Author: Beauty Gazette

Valentino Rockstud Caged Pump 65mm Review

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“If the shoe fits, buy it in every colour,” someone once said. They clearly knew what they were talking about. It took me years and wasted funds to find the most gorgeous heels that allow me to walk around all day elegantly and in style, with no pain. So obviously when I found the one, I bought it in as many shades as I could afford. And that coveted pair, my friends, is the Valentino Rockstud Caged Pump 65mm. First launched on runways in 2010, the strappy, studded pyramid punk-rock heels look both decadently dangerous and feminine at the same time. Designed by Valentino’s former creative directors Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli, the heels have an almost magical leg-lengthening effect and is now one of the most iconic on the luxury footwear scene. Till today, it is a money-spinner for the label. Valentino continues to produce collections – from clothing, to bags and accessories – that hark back to the sexy Rockstuds. If the shoe fits, buy it in every colour. Someone who knew …

Beauty Gazette: More to come – Reports on Beautiful Fashion, Lifestyle, Retail

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It has been five years since The Beauty Gazette was launched, and what an incredibly satisfying journey it has been. After I left my job in the media, TBG has been a great escape from the daily grind of my corporate career. It is the perfect outlet for my observations – now as a consumer – of the wild and wonderful emerging from the beauty industry. I love makeup, skincare, and all things self-care. Because if you can’t love yourself, then you can’t really expect to be living your best life. Like many of you, the pandemic has made me re-assess my priorities including TBG. What should I drop, take on or refine? So I’ve decided that since the lines between beauty, fashion, lifestyle and retail are increasingly blurred, TBG will also cover these other forms of self-indulgence, going forward. I’ll be sharing more on all things bright, shiny and beautiful. On top of my posts on beauty trends, I’ll keep you in the know of my favourite tried and tested fashion brands and products, …

Best Sunscreens To Buy

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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

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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 …

Aesop Othertopias EDP Collection

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Aesop’s new Othertopias eau de parfum range is a poetic ode to the wild landscapes that inspired photographer/artist/nose Barnabe Fillion. From the stormy sea (for Miraceti – a hint of oud, whiskey and incense), the rugged shore (for Karst – metallic salty notes, cumin spice, sandalwood), to the rustic country (for Eremia – white musk, yuzu, resinous galbanum). Perfect for when travelling to strange lands is not an option for us during the pandemic. The Othertopias range is in Singapore stores 5 Jul. These are great additions to the others in Aesop’s unisex EDP range: Tacit, Hwyl, Rozu and Marrakech Intense. All sensual, smoky, and bound to make heads turn.

The One with the Friends

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The coveted Friends’ reunion that ran in May has inspired many to revisit the iconic 10-season series on Netflix. Clearly, one other reason why Friends is trending (on Netflix) is obvious: many of us are still quarantined due to the pandemic. With not much else to do, indulging in the good old Friends’ bubble is incredibly comforting. The jokes are timeless, the exchange witty with the righ dash of political-incorrectness, and comc timing is on-point. And the fashion brands are paying attention to what the consumers want: Friends’ fashion. High-waisted straight-leg jeans and bermudas made of sturdy denim, crochet, figure-hugging cropped tops, strappy dresses and knits fill the racks in stores (both on and off-line). So here are snapshots of Rachel’s, Monica’s and Phoebe’s blowouts and makeup, for you to match the Friends’ sartorial trends.

Kiehl’s Marks 170th Anniversary

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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

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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

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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 …