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Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, Florence

Published by Beauty Gazette

Beautiful friends, so I’m back on this site after a hiatus. Because there was so much else happening in my other lives.

I’ve been travelling quite a bit in the last couple of years, to make up for the lost time during the dreary COVID months.

Along the way, I spotted so many great spots I wanted to share. So I’ve decided to write again on this beloved but archived site that I’m now committed to reviving with regular articles.

Last year, I travelled to Florence. Like what everyone who travels to that little city in Italy experiences, it took my breath away.

The heart of Florence, with the Tuscan countryside in the backdrop

Every few steps, around every corner, there was treasure to be found.

Artisanal shops featuring furniture makers, book binders, antique dealers, to the finest tailors, leather and mosaic workshops. Florence is a dream for the discerning shopper.

Then there were the luxury brands and their beautiful flagships. Every Italian label from Brunello Cuccinelli to Ferragamo – had prominent spots along the Via de Tornabuoni main shopping vein.

Of course, stunning frescoes as far as the eye can see

As one weaves in and out of these shopping havens, they will catch the heady scent of patchouli, rose, bergamot, vetiver. Wafting out of the warm and charming Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella boutiques peddling soaps, potpourri and parfums.

A charming window display at Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella

As the lore goes, Santa Maria Novella was borne out of the ingenuity of Dominican friars in 1221. When they were granted the use of a garden in Santa Maria Inter Vineas — a small church outside Florence’s city walls, they cultivated herbs and plants to craft medicines, ointments, and balms.

And here’s the wonderful thing: you can still visit one of the original boutiques located at 16 Via della Scala.

Entrance of the historical pharmacy, Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella at 16 Via della Scala

Stepping in, the space feels all at once like a small cathedral, museum and luxury beauty establishment.

Beautiful arches frame the beauty goods, wood panels and striking tiled floors

Modern liquids in old-style pharmaceutical bottles

There was something for the eye to linger on, everywhere

Beauty goods sumptuously displayed in the parlour

More antique jars that used to hold ointments and more

In the end, we picked up the pot pourri in wonderful terracotta pots to scent our home. And pure cold-pressed, unscented sweet almond oil for my pared back skincare routine days.

Don’t miss the entrance to this wonderland

One note though: you could confuse the location of this boutique with the actual Basilica Santa Maria Novella (a 15th Century Dominican church considered the most important Romano-Gothic one in Tuscany and world heritage site) that is just a short walk away. Regardless, both are must-visits in Florence.

Here’s a map to help you visualise the distance between the two.

Distance between Santa Maria Novella Basilica and Officina Profumo Farmaceutical Santa Maria Novella.

More of my Florentine adventures, to come.

Clarins Skin Spa at Ion Orchard, Singapore

Published by Beauty Gazette

I’ve always been a fan of the facial treatments at Clarins, because they give me the results I need.

Exhausted from a stressful month at work, my skin was dull and in dire need of exfoliation. I was puffy around the eyes, cheeks, jawline and my skin tone was uneven.

I decided to treat myself to a good treatment and nap in the middle of the day, and headed straight to the reliable Clarins Skin Spa.

Located on the fourth floor of Ion Orchard, the cosy reception space was what I needed to get into the mood of a spa session.

I was served a drink to hydrate and relax while I waited before the session.

After a quick consultation on my lifestyle habits and skin woes, the therapist recommended the Clear Skin Refiner.

I picked the session that would help solve my skin issues, and decided 60 mins was enough for a recharge.

One of my favourite things about the Clarins Skin Spa is the wonderful bed.

It was heated, with a cosy comforter.

After changing into a robe that exposed my shoulders, I eagerly slipped in between the covers.

Before the session, the massage bed was adjusted to suit the curve of my slightly bent knee – for that extra touch of comfort.

My shoulders and arms were then massaged firmly to ease the tension, before the therapist got to work with a cream cleanser.

With gentle movements, she swept my lymphatic nodes to get rid of the water retention in my face.

A physical and chemical exfoliant was applied on my face, neck and chest – which stung a little. But it would all be worth it.

An ice cold cream mask was then applied on my skin, that immediately brought the blood circulation to life.

My face was further sculpted with firm but gentle strokes.

By the time I emerged 60 mins later, well-rested with clear, glowing skin and a sharper jawline, I was convinced the $210 bucks spent was worth it.

The dull and rough skin on my temples and cheeks that I could not get rid off on my own at home was gone.

Served lemon water and a prune after the session, I reclined on the couch in the after-treatment space while I was recommended the Double Serum.

As I was on a strict skincare diet, I decided to skip the purchase and never felt pressured to buy anything. Which I appreciated.

Three days later, the glow and smoothness on my face was still apparent.

Made a mental note then to return in a month for another treat.

Fancl Zero Preservatives Skincare

Published by Beauty Gazette

I recently contracted a bout of contact dermatitis on my décolleté, an allergic reaction to a product I applied on my skin.

It itched and burned, and was covered in angry and red welts for weeks.

Now that I’ve recovered with antihistamines, I’m left with patchy scars on my chest. I’m just patiently waiting for my skin tone in that area to even out.

It was a painful reminder to always pay attention to the ingredients in my skincare.

Now while I cannot guarantee that Fancl skincare would not cause you to break out in an allergic reaction, as everyone reacts differently to skincare products; it is a “cleaner” option.

This Japanese skincare brand which is well-known for its oral collagen skincare supplements, is also renowned for its preservative-free and fragrance-free formulas.

Its anti-ageing and moisturising range are sold in relatively small 30ml bottles, which are doubly-sealed. The rationale: as it is preservative-free, it needs to be kept fresh and you need to use up the content of the bottle quickly for best results.

The smaller bottles mean they are great to pack for your travels and staycations too.

For this review, I roadtested the Fancl Enrich Lotion I that freshens up my skin like a moisturising toner, followed by the Fancl Moist Refine Emulsion II for a deeper hydration. These were good enough to keep my skin supple for the day, while feeling lightweight on the skin.

For an added boost at night, I layer on two pumps of the Core Effector to help boost the elasticity of my skin. There was some visible firmness after I used this product for a week.

Without fragrance and preservatives in the formulas, I slathered on the skincare with ease.

Louis Vuitton 200 Trunks 200 Visionaries The Exhibition in Singapore

Published by Beauty Gazette

We checked out brand extraordinaire Louis Vuitton’s 200 Trunks 200 Visionaries The Exhibition at Marina Bay Sands that commemorates the 200th anniversary of Louis Vuitton the man.

Louis Vuitton 200 Trunks 200 Visionaries Singapore — Louis Vuitton 200 Trunks 200 Visionaries, Singapore

This colourful and intriguing travelling art exhibition is a welcomed respite for luxury retail on the sunny bay, as social distancing restrictions have relaxed.

200 Trunks made its way to Singapore right after France where it was showcased in the Louis Vuitton family home. The exhibition will end up eventually in London and the pieces will be auctioned off (apparently by Sothebys) to benefit creatives.

The pieces were created by artists, musicians and other talents.

My faves: the iconic trunks that were turned into furniture and even a juke box.

Louis Vuitton 200 Trunks 200 Visionaries, Juke Box — 61/200

Louis Vuitton 200 Trunks 200 Visionaries — 6/200

Or the satirical interpretations of the human condition.

Louis Vuitton 200 Trunks 200 Visionaries, Infectious Waste — LV: Infectious Waste

K-pop sensation BTS got in on the action for this exhibition too.

Louis Vuitton 200 Trunks 200 Visionaries, BTS — Louis Vuitton 200 Trunks 200 Visionaries exhibit by K-Pop stars BTS, 146/200

Watch this to see more of the exhibition.

200 Trunks, 200 Visionaries is open to the public in Singapore till 27 April.

Louis Vuitton Marina Bay Sands Singapore — Lous Vuitton Marina Bay Sands

The Lipstick to Wear Under A Mask

Published by Beauty Gazette

Are you also one of those freaks who wear a full face of make-up and lipstick under your protective face mask?

Well then, here’s the perfect non-smudgy but super intense lipstick range for you: The YSL Beauty Rouge Pur Couture The Slim Velvet Radical Highly Pigmented Velvet Matte Lipstick.

The colour glides on opaque in one stroke, easy to blend with a fingertip, smells sexy and powdery. The matte finish allows the colour to set quickly on the lips.

Blot gently with a tissue three or four times; and the colour will not budge under your mask.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CZeDlqAqf3F/?utm_medium=copy_link

So that when you whip off the face cover to drink your coffee or eat lunch; your perfect make-up will pleasantly surprise.

2022 Wellness Resolutions

Published by Beauty Gazette

The best thing you can do for yourself?

Self-care.

Here are 22 things that will make you feel better, anytime.

1. Sign up for that gym membership and get into shape.

2. Spend time taking care of your skin. Exfoliate and moisturise.

3. Get a haircut, new colour, and style your locks differently.

4. Indulge in a new hobby.

5. Spend time with, and be kind to yourself.

6. Sleep earlier and rise at a fixed time.

7. Hydrate.

8. Breathe and stretch.

9. Start a journal and write all your thoughts down.

10. Read or watch a movie to gain a different perspective.

11. Take time to reflect on the day and feel gratitude for the little things.

12. Let go of things – physical or emotional – that don’t serve you.

13. Make memories. These last longer with you than any material items.

14. Always take the long-term perspective.

15. But remember to live in the moment.

16. Eat well, cut the sugar, simple carbs and palm oil.

17. Contentment is bliss.

18. Be self aware. Listen to yourself speak.

19. Go for long walks.

20. Make that big purchase if it will make you happy.

21. Remember you always have a choice.

22. Put a loved one, first.

Kiehl’s Ferulic Brew Rejuvenating Facial Essence

Published by Beauty Gazette

An antioxidant-rich brew for your face? Why not.

The new fermented essence by Kiehl’s is made with enzymes from brassica extract and ferulic acid, brewed for 120 hours and fortified further with lactic acid and squalane oil.

The Ferulic Brew Rejuvenating Facial Essence, a bi-phase formula, sweeps away dead surface cells while nourishing the deeper layers of the skin.

Great as a first step in your skincare routine, right after cleansing.

For days when you don’t want to load on the products, just pat the essence onto skin and a light moisturiser to perk up your complexion.

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Light Catcher

Published by Beauty Gazette

Known for its makeup range that offers the perfect #wokeuplikethis look, Laura Mercier has done it again with a new setting powder that offers a candle-lit glow on the skin.

The new Translucent Loose Setting Powder Light Catcher is made to set makeup, and prevent it from shifting.

The perfect product to wear under your protective face mask, when you’ve got foundation, blush and contouring makeup on. (Why? Because sometimes, we need to look great when eating in public.)

This champagne colour -tinted powder – named Celestial Light – provides the finishing touch to your makeup routine.

It is also a secret weapon for when you need to take video calls: it does not leave a white cast or metallic finish on skin while blurring out imperfections.

Castaner Wedge Espadrilles

Published by Beauty Gazette

In Singapore where I live, the tropical weather’s all year round.

So we’re lucky enough to be able to live in pretty summer frocks 24/7.

And trust me when I say a good pair of espadrille wedges just elevates colourful cotton and linen outfits.

*Image source: Instagram/ sofrench_bynaty;Main image – Instagram/ anindigoday*

The best I’ve come across so far are by the Spanish brand Castaner.

Started in 1927, it continues to manufacture its espadrilles the traditional way.

Industry insiders even claim that the luxury labels rely on Castaner to produce their wedge espadrilles, most notably for YSL a couple of decades back.

Today, many high-end brands pair up with Castaner to produce limited edition collections; from Manolo Blahnik to Missoni and most recently, Paul Smith.

Also, it is no secret that Castaner has fans from the royal family; who are often spotted in the earth-toned shoes in the paparazzi shots taken in summer.

And for good reason: Castaners are so comfortable for wedges, and they elongate your legs with the ribbon ties at the ankles.

They are very well-made for a reasonable price (S$150 onwards), long-lasting, and so versatile as it matches almost every summer outfit.

Perfect shoes, if you ask me; and I own more than 20 pairs of the cotton-canvas wedges in every colour. I also have a couple in calf and suede.

As for the sizing of the shoes, I’d recommend you go one size down. I’m a usual EU 37 but wear size 36 for Castaners.

Enjoy, when you get your first pair. (And I’m pretty sure that like me, you won’t stop at one).

Kiehl’s Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum

Published by Beauty Gazette

While it is an effective anti-aging ingredient, retinol is notoriously difficult to incorporate into the skincare routine.

Because often, it can cause dryness, redness and even peeling of the skin.

Now, Kiehl’s has taken out the guess work in allowing you to effortlessly incorporate retinol into your beauty ritual.

Tapping a “micro-dosing” technology, Kiehl’s new Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily feels comfortable and gentle on the skin as it also contains soothing peptides and ceramides.

This new product can even be layered with other Kiehl’s serums.

Here’s how to layer it on, effectively:

1. Moisturising Toner or Essence

2. Other Kiehl’s serum

3. Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum

4. Face cream (go for a more hydrating one)

5. Sunscreen (skip this for the night routine, clearly)