All posts tagged: shopping

Fancl Zero Preservatives Skincare

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I recently contracted a bout of contact dermatitis on my décolleté, an allergic reaction to a product I applied on my skin. It itched and burned, and was covered in angry and red welts for weeks. Now that I’ve recovered with antihistamines, I’m left with patchy scars on my chest. I’m just patiently waiting for my skin tone in that area to even out. It was a painful reminder to always pay attention to the ingredients in my skincare. Now while I cannot guarantee that Fancl skincare would not cause you to break out in an allergic reaction, as everyone reacts differently to skincare products; it is a “cleaner” option. This Japanese skincare brand which is well-known for its oral collagen skincare supplements, is also renowned for its preservative-free and fragrance-free formulas. Its anti-ageing and moisturising range are sold in relatively small 30ml bottles, which are doubly-sealed. The rationale: as it is preservative-free, it needs to be kept fresh and you need to use up the content of the bottle quickly for best results. The …

Of Muse and Myth: Aesop Holiday 2019

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These are made for the artist, the sophisticate, the stylish, the intellectual, the beautiful. Inspired by the Greek Gods, Aesop’s Holiday Kits are perfect microcosms of skincare goodness. Pampering packages of the brand’s signature products that are best gifted to family and deserving close friends. Because we are skincare addicts, our top pick is The Chronicler (S$185) featuring a skin clarifying set of Purifying Facial Exfoliant Paste, Primrose Facial Cleansing Mask, and Fabulous Face Oil. A close second is the skin-brightening The Orator (S$240) with Parsley Seed Facial Cleanser, Antioxidant Facial Toner, and Serum. For a smoother body and hands, go for The Reveller (S$160) Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash and Balm; and Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser as well as Rind Concentrate Body Balm. Available at Aesop boutiques.

Sephora Fall 2019: Look out for these

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Probiotic formulas Probiotics are good for your gut, and good for your skin too.       Potent serums and oils Because we always recommend amp-ing up your skincare routine to re-boot skin.       Multi-tasking moisturisers Because who doesn’t love do-it-all formulas?     Colours Fall shades that are still bright and lively.     Complexion perfectors Quick-fixes for flawless-looking skin       For pampering all-over Literally head-to-toe.

The Ordinary, Covent Garden

Shopping in London: The Ordinary

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In a world of beauty products printed with mysterious and long lists of skincare ingredients, the appearance of The Ordinary is like seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. Launched in 2016, The Ordinary revolutionised the beauty market with affordable products that contain simple and effective ingredients. Soon, The Ordinary was on the hit list of beauty junkies that knew their retinol from their alpha hydroxy acids. Packaged simply in tinted glass dropper bottles, most of the products are made in straightforward combinations of the two best ingredients that would make one’s skin better: more hydrated, smoother, firmer, fairer. One at a time. The Ordinary does not make promises about do-it-all serums; just the right and pure ingredients that do it. TBG was in London earlier this year, and picked up 7 items that would be good for beginners looking to treat their skin, without having to risk too much of a reaction: Antioxidants to fix stressed skin: Resveratrol 3%+Ferulic Acid 3% Moisturisation: Hyaluronic Acid 2%+B5, or, 100% Plant-Derived Squalane, or, Amino Acids+B5 …

YSL Beauty Hearts & Arrows Collection

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There’s something about getting your hands on makeup with pretty packaging. Even better if the beauty items are classics that belong in your regular routine, so you get maximum mileage out of the limited edition collection. (That is, if you bear to use them instead of storing them away carefully.) YSL Beauty’s seasonal range is a case in point. This February, its Heart & Arrows collection will literally make your heart palpitate a little faster. Sparkly hearts embellish the iconic Touche Eclat pen, while the Rouge Volupte Shine is printed with bold scarlet ones.

Sulwhasoo’s First Christmas Advent Calendar

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As a clear sign of Sulwhasoo’s readiness to take on the international market with its commercial festivities, it has launched its first ever advent calendar. Traditionally, religious advent calendars are used to count down the days to Christmas, with little gifts and puzzles behind each “door”. Sulwhasoo’s version is made up of little pastel paper boxes filled with almost its entire range of skincare items. So if you’ve never tried the brand’s formulas before; or are looking for travel-sized items for your post-gym skincare routine, this advent calendar is a good purchase. Out of the 24 boxes in the set, four items are a sizeable 30ml and above: Hydro-Aid Moisturising Soothing Mist (30ml) Clarifying Mask EX (50ml) Overnight Vitalizing Mask EX (50ml) Radiance Energy Mask (30ml) There are also four 25g bars of herbal soaps Pine Tree Plum Blossom Apricot Red Ginseng A surprise ginseng-scented candle is also thrown into the mix. The rest of the items range between 3.5ml and 15ml. This is also a fun set to get for Christmas parties; just let …

Holiday pampering: Skin Inc Optimizer Voyage Tri-Light

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Clearer and brighter skin is always a good start to party season. Skin Inc’s Optimizer Voyage is one of those fancy skincare gadgets that can actually inject an instant glow and tighten skin immediately. The latest version of this device – the shape and size of a regular automated cleansing brush – delivers bursts of LED light in five shades to boost skin healing. (Read about the benefits of LED light here.) Red repairs, blue soothes, yellow adds a glow. A combination of red and yellow (=orange) helps repair skin; while red and blue (=purple) tightens skin. Low-frequency waves emitted by the device also help to sculpt the face. For best results, use with the brand’s exfoliating Pure Revival Peel, customised Encapsulated Serums and nourishing and cool Pure Deepsea Hydrating Mask. We are loving this device and complementary products; a sure-fire way to instantly rejuvenate skin at home.

Cle de Peau Beaute Holiday 2018

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Limited edition sets from luxury label Cle de Peau Beaute make some of the best collectors’ items. This year’s range comes adorned with beautiful Alice In Wonderland illustrations by Italian artist Daria Petrelli. The exclusive items include: Stick Highlighter in Light Me Refining Pressed Powder with fine glitter Satin-metallic Eye Color Quad in 318 Tea Party Lipstick Cashmere in 504 Follow Me, and 505 Paint Me  Slip down the rabbit hole and take a closer look at the collection here. Now available at Cle de Peau Beaute boutiques and counters.

Sulwhasoo Beauty From Your Culture set

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Korean luxury label Sulwhasoo has always been big on preserving culture, a refined way of life that is infused into the brand. With its latest limited edition set comprising of the First Care Activating Serum, a pouch and travel-sized skincare essentials; S$20 will be donated to the Asian Civilisations Museum. Sulwhasoo has pledged a minimum of S$10,000 to the museum.