If you have not settled for a regular sunscreen or cleanser or anything, these reviews might just nudge you in the right direction. Thanks to generous skincare brand managers, I’ve got enough skincare products to last me at least the next six months, provided that my skin doesn’t protest. In fact as of this afternoon, I have more skincare products on my vanity than I have laundry detergent, which seems wildly excessive, especially considering my simple and basic approach to skincare.
Kinerase Gentle Daily Cleanser
Kinerase Gentle Daily Cleanser
I thought this product would look right at home on the ostentatious vanities of “tai-tais”, but don’t let the packaging design fool you; this product definitely delivers. I’m very pleasantly surprised that this cleanser feels even gentler than some of the “organic” and “natural” cleansers that I’ve tried. It works up into a lather easily and washes off cleanly without any tightness or dryness afterwards, even after first removing makeup from my dry skin. I also like that it is fragrance-free and paraben-free. I would imagine that it makes a great cleanser for using the next few days after aesthetic treatments such as fillers or botulinum toxin injections. If you don’t like your current cleanser, this is definitely something to consider.
Visit www.kinerase.com.sg for more information
Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
Kiehl’s Calendula Facial Wash
The label says that it’s for normal to oily skin – I actually didn’t notice that until writing this review – but it is quite gentle even on my dry and potentially sensitive skin. The good news is that this wash lathers well for those who prefer a lathering cleanser and washes off cleanly without any residue. It also has the mild, herbal smell of calendula which fades after the skin has been primed with toner and moisturiser, or sunscreen, which is more the case for me. I felt a very slight tightness after my very first wash, but after toning and moisturising, it felt like my own skin on any good day. I did not feel any tightness after subsequent washes.
Available at all Kiehl’s stores
Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Gentle Hydrating Toner for Dry Skin
Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Gentle Hydrating Toner for Dry Skin
This toner is definitely very gentle on the skin yet picks up impurities which my cleanser hasn’t already picked up; on my first use, my cotton pad came off a little greyish. On subsequent uses, my skin didn’t feel tight or tingle. However, I’m not sure if it’s suitable for my skin as I experienced a minor breakout – a few small whiteheads on my nose and around cheeks – after using it for a few days, which promptly subsided after I stopped using it. Whenever in doubt – and this applies to all skincare – ask for a sample and try it for a few days before purchasing the full-sized product.
Available at all Elizabeth Arden stores
Kinerase Ultra Light SPF 40 UV Lotion
Kinerase Ultra Light SPF 40 UV Lotion
One thing about living in the tropics is that sunscreens and moisturisers containing sunscreens have to be light yet provide good coverage. Makeup doesn’t stay well or for long if layered over a heavy sunscreen which certainly doesn’t feel comfortable to start with. Again, the product packaging is a little over the top for me, but a few pumps are all I need to dispense just enough of a very light and liquid sunscreen that is absorbed very readily into the skin, after it has been cleansed and toned. And although it gives my skin a slightly dewy effect which some ladies prefer over a matte finish, colours tend to stay on for a while (I usually use an eyebrow pencil and cream blusher on bare skin and very rarely use foundation). This came in just as my old sunscreen has run out, and I’m quite happy to continue using this new sunscreen in its place.
Visit www.kinerase.com.sg for more information
The Body Shop New Wild Argan Oil for Body & Hair
The Body Shop New Wild Argan Body & Hair Oil
I’ve never been a fan of body oils. Most body oils also tend to be more perfumed than I’d like and I’ve never liked perfumes. However, this oil seems to help the skin on my feet and legs stay hydrated and moisturised when I’m stuck working or conducting meetings in dry and cold offices. The oil is light and readily absorbed and doesn’t feel sticky and if I may say so myself, imparts a pleasant sheen to my tanned legs. The smell also grows on me; it is pleasant, balanced and not too strong, my tolerance at least partly enhanced by the vast distance between my nose and my shins.
Available at The Body Shop outlets