Tabla de contenidos para December 2016 en Shape Singapore

One of my most memorable trips was a week-long yoga retreat in Goa. Petri Raisanen, one of Europe’s most experienced ashtanga yoga teachers, conducted the sessions. The resort itself was stunning. It was located amid landscaped gardens of palm and banana trees, and an in-house chef cooked the most delicious vegetarian meals I’d ever tasted. Of course it was a luxury to wake up every morning with only yoga classes on my to-do list. Needless to say, I returned to Singapore feeling very relaxed – and limber too. I’d gained strength and flexibility from the daily yoga lessons (and the massages by the beach probably helped!). That trip also ignited in me a love of travelling alone. It was liberating and empowering, and I felt it gave me a chance…

Don’t judge: Taking many selfies is a good thing after all. Researchers at the University of California, Irvine conducted a study involving 41 students who were tasked to take three sets of photos daily for four weeks – smiling selfies, an image of something that brings them joy, and a picture of something that they believed would make a loved one happy. Their moods were then recorded, and the results prove that being trigger-happy produced nothing but good vibes. “Our research showed that practising exercises that can promote happiness via smartphone picture taking and sharing can lead to increased positive feelings for those who engage in it,” said lead author Yu Chen. Furthermore, taking those selfies also had a mood-boosting effect, and led to the volunteers feeling more confident and…

Plastic food containers and bottles may have lost the BPA – a toxin that has been shown to mess with your hormone levels – but its replacement, bisphenol S (BPS), might be equally bad news. In a recent study in the journal Endocrinology, researchers exposed certain cells in the body, called pre-adipocytes, to different concentrations of BPS. Even the smallest amounts of the chemical encouraged preadipocytes to become fat cells. Play it safe by packing your eats in stainless steel, glass or stoneware options instead.…

TRAVEL IS GOOD FOR LOTS OF THINGS, including increasing mental well-being. In short, it makes you a happier person. Whether you’re planning for a trip this year end or looking for vacation ideas for 2017, this special section will come in handy. For starters, we highlight destinations in Asia that offer fun fitness programmes so you can still work out while you’re away. Staying healthy during a trip is often at the top of everyone’s minds, so we’ve got that covered too, along with beauty tips to ensure your skin remains in tip-top condition during a flight, since air travel is incredibly dehydrating. We also make packing less of a chore by zeroing in on essentials you’ll need for practically every holiday. Bon voyage!…

GET A SLEEK, DEFINED PHYSIQUE Efficient. Creative. Effective. These words describe this fast routine that will help you build muscle worth showing off in just one month. If you’re on the lookout for a workout plan that’ll help you get into shape by the time the festive season rolls in, you’re in luck. The following exercise routine will help you do just that in a matter of four short weeks. With this workout plan, you increase the number of muscle fibres put to work, getting stronger and firmer with every move. “Plus, when more muscles are involved, your body burns more calories as it tries to repair them post-workout,” says trainer Katrina Scott (pictured here). Katrina and her partner in fitness, Karena Dawn, are the founders of fitness brand Tone…

If you prefer to use natural skincare that’s free of artificial ingredients, like parabens, silicone and synthetic fragrances, the made-in-France SOBIOetic line is a must buy. The products are formulated with botanical ingredients and produced without synthetic materials or chemicals. They’re also certified organic by French organisation Ecocert, which awards the certification only when 90 per cent of the ingredients are grown organically. This is great news – not just for your skin but the environment, too – because it means the ingredients are extracted in a responsible and sustainable manner. Best of all, SOBIOetic is very affordable. FOR YOUTHFUL-LOOKING SKIN & HAIR TRY: PRECIEUX ARGAN This collection contains organic argan oil, which has exceptional levels of essential fatty acids and vitamin E to help correct fine lines, wrinkles and…

A watch is a truly special gift, so if you want to really make an impression, give a Seiko. Established in 1881, and synonymous with quality, innovation and style, the Japanese brand is one of the world’s few fully integrated watch manufacturers. Take your pick from the latest range of Seiko watches for men and women. Lukia Ladies' Limited Edition SRW814P1, $526.50 An exclusive limited-edition piece, this elegant watch with Swarovski crystals and a pure white leather strap is eye-catching and sophisticated. It is made with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, and is water-resistant up to 100m. It easily adds a hint of luxury to any outfit, and is equally perfect in a business or party setting. Limited to 2,000 pieces. Astron GPS Solar World-Time Limited Edition SSE091, $3,638 Since the launch…

Despite choline being a key nutrient in brain and nervous system functioning that can help fend off memory loss down the road, most of us are not getting enough of it. If you’re pregnant, this vitamin is especially important because it helps the brains of babies to develop. Eggs are a top source, as one has 125mg, says Taylor Wallace, a professor of nutrition at George Mason University. Think beyond breakfast: Stuff chopped hard-boiled eggs into burritos or tacos, or grate cooked yolks over pasta or vegetables.…

Citrus Ginger Sparkler SERVES: 4 ACTIVE TIME: 5 MINUTES TOTAL TIME: 5 MINUTES •  ¼ cup citron vodka, chilled• 1 cup fresh grapefruit juice, chilled• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice• 1 330ml bottle ginger ale• 4 lime twists, for garnish (optional) Fill four highball glasses with ice. In measuring cup or pitcher, stir together vodka, grapefruit juice and lime juice. Divide mixture among the glasses. Top off each with ginger ale. Garnish glasses with lime twists, if desired, and serve immediately. Nutrition facts per serving 87 calories, 0g fat, 14g carbohydrate, 0g protein, 0g fibre, 7mg sodium…

DARK, MATTE LIPS The season’s new purple, oxblood, and nearly black lipsticks bring on a sexy, tough-chick chic. But don’t fear the dark side – mastering a bold lip that stays captivatingly precise is easier than you think. “My secret to a flawless application is to put on the lipstick first, then use a same-shade or nude liner to clean up the lip line,” celebrity makeup artist Mally Roncal says. If you want a more intense look, stick with a flat, matte finish, or you can tone it down and make it more natural with a semi-matte, satin or sheer version of a vampy shade. HEIGHTEN THE IMPACT WITH Luminous skin “First, invest in a good concealer,” says Lori Taylor Davis, Smashbox global pro lead artist, “because the rest of…

You wouldn’t expect someone as slender as Jasmine Chong to have any misgivings about her body. Yet the 27-year-old founder of Yoga Lab – which has studios on Hong Kong Street and Duxton Road – reveals that she once ate only watermelon for two weeks in a quest to lose weight. Today, she’s an epitome of balance, loving her favourite mee pok as much as yoga. (Head to her Instagram account @jasmine_ yoga for some serious yoga inspiration!) Jasmine’s also an Adidas athlete, so don’t be surprised to see her at various sports events. • What motivated you to start Yoga Lab? I strongly believe that everyone deserves yoga. No one should be excluded from its benefits because they cannot afford to do it. It has been marketed as a…

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The year-end season is the best time to reflect and work towards your better-body goals, so make the most of it by overhauling multiple habits at once. Doing so brings you faster results than taking baby steps, according to a new study in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience. When researchers had people commit simultaneously to exercising rigorously, practising mindfulness, limiting their alcohol intake, eating primarily whole foods and sleeping at least eight hours per night, the participants experienced dramatic improvements after six weeks in everything from strength and flexibility to self-esteem and happiness. “The key was that each lifestyle change supported all the others,” says lead study author Michael Mrazek. “Exercising regularly makes it easier to sleep, sleeping well makes it easier to meditate, and being mindful makes it…

After months of planning, you’re finally headed for your big adventure. But unforeseen illness can quickly derail your itinerary. Ahead, tips to nix the five most common issues travellers might face. WINTER ITCH If you constantly suffer from irritated and dry skin in chilly climes, Dr Robyn Gmyrek, a US-based dermatologist, offers the following advice: Take lukewarm, not hot, showers, but if that seems unbearable after a long day in the freezing cold, keep bath times short, and limit the amount of soap used. You might also want to swop tropical-weather moisturisers with petroleum jelly instead. It might seem odd to apply this all over your body and face, but it’ll greatly improve your comfort and hydration levels in a snap. HEAT EXHAUSTION Coming from somewhere sunny, it’s easy to…

As we age, our hair spends more time in the resting phase of the growth cycle, which is when it falls out. An extended resting phase means increased hair loss over time. Combine this with an unhealthy lifestyle, stress, hormonal changes, excessive chemical hair treatments, and even constant exposure to damaging UV rays, and one ends up with a weakened scalp, which causes more hair loss and makes what’s left fine, dry and brittle. The end result is thinning hair and bald patches that affect how one looks and feels. While wigs are an easy solution, they can look unnatural and feel uncomfortable. You could opt for hair transplants, but this invasive surgical treatment is costly and painful. A FUSS-FREE SOLUTION Bioskin offers a simpler, more effective alternative: Medical+ Hair…

Nutcrackers, according to German folklore, are given as keepsakes to bring good luck to one’s family and protect the home. Spread joy with ETUDE HOUSE’s My Little Nutcracker Collection of limited-edition products with nutcracker motifs. My Little Nut Pearl Clear Any Cushion, $32 & Cushion Case, $16 Formulated with brightening ingredients, like mother-of-pearl extract and arbutin, this six-in-one makeup cushion compact with moisturising and skin-cooling properties provides sheer coverage with sun protection, adds radiance and blurs fine lines and wrinkles. My Little Nut Curl Fix! & Curl Fix! Long Lash, $24.90 Get doll-like lashes with Curl Fix! mascara, which features Curl 24HR Technology that lifts, defines and curls even the tiniest lashes for up to 24 hours. For an additional lengthening effect, Curl Fix! Long Lash is the way to…

Using only natural and organic ingredients, and being free of allergens, parabens and colourants, Italian haircare brand Naturalite offers you the very best in hair and scalp care. PURIFY AN OILY SCALP Keep your scalp clean and healthy with Rebalancing Shampoo, $32, and Rebalancing Treatment, $59. Both contain organic sage extract, tea tree oil and bio sulfur to soothe and strengthen the scalp, help regulate sebum production and leave hair feeling fresh all day. ENHANCE HAIR HEALTH With organic mallow extract, tea tree oil, wheat proteins and a mineral salt complex, Hair Fall Control Shampoo, $32, and Hair Fall Control Treatment, $59, work together to prevent hair loss. The shampoo gently cleanses and stimulates the hair bulbs to promote hair growth while the tonic nourishes and strengthens hair bulbs, and…

With Christmas just around the corner, you’ll want to look more than just presentable for all those year-end parties – even when life keeps you busy. The Sloane Clinic recommends these tried and tested treatments to help you get glowing and looking well rested and youthful. 30 DAYS TO CHRISTMAS: GET THE DEWY GLOW If expensive serums and moisturisers are not doing enough to get your skin dewy and supple, try Revitalift ($1,926 a session). It infuses dehydrated, lacklustre skin with hyaluronic acid, which helps skin hold moisture. Your complexion will go from dry and tired-looking to plumped-up, radiant and smooth while the eye area will appear refreshed, with fine lines clearly minimised. JUST THREE WEEKS TO GO: GET AN EVEN GLOW Chronic sleep deprivation can leave your skin looking…

Founded in 1992 in California, USA, Skechers makes footwear for everyone with an active lifestyle. It employs the latest technology and design innovations to create high-performance as well as durable fitness and casual footwear for men, women and children. Skechers’ next-generation walking shoes or slip-ons from the GoWalk 4 and GoWalk Sport collections are designed to ensure a perfect fit, helping everyone cover more ground in comfort. GOWALK 4 The vibrant GoWalk 4 is packed with Skechers’ most advanced innovations in design: a Matrix outsole with adaptive Goga Pillars, responsive 5Gen cushioning, a Goga Max Technology insole that delivers enhanced high-rebound cushioning, and a soft, sock-like Go KNIT upper for comfort, fit and breathability. GOWALK SPORT The GoWalk Sport features a Goga Matrix web outsole that provides support and traction…

So often we speed through our beauty regimen. It turns out that to get happier, we should be luxuriating in the process. Note how lovely it feels to, say, smooth on a mask, and you’ll activate the area of the brain that controls your reward response, thus bringing you more emotional pleasure. Even better: Conscious savouring makes your high last long after you’ve put the cap back on the bottle, research in The Journal of Neuroscience finds. Skin treatments that come with application rituals – like Aveda Tulasara Radiant Awakening Ritual Kit ($160) – help you relish the process. Plus, you rev circulation and help ingredients penetrate. Ending up with better skin and a better mood? That’s time well spent.…

SKIN SAVIOUR Working in the air-conditioned offi ce for the entire day can zap your skin of moisture. Leave a bottle of Bio-oil on your table to apply on dry spots and keep your skin hydrated. Its key ingredient, purcellin oil, is super-lightweight and can be easily absorbed without leaving a sticky residue. This botanical oil is both hypoallergenic and non-acnegenic, making it suitable for all skin types. Available at leading pharmacies, selected department stores and hospitals. It comes in three sizes: 60ml ($15.50), 125ml ($25.90) and 200ml ($35.90). HOW OLD ARE YOU, REALLY? You may look and feel younger than you are, but your body may be older than that. Knowing your biological age (versus chronological age) will help you determine which areas in health and fitness you should…

Garlic isn’t just delicious, it’s loaded with health benefits – it’s good for your heart and blood pressure, it’s a great antioxidant, and it keeps up your immunity. However, if you want to get the most out of the pungent allium, there are a few tricks you can do. 1 Crush the Garlic First, and Wait a Little In a report published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, scientists shared that some of garlic’s heart-healthy compounds diminished after just a few minutes of cooking. Somewhat surprisingly, the drop was most pronounced in whole bulbs of garlic. Those that were crushed or chopped released an enzyme that triggers production of health-giving compounds, a process that stops once the enzyme comes in contact with heat. So to maximise the output…

JESSICA ALBA IS NOT SHY ABOUT ADMITTING WHAT SHE DOESN’T DO. She does not: work out every day; eat a vegan, alkaline or fill-in- the-blank trendy Hollywood diet; or walk around without makeup when she’s off the red carpet. “I’m a makeup girl! Heck, yeah!” says the 35-year-old actress, mum of two daughters, and co-founder and chief creative officer of the US$1.7 billion Honest Company. “I’ve been wearing it every day since I was 12.” She can whip through her daily makeup routine in about 10 minutes (“My husband was annoyed because it took 12 minutes today. I was like: ‘Are you kidding me?’” she says), but fitting workouts in is much more of a struggle. “I’m not good at it,” Jessica acknowledges with a sigh. “I have a hard…

Inspired by traditional beauty remedies once used only by Korean royalty, The History of Whoo combines premium Eastern medical-grade herbal ingredients with modern technology to create luxury skincare and makeup fit for a queen. Commissioned by the South Korean government, The History of Whoo’s patented herbal complexes are said to boost energy flow within while staving off the effects of ageing, and keeping skin regally radiant and youthful always. RESTORE SUPERIOR HYDRATION This refreshes and intensely hydrates for a smooth and supple complexion. Gongjinhyang Soo Yeon Hydrating Special Set, $209. Comes with Gongjinhyang Soo Yeon Balancer (150ml), Gongjinhyang Soo Yeon Lotion (110ml), Gongjinhyang Soo Yeon Jin Cream (20ml), Gongjinhyang Soo Yeon Balancer (20ml), Gongjinhyang Soo Yeon Lotion (20ml), and Gongjinhyang Soo Yeon Hydrating Overnight Mask (30ml). BESTOW GLORIOUS RADIANCE Perfect…

Ever notice gritty-feeling skin or streaks of white and a slightly stinging sensation on your face after a run? It’s salt, which tends to accumulate when you’re running really hard or far, or in hotter weather than you’re used to. A salty face can be a sign that, ironically, you’re not getting enough of the mineral in your diet, explains Peyton Aaronson, a research associate in physiology at the University of California, Los Angeles. Swop plain H2O for a sports drink to replenish your sodium and chloride on runs, and sprinkle on a little salt at dinner if you’ve been going on a low-sodium diet.…

Always wanted to raid a makeup artist’s stash? Now you can. Taiwan’s top celebrity makeup artist Kevin Chou puts his decades of cosmetic artistry into a revolutionary brand he’s proud to have in his magic makeup kit: BeautyMaker. RED-CARPET READY To say that Kevin is highly sought-after in the beauty industry is an understatement. He has made up the faces of some of Hollywood’s biggest Asian names, including Maggie Q and Zhang Ziyi. Kevin is also a regular guest on the Taiwanese beauty and lifestyle TV variety show Lady First. He also shares beauty hacks with millions of fans on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and Weibo. MADE FOR ASIANS Star factor aside, BeautyMaker is made by Asians for Asians. Before formulating each product, Kevin takes into account the unique qualities of…

Don’t let year-end stress steal the glow from your skin. Restore its natural radiance and beauty with CRYSTAL MOIST, a skincare range entirely formulated and made in Korea, using minerals combined with nutrients from Korean deep ocean water. Ju Eun-Young (above) of Korean girl band Two X says she can’t live without her favourite CRYSTAL MOIST products, and declares that the formulation is perfect for Asian skin – and especially her hectic lifestyle. “CRYSTAL MOIST is also dermatologically tested and proven, so I can trust it to take care of my skin’s needs,” says the rising K-pop star. BRIGHTEN UP The BRIGHT ION+ range energises your skin for a healthy glow, enhances skin tone, and reduces the appearance of dark spots with the help of a marine algae complex called…

Skin may have its own natural defence mechanism, but that doesn’t mean that it’s completely immune to factors that can damage it. For instance, constant exposure to environmental stressors like UV rays, air pollutants and cigarette smoke, plus lifestyle factors like a lack of sleep, poor diet and stress, can weaken its defences and functions. When this happens, it can become dehydrated and rough, and take on a dull, wrinkled appearance. It may also become hypersensitive, triggering skin conditions like eczema. Unfortunately, topical products like cleansers, toners, lotions, creams and masks can only do so much to repair the damage and restore a healthy, luminous and youthful appearance. You should also protect and nurture it from the inside out, and one smart and easy way to achieve this is with…

Marimekko 02-17/18 This Finnish brand is renowned for creating some of the world’s most iconic prints and colours on clothing – from coats and pants to tunics and dresses – as well as bags and other accessories. Mimento B2-17 At this multi-label accessories boutique, you’ll find a selection of artisanal jewellery brands like GAS Bijoux, Jet Set Candy, and Jimmy Crystal New York. The Reckless Shop 02-32 Find work wear, jersey pieces, and smart casuals from the store’s three in-house labels: Reckless Jersey, Still, and Reckless Ericka. La Putri 01-25 This fine jeweller transforms rare and exceptional gemstones into one-of-a-kind jewellery. Bespoke services are also available. Cortina Watch 01-77/80 A luxury timepiece is just what you need to take your outfit to a new level of elegance – and you…

ETUDE HOUSE MY LITTLE NUT COLORFUL SCENT EAU DE PERFUME ROLL-ON Each fragrance comes in a beautifully packaged, nutcracker-inspired bottle and features a gorgeous feminine scent that lasts for hours. Spritz it on your pulse points, like your neck, wrists and ankles, for a more intense effect. $28 (set of three) at all ETUDE HOUSE stores. KERASTASE ADVANCED HAIR & SCALP SPA RITUAL Carried out in the salon’s pampering Exclusive Garden, this indulgent ritual combines products that treat and improve problems like hair loss, scalp sensitivity, clogged follicles and dandruff. $218 (UP $318) at J’s Salon, Level 3 Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, tel: 6738-8488, and Salon 360, #B1-02/03/04 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands (Galleria Level), tel: 6688-7666. Offer from now till Jan 15, 2017. O’RIGHT GOJI BERRY VOLUMIZING SHAMPOO…

It’s the holiday season; it’s when you start getting busy with house parties and after-work gatherings. The perfect time to drink, we understand. Just remember to keep it to one glass at a time, to avoid piling up excessive calories. Too much drinking can also lead to health problems like high blood pressure. Meanwhile, take your pick from these four options. VODKA SODA, 96 calories. This drink is essentially soda water spiked with vodka. Since you get zero calories out of soda water, the remainder will come only from the alcohol itself. GIN AND TONIC, 143 calories. Tonic water isn’t just delish, but also counts for only 10 calories per ounce. Score! MOJITO, 168 calories. If you love rum, forget mai tais and opt for a refreshing mojito instead. Along…

Mandy T Arabic Coffee + Coconut Handcrafted Body Scrub ($45.90, www.mandytskincare.com) Packed with a mix of freshly grounded coffee, coconut flakes, cinnamon, coconut oil and wild honey, this delicious scrub from home-grown brand Mandy T is a treat for the body (and senses). Each scrub is handcrafted in small batches at its boutique workshop to ensure freshness and quality. Gently massage scrub in a circular motion for around a minute all over the body, concentrating on rough and cellulite areas, so as to improve blood circulation and shrink varicose veins. Lush Cup O’ Coffee Exfoliating Mask (from $27) Ideal for both face and body, this handmade coffee mask is an instant pick-me-up for slow mornings. Its invigorating formula has infused roasted cocoa extract, vetivert and coriander oil to cleanse impurities,…

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