Autumn / Winter Look 2010

My work in Elle Singapore, September 2010

The season's smokey eye is in smouldering purple tones, finished with a soft black definition

Brows are simply brushed and filled in only where needed

Cheeks have been kept natural, using a slight shimmery pink on light skin tones, or a shimmery plum on darker tones.

To top off the look, only a swipe of lipgloss is needed. Try a pinky-nude shade, as close to your natural lip colour

Perfect for an evening out!

Nail Quest!

I have a new personal quest!
I'm going to try out as many manicure/pedicure places, so I can review and present them to you ladies :D

Although I had never been crazy over manicures and nail art, since I'm learning to do manicures now, I had better go see and experience what's out there. I've been a little phobic of nail salons because of the bad experiences I've had before.

One nail technician sliced all the hard skin off the soles of my feet, making walking extremely painful for a few days (by the way, some calluses develop also to protect the feet from friction, and for me, because I used to walk and exercise alot, I needed that extra cushioning).
Another one pushed a metal stick, the sort for cleaning under the nail, too deep and following that I developed a patch of fungus that took weeks to clear out, with the help of Dr. G's Clear Nail.
Others have nipped at my cuticles a little too enthusiastically which freaks me out!

Not all are bad.. I have had some occassional nice experiences.

Serenity Cove at Holland Village won me over with their warm and personalised service, and their little extras - chocolate and cookies with your tea while having your feet scrubbed? Bliss!


So if you know of any nail salons/spas that you'll like to recommend me, drop me a note or comment and I'll be calling them up for my next appointment!

And if you're a nail spa and would like me to check your place out, feel free to email me :)




Makeup & Nails by Joanna Koh, for Revolution Magazine/ The Hour Glass

Your Tropical Beach and Garden Bridal Hairstyle Solutions

Getting married in a tropical climate such as Singapore (or Bali! LOVE! ) can be a beauty nightmare for most. Curly hair gets frizzier, straight hair refuses to curl, your makeup starts sliding off.. well, I've got some simple solutions for you to have the best hair(and makeup) day at your tropical beach or garden wedding.


1. Be practical
If you hair is really straight and heavy, and no hairstylist has ever made your curls last for more than the time you stick around in the salon, don't expect any different on your wedding day, especially if you're having your wedding outdoors.
The weather in Singapore can go up to 34 degrees Celsius during the day, so you are bound to sweat (unless your bridesmaids are fanning you ala cleopatra!). If your shoulders are showing and your hair is down, be prepare to have it stick to your neck and back. These things show in pictures- and they don't look good. Opt for a classy updo instead and you'll be keeping your cool much more easily.




2. Work with your hair texture
For those of us who have curly hair, work with this texture to bring out your luscious curls and waves.
Try KMS Sea Salt Spray to add texture to your curls for that beach babe vibe.


Spray it in, diffuse dry, scruch a little wax in at the ends and set it with hair spray.
Pop in a pretty hair accessory and you're good to go in less than 30minutes!
Also, you'll be the envy of your counterparts who are going for option (1) above.




3. Explore your options with beautiful tropical flowers
Flowers can make amazing hair accessories that bring you back-to-nature. They jazz up your hairstyle, and can even be used as a wreath for yourself or for the flowergirl. Here, we are blessed with the perfect weather for cultivating Orchids and Frangipanis, which i hear are cut-throat expensive temperate climates.
You can choose flowers which compliment your hand bouquet or theme in terms of colour, but choose a different species to avoid looking too matchy-matchy. Good quality fresh flowers can last between 5 to 8 hours. If the type of flowers you choose can be dried and kept (eg Roses or Forget-Me-Nots, they will last even longer). Keep them in their wrap or in a vase until you're ready to have them pinned to your hair.




4. And for the girls...
Your bridesmaids too will be wanting to look their best for your wedding. One great way to stand out from them is to have a completely different hairstyle. So, if you're having an updo, request that they leave their hair down, or at least in a half-updo. A simple yet pretty way to have them do their hair is to add braids, a little french braid across the crown or to pull back their fringe can add uniformity to all your "jie meis", or bridesmaids. It's quick and they can do each other's hair too if they don't have a hairstylist to themselves.
Here's one that I did for a photoshoot with Jeff Chen




Once your hair's set and you're ready to go, just SMILE and have a great time. Believe me, you ARE the most gorgeous girl at your wedding. :D