All posts tagged: beauty review

Al Hammam Traditional Baths, Athens

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With its proximity to Turkey, it is not surprising that the Al Hammam in the centre of Athens is considered one of the best in the city. Tucked in the alleyways of Athens (10 Ragava St. Plaka), it is a skip and hop away from the historic Bath of The Winds (now a museum). Step into the cool interior and be greeted by a colourful and cosy reception. But don’t let it fool you: the marble hammam space is heated up to 40 degrees celsius with hot steam. My husband and I picked the signature treatment, Al Hammam (49 Euros for 60 mins). Here’s what we got: 30 minutes in a private marbled hammam where we were steamed on a heated hexagaonal slab at up to 40 degrees celsius. Just 3 minutes in, we were gasping like fish out of water. Here’s the thing, if you are not used to or do not like saunas, the hammam experience will be trying. Thankfully, we were given cool water to drink before the 30-minute hammam session. Also …

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lift and Firm Sculpting Gel

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The idea is so simple and not exactly new, but effective. To boost the effects of its new Lift and Firm Sculpting Gel from its signature Ceramide range, Elizabeth Arden attached a roller applicator to the product. So as you squeeze the tube, the gel formula oozes onto the roller-applicator which you apply onto the skin in upward strokes to firm and lift. Coat skin with the gel, then gently massage it into the skin. It immediately makes the skin feel tighter and more supple. If you prefer lightweight hydration on your skin, you could also use this in-lieu of a moisturiser. This formula also primes skin well for make-up, as it leave skin smoother, firmer and moisturised enough for foundation to set nicely on it.

Hera’s bestsellers reviewed: Cell Essence, Rosy-Satin Cream, Oil Serum Magic Formula, Magic Starter, Black Cushion

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If the title of this article reminds you of a batch of mysterious magic potions, you’re not too far off. K-Beauty label Hera’s bestselling beauty formulas are made to add some shine to the beauty routine, and hopefully, your skin. There’s some sorcery to that fresh supple skin of the Korean celebrities, for sure. The Beauty Gazette roadtests Hera’s most popular items, and here are the first impressions. Cell Essence – The first step to hydrate and smoothen skin. The watery milky lotion is lightweight and best used with the Double Effect Facial Cotton with a wave-pattern on one side to hydrate skin, and a mesh cotton on the other to exfoliate. Rosy-Satin Cream – Scented with a hint of roses, this anti-ageing cream has a beautifully luxurious texture that melts easily into the skin without a sticky finish. It is relatively rich, and comforting on dry skin. But it also works just as well on combination skin, without clogging it up or leaving it feeling greasy. Oil Serum Magic Formula – A blend of oil …

Skin Inc Pure Trinity Serum-Infused Cleansing H2Oil

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Skin Inc’s offerings are all about multi-taskers for the busy woman on-the-go. Its latest product is the cleansing water/ oil with a shot of skincare serum. So you can get rid of stubborn makeup while plumping skin with sakura leaf, artichoke leaf, and saxifraga sarmentosa extracts. The oil removes long-wearing makeup, and the cleansing water gets rid of impurities. Massage onto dry skin, and rinse with water. It does not have a greasy afterfeel like most cleansing oils; while leaving the skin clean, and feeling fresh and supple.

SK-II Atmosphere Airy Light UV Cream

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Despite feeling almost weightless and barely-there on the skin, SK-II’s new Atmosphere Airy Light UV Cream packs SPF 50+ PA++++ to keep dark spots and wrinkles at bay. This untinted sunscreen also contains SK-II’s signature pitera skincare ingredient. Moisturising and easily absorbed, Atmosphere Airy Light also left my skin feeling supple. As a final step to my skincare routine, it prepares my face for a smoother application of base makeup and ensures that it lasts longer.

Yazbukey x Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte Lipsticks

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Paris-based designer Yazbukey is back working with Shu Uemura on a limited edition collection. For Spring/Summer 2018, the Yazbukey x Shu Uemura range launches with 16 Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte Lipstick shades (four quartets of reds, plums, pinks, nudes) and four edgy metallic lip liners (in gold, silver, rose gold, bronze). Yazbukey – known for her quirky lip-shaped plexi-glass jewellery – first collaborated with Shu Uemura in 2015 on a range of colourful makeup. Watch this to see moving swatches of the nude lipsticks. The formula is long-lasting, creamy, and opaque in two to three coats.

It Cosmetics CC+

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A multi-tasking cosmetic product is a lifesaver. Especially when you need to travel light; or you’re a busy mom who has little more than 5 mins to look decent every morning. It Cosmetics’ CC+ is a colour correcting cream infused with an anti-aging and hydrating serum; as well as SPF 50+ sunscreen with both UVA and UVB blockers. It spreads on skin like butter, blends beautifully with warm fingertips, and gives skin medium to full coverage. None-sticky finish and gives skin a subtle glow. It is relatively long/lasting too. We would recommend preparing skin with skincare before makeup application, but if you don’t have the time to layer on the beauty potions before foundation, the next best thing to do is reach for It Cosmetics’ CC+.

Aesop In Two Minds skincare

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Released earlier this month, Aesop’s latest In Two Minds skincare range was created to balance combination skin. And we’re talking about the oily T-zone and chin, with dry and flaky cheek areas, kind of combination skin. Three years in the making at the brand’s lab in Melbourne, In Two Minds comprises of a cleanser (S$43 for 100ml), toner (S$45 for 100ml), and a hydrator (S$80 for 60ml). Dr Rebecca Watkinson, Aesop’s Innovation and Research Manager says the products were a result of observations of its customers’ skin in the past decade, especially those in warmer climates: “They were finding it increasingly difficult to manage this challenging and often reactive skin type.” The cleanser is a gel-based low-suds formula that is mild but contains witch hazel, sage leaf and salicylic acid for gentle yet thorough cleansing. The toner is a refreshing blend of chamomile, witch hazel, niacinamide and panthenol. It softens and primes the skin for a dose of the lightweight hydrator, which feels rich when dispensed but disappears into the skin with gentle massages. This …

Guerlain Rouge G: Decorated and celebrated

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Lipsticks are a bestselling category for many beauty brands. Because nothing brightens up a face so much as a pop of colour on the lips, and making a woman feel more confident instantly. To make their customers feel extra special, Guerlain has gone all out to up the ante on the packaging of its luxurious Rouge G lipsticks. The hefty bullet case with a quality crystal-clear flip-up mirror – designed by jeweller Lorenz Baumer – now comes in a variety of 15 opulent designs: some even come ensconced in leather. Watch this for a sneak peek. Of course, as with all quality lipsticks, the formula is still as smooth, pigmented, and moisturising. The Rouge G retails at around S$70 a pop.