Tabla de contenidos para August 2016 en Shape Singapore

These days, being a body-positive role model doesn’t mean looking like a model. Case in point: This issue’s cover personality, Khloe Kardashian of reality TV series Keeping Up With the Kardashians. Khloe was once labelled “the fat one” because of her curvaceous figure. Today, she’s healthier than ever, thanks to a kickass fitness regimen. People have applauded her for losing excess weight, but truth is she was always comfortable in her own skin. In her interview with Shape (pg 28), she says: “I love my shape because I’ve earned every curve… But I also loved my shape before, when I was even curvier.” Khloe’s exercise routine focuses on building strength. Inspired by that, we’ve put together a Pump It Up special (pg 45), which has all you need to take…

Go ahead and plan that beach vacay. Science has confirmed that looking at the ocean lowers stress levels and makes you calmer. In a study recently published in the journal Health & Place, researchers analysed data from the national New Zealand Health Survey and found that residents who lived with a view of the water were less stressed overall, and had improved mental health than those who didn’t. The same wasn’t true of green spaces. Study co-author Amber Pearson suggests: “That could be because the blue space was all natural, while the green space included human-made areas, such as sports fields and playgrounds, as well as natural areas such as native forests.”…

“I’m at my most productive first thing in the morning. What helps me optimise this time is starting the work day on a calm, quiet note, so I usually arrive at the office about half an hour earlier than most of my colleagues. It’s totally worth the effort, as I get more done throughout the day, even if it means sacrificing some beauty sleep.” ZARELDA MARIE GOH, EDITOR “I get work done by following a fixed set of routines – in the morning, I’ll grab a cup of iced coffee, set my music playlist for the day, surf the web for a couple of minutes to get inspiration and ideas, and let the creative juices kick in. Once that hits, I waste no time and proceed with work.” RAY TICSAY,…

This might be the best health news we’ve heard all week: Cats are good for your heart. In a study of over 4,000 volunteers previously published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Neurology, researchers found that owning a cat was linked to a 40 per cent lower risk of suffering from a fatal heart attack. What’s more, non-cat owners were also 30 per cent likelier to die of other cardiovascular-related diseases, such as stroke or heart failure. Researchers think that having a feline friend helps reduce stress and anxiety for a happier ticker. We totally agree!…

hat you put into your mouth is just as important as what you apply on your face. “Eating well generally leads to better health, and this shows in your complexion,” says Dr Cheong Wai Kwong, a consultant dermatologist on Shape’s advisory board. Get the best of both worlds by loading your plate – and dresser – with these skincare picks! ACAI BERRY They may be little, but these dark-purple berries are bursting with vitamins A, C and E, all known antioxidants. Together with acerola, acai berries form the key ingredients in Laneige Vitamin Brightening Cleansing Water ($32), a lightweight makeup remover that also helps to reduce pigmentation spots over time. POMEGRANATE As a rich source of polyphenols and vitamin C, pomegranate extracts help support skin cell regeneration and collagen production.…

It takes only a few key exercises and a handful of minutes a week to shape and maintain a solid core, says Jennifer Williams, a former professional ballet dancer and pilates instructor who’s the abs maestro behind this cinch-in-a-blink workout. Jennifer borrowed the best of ballet and pilates to turn her super-effective technique into the US-based Pop Physique studio chain. Thanks to her background, Pop Physique’s barre routines are rooted in the classics (as in the familiar plies and pulses), but each workout has a sexy edge to it (you’ll bend and twist in new ways). “It’s modern and fun,” she says. It’s also just the creative approach your tummy needs to stay sleek. The classes are typically an hour long and will work you head to toe. But for…

SKIN Use less foundation Too much makeup can make you look older. So go easy on the foundation and keep your skin well hydrated so that lines are plumped up. Choose liquid concealer Concealers in drier formulas – like stick or cream ones – tend to draw attention to wrinkles. They can also make dry skin look even drier. Liquid concealers, on the other hand, blend seamlessly into skin without emphasising dryness and wrinkles. Be gentle Rubbing and tugging can stretch your skin and lead to sagging. Help preserve suppleness by patting on skincare and makeup instead. Zap tired skin with a peach-toned primer Fake a good night’s sleep by applying a peach-toned makeup base before foundation. This brightens up dull, tired-looking skin, and also helps to counter blue or…

STEP 1 DECONGEST THE SKIN Give your skin a thorough cleanse to remove dead skin cells, excess sebum and debris by using a clay mask like Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask ($21), or Estetica Est Lab Purclear Detoxifying Mask ($76). If there are certain areas of your face that are very oily, you can apply milk of magnesia, available at pharmacies, on those areas. Keep it on for three minutes, then rinse off. Makeup artist Larry Yeo says: “This is an affordable and good alternative that helps remove excess oil from the skin.” STEP 2 ADD MOISTURE After clearing the gunk from your skin, you want to get it plumped up and hydrated before makeup goes on. The quickest way to moisturise superbly is to use a face mask.…

1. CNP Doctoray White Peel 3 Set, $168. This three-step, at-home brightening kit removes dead skin cells and refines skin texture as it moisturises. Used once a week for three weeks, it leaves the complexion brighter and suppler. 2. Innisfree Whitening Pore Sleeping Pack, $30. Infused with antioxidants, like flavonoids, and vitamins C and E from organic Jeju tangerine peel, this leave-on overnight mask has skin smoother, and looking more even and luminous by the morning. 3. Sensuouz by Shannz Spot Correcting Serum, $127. This ultra-lightweight serum, full of vitamins and brightening ingredients, is said to inhibit dark spot formation and lighten existing dark spots. It also helps prevent free radical damage. 4. Hada Labo Arbutin Whitening Essence, $32.90. Keep your skin radiant, even-toned and hydrated with this lightweight formula…

#1 SLEEPING WITH YOUR MAKEUP ON “Going to bed without removing your makeup, as well as accumulated oil, dirt, bacteria and pollutants, can contribute to clogged pores, blackheads, whiteheads and acne breakouts,” says Dr Calvin Chan, medical director of Calvin Chan Aesthetic & Laser Clinic. “Left on overnight, makeup can dehydrate and age your skin (making it look more wrinkled, blotchy and patchy), as it interrupts healthy skin cell turnover and interferes with night-time repair. Day-old makeup is sticky, making it a great trap for free radicals, and for locking in irritants while keeping moisture out,” he adds. Makeup artist Larry Yeo recommends using a cleansing oil daily to clear out the gunk and grime, and then a gentle facial cleanser while in the shower. But on nights when you…

The first step to looking confident? Feeling completely comfortable in your own skin, and knowing that your complexion is glowing, radiant and flawless. That’s where Sensuouz by Shannz comes in. Helmed by founder and CEO Shann Saljahan, a dynamic businesswoman with two decades of experience, products from her premium skincare brand Shannz are stringently tested in France and Canada for safety and efficacy. All are formulated with potent natural plant extracts to pamper and nourish your skin – from the moment you cleanse to the last step of your beauty ritual. Hyaluronic Acid Serum, $107 Said to give you firmer and suppler skin, this also has witch hazel and licorice extracts, and penetrates quickly and deeply to help it retain moisture and prevent dullness and dehydration. Practically weightless, all you…

#1 Start with the scalp Don’t put off using a scalp treatment until you see problems like hair loss. A regular scalp care routine can help keep your hair growing healthily. #2 Keep a toothbrush handy Spritz some hairspray on the bristles and gently brush it through flyaway hair to tame it. #3 Say no to rubber Don’t use rubber bands to tie your hair as they pull at your tresses and scalp, weakening the strands and causing breakage. Instead, use a fabric-covered elastic band to reduce friction between your hair and the band. #4 Get instant texture and volume Mist a sea salt spray all over towel-dried hair. Then, use your fingers to comb through and fluff it up, before letting it air-dry. This adds texture and fullness to…

Getting beautiful hair can be a constant battle. And there’s more than one obstacle keeping us from that head of sleek, silky hair. CAUSES OF HAIR DAMAGE There’s the environment, for one thing. With locks exposed to drastic temperature changes, from scorching heat to freezing cold air-conditioning, they can become brittle and prone to breakage. Then, there’s your hectic life. Poor sleep and smoking lead to dull-looking hair, while eating food high in sodium and low in nutrients causes your tresses to thin, weaken and fall out (yikes!). Even if you strive to eat clean, sleep well and ditch bad habits, some aggressors are inevitable. Emotional stress created by mood swings can take a toll on your hair. Heat styling and chemical treatments can create breakage and scalp problems too.…

Turning up your metabolism may be as simple as having salmon for dinner. In a study at Kyoto University in Japan, animals that ate food that contained fish oil gained 15 to 25 per cent less body fat than those on a different diet. Eating oily fish helps your white fat cells, which store extra calories, turn into beige or brown fat cells, which actually burn energy. The fish oil activates receptors in the digestive system that help rev fat metabolism, the researchers found.…

As you probably know, popcorn is healthy: A cup of air-popped has just 31 calories, plus fibre and antioxidants. But the real reason you should start doing creative things with the corn is that it imparts a slightly nutty flavour and adds excellent texture to dishes. Check out three new ways to use your bag of kernels. ADD CRUNCHY BITE TO SOUPS AND SALADS The brainchild of Josh Tomson, executive chef at Tree Restaurant at the Lodge at Woodloch in Hawley, Pennsylvania, the US Toss popcorn with spices (try nutmeg and cinnamon), then sprinkle on top of a bowl of butternut squash soup or pumpkin chilli. Or crumble it into salads in place of croutons. MAKE “GRITS” The brainchild of Annie Pettry, chef and owner of Decca in Louisville, Kentucky,…

To make your neck look its best, baby it differently from your face. “The skin on the neck is thinner, has fewer oil glands, and doesn’t have a bone structure to support it,” says Dr Mitchel Goldman, a dermatologist in San Diego. That means it’s liable to sag and show horizontal wrinkles (formed from lowering your head, like when you look at your phone). New neck formulas like Estee Lauder New Dimension Tighten+Tone Neck/Chest Treatment ($170) can help. It makes the area tighter with a plant stem cell extract that plumps up skin.…

“It’s what you do in the dark that puts you in the light.” Living by this mantra, it’s no wonder that Zoe Pond-McPherson manages to hit every goal she has set, including winning the Under Armour Test of Will Regional Grand Final, an Asia-wide fitness challenge. The event took place at Gardens by the Bay on May 28. The 26-year-old Philippines-based gymnastics coach came out tops in a series of agility, strength and endurance exercises. During the final rounds of the competition, Zoe proved her worth by doing 22 pull-ups 7m above ground in three minutes and climbing a 14m-long manila rope without knots, among the other gruelling workouts. “It was very tough,” Zoe says of her win, which also earned her the coveted Under Armour Brand Athlete title. “I…

w w w.facebook.com/shapesingapore w w w.instagram.com/shape_sg…

If you want to push your body harder, this section will help you achieve just that. Build up your strength and stamina with the Cardio King: The Burpee workout. The burpee is probably the single most effective and total-body conditioning exercise there is. The right kit also counts when taking your fitness regimen to the next level, so our edit of performance-enhancing sports gear will be handy. Plus, fight workout fatigue with energy-boosting recipes. Nutrition-rich foods are also good for your skin. Turn to our selection of beauty essentials with superfood ingredients so you can nourish your complexion after training hard to achieve those goals. And we all know that athletes work out more intensely than anyone else, so we spoke to three members of the sailing team representing Singapore…

Running or swimming at a steady pace can pump up your brain better than lifts or HIIT. In a study in The Journal of Physiology, scientists monitored lab rats performing these three types of exercise and compared them with sedentary rodents. Only those that ran at an even pace produced more new neurons than the couch potatoes did after seven weeks – a remarkable double to triple the amount. Why? Steady aerobic exercise boosts BDNF, a protective protein that promotes the regeneration of neurons, says lead study author Miriam Nokia. For the best mind and body benefits, get your mix of workouts regularly.…

For an outdoor sport that improves your posture and muscle tone while letting you catch up with friends, golf is it. Instead of signing up for pricey club memberships, book your golf rounds via Green Golf, a new mobile app. The one-stop resource partners golf courses like Tering Bay Golf & Country Club in Changi Village and Palm Resort Golf & Country Club in Johor – all located within an hour’s drive – with rates from as low as $10. The app also lets you rent equipment and sign up for lessons. Children from eight to 16 years old can play at no extra cost. Download Green Golf for free on App store or Google Play. REPEAT AFTER ME “If you want more, give more.” JEANETTE JENKINS, CELEBRITY TRAINER AND…

YOU’LL NEED A small, slightly squishy ball and a mat, if necessary. 1 PLIE BEND Works abs, obliques, butt, inner thighs, calves Hold ball and stand with feet wide and toes turned out 45 degrees. Raise ball overhead, squat and lift left heel to start [a]. Keep arms straight and bend torso to the left, so that ball is over knee [b]. Slowly pulse ball up 5cm and down 5cm. That’s 1 rep. Do 10 reps. Switch sides and repeat. TIP! To get a little more out of this move, squeeze the ball to activate your shoulders and biceps. 2 EXTENDED LIFT Works abs, butt, inner thighs Hold ball, and stand with heels together and toes turned out 45 degrees. Extend arms forward at chest height, and raise left leg…

Nothing’s more frustrating than your makeup melting off at midday. Avoid makeup meltdown with weather- and blotch-proof foundations by COVERMARK – the foundation expert. Each of its nine foundations is formulated to hold out against scorching heat and humidity, helping you look fresh, flawless and shine-free all day long. Pick a formula that matches your skin type and needs, and glow forth. Moisture Veil LX A hot-weather essential, the lightweight and hydrating compact foundation feels as comfortable as moisturiser, and provides a natural-looking, barely there finish. Suitable for combination to oily skin, COVERMARK Moisture Veil LX contains a Sandwich Complex Powder and a Moisture Change Powder that absorbs excess sebum from skin and holds it on skin’s surface. The sebum is then transformed into a gel that blurs imperfections and…

One of the most important factors for getting clear and radiant skin is having an efficient cell turnover rate. As new ones surface, the old ones are shed naturally. However, problems occur when skin metabolism slows down because of ageing, unhealthy lifestyle choices, or environmental aggressors like UV exposure and pollutants. Healthy new cells then take longer to produce, while dead skin cells cling to the surface, creating a dull-looking complexion with a rough, uneven surface. A facial scrub can temporarily brighten and soften skin, but it doesn’t address the underlying issue: a sluggish cell turnover rate. Even worse, over-exfoliating can lead to inflamed, thin and sensitised skin that’s even more prone to dryness and fine lines. To come away looking polished and revitalised, you need a holistic regeneration treatment,…

Bioskin Power Light Facial, $200 for 45 minutes (Call 6222-6777 or log on to www.bioskin.sg for more details and salon locations.) As this is meant to reduce the appearance of dark spots and pimple scars by delivering solid-state light energy into skin, you may feel a warm, tingling sensation. It is also said to stimulate collagen production, so skin is firmer and enlarged pores look smaller. After one session, your skin is also meant to feel smoother, and look clearer and more luminous. SK-II Aura Lucency Facial, $320 for 100 minutes (SK-II Boutique Spa by Senze Salus, #02-54/55 Millenia Walk, tel: 6336-4880; #02-06 Shaw Centre, tel: 6836-9168.) This brightens and moisturises the face, eye and neck areas with brightening skincare from SK-II’s Genoptics range, Whitening Source Derm Revival Mask, and…

You don’t need an exhaustive regime to help your skin look its best. A basic daily routine – using gentle and highly effective products with powerful formulations engineered for maximum absorption like these from IZU – is all you require. Extensively researched by experts specialising in skin ageing and repair, the US-made products use nanotechnology to effectively deliver optimum levels of bioactive peptides, vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants into your skin. Step 1: Cleanse Whisk away impurities with IZU Deep Cleanser, which contains aloe vera, green tea, camellia, jojoba, and vitamins A and E, as well as beta-carotene. These work together to nourish and purify without upsetting the skin’s pH level. Step 2: Exfoliate and hydrate Use IZU Crystal Scrub and Activator that blend sodium bicarbonate crystals with antioxidants to smooth…

Exposure to UV rays is one of the biggest causes of skin ageing and damage. Yet, many women here still resist wearing sunscreen because of past experiences, when formulas were too thick, greasy and difficult to apply evenly – and ended up mask-like with a white cast no matter how much effort went into blending them – or simply bad news for oily skin as they clogged pores and caused breakouts. In fact, many women who skip sunscreens do so because the ones they have used are not suitable for Singapore’s warm and humid weather. Now, Japanese brand Sunplay shows you that there is no longer any excuse for not applying your sunscreen! Ever so lightweight and comfortable to use even on hot and humid days, Sunplay’s advanced Skin Aqua…

There’s now a subtler and more wearable way to rock pastel hair, and without harsh bleaching too. Pastel Babylights is a collection of soft translucent browns that reflect a pastel sheen in four shades: Rose, Lavender, Mint and Mineral. These cool-toned browns, when paired with sweet pastel undertones, flatter the complexion and neutralise the sallowness common in Asian skin, without making you look pale. Babylights are soft, micro highlights that mimic the delicate, multi-dimensional effect seen in young children’s hair under the sun. These highlighted baby-fine strands blend naturally with the base colour, add dimension and brighten the overall look of your tresses, making you look more radiant and youthful. “For a stronger, more feminine impact, pair babylights with a Korean or Japanese perm,” says June Ng, head stylist and…

FOR LUSCIOUS LIPS “Every night before bedtime, use a lip balm made with natural plant oils, then follow with a fragrance-free petroleum-based one. Do it for a week, and you’ll find that your lips will become luscious and smooth.” – Larry Yeo, makeup artist QUICK HAIRSTYLING TIP “For quick and simple curls, separate your hair into two sections and twist it into small buns, adjusting the tightness to create springy curls or loose beachy waves. Just make sure your hair is 90 per cent dry, as wet hair can break easily, and the dampness can lead to an unhealthy scalp.” – June Ng, chief stylist and founder of J’s Salon FEEL FRESH ON HOT DAYS “For an invigorating after-shower feel on warm days, I add a drop of peppermint essential…

It’s a dip with endless potential, so go rogue with these surprising combos from food blogger Jeanine Donofrio, the author of The Love & Lemons Cookbook: An Apple-to-Zucchini Celebration of Impromptu Cooking. Start with three avocados, the juice of one lime, and coarse sea salt to taste, then mix in one of these nutritious combos: WATERMELON ½ cup small watermelon cubes ¼ cup crumbled feta 1 jalapeno, diced STRAWBERRY-BASIL ½ cup strawberries, diced ¼ cup basil, chopped ¼ cup Mexican cheese, crumbled hard ROASTED POBLANO 1 mild chilli pepper, roasted and diced 1/3 cup corn kernels, raw or grilled ¼ cup cilantro, chopped 39% How much more calories you will consume dining in a dimly lit room as opposed to a bright one. Researchers from the University of South Florida…

“The most beautiful makeup of a woman is passion. But cosmetics are easier to buy.”YVES SAINT-LAURENT, LATE FRENCH FASHION DESIGNER DOSE OF LAUGHTER Sunglasses up the chic factor of any outfit, and here’s a no-fail formula for finding the perfect pair: Choose a silhouette you know works for you, add a mirrored lens, and you’re done! Metallic lenses lend a sporty vibe and an instant update to any frame. And accessorising your wardrobe with them is a total no-brainer. Pore perfection Prep your skin for urban warfare with the new Biotherm Wonder Mud ($59, Tangs at Tang Plaza) wash-off mask. Designed for city slickers, this has antioxidants and pore-purifying clay to combat the effects of environmental pollution and grime on your skin. It has an airy,…

CLEAR AND BRIGHT Formulated with two different enzymes to help break down stubborn keratin plugs, Orbis Powder Wash + ($25) helps to deep cleanse for a smoother, more luminous complexion. To use, pour some powder into palms and lather with warm water, then gently massage over skin. Use this two to four times a week for best results. Good news: From now till Aug 18, 2016, this will retail at a special price of $22.50! It’s available at all Orbis stores and counters, including the new outlet at #B2-03A Ngee Ann City. Visit www.orbis.com.sg. NO MORE TUMMY WOES Good for your gut, Probi Mage ($26.60) contains Lactobacillus – a type of good bacteria – to promote optimal digestive health. It effectively helps to soothe symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Take…

The percentage of women who occasionally feel sad after sex, an effect called post-coital dysphoria. One of the possible causes is the abrupt change in hormones and brain chemicals that occurs post-orgasm. The sensation usually lasts five to 30 minutes, though in some cases the feelings can linger for a few hours, says Dr Maureen Whelihan, an ob-gyn in the US. Curling up with your guy can lift your mood, but the best cure is exercise. “Some yoga, a little cardio, or even just stretching helps rebalance your hormones and reduce your levels of cortisol, a stress hormone,” Dr Whelihan explains. SOURCE SEXUAL MEDICINE JOURNAL…

So what is it about the midsection that makes flab want to hang around it so much? You have a cadre of hormones always at the ready to usher fat into the most convenient storage units – that is, those in your core, close to your organs, explains Dr Aaron M. Cypess, a researcher at the National Institutes of Health in the US. But here’s the upside: You can manipulate your hormones and get them to work in your waistline’s favour. You’re about to learn how. Know your fat hoarders They are cortisol, insulin and testosterone. At normal levels, however, they don’t actually cause belly fat. It’s when their levels are consistently high that the flab gets stockpiled. “In fact, having belly fat is a key indicator of hormonal imbalance,”…

t the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro this August, all eyes will be on the sailors representing our nation. And it’s no surprise why. They caught everyone’s attention when it was announced that 10 out of the 22 athletes in the Singapore contingent are sailors. That’s the largest number for any sport. But the sport has a relatively low profile, so we spoke to three sailors to find out more about it, and the preparation required to compete at such a prestigious event. Meet Elizabeth Yin, 24, a full-time athlete; Amanda Ng, 22, an undergraduate at the Singapore Management University; and Jovina Choo, 26, a sports development officer at the Special Olympics Singapore. This will be Elizabeth’s second Olympics. She participated in 2012, where she came in 24th in…

SPRING PEA AND SPINACH MATCHA SOUP WITH SHRIMP SERVES: 4 ACTIVE TIME: 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME: 25 MINUTES •  2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus more for serving• 1 large leek, white and pale-green part only, halved lengthwise, sliced, and rinsed well• Kosher salt• 1 tbsp matcha powder• 1 cup very hot water• 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth• 4 cups shelled fresh peas or thawed frozen peas• 1 cup spinach• ¼ cup flat-leaf parsley• 2 tbsp dill, plus more for garnish• 8 cooked large shrimp, peeled and deveined 1.Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-low. Add leek, season with salt, and cook, stirring often, for 8 to 10 minutes, until very soft but not browned. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk matcha with hot water until dissolved. Set aside. 2.Add broth to leek and bring to a boil.…

A one-rep maximum (1RM) is the most weight you can lift once with proper form for a specific exercise. “Once you know your strength capacity, you can work out to meet specific goals,” says Matthew Staver, the founder of Blueprint Health Studio in the US. So if you wanted more muscle tone, you would do eight to 15 reps of a weight that’s between 55 and 70 per cent of your 1RM for any strength move, Matthew says. When it comes to finding your 1RM, never try it solo, he warns. Ask a trainer to spot you so you load the bar correctly, nail your form and avoid hurting yourself. Matthew, who’s trained everyone from newbies to top athletes on 1RM lifts, advises starting with the squat, because it’s one…

You’ve got your race prep done and strategy down pat. But what about the wearables? Made with the latest technology, Skechers’ newest shoes and apparel are designed to give you an edge over other runners in terms of style and substance. For instance, its running shoes are ultra-light, responsive and super-comfy, so you won’t even need to break them in to score your best race! No wonder professional long-distance runner Kara Goucher swears by Skechers. Need shopping ideas? Check out our recommendations for different types of runs. Like Kara, you’ll be able to go faster, conquer more kilometres and, most importantly, enjoy the journey while looking #instaworthy! THE RACER RUNS ARE MEANT TO BE FINISHED FAST. YOU LIKE YOUR STRIDES TO BE SHORT AND SWIFT. EVERY SECOND COUNTS. FOOTWEAR Skechers…

#1 Prep your skin Parched skin not only causes your makeup to appear patchy and lacklustre, it may also increase sebum production. So, moisturise well and apply a primer for smooth foundation application and long-lasting perfection. #2 Targeted application Foundation is not skincare, so avoid using too much or it will look mask-like. Apply only where coverage is needed for a more natural effect. #3 Get shady The best foundation should not look like makeup. Test your foundation on your jaw line in natural light, and pick the shade that disappears into your skin.…

“The Mugener Ampule was quickly absorbed by my skin and didn’t leave a sticky feel. As I have eczema, I liked that this product significantly reduced redness – even after long hours in the sun.” – Choo Min Hui, Melissa, 29, staff nurse “I have always had acne marks and dehydrated skin in my cheek area. The Vita-Solution Ampule helped to renew my skin and even out my complexion. I also like how its lightweight texture is easily absorbed.” – Charlene Leow, 23, digital marketing executive CNPLaboratorySG cnpsg…

Don’t Wait Until You See A Spot Over time, sun exposure causes dark spots to form. Once they surface, they are much harder to tackle. So, treat hyperpigmentation as you would wrinkles, and address them before they get a chance to show. Also known as sun spots, age spots, dark spots, brown marks and melasma, hyperpigmentation is caused by the overproduction of melanin, a pigment produced in a specialised group of cells known as melanocytes. If you are baffled by the variety of brightening skincare targeting this problem when you stop by the beauty counters, here’s why: “Some products help to block melanin formation, some mop up free radicals that contribute to its formation, and others prevent the transfer of the pigment from cells to the surface of the skin,”…

Our skin is exposed to innumerable pollutants every day. Simply walking down a street can result in particles from car exhaust fumes, haze, dust and secondhand cigarette smoke from the surroundings settling onto our skin and into pores. Couple that with Singapore’s climate causing skin to become oilier, and you’ve got the perfect storm for blackheads that are resistant to regular cleansing because of the impurities mixing with sebum and stubbornly plugging up pores. Facial cleansers help to dissolve sebum and wipe away surface impurities from the skin with foam that’s easily rinsed away, but they cannot decongest stuffed pores or remove blackheads and whiteheads. For this, you’ll need something that can draw out pollutant particles and toxins accumulated within each pore, as well as absorb sebum and reduce the…

#1 Not covering all areas “Most women focus only on the centre of the face or, even worse, just their dark spots. Sunscreen should go over the entire forehead, all the way to the hairline, as well as on the neck, nape and ears (front and back) as well.” #2 Using too little “Many women apply way too little. A pea-sized blob is not enough for the whole face! You need at least three quarters of a teaspoon’s worth of sunscreen for the entire face, neck and ears.” #3 Not reapplying often enough “Most women reapply sunscreen only when they are out in the sun for extended periods. In fact, you should reapply it every two hours, especially when outdoors. Wipe your skin with a clean towel to make sure…

A basic facial typically consists of a deep cleanse, exfoliation, a mask treatment, and a massage. The facials at SK-II Boutique Spa, however, are anything but basic. The spa, which specialises in highly potent and effective facial treatments, uses SK-II products exclusively, and prides itself on providing the ultimate luxurious experience, coupled with the utmost professional service. In fact, top-notch service is what the spa’s loyal customers rave about most. “Beauty therapists at SK-II Boutique Spa are required to go through a mandatory training period of eight weeks, as well as yearly evaluations, to ensure that they’re able to provide the best care and service to the customer,” says spa director Buraya Ng. “With an average of 10 years’ experience between the therapists, you can be assured that your skincare…

• SOOTHING Yeo’s Chrysanthemum Tea + Luo Han Guo (price unavailable, major supermarkets) is a great complement to spicy or fried food, as luo han guo is known for its ability to reduce heatiness in the body, as well as relieve coughs and sore throats. • EARTHY F&N Fruit Tree Fresh No Sugar Added Apple, Beetroot & Carrot Mixed Juice Drink ($1.05 for 250ml bottle) is rich in vitamins A, B and C, which are responsible for keeping your skin, eyes and immune system healthy. • REFRESHING Yeo’s Oceanic Lime Drink ($1.60 for 500ml bottle, major supermarkets) contains real lime juice and Australian sea salt, which helps to replenish essential electrolytes that are lost through sweating. • SATISFYING Made from pure cow’s milk in France, Regilait Calcium Plus Non Fat…

You can’t usually see it and you probably don’t feel it, but there’s a lot of junk floating in the air. As we’re now learning, it’s hitting our skin hard. In just the last few years, scientists have been studying the dermal effects of particulate matter, gases and other stealthy airborne attackers wafting around our cities, and it’s pretty clear these pollutants are ageing us. One of the most convincing studies, conducted at the Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine in Germany, looked at how some 2,000 women had fared health-wise after 20 years of living with extra-grimy air in their polluted region. “We found a strong association between pigmentation spots on their cheeks and high pollution levels,” says Dr Jean Krutmann, the institute’s director. Specifically, the women who were…

AIBI #03-25/26 Nex (6634-4553) ASICS #02-476 Suntec City (6336-0801) ASTERSPRING #03-10 Plaza Singapura (6339-0855) AVEDA #B1-32A Ngee Ann City (6735-0091) CHARLES & KEITH #B1-18/19 Wisma Atria (6238-3312) CLARINS #B2/35-36 Ion Orchard (6509-0312) DIOR BACKSTAGE STUDIO #B2-44/46 Ion Orchard (6636-7232) ECLECTISIM + LAUREN JASMINE #B1-06 Wheelock Place (6735-0543) GG<5 #B2-37 Ngee Ann City (6738-4044) GUARDIAN #B4-02 Ion Orchard (6884-5956) KIEHL’S #B3-54 Ion Orchard (6509-8941) LA MAISON LANCOME #01-12 Capitol Piazza (6384-0571) LANEIGE #B3-66A Ion Orchard (6509-8872) ORIGINS #B3-55/56 Ion Orchard (6238-6126) PEDRO #01-339 Suntec City (6338-3976) POWER UP EXPRESS #01-57 Kallang Wave Mall (6702-4882) QUINTESSENTIAL #02-01 Pacific Plaza (6738-4811) RUNNER’S EDGE #01-63 Kallang Wave Mall (6702-5028) RUNNING LAB #01-47 Velocity @ Novena Square (6253-1998) SABRINAGOH #02-14 Capitol Plazza (6385-2185) SEPHORA #01-05/06 Ion Orchard (6509-8255) SHU UEMURA #B2-40/41 Ion Orchard (6509-8931) SKIN…