Experts tell us the latest must-have beauty products and their tricks to using them. 

Kwankhao Sumalee

Facebook Name: The Pretty Potion by Kwankhao

Product: “For everyday use, Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer is a definite must-have. The lightweight texture makes it great for use under the eyes without creasing, but it’s pigmented enough to cover up very dark circles and acne scars. It can also be used to tidy up details under the eyebrows, around the nose and lips.”

How to use it: “For a very natural look, use this concealer over a primer or sun block. For a heavier look, use the concealer after applying foundation. My brush choice would be a fluffy brush, as it blends better under the eyes, but for pimples and detailed work always use a flat brush.” 

Where to get it: B1,200 at Nars at M/F Siam Paragon Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-7736. BTS Siam.

David Docando 

Facebook Name: David Docando Make Up

Product: “Duo palettes combining cream blush and cream contour or cream contour and cream highlighter are a must this season. My favorite duo palette is the Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder by ELF Cosmetics for its buttery, easy-to-blend texture. Now more than ever, light textures and skin-like finishes are topping the market. Every girl and woman wants to pull out a defined bone structure, a healthy color on the cheeks without looking too made up or over-powdered.”

How to use it: “Use it for any occasion, night or day. Just apply it with your fingers and make sure you blend it without leaving any harsh edges. The creamy texture will allow you to use it on your eyes and lips as well. For a longer lasting effect, use a skin primer below or a mineral translucent powder on top.” 

Where to get it: visit facebook.com/elfcosmeticthailand or call 090-641-3165. 

 

Amata Pear Chittasenee

Facebook Name: Pearypie: Make-up Artist/Theatrical Artist

Product: “It has to be a gold eye shadow, namely Stila’s Magnificent Metals Foil Finish Eye Shadow in Kitten-nude pink sheen. It gives off a nude/golden color. It will be a new trend I plan to start. I think it brings out a spark in those who wear it. It has been around for many years but has not been picked up by the Thai community.”   

How to use it: “Use it when you want to enhance your tanned skin or your bronzer. It brings a glow to the face, and I think it’ll look great on Thai girls, especially those who are more tanned than others.” 

Where to get it: B1,070 at Sephora, 1/F Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., BTS Siam. 

 

Swanti Suwanee Sethi

Facebook Name: Make Up by Swaness

Product: “The Sigma Brush set is a great kit to invest in. It comes with 10 different brushes, and each gives you amazing quality soft bristles which are sure to last a long time—definitely bang for your buck.”

How to use it: “Take the F40 (Large Angled Contour Brush); it’s a great contouring brush. The F40 can be used with cream or powder contouring products/bronzers. Place the angled blush under the cheekbones and blend upwards towards your cheek. The fluffiness of the brush helps to blend the product with ease. It also works well for applying powder blush to the top of the cheekbones.”

Where to get it: B4,950 at Lashes, G/F Silom Complex, Silom Rd., BTS Sala Daeng. 

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Self-trackers can count how much you’ve walked during the day and how well you’ve slept—and the current generation does it better than ever before.

 
 

 

Fitbit Force

 

Nike Fuelband

 

Jawbone UP

Withings Pulse

iHealth Activity and Sleep Tracker

Waterproof
X
 
X
 
X
 
X
 
X
 
Splash/sweat 
resistant 
O
 
O
 
O
 
X
 
O
 
App
Fitbit
Connect 
UP 
Health Mate 
iHealth MyVitals
 
Pedometer
O
O
O
O
O
Altimeter/
Elevation
O
X
X
O
X
Sleep tracking
X
X
O
O
O
Sync
Price, retail
point
Bluetooth
B4,270, at http://store.
Bluetooth
B6,900
Jack
B4,990 at iStudio
Bluetooth
B4,990 at .Life
Bluetooth
B2,790 at iStudio

Verdict: Nike Fuelband is perhaps the device most focused on keeping you motivated. Its use of “fuel points” is meant to encourage you to compete with friends, and makes good use of social media to achieve that. The most complete tracking device, though, would probably be the Fitbit Force due to its effective sleep tracking and its altimeter (take those stairs, you lazy bum!). If you’re interested in the Jawbone UP, you really want to hold off or get a friend who is traveling abroad to get the latest version for you, though, as the new Jawbone UP24 now syncs via Bluetooth constantly. Also, you might want to hold out for all the new gizmos, such as the Sony Core, that were just announced at the Las Vegas Consumers Electronics Show this month (see box).

What about my phone?

IPHONE 5S

The iPhone 5s has a dedicated processor to track your movement without draining the battery. So while using your phone to self-track isn’t new, it can now be done without running out of juice in a few short hours. What’s cool is that the fun and social Nike app can be used on the iPhone 5s even if you don’t have the Fuelband. The Fitbit app, too, can be used on the iPhone 5s without actually having a Fitbit.

 

SAMSUNG NOTE 3+GEAR

Just like the iPhone 5s, this is basically just a pedometer with a good built-in tracking app that allows you to track your steps throughout the day and log your meals. The main feature of the Galaxy Gear watch is it works well on its own without the Note 3, so you don’t have to carry your phone around. Download MyFitness- Pal, RunKeeper or S Health to count calories, log your meals and count your steps.

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With lots of multi-label cosmetics stores arriving in the wake of French giant Sephora in December, here are six new-in-town brands we’re particularly excited about.

1. Caité

The UK niche nail polish brand has finally made its way to Bangkok, offering Thai nail fashionistas over 100 colors to choose from. The highlight, undoubtedly, is their signature Caviar Kits.   

What you need: Caviar Luxe (B900)

Why you need it: Caviar nails never fall out of trend, and here you have a wide range of colors to choose from so keep playing till you find your favorites. Their brushes’ long, slim handles provide a good grip when you’re applying the color onto your nails. 

Where can you find it: Sephora

2. Too Faced

With their “makeup is power” philosophy, Too Faced provides bronzers with real cocoa, “Better than Sex” mascara, and application guides on all of their packaging to continually educate makeup addicts. Now that the brand is finally here, you can stop ordering from Thai Instagram accounts and enjoy a vast selection of goodies you probably won’t find anywhere else in Thailand. 

What you need: Primed and Poreless (B1,350)

Why you need it: Wear it under your bronzers and foundation powders to attain flawless skin without much makeup. This allows the powder and foundation to blend onto your skin, creating a smooth airbrushed look. The color lasts all day, making your skin appear fresher and brighter.

Where can you find it: Sephora

 

3. Lime Crime

This organic, fantasy makeup comes in purple tubes adorned with sparkly unicorns. Up until now, they’d done all their selling online without offering shipping to Thailand, so we’re thankful someone in Bangkok is bringing in this bright and vibrant makeup. 

What you need: Velvetines in Red Velvet (B810)

Why you need it: It’s a lip stain that dries a scarlet matte red when applied. Red lips are always in; why not try something different from your usual M.A.C. Russian Red? 

Where can you find it: Lashes

 

4. Caudalie

This French skincare brand was founded back in 1995 in a vineyard in Bordeaux, making the most of their expertise in grapes and further research into the benefits of grape-seed extract on skin. Now Caudalie has finally reached Asia, including Bangkok, through the arrival of Sephora.      

What you need: Moisturizing Sorbet (B1,670)

Why you need it: This moisturizer can be used both day and night. You can feel the richness in texture when you apply it but due to the water-based formula, the cream easily dissolves into your skin without leaving an oily finish. Recommended for day use before doing makeup.     

Where can you find it: Sephora

 

5.Too Cool Art Class

This sub-brand of the Korean cosmetics store Too Cool For School just reached Bangkok at the very same time as Sephora. The Too Cool Art Class offers products with a stationery-like design, like lipsticks and shadow sticks that look just like crayons and cream brushes in acrylic tube packaging.    

What you need: Art Class Eraser Pencil (B550)

Why you need it: Normally if you line your eyes incorrectly, you need to wash off the whole thing and start again. But this pencil remover makes the whole process easier. And we’ve actually never come across such a fun package before.   

Where can you find it: Too Cool For School. 

 

6. Fairydrops

This Japanese cosmetics brand aims for functional and effective makeup that makes every girl look perfect both in front of the camera and in real life. The label is well-known for their volume mascara that’s not only become a best-seller in Asian countries but is also stocked by Sephora in the USA.  

What you need: Candy Bar BB Cream (B1,290) and Vanilla Puff Mineral Powder (B990)

Why you need it: Aside from the mascara, the Candy Bar BB cream bundles medium coverage, moisturizers and UV protection, all in a single, easy application. Top up the BB cream with Vanilla Puff Mineral Powder for a bright finish.    

Where can you find it: Lashes

 

Essentials

Sephora. G/F Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., BTS Siam  

Lashes. G/F, Silom Complex, Silom Rd. 02-632-0131. BTS Sala Daeng 

Too Cool For School. Siam Square Soi 7, Rama 1 Rd. BTS Siam. 02-279-8166/7

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Not buying those expensive skin products that claim they’ll make your skin look years younger? Try these home remedies for some perfectly natural pampering. 

1. Acne

You may know that lemons are high in acidity and contain a lot of vitamin C, but did you know this acidity acts to dry out pimples as well as kill acne bacteria? Vitamin C also promotes healthy and glowing skin. Squeeze out some lemon juice onto a cotton ball and gently dab it on the infected area. It may sting a bit but that’s just a sign that it’s working. Rinse off after 15 minutes. 

Store option: If you prefer a faster and a more medically-proven approach, try Madame Heng’s Ozzy Acne Clear Up Solution (B150). 

2. Rough Skin

Mix fresh lime, sugar, olive oil and honey into a bowl and use the formula to gently scrub the dry areas of your body: knees, elbows, hands and feet. Sugar acts as a natural exfoliator and will remove dead cells and clean your pores. Olive oil is high in vitamin E which can help soothe and heal your skin. Honey is rich in anti-oxidants which hydrate your skin. 

Store option: If your skin can’t take the zesty lime touch, try The Body Shop’s Honeymania Body Scrub (B700) to exfoliate and smoothen out rough spots. 

 

3. Hair Fall

Coconut is God’s gift to hair as it has a bunch of nutrients that stimulate hair growth, like iron, calcium, and vitamins C and E. It also prevents spilt ends and breakage, while moisturizing the hair. Grate your coconut, removing all the flesh, and steep it in hot water. Then use a mesh colander to strain the coconut milk out. Repeat until all the milk has been extracted. Massage the milk in your scalp then work it down the length of your hair through to the tips. Leave on overnight and wash it out with a mild shampoo in the morning. 

Store option: If you’re afraid you can’t wash off the coconut smell from your hair, try The Body Shop’s Beautifying Oil Coconut (B690) as an alternative. 

4. Dry Skin

Bananas and avocados are perfect for hydrating and repairing sun-damaged skin. If your skin is starting to act up because of the changing weather, chop up half an avocado and half a banana and mix together with a raw egg to use as a face mask or body paste. Place the mixture in the fridge and let it chill for an hour. Apply and leave on for 10 minutes, then wash off with lukewarm water. The richness of the avocado will nourish the deepest layers of the epidermis with plenty of vitamins and minerals.

Store option: If you can’t stand the idea of egg on your face, try Boots Extract Avocado Body Butter (B300) for skin hydration. 

 

5. Cracked Heels

Feet are often neglected, leaving your heels to crack and develop calluses. An easy way to soothe your soles is through the use of extra virgin olive oil. Mix one tablespoon of olive oil, a few drops of lemon or lavender oil and apply with a cotton ball on your feet. Massage them in a circular motion for five to ten minutes. Put on a pair of thick cotton socks so the mixture seeps into your feet and acts as a moisturizer. Leave on for about an hour then wash off several times a day. 

Store option: If you’re out of olive oil at home or don’t know where to get lavender oil from, try Burt’s Bees Coconut Foot Crème (B780) to rejuvenate your dry feet.

 

Essentials

The Body Shop M/F Terminal 21, Sukhumvit Soi 19. BTS Asoke.

Boots 2/F Silom Complex, Silom Rd., BTS Sala Daeng. 

Burt’s Bees G/F Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd, 083-300-2554. BTS Siam.

Madame Heng 3/F The Emporium, 662 Sukhumvit Rd., BTS Phrom Phong.

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We revisit our favorite nightlife cliques with house party ideas to finish the year with a bang. 

Dek Hi-So: Selfies BBQ

    

It’s a Sunday afternoon; the sun is shining through your Tom Ford sunglasses and there’s a spring in your step. It’s the perfect weather for an outdoor BBQ party at your daddy’s seven-bedroom house in the Sukhumvit ‘hood. Your elite group of friends roll over from Thonglor in their new Audi Q5, or Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition, heck, even a humble Mini Clubman. You're no snob. Snarky girlfriends walk in with their new Balenciagas, dressed in American Apparel Disco Pants and cropped tops. Guys show off their Tod's and Ralph Lauren polo shirts. This BBQ will be the talk of the town. 

Dream DJ 

 
 
 
What’s a dek hi-so party without a banging hip-hop soundtrack to tap into their inner city angst? And who better to supply it than DJ Ono and his Bangkok Invaders crew, who’ve been getting rich kids dancing from Soi 11 to Thong Lor for over 10 years now. Mixing the likes of Tony Igy’s “Astronomia” and Azealia Banks’ “212” with all the mainstream hip-hop hits, these DJs know how to get the party going long and hard into the night.
 
 

Q&A

Knatz Srirongmuang, DJ

What makes the best house party?
Good music and good friends.
 
If you could invite any band to perform at your party, who would it be?
Snoop Dogg or Justin Timberlake.
 
Top 5 tracks for a rocking house party.
1. “Hold On” – Drake
2. “This is How We Do It” – Montrell Jordan 
3. “Let’s Get Blown” – Snoop Dogg 
4. “Senorita” – Justin Timberlake 
5. “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe” – Kendrick Lamar
 

 

The Trashed: Late Night Disco Bash

It’s 11pm and you’re slightly buzzed. You stumble into your friend’s “Pop Diva” house party. The music is great, if you’re into Pitbull’s Spanish ramblings and Beyoncé’s "Single Ladies." There are tacky disco balls hanging from the ceiling, people dressed in outrageous outfits and plastic red cups being passed around. There’s a slight hint of vomit in the air, masked by the smell of e-shisha and cigarettes. The music is too loud to hear yourself think, but hey, the alcohol is free, right?   

Q&A

Lady Soma, 
DJ/party organizer
 
What makes the best house party?
Good music and booze that never runs out.
 
If you could invite any band to perform at your party, who would it be?
Can I have two? I’d like Foals playing indoors with Breakbot spinning electro-pop/funk by the pool. 
 
Top 5 tracks for a rocking house party.
1. “Daft Punk Is Playing At My House” - LCD Soundsystem 
2. “O.N.E.” - Yeasayer 
3. “Houdini” - Foster The People 
4. “Skeleton Boy” - Friendly Fires 
5. “Tongue Tied” - Grouplove
 

Jojo Trasher, 
DJ/Trasher founder
 
What makes the best house party?
A good sound system and my gay friends in glam dress. 
 
If you could invite any band to perform at your party, who would it be?
Ke$ha. I find her music and her persona to be out of control and I’m thinking this is just the kind of person who can take the party to the extreme. 
 
Top 5 tracks for a rocking house party.
1. “Lapdance” - N.E.R.D
2. “All Night” - Icona Pop
3. “Sexual Revolution” - Macy Gray
4. “Time To Dance” - The Shoes
5. “I’m a Slave 4 U” - Britney Spears
 

 

Pushing 40: Cocktails & Coke

You’re finally done with work for the week. Max fired the secretary who couldn’t make his coffee right but his wife hasn’t found out about the mistress or that one-night stand with the ladyboy. Pretty totalled her Maserati but at least the kids are with their sad excuse for a father this weekend. Life is looking pretty good. How do you celebrate? Blow off a shitload of cash on a party you better not have at home in case someone spills red wine on the Cashmere rug.   


Dream DJ 

 

Scott Hess plays an electronic, funky disco mix that makes everyone feel young again. At times trashy, he can also pull off a more generic brand of sexy for those who can handle Grace Jones, Prince and George Clinton but aren't too big on Z Factor. Is it all on vinyl? Of course, dahling!

Q&A

Dave Milligan, 
party organizer/Champion Sound founder
Top tip for throwing a house party?
Try and imagine how much alcohol you think you'll need. Double it and you should be just about OK. 
 
If you could invite any band to perform at your party, who would it be?
Chic! I'd need a bigger house to accommodate the full show, though.
 
Top 5 for a rocking house party.
A mix of good quality, fun and accessible electronic stuff: 
1. "Inspector Norse" - Todd Terje  
2. "Swoon" - Chemical Brothers  
3. "Man With The Red Face" - Laurent Garnier 
4. "Coma Cat" - Tensnake
5. "Back Like Dat" (Bootleg) - Marky & Bungle vs Ne-Yo & Ghostface Killa 
 

 

Post Naew: Keep on The Front Yard

Big Mountain is done and dusted for another year. Your most eagerly awaited out-of-town event, Stone Free Music Festival, has now been pushed back till Jan 10-12, 2014, while Keep on The Grass is but a distant speck on the horizon. But this is no time for crying into your Leo. It’s nice and cool out so gather your friends and pass the time with a party in the front yard.
 

Q&A

Tokin Teekanun, 
artist/The World May Never Know founder
 
What makes the best house party?
It can’t be the best without the people who really know me and are always there for me in both sad and happy times. Simply put, true friends.    
 
If you can invite any band to perform at your party, who would it be?
Can I have two? Teenage Fanclub and Yo La Tengo.
 
Top 5 tracks for a rocking house party.
1. “Star Sign” - Teenage Fanclub 
2. “Cherry Chapstick” - Yo La Tengo 
3. “Never Understand” - The Jesus And Mary Chain 
4. “She Love You No Less” - My Bloody Valentine 
5. “Shoot You Down” - The Stone Roses
 

 

Hipster Party: House Gig Chic

Too broke for Stone Free ‘cos you blew all your cash on a ticket and an overpriced hostel for Laneway Festival in Singapore? Not to worry, a friend of a friend knows the organizers and… Anyway, wasn’t it a blast at Clockenflap in Hong Kong? You bumped into [insert band name here] at the after-party and they said they’d love to come play Bangkok this weekend! No venue? Sounds like just the excuse for a house party. OK, maybe Tegan and Sara won’t turn up, but here’s how to get things stylishly swinging at home.

Q&A

Somrak Sila, WTF Bar & Gallery Owner
 
What makes the best house party?
Lots and lots of booze, cushions and a bit of improvised lighting.
 
If you could invite any band to perform at your party, who would it be?
Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeroes. I just saw them recently. Their energy is massive—it’s like seeing an evangelical preacher.
 
Top 3 tracks for a rocking house party.
1. “Home” - LCD Soundsystem
2. “Home” - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
3. “Bangkok” - Alex Chilton
4. "Need You Know" - Cut Copy
5. Any track by Sound of Siam
 
 
Maft Sai, 
DJ and Zudrangma Records founder
 
 
 
What makes the best house party?
Good sound system, music and friends.
 
If you could invite any band to perform at your party, who would it be?
Locally, The Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band with Waipod Petchsuphan or Chaweewan Dumnern. Internationally, Hailu Mergia & The Wallias Band.
 
Top 3 tracks for a rocking house party.
1. “House Party” - Fred Wesley
2. “Porry” - Sorry Bamba
3. “Zoumana” - Horoya Band National
4. "Freedom Sound" - Skatalites
5. "Kao Mai Rak Rao Rhok" - Sroeng Santi

 

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Always wondered why some colors are more flattering on the size two blonde in your building than on you? It’s possibly because she has a different undertone and she knows how to work it. 

What are undertones?

There is a difference between skin tones and undertones. Skin tones are the color of your skin: light, medium, tan, dark, very dark; your skin tone changes with time or exposure to the sun. Your undertone is what’s under the surface, though, and it never changes. It’s important to know your undertones for dressing in the right color, applying the right shade of foundation and various other make-up essentials. Know your undertone, nail your look.

How to test yourself:

This is the tricky bit, but it works on most people. 

1. Study your wrists; you’ll see the main veins that run all the way down your forearm. 

2. Hit your wrists a few times for the color to become more noticeable. 

3. If your veins show green, you have warm undertones. If your veins show blue, you have cool undertones. If your veins appear purple, you have neutral undertones. 

Warm Undertones 

Golden, yellow and peach  

 

In the sun: You’ll tend to tan golden or brown without getting burnt. 

Jewelry: Gold jewelry 

Clothing: Think thanksgiving or autumn shades, and ivory instead of white; they’ll tend to make you look livelier and healthier. 

Makeup: When buying makeup, you want to choose hues that are similar to your undertones; stick to earth tones like red, orange, yellow, green and brown. 

Avoid: Stay away from cool colors to stay vibrant and radiant. 

 

Cool Undertones

Pink, red and blue

 

In the sun: You’ll have a tendency to burn red and quickly, too. 

Jewelry: White, metal or silver jewelry.

Clothing: Blues, reds, pinks, magentas, icy colors and pastels to make you look and feel prettier. White will radiate your skin, as well as black. 

Makeup: Ask for shades of pink, blue, purple and jewel. 

Avoid: If you are prone to experiencing discoloration then avoid warm colors.

Neutral Undertones

Aren’t you lucky. Experiment with both tones to see which suits you best. 

 

 

Essentials

M.A.C. Try 1/F Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., 02-690-1000. BTS Siam.

Nars. Try G/F The Emporium, 662 Sukhumvit Rd., BTS Phrom Phong.

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