This month, we’re loving the fact that we’ve got two new homegrown brands in the mix. We also review an eye gel, a gentle yet effective exfoliator, a lip treatment oil and some really cool vegan stuff! Have you tried any of these products?
Soul Good Project deodorant spray and balm
If you’re concerned about what you put on your face, you should also pay as much attention to what you apply on your pits. This homegrown brand is educating us with an array of natural deodorant sprays and balms, featuring woody and citrusy scents that smell oh-so-good. Free of aluminium and parabens, these babies are made with natural active ingredients like coconut oil, magnesium and arrowroot starch to neutralise odour. The sprays come in a 50ml bottle, which you can pop into your bag. Even though it’s hassle-free to use, I did find it a little sticky. I’m leaning towards the balm for now. It’s dry and has an amazing scent (I’m using Himalayan Wilderness) that stays on throughout the day. However, it would be great if it came with an applicator. A spatula, perhaps?
Soul Good Project, Deodorant Balm ($26.90); Deodorant Spray ($25.90), available online
Skin Better Instant Effect Eye Gel
It’s tricky to weigh in on eye creams as it takes a while for results to show. Which is why I was surprised to see visible results from this eye cream in just a month or so. This newly launched eye gel by Skinbetter Science promises to improve eye bags, crow’s feet and wrinkles. Even though I did not see a significant difference in my crow’s feet, my dark circles appeared lighter – probably from brightening ingredients like vitamin C. I also like the hands-free applicator that comes with a stainless-steel rollerball to reduce puffiness.
Skin Better Instant Effect Eye Gel, $130, available online and at selected clinics including Ageless Medical, Freia Medical, NU.U Aesthetics & Wellness Clinic and Sozo Aesthetic Clinic
Two Halves Better Balance Soothing Hydration Essence
Oh, how we squeal in delight when there’s a new vegan skincare brand on our radar. As its moniker suggests, Two Halves’ soothing hydration essence does just that – it’s a lightweight gel that my skin just drinks up upon application. Using plant-based ingredients packed with anti-inflammatory, anti-photoaging and antioxidant properties, the essence is said to nourish and rejuvenate the skin. But does it do the job? I’m giving it a maybe for now. Even though I love the gentle, non-sticky formula and how glides on nicely, I’m still waiting for noticeable results after a month. I’ll give it a couple of months for it to work its magic.
Two Halves Better Balance Soothing Hydration Essence, $85, available online and at all Novela outlets
Hourglass Nº 28™ Lip Treatment Oil
We’re all for multi-purpose (aka lazy-girl) makeup over here and this lippie treatment does the job. It’s got a whopping 28 ingredients that target moisture and wrinkles – leaving your lips plump and soft, along with a choice of five shades for a hint of colour (just like lip gloss). And if you’re OTT, you’ll love the gold-plated palladium tip that dispenses the product.
Hourglass Nº 28™ Lip Treatment Oil, $82, available at selected Sephora stores and online
Est. Lab LumiWhite Exfoliating Scrub
I’ve been looking for an exfoliator that’s not too harsh on my skin and I think I’ve found a strong contender. Est.lab’s LumiWhite exfoliating scrub doesn’t strip off moisture – probably ‘cos of hydration heroes like fucogel, panthenol and gentle jojoba beads. And it’s also 100% bio-degradable. As with any brightening formula (Stay-C 50, a derivative of vitamin C, is a key ingredient), my dull skin appears visibly “alive” after each wash. I use this twice a week for best results.
Est. Lab LumiWhite Exfoliating Scrub, $78, available online and locations at Dhoby Ghaut, Sengkang, Tampines and Jurong East
Beauty news: Get all the latest happenings right here!
Spa Esprit and Compendium collaborate to produce a gin-inspired shower gel
Now you can incorporate your fave gin into your shower, thanks to this fun collab by Spa Esprit and Compendium Distillery. Cleverly named as Gin & Detox, the gin-inspired shower gel uses torch ginger essential oil specially distilled in Singapore and juniper, lemon and clary sage to replicate the scent of your fave tipple. Happy hour in the shower? Yes, please!
Spa Esprit Gin and Detox Plantation Shower Gel, $88, available at Spa Esprit outlets and online. For a limited time only, receive a complimentary 250ml bottle of Compendium’s Rojak Gin with every purchase of the Gin and Detox shower gel
Say hello to Peachy Skin Bar, Singapore’s first bespoke membership skin bar
Has your facial experience turned sour ‘cos of pushy beauticians who just won’t take no for an answer? Turn to Peachy Skin Bar, a beauty salon that offers fuss-free skincare memberships with customised sessions that adhere to your skin type. Membership privileges go up to 50% off on selected facials. Plus, we’re crushing on that Insta-worthy salon.
Peachy Skin Bar, #01-13, City Gate, 371 Beach Road, Singapore 199597
Beauty reviews & news: Jan 2020 edition
Solos Cosmetics MyLiner Felt Black Liquid Eyeliner
My daily makeup routine is simple. Concealer, setting powder, eyeliner and I’m ready to go. So it’s crucial that my eyeliner has to feature the trifecta: It needs to be waterproof, smudge-proof and have an intense black colour that’ll stand out on my brown skin. I thought I had found my holy grail but boy, was I wrong. Enter Solos’ eyeliner. This product is the perfect dupe for all your liquid eyeliner needs. Extra points for the vegan and halal-certified formula. Oh, and did we mention it’s only $8? What a steal. I’m using the regular-sized felt tip but you can opt for the micro-size tip for more control.
Solos Cosmetics MyLiner Felt Black Liquid Eyeliner, $8, available online and at Zerrin @ The Social Space, #01-03, Marina One Residences, 5 Straits View, Singapore 018935
– Nicole Nithiyah, Senior Lifestyle Writer
Fresh’s Rose Face Mask
Before I begin, I have to say that this mask smells heavenly. It’s like I’m submerging my face in a pool of roses. It states that they use two-and-a-half roses per jar and a “smart” algae that is able to deliver moisture to areas that need the most hydration. Well, that this is one brainy algae. In 10 minutes, my skin feels plump and fresh (no pun intended) – maximum benefit with minimum effort!
Fresh’s Rose Face Mask, $38, available online and selected Sephora outlets.
– Venkat Gunasellan, Lifestyle Writer
LG Pra.L Derma LED Mask
I’m sure there were many oohs and ahhs when LG launched its beauty tech collection last year. I mean, just look at this technological marvel. Even Iron Man’s got nothing on this futuristic piece. There’s ample reason to geek out on the Derma LED Mask – it holds 160 red and IR LED lights with specific wavelength spectrums to tackle beyond the surface. This power mask also promises to rejuvenate and plump up the skin, improve elasticity around the eye rim and reduce pigmentation and pore size – all in nine minutes.
However, you gotta be patient. There are no visible immediate results, but after using it religiously over eight weeks on alternative days, I’m left with a more even skin tone (save for stubborn scars) and smaller pores. I pop it on every night after moisturiser and end off with a face mist. My only gripe is that the mask was not the most comfortable. It weighed down on the bridge of my nose, leaving a slight dent after each use. But hey, anything for porcelain skin, amirite?
LG Pra.L Derma LED Mask, $1,349, available online and at Tangs.
– Nicole Nithiyah, Senior Lifestyle Writer
Lagom Cellup Gel-to-Water Cleanser
As someone with oily skin, gel cleansers are my go-to. Lagom’s gel-to-water cleanser is lightweight and just enough to remove my skincare products from the night before, without stripping away moisture. After all, it is formulated DermaFluxTM – an ingredient that activates aquaporins. TL;DR: It basically hydrates your skin cells with adequate moisture. Fair warning, if you’re using this as a night-time cleanser, best to pair it with the Micro Foam Cleanser to really remove all excess makeup and gunk.
Lagom Cellup Gel-to-Water Cleanser, $28, available online.
– Nicole Nithiyah, Senior Lifestyle Writer
The Inkey List Kaolin Clay Face Mask
You know, one of those days where your skin looks oily enough to fry an egg but you’re too lazy to use peel-off masks (which take ages to dry and not to mention they can be a total b**** to remove). C’mon, nobody has time for that. That’s when The Inkey List clay mask comes in. It takes just 10 minutes to suck out the excess oils on your face and it washes off easily. And no, it doesn’t harden, so you don’t feel like a statue that’s about to crack. It actually leaves your skin feeling fresh and clear – almost like a blank canvas, all ready to absorb the good stuff you’re going to lather on after. And at $12, this is a total steal!
The Inkey List Kaolin Clay Face Mask, $12, available online and at selected Sephora outlets.
– Venkat Gunasellan, Lifestyle Writer
Remescar Eye Night Repair
We all know that eye creams are a vital step in everyone’s skincare routine. I’ve been using a gentle eye cream for both day and night until I got my hands on this baby. The Remescar Eye Night Repair promises visible results for eye bags and dark circles, crow’s feet and saggy eyelids in just 28 days. With all the binge-watching going on during the holidays, I haven’t been good to my eyes so I had to put this to the test. I’ve been using it for two months and I must say, my crow’s feet have faded ever so slightly. I spend some time dabbing the cream on my lids and around the contour of my eyes. Of course, clocking in enough ZZZs is also crucial.
The Remescar Eye Night Repair, $56, available online and at Guardian, Watsons and Unity stores.
– Nicole Nithiyah, Senior Lifestyle Writer
Beauty news: Get all the latest happenings right here!
Atelier Swarovski’s Spring/Summer 2020 collection presents new designer collaborations that benefit environmental causes
BRB, we’re currently obsessing over Swarovski’s new collab with jewellery and womenswear designer Catherine Prevost, filmmaker and conservationist Susan Rockefeller, and actress and Atelier Swarovski brand ambassador, Penélope Cruz. Each collection is inspired by the environment: Think botanicals, earth and sea. Vibrant colours, fine cuts and elegant pieces aside, each collection will also give back to a related organisation – Cruz’ botanical jewels collection will benefit The Nature Conservancy, Rockefeller’s bold earth collection aids The Nature Conservancy, and Prevost’s sea life collection helps the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Environment Fund.
Atelier Swarovski Spring/Summer 2020 collection, available in Swarovski stores and online.
Clarins Skin Spa relocates to Ion Orchard
Newsflash: Clarins Skin Spa will be moving a few steps away from its Wheelock Place location this January. Wanna take a break from all that shopping around Ion Orchard? Recharge with an express facial or treat yourself to a spa treatment with Clarins PRO formulas at the new spot. More details are underway, so stay tuned!
Clarins Skin Spa, opens January 2020, #04-19, Ion Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801
Clean skincare brand Alche(me) introduces new environmentally-friendly packaging
Local beauty and customisable skincare label Alche(me) takes it up a notch by introducing new eco-friendly packaging. It was previously using recyclable plastic skincare bottles but it’s now moved on to glass jars and bottles with wooden caps, still retaining the iconic vibrant blue colour, of course. They look absolutely chic, don’t you think?
Alche(me), available online.
Fenty Beauty launches a mascara that does it all
She may not be releasing her much-awaited album anytime soon but Rihanna’s gifting us beauty junkies with yet another key product from Fenty Beauty. This time, you’ll have poppin’ lashes for days with the new Full Frontal Volume, Lift & Curl Mascara. The wand features a unique fat and thin side so every single lash gets a slab of this long-wear, water-resistant formula.
Fenty Beauty Full Frontal Volume, Lift & Curl Mascara, $39, available from 16 Jan online and at Sephora stores.
Need more Honeycombers in your life? Head this way…
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