All posts tagged: beauty review

Laneige Ideal Shadow Quad and Blush Duo

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Laneige has proven that while it may be a K Beauty brand that (like most Korean beauty exports) focuses more on its skincare options, it can hold its own with colour cosmetics too. The new Laneige Ideal Shadow Quad ($42 each) is now available in 10 palettes, from a risque red-themed quartet named No.10 Red Fox Fur, and pretty masala-hued No.7 Rosebay Garden to handy matte neutrals like No.6 Soft Powder. The powders are fine and smooth, easy to blend and layer with moderate pigment power; just the way most Asian women prefer it. The Laneige Ideal Blush Duo collection ($39 each) also features a cute peach and mint blush palette, literally named No.2 Peach Mint. The mint shade looks translucent on skin, brightens and mattifies. No.4 California Coral is a pretty peachy duo; while the No.6 Wood Blossom is perfect for subtle contouring (again, subtlety is always key for Laneige). Watch this clip for a closer look of TBG’s picks from the lot. ​​

M’Pir The Nail Bar, Tangs

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When you want a quick mani and pedi in the heart of town that is neat, refined, and lasting; consider M’Pir The Nail Bar now relocated to the level 4 beauty floor of Tangs at Tang Plaza, Orchard Road. I had a pedicure on a pair of busted toes that were in dire need of grooming; and mani with the trending metallic chrome finish (see main pic), all done simultaneously within a speedy 90 minutes. The nail technicians were precise in their work, friendly, and professional. The tools were all properly sterilised; the space well-ventilated and roomy. M’Pir also offers a range of toulene-, formaldehyde-, and dibutyl phthalate-free nail polish and gels.  Watch a snippet of how I got my Angelpro gel chrome nails done at M’Pir. ​​ Call +65 6732 9001 for appointments.

Aesop Facial Appointments, Singapore

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In March, we visited Aesop’s Nakameguro store in Tokyo to experience its indulgent face spa.  This month, the brand launches its signature facials at the newly renovated beauty floor on level 4 of Tangs at Tang Plaza in Orchard. As with all Aesop spaces, this one at Tangs is calm, tranquil and cocooning with its dark green accents (the marble is gorgeous), light birchwood shelving, and gleaming brass sinks. Just like the space at Nakameguro, this Aesop spa features a spacious room with a super-sized single bed.  For sure, this is not one of those facial rooms that are sliced up so much that you can barely stretch (or breathe in). The changing area is also roomy, so the experience is complete.  This is why Aesop can only take up to four appointments per day; there is only space for one customer at any one time.  The automated bed that can be adjusted to the curve of your body, is supremely comfortable with warm blankets. Watch for a virtual tour of the space. ​​ About the …

Cle de Peau Beaute Rouge a Lèvres Lipstick

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The new Cle de Peau Beaute Rouge a Levre lipsticks come with a new lipstick bullet shaped like a wave, so that it hugs the lips closely for intense and precise application. Currently the top picks in our lipstick collection, these are moisturising and lightweight while offering opaque colour in one swipe. Relatively long-lasting, the formula has a high-shine finish. Because the texture is so creamy, it does not pull or drag on lips during application so you get perfectly-shaped lips every time. Available in 12 shades; The Beauty Gazette picks are: No.7 Dragon Red, a true blue red (watch the swatch); No.9 Silk Thread, a dusky rose pink; as well as No.10 Chinoiserie, a light coral pink.  

Clarins Double Serum – 8th Generation

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Clarins’ biggest launch in 2017 – and possibly the last couple of years – is the 8th generation of its Double Serum. The all-in-one anti-ageing serum (or as Marie-Hélène Lair the brand’s scientific communication director calls it, a “Swiss-army knife”); is made to improve the skin’s regeneration, hydration, nutrition, oxygenation, and protection. As its name suggests, the Double Serum has a unique dual-phase formulation: two-thirds hydric (water), and one-third lipidic (oil). The pump bottle contains two different vials for one important reason: when the hydric and lipidic solutions are kept separate until the point of application, the efficacy of the potent ingredients are preserved. The first-generation Double Serum Multi-Regenerant Concentre was bottled in 1985 in exactly the same way – the formula literally came in a set of two dropper bottles, with the contents to be mixed upon application. The latest Double Serum has been formulated based on the findings from the School of Medical Studies in Namur, Belgium, which has discovered the link between skin-ageing and cell receptors that regulate cell activity for skin vitality, …

Codage Paris Prescription: On The Road Again

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The latest niche beauty label to hit Escentials’ shelves is Codage Paris, the French brand which prides itself on potent serums.  The range of seven serums are made to suit different skincare needs and lifestyles.  A good way to start experimenting with this new-to-market brand is to pick up the On The Road Again “prescription”. Packed to treat skin that is imbalanced due to the drying cabin conditions and unfamiliar weather, it contains: 1) Micellar Water (50ml) – a gentle but effective cleanser that also hydrates skin. It does not leave the skin tight and dry, and there is no need to rinse. Just dampen a cotton pad with the solution, and wipe skin clean. 2) Serum No.1 (10ml) – for intense moisturisation, the clear serum is lightweight but soaks skin easily. It contains complexes and ingredients to stimulate the skin’s own natural moisturisation levels (hyaluronic acid, aquaporin stimulator peptide) for long-lasting hydration, as well as antioxidants to protect. 3) Serum No.3 (10ml) – for radiance and energy. Also formulated with ingredients that deeply moisturise, …

SK-II RNA Power Magnetic Kit

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A good beauty gadget can do wonders for the beauty routine. SK-II launched its first gadget, the Magnetic Wand, for use with its Stempower Eye Cream some two years ago. Made to boost absorption and gently massage the delicate eye area, it taps on the waves of bi-polar magnetic particles. Earlier this month, SK-II debuted its second gadget act with the new Magnetic Booster – which looks like a spinning top but with a flat base – at Shilla Duty Free in Changi Airport. To be used together with the RNA Power Cream and RNA Essence, the Magnetic Booster uses a magnetic micro pulse technology to deliver up to 7,000 gentle vibration per minute, so skin is massaged and the active ingredients are absorbed deeper into the skin. After application of the the skincare product, slide the Booster from the centre of the face, outwards. Powered by two LR 44 batteries (the small tablet-sized, flat and silver ones), the Booster definitely worked for me. The RNA cream is relatively rich and hydrates the skin thoroughly. With the …

Kenzoki Belle de Jour Sacred Lotus skincare range

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Kenzoki is one of those skincare brands which is understated, and not that super well-known for its skin-nourishing formulas.  Kenzo Parfums – the fragrance and beauty arm of the Kenzo brand – is better known for well, its perfumes. But, give Kenzoki products a chance and you will be more than pleasantly surprised. The skincare textures are luxurious, beautifully scented (without irritating the skin), and moisturising. The new Belle de Jour Sacred Lotus skincare range is case in point.  Formulated with sacred lotus extract, as well as antioxidant-rich seaweed and plankton, the luxurious line is great for pampering and hydrating the skin. The Face Oil ($120 for 30ml) is a lightweight dry oil with a calming floral scent; the Serum ($143 for 30ml) is a viscous and rich gel formula which cocoons the skin; while the Face Cream ($143 for 50ml) is relatively lightweight and absorbed easily. I use the trio day and night in this order: oil – serum – moisturiser; it calms and soothes my dehydrated skin for the entire day. Great products …

Cosme Decorte AQ MW Eye Glow Gem, summer makeup, and The Animal Project

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It is easy to be a fan of beauty brands with a heart. Such as Cosme Decorte which has tied up with social enterprise The Animal Project which supports special artists. Spend a minimum of $200 at Decorte Singapore counters (including two AQ MW Eye Glow Gem eyeshadows), and you can get your hands on a pink flamingo emblazoned pouch designed by artist Tay Jun-Yi. The pouch comes with a four-piece skincare set and a $20 Decorte voucher. Part of the proceeds will benefit the Autistic Association Singapore. Now on to the new AQ MW Eye Glow Gem ($35 each): the moussey-creamy eyeshadows are awesome. Lightweight, easy to blend, long-lasting and best applied on lids with fingertips, this non-greasy range of eyeshadows are distinctly Japanese: the shades are translucent, but builds up nicely for a fine wash of colour, subtle shimmer and beautiful payoff. The pigment and fine glitter is not too in-your-face, so you don’t have to worry about making mistakes. Perfect for accents or worn on its own for everyday makeup. And what’s …

Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette

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The latest extension of the best-selling Naked range is a 12-shade teracotta brick-themed shadow palette. The product is as sexy as its name: Naked Heat 🔥🔥🔥 The on-point warm colours – ranging from red earth, burnt orange, to burgundy – are all super flattering on Asian and darker skin tones. The complementary shades are pigmented but builda-ble and easy to blend. So you can get soft smokey looks easily, even for beginners. You just need your regular trusty eyeshadow tools. I often rely on around three to four brushes for the different corners of the eyes to complete a look. The Naked Heat range comes with complementary 24/7 Glide On liners and Vice lipstick. I like the pink-burgundy Torch, and the pink beige nude Fuel lipstick. Click here for the swatches.