Beauty
You’ll be screaming ‘yes’ to the latest from Nars Orgasm
Yes, oh, yes!

06.06.2017
By Gwen Ong

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For the longest time, the Nars Orgasm Blush has always had a permanent spot in every makeup bag. Its cult status is not without merit. The universally flattering shade looks good on just about every girl. The genius that is François Nars created a product that works well on every skin tone; the Orgasm Blush imparts a natural glowing sheen, like that first flush of excitement. Ahem!

With the popularity Nars Orgasm Blush, it only makes sense to expand and build a whole collection around it. There’s the lip gloss, illuminator and now, add a lipstick and liquid version of the blush. On top of that, Nars also releases a limited edition collectible compact of the original Orgasm Blush this year.

I recently met up with Lena Koro, Nars Global Artistic Director in Hong Kong for a quick tête-à-tête. Lena is the first ever assistant to the François Nars and has worked with him for some 30 years now. The affable artist sat down to chat on the latest Nars Orgasm collection and her love for makeup.

Hi Lena. The new Nars Orgasm products are really pretty, what is your favourite item?
Yes, it’s really nice, isn’t it? The new Liquid Blush’s formula is really amazing; the colour is sheer and it sets really well on the skin. There are different ways to apply it – I’d just dab the Liquid Blush first and then add the Orgasm Blush powder over it. Oh, I do like the Orgasm Lipstick too! It’s really easy to apply and the colour looks good on everyone.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Nars Orgasm Collection” rid=”5114″ order=”a_tstamp”}

So, what do you think contributes to Nars Orgasm Blush’s cult status?
I definitely think the name itself is outstanding. Orgasm—it has a shock factor. I remember when it first came out people were certainly taken aback. François wasn’t even sure it would be well received because the name might be considered too sexual. But this has been a bestseller for us. I also think the colour contributes to our success as well as the quality of the product. When you apply it, you can really see the colour. That’s why I think the Orgasm Blush has stayed for so long.

What do you love most about your job as Nars Global Artistic Director?
Oh darling, I really do love my job. I love makeup and make people look pretty. I’ve been doing this, like, since I was born. I don’t see it as a job though. I have a deep passion for it and after all these years, I still love what I do, which is really rare these days. I really think I’m so blessed. There are times when I do question if this is still my calling, you know – the ups and downs of life – and thought of quitting but I couldn’t because it’s something that I love. I’m still obsessed about makeup, so I’m in the right business. Laughs.

You travel a lot for work. What have you noticed between the East and West when it comes to makeup? Any tips to share?
To me, everyone is the same. The important thing is to choose and use the right base colour. Also, it’s about your skin condition – for example, if you have blemishes or dark circles, you need to know how to neutralise the colour. François always says this, “don’t make your makeup look like a separate layer of the skin” and I feel the same way. When you apply makeup, it needs to be light-handed as if you’re blending some colour into the skin, so you would still be “you”.

What are your three go-to NARS products?
For me, it’s definitely the Radiant Cream Concealer – it’s really amazing, I need it! I also can’t live without the Mambo Eyeliner and Black Moon Mascara. If I have these three things, I’m good to go.

What is the one beauty trend that has caught your eyes this season?
Orgasm! Laughs. But you know, I always think that makeup isn’t really about trends. I know beauty is getting trendier with social media, like contouring is popular these days but I don’t really follow trends. I like “pretty”. Of course, there are so many choices now and you can choose to learn from YouTube, Instagram, whatever but most importantly, you have to first find your look. So pick something that suits you the best and don’t believe everything that you see is trending, some makeup look may not actually be suitable for you. My mantra is you have to look good and feel good.

The Nars Orgasm Liquid Blush, Orgasm Lipstick and Limited Edition Orgasm Blush are now available at Nars Cosmetics Suria KLCC, Pavilion KL, Mid Valley Megamall, Sunway Pyramid and Parkson Gurney Plaza.

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Food + Drink
8 Places to eat at on Valentine’s Day in KL
To love is to eat

06.02.2017
By Rachel Au

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As Valentine’s Day approaches, there are several things one must do to prepare: 1) get glowing skin, 2) hint to your partner on your desired gift, 3) get him a gift, and last but not least, 4) plan where you two will be celebrating. Unless you’re heading out of town for a romantic getaway, you can either stay in and whip up a home cooked meal that will surely impress or visit one of these restaurants to savour a lovely Valentine’s Day menu.

1. Nobu Kuala Lumpur

Make your loved one feel like they are floating on cloud nine with a dining experience in the sky. Located on level 56 of Menara Petronas, Nobu KL is the perfect place to bring your boo for an unforgettable 7-course Valentine’s Day Omakase. A provocative conception of Dark Rum infused with coffee beans, orange peel, lemongrass and Maraschino cherries called “Bitter My Lip” paves the way for a degustation of the Japanese-Peruvian cuisine signature to Nobu.

Dishes like the delicate salmon confit cooked at a gentle 55-degree heat and scallop sashimi dyed a captivating violet by purple carrots then plated as a blossoming rose will romance the palate, while a cutesy egg crepe parcel tied with a red ribbon and soft shell prawns (in lieu of the standard crab) signify the element of surprise in relationships. The finishing note, a raspberry hazelnut mousse with sakura ice-cream, is bound to leave butterflies in your stomach.
Date: 14 – 18 February 2017
Price: RM498++ per person / RM598++ per person for the premium truffle option with a glass of sparkling wine
Address: Level 56, Menara 3 Petronas, Persiaran KLCC, 50088 Kuala Lumpur
To make a reservation: Call 03 2164 5084 or Whatsapp 019 389 5085

2. Duddha

A relatively new entry to the KL food scene, Duddha prides itself for reinventing modern Southeast Asian cuisine and it’s joining in the Valentine’s Day celebrations. The special 4-course menu will see an interesting combination of flavours starting with Caramelised cherry tomatoes with black miso, sesame dressing, Sansho pepper and watercress ice cream, then carbon battered lemon sole with smoked garlic mayo and calamansi and the main being a choice of either the 48 hours wagyu beef cheek rending or sous vide duck curry. The item most unique, however, will have to be the DIY dessert of plating your own Yin and Yang where you could even stand a chance to win a free meal for two.
Date: 10 – 14 February 2017
Price: RM130 nett per person
Address: Lot G48, Ground Floor, Suria KLCC
To make a reservation: www.duddha.com.my or 03 2166 2257

3. Prego @ The Westin Kuala Lumpur

Fall head over heels with Prego’s tantalising Valentine’s Semi-Buffet dinner where your dinner guests (besides you and bae) are a table of Italian delicacies ranging from a variety of enticing Antipasto, a selection of fresh salads, seafood on ice, herbed parmesan crusted Black Angus tenderloin, seared cod fish, to luscious chocolate ravioli and caramelised banana.
Date: 14 February 2017
Price: RM168 nett per person (food only)
Address: 199 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
To make a reservation: www.westindining.com.my or 03 2731 8338

4. TWG Tea Salons Kuala Lumpur

It doesn’t always have to a romantic dinner because there’s a kind of charm to sipping tea and enjoying delectable sweet treats with your significant other. TWG Tea is offering a tea-infused Valentine’s Day high tea set for two and while you’re there, why not order a pot of the Mon Amour Tea – the tea that celebrates the precious journey of romance?
Date: 11 – 14 February 2017
Price: RM98+ for two
Address: TWG Tea Salons at The Gardens Mall, Pavilion KL, and Gurney Paragon, Penang

5. Roost KL

Roost KL has curated a special 4-course dinner menu that features a few key aphrodisiacs It’ll start off with fresh oysters with strawberry and lime, seared scallops with sherry beurre blanc, then a coq au vin blanc served with sourdough ciabatta as the main and finally a dark chocolate fondant frozen yoghurt for dessert.
Date: 14 February 2017
Price: RM138+ per pax
Address: 69-1 Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
To make a reservation: 03 2201 1710

6. Define:food

Previously featured as one of the go-to restaurants for anything Western, Define:food is joining the festivities with a 4-course dinner menu inspired by A Midsummer Night’s Dream. There will be seared Hokkaido scallops, sous vide 5-spice chicken roulade, a choice of either grilled beef tenderloin or barramundi a la plancha for the main, and a raspberry glazed granadilla and dark chocolate dome for the dessert.
Date: 14 February 2017
Price: RMwatches-and-jewellery-mens+ per pax (additional RM88 for accompanying wines)
Address: 9-1, Level 1, Signature Offices, The Boulevard, Mid Valley City
To make a reservation: 03 2201 1316

7. Celebrate! supper club by Tish x Sitka
The unique dining experience has a Valentine’s Day special from the 14 – 16 February with the theme being In the Mood for Love. For more info, visit here.

8. Lounge on the Park @ Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur
To match the month of love, the afternoon tea set beginning 13 February is a collaboration with Moët & Chandon called an Emoëticons Afternoon Tea featuring some of the most-loved Moët-branded emoticons. For more info, visit here.

Source: https://www.buro247.my/lifestyle/news/moet-chandon-emoeticons-afternoon-tea-mandarin-ori.html

Source: https://www.buro247.my/lifestyle/news/moet-chandon-emoeticons-afternoon-tea-mandarin-ori.html

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Beauty
#NoExcuses: Get fit with these 5 YouTube Channels
There’s something for everyone

04.09.2015
By Buro247

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These channels that will excite fitness enthusiasts and fitness newbies alike. From quick fixes to full-length workouts, here are 5 fitness channels you should subscribe to on YouTube.

1. For fitness first-timers: Blogilates

Hosted by Cassey Ho, this channel is definitely one for beginners as Cassey stays enthusiastic and positive throughout her videos even through the toughest moves. Her encouraging spirit will push you to try harder and keep working towards your fitness goals. She also offers healthy recipes and tips on how to eat healthier on her channel.

2. For the fitness fan: BeFit

This channel from Lionsgate offers workouts from fitness celebrities like Jillian Michaels and Jane Fonda from Mondays to Fridays. They also offer many workout plans so that you can start getting committed to your regime. There is also a wide variety of different workouts on this channel ranging from yoga to high intensity interval training to dance cardio — you will never run out of options.

3. For those who like a challenge: XHIT Daily

XHIT Daily is a no-nonsense channel that gets right to the workout without lengthy introductions. This channel provides subscribers with intense, full-body and target-area workouts that are sure to challenge you. You can also find workouts to look like your favourite celebrity on this channel like The Beyonce Butt Workout and the Adriana Lima Leg Workout.

4. For body builders: Six Pack Shortcuts

Mike Chang gives you tips on how to get the best results from your workout. He also offers advice on what to eat to get ripped and how to discipline yourself for that perfect bod. This channel will guide body builders on different ways of using gym equipment to get optimum results.

5. For the high-achievers: FitnessBlender

Led by husband and wife duo, Daniel and Kelli, this channel offers 1000 calorie workouts that will definitely floor the faint hearted. The best thing about their videos are the timers for each exercise so that you can tell how long each move will take. Another wonderful thing is the calorie counter that lets you know how much you have burned throughout the video.

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Watches
6 distinguished timepieces to gift dad this Father’s Day
Gift of time

15.06.2017
By Buro247

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Jaeger-LeCoultre Duomètre Sphérotourbillon

For fathers who appreciate technical performance and aesthetic refinement within the same instrument, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Duomètre Sphérotourbillon makes the perfect gift. A cut-away on the magnetite grey dial beautifully reveals the fascinating spectacle of a multi-axis tourbillon. Adapting to the flexibility of wrist watches, it revolves on two axis for two distinct and rapid rotations, rendering the pull of gravity futile. Satin-brushed pink gold encases the Dual-Wing concept — Sphérotourbillon stage right, on the left, a main dial for time and date, a 24-hour subdial and small second subdial — while a transparent case-back offers an admirable “backstage” view.

Tiffany & Co. East West

This is one for the men with an affinity for fancy shirtsleeves. Slide a cuff up and the Tiffany & Co. East West stuns not just with its striking blue shade but silver poudré numerals marking time on a horizontally-oriented dial. Inspired by a 1940s purse watch, the whimsical timepiece comes exclusively with Swiss quartz movements; hence, fulfilling the slim stature requisition for dress watches. Blue alligator straps fasten onto steel cases measuring 25mm wide by 42mm tall.

Rado Ceramica (Small Second)

Dark and angular, the Rado Ceramica in matte black could add some unexpected groove into a modern man’s wardrobe. Refreshed and relaunched in collaboration with industrial designer Konstantin Grcic, the unique geometric watch houses a quartz movement fronted by a slick lacquered black dial and Super-LumiNova coated hands. The satin-finished variant boasts an addition small second subdial. Crafted from high-tech ceramic, it wears comfortably on the skin, adjusts to body temperature and is actually hypoallergenic.

Hublot Big Bang Meca-10 Magic Gold

To give someone true wrist presence, this is it. The Hublot Big Bang Meca-10 now comes in a gold version. Magic Gold, to be exact. The sorcery lies in an alloy of gold and ceramic, which means, for the first time ever, scratch-prone gold is transformed into a material so hard, diamonds are used to cut it. The movement too clamours for the limelight. The Hublot HUB1201 is brand new, skeletonised, hand-wound and bears resemblance to Meccano construction toys. Thanks to twin mainspring barrels, winding is only required once in ten days — efficiently prompted by not one but two markers.

Tudor Heritage Black Bay Chrono

Welcome the first in-house manufacture chronograph in Tudor’s famous Heritage Black Bay series. In a fusion of open waters and the racetrack, the iconic diver is given a taste of speed with a Manufacture chronograph Calibre MT5813 replete with column wheel and vertical clutch. Black Bay characteristics are still preserved in the 41mm steel case, angular snowflake hands, domed dial and crystal. A fixed bezel in circular satin-brushed steel with engraved tachymetric scale completes the face of this sporty new chronograph.

Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda 1950 Lune

If it’s elegance you seek, consider the streamlined aesthetic of the Tonda 1950 Lune for a handsome Father’s Day present. Occupying a modest 39mm, the steel case supported by signature concave lugs and shiny black opaline dial sets the stage for the distinctive moon-phase function and large date aperture. Only 9.6mm thick, it is powered by Manufacture Calibre PF708, an ultra-thin automatic movement with a micro-rotor and a 48-hour power reserve. Four rose-gold discs displays the current moon-phase on both hemispheres while the indicator features a calibrated scale that corresponds to an actual lunar month.

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Body + Wellness
This supplement subscription service will make sure you don’t forget to take your vitamins

20.08.2020
By Wei Yeen Loh

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How many times have you bought new bottles of health supplements (from probiotics to multivites), felt good about consuming them for a few days, but only to lose track and forget about it altogether? If you are guiltily recalling a stash of half-finished bottles of vitamins in your pantry, Vitamine may be the solution for you.
This health supplement subscription service is the first of its kind in Malaysia—a quick chat with a registered pharmacist will get you started on your subscription plan, and a box of supplements will be delivered to you every 28 days with just the right number of vitamins for each day and night.
Yes, that means you don’t have to worry about said half-finished bottles of vitamins, or even a dreaded trip to the pharmacist to find out whether you should be on glucosamine or calcium.
Ahead, we spoke to pharmacist and Vitamine founder PJ Lai on whether supplements are truly effective, common misconceptions about vitamins and how a subscription service can help:
What made you decide to launch Vitamine here in Malaysia?
“It started a few years ago when I was still practicing in Australia. One day, my father got diagnosed with high cholesterol and pre-diabetes, so I bought him supplements but I eventually found out that he didn’t even finish them.
“What happened was that he didn’t like the taste of fish oil that I got for him; and he didn’t continue taking the red yeast rice that I bought for him as well—he finished it, but he didn’t continue with it as he thought it was too troublesome and he wasn’t sure of which brand to buy. So I thought: ‘What if I started a subscription supplement service to help people like my father?’
“I also saw the opportunity for supplements to become more popular among Malaysians. With the subscription model, people don’t have to buy supplements in bulk if they find out that one supplement is not right for them—they don’t have to waste the entire bottle, they just need to change the plan for the next month.”
“If I can take the hard work out from the process (of buying and sorting supplements), they’d be more likely to stick to the plan and get the benefits from it.”

Please give us a brief explanation of how Vitamine works and your target client demographic.
“First, we’ll carry out an in-depth conversation with our clients online (via Facebook chat) or in-person. If they choose to come into our office, we can do a quick blood/sugar/cholesterol test for them as well. After understanding their concerns, we then draft a supplement regimen for them to address said concerns.
“Once they confirm the plan, we’ll pack the supplements and deliver it the next day. The supplements will be delivered every four weeks. Each subscription box has two slots—a morning and evening slot; so all they have to do is unpeel the tape and take a sachet from each slot. I designed the box to be easily placed on the desk or even hung on a cabinet door, so our customers can remember to take their supplements.
“Most of our customers are middle-aged men, who choose our service because of the convenience. Most of them are already taking the supplements anyway, so they like that it is hassle-free. But I would like to reach out to the younger generation—those who are working longer hours, eat out a lot more and exposed to more aggressors (stress, environmental pollutants, etc)—they can really benefit from Vitamine.”

 Were there any challenges you faced while launching  Vitamine here?
“It is not easy to get started. In Australia, it’s a common service provided by local pharmacies—they pack it individually and deliver it to you every month. There were two challenges I faced here: the first was to convince people that supplements are beneficial—just getting people started on it was a challenge on its own.
“The second is to explain and demonstrate how the service works to them—the subscription service model is not popular here in Malaysia and there aren’t many services available here anyway, other than TV programmes.
“Right now I would focus on letting people know the importance of taking supplements. We create a lot of content and articles to teach people the right supplements, so hopefully when they take it more seriously, they would see benefits of the subscription model.”

What are some of the most common misconceptions about health supplements you’ve heard that you’d like to debunk?
“The first one is that people think supplements aren’t necessary. This may be true 20 years back, but now I think everyone should be on multivitamins and fish oil, at the very least.
“The concept of essential nutrients is that we have to get them from our diet. But if you don’t eat healthy and get it from your diet, you’ll need supplements. Most people nowadays don’t even meet the basic daily requirements—which is five servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit.
“On top of that, we’re exposed to more toxins now than generations before. We’re glued to our phone screens more than half the time, and we get exposed to work stress, noise and air pollution, and etc. These toxins get accumulated in our body and need antioxidants to neutralise it. Supplements are getting more necessary as many people are have much longer lifespans as well.
“Twenty years back, we can die from an infection and diseases we contract from others. Nowadays, the main cause of death is cancer, obesity, high cholesterol or sugar levels—all these are diet-related and can be prevented with a proper diet, exercise routine and supplements.
“The other thing is that the soil quality now has declined compared to 20 years ago. You used to be able to get a lot out of your food, including essential nutrients. Nowadays, a serving of broccoli has 49 per cent less vitamin C and minerals compared to the same serving 20 years ago. A lot of minerals are essential nutrients, and these are stored in soil; but when the soil turnover is high, vegetables grown from it will have very little mineral content.
“Also, people have unrealistic expectations of supplements. For example, those with osteoarthritis expect glucosamine to work as a painkiller, and they don’t take it early enough (they take it only when they’re in pain). But when glucosamine doesn’t reduce the pain, they dismiss the supplement and assume it’s ineffective.“
“I think it’s important that people have the right expectations from supplements—it is used to prevent health conditions but if you are really ill, you should be taking medication.”

What would you recommend for healthy skin, hair and nails?
“Hair, skin and nails have fast-turnover cells, so I would recommend vitamin B and zinc—basically supplements designed for cells that undergo fast turnover; and vitamin A, C and E for antioxidants (which also helps to brighten the skin).
“Protein and collagen do help as well as your cells need amino acids to build. Biotin (aka vitamin H) isn’t super essential but if you are deficient in biotin, your hair will thin quickly. If you aren’t deficient in it, biotin won’t exactly help your hair grow thicker either. It really depends on your situation—although there is no harm in taking it.
“The last would be silica to provide building blocks for collagen regeneration (many supplements for hair, skin and nails have silica).”

What are your thoughts on collagen as a supplement for the skin?
“I’m sceptical about it because your stomach breaks down collagen if you consume it orally—your body can never absorb collagen on its own. Just like any other protein, it gets broken down in your stomach. But collagen is a good protein to have as the amino acids in it (after it breaks down) do help with the building blocks of collagen. So I wouldn’t recommend buying expensive collagen supplements!”

When it comes to supplements in the form of gummies—are they as effective?
“I’ve read a report on Consumer Lab and it was found that most gummy supplements have a higher or lower dosage than what is stated on the label. This is because it’s rather difficult to control each amount of nutrients they put in each gummy—the supplement is typically sprayed on the gummy so it’s difficult to control the precise amount that goes on it.
“For tablets, the active ingredients are relatively easy to control—it’s either soluble in water or oil. With gummies, it has to be designed to dissolve in the mouth, so it may get tricky.
“The second concern I have is the sugar content. In order to make it taste better, the sugar content is typically higher. In a way, it may be help people regularly consume supplements as it’s made of sugar (and it tastes good, right?). But in the long run, people will only eat the supplements because of the sugar and not so much for the health benefits, which truly defeats the purpose of eating supplements in the first place.”

What is the best age to start on health supplements? How about for those well into their 70s—are supplements as necessary or effective?
“That’s a good question. I don’t think there is a perfect time to start on supplements, but the wrong time to start is when symptoms of a problem start showing. A good time to start is when someone has just started working and eating out a lot—they tend to be more stressed and don’t have the time to eat healthy or exercise.
“For elderly people, supplements are even more important, especially to prevent conditions that they aren’t taking medication for.”
“For older people, their appetite is generally reduced and their food absorption system isn’t as good as when they were younger. They would derive less nutritional value from their diet, hence why it is important to take supplements.”

Is there such a thing as over-consuming supplements? What are the probable dangers in this scenario?
“Yes, and this is why it’s important to speak to a professional before starting on a supplement regimen. A lot of elderly people are on medication already, and some supplements are not recommended to be taken with specific medication as they have blood-thinning properties.
“Also, certain supplements don’t go well together and are designed for younger people, as elderly people would require a reduced dosage. For example, younger people use up vitamin B a lot faster compared to older people, so they would need a higher dose. For calcium or antioxidants, elderly people need that more than younger people as they are more prone to bone diseases.”

How do you think the trend of health supplements will evolve in the future?
“As a pharmacist, we like to use medicine to correct a problem. We don’t really believe in supplements—a lot of doctors think that too. But the thing is that humans are evolving in rapid ways now—and that they are living much longer lifespans.
“Naturally, the healthcare industry is changing accordingly. What I notice is that healthcare is moving from being reactive to becoming more preventative. People prefer preventative medication and healthcare over reactive healthcare—you don’t correct a problem when it surfaces, you do something to prevent it from happening in the first place, whether it is health diseases or wellness management.”

For more information on Vitamine, check out the website here.

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Watches
The iconic Crazy Hours turn 15 with exclusive Asian editions

19.03.2018
By Su Fen Tan

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The Cartier Privé collection is about history and modernity

Many prominent watchmakers out there have their very own iconic models or movements—one that made a mark at its debut, and continues to do so over time. For Franck Muller, its trademark timepiece is undoubtedly the Crazy Hours, instantly recognisable by its Cintrée Curvex case, and the Crazy Hours complication with its intriguing jumping hour module. Although the hour numerals look disorderly at first glance, take a closer look and you’ll notice that each number is placed at an approximately 120-degree arc away from its preceding number.

For the Crazy Hours’ 15th anniversary, Franck Muller celebrates in a big way with Asia Exclusive editions in a vibrant array of colours. Think bold hues of green, red, pink and blue. For the more classically inclined, black is available too. Featuring a whopping 40 combinations, the Crazy Hours 15th Anniversary Asia Exclusive editions come in stainless steel and rose gold with the option of diamonds, as well as three case sizes for both men and ladies.

The Franck Muller Crazy Hours 15th Anniversary Asia Exclusive editions are available in its 23 boutiques and select watch retailers across Asia.

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#CheatDayEats: Cakes

Food + Drink
#CheatDayEats: Cakes
Dessert classic

08.11.2015
By Su Fen Tan

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New dessert fads come and go, but good ol’ cake remains one of the all-time favourites. Baked and frosted to perfection, the sweet treats from these 3 cake shops will have you wishing everyday was dessert day:

1. Swich Cafe

We absolutely love how Swich takes the unexpected (in terms of cakes) and makes it extraordinarily delectable—by incorporating local fruits and flavours into their cakes. From mangosteen cake to gula melaka strawberry shortcake, find your cheat day comfort in one of these familiar flavours, or go for the mix and match option at their Damansara Uptown branch where you’ll get to tailor your own flavour combination.

2. Cake Jalan Tiung

If Dr. Hannibal (cake with bloody raspberry and sharp sugar shards) doesn’t interest you, perhaps classic Berry Sue Pavlova will; catchy cake names aside, this charming little dessert place in Shah Alam offers sweet treats that will have you wanting more. To keep up with their weekly changing menu, follow them on Instagram. Don’t say we didn’t warn you though: pictures are extremely delectable.

3. Jaslyn Cakes

One of the hottest dessert haunts in the scene, Jaslyn Cakes takes pride in good old classics like butter and chocolate ganache cakes, and making them “the best versions of themselves”. Organic eggs and flour are used in baking, and with a fine selection of pastries to go with the cakes, we daresay this mini dessert shop is one of the best cheat day havens around.

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Fashion
Chanel is collaborating with Pharrell for Colette
Fresh kicks

27.10.2017
By Wei Yeen Loh

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

While we’re still reeling from the somber news of French boutique Colette closing its doors after two decades, there’s still one more thing to look forward to before its official last day this December 20.
It has just been announced that Karl Lagerfeld is collaborating with American rapper and producer Pharrell Williams on a pair of Adidas Hu NMD Trail sneakers, exclusively available at Colette during Chanel’s takeover from October 30 to November 25. Alongside the sneakers, other items that will be available in the Parisian concept store at 213 rue Saint-Honoré include limited edition T-shirts designed by Lagerfeld, a music compilation by soundtrack designer Michel Gaubert, and Chanel’s AW17 and Cruise 2018 collections.

Rumours of a collaboration between Chanel and Pharrell Williams first surfaced online earlier this October, with sneaker pundits speculating that the Adidas Hu NMD Trail silhouette is a new one to boot—”featuring a Boost midsole and a grooved outsole.” While there are no confirmed reports of the design just yet, the sneakers are expected to sell out in no time—another good reason to make your way to Colette before it officially shutters end of this year.

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Lifestyle
The most interesting way to use tobacco leaves
Igniting artisanship

30.12.2015
By Buro247

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Thin and fragile, but unmistakable in its qualities, you wouldn’t expect to be able to do much with tobacco leaves, except for its intended purposes of consuming it. But in an unusual but intriguing twist, Montblanc has managed to push the boundaries of artisanship by crafting this infamous herb into none other than a bespoke writing instrument.
As Montblanc’s Creation Privée has constantly challenged creative boundaries when it comes to creating made-to-order pieces, this pen takes organic tobacco leaves and turns it into one that is so distinctive that you wouldn’t be able to replicate it.
Custom-designed to mimic the shape and appearance of a cigar, this pen’s cap and barrel are covered in the finest of cigar leaves. Designers and artisans work closely with the owner of the pen throughout the manufacturing process via webcam, where the most specific design details can be discussed, along with progress updates.
The fine artisanship on the other hand, boils down to the new techniques used to in bringing this vision to life. The oil from the tobacco leaves are extracted before the leaves are wrapped around the metal body of the fountain pen. A cellulose coating – similar to those used for restoring old paintings – along with an emulsion of several lacquers are used to protect the leaves and provide a luxurious finish.

For more information on Creation Privée, contact your nearest Montblanc Boutique

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Fashion
Christmas Gift Guide: For the dapper gentleman
A manly countenance

14.12.2016
By Wei Yeen Loh

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Whether it’s your dad, brother, or significant other, gift shopping for the males in your checklist isn’t the easiest task to complete. It always helps if you know what they’re gunning for, but if they haven’t explicitly dropped any hints on their wishlist, here’s a list of potential gift ideas to invest in to make their Christmas:

Perfect for the effortlessly cool dude who’s always on the latest trend-wagon, this Gucci denim jacket with embroideries would resonate with his chic aesthetic easily. Embellished with the brand’s distinctive motif such as the tiger, its stone wash and scraped look gives it a vintage effect that’s quite unlike any other denim jackets out there.

You can never go wrong with a classic cashmere scarf from Burberry, especially in its heritage check motif. Woven on traditional looms and made at a 200-year-old mill in Scotland, the Burberry scarf is one iconic accessory must-have in any man’s closet. Better yet, opt for customising his initials on the scarf for a personalised touch.

Every guy needs a belt in his closet, more so a belt that he can wear for formal occasions and festive get-togethers. Eschew the conventional silver buckle belts and go with Salvatore Ferragamo’s double Gancio belt for its sleek black gunmetal buckle that’s adjustable and can be cut to size for a custom fit.

If pizzazz is what he’s known for, gift him this snazzy pocket square from Prada that is whimsically printed one of the brand’s reoccurring motifs — a multitude of tiny robots. Fanciful without trying too hard, this silk-twill pocket square’s colour palette of orange, navy and white will translate handsomely whether folded or tucked in a blazer pocket.

Instead of a pair of formal shoes, make sure he’s got his weekend ensemble covered with a suave pair of triple stitch slip-on sneakers from Zegna. There’s plenty to love about these kicks, including its versatility to be paired with jeans or trousers, and even its slip-on silhouette that makes it a comfortable choice for walking a mile (or more!)

One easy way to spruce up a jacket or shirt is by wearing a brooch — it’s perhaps the most understated statement-making accessory to have if jewellery isn’t his thing. Versace’s Orbit Brooch is a combination of contemporary and galactic-chic, apt for present times since galaxy-inspired everything is still trending at the moment.

For the tech enthusiast, iPad sleeves and cases don’t always have to come in black or look incredibly boring. But our favourite prehistoric icon from Coach, Rexy, guarantees to make any leather accessory look spiffy with its ferocious attitude. Take your pick from Steggy, Tricky, and Woolly if a T-Rex isn’t your go-to dino.

Upgrade his wallet game with Bottega Veneta’s bi-fold wallet in pacific crocodile and intrecciato nappa leather. Its tri-textured finish in tonal hues gives it an edge that’s graphically refined, and its smooth leather exterior is able to hold up to eight credit cards alongside four different compartments for notes and receipts.

If he’s planning a trip abroad for the New Year’s Eve weekend, Loewe’s Goya backpack is the perfect bag for him to chuck his essentials in. This canvas and classic calf backpack features a herringbone-patterned textile lining and a detachable top handle in case he prefers to carry it instead of wearing it on his back.

Complete his travel experience with Marc Newson for Louis Vuitton’s Rolling Luggage. The Horizon 55 is a lightweight four-wheeled carry-on that boasts an entirely flat interior and sleek wheels for effortless commuting in and out of the airports. Also a customisable luggage, makes it truly his via personalising the colour stripes and initials in store.

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Fashion
A look at Kamala Harris’s favourite shoes—Converse Chuck Taylors

08.11.2020
By Joan Kong

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

ICYMI, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have won the 2020 US presidential election, which means that the latter has made history as the first female, first Black, and first South Asian-American Vice President-elect. Kamala took the stage to deliver her victory speech earlier today, and her white pantsuit—seen as a nod to the suffragette movement—has been setting the internet abuzz. But when it comes to her political fashion choices, her most talked-about looks so far has one item in common—the all-American Converse Chuck Taylors.

During her months-long campaign trail, the VP-elect can be spotted wearing the classic footwear—in different colours and designs—throughout. A video of Kamala stepping off a jet in Milwaukee (where she did her first solo campaign) wearing a pair of black Converse Chuck Taylors garnered over 5.6 million views on Twitter. In an interview with The Cut back in 2018, she says, “I have a whole collection of Chuck Taylors: a black leather pair, a white pair, I have the kind that don’t lace, the kind that do lace, the kind I wear in the hot weather, the kind I wear in the cold weather, and the platform kind for when I’m wearing a pantsuit.”

Laced up and ready to win.pic.twitter.com/scLX6nNJXo
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) September 7, 2020

While opting for sneakers instead of the classic pumps may not seem like a groundbreaking move in this day and age, it does, however, give us a clearer idea about who she is and her approach to politics, and she acknowledged that. In a video interview with Complex last month, Kamala said, “I love my Chucks… You know, I think it’s maybe people don’t expect it, but also it’s a statement about who we really are.” “Chucks—whatever your background is, whatever language your grandmother spoke—you know, we all at some point or another had our Chucks,” she added.
As the first woman of colour to be elected as America’s Vice President, Kalama Harris is undoubtedly sending a message that being sensible and relatable is the way to go, and we look forward to seeing her making more style statements in the next four years.

If you’re thinking to add a new pair to your collection, here are all the Converse collabs that are worth the splurge:

Leather high-top sneaker, Converse x Ambush

Chuck 70 high-top sneakers, Converse x Off-White

Chuck 70 sneaker, Converse x Comme des Garçons

High-top sneaker, Converse x Feng Chen Wang

Chuck Taylor Hi sneaker, Converse x Missoni

Chuck 70 high sneaker, Converse x J.W. Anderson

Chuck 70 Hi String sneaker, Converse x Fear of God

Chuck 70 sneaker, Converse x Kith x Coca-Cola

Chuck 70 Hi sneaker, Converse x Disney x Kith

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Travel
Easy tripping: 6 apps that will make planning your next vacation a breeze
Tech aid

27.11.2015
By Su Fen Tan

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It’s that time of the year again, where almost everyone is busy prepping for the holidays, clearing leaves and planning trips. Going on vacation may be exciting, but planning a trip is no walk in the park, and that is where this list of apps comes in handy:

1. Hipmunk

A fast, convenient, all-in-one travel planning and booking solution, Hipmunk features a powerful flight and hotel search engine, as well as easy in-app booking. Presenting flight searches in a visual timeline, Hipmunk makes it easy to understand the tradeoffs between flights, taking into consideration factors such as flight duration and number of stopovers in addition to price.

2. Hotel Tonight

For great last-minute deals at top-rated hotels, this is your go-to app. Not a fan of planning ahead? Then this is the perfect app for you to snag a great room at a sweet price—a hand-picked selection of hotels means no endless lists of hotels to scroll through.

3. WorldMate

WorldMate is the ultimate travel assistant. It syncs all your trip details into a personalised itinerary including flights, hotel, car rental and more. The in-app extras such as hotel booking, weather forecast, tip calculator and currency converter are a major plus too.

4. City Guides and Offline Maps by Stay.com

Create your own personal travel guide on this nifty travel app. Find out about the best food and restaurants in town, free Wi-Fi hotspots, nightlife, famous attractions and landmarks, as well as live music and show venues all in one place. GPS is free along with useful offline maps.

5. Field Trip

To make your travelling experience an enriching one, Field Trip gives you cool and interesting information on what is around you as you travel. The app taps into recommendations from publications such as Thrillist, Food Network, and Arcadia, pointing out the best places to eat, drink, and explore.

6. PackPoint

We wished that packing was as easy as 1, 2, 3, but the reality is that it can be quite a hassle. Here is a smart packing list app to make it a breeze: PackPoint organizes what you need to pack based on length of travel, weather at your destination, and any activities planned during your trip—never forget anything again!

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Ruby Rose’s Top 5 looks at the MTV EMAs

Fashion
Ruby Rose’s Top 5 looks at the MTV EMAs
Can't touch this

26.10.2015
By Su Fen Tan

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Fresh off of shooting an action film, Ruby Rose hosted the 2015 MTV EMAs with an injury (“I just tore my calf muscle five times, no big deal”), but pulled no punches when it came to her wardrobe as she went from sleek pant suits to cheeky mini dresses, stilettos included. Even her co-host Ed Sheeran was entranced, going down on one knee when she appeared looking stunning in a black floor-length gown embellished with glittery hearts and kisses. But our absolute favourite of the night was her Armani red carpet look—a dandy, polished number with a feminine neckline for a sultry touch—a look so fine, it’s no wonder the world is crushing on her.
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Food + Drink
Christmas 2020: Celebrate all things merry and joyful with these must-try festive menus in KL

26.11.2020
By Ronn Tan

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Do you hear sleigh bells ringing already? It’s time to gather your family and friends as celebrations are about to begin. Kuala Lumpur is filled with a myriad of establishments that have curated interesting and special Christmas-themed food extravaganza. The most magical time of the year requires the most tantalising of meals. Without further ado, have a look at the set menus below.
1. Maria’s SteakCafe

There’s so much to look forward to with Maria’s SteakCafe this festive season. In addition to the upcoming opening of their newest branch in Suria KLCC, the popular steak connoisseur is also offering classic roast turkey. Prepared with turkey sauce, cranberry sauce, sauté vegetables, and roast potatoes stuffing, there are two size options to choose from—3.5 to 4.5kg and 5 to 6kg. Here’s a gentle reminder to pre-book one week in advance.
Availability: 15 December 2020 – 1 January 2021
Price: RM380+ (for five pax, 3.5 – 4.5 kg); RM480+ (for 10pax, 5 – 6 kg)
For more information, contact 03 7496 6415 or 016 902 0497.
2. Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Head over to the Lobby Lounge this holiday season for a deliciously assembled Afternoon Tea that begins with scrumptious savouries such as Five Spiced Duck, Foie Gras Parfait and Onion Jam with Brioche, Lobster Salad in Saffron Roll with Caviar Cream, and Smoke Salmon with Avocado Roll. The afternoon tea set also consists of sweet delights like White Christmas Ball, White Forest Chocolate, Mixed Fruit Financier, Milk Chocolate Passion Fruit Yule Log, and Chestnut Mont Blanc. In addition, you will also be able to savour warm buttery homemade Currant and Candied Orange Scones accompanied with Raspberry Jam, Lemon Curd, and Clotted Cream. Each set comes with a choice of a hot cup of coffee or tea. The Festive Afternoon Tea is also available for delivery and takeaway during the same period at RM68 nett per set.
Availability: 1 November – 31 December 2020 (3pm – 6pm)
Price: RM75 nett per person and RM145 nett per person with one glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne
For more information, call 03 2074 3900 or email [email protected].
3. Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara

To end the year on a joyful note, the hotel is reinforcing the Christmas spirit with positive, playful, and energetic vibes. Available on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, you will be able to indulge in Christmas feasts with traditional festive favourites and delightful gourmet presentations at Kwee Zeen. The spread includes fresh seafood, a cheese selection, an extensive choice of entrées, mouth-watering Christmas delights, Christmas turkey with traditional stuffing, a wonderful selection of French pastries, and traditional Christmas desserts.
Availability: 24 December 2020 (6pm – 10pm) and 25 December 2020 (12.30pm – 4pm)
Price: RM228 nett per adult (inclusive of free flow soft drinks and juices); RM368 nett per adult (inclusive of free flow beer and wine); RM468 nett per adult (inclusive of free flow beer, wine, and sparkling wine)
For more information, email [email protected] or call 03 2720 6688.
4. W Kuala Lumpur

Get ready to light it up with W KL this Christmas. Retox Brunch at Flock is returning with the Xmas Edition—featuring the likes of a Whole Roasted Turkey with Apricot and Sage Stuffing; Foie Gras Chawan Mushi; Red Wine Braised Wagyu Beef Cheek, and Grilled Seafood spread. The buffet spread also comes with all kinds of sweet temptations such as the Hangover Fruit Cake, Blueberry Yule Log, and Rose Lychee Berries Santa Belt Gateaux. There is also Retox At Dusk: Xmas Eve Edition on 24 December 2020.
Availability: 25 December 2020 (12pm – 3pm)
Price: RM328 nett for food and free flow non-alcoholic beverages; RM488 nett for food and free flow selected alcoholic beverages; RM728 nett for food and free flow selected alcoholic beverages inclusive of champagne
For more information, contact 012 347 9088 or [email protected].
5. EQ Kuala Lumpur

In addition to the Pumpkin, Apple and Pecan Pie, the hotel’s A Classic Midwestern Thanksgiving features a traditional all-American inspired menu. Highlights include Carved Turkey with Mashed Potatoes and Giblet Gravy, Macaroni Au Gratin, Stuffed Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Casserole, as well as Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Fudge Pie. Available for lunch and dinner, the dishes are family favourites that can be found in the states of Illinois, Kansas, and Nebraska during Thanksgiving gatherings.
Availability: 28 November 2020 (lunch from 12pm – 3pm; dinner from 6pm – 9pm)
Price: RM138 per adult
For more information, call 03 2789 7839 or email [email protected].
6. Favola

Italian Chef Domenico Piraz has curated a four-course Christmas menu filled with Italian fare, including dishes such as Gently Smoked Beef Carpaccio with Black Truffle Shavings; Roasted Octopus Tentacles; Quail and Caramelised Onion Tortellini; as well as Pan-Roasted Black Garoupa Fillet with Saffron Brodetto and Grilled Portobello Mushrooms. The menu also consists of Classic Baked Turkey Roulade and Carrot Cake with Walnuts and Spiced White Ganache. You’re all set for a Renaissance Christmas Fairy Tale here at Favola.
Availability: 24 December 2020
Price: RM388 nett per person; RM428 nett per person with a glass of prosecco
For more information, call 03 2263 7434 or email [email protected].
7. Prime

Crafted by Chef de Cuisine Ramiro Moya, the festive dinner menu at Prime is designed for steak enthusiasts. The four-course menu consists of dishes such as Porcini Macchiato; Brûlée of Duck Liver Parfait; Crispy Skin Lemon Sole with Black Caviar; Grain Fed Black Angus Australian Ribeye with Rubia Gallega Marrow Sauce; and Smoked White Chocolate Ganache.
Availability: 24 December 2020
Price: RM458 nett per person; RM498 nett per person with a glass of champagne
For more information, call 2263 7434 or email [email protected].
8. New World Petaling Jaya Hotel

Add a touch of festivity to your celebrations with the Roasted USA Turkey from New World Petaling Jaya Hotel. Prepared with Apple Sage stuffed with Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Brussel Sprouts, Giblet Gravy, and Cranberry Sauce, the roasted turkey will be available in two sizes—Medium (five kilogrammes) and Large (eight kilogrammes). Here’s a gentle reminder that orders must be made at least two days in advance.
Availability: 1 December – 31 December 2020
Price: RM398 (Medium); RM498 (Large)
For more information, visit this website.
9. RGB Cafe

Brined overnight and slow roasted for hours, RGB Cafe’s Roast Turkey come in a plethora of sides. They include Honey Herb Roasted Carrots; Lemony Red Cabbage and Apple Slaw; Roasted or mashed potatoes; and Roasted Pumpkin with Feta and Rocket. You will be able to choose three sides to go with your turkey. Your roast turkey will come with gravy and cranberry sauce as well as freshly baked homemade loaf of bread.
Price: RM600 (for eight pax)
For more information, contact 012 5901 329 or [email protected].
10. The Brasserie @ The St. Regis KL

The Brasserie’s popular Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner and Christmas Day Brunch returns with a stunning spread of fresh seafood on ice; an oyster and caviar bar; and traditional roasts such as the signature Roast Turkey and Beef Wellington (although the Seabass in Crust was a personal favourite). We had the honour of attending a sneak preview of what’s to come and dare we say the spread for this year has a couple of surprises up its sleeves. The dessert selections took a more homemade and traditional turn with delectable treats that are both delicious and visually-appealing. In addition, the appetisers took a more experimental turn with interesting options such as the Foie Gras Creme Brûlée and Fish Terrine. And to top it off, if you like boozy drinks, there will be the classic eggnog and mulled wine, as well as Earl Grey Hot Chocolate with a welcoming dash of whiskey. Happy holidays indeed!
Availability:
24th December 2020 — 7:30 pm – 11:00 pm
25th December 2020 — 12:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Price:
RM418.00+ per person for food only
RM598.00+ per person with free-flowing sparkling wine, red and white wine and cocktails
*Christmas Day Brunch will be accompanied by carollers singing Christmas classics.
Note: Dinner will be served by the culinary hosts in accordance as stipulated by local authorities
Note: Number of persons and arrangements will be in accordance with prevailing hygiene SOPs as stipulated by local authorities.
For more information, call +6012 280 1303 or email [email protected].
11. Nobu Kuala Lumpur @ Menara 33

Nobu Kuala Lumpur introduced their ‘For Two’ promotion earlier this year, and it’s back again with two festive menus. The first is a Christmas menu, titled ‘A Wintry Affair For Two at Nobu Kuala Lumpur’. It is a delectable, 5-course menu that comes with add-on options that are guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds, such as the Smoked Angus Beef Tenderloin with Japanese Miso, which you can upgrade to Japanese Wagyu Beef for just RM175++ per person.
Availability: 1st to 30th December 2020 Price:RM488++ per couple
The other festive menu, titled ‘Sake & Wine Pairing For Two’, is a 7-course dining experience that features many of the dishes from the Christmas menu, including the Japanese Miso Steak. We had the pleasure of attending a sneak preview of the menu, and we must admit that it truly exceeded out expectations. The Omakase begins with a Moriawase comprised of Oyster with Foie Gras and Caviar, Toro Butter Lettuce with Spicy Miso and Crispy Kataifi, Hamachi Amazu Basil with Pickled Mango, and Salmon Kelp with Ponzu Sauce. Each bite was a delightful burst of flavour, and a perfect way to tease the palette for the mains—speaking of which, the Lobster Sake Soy Truffle and the aforementioned Smoked Japanese Wagyu Beef were perfectly portioned and simply delicious.
Plus, while the boozy pairings complemented the dishes beautifully, there is a non-alcoholic variant of the menu available too.
Availability:31st December 2020Price:RM988++ per couple (alcoholic variant)RM728++ per couple (non-alcoholic variant)
For more festive stories, click here.

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Hair
How to cut your fringe without ruining your hair/life — 5 important lessons I’ve learned

01.11.2019
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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So, you’re having a late-night and you finally hop into the bathroom to wash up before bed and catch sight of yourself in the mirror. Upon closer inspection, you decide that there is… something missing. Suddenly, an epiphany! A fringe! That’s what you need. I’m here to tell you that—Honey, it’s 3 am! Put. The. Scissors. Down.
Unfortunately, “Honey” is also me and I never do put the scissors down, which has inadvertently made me a seasoned veteran when it comes to fringes; from baby bangs to a block fringe to shaggy ‘70s curtains, I’ve tried it all. Admittedly, some of the adventures I have taken with my fringe have not been entirely intentional but you know what they say—spilt milk or something. Anyway, after years of DIY attempts and many a blunder, I’ve learnt a thing or two (or five) about DIY fringe trims.
Use the right equipment
How to cut your own fringe

I cannot stress this enough: you need sharp scissors. There is absolutely nothing worse than trying to get a nice, even and exact cut with kitchen or paper scissors that don’t actually work. Also, cutting your hair with blunt scissors will just lead to frizzy, split ends. Why? Because, instead of cutting in a smooth motion (which you should be gunning for), it tears through your hair fibres.
If it’s a one-time impulse makeover, at least use fabric scissors. They’re sharp and the next best option. That being said, if you’re going to commit to maintaining your fringe, you’ll need to give yourself trims in between so it’s worth it to invest in a pair of sharp hair scissors.
Other things you’ll need include hair grips to keep the hair you’re not cutting well away from your shears and a fine-toothed comb which you’ll use as a guide to help you cut in a straight line.
Your hair is the red sea and you’re Moses

How to cut your own fringe
What I mean is that you have to make sure you’ve parted the hair that you’re going to cut properly. I usually start with a triangular section with the point starting from the mid-point between my hairline and my crown and the bottom two points at the corresponding arches of my eyebrows.
That way, the fringe I end up with is at a mid-thickness. If you prefer a wispier fringe, then move the point closer towards the hairline. If a more voluminous fringe is what you’re going for, then move the point towards the crown of your head. But if you currently have a fringe and decide that you want it thicker, then the same rules apply. Easy!
It’s all about the layers
Cutting a huge chunk of hair all at once is bound to end up wonky. So, sectioning your hair into two layers, a top and a bottom, will make sure that you get an even cut. Not to mention, it’ll be easier for you to manage your hair while cutting.
Do it dry

Audrey Hepburn with short bangs
Trust me on this one. There have been too many times that I have started with the perfect, eye-grazing bangs only to be left with baby bangs when the hair is dried and styled. If it does happen, don’t worry—it’s not the end of the world and pin-up-esque baby bangs are back in style anyway.
However, if you’re actively trying to avoid it, then remember that hair shrinks as it dries. A sure-fire way to make sure you’re cutting off exactly what you mean to is to trim your hair when it is freshly washed and dried. That way, you know that your hair is falling as it normally would when it is unstyled, and that you won’t be getting any surprises with your new fringe post-shower.
But we get it—cutting wet hair is easier, and much less messy to clean up. So, if you’d rather trim your fringe when wet then remember to account for shrinkage—leave it longer than you think you need to because you can always cut more off as you go.
Onwards and upwards

Zooey Deschanel in ‘500 Days of Summer
In terms of technique, simply cutting straight across will leave you with a really blunt fringe. This can be cute, but if a heavy, full fringe a la Zooey Deschanel is not what you’re after then heed my advice. Trim upwards, into the hair, in a diagonal direction.
If you’re starting with really long hair then do a rough cut straight across until your fringe is chin length, then go in with the upwards cutting to get the hairs to where you want them. What this does is it feathers the ends of your fringe, giving you a softer, diffused and more flattering look. You can adjust how feathered your fringe is according to your personal preference by cutting closer to the edge for less and further up the shaft for more.
The most important thing here is to take your time; if you rush, you’ll end up prone to making more mistakes. Also, make sure that you check that the fringe is symmetrical on both sides of your face as you’re trimming—especially if you’re cutting in face-framing strands. Pull locks of hair up and check that they are the same length on each side.
Finally, if in doubt, just go to sleep and book an appointment at your hair salon tomorrow.

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Fashion
6 Luxury childrenswear brands to style your children in
For the little ones

18.05.2023
By Benedict Unang

Featured images: @bonpoint/Instagram

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RECOMMENDED

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

Shopping for designer clothes for children can be tricky as they will rapidly grow out of their current size and will no longer be able to fit in them. But here’s some advice from us—just go for it! Splurge on all the goods for them because they grow up so fast, it’s now or never. Keep reading to discover six luxury childrenswear brands that will make you want to dress up your kids!

Baby Dior

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You can never go wrong with Dior, more so Baby Dior. Something that you will appreciate is the selections that adjust according to the season, which allows you to put together an on-trend wardrobe for the kids right from the collection. More good news is that the French fashion house offers an extensive range of newborn gifts, including changing bags and soft toys, as well as a luxurious pram.
Shop here.

Stella McCartney Kids

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Stella McCartney is renowned for her use of bright colours and eclectic designs, and the kids’ collection is no exception. Fashion knows no bounds for the eponymous label, so even youngsters can have fun with standout pieces like patterned dresses and flared jumpsuits.  On top of that, it’s a renowned environmentally conscious brand, giving you even more reasons to support the English designer.
Shop here.

Bonpoint

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Founded in 1975 by Marie-France and Bernard, Bonpoint aspires to bring happiness into an ordinary way of life through its extraordinary savoir-faire and core values. The meticulous attention to detail and finishes on everything from pleated dresses to double-breasted jackets illustrate their dedication to producing high-quality products. Something else to admire is how well-rounded its offerings are to new mommies, from skincare products to daily wear pieces that ease the transition to motherhood.
Shop here.

La Coqueta

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La Coqueta is all about embracing childhood adventures while staying comfy in the finest fabrics produced with skilful craftsmanship. Since its inception in 2013, the ‘Made in Spain’ label has consistently emphasised classic Spanish aesthetics in its distinct design. The best part is that many of the styles are gender-neutral, which allows you to mix and match the clothes for your young ones.
Shop here.

Amaia Kids

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Whether it’s for a birthday party or a weekend away with the family, Amaia Kids delivers everything your tiny pals need. What makes the UK-based brand even more appealing is its participation in sustainable fashion. Along with its dedication to preserving Spanish textile traditions, the fabrics used are one hundred per cent natural, which makes it easy to recycle or donate to various children’s charities.
Shop here.

Marie-Chantal

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Beyond its signature Angel Wing sleep suit, Marie-Chantal is a contemporary brand that elevates casual styles with curated newborn basics, distinctive sleepwear, and gorgeous loungewear. If you’re shopping for gifts, go no further because their selection is so vast that you’ll be spoiled for choice. On another note, you can also count on their ‘Journal 22’ platform, which provides a go-to resource for parents.
Shop here.

For more fashion reads, click here.

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Lifestyle
8 Ways you can help save our ocean in support of World Oceans Day

02.06.2021
By Natalie Khoo

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7 Things to do in the Klang Valley this weekend: 15 & 16 July 2023

Every year since 1992, people around the planet celebrate World Oceans Day on June 8. And for good reason, seeing that the ocean is the heart and lungs of our planet, supplying 50 per cent of the planet’s oxygen. Our beautiful blue seas teem with diversity and serve as the main source of protein for more than a billion people around the world.
Not only is the ocean key to our economy with an estimated 40 million people being employed by ocean-based industries by 2030, it’s also an essential life source for humanity and every other organism on earth. Yet, the reality is that humans are overfishing and polluting its waters by the day—you’ve probably seen the shocking proof.
It is thus becoming more imperative that we all practise good lifestyle habits to keep our oceans safe from the threats of pollution, climate change and overfishing. Below, we list down eight ways you can support World Oceans Day, every day.
Reduce your use of plastic

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It’s not just plastic straws or single-use plastic that are contributing to ocean pollution. Anything and everything made from plastic—including microplastics in our clothing that get washed into the sea—add to the ‘plastic islands’ which end up killing marine life and disrupting the entire ecosystem. As hard as it is to completely rid our life of plastics, it’s a matter of cultivating better lifestyle habits such as using reusable tote bags for groceries, carrying a water bottle and non-disposable food containers, recycling, and buying better clothing (more on this later).

Educate yourself about the ocean

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American author Suzy Kassem once said, “Ignorance is not bliss. It is the kiss of death.” She’s definitely not wrong when it comes to ignorance of our impact on the ocean. If you’re uninformed, it bodes well for you (and everyone else) to start reading up resources on marine environments, watching ocean-related documentaries, or even following earth-conscious social media accounts such as Oceana, 4ocean and Greenpeace for more insights. Understanding the consequences of your actions is the first step in making wiser consumer decisions.

Make sustainable seafood choices

Photo: Seaspiracy/Netflix
This may be hard on seafood lovers, but if you think long-term, making conscious decisions on your eating habits now will allow for your continual enjoyment of ocean-based proteins. One way to buy more sustainable seafood is to choose locally-caught fish that are lower on the food chain like anchovies and mackerel, as these reproduce quickly and can be caught in large numbers without burning a lot of fuel. Avoid eating big fish or endangered species like bluefin tuna, deepwater shark, and Atlantic halibut.
Alternatively, opt for sustainably farmed options like tilapia and salmon (Seaspiracy allegations aside; after all, there are disputes from all sides). Wherever possible, ask your vendors how their seafood is sourced or look for MSC and ASC certifications as these eco-labels are your safest bet for sustainable fishing locally. As a rule of thumb, watch your seafood consumption and don’t overindulge.

Mind your hygiene habits

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This may sound like a given but newsflash—your toilet is not your rubbish bin. Seriously, you’d be surprised at what some people flush down the lavatory. Never dump anything other than, well, your number one or two (read: pee and poo), and tissue paper (unless otherwise stated in public areas). Items like baby wipes, condoms, pads, tampons, medication, and pet droppings should be disposed via rubbish bins, not down the toilet. Water treatment systems are not designed to filter these products, which only wind up clogging the system or littering beaches and the ocean.

Buy clothing made from sustainable materials

Photo: intelligentliving.co
Not many realise this, but the fashion and textiles industry is a major polluter of water at all stages in the value chain. In fact, it accounts for 34.8 per cent of global microplastic pollution, with approximately 700,000 microfibres being released into our sewage system in every wash cycle. These microfibres can potentially harm aquatic organisms and also emit greenhouse gases as they degrade.
To minimise the impact of our fashion choices on the ocean, avoid buying clothing made from synthetic materials such as acrylic, polyester and polyester-blends. Instead, prioritise slow fashion and sustainable materials like organic cotton and recycled fabrics to prevent microfibre emissions. If possible, reduce your laundry load and frequency or simply wear less clothes! (P.S: The latter should be easy while living in lockdown.)

Use reef-safe personal care products
Although those of us who live in the city or suburbs are unlikely to be near the sea anytime soon, it’s good practice to be mindful of the ingredients in our personal care products. This includes our skincare, hair and body products, and particularly, sunscreen. Always check through the ingredients list to make sure the product is reef-safe and free of chemicals or pollutants that may enter our water treatment systems and eventually pollute the ocean.
Here are some red flags to immediately cross out from your inventory: microbeads, formaldehyde, oxybenzone, and parabens, to name a few. If it sounds too overwhelming to scrutinise the ingredients list of every single personal care item you purchase (which we’re all too familiar with), try to stick to renowned clean, green and eco-friendly brands.

Support organisations that help protect the ocean

Photo: Adidas
There are many organisations out there with the noble mission to help save our oceans. Often times, their efforts welcome public contribution—whether in the form of donations, volunteer work, or advocacy. For instance, adidas has the ‘Run for the Oceans’ challenge in collaboration with Parley this year, which aims to raise awareness on marine plastic pollution and clean up to 500,00 lbs (approximately 226,796 kg) of plastic waste for every km tracked with the

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Lifestyle
The best Raya 2019 ads to make you laugh and cry at the same time

31.05.2019
By Gwen Ong

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7 Things to do in the Klang Valley this weekend: 15 & 16 July 2023

No other country can boasts of a diverse culture as ours and no other nations are as privileged as us to be celebrating people from all walks of life. Each festive season gives us plenty of reasons to dress up, look our best and host ‘open house‘ to spread the goodwill. Not forgetting, to let us partake in the most delicious food spread too. As we wait in anticipation for Syawal to dawn upon us, let us take stock of the meaning of this celebration with this collection of sweet, moving and funny Raya 2019 ads.
Petronas delivers a heart-warming tale of remembering our loved ones this Raya. Sometimes it’s through their cooking.

Count our blessings as we make the long journey home this festive season, don’t lose your cool and more so, your heart.

They say, distance makes the heart grow fonder. This is especially true during an important festivity like Aidilfitri.

It’s the little things in life that matters. If you know how to appreciate what you have, the happier life would be as JinnyBoy tells us.

A great one from TNB as we welcome the good and bad of ‘open house’ visits – a task that demands precision and care.

Whether you’re travelling from near or far, nothing beats the special feeling that you get whenever you come home as Malaysia Airlines reminds us.

What is the meaning of Ramadan? This little cutie pie is about to find out. If you’re curious what happens next, here’s part 2.

Children are born curious and special. That is not a crime. Let us embrace our uniqueness and celebrate each other.

Based on a true story, a teacher gives us a lesson in supporting each of our strengths and weaknesses no matter our race or religion.

In this age of fast trends, watch how two sisters overcome their differences and work together to bring harmony to their household.

It’s true that life isn’t what it used to be and we may have lost sight of what’s important but as long as we try, we can preserve our heritage.

For more Raya 2019 stories, click here.

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Watches
Dior Joaillerie: A close-up look at how it’s made
An organic Versailles

27.07.2017
By Buro247

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The Cartier Privé collection is about history and modernity

Dior dances into the gardens of Versailles for act II of Victoire de Castellane’s high jewellery creations for the Maison. Set in a royal domain, the spirit of French art de vivre gives life to haute couture ornamentation inspired by the architectural magnificence of the Chateau in harmony with the luxury of botany.
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“I wanted that, in each jewel, we rediscover the paradoxical combining of nature and culture so characteristic of Le Nôtre’s work and of the park at Versailles,” explained the Artistic Director.

And born from that thought are paths paved with emeralds, sparkling diamonds that nestle amid blooms of sapphire, and multicoloured jewels romantically assembled like panes of stained glass. Sculpted ammonite and agate adorn rings to imbue them with the depths of ornamental lakes while tourmalines reflect the sun to recall the ebb and flow of living water.

Transcribing the wonders of nature and culture into precious stones and metal can only be achieved by the finest Parisian high jewellery ateliers. Below, we give you a glimpse into four sessions behind the jeweller’s bench of how the idealised Garden of Versailles became a dream come true.

SESSION 1: STUDIO AND MODELLING
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SESSION 2: VOLUME DESIGN
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SESSION 3: SETTING
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SESSION 4: MOUNTING
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A few of the finished pieces from the atelier:
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Related stories:
Dior to stage the largest ever fashion retrospective in Paris this July
Wrist couture: Dior VIII Montaigne Tissage Précieux celebrates the Maison’s 70th year
BuroxDior: A picture-perfect picnic in KL to celebrate Dior Hydra Life

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Culture
7 Street style photographers to follow for the best fashion week snaps
The best clicks

27.02.2018
By Su Fen Tan

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All the exciting live concerts in KL to look forward to in 2023

1. Melodie Jeng | @melodiejeng
Follow Melodie for: Relaxed, laidback take on street style, with some backtstage and travel snaps in the mix.

2. Tommy Ton | @tommyton
Follow Tommy for: His eagle eye for shots that are detail-oriented, vivid, and vibrant—as you would expect from one of the pioneers of street style photography as we know it today.

3. Phil Oh | @mrstreetpeeper
Follow Phil for: Witty captions along with light-hearted and dynamic stills to match.

4. Scott Schuman | @thesartorialist
Follow Scott for: A more sophisticated take on the craft by the industry veteran.

5. Yvan Rodic | @facehunter
Follow Yvan for: His insatiable thirst for capturing style and culture across the globe that extends well beyond fashion week.

6. Adam Katz Sinding | @le21eme
Follow Adam for: More candid moments in the fashion circuit, as well as beautiful (and at times intense) close-up portraits.

7. Tamu McPherson | @tamumcpherson
Follow Tamu for: Her keen editorial sense in runway shots and enviable OOTDs—she used to be the EIC of Grazia, after all. You won’t see so much of her street style photography on her IG feed, but on her website.

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Style
ICYMI: Tod’s x Alber Elbaz is a collaboration you didn’t see coming

11.04.2019
By Joan Kong

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The ultimate wedding shoe guide for the bridal party

Four years after his exit from Lanvin, Alber Elbaz is back in the design chair for the second instalment of the Tod’s Factory project, which was named after Andy Warhol’s New York art studio. The first—that was launched during AW18 last year—featured Italian fashion designer Alessandro Dell’Acqua, who’s known for N°21 and Rochas. This will be the Moroccan-Israeli designer’s first major work since his departure from Lanvin after serving as its creative director for 14 years. In an interview with WWD, Tod’s chief executive Diego Della Valle has nothing but praise when he talked about Elbaz, saying that “he is one of the few great designers around. His sense of modernity is extraordinary and we are very, very happy to see him restart in fashion with us.” After a four-year-long hiatus, we can’t wait to see what the creative genius has in store for us. While nothing much has been revealed apart from the announcement, Elbaz did mention to WWD that the capsule collection will consist of mostly shoes and a few bags. To accompany the collection, a flagship store dedicated to Tod’s Factory will open in Milan by the end of May.

The Tod’s x Alber Elbaz line will be launched this Spring. Stay tuned for more updates.

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Makeup
The biggest mistake you’re making with your powder foundations

04.08.2021
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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How to nail the Barbiecore look (and everything you’ll need to do it)

Hey, you. You with the powder foundation in-hand. You think you’re being sneaky, but we see you. We see what you’re doing.
That sponge. You’re holding the little sponge that comes with the powder foundation. No, worse—you’re using the sponge. Your face is freshly cleansed and prepped, and you’re about to use the sponge to apply your makeup!
Oh, dear. This won’t do at all. You! Put your hands in the air and slowly drop your compact sponge onto the (sanitised) table. We need to talk.
Here’s a gentle suggestion: Stop using the sponge that comes with your powder foundations for your initial application.
Why? Well, aside from the fact that they are generally more difficult to use than other makeup tools, using the sponge to apply your foundation is more likely to give you an uneven application. Swiping or, more realistically, dragging the little square or the little circular pad across your skin as most compact powders suggest can emphasise unwanted textures.
The solution? Use a brush. Not just any old brush, of course—rather, choose a small, round, and dense brush with shorter brush hairs. The density is key here, with a denser brush offering fuller coverage than a less-dense brush.
BURO’s picks for powder brushes:

Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Foundation Brush, RM137SHOP HERE

Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Foundation Brush, RM238SHOP HERE

Sephora Collection PRO Featherweight Powder Brush #91, RM180SHOP HERE

Bobbi Brown Full Coverage Face Brush, RM202SHOP HERE

You can either stipple on the product, or apply it in circular motions—more realistically, you’ll be alternate between both techniques on different parts of the face. For example, for textured areas that you are trying to smooth, a stippling motion will help to pat down and tame any flakes. If you’re just trying to build coverage and hide pores, a buffing, circular motion will be more beneficial.
So, here’s the conundrum: What do you do with the included sponge, then? Use it for touch-ups throughout the day, of course! That’s right, pick that sponge up off of your spotless vanity table (it’s still clean)—we’re keeping it on standby. This time, however, we’re doing things in a different way.
Instead of dragging it over the skin, try applying your touch-ups with a firm, patting motion or with a pat-and-roll motion. The patting motion will ensure that your base underneath remains undisturbed, while the pat-and-roll motion helps to absorb any excess oil on the face while depositing more product.
The result? Hopefully, a beautiful, radiant finish that comes as close to flawless as makeup possibly can!
BURO’s picks for powder foundations:

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Powder Foundation, RM165SHOP HERE

Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin Blurring Powder Foundation, RM188SHOP HERE

Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Custom Finish Powder Foundation, RM180SHOP HERE

Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Foundation Powder SPF20, RM187SHOP HERE

Dior Capture Totale Triple Correcting Foundation Compact, RM346SHOP HERE

Find more makeup stories here.

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Food + Drink
3 KL restaurants named in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 51-100 List
A huge congratulations!

17.03.2023
By Marissa Chin

FEATURED IMAGES: @dewakanmy / Instagram | @nadodikl / Instagram

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

Ahead of its live awards ceremony on 28 March, Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants has revealed the extended list of restaurants ranked from 51-100 for 2023. Created from the votes of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy—featuring a gender-balanced group of over 300 food experts, critics, chefs and restaurateurs— this year’s inaugural 51-100 list welcomes 17 new entries.

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The prestigious awards list unveiled three Malaysian restaurants (all based in Kuala Lumpur), with Dewakan currently as the best-rated restaurant on the list at No. 74. While the modern Malaysian establishment is no stranger to being on the Asia 50 Best list, it has notably dropped several spots from its seat at No. 50 last year and No. 66 in 2021. Dewakan has also won the coveted title of Best Malaysian Restaurant since 2019. It was also one of only two restaurants in KL to receive one Michelin Star at the 2022 Michelin Guide for KL and Penang alongside DC by Darren Chin.

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Another re-entry is Eat and Cook, which placed No. 79 on the list. The Malaysian establishment made waves last year by debuting on the 51-100 List at No. 81. It also had the honour of winning the American Express One To Watch Award which recognises a restaurant as a rising star of the region and aims to celebrate gastronomic excellence, innovation, and potential. This year, Jakarta’s August receives the award. Eat and Cook is known for their omakase-style dining which specialises in using Malaysian ingredients.

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The last Malaysian re-entry is KL’s Nadodi at No. 94. The restaurant’s previous placements include No. 99 in 2021 and No. 62 last year. As one of the city’s most established fine dining restaurants, Nadodi is famed for its sophisticated and modern take on South Indian cuisine.
Ahead,  here is the full list of restaurants on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 51-100 List.

ASIA’S 50 BEST RESTAURANTS 51-100 LIST

 Joo Ok, Seoul
 Bukhara, New Delhi
 Ta Vie, Hong Kong
 Yong Fu, Hong Kong*
 7th Door, Seoul
 Thevar, Singapore
 Logy, Taipei
 Jade Dragon, Macau
 Jin Sha, Hangzhou
 L’évo, Toyama*
 Ando, Hong Kong*
 Estro, Hong Kong*
63. Lolla, Singapore
 Sugita, Tokyo
 Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet, Shanghai
 Americano, Mumbai
 Esquisse, Tokyo
 Eatanic Garden at Josun Palace, Seoul*
 Ministry of Crab, Colombo*
 8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana, Hong Kong
 Côte by Mauro Colagreco, Bangkok*
 Wana Yook, Bangkok*
 Lerdtip Wanghin, Bangkok
 Dewakan, Kuala Lumpur
 Nihonryori RyuGin, Tokyo
 Fu1015, Shanghai
 Ling Long, Beijing*
 The Table, Mumbai
 Eat and Cook, Kuala Lumpur
 The Pizza Bar on 38th, Tokyo*
 Gaa, Bangkok
 Samrub Samrub Thai, Bangkok
 Nae:Um, Singapore*
 Jaan by Kirk Westaway, Singapore
 Claudine, Singapore*
 Summer Pavilion, Singapore*
 Adachi Sushi, Taipei
 Obscura, Shanghai
 Meet the Bund, Shanghai*
 Été, Tokyo
 Hommage, Tokyo*
 Golden Flower, Macau
 Ekaa, Mumbai*
 Nadodi, Kuala Lumpur
 August, Jakarta*
 Liberte, Kaohsiung
 Sushi Hare, Hong Kong
 Nahm, Bangkok
 Xin Rong Ji, Hong Kong
 Vea, Hong Kong

* indicates new entries

For more food-related reads, head here.

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Watches
Revolutionary watchmaking: The top 3 watches to covet
Blue-chip investment pieces

15.07.2015
By Kenneth Tan

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RECOMMENDED

The Cartier Privé collection is about history and modernity

Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime

At the last independent, family-owned Genevan watchmaking company, Patek Philippe’s savoir-faire is best manifested in its sensational 175th-anniversary opus. Ref 5175 displays Genevan artistry of yore; refined aesthetics, fluent legibility and superlative mechanics. These qualities are then supercharged on both the innovative swivel-and-locking rose gold case – which is constructed from 214 components, versus 12 parts on a conventional case – as well as a score of complications residing within.
Its 20 complications, which necessitate the two dials to transmit the entirety of information, include a grande sonnerie – with three gongs offering a crystalline and melodious chime of quarters and hours, and a petite sonnerie, which silences the chime. This empress of complications exists in concert with a minute repeater, alarm function with time strike, strikework power-reserve indicator and a host of calendar functions including instantaneous perpetual calendar.
A creation of horology which took seven years, Ref 5175 ups the stakes in the world of horology with six patents awarded on innovations. Its ease of use is ably guaranteed by isolation mechanics to prevent disruption, quite necessary in view of the 1,366-part Caliber 300. This piece is limited to only seven with six sold to long-standing collectors and the seventh installed at the Patek Philippe Museum Collection.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept RD#1

In unveiling this timepiece, Audemars Piguet marks a new chapter in acoustic technology. Inspired by a 1924 minute-repeater found in the watchmaker’s archives, the company undertook deep research – to the extent of consulting with instrument makers, sound engineers and specialists from the Ecole Plytechnique Federale de Lausanne in Switzerland – some eight years ago.
This year, backed by three pending patents, the RD#1 makes a rather loud contribution to minute repeater mechanisms as we know it. The secret is both traditional and innovative; a super strength long steel strip (similar to the steel gongs of minute repeaters from the late 19th century) is worked around the movement achieving optimal ‘sonic target’ with nearly zero reverberation. All of this results in a more sustained, richer and organisation a quality of sound superior to anything in existence; 10 decibels louder on the register and audible at a distance of 15 metres. All of this is fitted into a 44mm titanium Royal Oak case – which is even constructed to be water resistant to 20 metres – sharing the space with tourbillon and chronograph complications.

Richard Mille RM1902 Tourbillon Fleur

Elevating the art of automata this year is Richard Mille. In this year’s delightful exercise in mimetic mechanics, the maverick watchmaker replicates the blossoming of the delicate magnolia. A flying tourbillon escapement comprising five hand-created and coloured 18k gold petals offer a balletic composition when activated – the petals open outwards while the tourbillon’s stone-set ‘stamen’ protrudes in the process – mirroring the flower’s natural pollination cues.
In choosing the ancient magnolia – which predates both trees and even the emergence of bees – Mille intends for the timepiece to symbolise beauty and resilience in harsh environments; much like the hardy Richard Mille tourbillon timepieces – constructed to withstand everything from thunderous golf swings to Formula One car crashes. Its fully curved tripartite tonneau-shaped case then takes on a 47-step stamping operation, with 250 million operations to obtain the desired shape, followed by a full day of grinding, glazing and polishing. This limited edition of 30 is built on a baseplate and bridges of grade 5 titanium and is water resistant to 50 metres.

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Fashion
3 Local designers to shop from to look your best this Chinese New Year

10.01.2019
By Joan Kong

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RECOMMENDED

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

Khoon Hooi
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First launched in 2010, Khoon Hooi’s qi pao collections have always been a beautiful blend of tradition and modernity, and this year, the designer is adding some digital elements into the mix. Inspired by flowers, a number of satin fabrics come in digitally printed motifs, without forgetting the traditional cranes, bamboos, peonies and plum blossom that pop against a colour palette of vibrant hues, such as lime green, lilac, blush pink and aqua. But that’s not it, zoom in on the pieces and you’ll notice the intricate flower buttons—made of jade, agate, and pearl—giving the looks that feminine finishing touch. If you’re looking for something less form-fitting, looser fits such as belted top-culottes combo, or a trapeze dress that are still very much in theme are also available.

Khoon Hooi’s Qi Pao 2019 Chinese New Year collection is now available at the APW Bangsar showroom.

Melinda Looi
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Want something festive with a twist? Look no further as Melinda Looi’s Chinese New Year 2019 collection is just that. Inspired by Chinese folk art, you can find traditional visual elements such as nature and animal motifs on an array of fabrics such as lace, batik, and jacquard. On top of that, the designer also included her own prints, which are an umbrella pattern that was inspired by Penang’s hawker scene, and opera faces that radiate a cheeky vibe. Certain designs (among a total of 164 looks) include reversible outerwear, jackets that can be transformed into dresses and removable Mandarin collars-a signature of the brand.

The Chinese New Year Cruise 2019 collection is now available at the Melinda Looi Bangsar boutique. Alternatively, you can order via Instagram as well.

Innai Red
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For its second CNY collection, Innai Red perfectly captures the spirit of the festivities with a qi pao collection that is the epitome of elegance. To showcase the beauty of the attire, only luxe fabrics were used in the making of the pieces, such as brocade, taffeta, charmeuse silk, organza, French lace, and embroidered tulle. Accompanying the materials, are the label’s signature elements such as ruffles, intricate beadwork, sheer details and peplum silhouettes that elevated the traditional ensemble further. From pretty pastels to vibrant hues, the collection is introduced in a wide range of colours, but each piece is equally stunning on its own.

Only eight pieces per design from Innai Red’s Chinese New Year 2019 collection are available this year, and pre-order ends on January 15th.

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Makeup
Here’s how to get those ethereal, Pinterest-worthy eyeshadow looks to show up on deep skin tones

09.11.2020
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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RECOMMENDED

How to nail the Barbiecore look (and everything you’ll need to do it)

There’s nothing more satisfying than scrolling through Instagram for inspiration and saving a bunch of beautiful makeup looks for you to try on yourself later. Unfortunately, getting those truly Insta-worthy eyeshadow looks is a near-impossible feat unless you really know your way around your makeup hacks, especially if you’re a black or brown girl.
Granted, there has been a lot more inclusivity in the beauty game in recent years as more black- and brown-owned beauty brands create products with deeper skin tones in mind. However, for the most part, the selection is pretty slim in this neck of the world. Plus, even the most vibrant of shadows can always use a little oomph for bigger impact. That’s what we’re delving into today.
Ahead, find our top beauty hacks to getting your eyeshadow to stand out on your skin.
PS: Though we wrote this for ladies with deeper skin tones, these tips also work on lighter skin tones!
Hack #1: Using eyeshadow primer

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A post shared by BEA SWEET (@beasweetbeauty) on Aug 29, 2019 at 12:56pm PDT

So, this isn’t a hack per se, but it’s definitely one of the more effective ways to get your eyeshadow popping. An added plus? You probably have some of this stuff on you already.
The general idea is that primer gives you a sticky base for your eyeshadow to adhere to while creating a white cast to make the colour show up more. This method works like a charm and has the added benefit of long-lasting wear. The only thing you’ll need to keep in mind is that you need to be precise with the application: the white cast isn’t too forgiving on deeper skin tones.
TIP: Use a transition colour (a colour that is very close to either your natural skin tone or your foundation colour) over the edges of your primer to make the blend more seamless.
TRY: Urban Decay Primer Potion
Hack #2: Cream or liquid eyeshadows

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A post shared by ZOE ALAYRANGUES (@ugglyzoe) on Jul 21, 2017 at 1:07am PDT

If you thought primer was a good shout, you’re in for a ride. Cream or liquid eyeshadow is an even better way to get your eyeshadow looking as vibrant as possible. Like primer, cream and liquid eyeshadows provide a base for your powder eyeshadow to stick to, only with the added benefit of pretty colours. The non-powdery consistency also makes them perfect for oily eyelids—no creasing or rubbing away, especially if you set it with a powder shadow over the top.
You can apply them as is or layer them under a powder eyeshadow that matches. The match doesn’t have to be identical—similar families of colours will work perfectly, such as blue on blue or pink on pink.
TRY: Clarins Ombre Satin Cream Eyeshadow
Hack #3: Grease paint

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A post shared by BEA SWEET (@beasweetbeauty) on Sep 17, 2019 at 10:40am PDT

This may seem like a bit of a rogue suggestion, but trust us on this one. This tip comes directly from seasoned makeup artist Bea Sweet, who is responsible for some of FKA Twigs’ best looks. According to the makeup artist, grease paint is probably behind some of your favourite looks, and it works on all skin tones (but especially deep skin tones).
“I use the tiniest bit and buff it out very finely so it has a tiny ‘tack’ to it and the ‘grease’ part is barely there,” says Sweet. “I either colour match to the shade I’m applying or I’ll go a little lighter if I want a graduated edge.”
However, though it truly is a great tip, you’ll need to take special care in not applying too much. Below, you can see what happens if you use too much grease—it ends up absorbing too much powder. Now, this may be what you’re going for, but if it isn’t then we strongly advise you proceed with caution.

TRY: Kryolan Supracolor FP 12 Colour Face & Body Grease Paint
Hack #4: Lipstick

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For this hack, you can use any lipstick you like. If it suits your lips, it’s bound to look good all over your face. Use it on its own or find a matching pigment to wash over and you’ve got yourself a great monochrome look on your hands. It really does work, too—the lipsticks are typically tacky enough to keep your eyeshadows stuck on and the base pigment allows for some killer colour layering.
Plus, if you’re not feeling the nudes or the reds, try branching out to more unconventional colours like blue, purple or green. The best part is that lipsticks come in all different shades and they layer beautifully under your powder shadows.
READ: 1 Product, 2 ways: How to get your money’s worth from your beauty bag
Hack #5: Eye drops and loose pigments

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You’re probably wondering why we’re suggesting eye drops as opposed to just water. Here’s the thing—while water and eyeshadow can certainly boost the opacity of the pigment, it tends to end up very messy and short-lived.
Eye drops have two critical ingredients in them: Water and glycerine. Mixing these two things with your loose pigments or your powder eyeshadows creates a nice creamy base while boosting the pigment, which makes it apply much cleaner. It’s not a perfect hack, but it works a charm in a pinch.
While these hacks won’t work for everyone (as is the case with all kinds of makeup), trial and error is your best friend. Which look are you going to go for?
Find more makeup hacks right here.

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