All posts tagged: skincare

Kenzoki relaunches exclusively at Sephora Singapore

Kenzoki, the skincare arm of LVMH-run Kenzo will be relaunching exclusively at (also LVMH-run) Sephora Singapore stores and Sephora.sg come March 15. The understated brand is formulated from, and inspired by plants of Asian origin: the white lotus (hydration and radiance); sacred lotus (anti-ageing); ginger flower (revitalising); plum blossom (brightening) and rice (rejuvenating and nourishing). TBG has always been impressed with the efficacy, luxurious texture and scents of Kenzoki formulas, which are good additions to any skincare routine. The products are divided into five ranges for varying skin concerns. Prices start from S$31 for 15ml for the star product, the Belle De Jour Dream Night Mask.

Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator

We’ve heard of long-lasting makeup, but never long-lasting skincare that promises to keep skin hydrated for up to 72 hours. This new Moisture Surge (S$75 for 50ml) gel-cream moisturiser contains hyaluronic acid, a moisturising “matrix” to seal in hydration, as well as a formula of caffeine and “activated”‘aloe water to help the skin rehydrate itself. I slathered on a thick layer of this viscous product before bed as an overnight mask, then slept in an air-conditioned room. The slick texture also makes it ideal for facial massages. The next morning, my skin felt more supple than usual. As I washed my face, I could still feel the moisturiser on the skin; that is how well it adheres. This multi-tasking moisturiser can also be blended with a liquid foundation, bronzer or highlighter to give skin added hydration as you apply your makeup.

Start the Lunar Year of the Dog with the right beauty essentials

Before the celebrations for Chinese New Year draws to a close, here are The Beauty Gazette’s picks this Spring for an auspicious start to 2018. Yves Saint Laurent Beaute Blush Volupte Hope & Joy Edition – for its limited edition collectible packaging with red blooms against a radiant gold. Marc Jacobs Beauty Le Marc Liquid Lip Crayon – one-swipe long-lasting pigmented formula that is non-drying. Lightweight but just a gentle glide would get you an intense shade. One of the best lipsticks we’ve ever used. (Both pictured above) SK-II Facial Treatment Essence – an iconic and effective skincare formula in a limited edition, auspicious scarlet. Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Dirty Thirty Limited Edition Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter in Trophy Wife – Because there’s always reason to own another, especially when it is in shimmering gold. Chanel Le Vernis for Spring Summer 2018 – Bright and poppy colours inspired by the idyllic seaside city of Naples, Italy. Pictures: The Beauty Gazette, Fenty Beauty, Chanel Beauty

Clarins Hydra-Essential: Skin quenchers to start 2018 right

Dehydrated skin always looks tired, dull, and lined. Plumping it up with moisture is that one thing you can do to make skin look more youthful, immediately. According to Clarins’ research on the skin, it is exposed to sudden changes in temperature and humidity everyday; on the commute, air-conditioning, rainy days, even post-gym. This “shocks” the skin, and it ends up dehydrated if it is not replenished with the right levels of moisture. To keep skin supple and hydrated throughout, Clarins’ new Hydra-Essentiel range contains organic Leaf of Life, an organic succulent herb with antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. Sourced from the Jardins du Monde in Madagascar, the organic and fair trade Leaf of Life supposedly keeps the skin’s moisture level optimal through the “shocks”. The Hydra-Essentiel Intensive Bi-Phase Serum is a watery formula that sinks easily into the skin. I find that it plumps up skin immediately, making it look brighter and firmer. For best results (especially for those with normal to combination skin), use it with the Hydra-Essentiel Cooling Gel to seal in …

Three Point Makeup Spring Summer 2018

These are some of the subtlest makeup products around; just for that hint of colour to make your face look fresh and youthful in a few minutes. Dab on skin, blend, and you’re good-to-go. These new point makeup products from Japanese label Three’s Sprint Summer 2018 collection may all look like lip gloss, but they’re really makeup multi-taskers with skincare benefits. The Whisper Gloss for Eye (S$45) is an eyeshadow/ eye cream. The gel formula has a pearlescent texture and sheer colour to lightly colour/ contour lids for some definition. Just add mascara for brighter looking eyes. The formula contains oils of tea seed, argan, jojoba, evening primrose, rosehip, olive, and meadowfoam; as well as shea butter and beeswax to moisturise. Still, it is surprisingly long-lasting and non-sticky. The Epic Mini Dash (S$43) lightweight gel blush gives a light and fresh dewiness to the skin. Dab on cheeks and blend with finger tips. The product will look good on the lids too. It also contains inca inchi oil and all the oils mentioned above; except …

Laneige Perfect Renew Eye Serum

A refreshing gel-textured formula, the Laneige Perfect Renew Eye Serum (S$65 for 14ml) is made to moisturise and firm the eye area. It contains rejuvenating ginger water and lavender oil to keep skin supple for longer; a perfect non-oily base for concealer make-up on the under eye area. This product kept my eyes looking brighter, more awake and youthful.

TBG Interview: Tips for glowing skin by Jenna Courtin-Clarins

While most girls growing up would get their beauty and fitness advice from their mothers or grandmothers, Jenna Courtin-Clarins received tips on how to stay moisturised, healthy and toned from her grandfather. But that is not surprising; given that he is Jacques, founder of the French beauty company Clarins, who started out as a masseur selling body treatment oils from his salon in 1954. Trained in design and photography in Paris, Jenna took on the role of Prospective and New Concepts Manager at Clarins in 2015. “It is so difficult for me to work for anyone else; it is impossible because I’m incredibly proud of Clarins,” said the affable and athletic heiress who was in Singapore to officially launch the brand’s new boutique at Ion Orchard last Friday. The Beauty Gazette sat down with Jenna – decked out in a sexy monochromatic slit-dress by the Clarins-owned Mugler, no less – for a quick tete-a-tete on her role at Clarins, and tried-and-tested beauty regime. Tell us about your earliest memories of your grandfather. My sister and …

Skin Inc Oxy-Recharge Bubble Mask

If you only have an extra minute to amp up your skincare routine, give Skin Inc’s new Oxy-Recharge Bubble Mask (S$76) a shot. This product is a combination of the oxygen bubble mask (typically, a gel formula that you slather onto skin and it bubbles up), and a peeling mask. Skin Inc’s formula contains an Activated Carbon Perfluoro that supposedly releases oxygen into the skin; as well as antioxidants from Japanese yuzu, rosemary, green tea, and soothing licorice, chamomile and aloe. After the formula bubbles on skin for 20 to 30 seconds, rub it on skin to remove dead surface skin cells. Rinse. The entire process will not take more than a minute, but you’ll have fresher-looking and smoother skin. Skincare will be better absorbed, and make-up can be applied more smoothly. Use this mask (which smells delightfully of yuzu) a maximum of three times a week; and before your skincare and make-up routines for best results. Watch this clip to see how it works.

Mamonde Flower Facial Masks

You’ve probably heard of a perfume wardrobe; but what about a mask wardrobe? Mamonde’s new set of Flower Facial Masks remind us of just that. Available in a variety of textures, these masks have different functions and are each themed with a different bloom. The Enriched Nutri Sleeping Mask is concocted with the Evening Primrose and capsule beads for an intensive treatment of dehydrated skin. (The fragrance may be a little too strong for the liking of some though.) While the Calming Hydro Sleeping Mask contains calendula extracts and petals to soothe and moisturise normal skin.  The refreshing floral scent is light and calming. Both sleeping masks – like Laneige’s bestselling Sleeping Masks – have a viscous and refreshing gel texture to seal moisture into the skin while you sleep. There is no need to wash it off till the next morning. As its name suggests, you can sleep through the night (or afternoon nap) with it on. The Petal Purifying Bubble Mask is blended with rose extract, and bubbles upon application on skin to lift …

How to Have Better Skin Instantly: 7 Things to Do

These may seem obvious but you are probably too lazy to do them. So here’s a reminder to add these steps to your regular skincare routine, for fresher and clearer skin in 2018. 1. Exfoliate with a washcloth at least three times a week. Go for 100 per cent cotton cloths, and slough away the dead skin while washing your face. Exfoliate either in the morning or evening. You’ll have less flakey dead skin and blackheads. 2. Unclog pores with a micellar lotion or makeup remover. Every night. No stinting on this step. Especially when you slather on longwearing foundation and sunscreen. Biore makeup remover wipes, Sephora makeup removers, and Bioderma’s micellar lotion are our go-tos. 3. Invest in a magnifying mirror. A seven-time magnification glass will let you clearly see all those clogged pores. So you will conscientiously practice points 1 and 2. 4. Use a skin-softening lotion as the first step of your skincare application routine. This will really amp up the efficacy and absorption of the skincare products applied afterwards. We like …