Author: Beauty Gazette

Pat McGrath Labs now available on Net-a-Porter

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The magical coveted makeup potions by the queen of editorial and backstage makeup Pat McGrath are now available on luxury e-tailer Net-a-Porter. In 2015, McGrath announced the launch of her first product, a pot of liquid gold pigment Gold 001 through Instagram where she has more than a million followers. She has since gone on to launch at least three other product ranges from seductive molten metallic eyeshadow to sparkly glittering lip kits in limited releases. These come with mixing spatulas and solutions that turn the makeup weather-proof; all with that exquisite high-fashion finish seen in McGrath’s work in the Vogue pages and on runways. In a recent FT article, she declared: “My goal is to create make-up that’s so addictive, once someone lays eyes on it they get so panicked it might sell out they run out of their house in just a trench coat to get their hands on it. “And for me, it’s about glitter, sparkle and something completely new”. And indeed, beauty junkies mesmerised by images of the makeup products on McGrath’s …

Actress Kelly Liao’s beauty secrets

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Elegant and lithe, Taiwanese ballerina-turned model Kelly Liao (Liao Yih Suan) will be making her debut on Singapore screens in March 2018. Starring in the Mediacorp Channel 8 drama series Doppelganger, where she comes between the real-life couple Fann Wong and Christopher Lee (😱), Liao is excited about the role where she gets to show off her acting chops. “It is challenging to act as a mistress entangled in complicated relationships, but I’m so happy to be given the opportunity,” says the 33-year-old who has a Masters in Fine Arts from the National Taiwan University of Arts. In her seven-year modelling career, Liao has been the face of international brands such as Asus, Mitsubishi, Nescafe, Sapporo Beer, Hitachi, Panasonic and Uniqlo. She has also starred in various MTVs of Chinese celebrities in Taiwan and China. The former soloist at the Taipei Chamber Ballet Dance Company shares her beauty secrets with The Beauty Gazette. Sleep is very important to me. One can always tell by my face if I’ve had a good rest the night before. I …

Aesop Toothpaste Dentrifice 

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If you want a refreshing alternative to regular supermarket toothpaste; because you’re indie like that.  Aesop’s new Toothpaste Dentrifice is delicately flavoured with: sea buckthorn, cardamom, sea salt, anise fruit, tea tree, clove flower oil, and even wasabi… But trust me, it tastes just like a delicate version of minty toothpaste with some spice. Nothing too crazy.  With the natural oils and extracts that are generally good for the skin (and palate), this Aesop formula just seems like a more earthy choice for your teeth and gums. I would even use this to plump and gently exfoliate lips before application of lipstick. And who knows, it might also work as a mild pimple treatment (for people who swear by toothpaste to dry up angry pimples)! Launching at Aesop Singapore stores Aug 18.

The Future of Beauty

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The other day at the swanky launch party of a new serum, I was chatting with a make-up artist who lamented the impending doom of beauty brands. Because science and technology is developing so quickly, he says in between slurps of canapés. As precision medicine – where healthcare, treatment, and medicine is customised to the patient based on his or her genome – is (very) slowly but surely becoming mainstream, there may soon be a day when beauty cocktails would go the same way. “Before you know it, anyone can get their DNA sequenced and have skincare potions and make-up tailor-made for their skin type, colour, texture and genes,” he rattles on. “Then what can beauty brands do when nobody wants generic products, but only skincare and colour cosmetics that is customised just for them?” He painted a futuristic picture where a woman just has to slink up to a beauty counter, gets her DNA analysed, and then presented with creams, serums, and compacts concocted for her skin’s needs based on her genetics. It was …

Clarins Double Serum – 8th Generation

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Clarins’ biggest launch in 2017 – and possibly the last couple of years – is the 8th generation of its Double Serum. The all-in-one anti-ageing serum (or as Marie-Hélène Lair the brand’s scientific communication director calls it, a “Swiss-army knife”); is made to improve the skin’s regeneration, hydration, nutrition, oxygenation, and protection. As its name suggests, the Double Serum has a unique dual-phase formulation: two-thirds hydric (water), and one-third lipidic (oil). The pump bottle contains two different vials for one important reason: when the hydric and lipidic solutions are kept separate until the point of application, the efficacy of the potent ingredients are preserved. The first-generation Double Serum Multi-Regenerant Concentre was bottled in 1985 in exactly the same way – the formula literally came in a set of two dropper bottles, with the contents to be mixed upon application. The latest Double Serum has been formulated based on the findings from the School of Medical Studies in Namur, Belgium, which has discovered the link between skin-ageing and cell receptors that regulate cell activity for skin vitality, …

Laneige BB Cushion Crystal Edition with Xirius Swarovski Crystals

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So many years ago, the Laneige BB Cushion was the first ever cushion I fell for. It was easy to use and so convenient for touch-ups on-the-go, and gave my skin a beautiful glow. Now, I’m falling for it all over again, especially when it is blinged-up with super sparkly Swarovski Crystals. Watch the video below and check it out yourself. Available in the Whitening and Pore Control versions, that offer light to medium coverage, a cooling sensation, and give skin a healthy glow. $59 each, and in three shades. Buy it from Laneige boutiques.

Kose Esprique Point Makeup

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If you only wear makeup to gently accentuate your features, then make your way to the Kose counters. Subtlety is the name of the game there. The lightweight base makeup range provides light to medium coverage, is mattifying, and relatively long-lasting. Perfect for those who do not like any shine; just that velvety matte finish of baby skin. The Kose Esprique Pure Skin Pact UV is a fine powder compact with SPF26/PA+; while the  CC Base hides pores and offers SPF50+ PA+++ protection. Cover up spots and dark circles with the creamy Fit Up Concealer UV that comes in a convenient twist stick; high coverage, long-lasting, with SPF30/PA+++. The brand also offers two options for fuller-brows that will make you look younger. If you want precise strokes, try the Kose Esprique W Eyebrow Liquid & Powder. The handy pen offers a stiff brush liquid liner on one end, and a spoolie brush on the other. Pull on the opposite ends, and out pops a sponge applicator with powder tucked in the cap. Prefer brows that …

Codage Paris Prescription: On The Road Again

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The latest niche beauty label to hit Escentials’ shelves is Codage Paris, the French brand which prides itself on potent serums.  The range of seven serums are made to suit different skincare needs and lifestyles.  A good way to start experimenting with this new-to-market brand is to pick up the On The Road Again “prescription”. Packed to treat skin that is imbalanced due to the drying cabin conditions and unfamiliar weather, it contains: 1) Micellar Water (50ml) – a gentle but effective cleanser that also hydrates skin. It does not leave the skin tight and dry, and there is no need to rinse. Just dampen a cotton pad with the solution, and wipe skin clean. 2) Serum No.1 (10ml) – for intense moisturisation, the clear serum is lightweight but soaks skin easily. It contains complexes and ingredients to stimulate the skin’s own natural moisturisation levels (hyaluronic acid, aquaporin stimulator peptide) for long-lasting hydration, as well as antioxidants to protect. 3) Serum No.3 (10ml) – for radiance and energy. Also formulated with ingredients that deeply moisturise, …

SK-II RNA Power Magnetic Kit

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A good beauty gadget can do wonders for the beauty routine. SK-II launched its first gadget, the Magnetic Wand, for use with its Stempower Eye Cream some two years ago. Made to boost absorption and gently massage the delicate eye area, it taps on the waves of bi-polar magnetic particles. Earlier this month, SK-II debuted its second gadget act with the new Magnetic Booster – which looks like a spinning top but with a flat base – at Shilla Duty Free in Changi Airport. To be used together with the RNA Power Cream and RNA Essence, the Magnetic Booster uses a magnetic micro pulse technology to deliver up to 7,000 gentle vibration per minute, so skin is massaged and the active ingredients are absorbed deeper into the skin. After application of the the skincare product, slide the Booster from the centre of the face, outwards. Powered by two LR 44 batteries (the small tablet-sized, flat and silver ones), the Booster definitely worked for me. The RNA cream is relatively rich and hydrates the skin thoroughly. With the …

Kenzoki Belle de Jour Sacred Lotus skincare range

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Kenzoki is one of those skincare brands which is understated, and not that super well-known for its skin-nourishing formulas.  Kenzo Parfums – the fragrance and beauty arm of the Kenzo brand – is better known for well, its perfumes. But, give Kenzoki products a chance and you will be more than pleasantly surprised. The skincare textures are luxurious, beautifully scented (without irritating the skin), and moisturising. The new Belle de Jour Sacred Lotus skincare range is case in point.  Formulated with sacred lotus extract, as well as antioxidant-rich seaweed and plankton, the luxurious line is great for pampering and hydrating the skin. The Face Oil ($120 for 30ml) is a lightweight dry oil with a calming floral scent; the Serum ($143 for 30ml) is a viscous and rich gel formula which cocoons the skin; while the Face Cream ($143 for 50ml) is relatively lightweight and absorbed easily. I use the trio day and night in this order: oil – serum – moisturiser; it calms and soothes my dehydrated skin for the entire day. Great products …