November favourites
Here are some of our musthaves you will not regret adding to your beauty shelf. By Letty Seah
1. Hermes Plein Air H Trio in #01 Rose Atacama, $147
Want to achieve that dewy luminous look? For those with dry skin, consider adding the Hermes Plein Air H Trio to your roster. Thanks to its hyaluronic acid-infused formula and pearlescent pigments, it locks in makeup without making it look cakey.
2. Dr Barbara Sturm Make-Up Remover, $120
Gentle on the skin, but tough on stubborn makeup, this makeup remover contains nourishing almond, apricot and sunflower seed oil to hydrate and soothe, plus prebiotics to strengthen the skin barrier.
3. Clarins Cryo-Flash Cream Mask, $125
The weather is unbearably hot these days, which is why you might consider adding Clarins’ Cryo-Flash Cream Mask to your beauty routine. It promises to reduce skin temperature by up to 4 deg C, and is formulated with menthol and organic evening primrose extract to perk up, tone and depuff flushed, overheated skin.
4. Dr Dennis Gross Skincare DRx Pro Facial Steamer, $420
It harnesses an ultrasonic technology to dispense microscopic steam particles that dive deep into skin to whisk away excess dirt, makeup and oil. Not only does the steam release last for up to 15 minutes, it also has an antibacterial coating and a wide, adjustable dual-chamber nozzle to hug every contour of your face.
5. Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum, $107
Tackle itchy, irritated and stressed skin with this antioxidant-rich formula. The lightweight serum includes ingredients such as niacinamide and epigallocatechin gallate (derived from green tea) to soothe sensitivity and quell redness. It also marries brightenyl, a biotechnologically created molecule, with trans-resveratrol to target dark spots.
This latest addition to La Mer’s popular Lifting Firming line boasts a proprietary restructuring ferment that features potent red algae, in addition to the brand’s patented sea kelp-powered Miracle Broth. The result: smooth, supple skin in just four weeks.
6. La Mer The Lifting Firming Serum, $420
Do you usually tie your hair up into a messy bun or ponytail as a quick beauty fix? With friction caused by moving around in your sleep, the unbearable humidity and perspiration, your oh-so-carefully coiffed mane can start to frizz and become harder to manage with time.
Thankfully, there are more products available that are specifically designed to last multiple washes, while revitalising dull, limp strands. While these may have varying formulations, they generally use a blend of oils, proteins, vitamins, and antioxidants that provide deep nourishment and hydration to keep your locks looking healthy, smooth and vibrant, explains Dr Jenny Wong, doctor of science and founder of Trichomd Group.
When determining how often to use these masks, oils and sprays, it is important to consider your unique hair type and needs. “If you have dry or damaged hair, you may benefit from using a leavein oil or moisturising spray daily, or whenever you wash your hair. If you have fine hair, using a leave-in product sparingly or every few days might be more suitable,” she advises.
Dr Wong also cautions against using too much of these products, as they usually contain ingredients such as oils or silicones, which are harder to cleanse via shampoo. This leads to product build-up and drying out of the hair shaft, which causes breakage.
Besides the amount of products used, Leonica Kei, principal trichologist and founder of Leonica K Trichology, also stresses the importance of placement, as applying these products too close to the scalp can trigger an allergic reaction or skin irritation.
Both experts agree that you should follow the recommendations provided by the manufacturers and, more importantly, pay attention to how your hair responds. If your hair starts to feel weighed down and greasy, you might want to reconsider the amount and frequency of products used in your everyday routine.
1. Drybar Liquid Glass Miracle Smoothing Sealant, $56
“This product is heat-activated, so you need to pair it with a hot tool. I use four sprays of it on damp hair each time. My hair dries poker straight and feels silky smooth, and I hardly feel the need to follow up with a straightening iron. I’ve noticed that the results last for about two washes. Do avoid using this with a curling wand because it affects the longevity of your curls. There’s also a powdery, vanilla fragrance that takes some getting used to. For parched, fried or thick hair, this might not be conditioning enough. I would recommend supplementing the sealant with a richer, nutrient-dense bond repair treatment or mask.”
2. KMS Tamefrizz De-frizz Oil, $42
“While the packaging is simple and minimalist, the formula packs a punch. I used a pea-sized amount on towel-dried hair, and my hair instantly felt softer. Since I started using this, my tresses have been fuller and softer. It also has a pleasant scent.”
3. Kerasilk Specialists Strengthening Mask, $68
“When combing the mask through my hair, I noticed that there was lesser hair fall as compared to other ones that I’ve used before. While there are other brands that are richer and thicker in formulation (and thus requires a lesser amount of product for a smoothing effect), I do prefer this brand because it is vegan with no animal-derived ingredients.” her world