Gift Guide 2015: After dark treats

Fashion
Gift Guide 2015: After dark treats
Sensual pleasures

01.12.2015
By Wei Yeen Loh

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

Instead of the usual pretty gifts you’ll be giving your significant other this year, get frisky in the bedroom and surprise him with a night that’s all perfectly planned out. We’ve included all the essentials you and your partner need to have a luxurious night in, from decadent truffle chocolates to boudoir pieces that will pique his fancy.

A robe is always necessary in the bedroom, but ditch that terrycloth robe and invest in a sheer lacey piece to let his imagination stray. This L’Agent by Agent Provocateur ‘Grace’ robe is inspired by the height of rock ‘n’ roll glamour and has delicate black eyelash lace trimmings flecked with gold thread. A satin ribbon waist tie helps to define your silhouette as well.

All the underpinnings in your wardrobe can’t compare to an intricate lace bra and thong in a vivid shade of red, such as Stella McCartney’s ‘Isabel Floating’ bra and matching thong. Intricately crafted from corded Japanese Leavers lace, the bra is has a wide underband and side boning, along with ruched straps and pretty scalloped edging to flatter your decolletage. The matching thong combines an elegant vintage style with a modern elasticated band and stretch-silk base.

Get comfortable first in a 100% silk bias-cut slip while you both are sipping on bubbly and engaging in conversation (or somewhere along those lines). This pretty blush piece from Fleur du Mal is perfect for your night, and silk slip dresses are SS16’s biggest trend so we guarantee that you may be reusing this staple again in the near future.

Illuminate your bedroom with candles, as we all know that bright lights (or no lights at all) don’t make for a fun experience. Annick Goutal Ambre perfumed candle is a heady mix of vanilla, patchouli and musk, combined with the resins of benzoin and labdanum, providing a decadently pleasant scent and romantic lighting to set the mood for the night.

We all know that chocolate is one of the better-tasting aphrodisiacs out there, thanks to the chemicals in its composition, so a box of Godiva Truffes Liquer (how can you possibly resist truffles and liquor?) can come in handy during your night in.

If you’re all for massages to loosen up your muscles after a long day at work, start the night out with Neal’s Yard Remedies Aromatic Massage Oil. Its soothing scent is made of balancing geranium, relaxing lavender and warming marjoram essential oils in a light moisturising base of organic sunflower, almond and wheatgerm oils.

A night in doesn’t require a thick layer of makeup (or any at all!) but a rich red lipstick can take you further because nothing spells sexy like a brilliant red pout. MAC Cosmetics’ Ruby Woo lipstick is the quintessential red lippie every woman needs in her makeup kit.

A spritz of perfume on your pulse points (behind your ear, the base of your throat, the inside of your wrist) will guarantee a delectably-scented experience. Michael Kors 24K Brilliant Gold Eau de Parfum is a sweet concoction of orange mandarin, fresh florals and a rousing creamy spark of woodiness.

Perfectly comfortable sheets are integral to an amorous night. While Egyptian high-thread-count cotton sheets are pretty overrated in our books, luxurious European linens can offer an equally wonderful experience as well. Sferra Cane-Embroidered bedding set is a simplistic yet palatial choice to use in your bedroom.

A string of pearls is all you need to complete your lingerie-and-red-lipstick look if you’re feeling classy. Tiffany & Co.’s Paloma Venezia Goldoni Heart Pearl Necklace is made of sterling silver and freshwater cultured pearls, featuring an intricately-designed clasp inspired by Venetian cast-iron window gates.

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Beauty
American model Emily DiDonato is the new face of Biotherm
#BiothermLovesEmily

23.05.2018
By Wei Yeen Loh

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French luxury skincare brand Biotherm adds a new name to its ambassador list — IMG model and Columbia psychology student Emily DiDonato, who joins the A-list roster of Biotherm brand ambassadors including Candice Swanepoel, Christy Turlington-Burns and David Beckham. The stunning 27-year old has previously starred as the face of a few beauty campaigns such as Giorgio Armani’s Acqua di Gioia fragrance and most recently, Maybelline’s Brow Tattoo.
“Emily’s personal interest in Biotherm, her highly-active, loving nature lifestyle, make her the ideal ambassador for Biotherm’s healing efficacy,” says the brand’s general manager David Fridlevski. “Smart, she’s not only an influential opinion shaper in the field of skincare, but also in healthy living. With her engagement with her community; she’s a natural choice for Biotherm.”

The new global ambassador will represent the brand’s bestselling Life Plankton skincare series, the star product being the Life Plankton Essence that is infused with Biotherm’s patented active ingredient — a living micro-organism that encourages cellular renewal. “I am so happy to join the Biotherm family. I’ve always loved the naturality of Biotherm products,” said DiDonato. “I first started using Biotherm when my life was only travel. Their Life Plankton Essence was a transformation for that dry, tight, ‘can my skin handle any more’ feeling. All their formulas are based on Life Plankton, a super powerful ingredient that really helps to soothe and regenerate your skin. Right now, as I‘m putting my skin through the added stress of organising my summer wedding, Biotherm couldn’t have called at a better time.”
Watch out for DiDonato’s first ever campaign for Biotherm this June, with a special Instagram campaign to be launched beforehand featuring her five of her favourite Biotherm products.

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Fashion
Style ID: The luxury brands behind Seo Ye-Ji’s fashionable outfits on ‘It’s Okay To Not Be Okay’

12.08.2020
By Joan Kong

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

Following the end of Lee Min Ho and Kim Go Eun’s Netflix hit The King: Eternal Monarch, we’re moving on to new K-dramas to obsess over follow, and the two most talked-about series at the moment go to It’s Okay To Not Be Okay starring Kim Soo Hyun and Seo Ye-Ji, and Backstreet Rookie starring Ji Chang Wook and Kim Yoo Jung. While the latter is, unfortunately, not streaming on Netflix, the former has been on the Top 10 list in Malaysia (among the Top 3, to be exact) ever since it premiered, and it’ll undoubtedly be the show to follow these few months.
Described as “an extraordinary road to emotional healing opens up for an antisocial children’s book writer and a selfless psych ward caretaker when they cross paths”, although IOTNBO is under the ‘romantic’ genre, its dark undertones—reminiscent of Tim Burton’s films—are ultra-captivating. Seo Ye-Ji’s character Ko Mun Yeong’s ensembles, in particular, are not to be missed. From gowns that radiate Morticia Adams vibes (in the best way) to mini dresses in the trickiest of prints, trust us when we say that she nails them all.
Below, all the looks we managed to ID from the episodes, with the help of Instagram pages including @kdramafashion and @kcrushstyle:
Episode 1

Bag: Givenchy

Small GV3 bag in box leather, Givenchy

Heels: Jimmy Choo

Fira 100 tulle-trimmed suede pumps, Jimmy Choo

Sunglasses: Projekt Produkt

SC7 sunglasses, Projekt Produkt

Heels: Gianvito Rossi

Godiva patent leather platform sandals, Gianvito Rossi

Episode 2

Heels: Gianvito Rossi

Open-toe 130mm platform sandals, Gianvito Rossi

Dress: Magda Butrym

Textured floral-print minidress, Magda Butrym

Bag: Playnomore

Micro Candy in midnight, Playnomore

Booties: Bottega Veneta

Oxford heels, Bottega Veneta

Episode 3

Dress: MINJUKIM

Ruffled taffeta peplum jacket, MINJUKIM
Fun fact: The South Korean designer was the winner of Netflix’s Next In Fashion.

Belt: Loewe

Obi belt, Loewe

Bag: Joy Gryson

Margo Crossbody bag, Joy Gryson

Sunglasses: Honghol

Etoile sunglasses, Honghol

Dress: Magda Burtym

Siena polka-dot dress, Magda Butrym

Sunglasses: Honghol

Team Birdie sunglasses, Honghol

Boots: Gianvito Rossi

Tulle 105 suede ankle boots, Gianvito Rossi

Bag: Moynat

Tango satchel, Moynat

Episode 4

Bag: Alexander McQueen

The Story bag, Alexander McQueen

Dress: Zimmermann

Peggy floral-embroidery linen dress, Zimmermann

Heels: Burberry

Scarf-tie 100mm mules, Burberry

Episode 5

Bag: Dior

Saddle bag in Dior Oblique embroid red denim, Dior</figcaption

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Life
Gender fluidity: What it means, and how to support a loved one who identifies as fluid or non-binary

20.06.2021
By Adelina Tan

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In psychology, the words ‘gender’ and ‘sex’ have a specific meaning. ‘Gender’ refers to whether the person acts masculine or feminine; while ‘sex’ is about whether the person is a male or female—and whether the person has an x-chromosome, a y-chromosome, or two x-chromosomes. To better understand gender fluidity, it is therefore important to know that fluidity is in the sense of gender and not fluidity in sex.
In the nine years of my clinical practice as a clinical psychologist, the term ‘gender fluid’ only became popular in the past few years, where my clients would identify themselves as being ‘non-binary’ or ‘fluid’. I have since started to look up this concept and read more about it, such as the common definitions. It’s been identified that gender can be in a spectrum and those who identify as non-binary can change their gender over time or depending on the situation. Many of my clients (especially the parents) do not believe that such a condition exists.
via GIPHY

Below are the two most popular questions asked by my clients, which I would like to share with you.
Is gender fluidity in the mind or body?
As with all the other mental disorders that we have learned in clinical psychology, there are many factors that may potentially cause the person to identify themselves as being ‘gender fluid’. The biological, psychological, and social perspective are the important perspectives that I have looked into to corroborate and understand this concept.
In the biological aspect of gender fluidity, it is quite straightforward. Genetics make up a person’s gender identity and it determines whether that person is male or female. In other words, it does not change. It does not depend on time, situation, and how the person feels about it. If the person is born with the genetic makeup that determines he is a male, then he is a male, and vice versa.
From the psychological and social perspective, however, the explanation of gender fluidity can be complex. A person may begin developing their gender identity around their early childhood. At this point in life, the person’s family or caregivers, the community, society and culture, as well as the historical time at which they live, would form the person’s gender identity. Each interaction and environmental factors could form different norms—and expectations—about the person’s gender expression and gender identity.
via GIPHY

A very classic example that is commonly practiced in many cultures would be, “Boys should wear blue and girls should wear pink; and boys should play with cars and girls should play with dolls.” These are some examples that society at large has instilled in each and every one, to enforce the idea of what boys and girls should look like as well as behave. A child who shares similar gender norms as their community would feel obliged to fulfill these expectations.
In contrast, a child who lives within a family and community which believes that gender can be complex—beyond just looking like a boy or girl—will then be encouraged to have a diverse gender expression. While many people develop their gender identity at an early age, for others, it may change or happen at any point in their lives. Therefore, gender identity, gender expression, and gender fluidity can be largely influenced by the psychological and social aspects of a person.
via GIPHY

How to support gender-fluid individuals?
It’s imperative to understand that we cannot deny one’s personal feelings about themselves. They know best about themselves. We can think of gender fluidity as part of the diversity of human experiences, and this also relates to gender identity and gender expression. For individuals such as teenagers and youth, it’s particularly important to listen and help them to understand their gender identity and expression, as they are learning about themselves too.
via GIPHY

Here are some ways for you to be supportive of your friends or family members who express their concern and doubt on their gender:

Listen to the person and validate their experience of their gender.
Believe that they know themselves best and be patient with them, as they are trying to develop their gender identity (especially for the youth).
Connect them to support systems and resources, where they can talk to those with similar experiences or with professionals, so that they can express their emotions in a supportive environment.

ABOUT
Sam Jeng Mun is a senior lecturer and clinical psychologist at Taylor’s University. Besides being a lecturer in private universities for the past nine years, her professional experiences also include working in the government hospital, private hospital, and private practice. In her clinical practice, she mainly conducts psychotherapy, psychological consultations, psychological workshops and talks and psychological assessments for children and adults. She is passionate about building awareness about mental health and improving the level of mental health literacy among people.

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Lifestyle
George Lucas is building his own museum in Los Angeles
First look

11.01.2017
By Gwen Ong

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Following nearly a decade of talks and plans, and months of intense rivalry between Los Angeles and San Francisco, it’s been decided that the George Lucas’ Museum of Narrative Art will take shape in the sprawling Californian city.
“After extensive due diligence and deliberation, the Board of Directors of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is pleased to announce plans to build the museum in Exposition Park in Los Angeles. We have been humbled by the overwhelmingly positive support we received from both San Francisco and Los Angeles during our selection process. Settling on a location proved to be an extremely difficult decision precisely because of the desirability of both sites and cities,” said the board of directors in a press statement.
George has good reasons to choose either city; he is an alumnus of the film school at the University of Southern California and he has also lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for most of his life.
The Exposition Park location was chosen because “[it has] the greatest impact on the broader community, fulfilling our goal of inspiring, engaging and educating a broad and diverse visitorship”. It was reported that the filmmaker has been trying to build the museum for nearly 10 years and he is financing the project himself with an allocation of $1 billion (RM4.5bn).
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is set to feature George’s work and huge art collection that includes Star Wars memorabilia, costumes from The Wizard of Oz and some 40,000 paintings, illustrations and film-related items.

Related stories:
3 ‘Rogue One’ filming locations for the Star Wars fan’s travel bucket list
A peek at what’s to come at Disney’s Star Wars theme parks

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Beauty
Want: The prettiest Valentine’s Day floral gift sets from Jo Malone
A scent-sorial experience

16.01.2018
By Wei Yeen Loh

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It’s never too early to start gift-shopping for your loved ones, especially when there are such covetable gift ideas available now in stores. If anyone on your list (hint: your mum) is a major fan of anything floral/pink/pretty, walk into a Jo Malone store to get your gifts sorted in no time.
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This year’s Valentine’s Day offerings from the British fragrance house are a beautiful sight to behold. Last week, we caught a first glimpse of the collection in stores at our exclusive BuroxJoMalone event, where invited guests could check out the pretty coffrets while getting pampered with hand massages at the same time. (Catch all the highlights here.) The star fragrance is Red Roses, a romantic scent inspired by a sensual blend of seven of the world’s most exquisite roses, along with a dash of crushed violet leaves and a hint of lemon. For this occasion, you can now score Jo Malone’s Red Roses collection in beautifully decorated gift boxes that are adorned with floral collage and graffiti hearts. Now who really needs blooming bouquests of red roses when you’ve got this range at hand? Take your pick from bath products such as the Bath Soap, Bath Oil, and Body & Hand Wash to home fragrances that will envelope any space with an intriguing floral scent, including the Room Spray, Scent Surround Diffuser, and Candles.
Available in select Jo Malone boutiques. Engraving is also available online.

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Chanel’s AW23 Haute Couture show celebrates the city of its origins


Food + Drink
5 Easy 10-minute sahur meals for the tired Muslim

09.04.2021
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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It’s a truth universally acknowledged that no one wants to be cooking up a feast at 4am. However, with Ramadan here, we’re going to have to suck it up and deal with it for the sake of spiritual awakening and self-reflection.
That said, fixing yourself some grub doesn’t necessarily mean three hours in the kitchen and 30 different ingredients. Here are five quick and easy meals you can make with very few ingredients and little more than 10 minutes to spare!

Leftovers
This one is kind of cheating, seeing as it’s not actually a recipe, but it’s worth mentioning. With Ramadan being focused on gratuity and all, it only makes sense that you eat what you already have. No point whipping up something special when there’s still a perfectly good plate of rice sat in the fridge. This month is all about appreciating what we have, people!

Avocado toast

Millennials delight! This is your time to shine. You may not be able to afford a house during Ramadan (or possibly, ever) but you sure will be able to fix yourself an avocado toast. If you happen to find yourself in the possession of an avocado, mash it up and spread it on bread then season with salt, pepper and paprika (a winning combo every time).
If you want to get really crazy, try adding a layer of scrambled eggs and onions over the top for some more flavour, or opt for other toppings such as chopped tomatoes, feta cheese, or smoked salmon.

Omelette

The best part about this meal is that you can make it as hearty or as lean as you’d like. It’s super simple: crack two eggs into a bowl, add a little milk (dairy or substitute) and whisk till smooth. Pour it over a buttered pan, wait for it to set up around the edges then fill it with anything you like.
Potential fillings include cheese, deli meats (halal, of course), onions— whatever you’re craving, really! Oh, and if you get it wrong, no worries—scrambled eggs are tasty too. Have it on its own or with some toast.

Overnight oats

No time like 4am for a little spot of breakfast staples, is there? Overnight oats are a delicious way to get fibre, minerals and vitamins into your diet, with the added bonus of hydrating fruit thrown into the mix. The best part is that there’s no 4am prep involved! It’s in the name—prepare the oats the night before and let it sit for perfect brekkie every time. Malaysian YouTuber Elina shows us her favourite recipes for Ramadan in the video above.

Quesadillas

It’s the perfect meal for the MCO because you only need two ingredients; store-bought tortillas and cheese. Simply sandwich a generous layer of cheese between two tortillas and toast in a frying pan until the cheese melts. Cut into triangles and serve with some salsa and guacamole, if you have it. Plus, if you’re in the market for something heartier, add some leftover roast chicken or minced beef with chopped tomatoes and jalapenos to tie it all off.

Kaya butter toast with half-boiled eggs

With the MCO going on, we’ve not been able to frequent our favourite local spots. The solution? Bring the kopitiam to you. This Malaysian breakfast staple has it all—eggs for protein, kaya for sweetness and toast for crunch. The kaya toast part is pretty simple; just toast two slices of bread, spread with butter and kaya and sandwich it together. The eggs take a little more effort, but they’re easy nonetheless. Here’s a great tutorial to get perfect half-boiled eggs every time. Hey presto—it’s a #snacc.

And there you have it! Five quick and easy recipes (and a reminder to not waste your leftovers) for you to try just in time for the morning of the 14th. Which ones are you going to give a go?

For more Ramadan tips, click here.

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Lifestyle
Yellow Brick Road and Buro 24/7 Malaysia collaborates for Breast Cancer Awareness month
Think Pink

12.10.2015
By Buro247

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Every 1 out of 20 Malaysian women are at risk of developing breast cancer in their lifetime. While most of us are aware of the disease, many do not take the steps to detect it in its early stages. Most doctors agree that early detection of breast cancer save thousands of lives each year as it significantly improves the chances of successful treatment. In advocacy for early screening and testing for breast cancer, we have collaborated with Yellow Brick Road to offer you a pink float (Happy Go Lucky Float) — an interesting combination of lemonade and rose syrup topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream — to serve as a reminder of the importance of early detection and to encourage your friends and family to do the same.

To be eligible for the free pink float, flash this story to your server when you dine in Yellow Brick Road or Wicked Pancake Parlour.

Yellow Brick Road & Wicked Pancake Parlour. 7, Jalan Batai, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur.

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Collections
LOOKBOOK: Louis Vuitton Men’s Autumn/Winter 2022 collection

21.01.2022
By Kelly Lim

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Film, TV + Theatre
Food movies and TV shows to inspire your home-cooking adventures

05.06.2021
By Eugene Chen

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

Some of us never really used to cook much, or even at all. Most nights pre-MCO were all about dining out or grabbing takeout from your favourite joint. But getting cooped up at home for more than a month can do wonders to fuel your cooking skills.
For some, it serves as a creative outlet—a way to kill time that is surprisingly satisfying, especially when you can indulge in your favourite meals and dessert (after making them, of course).
However, if you’ve tried almost every recipe under the sun and have lost your will to even be in the kitchen, worry not. We have picked out some delectable food-related films and shows to inspire you to find your cooking mojo once more.
Ahead, check out these tantalising food streams that will help you get over this too-lazy-to-cook rut:
Salt Fat Acid Heat

Making something taste delicious is not as easy as it sounds. This miniseries is based on Samin Nosrat’s cookbook, which simplifies cooking into four basic elements: salt, fat, heat, and acid. Once you master each element, you’ll be a master in the kitchen in no time. If you want to attempt making the recipes at home, you can find them on the show’s website.
Ugly Delicious

Starring James Beard Award winner and Momofuku owner David Chang, Ugly Delicious seeks to educate people about food. Each episode breaks down the cultural and historical significance of a particular dish, by having Chang travel to different locations and engaging in meaningful conversations. The show even has an episode on home cooking!
Chef’s Table

Created by the same directors of Jiro Dreams of Sushi, Chef’s Table features the world’s most ambitious chefs. The show takes a deep dive into the lives of each chef, revealing what drives them to chase perfection. Each episode is so beautifully shot with cinematic effects, from the close-ups of the dishes to the slow-motion assembly of each plate. These stories are bound to inspire you to improve your chef skills.
Chef

Directed and starring Jon Favreau, the movie follows a chef that rediscovers his passion for cooking. Carl (Jon Favreau), the head chef of a fine-dining restaurant, decides to quit his job to run a food truck with his son Percy. While journeying across the country, Carl and Percy form a deeper relationship through their love for food. A heartwarming film about how food can deepen connections.
Jiro Dreams Of Sushi

Even if you’re not a fan of sushi (who are you?), you will be hooked. This 2011 documentary captures the craft and life of legendary sushi master, Jiro Ono. Director David Gelb takes an in-depth look at the backstory of a man who has devoted his entire life to pursue the art of sushi making.
The Hundred-Foot Journey

The film follows the Kadam family moving from India to France, where they open a restaurant across the street from uptight Madame Mallory (Helen Mirren) who owns a Michelin-starred restaurant. The eateries soon develop a strong competition, but things change when Hassan Kadam (Manish Dayal) decides to take on French cooking.
Barbecue

Definitely a drool-worthy watch, this documentary centres on the exceptional techniques of the grill masters from all around the world. Viewers will get to see what goes into making the most mouthwatering grilling piece of meat. You may just be inspired to grill a mouth-watering rack of ribs for dinner.
A Tale Of Two Kitchens

This 29-minute Netflix original short film features chef Cabriela Cámara’s Mexican restaurants and how it serves as a community that brings people together despite cultural differences. It also introduces viewers to the world of Mexican cuisine.
No Reservations

This classic is a loose adaptation of German film Bella Martha, and it follows how food plays a significant role in the life of a chef. Kate (Catherine Zeta-Jones) struggles with prioritising her career and caring for her niece, Zoe (Abigail Breslin), after her sister dies in a car accident. In the midst of it all, Kate and Nick (Aaron Eckhart) battle for the head chef role in the kitchen.

For more recipes to try at home, click here.

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Beauty
American Music Awards 2020: What happened to The Weeknd’s face? Plus, the best beauty moments from the evening

23.11.2020
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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The American Music Awards 2020 just went down earlier today, and we have a couple of questions: Firstly, are award events really necessary when the USA has had 11,789,012 confirmed COVID-19 cases and the United Kingdom has seen 1,493,387 confirmed COVID-19 cases to date (correct as of 23rd November 2020, 2:23pm)? Secondly, what happened to The Weeknd’s face?
Now, we can’t exactly answer the former (we’re not in charge), but we can answer the latter.
If you tuned into the American Music Awards this morning, chances are you probably saw The Weeknd accepting his award for ‘Favourite Male Artist’ looking a little like this:

It’s certainly not an orthodox look for an awards show, especially considering there seems to be nothing much wrong with him at all (really, if he was in such bad stead, we’d hardly see him prowling the red carpet and performing on the stage). So… why?
Well, according to the singer, the look is a statement—we’ve seen him sport a similar bruised and bloodied moment (sans bandages) at the VMAs earlier this year, and it’s all a big promotion for his fourth studio album After Hours. Though it was released back in March, it seems the grind never stops for Mr Abel Makkonen Tesfaye.
As for how it looks so convincing? We suspect that the bruising around his eyes is actually the work of some clever special effects makeup and a stellar glam squad. If you’re interested, all you need to recreate the look is some eyeshadow (purples, blues, and greens in particular) and some clever placement. Plus, given that the bandages are more of an aesthetic choice than a medical one, you could easily emulate that part of the look too.
READ: SFX makeup: 5 Kit essentials to start on some super-cool makeup looks
Anyway, now that we’ve uncovered the exact meaning behind The Weeknd’s shocking beauty beat, let’s dive into some of the other great beauty looks from the evening:
JLo

If there was any doubt that Jennifer Lopez is secretly a celestial being, there isn’t anymore. The pop superstar showed up to the red carpet looking like a futuristic dream; her hair was waved and finished with a ‘wet look’, her face (complete with a cut crease and nude lip) was made up courtesy of Mary Phillips (using Pat McGrath Labs), and her glow—perhaps the product of her JLo Beauty skincare line—was unreal. She looked somewhere between actual angel and robot, which is an aesthetic we can get behind.
READ: JLo Beauty is officially coming soon—here are the details
Doja Cat

best beauty amas 2020

The ‘Juicy’ singer took to the red carpet with yet another ’20s-inspired look. She wore a short, cropped wig styled with sleek fingerwaves and coloured a rust-red, and paired with fox-brows, gold lids, huge lashes, and black talons.
Megan Thee Stallion

The ‘Body’ singer debuted her brand new single live on the stage during the show, but what really stunned us was her Swarovski-approved glittery lids. Better yet, the rapper was coordinated from head to toe, with a sparkle on her ears and fingers to match her lids. Thee Stallion also played up the ’90s-inspired lip liner trend with this brown lip moment, coordinating the minimalist vibes with her super-cool graphic manicure.
Cara Delevingne

best beauty amas 2020

The supermodel-turned-actress stunned with this flawless beauty look. The old Hollywood waves paired with her gorgeous makeup had our jaws dropping. We love that she paired the glittery pink-purple shadow with a bright orange lip—it’s a super fresh, fun way to play with colour and it was done beautifully. Plus, the fact that she tied in the purple moment on her lids with her manicure made the whole look come together for us.
Laverne Cox

While Cox’s AMAs look is consistent with other looks we’ve seen on her (is she ever anything less than glamorous?), we have to say that her AMAs manicure is one of our favourites of all time. The obsidian base with the jewel-encrusted French tip is such an excellent twist on the classic. Plus, her glittery gold eye look went beautifully with her outfit.
Megan Fox

best beauty amas 2020

While we must admit that Fox’s hair and makeup isn’t anything outstanding (she still looks absolutely stunning, it’s just that we’ve seen this look on her time and time again), her manicure caught our eye. The minimalist, geometric design in warm pastels has us drooling. Not only is it pretty much the perfect twist on a classic French manicure, it also goes so well with her emerald-green dress.
READ: 6 Wedding nail ideas for the bride who doesn’t want a basic French mani
Bebe Rexha

We adore the baby pink monochrome makeup, and we especially love that it matches her equally pink manicure. However, we’d say that the real showstopper of her look is that mop of cherry-red tresses. The super blunt cut emphasises the drama of the red dye job, and the visible roots makes the wig look natural while paying homage to the salon-less pandemic era of 2020.
Dua Lipa

In case you missed it, the ‘Levitating’ singer actually levitated from London’s Royal Albert Hall during her set, and she looked darn good while she did it. However, while her stage getup was predictably gorgeous, her red carpet look was what stole the show for us. The frosty silver eye makeup gave us major Euphoria vibes, and her super sleek tresses (complete with a cute hair pin) has us obsessed.
READ: I recreated 6 looks from HBO’s ‘Euphoria’ and this is how it went
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Fashion
New York Fashion Week AW17: Highlights of Day 1
Inspiration is everywhere

10.02.2017
By Buro247

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

If you were never the type who would enjoy camping, Creatures of Comfort’s Fall 2017 collection may just change your mind. Inspired by the outdoors, creative director Jade Lai had fashion-girl camping in mind for the latest collection. With a juxtaposition of utilitarian and luxurious fabrics, Lai’s idea of campwear includes velvet maxi dresses, shiny jacquard jumpsuits, and satin and vinyl slingbacks. Of course, if you are feeling cold in the woods, there are the double-faced cashmere wrap jackets and Lurex campsocks to keep your warm in style. Suddenly, the idea of glamping doesn’t seem so bad.

The Fall show is Julia Haart’s second season as creative director for the luxury intimate apparel brand, where she aims to create a “specialized world where ready-to-wear and lingerie meld together.” With different sections that include “Study”, “Terrace” and “Foyer”, each set a tone of how one dresses and undresses in the comfort of their own home, but in the most extravagant way, of course. We’re talking dresses with built-in bras, floral-and lace combo rompers and a metallic gold lace gown with elaborate embroidery. Our favourite part of the show was when Naomi Campbell strutted down the runway in a navy slip dress with black lace parts, paired with a floral macramé-embroidered tweed overcoat. It was difficult to decide which stole the spotlight; the supermodel or the silky number she donned—we will go with both.

While the fashion season (and this post) is dedicated to runway looks for Fall/Winter, Thakoon served up spring in a Chelsea gallery. Following the likes of Tommy Hilfiger, this is the Thai-American designer’s second in-season show where he adopted a see-now-buy-now approach. He presented the Spring 2017 looks, 10 of them to be specific, in a futuristic semi-circle with digital images flashing as a backdrop. The pieces including a pastel-hued trench coat, floral-printed numbers that resembled scarfs and lots of pinstripes were reflected in a mirrored ceiling. Thakoon commented that it “felt a little boring to just do a straight-up runway” as he was interviewed backstage. His solution? Dropping the rest of the Spring 2017 collection every two weeks or so until the beginning of May to “keep things fresh and new”. Way to revolutionise the fashion calendar, and keep us hanging.

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Technology
LDR: The best online co-op games to play with long- (or short) distance partners and pals
A new era of online dating

24.11.2021
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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Whatever you have on hand, be it a Switch, a desktop or even just your phone, here are the best multiplayer online games for you and your SO (or your friends).
Hello, dear couples. Happy endemic phase! While most are probably reunited with their SOs by now, some may still be resigned to the world of online dating (hey—international flights are pricey, okay?). Either way, no matter how “LD” your “R” is, it’s always fun to look for new ways to spend time with your partner (especially if the LD is… significant).
Without further ado, let me introduce you to online dating like never before; it’s 100 per cent effective because you’re already dating. Playing games online is a great way to bond and spend a little quality time together from afar, and you don’t even have to be good at games to enjoy it (just take it from me)!
However, co-op games that are both easy to pick up and playable remotely are pretty few and far between. Luckily, there are a bunch out there that are a genuinely good time regardless of your gaming abilities; so, without further ado, here are my personal picks for the best co-op games to play online with your long-distance partners and pals. You don’t necessarily need something sophisticated like a Nintendo Switch, a PS4, an Xbox, or a gaming laptop to play a lot of these either—a regular laptop or a smartphone will suffice just fine.
Note: This doesn’t include couch co-op, only games that you can play from a significant distance.
It Takes Two

Behold, here is a game that any couple can play and thoroughly enjoy. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that this is the best co-op game for any couple looking for an immersive, fun experience together. The premise is simple…ish. You and bae (or whoever you happen to be playing with) are a married couple named Cody and May whose relationship is on the rocks. You tell your young daughter, Rose, that you’re planning on getting a divorce and she takes it rather badly.
Rose then cries on two small dolls that she has made in your likeness, along with this self-help book, which somehow transports your souls into these little dolls. I won’t spoil too much, but in short, to become human again you both must reconcile your differences.
As the name would suggest, It Takes Two… takes two. To progress the story and complete each level, you and your boo have to co-operate with one another.  If you’re concerned about your skill level, fret not—this is a game that requires virtually none and offers an excellent introduction to the mechanics of game playing. Conversely, if you’re now worried about getting bored because you’re too skilled as a gamer, there’s no need to worry on that front either—while It Takes Two is easy to play, it’s also an incredibly engaging game (plus, your partner’s skill level may complicate things for you).
Aside from the main storyline, you will also find little minigames that allow you both to compete directly against each other in a range of different game genres. That’s actually something the game does very well—it seamlessly transitions between genres, from Tekken to flying simulators and more, again making it a great introduction to gaming. Overall, my only critiques of the game are that it goes through Origin and that it ends. Other than that, It Takes Two is one of my personal favourites, and though it does cost a pretty penny (and a whole bunch of hard disk space), I think it’s a ridiculously fun game that is well worth it.
PS: Only one of you has to buy it in order to play it!
Find it here on Steam, here on Origin, or on your PS3 and Xbox 360.

Portal 2

It’s an old game, for sure, but it’s still a critically-acclaimed classic. Portal 2 was the very first game I ever played with my boyfriend, and one of the very first games I had played… ever. It’s a great game to teach novice players the basic mechanics of game playing, and it also has incredible storylines in both the single and co-op campaigns. In fact, when my boyfriend pitched this game to me, he said that: “No respectable person would ever argue the Portal 2 isn’t the best co-op game in existence.” Granted, this was before we had discovered It Takes Two and Stardew Valley, but even after playing that I think Portal 2 still holds up.
The general premise for the co-op campaign is that you and your boo are two biped bots in a run-down training facility who are trying to navigate through the test chambers as set by the facility’s supercomputer GLaDOS. You’ll go through the game, solving the puzzles in each test chamber by interacting with the environment and each other (teamwork is a necessity for this and it will really bring you both together). The controls are really easy to get the hang of, and as long as one of you is good at problem-solving, it’s a really fun game.
Find it here on Steam, or on your PS3 and Xbox 360.

Stardew Valley

Before you say that farming simulators are boring, hear me out. In this game, you’re more than just a farmer: you’re a craftsman, an artisanal dealer, a miner, an adventurer and, most importantly, a friend.
In the game, you inherit the farm from your late grandfather, who (as it turns out) must have been a terrible farmer, because the state that the land is in is a complete nightmare. Eventually, though, you build the farm to your liking and along the way you start getting more and more quests that expand the large scope of the world. The game is so expansive with so many different features and storylines that it is genuinely difficult to get bored of playing it.
The best part is the multiplayer feature, meaning your partner (and two other friends) can join in. The feature works consistently and smoothly, allowing you and your partner to explore the world, tend to your crops and even get married and have babies (so cute)!
On top of that, the game’s creator ConcernedApe (AKA Eric Barone, the sole developer behind the world of Stardew, FYI) has just released the biggest update yet—Stardew Valley 1.5. With new NPCs to interact with, an entirely new map to explore, and a revamped endgame, the game is better than ever.
As a whole, it is an impossibly fun game, but the real pull factor is how much of an escapist experience it is. You’ll forget that you’re a real person once you start playing. If that’s not enough to sell it, it’s also really affordable and it’s often on sale.
Find it on Steam, the App Store and Google Play or on your PS4, Switch or Xbox One.

Risk Of Rain 2

I’ll level with you: I don’t really know what’s going on in this game. There is a title sequence that supposedly explains the premise, but I never watch it because I… don’t have the time. What I do know is that it’s a really great game that supports up to four co-op players.
You can pick between a few different characters, unlocking more and more as you keep playing. I always choose the Huntress—with her, you don’t have to aim (ideal for me), and her special attacks are super useful when it comes to mobs. The only downfall is that she’s kind of weak—however, that’s easily remedied with the help of bae as any one of the other stronger (but less nimble) characters. Alternatively, you can just obtain a few items. “What items?”, you say?
In the regular game, at each level, you earn money as you kill more enemies and you can use that money to open chests to get items. It’s kind of a bargain, and some items are more useful than others. You can also buy drones and turrets which can either heal you or fight for you. Collecting items is a must if you’re looking to win the game as it essentially gives you 1-ups as enemies get harder. That said, it’s also super easy to become ridiculously overpowered—something I particularly enjoy about this game.
Once you get bored of the normal gameplay, you can switch it up with the expansion, or simply switch out your game mode. Not to mention—this game has a banging soundtrack. 10/10.
Find it on Steam.

Valheim

“Start as a viking, end up as Bob the Builder. Great game.”—Steam user Greep3r
This one is for those of you who have a grasp of basic gameplay but are still not looking for anything too challenging. The premise of Valheim is simple—it’s a survival game where you’re a Viking, and the Valkyries have ferried your soul to Valheim, the tenth Norse world. These worlds are filled with beasts and creatures feared by Odin himself, and it is up to you to prove that you are worthy by slaying said beasts and creatures, as well as their big bosses.
Fighting isn’t all there is to the game, though (if it was, I probably wouldn’t be as into it as I am)—in addition to taking out a few monsters, you can also build houses, cook food, tame wolves and boar, craft goods, sail the oceans, and generally, just have a good time… that is until your server crashes or your FPS slows to near zero because you haven’t cleared drops.
There are five different biomes to explore: Meadows (where you’ll start the game), Black Forest, Swamp, Mountains, and Plains. Each of the game’s five bosses reside in each biome, and it is up to you to figure out where their altars are to summon them. If you’re lucky, they’ll all be relatively close—if not, then good luck with Sea Serpents.
To be honest, the bosses are easy. They definitely look cool, but the AI is kind of dumb overall. I’d also chalk the lack of difficulty up to the fact that I play in a group of five, so there’s always enough manpower to go around. I don’t really mind the easy bosses, though—despite being a bit disappointing, I’m very content to keep playing mainly because the rest of the game is so much fun (and because I don’t like challenges. Valheim is my escape from stress—I’m fine with an easy ride). Plus, I’m sure that a lot of the AI kinks are a symptom of the game still being in early access.
If you do find that the game doesn’t pose enough challenge for you, however, there is the option to mod it out. Now that I’ve completed the game, I’ve modded it out to increase the difficulty of enemies, improve my armour, and generally improve the quality of life. It’s a great way to keep the game interesting! Unfortunately, if you do decide to go down this route, just make sure you work quickly—any update from the devs can render your mods completely useless.
Yes, Valheim is still early access, so there are still a few kinks for the devs to work through, but as a whole, it is one of my favourite games.
Find it here through Steam on early access.
Minecraft

I’ll level with you—it took me a while to warm up to Minecraft. Art style aside, I’m the kind of person that requires direction in their games; I need to be given objectives to work towards. So, with Minecraft being the expansive, tutorial-free world that it is, I found it very frustrating to play initially. It didn’t help that I was the only one in my group that was inexperienced with the game: I currently play in a larger group of six, and before I’d even figured out the point of Minecraft, our base was built and fully up and running. I’m not kidding—I logged off the game one night and came back on a week later, only to find that we had a self-sufficient farm for pretty much everything (iron, bees, animals, trees—you name it).
While this is convenient in the sense that all my building materials are now readily accessible and I no longer have to fight mobs in our well-lit village (I am terrible at combat), it did mean that I basically contributed nothing to any of it. Feeling sort of meh and directionless, I was close to giving it up when my SO suggested that I build us a house (everyone else in our group has one), so I set out to make the single most obnoxious structure in our medieval-themed village. After watching a bunch of gameplay videos on YouTube, I spent hours mixing concrete in every shade of the rainbow, glazed the terracotta that my beau brought home for our floors, and built a wall out of watermelon just for kicks. My house… slaps. It looks so good. It is so at odds with the aesthetic of our village but I am really proud of it.
Anyway, as it turns out, the point of the game is to build things. Said point has me hooked. I love how cooperative it can be (i.e. I build and bae collects materials for me to keep building while everyone else does their own thing) and how immersive it is. I’m even getting better with combat and I’m gearing up to do a little more exploration moving forward. Overall, while more inexperienced gamers may need a walkthrough prior to playing, it is a great co-op game to play with your SO.
Find the Java version here.

Terraria

Listen—if you’re looking for a game that marries the 8-bit art style of Stardew with the open world of Minecraft, this is the game for you. Terraria is by no means a new game, but it’s new to me and I can now confirm—it’s officially a banger.
Like Minecraft, you’ll have to find shelter ASAP, because once nightfall comes you’ll be swamped with zombie folk and the like. And, when you’re just starting out and with nothing in your arsenal, this is a certified bad time. As you progress, however, you’ll dive deeper and deeper into the earth, killing enemies, and collecting ores, coins, and gear… yeah, it does sound just like 2D Minecraft, huh?
That said, it’s different to Minecraft in a lot of ways, too. The point of the game goes beyond building a base and exploring the world—you’ll also be building up your community of lovable NPCs (eventually attending their birthday parties!) and also squaring off against the many horrific bosses that inhabit the world’s biomes, with each boss taking you closer to hard mode. The highlights? My picks include Big Bloody Eye, Wall of Flesh, Awful Terrible Stinky Skeleton, and my favourite—a pretty fairy who will one-shot you with her cosmic beam of light.
My favourite part of this game, though, has nothing to do with the bosses or the building mechanics or the cool gameplay—it’s to do with the sick outfits. Do you want to be a Minecraft Creeper? You can (and yes, it is on the nose). Oh? You want to be the literal Grim Reaper? Go for it. I, personally, prefer the more refined costumes on offer in the game. I am… the Silly Sunflower. Yeah, I love this game.
Find it here on Steam, here on Google Play, and here on the App Store. More info on the game on their website here.

Raft

“shark”—Steam user @revps
“boat go zoom”—Steam user @Pears
This game is great… as long as you’re not easily stressed. I play Raft in a group of five (bae included, of course), and we’ve finished the game so far—something I would not have been able to say had I been playing on my own. The premise of the game goes like this: The world is largely underwater, and all you have left is your raft. Collect materials from the big ol’ sea and expand your new home, explore islands (and abandoned settlements), and try not to get eaten by sharks.
TIP: For some reason, in this game, sharks are relentless and they have a real taste for driftwood and milk bottles (they eat your raft), so you’ll want to craft a spear at your earliest convenience.
I was more of a homemaker in this game (say what you will about female stereotypes; I just like low-risk tasks), so I was predominantly in charge of cooking, farming, and repairing/expanding our raft. Spoiler alert: We have built a most wonderful raft home, decked out with a bedroom, a dance hall, an animal coop, a recreation room, a cellar, a storage area, a tree farm, and a kitchen/dining area. It almost brings me as much pride as our Valheim and Minecraft base does.
Fair warning: This game is pretty grind-y. It’s definitely a slow-burner, but it is possible to speed-run it, as long as you’ve got a good, competent group to play with. That said, Raft is yet another game in early access, and there is far more content on the way. I reckon it’s only going to get better. It’s already a great game to play, early access or not—so, if you’re interested, get your mitts on it now.
Find it here through Steam.

Phasmophobia

If you’re an avid horror fan, this game is for you. Released for early access just recently in September of last year, Phasmophobia quickly became quite the buzzword. I’d personally describe it as a mix of Supernatural and the Unsolved YouTube series, wrapped up in one truly immersive gaming experience (only much scarier).
READ: I watched all 15 seasons of ‘Supernatural’ so you don’t have to—here are my thoughts
In the game, you’re a ghost hunter with the world’s weakest flashlight, and your goal is to identify the type of ghost that is haunting your location; perhaps completing a few additional objectives along the way. You’ll use tools like an EMF reader, a spirit box, and a UV torch to gather evidence of your paranormal foe, and then you’ll immediately freak out and bolt as soon as the ghost shows any signs of activity. It’s a much more tactical game than it seems with some very high stakes—if you anger it enough, the ghost will hunt you down, at which point you very well may die. Some ghosts are nastier than others, but all are equally horrifying to encounter.
I won’t lie—I am not built for this game. I’m easily spooked by jump scares, I am scared of the dark (which is pretty much this entire game), and though I love horror films, I am definitely not keen to be in one. That’s why it’s such a relief that the game is built for online co-op. So yes—you can choose to play alone like an insane person, or you can make the rational choice to tackle missions together with up to three friends (special friends included).
I do find that there is comfort in numbers, especially when your ghost-hunting team spends the entire run cussing out the ghost. Better yet, there’s a proximity chat feature that makes gameplay that much more exciting: You’ll only be able to hear your teammates that are in your direct vicinity. The feature isn’t flawless, but it can be good fun—just try yelling at your team from across the haunted school. Good luck.
Find it here through Steam on early access, with virtual reality support.
TIP: Watch the tutorial before you play.
The Forest

The Forest is yet another survival game, but this time the big baddies aren’t sharks or trolls—they’re cannibals! You start off on an aeroplane, sat next to your son, Timmy (depending on whether you’re hosting the game or not). Suddenly, the plane crashes and when you come to, there’s some weirdo kidnapping your son while you pass out again. Then, the game starts.
On top of keeping your hydration and food stats up, you have a few objectives: Build a base, find Timmy, explore a few places… you get the gist. I won’t lie—I kind of hate this game. The sensitivity is super high (even after turning it down some) so I can’t play for too long before getting a headache, and I find that some of the game mechanics are kind of dumb.
That said, it is really fun to play with friends, and the story has been compelling so far. My only real issue is that I don’t really care about finding lil’ Timmy (we lost him, like, a month ago. He’s probably dead, right?)—I literally just want to build structures and hunt animals. Luckily, there are enough players on my game file to pick up my slack, or else we’d really be getting nowhere.
Everyone’s map is the same—the only thing that changes from game to game is where your plane spawns. I won’t spoil what happens in the game for you because it’s best to explore on your own.
Find it here through Steam.

Monster Hunter World

At the core of it, the game is essentially tracking a monster down and then killing it (hence, the name). This is definitely one of the more difficult games to play, with each monster getting progressively smarter and harder to kill. Plus, there’s a certain risk of information overload at the very beginning as the game tries to explain how things work to you through 40-ish tutorials. However, if you stick to it, you’ll probably find that it’s a really fun co-op experience. Storyline-wise it leaves something to be desired, but because there are so many different ways to play the game (and because it generally looks so cool), you’ll have a genuinely good time with it.
At the very beginning, you’ll get to design your character which is arguably one of the best parts of the game. As you progress, you’ll also find that you can continuously upgrade your weapons and armour to customise your character and make it stronger. Oh, and as mentioned in the video above, you get a cat. (Actually, it’s called a Palico in the game, but it is so cute!) When I started the game, I personally spent about an hour and a half just designing my character and my Palico alone, while my boyfriend waited patiently. Your Palico isn’t even the only one in the game either: The head chef’s name is Meowscular Chef—a no-nonsense, bad-boy type and he’s equal parts terrifying and incredible.
Note: The co-op feature is fun once it’s up and running but it can be a pain to get there. Also, watch out if you’re a significant distance away because your connection may be a little spotty.
Find it here on Steam, your Xbox One or your PS4.

Overcooked 2

Depending on your temperament, this may be either the best or the worst game to play with your SO. Either way, you’ll probably end up screaming at each other over the phone, but you’ll have a lot of fun doing it.
Essentially a more refined Diner Dash, the basic premise is that you are two chefs who cook to save the Onion Kingdom from the incompetence of its own King. To be honest, there isn’t really much of a storyline, but each level comes with its own barriers and recipes, some of which are a straight-up nightmare. You can make sushi, pizza, cake, pancakes, burgers, salads and more. If you run out of levels to play, you can either go for the elusive fourth star (IMHO, don’t bother —it’s literally impossible), OR you can go for any one of the six expansion packs available (worth it)!
It’s a really easy game to get the hang of, and you can play it on either your Nintendo Switch or through Steam. Having tried it both ways, I personally prefer playing on my laptop through Steam because the controls are generally just more accurate—there’s less risk of you throwing away a full meal when you actually mean to serve it (Trust me, it saves you a lot of arguing.)
NOTE: Just a heads up, if your connection is spotty, smooth gameplay will be nearly impossible and will probably break you and your SO up.
Get it on Steam here, for your Switch here or on your Xbox One or PS4.

theHunter: Call of the Wild

“I grab gun, I see deer, I miss, I recommend” — Steam user Bingus
I’ll level with you—I don’t know what the plot of the game is (or if there even is one), but I love it. My SO and I had finished Overcooked and Stardew Valley, and I wasn’t in the mood for anything remotely stressful. So, we started browsing the web for easy-ish, immersive games and stumbled upon this one. After he read me a few reviews and explained the premise, I have to admit that I was fully expecting to tire of it quickly. However, to my pleasant surprise—it’s a really fun game!
Described by its creators as “the most immersive hunting experience ever created”, you’ll find yourself actively stressed out by the ethics of hunting until you remember that none of it is real. Then, once you get over that, you’ll realise that it’s the perfect catharsis. Frolic around the Cuatro Colinas Game Reserve in Spain with your beau, ride ATVs around the wilderness of the South African Vurhonga Savanna, and explore the Layton Lake District of America. Then, every couple of hours, try to shoot an innocent animal for kicks.
It has only been a few hours of gameplay, but I’m already the face behind some truly heinous atrocities. My body count keeps rising. I’ve got the blood of moose, Iberian wolves, European hares and more on my hands. I tried to shoot my SO’s character just to see if I could. He can no longer look me in the eyes.
The only issue I have with this game is that it eats up so much space on your hard drive and you need to buy a considerable number of the DLCs before you can really have a good time. That said, only one of you needs to own all the DLCs for both of you to enjoy it so, if you go Dutch, it’s a bargain (unless you guys break up—eek). Plus, if you’re particularly impatient and you’re not one to appreciate the digital scenery, you may struggle with this game—it really is a slow-burner. That said, it plays well online with minimal interruptions, it is as stressful or as relaxing as you make it and I strongly urge you to give it a shot (heh, get it?).
Find it here on Steam.

Animal Crossing

Also known as discount Stardew Valley (I’m joking, I’m just biased), Animal Crossing has become a global widespread favourite during this isolation period. However, to play it, you’re going to need a Nintendo Switch. It’s a fun game that seemingly everyone is into (or at least, was, at its peak).
The point of the game is to build your own island utopia where you can farm, craft, hunt, fish, decorate and socialise. Everything happens in real-time, with real-world events that happen every so often. You’ve probably heard a lot about the game already through word-of-mouth, but there are lots of extras that you can get in the game—designer clothes and rare paintings are just a few. There is so much going on at once and so much to do that it’s better to just play it to understand.
I’ve included this one in this list because I know how many people would riot if I didn’t, but there are a lot of complaints that the co-op feature isn’t great. Take it from the video above, or from my brother, who has given it a good go and has a lot to say:
“Multiplayer is barely tolerable at best, with frequent disconnections erasing hours of progress in total. Online play also requires paying extra and, with frequent disconnections, it makes you wonder what you’re paying for. Furthermore, there’s little you can do to interact with your friends so it’s basically a single player game with you being able to receive some indirect help once in a while.”
That said, if you’re still keen on it, it’s fun for you and your SO to play separately, then discuss your progress over the phone (or have them visit your island).
Find it here for your Switch.

Sid Meier’s Civilization V

All in all, the point of this game is for you to become the Ruler of the World, where you’ll establish and lead a civilisation from the dawn of man to the space age. Although I’ve not had a chance to try it yet, it’s got incredible reviews and is next on my list. The multiplayer features allow you to either work together in co-op mode or compete with players all over the world (including your long-distance SO). Here are some glowing reviews:
“It’s awesome. I have lost a significant proportion of my life to this game. And I don’t regret a thing.” – Steam user Paul Skuse
“Just how do I begin to describe this game. It is just down right amazing how it is able to have the perfect balance of being not to hard for beginners to learn and not lacking complexity for those more experienced as many strategies can be used to get an extra edge. There is a reason why there are still people are playing this game even 4 years after Civ 6 being released showing how great and different Civ 5 is. So if you have played Civ 6 and have not played Civ 5 yet, you wont be disappointed.” – Steam user Zophos
“you can be george washington 10 outta 10” – Steam user Deo
Find it on Steam here.

No Man’s Sky: Beyond

This is a sci-fi survival and exploration game that takes place in an ever expanding galaxy. It was initially launched 2016 to a lot of mixed reviews after failing to meet the hype around it, but the team has since expanded and improved the gameplay, giving us the latest update just last year. I haven’t had a chance to give it a go yet, but it’s in my library waiting for me. Still, it’s worth a try if you’re in the market for a cool co-op game. It’s got incredible reviews praising it for its gameplay, graphics, and the team behind it who are continuously updating it.
The best reviews are as follows:
“There are SO many aspects to this game from flight (space or on planet), farming (mining), exploration, discovery, fighting off attacks from animals and drones (sentinels), to my favorite, amazing base-building with so freaking many build options. They keep adding new ones too. Hello Games also recently released VR support, and it’s really well done. There’s something about being able to walk around in the base that you built, in real scale with VR. Hundreds of hours have gone into some of the most amazing bases I’ve built, and am planning for hundreds more.” – Steam user Muad’Dib
“was bad, is good now”– Steam user Slippery Tom
“This game might have a rough launch, but hello games has redeemed themselves. They never gave up and kept updating. Sure, this game isn’t perfect, but the game is just really good. Try to wipe the bad image of hello games and try this game out. You can play with your friends, yep, it’s now has multiplayer. The beauty of the game is amazing, you’ll see planets you’ll never imagined before. You could have endless fun with this game, no matter it’s single player or multiplayer.” – Steam user Snowfall
If you’re interested, you can find it on Steam here, or get it on your PS4 or Xbox One.
There you have it—my favourite co-op games to play with my long-distance partner. I genuinely hope you guys found this helpful and give some of these a shot—they’re definitely worth your time.

[READ: 15 Ideas to spend time with your LDR partner while you’re apart]

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Buro Loves
Christmas 2019: The best beauty advent calendars to shop now before they sell out

06.11.2019
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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

It’s official: Christmas is coming. Mark my words, Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ is about to start playing on an endless loop as the children frolic and play against a backdrop of joy and ringing bells.
What, not feeling it yet? Well, to get you into the holiday mood, we’ve compiled a list of the best beauty advent calendars for 2019. Packed with everything you need from festive fragrances to pint-sized treats for your travels, these beauty advent calendars make for the perfect vanity dresser accessories to own—not to mention, an excellent gifting idea:
La Mer Twelve Days of Glowing Renewal

La Mer Advent Calendar 2019
Get your glow on with La Mer’s power-packed advent calendar by counting down to skin perfection with 12 indulgent mini skincare. Our favourites include The Renewal Oil, The Eye Concentrate, the iconic Crème de la Mer, The Intensive Revitalising Mask and more. Whether you’re in need of a pampering treat or planning to surprise someone special in your life, this may very well be the perfect gift.
RM1,600; available at La Mer counters
Armani Beauty Advent Calendar

Armani Beauty Advent Calendar 2019
Brace yourselves this holiday season for Armani Beauty’s first ever advent calendar—packed with 24 luxurious goodies ranging from fragrance to makeup. Highlights include the Lip Maestro and Eyes To Kill Stellar Eyeshadow in full size, the latest Si fragrance, the Tone-Up Cushion and more.
RM1,500; available November 15 at Armani Beauty Mid Valley
Kiehl’s 2019 Limited Edition Advent Calendar

Kiehl’s Advent Calendar 2019
Start your month off right with this limited-edition skincare advent from Kiehl’s, containing 24 luxurious skincare products including eye treatments, cleansers, creams, bath soaps and masks. Feast your eyes on the whimsical designs by the world-renowned Finnish graphic artist, Janine Rewell—a guaranteed keeper in our advent arsenal.
RM399; available online and in-store
Diptyque 2019 Advent Calendar

The theme for this year’s diptyque advent calendar is ‘Lucky Charms’—a collaboration between the brand and German-based illustrator Olaf Hajek. The 25-day calendar delivers on 25 different products (from luxe fragrances to home scents) featuring lucky charms inspired by the motifs and folklore of an array of different cultures.
RM2,990; available at Diptyque Pavilion
Jo Malone London Advent Calendar

Jo Malone Advent Calendar 2019
Enter the Magician’s Parlour with Jo Malone’s advent calendar this Christmas, with 24 spectacular bath, body and home gifts curated to captivate and indulge you, including bath and body miniatures to delectable fragrances (including the limited-edition Rose & Magnolia cologne).
RM2,200; available at Jo Malone London stores
M.A.C. Cosmetics Stars for Days Advent Calendar

Inspired by stars, the fundamental symbol of the holiday season, M.A.C. Cosmetics has curated a fantastical selection of lipsticks, lipglass, eyeshadows, pigments and face products for their Stars for Days advent calendar, complete with a cute matching keychain.
RM899; available online and in-store at Pavilion, KLCC, Mid Valley, Sunway Pyramid and Imago KK
Clarins Advent Calendar

Can’t get enough of Clarins’ bestsellers? Discover 12 beauty pick-me-ups in each drawer of this limited-edition advent, including the cult favourite Lip Oil, Beauty Flash Balm, Gentle Foaming Cleanser, Extra-Firming Mask and more.
RM268 for 12-Day Advent and RM468 for 24-Day Advent; available online and in-store
Charlotte Tilbury Glittering Galaxy of Makeup Magic

If the glitter-dusted snazzy shape of this advent doesn’t blow you away, let Charlotte Tilbury wow you instead with a mix of 12 full-sized makeup and travel-sized skincare products—perfect for the festivities home and away. The best part? Reuse this magical box as a jewellery case after Christmas!
RM873; available online

Balmain Paris Hair Couture 10 Day Advent Calendar

This 10-day advent calendar packs a set of hair necessities, making sure your locks are in tip-top condition for the holidays. The sentimental packaging is modelled after the brand’s French boutique and boasts a selection of 10 shampoos, conditioners, creams, masks, hair oils and exclusive accessories, making this the perfect gift for your loved ones (or treat for yourself).
RM1,350; available online at Net-A-Porter
Net-a-Porter Beauty Advent Calendar

Net-A-Porter Advent Calendar 2019
Net-a-Porter returns with their sell-out advent featuring cult classic favourites for makeup, skincare and bath products from the most prolific and sought-after brands, including Omorovicza, Marc Jacobs, Dr Sebagh and Johanna Vargas. Shop it, stat, before it runs out once more!
RM1,230; available online at Net-a-Porter

Sephora Frosted Party Advent Calendar

Count down to Christmas with Sephora’s Frosted Party advent calendar, featuring an array of makeup, skincare and bath products for you to pamper yourself in time for the holiday season. Peek behind the cute party of penguins to discover fun-sized treats such as the Melting Showery Jelly, fizzing bath bombs, fruity eye masks and more.
RM235; available online at Sephora Malaysia
NYX Professional Makeup Christmas 24 Day Advent Calendar

With 24 treats for 24 days, NYX delivers on a dreamy collection of brushes, makeup, balms and more. While we’re reserving spoilers for you to reveal each drawer on your own, just know that you can expect to use every product to create your party-ready holiday makeup look. Bonus: they’re all full sized!
RM287.50; available online at Lookfantastic and in NYX stores
L’Occitane Premium Beauty Advent Calendar

L’Occitane Premium Beauty Advent Calendar 2019
L’Occitane’s advent towers boast 24 fun-sized premium products that you can bring along for your travels. The two towers can rotate a full 360 degrees to expose hidden troves filled with beauty treasures. Pamper yourself with L’Occitane’s bestsellers including the Immortelle Essential Water, Almond Milk Concentrate, Shea Intensive Hand Balm, Divine Cream and more.
RM358; available as a ‘Purchase With Purchase’ offer (mininum RM30 spend online)
Check out the Buro Christmas Village here for more gifting ideas.

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Fashion
Our day around town in the Bvlgari B.Zero1 collection

14.04.2018
By Joan Kong

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

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Fashion
Buro 24/7 Exclusive: What goes behind the making of a Versace Palazzo Empire bag
A honed craft

12.10.2016
By Su Fen Tan

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

“I love the new Palazzo Empire. It is perfect for women in the city today, making their way in the urban jungle”, said Donatella Versace when the bag made its debut for Spring/Summer ’16, and she was (not surprisingly) right—the Palazzo Empire has since cemented its status as an It bag, having being spotted on the arms of Gigi Hadid, Alessandra Ambrosio and Jessica Alba.

Defined by the house’s iconic Medusa head, the Palazzo Empire is crafted in the finest calfskin or in soft exotic leathers such as crocodile and python. Its soft, unstructured form renders it modern and versatile—it can be carried either in the hand or across the body. But behind this new It bag that speaks of luxury is hours and hours of high-level craftsmanship, from the original design sketch until the final boxing step.

Interestingly, at the beginning stages of the process, each design sketch is broken down into pieces (a typical handbag is made up of an average of 30 pieces), which are then drawn on paper and cut out by hand—this process takes up a full day of work. After that, the design is brought to life by a series of technical steps that require exquisite craftsmanship, from skiving leather to the ideal thickness to assembling the pieces by way of double-stitching with high-gauge thread for prolonged durability and a shape that holds for years to come.

Watch the behind-the-scenes video of the making here:

Related stories:
Versace’s new bag is all about the urban jungle
Diorever’s savoir-faire video will make you want this IT bag for yourself

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Main courses, exit stage left

Food + Drink
Main courses, exit stage left
More is more

12.09.2015
By Buro247

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

It is just as well because I’ve found over the last several years that the main course has, like the Dylan Thomas poem, apparently gone gently into the good night. Has it always been so? Or did the main become the runt of the litter with the popularisation of the amuse bouche and apparently requisite panoply of appetisers that are now part and parcel of restaurant meals, so that by the time the erstwhile famished diner receives her plate of protein and veg, gustatory boredom largely propelled by an increasingly full belly has already set in?
It allows them room to tell their gastronomic stories and to experiment
It doesn’t help that appetisers invariably seem more bewitching than the mains. The next time you’re in a restaurant, have a good gander at the menu. Starters are to chefs what an open bar is to alcoholics. It allows them room to tell their gastronomic stories and to experiment, so that the resulting parade of artfully designed plates that are placed before your still famished eyes beguile and rev your engine into climactic overdrive for an even more impressive main course. Which is why, when the main course does finally arrive, disappointment is almost certainly inevitable. And, as if we needed proof, a study in the USA has found that a delicious appetiser does indeed detract from the attraction of the main, and make it less appetising to the diner.

Of course, there is also the inarguable fact that-for the same reason you should never make a second order of a delicious dish immediately after you eat it, because too much of a good thing dilutes its appeal-appetisers are by their very nature smaller, so that they whet your appetite and leave you hankering for more. Mains, in contrast, are comparatively bulkier and leave plenty of room for culinary ennui to set in. Not surprisingly then, El Bulli used to serve 40 courses of miniscule plates to diners, which in turn ensured that interests would always be piqued as each new flavour sensation revealed itself. Many restaurants have introduced degustation menus for, I suspect, precisely this reason.
they whet your appetite and leave you hankering for more
The truth is, the only places where the main course remains the big kahuna are the old-fashioned steakhouses that have remained defiantly traditional in the onslaught of trendy eateries. Here at least, appetisers have no room to usurp the entrée’s rightful place as the leading lady. They are unpretentious: the suitably inferior opening act for the star of the show (prawn cocktail with Thousand Island dressing. I rest my case). And it is here that you can dine in the peaceful knowledge that things are as they should be: the main course remains the main course of your meal.

If however, like me, you don’t feel the urge to champion the main, then I exhort you to go the way of the Chinese, who while admittedly not the most couth of diners, got it right all along, when they ordered communal dishes in order that everyone could try everything. At restaurants like Fuego, which serves literally both little and big plates that are made for sharing, I nonetheless adhere to the ‘good things come in little packages’ philosophy. Little morsels of heaven like their smoked quail eggs that come perched on a vegetable and seaweed nest and are served ensconced in a smoked cloche, or their grilled pine mushrooms, which has as dance companions; seawater foam, salt crackers and deep-fried parsley that unfailingly mesmerise. This does not detract from their mains, of course. It just means that, following the El Bulli principle that variety is the key to enjoyment, if I can try ten different things and always be tantalising my tastebuds, why then would I settle just for the one?

Follow Fay on Twitter and Instagram at @misskhoo.

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Hair
10 Celebrities that will surprise you with their natural hair colour

02.07.2020
By Marissa Chin

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How does volumising shampoo actually work? Plus, expert tips for keeping your hair looking lush

You can always trust celebrities to be carrying the latest hair trends (or even starting one a la “The Rachel”). The same goes for hair colours. Whether it’s for a role in a movie or an artistic decision for the sake of an album release, celebrities are often changing up their hair or maintaining it as part of their identity due to popular demand. That’s why it’s easy to forget what their natural hair colours are, to begin with. We’ve rounded up 10 of the most popular celebrities who are best known for a hair colour that’s actually not theirs (oh, the hair-esy!).

EMMA STONE

It’s safe to say that Emma Stone has become synonymous to the phrase ‘redhead’. With her bright green eyes and light freckled complexion, the red hue comes across so organically on Stone—and perfectly matches her bubbly personality—that it’s almost like she was meant to be ginger. But alas, she actually has naturally blonde tresses! She looks equally as amazing in her natural mane but even Stone has admitted that red is her favourite.

jennifer aniston

Jennifer Aniston is no stranger to how much hair can define a person—her role as Rachel in Friends sparked two huge hair trends back in the day for her short layered cut and signature ‘bronde’ colour. She’s most well-known for her straight malibu blonde hair but it might surprise you to know that she is a natural brunette. She returned to her brunette roots for her role in Horrible Bosses but it wasn’t long before she swapped back to her iconic blonde locks.

ZOOEY DESCHANEL

We all know Zooey Deschanel as everyone’s favourite girl-next-door whose signature look consists of her big doe blue eyes, heavy bangs and dark brunette hair. As striking as she looks, the New Girl actress actually has naturally blonde hair but never felt connected to it. The quirky actress said, “When I had blonde hair I would wake up and be like, shocked. Your hair is part of your identity, and I’ve always felt like a brunette with bangs.”

AMY ADAMS

Amy Adams and red hair are what warm toast and kaya are: great on its own but even better together. Like Stone, Adams is famous for her blazing head of hair but before she made it big, she actually began acting with her natural blonde hair. After being consistently typecast as the ditzy blonde chick, Adams made the pivotal swap and never looked back. Adams revealed, “the minute I went red, it was quirky and fun instead of flirtatious and dumb.”

kj apa

Playing one of the most iconic redheads in pop culture is no easy feat and it definitely was an ordeal for the natural brown-haired KJ Apa who plays Archie in Riverdale. The actor had to frequently re-dye his hair every two weeks because his dark roots kept showing. “I’m sitting there for at least two-and-a-half hours, so I’m on my iPad and I read some scripts and stuff. I keep myself entertained,” he told Vulture.

NICOLE KIDMAN

CANNES, FRANCE – MAY 22: Nicole Kidman attends the “The Killing Of A Sacred Deer” photocall during the 70th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 22, 2017 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Mike Marsland/Mike Marsland/WireImage)

Unlike the Hollywood trend of blondes going ginger, Nicole Kidman did the reverse—bet you didn’t know that the Australian Oscar-winning actress sported a mane of wild curly red tresses! In an interview with Australia’s WHO Magazine, Kidman confessed, “I really wanted to have that suntanned skin and long blonde hair. I wanted to conform and be the Aussie beach girl. And I was never going to be that. I wish I had my curls back. I tortured them to death.” It’s truly a feat how Kidman was able to alter her hair’s texture but imagine how awesome it would be if Kidman donned her corkscrew ringlets again.

sofia vergara

This one might actually blow your mind. Sofia Vergara broke out in the Hollywood scene with her role as the comedic Gloria Pritchett in Modern Family, known for her curvaceous figure and enviable dark brunette hair. In reality, Vergara is naturally honey-blonde. Don’t worry if you did a double-take because many casting directors did the same when they saw her. The Columbian actress revealed, “I’m a natural blonde, but when I started acting, I would go to auditions, and they didn’t know where to put me because I was voluptuous and had the accent—but I had blonde hair,” she revealed to Self magazine. “The moment I dyed my hair dark, it was, ‘Oh, she’s the hot Latin girl.'”

COLE SPROUSE

LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 29: (l-r) Actor Cole Sprouse arrives to teach a Master Workshop on acting by Dylan Sprouse and Cole Sprouce, hosted by Celebrity Talent Academy and Starlight Children’s Foundation at the Cochrane Theatre on January 29, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Tim Whitby/Getty Images)

So his natural blonde hair might not be a huge surprise to those who grew up watching him on Disney but for the Gen s out there who found him through Riverdale as Jughead, know that he didn’t already have jet-black hair. Like his co-star KJ Apa, Sprouse had to dye his hair every two weeks to keep the black on. He revealed to Glamour: “I’m fitting into it a little more. I miss the blonde, but people tell my [twin, Dylan] brother and I apart more easily now, so that helps.” Hey, at least the hair is functional in real life too.

olivia wilde

Another actress who struggled with getting roles (at least good ones) with blonde hair was Olivia Wilde before she ditched it for brunette locks. “I spent the first couple years of my career as a very blonde-blonde,” she told Into the Gloss. “And then I went brunette for a role, and suddenly all my offers changed—the types of roles people approached me with totally changed.” The actress now mostly sports a soft ombre look that has the best of both hair shades.

SOPHIE TURNER

Joining the list of blonde-turned-redheads is none other than Sophie Turner, who famously played the role of copper-headed Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones. She then went on to play Jean Grey with an even more flaming shade so it’s understandable if you thought she was naturally ginger. Now back to blonde, the actress revealed how the hair swap changed her, “…it spurred my appreciation for how hair can change one’s look and personality. I wouldn’t wear bright clothes because I wanted the [red] hair to speak for itself, but now as a blonde, I wear whatever I want,” Turner explained.

For more hair inspiration, head over here.

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Travel
6 Stunning ski resorts you should check out in Asia

04.12.2018
By Rachel Au

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Guide to ETIAS: The new travel pass for Malaysians visiting Europe

When we think of a White Christmas, it usually includes charming European towns, their fairytale-like castles and beautiful snowcapped mountains-kind of like these places. But in reality, Asia has just as much to offer, especially if you consider a ski holiday (the 2018 Winter Olympics might have  given you some inspiration). Not convinced? Here are six breathtaking ski resorts in Asia to help change your mind-and possibly your next holiday destination.

1. Niseko Village in Hokkaido, Japan
Over the years, Niseko has transformed into a familiar name when it comes to holidays in the name of skiing and winter because of its white, powdery snow. Niseko Village itself, though not a resort, encompasses everything you’ll need: A variety of accommodation types (our pick: Kasara Niseko Village, a luxury private townhouse); onsen facilities featuring mineral-rich thermal waters; gourmet dining options ranging from traditional Japanese fare (featuring the freshest Hokkaido produce) to international favourites; and a myriad of winter activities including Reindeer Sledding, Snowmobile Tours, Snowmobile Rafting and more. Private ski lessons are also available at the Niseko Village Snow School.

ski holidays asia-niseko village
Niseko Village, Higashiyama-onsen, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido, Japan, +81 136 44 2211
When to go: 1 December 2018 – 7 April 2019
Getting there: Fly direct from KL – New Chitose Airport and then transfer via coach, car or train

2. One Happo at One Chalets in Hakuba, Japan
Located just outside the city of Nagano, Hakuba is yet another popular ski resort town in Japan, especially because it’s close to Tokyo. There are several types of accommodation at Hakuba but none as luxurious and well-received as One Happo at One Chalets. Described as a “James Bond fantasy made real”, the glass and wood chalet is perched on the ridge facing the Olympic mountain that is Happo One—clearly visible from the panorama windows. The two-storey home also boasts five bedrooms, a floor-to-ceiling glass wine room with a deluxe selection of wines and champagnes, transparent fireplace, and an eight-person onsen and sauna. Everything else—ski resort shuttle, private ski lessons, mountain lift passes, day trips and tours—can be arranged by the management.

one happo hakuba

One Happo, 4620-1 Oaza Hokujo, Hakuba-Mura, Japan, +81 261 85 2466
When to go: December – early May
Getting there: Fly direct from KL – Nagano and a pickup can be arranged from Nagano station

3. Club Med Beidahu in Jilin, China
The beauty of staying at a Club Med ski resort, as we had previously experienced, is that it’s stress-free because it’s an all-inclusive resort and the GOs (gentle organisers) are always happy to help. If you have kids, it’s even better since Club Med has a very family-oriented culture. With the different Kids Club (catered to four-month-olds till17-year-old teenagers) available, you’ll be free to explore and have fun without worrying about the young ones and vice versa. Just meet back for meals and it’s still a family holiday, right?

ski holidays asia-club med beidahu

Club Med Beidahu, Jilin Beidahu Sports Tourism Economic Development Zone, Jilin City, Jilin Province, 132224 China, +86 432 6420 1222
When to go: December – mid-March
Getting there: You’ll have to take a connecting flight to get to Changchun Longjia Airport

4. Park Hyatt Changbaishan in Fusong, China
There is a saying that couples who visit Changbai will stay together for their whole life – till their hair grows white. After all, the name means “ever white” in Mandarin. But even if you don’t believe in old wives’ tales, the meaning is true to the mountain’s beauty come winter. The slopes are popular with the locals but if you’re looking for true luxury, look no further than Park Hyatt Changbaishan. Nestled within a forest, the 5-star resort promises absolute privacy without compromising convenience to the ski field. For those who are less keen on skiing, head out to enjoy local attractions such as the West Gate of Changbai Mountain and the Heavenly Lake, or stay in for some well-deserved pampering at The Spa.

ski holidays asia-park hyatt changbaishan

Park Hyatt Changbaishan, Changbaishan International Resort Changbaishan, China, 134504, +86 439 698 1234
When to go: November – April
Getting there: You’ll have to take a connecting flight to get to Changbaishan Airport

5. The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa in the Himalayas, India
With more people favouring India as a holiday destination, why not consider it also for a winter getaway? Located in Gulmarg, a small ski village in Kashmir, The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa will allow you easy access to the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest ski lifts in the world. Take it and you’ll alight at Kongdoori Mountain, on the shoulder of Mount Affarwat. At 13,780 feet, it’s the highest ski point in the Himalaya. One thing’s for sure: The view will be incomparable.

ski holidays asia-khyber himalayan resort and spa india

The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Hotel Khyber Rd, Forest Block, Jammu and Kashmir 193403, +91 9596780647
When to go: December – early February
Getting there: You’ll have to take a connecting flight to get to Srinagar Airport

6.  InterContinental Alpensia Pyeongchang Resort in Pyeongchang, South Korea
You might recognise it from the 2018 Winter Olympics but that’s not the only glory the 238-room hotel is proud of. Decked in a classical European-style design, InterContinental Alpensia was also awarded South Korea’s Best Ski Hotel at the World Ski Awards in 2017. Facing the slopes with front-door access to the lifts, you can ski to your heart’s content. Alternatively, the hotel also houses facilities such as a water park, a golf course, a movie theatre, and more.

ski holidays asia-intercontinental alpensia pyeongchang

InterContinental Alpensia Pyeongchang Resort, 225-3 Yongsan-ri, Gangwon-do, 232-952, South Korea, +82 33-339-1225
When to go: December – February
Getting there: Fly direct from KL – Pyeongchang County

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Beauty
How to throw a healthy party that your guests will love

16.07.2018
By Rachel Au

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

Are you as excited as us about #BuroTurnsThree? Let your party be more than just a celebration. Let it serve as an inspiration. Skip the takeaway pizzas, buckets of chicken or carb-loaded pasta. Do something different and opt for a healthy-themed menu instead. We asked Anabelle Co-Martinent of La Juiceria and Serina S. Bajaj of Kind Kones to dish us their best advice to curating a menu that’s both healthy and tasty.

What are your three best tips when it comes to hosting a healthy party?
Anabelle: Have both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Serve plenty of natural snacks on the table such as cut fruits and a variety of nuts. Make it colourful and fun.
Serina: Plan ahead, get creative because presenting healthy food can be fun, and don’t forget about seasoning. Natural herbs and spices can boost the flavour profile for any dish.

What’s a big no-no then?
Anabelle: Don’t serve anything too complicated. You don’t want your guests to be self-conscious about how to eat it.
Serina: Serving bland food. Healthy food can be tasty when you know the right combos.

Any fun games or activities you can suggest that can help promote healthy living among the guests?
Anabelle: You can organise a DIY Smoothie Bowl station and have guests decorate their own smoothie bowls. Think bright ingredients for that perfect Insta-worthy pictures!
Serina: Maybe a DIY station where guests can get creative and really think about how to put together their own healthy beverage of dish — salad bar, ice cream bar with healthy topping options and so forth.

APPETISERS
Anabelle: When it comes to appetisers, choose something that is fuss-free and easy to eat. You can always make it more interesting by varying the flavours of the dip.

Fresh Spring Rolls
These can be prepared ahead and you can play with a variety of options for the fillings, be it vegetarian or non-vegetarian (opt for either shrimp or chicken).
Fried Spring Rolls
Again, you can either use chicken or go for a vegetarian version. The best part is that it’s still yummy even if it’s not served piping hot. Dipping sauce to be served on the side.
Sweet Potato Fries / Natural Cut Fries with Truffle Tartar sauce
It’s a crowd favourite, especially among the little ones. Optional dipping sauce: Mayonnaise, ketchup or chilli sauce. Best cooked with an air fryer.

Serina: I like to keep the appetisers light, colourful and simple — but with a lot of texture.

Strawberry, Yellow Lentil & Candied Pecan Salad (gluten-free, low carb)
Served in a big salad bowl or small individual glass cups, it’s super healthy but full of flavour.
Purple & Yellow Corn Chips with home-made Salsa & Guacamole (vegan, gluten-free)
These are great crunchy party munchers with homemade dips to replace unhealthy options.
Roasted Beet Hummus with Crunchy Crudites (vegan, gluten-free, low carb)
Another dish that’s easy to put together and guests will still have room for mains.

MAINS
Anabelle: Three crowd favourites: Salad, pasta and chicken.

Salad
Healthy folks will surely get their fix and it’s easy to prepare. Better yet, let the guests build their own salad and give them plenty of topping options.
Pasta
It’s comfort food, especially the classic bolognese. However, I would make a vegetarian version instead. To liven it up, add lots of diced carrots, shiitake mushrooms and pumpkin together with the sauce.
Roasted chicken
You can stuff many things inside the chicken for extra flair. Think roasted vegetables like potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. While you’re entertaining your guests, the chicken can be kept hot in the oven. Another stress-free option!

Serina: Mains should bring a sense of merriment. I like to make them indulgent, vibrant, yet wholesome while also being conscious of lower carb and vegan options for my guests.

Roasted sweet potato & caramelised onion tart with goat cheese
This can be made in advance. It just needs to be cooked on the day, which says you a lot of time and energy.
Homemade Rigatoni Pasta Pesto (dairy-free)
Same with the pesto sauce.
Butternut pumpkin & Eggplant Moussaka (vegan, gluten-free, low refined carbs)
Tip: Use almond cream instead of cheese topping.

DESSERTS
Anabelle: Personally, I’d say leche flan. That’s what we call it in Manila. Here, it’s simply called flan. It’s mostly made up of eggs, milk and caramel sauce (brown sugar) so it doesn’t have any preservatives or additives at all.

Acai / Smoothie Bowls
You don’t find these very often at parties so it’ll definitely have a wow factor. All you need is a powerful blender, acai bars (which can last a long time in the freezer) and other fun fruits such as bananas and berries. Better yet, let your guests create their own smoothie bowl designs with different toppings.
Greek yoghurt and wildflower honey on the side
I recently discovered that plain Greek yoghurt mixed with honey is a superb dessert for those looking for an alternative to ice cream. You can add honey and sweeten the yoghurt as you wish, depending on the level of sweetness you desire.

Serina: Every party should have something sweet. And healthy desserts are even better because your guests can indulge with less guilt!

Flourless Sweet Potato Brownies (gluten-free, dairy-free)
Apple & Cinnamon Pie (gluten-free, vegan)

DRINKS
Anabelle: I love sparkling water and I believe most guests would opt for this as a safe bet. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and it’s a great thirst quencher.

Cold-pressed juices
If you’re too busy to prepare it yourself, just grab them from the stores. When you have extras, the guests can even bring them home too. You can even throw a mini contest to see how fast they can finish the juice shots (as opposed to tequila ones).
Coconuts
Nothing beats drinking for the source itself and it’s a great way to jazz up the party. Coconut water contains a similar electrolyte profile to human blood, making it an ideal beverage to replace fluids and help remove toxins from the body. Drinks, with benefits.

Serina: These three choices are perfect party refreshers and are much healthier than sugary soft drinks.

Sparkling Elderflower Lemonade
Strawberry Mint Infused Water
It not only looks pretty but adds an extra oomph to regular water.

Alternatively, do you provide catering for those looking for a more stress-free way and what are some must-orders from your menu?
Anabelle: We do! Whether it’s La Juiceria Superfoods or Super Saigon, we can even close off certain outlets to host a private function. I definitely recommend the Nasi Lemak Wrap (it’s a crowd pleaser!), the Buddha Bowl (mini version), and the Teriyaki Chicken Grain Bowl. Oh, and not forgetting our range of cold-pressed juices.
Serina: Yes! We have a mobile ice cream cart that’s perfect for adding that fun factor to any party. We can scoop our vegan ice cream on-site or send pre-packed cups. You have nearly 50 flavours to choose from. The majority of our dessert pantry is also available for catering whether it’s a whole cake or a variety platter. Our Ferrero Rocher Bliss Ball (raw, vegan, gluten-free) is very popular. We also have savoury offerings with a variety of wrap and sandwich choices.

For more info, check out La Juiceria and Kind Kones online.

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