kylizzle (@kyliejenner) onDec 12, 2014 at 5:39pm PST

Want more? Find out which lipsticks made headlines from being in 2014’s K-Dramas. 

#3 THICK NATURAL BROWS
A continuing trend from 2013 (thank you, Cara), and we’d love to see more of it, just leave those cube-like inner brows and overdrawn arches behind in 2014, please? Okay, to be honest, we’re not asking politely. It’s an order – leave it. The keyword here is natural.

Bibhu Mohapatra New York Spring 14

#4 ANYTHING TAYLOR SWIFT
Duh.

 

A photo posted by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift) onNov 11, 2014 at 11:13am PST

#5 SKINCARE ESSENCES
Skincare essences have long been loved by us – potent ingredients delivered to a cellular level, yet with such a light texture. This year, the Western brands have finally caught up with this trend, giving us more options with three big releases – from Clinique, Estee Lauder and Biotherm – in the earlier half of this year, and boy, did they not disappoint.

#6 V-SHAPED FACE
Go back to point #1 and #4. Now, get your hands on one of these face sculpting creams, you’ll need them in 2015, for the V-shape face is here to stay.

#7 #IWOKEUPLIKETHIS
We know you didn’t. Thank you Lena Dunham for telling it like it really is.

 

A photo posted by Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) onAug 8, 2014 at 12:52am PDT

#8 SONIC CLEANSING TOOLS
We were (repeatedly) told that it isn’t enough to wash your face with your hands this year. Some are thankful for the advice, but some are dead against it. We think it really depends on your skin type and usage pattern – it’s different for everyone, but worth trying for sure.

#9 BRAIDS
Braids were all over the runway this year. We expect these to stay in 2015, and we’re not complaining.

Nicole Miller New York Spring 14 and Simone Rocha London Fall 14

#10 LOBS
To some, this hairstyle has been dubbed “The Taylor” (again, refer to point 4). Taylor Swift wasn’t the only one sporting the lob – a longer bob – this year, #bff Karlie Kloss, The Amazing Spider-man star Emma Stone and, well, many celebs did too.

 

A photo posted by @karliekloss onMay 5, 2014 at 5:24am PDT

#11 SHORT NAILS
Forget kawaii nail art and long stiletto nails, this year was all about single colours, nude polish and graphic “negative space” nail art on short nails.

Clockwise from top left: Ashish London Spring 14, Peter Som New York Fall 14, Osman London Spring 14 

#12 BRIGHT EYES, TWO WAYS!
We wore bright (as in colourful) eyeliners throughout the year – with just a little flick at the side of the eyes – but we wouldn’t have had such “bright” peepers without the help of these brightening eye care launches.

Chanel Paris Fall 14

Are you ready for what’s in store this 2015? We can’t wait.

Why so wan, Mr Wu?

Uh-oh, drama seems to be brewing behind the gilded gates of Van Ness Wu and Arissa Cheo’s marital estate.

In a telling sign of our times, the spousal squabble is taking place “live” in the very public social media arena, with the celeb couple lobbing what appears to be loaded messages to each other via Instagram.

Here’s how it all went down. If Hong Kong gossip rag Apple Daily is to be believed, the first strike came from Arissa’s court – on Christmas itself, no less! – when the Singapore socialite posted a photo with a most cryptic caption indeed: “I am going to give you the same amount of effort as you give me, merry f****** Christmas.” Woah, talk about getting into the holiday spirit.

When censured by a (presumably pro-Van Ness) commenter, Arissa more or less lost it. Her verbatim response: “Don't believe the hype. What you see on the telly is definitely not real. Don't tell me what I know.”

The war of words really took off when Van Ness left his own little missive in the comments section of the controversial post, in which the Taiwanese pop prince basically told his wife to watch her tongue. Both parties (no doubt pressed by their minders) later deleted their posts – too little, too late, really, in this digital age we live in.

Want more proof that all is not smooth sailing? Van Ness and Arissa have also “unfollowed” each other on Instagram. Make of that what you will ...

Still, it’s not all doom and gloom. The couple have been married for just 16 months, so here’s hoping this frankly childish confrontation will sort itself out with time. Entirely unsolicited advice? Stay off social media, guys, and work on whatever’s eating you in private. Good luck!

You can follow Van Ness Wu on Twitter and Instagram.

Questionably adorkable style, unquestionably romantic dude

If the latest revelations are legit, Chairman Chou deserves all the adulation from his army of supporters, and then some.

Here’s what we’ve learnt: Our beloved Mandopop prince hasn’t had sex for well, as long as he’s been seeing Hannah Quinlivan.

Addressing the press at a packed promo junket for his latest album, Jay was curiously candid; drunk on love, perhaps?

Quizzed on Hannah’s assertion that she would remain “chaste” until her wedding, Jay was reported to have said: “That’s right. We have to learn from Will Liu.” Sidebar: Will Liu (劉畊宏) is an ex-boyband member who was famously celibate for four years.

Also confirmed: Yes, the hugely hyped proposal did take place in London, on old-school bent knee and finished off with fireworks.

Debunked: Rumours that said proposal was at Hyde Park. Pressed about the existence of photos of him on the garden grounds, Jay says nay: “I was chased by fans that day, and in the end, I took some photos with them. I didn’t expect them to post the photos. They thought that I had proposed there. There were so many people there. How could it be possible?”

Asked to describe future Mrs Chou’s reaction that day, Jay said: “Any sentimental person would cry.” Aww, sweet.

As if all this weren’t enough to cement Jay’s burgeoning rep as sweetest dude ever, get this: He’s yearning for children of his own to coddle: “I am the only son, and I feel lonely during Christmas. I want to have five kids to form a band. In future, Christmas will be very lively.”

Swoon. As per his new album’s title: Aiyo, Not bad (哎呦，不錯哦)!

You can follow Jay Chou and Hannah Quinlivan on Weibo.