Vichy Liftactiv Supreme H.A. Epidermic Filler
Looking for results when it comes to minimising the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while instantly hydrating and plumping your complexion? Vichy Liftactiv Supreme H.A. Epidermic Filler contains 1.5 per cent of pure hyaluronic acid, peptides and vitamin Cg to address just that. Those familiar with hyaluronic serums may recognise the lightweight texture, the good news with this specific aesthetic filler-inspired product is that it’s free of fragrance, silicone, and alcohol while being dermatologically and ophthalmologically tested—meaning that yes, this concentrated anti-ageing serum can be used both on the face and eye contours to give skin that desired boost. For best results, use twice a day on damp skin before your other serums and eye treatments.
For a clever multi-tasking lip, cheek and eye product
L’Oreal Paris Chiffon Signature Airy Velvet Matte Lip Colour’s applies effortlessly with its cloud-like texture and has a beautiful colour payoff that can be built up to your desired intensity, from a gentle kiss of colour on the lips to much more for a dramatic effect. Its velvety, soft matte finish means that it’s multi-use and performs as a blush and eyeshadow for a monochromatic K-Beauty-inspired look.
L’Oreal Paris Lash Paradise Mascara Waterproof
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Revitalise skin for under $20
Who doesn’t love a cheap and cheerful beauty steal? From the shores of South Korea arrives The Potions Vitamin B12 Ampule—the minimalist, ingredient-driven formulation in a Pepto-pink shade. Each drop contains a blend of vitamin B12 and sodium hyaluronate, delivering a flush of anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing properties while restoring your skin’s hydration. B-vitamins slows visible signs of ageing skin by speeding up cell regeneration and recovery by boosting metabolism in the skin cells. When paired with hydro-boosting hyaluronate, the appearance of wrinkles and skin texture is improved with continuous usage. – Rachel Ho
Feed your skin for under $60
Serums typically fall under a few different camps: hydrating, problem-solving (think treatment serums for acne or hyperpigmentation), or anti-ageing. Thankfully all skin types stand to benefit from Paula’s Choice’s nourishing, superfood-rich Omega+ Complex Serum that offers healthy, visibly resilient skin. It moisturises and strengthens the skin’s surface with Omegas 3, 6, and 9 from chia, passion fruit, and flax seed respectively, improving fine lines and wrinkles. The lightweight formula also comprises of ceramides to protect even the most challenging of skin types: from sensitive to eczema-prone, and even newborns. So whatever your age or skin concern, this is unscented, universal serum that will feed, fortify, and revive your skin.
Skin plumping for under $70
If you are chasing a permanent glass skin glow, Glow Recipe’s new Plum Plump Serum will deliver just that. Formulated with three varieties of antioxidant-rich plum—Kakadu, Illawarra, and Burdekin—the superfruit is packed with vitamin C and synergistically works with hyaluronic acids of five different molecular weights to revive dull, dehydrated skin in a flash. Glow Recipe have also thrown in vegan collagen and silk proteins to defend the skin’s barrier, while vitamin B5 moisturises, soothes, and repairs.
Regenerate your skin for under $250
This nighttime antioxidant delivers a potent concentration of pure and stable resveratrol (aka the ‘longevity molecule’) with baicalin and pure vitamin E to neutralise free radical damage while amping up the skin’s natural antioxidant defenses. SkinCeuticals‘ 12-week dermatologist-controlled clinical trial on women aged 45 to 60 shows that Resveratrol B E significantly improved on the markers of healthy, youthful skin—radiance, elasticity, firmness. Skincare nerds, use this before bed and enforce your skin with the daytime the antioxidant shield of Skinceutical’s C E Ferulic and a broad spectrum SPF. Chef’s kiss.
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Scale your scalp
This shampoo brought to you by K-Beauty brand has the power to take itchy, greasy scalp and transform it into clean, light and voluminous hair. Its reviving rosemary scent coupled with herbal pine leaf and ginger extracts helps to clarify and exfoliate the scalp without stripping or irritating it—which is what some scaling shampoos have the tendency to do. Strengthening biotin and panthenol conditions hair from the roots to ends, restoring tresses to their natural glory.
Slow down hair loss
Hair loss happens for multiple reasons: stress, hormones, pregnancy, ageing and genetics. If you’re on the lookout for a starter kit to boost your thinning hair, SMIB’s premium starter kit containing an Anti-Hair Loss Coral Calcium Shampoo, Coral Calcium Treatment, Hair Essence and Plasma Scalp Massager helps to reduce itchiness, calming the scalp while improving its condition with via a marine complex and coral calcium. The novel scalp massager gently stimulates blood flow to the scalp while removing dead skin flakes, maximising the turnover of cells and penetration of product.
SMIB Premium Starter Kit Set: Anti Hair Loss Shampoo, Treatment, Essence, Plasma Scalp Massager
The silky-smooth leave-in
Delivering salon-like smoothing results in a tube, Jung Beauty’s Leave-In Keratin Hair Treatment, softens, adds shine and gives tresses lots more manageability the moment you get out of the shower. Best used on damp hair, this velvety but lightweight multitasker delivers a host of nutrients and intense moisture deep into the hair ends and cuticle layers, working as both a pre-heat styling primer that gets you ultra sleek, glossy locks or bouncy, frizz-free curls, as well as a taming, defining leave-in conditioner for times you only have time to wash-and-air dry.
The scalp revitaliser
Healthy hair growth lies in the scalp’s deepest tiers. Zooming in on tackling hair loss and thinning hair at the root of the problem, the spray-on Shiseido Professional Sublimic Adenovital Scalp Power Shot, is a potent concentrate formulated with a host of revitalising and reparative herbal extracts, combined with Core Powerizing Technology that taps on bioscience research to support scalp health for hair with boosted strength, resilience and volume.
Shiseido Professional Sublimic Adenotival Scalp Power Shot
The luscious treatment mask
Give your locks a luscious hair spa with The Ouai’s Fine To Medium Hair Treatment Masque. Formulated with key ingredients like shea butter, panthenol, hydrolysed keratin and protein, this creamy weekly mask restores hydration and restores dry, damaged or chemically treated locks, while the proteins help strengthen weak hair follicles to prevent further breakage. What you’re left with is smooth, glossy tresses that are more moisturised and resistant to frizz.
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The transportive fragrance
The most indelible fragrances are conjured up from the best memories, and Chloe’s Atelier des Fleurs collection is composed of perfumes by different noses invited by the house to pay homage to their favourite stories and flowers. One of the three new creations is Chloe Papyrus by Alexis Dadier, who as a child, received a papyrus covered with hieroglyphs from his grandparents as a souvenir of their trip to Egypt. Inspired by the river plant’s verdant yet smoky, woody aroma, Papyrus’ duality transports the wearer to a refreshing yet mysterious boat ride down the Nile.
Banish tech neck
Tech neck is real and is unlikely to get any better with all the time we spend on Zoom and scrolling online. Thankfully, Dermalogica’s new Neck Fit Contour serum is equal parts youth-preserving neck treatment to de-puffing gua sha device thanks to its cooling stainless steel tip. The hydrating, antioxidant-rich formula harnesses the power of rye seed and rambutan extracts together with Palmitoyl Tripeptide–42 to deliver retinol-like results. For best results where an Audrey Hepburn-esque profile is concerned, apply and massage your neck muscles daily for a leaner, more contoured neckline.
The pore-refining pads
A fuss-free step to smoother, brighter skin, Medicube’s Zero Pore Pads 2.0 are dual-textured toner pads infused with an AHA Fruit Complex to gently but deeply exfoliate skin. This sweeps away dead skin cells, and any build-up of sebum, dirt and debris that could be clogging your pores, not only leaving skin visibly clearer, soothed and toned, but also making way for optimum penetration of your next skincare steps. Sebum production can also be regulated while steadily unveiling a more radiant, refined and blemish-free complexion over time.
The bouquet in a bottle
Created by perfumers Carlos Benaim and Bruno Jovanovic, My Way is a white floral bouquet that veils the wearer in notes of orange blossom, bergamot, and tuberose with sensual cedarwood and warm vanilla. Beyond the vibrant, free-spirited scent, the fragrance uses natural, locally-sourced and fair trade raw materials for this charismatic composition. Housed in a refillable, recyclable flacon, the fragrance is a carbon neutral offering that affirms the brand’s long-standing commitment to sustainability.
The glow booster
Once upon a time, it was all about the basic three-step skincare regime. Then came the extensive K-Beauty 11-step skin programme and other lines that turned our heads with the romance of story-telling and elaborate packaging. These days, we live in the middle ground in balancing the sensorial aspects of beauty and its rituals with focused, ingredients-led skincare. Take Olay’s White Radiance Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum which marries anti-inflammatory, sebum-controlling niacinamide with skin brightening vitamin C. Not only does it contain the optimal per centage of active ingredients to help your skin to defy the effects of time and the environment, it’s also makes for a fast-absorbing, skin-evening, bang-for-your-buck serum.
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The Parisian hair mist
Diptyque, the quintessentially French candle and fragrance brand, celebrates its 60th anniversary with an olfactive love letter to its birthplace, Paris. Inspired by the artistic, literary, architectural and creative offerings of the city, the Eau Capitale hair mist is an invitation to flaneur and create every day magic. Spritz in your hair and leave a romantic sillage in your wake.
The re-energising rich cream
It’s not called the “fountain of youth” for no reason—the source of skin youthfulness is hydration. Following extensive lab work, Dior Research has identified the essential role that skin dryness has in accelerating visible signs of ageing, and the response? Capture Totale Super Potent Rich Creme, a luscious moisturiser supercharged with peony blossom oil extract to soothe and boost skin’s repair cycle; bio cellular technology that revitalises the energy potential of mother cells; and a skin-enveloping blend of utterly nourishing glycerine, wax and plant butters.
The at-home hair spa
Bid farewell to dry, parched and damaged locks with Percy & Reed’s Bye Bye Dry Hydrating TLC Mask. Housed in a fully recyclable jar, this pampering vegan treatment envelopes and infuses hair with intense moisture in the form of coconut oil, aloe and marshmallow root extract that soften, repair and replenish from root to tip. 10-minutes just once a week is all you need for healthier, shinier and more manageable locks.
The sensual smokey eye
Tom Ford’s Eye Color Quad in 29 Desert Fox is the perfect quartet of eyeshadows for those who love earthy, golden shades. The luxurious palette features four finishes—sheer sparkle, satin, shimmer and matte—in shades of peachy nude, warm brown, gilded bronze and deep terracotta to create a beautifully naturally, sculpted eye with a touch of shimmer.
The full body facial
If you’re like me and have used Dr Dennis Gross’ Alpha Beta Universal Peel not just on your face but on your knees and elbows as well, rejoice—they’ve launched the Exfoliating Body Treatment, for skin polishing from neck to toe. This all-over body towel seeks to rejuvenate dull, dry or crepey skin, even out skin tone and diminish body blemishes and even ingrown hairs with a blend of glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids to exfoliate, renew and refine skin texture; natural retinol alternative bakuchiol, which firms skin and reduces wrinkles or hyperpigmentation by stimulating cell turnover and collagen production; squalane to replenish moisture levels; and bromelain, a vitamin-rich enzyme that’s soothing and brightening for an overall glow boost.
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The refreshing eye patch
Reach for this cooling hydrogel eye mask on bleary-eyed mornings or evenings when your eyes are fatigued from staring at your devices all day. Best enjoyed straight out of the fridge, these eye masks infused with amino acid- and collagen-rich Gangwon-do deep ocean water with marine plants, hyaluronic acid and pearl extract help firm, hydrate, de-puff and brighten eyes.
The skin smoother
Inspired by a traditional skin soothing healing remedy, Aprilskin‘s fragrance-free Real Artemisia Squalane Hydra Gel Cream combines squalene derived from Spanish olives with Korean-harvested artemisia in one skin-calming vegan moisturiser. With a pH of 5.5, it gently hydrates parched and dehydrated skin, helping it to look and feel plump and youthful.
The firming night cream
Looking for a powerful anti-ager on a budget? Vichy LiftActive Collagen Specialist Night cream is a skin firming night cream that helps reactivate collagen production in the skin for a lifted, pigmentation- and wrinkle-free appearance. It rejuvenates the skin with a host of biopeptides to fight against the degradation of collagen fibres, vitamins CG to guard against free-radical damage while brightening skin, resveratrol and mineral-rich Vichy volcanic water.
The instant V-line contour
Forget about face sculpting 101. This easy, two-toned V-curved contour stick easily fits the jaw line and cheekbones to help beginners and make-up buffs pressed for time create sleek and angular features with a single swipe. We love its creamy, melt-on formula that’s workable with the fingertips or a beauty sponge—no cardio blending required.
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The Good Luck Kiss
Channel Lady Luck with an auspicious red lip. Charlotte Tilbury’s Matte Revolution in Lucky Cherry features a highly pigmented, satiny matte formula that stays put under a mask, so you don’t have to worry about your lipstick smudging or bleeding when the time comes to unveil that bright crimson pout. Equally gorgeous on the outside, this comes housed in limited edition red and gold accented packaging as well.
The Double Radiance Highlighter
Sweep on some good fortune, or in this case, strobes of champagne highlight, with the MAC Cosmetics Moon Masterpiece Extra Dimension Skinfinish – Liquid Powder Highlighter in Double Gleam. Adorned in limited edition Pop Art packaging, this unique fish-embossed face sculptor is formed by creamy pressed powder that glides on like butter, and can be used subtly for a soft, ethereal glow, or built-up to an ultra luminous, high definition finish.
MAC Cosmetics Moon Masterpiece Extra Dimension Skinfinish – Liquid Powder Highlighter in Double Gleam
The “I-think-I-know-him’ Scent
A fragrance that will make you do a double take, Boss’ The Scent Pure Accord For Him was concocted with a sense of fulfilment and “the morning after” in mind. The Eau de Toilette opens with vivifying notes of ginger, before a heart of Maninka—a South African fruit said to have aphrodisiacal effects—seduces with facets of rum and passionfruit. These settle down into base notes of sensual white suede for a tender yet uplifting finish.
The Skin Vitality Booster
Like a morning, noon or nighttime perk-me-up for your complexion, innisfree’s Black Tea Youth Ampoule seeks to reset the signs of skin fatigue, including dryness, dullness and sensitivity. This K-beauty favourite is formulated with the brand’s breakthrough Reset Concentrate, an anti-ageing active ingredient powered by Jeju black tea, which boasts a significantly higher percentage of amino acids compared to other teas, and is ultra efficacious thanks to a meticulous extraction process. This ampoule has also been enhanced with a Night Defense Formula that hydrates skin, balances moisture levels and forms a protective barrier on skin for optimum moisture retention while you sleep.
The skin-balancing mist
Spritz this on face your and push the skincare benefits of this lightweight toner in by hand. Yours’ new toner rebalances pores, lightens dark spots and evens out your complexion for soft and plump skin. Made with active ingredients including Epidermist which is derived from natural plankton extracts, the formulation helps to inhibit pro-acne bacteria while activating the skin’s natural defenses. ACB Bio-Chelate 5 with fermented minerals help reinforce the skin’s barrier, and niacinamide or vitamin B3 and vitamin 12 work to lighten dark spots, even out the skin tone, and promote skin recovery.
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Comfort and revive dehydrated hair
Scalp. Normal one day, itchy and irritated the next. For scalp that’s as temperamental and sensitive as the skin on our faces, we’ve found Aveda’s vegan Nutriplenish™ Shampoo Light Moisture and Conditioner range to be especially restorative. It’s perfect for fine to normal hair with dryness, it cleanses and replenishes dry scalp and hair with 94 per cent naturally derived ingredients including mango butter, oat extract, certified organic coconut oil, and omega-5-rich organic pomegranate oil for dry, depleted hair.
Soothe stressed and sensitive skin
Signs your skin barrier is stressed and damage: it feels irritated, inflamed and is flaring up more than usual. It may be itchy, flaky, or even hot and sensitive to the touch. Thankfully, est.lab’s Anti-Stress Hydra Cream protects and restores fragile skin with an anxtioxidant blend of vitamins A and E, shea butter, sodium hyaluronate, and esters to soften and soothe the skin. This lightweight AM to PM moisturiser has now been formulated to defend skin against urban pollution, working as a shield against ultra-fine airborne pollutants (PM2.5) while helping to neutralise the toxicity present in heavy chemicals to reduce skin irritation, reinforce its natural barrier and prevent further damage.
Restore your skin’s microbiome while you sleep
Being the OG of sleeping masks, Laneige‘s Water Sleeping Mask needs no introduction. Since its launch in 2002, this cult K-Beauty product which essentially birthed an entire category of overnight masks has seen five reformulations with 16 million bottles sold worldwide. This reformulated update is now enhanced with squalane and Sleeping Microbiome™, a patented green tea lactobacillus probiotics complex to keep the skin’s healthy while improving hydration and skin texture as you sleep. Cliff’s notes on why maintaining a healthy skin microbiome matters: the outermost layer on your skin aka its barrier is home to unique microbes that consist of beneficial and harmful bacteria. The healthy skin should have a good microbiome balance of beneficial and harmful bacteria. However, factors such as UV rays, pollution—even using aggressive skincare products—as well as poor sleep can cause an imbalance our skin’s microbiome which may lead to an irritated, inflamed complexion. Sensorially speaking, expect the same lightweight gel-cream that penetrates the skin without feeling sticky on the pillow, and soothing scent to help rest your senses before bed. If you’re looking to wake up to clear, bright, and supple skin, a liberal helping of this to your face and décolletage—even hands—before bedtime will do the trick.
Get faded
Lighten, brighten, and fade the look of dark spots and hyperpigmentation with Naturium’s skin retexturising leave-on acid. Formulated with 5% tranexamic as well as kojic acid, niacinamide and licorice, this gentle yet potent blend is great for improving discolouration on all skin types and tones.
Naturium Tranexamic Topical Acid 5% - for Dark Spots and Melasma with Kojic Acid
Erase lines, fortify skin
Improving the skin’s tone, texture, and contours is where it’s at for Clé de Peau Beauté‘s premium Synactif line that starts from $155 for the Synactif Soap. Inspired by detoxifying spa experiences and backed by science, the newly-revamped 6-step collection removes impurities to make way for regenerated, radiant skin. Clé de Peau Beauté together with Tokyo Medical and Dental University laboratories have found that skin that has higher purification levels preserves a larger number of epidermal stem cells and therefore, is better optimised at regeneration—likening the process to roses in a vase of water that is kept constantly fresh and renewed. Where other brands would seek to restore what the skin loses from age or UV damage, its new focus is to eliminate inflammation factors and other impurities to create a better environment for the skin to regenerate. This intensive cream consists of a high concentration of its Purifying Beauty Complex—a blend of botanicals including mulberry white bark help to prevent the loss of lymphatic capillaries to improve the skin’s condition. Additionally, neem leaf extract helps to nourish, firm and define your features. Best of all, it visibly improves the appearance of wrinkles for smoother, energised skin.
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The IKEA x Ben Gorham candle
A sensorial collaboration between Ikea and Byredo founder Ben Gorham, the Osynlig candle collection infuses homes with 13 transformative scents from cypress and fig, to tobacco and honey. Besides injecting an element of invisible, olfactive design to make a house a home, these wax creations come in hard-wearing two-toned glazed ceramic pots that allow them to live on way past the last burn, with a second life as a stationary holder or mini plant pot.
The special edition youth booster
Wake up to revitalised skin with Shiseido’s Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Cream, which is all dressed up in red and gold for the year of the Ox. This richly moisturising cream supports skin’s ability to self-regenerate and renews levels of firming with two proprietary technologies, empowering complexions to combat against dark spots wrinkles, loss of elasticity and dullness for a firmer, brighter mien in four weekends or less.
The Harvard-backed anti-ager
Our body’s ability to produce collagen and hyaluronic acid reduces with age and as any beauty expert worth their salt will tell you, retinol or topical vitamin A creams are the gold standard in helping to increase the production of collagen to help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol’s downside however, is that it’s unsuitable for pregnant women, almost always drying and irritating for skin if you’re new to it, and you’ll have to religiously slather on SPF like never before—not necessarily a bad thing in our books. Caudalie‘s reformulated Resveratrol Lift line however, now boasts the power-packed combinations of vine resveratrol, hyaluronic acid and a patented vegan collagen booster that is twice as effective as retinol. Caudalie’s founder, Mathilde Thomas worked with Harvard Medical School and ‘longevity guru’ Dr David Sinclair for this breakthrough technology that activates Sirtuin or youth proteins in our skin, helping to undo the effects of time through an effective and wallet-friendly collection. But what does that mean for your skin? Five times the amount of natural collagen production for plumper skin, and double the hyaluronic action to really refresh the complexion. The range starts from $75 for the Firming Eye Gel-Cream, however our picks would be the Instant Firming Serum ($98) and Firming Night Cream ($80) which we look forward to nightly for it’s comforting and repairing properties.
The instant skin brightener
Want to fake a good night’s sleep? Tone-up creams help to brighten the visage. Mkup’s Super Coverage Hydrating Real Complexion Cream SPF 23 incorporates hydrating Antarctic glycoprotein to lock in moisture, natural iris and rose flower extracts to help colour-correct and switch the light on dull and sallow skin, and Centella Asiatica to soothe dry skin. A half-to-full pump should be sufficient for most faces however we’d still recommend a heavy duty sunscreen before applying this CC cream.
The eye amplifier
If you’ve Marie Kondo-ed your vanity area this new year in favour of a more streamlined approach to make-up, Charlotte Tilbury‘s double-ended, gel-like liner cleverly plays up the eyes while amplifying the look of your eye colour. One end offers a matte black hue for depth and dimension, the other being a flattering, eye-opening metallic champagne shade in a formula that promises to be be smudge-proof, waterproof and humidity-proof.
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The soothing, purifying scalp scrub
Lush, beautiful hair stems from a healthy, balanced scalp and yet, so many still prioritise haircare over scalp care. Oribe’s Serene Scalp Exfoliating Scrub is an easy in-shower solution to deeply purify, soothe and nourish scalps that are either stressed, inflamed or just in need of a thorough cleansing. Housed in a pretty pink tube are soft polymer beads that work with a blend of alpha hydroxy acids to gently sweep away any clogging dead skin, product build-up and excess sebum. This then makes way for a host of botanical extracts to penetrate much deeper into the scalp to instantly hydrate, nourish and calm, while also working to strengthen and defend against oxidative stress and the deterioration of natural keratin from root to tip.
The revitalising gel-cream moisturiser
Whether you’ve had a wild night out or just have fatigued skin as a whole, Rihanna’s got a hangover skin remedy for you: Fenty Beauty’s new Instant Reset Overnight Recovery Gel-Cream. “I wanted a night cream that would rset my skin and relieve it from all the stress of the day so you wake up fresh, nourished and glowing”, she said. Powered by conditioning Kalahari melon oil and hyaluronic acid, this silky gel-cream infuses skin with intense but lightweight hydration, topped up with brightening niacinamide, skin-refining Australia lemon myrtle, detoxifying Japanese raisin tree extract and a burst of antioxidants with cactus flower, green tea and aloe.
Fenty Skin Instant Reset Overnight Recovery Gel-Cream
The acne-busting spot treatment
BSkin’s small but mighty (and gentle) treatment seeks to tackle our biggest skin issue of these stressful, mask-wearing times: Maskne. It calms irritated and inflamed skin with a cocktail of soothing active ingredients; clears away acne-breeding bacteria and pore-clogging excess sebum with a combination of kaolin, bentonite, witch hazel and volcanic ash; and finally, cares for the affected areas with BSkin’s 6 Core Anti-Oxidant System (with glutathione, vitamins C and E, B-Complex Water, CoQ10 and alphalipoic acid) that works to prevent scarring and pigmentation.
The nourishing lip balm
“The Glow Play Lip Balm makes me feel like myself with a touch of dewy comfort and a beautiful glow. The unique texture and finish of Glow Play Blush made me fall in love with it right away.” If it’s good enough for Instagram’s most-followed K-Pop idol, Lisa from Blackpink, it’s good enough for us. M.A.C.’s Glow Play Lip Balm is everything you’d want in a lipstick with the hydration and care of a lip balm. Ingredients such as shea butter, mango, and jojoba seed oils provide long-lasting comfort to the lips even if they’re veiled in a mask all day long.
The youth-activating eye and lash serum
Whatever your age, ethnicity, skin type, or stage in life, we can all appreciate resilient, younger-looking skin and that goes for our eye contours. This Chinese New Year, Lancôme has taken its lightweight, probiotic-rich youth-activating eye and lash formula, dressing it in red and its emblematic Rose de Lancôme with Chinese painter and photographer, Sun Jun. Use this twice a day with its built-in massage applicator to help reduce the look of eye bags and dark circles, and more.
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Perfect with platinum
Disruptive beauty is at the forefront of scientists’ minds at La Prairie, who have revitalised their Platinum Rare Collection with the goal of suspending times. Inspired by the Swiss brand’s rich heritage beginning with the work of Dr Paul Niehans, founder of cellular therapy, the high-performing skincare line now includes the better-than-ever La Prairie Platinum Rare Haute-Rejuvenation Elixir and Platinum Rare Haute Rejuvenation Cream. They contain two key, exclusive ingredients: La Prairie’s Platinum Multi-Peptide, which simultaneously triggers the skin’s rejuvenation process and improves its moisture balance, and Cellular Complex, which nourishes and targets essential cells for a renewed and refreshed appearance. The result? An age-reversing display of refined skin texture, smoothed wrinkles and firm, moisturised skin.
Restore your biome
It’s an acquired scent however if you’re after a handy way to soothe and rebalance your skin’s barrier, Drunk Elephant’s Sweet Biome Fermented Sake Spray has you covered. It contains a blend of amino and fatty acids, electrolytes and ceramides, alongside fermented sake extracts, kombucha and hops to reportedly defend skin against pollution, blue light and UV-generated environmental free radicals and irritants while helping to boost hydration and moisture levels.
Rediscover rouge
Created in 1953, the Rouge Dior lipstick was born of monsieur Christian Dior’s passion for adorning women and their smiles. Fast forward 67 years and multiple reinventions, and Dior’s Rouge Dior is today a timeless beauty icon with 75 shades in a quartet of finishes—luminous satin and plush matte, as well as the new extra matte velvet and gleaming metallic—all in an enriched floral-infused formula that’s creamy, comfortable and packed with high-impact colour. Also inherited from the maison’s couture history is its packaging. Each high-gloss case is adorned with a Dior cannage-motif ‘belt’ and is refillable.
Live out loud
The lion was more than an emblem for proud Leo, Gabrielle Chanel—it was also her talisman. Having adorned her home and runways alike, this noble creature now comes to life in the form of Chanel Les Exclusifs Le Lion de Chanel. Olivier Polge, the house’s perfumer-creator, has encapsulated the totem animal’s majesty and power to protect in a resolutely elegant oriental scent. Citrus notes of lemon and bergamot unfurl into a warm heart of cistus labdanum, a lively resin with animalic edges tamed by sensual notes of amber, leather and vanilla, followed by a deep, musky finish of creamy sandalwood and raw patchouli.
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The skin-loving cleansing balm
Chantecaille’s new Rose de Mai Cleansing Balm isn’t just free of commonly-used pore-clogging ingredients (like mineral oils and ethylhexyl palmitate), it comes infused with antioxidant-rich botanical oils to nourish the skin. Its refreshing, silky formula melts make-up in seconds while sweeping away traces of dirt, sunscreen and excess sebum, and comes packed with soothing rosehip and tamanu oils; hydrating raspberry stem cell extracts; plumping hyaluronic acid and plant-baed phytic acid that gently exfoliates.
The complexion rejuvenator
Lotions have become an essential step in our skincare regimes for their hydrating, rebalancing prowess and ability to prep the skin to better absorb the products you apply after. Chanel’s Le Lift Lotion has been specially formulated to prep and plump skin while also delivering targeted anti-ageing action for an added boost as your first (or second) step after cleansing. The secret ingredient? Botanical alfalfa concentrate to smoothen and firm, combined with a magnetic water complex that helps to attract, bind and retain water molecules in the skin for intense, long-lasting epidermal hydration. In short, moist, plump and radiant skin all day long.
The glow-boosting cushion
A luminous, well-rested complexion—is that too much to ask for? Not if you’re using Hera‘s Glow Lasting Cushion which offers an elegant, airy texture and skin-evening, glow-boosting finish. Its Sheer Fitting Film technology promises ’24 thin glow’ that appears lively and hydrated with minimal touch-ups as the hours tick by. This cushion also features the brand’s first ever eco-friendly air foam-processed polyurethane puff for a soft yet bouncy application.
The face awakener
Need to rewaken your face in a flash? Dior‘s got you. If, like us, you love the brand’s iconic Lip Glow for it’s gorgeous bloom of colour, we have a feeling you’re going to be smitten by Dior’s Stick Glow. And if you’re looking for a subtle yet wearable blush to add life to your glass skin look, Dior’s Stick Glow imparts the right amount of pigment and luminosity to cheeks. Sweep the hydrating balm-like formula over the apples of your cheeks for a fresh flush.
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The 3-in-1 face sculptor
Who needs multiple products when you have an all-in-one face sculptor that lets you highlight, contour and colour effortlessly? Burberry Beauty’s Essential Glow Palette fuses six cushiony cream and delicate powder formulas—all lightweight and pigmented textures that sweep on seamlessly for precise, buildable and dimensional sculpting. You can even create a sensual brown smokey eye if you like, or keep things fresh and blooming with hints of plum and pink all across the face.
The light-as-air powder foundation
Only Rihanna can make something like a compact powder foundation cool again—say hello to Fenty Beauty’s new Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Powder Foundation. This combines buildable radiant-matte coverage in a longwearing, lightweight and crease-resistant formula that leaves complexions looking beautifully diffused. Available in the same 50 shades as its liquid counterpart, it’s both a fuss-free complexion perfector and touch-up essential, taking you from natural and satiny to a full, full beat in a few quick strokes.
The stem cell-powered sheet mask
Formulated by the Korean doctors and Kim Lim-tag team behind Illumia Therapeutics, Illumia Skin features skincare that promise facial-like results at home. Their Baby Drops Mask does what it says by rejuvenating skin with a blend of stem cell cultures, camellia callus culture extract and portulaca oleracea extract that together, instantly moisturise and plump complexions while working on the deeper layers to help regain smoother, suppler and softer skin.
The eyes-in-bloom palette
Dior 3 Couleurs Tri(o)blique Pure Glow in 663 Triple Bloom
Boasting some of the smoothest, most sensorial palettes on the block, Dior’s refined 3 Couleurs is back. For creative and image director for Dior make-up, Peter Philips, it was a natural choice for the collection to focus on the premise of glow. Philips took inspiration from the modern day flower woman “whose unique beauty is a combination of grace and strength”. The eyeshadow trio comes stamped in flowers, in a harmony of luminous hues and finishes: from metallic, to sparkly, and velvety matte. Use the middle shade to highlight, and the rosewood shadow to sculpt the eyes, with the lower, rosy brown shade anchoring the eye in a wash of colour.
The scalp-clarifying brush
A key to good scalp is regular exfoliation, which helps to slough of dead skin cells and product build-up. Aveda‘s carefully designed scalp brush made of looped bristles is the first essential step to your hair cleansing ritual—with moderate pressure, rake it through your tresses to loosen impurities, and massage and stimulate the scalp for better circulation. Best used on dry scalp before showering, as you’ll be able to cleanse any flakes off thereafter. So satisfying.
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The comforting moisturiser
Sisley‘s cult anti-aging moisturiser, but make it festive. This season, the French luxury skincare brand invited Polish artist, Elzbieta Radziwill to dress its best-selling hydrator with enchanting shrubs and leaves in shades of gold and scarlet. The non-greasy, ultra-comforting formula however, remains unchanged—expect a soothing lotion that repairs, revitalises, and fortifies the skin from external aggressors with its multi-vitamin, botanical formula featuring ginseng, toning rosemary, hops, horsetail and centella asiatica.
The skin rejuvenator
When Albion shared that their sales advisors in Japan can visibly discern their Excia-using clients by sight alone—solely based on the quality of their complexions—we knew we had to try the reformulated line. To be sure, Excia is an investment and a commitment: each product in the collection from cleansers (there are two) to Excia’s Radiance Renew Rich Milk, Double Key Serum and Replant Cream amplifies the effects of the other and getting acquainted to the multi-step regime takes dedication (and perhaps a Sharpie to label each step by hand, as we did). Dry or mature skin types in particular will experience the rejuvenating benefits of the Excia Replant Cream which is formulated to combat the age-related decrease of adipose-derived stem cells. It has an anti-glycation effect on the skin, slowing down collagen degradation and the signs of ageing to regenerate dermis while encouraging skin rebirth. If you’re up for a rich moisturiser that leaves your complexion looking dewy and feeling super soft and supple—thank you peptide-rich rice lees extract with its EGF or epidermal growth-like factor and wakame seaweed extract with its FGF or fibroblast growth-like factor action—you’ve come to the right place. Bonus: it offers great slip and moisture when used in as face massage cream.
The lustrous lip gloss
Hera has encapsulated the magic and mystique of the season with their holiday collection, Invitation From Stranger. In this line-up is the sell out Sensual Spicy Nude Gloss—it’s rich and gleaming but lightweight and non-sticky—which now comes in two new shades including 456 Ginger Syrup, a sumptuous mauve-y pink that gets you that voluptuous “my lips but better” look, with a hint of pearlescent sparkle. Make a statement with this the moment you pull off your mask.
The silky-smooth foundation
The house of Gucci Beauty has launched Fluide De Beauté Fini Naturel—a natural finish fluid foundation with buildable coverage and a flexible, long-wearing finish. Its lightweight, blemish-blurring formula leaves skin satiny-matte and smelling like powdery blooms (if that’s something you like), with 25 shades available in Singapore and 40 shades globally. As with all things Gucci, the packaging is utterly aesthetic, bottled in frozen glass and a blush nude cap.
The mum-and-baby moisturiser
Formulated with love by top pediatric dermatologists, Evereden presents safe, efficacious, plant-based skincare for the entire family. They’ve ensured utmost safety by excluding over 2000 questionable skincare ingredients (US has banned 11 while the EU has 1400), and have created a line of baby shampoos and healig balms, to stretch mark creams and belly serums. Something both mother and child can use is their Nourishing Baby Face Cream, an ultra-nourishing but fast-absorbing moisturiser with superfood-infused oils that soothe, nourish and calm the skin while providing fresh, long-lasting hydration.
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The gilt touch
We could all use a touch of magic this season. If you’re up for a little pamper sesh in the confines of your home, OPI’s high shine, easy-wear formula in all its liquid gold glory will definitely put you in the holiday spirit. Another reason to love it: the sassy shade’s name is This Gold Sleighs Me.
The second-skin foundation
At this stage, we’re all experts at under-mask make-up. But if you’re still on the hunt for a lightweight foundation that offers buildable medium coverage while blurring out imperfections and smoothing texture, this face-filtering product is for you. Inspired by charmeuse silk, its Micro-fil technology helps sculpt and brighten the complexion while SPF 25 UVA and UVB filters protect the skin from the sun’s harmful assaults on the skin.
The mesmerising eye trio
Wear them solo or together, Shiseido’s Kajal Inkartist come in a limited edition trio of beaten metallic hues that are sure to highlight and add a spark to any eye look. Ultra versatile, they act as an eyeliner, kajal, eyeshadow, as well as brow pencil if you’re feeling bold. Create precise lines with the soft tip crayon or smoke and soften out any edges with the baton’s built-in sponge.
The 2-in-1 fine lines fighter
Multi-taskers will love this moisturising cream that’s designed to hydrate, lift, brighten and plump both the delicate eye area and entire face. This new addition to AHC’s best selling Eye Cream for Face series (one is sold every three seconds in Korea) is powered by a Gold Peptive, a result of coating pure gold onto peptide, which is said to increase a specific type of collagen’s production by over 173 percent. This is combined with the Power Golden Thread Complex that combines collagen, vitamins, hyaluronic acids and amino acids to effectively reduce seven kinds of wrinkles, improve skin hydration levels by 123 percent, and boost skin elasticity by 14 percent after just one use.
The creamy, high-coverage lip gloss
Fenty Beauty’s number one lip gloss is now available in an extra creamy and ultra pigmented formula—with zero shimmer. Think high coverage, high shine colour in universally flattering taupe-y mave shades that can be used as a glossy tint with a thin layer, and built up into a volumising, full intensity pout that reflects light from every angle.
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The holiday-perfect fragrance set
Let’s be honest, the holidays this year are totally different. But, wherever you are, this Aerin Amber Musk Holiday Gift Set is sure to inject your home and spirit with that warm and fuzzy feeling—so share it with your loved ones too. “It reminds me of winter nights sitting by the fire,” says Aerin Lauder, of the best-selling scent that fuses sensual florals, creamy musk and aromatic amber, buoyed by a burst of coconut water and delicate rose centifolia absolute. This limited edition set comes with an Amber Musk travel spray, mini travel eau de parfum and a limited edition 50ml bottle all wrapped up in a red velvet bow.
The skin-brightening trio
This limited edition trio of Glow Recipe favourites is the stocking stuffer every beauty lover will appreciate. It comes with the Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser (30ml), Banana Souffle Moisture Cream (25ml) and Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Sleeping Mask (15ml), which are packed with complexion-rejuvenating retinol, healing cica, refining AHAs and a host of antioxidants that work synergistically to get you brighter, bouncier skin.
The vitamin-rich brightening booster
Founded by South Korean dermatologist, Grace Cho and her daughter, Date Kim, Celloom takes a chic and streamlined approach to skincare that celebrates plant-derived active ingredients. This multivitamin-like serum serves the skin a cocktail of antioxidant-rich vitamins B, C and E, which work and in hand to even out the skin tone and help fade and prevent against pigmentation, while also replenishing moisture and encouraging cell renewal with doses of hyaluronic acid and sea buckthorn extract.
The eye rejuvenator
It’s a mouthful to say ‘Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing & Dark Circle-Diminishing Vitamin C Eye Serum’, but what you really need to know is that it works. The serum is chock-full of 10 per cent pure vitamin C, tri-peptides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid. Given that we communicate with our eyes so much more that we’re masking up, this cream is a plus for refreshing the ocular area. Tap on the lightweight, layerable formula that helps to reduce the appearance of puffiness, dark circles, fine lines, crow’s feet, and wake up tired-looking eyes.
Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing & Dark Circle-Diminishing Vitamin C Eye Serum
The blackhead remover
Consider this a public service reminder to say it’s safe to swap your pore strips for The Inkey List’s Beta Hydroxy Acid. It’s a lightweight exfoliant with 2 per cent salicylic acid and 1 per cent hyaluronic acid, that works to unclogs pores, while minimising excess sebum and fighting acne breakouts and nasty blackheads for finer textured skin. Remember to go easy and use as a spot treatment if you experience sensitive skin, and to avoid using it with other actives such as retinoids in the same routine.
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The intoxicating rosy duo
Get swept away to an exotic, far flung land with just a spritz of Tom Ford’s Private Blend Rose Prick. As its name suggests, this floral fragrance packs a punch in the form of spicy, full-bodied notes of Sichuan pepper and turmeric, with a heart of wild roses—May, Turkish and Bulgarian—and base notes of musky-earthy patchouli and sweet, sweet tonka bean. This holiday gift set of Rose Prick finishing touches comes with the Lip Color in Casablanca for a creamy, reddened plum pout.
The reef-safe skin guard
Putting the “sea” in “season”, ést.lab and its parent company, Estetica, have partnered with Seastainable—a local business that supports marine conservation around Southeast Asia—to help replant and restore vital habitats like corals and mangroves. Marking this union is ést.lab’s SunShield Aqua SPF50***, a new and improved reef-safe, sunscreen that not only provides broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection, but also stimulates collagen production, builds skin’s resistance to blue light stress and even inhibits the formation of “sunburn cells” with soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredients.
The face-sculpting trio
Laura Mercier’s limited edition holiday collection gets its inspiration from the beauty and elegance of ballerinas at the French Ballet Theatre in Paris. Paying homage to this soft yet strong performance artform is the Opening Night cheek palette, a blush, bronzer and highlighter trio in luxurious finishes, to add colour, definition and illumination for you to steal the spotlight throughout the season.
The sensorial skin gift
Cleanse, tone, hydrate and impress whoever you’ll be giving Aesop’s The Ardent Nomad Gift kit to. This skin treat kit was especially curated for urbanites and features a trio of antioxidant-rich Parsley Seed Skincare to be used daily to cleanse, rebalance, and nourish the skin. The gift comes housed in a recycled paper pulp case with diary excerpts by Isabelle Eberhardt.
The dramatic evening eye
We’ve broken up with liquid eyeliners that overpromise and under-deliver. Milani’s The Tank liquid eyeliner is designed with a—surprise, surprise—unique storage tank that keeps air out of the product, ensuring that your eyeliner comes out fresh, intensely pigmented, and easy to apply every time. And, taking our hot and humid climate into account, it’s waterproof, transfer-proof, and doesn’t budge or flake.
The skin soothing kit
Whether you have reactive skin or are purging as a result of too many actives on the face, Dr. Jart+’s Cicapair Special All Day Kit is a two-punch healer that soothes, rehydrates, and restores the moisture barrier for stressed and troubled skin. It contains their cult Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Calming Gel moisturiser with centella asiatica extract to soothe redness and sensitivity, and the Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Sleepair Ampoule-in Intensive Mask, an overnight sleeping mask to help repair the skin as you sleep.
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The complexion overhaul
If you’re looking to retexturise your skin from home, sweeping away dull and uneven skin or would like to graduate from Dr Dennis Gross‘ iconic Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peels, the new Professional Grade Resurfacing Liquid Peel is a patented two-step ritual containing pharmaceutical grade Alpha Beta acids, antioxidants, and exfoliating bromelain. They work to refine the skin while minimising the appearance of wrinkles and enlarged pores. It’s everything you need for smooth, refined and radiant skin, the fundamentals for glass or mochi skin.
The dramatic evening eye
There’s a time and place for gorgeous nude eyeshadows and bambi eyes, however this season Dior Beauty encourages us to amp up our eye look with their daring palette of snow-inspired palette of cool, evening shades. The Dior 5 Couleurs Couture Golden Nights Eyeshadow Palette in 089 Black Night offers an edit of platinum silver, satin black, matte charcoal and rich burgundy reds to add a little smoke and mystery to the eye.
The Skin-Loving Cushion Foundation
As a water-based foundation in a refillable soft cushion compact, it delivers fresh, radiant light to medium coverage that feels and looks like a second skin—but better. This skincare-make-up hybrid formula is weightless, and comes infused with collagen production-boosting bionymph peptide stem cell extract, as well as a network of botanical sugars that provide anti-pollution benefits and an instantly smoothing effect. On top of being good for your skin, this product is sold in support of Chantecaille’s longtime conservation partners, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and their successful orphaned elephant rehabilitation programme in Kenya, Africa.
The Sheer Matte Liquid Lipstick
A light-as-air liquid lipstick with a sheer, powdery matte finish sounds too good to be true—but that’s what Nars’ new Air Matte Lip Color delivers. Its innovative blend of silky polymers and micropowders instantly diffuses colour for a soft-focus finish, and can be smudged out for a cushiony gradient lip or built up into a creamy, pigmented pout that’s both covetable and comfortable. Available in 10 nude to burgundy shades, it’s non-drying, airy matte formula doubles up as a cute cheek tint too.
The High-Performance Hydrator
Tata Harper is best known for as the pioneer in natural, luxury skincare that promises efficacy and quality with purity of ingredients. The brand’s latest formulation is the Water-Lock Moisturizer, a lightweight, silicone-free gel cream engineered with water-locking technology to deliver and seal in a sustained dose of hydration. 19 high-performance ingredients make up this 83-pump concoction, with pomegranate spheres and macro hyaluronic acid to draw and hold water to the skin; a sugar carbohydrate complex to bind water to the skin; and orange peptides to boost water retention and lock in that hydration for dewy, smooth and supple skin. It boasts smart packaging with a refillable airtight pod system too.
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The cheek wardrobe
This season, Tarte blesses us with their Blush Authority™ Amazonian Clay Cheek Wardrobe, comprising of nine limited cheek shades boasting six blushes, two highlighters, and one bronzer in three adorable fold-out compacts, which begs the question: “Where has this been all our lives?” Whether you’re keeping all three stacks for yourself, or playing Santa, the collection of super-flattering shades is sure to make any skin tone pop.
The scent of the season
Jo Malone London Midnight Musk & Amber Cologne is a charismatic scent that smoulders with sensual musk, warm amber, and alluring bright notes of juniper and mandarin. Dubbed as a fresh oriental scent, the 100ml cologne comes in a limited edition Art Decor-inspired flacon this season.
The face and vulva rejuvenator
If you’re one for clever, multi-tasking skincare, Two Lips’ prebiotic range can be used from your face to vulva. All products sit within the pH levels of 4 to 6, and are specifically formulated to feed your skin’s microbiome, helping good bacteria thrive for healthier barrier function. Whether you’re shaving, waxing, or just needing to give your parched skin (wherever that may be) a bit of TLC, Two Lips’ Sleepover, a no-rinse, repairing overnight mask offers intense moisturisation and repair.
The Lipstick Quintuple
Want Blackpink’s Lisa’s lipstick? How about five? M.A.C. Cosmetics has brought together their best-selling Powder Kiss lipsticks as part of its Frosted Firework holiday collection, fronted by the K-pop superstar. This limited edition kit features the shades Stay Curious; Fall in Love; Werk, Werk, Werk; Devoted To Chill; and Mull It Over, all in the brand’s well-loved all day matte-meets-eight-hour moisture formula, and housed in colour-matched, sensorial matte cases.
MAC Cosmetics Showstopper Powder Kiss Lipstick Kit (Limited Edition)
The Revitalising Eye-Con
Whether you’re a fan of beauty technology or are looking for a solution to dark eye circles and eye bags, ést.lab’s new OptimaLift A+ Intelligent Eye Revitaliser Tri-Action Massager 2.0 is for you. This rose gold wand is powered by three technologies: Therapeutic hot compress, which soothes fatigued skin around the eye area and accelerates the absorption of eye care products; LED red light therapy that activates light receptors in skin cells to help boost cellular metabolism, repair and regeneration (which then help reduce fine lines and sagging); and sonic micro-vibration, which now comes in three settings, low, medium and high (up to 11,000 vibrations per minute) to enhance blood circulation and lymphatic drainage systems while relaxing facial muscles.
The Hair Nutrition Booster
Miriqa Professional Hair Nutritional Supplement is a new-to-market solution to help increase hair growth and decrease hair loss. Formulated for both men and women suffering from lacklustre locks, this 100 percent drug-free oral supplement contains four supercharged nutrients vital for healthier hair—tripeptide collagen, biotin, keratin forte and saw palmetto berries that regulate hair-thinning hormone, dihydrotestosterone, in the body—and tocotrienol, a bio-enhanced vitamin E complex packed with potent antioxidant properties to repair damaged hair follicles, reduce free radical damage on the scalp, and stimulate hair regeneration.
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The gift of crystal clear skin
While SK-II’s iconic Facial Treatment Essence has essentially remained unchanged for the past 40 years, one thing this bestseller does manage to do is consistently offer fresh, renewed skin as seen on the likes of its ambassadors, Chloe Moretz, Leah Dou and Haruka Ayase. This season, SK-II has reimagined the iconic bottle in bold, street art inspired designs—our favourite happens to be the #aesthetic monotone matte black and white bottle. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or pamper a loved one, every purchase of the SK-II Pitera Essence SK-II Street Art limited edition comes with a limited edition Furoshiki, plus a Facial Treatment Gentle Cleanser (20g), Facial Treatment Clear Lotion (30ml) and R.N.A. Power Radical New Age Cream (15g).
The luxe lip
Your relationship with lipstick this year might be a little complicated, we get it. Before breaking up with lipsticks for good, you might want to take this long-wearing liquid lip for a whirl. Swipe over lips and allow it to dry before donning on your mask. Chanel’s water-resistent formula means that it’s able to withstand rubbing and smudging, that said, there’s nothing stopping you from applying a layer or two as insurance. We love its hydrating (read: comfortable) formula that delivers soft, supple lips with shine and colour to boot.
The intelligent face cleanser
How many years are we away from a smart face cleansing device that assesses your skin’s moisture levels and condition in each zone of your face to prepare a personalised cleansing routine that’s unique to your skin’s needs? The future is now, thanks to Swedish beauty-tech innovator, Foreo. The Fofo, a new addition to its facial cleansing range, uses artificial intelligence, machine learning and a special algorithm to create customised cleansing routines. The device has dual skin sensors that can read hydration levels across 1,000 units per second, and bluetooth to connect your fofo to the Foreo For You app, offering you real-time data that analyses your skin’s true age, moisture levels, and overall complexion. Mind blown yet?
The accoutrement-inspired hand cream
Does a skincare product need its own chain strap? No. Is a luxury moisturiser an essential? No. But should you get this luscious—but non-sticky—cream that leaves hands soft, supple and veiled with notes of herbaceous bergamot, musky-sweet patchouli and seductive sandalwood? Absolutely yes. A cult favourite in South Korea, these accessories-inspired minimalist tubes belong to Tamburins, a beauty brand founded by the same creative brains behind eyewear label, Gentle Monster.
The heavenly scent
The warmest, most luminous variation of Narciso, this eau de parfum Ambrée bottles up the inspiration of golden, sunlit skin. At the heart of it all lies the earthy-honeyed richness of ambre, which shines through a sweet bouquet of vanilla, exotic and creamy tiare flower, and Madagascan ylang-ylang, which lends a deep, enigmatic floral note. A touch of salt calls to mind the scent of sunlit skin, while smooth cedar allows for an elegant dry down that lasts.
The sensitive skin soother
Urbanites face a myriad of skin-harming factors on the daily—from pollution and UV rays, to blue light, cigarette smoke and unhealthy eating habits. D Program’s Urban Damage Care Concentrate seeks to soothe and nourish troubled skin that’s become sensitive or sensitised because of these elements. A lightweight moisturiser, this calms inflamed skin with Shiseido’s proprietary H-stabilizing A and Anti-Redness Complex, formulated with ginkgo biloba leaf extract and rehmannia chinensis root extract, which are rich in antioxidants to help reinforce skin barrier for better protection from within. And to ensure complexions are doubly shielded? The concentrate also features Allerdefense Technology, a layer of protection that blocks and neutralises harmful acidic pollutants from wreaking free radical havoc on your skin.
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Drunk Elephant The Trunk 4.0
All your Christmases will come at once with this trunk of essentials to help your skin function at its healthiest and happiest. Regardless of skin type, climate, and time of year, this gift has you covered, featuring Drunk Elephant’s greatest hits (worth $867). It’s the perfect gift for that special someone, even if that person is you. Hello, treat yo self!
The kit includes the F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial, 50ml; Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser, 150ml; Protini Polypeptide Cream, 50ml; A-Passioni Retinol Cream, 30ml; B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum, 50ml; C-Firma Day Serum, 30ml; T.L.C Framboos Glycolic Night Serum, 30ml; Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil, 30ml; Shaba Complex Eye Serum, 15ml; Umbra Tinte, 60ml and comes in an ultra-practical, custom carry-on wheelie!
Drunk Elephant The Trunk, $620; available at Sephora
Marc Jacobs Eye-conic multi-finish eye palette in Cherrific
Cherries jubilee! We could all use bright pops of colour these days. Brush on this decadent palette of juicy, cherry-inspired eyeshadows—freshly picked and curated by fashion maestro, Marc Jacobs for a touch of fun.
You can be the ultimate eye stylist with this collection of decadent, super-plush shadows, available in buttery matte velvet, shimmering satin, sparkling silk, and metallic lamé finishes.
Marc Jacobs Eye-conic multi-finish eye palette in Cherrific, $76; available at Sephora
Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer
This heat. These masks. It’s a struggle to help make-up stay put at times. Thankfully, Nars‘s best-selling high coverage matte concealer—formulated with peptides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins A, C, and E—blurs and smoothens uneven textures, covering maskne breakouts, dark spots, tired under eye circles, and more while lasting the day. Pair it with their lightweight, sebum-controlling, blue light-blocking Soft Matte Complete Foundation for best results.
Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer, $46; available at Sephora
Hera Sensual Powder Matte
Following its successful launch last year, Hera’s Sensual Powder Matte liquid lipstick is back with six new shades that encapsulate the autumnal colours of Seoul. The well-loved formula still features pomegranate extract that helps to nourish alongside shea butter that smooths, moisturises and plumps lips, preventing any dryness or cracking when worn throughout the day.
Best worn lightly smudged a la Blackpink’s Jennie, this velvety matte lippie is just as great for adding a light “just bitten” kiss of colour as it is built up into a full, highly pigmented statement lip.
Hera Sensual Powder Matte, $43, available at Hera ION Orchard and Hera Singapore
est G.P. Enriched Serum
Premium Japanese skincare line, est by KAO, has launched in Singapore at Isetan Scotts—and their latest offering is the Growing Power Cycle serum care.
Designed to be used together, this trio of serums starts off with Serum O.N.E, a unique, fine carbonated foam that aids in skin circulation and delivers niacinamide and moisturising citrus junos peel extract deeper into the skin because of its micro bubbles, prepping the skin to drink up the G.P. Conditioning Serum, a lightweight lotion packed with softening and brightening properties. Last is the G.P. Enriched Serum, a rich emulsion that thoroughly replenishes and re-energises skin’s natural protein production—a process essential to youthful, resilient complexions.
est G.P. Enriched Serum, $180; available at est at Isetan Scotts
Issey Miyake Nectar d’Issey Première Fleur
Nyctinasty, the movement of plants in response to the passage of the day, is the inspiration behind Issey Miyake’s new fragrance: Nectar d’Issey Première Fleur. This scent of “daybreak flowers” blossoms with top notes of Asian pear and an accord of aqueous fruits like watermelon, buoyed by middle notes of delicate peony and the opulence of jasmine.
This radiant sensuality is further accentuated by milky sandalwood and the cottony sweetness of white musk and vanilla, completing this olfactory story inspired by the chemistry of nighttime nectar and fresh, bright morning dew.
Nectar d’Issey Première Fleur, $144 for 50ml; available at Tangs
GHD Rise
Calling all volume seekers—say hello to the new ghd Rise, a state-of-the-art hot brush that creates a salon-style blow-out effortlessly. Used on dry hair, the 32mm barrel features smooth-touch nylon bristles that allow you to get really close to your roots without the burn, before brushing upwards and outwards to create substantial lift at the crown, beautiful bounce throughout the lengths, and flicks at the ends for a bouncy and smooth (but not flat) finish.
It’s perfect for day two tresses too, when you need a little extra lift and de-frizzing, or even to redefine your curls.
GHD Rise, $330; available at PREP Luxe and Cream of the Crop
Shu Uemura One Piece Treasure Box Eye Palette Grand Line
Shu Uemura has collaborated with One Piece—one of the most famous Japanese animes in the world—for a holiday collection that fuses two icons of Japanese culture with a playful, adventurous spirit of the cartoon’s fearless crew.
This eyeshadow palette features 10 shades inspired by the ‘Grand Line’ where the characters go treasure hunting the most, encapsulated in glistening deep and azure blues, a warm metallic coral, and pearlescent shades of the sun and sand.
Shu Uemura One Piece Treasure Box Eye Palette Grand Line, $123; available at Tangs
Urban Decay Lash Freak Mascara
Above-the-mask beauty doesn’t get any better than this intensely volumising and lengthening mascara (we’re talkin’ 23.6 tomes more volume and 40 per cent more visible lash length, according to Urban Decay). Its innovative, exotic plant-like applicator offers you a three-way mascara application, enabling you to boost, define and lift in one go.
Best of all, the formula wears for up to 20 hours and is flakeproof, smudgeproof, and sweatproof: great for our hot and humid climes.
Urban Decay Lash Freak Mascara, $40; available at Sephora
Chanel Ombre Premiere Powder
Chanel‘s limited edition eyeshadow comes in four luxe shades—from an opulent, antique gold to a gorgeous white—but our picks for the most versatile across skin tones for everyday wear here in Singapore, Malaysia and beyond would be Cuir Brun, a gorgeous khaki brown that adds depth and definition to the eye and Cuivre Rose, a coppery rose (seen here). Wear them solo or layer and blend them with different hues, they can be layered to create sophisticated, hypnotic eyes.
“The satiny, pearly finishes are perfect for the festive season. Worn alone, mixed or layered over Ombre Premiere Creme for an even more intense and lasting effect,” explains Chanel’s Lucia Pica. “Create contrasting effects or tone-on-tone harmonies by combining them. Use the dark shade to define the eyes and deepen the eyelid crease and the lighter shades to enhance them.”
Chanel Ombre Premiere Powder limited edition, $55; available at Tangs
Universkin P Serums
Customised skincare is here to stay, and French pharmaceutical company Universkin, composed of scientists, derms, plastic and reconstructive surgeons, biologists, anatomopathologists, chemists and pharmacists ups the ante with its medical grade bespoke skincare line. The stars of the line are the custom-blended day and night P serums which exclusively use medical grade active ingredients, from azelaic acid to retinol and zinc sulfate, which explains why it’s only available at select dermatology and aesthetic clinics globally.
It begins with an in-depth profile in the clinic of your skin and lifestyle, where the cosmeceuticals will be formulated for your immediate skin concerns and future skin goals. Concerned with dark spots and the occasional breakout, the day blend formulated for us contains arbutin to treat hyperpigmentation, vitamin B3 or niacinamide to control skin inflammation and acne, regulating skin redness, and Superoxide Dismutase or SOD to neutralise free radicals while soothing the skin and guarding it from photo ageing. The P serum blended for us to use at night contains healing and anti-inflammatory aloe vera, for hydration and healing, Madecassoside—derived from Centella Asiatica—to control inflammation while stimulating collagen, and finally zinc sulfate to regulate sebum production and clarify the skin. Each blend also contains a host of patented ingredients, including Biomimetic peptides complex P, a combination of four peptides that are efficient messengers for the physiological balance of the skin.
Universkin Double P, day and night serum set, from $389 before GST with price varying according to the number of actives used; available at Acclaro Clinic
Sigi Skin Tea-Tox Sheet Mask
Homegrown brand, Sigi Skin, has launched their first sheet mask—the Tea Tox. A silky microfibre mask, each sheet is soaked in a skin-loving brew of antioxidant-rich ingredients like 20 percent lactobacillus ferment, kombucha extracts, yuzu extracts, galactomyces ferment filtrate and hyaluronic acid, which not only hydrate and soothe the skin but also help repair and protect it against environmental damage.
With regular use—once or twice a week is perfect—you can expect to see skin’s become clearer, plumper and more resilient to the aggressors of urban life.
Sigi Skin Tea-Tox Sheet Mask, $32 for four sheets; available at Sigi Skin
Chantecaille The Safari Collection Eye Trio
Besides their luxurious botanical formulas, another reason to love Chantecaille is their commitment to global environmental efforts and animal conservation efforts across the globe.
In support of longtime partner, Space for Giants, comes the Safari Chic Collection, a new limited edition make-up line of which proceeds will go into benefiting and protecting the lands and wildlife of Africa. This trio of suede-textured neutrals is inspired by the rich, earthy tones of Africa at sunset, with each shade embossed with a gentle giant and embellished with a shimmering overspray.
Chantecaille The Safari Collection Eye Trio, $125; available at Tangs
Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Serum
Sulwhasoo’s values lie in Asian tradition and harmony, and this best-selling Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Serum harnesses the revitalising prowess of ginseng leaves, stems and roots to bring tired, dull and ageing skin back to beautiful balance.
This precious ginseng seed oil is delivered deep into the skin through concentrated, cutting-edge capsule technology, Ginsenisphere, which recharges and rebuilds firmer, tauter and more even complexions over time.
Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Serum, $265 for 50ml; available at Tangs
Percy & Reed Turn Up The Volume Volumising Shampoo
If you’re hoping to give flat, fine or lifeless hair a boost, Percy & Reed’s Turn Up The Volume Volumising Shampoo might just be the uplifting formula you need. From the brand’s newest range post-makeover, this lightweight formula features avocado oil, green tea extract and lemon balm, which work together to cleanse without residue, nourish with rich antioxidant properties, and build body from root to tip by thickening and strengthening each strand from within.
The volumising shampoo works best in tandem with its matching conditioner for luscious locks that smell like cherry, lime and amber, and stay bouncy even in high humidity.
Percy & Reed Turn Up The Volume Volumising Shampoo, $34 for 250ml; available at Sephora
Diptyque Electric Diffuser Plug
If you’re starting to curate your Christmas presents, Diptyque’s portable Electric Diffuser Plug is a great gift to buy that friend who already has everything. Sophisticated design aside—simply plug it into the wall and activate it with a single touch—the scented cartridge inside is interchangeable, and lasts for up to three months after opening.
Each cartridge offers up to 40 hours of continuous use, and is great for safely scenting any room or office.
Diptyque Electric Diffuser Plug, $288; Cartridge insert (sold separately), $60; available at escentials
Tom Ford Bitter Peach eau de parfum
Making it’s heady fruit-filled debut, this potent perfume cocktail contains notes of sweet and sensual pêche de vigne, Sicilian blood orange, with spicy cardamom, heliotrope, davana oil, and jasmine absolute sambac with a rich, woody dry down.
An addictive, nectar-filled experience. Sure florals and floriental fragrances abound out there, but if you’re after a sexy, youthful scent signature to add to your perfume wardrobe: this is it.
Tom Ford Bitter Peach, $478 for 50ml eau de parfum; available at Sephora
M.A.C. Cosmetics Frosted Fireworks Flash Drops Trio
Time to get your sparkle on. M.A.C.‘s limited edition holiday exclusive Flash Drops offer instant radiance for lips and face. This fluid highlighter lends a sheer, buildable pearlescence to the face in three gorgeous hues.
The trio comes in a firework-embellished metallic gift box, making it a great gift option for those who could use a touch of glow these holidays.
MAC Cosmetics Frosted Fireworks Flash Drops Trio, $79; available at Tangs
PREVIOUS RECOMMENDATIONS
Dior Cica Recover Balm with Chamomile for Face and Body
If you’re looking to do something extra pampering for your eczema-prone skin, this ultra-comforting balm-lotion is close to the pH of our skin, and deeply hydrates without clogging the pores or leaving a greasy finish. Dior draws from over 50 years of floral science expertise with this universal face and body lotion, created to protect and restore skin weakened by dehydration.
In this season where our hands and bodies are—understandably—overwashed and coated with hand sanitisers, this fragrance-free formula containing softening floral wax and centella asiatica or ‘tiger grass’ helps to instantly soothe, guard against moisture loss, and revitalise itchy, irritated or sensitive skin.
Dior Cica Recover Balm for Face and Body, $70 for 75ml; available at Tangs
Urban Decay Vibes Eyeshadow Palette
Yoni egg, check. Sage, check. Here’s a bad vibe-blocking eyeshadow palette to elevate your eye game.
Manifest good energy with this palette comprising of 12 vegan, tourmaline-infused eyeshadow shades. Inspired by woo woo crystals, shades like Good Karma—an ivory hue, Meditate—bronze microglitter and Hexed—a red-brown matte, offer a speckled spectrum of energy boosting hues without the fallout.
Urban Decay Stoned Vibes Eyeshadow Palette, $83; available at Sephora
Rouge Louboutin Matte Fluids Nail Colour
Inspired by those cult red bottoms, Rouge Louboutin offers a collection of five sexy red nail polishes, from the House’s iconic red in matte to Patiba, a sultry burgundy red, expect intense colour with a single stroke.
Rouge Louboutin Matte Fluids Nail Colour, $80; available at Tangs
TangsRouge Hermès in Beige Kalahari in Satin
Say it with me: Elegance. Elegance. Elegance. If watching the collection of exquisite, buttery-soft leathers saunter down the spring/summer 2021 runway at Hermès taught us anything—it’s that the power of lipstick on a healthy, bare face, can really tip an elevated look off the sartorial edge.
Yes, there were a lot of gorgeous classic red hues but this muted, ochre-infused shade referring to the eponymous desert, is how we’ll be choosing to accent our lips this season.
Rouge Hermès in Beige Kalahari in Satin, $103; available at Hermès
Sisley Phyto-teint Ultra Éclat Foundation
Oxidation and pollution often dulls and damages the complexion. To guard against this, Sisley’s researchers have reformulated this long-wearing, skincare-infused foundation to include an anti-pollution and antioxidant complex with Buckweed seed extract to keep skin luminous.
A hydrating foundation, Phyto-teint ultra éclat’ contains mauve and gardenia flowers to boost hydration, ensuring soft, luminous skin as a host of radiance-boosting minerals such as zinc, copper, and magnesium keep the skin fresh and flawless throughout the day.
Sisley Phyto-teint Ultra Éclat Foundation, $115 for 30ml; available at Metro
Marc Jacobs Perfect Eau de Parfum
Designer Marc Jacob‘s mantra, tattooed on his wrist: “I am perfect as I am” served as the inspiration for this whimsical new scent. “I put it there to remind me, that when I’m looking at myself and wishing that I could be stronger in this way or better at that thing, I can just say no, I’m exactly how I need to be right now. So, perfect,” says Jacobs on his ‘Perfect’ ink.
This sweet and eccentric floral scent is an olfactive affirmation of self-love, presenting a blend of spring fresh florals such as daffodil with creamy almond milk, cedarwood and cashmeran, and bright pops of juicy rhubarb.
Marc Jacobs Perfect, $152 for 50ml eau de parfum; available at Sephora
NARS Holiday Audacious Lipstick in Anita
Creamy, full-coverage wear is what you can expect from Nars‘ ever seductive Audacious lipsticks. It glides on with its satin, single-stroke formula and offers comfort and hydration in one lipstick. And get yours in a luxe gold case, gilt in gold for the holidays.
NARS Holiday Audacious Lipstick in Anita, $46; available at Tangs
Clé de Peau Beauté Eye Color Quad
Discerning aficionados know: there’s eyeshadow, and there’s Clé de Peau eyeshadow… sweep across lids to experience the difference. We’re counting down till this launches in November—till then, let’s take a moment to appreciate the beauty of this limited edition Enchanted Lake eyeshadow palette by Clé de Peau Beauté.
These refined shadows in radiant, multi-dimensional hues contain Clé de Peau’s moisturising Hydro-Wrap Complex and argan tree oil for smooth application and wear, offering simple sophistication in a palette.
Clé de Peau Beauté Eye Color Quad, $110, available at Tangs
Chanel Baume Essentiel Multi-Use Glow Stick
It all started with a 1am make-up tutorial with celebrity make-up artist, Nam Vo, on achieving angelic ‘dewy dumpling’ skin. She swiped this across the cheekbones of her model, instantly awakening the complexion and creating this gorgeous fresh-out-of-the-shower, no-highlighter highlighter, ‘discretely radiant’, ‘I’ll have what she’s having’ shine.
Dab over the highest points of your face and let the light catch you in all the right places.
Chanel Baume Essentiel in Transparent, $69; available at Chanel
Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum Complexion Correcting
With a bottle of this serum sold every 30 seconds globally, Caudalie‘s Vinoperfect serum, containing Viniferine, derived from sap of the grapevine and promising 62 times more brightening power than vitamin C, has offered countless women around the globe brighter skin.
Whatever the age or stage in life, it helps to promote a radiant, even-toned complexion while minimising dark spots and pigmentation as a result of acne scarring, inflammation, hormonal fluctuations brought on by pregnancy, menopause and more. Best of all, it’s safe to use during pregnancy and gentle enough for sensitive skin to enjoy, unlike other harsh skin brightening serums out there.
Caudalie limited edition Vinoperfect Radiance Serum Complexion Correcting, $132 for 50ml; available at Sephora
Grown Alchemist Instant Smoothing Serum Tri-Hyaluronan Complex
Fans of the cult Australian bioceutical brand: rejoice! You can now stock up at Takashimaya, which carries the brand’s extensive range of skincare and body offerings. Days spent in air-conditioning, exposed to UV damage, blue light and more can leave skin oily, dull and rough on the surface, while being dehydrated deep within. So if you’re after a boost to the complexion, Grown Alchemist’s Instant Smoothing Serum does as promised: it’s great for all skin types because everyone could use a shot of hydration.
Formulated with high, medium and low weight plant-derived Hyaluronan molecules, the lightweight serum prevents dehydration, smoothens the skin and helps to prevent the formation of lines and wrinkles. Use on the face, neck and décolletage after toning. A must for fresh, healthy-looking skin.
Grown Alchemist Instant Smoothing Serum Tri-Hyaluronan Complex, $136 for 25ml; available at Takashimaya
