Millions of people can’t be wrong. Worshipped and revered to cult status, these are the top 15 beauty products to add your beauty arsenal – if you haven’t already.
Benefit Benetint
This lip and cheek stain was originally created by Benefit founders Jean and Jane Ford for a topless dancer who wanted her nipples to look…. rosier. Since then, Benetint has evolved into a must-have beauty product for those seeking a sexy, barely-there flush.
Benefit Benetint, $51, available at TANGS Orchard and Sephora.
NARS Orgasm
No need to guess what inspired this product. The iconic NARS Orgasm gets cult status for its iridescent peachy-pink hue – like you’re fresh off an intense lovemaking workout session – that’s flattering for all skin types.
NARS Orgasm, $50, available at TANGS Orchard.
Smith’s Rosebud Salve
With its vintage-style tin packaging and delicate rose scent, Smith’s Rosebud Salve is a pretty addition to any makeup case. The fact that it has multiple uses (lip balm, eye makeup remover, cuticle softener, etc…) and is easy on the wallet is just icing on the cake.
Smith’s Rosebud Salve, $16, available at Luxola, Sephora, and other stores.
John Frieda Frizz Ease
The lineup of Frizz Ease products by hair maestro John Frieda is a godsend for frizzy-haired girls everywhere. Whether straight, wavy, or curly, it is formulated for all types of hair and can tame even the unruliest of manes into shampoo-commercial-worthy locks.
John Frieda Frizz Ease, available at all Watsons and Guardian stores.
Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil
No beauty list would be complete without this Japanese classic. Since its discovery by Mr. Shu Uemura in the 1950s, the “magic oil” has revolutionized the way we cleanse our skin with its non-greasy, non-comedogenic, and moisturising formula. Coupled with gorgeous, limited edition packaging, you’ve got a winner.
Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil, from $55 (150ml), available at all Shu Uemura counters.
Laneige Water Sleeping Pack_EX
Think Laneige and its Water Sleeping Pack immediately comes to mind. Arguably the Korean brand’s best-selling product, this pint-sized wonder regularly flies off the shelves for its intense hydration and skin brightening properties.
Laneige Water Sleeping Pack_EX, $45 (80ml), available at all Laneige counters.
Egyptian Magic
It’s hard not to love this hardworking beauty product. Formulated with just six ingredients (honey, beeswax, olive oil, royal jelly, bee pollen, and bee propolis), this all-purpose skin cream can be used as a moisturizer, under-eye cream, shaving balm, diaper rash cream, and hair masque.
Egyptian Magic, $42 (2oz), available at Luxola.
Urban Decay NAKED Palette
The one eye shadow palette to rule them all. Packed with 12 gorgeous neutral shades, ranging from delicate champagne to gritty gunmetal grey, NAKED is as versatile as it gets. Its popularity has even spawned two spin-off palettes – but really, nothing beats the original.
Urban Decay NAKED Palette, $83, available at Sephora.
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara
Who says anything cheap can’t be good? Maybelline Great Lash Mascara gives a naturally full-lash look, minus clumps and smudges. This 40 year-old drugstore classic is not available locally, so get it online.
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara, US$5.99, available at Drugstore.com
MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo
Voted one of the Top 10 Red Lipsticks by Vogue, MAC’s Ruby Woo is worn by celebs like Dita Von Teese and Scarlett Johansson for its ballsy, high-impact colour and long-lasting formula. It has even inspired Rihanna to create a spin-off shade, RiRi Woo.
MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo, $30, available at MAC counters.
L’Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray
Hair pros swear by this classic for its long-lasting hold and satiny finish that brushes out easily. No more dreaded helmet hair!
L’Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray, available at all beauty stores.
YSL Touche Éclat
One of this chic highlighter pen is sold every 10 seconds. Why? The veritable magic wand banishes dark eye circles and brightens skin with just a few strategically placed strokes.
YSL Touche Éclat, $55, available at Yves Saint Laurent Beaute ION Orchard.
Elizabeth Arden 8-Hour Cream
Talk about a multi-tasker. This award-winning cream, created by Ms. Arden herself, does it all: hydrates skin, soothes sunburns, relives minor irritations, moisturizes chapped lips, and conditions cuticles. The secret to its effectiveness? A combination of key ingredients such as salicylic acid, Vitamin E, and castor seed oil.
Elizabeth Arden 8-Hour Cream, $41, available at Elizabeth Arden counters.
Beauty Blender
A favourite amongst makeup artists everywhere, this genius applicator makes blending foundation into your skin so easy and seamless.
Beauty Blender, $30, available at Luxola and Sasa.
Kiehl’s Crème de Corps
One bottle is sold every 57 seconds around the world. Dry skin will lap every bit of this all-over luxurious and super hydrating body moisturizer, which is also said to be gentle enough for babies.
Kiehl’s Crème de Corps, $40 (125ml), available at all Kiehl’s stores.