The Unusual Suspects

Dual identity
Most perfumes will vary a little from the time they are sprayed on to when they’ve settled. But some of the latest amp up that change, starting like one fragrance initially and smelling like something completely different later on.

1. Narciso Rodriguez Essence, $136
Top: Iris, rose petals Mid: Musk Base: Amber Result: Like a good girl with an inner vixen, a clean floral that becomes musky and sexy.

2. Yves Saint Laurent Elle Shocking EDT, $99
Top: Mandarin, ginger, peony Mid: Freesia, jasmine, raspberry Base: Musk, cedar, patchouli Result: You think it’s shockingly tangy, then it does a U-turn and finishes sweet and smooth.

3. Bulgari BLV EDP II, $120
Top: Violet, star anise, frosty mandarin Mid: Iris absolute, patchouli, Haitian vetiver Base: Benzoin, cistus flower, musk Result: Airy then solid, natural then sophisticated. What begins like a floral breeze turns out strong and earthy.

From Female - February 2010

Regional Best
The top Spring/Summer 2012 looks from Indonesian, Singaporean, South Korean and Thai labels – all in stores now. ···································· The Art of Attraction
It took 65 years for Dior to team up with an artist. The result: a capsule collection of the brand’s iconic accessories that screams for attention. Caroline Suganda reports.···································· There’s a Pattern Here…
Separates in matching prints.

and more

To Good Health
Most women here seem to think using just moisturiser is enough, let alone adding a pre-serum booster to their routine. So why is L’Oreal launching one? According to the brand, the most basic principle of skincare is giving it a healthy start. Natasha Chiam reports.···································· Turn up the lights
Neon lips don’t have to be a tacky relic from the ’80s. This season’s are still bright, but rich and matte, not fluorescent, and best worn with natural-looking eyes.···································· Hair Apparent
When it comes to makeup brushes, the key thing is how soft they are. And cult Japanese brand Artisan & Artist, famous for its calligraphy brush heritage, really knows how to make them oh-so-soft (if we had blankets made from them, we’d never get out of bed). How? Because each hair is placed and cut by hand at a specific angle so there’s zero scratch. Bonus point: All natural hairs are cruelty free, which means no animals are killed or hurt to produce the brushes. At Schmidt Marketing Flagship Store.

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