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Clarins Precious Le Sérum
As part of the Clarins Precious line which owes its formulation prowess to a rare moonlight flower, this anti-aging serum is devoted to lifting and firming your skin with just a few drops. The application is fuss free thanks to its lightweight and velvety texture, which instantly absorbs upon skin contact. Harnessing ingredients like organic oat sugars and an organic White Lupine extract—all meant to aid in a long-term lifting power—the Le Sérum works to tone, tighten and smooth, while sealing in the moisture all at the same time. Now that I’m moving up in the 30s club, this product has fast become a personal essential of mine. — Janice Sim, digital editor
Clarins Precious Le Sérum, $495, available at Clarins
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Nars All That Glitters Light Reflecting™ Cheek Palette
Fancy yourself six beautiful blush shades for the holidays? Then cart out on the limited edition Nars All That Glitters Light Reflecting™ Cheek Palette—sure to be an instant hit for the glitter-obsessed considering its strong, smooth pigment. Offering six cosy, buildable hues, one swipe lends to a soft, shimmering glow that intensifies with each stroke. Our favourite combination? A three-way layer of the holographic Silver Screen, scarlet Vertigo and high-octane finish of Wild Side. — Azrin Tan, digital writer
Nars All That Glitters Light Reflecting™ Cheek Palette, $90, available at Sephora
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Empath Detox Jelly
Maintaining optimal gut health is made easy with Empath’s Detox Jelly. To combat the dreaded holiday bloat that, in my case, typically stems from overeating, consume a single stick which comprises a groundbreaking blend of organic kiwi fruit, cassia seed, red grape, and more. This results in an enhanced digestive balance, which also works to detoxify in the long-run while also nurturing a strengthened tract. Discomfort caused by gastrointestinal fluctuations is alleviated, with consistent consumption providing support in hormone balance and collagen production. The incorporation of antioxidant-rich carob bean gum and dietary fibres also means that users feel full for longer, which was beneficial for me considering my tendency to overindulge during festive celebrations. — Emily Heng, associate beauty editor
Empath Detox Jelly, $72 for 15 sachets, available at Empath
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Luvum Pore Reset Mud Mask
On a particularly bad skin day, I knew I had to go above and beyond the usual regime. So I reached out for Luvum’s Pore Reset Mud Mask—meant to target clogged pores and smoothen out uneven skin texture by melting away dead skin cells. Once applied, its pore-tightening functions began to kick in, led by the prime inclusion of natural sea slit mud containing bentonite, which acts as a natural ingredient for sebum absorption and reduction of pores. After about 15 minutes or so, I could feel its tightening effects, but the mask itself was not irritable for my acne-prone skin. A gentle wash with lukewarm water gave way to a smoother, more lifted complexion, with redness around my pores notably reduced. – Azrin Tan, digital writer
Luvum Pore Reset Mud Mask, $36 for a pack of five, available at Ksisters
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Guerlain L'Art & La Matière Fève Gourmande
If you have a sweet tooth, can’t resist chocolate, indulgent notes of rum and spice, then head-turning Fève Gourmande is your gal. Complex chocolate notes, both sweet and bitter resonate on the skin as woody, smoky notes of patchouli and tea lend mystery and dimension to the scent. Wear if you’re looking to tempt and tease. – Alli Sim, beauty director
Guerlain L’Art & La Matière Fève Gourmande, $551 for 100ml eau de parfum, available at Guerlain
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Paula’s Choice Resist Barrier Advanced Moisturiser
The lightweight texture of this cream belies the highly-nourishing properties of this hydrating heavyweight. Packed with formidable anti-ageing ingredients in the vein of squalene and ceramides, it sinks into the skin instantaneously to work its magic against wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging. Consistent use over two weeks brought about a moisturised, glowing mien that felt cloud-soft to the touch—while also helping to firm the contours of my visage. — Emily Heng, associate beauty editor
Paula’s Choice Resist Barrier Advanced Moisturiser, $59, available at Paula’s Choice
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GrandePOUT Plumping Lip Mask
The best thing you can gift someone with dry, chapped lips this Christmas is a lip mask that actually works. Grande Cosmetics GrandePout Plumping Lip Mask proves to be a strong contender, with its paste-like berry scented formula that supplies long-lasting hydration and moisture. Have this stashed in your bag for everyday use or apply this product just before you head to bed and wake up with healthier supple lips. While a tiny scooper attached to the lid is there to help you carve out the product, I much prefer using my fingers for easier application. — Janice Sim, digital editor
GrandePOUT Plumping Lip Mask, $41.50, available at Lookfantastic
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Chanel Lumière Graphique Exclusive Creation Eyeshadow Palette
The flamboyant and opulent nature of the roaring twenties is brilliantly encapsulated with this limited edition eyeshadow palette from Chanel’s Holiday Collection. Comprising five iridescent hues that are equipped with a rich satin finish, its range of shades include platinum beige, earthy bronze, shimmering black, rose gold, as well as diamond white—all of which are designed to pay homage to Gabrielle Chanel’s breathtaking dresses. This is conveyed via a delicate sequin embossing that adorns each eyeshadow, as well as in its selection of high-octane colours that catch the light effortlessly. While each palette comes with a foam-tip applicator, its pigment-packed formula means you’ll be able to pat it on with your fingers to achieve a natural, diffused wash of colour that is sure to turn heads. — Emily Heng, associate beauty editor
Chanel Lumière Graphique Exclusive Creation Eyeshadow Palette, $128, available at Chanel
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Gucci A Floral Verse Eau de Parfum
Exude soft sensuality with Gucci’s latest parfum; a surprising union of nature’s most delicate aromas that deftly straddles the line between fresh and spicy. Its top note? Rich and creamy Indian Jasmine Sambac that delivers on an intense, all-encompassing warmth, of which dries down to reveal a dry, smoky fragrance that is credited to its incorporation of Sri Lankan Black Tea. This symphony of scents is rounded off with a white musk base note that comes with just a touch of balsamic, providing a hint of heat and an intriguing acidity that lingers for hours on end. A light spritz is all you need to leave a lasting impression. — Emily Heng, associate beauty editor
Gucci A Floral Verse Eau de Parfum, $575, available at Gucci
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Oribe Hair Alchemy Collection
Brittle, weakened strands in need of bolstering are sure to benefit from the formidable formulas found in this Oribe gift set. Encompassing the brand’s potent Hair Alchemy Shampoo, Hair Alchemy Conditioner, as well as Fortifying Treatment Serum, this line-up is clinically proven to make hair 2.9x more elastic and 133% stronger. I found this to be true after just two weeks of consistent use—reduced hair fall was observed, as well as more nourished ends that felt ridiculously soft to the touch. Another plus point: a distinctively fresh and floral scent delved from daisy and honeysuckle extracts that had compliments raining in during festive gatherings. — Emily Heng, associate beauty editor
Oribe Hair Alchemy Collection, $154, available at Oribe
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YSL Beauty Rouge Pur Couture
A quick swipe of YSL Beauty Rouge Pur Couture delivers a creamy satin finish, with an impactful colour shine to boot. It’s a lipstick that nourishes, too—plied with ingredients like ceramides and prickly pear extracts. For a high-octane result, opt for shade Le Rouge. Packing on a fiery orange red, match this bold bullet with a minimal base, while keeping your eyes bare and simple. — Janice Sim, digital editor
YSL Beauty Rouge Pur Couture, $62, available at YSL Beauty
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Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint
There’s a distinct difference between a foundation and a skin tint—a sentiment that Hourglass understands. Promising a slew of shades and a sheer veil of coverage, the Veil Hydrating Skin Tint delivers on exactly what I need in a tint: a weightless, moisturising formula with just the right amount of coverage. Whilst its inclusion of plant-based squalane, meadowfoam seed oil and rambutan all act to smoothen the complexion, I also found that an easy two to three pumps made for an easy glide across my face for a natural base finish. All it needs after is some concealer, blush and lipstick for a simple, everyday look before heading out the door. — Azrin Tan, digital writer
Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint, $84, available at Sephora