You’ve seen them on your Instagram feed and always wondered, how can someone take such impressive food photos? You’re caught in an endless scroll, showcasing drool-worthy pictures that’s making your stomach growl and mouth water. If you’re the type who needs to take a picture of their food before eating it, here are a few simple tips and tricks that will immediately level up your Instagram food photography.1. Tap and holdYour phone camera usually takes better quality photos, and you won’t end up with a potentially unfocused or pixelated shot when you eventually upload it on Instagram. But here’s the secret! Tap and hold your screen, to ensure your camera lens is focused on the object (a plate of pasta for example). This will result in a clearer and brighter image. Use the camera grid to help compose your photo. A good shot means the focus of your photo has to be placed in the middle, upper or lower thirds.2. Never zoom inIf there’s a lot of space or obstruction surrounding the main object, shift them around and see how they can add layers to your photo. If they don’t add value, remove them. Remember to not zoom in and snap, it will decrease the image quality and greatly affect end result.3. Get the perfect cropBefore taking your photo, try shooting the picture in a square format so it’s easier to see how it’ll look like on your Instagram feed. This limits the struggle of having to crop into a square format, after you’ve taken the picture.4. Angles are everythingYou’ve seen how people take photos of their food at cafes and restaurants – directly above, to product a flatlay image. Yes, it looks great! But only if the angle is right. If you don’t have enough dishes or props to create a decent flatlay, try different angles, like shooting from the side instead. The possibilities are endless – get creative!5. Shoot in natural sunlightFinding the right light can elevate the beauty of your photo by tenfold. You already have an appetising dish in front of you, so make sure you don’t ruin it by taking a picture under artificial or fluorescent light – natural sunlight is the answer. When dining at a restaurant or cafe, request for a window seat, which will make for well-lit photos. If the lighting’s just not great, don’t fret. Photo editing apps like VSCO, Snapseed or even Instagram can be used to brighten it up. Think vivid colours and have them colour-coordinated, so your dish looks prettier on the whole.With meREWARDS, you’ll get to earn cashback when you sign up with Circles.Life. If you'd like to take it to the next level, be sure to check out Canon for an array of DSLR cameras for the best image quality. Go ahead and level up your food photography on Instagram!

Be a tourist in your own city and experience our local tourism hospitality like you’ve never before. Refresh yourselves away from work and stay at these five best staycation hotels that we’ve curated just for you. From the Civic District, to Fort Canning Park and Little India, these hotels are the best getaway for a weekend staycation in beautiful Singapore.1. M Hotel SingaporeM Hotel Singapore is located within the Central Business District, making it well connected by public transportation and is of walking distance to many famous attractions such as Marina Bay Sands, The Esplanade, National Gallery and Victoria Museum. If you’re having a staycation with the kids, consider the Family Suite where you’ll have plenty of space for the kids to play and a picturesque city view from the comfort of your room. Did you know that the hotel has a robotic breakfast chef?If you’re a foodie, this is the perfect staycation hotel for you! M Hotel Singapore is just a 10 mins walk to Lau Pa Sat, where you can have a scrumptious dinner or supper – satays and barbecued chicken wings are a must!81 Anson RdS0799082. Lloyd’s InnLocated away from the bustling area of Somerset, lies a minimalistic boutique hotel off Killiney Road. Although it’s located in a prime location, you’ll get to enjoy this sanctuary, where the hotel prides itself in converging nature, space, light, texture, convenience and comfort into its design. With its objective of offering guests a peaceful immersive experience in an oasis of nature, a stay at Llyod’s Inn is the staycation retreat you’ll definitely need.All guests are provided with vouchers to a nearby café, Artisan Boulangerie Co that offers fresh bakes such as pastries and fresh coffee. Alternatively, there’s a bevy of food options within close proximity for you to indulge on. Or be spoilt by our 1-for-1 dining treats!Read: Affordable restaurants to check out when you’re in Orchard Road2 Lloyd RdS2390913. The Great MadrasAlthough The Great Madras is small in size with just 34 rooms, the hotel was awarded with the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s Architectural Heritage Award on 9 November 2018. It comes as no surprise as the hotel features tastefully designed rooms with pastel colours, stylish furniture and artistic wallpapers. Opened in early 2018, it has an uncanny resemblance to Wes Anderson’s film, The Grand Budapest Hotel, known for the symmetrical and colour blocking design concepts – making it one of the hotspots for fashion shoots. Every nook and cranny of the room is intricately designed, which will leave you in awe. More images for your Instagram feed! The hotel is of close proximity to numerous attractions such as Mustaffa Centre, City Square Mall and Tekka Centre.28 Madras StS208422Read: Insta-worthy spots to check out in Singapore4. Hotel Fort CanningMany are unaware that there’s a luxurious hotel atop Fort Canning Park. Fittingly named Hotel Fort Canning Park, the hotel is a hidden gem in the heart of Dhoby Ghaut. Surrounded by lush greenery and away from the cacophony of traffic and public, the hotel is where you’ll discover tranquillity at the comfort of your own city. In the evening, take a stroll at Fort Canning Park and discover history which dates back to 14th century Singapore.After a long day exploring the city, unwind yourselves at Chinois Spa where guests enjoy 25% discount on selected treatments. Alternatively, take a dip in the two landscaped swimming pools surrounded by verdant greenery. Did you know the hotel’s swimming pool are filled with mineral water treated by a system from NASA? It helps in eliminating the smell and health problems associated with chlorine.11 Canning WalkS1788815. Quincy Hotel by Far East HospitalityA true testament for its commendable hospitality, Quincy Hotel by Far East Hospitality was the first local boutique hotel to win the Best Hotel Experience Award at Singapore Tourism Awards 2017. Conveniently located about 10 mins walk from Orchard Rd, be transported into a club-like guest experience for its stylish design and upbeat environment. The hotel features 108 modern designed rooms, which includes free WiFi and free beverages and snacks from the rooms’ minibars. After a tiring day of exploring the city, seek respite in their illuminated infinity pool, overlooking the city.22 Mount ElizabethS228517Hotel deals are temporarily paused until further notice, no cashback provided during this period.

There are numerous factors such as stress, hectic work schedules, lack of nutritional diet and inadequate sleep that’s affecting your skin condition. While makeup is the answer for many, there’s only so much your highlighter palette or concealer can help your dreary complexion. The best way to achieve healthy skin is to do it naturally. Note that radiant and clear skin doesn’t happen overnight, be patient and incorporate these natural 6 tips into your daily life. Go and get that lit-from-within look!1. Hydrate yourselfDrinking at least 10 to 12 glasses of water daily helps to remove toxins from your body. Our body is composed of 60% water and it helps with transportation of nutrients, digestion, absorption and maintenance of your body temperature. Once you’ve developed a habit of drinking water regularly, that’s when you can start to include the rest of your skincare products like brightening and anti-aging into your regimen, as hydrated skin makes it easier for ingredients to penetrate deeper into your skin.Shop an array of moisturiser at Sephora.2. Skip foods that are high on sugar and refined carbsConsuming too much sugary foods like ice cream, cake, donuts, and refined carbs like white bread, rice and cookies, will lead to your skin eventually getting dry, dull, weak and less supple. This is due to the sugars affecting proteins like collagen and elastin (which keep your skin plump and springy) within your body. In fact, you want to be stocking up on fresh fruits and vegetables that are loaded with vitamin C.Some of the best fruits for glowing skin are papaya, mangoes, banana and oranges. For vegetables, be sure to include carrots, broccoli, tomatoes and leafy vegetables into your diet.Read: 10 simple steps to organise your fridgeGet your groceries from EAMart.3. Cleanse, exfoliate, tone and moisturiseDon’t fully stray away from products, as they are essential for radiant skin.Firstly, choose a cleanser that is gentle yet effective, as you don’t want an overly-harsh formula that may remove your skin’s natural oils away. After cleansing, exfoliate, but only once every few days or weekly. A good exfoliator product, shouldn’t be too harsh on your skin as it should help in removing any dead skin and hidden impurities.Next, apply the toner which will remove any remaining debris, soothes, nourishes, and hydrates your skin. The final step is to moisturise - choose a product according to your skin type, whether it’s dry, normal, oily or both. Moisturising should be a key step to your regime, and finding the right cream or gel cream for your skin is important.Shop an array of skincare products from Althea, Hebeloft, and Hermo.4. Don’t forget the sunblockBeing in sunny Singapore, it’s hot and sunny most of the time. Always remember to shield your skin by applying sunblock that has at least SPF 15 and above, with UVA and UVB ray protection. Don’t skip this even if the day isn’t bright and sunny. Remember to re-apply sunscreen every few hours or so, to protect your skin better.If you’re wearing makeup, consider a sunscreen mist or spray, for easy application. Before you go to bed, ensure the product is completely removed with a makeup remover or micellar water. Never sleep with your makeup on, it will clog your pores which will lead to breakouts.Protect yourself from harmful rays here at Guardian, Foreo SG and Strawberrynet.5. Get a good night’s restSet aside at least 8 hours for your beauty sleep. Our body repairs damaged cells and develop new cells when we sleep. Sleeping adequately aids more blood flow to your skin, which leads to that dewy morning glow you’ve always wondered how to get. Plus, say goodbye to dark circles and puffy bags when you’ve gotten enough rest.Read: 10 tips to sleep better at nightShop scented candles for a better sleep at Shopee.