Tried And Loved: Garnier

I used to not like Garnier. On my thirteenth birthday, my mother introduced me to the whole 3-steps skincare routine because she noticed I had freckles. It was Garnier's Lightening series (the yellow tubes) that didn't work for me at all. Besides, the moisturizer was probably way too heavy for a teen who had just entered puberty. Putting those impressions behind, I have been trying some of their products again. One after another, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I loved them!

To help you understand this review in perspective, take note that I have oily, acne prone skin. I have been struggling with acne for years and I am currently taking antibiotics prescribed by doctor. However, I do not have sensitive skin. I'd highly recommend you to check through ingredients that you might be allergic to before purchasing any of the products I am featured.

1. Instant Fairness BB Moisturizer, ~$18.90

I was pretty much sold when I watched Xiaxue's demo for Garnier. (is it me or Garnier keeps renaming their products when they're actually the same thing?) As most BB creams come in oily formulas, I really appreciate that this one is truly oil-free. Give it a try in store and you'll find that it has a velvety semi-matte texture that is very easy to blend. It has most of what BB creams offer - sunscreen, skincare properties and hydration and gives an incredibly natural finish. Unless you have really flawless skin, a concealer will still come in handy to cover circles and blemishes. I usually use Hada Labo Hydrating Lotion prior to BB cream, then finish off powder.

2. 2 In 1 Gentle Makeup Remover, ~$10.90

I used to be a loyal Maybelline makeup remover girl till I found this, which works way better and more affordable; 200ml for your eyes will last a really long time. Removing your makeup can be troublesome at times but this product will make your routine a breeze. Simply shake to mix the two liquids together, pour sufficiently onto a cotton pad and press on your eyes for 30 seconds. Walla, Stubborn waterproof mascara dissolved! I love that the formula is non-oily (you don't even have to rinse afterwards) and does not sting. Nothing is worse than a makeup remover that irritates your eyes.

3. Daily Energising Gel Wash, ~$13.90

Okay...I must admit, I was partially influenced by the mega advertising efforts for this new line called Pure Active Fruit Energy. There's billboards everywhere! For acne prone skin, the cleanser is crucial because sebum/ oil - the mother of bacteria - is the cause of acne. For a long time, I have religiously been using Neutrogena's Oil-Free Acne wash. Don't get me wrong, I still love it but I reserve for night time because it can be drying. The Garnier cleanser comes in 200ml bottle (great value), has a liquidly texture that lathers quickly into foam. It smells fantastic, like citrus green tea and the scent actually stays on your face! After washing, I feel that my skin is smooth, pores tightened and does not feel dry. This cleanser also contains salicylic acid, a substance that breaks down dead skin cells and penetrates skin follicles to treat acne.

p.s/ I tried my best to recall accurate prices, please correct me if I am wrong!

p.s.s/ Have you tried anything from Garnier? What products would you recommend for me?

World Savage Antiques

Tucked in a quiet corner on Bussorah Street lies an eccentric little shop filled with treasures from all over the world. This is World Savage, a vintage/ antique shop run by two very passionate owners who personally hunt for collectibles that might also be referred to as trash by most. It's true when they say one man's trash is another's treasure. What you see here is exclusive because photography is usually not allowed in the store. But the owner B was so generous to let me after we chatted and knowing how eager I was to document my experience and share with you.

The Jealous Society - WS's own line of antique, fine jewelry

The joy of visiting places like this is you'll never know what you might find. I'm pretty sure I spent a good hour or so admiring everything my eyes could possibly register. B was fantastic to talk to, I felt like I made a friend. During our casual conversation, she expressed her annoyance towards how terms like 'vintage' and 'antique' are used way too freely such that their true definitions have been diluted. Lost. So what exactly do they mean? Well, using the present as the relative measurement, vintage is anything from the past era; antique is anything older than 100 years; and retro refers to the 60s. But of course, time is not the only criteria to define what's vintage and what's not. Other elements such as a garment's enduring style and tailoring also come into consideration when you appreciate something of age.

There are many things to love about World Savage, I particularly loved their extensive collection of  wedding rings from the Victorian era. I personally would prefer one over a brand new diamond ring. You will also discover unexpected home goods and artifacts that will leave you amazed. Philomel Clothing is a private brand for their vintage (and some reworked) garments made affordable by the owners. Majority of garments were sourced from Japan and it was shocking to realize how small people used to be in the past! A 23 inch waistline was common for a Japanese woman. 

A glass pendant containing a preserved moth

Random succulent plants I found nearby

Top - Sweet Drug | Leather skirt - ZARA | Pascal boots - Dr. Martens

If you love vintage and rare things, I highly recommend paying World Savage a visit this weekend. And when you're there, be sure to ask questions and I promise you you'll learn something new from the owners. They are so passionate, insightful and know every inch of the space they built on their own. Yes, the price point is slightly higher but trust me, go there and you will understand why. It sure feels good to own a piece of history, right?

(pictures taken awhile ago, hence the long hair. do you miss it? i don't.)

World Savage

Address: 70 Bussorah Street |  Tel: 6563 8590

Website: www.worldsavage.com

Victorian

Now that I have short hair, I like wearing fancy tops because I get to show the details off. I see my wardrobe differently now, putting together all the outfit options which I think will compliment my short hair. I watch my posture more, I feel like a different person altogether! Change is definitely working positive for me this new year. Sometimes I wear a beautiful necklace, at times I like sharp collared shirts. Today I chose an intricate blouse with high collar and pleated, almost bell shaped sleeves. It also has crochet details down the front which gives it a Victorian mixed bohemian vibe. It'll go perfect with a long fringe skirt and vintage circle shades, but I decided to go with my trusty python pants which goes with everything, an oldie but a goodie! 

Shoulder bag - Toscano

Long-sleeve Crochet Blouse - Dressabelle | Python pants - m)Phosis | Wedges - Charles & Keith

Cut-Outs

Necklace - AMEN | Soiree silver heels - Jeffrey Campbell (similar here, also in gold) | Bag - m)Phosis

Bleeker dress - Feist Heist | Lipstick - Wine Not, Revlon

Photos by Nigel

I have been wanting to own a backless dress for the longest time ever, and this was it. In the past, I always wondered how girls were able to move around in tight little low-back dresses without going through a nip slip, or worry about all the bra problems that comes with it. *sigh* I consider myself a conservative dresser in terms of modesty so any thing that is too short or too much skin frightens me. Finally, I settled on this classic skater dress with triangular cut-outs. There were plenty of backless dresses launched in Feist Heist's holiday collection - which you can view their look book here (makeup done by me!) - All the dresses were beautiful but I thought this one was appropriate to start out with. I have always admired Min's designs and each collection only gets better, she always manages to find the sweet spot between sexy and edgy. Anyway, for girls who intend to try out backless dresses, I suggest using stickers instead of silicon because they're a lot more comfortable and appears natural too.

Grey Scale

Layered Sheaths Tank Blouse - Dressabelle | Skirt - The Scarlet Room | Leather jacket - Cotton On | Soiree silver heels - Jeffrey Campbell (similar: 1, 2, 3)

Necklace - AMEN

Photos by JJ

So...is everyone used to my short hair already? Not sure if it's me or my hair grows exceptionally fast, I feel like it has grown out a lot already. I based my outfit today on a grey theme with varying textures; a typical Uli's look I'd say! I am taking full advantage of this rainy season to wear my coats. But since it can get a little humid, this sleeveless chiffon blouse from Dressabelle is perfect for layering underneath anything. I have been pretty much obsessed with buying basic tops recently (say different colours for the exact same tee), pairing my plains with interesting bottoms and statement shoes. Oh and isn't this origami skirt the coolest thing?! A pity that it is slightly on the shorter side, something I find uncomfortable to get used to.

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Local Watch

Awhile ago I had the opportunity to shoot with the Poached Magazine team, where I got to wear some of Singapore's top designer brands. It was my first time shooting in designer clothes and I was terrified to death. Knowing in mind that what I had on probably cost more than most things I have in my wardrobe gave me so much pressure in wanting to do my best for the shoot but in reality, I turned tense, and doubted myself. But guess what, I am so surprised at how decent the photos turned out! Lucky me. Thanks to JJ who got the best shots and M who was constantly guiding me along with Vogue-worthy poses. It was definitely different from the street style I usually do but I absolutely loved the change. There's always a first time to everything right? Let's hope I get better at this! My favourite piece among all has to be that colourful collared blouse by Kae Hana, which by the way the graphical mosaic design was meant to be perceived as a skull. I couldn't tell in the beginning. Can you?

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