1 / 12
JOOCYEE Essence Matte Rouge
When I want my lipstick to last—and really endure for hours—I go matte. Even if that means my sensitive lips would feel drying, heavy, and sometimes even downright uncomfortable, I still go matte. So, imagine my surprise when this glided on my lips like a literal dream. Perhaps it’s thanks to its patented formula, which includes moisture-locking ingredients like collagen, panthenol and aloe. A single swipe, and it’s obvious the Essence Matte Rouge lives up to its claim of being half-watery essence, half-lippie. It sets into a soft velvety finish though, which might not be for sticklers for crisp matte lips. On the other hand, I certainly didn’t mind it. — Julia Sam, digital intern
JOOCYEE Essence Matte Rouge, $25.90, available at Watson’s Takashimaya
2 / 12
Aesop Virēre Eau de Parfum
While green, verdant fragrances aren’t something I typically go for, the Virēre Eau de Parfum proves to be an exception. Developed by long-time Aesop collaborator, Barnabé Fillion, it’s clear to see that the scent pays homage to the mighty fig—where it emits vivacious notes of citrus before settling into a rich, decadent woodiness. Those with more astute olfactory senses should also be able to detect hints of green tea, mastic, and pink pepper which lends the EDP a delicious warmth that brings to mind the sensation of sun-warmed skin. — Emily Heng, associate beauty editor
Aesop Virēre Eau de Parfum, $185, available at Aesop.
3 / 12
The Body Shop Ginger Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Soothing and surprisingly versatile—the phrase I believe best encapsulates this shampoo. The addition of ginger makes for a refreshing wash that leaves my scalp cleaner and less greasy—great for combatting both flakiness and excess oil that accumulates under the humidity, or for those looking for a non-drying solution to naturally grease-prone hair, like mine. However, it goes beyond a mere cleanup—the same active ingredient also effectively nourishes my scalp to better tolerate the heat, resulting in a healthier scalp and lighter hair in the long term. — Nathalia Kelana, beauty intern
The Body Shop Ginger Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, $20 for 250 mL, available at Lazada
4 / 12
Armani Beauty Prisma Glass
It’s not everyday you come across a gloss that’s touted to be skincare for the lips—so much so you can even wear it overnight. Think around-the-clock moisture, courtesy of its whopping 15% squalane inclusion. And as for its glorious shine? This sheer, oil-in-gloss formulation delivers it all, with each of its seven shades promising a mirror-like, luminous finish that’s sure to invite envy in all. We’ll recommend the 01 Clear Shine for anyone who wants a colourless topper that will transform your matte hues into a glossy, staying pout. – Azrin Tan, senior digital writer
Armani Beauty Prisma Glass, $58, available at Selfridges or at selected boutiques and department stores.
5 / 12
Cyspera Intensive System™
It’s the gold standard of all regimes, especially where hyperpigmentation is concerned. Reintroducing Cyspera’s Intensive System: a three-step process that builds on the science-backed magic of the Cysteamine Isobionic-Amide Complex™—a proprietary blend that has proven efficacious in targeting melasma or any post-inflammatory pigmentation. Starting with Cyspera Intensive™, followed by Cyspera Neutralise™, a neutralising cleanser to re-balance the skin’s pH, and lastly Cyspera Boost™, which combines anti-inflammatory ingredients with retinol to boost cellular production. All in all, the carefully-curated regime is a long-term solution that sheds away any of the usual accompanying side effects, whilst still rewarding one’s skin with a healthier, more radiant complexion along the way. — Azrin Tan, senior digital writer
Cyspera Intensive System™, $390, available at selected clinics in Singapore.
6 / 12
Frank Body Niacinamide Body Scrub
In typically playful fashion, cult Australian brand Frank Body is back—this time with a ‘berry scented and berry effective’ niacinamide-based scrub for your bod. Its whipped formula is a straightforward delight to use, from the lavender hue to ease of application and pleasing berry scent. More than just a pretty addition to your shower shelf though, a medley of antioxidants—niacinamide, berry extracts and green tea—protect the skin against daily damage from free radicals while diminishing irritation, dryness and uneven skin tone. — Dominique Yohanes, contributing beauty writer
Frank Body Niacinamide Body Scrub, $35, available at Sephora.
7 / 12
Paula’s Choice Pro-Clinical Retinaldehyde Treatment
By now, we’re all familiar with retinoids as the golden standard in skincare. Their ability to accelerate skin cell turnover, resulting in improved skin texture and clarity, is unparalleled. Paula’s Choice cuts to the chase with their potent new treatment spotlighting retinaldehyde, the retinoid that’s closest to prescription strength. This treatment encapsulates retinaldehyde (also known as retinal) and pomegranate peel to deliver the high-strength efficacy of a retinoid via gentle release for less irritation. As a habitual retinol user, I’ve found switching to two pumps of this product each night to be seamless. However, beginners are advised to begin with no more than three nights weekly before building up. — Dominique Yohanes, contributing beauty writer
Paula’s Choice Pro-Clinical Retinaldehyde Treatment, $98 for 30ml, available at Sephora.
8 / 12
Nars Explicit Lipstick
Talk about a lippie that delivers on maximum comfort and pigment. The latest iteration of the Nars Explicit Lipstick encases pouts in a generous helping of colour and hydration, easing away flakes without skimping on hue vibrancy. Available in 28 stunning hues as well as a satin finish, 850 Bite Me was a personal favourite; a soft coral that makes for a versatile addition to my burgeoning arsenal. Another plus point—its smudge-resistant formula that clings on for hours on end, powering through oily food and multiple drinks with ease. — Emily Heng, associate beauty editor
Nars Explicit Lipstick, $55, available at Sephora
9 / 12
Guerlain Parure Gold Skin Double Veil Rejuvenating Effect Skin-Caring Perfection Primer
Talk about a jack-of-all-trades—and a master of all. Not only does it effectively help make-up withstand the sweltering humidity, it’s creamy and weightless formula leaves skin supple and clear underneath layers of make-up. The SPF 50 is also a welcome addition that doesn’t feel like an afterthought—I find that it shields my skin as effectively as a traditional sunscreen. For the days where I’m not in the mood for a full face, its skin-blurring effect makes it a great alternative to foundation or tinted moisturiser. — Nathalia Kelana, beauty intern
Guerlain Parure Gold Skin Double Veil Rejuvenating Effect Skin-Caring Perfection Primer, $140, available in-store at Guerlain Boutiques.
10 / 12
Kosé Sekkisei Precious Snow V
Though it’s a powder compact, it feels and acts similarly to loose powder, in the sense that it’s light without compromising on coverage or imperfection blurring. Just like its namesake, it’s soft as snow and helps combat oily skin without clogging pores or fading away too quickly. It also comes with two different kinds of applicators to allow for full control over the amount of product you need for your face and skin condition. Personally, I find that the thinner one is great for precise application. — Nathalia Kelana, beauty intern
Kosé Sekkisei Precious Snow V, $88, available at BHG.
11 / 12
Biossance Squalane + Ectoin Overnight Rescue Ultra-Rich Cream
It’s a relatively underrated skincare ingredient: ectoin. But after a period of putting this impressive overnight cream to the test, consider me convinced. The powerhouse component protects and repairs by binding with water to form a hydrating shield around skin cells. By way of its blend here with magnesium and sugar-derived squalane, the formula immediately gets to work strengthening your skin barrier and reducing stress and damage overnight. After applying the scentless cream to my face each evening (as my skincare routine’s final step), I’ve been loving waking up to a palpably plumped, hydrated and calmer complexion. — Dominique Yohanes, contributing beauty writer
Biossance Squalane + Ectoin Overnight Rescue Ultra-Rich Cream, $112 for 50ml, available at Sephora.
12 / 12
Avene Hyaluron Activ B3 Triple Correction Eye Care
Considering my erratic sleep schedule, dark eye circles are something I’ve always been at war with. And whilst the simple, most effective remedy would be to get more winks in, sometimes you have to settle for second best. Which is precisely what Avene’s Hyaluron Activ B3 Triple Correction Eye Care is. In its name, a triptych of ingredients come into play here: dextran sulfate to depuff and improve blood circulation around the area, niacinamide to boost collagen production and hyaluronic acid for that direct hydration kick. Two weeks in, and the results have been reaped; panda eyes visibly diminished and my usually thinning under eye area feels significantly firmer.— Azrin Tan, senior digital writer
Avene Hyaluron Activ B3 Triple Correction Eye Care, $69.80, available at Watsons
