Price: B1,300

They said: A multi-tasking product that’s easily incorporated into your busy lifestyle and helps your skin look its best. Enriched with Clinique’s signature Moisture Surge, UVA/UVB sunscreen protection, antioxidants such as Vitamin E, it also features color correction (CC) technology that utilizes light to achieve radiant, glowing and healthy looking skin. Appropriate for all skin types, the formula is oil-free, non-acnegenic, dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested.

We say: While it shares most of the same ingredients as BB cream, CC cream goes one step further with color correcting technology. Not only does it moisturize and protect your skin but it also helps eliminate imperfections for a flawless finish without a thick, cakey feel. The product, then, can be worn alone or under foundation for full coverage. Like most of Clinique’s products, it’s oil-free but it doesn’t control natural oils, so you might need to apply a makeup base first for longer wear. As it’s oil-free, you’re best off rubbing it in point by point. With its average luminizing level, you might also need a makeup base to help brighten your skin or mix your shade (Natural Fair, Natural or Natural Beige) with one of the two luminizing shades (Fresh Pink or Fresh Peach). As for moisturizing and protection, the product leaves you with healthy looking skin for the whole day and remains the same color even after time spent in the sun.          

Verdict: It’s always good to have a multi-purpose product (that actually works) to save time in the morning, instead of having to buy and use a stack of different products. What’s even better is that the cream provides a nice natural look with a light texture that, even when worn with foundation, is not too thick for a day look.

What’s the inspiration behind the performance?
It came from my observations of people caring less and less about others. I wanted to figure out why this was the case, and then realized that people generally just decided to sit on the fence. It’s like we don’t know how to react rationally to a problem. I hate it when people say, “I don’t feel anything, I’m indifferent,” even in response to the film they’ve just watched. That’s like feeling nothing at all. Why is it so hard to just say you like something, it’s fun, or to say something sucks. Because we never admit to negative feelings, we don’t know how to handle certain political and social situations. Sometimes I think our plight is hopeless. 

Can you give us an example?
The most recent one might be the Bangkok floods in 2011. Everyone knew it was a bad thing occurring, but many chose to side-step the problem by saying things like, “Well, it’s good that I got a lot of days off work” or “Now I have an excuse to visit IKEA.” You don’t have to act strong all the time, come on, your house is under water! We never learn how to deal with loss, because we just let it go, so history repeats. The media, too, dramatizes news to make sales, showing dead bodies and treating murder as a normal part of life. We can’t be sure anymore if this is news or soap opera.

How is this dealt with in (In) Sensitivity?
The performance can be perceived as both following and not following a plot. At a certain level, there’s a storyline, but it’s more about the improvisation of three performers and our interaction with the audience, which means every show will be different. The performers will take on three distinct personas: one is all about entertaining, another is detached and unfeeling, while the last is resolutely positive-minded. These characters will be put through situations where they have to decide if they are still happy when they no longer feel anything. The true message of the show, however, will be in the way it affects the audience.  

What do you expect audiences to get from the show?
A mutual experience. It’s an experimental show that relies mainly on movement and lighting, which adds meaning to each and every scene. I don’t expect the audience to understand the show in terms of a storyline, but I want them to feel something, whether it’s a reminder of a past situation or an entirely new experience. And if people are bored by my show, will they accept that as a genuine feeling or choose to escape it by playing with their iPhone?

What’s next?
I want to turn (In) Sensitivity into a dance film. This would be a new thing for me, too. I’ve spoken to some friends who are in the film industry and we’ll explore the possibilities more after the show’s finished.

1.) Nars: Stick Concealer

Price: B950
They said: Can be used both under the eyes and on dark spots, crease-proof, easily blendable, long-lasting and enriched with moisturizing vitamin E.
We say: Though creamy in texture, it’s not too thick like other stick products making it easy to apply. The medium coverage suits a natural look with a flawless finish. Not only does it conceal but it also brightens dark circles under the eyes. If higher coverage is needed, you can always apply more without the results becoming too cakey. Tip: Apply using the stick then dab rather than rub.
Verdict: The packaging makes it easy for touch-ups during the day. Suited for both daily use and special occasions that call for higher-than-usual coverage.    

2.) Revlon ColorStay

Price: B550
They Said: Balances imperfections for a continuously flawless look for up to 24 hours.
We say: Light creamy texture, easy to blend and offers medium coverage. But we can’t really tell the difference between it and the Revlon ColorStay Foundation—it just seems to come in a more ready-to-use pack that allows you greater flexibility to play around with shades.      
Verdict: If you’re already using the Revlon Color Stay Foundation, you can get the same results by applying just a bit more to those imperfect spots. If not, this still makes for a sound investment.

3.) Bobbi Brown: Creamy Concealer Kit 

Price: B1,450
They Said: Covers and brightens dark circles, maintains skin moisture levels giving a smooth, virtually wrinkle-free look.    
We say: The texture is somewhere between a rich cream and a gel with a high coverage level, but it is easily applied. Full coverage can be achieved by using eye corrector first then applying the concealer in a brighter shade before finishing with the pressed powder that comes in the same kit. For a fresh daily look, though, only the concealer and powder are needed.
Verdict: Instant fresh eyes. The portable kit is very useful, as every concealer needs a powder to complete the look. Still, at B2,500 (for concealer kit and corrector), you might be better off just trying to get a good night’s sleep.

4.) Laura Mercier: Secret Concealer 

Price: B950
They Said: Moisture-rich and designed specifically to cover the discoloration under the eyes without it settling into fine lines and wrinkles.
We say: Rich in texture but not too hard to apply. You might need a concealer or foundation brush to help, but blending with your finger is fine and still gives a smooth result. Like they say, the rich texture doesn’t settle into fine lines, which makes it suited to longer wear.
Verdict: We like the way it’s easy to apply, the high coverage level and the smooth results, it just doesn’t really help you pull off the natural look.    

5.) MAC Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer

Price: B790
They said: Provides smooth, long-wearing, invisible coverage, is water-resistant, fragrance-free and non-acnegenic. Enriched with vitamin A and E and SPF 35 protection.
We say: The product is creamy enough to be applied by either brush and finger, but the latter is always best. The light texture suits the natural look but impressively gives medium to high coverage and can easily be adjusted to your desired level.
Verdict: Total life-saver! Even if you’ve partied all night, this concealer gives you fresh eyes with a natural look. 

6.) The Balm: Time Balm Concealer 

Price: B850
They Said: Full coverage for dark circles and spots, enriched with vitamins including vitamin A, C and E, plus soybean oil, panthenol, linoleic acid and phospholipids for anti-wrinkle purposes.    
We say: The product is quite rich and hard to apply by using only your finger—a concealer or foundation brush is a necessity. High coverage but not luminizing and the thick texture gives off a fixed make-up appearance rather than a natural daily look.
Verdict: Covered but cracked—with its thick texture, it doesn’t suit dehydrated skin and it can reveal wrinkle lines.

1.) Brighten your Skin

The smokey-eye look is all about darker-than-usual eyes, so it’s important to have quite a matte base. After applying your daily moisturizing products, start with a clear color makeup base to ensure your makeup lasts longer. Then choose a foundation with medium to high coverage. (Tip: the darker your eye shadow, the higher the coverage needed.)

2.) Shades of Three

Pick your shade. It doesn’t have to be the most common silver and black, like you often see; it can be golden brown, blue-grey or purple. The trick is to pick three complementary tones: a main color, a dark shade and a light shade. We suggest selecting from Urban Decay’s Naked Palette #1.

a.) Start by applying the Gunmetal color (main color) all over your eyelid as the base, starting from the middle outwards and then a little dab inside.

b.) Then apply the Creep color (dark shade) to the outer edge of your eyelid in a V-shape to create depth.

c.) Blend the two colors into a gradient before using a different eye brush to apply the Virgin color (light shade) at the inner corner of your eyes, then blend. Use the same color to line your lower eye-line if you want a brighter look.

3.) Contrast but Compliment

For optimum contrast, choose an eye shadow shade that’s similar to your skin color and apply it between your blended shadow and your lower brow line. You can also use your usual face powder.         

4.) Eye Sharpener

Use black eyeliner on your upper eyeline before finishing with black mascara. If you want a workplace-friendly day-look, you might need only a thin line close to your lash-line with just a small wing. Apply a thicker line with a more prominent wing to achieve a sultry night look. It’s all about balance, which applies to mascara, too: for a softer day-look, use a lighter volume.

5.) Complete your Look

To go with the smokey-eye look, a nude lipstick is your best bet. Make sure to pick a blush color similar to your lip color (For example, Lipstick Lustre-Freckletone is pastel pink, it goes best with Powder Blush Sheertone-Mocha). For cheeks, apply blush at a 45-degree angle following your cheekbones and don’t use too much product—you only need the blush to create dimension, not show a defined color on your cheek.

Mac 1/F, Central Chidlom, Ploenchit Rd., 02-793-7000. BTS Chidlom
Urban Decay Order online at www.facebook.com/eazyorder
 

Jul 10: Ronan Keating Live in Bangkok

The biggest promoter in town, BEC TERO, kick off this live music season with a concert from sensitive Irish pop crooner Ronan Keating. After starting out his career as a member of the boy band Boyzone in the late 90s, Keating really shot to fame with the single “When You Say Nothing at All,” which featured on the soundtrack for the super-soppy rom-com hit Notting Hill (1999) and can still be heard being belted out in karaoke bars across the Kingdom. After splitting with his band, Keating went on to release a string of commercially successful pop albums, Ronan (2000), Destination (2002), Turn It On (2003) and Bring You Home (2006). Despite reuniting for a tour with the other Boyz, he’s now back with a fifth solo studio album, Fires, which he’s promoting with his first world tour in many years. The Fire Live in Bangkok concert will also feature local pop singer Two Popetorn as warm-up act.
Where: Impact Arena Muangthong Thani
Tix: B2,500-4,500 from Thaiticketmajor.com
Brought to you by: BEC TERO Entertainment

Aug 7: Peace

While Godung eventually took the credit for Brit-rock upstarts The Vaccines rolling into town earlier this year, the gig was initially teed up by Dudesweet before they handed over the reins. Apart from that, and organizing a DJ set by Ladytron’s Ruben Wu at Badmotel back in March, things have been pretty quiet on the gig-front for Dudesweet. (They did, of course, throw a rather dazzling Great Gatsby-themed bash just last month.) But now our favorite party people are back, and they’re bringing over fresh-faced, fashion-conscious British rockers Peace. The four-piece, made up of Harry “Harrison” Koisser, brother Samuel, Douglas Castle and Dominic Boyce, have been hotly tipped for the top since their first release, “Bblood,” saw them named one of NME’s Ones To Watch in 2012. Later Madchester-influenced singles “California Daze,” “Bloodshake” and “Follow Baby” have also cranked the hype machine in to overdrive. Support on the night will come from local art-rockers PLOT (search YouTube for their crazy recent single “Mai Sa Nid Ya Len”) signed to the SO::On Dry Flowers label. If you can’t wait till August, you’ll be pleased to know that the Dudesweet Party is set to shake Cosmic Café this weekend.  
Where: Sonic Ekkamai
Tix: Early birds B1,000 from www.dudesweet.org and B1,200 on the door. Limited to 350 tickets only.
Brought to you by: Dudesweet

Aug 14: Japandroids

If there was an award for 2013’s most enthusiastic concert promoter, Lullaby Entertainment would be a shoe-in (rivaled only by Popscene). After kicking off the year with singer-songwriter Rachael Yamagata (Feb 28), they enjoyed a busy April welcoming Japanese post-rock veterans Mono (Apr 3) and TOE (Apr 20) as well as UK indie-pop trio Delphic (Apr 29). But the best is still to come, in the form of Canadian rock duo Japandroids. Formed in 2006 by Brian King (guitar and vocals) and David Prowse (drum and vocal) with the intention of playing with the same ferocity as a five-piece band, the duo’s much-lauded last album, Celebration Rock, was included as one of Rolling Stone’s Top 50 Albums of 2012. That album’s scorching single “The House That Heaven Built” was also named the fifth best song of 2012 by online tastemaker Pitchfork.
Where: Route 66, 29/33 RCA Block B, Rama 9 Rd., 02-203-0936. www.route66club.com
Tix: B1,400 from Thaiticketmajor.com
Brought to you by: Lullaby Entertainment

Aug 10:  Kap Bambino

Now four years old, Popscene have been on a real roll of late. On top of the countless up and coming local acts they’ve put on at venues all over town, this year has seen them bring over some extremely impressive international bands. Thee Oh Sees, King Khan & BBQ Show, Cold Cave and Dead Elvis—are hardly household names but they all boast some serious scene cred and some great live performance pedigree. Whether you want scuzzed-out, psychedelic rock or brooding post-punk, Popscene’s generally got you covered, with an emphasis on crowd involvement (and crowd-surfing! see interview, this page) and crazy-if-you-miss-it prices (B400-500). And the next gig could be the wildest yet. Kap Bambino are a French electro-punk duo who’ve been likened to an even more aggressive Crystal Castles. And with her edgy outfits, raw vocals and smeared make-up, frontlady Caroline Martial is every type of effortless cool.
Where: TBA
Tix: TBA
Brought to you by: Popscene, tinyurl.com/plta68d

Sep 26: Justin Bieber

Even though the Bieb has already confirmed his performance for the Singapore F1 on Sep 23, we are still waiting for a final affirmative on his visit to Bangkok. Still it does seem like the rumors are true, American pop heartthrob Justin Bieber is headed to Bangkok. According to his official site, the Justin Bieber: Believe Tour will roll into town on Sep 26 at Impact Arena Muangthong Thani. The people behind the show are none other than Thailand’s first official Bieber fan site Thaibeliebers.com. Ticket prices and details will be announced soon. Keep an eye on BK+ for updates.
Where: Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., 02-833-4455.
Tix: B2,500-6,500 from Thaiticketmajor.com  
Brought to you by: The Thai Beliebers

Aug 24: Sonic Bang

After Ronan Keating, next up for BEC TERO is the Sonic Bang Music Festival. We’ve got to say that when we first caught wind of the event, we had high, high expectations—especially given it’s close proximity to Japan’s massive Summer Sonic music festival. While it isn’t quite the wet-dream musical line-up we’d envisaged, the list of 30 international and local acts spread across six stages is nothing to scoff at. The confirmed artists includes major international acts Jason Mraz, Pet Shop Boys, Pitbull, Placebo, Ash and Owl City, Asian heavyweights Scandal (Japan), Epik High (Korea), Miyavi (Japan), Love Me Butch (Malaysia), Jam Project (Japan) and Kyary Pamyu Pamyu (Japan), as well as local bands Slot Machine, Flure, Tor Saksit, Stamp, Lipta, Room 39, Scrubb, Gale, Sugar Eyes, Buddha Bless, Southside, Kratae & Baitoey R-Siam, DJs Jay Montonn Jira, Ono, Bee Futon, Suharit Siamwalla and Seed Norasete. Let’s hope this is a sign of Bangkok becoming a music festival destination to rival Singapore and Japan.
Where: Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., 02-833-4455
Tix: B4,000 and B5,000 for VIP tickets (inclusive of two drinks, festival T-shirt, lounge, and fast-track entrance at every stage) from Thaiticketmajor.com
Brought to you by: BEC TERO

Nov 6: Wild Nothing

The dream-pop lovers Have you Heard? gave us wild hopes last month when they hosted a night devoted to Wild Nothing’s latest EP, Empty Estate, at Rehab Bar. Could it be that they would bring the American band to our shores? Indeed, front man Jack Tatum has just been booked to perform in Bangkok this November. And of course, the band will be there, too: Nathan Goodman (guitar), Jeff Haley (bass), Kevin Knight (keyboards) and Jeremiah Johnson (drums). Expect songs from the new EP together with favorites like “Shadow” and “Paradise” from album Nocturne (2012) and “Live and Dream” from debut album Gemini (2010).     
Venue: Tickets details will be announced via www.facebook.com/HaveYouHeard.Live
Brought to you by: Have You Heard?

Nov 28: Two Door Cinema Club

After having to cancel their Primal Scream concert on May 10 (through no fault of their own, it must be said), the Godung team hit back with the news that many dek naew were waiting for: Two Door Cinema Club are coming to Bangkok. The Northern Irish trio of Alex Trimble, Kevin Baird and Sam Halliday quickly caught the attention of indie kids the world over with their debut album, Tourist History (2010), which contained bouncy and melodic tunes like “What You Know” and “Something Good Can Work.” After opening for bands like Delphic, Phoenix and Foals, their second studio album, Beacon (2012), cemented their place as darlings of the hipster crowd. Support in Bangkok will come from Malaysian rockers Kyoto Protocol and local indie act Tabasco, who we’ve previously dubbed as the “Thai version of Two Door Cinema Club.”
Where: BITEC Bangna, 88 Bangna-Trad Rd. km. 1, 02-749-3939, 02-361-1916.
Tix: B2,000-B2,500 from Thaiticketmajor.com
Brought to you by: Godung.com

Song: Would You Mind?

Artist: Part Time Musicians feat. Chladni Chandi
Label: Rats Records
After their debut single “Vacation Time” hit number one at Fat Radio’s Top 40 chart last month, the folk-trio Part Time Musicians have quickly released their second single, “Would You Mind?” Featuring Chladni Chandi’s frontman Chawalit “Yong” Saowapakpongchai, on violin and guest musician Noparuj Satjawan on sitar “Would You Mind?” is an upbeat jaunty number, that has enough quirky-edges to avoid being too cutesy and exciting at the same time.         

Song: “Fon Tok Kuen Fah”

Artist: Valley Runner
Label: Independent
Last month when we introduced Secondhand Strings’ “Into the Wild,” a single from Bedroom Studio’s Movie to Music Project, we also came across another single that caught our fancy. Inspired by Pen-Ek Ratanarueng’s action-drama Fon Tok Kuen Fah, Valley Runner has created this acoustic number about a guy who will stop loving his girlfriend when it’s “fon tok kuen fah” (raining upside down).

Song: “The Ballad of a Man and His Sorrow”

Artist: Kobe
Label: Independent
Kobe, an independent group made up of L.J Bain Chompoowong (vocal and guitars), Tawan Chiraseepanya (bass and vocals) and Ayu Charuburana (drums and vocals), has finally released another single “The Ballad of a Man and His Sorrow.” This new installment is more melodic than their usual rock style, and is actually quite pop-inspired. As the title suggests, the song depicts a man sorrowful over his past, but the overall mood hints at a happier ending.

Song: “Teenage Love”

Artist: Gramaphone Children
Label: Kitsch Cat/Vinyl Hub Studio
After DJing at many hipster venues like WTF and Badmotel, Jaree Thanapura aka “Gramaphone Children” has just released his new  track “Teenage Love.” The single’s heavy use of synths and electro-triged vocals transports us back to the 80s, but its catchy chorus really leaves us wanting more.