From a Kombucha facial essence to custom blended fragrances, these are our favourite beauty buys of the month
Every January, we kick our skincare routines into high gear, having partied, travelled and ate our way through most of December. Much like how we’re still trying to burn off the extra pounds and eat better, we’re in the throes of giving our skin the recovery it deserves, so you can bet your bottom dollar we’ve got some heavy hitting skin care products in this list.
But more than just regenerative skincare, the start of the year is always the best time to break out of that beauty rut. That matte nude lippie you wear everyday? Maybe it’s time for a bold, glittery red. Or maybe rock your nails in a look-at-me shade of electric blue instead of your signature grey mani. Go ahead and have a little fun. It won’t hurt.
Fresh Black Tea Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence
“If you don’t know what an essence is (and how it differs from a serum), here’s a quick 101 on this skincare essential. I’m a huge fan of essences as they contain some of the most potent ingredients in a lightweight formula. One I’ve recently added to my skincare wardrobe is the Black Tea Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence. I’m the first person to express my dislike for kombucha, but I love it on my face. Fermented with sweet black tea and two microorganisms, the essence fights the effects of pollution and contains powerful antioxidants. I’ve used this for three weeks now, and my skin looks a little more luminous and always feels hydrated.”
– Nafeesa, Style Editor
$108, available at Fresh boutiques in ION Orchard and Raffles City and Sephora
Heritage Products Rose Petals Rosewater
“In my bid to go all-natural (almost) with my beauty products this year (let’s see how long this lasts), I decided to try out the Heritage Products Rose Petals Rosewater after reading how versatile it is – as a face mist, toner, refresher, setting spray, hair mist etc. I went through a bout of bad skin days in December but I find that it has helped a lot with calming my skin down and clearing up the problems like uneven skin tone and oily or dry skin. Plus it smells nice too.”
– Delfina, Lifestyle writer
$9.67, available at iherb.com
The Body Shop Drops of Youth Concentrate and Bouncy Sleeping Mask
The Body Shop’s Drops of Youth range promises visible results overnight. It’s a massive claim to live up to, but it’s lived up to it so far. Three potent stem cells – edelweiss, sea holly and criste marine – with powerful regenerative properties feature in its formula. The Youth Concentrate is apparently sold every 23 seconds and we can see why. It’s best used when you’ve had an exhausting day and combined with the sleeping mask – I can’t tell you how many times I’ve woken up with visibly rested, bouncier skin (like I’ve just had a good night’s sleep!). Give it 28 days and you’ll notice tighter pores and smoother lines.
$59.90 for the Youth Concentrate and $49.90 for the Bouncy Sleeping Mask, available at The Body Shop stores islandwide
First Aid Beauty Coconut Water Cream
I go loco for anything coconut — whether it’s for my hair, lips, body or an iced coconut latte, I’m all for it. So when First Aid Beauty released its latest coconut water cream, I knew I had to have it (side note: if you have combination skin like I do, First Aid Beauty’s lush skincare products are ace). I use this after every wash, prior to applying makeup (it’s a fab primer substitute) — its light, oil-free formula leaves your skin feeling moisturised and appear smoother. Also, did I mention its heavenly coconut scent?
$55, available at Sephora
– Camelia, writer
Kiehl’s Powerful Strength-Line Reducing Concentrate
“This serum is best for older ladies. My mum swears by this elixir and the proof of this is the countless empty bottles on her night stand. This version has an all-new formula with 12.5% Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid to improve skin texture, and reduce the look of fine lines and deep set wrinkles over time.
– Nafeesa, Style Editor
$105, available at Kiehl’s stores including ION Orchard and Bugis Junction
Kat Von D Beauty Everlasting Glimmer Veil
The festive season may be over, but that doesn’t mean we’re saying no to show-stopping makeup. Take Kat Von D Beauty’s Everlasting Glimmer Veil – its finish is best described as liquid crystal, and it appears iridiscent and shade-shifting as you move. Like the fan favourite Everlasting Liquid Lipstick, it does not budge, and glides on smoothly for a barely there texture. It’s available in nine shades, including neon pink, electric blue and scarlet. Wear it on its own or over a lipstick for high impact pigment.
$35, available from Sephora
3INA Longwear Lipstick
If glitter’s not your thing, try a matte liquid lippie in a different shade. 3INA’s Longwear Lipstick now comes in 10 new shades, in everything from subtle nudes to a deep brown. The glide-on wand makes application a breeze, while the formula gives lips a soft, pillowy texture.
$16, available from 3INA stores at ION Orchard and Tampines Mall.
Chanel Le Vernis Longue Tenue
Complementing the Rouge Coco glosses are the Le Vernis Longue Tenue nail lacquers. Six gorgeous shades are available, in shades of maroon, denim blue, and an intense chocolate and deliver intense shine.
USD28, available from Chanel beauty boutiques and counters
The Lab fragrance
I’m obsessed with my perfume by The LAB – founder Taylan has created a neat collection of scents for you to choose from (think Tuberose, Ginger and my fave, Earl Grey), and he custom blends it for you on the spot. And how’s this for a lovely touch: it’s labelled with your name and where your perfume was created for you. I picked the 30ml bottle (from $53), which I take with me everywhere. Check out The LAB on Facebook to see which market or pop-up Taylan is at next – but once you pick your fave, you can also pick up his perfumes online.
– Selina, Editor
From $53, available online
Sisley Floral Spray Mist
“I swear by face mists to keep my skin rehydrated, and this particular one reinvigorates my skin (and senses!) with its heady floral scent. I use it to set my makeup and even to tone and remove any trace of makeup from my skin at the end of a long day.”
– Chelsia Tan, Creative Services Editor
$82, available from Sisley boutiques including Robinsons Raffles City and BHG Bugis Junction
Like this story? Here’s more we think you’ll enjoy:
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Cheat your way to perfect eyebrows
The best moisturisers of all time