All posts filed under: Tried and tested

Aesop In Two Minds skincare

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Released earlier this month, Aesop’s latest In Two Minds skincare range was created to balance combination skin. And we’re talking about the oily T-zone and chin, with dry and flaky cheek areas, kind of combination skin. Three years in the making at the brand’s lab in Melbourne, In Two Minds comprises of a cleanser (S$43 for 100ml), toner (S$45 for 100ml), and a hydrator (S$80 for 60ml). Dr Rebecca Watkinson, Aesop’s Innovation and Research Manager says the products were a result of observations of its customers’ skin in the past decade, especially those in warmer climates: “They were finding it increasingly difficult to manage this challenging and often reactive skin type.” The cleanser is a gel-based low-suds formula that is mild but contains witch hazel, sage leaf and salicylic acid for gentle yet thorough cleansing. The toner is a refreshing blend of chamomile, witch hazel, niacinamide and panthenol. It softens and primes the skin for a dose of the lightweight hydrator, which feels rich when dispensed but disappears into the skin with gentle massages. This …

Cle de Peau Beaute Firming Serum Supreme

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Luxury Japanese skincare label Cle de Peau Beaute has launched a premium anti-ageing serum. The product is formulated with a “4D-Boosting Technology” that “sculpts” the face and enhances the skin’s natural collagen production. It also reduces the appearance of puffiness, sagging, pores, and expression lines. Formulated with coix lacryma-jobi ma-yuen seed extract to firm and keep skin supple; licorice root to firm; raspberry extract to strengthen skin barrier; as well as an exclusive ingredient that regulates cell behaviour. Although this serum has a rich texture, it is easily absorbed and does not leave a sticky afterfeel Immediately after application, I also felt a slightly warm sensation. Skin was instantly plumped, and felt firmer and tighter. Use this in-lieu of cream on hot and humid days.

CliniqueFIT Makeup review

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The athleisure range of clothing – sportswear that takes you right from breakfast to gym class and then to brunch – is increasingly popular because it fits right into busy, go-getting women’s lifestyles. Now, Clinique is launching its FIT makeup range to literally fit into this segment in the beauty market. Packaged in handy sizes, these can be slipped easily into a gym bag. Fuss-free and easy to use, the formulas make one look and feel good in a jiffy; with or without a session of spin class. TBG took three products for a roadtest through a sweaty hike in the depths of a tropical jungle. The Matte On The Mat Workout Makeup SPF 40/PA+++ is a tinted sunscreen with a matte finish. The watery texture spreads easily. The Post Work-Out Glow Without The Workout Lip + Cheek Flush gives skin a natural-looking tint, so it looks exactly like how it would look after exercise. The tint looks dark when squeezed out of the tube but when blended out, it looks translucent. While Lash Longer Out …

Shiseido 7 Lights Powder Illuminator

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Few makeup products are as versatile as Shiseido’s iconic 7 Lights Powder Illuminator. Swirl all the shades together to colour-correct skin tone, set make-up, and add a glow. Or use them individually and two or three colour combos on different areas of the face. The darker brown shades can be used for eyeshadow and contouring; the peachy-pink ones as blush and highlight. Watch it in action here.

Three Skincare: New and improved

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Japanese beauty label Three is known for its quality, effective and fuss-free formulas. To enhance the user experience, it has now launched a new range of skincare with a calming blend of frankincense oil to complement the skincare ingredients. All the products in the skincare line also contain laurel leaf oil (anti-bacterial), hot spring water (ionised alkaline), alpine rose extract (to protect skin). The textures are fine and easily absorbed by the skin. The Treatment Lotion is also formulated with watermelon and eggplant extracts to hydrate skin. While the Treatment Cream boasts kabosu and rosa rugosa fruit extracts to promote cell turnover and rejuvenate skin. The cleansers are also gentle. The Cleansing Oil contains sapote butter so dirt glides off; while the Clearing Foam is formulated with soap nut extract, a natural and gentle alternative to detergent.

Power Pairing: Make Up For Ever Artist Color Shadow Custom-Create + Step 1 Eye & Lip Primer

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Make Up For Ever’s Artist Color Shadows are good investments. The generous value-for-money shades (S$24 each) have good pay-off and minimal flaking. For best results, use the shadows with the brand’s Step 1 Eye & Lip Primer. It is one of the best formulas we’ve ever tried: it smoothens and tightens the lid area, so the eyeshadow won’t skip upon application and blends beautifully. Also makes the colour look more intense and last longer. You could use it as a lip primer too. To get even more Insta-worthy eye makeup, now you can customise your favourite MUFE shades in a palette. Available in five sizes (for a single colour, a duo, and three, six, twelve), palette cases start from S$4. Made of tin, they are simple lightweight, fuss-free, hold just the right amount of eyeshadow, and come with a quality mirror for touch-ups.

Marc Jacobs Shameless Youthful-Look 24-H Longwear Foundation SPF 25

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Inspired by the “Shameless” tattoo on his buff chest – a daily reminder to remain true to himself – Marc Jacobs has launched a new foundation that does not cake up the skin. Available in an impressive 29 shades (S$74 each), the Shameless formula gives skin buildable medium-to-full coverage. It also offers “flashback-free SPF”, or encapsulated SPF that keeps your skin looking naturally beautiful in front of camera flashes, instead of chalky or ashen. So you can look Insta-ready at all times. This oil-free long-wearing formula which blends easily for a second-skin finish, also contains moisturising and soothing snow mushroom and blue daisy extract. The product gives skin a beautiful glow, while allowing its natural texture to come through. Watch it in action here.

Shu Uemura Petal Skin Cushion and Limited Edition Sakura Pink Petal 55 Brush

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Any legit beauty junkie out there would know that quality make-up tools are essential for flawless-looking foundation. As Shu Uemura is a make-up artists’ brand through-and-through, and known for its iconic tools, it is launching a new limited edition sakura pink petal 55 brush (S$80). With an ergonomic, faceted handle, this dense and oval-shaped kabuki brush is of the same width as the popular 27 brush to cover areas such as the chin and cheeks. While the tapered edge is of similar in size to the 10 brush for precise application around the eyes and nose. Packed with thousands of supple fibres – 189,000 to be exact – it offers easy and flawless coverage. So much so that Shu Uemura bets that you can apply liquid foundation with your eyes closed, when you use the Petal 55 brush (check out its #eyesclosedchallenge on Insta). Best used with the Petal Skin Fluid Foundation (S$68, available in 11 shades). Because beautiful-looking skin and foundation is the first step to flawless-looking make-up, Shu Uemura is also launching its new …

ReFa Clear

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The latest beauty device from Japanese label ReFa is a cleansing one that taps on sonic ion technology to rid skin of impurities. ReFa Clear (S$360) deep cleanses with a replace-able ultra-fine, dome-shaped brush manufactured in Kumano, Japan that reaches round the contours of the face. The kumanofude glides and vibrates with sonic waves, and is charged with negative ions to exfoliate and repel debris. The device has three speeds: a soft one for gentle morning cleansing; a stronger one for ridding residual makeup at the end of the day; and the strongest mode is for a power-cleansing session. This gadget is also best used with the ReFa Cream Wash, which lathers well to produce a rich, cushiony, and smooth foam that gives the cleansing device a better glide on the skin. The wash also contains fruit extracts – hydrolysed prune and pear juice ferment filtrate – to soften and exfoliate dead skin. For me, the distinguishing feature between the ReFa Clear and other sonic cleansing devices is how gentle it is on the skin. My face …

Laneige Two Tone Contouring & Correcting Bars

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For quick and easy make-up, Laneige has produced a series of two-toned Contouring and Correcting Bars for on-the-go make-up perfection. Like the brand’s bestselling Two-Tone Lip Bars, the duo colours blend seamlessly onto skin upon application. Creamy and ergonomically shaped, these make-up sticks are easy to blend with fingertips, or a kabuki brush. Here’s how they work: The transparent Primer no.1 prepares skin for make-up application, and is for use all over the face. No.2 Pink Coral is good for concealing dark circles while brightening the area. No.3 Purple Blue brightens the skin, good as a highlighter. No. 4 Mint Lemon hides dark circles, adds the appearance of volume to cheeks, and conceals redness. No. 1 Cacao gives skin a natural-looking contour for sharper-looking features. No. 2 Almond offers a more dramatic contouring effect. Available at all Laneige counters and boutiques at S$38 each. Pictures: Laneige