1 / 22
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Beauty Soulmates Palette
A match-made in heaven is the phrase that comes to mind upon laying eyes on this new limited edition drop from Charlotte Tilbury. On the left, the brand’s best-selling Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder, now equipped with colour-correcting pigment tech to further enhance and brighten sallow complexions. On the right, a colour-rich blush in just the perfect shade of pink, available in two variants that work for warm- and cool-skin tones respectively. To up the saturation level, I recommend layering a liquid blush on as the first layer before going over it with this bad boy, and sealing it all off with the powder. Flushed, glowing cheeks that last all day? You betcha. — Emily Heng, associate beauty editor
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Beauty Soulmates Palette, $90, available at Sephora
2 / 22
Innisfree Vitamin C Green Tea Enzyme Brightening Cream
Vitamin C might sound incongruous when put together with sensitised skin, but it’s safe to say that’s not the case when it comes to the Innisfree Vitamin C Green Tea Enzyme Brightening Cream. Developed specifically for finicky, reactive complexions, this gentle moisturiser utilises potent amounts of hyaluronic acid and squalene to deeply moisturise, where it works seamlessly with Jeju tangerine extract and ferulic acid to bring forth a healthy, radiant glow. Dark spots, too, are eventually eradicated with continuous use. I observed a significant difference within a month. — Emily Heng, associate beauty editor
Innisfree Vitamin C Green Tea Enzyme Brightening Cream, $41.81, available at Olive Young Global
3 / 22
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Oil Luminizing Lip Oil 'N Gloss in Fu$$y
Back with a vengeance, the new Fenty Beauty Lip Oil ‘N Gloss might just be the brand’s most comfortable lip product yet. Infused with nourishing oils like shea butter and passionfruit oil, along with vitamin E and hyaluronic spheres, it guarantees not only a perfectly glassy shine, but an instant boost of hydration without that tacky, sticky feel that often accompanies a gloss. While its sheer pigment makes each shade just subtle enough to amp up your everyday look, whether alone or as a lip topper, the dusty pink of Fu$$y—a Fenty Beauty OG—is a definite must-have. — Gladys Yeo, digital intern
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Oil Luminizing Lip Oil ‘N Gloss in Fu$$y, $40, available at Sephora
4 / 22
Then I Met You Bong2 Bounce Cream
If there’s a skincare must-have for me, it’s a lightweight moisturiser—one that’s cool to the touch especially when it’s emerged from the beauty fridge. Better yet? This citrus-tinged dream that is Then I Met You’s Bong2 Bounce Cream. With the infusion of hallabong extract that brightens and boosts elasticity, ceramides that fortify the skin’s natural barrier as well as the dependable squalane which locks in the moisture, this cream glides on like a dream—both day and night. — Azrin Tan, senior digital writer
Then I Met You’s Bong2 Bounce Cream, $74 for 50ml, available at Sephora
5 / 22
Clarins Skin Illusion Full Coverage Foundation
For about five days every month, without fail, my skin breaks out and starts to look more textured than usual. This foundation came at the right time. It’s skincare and a full-coverage foundation, packaged in a slender glass bottle. Like any good foundation, it creates a strong base for other liquid, cream and powder-based products to grip on. After an entire day without touch-ups, there were no cracks, creasing, or patches of bare skin. On top of that, it feels lightweight and comfortable. It evens out the skin tone while retaining moisture all day—full coverage, yet good for the skin, mattifying, yet hydrating.— Raushana Salim, beauty intern
Clarins Skin Illusion Full Coverage Foundation, $78 for 30ml, available at Clarins
6 / 22
Chanel Chance Eau Splendide
No doubt about it: the latest addition to Chanel’s beloved Chance family is an olfactive delight. Being the brand’s first fruit-focused fragrance, raspberry accord is distinctly noticeable upon first sniff, enchanting the senses before it eases into luminous notes of rose geranium and white musk. A touch of iris rounds out the entire confection—granting this bright, vibrant scent an extra degree of nuance. Despite its crisp, lighter flavour profile, the Chance Eau Splendide does boast impressive staying power, so be sure to spritz it on with a light hand. — Emily Heng, associate beauty editor
Chanel Chance Eau Splendide, $296 for 100ml, available at Chanel
7 / 22
Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder in Ube Birthday Cake
Inspired by Huda’s very own birthday special, a Filipino yam cake titled Ube, the cult favourite loose setting powder gets a celebratory makeover—harnessed with an electric lilac shade. Going by the same formula, this limited edition’s magic lies in brightening and blurring—with just a brief swab of the powder. Baking my face felt comfortable and easy with the product being so lightweight, whilst carrying a delightful floral scent. But it was the results that really won me over—a soft matte, brightening finish that ensured my make-up didn’t budge one bit. — Janice Sim, digital editor
Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder in Ube Birthday Cake, $62, available at Sephora
8 / 22
Kerasilk Smoothing Blow Dry Cream
When it comes to hair styling, this is a game changer for sure. A heat-activated formula, the Kerasilk Smoothing Blow Dry Cream proves elite in tackling frizzy strands, a winner in our books just for the fact that we live in some really humid weather all year round. Just a small pump of this foamy cream is enough to spread through the lengths and ends of my towel-dried hair (I’ve a bob, if that helps). When combined with heat and my favourite fringe roller clips, I notice a more long-lasting shape throughout the day, a definite plus point on top of the smoothening effects and extra healthy shine it already affords my tresses. — Azrin Tan, senior digital writer
Kerasilk Smoothing Blow Dry Cream, $50 for 150ml, available at Kerasilk partner salons nationwide
9 / 22
Ultra Violette SPF50+ Future Fluid Superlight Mineral Sunscreen
Wait a damn minute. This is a mineral sunscreen?! Formulated with super lightweight Japanese zinc, Future Fluid behaves like a chemical SPF and blows everything you know about stereotypical mineral sunscreens out of the water (read: chalky, gluggy, grey-cast, and downright hard to blend). It goes on like a dream and veils the skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays with vitamin E, squalane, and Pentavitin to also soothe and hydrate combination, oily and sensitive skin types. I didn’t mind that it left me with a glowy sheen, however for those who prefer a polished matte look, a finishing powder should do the trick. I’ll definitely be adding this to cart again. — Alli Sim, beauty and wellness director
Ultra Violette Future Fluid™ SPF 50+ Superlight Mineral Sunscreen, $56, available at Sephora
10 / 22
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Matte Bouncy Blush in Happy
Combining the high pigment and ease of application of its popular liquid and powder formulas respectively, Rare Beauty has finally delivered the ultimate blush. This bouncy cream to powder formulation eliminates fallout, while being easy to apply and blend with either a brush or your fingertips for a natural, soft and buildable flush. A slightly cool-toned pink, the shade Happy has become my everyday blush to instantly enliven up my dull complexion. — Gladys Yeo, digital intern
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Matte Bouncy Blush in Happy, $44, available at Sephora
11 / 22
Augustinus Bader The Sunscreen SPF 50
In discussing the release of Augustinus Bader’s The Sunscreen SPF 50, an aesthetic doctor recently told me that the formulation employs new generation UV filters, which amps up its photostability as a whole, making it more resistant to extreme UV radiation. Sparking intrigue, I started mentally ticking off the boxes; beyond its TFC8®-powered formula—aka the brand’s proprietary technology that encourages skin cellular renewal—there were a handful of promises it was making which I was eager to find out for myself. Like improved hydration, a reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and most importantly to me, the prevention of any visible redness. Once applied to the skin (and oh how it glides on), the creamy texture melts so easily, making for a quick absorption that holds true to its claim of being white cast-free. So we ask: does the perfect sunscreen exist? Augustinus Bader’s new offering certainly comes pretty darn close. — Azrin Tan, senior digital writer
Augustinus Bader The Sunscreen SPF 50, $205 for 30ml, available at Augustinus Bader or any of its retail counters
12 / 22
Charlotte Tilbury Dark Spot Correcting Radiance Recovery Serum
If there’s one thing Charlotte Tilbury is known for, it’s that luminous glow. Using its new precision fade technology, the Dark Spot Correcting Radiance Recovery Serum delivers a potent dose of brightening vitamin C that targets hyperpigmentation, without the potential irritation that often comes with the ingredient. While the brand promises results in six weeks, just two weeks of use has already visibly reduced some of my newer acne scars. The best part? The serum is formulated for the whole face, including the eye area, so there’s no need to double up with an eye cream. — Gladys Yeo, digital intern
Charlotte Tilbury Dark Spot Correcting Radiance Recovery Serum, $164 for 30ml, available at Sephora
13 / 22
SkinCeuticals P-Tiox Peptide Serum
Inspired by neurotoxin injectables, P-Tiox is a lightweight, non-invasive skin solution for those looking to minimise the appearance of expression lines, even ones that neurotoxins reportedly don’t treat. Will it replace a trip to the aesthetic clinic altogether? Not quite, however for a needle-free option, the peptide-powered serum certainly works hard to correct wrinkles while improving texture and boosting radiance. It does so with its advance peptide complex and actives: 5 per cent PHA, niacinamide, and laminaria extract. All this to say: if it helps to extend the duration between aesthetic doctor visits, why not? — Alli Sim, beauty and wellness director
SkinCeuticals P-Tiox Peptide Serum, $176, available at iShop Changi
14 / 22
Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable 24HR Blurring Matte Setting Spray
Gauche as it may be to draw comparisons between products, it is hard not to weigh up the Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable 24HR Blurring Matte Setting Spray against the cult-favourite Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Setting Spray—especially seeing how both boasts rather similar capabilities. Personally though, the Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable 24HR Blurring Matte Setting Spray wins on comfort factor alone, where it keeps make-up in place without causing skin to feel tight or dry. A full face held up for as long as 12 hours in my case, clinging on despite a full day at an outdoor concert. Another added bonus: its pleasant yuzu and ginger fragrance, which is a welcome change from other formulas in the market that lean towards a more astringent scent profile. — Emily Heng, associate beauty editor
Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable 24HR Blurring Matte Setting Spray, $57, available at Sephora
15 / 22
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Contour
A few dots are all it takes to build the perfect contour. Rare Beauty’s formulas have truly lived up to its reputation and with the right tool on hand—I use a angled brush—this liquid contour blends seamlessly into the skin. I typically use this on the hollows of my cheeks and around my forehead. Unlike its blushes, which do tend to be pigmented and hard to manoeuvre, this contour leans airier and lighter—resulting in a natural definition. — Janice Sim, digital editor
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Contour, $48, available at Sephora
16 / 22
Le Labo Santal 33
You know you’ve hit olfactive gold when the search reads: “Why is Santal 33 so famous?”. Often imitated and never duplicated, we’re here to remind you that Le Labo Santal 33 is an icon for a reason. For a time, one couldn’t walk down the streets of New York—or Singapore—without running into someone saturated in smoky Santal 33. It’s captivated the attention of scentfiles since its launch in 2011 with bold, warm notes of sensual Australian sandalwood and cedarwood, spicy cardamom, iris, and violet.
While it was initially perceived to be a masculine scent, this rich, smoldering blend of leather, spice and musk continues to mesmerise all genders today. With Mother’s Day coming up, scoring a bottle of Le Labo makes for the perfect gift experience for any hip mama. Bring her to Le Labo Labs where technicians aka ‘souls’ can guide her in finding the perfect scent. Once selected, in true Le Labo fashion, it will be measured, blended, bottled and labelled with a customised message before her very eyes. — Alli Sim, beauty and wellness director
Le Labo Santal 33, $335 for 50ml eau de toilette, available at Le Labo Labs Takashimaya and Marina Bay Sands.
17 / 22
Huda Beauty Blush Filter Ube Cream
Subtle? Not in the slightest. Everything about this Huda Beauty Blush Filter Ube Cream screams of dynamism—from its electrifying lilac pink hue to its high-impact pigment that infuses the skin with a vivid, radiant flush. Not for the faint of heart, indeed. In fact, it’s safe to say that less is more is the way when it comes to this bad boy. For optimal results, gently dot the blush onto the high points of the face where the sun is sure to hit, from the cheekbones to the temples. Blend it out with your fingers for a soft, air-brushed like effect that practically melts into the rest of your base make-up. To seal it all in, pair the Blush Filter Ube Cream with the brand’s viral Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder in the shade Ube Birthday Cake. — Emily Heng, associate beauty editor
Huda Beauty Blush Filter Ube Cream, $35, available at Sephora
18 / 22
Krave Beauty Plumptuous Lip Jelly
Inciting vanity envy in 3,2…We’re stepping into the kaleidoscopic world of Krave Beauty’s latest make-up entry: its Plumptuous Lip Jelly. Dreamed up with upcycled plum oil and the antioxidising MaxiLip, this particular lip oil number is as hydrating as it is pigmented. It’s swiftly turned into a daily staple at my office desk; when I’m in the mood for a lush, moisturising boost; when I’m hoping for a quick fix; or when I simply want to witness this sheer liquid magic do its thing. I soon found myself addicted to the cooling sensation which the steel metal applicator lends, but knowing that its main purpose is to allow a hygienic and seamless switch of refills—in all the other colours too—is a welcome plus. — Azrin Tan, senior digital writer
Krave Beauty Plumptuous Lip Jelly, $32, available at Sephora
19 / 22
Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable Blurring Second Skin Matte Foundation, $80
It’s been a while since I took on a matte liquid foundation and Anastasia Beverly Hills’s handy tube delivers high coverage with just three small pumps. Given the nature of its formula, what is imperative is to work on moisturising the skin adequately before applying the base. So as to ensure your skin is well hydrated before the product can spread and blend effortlessly—ideally with a foundation brush or beauty blender. What I do miss about matte finishes? The satisfying result of having the rest of your beat remain firmly put for the rest of the day. — Janice Sim, digital editor
Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable Blurring Second Skin Matte Foundation, available at Sephora
20 / 22
Chanel Camélia Futura Powder Blush Trio
A vision to behold. Still, don’t let the intricate embossing on the Chanel Camélia Futura Powder Blush Trio distract you from its full potential—its appeal, in fact, lies more in its pigment. Each pan comprises three gorgeously versatile hues of soft pink, coral pink, and apricot; a weightless amalgamation of powders that melt into the skin for a blurred, velvety-soft finish. The hint of shimmer found in each shade also further adds to its usability across a variety of situations, where it is able to double as an illuminator. In my case, I found that dusting it over the top of cheekbones as well as along the high points of the face made a significant difference in enlivening my dull, sallow complexion. — Emily Heng, associate beauty editor
Chanel Camélia Futura Powder Blush Trio, $113, available at Chanel
21 / 22
Drunk Elephant Mello Marula™️ Cream Cleanser
Stress-free skin, here we go. With a bunch of soothing and calming ingredients packed into one—think antioxidants like colloidal oatmeal for sensitive skin and marula seed oil which nourishes skin with rich omegas—the Drunk Elephant Mello Marula™️ Cream Cleanser has been a treat for the senses. For a deep cleanse, this gentle lather leaves no residue and is non-stripping—ideal for those with sensitive, dry or overstimulated skin. Belonging to the latter group, I’m a proponent of this safe, daily formulation after a long day of heavy make-up. — Azrin Tan, senior digital writer
Drunk Elephant Mello Marula™️Cream Cleanser, $54, available at Sephora
22 / 22
est.lab LumiGlow Enzyme Cleansing Pods
Having always struggled with dull skin, a sudden bout of adult acne left me reeling after I was forced to take a break from my arsenal of actives and exfoliants I use to manage it. Thankfully, it wasn’t too long before est.lab’s LumiGlow Enzyme Cleansing Pods found their way onto my desk. Filled with antioxidant-rich superfruit extracts—namely pineapple, mango, Georgia peach and lemon—these unassuming candy-like pods pack a massive punch. When wet, each conveniently freeze-dried ball transforms into a rich, pillowy lather, offering a thorough yet gentle cleanse. Despite being mid-breakout and struggling with dehydration during a trip to arid Australia, my skin was noticeably smoother, brighter and softer after each cleanse, which definitely offered some much needed relief amid my recent skin troubles. — Gladys Yeo, digital intern
est.lab LumiGlow Enzyme Cleansing Pods, $52 for 90 pods, available at est.lab
