All posts tagged: beauty

Welle Co Australia The Super Elixir Nourishing Protein and Alkalising Formula

You may never have original supermodel Elle Macpherson’s height, face, body, skin, genes. But now you can reach out for the “Super Elixir” that she swears by for a healthier gut, and less bloated, flatter tummy (ab muscles not included). This dietary supplement comes in the form of a fine powder, and contains all the good stuff: organic barley grass, organic wheatgrass, pineapple, apple, organic alfalfa, spinach, goji berry, apple pectin, fructo oligosaccharides, L-Glutamine, linseed meal, psyllium husk, lemon, lime, beetroot, carrot, xylitol, acai, pomegranate, calcium citrate, papaya, probiotic blend (lactobacillus acidophilus, bifidobacterium bifidum, bifidobacterium lactis, bifidobacterium longum), organic spirulina, broccoli, grape seed extract, kelp, magnesium citrate, milk thistle extract, eleutherococcus senticosus extract, zinc gluconate, dandelion leaves extract, maitake mushroom extract, shitake mushroom extract, green tea extract, turmeric, aloe vera, horsetail, copper gluconate, beta carotene, D-biotin, selenium methionine. It tastes green and earthy but not unbearable, and best taken when shaken well so you don’t get powdery lumps stuck in the throat. The supplement can be added to plain water, or shakes. I like it …

Three Angelic Synthesis Foundation Serum

Japanese label Three Cosmetics’ skincare infused foundation line has been extended with the new – interestingly named – Angelic Synthesis Foundation Serum (S$85). Containing botanical oils and extracts, the foundation is also made with fine powders that mattifies the skin while lending it radiance. A serum-infused foundation that supplements the skincare routine is always a good idea. Lightweight and relatively long-lasting, this foundation gives the skin a more matte finish than Three’s Flawless Ethereal Fluid Foundation. Ideal for those with an oilier skin texture or living in humid conditions. Available in ten shades, the Angelic Foundation is also free of skin-irritating UV-absorbing agents, parabens, and mineral oils. To complement this “bare-skin” makeup routine, Three also launches the Airlift Smoothing Wand concealer stick (S$55) and Ultimate Diaphanous Loose Powder (S$75).

TBG Interview: Etienne de Swardt, Founder, Etat Libre D’Orange

Enigmatic, intriguing, irreverent and irresistible. That pretty much sums up the indie French perfume label Etat Libre D’Orange. The selection of juices concocted by Etat stands out from a sea of same-ness in the over-commercialised perfume industry, and seals its cult status. Classic examples: Like This (Indonesian ginger, pumpkin, tangerine, immortal flower, Moroccan neroli, rose, spicy notes, vetiver, woody notes, musk, heliotrope) blended with the imagination of actor Tilda Swinton. Tom of Finland (Aldehydes, citron, feuilles de bouleau, pin, safraleine, poivre, cypres, geranium, vanille, feve tonka, iris, vetiver, daim, musc, ambre gris), inspired by the Finnish homoerotic artist Touko Valio Laaksonen. Secretions Magnifiques (Iodized accord – fucus, azurone – adrenalin accord, blood accord, milk accord, orris, coconut, sandalwood, opoponax), a cocktail of the “scent” of blood, sweat, sperm, saliva… Etienne de Swardt, the brand’s maverick founder answers – with his usual irreverence – a few of The Beauty Gazette’s quick questions. What sets Etat Libre D’Orange apart? The permanent art of sabotage and indecency with the sole dogma of highest quality for the formulation itself; somehow to save our souls by …

Sulwhasoo Peach Blossom Spring Utopia Limited Edition

Luxury South Korean beauty brand Sulwhasoo’s latest limited edition range is adorned with plump peaches and spring flowers illustrated in a classical style. Symbolising longevity and vitality, the gold-accented designs are available on the First Care Activating Serum EX, Perfecting Cushions, Lip Serum Stick (which look brightly coloured but are actually very moisturising balms that give lips a hint of pink/coral). Also look out for the blush/highlight palette which comes with pretty embossed florals. The Peach Blossom Spring Utopia is a good buy for makeup collectors, or those who’d like to add some old-world Eastern glamour to their vanity.

Al Hammam Traditional Baths, Athens

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

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

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

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

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.