A serum rarely gives the immediate buzzy feeling of soothed and quenched skin.

So I was pleasantly surprised by the slightly viscous and milky One by Kose Moisture Rice Serum (S$74 for 60ml).

The star ingredient is a rice and rice bran extract fermented for over 90 days, with yeast and lactic acid to produce amino acids, peptides and saccharides.

The formula is said to boost the skin’s ability to retain moisture. After one use, it left my skin moisturised and supple for longer. This will be incorporated into my beauty routine in the morning.

Easily absorbed, it is best used on just-cleansed skin before a moisturiser; or if you have normal to oily skin, on its own.

The Infinity Kose Tight Lift Base (S$55) is a perfect complement.

The words “Tight Lift” caught my attention; imagine a lifting veil on the skin to keep it firm and tight the entire day.

I felt the slightest tightening sensation after slathering this tinted make-up base.

It spreads like a relatively thick sunscreen (it contains SPF30 PA++), but once it is in place, it evens out the skin tone, mattifies and firms the skin. It also keeps makeup on for longer.

Few makeup base products tighten the skin as well, so this multi-tasker is a worthy investment.

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