Unruly Hair in the Tropics? Products that help you work WITH it instead of against it!

After an seemingly everlasting rain season, the weather is finally getting better in Singapore -meaning less time indoors and more time outdoors! I've been living and looking like a hermit during the heavy downpours, so it's time to dig up tweezers and a brush and face the mirror again. Not minding my hair for weeks as I barely went out anyway, not even for groceries, made me more or less forget about the eternal unruly mess on top of my head - the enemy that every Caucasian female in the tropics seems battle daily. What to do again? Work with it, not against it, is my hair-mantra in Singapore. Crucial products: Redken's Windblown 05 Dry Finishing Spray and OUAI's Wave Spray.

When I set foot in Singapore more than 2,5 years ago, I was immediately introduced with one of the less spectacular sides of living in the tropics: the fact that your hair will start a life of its own. One day it's super curly and the next day completely flat and lifeless, something that completely drove me to despair. I know - 1st World problems, but still. Luckily, the past 2,5 years I learned to work WITH my hair in hot and humid tropic conditions instead of AGAINST it. Meaning that I quit trying to tame my tresses and save myself from all the frustration of forcing sleek 'do's that won't last a minute in the climate around the equator.

Just forget the left hairdo in the tropics and go for an effortlessly chic mess instead!

My solution is to embrace the mess and work with it: go for effortlessly chic, undone hair. There are two products that I particularly love to create these kind of hairdo's - the fact that it LOOKS effortless doesn't mean it IS effortless - which are Redken's Windblown 05 Dry Finishing Spray and OUAI's Wave Spray.

REDKEN - Wind Blown 05 Dry Finishing Spray

This volumizing & texturizing dry finishing hairspray helps to hold an airy, windswept texture. The '05' indicates Mild Control, meaning that this hairspray is perfect for giving hair just the right amount of texture; it creates a weightless volume and flexible fullness and gives the hair a soft-matte finish. I love that it neither gets hard and crunchy, nor greasy and limp. The scent is great, reminds me of tropical flowers with a subtle whiff of coconut, mixed with an expensive perfume.

Some inspiration; the more mess and volume you want, the more teasing you will need. If desired, fixate with bobby pins and a whiff of Elnette.

HOW TO USE: Shake well and mist on dry, styled hair (loose, half or full updo) to simply hold an airy, windswept effect. Mist the spray from a distance of 8 to 10 inches (20-25 cm). I personally like to use it at my roots as well, hence on hair that is still in the process of styling. For va-va-voom volume, tease some 'lower' layers (i.e. not the ones that are visible) at the roots and mist the finishing spray right where you teased. Repeat this with a few layers and comb the 'top' layers of your hair through the teased layers with your fingers. Works well with (half) updo's (use bobby pins and/or a whiff of Elnette); if you let your teased hair loose without any further styling, you'll end up looking like Tina Turner in the 80ies.

Redken Wind Blown 05 Dry Finishing Spray, 235ml 
Price: around 30 SGD
Available? Sparsely in Singapore. After a long search, I found Redken Singapore's website through their Facebook page, which isn't more than a salon locator for the little Red Dot, but alas. Unfortunately they don't answer the phone nor respond to FB messages. Luckily you can order overseas through Lookfantastic (free shipping to Singapore above 150 SGD) or stock up when visiting Europe, the US or Australia - I usually bring back at least 5 pieces when visiting Europe...ah the fear of running out...

OUAI - Wave Spray

OUAI, whose Dry Shampoo I absolutely adore (read my review here), offers a weightless texture mist for effortlessly chic, undone hair. It is infused with rice protein to add hold and memory for that "just got out of the ocean and my hair dried perfectly" look. It's free of parabens, not tested on animals (yay) and has the same divine scent as the brand's other hair care products.

Some inspiration; always a good option for the tropics in a side braid; less hot than loose hair sticking in your neck, fool-proof and with the use of some bobby pins (secure some loose strands of hair) it stays in place a seriously long time.

HOW TO USE: Shake it up. Mist damp or dry hair from a distance of 8 to 10 inches (20-25 cm) for easy, undone texture and enhanced natural waves. Leave it that way or style it further into a (half) updo; for the latter I always use bobby pins and finish with some Elnette hairspray for some extra fixation. Works well for a messy bun as well, which is often my preference in hot hot Singapore.

OUAI Wave Spray, 150ml
Price: 39 SGD (also available as Deluxe Travel Size 50ml for 18 SGD)
Available at Sephora

Little Piggy went to the market...and got these Chinese New Year 2019 Beauty Must-Haves for Good Luck & Fortune

Let the countdown begin, it's almost Chinese New Year! More specifically, the Year of the Pig. With pigs being the symbol of wealth and signs of fortune in Chinese culture, 2019 is going to be a super auspicious year for everyone. Hence, looking our very best, as well as paying a tribute to our pink piggy friends, is the least we can do to welcome all the fortune ahead of us...

If you live in Asia, you can't have missed the fact that it's almost Chinese New Year (CNY). And that there are pigs everywhere (shop windows, decoration, advertisements, etc), as 2019 will be the Year of the Pig. And that everything is suddenly labelled prosperous. Like MacDonalds Singapore's prosperous CNY menu, that amusingly lacks any pig, in both their ads and food, and consists of beef and chicken Prosperity Burgers® instead.

From burgers to beauty, everything is duly prosperous around CNY. Campaigns by McDonalds and Sephora Singapore (above)... 

...and red: MAC "LUCKY RED" CNY Collection 2019 in Ngee Ann City...

...and full of pigs: Benefit PIG PIG HOORAY Gift Sets at Sephora

In Chinese culture, pigs are the symbol of wealth and signs of fortune. It's therefore not a surprise that, according to Chinese astrology, 2019 will be a great year to make money and a good year to invest. MacD suddenly makes sense: don't eat the pig, foster the pig. We're not there yet; 2019 is going to be full of joy too. Yay. "A year of friendship and love for all the zodiac signs; an auspicious year because the Pig supposedly attracts success in all the spheres of life". Awesome.

To get ready for the Year of the Pig in style and full of luck,  I've selected three pigalicious beauty products. Gong xi fa cai, piggies!

BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector™ Pressed Highlighter - Year of the Pig (Limited Edition)

Create a lucky glow (or just look a lot fresher) with this soft, peachy pink shade Lunar New Year highlighter by BECCA.



Whereas Beauty Vloggers nowadays don't seem to do much more than contouring, highlighting and strobing all day, for us mortals, this trend might seem a bridge too far. Luckily we have BECCA, the hot Ozzie brand that changed the game of highlighting with fool-proof, featherweight formulas that melt into the skin, for an instantly skin-smoothing effect and sophisticated, pearlescent finish. 

This video illustrates the use and effect of BECCA's highlighters quite well

Easy does it: take a brush and apply the powder to (1) the tops of the cheekbones and (2) center of the chin. This already gives you a healthy, radiant glow, which in turn makes you look fresher and younger. Really. Want to take it up a notch? Apply to (3) the bridge of nose and (4) above and underneath the brow bone. Do experiment what works best for you. In the video above for example, you can see the highlighter being applied just above the lips as well for a plump effect. Personally, I like to apply a tiny little bit of powder on my forehead and on the tip of my nose as well, instead of on the bridge, because my nose bridge is quite high which I don't want to further accentuate.

Shimmering Skin Perfector™ Pressed Highlighter - Year of the Pig (Limited Edition)
Price: 58 SGD
Available at Sephora

ETUDE HOUSE Piggy Blusher Brush

What better brush to use for BECCA's Lunar New Year Highlighter than this Piggy Blusher Brush by Etude House?!

In celebration of the Year of the Pig, Etude House launched a sugar sweet collaboration with Disney: the “Happy with Piglet Collection”. 

Besides the blush brush, the collection features (from left to right) a.o. Jelly Mousse Blushes in lively pinks and oranges, Liquid Lips Air Mousse tints and a Soft Cream Puff.

Etude House Piggy Blusher Brush (1901)
Price: 12,90 SGD
Available at Etude House

PIGGY PAINT Nail Polish in "Forever Fancy"

Piggy Paint: As natural as mud

Now this is a cool brand. Piggy Paint is as natural as mud and a great alternative to solvent-based nail polishes. The brand's nail polishes are a.o. non-toxic, free of harsh chemicals, cruelty-free + vegan (foster pigs, do not eat or hurt them, remember?) and safe for your mini-me. It does not damage nails and is easier to remove (than solvent-based nail polish) when needed. What more could we wish for?

For CNY, go for one of the pinks, like the best-selling, above featured "Forever Fancy", or opt for "Sweet Pea", a soft and sheer sparkly pink that is the perfect color for the smallest of piggies!

Piggy Paint Nail Polish, Forever Fancy
Price: 10,97 SGD
Available through iHerb. Ships to Singapore within 3-5 business days.

Blending in with the locals: Don't wash your clothes or yourself & other Chinese New Year customs

Unless you're invited by local friends, you probably won't feast on a Reunion Dinner tonight to celebrate tomorrow's arrival of the Year of the Rooster. But, "When in Rome.." as they say, it never hurts to be educated on local customs. Or at least understand why your neighbour has been wearing red lipstick for days or hasn't bathed since the New Year started. For a prosperous New Year, read (and follow if you dare) these personal care & beauty customs for Chinese New Year - Gong Xi Fa Chai!

1. Wear red clothes to scare away bad fortune - lipstick will also do!

Red is THE color for Chinese New Year and is worn generously throughout the celebrations. It is believed that red scares away evil spirits and bad fortune and is considered an auspicious color that represents happiness and prosperity. If you're more of a black clothing type (like me), some red lipstick will also do.

BEST PICK: Stay in style and opt for a matte red lipstick, like YSL's Rouge Pure Couture Mat "Rouge Rock" n° 203 (51 SGD - available at a.o. Tangs & Takashimaya)

2. No bath or laundry on the first day of the Chinese New Year!

It is believed that the whole of the next year will be much more prosperous if you make a good start. Although cleaning your house before Chinese New Year is a well-known tradition in South East Asian countries with large Chinese communities, the opposite is true once the new year has commenced and does not only apply to your house but also concerns your personal hygiene. Yes, you read this correctly: no cleaning on the first day, including yourself and your clothes, as cleaning is considered to wash away all the year’s good luck. I'm not sure how local people deal with this, especially given the fact that they visit lost of friends and family during this first day. My guess: loads of perfume.

BEST PICK: Estée Lauder's "Modern Muse Le Rouge Gloss" Eau de Parfum comes in a red flacon, for some extra prosperity. This fruity and sensual fragrance with notes of a.o. Black Cherry, Mandarin, Pink pepper, Jasmin, Vanilla and Patchouli lingers a long time on your skin, so nobody will notice you haven't showered (132 SGD for 50ml - available at a.o. Tangs, Takashimaya & Sephora)

3. Save your Fa: no haircut on the first day of the Chinese New Year!

This won't be too hard as pretty much all stores and salons are closed on the first day of the New Year (at least in Singapore), but in case you cut your own hair or have a hairstylist as a friend that is dying to give you a make-over, think twice. In Chinese, hair is pronounced as “Fa”, which also means prosperity. So if you chop off your strands, you also chop off your Fa, which is particularly believed to symbolise losing money. So just don't. See it as good opportunity to experiment with a new hairdo without a cut!

BEST PICK: Lucido-L's small 20g pots with Non-Sticky Volume Airy Wax, Juicy Moist Wax and Arrange Up Wax are only 4,80 SGD (available at a.o. Guardians & Watsons) - a sweet size and price to experiment with!

New Skincare Brand in Town: Onsen Japonica's Fusion of Science, Tradition and Nature

An onsen, a Japanese natural hotspring, is as illustrative for Japanese culture as sumo, sushi and geisha are. The Japanese have been bathing in onsen for centuries because of the healing powers derived from its mineral conent. Besides several health benefits, the bathing ritual is also believed to be beneficial for our skin by soothing and rejuvenating the skin, promoting a youthful complexion. The good news is that you don't have to book a costly trip to Japan, as the amazing new skincare brand Onsen Japonica brings the beauty benefits of onsen water straight to your bathroom.

Back in 2004, when I was 19, I participated in a youth exchange program and lived with a host family in Nagoya for several weeks. During a weekend trip to the mountains I had my first experience bathing in an onsen and it was by far the best experience I ever had in a hot spring or thermal bath or spa of any sort. 

With my host family in Nagoya, Japan 2004

Apart from the relaxing effect of the warm spring water, the entire atmosphere is incredibly serene and wholesome. Onsen bathing facilities are typically nestled deep within beautiful and unspoilt nature and feature both indoor and outdoor bath tubs, most often made from Japanese cypress, marble or granite. The onsens I visited had large windows, overlooking lakes, rocks and pine trees. Time seemed to pass in a different pace which make it a great place for unwinding. When bathing and floating around in the soft and warm water, the only sounds you hear are those of streaming water and some soft chatter in the background from other visitors – traditionally, men and women bathed together at the onsen but gender separation has been enforced since the opening of Japan to the West. I would love to go back some day to immerse myself in the tranquil atmosphere and treat my skin to the hydrating and restorative benefits of the mineral rich water.

When I learned that a new skincare brand was to be launched in Singapore end of 2019, I was thrilled to find out that the key feature of the range is Japanese ONSEN water! The brand, called Onsen Japonica, has succeeded to create a unique formula to bring the powerful benefits of authentic Japanese onsen water to modern skincare, in what they call ‘a fusion of science, tradition, and nature’. The range consists of the following products:

• Deep Hydrating Cleanser
• Daily Intensive Moisturizing Gel
• Deep Hydrating Night Serum.

All three products contain ‘Pure, Certified Onsen Water', sourced from the only onsen spring approved by the Japanese government for use in cosmetics. It is taken directly from its natural source, 300 metres below the ground and is not a chemically altered or manufactured water claiming the benefits of a traditional Japanese Onsen. The onsen water is sourced in the Toyama Prefecture, contains many minerals and salts, such as metasilicic acid and delivers deep moisture absorption. In addition, the products contain:

• Sacran: A precious natural moisturizing and anti-aging ingredient with extremely high water retention capability, extracted from Suizenji Nori, a fresh water algae found in parts of Kyushu Japan.
• Kucya: A deeply cleansing and detoxifying type of mud that is only found in Japan’s most southern island Okinawa. It’s over tens of thousands years old and consists of fine clay particles extracted from the sea bed, rich in minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Reduces the appearance of visible pores and blemishes.
• Fermented Rice Lees: Boosts skin brightness and aids in the treatment of spot discoloration and freckles. The benefits of fermentation in foods have long been known and are trending among foodies; its introduction to the cosmetics world is relatively new

What I first of all love about the range is that with three products you have covered your entire skincare routine, both day and night. No 8-step programs with toners, lotions, day and night emulsions etc. but three products that combined give your skin all it could wish for in terms of hydration, nutrition, soothing, rejuvenating, cleansing and toning. I really like this ‘less is more’, pure and minimalist approach – very Japanese. 

The same kind of zen can be found in the look of the products, that are modest and discreetly chic. This isn’t a marketing technique, but really reflects the pureness and honesty of the brand: the products contain authentic, naturally sourced, Japanese ingredients, no artificial colours, no artificial fragrance and are not tested on animals. LIKE.

PRODUCT REVIEW: DEEP HYDRATING CLEANSER

I tried and tested the Deep Hydrating Cleanser. I'm in desperate need of a good new cleanser, as the one I've been using for years doesn't seem to do the trick anymore now that my skin is tortured on a daily base by the aircon, heat, humity and sweat that come for free with living in tropical Singapore. It seems like my skin isn't as thouroughly cleansed as it should be, judging by the sudden increase in outbreaks I experience. I think I haven't had a blemish since I was in High School - until now. 

The product description says the following:

"A unique, powerful blend of true onsen water and Japanese botanicals. Onsen Japonica Deep Hydrating Cleanser leaves your face feeling clean, fresh and deeply nourished. Pure, certified, mineral-rich ONSEN WATER renews skin with intense moisture absorption properties while Okinawa Island’s prized KUCYA MUD deeply cleanses and reduces the appearance of visible pores and blemishes."

I must say I'm somewhat relieved that the Cleanser doesn't contain fermented rice lees, which is the case for the Moisturizing Gel and Hydrating Serum. This ingredient is a natural source of arbutin, which is great when you desire a radiant, slightly lightened skin. I'm however a big fan of my natural tan (N.B. I tan only mildly, and -as far as possible- safe with lots of SPFs!) and like to preserve my tan as long as possible to avoid too much exposure to sun. 

The texture of the cleanser is amazing: it's a light brown/grey moussy clay that is sooo soft that I don't want to rinse the product off but want to keep massaging it onto my face again and again instead. Apart from the texture, my favourite feature of this cleanser is the fact that is actually very easy to rinse off (once you're done feeling how soft it is over and over :)). The product 'flows' off my face in an easy and natural way with just a splash of water; with other cleansers I often experience that I really have to rinse off the product thoroughly as it sticks to my face and leaves some residu, Rinsing off this Cleanser however feels very easy and natural, a very gentle, effortless gesture, with a very clean and very fresh result. 

My skin immediately feels softer and after using the product for a week or so my skin really seems to calm down. I haven't had any blemishes for a while, and my skin looks well balanced. When I exercise (2-3 times a week) I wash my face three times a day (morning, after exercise, evening), as opposed to two times back home in Europe (morning and evening), With my previous cleanser, every now and then my skin would feel a bit tight and 'stripped' from hydration when it had to endure 3 cleansing sessions in one day. With Onsen Japonica's cleanser I don't experience this feeling anymore, and my skin looks and feels clean and healthy every time. Would I buy this product again? YES!

Onsen Japonica, Deep Hydrating Cleanser, 100 g.

Price: 77 SGD

Available at Onsen Japonica Webshop; delivery in Singapore is free.

My Favourite Beauty Stores

It's already halfway January, but...new year, new you! Now, where to buy what beauty products? People often ask me where I buy my products. This seems like an easy question, but there's more to it, mainly depending on what you look for - both product and retail experience wise. 

There's hardly anything that I love more than beauty shopping and although I can spend hours in a cosmetics store just browsing, testing and trying, this is definitely not for everyone. There are shoppers that know what they want and want to get it quick and hassle free; shoppers that don't know what they want and want to be informed and provided with honest advice; shoppers that like the adventure of 'sifting through the clutter' and finding real treasures in shops they otherwise wouldn't go etc. And many many more.

To give you a kickstart in your beauty shopping this year, I hereby share with you my Ultimate Beauty Shopping List for Singapore. Read this thoroughly not only to learn where to shop but also when and for what...

Tangs - Orchard Road

Address: 310 Orchard Road, Singapore

Why: Huge selection of brands, way less crowded (less tourists!) and in my opinion much nicer staff than at Takashimaya. I go to Tang's to buy cosmetics of Western luxury brands such as Chanel, Bobbi Brown and MAC, but also to be wowed by niche brands that I haven't found elsewhere in Singapore, like Diptyque and Maison Francis Kurkdjian Parfums. There's an entire corner dedicated to niche brands alone - be sure to also check out 'Memo', one of my favourite niche brands for perfumes and scented candles.
Even on a Friday afternoon - when you really want to avoid Takashimaya - the staff takes time for you which is great if you're looking for a new product or require more elaborate advice on a product or your beauty routine.

What to buy: All the famous Western Luxury Brands (a.o. Chanel, Dior, Estee Lauder, MAC, Bobbi Brown, Lancome) as well as niche brands (Creed, Maison Francis Kurkdjian, Diptyque, Commes des Garcons, Memo, Amouage, Aqcua di Parma).

Visit Website

BHG Bugis - aLT / Beauty Department

Address: Bugis Junction, Unit #01-02/100, 200 Victoria Street, Singapore

Why: Adventure shopping and treasure hunting time! Targeted at a young and trendy crowd (at almost 31 I don't consider myself THAT young anymore) but sooooo much fun! However, only pay a visit when you have sufficient time and energy to browse through the messy aisles (there seems to be no real logic in the lay-out of the cosmetics corner) and be wowed by all fun, fascinating and crazy products for sale. You'll be amazed by all the things you've never seen and never heard of.
Prices are very reasonable so it's my go-to place to discover new crazy/strange/never-heard-of/gadget-like products. Last time I found what is called a 'lip tattoo'; it's a small tube with a lipgloss-like substance that you cover your lips with and leave on for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, you peel-off the (hardened) layer and your lips are coloured but without any product physically 'laying' on your lips like with lipgloss. Love it; no more loose hairs that get caught on your lips when you're wearing sticky lipgloss or creamy lipstick. Review of this product will follow asap. :)

What to buy: Crazy, affordable makeup products for the fun of trying them out. Also look for Korean brand Holika Holika. BHG/aLT also has have a very large range of haircare, and I especially love the 'Inecto Coconut Hair Mask' that smells great, makes my hair soft and smooths and only costs around 7 SGD.

Visit Website

Tony Moly

Address: Bugis Junction, Unit #02-25, 200 Victoria Street, Singapore 

Why: The only store I found in Singapore that sells Tony Moly, a popular fun and quirky beauty and skincare brand from South Korea. When you google Tony Moly more stores in Singapore are listed but appeared to be non-existing when I looked for them. The quality of Tony Moly products is great and the products are affordable, all natural and organic products with no animal testing AND they come in the cutest, quirkiest and coolest packaging ever. Lipgloss and hand milk in the shape of a banana, sunscreen in the shape of a mango - hilarious. Combine a visit to this store with a visit to aforementioned BHG Bugis.

What to buy: I'm in love with all packaging and have to keep myself from actually buying ALL products just to display them in my bathroom. One product I like in particular is the 'Pure Eco Bamboo Cool Water Soothing gel', that is great for sensitive skin and is absorbed by your skin really quick so you can continue layering with sunblock and/or makeup without any heavy or greasy feeling.

Visit Website

Selektiv by SASA

Address: Because of their location and assortment my favorites stores include the following:
Bugis Junction, Unit #02-26/27, 200 Victoria Street, Singapore
Nex, Unit #B1-21, 23 Serangoon Central, Singapore

Why: A "one-stop cosmetics specialty store" concept like Watsons; stores are smaller but the focus on beauty is bigger compared to Watsons. Originally from Hong Kong, with a large emphasis on Korean and other Asian beauty brands. Lots of products contain typical Asian ingredients such as Bird's Nest, Snail Slime, Ginseng, Seaweed, Pearl Powder etc. In addition, the stores carry over 100 exclusive international beauty brands that only they are licensed to sell.

What to buy: Face Masks (from a.o. Berrisom, Cliv, Simply, especially the 'Animal Masks'; a (drenched in product) tissue/sheet  mask that has an animal printed on it (like a shark or panda). It makes you look totally ridiculous but it's so much fun. The masks only cost a few dollars and make great gifts too. Make sure to check out the ingredients before buying, as some of the masks contain brightening agents (often even advertised as 'whitening' - check my 'guide to whitening & brightening skincare')

Visit Website

Watson's - Ngee Ann City

Address: Ngee Ann City #B2-06-10, 391 Orchard Road, Singapore

Why: Of all Watsons I've been to I feel that the store in Ngee Ann City has the largest selection of Asian 'mainstream' makeup brands, like Majolica Majorca (part of Shiseido Group), Heroine Make, Za, Dolly Wink and a large selection of cheap but great false lashes.

What to buy: Majolica Majorca 'Lash King' Mascara (25 SGD), Heroine Make 'Super Waterproof Volume & Curl' Mascara (21 SGD), fake lashes (less than 10 SGD).

Visit Website

Sephora - ION Orchard, Ngee Ann City & Plaza Singapura

Address: My favourite Sephora stores in Singapore are:
ION Orchard, Unit #01-05/06, 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore (Largest selection of brands)
Ngee Ann City, Unit #B1-05/07, 391A Orchard Road, Singapore (good stock; less crowded)
Plaza Singapura, Unit #01-03/04 60B Orchard Road, Singapore (convenient location, less crowded)

Why: The store that I refer to as 'The Mothership'. Although the one at ION Orchard (1st Floor) is huge and has a great selection, it's packed with school girls (friday afternoon) and tourists (weekend) that block the aisles. Moreover, the music tends to be way too loud and I experienced that many products are sold out regularly and testers are often missing or empty. SO if I go there, I go around dinner time (between 18:30 and 20:00) or just after the store opened in the morning. If I want to browse in a more relaxed way I head to the store at level B1 at Ngee Ann City which is always way less crowded; the product selection is however smaller. Another option to avoid the masses and overkill of music is to visit the stores in less crowded malls such as NEX Mall (Serangoon) or Westgate Mall (Jurong East); no tourist to be found there, and the times I've been there the volume of the music was normal too.

What to buy: Apart from the more etablished brands (Lancome, Clinique etc.) Sephora has amazing and innovative brands that are well-known by beauty addicts but not so much by a larger public, such as Too Faced, (fun, sweet & girly), Urban Decay (known for a.o. their makeup palletes), Tarte (love their Amazonian clay based products),  NYX (cheap cheap cheap but great quality; amazing range of lip products), Soap & Glory (ahhh the scent of the shower cream!), Benefit (can't live without their products, that are ultimate beauty hacks), 3CE (Korean, minimalist design, good price/quality ratio), Amazingconcealer (the name says it all), Moonshot (the South Korean IT brand of the moment; multifunctional luminous colour pots) etc.
I also love the 'Perfume Roller Ball Bar' where they offer a selection of perfumes in a purse sized rollerball. Great way to try a new perfume without paying the full price, and a great product to apply some more perfume straight out of your purse when you're going out. In addition I love love love all travel size products they offer, anything from mini mascara's to shampoos and face washes. I get these small size products not only for travelling but also to try out new products without having to buy the fullsize, full price product.

Visit Website

DFS Galleria

Address: 25 Scotts Road, Singapore

Why: The only store in Singapore that has Giorgio Armani Cosmetics. 

What to buy: Giorgio Armani Cosmetics, naturally- especially the foundations are the best of the best available, like 'Face Fabric' and 'Luminous Silk' foundation.

Visit Website

Reviving tormented feet with InnisFree Special Care Foot Mask

A typical weekend night in Singapore: stumbling on 4-inch heels from Employees Only in Amoy Street to Clubstreet and torturing my feet even further by walking to Kilo Club in Tanjong Pagar Road. Great night - painful feet. Luckily, in Asia there's a beauty mask for everything: this Sunday, it's time to pamper my poor hoofs with a special foot mask...

I'm therefore testing InnisFree's "Special Care Mask - Foot", a foot treatment for soft, healthy feet with 'herb green complex extract' consisting of 7 natural herbal extracts that promise me to add vitality to my skin. I think my feet will be thankful, as - apart from an occasional pedicure - I tend to neglect them in my otherwise extensive beauty routine. Which isn't nice of me, given my love for high heels that aren't always comfortable.

A foot mask - a must-add to my (post)going out equipment?

I follow the directions stated on the pack:
(1) Wash feet and take out a foot mask.
(2) Remove foot mask after 10-20 minutes and massage the excess liquid for penetration.

First things first; taking out the foot mask, that comes in a pair of plastic socks with a layer of tissue inside that is drenched in liquid. The fabric of the socks feels soft and comforting, and the scent is heavy though pleasant: a good combination that adds to the overall pampering experience. When you wear a pair of socks over the plastic foot mask, you can actually walk around and don't have to sit still, which I like.

I left the socks on for 20 minutes and the foot mask turns out to be pretty moisturizing. Not as heavy duty as foot creams that I've tried but never use for a reason; rich foot creams, walking barefeet on a marble floor and not being able to sit still made me nearly break my neck a few times. In that sense, this foot mask is a much better solution as I only have to sit still for 10-20 minutes - after massaging the excess liquid onto my feet (which is a lot, but not as rich as foot cream) and using a towel to take off some liquid from my soles, I'm good to go and dance around on my marble floor without danger of slipping.

My feet feel smooth and soft and I feel pampered. I will definitely use this product again; easy-to-use product and good value for money. Next time I will exfoliate my feet first, as I think this will make the results even better. Good product as well to bring when travelling to relieve tired feet during city trips and/or after long flights.

InnisFree - Special Care Mask - Foot
Price: 4,44 SGD
Available at InnisFree stores (6 stores in Singapore, find locations here)