of your - Watsons

CONTENTS
ON THE COVER
GLOW BEAUTY, WELLNESS & LIFE. JUL-SEP 2014
24-33 READY TO WEAR
No OTT drama, garish styles or
flat-out weird dos. Instead, many of this
season’s catwalk trends are classic looks
or a twist on all-time favourites. We
zoom in on the most wearable and the
most gorgeous.
“I IMAGINE
RUNNING
AWAY WITH
SOMEONE
I LOVE”
DARA
2NE1 SINGER AND FACE OF
CLIO, ON STYLE, AGEING
AND ROMANCE
Know these
hashtags
12 BEAUTY AND STYLE
MEISTERS YOU SHOULD
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM
ZUMBA YOUR WAY!
JUL-SEP 2014 ISSUE
$2.00 (INCL GST)
FIND THE STYLE THAT SUITS YOU BEST
READY TO WEAR
THE MOST DOABLE MAKEUP
TRENDS FRESH OFF THE RUNWAYS
34-37 KNOW THESE HASHTAGS
From juicy peeks into the lives of the
glamorous and beautiful to inspirational
posts by fitness, fashion and makeup
gurus, Instagram is the best way to keep
up to date with the latest sensations and
what’s trending out there. Here are 12
Instagram aces to have on your radar.
COVER PHOTO:
PHOTO
COURTESY OF CLIO
ART DIRECTION
SOPHIA WEE
COVER GIRL
SANDARA PARK
46-49 ZUMBA YOUR WAY
Ever since this Colombian dance fitness
program hit our shores a few years ago,
Zumba has taken Singapore by storm.
With everyone from major fitness
chains to community clubs offering it
these days, there are variations to suit
every taste. Here are our picks of five of
the most fun ones.
58-61 “I IMAGINE RUNNING AWAY WITH
SOMEONE I LOVE”
Sandara Park, 2NE1 girl group member
and face of Korean makeup brand Clio,
shares with us her take on style, beauty,
ageing and romance.
Contents
BEAUTY
11 SPOTLIGHT: OIL IS WELL
Japanese haircare brand Moist Diane’s Smooth Hair Oil is lightweight, hardworking instant fix for all hair types.
13 SHOPPING: THE PERFECTIONISTS
Handy trouble-shooters for skin that help you achieve that flawless,
poreless complexion.
14 POP STARS
Let your lip and nail colours do the talking with these punchy,
look-at-me shades.
16 BEAUTY BUZZ
News on the latest products and trends: How to create a sharper
looking nose and deeper-set eyes; a whitening range with clinical
strength ingredients; a facial essence that helps recharge your skin;
firming body products for every problem area; a hair mask that
promises shiny tresses for 96 hours; a cleansing foam to keep your
guy looking fresh; ultra-moisturising shampoos for smooth hair that
smells great; a BB cream in a handy compact; and nail polish that
smells like perfume.
19 ONLY AT WATSONS
The special finds you won’t get anywhere else: Creating eye-popping
looks with pastel eyeliners; an ocean and fairytale-inspired makeup
collection; a refreshing, cooling scalp essence; a sunblock that offers
high protection and hydration; a botanical-based CC cream with
whitening, spot-reduction, anti-ageing and antioxidant benefits;
a brush that makes de-tangling wet or frizzy hair effortless; and a
brand new skin- and eco-friendly makeup brand from Japan.
22 BEAUTY Q&A
We get you the answers to your skincare, haircare and
makeup concerns.
WELLNESS
39 SPOTLIGHT: POWER PLANTS
Japanese beauty supplement brand launches here with two
key products centred on the anti-ageing and health benefits
of plant ingredients.
41 SHOPPING: KRILL SEEKERS
Krill oil is emerging as a potential health superstar.
42 WELLNESS BUZZ
Five surprising causes of dehydration; why you shouldn’t
rely on Wikipedia for health advice; how drinking can lead
to weight gain; an eye-health supplement to combat eye
strain caused by radiation and glare; a bottled vitamin water
that’s mixed fresh only just before you drink it; and the link
between stress and short-term memory.
44 ASK THE PHARMACIST
Got some niggling health questions? We get you answers from the friendly pharmacists at Watsons.
50 THE HAZE AND YOU – MINIMISING ITS EFFECTS
A simple guide to reduce illness and discomfort during the
haze season.
52 CLEANING UP YOUR ACT
Judging by the number of salad bars popping up around
town, it would seem like Singaporeans are getting more
conscious about what they eat. But is clean eating another
passing fad, or is it here to stay?
26
Contents
66
Editor
• Yee-Huay Goh •
Writer
• Victoria Ng •
Creative Director
• Michael Cheng •
62
Art Director
• Sophia Wee •
Designers
• Suen Jia Ming •
• Stefanie Sofyan •
• Maura Soewarna •
Business Director
• Yanfeng Lee •
GLOW is published quarterly for Watsons
by Orbital Group Pte Ltd.
MCI (P) 143/02/2013
70
LIFE
56 KNOW-HOW
Tips for better living: Three ways in
which honey is good for you; home is
where the stress is; how children’s food
preferences were formed when they
were in the womb; selfies can lead to
insecurity about your looks; the best
way to win an argument; and using
magnesium to reduce stress.
62 BREAK OUT OF YOUR
MID-YEAR SLUMP
Nothing drastic has happened this
year and, as far as you know, you’re
not suffering from clinical depression.
Yet, you feel powerless against this
overwhelming sense of emptiness
that threatens to pull you under.
What’s happening?
66 MOONCAKE FEVER
It’s that time of the year again where
you light those lanterns, brew some tea
and forget about counting calories to
indulge in delicious, decadent mooncakes. We round up the new flavours
to look out for.
72 YOUR SAY
W hat’s the craziest thing you did as
a teenager?
REGULARS
08
74 78 80 ED’S NOTE
CALENDAR
EVENTS
GLOW HITS
Copyright for GLOW magazine is held
by Watsons and Orbital Group. All rights
reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part
without permission is prohibited. The views
and opinions expressed or implied in GLOW
do not necessarily reflect those of Watson’s
Personal Care Stores Pte Ltd and Orbital
Group Pte Ltd. Doctors and medical experts
interviewed in GLOW do not necessarily
endorse the beauty, skincare and health
products featured in the magazine. All
information is correct at the time of print.
Printed by Colourscan Print Co (Pte) Ltd.
For Editorial enquiries, email:
[email protected]. For advertising
enquiries, email: [email protected] or
call +65 6392 0536.
Editor’s Note
I
t’s that time of the year again, that in-the-middle period when motivation
flags and resolutions made over New Year start to go out the window. The yearend holidays and festive season are some way off yet, so how do you keep up your
mojo till then?
For a start, have a read of our guide on beating the mid-year slump for some
advice from the experts. The tips they offer may just put matters into perspective
and help kickstart your engine. Changing up your look and trying out new dos
are always good pick-me-ups too, physically and mentally. And for that, we
have curated the latest beauty trends fresh off the fall-winter runways for your
sampling pleasure. They’re perfectly wearable too, and easy to achieve so no
worries about spending ages in front of the mirror.
As is often the case, food can be a source of great excitement when the going is
slow (well, it is for us anyway). Every Mid-Autumn Festival, the pastry chefs at
hotels, restaurants and cakeshops bake up a storm to create mooncakes that outdo
their previous offerings and this year is no different. To tickle your taste buds,
we’ve rounded up some of the most decadent and mouthwatering mooncakes
available this season so you know exactly what to zoom in on and where.
And for a surefire way to get out of your rut, try out a new hobby or sport like
Zumba, which is kind of both. It’s fun, it’s healthy and it gets you moving –
physically, if nothing else. With a wide range of variants springing up all over
the place, you’re sure to find something that suits your tastes and needs, whether
you’re a K-pop fan, Bollywood enthusiast, ambitious fitness addict or busy
executive with a packed schedule.
So get going and put the jazz back into life. Enjoy!
YEE-HUAY
8
GLOW
JUL-SEP ‘14
BEAUTY SPOTLIGHT
OIL IS WELL
TEXT YEE-HUAY GOH STYLING SOPHIA WEE
If anyone knows a thing or two about oil, it’s
Moist Diane. After all, the Tokyo-based brand’s
claim to fame is its oil-based haircare products,
which boast a whopping eight botanical oils,
including the scarce and highly-prized Moroccan
argan oil. So far, much of the spotlight has been
on the oil shampoos and conditioners, which are
lauded for the incredible job they do in removing
grease, buildup and impurities. But for an instant
fix and intensive treatment that works for all hair
types, look to the Smooth Hair Oil ($18.90).
Lightweight and hardworking, a couple of drops
are all that’s needed to deeply moisturise, reduce
breakage and split ends, and impart mirror-shine.
No stickiness, no greasy after-feel.
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JUL-SEP ‘14
Beauty Shopping
The perfectionists
Fresh, radiant skin is never out of trend. But even if you’re not naturally blessed
with it, don’t panic. These handy trouble-shooters will conceal, smooth and
brighten to help you achieve that flawless, poreless complexion.
3
1
4
2
5
6
7
1 Bison Baby Pink White Mineral BB Cream, $20.90 2 Beauty Biotics Dream Cream BB/CC, $39
3 Maybelline Baby Skin
Pore Eraser, $19.90 4 Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream, $25.50 5 LB Mineral Moist BB Base SPF30 PA++, $21.90 6 L’Oreal
Base Magique Transforming Smoothing Primer, $23.90 7 Revlon Photoready Eye Primer + Brightener, $21.90
Pop stars
Let your lip colour do the talking with these punchy,
look-at-me shades – the fastest way to light up your
look or add some spunk to your get-up.
Collection Lasting
Colour Lipstick in #2
Pink Shock, $12.50
L’Oreal Color Riche in P403 Pink Retro, $21.90
Maybelline Bold Matte by
Colorsensational in MAT4
Vivid Coral, $17.90
Clio Virgin Kiss Lipnicure in #12 Wicked Peach, $19.90
Bourjois Rouge Edition in
#07 Fuchsia Graffiti, $25
Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm in #210 Unapologetic, $19.90
Silkygirl Moisture Rich Lipstick
in #25 Hot, $11.90
Beauty Shopping
60 seconds Nail Polish
by Rita Ora, $4.90
Sally Hansen Triple
Shine Nail Color in
#280 Dive In, $9.90
Nicole by OPI in
Some Hearts, $9.90
Revlon Nail Enamel
in Zealous, $12.90
L’Oreal Color Riche Le
Vernis in #210 Shocking
Pink, $8.90
Alternatively if you prefer a slightly less overt way
to wear a bold, cartoon-bright hue, simply paint a
couple of coats onto your nails.
Essence Colour
& Go in #138
L.O.L, $2.90
Bourjois 1 Seconde
Nail Enamel in #23
In The Navy, $11
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JUL-SEP ‘14
Beauty Buzz
FAKE IT TILL
YOU MAKE IT
Some women are genetically blessed with large eyes and sharp noses. For the
rest of us, there’s hope in the form of Kate Tokyo’s 3D Eye Create ($23.50),
a dual-ended eye-contouring powder stick that promises to create the illusion
of bigger peepers and a more pronounced nose bridge. Consisting of a dark
beige shading powder and a pinkish-white highlighting powder, the spongetip applicators on both ends of the stick makes controlling and adjusting the
shade intensity easy. Here’s how to sculpt your way to sharper, more
defined features:
1 To create depth, use the deep shadow colour around the eye sockets and down the sides of the nose.
2 Illuminate and accentuate your features by applying the highlighting colour under the arch of the eyebrows, beneath the eyes and along the
nose bridge where light would hit.
3 For more pronounced definition, line eyes with a fine-tipped liner like
Kate’s improved, smudge-proof Quick Eyeliner A ($17), which offers
intense colour and has a felt-tip applicator for easy control.
Products available in August 2014
Flower power
The future is bright
Neutrogena’s new Clinical Fine Fairness skincare line reportedly
boasts clinical strength whitening ingredients to better combat
dark spots and patchy skin tone. There are three products in the
range: the Radiance Essence ($45.90),
Multi-Protect UV Fluid SPF50+/
PA+++ sunscreen ($34.90) and the
Radiance Cream ($34.90) for night.
All make use of the brand’s Vital-Ions
technology, which contains zinc
and copper minerals to boost skin’s
renewal process so accumulated
melanin can be quickly dispersed. At
the same time, Lily Nectar – a mix
of white lily extracts and stabilised
vitamin C – helps inhibit melanin
formation. The Radiance Essence
promises to lighten persistent spots in
just three weeks, while the Radiance
Cream aids with night repair to
improve skin tone and clarity.
16
Just as your mobile phone battery goes
flat at the end of the day, your skin too
can run out of energy needed for essential
functions like the production of lipids,
collagen and elastin. The reason? Damage
to the DNA of mitochondria – tiny
batteries that produce energy within each
skin cell. To repair mitonchondrial DNA
so skin can recharge, French brand Nuxe
created Nuxellence Jeunesse Youth and
Radiance Revealing Fluid ($98), a light
cream that can be used by women of any
age or skin type. Boasting the brand’s
best patented active ingredients, the Fluid
promises to deliver all-round anti-ageing
care for smoother, more luminous and
youthful looking skin. It may be used
alone on normal to combination skin, or
under a cream for dry skin. Follow up
with your regular serum for best results.
GLOW
JUL-SEP ‘14
Beauty Buzz
Firm believers
96 hours
That’s how long Asience
Intensive Treatment Hair
Mask ($18.90) promises to
keep your mane satiny soft,
smooth and shiny. Using the
latest technology to effectively
deliver nourishing ingredients
like lotus, Korean ginseng
and camellia oil, it keeps hair
moisturised while carrying out
repair and damage care.
It’s already long established
as one of the most effective
and popular slimming body
care brands in Europe. Now,
building on the success of its
cult hit, the cellulite-fighting
Body-Slim Multi-Action
Concentrate, Lierac has added
three new products to zoom in
on specific loose, jiggly parts:
Bubbly for the boys
O TACKLE STUBBORN CELLULITE AND
T
SLACKENED SKIN ON INNER ARMS,
THIGHS, BUTTOCKS AND KNEES
USE Body-Slim Slackened Areas, $88
WHAT’S IN IT 10 per cent active caffeine plus
Lierac’s patented WTB System which reportedly
speeds up the removal of lipids from fat cells
TEXTURE Serum
TO TRIM DOWN ABDOMINAL FAT, A THICKENED
WAIST AND IMPROVE TONE
USE Body-Slim Stomach & Waist, $88
WHAT’S IN IT 5 per cent active caffeine and the
WTB System. It also has brown algae extract
which reportedly aids in the breakdown of fats
and oat extract for an immediate firming effect.
TEXTURE Gel-cream
TO FIGHT DIMPLY SKIN, CELLULITE AND
WATER RETENTION
USE Body-Slim Drainage, $88
MODEL PHOTOS SHOWBIT.COM
WHAT’S IN IT 10 per cent botanical extracts,
including baie rose, cranberry, pomegranate and
red vine. Also has grapeseed and sweet almond
oils to moisturise. Free of essential oils and
caffeine, it’s safe for use by pregnant women.
TEXTURE A new-generation bi-phase formula
that’s 70 per cent oil, 30 per cent water. Its dry
finish means there’s no greasy after-feel.
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JUL-SEP ‘14
Wish your guy could keep himself looking fresh and
ungreasy all day? Try adding Men’s Biore Instant
Foaming Wash ($9.85) to his toiletry set. Formulated
specially to help men combat oily skin, clogged pores,
blackheads and acne, its dense, ultra-fine foam is better
able to get deep into pores to clean out oil and dirt.
Gentle and non-irritating, it leaves skin with a lasting
clean feel and matte appearance. Two new variants have
been added to the original Double Active Fresh Instant
Foaming Wash – the Double Oil Control Icy Instant
Foaming Wash for oily and combi skin, and the Double
Acne Control Instant Foaming Wash for zit-prone skin.
Beauty Buzz
FEEL SMOOTH, SMELL GREAT
Herbal Essences has introduced a new Japan Series, based on a poll among Japanese
women which show they want two things from their haircare – gentle formulas that
keep their often-coloured tresses smooth and moisturised, and a pleasurable scent
that keeps up their mood. Pretty much the traits we like too. The series consists of
two variants: Touchable Smooth and Touchable Moisture for extra hydration. Both
include a shampoo, conditioner and rinse-off treatment. Containing eight types of
naturally derived ingredients such as rapeseed oil, palm oil and coconut oil,
the products are formulated to deliver haircare ingredients more effectively
to hair and keep them there so your locks stay protected, smooth and
hydrated all day. For a sweet, gentle rose fragrance with refreshing juicy
hints of citrus, peach and apple, try the Touchable Smooth range. If you
prefer the creamy floral-fruity scent of apricot, osmanthus, green tea and
musk, opt for the Touchable Moisture. $5.90-$12
It’s got you covered
Just how many goodies has Maybelline packed into its new
BB Wonder Smooth Compact Cream ($19.90), which
comes in a handy little case that fits even into a slim clutch?
The melting, comforting feel of a light
balm upon application
Eight skincare benefits, from sun
protection and hydration to brightening
skin tone and refining pores
Refining powders that produce a
velvety-smooth finish that lasts all day
Creamy yet lightweight texture for
breathable coverage
Contains calming chamomile extract,
caffeine to energise skin and vitamins C
and E for antioxidant protection
Pure minerals to minimise the look of
pores for a flawless nude look
A one-step makeup plus skincare
solution for when you’re pressed for time
Fragranced tips
Nail colour and perfume are both accessories that add the finishing touch to our get-up. So
Revlon hit upon the nifty idea of combining them with its latest Parfumerie Scented Nail
Enamel line, which uses fragrance and essential oils to make nail polish that smell like perfume.
Offering finishes that range from creamy to glittery, the collection’s 24 shades are divided into
three families, each with different colour and fragrance characteristics. Fruits & Florals comprises
vibrant, punchy shades with exotic and fruity scents; Sweets & Spices features deep, rich colours
fragranced with wood and spice; while Freshes has light, airy hues that smell crisp and clean.
Now you get a new sensorial experience each time you paint your nails.
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JUL-SEP ‘14
Beauty Exclusives
O NLY AT
Watsons
The special finds you won’t get anywhere else.
Candy crush
We love the new range of Clio Gelpresso Waterproof Pastel Upper
Liners ($16.90 each), which come in four deliciously sweet shades
of lavender, mint, peach and pink. Don’t let the name deceive
you – these vivid pastels pack a punch and are a far cry from
the powdery hues you’d normally expect. Waterproof and
smudge-proof, they’re also talc- and paraben-free so those
with sensitive eyes can breathe easy. Here, we show you how
to create different eye-popping looks with them.
Layer it on
Step 1: Apply black liquid eyeliner along the
upper lash line, thickening the line towards the
outer ends.
Step 2: Draw a Pastel Upper Liner just above
the black eyeline in a thin, smooth stroke.
Play peek-a-boo
Splitting the cat-eye
Step 1: Use a Pastel Upper Liner
to draw a thick streak along the
upper lash line, extending it a
little for a slight wing tip.
Step 1: Using a Pastel Upper Liner,
create a cat-eye flick, making sure it’s
sufficiently thick at the outer ends.
SANDARA PARK PHOTO CLIO
Step 2: Using a black liquid
or gel eyeliner (those in pen
and brush forms are easiest to
control), fill in the coloured
streak, leaving only a hint of the
pastel shade showing along the
top and on the sides.
Step 3: Complete
the look by lining
the lower lash
line with black
eyeliner as well.
Step 2: Starting from the inner
corner, lightly outline the outer edge
of the cat-eye with black liquid or gel
eyeliner, stopping just before the
cat-eye wings upwards.
Step 3: Line along the inner
edge with black eyeliner as
well, close to the lash line.
Complement these macaron-sweet eye colours with juicy, glossy lips. Clio
Gelpresso Glow Tint is a lip tint with a jelly-like finish in four mouth-watering
shades of cherry red, orange pop, raspberry pink and sweet pink. With lotus
extract, they also keep your lips moisturised and protected.
Siren call
Mermaids and seduction, magic and the mysteries of the
sea. These are the inspirations behind Majolica Majorca’s
latest collection, Sweet Trap Hunter. Built around a colour
scheme of shimmery shell-pinks, ocean blues and pale golds,
the range consists of two eyeshadow palettes, an eyeliner,
nail polishes and a reddish-brown mascara – all designed to
help you create a dreamy, somewhat otherworldly look. As an
extra perk, the Water Cologne Nails range of polishes come
scented with the brand’s own Majoromantica perfume. A
water-based formula with a dewy luster, it’s also toluene-free
so it’s less harmful to your nails. $7.10-$27.50
Heady good ness
We know that healthy hair stems from a healthy scalp. But not many women are taking
the necessary step of using a leave-in scalp care product to achieve that, with reasons ranging
from disappointment with previous products to lack of time. That is why Tsubaki has introduced the
Head Spa Sparkling Serum ($18.90), a fuss-free leave-on scalp essence that feels good. Containing an
essential oil blend, camellia flower extract and camellia oil, the Sparkling Serum helps to moisturise
and soften scalp, prevent irritation and repair hair cuticles for lustrous, bouncy hair. The convenient
non-drip formula leaves no sticky feel, just a refreshing, cooling sensation when applied. To use,
simply spray over eight to 10 spots on your scalp, press over the areas with your palms until the
fizzy popping sound subsides, then lightly massage in.
Water safety
As the weather heats up, it’s essential for skin get as much moisture as
it can, wherever it can. To provide an extra source of hydration,
Senka has made its Mineral Essence UV sunscreen ($17.90)
using100 per cent mineral water. Hyaluronic acid is included
in the mix to better retain the moisture, while coenzyme Q10
delivers anti-ageing care. Despite the uber high SPF50+/PA++++
level of sun protection it offers, this sunscreen spreads as fluidly as
a serum, leaving a silky smooth finish and no white cast. Resistant to
sweat and sebum, you can use it as a pre-makeup base too.
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JUL-SEP ‘14
Beauty Exclusives
CORRECT ANSWERS
Adding to its extensive line of antioxidant-based beauty products, Pure Beauty is introducing
its Complexion Corrector CC Cream ($21.80) to help even skin tone and spruce up
complexion without looking like makeup. Free of parabens, lanolin and alcohol, what it has
in abundance is a host of high-quality natural ingredients. These include the patented Pink
Flower Complex, Bulgarian rose water, the certified organic Alphaflor Gigawhite compound,
mistletoe oil and glacier water. Together with colour pigments that help to conceal dark
circles, blemishes and uneven tone, the CC Cream offers whitening, spot-reduction, antiageing and antioxidant benefits. Naturally radiant skin in a tube, we say.
A brush with greatness
It’s said to be a bestseller in the U.S and a godsend for those can’t de-tangle their
tresses without tugging, ripping, split ends and pain. The Wet Brush is designed
with special IntelliFlex bristles that are ultra thin but very strong and flexible. These
are reportedly able to adapt to the hair’s tangled conditions, being flexible
on one stroke and firm on the next so they can swiftly work through
the knots without causing damage. In addition, their ball-tip bristles
provide a massaging action to boost circulation for healthier scalp and
hair. Use it in the shower, after a shower, at the beach or on kids who
hate the sight of a brush.
New brand: LB Cosmetics
J-beauty junkies, take note, a new player has hit town. LB – which
stands for Lady Bird – offers affordable, eco-friendly makeup
conceived in Japan and made in Korea. The brand’s bestseller is
the Creamy Waterproof Gel, a soft creamy eyeliner pencil that’s
sweat-proof, tear-proof, dries within 10 seconds and stays put
all day – no more raccoon eyes! Also check out the Moisture
Mineral Pact, a mineral powder compact with water in its
formula to keep skin comfortable and hydrated. The micro-fine
powder forms a light veil over pores and blemishes, creating a
soft, radiant and natural finish. For an easy way to create perfect
gradated colour on eyes, look to the Gorgeous Eyes palettes. The four
pearly shades in each palette are colour-coordinated and numbered
so you know which one goes on first. Prices range from $16.90-$29.90.
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JUL-SEP ‘14
Beauty Q&A
Beauty
A
?
&
We get you the answers
to your skincare, haircare
and makeup concerns.
Q What’s the best way to cover up a pimple? Sometimes it seems the more I try,
the more obvious it looks. Help!
When it comes to concealing a zit, less is usually more,
because the more product you pile on, the likelier it will
cake over the bump, drawing more attention to it.
Q When should I use a powder blush
and when to use a cream one?
There are a couple of things to consider. Firstly, are you
gunning for a polished look or a natural one? In general,
powder blushes tend to create a more sophisticated effect
due to its matte finish. You can also use it to contour your
cheeks by sweeping the blush up along cheekbones using
a large makeup brush. Be sure to dust off excess powder
from the brush before applying – you don’t want to end
up looking like an ’80s throwback.
Cream blushes, on the other hand, have a more dewy
finish and is good for creating that healthy, just-wentfor-a-run flush. To apply, dab it onto the apples of cheeks
and blend upwards along cheekbones. Finish with a light
dusting of setting or loose powder if you have oily skin
that’s prone to shine.
The other aspect to take note of is your foundation texture
and match it accordingly. As a general rule, liquid and
cream foundations go well with cream blushes, while
powder compacts should be paired with powder blushes.
This prevents the contrasting wet-dry formulas from
interfering with each other.
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JUL-SEP ‘14
First thing to do if the pimple is still red and inflamed is to
try and minimise the swelling by applying some ice on it.
Next, make sure skin is moisturised so it won’t dry and
flake – go for a lightweight formula with antibacterial and
mattifying properties that can fight zits and shine while
maintaining hydration.
Your concealer should match your skin tone exactly. If it’s a
shade too light, you’ll end up highlighting the spot instead
of making it blend in. Using your fingertip, pat a
cream concealer directly on top of the spot.
Repeat until the pimple is sufficiently
covered. Lastly, dust on some
translucent or loose powder to
set. If you’re following up
with powder foundation,
avoid applying again
over the pimple.
Q How often should I clean my makeup brushes
and what’s the proper way to do it?
To clean your brushes, soak them in a container
filled with warm water and a little bit of baby
shampoo or mild shampoo. Be sure not to use
very hot water as that can gradually dissolve
the glue holding the bristles together.
If there’s still product residue on the
brushes after soaking, put a few drops of
shampoo in your palm and swirl the brush
around in it before rinsing clean. Repeat
if necessary. Squeeze out the water using
paper towels, mould the bristles back to
their original shape and leave the brushes to
air-dry naturally. Avoid using a hairdryer on
them as the heat can also dissolve the glue and
damage the brush.
Washing your brushes regularly is important
to prevent bacteria from accumulating
and causing breakouts. The general
expert opinion is that cleaning them
around once a month is sufficient.
However, if you have blemishprone skin and are using brushes to
apply liquid or cream foundations
and concealers, you might want to
give them a thorough wash once
every one to two weeks as bacteria
fester more easily in wet formulas
than powder ones.
Q I can’t seem to master liquid eyeliner.
Whenever I apply it, the line looks a
little crooked and uneven. Any tricks?
For beginners, it’s best to opt for liquid eyeliners
that come in pen form with a fine but firm felt tip,
kind of like a skinny marker. They’re easier to hold
and control. Skip the dip-brush or soft brush-tip
variety until you’re more comfortable with it.
Before applying the eyeliner, pull your lid taut. Then,
try to draw one smooth, even stroke from the inner
corner of eye outwards, sticking closely to your lash
line. Steady your hand by resting your elbow on a
table and your palm against your cheek. If you
make a mistake or are dissatisfied with the
result, simply dip a pointy Q-tip in an oilfree makeup remover and drag it along the
edge of the line to clean up.
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JUL-SEP ‘14
THE BEST OF
FALL/WINTER
BEAUTY 2014
No OTT drama, garish styles or flat-out weird
dos. Instead, many of this season’s catwalk
trends are classic looks or a twist on all-time
favourites. We zoom in on the most wearable
and the most gorgeous. By Natasha Chiam
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JUL-SEP ‘14
Beauty Feature
SOFT METALLICS
Not only did this look dominate the runways from Paris to New York, but it’s
flattering, fashionable and appropriate for any occasion. Earthy metallics in sheer
finishes (as seen at Les Copains) make for a chic daytime look, and more intense
cool silvers and burnished bronzes (a la Roberto Cavalli and Donna Karan) add
feminine drama for a night out.
HOW TO
1
For long lasting colour, start with cream eyeshadow as
a base and layer powder on top, extending the colour
into the curve of your eye socket. Use a fluffy eyeshadow
brush to blend the eyeshadow outwards in small circular
motions - this will give a smoky, sexy finish rather than
strong blocks of colour.
2
3
4
1 Maybelline Color
Tattoo in Audacious
Asphalt and Bad to the
Bronze, $15.90 each
2 Revlon Photoready
Eyeshadow in Renaissance,
$24.90 3 Kent
Definition Socket Line
Brush, $12.90 4 QVS
Blending Brush, $8.90
POISON APPLE LIPS
The femme fatale reds this fall seem inspired by fairytale villains like Angelina
Jolie’s Maleficent: rich, sensual and a little bit dangerous. At Max Mara and
Trussardi, lips were worn matte and sophisticated, and at Aigner they were
glossy and glam. Whatever the finish, the look is made modern with nude skin
and barely-there eye makeup.
HOW TO
Lips take centerstage here, and call for precision and fullbodied colour. Apply one layer, blot with tissue and then
apply another for a perfectly shaped, richly hued pout.
1 Maybelline Color Sensational in Very Cherry, $17.90
2 Revlon Lustrous Lipstick in Love That Red, $18.90
3 Clio Lipnicure in #7 Tension Red, $19.90
1
2
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JUL-SEP ‘14
3
FRESH SKIN
Say no to heavy Hollywood contouring (sorry, Kim K). The
complexion to have this season is light, natural and clean. Pair
flawless, radiant foundations with illuminated rather than rouged
cheeks. The result: an immediately brighter, more youthful visage.
HOW TO
Skip the bronzer, go for natural finish foundations and subtle
highlighters instead for a fresh and youthful look. For those of
us with less-than-perfect complexions, prime skin with a base
first, to even texture and tone. Then follow up with a light layer
of foundation.
1
2
1 Heroine Make Mineral Smooth
Cover Powder SPF32/PA++, $23.90
2 Kate Brightening Makeup Base,
$20.50 3 Bourjois Healthy Mix,
$34.50 4 Za Natural Silky Radiant
Skin Beauty Liquid Foundation, $18.50
3
4
Lash Crazy
Dramatic 60’s style lashes rocked the runways of Gucci, Saint Laurent and
Versace. Feminine and glitzy, the retro-glam style is also flattering as it makes
eyes look bigger. Dress the look up by pairing drama lashes with sweeping cat
eye liner, or wear soft fluttery falsies on their own for a romantic, girly feel.
How to
These lash looks call for volume and fullness, so choose strip rather than
individual lashes. Line your lash line to prevent naked gaps between eyeline
and the lash strip so falsies look natural, not ‘stuck on’. As a last step, brush on
a coat of mascara on to blend the false lashes with your own.
1 Heroine Make Volume & Curl Super Waterproof Mascara,
$21.90 2 Majolica Majorca Lash King, $25.90 3 Maybelline
Hypersharp Precision Liner, $19.90 4 Eyemazing by Jun Komori
in No. 101 Natural Black, $23.90 5 Dollywink Lashes in No. 9
Natural Dolly, $24.90
3
1
2
5
4
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JUL-SEP ‘14
GO LOW
Fresh and fashion forward, this look is a modern alternative to the traditional
smoky or cat-eye statement peepers. Accenting the lower lash line instead of
the upper with dark shades gives an unpredictable, cool girl vibe. Think of it as
the bed head equivalent of eye makeup: sexy, slept-in and carefree.
HOW TO
Line eyes with a black pencil right on the lower lash line, then blend a longwearing dark metallic shade slightly below. Go just a few millimetres at most
below the lash line so the look looks deliberate, not smudged.
1 Clio Gelpresso Waterproof Pencil Gel
Liner in Golden Black and Dark Choco,
$18.95 each 2 Majolica Majorca Perfect
Automatic Liner in BK999, $22.90
3 Revlon Colorstay Shadowlinks inn
Moss and Onyx, $6.90 each
1
3
2
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Beauty Feature
COLOUR KITTY
Cat eyes strayed from the standard black this fall. Kenzo’s deep blue version
referenced the brand’s Japanese origins with a precise, sharp flick – minimalist
and graphic. At Temperley London, colours looked bold with blunt, thick cat
eyes. Chanel went for a softer, more girly look: bright cat eyes layered over
shimmery shadow.
HOW TO
Blue and green shades complement brown eyes,
while pink suits those with fairer skin tones. Keep
the colour close to the lash line so it’s a pretty pop,
not over the top.
1
1 Collection Intense Colour Super Soft Kohl Pencil in
French Kiss and Peacock Feather, $12.90 each
2 Silkygirl Funky Eye Liner Pencil in Simply Pink, $8.90
2
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JUL-SEP ‘14
Polished pony
The classic ‘do goes chic and sleek. Straight and smooth, the
pony is the most versatile hair look this season; it can dress
up a work outfit, add restrained glamour to date night or a
ladylike touch to weekend brunch.
HOW TO
Smooth, healthy hair is key. Nourish
dry or split ends with moisture and
hair oils and finish the look with
lotions or creams that tame flyaways.
1
2
1 L’Oreal Paris Total Repair 5 Split
End Sealer, $16 each 2 Lucidol-L
Cream, $9.50 3 Naturals by
Watsons Argan Oil Hair Oil, $9.90
4 QVS Stretch Thin Hair Tube
Reusable, $6.20 5 Organix Sea
Mineral Moisture Spray, $15.90
4
3
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5
JUL-SEP ‘14
Beauty Feature
PERFECT
PART
1
HOW TO
Smooth down your parting with frizz
fighting products, and hold the look in
place with a hairspray that gives hold
sans crunchy texture.
Side partings have always been universally
flattering and easy to wear. Whether paired
with a fringe or pulled back off the face, this
season’s styles are all neat, ladylike and shiny.
2
3
1 Toni & Guy Medium Hold
Hairspray, $22.90 2 Liese Frizz-Free
Styling Milk, $10.90 3 Lucido-L Hair
Jelly, $8.80
12 PEOPLE YOU NEED
TO FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM
From juicy, fly-on-the-wall
peeks into the lives of the
glamorous and beautiful to
inspirational posts by fitness,
fashion and makeup gurus,
Instagram is the best way
to keep up to date with the
latest sensations and what’s
trending out there. To tune
in to the buzz and soak up
ideas on how to look and live
better, here are 12 Instagram
aces to have on your radar.
By Victoria Ng
#Beauty
@Beautyisboring_
Robin Black, U.S.A
Makeup artist and founder of beautyisboring.com
This glamorous beauty book boasts a wide variety of looks that will inspire
everyone. The beautyisboring website is Robin’s personal project, where she
features faces and looks that she finds beautiful regardless of age, gender or
cultural trends. Her Instagram account is no different and, apart from offering the
chance to ooh and aah at gorgeous makeup looks, is a good place to start the next
time you feel like shaking up your do.
Beauty Feature
@Missladyfinger
Taryn Multack, U.S.A
Nail artist and founder of
Miss Ladyfinger
Taryn’s account is frequently updated with creative
nail art inspired by runway looks and everyday life.
From colour blocking and plaids to pastels and
neon, there’s a design for every style imaginable.
For some artsy nail design ideas come the festive
season, or if you simply love dressing up your
talons, be sure to check this out.
@nigelstanislaus
Nigel Stanislaus Ng, Singapore
Celebrity makeup artist and makeup director for
Australian Fashion Week
This homegrown globetrotter’s quirky account is packed with
professional insights to the beauty and fashion world. On a more
personal level, there’s also the occasional intimate photo with family
and friends. Looking for a way to stay updated on the latest looks
that are rocking the runways? This is it.
#Fashion
@Streetper
This street photographer’s account is full of colourful, creative
and stylish looks right off the streets of South Korea. From
casual, sweet looking ladies to charming, quirky men – there’s
something for everyone, making it a fantastic stylebook for
K-fashion lovers.
Seung Jeom Choi, South Korea
Owner and photographer of Streetper.co.kr
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@Yoyokulala
Yoyo Cao, Singapore
Owner of Exhibit, a Far East Plaza boutique
Yoyo, originally from Macau, is an established local fashion icon who
uses Instagram to share her daily look featuring pieces that she mixes
and matches from her own shop. Ever wondered what a fashionista’s
life is like? Follow Yoyo for a sneak peek and some style tips.
@Cherriemun
Cherrie Liong, Malaysia
Co-founder of fashion blog Duogigs.com
Half of a pair of identical twins, Cherrie, together with her
sister Evangeline, is a model, blogger and fashion and beauty
inspiration. Her account is filled with behind-the-scenes
photos from her fashion shoots, as well as her everyday looks.
If you need ideas for your #OOTD poses (that’s “outfit of the
day” for those not fluent in Instagram speak), look no further.
#Lifestyle
@GypsetGoddess
@Balletbeautiful
Caitlin Turner, U.S.A
Yoga teacher and host of the TV
series “Yoga Bliss”
Mary Helen Bowers, U.S.A
Creator of Ballet Beautiful fitness
Sprinkled with photos of her daughter, Mary Helen’s account features the
stunning and graceful ballet-centred fashion, practices and lifestyle of a
professional ballerina, fitness guru, entrepreneur and new mom. A class act to
follow on maintaining poise, elegance and perfect posture at all times.
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JUL-SEP ‘14
Get bent into shape with Caitlin, a certified yoga
teacher who records fitspirational Instavideos
of yoga poses against dramatically beautiful
backdrops. Her account is a colourful, uplifting
look into the lifestyle of a travelling yogi.
Beauty Feature
@Livegreenhealthy
Jenny Lei, U.S.A
Author of Celebrate { real food }
Livehealthygreen is full of food that’s healthy and looks delicious to boot. Pasta, salads, rolls, pies and even brownies – just
because it looks too green doesn’t mean it won’t taste great. If you’re ready to rock a healthy diet and need some cooking
inspiration, this account is for you.
#Celebrities
@Chaelin_cl
CL, South Korea
Leader of female K-pop group 2NE1
The self-proclaimed “Baddest Female” of K-pop proves
how “bad” she is with an Instagram account filled
with shots of her fashion spreads, six level shoe rack,
being dressed head to toe in designer wear and her just
hanging out with international celebrities like Will.i.am
and Jeremy Scott.
@Caradelevingne
Cara Delevingne, United Kingdom
Model and socialite
This Instagram account is fun, fun, fun! Dive into life behind and
beyond the camera with one of the hottest and coolest models
around. Filled with winks, googly eyes and cheeky grins, Cara lets
you sneak a peek at what it’s like to hang out with famous BFFs
like Rihanna and Rita Ora.
@Beyonce
Beyonce, U.S.A
Wife of Jay Z, Queen of Pop
Peppered with more intimate shots of her lounging at home or
chilling with Jay Z, you can now live vicariously through Queen
Bey’s inspirational #OOTD and, hilarious #TBT photos, shots of
her style, home, friends and beautiful daughter Blue Ivy.
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JUL-SEP ‘14
every part of your life.
Beautiful Skin
In One Healing Mask
Enriched with Plant Stem Cell Callus compounds
and packed with pure vitamins, each Watsons
Stem Cell and Vitamin Facial Mask effectively
clarifies and treats different conditions of your skin.
Formulated with
Plant Stem
Cell Callus
compounds
Each mask
contains 23ml
of pure vitamin
essence
MADE IN
KOREA
Choose from five different types of masks
to suit your daily needs.
Watsons Brand products undergo no less than 18 months of quality
assessments which include rigorous research, stringent testing,
highly controlled manufacturing and post-market surveillance.
WELLNESS SPOTLIGHT
POWER PLANTS
TEXT YEE-HUAY GOH ART DIRECTION SOPHIA WEE
Japanese beauty supplement brand Shittori Komachi
– which literally means “moist beauty” in Japanese – is
launching here with two plant-based anti-ageing and
health products. The Plant Placenta with Collagen Drink
is formulated with natural rye placenta which is rich in
amino acids, nucleic acids and minerals. It also boasts soy
isoflavones and fish collagen to help firm and plump skin.
Complementing this beauty drink is the Plant Enzyme
with Collagen Jelly, which contains plant enzymes to
aid digestion, keep the intestinal environment clean
and prevent body odour and bad breath. Other benefits
include boosting metabolism, improving immunity and
restoring skin’s radiance and health.
Wellness Shopping
Krill seekers
TEXT YEE-HUAY GOH STYLING SOPHIA WEE
You might have thought it’s just whale food. But krill oil is emerging
as a potential health superstar, thanks to its extremely high content
of omega-3 fatty acids which help boost heart functions, lower
cholesterol and improve circulation. It also contains a powerful
antioxidant called astaxanthin and early studies suggest it could lessen
arthritis pain and improve brain function. However, those allergic
to shellfish, have bleeding disorders, or are taking blood thinners or
anti-inflammatory drugs should steer clear. Check with your doctor
if you’re unsure about possible drug interactions.
Bioglan Red Krill Oil,
$54.90
Clinicians Krill Oil
with NZ Salmon, $43.90
Blackmores Eco Krill,
$69.90
Super Krill 100% Pure
Antarctic Krill, $46.90
Wellness Buzz
Dry spell
1 Diabetes increases the risk of dehydration
by trying to rid the body of excess glucose
through increased urine output.
2 Is it that time of the month? Periods
can cause the levels of the hormones
estrogen and progesterone, which control
hydration, to rollercoaster. Extremely
heavy periods can also deplete fluids
through excessive blood loss.
3 Being under constant stress causes the
adrenal glands to become exhausted,
leading to adrenal insufficiency and a
lack of aldosterone, which can trigger
dehydration and low electrolyte levels.
Feeling grumpy, tired or just terrible recently? You might
be dehydrated – and not just because you’ve been sweating
it out. Here are 5 surprising causes of dehydration.
4 Dietary supplements, even “natural”
ones, can send your bladder into
overdrive. Ingredients such as
parsley, celery seed, dandelion and
watercress have all been shown to
increase urine output, potentially
leading to dehydration.
5 A low-carb diet might be
good for your scales, but when
you cut out whole carbs that
absorb water during the cooking
process you could be unwittingly
reducing your fluid intake too.
Say no to Dr. Wiki
Ever tried diagnosing yourself with the help of Wikipedia? Chances are your information is
outdated, inaccurate and potentially hazardous to your health. Not only do nine out of 10 health
entries contain errors, as revealed in a recent study, American researchers also discovered that 90
per cent of entries made statements that contradicted the latest medical research. While there
are some initiatives in place to help improve the articles, Stevie Benton at Wikimedia UK says,
“…it is crucial that anybody with concerns over their health contacts their GP as a first point
of call” and that “Wikipedia should not take the place of a qualified medical practitioner.”
Stop drinking to
good health
Is ladies night a staple in your week? Well it just might be
adding some extra kilos on your scale. A recent survey by
UK-based weight-loss organisation Slimming World has
found a link between binge drinking and overeating. It was
discovered that having more than more than three large glasses
of wine can result in the drinker consuming about 6,300
extra calories in the next 24 hours and gaining roughly 900g
a week. Dr Jacquie Lavin, head of nutrition and research at
Slimming World, says that alcohol loosens self-control and
“makes the food even more rewarding and it feels even better
than it would normally”. Also, drinkers are likely to cancel
42
physical activities the next day, opting for bed, TV and social
media while they recover from the hangover. In the long run,
binge drinking could eventually lead to obesity and increase your
risk of heart diseases, type 2 diabetes and even some cancers.
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JUL-SEP ‘14
Wellness Buzz
KEEP AN EYE ON IT
NOW IN A
NEW LOOK!
Many of us are hooked to our mobiles, tablets
and computers. But looking at the screens for an
extended period of time carries the risk of eye strain
caused by radiation and glare. Since our gadgets are
an unavoidable part of our modern lifestyles, it’s
important then to counter the damage with eyehealth supplements such as BRAND’S InnerShine
Berry Essence. Formulated with extracts from seven
antioxidant-rich berries such as acai berry, blueberry
and cranberry, it helps neutralise free radicals and
prevent degeneration of eye cells. Zinc and vitamins
A, C and E provide further nutrients. $13.90 for
six 42ml bottles, $24.90 for twelve 42ml bottles.
Bottled fresh
Vitamins are essential for good health, but in processed forms, it’s
also difficult to maintain their freshness. To get round this problem,
Pokka has come up with a clever design for its V20 bottled vitamin
water. Each bottle comes with a double-layered “Smart Cap” containing
10 types of concentrated vitamins. The vitamins are stored in a
vacuum-sealed section of the cap, safe from contact with light or air.
Before drinking, you simply twist the cap to dispense the vitamins
into the water, then shake the bottle to mix it well. Bonus: each
bottle has just 19 calories and no sugar, so you can enjoy guilt-free.
Hold that thought
Can’t remember what you had for lunch yesterday? Went to the
kitchen only to forget what you wanted to get? If your short-term
memory is on the decline, you might want to pay more attention to
your stress levels. A new study by the University of Iowa found
that having elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol can
lead to memory lapses as we age. Researcher Jason Radley, an
assistant professor in psychology, said, “Stress hormones are one
mechanism that we believe leads to weathering of the brain.”
While cortisol isn’t the only factor affecting short-term memory –
others include sleep deprivation and excessive alcohol consumption
– it does provide another good reason why we should try to chill out.
ASK THE
PHARMACIST
Got some niggling health questions? We get you answers from
the friendly pharmacists at Watsons.
Q My hands and feet turn cold very easily. Is it a problem with my blood circulation and
are there any health supplements I can use to improve the condition?
In extremely cold environments, it is common for hands
and feet to turn cold as a natural result of the body trying to
conserve heat in its core. But if your hands and feet have been
feeling abnormally cold under normal conditions, it is likely
due to poor blood circulation.
and peripheral vascular disease (blockages in blood vessels
in extremities of the body). Several weeks of regular
supplementation may be needed to see the effects. Ginger and
cayenne pepper produce warming effects on the body & help
with blood circulation.
There are possible medical reasons for cold hands and feet.
One is diabetes, as patients are at higher risk of blood vessel
thickening or narrowing, thus impairing the supply of blood
to the extremities. Another is hypothyroidism. The thyroid
gland produces a hormone called thyroxine which is involved
in metabolism, producing body heat. When the gland is
underactive, there is insufficient thyroxine in the body, leading
to cold extremities.
For people on long-term medication, especially those
taking blood thinners, always speak to the pharmacist before
starting any supplements due to potential interactions with
the medicines.
A lesser-known condition is Raynaud’s Disease, whereby the
small blood vessels in the fingers and toes over-react, going
into vasospasm (or contraction) upon contact with cold
environment. People who are on certain medications such
as beta-blockers used for treating high blood pressure
may experience cold hands and feet as a side-effect.
Smoking and caffeine, too, can cause blood vessels
to narrow or constrict.
Besides stopping smoking, cutting down on
caffeine and getting the required medical
treatments, a number of health supplements
may be used to improve blood circulation,
such as ginkgo biloba, cayenne pepper,
ginger and garlic. The most well-researched
supplement so far is ginkgo. It has been
shown to be possibly effective in increasing
blood circulation to the body, and most
notably the brain. Hence, it has been
used extensively in several conditions like
age-related memory impairment, vertigo
GreenLife Ginkgo 5000 Plus,
$47.65 for 60’s
Lastly, consult your doctor or pharmacist if the symptoms of
cold hands and feet persist despite self-treatment
with supplements.
Wellness Feature
Q Do time-release vitamin C
supplements really work better than
the regular kind for people with weak
stomachs or gastric problems?
Time-release vitamin C supplements may not necessarily be
beneficial for people with gastric problems. They work better
for another reason.
Q I have a sensitive nose prone to reacting
to things like smoke and temperature
changes. Apart from antihistamines, are
there any non-drug options I can try?
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and any excess is
removed from the body quickly through fluids, mainly urine.
This means that most high-dosage vitamin C supplements
that are taken once a day – usually in the form of chewable or
effervescent tablets – will have surplus that’s wasted. On the
other hand, time-release formulas avoid this problem by slowly
diffusing the vitamin throughout the day, allowing it to stay
longer in the body and be absorbed more completely so there is
less overall loss through the urine.
One of the treatments with the best results for sensitive or allergic
nose conditions is actually non-drug based. The treatment, called
nasal irrigation, involves washing the nasal passages with clean
saline (salt) water. When done properly, nasal irrigation has little
to no side effects and is safe enough to be used in young children
and pregnant women.
For people with weak stomachs or gastric problems, vitamin C
supplements labeled as “low-acid”, “buffered” or “esterified” are
more suitable. The best way to find out if a vitamin C product
is gentle to the stomach is to check the active ingredients on
the label – look for products that contain “Calcium Ascorbate”
either alone, or in combination with vitamin
C (also known as ascorbic acid). As the
name suggests, vitamin C is acidic
in nature and if taken on its own,
especially on an empty stomach, may
cause gastric irritation. Consult your
pharmacist if you are unsure about
the product.
Nasal irrigation not only clears the nasal airways of irritants
and allergens but also, more importantly, mucus and crusted
nasal secretions. When thick mucus and crusted secretions are
left in the nose, hair-like projections along the nasal airways
called cilia are unable to do their job of sweeping dirt and other
particles away to keep the nose clean. Hence, nasal irrigation
not only relieves symptoms of a sensitive nose, such as when you
inhale smoke and dust, but also prevents or reduces the extent of
symptoms one will experience later.
Nasal irrigation treatment sets can be bought off-the-counter.
They come in bulb syringes, squeeze bottles, neti pots and
even spray devices. Nasal irrigation with warmed saline can be
performed as needed, once daily for maintenance, or as often as
required when there is an increase in symptoms.
Ocean Health Buffered
C-1000, $25.70 for 60’s
Disclaimer
Information provided is solely for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare
professional. You should not use the information for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication or other treatment. Always speak with
your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or supplement, or adopting any treatment for a health problem. Under no circumstances
will Watsons Personal Care Stores Pte Ltd be liable to any person for damages of any nature arising in any way from the use of such information.
This issue’s consulting pharmacist:
MAX CHAN
For inquiries, please email us at [email protected] or check www.watsons.com.sg
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Wellness Feature
E
K
A
K
HA E
SH
R
U
O
Y
BON
!
N
O
B
Ever since this Colombian dance fitness program
hit our shores a few years ago, Zumba has taken
Singapore by storm. With everyone from major
fitness chains to community clubs offering it these
days, there are variations to suit every taste. Here
are our picks of five of the most fun ones.
By Vanessa Tai/Material World
46
GANGNAM
FEVER
Riding on the unstoppable Hallyu (Korean Wave), Zesty Kickz is one of the few
Zumba studios that incorporate Korean pop in their classes. While international
Zumba regulations dictate that 70 percent of the music playlist has to be Latinbased, the other 30 percent is entirely up to crowd preference. At Zesty Kickz, the
participants voiced their preference for K-Pop and the instructors have delivered.
There are seven Zumba classes each week, but if you’ll like to groove along to the
sounds of Super Junior and SNSD, your best bet would be to visit on Wednesdays
and Fridays.
Check it out at zestykickz.com.
Enjoy the best of Indian and Latino music at Bolly Dancing
Studio. Originating in Mumbai where it is now successfully
established, you’ll know you are getting the real deal here. Bolly
Zhum is one of the studio’s most popular classes, and it’s easy to
see why. Each class is high-energy and cardio-intensive, taking you
through a heady playlist of Zumba, Bhangra, and Bollywood music,
and guarantees you’ll work up a real sweat. Bonus: mastering the
Bollywood dance moves can help improve your flexibility, as well as
overall grace and poise.
A BOLLY
GOOD TIME
Check it out at bollydancing.com.sg.
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STEP UP
YOUR GAME
Remember those step platforms that you used to see in aerobics classes way
back when? They are making a comeback in a big way with Zumba Step, which
was recently launched exclusively at Virgin Active. Bringing together a heartthumping mix of Zumba and step aerobics variations, you can count on burning
up to 1,000 calories at each hour-long class. In fact, the distance “climbed” is said
to be approximately 14 times that of the 280m tall One Raffles Place! If you’re
looking to take your Zumba workout to dizzying new heights, Zumba Step is
definitely the way to go.
Check it out at virginactive.com.sg.
If you’re the sort who constantly needs variety in your workout routine, this
is the studio for you. Although Zinga Fitness is just over a year old, they are
already offering four different types of Zumba classes. There is the classic Zumba
Fitness, which offers an exhilarating workout set to Latin and international
beats. Zumba Toning makes use of the lightweight, maraca-like Toning Sticks to
enhance rhythm and sculpt areas like your arms, abs, and thighs. For something
a little more sensuous, Zumba Sentao transforms your chair into a sizzling dance
partner as you work on strengthening your core. Finally, there’s Zumba Circuit, a
90-minute class that brings together Zumba Fitness with strength training as you
jive from one exercise station to the next.
Check it out at zingafitness.com.
MIX IT UP
Wellness Feature
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR FIRST
ZUMBA LESSON
Are you a complete Zumba newbie? No problem! Ange Ong ([email protected] / www.
facebook.com/ANGE.dansfit), who has been teaching Zumba for the past four years, clues you in on
what to consider when picking a class.
1 LOCATION
“The studio has to be located somewhere convenient enough so that you will attend classes regularly.
As with every type of exercise, consistency is the key to seeing results.”
2 CLASS SIZE
“For people who are new to Zumba, I suggest going for smaller classes first so you can pick up
the basic moves. It may be a tad frustrating trying to keep up in a bigger class. That said, learning
something new will always take time. It can take several months to get the hang of Zumba, so just
have patience and eventually you’ll get the steps. Even if you don’t, just freestyle! Zumba is all about
movement anyway.”
3 INSTRUCTOR
“A good instructor is one who can lead the class well, is entertaining and has stage presence.
Basically, a good instructor gives the participants a fun workout at each session.”
WIDESPREAD APPEAL
They started with just one Zumba Fitness class in 2010. Today, 1Fiesta offers over 50 classes a week (with sessions available daily in
the mornings and evenings) but continues to retain its spontaneous, unpretentious vibe. With classes being conducted at 13 locations
all over the island – from Bishan to Balestier – you simply check the listings online for the one that best suits your schedule and
location, then sign up. No more excuses about inaccessibility or having trouble finding time! Reviews of 1Fiesta classes have ranged
from “awesome” to “the best group I’ve joined so far,” so you can be assured of a rockin’ good time.
Check it out at 1fiesta.com.sg.
THE
HAZE
AND
YOU
–
MINIMISING
ITS EFFECTS
Follow this simple guide to minimise
discomfort and illness during the
haze season.
Hazy conditions usually occur in Singapore between
May and October due to forest fires in the region and the
prevailing Southwest Monsoon winds which blow smoke
from the fires in our direction.
By Fullerton Healthcare Group
The National Environment Agency (NEA) issues
two advisories based on the 24-hour PSI and PM2.5
readings. These health advisories are determined by the
worst readings that were taken.
Haze affects one and all, from the very young to the
elderly, able and disabled. The dust particles can be very
fine and get into the small air spaces in the lungs, causing
irritation resulting in sneezing and coughing. To help
you get through the haze season with the least possible
irritation and distress, keep in mind these simple tips.
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Wellness Feature
1
Minimise exposure by reducing outdoor
activities and physical exertion
•Stay indoors as much as possible and avoid smoking. This is
especially true for those age >65
• Reduce hours spent outdoors
• Reduce physical exertion
• Ensure adequate hydration by drinking 2 litres of water a day
•Use N95 masks as appropriate, depending on (i) health status,
(ii) PSI level, (iii) physical exertion and (iv) time spent outdoors.
Do consult your doctor if you are unsure
2
Use moisturisers for dry skin or eczema,
and also lubricant eye drops or wet
towel massages for dry eyes
The dust also irritates the eyes and skin. Skin allergies and
red eyes are common during this period.
3
For those with medical problems, adhere to the
doses of your medication and avoid missing
your medicine
•The haze can quickly precipitate respiratory problems especially
those with underlying lung (asthma and bronchitis) and heart
disease. It is important to control these problems adequately with
medication to prevent further complications.
•Asthmatics or chronic smokers on preventive inhalers may wish to
consider up-titrating their doses.
•If you are unsure if wearing an N95 mask is suitable for you, always
consult your doctor beforehand.
• It is also a timely reminder for everyone, especially those with
chronic medical conditions or age >65 years to go for their flu
New Revised Logo 04/07/2013
PANTONE to
287 Blue
and
vaccinations
prevent
complications of disease.
PANTONE 8385 Gold on White Background
Circle and cheek feature reduced.
clean in g up
y ou r act
Judging by the number of salad bars
popping up around town, it would seem
like Singaporeans are getting more
conscious about what they eat. But is clean
eating another passing fad, or is it here to
stay? Denise Li speaks to adherents and
nutritionists to find out.
52
Wellness Feature
Singapore is famous for being a foodie’s paradise, and with
the ubiquity of cheap and tasty hawker options, it’s no wonder
that many of us are guilty of regularly making less than healthy
food choices. Obesity is now a global epidemic, and Singapore,
too, is not spared. According to the Singapore National Health
Survey 2010, four in 10 adults between the ages of 18 to 69 are
overweight, and of these, one in 10 are obese.
In recent years, however, salad bars have been popping up all over
town – particularly in the CBD – and they usually have snaking
queues during lunchtime. And if you talk to any health or fitness
fanatic, the topic of “clean eating” will invariably pop up in the
course of the conversation. So what exactly does it mean to “eat
clean”, and what are its benefits?
the s kinny
on clean eating
To Alina Uchida, clinical western herbalist and health consultant at Nutrition Care Asia, eating clean simply means
eating foods that are unprocessed and closest to their original forms. “This reduces our consumption of excess sugar
and salt, as well as synthetic additives like flavourings, preservatives and colouring.” Lauren Ho, nutritionist at the
Singapore Heart Foundation agrees, and adds that it also means being mindful of our portions. “Even for foods that
are deemed healthier, it’s important not to eat excessively,” she says.
According to Uchida and Ho, there are many benefits to having a cleaner diet over and above weight loss alone. These
include stronger immunity, improved concentration, better energy levels and a clearer, more radiant complexion.
“You’ll also notice a reduction in inflammatory symptoms such as pain and stiffness if you have arthritis and gout,
milder acne breakouts, and fewer headaches and migraines,” says Uchida.
Indeed, Michelle Wan, 31, who works in the creative industry, noticed that she no longer experiences migraines since
embarking on a “Paleolithic diet” (known as the “Paleo diet” for short). “I used to get really bad headaches at least once
a week before I started eating clean,” she says. “I feel like my quality of life has improved by leaps and bounds since I
changed my diet.”
The Paleo diet involves adopting the presumed eating habits of our “cavemen” ancestors. This means no processed
foods, sugar, grains, dairy or even legumes. Instead, it centres on eating a lot of fresh produce and animal protein.
While it is easily one of the cleanest diets out there, Uchida says it can be difficult to sustain due to its restrictive
nature, and because “our modern lives are dramatically different from that of our Paleolithic ancesters.” Ho also
warns that a Paleo diet may not be entirely balanced as it eliminates certain food groups completely.
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Wellness Feature
sma ll c hanges ,
big differenc e
With six in 10 Singaporeans dining out for lunch and/or dinner,
clean eating is also easier said than done. Many of us are used
to having carbohydrates in the form of rice, noodles or pasta at
most of our meals, which makes the task of cutting out grains
from our diet extremely daunting. Not to mention the fact that
salads and grilled meats tend to be more costly than standard
hawker fare as well.
Wan also acknowledges that that there are challenges in
maintaining a Paleo diet in Singapore. “There’s only so much
fish soup you can have,” she points out. “And food from the
economic rice stalls isn’t exactly healthy even if you pass on the
rice and fried meats as they still tend to be very oily.”
The key to making clean eating a sustained effort is to start with
small tweaks to our existing diets. “It’s about choosing food
with high nutritional value. Opt for lean cuts of meats and fish
instead of minced meat and fish balls,” suggests Ho. Minced
meat is high in saturated fat, while fishballs tend to have a lot of
sodium. Also, go for food that is steamed or grilled, rather than
fried or battered.
“You should also start eating more plant-based foods as these
have anti-inflammatory properties, are rich in minerals and
nutrients, and help lower cholesterol while improving heart
health,” adds Uchida.
A little forward planning might also be helpful. Usually, we
make poor food choices because we wait till we’re famished
before thinking of what to eat. Every time you come across an
establishment with healthy choices in the vicinity of your office
or usual hangout spots, make a note of it in your notebook or
smartphone so you can view all options at the touch of a button.
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a wor d to
the wise
As with most things in life, it’s possible to go overboard when
it comes to healthy eating. “It becomes obsessive when it
interferes with your day-to-day happiness and the ability to
live comfortably with those around you,” cautions Uchida.
“Too many of us have unhealthy guilty complexes connected
to food and our weight. If you find yourself avoiding meeting
people for meals, or avoiding eating altogether, it’s time to reevaluate your attitudes towards food.”
All the nutritionists we spoke to also cautioned against cutting
out certain food groups entirely. While you may have heard the
term “gluten-free” being bandied about, both Uchida and Ho
agree that it’s not necessary to cut gluten – which are proteins
found in wheat and other cereal grains – out of your diet.
That is, unless you suffer from Celiac disease, an autoimmune
disorder of the small intestine where the patient has trouble
digesting gluten. If you don’t have the disease, you probably
won’t notice the benefits of a gluten-free diet.
Nonetheless, if you’re inspired to begin changing your diet
for the better, it helps to start with short term goals. “Rather
than telling yourself, ‘I’ll spend the next year eating clean’, give
yourself a month to get used to take to your new diet. That’s
how long it takes for a habit to form,” says Wan. “Don’t be
overly ambitious in the beginning or the motivation might
wane after just two weeks.”
3 Ways that Honey
is good for you
Honey is one of those feel-better foods with a history that
spans centuries – even Cleopatra was a fan. But what can
honey actually do for you? Here are a few practical benefits:
1 It’s great for soothing allergies, sore throats and coughs.
Containing B vitamins and high in minerals, honey also
helps boost your immunity.
2 It eases constipation, diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome
Honey is anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and has a positive
effect on regulating digestive tract muscle contractions. Simply
add it to a cup of tea, warm water or apple cider vinegar for a
relaxing, comforting drink to treat a troubled tummy.
You are what you eat…as a baby!
Recent tests have shown that what a woman eats
during her pregnancy influences her child’s food
preferences after birth. It is believed that at five
months, foetuses can differentiate flavours
using their sense of smell and taste.
Since amniotic fluid contains
chemicals that have both tastes and
smells, foetuses that are repeatedly
exposed to foods that the mother
enjoys are more likely to prefer to
these foods while growing up due
to its familiarity. So if a foetus
gets used to tasting fruits in the
womb, then weaning the baby
on to nutritious grownup foods
should be as easy as pie.
3 It acts as an antibacterial skin calmer
The next time you burn your fingertips cooking, apply a
generous layer of high quality raw or Manuka honey (but
if you’ve seriously burned yourself, please consult a medical
professional immediately).
Magne
relaxation
r
o
f
si u m
It’s a critical
nutrient for good
health and a
powerful mineral
for relieving stress
an improving
sleep. In fact, a
study published
in The Journal of
Intensive Care
Medicine suggested
that a magnesium
deficiency can make you twice as likely to die as other
people. Responsible for over 300 enzyme reactions
and found in all your tissues, it’s needed for cells to
make energy and to help muscles relax, among many
other functions. So if you suffer from symptoms like
insomnia, anxiety, chronic fatigue, sensitivity to loud
noises or irritability and cramps in any part of your
body from muscles to bowels to the head, it’s possible
you’re deficient in magnesium. Speak to your doctor or
a pharmacist about starting magnesium supplements –
it could be a simple, non-drug fix to your problems.
Life Know-how
The Best Way to Win an Argument
Psychology suggests that the best way to win an argument is also the least likely way
we’d go about it – by listening, explaining your view and getting the other party to
explain his or her position too. This is because people often believe that they have a
deeper understanding of how something works than they actually do, a phenomenon
known as “the illusion of explanatory depth”. By getting someone to explain their point
of view or their beliefs, you can get them to realise how much or little they actually
know about their stance. People who are able to clearly express and explain what
they are trying to tell you will remain firm on their point of view, while those who
can’t might start questioning how much they really know. Just remember that
there’s a chance your knowledge might not be as in-depth and complete as you
think either – so you could end up losing the argument instead!
Home is where the stress is
Despite all the craziness that goes on at your workplace, researchers at
Pennsylvania State University have discovered that being home can
be more stressful than being at work. Trying to finish a job at work
can make you feel nail-bitingly tense, but at least you know that
you’re putting all your energy into completing that one goal. At home,
there are a billion projects that are pulling you in different directions
– dishes, laundry, kids, pets – and it can be surprisingly stress inducing.
Interestingly enough, researchers also discovered that women were more
likely to be happier at work than men.
THE INSECURE SELFIE
Feeling less than confident about how you look? Research suggests
the more time you spend on Facebook and the more exposure you
have to “selfies” and other photos on social medial, the more likely
you are to compare yourself negatively to your friends. Petya Eckler,
from Glasgow’s University of Strathclyde, says "The attention to
physical attributes may be even more dangerous on social media than
on traditional media because participants in social media are people
we know.” She also says that these comparisons are likely to be equally
unrealistic as comparing yourself to celebrities, but harsher because
they are more relevant and closer to home.
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Dara :LIFE IS
BEAUTIFUL
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Life Feature
The 2NE1 girl group member and face of Korean makeup brand Clio shares
with us her take on style, beauty and ageing. Plus, we get the inside track on
what she looks for in a guy and her hopes in the romance department.
Who or what do you look to for style
inspiration? I get inspiration from
simple and unexpected life experiences,
such as from my holidays or from my
favourite movies. Being a member of
2NE1, I have been inspired by our
stylist, Yang Seung-ho. He taught me to
change up my styles and inspires me to
be adventurous with new looks.
What are the beauty products you
cannot live without? I cannot stand
in front of the camera without eyeliner.
For me, it’s all about sharp and bold
eye lines. On days when I’m not
performing, I prefer to have fresh and
natural makeup when I go out. I like to
use Clio’s BB Cream or Cushion CC as
they make my skin clean and flawless.
Describe your regular style. What kind
of clothing do you prefer when you’re
not performing? My personal style
is based on my mood and I like to try
out various styles. Some days, I enjoy
wearing outrageous outfits that are
similar to our stage outfits but less bold.
Other days when I feel like resting,
you will find me in a white t-shirt and
simple blue jeans.
SEXY IS
VIVID RED
LIPS WITH
SNOW-WHITE
SKIN AND
BLACK HAIR.
Do you have a favourite makeup look,
like classic red lips, rock star dark eyes
or sweet and natural? My favourite
makeup look is natural and light.
However, when I’m on stage, I want to
be sexy and charismatic. I love bold red
lipsticks. I personally feel that the key to
looking sexy is vivid, red lips matched
with snow-white skin and black hair.
Which of your facial features do you
like the best and why? I love my
eyes best. I like that they are slightly
asymmetrical, as I believe I can show
various expressions to my fans. My
makeup artist has commented that
she likes my forehead best as it has a
nice shape.
What is your must-do beauty routine
before you head out of the house?
As mentioned above, I apply the BB
Cream or Cushion CC as I prefer to
have fresh and simple makeup on
when I go out. On days when I
feel that my skin is dry, I use facial
collagen masks for extra moisture.
You have been voted the best “vampire
celebrity” who doesn’t seem to age.
What are your secrets to maintaining
a youthful baby face? The secret is
that there is no secret. If I look younger
than my age, it’s probably because of my
round face and small features. I believe
age does not matter; what matters is
my personal style and what I wish to
achieve in life. I believe my spontaneous
and open-minded perspective of life
makes me appear younger. So people
don’t focus on my age.
Do you worry about getting old?
Why or why not? I believe ageing and
death is something everyone is afraid
of. Sometimes, I imagine how I look
in my old age and even talk about it
with friends. Once in a while, I feel a
little bit sad about it. However, ageing
is inevitable so I stay positive and enjoy
what I have at this very moment. To me,
that is the most important. Every day
counts and I am confident I will enjoy
life to the fullest in my old age too.
What are the qualities you look for in
a guy? The qualities I want in my
future spouse have been changing a lot
in recent years. When I was younger, I
didn’t think having a common interest
is important. However, now I believe
it is important for couples to have a
common interest and to get along
well with each other. I like a man who
works hard towards his dreams; I don’t
like men with commitment issues,
so cheating on his partner is out of
the question.
Who is the person who has had the
most impact or influence on your
personality? I believe my uniqueness
comes from my appearance and
personality, which my parents get full
credit for. Besides them, my colleagues
impact me the most, particularly my
producer Teddy and my stylist Yang
Seung-ho. Both of them are very stylish
with wonderful personalities and are
people I always communicate and work
with. Working with them inspires me
to be more confident and to challenge
myself, and I believe they have shaped
me to be who I am today.
As for Korean actresses, my favourite
actress is Ha Ji Won. She is also very
versatile and perfect for both feminine
or action dramas and movies. One
day, I hope to be able to take on new
challenges and present various aspects
of myself.
If you could head for a holiday right
now, where would you go and why?
Throughout my career, I have travelled
to many countries and always cherish
those memories there. However, I want
to travel to “exotic” countries that I have
not been to, such as Egypt or Greece.
What are some things you have always
wanted to do but have not? I think
it must be romance. Throughout my
career, I have always prioritised my
work first and did not wish to have any
distractions that may disrupt it. Like
every other girl, there are days I imagine
running away with someone I love.
However, with my busy career, I do not
think that would happen. Haha! I hope
that I will be able to find someone I can
be in love with in the future.
You said before that you would like
to act. Which female actresses do you
admire or aspire to be like? There are
a lot of actresses I admire. Since young,
I have dreamed of becoming an actress
and I am curious what the life of an
actress is like. One international actress
I like is Angelina Jolie, even though she
has a very different style from me. Not
only is she beautiful and suitable for
feminine roles, she is also brilliant in
action movies too.
Where do you see yourself in 10
years’ time? This year is the 10th
anniversary of my career as Sandara
Park. Ten years feels like a very long
time yet very short as well. I have
achieved big and small things during
this time and hope that the coming
decade will be as wonderful and that
I achieve bigger things and forge
wonderful memories with my fans.
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LIKE EVERY OTHER
GIRL, THERE ARE DAYS
I IMAGINE RUNNING
AWAY WITH
SOMEONE
I LOVE.
BREAK OUT
MID-YEAR SLUMP
of your
Nothing drastic has happened
this year and, as far as you
know, you’re not suffering
from clinical depression. Yet,
you feel powerless against
this overwhelming sense of
emptiness that threatens to pull
you under. What’s happening?
By Tan Lili
Life Feature
YOU FEEL LIKE YOU’RE STUCK IN
limbo, MERELY PLODDING ALONG
WITHOUT ANY SENSE OF PURPOSE.
It is perfectly normal to be stuck in a rut every once in a while, but this time around, getting out
of it seems doubly hard. For some reason, you can’t seem to muster the energy to psych yourself
up like you usually do at the start of a brand new year. Nothing seems to motivate you anymore;
for every hurdle you pass, you see a million more ahead. Neither moving forward nor hitting rock
bottom, you feel like you’re stuck in limbo, merely plodding along without any sense of purpose.
Welcome to the mid-year slump. According to Celestine Chua, life coach at Personal Excellence
(personalexcellence.co), it can be the result of two factors: first, when we set big goals at the start
of the year but fail to follow through; and second, when we don’t have any concrete goals or plans
for the next half of the year. “For the latter, with nothing to look forward to and no plan to act
upon, it creates the belief that the second half of the year is probably going to end up like
the first.”
The problem arises when we are stuck in the slump for a prolonged period of more than three
months. Humans are creatures of habit; when negative thoughts and actions – or the lack thereof,
in this case – are not quickly weeded out, it’s easy to settle in and get “comfortable” with them.
Usually we can’t see the consequences in three or even six months, but fast forward three years,
the issue becomes apparent, says Chua. “This is also when you may experience quarter- or midlife crises, bogged down by the belief that you have lost a big part of your life doing nothing.”
Without a proper support network and a healthy dose of willpower, being stuck in this slump
might even lead to suicidal thoughts for some.
As bleak as a mid-year slump sounds, it’s important to realise that this phenomenon is common.
Below, we explore various “slump” moments, and expert-approved ways to get out of them.
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Life Feature
“MY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS
HAVE COMPLETELY FALLEN
THROUGH. I’M A FAILURE.”
A University of Scranton study found that only eight per cent of
people achieve their New Year’s resolutions. It’s not uncommon to
set goals and fail; rather, it’s how you react to those ‘failures’ that
matters. “In fact, the ‘failing’ doesn’t happen when your goals fall
through; it only happens when you give up on them,” adds Chua.
Working on fulfilling your resolutions involves making changes,
which takes time. And according to psychologist Dr Tamar
Chansky, PhD, author of Freeing Yourself From Anxiety, you will
often have to make adjustments for however long it takes to keep
the momentum going until you eventually make those changes.
“We live life with a go-big-or-go-home expectation that just
doesn’t fit when it comes to making changes,” says Dr Chansky.
“Resolutions are the opportunity to create new habits, and
research shows that it takes three weeks to establish one. That’s
not three weeks of perfect performance – that’s three weeks of ups
and downs, hits and misses. So when that first missed day at the
gym happens, don’t let that slip turn into a slump. The sun will
come up tomorrow, and it’s your chance to get back on track.”
Often, boredom and disinterest is a reflection of discontent. Think
back to the last time you were engaged in an activity you enjoyed to
remind yourself that you can break the monotony and shake off your
current state of numbness. Write down the things you enjoy doing, as
well as activities you’ve always wanted to do – making a list not only
helps you clarify what you want but also motivates you to act on them.
64
“I AM
POSITIVELY
bored WITH
MY LIFE.”
GLOW
JUL-SEP ‘14
“I DRAG MYSELF TO WORK
EVERY DAY. NOTHING
MOTIVATES ME ANYMORE.”
Given that we spend a large part of our waking hours at work, it’s
normal to experience this lack of enthusiasm every now and then –
some more than others. Even though self-motivation is a key driver
for surviving the daily grind, Chua advises identifying the root issue
for those of you who have been caught in this funk for a while. “Are
you in a job you hate, or do you enjoy the nature of your job? If it’s the
former, consider a career switch. Identify your ideal career then create
a career plan to help you transit to this new path. If it’s the latter,
speak to your boss to discuss opportunities to expand your job scope.”
It’s a depressing thought – and one that could lead you down a
dangerous path. One way to exit this downward spiral is to find a
reason that drives you. “Everyone fights for a reason – the father who
aspires to work hard in his career to provide a brighter future for
his kids; the entrepreneur who toils day and night over his business
because he believes in the value it brings to others, and so on,”
says Chua.
Another solution is the “flip technique”, as recommended by clinical
psychologist Dr Bill Knaus, lead editor for the Albert Ellis Tribute
Book series. This technique allows for a realistic change in perspective,
helping you develop a healthy coping mechanism whenever you are
stuck in a rut. In this scenario, flip that depressing thought around
by asking yourself, “What actions would I take if I were heading in a
more satisfying direction?”
“MY FUTURE SEEMS
SO BLEAK. WHAT’S THE
POINT OF TRYING SO
HARD IN LIFE?”
mooncakes
MOONING OVER
It’s that time of the year again
where you light those lanterns,
brew some tea and forget about
counting calories to indulge in
delicious, decadent mooncakes.
We rounds up the new flavours
to look out for. By Jaclyn Lim
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Life Feature
The humble mooncake has come a long way. Eaten in celebration of the annual Mid-Autumn Festival, the
traditional lotus paste and salted egg yolk delicacy was once used to pass secret messages to start a rebellion
when China was under Mongol rule.
Today, the mooncake is the undisputed star of the festival, which falls on 8 September this year. In fact,
celebrations have become as much about the culinary creativity of mooncake makers as it is about Chinese
history and myth. When the season rolls around, shopping atriums become filled with lantern-lit booths and
promoters plying you with samples of exotically-flavoured mooncakes, as bakeries, restaurants and hotels try
to out-do themselves and score extra brownie points with increasingly discerning shoppers.
We give you a headstart with a run-through of our top picks this year.
Raffles Hotel Snow-skin Irish Coffee Truffle
If you’re one of those who can’t do without your daily
cuppa, head down to Raffles Hotel and get yourself a
box of Snow-skin Irish Coffee Truffle (pictured left),
one of two divine new flavours by Singapore’s most
iconic hotel this year.
A single bite encompasses the perfect marriage of
Irish Whisky and chocolate that is too good to be
true. And when you reach the velvety smooth praline
core, get ready to be overwhelmed by a creamy coffee
liqueur centre. Bonus: those iconic tin boxes make
perfect keepsakes!
Also not to be missed: The ever-popular Snow-Skin
Mooncake with Champagne Truffle and Ganache,
as well as the new and refreshing Snow-Skin Tropical
Tango Mooncake featuring mango, passion fruit
and pineapple.
Price: $64 for a box of eight snow-skin mooncakes or
four traditional baked mooncakes
Available at Raffles Hotel (1 Beach Road,
Singapore 189673, tel: 6412 1122) from 18 July to
8 September. Email [email protected] or visit
rafflesmooncake.com.
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Goodwood Park
Black Thorn Durian Snow-Skin Mooncake
We love how Goodwood Park gets creative with tropical fruits every year.
This season, the all-new, limited edition Black Thorn Durian Snow-Skin
Mooncake is an absolute must-have. A new breed of durian that was only
discovered a few years ago, the black thorn durian is considered to be one of
the most premium varieties.
Within the gold-dusted black charcoal snow-skin lies the creamy amber-hued
flesh, and each bite is a burst of intense flavours that begins on a sweet note
and leaves a bittersweet aftertaste. And here’s another reason to race down to
grab some right now: these irresistible mooncakes are presented in a brandnew regal gold and yellow box adorned with bold prosperity flower motifs.
Perfect for gifting.
Also not to be missed: Filled with small fruits that are big on flavours, the
new Calamansi, Kumquat and Sour Plum Snow-Skin Mooncake is one zesty,
gorgeous light-green gem.
Price: $48 for two pieces, $80 for four pieces for the Black Thorn Durian
Snow-Skin Mooncake, varying prices for other flavours
Available at Goodwood Park Hotel (22 Scotts Road, Singapore 228221,
tel: 6730 1867/1868) from 25 July to 8 September. Email mooncake@
goodwoodparkhotel.com or visit festivepromotions.goodwoodparkhotel.com.
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Life Feature
Paradise Group
Petite Aromatic Brew Snow-skin Mooncakes
Perk up, caffeine addicts. The creative chefs from Paradise Group have cleverly infused four
popular caffeinated drinks into four colourful petite bites – the Luscious Earl Grey Mooncake,
Classic Hakka Lei Cha Mooncake, Roasted Arabica Coffee Mooncake and Chocolately
Mocha Mooncake.
The delicate, carefully balanced Luscious Earl Grey Mooncake features a subtle hint of the
citrusy black tea that perfectly complements the sweet and smooth lotus paste, making it the
ideal dessert after a rich dinner. Inspired by the Chinese Hakka dish of tea-drenched rice,
vegetables and nuts, the Classic Hakka Lei Cha Mooncake will satisfy even the most healthconscious folks. Meanwhile, the Roasted Arabica Coffee Mooncake and Chocolately Mocha
Mooncake will leave you buzzing with glee.
Also not to be missed: The signature decadent Divine Dark Chocolate with White Truffle and
Opulent White Chocolate with Black Truffle, each lightly topped with gold dust.
Price: $28 for a box of four pieces, $50 for a box of eight pieces, varying prices for other flavours
Available at Taste Paradise (ION Orchard, #04-07, tel: 6509 9660) and other selected Paradise
Group outlets from 1 August to 5 September. Visit paradisegp.com
Bakerzin Lush Collection
This year, Bakerzin ups the ante by introducing not one, but
three new collections of mooncakes – Lush, Bliss and Joy. Those
who enjoy fruity flavours will love the new Lush Collection of
mooncakes featuring four saccharine-sweet flavours – the delicate
Lychee Snow-skin, the tropical and refreshing Mango Pomelo
Snow-skin, the luscious sweet-sour Strawberry Snow-skin and the
tangy Yuzu Snow-skin.
Also not to be missed: Go for the Bliss collection if you have a
thing for chocolates and alcohol. The Frangelico-hazelnut truffle,
Grand Marnier chocolate truffle, pink champagne truffle and
whisky truffle will not disappoint. The older folks in the family
will enjoy the Joy collection, featuring time-honoured fillings and
flavours like sweet potato, purple sweet potato, pandan lotus and
yam snow-skin mooncakes.
Price: $52 for eight pieces, varying prices for other collections
Available at Bakerzin from 8 July to 8 September. Visit
bakerzin.com for list of outlets.
Grand Hyatt White Lotus with Ispahan
Truffle Snow-skin Mooncake
Add a dash of romance to your Mid-Autumn Festival with the White
Lotus with Ispahan Truffle Snow-skin Mooncake. This rosy-hued snowskin mooncake is not only infused with raspberries and the alluring scent
of the Damask rose, but also features a delicate white lotus seed paste
that envelops an Ispahan truffle.
Also not to be missed: The hotel’s wide range of alcoholic snow-skin
mooncakes, like the Lychee Martini Truffle, Green Tea with Sake
Truffle, Champagne Truffle, White Lotus with XO Truffle, as well as the
other new flavour: White Lotus with Passion-fruit Truffle Snow-skin.
Price: $65 for eight pieces of snow-skin mooncakes, varying prices for
other flavours
Available at Grand Hyatt Singapore (10 Scotts Road, Singapore
22811, tel: 6887 5472) from 4 August to 8 September. Or visit
singapore.grand.hyattrestaurants.com.
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Life Feature
Mandarin Orchard Baked
Mooncake with 8-Treasure Mala
and Jamon Iberico
Those with adventurous taste buds should try Mandarin Orchard’s Baked
Mooncake with 8-Treasure Mala and Jamon Iberico. An interesting blend
of sweet and savoury, this debut flavour is well-balanced and gives a peppery
kick that is unique to Sichuan cuisine. Meanwhile, the Iberico ham adds a
dose of chewy goodness to the mix.
Also not to be missed: The three new snow-skin flavours – Mini Snow-skin
Yam and Yam Puree, Mini Snow-skin Japanese Yuzu Cheese Mooncake
and Mini Snow-skin Green Tea Paste with Azuki Red Bean Mooncake
– and the crowd-pleaser Mini Snow-skin Lychee Martini and Chocolate
Mooncake. Ask for the assorted box so you get two of each flavours.
Price: Unavailable
Available at Mandarin Orchard’s Deli Counter (333 Orchard Road,
Singapore 238867, tel: 6831 6320/6262) from 5 August to 8 September.
Or, email [email protected].
Four Seasons Hotel Baked
Mooncake with Assorted Nuts,
Kaffir Lime and BBQ Chicken
Traditional, savoury mooncakes stand out in Four Season’s mooncake
selection this year. Our pick is the new and experimental Baked Mooncake
with Assorted Nuts, Kaffir Lime and BBQ Chicken, which delivers a
savoury piquancy with subtle sweetness from the pastry that enfolds it. The
assorted nuts give an added crunch while the aromatic and flavourful kaffir
lime puts you on a sensory journey to food heaven.
Also not to be missed: The “black beauty” of the lot – the Baked Black
Sesame with Silver Lotus Seed Paste and Walnuts Mooncake. Paired with
fragrant Chinese teas, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Price: $65 for a box of four pieces for the Baked Mooncake with Assorted
Nuts, Kaffir Lime and BBQ Chicken, varying prices for other flavours
Available at Four Seasons Hotel (190 Orchard Boulevard, Singapore
248646, tel: 6831 7220) from 7 August to 8 September. Or, email
[email protected].
Life Feature
YOUR SAY
...
What’s the craziest thing you did when you were a teenager?
In honour of Youth Day on 6 July (International Youth Day falls on12 August), we asked readers
to share the naughtiest, most outrageous and foolhardy derring dos from their wonder years.
“I broke into school with my friends and
played a prank on the NPCC while they were
on sentry duty by throwing bomb bags at them
containing baking powder and vinegar. The
NPCC people got a scare. We tried to flee but
got caught and had to serve suspension.”
“I caught a grass snake on school
grounds, brought it into class and
scared people with it. But in the
end, I was forced to give the snake
up to the art teacher even though
she was scared of snakes herself.”
– REI
“Playing catching with
the principal and teachers
within the school compound
because I didn’t want to
attend English lessons.”
– EUNICE W.
“I climbed out the window of my seventh-floor apartment by
hanging on to the window grills and water pipes so I could go
play at my neighbour’s place. And then I promptly climbed back
home when I heard my mum call.” – MINTZ L.
– MINI MINI
"I'VE PEED OFF THE BRIDGE
IN BETWEEN THE MERLION
AND THE ESPLANADE.
IT WAS AFTER A NIGHT
OUT CLUBBING AND I
WAS DRUNK." – C.J.
“I set my school lab on fire during a practical chemistry test.
It was an accident while doing an experiment.” – LUEL
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“THERE’S A RED HOUSE IN
PASIR RIS THAT’S NOTORIOUS
FOR BEING HAUNTED. I
BROKE INTO IT WITH FRIENDS
ONCE TO GO GHOST-HUNTING.
WE FELT SOME GHOSTLY
PRESENCE AND HEARD VOICES
BUT DID NOT SEE ANYTHING.”
– VICKY N.
“I cut my hair super short,
then applied loads of hair
gel and hairspray. In the
’80s, the quality of gels
and sprays were really
sticky. And so to apply
both together? My hair
never got messed up even
when there was a strong
wind blowing, but I had
a hard time washing my
hair everyday.”
– JASMINE TAN
"I went up to the rooftop of my cousin's condominium
block, which was 27 floors high. From there, I climbed
a metal ladder that was bolted to the side of a circular
vent till I was standing at the highest point of the
building. The view was spectacular but it was scary as
hell up there." – RICKY SIM
“My friends and I accidentally burnt down a playground
during Chinese New Year celebrations. We had placed
sparklers and firecrackers all around but when we lit them,
they got out of control. Next morning when we went back to
have a look, all that was left of the playground was charred
wood and some metal bars.” – FENG
Calendar
Movies
THE
events
THAT HAVE
US STOKED
D AW N O F THE PL A NET
O F T HE A P E S
OPENING 10 JULY
Picking up from the end of the last film which
saw humanity virtually wiped out by a devastating
simian virus, alpha primate Caesar now leads a
growing nation of genetically evolved apes living
deep in the forest. Their peace is shattered when
a band of human survivors stumble upon them,
bringing both sides to the brink of a war that
will determine who emerges as Earth’s dominant
species. Scary, sobering stuff.
GUARDIANS O F T HE GALAXY
OPENING 31 JULY
A giant walking tree, a green-skinned femme fatale and a rocket-wielding raccoon –
no, we’re not kidding you. These characters are part of a team of ex-space cons gathered
by US pilot Peter Quill (later taking on the name Star-Lord), as he finds himself
caught in a cosmic war. It’s one of Marvel Comics’ toughest sells, but the deliriously
far-out premise could present a nice change from the slew of human superhero movies.
THE WHITE HAIRED WITCH
OF LUNAR KINGDOM
OPENING 7 AUGUST
Chinese author Liang Yusheng’s classic martial
arts novel of star-crossed love between a wild
female outlaw and the righteous leader of an
orthodox sect gets another spin in this version
starring Fan Bingbing and Huang Xiaoming.
Expect epic battles, lush costumes and gorgeously
choreographed swordplay with lots of dramatically
flying hair and robes.
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S I N C I T Y: A D A M E T O K I L L F O R
OPENING 21 AUGUST
Like the first Sin City, this was shot entirely against a green
screen. The effect is like a graphic novel brought to life in all its
beautiful, exaggerated, violent glory. Here, four linked stories
(some involving characters from the previous film) see some of
the town’s hard-boiled citizens take on its most vile inhabitants.
The original featured murdered children, crooked cops, a
pedophile, a serial-killer, gun-toting hookers and various body
parts hacked or chewed off – and you can expect more of the
same here. Not for the squeamish then.
Arts & Performances
T HE S OU N D OF MU SI C
11-27 JULY, MARINA BAY SANDS GRAND THEATRE
The hills are alive…! Nearly 50 years after Julie Andrews made the original
1959 Broadway production a cultural touchstone, the songs are still among
the most memorable and well-loved of all time. This is one for the kids, the
grandparents, the siblings, aunties, uncles, bestie – everyone who loves a
classic tune and feel-good buzz.
C AVALIA
12-31 AUGUST, BAYFRONT AVENUE NEXT
TO MARINA BAY SANDS
Conceived of by one of the co-founders of the famed Cirque
du Soleil, this is a unique mix of equestrian and performing
arts, multimedia and special effects. The show seeks to turn
the age-old relationship between humans and horses into
an art created through kindness, patience and love. Often
described as equestrian ballet, this fantastic demonstration
of horsemanship will thrill, delight and stir the heart.
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Calendar
S IN GAPO RE S ELECT IO N V S
JUV ENT US FC
16 AUGUST,
SINGAPORE NATIONAL STADIUM
Suffering post-World Cup cold turkey? Get your football fix
live at the new Sports Hub as Juventus FC, one of the biggest
and most successful Italian clubs in history take on our best
local footballers.
2014 FO RM ULA O NE
S IN GAPO RE AIRLINES
S IN GAPO RE GRAN D PRIX
POTTED POTTER – THE UNAUTHORISED
HARRY EXPERIENCE
19-21 SEPTEMBER,
MARINA BAY STREET CIRCUIT
9-14 SEPTEMBER, JUBILEE HALL,
RAFFLES HOTEL
This three-day fiesta of fast cars, dashing drivers, electrifying
performances night-long parties has become a fixture on the
national calendar. This year, Taiwanese mega band Mayday will
kick off the opening concert, while Robbie Williams is set to
perform after the qualifying session. Pop diva Jennifer Lopez
will headline the closing performance.
Playing to full houses all over the world, this takes on the ultimate
challenge of condensing all seven Harry Potter books into 70 hilarious
minutes. Featuring all your favourite characters, plus a fire-breathing
dragon for good measure, this goes through a whirl of brilliant songs,
endless costumes and ridiculous props. Brilliant entertainment for sixyear-olds through to Dumbledore Club members.
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Event
Get the Gloss
Tokyo-based haircare brand, Moist Diane, marked its big splash
into the local scene with a PR event for jourmalists and media.
Following a presentation on the brand's concept, background and
unique oil-based formulation, guests were treated to a pampering
wash-and-blow session, during which they got to experience
the products first-hand. There were two variants to choose from,
depending on hair type and needs – Moist & Shine to smoothen
locks and fight frizz, or Volume & Scalp for some extra boost at the
roots and a bouncy, fluffy mane. With their fresh, uplifting scents
and instant glossing effects, the shampoos and treatments (which
act as conditioners) had won over many converts by the end of
the session. No more bad hair days from now on!
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
Glow Hits
GLOW HITS
Our best pick-me-ups when we’re down in the dumps.
“I get away from it all through short weekend
vacations. I take time from that to reflect on all the
good things that are happening in my life which I
may not see when I’m in the thick of things. This
allows me to be objective and appreciate both the
bad and the good that’s going on. Taking the time to
appreciate the good things that are often taken for
granted creates a lot of positive energy that helps me
step forward with renewed faith.”
YANFENG, business manager
“Not wanting to dwell too
much on the downs of life, I
often take this time to improve
myself, to grow. One year, it
was taking drawing classes.
The next it was reading up on
self-development. This year,
I’ve been attending ballet
classes and so far, all’s dandy.”
SOPHIA, junior art director
“A day of me-time would do the trick
and help recharge. This would usually
involve movies, shopping, good food, good
wine and a let-it-go karaoke session with
friends who don’t care if you’re off-key.”
YEE HUAY, editor
“There are a few things
guaranteed to perk up my
mood when I’m down.
One: playing with my
neighbourhood cats – a
little furry, non-judgmental
love goes a long way. Two:
cake. Whether it’s chocolate
or strawberry, shortcake or
mousse, I love cake and it’s
definitely my go-to feel-good
food. Three: cooking. It’s a
soothing exercise where I don’t
really have to think. I can just
follow the recipe or go with
the flow and make something
I love which is very relaxing.
Plus, at the end I usually end
up with some goodies to eat.”
VICTORIA, writer
“Everyone knows I’m an animal person or, more specifically, a
crazy cat person. So one thing I do whenever I feel depressed
is go downstairs from my place and hang out with the street
cats. Talking to lovely creatures like them make me feel Zen.
Sometimes I attack pet shops as well – anything with fur has
a secret healing power to me.”
ZIMIN, senior art director
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