How to look taller

Hi everyone,

I am sure that many of you have wished that you are that 5-10cm taller than you really are. Well, I feel you! Today, I am gonna share with you a few tips and trick to dress taller.

First of all, there is no one fix standard that you need to be X cm tall but sometimes, when you are taller, you do look slimmer and more grand. So, I guess there is no crime in using some of these tips and trip :D

There is one thing in common that you can achieve if you apply the tips below, that is: find a way to make your legs look longer! So, if you want to find our how, please keep reading.

1. Wear nude heels

The reason why nude heels can help you to look taller is because it visually elongates your legs, creating an illusion that your legs are longer than they are. This tricks also work if you wear black pants + black heels. Basically wear the same shoe color as your pants or if you wear dress like I do, try nude color.

You can also wear the same color from top to bottom. This will also creates an illusion of longer body, hence you automatically look taller :)

2. Vertical Stripes

Vertical stripes will also trick the eyes and make you look leaner and longer. It is quite a bold pattern so it will draw the eyes' attention and create an illusion of slimmer and taller figures. The bonus part is that it is super in this season, so go and grab yours!

3. Crop tops and high waisted bottom

Another way to appear taller is to wear crop tops and high waisted bottom. This combination will make your leg appears longer as it tricks the eyes into thinking that your waist started higher. Pair it with nude heels to complete the look and you will look awesome already ;)

4. Flare pants

Flare pants are great in making you look taller as it flows throughout your leg. Unlike shorts or capri pants which could "cut" your leg, flare pants gives continuous shape to your legs, tricking the eyes into thinking that the area is longer. If you want to take it to the next level, get a flare pants that is slightly longer than your legs and pair it with a high heels. The pants will hide the heels and creating even stronger illusion of longer legs.

Thank you for reading and I hope you have a blessed Sunday :)

-Esther

Schwarzkopf Freshlight Hairdye Review: Vanilla Beige

Hi guys,

Happy Sunday!

Today's post is slightly different as I decided to try this DYI hair-dye from Schwarzkopf! Now, typically, I am always scared to dye my hair myself as it might turn out disastrous. However, after reading a few rave reviews about this Scwarzkopf Freshlight at home hair-dye, I decided to try it.

First of all, the packaging is very very cute! It has an anime-like character which is is adorable. The concept of this hair dye is actually interesting. Unlike the traditional hair-dye which you need to go through the hair one by one, this hair-dye dispenses foam which you then apply to your hair as if you are washing your hair. Thus, it will leave you an even application without the hassle (let the foam do the work for you). It is supposed to be very simple and convenient process which I am sure nobody is complaining.

Now, if you are interested in my thoughts, please keep reading <3

Schwarzkopf Freshlight Hair Dye Box

There are two bottles given, the first one is the color developer and the second one is the toner. You are supposed to mix the two together and shake it 5 times. The smell of the hair dye is not that strong, which is good :)

After you mix the two solutions, replace the cap with the pump

Here is the dispensed foam, you just need to apply it thoroughly to your entire hair. There is also an instruction paper inside, so all you have to do is just to follow that. 

Now, I recommend that you comb your hair and ensure that there is no tangle before you do this. I forgot to do it and it was really hard for me to apply this foam to my tangled hair without breaking it :( (my fault) Another thing is that, if you hair is any longer than mine, you might need to use 2 boxes.

 Other than that, application was really easy, it took me about 15 minutes to apply it to my entire hair and I just leave it for another 30 minutes before rinsing

Before: can you see my horrible roots? It has been around 5 months since I do my hair color :( Rescue i need

Another before pictures

After: Tadaa. My roots have definitely been fixed. The color is very even and I am impressed :)
It also has a reddish brown hues which I thought was very pretty

Another after look (1 week after the dye-ing process)

The verdict:

Price : 5/5

Application: 4/5

Scent: 3/5

Color: 4/5

Moisturising property: 3/5

Overall: 4/5

Overall, I really like this Schwarzkopf freshlight hair dye. I think it is very convenient, safe you time from sitting in salons for 3-4 hours. The color is beautiful and the application is even. The downside is that if you like to do more complicated color (with highlights or ombre, this hair dye won't do the job). 

Hope you enjoy this review.

-Esther

Fall Fashion Trend 2015 for Tropical Country

Hi everyone,

Fall fashion is all the rage right now and I have to be honest that I am typically not that excited about it. Let's be real, it is totally summer all year round in Singapore, so seeing that everyone on YouTube and Instagram is rocking their trench coat, boots and leather jacket is not that relatable at all. But fret not, today I am bringing you some tips and trick to take some inspiration from the Fall Fashion Trend but without the expense of being too hot.

1. The Knee High Gladiator

Dress: The Tinsel Rack
Gladiator: Wardrobe Mess
Bag : Blum

Knee high boots are super trendy right now, but if you live in a hot country, knee high gladiator sandal is a great substitute. Not only that it is still extremely trendy, it is very comfy and it will surely turn heads as you rock the city.

2. Suede Fringe Cardigan

Suede and fringe are also another hot trend this season. So, I would recommend to opt it either with this loose cardigan or with accessory. This suede cardigan is very light weight and it still gives off the flash vibe to it :) However, if you think that having to wear cardigan is too much in this hot climate, fringe bag would have to do.

This Rebecca Minkoff bag is extremely cute and trendy to rock this season.

Dress: Shein

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff

Cardigan: The Editor's Market

Bracelet: Miel-Miel

Sandal : Wardrobe Mess

2. Black Accent Floral

If you are one of those glam girls, try pairing your fave dress with all black accessory and darker lip color. My rule of thumb is to add black accessories and you will instantly look cocktail ready <3

I am obsessed with this 20's inspired head piece and this Aquazurra inspired shoes. Topping it off with red lips, I am totally ready to rock any dinner date and events this fall season

Dress: Her Velvet Vase

Shoes: Wild Peonies

Bag: Blum

Lipstick: L'Oreal Color Riche

4. Wide Leg Jumpsuit

With the 70's trend being all the rage right now, wide leg pants are in trend again. I am absolutely ecstatic to know that because I hate wearing skinny jeans in Singapore, it is too hot and makes me feel suffocating. So, I am totally taking advantage of this wide leg pants. I take it to the next level by wearing a wide leg jumpsuit <3

This material is so lightweight, comfy and cooling, everything that I could ask for in this weather. And the best thing? It is 1 piece item that will save your time from thinking of what tops/bottom to match.

Jumpsuit: Her Velvet Vase

So, I hope this inspires you to wear fall trend even if you are living in super hot climate like I do. Until next time <3

-Esther

Top Blogshop in Singapore

Hi everyone,

One of the most frequently asked questions that I get is "Where do you shop for your clothes?". Well, 90% of the time, I get my clothes online. Somehow, I found that buying stuffs online is more convenient, affordable and fun. Maybe because I can do it at my own time at home and most of the time, I am able to find better pieces online than in actual store. So, the follow up question that I get is "Which online shops do you buy from?"

Today, I am gonna show you a list of my fave online shops in no particular order. Since there are many fashion stores out there, please share with me your favourite too <3

1. The Tinsel Rack

I found that The Tinsel Rack has some of the most fashionable items out there. All the clothes I get from them are always very high quality. I believe that they design many of their pieces themselves, so it is very unique. The down side to it (which you will see in many of Singaporean's blogshop) is that its item got sold out very quickly, so I recommend to follow them on Instagram to get updated with their new collection/restocks =)

2. Ivalice FashionShop

Ivalice is my favourite shop when I want to find unique pieces at affordable price. They are based in Jakarta (which is good since Rupiah exchange rate is rather low now) but offer international shipping. The seller's reply is very fast and she is very friendly too. One thing to note is the sizing of the clothing items. It sometimes varies but if you just look at the description of each items, it is very easy to follow. The seller always writes the measurement very accurately.

3. Wardrobe Mess

Wardrobe mess offers a range of bohemian style clothing which is definitely one of my favourite styles to wear. Moreover, the price is probably one of the most affordable amongst all the blogshops The collection is rather unique and they have new arrival every week. The downside to this site is that most of the items are backorder and you have to wait for about 2-3 weeks before getting the items.

4. Her Velvet Vase

Her Velvet Vase is the first blogshop I discovered back in my NUS days and it definitely has a special place in my heart <3
Until now, this is definitely one of my fave blogshops around. They have new arrival every Thursday and their style is relatively on trend as well. Furthermore, they sometimes do a crazy discount on the site, so be sure to follow them on Instagram to take advantage of it. The downside to this site is again, inventory issues. I feel like they didn't stock enough for the number of customers they have.

5. Love, Bonito

Argueably the most popular blogshop in Singapore, Love, Bonito offers a wide range of clothing from casual to wedding occasion. The quality of it is amazing and that has stayed true for every single pieces I own from them. They design most if not all of the pieces themselves which makes it really awesome. The downsides to Love, Bonito are the inventory they have is rather low and the price is higher than the rest of the blogshops in Singapore. However, with the quality of clothing you get, I definitely think it is worth it.

6. Labellavita

Feminine, romantic, glamorous and sexy describe Labellavita. This blogshop sets itself apart by offering more glamorous pieces. Depending on your personal style, you may love or don't like this site. I personally love it =) Like many other blogshops, they have inventory issues but I have to mention that Labellavita is probably one of the better ones.

7. Carrislabelle

One of my newest discovery! Carrislabelle offers a wide variety of youngsters' outfit. It has many different styles which is awesome and they have new arrival every week too. The inventory is one of the better one as well =) One thing to keep in mind is that they offers mostly one size and it can be hit or miss sometimes, so be sure to check the measurement.

8. Runway Bandit

I used to shop a lot in Runway Bandits last year. However, they have rebranded it slightly and now they focused more on basic pieces and more masculine style which I do not really love.
But, if that's what you are going for, definitely give Runway Bandits a shot. My favourite influencer, Jenn Im has featured many of their pieces too =)

9. The Editor's Market

The Editor's Market is amazing as they have never before seen pieces and they also have a physical store in Orchard Central, so you can technically check things out first. My fave thing about this shop is actually the shoe range they offer. It is so high quality and stylist =)

10. Cayla Closet

Another new discovery for me, Cayla Closet offers many stylist yet affordable pieces. One thing to note with these kind of blogshops is that they mostly only offer one size clothing which can be a hit or miss. However, their collection seems to be very extensive and forward which I enjoy a lot.

So, I hope you find this post helpful. Please comment and share your fave online shops with me too <3

Till next time!

-Esther

How to make your makeup stay all day

Hi everyone,

Living in a country where summer is basically on its full force all year long, I have learnt a lot of tips and tricks to make your makeup stay long! I am saying like 16 hours or more kinda longevity.

Today, I am gonna share some of my fave tips and products that can combat the heat and humidity of Sunny Singapore =)

Here are the overview of my fave makeup products

First, make sure to apply base to your face makeup. There are a lot of different ones in the market, but my fave is the Laura Mercier foundation primer. It is amazing for sensitive skin as it does not contain silicon. 

However, I have found this eco safety suncreen by Innisfree that blew my mind. 

It has an SPF of 50++ which is crucial to protect my face from the crazy sun exposure here. The best part is that not only that it is not sticky but it also controls my oil throughout the day, making it a great makeup primer. So, I always wear this sunscreen everyday as it kills two birds with one stone =)

Try:

Innisfree Eco Safety No Sebum Sun Milk

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer

If you are someone who likes to wear foundation, I would say to go with the light to medium coverage foundation. Do not wear full coverage foundation on daily basis, it won't do your skin any good. I have two fave foundations at the moment, they are different but they have similar performance in terms of coverage and longevity.

Try:

YSL Le Teint Touch Eclat

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation

Concealer is a must in my book, but you need to use different types for under eye circle and blemishes.

For my blemishes, I love to use a dryer formulation concealer that are matte while for my under eye circle, I always use a salmon color concealer that is more emolient.

Try:

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer for blemishes

Laura Mercier Secret Concealer for under eye

Powder is a must if you live in Singapore! Even if you don't have oily skin, the humidity will make your makeup slip and slide. There are a lot of great powders in the market but I am currently using Rimmel Stay Matte powder.

Don't even think to apply eye shadow without an eye primer! 

My fave one is by Innisfree, I like this one better than the ever so famous Urban Decay Primer Portion =) 

Try:

Innisfree Eye Primer

For cheeks and lips, I would recommend using a cheeks and lips stain. It lasts so long and you can even wear it for swimming and it won't budge.

Try:

Benetint by Benefit

Holy Berry Tint by Holika Holika

Eyeliner and Mascarra are hands down the toughest one to keep from smudging. So, finding a great one that works and does not smudge are key! It took me years of trials and errors but I found that gel eyeliner performs the best. My current fave is by Bobbi Brown. 

As for mascarra, the L'Oreal Miss Manga mascarra is amazing. It gives volume and length and it is waterproof.

Try:

Bobbi Brown Gel Eye Liner in Black Inc

L'Oreal Miss Manga Mascarra in Black

Eyebrow is an it thing in 2015, everyone is going for a thick, full brows look thanks to Cara Delevigne! I am definitely not complaining as I have naturally thick brows too. Choosing a waxy brow formula will make your brow stay longer. My fave one is BrowZing by Benefit Cosmetics.

Finally, the ultimate long lasting makeup secret is the makeup setting spray! It is like a hair spray for your face. Urban decay makes a few that are amazing, I have tested it many times and it works wonder =)

Try:

Urban Decay Setting Spray in All Nighter

I hope this article is useful for some of you and thanks for reading :)

Stay Chic,

Esther

What to Wear on Hot Day

Hi everyone,

I don't know about you but I have been feeling HOT all year this year. I think the global warming has finally hit me now. Living in a hot and humid weather all my life, I think I can pretty much relate to all my friends who told me that they can't be bother to dress up as it is too hot to even look cute!

So, I put together three of my fave outfit types to wear when you are feeling so hot and don't even want to think on what to wear yet you still wanna look somewhat cute.

1. Maxi Dress

Maxi Dress: Treslovechic

Maxi dress is definitely my favourite outfit to throw on when the weather is too hot. Well, preferably, a cotton maxi dress that is light, airy and loose. The reason why I love maxi dress so much is that it is very breathable and it is actually a lot more comfier than wearing jeans or shorts as you can pretty much cross your legs, squat or anything you want. Therefore, maxi dress also makes my favourite travel outfit.

The bonus is that you will still look super cute while in reality you just throw on a piece of fabric and go out the door <3

2. Loose, Flowy Dress

Dress: Ohvola

Still keeping with the throw one piece of fabric theme, loose dress is another type of my favourite outfit to wear when the weather is very hot. I think choosing light fabric is very important. I would say to stay away from heavy neoprene fabric and stick to polyester or cotton.

If you want to go with the tropical weather, wearing floral headband is a cute way to do so <3

3. T-Shirt and Shorts

Weather you just really can't be bother to wear a dress or you prefer to wear t-shirt in general, it is totally fine. One tip for when working with such a simple outfit is that to balance out the accessories.
Here, I am wearing an edgy studded-structure bag and a very tall nude platform heels. Remember, opposite attract! Balance out a casual, relax outfit with a glamorous and edgy accessory to take your look to the next level. The bonus point? It is still very cool and comfy.
So I hope this inspires you to dress up a lil when the weather is super hot like now.

Thank you for reading <3

-Esther