We're just chillin', nothing to see here ... Image: Instagram

It’s as good a sign of our times as any, I suppose. Van Ness Wu has (finally!) broached the thorny topic of the beef with his wife – by posting a photo on social media, natch.

And guess what? If the photo is proof, it appears as if the unseemly spousal squabble of yesteryear has but all been resolved. Take that, haters!

Some context: Van Ness and his Singapore socialite spouse Arissa Cheo have of late been the focus of intense scrutiny for a barrage of barbed Instagram posts, published seemingly for the other’s “benefit”. (Sample caption courtesy of Arissa: “I am going to give you the same amount of effort as you give me, merry f****** Christmas.” Classy.)

Also of interest is the extensive backstory exhumed by paragon of journalistic excellence, Apple Daily. The Hong Kong rag quotes one of Van Ness’s anonymous buddies as saying, “it hasn't reached the stage of divorce yet.” Well, that’s certainly comforting to know.

Then, when Van Ness was unveiled this week as one of the judges for Asia’s Got Talent … well, you can guess what the hordes of hungry press folks were interested in discussing. No such luck: Mandopop’s bad boy said it was “not the right place” to discuss his (alleged) marital misery ...

Here's a picture of two people making out. Happy now? Image: Instagram

But back to the photo. Let’s break down the body language, shall we. First, the proximity. Notice how close the two bodies in said picture are; quite literally joined at the hip, really.

Also witness Mr and Mrs Wu’s pillowy puckers, smooshed together like slugs in heat ...  But what really seals the deal, so to speak, is the accompanying caption in Chinese: “Is everyone done? Don't write about it any more. Thank you.” Yup, no question about it: This post is positively about Arissa.

Okay, but. And there’s a big but: You can’t see the couple’s faces in the photo. That is to say, the shot has been strategically cropped to obscure their identities.

Actually, for all we know, this could be a random still from an upcoming music vid. So, yeah, case not closed. Van Ness and Arissa: Keep the social media posts coming, we’ll be watching!

You can follow Van Ness Wu on Twitter and Instagram.

With every Chinese New Year, us kiasu Singaporeans find ourselves chionging (rushing, in the way we normally do for Hello Kitty), for almanacs, fish and coin trinkets, oranges and hanging lucky phrases outside our doors – all for prosperity in the new year.  

Whether we truly believe our luck is determined by these practices (believers and skeptics, let’s not argue) it’s always interesting to read about such age-old beliefs and customs. Plus, there’s no harm following them, right?

So we’ve examined six out of nine general indicators of wealth on a person’s face, known as Chinese Facial Reading and explained by The World of Feng Shui’s founder Lillian Too, to give you the lowdown on how you can increase your fortune with makeup.

Aquilano Rimondi Milan Spring 15

How do I keep my skin taut and get rid of the puffiness around my eyes and on the face?

French cosmetics label Clarins' skincare international training manager Denise Barthe-Marti, who was recently in town to train the brand's advisers, shares the secrets to a fresher and slimmer-looking face.

Clarins pays plenty of attention to its skincare application ritual as the brand has its roots in a skin institute specialising in beautifying massages.

The Clarins Method was developed by brand founder Jacques Courtin-Clarins for his customers to extend the benefits of the institute's treatments on their own. The DIY massages are applied with three kinds of touches:

GENTLE TOUCH - One applies just 50g of pressure. It is usually used during cleansing.

NATURAL TOUCH - The weight of one's hands, or around 100g of pressure, is used during product application.

BOOSTING TOUCH - Up to 3kg of pressure is applied on the face for a comforting DIY massage. It is used to stimulate lymphatic circulation, reduce muscle tension and puffiness.

For skincare application, start by warming some of the product between both hands, then wrap the hands around the face to gently press the product onto the skin using the Natural Touch method.

This promises to maximise the benefits of the skincare products.

Continue with these lymphatic drainage moves, which help to get rid of excess fluids and puffiness:

1. Place both hands on the cheeks, just by the sides of the nose and make sure your middle finger is positioned in the centre of the under-eye area. Apply the Boosting Touch, then lift hands off the skin. Repeat while moving hands towards the ears in three steps.

2. Place both hands on the brow bones, apply the Boosting Touch, then lift hands off skin. Repeat while moving hands towards the hair line in three steps.

3. Apply the Boosting Touch on one side of the neck near the jawline, then lift hands off skin. Repeat and move hands down towards the decolletage in five steps. Repeat the steps on the other side.

4. Warm one pump of eye cream between the tips of the index, middle and ring fingers of each hand. Then press those three fingers on the bone under the eyes with the Boosting Touch. Lift fingers off skin. Repeat and move fingers towards the temples. Do the same on the brow bone, from the inner brow out.

Remember to go slow; pause for around two seconds for every move, as the lymphatic circulation moves slowly. And never pull on the skin while massaging as that can cause wrinkles and sagging.

This article was first run in The Straits Times newspaper on January 30, 2014. For similar stories, go to sph.straitstimes.com/premium/singapore. You will not be able to access the Premium section of The Straits Times website unless you are already a subscriber.

The verdict is out ‒ this Sonia Sui x Bonia mini bag collection is super cute. Just two months ago, Bonia released a collaboration with Taiwanese actress Sonia Sui, which resulted in the birth of the “Sonia” bag ‒ an elegantly curved piece that gets love from all the ladies. Who knew the classy silhouette would also be the perfect canvas for adorable mini bags?

Downsized and decorated, these tiny totes are going for $160 a pop in stores from the end of February, 2015. The price is pretty affordable for a quality brand like Bonia, so you might even want to consider collecting the whole series. Plus, these bags are a limited edition, so snap them up while you can!

The new Dudu and Friends collection is super wearable in a sense that they relate to so many Spring Summer 2015 trends. They could be the small, quirky accessory to wear with any classic minimalist outfit (the plain-clothes-cute-accessories trend), and minibags are so in at the moment. Here’s all the proof you’ll need.

Personally, I think they would look really cute strapped to a larger handbag that has a more boxy frame ‒ it would add a touch of interest to any outfit without being overwhelming. And if you need another reason, one of the hot runway trends is to layer your bags.

Have I convinced you yet? If not, scroll through the gallery and let the goods do the talking. Adieu!

Bonia’s limited edition Dudu and Friends by Sonia Sui collection, $160 each, is available from all Bonia outlets and Takashimaya starting February 1, 2015.

FOR HOME SPA ESSENTIALS

Mmerci Encore
If you love natural body products and aromatherapy, you’ll adore the offerings from this artisanal brand. This online store carries small batches of body products made with raw ingredients and 100 per cent therapeutic grade essential oils sourced from farms and apothecaries in Melbourne and Paris, and free of parabens, sulphate and synthetic fragrances.

Aside from the staples available online at http://store.mmerciencore.com and in occasional pop-up stores here and overseas, you can also meet with brand founder and product creator, Aletheia Sim, to discuss customised gift options for loved ones.

FOR NON-TOXIC NAIL POLISH

Coat
The nail lacquers by Coat are “5-free”, which means they don’t contain harmful chemicals like toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), camphor, formaldehyde and formaldehyde resin. These chemicals harm the body in different ways – in the mildest amount, they can irritate the skin, while overexposure may cause cancer or birth defects in children of pregnant women.

Frustrated with the limited eco nail colour options available for her customers, Caryn Lim, owner of nail salon, Hands+Feet Studio, together with three friends, decided to create a 5-free nail lacquer brand, offering 20 richly pigmented and lasting colours, a base coat and a quick-drying top coat. Made in the United States, these polishes also come with a specially designed brush for smooth and even application. Available at Hands+Feet Studio, 44 Siglap Drive, tel: 6448-7187.

FOR BRUSHES THAT CARE

13rushes
Combining a love for makeup and animals, two friends, Tay Yu Hui and Charlene Liew, decide to create affordable makeup brushes that are cruelty-free, of good quality and suited to Asian eye contours. Most synthetic makeup brushes in the market are made with nylon polymers, which have smooth surfaces that don’t capture makeup particles efficiently.

The ones by 13rushes use Taklon bristles that are developed with a textured surface to allow easy pick-up and release of powder particles. The one-year-old brand also works with factories that don’t process any animal products to make sure every element of the brand remains animal-friendly. Yu Hui adds that Caucasian eyes are larger and more deep-set, which means that other crease brushes on the market aren’t entirely suitable for Asian eyes.

You can purchase the brushes online at http://www.13rushes.com or hop down to the pop-up store at Space Invasion (#03-15/16 The Cathay) to try them.

FOR NATURAL SKINCARE

Katfood
The natural home remedies from Katfood are handmade with ingredients you’d likely find in your kitchen, with key ingredients certified organic, says the brand’s founder, Kendra Liew. The brand also has a penchant for coconuts – most products contain nutrient-rich coconut oil while others would have some form of coconut extract.

Available online at http://www.ilovekatfood.com, Katfood’s collection of hair, face and body products are made in small batches to ensure product freshness, with varying products expiring after three to six months.

FOR FLAWLESS SKIN AHEAD

Dermagold
From a hobby that started a decade ago, this homegrown cosmeceutical skincare brand offers products that address common skin concerns faced by Singaporean men and women, like skin sensitivity and acne-prone skin. Created by medical doctors and childhood friends, Dr Grace Ling and Dr Lim Luping, Dermagold products are made without parabens, and come in lightweight textures that are perfect for our humid climate. Available at Hadara Aesthetics Boutique, 23 Lorong Telok, tel: 6969-3022. 

This article was originally published in Simply Her January 2015.

At least one person you knew was wearing an Adventure Time-themed Halloween costume last year. Now, that same person will probably freak out over these Dr. Martens boots featuring the cult Cartoon Network show.

Adventure Time, Cartoon Network’s top-rated animated series, follows the exploits of Finn, a boy, and Jake, a shape-shifting dog, in the Land of Ooo.

Lovable characters Finn and Jake feature in Dr. Martens’ limited edition range of boots, which come in adult, junior and infant sizes. Note: only 1,460 pairs are available in the world!

See the adorable and crazy designs that you can buy at Dr. Martens stores at Orchard Central and Wheelock Place, and also online at drmartens.com on March 3, 2015!

Images: Dr. Martens

Gifts don’t really matter in a relationship, but sometimes, we can’t help ourselves from wanting almost everything we see popping up in-store for Valentine’s Day.

Image: Stylenanda

So we’ve narrowed the selection down to eight of the best must-buy gifts – share it with your man or share it with your friends, they’ll take the pretty obvious hint. Whether or not you receive it doesn’t matter – you’ll probably get them yourself, anyway – but why not, all in the name of good fun.

And who knows? You might just get what you want.

#1 Chanel Creation Exclusive Jardin de Chanel

This season’s exclusive Chanel Jardin de Chanel is a camellia embossed blush, and tops our list because there’s no better way of saying “I love you” than with “Chanel” and “limited edition” in the same sentence.

#2 Maison Francis Kurkdjian, A la rose

Three roses to say “I love you” – so yesterday. Have your man declare his love with 250 precious roses – centifolia roses and Bulgarian roses, to be exact – all bottled in Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s latest fragrance, A la rose.

What? 250 roses? You’ll smell like grandma. Wrong! This beautiful fragrance combines notes of bergamot, orange, musk and cedar wood, too – crisp, fresh and feminine all at once. We’ll like a bottle, please.

#3 Diptyque Rosafolia Candle

Okay, so you think 250 roses are a little over the top. Get Diptyque’s Rosafolia candle, then. We’ll light this soft, refreshing scent of Turkish roses, geranium and galbanum during a stay-home date – not too cheesy romantic, but not too couldn’t-care-less either. Exactly how we like our Valentine’s Day.

#4 VDL Candy You Lip Cube EX

Cupcakes are sweet, yes, but we can’t stuff ourselves with a box of 12 all the time. Try VDL’s limited edition Candy You Lip Cube EX instead.

We’re absolutely in love with the soft matte textures of Heyy – a bright coral pink – and My Valentine, which is a sweet raspberry shade.

#5 Peter Thomas Roth, 24K Gold Pure Luxury Lift & Firm Mask

Okay, practical lady. Since bright lippies and roses aren’t for you, we think you’ll like the Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Pure Luxury Lift & Firm Mask. Even if the gold feels a little gimmicky for skeptics, a little bit of help in the skin radiance department never hurts, right? Plus, the Colloidal Gold in this mask is said to help lift, firm and restore lost elasticity to the skin. There’s also caffeine, glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which are known to depuff and hydrate. Useful, right?

#6 3 Concept Eyes Zoo Nail Stickers

We love nail art, but it just takes too much effort for us to do it ourselves – that is, if we can get past not painting our cuticles first. So these super cute 3 Concept Eyes Zoo Nail Stickers will be perfect for us this Valentine’s Day, and even for Chinese New Year right after, since it’s so difficult to get an appointment for a manicure these days.

#7 Crabtree & Evelyn Spring Rain Deluxe Duo

One of the best ways for us ladies to de-stress after work is to take a nice, warm shower with our favourite soothing scent. With love in the air, keep the good vibes flowing this Valentine’s Day with something floral, like Crabtree & Evelyn’s Spring Rain Deluxe Duo.

#8 Net-A-Porter, The Valentine’s Day Kit

How is it that women need to bring so many things for a staycation? Get your man to help pack for you with Net-A-Porter’s The Valentine’s Day Kit. It’ll have your skincare, hair and makeup covered.

So, what are you getting this Valentine’s Day?

Chanel Creation Exclusive Jardin de Chanel, $75, is available at all Chanel Beauty and Fragrance stores and counters. For more information, visit www.chanel.com/en_SG, and follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian, A la rose, $390, is available at escentials. For more information, visit http://www.franciskurkdjian.com/, and follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Diptyque Rosafolia Candle, $110, is available at escentials. For more information, visit www.diptyqueparis.com, and follow the brand on Facebook and Instagram.

Visit escentials online at www.escentials.com.sg, and follow escentials on Facebook.

VDL Candy You Lip Cube EX in Heyy and My Valentine, $38 each, are available at all VDL stores. For more information, visit http://www.vdlcosmetics.com/, and follow the brand on Facebook and Instagram.

Peter Thomas Roth, 24K Gold Pure Luxury Lift & Firm Mask, $147, is available at Sephora. For more information, visit www.peterthomasroth.com.sg, and follow the brand on Facebook.

Visit Sephora online www.sephora.sg and follow Sephora on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

3 Concept Eyes Zoo Nail Stickers, US$8 (about S$11) is available here. For more information, visit en.stylenanda.com, and follow the brand on Facebook and Instagram.

Crabtree & Evelyn Spring Rain Deluxe Duo in Spring Rain, $68, is available at all Crabtree & Evelyn stores. For more information visit http://www.crabtree-evelyn.com.sg/, and follow the brand on Facebook and Instagram.

Net-A-Porter, The Valentine’s Day Kit, GB£39.38 (about S$82), is available here. For more information, visit http://www.net-a-porter.com/ and follow Net-A-Porter on Facebook and Twitter.

Image: Kate Spade Saturday

A representative has confirmed it is “business as usual” for Kate Spade Saturday in Singapore (phew!).

Just last week, it was announced that Kate Spade Saturday was closing all its US stores by mid-2015 after two years in business.

But stores in Singapore will remain open for now, though their fate in the long run is uncertain. 

Kate Spade Saturday first opened in Singapore on October 2013. The vibrant label known for its bold prints, signature neon yellow and for being Kate Spade's sister brand, was meant to be a cheaper line aimed at a younger crowd.

“It was all about attracting a younger customer who aspired to Kate Spade but couldn’t afford the price point,” Mary Ross Gilbert, an Imperial Capital analyst, told Bloomberg.com.

However, the Kate Spade Saturday label won’t disappear entirely in the US yet as it will continue to be sold in existing Kate Spade stores.

Whether this will also be the case for Singapore remains to be seen.

Kate Spade Saturday stores are located at Ion Orchard #B1-27, Ngee Ann City #B1-27/28/29 and Westgate #01-28.

Get over the insane price tag and you'll see that this is so worth it. Promise! Image: Instagram

THE CLAIMS: These three big words will change your complexion forever: Methyl Aminomethylcyclohexane Carboxamide. Know it, love it.

Let’s back up a little. Setting aside the $2,878 (!) price tag, what makes Synactif so special? There are a ton of expensive elixirs targeting pores, pimples and such, but precious few, if any, zero in on your lymphatic channels. (Quick explainer: Lymphatic channels are tiny tubes funnelling toxins away from your skin into reservoirs called lymph nodes throughout your body.)

The big breakthrough? Clé de Peau Beauté says they’ve discovered that the sagging and bagging of age can be attributed to the sluggish sputter of your lymphatic system, much like how the backing up of sewer pipes in a decrepit apartment can cause all manner of problems.

Previously, no real remedy existed save manual massage to stimulate lymphatic drainage, which brings us back to Methyl Aminomethylcyclohexane Carboxamide (MACC-PD for short). A cornerstone of the Synactif system, this amino acid is said to rev up the lymphatic system for expert elimination of wrinkle-causing waste.

What else is there? A potent peptide complex promises to promote “the breakdown of enlarged fat cells”, and a precision-engineered mix of moisture magnets and brighteners get down to business to quench parched skin and fend off freckles. Throw in a ravishing rose scent and you’ve got one heck of an anti-aging range.

WHY I LOVE IT: Full disclosure: Friends and regular readers alike will know there are a couple of brands in my beauty stable that I hold to exceptionally high standards. Clé de Peau Beauté is most certainly one of ‘em.

And guess what? I’m pleased as punch to report that this recently reformulated Synactif skincare suite is quite possibly the best all-round anti-aging line for my money. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

There’s the striking simplicity, for starters. In an age where layering a dozen or more products is par for the course, Synactif consists of just five items and five items only: A superb soap redolent of roses and rosemary; a silky softening lotion; day and night hydrators, with the former souped up with SPF; and the incredibly indulgent Cream, notorious for being a regular fixture on Most Expensive listicles.

And because this is Clé de Peau Beauté we’re talking about, expect packaging that’s perfectly on point. Reassuringly solid glass receptacles stained a posh plum and rimmed with rose gold accents, these extraordinarily exquisite objects demand pride of place on your powder table – as well they should, really, given their prodigious price.

The results? Let it be said that I won’t endorse products that do nothing for me, and the Cream does everything for me. I pat just the tiniest pinch into my face and neck as a last step at night, and awaken to a visage that’s visibly lifted, plump but puff-free – must be the “miraculous” MACC-PD in it.

My advice for frugal folks who might balk at forking out over two grand for skincare? Work your way up. Gun for the Daytime Moisturizer – “only” $300 per pop! – then decide if you’re willing to splash out on the biggie. Your lymph nodes will thank you!

GET IT AT: Clé de Peau Beauté Synactif Soap, $148, Synactif Lotion, $280, Synactif Daytime Moisturizer, $300, Synactif Nighttime Moisturizer, $350, Synactif Cream, $1,800, are available at Clé de Peau Beauté counters at Takashimaya Shopping Centre and TANGS Orchard. For more information, visit www.cledepeau-beaute.com and follow Clé de Peau Beauté on Facebook.

Melody Chen is the ultimate risk taker. From equestrian lessons in secondary school, to wakeboarding in the early 2000s and the motorbike lessons she’s now taking, the gung-ho 37-year-old is determined not to let fear rule her life.

“I developed a keen interest in sports when I was younger, and that gave me plenty of opportunities to try something new,” she says. Besides the usual running and swimming, she also dives, snowboards and ice-skates.

“It wasn’t all smooth-sailing, though! For example, with equestrian lessons, it was scary mastering jumps with my horse. I had many falls, but I picked myself up again and again.

"I wouldn’t exactly call myself an adrenaline junkie, as I do have my fears,” Melody muses. “However, I’m quite capable of leaving them at the door and going all out when I’m in the zone.”

At present, the ONE FM 91.3 DJ is bent on getting her motorbike license. She embarked on lessons in early 2014 but these skidded to a halt after a mishap. “It was raining heavily during one my lessons, and halfway through, I discovered that my bike couldn’t decelerate properly.

“I managed to complete part of the circuit before falling off the bike and landing on my side. I couldn’t walk for a week after that! I have a slight fear of the emergency brake now, but I’m determined to resume lessons again soon,” she says, eyes glinting.

An independent streak
Has she always been such a risk-taker? We ask. “I think that moving out at the tender age of 20 was one of the biggest risks that I have ever taken in my life,” Melody shares.

“As an only child, I was very privileged. However, I craved my own space, and didn’t want to lead a sheltered existence. I was even willing to sacrifice my relationship with my parents to attain that independence, something people around me couldn’t understand back then.”

The gutsy lass rented an apartment and looked for freelance jobs to support herself. “I don’t regret my decision though, as it has made me who I am today. And thankfully, my relationship with my parents is still as strong as ever,” she says.

Looking back, she says she has her dad to thank for her gutsiness. “My dad always wanted a son, but that didn’t materialise. As a result, he brought me up to be strong and independent,” she shares.

Adventure on reality TV
Melody’s not afraid to try anything new – even if it’s captured on TV for the world to see.

In 2006, she took part in Amazing Race Asia with a friend. One of the challenges was to bungee jump a whopping 134 metres over New Zealand’s Nevis Valley – no mean feat, especially for someone afraid of heights. “I was terrified, but when the going gets tough, the tough get going,” she laughs.

“If I were asked to participate in The Amazing Race all over again, I’d agree in a heartbeat! I love the series, and I was thrilled to be called back as a Pit Stop Greeter for the Singapore leg of The Amazing Race 25 last year.”

In 2009, Melody also gamely agreed to take part in an ice-skating reality competition, Ice Star Asia, despite never having skated before. “It was a wonderful experience for me, as I got to train under some of the best Cirque du Soleil instructors in the world. How many people can claim to have done the same?” she asks. “These shows really pushed me to step out of my comfort zone.”

Off the beaten track
Reality TV adventures aside, Melody’s volunteer activities have also taken her outside her comfort zone. Sure, she’s had holidays in glamorous places like Santorini in Greece, and Mauritius, but it’s her off-the-beaten journeys that have made the most impact on her.

Take her trip to Bangladesh in 2010, for instance, where she visited the child she was sponsoring under World Vision’s Child Sponsorship programme.

“The trip was an eye-opening experience – physically, mentally and emotionally. Forget about five-star treatment; the living conditions there were really rudimentary. But it really touched my heart to see the children so happy with the simplest of things,” she recalls. Following her visit, Melody became a World Vision Singapore Goodwill Ambassador for three years.

She has no qualms about roughing it out during her travels, and would love to strike other far-flung places off her bucket list. “I’d love to visit Machu Picchu in Peru, as well as the Amazon, and I‘ve always dreamt of going on safari in Africa,” she says. “Traveling just makes life so much more fulfilling!”

This article was originally published in Simply Her January 2015.

For those of us who celebrate Chinese New Year, kumquat trees, bamboo stalks and pussy willows should be familiar to you. Every year, we buy pots and stalks of these plants to fill our homes, in hope of bringing us luck in the new year.

So we’ve done some research on what certain flowers and plants symbolise in Chinese culture and feng shui, because hey, when it comes to luck, we’ll do what we can. It’ll be a bonus if it actually works, right?

Plus, us being the kiasu women we are, we’ve found a way for you to bring this “luck” with you wherever you go – in the form of perfumes, of course!

Here’s how you can boost your luck with the right perfume in the year of the goat, enjoy!

#1 ROMANCE: Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede
If you’re hoping for more luck in the romance department this year, the peony flower is what you need. The peony is known as the “king of flowers” in Chinese culture, representing feminine beauty and elegance. In particular, red peonies are believed to be especially lucky for those seeking a partner.

This year, get yourself a bottle of Jo Malone’s Peony & Blush Suede, a scent which brings to mind images of peonies in voluptuous bloom. This flirtatious fragrance opens with a bite of a juicy red apple, then the middle notes of peony, jasmine, carnation and rose take over, slowly warming with the sensuality of soft, blush suede.

#2 CAREER & WEALTH: Fresh Honeysuckle
Those familiar with Chinese culture might find this an odd pick for someone seeking better career development and wealth, since the flower is widely said to represent a beautiful woman.

According to fengshui expert Lillian Too, it’s said that magnolias grown in “the back garden (of a home) symbolises hidden jewels, or the gradual accumulation of great wealth.”

You’ll find magnolia in the middle notes of Fresh’s latest fragrance, Honeysuckle. Put this on your desk and spritz it throughout the day. The perfume can also be used to represent the water element. Water symbolises income and profits, as said by feng shui expert Joey Yap in a recent feng shui and astrology seminar.

Beliefs aside, we find this light and clean scent very refreshing, so take a whiff of it when you need to clear a cluttered mind.

#3 HEALTH: Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Bamboo
If you’re a fan of period dramas, think about all the backdrops, art and paintings you’ve seen in them – the bamboo is always a common feature. That’s because the bamboo is believed to be able to to ward off negative energy, and is a sign of longevity, resilience and strength. In feng shui, placing three lucky bamboo stalks at home is also said to bring you happiness, a long life and wealth.

Bamboo fragrances are rare in Singapore, so you might have to wait a few months to get your hands on Elizabeth Arden’s Green Tea Bamboo, a fragrance which aims to capture the spirit of traditional bamboo gardens. This sparkling fragrance is a combination of zesty citrus fruits – lemon, grapefruit and bergamot – as well as fresh greens such as cucumber, bamboo and of course, green tea. All this in a musky, woody base - an instant mood lifter!

Some good news for those jetting off this Chinese New Year (you lucky bunch!), you’ll be able to call dibs on this at duty free – it’s currently a travel exclusive. For the rest of us, it will hit stores in Singapore end July.

#4 PROSPERITY: Penhaligon’s Lily of the valley
For all round luck this year, choose a fragrance with lily in it. Growing the flower in your home represents an abundance of good luck in feng shui. In Chinese culture, it also symbolises harmony and happiness, and is said to be commonly present at weddings.

Our perfume pick for this actually has to do with the lily’s distant cousin, the lily of the valley, which is more commonly used in perfume instead. Interestingly, Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton’s wedding bouquet was almost entirely made up of lily of the valley. Following the “language of flowers”, popularised by Queen Victoria, the lily of the valley means “trustworthy”.

We like Penhaligon’s Lily of the valley, one of the brand’s most popular scents, which opens with soft touches of citrusy bergamot. Floral elements of rose, ylang ylang, jasmine and lily of the valley are found in the heart, with a sandalwood and oakmoss base.

Talk about all round luck and harmony! So, what’s your choice of perfume this year?

For more information about Lillian Too, visit www.lillian-too.com and www.wofs.com. Follow World of Feng Shui on Facebook.

For more information about Joey Yap, visit www.joeyyap.com and follow him on Facebook.

Jo Malone London Peony & Blush Suede Cologne, $105 for 30ml, is available at all Jo Malone stores and counters. For more information, visit www.jomalone.com.sg, and follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Fresh Honeysuckle EDP, $144, is available from the Fresh store in ION Orchard and at Sephora. For more information, visit www.fresh.com, and follow the brand on Facebook and Instagram.

Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Bamboo EDT, price unavailable, will be available end July at all Elizabeth Arden counters. For more information, visit http://www.elizabetharden.sg/, and follow the brand on Facebook.

Penhaligon’s Lily of the valley EDT, $153 for 50ml, is available at the Penhaligon’s store in ION Orchard. For more information, visit http://www.penhaligons.com/, and follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Confession: I've been in a LTR with a Korean sweetheart for many years now. (I'm talking about Laneige's BB Cushion [Pore Control] SPF50+ PA+++, not Song Hye-kyo!) Image: Laneige/YouTube

Hey, K-Beauty buddy, did you know you can switch between techniques when applying your BB cushion, depending on the results you’re gunning for?

So, which is better: Rubbing or patting in your BB cushion compact? Answer: Both are perfectly acceptable. It's all contingent on the level of coverage you’re coveting – #IWokeUpLikeThis nude makeup; full-on Song Hye-kyo glamour; or precision spot correction for pesky pimples. Your choice! 

#1. Sweeping statement. First rule of the day: A clean sweep equals lighter coverage. Here’s Laneige Singapore’s in-house trainer Tina Oh: “Using swift, sweeping motions, blend your cushion puff outwards to achieve an ultra-natural look.”   

What else? My pal and makeup artist Larry Yeo has a huge axe to grind with girls he’s observed committing this cardinal cosmetic sin: “You should never use the puff to pat randomly all over the face, because your complexion will end up looking terribly blotchy.” Note to self: One should never apply your BB cushion as if it were blotting paper!

Instead, do as he does and glide your way to a gorgeous glow: “Start application by sweeping the puff away from the centre of your face. Use soft strokes to skim towards the jaw and hairline. Sheering out the product this way lends a seamless finish.”

This gentle graduation also blurs out any discernible demarcation between your face and decolletage; always a good thing!

Every atas OL's beauty essential: Sulwhasoo's superb Evenfair Perfecting Cushion. I should know, given the number of compliments I get for my cough, flawless complexion whenever I have this baby on!

#2. Heavy “patting”. Fancy a fuller finish? Scrap the sweeping motions and indulge in a little heavy patting instead. Here’s what Tina Oh of Laneige recommends: “If you want complete coverage that doesn’t look too ‘forced’, pat a thin layer all over your face, then go back in and focus on areas of concern, such as around the nose and mouth.” This targeted second coat is essentially doubling up as a concealer of sorts, quick’n’dirty style!

#3. Brush up on the basics. Want to take your cushion compact to the next level? Bring out the big guns because it’s time to get serious on any spots, scars and such that are still visible after applying your BB base.

Go right ahead and press your clean fingers into your BB cushion if you must, but Larry Yeo is partial to using a stiff angled brush like 13Rushes Angled Flat Top Mini for precision coverage; pick up a tiny bit of product using the tip of your brush, then dot onto offending spots and blend outwards to blur the boundary between blemish and surrounding skin. Easy-peasy. No creases and crinkles after a night of gallivanting, too, from my experience.

Right, then. As it turns out, there’s more than one way to skin a cat – and more than one way to use your BB cushion.

To recap, here are three top tips for fuss-free touch-ups on the go: Glide for a natural finish; pat for complete camouflage; and stipple with a slim brush to obliterate spots. Talk about different strokes for different folks. Good luck, and have fun!

You can contact Larry Yeo at www.larryyeo.com.

Laneige BB Cushion [Pore Control] SPF50+ PA+++, $59, is available at all Laneige counters. For more information visit www.laneige.com.sg and follow the brand on Facebook.

Sulwhasoo Evenfair Perfecting Cushion, $74, is available at Sulwhasoo counters. For more information, visit www.sulwhasoo.com.sg and follow the brand on Facebook.

Shu Uemura has invited jewellery and accessories designer Yazbukey to collaborate on its next makeup line, which is due in stores this May.

Image: Shu Uemura 

The Japanese brand continues to team with leading artists, but no two of its collaborative collections are alike. After joining forces with Karl Lagerfeld (or rather with his cat Choupette) and Mika Ninagawa, the cosmetics brand has paired with Paris-based designer Yazbukey for a makeup collection that is all about femininity, extravagance and joy.

Image: Shu Uemura 

Four beauty looks are matched with four female characters in the Shu Uemura x Yazbukey line, which is due out in May. The Japanese brand has revealed few details on the collection, except that there will be 34 products ranging from cleansing oils to makeup items.

"I firmly believe that makeup should bring out the personality of every woman. To express ours, we created four looks in collaboration with Yazbukey," said Kakuyasu Uchiide, international artistic director at Shu Uemura. "Chose your image and your favorite color in the same way you would choose your outfit every morning. Without a doubt, you will discover a new and remarkable side of your personality to share." -- AFP Relaxnews