Author: Beauty Gazette

Al Hammam Traditional Baths, Athens

With its proximity to Turkey, it is not surprising that the Al Hammam in the centre of Athens is considered one of the best in the city. Tucked in the alleyways of Athens (10 Ragava St. Plaka), it is a skip and hop away from the historic Bath of The Winds (now a museum). Step into the cool interior and be greeted by a colourful and cosy reception. But don’t let it fool you: the marble hammam space is heated up to 40 degrees celsius with hot steam. My husband and I picked the signature treatment, Al Hammam (49 Euros for 60 mins). Here’s what we got: 30 minutes in a private marbled hammam where we were steamed on a heated hexagaonal slab at up to 40 degrees celsius. Just 3 minutes in, we were gasping like fish out of water. Here’s the thing, if you are not used to or do not like saunas, the hammam experience will be trying. Thankfully, we were given cool water to drink before the 30-minute hammam session. Also …

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lift and Firm Sculpting Gel

The idea is so simple and not exactly new, but effective. To boost the effects of its new Lift and Firm Sculpting Gel from its signature Ceramide range, Elizabeth Arden attached a roller applicator to the product. So as you squeeze the tube, the gel formula oozes onto the roller-applicator which you apply onto the skin in upward strokes to firm and lift. Coat skin with the gel, then gently massage it into the skin. It immediately makes the skin feel tighter and more supple. If you prefer lightweight hydration on your skin, you could also use this in-lieu of a moisturiser. This formula also primes skin well for make-up, as it leave skin smoother, firmer and moisturised enough for foundation to set nicely on it.

Hera’s bestsellers reviewed: Cell Essence, Rosy-Satin Cream, Oil Serum Magic Formula, Magic Starter, Black Cushion

If the title of this article reminds you of a batch of mysterious magic potions, you’re not too far off. K-Beauty label Hera’s bestselling beauty formulas are made to add some shine to the beauty routine, and hopefully, your skin. There’s some sorcery to that fresh supple skin of the Korean celebrities, for sure. The Beauty Gazette roadtests Hera’s most popular items, and here are the first impressions. Cell Essence – The first step to hydrate and smoothen skin. The watery milky lotion is lightweight and best used with the Double Effect Facial Cotton with a wave-pattern on one side to hydrate skin, and a mesh cotton on the other to exfoliate. Rosy-Satin Cream – Scented with a hint of roses, this anti-ageing cream has a beautifully luxurious texture that melts easily into the skin without a sticky finish. It is relatively rich, and comforting on dry skin. But it also works just as well on combination skin, without clogging it up or leaving it feeling greasy. Oil Serum Magic Formula – A blend of oil …

Skin Inc Pure Trinity Serum-Infused Cleansing H2Oil

Skin Inc’s offerings are all about multi-taskers for the busy woman on-the-go. Its latest product is the cleansing water/ oil with a shot of skincare serum. So you can get rid of stubborn makeup while plumping skin with sakura leaf, artichoke leaf, and saxifraga sarmentosa extracts. The oil removes long-wearing makeup, and the cleansing water gets rid of impurities. Massage onto dry skin, and rinse with water. It does not have a greasy afterfeel like most cleansing oils; while leaving the skin clean, and feeling fresh and supple.

SK-II Atmosphere Airy Light UV Cream

Despite feeling almost weightless and barely-there on the skin, SK-II’s new Atmosphere Airy Light UV Cream packs SPF 50+ PA++++ to keep dark spots and wrinkles at bay. This untinted sunscreen also contains SK-II’s signature pitera skincare ingredient. Moisturising and easily absorbed, Atmosphere Airy Light also left my skin feeling supple. As a final step to my skincare routine, it prepares my face for a smoother application of base makeup and ensures that it lasts longer.

Beauty School: IGK founders share tips for a good hair day

Founded by a quartet of hairstylists based in New York, Miami and LA, haircare and hairstyling label IGK is one of the latest brands to hit Sephora Singapore stores. IGK’s celebrity fans include Sophia Richie, Karolina Kurkova, David Guetta, Adele, and Vanessa Kirby. Their picks? The Beach Club Volumizing Texture Spray, and Down and Out Dirty Spray for that perfect morning-after grit and piecey separation; as well as the Mistress Hydrating Hair Balm with shea butter and coconut oil to nourish hair. IGK founders Franck Izquierdo, Chase Kusero, Aaron Grenia, and Leo Izquierdo share tips on everything from getting rid of frizziness to the latest hair trends, with The Beauty Gazette. What sets IGK products apart? Aaron: The four co-founders are based in salons in three of the most trend-setting cities in the world – New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. We see what’s trending in music, fashion, even ingredients, and work them into to our products and branding. Also, we’re in our salons every day and working with clients. We listen to what our clients want and …

Chanel CoCo Game Center Beauty Pop-Up

The sets of Chanel’s fashion shows are immersive and experiential. Karl Lagerfeld lets his imagination take flight for the shows; the mis-en-scene complements the clothing and accessories, transporting fashionistas to imaginary worlds where they would need every single piece he offered. Lagerfeld has taken his guests everywhere from the Chanel airport and grocery store, to futuristic spaces complete with a rocket, and magical forests. So when Chanel Beauty launched its CoCo Game Center Pop-Up in Singapore to give its latest beauty launch a fresh spin; it is with little wonder that the brand went all out. The Instagram-worthy space, inspired by an 80’s game arcade, is located at the Luxe Art Museum on Handy Road from now till 6 May, 11am to 9pm daily. Play Chanel beauty-themed old-school computer games, check out the testers, and pick up the brand’s latest launches including the Rouge Coco Lip Blush, and Chanel Cruise 2018 Makeup Collection. Register here to get a slot. Pictures: Chanel  

Yazbukey x Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte Lipsticks

Paris-based designer Yazbukey is back working with Shu Uemura on a limited edition collection. For Spring/Summer 2018, the Yazbukey x Shu Uemura range launches with 16 Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte Lipstick shades (four quartets of reds, plums, pinks, nudes) and four edgy metallic lip liners (in gold, silver, rose gold, bronze). Yazbukey – known for her quirky lip-shaped plexi-glass jewellery – first collaborated with Shu Uemura in 2015 on a range of colourful makeup. Watch this to see moving swatches of the nude lipsticks. The formula is long-lasting, creamy, and opaque in two to three coats.

Hera debuts in Singapore May 10

Luxury Korean label Hera has finally joined the stable of Amorepacific beauty brands available in Singapore. It will make its debut at Takashimaya Department Store with a standalone counter on May 10. In Singapore, K-drama star Gianna Jun is the face of Hera Makeup. The line is known for its luxurious lipsticks and cushion compacts. The ranges available at the Takashimaya counter also include the skincare and Homme lines. A limited edition collection by Edith Carron will also be sold at the counter. Launched two decades ago in South Korea, Hera is known for its sleek and stylish aesthetic. It has been an official sponsor of Seoul Fashion Week since 2015. Prices start from S$43 for a lip tint; to S$75 for the cushion compacts and S$380 for a jar of night cream. Photos: Hera