From a multi-purpose cult balm to an all-in-one contouring palette, here are our favourite beauty buys of the month
Where January’s best beauty buys was all about kickstarting new routines, this February has been all about repair. We’re talking skin and hair salves – from essential travel moisturisers to volumising shampoos for thinning hair.
3ina The Shadow Paint
“I love bold eyes, and 3ina’s eyeshadow paints are on a roll! Whether it’s hair or make-up, I’m big on experimenting with colours, and 3ina’s The Shadow Paints are absolute stunners. Currently in comes in four shades: yellow, green, blue and white. You could mistake them for acrylic paints (and they even feel like ‘em), but be sure to squeeze a tiny bit out at first — it’s really intense. Top tip: apply as fast as you can; they dry quickly. But it totally pays off — it gives you dense colour and is totes waterproof. Don’t get me started on removing them!”
– Cam Khalid, Lifestyle writer
$19, available from 3INA
Glossier’s Balm Dot Com
“This is mermaid’s tears in a tube. I use this cult balm on literally everything — from lips and cheeks to elbows and hands. It’s moisturizing and long-lasting so you can throw re-application out of the window. It’s no surprise that the coconut flavour is my ultimate pick; just opening the tube smells like a vacation. Oh, and my secret to long lashes? Glossier’s super deluxe Balm Dot Com, of course! The only downside? It isn’t sold or available to ship here, but it sure as heck is worth signing up for blugate or VPost for, or begging your travelling friends to bring it back for you!”
– Cam Khalid, Lifestyle writer
$12, available at Glossier
Aveda Invati Men
“I went for a scalp test and received the most devastating news – I was told my hair is thinning. So I did the natural thing and ran to the nearest Aveda pop-up near me, and bought these. I notice less breakage now, and my hair seems stronger than before. The shampoo also leaves behind no residue (nothing more annoying than waxy buildup). As for the scalp revitaliser, it works great for when I need more volume in my hair.”
– Hubab Hood, Video Producer
$57, and $112, in order of the picture, available at TANGS
Fresh Vitamin Nectar Moisture Glow Face Cream
“No joke – this gives you an instant glow thanks to its citrus-infused formula. I’d highly recommend this for anyone with dry skin, although it worked wonderfully well on my combination skin. I used this on a two-week trip to Spain and Morocco, which would otherwise have left my skin dry and dull.”
– Nafeesa, Beauty and Style Editor
$77, for a 50ml jar, available at Fresh stores in Raffles City and ION Orchard
Anna Sui Fantasia
“Growing up, Anna Sui’s perfumes were the scents of our formative years. More than a decade later, the brand still retains its whimsy and charm. Its recent launch of Fantasia is exactly that, with a unicorn-topped gilded bottle, and a scent that pays homage to its feminine roots with floral and fruity notes balanced with woody ones.”
– Nafeesa Saini, Beauty and Style Editor
$128 for 75ml, $98 for 50ml and $73 for 30ml, available at Robinsons Anna Sui Counter
Caudalie Energizing and Smoothing Eye Cream Vine[Activ]
“Now that I’ve hit 31, I’m very conscious about the anti-aging products I use. I can’t tell you how often my skin breaks out every time I switch products – it’s made me have a minor phobia. I was, frankly, quite apprehensive when trying this eye cream. But it proved me wrong. The formula is gentle, and has helped make my dark eye circles and slight crow’s feet a little less obvious.”
– Delfina Utomo, Lifestyle Writer
$49 for 15ml, available at Sephora
NYX Professional Makeup Love Contours All Palette
“This was my very first eye makeup palette and it’s something I’d always want in my makeup pouch. It has everything: nine eyeshadows, two highlighters, two contouring shades and two brow powders. You’d think that it might be intimidating for a former newbie like me, but it helps me understand the process better. All of the shades are pigmented, and don’t require a primer for it to stay on all day.”
– Darissa Lee, Photographer
$33, available at NYX stores including Plaza Singapura and Bugis Junction
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