Hear ye, hear ye, we’ve got a brand new list of beauty favourites waiting for you. In the February edition of our beauty reviews, we’re all about hiding those dark under-eye circles and looking after our peepers, removing makeup like a pro and achieving the shiniest tresses. Presenting February’s best beauty buys.
Best beauty buys in February 2021
Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm
If I had to pick one new favourite beauty product of the month, this is it. Ever since the whole maskne conundrum, I’ve been super paranoid about removing every single bit of makeup and nasties before bedtime – yup, even if I have to drag my butt to the toilet after a tiring day. This cleansing balm makes my routine 100 times easier (not exaggerating) by melting away even the most heavy-duty mascara and eyeliner in seconds.
The sorbet-like texture contains papaya enzymes, papaya seed oil and blueberry extract to resurface the skin, keep it hydrated and guard it against environmental stressors. I also love the sweet bubble gum scent – don’t worry, it smells nothing like papaya if you’re not into that. A little goes a long way so there’s no doubt this 100ml jar is going to last you a long time.
Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm, $49, available at Sephora
Re:Erth Smoothing Eye Cream
It’s serious business starting on a new eye cream so securing a good one is crucial. I’ve been using local skincare brand Re:Erth’s smoothing eye cream for a month or so. The pluses – I love the lightweight texture. I just dab the product around the eyes and it absorbs right into the skin. My puffy under-eyes have improved too. It’s probably due to the mix of water-soluble vitamin A and moisture-locking colostrum (aka mother’s milk from Danish cows) that decreases fluid retention.
I also notice a slight lift around my eye contour. As for my crow’s feet? They’re still creeping around. I’ll probably need more time to assess that. Oh, and I also found out recently that the eye cream can be used on smile lines as well. Will have to remember this step henceforth!
Re:Erth Smoothing Eye Cream, $99, available online or at multiple locations including Design Orchard, Tangs Orchard and TheAC
One/Size Secure The Blur Makeup Magnet Primer
First things first, I have to give an A-plus to the texture of this primer – it’s non-greasy and mattifies my oily spots almost immediately. I have visible pores around my t-zone area but it magically vanished when I patted this bad boy on. Overall, it ticks all the right boxes for a great primer for oily or combination skin but I’ve seen many others that do the same too…
One/Size Secure The Blur Makeup Magnet Primer, $48, available at Sephora
Natasha Moor No Bag Vibes Concealer
My sleep schedule is beyond messed up – but the world doesn’t need to know that. Enter this colour-correcting concealer stick, the ultimate trickster for dark under-eye circles. Brown people, don’t be afraid of the bright orange hue. Just apply on darker spots (I use it around my nose bridge and the corners of my mouth too), blend it out and apply concealer. You’ll notice the difference immediately. Go one step further and pat it on your cheeks for a warm coral blush. A definite win in my books. However, it might be too harsh for lighter skin tones.
Natasha Moor No Bag Vibes Concealer, $45, available at Sephora
Kundal Honey & Macadamia Nature Shampoo – Ylang Ylang
The first thing that’ll reel you in is the scent. That’s right, Kundal’s Honey and Macadamia Ylang Ylang shampoo has a calming floral scent, but it’s never overpowering. After all, it contains 32 different natural extracts. It also helps to balance pH levels too. After air-drying, my hair looks silky, smooth and nourished. It’s slightly drier on blow-drying days but nothing a good anti-frizz hair oil can’t fix.
Kundal Honey & Macadamia Nature Shampoo – Ylang Ylang, $10.50, available at Guardian, iHerb and Shopee
Hope these best beauty buys will give you an inkling of what to add to your cart this month!
Best beauty buys in January 2021
Farmacy Very Cherry Bright Vitamin C serum
This vitamin C serum from the clean and cruelty-free brand has a potent combo with four forms of vitamin C (15% derived from Acerola cherry) and hyaluronic acid each. You just know it’s going to do wonders. It has a gel-like consistency that sinks into my skin. New dark spots have slowly diminished and I do see a natural glow. Plus points for the cherry scent!
Farmacy Very Cherry Bright Vitamin C serum, $95, available at Sephora
Pixi +C Vit Lip Brightener
I love a lip balm that has multiple functions in one. This vitamin C-infused nifty stick from Pixi is moisturising and adds a natural rosy tint to your lips. Good enough for me. The jojoba seed oil and vitamin E also softens and nourishes my chapped lips. Speaking of which, remember the slight rosy tint I mentioned? The colour sometimes clumps onto chapped areas so it’s best to use a lip scrub beforehand.
Pixi +C Vit Lip Brightener, $16, available at Sephora, LookFantastic and Lazada
Chantecaille Future Skin Cushion Foundation
This water-based foundation is heavy on its benefits (infused with anti-ageing and anti-pollution skincare) but light on the formula. I love how cushion foundations give the no makeup, makeup look and this is no different. The buildable coverage blurs imperfections and gives a flawless finish. I received a lighter shade for my skin tone so I use it on areas that need highlighting. As for the range? Fret not, as deeper shades will be arriving next month! Maybe it’s one of my new year resolutions to be frugal but I definitely can’t ignore that hefty price tag though…
Chantecaille Future Skin Cushion Foundation, $195, available at Tangs at Tang Plaza and Takashimaya D.S
Porcelain HA+ Hydrating Serum
You gotta love a great hydrating serum. In fact, if it’s not part of your daily skincare routine, best you add one ASAP. The local skincare brand’s HA+ Hydrating Serum has a stellar mix of ingredients that counteract signs of ageing, increases cellular moisture and prevents breakouts. The water-based serum is great for layering and pairs well with our serums. I’m dreading the fact that my bottle is finishing soon.
Porcelain HA+ Hydrating Serum, $198, available online
Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Avocado + Kiwi Moisture Superfood Mask
I’ve been a big fan ever since Briogeo launched in Singapore (we even had a chat with the founder!). So I’m always all ears for new stuff from this plant-based and naturally-derived haircare brand. This protein-free hair mask leaves my parched and frizzy hair smooth, silky and shiny. I’m guessing it’s thanks to conditioning ingredients like avocado oil, kiwi fruit extract and spinach. I slather it on my ends after shampooing once or twice a week. Feel free to skip the conditioner on mask days.
Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Avocado + Kiwi Moisture Superfood Mask, $55, available at Sephora
Nudestix Magnetic Luminous Eye Color
Pardon the exaggeration but we’ve got a life-changer here. This magical eye cream pencil has been a staple in my makeup routine ever since the first try. I usually save eye shadow for bigger events but thanks to its convenience, I’d use it every day. The luminous eye colour gives major colour payoff with just a few swipes. Don’t be fooled by the creamy formula as this baby doesn’t budge. So much so that it’s best to blend immediately after applying on each eyelid. I like to use my fingers for this. Oh, and remember to prime and set the eyelids! The formula tends to crease on oilier lids. No doubt, one of the best beauty buys of the month!
Nudestix Magnetic Luminous Eye Color, $42, available at Sephora
The post Our Feb beauty reviews: makeup-melting balm, soothing eye cream and shampoo that smells like a dream appeared first on Honeycombers Singapore.