From The Straits Times    |

Her World editors

Photo: Mary-Ann Soh, Her World

Here at Her World, we take the business of beauty very seriously. Every day, we sort through numerous skincare, haircare, makeup, and body products in order to suss out what’s hot and what’s not.

Naturally, that makes us perfectly well-equipped to judge the upcoming Guardian Health Beauty Awards 2019, as with years past. Besides teaming up with popular beauty influencer Soh Peishi and rising makeup artist Sahur Saleim, we’ve also roped in three of the most experienced beauty editors at Her World: Penelope Chan, Melissa Chew and Mary-Ann Soh.

These three editors live and breathe beauty on a daily basis; they’ll be giving you the lowdown on what to buy and how you can get the most out of your purchases at Guardian – no holds barred. We’ve also taken the liberty to grill them on what they really think about beauty, how they fell in love with it, and what uniquely qualifies them to be a beauty judge.

 

Penelope Chan, Executive Editor

 

 

 

Every available space in my bathroom is filled with beauty products. I have a huge bathroom cabinet stacked with it, and the area under my sink hasn’t been spared either. One of my favourite things to do is to go “shopping” for something new to use from this secret stash every few weeks. Shhh, it’s my secret indulgence…

I can’t live without…

A pre-serum and a rich moisturiser

One thing I love about being a Healthy Beauty Awards judge is…

The excitement of removing the packaging from every beauty and makeup product, and then discovering how they each work.

Tell us what kind of judge you think you are.

I’m always looking out for the reader/consumer. When testing any product, I ask myself: what would someone be looking for if they were to buy that category of product, what do they want to experience when using it, and what are they expecting the results to be.

How did you feel when you first received the products for testing?

Ready to hit the ground running! I already had a mental schedule of when to test which product, to give every item a fair chance.

The testing process over the last few weeks has been…

Intense but great fun. I wake up every morning looking forward to using the products, and I’m always looking in the mirror several times a day to check how the product is working out.

One thing I love about Guardian stores is…

It’s a one-stop store to find everything related to beauty and health. It’s like an Aladdin’s cave of new brands and products. Love the promotions, too!

 

Melissa Chew, Associate Beauty Editor

 

 

 

When I was 18, I was a geeky student fresh out of college but I got accepted into Singapore Airline’s cabin crew school. On the first day, we were ushered into the grooming training room to learn how to execute the classic SQ girl makeup look and it was also the first time I ever wore a full face of makeup. Then it was mandatory every day of my work as an SQ stewardess. I fell in love with makeup, skincare and all things beauty from then on and naturally went into beauty editorial after I left the airline and attended university.

One thing I love about being a Healthy Beauty Awards judge is…

Trying out more beauty products I haven’t before… You never know what gem you’ll find.

Tell us what kind of judge you think you are.

I’m easily impressed initially but later, I tend to compare the new contender with similar products I’ve tried previously and only then I’ll have my verdict on what my favourite is.

How did you feel when you first received the products for testing?

Like a kid on Christmas morning, with a box full of beauty goodies to play with.

The testing process over the last few weeks has been…

Nothing but fun – I tried shampoos, sheet masks, body lotions, facial cleansers, and an assortment of makeup. New stuff to try every day in the name of work.

One thing I love about Guardian stores is…

Browsing the beauty and wellness shelves at my leisure. I have so many beauty goodies sent to me at my desk every day in the course of my work, but I still love checking out the aisles in the stores.

Do you have a beauty hack to share?

Try new products with minimal commitment by picking up miniature or travel-sized products that are often on sale at stores like Guardian.

 

Mary-Ann Soh, Online Editor

 

 

I started being experimental with beauty since I was pretty young. From sleeping with rollers in my head and waking up with ‘Felicity’ curls to creating my own DIY mask with egg white because I couldn’t afford fancy masks as a student. Am so glad those awkward days are over, but I think I still have this curious streak in me that’s why I still love experimenting with beauty till this day.

I can’t live without…

My trusty eyebrow pencil because I believe have nicely shaped brows helps to frame my face.

One thing I love about being a Healthy Beauty Awards judge is…

Yes, in a way, you’re like a guinea pig but you get to test all the latest beauty products in the market that I will not necessarily buy or be exposed to as a regular consumer.

Tell us what kind of judge you think you are.

I’m always on a lookout for new product innovations (of course, I’m really curious if they really do what they say) and products that do double duty because I’m constantly on a lookout for products that helps me save time and yet delivers the results.

You can be a Guardian Healthy Beauty Awards judge too.
 
Let your voice be heard by voting in the Fans’ Favourites category, and stand to win Guardian product hampers worth up to $300, plus $10 e-vouchers! Simply head over to Guardian Healthy Beauty Awards 2019 to vote for your preferred products.

Coach ID Lanyard
Now $75
Original price: $168
Shop Now
Jabra Elite 4 Wireless Earbuds
Now $88
Original price: $162
Shop Now
BaByliss Air Pro 2300
Now $63
Original price: $144
Shop Now
Abib Collagen Eye Patch
Now $19
Original price: $35
Shop Now