1 / 26
Grown Alchemist Polishing Exfoliator
The controversial tug of war between chemical and physical exfoliants may still be ongoing, but Grown Alchemist’s Polishing Exfoliator has made me support the latter. Known for its botanical formulations and eco-friendly ethos, the alchemy-inspired brand is the epitome of au naturel and this polishing exfoliator is no exception. Infused with finely milled bamboo particles to provide a gentle bout of exfoliation, it grants a deep, thorough cleanse without causing irritation for individuals with sensitive or reactive skin types. This is credited to its formulation comprising a vibrant medley of skin-brightening antioxidants such as vitamin C, deeply hydrating rosehip seed oil, and an anti-inflammatory touch of peppermint leaf. Expect supple skin coupled with a radiant glow after sustained use. — Valecia Lee, beauty intern
Grown Alchemist Polishing Exfoliator, $75, available at Sephora
2 / 26
Shark Ninja Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System
Our tresses often fall victim to frizziness and hair loss amid Singapore’s sky-high humidity and intolerable heat. Shark Ninja’s Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System is designed to simultaneously combat these issues and style your alluring mane to the nines. A versatile hair dryer and multi-styler, this revolutionary tool utilises innovative Coanda technology which measures heat intuitively up to 1,000 times a second. The end result? Consistent air temperature delivered to each strand, which allows you to dry, style and add volume to your hair without any heat damage. — Valecia Lee, beauty intern
Shark Ninja Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System, $499, available at Shark Ninja
3 / 26
Clé de Peau Beautè’s La Crème
Skincare or a work of art? American artist, Katie Rodgers, blurs the line between the two with Clé de Peau Beautè’s La Crème. Brimming with skin-empowering and potent CeraFerment extract, its formidable formula is housed within an exquisitely sculpted glass dome saturated with glass beads beneath the surface to reflect a luminous iridescence. This intensive night cream is designed to mitigate dullness while providing a jolt of rejuvenation to parched, tired complexions, eradicating all signs of sallowness and granting a healthful glow. — Valecia Lee, beauty intern
Clé de Peau Beautè’s La Crème, $900, available at Sephora
4 / 26
Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Bizarre Marble Lipstick
There’s no doubt that Shu Uemura’s Rouge Unlimited Bizarre Marble Lipstick, $53, is a visual feast for the eyes. A limited-edition launch done in collaboration with popular Japanese anime, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, this lipstick is a delightful confection of marbled pigments and swirls that convey the show’s audacious spirit. Packaged in a distinctive fuchsia and emblazoned with a striking outline of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure’s female protagonist, the inclusion of eccentric whorls of rouge pink and lime green on the lipstick bullet evokes a dreamy, kaleidoscopic effect that is reminiscent of the fantasy-esque landscapes of the show. — Valecia Lee, beauty intern
Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Bizarre Marble Lipstick, $53, available at Sephora
5 / 26
Dior Rouge Blush Splendid Rose
It can be argued that life should be like a bed of roses. And on that end, Dior is in agreement with the launch of its Rouge Blush Splendid Rose, an opulent ode to the house’s emblematic flower. Its ultra-pigmented rosewood shade emulates the blooming roses in the iconic Tuileries and is accompanied by lavish baroque motifs emblazoned across its powdery formula. Crafted utilising a series of highly moisturising ingredients, it glides across skin and dries down to provide a radiant, rosy finish with no cracking or flaking despite long hours of wear. It’s available in two finishes, luminous matte and intense glow, to suit a variety of needs. — Valecia Lee, beauty intern
Dior Rouge Blush Splendid Rose, $88, available at Dior
6 / 26
Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle Heaven Can Wait
Heaven could definitely wait if one’s heaven emulated ‘clean girl’ energy. Inspired by everyday scents, famed perfumer Jean-Claude Ellena imbues the comfort of clean sheets, waxed floors, warm sweaters in an understated and sophisticated blend of vanilla, peach and musk that runs through rivets of iris and vetiver. Clove and carrot seed round it together, creating a sense of sanctuary. It’s exquisite yet simple and minimalist—an ode to the little joys in life. — Sophie Tan, digital intern
Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle Heaven Can Wait, $535, available at Escentials
7 / 26
Cle Cosmetics Balancing Act Moisturiser
Part gel, part cream, I packed this calming moisturiser for my recent vacation in Seoul. Battling against sub-zero temperatures, this formula got me through day and night, while soothing and brightening my skin—based off ingredients like cica, caterpillar mushroom and niacinamide. It also served as a decent lightweight base before make-up application, while hydrating my skin after an entire day out against the harsh winds and sleeping in a dry air-conditioned room. — Janice Sim, digital editor
Cle Cosmetics Balancing Act Moisturiser, $52, available on Ksisters.com
8 / 26
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Iconic Mini Lip Trio
A team-up like no other. This Christmas season, Charlotte Tilbury presents a versatile and portable lipstick set comprising three fan-favourite hues: Pillow Talk Medium, Walk of No Shame, and Stoned Rose—except in travel-sized minis. The perfect size to pop into the tiniest of holiday clutches, each bullet provides a vivacious burst of colour that stays on for hours on end even without the necessary lip prep. Pair it with the Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat to add extra definition and definition to pouts. — Emily Heng, associate beauty editor
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Iconic Mini Lip Trio, $48, available at Sephora
9 / 26
Chanel Sublimage L'Extrait De Nuit
To repair the skin and help resynchronise its repair cycles, Chanel Sublimage L’Extrait De Nuit may just be the ticket.
Chanel’s ultimate repair night concentrate is loaded with active fractions of vanilla planifolia and swertia extract from Bhutan, a chronopeptide which reportedly rejuvenates and repairs the skin. Specifically, it helps address issues of hydration, wrinkles, the skin’s structure, uniformity, strength and resilience. The comforting gel-like serum is formulated with 91 per cent naturally-derived ingredients and housed in a refillable drawn glass bottle created by a renowned glassmaker, making it one heck of a luxe pre-bedtime beauty moment. — Alli Sim, beauty director
Chanel Sublimage L’Extrait De Nuit, $1,026, available to Chanel
10 / 26
Est.lab VitaLift A+ SmartSculpt Buddy, $298
How many beauty tech devices does a gal need? Apparently, the limit does not exist and with that, I was thrilled to get my hands on Est.lab’s VitaLift A+ Smart Sculpt Buddy. The massage tool features three modes and comes powered by a combination of Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) and sonic vibrations for toning. Use it along the jawline to stimulate and define facial muscles or on the body for a toning workout, as it helps to promote blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. For best results, use this consistently with Est.lab’s VitaLift A+ SmartSculpt Boosting for enhanced lifting across the jaw, cheeks, forehead, waist, thighs and glutes. —Alli Sim, beauty director
Est.lab VitaLift A+ SmartSculpt Buddy, $298, available at Est.lab
11 / 26
Freshian Sensual Vegan Lip Balm in 8 Pride
After having searched for the perfect brown lip product all season long, I’m happy to report that my quest is finally over thanks to Freshian. The South Korean cruelty-free and vegan-certified brand may be new to market, but being backed by LG Household & Health Care, draws from 50 years of research to combine skincare with make-up. Applying like an absolute dream, it imparts a beautiful wash of buildable, dimensional colour on the lips and is loaded with soothing cica, vitamin E, shea and cacao butters alongside five types of hydrating hyaluronic acid. It’s everything you’d want in a tinted lip balm and more. — Alli Sim, beauty director
Freshian Sensual Vegan Lip Balm in 8 Pride, $32, available at Lazada
12 / 26
Sooryehan The Black Essence Moisturiser
It’s not everyday you chance upon an ultra lightweight moisturiser that is deeply nourishing and hydrating at the same time. With Sooryehan’s The Black Essence Moisturiser however, I’ve found my own personal pick of liquid gold: a formulation that boosts moisture levels, way beyond the skin’s epidermal layer to imbue a sense of radiance from within. The inclusion of Black Glycyrrhizate Extract™, drawn directly from black licorice, boosts repair of the skin’s barrier and reduces inflammation. Its silky texture glides on like a charm when applied on the mien and will leave your skin feeling relaxed and soothed—exactly the sentiment anyone should desire from a full-blown skincare regime. — Azrin Tan, digital writer
Sooryehan The Black Essence Moisturiser, $68 for 130ml, available at selected TheFaceShop – Nature Collection stores.
13 / 26
Clé de Peau Beauté Eye Colour Quad in 501 Visions of Radiance
Lustrous pearls, the glint of light over water, and swaths of vividly coloured coral. Those are the things that come to mind for Clé de Peau Beauté when the ocean is brought up, which has resulted in a stunning limited edition eyeshadow quad that pays tribute to all the wondrous things and visions found under the sea. Comprising three richly-pigmented shades and a single tone-correcting primer, this palette also harbours skincare properties where the brand’s exclusive Moisturising Bouncy Formulation technology is incorporated to provide a hydrating effect which lasts up to eight hours. This means heightened moisture levels, resulting in a smoother, brighter eye area that serves as the perfect canvas for dynamic eyeshadow shades. Be sure to set your efforts in place with a make-up setting spray after—I found that its longevity greatly increased with just a few spritzes, locking it into place despite Singapore’s relentless and unwavering heat. — Emily Heng, associate beauty editor
Clé de Peau Beauté Eye Colour Quad in 501 Visions of Radiance, $125, available at the Clé de Peau Beauté flagship store and selected beauty counters.
14 / 26
Tommy Hilfiger Impact Intense
Give it up for this head-turner. No matter how subtly Tommy Hilfiger enters the room, he’ll always be known as that all-American guy. Encased within is a complex bloom of floral and fruity notes that play cat-and-mouse till you can’t tell them apart. A top-most note of red apple crowns the lot but doesn’t insist on itself. Thereon, it’s an entrancing play of sweet woods against densely floral plumes; equal parts post-rain grass and minty-patchouli, served in a vast and varied bouquet of flowers. And for all this delicacy, it projects like a beast: there’s an easy eight-hour window where you’ll smell like if your C-suite boardroom was in an especially fragrant forest. — Indran Paramasivam, contributor
Tommy Hilfiger Impact Intense, $138 for 100ml eau de parfum, available at Takashimaya
15 / 26
The Body Shop Pear & Share Shower Gel
The arrival of holiday season heralds new, limited edition scents and flavours across a multitude of brands and franchises—and The Body Shop is no exception. This November sees the introduction of an all-new fragrance: Pear & Share, which has been encapsulated in a variety of fan-favourite formulas such as the Body Butter, Hand Cream, and more. My personal favourite: the Shower Gel, which brims with effervescence and vibrancy thanks to a winning amalgamation of pear, sloe berries and peony that is designed to uplift and refresh olfactive senses. Should you be looking for a gift for eco-conscious individuals, I say opt for this baby as it boasts 92% natural origin ingredients, with pear extract from Italy and Community Fair Trade organic aloe vera from Mexico. — Emily Heng, associate beauty editor
The Body Shop Pear & Share Shower Gel, $15, available at The Body Shop.
16 / 26
Lancôme Lash Idôle Mascara
It’s no secret that Lancome mascaras are a cult classic. The Lash Idôle continues the trailblazing legacy of the global lash expert, checking off the boxes of what an ultimate mascara is designed to do. The recipe is simple: a waterproof, featherlight formula containing white tea extract for conditioning care, and a curved elastomer brush featuring 360 micro bristles of all sizes, allowing for a comprehensive application that leaves no lash behind. The result? Luscious length and instant fanned-out volume that lasts. —Sophie Tan, digital intern
Lancôme Lash Idôle Waterproof Mascara, $60, available at Sephora
17 / 26
L'artisan Parfumeur Passage D'enfer
Passage D’enfer encapsulates an air of contrast and mystery; a moment caught between two worlds. Initial top notes of balsamic smoke hang in the air before making way for delicate notes of lily and white musk, leaning into a lighthearted sensibility. This fragrance provides exhilarating comfort, like a mint for the skin. A poignant freshness lingers throughout the day, reminiscent of clean laundry that’s been out in the sun. —Sophie Tan, digital intern
L’artisan Parfumeur Passage D’enfer eau de toilette, $336, available at Zalora and L’artisan Parfumeur boutiques.
18 / 26
Chloé Atelier Des Fleurs Immortelle Eau De Parfum
A spritz, a mood boost, and then some. Chloé’s latest additions to the Atelier des Fleurs collection joins the family—each one a lilting ode to their own floral expressions of nature. A personal favourite? The Immortelle, modelled after the sunny yellow flower and designed to evoke the floaty, coastal scent one would encounter on a walk along the pristine Mediterranean beaches. A mix of salt and heat that is warm and enveloping, yet light and atmospheric as it washes over you, it’s one that leaves its wearer with a feeling of sun-brushed skin and a joy reminiscent of living on island time. — Azrin Tan, digital writer
Chloé Atelier Des Fleurs Immortelle Eau De Parfum, $420 for 150ml, available at Sephora
19 / 26
Freshian Egg-Like Cushion Foundation
The smooth, glistening surface of a freshly-boiled egg serves as the inspiration behind the cushion foundation from newly launched cruelty-free K-Beauty label, Freshian. Boasting a highly-nourishing formula comprising a mild light vegan oil complex as well as plant-derived lipids, it grants users a healthy, dewy glow as well as unparalleled coverage, where it is able to conceal inflamed zits as well as hyperpigmentation with ease. Another plus point: its adhesive qualities, where it is able to cling onto dry, uneven patches without causing flaking or dryness. And that’s far from all—this bad boy also aced the eight-hour wear test with flying colours, with its sebum-regulating capabilities ensuring that didn’t have to deal with grease or shine throughout the day. Its restrictive shade range, however, limits its potential, as there currently only two hues in its line-up. We await with bated breath for news of an expansion. — Emily Heng, associate beauty editor
Freshian Egg-Like Cushion Foundation, $38, available on Lazada.
20 / 26
Le Regard Hermès Ombres d'Hermès Eye Shadow Quartet in 03 Ombres Fauves
“With a single glance, the eyes can convey the proportion of shadow and light in a personality,” shares Gregoris Pyrpylis, creative director of Hermès Beauty. Le Regard, the house’s collection of shadows, mascaras and eye tools is billed as the “latest chapter of Hermès Beauty” after its foray into lipsticks, nail polishes and base make-up.
Perhaps nothing exemplifies Hermès more than this eyeshadow quartet in Ombres Fauves, a collection of sophisticated peach-hued neutrals that add light and twinkle to the eyes. Pyrpylis recommends sweeping the neutral shadow over the lids to create a base before adding a lustrous pop of orange and accentuating with a darker shade. Made of 98 per cent natural ingredients with silky emollients and oils, we love that these pigmented shadows may be blended in with a finger or blush, layered to your desired intensity. — Alli Sim, beauty director
Le Regard Hermès Ombres d’Hermès Eye Shadow Quartet in 03 Ombres Fauves, $183, available at Hermès
21 / 26
Mac Locked Kiss 24HR Lipstick
This matte formula doubles down on its long-wear ability, sans the dryness you get from some Mac matte lippies. Thanks to a nutrient benefit, passion fruit oil that conditions your lips while delivering a creamy pigment. To make this your new everyday essential, opt for Mauve Nude—deliciously encased in a slim silver bullet. — Janice Sim, digital editor
Mac Locked Kiss 24HR Lipstick, $50, available at Sephora
22 / 26
Caudalie Very High Protection Sun Water SPF50+
Oil and water don’t mix, with the exception of this lightweight, non-greasy bi-phase anti-UVA/UVB defender. Mist this on to your face, body and even hair to safeguard it with ray-blocking ingredients while stabilised grape seed polyphenols, vitamin E and Norwegian spruce extract work alongside to reinforce and strengthen the skin’s barrier. While I personally prefer fragrance-free products, some may find the tropical floral scent a bonus. Best of all, it’s safe the whole family including kids who may otherwise hate the texture of creamy sunscreens. — Alli Sim, beauty director
Caudalie Very High Protection Sun Water SPF50+, $46, available at Sephora
23 / 26
Sigi Skin Calming Breeze Body Wash
The same ethos of skincare is applied to our bodies, bottled up in Sigi Skin’s Calming Breeze Body Wash. Targeting to abolish free radicals that in turn, leads our skin to increased suppleness and hydration, the invigorating wash is stacked with a plethora of vegan superfood ingredients like Alfafa (provider of vitamins A, B, D and E), rice, verbascoside that regulates sebum production and glycerin that helps to encourage softer and plumper skin. Boding of a refreshing scent, this vegan shower gel is safe to use for pregnant women, kids and those with sensitive skin and eczema. – Janice Sim, digital editor
Sigi Skin Calming Breeze Body Wash, $49, available at Sigi Skin
24 / 26
Noble Panacea The Absolute Nourishing Lift Oil
Upping skin hydration levels has become a renewed priority with the discovery of dry, sensitised patches on my visage. Amongst the multitude of face oils I tried, I found Noble Panacea’s The Absolute Nourishing Lift Oil to be the most effective at soothing and calming redness thanks to its formidable blend comprising sea fennel extract, hazelnut seed oil, and hyaluronic acid. Its individual sachet packaging also proves to be a plus point, with each packet giving just the right amount for my mien per use. Minimal wastage and travel-friendly? No doubt about it.
To witness optimal results, incorporate this bad boy as the final step of your regime. Rather than rubbing motions, be sure to gently press and pat it into your complexion so it’ll be able to work its magic to the fullest, sealing in the effects of the other products within your routine as well as granting skin with a light sheen that radiates with health. Sustained weeks of use led to more toned, lifted skin around areas such as my jaw and delicate under eye area as well, which is another added bonus. Should your skin veer more towards dry and parched, however—as opposed to my combination skin type—look to its Brilliant Glow Hydration Oil variant which delivers on intense bouts of unparalleled moisture. — Emily Heng, associate beauty editor
Noble Panacea The Absolute Nourishing Lift Oil, $553, available at Tangs
25 / 26
Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint
Typical qualms surrounding dewy-finish skin tints have to do with Singapore’s hot and humid climate, where it tends to leave most individuals with a greasy-looking complexion after hours of wear. Thankfully, this is a non-issue with Hourglass’s Veil Hydrating Skin Tint; a lightweight formula that helps plump and hydrate without leaving behind any residual stickiness. A godsend for those who experience cracking or flaking by midday, its potent formulation includes nourishing meadowfoam seed oil and hyaluronic acid that provides a virtually weightless veil of moisture throughout the day. And while its coverage leans more towards sheer, it is enough to conceal dark eye circles and the odd zit or two. In short: the perfect skincare make-up hybrid for anyone looking to enhance their complexion. — Emily Heng, associate beauty editor
Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint, $84, available at Sephora
26 / 26
L’Occitane’s Purifying Freshness Scalp Scrub, $42
Scalp care is an increasing priority as of late and L’Occitane’s Purifying Freshness Scalp Scrub makes for a great addition to anyone’s in-shower routine—just for its sheer ease and reduced waiting time alone. Made silicone-free, it is formulated with a concoction of five essential oils being thyme, grapefruit, mint, lavender, cedar, blended with exfoliating sea salt; all of it coming together to offer a deep, feel-good cleanse when rubbed into the scalp. Not only does it lend to a zesty, refreshing finish post-scrub, but my scalp also felt cleaner—staying grime-free for longer hours in the day despite the humid temperatures of our tropical clime. — Azrin Tan, digital writer
L’Occitane’s Purifying Freshness Scalp Scrub, available at L’Occitane.
