Author: Beauty Gazette

Alcheme: Personalised formula for all skin types

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Custom-made skincare isn’t new. But Alcheme sets itself apart with its detail-oriented virtual skin consultation, as well as the quality of the skincare ingredients. The process begins with an online questionaire at http://www.alcheme.one, where you are required to take a portrait shot (without makeup and spectacles, even lighting), and answer questions on your lifestyle habits (are you exposed to cigarette smoke? what’s your stress level? etc.) as well as skin type. Products are made fresh immediately after payment is confirmed, and delivery time is standard. I yearn for radiant skin and need anti-ageing ingredients to keep my 30-something skin supple. I am also exposed to cigarette smoke so antioxidants are necessary. I am sensitive to artificial fragrances in skincare, so I opted for the formula’s natural scent. The blend that reached me contains the extracts of centella asiatica leaf, panax ginseng root, babchi seeds and moringa oleifera seeds; as well as Vitamin C. These were added for my skin needs. The other usual ingredients in Alcheme products include camellia japonica seed oil, niacinamide and sunflower …

Mamonde Creamy Tint Lip Squeeze

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The makeup colours by Korean beauty brands are not always pastel, light and subtle, as Mamonde’s Creamy Tint Lip Squeeze range proves. Calling it a “tint” is an understatement. The colours are pigmented and intense, while the formula is creamy. A tiny blob goes a long way, and is best applied with fingertips or a lip brush. First squeeze the product on the back of the hand, and pick the colour up in small portions for even application. The Creamy Tint is surprisingly long-lasting and has a satin-shine finish. Watch this clip to see how the product works.

Huda Beauty launches in Sephora Singapore

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The wildly successful eponymous label by beauty blogger Huda Kattan is now available in Singapore at Sephora. With her beautiful Iraqi features played up with clever makeup techniques – that makes just about any Kardashian wannabe swoon – Kattan is her own ambassador for the range of eyeshadow palettes, liquid lipsticks, and fluttery false lashes. Based in Dubai, Kattan’s range is packed with beautiful shades that are best suited to women with dusky skin, large feline eyes, and full lips. Her new Desert Dusk palette is clearly inspired by a romantic Middle Eastern 1,001 Nights theme. Smooth and pigmented, the burnt bronze and neutral shades are perfect for every occasion. Highlighters and liquid lipsticks are also par for the course for Kattan’s fans to get that Jasmine-on-the-magic-carpet look.

Sunday Riley topsellers review: Good Genes, CEO, Tidal, Luna

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Every once in a while, you need new skincare formulas to perk up your beauty routine. Potent potions that will re-set the skin. Sunday Riley’s bestselling products are good options as they work on the basics of good skincare. Exfoliate Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment Made with purified lactic acid to rid skin of dead cells for smoother and fresher-looking skin. Results are immediate. Also reduces the appearance of fine lines, spots; and evens out the skin tone over time. This treatment may sting a little, especially on sensitive skin. If so, use it as a mask once or twice a week. Use Vitamin C C.E.O Rapid Flash Brightening Serum Containing 15 per cent stable vitamin C that is also oil-soluble, this serum treats dark spots. Leaves skin radiant and more supple. A saccharide isomerate extract which is water-binding and an emollient, also reduces the appearance of pores. Hydrate Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream A gel moisturiser made with purified alpha-arbutin to brighten and even out the skin tone; papaya enzyme that exfoliates; two …

Sunday Riley: Treats for the skin

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Good genes for great skin can come in a bottle. At least, according to the cult skincare label Sunday Riley. One bestseller of this US-based beauty brand is its Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment. The multi-award-winning formula exfoliates skin to clarify and smoothen instantly. Apparently, it is also a go-to for celebrities and models who need an instant skin-boost before shows. Apart from Good Genes, the Sunday Riley skincare line is also famous for its intensely colourful face oils that are as potent as they look.   The eponymous brand was founded by Sunday Riley, a cosmetic chemist, almost a decade ago. Today, the brand is available in 12 countries and cities, as it launches in Sephora stores in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines. At her Sephora launch party in Singapore, Sunday Riley shared her thoughts on the brand, the products, and her own skincare routine with The Beauty Gazette. I have a special relationship with each product because I formulate them.  It takes me six months to a year to make each …

Pamper: Olaplex treatment for stronger hair

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One of the latest haircare treatments to hit salons in Singapore, Olaplex’s secret is a straightforward three-step process to prevent hair breakage. The salon treatment is formulated with a patented active ingredient that apparently works on a molecular level to repair broken bonds in the hair caused by chemical and heat damage. Each session in the salon lasts a relatively speedy 45 to 60 minutes. First, hair is soaked in the Olaplex No.1 Bond Multiplier liquid to re-build broken disulfide bonds, so that hair strands can better bend and stretch but not break. (If you’re having your hair coloured or dyed, the Bond Multiplier can even be mixed in with the colourant or bleach, so hair is treated at the same time.) Then hair is rinsed in another Olaplex No.2 Bond Perfector that continues the bond-repairing process to add shine to the hair. Both solutions are shampoo-ed off, and hair is blow-dried. Even without being brushed, my hair looked shinier and smoother immediately. The frizzy ends looked at least 50 per cent more sleek. Afterwards, …

Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum Mist

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A good facial mist is always useful. As the first step of the skincare routine to soften skin As the finishing step for makeup, to add glow to the skin Over makeup at the middle of the day to hydrate skin. On the plane to refresh tired skin Sulwhasoo’s new First Care Activating Serum Mist is a spin-off from its iconic Activating Serum. The mist has an oil-and-essence water formula that boosts absorption. It contains the brand’s signature Jaum Balancing Complex that promises to add vitality, firmness, and clarity to the skin. Ingredients include jojoba seed oil, olive, honey and walnut extracts.

Laneige Stained Glass Stick

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This range could just be one of the best lipstick balms on the market. Laneige’s new Stained Glass Stick lippies are very moisturising with a melt-on texture that coats lips evenly with a hint of colour. Each shade is flattering on Asian skin tones, and has a high-shine finish that is rarely achieved by a lipstick/balm formula. The slim lipstick bullet makes application easy-breezy. Although the Glass Stick is not very long-lasting, it stains the lips to keep the face from looking washed-out. Available in 10 shades. The light blue No.1 Blue Topaz goes on clear, while the rest glide on with varying shade of pink, coral, red and plum.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream, Wonder Glow Primer, Magic Foundation

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You can always tell the difference when a cosmetic brand is made with the thought process of a beauty industry veteran. After all, some of the biggest beauty brands today were the brainchild of top makeup artists of their generation. The eponymous brand of makeup guru Charlotte Tilbury seems set to be a classic beauty brand for years to come. At least based on the formulas reviewed for this post. The Magic Cream has legendary status. Apparently Tilbury uses her special custom-made blend to perk up and firm the tired skin of supermodels and celebrities backstage. Whipped with shea butter, aloe vera, camellia seed oil, damascena rose, sunflower seed oil, the cream seems heavy at first touch but blends so well into the skin. No need for an additional serum layer underneath. With SPF15, you don’t even need to layer sunscreen on top (unless you intend to spend long hours under the sun). As a base for beautifully made-up skin, Tilbury created the Wonder Glow Instant Soft-Focus Beauty Flash Primer. Use it three ways: under …

Laneige Water Bank range: Upgraded

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Moisturised, hydrated, supple, dewy skin. The signature Korean beauty look is built entirely on the skincare routine that soaks skin in moisture and oils. So Laneige has stepped up its flagship Water Bank collection with the extracts of water cress, kale, beetroot, and garden cress. The star products of the lightweight moisturising range are the Hydro Essence and Gel Cream (for combination skin); and Moisture Essence and Moisture Cream (for drier skin). Look out for the Water Bank Quick Hydro Pen as well. It is the perfect handy skincare tool for those random dry patches on the cheeks or undereye area that appear in the middle of the day. Just click the pen to dispense a gel cream, and apply. Also contains extracts of artichoke, lima beans and brussel sprouts.