In my years of trial and error as a beauty writer and editor I’ve tried tens of products; these precious six have made the cut to my top products for getting ready under 15 minutes.
Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 PA+++
Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 PA+++
On my recent trip to Sabah, I packed this into my luggage, not intending to use much of it as I didn’t think it could perform up to my more “serious” Banana Boat sunscreens for my treks in the sun, but today it’s the reason that I use sunscreen daily. This sunscreen is absorbed very readily into my sensitive and dry skin with very little greasy or whitish residue. In other formulae, the white streaks, attributed to the titanium and zinc oxide content of the sunscreen take plenty of massaging into the skin before they disappear. It smells clean – ie, not overly “perfumed” – and immediately ups the moisture content of my dry skin too.
Click here for a list of Kiehl’s outlets in Singapore
Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks
Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks in Raspberry
I have always been a fan of Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks, although in recent years, they have cut down on the amount of product per package and increased the price per unit. In fact, I’ve been using my Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks in Raspberry daily from when I first bought it almost five years ago and I’m barely scraping the bottom of the pot. The latest pots are not as deep or wide as the old ones but the latest formula is easier to blend than the previous formula and takes virtually seconds to apply and set if my skin has been properly prepped. The latest Raspberry formula looks darker in the pot but comes off sheer on the skin and gives my skin that instant subtle blush of colour.
Click here for a list of Bobbi Brown outlets in Singapore
VMV Hypoallergenics Re-Everything Treatment Toner
VMV Hypoallergenics Re-Everything Treatment Toner
For years, I’ve given the toner a miss; I used to see toners as just one kind of the hundreds of marketing ploys by cosmetic giants to make women buy more stuff they don’t need. This one is different in the sense that it gets rid of dead skin cells; I know that because the application of anything – moisturiser, sunscreen, concealer – afterwards is smoother and not as patchy. It evens out my skin tone too and colours tend to stay on better and for longer. It is an astringent and there are strict instructions on how you should ease into using it, so if your skin is particularly sensitive, it might tingle with regular use.
Click here for a list of VMV Hypoallergenic outlets in Singapore
Dr Hauschka Cleansing Milk
Dr Hauschka Cleansing Milk
I’ve tried tens of makeup removers but often found them a little too harsh on my dry and sensitive skin. I use Dr Hauschka Cleansing Milk daily as part of my cleansing regimen, but it also works wonderfully as a gentle and yet effective makeup remover, even on the more intense smoky eyes for evening functions. After a cleanse my skin does not feel dried out and tight afterwards. Small, more stubborn traces of mascara or smoky eyeshadow can be removed effectively with cotton buds.
Click here for a list of Dr Hauschka outlets in Singapore
MAKE UP FOR EVER Smoky Lash Mascara
MAKE UP FOR EVER Smoky Lash Mascara
I love MAKE UP FOR EVER lip and eye colours as they have a wide range of shades and better pigment quality than some commercial brands – so a little goes a long way – but didn’t quite expect to like the Smoky Lash Mascara just as much. It feels practically weightless but the definition of each lash is almost immediately visible upon application. My eyelashes are not very long but like my hair they tend to curl and taper at the ends so heavy formulae that cake and clump are not suitable for me as they tend to make my eyelashes look stumpy.
Click here for a list of MAKE UP FOR EVER stores in Singapore
Nyx Lip Cream in Addis Ababa
Nyx Lip Cream in Addis Ababa
Nyx Cosmetics from the United States are inexpensive and available in so many colours that I’m not surprised when makeup artiste friends admit to using the brand for editorials and even for the catwalk. I love the Nyx Lip Creams which you can only find in Watsons stores in Singapore, and often during the periodic atrium sale. For some reason I don’t often find the brand in-store on ordinary days. I often find it fascinating that the shades that I like are often out of stock so was pleasantly surprised to find this shade of fuschia which I now often use as an alternative to red on some days. The pigment is also rather intense – a little goes a long way – and it has a creamy, glossy finish that brings out the white in my teeth.