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Laneige Goes Their Most High Fashion Yet With This Makeup Collection

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Fashion runways have long relied on makeup to realise their visions, whether it’s kohl-rimmed eyes for rockstar affairs, or flushed blush for an ethereal collection, but what if we challenged this a little more — what if fashion and beauty truly worked hand in hand, for the greater good and all that? Well, you might end up with this: the LANEIGE Meets Fashion collection that marries those twin realms for, possibly, the sole purpose of making our hearts flutter. Just look at this:
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Tell us you aren’t swooning yet. Korean beauty brand LANEIGE makes it a point to team up with a rising Korean fashion label every year, to present to us a limited edition makeup range that you’ll want to collect due to the sheer beauty of its new packaging. And yes, this usually brings across the two brands’ visual identities in an exciting way, so let’s go ahead and take a look at this year’s, shall we?
LANEIGE x YCH
The 2017 collection is a far cry from their past collaborations, but we love it; those were very cute collections that featured owls or playful illustrated hearts, but now, we’re seeing the Korean beauty brand working together with a fashion line that’s far more edgy, a nod to the growing worldwide recognition of Seoul Fashion Week: YCH.
The trendy Korean fashion brand, led by designer Yoon Choon Ho, combines elements of femininity with punk, which explains why celebrities, including the ultimate trendsetter RiRi, have been loving his designs. As part of his Fall/Winter 2017 collection, he imbues plenty of 80s glam styles into his looks — in particular, three specially-designed pieces that show off a textured herringbone pattern on wool, which forms a backdrop for fun pastel pink or blue polka dots.
The label’s modern glam appeal and youthful electricity is something that appeals to LANEIGE too. While better known for soft k-beauty looks seen on girly faces Song Hye Kyo and Lee Sung Kyung, a collaboration like that gives the brand a more spunky edge, which make the long-standing favourites of BB Cushions and Two Tone Lip Bars far more enticing too. Just so you know, the latter comes in mysterious, darker shades — score!
The Makeup Collection
The LANEIGE x YCH collection includes: two colour-correcting bases, the Skin Veil Base Dot Cushion in Light Purple and Light Green; the Eyebrow Cushion-cara; as well as four new shades of the Two Tone Matte Lip Bar, and yes you heard that right, this is a trendy matte formula we’re talking about.
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It’s also immediately obvious that the product packaging takes its cues from the YCH runway. Holding these cushions feel particularly luxurious; the case is swathed in the actual fabric you see on the models though, with a clear film on top that ensures its longevity, while the Skin Veil Base Dot Cushion in purple comes with beautiful deep maroon around the sides, and pink-metallic details. You’ll also want to open them up because:
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LANEIGE Skin Veil Base Dot Cushion SPF 14 PA+, $48
Yep, there are polka dots on the cushion itself! These pearly white dots serve an added function to brighten the look of your skin too, and actually contain Water Bank Essence ingredients for a more hydrating formula overall. As for the ever-popular Two Tone Matte Lip Bars, these also come with the polka dots on the outside, and we’re already loving the darker, bolder lip gradients. Our favourite has to be No.1 Burgundy Mood, a romantic blood red, with the moody rose shade of the No.2 Red Cashmere not trailing far behind.
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LANEIGE Two Tone Matte Lip Bar, $36
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LANEIGE Eyebrow Cushion-cara, $36
With all this excitement in the air, we figured that the only thing left to do is… to play with them! For that, we invited four girls to our office for a quick photoshoot — each with their distinct styles and fashion-related backgrounds, to create four inspiring looks that show off the LANEIGE x YCH collection at its best. Feel free to cop the looks if you want, we won’t judge!

Grace Lim, Fashion Stylist
One look at her Instagram page, and you can see why Grace’s sense of style works so well with this season’s LANEIGE collaboration — the young fashion lover looks very much like a Korean street style star herself, with her bangs and cropped bob, and a wardrobe of laidback yet quirky wear. Despite her petite frame and saccharine gaze, she carries off these oversized looks effortlessly, and well, probably even better thanks to that contrast. We were also delighted to find out that she frequently shops at our two favourite haunts in Seoul too, Stylenanda and Åland! As for her day job, Grace tells us that she’s been a freelance stylist for three years, and probably due to her graphic design background, often favours styles with “bold colours and prints, structured looks, or colour blocking”. She’s also always on the lookout to add a pop of colour to otherwise minimal looks too, and you can see that the orangey tones in her makeup here do just that to lift the entire look.
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Here, the Skin Veil Base Dot Cushion in Light Green was particularly useful too, but you’ll never be able to tell — which is the whole point, really! No, it doesn’t turn you into Frankenstein’s Monster; instead, what the green tinge does is to seamlessly blend into the skin, for an even base that cancels out any redness. Makeup artist Dollei Seah patted this around the nose area to create the illusion of flawless skin. It’s good to know that the new white polka dots on the product also contain Water Bank Essence ingredients that hydrate the skin too.
Makeup for Grace
1. BB Cushion _Pore Control in No.23
2. Edge Drawing Eyeliner Pen in Deep Black
3. Ideal Blush Duo in No.2 Peach Mint
4. Skin Veil Base Dot Cushion SPF 14 PA+ in Light Purple (on eyelids + undereye area)
5. Eyebrow Cushion-cara in No.2 Two-Tone Brown
6. Ideal Shadow Quad in No.1 Tangled Tangerine
7. Two Tone Matte Lip Bar in No.4 Fitting Rose
8. Skin Veil Base Dot Cushion SPF 14 PA+ in Light Green
On Grace: Shirt by YCH; necklace by Bimba Y Lola.

Cheyenne Chesney, Model
Forgive us for ruining the illusion, but the most surprising thing we found out about Cheyenne was this: she’s only 16 years old! It was a pretty funny sight to see her stroll into our studio while still wearing her school uniform, but no matter — with the right makeup and a matter of seconds in front of the camera, she transformed into the stunning, sophisticated beauty you’ll see here. She is, after all, a model. Other than fronting campaigns and doing commercials (she recently did one for Maggi’s 5-Minute Cup Pasta), the Basic Models girl, of Brit-Chinese descent, also manages to juggle school work and both her netball and tennis CCAs, although she’s totally unfazed when asked. “It’s quite okay actually, they don’t clash,” she says confidently, while also sharing that she tends to do her studying during the downtime in between sets. How sensible!
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Makeup-wise, we like that Dollei went a bit darker on her lips, for a cool after-school vibe, which takes advantage of LANEIGE’s new matte formula — the highly-pigmented shade glides on a smooth velvety texture, achieved due to a gel formula that coats and fills the uneven parts of the lips, so you won’t walk away with the typical dryness of other matte lipsticks. No.1 Burgundy Mood is also a daring shade that stands out, with the romantic pink and dark red blending together nicely for those alluring lips.
Makeup for Cheyenne
1. BB Cushion _Pore Control in No.21 ; BB Cushion _Pore Control in No.13 (on eyes)
2. Ideal Blush Duo in No.1 Lily Lavender
3. Ideal Shadow Quad in No.8 All Shook Up
4. Two Tone Matte Lip Bar in No.1 Burgundy Mood
5. Lash-fessional Mascara in No.2 Wine Brown

On Cheyenne: Coat by YCH; earrings by Bimba Y Lola.

Valerie Wang, Fashion Blogger and Founder of store UNDA
You may already know Valerie as a fashion blogger, and certainly, her Instagram feed‘s a picture-perfect curation of #OOTDs. Recently, she seems to have a bias for ruffles, flared pants and pastel hues, though she usually throws on a choker or leather jacket to balance out the sweetness — that’s really the essence of Valerie’s personal style, and why she’s easily LANEIGE’s pick for this edgy collection. Here, you’ll see her in cute pink polka dots, but don’t be fooled because she still manages to carry off those oversized shoulders with ease, along with a set of deliberately-tarnished metal jewellery that she happened to be wearing that day. She’s also been making waves with her fashion label, store UNDA, which aptly means ‘waves’ in Latin; it’s a business she set up herself, which explains this set of #girlboss challenges — designing, manufacturing and liaising with a local seamstress, marketing, photoshoot styling, and even building the website, for a start. Still, she doesn’t quite mind since starting a label has long been a dream of hers. “I enjoy being creative, even for my Instagram pictures, I try to input some of those artistic vibes,” says the LASALLE graduate.
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As for someone with that fierce, enterprising spirit, it seems like bold eyebrows are a must too, especially when these face-framers are such an essential part of the k-beauty style. You can rock this with the Eyebrow Cushion-cara, an unusual liquid-to-powder formula that makes it incredibly easy to get your brows right, because you don’t wanna spend five precious minutes in the morning fixing them, do you? The two-tone cushion is great if you want to customise your own colours too, and since LANEIGE is an Asian brand, the lasting colours are specially formulated to fit our hair and eye colours!
Makeup for Valerie
1. BB Cushion _Whitening in No.13
2. Creamy Crystal Eyeliner Waterproof in No.3 Cinnamon Brown
3. Two Tone Matte Lip Bar in No.3 Powershoulder Pink
4. Ideal Shadow Quad in No.7 Rosebay Garden
5. Lash-fessional Mascara in No.2 Wine Brown
6. Ideal Blush Duo in No.4 California Coral
7. Eyebrow Cushion-cara in No.2 Two-Tone Brown

On Valerie: Dress by YCH.

Cheryl Faith Ho, Photographer
Here’s someone that’s a bit of a mystery. Yes, we’ve seen Cheryl’s photography work on the profiles of a few familiar faces, including Narelle Kheng or Christabel Chua, but a thorough scroll through her own Instagram feed reveals startlingly little about the girl behind the lens, only a half-covered face. Trust us, we tried. That said, Cheryl has an eye for the ethereal in her pictures, often challenging herself by shooting outdoors, which she says helps to create the dreamy, experimental effect of her photography — in fact, she loves shooting portraits, and takes particular pride in being able to creating a certain mood based on the expressions of her model. Since picking up the skill about three years ago, simply because she “wanted to take pictures of her friends and make them look good”, she has since worked with plenty of personalities, as well as a stint at Seoul Fashion Week with local label ATLASTA, which explains the edgy Korean good-lookers on her feed. Still, you’ll agree that she cleans up pretty good for the camera here.
laneigemeetsfashion
There’s a graceful mystery to Cheryl’s look here, and the monochromatic makeup’s achieved by first, blending the warm browns of the eye palette with a light touch of red, as well as combining the matte lipsticks, primarily with a rosy shade on the outer edge of the lips, followed by a touch of the lighter shade of the burgundy lipstick. You’ll realise that the eyeshadow still stands out despite her flowy hair. Say hello to this neat makeup tip then! Basically, Dollei tapped the Skin Veil Base Dot Cushion in Light Purple on the eyelids, for a sheer base that allows the colours to pop more; and we all know that purple has the function of brightening dull skin. Now you know — the next time you fear looking too pale if it’s all over your face, just do the same!
Makeup for Cheryl
1. BB Cushion _Anti-Aging in No.31
2. Ultra Long-lasting Eyeliner in No.2 Dark Brown
3. Ideal Blush Duo in No.3 Juicy Rose
4. Skin Veil Base Dot Cushion SPF 14 PA+ in Light Purple (on eyelids)
5. Eyebrow Cushion-cara in No.2 Two-Tone Brown
6. Ideal Shadow Quad in No.10 Red Fox Fur
7. Two Tone Matte Lip Bar in No.4 Fitting Rose
8. Two Tone Matte Lip Bar in No.1 Burgundy Mood
9. Lash-fessional Mascara in No.2 Wine Brown

On Cheryl: Shirt by YCH.

Photography by Adele Chan, taken with a Nikon Df
Hair & Makeup by Dollei Seah.
Styling by Josiah Chua.
There you go! Like us, you should be tempted to get your hands on the new collection already — and we’ll let you in on a way you can snag the pieces before anyone else.

Simply head down to the LANEIGE x YCH Event, where the brand will have an exclusive pre-launch of their new products, ahead of the official 4 Sept release!
LANEIGE x YCH Event
Date: 28 August – 3 September 2017, Mon – Sun
Location: Plaza Singapura, Main Atrium, L1

LANEIGE x YCH Collection, $36 for the Two Tone Matte Lip Bar and Eyebrow Cushion-cara and $48 for the Skin Veil Base Dot Cushion SPF 14 PA+. Available from 4 September at LANEIGE boutiques and counters, as well as Lazada and Zalora. laneige.com.sg
 

M.A.C Honours Late R&B Icon Aaliyah With Their Upcoming Collection

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Pour one out for the late R&B superstar, Aaliyah Haughton. At the mere age of 22, a plane crash took the life of an icon, but her legacy lives on. Over the past few years, Aaliyah’s loyal fans have approached M.A.C Cosmetics and have actively been petitioning the brand to honour the legend, who was reportedly a major fan of the makeup label.
Officially endorsed by Aaliyah’s brother Rashad Haughton, her ever-reliable “Glam Squad”, and dear friend Missy Elliot, her supporters created a Change.org campaign that has culled over 26,000 signatures thus far. After months of circulating rumours, though, M.A.C took to Instagram on Aaliyah’s 16th death anniversary on 25 August to announce that the Aaliyah for M.A.C collection is slated to launch in 2018, thanking the star’s countless fans for setting this in motion.


 


Following the huge success of the post-humous M.A.C x Selena Collection, we’re glad M.A.C has finally decided to work on the upcoming Aaliyah collection. No word on what products to expect just yet, but we sure hope to see a tribute to her lined nude lips, sultry eyes, and arched brows. She may have left us far too soon, but one thing’s for sure – her iconic music and style will live in our hearts for plenty more decades to come.
Main image: @aaliyahformac

Finally, Winter Jackets That Are Warm And Flattering

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Once a year I like to make a pilgrimage to New York where the NYLON US head office resides (NYLON stands for “New York” and “London” by the way… ohhhhHHH!!! Revelation!!!). I also like to visit the city when it’s winter, because the cold is a nice change from Singapore’s weather, which is getting ridiculously hot these days. Anyway, I discovered the hard way that winter in New York is also no joke — especially when it’s windy (it feels like it’s below freezing point and the cold cuts through your four layers of clothes). And so for my next trip to NYLON’s capital, I’m going to invest in a puffy jacket… hopefully the kind that does not make me look like the Michelin Man.
I’m clear on one thing: Canada Goose is out. There’s so much controversy with their brand and animal rights groups, that I don’t want to risk getting a bucket of paint thrown at me; and apart from that, I’m constantly having internal arguments in my head about whether to invest in a Moncler. In the meantime, I’m pretty pleased that I came across a more affordable option that has equally classic designs and wonderful functionality.
Snowman New York does outerwear using high quality materials and in flattering silhouettes. Their coats are patterned and designed in New York, and manufactured in Vietnam. The down used is also sourced from Vietnam through animal byproduct; and the brand claims to have the same final quality as jackets from Canada Goose (oooooo).
 

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NOTE: I don’t believe in short puffy jackets. If the weather is cold enough to actually wear a puffy jacket, you’ll want a longer one to cover as much of your legs as possible. Also, I don’t see a need for fur in my hoodies (or any part of my clothes). So while Snowman does have pieces made with fur, I chose ones without.
I picked out three pieces for myself to try:
Here’s the Shield in black (US$448), Dragon in black (US$398), and Show in coral (US$228).
 
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The Show is obviously the only piece I can continue to wear in Singapore, and also only when it’s raining (it’s an excellent raincoat with its water resistant fabric and hood). As for the other two jackets, they are both a beautiful take on the traditional puffy coat, with my favourite being the Shield jacket in black (it also comes in a dual-tone white).
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The most striking thing about the Shield coat is its clever use of a puffy upper layer, and a ribbed lower skirt, which doesn’t compromise on its warmth factor at all. The entire jacket is filled with 600 fill power 90/10 premium down and I can imagine how toasty it’ll feel during New York’s wintertime.
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Another clever touch is the ribbed extended inner sleeves complete with thumb holes. A feature that’s much appreciated when you’re not in favour of wearing gloves.
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There’s a zippered pocket inside the coat as well!
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And an all-important hood (ribbed as well)!
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The brand is very proud of their quality standards, and believe that their jackets are so effective, you don’t need to bulk up with a million layers underneath (just one layer will do! They say.). Also, if you’re looking for something more colourful and can afford the wait, Snowman’s collaboration with ZAM is taking pre-orders on the website now.
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Visit snowmannewyork.com.

Perhaps You Should Consider Tattooing Your Cuticles at Your Next Ink Job

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Recently, a few media outlets have expressed their astonishment at a recent trend that has been making the rounds on Instagram, which involves one getting mini tattoos inked at their cuticles. But obviously, we aren’t surprised by this trend at all. Here in multi-cultural Singapore, many of our Muslim and Hindu friends get their hands painted with henna (a temporary dye made of plant extracts), usually to celebrate the end of the fasting month, i.e. Ramadan, and Deepavali, the festival of lights. Of course, the outcome is a very detailed and Instagram-worthy work of art, so it came as no surprise for us that the cuticle tattoo is actually trending right now.

tap 4 deetz af.

A post shared by badgalriri (@badgalriri) on


@nailbarandbeautylounge

A post shared by Princess Pia Mia (@piamia) on


We’re guessing the trend started taking off when celebrities such as Rihanna and Pia Mia were seen sporting tribal tattoos on their fingers and hands, which led to pinterest and tumblr accounts popularizing the idea of cuticle tattoos.
However, the trend that’s popular on Instagram features mini tattoos, such as dots, flowers, arrows, geometric designs, and some even matching their tattoos with elaborate nail art and accessories.









Here’s a warning though: if you have a low pain tolerance, this trend might not be for you. The cuticle area is mostly skin and bones, so going under the needle can be a pretty painful experience, though not as bad as getting inked at the ribcage or at the back.
If you are not ready to undergo torture or commit to a trend that is probably going to be another one-off fad, henna or stick-on tattoos would be a much more viable option to take.
Header image: @badgalriri

Under the Sea: This Marine Extract Is a Superfood for the Skin and Hair

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Marine extracts have earned some serious recognition in the realm of beauty, and with good reason. As the founder and creator of Crème de la Mer Dr. Max Huber discovered, sea kelp has a natural ability to regenerate itself rapidly even in extreme conditions, which is why this seaweed has become one of La Mer’s key ingredients.
Wait, is there a difference between seaweed and kelp?
Seaweed is an incredibly wide term that covers a myriad of marine plants and algae, so kelp is actually a subgroup of seaweed. Fun fact: kelp is also the largest form of seaweed. Ain’t that neat?
How will it benefit my skin?
As seaweed is able to adapt and thrive in ever-changing environments, they contain powerful elements that are beneficial for skin renewal. Hence, the fermentation of seaweed harnesses its potency in an extract, and is able to calm skin sensitivities as well as bathe it in some much needed moisture. It also strengthens and reinforces cell membranes, protecting it against free radicals, thereby slowing down the process of ageing altogether. It’s interesting to note that extract can somehow reverse cell damage and return them to their healthy state by “re-organising” the cell membrane structure. Keep blowing our minds, seaweed.


So whether your skin’s sensitive, blemish-prone, or as parched as the Sahara desert, seaweed can definitely help. In fact, it works beautifully to restore moisture and strength to your hair, too. Here, we’ve gathered some affordable alternatives (yeah, you don’t need to purchase a tub of Crème de la Mer) infused with this wonderful ocean-derived ingredient.

seaweed - lush
LUSH Cosmetics BB Seaweed Fresh Face Mask

Those with sensitive skin would know that it can be risky finding the right face mask, which is why Lush has formulated one to ease the pain, quite literally. BB Seaweed turns rough patches into a smooth canvas thanks to the finely ground almonds, while seaweed, rose absolute and organic extra virgin olive oil soothes and moisturises the skin.
$29, available at LUSH stores and lushsg.com

seaweed - the body shop
The Body Shop Seaweed Oil-Control Lotion SPF 15 PA++

With weather like this, it’s best to reach for a lightweight moisturiser during the day. The Body Shop’s Seaweed Oil-Control Lotion has a cooling gel-like texture that smooths on like a dream, leaving it refreshed, supple, and shine-free. Bladderwrack seaweed also contain plenty of minerals, so skin is infused with antioxidants and nourishing vitamins to purify, balance, and clarify. It even has an SPF of 15 – an all-round winner for daytime hydration.
$32.90, available at The Body Shop stores

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Boscia Tsubaki Beauty Oil

Tsubaki oil, better known as camellia oil, contains the omega 6 and 9 – anti-ageing benefits Japanese women have long credited for their porcelain complexions. The beauty oil also features Japanese sea kelp to create visible firmness by boosting the skin’s natural collagen production, delivering instant radiance upon application. You can use this multi-purpose botanical blend on your face, areas of the body, as well as the tips of your hair if it’s looking a little or feeling parched.
$68, available at Sephora and sephora.sg

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Byrd Purifying Shampoo

A lovely addition to our list of sulfate-free shampoos is this one by Byrd. Packed with a blend of sea kelp, green tea, aloe vera extracts as well as vegetable-derived glycerin, this Purifying Shampoo nourishes and protects hair from harmful UV rays and environmental damages. If you’re looking to get more volume, the sea salt in the formula helps to create a beach-y texture, while vitamin B5 strengthens strands and prevents breakage.
$33, available at Sephora and sephora.sg

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VERB Sea Spray

We here at NYLON love a good texturising sea salt spray. This light, refreshing mist by VERB is formulated with natural sea salt as well as smoothing moisturisers to create waves like the ocean. Seaweed extract helps to cleanse the hair of excess oils as well as provide natural hydration, while quinoa protein conditions and hydrates. There’s also sunflower seed extract to help provide natural UV protection wherever you are.
$12, available at Sephora and sephora.sg
Main image: Lush UK

Vans is Taking On High Fashion With Its Upcoming Collaboration With Karl Lagerfeld

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The idea of high fashion brands joining forces with mainstream brands has been around for quite some time, with the collaboration between H&M and Karl Lagerfeld successfully introducing the concept of high-low fashion partnerships to the fashion community. The result is a far greater reach and exposure to mainstream consumers and a fairly affordable price tag (still slightly expensive, yes, but way much cheaper than buying directly from a high-end boutique, right?).
While we are eagerly looking forward to the launch of the H&M x Erdem collection, another upcoming high-low collab has caught our attention, and that is none other than the news of the ever-popular skateboard brand, Vans, partnering with the legendary fashion designer and icon, Karl Lagerfeld, for a capsule collection.

vans x karl lagerfeld

No official images of the collection have been released yet, but according to WWD, six of Van’s footwear classics will be re-interpreted, fusing Van’s street style aesthetics and Karl Lagerfeld’s Midas touch. A few iconic silhouettes that will be featured in the collection includes Van’s trademark checkerboard shoes which will be “revisited using a cameo motif depicting Lagerfeld’s iconic profile, with boucle fabric and a quilted letter K among other leitmotifs,” as well as the Sk8-Hi laceless platform, and the uniquitous Old Skool models.

#KARLLAGERFELD x @vansgirls … 07.09.17. Be ready! #VansxKARLLAGERFELD

A post shared by KARL LAGERFELD (@karllagerfeld) on


Also in the mix are two-toned, black-and-white (of course, it’s Karl we’re talking about here) apparel, which includes a T-shirt that sports an image of Lagerfeld wearing a checkerboard tie, a bomber jacket, and a premium leather backpack also carrying that quilted letter K motif.
The prices are pretty affordable, ranging between $40 and $300. The capsule collection will first be presented at the Bread & Butter trade show in Berlin in early September, and is set to have a worldwide release on 7 September 2017 at select Vans stores, Karl Lagerfeld boutiques, as well as on both karl.com and vans.com.
Header image: Business of Fashion

We Added Up The Total Cost Of Our Entire Beauty Regimes

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A while back, Allure ran this article on how much their editors’ faces are worth – and boy, was that an interesting read. As the piece mentions, working as a beauty editor or writer really does mean you’re inundated by avalanches of beauty products all the time. Yes, we know we are very fortunate to get to test all the best and most exciting beauty launches, often before they hit the market, and also some of the most expensive treatments for the face, hair and body, all without forking out a cent, and we never forget to be very thankful indeed.
But as the Allure article also states, this also means that we can end up building beauty regimes that cost way more than any normal person’s should. It’s our job, offering our skin and hair up as testing ground, so we can tell you what works and what doesn’t. We’re not out of touch of reality, however – every day, we use all these products fully aware that, as the article states, “our beauty routines are far exceeding our actual life budgets”. By how much? The answers below.

Adele Chan, Editor-in-Chief
Total cost: $4,118
“Yes I totally expected this amount or more. I’m actually surprised it isn’t more. But it’s still very embarrassing to see that my entire beauty regime costs this much. Having said that, I’m quite sure it’ll be much much less if I wasn’t working in the beauty industry as an Editor.”
adeleskincare
Skincare
1. Shu Uemura High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil Advanced Formula, $115 (450ml)
2. La Prairie White Caviar Illuminating Pearl Infusion, $850
3. Clé de Peau Beauté Hydro-Clarifying Lotion, $180
4. Chanel Blue Serum, $160
5. Kiehl’s Dermatologist Solutions Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution, $92
6. Kiehl’s Dermatologist Solutions Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Eye Concentrate, $75
7.  Clé de Peau Beauté Intensive Brightening Mask, $198 (6 sheets)
8. Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Mask, $72 (5 sheets)
9. Clé de Peau Beauté Protective Fortifying Cream, $190
10. Clé de Peau Beauté Intensive Fortifying Cream, $210
 
adelemakeup
Makeup
1. Shu Uemura Natural Brush 10, $106
2. Shu Uemura Natural Brush 12, $192
3. Shu Uemura Natural Brush 20, $92
4. Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, $30
5. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Original, $33
6. Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in 578 New Dawn, $39
7. Sephora Express Nail Polish Remover, $15
8. YSL Beauty Volupté Tint-in-Balm in No. 1 Dream Me Nude, $54
9. Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Natural Eyeshadow Palette, $105
10. Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Gel Touch Foundation, $88
11. Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment Advanced Therapy, $39
12. Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer, $116
13. Urban Decay Naked 2, $83
14. NARS Limited Edition Orgasm Blush, $50
15. RMK Matte Mascara, $28
16. Marc Jacobs Beauty Undercover Perfecting Coconut Primer, $69
17. Chanel Stylo Sourcils Waterproof Defining Longwear Eyebrow Pencil in 810 Brun Profond, $59
18. Kosé Esprique Gel Pencil Eyeliner in BK001, $32
19. Chanel Signature de Chanel Intense Longwear Eyeliner Pen, $51
adelehairbodycare
Fragrance/Haircare/Body care
1. Kiehl’s Lavender Foaming-Relaxing Bath With Sea Salts and Aloe, $62
2. Aesop Geranium Leaf Body Scrub, $51
3. Chanel No. 5 L’Eau Eau de Toilette, $237 (100ml)
4. Kérastase Aura Botanica Concentré Essentiel, $50
5. Yves Rocher Rinsing Vinegar, $18
6. Aesop Nurturing Conditioner, $67 (500ml)
7. Aesop Nurturing Shampoo, $67 (500ml)
8. Crabtree & Evelyn Goatmilk Gentle Shampoo, $30
9. Crabtree & Evelyn Goatmilk Gentle Conditioner, $30
10. Ouai Matte Pomade, $36
11. Lush Big Shampoo, $47
 
Tami Lai, Associate Editor
Total cost: $2,242.90
“Oh, damn. Three years of writing beauty sure has spoilt me, huh? What am I ever going to do to afford my face once I stop being a beauty writer? Either have all my money go into buying products and have none left for food, or do a serious downgrade (obviously I’ll choose the latter).
I’m a bit ashamed of how all this adds up, and some of the choices I’ve included. For one, no one ever needs a $600 hairdryer, but does the Dyson Supersonic feel nice and ergonomic in my hands, and dry my hair in half the time of my $100 hairdryer? Indeed it does. Would I ever pay for it myself? Um, nope.
There’s one lesson that I’ve learnt along the way though, and it’s that certain things you should splurge on, and other things, you really don’t have to spend more than $30 on. For example, it’s worth shelling out a bit more for a solid liquid foundation, while all the best liquid eyeliners are found in the drugstores. As for skincare, it’s not as clear, but basically it’s about finding what works best for your current skin condition – and that isn’t necessarily the most expensive line. It could easily be that $20 moisturiser from Watsons too.”
tamiskincare
Skincare
1. Laneige Fresh Calming Toner, $40
2. Laneige Fresh Calming Cleanser, $30
3. Laneige Fresh Calming Morning Mask, $38
4. Aesop Purifying Facial Exfoliant Paste, $69
5. Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel SPF 50+/PA++++, $18.90
6. Laneige Fresh Calming Serum, $48
7. Mamonde Moisture Ceramide Light Cream, $42
8. Garnier Super-Hydrating Pinkish Glow Serum Mask, $2
tamimakeup
 
Makeup
1. 13rushes Universal Do-It-All Face Brush, $39.90
2. Real Techniques Blush Brush, $18
3. Sigma Beauty F37 Spotlight Duster Brush, $35
4. Kat Von D Beauty Shade + Light Contour Brush, $58
5. Shu Uemura Natural Brush 12, $192
6. NARS Dual-Intensity Blush in Jubilation, $68
7. Rimmel The Only One Matte Lipstick in Salute, $18.90
8. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Original, $33
9. Zoeva Caramel Melange Palette, $39
10. Shiseido Eyelash Curler, ¥1,000 (S$12.40)
11. Hourglass Ambient Light Correcting Primer in Mood Light, $69
12. Heroine Make Impact Liquid Eyeliner Super Waterproof, $18.90
13. IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Anti-Aging Concealer, $42
14. Kat Von D Beauty Shade + Light Contour Palette, $73
15. Laneige Jet Curling Mascara, $34
16. Kat Von D Beauty Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Ophelia, $31
17. Laneige Eyebrow Cushion-cara in No. 1 Two-tone Grey, $36
18. Shu Uemura Stage Performer Fresh Tint All-In-One Hydrating UV Cushion, $68
19. Shu Uemura Petal Skin Fluid Foundation, $68
20. Rimmel Lasting Finish Soft Colour Blush in Coral, $9.90
21. Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder, $13.90
tamihairbodycare
Fragrance/Haircare/Body care
1. Syoss Silicone-Free Repair Shampoo, $18.60
2. Syoss Silicone-Free Repair Conditioner, $18.60
3. Joico Moisture-Restoring Co+Wash, $36
4. Yves Rocher Rinsing Vinegar, $18
5. Dyson Supersonic, $599
6. Percy & Reed Perfectly Perfecting Wonder Overnight Recovery, $42
7. Living Proof Style Lab Instant Texture Mist, $36
8. YSL Beauty Parisienne Eau de Parfum, $189
9. L’Oréal Hair Expert Paris EverFresh Micro-Exfoliating Scrub, $19.90
 
Amelia Tan, Associate Editor
Total cost: $1,201.70
“First thoughts while listing my products: wow, I’m so spoilt, look at me picking all these relatively expensive skincare products I would never splurge on outside this job. And after seeing the overall price tag, one word: SHOOKED. I’ve never really bothered with looking at the prices of my beauty products (I know, the privilege) – they’re just numbers I have to credit for my articles – so I was definitely surprised to find my Fresh mask costing $144 (no wonder I use it sparingly too). Plus, I feel like I don’t have that full a beauty regimen, not everyday anyway. Hmm.
As for my makeup, I don’t go with a full face daily so I already consider these my essentials – maybe I skimped a little on the variety of products, but I realise my list includes only two drugstore options. Do I really need $53 eyebrow pencil? Nope, there are cheaper options out there, but I save money exploring for them! Thank goodness then for Maybelline and TheBalm (three spectacular blush/highlight shades!). And I totally see why people go for multi-purpose products or palettes now – I’ve always strived for those because I’m usually strapped for time (my fault), but it can actually save a lot of money! Money I can then use to buy more lipsticks… so yeah, guess the spending will never end.”
ameliaskincare
Skincare
1. Skin Inc My Daily Dose of Vitamins ABC+ Wonder Serum, $98
2. Shiseido WASO Soft+Cushy Polisher, $55
3. Shu Uemura Porefinist Anti-Shine Fresh Cleansing Oil, $115 (450ml)
4. Shiseido Global Suncare Perfect UV Protector SPF50+/PA++++, $59
5. Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask, $144
6. Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream, $70
7. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, $27
ameliamakeup
Makeup
1. NARS Velvet Shadow Stick in Corfu, $45
2. Shu Uemura Brow:Sword, $53
3. Maybelline Hypersharp Power Black Liner, $19.90
4. 13rushes Classic Blush, $19
5. Shiseido Synchro Skin White Cushion Compact, $55 for refill, $20 for case
6. Burberry Full Kisses in 553 Military Red, $41
7. Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Concealer, $50
8. Kat Von D Beauty Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lolita II, $31
9. Glossier Priming Moisturizer, US$25 (S$34)
10. Glossier Haloscope, US$22 (S$29.90)
11. TheBalm The Manizer Sisters, $51.90
ameliahairbodycare
Fragrance/Haircare/Body care
1. John Frieda Frizz Ease Miraculous Recovery Shampoo, $15.90
2. Original & Mineral Frizzy Logic Shine Serum, $39
3. Maison Margiela Flower Market, $129
 
Jade Yeo, Writer
Total cost: $682.29
“I believe my initial response to the tally was, ‘Oh f*ck.’ Now, I know my total damage may be a fraction of our Editor-in-Chief’s, but I’m still appalled by the amount it takes to make me look and feel like a 5 out of 10 every day. The most expensive product on the list was actually given to me in a press kit, and though I am grateful that it came into my life, I also wish we never got acquainted, because now I can’t seem to do without it.
Yup, I’ve been reaching out for the luxurious Kat Burki Face Cream recently in a bid to heal my skin from a nasty breakout, and it’s worked beautifully thus far. Some of you might know that I’m plagued with the double whammy of sensitive and acne-prone skin, which is why my approach to beauty is a steadfast one. If something works, I’ll cling on tight and pray that product never gets discontinued. In terms of makeup, I don’t venture too far from my standard everyday look, which can be boring, I’m aware – but it’s a look that makes me feel most comfortable in my own skin.”
jadeskincare
1. Paula’s Choice Resist Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser, $36
2. Paula’s Choice Clear Acne Regular Strength Exfoliating Treatment 2% BHA (Salicylic Acid), $41
3. Paula’s Choice Resist Advanced Replenishing Toner, $38
4. Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Cleansing Oil, $20.90
5. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA (Salicylic Acid) Liquid (30ml), $13
6. Suntegrity 5-in-1 Tinted Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen SPF 30, $72
7. Heritage Store Rosewater, $9.75 (120ml)
8. Kat Burki Vitamin C Intensive Face Cream, $140
jademakeup
1. 100% Pure Super Fruits Healthy Foundation SPF 20 in White Peach, $71.50
2. Glossier Boy Brow in Clear, $31.80
3. 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Lip Glaze in Daiquiri, $42.50
4. Hurraw! Night Treatment Balm, $5.91
5. Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge, $8.25
6. NYX Professional Makeup Micro Brow Pencil in Black, $15
 
jadehairbodycare
Fragrance/Haircare/Body care
1. Paula’s Choice Resist Weightless Body Lotion 2% BHA (Salicylic Acid), $45
2. The Body Shop Ginger Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, $15
3. Maison Louis Marie No.04 Bois de Balincourt Perfume Oil, US$57 (S$77.65)
 
Patrene Mathieu, Designer
Total: $691.58
“I definitely did not expect my total to climb that high. (by my standards, though the amount pales in comparison to our Editor’s…). Working in the media industry is a dangerous thing – you would gradually become spoiled with all the higher end beauty products that land in your hands. Oh, the agony.  Though the number of products on my list is fewer than some of my colleagues’, I still feel like I could omit some things, like the YSL Beauty All Hours Foundation for instance, which I only use as a concealer, and $98 is far too steep a price to fork out for a simple concealer.
Although, there are alternatives that are more budget friendly, without losing its functionality or quality, and I’m always game for a bargain.”
patreneskincare
Skincare
1. Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera Gelly, $12.78 (12oz)
2. Mary Kay Clear Proof Blemish Control Toner, $19
3. Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water, $41.90 (500ml)
4. The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil, $19.90
5. The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash, $20.90
6.Mary Kay Clear Proof Oil-Free Moisturiser for Acne-Prone Skin, $22

patrenemakeup

Makeup

1. Shiseido Synchro Skin Lasting Liquid Foundation, $74
2. K-Palette 1 Day Tattoo Lash Perm Long Curl Mascara, $25.90
3. Maybelline Eyestudio Hypersharp 0.01mm Liner in Intense Black, $19.90
4. Etude House Play 101 Stick Contour Duo, $24
5. Clio Virgin Kiss Tension Lip Oil Tint in Cinnamon Spice, $22.90
6. YSL Beauty All Hours Foundation, $98
7. Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil, $7.90
8. Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Loose Powder, $61

patrenehairbodycare

Fragrance/Haircare/Body care

1. L’Oréal Hair Expert Paris EverPure 6-in-1 Cleansing Balm in Rosemary Mint For Colored Hair, $25.90
2. Kérastase Reflection Fondant Chromatique Conditioner, $35.90
3. Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap in Peppermint, $30.80 (946ml)
4. The Body Shop Almond Milk & Honey Calming & Protecting Hand Cream, $9.90
5. Ralph Lauren Ralph Love Eau de Toilette, $119 

 

Phyllis Guo, Editorial Assistant
Total cost: $706.90

“Looking through my colleagues’ beauty routines, and the amount they total to, shocked me. I knew their beauty stash would definitely cost way much more than mine especially since they are earning a stable income and can afford to buy higher-end products, but I was SHOCK-ED. Definitely goals, though. However, I feel my personal makeup stash works perfectly fine for me and if you are interested to try out products from Korean brands, do read on!

For me, I focus more on my makeup and keep my skincare routine to the minimum because I’m a lazy person like that, and also because I have serious commitment issues. In my defence though, I feel I am still young and I don’t think I need to rely on chemicals this early on.
Overall, I think $700 is a pretty decent amount, given that it consists of beauty, skincare, and body care products. I’m actually not shocked at all! Also, most of the items I use have a good amount of product in it, so I don’t have to constantly replenish them. Not too shabby, I must say!”
phyllisskincare
1. Bifesta Acne Care Cleansing Lotion, $18.90
2. Etude House AC Clean Up Pink Powder Spot, $23.90
3. Etude House Pink Vital Water Eye Serum, $28.90
4. Innisfree The Green Tea Seed Serum, $36
5. Neutrogena Fine Fairness Cleanser, $12.90
6. Skinfood Black Sugar Mask Wash Off, $16.50
7. Etude House Wonder Pore Ultra Clay Pack, $19.90
 
phyllismakeup
Makeup
1. Benefit The POREfessional Face Primer, $54
2. Benefit They’re Real! Mascara, $42
3. Estée Lauder Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in Fig, US$28 (S$38.10)
4. Maybelline Eyestudio Hypersharp 0.01mm Liner in Brown, $19.90
5. Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Foundation, $72
6. Maybelline Fit Me! Concealer, $10
7. Etude House Blend For Eyes in #05 Tone and Pink, $17.90
8. Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Pact, $17
9. NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Powder in 720 Sunny, US$2.99 (S$4.10)
10. NYX Professional Makeup Away We Glow Illuminating Powder, $20
11. Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder, $13.90
12. Urban Decay De-Slick Oil-Control Makeup Setting Spray, $48
13. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion – Anti-Aging, $38
 
 
phyllisbodycare
Fragrance/body care
1. Clarins Energizing Leg Emulsion, $58
2. Issey Miyake Pleats Please L’Eau Eau de Toilette, $97 (50ml)
 

The Most Gorgeous Point-and-Shoot Cameras For Instagram Addicts

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It’s official. Selfies have completely taken over the world. Smartphones are built for them and now cameras are too. Even our grandparents know how to work it for the gram’. Still, cameras are a whole lot more advanced than the average smartphone when it comes to photo taking. Trouble is, they’re not always easy to operate.
That’s where point-and-shoot cams come in. Once a staple of every family gathering and overseas vacation, these devices have undergone a revival in recent years, coming back from the dead with a medley of unique functions, like beauty modes and flip-able screens. And here are the best ones to help you up your selfie game like never before:
Casio EXILIM EX-TR80 in Pearl White

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Casio is turning on the style with its latest limited edition cam, a gorgeous device that’s emblazoned with a unique “Pearl White” colourway. Packed with handy features like a 360° swivel, make-up mode, LED lighting, and a wide screen display, this exclusive shooter is the ultimate tool for getting those facial shots spot on. It also comes with a special clutch embedded with crystals from Swarovski, but do hurry if you want to score it: only 100 models are available in Singapore.
Casio EXILIM EX-TR80 in Pearl White, $1,299, available for pre-order from 30 August to 3 September at the Casio Booth at Comex.
Canon EOS M6 Mirrorless Digital Camera
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Okay, so the Canon EOS M6 isn’t a point-and-shoot, but it’s a photo-taking powerhouse, with an excellent autofocus system that operates at quick speeds. Its touch-sensitive LCD screen can be flipped all the way to the front, or downwards at a 45° angle, making it the ideal cam for framing selfies or for taking those flat-lay Instagram food shots. Plus, its range of connectivity options like Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth ensures you get your photos uploaded in a jiffy.
Canon EOS M6, $1,049, available via shop.canon.com.sg.
Sony RX100
sony_rx100

In terms of compact cameras, it’s hard to go wrong with the Sony RX100. It’s not the best looking camera by any means, but if portability and a great performing device is all you care about, this gadget should be right up your alley. It has a flexible tilting screen, multiple focusing modes, creative filters, and most importantly, fantastic image quality. The only thing missing here is a dedicated beauty mode, although with its variety of features, that’s hardly needed at all.
Sony RX100, $1,399, available via www.sony.com.sg.
Fujifilm X70
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Go big or go home. Well, at least that’s the idea behind the Fujifilm X70. It may be one of the pricier options out there, but this fixed-lens, pocket-friendly sharpshooter is a dynamic device with a pretty design, making it one of the best compact cameras to score. Of course, with any selfie-proficient camera, the X70 has an insane flip-able screen that allows you to frame your shots easily, although its image quality is to die for – think sharp, crisp photos that pack plenty of punch.
Fujifilm X70, $1,199, available via www.lazada.sg.  
Panasonic TZ90
panasonic_tz90

If a flood of beauty functions is what it takes to make you happy, then you’ll fall in love with the Panasonic TZ90. From a Buddy Shutter option that captures an image the moment you and a friend put your faces together, to a slimming mode, and even the ability to soften your skin, this is the perhaps the most selfie-focused cam in the world. Add to the mix 4K video recording, a flip-able screen, motion control, and massive zoom capabilities, and you’ve got one heck of a winner right here.
Panasonic TZ90, $649, available via www.harveynorman.com.sg.
Cover image:Casio Singapore.

Roses Bloom On the Denim Iteration of the Nike Air Force 1

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It’s been a while since we last saw florals hit the fashion scene, so it feels like a breath of fresh air to see the flowery patterns make a comeback, and on the classic Nike Air Force 1 silhouette at that.
With countless re-interpretations and several drastic changes made to the famed classic basketball shoe designed by Bruce Kilgore, this upcoming iteration is just another addition to the ever-expanding list of variations.
The Nike Air Force 1 Low Floral Sequin Pack consists of two pairs sporting a denim upper – one in indigo denim, and the other, a light-washed denim shade. Hints of suede are present on the Swoosh logo, heel tab eyelets, and tongue tab, while velvet accents complete the inner linings.

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The highlight however, obviously goes to the sequin floral appliques. The red rose patches blossom at various parts of the upper, with some even extending beyond the midsole, contrasting against the stark white rubber soles.
If those floral Guccis are not within your budget, this could be an alternative to consider. While the cost of these shoes are still unknown, we’re pretty sure they’re not going to be as pricey as dem Gooch.
The collection is expected to drop on 1 September 2017 on nike.com.
Header image: Sneakernews

Ecco’s Soft 1 Collection Packs Minimalist Chic Sneakers Fit For a Princess

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In today’s crazy world of fashion, it’s all about looking good, even if what you’re wearing isn’t particularly comfortable.
That’s not quite the case for Ecco though. The Danish footwear company started from humble roots more than half a century ago, when founder Karl Toosbuy planted himself in an empty factory in Bredebro, with the goal of crafting shoes that were functional yet comfortable.

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Ecco’s Soft 1 collection

Admirable, yes; but it was a risk that Toosbuy took. He gave up a stable job, although his belief in providing people with comfort never wavered.
“Style-conscious people were wearing those pointed, narrow shoes, made in Italy or somewhere, and I’d look at them and think, ‘That must hurt!,” Toosbuy once told Forbes.
Well, fast-forward to 2017 and Ecco has carved out a reputation for providing people with nicely fit, comfy kicks. But perhaps the main difference is that this time, Ecco shoes are known for their style too.
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Case in point: one only needs to look at the company’s latest Soft 1 collection; which comprises of minimalist shoes with timeless designs.
That means exquisitely-hued colourways with well-designed ergonomics for a snug fit. You won’t get any loud, Yeezy-like garishness over here – which to be honest, is refreshing for a change.
Here are some highlights from the collection:
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Black high top sneakers 

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Pastel low-cut sneakers 

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White low-cut sneakers

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Red low-cut sneakers

More importantly, you can say goodbye to sore feet with shoes from the Soft 1 collection, whether it’s a high top or low-cut sneaker, thanks to specially injected PU, Fluidform™ soles.
Also, each shoe from the collection is assembled from premium materials, such as full grain leather, with the low-cut models especially attractive with their delicate, pastel-coloured designs.
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Whatever the case may be; these shoes fall under the category of must-cop, and since we’re feeling generous, we’ll be giving three pairs of the women’s low-cut sneakers (worth $219.90), one in each colour (white, red, and petal). You can head to our Facebook page for more details!
Remember, shoes are never the cherry on top of the cake. They are the main event, and whether you’re getting new kicks for style or comfort, just know that you’ll be getting the best of both worlds with Ecco.
ECCO Soft 1 collection, priced from $219.90 onwards, available at all ECCO concept stores and at sg.ecco.com.

Samsung to Launch Galaxy Note 8 in Singapore on September 15

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Good news Samsung fans. The Galaxy Note 8 is back with a bang…well, figuratively, of course. The company announced via a global launch event in New York on Wednesday (August 23) the latest version of last year’s disastrous device, which will be officially available to consumers in Singapore from September 15 onwards.
And this time round, Samsung hopes that the new phone will explode in terms of sales, not batteries.


For that, the company has gone all-out with the Note 8. Consumers can expect a truly powerful gadget – on paper at least, with impressive specs like a snazzy 6.3-inch QHD Super AMOLED infinity display, dual 12-megapixel cameras, a medley of biometric security options, and of course, a new and improved battery.
New features include a multi-tasking mode that allows you to save apps – Netflix and your email for example – and open them up at the same time in a split screen. Besides that, the Note 8 is also the first Samsung phone to have two cameras on its rear, with a wide-angle lens shooter and a telephoto lens camera.
samsungnote_8

Both cameras will incorporate optical image stabilisation, a first in the market, and like the iPhone 7 Plus, is able to re-create that fake “bokeh” effect. There will also be a feature called Dual Capture mode, which allows users to capture their subject and save two photos simultaneously: a close-up shot and a wide-angle shot.
In addition, the Note line’s signature S Pen gets an upgrade too. With a finer tip and improved pressure sensitivity, the pen now allows users to write on the phone’s screen without unlocking it, translate languages, and last but not least; write a handwritten text message and send it as a GIF.


All this sounds exciting and everything, but the question on everyone’s mind is whether the phone is safe or not. And according to Samsung, it is.
“We have been closely working with Samsung to make meaningful advancements in the science of smartphone quality and safety evaluation,” said Sajeev Jesudas, President, UL International – an independent safety-testing firm
“As a result, the Galaxy Note8 has successfully completed a rigorous series of device and battery safety compatibility test protocols. We look forward to maintaining our strategic relationship with Samsung to help ensure device safety for all consumers,” he added.

The new #GalaxyNote8 is finally here. Click the link in our bio to find out more.

A post shared by Samsung Mobile (@samsungmobile) on



That includes Samsung’s own 8-Point Battery Safety Check, although the best indicator of the company’s safety is the success of the Galaxy S8 series, which went without a hitch since its launch earlier this year.
But is the Note 8 worth getting though?
Yes, if you’re a “phablet” lover looking for a feature-rich gadget. If last year’s explosive debacle fazes you, then don’t bother. Although the Note 8 does indeed look promising, and it stands to become the biggest rival for the iPhone 8, which is slated to launch later this year.
SAMSUNG-IL

Samsung Galaxy Note 8 accessories

Right now, pre-orders and registration of interest for the Note 8 will start tomorrow (August 25) from 12pm onwards. You can register with telco operators Singtel, M1, and Starhub, and online via Samsung’s website or retail outlets like Courts, Best Denki, and Harvey Norman.
The Note 8 will arrive in three colours: Midnight Black, Maple Gold, and Orchid Gray.
For more information, visit www.samsung.com/sg.
All images taken from Samsung.

The Search For The Perfect Nude Lip Gloss That Complements Darker Skin Tones Is Finally Over

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After taking the beauty world by storm with their nude lipsticks that’s specifically made for women of colour, Mented Cosmetics (short for pigmented), is back again with an extension to their lip offerings – lip glosses.

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Founded by two women of colour, Harvard Business School Graduates, KJ Miller and Amanda E. Johnson are launching their latest Gloss for Grown Ups lip gloss collection, which consists of four nude shades, punnily named “Mauve Over”, “Berry me”, “Baby Brown”, and “Send Nudes”. According to Miller, the lip glosses are highly pigmented, not too excessively shiny, and have a slightly sweet taste to it – basically, the winning combination for kissable lips,
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Admitting to being a self-confessed “hardcore lip gloss fan” herself, Johnson however struggled to find the perfect nude lip gloss that actually complemented her dark skin tone. Either that, or the formula wasn’t right. “Everything was either too sticky, too shiny, too frosty, or too sheer and didn’t complement my skin tone,” said Johnson, which explains the duo’s motive behind this new collection, making sure that women of colour everywhere know they too, have options to choose from.
Mented Cosmetics, Gloss for Grown Ups Lip Gloss Collection, US$15 each, available at mentedcosmetics.com, from 1 September 2017.
Header image: Mented Cosmetics

How to Banish Back Acne for Good

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Acne can be incredibly frustrating to manage, but back acne? Now, that’s a trickier fiend to deal with. Those angry red bumps taunt us each time we think about putting on that tank top, off-the-shoulder blouse, or open back dress. And unless you’re a professional contortionist, it’s impossible to cover them up with concealer. Yup, bacne can be a real bitch.
You may think that the blemishes on your face and body require the same treatment, but the skin on your face is actually very different to that on your back. Surprisingly, the skin on your face has a higher level of blood supply, which means blemishes tend to heal faster and leave lighter scarring and pigmentation. The skin on your back, however, is much thicker than the skin on your face, so it’s much more resilient and can tolerate stronger treatments and exfoliants that are often too harsh on the face.
Today, we’re going to learn more about this curse and find out the most common triggers of bacne. Of course, we’ll also show you how to change up your body routine so you can say goodbye to those pesky blemishes. If you’re facing severe back acne, however, we recommend you see a dermatologist soonest.

Sweat
There’s no easy way to say this, given our year-round humidity, but perspiration is often responsible for your back flare-ups. If you’re someone who enjoys an intensive cardio routine or the occasional jog in the park, wear moisture-wicking, breathable fabrics so that sweat and bacteria aren’t trapped within that layer, allowed to fester and block up your pores. That said, it’s impossible to wear a Dri-FIT material to work every day even though it’s terribly easy to work up a sweat, so use a tissue to keep your back dry or give it a quick swipe with a cleansing wipe if you have time to spare. You may want to trade in your existing body wash for an blemish-fighting one too, a plus if it’s pH-balancing.

wipes and body wash (1)
Simple Exfoliating Facial Wipes, $19.90 (left); The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Body Wash, $18.90 (right)

Increased oil production
Generally, acne is caused by a spike in oil production and irregular skin cell turnover which result in blocked pores, providing the perfect conditions for bacteria to breed. A dip in oestrogen levels can throw your hormones off significantly and that imbalance can play a huge role in increased sebum production, which is why might notice more an eruption of breakouts around the time of your period. So another good way to manage back acne is to incorporate a chemical exfoliant into your bodycare routine. One that contains salicylic or glycolic acid is able to penetrate deep into the pores and exfoliate from within, unclogging that nasty buildup of sebum, bacteria, and dead skin. Try not to overdo it, though. Apply the treatment to your blemishes on alternate nights and monitor your skin. If it’s too drying, try using it once a week instead. If it gets red and itchy, stop immediately.

chemical exfoliants
Pixi Glow Tonic To-Go Exfoliating Toner Pads, $34 (top); Boscia Exfoliating Peel Gel, $51 (bottom left); Paula’s Choice Acne Body Spray, $41 (bottom right)

Conditioner
Turns out, there are certain ingredients in your conditioner that can cause face AND back acne, especially if conditioner is the last step of your shower routine. Most conditioners on the market contain petroleum, silicone, and shea butter, all of which are oil-based ingredients that can clog pores and trap bacteria. The hair strengthening ingredient panthenol is also another common culprit, so read your ingredient labels and steer clear from those ingredients. A cautionary step you can take is to cleanse your body with a body wash after you’re done rinsing your conditioner off. That way, your back won’t be covered in those conditioning agents.
Main image: @shopgirl.la

Meet Moleskine's Sleek Minimalist Bags

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Notebooks are kinda a thing of the past, what with tablets, smartphones with even larger screens, and Kindles taking over our lives, but that’s not stopping Moleskine from keeping up with the times. The brand, known for their paper products, might pop up most prominently two times a year — when we’re looking for a year-long planner, and when we run out of pages of that one sturdy notebook we have for the entire year — or, you know, when they see popular pop culture fandoms such as Star Wars or Game of Thrones on their covers, but did you know that they’re in the business of magic too? Come on, what else do you call this?

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The Smart Writing Set is a genius bunch of tools that allow you to draw or write on the very tactile surface of a specially-designed notebook, that feels very much like writing on paper, while any sketch or writing is then instantaneously digitised, and appears on your phone/tablet/laptop, whichever platform you’re running the app from. We’re told that the notebook’s actually a paper tablet, while the special Pen+ contains ink but also a small hidden camera that traces and digitises any mark you make, so there! At $359, it’s a little costly, but think about how handy this will be for lectures or meetings.
So okay, this technology has already been around for at least a year, but it definitely brings out our point — that the company is embracing the new age — and is just one of the ways the Italian company is staying relevant in today’s digital landscape. The other? Bags.
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Moleskine Classic Tote, $178 ; Classic Backpack, $239 ; Classic Duffle, $279
So you’re probably wondering… isn’t that kinda old-school? Well, maybe. The designs are predictably functional, in a series of totes and backpacks that feature ergonomic designs, and with a nice touch of rounded edges that are a callback to the way Moleskine notebooks are designed. There’s even that “in case of loss” tag sewn on the inside of the bags that reference the first page of every one of their notebooks, cute. However, looking at the sizing and sturdiness of the designs, it’s easy to tell that they’re made to carry our digital devices, and all other documents and essentials we need for travel, client meetings and more.
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Classic Foldover Backpack, $148 ; Classic Backpack, $239 
Those who actually bother looking for a laptop bag (as opposed to a case) will know how hard it is to find one that’s functional and slim — thankfully, Moleskine’s bags are pretty sleek and unisex too; the Classic Tote is roomy enough for lots of items while retaining a neat body, while the Classic Backpack comes in a discreet design that you can use daily.At the same time, the Classic Foldover Backpack is a more interesting take on the boxy backpack, since the lightweight design features that distinct flap as a design element.
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Classic Backpack, $239 ; Classic Foldover Tote, $178 ; Classic Backpack, $239 
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There are also new shades such as Steel Blue, Myrtle Green and Slate Grey, or genuine leather versions of the Classic Backpack and Classic Tote that can withstand even more wear and tear. And since it’s Moleskine, each bag has a not-so-secret pocket for you to store your favourite notebook. Of course!
Moleskine Fall/Winter 2017 Collection, from $148 to $320, available at Takashimaya L3, TANGS at Tangs Plaza L3, and all Moleskine stores. moleskine.com

The Upcoming adidas Originals x Sneakersnstuff Upcoming “EQT Materials” Pack Is An Abstract Work of Art

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A household name amongst a long list of collaborators that has worked with Adidas, Sweden-based sneaker retailer, Sneakersnstuff, has yet again scored another exclusive collection with the brand with three stripes. This time, the duo has linked up to come up with an “EQT Materials” Pack, consisting of two tonal pairs of the EQT Support Ultra PK.

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Inspired by the 1993 EQT Running Support shoes, this updated version sees the original silhouette fusing with modern and innovative adidas technologies, resulting in a premium one-piece primeknit upper, mounted on a full-length BOOST midsole. Coming in dark blue and white colourway options, the shoes bring onto the table a distinct Swedish aesthetic.
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And this is made much more evident if you just take a look at the accompanying campaign created by Swedish design duo, Wang and Söderström.
In a very calming and therapeutic series of abstract visuals, the core materials used across the pack are brought to life using 3D animations and renderings, breaking down the components of the shoes to a macro level, focusing on the individual aspects of the shoe, such as the BOOST tech, primeknit construction, and other elements.
Check out the visuals and animations for yourself:
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Sneakersnstuff x adidas Originals “EQT Materials” Pack, US$179 each, available exclusively at all Sneakersnstuff locations and online from 26 August 2017 .
Header image: Sneakersnstuff

The Sheet Mask That Shortens Your Morning Skincare Regime To 1 Minute

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There is a special satisfaction in discovering an especially effective product from the Japanese drugstore. This is so for a few reasons: first of which is that Japanese characters are incomprehensible to us, so it’s always a challenge to even figure out which product does what; second of all is that there are so many things in a typical Japanese drugstore that browsing never fails to feel overwhelming.
So when we take a chance on a Japanese product that we’re not entirely sure about, and find that it actually works superbly, it’s like hitting the jackpot. A few examples: this lash primer, these lens wipes, and possibly the most amazing eye drops ever. And now, meet our most recent discovery: sheet masks that look like a pack of wet wipes.
 

 
This is the Saborino Morning Facial Sheet Mask, and as the name states, it’s a sheet mask you’re supposed to use in the morning. Convention tells us that a sheet mask treatment usually requires at least 10 minutes, so frantic mornings would be the worst time to use one – but this one only has to be left on for 1 minute. It’s quite the multi-tasker as well, working as a cleanser, skin-tightening treatment, moisturiser, and makeup primer.
All of this basically means that you can essentially shorten your morning skincare routine to a mere minute, and a single step. It contains avocado extract, peppermint extract, tea tree oil, and grapefruit peel oil, so expect a slight tingly feeling upon application (handy for feeling more awake).
The best part about this is that getting your hands on a pack doesn’t require a trip to Japan: it’s currently available at Tokyu Hands, Meidi-ya and Metro stores.
 
Saborino Morning Facial Sheet Mask, $21.90. Available at Tokyu Hands, Meidi-ya and Metro stores.