Influencer Mongchin transformed herself into Blackpink Lisa with this palette and other beauty faves to try in January

We were amazed at how quickly the snow powder melts into this cool essence texture. This dual-functioning, highly-enriched product is made with liquid-in–powder capsule technology. It protects potent ingredients against external contaminants until they reach the skin barrier. It promotes collagen production to increase anti-aging properties and soothes irritated complexions.

Available at GTNC

Most people are cautious about retinol, but it’s a tried-and-tested ingredient for us despite having slightly sensitive skin. Kiehl’s new launch has been clinically demonstrated to minimise effects such as redness and peeling because it is formulated with a micro-dose technology to deliver low and precise dosages. The texture is thicker that a watery serum so we use it as the last step of my three-step routine. After a month, skin texture appears more refined and softer.

This serum has also found a fan in actress Chen Yixin who calls it her “retinol routine game-changer”.  “All the retinol power, while ditching the discomfort. Kiehl’s Retinol Skin Renewing Micro Dose Serum delivers a daily strength dose of Pure Retinol, Peptide and Ceramide to precisely target skin concerns with minimal skin discomfort to achieve youthful looking skin,” she wrote in a recent Instagram post.

Available at Kiehl’s 

Launched by M.A.C’s global brand ambassador Blackpink Lisa, there’s an extensive range of 12 shades, and there isn’t one that we don’t love. These shades look great when worn alone or in combination with each other to create a unique makeup look. Take a look at this amazing look by Mongchin.

Sephora has it. 

We’re usually not a fan of shimmery texture for my lip products, but we’re in a festive mood, and this deeply moisturising lipstick hits the spot with its highly intense colour saturation. The perfect shimmery finish gives the pink-plum shade depth and reflection.

Available at Byredo 

We’re huge believers in the amazing efficacy of caffeine in eye products, and I really like the cooling metal applicator in this packaging. The serum is light enough for it to be absorbed quickly by our skin. Our dark circles will look brighter after just a few days of night and day application. The face mask is a combination of the eye serum and the facial mask. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 30 minutes.

It also has acupressure beads, which are placed on our pressure points to relieve tension. After just 10 minutes, our face feels slightly lifted and sculpted. The effect lasts for at least two hours.

Available at Sephora. 

It was my first impression that this was our perfect Christmas scent. The intense woodiness from the highly prized oud and the spicy warmth of pink pepper and cloves bring us immediately to an evening by the fire in a cottage in the woods – our perfect idea of a Christmas holiday!

Available at Escentials

Finally, an eye skincare product that doesn’t give us milia seeds on the under-eye area. One pump of this fast-absorbing serum is all we need for the entire eye area including lids, crow’s feet and elevens (the two vertical frown lines between the brows). It can be used in the mornings but is not recommended for nighttime use. It contains retinol and bakuchiol as well as rambutan, ferulic acid, and rambutan oil. After two weeks of daily usage, our eyes feel more hydrated. We also look less tired.

Available at Sephora

One thing we’ve always loved about this underrated skincare brand is the amazing Sacred Lotus Flower Extract scent that each product emanates. Formulated with 97 per cent natural ingredients, this has a milky oil texture that’s quickly absorbed, making it an ideal first serum step to our extensive routines. We have dehydrated combination skin, and this agrees superbly well with our skin. After a week of day and night use, we notice that our skin looks more radiant than usual – even right after cleansing when there are no products on our faces at all.

Available at Sephora

Matte. Pigmented. Soft. All music to our ears when it comes to our ideal lip colour, and we think we’ve found our dream formula in Nars’ latest Air Matte Lip Color. Just one application and its colour, despite being consistent and pigmented, has a diffused and soft-focus finish, thanks to Nars’ Color Diffusion Complex.

True to its name, this blusher imparts a natural flush while it sculpts and illuminates. The semi-matte half defines cheekbones, while the soft-shine half highlights skin. The finish is silky smooth and stays on all day. This blush is also a favourite of beauty influencer Michele Wang. In a video uploaded on YouTube, the Las Vegas-based beauty enthusiast raved about the peachy blusher and is obsessed with its diffused, airbrushed finish.

Available at all Tom Ford counters

A new skin boosters range from local brand IDS Skincare, EOAS (abbreviation for Extra Ordinary Asian Skin) is designed specifically for Asian skin. Presented in a super fine mist bottle, this essence is ideal as a pre-serum or makeup fixer. It combines yeast extract, marine algae and ceramides to instantly hydrate and soothe skin, while improving elasticity and reducing the look of wrinkles.

Available at IDS Skincare

With its hydrating fluid-like texture and subtle radiance without shine, it’s hard to not fall in love with this serum. Its proprietary Zinc Fusion technology evens out skin and protects against environmental aggressors. Don’t just take it from us. The tinted serum has also found a fan in local actress Fann Wong. Fann swears by the serum and loves how it offers “great protection but still has a light texture.” Preach.

Available at Rationale Raffles City and Tangs

We’ve long been fans of Francis Kurkdjian and we were delighted when Dior Parfums appointed him as creative director. Before his inaugural scent with Dior, we’ll revisit his recent launch reminiscent of the sun’s warmth – thanks to fresh mandarin and citrusy bergamot that are complemented by the sensuality of sandalwood.

Available at Escentials

We love creams that deliver all the goodness sans stickiness. With its patented Aura Enzyme and Ferm Theriaca, this new launch does just that. Using fermentation science, it minimises inflammation from external stressors, while promoting collagen production in the dermis layer to induce skin turnover, deeply purifying and regenerating skin from within.

Available at Su:m37 stores, Tangs Plaza and Isetan Tampines

Feeling more like skincare than makeup, Les Beiges Water-Fresh Blush is a fresh take on blushers. Beloved by influencers like Ava Lee (@glowwithava), this product is made with microfluidic technology, an innovative process first used in Chanel’s Hydra Beauty skincare line. These micro- droplets melt into skin for subtly rosy cheeks and an immediate cooling sensation.

Available at Chanel stores and counters

Have fun with makeup with these refillable and customisable lipstick cases and charms – there are 15 shades, three cases and six charms to choose from. Though intensely pigmented, the vegan- friendly range provides buildable coverage. Its first application leaves a comfortable balm that intensifies in colour with subsequent applications.

Available at Tangs

With caviar lipids and caviar-derived retinol, the exclusive-to-La Prairie Caviar Retinol harnesses the line-erasing potential of caviar. Imbued with Caviar Retinol, this oil is designed to work in conjunction with skin’s natural circadian rhythms to counteract age-induced effects, while its oily composition creates an instant temporary outer barrier to minimise water loss at night. We recommend using it as the last step of your PM ritual, so this luxurious formula seals in moisture and active ingredients.

Available at La Prairie stores and counters

With an improved formula using new biodynamic botanicals such as lavender, rose gallica, calendula and marshmallow root, this best-selling essence is clinically proven to increase immediate hydration by 155 per cent. Our skin is instantly soothed with a few pats of this light, quick-absorbing formula. Still, our favourite part has to be the calming lavender and calendula scent that has us smiling every time we reach this step of our routine.

Available at Jurlique stores

We love the taste and smell of ginger, but we were surprised to find it in a fragrance as a key ingredient. However, it works, especially in the hands of Hermes. Weaving candied ginger together with peony and cedar, this spirited scent exudes sunshine and joyful energy. It’s our go-to when we desire a burst of exuberance.

Available at Hermes stores

We’ve always had the idea that different concealers are needed for different concerns – until we used this one. This tiny yet mighty multitasker conceals imperfections, brightens the under-eye area, highlights and contours. Its medium-to-full coverage, coupled with its blurring effect, allows more smooth blending without creasing.

Sephora

We’ve tried our fair share of luxury beauty products and often, the emphasis is either on the packaging or the formulation, but Le Sucre De Gommage is luxury from beginning to end. The hefty glass jar with a beautiful gold scoop is just the start. The scrub, with its fine sugar micro-crystals that melt into a nourishing mask texture after massaging, is devoid of the dry, uncomfortable effect that some exfoliants leave. Le Sucre De Gommage is part of Dior’s Prestige series which has found a fan in Blackpink Jisoo (she uses the range’s serum — Le Micro-Serum De Rose Yeux Advanced.)

Sephora and Tangs.

The star product of the Japanese brand’s whitening line, this essence contains a vitamin C derivative that is rich in antioxidants, and has high stability and permeability. This variant penetrates our skin 10 times faster than other vitamin C derivatives, and helps to moisturise, balance sebum secretion and fight inflammation. Despite its thicker consistency, it absorbs quickly. After three weeks of use, our skin looks more translucent than usual.

Available at Isetan

This weightless, liquid-to-powder eyeshadow blends seamlessly to impart a long-lasting, waterproof and crease-resistant colour. One caveat: Work quickly before it sets to powder for that soft, satin finish.

Sephora.

If you don’t like the heaviness of most night creams, try this light serum in cream that contains a quadruple lipid complex and hyaluronic acid to replenish the skin barrier. Another key ingredient is mondo grass root that helps to balance skin’s microbiome. It also has a light scent derived from rice and green tea – ingredients that plump and soften skin.

Sephora has it.

We were initially sceptical of 111Skin Concentrates’ lofty claims. Imagine our delight when we woke up with more even and brighter skin after three nights of continuous use. Thanks to its natural blend of citric, tartaric and lactic acids, this lightweight 7-day programme with five targeted systems – Reparative, Clarity, Intensive, Treatment and Radiance – takes the place of serum for a week, and is gentle enough on our sensitive skin.

Available at Metro.com or Net-aporter.com

From Penhaligon’s Portraits line, this perfume is a tease. The mandarin top notes gives off a subtle sweet scent upon first inhale. It will be back to the original scent, with rose centifolia rose and damascene rose forming a floral heart. Our favorite part? The subtle hint of muskywood that lingers on the skin long after we have gone to bed.

Available at Penhaligon’s Singapore and Escentials

We’re always on the hunt for products that will help us achieve a plumped-up glow that lasts well beyond the first application. And one of the few serums that have worked for us is Guerlain’s Abeille Royale Advanced Youth Watery Oil. With skin repair as its main focus, the reformulated Youth Watery Oil helps to make the skin’s natural repairing process nine times faster while intensively hydrating our skin. Our skin also felt plumper and radiant after just a few applications.

Sephora

The trio of perfumes from the Australian brand, Othertopias, has just been launched. Perhaps it’s our desire to travel, but the scents deeply appeal to our senses and imagination. Karst is a particular favorite, with sandalwood and cumin creating salty metallic notes that are reminiscent of the oceans.

Available at Aesop

We usually find it challenging to find the perfect blusher as it’s one area you really shouldn’t be experimenting much with, unlike eyeshadows and lipsticks – plus it has to look natural on your cheeks. This formula is super-light and micro-fine, with a silky emollient dust. It melts on application, giving you a healthy, second skin flush.

Available at Takashimaya, Tangs at Tangs Plaza

Influencers like Drea Chang love this eye serum. We love its in-built cryocooling applicator. The cooling effect is instant and lasts for several minutes after application. The serum contains botanical ingredients such as horse chestnut, Zerumbet ginger, and Irish moss. It is light enough to be absorbed quickly. After two weeks of daily use, the serum leaves our eyes looking more rested.

Available at Clarins

Bold, hydrating and lasting – the keywords for our ideal lip colour, and this certainly checks all of them. All it takes is one stroke. It comes in nine colors, but our favorites are Bar Noir or Love Fever.

Available at Estee Lader and Sephora

We’re a big believer in acid ingredients in skincare, and this night serum doesn’t disappoint. With a potent blend of 10 per cent AHAs and 10 per cent PHAs, Dewtopia interestingly doesn’t trigger our sensitive skin at all. After just five nights, we noticed a brighter, more radiant complexion the sixth morning after using it. Its light texture, with a refreshing lemony scent, means it’s easily absorbed into skin too.

Sephora

We have been bleaching our hair for two years and realized we needed new haircare products. Our needs have become different and somewhat more… desperate. This heat-activated product that protects and restores hair is now our  must-have. Blowing dry is a must for those with bleached hair. We love how this cream – when activated by heat – forms an adhesive micro-gel to seal the damaged parts and repair breakage. Your hair will be softened and glossier.

Available at Metro & BHG

Glow Recipe’s famous clay mask is back and better than ever! The Hyaluronic clay is the star ingredient. Watermelon Glow Hyaluronic Clay Pore-Tight Facial is one mask you’ll want to add to your cart during your next visit to Sephora. What’s great about this particular mask is that it doesn’t just purify your skin while absorbing excess sebum, but it also works to infuse skin with hydration too!

Sephora

A good skincare routine doesn’t always have to be just about taking care of your face. Many people neglect to take care of other parts of their bodies like their intimate areas.

Dr. Barbara Sturm just released the V Collection, which is specially designed to maintain the health and beauty of your intimate area.

V Drops, which are formulated with Prickly Pear Oil, help to reduce irritation and moisturise your skin after shaving. The V Wash, on the other hand, gently cleans your intimate areas and prevents yeast and unhealthy bacteria from proliferating, which can lead to infection. It provides sufficient hydration to your skin and reduces irritation.

Available at www.sg.drsturm.com as well as in-stores starting from 6^ThJuly onwards in #02-12E Takashimaya S.C. Ngee Ann City or #01-K1 Paragon

Otherwise known as the brand’s most potent serum to date, the OLEHENRIKSEN Dewtopia 20% Acid Night Treatment is a force to be reckoned with. The serum is formulated with ingredients such as a 20% acid blend of 10% AHAs & 10% PHAs. It targets skin concerns such irregular texture, dark spots, wrinkles, and fine lines.

Sephora

Do you want skin like Bad Gal Riri’s? Her flawless skin texture and clean complexion have been a source of fascination for years. And if you’re looking to achieve smooth, supple skin, then you’ll be glad to know that Fenty Skin has just launched its very own Exfoliating Body Scrub.

The Buff Ryder is basically a This body scrub is tropically inspired and exfoliates while conditioning to refine, renew and leave skin silky smooth. Consisting of sugar, salt, and superfine sand, the scrub helps to polish your skin, while nourishing it with decadent body oils — revealing that healthy summer glow on your body.

Sephora

innisfree’s iconic Volcanic range is well-loved for good reason. This month, innisfree has launched yet another product to its line and it’s none other than the Volcanic Calming Pore Clay Mask. The mask will help you achieve a smooth and clear complexion by melting away any blackheads and removing excess skin oil.

Available in all innisfree outlets islandwide and online at Shopee

Want to look like you’ve spent a day in the sun, even though you’ve spent most of your time in front of your computer? A surefire way of faking that beautiful summer glow is with a trusty cream blush and bronzer — just like these new releases from Anastasia Beverly Hills.

The brand has introduced four new shades of cream bronzers to its new range. They are suitable for all skin tones. It’s buildable, blendable and boasts a long-staying power that can last for the whole day. As for the stick blushes, it comes in five different shades that are super wearable and lightweight, it won’t feel like you have anything on your cheeks!

Available online at Sephora estore and in-stores at Sephora starting 26 August 2021. The Cream Bronzer shade “Caramel” will only be available from 7th October 2021 onwards.

As the first global beauty brand to fight against animal testing, The Body Shop is making its mark with its latest haircare range that’s 100% vegan. It contains Vegan Silk Protein, which improves the appearance of damaged hair and repairs it from the inside. The new line includes tea tree, ginger, moringa, shea, and even banana. It is designed to meet your hair’s different needs, such as dry, flaky scalps and frizzy, dull hair.

Available in The Body Shop, The Body Shop, and online on Lazada and Shopee.

The blusher gives you a pretty flush, so you don’t look too pale on virtual calls. What’s nice is its whipped texture, which allows you to quickly apply it on your cheeks with your fingers, seconds before the meeting starts. Available in three colors

Sephora

The Japanese skinimalism brand’s essence helps to nourish even dry, dull, or stressed-out skin. It uses soothing botanical extracts of bodaiju flower, yagurumagiku, tokinsenka and bodaiju flowers. Use three pumps in the morning and evening.

Available at meethpac.com.sg

The brand’s colour-enhancing lip balm is now made with 97 per cent natural-origin ingredients, including cherry oil. It provides up to 24 hours of hydration and six hours of shine. The existing nine shades have been expanded to include Cherry, a gourmet red, and Seoul Scarlet, which is a vibrant, red, as well as Universal Clear.

Sephora

Actor Lawrence Wong launches his second product, a 100 per cent mineral sunscreen with SPF50 and PA++++ that’s reef-, kid- and pregnancy-safe. Made for Singapore’s humid weather, the lightweight texture sinks into skin, protecting it with nano titanium dioxide and stem cells from the Arabian cotton plant. It covers all bases: UVA and UVB, as well as blue light and infrared.

Available at www.grailskin.com

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These refillable EDT sprays from Cartier are a tribute to water’s raw beauty. There is Allegresse, which has fresh notes of tuberose and petitgrain, bergamot, blackcurrant bud, and blackcurrant bud; there is Insouciance, which has iris and violet; and Luxuriance, which has fern, oak and rosemary.

Cartier

This product contains a highlighter, blusher and bronzer for a variety of looks. Pro tip: Use the bronzer on the temples, hairline and cheekbones to look sun-kissed. You can also blend it along your nose’s sides and tip to define it. It comes in two versions: Italian Summer or Off to Costa Rica (pictured here).

Sephora

It’s not just dull, tired skin that needs a reset – anyone would benefit from a boost so that their skin works better. This double-action concentrate provides gentle exfoliation with AHAs and skin hydration via camellia yeast extract.