While some might consider the concept of small talk to be inane and unnecessary, there is an argument to be made that polite conversation often divulges the zeitgeist of the current time period. In the case of Singapore in 2023, it is evident that there has been plenty of discussion surrounding the present-day climate—literally. You see, this year has seen record-breaking temperatures at 37 degrees celsius, the highest in four decades according to the National Environment Agency. What’s more, the current dry and humid conditions are predicted to persist through the next few months, with the most recent weather advisory report by the Meteorological Service Singapore foretelling “less wet weather.” In light of said statistics, it seems prudent that we buckle down and ride out Singapore’s unwavering heat. Not just with a huge bottle of water and a slew of portable fans, mind, but also with a multitude of key beauty essentials designed to provide relief, shield, and counteract potent UV rays.
For those who are thinking along the lines of sunscreen, trust that Vogue Singapore has gone above and beyond. In this piece, we present a comprehensive curation of products that address skin and body issues in the vein of rashes, irritation, discolouration, and more resulting from the heat. Think body oils that prevent chafing as well as cooling facial rollers alongside a roundup of formidable beauty products to incorporate into your routine for a bearable hot girl summer. Spy them all, below.
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Frank Body Glide ‘N’ Go Body Oil Stick
Higher hemlines are expected in light of the blistering heat. And with that, friction caused by inner thighs rubbing against each other during movement. In serious cases, blister-like lesions might form, aggravated by itching even when the healing process begins. To prevent this, we recommend the Frank Body Glide ‘N’ Go Body Oil Stick; a glide-on body oil that grants instant moisture for sensitised, parched regions of skin and protects it from further potential abrasions. Beyond hydration, its list of ingredients also includes antioxidant-laden Davidson plum to reduce the effects of environmental stressors known to cause skin wrinkling, ageing, and discolouration.
Frank Body Glide ‘N’ Go Body Oil Stick, $27, available at Sephora.sg
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Chanel No. 1 De Chanel Revitalising Body Serum-In-Mist
Think of this as a lightweight body lotion with notable anti-ageing effects, of which dissipates in mere seconds without leaving behind any stickiness or tackiness. Translation: the perfect on-the-go mist to utilise for your body to soothe and calm flushed skin. Active ingredients include red camellia extract that prevents oxidation in the skin caused by urban pollution as well as “petal-clear complex”; a labour of love developed by the maison’s labs that grants even, plump, and radiant skin. According to the label, optimum application areas include the décolleté, arms, and legs—where it is best to work the formula downward and in the same direction as blood flow to ensure a perceptible glow.
Chanel No. 1 De Chanel Revitalising Body Serum-In-Mist, $126, available at all Chanel boutiques and beauty counters.
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Freeplus Mild Shower
For those with sensitive complexions, we say look to this lotion-mist from Freeplus instead; an alcohol- and paraben-free option that dispenses an ample amount of moisture onto skin with each spritz. Their minimalist approach to ingredients makes it a perfect fit for anyone dealing with reactive skin types, seeing how it features a variety of gentle options in the vein of citrus Unishiu peel, licorice extract, and peach kernel extract. The amalgamation above is fused with other extracts such as Zizphyus Jujuba Fruit and Ma Yuan Seed to douse skin in long-lasting moisture.
Freeplus Mild Shower Mini, $27.30, available on Shopee and at all Don Don Donki outlets.
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Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Hydrating Multi-Protection Mist
Its plant-enriched elixir comprises thirst-quenching ingredients such as leaf of life, white horehound, and furcellaria—all of which also doubles as anti-pollution fighters that help protect your visage from aggressive environmental factors. Spritz on a generous amount to ensure your face stays hydrated and defended from both pollution and UV rays by ensuring it goes on before make-up as well as after since its capabilities encompasses extending make-up longevity as well as reducing oil-production.
Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Hydrating Multi-Protection Mist, $55, available at all Clarins boutiques and beauty counters.
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Hermès Plein Air Complexion Balm
Cakey, flaking make-up is a typical occurrence in the face of scorching temperatures. To prevent this—and also to up your current SPF protection—look to the Hermès Plein Air Complexion Balm. This bad boy comes with SPF 30/PA+++ protection and delivers on a sheer, natural-looking tint that helps conceal redness and imperfections without causing further irritation and clogging. Granted, it may not be the most high-coverage, but it does hide light discolouration and flaws without running the risk of clogging the skin thanks to its weightless finish and texture that comes dermatologically-tested.
Hermès Plein Air Complexion Balm, $154, available at all Hermès Beauty counters.
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Kitsch Ice Facial Roller
Rid your visage of redness and inflammation with this handy little roller device that helps cool down the complexion. Its broad metal applicator proves sufficient enough to do the job, but should you be looking to really witness discernible effects at first-use, pop the product in the fridge for ten minutes before going ham with it. As for beauty buffs, we recommend running the product up and down your face in deft, precise motions to really maximise its benefits—that is, a contoured, more defined mien alongside a cooled complexion. A general rule of thumb is to start at the centre of the face under the eyes and cheekbones, before moving the roller towards the hairline in short gentle strokes. Shift it down down to the jawbone before bringing it up to the chin and cheekbones to end it off.
Kitsch Ice Facial Roller, $26, available at Look Fantastic Singapore
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Fresh Sugar Roll-On Deodorant Antiperspirant
Wick away sweat and bad odour with this roll-on format by Fresh. Not only does it come in a slim, 75ml tube that fits perfectly into most purses, it also comes enriched with sugar—recognised for its ability to inhibit the growth of odour-causing bacteria—as well as oat kernel extract and witch hazel water to absorb oil as well as calm reactive skin respectively. The cherry on top: its pleasant, fragrant scent that is utilised in the brand’s iconic range of Sugar products.
Fresh Sugar Roll-On Deodorant Antiperspirant, $32, available at Sephora.sg.
