1. Gain inspiration from your favourite celebs
Be inspired by your favourite celebrities such as Zooey Deschanel, Lena Dunham, Vanessa Hudgens, and achieve their look with wallet-friendly prices – all in our bonus CLEO SHOP mag in the September issue!

2. Get tips on how to save money and still have a life
Before you go about spending your entire first paycheque on that dream bag you’ve been lusting since forever, we give you four financial foundations you should set in place for a financially stable future – all while enjoying life!

3. Uncover beauty secrets
Think you know all that there is to beauty? While there are already many beauty secrets out there, here are some new or updated ones that we have uncovered from beauty experts.

The September issue of CLEO out now!

When the curtains fell, there were rousing applause and a standing ovation from the audience – it was a performance that rightly deserved this honour.

I first caught The Phantom of the Opera more than ten years ago and back then, I didn’t know how to appreciate musicals and my knowledge of theatre was zero to none. But I remember leaving with a feeling of unexplainable sorrow after the show and I made a promise to myself that I would watch it again. I guess that’s the power of good theatre productions – some will make you think, some make you laugh, some make you cry, some challenge your values but above all, some will move you. And The Phantom of the Opera is one such production that moved me and left me in awe. Sure, Broadway has given birth to a lot of great productions but among its line up of spectacular works, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera remains one of the most successful and well loved musical. This is why when I knew that it’s finally made its way back to Singapore, I had to catch it.

If I have to sum up my experience in one word, it would be ‘electrifying’. For one, apart from the alluring music, it commanded a splendid cast. Brad Little put up an amazing performance as The Phantom – his voice was amazing and he has incredible stage presence that takes your breath away each time he enters a scene. On top of it all, he shared great chemistry with Claire Lyon who played the female protagonist Christine. But beyond the grandeur stage design, beautiful costumes and powerful cast, I think the enduring success of this musical boils down to the fact that it tells a timeless tale. It’s a tragic love story of a disfigured Phantom who falls in love with a young singer Christine, and devotes to grooming her into the new opera star, who ends up falling in love with another man, Raoul.

My only gripe? The famed crashing chandelier scene – which is the climax of the musical – could have been better executed. In fact, it was over so fast and lacked any impact that I was left disappointed, sad to say. But for such a beautiful and haunting overall performance, I am more than willing to look past that. This is one show that deserves front row seats tickets for you will leave the show feeling overwhelmed, in a good way, of course.

P.S: A few more shows before the season ends so be sure to catch it! For more information, log on to www.marinabaysands.com/Singapore-Entertainment/Shows/The-Phantom-of-the-Opera.

1. Get your guide to travel your way
Your must-have guide to 22 must-visit urban escapes, beach getaways, artsy hotspots and shopaholic havens! Be sure to read this first before you plan your next vacation!

2. Up your street cred
Get on trend and up your street cred with CLEO's guide to the streetwear scene in Singapore.

3. Win exclusive The Hunger Games: Catching Fire tickets
Stand a chance to win preview tickets to The Hunger Games: Catching Fire as well as movie premiums - find out how in our November issue!

The November issue of CLEO out now!

In this issue of CLEO, we reviewed what was epic in 2013 and what you should look forward to in 2014.

Also, if you are planning for a year end house party, don't miss out our ultimate house party guide!

The December issue of CLEO out now!

Before you embark on your adventure, download these phone applications which may come in handy - whether to find directions or even translate a language you’re not fluent in.

1. Google Translate

Worried about travelling to Germany, Korea or Tibet and not even knowing how to say “hello,” ask for directions when you get lost or maybe, ask for discounts while shopping? This app is not only easy to use but also pretty reliable (well, you’ll get the gist of it). It can translate up to 75 languages even while offline. When spelling gets arduous, you can utilize the text to speech component to translate. What’s more, this app is absolutely free and available on both iPhone and Android.

2. Everplaces

Described as the Pinterest for travel planning - you can follow your friends and repin their favourite restaurants, hotels and attractions to your own collection. What’s interesting about this app is that you can create and personalize the app with the listings you curate on your account! Everplaces is free, but is currently only available on iPhones.

3. Travel List

Perfect for people who don’t travel often; the Travel List is great for those who are paranoid about leaving stuff out while packing. This app has a lovely design that stands out from the other (boring-looking) check lists. Use either the pre-defined check list or customize your own, and create reminders so you don’t forget things like packing your camera batteries, which are probably still charging as you pack. Get this app for $1.99 (only available on iPhones).

4. CityMaps2Go

If you’re a person who doesn’t use Google map because it taps on too much on your data usage, try this app. This app avoids international data charges (which come with a hefty price tag) with interactive offline maps and travel guide for the whole world. You can even pre-plan your route by pinning key locations which is a key feature for this app. CityMaps2Go is available on iPhones for $1.99.

5. Wi-Fi Finder

If you are someone who can’t live without a minute without the internet (like many of us at CLEO), and don’t want to spend money on data packages, this app is the perfect for you. Wi-Fi Finder can lead you to internet hot spots all around the world. It also has listings span over 144 countries so you don’t have to worry that you will be cut off from the virtual world. This app is available free on both the iPhone and Android. 

You might think fame has gotten a hold on these celebrities and the relationships they have with their bodies. But these famous girls are telling you that your body is amazing, and nobody should tell you otherwise!

“You’re damned if you’re too thin and you’re damned if you’re too heavy. According to the press I’ve been both. It’s impossible to satisfy everyone and I suggest we stop trying.” – Jennifer Aniston

"I keep telling myself that I'm a human being, and imperfect human who's not made to look like a doll, and that who I am as a person is more important than whether at that moment I have a nice figure."– Emma Watson

"To all girls with butts, boobs, hips and a waist, put on a bikini - put it on and stay strong."– Jennifer Love Hewitt

"Being a size zero is a career in itself so we shouldn't try and be like them. It's not realistic and it's not healthy."– Rihanna

"I might have a little bit of cellulite. I might not be toned everywhere. I might struggle in this area or that. But accepting that just empowers me. I feel proud if young girls look up to me and say, 'I'm curvy, and I'm proud of it now.'"– Kim Kardashian

“In Hollywood, I’m obese. I’m considered a fat actress. I eat like a caveman. I’ll be the only actress who doesn’t have anorexia rumours! I’m never going to starve myself for a part. I’m invincible. I don’t want little girls to be like, ‘Oh, I want to look like Katniss so I’m going to skip dinner!’”– Jennifer Lawrence

“You’re a human being, you live once and life is wonderful, so eat the damn red velvet cupcake.”– Emma Stone

“I guess my mom raised me right. She was very celebratory of her body. I never heard her once say, ‘I feel fat.’ Back when I was modeling, the first time I went to Italy I was having cappuccinos every day, and I gained 15 pounds. And I felt gorgeous! I would take my clothes off in front of the mirror and be like, Oh, I look like a woman. And I felt beautiful, and I never tried to lose it, ’cause I loved it.”– Christina Hendricks

Time spent preparing fresh and nutritious at food is the most valuable gift you can present to your body. By having control over your meal ingredients to the amount you are going to cook and eat can help decrease the risk of many health-risking diseases such as high blood pressure. Below are some cooking tips to help those who want to stay healthy by eating at home.

Always add salt last when you’re done with cooking

“If you insist on using a little bit of salt when you're cooking, always add it at the very end,” recommends Elisa Zied, registered dietician and author of Nutrition at Your Fingertips. "That way salt's flavor comes through stronger, so you won't need to use as much of it."

Fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables

Smart move! Fill half of your plate first with fruits and vegetables before deciding how much meat to include. Meats are usually heavier in fat and protein and should be eaten in moderation. Focus more on fruits, vegetables or whole grains as your mains instead to have a healthier diet.

Use low-fat or even non-fat dairy products

Did you know that non-fat milk has half the calories of whole milk? Try using low-fat or even non-fat milk in your dairy-heavy recipes to save you from putting on some serious calories.

Cook with a non-stick pan

Non-stick pan would mean that you can keep your food moving in the pan, and this means lesser oil is needed in cooking. And that, translates to a lesser calorie intake.

Think beyond salt

Lower your sodium intake and tingle your taste buds with other ingredients to enhance the taste of your meal. Using various spices or seasoning like thyme, rosemary or even curry powder instead of salt. 

What is it: The magical product that gave the beauty world a little shake-up comes in the form of none other than the notorious beauty balm. They seem to have come out of nowhere, but BB creams were initially used in the 1960s in Germany to protect post-surgery skin.

Benefits: Since it proved to be super beneficial for cosmetic use, this product is now more commonly used over serums, as moisturiser, sunblock and sheer foundation. It aims to match your skin tone closely and moisturises your skin more effectively than normal foundation.

[CC]

Coverage: Light

What is it: This second child of the beauty balm family gives natural-looking skin coverage, but with enhanced results, as compared to BB cream. Also known as ‘Colour Correct’ cream.

Benefits: The CC cream provides hydration and sun protection. You get a hint more of coverage, more skincare ingredients, finer texture, and true to its name, colour-correcting technology, where the product ‘transforms’ itself from white into your skin colour upon application.

[DD]

Coverage: Light

What is it: Yes, it’s real! DD stands for ‘Dynamic Do-all’ or ‘Dynamic Defense’, and that basically sums up what this category of beauty product aims to achieve. DD creams were initially introduced to the masses for other body parts such as the feet, but its ultra-hydrating qualities prove beneficial for those looking to enhance their skin’s anti-ageing routine by hiding lines and wrinkles, therefore making the DD cream more suitable for more mature skin.

Benefits: This relatively new range is said to combine the best qualities of BB and CC creams – giving you coverage, hydration (it’s packed with tinted moisturizer) and vitamins for your skin.

Which on of these would you try next?

Make your outfit a statement with a kimono-like wool knitted jacket like this from Maison Martin Margiela. Perfect for layering during your year-end holidays - this monochrome piece is simple yet stylish.

A black shirt dress is a staple for all working ladies but it comes with cute details like this from Jason Wu, it's perfect for a date out too. This dress cuts at the right length just above the knees and has an inner white collar that gives it a formal yet unique look. 

Not your usual black skater or mermaid skirt - with an asymmetrical cut and its frayed ends, this skirt is an interesting piece to add into your wardrobe. Tuck in a white shirt and a pair of silver pumps to create a formal look or wear it with a v-neck t-shirt and a pair of ballet flats for a semi-casual look.

If you haven't got the memo, sneakers are in. Pair these New Balance with cute summery dresses or structured formal pieces in your current wardrobe for a whole new look (forget those I-can-match-everything-with-these flats).
 

"My thoughts are stars I can't fathom into constellations." - John Green, The Fault in Our Stars

"Nothing is impossible, the word itself says, "I’m possible!'" - Audrey Hepburn

"There has to be a moment at the beginning where you wonder whether you’re in love with the person or in love with the feeling of love itself. If the moment doesn’t pass, that’s it - you’re done. And if the moment does pass, it never goes that far. It stands in the distance, ready for whenever you want it back. Sometimes it’s even there when you thought you were searching for something else, like an escape route, or your lovers’ face.” - David Levithan, The Lover's Dictionary

“I would rather die of passion than of boredom.” - Vincent van Gogh

"Be yourself, everyone else is already taken." - Oscar Wilde

For the Christmas message

We need a reminder or two that Christmas is more than just spending money and getting presents.

1. A Charlie Brown Christmas



The film: This 1965 animated short TV movie touches on the message of Christmas, Charlie Brown pessimism-style.

Best Christmas moment: Charlie Brown tries his hardest to get a tree, but his friends mock him for getting a really horrible one. But the most heartwarming part is when Linus is the only one who supports him and tells him what Christmas is all about by reciting the Gospel of Luke and being the first to decorate his sparse tree. Watch it here.
 

2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas



The film: Based on the amazing short story by Dr. Seuss, the story is about a mean-spirited, green-goblin looking misanthrope who really wants to ruin Whoville’s Christmas party.

Best Christmas moment: Hands down when he finally realizes what Christmas is all about after he sees Whoville celebrate even without any presents at all. If your heart didn’t swell (more than three times at that) after that scene, you’re the real Grinch here. Watch it here.
 

3. Tom & Jerry: The Night Before Christmas



The film: It can’t be considered a film when this is only eight minutes long. But the quarrelling duo are up to their usual antics, except that maybe Christmas has a part to play this time.

Best Christmas moment: We love the this horrible duo, and we know that there’s never any ill-will – especially when Tom desperately tries to bring Jerry back to life after he kicked the poor mouse out into the snow. Perhaps it’s timely reminder for us to stop fighting this season. Watch it here.

For the hopelessly in love

Call us fluffy all you want, but there’s nothing like a heartwarming rom-com to warm that heart.

4. Bridget Jones’s Diary



The film: A thirty-something woman narrating her woes about her career, weight, and lack of love life. What’s not to love?

Best Christmas moment: The film may have spanned months before Christmas, but it ended when Bridget Jones ran out in her knickers and sports shoes to find a runaway Mr. Darcy during Christmas. Sorry, but this girl deserves an award. Plus, any confession that happens during Christmas is a plus in my book. Watch it here.

5. Love Actually

The film: It really needs no explanation because it’s the godfather of rom-coms and Christmas-themed movies.

Best Christmas moment: Where do we begin? The entire film is a Christmas moment and we want to root for every single character no matter how ridiculous they are – yes, even creepy Mark who went to confess to Juliet. (Okay, we admit, it’s a little ew, to be honest.)

But the Christmas spirit truly comes from Billy Mack who is absolutely honest about his horrible, commercialised Christmas hit. It’s almost like Charlie Brown’s sentiment about Christmas, except with a lot more swearing and adult jokes. Watch it here.

6. Edward Scissorhands




The film: Literally about someone with scissors for hands who manages to find love in a family. Whose town tries to outcast him. Because scissors for hands, that’s why.

Best Christmas moment: What’s Christmas without some snow? And “snow” from some carefully carved out ice shavings at that? The beautiful Winnoa Ryder dancing in the ice shavings is truly a heartwarming sight to behold. Watch it here.

For the unconventional

Who cares about rom-coms when you can some unconventional in your bag?

7. Die Hard




The film: A bunch of terrorists try to ruin Christmas on Christmas Eve. They are worse than The Grinch because they try to kill people instead of taking away gifts. COME ON COULDN’T YOU PICK ANOTHER DAY.

 
Best Christmas moment: You know Die Hard sets the spirit right when John McClane’s chauffer cranks up some L.A. style Yuletide tunes. None of that “Joy to the World” – it’s Run DMC’s “Christmas in Hollis” for you. Watch it here.

8. Batman Returns




The film: Batman has to deal with the Max Schreck, Penguin and Catwoman this entire Christmas season. The mayor gets his nose bitten off, the Princess of Gotham falls to her death, the Penguin wrecks town during Christmas. Can’t this man ever get a break?

Best Christmas moment: There hasn’t been another Christmas party on screen as tense as this one. When Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle find out each other’s identities (all thanks to that pesky mistletoe!), all hell breaks loose. 

“You know, mistletoe can be deadly if you eat it.”
“But a kiss can be even deadlier… if you mean it.”

BOOM. Watch it here.

BONUS CHRISTMAS SONG:

How could we ever forget the Army of Skanks? Watch it here.
 

Tell us, what is your go-to Christmas movie? 

LIQUID

Coverage: Heavy
What is it: Commonly applied with a brush or a sponge, liquid foundation is mostly used to give medium to full coverage for your skin. Most of them are oil-based or liquid-based (less shiny finish), allowing for an easier application process. Also contains sunscreen and Vitamin E.
Benefits: This product conceals more prominent facial imperfections, as if giving a brand new slate for makeup application. Since its coverage strength is more, you’ll need lesser product to go on your face. It could pose as too heavy for day use, but works excellently for major events and party make-up.

CREAM

Coverage: Medium
What is it: This lightweight formula is a makeup base that consists of a thick, cream formulation and is heavier as compared to liquid, and is a favourite amongst those with dry skin. They come in sticks and compacts, and is proved to last longer than its counterparts.
Benefits: Provides good coverage and an even, healthy finish with its light-diffusing particles. As its relatively heavier, it is able to lock moisture into the skin better without feeling too heavy, minimise pores and lasts for approximately 8 hours.

PRESSED POWDER

Coverage: Medium
What is it: The most common type of foundation, the pressed powder is preferred primarily due to the fact that it’s convenient to bring around, and to apply (with a sponge). With the abundance of pressed powders currently found on shelves, it’s the ingredients found in each brand that really sets pressed powders apart.
Benefits: Pressed powder gives you a matte finish and covers up minor to major imperfections rather well.

LOOSE POWDER

Coverage: Light
What is it: This product is more commonly used for a sheer coverage and quick touch-ups to eliminate shine.
Benefits: Loose powder won’t break into pieces if you accidentally drop it, unlike its pressed counterpart. It’s also the best product to easily minimise shine and to achieve a natural look.

MINERAL

Coverage: Varies
What is it: This product is targeted for users with sensitive skin, due to its more natural product composition. Depending on your preference, the coverage that mineral foundation can give can be sheer, medium, or full. Most people with acne-prone skin or eczema also tend to opt for this product as it has lesser ingredients that could potentially aggravate the condition of their skin. There are many chemicals that are left out when they’re made (types of chemicals depend on the brand you purchase).
Benefits: Although you might find that this is more expensive, many users have found that the extra pennies are a small price to pay for good skin condition. Also, it doesn’t easily clog pores and sits on the face excellently, giving a natural finish.

TINTED MOISTURISER

Coverage: Light
What is it: Putting it simply, tinted moisturiser gives the benefits of a usual facial moisturiser, with the added feature of being able to cover up minor facial flaws. It has a thin consistency and is ideal for those looking for a light, dewy and natural finish.
Benefits: Applying tinted moisturiser on your face is typically effortless, and you get to cover two steps in one move – that is hydrating and covering. It’s designed to be super lightweight, therefore good for girls who do not prefer to put on too much makeup.

1. Stop the glorification of busy. Get off your electronic devices and connect with people who matter instead.

 

2. Travel. No money? Look into some work and travel or charity work programs. No time? See point 1.

 

3. Surround yourself with people you love. Rid those frenemies (whom you should have gotten rid of since ages ago).

 

4. Do something you've never done before. Sky dive, ride a bike, whatever - just try something new!

 

5. End all your electronic friendships during meal times.

 

6. Rid social media anxiety. Stop caring if the picture you're gonna post on Instagram is gonna get the amount of "likes" you want. If you like the photo (and if it's not a compromising one), just post it! 

 

7. Say "thank you" when someone compliments you. We hardly do that enough.

 

8. Punch fear in the face. Face it and conquer it.

 

9. Do something that scares you. Ask yourself this: "What would I do if I wasn't afraid?"

 

10. Take care your body. Eat clean, move more. Having good health is of utmost importance, don't you think so?

It's the start of a brand new year and if you still can't find the momentum to go forward, check out these celebrities' quotes about life (in general) and hopefully their words of wisdom will tide you by.

"You have to be the best version of yourself and if that means you have to be a bit self-promoting, then it's OK. It really is. Because who's going to believe in you more than yourself?" - Reese Witherspoon

"You can't go backward; I'm not going backward. I'm grateful that I'm here, blessed to have what I have." - Sandra Bullock

"Don't feel like you have to do and be everything." - Miranda Kerr

"I refuse to let what happened to me make me bitter. I still completely believe in love and I'm open to anything that will happen to me." - Nicole Kidman

"Why do you have to choose what type of woman you are? Why do you have to label yourself as anything? I'm just a woman and I love being a woman." - Beyonce Knowles

"Just keep moving forward and don't give a shit about what anybody thinks. Do what you have to do for you." - Johnny Depp

"If you're lucky enough to be different, don't every change." - Taylor Swift

"It's ok to say, 'this is what I want,' and go after it." - Zoe Saldana

"Stay true to yourself - people respond to authenticity." - Barbra Streisand

"Surround yourself only with people who are going to lift you higher." - Opray Winfrey