In a sea of choices—that is, the presently oversaturated beauty space—it is hard to find something that sticks. And yet, there are specific products that make their mark. Think: the first-ever red lipstick you took from your mother’s vanity, or the eyeliner that survived a catastrophic life event. No matter the context, there is no denying that there is a sense of connection; a swell of emotions that tend to arise upon seeing or using said item once more. In an effort to showcase this in our October ‘Kinship’ issue, we spoke to members of the Vogue Singapore editorial team to get an idea of the beauty cult-classics that they return to time and time again. The responses cover a wide gamut. First and foremost, a perfume that brings idyllic holiday memories back to the forefront; an icon amongst fragrance buffs that fits squarely within the category of beauty cult-classics. This bad boy also acts as an conduit to one editor’s recollection of Paris. Next, an eyeshadow palette that serves as one senior writer’s gateway into make-up, brimming with pigment and yet forgiving enough that it blends out easily with fingers alone. The list goes on, with each pick being more sentimental than the last.
Spy the full selection, below.
1 / 6
The eyeliner that persisted through a massive cry-fest
“Ironically enough, this liner made it through while the relationship didn’t. It stubbornly stayed on despite an outpouring of tears, sweat, and snot, so I have nothing but love for it.” — Emily Heng, beauty editor
Hermès Trait D’Hermès Precision Eyeliner in Encre Noir, $116, available at Hermès
2 / 6
The lipstick gifted from my mother
“I “borrowed” this lipstick one too many times growing up, so my mum eventually gave me one of my own. It has a silky-finish and sheer, buildable texture that was definitely super forgiving for a make-up novice.” — Dominique Yohanes, beauty writer
Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Colour in 99 Pirate, $70, available at Chanel
3 / 6
The eyeshadow I learned how to do make-up with
“Eyeshadow isn’t exactly the first thing that most beauty fanatics would be experimenting with, but lo and behold—I was held entranced by the possibilities of a high-pigment quadrant the day my cousin gifted me one after graduation. This eyeshadow advocate has never looked back since.” — Azrin Tan, senior digital writer
Guerlain Ombres G Eyeshadow Palettes in 214 Exotic Orchid, $145, available at Sephora
4 / 6
The first-ever foundation I tried
“It all starts from a good base. This has rung true through my teenage, pimply years to my 30s. I remember oil control was a main priority and the formulations I was seeking out had to be mattifying and compact, so I could easily pack a small brush and product in my sporty sling. Especially since I never missed a quick touch-up before hitting the malls after school.” — Janice Sim, digital editor
Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Powder Foundation II, $140, available at Tangs
5 / 6
The blush I was wearing during a memorable festival experience
“It was my first time attending something like Water Bomb, which is why it made so much of an impression. I fully expected my make-up to fade within the first hour—but this blush was a real trooper despite the heat, humidity, and intense jets of water.” — Nadia Ferdy, beauty intern
Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Colour Fuse Glassy Blush Balm Stick in Glassy Tangelo, $55, available at Sephora
6 / 6
The scent I was sporting during my first foray into Europe
“My first time in Paris was for work, and for a trip organised by YSL Beauty. I was gifted a bottle of the Libre Eau de Parfum to wear for the duration of the trip—which I wore religiously—and I remember the scent seeping into every single one of my pleasant memories; when I tried Bostock aux Amandes, for one, or when I visited the Orsay Museum.” — Emily Heng, beauty editor
Yves Saint Laurent Beauty Libre Eau de Parfum, $280 for 100ml, available at YSL Beauty
This story appears in Vogue Singapore’s October ‘Kinship’ issue, available online
