SPOTTED: Chime For Change by Gucci

Chime For Change is a collaboration started by Gucci's Creative Director Frida Giannini, actor Salma Hayek Pinault and singer Beyoncé Knowles-Carter in 2013. The project raises funds and increases awareness in order to unite the voices speaking up for girls' and women's rights all around the word.

This year, Gucci is making a minimum pledge of $1 million to support Chime For Change products through the sales of 5 of the brand's iconic Gucci fragrances. They are

• Floral by Gucci EDT (75ml for $168)
• Gucci Guilty pour Femme EDT (50ml for $115)
• Gucci Guilty pour Homme EDT (90ml for $138)
• Gucci Première EDP (75ml for $202)
• Gucci Made To Measure EDT (90ml for $144)

Each fragrance comes with a unique donation code, which we can use to support Chime for Change projects' 3 main focuses that are Education, Health and Justice.

66% of the world's illiterate adults are women and 60% of the children not in school are girls – but when girls are educated, they change their futures and improve outcomes for their families, communities and countries.

I picked Education with my donation code because it was, is and will be a big part of my life. I believe that education gives people opportunities to achieve whatever that they want. And it isn't just Math, Physics or Chemistry knowledge that we are filling our brains with. We are also shaping our thought processes and this will aid us in making mature, well thought-out (life) decisions. But yes, the other 2 initiatives are just as important.

Which initiative will you pick and why? (:

REVIEW: Black Paint

Black Paint was established in Kyoto, Japan 15 years ago by Miyuki Maeda. Her daughter was diagnosed with a serious kidney disease, that was deemed 'incurable'. Unwilling to give in to fate, Miyuki studied modern physiology, bacteriology and traditional natural healing systems around the world in search for remedies. She learnt that not all bacteria are bad; there are good ones that help digest nutrients and protect us from diseases. Instead of killing them, we should nourish them. With this knowledge, Miyuki developed a line of organic skincare that enhances, and not fight, our body's own renewal and self-protection processes.

There are 4 important points to note when we deal with troubled skin:

• Clean our pores so as to minimize damage done.
• Drink lots of water.
• Keep moisturized.
• Prevent moisture loss.

Black Paint products are natural and made from organic ingredients. They are free from alcohols, paraffin, synthetic preservatives, fragrances, colourings, ultraviolet absorbers and anti-oxidants. Together, they serve as a complete system to fulfill the aforementioned points.

Black Paint Soap | Cleanser ($49.90 for 120g)
What it is: This gentle pore-cleansing, handmade facial soap is made with Kishu Bichotan Charcoal (White Charcoal). It removes makeup and cleanses pores deeply by removing keratotic plugs. It is made slightly alkaline to trigger our naturally acidic skin to release more acid to restore the pH balance. By doing so, the acid pushes out the dirt from our pores. Our skin is left feeling smoother and fresher.

To use this, immerse the soap into warm water till the surface melts into a 'sesame dessert paste'. Apply this paste directly from the soap onto your skin. Take note to use the paste from all 6 surfaces of the soap so it is able to be preserved for a longer time. Massage your face gently for 5 minutes and rinse off with warm water.

What I think: Though the steps seem pretty complicated, the soap is actually very easy to use. It's just a tad troublesome because it's a bar soap, and it's difficult to dry it completely after usage (You can try cutting it up into pieces!). But besides this tiny gripe, I really like it. It leaves my skin feeling clean and fresh, and looking very well-rested. I still have blackheads on my nose but the pores on my cheeks appear a lot cleaner.

Best Water | Toner ($59.90 for 100ml)
What it is: This pore-minimizing toner contains 30 types of minerals, such as Potassium and Magnesium, that penetrate into our skin deeply for instant hydration and preservation of moisture balance. It helps improve our skin texture and minimizes pores after cleansing.

To use this, gently pat 3 to 5 pumps of the toner onto your skin. You can also soak a piece of facial paper mask with it and use it twice a week.

What I think: I apply the toner right after cleansing and it sinks into my skin easily after several pats. It hydrates immediately, calms down some redness on my face and preps my skin for my moisturizer. When the weather gets too hot and my face starts feeling icky, I use this as an instant perk-me-up.

Water Cream | Moisturizer ($79.90 for 50ml)
What it is: This water-based moisturizing cream contains Morroco's Argan Oil to improve our skin's metabolism and promote moisture retention. There are 7 different types of flower oil to provide a protective veil against environmental aggressors and anti-oxidants.

To use this, spread a cherry-sized amount onto your skin. If you are applying makeup, wait till it is completely absorbed first.

What I think: This is my favourite product out of the 3. It keeps my skin plump with hydration all day. My T-zone can get pretty oily, so I use just a dab. But for the rest of my face, I use 2 pea-sized amounts and I receive compliments that my skin looks radiant. This also doubles up as one of the smoothest makeup base I have ever used; makeup literally just glides on. The only downside is that this contains silicone and it appears 2nd on the ingredient list. So if you're particular about what goes into your products, you might want to give this a miss.

Here are some photos I posted on Instagram in late May. My foundation was paper-thin that day, but my complexion still looked pretty alright. :D

Black Paint's Black Paint Soap, Best Water and Water Cream make up a simple yet thorough 3-step skincare regimen for the busy ladies. I like that the regimen is fuss-free and the products try to work with our skin's condition, instead of going against it. I would recommend the Water Cream especially. (:

For more information, please visit www.blackpaint.sg.

WORLD CUP 2014: 5 Ways to Stay Awake after the Game

Being on the other side of the world means unearthly match hours in Singapore time. While we would all love to have 25 days of leave (Maybe more...), chances are you're better off finding ways to cope in office post-match. Here are 5 quick ways you can fight the World Cup snooze:

The World Cup 2014 series is a collaboration between Charlene J. Lee and Brand's.

FOTD: Daily Vanity's Beauty Challenge (Day 1)

Earlier this month, dear Juliet (Who just got hitched btw! EEKS, congrats woman!!! I LOVE YOU! <333) from Daily Vanity threw down the (beauty) gauntlet to me; to use no more than 3 makeup items in a day, for a week. You can read about the challenge here!

Most of the items I picked were either new launches or ones that I have been using for a while now, so I thought I make some notes about them and share with you. (:

For day 1, I was going to wear my huge 'nerdy' spectacles. Emphasizing my eyes might be a little too much for my not-quite-feminine face, so I decided to focus on my cheeks and lips. The 3 items that I picked were

• Estée Lauder's Double Wear All-Day Glow B.B (Intensity 1.0)
• Dior Addict's It-Lash Mascara (It-Black)
• Revlon's Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain (Lovesick)

Estée Lauder's Double Wear All-Day Glow B.B (Intensity 1.0)
What it is: This lightweight and oil-free B.B. cream evens out your skin tone and brightens up your complexion for a flawless and healthy glow. It comes with SPF 30 and is infused with Vitamins C and E for anti-oxidant protection. Coverage is sheer with a luminous finish that lasts for up to 8 hours.

What I think: The B.B. cream goes on smoothly and sits very comfortably. Though coverage is light, it cancels out all redness. It seems to also blur out small imperfections, so that complexion looks very clear. I won't exactly say that my skin glows, but I do appear healthier. However, I find that it latches onto dry bits, so take care to moisturize your skin properly first before applying this.

Dior Addict's It-Lash Mascara (It-Black)
What it is: Made for women who want it all, this mascara gives both volume and length in one swipe. The flexible brush coats the full length of lashes and its spiked tips catches even the tiniest lashes, creating the much coveted doe-eyed look. The mascara's formula contains waxes that thicken with a clear gel base for the most radiant black.

What I think: This mascara has some really wild claims and sadly, that is what they are; wild. The brush's spikes reach and coat each lash, but I see neither length nor volume (Definitely no volume.). Basically, it is just a pretty normal mascara. I think my Covergirl ones work better actually. I remember the Dior lady saying that this mascara helps to curl lashes as well but ummm, nope. This just doesn't work for me. :\

Revlon's Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain (Lovesick)
What it is: It's a moisturizing lip stain-and-balm housed in a chubby crayon. One swipe and your lips become softer and smoother, and washed in a perfect flush of colour that lasts for hours.

What I think: I LOVE THIS! I don't think it's all that hydrating but it provides enough moisture for it to double up as a cream blusher. The colour payoff is amazing and I really like how Lovesick complements my skin tone. The stain lasts for several hours and fades off pretty evenly. Also, the cute crayon packaging makes it so convenient.

swatches of Revlon's Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain and Estée Lauder's Double Wear All-Day Glow B.B.

Face
Estée Lauder's Double Wear All-Day Glow B.B in Intensity 1.0

Eyes
Dior Addict's It-Lash Mascara in It-Black

Cheeks
Revlon's Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Lovesick

Lips
Revlon's Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Lovesick

WORLD CUP 2014: Your Guide to Surviving the Football Season

5 weeks, 64 matches.

There's simply no escaping the month-long football madness that is currently taking the world by storm. Both fans and non-fans need to be prepared for the biggest event of the season. If you're a huge soccer fanatic, be sure to check out this comprehensive guide to surviving the summer's soccer fever. I'll be sure to use some of these handy tips!

The World Cup 2014 series is a collaboration between Charlene J. Lee and Brand's. Images are taken from Google.

WORLD CUP 2014: Soccer Season Match Schedule!

And... The biggest football tournament has begun and is into its 2nd day!

There are already a number of great posts on the Internet on where to watch the games, but it'll be extra convenient for everyone to have the Singapore timings of all the matches at a glance, won't it? BRAND'S® Essence of Chicken has come up with a convenient infographic for everyone to easily note the day and time of all the matches!

Download and print the above schedule via this link: http://bit.ly/1pFIv4h

The World Cup 2014 series is a collaboration between Charlene J. Lee and Brand's.

WORLD CUP 2014: 5 Things to Stock Your Fridge Up with during the Football Season

And... World Cup 2014 begins tonight! The first match is between Brazil and Croatia and it kicks off at 4am, which is a pretty unearthly hour for us Singaporeans. Actually, most of the games will be held when we are supposed to be in bed... Resting, dreaming, recuperating our bodies and the ilk. But I mean, it's THE World Cup. What's sleep? Can we eat it?

Starting from tonight onwards, we can look forward to greasy and unhealthy but oh-SO-good suppers, awesome drink deals at the bars (Check out Harry's, Bar Bar Black Sheep and Muddy Murphy's!), hot footballers (Fernando Torres used to be my cutie.), the games themselves (OF COURSE.) and maybe, having a girls' night out!

For those who will be at homes watching the games, here are 5 things you need to have in your fridge to enhance your World Cup experience.

1. Beer
   Studies have shown that consuming everyone's favourite fermented beverage in moderation can lower your risk of stroke – but it's okay to go slightly above moderation on occasion when you're celebrating the win of the country you’re supporting! Be sure to stock up your fridge with ample supply for you and your friends, and check out #15 of this awesome article on how to maximize the space in your fridge for this football season!
   
2. Hummus
   Simply because everything goes with it. Hummus makes for a perfect dip, and is delicious with pretzels, pita bread red peppers, carrots, you name it! An easy crowd pleaser with crackers for the gatherings of 15 hungry people in your house watching the next big game. Need we say more? More reasons to have more hummus here.
   
3. Baked Sweet Potato Fries
   One of my favorite alternatives to fries are baked sweet potato! This superfood tastes great on its own and takes less than 30 minutes to leave the kitchen. Simply chop up the sweet potato into your desired length, bake, scatter salt and pepper for taste, and voilà!
   
4. Salsa and Tortilla Chips
   A quick hack to making a wholesome salsa dip is to buy a batch of chunky salsa, and then making it even heartier by adding in more fresh ingredients like chopped fresh tomatoes, onions and chilies. Don't forget the corn chips too – salsa is only complete with you dip some tortilla chips in and savour the chunky sauce with crunchy chips.
   
5. Brand's Essence of Chicken
   As an all-natural health food supplement, BRAND'S® Essence of Chicken can help reduce stress levels and contribute to a relaxed mood. It also increases mental concentration, improves short-term memory and immunity, alleviates task-induced stress, increases metabolic rate, and boost energy. Perfect as a pick-me-up and vitality booster in this season of late nights!

The World Cup 2014 series is a collaboration between Charlene J. Lee and Brand's. Images are taken from Google.

EVENT: ION Insider Workshop - The Beauty Edition

In the final week of May, I had the privilege of attending the ION Insider Workshop. The ION Insider is an upcoming blog by ION Orchard on the latest happenings on beauty, lifestyle, food, events... Well, just about everything! And this workshop was a sneak preview of what the blog would be about. Previously, I attended the ION Orchard's Blogger Beauty Brunch (Read it here.), and it was so fun! So you can imagine how beyond thrilled I was to have another opportunity to blog about ION Orchard again. After all, it is my third home. :D

For this workshop, we visited 3 of ION Orchard's favourite beauty brands.

YVES SAINT LAURENT BEAUTÉ
#B2-34
Tel.: (+65) 6509 7423
Opening Hours: 10am - 10pm

Yves Saint Laurent started out as a luxury fashion house, founded by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé. However, since launching Yves Saint Laurent Beauté, the brand has established quite a presence in the beauty scene as well, especially with their Touche Éclat. It returned to our shores when it opened its first South-east Asian stand-alone boutique in late 2012.

Here are some products which caught my attention during the makeup demonstration:

• Yves Saint Laurent's Forever Light Corrector Skintone Serum
  This serum is a delightful anti-aging concoction of GlycanactifWT™, Actyl C and L.H.A to help even out skin tone, by working on your dark spots and skin's clarity and radiance. Upon application, your skin turns luminous and more even instantly.

• Yves Saint Laurent's Le Teint Touche Éclat
  This weightless foundation is created from the famous Touche Éclat. It works its magic by providing a flawless complexion, that is free from imperfections, highlighted in all the right areas and well-protected from the sun's harmful rays. Read my quick review here.

• Yves Saint Laurent's Kiss and Blush
  This dual-purpose makeup contains Hyaluronic Acid Spheres and Pomegranate extract to help moisturize your cheeks and lips, while adding a bright wash of colour to your face. Give yourself a face lift by dotting it on the apples of your cheeks, and blending it upwards. Or create luscious lips by applying it from centre outwards.

This evening smokey eye look was created with Yves Saint Laurent's Couture Palette n°7 Parisienne.
-

ESTÉE LAUDER
#B2-42
Tel.: (+65) 6634 7287
Opening Hours: 10am - 10pm

Estée Lauder is the birth child of Joseph Lauder and his wife, Josephine Esther Mentzer, or more affectionately known as Estée Lauder. Back then, the brand only had 4 products; Super-Rich All Purpose Creme, Creme Pack, Cleansing Oil, and Skin Lotion. But armed with Estée's firm belief that 'every woman can be beautiful', it quickly expanded to become one of the biggest beauty brands.

Despite the arsenal of makeup that many of us are guilty (and proud) of owning, we often do not have the time to glam up for daily happenings. Hence, Estée Lauder created this '3 Minute Beauty System' that will take us through the day, glamorously.

Here are the 6 quick techniques:

1. Mix Estée Lauder's Advanced Night Repair with Estée Lauder's Double Wear All-Day Glow B.B Moisture Makeup to create an instant glowy complexion.

2. Conceal your spots with Estée Lauder's Double Wear Stay-in-Place Flawless Wear Concealer.

3. Highlight your face by drawing an inverted 'E' with Estée Lauder's Brush-On Glow B.B Highlighter.

4. Draw 2 'C's around your eyes to brighten them up. Don't forget to blend!

5. Wing your eyeliner. And if you are feeling a little braver, apply a bright colour under, over or on top of it.

6. Create the perfect pout by highlighting your Cupid's bow and the bottom of your lips. Add gloss or dust a shimmery white eye shadow in the middle to make them fuller.

This natural sweet look was completed with was created with Estée Lauder's Pure Colour Gloss in No. 31 Wild Lilac.
-

DIOR BACKSTAGE STUDIO
#B2-44/46
Tel.: (+65) 6636 7232
Opening Hours: 10am - 10pm

The only Dior Backstage Studio in Singapore recreates the exciting backstage ambience, typical of a Dior runway show. The studio is divided into sections dedicated especially for the face, eyes, lips, nails and fragrances... Basically, every girl's dream room. Just look at that gorgeous wheel of nail polishes, lipsticks and lip glosses!

The studio is run by a specially selected team of Dior's The Backstage Makeup Artist to bring you the full runway experience; whether it is to help you choose the perfect product or translate the latest trend onto your face, they are very happy to help. The MUA for the day was really friendly and very patient in explaining the steps to create the 'no-makeup makeup, radiance-from-within' look.

Here's the list of services and products which are exclusive to Dior Backstage Studio:

• Backstage Pro makeup products and tools to help you achieve red carpet-worthy looks. Be sure to keep a lookout for the Lash Bar, which is equipped with 9 sets of intricately-designed Backstage False Lashes.

• A specially-trained team of Backstage Artists is always on standby to provide trade secrets and transform your look. Backstage Makeup Lessons are also held for a group of 2 to 6 people, where 2 Dior Makeup Looks are created over a span of 2 hours.

• Curated runway iconography, illustrations and visuals take you through the rich history of Dior. Immerse in it and soak up the Dior spirit!

• Exciting Backstage Shows are held 2 to 3 times annually to showcase the prowess of Dior International Makeup Pro Team and Regional Makeup Artists.

This porcelain complexion was created with Diorskin Airflash Spray Foundation and a foundation brush.
-

The very lovely gifts that ION Orchard, Yves Saint Laurent Beauté and Estée Lauder prepared for us! Thank you! :D

featuring Estée Lauder's Double Wear All-Day Glow B.B and Dior Addict's It-Lash Mascara.

featuring Yves Saint Laurent's Light Creator CC Creme and Dior Addict's Lip Glow.

WORLD CUP 2014: 5 Soccer Players to Watch Out for This Season

Wohoo, it's just 2 days more till the first match between Brazil and Croatia! This year, I'm pretty excited about it because my bestie, Audrey, and I will be joining Eli's club come July (We used to be in our junior college's soccer team.). But just the recreation team. Haha. Anyway, to commemorate this quadrennial event, Brand's and I will be teaming up to help 'prep' you for the games.

Today, let's get to know 5 soccer players to watch out for this season! (:

1. Lionel Messi for Argentina
   At just 26, four-time World Player of the Year Messi is arguably one of the most outstanding players over the past five years. If Argentina wins the World Cup, and Messi has the influence that he so often has at club level, then he would surely be elevated to the status of Maradona and Pele, among the greatest we've ever seen.
   
2. Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal
   Everybody knows who he is; Ronaldo is now perhaps, alongside Lionel Messi and David Beckham, the best-known player on the planet. The Portugal captain is also the 2013 winner of the FIFA Ballon d'Or, and has also won the Champions League with Real Madrid. Scoring 55 goals in just 45 appearances for club and country in 2013-14, a large part of his country's hopes for winning rest upon his shoulders.
   
3. Neymar for Brazil
   Born on February 5, 1992, in São Paulo, Brazil, Neymar drew attention for his impressive soccer abilities at an early age. His small frame masks incredible skill and speed, silencing doubters with his top-class ability to finish off both feet
   
4. Mesut Ozil for Germany
   Arsenal attacking midfielder Ozil is only 25, but has already been compared to football legends his finesse and skills. Former manager José Mourinho likened him to Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane, massive shoes which he has no trouble filling.
   
5. Andres Iniesta for Spain
   With recent rumors of links to Manchester United, 29-year-old Iniesta is a beast on midfield, and is even hailed by fellow superstar Xavi as 'Spain's most complete player.' Known for his passing, dribbling, vision and movement, he is definitely a player to watch on the Spanish team, and in fact even the whole tournament.

Will you be watching the matches? And who are you watching out for? :D

The World Cup 2014 series is a collaboration between Charlene J. Lee and Brand's. Images are taken from Google.

REVIEW: ORBIS' Petit Shake

Back in April, ORBIS launched its popular one-meal replacement Petit Shake in limited edition tropical flavours:

• Yoghurt & Pink Grapefruit: Mixed flavours of mildly sour yoghurt and juicy pink grapefruit.
• Mixed Tropical Fruits: Well-balanced sour and sweet pink guava, passionfruit and pineapple flavours.
• Mango: Sweet burst of ripe mango flavour.
• Acai, Banana & Red Grape: Contains 'superfruit' Acai, known for its weight loss and anti-aging properties.

Containing 10 types of vitamins, iron and a water-soluble dietary fiber, these Petit Shakes make a healthy diet option with its good nutritional balance. Pectin, a thickening agent and a natural ingredient found in apples and strawberries, is also used in the making of these shakes. It mixes with the calcium in milk to create a smoothie-like beverage. The shakes' flavours are enhanced with the natural sweetness of fruit extracts and real fruit pulps. Hence, satisfying your sweet tooth even when you're dieting. (:

Each packet of Petit Shake, when mixed with 100ml of cold milk, makes up 150kCal approximately. A month of these shakes reduces calorie intake and helps to bring about a weight loss of approximately 2.5kg of body fat.

Of the 4 different flavours, Mango is my favourite. It tastes almost exactly like a mango yoghurt smoothie; sweet (Not diabetically sweet. Just right. (: ) but with an edge of tanginess.

For me, I don't use this to replace an entire meal because I'm really quite skinny (Thanks Mum, for the metabolism rate.). But I do get hungry easily so I snack a lot, especially in the afternoon. So I drink one of these shakes around 3pm, to replace all my (very unhealthy) tidbits and it lasts me all the way till dinner time. It really helps when I go for my evening jogs because I usually get hungry halfway and it totally zaps away the fun (Running IS fun.).

The Petit Shakes are very easy to make. It consists of just 3 simple steps.

Step 1: Empty the packet into a cup.

Step 2: Add 100ml of cold milk.

Step 3: Blend well till the beverage thickens.

Psst! The Petit Shake is a one-meal replacement, so do take note that you don't replace more than 1 meal in a day.

The ORBIS Petit Shakes retails at $8.90 and $6.90 per box of 2 servings, for limited edition and regular flavours respectively. They can be found in Robinsons Orchard Level 1 Beauty Hall, Bishan Junction 8 #01-46 and Raffles City Shopping Centre Level 1 Beauty Hall.