Buro Loves
#BuroGiveaway: Win these beauty essentials in celebration of our new look

24.10.2018
By Wei Yeen Loh

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

In conjunction with our recent revamp, this month’s giveaway alludes to Buro’s new brand identity—in the most subtle way, that is. One of the more exciting aspects of our new look is the Buro wordmark along with the dot design that complements it (read more here on our Burolution from CEO Nick Smith); so we thought: What better way to celebrate our new dot design than with a giveaway comprising beauty must-haves that also sport a circular aesthetic?
Here’s a peek at what we’ll be gifting three lucky winners in this giveaway:
Salvatore Ferragamo Signorina EDT

Bring your sophisticated side out with this elegant scent from Salvatore Ferragamo. The bestselling Signorina Eau de Toilette exudes freshness with a dash of spontaneity thanks to bright notes of currant, addled with spicy pink pepper. A floral heart will greet your olfactory senses with notes of jasmine, pink peony and rose. But the dry down is our favourite—a combination of pannacotta, soft musks, and woody patchouli for an unpredictable denouement.

Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Setting Powder

Keep your makeup budge-proof with the help of Urban Decay’s latest All Nighter Waterproof Setting Powder. The ultra-light formula is translucent and works to blur pores and imperfections while ensure your face doesn’t resemble an oil slick. All you have to do is buff the powder over foundation for locked-in coverage. Letting your inner glow show is easy breezy—you don’t even need reapplications with this must-have!

Urban Decay Lo-Fi Lip Mousse

Slide this handy lip compact into your makeup bag for a few good reasons: It’s weightless yet buildable, and gives a high-impact finish that will complete your makeup look effortlessly. The Lo-Fi Lip Mousse comes with a unique texture that you can experiment for different looks. Use it with your fingertips for a tint of colour, or create a more defined lip with the pop-out applicator. Airy perfection on your lips—the best kind of lip colour there is.

Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow in Moonspoon and Diamond Dog

You’ve got your lip and cheek makeup down pat, but what about your peepers? Up the ante with 3D metallics courtesy of Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadows. Sparkly eye makeup has never looked this good, what with these eyeshadows that feels like cream but glides on like powder. Instead of chunky glitters, microfine bits of iridescent sparkle come in shades that will give an eye-catching, reflective look. Lucky winners will get this eyeshadow in two shades: Moonspoon and Diamond Dog.

Want to win these beauty goodies from Salvatore Ferragamo and Urban Decay? You can be one of the three winners to walk away with all of the above—all you have to do is play this game below and submit your details to stand a chance in this giveaway.
Tip: The more times you play, the higher chances of making it to the winners’ list!

The giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to the following winners:

Michele David
Poh Yi Tan
Sumitra Selvaraj

The giveaway runs from today till 6 November 2018. Winners will be announced on 9 November 2018 on this page. By joining this giveaway, you will be automatically subscribed to our Buro 24/7 Malaysia e-newsletter. Other terms and conditions apply*.
1. Employees of Buro 24/7 Malaysia and its related corporations (“Indochine Media Ventures”) or Buro 24/7 Malaysia partners and/or sponsors for the giveaway (if applicable), and their immediate family members (including spouses, children, parents, brothers and sisters) are not eligible to participate in the giveaway.
2. Winners of this giveaway are chosen at random.
3. This giveaway is organised by Buro 24/7 Malaysia (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Organiser’).
4. The prizes for this giveaway are neither exchangeable for cash nor transferable.
5. All persons (‘Participants’) taking part in this giveaway agree that these rules shall be binding on them, and that the entries in this giveaway, including their name and likeness, may be used without restriction in any future publicity material by the Organiser.
6. The Organiser reserves the right to amend these rules or terminate the giveaway at any time at its sole and absolute discretion. All decisions made by the Organiser under these rules shall be final and no discussion or correspondence will be entertained. The Organiser may, but is not required to, justify any decisions relating to this giveaway.
7. The Participant acknowledges that the interest and good reputation of the Organiser are of paramount importance. The Organiser reserves the right to disqualify a Participant from the giveaway, or to withdraw the prize if it is believed the Participant is in breach of its obligations under the rules. The Participants shall not by act or omission, directly or indirectly bring the Organiser into disrepute.
8. All entries are sent at the risk of the Participants and in the event that there are technical difficulties experienced arising out of the internet or from any associated equipment or internet security is compromised, the Organiser may at its sole and absolute discretion disqualify the entire entry and shall not accept any liability doing so.
9. Giveaway entries may only be submitted via the stated medium of communication.
10. This giveaway is open to anyone above 18 years old.
11. Each entry must be completed in full. The Organiser reserves the right to disqualify any incomplete entries in its sole and absolute discretion.
12. Participants shall only submit one entry and multiple entries of the same shall be treated as ‘spam’ and shall be ignored.
13. Incomplete entries will be deemed void.
14. Winners will be notified by email.
15. Uses of ‘aliases’ shall be considered a form of deception and are prohibited.
16. The winner must produce their original IC / passport with legible IC / passport number in order to claim the prize. The winner may also be required to produce additional original proof of identity at the discretion of the Organiser.
17. All Prizes are accepted entirely at the risk of the winner, and the Organiser excludes all warranties in connection with the prize to the extent permitted by law.
18. All Participants release from, and indemnify the Organiser, its agencies, sponsors and representatives against, all liability, cost, loss or expense arising out of acceptance of any prize or participation in the giveaway including (but not limited to) personal injury and damage to property and whether direct or consequential, foreseeable, due to some negligent act or omission or otherwise.
19. All personal particulars furnished are meant for identification purposes and will not be sold or given to any third parties. In the case of giveaways, our partners may wish to offer you services which require your personal particulars. These specific requests will be expressly stated within relevant giveaways, with a choice to opt out.
20. Inability to contact the winner by 16 November 2018 will result in disqualification and selection of an alternate winner.
21. Winners must collect their gifts from our office in Mont Kiara within 1 month of notification.
22. Prizes are final; no cash equivalent or alternative prize will be given. Prizes are non-transferable, non-exchangeable and strictly not for resale. If the winner is found to be selling the prize(s), the Organiser reserves the right to demand the return of the prize.

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News
Remembering Naya Rivera: 6 Things you didn’t know about the lovable star

14.07.2020
By Marissa Chin

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On July 13, the Ventura County Sheriff Office reported that they discovered a body and have identified it as that of Naya Rivera. This heartbreaking news comes just under a week since the actress was first reported missing on July 8.
During the news conference, Ventura County Sheriff Willliam Ayub revealed that Rivera’s body was found near the surface of the water in the northeastern portion of the lake—waters in that area can go as deep between 35 and 60 feet.

According to details recounted by Josey, Sheriff Ayub also shared that while swimming in the lake with his mother, Josey was boosted onto the boat before turning back and witnessed his mother going under the water. “She mustered enough energy to get her son back onto the boat, but not enough to save herself,” Ayub said.
The rented boat was also not anchored and drifted which meant that both mother and son had to swim a further distance to get to it. According to authorities, the most likely scenario was that Rivera used the last of her strength to save her four-year-old son before drowning. She was only 33.
Naya Rivera was many things: a talented actress, singer, dancer, loving mother and much more. Ahead, we remember the all-rounded star’s brilliance and talent with these wonderful facts about her life.
Naya Rivera started out as a child actor

We all know Naya Rivera for her role as Santana Lopez in Glee which catapulted her to super stardom but did you know she was actually in the showbiz game since she was a kid? Rivera began her career as a child actor and model, appearing in a variety of TV adverts, commercials before joining the sitcom, The Royal Family, at the bright young age of four. Check out baby Naya in the clip above.
She auditioned for American Idol and Glee with the same song

Naya Rivera and future Glee co-star Amber Riley (who played Mercedes) actually auditioned for the singing competition show American Idol before their stunt on Glee. She chose the groovy ‘90s disco track ‘Emotion’ by The Bee Gees for both auditions. While she didn’t get the golden ticket to Hollywood in American Idol, the same track nailed her the role of Santana Lopez in Glee.
Rivera was going to give up acting before Glee’s audition

It’s hard to wrap your head around the fact that Naya Rivera was ready to give up acting before attending her audition for Glee. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, she revealed that things weren’t working out and was going to ditch the acting life for a “real job” before her mother told her to give it another six months. In hindsight, that was excellent advice from Mama Rivera because we wouldn’t know who would play Santana as perfectly as Rivera did.
She released a single with ex-beau Big Sean

Rivera amassed a huge fan following from Glee who were desperate to hear her pipes on songs beyond covers (albeit some darn good ones!). Their dreams came true when the singer-actress signed onto Columbia Records in 2011 and released a digital single titled ‘Sorry’ featuring her then-boyfriend Big Sean.
Her role as Santana was an inspiration to many LGBT women
In Glee, Santana Lopez was more than just your average acid-tongued cheerleader: she was an LGBT TV trailblazer. Bear in mind, the relationship between Brittany and Santana were only explored in season two of the show which was ten years ago—a time where LGBT narratives (especially ones of POC) were hardly represented on mainstream television. Santana’s portrayal of a strong female LGBT character empowered and comforted many around the world grappling with their own sexuality.

Brittany and Santana’s wedding in Season 6 of Glee
While Rivera never identified as LGBT herself, she knew the importance of portraying such an important role. During Comic Con 2011, Glee co-creator Brad Falchuk revealed writers initially wanted to treat the Santana-Brittany romance as a “goof” for comedic relief but Rivera shut that idea down and championed for the same-sex relationship to be treated with more seriousness. “It’s up to writers, but I would love to represent [the LGBTQ community] because we know that there are tons of people who experience something like that and it’s not comical for them in their lives,” Rivera told E! News. “So I hope that maybe we can shed some light on that.”
She treasured her role as a mother more than anything else

View this post on Instagram

just the two of us
A post shared by  Naya Rivera (@nayarivera) on Jul 7, 2020 at 3:15pm PDT

It’s no secret that Naya Rivera shared an exceptionally close bond with her son, Josey, and would regularly post fun moments with him on social media. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Rivera shared, “I’m a mom now, and what I love more than acting is being Josey’s mom.” Her last Instagram post was of a sweet close-up kiss between her and Josey with the caption, “Just the two of us”.
Glee cast reactions
Many of her former Glee cast mates have also taken the time to remember Rivera’s life and legacy on their social media:

View this post on Instagram

How can you convey all your love and respect for someone in one post? How can you summarize a decade of friendship and laughter with words alone? If you were friends with Naya Rivera, you simply can’t. Her brilliance and humor were unmatched. Her beauty and talent were otherworldly. She spoke truth to power with poise and fearlessness. She could turn a bad day into a great day with a single remark. She inspired and uplifted people without even trying. Being close to her was both a badge of honor and a suit of armor. Naya was truly one of a kind, and she always will be. Sending all my love to her wonderful family and her beautiful son.
A post shared by  Chris Colfer (@chriscolfer) on Jul 13, 2020 at 2:33pm PDT

My Naya, my Snixxx, my Bee. I legitimately can not imagine this world without you. pic.twitter.com/qX9t1Uhx01
— Kevin McHale (@druidDUDE) July 14, 2020

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Travel
10 Must-visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Southeast Asia
Spots of significance

17.04.2023
By Buro Malaysia

Text: Carmen Chong | Editor: Natalie Khoo | Featured image: @biancaknol_ / Instagram

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The world at large, particularly those who enjoy travel and exploration, has most likely heard of the World Heritage Site recognition bestowed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). The question is, what does this recognition actually entail?
To put it simply, World Heritage Sites are appointed by UNESCO for their cultural, historical, scientific, or other forms of noteworthiness as well as heritage that is considered to be of priceless value to humanity. Selected and judged based on a stringent set of criteria, there are currently 1,157 World Heritage Sites that exist across 167 countries. Out of that list, 41 sites are located in the Southeast Asian region.
From lush gardens and ancient temples to exceptional natural wonders and cities chock full of history, we picked out the top  10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites to visit in this region that are just a short flight away. Consider this as your bucket list of destinations worth seeing in Southeast Asia!

1. Hoi An Ancient Town, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam
Photo: @brooklynkitten_ / Instagram
Once a strategic Vietnamese trading port for porcelain, silk, pepper, cinnamon, and healing plants between the 15th and 19th centuries, the Ancient Town of Hoi An is now a charming amalgamation of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and French architectural accents. Today, visitors can peruse through the gorgeously restored shops, temples, and colourful houses in this quaint yet well-preserved town that is located right by the Thu Bon River, best known for its traditional lantern market and delicious food. Amongst the town’s many attractions include the lively Riverside for nightlife, the Japanese Covered Bridge, Cua Dai and An Bang beach, Van Duc Pagoda, the Hoi An Museum, and the Assembly Hall of Fujian Chinese.

2. Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore

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A post shared by Gerald De Silva (@gerald.desilva)

No trip to Singapore is complete without a visit to its iconic Singapore Botanic Gardens, which was constructed in 1859 and exhibits the transformation of a British tropical colonial botanic garden that is now a modern, state-of-the-art scientific institution leveraged for both conservation and education. In fact, it is the first and only botanic garden on the World Heritage Site list. Set on this verdant landscape is a treasure trove of historic accents, plantings, and buildings. Several highlights at Singapore Botanic Gardens include the National Orchid Garden, which is the largest orchid display in the world boasting over 60,000 plants and orchids, as well as the SBG Heritage Museum and CDL Green Gallery that details the Garden’s abundant heritage and presents botanical-related exhibits respectively.
RELATED: The endless wonders of Singapore

3. Komodo National Park, Indonesia
Photo: @debumalam / Instagram
Comprising the Rinca, Komodo, and Padar islands, the volcanic Komodo National Park is situated in the centre of the Indonesian archipelago, between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores. Evidently, the population of 5,700 giant komodo lizards that exist nowhere else across the globe and grow to an average length of two to three metres are the main highlight at the National Park. With that said, the scenic viewpoint on Padar Island that is reachable through a 30-minute hike, and the iconic Pink Beach that is hidden in a bay on the island itself are no less special. Diving enthusiasts would also be glad to know that Komodo’s rich coral reefs are home to diverse species of sea creatures, including manta rays, turtles, whales, dolphins, and dugongs.

4. Luang Prabang, Laos

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A post shared by Laos 🇱🇦 Asia Travel | Hotels | Food | Tips (@laos.explores)

Located in northern Laos, Luang Prabang is an ancient town sitting on a peninsula at the confluence of the Mekong River and Nam Khan River. What’s so unique about this ancient capital is its fusion of traditional Lao architecture and 19th- and 20th-century European colonial-style buildings—all well-preserved until this day. The heart of Buddhism, the town was once the capital of the kingdom of Lane Xang, whose affluence was built due to the town’s strategic location along the Silk Route. Today, it is a peaceful and spiritual townscape filled with heritage and lots to uncover, such as alms-giving ceremonies, glorious markets, the Royal Palace, pagodas (called ‘wats’), and the sacred Mount Phousi that is ideal for epic sunrises and sunsets.

5. Kinabalu National Park, Sabah, Malaysia
Photo: @kee_budakmerah / Instagram
Known as a Centre of Plant Diversity for the region, the Kinabalu National Park in Borneo, Malaysia, boasts spectacular diversity of flora from the Himalayas, China, Australia, Malaysia, and pan-tropical flora. It goes without saying that its main attraction is Mount Kinabalu, the largest mountain in Southeast Asia, towering at a height of 4,095 m as it sits between the Himalayas and New Guinea. A typical climbing itinerary to the summit of Kinabalu covers 8.5 km and takes two days, and it must be done with an accompanying operator or guide, necessary permits, and on-site accommodation. While we cannot deny that it will be challenging, those who have conquered Kinabalu concur that the climb up is an invaluable experience that shouldn’t be missed.
READ MORE: 4 Must-visit natural treasures in Sabah and where to stay while you’re there

6. Bagan, Myanmar
Photo: @sheisnotlost / Instagram
The sacred landscape of Bagan is dotted with over 3,500 Buddhist temples, stupas, pagodas, monasteries, various religious structures, and archaeological remains—erected between the 11th and 13th centuries CE during the peak of Bagan civilisation when the plain served as the capital of a regional empire by the Burmese Pagan Kingdom. Today, temple-hopping in Bagan is considered a must in every modern traveller’s Myanmar itinerary. We suggest catching the jaw-droppingly gorgeous sunrise when the morning mist shrouds the greenery and the magical sky gradually gets covered with hot air balloons. Better yet, splurge on a hot air balloon ride yourself to see Bagan from a peaceful vantage point. To get up close and personal with Bagan’s popular temples, visitors can rent a bicycle or an e-bike, or hire a driver.

7. Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia

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A post shared by Mulu National Park WH Area (@mulunationalparkofficial)

The 52,864-hectare Gunung Mulu National Park in Borneo, Malaysia, is a geographical wonder that is known for its incredible biodiversity punctuated by its iconic karst formations. Home to about 3,500 species of vascular plants, 17 vegetation zones, and 109 palm species, one main highlight of the park is Mulu Pinnacles, which is a rugged forest full of razor-sharp limestone pinnacles. Not to be missed by adventure seekers, this national park offers numerous trekking and hiking trails of varying difficulties and levels, with the most challenging one being Mulu Pinnacles itself as it requires a three-day two-night adventure involving hiking, climbing, and rock climbing to get all the way to the summit.

8. Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, Luzon, Philippines
Photo: @dmasiatravel / Instagram
There’s just so much to see in the Philippines, but the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras—coupled with its fascinating history—is a natural attraction that should not be overlooked. Blanketing the foot of the Cordillera mountains, these majestic rice terraces have been continuously built and retained by hand for 2,000 years by the Ifugao people through techniques and tools that have been passed down from generation to generation. Besides using stone and mud walls to carve these step-like terraces, there is also a unique water irrigation system in place to water the rice fields. Through a combination of rich heritage and traditions, these Rice Terraces perfectly exemplify sheer harmony between humanity and the environment.

9. Angkor, Cambodia

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A post shared by LISETTE & ROBERT-JAN | REISBLOG & FOTOGRAFIE (@reisplaatje)

Joining the World Heritage Site list in 1992, Angkor in Siem Reap, Cambodia, is one of the most crucial archaeological sites in Southeast Asia as it testifies to the historic civilisation surrounding the Khmer Empire that existed between the 9th and 15th centuries. The 400-square-kilometre site consists of some of the world’s most outstanding architectural, religious, and artistic achievements of the ancient world, including a plethora of temples, monuments, hydraulic formations, and communication routes. The more popular temples like Angkor Wat, Bayon, Preah Khan, and Ta Prohm are must-sees, but visitors really shouldn’t discount some other smaller spots including Pre Rup, Ta Som, Phnom Bakheng, and Banteay Srei. Be prepared to spend at least one full day exploring the site, and if you can, be sure to catch the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets from Angkor itself.

10. Ayutthaya, Thailand
Photo: @novia_hh / Instagram
Located just an hour away from the bustling streets of Bangkok is Ayutthaya, a fascinating historic city founded in c. 1350 that once was the second Siamese capital after Sukhothai prior to being invaded and destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th century. Today, its remains—comprising antiquated pagodas, chedis, artefacts, and temples—are dispersed between some residential and commercial buildings, demonstrating its former splendour. If you must pick and choose what to see, definitely do not skip Wat Phra Si Sanphet, which is the most important temple at Ayutthaya given that it was originally only accessible by the royal family. Other sights to include during your visit are Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, and Wat Chaiwatthanaram, just to name a few.

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Music
Who knew visual art could be created with music?
Good vibrations

18.11.2015
By Buro247

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Using audio frequencies paired with natural elements such as water, sand and fire, musician Nigel Stanford has created a series of stunning visuals with the use of cymatics. A new-age composer known for his ambient trance genre of music, Stanford’s video documents his experimentation with the science of cymatics, ultimately highlighting the beauty of sound and translating this natural wonder into visuals.
The result is a stunning series of imagery that highlights the perfect symmetrical patterns nature creates. Here, Stanford uses several tools that are able to capture the audio frequencies of his music: a metal plate attached to a speaker that is covered in sand; a petri dish attached to a speaker and filled with vodka; a hose pipe taped to a speaker; magnetic fluid controlled by a synthesizer; a speaker with a tube filled with flammable gas; and a Tesla coil, you know, to make everything look cooler.

Check out more of Stanford’s work here, with additional videos on the preparations that went behind the scenes.

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Beauty
This is the correct skincare routine for our Malaysian climate, according to Dr Dennis Gross

07.10.2021
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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If you had asked for a “gentle” acid peel twenty to thirty years ago, you would have been laughed out of your dermatologist’s office. Indeed, the world of skincare has come leaps and bounds (and then some) since the ’90s, and we are absolutely spoiled rotten by the sheer number of choices for efficacious, high-performance skincare these days. It wasn’t always like that, however, and no one knows it better than Dr Dennis Gross.
Then fresh-faced and new to dermatology, the soon-to-be beauty entrepreneur found himself underwhelmed by the available choices for at-home and in-clinic skincare treatments. Soon enough, he sought out to rectify the gap in the market. Fast forward to 2021 and the Dr Dennis Gross brand has gone global, having garnered a loyal celebrity clientele that includes the likes of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Zoe Kravitz, and Emily Ratajkowski.
We sat down with the man behind the highly-coveted brand to learn more about his journey into skincare entrepreneurship, his brand-new superpowered launch and to glean some of his best regional skincare tips. All this and more ahead!

What is the brand ethos behind Dr Dennis Gross?
“Our brand is based on scientifically proven and tested formulas, and we use science to make natural ingredients work even better through delivery systems. We pride ourselves on only using the most effective and highest quality ingredients. Every formulation uses cutting-edge technology to provide consumers with innovative skincare options that offer immediate visible results. Our products are never tested on animals.”
What inspired you to launch Dr Dennis Gross Skincare?
“When I became a dermatologist over 20 years ago, the at-home skincare products available to consumers lacked formulas with active ingredients; they didn’t really do much for the skin beyond hydration. I also completely disagreed with the popular notion that a product must be harsh on the skin to be effective. In any treatment, gentleness is the key to the best results. I knew this at the time from my research into melanoma at Memorial Sloan Kettering—I already had a deep understanding of skin cells and how to deliver ingredients directly to the skin to make the cells perform at their best. I saw a hole in the market immediately but didn’t dive into creating a skincare line right away.
“The creation of the skincare line actually stemmed from the Professional Alpha Beta Peel which I developed as an alternative to the harsh, single-acid peels that were popular at the time. The single-acid peels caused a lot of downtime and, at times, actually made the skin worse instead of improving it. My Professional Alpha Beta Peels used a cocktail of acids that still gave the skin a really beautiful exfoliation and immediate glow. It became an instant sensation.
“My wife Carrie then had the idea to turn this professional treatment into a skincare product that people could use at home. She knew that we had to create an at-home version that consumers across the world could use at their vanity while still achieving the same results as an in-office treatment. The brand has grown ever since and the at-home peel is still our number one product. To this day, Carrie and I are still inspired by my patients and using their feedback to create at-home skin health solutions.”
How do you formulate a peel to be gentle on the skin?
“Peels must have two steps: the acids and the neutraliser. Having two steps is imperative—the second step neutralizes the acids from the first step. This ensures that you do not need to worry about acids being leftover on the face and coming into contact with the sun or other ingredients in your routine which could cause irritation. Our neutraliser delivers powerful anti-ageing ingredients post-peel to firm fine lines and wrinkles, smooth texture, and lighten dark spots, among other benefits. These anti-ageing ingredients can penetrate deeper into the skin after the exfoliation in step one. I also made sure that our Alpha Beta Daily Peel would cause no irritation to the skin. Keep this in mind: If it doesn’t have two steps or a neutralizer for the acids, then it is not a peel.
“The Alpha Beta Daily Peels are a daily gentle chemical exfoliant that removes the top layer of dead, dull skin, helps to speed up cellular turnover, and get rid of dark spots to reveal the vibrant skin underneath. We use a cocktail of alpha and beta hydroxy acids at low concentrations to target multiple skin concerns and cause no irritation to the skin. The Alpha Beta Daily Peels are a micro peel so you won’t actually see any flaking or peeling. Every 24 hours, dead skin cells accumulate on the skin’s surface and it is safe to remove these daily. The peels are very effective but also very gentle—you should not see any irritation or downtime. Using the peel as the first step of your skincare routine allows all products following to be more effective and penetrate more efficiently.”
What is the best way to soothe the skin and promote healing post-peel?
“Finish your routine with a serum, moisturiser and SPF to further your anti-ageing or acne treatment results.”
What peels would you recommend for different skin types?
“We have three daily peels. The Alpha Beta® Ultra Gentle Daily Peel is best for first-time peel users with sensitive skin. The Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel is great for combination and normal or balanced skin types. The Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel is best for those with combination, balanced, or oily skin.”

What are the biggest skincare trends you foresee for 2022?
“Consumers are going to go back to basics, focusing on incorporating the five pillar ingredients in their regimen: vitamin C, retinol, alpha and beta hydroxy acids, niacinamide, and SPF. 2022 will be a year where less is more—consumers will pare down their regimens to the essentials.
“During quarantine, many people added new products and extra steps to their regimen, essentially overtreating their skin, causing irritation, dryness, and signs of ageing. I hope to see more consistency in my patients’ skincare routines by using clinically proven products every single day that not only offer immediate benefits, but support skin health in the long term.”
What are some of the worst skincare trends you’ve seen in your career?
“The worst trend was definitely those single-acid, harsh peels from the ’90s. People were literally peeling their faces off! They were left with red, raw skin that didn’t heal properly which caused post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and even scarring.
“Do you remember that episode of Sex And The City when Samantha got a peel and ended up with carpaccio face? It was really that bad. This terrible trend is what inspired the Alpha Beta Peel.”

All Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30 50ml, RM195SHOP HERE
What is the weirdest skincare tip you’ve heard in your 25 years of practice?
“That you must harshly treat the skin, causing redness and inflammation, to get it to look good and healthy. I view this as being simply ridiculous. Injuring the skin under any circumstances, including professionally in my practice, is to be avoided. Your skin should never be injured, just like any other organ in the body.”

What are some of the biggest skincare misconceptions you’ve heard in your career?
“One myth I’ve heard is that a higher concentration [of acid] always yields better results. Acids have become popular in skincare products because they can drastically improve the appearance of skin on a chemical level. They smooth the skin, minimise the appearance of pores, and give the skin a luminous glow. But more of an acid does not necessarily mean better results.
“Using too much of an acid can damage the moisture barrier and cause the skin to purge, creating a red, dry, and irritated presence. Instead, try using fewer acids at lower concentrations to target multiple skin concerns at once—without irritating the skin. Daily, consistent use will yield greater results than one highly concentrated treatment. In addition, the same is true for retinol. Rather than focusing on the percentage of retinol in a skincare product, pay attention to the other ingredients to ensure the product will not irritate the skin. For example, to ensure that retinol doesn’t irritate the skin, we combine it with ingredients like ferulic, bakuchiol, and rambutan to keep the moisture barrier in balance.”

Retinol is relatively new to the Asian market, and to the Malaysian market in particular, so there is a general fear of the active despite its many benefits. Your latest launch is the all-new Advanced Retinol + Ferulic range—a line designed for everyone. Why do you think it’s important to spread awareness of retinol in the beauty world?
“Not all retinol is created equal—don’t let a bad experience stop you from trying another retinol product. When formulated properly, retinol is one of the best ingredients out there for treating and preventing the signs of ageing, texture concerns, and acne—all without irritation. As I said, the key is that our retinol line actually strengthens the moisture barrier whereas other retinol products can weaken the moisture barrier. A stronger moisture barrier means less irritation, and we achieved it by adding bakuchiol to our retinol products.
“I think that, because so many people have had bad experiences with retinol, it is important to educate on the alternative retinol formulations that may work for their skin type. I created the Phyto-Retinol blend for my Advanced Retinol + Ferulic technology so that everyone can treat texture concerns, based on studied and clinically-proven data.”
For the all-new Advanced Retinol + Ferulic range, what skincare concern did you have in mind when you were formulating the products?
“I was really thinking about everyone – I wanted all skin types to benefit from retinol without worrying about irritation. There are so many misconceptions around retinol. For example, some people think they are too young to start retinol, others think that retinol is harsh and will irritate their skin, and some think that retinol will thin their skin. I wanted to create a product range that would blow all of these misconceptions out of the water. I created a range of products that tackle a range of skincare concerns so there is a retinol for everyone. Based on the skin concern, here is who the Advanced Retinol + Ferulic technology was created for:
YOU HAVE: Bumpy texture, blemishes, enlarged poresREACH FOR: Triple Eye Correction Eye Serum, Texture Renewal Serum
YOU HAVE: Fine lines, imperfections, uneven tone and textureREACH FOR: Triple Eye Correction Eye Serum, Texture Renewal Serum, Overnight Wrinkle Treatment
YOU HAVE: Deep wrinkles, uneven tone, loss of elasticity and hydrationREACH FOR: Triple Eye Correction Eye Serum, Overnight Texture Renewal Peel, Overnight Wrinkle Treatment“

Which ingredients and formulations are best suited for the Malaysian climate?
“An average tropical skincare routine typically consists of a cleanser, exfoliation peel, antioxidant serum, oil-free moisturizer, and sunscreen. High humid environments can be great for those with dry skin, but for those with oily or combination skin, it can contribute to an overproduction of oil which leads to more congestion and breakouts. My advice would be to incorporate a daily chemical exfoliator—this will not only help cellular turnover and reveal the radiant, glowing skin underneath, but it will also help to prevent clogged pores which ultimately lead to breakouts.
“It is also important to swap out your moisturiser to an oil-free formulation that contains hyaluronic acid—this will hydrate the skin but won’t clog pores. Retinol is also really great for anyone with oily skin. It works by stimulating cellular turnover which, in turn, helps to keep the pores clear. Retinol was actually initially invented to be an acne treatment.”
For more beauty insiders like this, click here.

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Beauty
Watch now: Charlize Theron’s candid take on Dior J’Adore
She's gold

31.03.2016
By Wei Yeen Loh

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As the face of Dior’s J’Adore fragrance for over a decade now, golden girl Charlize Theron shares her thoughts on being the muse for the iconic scent in an exclusive behind-the-scenes interview with renowned photographer Peter Lindbergh. The house’s timeless fragrance sees an upgrade to its composition with the addition of Neroli from Vallauris—a light-filled flower chosen by Dior Master Perfumer François Demachy to give the scent a finer field of expression.

“Neroli has unique facets of unparalleled strength,” says Demachy. “It is sparkling, and its top notes resonate with a zesty florality.”
Dior J’Adore captivates with top notes of Essence of Blood Orange, sweet Magnolia and Damascus Rose while Neroli from Vallauris delivers a unique floral trail in its wake. Find out more about this exquisite fragrance here.

Watch Theron wax lyrical in the video below as she gives us all the more reason to envy her radiant glow and confidence:

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Beauty
Lancôme x Olympia Le-Tan is every fashion-forward makeup lover’s dream come true
Parisian glamour

31.07.2017
By Wei Yeen Loh

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Parisian designer of snazzy minaudières Olympia Le-Tan is the next creative to collaborate with French beauty brand Lancôme, with a one-of-a-kind lineup that’s all about making three strong statements (with the eyes, lips and complexion.) Known for her inimitable style that references pin-up girls from the ’40s, Le-Tan has reinvented one of the iconic motifs from Lancôme’s archives for the collection—the Chérubin that is now a female angel with vivid pink hair, red lips and heart-shaped glasses.

The Olympia’s Wonderland collection is a celebration of colour, sexiness and a dash of Parisian chic. Evidently, a minaudière clutch-book inspired palette is likely something we can expect from the lineup, and Le-Tan didn’t disappoint. The Olympia’s Wonderland Palette mirrors the designer’s bestsellers, emblazoned with cotton embroideries akin to a cover of an antique book, while inside houses a range of hues for the cheek, eyes and lips. Fun fact: Each shade is a reworked and updated variation of a colour that Le-Tan chose from Lancôme’s archives.

Below, the accessory designer shares a tidbit or two about her aesthetic, creative journey, and what to expect from the Olympia’s Wonderland collection:

Did you draw on all those classic Hollywood images for your take on femininity?
OLT: Yes, I love that look. The red lipstick and the waved hair… that Fifties aesthetic that veers towards the pin-up. But I also really like the whole erotic mood of the Fifties and Sixties that you see in John Willie’s drawings and then later, in Allen Jones’s work. And the 1980s also really appeal to me because, again, they were channelling that Fifties thing, but with a sexier undertone.

What women appealed to you when you were little?
OLT: I really liked Veronica Lake, Bettie Page, Marilyn Monroe, and Lauren Bacall. These women I came across in films and books. I think I grew up in a household where there was this sense of nostalgia…

 Your work is a lot to do with words…
OLT: Yes, I give each collection and garment a name. For instance I called an art-based collection of mine ‘Framed’, with every piece named after an artist. I also designed a collection on a nautical theme, where I gave the clothes the names of boats. I like wordplay. Besides, it’s the classics of literature that really gave me my big break.

 Tell us how you got the idea for your book minaudière-clutches?
OLT: I just really liked the graphic covers of American novels from the Forties and Fifties… My dad had loads of them, and I thought they’d look great in embroidery. To begin with, when I was making everything myself, I embroidered a small square bag with two handles, it wasn’t very elaborate. Then when I decided to set up the brand, I designed something more sophisticated, a real clutch bag shaped like a book. And that was it!

 Let’s talk about the word ‘minaudière’. It’s taken from a French word that means to put on simpering airs – do you like that idea, does it chime with your brand’s flirty, cheeky side?
OLT: What I especially like is that it’s a quaint and outdated word. In English those bags are called ‘clutches’, which isn’t very pretty. And in French it’s either a minaudière or a ‘pochette’. But for me, a pochette means a bag. Whereas a minaudière is first and foremost a little box. I liked the idea that it could be an object you’d put on a shelf. I thought perhaps even a book collector might want one, why not? So I preferred to use a word that doesn’t necessarily signify ‘a woman’s bag’.

 You often use women who aren’t models in your shows. Is that an activist gesture?
OLT: Yes, in the sense that I prefer to have ‘real women’ with personality and character, rather than conventional models. But I’m not making a point about body shape or size. It’s just that the women who capture my interest have bodies that suit who they are, that’s all.

 You wanted to build afresh on the Lancôme heritage when you designed this collection…
OLT: Yes, because there are always interesting things in the archives of any Maison. And since the Lancôme brand has such a long history, I couldn’t resist delving into it. The idea behind my brand is – among other things – to reinterpret the design styles of the past and add my own personal touch. I like to build on something rather than start from nothing. That gives me more layers of storytelling to work with. In this case, there was this little cherub that I wanted to reinterpret – by making it more feminine, for a start.

 One of the things you have in common with Lancôme is your work on colour. How do you approach that?
OLT: Usually when I choose a theme, I straightaway start thinking about what colours would fit with that and it doesn’t take me long to put together a palette. In fact when I worked with Gilles Dufour, I was the one in charge of colours. I have zillions of coloured sheets of felt in my office. I cut bits off the all the ones that make me think of the theme. Then I put them together, I see which combinations work and which don’t… For this collection I did the same thing, I brought together bits of felt in colours I liked and wanted to see translated into make-up.

 What are you proudest of in this collection?
OLT: Of how beautifully the make-up palette is made. I didn’t think we’d manage to create such a pretty piece made of embroidered fabric… In all the collaborations I’ve done so far, this is the first time we’ve managed to produce an embroidery. It really does look just like one of my minaudières. And I’m happy to be able to use everything that’s inside.

 What’s your favourite product?
OLT: The L’Absolu Rouge Le Bisou Olympia 1980 lipstick, of course! I love the little lips at the top of the lipstick…

 Can you tell us a bit about the little drawings you made for the collection?
OLT: They’re mainly of the angel’s accessories – her rose, her glasses, a little book… There is also a lipstick, hearts, and a mouth. And a ribbon with Olympia written on it, of course!

{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Olympia’s Wonderland” rid=”5324″ order=”a_tstamp”}

Olympia’s Wonderland by Lancôme will be available at all Lancôme stores and counters nationwide this 16 August.

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Beauty
L’Occitane brings Provence to Malaysia with a sensorial pop-up this month

07.08.2018
By Wei Yeen Loh

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Can’t find time off to take a flight all the way to France to explore the vast lavender fields in the quaint French region of Provence? Fret not—you can now take on a myriad of Provencal-inspired experiences in the middle of the city with L’Occitane’s latest pop-up, tailored to transport your five senses on a sensorial journey. From 20 to 26 August, drop by the Centre Court at Mid Valley Megamall to immerse yourself in the beauty brand’s bestselling products, while gleaning a unique experience to pique your senses.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная без списка] L’Occitane Pop Up” rid=”6425″ order=”a_tstamp”}
Explore the Texture Bar to pamper your olfactory senses with L’Occitane’s skincare range, then move on to the Atmospheric Scented Bubble Shower where you can learn more about the botanical ingredients in bestselling products. Following that, check out the Interactive Infinity Room to marvel at the sight of virtual hot air balloons filled with Immortelle flowers (one of L’Occitane’s key ingredients). For the final sense (taste), drop by the L’Occitane Café to indulge in a melange of specially curated desserts and beverages, exclusively created by prestigious chef, Frank Denis Ruidavet of Yeast Bistronomy. Expect a Provencal-inspired menu with the likes of crème brulee, macarons in various flavours i.e. cherry blossom, rose, lavender, bergamot, and even a traditional candy (Calissons) specially air flown from Provence.

Drop by the L’Occitane pop-up from 10am to 10pm, 20 to 26 August at Mid Valley Megamall. Pre-register here to skip the queue.

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Happening this weekend: Alive! Festival

Lifestyle
Happening this weekend: Alive! Festival

28.09.2018
By Su Fen Tan

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

Founded in 2015 by musician Rozella, True Complexion is an online platform that shares the stories of unique and extraordinary individuals, highlighting their truly inspirational spirits in overcoming some of the hardest challenges in life.

Taking their meaningful platform offline for the first time, True Complexion sends an open invitation for everyone to join their beautifully diverse community and be inspired by the personal stories of individuals who have been featured on the platform. Happening tomorrow (29 September) at The Bee @ Publika, the all-day event includes inspirational talks, creative workshops, therapeutic music and art activities, community yoga, a bazaar and even a beginner’s sign language class. At night, there will be performances by the likes of Ryot Jones, The Impatient Sisters, Bihzhu, Fazz, Gabriel Lynch and Battle Bloom.

The proceeds from the event will go to the Rachel Siew Suet Li Trust Fund. Rachel suffers from Morquio Syndrome, a rare degenerative genetic condition that requires a yearly medical bill of RM1.6 million. Get your tickets here.

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Lifestyle
Lessons learnt from this year’s Hari Raya ads

16.06.2018
By Su Fen Tan

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

Having the whole family under one roof can be a little overwhelming sometimes, but a little tolerance goes a long way. Also, there’s nothing quite like the tradition of a big family gathering in the kampung. — Rumah Epik Fantastik by Tenaga Nasional

Pack the lights, don’t wear them! Jokes aside, Petronas stresses on the importance of family during the festive season in Misi Riuh Raya. — Misi Riuh Raya by Petronas

Based on the true story of former national footballer and current Felda FC coach Nidam Jamil, #Nawaitu is a reminder that acceptance comes with forgiveness, and all good things begin with good intention. — #Nawaitu by Digi

“The root of understanding is bitter, but its fruit is sweet”.  Don’t let petty things get in the way of solidarity. — Tanam Cempedak Tumbuh Nangka by CIMB

Setia di Sampingmu tells the story of the samping, a Malay traditional garment, and how sometimes, life isn’t complete without a pair of helping hands. — Setia di Sampingmu by SP Setia

Oppo reminds us to always lend a helping hand when we can, because no matter how small, every good deed brings about change. — Setulus Kasih di Sisimu by Oppo

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Beauty
Exclusive: Bella Hadid is the face of Nars’ Fall 2017 campaign
Rock 'n' roll

21.06.2017
By Su Fen Tan

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In yet another collaboration for Bella Hadid, the It model fronts Nars’ Fall 2017 Campaign. For fall, François Nars took inspiration from 1970s rock ‘n’ roll, harnessing the spirit of rebellion and self-expression of the era—who better to capture this spirit than Bella, whose signature bold and edgy look fits the mould of a modern rebel to a T.

Photographed by François Nars himself, the Fall 2017 campaign depicts the defiant, “no rules” motto of the 1970s, with male model Justin Gossman starring alongside Bella to blend the lines between masculinity and femininity.

So what was it like to star in Nars’ Fall 2017 campaign? Bella Hadid tells it all (including her beauty secrets!) in this exclusive interview:

What was it like working with François Nars?
“François has such beautiful energy. He’s taken so many iconic photographs, so for me to have the opportunity to work with him was a dream come true.”

What was your reaction when you found out François wanted to photograph you for the campaign?
“I was so excited! I knew it was going to be an amazing shoot because of how iconic François is, and the level of creativity he puts into the makeup and his photographs is incredible.”

What is your definition of beauty?
“My definition of beauty is being strong and confident from the inside out. I think the most beautiful people are the ones who leave an impression on your heart from their kindness and love.”

Makeup is seen as a form of expression. In your opinion, how do you think it can change a woman?
“If you’re comfortable wearing no makeup, that’s beautiful. I also think if you feel more confident with makeup on, then you’re still beautiful. Makeup is a huge expression for boys and girls all around the world, which is a beautiful way for people to come together.”

Tell us about your typical makeup routine.
“My typical makeup includes beautiful glowy skin, a gold eye, and long, thin eye liner.”

What are your favourite Nars products?
“I love the foundations, which provide great coverage, and the insane eyeshadow colours.”

What is the best beauty advice you’ve ever received?
“Drink water. I know it sounds generic but drinking water will help with just about anything.”

What is your skincare regime like?
“I usually keep my skincare regime very simple. I wash my face, apply a good mask, followed by an oily serum. I always like to keep my skincare routine consistent. I have sensitive skin so I like to stay with the products that I know are good for me.”

Who are your beauty icons?
“The originals, of course – Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford. In terms of skin, Riley Montana is my icon forever. She has the most beautiful complexion.”

What music do you like to listen to when you’re getting ready?
“Any hip-hop or R&B will always get me in the mood to get ready.”

What is one beauty product you can’t leave the house without?
“Lip gloss!”

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Makeup
The new Chanel Rouge Coco Flash lipstick has the right shade for every occasion

14.03.2019
By Wei Yeen Loh

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

If there were to be a number one rule in a lipstick aficionado’s beauty book, we’d likely go with “never settle for the same shade for every look.” And if that overarching statement isn’t self-explanatory enough, let’s put it this way: makeup should always be about having a tonne of fun. Why wear the same old lipstick colour for every occasion when you can switch it up and play with the colour wheel to go with what suits your mood?
Can’t resist a red lip to call your signature? Work with shades of red—from pink-tinged crimsons to sultry deep reds—that would bode well with your look, although we are firm advocates for an occasional coral or vivid pink to up the ante from time to time. The secret behind pulling off any shade with confidence is to find a lipstick that encourages you to embrace that burst of spontaneity.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] Chanel Rouge Coco Flash” rid=”7052″ order=”a_tstamp”}
Enter Chanel’s all-new Rouge Coco Flash—a lipstick that feels as comfortable as your favourite lip balm, yet looks as good on the lips with a shimmering finish. Made with plant butter and nourishing oils (jojoba, mimosa and sunflower), the Rouge Coco Flash hydrates the lips for up to eight hours after application, with a silky coat of colour that doesn’t feel “heavy” on the lips.
But what truly makes it stand out in our books is the sheer variety of shades. We’re talking 27 shades with a shiny, mirror-effect finish that won’t make the lips feel like it sandpaper all-day long. Nudists can take their fill of nude-browns; pink-lip enthusiasts can go with eight different shades ranging from peachy pink to a deep fuchsia; risk-takers would love to experiment with plums and noirs that spell decadence in one swipe. Better yet, work any shade with translucent top coats to give it a tonal/textured twist.
Writer’s note: “I took the Rouge Coco Flash in 94 Desir for a spin and was pleasantly surprised at how pigmented it is. One swipe of it was all it took for the colour to show, but of course, a few more layers sealed the deal for a gala dinner I had to attend. A couple of hours into the night and my lips felt comfy without parched—a peek at my compact showed no bleeding into my lip lines, although I did require another swipe before that photo op halfway through dinner. I gotta say—it held up pretty well for a lipstick that vouches for comfort and colour.”

Chanel Rouge Coco Flash is available 15 March at all Chanel Fragrance & Beauty Boutiques and counters at all leading departmental stores.

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Food + Drink
Eats-A-Review: What to expect at Ignis KL, Zen by Mel, and Natalina Italian Kitchen
Bon appetit!

04.11.2022
By Natalie Khoo

Images courtesy of Zen By Mel, Ignis and Natalina Italian Kitchen

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

All caught up with the new cafes and restaurants in town, but not completely sure what to order or whether they are worth a visit? In this edition of Eats-A-Review, we share what to expect from the inaugural omakase menu at the new Zen by Mel in Bukit Jalil; the smoky culinary offerings at Ignis, the latest bar and grill in Bangsar South; and the highlights of our Roman-inspired meal at the popular Natalina Italian Kitchen.

ZEN BY MEL

Launched by the same team behind CC by Mel, Zen by Mel is a Japanese fusion fine dining restaurant located in Bukit Jalil. It boasts an intimate, zen-like atmosphere to enjoy curated menus incorporating modern Japanese and European influences. The 13-seater main room, dubbed the Chef’s Orchestra, features an open kitchen where guests will witness the chefs preparing each course. There’s also a private room known as the Zen Chamber for groups of four to six diners to celebrate special functions.

Barely a few days old, the restaurant opens with only one omakase-style menu consisting of 10 courses handpicked by the team of experienced chefs based on seasonal ingredients. Ahead of its official opening, I was invited to sample the Daisho menu (RM498 per pax). The meal began with an amuse bouche featuring a Seitaikei Tart made of beetroot, smoked mushroom vinaigrette, Iranian caviar, kaffir lime, and lantana (a type of edible flower).

Adventure of Amaebi
1/3

Hotate Picasso
2/3

Ahiru Ume
3/3

The second course, Adventure of Amaebi, proved to be one of my favourites—comprising amaebi (prawn) served with almond veloute, shisho oil, lacto lettuce stem, and marinated lettuce leaf. A cold appetiser came next in the form of Hotate Picasso, a medley of hotate (scallop), nori puree, smoked uni paste, kaffir lime leaf oil, and malabar red spinach foam. Rounding out the trio of appetisers was Ahiru Ume, an intriguing combination of Bidor duck, roasted momo peach, nori puree, aged umeboshi glaze, Cointreau jus, pucuk paku, and paku rawan. The duck was tender and well-balanced with the sweet, fruity peach notes, whilst the local vegetables added hints of grassy flavours.

Shiro Umami
1/3

Eden of Zen
2/3

Aji No Shinen
3/3

Before moving on to mains, a dark moon-like bowl of Shiro Umami arrived to cleanse the palate with comforting tea-like flavours and bite-sized morsels of white asparagus. There are two main courses on the inaugural menu: Eden of Zen (red snapper wrapped in Hokkaido corn, served alongside vegetables drizzled with kaffir lime); and Aji No Shinen (consisting of lamb saddle, saikyo miso curry leaf paste, mushrooms and glazed vegetables). Both were delicious, but where the fish lacked slightly in flavour, the lamb made up for with rich, umami notes and sinful toppings of dehydrated lamb fat.

1/2

Yuzu on Mount Fuji
2/2

Up next was a ‘Special Course’ called Zenraishii, consisting of Japanese rice, flower crab, amae ebi headroe sauce, furikake, shio konbu, and pickled fuji apple presented on a gold crab-shaped vessel. After mixing it altogether, the dish offered a delectable medley of flavours and textures on the palate. Yuzu on Mount Fuji cleansed the palate with light yuzu and jasmine notes, accompanied by dried berry and roasted walnut bits, leading up to the last two courses.

Imperial Zencha
1/2

Mittsu Hoshi Wagashi
2/2

The first dessert was Imperial Zencha, a smooth and creamy combination of matcha mousse, subtle adzuki red bean ice cream, and raspberry compote. Closing the meal was a trio of Japanese sweets called Mittsu Hoshi Wagashi, comprising shoyu vanilla crème, caramel adzuki, and strawberry yoghurt mochi. All in all, the experience engaged all five senses—showcasing an edible display of innovative flavour combinations you won’t find at other omakase destinations in town. Each menu lasts for only three months, so you’ll have reason to come back for more! — Natalie Khoo, Lifestyle Editor
Address: F-10-01, Pusat Perdagangan Bandar, Persiaran Jalil 1, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: First service –  6.00pm to 8.00pm | Second service – 8.30pm to 10.30pm  (closed on Tuesdays)
Reservations | Instagram

IGNIS

Situated in the bustling social hub of The Sphere, Bangsar South’s Ignis—which means fire in Latin—ignites wood-fire sparks for patrons with its fiery farm-to-table concept. Helmed by former Willow KL head chef, Lroy Lim, Ignis takes the ancient technique of cooking over fire to new heights with its woodfire grill—no pans or pots were present as chefs prepared dishes throughout the meal. Further, Ignis’s mixture of stone and wood furnishings makes the bar and grill a sleek yet cosy environment, along with high glass windows that peak out into a leafy exterior.
I sat down for dinner by the chef’s counter, which gave me a great view of the team’s excellent mastery of flames. From the preparation of ingredients to plating, I was able to gain insight into how Ignis’s chefs pay respect to produce and most importantly, how they imbue smokiness and char into every dish served. The menu is divided into four categories: Farm, Sea, Land, and Sweets, and each dish is only described by its list of core ingredients.

Cauliflower, spiced with Ras El Hanout
1/2

King Eringi Mushroom with XO Sauce
2/2

To start off, I was served several plant-forward appetisers that surprised even a veggie-lover like me with how versatile greens can be. My favourites included the deliciously creamy and crunchy Cauliflower, spiced with Ras El Hanout (RM24), which carried the subtle hint of char extremely well; and the King Eringi Mushroom with XO Sauce (RM36) which proved to be a great vessel for smoke and spice.
Moon Clams with Fennel and Beef Chorizo
Next, I moved on to Ignis’s seafood offerings which were light yet added several punches of flavour. Raw Amberjack (RM38) sat in a pool of pear and sesame, with dottings of ginger sauce and seagrapes for garnish which lifted the dish with its bright acidity. It was a balanced dish that was kept simple in order to let the protein shine. For something with more oomph, try the Moon Clams with Fennel and Beef Chorizo (RM64) which were beautifully plump and smoked to perfection.

Chicken Skewers with Spiced Yoghurt and Makhani Sauce
1/2

Lamb Loin
2/2

As for the main courses, the Chicken Skewers with Spiced Yoghurt and Makhani Sauce (RM28) were delightfully juicy and charred (read: not burnt because there is a fine line). I was also served a generous portion of Lamb Loin (RM102)—while I wished the Spicy Mango Relish that came paired with it offered a bit more acidity to cut through the creamy Mint Sauce, the lamb was perfectly pink and had a scrumptious caramelised crust that still made it an enjoyable dish. Further, meat-lovers will enjoy the Beef Slider with Balsamic Onion and Pickled Red Cabbage (RM32), a classic at any grill that Ignis nailed with the temperature of the meat and balance of flavours.

1/2

Grapes served with Parmesan Biscuits and Yoghurt Dip
2/2

For desserts, I had the Grilled Pineapple (RM28), seated atop a brioche toast and served with cool coconut ice cream. A play on a campfire favourite, Ignis’s Smores (RM8 per piece) were indulgent and decadent with its use of Altara dark chocolate and pillowy orange marshmallows that kids would also love. My favourite was the roasted Grapes served with Parmesan Biscuits and Yoghurt Dip (RM32) that worked like a reverse cheese platter and was the smoky, sweet ending to my dinner. Overall, Ignis is worth a visit if you enjoy modern European and Asian-inspired dishes and of course, a whole lot of fire and smoke. — Marissa Chin, Lifestyle & Culture Writer
Address: G-02A, Ground Level, The Sphere, No. 1, Avenue 1, Bangsar South City, 8, Jalan Kerinchi, 59200, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11:30am to 10pm (Sundays to Thursdays) | 11:30am to 12am (Fridays and Saturdays)
Contact: 0123439566 | [email protected]
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NATALINA ITALIAN KITCHEN

Any KL-ite who’s a fan of Italian fare would probably be familiar with Natalina by now. Since opening under the umbrella of the Cinnamon Group in 2020, the Italian kitchen has become a crowd-favourite for Roman cuisine under the helm of Executive Executive Chef Diego Reali. Nestled on the third floor of Avenue K mall, the restaurant offers an extensive selection of modern Italian dishes that draw from the third-generation chef’s vast experience, spanning pastas, pizzas, meats and seafood cooked to perfection on a Josper grill.

Housed-baked Focaccia
1/2

Eggplant Parmigiana
2/2

Kickstarting my recent visit was a wooden board of complementary housed-baked focaccia, served with three dips: Black Olive Paste, Salsa Verde, and Home-made tomato paste. Made from a recipe passed down by Chef Diego’s own mother, the flat bread is delightfully soft and chewy—making the perfect base to soak up the accompanying sauces. As per the chef’s recommendation, I ordered the Eggplant Parmigiana from the Antipasti section for starters. This vegetarian dish is oven-baked with mozzarella and tomato sauce reduction—a classic entry to an Italian meal.
Pappardelle Con Guancia Di Manzo
Next, I opted for two types of pasta—Ravioli El Nero de Sepira and Pappardelle Con Guancia Di Manzo. The former consists of envelopes containing prawns and squid cooked in marinara sauce, while the latter comprises broad pasta strips cooked al dente with wagyu beef cheek white ragu, topped with Roman pecorino cheese. Both were delicious options, but I personally favoured the pappardelle for its comforting texture and rich, cheesy flavours.

For mains, I had the Filetto di Manzo, featuring a sizeable chunk of Black Angus tenderloin that came straight from the Josper grill. The meat is cooked medium rare to my preference—beautifully seared on the outside and juicy on the inside—served with truffle chickpea puree, portobello mushroom confit, and grilled radicchio.

Lastly, what better way to end a quintessential Italian meal than with a Classic Traditional Tiramisu? It’s made with cocoa, ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese and garnished with strawberries (also contains liquor) for an indulgent finale. Although I barely tried a fraction of Natalina’s menu, my pleasant dining experience has got me looking forward to my next visit to try their pizzas and other meat and seafood offerings! — Natalie Khoo, Lifestyle Editor
Address: Level 3 Unit Number 6, Avenue K, No 156, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 12pm to 10.30pm daily
Contact: 012 673 3860 | [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Instagram

Read more food reviews here.

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Watches
The Montblanc 1858 family welcomes new bronze and khaki green editions to the lineup

25.04.2019
By Su Fen Tan

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The Cartier Privé collection is about history and modernity

Introduced back in 2015, the Montblanc 1858 collection is a tribute to the heritage of Minerva, known for their professional watches that were conceived for military use and exploration. Honing in on that spirit of exploration, Montblanc unveils three new editions in the nature-inspired hues of green and bronze: the Montblanc 1858 Automatic, Montblanc 1858 Automatic Chronograph and Montblanc 1858 Geosphere.

A contemporary reinterpretation of the historic Minerva pocket watches and chronographs from the 1920s and 1930s, the latest Montblanc 1858 timepieces sport a vintage-style bronze case paired with a khaki green dial, where SuperLumiNova-coated Arabic numerals and luminescent hands provide legibility for explorers through their adventures. A nod to the spirit of mountain exploration can be found engraved to the case back, which is crafted in titanium with bronze coating to reduce the risk of skin allergies.
The watches are fittingly equipped with Nato straps, rendering them robust, durable and comfortable on the wrist. These features are not just for show on paper—Montblanc has put the new models through over 500 hours of simulated wear, with specific testing and controls under extreme conditions to ensure that they are truly ready for exploration.
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All three bronze and green editions are available in a limited edition of 1858 pieces. Got your eyes on the Automatic? It also comes in a non-limited steel edition, paired with a black dial and leather strap for a more classic aesthetic.

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Fashion
New York Fashion Week SS18: Highlights of Day 3

09.09.2017
By Joan Kong

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

For the Spring/Summer 2018 season, Tory Burch pays homage to one of the most influential interior designer of all time—David Hicks, with a collection that is all about prints and colours (that the American brand is also known for). Moving her show outdoors to the garden outside the Copper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, the greenery setting perfectly complements the looks sent down the runway. A colour palette of white, orange and blue is presented in the form of light and airy silhouettes, such as flared trousers and maxi dresses that exude ease. Polished and preppy looks were also in the mix, with a number of button-down shirts-styled under sweaters or worn with cardigans-spotted on the models.

“Bold, audacious, brilliant. David Hicks redefined interiors. His fearless and witty take on colour and print and his exquisite attention to detail have made a lasting impression on me. For #ToryBurchSS18, we’re honoured to work with the legendary designer’s scrapbooks given to us by his son. Immeasurable thanks to Ashley Hicks for this collaboration.” — Tory Burch

On the other hand, Kate Spade New York‘s presentation was an ode to the spirit of New Orleans, with a brass band that played catchy jazz tunes at its show venue—the Grand Central Oyster Bar. The collection, inspired by the atmosphere and characteristics of the city’s French Quarter sees a series of girlie floral prints, embroidery and lace details. Besides that, the brand’s signature whimsy was also present in the looks, with a wicker crocodile-shaped bag and cool butterfly prints adding a cute touch. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the brand, Kate Spade New York is bringing back its iconic ‘Sam’ bag—a box-shaped tote in different prints and textures.

A post shared by kate spade new york (@katespadeny) on Sep 8, 2017 at 11:28am PDT

Related stories:
Everything you need to know about the upcoming Spring/Summer 2018 Fashion MonthNew York Fashion Week SS18: Highlights of Day 1 and Day 2

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Food + Drink
Caffeine Hunt: Hidden cafes in and around Bangsar
Away from the masses

05.09.2015
By Buro247

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

1. DR.Inc

Inconspicuously placed on the quiet streets of Jalan Kemuja sits DR.Inc (pronounced as Drink). The layout is simple and slightly old-timey, and we especially love the artwork on the glass entrance that greets us as we enter. Besides serving delicious and adventurous coffee like the Fat Americano (espresso with Coke), DR.Inc also earns extra brownie points from us for being wonderful supporters of local talent such as serving as a cultural gift store where you can purchase beautiful knick knacks by the local brand, Nala Designs and also hosting ‘Sunday Surprise’ meals made by local cooks.

2. Lorem Ipsum

For a quiet and serene place to get work done, you should search for this gem of a hidden cafe. Lorem Ipsum on Jalan Bangkung does not have a signboard and is recognised for being above a dental clinic on the block of shops located in the quiet housing area. One of the main highlights here are the Art Jamming sessions where guests can book 3-hour sessions to express their creativity on canvas. Art supplies will be provided by Lorem Ipsum and guests can paint to their hearts content while enjoying their cup of joe — a therapeutic activity indeed.

3. PULP by Papa Palheta

For great coffee made by passionate and experienced baristas, look out for PULP by Papa Palheta located at Jalan Riong, right by the head office of the New Straits Times Press. Brought to Malaysia by the well-known Singaporean coffee store, Papa Palheta that were the brains behind the rustic Chye Seng Huat Hardware cafe and the welcoming Loysel’s Toy cafe, customers can expect only the very best brew at this hidden establishment. Besides serving delicious coffee, PULP also aims to be a space for those interested in brewing their own perfect cup of coffee at home by providing training and coffee gadgets for sale.

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Buro Loves
This is why the world’s most expensive skincare products cost so much

23.06.2020
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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

Ever wonder about the lengths people will go to for beautiful skin? You’ve come to the right place. We all have our favourites when it comes to affordable (yet effective) skincare, but there are some things that can’t be made to budget.
Miracle cures are plentiful at every price point, but which ones actually work? Anti-ageing is definitely a big theme with a lot of these products, and for good reason—eternal youth is a pretty attractive prospect, but like all good things it comes at a cost. In this case, the cost is financial and plentiful.
To find out which miracle elixirs on the market are actually legit, check our list down below:

Shiseido Future Solution LX Legendary Enmei Ultimate Luminance Serum (RM1,870 for 30ml)

For an in-depth look into why the serum is quite so luxuriously priced, check out our full review here. If you’d just like a basic rundown, basically this anti-aging serum contains Enmei herb (handpicked on a specifically auspicious day) and Green Treasured silk from the Japanese oak moths, and it is efficient. Just two drops will leave your face luminous and soothed; it’s the perfect pal for your AM/PM routine.

Chanel Sublimage L’essence Lumiere (RM1,942 for 40ml)

Ever heard of Anthyllis? Quick biology lesson: it’s a particular plant that thrives in hostile climates, renown for its game-changing anti-ageing properties. Specifically, it boosts the proteins in the epidermis and does some real heavy lifting on the premature ageing prevention front. It’s also the active ingredient in Chanel’s serum—super moisturising, antioxidant-rich and nourishing, this is the next step to amazing skin.

Sulwhasoo Timetreasure Honorstige Cream (US$800 for 60ml)

This cream is fortified with the anti-ageing properties of Ginseng Active Cell and Reishi, otherwise known as the “mushroom of immortality”. After a few weeks of twice-daily use, you’ll be left a few years younger with plumper, firmer skin. Plus, if you’re interested, it also comes with a matching serum so you can double down on the anti-ageing and complete the skincare ritual!

La Mer Crème de la Mer (RM1,500 for 60ml)

This is where it all started for La Mer. This product has a history almost as rich as its formula, and the story goes like this: before he was the brains behind the brand, Max Huber was a German-born aerospace physicist who became the victim of a lab explosion in the ’50s. Suffering terrible, severe burns as a result of the accident, he spent the next decade or so experimenting with the sea kelp Macrocystis pyrifera, until he ended up with Crème de La Mer as we know it today. Its mysterious Miracle Broth is the heart of the brand’s products and it makes the brand as sought-out today as ever.

Kanebo Sensai Ultimate The Cream (US$740 for 40ml)

Pick your jaw off the floor and let us explain why a mere month’s supply of this cream is priced level to a used car. Firstly, it’s the rare silk sourced from the Koishimaru silkworm cocoon. Then, it’s the supplementary blend of cherry blossom extract, rice bran oil and iris that keeps skin silky smooth to the touch for hours on end.

Sisley Paris Supremya Baume (RM3,000 for 50ml)

The one-of-a-kind anti-ageing night cream by Sisley is touted as a miracle cure for the dry-skinned. Whether your skin issues are cased naturally or they arise as a result of environmental factors, this cream is your solution. The intensively nourishing formula comes down to the brand’s patented Phyto-Complex LC12 (12-hour Longevity Concentrate) and a delectable blend of hazelnut oil, Kukum butter and macadamia oil. Either way, your skin is left rejuvenated.

La Prairie Platinum Rare Cellular Night Elixir (RM6,050 for 20ml)

It’s not difficult to guess what this elixir contains—it’s in the name! The precious platinum metal is apparently, believe it or not, the key to great skin. The formula is nourishing, detoxing, immunising and respiratory thanks to both the Advanced Platinum Complex and La Prairie’s very own Exclusive Cellular Complex. Apply just a single drop in the evening after cleansing and toning and wake up with newborn skin.

Clé de Peau Beauté Synactif Creme (RM4,339 for 40ml)

This intensively-hydrating night cream melts into the skin and reduces puffiness, sagging, laugh lines, and blemishes, all while contouring the face. But how does it do it? Well, through Clé de Peau Beauté‘s exclusive ingredient—MACC-PD (Methyl Aminomethylcyclohexane Carboxamide HCl), of course! On top of it all, its gentle rose fragrance is the perfect way to end the day.

More skincare know-how and tips here.

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Travel
In conversation with: World’s leading recycle artist Thomas Dambo on the Giants of Mandurah exhibition
Larger than life

15.03.2023
By Natalie Khoo

Featured images: Thomas Dambo

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

Last December, I had the pleasure of visiting Western Australia to discover the Giants of Mandurah—an outdoor exhibition by the world’s leading recycle artist, Thomas Dambo. Initiated and produced by WA-based art organisation FORM—Building A State of Creativity Inc., the Giants of Mandurah is free for the public to view from 12 November 2022 through to 12 November 2023.
This major cultural tourism project features five site-specific works across Mandurah and one in Subiaco, each roughly five metres tall. The sculptures are created to symbolise protectors of the environment and are placed in secret locations—determined by Dambo himself—to be discovered and explored.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by FORM (@formwa)

For context, Dambo is internationally renowned for creating larger-than-life sculptures (AKA giants, or trolls if you prefer) out of recycled and locally sourced materials. He has exhibited his works in various countries across the globe, including Denmark, USA, France, Germany, China, South Korea and Chile.
A few months after my trip, I got on a call to speak to the esteemed artist—who was in the middle of writing a book on his first 100 sculptures—about the installation that took years to put together amidst the pandemic. Ahead, Dambo dives into how he conceptualised the project, what makes it different from his previous works, and why you should definitely catch a flight to Western Australia to check out the giants.
Thomas Dambo (front) posing with a team member in front of one of his giant sculptures.

Hi, Thomas! Tell us briefly about the process of conceptualising the Giants of Mandurah.
My team and I went to Australia before Covid-19, back in February 2020. We were supposed to start the project that year but everything got postponed until September 2022. In the meantime, I had gotten two twin boys and they were only four weeks old when the project started. I had to send my team to start out first and then we flew down a few weeks later when the boys were able to move around a little bit more.
[FORM] asked me if we could have the themes of water, drought, and forest fires because there had been a lot of those in Western Australia; which inspired me to create the poem, the Rhythm of the Raindrops. I used to be a rapper for 10 years and made seven albums. I wrote a lot of hip hop lyrics, right, so the poem just flowed.
The five giants represent the different states of water, for example, there’s one for the wind and another for rain. I’ve always liked movies like Indiana Jones and I like fairytales, so I wanted to hide the giants in secret locations because I think it’s really fun. I also think if you gamify the exhibition a little bit, it’s good for capturing the younger generation because everything is like a computer game for them. So I used some of the same gaming techniques to bring them outside and explore nature.

If everyone just works on their computers in the city, they get so disconnected from nature. And if you don’t connect with nature, then you don’t understand why it’s important to protect it.

Seba’s Song by Thomas Dambo. (Photo: @visitmandurah via Instagram)

With so many elements involved in the whole project, how did you decide which comes first?
Ultimately, it starts with a topic—in this case, it was the poem. Then, I decided I wanted to do sculptures around the theme of water. After that, I would walk around to find locations that inspire me on what my sculptures should look like. Somewhere along the way, I decided that I wanted to gamify the whole process with the necklaces because I thought it could be fun. But it’s always my previous projects that inspire my current projects, and my current projects that inspire my next.

We hear that your sculptures are usually inspired by Nordic mythology, but the Giants of Mandurah incorporate elements of the local aboriginal culture. How did you mesh the two together?
I’m a white guy from Denmark so I’m not an expert on the local culture. But I had a lot of meetings with the aborigines and they shared some of their stories. Ultimately, I believe that I should not be the person telling their stories, so I told my story about water, recycling and preserving nature—and then I tried to source locally recycled woods and find seeds, pots and branches to make the necklaces for the giants. I also used local volunteers to help build the project, and that’s how we incorporated the local touches.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Thomas Dambo (@thomasdambo)

How did you settle on each location of the giants? Was it just “a feeling” or were there certain factors of consideration for each spot to house a giant?
Of course, from the top-down, first, we need to have permission to build a sculpture at the location. We had to make sure there were no monuments, protected wildlife or special plants that would make it impossible to build around them. Secondly, the site has to have some type of infrastructure that is accessible to visitors. Either you’re able to drive there, or get there by bus or foot.
I also like the locations to be different—maybe there’s one on the mountain, and then another in the valley or by the ocean. A good fairytale holds different settings, so I always try to show people the different beautiful locations of the local environment for my exhibitions. Lastly, I try to find something in the landscape that tells a story—like the fallen tree by Little Lui, or a big hole in the ground, for example.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Thomas Dambo (@thomasdambo)

What stood out while working on the Giants of Mandurah compared to other sculptures you’ve created around the world?
For me, coming from Denmark, the nature in Western Australia is really special. All the animals, trees and flowers look like they come out of a fairytale—I don’t really know if they’re dangerous and if I can touch them or eat them. This also gives my team a really good experience because while we were in Australia for two months to build the giants, we saw kangaroos jumping around and there was a big emu and a few snakes too. It was just a really beautiful place and I think that other people will also feel the same when they visit.

How did you collect the materials for the giants?
We mainly collected wooden pellets from a brewery in Perth for the giant’s body. For all the sculptures that have hair and beards, we collected branches from the forest. The materials for the heads, hands and feet are reused from old furniture from a Danish shopping chain called Flying Tiger Copenhagen and assembled in my studio in Denmark before we ship them over to Australia.

Santi Ikto by Thomas Dambo, Giants of Mandurah. (Photo: @viratshah via Instagram)

What was the biggest challenge you faced while creating the Giants of Mandurah?
The hardest thing was the day we had to move all the materials for the sculpture that sits up on the hill facing the ocean (Santi Ikto). We had to carry all the materials up the hill and we couldn’t drive there or use any machines [to transport them]. I think it took about one and a half days for six people and two wheelbarrows to move the materials and it was so, so hot that day—especially for someone coming from Denmark.

The view of Santi Ikto by Thomas Dambo, as captured at the bottom of the hill in Mandurah. (Photo: @duncanwright__ via Instagram)

Which of the six giants took the longest to create and why?
All the giants take roughly 500 to 1,000 hours to build from scratch. Santi Ikto was the most complicated one because its hands are so high up and it’s sitting on that little sand dune. It’s also right by the ocean so it’s extremely exposed to the wind. We had to build it extra strong [to withstand the conditions]. I’d say that one probably took like 1,000 hours.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Natalie Khoo (@nataliekhoo__)

What do you hope to achieve through your work with the Giants of Mandurah?
I hope that, first of all, it will give people a good outdoor experience and bring them out and away from their screens. Making an exhibition over a big area also gives people ideas of different locations to visit. I hope it will spark people’s imaginations and showcase the possibilities of recycled materials to create big installations that can attract thousands of people. The amount of visitors in Mandurah went up 400 per cent after we build the installation so I think that tells you something about the potential in our trash.

Our trash may suffocate and kill the world, but it also has the potential to make big and beautiful things and change the world. I hope the Giants of Mandurah really showcases that potential.

For more information about the Giants of Mandurah or to join the game, click here. Visit Thomas Dambo’s website, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube page for more updates on his future exhibitions.

Read more about Western Australia here.

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Lifestyle
The haze is back: What are the causes and how to protect yourself
No, you’re not hallucinating

18.04.2023
By Natalie Khoo

Featured images: Amos Yip for BURO Malaysia

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

There’s a four-letter word in the air outside right now, and no, we’re not talking about love. Quite the contrary, it’s something we all dread during the dry spells here in Malaysia: haze. This time, however, it’s not due to the usual forest fires in Indonesia, but a combination of factors including the current hot weather and monsoon transition period that is expected to last until August.
Ahead, we break down everything to know about the present haze situation in Malaysia, including its causes, affected areas, and impact on health—plus how to protect yourself, especially in light of the upcoming Raya festivities.

What is haze?
Photo: @seefromthesky / Unsplash
First things first, let’s understand what the term “haze” actually means. Haze refers to the phenomenon where air pollutants such as dust, smoke and other dry particles impair the sky’s visibility. It is caused when sunlight encounters these tiny particles in the air, which absorb light, thus reducing visibility and contrast. Haze may also appear brownish or bluish.
Transboundary haze, which contributes to the nation’s current haze problem, happens when haze becomes more than a domestic problem. It can migrate to adjacent countries in the path of wind, leading to air pollution in those areas as well, even if haze did not first manifest there. This is one of the causes of international disputes among neighboring countries.

What are the causes of haze?
Photo: Pixabay
Common sources of pollutants that cause haze include certain farming methods (such as agricultural crop burning), traffic, industrial activities, volcanic activity and wildfires. As aforementioned, the factors contributing to the current haze in Malaysia span several of the above.
According to Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad: “We were spared the haze for the past two or three years as there was a slowdown in economic activities due to the pandemic. But the economy is now fully reopened and at full capacity again. As such, we expect the haze to return.”
Aside from the hot weather and resumption of economic activities, peat fires, hotspots and open burning in Malaysia have also affected the air quality, the minister said.

Northern ASEAN is on fire, purportedly due to farm clearing. We may have seen some of the haze in recent days. More than two million have been hospitalised with breathing problems in Thailand so far this year. This problem used to be down south, no longer. El Niño likely in 2023. pic.twitter.com/gliLXop2k6
— Yin Shao Loong (@yinshaoloong) April 14, 2023

Another report by Sinar Daily attributed the haze to post-Covid agricultural activities in the Mekong Subregion, which comprises Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand. The wind movement has brought the polluted air from these northern Southeast Asian countries to Malaysia, which explains why our northern states are the most affected.

What are the different classifications of air quality?
Based on the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) in Malaysia, there are five categories of air quality:

Value of index
Designated colour
Air quality

0-50
Blue
Good

51-100
Green
Moderate

101-200
Yellow
Unhealthy

201-300
Orange
Very unhealthy

Above 300
Red
hazardous

Where are the affected areas in Malaysia?

@drzalihamustafa #haze #jerebu #demisekijang #sekijang #MalaysiaMadani #drz #johor #malaysia ♬ original sound – Dr Zaliha Mustafa

Air quality in parts of Peninsular Malaysia have reportedly dropped to unhealthy levels over the past few days, namely in Kelantan, Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Johor. The APIMS readings showed air quality levels of 152 in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur; 152 in Segamat, Johor; 107 in Kota Bahru and 104 in Tanah Merah, Kelantan. Separately, a US-based air quality index (AQI) website reported levels of 132 in Tanjung Bungah, Penang; and 132 in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa uploaded a TikTok yesterday that showed the haze in Sekijang, Johor where buildings are almost covered by pollution and visibility is less than 200 metres.

How does haze impact health?
Photo: Andrea Piacquadio / Pexels
Short-term exposure to haze, which refers to continuous exposure to unhealthy API levels over a period of a few days, can cause several short-term effects even among healthy inviduals. Sensitive groups including people with diabetes or heart/lung disease, older adults, and children are more susceptible to these risks. (Note: There may be one to three days of lag time between exposure to haze and health effects/symptoms.)

Short-term effects:

Irritation to the eyes, nose, throat, skin and airways
Eye inflammation
Throat infection
Rashes (for babies and those with sensitive skin)
Sneezing or coughing
Aggravation of lung diseases
Asthma attacks

Photo: Towfiqu Barbhuiya / Pexels
On the other hand, long-term exposure to haze (read: continuous exposure to high levels of pollution over several years) may cause potentially fatal effects on human health. Generally, Malaysia does not experience haze throughout the year, meaning that public exposure is usually short-term.

Long-term effects:

Development of chronic diseases such as bronchitis
Increased risk of death by cardiovascular diseases
Reduced life expectancy

What should you do to protect yourself?
Photo: Tara Winstead / Pexels
With the Raya season and holidays coming up, here are a few practical tips to keep you and your loved ones safe amidst the festivities:

Avoid outdoor activities, especially aerobic exercises, as they will make you breathe deeply and take in more pollutants into your lungs.
Stay indoors as much as possible and close the doors and windows. This will help to reduce the rate of haze particles entering your home.
Avoid activities that can produce indoor air pollutants in enclosed spaces, such as smoking.
Keep your body hydrated. This helps your kidneys to flush out the toxins from your body more effectively.
If available, use air-conditioners and air purifiers for air circulation and cooling. Check to make sure the air filters are clean to help keep the air indoors safe from pollutants.
If you need to be outdoors, wear a mask. N95 masks are recommended as they are designed to keep out fine particles. Surgical masks and cloth masks do not provide adequate protection as they are mainly designed to prevent the spread of body fluids instead of haze particles.

For more lifestyle news, click here.

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