Let me tell you - I'd make a really bad desperate housewife. I had no idea Tupperware Brand has been in Singapore for 48 years!! That either tells you the brand is failing in their MLM or I'm clueless; I think either works here.

Paula Robinson aka The Real Housewife of Singapore is the new Tupperware Brand Ambassador; here she demonstrates the Tupperware burp!

My reaction: Um. Ex-squeeze me? Baking powder?!? WTF is a Tupperware burp?! I mean we had Tupperware as I was growing up - maybe we weren't shown the privileged burp as we would have taken the burping plastic to school and gotten into trouble as we laugh in the schoolyard at recess making burping noises leading us to a life of crime. (You laugh - but that burp could have ruined my life.)

Paula's Tupperware party had a theme: ' Old Fashioned Tupperware Party. Theme is "your version of your favorite Hollywood Housewife." '

Actually - I inspired from the visual above.

Sure as a hair & makeup artist some may call me being able to rock a Mason Pearson brush and some gel liner cheating but hey... Guess who won best dressed! When it comes to themed dressup all I can say is: Game on. Bring it Ladies!

I named my character: Suzie Homewrecker and fully planned on entering in character but it clearly wasn't going to work this day. (I'll save her for later when opportunity knocks)

My beauty breakdown (because you can rock a bouffant and a cat's eye in 2013):

Hair:

1. Tease the snot out of your hair using a Mason Pearson brush and one inch sections.
2. Gently brush so as not to take out the back-brushing one side of your hair to the back centre. Using pins, pin vertically to secure the hair - don't forget to lock your pins with an 'X'.
3. Grab the hair on the unpinned side roll around one hand with fingers pointing down towards your nape. Pin along the seam you just created (the rolled part on your hand that should be sitting over your already vertically pinned hair from #2.
4. Gently smooth and spray.

Makeup:

Foundation: Bobbi Brown BB Cream, light with NARS Copacabana Illuminator as a cheek highlighter and eye brightener.
Cheeks: The Body Shop Bronzer 02
Eyes: Bobbi Brown Gel Liner in Espresso Ink; the lower inner corners are lined with MAC Cosmetics Fascinating eye kohl followed by multiple layers of MAC Cosmetics Haute & Naughty Too Black Lash

*Tip* Need accuracy for a cat eye liner? Line the sides of your eyes with tape that will be your guide and trace along the edge. Gently pull off. Scotch tape is stiffer to work with however you can use a medical tape which is less sticky - found at your local drugstore; it's cheap too. You can also use Shadow Shields for this. Options.

Lips: NARS Baroque Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil and MAC Cosmetics Lady At Play

*I come with a disclaimer: If you have a themed party I will show up. In character.

Off topic: When I was in high school my friends and I made plans to go bowling. No plans to dress up. I showed up in a blonde wig, 50s scarf tied in 'my' hair and a poodle skirt. Stupid bowling alley was closed so we went to see a lame movie instead (says my 16 year old self) Glory. I know it's a true story and maybe at 42 I could appreciate it more now than I could at 16.

"Shaw was an officer in the Federal Army during the American Civil War who volunteered to lead the first company of black soldiers. Shaw was forced to deal with the prejudices of both the enemy (who had orders to kill commanding officers of blacks), and of his own fellow officers." IMDB

Back on topic:

NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil  $25.00 USD at Sephora

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner- Espresso Ink  $23.00 USD at Barneys New York

Gel liners vs liquid liners? I prefer the gel as it's easier to work with and sets nicely without looking too graphic - but not all gel liners are created equal. I have tried MAC, Smashbox and Shu Uemura gel liners, to name a few - they flake throughout the day and actually Smashbox gel liners are the worst: they smudge, they don't set at all. Sure you can use an added product to set them but Bobbi Brown's gel liners rock so no added step needed.

Actually Sofia & Johan  / DIVA Models are both Swedish.
The blonde hair, bronzed skin, warmth of the sun made me think of Miami Vice (the TV show with Don Johnson, not the horrible movie) meets Scarface. I kept yelling out 'cocaine!'  - No, I don't do drugs. Yes, I think I'm funny.

Why models need to do yoga.

Products used on Sofia:

Dermalogica (skincare)
FACEatelier (foundation)
MAC Cosmetics (cheeks)
Tom Ford Beauty (eyes)
Benefit Cosmetics (eyes)
Ardell Eyelashes (2 pairs of wispies - one black on brown!)
NARS (lips)

Products used on Johan:

Dermalogica (skincare)
FACEatelier (foundation)
NARS (bronzer)
Laura Mercier (top secret - wink)

Hair products on both:

O&M Original Queenie

Marc Anthony Strictly Curl Lotion (I love this for round brush blowouts too - which I did on Johan.)

Team credits:

photography: Boon Chian

hair & makeup: Andrea Claire

styling: Xindi Siau

All this controversy over the Formaldehyde Blowout reminds me of a certain dark comedy.

I mean, really! I know I am in the industry of beauty, but people: warnings, breathing issues, cancer-causing.... it's not beauty hysteria; it's tested medical facts.

AND....

For those who say "Meh, it's one time formaldehyde exposure for me."

Wouldn't you want to take a stand and say "If my hairstylist won't think twice I will help him/her by not insisting on a treatment that could potentially knock years off of our lives" 

Health Canada says: 

Health Canada is informing Canadians that Brazilian Blowout Solution manufactured by Brazilian Blowout of California has been confirmed to contain unacceptable levels of formaldehyde.  Note that at this time, this advisory pertains only to the Brazilian Blowout Solution.

Formaldehyde is permitted at low levels when used as a preservative in cosmetics.  In liquid form, formaldehyde is referred to as methylene glycol or formalin. The terms "formaldehyde" and "methylene glycol" are often used interchangeably in toxicity studies pertaining to formaldehyde.  

Testing previously conducted by Health Canada found that the Brazilian Blowout Solution contained 12% formaldehyde. Health Canada has continued to analyze this product. Validated test results show formaldehyde levels of 8.4%, which is consistent with results found in other jurisdictions.  This amount is 42 times the acceptable limit when used as a preservative in certain cosmetic products, and remains well above the amount known to cause injury.  

Health Canada continues to receive complaints of burning eyes, nose, and throat, breathing difficulties, and hair loss associated with use of this product.  Health Canada believes that the reactions are being caused primarily by formaldehyde being released and inhaled during the blow drying and flat ironing stages of the treatment.  

Health Canada remains concerned that elevated levels of formaldehyde in any form places people at increased risk.  Possible long-term effects are also of concern to Health Canada, since formaldehyde is a known irritant, sensitizer, and is linked to cancer in humans when inhaled chronically over a long period of time. As a result, the Department has worked to stop distribution of this product in Canada.    

More thoughts on BellaSugar

 And on the subject of perserving beauty - here's a little blurb on Botox.

*I have tried the Fructis Garnier DIY blowdry perfector - I like it, it's easy and I could breath without issue.

Hairstylists and clients have had decades of communication issues. If it was a marriage, you and your spouse would seek counseling to help you with your communication skills which are key to any successful relationship. The stylist/client relationship is no different.  While it may be hard to drag your hairstylist to a couch, hopefully you can find some solace as you read on – Andrea Claire can help you have GORGEOUS hair!

Sharon Blain, 2009 Hair Expo Australian Educator of the Year, notices that clients are definitely becoming savvier. “I do think they need to be informed and hairdressers must learn to communicate better with their clients. It is no longer acceptable to ‘pull the wool over their eyes’ but in saying that, there are still some people who don’t care about words and just want their hair done; it’s a double-edged sword.”

Mini Glossary of Hair Terms

Baliage – the hand painting of hair colour to specific areas, a resurfaced 80s trend, popular for the ‘grown out’ beach hair colour look.
Beveled – a cutting technique promoting hair to roll under
Blunt cut – hair sections are cut straight across which creates weight. Layers can be blunt or you can have a blunt style, this tends to be a severe, sophisticated look
Bricklaying – a freehand chunky texturizing, technique that promotes sexy voluminous hair 
Chignon- a low-riding bun shape that sits in the nape of your neck
Clipper cut – traditionally a barbering technique, used in current trendy haircuts, think Rihanna’s hair with the buzzed sides
Demi-Permanent – semi-permanent (stain) hair colour that gradually washes out with no demarcation that you get with permanent colour
Foils – a controlled way to highlight hair enabling the stylist to use more than one colour
Freehand – a haircutting style that is not so technical, working with the clients own movement and texture, resulting in looser, sexier shapes
Fringe – a border of hair that covers the forehead
Graduation- a wedge shape stacked around the exterior of a cut, think Victoria Beckham’s bob
Highlights – lightening of the hair generally to look naturally sun-kissed with your natural hair colour shining through; trendy colours can be used for a more contemporary look
Interior – pertaining to the ‘inside’ shape of the hair
Inverted – a reverse cut where the hair is longer on the outside than the inside, a common example is the classic inverted bob, think Katie Holmes
Layering – multiple lengths of hair is created within the interior of the haircut, layering can also be found around the face for framing
Lowlights – darkening of the hair to create depth with your natural hair colour shining through – a great technique for growing out too light of an artificial hair colour
Nape – the area at the back of your head below your occipital bone
Occipital bone – find by running your hand down the back of your head, the bone ‘bump’ sticking out in the middle of your head? That’s your occipital. A ponytail naturally looks best when tied at your occipital.
Perming – chemically restructuring of the hair to create curls, proceed with caution as it can be a very dated look
Point cutting – best for curly hair as blunt cuts fight with the curls natural movement or to create softness to any haircut
Precision cutting – extremely technical style of cutting using equal tension for each hair section
Rebonding – chemically restructuring the hair to create long-lasting straight hair
Razor cutting – a sharp blade is used to cut the hair creating uneven textures and wispy ends
*The stylist’s razor must be sharp or hair will fray and split, this technique is NOT for curly hair.
Slide cutting or Slithering – scissors literally slide through the hair taking out weight and adding softness to the ends
Texturizing/Thinning Sheers – this technique is great for removing weight from the hair or adding in a shaggy, tousled texture, if done too close to the scalp it will create spiky hairs
Undercut - shortening layers underneath the hair in order to have the hair lay flatter and therefore create sculpted styles, commonly used for shorter hairstyles
Updo – hair piled up in a fancy way, as in for the Red Carpet to accept your Mother of the Year Award
*The key to a gorgeous updo is not seeing the hairpins!

Issac Ng, Salon Director at The Heeren, explains that for first time visitors at the TONI&GUY Heeren salon, it is imperative to allow a 30 minute window for a hair consultation. This allows the stylist to get to know the client as well as understand his or her hair needs and expectations short and long-term. Building a rapport with your client is a crucial element and serves as the foundation for a loyal and happy clientele.
*Seeing your regular stylist but want a change? Ask for a longer appointment to allow time for the discussion.

What makes an Uber-Stylist a cut above the rest?

A Star Stylist has the ability to decipher clients’ desires and translate them into a hairstyle that not only appeals to their wishes but also their hair type and lifestyle. Bringing in a picture can show your stylist exactly what you are hoping for and your Uber-Stylist can work with you explaining what about your hair works towards your desired style and/or what doesn’t work, therefore offering alternatives.

Hair Do’s

• Do comb thru your conditioner with a wide tooth comb prior to rinsing it out
• Do take care in the tropics, summer time is the most damaging time for your hair and as we have this season all year round it is imperative to care for your hair in order to keep it healthy. To prevent long-term damage you need to prepare your hair so that it is in an optimum condition and TONI&GUY has the ultimate tool with the System Professional (SP) Diagnosis System, professionally analyses your hair and scalp condition in close detail, so that your hairdresser can then recommend the ideal SP treatment for your specific needs.
• Do ask any hair questions no matter how trivial they may seem as the more educated you become about your hair and its care, the better
• Do keep in mind that celebrities have a GLAM SQUAD to keep them looking hot when in front of  the lens, some styles may be high maintenance for you to care for at home

Hair Don’ts

• Don’t put elastics in your hair when its wet, this can result in breakage as hair shrinks as it dries and if secured in a hair tie with nowhere to shrink, it will just snap.
• Don’t expect miracles. If your stylist suggests a long term program for your hair it’s probably with good reason; i.e., fast tracking chemical services could result in damaged hair.
• Don’t try any major hair colour changes at home

It has been said the difference between a good haircut and a bad haircut is 2+ weeks – with the right communication you may never get a bad haircut again.

**Andrea Claire has been a licensed hairstylist for 20+ years, most of this info is gathered by her own training; excluding the lovely Ms Blain and Mr Ng's contributions.

***A version of this article by Andrea Claire was originally printed in Motherhood magazine.

Forward thinking in men's editorial.

Wig on the left cut and styled by Andrea Claire.

Hair product: Label M.

Foundation: FACEatelier

Highlight:  MAC Mineralize SkinFinish in Soft and Gentle 

Cheek contour: MAC limited edition sculpting powder

Lips: concealer

oops -should read: hair AND make up credit Andrea Claire, assisted by Joanna Koh

http://www.mrrm.com.hk/013styling02.php,

Location shoots in Canada always had me anxious, even though I lived in Toronto for over 15 years I did not know every nook, cranny and park; some locations can be obscure even to locals. The other day I was shooting on location here in Singapore, I eventually got there and still managed to be the first on set but not without a little detour first.

Usually I am obnoxiously early, my mother passed that trait on to me. Since I was already late for set once this week, I wanted to leave plenty of time in order for me to not get a bad rap for being late, I called my taxi early. I had clear instructions from the magazine on how to get there and informed the 'uncle'* on how to get Bishan Park where we were shooting. There is Bishan Park 1 and Bishan Park 2 - essentially it is the same park divided in half by road. Well, I needed Park #2. The uncle dropped me off to number 1 - oops - thankfully at this point I had 40 minutes to correct this error. So here I am, amongst the morning joggers and walkers who are walking dogs and I am 'walking' (lugging) my enormous pink suitcase of hair tools, sprays and pins etc. Staring at the park map I'm looking for the landmark, a spa that we were meeting at. (Which I will be booking into a mud bath soon! http://www.aramsaspas.com)

A lovely Aunite* approached me as I stood dazed and confused, asking what I was looking for. I asked her if it was the bright pink suitcase that gave away that I might not be in the right place!  She says that she is a retiree on her morning walk and would happily drive me to the correct park as I would be crossing 4 lanes of traffic with my suitcase. (I'm used to looking silly in public) My new bff, Alice, just came back from Canada, Ancaster where she had a wedding to go to, her son and daughter-in-law are expecting a baby so she will go to Chicago in the fall, her daughter lives in Indianapolis. For those who know me, not to worry - I certainly got my life story in too. Auntie had to do a u-turn in morning traffic to get me into the park entrance - she was very sweet and obviously full of karma of the positive variety.

 See, amongst the jungle out there - there is still fabulous friendly people!

Oh - and to mention beauty since this is a beauty blog - I was only doing hair on this shoot for Women's Weekly, and thanks to Label M (www.labelm.co.uk), my hairdos are holding up quite nicely in the humidity. I find the key is using my ceramic tools combined with Label M Extra Strong Mousse as a basis for hold with movement.

**Another note -  I was asked to speak at a Bridal Fair this week at Vivo City in Singapore, so if you are here in Singapore come on out and say hello!**

*widely accepted as polite to address people older than oneself as "uncle" or "auntie" even if you don't know them - from: http://singapore.angloinfo.com/countries/singapore/culture.asp