All posts filed under: Tried and tested

Skin Inc Pure Recovery Dew

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Hands-down, this new hydrating formula is the most lightweight one that I’ve come across. Described as a “gel-to-dew” moisturiser, it is dispensed from the pump as a translucent white gel. But when you spread the dollop onto the skin, it turns into droplets of water. So you’ll feel like you’ve just applied an essence on your skin. Or splashed some water on your face, except that it does not dry out your skin. Emollients are added to keep the skin hydrated for longer. This Skin Inc Pure Recovery Dew ($72) concotion contains Japanese onsen water from the famous Izuma Yumura hot spring that is rich in minerals and soothes; hyaluronic acid to keep skin moisturised; and the antioxidant French pine bark. I like the fact that this formula is easy to layer between my extensive day skincare routine: essence, <Recovery Dew>, serum, cream moisturiser, sunscreen, primer, foundation. Because its texture is watery when applied onto the skin, this moisturiser also blends perfectly with the rest of Skin Inc’s water-based serums. So you can continue to customise …

Clarins Booster

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Just like how you would pop vitamin pills – or perhaps even take a vitamin shot in the arm – to get a quick charge so you can go about slaying the day; Clarins’ new Booster drops are made to give your skin that extra TLC even when you are on-the-go. Just pick the right one for your skin condition and lifestyle, add a few drops into the moisturiser or foundation, blend in your palms and apply. I really like how the watery serums are super lightweight and almost odourless. So it blends right into my regular skincare creams and foundation without changing its consistency. And yet, I get the extra skincare benefits which I feel almost immediately. After using it for the past week, my skin looks clearer and perkier; and more awake in the mornings. Because switching up your skincare routine is troublesome, just add a few drops to the ritual for maximum benefits. The Energy Booster ($65) is customised for those who are often up late, have a hectic lifestyle, jet-lagged, or …

Origins Rituali Tea range

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Trump won the US elections earlier today. And when the going gets tough, the tough gets masking. Increasingly, I’ve come to realise that to do well in the corporate boardroom, rest and “me-time” is incredibly important. To be sharp and efficient in the office, I need at least two to three hours of “me time” to read, meditate, put on a mask; and at least eight hours of sleep. Origins’ new Rituali Tea range is perfect for my beauty night caps. Although I prefer to stay away from tea before bed – the caffeine will keep me up the entire night – I appreciate the anti-oxidant packed leaves blended in masks. Inspired by tea rituals, the range is an indulgent home spa one; especially when you have the time to wind down in the evening or over the weekend. The Matcha Madness Revitalising Powder Face Mask with Matcha & Green Tea ($68) and Oolong-La Purifying Powder Face Mask with Oolong Black Tea & Chai Spices ($68) actually froths up like real tea latte when you …

Shu Uemura Tint in Balm

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Shu Uemura’s lipsticks hold a special place in my beauty room, amongst my vast collection. Typically Japanese, the lipsticks are balm-like moisturising, semi-glossy, easy-to-wear and sheer (so it’s ok if you can’t apply with precision, just clean up and blend with fingertips for a sexy just-ate-a-popsicle look), and come in all flattering shades for the Asian skin tone (pinks, corals, and reds). The main difference with this new launch of Tint In Balm range (which launches October at Shu Uemura Singapore counters) is its potent pigment formula. These solid lipsticks are dispensed in a click pen. They are bright and pigmented in a single slick, and the lipstick melts once it touches the lips. Use a lip brush for more precision. These give you a glossy finish, like you would get with a liquid lipstick. As moisturising as a balm, they also stain lips. Available in 10 poppy shades at $42 each. My picks: the Cherry Fervour in juicy cherry red, the fuchsia Pinky Hype, and the vibrant orange-red Orange Shock. Because these are so …

Shu Uemura Stage Performer Block:Booster Protective Moisture Primer SPF 50 PA+++

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When you need your makeup to last from the morning board meeting to evening cocktail drinks, a good primer is your secret weapon.  Shu Uemura’s new Stage Performer primer is a good option.  The multi-tasking formula moisturises with a lightweight gel formula, protects skin from pollutants to a certain extent, contains good UV protection – SPF 50 PA+++, and colour corrects (I like Fresh Pink) for that healthy glow.  Of course, it also smoothens the skin for easy makeup application, and helps the face paint stay on for longer.  My foundation lasted all day with the Stage Performer. Without it, my foundation is almost always gone by mid-day, and I’ll have to touch-up with a BB cushion compact. This make-up base can also be worn on its own for off-duty days, for smoother-looking and more even-toned skin.

Nars Velvet Lip Glide

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The lip products from Nars are always a dream to use. Formulated with the latest technology from its parent company – Japanese beauty conglomerate Shiseido – the lipsticks always deliver. The new Velvet Lip Glide collection comprises of 13 shades of nudes, pinks, reds, and plums. How the liquid lipsticks feels like on the lips: Lightweight, semi-translucent in one coat but packed with vibrant colour pigments, non-sticky, moisturising, comfortable, semi-glossy finish, stains lips. Easy-to-use wand, fuss-free. Pictured here from left: Deviant (deep burgundy); Unlaced (nude pink); Danceteria (fuchsia); Le Palace (deep cherry red); Area (rich chestnut); Playpen (pink coral). Check out the swatches here.

La Prairie Skin Caviar Essence-In-Lotion

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This new extension of La Prairie’s signature caviar skincare line is a viscous, watery lotion. Absorbed easily and leaves skin with a satiny afterfeel. Like a skin softener, it prepares the face for serum and moisturiser; and adds an extra layer of suppleness to the skin. Or use it alone so the foundation goes on more smoothly. It contains panax ginseng root extract, caviar extract, a patent-pending cellular complex, lentil seed extract, oat kernel extract, yeast extract, and lactobacillus ferment, among others. The scent of this product is pretty strong; so best used on those without skin sensitivities.

Philosophy Ultimate Miracle Worker Pearl Mask

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I’ve tried many masks, but nothing like this.  The active anti-ageing ingredients apricot oil and hyaluronic acid are encapsulated in a pearlescent jelly material, so they remain fresh.  This pearlescent jelly material cannot be dissolved when rubbed onto the skin.  The pearls are submerged in a clear gel made of a pea extract and moisturising peptides. So, you put a spatula of the pearls into a muslin sachet (each box comes with 12 disposable sachets).  Then press onto the pearls in the bag to burst and apply them onto the skin.  The watery serum is very lightweight and even foams up a little as I gently rub the bag in circular motions onto the skin. The best part? My skin is gently exfoliated at the same time.  This product feels more like an exfoliator and serum more than a mask.  I used this Pearl Mask on clean skin before bed, in place of my serum and noisturiser. But if you have dry skin, layer a cream on top.  The next morning, after one use, my …

Canvas Stress Relieving Set

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Natural plant oils are my favourite skincare items. Because they penetrate the skin easily, are effective, and the quality ones are free of nasty chemicals. So when I spotted these at Maven, I had to try them. This set is unique as it comes with tiny 1ml bottles of organic and pure essential oils to be added into the larger 50ml bottles of pure sweet almond oil. The essential oils comprise of bergamot (an anti-depressant that also stimulates the appetite); Egyptian geranium (to balance emotions and hormones, reduce anxiety and tension); and (calming) lavender. So you can pick, and blend whichever best suits your state of mind and body. When the essential oils are blended into the sweet almond oil, you get a beautifully scented body massage oil or luxurious skin-hydrator. The oil is absorbed easily, with sticky after feel, and skin is left soft, smooth and supple.   Quick 101 on essential oils and carrier oils Essential oils are super potent and can really affect the body’s disposition, so a tiny bit is all you …

Origins Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Soothing Treatment Lotion

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Origins’ bestselling lotion from its signature Dr Andrew Weil range now comes in a limited edition bottle and an extra large 400ml size ($99). Formulated with the potent reishi mushroom and antioxidant-rich sea buckthorn, the relatively viscous lotion is made to calm sensitive skin, while protecting and softening it. Perfect for use in this hazy weather. Use it as the first step of your skincare routine after cleansing and before the serum, for more supple, smoother, and more resilient skin. I love its fresh herbal scent too, which reminds me of a resort spa. Other reasons to love Origins:  The formulas are made without parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, paraffin, synthetic colour and fragrances – just what those with intolerant skin, needs.  Dr Andrew Weil also donates all after-tax profits of his royalties to the Weil Foundation; which champions integrative, and more humane medical treatments.