Are the best-of-the-best beauty products still worth the splurge? We put the latest generation of the most iconic skincare products to the test in this month’s BURO Beauty Stash.
The beauty scene is notoriously fast-paced, with countless products launched daily. Whether it’s breakthrough ingredients or exciting new technology, the industry is constantly innovating. However, while it’s nice to explore what’s new, it’s also refreshing to see the continuous evolution of our tried-and-true cult favourites.
Some brands won’t settle for just the best—instead, they will continue to build on their revolutionary work, leveraging decades of skincare research to ensure that their products are always one step ahead of the game. That is certainly the case for the products in our October roundup of BURO Beauty Stash. Ahead, find out how the last generation of skincare icons fared for us:
Lancôme Génifique Ultimate Serum, RM545
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“When I say that the new Génifique has been a game-changer, I mean it. I had the opportunity to discover the new icon on a press trip with the brand to Singapore, and it has honestly been a staple in my routine ever since. Formulated based on the philosophy that ‘skin that cannot repair itself is skin that ages faster’, this serum basically works to boost the rate of recovery for an overall more youthful complexion. Each dropper of the serum contains 90 trillion BetaGlucan-CM—an ingredient that increases the skin’s capacity for self-repair—to give the serum its potent anti-ageing properties.
“In a nutshell, the new-and-improved Génifique Ultimate Dual Repair Augmented Serum claims to repair one year of skin damage in just one week. At first, it sounded too good to be true, so I thought I’d put it to the test. First, I made sure to commit a cardinal sin: I popped a pimple. Usually, when I do, I end up with a scar that won’t go away for weeks and a dark mark that lingers for months. However, after using the Genifique serum every night for two weeks, I was left with beautifully blemish-free skin. So far, so good!
“In addition, I also noticed that my skin was significantly less sensitive and red. That, and my typically textured complexion was smooth and even. In fact, my skin was so good that I felt confident enough to go out foundation-free! Those results were already impressive as is, but when a bad brush with the climbing wall left my knuckles bloodied and scabbed, Génifique Ultimate came through once again and patched me up nicely after just a short month. I’m genuinely obsessed with the results, and the texture is just the cherry on top—lightweight, fast-absorbing and refreshing.” — Redzhanna Jazmin, Beauty Editor
Chanel Sublimage L’Extrait de Lotion, RM1,500
“My skin has been exceedingly oily lately, so I’ve had to switch up my makeup routine to cope. Before, I’d typically use a rich, heavy moisturiser as a primer under my sunscreen and makeup to prep my skin. Now, that routine renders my T-zone unforgivably greasy and my makeup completely ruined by noon. So, I have been on the lookout for a lightweight yet deeply moisturising solution for my daytime routine. Enter: The Sublimage L’Extrait de Lotion.
“This lotion features thousands of micro-droplets encapsulating a powerful blend of actives and oils, giving it a lightweight, easily absorbed yet thoroughly nourishing texture that smoothes, moisturises and hydrates the complexion. It’s great for both day and night, but I love to use it to prime my skin in the morning. Not only does it work to regenerate the skin and optimise its natural repair mechanisms, but it actually does a beautiful job of prepping my skin for the rest of my routine.
“With just a few drops of the lotion from the luxurious glass flacon, my skin feels cushioned and hydrated without feeling suffocated. Plus, the scent of the lotion makes the whole routine such a sensorial experience.” — Redzhanna Jazmin, Beauty Editor
Dior Prestige La Micro-Huile de Rose Activated Serum, RM2,100
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“The rose is an ingredient typically revered in fragrance, but often overlooked is its impressive skin-caring benefits. The Rose de Granville flower is at the heart of this anti-ageing serum in Dior’s new Nutri-Rosapeptide—a unique micronutritive concentrate particularly rich in skin-repairing omegas. With my poor sleep schedule wreaking havoc on my complexion, the promise of radiance and elasticity being restored in my skin was too good to pass up.
“Firstly, the transformative texture of this serum is so indulgent. The 10,000 microbeads encasing the Nutri-Rosapeptide allow the serum to remain fast-absorbing while delivering the richness and comfort of an oil. It’s such a sensorial treat to apply the serum and it really does leave my skin feeling cushioned and deeply nourished. One thing I will say is that it may be a little too heavy for layering—at least in Malaysia’s humid climate. I personally prefer to use it on its own, but I can see this being a fabulous first step for those who struggle with extreme dryness.
“I’m also a sucker for a great scent, especially if it’s that of fresh rose. It’s a lovely end-of-day ritual for my skin and senses alike.” — Redzhanna Jazmin, Beauty Editor
Cle de Peau The Serum 75ml, RM1,700
“The latest generation of Cle de Peau’s enduring icon, The Serum, leverages decades of skincare research to unlock the power of Skin Intelligence—essentially, its ability to distinguish between good and bad stimuli. It’s powered by the brand’s exclusive Skin-Empowering Illuminator, a potent compound made to stimulate the skin’s radiance and vitality.
“I was actually really surprised by the texture. Initially, it’s super lightweight and even a little watery, sinking into the skin instantaneously. But, once it has been spread out and patted in, it actually leaves a light veil over the skin—not oily, but rich. Immediately, I noticed that my skin looked a little plumper and felt a little softer to the touch. Then, once I had slept on it, I woke up to a visibly brightened complexion that was still hydrated despite the fact that I had not applied any moisturiser over the top. In short, it does exactly what it says it will, and does it instantaneously.
“There’s just one thing I’d say—if you’re particularly sensitive to fragrance, this may not be ideal for you. I personally found the scent lovely, albeit a little too strong. That said, it did also dissipate quite quickly, so it’s not a huge drawback.” — Redzhanna Jazmin, Beauty Editor
Shiseido Future Solution LX Total Protective Cream S, RM1,260
“If there’s one thing I love, it’s a multitasking product. Better yet, if said product is a sunscreen, consider me sold. The latest generation of Shiseido’s iconic Future Solution LX collection launched at the beginning of last month, which means I’ve had a chance to really sit with and fully review the products for almost eight weeks.
“In terms of first impressions, the packaging is stunning. Each product in the range has been designed to enhance graceful hand movements, complete with an easy-to-open and close mechanism and a flacon that pays homage to the beauty of Japanese heritage. Once the cap comes off, the smell of white florals encompasses the senses—a great way to kick off a morning routine. Then comes the stunning texture, light and smooth, spreading easily and enveloping the skin in a veil of lasting hydration and protection.
“Sunscreen can sometimes feel like a tedious chore as opposed to a sensorial ritual, so I love that the Total Protective Cream makes this part of my routine so enjoyable. I do wish that it had a higher SPF rating, but if I’m using it before heading into the office or out for events and meetings, it’s a wonderfully pampering option.” — Redzhanna Jazmin, Beauty Editor
Clarins Double Serum (9th Generation) 50ml, RM510
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“My skin and I haven’t been getting along for a while now. It’s been about eight months since we’ve bothered to find out what the other wants. I’ve been busy, with hardly any time to devote to what lies beyond work and the occasional meal with friends and as a result, she’s been unusually temperamental. Once we were friends who walked the same path but recently, we’ve been more like oil and water—too distinct in molecular structure and polarity to get along.
“But sometimes, even the most diametrically opposed forces can create a thing of great beauty and efficacy. Enter Clarins’ Double Serum—the ninth iteration of one of the luxe French brand’s flagship products. First introduced in 1985 (which also happens to be my own birth year), the Double Serum combines some of the most potent age-defying plant extracts which are soluble in either water or oil. The golden ratio of its formula (two-thirds hydric phase and one-third lipid phase) mimics the ratio of the skin’s hydrolipidic film.
“Relaunched this year, the newest Double Serum harnesses the powerful benefits of organic giant Provençal reed extract, developed exclusively by Clarins and used for the first time ever in skincare. Three weeks of regular use has made a difference noticeable even to my typically oblivious parents: “Wah boy, thank god your skin is clearing up. Past few months so bad we didn’t dare say anything.” (I can be as sensitive as my skin). I have found that my skin is looking smoother, and I am also far less prone to stress breakouts. It has become a vital part of my daily skincare routine, also perhaps due to how comforting and strangely familiar its scent is to me.” — Jason Lim, Editor-in-Chief
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