With the new year being a mere 14 days away, it seems as perfect a time as any to look back at the most notable public and personal happenings of 2024. On the public front, memorable events over the past 12 months include Trump’s reelection; the abrupt re-emergence and prevalence of monkeypox; as well as the conducting of the Summer Olympics in Paris, France—and that’s just a macro-view on key global proceedings, we’d like to add. If we were to hone in on a specific sector, however, it’s safe to say that the beauty sphere is one that has held our attention in 2024. For one, further advancements in technology catapulted a crop of jaw-dropping new skincare innovations into the spotlight, birthing intriguing new terms such as regenerative topicals as well as neurocosmetics. And not forgetting, of course, the significant growth of the wellness space in South-East Asia and Singapore in particular, which is evidenced by the opening of two luxury holistic retreats on our sunny shores: Hideaway and Rekoop.
Still, that’s not to say that cold plunges and red light spa facilities are the only ways to go about enhancing your wellbeing—or that they are the primary methods that Singaporeans utilise to better their overall health and welfare. In fact, the Vogue Singapore team begs to differ. Below, a look at the small yet significant wellness changes that we have enacted, from incorporating newfangled supplements into our diet to consciously altering our sleeping patterns.
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Gordon Ng, watches and jewellery editor: Nifty massage tools
I’m obsessed with this wacky massage tool from Aromatica as well as this eye massage tool from Clarins. Mostly, it’s been about slowing down after a shower and taking the time to luxuriate a little. I used to just scoff at these type of instruments, and I am not 100% sure yet that I am using them right, but they feel very much like a little daily dose of self-care.
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Azrin Tan, senior digital writer: Incorporating basic back stretches into my daily routine
Towards the tail end of 2023, I was struck with chronic and severe back pain—a combined result of an accidental sprain and long desk hours which exacerbated it. Part of the recovery plan involved a dedicated and continued regime of simple back stretches that could ease the tension and relax my muscles. I make it a point to do it once a day, be it just after rousing from my slumber or before I go to bed, and it’s proven to be a great way to stretch out my other underused muscles too.
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Nicholas See, fashion stylist: Ashwagandha supplements
I started taking Ashwagandha supplements this year, and have observed a significant reduction in my stress and anxiety levels. I’ve also noticed that my sleep quality has been a lot better.
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Dominique Yohanes, contributing beauty writer: Legs up
I was introduced to this initially amusing habit by my younger sister. Every night, post-shower, I elevate my legs up against the wall for five to ten minutes before hopping into bed. That’s literally it. Quick, free and easy, the inversion—which is a yoga pose known as viparita karani—helps to detoxify the body by improving lymphatic drainage and promoting blood flow back towards the upper body. It also reduces leg swelling and, as a bonus, has become a relaxing signifier to my mind that sleep time is approaching and the wind down is nigh.
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Bryan Ho, fashion features writer: No coffee on an empty stomach
I’ve stopped taking coffee on an empty stomach in the mornings, which has significantly reduced my acid reflux and bloating. It leaves me feeling better (and more productive) throughout the day.
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Janice Sim, digital editor: Finding the beauty in low-impact workouts
Since I started working out, I’ve always gravitated towards anything high-intensity. Anything that gets my heart racing, where I’m chasing that calorie shred on my Apple Watch. This year, after an ayurvedic consultation, I was advised to consider slower, low-impact exercises that can quieten my mind instead, so as to quell the ‘fire’ in me. It’s still a challenge, but I’ve incorporated walks into my weekly runs and even took up Pilates. While it’s still a battle of my mind telling my body it’s not enough, I’ve learned a great deal of slowing down and giving myself grace and ample rest.
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Emily Heng, associate beauty editor: Zinc supplements
My immunity system was at an all-time low post-Covid, which meant that I was constantly falling sick despite various attempts at eating healthier and exercising more regularly. I started zinc supplements on a doctor’s recommendation and was floored by its efficacy—this recognised inflammation-fighter treats infections, promotes blood sugar management, and even shortens the duration of certain respiratory tract conditions. I pop a single tablet a day to reduce the chances of getting hit with a virus, especially when I’m travelling to another country with a drastically different climate.
