Food + Drink
Banana Bread: 3 Easy recipes to try at home—by Dominique Ansel, Donal Skehan, and Leanne Ward

27.04.2020
By Ronn Tan

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What comes to mind when you think of bananas—apart from Gwen Stefani’s Hollaback Girl and the song from Minions? How about Bananas In Pyjamas or Bret Michaels on The Masked Singer? The elongated fruit has so much significance in pop culture and the world in general (hello, Tower of God). Banana bread is, of course, one of the most popular delicacies to bake; it’s really easy too.
It’s clear by now that the COVID-19 pandemic has taken the world by storm. Due to the global health crisis, many of us are self-isolating at home and practising social distancing. In this juggernaut of a battle against the novel coronavirus, quarantine has become the norm. Cue the unsurprising boredom. Let’s be honest—it’s completely normal to feel bored and unproductive at home. We don’t always have to be productive because this isn’t a race.
Baking has become one of our go-tos during the age of coronavirus. In addition to trends such as Dalgona coffee and toilet roll cakes, banana bread is another one you’ll see a lot on social media. Here are three scrumptious recipes for you to try:

1. Leanne Ward’s Healthy Banana Bread

This banana bread recipe is concocted by Australian dietician Leanne Ward as a healthier version of the usual banana bread. According to Leanne, she “added protein, healthy fats, and fibre from the addition of the protein powder and chia seeds to help stabilise [the] blood sugar levels a little and also provide more satiety”.
Ingredients you require are:
Four medium mashed bananas
One can of sweetened condensed milk
2.5 cups of self-raising wholemeal flour
3/4 cup of honeycomb protein powder
1/4 cup of chia seeds
Steps:
1. Line a loaf tin with baking paper after pre-heating the oven to 180º Celsius.
2. Mash 3.5 medium bananas in a large bowl. Make sure to reserve half a banana split long ways. This will be utilised for the top of the loaf.
3. Stir and combine the flour, protein powder, and chia seeds—in a separate small bowl. You can also add two teaspoons of cinnamon here but it’s optional.
4. Stir gently to combine after pouring the dry ingredients into the wet ingredient bowl. Try not to over mix.
5. Press down the half banana on top of the batter right after filling up the lined baking tin with batter.
6. Bake in the oven until browned on top and cooked through. This will take approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
7. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Make sure to keep leftovers in an air-tight container in the fridge.
2. Donal Skehan’s Moist Banana Bread

Photo by Donal Skehan
Inspired by his aunt, Donal’s version is really fun to try. With only six steps and simple ingredients, you will be able to bake the banana bread easily. He also has a video that you can watch here.
Ingredients you require are:
110 grammes of butter
190 grammes of caster sugar
2 large eggs
240 grammes of self-raising flour
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
3 large bananas
Steps:
1. Preheat the oven to 180° Celsius and grease a loaf tin.
2. Place the sugar and butter in a bowl. Cream them using a handheld mixer. Do this until the mixture is light and pale.
3. Mix one egg and a little flour thoroughly. Continue to do the same with the other egg and the rest of the flour with the addition of baking soda. Ensure that the concoction is mixed through and smooth.
4. Mash the bananas with the back of a fork after peeling. Mix through in a bowl with vanilla extract.
5. Pour the mix into a well-greased loaf tin before placing in an oven for 50 minutes. To stop it from browning too much on top, you can cover with tinfoil after 25 minutes. This is only if you need to.
6. Check if the banana bread is ready by inserting a metal skewer into the centre of the loaf. It’s considered done if it comes out clean. Take the banana bread out of the loaf tin and put on a wire rack to cool.
3. Dominique Ansel’s Banana Bread

Known as one of the most popular pastry chefs in the world, Dominique Ansel has taken to Instagram to reveal a banana bread recipe from his latest book, Everyone Can Bake. Watch him bake above and start baking yourself with the steps below.
Ingredients you require are:
400 grammes of granulated sugar
250 grammes of all-purpose flour (additional for dusting)
3 grammes of baking soda
2 grammes of ground nutmeg
5 grammes of salt
5 grammes of baking powder
3 large eggs
400 grammes of  bananas (peeled and mashed)
200 grammes of unsalted butter (melted, additional for greasing)
Steps:
1. Preheat oven to 175° Celsius. Butter the bottom, sides, and edges of the loaf pan before pouring in some flour. Shake until the pan is evenly coated. Proceed to tap out any excess flour.
2. Mash the bananas with a fork in a large mixing bowl. With a spatula, mix the dry ingredients and the eggs together until well combined. After that, stir in the melted butter until completely through.
3. Pour the batter in the prepared pan—filling it to two centimetres from the top. Bake until the cake is golden brown. This will take approximately an hour. With a cake tester or paring knife, check if they come out clean.
4. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Turn the cake out of the pan while still warm.

Photo by Getty Images
There you go! Banana bread is one of the most iconic delicacies to make at home. If you haven’t, now’s your turn to try baking one for yourself. Don’t worry if you don’t succeed on your first attempt, you have all the time in the world to work on your skills. If you don’t have adequate ingredients, why not figure out possible substitutes? You might just end up with your very own tasty banana bread variation. Meanwhile, stay safe and continue to practise social distancing!
For more recipes to try at home, click here.

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Art + Design
This illustrator brings her art to life in a series of GIFs
Enchantingly animated

24.03.2016
By Su Fen Tan

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As one scrolls through her Tumblr page, whimsical, fairytale-like nuances and a distinct style of illustration come across in her lovely series of GIFs. There is a mixture of original work as well as her fan art of renown stories, animations or movies, including Perrault’s Sleeping Beauty and Howl’s Moving Castle. While we love her take on some of the classic scenes, her originals are a breathe of fresh air—highly imaginative and captivating with a hint of magic surrealism.

Known by the name Sparrows, she tells Colossal that she works professionally as an illustrator, but these brief standalone pieces are ideas she wants to exist outside of her head.

Check out more of Sparrows work here.

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Buro Takes the Wheel: Tesla S 90D

Lifestyle
Buro Takes the Wheel: Tesla S 90D
0-100km/h in 4.2 seconds

03.01.2017
By Rachel Au

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Through and through, all-electric cars never cease to amaze everyone and Tesla is one competitive contender in the scene with rivals chasing to catch up with this intriguing automobile technology. The Tesla Model S, in particular, is the company’s poster child and most successful vehicle they produced as compared to the less favourable Model X, which is a crossover SUV. As of November 2016, the Model S became the second plug-in electrified vehicle ever to sell more than 150,000 units worldwide, a feat that proves electric cars – and Tesla – are here to stay.

While the Model S debuted in 2012, some of these models were only brought into Malaysia around November 2016 thanks to GreenTech Malaysia and its partner Insas Pacific Rent-A-Car (PRAC) under a leasing programme to promote awareness on electric vehicles (EVs). One of these models is the Tesla S 90D, which we had the opportunity to take the wheel and test it out around KL.
Watch the video below for a quick overview of our mini test drive as well as our thoughts of the S 90D.

The model is an example of the Model S facelift that was unveiled in April 2016, which essentially showcases a more streamlined design along with a couple of new equipment options including adaptive LED headlights and keyless entry with recessed door handles.

In terms of specs and numbers, it uses a 90kWh battery with a normal output of 417 hp and 657 Nm. Its top speed is 249km/h and it can go up to a range of 512km per charge. And that brings us to the subtopic of charging a Tesla in Malaysia. There are over 120 ChargEV charging facilities in the country which can be easily located via an app called Newmotion – perfect for planning both short and long-distance journeys.

As a first-time driver of an all-electric car, there may be several things that would take some time to adjust to. For one, the battery pack at the bottom of the car results in a more elevated floor-to-seat level which in turn might affect the thigh support. The other is its regenerative brake mode where you’ll feel as if you’ve pressed on the brake when you release the accelerator – it is however something one would eventually be able to manoeuvre after familiarising with the S 90D. Its purpose is to help recharge and prolong the battery.

All in all, the S 90D is a smart car. Besides it looking and feeling good (to drive), its technology is almost incomparable, especially when it comes to safety. It has a Smart Air Suspension for raising and lowering ride height, emergency preventive features such as collision avoidance and automatic emergency braking, as well as electronic stability and traction control. At the end of the day, this is a car you’ll want to spend lots of time driving it – and showing it off.

The Tesla S 90D is available between RM12,000 to RM12,500 per month depending on a leasing period between two to four years, and includes insurance, road tax, maintenance and servicing fees, the use of ChargEV charging facilities and the installation of a Tesla charger.

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Buro Loves
3 Red lip looks that will overshadow any awkward moments this CNY

25.01.2020
By Wei Yeen Loh

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If you’re the type who prefers pulling off a red lip for CNY instead of donning head-to-toe red, our latest makeup tutorial is just the inspiration you need for next week.
Instead of going for a staidly red lip that’s so yesteryear, up the ante this CNY with three different crimson-stained lip looks that will come incredibly handy throughout this period (such as complementing your polite smile as you answer inquisitive questions from your least favourite aunt).
LOOK 1: BRING ON THE ‘ONG‘

What better way to usher in all the prosperity you need this new year than with a dash of red and gold?
Reign in luck and fortune with a defined red lip and smattering of gold eyeshadow over the eyelids. According to makeup artist Shiyo Joo, this makeup look is also perfect for those who already have eyelash extensions on. “Refrain from blending the gold eyeshadow over the crease as your eyes might look puffier,” he says. Prep your base, fill in your brows, and you’re good to go!
Pro tip: Choose a gold eyeshadow with shimmer particles instead of metallic/glitter particles. The shimmer catches the light subtly without making the eye area look overly sparkly.
LOOK 2: OOPS, I HAD ONE TOO MANY (PINEAPPLE) TARTS

Those who love a fuss-free look that doesn’t require more than five makeup products—we feel you. Plus, you only need no more than 10 minutes to achieve this understated look (seriously).
After filling in your brows and prepping the base, coat a generous layer of mascara on your upper and lower lashes, then smudge the edges of your red lip for a blotted effect. This is perfect for the “I may or may not have finished this jar of tarts” guilty look, in case anyone sees you lurking by the snack table.
Pro tip: Use an eyeshadow brush for handier application. Pack on colour on one side of the brush to apply on the lip, then use the other (clean) side of the brush to blot the colour out.
LOOK 3: ARE YOU RED-DY?

There are the makeup minimalists who prefer a subtle look, and then there are beauty enthusiasts who wouldn’t bat an eyelid at this monochromatic makeup look. If you’re nodding as you read this, you probably already know which category you fall under.
The beauty about this red-on-red look is that no one can fault you for not being part of the festivities (even if you’re wearing black). This now-trending makeup do isn’t as difficult as it looks—watch how it’s done in the video above!
Pro tip: Draw a cat eye using a liquid eyeliner before applying eyeshadow. This serves as a guide to ensure that you don’t extend the red eyeshadow to the outer corner of the eyes. The winged liner also gives your peepers a wide-eye effect.
Our favourite red beauty essentials used in this video:
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] CNY Red Lip” rid=”6930″ order=”a_tstamp”}
Credits:
Videography: Chong Yi Suen
Makeup: Shiyo Joo
Art direction and styling: Loh Wei Yeen

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Style
Fashion buzz: The Met Gala is back, Boss teams up with Russell Athletic, and more

22.04.2021
By Joan Kong

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Met Gala 2021 is happening

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Fashion fans, rejoice! The industry’s biggest night is back this year, but don’t mark your calendar for the first Monday of May though—the gala will be taking place on September 13. The themes for the next two years have been set. Part One, “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion” will launch in 2021; and part two, “In America: An Anthology of Fashion” will debut next year. The co-chairs have yet to be announced.
Andrew Bolton, The Met’s Costume Institute curator says: “Responding to this shift, Part One of the exhibition will establish a modern vocabulary of American fashion based on the expressive qualities of clothing as well as deeper associations with issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion. Part Two will further investigate the evolving language of American fashion through a series of collaborations with American film directors who will visualize the unfinished stories inherent in The Met’s period rooms.”
Boss teams up with Russell Athletic

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What happens when you fuse Boss, a luxury brand that’s known for its casual tailoring, and Russell Athletics, a classic activewear brand together? Result: A young, fresh, and new collection that’s fit for the new generation. Combining the best of both worlds, the collaboration dug into both House’s archives to evoke a retro-inspired feel, but pieces-wise, they’re the perfect addition to one’s modern-day wardrobe. Case in point: The soft cotton blazers, the sweatshirts, the cosy knits, and the track shorts.
A month after its big event held in Gotham Hall, New York City, the collection has finally arrived in store, and Boss has converted the space into a basketball’s playground. The brand also worked with local mural artist Aries Kong (aka Jagung) on an exclusive 3D artwork at the Pavilion KL main entrance.
Shop the Boss x Russell Athletics collection here.
Longchamp collaborates with Emotionally Unavailable

Never one to shy away from collaborations, Longchamp has joined forces with Emotionally Unavailable (EU) for its next launch. Founded by Edison Chen and Kybum Lee, EU is a contemporary fashion label for the hopeless romantics, and it’s known for the text graphics and deep art messages.
Chen and Lee had their eyes set on a few of the French luxury brand’s iconic lines, and gave it a boxing-inspired twist. From the Le Pliage and the Le Pliage Cuir bags to the ready-to-wear separates, humorous tagline such as “Been a CHAMP a LONG time” and “Professional Heartbreaker” can be found emblazoned on them. And while boxing served as the main design inspo, the wider message is that we can all be champions in life.
“For me, in a collaboration, what is very important is to keep both identities. I think what is very successful in this collaboration, and in the products we made together, is that you can feel the authenticity and the know-how of Longchamp, and you can feel the energy and power of Emotionally Unavailable,” says Sophie Delafontaine in a statement.
The Longchamp x EU collection will launch online and in-store on Tuesday, April 27.
Take a virtual tour of the Museo Salvatore Ferragamo’s Silk Exhibition

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Miss going to museums? Salvatore Ferragamo has introduced a virtual tour of its new Seta (Silk) exhibition, and you’ll be able to immerse yourself in all things silk, from the history to the Italian Maison’s designs through the decades. Although it first made a name for itself as a footwear brand, in the late ‘50s, the founder began producing silk scarves that celebrate the country’s “artistic and handcraft traditions”. The rest is history, and you can explore them from the comfort of your own couch.
The exhibition will be available until April 18, 2022. Join the tour here.
Kris Van Assche exits Berluti

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Fashion
The remarkable ease of Chanel’s two-tone slingback
One shoe to rule them all

24.09.2015
By Buro247

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The difficulty of extensive choice is having to question if the decision you’ve made is the most correct one. We’ve all been there—rushing out the door, already late and then all of a sudden, you aren’t sure if the shoes you’ve picked are right for the clothes you’ve got on. Life is hard and while we agree that having a well-stocked shoe closet is essential, there will be times when you’ll want to have important decisions made for you. As with anything designed by Coco Chanel herself, the classic pump in beige with it’s iconic black captoe is the ultimate no-brainer. It has been a staple of the house since it was brought to life in 1957 and has undergone face lifts and re-designs and has been translated into espadrilles, riding boots and ballerinas but its core elements have remained true to Chanel’s intentions: to be a shoe for every occasion.

For A/W’15, Karl Lagerfeld  used it as the only shoe for all 97 looks of the collection. Dresses, trousers, three piece suits and evening gowns were all paired with the timeless shoe, demonstrating the versatility of the iconic two-tone slingback. So the next time you’re dashing out the  door with not a moment to spare on agonising over which shoe to pick, you’ll reach for the Chanel, of course. Watch how the shoe is crafted here:

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Music
‘Don’t Judge Me’: FKA twigs joins Headie One and Fred Again.. in a poignant exploration of the British black experience

30.01.2021
By Buro247

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In her first new single since the release of her critically-acclaimed 2019 album MAGDALENE, Twigs explores the experience of being both black and British in today’s world with fellow UK artists Headie One and Fred again... The single ‘Don’t Judge Me’ comes accompanied by an Emmanuel Adjei-directed visual experience, and features several other black creatives and activists in its cast.
Said cast includes the likes of activist and model Munroe Bergdorf, poet and Black Lives Matter activist Solomon O.b, writer Reni Eddo-Lodge, model and activist Kukua Williams, musician and poet Benjamin Zephaniah, dancer and singer Lisa Elde, mental health advocate Nicole Crentsil, fitness expert and trainer Efua Baker, footballer Mahlon Romeo, model Danto Earth and broadcaster Clara Amfo.

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The song’s lyrics explore the collective experience of the UK’s black community; a shared struggle against the invisible oppressor that is the cultural, systemic and structural biases that are still so pervasive today (“Born in the gutter no it weren’t my choice to be here/Funny how both my parents done their most to be here/We can walk free, but are we really walking free here?/How can this be home when I feel I wanna flee here?”).
The lyrics also explore the events that sparked the largest civil rights movement in the USA’s history last year—namely, the brutal, highly-publicised murder of George Floyd: “I can’t trust the police force and I can’t trust the media/Learn more about my people from the streets than from my teachers/There’s been a million speeches/No justice, no peace/But we in pieces/Officer, am I allowed to breathe here?”

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Director Emmanuel Adjei weighed in on the themes within the piece: “From someone’s appearance, we are unable to judge whether a person discriminates over colour, sex, religion, or gender. The oppressors within the people surrounding us, most often remain invisible until their abuse against others is revealed,” says Adjei. “This is one of the reasons why, for generations, discrimination is so hard to fight. Who must the victim fight against if it can’t identify the perpetrator?”
“In this audio-visual document we get to witness artists FKA Twigs and Headie One, amongst other black British influentials, fighting against invisible forces of judgement and oppression,” he continues. “Having the enormous Victorian-inspired fountain ‘Fons Americanus’ by visual artist Kara Walker—depicting the historical, sorrowful story of slavery and colonization—as our setting, and particularly as the spirit of the film, this important monument creates another layer of depth and meaning to an invisible yet shared history.”
READ: Amplify Black Voices: 10 Incredible Black artists to diversify your feed

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The video was supported by luxury fashion platform Farfetch and saw Twigs styled by Matthew Josephs, exclusively in the works of black designers. In fact, Twigs has curated her favourite black designers on the platform just for you—shop the edit here.
Watch the ‘Don’t Judge Me’ video here:

For more music stories like this, click here.

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Food + Drink
Don’t miss a wagyu kaiseki with Guest Chef Hirohashi Nobuaki at The Ritz-Carlton KL

27.06.2018
By Gwen Ong

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A journey of the palate – Chef Hirohashi Nobuaki who helms Ushidoki, the fine wagyu kaiseki restaurant in Singapore, is down at The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur for an exclusive five-day residence only. With more than three decades of expertise under his belt, he’s bringing us on a beautiful passage to Japan through his haute cuisine of a wagyu kaiseki.
Chef Hirohashi, who began his culinary journey at the tender age of nine at his father’s sushi restaurant, has a deep love for Japanese cuisine. The Osaka native would spend countless hours experimenting recipes and crafting new dishes discovered from his father’s cookbook. After gaining experience at well-known kaiseki restaurants in Japan, he opened and operated his very own acclaimed restaurant Unshin in Osaka for seven years. His current gig at Ushidoki showcases his distinctive skills and techniques that we had the privilege to experience at a delicate four-course wagyu kaiseki dinner at The Ritz-Carlton KL.
The degustation menu started off with kanpai—a customary toast with a Kid junmai daiginjyo sake. It was a sweet aromatic prelude to the first dish served of roast wagyu beef and asparagus with miso vinaigrette and Yuzu herbs. The thinly sliced beef was tender and paired beautifully with the tartness of the vinaigrette sauce.

Next, we had the grilled wagyu beef served with soya sauce soil, edamame, sweet corn and mountain wasabi—our tastebud took delight in the marbled, sweet buttery flavour of the meat. We learned that the wagyu beef was sourced from the Miyazaki Prefecture, and it is named Ozaki beef after the breeder, Muneharu Ozaki. It is graded A5—the highest ranking for wagyu. Unlike most wagyu farm in Japan where the cattle are slaughtered at around 28 months, Ozaki prefers to slaughter his cattle later at 28 to 36 months old, as he believes the flavour continues to improve as they mature.

For the last dish, Chef Hirohashi presented us with a serving of braised wagyu beef drenched in sweet sukiyaki sauce, and topped with half-boiled egg, black truffles and mitsuba over steamed white rice. The wholesome flavours had a balance of richness and textures that left us satisfied. The three dishes had us tasting wagyu beef in different thickness and cooking style, so we had a better appreciation of the depth of its flavours. Our kaiseki experience ended with a luscious dessert of olive oil ice cream and shaved summer truffles.

The four-course kaiseki experience with Chef Hirohashi Nobuaki is only available until 30 June at The Ritz-Carlton KL. It is priced at RM350 nett per person, with an option of sake pairing at RM500 nett per person. For reservations and enquiries, please call 03-2142 8000 or email [email protected]

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Fashion
Holiday 2021: The ultimate fashion gift guide for the most important women in your life

22.11.2021
By Kelly Lim

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Beauty
La Mer Winter Wonders: The gift of youthful and luminous skin
Beauty indulgence

17.11.2015
By Su Fen Tan

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BURO Beauty Empties Giveaway Week 2: Win up to RM4,500 worth of beauty prizes

Everyone loves a sweet surprise, especially when it involves the age-old beauty miracle that is La Mer. From the iconic Crème de la Mer to specially curated gift collections, indulge your loved ones (and yourself) with skin that is bright and beautiful this Christmas:

The Illuminating Powder, RM590

A lightweight, shimmering pressed powder infused with illuminating gemstones, shimmering pearls and colour-true pigments, giving your complexion a lusciously luminous, healthy glow.

The Regenerating Collection, RM1,420

A formidable beauty duo, the Regenerating Serum and Crème de la Mer will bring back the glow of your skin, immersing it in moisture to help accelerate skin’s renewal. The result: bright, youthful-looking complexion.

The Crème de la Mer Collection, RM1,150

Renowned for its ability to transform the skin, this special edition of the celebrated skin treatment comes in two signature sizes—all the better to deliver its miraculous benefits. Say hello to ever-radiant skin.

The Moisturizing Soft Cream Collection, RM1,150

This collection delivers all the miraculous benefits of the original Crème de la Mer in a supple texture. The smaller size one comes in perfectly handy for travels.

The Replenishing Collection, RM310

A wonderful holiday duo for comforted hands and lips, the Hand Treatment soothes hands on contact, while the Lip Balm helps to heal dryness for lasting relief—no more chapped lips during your winter vacations!

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Technology
These are the best apps in 2020, according to Apple

03.12.2020
By Melissa Foong

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Apple has made it a tradition to celebrate top apps every year for their importance and positive cultural impact on the world. The company has given the developers the recognition they deserve for making life easier, healthier and more connected this year—in light of the pandemic—by awarding them with first-ever physical ‘App Store Best of 2020’ award.
Here is the list of all the winners this year:
Best apps of 2020
iPhone App of the Year: Wakeout!

Wakeout is an iOS app developed by Andres Canella that offers fast and light exercises you can do anywhere—from home, work, while on the move, or even outdoors. Take your pick from more than 1,000 short exercises that you do in just 30 seconds.
iPad App of the Year: Zoom

With most of the world’s population under lockdown the most of 2020, it’s no wonder that video communications app Zoom has seen its popularity skyrocket. Thanks to its virtual video and audio conferencing, screen-sharing, and other collaborative capabilities, this app has allowed students from all over the world keep up with their syllabuses from home during the pandemic.
Mac App of the Year: Fantastical

Fantastical by Flexibits allows you to add your existing calendar accounts directly to the app to keep all your events and tasks in sync. But that’s not all—its advanced features can be added to your basic calendar, such as managing meetings and tasks to weather settings.
Apple TV App of the Year: Disney+

Though not available in Malaysia yet, Disney+ has managed to clinch the TV App of 2020. The on-demand and ad-free streaming service is owned and operated by the Media and Entertainment Distribution division of The Walt Disney Company, and offers a mix of classic titles from Disney’s vault and new programs made exclusively for subscribers.
Apple Watch App of the Year: Endel

Find WFH incredibly stressful during this CMCO? Try Endel, an app that helps people reduce stress, increase focus and improve sleep with the help of personalised sound environments. According to the developer, the sounds are generated in real time based on various inputs such as one’s location, time, weather, cadence and heart rate.
Best games of 2020
iPhone Game of the Year: Genshin Impact

Developed by miHoYo, Genshin Impact is a free action role-playing game that features a fantasy, open world environment and action-based battle system. It allows players to obtain new characters, weapons, and other resources after earning enough Mora (Genshin Impact currency) or via in-app purchases.
iPad Game of the Year: Legends of Runeterra

Legends of Runeterra is a free digital collectible card game developed by the well-known video game developer, publisher and esport tournament organiser, Riot Games. Released this April, the game is set in the same universe as its multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) title, League of Legends (LoL). While it features elements similar to LoL, the look and feel of the game is completely distinct and unique on its own.
Mac Game of the Year: Disco Elysium

Disco Elysium is a role-playing video game that takes place in a large city recovering from a war decades prior to the game’s start. Players take on the role of an amnesic detective who has been tasked with solving a murder mystery.
Apple TV Game of the Year: Dandara Trials of Fear

Dandara Trials of Fear is a unique 2D universe developed by Brazilian studio, Long Hat House and published by Raw Fury. Players are given a task to empower Dandara for combat and survival against enemies bent on oppression, all while facing exciting challenges and mystical creatures along the way.
Apple Arcade Game of the Year: Sneaky Sasquatch

Touted to be “even better than Animal Crossing”, Sneaky Sasquatch is an adventure game that lets you live the life of a sasquatch by sneaking around campsites, finding food from coolers and picnic baskets without getting caught. Players can even play golf, ski, rent an apartment, and even score a driver’s licence.

App trends of 2020
App Trend of the Year: Shine

Inspired by founders’ Naomi Hirabayashi and Marah Lidey’s friendship, Shine is focused on helping users practice self care by delivering motivational messages and self-improvement topics to users in text or audio. Daily self-care rituals can be created via the app, along with personalised ways of practising mindfulness.
App Trend of the Year: Caribu

Caribu is an innovative app that allows families to connect through a video-call by integrating engaging experiences such as children’s books, drawing and painting activities together in real-time, no matter where they are.
App Trend of the Year: Pokémon GO

Just when we thought that Pokémon Go may display signs of slowing down this year (no thanks to the pandemic), the app is still going strong in 2020. The augmented reality (AR) mobile game requires players to catch virtual Pokémon by travelling to specific locations in the real world, and this year it has recorded a revenue of USD$445.3 million.
App Trend of the Year: ShareTheMeal

Looking for a way to help fight world hunger? Download ShareTheMeal, a crowdfunding smartphone application that aims to fight world hunger through the United Nations World Food Programme. Users can donate to specific WFP projects and also track its progress—once the funds are received, the programme provides the meals.
App Trend of the Year: Explain Everything Whiteboard

Now that physical classrooms have been written off in light of the pandemic, Explain Everything’s aim to bring remote classrooms to life is more than useful for teachers and collaborators alike. Its infinite canvas and recording tools make creating videos a breeze, and users can invite anyone to their Explain Everything Whiteboard and collaborate in real time with voice chat.
For the latest in technology, click here

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Culture
How adidas’s new Formotion collection is made for women of all shapes and sizes

02.04.2021
By Rachel Au

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“I am VP of Design at adidas and creative director for women’s Running, Training, Sportswear, Kids (boys and girls) and collaborations like adidas by Stella McCartney, Karlie Kloss and some more to come.” —  Josephine Aberg
What was the inspiration behind the “Formotion: Watch Us Move” campaign?
“‘Watch Us Move’ is a long-term campaign that supports and celebrates all women, tackling barriers in females’ sports participation through product innovations and initiatives. It encompasses the latest strides we are taking in our mission to ensure sports belongs to everyone, regardless of age, socio-economic and cultural background, or sporting ability.
“We gain these insights from our female community through extensive listening and research to understand some of those barriers they face when it comes to movement. We’re kicking it off with the arrival of adidas’ most supportive activewear yet—Formotion. So, to answer your question, the inspiration is really the woman and her needs.”

We love how the Formotion collection is made for women of all shapes and sizes, with a wider range in sizing, and the capacity for all sorts of performance (from Pilates to HIIT). However, different bodies require different levels of comfort, just like how different sports require different kinds of support. Walk us through the development of the new Formotion collection.
“Correct. We at adidas believe sport has the power to change lives and that sports belong to everyone, no matter the size and shape. That’s why we wanted to develop performance wear that addresses barriers to sport participation; to help create a more inclusive space in sports for her.
“We took inspiration from shapewear technology and customised it for performance products for her. To give you an example of how it works for different sizes and fits, let’s talk about the tights.
“Formotion uses graded compression—created after years of development—based on body mapping and motion studies to deliver precise support where it’s needed most for her. The compression zones have different intensity levels and are strategically placed around the waist and hips to sculpt. The high-stretch knit fabric around the legs and calves offers added flexibility. This precise body mapping has been customised to the different sizes and allows freedom to move without restraint in any condition from high-impact to everyday wear.”

We read that the new Formotion collection is also sustainability-friendly. Tell us more about this.
“Yes, it is! I keep talking about sustainability as a hygiene factor in any new design that we do. It’s not an ‘if’ and ‘or’—it’s a core ingredient in the design. Today, new designs are created with the planet in mind, and each piece in the Formotion collection is made using PrimeGreen, a series of high-performance recycled materials. PrimeGreen products use a minimum of 40 per cent recycled content and represent one of adidas’ solutions in the fight of ending plastic waste.”
*The collection also features adidas’ soft and breathable AeroReady technology throughout to keep athletes feeling dry as they move)

Formotion was released in line with International Women’s Day, and the ongoing mission to celebrate women in sports—to attract them to sports—what do you reckon is the main challenge in encouraging women to do sports?
“IWD is a time to recognise and remember the struggle—and power—of all the women had through their achievements. It enables us to challenge the status quo within and outside of our company.
“In the time of IWD, our CHRO Amanda Rajkumar reminded us of the many incredible women that we, as a brand, have partnered with throughout the years and how we can take inspiration from them.
“Starting with Käthe Dassler, who from 1978 to 1984, was the first female CEO and amongst other things, responsible for the creation of the trefoil. Then, there’s Steffi Graf who won the Tennis Golden Slam in 1988; Jessica Ennis-Hill, the Heptathlon Gold Medalist at the 2012 Olympic Games in London; Candace Parker, the WNBA Champion & Finals MVP 2016; Mary Keitany, who established a world record at the London Marathon in 2017. Mikaela Shiffrin—the youngest Olympic gold medalist in slalom in 2014—is still one of our top female partners.
“At adidas, we have supported these talented athletes by creating made-to-measure shoes for her since the beginnings in the 1970s, including the Lady Runner and the first women’s shoes for football, training and tennis. And with our new strategy, you will see that product innovation “for her” is becoming only more important.
“This reminds me to keep listening to our women out there. I especially think of young women who are growing up and experiencing so many changes during their adolescent years—a time when, we know, many will decide to drop out of sports. You realise how many opportunities there are to support her by innovating and designing the right product for her. Because when she doesn’t find the product she needs, it’s easy to find a reason or excuse to not participate in a sport.”

Going back to the Watch Us Move campaign, we hear there’s more at-home fitness content catered to women. I’m personally a fan of the adidas training app. Can you share more about this at-home fitness content for women?
“Yes, adidas is additionally launching an all-new workout series on the adidas Women’s YouTube channel. It’s designed to put a new face on fitness and encourage all people from around the world to enjoy what the wellbeing movement offers.
“The Move with Us series kicked off on 25 February with fresh workout content from body-positive yoga expert Jessamyn Stanley and Paralympic medalist and motivational speaker, Denise Schindler. There is more content to come from inspirational athletes and grassroots fitness enthusiasts from around the world.”

As a woman yourself, what inspires you and how do you hope to inspire other women?
“I am inspired by people who come from diverse backgrounds and belief systems. As a female leader, supporting and working on new projects and possibilities inspires me, and I hope I can be a role model to inspire others to work hard and be confident in a future of equality, diversity and humanity. I believe it is essential to continue celebrating the impact and successes of women in general.”
The adidas Formotion collection is now available in Malaysia. Find it in-stores or online.

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Lifestyle
Behind the wheels of the Mercedes-Benz Dream Cars
Cars of desire

02.03.2017
By Su Fen Tan

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What better way to experience the cars of desire by Mercedes-Benz than to take them for a mini road trip? Off to Cameron Highlands and Ipoh we went with the kind folks of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and the stars of the media drive—that is the Dream Cars collection, of course: the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz SLC, Mercedes-AMG C 63S Coupé, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé, Mercedes-AMG GT S, and the Mercedes-AMG S 63 Coupé.

A post shared by Buro 24/7 Malaysia (@buro247malaysia) on Jan 20, 2017 at 2:18am PST

“The dream cars of Mercedes-Benz are the embodiment that makes our brand fascinating,” says Mark Raine, Vice President of Sales & Marketing Passenger Cars, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia. “They are the brand shapers of our Mercedes-Benz cars. It combines power and performance, coupled with the most expressive and desirable design available in the market today. With this exciting dream car collection by Mercedes-Benz, the most demanding customers in the premium market are spoilt for choice.”

New to the lineup this year are the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet and SLC, so of course we had to take them for a spin. First up is the C 250 Cabriolet, our ride for the first leg of the drive up to Cameron Highlands. For those who love the sexy lines of the C-Class Coupé, and take pleasure in the thrill of open-top driving—this is one for you. As expected from the sleek beauty, performance isn’t compromised. The rated output for the C 250 variant is at 211hp/350Nm, turbo-powered by the 9G-Tronic automatic transmission. The latter applies to all variants. I took to the passenger seat for this leg of the drive, letting my car mate take the wheel, and enjoyed the smooth, quiet drive up the hill—the multi-layer acoustic soft top definitely worked its magic in reducing ambient noise.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Mercedes-Benz C 250 Cabriolet” rid=”5015″ order=”a_tstamp”}
Next, I had a go at the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupé—the dream car with a racing DNA, and arguably my favourite of the lot. It boasts the AMG 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo engine with 510hp, an in-house development from Affalterbach. While it was impossible to put the 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds claim to the test on the winding roads of Cameron Highlands, I was thoroughly impressed by how the C 63 S handled the tight corners with power and precision, responding swiftly to steering movements and acceleration—it has a rated torque of 700Nm at 1750-4500 rpm after all.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Mercedes-Benz C63 S Coupe” rid=”5016″ order=”a_tstamp”}
In Ipoh, we took on the other new kid on the block: the SLC 300. This new generation Mercedes-Benz roadster proved to be a luxurious, dynamic and comfortable ride—the perfect weekend getaway car for two. While the car packs a 245hp/370Nm 2-litre four-cylinder engine for a fun, sporty drive, it also showcases design at its finest. Despite being one of the smaller cars in the Dream Cars lineup, it houses a high-capacity boot of 335 litres, more than enough trunk space for two even with the roof down. Speaking of roofs, the panoramic vario-roof with Magic Sky Control fitted on the SLC 300 features a glass roof that can be lightened or darkened at the touch of a button, giving you welcome shade when needed.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Mercedes-Benz SLC 300″ rid=”5017″ order=”a_tstamp”}
Alas, so many dream cars, so little time. We didn’t get to drive them all, but we sure had a thrill with the cars that we got to experience. And evidently, with the Dream Cars collection, desirability is part of the attraction. Sitting on the higher range on the price spectrum (understandably), they are a symbol of luxury, elegance and aspirations. They may not be the most common of the Mercedes-Benz models you see on the road, but once you spot one, your eyes are automatically drawn to the vehicle in admiration—flaunting desirable design and performance, these are worthy dream cars, through and through.

More information on the Mercedes-Benz Dream Cars collection at www.mercedes-benz.com.my.

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Technology
5 Ways the new Canon EOS M100 can improve your Instagram game
Perfect your shots

22.11.2017
By Rachel Au

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A lot of our lives are on social media—what we ate, what we did, where we went, what we wore. For some, it’s a way of sharing a piece of their everyday lives with loved ones near and far. For others, it’s a curation of hard work, and creativity. With so much effort put in, we’d hope others would like it as much as we do but alas, Instagram is a competitive platform. Smartphones of today are equipped with advanced camera lenses and it’s ultra convenient to shoot, edit and upload on one device. But add one more step into that cycle and you will be upping your photography game. The new Canon EOS M100 is compact (palm-sized and easily fits in a handbag) and lightweight (a mere 302g versus a 5.5-inch display smartphone that weighs 202g), and yet holds as much power and tech as a DSLR. What’s that one extra step we were talking about? Simply transfer your shots from the camera to your smartphone with the app via Wi-Fi, NFC or Bluetooth—you might not even need to #vscocam it. Don’t believe us? Here are five ways the new Canon camera can improve your Instagram game.

1. Selfies automatically look better
For one, the resolution of photos taken with a mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera is much higher and it has a 180-degree tilt-up 3.0″ LCD touchscreen so you don’t have to fumble for the shoot button. Secondly, there’s no more need for beauty apps because the Canon EOS M100 already comes with a self-portrait mode with Smooth Skin feature. It’ll be able to quickly adjust the brightness, background defocus as well as the Smooth Skin level options. There’s also a self-timer option.

2. Your outfit photos will have more detail
OOTDs aren’t just about how you put your outfit of the day together. People want to see texture, embellishment, the vibrancy of different colours, and a clear view of the background you chose to pose with. While natural lighting is many an Instagrammer’s favourite, we’re not always blessed with it. Armed with the DIGIC 7 image processor, you’ll have an impressive ISO sensitivity range of up to 25600 that allows for beautiful, clear, low noise photos even in the most challenging lighting conditions.

3. Food and flatlay pictures are upgraded
Some restaurants have warm, dim lighting to create an intimate ambience. The DIGIC 7 image processor will work wonders for your photos here. But beyond that, so will the 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor for sharp pictures. If you love taking additional close-up angles of your dishes or flatlay, the Touch AF function will be handy in making quick adjustments of focus areas with just a touch of the screen (perfect especially for macro and portrait shoots though).

4. Be in control of your travel photos
The bigger the scene, the more light there is to complicate matters. If the sun is behind your subject, backlight might ruin your shot. The HDR Backlight Control mode allows those scenes to be corrected to achieve the desired brightness. Shots are well-balanced, highlights are preserved and details in the shadowed areas are enhanced. Photos of busy cityscapes or sceneries are attainable without much of a blur as well thanks to the improved continuous shooting speed of up to 6.1fps during fixed AF and 4.0 fps during Servo AV.

5. Video and photography enthusiasts
For everything else, the Canon EOS M100 has got you covered. After all, it was created with aspiring photographers in mind who might not be familiar with technical jargons. The Creative Assist feature simplifies the complexity of the camera’s settings in an easy-to-grasp manner to help users quickly maximise the camera’s potential. You’ll be able to configure and save up to six Creative Assist settings that you’ll use frequently. That’s one photography hack. As for videos, expect full HD footage with minimum camera shakes (thanks to the in-camera Combination IS [image stabilisation] function) at a maximum of 60p. There’s even a Time-Lapse Movie function!

Once you have mastered your shots, why not print them as keepsakes or gifts? There’s just something about a printed photo that warms the heart and invokes a memory. The best accompaniment for the Canon EOS M100 is the Canon Selphy CP1300, a compact wireless photo printer designed to deliver instant high-quality photo prints (approximately 47 seconds for a postcard-size picture). It also works with other devices whereby up to eight smart devices can connect and simultaneously send images to it via the new Wi-Fi Shuffle Print mode. Locate a specific photo and navigate through vast collections of images easily with the View by date and Multi-playback jump functions. And just like that, all your photography needs are fulfilled.

The new Canon EOS M100 kit (EF-M15-45 IS STM) retails for RM2,499 while the Canon Selphy CP1300 (available in black, white and pink) retails for RM599.

For more information, visit Canon Image Square outlets, authorised dealers, or online via their website or e-commerce site.

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Technology
Apple: The new 13-inch MacBook Pro updated with Magic Keyboard is here

05.05.2020
By Ronn Tan

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After the launch of the all-new second generation iPhone SE recently, Apple has announced the release of a rejuvenated version of the 13-inch MacBook Pro. Whether you’re a fan of all things Apple or thinking of switching to a MacBook, this new tech drop might interest you. With working from home/remote working being part of the new normal, an efficient device would be essential. What is it about this updated 13-inch MacBook Pro that’s worth checking out?

13-inch MacBook Pro

First introduced on the 16-inch MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, the new Magic Keyboard is finally on the 13-inch MacBook Pro. With a re-designed scissor mechanism with one millimetre of key travel, expect a more stable and comfortable feel. Notice the inverted-“T” arrangement for the arrow keys? This new layout helps users find them easier. In addition to the Touch ID and Touch Bar, the Magic Keyboard also comes with a physical Escape key.

MacBook 13-inch Display

Moving on, the updated 13-inch MacBook Pro is now equipped with a 13-inch Retina display—delivering over four million pixels and millions of colours. Available in space gray and silver, the sleek aluminium device weighs about 1.4 kilogrammes; perfect for those who are always on-the-go. Furthermore, expect a more natural viewing experience with the assistance of the True Tone technology. This applies to all forms of tasks—from writing an email to editing workflows. Other features include the Force Touch trackpad for accurate cursor control and the Multi-Touch navigation.
Another interesting aspect about the updated 13-inch MacBook Pro is that it contains Apple’s own custom-designed second-generation silicon—the Apple T2 Security Chip. The chip is crucial when it comes to security and storage. If you’re considering getting the 10th-generation quad-core Intel Core processors with Turbo Boost speeds of up to 4.1 Gigahertz, you now can with the latest edition of this MacBook Pro.

13-inch MacBook Pro Magic Keyboard

Compared to its predecessor, users can experience up to 80 percent faster performance; with the existence of the integrated Intel Iris Plus Graphics. Last but not least, the standard storage of the updated 13-inch MacBook Pro now begins at 256 Gigabyte and comes with macOS Catalina.
What do you think about Apple’s latest release? The new 13-inch MacBook Pro starts from RM5,599 and RM5,169 for education. It will be available for purchase on the Malaysian Apple site soon.
For more information, visit this website.

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Lifestyle
Meet the Buro 24/7 Malaysia Digital Award 2017 winners
Class of '17 standouts

22.07.2017
By Rachel Au

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The Buro 24/7 Malaysia Digital Awards 2017 nominees were no doubt a pool of amazing talents. For the past month, you have been casting your votes, and now – the results are in! At our #BuroTurnsTwo party a.k.a Class of ’17 prom last night (all the highlights here), we handed out the awards to these individuals and entities who have contributed significantly to the local digital sphere with their presence and creativity. Besides a personalised trophy, the winners also took home generous gifts courtesy of our sponsors; this includes jewellery from Tiffany & Co., a Panasonic Lumix GF9 camera, the La Prairie Radiance Cellular Night Cream, and a bouquet of flowers from Spring Cottage.

Here, we catch them for a quick chat in the midst of the party of the year:
Favourite Social Media Influencer: Fyza Kadir | model and socialite

Congratulations on your win! Would you like to say a few words?
“I feel so honoured to receive this award. I was quite surprised actually, because I never thought I would win this award in a category among so many other great influencers.”

What are you working on at the moment?
“For now, I’m working on campaigns from time to time, and I try to remain active on Instagram.”

How do you hope to inspire your followers?
“I hope that my followers are inspired to love more, both the people around them and themselves – I think it is important for us to spread love and not hate in any way.”

And who are you inspired by yourself?
“I’m inspired by Victoria Beckham. I think she looks amazing all the time, her sense of fashion is great, and she is a mum on top of running her own business as well.”

Can you tell us one thing people might not know about you?
“I’m actually quite shy.”

Can you share with us a tip for taking great photos?
“My tip, and it’s the most important one, is to know your best angle – and work it.”

Since it’s the Class of ’17 prom night, tell us about your best high school memory.
“High school… it has been awhile, because I’m 32 now (laughs). But I think one of my best memory of my schooling years is graduating from college. That was a very happy and proud moment for me.”

Favourite Digital Content Creator: Emily Quak | Beauty YouTuber and makeup artist

Congratulations on winning Favourite Digital Content Creator! How do you feel about the win?
“I am very excited and also extremely surprised. I think all the people who were nominated are really amazing, and very creative and talented. So to be able to win, it’s like – wow (laughs).”

How do you feel your YouTube content has evolved or changed since you started out?
“I think I’ve become a lot more confident in the way that I present my content and a bit more creative in the way I create my makeup looks as well. At the beginning, it was just me in my bathroom with a point-and-shoot camera. I’ve learnt a lot since then, so it has always been evolving – I’ve experimented with different lightings, different mics, different cameras. I’m quite proud of how far I’ve come, but I’m also thinking I can go a bit further as well.”

The competition on YouTube and social media is pretty tough these days. How do you keep your content exciting, and how do you stand out from the rest?
“I’ve mentored a lot of YouTubers over the past few years, and the one most important thing I think everyone should know is that a lot of people can do makeup, a lot of people can make videos, but people tend to follow you for you. So if you let your personality personality shine through on camera, it makes a massive difference.”

What is one thing you wish you’d known about beauty when you were in high school?
“This is pretty important: I don’t think that expensive products are necessarily better than affordable products. There are a lot of innovations out there now, and because of that a lot of the more affordable makeup products are actually really good. And, naturally daylight is also really good selfie lighting.”

Can you share your foolproof party look with us?
“It’s actually a little something like what I’m wearing right now – apply black eyeshadow on your entire eyelid and blend it out upwards. You can put a crease colour in there just to blur everything out and make it look seamless. Then all you need is a very glittery eyeshadow just to make it pop at the centre. That’s it!”

Where do you see yourself in five years?
“I have a lot of aspirations and they tend to pull me in many different directions, but I think at the end of the day as long as I’m really happy doing what I do, then that’s good enough for me.”

Most Inspiring Entrepreneur: Ben Yong | Restaureur and entrepreneur, founder and CEO of the BIG Group

Congratulations on the Most Inspiring Entrepreneur award! What was your reaction to the win?
“I was pretty excited, pretty chuffed, about both the nomination and the award. it was in a pool of very esteemed business people who have done really well. I was very  surprised I won, but nonetheless very thankful.”

Is there anyone you’d like to dedicate this award to?
“A win is always a group effort, it’s never one person. I may be the face of a brand, but it takes a whole village to do what we do, and it is their support that got us where we are and I think I’m ever, ever, ever so thankful for my team at work and my family. Everybody has played a significant part to get us to where we are today.”

What was it like when you first started, and how do you think it’s grown since then?
“I think as an entrepreneur, when you’re younger you tend to be a lot braver. Some say brave, some say foolish (laughs) so it’s a lot easier to make decisions and I think as you get older, you probably tend to be a little bit more cautious, so I spend more time pondering on decisions rather than acting out hastily. I think that’s fundamentally the biggest difference from back then and now.”

What makes a successful entrepreneur?
“I think the secret would be surrounding yourself with like-minded people who believe in the cause of what you’re doing, who are equally passionate, and helping you get to that goal. I’ve been very blessed to have a tremendous team around me that has helped me achieve what we’ve done so far.”

What would you say is a common misconception that people have about you or the F&B industry?
“That my job just involves eating? (laughs). I don’t think there is much of a misconception. As much as I enjoy good food, I enjoy everything about the restaurant business – whether it’s service, environment, or food quality, every single bit plays a part into making that experience complete. When I travel I love eating out, to see what other options there are, what other lifestyles there are, and seeing what other business opportunities there are that we can then bring back here to Malaysia and develop further.”

Are there any upcoming projects you can share with us?
“We’ve actually been busy working on Bistro Benji’s, which has replaced the old Plan B in Bangsar Village. It’s still a work in progress, but we should be fully up and running within the next two weeks, with a brand new menu and a refreshed environment. It is something very different from what we’ve done in the past, so we’re quite excited about that project.”

You and Elizabeth Lee are known to be a very sweet and lovely couple. How do you keep things romantic on top of your busy schedules?
“Never taking each other for granted, and to just constantly remember to do something special for each other. I think Liz taught me that. She is always very considerate and she is always constantly thinking about me, and in return I’ve learned to appreciate that kind of dedication and love, and I try my best to reciprocate that.”

Best Digital Start-up: Doctor2U | Healthcare services app Keegan Flynn

Congratulations on winning Best Digital Start-up! How do you feel about the win?
“We really appreciate the opportunity to be here, and we’re also very flattered to win the award. Thank you so much.”

Going back, how did the idea for Doctor2U come about?
“My partner, Garvy Beh, his family is in healthcare, So we worked with his healthcare background, and combined that with our passion in technology. We saw a problem with the traditional healthcare system – the inconvenience, the lack of different options, the lack of quality care for elderly patients – so Doctor2U is a response to solve those problems for families in Malaysia. We want to bring quality healthcare directly into everyone’s living rooms.”

And how’s the reception like so far?
“I think it’s going good. Our userbase has been growing every month, and that’s really what motivates our team, seeing the reviews of people actually using our app and benefitting from it everyday, and having real impact on families on a day-to-day basis.”

Can you tell us more about the partnership with Microsoft as well as your upcoming projects for the rest of 2017?
“Sure. So, we’re now working closely with the IT and business development teams from Microsoft to enhance our existing IT infrastructure and also to integrate a lot of their healthcare technology into our platform. We’re also continuously launching new features, because we want to really build a one-stop platform for any on-demand medical concierge and healthcare services.

We actually just launched an ambulance feature this month, where you can order an ambulance through the app. We’re looking to add nursing and physiotherapy soon. We’re also in the process of integrating our e-commerce site into our Doctor2U app. So a lot of exciting things in Malaysia and we’ll be expanding regionally as well – lots of big things going on.”

Check out the live feed replay of the #BuroTurnsTwo party on Tonton from 22 July onwards or the post event coverage on 8TV Express at 10.30pm on 24 July. A repeat of this post event coverage will be available on Tonton beginning 25 July.

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Lifestyle
Rimowa x Steiff Bear limited edition luggage is in Malaysia
Exclusively adorable

11.03.2016
By Rachel Au

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Both traditional German companies, Rimowa and Steiff’s collaboration was only a matter of time. Their “Made in Germany” tag isn’t the only similarity as they were both founded in the 19th century and pride themselves in their craftsmanship. The quality stands in the Steiff Rimowa suitcases that are suitable for both young and old globetrotters.

On the characteristic silver aluminium shell of the suitcase model Rimowa Classic Flight—in a practical cabin size 52, to boot—is a walking Steiff teddy bear with the trademark “Steiff button in ear”; and on the handle hangs a small grey alpaca Steiff teddy bear. The beauty of the gorgeous suitcase doesn’t end at the exterior only. On the inside, it’s super fluffy as the suitcase is lined with the same grey alpaca material as the teddy bear, an iconic material to the Steiff brand.

Only 1,050 of the limited edition suitcase is made and available in Rimowa stores worldwide, with an additional 250 via Steiff shops and the Steiff museum as of October 2015. And now, it has finally arrived in Malaysia at a recommended retail price of RM5,050.

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Beauty
#BizarreBeauty: Toilet paper lips and other stories
ICYMI

07.07.2017
By Terry Saw

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While the world was watching the wonders of Paris Haute Couture AW17 unfold, something entirely different was happening on the opposite end of the beauty spectrum. And like bad television, we could not peel our eyes away from the bizarre beauty headlines that gave new meaning to ‘what has been seen, cannot be unseen‘ – here are some of the top stories that made it to our list (so far). July is definitely shaping up to be an interesting month.

Glitter bombs…for your nether region

A.k.a Passion Dust Intimacy Capsules (where do we even begin?!) sparked controversy in the online beauty world this week. These supposedly ‘safe for insertion’ gelatin capsules (which are sold out btw #wecanteven) are filled with delightful, edible glitter, designed to be inserted into the nether region to ‘naturally dissolve’, giving you a sparkly, flavoured happy ending. Doctors and gynecologists have spoken out against this (duh!), for serious medical and health reasons and the fear of women disrupting their vagina’s balance of bacteria and fueling chances of infection. Here’s what we think and it’s really not rocket science: stick to common sense and leave the shine and shimmer for your lips, eyes and hair or bath. Not every(where) that glitters is gold.

The 100-layer vlogger strikes again

Ah, but of course, Swedish Vlogger, Josefin Lillakas a.k.a Jeely is back to top her own 100-layer foundation attempt, only this time, she slathers on 100 layers of bubble mask for reasons that will forever remain unknown to mankind but we admit – just like mind-numbing reality television (read: KUWTK) – we knew exactly what we were getting ourselves into, and this was going to be hands down, the five precious minutes of our lives we will never get back, but yet, we watched it anyway – yep, just like with KUWTK. Word to the wise – stick to just the one layer when you bubble (or any) mask. You too, Jeely. Especially you.

Twinning and winning manicures with your (furry) besties

So, apparently the 2017 idea of a girly pampering sesh is not with your bff on speed dial, but with your furry friends instead. This week, social media exploded with images of pet owners going the extra mile by getting matchy-matchy manicures with their pets and we are still not sure how to feel about it to be honest, but we take comfort in knowing that only nail caps or pet-friendly options were used (PSA: never use human nail polish for your pets – it’s toxic for them!) and no furballs were harmed in the process.

Toilet paper lips

Lastly, but also our fave (finally, in a good way), is professional makeup artist Greta Agazzi’s IG feed, which is quite a work of art – caviar nail beaded lips, ink, smoked and marbled lips, pearly lashes – you name it. Also the creator of the toilet-paper-lip trend (which actually look pretty good we have to admit), she has inspired a band of makeup artists, beauty junkies and vloggers to recreate said trend, but with varying degrees of outcomes. Trust funny-girl and quirky YouTuber Safiya Nyagaard to jump on the bandwagon – here are the results:

For less whacky, more wonderful beauty trends…
Our top new season picks from Sephora
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Lifestyle
Meghan Markle has given birth to a baby boy

06.05.2019
By Joan Kong

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After months of waiting (and speculating), Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (who nailed her maternity style) have welcomed their first child, a boy, and he’s the first interracial baby in the British monarchy’s recent history. The latest addition to the royal family is now the seventh in line to the British throne, behind the Duke of Sussex. According to a statement by Buckingham Palace, the Duchess of Sussex gave birth at 5.26am, and although the location wasn’t officially revealed, it was rumoured to be at the Frogmore Cottage where the couple resides. As revealed via the couple’s official Instagram page, the newborn weighed seven pounds and three ounces.

Having been more than a week overdue, the prince was no doubt overjoyed and beamed with pride as he gave his first interview outside of his residence. “I’m happy to announce that Meghan and myself had a baby boy early this morning—a very healthy boy. Mother and baby are doing incredibly well. It’s been the most amazing experience I could possibly ever imagine. How any woman does what they do is beyond comprehension but we’re both absolutely thrilled and so grateful to all the love and support from everybody out there. It’s been amazing, so I just wanna share this with everybody.” When asked about the baby’s name, the Duke of Sussex revealed that they’re “still thinking about names. The baby is a little bit overdue so we had a little bit of time to think about it. That’s the next bit.” He also added that the public will be seeing the family in two days’ time.

Stay tuned for more updates.

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Fashion
Brioni appoints Nina-Maria Nitsche as its new creative director
New direction

16.06.2017
By Wei Yeen Loh

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French luxury goods holding company Kering has announced Nina-Maria Nitsche as the new creative director of Italian menswear couture house Brioni. This piece of news comes eight months after the abrupt departure of then-creative director Justin O’Shea, whose brief six-month tenure saw radical changes that some felt were not synonymous with the company’s heritage, including eschewing Brioni’s signature logo for a gothic text and featuring heavy metal band Metallica for an ad campaign.

Nitsche’s track record include Maison Margiela and Vetements. She joined the former in 1989 and worked alongside Margiela himself for 23 years, later on taking over as creative director after his resignation in 2009. Nitsche then joined Vetements in September 2016, but left shortly after when the company relocated to Zurich in March 2017.

“Ever since I met her in 1996, I have been impressed by her creative approach, starting from a clearly defined concept and then transforming that into products that accurately resonate with the customer,” says CEO of Brioni Fabrizio Malverdi. “Her point of view will allow the brand’s core values to prosper and yet inject a contemporary dialogue that will enable Brioni to evolve into the future.”

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Skincare
The story, science and art behind La Prairie’s Platinum Rare collection

01.02.2021
By Rachel Au

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When someone says “platinum”, more often than not, the highly sought after precious metal appears to the mind in the form of a diamond ring band or a deluxe timepiece. But for La Prairie, the luxury Swiss skincare brand saw it as the key to unlocking the elixir of youth.
Albert Einstein believed that the higher the gravity, the slower time passes. In the case of platinum, it was born from the collision of two neutron stars and came to Earth in a meteor shower more than 3.5 billion years ago. In a way, this rare metal is thus living within its own dimension and definition of time.

When no one thought it possible, La Prairie poured their research into platinum as a rejuvenating skincare ingredient, and in 2008, the brand succeeded. It was called ”Platinum Rare Cellular Cream”, the first skincare product infused with platinum. Fast forward to late 2020, and La Prairie has welcomed two new chapters in what they’ve since called the story of The Platinum Moment. First of the two chapters: the introduction of the Platinum Rare Haute-Rejuvenation Collection, a seven-product range that is the embodiment of groundbreaking science.

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There are a few key ingredients in the collection such as the new Platinum Multi-Peptide and La Prairie’s signature (and best-kept secret for almost four decades), the Exclusive Cellular Complex. The latter is especially impressive, considering it works on multiple layers of the skin. Together, they’re essentially designed to:

trigger rejuvenating cellular activities
strengthen the skin barrier
improve its moisture balance
enhance cellular longevity
boosts the skin’s natural repair process
correct any ageing damage

What you get is age-defying results and a reassurance that your skin cells are back up to speed to do the work (an ability that tends to slow down as we age). You’ll notice the appearance of wrinkles is reduced, a more even skin tone, better firmness and elasticity, moisture levels centred and most importantly, it feels rejuvenated too.

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Such a high-performing formula requires a worthy host. To La Prairie, art is just as important as science is. The Platinum Rare Haute-Rejuvenation Collection is distinguishable by its amethyst-hued vials and jars—a colour that represents the unique moment when light meets dark, when night turns into day, and when the sun and moon meet for that brief instance.
“A time when anything is possible and the reflection of beauty is all around.” —The Platinum Moment
On a similar note of science meets art, La Prairie celebrated this milestone by collaborating with British composer Max Richter (Ad Astra, Mary Queen of Scots, Black Mirror—to name a few) and Japanese artist Nobuhiro Nakanishi. The brief was to explore the notion of time suspended and create an installation. The first chapter—the reintroduction of Platinum Rare Haute-Rejuvenation Collection—saw the two artists worked together to create Echo of Time. The second chapter—in honour of La Prairie’s latest creation, Platinum Rare Haute-Rejuvenation Protocol, a month-long intensive facial treatment—birthed Eternal Circle. Consider it akin to the extended edition of a Blu-Ray DVD as it’s a continuation of Nakanishi’s experience in the Swiss mountains from the first chapter.

“The presence of mountains heaved up over an extraordinary amount of time, the touch of wind and air I felt there, the expanse of [the] night sky—these things make me feel like being human is an ephemeral existence. This led me to develop a hand-drawn work featuring the beauty of Swiss nature, particularly mountains and clouds, that repeat endlessly,” says Nakanishi.
The masterpiece uses a centuries-old Eastern “Stripe Drawing” technique where Nakanishi drew a 60-piece row of individual stripe drawings of horizontal lines and blank spaces. When aligned, the pieces total to 24 metres, one for every hour of the day. The drawings are digitalised and installed in an endless loop—hence, Eternal Circle—with Richter’s La Prairie-exclusive Platinum track playing in the background to form an ethereal-like film representing past, present and future in eternity.

Top: Max Richter; Bottom: Nobuhiro Nakanishi

Eternal Circle is a film comprised of Nakanishi’s hand-drawings and Richter’s breathtaking ‘Platinum’ score

Nakanishi uses a centuries-old Eastern “Stripe Drawing” technique to create Eternal Circle by hand

Richter says it best: “I find there is something very relaxing about thinking of bigger time scales—the concept of deep time. If you rewind the clock a hundred millions years or fast forward a hundred millions years: most things will be the same. We “may” or “may not” be here—but it does not really matter if we are here or not. Present moments both are incredibly important and completely irrelevant. It’s really an interesting paradox, and somehow I feel this is where the concept of eternity is rooted. I personally very much like this concept: it makes me feel calm.”

And thanks to La Prairie’s latest Platinum Rare Haute-Rejuvenation Protocol, your skin can experience eternity too. Unlike the rest of the products in the range, it is, as its name suggests, a Protocol. In the course of a month, the Protocol (split into three vials) is designed to visibly and effectively rejuvenate the skin; to breach the skin barrier, reanimate cells and create new skin tissue. It’s La Prairie’s original cellular therapy, reimagined.

Find out more on La Prairie’s website.

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Fashion
Watch the Louis Vuitton Cruise 2019 livestream here
#LVCruise

28.05.2018
By Joan Kong

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After showing its previous Cruise collections at the Miho Museum in Kyoto (in 2017) and Rio de Janeiro’s Niterói Contemporary Art Museum (in 2016), Louis Vuitton will be showcasing its Cruise 2019 collection on the French Riviera—specifically, the Fondation Maeght at the Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Opened in 1964, the private space is dedicated to modern and contemporary artworks by artists such as Wassily Kandinsky, Ellsworth Kelly, Joan Miró and more. Collection aside, we can definitely expect stunning pictures from the show space.

Stay tuned to the livestream of Louis Vuitton Cruise 2019 here:

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Lifestyle
Here’s how to spend a ’24-hour Stopover’ Staycation with BURO to celebrate #BUROTurnsSix

20.12.2021
By Adelina Tan

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Over the past year (or two), the comfort of home and human connections has shaped all of our lives in small but significant ways. With the restrictions on movement, we’ve also found creative ways to “travel”—through experiences, as well as staycations where we rediscover ourselves and what our city has to offer. Mindful of social distancing, we’ve become attuned to smaller and more intimate gatherings.
For BURO Malaysia’s sixth birthday, we embraced these “new” norms by welcoming five guests—Maggy Wang, Nana Law, Vanessa Tevi Kumares, Anjoe Koh, Cherrie Liong—and their plus-ones to a relaxing ‘24-hour Stopover’ Staycation with BURO at JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur and The Starhill KL. (We’re looking forward to meeting up and hanging out with more Friends of BURO soon!)

Day One
Checking in
After our guests cleared all the SOPs, including negative Covid-19 test results, it was time to head up and enjoy the quiet luxury of JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur’s rooms. A few surprises awaited them there, including champagnes from Moët & Chandon, and Dyson’s Supersonic hairdryer and Corrale straightener. We left small gifts for our guests too that we hoped would make their stay all the more enjoyable.

The room at JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur

Dyson Supersonic hairdryer

Dyson Corrale straightener

Moët & Chandon champagne

Little gifts for a cosy stay

The New Yorker Afternoon Tea — Festive Edition
Delicious food is no doubt one of the highlights of any staycation. And what better way to take a break from reality than to have time for tea? Following a warm welcome from our Editor, Rachel Au, our guests sat back and caught up in a cosy corner of The Alchemy, at The Starhill Dining. Conversations flowed in between bites of the sweet and savoury treats that make up The New Yorker Afternoon Tea — Festive Edition. These delectable morsels were distinctively seasonal to ring in the holiday spirit.

Delectable eats

Savoury morsels to delight your taste buds (and fill your tummy)

Leave room for these beautiful desserts

Cherrie Liong

Nana Law

Chenelle Wen

Vanessa Tevi Kumares and Maggy Wang

Dinner with Moët & Chandon
Following a break after tea to unwind and freshen up, our guests were dressed to the nines for dinner at The Starhill Dining’s iconic Shook! Here, a festive celebration of tantalising flavours from around the world awaited, paired exquisitely with Moët & Chandon’s champagnes that sparkled with bright fruitiness and elegance.

The beautiful festive set-up

A feast for the eyes before tucking into dinner

Moët & Chandon champagnes are best drank chilled

The night began with an amuse bouche of delicate sushi rolls; paired with the Moët Impérial. An appetiser of crispy blue cheese fritters was next, made all the more delicious with red onion marmalade, caramelised walnut, pear salad and pomegranate molasse. Truly a match made in gastronomic heaven with the Moët Impérial Grand Vintage 2012. The heirloom cherry tomato gazpacho was another favourite of the evening as the mulled wine jelly, cinnamon croutons and torched clementine both cleansed and whetted our palates.
With a choice of festive turkey or blackened loin of beef, the main course was eagerly anticipated. Both selections arrived at the table juicy, tender and bursting with flavours enhanced by the pairing of Moët & Chandon’s Rosé Impérial. The slow-roast turkey breast came accompanied with turkey and cranberry sausage rolls, brussel sprouts choucruote, and cranberry relish. Not to be outdone, the blackened loin of beef was plated with caramelised root vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, fluffy roast potatoes, and brussel sprout au gratin. Needless to say, both dishes won rave reviews.

How refreshing is this amuse bouche?

Crispy blue cheese fritters that are deliciously addictive

A toast to the past, present and future

No meal would be truly complete without dessert—and so we eagerly said yes to the noel baked apple. A great decision as it was scrumptious consisting of sweet mincemeat, spiced maple, and brandy saffron anglaise. After a sparkling evening of good food and drinks, among amazing company, a restful night’s sleep awaited in the plush and super-comfortable beds of the JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur’s hotel rooms.

Day Two
Breakfast and pool time
What a joy to rise and shine to another wonderful day! It was a leisurely morning, with the warm contentment of breakfast at Shook! and the option to take a dip in the hotel’s pool with views of KL’s landmarks (definitely one for the ‘gram!).
Lunch
The very best staycations are those where you do nothing but eat, drink, relax and do what sparks joy. With this in mind, we couldn’t wait to fill our tummies with the refined comfort food that Luk Yu Tea House, at The Starhill Dining, is well-known for.

Good food, good company (feat. Ismael Ma, Vanessa Tevi Kumares and Chenelle Wen)

Now, this is what you call ‘longevity’ noodles

Food for the soul

We reckon it’s one of the very best places in the country for Hong Kong dim sum and it’s halal too. The yum cha staples, Cantonese dishes brimming with wok hei, and homey Chiu Chow cooking techniques reminded us of the wholesomeness that is soul food. You must try the egg tart too: it comes highly recommended by us and our guests.
Fun fact: Luk Yu Tea House draws its inspiration from the Tang Dynasty poet Lu Yu, who wrote on the history and culture of Chinese tea. In homage to this respected Chinese tea master, it serves a selection of fine teas from Taiwan and China that enhance the food—and the connections that are forged or strengthened—in this welcoming dining spot.

We agree, Nana—fine Chinese tea is integral to an enjoyable ‘yum cha’ session

Cherrie’s expression says it all: this is the smile you’ll have after a good lunch

Boutique Tours at The Starhill KL
If dining is the spice of life, then shopping at some of KL’s finest boutiques surely ranks high too on this list of pleasures. The newly renovated and rejuvenated The Starhill KL is a destination familiar to Malaysian residents who value the best in life. On a guided tour of Balmain, Paul & Shark, Bedat & Co, and Tom Ford, our guests discovered more about these brands that recently opened at The Starhill KL, as well as the latest collections available in the country.

Distinctively Balmain

Nana Law and Cherrie Liong at Southeast Asia’s only Tom Ford flagship boutique

Anjoe Koh and Daniel Tan checking out the luxury sportswear at Paul & Shark

Vanessa checking out the T-shirts at Paul & Shark

The experts at Bedat & Co have lots of insights to share into the world of luxury horology

The Starhill KL has a new look and exciting luxury retail boutiques to explore, including a few that you’ll find nowhere else in Malaysia

With that, it was time to say goodbye and wrap up the ‘24-hour Stopover’ Staycation with BURO. Connections were made and renewed, alongside fond memories of time well-spent.

Thank you for joining us on a ’24-hour Stopover’ Staycation with BURO

Thank you to every one of you reading this, for being with us throughout the year as #BUROTurnsSix. In the meantime, Go Around the World with BURO and take part in our giveaway.

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Beauty
Watch: Fyza Kadir take on Rouge G de Guerlain, one lipstick colour at a time
#MyRougeG #GuerlainMY

16.04.2018
By Wei Yeen Loh

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“For someone who loves traveling, you can never have too many lipsticks in your beauty kit,” says fashion darling and social media influencer Fyza Kadir, who is expertly touching up her lips with the new Rouge G de Guerlain lipstick as we speak. For someone who has an arsenal of beauty essentials at her disposal any other day, Fyza is very much enamoured with Guerlain’s latest range — mainly because it vouches for her abovementioned statement.
The new Rouge G de Guerlain chalks up a pretty impressive range that is every bit collectible-worthy. The luxury lip bullet now comes in 15 customisable cases, from a kawaii batik print to chic metallic shells in rose gold and gold that could double up as a statement-making beauty accessory; not to mention, an assortment of 26 shades can take any look from day to night. The best part? One deft slide from the case reveals two mirrors beneath — one less worry about squeezing a compact mirror into your fun-sized minaudière on nights out.
Designed by renowned jeweller Lorenz Bäumer with the artistic direction of Guerlain’s creative director Olivier Echaudemaison, the Rouge G de Guerlain was first launched back in 2009. The lipstick was designed to resemble a precious jewel, and remains one of the most luxurious ever created under the house. Incidentally, Maison Guerlain celebrates its grand 190th anniversary this year, with approximately 1,100 fragrance creations and ongoing innovations in cosmetics under its belt.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная без списка] Rouge G De Guerlain 2018″ rid=”6244″ order=”a_tstamp”}
Watch Fyza experiment with her favourite shades and cases from Rouge G de Guerlain:

How would you wear the Rouge G de Guerlain?
For a casual day out, a nude shade is what I tend to go for, and this Very Batik case is the perfect case to match my look. When I’m feeling feminine, my go-to lipstick colour is usually pink, and nothing screams girly more than this Miami Glam case. For days when I’m feeling bold, I always alternate between a classic red and a fun colour, like a deep purple hue. Taking risks (whether in beauty or fashion), is something I can’t resist from time to time.
You are an avid traveler — where was your most recent adventure?
I recently went to Hokkaido, Japan, where I honed my skiing skills. It is amazing there this time of the year. After that, my husband and I adjourned for a quick stop at Odaiba in Tokyo to explore the Rainbow Bridge. I was fortunate enough to catch the sakura in full bloom during our trip — it made for the most beautiful pictures. (The Rouge G de Guerlain Gypsy Folk lipstick case reminds me a lot of those flowers, actually!)
How would you say the Rouge G de Guerlain complements your lifestyle?
I love that the lipstick complements my style easily. I like to think of it as a major accessory I can play around with according to my look, whether I am feeling classy, sporty, or edgy. I’m currently crushing on Wild Jungle — how luxe is that deep red crocrodile print? French Mademoiselle is really chic too, the lace motif gives it a sexy kind of vibe. The double mirrors are a fun addition to each case as well, something I’d find very useful when I’m out and about.

Credits:
Videography: Shepherd Pictures
Art Direction: Yi Suen Chong, Loh Wei Yeen
Styling: Loh Wei Yeen
Makeup: Cat Yong
Hair: Cody Chua
Styling Assistant: Lim Lee Ann
Clothes: Topshop, Miss Selfridge

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Film, TV + Theatre
They’re Out: Warner Bros. Pictures gives us the Suicide Squad in HD
Squad goals

19.07.2015
By Buro247

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When the first trailer for Warner Bros Pictures’s Suicide Squad unofficially leaked, the entertainment company was prompted to release a HD version on its Facebook page, which resulted in more than 300,000 shares on the first day itself. The trailer was supposed to be a treat for DC Comics fans at Comic-Con in San Diego but with smartphones abound, the clip got loose.
Warner Bros. shouldn’t feel too down since the trailer is an obvious win. With a Batman cameo and an eerie rendering of The Bee Gee’s I Started a Joke in the background, it’s hard not to get caught up in the darkness of the film. Most potent is the first look at Jared Leto’s Joker, a haunting double to Heath Ledger’s disturbing portrayal nearly a decade ago.

There’s a lot to look forward to: the film stars Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, Will Smith as Deadshot, Jai Courtney as Captain Boomerain, Joel Kinnaman as Rick Flagg and Cara Delevigne as Enchantress. A sharp and threatening Viola Davis is the Squad’s former-congressional-aide-turned-supervillain-manager. David Ayer wrote and directed the production. The movie is part of Warner Bros. confirmed slew of DC Comics film adaptations that will run from 2016 to 2020. You can expect the list to cover at least Wonder Woman, The Justice League and The Flash.
First conceived in a 1959 issue of DC Comics’s The Brave and the Bold, Suicide Squad is a taskforce of supervillains undertaking government black ops missions in exchange for clemency. While the villains mostly follow through, they are still supervillains with fraught histories and murkier futures.  These swaying allegiances are why all those DC villains never seem to stay in lockup. It seems pretty apt then that the trailer went rogue too.
Watch the trailer below:

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Beauty
5 Moisture-locking marvels to help you survive the heat
Don't be thirsty

23.05.2017
By Wei Yeen Loh

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BURO Beauty Empties Giveaway Week 2: Win up to RM4,500 worth of beauty prizes

On the hunt for a moisturiser that doesn’t leave you with a greasy feeling by mid-day? Manage shine and moisture levels with Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream Fresh Hydration that is lightweight enough for normal to oily skin conditions. A blend of botanical ingredients leave a hydrating effect while protecting skin from environmental aggressors, so you don’t have to worry about reapplication—or oil blotting your T-zone—throughout the day.

If you’ve tried countless moisturisers and creams but a dry and tight feeling over your skin still persists, try Laneige Water Bank Double Layering Oil that aims to optimise the water to oil ration of your skin. Active ingredients include mini hyaluronate to bind and lock in moisture, high-functional natural oils, and minerals to keep skin well-moisturised. To ace the effortless dewy look made popular by our Korean counterparts, use it in tandem with other products from the Water Bank range.

By Terry Hydra-Éclat Mask is all about giving you a rosy complexion—quite literally, with a complex of rose native cells and extracts that is able to improve the skin’s ability to retain water. Pamper your skin with its luxurious, hydra-sorbet texture that minimises fine lines and wrinkles too. Extra brownie points go to its multipurpose efficacy—you can actually apply the mask over the eye area for an all-over glow.

Fans of gel moisturisers will find Clinique’s Moisture Surge Hydrating Supercharged Concentrate helpful to quench skin while leaving it visibly plumper and smoother. What’s interesting is its water-gel like texture, made via a technology that combines water-binding ingredients with antioxidants so your skin’s moisture reservoir remains intact for a whole day.

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum is upgraded this season with a 75 percent hyaluronic acid formula that attracts up to 1,000 times its weight in water from moisture in the atmosphere. In simpler terms, your skin will be nourished in no time with its combination of silk proteins and mineral complexes.

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Food + Drink
#BuroEats: 5 New cafes in KL to visit for December 2018

02.12.2018
By Rachel Au

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Review: Sky35 KL presents an omakase experience plated on Hermès finery

1. OpenHouse

openhouse restaurant klcc

A modern Malaysian restaurant with a gorgeous interior and an even more seductive menu of both traditional and royal household recipes that have been passed down through generations, OpenHouse is unlike any other establishment you’ve ever dined at.
Address: G48, KLCC
Opening hours:
Sun-Thurs 11am – 12am
Fri-Sat 11am-1am
Telephone: 03 2162 0888
Website | Facebook | Instagram

2. Wicked Outpost

wicked outpost cafe bukit ceylon

Literally a new hidden gem, Wicked Outpost is a new container cafe offering bites and ‘wicked espresso’ (among other caffeinated and non-caffeinated drinks).
Address: 6 Ceylon Condo
Opening hours: 10am – 10pm
Instagram

3. Hideaway

hideaway 17 cafe

Go here for traditional cakes and coffee, as well as some peace and quiet. Of course, they also serve mains, if you prefer.
Address: AG7, Block A Happy Mansion, Jalan 17/13
Opening hours:
Sun-Thurs 11am – 8pm
Fri-Sat 11am – 10pm
Closed on Mon
Telephone: 017 883 4438
Facebook | Instagram

4. Avocatier

avocatier cafe kl

Avo wanted a place that can satisfy all your avocado cravings? (Was that pun too hardcore? Oops, we did it again!) From brunch items to snacks to desserts to drinks, this is the place.
Address: 10-1, Jalan 27/70a, Desa Sri Hartamas
Opening hours: 9am – 6pm (Closed on Tues)
Facebook | Instagram

5. Chez Gaston KL

chez gaston kl

The previous owner of Rendez-vous restaurant is back and is now the Chef of a new French bistro that promises to serve traditional French cuisine in a cosy ambience.
Address: 12, Jalan Bangsar Utama 9, Bangsar
Opening hours: 9am – 6pm (Closed on Tues)
Telephone: 011 3993 0036
Facebook | Instagram

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Kuala Lumpur