All posts tagged: skincare

Origins’ new masking essentials

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When there’s so much to do between the deadlines, online shopping at midnight and catching up on Orange Is The New Black episodes, it is little wonder that you don’t have time for a spa session.  So brands like Origins are stepping up on its masking range, so you can get your DIY facial done infront of the screen at home. I really like the new By All Greens deep cleansing mask. The creamy formula foams up like most oxygen masks when you spread it onto the skin. Made with green tea, spirulina and spinach, it perked up my skin like a vitamin shot. It felt plump and had a nice glow. My skin did not feel too tight and dry afterwards, while the pores looked finer too. Spritz on the Maskimizer Primer (which works like a regular skin softener) before applying the mask for best results. The new GinZing Peel-off Mask is a little tricky to apply.  The formula contains quite a bit of alcohol, it can sting and smart the eyes as you …

TBG Interview: Kate Forbes, head of R&D, Aesop

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In town for the launch of Aesop’s new Lucent Facial Concentrate (more details below), Dr Kate Forbes has been instrumental in the Australian brand’s  formulas for the last 15 years. She tells The Beauty Gazette why and how Aesop products can be blended together for a customised solution for the skin. “Our approach to the skincare routine is simple: everyone is different. It all depends on the environment they live and work in, their skin type, the skin-feel they like after the application of the products, their stress levels. All these factors affect how the skin looks. So we talk to our customers to offer a prescribed solution for their needs, mixing and matching the options in the different ranges. There is a palette of Aesop ingredients that we use quite frequently. Such as an aloe vera base for gel serums, and creams because it is so soothing; chamomile extract to calm; as well as the antioxidants like green tea extract and Vitamin C. So certain products work well when blended together.” Here are some “formulas” …

Clarins men’s skincare

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When men decide it is time to give their skin some TLC, most don’t know where to start looking for skincare.  So they look in their wives’ or girlfriends’ beauty cabinets for an idea. Just like how my husband rummaged through mine and spotted Clarins.  And when he discovered that Clarins made skincare for men as well, he made a beeline for the counters.  This was 2005, and today, he is a skincare “expert”, and Clarins is still one of his favourite brands. Here are four new products to look out for:  1) Fresh Moisture Toner with Apple Vinegar: Formulated for Asian men, this toner is to be used right after cleansing and shaving. It contains apple vinegar to balance out skin that has been exposed to hard water. Skin is also softened and prepared for better absorption of skincare applied afterwards. 2) Line-Control Eye Balm: A lightweight eye cream that de-puffs eyebags, smoothen lines and firms the eye contour. Feels cool against the skin too. Apply on clean skin. 3) Line-Control Balm: A lightweight, non-greasy serum made …

Aesop’s latest bodycare for swimsuit season 

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I always have a soft spot for Aesop’s skincare.  The ones that work for me (the handcreams, Fabulous Face Oil) perform superbly.  The brand’s latest Petitgrain Reviving Body Gel is a new favourite in my bodycare regime.  This hydrating gel is cool to the touch, especially on sun-kissed skin.  It is lightweight, does not leave behind a sticky finish when absorbed (you get a satiny smoothe-feel instead), and smells of lovely fresh-citrusy-floral petitgrain.  The formula contains aloe vera, minty panthenol,grapefruit and lemon to soothe sunburnt skin.  But try not to even get your skin to the sunburnt level please. Wrinkles and pigmentation cannot be reversed.  Plus, Aesop has reformulated its Protective Body Lotion SPF 50 so it is less thick and cloying.  It feels so light, I would use it on my face too.  Packed with the usual skincare goodies (that you would expect from Aesop) , this moisturising sunscreen is formulated to provide up to eighty minutes’ water resistance, says the brand. It also contains ingredients rich in Vitamin E to protect skin from …

Miacare Acne Patch

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I’ve been fortunate enough to not have had to deal with an acne problem when I was in my teens. But as I grew older, I get adult acne occasionally on my chin and around my nose. It is deeply frustrating as the deep cystic bumps spoil the overall look of my makeup. So often, I just try to find the quickest way to get rid of the acne, while trying my best to not squeeze or poke them. For fear that I will be left with dark patches of pigmentation (I don’t get scars so much).  I also dislike strong salicylic-infused formulas that cause my skin to peel, and don’t really work for me. So besides this Aesop Fabulous Face Oil to clear the bumps, I swear by this Miacare acne patch. The way it works is surprisingly simple.  The small patches – the size of a pimple – are made from medical grade hydrocolloid dressing usually used by medical professionals to heal wounds.  These patches seal off the oxygen in the area, so the skin works …

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. 

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 …

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Balm and Foam

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 Estee Lauder completes its Advanced Night Repair Serum range with two new non-stripping cleansers.  The Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Balm ($56) is made for dry skin and to remove make-up. Uncap the jar of balm and it gives off a calming lavendar and chamomile scent. A pre-bedtime luxury.  Apply the balm on dry skin with fingertips, and it turns into an oil when rubbed onto a warm face.  Add water and you get a thin, milky emulsion. Rinse. It left my skin soft and supple. But for extra cleansing – because I’m particular about keeping my combination skin clean after a long day with make-up on, like that – I follow up with the Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Foam ($52). This watery milky lotion – also scented with lavender – foams up thinly so skin is not stripped of oils while ot is being cleanses.  That is why it perfectly complements the balm as a two-step cleansing regime for those with combination skin, and wear makeup regularly 💋.    Launching at Estee Lauder counters in …

Air pollution and your skin

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The air is clean, crisp and fresh in Singapore; most of the time.  But when the neighbouring countries practise irresponsible burning of the forests, my lung and skin suffers from the grey smog that hits. Like now. It’s a problem you would face too if you live in cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, New Delhi.   In such dreary conditions, my skin flares up easily if I don’t take precautions.  Here’s how I keep my skin balanced when air pollution literally hits me in the face:  1) Stay healthy; the skin is a reflection of inner health So eat well, sleep well, and drink enough water. Because when your body’s immunity is down, your skin will be affected too. 2) Give skin more vitamin shots than usual To deal with aggressive pollutants, I take extra care to slather my skin with more antioxidants.  I use the lightweight serum oil, Estelle & Thild Super Bioactive Repairing Oil Complex, to soothe and pamper my skin. Then I seal it all in with Allies of Skin 1A All-Day Mask, which …

TBG Interview: Nicolas Travis, founder, Allies of Skin 

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With his new skincare label finally hitting shelves after years of planning, Nicolas tells The Beauty Gazette why Allies of Skin is a necessary addition to your beauty arsenal. What made you decide to start your own skincare label?  It’s been a lifelong dream of mine. I’ve always been fascinated by the link between good skin and confidence. I had really bad acne as a teenager and it took years to clear up. I remember the experience of finding the right products extremely daunting especially when you’re a student with a budget. There’s just so much noise and so many empty promises. The ability to leave the house as you are is powerful and it all starts with good skin. I want to help facilitate that. There is no silver bullet that is going to fix everything in a week. It takes diligence and patience. Using the right products is half the battle won. There are a lot of fear-based directives in the beauty industry – the use of the term ‘anti-aging’ for example. I’m …