Add to cart: The best beauty products to shop this October 2023

1 / 21

Growus Sea Salt Therapy Salt Scaler

There is much to be gleaned from the boundless nature of the ocean as Korean-grown label, Growus, knows so well. Its Sea Salt Therapy Scalp Scaler features both sea salt and seaweed heavily. A mineral-rich exfoliator that doubles as a clarifying and moisturising treatment, its extensive range of capabilities includes cleansing, detoxifying and hydrating. Spirulina extract and seawater work in tandem to rebalance oil and sebum secretion levels, while a potent mix of marine nutrients helps to ensure that both the scalp and tresses remain in an optimal state. — Emily Heng, associate beauty editor

Growus Sea Salt Therapy Salt Scaler, $30, available at Growus Singapore

2 / 21

Rose Inc Replenishing & Balancing Body Lotion

Keep the skin of your body buttery-smooth and flake-free with the Rose Inc Replenishing & Balancing Body Lotion. This decadent and soothing cream is designed to deliver a hefty dose of moisture as well as calm sensitised complexions. A small amount is all you need to witness the magic happen, with its winning formula comprising snow mushroom extract and squalene to help banish dry, itchy patches without leaving behind any lingering tackiness. Infused with the label’s signature scent encompassing decadent fresh rose, spicy black pepper and musk, this bad boy serves as the perfect last step to an indulgent and sensorial self-care regimen. — Emily Heng, associate beauty editor

Rose Inc Replenishing & Balancing Body Lotion, US$48, available at Net-A-Porter.

3 / 21

Lyma Skincare Serum and Cream Starter Set

Science-backed label, Lyma, presents a revolutionary approach to anti-ageing solutions with patented technology that channels its focus on both living and damaged skin cells. This shines through in its Skincare Serum and Cream Starter Set, which addresses and rectifies sagging, dehydration, redness and hyperpigmentation. Beyond that, this dynamic duo also proves to be a powerhouse with regard to preventative care, as it is meticulously crafted to target underlying causes of specific complexion defects by delivering the right ingredients to each skin layer. — Emily Heng, associate beauty editor

Lyma Skincare Serum and Cream Starter Set, US$707.40, available at Net-a-Porter

4 / 21

Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen in Brightening Lilac

Up the ante on your go-to cat eye this season by opting to line your lids in a new hue. We’d say a vivid metallic shade does the trick, with the Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen in Brightening Lilac ticking all the boxes. This waterproof, transfer-proof and hypoallergenic concoction glides on like a dream, sweeping across peepers to deliver a vivacious expanse of colour. What’s more, its soft-kohl finish allows for heightened versatility, where it can be smudged out for a subtle, dreamy effect or layered on for an amped-up look that is sure to turn heads. — Emily Heng, associate beauty editor

Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen in Brightening Lilac, $21, available at Sephora

5 / 21

Gucci Guilty Elixir de Parfum Pour Femme

Feelings of intimacy, warmth and tenderness are conveyed via the latest addition to the Gucci Guilty family, the Elixir de Parfum Pour Femme. This magnetic scent pulses with vivacity and whimsy thanks to an amalgamation of innovative new accords paired with familiar olfactory favourites. The latter includes vanilla absolute and tonka beans, which are complemented by notes of fruity mandora and wisteria that provide a surprisingly refined and radiant twist. The end result: a delightfully unexpected fragrance brimming with depth and charisma. — Emily Heng, associate beauty editor

Gucci Guilty Elixir de Parfum Pour Femme, $265, available at all Gucci boutiques

6 / 21

Philosophy Dose of Wisdom™ Bouncy Skin Reactivating Serum

A handy travel-friendly bottle featuring a trusty dermatologist-tested formula, concocted to boost radiance and plumpness. What I love about this daily facial serum is that while it’s piled with supercharged ingredients like vitality boosters and molecule-grafted hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, it still remains gentle enough for the skin—especially for dry and sensitive areas around the inner creases of the nose. Its weightless texture penetrates the skin instantly, leaving a smooth, soft and hydrated canvas to build upon. The serum’s clear and fresh scent is also an immediate bonus. — Janice Sim, digital editor

7 / 21

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Water Cream

A thick, decadent formula is hardly a surefire indicator of a product’s moisturising capabilities—that is, according to Charlotte Tilbury. The celebrity make-up artist and British beauty entrepreneur has dropped the latest iteration of the brand’s cult-favourite Magic Cream, which harbours a weightless, gel-like texture that envelopes skin in a veil of hydration. Designed to soothe and nourish, the Magic Water Cream worked like a dream on my sensitive, acne-prone complexion, sinking into skin seamlessly and eradicating redness as well as dry patches thanks to the inclusion of radiance-granting niacinamide and regenerative bio-peptide complex. Another added bonus: I didn’t have to spare precious extra minutes waiting for this whipped, bouncy confection to dry down, and could cocoon myself into my sheets within seconds of application. — Emily Heng, associate beauty editor

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Water Cream, $176, available at all Sephora outlets.

8 / 21

Penhaligon The Omniscient Mister Thompson

Fancy an air of mystery for that upcoming date? Maybe The Omniscient Mister Thompson will be of assistance. Straight out of Penhaligon’s Portraits collection, the fragrance comes with its own defining aura: unwavering, yet subtle and inoffensive. The sentiment is derived from the smoky, leathery mix of elemi and orris at first spritz, before it settles into its warm, woody notes of vanilla and sesame seed. Think of the cool, calm and collected guy standing quietly in the corner of the room—the one whom no one knows where he’s from. The charm, however, lies in not knowing at all. — Azrin Tan, digital writer

Penhaligon The Omniscient Mister Thompson, $430, available at Sephora

9 / 21

Nars Laguna Eyeshadow Quad

Hey-ho, the time is nigh for party season to creep up on us. In preparation for all those high-octane evenings, we’ll say audacious make-up looks should be at the top of mind. To begin—an unabashed set of shadows like the Nars Laguna Eyeshadow Quad should do the trick. Whether you swipe it on with a brush or the delicate tips of your fingers, we’ll guarantee that this glittering quadruplet will grant you with a hyper-luminous finish unlike any other. So don’t go losing your sparkle, girl. — Azrin Tan, digital writer

Nars Laguna Eyeshadow Quad, $75.50, available at Lookfantastic

10 / 21

Isdin Isdinceutics Flavo-C Ultraglican

When life gives you sticky sunscreen, make it into a velvety-smooth serum—according to Isdin, at least. As someone who has long harboured an ambivalence to this skincare grail aka the inculpable sunscreen, this high-performance serum makes for a great alternative. Upon first inspection, I was already a fan of how portable the miniature-sized ampoules were; allowing for convenient on-the-go application whilst minimising the space in my bag. Infused with a medley of potent antioxidants that safeguard the skin against free radicals, I was also pleasantly surprised at the incredibly lightweight texture and how it left my skin feeling hydrated and supple. After a few uses, it’s now a quintessential supplement to my sun protection arsenal. — Valecia Lee, beauty intern

Isdin Isdinceutics Flavo-C Ultraglican, $38.90 for 10 x 2ml, available at Novela

11 / 21

Mudo Labs The Beem

Feeling stressed, sluggish or needing a shot of confidence? Created by Mudo Labs and designed in Singapore, The Beem is an innovative wellness product that marries acupressure principles with aromachology, the science of scents. The portable, pocket-sized product developed in consultation with a slew of scientists, psychologists, researchers and industrial designers can be filled with six interchangeable mood cartridges that are formulated with natural, non-synthetic ‘mood herbs’ and pure essential oils.

Choose from Experience Rest, featuring tongkat ali; Experience Kinetic Force with ginseng; Experience The Bond with rose; Experience Satisfaction with moringa for contentment; Experience The Surge with exhilarating sage or Experience Confidence, formulated with damiana for liquid courage. To use The Beem, lightly press it against the cupid’s bow of your mouth and inhale your chosen herb and botanical blend. Best of all, each blend is formulated without artificial fragrances, colouring, alchohol, parabens, and camphor. It’s the perfect in-flight mood boost or in a spot where you can’t openly diffuse your comfort essential oils. — Alli Sim, beauty director 

Mudo Labs The Beem, $78 with interchangeable cartridges, $15, available at Mudo Labs

12 / 21

Invity Youth Activating Microemulsion

It’s not every day you see NAD+ or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a known anti-ageing molecule in commercial skincare. Popularised by biohackers, NAD supplements are used to boost the body’s cellular energy production, initiate DNA and thus, slow down and reduce the rate of ageing. So how does this translate to skincare, and specifically this moisturiser? We know NAD+ has been shown to improve elasticity (always a win in my books), however it’s best used with Invity’s other NAD+ enriched products to see better and sustained results. The lightweight milky formula also features calcium ions to reinforce the skin’s barrier and repair damaged skin while offering long-lasting hydration. We also appreciated that it had a pleasant, non-cloying scent and can be used by all members of the family. — Alli Sim, beauty director

Invity Youth Activating Microemulsion, $113, available at Invity

13 / 21

Make Up For Ever HD Skin Concealer

There are a myriad of factors that contribute to the formation of dark eye circles. And while eradicating said imperfections is a long, arduous journey comprising skincare as well as lifestyle changes, you can camouflage them in the meantime with a formidable concealer. The Make Up For Ever HD Skin Concealer is my pick for the month, with its ultra thin, ultra lightweight, and ultra buildable formula ensuring no creasing along the eye contour area. Patting this on with a light hand is enough to downplay the worst of dark shadows, with a light dusting of powder over it helping the formula cling on for up to eight hours. Hyaluronic Acid and jojoba oil also guarantees no dryness or flaking, blending in seamlessly with the rest of my make-up. — Emily Heng, associate beauty editor 

Make Up For Ever HD Skin Concealer, $50, available at all Sephora outlets

14 / 21

Dior L’Or de J’adore

You know you have an icon on your hands when simplifying it only serves to strengthen its message and voice. That certainly is the case for the latest addition to the J’adore family—the L’Or de J’adore. Crafted by renowned perfumer and nose Francis Kurkdjian, it targets the very heart of the beloved J’adore infusion by pruning the bouquet of blooms within. This translates to a rich sensuality that further blossoms upon coming into contact with skin, showcasing a stunning union of jasmine, rose, lily of the valley as well as violet. What’s more, its one-of-a-kind flacon has been redesigned to reflect this stunning array of changes, with its slim, curved neck comprising fluid and organic gold that curves into sleek waves over the bottle. A glass bead has also been incorporated onto its light and transparent lid, acting as the perfect finishing touch to a new legend in the making. — Emily Heng, associate beauty editor 

L’Or de J’adore, $306, available at all Dior beauty counters and boutiques

15 / 21

Acqua di Parma Zafferano Signatures of the Sun

What if, when peering out of a window, a cool breeze sweeps past you, but instead of the mundane effects it normally proffers, it transfixes your senses. This breeze has an olfactory tingle to it, a spice-forward, fruit-sweet payload where apples and pears fold into the musky embrace of cinnamon and pine. It’s a dance of textures and scents whose movement is elusive but bewitching. When I’ve got Zafferano on, I am that breeze. — Indran Paramasivam, contributor

Acqua di Parma Zafferano Signatures of the Sun, $461 for 100ml eau de parfum, available at escentials

16 / 21

Augustinus Bader The Body Cleanser

Do you need an $83 vegan body cleanser? The answer’s “yes” if like Dr Bader, you are of the mind that skincare doesn’t just stop at the face. The ‘clean’, sulfate-, GMO-, paraben- and phthalate-free body wash is powered by the brand’s proprietary TFC8, or Trigger Factor Complex to renew the skin, and infused with head-clearing eucalyptus and calming copaiba resin, it gently removes grime without stripping the skin. A luxe wash, to be sure. — Alli Sim, beauty director

Augustinus Bader The Body Cleanser, $83, available at Sephora

17 / 21

Aesop Ouranon

Created by Aesop‘s long-term fragrance partner and renowned nose Barnabé Fillion, Ouranon is the epitome of androgynous scents. Characterised by a provocative interplay of permanence and decay, this is also the final scent of Aesop’s Othertopias series—talk about leaving things on an indelible note. Before unfurling into its potent blend of ambery warmth and spice, citrusy notes of petitgrain and elemi awaken your olfactory senses. As it settles comfortably on your skin, the resinous accords of chamomile, hay and frankincense add a layer of sensual depth; culminating in an earthly medley of myrrh, patchouli and vanilla-like tonka. The end result: A timeless je ne sais quoi that draws you in with each spritz. — Valecia Lee, beauty intern

18 / 21

Anastasia Beverly Hills Fall Romance Eyeshadow Palette

Although best known for its brow products, the eyeshadow palettes from Anastasia Beverly Hills do not disappoint. The newest palette release comes with 12 jewel-toned shades in rich metallic and neutral hues. The versatile colour range makes it effortless to transition through the season, from the moody and sultry fall, as seen on the runway, to the celebration and decadence of the festive end-of-year. The eyeshadows are highly pigmented yet easy to blend and explore with. — Sophie Tan, digital intern

Anastasia Beverly Hills Fall Romance Eyeshadow Palette, $88, available at Sephora

19 / 21

Tutti Twilly d’Hermès Eau de Parfum

The latest fragrance by the French luxury house presents an interesting juxtaposition. Beneath its saccharine sweet facade—of which comprises a vivid red colour-graduation as well as a vibrant silk ribbon closure—lies a parfum brimming with depth and nuance; an elixir harbouring daring notes of musk and lychee tempered by hints of gentle ginger blossom. Designed in tribute to free spirited Hermès girls, it intends to convey said individual’s multifaceted nature with a series of contradictory elements. On that note, it does succeed. The end result is a warm, lively scent that leaves a sensual trail in its wake. A spritz on the focal points of your wrist and neck is enough to last an entire day, staying on for hours on end despite Singapore’s relentless heat and humidity — Emily Heng, associate beauty editor 

Tutti Twilly d’Hermès eau de parfum, $259 for 85ml, available at all Hermès boutiques

20 / 21

Supergoop!'s Lipshade 100% Mineral SPF 30 in High Five

Sun protection shouldn’t be limited to your visage. Keep those puckers protected with an SPF-containing balm which provides hydration, protection, and vibrant pigment all in one fell swoop. The Supergoop! Lipshade 100% Mineral SPF 30 in High Five delivers on all of the above fronts, with its a warm terracotta hue adding a pinch of colour to my pout when applied on its own. It also serves as a perfect light tint and base when layered with other lip formulas, and prevents dryness and cracking thanks to its ultra-nourishing blend encompassing mango, shea, and murumuru butters. Choose between six unique hues ranging from fuchsia to plum. — Emily Heng, associate beauty editor

Supergoop!’s Lipshade 100% Mineral SPF 30 in High Five, $38, available at all Sephora outlets

21 / 21

Clarins Cryo-Flash Cream Mask