Beauty
Your facial marathon for the long weekend starts here
So extra

31.08.2017
By Gwen Ong

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Step #1 – Start with a cleanser and double up
A lot of times we’re not aware that there are dirt and dead skin cell buried in the epidermis of our skin. Hence, it is always a good idea to double cleanse. First, swipe face over with a cotton pad soaked in micellar water or a gentle cream cleanser like Shiseido Waso Quick Gentle Cleanser to remove all traces of sweat and grime. Follow this with a gel or foam cleanser, depending on your skin type and needs.

Step #2 – Steam up
Like the knowledgeable facialist that you are, fill up a glass bowl with luke/hot water and hover above or place a towel over your head to trap the steam. You can also add in a few drops of essential oils if you like – Neal’s Yard Remedies has a great selection of organic oils to try. The steam helps open up your pores so that you can get to the bad stuff like the pesky white/blackheads.

Step #3 – De-clog your pores
Time to whip out your extraction tool and get to work now that your pores are opened up. Using gentle motions, press on the sides of your nose to remove white and blackhead, before moving down to your chin and up to your forehead to do the same. Careful not to use excessive force. After you’re done, clean up with a toning product like Caolion Pore Deep Toner or Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner.

Step #4 – Masking it
Face feeling a bit sore? Not to fret. This is the time to nourish back the skin. Try the lightweight Kiehl’s Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Masque or REN Evercalm Ultra Comforting Rescue Mask to revitalise your skin. Or adopt the latest multi-masking trend to focus on your problem areas. Leave on for as long needed but no more than 20 minutes tops.

Step #5 – Slap on the good stuff
By now, you should feel all clean and relaxed from your facial ritual. Now it’s time to pump in the good stuff with your favourite serum and moisturiser. Try the Biotherm Skin Oxygen Strengthening Concentrate to support skin defence or Decorte Moisture Liposome to hydrate skin deeply from within. Don’t forget to pamper your eyes too before you head off to bed. Watch the above video if you want to go a little extra with the pampering.

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Why micellar water deserves a spot on your beauty shelf
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Food + Drink
How to make a Healthy Organic Nasi Lemak Salad by The Good Co.
Guilt-free indulgence

20.05.2017
By Rachel Au

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Another week, another salad recipe from one of the popular healthy cafes in town. You can check out the previous video here. This time, Levy Lo, founder of The Good Co. shows us how to recreate their Healthy Organic Nasi Lemak Salad that’s easy to make and great for people who are on-the-go.
Watch the video below on how to make it and scroll on for the full recipe.

Healthy Organic Nasi Lemak Salad by The Good Co.
Layer 1  Fragrant coconut millet (recipe below)
Layer 2  Cherry tomatoes (whole)
Layer 3  Toasted peanuts
Layer 4  BBQ tempeh (recipe below)
Layer 5  Cucumber (1/2cm slices)
Layer 6  Hardboiled eggs (cut into quarters)
Layer 7  Mixed salad leaves
Layer 8  Sambal satay sauce (recipe below)

FRAGRANT COCONUT MILLET
Ingredient A
300g millet (rinsed)
1000ml water
2 tsp salt

Ingredient B
1 tbsp virgin coconut oil
1/2 tsp salt

Method
1. Add the water and salt into a saucepan then set on high heat to boil
2. Once the water is boiling, reduce to medium heat and add in the rinsed millet. Leave to boil for 5 minutes
Tip: Using a fork, scoop a few grains to try and see if it’s fully cooked
3. Remove from pan and pour the millet into a strainer. Then, transfer it back into the pot while it’s hot
4. Add in Ingredient B and mix it. Set aside to cool.

BBQ TEMPEH
Ingredients
2 pcs tempeh (sliced)
BBQ sauce

Method
1. Coat each sliced tempeh with BBQ sauce and marinate overnight
2. Arrange the tempeh slices in the airfryer’s basket and bake at 170 C for 5 minutes

SAMBAL SATAY SAUCE — 8 servings
Ingredients (blend the following into a paste)
40g chilli powder
2 tsp turmeric powder
3 stalks lemongrass
4 tsp extra virgin olive oil/grapeseed oil
50g gula melaka (chopped finely)
200g toasted peanuts (chopped)
800ml water
1 tsp Himalayan salt
2 tbsp organic soy sauce

For more info on The Good Co., head over to their website or Facebook.

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Make a healthy Yee Sang Salad with this recipe by Chai Bar
How to make a Big Belly Salad with this recipe by Nara Kitchen & Co.

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Beauty
First Impressions: Schwarzkopf’s new Scalp Clinix line
Scalp care is self-care

20.05.2022
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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For those who haven’t heard, Schwarzkopf has just made their first foray into skincare. The new Scalp Clinix line, as the name suggests, targets your scalp—an often overlooked area of skin that requires just as much TLC as the rest of your body.
READ: A guide to your scalp: How to keep it healthy for stronger, healthier hair
To explore the new line, BURO headed over to The Westin Desaru Coast Resort, where we experienced the brand’s official Scalp Clinix Launch. After a five-hour bus ride and a spot of lunch, we were ushered in for the launch event (accompanied by a delicious array of afternoon tea treats!). Here’s what we learned from the session:

 @burobeautybeat Come along with us to the launch of @schwarzkopfpro’s #SCALPCLINIXcollection PSST: It’s available to shop now! #schwarzkopfpromy ♬ why is everyone using this sound - : )

Balanced scalp, healthy hair: This is the idea on which the Scalp Clinix line is built. By harnessing the powers of biotic technology crossed with skincare-inspired ingredients, the Scalp Clinix line seeks to promote a healthy scalp microbiome, which in turn fosters the growth of healthier hair.
READ: The future of beauty is…bacteria? Gallinee’s founder Dr. Marie Drago explains
How does the microbiome affect your scalp and hair? Simply put, when your skin’s microbiome is in a balanced state, it is healthy. However, if your skin’s microbiome is unbalanced, an array of issues such as dandruff, itchiness, dryness, and hair loss may subsequently arise. The way to resolve these issues is to restore balance in your scalp’s microbiome, and the Scalp Clinix range is here to help you do that.
READ: Trend Alert: The best products that have come out of the fermented skincare movement
The range consists of four targeted regimes, all of which can be mixed and matched to customise your treatment to your scalp’s needs. This includes:

Soothing: For dry and delicate scalpsThis range is formulated to help re-balance the scalp’s moisture levels while fostering a healthy scalp microbiome. It contains ingredients such as anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial blue cornflower extract, moisture-binding panthenol, healing tigergrass extract, soothing allantoin, astringent witch hazel and calming chamomile.
Oil Control: For oily scalpsThis range is formulated to deep-cleanse the scalp and remove excess sebum without compromising the microbiome. It contains antioxidant-rich rosemary extract, cooling menthol, and purifying eucalyptus leaf extract.
Flake Control: For all dandruff typesThis range has been formulated for those who struggle with dandruff, gently removing visible flakes while strengthening the scalp’s microbiome. It contains fungicidal octopirox to inhibit the fungal growth that causes dandruff as well as ginger root extract to improve blood circulation and protect against environmental aggressors.
Anti-hair loss: For non-pathological hair lossThis range is formulated for those experiencing hair loss (as the name suggests) and uses strengthening ginseng extract to promote blood circulation to the scalp. It also uses taurine to prevent follicles from entering the premature hair loss phase, carnitine tartrate to keep the hair follicle cells in the growth phase for longer, and anti-inflammatory echinacea purpurea extract to reduce scalp itching, all of which work together to activate the hair follicles.

For the in-salon assortment, each of these categories is offered in the form of boosters which are then mixed with the brand’s Biotic Base and massaged into the scalp. The at-home assortment, however, consists of a shampoo and a treatment (exempting the Anti-Hair Loss range, which offers a hair serum in place of the treatment) which will help to maintain your improved scalp condition until your next salon visit.
We tried the at-home Oil Control range for ourselves, and the first impressions are telling:

 @burobeautybeat Thank you @schwarzkopfprofessional ♬ Sleepy - Gui

Overall, only time will tell how effective the new line is, but so far, so good! Stay tuned for an update…
SHOP HERE

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Fashion
Valentine’s Day 2021: Fashion gift ideas she will definitely love

02.02.2021
By Joan Kong

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

Like Chinese New Year, Valentine’s Day will be a different one this year, but no matter how near or far your significant other may be, there’s no better time to show your love and appreciation than on the day of romance. One of the best ways to do so? By showering them with thoughtfully selected gifts. We know finding the perfect present is anything but an easy task, so as usual, we’re here to help. Regardless of her style, our list of fashionable pieces—from classic designs to limited-edition drops—will be fail-proof.
Shop our selections below:
Infinity hoop earrings, Swarovski

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Just like your love for your other half, these earrings from Swarovski are timeless.
Card case wallet, Gucci

Click here for more.
This Valentine’s Day, Gucci has launched a special capsule with a new House Heart motif. Your S.O can now carry your heart wherever she goes.
Logo graphic canvas bucket hat, Burberry

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Is your loved one obsessed with bucket hats? This pastel pink piece will make a sweet addition to her collection.
Open-toe leather sandal, Giuseppe Zanotti

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You know what they say: give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world. This pair of sexy, strappy heel is one of them.
High-waisted wide-leg trousers, Loewe

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Sometimes, all a girl needs is a pair of flared trousers that will elevate the simplest of looks.
Collier de Chien 24 belt, Hermès

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The Collier de Chien hardware on this sleek leather belt cannot be anymore iconic.
Satin mini-bag with artificial crystals, Prada

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One of Prada’s most-loved designs gets a sparkly update with crystal embellishment peppered all over the luxe satin body.
I Love You hoodie, Balenciaga

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Profess your love loud and proud with this cosy hoodie. With the extension of MCO, trust us when we say that it’ll be put to good use.
Sunglasses, Coach

Forget the usual plain black sunnies—a red-hot pair is the way to go.
Tread Slick boot, Alexander McQueen

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Alexander McQueen’s limited-edition V-day line highlights different symbols of romance, such as the wide-eye-with-heart-pupil print that juxtaposes the edgy feel of the boot.
Silk pyjamas, Fendi

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ICYMI, pyjamas is no longer only worn during bedtime, and this silk set will make her day (and night).
Vara bow ballerina shoe, Salvatore Ferragamo

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The Viva bow designs may be well-loved right now, but the Vara will always have a special place in a girl’s heart.
Graffiti logo-print scarf, Emporio Armani

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The perfect gift for those who are always cold.
Lockit bracelet, Louis Vuitton

Click here for more.
The French Maison has launched its latest #MakeAWish campaign in partnership with Unicef, and this purchase won’t only make your S.O’s day—it supports vulnerable children around the world too. This year’s bracelet design incorporates recycled silver and organic cotton for the first time.
T-shirt with Cœur En Fleurs motif, Dior

Click here for more.
The Cœur en Fleurs print on this T-shirt is a combination of House symbols that are cherished by Monsieur Dior. And now, it can be adored and adorned by your loved one too.
XS Le Pliage Cuir bag, Longchamp

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Longchamp’s signature Le Pliage Cuir bag is given a cute iteration with pink-and-red hues and all-over heart motif. Who can say no to this?
Earrings, Bottega Veneta

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These coiled hoop earrings may be small, but they definitely pack a punch.
Poetic floral shift dress, Kate Spade New York

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Count on this bright and bold number to uplift her mood.
Slingback low-heel pump, Tod’s

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Stylish yet comfy, these pumps are the ideal day-to-night shoes.
Sunglasses, Moschino

Cool shades that look good and will block out the haters? Don’t mind if we do.
Barocco-print silk mini skirt, Versace

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This pleated skirt is a fuss-free statement piece—just pair it with a neutral-hued top and she’s good to go.
Pandora

SHOP HERE
Let your other half know you’ll be supporting her every step of the way with an eye-catching charm that says “let your dreams fly”.
For more Valentine’s Day stories, click here.

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Technology
Mi 9T is Xiaomi’s newest flagship smartphone and is now in Malaysia

21.06.2019
By Ronn Tan

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Everywhere you go, you see smartphones. What was once a rare commodity has now become a lifestyle essential. In fact, anyone who doesn’t use a smartphone might even be considered different in today’s zeitgeist. With the smartphone market increasingly saturated with the latest—and the best—it can be difficult for brands to stand out. The newly-launched Xiaomi Mi 9T is here to conduct a masterclass on how to “terminate the rivals” (quite a bold tagline by the China tech giant) in the market today. Here’s what you need to know about the latest addition to the Mi 9 family, Xiaomi’s flagship series.
The Mi 9T is finally here in Malaysia, and it’s the first country in Southeast Asia to welcome its arrival. The goal of the Mi 9T is to set a new benchmark for smartphones in its price range. With that comes some interesting and brilliant features that makes the Xiaomi Mi 9T one of the smartphones to get.

xiaomi mi9t malaysia launch price 2019
1. Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 730, which equals to better CPU and GPU performance
When it comes to mobile platforms, the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 730 is the best in its class. Compared to its predecessor, Snapdragon™ 710, the new Xiaomi Mi 9T receives a major upgrade in several aspects—an increase of 35 percent for CPU performance, 10 percent for GPU, and twice the AI performance. Yes, that is a lot of numbers; and numbers don’t lie.
Are you a gamer? Here’s a bonus for you! The Xiaomi Mi 9T comes with the new Game Turbo 2.0. What does that mean for your gaming experience? The Game Turbo 2.0 optimises touch response, display, sound quality, network, and in-game calls. Therefore, you can expect an e-sports-level gaming experience.

xiaomi mi9t malaysia launch price 2019
2. AMOLED Full Screen Display and unique curved glass back with flame design
Do looks really matter? Isn’t inner beauty enough? Thankfully, you get both with the Mi 9T. The smartphone features a 6.39-inch AMOLED screen without a notch, and supports Reading and Sunlight Mode 2.0. That means incredible immersive viewing experience with 256-scale eye protection technology and low-brightness colour grayscale optimisation. Moreover, the Mi 9T has also received low-blue-light eye protection certification by VDE Testing and Certification Institute in Germany. This means you won’t have to suffer from tired or sore eyes (nobody likes that!).
In addition to the screen, the Mi 9T applies a nano-holographic technology to produce a special flame design on its four-sided curved glass back. Combined with 3D-glass and extremely narrow frame, you can expect a hand-feel that’s incredibly comfortable. It’s comfy, looks exquisite, and protects your eyes? Are you Mi-grating all your data to the new phone yet?

Xiaomi Mi9T camera
3. 48MP triple camera and 20MP pop-up front camera
Taking amazing high-quality photos is a necessity in today’s day and age. The demand for smartphones with top-notch cameras is at an all-time high and the Mi 9T is no different. Actually, there is a difference—the Mi 9T’s camera is magnanimously superior. It features a main 48MP camera with a 1/2 inch Sony flagship IMX 582 sensor that can produce ultra-high resolution photos. Furthermore, the Mi 9T also features a 13MP ultra wide-angle lens with a 124.8 degree field of view, and an 8MP telephoto lens. This means you don’t just take photos, you’re getting an SLR-like photography experience.

Do you take #selfies often? Be honest. The Mi 9T comes with a 20MP pop-up front-facing camera with a sapphire glass cover, and accompanied by one of six sound effects (they are really cute).

4. 4000mAh large battery, NFC and Hi-Res Audio certification
You’re on a really long flight and you forgot to pack along your power bank and cable to charge your phone; but you also have to get work done on the smartphone (also sans laptop). Fret not. In addition to the 4000mAh large battery, the Mi 9T also comes with an AI energy saving mode to automatically alter screen brightness and for activating sleep mode at night. This means that even with heavy use, your phone can last through at least a full day!
That isn’t all! Mi 9T also features multi-function NFC, with payment transaction speeds upgraded by up to 30 percent, and superb audio quality, with 1217SLS speakers and Smart PA, as well as a 0.9cc large sound chamber for powerful playback. How’s that for a smartphone? If you’re wondering if the smartphone comes with a headphone jack, the answer is yes. The device has a 3.5mm headphone jack, and has received Hi-Res Audio certification.
You can choose from three colours—Carbon Black, Glacier Blue and Flame Red. The Xiaomi Mi 9T will be available in two versions, 6GB+64GB version and 6GB+128GB version, retailing at RM1,199 and RM1,399 respectively. Now, you have a phone that can actually terminate the rivals.
Pre-book from 20 June to 24 June to be entitled to purchase at RM1,099 as an early bird offer—only on Lazada. For more information, visit this website.

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

12.07.2023
By Aina Nur Sarah

FEATURED IMAGE: Earth / Unsplash

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According to a report by Henley & Partners, Malaysia has one of the strongest passport’s globally, ranking 14th in the world. This gives Malaysians access to 179 of 227 countries in the world. However, beginning 2024, Malaysians will need to apply for an ETIAS, a special travel permit to visit EU countries. As Malaysians have enjoyed decades of document-free travels to Europe, the news of a new travel pass requirement may come as a bit of a shock.
If you’re unsure of how to navigate this new requirement, we’ve broken down everything you need to know about ETIAS.

Photo: Joss Woodhead / Unsplash

What is an ETIAS?
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is an electronic visa waiver for citizens of select visa-exempt countries. This special travel document is not a visa and meeting its requirements means you do not need to stress over visa approvals for participating countries.

Why was this programme implemented?
The ETIAS programme is intended to screen travellers arriving from overseas as a response to the global increase in terrorist activities.

When will the ETIAS take effect?
The ETIAS will begin in 2024. According to its website, Malaysians will be required to complete an ETIAS application before boarding an aeroplane, sea carrier, or coach vehicle to Europe.

Who needs to apply for ETIAS?
Individuals that are planning to travel to European destinations and are citizens of countries that do not need to acquire a visa, including Malaysians.

READ: A complete guide to beating jet lag so you can travel to the fullest

Photo: Christian Lue / Unsplash

What happens if you don’t meet the requirements?
If you do not have an approved ETIAS travel authorisation or do not qualify for ETIAS enrollment, you can still acquire a Schengen visa to visit.

How much will the ETIAS cost?
It will only cost you a fee of €7 (approximately RM35.60).

How do you apply for an ETIAS travel pass?
You can apply for the pass on their website, and it will be valid for three years. To apply, you will need a valid travel document (your passport). Your passport needs to be valid for more than three months on the day of your intended departure from the European Union (EU) and be no older than 10 years from the date of issue.
The applications will take between a few minutes to 96 hours to process. If any additional information or interviews are required, the waiting period can take up to an additional 30 days to complete, so you better apply early! If you are related to a citizen of either the EU or a European Free Trade Association country, then you can opt to apply for an exemption.

What are the current participating EU countries?
All 30 countries of the European Union or Schengen Area, including:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
For more information, visit the ETIAS website here.

To read more travel stories, click here.

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BEST OF WEEK


Come On, Burger, Light My Fire

Food + Drink
Come On, Burger, Light My Fire
Goodness in buns

22.09.2015
By Buro247

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Even in Malaysia, where a plethora of street food and ‘world-famous’ hawker dishes tirelessly jockey for position as Malaysia’s Gastronomic Sweetheart, the burger has our collective hearts in its meaty grasp. Erstwhile most popularly consumed next to a greasy Ramly Burger stall kerbside, with exhaust fumes as our complimentary side dish and our brains attempting not to think about the provenance of the meat patty because it tastes oh-so-good, these days the burger has evolved into an infinitely more elegant beast, and the inevitable prefix of ‘gourmet’ to its moniker has resulted in a relentless mushrooming of burger eateries around the country. But let’s face it, if even the gustatorily haughty French have been wooed and conquered by its charms (although that hasn’t prevented them from renaming it ‘steak haché‘ and conveniently forgetting that a burger by any other name is still a burger), there was never any doubt that this ongoing appetite for burgers will be around for quite some time to come.

Let’s be clear however, that-like the proverbial white shirt-not all burgers are created equal. In their haste to jump onto the bandwagon and to cash in on the current obsession with all things patty, many aspiring restaurateurs seem to have forgotten the basic hallmarks of a good, nay, great burger. One of the most portable, naturally delicious, universally loved foods has its place in the pantheon of immortal comestibles precisely because, with a succulent still-pink-in-the-centre beef patty encased between some vegetable components and two fluffy buns, the burger is perfection. Why then the need for gratuitous re-invention?

From (con)fusion to everything-but-the-kitchen-sink burgers, there’s plenty out there to avoid. Happily, MyBurgerLab, the leading exponents of the burger craze, isn’t one of them. They may have invented a charcoal bun to distinguish their product from the rest, but it’s a move that’s paid off in spades because it doesn’t detract from the flavour, nor is it superfluous to the overall appeal of the burger. And that’s what newcomers would do well to learn. It took me a while to wrap my laughing gear around one of these babies, but the memory of it still abides with me. If there is only one burger you will eat there, make it the succinctly named A+. An irreproachably juicy beef patty is paired with tangy cheddar, caramelised onions, shiitake and enoki mushrooms, and a parmesan crisp completes this triumph of flavour and texture.

My other go-to burger joint, when I can persuade an unwitting friend to drive me to the construction purgatory that is Kota Damansara, is Burger Junkyard. My attachment is as much emotional as it is culinarily driven. I’ve interviewed the four young extremely rambunctious partners on Feeding Time several times, and their personality and fearlessness are integral to the setting of their restaurant and the burgers they sell. Burger Junkyard burgers have as their driving USP perilously good butter brioche buns which they developed themselves. Nobody’s fool, they also cater to abstemious diners with half-sized burgers, but once you’ve tried the Balsamic Beefin’ Onions with a char-grilled patty that’s chaperoned by pan-roasted tomatoes, balsamic raisin sauce and caramelised onion chutney, I challenge you to resist not going the whole hog.

A close runner-up for my burger affections, and a lot easier to access in Bangsar, KGB refers not to the Soviet secret police but to the Killer Gourmet Burgers they serve. Fashioned to resemble an American diner with counter service, KGB’s basic shack burger comprises a succulent smashed patty, cheddar and shack sauce that is more than a little evocative of NYC.

Ultimately however (and, I suspect, like many Malaysians), I still return to my first true love, the little burger that could, and the street stall that has me in its thrall is the Otai-that’s lingo for old-timer-in TTDI (outside 7-Eleven, Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi, same row as CIMB bank, Taman Tun Dr Ismail), and that’s because it’s unremittingly tasty. The old school buns are still aerated, sweet pillows of nutritional nothingness, the patties are still wrapped with a fried egg, then drowned with a multitude of sauces and topped with a slice of Kraft cheddar cheese. Best of all, this morsel of heaven takes me back to happier, more carefree times, and I get it, memories and all, for less than a single green note.

Follow Fay on Twitter and Instagram at @misskhoo.
Source:https://www.buro247.my/lifestyle/food-and-drink/living-to-eat.html

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Travel
Weekend getaway: Four Seasons Resort Langkawi
Vitamin sea

13.06.2016
By Rachel Au

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Located in the heart of Southeast Asia’s first UNESCO Geopark, Four Seasons Resort Langkawi is a gorgeous natural haven where the rainforest meets the beach (and sea) and where the list of activities are endless. On the surface, it’s a beautiful resort facing the Andaman Sea with a mile-long sandy beach – one of the finest in Southeast Asia – and with the towering cliffs and lush rainforest as its backdrop; but beyond that, you’ll find there’s more in store for their guests.

With 91 pavilions and villas in tropical beachfront gardens, there is endless space, privacy and a refreshing view. Like all resorts under Four Seasons, you can be assured that it will meet beyond all of your comfort needs. Be it you’re looking for a rejuvenating holiday filled with relaxing spa treatments and lazing by the beach or a vacation where you get to fulfil your thirst for adventure, there’s a wide variety of activities at Four Seasons Resort Langkawi.

Starting with the Geo Spa, an iconic multi-award winner inspired by the ancient energies of the Geopark that offers bespoke natural treatments by ila and using only the finest plant and mineral ingredients produced in harmony with nature and indigenous communities. The spa complex itself is quite the sight as it encompasses six ‘floating’ spa pavilions flanked by towering limestone cliffs. Before commencing your spa session, they will give a complimentary consultation to determine the best treatment for your needs out of their four series: Nourishment (to calm, nurture and ground); Water (to refresh, release and reconnect); Light (to energise and illuminate); and Air (to balance and heal). Additionally, their care for your wellbeing continues in the form of recommendations of programmes, bathing rituals and in-resort activities to participate to maximise the benefits for your body and mind during your stay.

Four Seasons Resort Langkawi is also known for their signature eco-adventures – the ‘Mangroves & Eagles Safari’. Led by the resort’s resident naturalist, the journey will begin with a 15-minute boat ride from the pristine beach and into the mysterious labyrinthine forests of the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, a surreal maze of limestone cliffs and tangled mangroves that dates over 550 million years old. Here you’ll be able to experience up-close encounters with monkeys, eagles and otters, ‘walking’ fish, tree-climbing crabs and more amazing wildlife – all within the comfort and safety of the resort’s boat and with commentary and refreshments included, it’s almost National Geographic-like.

For the adrenaline junkies, Four Seasons Resort Langkawi offers the usual water sports (jet-skis, wake- and knee-boards, SUP, water-skis, tubes, windsurfs, kayaks and Topcats) and the first in Langkawi that’s unique to the resort, X-Jetblades (flyboarding). Don’t worry; it’s not as tricky as it seems. Most first-timers can actually elevate themselves to at least two to five meters above sea level. If you’re not much into fast-paced activities like those, there is also on-site rock climbing station, archery, kite buggies, Skytrex, and many others.

Of course, for the travellers who are really just looking for a relaxing time within the hotel, there’s the multi-tiered family pool and an Olympic-length adult quiet pool with private cabanas. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, the three beachfront restaurants will be ready to serve up a wide selection of dishes before you head off to the Middle East-inspired Rhu Bar for drinks, snacks or a game of pool to end your perfect day.

We’re giving away a two-night stay at Four Seasons Resort Langkawi in a Melaleuca Pavilion with complimentary breakfast for two including passes to the Mangroves & Eagles Safari and a 60-minute couple’s massage. Fill in the form below to stand a chance to win. Following a confirmation email, you will automatically be subscribed to our mailing list.

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Tell us what would you like to see more on the Lifestyle section of buro247.my. Please elaborate on your answer (i.e, if you answered travel, do you mean places to stay or holiday destinations?

Giveaway terms and conditions:
– This giveaway ends at 11:59pm, GMT+8, 30 June 2016. The winner will be announced on 1 July 2016.
– The winner of this giveaway will be notified via email.
– The winner will be entitled to bring a guest along to a two-night stay at Four Seasons Resort Langkawi in a Melaleuca Pavilion with complimentary breakfast for two including passes to the Mangroves & Eagles Safari and a 60-minute couple’s massage.
– All information must be entered to qualify for this giveaway.
– Inability to contact the winner within 3 months of notification will result in disqualification and selection of an alternate winner.
– This giveaway is only open to residents of Malaysia
– Buro 24/7 Malaysia will not entertain any complaints on the quality and quantity of the prizes after the prize is in the possession of the winner.
– Buro 24/7 Malaysia shall not be liable for any loss, including but not limited to direct, indirect or consequential loss or damage, personal injury or death which is suffered or sustained (whether or not arising from any person’s negligence) in connection with participation in this competition or accepting or utilising a prize.

For more information on Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, head to their official website.

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Skincare
Do you need a facial oil? Here’s why they’re necessary and how to use them

09.07.2020
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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As you age, your skin begins to lose moisture; or, rather, it loses the ability to retain it effectively. Suddenly, your moisturisers are no longer quite doing the trick and it seems like you’re misting on the hydrating spray every other hour. The drying effect doesn’t even necessarily happen with age—if you’re prone to sunbathing, or if your skin is naturally dry, it’s likely that you’ll have experienced the effects of skin drying as early as your mid-twenties.
Enter stage left: Face oils. The answer to your skincare woes, the saviour to your skin—pretty similar to beard oils, but much more unisex. There are a lot of misconceptions about them, so let’s start by unpacking those.
What is a face oil?

Your skin produces oil naturally (sebum), which keeps it hydrated by sealing in moisture while warding off both wrinkles and environmental damage alike. Too much sebum production can cause clogged pores, resulting in breakouts and acne. In that strain, stripping the face of sebum with harsh cleansers also leads to dryness, which in turn causes the skin to overproduce sebum, causing acne.
On the other hand, insufficient sebum production results in naturally dry skin. And, if natural dryness is not the case, then—like we said—over time (or with excessive stress to the skin through sun damage), your natural balance will be thrown off and your skin will struggle to produce enough of the good stuff. In this case, you need to replenish the oils to prevent damage and ageing: In other words, hydration.
The best way to get it? A good face oil.
How do I use a face oil?

Instagram: @face.biuti
A face oil effectively works as a supplement for your skin’s natural oils, providing a hydrophobic barrier that retains moisture in the skin, while acting as a protectant against environmental factors. In fact, face oils don’t even necessarily hydrate your face—sure, there’s a lot of good stuff in oils that can nourish the skin, and some can definitely deliver on the moisture front, but it isn’t a given.
This is why it’s important to always, always apply your skincare from thinnest to thickest texture. There’s a reason that every recommended skincare routine goes toner–serum–moisturiser, and it all comes down to molecular structure. Think about it this way—face oils are a water-resistant barrier.
So, if you’re using it as the first step in your routine, you’re potentially preventing the moisture from other water-based skincare products like serums or moisturisers that you’ve applied over the top from permeating through it to work their magic.
However, if you’re applying it the correct way, with face oil being the last step in your skincare routine (before SPF), then you’re effectively sealing all the goodness from your serums and moisturiser in. The result? Happy, hydrated skin!

Instagram: @herbivorebotanicals
Here’s a tip: keep your eye out for oil with smaller (and, therefore, lighter) fatty acid molecules, such as sweet almond oil and avocado oil. They have smaller molecules that are able to penetrate through the barrier of your skin more effectively, and are therefore better equipped to fortify and hydrate your skin.
Plus, as when applying any kind of product, you’ll want to make sure that you’re starting small. Remember: Using excess product won’t give you extra benefits—it’ll only leave you greasy-looking and disappointed.
If you’re a beginner in this and not quite sure how to incorporate oils into your routine, try using a face oil as a night treatment rather than a day-time deal. They are often quite rich for the skin, and this doesn’t translate well aesthetically over the course of the day, especially in this weather. Besides, your skin tends to repair itself at night, and the nutrients from the face oil might do it some good.
How do I choose my face oil?

Instagram: @deciem
It’s likely that you’ve seen the viral Instagram makeup tutorials that promote ‘miracle’ face oils that seem to come in every colour of the rainbow. Or, god forbid, they’re glittery. Bad news: these are exactly the kind of products you want to steer clear of. Those coloured oils? Full of dyes that have the potential to stain your skin. And the glitter? It does literally nothing; talk about giving ’em the ol’ razzle dazzle. So, what should you go for instead?
You could just go classic and go down the pure rosehip or argan oil route. They definitely have their benefits and many absolutely swear by it, but honestly, if you’ve got skin that is even a little problematic, you might want to consider investing in a face oil blend. There are lots of incredible blends that are tailored to an array of different skin types, from acne-prone to combination and even to oily skin (yes, you oily folks out there can also benefit from the right face oil).
With the face oil blends, you’ll want to read through the ingredients list—what kind of base oil are they using? Are they non-comedogenic like jojoba and grapeseed oil? Are they light, yet penetrative and moisturising? Lucky for you, we have a few tried-and-tested favourites you can rely on.
BURO’s picks for the best face oils for each skin type:
For dry skin

Aesop Fabulous Face Oil: Key oils include macadamia seed oil, sweet almond oil and evening primrose, with a blend of juniper, jasmine and ylang ylang to make for an indulgent scent.
For dry skin with uneven tone and texture

Sunday Riley Juno Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil: This bestselling oil has blueberry seed oil, cranberry seed oil, red raspberry oil and broccoli seed oil—all packed with antioxidants, essential amino acids and vitamins to hydrate and nourish skin.
For combination skin

Clarins Lotus Treatment Oil: Hazel seed oil, rose geranium oil and rosemary leaf oil help to soothe skin and reduce breakouts without irritating skin.
For combination skin and no sticky residue

Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil: Cruelty-free pure Marula seed oil is super absorbable and non-greasy; not to mention it packs a punch with anti-oxidants that work to moisturise and rejuvenate the skin.
For acne-prone and dry skin

Herbivore Botanicals Lapis – Blue Tansy + Squalane Balancing Facial Oil: Don’t be startled by the blue tint—this oil’s deep hue comes from the Blue Tansy oil it contains. Infused with azulene oil, this oil reduces inflammation and redness while locking in moisture.
For ageing skin

Farmacy Honey Grail Ultra-Hydrating Oil: The anti-oxidant rich 5-flower oil blend is mixed with honey and sea buckthorn, targets dryness, fine lines and wrinkles. The result? Healthy, youthful and glowy skin.
Note: As with all cosmetics, remember to do a patch test before applying it onto your face. This is especially important for sensitive skin—essential oils like tea tree are often used for their anti-inflammatory and anti-blemish properties, but they can cause adverse effects. Do your research and always do a patch test to make sure that the oil is right for you.

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Food + Drink
5 Raya cookies that should be in your baking list this year

30.04.2021
By Adelina Tan

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In addition to buying Raya cookies, you can also take this opportunity to make your favourites from scratch. This could be a great family affair too—get your siblings and old folks on board in the kitchen. The more, the merrier!
Here, we’ve rolled out some indulgent Raya cookie recipes to get you going.
Honey cornflakes

Ingredients:
5 cups cornflakes
1/4 cup honey
1/4 butter
1 1/2 tablespoon castor sugar
Cherries or rainbow sprinkles (to garnish)
Mini paper cups
Steps:
1. Melt butter over low heat. Then, add honey, sugar and stir well.
2. In a bowl, softly crush cornflakes into smaller pieces. Then, pour butter, honey and sugar mixture into bowl.
3. Mix well until cornflakes are evenly coated.
4. Place into mini paper cups and garnish with cherries or rainbow sprinkles as desired.
5. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes at 150° Celsius. Then, allow to cool and store in an airtight container.
London almond cookies

Ingredients:
250g of butter
250g of wheat flour
50g of nestum
100g of corn flour
1oog of icing sugar
1 egg yolk
85g of toasted whole almonds
A handful of chopped almonds for decoration
400g of cooking chocolate
Mini paper cups
1/2 teaspoon of corn oil
Steps:
1. Beat butter with sugar until well combined. Then add the egg yolk and beat again until smooth.
2. Add in nestum, cornflour and wheat flour. Knead it well to form a soft dough that does not stick to your hands.
3. Take a little dough, fill it in with the almond nibs and roll it into an oval.
4. Bake in the oven at 180° Celsius for around 20 minutes or until cooked.
5. While the cookie is being baked, melt the cooking chocolate by using the double boiler method.
6. Coat the cookie with the melted chocolates then fill it into mini paper cups. To finish, top it off with chopped almonds.
Pineapple tarts

Ingredients for jam:
2 pineapples, blend to a fine paste
600g of sugar
1 cinnamon stick
A few drops of yellow dye
Ingredients for decoration:
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon of water
 A drop of yellow dye
Ingredients for tart:
125g of butter
1 tablespoon of castor sugar
1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon of gee oil
1 3/4 cup of whea flour
1/4 cup corn flour
1 tablespoon of custard flour
1/2 teaspoon of salt (if using unsalted butter)
Steps:
1. Whisk in butter with sugar until white and creamy.
2. Add egg yolk, gee oil and salt and stir until well combined.
3. Sift the three types of flour, add in the flour bit by bit into the mix, mixing just until the dough becomes soft. Set aside to let it rest.
4. Insert the dough into the tart mould, press and roll with a small pinch of pineapple jam.
5. Place them on a baking tray with baking paper and glaze tart with egg yolk, water and yellow dye mix.
6.  Preheat the oven to 175° Celsius, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until bottom edges are golden brown.
Makmur

Ingredients:
500g of  flour
2/3 cup of icing sugar
1 small can of gee oil
Mini paper cups
200g of groundnut (fried without oil)
3/4 cup of icing sugar
1 tablespoon of peanut butter
Some icing sugar
Steps:
1. Sift flour together with icing sugar, then mix the dough with the gee oil. Add in the oil gradually until it is soft and ready to knead.
2. Using a blender, blend the groundnuts and mix it with icing sugar and peanut butter.
3. Measure the dough by using a large spoon to make sure the cookies are size evenly. Flatten the dough and place the nut filling in the centre. Enclose the filling with dough and squeeze it into shape.
4. Arrange on a baking sheet and bake for 10 to 15 minutes at 150° Celsius.
5. Cool the cookies on  a wire rack, coat them with icing sugar and place in mini paper cups.
Semprit

Ingredients:
60g of flour
350g of butter
200g of icing sugar
2 eggs
200g of custard flour
100g of corn flour
1 teaspoon of vanilla essence
Red cherries and green cherries for decoration
Steps:
1. In a bowl, beat butter and icing sugar until white, then add in eggs bit by bit before adding vanilla essence. Beat until it flowers.
2. Add wheat flour, castor flour and cornflour into the mix. Continue to stir and knead until the dough is soft.
3.  Pour the batter into a small mould, shape it evenly before placing it on a greased baking tray. Garnish your cookies with cherries.
4. Finally, bake in the oven at 180 ° Celsius  for about 10 to 15 minutes or until cooked.
Tip: Play these Raya tunes to get in the mood while baking up a storm!
Whatever the outcome may be, we hope that you enjoy the process.  Happy baking!
For more recipes to try at home, click here.

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Holiday scents that will carry you away

Beauty
Holiday scents that will carry you away
Perfumes with a sense of place

08.08.2015
By Renyi Lim

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Destination: Venice

Try: Les Exclusifs de Chanel MISIA by Chanel, 75ml for RM 562
The city of Venice holds a special place in Chanel’s history: it is where Gabrielle Chanel and the enigmatic art patron, Misia Sert, forged the bonds of their friendship – one that would help transform Chanel into the woman who would revolutionise style. Misia’s whirlwind spirit now lives on in Chanel’s fragrance of violet flower, Grasse rose, lush iris, and Laotian benzoin. Let her take you by the hand and lead you through the maze of Venice’s squares and alleys, leaving a seductive trail as you go.
Destination: London

Try: My Burberry EDT by Burberry, 50ml for RM270
A spritz of My Burberry will ensure that you have a jolly good time in London, come rain or shine. With a bright, fresh scent of peonies, peach flowers, sweet pea, white moss, and musk, it’s like stepping into a spring blossom garden after a brisk downpour. Just don’t forget to pair it with a classic gabardine Burberry trench coat – when it comes to an English summer, you never know when the weather’s going to turn.
Destination: Corfu

Try: Eros Pour Femme by Versace EDP, 30ml for RM 286
Life on a Greek island like Corfu, with its emerald seas and rugged mountains, is enough to turn any wistful traveller into a would-be mermaid. Sensual, radiant and magnetic, Versace’s Eros Pour Femme draws its powers of seduction from Sicilian lemon, Calabrian bergamot, jasmine absolute Sambac, and creamy sandalwood. Layer the fragrance over a tan and your most daring bikini, then watch the boys fall for you hook, line and sinker.
Destination: Puglia

Try: Italian Summer Fig EDT by The Body Shop, 50ml for RM 109
There’s just something about figs that screams summer: their bittersweet aroma bursting with the fullness of ripe, milky flesh. Many an Italian will insist that the best figs come from the sun-bleached region of Puglia, which boasts enormous stretches of Mediterranean coastline and lush, fertile farmland. The Body Shop has captured the fig’s opulent scent, combining it with green notes of grape leaf and crocus, plus elements of ocean spray, Tuscan rose, and amber in their new signature offering. Be prepared – it really does smell good enough to eat.

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Technology
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4’s Cover Screen: 8 Tricks you didn’t know you could do
We got you covered

26.12.2022
By Rachel Au

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The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 is a flexible phone, and it’s not just because it’s foldable. Here are several tips and tricks you can do with its Cover Screen alone.
There’s a lot to love with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4—read our review of its pros and cons here—and there’s so much you can do with this pocketable, foldable phone. The review covers most of its features, but there are more tips and tricks you can actually get out of it. To prove our point, we’ve rounded up some things you might not have realised you could do with the Cover Screen.
First, tap the Cover Screen to wake it and…

1. Take a selfie (or wefie) with the 12MP rear camera
The 10MP selfie camera is great, but why not use the better 12MP rear camera? Simply press the power button twice to open the Camera app, and voila, you’ll spot yourself on the Cover Screen. Next, swipe up or down to toggle between the Ultra Wide camera (great for group photos) and the Wide camera.
Alternatively, swipe to the left for Portrait mode. Once you’re ready to snap the shot, just press the volume button.
To activate a short self-timer, tap on the screen or show your palm to the camera (Palm gesture).
Tip: Double-tap on the Cover Screen to see how the photo would look in the actual portrait-oriented ratio.

2. Shoot a vlog with the 12MP rear camera
To shoot a video with the Cover Screen, swipe to the right instead!

3. Shoot a photo or video from a distance
One of the great benefits of having a foldable phone is that it can act as a mini tripod! And with the Cover Screen preview, you can easily check that the framing is to your liking before taking the shot.
Once you’ve placed down the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4, selected the correct mode and angled it, ensure you enable the Cover Screen preview by tapping on the far right button (the icon looks like a square with a tinier square in its top-right corner). When you’re ready, use the Palm gesture to begin.

4. Answer (or reject) phone calls
Traditionally, you can flip open the phone to pick up the call. While that’s still applicable, you can also answer it without doing so via the Cover Screen by touching the green button and dragging it to the centre of the screen. However, be warned that doing so will utilise the speaker instead, so it’s only a good trick if you’re in the comforts of a private area.
To decline a call, touch and drag the red button instead towards the middle.

5. Send a quick reply to text messages
Your Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 sounds off an alert—a message has been delivered to your inbox. Or perhaps you picked it up, woke up the Cover Screen, swiped to the left and saw your notifications tray had some messages for you. Either way, you can tap on the selected message to expand it to read further. Then, scroll down further for some short, sweet, templated replies that you can quickly send without even opening your phone.

6. Use Samsung Pay for quick transactions
If you have Samsung Pay set up on your Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4, making cashless transactions is even faster. Wake the Cover Screen and swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open Samsung Pay. If you have more than one card registered, you can swipe across to switch to your desired one. Then, authorise the payment by using the fingerprint sensor and tapping the base of the phone—that’s where the NFC chip is—on the payment terminal.

7. Access the settings
On the other hand, swiping down from the top of the Cover Screen will give you access and control to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4’s settings, such as Wi-Fi, Silent mode, Bluetooth, Airplane mode and even screen brightness.

8. Widgets!
Under Settings > Cover Screen > Widgets, you can activate your favourite widgets for instant access via the Cover Screen. From the weather forecast to the calendar and timer to the voice recorder to steps, toggle the ones you like and reorder them in your preference. On the Cover Screen, you’ll be able to access them by waking up the screen and swiping to the right.

Bonus: How to customise your Cover Screen
Go to Settings > Cover Screen > Clock style.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 has various ‘Graphical’ templates for the Clock style. Still, you can also personalise how and where you want the clock, date/time, and battery displayed under the Basic option.
Next, tap on the preview at the top of the screen to add wallpapers! The more images you add here, it’ll cycle through them on your Cover Screen throughout the day!

*The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 starts at RM4,099 (128GB); differing prices are according to the chosen storage option. It’s available in four colourways: Graphite, Pink Gold, Blue and the signature Bora Purple. Alternatively, there’s the Bespoke Edition which provides 75 unique combinations.
For more information or to purchase the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4, head to their website.

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Lifestyle
#Breaking2: Nike tried to beat the 2-hour marathon record
Just do it

08.05.2017
By Rachel Au

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The record for the fastest marathon ever run is held by Dennis Kimetto at 2:02:57 in the 2014 Berlin race. Since then it’s been said that it’s humanly impossible to beat the two-hour mark and so Nike, being the type to break barriers, decided to try. They called the initiative Breaking2.

The participants are some of the world’s best distance runners: Eliud Kipchoge, Zersenay Tadese and Lelisa Desisa. After months of training and working with a team of sports researchers, the private event took place on 6 May 2017 in Monza, Italy. The shoe in question, for those who’s interested, is the lightweight Zoom Vaporfly Elite.

The three runners didn’t manage to break the two-hour marathon barrier but Kipchoge most definitely beat the world record by finishing with a time of 2:00:25, almost two and a half minutes faster than the current world record and 2:40 better than his personal best of 2:03:05. Tadese who finished in 2:06:51 beat his personal best by 3:50 while Desisa completed the race with a time of 2:14:10.

Kipchoge called it one of the finest performance in his career, which includes the gold medal he won at the Rio Games 2016 and earning a personal best official time of 2:03:05, the third-fastest in history. His Nike Breaking2 record, however, will not enter the record books due to a non-compliant system of pacemaking but Kipchoge is proud of the achievement. “This journey has been good, it has been hard, it has been seven months hard preparation. It has been history in the world of sport,” he said.

Watch the entire race on Nike’s Breaking2 Facebook page for up to one week after the event ends and look out for the feature-length documentary on the powerful journey of the Breaking2 program produced with National Geographic later in the year.

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Culture
“It’s kind of like validation for my insanity,” artist Trevor Andrews tells Buro 24/7
The GucciGhost comes to life

26.02.2016
By Buro247

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Trevor Andrew’s story is could very well be your modern-day equivalent of a cliché fairy-tale come to life. A skater, street artist, musician and former Olympic snowboarder, Andrew’s artwork came from the streets and met its Princess Charming: Gucci.

It was the GucciGhost that started it all; Andrew had created it on Halloween three years ago, by cutting out two eye holes from a Gucci sheet and walking around New York City. People seemed to be instantly taken by the GucciGhost, so Andrew began painting his own interpretation of the house’s iconic monogram (the mirrored Gs) on just about everything on the streets.

Andrew’s artwork now heavily influences Gucci’s fall/winter 2016 collection, marking the Italian house’s first artist collaboration under the helm of creative director Alessandro Michele. Following Gucci’s fall/winter 2015 presentation in Milan, Buro 24/7 Singapore has a chat with the artist himself:

You’ve straddled quite a few components of artistry in your life: You grew up skateboarding, were an Olympic snowboarder and you’re also a musician. How do these aspects influence your work as an artist now?
Skateboarding is the root of the way I live my life, and the kind of mentality that that lifestyle can bring: Making your own rules, not working within a structure, having the freedom to just create and fall down and get back up. My musical influences stem from roots like counter culture, indie, as well as music I discovered in skateboarding videos. When you’re dealing with artists – whether they’re skateboarders, musicians or designers – whatever the medium, you get people who bring interesting perspectives in style and aesthetic.

What is it about the Gucci logo that draws you in? It just means greatness, great quality, leadership and just…it’s like…godly, you know?

When you first started painting the town Gucci, was it done out of mockery or praise? Praise, entirely. I wouldn’t paint my whole surroundings and everything that I could find with something that I thought was a joke. I wanted to make everything around me feel “Gucci”. I felt like I could make something that was ugly pretty just by painting Gucci on it. It was entirely out of love and wanting to always feel as great as when I bought my first Gucci piece – always reliving that kind of high.

Were you afraid and nervous at all about how the people at Gucci would react to the GucciGhost? No. I wanted them to notice me, even if it was a good or bad thing. I was just creating – I wasn’t out there trying to make money off of Gucci. I was hoping that they would notice what I was doing – that was my whole point. I knew that if the right person with a vision saw it, they would appreciate it.

Which brings us to how Alessandro first noticed you. When and how did he reach out to you? He approached me through a mutual friend, Ari Marcopoulos, a photographer who did their Pre-Fall look book. I got a text from Ari to send over photos and videos. He told me that they [the team at Gucci] thought I was cool. Just that alone…I felt like I had made it. Three weeks later, Ari said, “Yo, get at me right away, my friend wants to connect you with Alessandro”. Later on a call, they asked if I could come to Rome the following week. I was like, “Of course!”

Did you have any reservations working with him? No. I had heard about what he had done for Gucci. He takes risks, has fun with what he does and follows his heart, and that’s how I work. I completely work off emotion, love and [a sense of having] no fear. You can’t get good results when you work off fear.

What was the creative and working process like in building the collection? I was given complete freedom to bring my vision. I painted the bodies, and once I was done, Alessandro would come in and bring it to a whole other level.  It was so amazing to work with the materials – the accessibility to the greatest stuff in the world. Obviously, he has a wide range of influences and knowledge, so he elevated my pieces to luxury and street chic. It was very easy and fun. I was painting and listening to music, and I felt like I was back home in my creative space, you know? Alessandro would look at it, and we would talk or he would just immediately start – boom, boom, boom – adding things. That creative energy pushes and makes each other better, you know? I got that from skateboarding too – it taught me about camaraderie and trust between your friends. That’s how Alessandro works – he makes everybody feel great about what they bring to the table.

What’s your favourite piece from the collection? I like the gold bomber jacket. I did that at around seven or eight in the evening the day before the show. It was just some leftover silhouettes that we had that hadn’t been painted. I was already done, but I just wanted to keep painting, so I put on music and painted. I whipped that one up and hung in the room. When I came back up, Alessandro had already got to it and started reworking and adding things.

What does it mean to you now, from creating your own personal Gucci items to being officially part of the storied house? Oh man, it’s like an honour. It’s kind of like validation for my insanity. So many people didn’t understand what I was doing. It just lets everybody know that you can start with nothing and end up with something, if you’re really persistent and have a vision.

Lastly, we want to know: When was the last time you really got into trouble? Um… I really can’t remember.

Original text by Dora Aljoofri and Adibah Isa of Buro 24/7 Singapore. Check out the Gucci fall/winter 2016 collection here.

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5 Best royal palaces to visit in Europe

Travel
5 Best royal palaces to visit in Europe
Majestic monuments

25.04.2016
By Rachel Au

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

Queen Elizabeth II recently celebrated her 90th birthday and of course, it was a grand celebration and it comes as no surprise that there was—and will be—various commemorative souvenirs and events such as the upcoming special exhibition ‘Fashioning a Reign: 90 Years of Style from The Queen’s Wardrobe’ at the Buckingham Palace from 23 July to 2 October 2016. If you’re going to be in UK to visit one palace, why not tour some of the other best castles in Europe as well?

It’s easy with British Airways’ vast network in Europe through the award-winning London Heathrow Airport. “The UK and Europe house some of the world’s famous palaces and castles. British Airways would like to invite travellers from Malaysia to take advantage of our extensive network to visit some of these majestic monumental sites in the UK, or one of the equally stunning palaces in nearby Spain, Monaco or France,” said Vivian Tan-Loh, British Airways’ country manager for Malaysia. Here are the top palaces and castles on the airline’s must-see list.

1. Buckingham Palace

The monarch’s official London residence wasn’t originally built as a palace; it was originally known as Buckingham House in 1703 and was just a large townhouse, which is the core building in today’s palace. Expansions and additional wings around the central courtyard were later added in the 19th century before Queen Victoria moved in and it became the London residence for the reigning monarch—Buckingham Palace.

2. Windsor Castle

Located just 40 minutes outside of London, Windsor Castle is both the Queen’s country residence and a majestic representation of over 900 years of royal history. It’s the world’s oldest and largest occupied castle and since Her Majesty sometimes spend private weekends there, you might be able to time your visit during her stay. If you miss the ‘Fashioning a Reign’ exhibition at Buckingham Palace, you’ll have another chance to check it out at Windsor Castle from 17 September 2016 to 8 January 2017.

3. Palacio Real

The history behind Madrid’s Royal Palace has a slight palace-ption to it: It was constructed in the mid-1700s on the site of a castle built in the 9th century. By floor area, Palacio Real is the largest royal palace in Europe and contains almost 3,500 rooms. However, the Spanish Royal Family lives in a smaller palace on the outskirts of the city these days and uses the Royal Palace mainly for state functions.

4. Prince’s Palace of Monaco

It is as its name suggests. The Prince of Monaco officially resides here and the palace has been the continuous home of the Grimaldi family for over seven centuries. With spectacular views over both the Port of Fontvieille and the Mediterranean Sea, it’s not hard to imagine why. The fortified palace looks even more breathtaking when it is lit up at night.

5. Palace of Versailles, Paris

Located 20 kilometres southwest of Paris, the Château de Versailles (which is the palace’s other name) was the centre of political power in France from 1682 until 1789 when the monarchy was deposed by the French Revolution. One of the most famous rooms in the palace is its gallery that was aptly named the Hall of Mirrors as it contains 17 mirror-clad arches that reflect 17 arcaded windows that overlook the chateau’s beautiful gardens.

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Top fashion designer hotels for a lavish haute vacation
David Beckham reveals his favourite travel destinations

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Style
Salvatore Ferragamo embraces circularity with the launch of upcycled capsule collection ‘Icon-Up’

02.11.2021
By Kelly Lim

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The ultimate wedding shoe guide for the bridal party

As we all become more aware of the environmental impact of our clothes, brands, retailers and designers are pivoting to adapt a slower fashion philosophy. The latest luxury house to step up in their commitment towards sustainability is Salvatore Ferragamo, with the introduction of ‘Salvatore Ferragamo Icon-Up’: a limited-edition, eco-friendly collection that combines innovative circularity principles and material reuse with brand heritage and DNA.

Launched last week on Farfetch.com, the one-of-a-kind collection sees the Italian fashion house breathe new life to house icons, such as the Varina and Vara shoes, by utilising existing materials and products from their inventory that might’ve otherwise gone used. Deadstock shoes, accessories and trademark printed silks are repurposed and upcycled into unique new designs that have each been reimagined by the creative team, then manufactured by highly specialised local artisans and Manovia craftspeople, the brand’s historic in-house prototyping division.

The making of the ‘Salvatore Ferragamo Icon-Up’ collection

In addition to capturing the essence of Made in Italy, ‘Icon-Up’ epitomises circular creativity in its celebration of colours and prints. From a refashioned Tiger print silk––drawn from the current exhibition at Salvatore Ferragamo’s Museum in Florence––to the Gancini print, shoes and belts arrive in striking combinations of designs, and adorned with signature Vara bows upcycled from printed silk in a variety of vibrant shades.

It doesn’t end there: Completing the eco-friendly model is the collection’s carefully considered packaging, which includes a reusable printed drawstring bag upcycled out of Ferragamo’s stock, alongside new Favini Remake paper boxes made out of an innovative blend of post-consumer waste pulp and pre-consumer leather waste.
Salvatore Ferragamo’s ‘Icon-Up’ is available now exclusively on Farfetch.com as part of the online retailer’s ‘Positively Conscious’ edit of sustainable fashion.

Shop: Varina printed upcycled ballerina shoes, Salvatore Ferragamo, US$1,220 (approx. RM5,061.17)

Shop: Varina printed upcycled ballerina shoes, Salvatore Ferragamo, US$1,390 (approx. RM5,766.41)

Shop: Vara 30mm upcycled glitter pumps, Salvatore Ferragamo, US$1,320 (approx. RM5,476.02)

Shop: Vara 30mm upcycled pumps, Salvatore Ferragamo, US$1,320 (approx. RM5,476.02)

Shop: Vara Bow printed upcycled belt, US$750 (approx. RM3,111.37)

Shop: Vara Bow upcycled belt, US$750 (approx. RM3,111.37)

Read more sustainable fashion stories here.

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Beauty
Celebeauty: JLo Beauty is officially coming soon, Ariana Grande’s ‘Austin Powers’ beauty is an instant favourite

22.11.2020
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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The celebs really went all out with the looks this week—from Ariana Grande’s Y2K twist on ’70s beauty to Billie Eilish’s coded manicure, there are lots of fun headlines to peruse. Plus, watch this space for all the juicy deets on JLo Beauty’s launch!

This week in hair

Ariana Grande sports some of her best looks yet in her new Austin Powers-inspired music video

If you’re looking for a treat for the eyes, Ariana Grande’s brand new video for ‘34+35’ should be the first place you look. Not only will you find great visuals, you’ll also find some stellar looks! It’s best you see for yourself, but the ‘70s-esque femme bot hair and makeup is something to behold.
At one point, Grande sports a dramatic white graphic wing, complete with a sleek, voluminous high half-pony (as is her trademark). Her ‘scientist’ look—although wildly inappropriate for any professional research setting—would be a cute everyday look for work. The femme-bot look is wildly nostalgic too—the huge beehive and perfectly curled ends along with the pinky-perfect shadow-lip combo she’s wearing are instantly iconic.
Our personal favourite in the video, however, is the futuristic silver art-deco eye and metallic amethyst-purple lips on her Ex Machina-meets-Frankenstein-esque character. We’ll take six!
PS: You can see Grande’s many elusive tattoos very clearly in this video!

Bella Hadid goes vibrant red

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The supermodel shared a short clip of her seemingly on the road, mask-on and makeup-free with a big surprise change. Sporting vibrant red-pink tresses, her new look caught us off guard. However, upon closer inspection, we are pretty confident that the ‘dye job’ is the work of an Instagram filter.
We’re disappointed it’s not real, but here is to hoping Bella feels inspired to undergo a big, ginger makeover sometime soon!

This week in makeup

FKA Twigs and Dua Lipa sport bold brows between them

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The unlikely duo announced via Instagram that FKA Twigs was the special guest joining Lipa’s Studio 2054 livestream performance, a ‘brand-new multidimensional live experience’ that will take place from a warehouse. Along with that good news, they collectively showed off their incredible brows and flawless looks.
Twigs kept her face makeup-free this time around, while sporting a significantly lighter mop of curls (it looks like she is letting her familiar red dye wash out). Dua Lipa, on the other hand, paired her signature dramatic wing with what appears to be a taupe lip and enviably dewy skin.

Kylie Jenner drops a Grinch-themed collection

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The beauty mogul has made a turn for the weird with this Christmas makeup collection. That said—we’re honestly into it. The entire collection consists of an eyeshadow stick set, a lipstick set, a matte lip kit, two lip glosses, one powder palette, one liquid eyeliner, two shimmery eye glazes, one highlighter and one blush.
While your first instinct may be to run for the hills at the thought of green lipstick, you’ll be pleased to find that the collection is pretty wearable. Along with olive-toned greens and frosty mints you’ll also see varying shades of red, pink and purple. Unfortunately, if you’re looking to score it, you’re out of luck as every single bundle and product has been completely sold out.

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Lifestyle
Fun x functional: The new MINI Clubman launches in Malaysia
It packs a punch

24.04.2016
By Su Fen Tan

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Not-so-mini, yet oh-so-powerful; MINI Malaysia has unveiled the new MINI Clubman, the newest member to the MINI family, and the only six-door-vehicle in the premium compact segment. In true MINI style, the Clubman embodies the combination of driving fun, premium charisma, functionality and unique individuality. It is introduced in two variants—the MINI Cooper Clubman and MINI Cooper S Clubman.

Introducing the new MINI Clubman, Mr. Han Sang Yun, Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia said: “The new MINI Clubman creates a new chapter in the story of MINI. The new car revolutionises the brand, taking the MINI appeal a notch higher with current trendsetters and drives the creative class social segment.”

The new Clubman retained its much-loved signature design feature, the split rear doors, while accessibility and every day functionality are enhanced with four full-sized side doors and five fully-fledged seats—boasting dimensions that are significantly larger than the predecessor model. It now has a length of 4,253mm, a width of 1,800mm and a height of 1,441mm, all packed in a sleek, commanding silhouette.

There is no compromising on power, as the new MINI Cooper Clubman houses a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder inline engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology, ensuring mighty sporting performance for its segment: a peak output of 136 hp and a maximum torque of 220 Nm—acceleration from 0-100km/h takes only 9.1 seconds with a top speed of 205 km/h. The MINI Cooper S Clubman, on the other hand, takes power delivery one step further. With its 2-litre 4-cylinder engine, it boasts a peak output of 192 hp and a maximum torque of 280 Nm, while 0-100 km/h takes merely 7.1 seconds with a top speed of 228 km/h.

The estimated retail price (on the road without insurance) of the new MINI Cooper Clubman is RM203,888, while the MINI Cooper S Clubman is priced at RM253,888. For more information, visit www.MINI.my.

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Beauty
6 Eye makeup trends from SS18 to emulate
Eye drama

09.03.2018
By Wei Yeen Loh

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STEP INTO SPRING

Embrace a slew of contrasting hues by way of your favourite spring colours. Combine two of the season’s most popular colours — pink and yellow — in a romantic manner over the upper eyelids. Remember to blend, blend and blend for a seamless, pigmented look and to prevent harsh lines between both hues.
Use: By Terry Game Lighter Eye Palette (limited edition)

ARTISTIC STROKES

If dual-toned eyeshadow doesn’t tickle your fancy, pull off neon brights in abstract strokes for an avant-garde look. Swipe a vivid orange over your upper eyelids and extend it outwards. For added drama, intensify certain spots with a wet eyeshadow to give it a textured effect.
Use: Make Up For Ever Wet Paint

BRING THE BLING

There is nothing quite like Swarovski-studded eyes to best reflect the shimmering disco lights in a club. If you’re down for making a sparkly statement, go with rhinestone-dotted eyes seen at Dries Van Noten (and most recently, Prada AW18). Carefully place Swarovski crystals along your upper and lower lids in a linear fashion.

THE-DAY-AFTER SMOKEY EYE

Can you tell that this season’s all about embracing the beauty in imperfection? The smokey eye is toned down this time around with a less aggressive finish and a more smudged effect, seen at Giorgio Armani and Marchesa. Some tips to look more grunge-chic and less raccoon-eyed include 1) use a gel liner to line the lashes and smudge it gently with a brush, and 2) add a pearly/metallic eyeshadow over your eyelids and blend well for more depth to your makeup look.
Use: Chanel Les 9 Ombres Exclusive Creation Eyeshadow Collection

A KILLER CAT EYE

Up your eyeliner game this season with a bold cat eye that will render you double takes from a mile away. Take inspiration from Marc Jacob’s full-on makeup look — models sporting cat eyes that complement their individual eye shapes — with the help of a pigmented gel eyeliner. Fill in the cat eye gradually from the inner corners of the eye outwards, then use a liquid eyeliner to draw over the cat eye for a dark, dramatic finish. Tip: Arm yourself with a dozen of Q-tips to clean up smudges and imperfections.
Use: Marc Jacobs Beauty Fineliner Ultra-skinny Gel Eye Crayon and Magic Marc’er Precision Pen Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, both in Blacquer

THE GLITTERATI

Celebrate the magical, whimsical and out-of-this-world with all things sparkly and glittery this SS18. Glitter was out in full force on the runways — case in point, models at Stella Jean repped silver holographic glitter on the eyelids that intentionally swept up towards the brows in an imperfect way for a spontaneous effect. An easy way to turn heads in any party.
Use: M.A.C Cosmetics Glitter in Silver Hologram

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Jewellery
8 Stunning diamond-alternative gems for your engagement ring
Sparkling treasures

16.12.2022
By Phyll Wu

Images courtesy of respective jewellery brands

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Diamonds have fallen out of favour as of late. Sure, they’re durable, sparkly, and timeless, but so are countless other precious gemstones that are just as exquisite, if not more—so why limit yourself to one option? Especially if you’re planning on popping the big question, there are certainly no rules that say you must have diamonds as the centrepiece of your engagement ring, despite it being the most popular choice. Plus, they’re not as rare as you might think. And because true love is rare to come by, you and your dearest deserve an equally rare and special gem to mark the beginning of a new chapter in your relationship. If you’ve been hunting for a unique gem for your engagement ring, good news! You’ve come to the right place. But first and foremost, let’s get into the Mohs Hardness Scale.

What is the Mohs Hardness Scale?
The Mohs Hardness Scale is used to determine the durability of minerals. If you intend to wear your jewellery on a frequent or daily basis and possibly pass it down to your children someday, durability is an important factor to consider. With a scale of one to ten, the higher the gem is on the scale, the more resistant it is to scratches and abrasions. For example, talc is known to be the softest mineral in the gem world, placing it at one on the scale, which is softer than our fingernails that ranks at two-point-five. Diamonds are the hardest mineral in the world, ranking at ten. Gems that sit at seven or above on the scale are considered most suitable for rings, with eight or above being ideal for engagement rings. Although the scale is a convenient tool to determine the general hardness of a gem, be sure to ask your jeweller for more details and steps to take for proper maintenance so you can admire its beauty for a lifetime.

Now that’s over with, let’s get into these dazzling gems!

Sapphire
18 Karat Botanica White Gold Ring With Vs-Gh Diamonds And Blue Sapphire, Hueb

Sapphires are typically associated with a rich, midnight blue hue, but they also come in various different colours, such as peach, pink, purple, green, and white. Ranking at nine on the Mohs scale, sapphires are a popular alternative to diamond engagement rings. For centuries, the gemstone has been adored by royalties across the globe for its many protective and healing properties.
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Ruby
Tiara Halo Pave Bridal Set, La More

Rubies are considered one of the four original gemstones, alongside diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds. The entrancing blood-red stone has been known to symbolise passionate love and commitment, and it’s believed to protect its wearer from misfortune and illness. Rubies rank at nine on the scale, making them suitable for everyday wear.
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Tourmaline
Coco Tourmaline Paraiba Diamond Ring, Tippy Taste

From lush green to maroon red or even both, tourmaline is a fascinating gemstone that comes in more colours—as well as colour combinations—than any other mineral group. Its rise in popularity has made it readily available in many jewellery stores, although some colours are rarer than others to find, such as the Paraiba variety, which is a neon-like blue or green. Tourmaline sits at seven to seven-point-five on the scale.
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Siberian Amethyst
Antique 1900s Siberian Amethyst Rose Gold Ring, Romanov Russia (Sold)

First discovered as early as 2000 BC, amethysts have been a treasured gem for centuries. From ancient Egypt to the British crown jewels, the majestic violet-purple stone can be found on royal artifacts all over the world. While amethysts have become a fairly common gem that you can fetch at a small price, Siberian amethysts can be exceptionally hard to find and are extremely valuable. Its purple hue is intense, making it the highest grade of amethysts. At seven on the scale, amethysts generally boast excellent clarity and are able to be cut into a wide variety of shapes.

Moissanite
Zahra Ring, Kristin Coffin

Perhaps the most popular alternative to diamond engagement rings, moissanites are the second hardest mineral in the world, with a nine-point-five rank on the scale, just behind diamonds. These dazzling white stones are often mistaken for diamonds as they’re nearly identical in terms of appearance, but moissanites are lab-grown with minimal environmental impact. They may not be as rare, but they boast a blinding disco ball-like sparkle that surpasses even the rarest of diamonds.
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Morganite
Opre Morganite and Diamond Halo Ring in 18K Rose Gold (Oval), Michael Trio

Originally named ‘rose beryl’, these dreamy blush-hued gems have been adored by brides for many years now. Morganites are often associated with innocence, sweetness, romance and love, making them one of the most popular gemstones for engagement rings. It is believed that its breathtaking pink hue radiates a soothing energy that will bring emotional healing and compassion to its wearer, as well as open your heart to new possibilities and help you overcome your hardest situations. Ranked at seven-point-five to eight on the Mohs scale, morganites boast a vitreous lustre that complements any design with a youthful flair.
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Taaffeite
Taaffeite Ring with D Flawless Diamonds Set in Premium, Kat Florence

Taaffeite, the rarest gem on this list, is considered over a million times rarer than diamonds. In fact, most people have never heard of this exquisite stone due to how rare it is. This magnificent gemstone was initially mistaken for spinel for its resemblance in colour, and it was only because of its unique double refractive property that Count Taaffe of Dublin, who discovered the stone in 1946, realised that he stumbled upon something special. Found only in Sri Lanka and Tanzania, taaffeite sits at eight to eight-point-five on the scale. In terms of colour, most are pale-coloured in various shades of pink and purple, and they may even come in unusual hues like green or brown. Red taaffeite is by far the rarest colour variation, with only about twelve that are known to exist.
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Alexandrite
Vera Oval Alexandrite Ring Set, Capucinne

Natural alexandrite is extremely rare to find as it only forms under very specific and complicated geological conditions. Hence, it’s very unlikely that most (if not all) alexandrite gems you encounter are naturally grown. Whilst lab-grown alexandrites will never come close to the value per carat of natural alexandrite, it is still one of the rarest and most valuable synthetic gems of any kind. They’re grown in-lab from the same chemical ingredients and under the same conditions as natural gems, only at an accelerated rate—so technically, they’re real alexandrites despite being referred to as synthetic. These prized gems are loved for their colour-changing properties when exposed to light, with the most sought-after transformation being green in daylight to red in incandescent light. Lab-grown alexandrites have the same properties too, although they are more durable at eight-point-five on the Mohs scale. Because they are grown under controlled environments, synthetic alexandrites are also more consistent in quality and colour.
Shop here

For more articles on jewellery, click here.

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Buro Loves
23 Christmas nail art ideas to ensure your festive look is on-point this holiday season
Nail it

04.12.2019
By Wei Yeen Loh

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

You’ve got your gifting list down pat, and even had time to score the prettiest of holiday beauty collections for your arsenal. But what about your holiday-ready beauty look? Schedule your mani-pedi appointment ahead of time to ensure your nails match your outfit (and hair!) to a tee.

Shine on
Turn the notch up when it comes to the glitz factor with the shiniest, sparkliest, and most eye-catching nail art details. Prepare to stun with shimmer-laden digits—wear it on your tips, in swirls (and negative space), or in polka-dots—and sizable sequins that will definitely turn heads.
“Bigger is better” is your go-to mantra? Cop all the holographic sparkles and iridescent diamond-shaped sequins to really prove a point—and that Christmas is truly your favourite season.

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Star sparkle
Not a fan of anything too sparkly, but can’t get over how cheesy some Christmas-inspired nail art ideas are? Wear this versatile print that can get you through pretty much any holiday season—stars! Our favourite galactic motif can be pulled off in many ways, from stick-on star sequins (paste it in clusters or scatter one on each nail) to hand-drawn art that require the skills of the best of nail artists. Go starry-eyed with these exceptional nail art ideas:

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Get literal
If your nail style errs to the side of more is more, opt for Christmassy motifs to usher the holiday season with aplomb. From Rudolph to delicate snowflakes, these nail art ideas are the perfect finishing touches to complete your holiday-ready outfit.

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Check out the Buro Christmas Village here for more gifting ideas.

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#FitnessFriday: Groove Thang at Babel

Beauty
#FitnessFriday: Groove Thang at Babel
Doing our thang

30.05.2018
By Rachel Au

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Most of the time, we really go all out when it comes to our #FitnessFriday episodes. Babel at Menara Ken TTDI is a gorgeous gym, no doubt, and the variety of classes would spoil any member. We wanted to do something we’ve yet to do for this fitness series of ours and thus, we chose Groove Thang. (Our last dance attempt wasn’t the type to really break a sweat.) You’d be surprised by how much the beats and moves really worked out a sweat for us. And the best part is: It was fun.
Watch the video below to see how our Groove Thang session at Babel went—and read on for our testimonials.

Cai Mei Khoo, Editor-in-Chief
In a different life, I’d like to think I’d have the ability, agility and flexibility of a hip-hop dancer. Maybelline had great energy, and even though it was my first time at a hip-hop dance class, she was patient and clear in her instruction, which made it a lot easier to follow. My only gripe is that 45 minutes went by too quickly. It was lots of fun and I’d definitely go back till I can get my groove on.
Rating: 5/5

Joan Kong, Senior Fashion Writer
I may be a fan of Zumba and Jazzercise (don’t judge!), but going for a real dance class is a whole different story. Having seen Maybelline’s dance videos before, I know I’m in good hands when it comes to learning some moves though admittedly I did feel a little intimidated at first. As the team were mostly made up of dance newbies, Maybelline curated a relatively simple routine as we grooved to a mix of ’90s and current music. Bad body coordination aside, I really enjoyed the class as I’ve always liked dance-based exercises, so getting to learn how to dance (properly) as a form of workout is great—on top of having a very patient (and fun) instructor! Spot my favourite part of the dance routine: The cool #girlgang pose at the end.
Rating: 5/5

Rachel Au, Lifestyle Editor
I love to watch people dance. I don’t love trying to dance. Note the emphasis on the word ‘trying’. Rhythm and coordination are gifts that I’m not blessed with (though I secretly wished I could dance like those K-pop groups) and trust me when I say that with conviction. This is actually not my first hip-hop dance class. Even so, trust me when I say that Maybelline’s class was fun—even for a tree-like student like myself. Out of all the dance classes available at Babel, Groove Thang is definitely the one to try if you’re like me, unconfident but willing and curious. And I did work up a sweat!
Rating: 4/5

Su Fen Tan, Writer
Watching Maybelline dance always makes me go: “Ah, I wished I could move like that too”. But the truth is, I always feel like I have zero groove—or swag—to pull off street dance. So I was a little apprehensive going into the class, feeling sure I was going to embarrass myself with awkward movements—maybe I did, but at least I had a good time while I was at it. One thing you can expect at Groove Thang is that feel good vibes are guaranteed. Maybelline put on some great tunes, the moves were simple enough for beginners like us to follow, and she was really encouraging too, giving us the confidence to just let go a little and have fun.
Rating: 4/5

Groove Thang is offered at Babel @ Menara Ken TDDI. For more info, visit their website, Facebook and Instagram.

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Style crush: Idris Elba

Men's
Style crush: Idris Elba

07.11.2018
By Joan Kong

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5 Leading tailors in Klang Valley to design your sleek wedding suits

At 46 years old, Idris Elba is finally crowned as People’s Sexiest Man Alive this year, joining the likes of Chris Hemsworth, David Beckham and The Rock as some of the most desirable stars in Hollywood. Gracing the cover in a knit cardigan with a buzzed crop and his signature salt-and-pepper beard, there’s no denying that the actor is totally deserving of the title. But good looks aside, Elba has got his style game down pat too. Often seen in dark, neutral hues, when it comes to casual ensembles, you can find him layered up in outerwear such as a denim or a bomber jacket, or in a sweater that still shows off his toned physique. What we love most, is no doubt the impeccably tailored suits he was spotted donning, be it a navy blue suit-and-tie outfit at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal wedding, a Givenchy all-black get-up for the Met Gala back in May, or a crisp white suit, worn with a lilac pocket square and colourful sneakers for that pop of colour. While it has been confirmed that he will not be the next James Bond—to many people’s dismay, we can all totally see him playing the role of an oh-so-suave secret service agent.

Below, Idris Elba’s best style moments:
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Idris Elba