All posts tagged: skincare

Origins Mix & Mask Pods

Published by

Masking frequently is the best thing you can do for your skin, even when you are on the road. Origins’ new Mix & Mask set lets you pick any six handy 10ml mask pods at $20 with $80 purchase at Origins stores located in Singapore at Ion Orchard, Nex Serangoon, Centrepoint Orchard. Each pod is generous, and good enough for at least three uses. These sample-sized pods are also perfect if you want to give Origins’ range of best-selling masks a try before you decide on a full-sized tube. The options: Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask to treat dehydrated skin through the night: rose, myrtle leaf, and bitter orange flower waters, chamomile flower extract, black currant seed, bitter almond kernel, camphor bark, orange peel, apricot kernel oils; osmanthus flower, rosa damascena, bitter orange flower, aloe leaf, rice, oat kernel, olive fruit extracts; orange peel wax, mango seed butter; apricot kernel, and avocado oils. Drink Up 10 Minute Mask to hydrate thirsty skin in a jiffy: carnauba wax, apricot kernel oil, algae extract. Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask for …

Sulwhasoo 20th anniversary edition First Care Activating Serum EX and Mask

Published by

When Sulwhasoo’s First Care Activating Serum was launched, it caused a stir because it was touted as a pre-serum, the very first step in the already elaborate multi-step Korean beauty routine (of essence, serum, emulsion, cream, suncare, primer, makeup). The slightly viscous gel-like serum is lightweight and easily absorbed by the skin, thus priming it for the subsequent skincare products that will be layered on top. The First Care Activating Serum EX, an improved version of the original concotion and a bestseller in the premium Sulwhasoo’s line-up, is formulated with traditional Korean medicinal herbs that promise to regenerate the skin. Made to hydrate and delay skin-ageing, the serum contains rehmannia, peony, solomon’s seal, lotus, and white lily.  To celebrate Sulwhasoo’s 20th anniversary, the serum now comes in a limited edition 120ml bottle. To complete the skin pampering, Sulwhasoo also launches its new First Care Activating sheet mask. The paper sheet mask is thin yet absorbent, and adheres relatively well to the skin. It is easy to use as it has a soft and thin mesh …

Lush Mother’s Day and solids collection

Published by

With Lush, bath time is never a quickie affair. The brand is about the bath bombs that turn the tub into an essential oil-infused body soak; the colourful bubble bars that leave your skin covered in crazy colours like neon pink and orange while you scrub; and so on. Lush products come in unexpected textures: solid hair conditioners and shampoos, toothpaste, mouthwash; wobbly jelly soaps; powdery bath bombs that fizzle like a coke in the water. Some of the ingredients are also good enough to eat. And the scents always hit you like… So bath times becomes a true ritual, where you take time to unwind and take stock of the day. The latest collection is no less fun. The Beauty Gazette‘s picks: Pink Custard Shower Jelly – with lavender oil, tonka absolute, vanilla absolute, neroli oil, organic coconut oil, brown sugar (keep it in the freezer for a super cooling wash on hot days)  Drop of Hope Hand & Body Soap – So interesting. This bar is made from rapeseed oil, sourced from the Minamisoma …

Kiehl’s Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Masque

Published by

The first thing you’ll notice when applying this cool gel mask; it feels like you’re spreading a delicious citrusy marmalade on your face.  Blended with aloe vera and calendula petals, this rather viscous gel mask is formulated to cool and hydrate skin on hot days.  Apply a relatively thick layer on skin, leave on for five minutes. Then massage into skin before rinsing excess off. This quickie 5-min mask left my skin soft, smooth, and supple. It is the perfect complement to the bestselling Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner that is alcohol-free and soothing, as well as the Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash (a little bit goes a long way, gentle and does not strip skin of oils).

NYDG Skincare

Published by

A new label headed by American dermatologist David Colbert, the NYDG Skincare range is a fuss-free line is designed by a team of dermatologists, physicians, chemists, and aestheticians. Formulated to heal and repair the skin, the products are made with antioxidants to protect from pollution and harsh environments. We tried three products and came away impressed. Formula 119 Cream: A soothing and rich cream that does not feel heavy, it contains sodium hyaluronate, shea butter, algae extract, chamomile, Vitamin E, peptides, ginseng, grape seed, green tea, and ginkgo leaf extracts. Easily absorbed by the skin, this cream moisturises well without leaving behind a sticky feeling. With its chamomile scent, the cream is a lovely addition to morning and evening routines. Chem-Free Active Defense SPF30: Made to be water-resistant for 80 minutes, and provide broad spectrum pretection. With zinc oxide as its main ingredient, it reflects the sun’s damaging rays (instead of absorbing it) so is less likely to irritate the skin. This formula is not lightweight and leaves a white cast if not blended properly; therefore …

Origins Flower Fusion Sheet Masks 

Published by

Origins is stepping up its game with new offerings (that come quickly and furiously) to lure Millennials; and its latest launch is a series of $5 quick-fix sheet masks. They tick all the right boxes. Made with sustainable bamboo pulp sheets, which are of the right thickness and absorbency level to soak skin in a watery gel serum. Although you are only supposed to leave this mask on for 10 minutes, it was still relatively damp when I removed it after 20 minutes. The material clings well to the face, so reading or Instagramming while masking with it is a breeze. The sheets are of the perfect size and shape. Many masks are too large for my face (I hate it when sheet masks get onto my hairline); this one wraps nicely just on the edge of my visage. Sealed in colourful packets, these are made with flower waxes and essential oils which make them extra pleasurable to use when all you want to do is relax. With colourful flowers as its theme, there are …

Skin and the Environment: An Aesop Dialogue

Published by

To mark its 30th year in the business, Aesop launches a new campaign that illustrates the dynamics between the environment  (humidity, temperature, wind conditions, air pollution levels, etc.) and the skin. The clean and stylish campaign – in typical Aesop fashion – is a reminder that the skin is a manifestation of one’s lifestyle habits.     Dr Kate Forbes, who helms products, and R&D at Aesop, breaks it down for The Beauty Gazette.   On skin dryness and dehydration…People living in cities spend so much time on the planes and in air conditioning. We want to address what is happening to the skin under those conditions. Skin dryness is caused by the lack of sebum, so it becomes flakey with irritation on the surface of the skin. That is how your skin feels in winter. Using a heavier cream will help to fix that. Dehydrated skin is caused by the loss of of water in the skin, when the barrier is weakened. This can be treated when we drink more water and use products …

Cle de Peau Beaute’s latest suncare collection

Published by

The Japanese are obsessed with staying fair. And that is clear from luxury Japanese beauty label Cle de Pau Beaute’s new luxurious five-piece skincare-suncare range. All formulas are lightweight, moisturising and nourishing, and does not leave behind a sticky after-feel or white cast on the skin. The UV Protective Cream SPF 50+ PA++++ ($165) is made for the face and body, and contains a nourishing blend of skincare ingredients: Asian ginseng extract, wild thyme extract, ginkgo biloba leaf extract, hibiscus flower essence, as well as mangosteen extract. Besides protecting the skin from harmful UV rays, this blend hydrates, and keeps away the damaging effects of air pollution. It is also subtly tinted so you can wear it on its own for skin that looks naturally even and glowing. While the UV Protective Cream Tinted ($120) is pretty much a high-end BB cream: it offers sun protection, moisturisation, skincare ingredients, as well as medium coverage for flawless-looking skin. Skin looks instantly porcelain-perfect. Choose from four shades. There are two versions of the UV Protective Emulsion for Body …

Cle de Peau Beaute’s new Concentrated Brightening Serums

Published by

Premium beauty label Cle de Peau Beaute’s iconic skin-brightening serum has been given a shot in the arm. The newly-reformulated Concentrated Brightening Serum ($260) contains mangosteen extract for improved cell regeneration (naturally exfoliated, smoother skin); nourishing chai hu extract for rejuvenated and more supple skin; as well as artemisia extract to improve skin clarity and fairness. This skincare cocktail also contains ingredients that promise to reduce the yellow  skin undertones for a brighter visage. Apply the lightweight and easily-absorbed serum after lotion/ essence, and before a heavier cream or moisturiser. While you give your face TLC, don’t forget the rest of your body. The new Concentrated Brightening Body Serum ($120) is concocted for the neck, as well as the décolletage and limbs. It also contains chai hu extract, as well as other skin-brightening ingredients that the brand usually reserves for its exclusive face-care collection. Moisturising but lightweight (and non-sticky), this body serum is a luxurious addition to your skincare ritual. Available at Cle de Pau Beaute counters.  

Mamonde launches in Singapore

Published by

South Korean beauty conglomerate Amorepacific is bent on making its presence felt in Southeast Asian markets. After its successful launches with the premium Laneige, youthful Etude House, high-end Sulwhasoo, and masstige Innisfree brands in Singapore, it now introduces Mamonde to the mix. Inspired by flowers 🌸🌼🌺🌹 (the first-ever beauty product in Amorepacific’s heritage was hand-pressed camellia oil), and created with floral extracts, Mamonde was launched in 1991.  Its products feature the ingredients from flowers such as hibiscus, magnolia, camellia, honeysuckle, and lotus. The labels’s star products include: The First Energy Essence made with fermented honeysuckle plant, vinegar and patented lactobacillus to strengthen, and moisturise skin. The Moisture Ceramide Light Cream with hibiscus 🌺 extract and ceramide to keep skin hydrated.  Rose 🌹 Water Toner with Bulgarian damask rose water 💦 which is multi-purpose: toner, makeup-remover, facial mist, and to soak mask sheets. Cover Powder Cushion with peach 🍑 flower 🌺 extract. Offers lightweight coverage, moisture, and a satin-matte finish. Highlight Lip Tint in ten flattering shades to brighten the appearance of fairer Asian skin tones. …