1 / 5
SkinCeuticals Simply Clean Gel Enzymatic Exfoliating Cleanser
If nothing else, having a good cleanser on hand goes a long way in caring for your face. And that can look different for everyone, depending on skin type—for my oily skin, a lightweight formulation works best. Beyond removing make-up, it should also gently exfoliate dead skin cells in the same step. SkinCeuticals’s Simply Clean cleanser does exactly that with a combination of sulfonic acid and citric acid, balanced with glycerin, chamomile and aloe extracts to replenish the skin barrier. A small pump goes a long way, especially mixed with water, to draw out impurities without stripping moisture. Of late, I’ve enjoyed pairing it with C E Ferulic to create a glowy base for both day and night. — Aileen Liang, beauty writer
SkinCeuticals Simply Clean Gel Enzymatic Exfoliating Cleanser, $70 for 195ml, available at SkinCeuticals
2 / 5
Dior Rouge Dior Long Wear Refillable Lipstick
Nothing elevates a look quite like a statement red lip. Whether lending a touch of poise to the everyday or serving as a trusted companion from golden sunsets to the early hours of dawn, the red lippie is an enduring beauty essential. Dior’s Rouge Dior delivers on all fronts, offering saturated pigment in a single swipe and a beautifully silken matte finish. I am particularly impressed by the colour payoff and staying power, which has carried me effortlessly through dinner before requiring a touch-up. — Agnes Shu, digital writer
Dior Rouge Dior Long Wear Refillable Lipstick, $68, available at Sephora
3 / 5
Innisfree Green Tea Ceramide Milk
Hydrating an oily-combination complexion can be a finicky matter, which makes Innisfree’s Green Tea Ceramide Milk a star addition to my line-up. A toner, essence and cream in one, it’s formulated with green tea ceramide to lock in moisture, soothe flakiness and strengthen the skin barrier. Like a tall glass of matcha, my skin drinks this up in seconds and looks energised immediately after. Apply to damp skin for best results. — Aileen Liang, beauty writer
Innisfree Green Tea Ceramide Milk, $39 for 160ml, available at Innisfree
4 / 5
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris Oud Velvet Mood
When the autumn/winter season rolls around, I transition into a musky oud scent almost immediately. I fell in love with this woody, gourmand scent as soon as I smelt it. The perfume is a sensual, irresistible delight for the olfactory senses, and brings to mind the soft plushness of velvet. The inspiration behind the perfume? The shifting sands and ever-changing dunes of the desert, glimmering enchantingly under the sun yet cool and seductive under a night full of stars. The perfume is layered to encapsulate the slowness of the desert and its warm sand beneath your feet: saffron, peach accord, leather accord, jasmine and oud. The amber richness of saffron; a velvety and juicy peach; a supple yet weathered suede; the sharp floral scent of a jasmine flower; and the deep smokiness of oud wood. Together, these notes create the seductive and powerful Oud Velvet Mood. —Poorva Maithani, digital intern
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris Oud Velvet Mood , $610 for 70ml, available at Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris
5 / 5
Laneige Lip Glowy Balm Sparkling Toast in After Party
There’s no better time to upgrade your lip combo than during the festive season, and this limited edition balm is a strong contender. It’s as high-shine and glossy as they come, with an extra dusting of sparkle for a finishing touch. For long-lasting hydration and softness, the balm is formulated with shea butter—you’re left with a perfectly plump and luscious pout. After application, spend a worry-free night at the myriad of holiday parties and soirées you’re attending, because you’ll be sure to have a toasty bit of shimmer on your lips throughout the night. And of course, you’ll be well-prepared for a cheeky moment under the mistletoe. —Poorva Maithani, digital intern
Laneige Lip Glowy Balm Sparkling Toast in After Party, $28, available at Sephora
