Author: Sarah Wong

Addicted to the beauty scene, I’ve always been curious about the Japanese skincare regime that seems to produce such flawless results. My attention was stolen when I heard a Japanese hair and skin care brand was coming to Singapore.  Utena (pronounced ooo-ten-nah) was founded in Japan over 90 years ago in 1927. From cosmetics to skin care, they’ve got you covered.  One of their leading products is the Premium Puresa Golden Jelly Series, featuring a box containing three sheet masks that have been soaked in 33 grams of the golden jelly essence; it’s been a hit since they launched back in 2014.  They sure…

Hair, face, nails — the holy trinity when it comes to women’s grooming. Out of these three, getting my nails done takes up most of my time and beauty budget. I’ve always been in a dilemma when it comes to getting my nails done. Classic manicure (~S$20) versus gel manicure (~S$50). Each has its pros and cons. Classic manicures are cheaper, but only last for about a week before they start to chip, and they take forever to dry. Gel manicures, on the other hand, are rather costly but can last for about three weeks to a month, and “dries”…

Back for the 18th year, ZoukOut returns this 1 December 2018 and promises to be bigger and better than ever. Taking place at the iconic Siloso Beach in Sentosa, it’s an event widely anticipated by clubbers worldwide. With only the first headliner announced thus far, things are already looking up – Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike (DVLM) is the alias of famous brotherly duo Dimitri and Michael Thivaios. Ranked #2 on the recent DJ Mag Top 100 DJs list in 2017, theirs is a name every seasoned electronic dance music festival enthusiast (or clubber) is familiar with. Having released tracks with other…

Ultra Music Festival 2018 may have passed in the blink of an eye, leaving our hearts yearning for more days that we can spend drunk on music and good company.  But that’s ok because we’ve found a lesser-known, but just as happening music festival coming right up. Taking place from 27 to 29 July 2018, the Ho-Hai-Yan Gongliao Rock Festival will be held at Fulong Beach in Taiwan. The first Gongga International Music Festival was held back in 2000 and over the past 18 years, it has evolved to showcase the latest music trends worldwide. Featuring 18 different styles of music,…

Did you feel that Ultra Singapore 2018 was far too short or find yourself envious of friends who share stories of their spectacular overseas clubbing experiences that, in their words, wins Singapore’s “hands down”? If you happen to be travelling to Korea in mid-September and want to join in the fun at their version of a music festival, we’ve got some good news for you. BigCityBeats is bringing World Club Dome Korea back for the second year this 14 to 16 September 2018! Although only phase one of the lineup has been released, the string of DJs seems promising, to say the…

Back for the eighth year this 2018, the Taitung International Balloon Festival is back from 30 June to 13 August 2018. Held at the Taitung Luye Highlands, the opening day will reveal a hot air balloon showcase that will be flown by professional pilots to create a stunning rainbow. Over these 45 days, expect to see balloons shaped after memorable cartoons such as Tweety Bird and the minions from Despicable Me. For those who have spent their lives dreaming of taking a ride on a hot air balloon, this is your chance. You can purchase a Balloon Tethering Ride ticket for NT500…

Remember the magical realms you used to read about in storybooks as a child? Or perhaps you’re one of those nature-loving individuals who obsess over every event held by the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari. Well, here’s another event you can attend at the Singapore Zoo that will realise the dreams of your childhood this July 2018. In collaboration with Moment Factory, a Canada-based multimedia company, Rainforest Lumina is a multimedia night walk through the rainforest. The Singapore Zoo will be transformed into a luminous rainforest throughout the night, where you can walk along designated paths that have been lined with lights. The…

Envious of all your friends whose Instagram profiles boast the cherry blossoms of Japan? Or the Instagram stories of them slurping up bowls of the iconic Ichiran ramen? I don’t know about you but I’m feeling a tad FOMO (fear of missing out).  Japan Rail Cafe knows this best. And from 27 to 30 June 2018, they’ll be hosting the Tokyo Summer Park at Tanjong Pagar Centre. From bottomless Kirin Ichiban Frozen beer to Haritts doughnuts from Tokyo, there will be an abundance of drinks and treats for the young and young-at-heart. If frozen beers and delectable treats aren’t enticing enough, maybe…

There is certainly no lack of makeup brands in Singapore. Ironic, isn’t it? We are always complaining about the lack of alternatives. However, with such extensive choices, finding a particular type of makeup or a preferred brand is a near impossible feat. As a makeup junkie, I found myself using a myriad of brands because of the individual benefits they provide. Here are 10 makeup releases that have changed the makeup scene (and are my personal favourites): 1. Magic Snow Sun Skin (Aprilskin) Hello, sunny Singapore. With the scorching sun all year round, applying sunblock has become a daily routine,…

Remember the days of buying LEGO kits to build that superhero of your dreams? Or the days of playing with Play-Doh and creating animal figurines your parents brushed aside with a mere “heh, nice”? Well, here is one exhibition you have to bring your parents to, to show them that imaginary creations are part of a bigger plan. The exhibition, Wind Walkers: Theo Jansen’s Strandbeests, takes place at the Art Science Museum, opening on 23 June 2018. Featuring a series of wind-powered machines he describes as “a new species on Earth” or “beach animals”, the Wind Walkers exhibition combines art, science, engineering…

Envious of all them dapper-looking guys who attract girls with every step they take and seemingly have the world at their feet? Head on down to The Cathay because this event was curated just for you. Returning for the 2nd year, The Golden Rule Barber Co. and Traditions Tattoo Collective collaborate once again to bring you Ink & Cut. Held at The Cathay, this two-day barbershop and tattoo studio pop-up event takes place on 23 & 24 June 2018. This event is free of charge, but here’s the catch: all you have to do is spend a minimum of S$50…

Lesser known to millennials of today, Aaliyah was a teenage singing sensation back in the 90s, signing her first recording contract at the mere age of 12 in 1991.  2001 went down in history as the year that Aaliyah, alongside a few crew members were killed in a plane crash on their way back from a music video shoot, departing at a young age of 22. Leaving a legacy that far outlived her, countless fans have continually requested a M.A.C X Aaliyah collection, leading to the teaser of #AaliyahforMAC in August 2017.  Fast forward to this 20 & 21 June 2018, the…

Having been an avid user of contact lenses for the past 10 years, the high costs have burnt a hole in my pocket. I grew up wearing monthly lenses but following a previous eye injury, I had to change to wearing dailies. Averaging at S$117 for a month’s supply, news of a far cheaper alternative caught my attention. I figured I’d have to see it to believe it. The Only Contact Lenses Subscription Service In Singapore Located on the 3rd floor of an unassuming building along North Canal Road lies the optical studio named Two Of A Kind. It is currently…

Make-up brands are a dime a dozen, but animal testing has proven to be a game changer in the eyes of makeup fanatics. Kat Von D’s emphasis on vegan, cruelty-free makeup sets her brand apart from other players in the industry. In lieu of the brand’s 10-year anniversary, Kat Von D is releasing a collection of eight products that are dripping in gold. With a large range of products from old-school favourites to newly-launched classics, the collection has products for everyone, from make-up newbies looking for products to try for the first time, to makeup junkies like myself. The Eyeshadow Palette…