POWER COUPLES

Two dynamic couples share their secrets to infectious energy, impeccable style and boundless youth.

LINDA BLACK Age 38, Television Personality OLIVER PETTIGREW Age 32, Television Personality

You could say Linda and Oliver are natural soul mates. The very first day Texas-born Linda arrived in Singapore, the couple miraculously found each other. These days, the effervescent parents of two share everything from personal milestones to skincare and fitness regimens.

How do you keep your skin looking great all the time? Linda: In a life full of chaos, one of the only things that never changes is my skincare regime. I cleanse, tone, use a pre-serum, serum, moisturiser and BB cream. Oliver: Linda got me started on moisturising and now we practically follow the same routine. She just uses her skincare products and hands them to me in the same order. What are your skincare staples? Linda: I use SK-II religiously. I have already tried the new SK-II LXP Ultimate Perfecting Eye Cream—it’s lovely and velvety. I also love the Stempower Essence because the texture is fantastic, the scent is awesome, and it’s so quickly absorbed. Sometimes, when my skin can’t decide if it’s 30 or 13, and I have breakouts, I’d apply it and my pimple would dry up in a day or two. Oliver: A few months ago, I noticed that Linda’s skin was looking better than ever when she started using SK-II. That’s how I got started. I like the Facial Treatment Essence—it tightens my skin and makes it more receptive to moisturisers. What do you do to keep fit? Oliver: I co-own a gym, Ritual, and go for the 20-minute high intensity interval training three times a week. Every time you do this workout, the work-to-rest ratio and intensity changes so your body can never fully adapt. That’s why it’s so effective. Linda: I go to Ritual as well. When you don’t have a lot of time, 20 minutes is perfect. What is your best-kept red carpet secret? Linda: Don’t underestimate the importance of a great under-eye concealer or brightener. I always carry one with me, just in case my mascara flakes. Also, my eyes are deep-set, so it really helps to brighten me up. Oliver: I always use a mattifier. I don’t want a shiny forehead in event photos, so this ensures a nice matte finish. Share one interesting style or wellness tip you’ve picked up on the job. Oliver: The cool part about my job is that I’ve travelled to 45 cities over the last six years. I find that the best way to get over jet lag is to exercise and get ample sunlight. In Valencia, I ran through the centre of the city, and in Los Angeles, I jogged around Lake Hollywood. Linda: Accessorise and have your accessories displayed where you can see them. I have little stick-on hangers for my jewellery and just stack them on the wall. What’s your favourite grooming indulgence? Linda: I never leave home without lip gloss. Oliver: For the ultimate ‘man morning’, I go for my regular training at Ritual, and then head for a shave and haircut. So what’s in the works for you? Oliver: I’ll be moving to California any day now. I’ve already signed on with IMG in Los Angeles. Linda is from Texas, so she’s going to move there with the kids, and we’ll shuttle back and forth for the time being. Linda: I’m probably going back to acting in Texas, but we plan on maintaining close ties with Singapore. Beyond that, Oli and I really embrace the fact that whatever happens, happens. We are survivors, and we’ll accept whatever comes our way.

MICHELLE AU Age 36, Creative Director of Tofu ALEX LIM Age 34, Creative Director of Tofu

Michelle and Alex are always pushing creative boundaries. The artistic duo not only founded creative studio Tofu two and a half years ago; they are also the brains behind Temporium, the latest pop-up store on Dunlop Street with eclectic fashion, food and design offerings. The couple share their creative influences and grooming tips with BAZAAR.

Where do you go for creative inspiration? Alex: Fly to Tokyo. But of course I can’t do that on a whim, so I read Japanese magazines and books as well. Michelle: We love Tokyo. Before our daughter Julianne was born in 2012, we used to travel there at least once a year. Tokyo is a beacon of creative energy. But it is the quieter pockets such as Daikanyama, Nakameguro, Shimokitazawa, the back lanes of Harajuku, and the parks that we truly enjoy. What's always in your travel bag? Michelle: Lots of lightweight moisturiser, sunblock and a whitening serum. But I also love wearing hats to shield my skin from the sun. Alex: It's always good to bring an exfoliator and toner. Depending on where you travel, air pollution could be worse than what our skin is used to in Singapore. How does grooming fit into your busy schedule? Alex: I spend five minutes styling my hair daily. My theory is that if it takes you more than 30 minutes to do your hair, it’s time to get a haircut. Michelle: Alex has naturally flawless skin and doesn’t have to do much! Every time we go out, people compliment him on his skin. Even men discuss it. I tend to be more particular about my beauty regime. I go for the full works – cleanser, toner, moisturiser, eye cream and sunscreen. Any skincare recommendations? Michelle: I'd use SK-II LXP Masterpieces for a relaxing regimen, when I don't have a busy day ahead. It feels rich, velvety and pampering. Alex: I don’t usually use facial products, but I recently tried the new SK-II LXP Ultimate Perfecting Eye Cream, and was surprised at how fuss-free it was. It helps to refresh my tired eyes. Is there one skincare rule you try to live by? Michelle: Drink eight glasses of water. Luckily for me, I naturally want to drink water. Even at meal times, I need my Chinese soups. Alex: Get a good night's sleep—not just in terms of the hours you clock, but go to bed at a regular time every night as well. What’s your best grooming tip? Michelle: When I have tired skin, I use a mask. The best time is at night, after a warm shower, especially when the mask is chilled. It's very relaxing for the facial muscles. I also keep my makeup minimal so as not to aggravate my skin. I simply even out my complexion with BB creme, draw my eyebrows, pat on some loose powder and moisturise a lot. Alex: Never underestimate humidity. Our local weather is less forgiving on hair products, and hair can go limp before the day is done. I always ask if a product caters for humid weather before buying it. How would you describe your style identity? Michelle: I am torn between the girly wiles of Tsumori Chisato and the deconstructed tailoring of Comme des Garcons. But I’m definitely a mood dresser—I style my outfit around the key item that I feel like wearing. Alex: Curated practicality—while aesthetics are vital, I usually stick to the principle that what you wear should not make you uncomfortable.