All posts tagged: beauty review

The new YSL Beaute classics: Encre De Peau Le Cushion and Couture Palette

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Yves Saint Laurent’s beauty range has long been a staple in the beauty arsenal of glamorous stars and their makeup artists. The Touché Eclat pen is a classic highlighter/ concealer that hides flaws while accentuating the contours of the face with a natural-looking finish. Many beauty gurus swear by the Top Secrets Instant Moisture Glow primer; and the Rouge Pur Couture lipsticks are deliciously, decadently, sexy. YSL Beaute does not try too hard with its makeup range, just quality products that work for timeless, classic beauty. No crazy neon colours, highlighters that beam to the moon, or other fads. Our new YSL Beaute favourites attest to this. The Encre de Peau Le Cushion (the new version is emblazoned with the iconic YSL logo) gives skin a soft satin-matte finish, with lightweight and build-able coverage. This formula is unlike the dewy high-shine texture of most cushions that really only works on those with already flawless skin. Another must-have from the brand: the Couture Variation Palette with 10 complementary shades so you can create a variety of …

Popstar Cosmetics

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Nothing makes us more excited than quality, mid-prices cosmetics. Popstar Cosmetics, a two-year-old label founded by Singapore-born makeup artist and photographer Donald Chiu, is TBG’s new favourite. With a keen eye for visuals, Chiu’s work has been featured in the advertising campaigns of Brand’s such as Shiseido, Shu Uemura and Make Up For Ever. The artist dreamed up Popstar Cosmetics so that his clients could recreate the glamorous makeup looks on magazine covers and advertisements on their own. “I often have clients telling me that they want a certain look in magazines. But it is not possible to do so with just the products advertised or mentioned in the magazines,” says Chiu. “To recreate the rich colours and textures of the makeup shown in print, in real life, I often need to improvise. I once had to use a cream eyeshadow on lips because the colour was more vivid and durable.” His vision for Popstar Cosmetics was crystallised: make-up that glows onscreen, and on the skin. The products seem to have delivered on the brand’s …

Super Smooth

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I have nothing against women who prefer to keep the hair on their underarms as a feminist political statement. But personally, I prefer clean-shaven pits for hygiene reasons. The trouble of shaving (and the resulting ingrown hair) is literally a pain for me. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve put on a pretty sleeveless outfit; and just before heading out, realise that I need to shave. At a friend’s recommendation, I decided to try a session of hair removal laser treatment on my underarms at Super Smooth. Tucked away in a nondescript corner of the CBD area at Robinson Square, the salon does not even have a signboard. Yet, it has a constant stream of regulars to keep the clean and spacious area in business (a sign of a reliable enterprise). Previously, Super Smooth was located at Amoy Street. I opted to treat the hair follicles on my underarm ($60 per session; $1,027 for eight sessions and additional necessary ones within three years). After the areas were shaved with a disposable razor …

Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator

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We’ve heard of long-lasting makeup, but never long-lasting skincare that promises to keep skin hydrated for up to 72 hours. This new Moisture Surge (S$75 for 50ml) gel-cream moisturiser contains hyaluronic acid, a moisturising “matrix” to seal in hydration, as well as a formula of caffeine and “activated”‘aloe water to help the skin rehydrate itself. I slathered on a thick layer of this viscous product before bed as an overnight mask, then slept in an air-conditioned room. The slick texture also makes it ideal for facial massages. The next morning, my skin felt more supple than usual. As I washed my face, I could still feel the moisturiser on the skin; that is how well it adheres. This multi-tasking moisturiser can also be blended with a liquid foundation, bronzer or highlighter to give skin added hydration as you apply your makeup.

Pamper: Urban Retreat Bangkok

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When you’re tired and weary from all that eating and shopping in Bangkok, a good body massage is what you need to perfect that holiday. But if cheap, S$10 hourly Thai massages in cramped quarters are not your thing, consider the Urban Retreat spa located right next to the Asok train station. Urban Retreat’s suite of services are pricier than your average quickie Thai massage spots; but they are still three to four times cheaper than what you would pay in Singapore. The prices for the services at Urban Retreat start at 400 TB for an eyebrow wax, to 3,200 TB for the “Bliss Package” (2 hr 50 min sugar and honey body scrub, mud mask and macadamia oil massage). Plus, the experience is worth it at this decade-old establishment. There are more than 20 clean, private and spacious rooms available, including those for couples with adjoining shower cubicles. This means you could show up without a prior booking (say, just before dinner time) and have a good chance of getting a slot (although planning …

Clarins Hydra-Essential: Skin quenchers to start 2018 right

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Dehydrated skin always looks tired, dull, and lined. Plumping it up with moisture is that one thing you can do to make skin look more youthful, immediately. According to Clarins’ research on the skin, it is exposed to sudden changes in temperature and humidity everyday; on the commute, air-conditioning, rainy days, even post-gym. This “shocks” the skin, and it ends up dehydrated if it is not replenished with the right levels of moisture. To keep skin supple and hydrated throughout, Clarins’ new Hydra-Essentiel range contains organic Leaf of Life, an organic succulent herb with antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. Sourced from the Jardins du Monde in Madagascar, the organic and fair trade Leaf of Life supposedly keeps the skin’s moisture level optimal through the “shocks”. The Hydra-Essentiel Intensive Bi-Phase Serum is a watery formula that sinks easily into the skin. I find that it plumps up skin immediately, making it look brighter and firmer. For best results (especially for those with normal to combination skin), use it with the Hydra-Essentiel Cooling Gel to seal in …

Laneige Two Tone Matte Lip Bar

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Because a multi-tasking lip product with balm, primer, and intense pigment will make our lives easier; Laneige created the Two Tone Matte Lip Bar range. One of the K-Beauty brand’s signature makeup product, the Two Tone Lip Bar offers lips an artsy ombre effect too. The matte version has a satiny-finish, but does not feel dry on the lips. It applies smoothly and evenly with bright colours that are relatively long-lasting. All the shades are also flattering on Asian skin tone. As they are not completely opaque while veiling lips in punchy hues, these lipsticks are great for everyday, non-dramatic looks too.

Three Point Makeup Spring Summer 2018

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These are some of the subtlest makeup products around; just for that hint of colour to make your face look fresh and youthful in a few minutes. Dab on skin, blend, and you’re good-to-go. These new point makeup products from Japanese label Three’s Sprint Summer 2018 collection may all look like lip gloss, but they’re really makeup multi-taskers with skincare benefits. The Whisper Gloss for Eye (S$45) is an eyeshadow/ eye cream. The gel formula has a pearlescent texture and sheer colour to lightly colour/ contour lids for some definition. Just add mascara for brighter looking eyes. The formula contains oils of tea seed, argan, jojoba, evening primrose, rosehip, olive, and meadowfoam; as well as shea butter and beeswax to moisturise. Still, it is surprisingly long-lasting and non-sticky. The Epic Mini Dash (S$43) lightweight gel blush gives a light and fresh dewiness to the skin. Dab on cheeks and blend with finger tips. The product will look good on the lids too. It also contains inca inchi oil and all the oils mentioned above; except …

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer

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Primers are indispensable if you need your makeup to last from breakfast to evening cocktails, through the heat, dust and oils. They help makeup to go on more smoothly, and set on the skin for longer. One of the star products from Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty range; the Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer is a good option. The lightweight gel texture feels refreshing on the skin; and blurs the appearance of pores and fine lines. It colour-corrects subtly too. Makeup glides on more easily with a base layer of this primer. The formula also mattifies the face – because Rihanna prefers her skin to look that way – but leaves it with a soft glow. Wear it on its own to even out the complexion on off-days; or under foundation for longer-lasting full-on flawless makeup.

Laneige Perfect Renew Eye Serum

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A refreshing gel-textured formula, the Laneige Perfect Renew Eye Serum (S$65 for 14ml) is made to moisturise and firm the eye area. It contains rejuvenating ginger water and lavender oil to keep skin supple for longer; a perfect non-oily base for concealer make-up on the under eye area. This product kept my eyes looking brighter, more awake and youthful.