A handpicked selection of the finest things to buy, fab places to try and fun things to do in Singapore

So we all went crazy for the Brazilian Blowout, until we heard about the health risks. Now we have a different weapon of choice in the battle against frizzy hair... Kerastraight a formaldehyde free (read: safe as houses) version of the Brazilian Blowout. A great name, but are the results the same as the original Brazilian? Would we get the same relaxed frizz-free locks? And what is it? To answer your questions (and ours) we did a couple of road tests, because we were desperate to try it. We were told the results would not be as good as the original Brazilian, but we could ...read more

No downward dog (a 10/8/08 stamp means it's expired). No pumping iron (darn that lapsed membership). No one-on-one intense spin boot camp (that just sounds crazy). And no excuses. It's time to experience the breakthrough at Croyez Studio. We know firsthand, it works! You might recall we took on the PowerCardio and PowerSculpt Challenge at Croyez Studio. And we lost 2.5kgs and 19cms from all over our body in 5 weeks. Amazing huh! Using the Power Plate machines, these simple exercises are low impact and focus on the abdominal, thigh, lower back, bottom and pelvic floor muscles. We were skeptical when we started, but post-workout ...read more

Our New Year Resolutions: 1. Eat better, 2. Exercise more, 3. Sleep more, 4. Party less ... well hmm, let's not be totally unrealistic... If you are looking for some fun ways to get fit this year, here's some inspiration... you might even enjoy it! Play Tennis Want to be as hot as Rafa? Book into the newly renovated Claycourt Tennis Academy, the only clay courts in Singapore. You can hire court by the hour, organise coaching or just attend a social session. Grunting optional. Where: Claycourt Tennis Academy, 359 Winchester Rd, call Simon Mason on 9144 5223 for bookings Hop On A Bike Cycling ...read more

Ohhh the excitement of tearing into a parcel that has just turned up at your door - just makes you want to *squeal* like a little girl, doesn't it? What if you could have a parcel of beauty goodies delivered every month? Well you can give up battling the crowds at Takashimaya thanks to the growing number of online beauty shopping sites, with their unique offerings - guaranteed to put a lip-glossy smile on your face. Belle of the Ball Just arrived to Singapore, Bellabox delivers online beauty subscription shopping. Following a concept already popular in Europe and the US, Bellabox delivers up to five ...read more

Dreams and magic, love potions and fairy queens. Slipping into the world of the imagination is the essence of any good book and now, a tiny-weeny little spa. The beauty conscious, book-lovers, cultured and curious will enjoy a rather enchanting visit to Lark, a tiny spa in The Royal Hotel. Unlike the rather daggy Royal Hotel, Lark is a cutesie spa consisting of just two rooms and a rather pokey lobby. Don't fret though, for what Lark lacks in space, it makes up in style and substance. We were drawn to Lark as it is a literary themed boutique spa that offers monthly limited edition ...read more

Curly versus straight, blue versus brown, brunette versus blonde. We girls always want what we don't have! The same goes for our complexions. Pale and interesting is a definite trend to embrace, a la Mad Men's Christina Hendricks, however for those who swear a tan makes them instantly look five kilos lighter, get thee to a spray tan booth. Hannah the Spray Tanner Quick and convenient, you can relax in the privacy of Hannah's home spray booth. With the option of one or more coats depending on your colour preference, you'll be a bronzed babe before you know it. With a delicious coconut fragrance, you ...read more

We came. We shook. We lost. Kilos & centimetres that is. It's official. We have the inside scoop on the best-bulge-busting exercise to blast the last of your stubborn baby weight. Recall a while ago we threw down the gauntlet for the Baby Bootylicious Challenge? That is, two Croyez Power Plate Classes a week for 5 weeks? Well, we did just that - and we lost 2.5kgs and 19cms from all over our body. Amazing huh! This wasn't just any old weight loss, this was the most stubborn, dreaded last couple of kegs - the HARDEST couple of kilos we will ever try lose. We ...read more

Let's face it, when it comes to spas in Singapore we are certainly spoilt for choice (ah ha, good problem to have, we hear you say)! But we don't want you wasting your hard earned cash at any run-of-the-mill spa, that gorgeous face & body only deserves the best of the best. So here are the places we think are worth splashing your cash, for the ultimate in relaxation... Banyan Tree Spa, Marina Bay Sands Singapore's latest Luxe Spa offering is at the 55th level of Marina Bay Sands - and we can confirm, the massage is every bit as mind-blowing as the view! We ...read more

And the Lord said to Eve, "I will greatly increase your pain in the form of disfiguring footwear and child birth. And don't get me started on the bikini wax." Beauty, in a word, is hell. But it can hurt a smidge less with a wax from an excellent therapist. We trialled four of our favourite waxing salons in Singapore to give you this report... ...And yes, that's dedication! Cecilia Westberry Cecilia is the fastest waxer in town. Period. We think speed and hygiene are the key to making this experience as ....ummm...pain free as possible. And this local lady, Cecilia is the crème-de la-crème ...read more

Admit it: Humidity brings out the kinky in you. More specifically, in your hair. For some reason your hair needs a lot more TLC in a climate like Singapore, otherwise you don't have a bad-hair day, you have a bad-hair year. That's one good reason to treat your hair right - and there is nothing your hair will love more than a holistic hair spa treatment at Crème The Hair Spa. The treatments at Crème take you on a first class trip to seventh heaven. Not only do you end up with a glossy mane and the ability to flick your hair with that 'just ...read more

Some facts we love: 1. Dark chocolate is good for you. 2. Shopping IS exercise. And, 3. Lunch with the girls is good for your health. This last fact caught us by surprise. A pleasant one indeed. Our fact finding mission has deemed that women who have strong social connections and networks are not only happier, but live longer too. Yippee! We are going to live a long time! The reason is when surrounded by our gal-pals we release feel-good brain chemicals that pick us up when we are down. (It comes back to those cavemen days, women are happier and safer in groups). On ...read more

The battle is on. It's you versus the Singapore humidity. The battlefield: Your hair. Here are your weapons to choose from... Thermal Reconditioning Otherwise known as re-bonding, or Japanese Hair Straightening, this is a chemical process which permanently straightens the hair. Just like an 1980's perm - but in a good way - straight. Best for those with dark hair, or those who don't have over-processed hair (blondes need not apply!). And if you have curly hair, the re-growth from this treatment is not a good look, unless you are channelling Willy Wonka. In terms of maintenance you need to get it done every 6-9 ...read more

So you have done the whole nine months (actually its ten, and we are counting!), and now it's time to get that booty back into pre-baby shape. So we decided to take the five week PowerCardio and PowerSculpt challenge at Croyez Studio. Using the Power Plate machines, these simple exercises are perfect for new mothers, as not only is it low impact, but it focuses on toning the abdominal, thigh, lower back, bottom and pelvic floor muscles - basically all the bits that get a rough deal through pregnancy! We were skeptical when we started, but post-workout we know this training session did something... our ...read more

When it comes to getting your feet and hands pampered and painted, it's not rocket science. You need: a comfy chair, a relaxing environment, and a tried and tested manicurist. From downtown, to outta town, to hidden HDB locations, here is our pick of the best nail bars island wide. Sorry girls, but there is no excuse for chipped or cracked polish now. Orchard: Snails The Nail Bar p.6738 0100 We Love: Sitting back with views over Orchard Road while their technicians do their quality job. Not cheap - but we think it's worth every cent! Holland Village: Lush Nails p.6468 8485 We Love: Plush ...read more

Fat Melting Marvel or Flippin' Fad? Flip flops, thongs, jandals, slippers...whatever you like to call them... butt-working trainers ain't going anywhere in a hurry. Do we need to get on the toning shoe bandwagon? The Promise These wonder trainers and sandals claim to generate between 27%-30% more muscle activity in the lower body (toning legs and thighs while you walk) and help with weight loss. Sounds pretty bloody amazing! The Reality Well... we hate to be the one to break it to you... but... You can't just expect to pop these gems on your feet and magically melt away unwanted pounds (damn it!). They are ...read more