All posts tagged: beauty review

IT Cosmetics Superhero and Je Ne Sais Quois palettes

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The best products are always the ones created out of necessity. IT Cosmetics co-founder and CEO Jamie Kern Lima is a TV news anchor who spent years masking her rosacea and hyperpigmentation under copious amounts of makeup.  When she couldn’t find the right skincare and makeup for her skin type and needs, she created her own with plastic surgeons. These two products are the only ones from IT Cosmetics that we’ve tried so far, and we can now understand the hype. The Superhero palette comprises of colours that aren’t flashy. Just simple, flattering shades that make eyes look younger and brighter. The palette is called the “Superhero Eye Transforming Anti-Aging Super Palette” afterall.  It comprises of matte and slightly metallic shades in neutral and smokey tones. But what makes this product stand out from the  tonnes of other “basic” neutral shadow palettes are the Eye Foundations. These larger-size pot of shadows are made to colour-correct, and smoothen the appearance of lids. Apply these all over the eye area. The powders are also pigmented and smooth. …

NYDG Skincare

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A new label headed by American dermatologist David Colbert, the NYDG Skincare range is a fuss-free line is designed by a team of dermatologists, physicians, chemists, and aestheticians. Formulated to heal and repair the skin, the products are made with antioxidants to protect from pollution and harsh environments. We tried three products and came away impressed. Formula 119 Cream: A soothing and rich cream that does not feel heavy, it contains sodium hyaluronate, shea butter, algae extract, chamomile, Vitamin E, peptides, ginseng, grape seed, green tea, and ginkgo leaf extracts. Easily absorbed by the skin, this cream moisturises well without leaving behind a sticky feeling. With its chamomile scent, the cream is a lovely addition to morning and evening routines. Chem-Free Active Defense SPF30: Made to be water-resistant for 80 minutes, and provide broad spectrum pretection. With zinc oxide as its main ingredient, it reflects the sun’s damaging rays (instead of absorbing it) so is less likely to irritate the skin. This formula is not lightweight and leaves a white cast if not blended properly; therefore …

Origins Flower Fusion Sheet Masks 

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Origins is stepping up its game with new offerings (that come quickly and furiously) to lure Millennials; and its latest launch is a series of $5 quick-fix sheet masks. They tick all the right boxes. Made with sustainable bamboo pulp sheets, which are of the right thickness and absorbency level to soak skin in a watery gel serum. Although you are only supposed to leave this mask on for 10 minutes, it was still relatively damp when I removed it after 20 minutes. The material clings well to the face, so reading or Instagramming while masking with it is a breeze. The sheets are of the perfect size and shape. Many masks are too large for my face (I hate it when sheet masks get onto my hairline); this one wraps nicely just on the edge of my visage. Sealed in colourful packets, these are made with flower waxes and essential oils which make them extra pleasurable to use when all you want to do is relax. With colourful flowers as its theme, there are …

The Lush Easter 🐣 Collection

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There is always an occasion to pamper yourself in the 🛀 bathroom, like Easter Sunday. And Lush is all set to give you a good time in the privacy of your boudoir with a selection of cutesy chick 🐥 and 🐰 bunny-themed soaps, and bath bombs. All formulas leave you with softer, smoother, moisturised and deliciously scented skin. Like the Bunch of Carrots Bubble Bar ($25, pictured above), blended with Sicilian lemon, bergamot, and buchu oils.  Chick n Mix Bath Bomb ($19) A refreshingly sweet blend of bergamot oil and tonka absolute Which Came First? Bath Bomb, $20 Soak in Sicilian lemon 🍋 and grapefruit oils with this fizzy bath bomb Chocolate Easter Egg, $7.30/ 100g This soap is swirled with sweet white chocolate and citrus oils Flopsy Face Wash Jelly, $25 A wobbly jelly soap made with carrot 🥕 infusion and carrageenan extract Golden Egg Bath Bomb Melt, $ 15 A glittery mess of cocoa butter and sweet wild 🍊 orange

Urban Decay’s complexion primers and sprays

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Beauty junkies – especially the variety who love going all-out with their make-up and need it to stay on all day – swear by Urban Decay’s complexion primers and sprays. We do not wear as much make-up, but still think these products are must-haves. Especially, the Hydra Charged Complexion Prep Priming Spray with soothing and moisturising niacinamide and coconut water. Apply it as the last step of the skincare routine, before you start on your make-up. It will give the skin an extra dewy glow, while the complexion make-up would go on super smoothly. Love it. The other Setting Sprays also do as they promise. Spritz it on as a finishing touch when you are done with your make-up, and it will last all day. The sprays offer your face moisture while fixing the make-up to the skin. If you have combination skin, use the De-Slick Complexion Primer that mattifies skin, very sparingly. Just apply a small amount on the T-zone, nose, and chin, before applying your make-up to keep those areas oil-free. Alternatively, gently …

Cle de Peau Beaute’s latest suncare collection

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The Japanese are obsessed with staying fair. And that is clear from luxury Japanese beauty label Cle de Pau Beaute’s new luxurious five-piece skincare-suncare range. All formulas are lightweight, moisturising and nourishing, and does not leave behind a sticky after-feel or white cast on the skin. The UV Protective Cream SPF 50+ PA++++ ($165) is made for the face and body, and contains a nourishing blend of skincare ingredients: Asian ginseng extract, wild thyme extract, ginkgo biloba leaf extract, hibiscus flower essence, as well as mangosteen extract. Besides protecting the skin from harmful UV rays, this blend hydrates, and keeps away the damaging effects of air pollution. It is also subtly tinted so you can wear it on its own for skin that looks naturally even and glowing. While the UV Protective Cream Tinted ($120) is pretty much a high-end BB cream: it offers sun protection, moisturisation, skincare ingredients, as well as medium coverage for flawless-looking skin. Skin looks instantly porcelain-perfect. Choose from four shades. There are two versions of the UV Protective Emulsion for Body …

Cle de Peau Beaute’s new Concentrated Brightening Serums

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Premium beauty label Cle de Peau Beaute’s iconic skin-brightening serum has been given a shot in the arm. The newly-reformulated Concentrated Brightening Serum ($260) contains mangosteen extract for improved cell regeneration (naturally exfoliated, smoother skin); nourishing chai hu extract for rejuvenated and more supple skin; as well as artemisia extract to improve skin clarity and fairness. This skincare cocktail also contains ingredients that promise to reduce the yellow  skin undertones for a brighter visage. Apply the lightweight and easily-absorbed serum after lotion/ essence, and before a heavier cream or moisturiser. While you give your face TLC, don’t forget the rest of your body. The new Concentrated Brightening Body Serum ($120) is concocted for the neck, as well as the décolletage and limbs. It also contains chai hu extract, as well as other skin-brightening ingredients that the brand usually reserves for its exclusive face-care collection. Moisturising but lightweight (and non-sticky), this body serum is a luxurious addition to your skincare ritual. Available at Cle de Pau Beaute counters.  

Facial Treatments at Aesop, Nakameguro, Tokyo

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“Don’t compromise yourself. You are all you’ve got.” – Janis Joplin As I tucked myself between the sheets on the toasty spa bed at Aesop’s beautiful Nakameguro store in Tokyo, I found myself staring at this quote on the ceiling. I’m doing the right thing then, I thought, pampering myself with the new Tranquil Order Facial Treatment for “combination, sensitive and reactive skin”. First launched in Melbourne in 2005, the facial is now available at Aesop’s Nakameguro store, the only one in Japan which currently offers the indulgent session. The therapist decided on the Tranquil Order treatment (from 18,000 yen for 60 minutes, before tax) for me after a consultation, which involved a questionaire on my beauty routine and skincare habits. The treatment begins with a deep cleansing ritual where she mixed the Tea Tree Leaf Facial Exfoliant mixed with the Purifying Cream Cleanser, along with some facial cabin-only professional products. This was followed by the Parsley Seed Facial Cleanser, all applied with firm and comforting strokes. What happened next was all a blur as …

Mamonde launches in Singapore

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South Korean beauty conglomerate Amorepacific is bent on making its presence felt in Southeast Asian markets. After its successful launches with the premium Laneige, youthful Etude House, high-end Sulwhasoo, and masstige Innisfree brands in Singapore, it now introduces Mamonde to the mix. Inspired by flowers 🌸🌼🌺🌹 (the first-ever beauty product in Amorepacific’s heritage was hand-pressed camellia oil), and created with floral extracts, Mamonde was launched in 1991.  Its products feature the ingredients from flowers such as hibiscus, magnolia, camellia, honeysuckle, and lotus. The labels’s star products include: The First Energy Essence made with fermented honeysuckle plant, vinegar and patented lactobacillus to strengthen, and moisturise skin. The Moisture Ceramide Light Cream with hibiscus 🌺 extract and ceramide to keep skin hydrated.  Rose 🌹 Water Toner with Bulgarian damask rose water 💦 which is multi-purpose: toner, makeup-remover, facial mist, and to soak mask sheets. Cover Powder Cushion with peach 🍑 flower 🌺 extract. Offers lightweight coverage, moisture, and a satin-matte finish. Highlight Lip Tint in ten flattering shades to brighten the appearance of fairer Asian skin tones. …