Featured In BlogTV.sg – Celebrity Advice By Andrea De Cruz

Once in a while, LIFE throws you such great opportunities that you just grabbed them by the horns and do the best that you can.  Last week, I was invited to go on National Television to present my views as a parent who prefers to send her children to elite or “branded schools”.

LIVE on BlogTV Singapore with Cheryl Fox, Tim Oh.

Eck!! I haven’t had a hair cut in 3 months!! So off I go to my favourite person who always makes me look beautiful – Vincent Lee from CINQ Hair Salon.  And while Vincent styled my hair, who should walk by but Mediacorp Artiste Andrea De Cruz herself!!

A familiar face on local television, Andrea is also a Director of CINQ salon. She paused to give me some advice on how to look and sound incredible on television:

1. Look Presentable – “Be mindful of the audience of the show and dress appropriately.  If you are appearing as an expert, wear a jacket and look the part.  Never appear too casual,” says Andrea adding that smart casual is always a safe bet on TV.  Other nuggets of advice include:

• Bear in mind that there’s a lot of harsh lightning.
• AVOID stripes or white colour clothing on TV.
• Avoid Smoky eyes or dark red lipstick (for Asians).
• Wear light, neutral shades and blend the colour properly.
• Try to look natural without looking like you’ve put in too much effort.

2. Appear Credible – The content of the show is important. Go on the program fully aware of the topic to be discussed. “Know what you are talking about,” says Andrea.

• Prepare yourself by asking the producer of the show for a list of questions that will be asked during the show.
• Do some research on your part
• Practice your answers at home so you have an idea what to say on the program.

3. Make Sense When You Speak – Some people tend to mumble when they are nervous or put on the spot.  Here’s what Andrea advise:

• Project your voice; no need to shout as you are wearing a mic, just speak a notch louder than your normal voice.
• Speak clearly
• Don’t suddenly go introvert

Vincent, a Director and one of 5 partners at the hair salon suggests that you invest in a styling session with a reputable hair salon 2-3 hours before the show.

“The hairstyle should go with the dressing,” he said before offering these tips:

• Long hair – try curling your hair for a more dramatic look or iron straight hair for a sleek look
• Soft curls are better – schedule more time if you are curling your hair.
• Straighten frizzy hair
• Use hair products to control unruly curls or frizzy hair
• Brush on some serum to add shine to hair

CINQ Hair Salon is a favourite among local celebrities, models, expats and high-flying professionals, including Sharon Lim (Editor-in-Chief of ELLE Singapore), Corrina Lim  (Executive Director of AWARE), Glenn Goei and Ivan Heng (renowned theatre directors), international stars like Joan Chen, Ananda Everingham, Tanya Chua and even ex-British Prime Minister’s wife, Shirley Blair.

CINQ is located at 137 Telok Ayer Street #01-03 (opposite the Hokkien Temple), Tel: 6223 3380 and 6 Scotts Road, Scotts Square #03-16, Tel: 6636 0100