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Beauty Gazette: More to come – Reports on Beautiful Fashion, Lifestyle, Retail

Published by Beauty Gazette

It has been five years since The Beauty Gazette was launched, and what an incredibly satisfying journey it has been.

After I left my job in the media, TBG has been a great escape from the daily grind of my corporate career. It is the perfect outlet for my observations – now as a consumer – of the wild and wonderful emerging from the beauty industry.

I love makeup, skincare, and all things self-care. Because if you can’t love yourself, then you can’t really expect to be living your best life.

Like many of you, the pandemic has made me re-assess my priorities including TBG.

What should I drop, take on or refine?

So I’ve decided that since the lines between beauty, fashion, lifestyle and retail are increasingly blurred, TBG will also cover these other forms of self-indulgence, going forward.

I’ll be sharing more on all things bright, shiny and beautiful.

On top of my posts on beauty trends, I’ll keep you in the know of my favourite tried and tested fashion brands and products, and regular retailers I go to for my shopping fix.

I’ll be reviewing everything from iconic shoes and coats from luxury labels to the most flattering high street denim pieces, and outfits that provide a high ROI.

Because the truly fashionable know that the best outfits are a mix of luxury investment pieces and regular affordable high-street ones (with the occasional vintage treasure thrown in).

So stay tuned to see what I’ve been keeping my eye on and adding to my shopping bag.

And occasionally, I’ll also be sharing my favourite fashionable hangouts where you can watch the beautiful people.

So stay tuned, and thank you for being a loyal reader of TBG.

Best Sunscreens To Buy

Published by Beauty Gazette

Summer or autumn, pandemic or peace times, the one skincare item that you should always have in your beauty routine is suncare.

If like me, you love hanging out on a sunny balcony, a bright spot at an outdoor cafe, or stepping out for a bike ride to unwind, never forget to slather on the sunscreen to slow down skin ageing.

Here are my favourite sunscreens that I reach out for on a daily basis.

They all have a few things in common:

Non-sticky finish
Feel lightweight on skin
Have high broad spectrum protection
Contain added skincare benefits (moisturising agents, anti-pollution ingredients, etc.
Multi-purpose (provide skin-perfecting illusion)
Work brilliantly as a make-up primer (just layer under foundation)

I’ve added hyperlinks to the list so you can go straight and buy them (no affiliation, btw).

Home Spa: Dr Dennis Gross DRx Spectralite BodyWare Pro

Published by Beauty Gazette

With quarantines, lock-downs, and touch-less retail and services being de rigueur during COVID-19, home beauty devices are a perfect addition to your beauty routine.

Clearly, these DIY grooming machines are convenient so you don’t have to trudge off to a salon.

Plus, it is much safer since you will not have to share any of the beauty tools and accoutrements with others, and be potentially exposed to the novel coronavirus.

Dr Dennis Gross’ DRx Spectralite BodyWare Pro taps on LED light therapy to provide anti-aging (red LED) and anti-acne (blue LED) benefits on your neck, decollete and limbs, while you’re chillin’ and Netflixin’.

The best part? You can actually mould the flexible device to your body so you get a customised treatment. Just don’t use it on your face (and eyes!) as the Bodyware Pro is not meant for that.

The device provides 3 options for the 3-minute sessions (red, blue or red + blue). There’s also a bonus option: a 14-minute red LED treatment to soothe muscle and joint pain.

The Bodyware is also incredibly easy to use: simple buttons and charging is done via a USB-C charging cord.

Ok now, a quick science lesson on LED lights:

The Light Emitting Diode (LED) were a sensation when they were first invented, and developed for the market through the 1960s to the 1990s.

Japanese engineers Shuji Nakamura, Isamu Akasaki and Hiroshi Amano were even awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics 2014 for the invention of the high-brightness blue LED.

It was soon discovered that not only were the LED bulbs energy efficient, high-performing, and great for plants, they also heal the human body.

The Dr Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite Bodyware Pro, S$720, is available at Sephora.

Dress-up Your Make-up: Armani Beauty Cushion Collection

Published by Beauty Gazette

Imagine: a “wardrobe” for your cushion foundation.

Armani Beauty has gone to that level of extra, for you.

The My Armani to Go cushion case is now available in 4 designs:

The original glossy red case “Lacquer”, one with a sophisticated marble-like finish “Rouge Malachite”, the scintillating “Crystal”, and faux snake skin “Effeto Python”.

Oh and of course, lest you forget, the best part of the product is the cushion foundation itself, that provides long-lasting coverage and a soft glow, with SPF23/PA+++.

The cases cost S$40 each, and the cushion, $80, 4 shades to pick from. Available at Armani Beauty counters.

Aesop Othertopias EDP Collection

Published by Beauty Gazette

Aesop’s new Othertopias eau de parfum range is a poetic ode to the wild landscapes that inspired photographer/artist/nose Barnabe Fillion.

From the stormy sea (for Miraceti – a hint of oud, whiskey and incense), the rugged shore (for Karst – metallic salty notes, cumin spice, sandalwood), to the rustic country (for Eremia – white musk, yuzu, resinous galbanum).

Perfect for when travelling to strange lands is not an option for us during the pandemic.

The Othertopias range is in Singapore stores 5 Jul.

These are great additions to the others in Aesop’s unisex EDP range: Tacit, Hwyl, Rozu and Marrakech Intense.

All sensual, smoky, and bound to make heads turn.

The One with the Friends

Published by Beauty Gazette

The coveted Friends’ reunion that ran in May has inspired many to revisit the iconic 10-season series on Netflix.

Clearly, one other reason why Friends is trending (on Netflix) is obvious: many of us are still quarantined due to the pandemic.

With not much else to do, indulging in the good old Friends’ bubble is incredibly comforting. The jokes are timeless, the exchange witty with the righ dash of political-incorrectness, and comc timing is on-point.

And the fashion brands are paying attention to what the consumers want: Friends’ fashion.

High-waisted straight-leg jeans and bermudas made of sturdy denim, crochet, figure-hugging cropped tops, strappy dresses and knits fill the racks in stores (both on and off-line).

So here are snapshots of Rachel’s, Monica’s and Phoebe’s blowouts and makeup, for you to match the Friends’ sartorial trends.

Kiehl’s Marks 170th Anniversary

Published by Beauty Gazette

Started out as a go-to apothecary of the neighbourhood in a street corner of New York in 1851, to say Kiehl’s has come a long way is, an understatement.

To celebrate its 170th Anniversary milestone, the illustrious skincare label churns out a limited edition series of old-favourites.

Kiehl’s 170th Anniversary Limited Edition Range

We’re particularly enamoured with the Heritage Rosewater Toner, which smells heavenly, and feels gentle yet refreshing. We’re petitioning for it to be made a constant in the collection.

Also look out for the Essence Oils, named after the moods we all want to be in: Love Luring (jasmine, rose, ylang-ylang), Fortune Seeking (citrus and white tea), Jinx Removing (vetiver and sandalwood).

Kiehl’s limited edition Essence Oil

The crowd-favourites come in classic limited edition white and gold jars and bottles.

Because the Kiehl’s bestsellers always deserve some space in your skincare cabinet. Afterall, they’ve got 170 years to prove it.

Clarins Calm Essentiel

Published by Beauty Gazette

If like us, your skin acts up as you wear a protective face mask for long hours (to be a responsible citizen during the pandemic), Clarins is offering you a skincare option.

To help calm sensitive skin, its latest Calm Essentiel range is made with clary sage, known for its soothing and healing properties.

The Redness Corrective Gel is lightweight and has a hint of light green to even out redness on the face. Wear it under foundation as a multi-tasking primer.

The Soothing Emulsion is skin-plumpingly moisturising, and easily absorbed.

While the Restoring Treatment Oil is a calming face oil to be layered on top of th moisturiser if you need that extra boost. Otherwise, warm a couple of drops between your palms and press directly onto clean skin before bedtime.

On the Importance of Self-Care: Vicky Tsai, Tatcha Founder

Published by Beauty Gazette

As we continue to stay home as much as possible to help curb the spread of the pandemic, The Beauty Gazette asks Vicky Tsai what keeps her going. The founder of skincare label Tatcha started her brand because she was so inspired by the classical Japanese beauties of ancient Kyoto, also known as the queens of self-care. Tatcha’s product range features skincare ingredients such as Japanese rice powder, algae and Uji green tea; and revives classical beauty rituals with a modern spin.

What’s the latest beauty trend you adore?

The renewed importance of self-care. Since the pandemic began last year, we’ve been dealing with so many things emotionally and it’s taking its toll on us physically, including our skin. When you’re stressed or sad your skin shows it, so giving yourself time to decompress and care for your skin and mind is a wonderful reprieve. When you feel good about yourself, your confidence comes through – to me that’s true beauty.

How do you think COVID-19 has changed our beauty routines?

It’s allowed many to realise that taking care of their skin doesn’t need to be a chore. As a result of the time we’ve spent at home, our beauty routines have become intentional moments of self-care and self-love. It’s also given us the chance to experiment with products and find what really works for our skin by taking the time to see results.

What is your own self-care routine like these days?

I live in New York City, and right now it’s winter, so the weather is cold and dry. I’m currently using The Rice Wash, followed by The Essence, The Dewy Serum, and The Silk Cream and our SPF. Because I have sensitive and reactive skin that gets irritated easily, the formulas in my ritual right now are all extremely gentle, nourishing and calming – I need all the hydration I can get.

Tatcha Rice Wash — The Rice Wash by Tatcha

Any tips for looking great on video conferences, now that many of us are social distancing and working from home.

If you don’t want to wear a full face of makeup but want to appear polished, cheat by wearing a blurring and skin balancing primer. I love pairing our Water Cream with The Liquid Silk Canvas for a poreless, almost ‘airbrushed’ look. You can then balance out any blemishes or dark spots with concealer.

What is that one new product that you’re really excited about?

I’m currently obsessed with our new Silk Powder. It’s a talc-free setting powder that protects skin from blue light and UV damage. We wanted to create a powder that also nourished the skin, so our team of scientists in Japan based the formula on a complete silk protein, which keeps skin hydrated to prevent caking; while also blurring pores and giving skin a radiant finish on its own or over makeup.

What’s next for Tatcha?

We’re so excited and grateful to our clients for helping us continue supporting global education through our Beautiful Faces, Beautiful Futures partnership with Room to Read, a non-profit that aims to improve the lives of children in low-income countries. To date we’ve funded over 5 million days of school for children and are hoping to achieve our goal of 10 million days by 2025.

Tatcha is available at Sephora.

2021 Resolution: Balance Your Skin Microbiome

Published by Beauty Gazette

It might sound gross, but your skin is covered with trillions of micro-organisms such as bacteria and fungus.

The right symbiotic balance of this skin flora is important for the prevention of some skin diseases, and proper functioning of the skin’s immune system.

The latest beauty trend? Skincare that contains probiotics, on top of the other usual goodness to keep your skin in tip-top condition. This is well, sort of au naturel skincare in a bottle.

Here, some of the latest probiotics-enriched picks to boost your usual beauty routine.

Allies of Skin Prebiotics & Niacinamide Pore Refining Booster

Contains 10% niacinamide, hyaluronic Acid, prebiotics and probiotics complex, centella asiatica, goji berry, licorice root, and pomegranate extract, silver, ribose, chlorella, and Coenzyme Q10

Drunk Elephant Sweet Biome Fermented Sake Spray

Made with fermented sake extract, kombucha, and hops for a balanced and healthy microbiome. Coconut water, zinc, copper, ceramides, vitamin F, and essential amino acids keep skin perked up.

Pixi Skintreats Clarity Concentrate Clarifying Serum

Blended with salicylic, glycolic and lactic acids, as well as probiotics and aloe.

Sunday Riley Pink Drink Firming Resurfacing Essence

A cocktail of peptides, ceramides, fermented honey with prebiotics, chlorella, kelp, sea water and pink yeast.