All posts tagged: beauty

Shiseido The Ginza: Tokyo must-visit for beauty junkies

Published by

Japan’s most established beauty brand with a strong international presence, Shiseido, turns 145 years old next year. It boasts a rich history: Founded by a former head pharmacist of the Japanese Imperial Navy, Shiseido pioneered the use of skin-softening products with Eudermine lotion in 1897 (still a best-seller today); and skin-brightening concoctions with Peroxide Cucumber (Japan’s first skin-whitening product first launched in 1917). Besides its namesake label, Shiseido is also the parent company of at least 40 brands, including the premium Cle de Peau Beaute, Maquillage to drugstore labels Majolica Majorca, Anessa and Aqualabel. So if you are obsessed with beauty and happen to be in Tokyo, it would be worth your while to head to its flagship store, Shiseido The Ginza  (1F-3F, 7-8-10 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061; tel: 03-3571-7735; open 11am to 8pm everyday). Set aside at least three hours (or more if you want a pampering facial and spa session) to fully explore this building and Shiseido’s adjacent ones; more details on that below. Launched in 2011 to mark its 140th anniversary, the three-storey Shiseido The …

Shu Uemura Tint in Balm

Published by

Shu Uemura’s lipsticks hold a special place in my beauty room, amongst my vast collection. Typically Japanese, the lipsticks are balm-like moisturising, semi-glossy, easy-to-wear and sheer (so it’s ok if you can’t apply with precision, just clean up and blend with fingertips for a sexy just-ate-a-popsicle look), and come in all flattering shades for the Asian skin tone (pinks, corals, and reds). The main difference with this new launch of Tint In Balm range (which launches October at Shu Uemura Singapore counters) is its potent pigment formula. These solid lipsticks are dispensed in a click pen. They are bright and pigmented in a single slick, and the lipstick melts once it touches the lips. Use a lip brush for more precision. These give you a glossy finish, like you would get with a liquid lipstick. As moisturising as a balm, they also stain lips. Available in 10 poppy shades at $42 each. My picks: the Cherry Fervour in juicy cherry red, the fuchsia Pinky Hype, and the vibrant orange-red Orange Shock. Because these are so …

Shu X Murakami Holiday 2016

Published by

Following up on his Holiday 2013 limited edition collaboration with Shu Uemura, prolific Japanese artist Takashi Murakami is back with Shu’s Holiday 2016 collection. And it is literally a bigger and bolder line, with his signature colourful “superflat” super-cheery flowers emblazoned all over the 25-pieces of cosmetics. Shu’s Holiday lines are super coveted collectibles as they are often created in partnership with big creative names; from Wong Kar Wai to Karl Lagerfeld. This Murakami one is set to be a sold-out sensation. All available at Shu Uemura Singapore counters from Nov 1. These are what we’re lusting over from the collection:  

TBG Interview: Sabrina Tan, founder, Skin Inc

Published by

In September, Skin Inc launched its new concept store at Scotts Square in Singapore to cater to women who need flash facials for their jam-packed days, and a relaxing pampering session on their days-off. The store also carries a full range of the brand’s products, from its signature serums to the best-selling masks, and nifty beauty devices. Skin Inc is currently available in 100 cities in Asia, Europe and USA (including Sephora) and online retail channels (Sephora, BeautyBay, Zalora). Next year, the Chinese market is on its cards. Skin Inc’s founder Sabrina Tan, shares why the new concept store is absolutely necessary for the brand’s expansion, and other insights on the brand; with The Beauty Gazette.   Why did you decide to open the new Facial In A Flash Skin Bar? We live in a fast-paced era, where we’re all busy, have little time for almost everything; and when it comes to taking care of ourselves, we literally have no time. But, we want it all. So, I decided to solve this issue that many face with a …

Shu Uemura Stage Performer Block:Booster Protective Moisture Primer SPF 50 PA+++

Published by

When you need your makeup to last from the morning board meeting to evening cocktail drinks, a good primer is your secret weapon.  Shu Uemura’s new Stage Performer primer is a good option.  The multi-tasking formula moisturises with a lightweight gel formula, protects skin from pollutants to a certain extent, contains good UV protection – SPF 50 PA+++, and colour corrects (I like Fresh Pink) for that healthy glow.  Of course, it also smoothens the skin for easy makeup application, and helps the face paint stay on for longer.  My foundation lasted all day with the Stage Performer. Without it, my foundation is almost always gone by mid-day, and I’ll have to touch-up with a BB cushion compact. This make-up base can also be worn on its own for off-duty days, for smoother-looking and more even-toned skin.

Christian Louboutin Fragrances

Published by

Shoe designer Christian Louboutin has an uncanny ability to make women desire whatever he creates.  Famous for his red-soled spindly stilettos – inspired by showgirls he admires – Louboutin cracked into the beauty market in 2014 with his Rouge Louboutin Nail Lacquer. Just so that he could have the perfect polish shades match his open-toed creations. The ombre glass bottles come with dramatic caps that resemble a spike, and stiletto heel. Next, came the range of lipsticks that are constantly sold out; even when they cost US$90 a pop. Gorgeously packaged, the lipsticks are shaped to look like bullets with intricate rococo designs.  That’s the appeal of Louboutin’s femme fatale aesthetic: ultra-feminine and sexy  but always a little bit dangerous (and intimidating).  This fall, Louboutin expands his beauty range with three fragrances.  The bottles of twisted ombre glass are beautiful and ornamental as all things Louboutin. Tornade Blonde:  “The scent of love and adventure, a gorgeous red rose lies deep in a bed of sweet violet and cassis. Feminine and potent, animalistic yet floral, Tornade …

How to always have good skin

Published by

You have your moods; and so does your skin. As the hormones keep your body running through the monthly cycles, the condition of your skin changes. Besides the right diet, exercise, and a calm frame of mind, suitable skincare helps too. Gloria Yuan, an aromatherapist with more than a decade of experience; and international support and trainer at Neal’s Yard Remedies, was in Singapore for the launch of the Deliciously Ella x Neal’s Yard Rose, Lime & Cucumber line (pictured). She shares tips on how to care for your skin (and body) throughout your monthly cycle. Before your period: Skin might become oily, with clogged pores that result in pimples. Legs may become swollen, and your abdomen may become bloated.    Use an oil-free and mattifying serum to control the oil. The Clarifying Mahonia Skin Gel is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, so it helps to calm skin. To deal with the swelling legs and bloatedness, pamper yourself with essential oils. Add 25 drops of geranium essential oil into a 100ml bottle of sweet almond oil.  Massage it into your …

Tom Ford Velvet Orchid collection

Published by

I love the idea of a make-up extension line that is inspired by a perfume. There is a cohesiveness in the story line. And if make-up were part of the outfit that a woman slips on before a night out, the fragrance completes it. Tom Ford’s Velvet Orchid EDP was launched in 2014, to complement the house’s iconic Black Orchid EDP.   How the brand describes the scent: “An oriental floral that evolves the carnal grandeur and seductive power of the iconic Tom Ford Black Orchid into an uber-feminine fragrance lavished with notes of cool citrus, dramatic petals, suede accord, and vanilla. Rich, spicy, and intensely floral, it evokes a warm exotic garden. Notes: Orange Blossom, Hyacinth, Jonquil, Cattleya Leopoldii Orchid, Suede Accord, Vanilla Tincture. Lavish. Dramatic. Seductive.” What it smells like to me: Rich and sexy, sweet and musky; suede, relatively intense, warm and womanly. Like the perfume, the new make-up from the Velvet Orchid collection is encased in luxe and hefty, gold and purple packaging. The Velvet Bloom blush is a light pink mauve …

Nars Velvet Lip Glide

Published by

The lip products from Nars are always a dream to use. Formulated with the latest technology from its parent company – Japanese beauty conglomerate Shiseido – the lipsticks always deliver. The new Velvet Lip Glide collection comprises of 13 shades of nudes, pinks, reds, and plums. How the liquid lipsticks feels like on the lips: Lightweight, semi-translucent in one coat but packed with vibrant colour pigments, non-sticky, moisturising, comfortable, semi-glossy finish, stains lips. Easy-to-use wand, fuss-free. Pictured here from left: Deviant (deep burgundy); Unlaced (nude pink); Danceteria (fuchsia); Le Palace (deep cherry red); Area (rich chestnut); Playpen (pink coral). Check out the swatches here.

Loewe 001 Woman

Published by

Inspired by the unbearable delicacy of the ‘morning after’, Loewe 001 Woman is part of a duo of fragrances by the brand’s creative director Jonathan Anderson. The Loewe 001 range is the first by the designer. “This is a very personal project for me. I spent alot of time working on it because it’s something I really believe in. Above all, I wanted the fragrance to feel credible, an organic extension of what Loewe stands for today.” The brand says it smells like: “…an upper register of tangerine and bergamot and a sandalwood middle section with lower hints of jasmine and vanilla.” What this EDP smells like to me: vanilla, tonka beans, caramel, balanced with white florals and a hint of musk and suede. Feminine with an edge.