2016 |

2016 in Retrospect

Posted on January 1, 2017 by Hanan.

Also known as the year from hell. I think this is the first time everyone has been so unanimous in terms of their opinions towards 2016. It’s a pretty shitty year.

But before we say good riddance and goodbye, I think it’s important to reflect and readjust ourselves for the new year. 2016, for me has been an exceptionally trying year. The trials and tribulations just would not let up and kept piling on top of one another. It felt as if I was buried in them. I have never felt more overwhelmed with life as I was in 2016.

However, instead of recalling all the awful things that happen, I have decided to take a page out of 2016 and learn some lessons.

Changes & Challenges

2016 was a year of major change. Besides Trump being elected as president, the world felt as if it was moving in hyper speed. I have always been someone who feared change and am unintentionally resistant to it. Most of the time, it isn’t because I am content with the current state of being. More times than not, the current situation could do with a little change and improvement. However, the prospect of things changing for the worse terrifies me. The idea of making wrong decisions and being forced to live with the consequences. I fear the consequences of change more than change itself.

It’s not right.

Not all change is wholly bad or good, but, all change comes with challenges. These challenges may seem daunting at first, overwhelming at times. For instance, 2016 was the year that I decided to move away from my career in retail into something more creative. I would never have made this change if it weren’t for terrible events that made me do a whole lot of thinking and self-reflection. As cliched as it sounds, things happen for a reason. Horrible happenings might be jolting you out of your current course and taking you to a different one.

The challenges that follow that change might feel like a series of unfortunate events, piling itself, one on top of the other. Take a step back and realise that these are challenges, little rocks that scratch you as you speed down a new course. They are not permanent. You will get through them, even if you think you can’t. You will.

And you will come out of it, better than you were before.

Nothing is Permanent

If you are lactose intolerant, be warned because here comes the cheese. Cherish every moment you have with the people you love and more importantly, make time for them, despite your own laziness and reluctance. I understand how it can be, social situations are tough, even if they are filled with people you have known for years. They take up so much energy and can be utterly exhausting.

Get off your ass and make plans.

I’m so thankful for my friends who understood my situation and adjusted their plans to accommodate me. It was a blessing in disguise too. Because we ended up spending more time one on one, talking instead of partying. I felt this year, we opened up more. It used to be just mindless fun. Now, we consult one another and took our friendship to a new level.

Know that life may pull you and your loved ones in different directions. Hence, make every moment count. In 2016, half of my close circle of friends moved away from Singapore. Josh was in Copenhagen and then Manila. Jen was stationed in Myanmar for work. Diyanah left for Japan. And Liz is moving to Vietnam. One by one, it felt as if all my friends were leaving me. I fell into a black hole of loneliness, doubtful of long-distance relationships.

Thinking about it now, I am crawling out of my anti-social black hole slowly but surely. I am going to make the friendships still here with me count. Who knows where life will take us next? New friends are great, but they can never replace years of familiarity and friendship. So cherish that.

Opening Up & Reaching Out

When life overwhelms you, reach out. I am grateful for the people in my life who listened to me without judgement and embraced me at my lowest. For so long, I have thought that keeping a fun exterior is essential to keep the friends that you have. No one wants to hear you moan and whine about life. I never wanted to be a downer.

Eventually, it will all be a little too much to handle. The negativity that you buried deep inside will fester at your soul so, it’s important to let it out. We all need an outlet. At times, it’s scary to think that you might be judged or ridiculed, but at the same time, it’s an incredible feeling to be accepted despite your flaws. You feel bonds strengthen and it’s good to have a sounding board to make sense of certain thoughts.

I came clean with a few friends this year about certain issues and finally opened up after years. It was such a relief. No more hiding and white lies. Words can’t describe how liberating it feels to be completely yourself. For most of my friends, I came clean too late and they were gone by the end of the year, no longer in Singapore. Nevertheless, I don’t regret opening up even for that short period of time.

I think it’s time we let more people into our lives.

Me, Myself & I

I vow that 2017 will be my most selfish year. I had a taste of being alone a lot in 2016. Time by yourself can be a blessing and a curse. You become acutely aware of your shortcomings. There is such a thing as too much self-reflection and self-awareness. The more you understand yourself, the more you think about ways to better yourself. The more you are on your own, the more you realise that ultimately, despite your friends and family, you are alone. Everyone has their own lives and existence to deal with.

In 2016, I was overwhelmed by the feeling of being left behind. I was unable to adapt to all the changes in my life and all my friends’ lives as well. It felt as if they were zooming past me in life, making things happen, working overseas. Whilst I was still struggling here, on my own, trying to figure my life out. It made me feel alienated from the people I loved. It was unhealthy.

After opening up, it helped me reconnect with them on a deeper level. But more so, I have reconnected with myself. I realised that no one owes me anything except myself. I owe it to myself to take care of me. Because no one else will. No one else can.

So instead of relying on the external, people who might let me down without them realising it, people who can’t be there even if they say they will… You need to be there for yourself. Hence, 2017 will be the year of self-care for me. Unabashed selfishness. I’m going take care of myself both physically and mentally.

As 2017 begins, I am griped with anxiety. Perhaps because 2016 was a major low for me, I fear that 2017 could be the same. It’s tough to put these anxious thoughts aside as I continue to pen down my resolutions and goals for the new year. I repeat to myself “It’s just another day”. Perhaps it’s the placebo effect of making resolutions but it feels as if I am starting on a clean slate.

2016 has changed me fundamentally. I have discovered facets about myself that I never knew existed. I have realised both the fragility and strength of relationships. I recognised the people in my life that mattered and the people who don’t. Not all friends are created equal. There were people who went out of their way to make time for me, who had me in their thoughts and made me feel loved, even when I don’t love myself. I realised the true value of money and learnt to appreciate the things that I have, to use things to its fullest capacity.

I enter 2017, a different person with a new set of goals and priorities, with nothing but the hope that things can only go up from here.

Happy New Year, everyone!

Sheet Mask Smackdown!

Posted on September 23, 2016 by Hanan.

Sheet masks have never been my thing.

I have and will always be a clay mask kind of girl. Thanks to my oily, acne prone skin, I found lots of sheet masks overbearing on my skin. Particularly Taiwanese & Korean ones that are absolutely DRIPPING in essence. So much that there is usually a pool of excess essence left in the packet, which is a good thing that people tend to look for. However, for me, it’s just too much.

Most masks are so saturated that it feels as if they are slipping and sliding off my face. The essence is so thick that it feels as if it isn’t penetrating my skin. Thus, I hated “patting” in the goo after I have removed the mask from my face. Often times, I end up breaking out.

As I grew older though, my skin has definitely changed. It’s now more combination oily. Plus, after using retinol, my skin does get dry and I have to be more diligent about hydration.

With new formulations and new brands, I decided to give sheet masks another shot.

screen-shot-2016-09-23-at-6-53-24-pm

dsc02411-copy

LuLuLun Masks, US$3.90-$19

This is my first introduction into Japanese sheet masks. My best friend, Diyanah, brought back a pack for me from Japan. Their masking concept is slightly different because there are 7 sheets in a pack and it is meant for DAILY use. Though it sounds excessive, these masks are perfectly formulated for that. They are thin cotton masks that are saturated in a cocktail of skin-loving ingredients. The keyword here is “saturated” but not soaking, sopping wet. It’s perfect for oily skinned girls like me who can’t stand rich textures. The LuLuLun masks are hydrating and emollient, but not occlusive.

I’ve tried a bunch, my favourite being the brightening one that comes in a silver packet. The moisturizing range is bit heavy for me, so I do find that I have to rinse my face after use, to get rid of any residue. They are alcohol free, which is very important for me and have a short but effective ingredients list. If you are confused as to what is in the different ranges and colours, I found a blog that explains the different types you can get here.

Best of all, they are so inexpensive at less than 10 bucks a pack.

Leaders Insolution & Mediu Masks, S$3-$9.90

The hype on these masks are real. The Leaders masks are well-loved globally. They are pretty pricey, but boast immediate results. I have tried two types and I have to say that I really do like both (insolution & media amino masks). It brightens and any acne I have going on is visibly less red and irritated. The cotton used in these masks is thicker and more plush than the LuLuLun ones. They cling to the skin better and have a better, more luxurious fit on my face.

As expected, I had to wash off the residue after taking off the mask because korean mask formulas are just too moisturizing for my skin. But the results are still noticeable. This would be a special occasion mask for me. Perhaps if my skin is experiencing a bad breakout or is generally looking a little rough, I would splurge on a sheet as a treat.

dsc02417-copy

Naruko Snail Essence Hydra Repair Masks, S$29.90

This Taiwanese drugstore skincare brand always impresses me with their ingredients list. It is packed with botanical extracts and effective ingredients, whilst omitting alcohol, parabens and other nasties. I’ve heard great things about their snail essence mask and I was not disappointed.

First thing you will notice is how incredibly slimy the mask is. Absolutely dripping with snail goo, which isn’t the most appealing thing to slap on your face. But once you get over that, the mask itself is thick and stays wet for a very long time. There is a rather strong fragrance – a notable downside for me. It’s very cooling and this treatment can be left on longer than all the masks I’ve tried.

The essence does drip around a bit so be warned, it can get messy. The result is worth the slimy hassle because I was left with clarified and calm skin. It really helped with my hyper pigmentation and acne scars. It’s another special occasion type mask but it’s great stuff!

Japan Gals Pure 5 Essence Masks, S$24.90

This is, I daresay, my HOLY GRAIL sheet mask. I found this Japanese sheet mask on a whim at John Little. It has a similar concept to the LuLuLun masks in the sense that they are meant for daily use and come in large packs of 7 to 30. Personally, I have never heard of this brand, but what peaked my interest was the simplicity of the ingredients list. It’s very simple, without any alcohol or parabens, featuring 5 main ingredients that make up majority of the formulation. Due to the lack of parabens, the masks have to be used up within 2 months of opening. That pushes me to use them daily and oh my god.

My skin has never been better. The masks come in a giant resealable bag, with plastic tweezers to take a sheet out, making it more sanitary. The cotton masks themselves are of a thicker, more plush cotton than the LuLuLun and they have a larger surface area as well. This is one of the very few masks that completely absorbs into my skin, leaving zero residue. I can put on moisturizer and makeup as soon as I am done masking, without feeling sticky or slimy. With regular use, my skin tone is SO much clearer and even toned. So even that I have been going out without a shred of foundation or concealer. It’s liberating.

I highly recommend this mask for anyone with oily or dull skin. They offer a wide range addressing different skin concerns. It’s relatively inexpensive considering there are 30 sheets in the pack. But keep in mind that these are meant for daily use.

For what it’s worth, unwinding everyday for 10 mins with a little pamper routine like this can do more good for you than your skin. Treat yourself!

Lookbook #2 : Spacey James Bay

Posted on August 2, 2016 by Hanan.

I’m back at it again with a different type of fashion post. Is it bad that I still reference the ‘Damn Daniel’ vines? It probably is. Though I can’t promise that it’ll be the last you’ll hear of it from me.

For months now, I’ve been trying to switch out my wardrobe and wear outfits that are more mature and sophisticated. My aim this year was to look chic and put together. Unfortunately, I failed miserably because I couldn’t get away from sites like ‘Lazy Oaf’ or ‘Stupkid’ that has insane clothing that speaks to my soul.

I am in love with the patch trend and feel the overwhelming need to add iron-on patches to everything I own. Of course, this is far from the initial look I was going for. Lazy Oaf was a brand that I’ve been pining for. However, their prices are slightly insane in my opinion and they are a UK based brand. Hence, it’s really difficult to try and shop their products. Most of them will have to be blind buys, in terms of sizing.

Enter Stupkid, an Indonesian brand that has made its way to Singapore shores. Their clothing line is quirky and fun, but great quality. Their collection is sold at Orchard 313, but they also have an online store. It’s for people who are loud and don’t take fashion so seriously.

Needless to say I love their stuff.

So far my favourite purchase is this oversized baseball jersey jacket that looks like it came from outer space. I decided to pair it with other crazy things that I don’t really wear in Singapore, for fear of people staring at me. Such as, my awesome hat that I got at the Jewish quarter in Paris. It reminds me of James Bay. So much so that whenever I put it on, “Let It Go” is absolutely stuck in my head all day.

Also I threw on a homemade choker, because why not.

DSC_4455 copy

The makeup look I went with is a purple shadow. You can’t really tell in these shots but I went all out.

Here is the breakdown of the makeup worn.

Base : Givenchy Eclat Matissime foundation, Make Up Forever Step 1 hydrating primer, Nars Laguna bronzer

Eyes : Max Factor Excess Shimmer in ‘Pink Opal’, Bare Minerals Ready eyeshadow quad in ‘Happy Place’, KIKO eyeliner in ‘Dark Tide’, Maybelline One by One mascara, ELF Instant Lift Brow pencil in ‘Neutral Brown’, ELF clear brow mascara

Lips : Mac Velvet Teddy

Top : Stupkid Space Baseball Shirt, basis white tee

Bottoms : Abercrombie & Fitch black leggings

Shoes : Converse all black high tops

Accessories : Black fedora & handmade velvet choker

Not the most practical thing to wear. But it was nice, pulling out stuff in my wardrobe that I thought were bit over the top for everyday and wearing them out. We all have that piece of clothing that we bought cos we thought was cool and then rarely wear for one reason or another.

I say, screw what other people think. And do what makes you happy.

Photos by Josh Magbanua

Caffeinated Festivities

Posted on July 8, 2016 by Hanan.

As the hype finally died down, I thought it would be a good time to post my thoughts on the Singapore Coffee Festival that happened a couple weeks back on 9 to 12 June. I personally bought a one day pass the instant I heard that this festival was happening. According to what I read, the Singapore Coffee Festival was supposed to be a gathering of both niche and mainstream coffee companies and cafes, to showcase their beans and brews.

The location was inside the F1 Pit Building. Though the air conditioning was much appreciated as it was completely packed with people, I had expected an outdoor, fair-like event. It didn’t feel like a festival, more like an exhibition. The different coffee brands had booths and it was incredibly hard to navigate due to overcrowding in such a small limited space. Half the time, all I saw were the backs of people’s heads as I shove through the herd of people to even catch a glance of the booths.

My height was a definite disadvantage here.

I will summarize my Singapore Coffee Festival experience into 5 main points.

1. Local brewers outweigh the international ones.

There were the usual suspects such as Common Man Roasters, Chye Seng Huat and a couple of familiar coffee places popping up. Some international booths too, such as the “Roasted in Japan” booth consisting of three Japanese coffee roasters, Indonesian coffee beans and some Aussie ones. However, most were local and the international booths are less attractive. Some just selling their beans and roast without the facility of a coffee maker.

thumb_DSC01604_1024 copy

thumb_DSC01622_1024

In that case, there isn’t a significant different between going to the actual cafes and going to the festival. The only advantage would to try out all the popular coffee brews in Singapore all at one go.

This brings be to my second point.

2. It’s almost impossible to try everything.

To be honest, I couldn’t try as much coffee as I would like because the lines for all the popular booths were insane. But it did drove me to pay attention to the emptier booths.

But other than that, you will find that most of your coffee fest experience is just you waiting in line to get your cuppa. For example, the “Roast in Japan” booth took me about 30 minutes to get my hands on a cup of hand drip coffee, costing me $7. Food booths were equally crowded. Particularly the third floor as we had to purchase tokens in order to pay for the food.

thumb_DSC01592_1024 copy

thumb_DSC01612_1024

3. The token system was a total rip off

The second level had an area where majority of the food stall are located at. Nestled in the middle of the crammed area is a sprinkling of tables and benches, random hammocks and a small stage where local acts were performing. The cafe food was made fresh, which a plus. However, the confined environment of the Pit Building meant that the entire floor will smell like a mixture of every single food you can think of. And it will stick to your hair and clothing, all day long.

Ventilation was definitely an issue here. And the token system. Basically for the food stalls in that level, we had to purchase tokens in order to purchase the food. The lines for the tokens were so long that you would want to bulk purchase these tokens, resulting in wasted tokens, if you don’t finish them up. And unless you buy the right amount of food and drinks, you will end up with small tokens you can’t use to purchase anything.

I don’t understand the reason for this completely separate system, other that to exploit us for more money. The other booths in the levels below accepted cash, no problem. Just the food stalls, funded by DBS had this ridiculous system.

That aside, the food was decent. Mostly cafe food, such as burgers, fries, pasta… The usual suspects. Everything had to be purchased, not at all at reduced prices. So expect steep cafe prices.

thumb_DSC01665_1024 copy

thumb_DSC01656_1024

4. Coffee was the saving grace

Despite all that, coffee managed to save the day. I didn’t get to try as many as I would want, considering that I had to pay for entry. Latte art was practically non-existent due to the mad rush for coffee and long lines. Yet the beans spoke for themselves.

Cold brews are all the rage it seems. People love the cool, apothecary style bottles that houses the smooth brews. Cold brews are made by steeping the coffee grounds in cold water for 24 hours or more. This makes the coffee smoother, less acidic and less bitter as well. I prefer mine with milk and a little sweetened. Though the one I had from Two Bakers in French Vanilla was way to sweet, there are some which are sold completely unsweetened.

My favourite is Huggs Coffee, especially their Latte Gula. It was bomb! Their beans are nutty and lightly sweetened with gula melaka, creating a coconut after taste that’s so different and lovely. Plus they were on of the very few booths that were giving out free coffee. A close second would be Chye Seng Huat’s brews that were bold and more acidic in flavour, but still very aromatic and smooth.

thumb_DSC01676_1024

thumb_DSC01683_1024

Overall, it was a good caffeine driven event. However, it was a bit of a waste of money to be honest. Most of the cafes featured are in Singapore and you can visit them at your own convenience, without the giant crowd. The freebies are cute, but not enough to warrant the amount of money your will be spending on the food and drinks. Personally, I feel like the prices should be slightly reduced for the event. Also, the location is not ideal at all, a nightmare for anyone with a fear of crowds.

I wouldn’t go for the one happening next year. But I’m glad I went for it this year to form my own opinions on this.

Life’s a Peach.

Posted on June 11, 2016 by Hanan.

Let’s talk about something that has taken the makeup world by storm and is almost impossible to get a hold of.

Behold! The Too Faced Sweet Peach Palette!

thumb_DSC01476_1024 copy

thumb_DSC01479_1024 copy

This is a limited edition eye shadow palette to release from Too Faced, just in time for the summer season. It was released in the US a couple months ago and because of some major YouTube hype, people made a mad rush for it. It was constantly out of stock and therefore, you know how it is. The moment you can’t get your hands on something, you want it even more.

Seems like Singapore is the same thanks to our YouTube culture. My friend, Liz, told me that its everywhere in France because they don’t really gravitate to these peachy colours, which I thought was really interesting.

Currently this palette is out of stock in all the major Sephora’s in town but I’m pretty sure it will come back, otherwise, they would’ve just gotten rid of the display.

I’ve actually highlighted this ages ago on a summer post about product I can’t wait to get my hands on. People are going bonkers, either obsessing over this palette or completely bashing it, saying it’s just another neutral palette. Despite all this craziness, I managed to get my hands on it and I have to say, I don’t regret it at all. And even if there wasn’t all this hype, I would still go ahead and purchase it – based off the simple fact that these are my preferred eye shadow colours.

Is it another neutral palette? Yes. Definitely.

But it’s neutral with a warm twist. I personally am not a fan of any of the Urban Decay Naked palettes. Even though I own the original, I hardly pull it out because I felt the colours didn’t mesh well with my skin tone. I did not rush out to buy the other Too Faced Chocolate Bar palettes or the previous Chocolate Bon Bons either. We all know how huge the hype was on those. Personally, they never called to me as I truly preferred an entirely warm palette.

My favourite palette had always been the Lorac Nude Skinny Palette. And if you look the colours in that one, they all very warm and peachy. So naturally, the Sweet Peach palette is my jam.

Seems like warm orange-peach colours are on trend for Summer and I ain’t mad. So when my prayers were answered and the Sweet Peach palette finally made its way to Singapore shores, I was ecstatic. The palette did not disappoint.

Formulation is stunning. One of the best I’ve tried and I dare say, superior to Urban Decay that tends to deliver colour with lots of fall out. Though it’s rich in pigment, the colours have barely any fall out, and it holds true even for the matte shades. Which I think is bloody impressive. All the colour appear true to colour, as in the pan, except for “candied peach”. That one shows up more matte on the lid, with specks of random pink glitter. Hardly noticeable, to be completely honest. I still use it as a crease shade to warm up a look and it works brilliantly.

The one thing I would say that this palette lacks is a solid mid-tone blending shade. The matte browns are way too deep on my skin, and tend to darken eye looks, making them more dramatic than I intended initially. The other gripe I have with this palette is the smell.

*cue gasp* Yes. To most, it’s the major selling point. People seem to be obsessed with the Too Faced palettes because their powdered products are infused with sweet fragrances. The Sweet Peach palette is supposed to smell like peaches, though to me, it has a very synthetic fruity scent. Imagine a combination of fruity candy and cough syrup. I don’t enjoy it at all, and it’s very strong. So strong, that it actually scents up my room whenever I open it up.

Perhaps I am the only old-fashioned one here who prefers my eyeshadows unscented, particularly as it will be around my eyes. But it seems like I’m alone on this because everyone else is raving about the scent.

So what’s the verdict on this one?

thumb_DSC01546_1024 copy

k]sweet

thumb_DSC01554_1024

I would say get it if you are a fan of large palettes, smooth buttery formulas and a completely warm toned look. This palette isn’t multi-faceted and thus, you can only create one sort of look even if you mix and match the shadows. You can’t do cool-toned looks, there aren’t any sophisticated, muted colours. Everything is pretty much bold and warm. And if that’s your thing then the Sweet Peach palette is worth the hype.

If you are looking for versatility and are looking to achieve a wide variety of looks, then skip this one. Also, if you are very sensitive to scents, most definitely skip this one. There are other shadows and palettes out there that can help achieve similar looks, so it isn’t incredibly unique.

But it’s a nice one to have, especially for a warm toned makeup lover like me.

Journey to the Tarts

Posted on May 12, 2016 by Hanan.

If you’re thinking of beating the crowd by coming in at 10am on a weekday, just to get your hands on the coveted Bake cheese Tarts? Think again, buddy.

The system is completely unhackable.

For those who don’t know, BAKE Cheese Tarts is a bakery from Hokkaido, Japan that’s particularly famous for their oozy cheese tarts. They have taken the traditional way of consuming the humble cheese tart, by serving them warm and gooey, before the cream cheese has time to set completely. The juxtaposition of ultra-soft textures on a crispy pastry cup made people go bananas, gaining them massive popularity.

Since then, they have branched out and opened outlets throughout Japan and the Asian market. Hong Kong lapped it up and now it has finally arrived on our sunny shores, creating massive waves of hype.

In natural Singapore style, as soon as the stall opened, the hype was deafening and the queues began. I went to experience for myself the insane queue and to see whether it was worth the hype.

image1 copy

image2 copy

I thought I could hack the system by going there early but a queue was already forming bright and early at 10am on a Monday morning before most of the shops in ION orchard are even open. When asked, the people at the front have been queueing since 9am. Due to overwhelming response, the ION security has installed crowd control queue markers, designating two lanes in front of Watsons just for BAKE customers. Before joining the queue, a sign looms at the entrance warning you that there is no guarantee that you will be able to get your hands on the tarts because only a finite amount is made each day.

The whole thing was pretty intense.

The cordoned lines gained the stares of curious passers who later joined the queue due to sheer curiosity and the typical Singaporean kiasu mind set. Thus, the line continues to grow. Some join the queue not realizing what they were even queueing for. Most who walk by will whip out their phones to take photos of this phenomenon, so prepare to feel like a zoo animal.

Desperation is real with people at the back of the queue asking the ones in the front if they can spare them a box due to the limitations of only two boxes of tarts per person. This rule was made to ensure that one crazy buyer does not deplete the entire day’s stock. Those thinking of mass purchasing these tarts have to resort to these measures to get their hands on a third box, if they are unwilling to join the enormous queue again. Which is all fair in my book! If you want to get your hands on these tarts, you’d have to queue like everyone else.

It’s part of the experience, really.

image7 copy

Once at the front of the queue, I had to wait until the ‘Bake Bouncers’ get a signal via walkie-talkie allowing me to move forward to the actual store. Before he lets me go, he handed me a card that said “Confirmed: 12 pieces per one person. Please keep this ticket with you.” Another ‘Bake Bouncer’ was waiting to greet me at the store front, and only customers with tickets can proceed into the shop. This is some serious VIP shit.

I couldn’t help but feel triumphant when I finally entered the store. It’s like a marathoner finally seeing the finish line. I wanted to pump my fist and high-five everyone.

These ‘Bake Bouncers’ don’t have the easiest job, facing the zombified, tart-hungry crowd. They told me they had encountered some pretty nasty customers. In fact, the one behind me was pretty damn mean. It’s like the Walking Dead or something. We should realise that patience is not just for those queueing. These kids have it rough too.

So, was it worth the wait?

The only thing that kept me going is the wafts of cheesy, buttery goodness that go as far as the end of the queue, goading people to keep going. The tarts have a crispy sweet pastry bottom and a light fluffy cream cheese filling. The ooze was not as prominent as I thought it was going to be, which was a bit disappointing. The flavours are very rich despite its light texture but the pungent, cheesy after taste kept me from going for seconds. I don’t think I could finish an entire box, so 12 tarts per person is actually reasonable.

It tasted pretty damn amazing. But I think partly because it tasted like PURE GLORY to me, after suffering through that ordeal. I gave some to my friends at work and they told me it was good, but pretty average.

Overall, it was definitely a delicious tart. However, it’s safe to say, I will not be queueing an hour and half for it again.

Maybe I’ll drop by again, next year.

Slayin’ the 90s like Buffy

Posted on May 3, 2016 by Hanan.

The 90s trend has been going strong since last year and the popularity of brown lipsticks, thanks to Kylie Jenner. I have been using brown lipsticks for ages, because I can never let the 90s go. Clinging on to youth for dear life. Personally, I thought that the trend would die. But it is now at its climax with not just 90s makeup trends making a comeback, but also 90s style clothing and fashion.

I’m all for that. I know that trends come and go but this one is one that refuses to go away. As with everyone else, I love the 90s makeup look. There are several that were popular within the decade. From super model bombshell looks like Cindy Crawford to grungy, undone looks by Winona Ryder, there are many routes you can take with this trend. Personally, I prefer the grungy look; A monochromatic brown smokey eye withbrown lips. Trust me, it looks a lot better than it sounds.

Let me walk you through it!

All the products I feature here are super affordable. Even though the trend is going strong in Sephora, you don’t have to break the bank to jump on this one.

thumb_DSC00962_1024 copy

Step 1 : Let’s start with the base. Matte skin is what it’s all about. The modern take on the 90s look incorporates extremely luminous skin. But I want to pay homage to the original. To prevent yourself from looking overdone or cakey, pair your favourite matte foundation with a moisturising primer. The L’oreal 24hr Infallible foundation (£8) is great for a high coverage, flawless finish. Underneath, I’ve used the Nivea Men After Shave Balm (S$9.95) in the ‘sensitive‘ version. Made famous by YouTube as the perfect drugstore primer thanks to glycerin as a main ingredient, which helps foundation stick to it and last all day.

Step 2 : Conceal any imperfections you want to conceal and prime the lids. I don’t focus too much on have an absolutely perfect canvas. I used the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind concealer (S$18.90) in ‘Light‘. I don’t bother concealing my dark circles too much or my pigmentation because this makeup embraces imperfection.

Step 3 : Do your brows as per usual! Brows in the 90s are either big and unkempt or thin and over plucked. I suggest defining your natural brow slightly and combing it through with a brow gel to great bushiness and that textured appearance. I used the Missha Perfect Brow Styler (S$8.90) in ‘Dark Brown’ and Milani Brow Gel (S$10).

Step 4 : Let’s start with the colour! Red eyeshadow would be ideal, but it’s perfectly fine if you don’t have any. I’ve opted for a blush instead. This bright red blush is the CATRICE Defining Blush (S$6.90) in ‘I’m a Survivor‘ from a limited edition collection. But any bright red blush will do. Pack it on the mobile lid and all the way to the crease. Start with a light hand and build the colour slowly. Bring the colour with the same brush underneath the waterline, messily.

thumb_DSC00990_1024 copy define thumb_DSC01004_1024 copy line

Step 5 : Grab a rusty brown shade. I chose a satin reddish brown colour from Moonshot in ‘Russet‘ (S$16) and a fluffy crease brush. Blend the edges of the red with the brown into the crease, putting the most product on the outer V of the eye. Blend the same colour under the eye with the same brush. Don’t be afraid to bring the colour lower than you are used to. If you are starting to look like a red-eyed panda, you are doing it right!

Step 6 : Line your upper lash line with a dark brown or a purplish kohl liner. Here, I used the KIKO eyeliner (£5.90) in ‘Dark Tide‘. Before it sets, use a pencil brush and dip it in a deep burgundy eyeshadow. This is from the Wet n Wild ‘Comfort Zone‘ eye palette in ‘Definer‘. Smudge the line out with this colour and go on the waterline as well to smoke it out. The darker the better!

thumb_DSC01019_1024 copy

Step 7 : Mascara. LOAD IT UP!! Go crazy. Top and bottom lashes. Use a jet black formula that is very volumizing like this Sephora Lash Plumper (S$22) in ‘Ultra Black‘.

Step 8 : Finish up the face by adding definition with bronzer and colour with blush. I used the CATRICE Sun Glow Matt Bronzer (S$6.90) in ‘Deep Bronze‘ at the hollows of my cheeks to enhance the bonze structure. This, I feel is crucial to the look as it really adds dimension. Then I topped the cheeks off with KIKO Soft Touch Blush (US$3.90) in ‘Mauve‘, a perfect muted colour that matches the eyes perfectly. Make sure to do a light dusting as cheek products were not a big focus in 90s makeup. You can even skip this step, if you’re in a pinch.

thumb_DSC01048_1024 copy

thumb_DSC01046_1024

Step 9 : Last but certainly not least, complete the look with the perfect brown lipstick. Pick a shade that goes well with your skin colour. I picked shades that have reddish undertones within the brown so that it keeps my face from being washed out. For a creamier formula that is moisturising and perfect for everyday, I have Maybelline Color Sensational lipstick (S$21.90) in ‘Crazy for Coffee‘. For that super 90s feel, opt for a matte formula with the NYX Liquid Suede Lip Cream (S$15) in ‘Soft-spoken‘. A stunning mauve shade that is slightly cool toned, but incredibly flattering. This is supposedly the cheaper dupe of Kat Von D’s ‘Lolita‘.

Throw on a choker and BOOM! It’s as if you time travelled.

Screen Shot 2016-03-15 at 12.09.01 am

thumb_DSC01049_1024

thumb_DSC01059_1024

thumb_DSC01072_1024

I’ve been using this look on almost a daily basis, even with regular clothing, that might not be in the 90s style. The grunge look is very versatile, bold and feminine at the time. It’s incredibly easy to execute too.

Try it for yourself and let me know how it turned out for you. Hop on the bandwagon, y’all!

K-Haul

Posted on April 25, 2016 by Hanan.

Korean beauty has been increasing in popularity for the past few years. 2016 seems to be the year that Korean beauty trends are transcending Asian regions and infiltrating the Western. Beyond the BB and CC creams, there are cushion compacts in every shape and form. Also, Western consumers can find Asian beauty products more readily available at Sephora stores and online Asian beat sites.

In Singapore, we are lucky enough to have a good mix of East and West beauty products to choose from. Personally, I am equally influenced by both. While I favour the Western style of make-up with bronzing, contouring, highlighting and the works, I tend to lean on Asian and European products for skincare.

Recently though, I have grown more interested in Korean skincare due to the hype it is having in the West. It’s easier for me to see reviews of products on different skin tones and types that are not just Asian. Also, more sites are translated to English so I can read the ingredients and directions more thoroughly. I was going through a major K-pop phase when I was younger and was obsessed with anything Korean. But I remembered coming out of it with pretty bad skin as I had adverse reactions to their skincare products. I found them too rich and highly fragranced with ingredients that aggravated my teen acne.

Safe to say I was semi traumatised by that experience and swore of Korean beauty products for years.

Now, I am slowly dipping my toes in it again. This time with a life vest and float. And by that I mean, proper knowledge of ingredients and how they work with my skin and a plethora of websites in English telling me whats inside each product with suggestions on how to best use them.

Isn’t the Internet great?

So, recently, at Duty Free, I picked up a couple of goodies that I thought I’d share with you.

thumb_DSC00823_1024 copy

1. Belif First Aid Aqua Rush Mask

Belif is a Korean brand that has an amazing philosophy. It’s packing reminds me slightly of Kiehl’s in a sense that it’s simple and almost medical in style. Belif claims to leave out nasties like mineral oil, synthetic dyes and fragrances in their formulations. Making it great for sensitive skins. It’s pretty pricey but I was shocked at how much cheaper it is at Duty Free Singapore. Almost half the price! It wasn’t even on sale or anything!

I have been interested in their “Aqua” range because I have dehydrated, combination skin. With all the travelling I did and using Retinol has created some dry eczema patches on my face, while my T-zone remained oily and acne-prone. Hence I needed something intensely hydrating yet non-poreclogging. I was initially interested in the Aqua Bomb moisturiser that everyone is raving about. But I hesitated as Alcohol Denat is quite high up in the ingredients list. So I opted for this mask instead and decided to use it as an overnight mask, even though it is meant to be removed after 20 mins.

It’s amazing for my dehydrated skin. It has a rich gel texture that feels great. It sinks in but still leaves a dewy film. I wake up to super plump looking skin.

2. Chosungah 22 Dong Gong Minn Brow Maker

I’ve been intrigued by this brand ever since I saw my favourite YouTubers haul it. It was on the Sephora US website for a while before the brand finally made its way here to Singapore. Exclusive to SASA, this is a makeup brand that is created by famous Korean makeup artist, Cho Sungah. I mainly am attracted to its distinct and quirky packaging. This one in particular is so fun!

It looks like a highlighter but it’s actually a tinted brow gel. The premise is to make the makeup look like inconspicuous items that one can bring to work or school easily. It’s a little pricey for a tinted brow gel, I’ll admit. Also, it has a strange spoolie, which claims to help you both fill in your brows and set them in place. More on this product soon!

3. Missha Time Revolution Clear Toner

This one, on the hand, is so affordable. Missha is famous for their Time Revolution range that contains the same fermented ingredients that is found in the super expensive SKII line. I bought this toner, thinking that it can somehow perform like the SKII Clear Lotion did on me. I’m genuinely shocked that the active ingredients are so high up the list and it doesn’t contain any nasty ingredients nor parabens. It’s amazing that it is so affordable with such quality ingredients in it.

I’ve been using this for a while now and I’m happy to report that my first impression is that it’s very comparable, if not more effective that the SKII counterpart. This toner has more AHAs and BHAs in it than the SKII Clear Lotion. Hence, it provides a stronger, but still gentle, exfoliation. Perfect for my easily congested skin. Will update you guys on the progress but so far I’m very happy.

4. Banila Co. Clean It Zero Purity

I have been eyeing this product for MONTHS. This is a cult Korean product that people swear by. It’s basically a cleansing balm that removes makeup quickly and effectively, without leaving any residue on the skin. It comes in various versions for different skin types and concerns, but the most popular will be the classic Clean It Zero that comes in a pink tub. I decided to go for the “Purity” version, which is made for sensitive skin as I do suffer from skin sensitivity. More so though, I opted against the original version as its primary ingredient is mineral oil, a cheap filler oil that doesn’t warrant the price tag and may potentially irritate the skin.

I haven’t tried this one yet as I am still using up my Japanese cleansing oil. However, I’m certainly looking forward to it.

5. It’s Skin Power 10 Formula GF Effector

Look at this amazing packaging! I almost mistook it for a very premium Skin Inc product. I was flabbergasted at how affordable the It’s Skin products are. This serum is part of their Power 10 serum range that has a serum for any concern you have. The one I chose was the hydrating serum as my skin, at that time, was super dry from the airplane air. You would think that at a price like this, the ingredients would be pretty rubbish. But ingredient deck is surprisingly impressive.

I’ve been using it for a while now every morning and I’m quite happy with it. It glides on the skin silkily and sinks in quickly, yet still leaving my face feeling super hydrated. It has knocked my previous morning serum out of my routine, which was the Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Serum.

Screen Shot 2016-04-25 at 10.40.51 pm

I also received the Missha Tinted Gel Gloss in a coral colour. I got this for free when I purchased the Missha toner. It was so unexpected because the item was so affordable and yet they still gave me a free gift. Love Missha as a brand!

So that’s it for now! I’ll definitely do an update once I’ve properly tested these products out.

March Favourites

Posted on April 9, 2016 by Hanan.

March came and went in a breeze. I almost didn’t realise that April had begun. It snuck in so quickly. Of course, I’m bringing a monthly round up of a few favourite things. I did some travelling in March so, I really got a good sense of what I consider an essential as I had to edit down the amount of stuff I packed. I’m far from a minimal packer, but I definitely strive to be. Don’t we all!

thumb_DSC00787_1024 copy

thumb_DSC00782_1024 copy

1. Kindle (SGD$ 250)

This is an absolute ESSENTIAL for me when I was travelling in Jakarta. I never went anywhere without it. With the crazy traffic in Jakarta, I spent long hours in the car trying to get from point A to point B. Though snoozing the whole way through is an option, I’m eternally grateful for my kindle because I managed to finish two books whilst I was there. Since I have the Paperwhite version, it has a lit screen, making it easy for me to read in the car even at night. It’s so light and compact, I can’t believe how I have lived without this.

2. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask (SGD$ 27)

Besides it’s adorable frosted pink packaging that just looks so pretty on my vanity, this lip mask is a saviour for my dry, chapped lips. I wear lots of matte lipsticks during the day. Furthermore, the dry Jakarta air and airplane ventilation has ravaged my lips. Turning them into cracked desert ground. This lip mask is designed to be slapped on before bed, and you wake up with moisturised lips.

Firstly, I love the glossy, thick texture. This might not be everyone’s cup of tea as some don’t like the slippery consistency. I love it! It’s emollient, coating my lips with berry scented goodness. It isn’t the MOST hydrating thing I’ve tried, but it’s a pleasure to put on every night and it makes my lips very plump.

3. Hada Labo Air Aqua UV Day Emulsion, SPF50/PA+++ (SGD$ 19.90)

This is my holy grail sunscreen, hands down. Super accessible at Watsons or Guardian. It’s a light, runny moisturiser with a high broad spectrum SPF and it protects me from the tropical Singapore sun. I had initially regretted this particular purchase as I had accidentally bought the “dry skin” formula, instead of the one for oily skin. But I find that I am using this everyday as an all-in-one type product due to its extra moisturising properties. It truly acts as a moisturiser, sunscreen and primer in one. Helps me get ready quicker in the morning, cutting down all the product layering I previously had to do. It leaves my skin soft and velvety, also makes my pores look less apparent.

4. Real Techniques Setting Brush (SGD$ 18)

A brush sold by itself (thank god) in the signature Pixiwoo Pink. This can be found in our local drugstores at a reasonable price. While this brush is made for precise setting of areas of the face with powder, it is incredible at multitasking. Thanks to its small size, yet fluffy bristles, it is perfect to buff out concealer under the eyes and all over the face for a flawless, airbrushed complexion. The Setting Brush is also great for placing and blending highlight on the cheekbones, for a diffused luminosity. Perfection!! I definitely need more than one.

5. Anastasia Brow Wiz in Dark Brown (USD$ 21)

I’m back together with my OG brow pencil that I was once upon a time crazy about. This is still nowhere to be found in Singapore. I had to buy it off Beauty Bay and pray that it arrived to my house safely. Nowadays, I would recommend purchasing it from Beautylish. The hype for this micro brow pencil has finally died down and that was when I decided to pick it up again. I wanted to go through all the back ups I bought, due to the hype and I fell back in love with it. For people with sparse brows like me, this gives you the most natural looking full brows you can ever get. More so than the pomade, the definer and the brow powders, this brow wiz is the perfect consistency to imitate the look of hairs.

Special mention to Zayn’s new album “Mind of Mine” has been on repeat all through March. To be honest, I had no real expectations, despite loving his single “Pillowtalk”. I was actually blown away by the Robin Thick-ese style with some solid R&B tunes. I also loved the Bollywood/Urdu influences that’s sprinkled in the album. Honestly, my jaw dropped when I heard him sing “Intermission:Flower”. So. Bloody. Good.

However, my favourite song in the whole album is hands down “Borderz”.

And that’s about it for last month. We are already full swing into April. Content on the site is likely to change in terms of its upload schedule as my job is starting to get a little hectic. But I will definitely be posting weekly, as per usual. Look for them especially on the weekend.

Ahoy, April! Let’s go!

Lights. Camera. Instagram.

Posted on March 21, 2016 by Hanan.

The simple days are gone where you can just take a grainy selfie with horrible lighting and post it on your MySpace or Facebook page. It’s all about aesthetic now. And even the average Instagram user will have a feed filled with good quality photos. It’s the digital generation and it’s all about the life that we portray online. People go cafe-hopping in search of the most “instagram” worthy or “Tumblr-like” interiors. Singaporeans are obsessed with finding new, cool places to Instagram. Which, despite its superficial intentions, is actually a great way to get Singaporeans to explore our island bit more.

As a homebody, I tend to get really lazy to leave the house. I usually prefer staying home, with a snack and Netflix. However, the photos that popped up on my Instagram explore page as well as the people I followed sparked an interest in me. I am, of course, referring to the i Light Marina Bay Light Art Festival that has been ongoing in Marina Bay Sands for about a month now.

thumb_DSC00546_1024

The whole festival is about merging art and environmental science. The already spectacular Marina Bay Sands is now even more brightly lit with Art Installations all around the area, including the Float. There are several “stations” where people can look and even interact with the Light Installations. My curiosity finally got the better of me and I made the trip there to check out the scene.

The place is buzzing! On top of the actual Light Art Festival, there is also a carnival set up with very nostalgic childhood rides, such as carousels, slides and fair booths. There was also live music playing from “Pasarbella Goes to Town“, which is an outdoor food festival event with various stalls selling beer, snacks and unique international dishes. The stalls were littered in a circle around a low stage where a live band was playing some acoustic versions of popular “Top 40” songs. The atmosphere is really lovely and it almost felt like I was transported elsewhere. But the looming city skyline confirms that we were in fact, still in Singapore.

thumb_DSC00500_1024 copy thumb_DSC00498_1024

Back to the actual festival itself, the light installations each have a different story and there are guided tours you can go on. Otherwise, you can just read the placards beside each station that explain the artist and what each station is about.

The carnival separate from the installations and do offer rides like bumper cars and such. However, they were pretty overpriced. It’s good enough to just walk around and enjoy the “funfair” environment. And of course, take lots of pictures!

thumb_DSC00519_1024

thumb_DSC00535_1024

thumb_DSC00527_1024 copy

The whole festival is a major gathering of snap-happy people. And I can definitely see why! The lights are stunning, especially against the city skyline. Furthermore, they are colourful and quite magical, something definitely out of the ordinary for Singapore. Even if you weren’t there to take cool photos to post on your Instagram feed, I feel that the festival itself is a great experience to be shared with friends and family. It’s a good place for a date too! There are bubbles floating everywhere from one of the stations, which instantly brings out the inner child in everyone. Musical motion sensors that make musical notes with each movement. Lights, food and the hustle and bustle of people.

thumb_DSC00511_1024

The festival is free admission for all, another amazing perk.

Mind you, these photos were taken by a regular point and shoot, by me (aka an absolute NOOB at photography). Hence, it really doesn’t take much to take an amazing photo and create great memories. I also learnt quite bit about the environment and sustainable energy.

thumb_DSC00594_1024

thumb_DSC00591_1024

Perhaps a very belated post, but this is to urge all you lazy-bums like me to check out the iLight Marina Bay Light Art Festival that will be ending on 27th March.

It’s truly worth it. Not just for the potentially amazing photos you can take or the amount of “likes” you might get in your Instagram post, but more so to enjoy the actual art installations. Their clever use of light to create lovely images, reliving your youth, enjoying the outdoors and having a moment with your loved ones. It’s nice to have a different type of activity to enjoy, besides shopping around in Singapore.

Truly worth the effort! Lazy Person Approved!