Music
Olivia Rodrigo talks ‘driving home 2 u’ Disney+ film, female representation and ‘Sour’
'good 4 u'

24.03.2022
By Rachel Au

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Love. Heartbreak. Fear. Solitude. Anger. There are many words to describe the emotions we all go through as an adolescent. Similarly, a 17-year-old young woman by the name of Olivia Rodrigo was inevitably on that rollercoaster ride; except at the end of that track, she took those feelings and turned them into a triple-platinum-certified debut album.
It’s been over a year since the Grammy® nominated singer-songwriter released Sour, and from a mellow ballad that is ‘drivers license’ to the alt-rock-ish ‘brutal’, there’s barely a soul that hasn’t heard these heartfelt songs. No thanks to the pandemic however, Rodrigo has yet to go on a proper tour. Fans don’t have to wait long though, as the 19-year-old singer hits the road in April, and the Sour tour has completely sold out. For everyone else, there’s her upcoming Disney+ film, Olivia Rodrigo: driving home 2 u (A ‘Sour’ film).

“I wanted to make a piece of content for my fans who maybe can’t make it to my tour. Also, I just wanted to reimagine these songs and talk about what it was like to make them,” Rodrigo tells us in an interview.
The offering is an intimate look into the making of the Sour album, featuring never-before-seen footage of Rodrigo in the studio with producer and co-writer Dan Nigro; candid interviews; and new live arrangements of her songs. You’ll feel like you’re rocking out with her from the comforts of your home. As the name suggests, the film driving home 2 u takes the audience through a road trip from Salt Lake City—where the writing all began—to Los Angeles. Following the concept, even the backdrops for the performances change according to her road trip itinerary. One moment you’ll see her at a gas station, the next, she’s talking in what looks like a motel room, and later, performing with her band in an airplane hangar.
We had a quick chat with her about the film, the songwriting process, having an all-female band and more.

WHAT THE ‘SOUR’ ALBUM MEANS TO HER
Olivia Rodrigo: “This album is so special to me. It’s the first kind of body of work that I’ve put out, and I wrote it during a time in my adolescence, where I was experiencing a lot of new feelings for the first time. Writing the album was the way that I processed all of those emotions. And so, on a personal level, it was an important thing for me to do and then to put it out and have people respond so positively to it was such a blessing. It’s a huge part of my life, and I’m very grateful that I can talk about it today.”
THE SONGWRITING EXPERIENCE
Olivia Rodrigo: “I don’t think recording and writing the songs were draining, so much as they were cathartic. When you’re going through something hard to process, and you write a song about it, it becomes so much less confusing and easier to understand. That was an amazing part of the recording process.”
HAVING CREATIVE DIRECTION
Olivia Rodrigo: “I had a bunch of creative direction on the film. That’s one of my favourite parts about being an artist—you get to have a hand in so many different aspects of your career. Making music is one part, but you also get to make the music videos, the films, and decide what you wear. There are so many different mediums of expression that you can take advantage of as an artist.”

LOOKING BACK AT THE OLD FOOTAGE
Olivia Rodrigo: “At first, it was a little nerve-wracking for me to put the GoPro footage in because it’s such intimate footage of me and my producer, Dan, in the studio. It’s a scary thought to give that out into the world where it can be interpreted in whatever way. But watching it back, I think it was my favourite part of the film. It’s cool to have that insight into such a magical process that is making music.”
WATCHING THE COMPLETED FILM
Olivia Rodrigo: “It made me feel super nostalgic. It’s cool to watch the very early stages of the songs that have now taken a completely different meaning and a whole new life. It’s really special to look back at those memories of writing those songs.”
ON THE NEW SONG ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE FILM
Olivia Rodrigo: “I really love the new arrangement of ‘jealousy, jealousy’. We did it under a freeway overpass, and it’s a punk rock version of the song on the album, and I had a lot of fun rocking out with my band members on that one. My other favourite is ‘hope ur ok’, which we did on a beach and I love the beach. That was a lot of fun to film.”
HAVING AN ALL-FEMALE BAND
Olivia Rodrigo: “On a personal level, I love working with women. I think female friendships are the most fulfilling relationships in the world. It was so fun to do all these songs with women, especially performing rock songs with women. I remember growing up and not seeing as many women in rock as there were men. So it’s always really empowering to watch girls shred on the guitar and stuff like that. There’s a lot of that in the film, and I’m also going to be doing a lot of that on tour, so that’s very exciting.”

GOING ON TOUR FOR THE FIRST TIME
Olivia Rodrigo: “I’m really excited to go on tour because I think once you put the songs out into the world, they take on a whole new meaning. You get to see how people make them their own and so I’ll get to see that firsthand when I meet people on tour. I’m actually in rehearsals right now, but it’s exciting to get to cultivate an all-around experience for people, visually and sonically. And it’s so fun to pick out the outfits and there are so many details that go into a tour. It’s so fun to create that way.”
TOUR ADVICE FROM HER MUSICIAN-FRIENDS
Olivia Rodrigo: “All of my friends are advising me on how to take care of myself on the road because it’s a lot of travelling, and performing every night can become physically exhausting when you do it so often. So, they are just telling me to take care of myself, get lots of sleep, eat well, and drink water. I’m definitely going to take their advice on that.”
ADVICE FOR A CAREER IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
Olivia Rodrigo: “You just have to make music for you, and because you love it. I think you can never write songs from a place of wanting to please others, or wanting to be popular—at least whenever I do that, the song is really bad. As long as you put your heart into the songs you’re writing and write them because they’re meaningful to you, I think you can never go wrong.”
‘Olivia Rodrigo: driving home 2 u (a Sour film)’ will debut exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar on March 25, 2022.

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#InstaLove: Travel to Paris

Lifestyle
#InstaLove: Travel to Paris
Je t'aime

03.03.2016
By Rachel Au

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It’s been a long week and with Paris Fashion Week in full swing, we can’t help but let our minds wander to the streets of the French city. Then again, regardless of whether PFW is happening or not, who doesn’t dream of visiting Paris from time to time, right? Lucky for these Paris-based photographers (and one writer), they’re living the dream and also taking gorgeous snaps of their surroundings for our viewing pleasure. Take notes because they feature some pretty cool spots.

@parisinfourmonths
Carin Olsson is a photographer who does work for luxury fashion brands such as Elie Saab and Chloe, and thus truly having a life most would be envious of. Apart from snapping the quaint corners around the city, her account would also take you behind the scenes of some of her photoshoots with brands as well as the runway shows that she gets invited to.
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@juanjerez
Any picture taken in Paris would most likely be a beauty and that’s mostly thanks to the stunning architecture around the city. However, composition is everything and photographer Juan Jerez takes the most breathtaking photos with immense depth and strong colours; but with a soft touch to them.
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@lostncheeseland
Desserts and cafes are some of the things people love about Paris—and that includes food and travel writer Lindsey Tramuta. Three quarters of her feed feature delicious pastries and gorgeous restaurant interiors.
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Style
Fashion buzz: Romeo Beckham’s girlfriend stars in Victoria Beckham’s newest campaign, Joe Chia introduces its first jewellery collection, and more

18.08.2020
By Joan Kong

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Romeo Beckham’s girlfriend, Mia Regan, is the star of Victoria Beckham’s latest campaign

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Victoria Beckham is keeping it in the family in her latest collection. To launch the new drop from her diffusion line, Victoria, Victoria Beckham, the designer enlisted model Mia Regan (aka her son, Romeo’s girlfriend) to star in the campaign, but that’s not it. The 17-year-old is also behind the quirky collage-style artwork—an aesthetic that can also be spotted regularly on her Instagram. Thoughts on the imagery?
Joe Chia introduces Future Pills

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Malaysian designer Joe Chia has launched his first jewellery collection for his eponymous label, and like its clothing, the minimal pieces exude a modern and futuristic vibe that will undoubtedly be sought after. This line, in particular, is “reimagined in the parallels between the existence of time and fragility”—necklaces and earrings feature glass on silver details that showcase its craftsmanship and innovations.
Joe Chia’s Future Pills collection is now available at Isetan the Japan Store.
Related: 24 Minutes with Joe Chia and Melissa Deng on mixing work and love
Anti Social Social Club is now in Malaysia

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New week, new brands! Cult favourite streetwear label Anti Social Social Club is now shoppable in Malaysia, and the best part is, you can do so from the comfort of your own home. All you need to do is head to its website, add the item(s) of your choice to cart, and you’re all set. Its Autumn/Winter 2020 collection was just launched recently, but if you missed it, fret not, as there’ll be more drops coming soon.
Bottega Veneta reopens its refurbished store in Pavilion KL

Bottega Veneta fans, rejoice! Its Pavilion KL boutique has now reopened after undergoing refurbishment in the past months. The new store spans across 146 square-meter and it houses the Maison’s well-loved menswear and womenswear pieces, from bags to small leather goods to shoes, accessories, and—wait for it—ready-to-wear. Yes, you can now browse through (and purchase) its clothing collection that’s displayed in an open and modern interior that’s given an ‘oomph’ with brass racks, bright jelly cubes, and cement pillars.
The Bottega Veneta Pavilion store is located at L.2.30.00, Level 2.
Lizzo and Quay are back with their second sunglasses collection

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Technology
Here’s what caused the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 explosions
The truth is out

24.01.2017
By Rachel Au

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There was a stir of excitement when Samsung first announced its then-upcoming Galaxy Note 7 in August 2016 but the currents soon changed into a stir of frenzy. In September 2016, Samsung had to initiate a recall of the first version of the Note 7 as there were reports of faulty batteries overheating and exploding. By the following month, the company had to recall over 2 million devices and discontinued its production—a move that has cost Samsung an estimate of $5.3 billion but proved their dedication to customers.

Since then, Samsung has conducted several months of in-depth investigations and finally announced the cause of the Note 7 explosions in a press conference held on Monday morning in Seoul, Korea. In short, it was both battery manufacturing problems and design flaws that led to the phones overheating—and thus catching fire, in some cases. Watch the video below for Samsung’s concise explanation:

Regardless, President of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics, Koh Dong-Jin expressed his sincere apology and unveiled new measures the company will be taking to ensure these incidents won’t happen again such as the multi-layer safety protocols and 8-Point Battery Safety Check.

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Collections
MFW SS19 day 4: Salvatore Ferragamo, Stella Jean and Missoni

23.09.2018
By Stephanie Boey

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Salvatore Ferragamo
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Who: Pegged the “shoemaker to the stars”, Salvatore Ferragamo’s name became synonymous to comfortable leather shoes. Loyal customer and theatre legend Judy Garland had a pair specially designed just for her-the Rainbow sandal.
The Low-down: The new women’s creative director Paul Andrew is very much a shoe man, and has admitted to it. As WWD reports, “he was candid about his expertise being in shoes, not clothes, and there’s a learning curve”. The previous head of women’s footwear did what he knew best and designed the collection from the foot up, and dove into the archives for inspiration. The woven derby shoes on roped midsoles and purple knee high boots were the key-standouts.
Buro Loves: The hankerchief hems on dresses and skirts sashayed its way into our hearts and the collection proved a strong case for beige, tan and khaki by wearing all coordinating shades at once. Also, the overalls with the bib folded down under a tailored jacket is a look worth experimenting.
Stella Jean
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Who: The Haitian-Italian designer is passionate about maintaining ethics in fashion, spreading counter-colonisation and inspiring multiculturalism.
The Low-down: The designer traced the origins of the Brazilian Bahia women’s costume to Benin in West Africa, where she worked with the organic cotton industry and artisans. Her journey and travels during this pilgrimage was documented through a short film-watch it on Instagram here.
Buro Loves: The fun and colourful prints provide a mood-booster on its wearer and observer. The flouncy circle skirts inspired by the Bahia were paired with Stella Jean’s mannish shirts-the brand’s signature but our main takeaway are definitely the shoes. The tasseled jewel-toned slippers and backless block heels supported by neon elastic take the cake.

Missoni
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Where: Guests were seated at café tables on a veranda for the late-evening show while pianist Michael Nyman serenaded the crowd.
The Low-down: 2018 marks Missoni’s 65th year in fashion. Founded in 1953 in Gallarate, Italy by Ottavio and Rosita Missoni, the couple built a company using their strength in knitting. The signature chevron print only made a few appearances during the show, with a more relaxed take on the zig zag. Gossamer knits, sheer netting, lightweight tunics and kimonos in neutral shades of ecru set the scene for a laidback retreat.
Buro Loves: The mismatched seashell earrings threaded through oversized hoops for the water baby.
MFW SS19 day 4 in 10 pictures:
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Get up to speed on Milan Fashion Week SS19 with our daily updates here.

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Skincare
Tried and tested: How to get a V-shaped jawline

15.10.2020
By Wei Yeen Loh

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Looking to provide your facial contours with a subtle lift but not a fan of invasive measures? If extensive v-shaping programmes and youth-in-a-jar skincare products can’t quite cut it for you, peruse these three treatments—from a facelift therapy to v-shaping serums and face creams:
Intense Facelift Therapy with HIFU, AsterSpring

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“Like its name suggests, HIFU—high intensity focused ultrasound—uses focused ultrasound energy to target deep layers of the skin and thus, stimulates the natural production of more collagen. The best part is that it’s non-invasive and requires zero downtime. Halfway through the treatment, my therapist handed me a mirror and lo and behold—one side of my face was more lifted than the other, resulting in quite a distinctive appearance.
“Does it hurt? There are three levels where each level determines the depth of the layer it targets beneath the surface of the skin. I went with 3mm (4.5mm is the highest) and had braced myself for some form of discomfort. The treatment was more bearable than I expected; if you’ve tried laser treatments before, this is definitely less painful and feels more like a rubber band flicking all over your skin. Of course, it also depends on the area—the skin around the eyes are usually thinner so it’s probably more painful there than around the jaw or cheeks.
“At the end of the 60-minute treatment (no extraction or masks when doing HIFU therapy), my face definitely felt tighter and more lifted. When it comes reducing to fine lines and wrinkles, the full effects would take a couple of weeks to kick in as the treatment stimulates collagen production. That, coupled with continuous application of anti-ageing products should help with the progress.
“My therapist added it was best to avoid hydrating products as well as this would revert the whole process. AsterSpring currently has 10 HIFU machines that are equipped with the latest technology from Korea and promises minimal discomfort and high efficiency, compared to previous versions.” – Rachel Au, Editor
Intense Facelift Therapy with HIFU (RM3,300) is available at all AsterSpring outlets
Doctor Babor Lifting Cellular V-Shape Serum

“My first impression of this product was just ‘Do I really need a serum for my neck?’. After asking around, it turns out I definitely do. Your neck is where the first signs of ageing begin to show, and keeping on top of your skincare routine is imperative in delaying the ageing process.
“Doctor Babor’s V-Shape Serum is tailored for ‘intensive tightening, firming and recontouring of the chin line’, and it has active ingredients that help promote the synthesis of collagen to restore the skin’s firmness. The serum’s texture is very light and watery, and it is fragrance-free, so there’s no need to fret for your sensitive skin. Plus, it’s such a simple addition to your routine that you have virtually no reason to skip it.
“While I can’t say that I’ve seen a massive difference IRL since I’ve used it, I’ve noticed that my jawline looks slightly more defined and tapered in pictures—and this is not with the help of FaceTune. Tip: take a before and after picture to keep up with your progress in getting a V-shaped visage.” – Redzhanna Jazmin, Editorial Assistant
Belif Youth Creator-Age Knockdown V Cream

“I’ve heard of Belif’s bestselling True Cream Aqua Bomb—a cult favourite for its lightweight gel texture and hydrating properties—so I was curious to find out how the new Age Knockdown V Cream from its anti-ageing range, Youth Creator, would fare.
“Made with Belif’s Napiers anti-ageing and original formula alongside special herbs to facilitate the delivery of oxygen to the skin, the V Cream is said to reduce sagging skin and improve skin elasticity. First thoughts: the cream’s texture is seemingly rich (especially if you first swatch it) but it absorbs really easily into the skin. The scent isn’t too overwhelming (no synthetic fragrances, BTW!)—in fact therapeutic when massaged onto the skin.
“When it comes to lifting or anti-ageing skincare, the way you apply it makes a world of difference. If you’re going to be patting the product in a couple of seconds without letting it absorb properly, you probably shouldn’t expect evident results. Belif’s fact sheet came with useful tips on accupressure and V-firming face massaging techniques, and I gotta say that it really did wonders in giving my face a lifted appearance.
“A couple of useful tips on lifting your jawline: make a ‘V’ with your index and middle fingers and glide it up from the centre of your chin to the earlobes as you apply the cream. Always remember the upwards and outwards (from the centre of your face) is the way to go!” – Loh Wei Yeen, Deputy Editor
Belif Youth Creator-Age Knockdown V Cream (RM340.90) is available here
For more skincare tips, click here.

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Watches
Jay Chou named as Tudor’s #BornToDare new brand ambassador
An icon

22.03.2018
By Gwen Ong

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There’s no denying the star appeal of Jay Chou, who is a household name in this part of the world. His global domination now goes one step further as Tudor announces him as its latest brand ambassador alongside David Beckham and Lady Gaga.
The Tudor #BornToDare campaign celebrates individuals who aren’t afraid to pursue life by pushing the boundaries. Jay Chou is a walking testament that great things can happen when you take a daring approach to life.

His career started as a lyricist and music composer before he discovered his talent in singing. He is said to have pioneered the blend of European music style such as R&B and electronica with Asian classical music—which was dubbed as the ‘Chou Style’.
In 2007, he founded his own record company, JVR Music, which pioneered cross-cultural fusion of electronic music with Asian pop music. From there, he went into acting and starred in several super-productions and blockbusters as well as major Hollywood productions. That is not all, his filmography also includes the writing and directing of two feature films on top of ads and a large number of music videos. Jay Chou is also a known philanthropist and advocate of good causes.

With many accreditations to his name, Tudor has found a gregarious ambassador for its #BornToDare campaign. The star sports the new Tudor 1926—a highly refined yet understated mechanical timepiece that blends traditional horology aesthetics and contemporary high-performance watchmaking.

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Style
A closer look at Chryseis Tan’s bridal gowns

18.07.2018
By Stephanie Boey

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Malaysia saw its wedding of the year as SM Faliq SM Nasimuddin wed Chryseis Tan. The respective heir and heiress pulled all the stops at the recent wedding reception held in MITEC. Shane Filan of Westlife and British boyband, Blue crooned and swooned the guests with their smooth vocals—cue all the throwback feels. Nonetheless, Chryseis still stole the show with her beautiful gowns.
For the solemnisation ceremony in February, Chryseis wore a gown by Indonesian designer, Yefta Gunawan. The cross-cultural union called for a fitted, elbow-length dress with a stand-up Mandarin collar, that extended to coated shank buttons that ran down the middle—modest, traditional and most importantly, timeless. Intricate beading lined the bodice, which we can only imagine took many days to complete in Yefta Gunawan’s atelier in Jakarta. The young bride looked like a fairytale princess in a long, veiled train that cascaded down to the floor—a fitting look as the ceremony took place at The Chateau in Berjaya Hills with its medieval-like castles.

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Chryseis continued with the traditional theme as she stunned at the official wedding reception in custom FiziWoo artisanal songket. The elegant, asymmetrical pleated songket dress was in a shade of dazzling ivory, with silk tulle appliqué. The floral ornaments adorned the bust, waistline, sleeves and veil for a grand conclusion. The blushing bride balanced her extravagant wedding gown with a low chignon, classic teardrop diamond earrings and diamond choker. On her toes—crystal-studded closed toe pumps from Jimmy Choo fit for a modern day Cinderella.

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On to the first dance with her newlywed beau, Chryseis opted with Filipino, Dubai-based designer, Michael Cinco for a more party-ready number. For her “fav[ourite] part of the night”, she donned a  fitted bodice that flowed down to a high-low hem which poured into a train, complete with floral details that coincided with her previous ensemble. The blissed out pair danced on to the sounds of early aught’s boyband Blue; the dress’ billowing train didn’t deter her from busting a move. “Still not sure how I managed to twirl in that dress!” One thing’s for sure though, she looked amazing that night.

Which was your favourite look?
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Hair
6 Major takeaways we learned after quizzing hair pros from Schwarzkopf Professional

23.05.2019
By Wei Yeen Loh

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Over a month ago, we had the opportunity to grace Schwarzkopf Pro’s hair congress in Beijing, where hairdressing heavyweights across Asia convened to showcase the most-talked-about hair trends this season alongside battling it out to take home a few awards of the evening. To our pleasant surprise, it was a night to pull out all the #MalaysiaBoleh chants and Malaysian-flag-bearing wefies—Johor Bahru-based hairstylist Euniece Yee snagged not one, but two major awards at the competition.
After bagging the SKP Color Technician Group Winner – Asia-Pacific, Yee (incidentally, the only female hairstylist among the four finalists) snagged the Grand Champion award, effectively making us proud (and very loud, what with our almost-raucous cheers). “I was very surprised to hear my name being announced. It really was a proud moment for me as it showcased that Malaysians do have talent,” said Yee. “Winning didn’t come across my mind as there were so many amazingly talented and formidable contestants in this competition, all of whom showed creativity and effort in their looks.”

But before the excitement began, we had a #realtalk with three brand maestros behind the scenes who are absolute pros in their craft on all things hair, including the criteria used to judge the competition and the impact of social media on the hairdressing industry. Below, we chatted with Schwarzkopf Pro’s International Creative Director Simon Ellis, Global Styling Ambassador Richard Ashforth and Colour Ambassador Lesley Jennison.

On criteria for the judging process in this competition:
Richard Ashforth: “Technical precision. The execution and how well it’s done is fundamental to a successful end product. It could be a creative concept that’s well-thought out. It doesn’t even have to be crazy, but if the execution isn’t perfect then that wouldn’t stand out.”
Lesley Jennison: “The correct placement of colour and suitability is important. We learn about how they brain recognises the colour from the eye and how lightness and darkness is perceived. Yellow is the first colour your eyes subconsciously always see—and that’s why we use it for blonde. If somebody puts a lighter colour up on top of the head, it changes the balance of the hair colour.”
Simon Ellis: “It’s very important that hairdressers have a sense of what the real world is all about. It’s the hardest thing to understand the client, and make clients trust you. Competitions are healthy, but they need to be grounded in the real world. We’re trying to steer and rewrite the rules here. It’s harder to create a day-to-day style than avant-garde looks. The simpler it is, the harder it is to make it better. If I have a room full of bobs, why is one better than the other? At the end of the day, it’s the suitability and how the haircut and colour matches the individual.”

WATCH: 3 Fuss-free hairdos you can achieve if you’re running late in the morning

On challenges that hairdressers are facing in hair competitions (and in the real world):
RA: “I think [hair competitions] push people out of their comfort zone as a craftsperson. It forces you to work with other people—makeup artist, stylist, and the model. It gives you a platform to build your reputation and putting yourself out there.”
SE: “To me, it’s the ability to try to get the message across concisely. It’s challenging to say what they want to say cleanly and concisely. Sometimes it’s hard to distill the idea down to its essence and present it. I can see that the creative process is explosive and they want to capture it but sometimes it gets overcomplicated as a result. So to distill it down to a more simplistic, cohesive idea is a challenge.”

On the evolution of the hairdressing industry:
RA: “It has evolved from a service perspective—hairstylists are now expected to do everything. Now the client wants you to do the blow dry, haircut, colour, and everything. Service wise, the time and involvement has changed—probably for the better. Millennials have a very different perspective on the workplace. It’s all about faster results and quicker demand, whereas in the past it was a slower journey to perfect your art and craft. People want acceleration.”
LJ: “With social media, things have changed so rapidly. 20 years ago, there were a few global trends, not so many, everyone was more localised. People were inspired by their cinema, celebrities, TV, but now it’s really not the case. There’s a lot more global trends and also micro-trends, occasionally. I always tell hairdressers who’ve just started out in the industry that it’s so important to be aware that we’re all on social media.”
SE: “A lot of people don’t want to go into hairdressing right now because it is very tough. It’s very long hours—it’s a lot like being a waiter in the restaurant. You’re working from 8 in the morning till 10 at night, and sometimes you have to do training. A lot of them don’t want that, the idea of working their way up. Good hairdressers have to physically train—you can’t learn through YouTube videos.”

WATCH: Chic styling ideas for short hair—the wavy bob

On how social media has impacted the industry:
LJ: “Our clients are as social-media savvy as we are—and for me as a colourist, that’s what the most exciting thing at this time. There’s never been a time since the mid-90s that colourful hair has been so popular. And that’s purely through social media. Seeing celebrities give people confidence to want to pull that off.”
RA: “We all see trends quickly now—it used to take trends 12 months for a trend to work its way around the globe but now it doesn’t take more than 12 seconds.”
SE: “What’s interesting is to see how the younger generation uses it to their advantage. My daughter is 17 but she doesn’t watch TV, she only watches YouTube. I find her ability to multitask incredible—she can be FaceTime-ing, on YouTube, and doing her work at the same time. They naturally know how to self-promote. As organisations, we need to learn that effectively, and it’s interesting because our digital team is huge. There are 18 on the team, but the average age is 21-22—which is a whole different generation with different attitudes and aspirations. Everything moves very fast with them.”

On new-season hair cut and colour trends:
RA: “The overarching trends are a more natural finish with the hair—less perfect, more authentic. Shorter ends are trending now too. A weightless look is preferred too, with more natural movement.”
LJ: “Blonde will always be in fashion. The thing about blonde is that there’s a brand new technology—this new bonding system forms broken bonds in the hair back again and create new ones. But what Schwarzkopf has done is to put that technology inside these products—from bleach powder to highlight tint. So hairdressers don’t have to find a bonding agent to add into it—it’s already done for you…it essentially means that you can take black hair to blonde with no compromise to the structure of the hair. That, for me, is changing the hairdressing industry. Clients can have blonde and they don’t have to panic about breakage.”

On hair philosophy and advice:
RA: “My personal philosophy when it comes to inspiration is to walk out with your head up and eyes open—be a sponge and absorb what’s in your environment. Understand what it is that resonates for you personally. Have the desire to improve. I’m happy being in the industry for quite some time, yet I certainly don’t think I’ve mastered everything. There’s still so much to learn and improve on and that drives me—I still get disappointed in things and I tell myself to do it better.”
LJ: “Colour is my life. It’s my absolute passion. I love the whole industry but colour is what it’s all about. Whatever you do in life, you have to love what you do. If you go into the hair industry and you’re not enjoying it the first couple of years, I wouldn’t recommend doing it. If you can find something you’re utterly passionate about, it’s never a day of work.”
SE: “I started Vidal Sassoon Education in the company back then, and what people don’t realise is that everybody in the world today owns it to Sassoon when it comes to having haircare at home. Back then, you’d have to get your hair washed, set, prepped in the salon. But what Vidal said was: ‘Women are going to work, and we’re going to empower them by allowing them to wash their hair themselves.’ He invented the handheld hair dryer and hair brushes with the idea of creating minimal work for women to maintain their hair. My philosophy is very much inspired by him—that it should always be a celebration of natural, authentic hair.”

ALSO READ: How to keep your crowning glory in check

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Collections
Still on the hunt for your ideal baju raya? Here lies your quick fix

29.05.2019
By Stephanie Boey

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Unless you’re well equipped and skilled with a sewing machine, it’s safe to say that tailoring your baju raya this year is slim to none. Skip the headache and buy off the rack with these ready-to-wear options that will save you the time, stress and ringgit.
Fern

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The local label’s latest collection for Raya was inspired by a diving trip to Pulau Perhentian. Titled the “The Coral Series”, the collection is filled with beautiful flowing silhouettes decorated in a colour palette and prints that pay homage to the mystical underwater creatures. Each piece is unique and handcrafted to produce a modern batik for the 21st century Malaysian. Drop by the new store in Bangsar Village II for a first-hand look at the beautiful batik prints. Extra karma points: A portion of proceeds from this collection will be channeled to the Perhentian Marine Research Station.
Nelissa Hilman

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Potret Raya is the largest collection to date, with close to 20 footwear styles in a wide range of colours, materials and heel heights. There’s literally something for “everyone in the family, from adik to nenek”. Take your pick among the easy-to-wear open-toed sandals or pointed-toe pumps. But if you want to be completely on trend, we recommend the PVC-accented designs with barely-there straps.
Sereni & Shentel X Stailoz

Looking to level up your hijab game even more? These magnetic floral brooches will certainly take it up a notch. Do it subtly with a single brooch or turn heads with a full set in bright, bold colours. Each box set is priced at RM180 and includes a Stailoz high tech inner and 3 sequin brooches for you to mix and match.
Cos

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Attune to the cultures of their customers worldwide, the Swedish brand has curated a Modest Edit from their Spring/Summer 2019 collection for their Muslim fans. The collection sees Raya-friendly garments in the form of loose, oversized silhouettes, sleeves that reach to the elbow and fuss-free slip on footwear.
Behati

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The new Malaysian brand first broke on the scene with their handmade statement brooches last year, and is now introducing their first-ready-to-wear apparel specially made for the internet generation with its exaggerated meme-inducing silhouettes. The design behind the oversized baju Melayu was heavily influenced by hip-hop culture and streetwear illustrated by its extremely loose fit. However, Behati conserves the traditional elements such as the Cekak Musang collar, Kekek, Pesak, and pocket placements for a perfect balance of East meets West.
H&M

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Also catering to their global market is H&M with a special collection dedicated to fashionable modest wear. Elegant kimono-tunics and kaftans are decorated in brightly-coloured mosaic prints and florals, constructed from breezy fabrics you can wear all year round. Shop the special collection at H&M Lot 10, 1 Utama, Avenue K, Sunway Pyramid, IOI City Mall in Kuala Lumpur, Gurney Paragon Mall in Penang, KK Times Square in Sabah, Aeon Mall Tebrau City in Johor Bahru, Bintang Megamall Miri in Sarawak and online at hm.com.

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Buro Loves
Products for glowing skin: 16 Cult-favourite products worth adding to your skincare routine

25.08.2020
By Wei Yeen Loh

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

If healthy, glowing skin is high up your wish list but you’re not quite sure where—or how—to even begin, here’s a tip: invest in beauty products that actually make a difference. Instead of splurging on an arsenal full of serums, essences, toners and the like, why not make smarter choices by spending on powerhouse products that can truly give you the glowing skin you desire?
Tips for building an effective glowing skincare routine
Having an extensive skincare routine with a multitude of steps doesn’t mean your skin is reaping the best benefits either—in fact, the key lies in ensuring that your product mix is effective, and packed with ingredients you know will help you attain that bright, glowing complexion.
Remember these four golden keywords—Protect, Nourish, Moisturise and Exfoliate. Pick products that protect your skin from external stressors, nourishes your skin with natural ingredients that help tackle your skin concerns and products that keep your moisture levels in check. Also, if glowing skin is the goal, always keep a lookout for products that contain exfoliants to help manage hyperpigmentation, dark spots and uneven skin.
There’s no better time than now to build your skin resilience to maintain a glowing visage. Ahead, find 16 worth-every-cent skincare products that will give you radiant skin in no time:
SK-II PITERA™ Essence

SK-II PITERA™ Essence
This bestselling essence from SK-II is renowned for good reason. Packed with more than 90% of PITERA™ to transform your skin to crystal clear, SK-II PITERA™ Essence is a must-have in every glowing-skin holy grail routine. The Facial Treatment Essence helps balance the skin’s pH levels and sebum secretion, so if you have oily skin and worry that your glow comes off as greasy, this essence will definitely work to your favour. We love that it’s also suitable for dry skin types, thanks to a cocktail of vitamins, minerals and amino acids in the formulation to protect skin and retain hydration and radiance.
Tip: Place a few drops of the miracle water onto your palms, rub them together and gently pat the essence into both your face and neck. Pat until it fully absorbs into the skin before the following up with the rest of your routine.
Available at SK-II
La Mer The Concentrate

Formulated with the brand’s signature Miracle Broth, La Mer’s restorative treatment helps protect and promote stronger skin while visibly reducing redness, irritation and other signs of irritation. In case your sensitive skin gets easily irritated, worry not as this serum is free of parabens, phthalates and sulfates; and is also non-acnegenic so flare-ups won’t be a concern.
Available at La Mer
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Night Serum

If you prefer a night serum with a moisturising gel-like texture, try Drunk Elephant’s brightening serum that comes with a unique AHA/BHA blend to exfoliate the skin, along with botanical extracts such as raspberry, horse chestnut and white tea to calm and soothe the skin. Ease your skin into this serum (a patch test will do the trick) if your skin is on the more sensitive side.
Available at Sephora
SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion

SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion
Perhaps the most underrated (but equally as important step) in your skincare routine, a facial toner is necessary to complete your cleansing ritual and better prep your skin for the rest of your regimen. SK-II’s Facial Treatment Clear Lotion is the perfect hydrating toner packed full of the brand’s signature PITERA™ and multiple chemical exfoliants (AHAs) to gently exfoliate and remove impurities, leaving you with a clean, fresh canvas to better absorb your skincare products.
Pair this with the PITERA™ Essence for that guaranteed glow all day long.
Available at SK-II
Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum

Vitamin C, AHAs from superfruits, and Japanese active ingredients? Count us in for this one. Tatcha’s highly-concentrated serum packs a punch with antioxidants and exfoliants to help with hyperpigmentation, dark spots, uneven skin among other skin dilemmas. Extra points go to its lightweight, easily-absorbent texture—perfect for daytime application.
Available at Sephora
Chanel Sublimage Ultimate Redefining Concentrate

Chanel’s new Sublimage concentrate is inspired by French herbal medicine—Solidago extracts in the formula offers unique skin-revitalising properties and vanilla planifolia water for its antioxidant benefits. Your skin’s cellular dynamic may never be the same again, with firmer contours and a more supple and radiant effect.
Available at Chanel
SK-II GenOptics Aura Essence

SK-II GenOptics Aura Essence
Another SK-II cult favourite that’s worth the hype and always on our skincare list is the GenOptics Aura Essence, a power-packed brightening serum that contains the signature PITERA™ alongside plum extracts—which are rich in anti-oxidants to help prevent the appearance of dullness and brighten skin tone—and D-Melano P3C, which works to reduce the appearance of dark spots caused by sun damage. We stan a serum that is multi-purpose and can actually give you that radiant, dewy glow—exactly why this has been a firm favourite on our vanity shelf since its inception. We also love that the lightweight texture allows it to easily absorb into the skin—perfect for our humid weather.
 Available at SK-II
Shiseido White Lucent Illuminating Micro-Spot Serum

Zero in on the dark spots and uneven skin tone with Shiseido’s brightening serum, formulated with the brand’s proprietary Sakura-Bright System, ReNeura Technology+ and white sand lily extract. Expect a translucent, visibly-radiant glow along with smoother, brighter skin—going out bare-faced is easy-breezy with this one.
 Available at Shiseido
La Prairie White Caviar Illuminating Pearl Infusion

La Prairie’s skin-illuminating serum isn’t just pretty on the outside. This potent formulation contains golden caviar, an oil-soluble form of vitamin C and Diglucosyl Gallic Acid (DGA)—altogether working to put the brakes on the skin’s melanin production and protecting the skin from pollutants with a “second skin”.
Available at La Prairie
YSL Beauty Pure Shots Light Up Serum

If your lifestyle isn’t making it easy for your skin to take a break, try a serum that helps with keeping your skin in check. YSL Beauty’s brightening serum has vitamin Cg and marshmallow flowers extract to banish dull and uneven skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots and discolouration.
Available at YSL Beauty
Clarins Double Serum

Made for all skin types, Clarins’ Double Serum has more than 20 plant extracts to help with five main skin functions: hydration, regeneration, protection, nutrition and oxygenation. Its hydrolipidic and biomimetic double formula restores skin radiance and firmness while diminishing the appearance of pores—talk about a multifunctional must-have.
Available at Clarins
Lancôme Advanced Genifique Sensitive Serum (Dual Concentrate)

Serums aren’t your skin’s best friend? Don’t let breakouts and easily-irritated skin deter you—Lancôme’s bestselling Genifique serum is now formulated for sensitive skin. It has 98% pure antioxidants thanks to ferulic acid and vitamin E, coupled with a base that’s rich in probiotic extracts so you can put bad skin days behind you. Say hello to brighter, smoother skin!
Available at Lancôme
Dior Capture Totale DreamSkin Care & Perfect Emulsion

Dry and dull skin will be a bane of the past with Dior’s hydrating emulsion. Made with shea butter, pure water from the Alps that are rich with minerals and vitamin B3, longoza and opilia, this sensorial formula offers anti-ageing properties, including reducing wrinkles, dark spots and minimising skin’s redness.
Available at Dior
 Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Water EX Toner

Sulwhasoo’s gel toner isn’t your everyday toner. Its thick texture feels as rich as a pre-serum lotion, with botanical extracts such as matrimony vine and purslane to give your skin long-lasting hydration while soothing it—a must-have if your skin is on the dry, sensitive side.
Available at Sulwhasoo
Guerlain Abeille Royale Fortifying Lotion

Reset your skin with Guerlain’s honey and royal jelly-infused lotion that is formulated for all skin types. Its formula comprises 98% naturally-derived ingredients, and it helps to strengthen the skin barrier and rebalance pH levels to leave your skin dewy and clean for your skincare ritual.
Available at Sephora
Indie Lee CoQ-10 Toner

Looking for an alcohol-free alternative? Try Indie Lee’s CoQ-10 Toner that has hyaluronic acid and a chockfull of natural extracts (aloe vera, chamomile, cucumber, sage and papay enzymes) to protect the skin from environmental aggressors. Pat it on to hydrate and prime the skin before applying makeup.
Available at Sephora
Elevating your routine—our top glowing skin tips
On top of having a foolproof skincare routine, here are some quick glowing skin tips to truly bring out your brightest complexion:

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate – H2o is your best friend in this situation, and with plenty of it, you are helping to clear toxins in the body, which lead to bumps and imperfections on the skin. Drink up!
Consume antioxidant-rich foods – While anti-oxidants are great in our skincare products, they are also the ingredient in foods that helps us achieve that glow-gettings. For your next mid-day binge, we recommend snacking up on berries, dark chocolates and pecans.
Rest up – Your skin slips into recovery mode while you sleep, which means you will need enough for your skin to be ready to face external stressors once you wake up the next day. They don’t call it beauty sleep for no reason.

It’s important to remember that what you apply on your skin now will likely show in the next 10 years or so. Quality over quantity is key here, so swap that 12-step skincare routine (that you can barely keep track of) and invest in a handful of powerhouse products for dewy skin. Don’t forget to pay attention to what goes beneath the skin as well to take your radiant glow into your 30s and beyond.
 This article was written in partnership with SK-II. All reviews and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author.

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Fashion
Fashion Editor Joan’s New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2020 diary

17.09.2019
By Joan Kong

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Couture wedding gowns that will make you feel like a fairytale princess

You’ve seen our daily New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2020 coverage on the site, the front row squad featuring the A-listers and It-girls alike, and the best street style spotted on the sidewalks of the Big Apple. But what truly goes on behind the scenes at one of the four biggest shows of SS20 Fashion Month? I decided to document the journey as this was Buro’s first season at NYFW, and what better way to do it than by vlogging the short (but sweet) week that’s filled with major fashion moments and the never-ending celebrity appearances—including our very own Neelofa, Scha Alyahya, Tong Bing Yu, and Fazura.
Below, some of my highlights from NYFW SS20:
Coach Originals pop-up

This season, Coach added a second major event to the calendar—aside from its Spring/Summer 2020 show at the High Line, of course. The brand has opened a one-week-only pop-up called The Coach Originals at Madison Avenue, and the boutique pays an homage to the fashion house’s (very) extensive bag archive and leather craftsmanship. According to an interview with WWD, creative director Stuart Vevers said: “I’ve referenced the archive as inspiration in the past, but this is the first time we’ve brought back the archive so faithfully. The Coach Originals idea was born from the inspiration of the spring collection, and they both explore our heritage in an unexpected, contemporary and irreverent way. They are directly connected.”
There were three categories in-store: Restored, remixed, and remade. There were also several new retail initiatives that were introduced: Coach Rented, where customers can rent an authentic vintage bag; Coach Create, where you can customise an arm candy; and Coach Cares, a cleaning and restoration service that were done on-site. Some of the guests spotted that night include influencer Chriselle Lim, model Lucky Blue Smith and Elsa Hosk, and DJ Quincy Brown.
Read our review of the Coach 1941 SS20 show here.
Longchamp

Our first show this season was Longchamp’s which was held at NYFW’s former base at Lincoln Centre, but instead of having it indoors, with such great weather, an outdoor runway was an obvious choice. Models walked around the Paul Milstein pool featuring English artist Henry Moore’s Reclining Figure sculptures that added an artsy flair, dressed in a collection that is inspired by two different decades. I love how creative director Sophie Delafontaine added details that were new to the brand, such as floral embroideries and a sporty sneaker-boot hybrid that was dubbed the knitted boxing shoes.
Read our review of the Longchamp SS20 show and watch our interview with supermodel and brand ambassador Kendall Jenner here.
Tory Burch
Tory Burch was one of the two brands that showed in Brooklyn this season, and the runway—held in the smack of the Beaux-Arts Court—felt truly special. The subtle homage to Princess Diana was beautifully incorporated into the collection, and the touches of ’80s flair will no doubt be one of the biggest trends of the season. The impressive list of celebs on the FROW would agree. Oh, did I mention the brand had the prettiest breakfast spread set up too?
Read our review of the Tory Burch SS20 show here.
Michael Kors

Michael Kors’ SS20 show was also held in Brooklyn this round, but for a special reason: His great-grandmother dreamed of coming to the borough after first arriving to America from Poland (with 10 dollars in her pocket!). The show venue at Duggal Greenhouse was fairly simple with trees lined up the runway, but the performance by the internationally acclaimed Young People’s Chorus of New York City was definitely the perfect complement to the theme of the collection: All-American optimism. Although I missed the chartered ferry back to Manhattan, the drive back was a good trip to soak in the New York City magic one last time.

Read our review and our interview with Michael Kors here.
Stay tuned as I’ll be covering Milan Fashion Week SS20 next! Special thanks to Travel Recommends for keeping us connected.

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Beauty
Benefit Cosmetics’ new AR tool helps you find the perfect brow shape seamlessly
Browse for brows

16.01.2018
By Wei Yeen Loh

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

It’s an understatement to say that Benefit Cosmetics is one of the top go-to brands if you need the best bang for your brows. And this month, the company is solidifying its status by revolutionising the way we style our brows with its brand new, Brow Try-On Experience.
An innovative, augmented-reality tool that you can access online, the Brow Try-On Experience was created in partnership with Modiface, a leader in AR technology that is known for collaborating with beauty brands. If you’ve always wanted to try on different shapes and shades of brows but never dared to do so, this AR tool is about to change your (brow) life. You can explore 15 brow styles with six different shades and a range of shapes that are customisable to boot.

Want to try this out on your own? Go to BenefitCosmetics.com/brows and click on “Brow Try-On,” then upload your photo or take one live with your phone or computer camera. Once your face is on the screen, adjust your start, arch and tail of your brow and then pick from all the shapes and shades to play around with. The best part? You can actually customise the arch, thickness, definition and placement of your brows too! One highlight about this Brow Try-On Experience is the “Get This Brow” option that comes after you’ve selected your brow of choice—it lists down all the product suggestions that you can use to DIY your coveted brow style. But if you prefer a more personalised service, book an appointment with Benefit Cosmetics’ Browbar anyday for a consultation session.

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Beauty
Tried & tested: Kiehl’s Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Masque
Cooling sensation

11.04.2017
By Gwen Ong

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

For years, Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal Extract Toner has been a cult favourite of many for its refreshing properties. Now in continuing to bank on the gentle and soothing benefits of Calendula flower, Kiehl’s has introduced the Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Masque.

The formulation
The gel masque is made with Calendula flowers that are cultivated without pesticides and manually harvested to preserve the delicacy of the flower. To keep each petal intact, the flowers are hand-sorted and sun-dried in the open air without the addition of extra processing or artificial heat. The petals are then slowly added to a transparent aloe vera base, where it infuses the formula with its golden colour. So what you have here is a soothing and refreshing product with all its natural goodness preserved for your benefit.

The experience
I had the opportunity to get acquainted with the Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Masque recently during a work trip to Kiehl’s birthplace. The harsh, cold New York weather was not the welcome I had imagined – I started showing signs of dry and flaky skin after just the first day of arrival. The long hours of travelling combined with the wintry condition added to my distress. My skin was crying out for mercy!

Though I was slapping on moisturiser and spraying mist on my skin often, not to mention religiously applying an overnight mask every evening, these were not enough to give my skin the hydration it needed. What I found to be my skin-saviour is the Kiehl’s Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Masque. I felt an immediate refreshing surge of cooling hydration upon application. My skin must have soaked up the mask like a sponge. The gel texture was lightweight and there was a comforting scent thanks to its chamomile and lemon essential oils.

I rinsed off with warm water after leaving it on for five minutes. Just as the name suggested, my skin felt instantly soothed, hydrated and revitalised. I continued with the same routine upon my arrival back home, where my skin was acting up again with the changing weather and long flight. The moisturising properties were heavenly on my tired skin. The Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Masque was an instant pick-me-up. Needless to say, this has earned a place as a staple in my skincare routine.

Kiehl’s Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Masque is priced at RM198 (100ml) and will be available from 26 April 2017 onwards.

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Film, TV + Theatre
Save the date(s): 7 Films we can’t wait to watch in 2017
Popcorn at the ready

18.01.2017
By Su Fen Tan

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14 Thrilling new TV shows and films to stream in July 2023

Beauty and the Beast
Release date: 16 March 2017

Beauty and the Beast‘s recent TV spot on the Golden Globes put Emma Watson’s pretty voice on centre stage, further showcasing why she makes the perfect Belle, and having us as excited as ever for the re-telling of the much-loved Disney classic on the big screen.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2
Release date: 27 April 2017

Our favourite interstellar gang is back. This time, we’ll follow the Guardians as they travel throughout the cosmos to help Peter Quill learn more about his true parentage. If you thought Groot was a scene-stealer last time around, be prepared to be charmed off your feet by Baby Groot, who is proving to be quite the adorable little troublemaker in the film trailer.

Wonder Woman
Release date: 1 June 2017

However bad Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice may be, it had one redeeming feature: it gave us a glimpse of our favourite DC Comics heroes, or in this case, a kick-ass heroine in Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman. In her own standalone feature, we’ll get to see the backstory of this Amazonian princess and how she left her all-female island after learning about the ongoing events of a world war.

Spider-Man: Homecoming
Release date: 6 July  2017

In yet another reboot, we’ll see Spider-Man played by Tom Holland, who showed us his boyish charms as the web-slinger in Captain America: Civil War. Here, the young Peter Parker tries to balance being a hero with his high school life, and Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark will make an appearance, playing mentor to Spidey in his battle against the Vulture.

Kingsman: The Golden Circle
Release date: 5 October 2017

Kingsman: The Secret Service sparked life with its humour and originality in a genre that seemed routine and done-to-death when it came out in 2014 – so we’ve got great expectations for the sequel. With Julianne Moore, Halle Berry, Channing Tatum and Elton John onboard, as well as Colin Firth’s return confirmed after the presumed death of his character Harry Hart, it is already looking promising.

Justice League
Release date: 16 November 2017

DC rounds up the superhero flicks for the year with Justice League. Directed by Zack Snyder, it will feature an all-star lineup that includes Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman and Cyborg. The formidable team are set to face the catastrophic threat of Steppenworlf and his army of Parademons – here’s to hoping it will be heaps better than Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

Star Wars: Episode VIII
Release date: 14 December 2017
As per Episode VII, the plot for Episode VIII is kept under wraps at the moment, but we do know that most of the cast from The Force Awakens will be back (it was Carrie Fischer‘s final film role before her sad passing last year). It will pick up where the last installment left off, and hopefully shed a little more light into Rey’s much-speculated backstory.
Update: The title of the upcoming film has been revealed to be ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’.

Related stories:
Four good reasons why Emma is the perfect Belle
Remembering Carrie Fischer beyond Star Wars
7 times Natalie Portman looked exactly like Jackie Kennedy

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Watches
David Beckham fronts Tudor’s #BornToDare campaign
#BornToDare

06.06.2017
By Su Fen Tan

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The Cartier Privé collection is about history and modernity

This year, Tudor launches its bold new “Born To Dare” signature—a fitting manifesto for the Swiss watchmaking brand, whom has long been making timepieces that are able to withstand extreme environments for those who dare to step out of their comfort zone; the ideal timepieces for both a fine evening out and daring adventures.

The Tudor “Born To Dare” spirit is embodied by its global ambassadors, whose daring approach to life has brought them to great heights. Among them is none other than David Beckham, one of the most successful football players of our time. In the recently launched #BornToDare campaign, Beckham takes centre stage with the Black Bay S&G and the Black Bay Chrono.

“I was attracted to Tudor by the attention to detail I could see in their watches. I then learned about the history of the brand. One of adventure, pioneer diving and daring expeditions. I was instantly hooked,” says Beckham. “Especially as an Englishman I think you really appreciate a nice suit and a nice watch.”

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Culture
Emilia Clarke of ‘Game of Thrones’ on the reality of fame
Grounded

11.04.2016
By Buro247

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So Emilia, what is it like to be the most loved Game of Thrones character—everyone wants to marry you?
Oh I don’t know about that!

Were you prepared for the amount of popularity that you have gained through the show?
No, none whatsoever. And because of the fact that I wear the wig, I look very, very different. So I have an incredibly normal life in terms of not really getting recognised very much. I’ve had six years to adjust to sort of take on board what the show has done for me personally and what it is doing everywhere and that I’m incredibly fortunate… but I had no idea is the short answer.

Was there a turning point where you became aware of what was happening to you?
Really recently if I’m being very honest. I’ve been working sort of pretty continuously, so there’s not been any time to kind of stop and smell the roses as it were. It’s just kind of been happening slowly and I think that I’m very lucky that that’s the case because it’s sort of allowed me to maintain my feet being on the ground and not maybe fall into the pitfalls that a young actress who gets a rush of success quickly could fall into.

It’s so hard being famous these days with the internet and social media. Do you trust technology around you nowadays?
I think that technology is moving at such a pace that it is saving lives as well as being used as a tool to destroy them. So I personally think that it’s the people behind the technology that we have to be afraid of before my iPhone tries to kill me (laughs).

Do you Google yourself?
I did it when Game of Thrones first came out because you’re kind of intrigued and then just no, no, no. For every thousand lovely comments there’s one horrible one and you take that. So I decided to just avoid it.

That’s healthy.
 Yeah, yeah exactly.

Do you recall the moment you really wanted to be an actress?
Well, I mean it’s a funny thing because I never genuinely saw anything else.  There was never anything else that I wanted to do. It’s only as I’m doing acting that I’m starting to sort of write, sing and read, and see that there’s other creative outlets that I can use. I’ve been fortunate enough to be in this position and I’m now seeing the other parts of your life that are incredibly important to explore. Now that I’m in a position where I have the time to do that then there’s some other things that I have planned, but yes it’s just always been acting.

Your parents must be very proud of your success. But were they worried at all when things happened so quickly for you?
I couldn’t get more supportive parents. My dad works in the theatre so he kind of had an idea of the world that I was going into. You know, if I said, ‘Dad I’m desperate to be a gardener’ or whatever, they would be supportive of whatever it was that I did. The fact that the career that I have chosen to do has worked out is brilliant. I think they are just very happy.

Do you, or can you, plan your acting career?
Self employment by any route is difficult to plan, but you can have an idea of what you aspire to. The thing for me that I’m so lucky with is that I kind of came out of drama school and very quickly got into Game of Thrones, and that opened so many doors for me, this included. So my goal is to try and do as many different roles as possible and try and push myself as an actor in as much as I can, while I have this opportunity to try everything I’ll just do that.

Planning your career must be difficult because you don’t know if you are going to survive the next series of Game of Thrones?
Yes definitely, it’s exactly that. With Game of Thrones, or with any sort of big movie that you would come up with, it’s a trend to do not just one. So you can plan as much as you can, but mainly I think a good idea is just to have an idea of where you want to go and what sort of projects you want to be taking, or what people you want to be working with and keep that in mind as much as possible.

What inspires you besides acting?
Singing, writing… yeah music. Also being with friends and family, because when you are filming you really are away for such a long amount of time and you can get quite distant.

What kind of music do you like when you play the guitar and piano?
Everything. That’s a really boring answer but anything from Debussy to reggae to soul, funk, gospel, jazz, and folk as well. Lots of things.

And a favourite film?
I like the more classic movies. The Apartment is pretty high up there, like Adam’s Rib or something, Katharine Hepburn all day long and then obviously the newer ones. I try and stay on top of the sort of independent filmmakers – to see if there’s someone new and exciting who is coming up, as a young actor that is pretty exciting.

So Game of Thrones is not really your cup of tea then?
Oh no it is! Oh my goodness it is (laughs), I just took that for granted for a moment there.

Do you watch it?
I absolutely do watch it, because we don’t get to watch it ahead of anyone else. But I have to watch that by myself because people talk and it’s very frustrating.

You also starred in Terminator: Genisys. How was it to shoot with Arnold Schwarzenegger?
It was absolutely brilliant. The icon, the legend, the real deal! He’s kind of everything that you see on screen, and the brilliant thing about him is his professionalism on set is such that you would never think that he had any ego at all for everything that he has achieved in his life and for kind of the icon that he is. He really set such a wonderful tone of being a part of the ensemble and being a part of everyone that made it feel all inclusive, and made me as the actor coming in new to this project feel like I’m in safe hands really.

And tell us about Me Before You. It’s a drama right? And what’s your character like in that?
Yeah, which is so different from Game of Thrones and Terminator. The character I just played is much more closer to who I really am in my day-to-day life. I think if there were any movie for someone to recognise me from it would be that, because that’s the girl that walks around London, that character, is me. So it was wonderful—it was brilliant.

Do you have a role model as an actress?
As an actress there are people who I admire, there’s people who I am continually inspired by but it’s not just actors, it could be writers, artists, musicians or my mum. I am being continually inspired by lots of people. I think it’s important to have an idea of yourself, where you see yourself going, what you want to achieve and the things that would inspire you, and kind of take that as opposed to falling into the trap of trying to replicate someone else.

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Body + Wellness
The most luxurious candles to deck your home with, from Aesop Aromatique to Loewe Home Scents

23.10.2020
By Wei Yeen Loh

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Fashion
Spending the summer in Paris with these Hermès accessories

18.09.2018
By Cai Mei Khoo

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This past summer in Paris saw a few unusually warm days, a major contrast to the big chill earlier in February during Paris Fashion Week which saw editors and street style stars alike wrapped up in the thickest of coats, and where guests to the Hermès show found blankets thoughtfully laid out on their seats in the semi-open air venue. With the mercury hitting mid-twenty degree Celsius this time around though, I kept things simple in a crisp, white tee (Arket does a really comfy heavyweight cotton stretch tee), with a denim jacket thrown over when things got a bit cooler.

To amplify my look, I opted for pops of colour with a variety of silk and leather accessories from Hermès. This season, the iconic Collier de Chien comes in Barenia leather with a multicoloured Cavale band, which lent a more casual, if slightly boho feel to the bracelet, a departure from the usual full leather options. Another personal favourite has to be the silk scarves and Twillys. The versatility of each piece, and the multitude of ways in which they can be worn (there’s also an app you can download, complete with silk tying tutorials) made it a breeze to change up a look. I braided different coloured Twillys and wore them on my wrist, and twisted a maxi Twilly to wear as a turban-style headband, perfect for windy days when my bangs wouldn’t sit still.

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A post shared by Cai Mei Khoo (@caimei.k) on Jul 4, 2018 at 3:05am PDT

Having had the rare opportunity to visit the Emile Hermès private collection that sits above the brand’s flagship store on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, I had newfound appreciation for all things equestrian that has inspired the designs at Hermès since day one. “We always remember that the horse was Hermès’s first customer, and it is important for us to pay homage to our first customer,” Menehould de Bazelaire du Chatel, artistic director of the cultural patrimony of Hermès told me. Horse bits continue to enhance new season leather bracelets, as seen in the Mors bracelet, as well as the Carnaby pendant and earrings that feature little dangling extras, in actual fact, additions to the actual horse bit, particularly useful for nervous horses, as de Bazelaire shared, so they had something to chew to relax the jaw.

An evergreen accessory, the enamel hinged bracelet are easily stackable—I mixed plain ones with printed versions in different thickness, preferring these to the Clic H bracelet for something a little less conspicuous. However you choose to accessorise, whether with silk, leather, metal or enamel, these pieces instantly add interest to a look to make it truly your own.

My summer in Paris in pictures:
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Beauty
Why the Chanel Blue Serum Eye is an essential beauty item to have
Shine bright

22.01.2018
By Gwen Ong

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Our eyes have a lot of life in them. They are the windows to our soul and thus, you express a lot of emotions ranging from joy to sadness through your eyes. Next to the brain, they are the second most complex organ in the body. It is a delicate area that is often susceptible to dehydration and premature ageing. Not surprising seeing as the eye muscle is the most active in the human body and we blink about 12 times per minute on average.
To specifically care for the eye area, the Chanel Blue Serum line that was launched in 2017 now comes with a special care product. The Blue Serum Eye is formulated with three powerful active ingredients to moisturise, protect against puffiness and dark circles as well as to instantly refresh the eyes with lasting youthful luminosity.
The natural ingredients trifecta includes: Green coffee from Costa Rica that is renowned for its antioxidant properties; olive tree oleoactive that is rich in essential fatty acid and polyphenols to protect the skin; and also lentisk gum extract that is specially cold extracted to preserve its restorative properties.

Upon application, the Chanel Blue Serum Eye works to decongests and energises the eyes, as well as to smooth and firm the eye contour area. This is also thanks in part to the light, melt-away texture that is easily absorbed by the skin.
To get the best results from the Chanel Blue Serum Eye, follow this step:

Using the phalanxes of your bent thumbs, press on the inner corners of the eyes gently. Let the weight of your head fall against your thumbs. Do this three times.
Also with your thumbs’ phalanxes, gently smooth out the upper and lower eyelids. Repeat three times for each lids while breathing out.
Finish off by performing three circular movements on the temples with your fingertips, then move behind the ears and finish at the collarbone.

Chanel Blue Serum is available at Chanel Fragrance & Beauty Boutiques and Chanel counters at all leading departmental stores.

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Look good, feel good: Beauty gives back

Beauty
Look good, feel good: Beauty gives back
Products with a purpose

19.11.2015
By Su Fen Tan

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

Championing the notion that beauty is more than skin deep, these products have made a commitment to pay it forward, ensuring that your beauty purchases are for a good cause:

1. The Body Shop Christmas Collection

This season, The Body Shop invites us to Feel Good Wonderland: an enchanted world filled with sensations and scents to delight your senses. Our favourite pick from the collection is the Frosted Plum bath and body care range. This enchanting series of fruit-floral beauty treats features an elegant blend of ripe plum, magnolia and peony notes. In partnership with WaterAid, The Body Shop will provide a family in Ethiopia with one day of safe water for every specially selected gift bought.

2. M.A.C Viva Glam

Since its creation in 1994, the iconic M.A.C Viva Glam lipstick range has been contributing to the M.A.C Aids Fund. Every cent of the selling price of Viva Glam goes toward helping men, women and children living with and affected by HIV/Aids. So, pick a shade, look glamorous and give back at the same time.

3. L’Occitane Shea Apricot Solidarity Soap

Each year, L’Occitane launches a solidarity product to fight against avoidable blindness. 100% of the profits from the sale of this apricot fragranced body soap will finance NGOs working on eye health projects in developing countries, with the support of the L’Occitane Foundation. The lovely apricot scent doesn’t hurt, either.

4. Laura Mercier Shop For a Cause Lip Glacé

A high-shine, perfectly pigmented lip gloss with rich, long-lasting colour and brilliant shine that creates the appearance of fuller lips. Help fight Ovarian Cancer with every purchase of this limited edition Lip Gloss—100% of the profits from sale will go to the Laura Mercier Ovarian Cancer Fund. Look good, and feel good while you’re at it.

5. Neal’s Yard Remedies Bee Lovely Collection

The Bee Lovely Collection is a delicious range of products made from nourishing beeswax and moisturising organic honey, combined with natural essential oils. Through sales of this collection, Neal’s Yard Remedies are donating £10,000 a year to projects that Help Save the Bees.

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Fashion
An exclusive capsule marks Giorgio Armani’s debut on Net-a-Porter
Armani has arrived

30.10.2017
By Buro247

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Starting November 1, shoppers will finally be able to find Giorgio Armani on Net-a-Porter. In a grand announcement of their presence, the brand is set to launch a special capsule collection that will be exclusively sold by the online luxury retailer. This partnership follows the unveiling of Giorgio Armani’s new website; hence signalling a steady venture into exploring e-commmerce.

Timeless elegance persists as the signature of Armani. Through sumptuous jacquards and diaphanous prints, the collection presents a thread of painterly oriental landscape intertwined amidst daywear ensembles and evening cocktail pieces. Maintaining a tone of sophistication and refinement, the delicate pattern mingles with solid blocks of black to form a range that encompasses trouser suits with cropped blouson jackets, a jacquard trench, georgette blouses, and flowy evening gowns. To complete the look, flat shoes, sandals with slender heels, and a small clutch suspended from a metallic strap sum up the collection’s answer to a finishing touch.

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Shop the exclusive Giorgio Armani capsule here from tomorrow onwards. For an offline look, the collection will later be available at select Giorgio Armani boutiques.

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Lifestyle
Montblanc celebrates a pioneer of 20th-century jazz music — Miles Davis
A tribute to a great

14.12.2016
By Su Fen Tan

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With its Great Character Limited Edition pens, Montblanc pays tribute to exceptional individuals whose lives and groundbreaking work have made a significant impact—one that lasts even long after they are gone. Amongst the list of icons whom have been honoured are Andy Warhol, Leonardo da Vinci, Mahatma Gandhi, and most recently, Miles Dewey Davis III—the great American musician, composer, and one of the most influential figures in the history of jazz and 20th-century music.

From his early days as a revered jazz trumpeter to his pivotal role in the development of cool jazz, Miles Davis was known for his innovative approach to music, constantly pushing boundaries by way of creatively fusing genres. In paying tribute to the music innovator, Montblanc designed the latest Great Characters Limited Edition with quirky details of trumpet valves on the clip, and a cone shaped like the special “Heim” mouthpiece that Davis used to play.

Limited to just 90 pieces in celebration of what would have been his 90th birthday this year, the Montblanc Great Characters Miles Davis Limited Edition 90 features intricate engravings and a bold skeletonised design on the white gold cap and barrel. It tells the story of his great accomplishments, with meticulous details evoking the five major phases of the evolution of American Jazz as led by the music legend. The translucent resin underlay in blue recalls the theme of Davis’ album, ‘Kind of Blue’, which is regarded as one of the greatest jazz recordings of all time.

The Montblanc Great Characters Miles Davis Limited Edition 1926, on the other hand, is limited to 1926 pieces based on the year of his birth. Showcasing the fine craftsmanship that Montblanc is known for, the elegant design on the platinum-coated cap and barrel pays tribute to Davis’ key role in the evolution of American music by featuring the different movements this pioneer stood by. This edition is available as a fountain pen or roller ball.

The last in the range, the Montblanc Great Characters Miles Davis Special Edition brings to life the five diverse movements Miles Davis was part of—Be-bob, Cool Jazz, Hard Bop, Modal Jazz and Jazz Fusion—in a simple yet sophisticated design of black on black. Crafted in precious black resin with contrasting platinum-coated fittings, this edition is available as a fountain pen, roller ball or ballpoint pen—as versatile as the jazz icon himself.

The Montblanc Great Characters Miles Davis Editions are now available at Montblanc boutiques worldwide. For more information, visit www.montblanc.com.

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Film, TV + Theatre
Ok Taec-yeon and the cast of ‘Heartbeat’ on the vampire drama
Bite into this

26.06.2023
By Marissa Chin

IMAGES: KBS

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Today, Prime Video’s new fantasy South Korean drama Heartbeat premieres on the platform starring Ok Taec-yeon, Won Ji-an, Park Kang-hyun and Yoon So-hee. The 16-episode series sees the 2PM K-pop star as a half-vampire-half-human creature in search of a blood-pumping love and his blossoming relationship with a cold-hearted woman with no time for romance. Before the big premiere, we had a chat with the cast of Heartbeat to get all the bloodthirsty details on why the drama is different from other vampire shows and what they would do as a real-life Cullen (you wouldn’t be able to guess it!).

Ok Taec-yeon on his connection to Heartbeat

K-pop fans would have instantly made the connection between the star’s involvement in the drama and one of his group’s biggest hits which is also named Heartbeat. When asked about whether the role felt fated for him, the idol-turned-actor shared, “Yes, it did definitely feel like destiny had called! To tell you the truth, before the English title was fixed I didn’t think much of it, but once the title was fixed I felt like yes, this is destiny.”

On the show’s global appeal

Of course, the trope of forbidden love between a vampire and a human is not new. Indeed, we have seen numerous iterations of this relationship before. Several South Korean dramas have already explored this dynamic, however, the four actors are sure that Heartbeat brings something new to the table that viewers can sink their teeth into.
Actress Yoon So-hee revealed that “while we’ve seen many vampires in different content types before, the genre is quite refreshing.” As the first drama to feature a half-human-half-vampire character, the actress says that “the new subject matter and element of comedy, and how the drama shows different sides to the characters all come together to gain traction from both global and at-home audiences.”

Further, Won Ji-an (who plays the protagonist’s icy love interest) shared some thoughts on Heartbeat’s universal themes of love that will resonate with many viewers. “When it comes to love, I think we all go through that, whether it’s something you strive to find yourself or something that just comes to you without warning…Although it’s a love story between a human being and a half-human-half-vampire, I don’t think it’s that different from human love. I think that’s something many can relate to.”

For Taec-yeon, it is also the pursuit of love that makes the drama worth watching. “At the end of the day, the theme that our drama series is speaking to is love that makes your heart beat. And that’s something that transcends culture or national borders. Anyone can feel it, it’s universal, and some even live for that very reason…While it is a very classic storyline, it’s also one that makes many hearts beat. I think that’s why many audiences globally will be able to relate to our drama when they see the show.”

On the charming points of their characters

“I wanted to play a sexy vampire!” exclaimed Taec-yeon when he was asked why he wanted to take on such a role. All jokes aside, the actor—who also made a special cameo appearance on XO, Kitty—was “drawn to and wanted to portray a character who was loyal to his heart.” He also considered previous projects he had done, most famously as the maniacal villain in the hit Netflix drama Vincenzo. “My previous work was quite dark and the subject matter was heavy…When I was reading the script for this series, I enjoyed how lighthearted and fun it was. So, I couldn’t wait to portray the character Sun Woo-Hyeol as soon as possible.”

For Ji-an, it was the fact that her character couldn’t be further from who she really is in real life. When asked about the differences, she revealed, “The first is how tenacious she is in knowing how to make ends meet—she’s so much better at that than I am…And also because it’s a love story between a human and vampire, the fantasy element of it required having to rely on my imagination, which is quite different from the characters I have portrayed in the past.”

On what they would do first as a vampire
Vampires are supernatural beings known for their unmatched speed and strength. Naturally, we had to ask the cast of Heartbeat what they would do if they became an actual vampire. Taec-yeon showed his Batman aspirations when he told us that he would “want to transform into a bat and explore inside caves!” Ji-an resolutely said that she would like to “fly really high” whilst Kang Hyun answered that if he could go without oxygen, he would “explore the deep sea or outer space.”

We like So-hee’s answer the best, though, because it’s simply too adorable. The actress shyly responded, “If I could be a vampire, I’d like to transform into a cat and have a chat with my cat.”
Heartbeat premieres today on 26 June on Prime Video. Catch new episodes every Monday and Tuesday.

For more recommendations on what to watch, head here.

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Fashion
8 Fashion activists to follow on Instagram

19.04.2020
By Stephanie Boey

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Fashion ethics and sustainability is no new topic in the 21st century. The global climate crisis has shed light on overflowing landfills as a result of overconsumption as well as the harmful effects of some. It’s a hard pill to swallow knowing that the effects our clothes have on the environment can be detrimental. It takes approximately 2,700 litres of water to make a single cotton t-shirt, and 7,600 litres to make a pair of jeans.
Collectively, the fashion industry has made significant impact on the environment. Yes, the earth as a biological system is able to heal itself. Unfortunately, at the pace that we are going and the lifestyle of overconsumption, the detrimental effects are far too great to be reversed on their own.
Over on to the social aspect, the welfare of garment industry workers continues to be a pressing matter. Reports of less than stellar working conditions, incredibly low wages and long working hours continue to plague the industry. In 2013, the Rana Plaza factory in Bangladesh collapsed during with workers inside, leading up to staggering death toll of 1,134.
However, not all hope is lost. With a collected effort, change can be a reality. The first step in to fixing these issues is to be as informed as possible. Below are eight prominent figures in the fashion industry who are passionate about implementing positive change to reshape the way the system is built. No feat is too great when we work together.
Sasibai Kimis

Sasibai balances her time in between being the coordinator of Fashion Revolution Malaysia and founder of Earth Heir, a local fair-trade heritage brand. She believes in total transparency in manufacturing supply chains and traceability, and puts these principles into practice at Earth Heir where she works with local artisans to produce weaved products.
*We spoke to Sasibai for a session on fashion ethics and sustainability during BURO Hangouts Live. Watch the interview here.

Laura Francois

The Canadian native focuses on co-design and community building, and has worked with globally empowering start-ups, non-profits and governments to maximise sustainability. Using creative methods in business for good, Francois is gifted with storytelling and raises awareness on the unfair treatment of factory workers.
Cameron Russell

The fashion model uses her prominent place in the industry to inflict positive change where she can. She is very vocal about her opinions about the industry in which she works in. In 2012, she opened up about her experiences as a model during a TedTalk which has raked 33 million views to date. Her feed is an amalgamation of her life in the glitzy world of fashion, grounded by her maternal duties and passions about fair trade, climate crisis and model welfare.
Céline Semaan

Founder of The Slow Factory, a foundation that strives to bring light to the environmental and social impact of fashion, Semaan has been invited to speak at The United Nations about sustainability. She educates her Instagram followers by sharing the latest headlines in the industry and for each headline she reports on, she includes a detailed monologue on her ideas and solutions.

Clare Press

The fashion editor and author has penned two books on fashion activism: Wardrobe Crisis in 2016 and Rise and Resist in 2018. As an avid fashion fan, Press illustrates how one can still be head over heels for fashion, while being socially and environmentally responsible. Hit follow for wit, wisdom and quirky OOTDs.

Livia Firth

If her last name rings a bell it may be because her other half is none other than British actor, Colin Firth. Founder and creative director of Eco Age, the fashion activist is a self-proclaimed “professional agitator” when it comes to her resistance and persistence in changing the fashion system.
Karla Welch

A name that may already be familiar to true fashion enthusiasts. Welch is a celebrity stylist to the stars with the likes of Tracee Ellie Ross, Olivia Wilde, and Amandla Stenberg to name a few. Having a say in which brands are represented and worn to the red carpet, she hones her influential position with seriousness, by using her platform to spread awareness on climate change and other political issues.

Orsola de Castro

The harrowing event of the Rana Plaza disaster inspired the birth of the Fashion Revolution, founded by De Castro in 2013. Since then, the revolution has ignited a global spark resulting in a collective that involves 91 countries. Her fighting spirit is a formidable one, as she continues to create important conversations about the imbalances in power on her Instagram.

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Beauty
How to get skinny brows without tweezing, according to a makeup artist
Pencil thin

05.05.2022
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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Your brows are probably the most powerful feature on your face. More than just a few stray hairs positioned above your eyes, they act as both a key tool in communication and a crucial player in keeping your eyes clear of particulates, irritants, and sweat. That’s not all, however—in addition, they are also indispensable tools in shaping your face. Any slight variation in shape and thickness can completely change your face shape, for better or worse.
Case in point: Thicker brows can add a youthful quality to the face while thinner brows may age the features. Similarly, high arches serve to lift and sculpt the face while straighter brows add fullness. The theory even applies to brow makeup techniques—blocky, heavily drawn-on brows can harshen the features while more diffused, hair-like strokes can add more softness. In short, there are so many ways in which your brows can overhaul your look.
READ: How to fake a brow tint (or cover up bleached brows) in two easy steps
Incidentally, they’re also the most susceptible feature to the old reliable trend cycle. In the last decade alone, we’ve seen the rise and fall of the thicc brow, the vilification of the Instagram brow and the move of the K-beauty straight brow into the mainstream—and that’s not even the end of it. Either way, between the lightning-fast trend cycles of TikTok, it was only a matter of time before we circled back to pencil-thin arches.

And just as well—in our humble opinion, skinny brows are hot. When done right, they can accentuate one’s bone structure, lift the face, and give one a little additional wiggle room for eyeshadow (a godsend for hooded asian eyes).
READ: The return of the skinny brow: Why we love this trend and how to wear it in 2022
Unfortunately, your brows are also fickle structures. One wrong move with a tweezer can leave you looking lopsided for life. Just ask anyone who took part in the skinny brow trend of the ’70s and ’90s—chances are, decades later, they are still working on growing their old face framers back in. So, how can one hop on the trend without risking it all? With ease, apparently—as long as you’ve got a little makeup on you.
We spoke to MAC’s Education Director, Regan Rabanal, who shared his best tips for recreating the skinny brow trend without sacrificing your precious hairs.
For those with full but faint brow hairs who are looking for a more ‘natural’ look, Rabanal advises that you “brush up the brow hairs with MAC Brow Set in Clear and fill a thinner line with MAC Eyeshadow or MAC Eyebrows Styler at the top or outer corner of the brow to accentuate the higher, thinner shape”.

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Of course, if your hairs are a little more stubborn and obvious, this isn’t the method for you. Luckily, this also isn’t the end of the road.
For those who are a little denser and dark in the brow area (or for those looking to get the authentic drawn-on, 90’s eyebrow look without tweezing), Rabanal recommends using an acid-free purple glue stick or brow sealing wax to cover the natural brow.

“Once the brow is covered and sealed, you can use the MAC Studio Finish Pro Correct and Conceal Palette to cover up the brow,” he explains. “Use the Prep and Prime Transparent Finishing Powder to set the concealer and then you can draw on the brows using MAC Eyebrows Styler and Eyeshadow. Draw a softly-arched brow from the inner to the outer corner of the eye to create a lifted brow. The brows should look higher on the face as if you are asking a question.”
And there you have it—two ways to rock the skinny brow trend without losing a single (brow) hair on your head. Will you be trying out these tips?

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