INSTANT RESULTS ROAD TEST

CLEANSER

Chanel L’Eau de Mousse, $76

This soap-free and sulphate-free water-to-mousse cleanser works to remove impurities. Its formula uses micellar water and marine extracts that fortify and refresh skin.

Verdict: Two pumps create a thick foam and washes the whole face, leaving my face clean without feeling tight. After a week, my skin looks clearer and more luminous.

EXFOLIANT

Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Exfoliating Body Treatment, $90 for eight treatments

Individually packed towelettes drenched with AHAs, BHAs, bakuchiol, salicylic acid, plus antioxidants like bromelain (from pineapple!) to slough away dead skin and fight acne-causing bacteria.

Verdict: Wipes away dull skin with one use, but for more pronounced benefits like reduction of backne and firmer skin, it might take two whole months.

MOISTURISER

Elemis Pro-Collagen Overnight Matrix, $300

This night cream is packed with peptides and a cocktail of marine algae and plant extracts that promise firmer and hydrated skin overnight.

Verdict: It really does give that “boing” (bounce-back) feel the next day! Enlarged pores are less obvious, and skin is softer. Lightening of dark spots require a longer time though.

SERUM

Clinique Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum, $110 for 30ml and $152 for 50ml

The rich lotion repairs collagen loss with its CL1870 Laser Focus Complex, smooths with retinoid, and hydrates with hyaluronic acid. It promises smoother skin in 10 days, with twice daily use.

Verdict: The serum feels tingly upon application, but it goes away after a short spell. After two weeks, skin is softer and fine lines are less obvious.

MOISTURISER

EOAS Aqua Lucent, $90.95

Formulated with Asian skin in mind, it includes fucoidan extract from brown seaweed to calm skin, and marine placenta to smooth your complexion.

Verdict: It’s lightweight and easily absorbed, so skin feels hydrated and smooth overnight. Skin tone brightens after two weeks.

EYE CREAM

Origins Ginzing Refreshing Eye Cream to Brighten and Depuff, $54 for 15ml

Marries ginseng with caffeine to energise skin cells. It also has niacinamide that reduces the appearance of dark circles.

Verdict: The cream glides over the eyes to depuff without dragging. It isn’t so oily that your makeup slides. This will help you lose your dark (eye) baggage after a month’s use.