Author: Beauty Gazette

Nars Summer Color Collection 2016

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Inspired by the sun-drenched French Riveria, Nars’ new 10-piece colour collection is bright yet wearable.  The boxes are illustrated by artist Konstantin Kakanias (although I wish the designs were printed on the compact case instead). The collection features dual-intensity eyeshadows and blushers with a metallic sheen. Use dry for a subtle colour, and with a dampened brush for more intensity. Tan Lines eyeshadow, a rich hazelnut brown. Perfect for soft, everyday smokey eyes looks. Lip Covers liquid lipstick in Overheated, a deep dusty rose; and Members’ Only, a crimson red (this shade is only available at Nars counters and stores). One coat is enough for a rich, opaque colour with a soft shine.  Blush in Sexual Content, a peachy raspberry pink bronzer/ highlighter/ blush.  Deep-End shadow, a teal green.  Available in May

Victoria Beckham X Estee Lauder team-up

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VB, the queen of chic, will launch her special capsule makeup collection with Estee Lauder. The line will hit selected Estee Lauder and Victoria Beckham stores in Fall worldwide. In Singapore, products are available from August onwards. As yet, there are no details on the collection.  But you bet there will be neutral and smokey eye makeup, bronzer, highlighter, gloss and nude lipstick; all part of VB’s signature look. Image: Vogue China  

Moonshot Microfit Cushion and Moonflash Cushion 

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Moonshot is South Korean pop manufacturer YG entertainment’s beauty arm. And like the others, it has caught on the cushion compact trend.     In Singapore, the cushion was launched on Friday with a special appearance by (YG entertainment) K-pop star Sandara Park. (The cushion is also fronted by the other YG Entertainment super star, G Dragon) Obviously, Moonshot is banking on the cushions to up the popularity of the brand.  A little re-cap on compact cushions: they pretty much work like a stamp ink pad. So you can do quick touch-ups with liquid foundation on-the-go, and with no mess. It is now an entirely new category of base makeup, apart from the regular liquid, cream and powder foundations. Moonshot’s Microfit Cushion SPF 50+ PA+++ ($36) is available in three light beige shades.  Lightweight with a satin-matte finish, it is made for light coverage or mid-day touch-ups. Pat and blend well with the sponge applicator for a flawless finish. The Moonflash Cushion SPF 50+PA+++ is a pearlescent and sheer cushion highlighter. So just pat it onto …

Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense sunscreen duo

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I can’t stress enough the importance of sunscreen.  It protects the skin from wrinkles, spots and sagging.  But yes, sunscreen can be too sticky, oily and thick. Causing clogged pores, and eventually acne. Kiehl’s sunscreens are one of my favourites. Especially the Ultra Light Daily UV Defense.  The watery cream spreads easily; does not leave a white cast on the skin; and there is no greasy afterfeel. Even though it offers a high broad spectrum protection of SPF 50 PA++++ I could layer it in between an oil serum and my foundation with no issues.   For those with sensitive, acne-prone skin, Kiehl’s has launched its new Mineral sunscreen. What’s a mineral sunscreen?  It contains mineral sunblocker ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide which deflects the sun’s harmful rays.  On the other hand, chemical sunscreen ingredients – such as oxybenzone – absorbs the sun’s rays and turns it into heat. This reaction can cause irritation on those with intolerant skin. Even though chemical sunscreens have better cosmetic properties as it smoothes on more …

TBG Interview: Pernilla Rönnberg, Founder of Estelle & Thild

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Launched in 2007, Swedish skincare label  Estelle & Thild is known for its Ecocert-certified organic and potent formulas. It is available in more than 1,300 stores worldwide. In Singapore, it is stocked in Sephora stores. Making the transition to organic or “cleaner” beauty products may be tricky. But Estelle & Thild’s lightweight and effective formulas make it easier. As Earth Day approaches, brand founder and CEO Pernilla Rönnberg shares – in an exclusive e-mail interview with The Beauty Gazette – why she believes in sustainable and “clean” beauty. Do you remember the moment you decided that the market needs more organic skincare labels?  The idea behind the brand came to me when my children were newborns. I was in a stage of my life where I wanted to do something else, something that was meaningful. As a former CEO of a conventional skin care brand, I’ve seen the amount of chemicals that go into producing conventional beauty products, and grew painfully aware of how these affect our bodies and the environment around us. I wanted …

This Works In-transit Camera Close-up

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This award-winning product is favoured by people in-the-know and jetsetters. Like Victoria Beckham and celebrity make-up artists.  Here’s why.    Made to be a fuss-free do-it-all between travels (Shinkansen, A380, Greyhound etc), this is an all-in-one mask, moisturiser and make-up primer. It contains hyaluronic acid, argan oil, and caffeine to keep skin hydrated, nourished and perky.  The gel cream feels thick and enveloping when first applied on skin. But when I massaged it in, the cream was completely absorbed. Surprisingly, it left my skin completely matte with a velvety texture. Because my skin is hydrated, it was not oily for the rest of the day.  Think of this as a thick moisturiser that actually sinks into the skin; or a mask that you don’t have to wash off. Since it prepares the skin well, make-up applied on top stays on for longer. Another bestseller to look out for by This Works is the Sleep Plus Pillow Spray.    It has a heavenly lavender scent to help knock you out in unfamiliar hotel rooms, so you …

Armani Code Profumo

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This new Pour Homme is made to be worn with a sleek tux. Giorgio Armani Parfums: “Alluring, powerful, fiery, the classic Code base of tonka bean has been amplified by a sensual woody-ambery accord and notes of burnt styrax wood.  …The green mandarin essence, crisp green apple and cardamom essence…the freshness continues with aromatic lavender notes and nutmeg essence coloured by … orange blossom at its heart…Warmed by tonka bean absolute with its accents of tobacco…enveloped in a suggestive woody-ambery accord. The supple leather of notes of the styrax essence meld … with praline sweetness.”    My thoughts: I did not get a single whiff of freshness. What hit me immediately is a heavy tonka bean, and ambery sweetness. With just the slightest hint of tobacco.  This eau de parfum is not made for the faint-hearted man; you would need enough confidence and sophistication to wear it. And for sure, it is made to be worn with at least a shirt and pants. This is not your T-shirt and jeans fragrance. And because this perfume …

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Balm and Foam

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 Estee Lauder completes its Advanced Night Repair Serum range with two new non-stripping cleansers.  The Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Balm ($56) is made for dry skin and to remove make-up. Uncap the jar of balm and it gives off a calming lavendar and chamomile scent. A pre-bedtime luxury.  Apply the balm on dry skin with fingertips, and it turns into an oil when rubbed onto a warm face.  Add water and you get a thin, milky emulsion. Rinse. It left my skin soft and supple. But for extra cleansing – because I’m particular about keeping my combination skin clean after a long day with make-up on, like that – I follow up with the Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Foam ($52). This watery milky lotion – also scented with lavender – foams up thinly so skin is not stripped of oils while ot is being cleanses.  That is why it perfectly complements the balm as a two-step cleansing regime for those with combination skin, and wear makeup regularly 💋.    Launching at Estee Lauder counters in …

Hugo Boss Woman Extreme

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To be honest, I don’t usually like the bottled juices of run-of-the-mill luxury labels. They pretty much all smell the same if you ask me. Just because the marketers only want the perfumers to make tried-and-tested accords that they know (or think) will sell, based on past successful blockbusters. Anyway back to Hugo Boss’ latest offering.  It is actually quite good for a regular department store juice. An EDP, here’s what it says on the box: “A boost of freshness and feminity where floral notes collide with revitalising black tea.  Top notes: boosted boysenberry and Himalayan red grass Heart notes: revitalising black tea and jasmine Base notes: feminine osmanthus” — My thoughts: Light and youthful floral with a berry accord that is not sickly saccharine sweet. Probably because a hint of the tea accord lends it some earthiness. Smells better when sprayed on clothes; relatively long-lasting.

Kat Von D Cosmetics soon available in Singapore?

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A little bird told me. Actually, three little birds told me separately.  Like a true (former) journalist, I decided to share this bit of info after checking with three independent sources. Kate Von D, the queen of tattoos, eyeliner and lipstick, is purveying her line of cosmetics in the Little Red Dot.  Later this year. (April 27 update: Kat Von D confirms Southeast Asia launch. More details soon!) Her best-selling lipsticks and liners are always sold out. So, if you don’t know who she is and why you should care (especially when you are a beauty junkie), here’s some info for you to get up to speed. 1. She’s like burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese with her bold lipstick, wing-tipped liner, and bang-bang body. But with tattoos up to her face and neck.    2. The 34-year-old American tattoo artist shot to fame when she starred in the tattoo shop reality TV show Miami Ink in 2005. She has been pricking skin since she was 16.          3. Her make-up line is a manifestation …