All posts filed under: Tried and tested

Aesop Deodorant Roll-On

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The new deodorants from Aesop are a dream to use. Feels cool on the skin and lightweight, these roll-ons have an earthy, woody scent. Way different than the medicinal-smelling or cheap perfume versions. Aesop’s are most suited for those who prefer a light, masculine fragrance to keep odours at bay. Available in two options. The regular one with vetiver, zinc ricinoleate, lavender oil, clover flower oil, eucalyptus oil, tea tree leaf oil, coriander seed oil, thyme oil, ginger root extract, wasabi japonica, and lactic acid. The herbal version contains sage leaf, rosemary leaf oil, orange flower oil, eucalyptus oil, ginger root extract, lactic acid, zinc ricinoleate, and wasabi japonica.

Shu Uemura Lacque Supreme

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The new Lacque Supreme liquid lipsticks by Shu Uemura are very good. And by that I mean long-wearing glossiness, translucent-but-rich-pigment kind of very good. Formulated with an oil-in-water emulsion, it feels moisturising and lightweight. Blended with a polymer coating used in pharmaceuticals and food, this liquid lipstick gives lips a high-shine that even lasts through meals of oily food. The colours are even and bright with one dip and two to three coats. The angled tip of the applicator makes it easy to slick on this gel-textured lipstick. Watch this clip to see the beautiful shine and colour. TBG’s picks of the lot: RD05 PK06 CR01 WN05 Available in 16 shades, S$43 each.

Mamonde Flower Facial Masks

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You’ve probably heard of a perfume wardrobe; but what about a mask wardrobe? Mamonde’s new set of Flower Facial Masks remind us of just that. Available in a variety of textures, these masks have different functions and are each themed with a different bloom. The Enriched Nutri Sleeping Mask is concocted with the Evening Primrose and capsule beads for an intensive treatment of dehydrated skin. (The fragrance may be a little too strong for the liking of some though.) While the Calming Hydro Sleeping Mask contains calendula extracts and petals to soothe and moisturise normal skin.  The refreshing floral scent is light and calming. Both sleeping masks – like Laneige’s bestselling Sleeping Masks – have a viscous and refreshing gel texture to seal moisture into the skin while you sleep. There is no need to wash it off till the next morning. As its name suggests, you can sleep through the night (or afternoon nap) with it on. The Petal Purifying Bubble Mask is blended with rose extract, and bubbles upon application on skin to lift …

Fenty Beauty Mattemoiselle Lipstick Swatches Review

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Something was clearly up when Rihanna launched her Fenty Beauty Collection in September but a single lipstick was nowhere in sight. Then last month, she unleashed Stunna, a gorgeous red lip paint. On Christmas Day, she goes all out with 14 matte lip colours in the Mattemoiselle Plush Matte Lipstick range. With a satin-matte finish (as this is a solid lipstick after all), most of the formulas are surprisingly smooth to apply (especially PMS, Freckle Fiesta, Candy Venom, Shawty). Creamy and pigmented (some shades like the pinks, corals and reds more so than the others), the lipsticks are also relatively long-lasting (if you don’t eat oily foods with it on). The colours are also even (except for maybe Griselda), and oh-so-gorgeous. At S$28 a pop, they will be launching on Christmas Day in the Sephora US stores, and on Boxing Day in Sephora Singapore stores and online. Here are some swatches to help you decide which ones to snatch off shelves. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without expressed and written permission from The Beauty …

Pat McGrath Labs Mothership I, II, III; Luxetrance and Mattetrance Lipstick

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The famed celebrity makeup artist – known for travelling with tons of Louis Vuitton luggage, and her exacting make-up standards – is busting all make-up launch traditions. She does her brand announcements exclusively on Instagram, responds actively to all her followers on the social media platform, and rolls out collection after collection without thought for consumers’ pockets or seasons. Then there’s her fantastic makeup formulas. All pigmented and smooth colours in textures that only an artist like her can dream up; and an entrepreneur like her can go through with getting the make-up factories to produce. The Mothership eyeshadow palettes come with 10 shades each in a myriad of matte, iridescent, metallic and glittery shades. In each of the three palettes, there are two black and nude shades that are repeated; but then again these are essentials that complement all the other bold hues. There is minimal loose powder falling around the face when the shadows are applied, as they have a dry but creamy quality to them. The formulas can also be applied wet …

Tatouage Couture Matte Stain by Yves Saint Laurent Beaute

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Yves Saint Laurent Beaute has always been at the forefront of the liquid lipstick game. Some six years ago, when it launched its Rouge Pur Couture Vernis a Levres, it blew so many of its competitors out of the water. The lightweight texture of the liquid lipstick gave lips a punchy colour with a Ferrari-finish shine. Now, it is set to keep lipstick junkies’ pulse racing with the new Tatouage Couture Matte Stain. As lightweight as the Vernis a Levre, with that fresh watery feeling on the lips, the Tatouage formula dries down on the lips with a pretty pop of colour and a trendy satin-matte finish. Clearly inspired by the permamence of tattoos, the Tatouage range is long-lasting (but not through oily food). Just one dip and one coat is enough for an smooth and even coat of beautiful colour. The spatula-shaped applicator – stamped with a tiny YSL logo, no less, for that luxe factor – makes precise strokes a breeze. Watch this for a snapshot of how this lippie performs. TBG’s picks: No.16, …

Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate + Vit C and Hyaluronic Acid

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Kiehl’s latest serum is a potent blend of Vitamin C (an eyebrow-raising 12.5 per cent) and hyaluronic acid. Formulated to smoothen the appearance of lines and pores; the Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate is indeed powerful enough to leave a warm and tingly sensation on the skin upon application. The slight stinging feeling did not last more than 10 seconds on my normal-combination skin though. Although it might further irritate those with intolerant skin. After using it three days and nights in a row, I’ve noticed a perceptible improvement to my skkn texture. Somehow, my skin also looks less oily throughout the day. This serum leaves behind a silky-smooth matte finish, and is lightweight enough to be layered between a lotion, and moisturiser, sunscreen, foundation.

Casio Exilim TR-M11 Review

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A strong segment in Casio’s stable of offerings is its range of TR selfie cameras that automatically turns portraits picture-perfect. In seconds, the camera automatically adds a dewy translucence and healthy flush to the selfie, so one’s posts on social media will always be flawless and approved by adoring followers. The latest Casio launch is the TR-M11, a camera that looks just like the cushion compact foundation, and fits in the palm of the hand. It also has an 8-LED ring light around the lens to smoothe away shadows on the face. Here’s an excerpt from our review for The Straits Times: “Taking a selfie with this gadget is a no-brainer. Just flip it open, adjust the position of your face within the square digital screen (perfect for the square proportions of Instagram posts) and tap the screen or press the ergonomic button at the 1 o’clock position of the camera. The best selfies are impromptu and snapped quickly, and this non-fiddly device is perfect for such moments. Portraits can also be cropped in circles …

Verso Anti Pollution Skin Mist

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A multi-purpose skincare mist that conditions skin, sets makeup and protects it from fine pollutants? Sign us up. This made-in-Sweden formula contains antibacterial phenoxyethanol, humectants and acrylic acid (for long-lasting makeup wear). Think of it as an extra shield from pollution for the skin. Perfect for haze season if you live in Singapore; or all year round in polluted cities like Bangkok and Beijing. Available at escentials.