All posts tagged: skincare

Fancl Zero Preservatives Skincare

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 …

Kiehl’s Ferulic Brew Rejuvenating Facial Essence

An antioxidant-rich brew for your face? Why not. The new fermented essence by Kiehl’s is made with enzymes from brassica extract and ferulic acid, brewed for 120 hours and fortified further with lactic acid and squalane oil. The Ferulic Brew Rejuvenating Facial Essence, a bi-phase formula, sweeps away dead surface cells while nourishing the deeper layers of the skin. Great as a first step in your skincare routine, right after cleansing. For days when you don’t want to load on the products, just pat the essence onto skin and a light moisturiser to perk up your complexion.

Kiehl’s Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum

While it is an effective anti-aging ingredient, retinol is notoriously difficult to incorporate into the skincare routine. Because often, it can cause dryness, redness and even peeling of the skin. Now, Kiehl’s has taken out the guess work in allowing you to effortlessly incorporate retinol into your beauty ritual. Tapping a “micro-dosing” technology, Kiehl’s new Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily feels comfortable and gentle on the skin as it also contains soothing peptides and ceramides. This new product can even be layered with other Kiehl’s serums. Here’s how to layer it on, effectively: 1. Moisturising Toner or Essence 2. Other Kiehl’s serum 3. Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum 4. Face cream (go for a more hydrating one) 5. Sunscreen (skip this for the night routine, clearly)

Best Sunscreens To Buy

Summer or autumn, pandemic or peace times, the one skincare item that you should always have in your beauty routine is suncare. If like me, you love hanging out on a sunny balcony, a bright spot at an outdoor cafe, or stepping out for a bike ride to unwind, never forget to slather on the sunscreen to slow down skin ageing. Here are my favourite sunscreens that I reach out for on a daily basis. They all have a few things in common: Non-sticky finish Feel lightweight on skin Have high broad spectrum protection Contain added skincare benefits (moisturising agents, anti-pollution ingredients, etc. Multi-purpose (provide skin-perfecting illusion) Work brilliantly as a make-up primer (just layer under foundation) I’ve added hyperlinks to the list so you can go straight and buy them (no affiliation, btw).

Home Spa: Dr Dennis Gross DRx Spectralite BodyWare Pro

With quarantines, lock-downs, and touch-less retail and services being de rigueur during COVID-19, home beauty devices are a perfect addition to your beauty routine. Clearly, these DIY grooming machines are convenient so you don’t have to trudge off to a salon. Plus, it is much safer since you will not have to share any of the beauty tools and accoutrements with others, and be potentially exposed to the novel coronavirus. Dr Dennis Gross’ DRx Spectralite BodyWare Pro taps on LED light therapy to provide anti-aging (red LED) and anti-acne (blue LED) benefits on your neck, decollete and limbs, while you’re chillin’ and Netflixin’. The best part? You can actually mould the flexible device to your body so you get a customised treatment. Just don’t use it on your face (and eyes!) as the Bodyware Pro is not meant for that. The device provides 3 options for the 3-minute sessions (red, blue or red + blue). There’s also a bonus option: a 14-minute red LED treatment to soothe muscle and joint pain. The Bodyware is also …

Kiehl’s Marks 170th Anniversary

Started out as a go-to apothecary of the neighbourhood in a street corner of New York in 1851, to say Kiehl’s has come a long way is, an understatement. To celebrate its 170th Anniversary milestone, the illustrious skincare label churns out a limited edition series of old-favourites. We’re particularly enamoured with the Heritage Rosewater Toner, which smells heavenly, and feels gentle yet refreshing. We’re petitioning for it to be made a constant in the collection. Also look out for the Essence Oils, named after the moods we all want to be in: Love Luring (jasmine, rose, ylang-ylang), Fortune Seeking (citrus and white tea), Jinx Removing (vetiver and sandalwood). The crowd-favourites come in classic limited edition white and gold jars and bottles. Because the Kiehl’s bestsellers always deserve some space in your skincare cabinet. Afterall, they’ve got 170 years to prove it.

Clarins Calm Essentiel

If like us, your skin acts up as you wear a protective face mask for long hours (to be a responsible citizen during the pandemic), Clarins is offering you a skincare option. To help calm sensitive skin, its latest Calm Essentiel range is made with clary sage, known for its soothing and healing properties. The Redness Corrective Gel is lightweight and has a hint of light green to even out redness on the face. Wear it under foundation as a multi-tasking primer. The Soothing Emulsion is skin-plumpingly moisturising, and easily absorbed. While the Restoring Treatment Oil is a calming face oil to be layered on top of th moisturiser if you need that extra boost. Otherwise, warm a couple of drops between your palms and press directly onto clean skin before bedtime.

Vicky Tsai Tatcha Founder

On the Importance of Self-Care: Vicky Tsai, Tatcha Founder

As we continue to stay home as much as possible to help curb the spread of the pandemic, The Beauty Gazette asks Vicky Tsai what keeps her going. The founder of skincare label Tatcha started her brand because she was so inspired by the classical Japanese beauties of ancient Kyoto, also known as the queens of self-care. Tatcha’s product range features skincare ingredients such as Japanese rice powder, algae and Uji green tea; and revives classical beauty rituals with a modern spin. What’s the latest beauty trend you adore? The renewed importance of self-care. Since the pandemic began last year, we’ve been dealing with so many things emotionally and it’s taking its toll on us physically, including our skin. When you’re stressed or sad your skin shows it, so giving yourself time to decompress and care for your skin and mind is a wonderful reprieve. When you feel good about yourself, your confidence comes through – to me that’s true beauty. How do you think COVID-19 has changed our beauty routines? It’s allowed many to …

At-home beauty care

Beauty Trends 2021

We are in the early days of 2021, and yet it is clear how the beauty trends will pan out for the year. Here are 5 to look out for: At-home self-care continues to be important As it will take awhile for the COVID-19 vaccines to be doled out, and enough people to take it, the responsible thing to do would be to stay home. So at-home pampering will continue to be on-trend: beautifying face masks, face massagers, home spa kits, etc. Skincare will rule the day As we have our protective face masks on, there is really no need for makeup on a daily basis. But skincare will continue to be important, as more realise that plastering on makeup does not solve their skin blemishes, complexion and tone. Protective-mask proof makeup will be in-demand Then for those who have to step out for work, they need makeup that will not be smudged and smeared by protective face masks. Long-lasting foundations, setting powders, smear-free lipsticks, blush that sticks on all day, even when rubbed. High-Definition …