Gucci Beauty: Newly launched makeup products starting from 39 SGD

Gucci Beauty Products

Last September, Gucci first launched its beauty makeup products with its 58-piece lipstick collection in three formulations – Rouge à Lèvres Satin, Rouge à Lèvres Voile, and Baume à Lèvres. This year, the Italian luxury brand will be bringing us new products starting from 39 SGD. Keen to get your hands on some branded makeup? Here’s what to expect.

#1: GUCCI CRAYON DÉFINITION SOURCILS – EYEBROW PENCIL (39 SGD)
Noir-Crayon-Dfinition-Sourcils-Eyebrow-Pencil

Image Credits: Gucci

If you’ve had the habit of drawing and filling your brows, why not make a switch to the Gucci Crayon Définition Sourcils? The dual-side tool comes with a spoolie brush at one of its ends, allowing you to comb and blend the colour through the brows after applying. The powdery texture will also provide your brows with flake-free matte colour that does not smudge.

Whether you’re looking to fill in those gaps for natural-looking brows or design one for a dramatic intense look, the Gucci Crayon Définition Sourcils is the trusted tool to go to. Furthermore, there are six shades to choose from: gray blond, golden blond, light blond, dark brown, auburn, and ebony. You’re bound to find one that suits you.

#2: ÉCLAT DE BEAUTÉ EFFET LUMIÈRE –  GEL FACE GLOSS (43 SGD)
Éclat De Beauté Effet Lumière gel face gloss

Image Credits: Gucci

Gucci’s Éclat De Beauté Effet Lumière is a multi-use transparent gel gloss in one universal shade to naturally highlight your eyes, cheeks, or lips. It is made using an animal-friendly, vegan formula with an oil-free texture. You can apply it directly on bare skin or over your makeup.

Always admired Korean actresses with their ‘glass skin’ that seems to be glowing from the inside out? This product might do the trick. It adds a veil of transparent illumination, creating a reflective glossy finish you desire.

#3: GUCCI POUDRE DE BEAUTÉ MAT NATUREL – FACE POWDER (95 SGD)
Poudre-De-Beaut-Mat-Naturel-Face-Powder

Image Credits: Gucci

The Gucci Poudre De Beauté Mat Naturel is a lightweight face powder made up of a combination of micro reflecting lamellar powders. The beauty powder spreads smoothly on the skin surface, giving you a mattified natural complexion. It comes with a soft sponge applicator.

You may use it on its own or on top of your foundation to set the makeup for the day. There are twelve shades to choose from: pale yellow, pale beige, pale pink, light beige, light pink-beige, medium beige, light-medium beige, medium-dark beige, dark beige, deep bronze, dark brown, and deep brown.

#4: GUCCI POUDRE DE BEAUTÉ ÉCLAT SOLEIL –  BRONZING POWDER (95 SGD)
Poudre-De-Beaut-clat-Soleil-Powder

Image Credits: Gucci

Here’s your chance to create a warm and healthy-looking skin with Gucci’s Poudre De Beauté Éclat Soleil. Texture wise, it’s soft, silky, and creamy to the touch. However, it’s not heavy. In fact, the thin film formula is easy to apply with an integrated applicator. There’s also a light and floral scent that accompanies the product.

The art of bronzing is actually different from contouring, though it’s commonly used interchangeably. If you’re not a makeup nazi, then read this guide on how to apply bronzer to your face in 60 seconds. And yes, the bronzer powder is available in five shades: fair, light, medium, tan, and dark.

Gucci makeup products will be available at all Gucci beauty counters and online at Tangs.

 

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Make-your-own-meal kits available for purchase online with brands like IPPUDO, Ajumma’s, and more!

DIY Meal Kits Banner

Does the idea of heading out put you off at times? Having to put on a mask, head out, and join the long queue at the restaurant just to get our tummies filled isn’t all that glorious. If that’s you, you will find what we’re going to introduce to you extremely useful! We’re referring to make-your-own meal kits with brands like IPPUDO, Ajumma’s, and more.

You can now whip up your favourite foods at any time of the day you like. Six in the morning? No problem. 12 midnight? We’ve got you. Read on!

#1: IPPUDO

We would totally love a piping-hot bowl of ramen on a rainy day. Not talking about instant ones here. It’s the ramen kits from IPPUDO. Here’s your chance to be a home chef with their first-ever home cooking ramen meal kit! It will take only less than 20 minutes to prepare the Hakata-style ramen.

Here are the two flavours available:

Shiromaru Ramen Kit (15.30 SGD)

Shiromaru Ramen Kit

Image Credits: IPPUDO

Includes:

  • Hakata-style thin ramen noodles
  • Creamy tonkotsu soup base
  • Pork belly chashu (2 slices)
  • Marinated black fungus
  • Spring onions not included

Click here to buy

Akamaru Ramen Kit (16.35 SGD)

Akamaru Ramen Kit

Image Credits: IPPUDO

Includes:

  • Hakata-style thin ramen noodles
  • Creamy tonkotsu soup base
  • Pork belly chashu (2 slices)
  • Marinated black fungus
  • IPPUDO’s original red miso paste
  • Fragrant garlic oil
  • Spring onions not included

Click here to buy

If you would like, you may also order the Japanese Hakata Style Gyoza (30 pcs) (45.45 SGD) or the Pork Belly Chashu (750g) (55.65 SGD) to go along with your ramen kits.

#2: AJUMMA’S

Not the right time to make a trip to Korea right now but allow your taste buds to! In case you’re wondering, the name ‘ajumma’ written as ‘아줌마’ in Korean refers to a married or middle-aged woman. In the local context, it’s equivalent to ‘aunty’. Let Korean ‘aunty’ show you what they’ve got.

They’ve termed their DIY meal kits as survival kits:

  • Kimchi pancake (10.90 SGD)
  • Jjajangbap (12.90 SGD)
  • Chicken bulgogi (12.90 SGD)
  • Pork bulgogi (12.90 SGD)
  • Spicy chicken bulgogi (12.90 SGD)
  • Beef bulgogi (14.90 SGD)
  • Army base stew (17.90 SGD)
  • Kimchi pork belly stew (17.90)
  • Signature beef kalbi (17.90 SGD)
  • Wagyu chappaguri (25.90 SGD)

 

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A post shared by Ajumma’s Korean Restaurant (@ajummasg) on

Send a direct message via Instagram to order or call them at 8798 2305.

#3: BAKE AT HOME WITH JANICE WONG

At this point, we think it’s apt to include some sweet treats. Chef Janice Wong created this concept to help people find joy in baking at home. You can shop her premix recipes if you like or try her DIY kits.

There are currently four DIY kits available at the time of writing:

DIY Chocolate Cake Kit (42 SGD)

DIY Chocolate Cake Kit

Image Credits: bakeathome.online

Includes:

  • 1 chocolate cake premix
  • 90ml milk
  • 85ml water
  • 30ml olive oil
  • 1 egg
  • 1 packet of cream 1L
  • 300 grams cacao barry inaya 65% dark chocolate
  • 2 packets of mini chocolate pearls
  • Cake board

DIY Green Tea Cake Kit (54 SGD)

DIY Green Tea Cake Kit

Image Credits: bakeathome.online

Includes:

  • 1 green tea cake premix
  • 120g milk
  • 120g water
  • 130g oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 packet of cream 1L
  • 300 grams white chocolate
  • 200g Valrhona crunchy chocolate pearls
  • 50g Shizuoka green tea powder
  • 1 packet of candied orange
  • 1x piping bag
  • 1x Cake board

DIY Chocolate Truffles Kit (63 SGD)

DIY Chocolate Truffles Kit

Image Credits: bakeathome.online

Includes:

  • 750g of chocolate
  • 1L cream
  • Milo, Horlicks, tea, black sugar, coffee powder
  • Popping candy and truffle oil flavour 10g 

DIY Madeleine Kit (67.50 SGD)

DIY Madeleine Kit

Image Credits: bakeathome.online

Includes:

  • 2 bags of madeleine premix (makes 35 each)
  • 150g butter
  • 20g honey
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 packet of whipping cream 1L
  • 300g dark baking chocolate
  • 50g cocoa powder
  • 1 packet of candied orange
  • 200g icing sugar
  • 2x piping bag
  • 1x madeleine mould

Click here to buy

#4: QUENTIN’S

Quentin’s cook-it-yourself kits cannot be left out. They are currently running a sale off their kits. In addition to that, if you purchase two cook-it-yourself kits, you will get a free premix powder. Check out using promo code <QUENTINSCIY> to enjoy the offer. Each kit serves about four to six people (unless otherwise stated).

They have seven kits in total but we will give three a shout-out:

Keluak Fried Rice (20.80 SGD) (sale price)

Keluak Fried Rice

Image Credits: Quentin’s

Includes:

  • Prawns
  • Long beans
  • Eggs
  • Rempah (ground paste)
  • Garlic
  • Shallots

Curry Debal (25.80 SGD) (sale price)

Curry Debal

Image Credits: Quentin’s

Includes:

  • Free-range chicken
  • Smoked pork belly
  • Chicken cocktails
  • New potatoes
  • Rempah (ground paste)
  • Cabbage
  • Cucumber
  • Chilli padi
  • Sliced shallots
  • Sliced ginger
  • Vinegar

Prawn Bostador (28 SGD) (sale price)

Prawn Bostador

Image Credits: Quentin’s

Includes:

  • 8 big-size AngKa prawns
  • Shallots
  • Green chilli
  • Coconut cream
  • Rempah (ground paste)

Click here to buy

#5: BELLA PIZZA

Making pizza can be lots of fun, especially if you have kids who want to be part of the cooking experience. Order a DIY pizza kit from Bella Pizza and begin baking pizza fuss-free! It comes in a single size (18 SGD) or double size (25 SGD). If you’re up for a slightly different visual and taste from the classic pizza, Bella Pizza also has DIY calzone kits for you to choose from.

DIY Pizza Kit (18 / 25 SGD)

DIY Pizza Kit

Image Credits: Bella Pizza

Includes:

  • Ready-made dough
  • Hand-picked Tuscan tomato sauce
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Basil leaves
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Olive oil
  • Add-on toppings at assorted prices

DIY Calzone Napoletana Kit (22 SGD)

Includes:

  • Ready-made dough
  • Hand-picked Tuscan tomato sauce
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Ricotta
  • Salami
  • Parmesan
  • Add-on toppings at assorted prices

DIY Calzone Prosciutto E Funghi Kit (22 SGD)

Includes:

  • Ready-made dough
  • Hand-picked Tuscan tomato sauce
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Cooked ham
  • Mushrooms
  • Add-on toppings at assorted prices

Click here to buy

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5 issues that come with pregnancy plus how to deal with them

heavily-pregnant-woman

For mummies-to-be, congratulations! While the joy of being able to hold your child in your arms excites you, there are sorrows that come with pregnancy too. We’re referring to the issues that come with pregnancy like acne, pigmentation, eczema, stretch marks, and hair problems. Except maybe for stretch marks, most of them are temporary woes so don’t sweat over it!

Ladies who are planning their pregnancy journey may also find this useful.

#1: ACNE BREAKOUTS
a-woman-with-pregnancy-acne

Image Credits: Medical News Today

It’s like going through teenage years all over again with acne breakouts. According to dermatologist Dr Wang Yi Shi of W Skin and Laser Clinic, acne outbreaks are more common during early pregnancy. This is most likely because of hormonal changes that happen during pregnancy which trigger the oil glands on the face to become more active. The increase in sebum may cause clogged pores.

How to deal with it

If you’re facing such issues, try to go on days without makeup. This is because makeup traps the pores which in turn result in more acne breakouts and skin irritations. You may also need to switch up your skin cleaning routine with products like topical antibiotic gels and topical salicylic acid. However, if you’re unsure of how to proceed, just make an appointment with a skin clinic.

#2: PIGMENTATIONS
Pregnancy pigmentation

Image Credits: Yahoo Lifestyle Singapore

Currently at your fourth or fifth month of pregnancy and spotting irregular pigmentation marks on your face? Don’t be too stressed about it. These pigmentation marks also known as melasma, chloasma, or pregnancy mask come about as a result of the changes in your hormones. It should clear up slowly over time after you’ve given birth. This also applies to the ‘linea nigra’, a brownish line along the central abdomen.

How to deal with it

While the pregnancy mask is likely to go away, you may help prevent it by avoiding too much sun exposure. Also, use a sunscreen of minimum SPF 30 if you know you will be coming into contact with the harmful sun rays.

#3: ECZEMA
Pregnancy eczema

Image Credits: Medical News Today

As your tummy gets bigger over the months, the skin around the lower abdomen expands. This can cause itchy skin or eczema that may disrupt your sleep if left unattended.

How to deal with it

You should probably change to a gentler skin cleanser and apply moisturizer to the affected areas regularly.

#4: STRETCH MARKS
Pregnancy stretch marks

Image Credits: SmartParents

Stretch marks associated with pregnancy are almost unavoidable. But understanding it is a first step to minimizing the damage. Do you know how stretch marks appear? As a result of your abdomen increasing dramatically in size, the middle layer of the skin (dermis) is torn.

How to deal with it

Since there is almost no cure for stretch marks relating to pregnancy, you can at least lessen the effect by keeping the skin around the abdomen soft, supple, and more resistant. To do that, exfoliate the skin once or twice a week before applying your preferred daily moisturizer.

We’ve also heard of the benefits of Bio-Oil against scars, stretch marks, and uneven skin tone. Furthermore, it is suitable for all skin types so decide if you want to give it a go?

#5: HAIR PROBLEMS
Pregnant-woman-hair-problems

Image Credits: Baby Magazine

Again, all thanks to hormonal changes during pregnancy, you may notice hair loss or even thickening. The good news is that these changes are most likely not here to stay. But, a change in products used may be necessary.

How to deal with it

Depending on your hair conditions, you may need to purchase new hair products to tackle the problems. Also, according to Dr Wang, people with sensitive and itchy scalps or broken skin on their scalp should avoid colouring their hair. Even organic hair colour brands can contain strong and toxic chemicals which may lead to allergic reactions. Better to be safe than sorry!

For the husbands out there who want to thank their wives for this really tough journey they are embarking on, how about giving them a practical pregnancy gift set? We think Clarins’ Beautiful Pregnancy Set is a collection of must-haves for mummies-to-be.

Here’s what you get for 193 SGD:

Clarins’ Beautiful Pregnancy Set

Image Credits: Clarins

The Beautiful Pregnancy Set includes:

  • Body Partner Stretch Mark Expert (175ml) x 1
    A gentle stretch mark cream that addresses stretch marks caused by pregnancy and weight fluctuations. This fast-absorbing, plant-based formula blended with minimal ingredients chosen precisely for their highly effective properties helps target stretch marks and gently comforts the skin.
  • Tonic Body Treatment Oil (100ml) x 1
    Essential body care to tone and improve skin elasticity and firmness. Made from 100% pure plant extracts, this fine, lightweight oil is recommended to prevent the appearance of stretch marks. It is also recommended during a period of weight loss. Leaves skin satin-soft and supple.
  • Exfoliating Body Scrub (100ml) x 1
    The first essential step to prevent dull-looking skin by refining and smoothing the skin’s texture.
  • Energizing Leg Emulsion (125ml) x 1
    An ultra-refreshing leg emulsion that instantly soothes the feeling of tired, heavy legs. It can even be applied over stockings. It is non-sticky, does not stain, and consists of natural plant extracts and essential oils.
  • Hydra-Essentiel Light Cream (15ml) x 1
    A luxurious light cream that plumps dehydrated skin with intense moisture and keeps it there for all-day hydration.
  • Clarins Soother x 1
  • Pregnancy Book by Jacques & Olivier Courtin-Clarins x 1
    A face and body beauty guide by Clarins for women before and after childbirth.

Click here to buy

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Muah Chee Boy: Homemade muah chee in unique flavours like matcha, black sesame, chocolate, and pandan kaya

Muah Chee Boy Banner

No pasar malam? No problem. The new local business is here to save us from our muah chee cravings. But, even better. This is because there are unique flavours like matcha, black sesame, chocolate, and pandan kaya to choose from. For those who are team originals, the original flavour is available too. Let’s dive straight into the new name in town – Muah Chee Boy.

#1: THE CHEF BEHIND THE BRAND
Madam Goh of Muah Chee Boy

Image Credits: 8Days

The chef is a 60-year old lady named Madam Goh Ka Hua. Together with her two daughters, the Chua sisters, they started their home-based business in mid-May this year.

Their muah chee cravings during the circuit breaker inspired them to make their own. Can you believe that prior to the business, Madam Goh never made muah chee before? When she first started, she referred to videos online but couldn’t get the consistency of the dough right. It was only after much tweaking that they found the golden ratio. And thank God, they did!

The brand name, Muah Chee Boy, is actually named after Madam Goh’s grandson, who loves his grandma’s muah chee to bits and pieces. That’s him on the box:

Muah Chee Boy box

Image Credits: 8Days

#2: WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS USED?

The average muah chee consists of sesame oil, pork lard / shallot oil, glutinous rice flour and water. As for Madam Goh’s version, she uses sunflower oil instead of pork lard / shallot oil. While they are aware that pork lard / shallot oil makes the muah chee more fragrant, they wanted to make theirs a vegetarian-friendly local delight. Part of the reason also being they have friends who don’t eat shallots.

If you’re worried about a different taste, don’t. The roasted peanut topping will do enough justice to give you the yummy muah chee experience you’re looking for.

#3: CURRENT FLAVOURS AND UPCOMING ONES
Muah Chee Boy flavours

Image Credits: 8Days

Muah Chee Boy currently has five flavours: Original (3 SGD), Pandan Kaya (5 SGD), Chocolate (5 SGD), Black Sesame (6 SGD), and Matcha (6 SGD). You can also mix and match flavours in the yuan yang option for 6 SGD.

According to the Chua sisters, the Original, Pandan Kaya, and Black Sesame are their best-sellers. While their Chocolate flavour is popular among kids. In addition to the current offerings, you may look forward to a cheese-flavoured muah chee soon! It’s currently work-in-progress.

#4: DIY HOME KIT
Muah Chee Boy DIY option

Image Credits: 8Days

Muah Chee Boy also has a DIY home kit series from 12 SGD for 300g to 30 SGD for 1kg. This is great because you can store the muah chee in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, just cut out the portion you need and steam it for about 10 minutes. After that, pour yourself a generous portion of peanuts and snip it into bite-size goodness for the whole family!

#5: MENU

Ready to place an order? Here’s a look at their full menu:

Muah Chee Boy full menu

Image Credits: Muah Chee Boy

Muah Chee Boy is also currently running a special promotion from now till 31 July 2020. Simply buy any two DIY Muah Chee Home Kit (any flavour) and get one DIY Muah Chee Home Kit – 300g (Original) for free (worth $12)!

Head to their Facebook page for more details.

 

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Should you merge finances with your partner after getting married?

Merging finances

After saying ‘I do’, there are now more things to consider past the courting phase. As you begin preparing for your special day, take time to think about what happens after that. As I’ve heard many married couples say, the real deal begins after exchanging your wedding vows.

One of the most touchy issues is that of finances. While there are couples out there who manage their finances separately and successfully, some of you out there are wondering if you should do a merge. If that is so, you will need some fast advice to get you going. 

#1: SET DATES
Calendar

Image Credits: unsplash.com

To decide if you should do a merge, full disclosure is needed. This means hiding nothing and having an honest discussion. Laying everything out on the table helps you and your partner to see where both of you are at in terms of money management.

The most obvious thing to discuss is the shared expenses for the house. We’re talking about things like the mortgage, various monthly bills, and even weekly spending groceries. A 50-50 might do the trick if both of you guys are receiving the same paycheck. But that’s usually not the case. Thus, maybe a monthly contribution of a fixed percentage of your income might work?

There’s also the question of raising kids in the future. An extra person or two will cost and this is another major topic on its own. We know one sit-down session won’t work with so much to decide. Thus, set dates. Make sure you allocate enough time to go through the nitty-gritty. Rushing through the conversations will only hurt later.

#2: SHARE YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATIONS
Couple conversations

Image Credits: unsplash.com

‘For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.’ That’s one of the common marriage vows exchanged on the most important day. To do so, you will need to walk the talk and get down and dirty with your financial situations.

Apart from salaries and bonuses, there’s also the topic of debt and other large expenses unknown to your partner. Now’s the best time to share your financial plans and future goals as well. What are the steps you or your partner are taking to pay off the debt? Will this affect your early years of marriage? Can either of you make compromises?

Let’s not forget routines! Is an annual trip to Europe feasible? Or can you two only afford a staycation at the moment? Talk about habits like the frequency of dining out per week and any expensive hobbies you might have.

#3: COME UP WITH A STRATEGY
Writing

Image Credits: unsplash.com

This is the final stage should you decide to merge your finances with your partner. After the sharing sessions and much pondering, it’s time to come up with a long-term strategy.

How will the merge be like? Are we talking about shared bank accounts and credit cards? If that’s the case, you may consider having one shared bank account. This account can be a place for crediting an agreed percentage of your salary and also withdrawals for shared expenses for the family.

After reviewing your strategy and realizing you guys have enough money for investment? Go ahead and discuss if the both of you should open up an investment account. Also, decide upfront who will be the main person managing the funds for investment. It’s also important to do a yearly review of your strategy.

We’re honestly just scratching the surface with some of these questions. As each couple is unique, there may be other unique issues that need to be brought up. Also, you and your partner must be aware that bickering might arise while going through this entire process. If required, allow yourself some ‘time-out’. Nothing said in the heat of the moment is rational.

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