Harness your qi
Japanese sensorial beauty expert Kenzoki recently launched three new product lines to address pan- demic-related issues such as dry, sensitised and fatigued skin.
Youth Flow (from $85), comprising a toner, serum, moisturiser, eye serum and night mask, addresses anti-ageing concerns by protecting the skin from oxidative stress and stimulates epidermal renewal. Hydration Flow (from $52), made up of a cleanser, lotion, serum, moisturisers and sleeping mask, deeply moisturises by improving the circulation of water in the different epidermal layers and reinforcing the skin barrier to retain water. Nourishing Flow (from $22), featuring a body cream, and balm for the hands and nails as well as the lips, smoothens, softens and nourishes the skin by revitalising lipid flow and reinforcing the integrity of the skin’s barrier function.
Each formulation uses Sacred Lotus Flower water extracts to naturally boost the speed of regeneration in the epidermis, and naturally-obtained Oily Extracts to plump up the skin’s lipid matrix.
All-in-one cleanser
America’s No 1 facial cleanser and the one product we can’t live without, Philosophy’s Purity One-Step Facial Cleans- er ($38 from Sephora) recently launched four limited edition variants — goji berry (antioxidant-rich), charcoal (detoxifying), spirulina (nutrient-rich) and turmeric (soothing) — playfully scented to add a vibrant splash to any cleansing routine. Formulated without parabens, phthalates, formaldehydes and harsh sulphates, they’re also housed in eco-friendly packaging that’s entirely recyclable, so you know it’s not just good for your skin, but also good for the environment.
Power up skin
Over eight years of extensive research, Japanese skincare expert SK-II tracked energy fluctuations and discovered that young skin fluctuates from youthful and glowing, to dull and tired, swinging up to nine years in a span of 24 hours. This can be attributed to a loss of skin power due to external stressors such as UV rays, pollution, lack of sleep or temperature change. Some of the symptoms are dull, tired skin, visible pores and fine lines.
To address this worrying phenomenon, the Pitera expert has created Skinpower, a collection of four products — lotion, essence, eye cream and moisturiser — designed to give skin a constant cycle of power to help bring back the bounce, glow and smoothness. Each product is enriched with an exclusive cocktail of three ingredients that work at multiple skin layers: calla lily extract for hydration and elasticity; dokudami extract from a Japanese herb renowned for its healing proper- ties; and peony extract to achieve bouncy elasticity from within.
For best results, start your skincare routine with SK-II’s iconic Facial Treatment Essence, followed by Skinpower.
Vegan body wash
Only less than two years old, local beauty brand Pine & Co is already winning hearts and awards with its lightly-scented all-natural body washes that nourish, restore and protect the most sensitive of skins. Infused with a botanical cocktail of ingredients sourced from Switzerland, Japan, Korea and India to name a few, the products gently lather without stripping moisture from the skin, and offer 99.99% antibacterial protection against germs and odours.
The kid-friendly formulations are cruelty-free without parabens, triclosan, silicones, alcohol, colorants, and animal by-products. On top of that, the bottles are manufactured in Singapore using recycled materials and are fully recyclable.
We recommend the “Seasons” trio of lathering body washes featuring calming aromas of Spring (Bergamot, Lotus, Lily, and Patchouli), Summer (Mandarin, Citrus Bloom, and Amber) and Autumn (Sandalwood, Cashmere, Cedar, and Chamomile), available at $17 each from pineandco.com.
Australian cult beauty
A brand synonymous with Australian dermatologists, plastic surgeons and cosmetic physicians for over 20 years, Rationale finally makes its way to Singapore with the opening of two spacious aesthetic salons at Raffles City and Tangs. Founded by skincare visionary Richard Parker, Rationale is known for its personalised skincare formulations and luxurious facial treatments. A visit to any of these outlets will begin with an in-depth skin consultation, followed by a customised facial that combines state-of-the-art technology, such as LED light therapy, with professional formulations that promise to deliver unparalleled luminosity, delivered in absolute luxury. Offering a wide array of results-driven products, Rationale carries six key collections — Resilience, Vitality, Brilliance, Integrity, Clarity and Renewal — to offer nourishing protection by day and revitalising repair at night, reanimating skin’s natural radiance.
See also: 8 luxury skincare products and why we must have them
Retinol for every age
The secret ingredient to reducing fine lines and wrinkles, fading age spots and softening skin is retinol (a vitamin A derivative). Yet while it has earned itself a reputation for being a powerful anti-ageing ingredient, it is also infamously harsh on the skin and may result in some peeling, irritation or excessive dryness if not used properly.
To make application easier, world-renowned dermatologist Dr Dennis Gross has revamped his Advanced Retinol+Ferulic line — Texture Renewal Serum, $108; Overnight Wrinkle Treatment, $123; Triple Correction Eye Serum, $105; Overnight Texture Renewal Peel, $112 for 16 sachets — with safe and effective formulations calibrated to be layered together to help you achieve your skin goals, without the fear of irritation.
According to Gross, this renovated line works even better to treat complexion issues, blemishes, enlarged pores, texture, fine lines and wrinkles, skin laxity, and sun damage, whatever your skin age is
Now trending: Serum foundations
Here’s a new (Covid-motivated) makeup craze in town and it’s the serum foundation — the perfect base to wear all day, under our masks, that not only conceals but heals at the same time.
Not only do serum foundations boast lightweight barely-there finishes with satiny smooth textures, the formulas are oil-free and contain reparative, hydrating nutrients and ingredients often found in skincare products. Think of them as tinted moisturisers but so much better!
The oil-free Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation ($66) promises three actions: reduces dark spots and evens skin tone with three vitamin C derivatives; brightens using salicylic acid; and hydrates by combining sodium hyaluronate, cholesterol, caffeine and vitamin E.
Dior Capture Totale Serum Foundation ($122) focuses on age-defying correction using proprietary ingredients found in its Capture Totale range, namely the longoza flower known for its revitalising properties. Supposedly, after four weeks of usage, you can look three years younger with marked improvement to firmness, wrinkles, pigmentation spots and radiance. Ideal for longwear use, this foundation hydrates the skin for 24 hours.
Another foundation with skin-pampering benefits is Sisley Phyto-Teint Nude ($120), which features a delicate and ultra-fluid texture that glides on and melts in to give a bare-skin finish. Light and moisturising, it offers all-day comfort and buildable coverage if you need it. Moisture is boosted with hyaluronic acid and konjac, and locked in with aquatic mint and plant-based sugar. To revitalise and improve luminosity, it’s formulated with mineral-rich kiwi extracts and radiance-enhancing acerola extract.
