Food + Drink
Chef Andrew Walsh and Chef Bjorn Shen on the second edition of Ember Curates at the One&Only Desaru Coast
When two worlds collide

20.06.2023
By Sarah Hani Jamil

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The Ember Beach Club at One&Only Desaru Coast is a vibrant, first-class beachfront dining destination set against the stunning blue sky and crystal clear waters. In the evening, the scene turns even more spectacular with majestic glowing sunsets and a cool night breeze, creating the perfect setting for diners. Last month, the restaurant hosted its second edition of ‘Ember Curates: Andrew & Friends’ experience—a collaborative showcase between Michelin Starred Chef Andrew Walsh and his selected guest of the occasion. This round, he joins forces with celebrity Chef Bjorn Shen, resident judge of MasterChef Singapore and owner of Artichoke Singapore. Combining his distinct Middle Eastern expertise and Chef Walsh’s Japanese finesse based on his newly rebranded Catfish Izakaya, the event was a gastronomic adventure for the books.
Ahead, we caught up with the two maestros to glean an inside look at how they worked together for the memorable night.

Chef Andrew Walsh

What do you look forward to most with these Andrew and Friends sessions?
Andrew: “Some sense of openness, collaboration and learning something new every time. Although my background is in fine dining, I love all kinds of food. A burger, a hotdog, pizza—you name it, I’m obsessed with all different types of food. I’m very big on diversity. I don’t feel chefs—like artists and singers—should be pigeonholed into one type of cuisine. It’s a big world out there. To sum it up, the ability to learn about new cuisines and explore different cultures and what they offer, that’s what I love about it.”

Catfish is modern Japanese while Artichoke is Middle Eastern cuisine—how do you combine these two culinary worlds into one single menu?
Bjorn: “I love mixing cuisines. I’m all about mashups. So, the more different-sounding the cuisines are, the more exciting the menu. Japanese and Middle Eastern? Bring it on! You always find parallels and ingredients you can riff on, even if your ideas don’t work the first time. Eventually, you’ll get something. There are no two cuisines that cannot work together.”

Smoked Eggplant Katsu, Salted Cucumber, Sesame Aioli

How did the collaboration happen?
Andrew: “Bjorn came to Catfish for lunch and tried our new menu. He was impressed, and we started chatting, and that’s how it came together!”

What was your highlight of the event?
Bjorn: “The whole thing went well to me, so I don’t think that there’s a particular highlight. However, this has been one of my favourite events, and that’s saying a lot, as I do a lot of overseas collaborations. I’ve had three of these in the last three months, and I have one more coming up in Manila.”

What’s one dish that you were most excited to prepare?
Bjorn: “I was extraordinarily excited with the rice donabe because we didn’t try it beforehand. I had lunch at Catfish and decided to see what I could add and complement to their new menu. I was given this superb bowl—a clay pot of unagi rice—and I thought, since we’re in Malaysia, I wanted to do a ‘tabouleh’ of local herbs. So yeah, that was my most anticipated one. It tastes kind of like a Nasi Ulam.”

Grilled Unagi & Foie Gras Donabe, Tabbouleh of Malaysian Herbs & Vegetables

As One&Only is big on sustainability, how did you incorporate that into your menu?
Andrew: “Nothing was wasted. I think using all cuts of the animal is important. My team was also our picking the herbs around here as well. Just a little touches here and there.”
Bjorn: “We took many Laksa leaves from O&O’s garden, Vietnamese coriander, and that tabouleh itself was made using local ingredients.”

From this experience, what have you learned from each other’s working styles?
Andrew: “The engagement was calm and collected, which I liked. It was a very smooth service, credited to not just Bjorn and myself, but also our teams behind it. And just seeing new things and taking up Bjorn’s cuisine and learning.”
Bjorn: “You know, there are so many facets to Chef Andrew here. He represents so many different cuisines. He has many different brands, so this is me interacting with his Japanese cuisine. It was nice to be able to take a part of Andrew to work with for this event.”

Chef Bjorn Shen

From your observations, are there any dining trends Malaysia needs to catch up with?
Andrew: “Wherever you go in the world, it just gets better and better—the food, the restaurants and the chefs. There will always be trends that come and go, but I think Malaysia has a strong foundation of young Malaysian chefs coming through and breaking the Top 50 of Michelin. I’m always weary of the word trend. Ultimately, it has got to taste good, be driven by a great concept, is sustainable and have longevity. I think if we stick to that, there’s a future. For Malaysia, as long as it sticks to its amazing local food and that foundation.”
Bjorn: “I think there are things you can do in Malaysia that I wish I could do in Singapore, like a true farm-to-table or market-to-table restaurant. In Singapore, when you try to push that trend, a level of engineering goes into it. Here, a lot of things are at arm’s length. And what we’ve learned from fine dining and global restaurant trends from the last 10 years is that you don’t always need to use imported, expensive products. You can make the best restaurants by using what’s around you, no matter how humble those ingredients are. It just takes creativity and skill.”

For more dining news, click here.

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Food + Drink
A roundup of the best Valentine’s Day menus in KL this year

11.02.2019
By Rachel Au

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Isn’t February such a busy month? If you’re not too busy feasting on yee sangs and auspicious Chinese dishes, why not switch gears for a more romantic affair? We believe Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be celebrated with just an S.O. A best friend or a family member counts too! It’s also when restaurants pull up their sleeves to create some of the most romantic platings. Here are some of our favourites for this year’s Valentine’s Day.

READ MORE: 5 Places in KL that offer Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea

1. Le Petit at Elements, TREC KL

At the top of our list is this little gem—Le Petit, which is also known as “The world’s smallest chef”. An innovative and immersive dining experience that originated in Belgium, it tells the story of a small animated chef that is projected using 3D project mapping technology onto the guests’ plates. In reality, though, the food here is created by Michelin-starred Chef Jeff Ramsey.
Date: 13 – 16 February 2019
Sous Chef: RM499 per pax
Includes: A 4-course dinner menu, complimentary arrival cocktail/mocktail at the lounge
Le Grand Chef: RM999 per pax
Includes: A 5-course dinner menu, free flow arrival cocktail/mocktail at the lounge, a welcome platter of canapes, a specially decorated table, a Valentine’s gift worth RM399
For reservations: Website

2. Entier at Alila Bangsar

valentines day menu kl 2019 entier alila bangsar

Available for dinner only on 14 February, Chef Masashi Horiuchi has curated an exquisite four-course sharing menu for an intimate affair. Highlights include Baby Cuttlefish with Basil Ice Cream and a choice of Chicken Leg, Beef Short Rib with Truffle or a whole Maine lobster in a nasi lemak risotto (top up RM115 for this) as the main.
Valentine’s Day Chef’s Sharing Menu: RM398 per couple
Vegetarian Menu: RM199 per pax
*Wine pairing options are available at RM148 per pax
For reservations: Website or WhatsApp 6016 263 0596

3. Gastro Sentral at Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur

valentines-day-menu-kl-2019-le meridien kl

You might recall seeing a series of Instagram Stories we did as a preview of Gastro Sentral’s Valentine’s Day menu. Each course is adorably given a name such as Love at First Bite for the appetiser (Soy Miso Japanese Hamachi Ceviche, Melon and Caviar, Lemony Cinnamon Potted Shrimps and Freshly Shucked Canadian Oysters with Yuzu) and Spring of Love for the main course.
The mains are split into for him (Beef Wellington with a Twist featuring a deconstructed 65-degrees roasted Angus beef) and for her (Fish ‘N’ Chips featuring a truffle-buttered roasted cod fillet). Both equally as satisfying, but the highlight for us, personally, is the dessert. The Banoffee Pie (with lavender ice cream and rose macaroon) was fragrant, rich and bold with flavours.
Adam & Eve’s Valentine’s Day 4-course set menu: RM420 nett per couple (RM500 nett per couple for booth seating)
For reservations: 03 2263 7434 or email [email protected]

4. Nobu Kuala Lumpur

valentines-day-menu-kl-2019-nobu kl

Nobu KL has prepared an indulgent 7-course Valentine Omakase where clearly, a variety of colours are at play. From the plump cured salmon with caviar and beetroot gel (orange and red) to the freshwater prawn plated with butterfly pea flower dressing (blue) to truffle rice with spinach chazuke (green) to the vanilla cream pavlova encasing a rich strawberry jelly (yellow), it’s definitely one of their most beautiful omakase sets yet. Our favourite dish, however, would be the grilled wagyu beef and bottarga—the meat is velvety smooth on the palate and goes beautifully with the corn cream and dry miso popcorn (we secretly wish they would sell these on its own).
Date: 13 – 17 February 2019
Valentine Omakase: RM500++ per person
For reservations: 03 2164 5084 or WhatsApp 019 389 5085

5. Thirty8 at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur

valentines-day-menu-kl-2019-thirty8 grand hyatt kl

One of the most romantic spots in KL joins in on the romantic occasion with a gastronomic 5-course dinner menu that will spoil you and your partner’s taste buds. Upon arrival at your romantic candlelit dinner table, enjoy a glass of what they call a Rose Fairy cocktail before proceeding to a spread of Valentine’s Day-inspired dishes. Think Australian Black Angus Beef, Alaskan cod fillet as well as a white chocolate and raspberry jelly parfait.
5-course Valentine Dinner: RM680 nett per couple
*A vegetarian option is available at the same price.
First seating: 6pm – 8pm
Second seating: 8.30pm – 10.30pm
For reservations: 03 2182 1234

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Food + Drink
5 Ways to enjoy the “coffee shop at home” experience with the all-new Nescafé® Dolce Gusto® Genio S Range

20.04.2021
By Adelina Tan

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While the Klang Valley isn’t short of beautiful cafes, sometimes all you want to do is stay in and enjoy the comforts of home.
Here are five things you can do to bring the coffee shop experience—think Central Perk rather than kopitiam—into your abode.
1. Make coffee like a pro

We become regulars at a cafe usually for one reason: excellent coffee, made just the way we like it. But when we’re busy, or our favourite barista closes shop, we’re left craving for our favourite cuppa. Well, that’s the way it used to be. Thanks to the latest technological breakthroughs in the all-new Nescafé® Dolce Gusto® Genio S Range machines, you can now enjoy various café-style beverages in the comforts of your home or your office—with just one touch of a button.

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Both of the all-new Nescafé® Dolce Gusto® Genio S machines come with the innovative ‘Espresso Boost Technology’ which increases the intensity of your coffee for a more potent “kick”. You can also easily adjust the temperature of your drink, from warm to extra hot, through the ‘Temperature Selection Function’. Mmmm, an instant pick-me-up!
Which machine to get? If you like the simplicity of a touch screen, you’ve found your match with the Nescafé® Dolce Gusto® Genio S Touch. The Genio S Plus has an intuitive LED control ring to ensure your beverage has exactly the right water level each time.
2. Make your home smell amazing

Picture this: You, in the most comfortable clothes—getting cosy at home with your favourite cup of coffee, embraced by its uplifting aroma. Spending time at a plush cafe is nice, but so is letting loose in the privacy of your home. It’s one of the many perks of having your own coffee machine! Light a candle or two to give your space a soft, warm glow.
Both of the new Nescafé® Dolce Gusto® Genio S machines come with the innovative ‘Espresso Boost Technology’ to make a richer, more intense brew. You can also easily adjust the temperature of your drink, from warm to hot, through the ‘Temperature Selection Function’. Mmmm, an instant pick-me-up!
3. Treat yourself to an indulgence

One of the thrills of going to a cafe is the assortment of coffee drinks on the menu. There’s something for every taste and mood. These days, your “cafe at home” experience can have just as much variety. Find comfort in old favourites and discover new ones to love from among the wide array of Nescafé® Dolce Gusto® and Starbucks coffee capsules. Ranging from black to milk coffee with flavoured ones too, these capsules are compatible with both the all-new Genio S Touch and Genio S Plus machines. With just a touch of a button, you can easily personalise your coffee to perfection!
4. Decorate to your taste

Whether you’re at a cafe for rejuvenation or socialisation, decor is a huge part of the experience. Good news: We’ve found the perfect coffee machine that looks good while getting the job done. Lightweight and easy on the eyes, the all-new Nescafé® Dolce Gusto® Genio S Touch comes in metallic silver, while the Genio S Plus is available in black and red. These versatile colours will complement any home’s aesthetic.

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5. Play music

Background beats are the pulse of a cafe. The soundtrack to both conversations and solitary musings. You may even choose which cafe to visit based on how their playlist jives with your plans for the day. So, now you get to pair your great cup of coffee with music for a truly immersive cafe-style experience at home with your very own coffee machine. Build a playlist with your favourite songs or try one of ours: we’ve got just the thing for a relaxing weekend, rainy day, and work (or a good book).
With the right ambiance and a mini coffee bar made possible by the all-new Nescafé® Dolce Gusto® Genio S range, staying home can be just as pleasurable as cafe hopping!
The all-new Nescafé® Dolce Gusto® Genio S coffee machines are available on e-commerce platforms including Lazada and Shopee; selected electrical and departmental stores; and selected supermarkets. Visit this website to find out more.

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Fashion
The low-down on everything Kylie Jenner wore on her 22nd birthday trip

19.08.2019
By Joan Kong

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

If there’s one thing we all know for sure, it’s that when it comes to birthdays in the Kardashian-Jenner household, no expense is spared. Kylie Jenner‘s recent 22nd birthday trip proved just that. Instead of an over-the-top celebration-as per usual-back in LA (cue Kris Jenner’s Gatsby-themed 60th birthday party and the Stormi’s World event), the beauty mogul took her friends and family on a FOMO-inducing trip to Italy and France.
The luxurious holiday started out with a yacht party around the Amalfi coast of Italy before the crew hit up the South of France. The yacht of choice, is a USD$250 million sailboat that comes with a staff of 29, a full pool, a movie theatre, and sauna. Fun fact? It belonged to Jho Low. Over the past two weeks, the 22-year-old took to Instagram to share snaps from her fabulous trip, from the yummiest food, the cutest pictures of Stormi and, of course, the best OOTD shots. After all, if it’s not posted on Instagram, did it really happen?
Deets on what Kylie Jenner wore on her birthday trip to Europe below:
The Attico pink feathered dress

Oscar de la Renta feathered one-shoulder gown

Loewe shirt dress and Jacquemus belt bag

Dior three-piece bikini set and sunglasses, Jenny Bird hoop earrings, Martha Calvo bangles, and Celine chain bracelet

Chanel bikini set

TLZ L’Femme ruched dress

Duygu Ay Collection dress, Gucci sunglasses, Hermès bag, and Bottega Veneta slides

Reina Olga swimsuit

Jacquemus top and trousers, Prada sunglasses and Vetements sneakers

Versace bralet, skirt and bag; Bottega Veneta slides

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Collections
MFW AW20: All the #GirlBoss looks that are the power dressing inspo we need

25.02.2020
By Joan Kong

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Haute Couture Week AW23: The best moments from Valentino, Balenciaga and more

While New York was all about bold and beautiful finale looks, London elevated its fashion game to new heights with couture-worthy ensemble. And now, the standout message from the third leg of Autumn/Winter 2020 Fashion Month? Power dressing is here to stay. A scroll through the collections this season and you’ll notice the sartorial flair in almost every collection, but instead of being introduced in ’80s ultra-structured silhouette or big, puffy shoulders, this round, the designs pulled back with designs that resonated with the modern women. Shoulders are softened and tailoring has sized up slightly, while pairings included hints of sheer fabric or cinched at the waist for a result that’s equal parts feminine and powerful.
Some of the noteworthy ensembles this AW20 include Act N°1‘s tulle blazer with plunging neckline, Boss‘ lavender-hued suit with an oversized fit that hits all the right notes, and Sportmax‘s line-up that’s made for a female 007 (cue Lashana Lynch). There were hints of retro notes in the mix too, be it Bottega Veneta‘s ’70s shirt collar, Dolce & Gabbana‘s newspaper boy-inspired pairing, and Alberta Ferretti‘s take on ’80s power dressing. But a silhouette we’re into at the moment? A monochrome two-piece with nothing worn under. Salvatore Ferragamo, Prada, and Versace showed us how it’s done effortlessly and tastefully.
These are the outfits that redefined power dressing this season:
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Watches
DeGem shows us how diamonds and happiness come hand in hand
Perfect brilliance

28.03.2017
By Wei Yeen Loh

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The Cartier Privé collection is about history and modernity

The phrase “diamonds are a girl’s best friend” is often reiterated for good reason. Shiny, sparkly and possibly evoking an innate sense of joy upon seeing them—even before actually wearing it on, diamonds are the perfect gift for any occasion or purpose. Inspired by that momentous feeling of happiness, leading diamond-cutting company Lazare has unveiled a new range of adornments that would put a smile on any woman’s face.

The Olevia collection features an intricate design inspired by olive branches and leaves, linking the brand’s signature ideal-cut diamonds together—an apt symbol for an everlasting bond in a relationship. Femininely delicate in its own right, the Olevia collection includes a pair of earrings, rings and pendant. Below, assistant general manager of The Melium Group Zaireen Ibrahim shares with us what her take on ‘joy’ is, along with the most important traits she look for while diamond shopping:
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”buro degem a” rid=”4973″ order=”a_tstamp”}
What do you look for when you shop for diamonds?
First thing that comes to mind is design. I usually look for something simple, classic, and sophisticated. The carat is quite important too of course. Most importantly, the design and cut have to catch my eye for me to want to wear it.

What does the word ‘joy’ mean to you?
It’s about being happy, loving something or someone that brings joy to me. When you said the word ‘joy’, I thought of my family first and my kids especially. My sisters and I have always been close-knit since we were young, so family is definitely a big (and important) part of my life.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”buro degem b” rid=”4974″ order=”a_tstamp”}
How do you think your choice in jewellery define your style or character?
My choice in jewellery usually complements my style—from what I wear on a daily basis to more formal events. I’m not one who wears overly chunky jewellery, and I always go for smaller, classic pieces that I would wear on a daily basis. I would perhaps wear something statement-making for a more glamourous function, but nothing too over-the-top.

What kind of jewellery do you like receiving?
Diamonds, of course! But my second favourite if I could pick, would be emeralds.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”buro degem c” rid=”4975″ order=”a_tstamp”}
How about the most meaningful gift you’ve received?
Anything from my kids would be meaningful to me. My daughter’s five now, and she can craft her own cards and presents. It’s definitely something I will keep more compared to other gifts I get. So my daughter recently baked me a “cake” for my birthday—it was actually a stacked sandwich “cake” made of slices of bread with nutella, jam, and peanut butter. And she even stuck candles on them, and I thought that was very thoughtful and sweet of her to do so.

What is one thing that can never fail to make you smile?
Churros! I’m a huge fan of churros—it’s my favourite dessert. In Malaysia, the best I’ve had so far is at Fuego, but my absolute favourite is the one at Disneyland.

Other outstanding pieces that Zaireen is wearing above are from the RollerGlam and LoveJoy collections. The RollerGlam range is a signature from Lazare, inspired by the precision-crafted roller (no guesses there), and is crafted through linking of various rollers, each boasting a Lazare diamond in its true brilliance. The LoveJoy collection, however, shines light to the underrated J-coloured diamonds, proving that cut precedes colour and that each diamond can be cut in a way to magnify the sparkle and size of it.

Lazare Diamond collections can be found at all DeGem boutiques in Malaysia.

Credits:
Photographs by: Chuan Looi/Yipieyaya Studio
Styling by: Loh Wei Yeen
Art Direction by: Chong Yi Suen
Makeup by: Cat Yong
Hair by: Juno Ko
Styling assistant: Alyssa Lee
Photography assisted by: Yuki Amiya
Zaireen’s outfits by: BCBG Max Azria and Zara

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Beauty
#CelebCrush: Kiko Mizuhara’s 7 best looks
Quirky pretty

15.10.2015
By Wei Yeen Loh

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

Not one to play by the rules, Japanese-American model, actress, singer and designer Kiko Mizuhara has been making waves in the fashion and modeling industry since she was 12 for her versatile makeup looks and style along with her modeling appearances with Chanel, Uniqlo and Jil Sander. As she turns 25 today, here’s a throwback at her 7 best looks as she demonstrates to us how to pull off a classic red lip and sleek tresses or to deliver a quirky statement while looking chic with a bright coral lippie and coiled hair.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Kiko” rid=”3568″ order=”a_tstamp”}

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Watches
The new Frivole blooms by Van Cleef & Arpels will light up your skin
Spring Renaissance

20.03.2017
By Buro247

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The Cartier Privé collection is about history and modernity

Amongst the first signs of Spring, these precious new blossoms must be the most brilliant. This golden tribute to nature finds itself rooted in the gardens of Frivole and flourishes into nine new exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels creations.

Revisiting the Frivole collection—characterised by the iconic heart-shaped petals folded to angle on a groove down their middle—keeps the enthralment of the brand over nature’s bounty of foliage alive by sustaining the floral motif so beloved by Van Cleef & Arpels since the 1920s.

To appreciate the savoir-faire of the Frivole, the impeccable design begs closer inspection. Every cluster of petals converge with an authentic three-dimensional form owing to the subtle fold of each petal in architectural consideration. The Maison’s special mirror polishing technique then enhances the shine of the material for intense reflection—imbuing the pieces with a flash of vitality.

Created to creatively to outshine all adornment, the openwork setting for the paved diamonds allow undeterred light refraction for matchless shine. That arresting sparkle combined with the reflective components would bypass the capabilities and function of mere embellishment but when worn, could truly bring out the light in your skin.

From March 20, 2017, the Frivole collection expands with nine new pieces. This includes a golden variation to the original, a new size and a delicate wrist proposition in the form of ethereal bracelets with a single suspended bloom. Joining the revelry, sparkling yellow gold creations paved with top-grade diamonds (of D, E or F colour profiles and VVS level clarity) on asymmetrical corollas dazzle in the Maison’s emblematic commitment to beauty and quality.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”van cleef and arpels frivole” rid=”4921″ order=”a_tstamp”}

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Van Cleef & Arpels’ Bouton d’or is a work of art
Celebrating the aesthetics of the new Perlée collection by Van Cleef & Arpels

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Technology
How to use Apple Pay in Malaysia on your iPhone and Apple Watch
Easy, safe and secure

09.08.2022
By Rachel Au

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Over the last few days, you might have seen leaks and news that Apple Pay is coming to Malaysia. For the unfamiliar, Apple Pay is a cashless, contactless payment method that is linked to your credit or debit card. Thanks to the Apple ecosystem, you can use Apple Pay with your iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad and Mac once you’ve registered a card (or more). Well, it officially launched today—Malaysia is only the second country in Southeast Asia to have Apple Pay, with the first being Singapore—and if you have questions, we have answers.

How do I set it up on my iPhone?
1. Open the Wallet app on your iPhone
2. Tap on the + icon on the top right corner
3. Select Debit or Credit Card
4. Scan your debit/credit card with the in-app camera
5. Most of the card details will be added automatically, thanks to the scan, so you only need to manually fill in the security code
6. Agree to the terms and conditions
7. Verify the card by getting a code via text message
8. Done!

*Optional: If you have an Apple Watch…
Once the above is done, you’ll be prompted to add it to Apple Watch as well. You’ll need to get another verification code via text message.

What banks or cards are eligible for Apple Pay?
At the moment, Apple Pay is only available for Visa and Mastercard cards from AmBank, Maybank, and Standard Chartered Bank. It’ll be opened to American Express cards later this year.

How many cards can I put on Apple Pay?
You can put more than one, but the first card you register will be the default one. You can easily change this by going on the Wallet app and drag-and-drop to change the order.

Does Apple Pay have a purchase limit?
Unlike Pay Wave, there is no RM250 limit, so you can make any purchase, large or small, with Apple Pay alone.

Can I use Apple Pay for online purchases?
Yes, it’s available on apps and websites such as Shopee, Sephora, Atome, and Adidas. If you’re purchasing the items on the iPad or Mac, you need to authenticate with Touch ID or Face ID. No need for rummaging to find your credit card, fill in a PIN or TAC code, or shipping information. The shipping address will be pulled from your contact card.

Which stores allow me to use Apple Pay?
At launch, the press release states that Apple Pay is available at merchants such as KFC, Maxis, Machines, McDonald’s, Mydin, Pizza Hut, Starbucks, U Mobile, Uniqlo, Village Grocer, and Watsons. It should be rolling out to more stores—just look out for the Apple Pay logo at the counters.

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A post shared by Ben’s Independent Grocer (@bensindependentgrocer)

So, how do I use Apple Pay with my iPhone?
Once you’ll all set up, it’s super easy to “activate” it. When you’re ready to pay, double-click the Power button to open the Wallet app with your card. During this process, your iPhone will authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID. Then, hold the top part of your iPhone near the contactless terminal reader.

How do I use Apple Pay with my Apple Watch?
Similarly, double-click the Side Button to activate the Wallet when you’re ready to pay, then hold it near the reader. The best part is that you don’t need a data plan or connectivity on your Apple Watch to use Apple Pay, as it’s operated via NFC. So you can genuinely leave your physical wallet at home or the office and pay with your Apple Watch.

Is it safe to use Apple Pay?
According to Apple, the feature uses industry-leading protection of users’ personal information, transaction data, and credit and debit card information. The credit and debit card numbers are not stored on the device and Apple servers.
“A unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted, and securely stored in the Secure Element on the user’s device, and each transaction is authorised with a one-time unique dynamic security code. Apple does not retain transaction information that can be tied back to the customer. Transactions stay between the customer, the merchant or developer, and the bank or card issuer,” as stated on the Apple website.

What happens if I misplace/lose my Apple device with Apple Pay?
Use “Find My iPhone” to locate the device, or if reported stolen, it will automatically wipe out the details of your credit and debit cards.

How do I keep track of my Apple Pay transactions?
Apart from the physical receipts or receipt emails after making your purchase, the Wallet app will have a record of your transactions.
There you have it! Are you excited to use Apple Pay in Malaysia? For more info on Apple Pay in general, head over to Apple’s website.

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Beauty
Diptyque’s Collection 34 is a fashionable work of art
Collection Trente-Quatre

01.11.2016
By Gwen Ong

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History has a way of repeating itself. In the case of Diptyque, it is a creative one. The first ever Diptyque atelier was set up at 34 Boulevard Saint Germain in Paris where it took on a kaleidoscope of artistic expressions. Two out of three of Diptyque’s founders – Christiane Gautrot and Yves Coueslant were fabric designers while Desmond Knox-Leet was a painter. Together, the trio formed a dream team in coming up with eclectic and distinct themes that were reflected in the patterns, packaging and objects decorating No. 34.
Hence, herein lies the inspiration behind the French house’s Collection 34 this year. The third eponymous collection captures the spirit of a grand bazaar where emotions and nostalgia are fuelled. Along with some of the other fragrances and scented candles from previous 34 editions, this year’s collection includes:

Essences Insensées

Since the launch of Collection 34 in 2014, Diptyque has been enchanting the world with its heady scents produced from an exceptional harvest. For this year’s collection, the field of May Roses in Grasse inspired the perfumer Fabrice Pellegrin to create the new Essences Insensées. The fresh rosy scent is presented in a unique geometric black glass bottle developed by Waltersperfer, a 100-year-old firm specialising in high-end perfume, wine and spirits bottles.

La Madeleine

What do Diptyque and the French novelist, Marcel Proust have in common? The answer is madeleine. The idea of a madeleine-scented candle came about when product creation director, Myriam Badault discovered that the Diptyque founders’ home in Normandy was previously a post office where the author used to send his mail. In homage to the link, Fabrice Pellegrin created a scented wax of a delicious madeleine with a refreshingly lemony and fluffy inside as was described by Marcel Proust in his literary masterpiece, Remembrance of Things Past.
To house this delicious scent, Diptyque collaborated with the NG Oficina de Porcelanas in Portugal. The artisans created a holder combining the chalky, almost gritty texture of earthenware with the smoothness of the black enamel around the edge. See the video below for the hypnotic making of the beautifully crafted holder.

The Diptyque’s Essences Insensées and La Madeleine are priced at RM709 and RM399 respectively; both are available from Kens Apothecary.

Related stories:
Diptyque teams up with Olympia Le-Tan for a rose-tinted collection
One-stop beauty: Kens Apothecary opens new boutique at 1 Utama

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Beauty
7 Surprising things you didn’t know about Aesop
Insider info

04.10.2022
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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ICYMI: We spent a week in London with Aesop recently, and it was quite the informative experience.
READ: Beauty Diaries: I spent a week in London with Aesop—here’s everything I did
Over the course of the week, we spoke to Aēsop’s Chief Customer Officer Suzanne Santos, Customer and Store Experience Manager James McMeans, European Store Design and Global Innovation Manager Jean-Phillippe Bonnefoi and Head of Global Store Design Marianne Lardilleux to learn more about the brand.
Spoiler alert: We’ve learned a fair bit. It was a pretty intensive crash course in the brand, and so we think it’s only fair that we share the wealth of knowledge we’ve now accumulated. Your first fun fact, on the house: It’s pronounced ‘Ee-sop’, not ‘Ay-sop’.
Like that tip? Lucky for you, there’s more where that came from. Ahead, find seven things you didn’t know about Aēsop (but really wish you did):

FACT 1: AĒSOP STARTED OFF AS A HAIR SALON

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According to Santos, who has been with the brand from the very beginning, the story goes like this: The year was 1987. Dennis Paphitis, Aēsop’s founder, was working as a hairdresser in Europe when, all of a sudden, his father passed away. In order to be with his mother and sister, he returned from Europe to Australia as a young man at 25. It was not exactly what he’d expected of his life, but he decided that, now that he was home, he would open his own salon. His first employee? Suzanne Santos.
Now, there are some bits and pieces missing from Santos’ account, but that’s the general gist. Who could have predicted that the small, exclusive, Melbourne-based Emeis Hair Salon would one day grow into a multi-million dollar business with over 200 stores globally? No one, apparently—yet, here Aēsop stands. Impressive as ever.

FACT 2: AĒSOP IS BUILT ON FIVE TENETS: ARCHITECTURE, LITERATURE, FOOD, MUSIC, AND ESSENTIAL OILS

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The aforementioned Emeis salon—where the first Aēsop products were launched—was created as part of one contiguous movement that originated these five tenets. With regards to the first, architecture, Santos recalls that “there were two things [Dennis] spent all his money on: The mirror and the floor. The mirror, in particular, was flush to the wall—that means that someone had to chip all the wall out and embed the mirror, which in Australia, was a very expensive thing to do. Within that emblematically lies the symbols of the history of Aesop, because we are about detail. Perfect craft-created details. Aēsop was born of that detail.”
Of course, the salon opened its doors with a party, complete with a delicious vegetarian meal and a wide variety of people very close to the founder’s heart in attendance. According to Santos, the salon became very famous very quickly, but its tenets have remained consistent. “It was very small and it was very hard to get into. We played amazing music, we could only drink coffee or sparkling water, we imported magazines, and we had oil burners. So, for our entire lives, we’ve had food, music, literature, and oils at our heart. All of these symbols have remained continuously throughout our life.”

FACT 3: AĒSOP WAS AMONG THE FIRST GLOBAL BRANDS TO INCORPORATE ESSENTIAL OILS INTO THEIR FORMULATIONS

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According to Santos, the essential oil industry was on the verge of a huge boom in 1987: “At the time, essential oils (which are, of course, ancient), had sort of reemerged through the hippy period. People were burning incense and essential oils and, from that, was born an entire industry which remains today.”
“The products that were available all over the world were made with fragrance; with artificial colour; with ingredients that were absolutely deplorable for people to use,” she continues. “Dennis was brave and bold and incredibly confident in creating Aēsop in this mainstream environment where essential oils were not being used. The creation of our hair care, skincare, and body care began with essential oils, and was all done without the influence of any other (or very few) other brands—and those who did, did not do what we did.”
“We changed the cosmetics world,” Santos asserts. “It was a handful of us—five of us that thought philosophically differently; thought about the composition of what people were using and then took the notion that quality was the most significant factor.”

FACT 4: AĒSOP WAS THE FIRST BRAND TO PACKAGE PRODUCTS IN AMBER BOTTLES

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Aēsop pioneered a functional aesthetic that has since been replicated countless times; copied all over the world by other brands. But, Santos maintains, they did it first—and, arguably, they did it best.
“When we launched, there were no brown bottles. There were no black and white labels. There were no combinations of [our] ingredients; the entire market was unrecognisable from what you know. And they all followed us,” she explains. “[To] everyone who has stolen from us—the brilliance of Dennis cannot be replicated; the purity of our world has remained. When you go to our stores, when you come into our offices, the purity of the brand has remained.”

FACT 5: THE ICONIC 500ML TESTERS WERE CONCEIVED FROM DESPERATION

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When you walk past any Aēsop store, there’s one thing you’ll notice: a row of full-sized testers, neatly lined up at the door, ready for sampling. It’s ubiquitous across every one of the brand’s stores, but its origins are equal parts funny and ingenious.
The ideas for the testers were actually the brainchild of Santos, who explained that Aēsop’s signature decor was actually quite the deterrent for some customers. “Some people found [the decor] very scary, because no one was doing what we were doing back then,” she remarks. “I became so frustrated that people weren’t walking in that I walked up the stairs and—this happened a lot in our lives, incredible circumstances that occurred—there was an architectural cement pillar, just the right height, positioned just near the store. Incredibly fortuitous!”
“I plonked the product on there and I put down the paper brochures, and about 10 minutes later, two women tried the product, looked into the store, and I beckoned them in,” she recalls, triumphantly. “That was the first time those 500ml testers were used, which then became omnipresent to the brand. But that was definitely born of desperation.”

FACT 6: EVERY AĒSOP STORE HAS TWO RECOGNISABLE CODES

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No two Aēsop stores are the same—so what unites them? According to Lardilleux and Bonnefoi, there are two codes in the Aēsop signature. The first is the products. All the products share the same design, and they are displayed in abundance in every store.
The second is the experience. This includes four pillars: “The first is the smell—you can really recognise our smell when you pass by and, when you enter, you know you’re in Aēsop,” Lardilleux explains. “The next is the sink—we have sinks in every one of our stores for beautiful demonstrations. Then, it’s the tea and then the sitting area.”
“We have some guidelines that allow the store architects to be as creative as they can in the location, but at the same time maintaining the codes that tell you that you are in an Aēsop store,” adds Bonnefoi.

FACT 7: AĒSOP DOES NOT SUBSCRIBE TO CLEAN BEAUTY

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The skincare community is currently at odds with itself, and McMeans summed it up gracefully in a question to Santos: “There exists this odd polarity, particularly within the skincare community, where we have companies that market [themselves] as clean, plant-based, all-natural, etcetera. Then, on the other end of the spectrum, you have consumers seeking formulations that are almost pharmaceutical. Where is Aēsop on that scale of polarity?”
“We never described ourselves as natural,” responded Santos. “There isn’t a product that we make that doesn’t contain some kind of botanical. But, those incredible botanical ingredients are then coupled with the right choice of efficacious man-made ingredients. And, we have masters who can craft the best formulations incorporating both, so you end up with the most optimal environment. Internally, we’re very comfortable with that decision.”
“There is, without a prescription, a limit to what you can put inside a jar. And, because we don’t make [unsubstantiated] claims, we struggle to be shouted down by brands that are promoting concepts that are not real,” Santos elaborates. “For us, we have always remained very comfortably inside that sense of truth: that we have made and produced exceptional formulations which deliver enormous value to the skin and that, in the absence of a prescription, deliver a performance that is greater than just an empty claim.”

Interview excerpts have been edited for length and clarity. Find more beauty stories like this here.

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Go Manic for Organic

Beauty
Go Manic for Organic
Preen clean

20.07.2015
By Renyi Lim

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These days, the term ‘organic’ is thrown around so liberally that it can be hard to work out which brands to place your faith in – which is all the more reason why anyone who’s recently converted to the Clean Beauty movement should acquaint themselves with the following skin treats as soon as they can.
1. To soothe the skin (and your senses)
Neal’s Yard Remedies is a brand with impressive credentials: their high quality plant-based ingredients are certified organic by the Soil Association and the USDA, and what’s more, they’re ethically sourced and never tested on animals.

Try: Neal’s Yard Remedies’ Immortelle Organic Essential Oil, RM297
A gentle, luxurious introduction to organic beauty comes in the form of the Immortelle Organic Essential Oil, which cools, soothes, and regenerates skin whenever it’s blended with body lotion, massage oil or shower gel. You can even make the most of its spicy, honey-like aroma by diffusing it in your bedroom as a way of relieving nervous exhaustion and depression – perfect to unwind after a long, stressful day.
2. To nourish and firm the skin
If you can’t get enough of organic oils, this beauty treat combats signs of ageing through fair trade-certified argan oil from Morocco, which is enriched with amino acid to firm facial contours and nourish the skin’s barrier function. Not only is it feather-light to wear and non-greasy, but 100 percent of its ingredients are naturally derived – so you can be sure of exactly what you’re applying to your face.

Try: Melvita’s Argan+ Dry Touch Face Oil, RM196
3. For firmer, suppler skin
This rich cream is ideal for anyone searching for a smoothing anti-ageing solution that’s still kind to the skin. Its naturally effective formula harnesses a combination of seven plant oils – borage, evening primrose, camelina, echium, sea buckthorn, apricot and rose hip – plus its star ingredient, the essential oil of the helichrysum or immortelle flower, sourced from the fragrant scrubland of Corsica. With organic skincare, it’s safe to say that wilder is always better.

Try: L’Occitane’s Divine Cream, RM469

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Lifestyle
Haunting yet captivating – Europe’s first underwater museum is now open
What a sight

17.01.2017
By Gwen Ong

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British artist, Jason deCaires Taylor has achieved another monumental peak in his career with the opening of the first underwater museum in Europe. Featuring over 300 sculptural works, Museo Atlántico, which can be explored by scuba divers or from glass-bottomed boats, took him over three years to put together.
The site covers an area of 2,500 square-metres where the sculptures touch on “the dialogue between past and present and the divisions within society”. Jason’s installations were created entirely with pH neutral materials so as to facilitate the ecosystem in the Unesco-designated World Biosphere Reserve. Each underwater artwork is meant to promote environmental awareness and social change.
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A particular poignant piece is called ‘Crossing the Rubicon‘ in which 35 figures are seen “walking” towards a gateway of a 30-metre long and 100-tonne wall. The work “aims to mark 2017 as a pivotal moment, a line in the sand and reminder that our world’s oceans and climate are changing and we need to take urgent action before it’s too late,”
“Notions of ownership and territories are irrelevant to the natural world. In times of increasing patriotism and protectionism, the wall aims to remind us that we cannot segregate our oceans, air, climate or wildlife as we do our land and possessions. We forget we are all an integral part of a living system at our peril,” he said.
This is not Jason’s first underwater showcase. In 2006, the artist launched the first of its kind underwater museum – the Molinere Bay Underwater Sculpture Park in Grenada in the Carribean while the Museo Subacuático de Arte off the waters of Cancun and Isla Mujeres in Mexico was opened in 2009.

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Technology
7 Best cases and accessories for your iPhone 14 series in 2022
Just in case

25.10.2022
By Natalie Khoo

Featured images: Casetify, Garmin, String Ting

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Got your hands on the new iPhone 14 series? Then the next step—and part of the fun—is to shop for accessories to ensure you get to enjoy the most of your new tech toy. Whether you’re looking for protective cases to keep your phone in pristine condition, complementary gadgets to improve the user experience, or stylish products to glam up your phone, take a gander at our recommendations below.

Apple Silicone Case with MagSafe, RM219
For convenience and compatibility

If you’re a fan of minimalist designs or just want a simple case that does a good job of protecting your phone from scratches and drops, then this is the no-brainer for you. The case’s silicone exterior feels soft and velvety to the touch, while its soft microfiber lining on the inside provides additional protection for your phone. With MagSafe support, you can easily snap it on your MagSafe charger to charge the phone or use it with other compatible accessories.
Shop here

Casetify Ultra Impact Case, US$68-90
For personalised protection

Casetify is arguably one of the most popular tech accessory brands out there with dozens of phone cases to tickle your fancy. Recently, the brand introduced an all-new Bounce Case, which it claims to be “the world’s most protective phone case”. Developed with a proprietary shock absorption material called Ecoshock™, the case is built to withstand drops of up to 21.3 feet and six times the military-grade standard. The technology consists of 40 per cent plant-based material, whilst the case is made from 65 per cent upcycled phone case materials through ReCasetify—making it more sustainable compared to many other options in the market.
Featuring the same Ecoshock technology, the Ultra Impact Case for iPhone 14 now comes with an added patent-pending bumper design, allowing for 130 consecutive drops from all angles, five times military-grade standard, and a drop height of 11.5 feet. It is available in five colourways including Triple Black, Clear/Black, Peri Purple, Kiwi, and Bubble Gum, with name and print customisation options.
Shop here

String Ting Phone Strap, from RM190
For a style statement

The Rancher Crystal Wristlet Phone Strap
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Venus Pearl Trap Wristlet Phone Strap
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Here Comes The Sun Wristlet Phone Strap
3/4

The Ravey Ting Wristlet Phone Strap
4/4

Touted as the company that started the phone strap craze, String Ting offers an extensive collection of cute and quirky straps to dress up your iPhone. The London-based startup has every type and colour of bead or crystal you can think of to turn your phone into a style statement. From rainbow-hued crystal wristlet straps to pearl crossbody options, you’ll be spoilt for choice!
Shop here

Belkin UltraGlass Screen Protector, RM169
For peace of mind

While the iPhone 14 models are equipped with Ceramic Shield that’s said to be resistant to scratches and damage, it doesn’t hurt to add a screen protector for additional safety. As Apple’s trusted partner, the Belkin UltraGlass Screen Protector features German-engineered technology with ultra-impact protection that’s up to two times stronger than tempered glass protectors. At just 0.29mm, you’ll hardly notice it’s there–especially with its precision touch sensitivity that ensures a flawless touchscreen experience.
Shop here

Garmin | Loucase collection, from RM39
For the fitness enthusiast

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As part of its #DearBody campaign, Garmin has partnered with Malaysian phone case designers Loucase to create a special fitness-inspired collection of phone cases and pop sockets. The collection draws design inspiration from the sporty features introduced in the new Garmin Venu Sq 2, such as music and storage connectivity, tennis, 25 added sports activities, and more. There are seven phone cases to choose from with blue, yellow, orange, and pink accents; as well as two pop sockets with the ‘Dear Body’ tagline to motivate you toward your fitness goals.
Shop here

Bellroy Mod Phone Case + Wallet, RM473.10
For the sophisticated multitasker

Are you someone who prefers cashless payments? Or do you want the convenience of having your everyday cards on you whenever, wherever (as long as you have your phone too)? This dynamic duo keeps up with your needs, allowing you to store your cards securely and out of sight through a magnetic trapdoor that snaps easily onto the phone case. Its super slim profile ensures that it still tucks in nicely in your pocket while fitting up to three cards. The leather case is also MagSafe-compatible, so you can just remove the wallet whenever you need to charge your phone wirelessly. Plus, Bellroy products come with a three-year warranty from the date of purchase to guarantee no defects in materials and workmanship.
Shop here

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Skincare
If you have acne, you should be oil cleansing for 15 minutes straight—here’s why

18.08.2021
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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If you’re familiar with beauty TikTok, you’ll know that it is rife with beauty tips and tricks, though not all of them are as wonderful as they are weird (or stupid). Just recently, we’ve seen people using saltwater as an acne treatment, using frozen cucumber as a budget jade roller, putting bronzer on tweezers for “easier” nose contouring, as well as a large array of other hacks that have surfaced over time.
Personally, we tend to pay very little mind to the plethora of beauty “hacks” on the app as most of them are tedious fluff (and, sometimes, straight-up dangerous). However, occasionally, there are some good ones. The other day, while scrolling through our For You page, one particular hack caught our eyes.
Oil cleansing—with a twist. User @opulentjade took to the platform to share her most recent oil cleansing discovery:

In the TikTok, she explains that the latest addition to her skincare routine is a deep, deep clean with a cleansing oil. Apparently, using cleansing oil (or balm) on your face for 15 to 20 minutes straight is a great way to decongest your pores, drawing out the “oil plugs” that clog them.
Is it legit? Well, yes, actually. The technique described by the TikToker actually comes from a licensed esthetician named Nayamka Roberts-Smith, who posted a YouTube video detailing the benefits of oil cleansing for every skin type:

Why and how does this oil cleansing hack work?
In the video, she explains that oil cleansers decongest so well because “oil dissolves oil”. In other words, while your bog-standard foaming cleansers work by using surfactants that bind to the oils on your skin so they can then be washed away with water, oil cleansers work by attracting the oil in your pores. As a result, they are much less stripping.
She elaborates that this 15-minute cleansing method is especially beneficial for acne-prone and oily skin for that very reason. Further, when it comes to oily skin, cleansing balms and oils remove excess sebum without stripping the skin too much. Conversely, with dry skin, oil cleansing replenishes the oil that the skin lacks.
Then, depending on your skin type, you can either follow up with a gentle foaming cleanser as the second step in your double cleanse routine (ideal for this hot and humid climate) or, in the case of dry skin or harsh climates, you can consider stopping there for an extra boost of nourishment for your skin.
READ: Everything you need to know about oil cleansers and how to use them

Photo by Kadarius Seegars on Unsplash
Which oils are best for each skin type?
READ: The best cleansing balms for your skin type
The type of oil that you use matters too, apparently. Surprisingly, like foaming cleansers, cleansing oils and balms also have some surfactants that allow you to emulsify their formulations with water for easy removal. That said, Roberts-Smith explains that while cleansing oils and balms are the most convenient options, if you’re still keen on using natural oils, you need to be picky about them.
Natural oils have different amounts of oleic and linoleic acid. Why does this matter? Put simply, its effectiveness really depends on your skin type. Oily skin tends to have more oleic acid, while dry skin types tend to have more linoleic acid. As Roberts-Smith explains, “if you’re trying to oil cleanse with natural oil, look for the opposite. If you have oily skin, you want an oil cleanser high in linoleic acid.”
“Dry skin has linoleic acid present, so you want oleic acid or omega fatty acid-9—same thing,” she continues. All in all, for oily skin, look out for oils such as safflower, sunflower, hemp seed, rosehip, and evening primrose oils. For dry skin, opt for cooking oils like avocado, olive, sweet almond, marula, argan, sesame seed, and apricot oils.
Armed with new knowledge, we decided to give the hack a shot. This is how it went:

Photo by Jacinta Christos on Unsplash
“I generally double cleanse daily—once with an oil cleanser and once with a gentle foaming cleanser—especially when I have sunscreen and makeup on. After hearing of this hack, I immediately headed to my bathroom. With a bare face (AKA nothing but last night’s skincare on), I popped a 20-minute YouTube video on, grabbed my go-to cleansing balm, and got to work on my dry skin.
“My skin type is oily-to-combination, with a real hormonal breakout problem, so I wasn’t surprised to feel the so-called grit collect under my fingers within 5 minutes. I focused my massage on the ‘problem’ areas of my face, such as my outer cheeks, my nose, and my forehead. While working the product into my skin, I used the massage techniques described in Roberts-Smith’s video, and I have to say that she was right about the process being rather meditative.
“My face inevitably ended up a little red from all the rubbing, but by the end, a few big spots had flattened and my skin definitely looked a little clearer. Overall, I really loved this soothing ritual. While it’s definitely not an everyday thing for me, the once-a-week schedule Roberts-Smith proposes is delightfully doable. In fact, I’d probably continue with it even if I hadn’t seen any results—giving myself a face massage is a perfect way to wind down in the evening. Plus, the arm workout on its own is a winner!”—Redzhanna Jazmin, Beauty Writer
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Fashion
PFW AW23: Watch the Valentino livestream here
Contemporary and liberating

03.03.2023
By Benedict Unang

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

Following the reveal of the Haute Couture collection that seamlessly blends the worlds of couture and nightlife, Pierpaolo Piccioli is set to unveil Valentino’s Autumn/Winter 2023 collection named ‘Black Tie’ this weekend. Will it be a sequel to the previous line or fresh, uncharted territory for the Maison? Only time will tell, and you can watch it on March 5 at 8.00 pm Central Eastern time (March 6, 3.00 am Malaysia time) on the live stream below.

Watch more livestreams here.

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Fashion
3 most luxurious umbrellas money can buy
Not your average

22.07.2015
By Wei Yeen Loh

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RECOMMENDED

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

TRAVEL Blue and Brown with Woven Leather Handle Umbrella, €405
Fifth-generation Milano-based umbrella maker Francesco Maglia stands by its mission—to create umbrellas as heirlooms to last more than a generation. This exquisite umbrella needs no less than 70 steps to hand-make, and features a single piece of beechwood (only acquired from Italy) for the handle and shaft.

GS11 Silver Crook or Crutch Umbrella, £1,272
This British hand-crafted umbrella maker has been providing umbrellas since the reign of Queen Victoria. With a real silver crook or crutch handle, the GS11 comes in a plethora of cover colours along with a hallmarked silver collar that can be engraved with your initials.

Gentleman’s Whangee Handle Umbrella, £460
Established in 1836, English leather-goods maker Swaine Adeney Brigg’s impeccable craftmanship translates to its umbrellas, which explains its extensive history with royal families as the main purveyor of umbrellas. The unique shape of the Whangee is actually derived from bamboo that has been exposed to elements from soil erosion on a sharp inclination, and then bent into a handle.

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Food + Drink
Bold flavours and rustic charm: Favola’s newly designed menu
Authentic Italian fare

20.10.2015
By Buro247

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Originally form Sardinia, Chef Dominico Piras brings a new dimension to this traditional Italian restaurant. Boasting 30 years of culinary experience, Chef Dominico Piras loves challenging himself in the kitchen by creating inventive dishes from available ingredients. He takes pride in his cooking and believe in slow dining so that guests can savour the flavours of his dishes and appreciate the nuances in each course along with the company of friends or family around the table.

The menu at Favola follows the Italian tradition of never only having just one plate at a meal, offering selections for antipasti, primi, pasta, secondi, and dolci. We suggest that you come in a group and order your plates to share in that order to be able to try more dishes as you go along. After all, you wouldn’t want to miss out on the intriguing variety of flavours offered in the newly curated menu.

Our meal at Favola began with the Maguro 1st Grade Tuna Tartare, the Salmon and Sea Bass Carpaccio, and the Air-dried Beef Bresaola to share. Beautifully stacked on a salad of watermelon, cantaloupe, taggiasca olives and mint leaves, the Maguro 1st Grade Tuna Tartare offered a sweet and refreshing flavour reminiscent of summer that was a perfect palate cleanser to begin the meal with, while the colourful plate of Salmon and Sea Bass Carpaccio had a nice mixture of different flavours and textures in each bite. Our favourite antipasti, however, was the Air-dried Beef Bresaola that was wrapped around a cantaloupe melon and served with a homemade figs compote and creamy burrata cheese that offered different dimensions of flavour with every bite.

After our antipasti course, we tried the chef’s personal favourite dish to prepare, the Porcini Mushroom Risotto. Just a bite of the pan-seared duck foie gras with a spoonful of risotto is enough to prove that Chef Piras has mastered this difficult dish. Traditionally a creamy dish, it was quite surprising that the chef has chosen to pair it with foie gras, but every bite of this dish will keep you scooping for more and wishing that this delectable goodness will not come to an end. The pasta dishes that we tried, the Maccheroni and the Classic Gragnano Orecchiette, were also fairly impressive. If it was a choice between the two, we would recommend the orecchiette as it offers a slightly chewier ‘homemade’ texture that you will not get in other pastas.

According to Chef Piras, if there is one dish that every diner must try when they visit Favola, it has to be the Sardinian Mixed Seafood ‘Pingiagegga’ and Fregula, which is a nod to the chef’s Sardinian roots. Fragula is a type of pasta from Sardinia that has a similar texture to Isreali couscous and its addition to this dish gives this seafood stew a nice textural balance, while not being overwhelmingly starchy. Cooked in a claypot that is not opened until the dish is served, the seafood in this stew remains fresh and succulent, the way nature intended it to be.

We ended the meal with a Tiramisu — the chef assures that we will not taste a tiramisu similar to this in all of Malaysia — that proves that looks can be deceiving. Visually, the cup of tiramisu looked really dense while the chocolate powder on top seemed slightly heavy-handed, but our minds were immediately changed when took a bite of it. The cream was surprisingly light and the slim layer of cake at the bottom of the cup was so thoroughly soaked in coffee that it permeated the cream, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the cream with the bitterness of coffee.

Speaking to Chef Piras, we could sense a great pride and joy in his Sardinian roots, which are certainly reflected in his cuisine. His vibrant and playful personality can also be seen in the many colours and unique arrangement of each dish.  For a quiet evening with your closest companions over good Italian food and wine, Favola is definitely worth considering.

Favola. Level 8, Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur, 2 Jalan Stesen Sentral, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470, Kuala Lumpur.

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Beauty
How to keep your bangs looking perfect all day long
As seen on TikTok

30.04.2023
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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PSA: Once again, TikTok has come through with yet another beauty hack we’ll be adopting into our routines immediately. Now, not all TikTok beauty hacks are created equal, but we’ve gotta admit—this latest one is so good, we’re kind of mad we didn’t think of it ourselves.
Meet your fringe’s new best friend: Lash glue. Indeed, the girlies on TikTok have been using lash glue to keep their bangs in place—bid adieu to the dread of windy days, hats, or quick mid-day siestas ruining your hair. With this hack, you’ll be looking picture-perfect no matter what curveballs life throws at you.

@strawbnniii love it♬ PLUMP GLOWING HYDRATION BOOST – kuru

While the trick is new to TikTok, it’s actually a pretty firm staple on the red carpet. If you’ve ever wondered how your favourite celebs keep their hair in place at windy outdoor events, chances are that their hairstylists have used this quick hack to keep their work intact throughout any weather.
Ahead, we’re delving into the trend, from the technique behind it to its safety for your skin:

Is it safe?
Essentially, if it’s good enough for your eyes, it’s probably good enough for your forehead. That said, if your skin is particularly acne-prone, you might want to reserve this technique for special occasions as the glue may clog pores and hair follicles.

How to recreate the trend

@eggdressesup who is the mastermind that engineered this amazing idea #lashgluebangs #bangshack #frontbangs #lashgluehack ♬ Sunshine – WIRA

If your hairspray and mousse combo is just not hacking it anymore and you want a more heavy-duty solution to your fringe problems, you’re in luck! The technique behind this lash glue hack is simple. Once you’ve styled your bangs and you’re happy with how they fall, simply swipe some lash glue onto the area of skin of your choice, wait for it to dry a little and get tacky, and then gently press the ends of your bangs down into place.
Be careful not to go overboard with the glue—not only do you want to avoid excess glue residue on your skin, but being too heavy-handed will make it harder to remove at the end of the day.

@ilovemolol use eyelash glue for your bangs #fyp #mutuals #hair #relatable #kpop #moots #hairhacks #bangs ♬ Bring Me To Life – Evanescence

How well does it work?
Still sceptical? Understood. Fortunately, TikTok has put the trend to the ultimate stress test so that you don’t have to. The verdict? It’s not bad at all!

@conorjmd Testing the lash glue / bangs hack. Whatcha think; gimmick or lifesaver? Also yes that is exactly how i walk down the stairs 🎶 #haireducator #hairhacks #lashgluebangs #bangstutorial #fringetutorial #lashgluehacks #curtainbangstutorial #conorjameseducation ♬ Obituary – Alexandre Desplat

The removal process
Okay, so you’ve given the hack a go, but now it’s time for a shower—how do you remove it? In short, it’s best to approach it the same way you would with a pair of eyelashes. Rather than ripping your bangs off your face in one fell swoop—a surefire way to cause damage to your hair strands—get some micellar water to weaken the bonds before gently peeling your fringe off of your face. That’s about it!

For more beauty stories like this, click here.

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BEST OF BURO


Buro Loves
Get out of your comfort zone with Laneige’s new Thirst For Life campaign

12.06.2020
By Wei Yeen Loh

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What truly drives your thirst in life? If you haven’t been asking yourself this question as of late, let Laneige steer you along the right direction with its new Thirst For Life campaign, with Korean actress Kim You Jung as the star of the narrative.
Break out of your comfort zone and seek out the unknown, whether it’s soaking up an entirely new experience or basking in an environment that isn’t part of your everyday routine. Laneige shows us that we all can live our best lives with an inspiring video campaign:

Laneige Thirst For Life Kim You Jung

Laneige Thirst For Life Kim You Jung

Laneige Thirst For Life Kim You Jung

For the 20-year old actress and the face of Laneige, living in the moment is her thirst for life. But she’s got a little help along the way—with two star products from Laneige’s bestselling Water Bank range: the Hydro Essence and Hydro Cream, and we’re all for it.
With one bottle sold every 17 seconds, Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence is the brand’s key product when it comes to quenching skin thirst. Backed with 26 years of research, this moisturising essence has Hydro-Lightening Technology to strengthen skin barrier and hydrate the skin. Coupled with the Water Bank Hydro Cream, days of dry, dehydrated skin will be a dilemma of the past—say hello to luminous, healthy skin in a heartbeat.

          Laneige Thirst For Life Water Bank Essence

Laneige Thirst For Life Water Bank Cream

This year, Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence and Hydro Cream have been reimagined with a limited-edition packaging designed by New York-based contemporary graphic designer and typographer Stefan Sagmeister in collaboration with American graphic designer Jessica Walsh. Spot the stunning, pastel-holographic design that’s inspired by the concept of ‘hydration’—don’t miss out on the cute addition of a crystal ball on the neck of the Water Bank Hydro Essence bottle.
But what truly makes the Water Bank Hydro Essence and Cream a dynamic duo is the specific ingredients in the formulation—minerals extracted from vegetables that were carefully picked for its moisturising properties and safety on the skin. The essence and cream help activate the skin’s NMF (Natural Moisturising Factors) to allow it to self-produce and sustain moisture, resulting in a luminous glow
In the spirit of chasing the #ThirstForLife, Laneige Malaysia is directing the spotlight on five Malaysian personalities who are absolute inspirations in their respective vocations:
Farah Ann, SEA Games Gold Medalist

Laneige Farah Ann

Farah Ann
For SEA Games gold medalist Farah Ann, one of the most challenging moments of her career was failing the bid to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics—by a mere 0.1 margin. But she didn’t let that obstacle deter her, channelling her efforts to become the first Malaysian artistic woman gymnast and third Malaysian gymnast to qualify for the 2021 Olympics. “The road to what you thirst for is often marred with hardships and ups and downs. However, when you achieve what you thirst for you realise that every single step you’ve taken has been needed to gain what you’ve achieved.”
Joey Leong, Malaysian Actress

Laneige Joey Leong
Joey Leong
Actress Joey Leong has faced her fair share of hardships. The 25-year old actress sustained second-degree burns on both her legs when a set she was filming at caught fire, which resulted in a loss of ability to walk for a month. But she challenged herself to walk despite the pain, eventually succeeding and diving into lead actress roles in local films after a hiatus. “Sometimes, life gives us very sour lemons unexpectedly, but if we could hold on to the thirst, even if it’s the simplest thirst, it will lead us to a bright future.”
Marianne Tan, Actress and Illustrator

Laneige Marianne Tan
Marianne Tan
Actress and illustrator Marianne Tan realised that acting was her one true calling after taking up an opportunity from a close friend to star in a YouTube short film. This blessing in disguise landed her a lead role in Malaysian film Ola Bola in 2016, and Tan took up the role despite her parents’ initial apprehension. “To be able to touch the audience with those roles is a bonus and it keeps that drive going. Be brave to take the first step to the unknown territory which is led by your thirst and curiosity. It could lead you to discover your vocation.”
Phei Yong, YouTube Content Creator

Laneige Phei Yong
Phei Yong
YouTube content creator Phei Yong auditioned for the “MYFM Be My Star DJ” contest on a whim when he was studying in university. He ultimately went on to become the male champion, discovering his passion for hosting and creating content. After launching his YouTube channel in 2017, he eventually turned his passion into a full-time career: “I often find myself thirsting for growth in my career development. Just like a duck, paddling and working very hard beneath the water while above the surface, it looks calm and unruffled. This is exactly what I thirst for. Only to continuously swim forward freely would bring happiness onshore.”
Sheena Liam Zacharevic, Malaysian Model and 2014 Asia’s Next Top Model

Laneige-Sheena-Liam
Sheena Liam Zacharevic
Joining Asia’s Next Top Model in 2014 was no mean feat for Sheena Liam Zacharevic. Despite undergoing emotional stress throughout the competition, she emerged the winner after beating 16 other contestants. She has since represented Malaysia on the runways worldwide and has landed covers on a slew of international magazines: “Striving towards the same thirst in life even with small steps is important. Be confident and find the strength to learn from your mistakes. A positive mindset goes a long way.”
What is your #ThirstForLife?
Click here to find out more about Laneige Thirst For Life.

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Review: ‘OlaBola The Musical’

Film, TV + Theatre
Review: ‘OlaBola The Musical’
#LuarBiasa

08.02.2018
By Su Fen Tan

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On Wednesday (7 February), ‘OlaBola The Musical’ opened to a full house at the newly renovated Panggung Sari, the main stage for theatre performances in Istana Budaya. Directed by Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina, it is adapted from the film about our national football team a.k.a. Harimau Malaya and their journey to qualify for to the 1980 Olympics.

The moment we stepped into the theatre, we were virtually transported to Stadium Merdeka—large LED screens formed a semi-circle along the stage, portraying a stadium filled with cheering fans, supported by a surround sound system. It’s the first time projected visuals are used so extensively in musical theatre, and while sometimes the screens act as set backgrounds (this was used to particularly stellar effect in a scene just before half-time), they were also used to portray graphic illustrations that helped amplify the story-telling.
Catch a glimpse of the set in the rehearsal footage below:

The diverse cast of talents sang, rapped, danced and acted their hearts out on stage. Luqman Hafidz and Jian Wen reprised their roles as Ali and Ong Thiam Cai respectively, while the majority of the cast were no strangers themselves to the theatre and arts scene in Malaysia. Iedil Putra was excellent as sports commentator Rahman, earning smiles all around the theatre hall whenever he was on stage with his wit and charisma. Other scene-stealers include Nasz Sally as sassy office manager Cik Kiah, and Douglas Lim as the critical yet comical kopitiam owner Mr Wong. The more emotionally raw moments in the musical were delivered to great effect by Nave Vj, who played the father of “Spider-man” Muthu.

In true Malaysian spirit, not only is the script multi-lingual, even the music genres in the musical span from hip-hop to ballads, which was quite a pleasant surprise for the Hamilton fan in me. The hip-hop leanings are also seen in the choreography, particularly in the scenes of football matches. If you wondered how they were going to portray a football game on stage, imagine actual football elements tied in with special movements (choreographed by Stephen Rahman-Hughes, who also plays Coach Harry Mountain) and street dance moves, as well as breakdance performed by b-boys doubling as footballers on stage—even the digital screens played special effects, particularly in the last match against South Korea.

There were some glitches here and there—it was opening night, after all—but nothing dampened the spirits of the passionate performers nor audience, whom gave a roaring applause of approval at the end of the show. In short, OlaBola The Musical will have you smiling, laughing, singing along (even if it’s not aloud) and rooting for the Harimau Malaya all in the name of the Malaysian spirit that is really #luarbiasa.

Don’t miss it—’OlaBola The Musical’ runs until 11 March 2018 at Istana Budaya. Get your tickets here.

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Watches
The new Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra line is made for lovers of the sea
Making waves

16.11.2017
By Joan Kong

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The Cartier Privé collection is about history and modernity

The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra watch has been one of the brand’s iconic pieces since it was first introduced in 2002, and it’s not hard to comprehend why—casual yet not overly sporty, the versatility of the piece serves as the perfect day-to-night watch. Fast forward to 15 years later, the 2017 version has been given a modern update in the form of a subtle facelift and minor mechanical improvements. To summarise, it’s made for women “with an intrepid spirit and a love for all things elegant”.

Below, the evolution of the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra:

In 2002, Omega introduced a new line—Aqua Terra—to its classic Seamaster collection, and the Latin name directly translates to water and land, symbolising its versatility for different time and occasion. The watch came in four different sizes (41mm, 38mm, 35mm and 28mm), and featured an anti-shock technology and water resistance up to 500 feet.
In 2008, its dial is given an update with a “teak” pattern, which is now the line’s trademark details. The print mirrors the wooden decks of the sailboats, and aside from that, minute track and 18K Sedna gold were also introduced as well.

For 2017, here are what you can expect from its women’s and men’s pieces:
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] OMEGA Seamaster Aqua Terra ladies” rid=”5702″ order=”a_tstamp”}
The ladies’ collection this year features 30 new models in three different sizes. Its “water-resistance” wording has been moved to the caseback, resulting in a cleaner dial that is available in 14 varieties, from classic mother-of-pearl to glossy and shimmer effect. Besides that, the elegant vibe is further tuned up with diamond indexes (available on all women’s models). If that’s not enough, certain pieces comes with diamond pavéd bezels as well. Minor improvements such as the symmetrical cases and new clasp give the watches an improved look and feel.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] OMEGA Seamaster Aqua Terra men” rid=”5703″ order=”a_tstamp”}
For men’s, like the women’s collection, the case design is now symmetrical, but one of the most obvious difference, is the teak pattern that now runs horizontally instead of vertically. The “water-resistance” wording has also been moved to the eye-catching wave-patterned caseback, and its crown—now in a slightly more conical shape is inspired by the caseback. This year, Omega is also introducing brand new rubber straps to the Aqua Terra collection that’ll no doubt enhance the sporty flair, and all straps are integrated into the case by a stainless steel or 18K Sedna gold link.

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Beauty
Getting the perfect V-shaped face with Clarins’ new facial shaping range
Structured angles

17.06.2016
By Wei Yeen Loh

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While we’ve seen some crazy experimental ways on achieving a slimmer face (Japanese contraptions, anyone?), there are actually beaut products that you can use to achieve a more contoured V-shaped face—and no, we’re not just talking about contour/highlighting palettes. Clarins, the face contouring expert in the market, has rolled out two new products this month after receiving feedback on its iconic bestseller, the Shaping Facial Lift Serum that was released 17 years ago.

We’ve all woke up looking like this before: A puffy face with swollen-looking features that no amount of contouring can hide, no thanks to water retention. You’re just in luck, because Clarins V-Facial Intensive Wrap is the solution to treat morning puffiness in just 10 minutes. Its combination of beautyberry, zerumbet ginger and horse chestnut extracts help to reduce puffiness, improve microcirculation and drain excess water from your face. The wrap also has lady’s mantle extract to give your skin a boost of radiance without leaving a shiny residue, courtesy of white clay to absorb impurities and mattify complexion.

Tip: Apply a thick layer of the wrap on the lower part of the face and neck and leave for 10 minutes. During the last few minutes, place left elbow in the palm on the right hand and place the chin in the palm of the hand. Gently move the head to the left and relax the weight of the head in the hand for a few seconds. Repeat four times then carry out the same steps on the right side. Rinse with cold water.

Another telltale sign of water retention on your face is when you wake up with ultra puffy eyes. For a quick eyelift that brightens your eye area as well, go for Clarins Enhancing Eye Lift Serum. Guarana and kaki extracts help to reduce eye puffiness and preserve skin firmness, while organic oat polyoses create a tightening layer to instantly lift the eyelids. This serum also limits skin darkening to allow for a brighter eye contour area—no highlighter needed!

Tip: Apply serum with fingertips on the bottom and top eyelids with pressing motions. Start from middle to the sides, then finish with the index finger on the lashes. Rest your head down on the base of your palms and cover your eyes and eye contour. Hold this position for 10-14 seconds.

Clarins’ bestselling Shaping Facial Lift has been reinvented this year, with a formula that incorporates a combination of three plant extracts—guarana, zerumbet ginger, and kaki—to slim, depuff and lift the facial contours visibly for a V-shaped face in no time. Be sure to apply this face serum the right way (read below) for effective results.

Tip: Gently massage your forehead in your palms to reduce fine lines. Then, place the heel of your palms over your eyes to smooth puffiness and minimize dark circles. Move your hands to your cheeks to release excess fluid, then rest your chin in your palms with your wrists touching. Lastly, apply pressure onto the base of your neck and ears to refine facial contours.

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Clarins’ new signature: It’s all about you
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Fashion
Angelina Jolie is the best dressed Disney villain. Here’s proof

17.10.2019
By Joan Kong

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

Maleficent may be an evil villain on-screen, but love her or hate her, one thing we can’t deny, is her killer (no pun intended) costumes in the films, including her signature cape-and-horn looks. During the recent premieres of the Maleficent: Mistress of Evil in particular, Angelina Jolie has been making her international rounds in looks that would make her on-screen character proud. Aside from the photocall in Rome earlier this month where she made an appearance in a lavender Givenchy Haute Couture get-up, she amped up the edge with outfits in monochrome hues that, like Maleficent, were equal parts feminine and edgy.
Our favourites from the press tour so far were those that are inspired by her on-screen counterpart. Case in point: The one-shoulder Atelier Versace dress that had a scorpion brooch on its waist was fit for a villain, while at the event in Rome, the actress wore a strapless gown—that were entirely covered with micro sequins—had piping accents that gave off an illusion of a smaller waist. The Ralph & Russo Couture gown she wore to the London premiere came with an embellished cape, a metallic bustier and sharp shoulder pads—all the same details from the Disney villain’s costumes.
Check out Angelina Jolie’s Maleficent: Mistress of Evil red carpet looks below:
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] Angelina Jolie Maleficent” rid=”7656″ order=”a_tstamp”}

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Culture
#BuroArtBeat: Artists, Wong Chee Meng and Ruzzeki Harris on Tilt Brush by Google
3D art

13.02.2017
By Gwen Ong

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Our imagination is a powerful tool; if you can dream it, dare we say you can craft it too. Artists, Wong Chee Meng and Ruzzeki Harris are two examples of what you can achieve when you let your creativity run wild.
In conjunction with #BuroArtBeat, we’ve challenged them to push the boundaries beyond the usual confines of their working style and explore new horizon with the Tilt Brush by Google. The local talents will be exhibiting together at the first ever virtual reality art exhibition in Malaysia, brought to you by Buro 24/7 Malaysia in collaboration with Corum and Google Malaysia.
Meet the artists

Wong Chee Meng, 43 has been in the arts for over two decades. His paintings are a constant personal struggle as his vision had been impaired from a car accident. His eyesight is skewed by the blurring of lines and double images. Thus, his artworks are a play on the way he sees things where multiple layers sometimes cross over and overlap each other. His work is a reflection of the way he views the world.

Ruzzeki Harris, 33 is not one to be bound by conventions. He enjoys observing people and habits, and this is reflected in his artworks, which are mostly a critical and cynical take on current issues. He is moved by what strikes him as ironic or poignant, citing street art, fashion and independent music as his influences. His work mixes a dream-like, pop surreal quality and chaotic vibe at the same time.
Both artists are currently on a virtual reality journey where they get to explore, play and create one-of-a-kind art piece on a 3D canvas. Wong Chee Meng is working on a magical adventure in the interactive realm while Ruzzeki is creating one based on a mystical theme. The immersive experience is extraordinary and the excitement is palpable. To see what we mean, watch the video below.

Related stories:
#BuroArtBeat: Virtual reality art comes to Malaysia

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Travel
10 Things you shouldn’t do in Singapore according to a Singaporean
Just don't

02.09.2017
By WanderLuxe

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Singapore is like a hot, unstable date. If you steer your conversation and curiosity the right way, your time with us will be unforgettable. But if you touch on a sore spot, we’ll fly off the handle, and embarrass ourselves in a way that somehow makes it worse for you. Here are the things to absolutely never do:

1. Engage a cab driver in a political discussion
Have you lost your mind? Many Singaporeans don’t dare to do this. Our taxi drivers are in the following situation:
– They’re currently struggling due to the rise of companies like Uber and Grab
– Few people are taxi drivers by choice
– Some cab drivers are highly qualified professionals, who were forced to retire earlier than expected (we had one who was famously a PhD. holder)
– Taxi drivers constantly get squeezed by their cab companies, who charge them insane fees of well over S$100 a day for their cabs
Many cab drivers are overworked, underpaid, and feel like they drew the short straw. That leads to a lot of resentment about the current system, which translates to angry rants about the government. And be warned: some of those rants will involve foreigners like yourself. To be safe, just never engage a cab driver in a political discussion. At the very least, avoid statements like “Your country is so well-run”. You’re playing with fire there, and they have the wheel.

2. Tell a Chinese Singaporean “But you’re from China”
You may as call a Scotsman an Englishman. Yes, the Chinese are the majority in Singapore. But the Singaporean Chinese identity is unique and has—over several decades—become quite distinct from that of the mainland Chinese. Many of them pride themselves on the difference, and if you can’t tell then you’ll look ignorant. So don’t go on and on about why they do things in China that we don’t do here, or vice versa.
On a related note, the older Straits Born Chinese (the Peranakans) sometimes come from households that speak English and a patois that has elements of Malay; but no Mandarin. Don’t annoy them by harping on it. There are complicated reasons; just move on.

3. Talk about the chewing gum ban
You know, there are neighbouring countries where people can shoot drug dealers without trial and one big country where the President wants to ban travellers based on religion. And with all this going on, we’re the crazy ones because we banned chewing gum?
We don’t want to spend taxpayer dollars scrubbing it off benches and pavements, that’s all. It’s been absolutely no loss to anyone that we don’t have gum. If we really want it, we go across the Causeway and chew till our jaws hurt. Don’t go on about how the chewing gum ban is a broader reflection of our totalitarian state.

4. Don’t invite us to sit out on the patio with you
It’s nice that you love the sunny tropics. We don’t. We have to live here. Most of us have had mandatory military training under that tropic sun for at least two years, thus developing a lifetime aversion to sweat and heat. If we’re sitting outside with you, we’re probably just being polite (and can’t wait to get back to the air-conditioning). The late Lee Kuan Yew once said the air-con is the greatest invention, and most of us agree.

5. Ask if you will get caned for everything
No, we much prefer to fine people. Caning costs money, fines build better roads. In all seriousness, caning doesn’t happen half as often as foreigners think it does. It’s easy to avoid: just don’t spray paint things, rape people, or do anything that would get your ass kicked in a different way back home.

6. Comment on how crowded it is
We know, and we don’t like it any more than you do. If you’re going to ask the question “How can you all live with it,” the answer is by trying not to think of it. You know, the way you’re making us think of it by repeatedly asking everyone.

7. Stop walking in the middle of a busy area
Such as Orchard Road, to gawk at things. Want to stop and take a picture? Then stand to the side, please. If there’s one thing Singaporeans hate, it’s people who stop dead in the middle of the road without warning. It’s even worse if you’re blocking a corridor, or the right-hand side of the escalator (which is for people rushing up and down, not just standing).

8. Don’t buy electronics from Sim Lim Square or Lucky Plaza
Sim Lim and Lucky Plaza are for people in the know. Otherwise, you will be ripped off. Don’t get us wrong, not the whole mall is bad—but you really want a local to accompany you. Singapore is a strict country, but authorities are slower to act on consumer protection. It took years (and a viral video or two) before they clamped down on Sim Lim Square cheats.

9. Don’t mock our street food
This is one that binds Singaporeans together. Our food is our unique cultural hallmark. We consistently top the world for street food. If you screw up your face at the “dirty” hawker centres or complain about the ingredients you don’t recognise, then you’ll quickly be branded a barbarian. Even if we’re nice about it, you can be sure you’ve fallen several notches on the scale of respect.
Note: criticising our cuisine is deadlier than criticising our authoritarian government.

10. Insist we explain every aspect of Singlish
We don’t know the actual rules behind when to use “lah” or “lor”, at least not on a conscious level. We also don’t know why we include the word “one” sometimes. There are all sorts of linguistic reasons, but we don’t know them. Most of us instinctively know the right way to speak Singlish, and it’s amazing how much information we can convey through it. But barring the occasional linguist, we couldn’t explain the syntax if we tried.

This story was originally posted at WanderLuxe by The Luxe Nomad
Dream a little, travel a lot. That’s our philosophy. We’re full-time nomads with a passport in one hand and laptop in the other, traversing the globe to find the best hideaways, eateries, and local scenes. And on our luxury villa and apartment booking portal TheLuxeNomad.com, you’ll know you’re always up for your best trip yet (with the best rates).

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Source: https://www.buro247.my/lifestyle/travel/best-all-inclusive-resorts-stress-free-holiday.html

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Drawn Together

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Drawn Together
Hand-drawn fashion

07.08.2015
By Buro247

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In pre-historic times, before smart phones, laptops and the Internet, when actual paper fashion magazines roamed the earth, between their pages were advertisements conceived to entice and titillate – the only difference was these ads often (until after WWII) comprised of drawings not photographs. These days fashion illustration serves more as an alternative way to visually communicate fashion, but these three illustrators will make you wonder why they shouldn’t be the first choice.

1. Turning the other chic

The son of an Italian count, René Gruau’s work for Christian Dior was vital in the re-establishment of France as a global supplier of luxury goods post World War 2. Gruau’s bold lines, fluid style and impossibly glamorous ladies perfectly captured the energy, elegance and audacity of the brand and was wholeheartedly embraced by the high fashion world the likes of Balmain, Givenchy, Schiaparelli, Jacques Faith and Edward Molyneux. A self-thought artist, he forsook the delicate filigree style that dominated illustration of that era for the heavier brushed ink or charcoal outlines and limited palette of pre-1900 Parisian artists like Toulouse-Lautrec. Gruau lived to become honoured internationally up until his death in 2004.

2. Haute Hipster

Painter, illustrator and writer, Jean-Philippe Delhomme is a Paris born but NYC based triple threat who has been thrilling the publishing world since the 80s. After his work gained momentum in a slew of different editions of Vogue, he hit the big time with a prominent campaign for Barneys New York. Witty and whimsical, Delhomme’s elegant universe is always articulated in an energetic and inimitable fauve-esque palette. No surprise then that he’s contributes regularly to GQ France and GQ USA (most indelibly as the illustrator for Glenn O’Brien’s column, “The Style Guy”) and writes and illustrates his own column for Architecture Digest France, Grazia Casa, and Los Angeles Times. His ironic take on an industry and culture that sometimes takes itself too seriously also found an outlet in his blog, The Unknown Hipster.

3. Just Duo it

One half of the fashion power couple that is Ruben and Isabel Toledo, to call Ruben an illustrator seems to be a gross understatement of his multiple talents which include painter, sculptor, fashion chronicler and critic, and surrealist. The consummate renaissance man, Ruben has designed mannequins, store windows, award statuettes, scarves, fabrics, dishes and carpets; and has painted murals, portraits, album covers and barns. Reminiscent of the meticulously detailed work of Aubrey Beardsley, Ruben’s illustrations are regularly seen in The New Yorker, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Town & Country, Paper, Visionaire, Interview and The New York Times. This fashion insider has also illustrated Nordstrom’s national designer ad campaign, authored a collection of drawings and watercolors called Style Dictionary and recently completed his first film – an animated History of French Fashion entitled Fashionation.

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All of Cara Delevingne’s futuristic-chic looks during the ‘Valerian’ promo tour
Out of this world

31.07.2017
By Wei Yeen Loh

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If you’ve spotted Rihanna and her slew of eye-catching gowns during the promo tour of Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, you’d notice her style partner-in-crime and fellow leading lady Cara Delevingne’s futuristic choice of looks as well. Serving as the perfect antithesis to Rihanna’s girly, frou frou ballgowns (mostly made of billowy trains and rustling skirts), Delevingne’s ensembles are nothing short of intergalactic chic—proving that she can channel her Met Gala 2017 aesthetic (in head-to-toe Chanel if you remember) for this promo tour. Apart from donning fluid and innovative fabrics courtesy of Iris Van Herpen Couture and Alexandre Vauthier, Delevingne’s got a penchant for wearing the pants. We love how she works an androgynous look effortlessly, including a custom tailored Burberry suit with a crystal capelet and an oversized checked jumpsuit from Alexander Wang.

Which is your favourite look from the style star?
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