All posts tagged: beauty

How to never have a bad haircut again

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1. Choose wisely Do your research. Get word-of-mouth recommendations. Read the credits of your local beauty and fashion magazine spreads; the best in the business are usually engaged for such elaborate shoots. The last thing you should do is just pop by any salon and expect a miracle to happen. 2. Be willing to pay This sounds like a no-brainer. But when it comes to your hair, you really do pay for what you get. Why do you think the salons that offer cuts by apprentices let you pay as you please? The best in town charge a premium because they can deliver. The salon director’s fees are the most because he or she has the most experience. (But then again, be wary of those who are super overpriced. I really don’t think a haircut alone should ever ever cost more than US$200. Unless you are a celebrity.) 2. Do your homework everytime Create a look book. Even if you cannot find that perfect look online, create a collage of the different looks and colours …

Dr Jart Ceramidin Derma Technology sheet mask 

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A good sheet mask is hard to find. This one by Korean label Dr Jart is a pretty  decent one. The sheet mask material is sturdy, slippery and pulpy with a smooth gel-like texture. It clings well to the face even when I am going about my chores in the home. It also holds enough of the serum to soak my face with moisture for 20 minutes before it felt a little dry. And there was plenty of serum in the packet. There was enough for me to slather my face once more with the serum, my entire decolletage and the length of both arms.  After peeling off the mask, I tapped the remaining essence into my face and followed up with my regular skincare routine. The next morning, my face felt considerably smoother to the touch. 

Boys and their makeup

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If you are a beauty junkie hooked on IG, you wouldn’t miss the uber popular pretty boys up on IG right now. Social media is a wonderful thing. It lets individuals living on the margins to literally shine (and sparkle) on their own terms. These are the gender-fluid makeup artists who are so good at what they do, and so beautiful. Staring at the IG pics of these exquisite creatures is a guilty pleasure of ours. We are definitely not the only ones; the top boys have hundreds and thousands (or even millions) of IG followers. Sure, their extreme (but beautifully-blended) make-up is better suited for drag queens (because they are). But those perfectly-arched brows, plump lips, over-the-top lashes and fleeky eyeliner are #perfection on those androgynous beauties. And guess what? These pretty boys are totally kickstarting beauty trends with their choice of bold makeup colours. Pink brows, anyone? Here are three of The Beauty Gazette’s fave gender-bender beauty junkies.  Jeffree Star Sebastien Miss Fame

No makeup rules: Rainbow-coloured highlighter is trending

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So. You’ve seen the black, blue, green, grey lipsticks. As well as the red, and peachy-pink eyeshadows, maroon eyeliner, blue mascara. They’re no longer considered shocking or out of the norm at a time when makeup junkies are experimenting with colours like crazy.  (Social media which lets just about anyone showcase their crazy face of makeup and garner likes, is definitely responsible for the trend.) Now, rainbow-coloured highlighter is driving this “no makeup rules” beauty trend to another level.  See for yourself: I love Jeffree Star for his personality and amazing makeup formula (his liquid lipsticks are really something else). And when he decided to roadtest the Bitter Lace Beauty rainbow highlighter (sold on Etsy) trend on his YouTube channel, he got a million views in two days.  Others wearing the rainbow cheek: Cover photo: Instagram/ @jkissamakeup I love makeup but I would never wear this. Because erm, it looks like a faded bruise to me. But I have a hunch that coloured highlighters that are beyond your regular gold, bronze, pinks and silvers, will …

Kat Von D launches in Sephora Singapore stores July 

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Earlier last month, we shared that Kat Von D might be coming to Singapore stores. Sephora Singapore has since confirmed the launch, and the American label will be hitting its stores in July, and on Sephora.sg. Prices start from S$31 for the Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick to S$73 for the  Kat Von D Shade + Light Contour Palette. At the launch preview held at Chijmes last week, Ms Von D made an appearance and shared her thoughts on the concept of beauty. How do you balance having a successful makeup line and your tattoo shop? I find a lot of joy and happiness in being able to create and making ideas come true in a tangible state where you can hold something in your hand. It is a really awesome thing. I don’t know what it is like to take a vacation, or work cause everyday is a dream. That is what happens when you love what you do. When did you first discover your love for make-up? I have always loved makeup, I …

Bobbi Brown Summer 2016 collection

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Bobbi Brown will always be one of my go-to make-up brands. Because she just knows what works for easy-breezy effortless beauty.  Colours that are flattering for all skin tones, and goes harmoniously with everything else in the collection. If you are not big on make-up because you like the au naturel looks; or you are just starting to play with make-up, try Bobbi. Her products helps to complement your natural skin tone and features, so you look like yourself but better. Here are some of my picks from the latest collection. 1) The Nourishing Lip Color Oil-Infused Shine Lipstick, S$38 each Available in 21 shades, this rich and moisturising lipstick is made with an olive oil complex, avocado, babassu, jojoba, cocoa seed butter, and vitamins C and E.  The colours are bright with a translucent and sheer quality, as well as a soft-shine finish. This creamy lipstick is a value-for-money coloured balm. My fave shades: Pink Pop, a bright pink; Citrus, an orange-pink-coral; as well as Poppy, a classic red that is not too overbearing, …

Making the transition to a natural/ organic skincare routine

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This may surprise you, but it is almost impossible to have a universal consensus on what makes a skincare product purely natural or organic. The organic certification associations like Eco Cert and the USDA Organic, have different standards. Countries have different rulings; some don’t even make it illegal for a brand to slap on the “organic” or “natural” certified logo or label. Even if nothing in the formula is close to natural or organic. And guess what? Water is 100 per cent natural. So if a product has a high natural content, it may well mean that it contains a high percentage of well, water. Bang for your buck? Think again. This all sounds daunting if you are thinking of going for a more natural or organic skincare routine. And why should you even consider transitioning from your regular non-natural/ organic products? So my rationale for incorporating natural skincare into my beauty ritual is simple: I like the additional options of effective products. With the latest developments in technology, better quality extracts can be derived …

Nars Summer Color Collection 2016

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Inspired by the sun-drenched French Riveria, Nars’ new 10-piece colour collection is bright yet wearable.  The boxes are illustrated by artist Konstantin Kakanias (although I wish the designs were printed on the compact case instead). The collection features dual-intensity eyeshadows and blushers with a metallic sheen. Use dry for a subtle colour, and with a dampened brush for more intensity. Tan Lines eyeshadow, a rich hazelnut brown. Perfect for soft, everyday smokey eyes looks. Lip Covers liquid lipstick in Overheated, a deep dusty rose; and Members’ Only, a crimson red (this shade is only available at Nars counters and stores). One coat is enough for a rich, opaque colour with a soft shine.  Blush in Sexual Content, a peachy raspberry pink bronzer/ highlighter/ blush.  Deep-End shadow, a teal green.  Available in May

Moonshot Microfit Cushion and Moonflash Cushion 

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Moonshot is South Korean pop manufacturer YG entertainment’s beauty arm. And like the others, it has caught on the cushion compact trend.     In Singapore, the cushion was launched on Friday with a special appearance by (YG entertainment) K-pop star Sandara Park. (The cushion is also fronted by the other YG Entertainment super star, G Dragon) Obviously, Moonshot is banking on the cushions to up the popularity of the brand.  A little re-cap on compact cushions: they pretty much work like a stamp ink pad. So you can do quick touch-ups with liquid foundation on-the-go, and with no mess. It is now an entirely new category of base makeup, apart from the regular liquid, cream and powder foundations. Moonshot’s Microfit Cushion SPF 50+ PA+++ ($36) is available in three light beige shades.  Lightweight with a satin-matte finish, it is made for light coverage or mid-day touch-ups. Pat and blend well with the sponge applicator for a flawless finish. The Moonflash Cushion SPF 50+PA+++ is a pearlescent and sheer cushion highlighter. So just pat it onto …

Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense sunscreen duo

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I can’t stress enough the importance of sunscreen.  It protects the skin from wrinkles, spots and sagging.  But yes, sunscreen can be too sticky, oily and thick. Causing clogged pores, and eventually acne. Kiehl’s sunscreens are one of my favourites. Especially the Ultra Light Daily UV Defense.  The watery cream spreads easily; does not leave a white cast on the skin; and there is no greasy afterfeel. Even though it offers a high broad spectrum protection of SPF 50 PA++++ I could layer it in between an oil serum and my foundation with no issues.   For those with sensitive, acne-prone skin, Kiehl’s has launched its new Mineral sunscreen. What’s a mineral sunscreen?  It contains mineral sunblocker ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide which deflects the sun’s harmful rays.  On the other hand, chemical sunscreen ingredients – such as oxybenzone – absorbs the sun’s rays and turns it into heat. This reaction can cause irritation on those with intolerant skin. Even though chemical sunscreens have better cosmetic properties as it smoothes on more …