Author: Beauty Gazette

Nars Orgasm blush

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When I first discovered this shade of blusher, it became my all-time go-to product. Once, I forgot to bring it on a trip and I had to go buy a new one ASAP. A peachy-pink shade with subtle gold flecks, it makes skin look sunkissed, healthy and glowing.  Building on the success of this awesome shade that gives skin that sexy, post-coital glow, Nars subsequently launched a matching lipstick, illuminating stick, and nail polish.  According to Nars, tonnes and tonnes of Orgasm has been sold world wide.  If you ask me, this is one classic must-have beauty item. 

Skin Inc Pure Serum Mist

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A good mist spray is always handy. Why? 1. Use it like a skin softener. Spray it all over face to soak skin before applying serum and moisturiser for better penetration of active ingredients. It’s quicker than using an essence soaked in a cotton pad. 2. Add dewiness to your make-up finish. Spritz on skin after makeup is done to get rid of that powdery finish, and add a little glow. Or dampen sponge with it to blend foundation seamlessly into skin. 3. Hydrate skin on a hot day.  Or in an air-conditioned office. I like to keep one on my desk to keep skin supple. 4. Refresh makeup at mid-day. Nothing I hate more than to touch-up a greasy face at mid-day.  Spritz mist over greasy face, press tissue onto face to lift grease and surface dirt. This refreshes the skin too. Re-apply makeup. Your foundation would sit better than if you just packed on more without giving the skin a quick spray to perk it up. Skin Inc’s new Pure Serum Mist contains …

Get that glow without a highlighter: Tips from Taiwanese Beauty Guru Xiao Kai

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Every South Asian beauty junkie worth her salt would be familiar with the bestselling Japanese drugstore staple Hada Labo Hydrating Lotion. Its claim to fame: unscented, quality hyaluronic acid to keep skin moisturised and supple. The line has since been extended with Hada Labo’s new Essence serum. It claims to contain a higher concentration of the brand’s proprietary Super Hyaluronic Acid that can hold water up to ten times its weight. At the recent launch of the product, Taiwanese beauty expert Xiao Kai shared tips on getting that just-stepped-out-of-the-shower supple dewiness. 1. Pour a generous amount of lotion on palms and pick up with finger tips. Spread lotion on drier parts of the face first, such as the cheeks, so that they are thoroughly softened. 2. Gently pat the lotion into the rest of the skin, from the middle of the face (where it is driest, and hence, greasiest) outwards. When skin is well-hydrated, it produces less oil to overcompensate for the dehydration. 3. Once skin is softened with lotion, apply the serum, and gently …

How to never have a bad haircut again

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1. Choose wisely Do your research. Get word-of-mouth recommendations. Read the credits of your local beauty and fashion magazine spreads; the best in the business are usually engaged for such elaborate shoots. The last thing you should do is just pop by any salon and expect a miracle to happen. 2. Be willing to pay This sounds like a no-brainer. But when it comes to your hair, you really do pay for what you get. Why do you think the salons that offer cuts by apprentices let you pay as you please? The best in town charge a premium because they can deliver. The salon director’s fees are the most because he or she has the most experience. (But then again, be wary of those who are super overpriced. I really don’t think a haircut alone should ever ever cost more than US$200. Unless you are a celebrity.) 2. Do your homework everytime Create a look book. Even if you cannot find that perfect look online, create a collage of the different looks and colours …

Dr Jart Ceramidin Derma Technology sheet mask 

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A good sheet mask is hard to find. This one by Korean label Dr Jart is a pretty  decent one. The sheet mask material is sturdy, slippery and pulpy with a smooth gel-like texture. It clings well to the face even when I am going about my chores in the home. It also holds enough of the serum to soak my face with moisture for 20 minutes before it felt a little dry. And there was plenty of serum in the packet. There was enough for me to slather my face once more with the serum, my entire decolletage and the length of both arms.  After peeling off the mask, I tapped the remaining essence into my face and followed up with my regular skincare routine. The next morning, my face felt considerably smoother to the touch. 

Boys and their makeup

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If you are a beauty junkie hooked on IG, you wouldn’t miss the uber popular pretty boys up on IG right now. Social media is a wonderful thing. It lets individuals living on the margins to literally shine (and sparkle) on their own terms. These are the gender-fluid makeup artists who are so good at what they do, and so beautiful. Staring at the IG pics of these exquisite creatures is a guilty pleasure of ours. We are definitely not the only ones; the top boys have hundreds and thousands (or even millions) of IG followers. Sure, their extreme (but beautifully-blended) make-up is better suited for drag queens (because they are). But those perfectly-arched brows, plump lips, over-the-top lashes and fleeky eyeliner are #perfection on those androgynous beauties. And guess what? These pretty boys are totally kickstarting beauty trends with their choice of bold makeup colours. Pink brows, anyone? Here are three of The Beauty Gazette’s fave gender-bender beauty junkies.  Jeffree Star Sebastien Miss Fame

No makeup rules: Rainbow-coloured highlighter is trending

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So. You’ve seen the black, blue, green, grey lipsticks. As well as the red, and peachy-pink eyeshadows, maroon eyeliner, blue mascara. They’re no longer considered shocking or out of the norm at a time when makeup junkies are experimenting with colours like crazy.  (Social media which lets just about anyone showcase their crazy face of makeup and garner likes, is definitely responsible for the trend.) Now, rainbow-coloured highlighter is driving this “no makeup rules” beauty trend to another level.  See for yourself: I love Jeffree Star for his personality and amazing makeup formula (his liquid lipsticks are really something else). And when he decided to roadtest the Bitter Lace Beauty rainbow highlighter (sold on Etsy) trend on his YouTube channel, he got a million views in two days.  Others wearing the rainbow cheek: Cover photo: Instagram/ @jkissamakeup I love makeup but I would never wear this. Because erm, it looks like a faded bruise to me. But I have a hunch that coloured highlighters that are beyond your regular gold, bronze, pinks and silvers, will …

Kat Von D launches in Sephora Singapore stores July 

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Earlier last month, we shared that Kat Von D might be coming to Singapore stores. Sephora Singapore has since confirmed the launch, and the American label will be hitting its stores in July, and on Sephora.sg. Prices start from S$31 for the Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick to S$73 for the  Kat Von D Shade + Light Contour Palette. At the launch preview held at Chijmes last week, Ms Von D made an appearance and shared her thoughts on the concept of beauty. How do you balance having a successful makeup line and your tattoo shop? I find a lot of joy and happiness in being able to create and making ideas come true in a tangible state where you can hold something in your hand. It is a really awesome thing. I don’t know what it is like to take a vacation, or work cause everyday is a dream. That is what happens when you love what you do. When did you first discover your love for make-up? I have always loved makeup, I …

Bobbi Brown Summer 2016 collection

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Bobbi Brown will always be one of my go-to make-up brands. Because she just knows what works for easy-breezy effortless beauty.  Colours that are flattering for all skin tones, and goes harmoniously with everything else in the collection. If you are not big on make-up because you like the au naturel looks; or you are just starting to play with make-up, try Bobbi. Her products helps to complement your natural skin tone and features, so you look like yourself but better. Here are some of my picks from the latest collection. 1) The Nourishing Lip Color Oil-Infused Shine Lipstick, S$38 each Available in 21 shades, this rich and moisturising lipstick is made with an olive oil complex, avocado, babassu, jojoba, cocoa seed butter, and vitamins C and E.  The colours are bright with a translucent and sheer quality, as well as a soft-shine finish. This creamy lipstick is a value-for-money coloured balm. My fave shades: Pink Pop, a bright pink; Citrus, an orange-pink-coral; as well as Poppy, a classic red that is not too overbearing, …

Making the transition to a natural/ organic skincare routine

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This may surprise you, but it is almost impossible to have a universal consensus on what makes a skincare product purely natural or organic. The organic certification associations like Eco Cert and the USDA Organic, have different standards. Countries have different rulings; some don’t even make it illegal for a brand to slap on the “organic” or “natural” certified logo or label. Even if nothing in the formula is close to natural or organic. And guess what? Water is 100 per cent natural. So if a product has a high natural content, it may well mean that it contains a high percentage of well, water. Bang for your buck? Think again. This all sounds daunting if you are thinking of going for a more natural or organic skincare routine. And why should you even consider transitioning from your regular non-natural/ organic products? So my rationale for incorporating natural skincare into my beauty ritual is simple: I like the additional options of effective products. With the latest developments in technology, better quality extracts can be derived …