There’s no denying that we all love getting our hands on the latest drops in the skincare world. Whether there’s a new formulation we want to try or limited-edition packaging we just can’t go without, it’s no wonder our vanities are full.
When we’re suffering from breakouts, hyper-pigmentation or plain old dullness though, it’s usually our tried-and-true favourites that we end up reaching for. So this season, just in case you need a little hand building up your own collection of skincare holy-grails that will work wonders on your skin (every time!), GRAZIA Singapore has lined up a selection of our must-have beauty goodies to achieve that healthy complexion.
THE THIRST QUENCHER: HYALURONIC ACID
Imbuing the skin with moisture, hyaluronic acid plumps it from within for a smooth and supple glow. It’s even a great slow-ageing ingredient as it keeps fine lines, often caused by skin dryness, at bay. Bid lines and wrinkles farewell with the Dior Capture Totale Hyalushot Wrinkle Corrector, $146. The secret lies in the use of a duo of hyaluronic acids, alongside a peptide and Dior’s iconic longoza extract that keeps skin smooth instantly, and over time. Best for targeting the face’s eight wrinkle zones, such as the forehead, between the brows, crow’s feet and lines at the lower corners of the lips.
THE MULTI-TASKER: NIACINAMIDE
Also known as vitamin B3, this hardworking ingredient targets a whole array of skin issues from uneven skin tone and weakened skin barrier to fine lines and even enlarged pores. With the neck being one of the first areas to show signs of ageing due to it having less collagen and elastin fibres, and fewer sebaceous glands, the Rationale The Decolletage Crème, $189, comes to the rescue. A nourishing cream that’s infused with a proprietary complex of B-group vitamins, including niacinamide, it helps strengthen the skin’s barrier function and reduces visible redness and sensitivity. Plus, the use of a skin identical vitamin E infuses moisture for a smooth and line-free appearance.
THE ANTI-AGEING HERO: RETINOL
An A-star ingredient, retinol reduces the appearance of fine lines and hyperpigmentation, addresses acne, boosts collagen production, refines skin texture and leaves skin brighter. The downside: Worrying about skin purging or irritation with over-use. Thankfully, the Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules Rapid Skin Renewing Serum, from $90 (30 capsules), makes it easy with its single pre-measured capsules. Each contains a precise, encapsulated dose of retinol + HPR (a next-generation retionoid, 10 times more potent than pure retinol) to reduce signs of ageing, dark spots and improve skin clarity for a more youthful looking you. Plus, the combination of phytoceramides, bisabolol and oat comforts and soothes the skin, making this suitable for first-timers too.
THE SKIN SMOOTHERS AND CLARIFIERS: AHAS AND BHAS
These chemical actives work hard to exfoliate the skin to keep it smooth and bright. AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids), such as glycolic, lactic and mandelic acids, can also help to stimulate collagen production over time while BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids), like salicylic acid, keep skin clear and breakout-free. With its complex of AHAs and BHAs, paired with skin soothing gotu kola, the Noble Panacea The Exceptional Overnight Chronobiology Peel, $478, gently but effectively refines the skin texture while boosting cellular renewal to reveal a smoother and more radiant complexion when you wake. In addition, the use of the brand’s iconic OSMV technology, ensures that the active ingredients get delivered to the skin where and when they’re needed, making this ideal for even sensitive skin.
THE SKIN BARRIER STRENGTHENER: CERAMIDE
An essential part in maintaining skin health, ceramides hydrate the skin, prevent moisture loss and more importantly, strengthen the skin barrier to increase resilience, keeping environmental damage and bacteria out. In a handy stick packaging, the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Barrier Balm with Squalane, $50, is great for slipping into your bag or pocket for that extra slick of hydration and comfort at home or wherever you go. In addition to moisturising squalane and glacial glycoprotein, it’s also packed with pro-ceramides to reinforce the skin’s barrier to keep harmful nasties out, which in turn, keeps skin healthy and resilient.
THE SKIN PROTECTOR: VITAMIN C
This antioxidant-rich ingredient not only protects the skin against free radical damage but also erases appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots, leaving skin even-toned and glow-y. With its 15 per cent vitamin C complex— made up of 10 per cent pure vitamin C and five per cent vitamin C derivative, together with superfruit extracts—acerola and rose myrtle, the Clarins Bright Plus Fresh Ampoule, $184 (set of four), is a brightening treatment that reduces dullness for a brighter complexion. And it also protects the skin against photodamage and oxidation that can cause skin ageing.
This story originally appeared in the April issue of GRAZIA Singapore.
PHOTOGRAPHY JAYA KHIDIR
ART DIRECTION MARISA XIN
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