1 / 18
Augustinus Bader The Lip Balm
The luxe lip balm camp can be an intimidating place. But after treating my lips to this moreish formula from Augustinus Bader, it’s honestly hard to fathom going back. While delivering on all the important things—hydration, nourishment and smoothing—this just does the job that much better. The brand’s signature TCF8, or Trigger Factor Complex, is to thank with its blend of natural amino acids, vitamins and peptides. Infusing a base of plant-based butters and calming waxes, expect lips that are deliciously plumped, protected and soothed. — Dominique Yohanes, contributing beauty writer
Augustinus Bader The Lip Balm, $66, available at Sephora
2 / 18
Dolce & Gabbana Beauty Everful XL Mascara
By my own admission, I prefer a thinner formula for some extra oomph to my lashes these days, so I was a little intimidated over the thickness of the product. However, it’s comfortable formulation is making me reconsider the dramatic lash look again. It delivers a long-lasting curling and volumising effect to my stick straight lashes—all without weighing them down. For a mascara this thick, I find its thin brush a wonderful touch considering how easily mascara of its ilk can clump. The result is stylised and natural lashes in even, neat segments, all with a single layer. — Nathalia Kelana, beauty intern
Dolce & Gabbana Beauty Everful XL Mascara, $60, available at Tangs
3 / 18
Anastasia Beverly Hills Spice Mini Palette
Though the colour scheme doesn’t break the mold too much, it doesn’t need to— because the formulation and tight curation of eye-catching, yet versatile shades are the stars of the show. I’m personally partial to shade B2, because not only is it a beautifully iridescent gold-beige glitter with hints of pink sprinkled in, its formulation is a soft, gel-like powder with ample amounts of glitter. As highly pigmented as the eyeshadows are, I like how the lightweight powder formula of the matte and shimmery still lend well to buildability. — Nathalia Kelana, beauty intern
Anastasia Beverly Hills Spice Mini Palette, $50, available at Sephora
4 / 18
Decorté Liposome Advanced Repair Lip Serum
If the fine lines on your pout are getting to be more noticeable, you’re not alone. To combat this, I’ve been incorporating the Decorté Liposome Advanced Repair Lip Serum into my regime. This bad boy utilises advanced multilayer bioliposome capsule technology to hydrate and firm, melting softly onto kissers upon application without leaving behind any sticky residue all while eradicating all manner of dry patches and flakiness. What’s more, I’ve found that the slight sagging around the corners of my lips have diminished with about a month of use. Its small, portable jar also makes it highly convenient for me to tout it around as a lip balm. — Emily Heng, associate beauty editor
Decorté Liposome Advanced Repair Lip Serum, $95, available at all Decorté counters and iShopChangi
5 / 18
Burberry Festive Eye Quad in Iconic Honey
The sheer, buildable satins of this eyeshadow palette from Burberry have become my daily go-to. Updated with a limited edition red case for the holidays, the essential shades range from lighter, pink-toned neutrals (very Glinda, it has to be said) to deeper taupes that are ideal for adding intensity. I appreciate their versatility: sweep over the lids to add a polished sheen, or layer on for an upgraded look, from a stand-out peach eye to moodier, clouded lids. Your bases are covered as long as this is on hand. — Dominique Yohanes, contributing beauty writer
Burberry Festive Eye Quad in Iconic Honey, $110, available from Burberry
6 / 18
Ést. Lab New Optimalift A+ Deep Recovery Eye Mask
When local skincare brand said ‘deep recovery’, they really did mean it with this eye mask. The sheet holds an all-encompassing fit with generous eye contour coverage, complete with eye flaps—designed for your eyes to be shut during the application. Hence, really driving home the message of giving your eyes a much-needed break from incessant screen time. Soaked with brightening and firming ingredients like Diglucosyl Gallic Acid and potent peptides to work their magic around the delicate skin under the eyes, a single use of this had my peepers feeling more supple and hydrated. — Janice Sim, digital editor
Ést. Lab New Optimalift A+ Deep Recovery Eye Mask, $86, available at Ést. Lab
7 / 18
Dolce&Gabbana My Juicy Sheer Lip Stylo
If there’s a bullet lipstick that best encapsulates the phrase, “tiny, but mighty”, Dolce&Gabbana Beauty’s My Juicy Sheer fits the bill. Don’t be fooled by its petite size and sheer, thin formulation; it boasts a juicy formula with a copious amount of long-lasting pigment. Even when the lipstick itself fades over time, the colour still remains on lips, making for minimal re-applications throughout the day. Conversely, I find the sheerness its greatest asset, because it allows for varying intensities of colour when the occasion calls for it. For example, when savouring the black cherry trend, I find a thin layer of MY 22.04 does the trick for a softer, more diffused look. — Nathalia Kelana, beauty intern
Dolce&Gabbana Beauty My Juicy Sheer Lip Stylo, $62.19, available at Dolce&Gabbana
8 / 18
Nars Gold Rush Eyeshadow
If there’s one thing I love doing at a party, it’s letting my eyes do the talking. Surely, Nars understands that sentiment, because I feel it so with its latest limited-edition Gold Rush Eyeshadow. With one swathe of mesmerising iridescence, my peepers are glazed over in beautiful shimmers. And there it is: a high-shine moment when I truly believe that all that glitters has to be gold. A perfect topper to amp up any everyday look, it’s mini pocket size making it ideal to pop into the smallest of waist bags. — Azrin Tan, senior digital writer
Nars Gold Rush Eyeshadow, $34, available at Sephora
9 / 18
Trait d’Hermès Eye Pencil
It’s colour mania over at Hermès. No time like the holidays to embrace maximalism, and the maison’s latest Trait d’Hermès collection is the perfect playground for any make-up junkie like me. Out of its selection of eye and lip pencils, eye liners and blending brushes, it’s no doubt the Eye Pencil that I’ve kept well within reach. Be it a striking graphic or drawing in my underline, the pencil lends to a rich, creamy formula that glides on with impeccable ease. And with a whopping 24 colours to choose from, every shade is a surprise on its own. As of late? It’s the vibrant Bleut—a gorgeous shade of electric blue—and the Orange Boîte that truly hold my attention. — Azrin Tan, senior digital writer
Trait d’Hermès Eye Pencil, $340 for a set of four, available at Hermès
10 / 18
Dolce&Gabbana Everlift Luminizer
Undoubtedly, the highlighter of the season. This oil-infused powder glides on like a dream with just one swipe from the brush, while still holding a matte finish. While it just has one shade, Dolce&Gabbana beauty’s Universal Light is designed to complement all skin tones. Now part of the finishing touches to my everyday make-up routine, I gloss the product over my cheekbones, brow bones and nose bridge. — Janice Sim, digital editor
Dolce&Gabbana Everlift Luminizer, $78, available at Tangs
11 / 18
YSL Beauty Touche Éclat Gift Set
It’s official: the holiday season is upon us. And with it, gift sets suited for every festive occasion. This dynamic duo is a personal favourite, seeing how it amalgamates two touch-up essentials in my make-up bag. For those dealing with persistent dark eye circles and a sallow complexion, look to the luminosity-granting Touche Éclat Radiant Touch. This bad boy comes in a highly-portable pen format that makes it a dream to use on the go, and also comes with the added bonus of having a medium-to-high coverage to help spot conceal as well as brighten. The Mini Rouge Pur Couture in Nude Muse, too, is a welcome addition, with its dainty size ensuring that it is able to fit in even the tiniest of clutches. — Emily Heng, associate beauty editor
YSL Beauty Touche Éclat Gift Set, $75, available at YSL Beauty
12 / 18
Shiseido Extra Rich Cleansing Foam
For a soothing and calming cleanse, look to Shiseido’s Extra Rich Cleansing Foam. Easy to lather up, the luxuriously creamy formulation works to remove any make-up, dirt and impurities from my mien, whilst maintaining skin moisture levels. With regenerative ingredients like its Enmei herb and cherry blossom botanicals, the cleansing foam feels like a healing, restorative mask that leaves my skin feeling rejuvenated after a long day. — Azrin Tan, senior digital writer
Shiseido Extra Rich Cleansing Foam, $105 for 125ml, available at Shiseido
13 / 18
Rahasya Oud Mangifera Eau de Parfum
Full disclosure: this heady perfume became a staple of my handbag by chance. One office day, I was captivated by an indefinably lovely aroma, at once tart and fruity yet also rich and enveloping. It turned out to be my colleagues sampling this fragrance from new brand Rahasya—and I swiftly claimed it as my own. The sweet freshness of mango, synonymous with languid summers for many in India, headlines this unisex scent. However, its truly unique edge is borne of the blend with davana, geranium, blackcurrant, rose, leather, incense and oud. I adore this unique composition and have not previously encountered anything similar. With its ‘crafted chaos’, Rahasya—which seeks to capture the diversity and vibrancy of modern India—is one to watch. — Dominique Yohanes, contributing beauty writer
Rahasya Oud Mangifera Eau de Parfum, $168 for 50ml, available from Rahasya
14 / 18
Augustinus Bader The Retinol Serum
To preface, Augustinus Bader’s delivery of a serum does run a little thicker than most formulas, but it’s made up by a cocktail of enriching ingredients that’s been curated from a science-led and research-backed approached. First and foremost, its patented TFC8r complex that’s composed of natural amino acids and high-grade vitamins, as well as pure retinol that complements the mix. Together, they aid in reducing blemish scars and evening out skin texture, whilst keeping the mien plumped and hydrated. Just two pumps of this on a daily basis and I’m assured my skin sleeps better at night. — Janice Sim, digital editor
Augustinus Bader The Retinol Serum, $840, available at Augustinus Bader stores
15 / 18
Kose Sekkisei Blue Grape Clarifying Toner
Sure, clarifying toners of Kose’s ilk have been a mainstay in skincare for many years, so it doesn’t break the mold too much, but it doesn’t need to, for I feel it does it job well. Its water-based formulation absorbs quickly and efficiently and doesn’t lose moisture easily. Another advantage to it’s formula is that it doesn’t clog pores too much in the midst of its hydrating properties. Ideal if you want a balanced, no-frills toner that doesn’t compromise on long-lasting nourishment. — Nathalia Kelana, beauty intern
Kose Sekkisei Blue Grape Clarifying Toner, $55, available at BHG
16 / 18
Nars Special Deco Explicit lipstick
A little gold. A limited-edition. No better way to get into the holiday spirit by marrying an iconic Nars shade with a special golden bullet, blessed by the spirit of Christmas. The Explicit shade glides on in a creamy, highly-pigmented formula, with a semi-matte finish and ample staying power. — Janice Sim, digital editor
Nars Special Deco Explicit lipstick, available at Nars stores
17 / 18
Chanel Sublimage L’Extrait De Lotion
As a skincare minimalist advocate, I was surprised at how a pre-serum could become such an integral part of my routine. And yet, that’s exactly what happened with the Chanel Sublimage L’Extrait De Lotion; a highly-nourishing, complexion-enhancing booster that preps your visage for the rest of your regime. Think smoother, clearer, and more even skin that is attributed to the inclusion of swertia extracts and vanilla planifolia—both of which are brimming with antioxidant properties which help shield the skin from infections all while keeping it hydrated. I also noticed lesser instances of inflammation since I’ve started using the product, with even the most tumultuous of breakouts dissipating quickly in its wake. All in all, it’s safe to say that this lotion is sure to play a pivotal part in your roster—and in optimising your skin health—no matter how simplistic your current regime is. — Emily Heng, associate beauty editor
Chanel Sublimage L’Extrait De Lotion, $506, available at Chanel
18 / 18
Dior Forever Luminizer 001 Or Lumière
For those looking to add some much-needed shimmer to holiday party make-up, the Dior Forever Luminizer 001 Or Lumière is a safe bet. Its stunning packaging is the work of Pietro Ruffo, and serves as his interpretation of a grand masquerade ball at a French château. “Christian Dior absolutely adored these grand costume balls that took place in the finest châteaux, where everyone played with their look and their appearance to transform for one night,” elucidates Peter Philips, Creative and image Director for Dior make-up. “This holiday 2024 collection brings to mind the audacity, the colours and the magic of these enchanted celebrations.” Transformational, indeed. Less is more when it comes to this pigment-packed powder, so be sure to use a light hand when dusting it onto the highest points of your cheekbones for a blinding glow. — Emily Heng, associate beauty editor
