https://www.scmp.com/rss/16163/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Jocelyn Wong Jocelyn Wong NewsThe tattoo trend started with David Beckham and Cecilia Cheung back in the early 2000s. Now, with celebrities from Cara Delevingne to G-Dragon getting inked, public opinion and attitudes towards tattoos are changing. Two years ago, Hong Kong hosted its first three-day ink convention which featured more than 50 local and international tattoo artists. At the weekend, InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong hosted the third International Hong Kong Tattoo Convention, featuring nearly 120 local and... https://www.scmp.com/yp/discover/advice/personal-development/article/3054841/inking-differently-are-hong-kong-peoples?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/yp/discover/advice/personal-development/article/3054841/inking-differently-are-hong-kong-peoples?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 01 Dec 2015 08:37:55 +0000 Doodle bombs Hong Kong has been Lushtastic for eight years. The anniversary coincides with the release of a limited edition tin of bath bombs designed by famed British doodle artist Jon Burgerman. The Jon Burgerman Bathtime Favourites box (HK$429) contains nine of the most popular Lush bath bombs. Available at any Lush outlet. Got to be real If you covet longer, fuller eyelashes, but can't be bothered to wear falsies, try Benefit's new They're Real! mascara (HK$220). The brush's rounded tip... https://www.scmp.com/article/976184/wow-factor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/976184/wow-factor?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 13 Aug 2011 16:00:00 +0000 Why we have that patch of hair above our eyelashes is still a mystery, but a well-defined, arched eyebrow does wonders for the face. Shu Uemura Hard Formula (HK$150) Not one for beginners - the pencil is rock-hard and doesn't show up on skin, but mysteriously blends with the hairs to subtly darken brows. The Body Shop Brow Definer (HK$99) Reasonably priced, and naturally coloured, this is overly creamy, which make it hard to apply, and means you need to sharpen constantly. Too much... https://www.scmp.com/article/976178/week-we-test-brow-pencil?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/976178/week-we-test-brow-pencil?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 13 Aug 2011 16:00:00 +0000 Sunscreen with ultraviolet A and UV-B filters protect your skin from harmful rays that can cause ageing. More importantly, the filters help to prevent skin cancer. Shu Uemura UV Armour Sun Protector (HK$330/40ml) This light and not greasy sun block is easily absorbed by the skin, keeping it refreshed and smooth. What's more, it doesn't smell like the other sun blocks we've tried. Expensive, though. Kanebo Allie SPF 50 PA+++ (HK$260/60g) Creamy but not sticky or oily. It really helps... https://www.scmp.com/article/975596/week-we-test-sunscreen?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/975596/week-we-test-sunscreen?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 06 Aug 2011 16:00:00 +0000 Beautiful peepers Although we're well into summer, it's never too early to plan for the next season. Shu Uemura is prepping you to take centre stage when you head back to school next year, with its limited edition customised palettes (HK$80/case), which are embellished with delicate lace patterns. Things to look out for in the new range include the Tutu Laceflare mascara (HK$100) and nail colour (HK$100) in warmer, muted tones and six limited edition Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte... https://www.scmp.com/article/975620/wow-factor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/975620/wow-factor?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 06 Aug 2011 16:00:00 +0000 Curiously, northern Europeans were slow to adopt the fork, as they believed God had 'provided man with natural forks - his fingers'. Forks have three or four sharp points that are called tines. Spaghetti carbonara Spaghetti carbonara is a dish of pasta slathered in eggs, cheese and bacon. As carbonaro means 'charcoal burner' in Italian, one idea is that the Italian dish was originally made for miners. Nowadays, it is a hugely popular choice in Italian restaurants around the world. Try: Caffe... https://www.scmp.com/article/975479/three-course-meal-thats-sure-please?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/975479/three-course-meal-thats-sure-please?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:00:00 +0000 Ocean Park is a great way for youngsters to get a closer look at marine life, but for Geoffrey Yau, from Kwok Tak Seng Catholic Secondary School, the open sea is where he gets his fix of sea animals. Geoffrey, 14, goes diving once or twice every month with his parents and friends. He is armed with his diving gear, a camera and unflagging determination to explore the ocean. Geoffrey's work will be on display in Tuen Mun on August 21 as part of Citywalk's Never Give Up Summer Programme.... https://www.scmp.com/article/975014/depths-sea?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/975014/depths-sea?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 31 Jul 2011 16:00:00 +0000 MTJ Cosmetics An outfit is never complete without properly done nails. Italian brand MTJ cosmetics offers a wide colour selection when it comes to nail lacquer (HK$115/10ml). From naughty to nice, party to daytime, prepare to look fierce with a perfectly polished look. The polishes are very smooth to apply and come in elegant rectangular glass containers that exude class. This is the perfect polish to apply on your nails before a big event or just to perk yourself up on a rainy day. Available... https://www.scmp.com/article/974993/wow-factor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/974993/wow-factor?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 30 Jul 2011 16:00:00 +0000 Taking off your make-up is almost as important as putting it on - cleansing your face thoroughly helps to prevent spots and blemishes (plus it keeps your pillow smudge-free). Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Oil (HK$210/200ml) It removes some make-up quite well, but was not so great at getting rid of mascara - and left a residue. 6/10 RMK Cleansing Oil (HK$260/175ml) Effortlessly removes all traces of make-up, and leaves skin soft and glowing. Mildly medicinal smelling, though. 7/10 Origins... https://www.scmp.com/article/974994/week-we-test-cleansing-oil?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/974994/week-we-test-cleansing-oil?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 30 Jul 2011 16:00:00 +0000 People have been drinking through straw-like devices for about 5,000 years, when the Sumerians used them to drink beer. The modern straw was created by Marvin Stone in 1888 by winding and gluing strips of paper around a pencil. He perfected the design using paraffin-coated paper so that the straw would not disintegrate. The bendy straw followed in the 1930s when Joseph Friedman took a paper straw and created indents with dental floss so it could bend. It was patented in 1937. Tang bao Like xiao... https://www.scmp.com/article/974831/straws?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/974831/straws?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 29 Jul 2011 16:00:00 +0000 Make sure you thoroughly remove old polish before applying a fresh colour, to help strengthen nails and prevent staining. Orbis Nail Remover (HK$49/15g) Not only does it effectively remove polish, the smell is less offensively pungent than most brands. 7/10 Skinfood Grapefruit Nail Polish Remover (HK$40/100ml) Finally, a remover that smells delicious! That is, if you like citrus scents. But remember, this is still full of chemicals, so use it quickly and don't enjoy the smell for too long.... https://www.scmp.com/article/974364/week-we-test-nail-polish-remover?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/974364/week-we-test-nail-polish-remover?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 23 Jul 2011 16:00:00 +0000 Naturally pretty Keep it light when it comes to makeup this summer, and focus on a dewy, fresh face. Cover any blemishes with Clinique's Age Defense BB Cream SPF 30/ PA+++ (HK$265/40ml), a lightweight product that makes skin look flawless while improving its quality. Ingredients include Vitamin E for vitamin replenishment and better elasticity, and avobenzone which acts as a sunblock. Available at Clinique outlets. One less worry There's enough to think about with bikini season in full swing... https://www.scmp.com/article/974365/wow-factor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/974365/wow-factor?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 23 Jul 2011 16:00:00 +0000 Chopsticks Chopsticks are a stereotypical symbol of China. They have been used there since the Shang dynasty (1600BC-1046BC). They are also found in other Asian cultures, such as Japan, Korea and Vietnam. There is a lot of etiquette related to chopsticks - using them wrongly can be either rude, ruin your family's reputation or just make people mock you Jellyfish and cucumber salad This chilled dish is served normally as a snack or appetiser. The chewy texture of the jellyfish with the... https://www.scmp.com/article/974196/it-takes-two-gobble?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/974196/it-takes-two-gobble?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 22 Jul 2011 16:00:00 +0000 The Phelps twins work the crowd, teasing the hundreds of fans gathered in front of Platform 93/4 at Times Square. 'Today's the last day ever we'll be promoting Harry Potter [films],' says Oliver, one half of the pair. 'There's no better way to end it than here in Hong Kong. The fans here are amazing!' This is the second time the iconic twins have visited Hong Kong. Yet they are surprised the fans still recognise them 'without the huge orange beaks on [our heads]', Oliver tells Young Post,... https://www.scmp.com/article/973864/two-kind-pranksters?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/973864/two-kind-pranksters?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 18 Jul 2011 16:00:00 +0000 Summer perfumes can be lighter than their winter counterparts - sniff out citrus and floral notes, or anything that puts you in a holiday mood. Bobbi Brown Beach Eau de Parfum (HK$460/50ml) True to its name, Beach is reminiscent of the perfect day at the beach: a blend of suntan lotion, waves and a delicate floral undertone that lingers on skin throughout the day. L'Eau D'Issey Summer Eau de Toilette (HK$470/100ml) A fresh smell bottled in a summery bottle, it's a perfect light fragrance for... https://www.scmp.com/article/973728/week-we-test-scents-summer?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/973728/week-we-test-scents-summer?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 16 Jul 2011 16:00:00 +0000 A flawless palette This summer, Missha's latest collection provides an easy way to create the fresh-faced look. The collection includes a sheer mineral powder foundation with SPF 30 (HK$262/ 13g), an incredibly smooth product that is said to improve your skin tone. There are also an extreme cover concealer (HK$220/ 10g) and five signature glam art glosses SPF 12 (HK$214/ 5.6ml) with a formula that promises to be longer lasting while creating thicker, more luscious lips. Available at Missha... https://www.scmp.com/article/973727/wow-factor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/973727/wow-factor?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 16 Jul 2011 16:00:00 +0000 History The word 'tongs' possibly comes from the Greek word daknein meaning 'to bite'. Tongs have been in use since before the 12th century. They have become one of the most effective and popular tools for gripping food during cooking - especially during the grilling process, where chefs use them for picking up food to avoid burning themselves. There are also tongs designed specifically for picking up sugar cubes and serving salad. Veggie burger Tongs are an essential tool when you're... https://www.scmp.com/article/973571/safe-way-get-grip-if-touching-hot-food?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/973571/safe-way-get-grip-if-touching-hot-food?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 15 Jul 2011 16:00:00 +0000 For thousands of years people have been seeking to measure time. Sundials, water clocks, hourglasses, pendulums - they were all invented for this purpose. Yet it was not until the invention of spring-driven clocks in Germany in the early 16th century that time could be kept accurately for days on end, come rain or shine. Watches and clocks have been with us ever since - in myriad shapes and forms. Just ask Hong Wei. He has amassed a collection of more than 60 unique clocks, mostly from Europe... https://www.scmp.com/article/973503/passion-keeping-time?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/973503/passion-keeping-time?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 14 Jul 2011 16:00:00 +0000 With more than 1.5million subscribers, Michelle Phan has earned herself the title of 'most subscribed guru of all time on YouTube'. Phan met the media at a specially arranged video conference when she was in Tokyo recently. Phan - born in the United States to Vietnamese parents - started her make-up career as a blogger, writing beauty tips. By 2006, she had more than 20,000 followers. Her readers encouraged her to start a YouTube channel, back when the medium had only just begun to gain... https://www.scmp.com/article/973149/guru-faces-global-appeal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/973149/guru-faces-global-appeal?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 10 Jul 2011 16:00:00 +0000 Toner is the second stage in skincare, and removes any residual grease and grime. It also tightens pores and prepares skin for moisturiser. Clarins Toning Lotion O/C (HK$210/200ml) Gradually but effectively reduces pore size and smells amazing. This leaves skin feeling soft, clean and, best of all, very hydrated. Promedial Moisture Lotion Light (HK370/75ml) Totally oil-free feel, plus it sinks in well. Free of preservatives. Benefit Moisture Prep Toning Lotion (HK$280/177.4ml) Not only... https://www.scmp.com/article/973115/week-we-test-toner?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/973115/week-we-test-toner?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 09 Jul 2011 16:00:00 +0000 Leave an impression Sofina Aube's new summer collection includes four Couture-Designing Impression Eyes (HK$240/3.1g) that incorporate a newly formulated powder eyeliner for the upper lashline, promising bigger, smouldering eyes. Paired with Aube's signature girly, shimmery eyeshadows (also included in the palette), all eyes will be on your fluttery lids. The collection includes eight new colours for Aube Couture Designing Premium Rouge- their bestselling lip product which conditions and... https://www.scmp.com/article/973116/wow-factor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/973116/wow-factor?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 09 Jul 2011 16:00:00 +0000 Spoons were first used by the Egyptians, who made them out of ivory, flint and slate. While the materials may have changed over the centuries, we still use spoons to cook and eat all kinds of food, including desserts, soups and stews. There are many different sorts of spoons used in cooking, from common varieties like wooden and rice spoons, to more unusual models with specific uses, like olive spoons and cheese scoops. Spoons are used during special occasions, too. In Britain, for example, a... https://www.scmp.com/article/972963/spoonful-goodness?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/972963/spoonful-goodness?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 08 Jul 2011 16:00:00 +0000 People from many cultures, especially in the Middle East and South Asia, eat with their hands. But some Western food, too, is designed for manual mealtimes. Some people say eating with your hands makes food taste better, because of the added tactile element. Think about how enjoyable this method of eating is: in Western eateries, you don't see many people cutting their quarter-pounders into small, ladylike bites; and people rip their barbecue pork buns absentmindedly as they yum cha. Kaya toast... https://www.scmp.com/article/972291/finger-licking-yumminess?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/972291/finger-licking-yumminess?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Jul 2011 16:00:00 +0000 Students at the Hang Seng School of Commerce celebrated once again yesterday as the school had the most students bagging at least five As for the sixth year in a row and the only students to snatch six As. The jubilant atmosphere at the Sha Tin school accompanied an announcement from the school management that it was considering scrapping its senior secondary school curriculum after years of success. The school's administrators have indicated it intends to become an elite private... https://www.scmp.com/article/972257/sha-tin-school-sweeps-levels?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/972257/sha-tin-school-sweeps-levels?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Jun 2011 16:00:00 +0000 Dabbing off the last bit of stray sauce from the plate, the last 10 chefs step back and wipe the sweat off their foreheads, waiting for their dishes to be collected and judged. They are among 59 culinary students from the Vocational Training Council's (VTC) Chinese Cuisine Training Institute competing for a chance to win a chunk of the HK$1 million in scholarships offered by Hong Kong Disneyland. More than 175 students in the VTC's tourism, culinary and design institutes are eligible for the... https://www.scmp.com/article/970613/frying-their-way-scholarship?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/970613/frying-their-way-scholarship?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Jun 2011 16:00:00 +0000 All schoolchildren learn to make paper planes when they are young, but one man has taken his hobby to a whole new height. Edwin Cho Chi-kong has always had a passion for model planes. Like most good hobbies, it started in his youth, when he made model aircraft from plastic kits bought from toy stores. He spent hours assembling the models and then meticulously decorating them to look like their full-sized counterparts. All too soon the realities of daily life took him away from his first... https://www.scmp.com/article/970537/small-wonders?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/970537/small-wonders?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 Jun 2011 16:00:00 +0000 All that glitters is gold Majolica Majorca's Summer 2011 line is based on Sleeping Beauty and the idea of looking refreshed after a good night's sleep. The line boasts two new colours in Aurora Tear Liner (HK$78), a glitter eyeliner that brings out the twinkle in your eyes, thanks to multicoloured micro-glitter. It can also be applied to lashes for a more glamorous evening look. Given the popularity of previous fragrances, the summer line also includes the limited edition Majoromantica F... https://www.scmp.com/article/970416/wow-factor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/970416/wow-factor?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Jun 2011 16:00:00 +0000 As the summer heats up, you'll find yourself reaching for lighter, fresher fragrances - sniff for citrus and floral notes in particular Bobbi Brown Almost Bare (HK$500/45ml) From the bottle to the fragrance itself, everything about this fresh perfume speaks of simplicity. Its delicate balance of bergamot and violet leaves soothes the senses. A little on the wrists will make you feel great all day. A Scent by Issey Miyake (HK$550/100ml) Delicate and floral, this scent is perfect for a romantic... https://www.scmp.com/article/970417/week-we-test-summer-scents?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/970417/week-we-test-summer-scents?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Jun 2011 16:00:00 +0000 Aung San Suu Kyi has a long history of fighting for democracy. Suu Kyi, known affectionately by supporters as Daw Suu or Auntie Suu in the Myanmese language, comes from a family of politicians. She was born in June 1945 in Yangon, Myanmar, formerly known as Burma. Her father, Aung San, was the founder of the modern Burmese army. He played a big role in helping his country gain independence from Britain in 1948. Suu Kyi's mother, Khin Kyi, was appointed Burma's ambassador to India and Nepal... https://www.scmp.com/article/969896/politics-runs-family?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/969896/politics-runs-family?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Jun 2011 16:00:00 +0000 Heavy beats. Bass pumping. Danceable rhythms. You may think this describes some cheesy top 100 hit by an artist who will disappear into pop history without making a mark. But you'd be wrong. Katy B (born Kathleen Brien) looks like she's here to stay. With more than 10 million YouTube hits, almost 10 sold-out shows and residence on the British charts for six weeks, the 22-year-old Brit is bringing the underground house scene into the mainstream. Combining lyrics about life as a carefree youth,... https://www.scmp.com/article/969784/bridging-divide?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/969784/bridging-divide?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Jun 2011 16:00:00 +0000 I finally moved out after spending eight months in the dorm. I know it's a little strange to say this, but I am having a little trouble adjusting to home. And by home, I mean Hong Kong. I've only been back for a few days, but right now I have a bad case of homesickness. A few months ago, I could not fathom not waking up in my own bed in the morning and running down the halls to turn on the lights, going down to eat breakfast in the cafe, then trudging to my 9.30am class. Now it just feels... https://www.scmp.com/article/967902/notes-dorm?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/967902/notes-dorm?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 May 2011 16:00:00 +0000 Right about now marks the midpoint of my first year at university. Now that I've settled in, everything feels more routine. The initial chaos of finding my way in a new country and way of life has subsided. But between tackling exams and finding time for friends, a new challenge has arisen: I need to hunt down a budget apartment or house to rent for next year. The dorm guarantees residence only for first-year students. The only way around this is to apply to become a residence sophomore, or... https://www.scmp.com/article/738180/notes-dorm?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/738180/notes-dorm?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:00:00 +0000 Lady Gaga is one of the most talked-about artists having emerged on the pop scene with a fanfare in 2008. With her dramatic performance at the American Music Awards in November and over-the-top wardrobe, the American singer, whose real name is Stefani Germanotta, never fails to surprise. The Fame Monster - her second album after her hit 2008 debut The Fame - contains elements of the electronic-dance beats of her earlier music, such as Poker Face, but has a darker edge. Her voice - coarser... https://www.scmp.com/article/734400/fame-monster-cd-lady-gaga?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/734400/fame-monster-cd-lady-gaga?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Dec 2010 16:00:00 +0000 Twilight Stephenie Meyer Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers ISBN 9780316038379 You may have seen the movie, but not everyone's read the book - and it's worth it. Twilight tells the story of outcast teen Bella Swan who moves to the city of Forks to be closer to her dad. But instead of spending quality time with him, she finds herself struggling to maintain a delicate balance between friendship with werewolf Jacob Black and blossoming romance with the mysterious Edward... https://www.scmp.com/article/733820/teens-vampires-and-werewolves?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/733820/teens-vampires-and-werewolves?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Dec 2010 16:00:00 +0000 Christmas may still be far away, but the University of Western Ontario is definitely getting into the Christmas spirit. I went to the dollar store to pick up a box load of Christmas decorations and started decorating - inspired by the festive spirit of 1 East (the floor and wing opposite mine - 2 South). The whole 1 East corridor was decorated with wrapping paper, and many students also had elaborate Christmas decorations and trees in their rooms. In my room, I opted for something more... https://www.scmp.com/article/732604/notes-dorm?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/732604/notes-dorm?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Dec 2010 16:00:00 +0000 You might think that since I began studying at university more than 12,000 kilometres from home (18 hours by flight), I and my parents would have drifted apart. Far from it. I'm doing my best to stay in touch with them through daily Skype calls - even if sometimes I miss a few calls ... oops, sorry mum! - and constant text messages. My parents remain a huge part of my life and I do not care how 'lame' that may seem. I've always loved spending my weekends with my parents. So much time away from... https://www.scmp.com/article/730561/notes-dorm?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/730561/notes-dorm?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 15 Nov 2010 16:00:00 +0000 The Halloween weekend came and went and my university did not disappoint. It had a range of activities, including dances, trips to mazes and 'trick or eating' dorm parties. My friends and I had been looking forward to this event for weeks as we slowly got through the midterms. I was the most prepared, buying my costume three months in advance during the summer. While I was in Tokyo I vowed to buy a Lolita costume. Over the years, I had seen so many variations of this romantic style of... https://www.scmp.com/article/729846/notes-dorm?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/729846/notes-dorm?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 08 Nov 2010 16:00:00 +0000 I had my 'O-Week' (freshman week) late last month and whoever said Canadians don't party hard obviously had not been to the University of Western Ontario. After beating McMaster University 50-19 in the first kickoff this season, we had a concert that featured KO, the Midway State and lastly Down with Webster! A beach ball party followed, and best yet, Webster even partied with the Western students. Still, as crazy as we partied, we all knew when to stop - we all had classes on Monday. ... https://www.scmp.com/article/726543/notes-dorm?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/726543/notes-dorm?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 04 Oct 2010 16:00:00 +0000 Twilight Stephenie Meyer Published by Atom ISBN 9781904233657 This is the first in a series of four books which has become a multimillion-dollar, global franchise. Filled with teen angst and clich?d expressions, Twilight is a whole season of soap opera crammed into a 498 page book. With violence, love, loss and rejection, there never seems to be a dull moment in the heroine Bella's life. But, the centre point of the novel is Bella's romantic life. Meyer depicts first love in all its many... https://www.scmp.com/article/725901/perfect-brain-break?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/725901/perfect-brain-break?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 26 Sep 2010 16:00:00 +0000 Upon arriving in London (London, Ontario, that is) after a two/three-hour drive that required me to contort my body and press it against the car door (there was no more space in our SUV - we even had to 'fold' one of the seats down), I was taken aback by the scenery. Being used to Hong Kong, Toronto was already a culture shock. And London is more of a college town where the university makes an impact on people's everyday lives. In fact, in a Japanese restaurant, there was even a 'university... https://www.scmp.com/article/724053/notes-dorm?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/724053/notes-dorm?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Sep 2010 16:00:00 +0000 Jason Khoo, 16 As we walked down a narrow alley towards the pier, making our way through rusty boat parts and puddles of muddy water, my hopes of a great day of sailing a catamaran were dashed. There was no way a nice boat would be parked at this pier. But then we saw this shiny white catamaran nearing the pier. It was an amazing boat. After we boarded, the catamaran sailed to Middle Island where our instructors gave us the basic overview of sailing. We learned about terms like ... https://www.scmp.com/article/723006/day-out-sea?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/723006/day-out-sea?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:00:00 +0000 MAC goes abfab for felines Building on the timeless cat-eye trend, MAC will soon launch their first autumn/winter 'Fabulous Felines' collection, showing off the animal's sensuality and mystery. To get the perfect furr-ocious look, MAC's new offerings include three new eyeshadow quads (HK$315 each), nine liquid eyeliners (HK$160 each), 12 lipsticks (HK$130 each) and nine lip glosses (HK$130 each). Obvious standouts are the waterproof liquid eyeliners (available in nine colours) that will... https://www.scmp.com/article/722846/wow-factor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/722846/wow-factor?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Aug 2010 16:00:00 +0000 For a subtle effect on fingers and toes, try a lightly glittery polish that works day or night. Coffret D'or Jewelight (HK$70/8ml) If you are going for a girly look, this is a great option. It spreads on smoothly, blends beautifully and lasts for quite a long time. A single layer is enough to give you glittery talons. Anna Sui Nail Polish (HK$125/10ml) A piece of cake to apply, put on three of four coats if you want to make this really noticeable. Quick-drying and lasts for days. Nars ... https://www.scmp.com/article/722804/week-we-test-shimmer-nail-polish?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/722804/week-we-test-shimmer-nail-polish?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Aug 2010 16:00:00 +0000 Visually impaired students in Hong Kong seem to be at a disadvantage when it comes to studying. Blind candidates in this year's HKCEE were forced to play catch-up with their sighted classmates when studying for the exam. They had to wait up to three months for books and course notes to be transcribed into Braille. Terry Lam Wing-shun, a blind 19-year-old Form Four student, recalls his friends struggling. 'My friends got their class notes later than other students so they didn't have enough... https://www.scmp.com/article/722321/layer-obstacles?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/722321/layer-obstacles?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Aug 2010 16:00:00 +0000 Fruity way to clean up EveryBody Labo's new range of hair and body products allows you to enjoy these smell of fresh, sweet fruit while balancing the oils on your skin and getting rid of dead skin cells. The papaya shampoo (HK$79/236ml) claims to get rid of dandruff and restore your hair to health. What's more, all proceeds of the shampoo go to breast cancer patients. Available at all EveryBody Labo outlets. Perfect beauty Makeup should be used to enhance your features, not cover them. To... https://www.scmp.com/article/722220/wow-factor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/722220/wow-factor?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Aug 2010 16:00:00 +0000 Your choice of fragrance says a lot about you, whether you're a guy or a girl. We test some of the newest scents around this summer. Diesel Fuel for Summer Men (HK$380/75ml) 7/10 In keeping with Diesel's cowboy style, a pouch made from rough cloth is included with the fragrance. The sweet scent is very refreshing, perfectly reflecting the product's motto, 'Fuel For Life'. Tel: 2525 0540 D Squared2 He Wood Ocean Wet Wood (HK$486/50ml) 8/10 The grainy wood frame surrounds the bottle, giving... https://www.scmp.com/article/722221/week-we-test-mens-fragrances?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/722221/week-we-test-mens-fragrances?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Aug 2010 16:00:00 +0000 A typical 'kiddie' film, Despicable Me describes the transformation of self-proclaimed super-villain, Gru, from evil bad guy to perfect dad. The problem is, Gru's most sinister crime is stealing the Statue of Liberty and Eiffel Tower - the ones in Las Vegas, that is. His efforts pale in comparison to those of Vector, his nemesis, who stole the Pyramids of Egypt, and replaced them with inflatable replicas. The switch from villain to nice guy is messy. One mishap causes Gru's fatherly... https://www.scmp.com/article/722074/despicable-me-film?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/722074/despicable-me-film?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Aug 2010 16:00:00 +0000 Dolphins are some of the most intelligent - and popular - creatures in the world, and last month, some lucky Young Post readers got to hang out with the clever critters. The six youngsters started off with a lesson on dolphins and their conservation, then they were off to the water to meet the adorable sea mammals. Here they share their wonderful experiences with the dolphins. Ayra Marie Perakath, 12 The Dolphin Encounter was a truly top drawer experience. It started with a 30-minute learning... https://www.scmp.com/article/721819/close-and-personal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/721819/close-and-personal?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Aug 2010 16:00:00 +0000 A restaurant, Serendipity 3, has launched two desserts in conjunction with jewellery store Euphoria New York. The HK$7,800 Grand Opulence has to be ordered at least 48 hours in advance. The sundae, served in a tall crystal cup, consists of three scoops of vanilla ice cream covered in 23-carat edible gold leaf. This purse-busting dessert also has Parisien candied fruit, truffles and caviar. The Frrrozen Haute Chocolate, at HK$195,000, is the most expensive dessert in the world. It has to... https://www.scmp.com/article/721821/desserts-take-cake?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/721821/desserts-take-cake?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Aug 2010 16:00:00 +0000 A typical 'kiddie' film, Despicable Me describes the transformation of self-proclaimed super-villain, Gru, from evil villain to fatherly figure. The problem is, Gru's most sinister crime is stealing the Statue of Liberty and Eiffel Tower - the ones in Las Vegas, that is. However, his efforts pale in comparison to those of Vector, his quirky nemesis, who stole the Egyptian Pyramids, replacing them with bouncy castle replicas. The transition from villain to emotional human is overdone and... https://www.scmp.com/article/721637/film-falls-despicably-short?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/721637/film-falls-despicably-short?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Aug 2010 16:00:00 +0000