The Dream Team were back at it again for Thoi Gian (Vietnam)
Phototgrapher: Brendan Zhang
Styling: Furqan Saini
Art Direction: Nazri Razak
Hair, makeup & nails: Andrea Claire
Model: Flavia Corrente

You may laugh at the recognition that I styled the hair on this shoot but you can't ignore hair just because a model is lying in a pool - although - yes, not a high stress hair shoot.

The nails are Deborah Lippmann Magnetic Wave in Physical Attraction available in Singapore at Luxola

We shot this last year and as I said - a little difficult to track down the PDF or hard copy of the magazine. Brendan sent me the images. Sharing is caring.
Without having the actual tears means I don't have my credits for what I used - BUT (don't cha love a big but?) I have some consistency of what I use in my work:

Skin

Dermalogica - EVERYONE in my chair gets this before we begin makeup.

Foundation

[say it with me] FACEatelier

Cheeks

NARS  The Multiple Stick in Lamu and layered with Copacabana for a highlight

Eyes

[I am 99.9% sure I had used] Tom Ford Beauty eyeshadow quad in Silvered Topaz

Lips

Urgh. Totally forget... Sorry Dudettes - I was playing more with OCC Lip Tars (available in Singapore at BellaBox) at this time so it may be a Givenchy Lipliner (LOVE them) with a Lip Tar...

images of Beno and I by Zurina Bryant. This is JUST post cut with Issac sans makeup. (Love my hair!)

Beno Lim, Singapore's senior artist with the MAC Cosmetics global team, whom I have collaborated with for Vulture magazine took the time to doll me up for my InSing Vanity Project. Beno flooded me with so many fab tips for readers that just like Issac /Toni &Guy, I had to edit him - happens to the best of us - here are his great tips along with MAC's latest collection Après Chic that Beno walked me through.

Jumping in brows first:

Beno Tip (BT): Eye brows are key so take the time to do a quick tidy and grooming.

Andrea claire’s 2 cents (ac) - Ladies: this does NOT mean take your tweezers out daily. You know who you are... little sperms are not an attractive brow shape

BT: For those with stubborn hard to curl lashes, curl lashes first after a very thin coat of mascara as it helps to hold the curl. Continue with the rest of your makeup.

I had to use this image somewhere. Thanks Zurina! lol

ac - I love this tip for the humid climate of Singapore where my lashes flatten out from the moisture in the air. I still find this method clumps the lashes together a little so take care when curling after your mascara and make sure the mascara is combed and dry before curling to minimize lashes sticking together.

BT- Using the 195 brush apply your concealer using minimal product then blend out with your finger to warm up product for better blendability.

ac: I have to reiterate that minimal concealer is required. When you apply too much you get the opposite of panda eyes. I think the biggest issue is women compare their final makeup with retouched and perfectly lit models – allow a little human to shine through vs trying to have alien-like appeal. We don’t all walk around with a bounce card and a wind machine. *cough - JLo*

Dear Beno, I say this out of love. I need to introduce you to Shadow Shields. xo Andrea Claire.

"Our new Après Chic collection is very effortless, every woman can wear it - the colours are natural and not very intimidating." Beno

BT - Mineralize shadows are buildable for a gradual change, can be used wet or dry (use Fix+) great for day to night. Hold your brush at the end of the handle for a flawless blending so you won't get hard lines - you aren't handwriting.

ac - Ditto! I've given this tip often too - I don't think I've heard another makeup artist give it before... great tip (if I do say so myself)!

BT: Blend liner downwards with 266 brush to avoid gaps and skin spaces without colour

ac - or for a liner look that isn't smudged do a tight line by applying liner with a flat liner brush going up under the lashes pressing firmly.

BT: apply mascara thicker at the roots by dabbing and pressing wand at the lashes to make them appear thicker and longer

ac - yes, and also: by applying your mascara too heavy handed at the tips will cause them to flatten and look heavy.

BT: use MAC Fast Response Eye Cream as a makeup eraser vs correcting with liquid eye makeup oils which will breakdown your makeup

Veluxe Brow Liner $19.50 USD at M·A·C

BT: Always work the brow so the pencil doesn't look too drawn with short, feathery strokes.

ac - duh! Just kidding - but yes – I don’t know a makeup artist who uses long, heavy strokes and neither should you.

Porcelain Pink Mineralize Skinfinish $29.00 USD at M·A·C

BT: Buff Skinfinish for best results. On me Beno used Porcelain Pink (an amber glow blush) applied with the 187 brush

BT: Dip your lip pencil into MAC's lip conditioner for a smoother lip line application without the tugging and the bonus of hydrating the lips

ac - this is a full on new one for me. Kudos Beno!! You can teach an old dawg new tricks. ;) [I would however like to roadtest this one more to see if this trick makes the lippy bleed]

photography: Alvin Tang hair & makeup: Andrea Claire

Always fade in your lip liner so you don’t end up with the ring around the lip… unless it’s intentional like I did here for an editorial with Alexis magazine.

"Makeup is always a fun process so you don't have to take it too seriously. Unlike new hair that may need to grow - a new makeup look can be toned down" Beno wasn’t suggesting he didn’t like my haircut – he was generalizing.

ac- The cool thing with hair is that it grows... unless you were my sister's Barbies. [Sorry Samantha - I was 5 - time to move on...]

Beno’s makeup must dos

1. Keep your foundation lightweight

2. Everyone should curl lashes for a fresh look and toss mascara 2-3 months

3. Moisturize lips prior to start of makeup so when you get to your lips they are soft and luscious ready for lip colour.

ac - proper skincare and sunscreen should always be a part of your daily makeup.

Want to try on a new look? Come into any MAC store with a bare face. Appointment required.

I super love this: "Before you buy a new look try on your face"

A little behind the scenes. That's Zurina to the right sneaking out from her usual spot behind the lens.

Do you ever spend time and money getting your nails done to have them chip or smudge minutes after leaving the salon? Sure sometimes it's us; klutzy and leaving too soon - polish still tacky to the touch just begging for disaster other times it's your nail tech cutting corners. Here are some steps to watch whether you are DIY'ing your nails or hovering over your manicurist.

What can screw up your nails

An oil slick- after your buffing and prepping your nail plates you need to remove any excess oil - be it from creams or your own oils as the slickness of the nail will interfere with the adhesion of the polish. Simply wipe with nail polish remover or use a nail brush and scrub with soap and water.
NOTE for the DIYer: Some nail polish removers with conditioners in them will actually leave a film, best to scrub with a nail brush then.

Old polish - this drives me crazy when a nail salon is squeezing the life out of the nail polish. Old polish will bubble and clump on your nails. If you need to add remover to thin it out then you need to toss that nasty ass polish. Like anything old, except maybe Grandma - old things breed bacteria. I also question the cleanliness of a nail artist when she starts dumping in thinner. If you are a pro and love your thinner and disagree don't do this step in front of your client cuz this is what we think.

Tip you off - after the first coat of polish whether DIY or pro the very tip of your nail needs polish otherwise it will start chipping - this photo above is my fresh gelish manicure done in Singapore. *finger wagging* Shame shame nail tech for cutting corners! See that white tip of the free edge? Should have been polished. This sloppy gelish manicure was done at Serenity Cove in Holland Village (Singapore) and I paid an extra $30 for it - my daughter Sage got a gelish too and there were spots missing polish at the cuticle and the nail groove [sides of the nail]

Quick dry - quick dry doesn't necessarily dry below the first coat so don't get all cocky with your mani / pedi but if you have been sitting for 30+ mins, added quick dry and left the salon treating your nails with care and they still smudge - go back to the salon and ask them to fix it as it's their fault. However, if you go home and set up an IKEA bed using your nails as tools and wreck your fresh mani then you are an idiot.

Do fans really work?? I have been told by nail artists that the fans just leave clients with the belief that this will speed the drying process but apparently the actual fact is the lacquers require a certain length of drying time - and fans, cold water and blowing on them are simply myths. Climate does however play a role in drying time. Polish takes longer to dry in humid climates - I personally tested that one out.

In Singapore and need a great nail artist? Yani 8666-8069 - is amazing and she does house calls! Her regular manis have lasted me two weeks!
In Canada - Tips Nail Bar

All nail addicts need to check out Inspirationail and not just to read my interview. *wink*
Are you a nail tech or a DIYer with a great tip? Feel free to share in the comments and link yourself. Sharing is caring. 

If you are in Toronto Canada and looking for a yoga class this may interest you:

*You will have to google map the directions as this is a screen shot of the e-flyer! *

If you are familiar with my hair & makeup work or know me you will know that for me to break out a powder is a feat. I just don't like the texture it gives the skin. It makes you look old. Women, in my opinion are oversold powder foundations more than Big Macs.

So when I say I have found a powder that I LOVE you know it has to be a good one. I'm a sucker for flash sale sites. I stalk the beauty links. Hautelook was having a flash sale on Stila.

With the description of the Illuminating Face Powder being:

"Let your inner radiance shine through with this unique, all-in-one powder foundation. Infused with Mica, tiny crystals found in nature, this unique formula helps reflect light for luminous skin that looks fresh and bright.Perfect for all skin types, illuminating powder foundation minimizes skin imperfections while maximizing sun protection with SPF 12 for ageless, timeless skin that simply glows. Apply dry for a light coverage or damp for more complete coverage."

I thought ok... I'll bite and buy a few. I always buy my shade so I can test it on my delicate Princess skin. Well... this powder has the Andrea Claire seal of approval and trust me that is HUGE!

stila 'illuminating' powder foundation SPF 12 $28.00 USD by Stila at Nordstrom Compact sold separately.

On the subject of powder...

Are you one of those ladies who reapplies all day because you think you are shiny?? Check your skincare. You may need a new routine or just try some blot film. Adding layers of powder truly ages you as it accentuates lines and you will look cakey. Apply your foundation once and then perhaps one t-zone touch-up, that's it!

Also bare in mind: over-powdering and even over-blotting will tell your oil glands that you need more oil and speed up the oil production process. Cut back powder and blotting and let your skin get back on track. True story.

I grew up in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario in Canada where every Saturday we would head to the Farmer's Market that consisted mainly of Mennonites selling the fruits of their labour.

As time went on those markets, still in existence have morphed into a little more, a little tacky touristy if you ask me. But I guess that means money still to the farms and keeping it local as best you can.

This is just before the market gets slammed. Opened from about 5 am, if you get there after 9 am you won't be able to move.

The near-empty aisle. Trust me, when the crowd comes in it becomes like a trading floor; people shooting out numbers for their meat.

Cinnamon buns, ye olde staple.

Maple goods. Yup, made from tree sap. Ye other olde staple. I was never a maple sryup fan until I moved out of Canada. Now I am oddly patriotic aboot it. I miss the rosettes the Mennonites no longer make. Deep-fried dough shaped into flowers... yum. But the traditional apple dumplings are still available.

Ye olde fry wagon was not there when I was a kid.

But... somethings change. These Mennonites were shopping at Walmart.

Doner and Sushi. Go together, non?

On to the market in Singapore

Zoie is hosting the tour so I am sure that you will find it enjoyable.

Not unlike Canada's market, you can find a lot of local, or somewhat local - many things do come from Malaysia, Philippines but you can also find California strawberries...

We buy most of our meat there as you can find the grain-fed chicken and beef there without the hormones for way cheaper than the grocery stores or butchers. I can taste the difference too.

Groceries. Bloody expensive here. For example pre-packaged Jell-O snacks… $16.00 SGD!! I bought a 3 rib prime rib roast once. Ready…? $160.00 SGD!!! I’d rather eat fried bologna. I had no idea that the roast was going to be that much – then I felt too stupid to say ‘what?!’ and decline. So I pretended that it was a regular occurrence in our household to eat such luxuries. [Now, unless beef has skyrocketed in price in Canada, the most I have paid for a prime rib roast back home was $65 CDN]

*Wet markets get their name; so I’m told, as at the end of the market day they hose down the market for cleaning.

We have one around the corner from our house that we shop at weekly. There are beef stalls, fish stalls, chicken stalls, vegetable stalls, flower stalls etc… some of them try to fight for your business and can get quite insistent that you buy from them. The Mennonites are certainly less aggressive.

Some links to check out:

Farmers' Markets Canada, a site to help connect Canadian consumers to their local farmers and to address the needs of farmers’ markets across the country.

St Jacobs Farmers' Market, in all my pictures above and where I spent a lot of my time on weekends.

Singapore Kopitiam, a great insiders guide to Singapore including info on wet markets.

Ang Mo Kio, local hawker centre and wet market

If you follow my blog I think you are safe to say that I am an avid Dermalogica user. Bias much?

 [This montage I put together. I know MAD editing skills]

I got hooked on Dermalogica in 2003 when I was shooting season 1 of Canada's ground-breaking makeover show, Stylin' Gypsies. [producer/concept creator Mary Benadiba who's credits include Jeanne Bekker & Fashion Television's producer for... 20 years I believe???]

In 2003, Dermalogica had a media event in Canada  where we received complimentary facials AND product. I was hooked.

Sure, I try other lines, I have to. I always test and try products - beauty is my career. I am on a need to know basis with the industry as I also get asked by the media for quotes on my faves and clients/celebs will ask me for recommedations.

This takes me to Dermalogica's UltraCalming line. I was sent this line to test,try and feedback. What can I say? I love it.

Who's it for? If you have sensitive skin, redness, itching and reactions that cause your skin to flare up, then this is for you!

My faves from the line are:

Dermalogica Ultra Calming Barrier Repair, a moisturizer that is silky smooth. Great as a foundation primer too! $38.00 USD by Dermalogica at Ulta

Dermalogica Ultracalming Mist, spray on after you wash your face before moisturizer. TIP: You can also spray periodically throughout the day over your makeup to calm and cool your skin, I do! $32.00USD by Dermalogica at drugstore.com

Dermalogica Ultracalming Redness Relief Spf20, this is AMAZING! I couldn't believe how quickly the redness settled down on my skin. I am a natural redhead who is prone to redness in my skin, more-so as I age. $43.00USD by Dermalogica at Ulta

Looking for Dermalogica?

In Toronto: Gee Beauty, Hammam or Stillwater

In Singapore: Leonard Drake. NOTE: I haven't been to any other Dermalogica spa here - if you have a suggestion, I am happy to try. :)

Globally: Try the online locator for a spa near you!

As Canadian expats in Singapore we finally joined the Canadian Association. Frankly, I am going to start joining any association that has balls... err... galas.

Who doesn't love to dress up?

I had my dress custom made by Singaporean designer Pink Frangipani.

Here's a shot taken in the washroom... classy...

The only way I could pee was to take it off... double classy.

I LOVE the gown. Gwen did a fabulous job and I would high recommend her designs to anyone looking to be in a stunning gown.

This ice sculpture was melting.... dripping... looked like they were peeing.

This was our meal. Yum.

The event was at the Fairmount [Singapore, in case you missed that tidbit... not timbit] and apparently the chefs are Canadian as well!

There was a silent auction set up for anything from art to carpets to concert tickets.

I was stalking the tables with Bieber and Maroon 5 tickets. I'm sure the others bidding on the tickets hate me and are probably cursing my name alongside their hangovers. You see - I hovered and had the volunteers notify me when I was outbid.

Ok, so admittedly I got a little crazy during the silent auction bids... but it was all for the Children's Make A Wish Foundation.

Bieber tix: A couple tried to argue that I placed my name after theirs when the time ran out. I was asked if I would give them up to them. I declined but said that they can outbid me on the spot. The woman got irate and said no. I told her that it's for charity and if she outbid me she could have them. She exclaimed 'That's not the point!' and stormed off. [I thought raising money was the point, non?]

Maroon 5 tix: My silent bidding war with some random dude resulted in us up-ing each other on the spot. He at one point told me that I would have no idea what he would pay and I declared no matter what he bid I would outbid him. I'm not sure why I was so cocky.... but doesn't matter...

The Bieber and Maroon 5 tickets are MINE! [maniacal laugh]

So - we are giving our 14 year old daughter, Blaire tickets to see the Biebs.

Have you heard the saying 'Dance as if no one is watching'?

Yup. That was me. But also add 'dance as if you don't have arthritis.' F*ck. I am bedridden today as I have problems with my hips and dancing may NOT have been the smartest thing I did last night.

Things to make you go hmmmm. Why is it that we get deodorant marks on our own clothes but when we put our arm on our husband's black Armani shoulder he doesn't manage to get the white gunk on his shoulder...? [FYI: the invisible deodorant is not always invisible on black so use with caution]

Zoie was so excited to see us dressed up. She said I looked just like Cinderella and my husband was my Prince.

I've never cheated... But, admittedly I did. At first it was a little crush. I was lured in by promises. Hey - it happens. Girls are suckers. My skin is glowing...

My recent holiday trip home to Canada for the Winter Wonderland is not always embraced by me. You see, I adore the romanticized photos of freshly fallen snow -  fluffy white blankets draping over the countryside, icicles glistening in the sunshine... ahhh... Lovely, right?

Except that it wrecks havoc on your skin. The ice-cold wind thrashing in your face blowing the slushy snow into every angle - at times the wind is so cold and harsh  you can barely breath - cursing, head down, you find solice in a Tim Hortons Donut Shop; where the cursing starts up again as you try to find comfort in a box of Timbits.

FYI: ONE Chocolate Glazed Timbit (donut hole) has 70 calories!!! (OMG. I was just cured of that habit.)

Well, I have been blessed by the good skin fairy - good genes and a great regimen; I'm mistaken for 20-something all the time (I'm 4-0 this year. FML) For roughly 8 years now I've been (and still to this day) a diehard Dermalogica user.

(Sorry Dermalogica: I cheated.)

But a new anti-ageing moisturizer has fallen into my beauty world - and well, despite the hefty price tag; I'm sold.

SK-II is a brand that you hear of more often in Asia - or at least that's been my perception. Yes, it's available globally but I can't say I have heard much about it when I was living in Canada or the US. I just know the ads with stunning Cate Blanchett.

SK-II SKIN SIGNATURE MELTING RICH CREAM was my Canadian winter skin saviour. While I was clawing at the rest of my body - flakes and all; my face remained a-glow.

This cream comes with a spatula so you do not contaminate the cream from sticking your grubby fingers in daily. Use a pearl size amount, warm it up in your fingertips and spread evenly on your skin - it will literally melt in.

And hey - not that it's necessary but it helps: it's RICH.

I tried using the Melting Rich Cream in Singapore and while I found it too heavy for me here - it is my new must-have for cold climates.