Top Beauty Picks - Back To Basics

I am not a skincare nor makeup expert, but I am a beauty junkie. I have also picked up some tips from makeup artists at photo shoots from time to time. Here are some of the products that I have tried and tested, and think they are good enough to share with you. :)

The Best Facial Cleanser - Officina De' Tornabuoni

It is rare to get a cream cleanser in a pot and even rarer to get this brand in Singapore. ODT (short for Officina de' Tornabuoni) is a hidden gem from Italy. This Florentine house has been producing the finest quality, natural and effective skincare and health supplements for royalty and other discerning clientele since 1843! The products are made with the finest quality ingredients, without the use of parabens, mineral oils and artificial colorants. This 'Crema Sapone Non Sapone' cleanser contains high concentration of pure Florentine iris, which helps to visibly tighten the pores and refine the complexion. It feels so luxurious every time I wash my face.

The Best Exfoliator - CURE Aqua Gel

This is all the rage now, with one bottle being sold every 20 seconds (claims its website). A good friend of mine who is into Japanese skincare highly recommended this to me. I got mine from Watson's last week and is now a convert. For those who remembered Ginvera Marvel Gel, this is similar but better. It is fragrance-free and comes in a simple unpretentious packaging. The best part is it really works... and you can use it for the face and body. Skin feels really smooth after the first use.

The Best Make-Up Remover - Biore Cleansing Oil Wipes

I have been using this product for years. From time to time, I got tempted to try expensive wipes from international makeup brands, but I always end up switching back to Biore. Why? It is 100% efficient and effective, removing every trace of makeup (including water-resistant eye makeup) without pulling my skin. I also love the fact that it is easily available and inexpensive.

The Best Eye-Makeup Remover - L'Oreal

This is a product I have been using for years. If it works, why change it? This eye makeup remover is gentle enough for contact lens wearer, yet strong enough to remove waterproof eye makeup instantly with a gentle, oil-free formula. Another inexpensive product that is easily available.

The Best Eye-Makeup Base - Urban Decay

I was introduced to this amazing product by the make-up artist on my wedding day. I have been having the problem of my eyeliner smudging for the longest time, and I am so glad to have finally found a solution! This eye-makeup base (matte version) looks and feels like a concealer. It intensifies eye shadow and keeps eyeliner in place.

The Perricone Promise

If you are a beauty junkie, you will know Perricone MD. Founded by Dr. Nicolas Perricone whose belief is that we can control the way we age (wrinkles and all) by simply following an anti-inflammatory diet backed with nutritional supplements and anti-aging topical skincare.

I am a fan, and even have his famous book - The Perricone Promise.

If you are new to this brand, a good way to try it is with the 'Prescription for Youthful Skin' value set. It also makes the perfect travel skincare set. This set contains a Citrus Facial Wash, Firming Facial Toner, Advanced Face Firming Activator (for use in the morning), and Face Finishing Moisturizer.

After swiping the Firming Facial Toner over my cleansed face, I could see dark yellow marks left on the cotton pad. I assumed that meant the toner helped in removing the dead skin cells. I like the fact that it left no stinging sensation on my sensitive skin. My favourite is the Face Finishing Moisturizer, as it left my skin really smooth. I would definitely recommend this.

Another favourite of mine is the 'No Foundation Foundation'. It is Perricone's version of the BB cream. It provides adequate natural coverage with SPF 30 protection. Its anti-aging formula helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time, while its specially treated pigments and light diffusing mica help to instantly soften the looks of lines, pores and wrinkles. I would recommend using loose powder as a finishing touch, as the application on its own can feel rather sticky and shiny.


As the range available at Sephora is rather limited, I am hoping that these following products will be available soon, as I can't wait to try them.


Described as a rich emollient cream-serum that absorbs quickly to hydrate, minimize the appearance of puffiness, and brighten around the eyes—and doubles as an excellent eyeshadow base. Cold Plasma, a breakthrough, revolutionary treatment from Dr. Perricone formulated to address the 10 most visible signs of aging is creating a buzz even among aesthetic doctors.

Inspired by a passion to feed hungry skin, Dr Perricone created SUPER, a nourishing collection of formulas for the face and body. Infused with phytonutrients derived from some of the most powerful superfoods and formulated with advanced patented sciences.

I love the colourful packaging and innovative formulations. Think Super Bright Eyed with Melon, Super 3-Minute Facial with Ginger, Super Acne Treatment with Green Apple, Super Detox Elixir with Watercress, and Super Hand & Cuticle Cream with Yogurt. These products sound good enough to eat!

I think this is one "First-Aid" kit that I would like to keep in my beauty cabinet. Super cute!

The New Definitive Swimwear - Mileti

The launch of Mileti this April, a new Singapore brand that offers stylish and statement swimwear, has generated a buzz among the local media. Created by two friends Min (Yu Chia Min, an ex-banker based in Singapore) and Letizia (Letizia Cramer, an art gallery owner from Geneva) who often found the swimwear offerings in their home cities lacking, the duo decided to create their own line of chic, functional and well-priced swimwear for the discerning and sophisticated fashionistas.

What makes Mileti worth buying? Quality, style and the fact that you can buy the bikini tops and bottoms separately to create different styles and fit different body shapes. Gone were the days where you have no choice but to buy a set of bikini in which the top fits and the bottom doesn't.



Min and Letizia chose to work with top quality Italian fabrics that are used by big fashion houses and esteemed sports brands. The collection is mostly made with a newly developed high-tech fabric called Revolutional® Mild. It is highly breathable, quick to dry, resistant to sand and pilling. This featherweight and ultra-flat two-way stretch fabric is aesthetically ideal for making swimwear.



While it wears like second skin, the high-performance Revolutional® Mild has a UV protection of UPF 50+ (UPF — Ultraviolet Protection Factor — measures a fabric’s effectiveness in protection against ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays).


Another fabric used for the collection is Glamour (as seen on the style pictured above), an ultra-flat, stain-resistant and highly breathable material with delicate metallic effects. It lends a touch of disco and evening sheen to the swimwear.


From simple, well-cut tops and bottoms (S$50 - S$90 for each separate piece), to more intricate one-piece suits (S$140 - S$270), each look is designed to flatter different shapes and hug the curves.

Singapore
Antipodean — 27A Lorong Mambong, Holland Village.
AVANA by the Bay — B1-145 Galleria Level, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
AVANA: j — 01-07/08 Pacific Plaza, 9 Scotts Road
Retail Therapy — #03-13 Wheelock Place
SHOPtheMAG — www.shopthemag.com

Switzerland
Sab’s — Rue du Purgatoire 3, 1204 Geneva

Top Picks At Zara - April 2011

April will be gone in a week's time. I am a little late when it comes to shopping at Zara this month. Oh well, I did my homework online and will be heading to Zara later. Here's what I will be checking out...

Military + Lace = Revival of the military and Victorian trends!

Love the metallic knit with floral prints. Very high fashion!

Colour blocking + stripes = Right on trend!

Print on print. Not my style, but I love this top.

Colour blocking from head to toes. Always wanted to try the "socks and sandals look" but need a little more sartorial courage.

A LBD that Victoria Beckham and Roland Mouret would approve.

Love the scoop back. Tres chic and sensual.

And yes, the contrasting lining. The perfect LBD!

Colour blocking again. I think this dress will be a classic though.

Love everything about this dress. The colour, the front, the back.

Shoes this month are looking really good too, especially the flats.

Love this style. Wanna get it in chilli red.

This is so Marni and Jil Sander. Very high fashion but at high street price!

I am very keen to try these on. I hope they look as good in the flesh as they do in the pic.

Not quite sure how it will fit, but worth giving it a try. Love the stunning eye-catching colours.


Check out the full collection at www.zara.com

A New Place to Graze

When I wrote about Kha a week ago, I promised that I will write about Graze, its sister restaurant at Martin No. 38. I have been there 6 times in a fortnight. Why? I love the clean and tasteful decor, the dog-friendly al fresco area, and the all day dining concept (different menus for weekend brunch, lunch and dinner). It is definitely one of my favourite spots to graze now...

I love the bright and spacious interior. A perfect place to eat and catch up on my reading.

Its interiors are designed by award-winning, Melbourne-based studio Hecker Guthrie, who also designed the adjourning restaurant Kha.

The private dining room is simply spectacular. It makes me want to host a private luncheon or dinner there soon.

Love the rows of plates on display on the wall shelves.

Going solo or simply want to be alone? Find yourself a nice corner to chill.

Saffron butternut & cilantro soup, served with herb garlic toast

*Not what I expected but the cilantro gives a nice twist to the usual butternut soup.

Heirloon tomato & chorizo salad, with sauteed onions.

*Am usually not a fan of sausages but I love this... and the sauteed onions made it perfect!

Seared calamari & chipolata, rocket, balsamic and lemon.

*One of my favourites!

Rigatoni, sage & minced beef, sprinkled with aged parmesan.

*Another of my favourites. Comfort food. Love it when restos get the simple things right!

Steak sandwich, overeasy free-range egg, tomato onion jam, thick chips

Wagyu burger served with thick chips

*Worth a try when you are craving for a burger fix

Eggs Benedict - Brunch Menu

*A true test of a resto's standards is the how well they can prepare the eggs. Graze passed my "runny egg" test when it comes to eggs ben!

Spanish Omelette - Brunch Menu

There is also a fuss-free retail corner named "Provisions" should you wish to pick up some supplies to stock up your kitchen.




For more info, please visit www.graze-martin38.sg