All posts tagged: Tried and tested

Fancl Zero Preservatives Skincare

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I recently contracted a bout of contact dermatitis on my décolleté, an allergic reaction to a product I applied on my skin. It itched and burned, and was covered in angry and red welts for weeks. Now that I’ve recovered with antihistamines, I’m left with patchy scars on my chest. I’m just patiently waiting for my skin tone in that area to even out. It was a painful reminder to always pay attention to the ingredients in my skincare. Now while I cannot guarantee that Fancl skincare would not cause you to break out in an allergic reaction, as everyone reacts differently to skincare products; it is a “cleaner” option. This Japanese skincare brand which is well-known for its oral collagen skincare supplements, is also renowned for its preservative-free and fragrance-free formulas. Its anti-ageing and moisturising range are sold in relatively small 30ml bottles, which are doubly-sealed. The rationale: as it is preservative-free, it needs to be kept fresh and you need to use up the content of the bottle quickly for best results. The …

The Lipstick to Wear Under A Mask

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So are you also one of those freaks who wear a full face of make-up and lipstick under your protective face mask? Well then, here’s the perfect non-smudgy but super intense lipstick range for you: The YSL Beauty Rouge Pur Couture The Slim Velvet Radical Highly Pigmented Velvet Matte Lipstick. The colour glides on opaque in one stroke, easy to blend with a fingertip, smells sexy and powdery. The matte finish allows the colour to set quickly on the lips. Blot gently with a tissue three or four times; and the colour will not budge under your mask. So that when you whip off the face cover to drink your coffee or eat lunch; your perfect make-up will pleasantly surprise.

Kiehl’s Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum

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While it is an effective anti-aging ingredient, retinol is notoriously difficult to incorporate into the skincare routine. Because often, it can cause dryness, redness and even peeling of the skin. Now, Kiehl’s has taken out the guess work in allowing you to effortlessly incorporate retinol into your beauty ritual. Tapping a “micro-dosing” technology, Kiehl’s new Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily feels comfortable and gentle on the skin as it also contains soothing peptides and ceramides. This new product can even be layered with other Kiehl’s serums. Here’s how to layer it on, effectively: 1. Moisturising Toner or Essence 2. Other Kiehl’s serum 3. Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum 4. Face cream (go for a more hydrating one) 5. Sunscreen (skip this for the night routine, clearly)

Valentino Rockstud Caged Pump 65mm Review

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“If the shoe fits, buy it in every colour,” someone once said. They clearly knew what they were talking about. It took me years and wasted funds to find the most gorgeous heels that allow me to walk around all day elegantly and in style, with no pain. So obviously when I found the one, I bought it in as many shades as I could afford. And that coveted pair, my friends, is the Valentino Rockstud Caged Pump 65mm. First launched on runways in 2010, the strappy, studded pyramid punk-rock heels look both decadently dangerous and feminine at the same time. Designed by Valentino’s former creative directors Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli, the heels have an almost magical leg-lengthening effect and is now one of the most iconic on the luxury footwear scene. Till today, it is a money-spinner for the label. Valentino continues to produce collections – from clothing, to bags and accessories – that hark back to the sexy Rockstuds. If the shoe fits, buy it in every colour. Someone who knew …

Best Sunscreens To Buy

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Summer or autumn, pandemic or peace times, the one skincare item that you should always have in your beauty routine is suncare. If like me, you love hanging out on a sunny balcony, a bright spot at an outdoor cafe, or stepping out for a bike ride to unwind, never forget to slather on the sunscreen to slow down skin ageing. Here are my favourite sunscreens that I reach out for on a daily basis. They all have a few things in common: Non-sticky finish Feel lightweight on skin Have high broad spectrum protection Contain added skincare benefits (moisturising agents, anti-pollution ingredients, etc. Multi-purpose (provide skin-perfecting illusion) Work brilliantly as a make-up primer (just layer under foundation) I’ve added hyperlinks to the list so you can go straight and buy them (no affiliation, btw).

Home Spa: Dr Dennis Gross DRx Spectralite BodyWare Pro

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With quarantines, lock-downs, and touch-less retail and services being de rigueur during COVID-19, home beauty devices are a perfect addition to your beauty routine. Clearly, these DIY grooming machines are convenient so you don’t have to trudge off to a salon. Plus, it is much safer since you will not have to share any of the beauty tools and accoutrements with others, and be potentially exposed to the novel coronavirus. Dr Dennis Gross’ DRx Spectralite BodyWare Pro taps on LED light therapy to provide anti-aging (red LED) and anti-acne (blue LED) benefits on your neck, decollete and limbs, while you’re chillin’ and Netflixin’. The best part? You can actually mould the flexible device to your body so you get a customised treatment. Just don’t use it on your face (and eyes!) as the Bodyware Pro is not meant for that. The device provides 3 options for the 3-minute sessions (red, blue or red + blue). There’s also a bonus option: a 14-minute red LED treatment to soothe muscle and joint pain. The Bodyware is also …

Clarins Calm Essentiel

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If like us, your skin acts up as you wear a protective face mask for long hours (to be a responsible citizen during the pandemic), Clarins is offering you a skincare option. To help calm sensitive skin, its latest Calm Essentiel range is made with clary sage, known for its soothing and healing properties. The Redness Corrective Gel is lightweight and has a hint of light green to even out redness on the face. Wear it under foundation as a multi-tasking primer. The Soothing Emulsion is skin-plumpingly moisturising, and easily absorbed. While the Restoring Treatment Oil is a calming face oil to be layered on top of th moisturiser if you need that extra boost. Otherwise, warm a couple of drops between your palms and press directly onto clean skin before bedtime.

TBG Beauty Picks of 2020

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As 2020 draws to a close and everyone reflects on the past year; we look back on the best beauty products TBG roadtested in 2020 🧖🏼‍♀️ ❤️Dyson Airwrap Styler – Literally makes hairstyling a breeze, even those who can barely use a hairdryer properly. ❤️Fancl BC Intensive Skin Booster – A potent serum to rejuvenate the skin, made mine smoother and more supple. ❤️Kiehl’s Daily Refining Milk-Peel Toner – Brightened, softened, and smoothened my skin immediately. ❤️Lancome Advanced Genifique – Great for bringing the balance back to the skin. ❤️YSL Air Thin UV Defender Pure Shots – Lightweight but powerful sunscreen with a refreshing citrus scent. ❤️Aesop Sublime Replenishing Night Masque – Perfect for a relaxing night in, and a long beauty sleep. ❤️Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex – Kickstarts the skin’s night recovery process, always does wonders for my skin so I wake up looking fresher. ❤️Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial Masque Hydratant – Perfect skin quencher, soothing on sunburnt skin too. ❤️Living Proof Color Care Whipped Glaze – Keep bleached …

Dyson Airwrap

Dyson Airwrap Review

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I waited a long time before taking the plunge with the Dyson Airwrap this Christmas. The set does not come cheap and I wasn’t sure if it was worth it at S$699. So is it? Here’s a quick review so you can make up your mind. These convinced me: 1. Soft bouncy curls A key selling point, the Airwrap uses innovative technology to create special airflow that enable your locks to wrap easily around the curlers. Great for hairstyling noobs like me (I always feel I need three or four arms to get a proper blow out with a brush and hairdryer). With blasts of hot and cold air, you end up with soft, shiny and bouncy curls. You have to divide your hair in small sections though, as only a relatively thin layer can be curled effectively around each barrel, each time.

Insider Secret: Geol

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Japanese skincare brand Geol offers innovative and luxurious formulas loved by industry insiders and longtime fans. The Deluxe milk lotion is blended with colloidal gold and amino acid. The light pink watery lotion is also scented lightly with a floral and powdery fragrance. A classic launched in 1957. The DC Impact Direct Cell Serum is made to support cell rejuvenation. Use before applying moisturiser. The star product at Geol is the Crystal60, an anti-aging gel infused with colloidal gold. Leaves skin plump and supple. See more of the product here. Available at Urbanhair Singapore.