Firecrackers and red packets at the ready—we’re soaring into another season of lunar festivities. As always, Chinese New Year brings with it the excitement of grandeur possibilities and renewed dreams. With that, spring cleaning commences and the therapeutic art of decluttering sets in. While you’re at it, comb through your dressing table and clear out that dusty stack of pre-pandemic make-up—yes, even your favourite old lipstick—and especially your expired skincare. In place of it, Vogue Singapore has curated a fresh round-up of noteworthy products to add to your collection this year. Beyond the seasonal pineapple tarts and spring rolls, delight in these limited edition beauty goodies wrapped like candy in red and gold.
After overcoming the past few years of solitude, there is no better time to celebrate the season of prosperity by showing off bright, radiant skin at the reunion table with loved ones. Regardless of the desired look this Lunar New Year, we’re certain you’ll find the perfect match from this rotation.
For a flawless base
Perfect prep is half the battle won in the world of skincare. It’s hard to resist the efficiency of a good toner—who can say no to restored pH levels, smoother skin, and the effortless elimination of impurities? This season calls on more of everything—food, gatherings, and make-up. Our choice product for extra cleansing? Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner. This cult-favourite alcohol-free toner is back for Chinese New Year, this time adorned in illustrations by Chinese artist Shan Jiang.
Over the past few years, our journey with Asian skincare products deepened with intention. If you’re looking for a product that cleanses, firms, and hydrates your skin—consider Sulwhasoo’s First Care Activating Serum, now adorned with a graceful Lunar New Year illustration. This Jaum-powered anti-ageing is a must to prime the skin. In traditional Korean folklore, the rabbit wards off evil spirits with its speed; representing prosperity, happiness, and love. With a formula that brings forth “Asian Wisdom”, this serum is a reigning best-seller for good reason.
New year, new me: take a chance on incorporating chemical exfoliation into your skincare routine if you haven’t. For radiant and absorbent skin, this skincare step is the simple difference between dull-looking skin and a glowing canvas. Our bet is on the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel, filled with 5 AHAs and BHAs alongside vitamins and antioxidants to dispel pigmentation, uneven texture, and impurities away. This time, it’s sealed with a stamp of approval from the golden rabbit in this limited edition release.
For luminous dewy skin
If your Lunar New Year resolution includes glass-skin as seen on TikTok’s clean girl, filling up your skincare routine with the right essences and lotions is in order. A crystal clear miracle comes this year in the form of the SK-II x White Rabbit’s New Limited Edition Design PITERA™ Essence. The limited edition bottle is wrapped in nostalgia, featuring an illustration from our collective childhood favourite—the White Rabbit sweet.
In the spirit of abundance, consider an all-encompassing lotion that can hydrate, soothe, repair and protect. Our trust lies in the Origins Mega Mushroom Soothing Treatment Lotion to work overtime in strengthening our skin barrier. This Lunar New Year, the limited edition bottle is dressed in a blush-toned ensemble to deliver skincare rooted deeply in nature.
For the ultimate skincare ensemble
Love letters come in two variations this new year: rolled-up fragrant wafers and La Mer’s The Arrive Hydration Collection. The latter is what we’re indulging in more. Stowed in a luxurious red purse, this collection features all the greats from La Mer.
For a barrier of protection
Sunscreen has grown past its designation as the underdog to skincare’s highly-praised hero. With the arrival of the Lunar New Year comes the visiting of loved ones in our summer climate. This means one thing: an evermore pressing need for the right sunscreen. Invisible, suitable for all skin tones and blue light protection: there’s nothing more we can ask for from the non-comedogenic Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40. The limited edition packaging also makes an adorable case for a convincing purchase.
For stunning eyes
A festive ensemble is never complete without a crowd-pleasing eye look. With the Bobbi Brown Lunar New Year Luxe Eyeshadow Quad, this becomes a mission much easier to achieve. Swatch on the varied shimmers encased in a limited edition peony-inspired design, for a wink at Lady Luck to smile on you through the annual Mahjong games.
For a sweet glow
There was a time in TikTok history where all we thought about was which blush to buy next. Now, we’re all the more wiser about which ones are the best for festivities. We’re calling on M.A.C Cosmetics’ Extra Dimension Skinfinish in Show Gold to give us an exquisite shine. This powder-liquid formula is sealed elegantly in a limited edition red-lacquered ombré compact. By her side, it’s the Laura Mercier Blush Color Infusion in Ginger, a chic silky-smooth embossed with a stunning rabbit. You won’t be able to name a better duo.
For luscious pouts
Feasting is arguably the best part of the Lunar New Year. However, with it calls on the long-lasting wear of mighty lipsticks, such as the Estée Lauder Limited Edition Lunar New Year Lipstick. Make a bright and bold statement with the durability and radiance of this gorgeous shade. The delicate carved-in blooms and iconic bunny case make it an easy buy.
If your lips are in need of some tender loving care, look towards the Gucci Beauty Rouge à Lèvres Voile lipstick. This lightweight formula excels at moisturising, while not shying away from the signature red pout we’re all adorning this season.
For lasting make-up
Amidst the active celebration, we’re doubling down on setting sprays to help us pull through the annual 12 hour visiting tour.
“To celebrate this New Year, I have adorned my world-famous beauty secrets in lucky, limited-edition plum blossom print packaging. Plum blossoms are the first to bloom in the New Year and they traditionally represent perseverance and hope,” dishes Tilbury herself.
Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray is our chosen warrior for the season. The limited edition setting spray is adorned with red blooms and armed with the same cult-obsessed formula to shield our make-up from losing its glow.
For an ethereal scent
Spritz away for extra luck and fortune this year with fresh scents that take you back to nature. A bed of roses is not far away with Jo Malone’s Red Roses Cologne. A romantic scent to bring out your charm, this citrus scent opens with bright lemon notes to reveal a deep floral body. The sweetness of this scent will leave questions of its origin in your trail.
For a fitting note to wrap up the festivities, look towards the L’OCCITANE Osmanthus Eau de Toilette. From the fields of Guilin, China, comes this fresh green scent in all its deliciousness. Creamy woody notes are crafted by the likes of apricot, osmanthus, and cedarwood—all pulling together for an unforgettable fragrance.
