1 / 22
Decorté AQ Repair Damage Essence Shampoo
As nice as the squeaky clean feeling of freshly-washed hair is, some shampoos can strip away a little too much from the scalp. Seeking to address this is Decorté’s multi-tasking shampoo, which moisturises and cleanses at the same time. Sebum-absorbing clay draws out impurities, whilst pear juice ferment filtrate, and antioxidants help to suppress inflammation. Beyond simply cleansing like a regular shampoo, the inclusion of plant-derived palmitic acid and phytosterols penetrate the hair follicles to repair, moisturise and strengthen. What surprised me most is the non-foaming consistency, which feels gentle and non-abrasive on my sensitised scalp. After applying it to my entire head and rinsing it out, my strands are visibly softened—even before conditioner. The results are most apparent after a blowdry: my mane instantly becomes more manageable, and it smells powdery fresh long after. —Aileen Liang, beauty writer
Decorté AQ Repair Damage Essence Shampoo, $114 for 800g, available at Decorté counters and Metro
2 / 22
Anastasia Beverly Hills Mini Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette
It is a cult favourite, and for good reason. As someone who is fairly new to the realm of eyeshadow, this was a great entry into this world—as promised by the plethora of YouTube tutorials watched prior to trying the product, and by my fellow beauty team members. The shadows are creamy, pigmented, and easy to blend; arriving in shades that diffuse seamlessly into a range of skin tones, including my own warm-neutral tan skin. A little goes a long way, including the metallic shades, which easily elevate the look from day to night; all in one handy palette. Truly, a game changer for someone looking for a palette that does it all. — Agnes Shu, digital writer
Anastasia Beverly Hills Mini Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette, $54, available at Sephora
3 / 22
Coco and Eve Like a Virgin Miracle Hair Elixir Serum
True to its name, this bottle holds quite a bit of magic. A product that you can apply on both damp and dry hair, this cure-it-all serum hydrates and softens, while repairing hair fibres. Leaving you with luscious, silky locks, the elixir maintains bounce and reduces frizz in even the most humid of conditions. A god-send then, with Singapore’s weather. I’m equipped with thick, wavy hair that is quite prone to frizz, yet my tresses appear voluminous and sleek post-use. A serious all-rounder, the serum is formulated as a heat protectant too, keeping your keratin safe from heat applied during styling, as well as any potential UV damage. Talk about a miracle product—now I never leave the house without running this through my hair. — Poorva Maithani, digital intern
Coco and Eve Like a Virgin Miracle Hair Elixir Serum, $39, available at Sephora
4 / 22
Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 68 Perfume Mist
Escape into a sun-dappled oasis teeming with lush flora, courtesy of Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 68 Perfume Mist. Upon the first spritz, the uplifting scent announces its arrival with a bold infusion of pink dragonfruit and lychee essence. As it dries down, the fragrance dances with notes of ocean air and Brazilian jasmine, before gently settling on the skin with a lingering musk of vanilla. Sweet and feminine yet delightfully complex, the Cheirosa 68 Perfume Mist layers perfectly with other floral or fruity scents to transport you to a never-ending tropical summer vacation. — Anis Nabilah, beauty intern
Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 68 Perfume Mist, $65 for 240ml, available at Sephora
5 / 22
Kosas Impressionist Lip + Cheek Multistick
This has quickly become a staple in my every day carry. The creamy formula and chunky handle make it extraordinarily easy to apply and blend on the go, but personally, the shade Surreal has proven particularly versatile. As someone perpetually drawn to a brown lip moment, this has become the perfect layer with other sheer glosses—or mixed with a red lip for the ultimate burgundy look. Aside of that, it’s also become my preferred product for touching up on my bronzer on the go, particularly for its pigmented, buildable formulation; making blending feel effortless with sanitised hands or brushes alike. — Agnes Shu, digital writer
Kosas Impressionist Lip + Cheek Multistick, $50, available at Sephora
6 / 22
Fenty Skin Plush Puddin’ Intensive Recovery Lip Mask
Everyone has a night routine that’s sacred to them, and I’m no exception to the rule. Right before I tuck myself into bed, I’m swiping a layer of this lip mask across my lips for a deeply hydrating moment. Your classic buttery formula, this mask is formulated with pomegranate sterols to enhance your pout’s moisture barrier and to boost hydration, as well as an assortment of oils for a healthier, plumper look. Waking up with luscious lips has never been easier. — Poorva Maithani, digital intern
Fenty Skin Plush Puddin’ Intensive Recovery Lip Mask, $37, available at Sephora
7 / 22
M.A.C Lustreglass Stainglass Lip Tint
On days where I don’t want to fuss around with my lips too much, a lip tint has been my go-to. The Stainglass Lip Tint by M.A.C just feels like the effortless choice, since its lightweight, gel-like formula goes on sheer but builds up with subsequent swipes. Enriched with raspberry seed oil, it hydrates and softens the puckers—all while coating the lips with a mirror-like finish. As demonstrated by assistant education manager Aliff Alwee, the best way to preserve its vinyl-effect shine is by applying the tint with a flat brush, with Lipglazer smudged along the parameters of the lips. Soda Poppy, in particular, goes on as a wearable red, and leaves behind a healthy, just-bitten flush. — Aileen Liang, beauty writer
M.A.C Lustreglass Stainglass Lip Tint, $40, available at Sephora and M.A.C stores islandwide
8 / 22
Chloé Atelier Des Fleurs Cedrus Intense Eau de Parfum
Woody perfumes might not seem like the go-to choice for a summer scent, but when it’s expressed with the right notes, it certainly can be. Bergamot, cardamom and leathery rose uplift the trifecta of Chinese cedar, Indian sand vetiver and Australian sandalwood, blending together into an irresistibly creamy, airy composition. As it lingers on the skin, it takes on a softness that feels comforting—no matter what time of day it is. A spritz of this in the pulse points is akin to basking in the breeze that passes through a cedar tree. — Aileen Liang, beauty writer
Chloé Atelier Des Fleurs Cedrus Intense Eau de Parfum, $245 for 50ml, available at Sephora and Chloé boutiques islandwide
9 / 22
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Ultra-Blur
My days of wearing cakey makeup are long gone, thanks to the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Ultra-Blur. Unlike traditional setting powders, the inclusion of hyaluronic acid in its formula makes for a more hydrating and comfortable all-day wear. Those with dark circles like me would appreciate how it seamlessly locks in under-eye concealer without feeling too heavy on the delicate area or settling into fine lines throughout the day. A light dusting is all it takes to gently diffuse the appearance of pores and create a soft-matte, second-skin finish. — Anis Nabilah, beauty intern
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Ultra-Blur, $99 for 20g, available at Sephora
10 / 22
Aromatica Rosemary PDRN Scalp Serum
This is such a well-thought out product. Think of it like an essential moisturiser or serum for your scalp, which effectively delivers deep hydration—courtesy of the hyaluronic acid, ceramides and collagen packed into its ingredients—as well as a range of peptides, anti-oxidants, pre- and postbiotics into one of the thickest layers of skin. The rosemary fragrance too, is an instant refresher, but it is the bottle’s sheer ease of use that really earns itself a star rating. With its twist cap to open and lock—hence keeping things fuss-free—as well as the brush applicator for gentle head massaging, there’s nothing more I could possible need when it comes to scalp care. — Azrin Tan, associate digital editor
Aromatica Rosemary PDRN Scalp Serum, $63, available at Sephora
11 / 22
Nars Insatiable Liquid Blush
A little goes a long way with the pigment-packed Nars Insatiable Liquid Blush. One swatch on its plush doe-foot applicator delivers a surge of saturated colour to the cheeks. It looks intense at first, but the blush is highly blendable, especially when diffused with the warmth from my fingers. The product doesn’t dry down too quickly, allowing for an even application with no streaks or patches. What’s left is a weightless layer that feels like a second skin—ready to be set with powder or built on with more product for a bold flush. For those with sensitive skin like myself, the formula is infused with ceramides and peptides while being free of alcohol, fragrance, parabens and sulfates, which means less irritation. Despite its relatively recent release, the blush has earned a non-negotiable spot in my daily makeup routine. — Anis Nabilah, beauty intern
Nars Insatiable Liquid Blush, $62 for 10ml, available at Sephora
12 / 22
Dior Forever On Set Powder
Nailing the perfect base is made easy with the recently reformulated Dior Forever On Set Powder. Available in six diverse hues, its appeal lies primarily in its virtually weightless texture that settles over the skin seamlessly, holding make-up in place and keeping it impeccable throughout Singapore’s ceaseless humidity. Don’t expect flaws to start showing up after long hours of wear, either—the inclusion of hyaluronic acid molecules means you won’t observe dryness or flaking; an exemplary and also much-needed finishing touch to a full beat. — Emily Heng, beauty editor
Dior Forever On Set Powder, $98, available at Dior
13 / 22
Hourglass Phantom Volumising Glossy Balm
When it comes to evaluating how good a gloss is, I have a few considerations. Plumping effect and colour payoff aside, the best ones also hydrate the puckers. Swiping on the Hourglass Phantom Volumising Glossy Balm always feels like a treat—its rich, emollient texture melts into the lips, depositing pigment and glassy, non-tacky shine with a refreshing minty sensation. And where some glosses might leave my lips feeling parched, this one actually softens them as the day goes on. My colour of choice, Rouse, is the perfect red-brown hybrid, but there are also pearlescent hues and MLBB shades in the range. Housed as it is in a sleek, twist-up bullet, it now lives in my bag. — Aileen Liang, beauty writer
Hourglass Phantom Volumising Glossy Balm, $62, available at Sephora
14 / 22
Givenchy Perfecto Serum Lip Oil
Givenchy’s lip oil arrives with generous, generous doses of gloss—which may come down to the formulation infused with rose oil and 14% squalane. The hybrid serum lip oil integrates a plumping effect, which feels cooling on the lips—arriving at a delayed effect, which allows you to savour the hydrating properties before the plumping sets in. With four shades inspired by Sarah Burton’s couture collection, the sheer formula is a great addition to your every day carry, bringing a radiant, but utterly effortless glow to the lips. — Agnes Shu, digital writer
Givenchy Perfecto Serum Lip Oil, $64, available at Sephora
15 / 22
Panpuri Antioxidant Milk Bath & Body Oil
Now that we’re officially in the hot season, I’ve been taking my bathing rituals more seriously—and there’s nothing that quite sets the mood like a good bath oil does. Panpuri’s Siamese Water smells like fresh jasmine petals left to steep overnight in ice-cold water, made even crisper with mint. Infused with a blend of Monoi de Tahiti oil and turmeric root oil, the result is a luxuriant formula that softens and perfumes the skin at the same time. Adding water to it transforms it entirely, into a milky emulsion that you’d want to soak in for hours. Paired with a few spritzes of the Glow Satin Body Oil Mist in the same scent, it’s truly the best way to wind down after a long day. — Aileen Liang, beauty writer
Panpuri Antioxidant Milk Bath & Body Oil in Siamese Water, $80, available at Panpuri boutiques
16 / 22
Laneige Cream Skin Milky Hydration Sheet Mask
All my loved ones know this about me: I never shy away from a good mask. And the verdict on the Laneige Cream Skin Milky Hydration Sheet Mask? It’s a solid winner, on all fronts. Laneige really meant it when they said it contains all the goodness of a whole bottle of its Cerapeptide Refiner, which is a toner and moisturiser in one. Jam-packed with hydrating ingredients, the triple threat combination of hydroceramide for moisture, and camellia Japonica flower extract as well as peptides for boosted skin elasticity are a surefire combo—but its the silky-soft and bouncy feel of my countenance the next morning that seals the deal. — Azrin Tan, associate digital editor
Laneige Cream Skin Milky Hydration Sheet Mask, $25 for 5 sheets, available at Laneige Singapore
17 / 22
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base+
It’s been a cult favourite for years, and for all the right reasons. Buttery smooth with the refreshing scent of grapefruit and geranium, the Bobbi Brown Face Base+ primes and moisturises in the same step. Vitamins B3, B5 and C enrich and brighten the skin—with its effects most visible in the dry patches on my nose and chin. Ever since I’ve started incorporating this into my beauty routine, everything else blends in seamlessly. It’s even extended the wear time of my base and blush. — Aileen Liang, beauty writer
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base+, $99 for 50ml, available at Sephora or Bobbi Brown counters islandwide
18 / 22
The Ritual of Yozakura Pink Sugar Scrub
When it’s time for my everything shower, I immediately reach for The Ritual of Yozakura Pink Sugar Scrub. While other scrubs might be too rough on the skin, this exfoliator is infused with sugar crystals that work diligently to polish off dead skin before gently dissolving in the water. It’s also enriched with a nourishing combination of shea butter, cocoa butter and black rice extract, which contains antioxidants and minerals. After working off dead skin and other impurities with this scrub, my skin is noticeably softer and smoother. Beyond being gentle on the skin, this scrub is a sensorial delight with sweet and sour notes of Yoshino Cherry that make for a decadent and layered olfactory experience. — Anis Nabilah, beauty intern
The Ritual of Yozakura Pink Sugar Scrub, $29 for 250g, available at Rituals
19 / 22
Shiseido Color + Glow Enhancer
Don’t let the intense colour intimidate you. Despite its striking red appearance in the pan, the Shiseido Color + Glow Enhancer starts off sheer on the skin and diffuses into a beautiful blurred, watercolour blush finish. On days when I want more drama on my cheeks, I can seamlessly pack this on without any streakiness for a blush-focused look. While other powder blushes dry my skin out, Shiseido has infused plenty of skincare ingredients into its Color + Glow Enhancer for long-lasting hydration. What’s more, this versatile, multi-tasking powder doubles up as eyeshadow, highlighter and contour—all in one ornate compact. That’s three fewer things to toss in your makeup bag. — Anis Nabilah, beauty intern
Shiseido Color + Glow Enhancer, $58, available at Shiseido
20 / 22
Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder
As all oily girls know too well—nothing lasts forever, especially not in this heat. And as much as locking in a full face requires heavy-duty setting, it’s also important to let your skin breathe. This powder from Hourglass strikes the perfect balance, its finely-milled consistency ensuring a seamless blend while still feeling airy on the skin. With the fluffy Veil Powder Brush, a light dusting in the T-zone and cheeks has been my go-to way of keeping everything in place. —Aileen Liang, beauty writer
Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder in Translucent, $84, available at Sephora
21 / 22
Tarte Shape Tape Conecealer
Dark circles, be gone. The cult favourite Tarte Shape Tape Concealer has long been a staple in my beauty arsenal. Creamy yet lightweight, it covers dark circles and other blemishes without drying out or looking cakey on the skin. The oversized doe-foot applicator picks up more than enough product to cover my entire face, though I like to use a pea-sized amount for lighter coverage under my eyes. Once set with powder, this concealer stays put all day. — Anis Nabilah, beauty intern
Tarte Shape Tape Concealer, $47 for 10ml, available at Sephora
22 / 22
The Daily Press Arabica & Amande Body Oil
Getting glammed up for a night out in the summer can be tricky—there’s the threat of it melting off, after all. But it’s also the perfect season for a body glow. Singapore-based brand The Daily Press understands our humid climes well with their lightweight yet nourishing body oil, produced in small batches from naturally-derived ingredients. Blended with rosehip, sweet almond and avocado oils, the fast-absorbing formula hydrates without leaving a greasy residue on the skin. Perhaps my favourite part of all is its scent—upcycled coffee Arabica oil suffuses the skin with the irresistible aroma of fresh, roasted beans. The glowy results, of course, are undeniable. — Aileen Liang, beauty writer
The Daily Press Arabica & Amande Body Oil, $75 for 100ml, available for pre-order at The Daily Press
